Broken Hearts

Broken Hearts

Chapter 11
Author: Frosty the Kingpin
Codes: Legolas, Haldir, Elrond, Thranduil, OC, AU, N/C, INC
Rated: NC-17
Summary: During talks of combining Mirkwood and Imladris into one force, latilationship takes a downward spiral.

Author's Notes: I am feeling review-withdrawal! Y'all better do something about that!

*

Several days had passed. Tári had moved back to her own rooms, and unconsciously ended up trying to keep to herself. Elrond and her father had busied themselves with deciding Legolas' fate, something that she wished would be decided soon. As much as she didn't want to, she worried for her brother. Before the darkness, underneath all that evil, there was someone she had loved. It was as though he had been murdered, and she grieved him as if he had been.

Haldir had been by most often to visit. He had taken her out, to meals and for walks, and she was grateful for his company. By now all of Mirkwood knew that something was wrong with her brother, but she did not ask if they knew what had happened to her. On occasion she thought the elves looked at her with pity, but perhaps it was just her imagination.

The need to speak of what happened was growing within her, but she could not bring herself to talk with Haldir. He remained quiet about what he knew, rarely treading over the subject of her brother. She guessed he was trying to make her comfortable, but she knew he had difficulty with it, himself. It would be impossible to not have difficulty with it.

The days were counted, each morning felt like one step closer to a resolution. On the dawn of the fourth day, Haldir appeared at her day, as usual. This time, though, he came with a message.

"Your father has sent me to ask if you would feel up to a celebration. He knows it is not the best time, but war is still afoot and the appropriate bonds between Mirkwood and Imladris still need to be made. The elves could use some cheer. He is concerned about you, though. The decision will be made based on your feelings."

She sighed heavily. Business was not something she wanted to be involved in right now, but she understood why her father brought it up. The problem of Legolas was a minor one compared to what threatened the race of elves' very existence. "Tell him....tell him to proceed with the party."

The Marchwarden frowned. "Are you sure, Tári? No one would expect you to have to deal with such a thing at this time."

"No, it's fine. I still have a duty to my people. And besides, the longer I stay secluded the weaker I feel. I am not a damsel in distress. I have to prove to myself that I'm stronger than this. I have to move on." The sincerity of her words failed to meet her eyes.

"It will take time," he replied, noticing how she faltered in believing herself, "But I know you will prevail. It is brave of you to continue in the face of such a journey."

She nodded, not quite feeling his strength. "Will the party be tonight?" When he answered in the affirmative, she continued, "I wonder, some days I feel I should confront my brother. Speak with him. Do you think it will help?"

Haldir looked conflicted at her question. "I cannot answer that for you. I have been to see Legolas, though, and I know that he speaks nothing but poison."

"Perhaps," she breathed, "But he is my brother." Wrapping her arms around herself, she walked to the window and looked out on the pale blue sky. "My father tells me there is probably no hope for him, that he will meet a fate simliar to Elrond's daughter. I feel I need to see him. I need to say goodbye."

"Even after what he has done to you?"

She shook her head and turned back, looking at him with soft eyes. "It is not the monster I need to bid farewell, but the brother I loved before the darkness took him away from me."

His expression turned understanding. "In that case, you should see him. I will take you." When she was about to turn him down, he shook his head and became adament. "I insist on going with you, if only for support. I fear what he might say to you, Tári. If you go, I need you to realize that he will try to hurt you, try to make you feel shame. Can you deal with that?"

Crossing her arms tighter, she replied, "I can."

"When do you want to go?"

Turning back to the window, she frowned and watched as kids played on the parapet below. "Today. Before the party."

"Alright." Moving to the door, he opened it and turned back, saying, "I will tell your father of your decision. I will return later to take you to Legolas."

She thanked him and sighed to herself when he left.

*

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, Tári looked herself over. She had taken most of the afternoon to prepare herself for the party, wanting something to concentrate on, and wanting to look her best. It would be the first time she would be in full company since Elrond rescued her. Her stomach was twisted in knots, but she was almost looking forward to the celebration. She wanted to get back on a happier path.

