Joy and Sorrow

Joy and Sorrow

Chapter 5
Author: Frosty McGoogle the Wonder Poodle
Codes: Legolas, Eomer, Eowyn, Boromir, OC, AU
Rated: NC-17
Summary: On an AU plane of existence, Rohan celebrates the defeat of Sauron. Joining them are Boromir and Haldir, quite alive, and a few of the elvesso, so, Eowyn keeps a secret and Eomer has issues.
Disclaimer: Consider it disclaimed.
Notes: Elvish translations at end of story. I did the best I could. ;)


*

When she awoke, the room was naturally dark. The windows showed it to be night, but the time she did not know. Nor did she care. As she pushed herself up, Larelind groaned in pain. She hated headaches.

Rubbing her face, Larelind yawned and looked around the room. Boromir was absent, and she was grateful for that. Her legs ached as she stood and dressed, stumbling slightly in the dark room. Eowyn would probably be wondering where she was.

Larelind didn't even bother looking in the mirror before leaving the room and heading back to Eowyn's. She felt like hell, even moreso than the last time she had gotten a hangover. This time there had been drunken actions that Larelind was sure she'd never forget. She promised herself, though, that Boromir would never know that she did regret it. Thinking about the self-satisfied look he'd get on his face if he knew that made it an easy promise to make.

Approaching Eowyn's rooms, Larelind tried her best to sneak in just in case Eowyn was sleeping. When she cracked the door, though, a strong light filtered through, hurting her eyes. She blinked back the pain as she entered.

"Larelind," said Eowyn breathlessly, grabbing ahold of her, "Where have you been? I was so worried!"

"Sorry," she mumbled, her head pounding. Larelind pulled from Eowyn's grasp and walked over to the bed, collapsing on top of it. "Can you turn out the lights, please? I have a headache."

Larelind didn't have to look up to know that Eowyn was glaring at her. Burying her face in the sheets, she groaned when the blonde sat down beside her, leaving the lights bright and piercing.

"Where were you?" asked Eowyn. Her voice was low, tinged with annoyance. Larelind felt a stab of guilt. "I had people out looking for you."

"I said I was sorry," mumbled Larelind, turning her face so she could see Eowyn out of the corner of her eye, "I drank too much and passed out."

Eowyn pursed her lips and crossed her arms, something Larelind knew was not a good sign. "This is not healthy, Larelind. I know more than just drinks happened." She leaned close, brushing Larelind's hair from her face so she could look at her more clearly. "Frodo said you left with Boromir."

She said it as though she was waiting for an explanation. Larelind groaned again, wrapping her arms around her head. "So go talk to Boromir," she said, the blankets muffling her words.

"I did. He said he did not know where you were." Larelind looked up and frowned, then sighed and pushed herself up on her knees. "I want to know what happened, Larelind."

The lights seemed dimmer now, but that did nothing to lessen her headache. She rubbed her temple, trying to ease out the pain. "I made a mistake," she said, her tired eyes meeting Eowyn's, "It was my fault, and it's over now. I don't want anyone to know, okay?"

"You slept with Boromir," she whispered, and it was then that it hit Larelind that this would affect Eowyn. She had forgotten about Faramir.

"Oh, God," she whispered, rubbing her face. She grasped Eowyn's hand, squeezing it as she tried to convey just how sorry she was. "I'm sorry, Eowyn, I forgot..." Larelind trailed off, unsure of what to say. "It's entirely my fault. Boromir did nothing wrong."

Eowyn took a deep breath and nodded. "I won't pretend I am not hurt by this," she said, her blue eyes shining, "It was your decision, though, yours and Boromir's. I can accept that."

Larelind stared at her friend a moment longer before collapsing back down to the bed. "Gawwwwwd," she wailed, rolling onto her back and covering her face with her arms, "I am such an idiot!" Knowing Eowyn would not accept excuses as comfort, she sat back up and met her eyes. "It was stupid, Eowyn, really stupid. I was just feeling sorry for myself. I'm sorry. I didn't think. I am sorry."

