Entanglement

Entanglement

Chapter 7
Author: Frosty tuniounior Mint
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Haldir, Elrond, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: Novlomiel is sentenced to marriage, but it doesn't work out as planned.
Disclaimer: Tolkien's stuff isn't mine.
Author's Notes: Yes, another one of those fics from Frosty. Please R&R!

*

Novlomiel paced around the room, looking for an unlocked window or a weapon, or just something to do. There was nothing. Even her view was obscured by another building.

It was hours before anyoame ame to see her. Near the dinner hour, much to her relief, there was a knock at the door. A man entered, neither Boromir nor Faramir, and with him he carried a small tray of food.

She narrowed her eyes as he approached and set the tray on the table. "For you," he said, nodding to the plate, "I imagine you are quite hungry."

That she was, so she made her way across the room, staring intently at the stranger. His blue eyes watched softsoftly and he smiled at her when she gazed down at the food. "I promise you, it's not poisoned." She glanced back up at him and frowned.

"Who are you?" she asked, looking him over. He was wearing an outfit very alike to Boromir and Faramir's, and a sword was at his side.

"My name is Aragorn," he replied, "May I ask your name?"

She picked up a carrot stick and bit the end off. "Novlomiel," she said between chews, figuring it was probably useless to try to hide her identity, "Why am I here?"

At this, Aragorn seemed to bristle slightly. "Boromir, the man who brought you here, he seemed to think you might need some...protecting." Sighing, he turned and began pacing the room. Then, suddenly, he turned back to Novlomiel and frowned. "You are an elf, correct?"

For a moment she considered lying, but in her situation, she knew better. "Yes," she said, standing straight and still.

"Then perhaps Boromir was right," he said, approaching her once again, "Why are you here?"

She felt offended at that question. "That is my own business," she replied, "I want to know why I've been brought here and caged up like an animal. I do not need protecting."

He smiled broadly, something that definitely looked good on him. Novlomiel licked her lips and removed her gaze from his face. "I respect your pride, Novlomiel, along with your race. I am no ff elf elves. But there are many here who are." She raised her eyes to meet his again, and found his smile gone. "Those men Boromir took you from would have found out what you were, and would have done more jus just rape you."

Novlomiel swallowed hard and felt a cold chill run through her. She didn't know men felt so much ill will towards elves. If she had known, she would never have come to Gondor. "I didn't know an elf's presence would be reason for murder," she said quietly, "I am only looking for a new life. I thought perhaps Gondor would help me with that. I am obviously mistaken on that."

He appeared sad by her words. "It is a shame," he replied, "that men feel such fear of elves. But it comes from a long and terrible history. I can assure you, though, that Boromir and I do not share this sentiment."

She felt relief at that, and smiled softly. "Thank you," she said, finally sitting down at the table, "It was foolish of me to be so bold. I appreciate your help."

She was tired and now felt more than a little depressed at this turn of events. If Aragorn indeed spoke the truth, and she had no reason to doubt him, then she would have to leave Gondor. But she didn't know where else to go. Or even if she had the energy to travel.

Biting at the carrot in her fingers and thinking distractedly about her future, she didn't notice when Aragorn sat across from her and began watching her intently. It was minutes before she looked at him, and when she did her eyes turned sad. "I'm sorry," she said, not sure what she was apologizing for, "I never should have come."

He smiled gently. "If I may ask, why did you come to Gondor? I know elves, and I know they value their homes above most things. I do not know any who would leave unless for necessity."

She looked at him, and felt the need to talk. She hadn't spoken to anyone about what happened to her, and he seemed so nice. "I have a problem," she said, finding it difficult to elaborate, "I had to leave."

He nodded, but didn't push her to explain. Slowly, her expression turned to one of curiousity. "What about you? I heard you came from Rivendell. Is this true?"

He looked surprised, but did not deny anything. "Yes. I have...family there."

"Family?" she asked, "Are you part elf?"

