In the Middle of Middle-Earth

In the Middle of Middle-Earth

Chapter 12

Author: Frosty the Glo-Worm
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Boromir, Aragorn, Faramir, Elrond, Eowyn, Elros, Haldir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: Has evil come to the elves of Lorien? Can Legolas get control over his sister? Is Boromir not the coolest thing ever?!? R&R!
Author's Notes: Taking extreme creative license here: Aragorn and Arwen are married. Faramir and Eowyn are not together. Boromir is alive. Haldir is alive. All the hobbits are alive and well. Takes place after the defeat of Sauron. More notes as I think of them.
Disclaimer: LOTR is not mine! Who knew?!

*

Elrond sat at the far end of the gardens, away from the traffic. He had wanted to be alone, but a part of him felt guilty at leaving Valawen alone. He hoped she wouldn't hate him for not being there.

He sighed as he thought about last night. It had definitely not gone according to plan. Rubbing his eyes, he knew he only had himself to blame. He had gone too far - pushed her. After what his brother had did to her, he had no right asking her to trust him.

She had stayed with him, though, that night. He was a little relieved at that. Unless she was too afraid to leave, he thought. Crossing his arms, he sunk low onto the bench. He knew he would have to talk to her later. He wasn't looking forward to it, though. His body felt heavy with worry at what he thought she might say to him. She might tell him that she never wanted to see him again. He didn't think he'd be able to take that.

Part of him was irriated that he had allowed himself to get so caught up in someone. He had been alone for a long time, and he had always thought he'd be alone till the end. That's just the way it was going to be. But he was inexplicably drawn to Valawen, and he didn't want to lose her. No matter how selfish it was, he wanted her to stay with him.

"Father?" Elrond looked up at Arwen's voice. She looked concerned, so he motioned for her to sit by him.

She took a seat and licked her lips. "Are you alright?" she asked, searching his eyes.

He patted her on the knee. "I'm fine, Arwen," he said, and smiled as best she could. He knew she didn't buy it.

Her face became sombre. "Did something happen last night?" she asked, her voice quiet.

Elrond really didn't want to speak of this with anyone right now, least of all his daughter. He touched her face gently and smiled. "Nothing bad," he said, "Everything is fine. Valawen...just needs some time."

Arwen's eyes turned hard. "You know what I think of her."

He sighed and dropped his hand to hers. "I know. But you know how I feel about her. That hasn't changed." At her unchanging expression, he continued, "You have to trust me, Arwen."

She pursed her lips and leaned back. "I know," she said, "But I worry." Smiling, she got up and squeezed his hand. "I was on my way to find Eowyn. I'll leave you to your thoughts." With one last squeeze, she continued down the path and out of sight.

Elrond sat quietly for a few moments, thinking other people would probably be heading down this path. It was getting close to midday, and he really didn't want to meet up with anyone. Not yet, anyway. He felt the need to be alone and reflect, but a part of his mind remained with Valawen. He hoped she wouldn't wonder why he wasn't around.

*

"I wonder why Elrond isn't around." Valawen was sitting on the brink wall near the meeting hall, with Boromir and Legolas at a table in front of her. After breakfast, they had joined the human here, and he and her brother had started a game of cards.

Legolas eyed her, but said nothing. Boromir, not knowing the history of that statement, merely grunted. "Who cares?" he said, dealing out the deck, "I prefer not having him stare at me like I'm unworthy of being in his city."

Valawen frowned at Boromir, then scowled menacingly at Legolas, who was trying to hide his smirk. "He doesn't think that of you," she said, not actually knowing if Elrond did or not, "He's a good person."

Boromir raised an eyebrow in her direction then turned his attention to the cards. "If you say so," he mumbled, narrowing his eyes.

Valawen could tell his mind was beginning to concentrate more on the game, and less on her. She sighed and looked around. She was bored. And she wanted to talk to Elrond. Sort of. Her stomach turned at that, wondering if maybe he didn't want to see her. She felt a little hurt at that thought.

"Do you want me to go look for him?" asked Legolas, raising his eyes to hers. He tried to sound like his comment was only a passing thought, but Valawen could tell he was trying. For her.