As she tucked her dark locks behind her ears, though, she couldn't help but think about what lied just before that celebration. Saying her peace to Legolas would, she hoped, help her move on. It made her nervous, for she knew her brother would not be well, and it scared her to think of him in such a state.

The bruises were nearly disappeared from her face. Smoothing down the flowing purple gown, she clenched her hands and waited for Haldir. Her visit with Legolas would be soon, and afterwards the party. Tári bit her lip as she thought about having to socialize, and wondered if she and Elrond would have to appear together.

A knock at the door announced Haldir's arrival. Wanting to get things over with, she opened the door and greeted him. "Good afternoon," she said as she closed the door behind her and looked him over. He was dressed for the occasion, covered in material of green and gold. "You look lovely."

He smiled and bowed his head. "As do you, my lady." His expression turned mildly concerned. "Are you ready?"

Taking a deep breath, she nodded and was led down the stairs to the path below. "Did you tell my father I was going to see Legolas?"

"No," he replied, shaking his head, "I thought if you wanted him to know, you would tell him. I did inform Elrond, though."

Knitting her brows, she asked, "Why?"

"Most of the guards keeping watch over Legolas are from Imladris. I felt it necessary to let him know."

Tári lowered her voice slightly, hesitating. "What did he say? Anything?"

Looking down at her, Haldir frowned. "He didn't think it was a good idea, but understood your reasons."

She nodded softly. "Will he be there as well?"

"No. Just me and the guards. If you wish, you will be able to see him alone."

She felt better hearing that. If she was alone with him, his hurtful words would be only for her. No one else would know. "Good. I want to be alone with him."

Haldir didn't look happy with that decision, but didn't bother to object. When they arrived at the cells, he held the door open for her and motioned for the guards to remain outside. "We'll be right outside, Tári, if you need us. And please remember," he said, touching her shoulder, "Don't get too close to the cell."

Nodding and swallowing hard, she entered the dim prison. Cells lined the wall far right wall all the way down the building. Crossing her arms, Tári walked slowly down the hall, looking in each room as she passed. All were windowless and dark, the only light streaming from tall skylights. It made the cells shadowed, and she had to squint as she looked into the cell at the very end of the row.

Legolas' gold hair gleamed in the rays of sunlight. When he stepped forward, a perplexed look upon his face, his eyes seemed to shine as though they could see right through her. A small smile creased his mouth as he rested his hands on the bars. "Tári," he spoke quietlys los look moving from confused to understanding, "I knew you would come to see me." His eyes travelled up and down her frame. "You look beautiful."

She remembered how Legolas used to speak to her. This person, this monster, spoke differently. "I didn't come here to talk. I came only to see my brother one last time."

He nodded and frowned. "One last time?"

"Yes," she replied, shaking her head, "I know you are not long for here, not like this. I have nothing to say to you. I know about the darkness, I know you are not yourself. I have come to say goodbye."

Legolas laughed softly. "Sentimental girl. You always were a kind soul." Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward and cocked his head. "Your friends have plans for me, I know. Even our father has set my fate in the hands of others. It is of no matter. There's no need to say goodbye, love. I will see you again."

Unconsciously, Tári tightened her arms around herself at his confident tone. She chose to ignore his threat. "I'm sorry, Legolas. I'm sorry this happened to you."

Anger flickered across his eyes. "Don't feel sorry for me, Tári. Save that for yourself."

She could feel the unease moving over her body. Legolas' eyes were intense upon her, staring without blinking. She began to feel uncomfortable as images of what he did and said to her raced through her mind. "I'm leaving now. I just wanted to say goodbye."

"Have fun at your party, love. Enjoy the freedom. It won't be long until I come after you again." She shuddered involuntarily and turned to walk away. "If I find out you let anyone touch you, including that filthy Noldor, I will be very unhappy."

