Possession

Possession

Chapter 14
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.

I am addicted to reviews! That's the only reason I update so often. ;) Thank you all. Also, this fic, as of last night, has become the longest one I have ever written, and I'm still not finished! Yay me! :D
Beth - Your review made me very happy. :D I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Sandra - Thank you for upping my review count. ;) I'm trying to bring across the effect of the palantir much like you described - I'm glad it's working. Also, I definitely take note of any criticisms you have regarding grammar or the writing - these fics are never beta-read, so that's why there may be more than there should be. But thank you for pointing out the elf thing. I'll keep it in mind while I write.

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Valawen sat at a table in the dining hall, watching the exchange between Eowyn and Faramir. The Captain had come to their table and taken his wife away, requesting a private word with her. Valawen had remarkable hearing, but there were others in the hall and that muffled what was being said. She could read body language, though, and what she saw was anything but a comfortable interaction. Eowyn's arms were crossed and she leaned in towards her husband only slightly, keeping a distance between them. That was expected, though. The princess was more exhausted than any of them. Faramir seemed to be trying to convince her of something, and judging from how often Eowyn either shook her head or looked away, it didn't seem to be working. Valawen wondered if Aragorn had spoken to Faramir about his wife. She wondered what kind of approach the Captain was taking.

It was intensely interesting watching them. When Faramir's hand touched Eowyn's shoulder, she lowered her head and closed her eyes. For a fleeting moment, Valawen felt bad for the princess. She had shouldered so much burden these past few weeks. It was a wonder she had not succumbed to the despair.

And now, now her own husband was trying to lure her away from everything she believed in. Valawen smiled to herself. The princess would have no way of knowing. She loved her husband blindly. Once again, the elf's thoughts strayed to Faramir. She was curious as to whether or not his feelings for his wife had changed. She had still loved Elrond after Aragorn had taken her. She still loved Elrond even now. Surely Faramir would feel the same for his wife. When the Captain embraced Eowyn in a hug, though, his eyes came to meet Valawen's gaze. Pursing her lips, she looked away.

When she ventured a glance back up, Eowyn was stalking out of the hall.

She frowned when Faramir walked toward her table. "My lady," he said, "May I join you?"

Valawen nodded and he sat across from her. As she studied him, she decided to give him the chance that Aragorn wanted. "Is Eowyn upset?"

"She is. She has had much to deal with lately." He smiled and looked up at the people in the hall, his blue eyes alert and observant. Lowering his voice, he said, "I imagine she will be difficult to convince."

There was no hesitancy when she asked, "Will you kill her?"

He looked back to her, his expression divulgent of the uneasiness he felt at her question. "I don't wish to."

"I killed Elrond," she stated softly.

Faramir's voice quieted. "I didn't know. I'm sorry you had to do that."

"As am I. But it was necessary." Valawen licked her lips and looked at him critically. "Don't kill Eowyn if you can avoid it. It would...bother me if she was no longer here. Elrond's absence saddens me enough."

"As I said, I do not wish to kill her. She's my wife." He sighed heavily and again looked up at the remaining diners. "Alas, Eowyn is very stubborn. She's concerned about you and Aragorn, and I fear that concern will shift to me as well if I continue this approach."

Valawen asked, "What did you say to her?"

Moving his eyes to meet hers, Faramir answered, "I simply asked her to consider the possibility that things will take a turn for the better. I told her there was no reason to worry about you or Aragorn." A faint smiled creased his lips. "She accused me of being blind. This past month has taken me away from her. I suppose she is feeling more than a little neglected."

"You don't think she will listen to you, do you?" When he didn't respond, she added, "If she becomes suspicious, she could be a danger to us all. She can't be allowed to go to the elves."

Faramir nodded softly. "I know."

Wringing her hands under the table, she asked, "What did Aragorn say?"

His smile grew. "He told me once Eowyn is dealt with, things will become much more simple."

"Did you hold the palantir?"

It seemed as if his eyes lit from within. "I did."

Valawen's jaw clenched as she thought about not having held it in days. "I miss it," she whispered absently.

"You miss him as well, don't you?" She looked up into his interested eyes. "It's obvious."

She felt her skin warm as he watched her. "I do miss him," she admitted, "I also feel, because of our night together, that I somehow betrayed him."

"How did you betray him? Did he not ask you to come to me?"