She smiled at his thoughtfulness and shook her head. "No, that's okay. If he wants to see me, I'm sure he'll come looking." Legolas nodded his head slowly, looking a little relieved at her answer.

Boromir grimaced at his hand, then looked up and between Legolas and Valawen. "Why are you so interested in Elrond?" he asked, "Does he owe you money?"

Valawen rolled her eyes. "No. It's nothing." She drew her legs up on the wall and licked her lips, absently scanning the gardens. She kept expecting him to appear at any moment.

Boromir caught Legolas' eye and the elf shrugged. He didn't want to try explaining any of this. "Do you want me to find him?" asked the man as he watched Valawen's eyes dart around the building.

She turned her head and knit her brows. "No," she answered, becoming a little worried that those two were getting too involved. Now Boromir knew something was up. "Thanks, but no." She hoped he would give up on it.

"Okay," he said, frowning at the cards. "This is a stupid game," he said bitterly as he folded.

Valawen sighed and got off the wall. "I'm going for a walk," she said, "I'll see you two later." When all she got for an answer were a couple of grunts, she rolled her eyes and started off for the gardens.

She walked down the path, past the waterfall and flowers, until she came to the small clearing at the far end of the city. It was quiet here, so she sat down on the grass and leaned back against a willow, closing her eyes as the cool breeze washed over her skin. It felt good, that gentle touch. Everything had been so rough lately.

Valawen licked her lips and thought back to last night. She felt so frustrated at her reaction to Elrond's touching. The stress of Lothlorien, and Arwen's concerns, they had all contributed to her panicking about what she had hoped would be a wonderful evening. She had wanted him, she knew that. Opening her eyes, she frowned at her thoughts. She really cared for Elrond. She wanted to get to know him better. Sighing, she worried that she had perhaps drove him away.

She closed her eyes again and rested her head against the tree. She would have to go find him, talk to him. Even if he didn't want to see her, she needed to at least apologize. Her reaction had really embarrassed her, and she knew that he was probably a little unsure, too. She didn't want things to be awkward.

She smiled, thinking of how he had touched her. She craved that touch. Maybe he'll give me another chance, she thought.

"May I join you?" spoke a gentle voice, and Valawen's eyes fluttered open to see Elrond standing above her. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. Her thoughts had been less than pure at that second; she could feel her cheeks flush with heat.

At Elrond's amused smile, she recovered and shook her head. "Yeah, of course," she said, and he sat down on the grass beside her. Licking her lips, she thought through everything she wanted to say, everything she needed to tell him. But something kept her from speaking. She was scared.

"Did you have a good sleep?" he asked, and she searched his eyes for his intentions. She felt the familiar flutter in her stomach at his expression; his gaze was also so provocative. She wasn't sure if he did that on purpose or not.

"Yeah," she said, then feeling the need to get everything out into the open, she took a deep breath and continued, "Listen, I'm really sorry about last night. I didn't want it to be like that. I don't know what was wrong with me, and I hope...I hope you can forgive me."

His eyes turned sad, and Valawen immediately felt fear enter the pit of her stomach. He didn't want to forgive her.

She lowered her eyes when his fingers brushed her face and he sighed. He was going to let her go, she knew it. "Valawen," he said, and she pulled herself together enough to look him in the eye, "You have nothing to ask forgiveness for. You did nothing wrong. It is I who am sorry. I pushed you, indulged my selfish wants." He dropped his hand, and smiled lightly. "I'll understand if you wish to stop seeing me."

Valawen's eyes widened. "You...you still want to see me?" she asked, stunned. She was sure she had scared him off.

His smiled began wider. "I do, but you must do what's right for you. Whatever your choice is, and however long it takes you to make it, I will support it."

She whimpered quietly at his words. Shaking her head, trying to find the right thing to say, she whispered, "I want to try again."

He looked happy, but restrained. Valawen smiled at that. "Are you sure?" he asked, touching her hand, "Don't say yes if you don't want to."

She grinned. "I'm sure," she said, "I was so scared you wouldn't want to." She licked her lips and sighed. "This is a good thing."

Elrond nodded. "It is," he said, "But this time, we'll take it slower." He moved and sat closer to her, resting her hand on his leg.

