Beneath the Veil

Beneath the Veil

Chapter 6
Author: Frosty the Orc Princess
Codes: Aragorn, Legolalronlrond, Eowyn, Gimli, OC, AU
Rated: NC-17
Summary: After Frodo and Sam fail their mission, Aragorn takes over. Can he handle the power of the ring?
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the R. If. If I did, I would be rich, and I most certainly am not rich. :(
Notes: Elf-code is at the end of the story.


*

After escorting her to the dining hall, Legolas had left Amarie with Gimli after taking him aside for a few moments. The dwarf's demeanor was less than jovial after talking with the elf, but he was nonetheless kind to her. She was sure Legolas must have mentioned her affair with Aragorn, but if he did Gimli said nothing of it.

"It was to be expected," he said, shaking his head and taking a drink of wine, "I just hoped it would not be so soon."

Amarie sipped her water and looked around the room. It was nearly empty, save for a few soldiers. She wondered where Aragorn was. "Where did Legolas go?" she asked, concerned.

"Not sure," the dwarf replied, "He might've gone to find the King."

Nodding, Amarie decided she couldn't sit around and wait for things to happen. "I should speak with Elrond," she said, leaning towards Gimli, "He should know what has happened."

Gimli frowned and raised his eyebrows. "Oh, I do not know if that is a good idea, my lady," he said, "If someone needs to know, I am sure Legolas will inform them."

"I feel useless," she groused, "Are we to just sit here and wait?"

Gimli shrugged. "I don't feel useless. I'm supposed to watch you," he said, pointing at her and grinning.

Amarie crossed her arms and leaned back. "I feel li chi child," she said sadly, "Like I cannot take care of myself."

"These are unusual circumstances," he replied, "Do not think such things."

"It is hard to help," she said, smiling softly, "Could we at least take a walk? I feel trapped in this dark room."

"Aye," said Gimli, rising from his seat, "I could do with some fresh air myself."

Amarie felt immensely relieved when they left the building and headed out into the warm sunshine. The cool breeze upon her face brought her senses back into focus. She often found herself looking back on the night past, on Aragorn and the ring. It was almost obsessive of her.

They stopped for a rest just past the stables. There was a nice view here, of the river and mountains. It comforted Amarie to see them, as she found herself missing the trees of Lorien.

"It is a dire time," said Gimli quietly as he leaned against his axe, "But a lady such as yourself should never look so sad."

Amarie smiled softly and laid a hand on the dwarf's shoulder. "I thank you for your words," she said, "But I cannot help to think that this despair will not leave until Middle-Earth is safe. If it ever shall be."

"It shall," he replied, "This is only a minor setback. Legolas will deal with Aragorn." She She couldn't help but chuckle softly. "If it were only that easy," she said, smiling down on the dwarf. "I know it is not. I know I have only made it worse."

Gimli sighed and shook his head. "Legolas is right. You are too hard on yourself." Amarie frowned and looked back out at the mountains. "If you feel so strongly that you did wrong, then may I suggest working that much harder to make things better?"

"And how would I do that?" she asked quietly.

"You could start by apologizing," said a voice behind them, and they both turned abruptly. Amarie's eyes widened as Gimli stepped in front of her.

"What would you have me apologize for?" asked Amarie, raising her chin slightly. The hand she had placed on Gimli's shoulder motioned him aside. His response had very likely informed Aragorn of their distrust of him. She was sure he had overheard them speak, as well.

Aragorn smiled broadly as he came to stand beside Amarie, completely ignoring the tense dwarf. "I would have you apologize for your inability to keep some things private," he said, stepping close to her and lowering his voice, "I would have you apologize for your disrespect."

Whatever fear she felt, it was overwhelmed by the anger seething in her veins. "My disrespect?" she said, narrowing her eyes, "I think you are confused."

When Aragorn's smile disappeared and his eyes turned dark, Gimli forced himself between them. "Think about this Aragorn," he said, pushing Amarie back and trying to get the human's attention, "You are not acting like yourself!"

