Broken Hearts

Broken Hearts

Chapter 8
Author: Frosty the Kingpin
Codes: Legolas, Haldir, Elrond, Thranduil, OC, AU, N/C, INC
Rated: NC-17
Summary: During talks of combining Mirkwood and Imladris into one force, a relationship takes a downward spiral.
Author's Notes: Reviews will be cherished like nobody's business. That's a good thing. Review!!!!

*

Tári had asked her father to leave. He had taken her aside once they entered the Hall, and began to explain his reasons for allowing such a thing to happen. She had quieted him, already understanding why. The whole of elfkind was more important than her own happiness, and she knew that. The King did not disguise how upset he was at the outcome, and outwardly conveyed his feelings of regret. She had hugged him then, assuring him that she would be alright, that she understood, and that she still loved him.

Thranduil had reluctanly agreed to leave. Once the door closed on her and Elrond, she took a deep breath and settled in a chair in a far corner of the room. The lord of Imladris joined her, seating himself on a sofa across from where she sat. He looked uncomfortable, she noticed, and took some solace in that.

"I will get right to the point, my lord," she began, "I understand why our marriage must come to be. I will be your wife willingly, for I know that it is in the best interest of Middle-earth. I will not, however, submit myself to anything I do not wish."

His dark eyes surveyed her. "You are nervous," he said, and she felt herself tense, "Please, you speak as if I am here to take advantage of my position. I assure you, I am not. I realize as well that we will be wed, and it will secure the elves in this world, but I do it out of duty to my kind. I take no pleasure in forcing you into a marriage you do not wish. If I may speak honestly, I have no wish for it myself."

Smoothing her palms across her skirt, Tári lowered her walls slightly. She felt bad at having spoken to him so rudely, considering his attitude towards their fate. "Forgive me. I believe I am still unsure about this entire thing."

"It is understandable." Leaning forward in his seat, Elrond clasped his hands and looked her in the eye. "We will be wed, and we will live in Imladris. That much is known to both of us. Though Mirkwood and my realm have our differences, I promise you I will do my best to accomodate your needs in our home. Bring servants with you, people whom you trust. I would not want you to be alone."

The weight in her heart lifted some. "I would like that," she said quietly.

"And of course, visits from your family and to your family will be often. Perhaps your brother would care to take up residence in Imladris for some of the year."

Tári looked away, biting her lip. She wanted no part of Legolas any longer, but knew that denying his visits would only arouse suspicion. Of all people, Elrond was the person she least wanted to speak to about her ordeal. "Perhaps," she replied, barely a whisper.

Elrond seemed not to notice her change in mood. "Your father was quite worried about how you would react to this. It gives me hope for both our realms that you are even stronger and more wise than I was led to believe." She She smiled. Truthfully, she was relieved now, having met her husband-to-be. Part of her had expected a cruel man, someone who would take joy in forcing her into his culture. She knew sex was not an issue in most arranged marriages if children were not required, so that worry was relieved nearly the instant she heard that Elrond already had them. Her worry had been the isolation and loneliness that plagued most who had no choice but to marry for their countries. Elrond seemed a fair man, good-hearted for a Noldor. And it made her feel better knowing she could take friends along.

"The darkness is spreading quickly. I assume war with the Dark Lord will be soon, and our marriage even sooner. Am I right?" Tári twisted her hands, wondering what it would have been like to plan a marriage for the right reasons.

"You are. Plans are most likely underway as we speak. I imagine it will only be a few days time before we are wed."

Tári nodded, then laughed softly. A smile creased her lips, but it was not of mirth. "It feels like a dream."

"'Tis better than a nightmare." When she looked up, his eyes sparkled in humour.

Relaxing, she found herself returning his calm expression. "Well, if we are to marry, I feel I should know you a little better. Please, tell me of yourself."

He leaned back and sighed. "As you probably already know, I am half-human. My wife, Celebrian, was Lady Galadriel's daughter." He lowered his eyes when Tári knit her brows in surprise. "Celebrian was lost long ago, but with her I had three children. Elrohir and Elladen you will meet in Imladris. They are honourable elves. My daugher, Arwen, diminished not long after Sauron's darkness spread through Gondor."

