Winter's Heart

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The Lord of Rivendell wore a mild expression as he looked from his desk into the face of Legolas. After a while they had come to a quelling of their attitudes. The young prince was now able to extend his trust a little more freely, which relieved the weight on his shoulders somewhat. Elrond was generally kind to him despite his previous behavior, so he had relaxed some. Not that he trusted the Noldor Lord completely, but he was beginning to revise his opinions on him.

Not his sons. There was not a soul walking Middle-Earth that Legolas hated more than Elladan. Which was why he had asked for audience with the irksome Elf’s father. Part of him was hopeful this would go well since Elrond did, it seemed, care for their general well being. When the elder Elf motioned for him to sit, Legolas did with a grateful nod. “You wished to see me?” Elrond asked with an upturned brow.

Legolas nodded gravely. “I have a matter I wish to speak to you of. I…pray for your good will.”

“Indeed?” the other asked curiously.

The Prince of Mirkwood sighed. “I admit that I have not behaved as kindly as you. I was afraid and took it out on you, but I have since learned that you have goodness in you, else you could have turned us away or murdered us. I cannot ask without fear that my behavior will color your reply, but still I take the chance because of your kindness to Silanna and me.”

Elrond leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. A smile crossed his lips that made Legolas tense. “Can I accept your good will, then?” he asked and hesitantly the wood-Elf nodded. It seemed good enough. “What is it that you wish to say?”

Legolas could not hide the trace of bitterness in his voice as he said, “It is your sons. Elladan in particular.” He noticed Elrond’s expression grew a little stern. “I mean no disrespect to you, but how can I ignore that he pursues Silanna against her wishes? You ask that I work for you, but I falter because always she is on my mind as I worry that she is being forced upon while I am not there to protect her. He ripped her dress last night in his attempts, which is why I hit him, as you doubtlessly already know.”

Straightening in his chair, the Elven Lord looked up sharply. “You hit my son? I did not know this.”

He had not counted on that and the blow of this revealed knowledge might well cost him. Why had Elladan not rushed immediately to his father for retribution? Legolas sighed and painted a pleading expression upon his face. “My lord, I confess, I did hit him across the face. He was trying to hurt her and it angered me. If you are angry then I beg you punish me, but please prevent your son from hurting her. She is innocent in this.”

The Lord of Rivendell waved his hand dismissively, his brow knit in thought. “I do not like that you have used violence against him. I will not tolerate this over what has already been done. You can expect a few more duties to be added to your present chores for a while.” When Legolas made ready to retort, Elrond held his hand up. “I will speak with Elladan about her. This madness must not continue.”

“Truly?” Legolas replied, in part not believing he had heard right.

Elrond’s expression softened. “I understand your concerns. I have a few of my own. My home is disrupted by these occurrences and we must come to an understanding before something dire happens.” A private thought seemed to be turning within those steady gray eyes, but seldom did Elrond reveal his mind to him.

He was grateful enough that this would come to an end. “Thank you, Lord Elrond. I will not forget this. I have been overwrought with worry for weeks.”

The older Elf shook his head with a gentle look on his face. “You needn’t worry. My sons will not do violence against her without having to bear costly consequences that I will make very clear to them shortly.” He leaned back again as the Mirkwood Elf began to stand, waiting for a dismissal. It didn’t come as quickly as he would have thought. For a moment the Noldor considered him gravely, as if hesitating. Just when Legolas was about to ask what it was that was on his mind, Elrond spoke up. “Would you consider doing me a favor in response?”

“For the protection of my charge I would wage war upon Mordor itself,” the wood-Elf replied, meaning it. He had considered the possibility that Elrond would require a boon of him for his request.

Elrond smiled and got up from his desk, motioning Legolas to follow him into the back of the office. There stood tables and cupboards with the implements of alchemy scattered abroad. The elder stopped before a closet and said, “It is no major task, but it would require a night out in the cold. There is a plant on the other side of the Ford whose medicinal properties appear only in winter, but last throughout the spring once harnessed. You would have to walk along the shore, seeking the night-blooming flowers to harvest them for me. I’ll not set a deadline, except that you must go before the month is out. Would you be willing?”

The prospect was not attractive, but if it would keep him in the Elf Lord’s favor, so be it. He would do anything for Silanna’s protection. “I will go. Will someone be accompanying me?”

“Hmm, if you wish.”

