Gone

Gone

Chapter 2
Author: Frosty the Obstetrician
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Aragorn, Faramir, Boromir, Legolas, OC, AU, N/C.
Summary: A serious of events in Middle-earth leads to a darkened King, the departure of the elves, and a realization by those who remain.

Author's Notes:

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*

With a troubled sigh, Boromir swept his eyes away from the young boy and looked out the small window. "Rain again," he muttered, shaking his head, "Will it never end?"

Faramir looked up briefly, then settled back to the papers he was reading. Pages of parchment were strewn across the wooden bench without rhyme or reason. "Without rain there is no growth," he replied half-heartedly, concentrating on the writing before him. He had looked over them so many times and had found nothing, but he could not bear to quit.

His brother's stormy gaze fell upon him. "Ever the optimist," he said bitterly. Pursing his lips, he asked for not the first time, "Why do you insist on reading those over and over again?"

Faramir glanced up at the boy playing on the floor. Eldarion had been very quiet for the entire morning, barely speaking through breakfast and now entertaining himself noiselessly by his lonesome. It was unusual for him to not pay attention to the adults he was always surrounded by. "I keep thinking they missed something. Elves do not just die."

Boromir's gruff tone softened. "She was part human. Perhaps that is the explanation."

Keeping his voice gentle enough so Eldarion could not hear, he replied, "It makes no sense."

"I never said it did." Sitting up, Boromir eyed his brother. "Have you heard from Aragorn?"

He shook his head. "No. I imagine he needs some time alone."

"While I do not dispute that, I question his sense in leaving without informing anyone of his location. Do we even know if he is still in the city?" At Faramir's shrug, he continued, "People will wonder why he has taken to hiding."

Faramir frowned. "He is not hiding."

"He is not here, and we do not know where he is. I consider that hiding."

Sitting back and sighing heavily, the younger glared. "His wife just died, Boromir. You could not possibly understand."

"You and Aragorn have much in common." When Faramir looked away, Boromir apologized. "I did not mean that, brother. I am sorry. I'm just tired."

"We all are. There is nothing more exhausting than the loss of a loved one." Tidying up the papers on the desk, he changed the subject. "Do you think Elrond will come?"

"I wouldn't doubt it." He noticed Eldarion frown at his grandfather's name. "I would not even be surprised by a visit from the Queen herself."

"Galadriel?" Faramir frowned when the young boy looked up and the frown deepened when the child turned away, concentrating on his toys. "That would be enough to send me into hiding as well."

"I think we would all follow suit," grunted Boromir, standing and stretching his tired legs. Leaning against the window pane, he narrowed his eyes and stared out at the storm. "Why is it that despair has followed us even after Sauron's def"
"

Faramir's sapphire eyes watched Eldarion carefully. "It has not all been despair."

Turning, Boromir followed his brother's eyes. "Perhaps not all, but you must admit there has been more than our fair share. It was not supposed to be like this. The ring was destroyed. Why have our trials not finished?"

Sighing, he stood and shook his head. "I don't know." They were distracted by a noise at the door and Faramir raised his eyebrows in surprise when the King entered. "Aragorn," he said, watching as Eldarion jumped up and ran to his father, "I did not expect you back so soon."

Aragorn picked up his child and held him tight. "I had not planned on returning so early, either, but I could not bear to be away from my son." He grinned at the child when he smiled.

Faramir exchanged glances with his brother. While it was good to see the King back, the Captain could not help but notice that the smile he gave did not meet his eyes. He wondered if the King had found any peace. "You are back for good, then?"

"Yes." Aragorn brushed a hand over the dark hair of his child's head. "I would like to spend time with Eldarion, though. Would you two be able to handle the city's affairs for a few days on your own?"

"Of course," said Boromir, stepping forward, "Everything will be taken care of."

Without saying anything more than a thank you, Aragorn took his son and left the room. Faramir frowned at his brother. "Do you think he is alright?"

Boromir shrugged. "I would not even venture a guess."