"Okay," she replied, her mind tumbling with thoughts about how she didn't want to take it slow. She had a chance at something really good here, and she wanted it now.

Leaning her head against his shoulder, she closed her eyes and smiled. This quiet thing was pretty good, too.

*

Valawen met up with Legolas for dinner. He immediately noticed her happier demeanor, but didn't ask about it. He wasn't stupid.

She smiled as she sat down across from him. Not much was said, mostly because Valawen's thoughts lied with Elrond and that afternoon. They had sat under that tree for quite a while, speaking only occasionally. It had been really nice.

She looked up when Boromir and Eowyn joined them. "Hey," she said when Eowyn sat down next to her. Her blue eyes flashed at the elf's grin and she returned it.

"Have a good night?" asked Eowyn, her eyebrows raised. Valawen glanced at Legolas, who had lowered his head unusually close to his plate. Boromir seemed more interested in Legolas' odd behaviour than their conversation.

"Well," she replied, "It's kind of a long story. Maybe we should talk about it after." She jerked her head in her brother's direction, and Eowyn smirked.

Nodding, she said, "Okay," and turned back to the others. "So, Legolas, how was your evening?" she asked, still smiling broadly.

Legolas cast her an evil glare before answering. "Fine," he said, his voice low, "Yours?"

"Fine as well," she replied, then tore her eyes away from the elf and chuckled to herself.

Boromir squinted at each person at the table. "Obviously I'm again missing something here," he said, "Is it as disturbing as the last secret you people were keeping?"

Valawen scowled at him. Boromir chuckled. "Yeah, I thought so."

*

Valawen had spent the rest of the evening with Legolas. They hadn't discussed anything to do with Elrond, silently deciding instead to keep things neutral and happy. Her thoughts remained on Elrond, though...it couldn't be helped. A permanent grin threatened to cross her face every second of the hours she spent of her brother. She knew he could tell she was distracted.

When they parted for the night, Valawen closed the doors to her room and sat down on her bed, and allowed the smile to part her lips. She wasn't sure when she was going to see Elrond again, but just thinking about that morning, about what he had said and how her fears had been alleviated, it made her weak with happiness. She felt giggly. He was really beginning to affect her.

Getting up, she went to have a shower and get ready for bed. Her stomach fluttered at the thought that she might see him tomorrow, maybe spend some time with him. She was nervous, definitely, but it was a good kind of nervous. It blocked out everything else. Valawen concentrated on making sure it blocked out every bad thing.

She looked at herself in the mirror as she dressed and combed her hair. Her heart pounded as the occasional memory of Lothlorien entered her mind, but she brushed them away with a deep breath and a shake of her head. There were too many other things to be thinking about, good things. She wasn't going to worry over the past.

Wrapping her housecoat around herself, she left the warm of the bathroom and turned down the lights in the bedroom. She was about to get into bed when there was a knock at the door.

Tightening the garment around her, she opened the door slowly. "Elrond," she said, raising her eyebrows, surprised to see him. She had been so sure that tomorrow would be the first time she'd see him after their talk that she became substantially more nervous at finding him at her door.

"I hope I didn't wake you," he said, smiling softly. When she shook her head, he continued, "Could we speak for a moment?"

"Yeah," she said, holding the door open for him. When he had entered, she cast one fleeting glance at Legolas' door before closing her own.

Walking to her bed, she sat at the foot of it, looking up at Elrond, waiting for what he had to say. He seemed to take in the room first, the low light, and then cast his glance over her. She smiled shyly as she remembered her attire. "Sorry I'm not dressed," she said.

His eyes brightened. "That doesn't bother me," he said, his tone amused. He sat down beside her and took her hands in his. "Valawen," he said, and his eyes became suddenly serious, "I want you to be honest with me about something."

She swallowed heavily, worried by his demeanor. "Okay," she breathed, preparing herself.

He looked downward once, then up into her eyes. "Valawen," he said again, "Do I owe you money?"

She stood shock still for several seconds before her eyes opened widely and a nervous grin spread across her face. "Wh-what?" she asked, laughing quietly, "Money? No, why?"

At that, his face broke into a smile and his eyes flashed with amusement. "Well," he said, and she could tell he had been joking with her, "Boromir seems to think that I owe you some money. He was quite adament that I come see you tonight, and pay you back."