Legolas did not prefer that, but under the circumstances it was easy to assume he would be guarded. “You will not mind my leaving alone?”

Shaking his head, Elrond smiled. “No. Of course not. It is not as if you would not return. I believe I have earned a degree of trust, but would you truly leave Silanna under my guardianship for so long as it took you to return home?”

The Prince of Mirkwood inhaled sharply, not sure if this was some strange jest or a trap. “You have given me your word she would not be harmed,” he chose to say in evasion.

Elrond laughed and opened the closet, removing a cloth sack. “Put the flowers in here. They are white, the only flowers lining the Ford. You should not have trouble discerning them, but finding them is another matter entirely.”

Legolas took the bag and followed the other’s lead towards the door. “Thank you,” he said again as Elrond opened it. “I will see about this task tonight. Erestor diverted a few of my chores for me.”

“That is most generous of you. My thanks,” Elrond returned, watching him leave. As Legolas turned down the hallway towards his quarters to gather his cloak, he heard the Lord of Rivendell as a passing maid to fetch his sons. Now all he felt he had to worry about was how obedient Elladan and Elrohir were to their father.

*

It was growing late. Silanna sat upon a divan in the Hall of Fire with an older Elf maiden, both listening to a tale being spun by Lord Erestor, gh sgh she admitted to herself that her companion seemed a bit more interested than she felt. The young Sindar threw a dark-eyed gaze towards one of the windows, watching as snow accumulated on the outer sill. She wondered where Legolas was. His absence was beginning to irritate her. She had not seen him all day and was feeling the loss of it by now. Erestor had told her he had let Legolas go early, so why was he not here?

A sudden round of laughter brought her out of her thoughts. Silanna turned as the conclusion to the story was made, then the Elf made a mocking bow and retreated to where Lord Glorfindel sat. Some Elves began to separate into small groups while others retreated for the night. With a sigh Silanna realized it was no longer getting , it, it was late. Where could Legolas be? Standing, she made a polite exit from the company of the Noldor and made her way towards a table near the back where there were goblets of wine and water.

His eyes were on her. She could feel them, but dare not look to where the twin sons of Elrond were sitting with their friends. More than anything right now she wanted to be safe within her room, but without Legolas to walk her back she felt trapped here. As long as they were in public here where they could all be seen she felt somewhat safe, but if she risked the trip to her room alone she felt certain she would meet a terrible fate tonight.

Wine in hand, she walked to a solitary chair near the door and sank down, taking a drink. Over the rim of the glass she peered at Elladan and noticed the amusement on his face. A flutter of anxiety washed through her. He was going to make a game of this and if he won it would mean pain for her. Looking around, she prayed for sight of Legolas or perhaps Lord Elrond, but neither was present.

Taking another drink, she thought it would be best to wait a while until Elladan was distracted, then slip out and make a fast break for her room. Hopes of that were dashed when she noticed him stand up, straighten his robe and begin towards her. She wanted to bolt right then and there, but knew here she had the upper hand. Raising her chin, she made herself watch him and even that he seemed to take delight in. He sat down in a chair beside her and smiled at his friends across the room. “Suilad, Valawen.”
(Greetings, Valawen.)

“Is there something I can do for you?” she asked in a measured tone, looking into the scarlet wine as she swirled her glass.

Elladan laughed and reached for her wrist, pulling one hand away from the goblet. “As a matter of fact, there is something you can do, meleth. Stop being so coy with me. The teasing was fun at first, but I will allow it to continue on for only so long.”

Silanna turned a glare on him, snatching her hand away. She heard his friends laugh at that. “If you truly believe that I have been leading you on in any way then you are a fool.”

He did not get angry, but merely reached for her hair instead. “Such words. Such unkind behavior.”

“Why can you not leave me alone?” she hissed, then stood up, making ready to go find someone to sit by. When his hand wrapped around her wrist she was stopped from her retreat and pulled back. “Stop this!”

Elladan smiled and jerked her close, putting a hand to her cheek. “Come with me to my bedroom, Sindar. Let me show you the true love of a Noldorin lord.”

“No!”

He laughed and grasped her hair. “Come on, Silanna.”

A voice halted thetrugtruggles. It was sharp. “Is there a problem here?” They both turned to virestrestor’s less than amused expression. He looked between them. “Elladan, you have had too much to drink. Perhaps you should go and seek your brother’s aid.”