Standing, Eowyn crossed her arms and walked to the far side of the room. "Eomer is not worth this," she said, leaning against the wall, "You are allowed to be hurt, Larelind, but that doesn't mean you can hurt others. I want you to stop this."

Larelind lowered her head and nodded softly. There was no one quite like Eowyn to make you feel as guilty as possible. "I will," she said, brushing her hair back behind her ears, "I'lop.\op."

"Good." Eowyn pushed herself from the wall and went to the lights, dimming them. Larelind looked up as she put out the candles on the dresser. "It's late. We can talk more in the morning."

Larelind laid back down on the bed, rubbing her pained eyes. When she saw Eowyn pulling on her cloak, though, she pushed herself up on her elbows. "Where are you going?" she asked, frowning.

"There are people looking for you," she said, opening the door and looking back, "I have to tell them they can stop now."

When she closed the door, Larelind fell back to the bed and groaned.

*

Larelind awoke early the next morning, leaving Eowyn's rooms before her friend finished her sleep. It was dawn, the morning chill biting at her cheeks, but it felt so good to have something cool on her face. She pulled her cloak tight around her and walked down the hill, intent on taking advantage of this time when no one was yet awake.

Halfway down the hill she stopped, seeing someone practicing archery. Larelind licked her lips and smiled, deciding that this person was alright. She wouldn't mind visiting with him.

Larelind brushed her hair out of her face as she approached the elf. He did not show that he was aware of her presence till he let go of his last arrow. It was then he turned to her with a friendly smile.

"Good morning, Lady Larelind," he said, removing the quiver from his back and setting it down on a wood table, "I trust you slept well?"

His eyes held no curiousity or blame, but Larelind was sure, of all people, Legolas would know about what she did last night. "I did," she said, wrapping her arms around herself, "For the most part."

He looked up when she said this, undoing his leather wristguards and placing them beside his bow. "I will not pretend I don't know what you speak of," he said, averting his eyes to the table. He seemed to take his time arranging his things just right. "If you need someone to talk to, I will listen."

Larelind narrowed her eyes as she watched him. He seemed uncomfortable. "Have I offended you?" she asked quietly, stepping towards him. He looked up with wide blue eyes as she spoke. "If I have, please tell me."

She couldn't read his expression as he looked over her face, but it was decidedly unhappy. "You have not offended me," he said, "It would not be my place to have such feelings."

Not understanding, Larelind shook her head softly as he walked to the target and pulled out his arrows. He came back, his eyes not meeting hers as he walked steadily and, if Larelind was not mistaken, with agitation in his step. "You are upset with me," she said, realizing that she had offended him in some way, "Is it because of Boromir?"

Legolas sighed and set down the arrows he was placing in the quiver. He lowered his eyes first, collecting his thoughts, perhaps, then regarded Larelind with an intensity she had been unprepared for. "I won't lie to you, my lady. I found it unpleasant to hear you had relations with Captain Boromir. It is not my business, but I consider you a friend, and I would have wished something more meaningful for you." He took a deep breath and stepped close to her, his blue eyes bright in the new sun. "You injure only yourself."

He stepped back and continued pushing the arrows into his quiver. Larelind watched his sharp movements, feeling her eyes water slightly. "And you as well, it seems," she said, her voice low. She watched his hands as they stopped moving, pressing down against the wood table. When her eyes moved back to his face, he was looking at her.

"As I said," he replied, pulling the quiver over his shoulder, "It is not my business."

With a curt nod, he stalked past her and headed back up the hill. Larelind felt glued to the spot. She turand and watched him go, and a part of her pushed for her to follow, but she stayed, unable to move. She had had no idea. How could one mistake hurt so many people?

When Legolas had disappeared from sight, Larelind wiped her wet eyes and took a slow, deep breath. The past few days had been a nightmare. All she wanted to do was set things right. Feeling weary once again, she headed off back towards Eowyn's room. Maybe she should just spend the rest of her life in there.

