Gone

Gone

Chapter 3
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: PLEASE READ

I have been holding off updating this story because the review function hasn't been working. That's how much reviews mean to me. So please, if you can't leave a review here, EMAIL me. It means a lot.

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Faramir's eyes traveled over his brother's stiff form as he approached the citadel. He could see the irritation and annoyance in the sea-green gaze that met his, and knew immediately that something wasn't right. "What is it?" he asked, ascending the stairs.

Boromir jutted his chin out at the door to the King's hall. "In there," he said, his voice tinged with animosity, "Elves."

The fair-haired Captain's eyes widened in surprise. "Elrond is here? Why weren't we informed?"

He grunted and crossed his arms. "Elrond is not here, and the reason we weren't immediately informed was because Aragorn is not pleased."

He didn't understand. "Who is it, then?"

"Legolas. And some elf Elrond sent to be caregiver to Eldarion."

"Ah." Faramir pursed his lips and looked out over the mist-covered courtyard. "When did they arrive?"

"Early. They were brought up here quickly. Aragorn didn't want the city to know that Elrond doesn't believe in his parenting skills."

Heaving a sigh, Faramir offered his brother a wan smile. "I'm sure that's not why he sent them."

Boromir raised a speculative eyebrow. "What is your explanation, then?"

He shrugged. "He is probably just worried."

"Aragorn will not stand for this. Elrond has not even come to visit his daughter's grave. He has no right to send a babysitter, someone who doesn't even know the child!" Angry, Boromir glared at the closed doors. "I wish I was in there."

"Be patient. We will discover what is going on before long." Leaning against one of the pillars, Faramir tried not to let the aching in his heart interfere with his outward emotions. It was difficult not to let it all break his strength, but he knew he needed to be steady. Aragorn had too much to deal with right now, and Boromir too easily flew off the handle. Someone had to remain calm and reasonabLookLooking up at his brother, he added quietly, "Maybe it would be a good idea to have a caregiver for Eldarion."

Boromir looked at his brother like he had just decided to marry a dwarf. "You cannot be serious?"

He shook his head. "Arwen was Eldarion's only real link to his elven heritage. Having another elf might be good for him. And Aragorn."

The elder sighed and Faramir knew logic was getting to him. "Still, though, Aragorn won't be happy with this."

"I wouldn't be either." Faramir looked up. "It will be difficult for him having an elf in Arwen's place. It is a female, right?"

Boromir clenched his jaw. "Yes, I think so." He opened his mouth to add something, but stopped abruptly when the lock on the citadel's door clicked open.

Faramir stood up straight as the door opened and a familiar person stepped out. "Legolas," he greeted, smiling and patting him on the arm. "It is good to see you."

The elf returned the smile, but it did not reach his eyes. "You as well. It is a shame we could not meet under better circumstances." He nodded his greeting to Boromir and a trouble expression came over his face. "I assume you know why I am here."

"A caregiver for Eldarion has been delivered." Boromir pursed his lips and leaned back against a pillar when Legolas nodded. "Why?"

"Elrond wanted his grandson to have an elven influence." Legolas' pale eyes surveyed the gray sky. To Faramir, he looked tired and worn. The Captain didn't know elves could ever look that way.

"What did Aragorn have to say about it?" asked Boromir.

The elf looked back at the citadel's doors. "He has agreed to it."

Narrowing his eyes, he pushed from the pillar. "Agreed to it? Without argument?"

Legolas did not allow Boromir's anger to bother him. "He understood Elrond's concerns. I do not think Aragorn wants Idril here, but he is wise enoughknowknow that Eldarion needs full-time care, and a King cannot provide that."

"Idril? That is her name?" asked Faramir.

"Yes." A soft wind brushed Legolas' hair over his shoulders as he turned back to the Captain. "Please, as a favour to me, make her feel welcome. She is a friend of mine, and is doing this for ElroShe She has never before lived away from her own kind."

"You are not staying?" he asked, surprised.

Sorrow was evident in the elf's eyes. "No, not for long. I will see to it that she is comfortable here, and then I am leaving. I will make my journey to the sea."

Boromir frowned as Faramir's eyebrows raised. "To the Havens?" When Legolas nodded, the young Captain wasn't sure what to say. To a mortal, Valinor was a difficult thing to understand. "Why have you decided to leave?"

"I have grown weary. Many of my kind have." He looked up and surveyed the Captains. "It seems as though many of the races of Arre tre tired."

Faramir did not deny it. "I know not what to say, Legolas. You have been a good friend."

"You as well," he replied, offering a small smile.