“I need no aid,” Elladan growled, tossing her away from him. He glared, then turned around, heading back towards his table.

Silanna exhaled, still feeling a bit shaken. She gave Erestor a grateful look, noting his gentle expression. “My dear, I think you should head to your rooms and lock them.”

That advice she needed no time considering. With a nod she breathed, “Thank you,” then took a step towards the door, but decided to halt her escape for a moment. “Lord Erestor?”

He turned back towards he“Yes“Yes?”

“Have you see Legolas? I thought he would attend dinner tonight…”

The Noldor appeared thoughtful for a moment, then shook his head. “I gave him no more chores than usual. In fact a few less. Perhaps Lord Elrond would know if you cannot find him.” With a polite nod, the dark-haired Lord turned away again and headed towards his table.

Silanna headed towards the door and opened it quickly, wanting to be out of there as quickly as possible. Stopping at the threshold, she dared a look at Lord Elladan and saw him not sitting, but standing, his gaze upon her intense and his arms crossed. Elrohir and their company of male Elves were also watching her, sharing amused glances between themselves. Her heart pounded in indecision. Would Erestor prevent him from following her?

She decided to chance it, opening the door to its fullest as steadily as she could, then closing it just as calmly so she could hide her fear. As soon as it latched, however, she bolted, not caring to wait and see if he would emerge. The walls on either side of her became a blur as she sprinted from the dining hall. When she got a certain distance down the hallway she heard it, the sound of a door slamming open, then shut again and the telltale sound of feet hitting the marble floors. Her instincts told her to turn, to see what it was that was following her, but she forced herself to remain fixed on her goal of getting away.

Thundiunding of the footfalls told her that he was getting closer. Panic began to well up inside of her as she ran. Her rooms seemed so far away and her pursuer much too close. She searched herself for some course of action, something she could do to save herself, but to no avail. He was catching up.

She turned down a hallway and made for the stairs, heading up a flight, and it was there he caught her. “Come now,” Elladan breathed, taking a hold of her dress and jerking her back towards him. “Are you not tired of the game? Would it not be simpler to just give me what I wish?”

Silanna cried out as he pulled her towards a small library nearby that was left dark for the night. Once inside he whirled her around to face him, staring into her gaze with those gray eyes of his. “Leave me alone!” she hissed, shoving at his shoulders. He laughed at her attempts, then caged her into his embrace, intrusively pressing his mouth against hers. “No!” she persisted, pushing him as hard as she could.

He responded quickly, raising his fist and backhanding her with it. Momentarily taken aback, she paused and he wasted no time in putting his hands on her again. They found the neckline of her dress and with a quick, rough jerk, ripped theric ric so he could gain entrance into her shirt. He pressed her back down into a nearby couch and straddled her, his warm hands smoothing across her breasts, searing trails across her skin. “What is this terrible thing I ask of you? It’s just a little sex, love. I’m sure most Sindar girls your age have been taken by now, hmm?” He smoothed his hands up into her hair, then jerked her head in for another forceful kiss.

“Stop this!” Silanna cried out, hitting him indiscriminately. One lucky hit caught him in the face and his eyes flared in anger.

“You little bitch,” he hissed, drawing his hand back and slapping her. He watched as her head snapped to the side, then seeming to take a liking to the effect, hit her a few times more. “Very well, love. You wish for vice ace and you shall have it.” The growl sent chills through her as his abuse became more violent. “I will make you lie still!”

She kept struggling, but each time his fist came against her she felt a piece of her hope strip away until she could take no more. Moaning low, she dropped her hands and let her tears flow freely. A voice at the door startled and frightened her. “Dear brother, to what depths do you sink?” Elladan abruptly stopped hitting her, brushing his hair back to view his twin. Elrohir shook his head. “You have taken all the sport out of her. And after Ada said to approach it gently, too.”

A thrill passed through her at that little phrase. Had the kind Lord of Rivendell truly said that? As Elladan looked down on her again she forgot that concern, however, and concentrated on the here and now. “Please stop this. Don’t let him hurt me.”

Entering the room, Elrohir pushed his brother back from straddling her, then sighed. “Pet, you will be had, one way or another. It is inevitable, just as should a Noldor female find herself in Mirkwood the same would befall her. Can you deny that? Knowing how things are in our world, do you not think it would be easier to give in? We could make it pleasurable for you.”