Exhaling a tense breath, she nodded. "He did. But I did not want to do it. I'm in love with him. And he loves me."

Faramir smiled and sat back. "Yes, he certainly does."

"I regret having to seduce you as well, my lord. There was no other way."

He nodded. "You are, of course, forgiven."

Valawen was no fool. She could see that he was only humouring her. It came as no surprise to her that he would act this way, his keen eyes watching her intimately and his voice low and husky. Even with that thought, it still made her uncomfortable knowing he looked at her in lust.

She was strong, though, and would not allow him to intimidate her.

When she didn't respond to his offer of forgiveness, he grinned. "I can see the defiance in your eyes, my lady. Have I offended you?"

"Not yet," she responded, raising her chin.

Taking a deep breath, he rested his arms on the table and leaned forward towards her. The smile faded from his face and his eyes blazed. "I don't know what you expect from me, but remember that you are no innocent, Valawen. I am a good man. I have always been a good man. But you had a hand in pulling me towards whatever end Aragorn wants to reach, and for that I will always have my eye on you. You should step back and examine just what it is you're a part of, because I really don't think you quite understand what you've gotten yourself into."

Her voice was a tight, breathy whisper. "Are you threatening me, Faramir?"

He cocked his head and smirked. "Not at all. You live in shadows and behind gates, my dear, and I merely thought you would enjoy a taste of honesty."

"Aragorn is honest with me," she replied assuredly.

Faramir pursed his lips and nodded, then stood. "I believe I will go see if Eowyn has calmed. Good day, my lady."

She watched him go. When he disappeared out the door, she exhaled a held breath and got up. She needed to speak with Aragorn immediately.

It unnerved her how Faramir has spoken. Valawen was not, by nature, a person of frailties or insecurities, but she still found herself deeply shaken by the Captain's words.

It didn't take long to arrive at Aragorn's door. He had not been in the hall, so she knocked at his private quarters and hoped he would still be there.

The door opened silently. "Valawen," he greeted, "What is it?"

She could not control herself. Rushing forward, she threw herself into Aragorn's arms and crushed her lips against his. Catching her, he stumbled back into his room and barely managed to slam the door shut before pinning her against it and returning the kiss full force.

Their tongues meshed and searched as though they had been separated for years. Valawen whimpered as he hungrily bit her lips and raked his hands down her shoulders and over her chest, squeezing her full breasts roughly.

"Aragorn!" she moaned as he nipped at her jawline and trailed his mouth to her neck. She arched and bit back a desperate sob as he marked the soft skin of her throat.

Valawen sniffed and stilled against him. It took only moments for him to notice. Panting, he pulled back and looked down at her, narrowing his eyes when he saw her tears. "Did I hurt you?"

"No," she breathed, trying to stop the tears.

His finger brushed the wetness from her eyes. "Then why are you crying?"

Her fingers clenched his tunic. "Tell me you love me," she whispered.

Aragorn regarded her thoughtfully before responding. "I love you."

She leaned forward, her eyes pinned to his. Her voice dipped into a low urgency. "Tell me you need me."

His face softened, as though he just realized what it was she needed. "I need you," he breathed, smiling and cupping her face, "I need you more than anyone or anything. Whatever happened, whatever will happen, you can always count on my love for you."

Exhaling a shuddering breath, she rested her face against his chest. "That's all I want," she said almost to herself, "That's all I ever want."

He pulled her away and looked into her eyes with a smile. "What is this all about, Valawen?"

"Faramir," she answered, shaking her head, "He said some things to me that...that I didn't like."

Aragorn pet her hair gently. "Did I not tell you it isn't worth your concern?"

She knit her brow, saying, "I know. It's difficult, though. He's so different from what he was."

His eyes grew distant for a moment. "We all are." Shaking his head, clearing his thoughts, he said, "Faramir is new to this, Valawen. He may try to test you, but I promise he can be trusted. Please, do not concern yourself so much over him."

Valawen nodded, feeling better. "I will try."

"That's my girl." He kissed her forehead softly. "I'm glad you came to me. I am always here for you, my love. Remember that."

"I will." Wiping her wet eyes, she looked up at him with a smile. "I'm sorry. I'm not usually so emotional."

He took her hand and led her further into the room. "No apology is necessary. I like you this way." He pulled her close and ran a hand through her hair. "It shows me you care."

