Possession

Possession

Chapter 2
Author: Frosty the Micro Machine
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Aragorn, Elrond, Faramir, Eowyn, OC, AU, N/C
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.
Author's Notes #2: To Freya: Thank you again for reviewing! It's much appreciated. As for your question, no, there will be no Boromir. I know, I know - I'm very sad, too! He's much fun to write for, and I just adore him. But I wanted to do a fic a little more canon-oriented, so poor Boromir has to stay dead this time around. Sorry. :(

*

Captain Faramir focused on the paper in his hands. He ran his thumb over the blood-red seal and swallowed heavily. Looking up into the wide, sad eyes of Eowyn, he smiled without mirth and sighed. "I won't be gone long."

She nodded softly. When his hand found her cheek, she closed her eyes and bit back the tears that threatened to overwhelm her. "I can still go with you," she breathed, looking up.

"No," he replied, "You're needed here. Stay with Aragorn. I promise, I will be back soon."

She knew he was right. Revelling in the warmth of his hand, she exhaled deeply when he removed it and tucked the letter into one of the saddlebags on his horse. Turning to her, he smiled and kissed her tenderly, then mounted his ride.

"I love you." Eowyn stepped back and wiped a stray tear that had slid down her cheek.

Taking the reins, Faramir took in the sorrow in his wife's eyes. "I love you as well. Please don't despair too much, Eowyn."

Unable to speak, she only nodded. Wrapping her arms around herself, she watched Faramir nudge his horse towards the gates of Minas Tirith. She stood in that spot until the large wooden doors closed behind him, and he was out of her sight.

The brisk wind that swept through the corridors of the city dried her tears quickly. Brushing the hair back from her face, Eowyn made her way into the upper levels of the city. Aragorn had been alone since she had gone to bid Faramir farewell. She was sure the King could use some company.

The city was eerily silent. Her footfalls echoed in the stone streets, bringing the stillness of everything to the forefront of her mind. People were inside, mourning the loss that she herself felt so strongly. Death was not something she was inexperienced with, but this time it felt different. It had been so sudden, so unexpected. She could not imagine how Aragorn was feeling.

She was cold by the time she arrived at the upper level. Ascending the stairs to the King's Hall, she wondered if maybe the King would be resting. It had been a long night and an early morning. No one had slept.

When she opened the door and walked in, though, Aragorn was sitting on a bench in front of the fireplace. The hall was warm and smokey. He had been here a while.

"Aragorn?" He didn't look up as she approached. He was staring at his hands when she looked down at him. "Have you eaten?"

Taking a deep breath, the King looked up at the fire. "No," he replied as she sat down next to him, "I am not hungry."

"You have to take care of yourself." Leaning forward, she tried to look into his eyes, but he held them to the flames. "Will you let me get you something?"

With a nearly imperceptible smile, Aragorn flickered his gaze to her. "I will let you get me something when you eat something yourself."

The pain of the past day was apparent upon his features, but there was a glint of amusement within his eyes. Eowyn smiled faintly and leaned back. "Perhaps later." Aragorn's eyes turned back to the fire and her own focus followed. "Faramir has gone."

The King nodded. "I am sorry I had to send him."

"I understand. There is no need for an apology." Twisting her hands in her lap, she asked, "Do you think Elrond will come?"

"I imagine so." Eowyn looked up as Aragorn spoke, sensing a firmness in his tone.

"Are you worried he will want to take her back?"

She noticed his eyes drop back to his hands. When he answered, his voice was weak. "This is her home. She is buried and will stay so."

Eowyn felt better hearing that. She too had been worried about what Elrond would have to say about this. "Have the doctors said anything?"

"No. They are trained in human care. They know nothing of elves." Sighing heavily, he stirred in his seat and looked back up to the fire. "It matters not. Arwen is dead. She cannot be brought back."

Eowyn bit her lip to keep from showing her sorrow. "I know," she whispered, unable to stop her questions, "But it does matter. How did she die, Aragorn? How could something like this happen?"

