The Edges of War

The Edges of War

Chapter 7
Author: Frosty the Crime-Fighting Hamster
Rated: NC-17
Summary: After the death of the hobbits and the disappearance of the Ring of Power, all of Middle-Earth fights against Sauron and a new enemy. The One Ring is in the knowledge of all races now.
Disclaimer: Disclaim this! *makes obscene gesture*


*

Aragorn pursed his lips and stared at the elves around him. Haldir, someone who he had considered a good friend and ally, was watching him from the corner of the room. A serious, hard expression covered his face. It made Aragorn sad to see what the Ring had done to this once-gentle race.

He waited patiently until finally two elves came from a far room, moving towards him slowly and deliberately. One, a male, he had seen before but not spoken to. The other, a female, was more familiar to him.

"Lady Galadriel," said Aragorn, bowing his head, "Thank you for seeing me."

Aragorn could see a slim gold chain around the elf's neck. It was new. As was the gold ring which hung from it.

"Elessar," she replied, smiling warmly. She let go of Celeborn's hand and approached the human. Aragorn couldn't help but let his eyes slip to the gold around her neck. "How is the King of Gondor? And my granddaughter, how is she?"

Aragorn took a deep breath and met the Queen's eyes. She was the wisest elf he had ever met, and that made her very dangerous. "Arwen will be inconsolable when she finds out what has happened here," he said, watching Galadriel's face. Her expression flickered.

"The world has changed," she replied, her fingers tracing the jewel around her neck, "Every being in Middle-Earth has suffered or will suffer great losses. Arwen will understand, soon. As will you."

"Did you take the ring from Frodo?" he asked quietly, not wanting to upset her. Aragorn needed to be able to reason with her.

Galadriel's eyes widened slightly as she stepped back. "The Ring-bearer was lost long ago," she said, dropping her hand and looking at Aragorn, "The ring was...found."

Aragorn licked his lips and took a tentative step forward. Immediately, the elves around him made to stop his approach, but Galadriel's hand stopped them. "The Ring has consumed you," he said, stepping close, "Can you not see that?" "I "I do not do evil," she replied, her eyes distant, "I can see the good."

"Good? The elves are killing Gondor's allies. Your elves are killing all of us!" He reached out and touched her shoulder, and Galadriel quickly jerked away from him, her eyes wild.

"No," she whispered, "No, I can see it. I can see the outcome. It will all fall into place, in the end. I will be Queen, and the land will be beautiful. You will see. I will not give it up. Not to you."

Aragorn could see that the ring had her in its thrall. His eyes turned sad. "I do not ask it of you," he said quietly, "I only ask, my Lady, that you allow my people to go free. I care for them, as does Arwen. Please, allow her to see her friends again."

Galadriel's bright blue eyes focussed on Aragorn. "They are of no use here," she said, and Aragorn stiffened. The Queen's eyes again became distant. "The elf...he does not serve us. The woman..."

She trailed off, her eyes unblinking at something Aragorn could not see. Suddenly, she inhaled sharply and looked back up at him. "Your journey is not over," she said, standing straighter, "I do not envy your burden. Your friends have suffered. I will allow their release."

A weight lifted from Aragorn's shoulders and he sighed in relief. "Thank you," he said, bowing slightly, not quite understanding what she had spoken of, but knowing it could not mean anything good.
adriadriel nodded to two of the elves, who escorted Aragorn out of the meeting hall. When he glanced back, he could see her holding the ring as she watched him go.

When Aragorn entered the cabin, he was met with a surprise.

"Legolas!" he breathed, quickly approaching the elf sitting on the floor. He looked over his friend and grew concerned. "Are you alright?" he asked.

The elf's eyes were hazy and unfocussed, and he sounded exhausted. "I'll be alright," he said, leaning his head back. "What about you? And Praodith? Where is Praodith?"

Aragorn frowned and shook his head. "They...took her somewhere. I think she's alright, though. I talked to Galadriel, she's going to let us go."

Legolas narrowed his eyes and tried standing. Aragorn supported him until the elf stood and rested against the wall. "She's letting us go?" he said, "Why?"

Shaking his head, Aragorn replied, "I don't know." He didn't know why she was allowing them to leave, when he was so sure she was going to sentence them to death. "But we can figure that out later." He looked over his friend's pained posture. "What did they do to you, Legolas?"

Legolas' blue eyes looked up, then quickly looked away. "They tried to corrupt me, so I would lead the Mirkwood elves to Galadriel's reign." He took a deep breath and stood straighter, his face hard. "They failed."

