In the Ruins of Hope

In the Ruins of Hope

Chapter 2
Author: Frosty the Street Thug
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: The hobbits are dead. Arwen is dead. The war is not over, but the elves are leaving Middle-Earth. King Aragorn and the people of Minas Tirith are all who are left to fight for the freedom of the land. But what's this? They've been corrupted? Say it ain't so!
Author's Notes: Boromir lives. Deal.
Disclaimer: This is so far from Tolkien-verse it doesn't even need a disclaimer. ;)
Notes: Elvish translations will be at the end of each chapter. Except for the first chapter, because I forgot. Translations for the first chapter will be at the end of the second chapter. :)


*

When they awoke the next morning, the sun was bright and the sky was clearey sey spent a while on the hill before cleaning themselves off and heading back to the forest.

Mirkwood was busy. Most of the elves had left already, travelling in small groups to Valinor. Legolas' father had gone earlier with his brothers, leaving the prince to take care of the remaining elves, which were not many.

Calime clasped a small bag to her horse before mounting and trotting out to the group. She had gone to change before gathering her things, and had found herself sitting on the edge of her bed, looking over her room. Valinor was the destiny of all elves, she knew, but she couldn't help but be nervous. When Legolas mounted his horse and gave her a reassuring smile, though, she felt better.

The trip to the sea was a long one, nearly a week of steady travel. Calime had not ventured through much of Middle-Earth, it having been a dangerous place for most of her life. Legolas rode ahead of the group, leading them on the safest path he knew, so she was alone in her thoughts. Sighing, she thought of what she had missed in her short life in MirkwoSeeiSeeing the world, marriachilchildren...she had wanted it. Her time had come too late in this age, though, and now she would have to do without. It saddened her, but she took comfort in the fact that she would not be alone in her time in Valinor.

Calime looked back at the forest as they moved upwards over a grassy hill. It looked so small from afar. Her heartt knt knowing she would never see it again.

"Do not despair, my lady," said an elf next to her, "Valinor is where we belong. It will be more than you could ever expect."

She nodded softly. Deep within her, she knew this was true. She was so young, though, barely seven centuries, part of her wanted to experience more in this life.

The road to the sea was long and peaceful. Calime could see no signs of the war that was taking place not far south from them. Their watch was steady, though, Legolas would take no chances.

It was then, on the third day, that things went wrong.

The morning had been peaceful, as it had been every day previous. The horses, though, were nervous. As was Legolas.

Calime had noticed his demeanor from afar. She rode up to him and watched as he scanned the forest with careful eyes. "Is something wrong?" she asked, peering through the trees. She could see nothing.

"There is someone near," he said quietly. Calime licked her lips and strained to hear. She had not enough practice in noticing the subtleties that Legolas could always pick up.

Holding up his hand, Legolas stopped the group and listened closely to the forest. Then, as though they had never been hiding, a group of men became apparent in the trees and began approaching the elves.

Calime held her horse steady, watching Legolas for any sign of how to react. She had not interacted with Men before, and did not know if these were friend or foe.

Legolas' face turned inquisitive as several men came forward from the large group. "Boromir?" he said, narrowing his eyes, "Why are you here?"

The man he addressed seemed tothe the Captain of the group. Calime studied him, scanning her eyes over his imposing frame and strong face. His eyes flickered between the elves, staring with an importance Calime did not like. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?" replied Boromir, grinning widely.

Legolas frowned and Calime could see that he did not fully trust this man. "You have not answered my question," he said, looking over the army Boromir had brought with him. They outnumbered the elves at least two to one.

Boromir shook his head but the grin did not leave his face. "You are too suspicious, Legolas. Did you think that perhaps Aragorn has sent us to give you safe travel to the sea?"

She could see Legolas loosen the grip on his reigns. Calime swallowed hard, knowing he was preparing to reach for his bow. Her eyes jumped up to the group of men, all waiting for whatever Boromir would order. The elves in their group were not warriors like Legolas. Calime knew they would not stand a chance if the men were not noble in their intentions.

"Did Aragorn send you?" asked Legolas, clearly distrustful of Boromir's tongue.

Calime did not like the look that came over the man's eyes. "To be honest, he did," he replied, "Though perhaps not to escort you to your boats."

Legolas' jaw clenched. "Where are you to escort us?"

The men behind Boromir began to appear restless. "To Gondor," he replied.

There was no movement from the army, but Calime knew they were prepared for resistance. She swallowed heavily and looked to Legolas, but his gaze was steady on the Captain in from of him. "So the honour of Men is no more," he said softly, "I had hoped Lord Aragorn would have str stronger."

Boromir's grin softened, but the humour in his eyes did not diminish. "Your words mean nothing, elf. I have orders to bring you and your kind to Minas Tirith, and I will do as my King asks. You may come willingly and spare the lives of your people, or resist and suffer the consequences."

To put meaning in his words, the guards on either side of Boromir readied their bows, pointing arrows at several of the elves in the group. No spokspoke or moved, only waited for Legolas' lead.

Calime's eyes misted over as her heart pounded in her chest. She watched Legolas, who had not moved to grab his bow, as he sat silently and weighed his options. She felt for him, the decision he would be making at that moment. She could not imagine his struggle.

"Your co-operation will be met with mercy, I give you my word," said Boromir, waving at several of the guards to come forward. They trotted through the crowd of e, ta, taking any weapons that lied upon them. Calime frowned when they took Legolas' bow. "Our army will surround your group at all times," he called out to the elves, "Do not attempt to escape. I have no patience for such things."

Calime watched as Legolas took a deep breath and composed himself before turning to the elves. "Do as he says. I promise you you will not be harmed." Turning back, he glared at Boromir. "I will speak with Aragorn upon our arrival."

Boromir smirked and turned his horseadieading to the front of the group. The army behind the elves pressed them forward as they were led off their chosen path and headed towards the south.

*

TBC

Elf-Speak (for chapter 1):
Nin meleth. - My love.
Na ah nin nuin i elenath. - I want to lay with you under the stars.
Lin mitha laug nin. - Your kiss warms me.