He laughed lightly. "No. But it is a long story." His eyes turned momentarily sad, then changed back to the familiar friendliness. you you wish it, you can stay here while you deal with your...problem. I realize you probably have nowhere else to go. If you stay within the grounds, no harm will come to you."

While she didn't want to be somewhere dangerous, and she didn't want to remain in captivity, she knew she didn't have anywhere else to go. "Thank you," she said, "I woulde the that."

He smiled and nodded, and stood from the table. "I will have your things brought to you. Tomorrow I will have someone show you around." He paused, then smiled. "Good evening, Novlomiel."

"Goodnight," she replied as he left the room, closing the door and, she noticed, locking it behind him. Sighing, she licked her lips and turned back to her food, feeling more than famished.

*

The next day, after a long and restful sleep in a very comfortable bed, Novlomiel awoke to find her bags against the wall. Feeling vaguely weirded out knowing people were in her room without her knowing, she rose and got dressed, preparing herself for whatever was to come. Aragorn had promised her a tour today, and she didn't want to have someone show up while she was still in her nightgown.

It wasn't long before someone knocked on her door, and she was grateful to not have to wait. Opening it, she smiled at the visitor.

"Good morning," said Aragorn, "Would you care to join me for breakfast?"

She grinned and stepped out of the room. "Yes, very much," she replied, and they started down the hall.

"How was your night? I trust you rested comfortably?" Novlomiel was beginning to feel that this turn of events was perhaps a very good thing. Not only was Aragorn a nicer man than she could have hoped to meet, but she was being treated like royalty.

"I did, thank you," she responded. She felt strangely tongue-tied and quiet. He didn't seem to mind, though.

She followed him down the winding staircase, and into a small room where a table for two had been set. She was a little surprised that no one else seemed to be around, but felt more comfortable without prying eyes.

Aragorn pushed her chair in as Novlomiel took her seat. The feeling that gave her was strangely exciting. Elves were always polite, but chivalry was something new.

He sat across from her and took the lid off his plate. "I hope you like it," he said, "I had the chef cook something more suited to your tastes."

She lifted her lid and smiled at the food. "Thank you," she said, taking a bite. "It's delicious."

She watched him, and felt a little nervous at his expression. He looked like he had something on his mind. It wasn't long before he spoke his questions. "I want you to know, Novlomiel, that whatever happens, or has happened, I want to help you. I know it can be a little intimidating when you're unsure of your surroundings, but I hope you will learn to trust me."

She nodded, a little unclear on his meaning. She didn't feel like she was being deceived at all. "You've been more than helpful to me," she said, "I have no ill feelings towards you."

He smiled and leaned forward slightly. "Then I hope you will feel comfortable enough to speak with me in regards to why you left your country. Perhaps not today," he said hurriedly when her expression turned hesitant, "But sometime."

She nodded and lowered her gaze. "It would be nice," she said, "to talk with someone. I fear of what you would think of me, though." She raised her eyes and furrowed her brow. "And you have relations with Rivendell, which might also inhibit your ability to sympathize with my plight."

"How so?" he asked. She licked her lips and thought about how to word things, but she could come up with no answer that wouldn't reveal her history.

Shaking her head, she replied, "It is difficult to explain," she said, "But perhaps later, when I am more at ease." She tried smiling, but her worried face betrayed her.

Aragorn smiled and reached across the table, touching her hand. "I promise you, I will do all I can to help."

His hand was warm on hers, and it felt so comforting. "Thank you," she replied, and he squeezed before withdrawing his hand. "Will you me me of your relationship with Rivendell? I am curious."

"Well," he said, "I was raised there. There were unusual circumstances. I also was betrothed to an elf, but she perished in one of the old wars." He took a drink of water, and Novlomiel watched him sadly.

"I'm sorry," she said, "Do you still take residence there?"

He shook his head. "My place is in Gondor. I visit Rivendell to visit my fiance's father. He has not been well since her death."