Aragorn smiled despite his worry. "I would never have doubted it," he replied. Then, turning to the door, he exhaled deeply. "They should be bringing Praodith here soon."

Legolas' eyes darted to Aragorn's. "Where did they take her?" he asked, concerned. Aragorn could see the anger and suspicion in his eyes.

"I don't know," he replied honestly, "Elrohir and Elladen took her."

Legolas stepped weakly away from the wall and walked towards the door. "If they've hurt her," he said, turning back to Aragorn, "I will kill them."

Taking a deep breath, the humppropproached the window and looked outside. "We have a chance to get back to Gondor," he said, his gray eyes stern, "Don't do anything foolish. For her sake."

Rubbing his face, Legolas shook his head. "This is too much, Aragorn," he said, "Even if we get back to Gondor, how are we going to fight this?"

Aragorn sighed. "We'll think of way," he said, not sure if he believed it.

*

After Elrond had fallen asleep, Praodith had quickly dressed and left the bedroom, finding the door unlocked. Her heart had beat fiercely as she entered the main room, her mind racing with plans of escape. They were soon quelled, though, when every other door and window in the building was found locked.

Keeping as quiet as possible, she rummaged through every cabinet and drawer she could find, looking for a weapon. There was nothing. Elrond had obviously planned for this. Collapsing onto a chair, Praodith sighed heavily and rubbed her weary face. She had no choice but to wait.

It wasn't long, though, till there was a knock at the front door. Praodith stood and walked slowly towards the door. She couldn't believe this would be a possible escape. A loud noise behind her caused her to jump, and within seconds Elrond came out of the bedroom, wrapped in a robe.

His eyes were hard when he looked at Praodith as he passed. He didn't speak to her, but instead opened the front door wide. The sunlight streamed in and Praodith saw a tall, blonde elf standing just outside. She was reminded painfully of Legolas.

"Celeborn," greeted Elrond in a tone that suggested he was not happy to see the visitor.

"I am here for the girl," the blonde elf said, and Praodith's stomach clenched. "On orders of the Lady."

Elrond's eyes flickered, but he relented. "If the Lady requests it," he said, bowing, then looked at Praodith. "You may leave, my dear."

Praodith's eyes moved back and forth between Elrond and the Celeborn. She didn't know if going with the new one was safe, but she knew she couldn't stay with Elrond. Licking her lips, she walked by him and out the door. She winced slightly when the door closed shut.

Crossing her arms, Praodith looked around. There was no calvary here for her, just one elf. Looking up, she met the pale blue eyes of Galadriel's husband.

"Follow me," he said, starting along a dirt path. Praodith darted her gaze about her, trying to figure out why they weren't dragging her off somewhere. For a moment she considered running, but soon thought better of it and followed the golden-haired elf.

Feeling like things could not possibly get worse, Praodith ventured a question. "Where are you taking me?" she asked.

Celeborn glanced at her. "The Lady has granted your freedom," he said, "It would do you good not to question it."

Praodith couldn't help but continue speaking. "And what of my friends?" she asked, "Aragorn, and Legolas?"

The elf stopped and turned, smiling softly. "Your name...it is Praodith?" he asked. When she nodded, he continued, "You mean much to the Mirkwood elf. He spoke of you, often."

Praodith began to worry. "Where is he?" she breathed, "What did you do to him?"

"The Lady wishes for order," he replied, his eyes roaming over her frame, "Your...friencoulcould have played a grand part in our Queen's vision. He chose not to, and was punished."

She shook her head slowly. "Is he alive?" she asked, fearing the answer. The elf's eyes held no compassion.

After several long seconds, he answered. "He is," was the reply, and Praodith released a held breath, "But the toll was great. Your friend has suffered, and rightly so. As have you, I have learned."

Praodith tried her best to ignore his words. "Please take me to him," she said.

Celeborn sighed softly. "I find it odd, how so many of my kind can have an affection for a simple human girl." His hand raised to Praodith's face, and she stood shock still. "I am curious as to what they see in your race."

Praodith's eyes began to water. "Are you not the Lady's husband?" she asked, her voice shaking, "If you violate me, would that not be an unforgiveable indiscretion in her eyes

He seemed to waver, but his expression quickly turned heated. "You need not worry about that," he said, grabbing hold of her upper arm, "Your friends are waiting for you. I will make this quick."

"No," Praodith pleaded, as she pulled her along the path. She jerked back, trying to get him to release his grip, but he was too strong. Her arm ached as he dragged her off the trail and into the thick forest. "No, please don't," she said again, but he didn't even look at her.