She gaped at him. "Boromir?" she said, confused, "Why would he say that?"

"I don't know," he answered, looking at her curiously, "Does he happen to know our...situation?" He was staring at her like perhaps she had set him up to it, but Valawen wouldn't have any of it.

"What?" she said, laughing, "No, Boromir doesn't know. He doesn't know anything." She snorted and shook her head. "He probably actually thought you owed me money. He suggested that, when I was looking for you earlier."

Elrond nodded slowly. "I see," he said, a small smile still on his lips, "Well, I told him I would come here immediately after talking with him, and pay you back. So, perhaps you could let him know, tomorrow, that you've been paid?" He winked softly, and Valawen laughed.

"Yeah," she said, "yeah, I'll tell him." She shook her head again in wonderment. Boromir couldn't have figured it out, could he? And even if he did, he wouldn't have sent Elrond to her room late at night...would he?

She looked up at him and smiled. "Maybe he did know what he was doing," she said softly, licking her lips. Even Boromir knew that money could be paid back at any time.

Elrond looked down at their hands. "I thought about that," he said, stroking her palm. He hesitated before speaking again, "Do you want me to leave?"

Valawen tensed. No, she didn't want him to leave. She was certain about that. Did he want to leave? "No," she ventured, "Do you...want to go?"

He looked up, his eyes hazy in the dim light. "No," he answered. He moved one hand and raised it to her face, stroking her cheek gently. "I don't want to scare you," he whispered, searching her face.

"You won't," she whispered, her throat dry, "If I get uncomfortable, I'll say something." She moved a hand to his knee and rubbed softly, trying to be more brave about this. She wanted it, but she didn't want him to feel like he had to do it all for her. Valawen wanted to do things for him, too.

Nervous as she was, she moved her hand up his thigh when he leaned in to kiss her. His mouth was warm and searching and she moaned gently into it. He moved both his hands up to cup her face, and she squeezed his leg in response. It was all so automatic as he circled his tongue in her mouth, teasing her senses.

He continued kissing her, parting for breath for only seconds at a time. His hands travelled down her neck and over her shoulders, along her arms and then around her waist. Every part of her tingled from the touch. Her hands moved up Elrond's chest and rested on his shoulders. She wanted to be closer to him, but she couldn't maneuver herself in the position she was in.

Elrond pulled back and broke their kiss. His eyes were dark with need. "Lay back," he said, his voice hoarse. She quickly did as he asked, wanting to pull him down over top of her.

She pulled herself all the way up on the bed and lied back and watched as he crawled over her and rested himself between her legs. He kissed her gently, then deepened it, running his hand along her side and down to her hip. Valawen wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close, sending her tongue further into his mouth.

She began working at his clothes as they kissed. Her fingers were slightly numb, but she managed to undo each of his shirt buttons. Skimming her hands along his bare chest, she could feel him moan into her mouth. She smiled at that.

Elrond pulled away from her lips and kissed along her jawline, working his way to her neck. He sucked softly at her skin, marking her, as his fingers worked at her housecoat. He pulled it open and pushed his hands inside, running them along the silk of her nightgown. Valawen arched at the touch.

Her hands slid Elrond's shirt off his shoulders and down his back. He removed his hands from her body and slipped the material off his, tossing it off the bed. Valawen danced her fingers across his back and arms, rubbing softly at the flesh as he kissed at her shoulder. She sighed deeply and closed her eyes, revelling in the feeling.

Elrond pulled the housecoat off her arms and down her back. He sat up slightly as Valawen raised herself so he could pull the clothing out from underneath her. She smiled as he tossed it aside and laid back down over her. She wrapped her arms around him and they kissed, the heat of their mouths mingling and causing Valawen to whimper. She slid a leg over his and ran her foot up and down his calm, stirring him into grabbing her waist and pushing himself against her body. She could feel his hardness and suddenly wanted more of him, and wanted it immediately.

He seemed more keen on taking things slow, though. She pushed her pelvis into him, but he only parted their lips and eyed her suggestively before moving his lips down her body once again, starting at her collarbone. He kissed her gently, each touch of his mouth searing with warmth. She sighed as he moved downwards, wrapping his fingers around the straps of her nightgown. He looked up at her before pulling and waited till she met his eyes.

