Possession

Possession

Chapter 3
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.

Repost. Accidentally deleted the chapter. :|

*

She had still not gotten over the shock. In a few short hours her life had changed drastically for the worse, and now, days later, it was getting no better. It was so difficult to comprehend and she knew she was of little use to Elrond right now. He had been quiet and isolated for most of the journey to Gondor. Valawen had not bothered him, knowing he needed to be alone in his thoughts. It troubled her, though, and she was nervous about entering Minas Tirith. She hadn't visited a human city before, and Elrond had been certain that their stay would not be short. Sighing heavily, she looked ahead of her horse to Captain Faramir. He had been kind in their days together, assuring her that things would be alright. Valawen could tell he was trying to reassure himself as well, though. The loss of Arwen had obviously affected him quite deeply.

Closing her eyes, Valawen took in a deep breath. The air here was thicker, it seemed. They had entered Gondor's land a day ago and were close to the White City. Looking up at the sky, she frowned at the gray clouds that seemed to forever block her view of the sun. Snow was imminent. Sadly, she thought about how much her life had changed in a few short days. A wave of guilt passed over her and she glanced at Elrond who rode beside her. Now was not the time to wish for other things. She needed to be strong.

A bright tower rose up from the ground as they met the apex of the hill. Valawen felt a slight shiver rise up her spine as the city came into view. It was a marvel of architecture. Banners of black and white flew from the pinnacles, standing near-straight in the sharp wind. The stormy day cast a shadowy cover over the city, marking it as gray rather than white. It was imposing and made her feel small in its presence. She marveled at what it must have took to build something as tall as the mountains that surrounded it.

"It is quite amazing, is it not?" Faramir's voice caught on the wind, making it sound like a breathless whisper. "I never tire of seeing it from this side."

Glancing at Elrond, she noticed he had ridden up further as the Captain had fallen behind. "It is beautiful," she answered, turning her attention back to Faramir. "It must be even more stunning in the sunlight."

"It glitters like mithril." Turning his eyes to the heavens, she noticed his eyes turn sad. "There is much darkness here in winter. You should visit when it is warmer."

"I may still be here at that time," she responded glumly without thinking. Knitting her brow, she regarded Faramir apologetically. "I'm sorry. I did not mean that to sound so melancholy."

He shook his head. "Your visit comes under mournful circumstances, my lady. It is not a good time for any of us."

"I am having much trouble with this. Elrond has barely spoken to me since we left. I am unsure if it was good of me to come along." She bit her lip as they slowly came upon the gates of the city. "I fear I may hinder what he wishes to accomplish."

Faramir frowned and asked, "What is it Elrond wishes to accomplish?"

"To be honest, I am not entirely sure. I know he wants to speak with Aragorn, and I know he wants to visit Arwen. He has not told me of anything else."

The Captain nodded, but Valawen knew she had not made him feel any better about this visit. "When we arrive in the city, I will take both of you to the King. I imagine Aragorn will want to see Elrond immediately."

"Elrond knows the way to the King's Hall, Faramir. You have done us all a great favour by delivering Aragorn's message, and I know you are exhausted. Go see your wife. We will be fine on our own."

They stopped in front of the large wooden gates that began to open with a dull groan. "I should accompany you," he say, his eyes divulging that he would like nothing other than to take Valawen's offer. "I will see Eowyn afterwards."

She turned quiet, Faramir's expression enough to make her weak with sorrow. When she looked up at Elrond, she noticed him regarding her softly. He urged his horse towards her and asked quietly, "How do you fare?"

"I am well," she replied, forcing a smile. She averted her eyes when he raised an eyebrow, obvious in his knowledge that she was indeed not well. "I am not sure what to do, Elrond. Was it wise of me to accompany you on this journey, or will I only be in your way?"

His smile was gentle and true. "I am happy you're here."

Valawen looked up as the doors opened to the city. Swallowing heavily, she followed Faramir into the courtyard and frowned at the walls of stone. Somehow it seemed much less inviting from the inside.

Following the others' lead, she dismounted her horse and allowed one of the soldiers guarding the gate to lead it away. "I will take you to the King," said Faramir, turning and starting up a flight of stairs.

With a deep breath and glance at Elrond, Valawen trailed after the Captain. Smoothing back her hair, she looked upward and felt suddenly claustrophobic. The walls seemed to continue upwards forever. Feeling a hand at hers, she looked down to see Elrond smiling at her. "You will get used to it."

She shook her head. "I hope so."

Valawen held tightly to Elrond's hand. The streets of Minas Tirith were cold and deserted. It was the middle of the afternoon, yet felt like dusk. Shadows were in every corner, darkening the already opaque stone. Dry, brown leaves littered the walkway, crunching under their feet. She felt as though she was heading in a direction she would never be able to turn back from. For a fleeting moment she wondered how Arwen could have adjusted to such a place. Narrowing her brow, she peered at Elrond. None of the worry she felt was apparent upon his expression. Chiding herself, she tried to release the anxiety. It would do no good to fear the unknown.

As they came upon the final level of the city, she exhaled gratefully. The space was open and clear, much more what she was used to. Faramir led them to the furthest building, ascending the stairs and entering without hesitation. Once they passed the threshold, Elrond let go of her hand.

Valawen fell back, allowing Elrond and Faramir to lead. She tilted her head in curiousity, though, when the first person she saw was not a man, but a young woman. Her blue eyes widened in visible relief when she saw them, and she immediately came towards Faramir. Valawen smiled as Faramir embraced his wife.

"Eowyn," he breathed, parting but not letting go of her hand, "Where is the King?"

Valawen noticed the blonde glance at both her and Elrond before speaking. "He is in his rooms. Do you want me to retrieve him?"

"I will go," replied the Captain, "Would you make our guests comfortable? You know Lord Elrond, and this is Valawen. They have had a long ride."

"Of course." Eowyn bit her lip and watched Faramir leave, then sighed and turned to them. "Thank you for coming, Lord Elrond. I wish it was under better circumstances."

Elrond exhaled deeply and replied, "As do I." Clasping his hands behind his back, he walked by the young woman and approached the fireplace.

Valawen frowned, noting Eowyn's worried expression. The blonde looked up and smiled in a gesture of kindess. "I am Eowyn, Faramir's wife. Your name is Valawen?"

"Yes. I am Elrond's...betrothed." She paused, realizing that was the first time she had referred to herself in such a way.

Eowyn raised her eyebrows. "Oh, I had not realized Elrond was to marry."

Looking downward, she answered, "News of Arwen came the day after our engagement."

"I'm sorry." She touched her hand to Valawen's arm and said quietly, "Congratulations. I'm sure Arwen would have been pleased."

Her heart fluttered as she thought about Elrond's daughter. "I would like to have met her."

Eowyn nodded, turning as footsteps entered the room. She lowered her hand and frowned as Faramir came into the room with Aragorn. Valawen stood silently where she was, knowing if she was needed she would be called for. As it was, Faramir left the King with Elrond and walked towards the women. "We should go, Eowyn," he said. Looking up at Valawen, he asked, "Would you like to stay?"

Peering at Elrond, she noticed Aragorn watching them. "No," she breathed, "I will let them be alone." Moving her eyes back to Faramir, she asked, "Would you be able to show me where I am staying?"

"Of course."

With one last glance at Elrond, Valawen followed Eowyn and the Captain out of the Hall.

*

TBC