In the Ruins of Hope

In the Ruins of Hope

Chapter 8
Author: Frosty the Street Thug
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: The hobbits are dead. Arwen is dead. The war is not over, but the elves are leaving Middle-Earth. King Aragorn and the people of Minas Tirith are all who are left to fight for the freedom of the land. But what's this? They've been corrupted? Say it ain't so!
Author's Notes: Boromir lives. Deal.
Disclaimer: This is so far from Tolkien-verse it doesn't even need a disclaimer. ;)
Notes: Elvish translations will be at the end of each chapter.

*

Aragorn leaned over the stone wall of the courtyard, watching the small procession of horses leave Minas Tirith. Dawn was slowly approaching, he noticed, and he wondered where the time had gone. Not that it mattered.

When the gates to the city had closed and the small army had set out west, Aragorn pushed himself up from the wall and headed back to the white tower. He had waited long for this, for a chance to repay Legolas for his failure as an ally.

Walking into the throne room, he motioned to the guards holding the elf to follow. They set out down a dim, marble hall, past Aragorn's rooms and onward towards unfamiliar ground to the elf.

"Where are you taking me?" asked Legolas as he followed in between the guards.

Aragorn glanced back, eyes flashing. He smiled when he stopped at a dark door, simliar to the many they had passed. "You wished to see your lady," said the King, opening the door and pushing it ajar, "I have granted your wish."

Legolas' eyes were wide and untrusting as Aragorn held out a hand, motioning for him to enter the room. Carefully the elf did so, walking into dimly lit personal quarters. With his keen eyesight he gazed around, noting the small, gated window, the messy, clothes-strewn floor, and...the figure lying in the large bed.

"Calime," he breathed, rushing towards her. For several moments he thought the worst, as her eyes were closed as she was unresponsive, but as he touched her gently Legolas realized she was asleep. "Wake up," he said quietly, brushing back the hair from her face.

Slowly, Calime opened her eyes and blinked up at him. "Legolas?" she asked sleepily, pushing herself up. Her dark eyes narrowed at his bright, concerned face. "Is this a dream?"

A smile tugged at his lips, even as his fingers traced over the bruise on her cheek. "This is no dream," he replied, "I am here."

Weakly, Calime touched her hand to his face. When she could feel his warmth on her skin, a smile broke out upon her lips. "Legolas," she said, her voice catching as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled his body against hers in a tight embrace. "I thought I might never see you again."

Legolas closed his eyes and buried his face in her neck. "I am so sorry," he breathed, pulling away and looking into her wet eyes. He kissed che cheeks tenderly, pressing against the falling tears. "Dihena-im an al-edraith le."

"Save your apologies." Aragorn had been watching them from the doorway and Calime jumped at his voice, not having realized he was there. "You will be giving them to her again later." An An arm slid around her shoulders as she blinked up at the King. "Do not threaten us," said Legolas as he rubbed her arm, "We will not bend to your will."

"You need not," he replied, motioning to the guards still standing at the door. They came forward, approaching the bed and grabbing Legolas, dragging him off. Calime made to reach for him, but Aragorn held out his hand. "Deri ennas, nin brennil, ae le iest an e an cuinar," he said darkly as Legolas struggled.

Calime heeded his warning and sat back. Legolas' eyes werld wld with anger as he calmed against those holding him. "Car-al lasta an e, Calime. Car-al anna-ned an on thang."

"Give in?" countered Aragorn, grinning as the guards shoved Legolas into a chair and began to bind his hands and feet to the wood. "That is an excellent idea, my friend."

Swallowing heavily as she watched Aragorn, Calime realized this was the first time she had seen him smile so broadly. Fear rose in her chest at the look of pure exhilaration on his face. She had only seen him sombre and quiet before - this expression was one she would expect from Boromir.

Suddenly understanding, Calime slid off the bed and watched the two guards depart from the room. Legolas struggled in his binds, but was unsuccessful in getting free. "What you mean to do, my Lord," she said quietly, moving her eyes from Legolas' frightened eyes to Aragorn's malicious ones, "It will not make things better for your people."

"Do not attempt to change my mind," he replied, "You only waste your breath."

"Aragorn!" shouted Legolas as the man approached Calime, "Leave her alone!"

The King ignored him, moving to stand in front of her. His palm touched her cheek as he gently stroked her skin. "Nin alfirin brennil," he whispered, "Anna-enni man im anira, a im innas leithia Legolas."

