Persuasion

Persuasion

Chapter 6
Author: Frosty the Linebacker
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Elrond, Legolas, Haldir, Arwen, OC, NC, AU, Darkfic
Summary: Long ago, Sauron got ahold of the one ring. After a long war, and the subsequent falling of the Dark Lord, the Elves are all who live. They were not immune, though, to the darkness that spread during the long years of Sauron's reign. Instead of talking things out, they decide busting heads is the best solution to their diffees. es. Can't argue with that!
Notes: Elvish translations are at the end of the story.

*

Arwen stood at the back of the room, her hands clasped gently in front of her. Legolas didn't look back, but found her presence somewhat distracting. Her father had already placed him in a mood that was not of the best kind, and having her watch over his shoulder did not encourage that mood to change.

Pursing his lips, staring at the Marchwarden chained to the wall, he thought about how he would much rather be working with the other Lorien elf. She had been much more interesting. This one, as most were, did too much posturing, and too much talking. And the screams he managed to win did not make him happy.

Legolas heaved a sigh and moved a small, hooked knife in his slender fingers. "You are trying my patience," he said, his blue eyes meeting the pained ones of his enemy, "Tell me Lorien's plans for us."

Sweat dripped down Haldirfaceface as he leaned back against the wall, breathing heavily. Blood stained his clothes, proof that Legolas was intent upon his task. "Go to hell," he said hoarsely, choking back a cough.

It had been hours, and Legolas was beginning to think this act was pointless. Haldir had not been forthcoming in any way, no matter how much pain he was put through. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Arwen staring sadly at the Marchwarden.

Legolas stepped forward and pressed the knife to Haldir's neck. "If you do not tell me, this day will end in your death," he hissed, "And the death of your companion."

He noticed the Lorien elf's eyes harden at that, but Haldir still remained stubborn. "We have both taken an oath to defend the Golden Wood. You will get nothing out of either of us."

Annoyed, Legolas pushed the hooked edge of the knife into the Marchwarden's neck. It was only a small puncture, but still gained a groan of pain. When blood trickled out of the wound, the prince pulled the knife out and walked back to the table of tools.

Looking up, he saw Arwen watching him. "If you have something to say, say it."

She frowned at his tone, but stepped forward anyways. "You have not gained what my father desires."

Closing his eyes in irritation, he breathed quietly for several seconds before meething Arwen's shadowed eyes. "I am aware of that, my lady. If you have any suggestions on how I may best serve your father, I would be happy to hear them."

She cocked her head and considered before speaking. "If you want to persuade the Lorien elf, you must work at his emotions rather than his body."

Narrowing his eyes, he briefly looked back at Haldir before replying. "His emotions? About what?"

"The girl. The girl my father has taken to his bed."

Legolas stiffened. He had known Ellaire had been taken, but he had believed it to be for the same purpose Haldir served. Anger seethed through him. Elrond had spoken to him about remembering what the kidnapped elves' purposes were, and to maintain control over what he did. This was not for personal gain.

His eyes traveled over Arwen's face. Elrond had deceived him so he could take advantage of what Legolas had set his eyes upon. "You are right, my lady. An emotional attachment is a much more useful tool."

Arwen's gaze moved to the Marchwarden. "I fear you not gain what you seek. You should kill him."

Knitting his brow, Legolas flickered a glance between the two. "Kill him? Now? Why?"

"She is dangerous."

The archer si at at the vague words he was hearing. "You will have to be more forthcoming, Arwen."

She looked at him as though he should've understood. "As long as he lives, she will have something to be strong for. If you kill him, she will lose the will to care. The danger will lessen."

"Why is she dangerous?" Legolas crossed his arms and leaned against the table, waiting for an answer. Too often had Arwen spoken of things and not explained them, and too often had the prince, among others, judged wrongly when following her advice.

Occasionally, though, she was very, very right.

"Affection. Desire. Possession. Anger. It has already begun."

Legolas shook his head and picked up a small whip. "You give a simple female too much credit," he said, twirling it in his hands, "One cannot influence so mightily."

"I am right," she replied softly, walking around the prince towards the Marchwarden. Haldir eyed her warily, holding his chin high as she reached a hand out to touch his face. "A fate worse than death awaits you. If you value the life of your companion, you will share with us your secrets."

Haldir moved his face from her grasp and removed his gaze from hers. He did not speak.

Arwen was not bothered. Legolas watched as she leaned close and spoke so gently he could barely hear. "We will bring her here, and you will watch as we tear every inch of flesh from her body. Her screams will echo in your ears for all eternity. Right now she is being tormented by my father, and will continue to be used viciously until you speak of what we ask. Death will not come to you, Haldir of Lorien. You will live as she dies before your eyes."

