Beneath the Veil

Beneath the Veil

Chapter 3
Author: Frosty the Orc Princess
Codes: Aragorn, Legolas, Elrond, Eowyn, Gimli, OC, AU
Rated: NC-17
Summary: After Frodo and Sam fail their mission, Aragorn takes over. Can he handle the power of the ring?
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings. If I did, I would be rich, and I most certainly am not rich. :(


*

Aragorn sat perched on the edge of a stone wall overlooking a valley outside of Edoras. His fingers absently rubbed the outline of the ring in his pocket, and he closed his eyes against the cool breeze. It had taken much to not protest Elrond's plan, but he had felt it necessary not to show the ring affecting him. Elrond would sooner take it away from him than allow it to manipulate him in any way.

Of course, Aragorn didn't blame him. Not much, anyways. Elrond's experience with Isildur was none too encouragingthe the human race. Still, though, Aragorn was not Isildur. He had been told that many times. Did Elrond really have that little faith in him?

"Good evening," said a voice, and Aragorn opened his eyes. Beside him stood the female elf Elrond had brought with. "Am I disturbing you?"

Aragorn blinked a few times before shaking his head. "No, not at all." His fingers left his pocket. "Can I help you?"

"I thought perhaps I could help you," she replied, "My name is Amarie. Lord Elrond had informed me that you would likely be against our going with you to Mordor. From what I saw, you were most accommodating. Has the ring been affecting you?"

Aragorn laughed softly. "I admire straightforwardness," he said, "But your help is not needed. I can handle the ring."

"I am sure you can," she said, "But I ask you, please do not think I am here to watch over you. Lord Elrond asked me here because I have studied the ring."

"And what purpose does Haldir serve?" he asked.

Amarie smiled. "Haldir is an excellent archer, and a trusted friend of Lady Galadriel."

Nodding slowly, Aragorn allowed a smile. "I give you the benefit of the doubt, Lady Amarie, but I'm not so sure I can do the same for Elrond. I know his relationship with Isildur does not allow him faith in me."

"He talks well of you," she replied, "It is not that he does not have faith, it is that he worries."

Taking a deep breath, Aragorn nodded softly. "So, you have studied the ring?" he said, changing the subject, "Have you ever seen it?"

Amarie's smile faded. "No, I can't say that I have." Her eyes travelled to where the pocket where Aragorn laid his palm. "And I'm not sure I ever should."

"Wise choice," he said, "I only wish I had been as wise."

Leaning against the wall, Amarie allowed a smile to return to lip lips. "From what I have been told, you did what you had to do. There is no dishonour in that."

"Perhaps not," he sighed, "I only wish things had turned out differently." He met the elf's eyes and smiled. "Amarie. I do not believe I have ever heard of you. You are from Lorien?"

She nodded. "I am. I have travelled much, though, in study."

"I am sure your knowledge will be of use. Thank you, for speaking with me." Aragorn touched Amarie's hand, a gesture that caused her to narrow her eyes slightly. "I believe I can hear my bed calling my name."

She smiled and nodded, slipping her hand from his. "It is late," she said, "I will see you in the morning." Bowing slightly, she left without looking back.

*

"Elrond arrived at Aragorn's quarters early this morning. They've been in there several hours already. I imagine Elrond wants to be sure Aragorn can bear the burden of the ring." Amarie cast a glance at her table-mates and frowned slightly. "I have not known him long, but my heart goes out to Aragorn. This must be an incredibly difficult thing for him to go through."

Legolas nodded softly. "I do not believe we can imagine what it is like."

Amarie had seeked out Legolas that morning, hoping he would be accompanying them to Mordor. She had heard much about him from Elrond and Galadriel, and had been looking forward to meeting him. It was nice to meet another elf who had some experience with the Ring of Power.

"If anyone can withstand the ring's power, it is Aragorn!" exclaimed Gimli, taking a long drink of his morning ale. "I have no doubt we will succeed in destroying the ring."

"It is a shame, really, that it has to be destroyed." Legolas raised his eyebrows and Amarie laughed, "No, don't worry, I know what needs to be done. It is such a remarkable achievement, though." Sighing, she leaned back in her chair and smiled. "I think I have spent too long studying this piece of jewellery."