Calime's eyes saddened as she looked up at Aragorn. It pained her to see it come to this, to see him with such dishonour. Still, though, his promise held hope. Even if he wished for something that would kill her to give, she would do that to save Legolas. So she asked, "What do you desire?"

"Calime, no!" yelled the elf, jerking in his binds. "I will not allow you to do this. Don't trust him. Fight him."

Her tired and wet eyes looked at Legolas. It felt as though someone was squeezing the life from her heart, letting her bleed to death in front of him. "Dihena-enni," she said softly, tears streaking her face, "Melethon-le."

"Calime!" Aragorn's hand turned her face away from Legolas' strained voice. She blinked her wet lashes as his finger drew her chin upward.

"Calime," he said, breathing her name quietly, "Such honour and nobility I have not seen in many months."

"You will keep your promise," she said, licking her dry lips, "I am holding you to his release."

Aragorn smiled faintly. "I will keep my word." His fingers brushed her hair back behind her ear, then softly traced its outline.

Shivering, Calime reached up and took his hand, lowering it from her face. "I will do as you wish, my Lord," she said, "But please, do not allow him to watch."

Turning, Aragorn gazed across the room at Legolas. "It is his punishment," he said, looking back at Calime, "To see one's lover take another is worse than death. And to see her do it willingly, it would break him." He took her arm and pulled her gently towards the bed, sitting her down. "I have made a promise to release him if you give in to me, but he will still suffer for his deceit."

Calime's eyes travelled in fear to Legolas. "My Lord, please, is it not enough that he knows?"

"No," he replied, "He must see."

"Al-an enni, meleth," pleaded Legolas as Aragorn brushed the back of his hand across her face, "Al-an pen."

The pressure of this choice caused her to shift in pain. If she did not do this, Legolas would most likely be killed. But how could she willingly give herself to Aragorn with Legolas watching?

Shuld uld not. Being faced with death, though, forced her to reconsider.

Aragorn began to undo the buttons on her dress. Calime became distracted from her thoughts as his warm fingers brushed her skin. "Nin sell," he whispered in her tongue, "Car-al achas enni."

It was all too surreal. Her mind still swam with exhaustion. Looking at Legolas with defeated eyes, she began to consider not only giving in to this, but giving in to death. When he was free, she would wish it upon herself. There was no hope, not when such torture was could be experienced.

Legolas could see her weakness. "Im innas al-cuinar ar-le, meleth. Car-al echad-enni ab-le."

Calime's face crumbled into tears as she stared into Legolas' deep blue eyes. Aragorn ignored the elf's words and touched her face. "Estel enni."

Her breath caught in her throat as he reached up to her shoulders, meaning to push the fabric down her arms. Calime grabbed his wrists and stared wide-eyed at him. "Estel?" she breathed, "Im al-innas." Aragorn jerked his hands away from her and grabbed her own wrists. "If you deny me, I will take what I want. If you defy me, I will kill him." His eyes slid to the elf in the chair and back to Calime, daring her to say no to him.

Her wrists began to ache from his hold as she looked back to Legolas. "Le innas cuinar godref sen. Ael adanath al-innas or-balan le."

"Don, elleth!" growled Aragorn, glaring at Legolas. Calime trembled at his anger, but kept her eyes on the elf in the chair. He wanted her to be strong. He needed her to be strong. She smiled softly and shook her head. Even if she did not think she could, she would show him bravery. If it would lessen his pain, she would do it.

Taking a deep breath, Aragorn turned to face Calime. He released his grip on her wrists, choosing instead to sit beside her and rest his hands on her leg. "Do not listen to him, my lady," he spoke softly, "You are doing an honourable thing, sacrificing yourself for your love."

"I have changed my mind," she said quietly, "I cannot allow this to happen."

The anger in the King's eyes was in no way disguised. "You will regret that decision," he said, "Think carefully."

Picking up his hand, Calime placed his palm on his leg instead of hers. "The only thing I regret is my consideration of giving you what you want."

Aragorn's eyes were soft for just seconds before he raised his hand and slapped Calime across the face. It surprised her, and she fell against the bed, her head buzzing. She could hear Legolas yelling, but could not make out what he was saying. When her hand touched her cheek, she could feel heat.

