Things Forbidden

Things Forbidden

Chapter 8
Author: Frosty the Squib
Codes: Boromir, Aragorn, Elrond, Faramir, Haldir, Legolas, OC, AU
Rated: NC-17
Summary: The coalition of Men and Elves against Sauron causes a weakness which the Dark Lord exploits.

Review! Critique! Anything!

*

Legolas crossed his arms and scowled. He glared out the window into the growing darkness and watched with irritation as Boromir headed towards the building where Valaina had stayed. Even though Elrond had said nothing of hers had been left behind, the Steward has insisted on searching it himself. It bothered Legolas that the Captain exhibited such anger. Haldir had, during their journey, taken the young Prince aside and explained to him what he believed had happenedh Boh Boromir and the elf they searched for. If the human had indeed been drawn in by her it would explain his anger, but Legolas still did not like it. The Steward was unpredictable enough without guilt and vengeance on his mind.

When Boromir disappeared into the building, the elf turned and sighed. Elrond looked up at him with confused, worried eyes. When Aragorn had told his father about what they suspected, Elrond had sat down and not said a word. Exchanging glances with Haldir, Legolas sat down across from the Lord of Imladris and leaned forward. "Elrond, you mtelltell us what happened."

His eyes were wide as he looked up. He looked at Aragorn, who stood watching, then back at the elf. "Nothing happened," he replied, his tone low.

Legolas would not take that as a response. "Then why are you so distressed? Elrond, we need to know if she knows of the ring's location."

"She doesn't. At least, I did not tell her." Taking a slow, deep breath, he rested his hands on the table in front of him and shook his head. "I knew it was only a matter of time before Sauron tried again."

Aragorn spoke up. "We do not know for sure if she works for Sauron."

"You give her the benefit of the doubt, which you should not." Elrond narrowed his eyes and looked up at the King. "No elf under her own will would create such a web of lies."

"She could not have gone far. Perhaps we should look for her." Haldir paced with agitation.

"No," replied Aragorn, shaking his head, "Even if she did leave, she will not stay away for long. She knows the ring is here."

Legolas looked up with wary eyes. "Do you think she will try etrietrieve it herself?"

"She doesn't know where it is." Elrond's voice was tinged with irritation. Sitting back, he looked down at the table. "She will use one of us."

"Now that we know who she is, we will not allow her to persuade us." Aragorn pursed his lips when ahreehree elves looked up at him. He frowned. "Do we not have a choice?"

"She has powers you have not experienced," said Elrond quietly, "She may still convince us, if we are weak enough."

Legolas eyed him curiously. "But we are not weak."

The raven-haired elf looked up. "That is what I thought as well. I was mistaken." When Legolas ventured a question, Elrond raised his hand. "You have not suffered the same as others. I speak not of the weakness that Boromir may show, nor of the weakness that every male shows to a female. The ring is beginning to sway me. I can feel it."
agoragorn approached in concern. "The ring? Have you worn it?"

"Nay, I have neither worn it nor touched it. Each time I check to make sure of its safety, though, I feel it reach for me. Each time I check, I am weaker to its calls." He looked up and swallowed. "It brought the anger and confusion within me to the surface, and if Valaina had not left, I am not sure what I might have done."

Legolas frowned. "What did she do to incur your anger?"

Elrond moved his gaze back to the table. "I still am not sure it was even her. I would prefer not explaining it. Know only that she has influenced my emotions in many ways. Ways I did not think would ever occur."

A noise at the door moved their attentions away from Elrond. Legolas knit his brow when Boromir stepped into the room. "Nothing," he said when all eyes were upon him. "It is empty."

Looking back, Legolas sighed. "I think we should all be very careful. And we should not be alone." He looked up at Aragorn. "There are too many of us here who have access to the ring."

The King nodded. "We will sleep two and three to a room. In the morning, we can discuss this further." He exhaled softly and looked at Boromir as he scowled. "There is nothing we can do tonight. We will not find her in the darkness."

Tired of the talk, Elrond stood. "I will move into a room with Legolas and Haldir. Aragorn, you and Boromir can bed in one of the large rooms in the east wing of the main hall." There was a finality to his tone that no one pushed.

Legolas watched as the King directed the Steward back to the door. "We will meet again at dawn. No one is to go off alone." Aragorn glanced at the archer before leaving the room.

"Well," huffed Haldir as he raised an eyebrow, "This should be quite comfortable."

Elrond frowned and headed out the open door. Knitting his brow, Legolas sighed and followed as the Marchwarden fell into step bd thd the Lord.

*

Valaina stood in the sheltered garden, her hands clasped calmly in front of her. The shadows masked her from all eyes even as they searched. She had watched as the Steward hunted and came back empty and waited while they had spoken of their plans for her. It would be more difficult now, with so many of them here. She would have to be more careful.