Sunlight was streaming through the windows by the time Larelind got back to the hall. She creaked open the door and immediately heard rustling, the sounds of a very awake Eowyn. Sighing and preparing herself, she walked in, smiling weakly as the blonde looked up.

Eowyn raised an eyebrow, obviously wondering where she had been, but said nothing of it. "Good morning," she said instead, flattening out the pillows.

"Morning," Larelind replied, closing the door softly. She sat down on a stool across from the bed and watched Eowyn. "Are you wondering where I was?" she asked, feeling the need to clear the air.

"I will admit I was struck a little curious," she said. Larelind hated seeing that cool look in her eyes. She had obviously not forgiven her yet.

"I went for a walk," she said, clasping her hands, "To clear my head." Larelind wasn't sure if she should mention the elf, but her interest got the best of her. "I saw Legolas," she added, "Did you tell him about Boromir?"

Pursing her lips, Eowyn folded the covers on the bed, not looking up. "I did."

Larelind nodded, biting her lip. "Why did you tell him?"

Eowyn's blue eyes were steady and truthful as she stood up and stared at Larelind. "He asked. He was worried about you." She shook her head and stalked to the other side of the bed, yanking the covers and folding them. "If you weren't so obsessed with your own misery you would see that."

"What are you saying?" she asked weakly.

Eowyn stopped making the bed and sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. She turned and sat down, looking up at Larelind with a softened expression. "You hurt more than just me with your actions, Larelind," she said, her voice hard, "If you cannot see that he cares, then perhaps you should surrender to your anguish." Licking her lips, she stood up and grabbed her cloak, slinging it around her arms. "The Larelind I know would not lament over a hardship." She opened the door and held out her hand. "Come to breakfast."

Larelind could barely think straight as she took Eowyn's hand and allowed her to lead her into the hall. She couldn't believe Legolas, an elf, had feelings for her. "Don't look so worried," said Eowyn, squeezing Larelind's hand when she noticed her silence, "I'm sorry I was so blunt with you, but I don't want to see you hurt yourself any further."

Looking up, Larelind couldn't help but ask, "Legolas has feelings for me?" Eowyn smiled and nodded. "How do you know?"

"It is easy to see, if you notice such things." Eowyn pushed open the door to the Golden Hall and stopped short. Larelind saw what she was looking at, and pulled at the blonde's hand.

"I'm not ready for that," she whispered, pleading with her friend, "Please don't make me sit there."

Eowyn shook her head and smiled. "There is nothing to be ready for. We are merely having breakfast." She pulled Larelind along to a small table where Legolas, Aragorn, and two of the hobbits were seated. "Good morning," she said as she approached, "May we join you?"

Larelind's gaze immediately went to Legolas, but she averted it when he looked up at her. Aragorn offered them a seat, and Larelind stiffened when Eowyn sat her down across from the elf.

"I'm glad to see you're alright, Miss Larelind," said Pippin, sitting next to her. She looked down at him as he took a large bite of his sandwich and continued talking. "Everyone was awful worried about you last night. Merry and I searched the entire city, and Legolas even took a horse out to look for you." Larelind's eyes raised to the elf's as she blushed furiously. Legolas' gaze upon the twosome was soft and somewhat sad. The hobbit looked up at her with a questioning expression. "Where were you, anyways?"

Larelind opened her mouth, but nothing came out. "She just wanted to be alone, Pippin," said Legolas, "It was only a misunderstanding."

The young hobbit nodded and went back to his food. Merry, having said nothing, narrowed his eyes at Larelind. "You must have a very good hiding place, my lady," he said, "We were very thorough."

Larelind bit her lip, her stomach aching. "I did," she said quietly, "I'm sorry I put all of you through that." Her dark eyes met Legolas' blue ones, that did not once leave her face. "It was a mistake."