A smile tugged at Legolas' lips when Haldir's eyes flickered to the princess'. He enjoyed her darkness, was entertained watching her frighten the enemy. She was good at it. And she was right. Speaking of emotional attachments visibly affected the Marchwarden.

She titled her head as he glared at her, still not speaking. "Good day, my lord," she smiled, bowing her head and turning away. As she brushed past Legolas, she gave him a meaningful look. The prince watched her leave, then turned back to his subject.

"She speaks the truth," he said, stepping forward, "Lord Elrond is raping Ellaire as we speak. Worse will be done if you do not tell me of Lorien's plans."

Haldir blinked softly and looked about as he fidgeted in his shackles. There was a definite edginess to him. He was uncomfortable in his thoughts. "I will tell you nothing," he said, but the fire in his voice had died.

"You care for her, I can see that. I speak the truth when I say that when Elrond is finished with her, she will be passed around Imladris like a toy. Perhaps you would like to watch."

Growling and jerking forward, Haldir tried to grab Legolas, but the archer stood too far back. Smiling at the attempt, he twisted the leather whip in his hands and looked up with sparkling eyes. "You have allowed your weak spot to be found."

"When I am free, I will kill each one of you slowly and as painfully as possible. You deserve nothing less for your repulsictioctions." Haldir glared with furious eyes, his body tense in the chains.

"I wilke ske sure, then, to have my way with Ellaire before you...escape." Grinning, Legolas turned on his heel and dropped the whip on the table. "We will see how strong you are after a day without food and water. I will be back." He glanced at Haldir before entering the dark hall. "I will give Ellaire your greetings."

Haldir's yells were lost on him as he left the building.

*

Legolas bit his thumbnail as he watched Elrond gaze out the window. He was always so peaceful, always looking out onto the beauty of Rivendell. Some days, it really bothered the prince. This was one of those days.

He held his focus on the hands clasped behind Elrond's back. "You have gained nothing from him?" asked the dark elf, "Nothing at all?"

"He didn't respond to torture. I am trying something else."

Elrond turned with a raised eyebrow. "Something else?"

Pursing his lips, Legolas dropped his hand with a sigh. "Starvation. And emotional a." ."

The Lord of Rivendell narrowed his eyes in doubt. "Emotional abuse? What do you mean?"

"It waur dur daughter's idea. Haldir has an...attachment...to the female you took to your bed. I intend to exploit that." The archer's eyes became steely as Elrond's expression turned displeased.

"Did Arwen tell you I took the girl to my bed?" When Legolas nodded, he smiled softly. "My daughter needs to learn when to keep silent."

Clenching a fist behind his back, he forced himself to remain calm. "I must say, my lord, I do not appreciate being lied to. If you wanted to use the girl, I would not have objected, but you told me you were taking her to gain information. I don't understand why I was not told the truth."

Elrond walked forward a few paces and stared at the blonde elf. "Do not patronize me. I saw the intent in your eyes, Legolas. Far be it for me to deny my people their entertainment, but I could see you were more interested in using her than taking care of your task. There is no use in denying your want. I can see the jealousy in your eyes now."

The half-amused, half-annoyed expression on Elrond's face irritated Legolas even further. "She is Lorien dirt," he spat, "You dare think I would risk Imladris just to bed the enemy?"

"I thit hat has been a long while, and she is new. A fiery, attractive elf, so unlike the cold and dark maidens of our realms. Sauron's influence over Lothlorien is very different than it is here. This elf is aggressive and spirited. You have seen my daughter. Arwen is not unlike the other ladies of Mirkwood and Imladris. Distant and severe. You welcome a change. I do as well."

He was right, of course. Legolas had noticed the difference immediately, and it was an attractive thing. To be able to dominate a power such as a Lorien elf would be endlessly gratifying.

Looking up at Elrond, he ventured a question. "Was she all you expected?"

A smug expression crossed his face. "She was enjoyable."

"Are you finished with her now, or is she intended as a habit?"

"You seem to be assuming she is more to me than just a passing interest. I assure you, she is merely just that. My want of Lorien's death is as keen as ever." Elrond turned back to the window and once again clasped his hands behind his back.

Legolas was angry. Worried he would say something extreme, he passed by the dark elf and walked towards the door. He froze when Elrond spoke. "I want results within the next day, Legolas. If you do not succeed, I will find someone who can."

Holding back his fury, he clenched his fists and headed out the door.

*

TBC