The human men had retired for the night. They had gone into the east, while the elves remained in the main building where Elrond made his home. With imperceptible steps she made her way out of the garden, following the gray stone path until it met the stairs that ascended to the upper level. A light still flickered in the room where the elves rested. They were not asleep yet.

As she entered the hall, faint voices could be heard from behind the door. Valaina stood and waited, resting her hand against the wood grain that separated her from Elrond. Closing her eyes, she moved forward and leaned her head against the door. The journey was wearing on her.

"She is of our kind," she heard one say, "We should help her."

"It is not so easy, Legolas. You know that. She has been tainted." Valaina swallowed hard as the other elf unknown to her spoke with accusation. "She is most likely forever lost."

"Can we not even try?"

It was then Elrond spoke, for his was the voice she recognized most. "Haldir is right. She may be beyond help." His tone was heavy and he sighed. She had caused that weakness. "It matters not. Our first concern must be the ring."

Valaina could feel her lord's darkness sweeping over her, as though a hand guided her down the right path. The ring was paramount. The ring was what she was after. Clenchher her jaw, she inhaled sharply and stepped away from the door. It did not matter what they spoke of.

Whispers were now all that she could hear. It took mere minutes before the light under the door disappeared, and the sounds died to nothing. She waited until she was sure the night took the elves into dreams, then moved back to the door and turned the handle until it opened.

She walked in with muted steps. The moonlight lit each bed, illuminating each elf and showing her where Elrond lied. His dark hair cascaded over the pillow he rested upon. Drawn forward, she leaned down and gently ran a finger along his cheek. His eyes fluttered open.

"My lord," she breathed, "I have come for you."

He blinked slowly and drowsily sat up. "You have returned."

She smiled and asked, "When I was with you, did I make you happy?" He nodded. "Do you want me to make you happy again?" Her smile grew when he nodded again. "I want to please you, Elrond, but this time I ask something in return."

"What is it?"

Her finger traced his jawline as she spoke. "The thing which calls to you."

His dark eyes moved between hers. "The ring?"

"Yes," she breathed in response, leaning close. His half-lidded gaze watched her lips as she replied. "Tell me howfindfind it." Her free hand touched his thigh and caressed upwards, perilously close to his interest.

Before he could speak, Valaina moved forward and captured his lips with her own. Her kiss was warm and slow, and when she moved back his eyes had closed. "Tell me, Elrond. I want to free you from your burden."

He licked his lips and opened his eyes. They remained half-lidded and blurred. "The ring," he began, talking faintly, "Is beyond Imladris, into the forest in the west. It is guarded."

Valaina's hand trailed higher. "Will you take me there?"

He blinked slowly. "Yes, but I do not wish it."

Soft kisses touched his jaw. "Why, my lord?"

"Because...because I fear I will be taken by it."

She stopped and looked up at him with wide eyes. In this state he would not lie, could not, and she knit her brow in worry. She had not realized he was so close to succumbing to the ring's call. Thinking quickly, she touched his face and said, "Then I will not ask you to take me. Is there another who can?"

"Yes," he whispered, closing his eyes as she rubbed his leg.

Her hand traced into his hair. "Who is it?"

Elrond moved forward into her embrace. "Aragorn."

Smiling, she leaned back and looked into his face. "You have pleased me, my lord. I am forever thankful to you. In repayment, I want to make you happy." A whisper of a smile crossed his lips. "You must promise me one thing, thougou mou must remain silent, for I do not want the others to awaken."

He nodded and allowed her to push him back to the bed. Crawling up over top of him, she kissed his full lips and dipped her tongue into his waiting mouth, insistently demanding the compliance of his own. Her hands ran along his chest and up his sides as he moaned softly into her mouth and attempted to touch her as well. His palms found her breasts and squeezed gently, but she would not allow it. Parting from his mouth and removing his hands, she pushed them down to the bed.

Her fingers entwined with his as she looked don hon him. "This is only for you, Elrond. I do not deserve your touch this night."

When he opened his mouth to speak, she released his hand and covered his lips with a finger. "Shhh," she breathed, shaking her head, "Do not disagree with me. I have taken enough from you already."

Valaina frowned as she leaned back and bit her lip. Her eyes burned suddenly, a feeling she had not experienced in a long while. Closing her eyes and calming herself, she concentrated on what would make her own lord happy. The ring. It was within her grasp. As she opened her eyes and looked down on Elrond, she smiled insincerely and tried hard to convince herself that it would all be over soon.

Scooting back, Valaina slid a hand into his nightpants and pulled out his hardened interest. Leaning forward, she kissed him softly and began to rhythmically stroke his heat, touching him in fast, jerking strokes, then slowing to a teasing pace. His tongue lapped at hers as she pleased him, squeezing and pumping along his member as he tried to keep his groans to a quiet minimum.