Valawen smiled, meeting him in a soft, measured kiss. Her worries melted away under his comforting mouth. She felt relaxed and sated.

His tongue dipped into her heat as he pushed her back against the wall. Their passion ignited when Aragorn nimbly untied the ties at her chest, pulling her dress from her arms and allowing it to drop to the floor. She bit her lip as he nipped at the flesh by her ear then ran his tongue up to the tip.

She was desperate for him. Wasting no time, Valawen pulled the belt from his pants and opened the material. She pulled him out and began stroking his semi-hardness. Aragorn groaned and rolled forward against her hand as he bit at the skin of her neck.

Fingers found the waistband of her underwear. He pushed them down as far as he could. Valawen slid them the rest of the way and as they pooled at her feet, Aragorn's warm palms rested on her breasts. He cupped the smooth flesh, teasing the peaks as she pumped his firmness.

"Open your legs, love," he breathed, his voice husky with lust. Valawen positioned herself so he had easy access to her. Snaking a hand along her bottom to the back of her knee, he pulled a leg up against his hip and plunged forward.

She hissed in a breath and arched back. Aragorn slid forward and captured her mouth with his, tasting her panting breaths. Her nails dug into his shoulders as he pulled her other leg up, pinning her against the wall.

His thrusts were seeking. Valawen held tightly to him, groaning out his name as he rolled into her again and again. Her legs ached but the feeling that grew within made it more than tolerable. Aragorn's mouth rested at her neck, lapping the salty sweat and increasing her pleasured moans.

His hands clenched as he jerked into her body. She was coming close and when he growled against her neck, urging her on, Valawen lost herself. She cried out and rolled forward against his pelvis, shaking and groaning while he continued thrusting. Soon Aragorn moaned heavily and pinned her tightly to the wall, meeting his own release.

Slowly her legs were lowered. They were weak as she relaxed her breathing and watched him fix his clothes. Her mouth was dry as she unhurriedly began to dress herself. "How is Eowyn today?" asked the King as he sat down, looking at her while she dressed.

"She was fine until she spoke with Faramir," Valawen replied, enjoying the fact that he regarded her nudity with keen interest. She smiled to herself when she tied the bodice of her dress and he sighed, seemingly disappointed.

"What did he say to her?"

She shook her head and sat down in a chair opposite him. "I'm not sure. He was trying to convince her of something." Valawen wrung her hands and looked at them, breathing, "He doesn't want to kill her."

"No, I do not imagine he does." His blue eyes held a measure of softness. "I'm sure you feel for the decision he must make."

Valawen nodded. Tucking her hair behind her ears, she looked up to comment when there was a knock at the door. She frowned, watching as Aragorn stood and went to answer it.

Her frown deepened when she stood to see Faramir in the doorway.

Aragorn invited him in. The Captain's eyes moved over Valawen before he looked back to the King, who closed the door softly. "Eowyn is upset," he said, pursing his lips. He looked agitated. "I'm not sure what to do."

"What happened?" asked the King. Valawen could see Aragorn was somewhat bothered by this news.

"I spoke with her. She became angry. You know how stubborn she is, Aragorn. She did not seem impressed by my talk." He crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall. "I think she's suspicious."

Aragorn paced slowly. "And where is she now?"

He shrugged. "I don't know."

"You don't know," he repeated. Aragorn grunted and shook his head, staring at the floor and thinking. Valawen's eyes slid to Faramir, who glanced at her with a saddened but patient expression. "You know what my orders were, Faramir," he continued, and the Captain looked back to him, "Convince her, or be rid of her."

"I may still be able to convince her," he answered plainly.

The King cocked his head and stepped closer to the Captain. "Then why are you here?"

"I thought you should be made aware of how upset she is. She suspects all of Minas Tirith is hiding something and she is determined to find out what it is." He looked at Valawen and smiled. "I imagine she'll come to find you, my lady. You are most certainly not a bystander in this."

"Me?" Valawen looked at the King, then back to the Captain, "What reason have I given her to suspect me of something?"

"Un-elf-like behaviour, I would venture to guess. You must admit, we have all been acting slightly amiss lately."

Aragorn grimaced at the younger man. "It is one thing if she has concerns, Faramir, and it is quite another if she threatens to do something about those concerns. What is your feeling? Will she confide in an outsider before speaking to us?"