She nodded slowly. Many were killed in the wars of old. She too knew of elves who had lost their way after loved ones vanished.

"Did you marry, after her death?" she asked, hoping she wasn't prying too much.

His eyes turned distant, but he smiled. "No," he said, "I never did."

When they finished their meal, Aragorn accompanyed Novlomiel to the front of the building, where he said her tour-guide would be waiting. She was disappointed and a little annoyed when it turned out to be Boromir.

He didn't look too happy, either.

"Boromir will show you around," said Aragorn, "Let me know if he gives you any trouble." He winked at Novlomiel and she smiled, and then he patted Boromir on the back before leaving.

Novlomiel watched him go. She really wished he would've been the one to show her around.

"Make sure you keep your ears covered," he said as they began walking. She frowned at him and touched the sides of her face, making sure they were.

"I thought Aragorn said I'd be alright as long as I stayed on the grounds," she said.

"True, but that doesn't mean you should broadcast it." Novlomiel glared at him, but he didn't seem to notice or care. In fact, his whole attitude towards her was one of indifference.

"You don't like elves, do you?" she asked as they entered a building on the opposite side of where she was staying.

He looked at her briefly. "I have no problem with elves," he replied, "These are the stables. There's no need for you to ever come in here." She frowned at him hey hey left the building.

As they walked towards the gardens, Novlomiel bravely asked another question. "If you don't hate elves, then why do you dislike me so much?"

He looked a little bit confused. "I don't believe I ever said I disliked you," he replied, then his expression turned haughty once again. "In fact, I don't believe I've said much to yt alt all."

She sighed and wrapped her arms around herself. "No, you certainly haven't," she mumbled, looking around. Then she turned back to him. "Are you the one who sent Aragorn up to see me?"

He laughed, and Novlomiel raised her eyebrows. "I do not send Aragorn to do anything," he said, "Aragorn does what he wants." At her confusion, he continued, "He is the King of Gondor. Don't they teach you these things in your elf schools?"

"He is the King?" she said, surprised, "I had no idea."

Boromir looked her over. "Mmmm, I'm sure you didn't."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, irritated. He was beginning to get on her nerves.

He stopped walking and looked at her distastefully. "You had no idea he was King?" he asked. When she shook her head, he went on, "So your attraction to him is not because of his status in Gondor?"

Novlomiel's eyes widened in shock. "Excuse me?" she said, upset, "What are you talking about?"

He smiled, and she got even more angry. "It was quite obvious, you know. The way you looked at him. I'm sure he realized it, too."

She couldn't control a furious blush that covered her cheeks. She would deny to Boromir tshe she felt anything for Aragorn, but she couldn't deny it to herself. What if Aragorn had noticed? "You don't know what you're talking about," she said through gritted teeth, and began walking. He quickly caught up with her.

"Don't worry about it," he said, grinning, "Aragorn never could resist an elf. I'm sure he was flattered." He winked, and Novlomiel wanted to stick her finger in that eye.

"What is your problem?" she growled, stomping up the steps of the palace. He kept following her, no matter how quickly she tried getting away from him.

He stopped suddenly, and she did too, surprised by that. She turned to look at him, and he looked thoughtful. "My problem?" he said finally, "I think my problem is you, actually. Not you as an elf, but you. Gondor's relationship with the elves is shaky at best." He stepped closer to her, and fixed his eyes on hers. "You being here cannot possibly make it any better. I know who you are. You are a daughter of Mirkwood. Did you really think you could disappear and no one would come looking for you?"

His voice was low and cold, and Novlomiel licked her lips as he leaned his face towards hers. "I am not here to bring you trouble," she replied.

Boromir smiled. "But you have," he said, "Aragorn may be too much of a gentleman to tell you to leave, but I am not. Your presence here is a danger to everyone in Gondor. And what you bring," he looked downward, and Novlomiel shifted uncomfortably, placing a hand on her belly, "carries consequences that will affect us all."

