Gone

Gone

Chapter 7
Author: Frosty the Obstetrician
R: NC: NC-17
Codes: Aragorn, Faramir, Boromir, Legolas, OC, AU, N/C.
Summary: A series of events in Middle-earth leads to a darkened King, the departure of the elves, and a realization by those who remain.
Author's Notes: Elvish translations are in parentheses.

*

She could hear birds singing. At first consciousness, she thought she was in Imladris. When hers ops opened and she realized she was still in Gondor, she frowned and turned to look out the window. Indeed, birds were singing outside. And the sun was shining.

Her gaze fell to the body that rested beside her. In his sleeping state, he looked even more appealing than he usually did. Perhaps it was the vulnerability.

Somehow, during the night, the covers had been pulled over them. With one hand, Idril slowly drew them across Faramir's body. The sunlight streaming though the windows gave a very pleasing effect on his nude torso.

She pulled a little more. He stirred. A hand found the edge of the covers as he turned towards her and blinked his blue eyes open. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice low with sleep.

Idril raised her eyebrows. "Nothing."

"If you want to see me naked, love, you need only ask," he answered with a drowsy smile.

She cocked her head. "Maybe I wanted you naked, but asleep."

"Mmmm," he replied, moving closer to her, "I'll remember that for next time. Keep my eyes closed."

"I can tell when you're awake." Biting her lip in mock-thought, she suggested, "Perhaps if I drugged you..."

"Let's start slow. Leave the drugs for when we've grown tired of hearing each other speak."

He leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled away. The frown on his face softened when she said, "So you expect us to be together a while, do you?"

Holding back a smile, he shrugged. "I always think in the long term."

"Really? And what do you see for us, in the long term?" she asked.

Faramir took a deep breath and rolled onto his back. "I see many long years of love. I see trips around thuntruntryside, and our own home. Wait, what's that? Kids! Twelve of them! And you're pregnant again?" He shook his head and looked at her sadly. "Have you no control, woman?"

Lifting the pillow from behind her head, she hit him over the face with it. He laughed and tried to grab it, but she pulled it away quickly and hit him again. When she did it a third time, he caught her wrist and yanked her down on top of him.

Not allowing for any words, he pulled her mouth down to his. She returned the kiss fully as he slid his hands down her chest, squeezing her breasts. Idril adjusted herself more comfortably on top of him, swinging a leg over his hips and straddling as they continued to kiss.

She moaned softly as he moved his hands to her hips and moved her gently against his growing interest. "I need to go to Eldarion soon," she whispered between kisses.

Wrapping his arms around her, he swiftly flipped her so she was lying on the bed. "I can be quiche bhe breathed, nipping at her jawline.

Arching back, Idril shifted her position and allowed him to enter her. Faramir growled low in his throat as he gripped her thigh and pulled it up, then began moving within her. It was faster this time, but still gentle. Idril tried to move against him, but he was tight in his hold as he thrust forward, bringing soft cries from her mouth.

His lips were hot on her skin as he bit at her own. Running her fingers through his hair, she curled her other leg around him and hissed in breaths as his movements turned sharp. She was coming to the edge.

"Idril," he breathed against her ear as she gripped him hard. Groaning low, her body bucked as he thrust roughly into her, and she fell into bliss. His was not far behind.

His hand released her sore leg as they quieted. Breathing hard, Faramir pulled out of her and collapsed on the bed. "I think I need a nap."

Sweeping the moistened hair from her face, Idril sighed. "That's a pleasant thought. Unfortunately, I'm needed somewhere." She moved to get up, but an arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back down to the bed.

"Must you leave so early?" pouted Faramir, hugging her beside him.

She struggled, trying to move out of his grasp. "Yes," she said, prying at his strong fingers, "Eldarion is waiting."

"Let him wait." He buried his face within her hair, inhaling her scent.

Idril silenced and exhaled deeply. "I will tell the King you kept me," she replied archly, "How do you think he would like to hear that?"

Groaning low, Faramir released her. She quickly stood and gathered her clothes. "It might be a good idea to keep this to yourself for now," he said, relaxing back on the bed as he watched her walk to the bath.

"I know," she called back, closing the door.

Several minutes later, when she was clean and clothed, Idril exited the room. With a slightly annoyed expression, she looked down at the sleeping form of Faramir. Deciding to allow him rest, she quietly left his rooms and made her way out of the building.