"I don't think she believes we're irredeemable. To be honest, I don't know what she thinks is wrong. But no, I think Eowyn will speak with us first. Perhaps even you, Aragorn." Faramir sighed heavily. "I should go look for her."

Aragorn began to pace again. "No. Let me speak with her."

Faramir crossed the room, coming to stand behind Valawen. He looked out the window into the bright courtyard. "I don't want you to hurt her, Aragorn."

Valawen clenched her hands as the King stopped pacing and narrowed his eyes at the younger man. "I will deal with her in the way that best suits our purposes."

Faramir looked back, his eyes flashing. "She is my wife. If it comes to that, I will be the one to take her life."

"You have shown a distinct lack of ability thus far, Faramir. You have given me no reason to trust that you can do this properly."

The fair-haired man's eyes blazed, but a smile appeared on his lips. "Did you not hesitate in the least when you killed Arwen, Aragorn?" When the King only glared, he continued, "I can do what needs to be done. It may be best if you speak with her to alleviate her concerns, though. She is angry towards me, I'm sure as much for neglecting her lately as for trying to convince her of something she does not want to hear." He turned back to the window and laughed softly. "She is forever feeling the weight of a city's loss. There is much on her mind. She needs...a release."

Aragorn's voice was quiet as he answered, "That is what we are offering her. I will do my best to make her understand that."

"And if you cannot, I will deal with her." He looked back at the King with his eyebrows raised. "Is that clear?"

Valawen was acutely aware of the tension in Aragorn's frame. Faramir was not showing respect. No matter what the King's response was, she knew he would not forget this incident anytime soon.

"It is clear," he replied. Valawen exhaled heavily.

There was a rap upon the door. Aragorn hesitated before approaching it cautiously. When Valawen looked back at Faramir, a whisper of a smile creased his mouth.

The door creaked on its hinge. "My lady," greeted Aragorn, and Valawen frowned. When the King stepped back, Eowyn's form was in the doorway.

Her blue eyes scouted over the room. She blinked in obvious surprise at seeing both Valawen and Faramir present. "What is going on here?" she breathed, stepping into the room. Her face was a mask of growing despair. "Faramir, what is this?"

"Please do not be concerned," said Aragorn before the younger man could speak. He closed the door and locked it quietly. "Faramir was merely worried about you."

Eowyn exhaled heavily and shook her head as she looked up at the King. "My lord, I beg of you to listen to me. Faramir has spoken to me of things that I cannot fathom. I worry for him." She looked at her husband, her eyes glassy. "I worry for everyone in this city. And now, I come here to speak to the King and find all three of you in this room. Faramir, you told me I should not be concerned, but even you must see the abnormality in this."

Aragorn gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "Please, Eowyn, you must relax. What has happened to make you so suspicious?" She hesitated, so he urged her with a smile. "I insist you speak your mind."

"The deaths of Arwen and Elrond. I don't understand how they could be by accident. Valawen," she moved her gaze to the elf, "I may not have met many elves, but I know you have changed drastically since your arrival here." She looked at the King and shook her head, "You, my lord. You have also changed. At first I worried that perhaps what had killed Elrond and Arwen was affecting you and Valawen, but then Faramir spoke to me." Her shining eyes lifted to her husband. Her voice died to a whisper. "I want my husband back."

Valawen felt the Captain take a step closer to her. What he said chilled her to the bone. "Your husband is gone."

Eowyn's eyes widened in fear as Aragorn stared at him. "Faramir!" he hissed, narrowing his eyes, "What are you doing?"

"I am proving myself."

"Faramir?" Eowyn's voice was weak as she stood, seemingly unwilling to move even a step.

His eyes grazed over the room before settling on a plain box sitting on a far dresser. "Valawen," he said, and she knit her brow, "Would you retrieve that for me?"

She looked at Aragorn, but he was watching the Captain with sharp, searching eyes. Taking a deep breath, Valawen walked around the bed and picked up the box. Faramir took it from her when she handed it to him, and walked toward his wife.

"What are you planning?" asked Aragorn as the box was set down on a table.

Faramir looked up. "What was it you said to me, Aragorn? I must prove myself. Not only to you, of course, but to those we serve. What better way than to have everyone as an audience?"