He cast her one last look before sweeping by her and into the building. Novlomiel exhaled deeply and lowered herself to the stone steps. He knew. She didn't know how, but he knew. A few tears stung at her eyes as she thought of his words. Did she really bring danger to Gondor, when all she wanted was a new life? And what would happen when Aragorn found out, if he didn't know already? Would he tell her to leave, also?

She sat there in the quiet, contemplating what she should do, when all of a sudden alarms went off all around her. Horns blared, and the guards outside the walls closed the gates leading to the city. Novlomiel stood up and looked around, but she couldn't tell what was happening. Just then, a single man was let through the gates, and he ran up the drive and flew past her on the steps. She turned and followed him, but didn't have to go far. Just inside the palace was Boromir, Faramir, and Aragorn, along with a few other guards.

Boromir eyed her warily as the page spoke. "Elves, sir, they approach the city."

Novlomiel bit her lip and stepped back against the wall, hiding herself. "They are not from Rivendell?" asked Aragorn, who hadn't yet acknowledged Novlomiel.

"No, sir," said the man, shaking his head. "Mirkwood or Lothlorien, we are not yet sure."

Novlomiel looked to Boromir, whose stare became intense. She knew he was thinking this was her fault. And he was probably right. No matter where they were from, they were probably coming for her.

"Do we know what they come for or how many there are?" asked Aragorn, stepping around the page. He noticed Novlomiel, but didn't say anything.

"We do not know why they come," replied the man, "But there are at least twenty."

Faramir laughed. "Twenty?" he said, "We can take twenty."

Aragorn shook his head. "They are not here to fight," he said softly, "Their approach would not be so obvious if they were."

"My King," said Boromir, stepping forward, "We know why they approach." He glanced at Novlomiel, and she crossed her arms protectively.

Aragorn didn't respond to him, instead he walked towards Novlomiel. "Would you come with me?" he asked softly, "Just for a moment?"

She lowered her eyes and nodded, following him without a word.

They walked into a small room on the far side of the hall. It was pretty much empty, save for a few swords. Novlomiel folded her arms, waiting for what Aragorn had to say.

He didn't keep her waiting. "They're here for you," he said plainly, and she nodded softly. What he said next surprised her. "What do you want me to do?"

She looked up at him, her eyes wide and sad. "What?" she asked, not sure what he was asking.

"I promised you protection, Novlomiel, and I keep my promises. Do you want me to send them away when they arrive?"

He looked so openly at her, she couldn't bear it. She had to tell him the truth. "I can't go back with them," she whispered, "But I can't ask you to stop them, either. You've done so much, but you don't know my secrets. I'm pregnant," she said, tears spilling from her eyes, "They don't know. And I don't want them to know. The circumstances...were unkind."

She lowered her eyes, awaiting his response. She felt relieved at having spoken aloud what had plagued her all these weeks, but she feared what he would say.

"Then they won't find out," he said, and when she looked back up his eyes were comforting and sympathetic. "I will send them away."

He made to leave, but Novlomiel stopped him with a hand on his arm. "I left friends behind," she said, "Friends I never got to say goodbye to. If Legolas or Haldir are among those who approach, would it be too much to ask to be able to visit with them? Just once?"

He smiled. "Not too much at all," he said, "If they are there, I will bring them."

"Thank you," she said, releasing his arm and wiping her wet face. He left the room and shut the door behind him, and though she was relieved at his response, Novlomiel couldn't help but feel torn at what was happening. Aragorn was kind and she wanted a new life, but her kin were here, looking for her. It was so difficult to choose.

She sat down in a chair and sighed, exhausted. Never did she think she would have so much to bear in life.

Seconds later, Boromir stepped into the room. "I'm to take you to your room," he said, crossing his arms.

She stood and walked out the door, fully knowing her way to her quarters. She knew Aragorn had told Boromir to accompany her because of her condition.

He didn't speak all the way there, and she was grateful for that. And when he closed the door after her without locking it, she smiled in relief.

*

TBC