She did not respond, merely set her jaw and looked at the ceiling. Draping her arms across her breasts, she took advantage of Elladan being off of her and stood up, taking a step towards the door. She was stopped by Elrohir’s arm around her waist, pulling her back into him. “Don’t do this to me!” she said through clenched teeth, her fingers digging into his flesh.

He brushed her hair back towards him in a gentle stroke. “Calm down, wild creature. Why do you fight so fiercely? Do you fear a loss of innocence?” She did not answer to that and he smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Say we leave your innocence intact—for now. Would it not be better to provide other service than to be held down and have it all forced upon you at once? We can start out slowly if you like.”

“I’ll not service either of you in any way!” she spat, trying desperately to pull away. Elrohir held her all the tighter, gripping her wrists and holding them back.

Elladan stood up and approached, his eyes steely and dark. “Nay, I say a demonstration is in order to show her the depths of what she is.” He gripped her skirt and started pulling it up her legs. “Kick me and I will see that you cannot move after tonight, my father’s wishes be damned.”

“No!” she yelled, jerking in Elrohir’s arms as Elladan’s hand disappeared beneath her skirt. She felt his fingers move against her thighs, separating the skin in a smooth movement that she could not stop. She held her legs tightly together, but it was no bar to him. He moved higher and came to the soft fabric of her undergarments, touching the silken cloth. A satisfied smile crossed his lips as his other hand joined the exploration and both found her hips, taking hold of the straps holding her clothing on. A delicate pull had the fabric inching down her legs and a dull pain began in her abdomen as she contemplated what was happening.

Elladan let the panties drop to the floor, then reached up again, pressing his hand against her belly. He rubbed circles around her belly button, his stormy eyes devouring the vision of her flushed face. “You are much more pleasurable when you are submissive,” he commented, moving lower. As his fingers smoothed into her curls she closed her eyes and suppressed a whimper. She was not untouched, of course. In the dark she and Legolas had shared soft caresses before, but it hurt to know he was not the only one that knew her now.

The Noldorin Prince watched her face intently as he stroked her to wetness, rubbing the outside of her folds and then moving in towards the heat within. His stiff fingers came against the soft bundle of nerves central to her flesh and she let out a groan, hating him for this. The seconds seemed to tick slowly as he molested her. Elrohir’s hands were like manacles around her wrists as he forced her to endure his brother’s ministrations.

But that was not enough. Elladan worked hard at pleasuring her, testing various speeds of thrust and touching her in various motions until he learned exactly how to make her shiver. He was good at this and she could not stop the aching that began between her thighs. Biting her lip, she tried to put herself elsewhere and ignore this, but it did not matter. She felt it and it was all together too present. A low moan escaped her lips as she came close to her peak.

At that Elladan stopped and withdrew his hand roughly, glaring into her face. “Your lips tell me one thing, but your body another thing entirely, young whore. Suffer now with desire coursing through you and no satisfaction.” He sneered as he wiped her wetness on her dress. “Unless of course you bring yourself to bliss. When you tell my father of what you have suffered, tell him that I handled it gently, will you?” Turning away from her, he stalked out of the room in a huff. Elrohir let her go and followed after him without a word to her.

Rattled, Silanna pulled her dress back up around her and stood for a moment, trying to calm herself. They could not remain here, no matter what circumstances befell them. Not like this. She could not go on in fear no matter what awaited her on the snowy path home. Clutching her clothing to her, she exited the library slowly, knowing it mattered little now. If anyone saw her they would not care. They would assume what had happened and mind their own business.

As it was, the halls were pleasantly empty. She walked alone, trying to blot out the past twenty minutes from her thoughts. All the while she could not help but wonder where Legolas was. She made a plan to stop by his quarters, for now least of all did she want to be away from his comforting presence. As well she did not want to take the chance that Elladan would finish what he had started with her.

Silanna padded up a set of stairs, noting with each step she was still able to feel those hands on her. She ached from his bout of angry violence. What would have happened if Elrohir had not entered the room? She did not like to think of it, but the wondering of it would not leave her.

On up thairsairs she heard footsteps, but it was too late to stop and hide. She was sighted and as she took in the approaching figure, she was filled with pain. Lord Elrond passed from the shadows with a parchment in his hands, looking up from it at her as if he had been reading. He raised an eyebrow at her disheveled appearance and said, “What has happened?”

She hardened her gaze at him and surpassed him coldly. “Your son bid me inform you he was gentle—for the last of it, anyway.”