Aragorn's eyes lowered to the dwarf. "It is a mistake to get in my way," he said quietly, "This has nothing to do with you."

Gimli stood tall and held tight to his axe. "Lady Amarie is under my protection," he said sternly, "I warn you, I will not allow you to do her harm."

The darkness in Aragorn's eyes faded slightly at Gimli's words. "Harm?" he said, looking up at the elf, "You think I would hurt you?"

"I do not know," she said, "It has crossed my mind."

Aragorn nodded softly and stepped back from the dwarf. For a few moments he looked out to the mountains, his eyes sad. Amarie thought perhaps he was fighting the ring's power, trying to regain control, but her heart skipped a beat when he pulled the band from his pocket and looked down at it.

"It speaks to me," he said quietly, fingering the gold, "Tells me things." He looked up at Amarie and knit his brow. "I know what you and Elrond have planned. I know what is to come." Clasping his hand shut, he shoved the ring back into his pocket. Aragorn's eyes grew hard as he stared at her. "I will not allow it."

"You know not of what you speak," she said angrily, "The ring is lying to you!"

Gimli stepped back when Aragorn advanced upon them. "Did it li you you as well?" he asked, "Tell me, what secrets did it share with you last night?"

Amarie stiffened. "It told me nothing."

"Indeed." Aragorn smiled and licked his lips. "It must believe you unworthy."

As much as Amarie knew that the ring was only meant to control, she couldn't help but feel a stab of pain at Aragorn's words. "Listen to yourself, Aragorn," said Gimli, "Can you not hear how you speak?"

"I can hear myself quite clearly, Gimli," he replied, not taking his eyes from the elf, "Never trust an elf. Am I right?"

"Tell me, Aragorn," said Amarie, "What are you planning on doing now? The ring must be destroyed."

Aragorn's laugh was gentle. "It need not be," he said, "I can bear it. Sn win will not have it."

"No one here will allow you to keep it," she said quietly, "It will be taken from you."

As Aragorn's eyes grew angry, Gimli tried to move Amarie back. "It is mine. My own. I will not allow it to be taken by anyone. Least of all an elf like you."

Amarie pushed against Gimli's shoulder as he prodded her away from Aragorn. "Do you really think any of the Rohan soldiers will allow you to take it? They would rather see it in the hands of a child than in the pocket of a corrupted King!"

Gimli gasped and tripped against a rock as Aragorn advanced towards them, catching them by surprise. Amarie had no time to react when the human grabbed her arms and threw her against a building.
o noo not test me," he growled low as he held her against the brick wall, "You will regret it."

As Gimli struggled to get up, Amarie leaned forward against Aragorn's hands and stared into his cloudy gray eyes. "The only thing I regret, Lord Aragorn," shet, \t, "Is what I allowed you to do last night."

Quickly releasing one arm, Aragorn caught Amarie's throat in his free hand and squeezed. She struggled against him, grabbing at his hand, but he was too strong.

"This is your end," he whispered as he clenched her throat tighter. She could feel herself suffocating as she struggled in vain against him.

Suddenly, as though splashed with cold water, Aragorn's hand loosened and she could feel air again. Gasping, Amarie fell to the ground along with Aragorn. Behind the human was Gimli, holding the wrong end of his axe.

"I couldn't kill him," he said quietly, staring at Arag's p's prone form, "I couldn't."

Amarie choked in a few breaths and stood up on shaking legs. She could not believe it had gone so far that he had been willing to kill her. "He needs to be locked up," she said, coughing, "He needs to be put someplace safe."

Gimli nodded and looked around, as though searching for the right spot. His eyes were startled and nervous when he looked back at her. "Where?" he asked.

Taking the axe from the dwarf, Amarie clenched it in her hands and sat down a few feet from Aragorn. "Find Theoden and Legolas. Tell them. They'll find someplace for him." She looked up at Gimli with wide eyes. "I'll watch over him."

"Oh no," he said, shaking his head, "You should not be alone with him."