Strong arms yanked her up and shicklickly found herself looking Aragorn in the face. "You should not insult the King of Gondor," he said through clenched teeth as he shook her forcefully, "I will teach you respect."

He threw her down on the bed and she quickly sat up, her eyes blazing. "Boromir tried to teach me the same thing. I have not learned yet."

Before she could dart away, Aragorn jerked her body close to the edge of the bed and grasped her around the throat. "Boromir is weak. I will make you do and feel things no one else can."

Calime grasped at his wrist. His warm hand was tight around her neck, but allowed her breathing space. "Nothing you do will hurt me," she choked quietly, "I am stronger than you."

He laughed softly in her face. "Legolas gives you too much arrogance. I will break you, and he will watch."

Aragorn jerked at her dress with his free hand and removed it without care. "This will not damage us, Aragorn," said Legolas as the King threw the garment to the floor, "Calime and I will get past this."

"You may be right," he replied, smiling softly, "But how would you feel if young Calime felt pleasured by such an...evil man?" Look down at her, he let go of Calime's neck and ran his palm down her body, caressing the curve of her breast. "I will have you writhing beneath me before the night is over."

Calime set her jaw and tried not to look him in the eye. She was naked before him, and Legolas could see everything he was doing to her. It frightened her to think that Aragorn would try to make her feel good in order to punish Legolas. Everything she had gone through was to make sure Legolas wouldn't be hurt, and still, in the end, he would be.

"No matter what happens, Calime, I will not be hurt," said Legolas as tears began to sting her eyes, "Worry not how I feel. Melethon-le."

Wetness streaked down her face as Aragorn's hand ventured lower along her body. "You do not believe him, do you, meleth?" he whispered, stroking her abdomen, "You know he will be hurt."

Calime chose not to speak, instead closing her eyes and trying to imagine a different place, somewhere happy. Her imaginings did not last long, and she whimpered when Aragorn pressed his fingers into her body.

She could not turn her face to look at Legolas, but he was ever so present to her. He spoke dark threats to Aragorn as the King began rubbing her sensitive flesh. Without realizing it, Calime's hand clenched the arm resting at her side as the gentle movements within her body increased her receptiveness.

"Lin rhaw no loen," said Aragorn, breathing close to her face, "Is this how you show your loyalty to Legolas?"

Calime cried out softly as Aragorn massaged her tingling flesh a little more roughly. Closing her legs around his hand, she tried to make the feelings stop. She wanted him to hurt her, rape her hard and rough, not try to force feelings of pleasure into her body. She would never forgive herself if she allowed that to happen.

Legolas was silent now, and she took a chance looking at him. His eyes were lowered, sad, but he noticed when her face turned. When he looked up, it seemed as though he could read her mind. "Ennas on al-bach an diheno. No bell an enni."

With his free hand, Aragorn tilted Calime's face back to look at him. "He will not forgive you for this," he said, drawing some of her wetness out on his fingers and touching her softly, "He will not forgive your sin."

Calime closed her eyes as the tears streaked down her face. Her abdomen tensed with the strain of an exhausted body trying to fight back. It was not working. She was weakening.

"Valar, im baur edraith," she whispered to herself, covering her face with her hand. It was so close.

When a loud bang at the door sounded, and Aragorn jerked his fingers from her body, Calime uncovered her face and sat up quickly, grabbing for the loose blankets.

"What the fuck is going on here?" growled Boromir as he glared at Aragorn, hand on the hilt of his sword. His cloudy eyes moved over the entire scene and came to rest on the King of Gondor. "Are you bloody insane?"

Faramir entered the room behind his brother and narrowed his eyes as Aragorn stood up. "Why are you here?" he asked hotly, looking Boromir in the eye, "I sent you on a mission."

"You sent us on a wild goose chase!" he yelled back, glaring at the King, "We are not stupid. We knew you sent us away for a reason you were not sharing."

Calime pulled tight the sheet around her body and stood up from the bed. She looked to Legolas, whose eyes were wide, then back to the arguing group. Faramir caught her eyes and shook his head softly, warning her not to try anything.

"What I do is not your concern, Captain. You are disobeying your King, and for that I intend to make sure you pay. You and every soldier who was with you."

Boromir's eyes glinted in the light. "You are unfit to rule this country," he said, his voice hard. He looked behind the King to Calime and snorted. "We expected you to do something we would not approve of, but I must admit, this is not what I expected. This is pathetic."