Eowyn's eyes flashed. At first she had seemed pained that something was wrong with her husband, but now it had grown to anger. "What is the matter with you? Faramir!" Her husband's blue eyes met hers. "Are you responsible for this?"

The Captain's gaze met the King's briefly. "No. I am merely a link in the chain."

The princess jerked her arm away from Aragorn's hold. "What's wrong with you?" she asked softly. Valawen could see fear growing in her eyes. "What are you doing?"

Faramir's hand touched her cheek. "Eowyn, my beautiful wife. I love you. No matter what, remember that I have always loved you." Tears lined her eyes as he glanced up at the King and said, "Hold her."

She tried to move, but Aragorn was too quick. He gripped her arms hard, holding her steady as Faramir opened the box. The palantir glowed a brilliant gold as he lifted it from its cradle and held it out. Valawen bit her lip hard, watching.

"Cup her hands," said Faramir. Aragorn forced Eowyn's hands into a shell. The blonde was yelling, shaking in the King's iron grip. It all seemed to move in slow motion as the Captain whispered, "Goodbye, Eowyn."

He dropped the ball into her hands.

Sparks flew within the palantir. A red hue appeared, then became covered in a black smoke as the princess' trembling lessened. Aragorn's hold loosened, and within moments he let her body go. Eowyn stood silently staring at the crystal in her hands. Never before had Valawen seen the palantir turn such violent shades.

"What's happening to her?" she breathed, knowing what Eowyn was experiencing was different than what had been done to the rest of them.

Faramir's voice was hollow. "They are filling her mind with their dust and foul words. Soon she will be little more than a ghost."

"It won't kill her?"

He looked at the elf, and she saw sadness there. "I love Eowyn. I would never kill her."

"So you lured her here, instead? For what purpose, Faramir?" Aragorn clasped his hands behind his back and watched the blonde's distraction. "This could have been done a different way."

"No. Any other way would have led to her death. She would never have become loyal to those we serve. It had to be this way. I told her things that would make her suspicious enough to visit you."

"You knew she would come here? You lied to us?" Valawen wondered if Aragorn would see the treachery.

A half-smile moved over the King's face. "For the greater purpose, Valawen." He looked at the Captain and nodded. "Not only have you proven your loyalty to me and those we serve, you have saved your wife from the fate of death. She will not die. Can you say, though, that what Eowyn now faces is better than death?"

"Yes. She lives. That is all that matters." His tone was tinged with familiar desperation. Valawen felt that often, when all she wanted was a shard of something to keep her sane. Faramir was keeping Eowyn for his own health.

Aragorn sighed, watching as the palantir's colours died to a pale gray. Gently he took the crystal from Eowyn's hands and placed it back in the box. "You should take her, Faramir. Say you found her collapsed her her rooms. The healers will not be able to revive her."

Faramir's hand moved over his wife's eyes, closing her lids. He brushed her hair behind her shoulders, touching her softly as though she might break. "And what of my reward, Aragorn? Do not think I have forgotten your promise."

"You will receive what you deserve. I do not negate on my promises. First, though, take care of your wife." Aragorn opened the locked door as Faramir scooped Eowyn into his arms, then left.

"What did you promise him?" asked Valawen as the door shut.

The King glanced at her before moving the box back to its spot beside the bed. "I will tell you when the time is right."

She frowned, unsure of what he meant. "What happens now?"

He smiled, saying, "Now all is clear for us. No one stands in our way. We will mobilize our army, and begin changes to the city."

"What kind of changes?"

Aragorn walked up to her and gently swept her hair over her shoulders. "That doesn't concern you, Valawen. You do not have to worry about the affairs of Arda. Just be happy that you were instrumental in this new beginning."

Her eyes lowered as he stroked her shoulder. "I want to be useful, Aragorn. Will you not inform me of anything?"

"You will forever be of use to me, my love. However, Faramir and I can take care of this."

Part of her felt unhappy, as though he no longer needed her. A very tiny shred of her being felt betrayed. "What am I to do then?"

He chuckled softly. "Do not be angry. You are invaluable to me, Valawen. Remember that." He led her to the door and opened it. "Come back to me tonight. I will show you then what your use will be."

Valawen crossed her arms. She loved Aragorn with all her being, but she wanted to be more to him than just a sex partner. Still, though, she agreed.

As the door closed, she again wondered what reward Faramir had earned.

*

TBC