"I'm sorry to hear that," she replied, frowning, "May I ask what happened?"

Elrond's eyes took on a misty, distant expression. "She was engaged to the man who became the King of Gondor. Aragorn was like a son to me, and the world of men was strong with him as their leader. They were wed only a short time when Sauron infiltrated Minas Tirith, turning all those weak in spirit to his dark hand. The strong followed soon after. Arwen was touched by the blackness, soured by it. When she returned to Imladris, she was no longer my daughter."

A chill swept through Tári's body. She had had no idea any elves had been corrupted by the darkness. "Is she...still alive?"

Focusing, Elrond's eyes moved up to her. His gaze was unflinching. "No."

By his tone, she knew not to ask of Arwen any further. Feeling guilty for pushing so far, she averted her eyes and apologized. "I did not mean any offense."

"None was taken. Arwen's story is a sad one, and one I do not wish to relive. It is your right to know, however. Even if you had not asked, I would have spoken of it eventually." When she looked up, his eyes had lost their sadness and taken on a more hopeful spirit. "My stories are enough to turn a joyous day to gray. Please, tell me of yourself."

Tári shook her head. "I'm afraid there is little to tell. I have not been beyond the borders of Mirkwood, for the war started soon after my childhood."

"Once the war has been won, I will take you traveling. It would be a shame if you did not see the world you are helping to save." His eyes were soft upon her, his mouth curving into a faint smile. Even as she wished she didn't, Tári found herself liking Elrond. He seemed kind.

"I would like that."

Elrond's eyes moved to the window as he sighed. "It is late. You should get your rest."

Truthfully, she was quite awake, but knew that Elrond himself needed sleep. Standing and watching as he followed suit, she headed for the door. "If you have time tomorrow, perhaps we should speak again."

He nodded, holding the door open. "My time is yours. Shall we have lunch?"

"That sounds good. I will meet you at the Banquet Hall." After bidding farewell, Tári began walking towards her rooms and briefly looked back as Elrond headed in the other direction. She narrowed her eyes as his form disappeared into the trees. He had not been what she had expected.

Feeling slightly relieved, she walked up the stairs and entered her dark room. A sudden chill came over her and she stopped, allowing the door to remain open so moonlight could spill inside. Peering across the room, she spotted someone sitting upon a chair. Her hand tightened on the door handle. "Legolas?"

The person stood and approached. Preparing to fight if need be, Tári stood her ground until her visitor stepped into the moonlight. "My dear."

She exhaled a deeply held breath and laughed softly. "Ada. You frightened me."

He smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. "I know it is late, but do you have a moment we could speak?"

"Of course." Closing the door, she lit several candles and placed them around the room. After setting a bright oil lamp on the dresser, she sat down beside her father and waited for what he had to say.

He seemed distracted. "How was your visit with Lord Elrond?"

"It went well. Better than I would have thought." She bit her lip and settled a hand on his shoulder. "Is that why you're here? Are you still upset about the marriage?"

He touched her hand, cupping it and bringing it to his lips for a kiss. "I won't lie and say that I'm alright with your engagement, but that's not why I'm here. My visit is for a different matter."

Tári knit her brows, concerned. "What is it?"

Thranduil sighed. "You know I love you, Tári. You are the most precious thing in my life, along with Legolas. And I know how close you and your brother are. I would never want to interfere in that relationship. But I'm concerned. Legolas spoke to me this evening. Can you tell me, is everything alright with him?"

Anger and fear flared up in her. Legolas had spoken to Thranduil, most likely about her marriage. "What do you mean?"

"He seemed agitated. Quite unlike himself. Have you noticed any difference in him?"

She didn't know what to say. If she spoke ill of her brother, either the truth would come out or he would harm her again. Tári wanted neither of those. "Perhaps he is just worried."

Pursing his lips, Thranduil let her hand go and leaned back. "You are probably right. He does not want you to get married. I think he fears losing you."