It was still early morning, but the air was warm and the sky clear. Another good omen, perhaps. With a smile on her face, she ascended the stairs to the King's Hall, stopping abruptly when the doors opened before she could touch the handle.

To her surprise, Boromir exited. "Good morning, my lady," he said politely, holding the door for her. She nodded her greetings. "Aragorn is looking for you."

She halted and looked back at him with a frown as the door closed. If she didn't know better, she could have sworn Boromir's voice had been tense with that phrase. Taking a deep breath and sweeping the questions from her mind, she continued to Eldarion's room.

The door was slightly ajar, so she knocked quietly and entered. "My Lord," she greeted, seeing Aragorn sitting on the edge of his son's bed. When the King looked up, though, she became uneasy.

His soft blue eyes seemed conflicted. "You're late," he said, standing.

Idril blinked back her confusion, not realizing she had been tardy. "I apologize. I did not realize."

Aragorn bit his lip and shook his head, glancing to the door of the room's bath. His voice slipped to a hiss. "I do not appreciate being kept waiting."

Knitting her brow, she stood her ground as he stepped close to her. "It will not happen again."

"No, I imagine it will not." His eyes narrowed and, without warning, he gripped her shoulders and held her still as he dipped his face towards her neck. Idril stood motionless as he seemed to breathe her in. After several seconds he looked up at her, then released her arms, stepping back. "Bring Eldarion home for dinner."

Swallowing heavily, Idril watched as Aragorn left the room and closed the door loudly behind him. It took her long moments to stop the trembling she hadn't noticed had started. When the door across the room creaked open, she jerked her eyes upwards.

Eldarion exited from the bath, a smile on his face.

*

Faramir awoke with a start. Something dark and heavy covered his face, and with a great jerk he pulled it off his head and immediately dropped it to the floor. Frowning, he opened his tired eyes and looked up at the person staring down at him. "Was that necessary?"

Raising an eyebrow, Boromir crossed his arms and glared. "It felt necessary."

With a low groan, he raised himself up from his sleeping poon aon and stretched. "Why are you here? Did I invite you in?"

"No, you did not, which is the point. Why are you still sleeping?"

Faramir glanced up with an irritated look. "Long night."

Lips pursed, Boromir nodded and began stalking the room. "Yes, so it seems." He eyed the bedsheets that lay rumpled on the bed and offered Faramir a caustic expression, then glanced out the door to the main room. "Where is your guest, if I may ask? Did she not stay for breakfast?"

"No," replied the young Captain as he pulled on his pants, "You may not ask."

With a grin, the elder moved his eyes down his brother's frame. "Come now, since when do we keep secrets from each other?"

Faramir shrugged. "Since now, I suppose."

"Mmmmm." Boromir watched as Faramir retired to the bath to wash up. "I must say, it came as quite a surprise to me to see the evidence of a woman in your rooms. I thought perhaps such happiness was beyond your reach."

He walked out, a scornful look upon his face. "And why would you think that?"

"The isolation, the mourning...I was never sure you would get past it." His eyes narrowed as he regarded his brother. "This must be a very special woman to you. Unless, of course, you have finally decided to use the...talent...available to the men of this city. Though I doubt a female such as that would be worth the effort of dinner and wine."

Faramir brushed past him roughly and grabbed his tunic. "I did not use a whore, if that that's what you're implying."

"Well, then I have nothing but happiness for you. So, tell me, why will you not share your joy?"

He sighed heavily, sitting upon the bed to pull his boots on. "What does it matter to you who she is?"

Boromir's expression suddenly became less than cordial. "Because I don't like what I've seen."

Faramir looked up with a frown. "What are you talking about?" Bending down, Boromir picked up the garment that he had tossed at his brother. Faramir's face drained of colour once he realized what it was. A cloak. "Where did you get that?" he asked softly, looking up in suspicion.

He motioned towards the main room. "Out there. Seems your elf forgot to take it with her when she left."

Turning away and returning to his boots, Faramir muttered, "It's none of your concern."

With a sharp snap, the cloak collided with the side of his face. "Like hell it's not," shouted Boromir angrily. you you have any idea what you've done?"

Standing, Faramir glared at his brother. "You speak as if I committed some vile act. Why exactly do you have such a problem with this?"

Boromir stepped close and pointed a finger in his face. "Because when Aragorn finds out, he will not be pleased."