Legolas' eyes flickered softly in the hall's dim light. "What will you do, when it has been destroyed?"

"I really don't know," she replied, then paused. "I really haven't thought about it."

"Perhaps you can find a pin to study," said Gimli, smirking.

Amarie raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps. Pin of Power. You never know."

Legolas tapped the wood table softly with his fingers. His eyes searched Amarie's face, as if he were considering something. Finally, he spoke. "Forgive me if I am out of line, Lady Amarie, but could you tell us, why is Elrond really here?"

She blinked softly, unsurprised by the question. "What do you mean?"

"He speaks as if you and Haldir have been brought here to protect Aragorn, but even I fail to see how two additional elves will suffice. I know Aragorn trusts Lord Elrond, but even he has questions. I am sure of it." Legolas' blue eyes sparkled, and Amarie found her gaze darting between his and the now-silent dwarf's.

"You ask much of me," she replied, "You know that, don't you?"

Legolas leaned forward. "I do," he said, "But you have shown yourself to be a compassionate person. This secrecy does not allow us to trust Elrond. I can see in your eyes, you wish he would be honest as well."

Amarie crossed her arms and sighed. She was loyal to Elrond, of course, but Legolas was not wrong. She licked her lips and leaned forward, meeting the blonde elf's gaze. "I promise you, Lord Elrond's intentions are only of the best. The reason he is keeping some things to himself is because he does not want to provoke Aragorn. Elrond knows those who bear the ring are prone to mistrust."

"Do not speak in riddles, Lady Elf," said Gimli, "Tell us what his plans are!"

Lowering her eyes, Amarie sat back. "I wish I could. I do. I have given my word that I would not."

Legolas frowned and sat back as well. "While I do not deny that your loyalty is honourable, I fear you may eventually have to break it. Aragorn is not easily manipulated. He will find out that Elrond is not being honest with him."

"You may be right," she replied, "But at this point, I feel I must put my confidence in Lord Elrond."

Gimli sighed loudly and got up from his seat. "I, for one, hope your confidence is not misplaced. If you will excuse me, I promised the hobbits I would show them how to wield an axe. Good day."

He nodded curtly and left the hall, leaving Legolas and Amarie alone at the table. She looked around the room, hearing snippets of conversation from the small group of humans across the hall. Save for them, the elves were the only ones still at breakfast.

"You spoke with Aragorn last night."

Amarie knit her brow and frowned at Legolas. "How did you know?"

His fingers began quietly tapping the table once again. "I followed you." Pausing, he frowned and corrected himself. "I followed Aragorn. You were with him."

"I was," she replied, "I thought I should get to know him. I was curious."

"Curious about the ring?" Legolas eyes were tinged with interest.

"The ring," she said, "And him. I had heard of Lord Elessar, of course, but Elrond told me much about him on the journey here. Besides, if I'm going to be working with him, I feel I should gain his trust."

Legolas smiled softly. "Trust through deceit," he said, "An interesting way of going about it."

"Will nothing I say will convince you that I mean only support in this endeavour?" she asked, smirking when Legolas' smile became more apparent.

"I do not doubt you, my Lady," he said, "I doubt only the orders you have been given."

"Even when you don't know what they are?" She saw a flicker of irriation in his eyes before he regained his countenance.

"Even when I don't know what they are." His smile faded then, and he looked down at the wooden table. "I will speak with Aragorn as soon as Elrond has finished with him. Perhaps then things will be more clear."

Amarie felt a twinge of guilt. She did not like being dishonest, even with those she didn't fully know. Lord Elrond has promised her that keeping things quiet was for the best, but part of her wondered if that was truly right.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, unsure if apologizing would make anything better. "It's a difficult time. I hope I have made the right choices."

Legolas' blue eyes lifted to hers. His gaze was appraising, and Amarie felt herself becoming even more guilt-ridden. "Would you care for a walk?" he asked finally, slowly getting up from the table. "I could show you around Edoras."

Amarie hesitated only moments before nodding and joining him.

*

TBC