Possession

Possession

Chapter 13
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.

Happy New Year to everyone. To Beth, Freya, and Sandra, THANK YOU for the reviews, and I hope you had a wonderful New Year's. It means a lot hearing that you guys think I'm improving, and that you're actually interested in the story. I think this one is turning into one of my better ones for length and actual plot. Only a bit more to write before it becomes the longest story I've ever written. :D Thank Elven for that - She insists she likes this story, and that is why it continues. ;) Thanks again, you three!

*

Eowyn had requested a walk. It was early morning, but even though Valawen had barely slept she felt wide awake. Faramir had consumed her thoughts for most of the night, and Aragorn had filtered in near dawn. The elf needed very little rest, however, and was fully prepared for a stroll. She hoped they would run into the King.

A small skiff of snow layered the frosty ground. Taking a deep inhale of the bitter cold, Valawen sighed and looked to her companion. She had been quiet for much of the morning and the elf wondered what the human was thinking. Still, though, she did not ask. Her worries lied elsewhere.

"I should like to visit Aragorn today," she said, unable to allow the silence to continue. She knew the King had promised to come to her today, but she felt she couldn't wait for him.

Eowyn glanced at Valawen and nodded. "We can see if he's available."

"Can we go now?" The urgency in her voice was not masked, and the princess noticed. "I apologize. I seem to be on edge today."

She smiled softly. "I understand. Yes, we can go now." Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "What do you need to speak with him about, if I may ask?"

Her mind spun the first story she could think of. "The elves. I want to know if Elrohir or Elladan said anything to him."

That quieted her. They continued down the path until they wound up at the courtyard. Valawen glanced at the stark white tree as they passed. It never failed to capture her attention, its barren form in complete contrast to what she had grown up around.

Warmth met them as they opened the door to the hall. Their footsteps echoed in the chamber as they made their way towards the throne. "I don't see him," said Eowyn as they looked around, "Perhaps he is still sleeping."

"I will check." When the princess' expression turned questionable, Valawen added, "I must. This has been bothering me all night. Please, would you wait here?"

She sighed and relented, taking a seat near the dead fire. Valawen hurried into the hallway and made her way to the King's quarters. She knocked loudly, hoping he would be there.

The door creaked open a short moment later. "Valawen," he said, narrowing his eyes and glancing down the hall, "What are you doing here?"

"I must speak with you," she answered. He allowed her in and she wrung her hands, waiting as he closed the door. She noticed he was fully clothed and that the bed was made, as though he had not slept in it at all.

"Where is Eowyn?"

She looked up and gestured to the door. "She's waiting for me out there."

Aragorn rubbed his temple and came towards her. "I told you I would come to you today, Valawen. Why are you here, and why did you bring Eowyn?"

The desperation in her voice was unmistakable. "I had no choice! I knew you wouldn't come see me until later. I needed to speak to you about Faramir."

He nodded, as though he had guessed. "You went to him last night." She nodded. "And?"

Suddenly she found herself flushing. "I did as you asked. I seduced him."

"Good." His voice had turned from a hardened tone to the softer one he used when she did something he approved of. It made her less nervous. "I imagine he will visit me later today."

"Do you not wish to know my concerns?" she asked, uncertain as to why he didn't seem interested.

"Of course I do," he replied, touching her cheek and smiling. His expression faded, though, when he dropped his hand. "But I think I know what you're going to say. Faramir was angry, was he not?"

"Y-Yes." She felt it was more than that, though. There had to be something more.

He clasped her hands in his and lowered his voice. "Do not tremble so. I know you miss me. It has hurt me as well not to spend time with you, but you knew it would be this way. Soon we can be together again. I promise." He kissed her forehead gently and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Do not worry yourself over Faramir. You have done well and will be rewarded."

She wanted to relax into his arms, but anxiety still held her. "He did not react like I expected, Aragorn. Are you sure he can be trusted?"

"You are worrying for things that are not there, love. Soon you will be able to trust him like you trust me. It will simply take time." He looked down at her and smiled, rubbing her shoulders in a tender pet. "We all react differently to the palantir. Do not fear Faramir."

It was true that she longed for everything to be the way it was, with just she and Aragorn being the sole occupants of their flawless world. Still, though, she hadn't liked the way Faramir had used her and spoke to her. She had felt uncomfortable under his cold gaze. Perhaps it was because she had not wanted to seduce him. She loved Aragorn.

Only Aragorn.

"I love you," she whispered.

He leaned close and kiss her mouth chastely. "And I you. Forgive me for sending you to have relations with him. If there had been another way, I would have taken it."

"I know." Sniffing, she wiped a stray tear that threatened to fall and smiled half-heartedly. "I'm sorry I couldn't wait to see you."

"It is all well, Valawen. Do not apologize."

She didn't want to leave, but knew that she must keep up the facade of a grieving elf. Eowyn would be waiting and wondering. "I will go. When will I see you again?"