"I'll handle Aragorn," he replied, "Besides, he has no rights to her."

"Have you been living in the dark, Faramir, or have you just not noticed how our King has been acting lately? He is erratic, and has told us very plainly not to socialize with that elf. Yet here you are, fucking her. It won't matter if Aragorn does or does not have rights to her, at the very least he will not be happy that you went against his orders."

"You said it first, Boromir. He is erratic. What right does he have to keep her isolated?"

"I don't pretend to know what he's thinking. I really don't care. If our keeping away from that elf will help Aragorn maintain his sanity, then I think we ought to listen." Stepping back and exhaling deeply, Boromir shook his head. "Did you even stop to think what he'd do to her if something like this happened?"

Suddenly concerned, Faramir frowned. "Are you suggesting he would resort to some sort of violence?"

"Aragorn has not been the same since the night of Arwen's funeral. You know it, and I know it. I don't know what's wrong with him, but it's up to us to keep things right until he regains himself. I have no idea what his reaction will be when he finds out about your sex life."

Faramir shook his head slowly. "He won't find out."

"How can you be so sure? It's very easy to slip up. He might already know."

"No," he replied, sitting back down, "No, he would not do anything out of line. This is Aragorn we're talking about."

Rubbing his temple, Boromir sighed. "I very much hope you are right."

Burying his face in his hands, Faramir let out a long, heavy sigh. "Now you have me worried, Boromir." He looked up at his brother. "Was that your intention?"

"My intention was to take you to breakfast. I only happened upon this...mess...by accident." Shaking his head, he added, "I did not mean to worry you. Did you tell the elf to keep quiet?"

"Her name is Idril, and yes, I did."

Boromir watched him intently, narrowing his eyes. "How did this happen, Faramir? Tell me it was not intentional."

"I don't have to explain myself to you." Under the elder's ill-humoured gaze, Faramir offered, "I promised Legolas I would be friendly towards her, so I was. She was lonely. I asked her to dinner."

He raised an eyebrow. "And you just happened to fall into bed together? I know of few elves so promiscuous."

"There was nothing promiscuous about it. We were...attracted..to each other. I like her."

"You like her?" Boromir snorted and began pacing the room. "Any man would like her, Faramir, but few would be able to bed an elf. How did you manage?"

Clenching his jaw, he looked up. "I told you, that's not what it was about. She's only half-elf, anyways."

"And you like her."

"Yes." Faramir stood and glared at his brother. "And if I'm not mistaken, she likes me as well."

He smirked. "So this is why you are worried. You have feelings for her." Boromir laughed softly. "Perhaps I misjudged you."

"You often do." Grabbing his jacket and pulling it on, he looked at Boromir in exhaustion. "I am tired of this argument. Will you leave me alone now that you've managed to weasel everything out of me?"

Boromir crossed his arms as they made their way out of the rooms. "For now. You know I'm going to recommend that you break off contact with her, don't you?"

"I know, and I really don't care."

"I thought so." They headed down the long hallway that led to the outside. "What of Aragorn? Are you going to speak to him?"

"No. Not now." With a challenging glare, Faramir looked at his brother. "This is between she and I. I don't want you interfg." g."

He raised his hands in mock-surrender as they walked into the light. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Taking hold of his brother's arm, Faramir stopped. "Leave Idril out of this as well. Don't speak to her."

Boromir smiled. "Unlike you, I listen to the wishes of my King." Quickly, though, the smile faded as he appeared thoughtful. "Actually, that is a lie. I spoke to her this morning."

"What? When?"

"I passed her. Told her Aragorn was looking for her." He paused and grinned as he thought. "Truth be told, I was quite gentlemanly. I held the door for her as she entered the hall."

With a low growl, Faramir let him go and continued walking. "Do you know why Aragorn was looking for her?"

"No," he answered as he caught up, "But I don't think our King was in the best mood this morning."

Running a hand through his hair, Faramir once again stopped walking. "Maybe I should go talk to her."

Boromir, having not immediately noticed his brother's halt, stepped back towards him. "Do you really think that's a good idea?" he asked quietly, "Save speaking with her for the evening, when Aragorn is busy with his son."

His blue eyes flashed uncertainty. "Perhaps you're right."

Boromir smiled. "I am. Now, come. We have a city to run while Aragorn hides in his dark room, or whatever he does all bloody day."

*

TBC