Possession

Possession

Chapter 17
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.

I love reviews SO much I decided to update sooner than usual. :D Thank you to you three AGAIN for the reviews.
Freya: I'm afraid I never even thought of Eomer. Let's pretend he's in that cave with Boromir and Haldir. ;)

*

The stars were twinkling. Valawen gazed up at the cloudless night sky, remembering the last time she had reflected on the darkness. It had been only days before news of Arwen's death. She frowned at that memory. That was the day her entire life changed.

The soft wind swept her cloak around her feet as she waited. Faramir had told her to meet him in this spot, on the edge of the gardens that lined the upper level of Minas Tirith. Valawen tucked her hair behind her ears and touched the cold branches of the mayday that stood at the entrance to the King's own garden. It would be spring soon. She wondered if the trees would bloom.

Her ever-aware ears caught the gentle footfalls of a visitor. It wasn't a man's step, as it was too soft and measured. She willed herself to be brave, and turned on her heel.

"Maer aduial. No le eneth Valawen?"
(Good evening. Is your name Valawen?)

She had not expected a Sindar. His eyes reflected the glitter of the stars above. "Ha on." The language felt foreign on her tongue. The feeling caused her to waver in her courage.
(It is.)

He seemed to sense her hesitation. "I am Legolas. Did Aragorn tell you why I am here?"

She had not seen the King the entire day. "No," she replied.

"Elladan and Elrohir worry for you. They want you to return to Imladris."

There was a sliver of something inside her that wanted nothing more than to return to her home, to the people who loved her. She couldn't, though. Not after all that had happened. "Imladris is no longer my home. I cannot go back."

"Why not?" He seemed genuinely concerned.

She looked up, her eyes wide and bright. "Everything has changed. You may not see it, but I do. I have lived it. I cannot go back."

Legolas' eyes narrowed as he searched her face. "I don't understand," he said, "What of Valinor? Will you not take refuge from your grief there?"

Her eyes darkened as she looked away. "There is no refuge from my grief."

A hand touched her arm. The touch of an elf was different than that of a man. It soothed her, and she closed her eyes to briefly remember what it was like to be among her own kind. "Come with me to dine with Aragorn. We can discuss this there."

Opening her eyes, she allowed the hope of ever going home to perish. "I can't. I have another engagement."

He didn't seem to want to leave her. "I want to help you, Valawen. I will come find you in the morning."

She nodded and agreed, knowing that whatever Faramir had planned would be executed by then. Sadly, she watched as he walked away, continuing to the King's Hall. He seemed to mean her no harm, but it was too late to change her mind. She had promised to help Faramir, and she would not break her word.

Not that it mattered. If Aragorn had his way, soon the world of Elves would fall to the plague that ravished Gondor. Valawen was no longer under the impression that those who spoke through the palantir wanted what was best for the whole of Arda. She was not blind. It was only a matter of time before the whole of Middle-earth fell to darkness.

"What are you thinking, lady?" Faramir stepped out of the dark, an object in his hands. Valawen looked down at the cloth, then back up to him when he said, "We don't have much time."

"What should I do?" she asked.

"Take this," he said, handing her the wrapped object. It was long and pointed, and the material that shielded it was wet to the touch. "Hide it in the elf's room. Do not tarry. When you are finished, go back to your rooms and sleep."

She moved to unwrap the cloth, but Faramir's hand stopped her. "What is it?" she asked, curious.

"Do not open it here. You will see it when you hide it, but do not fear what it is. Any hesitation on your part will cost us much." He allowed her to hide the object in her cloak, then said, "Burn the cloth when you are finished."

Her hands trembled as she held her cloak shut. "What are you going to do?"

"I will make sure the elf is distracted long enough for you to do as I have told."

Valawen frowned. "He has gone to dine with Aragorn. Will that not be enough of a diversion?"

Faramir's eyes flickered as he looked to the Hall in the distance. There was a long pause before he looked down on her again, smiling faintly. "Do as I ask, Valawen, and keep your questions for later."

Uncertain but worried about further delay, Valawen nodded and set out for the guest quarters. It was a short walk, but the night was turning cold. She held the object close to her, and quickly ascended the stairs to the rooms that housed Legolas.

Entrance was easy. Swallowing in worry, she looked around the room and pulled out the cloth. A fire was lit in the hearth, brightening the walls with an orange illumination. With cold, shaking fingers, Valawen began to unwrap the material. She paused and frowned when she noticed red on her fingers.

Blinking in the dim light, she raised her hand and stared at it in shock. Stains of red marked her fingers. Her breathing turned shallow as she fearfully unwrapped the rest of the cloth.

She looked down in disbelief. In the cloth lay a dagger, coloured by crimson blood. No thoughts ran through her mind as she unblinkingly regarded the knife that seemed to weigh heavier with each passing moment. A buzz rang in her ears. Had Faramir killed someone?

Her fingers traced the emblem upon the handle of the blade. A wave of nausea overtook her as she wiped the blood from the crest of the King.

The dagger fell to the floor.

Valawen stepped back against the wall, her hands trembling. "Aragorn," she breathed as she slid to the floor. Her eyes never left the shine of the blade, the dull russet of blood. Her mind spun, telling her that she didn't know for sure that it was Aragorn's. It could be anyone's. Swallowing hard, she crawled toward the knife and picked it up. Rising to her feet, she found a drawer and laid it within, then closed it with a sharp push. It could not be Aragorn's blade - Faramir would never do such a thing to his own King. Inhaling a heavy breath, Valawen held tight to the cloth and left Legolas' room.

She went straight to her own quarters. Once inside, she lit a fire and watched as it grew, then tossed the cloth into the flames. When it was gone, she went into the refresher and cleaned the blood from her hands, draining the water when she was finished. After dressing in her bedclothes, Valawen slipped under the covers and stared up at the ceiling. She had done what she had promised. Everything was set.

Her mind was plagued with thoughts of Aragorn, though. She knew she would not sleep this night.

*

TBC