Aragorn reacted quickly, sending a sharp fist to Boromir's jaw. The Captain staggered back, unprepared for the hit. Faramir was swift to react, though, pulling out his sword and holding it to the King. "That was a mistake, my Lord," he said, pressing it against Aragorn's neck.

Taking advantage of their distraction, Ce moe moved to Legolas and began undoing his binds. She could hear the words on the other side of the room, each voice heated and angry. "Your reign is over, Aragorn," growled Boromir, "You have been corrupted beyond recognition."

"If you think I will give you what you want, you are mistaken," he replied, "You are too weak to wield such a power."

Calime's frightened eyes travelled to Legolas' as she worked on the last bind, trapping his fist to the chair. When it was loose, she stood up slowly, drawing him up with her.

Turning to look at the group of men, they saw Boromir pull a small silver box out from his tunic. "I take what I want," he said, smiling darkly, "I need not wait for one such as you to give me things."

They could not see Aragorn's face, but Calime knew he was not happy. His fists clenched tightly at his side. "You are full of nothing but greed," he said, "Gondor will fall under your traitorous rule."

"Traitorous?" he replied, "You would group me with the elves?" As though realizing something, Faramir's eyes immediately moved towards Legolas and Calime. They widened in anger when he saw the chair empty.

"Car-al rinc," he said darkly, staring at the two elves.

Boromir glanced past Aragorn and frowned at them. Then, slowly, a smile spread over his features and he looked back to the King. "Your elf-friend has gotten free from his binds,it seems," he said, and Aragorn turned to look at them. "Would it not be a shame if they were to escape?"

Aragorn frowned at Boromir. "You want them punished as much as I do," he said, "Letting them go would gain you nothing."

"On the contrary, my King," he replied, "Releasing the elves would break you of your obsessiveness, which in turn may gain me back a valuable ally. Do not mistake this for mercy, Aragorn, I would not release them to heal you. I would release them so as you have no more distractions under my rule."

"I will not follow your rule," he said quietly, "You would be better off killing me."

Boromir stared at his King for a few seconds before reaching into his tunic and pulling out a long blade. He fingered it softly as he sighed. "If you wish," he said, then without hesitation forced it into Aragorn's stomach.

Calime stumbled back in surprise as the King fell to his knees. He groaned in agony and she grabbed Legolas' tunic, drawing him back towards the window. If Boromir would kill his King, he would not hesitate to kill them as well.

Aragorn slumped forward onto the ground as blood spilled from his wound. The carpet stained red as he took his final breath, and then fell still.

Slipping the silver box back into his shirt, Boromir shook his head and frowned. "It will be easier this way," he said, wiping the blade clean on his pants, "Aragorn would have been a problem."

Faramir nodded, then looked up at the elves. "What of them?" he asked, lifting his chin towards them, "You did not really mean to release them, did you?"

"No," he replied, looking to his brother, "They are traitors, remember?"

Laughing softly, Faramir approached the two. "Brannon, brennil," he said, smiling, "Ha on anann an lin genediad."

Raising his sword, the young Captain was fully prepared to kill them. Legolas was quick, though, and ducked the first blow, then propelled himself into Faramir. Calime's eyes went wide as the sword fell to the ground, away from the struggling duo.

She saw Boromir move to help his brother. Thinking quickly, Calime ran to the sword and wielded it, pointing it not at Boromir but at Faramir's neck. "Stop there, or I will kill him," she said to the elder, pressing the blade firmly against the Captain's throat. The struggle became still as Faramir froze and Legolas pulled himself up.

"Do not be foolish," said Boromir, narrowing his eyes, "There is no escape from here."

Legolas took the sword from Calime and pushed it harder against Faramir's skin. "Put down the blade," he said, "Then sit in that chair. If you do not comply, I will slit your brother's throat." Boromir hesitated, but did as he was told, placing the knife on the counter and sitting in the chair Legolas had been held in. "Calime, tie him."

She nodded, but held her breath as she approached Boromir. His eyes were furious as he watched her tie him up. Calime kept expecting him to lash out, to grab her throat or hurt her in some way, but he remained still as she bound him to the chair.

When she stood up, Legolas hit Faramir with the blunt end of the sword, effectively knocking him out. "Bastard elf," growled Boromir, jerking in his chair, "I will find you and I will kill you both."

