Possession

Possession

Chapter 16
Author: Frosty the Micro Machine
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Aragorn, Elrond, Faramir, Eowyn, Legolas, OC, AU, N/C, Oral, Anal, M/F, M/M/F, character deaths
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.

Thank you for the reviews, you three!
Sandra - Elven asks for the blonde prince, and I deliver. I hope you like this chapter. :)
Beth - Hopefully in the coming chapters you'll find out why Faramir went after Valawen. If it doesn't become obvious, let me know and I'll explain it. I might've been too subtle, or not quite clear enough in my writing.

*

Captain Faramir leaned his hands against the white stone that railed the highest level of the White City. His eyes narrowed as he watched a lone form upon a white horse ride towards the gates of Minas Tirith. The rider wore shades of green and heather, his blonde hair reflecting the sun's light much like a mirror. The light dusting of snow upon the frozen ground did nothing to deter the steed's speed as it galloped towards its destination. Faramir's mouth twitched into an amused grin as he looked at the man beside him. "Were you expecting him?" he asked, his eyebrow arched.

Aragorn pursed his lips, his eyes never wavering from the rider. "No."

The younger man grunted, crossing his arms and shaking his head. "Well, he must be here for a reason. It is a long ride from Mirkwood."

"He will not have come from Mirkwood. He was traveling with Gimli." Pushing away from the ledge, Aragorn summoned a guard, gave an order Faramir could not hear, and came back to cast his eyes over the edge of the city. "He will have heard of Arwen and Elrond, most likely."

"What are you going to do with him?"

Aragorn looked up and raised his eyebrows patiently. "Welcome him. Legolas is, after all, a good friend." He turned and began towards the King's Hall, Faramir not two steps behind him.

The Captain frowned as he caught up to the King. "Welcome him? Is that wise?"

"It would cause suspicion to do anything else. I will welcome him, speak with him, and alleviate his concerns. Then he will leave."

Faramir wasn't convinced. "What if he doesn't?"

Aragorn's glare was sharp. "He will."

They ascended the stairs, taking up seats in the main hall to await the elf's arrival. Faramir tapped his foot, then cast a glance at the hall leading to the back of the building. "What of the girl?"

The King followed his gaze, then shook his head. "What of her?"

"If Legolas knows about Elrond, he has most likely spoken to his sons. If that has occured, they most certainly informed him of the woman."

Aragorn looked mildly concerned. "I will deal with that when necessary." Narrowing his eyes, he stood and clasped his hands behind his back, pacing the hall. After a moment, he stopped and looked down at the Captain. "I should speak with Legolas alone. Go to Valawen. Make sure she does not come out here."

Faramir stood and nodded once, obeying the King. When he was out of sight, Aragorn took a deep breath and looked at the large doors separating the warm hall from the bitter cold of morning. Legolas was an unexpected visitor that he could have done without.

The handles on the doors clanked with movement. At once the doors were shoved open, bringing entry to a guard and Aragorn's old friend.

"Aragorn!" Legolas' voice held a whisper of concern and anticipation as he stopped immediately in front of the King. "What has happened here?"

Aragorn motioned the guard off and then smiled, clapping the elf on the shoulder. Legolas' gaze momentarily eyed the hand that rested on him before he looked back. "Hannon le, gem mellon nin. Man milui o suilad caro le anno nin?"
(Well met, my old friend. What kind of greeting do you give me?)

Legolas' expression saddened. "Aragorn," he said softly, "Gondor no agarwaen. Trenarnin man milui innas maer."
(Gondor is bloodstained. Tell me what greeting will fit.)

The King removed his hand as his expression dulled. "You are right, of course," he sighed, "Nothing would suit this occasion."

"I have spoken with Elrohir and Elladan. They tell me you have done nothing to find out what happened here. Do they speak the truth?"

Aragorn nodded, walking towards the table in the far corner of the room. He sat down and looked up at the elf. "There was nothing to find, Legolas."

His eyes grew angry as he stepped forward. "How can you say that?"

"Tell me, did Elrond's sons examine the body?" Legolas nodded hesitantly. "And what did they find?"

The elf's eyes flickered. "Nothing."

"We found nothing as well. What do you expect me to do?" He looked away, shaking his head. "The loss of my wife was devastating. The loss of Elrond...I could not fathom it. I would have done anything to make sure their deaths were not for nothing." He sighed heavily and looked up. "But it seems they were."