Merry stared up at Legolas, then to Larelind and back again. Shrugging to himself, he decided it was not worth it and dug into his breakfast. "We are just glad you are alright," said Aragorn, smiling softly.

"Thank you," said Larelind, blushing. She couldn't believe how one decision had affected everything so strongly.

Larelind had sat with the group through nearly two hours of the morning as Eowyn talked with Aragorn. The hobbits had long ago left, and she had remained quiet, not knowing what to say or even if she should speak. Legolas, she noticed, was quiet as well.

She kept her eyes trained on the two humans, pretending to listen to the conversation. In truth, though, she barely caught a word and found herself keenly aware of every movement the elf made. Once in a while she would chance a look at him, and each time he would turn his eyes to meet hers. It was as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.

Taking a deep breath, she rose when Eowyn stood up and thanked Aragorn for the talk. Larelind bowed quickly to each of them, her cheeks blushing softly when Legolas' eyes looked her over. Shaking her head as they left, Larelind chastised herself for reacting so oddly to him.

"You were very quiet," remarked Eowyn as they walked down the steps, "Would you tell me what you were thinking?"

Larelind sighed heavily. "I could not stop thinking about what you said earlier. I did not know how to act when Legolas would look at me. His eyes...it's as if he could see right through me." She lowered her voice and leaned in. "Eowyn, I feel so ashamed by what I have done."

"I talked with Boromir earlier," said Eowyn, "I think he wishes he would have been stronger as well." She sighed and tucked her hair behind her ears, but the wind was quick to blow it away. "It was a mistake and it has been done. There is no use worrying about it. As for Legolas," she smiled, "Maybe you should talk alone with him."

"Why?" she asked, frowning. Her stomach tensed at that, anxiety filling her body. She could not deny, though, that part of the anxiety had a root in excitement.

"He has intentions, Larelind, you should ask what they are." Squeezing her arm, Eowyn raised her eyebrows and looked her friend in the eye. "And you should think about what your response will be."

Larelind stopped and leaned against a building. Crossing her arms, she looked out over the city and felt herself frown. "I don't know what my response would be. Until you mentioned it, I had never thought such things about any elf. Now I find I am...curious."

Laughing, Eowyn patted her on the arm. "Curiousity can bring many good things. You should find out, Larelind. Go. Talk to him."

"Are you sure about this?" she breathed, worried that maybe she was overthinking this. "Are you positive that he's interested?"

Eowyn's blue eyes sparkled as she smiled. "I am positive," she said, pulling Larelind from her resting place and pushing her towards the Golden Hall, "Now go. I would rather you find love with an elf than make another mistake with a random soldier."

Larelind frowned, but did as she was told. As she headed back up the stairs, her stomach began to feel leaden. She wiped her wet palms on her dress before pushing open the hall door.

It was empty.

Taking a deep breath and momentarily considering backing out of this, Larelind gathered her courage and started for Legolas' rooms. If he was not there, though, she promised herself that she would decide it was not meant to be.

The walk to his door was very short, even moving as slow as she could. When she held her hand up to knock, though, she halted. What was she going to say to him? She couldn't possibly just walk in and ask him outright if he had romantic intentions towards her.

Larelind dropped her hand bit her lip. Eowyn would not be pleased if she didn't at least try, and she owed Eowyn. Lowering her head and preparing herself, she knocked on the door swiftly before she could stop herself.

There were steps behind the door and Larelind tensed when it opened. Legolas did not look surprised to see her, nor did he look very happy. "May I come in?" asked Larelind, swallowing and shifting her feet. For a moment he looked as though he would decline, but soon stepped to the side and allowed her entrance.

Larelind flexed her fingers as she watched Legolas close the door. He stood silently then, as though he knew she was there to tell him something. "Do you know why I'm here?" she asked, taking a nervous breath.

He lowered his eyes and walked across the room. "You are here because you know my feelings for you. What I do not know is how you will respond to them." He stopped in front of her and raised his eyes. They were so clear and calm, she wondered what he though of her for being so anxious.