Praodith's knees became weak with hopelessness. She couldn't believe this was happening again. When they had travelled quite far into the forest, Celeborn turned to face Praodith, his face impatient and interested. "Take off your clothes," he ordered.

Tears fell down Praodith's pale face. "I'm so tired," she said, shaking her head softly, "Please don't make me do this again. I'm begging you."

There was no compassin tin the elf's eyes when he grabbed her by the throat and pushed her back against a large tree. Praodith gasped and grabbed at his hand, but he held her steady. He wasn't choking her just yet, but she knew it could easily turn to that.

"I'll go easy on you," he whispered as he leaned close to her face. "Stop panicking, and let go of my hand." Praodith, face flushed from his hold, reluctantly let go. "Good girl. Now, open my pants and jerk me off. Make it good, or I'll take you to a few other elves who wouldn't mind having a go at you."

His gray eyes grew dark as Praodith gave in and began fumbling at the belt of his pants. She sniffed occasionally, trying to keep herself calm as she gently pulled him from his clothing. At her touch, Celeborn groaned softly and leaned his face against the side of hers, effectively caging Praodith with his body against the tree. She swallowed heavily as the fingers around her neck loosened slightly, and massaged the sore skin there.

Taking slow, shuddering breaths, Praodith began to massage Celeborn's hardened form, running her hand up and down his shaft. Her other hand braced against his chest as the elf leaned heavier against her body.

"Faster," he breathed into her ear, and she complied, doing her best in her state to make sure she didn't disappoint him. Praodith was sure he wasn't bluffing when he threatened her.

Alternating speeds, Praodith could soon feel Celeborn's body tense against hers. His breathy groans in her ear made her dizzy, and his now traveling hand brushed along her body, massaging into her chest and moving downward along her hip. Quickening her wrist, Celeborn squeezed hard on her breast and Praodith hissed in a pained breath.

Groaning against her neck, Celeborn met his pleasure head-on. Praodith could feel his mouth on her sensitive skin, biting and sucking possessively as he jerked against her hand.

When he had finished, Praodith stood shaking under his weight. Her hand was wet, but this was infinitely more better than being raped. She hoped he was done with her now.

Licking his lips, Celeborn moved back and did up his pants, looking at her with heavy eyes. Praodith wiped her hand against her dress - it wasn't like she was clean, anyways.

Celeborn smiled, but his words were harsh. "What the others see in you, I do not know." As much as Praodith hated him, she felt her face flush in humiliation. "That was no different than fucking an elven virgin."

Praodith looked downward, waiting for Celeborn to either take her to her friends, or to her death. When he began walking away, ordering her to follow, she did so, almost hoping she would be offered the latter.

A wave of relief washed over her, though, when, after several long minutes, they approached the same cabin she had stayed in when they had arrived in Lothlorien. She wanted to run t, to, to scream for Aragorn and Legolas, but she kept herself quiet and still. This was the only good thing to happen since she had arrived; Praodith didn't want to ruin it.

"Stay here," said Celeborn, and Praodith stopped just feet away from the door. She waited impatiently as the elf entered, then moments later emerged with her two friends.

Praodith ran towards them, smiling uncontrollably. "Oh my God," she said, hugging into Legolas. He nearly toppled over, but Praodith pulled back quick enough to steady him. "Are you alright?" She looked to Aragorn, "What happened to him?"

"I'm fine," smiled Legolas, touching Praodith's face. He looked exhausted, she noticed, but just seeing him made her feel infinitely better. "I am only tired. I think we should leave. Now." He took Praodith's hand and began leading her down the path, away from Celeborn and the elven guards, who stood watching quietly.

Aragorn fell into pace beside Praodith. They were both so silent, she began to worry. "What has happened?" she asked quietly, "Why are they letting us go?"

"We can speak of this later," replied Aragorn, exchanging glances with Legolas. "For now, I think we should remain quiet. At least until we get out of Lothlorien."

Praodith held tight to Legolas' hand, looking up at both he and Aragorn every so often. She didn't know why they both were acting so unusual. But part of her didn't care. She was relieved that they were alright.

They were not given horses, so the walk out of Lothlorien took several hours. It was a tense, silent walk, with the occasional nervous glance into the dense trees. She could tell neither Aragorn nor Legolas trusted these elves to leave them be, and Legolas was obvious in his protection of Praodith.