Amarie clenched her jaw and glared at the dwarf. "There is no time to argue, Gimli. I am too tired to go. Find Theoden and get him to bring soldiers here. Hurry!"

He looked as though he would object, but Gimli only muttered something under his breath before running off in search of the King. Amarie let out a shuddering breath as she turned to look at the sprawled form of Aragorn. If this was what the ring did to people, she did not want anything to do with it.

Then, with a sharp jolt through her body, it occured to her. The ring. Licking her lips and sitting up, she strained her neck to see the pocket where he kept it. It was there, the outline could be seen. And it was so easily accessible.

She crawled towards Aragorn's body, her eyes focused on the pocket where the ring was. Someone had to take it from him, while there was still the opportunity. She could not leave it with him. What if he woke up?

Still, though, it bothered her. Amarie saw what it had done to Aragorn, how it had twisted him. Last night proved that she was not strong enough to handle it for long. Still, though, she need not keep it forever.

Biting her lip and stretching out her hand, her fingers grazed the edges of the pocket before strong arms pulled her back. Startled, she jerked from the hands that held her.

"Legolas," she breathed, her eyes wide. She blinked in confusion, looking back at Aragorn.

His hands gripped her again as he pulled her to her feet. His stare was concerned and a little angry. "Are you alright?" he asked, looking her over. His eyes fell upon her bruised neck. "Did he injure you?"

"I'm alright," she said quietly, her eyes sliding back down to Aragorn'sm. \m. "He has the ring," she said, licking her lips, "It needs to be taken from him."

"And you thought you were the one to do that?" he asked tersely. She looked at him and frowned, watching as he approached Aragorn and began to remove his weapons.

"I was the only one here," she said sadly. He appeared angry with her. She didn't blame him.

He tossed aside Aragorn's knives and stood up. "I noticed," he said, his eyes ser, ", "I told you to remain with Gimli. He told me you sent him to get help, but you should have gone with him."

Amarie felt herself becoming hostile. "Do not treat me as if I am as manipulated as he is," she said, pointing to Aragorn, "I am not a mere female."

Legolas' eyes were tinged with sadness at her words. He lowered his eyes. "Forgive me," he said, "My only concern was for your protection."

Shaking her head, Amarie rubbed her eyes and sighed. "I am sorry, Legolas," she said, "I did not mean to offend you. I feel I am not myself."

The stomping of feet alerted the elves that the soldiers were coming. Pursing his lips, Legolas looked down upon Aragorn. "If it were my choice, I would have that ring gone from here," he said, "I fear what it would do to you if you were to bear it." He looked up, his blue eyes bright. "I fear for all those I care about."

Amarie met his gaze until she could no longer. The intensity in his eyes gave her discomfort. They stood in silence as the soldiers pulled Aragorn up and began dragging him away. "I do not wish it upon you, either," she said finally, exhaling deeply and looking up at him, "Unfortunately, someone must bear the burden."

Legolas sighed heavily. "Elrond is waiting with Theoden. It will be up to them to decide." He picked up Gimli's axe and began walking back to the King's Hall, looking back at Amarie to make sure she was following. "You should forget about this for a while. Take some rest."

She shook her head softly. "I cannot rest. I will be unable to sleep until I feel better about this situation."

"The situation may not become better anytime soon," he replied quietly, taking the stairs up to the Golden Hall. Amarie lowered her head and followed him as they entered the hall. To her surprise, the guards had not taken Aragorn to a safe location.

Legolas frowned at Theoden and Elrond. "Why have you not locked him up?" he asked, glancing at the chair that held the unconscious form of his friend. "He is dangerous."

Gimli looked up when Elrond spoke. "He is no longer dangerous. The ring has been taken from him."

"By who?" asked Amarie, stepping forward. She frowned, wondering if it was Elrond himself who had taken it.

Instead of speaking, though, Elrond stepped aside and everyone's eyes fell upon a small figure that had been sitting behind the elf. Pippin looked downward, averting his gaze from those looking at him. Amarie could see that he clutched something in his tiny hand.