"I imagine I was quite obvious earlier, in my knowledge of your feelings." Her voice wavered slightly, causing her to avert her eyes for a few moments.

"You appeared nervous," he said. His voice was quiet and much more in control than hers.

Larelind glanced around the room and frowned. It suddenly occured to her that it was an odd thing for him to be inside on a morning such as this. She turned to him, a question in her eyes. "Did you know I would come to you?"

He smiled gently. "It occured to me."

"I did not know...how you felt," she said, feeling the need to explain. "If Eowyn had not said anything, I still would not know."

Blinking softly, Legolas came to stand a little bit closer to Larelind. She felt herself shiver at that, her nerves becoming heightened. "You know now," he replied, raising a hand to touch her hair. Larelind's eyes widened as she stood shock still. "All that matters is what your answer is."

His fingers tucked her hair behind her ear. He traced her lobe softly, sliding his hand across her jaw to her chin, rubbing his thumb along her lower lip. Larelind could barely breath, let alone speak. When Legolas leaned forward, Larelind tensed and held her eyes open until his lips met hers.

His mouth was warm against hers, but in no way intimidating. The kiss was barely there, only a brush against her lips, but when he parted from her she gasped in a breath as though he taken all the air from her.

Legolas' peaceful eyes made her shiver. The room was cool but her body was flushed with heat. No man had ever kissed her so tenderly before.

"What is your answer?" he whispered, massaging her cheek pleasingly with his fingers.

At that moment, Larelind didn't think she could say no to anything he asked, so she spoke a breathy "Yes".

A warm smile spread over Legolas' features. "I would not push you," he said, his wide blue eyes taking in her face, "When you are ready, you can come to me."

Larelind choked back a laugh that caused Legolas to tilt his head inquisitively. "When I am ready?" she said, taken aback, "Oh, don't tease me."

"I do not tease," he replied, a smile threatening to take over his lips, "Unless I am asked to."

This time Larelind did laugh, a sound filled with as much nervous excitement as mirth. She didn't want to push, either, but she didn't think she would be able to leave this room without touching him. "I am ready," she breathed, "To come to you."

Legolas did not question her again, instead closing his eyes and capturing her mouth in his. His kiss was more seeking this time, hungry for entrance past her lips. She granted it willingly, moaning softly into his warm mouth as his tongue swept over hers.

Larelind skirted her hands up Legolas' chest and wrapped them around his neck, drawing him closer to her. His mouth hungrily bit at hers as he began to move her backwards towards the bed. When her knees hit the edge, he gently pulled his lips from hers and lowered her down.

"Will you allow me to please you?" he asked as he laid down beside her, his blue eyes trailing over her body.

Nodding, Larelind watched as Legolas smiled and began to undo her skirt. He was slow and deliberate in his movements, and she felt her body reacting to his gentleness. When the ties on the skirt were undone, he pulled the fabric down her legs and placed it on the floor.

Her lower body was now completely naked save for the fabric covering her pelvis. Legolas removed that as well, and stared into her eyes for a few seconds before lowering himself over her body with a faint smile.

Larelind laid her head back as she felt him part her thighs. When his mouth touched her sensitive flesh she inhaled sharply and arched her hips upwards. His tongue penetrated her wetness and the softness of his kiss made Larelind grip the sheets and moan out in pleasure.

Legolas darted his tongue around her pleasured skin, increasing his thrusts when Larelind whimpered in enjoyment. Her breathing became heavy as he caused her to near her peak, then pause while she regained control. He was teasing her.

"Legolas," she gasped out, biting her lip hard as he took her close to the edge then stopped and allowed her to relax.

Licking softly, he parted from her and looked up, his eyes shining. "Melui sui medlin. Would you like me to stop?"

Larelind sat up and grabbed him, pressing her lips to his and forcing her tongue against his in a fiery, heated kiss. He responded quickly, pulling her body close and sinking himself into her mouth, indulging his senses. He tasted sweet and warm, and Larelind couldn't help but groan against his seeking mouth.