He led her to the door, a hand at the small of her back. "Once Faramir is open to us, we will no longer need to hide our relationship."

"What of Eowyn?" she asked, curious.

"She will be left to her husband. It will be his decision on how to proceed with her." Aragorn opened the door and made to lead her out, but was caught by surprise by Faramir, who stood waiting at the entrance. "Captain," he greeted smoothly, "I did not hear you knock."

Faramir's eyes looked over Valawen before he arched an eyebrow at the King. "I didn't knock," he replied, smiling, "I knew you were...preoccupied."

Valawen bit the inside of her mouth and averted her eyes to the floor when the Captain glanced at her again. There was something about his demeanor that she didn't like. Aragorn pursed his lips. "Well, we are finished now. Do you wish to speak with me?"

"You know I do," he answered smartly, moving aside for the elf. "Eowyn is waiting for you. Please let her know I will come find her when I'm through here."

Valawen nodded politely, taking her leave. Once she was gone, the Captain stepped into the King's quarters. "What can I do for you, Faramir?" asked Aragorn, taking a seat by the window.

Laughing, the Captain crossed his arms and shook his head. "Don't play games with me, Aragorn. You know why I'm here."

"You wish to see the palantir."

He nodded softly. "Palantir. Is that what you call it?"

"That is what it is called." Aragorn glanced at a box sitting on the bedside table. "It is there, if you would like to see it."

"That easy?"

The King smiled. "That easy."

Faramir's eyes rested on the box. "I want to know what you're planning."

"You will learn, in time."

His eyes flickered to the King. "I want to know. Now."

Aragorn smiled and leaned back. "I am merely a messenger, Faramir. Even I do not know the full plan."

"But here, you are in charge. I know Valawen defers to you. I know I am supposed to as well." He pushed from the wall and came closer to the King. His voice lowered to a hiss. "If it was not for this well of need inside me, I would kill you where you sit."

Aragorn was not frightened. "I know that feeling well. The feeling that you are missing something." He blinked softly and looked at the palantir's box. "It won't be there forever. The void can be filled." He nodded towards the container. "Hold it. Allow it to speak to you."

The fire in Faramir's eyes faded as he followed the King's gaze. He walked to the box and opened it gently, regarding the crystal within with the expression of someone who knew they were going to their death, but could do nothing to stop it. With one finger, he traced the smooth surface. "I wish you would have killed me instead," he whispered.

Aragorn stood and came to stand behind him. "The guilt and regret you feel will vanish soon." He noticed Faramir's eyes close as his palm rested on the crystal. "You see, you feel better already. Can you hear their voices? They are calling to you. They will show you the way to salvation."

"I can hear them," he breathed as the palantir turned a smokey shade of violet. Colours seemed to tumble like a thunderstorm in the ball's depths. "I can see."

The King looked over the Captain's now-relaxed face. "There are many rewards on this path, Faramir. Serve me. Prove your honour, and I will repay you well."

His eyes blinked open and he glanced at the King. "Serve you." He seemed to contemplate that as the palantir turned a deep red. Smiling, he looked down at the crystal and nodded. "I will serve."

"I am glad to hear that," he replied, clapping the Captain on the shoulder. Turning away, he walked back to the window. "First you must prove yourself. There is still one problem." He looked back at Faramir, who watched the King softly. "Eowyn. You must either convince her that this is the true way, or get rid of her."

The young Captain raised his chin and nodded. "I understand."

"Once you have done that, I will fully entrust you with this journey. Those who speak through the palantir are plain in their motives and judgement. If we do as they bid, power will be ours." He smiled and looked out on the mid-morning sky. "All of Arda will bow to me."

The lid to the palantir's box closed with a soft click. "I will deal with Eowyn today." His eyes glittered in the sunlight as he approached the King. "This is for the good of Middle-earth, is it not?"

His eyes were stern. "It is."

"And what of Valawen? What is her use?"

Aragorn smiled faintly. "She has proven to be very valuable to me. In more ways than one." He regarded the Captain with narrowed eyes. "Did you enjoy her?"

Faramir was blunt. "I did."

"She will do things I'm sure Eowyn would never allow. Remember that. With honourable service comes great rewards."

He took a deep breath and returned the smile. "The offer is much appreciated. I will do my best to reap the benefits."

"When you decide on how to proceed with your wife, please inform me. My decisions will be based upon your answer." He clasped his hands behind his back and sighed. "I am glad you're joining us, Faramir. I would not have been pleased to have had to kill you."

"Nor would I," he answered with an arched eyebrow. Turning on his heel, he headed for the door. He stopped short, though, and turned with a question in his eyes. "Are we sure this is not Sauron who influences us?"

"Sauron is dead. Of that we can be positive."

Faramir glanced at the box one last time before nodding in deference and exiting the room. As the door closed, Aragorn's own eyes fell upon the housed palantir. He stared at it for several moments before blinking away the calls that beckoned him and looked out the window once again.

*

TBC