His voice responded low, but commanding, “Stop right there.” Silanna halted, but did not turn back. Elrond put his hand to her shoulder, easing her around. His eyes were stern. “So he has had you, then?”

Looking away from him, she shook her head. “It did not go that far, but it will. Not that it matters.”

He studied her intensely, bringing a blush to her cheeks. Would he punish her now for being so outspoken? He was kind, but had she tested him too far? “Would it be so terrible to give in?” he asked and she could not help but glare in response. He took hold of her arm and drew her aside. “Are they not handsome?”

“They disgust me,” she whispered, looking up into his face with shining eyes.

Elrond exhaled expansively. “You will not consent.” It was a statement.

Silanna looked away from his intense eyes. “Why should I have to?”

The meaning of his answer eluded her. “Because I cannot protect you.” He assessed her again. “Perhaps it would be easier if you were already taken. Then you would have nothing to lose.”

Her eyes widened when he took hold of her hand. “Why? Why is this important to you?” she hissed, trying to jerk away.

He pulled her into his hold, his brows knit in frustration. “What is important to me is that we maintain a level of peace, my dear. Legolas suffers because you refuse. My sons suffer because you refuse. And I am to repair it all. I intend to, child, believe me. I’ll not have you dying for your virginity. Now come.”

“Stop this madness!” she cried out, yanking her hand free. It did no good, for he captured the sleeve of her dress and had her back in his arms. Putting her before him, Elrond forced her forward, keeping a hold so she could not escape him. She struggled and stumbled with him, completely taken aback by the turn of events.

They passed al whl where a young Elven stable boy stood—one of Elrohir’s friends. He stopped and watched their passage with interested eyes. Silanna looked to him, pleading for help with her eyes, but he ignored that with a smile. Her heart lamented this. No one would have helped her with Elladan, let alone Lord Elrond. Who would ?
?

They came to a pair of grand doors that he opened, then pushed her inside. She was free once within his rooms and wasted no time in searching for a weapon. Elrond turned away to lock the door, breathing, “What do you think will happen if you escape?” The door lock clicked and he turned, watching her back away. “I’ll give you a choice. I will do this gently and as a lover would, if you will take your dress off and lay down. Or if you are inclined to disobey, I will force your skirts up and put you on my table.” He pointed to a dining set nearby.

“Please,” she whispered, backing until she hit a chair.

Elrond approached, reaching for her and she balled her fists, tempted to fight. His fingers sank into her hair in a soft caress that made her stomach swim in anxiety. Soothing, “Be calm,” he leaned forward even as he urged her towards him.

There was a knock at the door and he halted, turning his head with a glare. “Yes?”

The door opened and Silanna tried to hide herself behind him, but it was no use. Lord Glorfindel entered, looked her over with an unreadable gaze, then turned his attention upon his lord. “I hate to disrupt you, Elrond, but Elladan has been in a fight.”

“What?” the Lord of Rivendell growled. “With whom?”

Glorfindel glanced at Silanna and she guessed the answer before he even uttered it. “The Prince of Mirkwood has returned from the herb gathering you bid of him. They met in the hall and came to blows. He broke the Sindar’s arm.” Silanna gave a strangled gasp at that.

Elrond drew in a wearied breath, then motioned the sehal hal on. “I am coming, but give me a moment.” He looked at her as his friend left. When the door shut she waited for him to take advantage of her, but he didn’t. “Reconsider my sons’ wishes. It is a small thing and when it is done they will leave you be, I am sure of it. And consider what mentioning this night to Legolas would do to him. Do you wish him to worry for you?”

She opened her mouth to reply, but he turned and began for the door. Her stomach was tied in knots and for a few moments after he left she just stood there, trying to decide what to do about this. What could she do? If they remained she would be raped. It was a certainty now. But would they be allowed to leave if so inclined? Was Legolas in any condition to escape?

As she considered that something came to her attention. He had been herb gathering, Glorfindel had said. And at Elrond’s bidding. He had set this up so she could be taken tonight. The thought of it left her feeling cold inside. She had thought he had a kind heart, but instead now saw that he was a snake. Her eyes pooled, but she did not let her tears fall as she exited his rooms and made for her own. One thing was certain, she knew. If they were going to escape it would have to be very soon or Elrond would not let her deny either himself or his sons any longer.

*
A little clumsier than I had intended...but I submit it anyway. *gulp* tbc??