Finally, when Praodith thought she couldn't go on any further, Aragorn ordered them to rest. The light was waning, so they sed aed among a small outcrop of rocks. They had not yet upo upon the battlefield Praodith had left, but she knew they would find it tomorrow. It haunted her thoughts.

She sat beside Legolas and licked her lips. His hand was around her shoulder, but the strength that she had felt earlier was gone. She looked at him and saw that his eyes were closed. The cool air made his breath visible, and she saw that his breathing was ragged. "What happened to him?" she asked Aragorn quietly, not wanting to wake Legolas.

Aragorn, sitting across from them, looked up from his hands. His gray eyes looked from her to him, then down once more. "He wouldn't say," he replied, "I know they tried to lure him, to use him as an instrument to get reign over Mirkwood. But I know not how."

Praodith watched Legolas. He looked tired, but none the worse for wear. If she didn't know better, she'd think he was perfectly healthy. "Will he be alright?"

Before Aragorn could answer, Legolas exhaled deeply. "I'll be fine," he answered, peering at her through half-lidded e


Praodith frowned. "I thought you were sleeping," she said, brushing his hair back.

"Only resting," he replied, wincing as he made himself more comfortable. His eyes were open fully now, but the exhaustion was still apparent. "Perhaps we should move on, Aragorn," he said, "It is not safe here."

Aragorn shook his head. "You need your rest. As does Praodith.\ loo looked at the both of them, then stood up. "We can take turns at watch. I will go first. Sleep, both of you."

Legolas must have been tired, for he did not argue. Settling in, Praodith leaned her head against the elf's chest and sighed. "I'm so happy you're alright," she said, slinking an arm around his midsection and holding tight. "I don't know what I would've done if something had happened to you."

She felt the hand on her shoulder squeeze gently. "I thought the same thing. My greatest worry was your safety." When Praodith tightened her grip on him, he sighed softly. "What did they do to you, Praodith?"

Tears stung her eyes, but she firmly tried not to shed them. "Nothing you have to worry about," she whispered, "I want you to rest."

"I'm sorry." His voice was so quiet and sorrowful. "I was supposed to protect you, and I didn't. I am so sorry I couldn't save you from what they did."

A tear fell from Praodith's eye, but she smiled in spite of it. "It's not your fault," she replied, "Don't worry about it. Let's just be happy that we got away from there."

She felt Legolas kiss the top of her head, and closed her eyes when he spoke no further.

*

Days later, they arrived in Gondor. When they were spotted, soldiers were sent out to pick them up. Praodith was so exhausted and hungry she barely registered being picked up by one of the men and taken back to the city. The journey had been so long, at times she didn't think she would make it.

When they entered Minas Tirith, they were immediately taken to a place of rest. Praodith laid out on a soft bed and closed her eyes, listening to the men's stomping of feet on the wooden floor as they tended to her and Legolas and Aragorn. Their was a doctor there, she knew, and her stomach churned when she smelled the food being brought in. What caused her to open her eyes, though, was a soft voice in amongst the shouts.

She sat up and strained her neck to see Aragorn talking to Arwen. Legolas was in a chair beside Praodith, gazing in the same direction. She couldn't hear what Aragorn was saying, but from the look on Arwen's face it couldn't have been anything good.

Praodith watched as Aragorn took Arwen's arm and led her from the room. Sighing, she leaned back in the bed and took Legolas' hand. "I can't imagine what Arwen is feeling right now," she said as some men brought soup to the table at the side of the bed.

Legolas didn't speak, only squeezed her hand. He had been so quiet since they left Lothlorien. She watched him as he stared at the door Aragorn and Arwen had left out of. Praodith could only imagine what they had done to him. If he would not speak of it, it must have been terrible.

Immediately thoughts of the battlefield they passed through came to mind. She had felt sick at the sight of bodies littered on green grass. Aragorn had lost so much, and it had showed in his eyes. She had her own pain to deal with, but what Praodith had seen in Aragorn's eyes was past what she felt. And now Arwen would be dealing with the same kind of loss. It made her il
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"It will all be alright," said Legolas, finally turning to look at her. "I know you worry. We all do. We are still here, though, and that is a good thing."

Praodith smiled softly. "Should I not be the one giving you the pep talk?"

He smiled, something he had not done for days. "You did that already. When I met you. Do you not remember?"

"I remember," she said softly, rubbing her thumb against his hand. "I remember quite well."

"It can be like that again." His eyes sparkled in the dim light, and for the first time in a long while Praodith felt a ray of hope.

"I want it to be," she replied. "I hope that it is, too."

*

Finis. For now. May be continued sometime in the future.