"Pippin," breathed Legolas. He seemed to relax slightly at this news, but quickly became concerned again. "Lord Elrond, while I believe this was the right choice to make, I am still wary of allowing Aragorn to walk free. The ring has shown itself to have lasting effects on those who have held it. I do not believe Aragorn will allow it to remain in the hobbit's hands."

Theoden frowned and looked at Elrond. "If there is a chance Aragorn is under the ring's power, should we not keep him under guard?"

Elrond looked at Aragorn, his eyes soft. "You may be right, Theoden King," he replied, "It may be best to keep him under guard in his rooms."

Quickly, Theoden motioned for two of the guards to take Aragorn away. "Post two guards at all times," he told them, "And be careful."

Legolas watched them drag him out the door. "We must all be careful," he said darkly, "The ring has a powerful pull."

Amarie could not argue with that. Her eyes had been locked on the small hobbit for a long while, and she found herself having trouble pulling away, no matter how uncomfortable the halfling looked.

"My lady," spoke Gimli, touching her arm. Amarie inhaled sharply and looked down, narrowing her eyes. "We should leave."

She blinked softly and nodded, grateful to the dwarf for not drawing attention to her lapse. Amarie glanced up at Legolas before following Gimli outside. The elf did not follow.

"Oh, Gimli," smirked Amarie as she sat down on the edge of the parapet, "If you had not taken me out of there, I might have attacked Pippin myself."

The dwarf, cautious of the distance to the ground, sat carefully beside her. "Nonsense, Lady," he replied, "You are stronger than that."

"Am I, though?" she asked, sighing heavily, "I held it for mere moments, and I am still drawn to it. I cannot imagine the pain Aragorn will go through once he awakens."

"Aye, it will be hard." Gimli watched Amarie closely for a few moments before turning and looking out over the mountains. "It is hard for you now, as well, but it will get easier."

Amarie smiled down at him. "I do hope you are right," she said, then frowning, asked, "Why did they not give the ring to Pippin or Merry in the first place? Why was Aragorn chosen when the hobbits have shown such resilience towards the ring's power?"

"Well, at the time, neither of the hobbits felt they could take the burden. It was too soon after Frodo died. And besides," he said, laughing softly, "Gandalf doesn't exactly trust those two with such a grand responsibility."

"They are young," she replied, "Those so young should not be weighed down so."

Gimli patted her on the knee. "No one should have to carry that weight, no matter what their age."

Amarie smiled softly, but turned when the doors to the hall swung open. "We will be leaving tomorrow at dawn for Mordor," said Legolas as he came to stand beside them. Amarie and Gimli stood as Legolas' eyes grew sad. "There will be only four of us."

Smiling, she crossed her arms and brushed her foot against the granite floor. "I will not be joining you, will I?"

"No," replied Legolas, "Elrond has discussed it with Theoden, and it has been decided that Gimli and I will travel with Merry and Pippin."

"Both hobbits?" said Gimli, frowning, "Why?"

Legolas' eyes grew distant. "Merry will come with us, in case something happens to Pippin."

Amarie shook her head. "They should not have to sacrifice themselves. It is my fault the original plan is not holding. I will talk to Elrond."

A soft hand touched her arm before she could turn away. "Merry volunteered," said Legolas, "Pippin must go, and Merry will not let him go alone. There is no use in speaking with Lord Elrond."

"I feel terrible," she sighed. Her eyes looked up to Legolas. "I wish I could go with you."

Legolas smiled softly. "It will be safer for us if there are less people."

"Besides," added Gimli, "We can't have you attacking Pippin all the way to Mordor."

Amarie laughed despite her sadness. "I will miss you, Gimli. When you arrive back home, I will be there to greet you."

"Will you allow me to escort you to your rooms, Amarie?" asked Legolas as Gimli smiled, "The day is growing late, and Theoden has asked that we remain indoors, in case of problems with Aragorn."