"Have you told Aragorn?" asked Boromir.

He nodded. "We have said our farewells." He paused, then added, "I told him Elrond and Galadriel will be accompanying me as well."

The elder Captain sighed and looked out on the dying gray of the morning sky. Sunlight was beginning to bring blue to the heavens. "The world is indeed changing."

"And not for the better." Frowning, Faramir looked up at the elf. "I wish you well, Legolas."

"I as well." Boromir moved his glance to the door of the Hall and knit his brow. "Is Aragorn still in there?"

Legolas followed his gaze. "Yes. He is speaking with Idril." Faramir watched him as he seemed to consider something. "Would one of you be able to do me a favour?" He looked up at the brothers.

"Of course," replied Boromir.

"I must prepare things for my departure. Could you tell Idril where I have gone when the King is through speaking with her?"

Faramir nodded. "I will show her to her room."

Legolas nodded his thanks and took his leave. Boromir looked after the elf and sighed when he disappeared out of the courtyard. "This is worse than I could have imagined."

The younger narrowed his eyes. "Are you unhappy about the elves leaving Middle-earth?"

Boromir grunted. "I will be the first to admit that I have no use for the elves, but their leaving does present a new dilemma. I doubt Aragorn will be very pleased. He's unhappy enough without having to concern himself over this as well."

"He was raised with elves. I'm sure he'll understand that this is a natural progression for them." He spoke without doubt, but deep down wondered if the King wouldn't find reason to despair.

Pursing his lips, Boromir heaved a heavy breath. "I'm going in there." He opened the door and entered, and after a short hesitation Faramir followed.

The fair-haired Captain took immediate notice of the elf that spoke with Aragorn on the other side of the room. It was hard not to. The cloak she wore, a vivid red, stood out like a blood-red rose against the white marble of the hall. She herself was very pale as well. If she had been a mortal, Faramir would have wondered if she was ill.

Aragorn's soft blue eyes looked up as they approached. A small smirk played at his lips. "Captain Boromir. I was wondering when you would show."

Boromir couldn't help but grin. "You know me too well." He looked the young woman up and down before bowing politely. "You must be Idril."

The elf stared at him unblinkingly before glancing at Faramir. "Yes," she answered, looking back at Boromir. She seemed uncomfortable.

Aragorn offered introductions. "Idril, this is Boromir and Faramir, the Stewards of Gondor." He raised an eyebrow and looked at the older Captain. "This is Eldarion's new caregiver. I suggest you treat her kindly."

Boromir laughed. Faramir didn't even smile, though, noticing that she did not look happy. "Legolas wanted us to show you to your room when you're through here," he said, stepping forward. She brightened slightly at her friend's name.

Aragorn's eyes trailed over the elf. "I think we're through here. I will come see you later."

She nodded politely. "Thank you, my Lord." With an eager look in her eyes, she took Faramir's invite and followed him out of the hall. When the door closed behind them, she exhaled deeply.

He grinned. "You seem relieved to be out of there."

Idril looked up at him with wide, surprised eyes, as if she only then realized he was there. "I think I'm just a little overwhelmed," she answered politely, brushing her dark hair behind her ear.

Faramir walked slowly, keeping in mind Legolas' plea to help her gain comfort in new surroundings. "You are not pleased to be here," he said, more as a statement than a question.

Her eyes possessed a sadness he didn't think elves ever submitted to. She didn't deny her hesitance to be in Minas Tirith. "This is not my home. I am doing this as a favour to Lord Elrond."

"May I ask why he sent you here? Of all the elves in Rivendell?"

She tightened her cloak around her body. "He wanted someone who could teach Eldarion about his mixed heritage."

Faramir was confused for a moment before understanding dawned on him. "You have that in common with him."

She looked up. "My mother was human."

"Does Aragorn know?"

Idril nodded. "Yes. I think it was easier for him to understand why Elrond sent me after I told him." After a short pause, she gazed back up at Faramir and narrowed her eyes. "Thank you, Captain, for taking the time to escort me. I imagine Legolas requested it."

He smiled softly. "He did, but I would not think to leave a lady such as yourself alone in a new city. And please, call me Faramir. I was never one for titles."

"You are quite kind," she replied, eyeing him, "Not what I expected."

Faramir paused at the foot of the stairs leading up to where Idril was staying. "I imagine you have heard quite a few stories about humans in general."

Raising an eyebrow, she allowed herself to smile. "I have, but you have given me hope that perhaps all the stories were not true." He returned her expression. "Thank you, Faramir, for the walk. I hope to see you later."

He nodded his farewell and watched until she had entered the building.

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TBC