Tári nodded, unsure of what to say. "It will be better once I leave Mirkwood. Don't worry unnecessarily, ada."

He smiled and patted her on the leg. "You are a good daughter. I am probably just tired." Standing up, he kissed her on the forehead and headed to the door. "I will see you tomorrow, my dear. Have a good night, and do not worry for my troubles."

"Goodnight." When he closed the door, she sat back down upon the sofa and frowned. She had relieved her father of his worries, but did nothing to quell her own. Legolas would not leave it at just one conversation, she knew that.

Rubbing her face, she stood to prepare for bed when there was a knock on the door. Wondering if her father forgot something, she opened the door and began to speak, but abruptly silenced herself when she saw it was not her father who stood there.

"May I come in?"

Her eyes grew steely as she nearly laughed at how absurd that question sounded coming from her brother. "No, you may not."

Tári made to close the door, but his hand prevented it. She glared at him as he pushed it open again. "We need to speak."

"No, we do not." Growing angry, she tried slamming the door, but he was prepared. She stumbled back as he forced it open and entered without permission, closing it gently behind him.

"Why are you making this difficult?" he asked, darting his gaze around the room. She could tell he wasn't in a good mood, as his eyes betrayed the fury he was obviously feeling.

She clenched her fists. "Because you hurt me." She considered making a run for the door, but he stood firmly in front of it, preventing escape.

Legolas shook off her words as though she failed to understand why he touched her. "If I hurt you, it is only because you will not learn. I am not here for sex, Tári. I am here to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you," she spat.

"Then I will speak." Rubbing his hands together as though nervous, he began pacing in front of the door. "I spoke with our father. He will not listen to reason about this marriage. I have thought about this, and I know that I cannot allow it to happen, no matter what he says about duty and honour. Middle-earth matters not."

"Middle-earth is our home," she breathed, unable to keep silent. "You would sooner see it destroyed and both of us dead than it saved and us separated?"

His eyes flashed. "Yes."

"You're insane."

Legolas smirked, but continued what he had to say. "I know you have no wish to wed. When I remove the element that is in our way, I know you will thank me."

Tári knit her brows, confused. "Element?" Then it dawned on her. "You're going to kill Elrond?"

He looked up, desperation and confidence apparent in his expression. "If he does not listen to reason, yes."

"I won't let you." She couldn't allow the fate of Middle-earth to rest in her brother's hands. She wouldn't allow him to murder an innocent for his own gain.

"You won't have a choice." He stopped pacing and stared at her, unflinching in his anger. "I won't let you marry him."

She shook her head softly, once again feeling the ache in her body that he caused. "What happened to you?" she asked quietly, unable to understand how he could change so terribly. "What happened to the brother I used to love?"

He reacted quickly, moving forward until he was right in front of her. Surprised, she stepped back but he moved with her until she was pinned to the wall. Hands came down on either side of her, hitting the wall with force. "Don't test me," he hissed, glaring down at her with wide eyes.

She trembled at the anger his stare held. Never had she seen such rage come from her brother. "I will tell our father," she breathed, looking up at him, "I won't allow you to destroy our only hope of survival."

"The world can survive without you marrying him!" Slamming his fists against the wall, he pushed himself back and began pacing. "He can marry someone else. I will make both of them understand that."

Tári bit her lip. "There is no one else."

Legolas' eyes, aroused and outraged, jerked up to hers. "We're through speaking about this. If you value your friends' lives, I suggest you keep quiet about our conversation, and let me deal with it."

She bit back a reply, watching only as he nodded his head at her apparent agreement. He left immediately, and it was then she fully realized how distracted he was by this wedding. Never before had Legolas left her without a caring glance or touch.

As she struggled with her thoughts, she realized she would have to warn Elrond. She didn't know if Legolas would try speaking with him first, or go straight ahead with removing him, but either way Tári knew she had to go to him immediately.