Gathering the papers in his hands, the younger Captain exhaled heavily. "Maybe a visit from Elrond or Galadriel would help."

The elder raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

*

Idril watched the horses being prepared for their journey. The sunlight glinted off their silver manes as they stood patiently, allowing bags and reigns to be strapped to their bodies. She admired such creatures, so accepting of the burdens placed upon them. Such strength they had.

A soft sigh escaped her lips. Pulling the hood of her russet cloak over her dark hair, she turned her eyes to the elves speaking near the gates of the city. Both were visibly bereaved, their eyes betraying their stoic postures. Loss was keenly felt by all her people, but to lose someone in such a way was more than difficult. She had not known Arwen personally, but knew her father and friends well. She knew they worried if Galadriel's granddaughter would find peace in the afterlife.

There was a chill in the air that made Idril feel edgy. Imladris had been her home for ages, and now she had given consent to be caregiver to a child she had never met. It was a favour to Elrond, who she admired greatly. Still, nerves welled within her. Never before had she lived with Men.

Her dark eyes rested on the young elf speaking with Elrond. She knew Legolas well, and he had agreed to go with her to Minas Tirith. That relieved her somewhat, but he had not stated how long he would stay with her. Elves were usually able to find peace in loneliness, but it was times like that that Idril found herself falling short of that part of her ancestry.

One of the gray horses shook his head and caught her attention. They were ready to ride. Turning, Idril looked back at the city that had raised her. The tall, fair buildings glimmered in the mid-morning light. They never seemed to dim. She would miss that.

"Are you ready?" She looked back to see Legolas watching her from the horses. "It is time."

She took a deep breath and walked across the soft ground towards him. Mounting her horse as Legolas held it steady, she took one last look at the city she called home. "I feel as though I'm saying goodbye," she said quietly as he pulled himself up upon his own steed.

"You will see it again," he replied. "Elrond is deeply grateful for what you are doing."

The elf he spoke of stood back at the beginnings of the stone path that led into Imladris. He raised his hand in a motion of thanks and farewell. "It is such a tragedy," she said, returning the gesture.

Legolas started out the gate. "Indeed. It is difficult to believe."

Idril followed him out and stared at the deep, dark forest they followed a path into. A question had plagued her ever since she had agreed to Elrond's proposal, but she had not wanted to ask the Lord. She ventured it to Legolas. "Do you think we will be welcomed in Gondor?"

His hesitation as he looked at her confirmed her suspicions. "The King of Gondor is a good man. You will not be treatekindkindly, but I am unsure if you will be welcomed."

She nodded. "How long will you be staying?"

Legolas' blue eyes watched her sadly. "Not long. Only until you are comfortable."

Biting her lip, she looked away. The dirt path before them seemed like a trail to desolation. She had no idea what to expect in Gondor. "Thank you for accompanying me," she said, changing the subject, "It means much to me."

He smiled softly. "I would feel better knowing you are well. I should offer my condolences in person, as well. Aragorn has been a good friend."

"Do you think all have heard by now?"

The smile upon his face faded. "Most likely they have. I know Galadriel is in mourning. I have not heard from Gandalf."

"It seems so odd," she said, shaking her head, "That Arda is still so weakened by hopelessness. I had expected such relief after Sauron's destruction." She looked up at him with a question in her eyes. "What happened?"

"It's hard to say. Perhaps there was just too much that happened during the war. It is difficult to move past such things."

"I feel so worn," she sighed. Looking down at her hands, she said something she had not yet told anyone. "I think, after this, I am going to journey to Valinor."

He looked at her, but did not seem surprised. "I have spent time with such thoughts as well. It is a natural progression."

"You are thinking of leaving as well?"

Legolas nodded. "Yes. Probably soon." His gaze moved back to the forest. "I do not think Elrond nor Galadriel will stay long, either. I will journey with them."

There was nothing else to say after that. The sun was overhead now, covering the path ahead of them with sharp shadows. Idril felt slightly more tranquil now. There was something calming about knowing it was the beginning of the end.

*

TBC