His breathing increased in speed as she thrust. Intent on capturing his voice, she concentrated on their kisses and closed her eyes as she lost herself in the motion. She could feel him tense, and did not stop him when his hands moved to her face, cupping her so he could kiss her more deeply. A low, pleasured groan escaped his lips as he jerked against her, spilling himself onto her hand. His kisses slowed as he relaxed.

She licked her lips as she sat up and adjusted his clothing. "Goodnight, my lord," she whispered as his eyes fluttered in hazy bliss. Taking careful, quiet steps, Valaina left the room and looked down at her hand. Wiping it on her skirts, she frowned and looked at the hallway to the east. It was time to pay a visit to the King.

The journey to the men's rooms was short. Valaina wasted no time in entering the dark chamber, though her heart raced fast in her chest. She knew she was risking much here, but did not see any other way around it. The ring was guarded, and she knew enough to realize that she would need help retrieving it. Taking a deep breath, moving her eyes between the two forms in the room, she walked to the far bed and spoke.

"Elessar."

She did not whisper, nor try to hide her presence from the Steward. Their sleep was light, for both immediately stirred and opened their eyes. It was Boromir who reacted first.

"Aragorn!" he yelled, leaping from the bed and staring at her with wild eyes. He looked down at the King, who had sat up in bed and watched with an uneasy and suspicious expression. Confused at his leader's hesitation, Boromir stormed towards Valaina and gripped her arm, yanking her forward and throwing her down onto his bed.

She sat up and pulled herself back as the Steward started towards her. "Boromir." The Captain stopped and stared down at the King. "Don't hurt her."

"Aragorn, she should killed immediately!" His angry eyes moved back to her and stared with hatred. "Who knows why she is here! She is obviously working some sort of plan."

Valaina watched the King in silence as he stood. "I am sure she is, Boromir, but murder is not the answer."

The Steward narrowed his eyes. "Do not speak with her," he replied, his voice turning quiet, "She will twist your sense."

Aragorn's pale blue eyes stared down at her with intense curiousity. She did not part from his gaze, instead keeping her own trained on his. "That is why you are here. To prevent that twisting."

"We should lock her up before interrogating her." When Aragorn shook his head, Boromir turnegry.gry. "Then we should at least retrieve the elves!"

It was then that Valaina chose to speak. "Are you frightened of me, Boromir?" She knew his weaknesses, had played on them before. He would be an easy target.

Her comment had the desired effect. "I fear no elf," he spat.

"Then what is it you fear?" Boromir started towards her, but Aragorn stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

The King had a calm about him that reminded Valaina of an elf. She knew he woul lis listening closely to what she said, so she eyed him, trying to find his weak spot. Something that would make him reconsider everything.

"Why are you here?" he asked, narrowing his gaze. Crossing his arms in front of him, he waited for her to answer. The fact that he had not gone for the others told her that Aragorn was already weakening.

She sat up, but did not stand. "I am here to convince you of something I have only just realized."

"That you are a thieving, lying, elf-whore? Do not worry. We are already convinced of that," grunted Boromir, who had gone to stand at the end of the bed.

Aragorn tossed him a dirty look but did not reprimand him. Valaina, uncomfortable, looked away before responding. "I have been polluted by the darkness of Sauron, I know that," she said quietly, "I remember nothing of my life before I was taken against my will." She looked up at the King with wide, watery eyes. "I have seen here in Imladris what kind of person I am supposed to be. I know it's wrong to work for the Dark Lord, but it tears at me. He is too strong to fight."

She took a breath and looked away, trying to hide the tears that lined her eyes. In truth, she did not remember anything about where she came from, or how she had been so manipulated by the darkness. And it indeed was very difficult to fight Sauron. Every in in a while, though, without rhyme or reason, a memory or emotion would expose itself. Everye ine in a while, she felt more than just the icy hand of the Dark Lord.

Sometimes she had difficulty telling when those times were.

Her eyes rose to Aragorn, who stood silent. "I have seen what the ring has done to your people," she continued, her voice stronger. Her gaze slid to Boromir. "I have seen the anger it causes, and felt the violence. Its rage has been bled into by mby many men." Boromir's eyes flickered away, so she looked back to the King. "I have witnesshe hhe hopelessness and despair that is slowly destroying the one you call father. I have seen him tonight. The pull is strong. He will not last."

Aragorn's jaw clenched, but he remained calm. "What have you done to Elrond?"

"I have touched him, allowed him to express what is within. And in return he has told me his secrets. He fears the ring. I have seen it in his eyes. The power frightens him, as much as it lures h


The King's voice became tight. "You have manipulated him."

She shook her head softly. "You know what I speak is true. You know, because you feel it yourself."