Legolas grabbed Calime's hand and pushed her towards her fallen garments. "Dress yourself," he said, then approached Boromir, "You deserve nothing less than torture and death, but I will not give it to you. The world of Men is in your hands now, Boromir. I would remind you to use that ring wisely, but I have doubts in your prudence. Be warned, I know what you did to Calime, and I know what your brother did to her. If you look for us, I will see that you are in days of pain before you die."

He turned and started towards Calime, who was dressed and standing at the door, staring at the prone form of Faramir. Her heart was racing at what they were doing, for either of the Captains would see them dead if possible. Legolas took her hand and dragged her from the room, not looking back, and closing the door behind them.

"Legolas," she breathed as they hurried down the hall, "How are we going to get out of here?"

His eyes were hard and determined as he led her. She was as silent as possible, for she knew he was listening for guards. "We will get horses," he said quietly, peering around a corner then pulling her along towards the door of the hall.

He was focused and tense, and her body ached with worry. She wanted to stop, to catch her breath, but Legolas continued to lead her as quickly as he could. The courtyard was empty as they left the building, and they raced towards the stairs. "We're going to be seen," she hissed as he grabbed her hand and pulled her along, "Legolas!"

He did not listen to her. Silently, they dodged the few roaming people as they traveled to the third level. Here there were more guards, though, and she clenched Legolas' arm as he peered around a corner. "Stay here," he said, and before she could say anything he had left her against the wall.

Calime closed her eyes as a few short shouts echoed through the halls. When all was silent, she peeked around the corner at the open wooden doors and the fallen guards.

It was mere seconds before Legolas appeared with the rest of the elves. "Thank Valar," she whispered as they approached. He must have spoken to them, because none questioned what they were doing. Calime stayed close to Legolas as they made their way to the stables, which were not far from where the elves were being held.

It all seemed like a hazy dream, their escape. Elves were strong and silent, and that helped them overpower the few guards and take horses. Those who could took helmets and tunics, disguising themselves as riders of Gondor. The journey out of Minas Tirith took mere minutes, but it felt like long hours. Each time someone looked at them, Calime thought they would be caught. They were too fast, though, and the helmets seemed to lessen the peoples' interest. No one stopped them. The few guards in the city who actually saw them didn't pay enough attention to notice they were not men.

"It will not be long before they find Boromir," said Legolas as they rode across the open plain, "We must make haste and take refuge in the mountains."

Calime's body still ached from the abuse she had suffered. By the time they stopped for rest it was past nightfall, and she could barely stand as she dismounted her horse.

Legolas was distracted, taking care of the other elves. She had not spoken to any of them, letting him check on them himself. She was too tired. Too weak. She would have cried, but even that she could not manage.

The voices of the elves sounded like wind in her ears as she pillowed herself on the soft ground. It was cool, but the muscles in her body relaxed against the grass. She drifted, then, having not slept for so long. Her sleep was dreamless.

*

TBC

Elf-Speak:

Dihena-im an al-edraith le. - Forgive me for not saving you.
Deri ennas, nin brennil, ae le iest an e an cuinar. - Remain there, my lady, if you wish for him (he) to live.
Car-al lasta an e, Calime. Car-al anna-ned an on thang. - Do not listen to him, Calime. Do not give in to his oppression.
Nin alfirin brennil. Anna-enni man im anira, a im innas leithia Legolas. - My immortal lady. Give me what I desire, and I will release Legolas.
Dihena-enni. Melethon-le. - Forgive me. I love you.
Al-an enni, meleth. Al-an pen. - Not for me, love. Not for anybody.
Nin sell. Car-al achas enni. - My child. Do not fear me.
Im innas al-cuinar ar-le, meleth. Car-al echad-enni ab-le. - I will not live without you, love. Do not make me come after you.
Estel enni. - Trust me.
Estel? Im al-innas. - Trust? I will not.
Le innas cuinar godref sen. Ael adanath al-innas or-balan le. - You will live through this. Mere men will not overpower you.
Don, elleth! - Silence, elf!
Melethon-le. - I love you.
Lin rhaw no loen. - Your flesh is wet.
Ennas on al-bach an diheno. No bell an enni. - There is nothing to forgive. Be strong for me.
Valar, im baur edraith. - Valar, I need saving.
Car-al rinc. - Do not move.
Brannon, brennil, ha on anann an lin genediad. - Lord, lady, it is time for your reckoning.