Pulling on a cloak, she stepped out into the brisk night air and set off down the stairs. Her eyes and ears were keen for any signs of her brother, but the only noises came from the crickets in the grass and the stones beneath her feet. She hurried to where Elrond was staying. Taking deep breaths, trying to calm the fear in her chest, she thought quickly about what she would say to him. She could never admit to what Legolas had done to her, but how would she otherwise explain his threats? Elrond would want a reason.

For a moment she considered going to her father instead, speaking with him and telling him that Legolas was not himself. If Thranduil found out, though, Tári didn't think she'd be able to stand how wounded her father would be. She couldn't hurt him like that, no matter if it was any fault of hers or not.

Tári's swift pace brought her to the temporary residence of the Lord of Imladris within mintues. A dim light filtered through the frosted glass of the window. Biting her lip, staring at the door, she hesitated. Legolas was not here. Perhaps he had been bluffing about his threat.

Memories of the abuse she had suffered came back to her. He had not been bluffing, she knew that. Raising a hand, she knocked stiffly at the door.

The creaking sound of the bed and the soft footfall of steps could be heard inside the room. Clasping her hands in front of her, Tári swallowed heavily as the door slowly opened to reveal Elrond, looking slightly concerned.

"Tári?" he said, looking around her and then down into her eyes, "Is something wrong?"

Her eyes travelled to his dark nightclothes, and she felt a pang of guilt about what he was being pulled into. Elrond had proven himself to be a man of honour and kindness, someone who did not deserve to be brought into such a terrible drama. "I'm sorry to bother you so late, but it's important. May I come in?"

"Of course." Stepping aside, he allowed her entrance and closed the door. Tári waited patiently as he lit several candles. "Tell me what's happened," he said, taking a seat on the small chesterfield Tári had sat upon.

She shifted uncomfortably. "It is difficult for me to say," she began, staring at her hands, "I feel you must be told, though, for I fear your life may be in jeopardy." She looked up then, and noticed Elrond's eyes turn bothered.

"Have you gone to your father?"

His question made her avert her eyes. "No. This is something I do not wish for him to hear." Tári bit her lip and took a deep breath, continuing, "I am torn, between loyalty to my family and common sense. Events that have transpired have shown me that sometimes family can be unworthy of loyalty. Someone came to me today, someone very dear to me, and told me that they would do anything to keep our marriage from happening. It was alluded that you would be....removed."

Elrond sighed and clenched his jaw. "You speak vaguely, Tári. I can only interpret that as you don't want to go into more detail. I must ask of you, though, to trust me and tell me who has spoken this."

She looked up with worried eyes. "I am trusting you with something I have told no other soul. The person who threatened you is Legolas."

Frowning in confusion, he shook his head. "Legolas? I don't understand. What reason does your brother have to keep our marriage from occuring? Is he unhappy that I am Noldor?"

"I will admit he is not pleased about that, but it is not the reason."

He leaned forward, absently placing a hand on hers. "Then tell me. Perhaps I can speak with him and resolve this."

Tári's eyes widened in urgency. "No, you can't speak of this. He can't know I've told you anything."

"Why not?"

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she said, "He would be very upset to learn I have spoken to you. He forbade it."

Elrond knit his brow curiously. "Your father told me you and your brother were close. Has Legolas done something to you to make you frightened of him?"

Tears rose to her eyes. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell everything. The need to have someone listen and help was overwhelming, even in the company of someone she barely knew. Her hand trembled under his as memories came back to her unbidden.

When she did not speak, Elrond's hand caressed hers gently. "You can tell me, Tári. If you need someone to talk to, I am here. Trust me."

She shook her head. "I can't. It's too much." Pulling her hand away from his, she wiped at her tears and tried to regain her composure. "There are some things I cannot speak of. I came here to tell you that Legolas isn't to be trusted, and I did that. I should leave."

She stood quickly and headed to the door. "Tári," said Elrond softly as he stood. Her hand rested on the handle as she waited for what he had to say. "Thank you."

Turning, Tári looked across the room at him. "Please do me one favour. Please, if you can, do not burden my father with this news. It would destroy him to know his son is capable of such evil."

Elrond nodded. Silently, swiftly, she turned the door handle and left his room, heading back out into the deep and dark night.

*

TBC