Legolas' anger lessened. "I apologize," he replied, his voice gentle, "I forgot myself amidst my own despair."

"It is understandable." The King stood and asked, "Did you only just hear?"

He nodded, saying, "I was on my way to Mirkwood, to prepare for the Havens."

"And where is Gimli?"

Legolas' blue eyes shadowed. "He remained in Imladris. I needed to make haste to Gondor. He would have slowed me." He looked up, as though just remembering something. "He sends his condolences."

Aragorn nodded. "I appreciate you coming, Legolas."

"Do you need anything?" he asked.

"No, but thank you." He began walking towards the front entrance, and Legolas fell into step beside him. "You do not have to stay, but I insist you rest. I will take you to one of our guest rooms, and then perhaps we can have dinner this evening."

"I am sorry I was not here earlier, Aragorn. I cannot imagine the grief you must have gone through." He took a deep breath of the cool air as the door opened in front of them. "I promised Elrohir I would make sure you are well before I take my leave." He stopped at the edge of the stairs and looked at the King with a measure of uneasiness. "I also promised I would retrieve Elrond's intended. She resides here, does she not?"

Aragorn blinked off his apprehension. "She does, but I am not sure she wishes to leave."

"Is she well?" When the King nodded, Legolas pursed his lips and continued down the stairs, Aragorn alongside him. "I will wait to speak with her. Perhaps you could inform her of my arrival?"

"I will. Are you two acquainted?"

"No, we have never met." He clasped his hands behind his back as they made their way to the guest quarters. "Does she still grieve?"

Aragorn eyed the morning sun. "Yes. Much as we all do."

"It is beyond me, Aragorn, how this has happened."

The King looked at the sorrowed elf as they walked, but didn't reply.

*

Faramir closed the door softly. The early morning light filtered through the curtained windows, casting a golden hue over the entire room. He smiled as he approached the bed, noticing the clothes piled unceremoniously upon the floor. Moving his gaze to the form in the bed, he regarded her for several quiet moments before sitting down beside her, then placing a hand over her mouth.

Valawen awoke quickly, startled. Her eyes widened in fear as his strong hand held her tightly. "Shhhhhhh," he soothed, "Be silent."

She nodded and he removed his hand. Pulling the covers up near her neck, Valawen sat up and wiped her tired face, eyeing him. "What do you want?"

"I'm to make sure you remain quiet," he replied with a grin, "Aragorn has company."

"Company?" she asked, not understanding.

His hand rested on her knee as he nodded. "Elves."

A rush of fear made her hiss in a breath. "Why are they here?"

"Well, I suspect they're here for you."

His words chilled her to the bone. If the elves ever found out what she had done, they would never forgive her. She would be banned from Valinor, doomed to live for eternity in the company of death and darkness. "No," she breathed, desperate for protection from that fate, "Don't let them find out what I did."

Faramir's eyes glittered in amusement. "You wish for my protection, lady?" Valawen swallowed heavily, feeling herself drown in decisions she could not make. The Captain's voice lowered as he leaned forward. "You feel the weakness of Aragorn as I do. Do not deny it. What he did to you last night validated every uncertainty you ever had about him. He does not love you. He will not save you."

She didn't want to believe it, but Faramir's words rang true. She had been deserted by the man she loved. "He will save me," she breathed, not feeling convinced. Still, though, she would not submit to this man. Faramir was dangerous. She knew that.

"He will use you as his toy and then leave you to die, alone and afraid. I know you hate me, but I speak the truth and not even you can deny that." His hand clenched her knee. "He works against us, Valawen. He conspires with the elves. You know this."

Her body trembled as she tried to reassure herself. "I will not betray him," she replied quietly, "I love him."

Faramir smiled as his thumb rubbed over the thin sheet. "You do not have to betray your King," he responded, "I would never ask such a thing of you."

She looked up at him, wondering, "What is it you want?"

"I ask a simple favour. I will ask you to put something in the elf's room."

"What?" she asked.

"That is not important right now. What's important is that you agree. Look into my eyes, Valawen. I promise you protection from the fate that Aragorn would leave you to if you do this. You need not betray your love for the King in any way. I promise you that."

She was so far gone with fear she didn't think she could deny him. "You promise?" she asked weakly.

"With every fibre of my being."

Valawen closed her eyes and nodded. "I will do as you ask." When his hand squeezed her knee again, she met his gaze.

"You will not regret this," he said, his eyes more relaxed than they had been moments before.

Part of her felt like she already did.

*

TBC