Closing her eyes for a moment, she took a deep breath and continued walking. He did not speak again, but she knew his eyes were upon her the entire way down the row.

When she pushed open the door, Tári exhaled deeply. Claustrophobia had begun to set in in the prison, and it was a welcome release to step out into the forest. "How did it go?" asked Haldir, looking at her in anxiety.

She blinked into the sun. "Alright," she breathed, smiling for his benefit, "It went okay."

Haldir lookedas tas the guards filtered back into the prison. When his blue eyes settled back on her, they were hard. "Did he hurt you? Threaten you?"

"No. I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" He looked as though he wanted to be able to help by any means possible, including disciplining her brother. She didn't blame him.

"Yes." Smiling, she took his hand and squeezed. "It's getting late. We should get to the party."

Understanding, he nodded and began walking with her along the path. "Tári," he said after a few minutes, "If you ever need to talk about what happened, I'm here for you. I just want you to know that."

She looked up at him. He had not spoken directly to her before about what had happened. "Thank you."

Haldir smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. As they came upon the centre of the city, though, both became distracted. It had been decorated beautifully for the celebration, with golden lights illuminating the now dim square. It looked as though most of the elves were already present, enjoying the festivities. Soft music filtered through the air, and Tári marvelled at how normal it all seemed. It felt surreal, seeing such things after listening to her brother threaten her only minutes before.

She followed Haldir as they approached a tent that had been erected on the edges of the party. Sweeping open the entrance, Tári smiled at her father as he looked up. "My dear," he said, standing and embracing her, "How are you?"

"I'm good." Her eyes flickered up to Elrond, who stood off to the side of the tent. He was watching her closely, and she felt herself grow uncomfortable under his gaze. She briefly wondered if he had told her father about her visit with Legolas, but when she looked back at Thranduil she decided he couldn't have. Her father was much too relaxed. "Thank you for the party, ada."

He patted her on the cheek and smiled. "I only hope you enjoy yourself."

"Don't worry about me tonight. I want you to enjoy yourself as well."

Thranduil squeezed her hand. "I will try." Taking a deep breath, he glanced to the exit of the tent. "I have not yet gone out to see everyone. I must do so. Will you join me?"

She glanced up at Elrond before speaking. "I think I will remain here for a while, if that's alright."

"Of course." He kissed her forehead before taking his leave.

Tári's eyes met Haldir's, and he bowed his head slightly. "I will leave as well. Call me if you need anything."

"Thank you," she replied, happy that he understood her silent request. When he was gone, she looked up at Elrond. "I thought perhaps we should speak."

His face held no expression. "If you wish."

Frowning, she took a seat upon one of the many chairs. "Do you not want to?"

He seemed to consider, then sighed heavily. "I apologize. My ill-mood is not for you."

"But it is for what I did, am I right? For my visit to Legolas?"

Taking a chair across from her, he leaned back and did not deny his displeasure. "I will admit I was not happy upon learning you wanted to visit him."

She shifted in her seat. "Haldir told you why, though, right? I needed to see him to say goodbye."

"Yes, he explained it. I understood, but I still did not like it." Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "Did it go well?\
Tá
Tári bit the inside of her cheek. "As well as it could, I suppose. I'm not sure what I expected."

"What did he say, if I may ask?"

She looked up and shrugged. "Nothing that is worth repeating."

Knitting his brow, Elrond leaned forward. "Did he threaten you?"

Not wanting to make more of the issue, she shook her head. "It's alright." When anger flickered over his eyes, she added, "I'm serious."

Taking a deep breath, Elrond stood and began pacing the tent. After several moments, his eyes fell upon her and his expression turned conflicted. "I find myself torn, Tári. I have only known you a short while, but I feel it within myself to care deeply for you. Your brother's fate is still to be decided, but I know that it will not end well. I fear that I may fall from your grace if I make a decision that does not sit well with you."