Their eyes made contact, and he breathed, "You sure?" before continuing. She answered with a quick nod and touched her hands to his, and helped him draw down her clothing.

When he resumed his kissing, Valawen dropped her hands and head and shut her eyes tightly, gripping at the sheets with each touch of his mouth. She could feel him remove the material from her arms and chest, and felt it pillow at her abdomen. He moved his hot hands up her abdomen and to her breast, where he stroked softly while sucking on the other. Valawen arched and moaned softly as he squeezed and kissed in rhythm.

She swallowed heavily as he left her chest and kissed down her stomach. His hands took the material around her waist and pulled it over her hips and down her legs until it left her feet and was dropped over the end of the bed. She was bared before him, but she wasn't nervous. Her eyes were closed in ecstasy as she concentrated on his touch, his hands moving up her legs and to her hips, where he rubbed circles and traced her flesh.

He laid over top of her again and she opened her eyes. He was smiling, his eyes glazed with want, and he kissed her heatedly. She wrapped both her legs around his and kissed him back with urgency. She wanted this. She wanted his pants off.

Her fingers forced themselves between their bodies and she began fumbling at his zipper. He laughed softly and pushed himself up so she could have an easier time at it. Biting her lip as she worked at his pants, she grinned when they came loose and she slid them off his body. "Perfect," she breathed, grabbing him and pulling him back to her lips.

Elrond softened his kiss and pulled away, staring into her eyes. He touched her cheek and looked over her face. "Are you still sure?" he asked, and she felt herself blush.

She rubbed at his back. "Yes," she breathed, her own eyes heavy, "I want you."

He smiled and kissed her, pressing his tongue into her mouth and massaging her own. He groaned gently before pulling away and removing his underwear.

He leaned over her and touched her face. "You ready?" he asked, and she nodded and spread her legs in response.

He adjusted himself and pressed into her slowly. Resting his face in the crook of her shoulder, he groaned as he entered into her. Valawen gasped at the feeling and tightened her legs around his hips as he pushed. He moved in so slowly, it sent pangs of want and anxiety throughout her body. She grasped at his back as his hands moved to her hips and pulled her slightly upward.

When he was in as far as he could go, he pulled his head up and looked into her eyes. Valawen breathed heavily as he brushed the hair from her face and kissed her lightly. "You're so warm," he breathed as he moved back slowly and began a sensual rhythm.

Valawen's eyes fluttered as he watched her and moved within her, achingly slow. She tensed her legs and moved her hips into his, trying to quicken the pace, but he didn't meet her thrusts. He slowed her, gripping her hips and moving her in time to his motions.

"Elrond," she pleaded, her mind becoming clouded with pleasure. "God..." she gasped, as he weakened and thrust into her more strongly than he had wanted. Concentrating on her face, he slowed himself again and kissed her lips. She barely responded, instead biting clumsily at his lips.

Her hands clenched around his back as he moved within her, and she began to feel the sparks of pleasure in her legs and abdomen threatening to overwhelm her. She whimpered and pulled him closer to her. Elrond laid his head back down against her shoulder and began sucking as his rhythm increased.

She tightened her legs around him as she gasped and met her release. He kissed along her neck and thrust wildly into her, spurring on her pleasure and eventually reaching his own and emptying into her body.

Valawen's legs fell from his hips and Elrond fell against her, breathing heavily. She closed her eyes to slow her breathing and when she opened them again he was staring at her. "Good?" he asked, wiping the sweat from her brow.

She smiled tiredly. "Yeah," she said, "Very good." He pulled out of her body and moved slightly so he was resting alongside her, his hand gently stroking her arm.

She turned and cuddled into his warmth. "Good for you, too?" she asked, her wide, bright eyes staring up into his. He smiled and laughed, and kissed her forehead.

"Very good," he replied, "Now go to sleep." He wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her in to him, resting his head on top of hers.

Valawen lied there, listening to his deep breathing, then spoke something that she needed to ask. "Elrond," she said, "Will you be here with me in the morning?"

"Yes," he said, "I won't leave." She smiled into his chest and sighed, soon falling into a deep, quiet sleep.

*

THE END...