She soon found herself being lowered back down to the bed, his hands supporting her until the sheets pressed against her back. Legolas pulled from her mouth and inhaled deeply, looking down upon her face. She smiled at the excitement in his eyes.

"Im gerin iest anann an sen," he breathed, smoothing her hair back.

Larelind brushed his blonde hair behind his ear, tracing it softly. "You speak so beautifully," she said, "Say more to me."

His placid eyes took on an edge of amusement as he rubbed his thumb along her jaw. "Im iest na caro lin am sui gwaur elleth a iuith lin rhaw an nin uireb anira."

The lines were sweet, but Larelind could tell he was toying with her. "Are you going to tell me what that means?" she asked with a smirk. Legolas shook his head slowly and Larelind chuckled. "I didn't think so."

"Im innas anno lin manadh," he whispered, touching his lips to hers and kissing her deeply. Larelind touched his shoulders and slid her hands over his back, grabbing the material of his shirt and pulling it upwards.

Legolas sat up and removed his tunic, then pulled Larelind up and did the same to her. She shivered as he ran his hands along her bare arms, pressing her back down to the bed.

Larelind arched into his hands as Legolas moved them around her curves, cupping her breasts and squeezing softly. He ran his thumbs over the sensitive centre and watched as Larelind closed her eyes, savouring the feeling. When his hands left her skin, she opened her eyes and watched him hungrily as he disrobed from the waist down.

Shifting carefully, Larelind opened her legs to allow him entrance. Legolas laid over her and entered her slowly, his eyes blinking softly as she raised her knees up and entwined her legs with his.

"Nin fael melethril," he said as he rested upon her body, "You are beautiful."

Larelind snaked her arms around his body and held tight to him as she rolled her hips upward. His breath caught and she grinned as his eyes fluttered closed.

He began to move against her slowly, pushing his hips into hers and meeting her seeking thrusts. When his eyes opened they were hazy and lustful, and she felt herself become even more aroused when he stared down at her with possessiveness.

"Don't hold back," he breathed, lowering his mouth to her neck. He bit at her skin there, marking her with his teeth. His lips moved to her ears where he whispered softly, "Cry out for me."

Larelind did that, groaning against his increasingly intense thrusts. Legolas voiced his own pleasure as well, as his hands travelled over her body, gripping at her thigh and pulling it upward so as to have better access inside her.

"Oh God," she whimpered, feeling herself nearly the edge. Her fingers dug into his back as the tension in her grew, and soon she found herself arching back and crying out in pleasure.

Legolas kept moving against her, increasing his thrusts and soon reaching his own climax. He groaned against her neck, forcing himself hard against her as the bliss overcame his senses.

Larelind dropped her arms from his body and lowered her legs, not having the strength to keep them up. Legolas pushed himself up and pulled out of her body, then settled in beside her. He draped his arm over her chest and brushed at her hair. "I am glad you came here."

Larelind watched his eyes look over her flushed face and she grinned hazily. "As am I," she said, "I must remember to thank Eowyn." Rolling over slightly, Larelind pushed herself up against Legolas as he wrapped his arms around her cooling body. "Say something else to me in elvish," she asked, looking up and smiling.

He seemed to think for a moment, then kissed the top of her head and ran his hand her arm. "Im aphad lin si. Tegi enni eithel, meleth."

*

FINIS! For now. Yay!

ELVISH:

Melui sui medlin - Sweet as honey.
Im gerin iest anann an sen - I have wished long for this.
Im innas anno lin manadh - I will give you bliss.
Im iest na caro lin am sui gwaur elleth a iuith lin rhaw an nin uireb anira - I wish to make you up as a dirty maid and use your body for my eternal desire.
Nin fael melethril - My fair lover.
Im aphad lin si. Tegi enni eithel, meleth. - I follow you now. Lead me well, love.