She frowned. "You are worried what I think?" When he nodded, she sighed, "I will admit that I fear Legolas' fate. He is my brother, and I cannot help but worry. Your duty is to protect our people, Elrond. If that means making a difficult decision that I may not agree with, you should do it."

His eyes softened as he came forward and sat back down in his chair. Leaning for, he, he captured her hands and clasped them in his. "My duty...," he breathed, "My duty will be to protect and care for my wife."

Tári's breath caught briefly in her throat. His dark eyes looked deep into hers, and her skin began to flush. "You fear you yourself might hurt Legolas." It was a statement, as she now understood what Elrond meant. He had feelings for her, and he was scared to lose her if he acted upon his anger towards her brother.

"Forgive my declaration. I know not how you feel about me, though it would surprise me very little to learn you only tolerate my presence. I promise, I will never ask anything of you during our marriage if you do not share the want of it, but I felt I must tell you how I feel. You need to know that I will protect you against whatever foe, even if it means incuring your anger."

Her voice was quiet as she responded. "I more than tolerate you, Elrond, though I am unsure how far my feelings for you go. There has been much pain in my life as of late, and I have had little time to fully appreciate where my life is headed."

He smiled softly, a gesture she found comforting. "Take all the time you need."

Clenching her jaw and taking a deep breath, she decided to speak of something else. "Legolas hurt me." Elrond's smile faded. "I will never forget that. You worry that you will have a hand in my brother's fate, but my brother is gone. Whatever twisted being resides in that shell is not him, and I know it will never be him again. I love Legolas, but I have let him go."

Nodding, he squeezed her hands and released them, sitting back in his chair. "When my daughter came back to Imladris, she was not unlike how Legolas is now. You have more strength and wisdom than I did. My fear overtook me, and I was unable to let Arwen go properly. It will weigh on my mind forever." He paused, studying her. "You are a better person than I." ."

Tári did not know how to respond, so she merely nodded and sat silently. It was only now that the sounds of the party outside filtered into the tent. She wondered if that noise had been there through their entire conversation.

"I seem to have ruined the festive mood."

She laughed at Elrond's sad tone. Looking up, she noticed a small smile upon his face. "I am glad we talked."

"As am I. And we will again, I'm sure." Standing, he held out his hand and she took it, rising from her seat. "We should make an appearance."

Tári entwined her arm in his and looked up at him. "I never thought I would say this, but I am looking foward to seeing Imladris."

"You will like it, I promise." Sweeping open the flap of the tent, they exited out into the warm night. Golden lights lit up the trees of Mirkwood, blotting out the stars above. The music being played was full of joy, and it made Tári's spirits rise almost immediately.

Someone caught her eye, and she smiled as Haldir approached. He looked as though he had been waiting for them. "Your father asked me to tell you he will be back shortly. I believe he's gone to visit with friends." The Marchwarden moved his eyes between Tári and Elrond, and seemed to relax when neither looked apprehensive.

"Thank you." Licking her lips, she considered something then looked up at Elrond. "Will you excuse me for a minute? I have something I want to ask Haldir."

He seemed to understand. Bowing his head, he released her arm and disappeared into the crowd. Haldir frowned as Tári took his hand and led him to a quiet corner near the tent. "Is everything alright?" he asked, concerned.

"Yes. Everything is quite well, actually. I only wanted to ask you, after I am married, would you be willing to accompany me to Imladris as part of my entourage? Elrond has suggested I take several friends with, to make the transition easier." When he did not immediately respond, she frowned. "If you don't want to, I would understand."

A smile tugged at his lips. "I would be honoured, my lady."

"Are you sure?" she asked, a pout taking over her face, "I would not want you to agree only to please me."

Laughing softly, he shook his head. "I am sure. Forgive my hesitation. I was merely surprised by the question. It makes me happy to know you think so highly of our friendship."

"You have become a true friend. I would miss you greatly."

Narrowing his eyes but still retaining his smile, Haldir leaned forward. "If I may be so bold, have your feelings about this wedding changed? You seem...content."

Tári blushed softly. "I do feel content. I feel better about it."

