Possession

Possession

Chapter 11
Author: Frosty the Micro Machine
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Aragorn, Elrond, Faramir, Eowyn, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: After Arwen's death, a visit to Gondor reveals something unexpected. Canon-oriented; takes place after Sauron's defeat.
Author's Notes: Translations are in parenthesis after the Elvish.

Hope all of you had happy holidays. Now, REVIEW! :D

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Eowyn's pale blue eyes followed her. Valawen could feel them boring into her back as she unpacked her belongings, setting her dresses into drawers. This room was larger than the one she had shared with Elrond, but the elf still felt trapped. Taking a long, deep breath, she willed herself to calm and think about what she could gain from this. She promised Aragorn she would do what she could to plant the seeds of mistrust in the princess' mind. If she concentrated on that, perhaps she would not feel so watched.

The blonde's eyes glittered in the morning sunlight as Valawen turned to look at her. They had not spoken much yet. She knew Eowyn was still unsure of how to deal with elves, of how to speak to them regarding death. Valawen knew she could use that to her advantage.

"Thank you for doing this. Are you sure you don't mind?" Valawen folded her cloak and set it upon the dresser.

"No, not at all. I'm happy to help in any way I can." Eowyn smiled and sat upon the bed. "Besides, I'm sure Faramir will be pleased to have some time alone."

Valawen looked up from her cloak. "Why do you say that?"

Waving away the elf's inquisitive look, Eowyn's smile broadened. "I only tease. He was pleased that you took my offer, though. I think he worries."

She nodded. "He seems like a good man."

"He is," she said softly, "I was very lucky to have met him."

Valawen eyed the young woman. It was obvious she was very much in love and, in turn, would be very difficult to mislead. Deciding to approach this differently, she walked to the bed and sat down. "He is lucky as well. You are a kind and lovely lady, Eowyn. I thank you for your hospitality."

Her expression saddened. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't speak of such things when you have just lost the one you love. Forgive me."

She rested a hand on Eowyn's knee. "There is nothing to forgive. It pleases me to see others' joy. I heal when I see others happy, especially you."

There was a short pause before she replied. "Is it true you are not returning to Rivendell with Elrond's sons?"

"It is."

"May I ask why?" She seemed genuinely inquisitive.

"For the reason I stated. I heal when I see others happy. Imladris is my home, but it will be filled with grief and despair for a long while. I would rather remain here for a while, in the comfort of people who still have merriment in their lives."

She shook her head. "But there has been such loss here. Our people mourn as well. Where do you see the merriment?"

"In you. In Faramir. I know the city still grieves, but I watch the individual. It is in people like you that I find joy. The love you share with your husband allows me to realize that there is still something good in this world."

Eowyn bit her lip. She still looked sad, but Valawen could see the glimmer in her eyes that betrayed her belief in what had been said. "I hope you find what you're looking for."

She smiled, but she did not feel any happiness within. "As do I." Sighing and allowing her smile to fade, she said, "I do not look forward to speaking with Elrohir and Elladan."

"Will they not understand?" she asked.

"It is unlikely. They will respect my decision, but I am sure they will not approve." Moving her dark eyes up to meet the princess' blue ones, she continued, "Perhaps you could be with me when I speak with them?"

"Of course," she nodded, "I will do what I can."

"Thank you." Standing, she looked around the room and sighed, "I think I will go for a walk. I could use the fresh air."

"I will stay here and continue to tidy up," said Eowyn, getting off the bed and opening her own bag, "Take a cloak with you. It is quite cold outside."

Valawen slipped her cloak off the dresser and left the room without replying. As she slung it around her shoulders and made her way outside, she thought about her conversation with Eowyn. It would be difficult to turn her against her husband. And what of Faramir? He would have to be very angry with his wife before he allowed a seduction to occur. Anxiety wracked her body as she made her way to the King's hall.

Her ascension up the stairs was quick. Her worried eyes immediately saw Aragorn near the fire when she entered. He was speaking with a guard, but motioned him away when she approached. "What's wrong?" he asked, immediately sensing her worry.

"I don't know if I can do this, Aragorn. I can't figure out how to turn Eowyn's opinion of her husband!"

There was tension and anguish in her voice, but the King simply smiled. "Do not concern yourself with it. Leave everything to me."

"I'm sorry." She felt as though she had failed him in some way. "I don't know why I can't bring myself to do it."

"You are simply not ready. It is not your fault, Valawen." His hands found her shoulders, kneading the muscles. "You must relax. Spend time with Eowyn and make her believe she is helping you. That is all you must worry about right now."

"I asked her to come with me with I speak with Elrohir and Elladan," she said, looking up at him, "A gesture of friendship."

"Good. That's good." Releasing his hold on her, he stepped back and looked out across the hall. "They should be here within a day or two. After they leave, I will show Faramir the palantir. Even if he does not respond as I wish, he will be unable to escape the urges that plague him." The King looked down on her, his eyes bright. "It will be easy to seduce him."

Valawen knew well what Faramir would feel after the seduction. "Once he is with us, he will convince Eowyn?"

"He will convince her, or she will be killed."

She nodded, understanding. The anxiety had left her body, leaving her with a feeling of calm and acceptance. This would work. Soon they would be free from all who would deny them. It made her smile.

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Valawen was tense. Her hands were clenched in tight fists, and no matter how hard she tried she could not get the past few days out of her mind. Closing her eyes and laying back on the bed, she exhaled deeply and tried to relax. Elladan and Elrohir had departed with Elrond, unhappy with her decision but allowing it for the time. That was one less worry, but she still felt on edge. There had not been one visit with Aragorn in the past several days that had not included either Eowyn or Faramir or the twins. Not only had she not been alone with the King, she had been unable to handle the palantir as well. She could feel the craving with every nerve in her body. Her flesh crawled with need and the want for release. It consumed her every thought.

"That went well." Eowyn's voice sent chills down her spine. She could hear the blonde walking about the room, tidying up. Her voice was tight. Valawen could tell the princess herself was not relaxed, either.

"It did not go well. They were not pleased." She sighed and sat up, looking at Eowyn. "But it will be fine. Everything will be fine."

"Of course it will." She set down the rag she had been cleaning with and approached the bed. "I don't think I was prepared for that, though. Seeing their reaction when they brought Elrond's casket out...," she put a hand to her abdomen, "It pains me so deeply."

Valawen bit her cheek. It had nearly made her physically ill to see them take Elrond away. He was a part of her and always would be. It felt strange knowing he was no longer in the city. "It is over," she answered quietly, fussing with the bedsheets, "He is gone now. It is time to begin anew."

"Yes. I think we all must move on. I hope Aragorn does as well - he has lost much these past weeks."

She glanced up. "He will be fine. We all will."

"I'm happy to hear you speak this way. I thought perhaps today would have affected you badly." Eowyn sat down and smiled. "Tomorrow is a new day, with new beginnings."

Valawen returned the smile, saying, "Indeed it is. I expect things will turn around for the entire city."

"I hope you're right." Sighing, she stood up and removed two nightgowns from the dresser. "I think we should retire. It's been a very long day."

After taking the offered sleepwear, the elf bit her lip and looked out the dark window. She wasn't tired, but there was no escaping this room right now.

She wondered what Aragorn was doing.

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TBC