His eyes flashing, he glared at her and stood, clenching his fists. "I don't know, Eowyn." Aragorn's voice was strained and quiet as he fought to maintain control. "I have no answers for you. There are no answers to give."

She stood and shook her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

The spark of anger in his eyes diminished as he exhaled heavily and came towards her. "There is no need to apologize," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "It is a difficult time for all of us."

Tears lined her eyes. "I feel so useless."

"Keep strong. You will feel better once Faramir has returned." His strong hand dropped from her as he turned his gaze back to the fire. "It has been a long night. I want you to go, try to rest."

"What about you?"

"I will rest as well." Looking at her and smiling, he backed away from the flames and cast a glance down the hall that would lead him to his rooms. "I hesitate to enter, but I know I need to remain strong. For the city." He looked back at her. "For all of you. And I need you to do the same for me."

She nodded. "I will seek you out later. I will...bring food."

"Thank you."

Closing her arms around herself, she watched as Aragorn slowly made his way towards his rooms. She sighed when he was out of sight, and turned to make her way to her own apartment, longing to forget this pain if only for a little while.

*

The letter laid upon the table, its seal broken. Elrond had asked his sons to take Faramir to a room where he could rest and make himself comfortable for the night. The Captain had ridden near non-stop since leaving Gondor, and the wear was obvious upon his features. Elrond imagined grief played some part in this as well.

Night was falling. The stars twinkled outside the window he gazed from, wondering just how things could turn so terrible so quickly. He thought that sorrow was a thing of the past. Sauron's defeat had ensured that. Or at least that was the way it was supposed to be.

A gentle knock sounded at the door. Gathering his strength, he turned as it opened and smiled, genuinely happy to see Valawen come in. "Elrond," she said as she closed the door, "Is everything alright? Elrohir told me you needed to see me."

His eyes slid to the letter that rested upon the table. Aragorn's writing was weak and scribbled, a testament to how he must have been feeling. A faint smile appeared upon his face as he thought about how he had intended to send a message to Gondor that very morning, informing them of the good news. Responsibilities had kept that from happening.

"Valawen," he answered, giving her his attention, "Please, sit down." He pulled out a chair for her.

The suspicion in her expression was evident. "What happened?" she asked, coming forward but not sitting. "Tell me, Elrond."

There was no use in hiding it. "Arwen is dead."

The colour drained from her face and her voice became a breathy whisper. "What?"

Again, Elrond's eyes moved to the paper sitting on the table. "Captain Faramir delivered the news this evening," he said, "Arwen passed away several nights ago."

Valawen blinked back surprise and shock. "How?"

"I don't know. They don't know."

She approached and embraced him. He accepted gratefully, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. "I'm so sorry, Elrond. I'm so sorry."

He stood back and touched her face, wiping a tear that had rolled down her cheek. "I must go to Gondor."

"I will come with you."

Shaking his head, he sat down and watched her as she did the same across from him. "You should remain here. I will go back with Faramir."

She was nothing if not stubborn. "I will not stay here while you go through this alone. I insist on coming with you."

"I don't know when I'll be coming back." Leaning forward, he took her hands in his. "I need to make sure Aragorn is alright. I need to make peace with this."

She nodded. "I understand. I am still coming."

Elrond smiled as he rubbed her hands. "Thank you."

"When do we leave?" The nervous anticipation in her eyes was evident.

"In the morning. Faramir needs to rest." Sighing, he sat back in his chair and looked out the window. He could feel the blackness seeping into the room. "You should rest as well," he added, glancing at her, "It will be a long ride."

"Will you come with me?" she asked quietly, standing and urging him to do so as well.

His hand dropped from hers as he shook his head. "I will not be able to sleep."

"Please, Elrond," she pleaded, "I don't want to leave you alone."

"I can't. I think I need some time alone." He looked up apologetically. "If you don't mind."

Sorrow flitted across her expression. "Of course. I will see you in the morning." Leaning down, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips and smiled. "If you need me, you know where I am."

"Goodnight, Valawen," he replied, smiling. As she took her leave, closing the door with a soft click, he thanked the Valar there was still something in this world to hold onto.

*

TBC