"I am glad. From what your father says, Elrond is a good man."

"Yes, he does seem to be." Butterflies swept through her stomach, for reasons she did not know. "I am still nervous, though."

He laughed and motioned for her to walk beside them as they headed back to the party. "I would be concerned if you were not."

"Will you help me prepare?" Looking up with worried eyes, she suddenly realized how much there was to do before the wedding. "I have been so distracted, I have not done a thing."

He calmed her with a hand on her shoulder. "Do not worry. You are the bride, therefore you do not need to be shouldered with any burden. The preparations have already been made. All you need to do is choose a gown."

Blinking, her nerves turned in a different direction. "Everything is prepared?" She stopped walking and frowned. "When is the wedding?"

Haldir shook his head. "I don't know. They will probably ask you about that."

She took a slow, shuddering breath and glanced around. "It will be soon, I suspect. There is a war to worry about." Her eyebrows knit together when she moved her gaze back up to Haldir. "I suddenly fell less inclined towards this marriage."

Chuckling, he placed his arm around her shoulders and began leading her into the crowd. "Fear is natural. And this is a good distraction for you."

Her throat felt constricted as she swallowed. "I told Elrond I was looking forward to seeing Imladris, but I think I said that only when I felt Legolas would haunt me if I stayed. I will miss Mirkwood." Her eyes moistened with tears as she looked up. "I'm glad you're going with me."

Haldir squeezed her shoulder and directed her towards where the musicians played. "It will all turn out well, Tári. I know this wedding is not what you would have chosen, but we do our best with what life hands us. After Lorien, I never thought I would find reason to be strong again. Your friendship saved me from that despair. It was unexpected, but it was welcome."

Smiling and taking a deep breath, she nodded. "I know. I apologize. I lost myself for a moment."

"No apology necessary." Releasing his arm, he looked around as the crowd began to thin. "It seems we may have missed the party."

Tári laughed softly. "I think I'm alright with that."

The joyous music that had filled the air began to lessen into a slower, more tranquil melody. The elves that remained sat in pairs or groups of a few, talking and enjoying the moonlit evening. Tári smiled when she spotted Elrond conversing with a fellow elf. As her eyes travelled up his form, she decided that things could indeed be much worse.

When he excused himself and came towards them, her smile grew. "Have you seen my father?"

Elrond nodded. "He retired early. He wanted me to thank you, and to say goodnight for him."

"Well," said Haldir, raising an eyebrow, "It seems as though most have left for the evening. If you will excuse me, I believe I will do the same, myself."

Tári bit her lip to hold back a smirk as Haldir bowed his head and took his leave. She watched the Marchwarden as he walked away, but he did not turn back to look and see if she was glaring at him. "I am tired, too," she said, looking back at Elrond, "Will you escort me to my rooms?"

"Of course." Taking her arm in his, they walked out of the square and onto the darkened path. When they were halfway to her residence, Elrond spoke again. "Your father and I spoke this evening about the wedding. Would I be able to talk to you tomorrow about it?"

"You mean about when it will be?"

He nodded and looked down on her, his eyes wary. "If you are not up to speaking of it yet, I will understand."

Tári knew she could not hide behind her fear any longer. "Tomorrow will be fine."

They walked up the stairs and as they approached her door, he let her arm go. "I had a lovely evening, Tári."

She laughed and shook her head. "I hope there will be happier evenings in our future."

Taking her hand, Elrond raised it to his lips and kissed the skin gently. "I know there will be."

Her skin flushed and when he released her hand, it felt weak. "Goodnight," she breathed, opening the door and backing a step inside.

"Good night." Elrond bowed his head politely and Tári watched as he turned and left, leaving her vision as he descended the stairs. With a shaking hand she closed the door and made her way to the bed. Sitting upon it, she ran a finger over the skin that his lips had tasted. If the feeling she got from that kiss was only the beginnings of the joy she could feel, perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad marriage after all.


****************************************************************************

TBC