"Yes, thank you." Amarie said her goodbyes to Gimli and headed to her rooms, walking alongside Legolas. She clasped her hands behind her back as she thought about the coming morning. A tension filled her abdomen as she looked at the elf beside her. She worried for him.

When they arrived at her door, she opened it and Legolas followed her in. "Now that Aragorn is under guard, does that mean it is alright for me to be alone?" she asked, turning to him with a faint smile.

Legolas closed the door and cocked his head. "I suppose it does. Unless, of course, you do not feel safe."

Amarie's eyes turned sad in the lowering light. "I do not feel safe," she replied, sitting down on the bed, "I worry for all of us. Especially for you and Gimli."

"The mission will succeed," he said confidently, "I have no doubt about that."

Massaging her hands, Amarie stared at the floor. "My time here has been short, but I consider you a friend." She looked up at him, her eyes clear. "Everything in me hopes I will see you again."

Legolas crossed the distance between them and sat down beside her. "I hope the same."

Amarie lowered her eyes to look at her hand entwined with his. He had touched her, trying to comfort. "If only we had met under different circumstances..." she said, trailing off.

"If it is not right, I will leave you. Am I mistaken in my assumption of your feelings?"

She looked up at him and frowned. "You are not mistaken. I only wish for happier times."

Legolas reached up and touched her face, tracing her jawline. "Let our time together be happy. Forget about the morning." Leaning in, Legolas brushed his lips against hers and kissed Amarie softly.

She moved her hands up his chest to his shoulders and squeezed gently as she opened her mouth to him. He delved past her lips and sucked tenderly against her tongue, reveling in the taste. Amarie groaned softly against him, spurring on his intensity.

No thoughts of Aragorn or the morning crossed her mind. She wanted to take comfort in Legolas, and to make him happy. She could not deny her attraction. Pushing herself further up on the bed, Legolas followed, placing gentle kisses against her lips. Amarie lied back and pulled him down with her, pressing her body to his as they met for another deep kiss.

Without speaking, Legolas pulled his lips from hers and began to undo her dress. Amarie bit her lip and watched him completely disrobe her, then remove his own clothing.

Laying back over her, Legolas entwined his fingers with hers and held her hand down on the bed. He bit gently at her lips before parting her legs and pushing himself into her body.

Amarie hissed in a breath and rolled her head back as he slid into her. Taking advantage of her pose, he sent his mouth to her neck and marked her, pressing rough kisses along her shoulder. Amarie's other hand found Legolas'k ank and she pulled him down as her own hips rolled upward, causing him to groan against her skin.

Raising his eyes to hers, Legolas parted her lips with his tongue and kissed her deeply, savouring every soft movement. He jerked his hips forward and tasted her whimpers, then let go of her hand and trailed it to her chest. Legolas' palm covered her breast and gently circled the upraised flesh. Arching into his touch, she snaked her other arm around him and dug her nails into his skin.

"Pedo nin eneth," he whispered, pinching her flesh and sliding his hand down to her hip.

Amarie closed her eyes as her legs pressed against his. "Legolas," she breathed, batting her eyelashes open and staring up at him. She inhaled sharply as he rolled forward, jerking his hips hard against hers.

His breath hot against her neck as he buried his face and concentrated on completing their act. Amarie tightened her legs against his hips as his thrusts gained intensity. Soon she could no longer hold herself back, instead succumbing to the growing feelings and throwing her head back, groaning in pleasure. Legolas quickly followed suit, forcing his hips into hers and then falling against her warm body.

The afterglow didn't last long. Amarie's thoughts swiftly turned to the next morning. "I will miss you," she whispered, kissing his cheek softly.

Legolas pulled himself up and laid down next to her body. Touching her face, he smiled and pressed his lips to hers. "Do not worry, meleth," he said, "We will be together again."

Somehow, though, Amarie worried that would not be true.

*

FINIS. For now.

Elf-Speak:

Pedo nin eneth - Speak my name
Meleth - love