He did not speak then, and that upset Boromir. "Why are you listening to this rubbish?" he snarled, clearly agitated. "She is spinning more lies, and you are accepting it like a peasant!"

"Enough, Boromir!" snapped Aragorn, whipping his head around. "Control yourself."

Valaina looked past the King to the Steward. "Has he always had such an easy loss of col?"ol?"

Boromir pointed a finger at her. "Quiet, bitch!"

"Do you not see it yourself, Boromir? I am sure you have always had such a terrible temper." When the Steward opened his mouth to respond, Aragorn held a hand up to silence him. Valaina bit her lip and waited patiently for the King's response.

His words were measured. "Why are you telling me this? Why are you really here?"

"Sauron may be my master, but I still have my own thoughts. Lord Elrond has a fear of the ring, and my experience has shown me what it can do. I have grown...uneasy...about my quest. I have felt much pain at the hands of my master, and only fear what more he could do if he had such a power." She swallowed heavily. "Why has it not been destroyed?"

Aragorn's eyes flickered. "I made the decision to keep it whole."

"Why?"

He looked away and frowned. "Because...because it has the power to do good as well as evil."

"Do you not see? Has no one seen? It has already taken you. The ring should have been destroyed at the first opportunity. There is no good to be found in it. You fear my twisting of your mind - the ring is much more subtle, and much more powerful."

Aragorn knit his brow. "You want me to destroy it?"

Taking a breath, Valaina stood slowly. "Yes. Save me from the darkness. Save yourselves."

Boromir stepped forward. "There is a trick here." He grabbed her arms and pulled her towards him, then shook her hard. "Tell me what you are planning!"

The King looked up but did not stop their exchange. "I plan nothing," she hissed, "I only want a release. If it is not destroyed, I will take my own life."

He pushed her back and she stumbled. "You would do no such thing. You would never see the havens."

Valaina laughed softly without mirth. "And you think I would see them now? After what I have done to my people? After serving and servicing the Dark Lord and all those he commands?"

Boromir did not respond. "That is all you want?" said Aragorn quietly, "An end to the pain?"

She stood straight. "Nothing else."

"And what if I do not wish to destroy it?"

Crossing her arms, she hugged into herself. "Then I will mourn this world and the next."

He sighed heavily. "And what of the meantime? Do you expect me to allow you to go free?"

"I expect nothing," she replied, looking up, "Do as you will. If you allow me to go free, it will only be a er oer of time before my master finds me and gives me to his armies as a plaything. My death will be slow and torturous, but in the end, it will be what I ask for."

She could feel Boromir's eyes upon her, searching for something that would tell him she was lying. "I must think on this," whispered the King. He looked up to his Steward. "Boromir, take her to the cells. Do not wake the others yet, just make sure she is locked up. I must consider this."

The Captain's eyes grew in anger at Aragorn's words, but he complied. Striding forward, he took Valaina's arm in a tight grip and pulled her out the door.

Boromir made no attempt to silence his footfalls. She tried her best to match his pace, but he walked so quickly she stumbled when she could not keep up. Her arm began to ache from him yanking her up and jerking her along with him. "You're hurting me," she pleaded, looking up at him. He did not even meet her eyes.

They entered the gardens and made their way out of the main housing area. The cells were kept far from the chambers of the elves, most likely to keep the wails of the prisoners from reaching the keen hearing of Imladris' people. She knew the keep would be empty, and it was still hours till morning. Her eyes slid back up to the man who was hauling her across the grass. "Boromir," she spoke softly, "I am sorry if I angered you."

He looked down at her then, his eyes shaded. "I suggest you keep your mouth shut, elf. I am not as keen as the King to hear your voice."

"I only wish for an end to the violence." She kept her voice calm and soft, and that seemed to irritate him even further.

He shoved open the door of the jailhouse and pulled her inside, slamming it closed behind them. "I don't know what your scheme is, but rest assured I will not allow Aragorn to do anything stupid." He grinned and let go of her arm, shoving her forward into the dark hall. "You have no power over me."

She walked out of the hall and into a large room that housed several cells. It was an old, dusty dungeon, with walls made of chipped stone and lanterns lining the walls. Several barred windows allowed starlight to filter into the darknesI haI have no power at all. Only Sauron has power." She turned and eyed him with sadness. "His darkness has defiled us all. Including you, Steward."

He advanced quickly and raised a hand, slapping her across the face. Valaina stumbled back and closed her eyes as her cheek began to sting. "You are the defiled one, elf," he growled, pointing a finger in her face as she opened her eyes. "I am an enemy of Sauron, not a follower."

Her eyes watered from the hit. "I began as his enemy as well. Things change."

He advanced on her and leaned in close. "For you, perhaps. I am not so weak."

She noticed immediately when his eyes raked over her form. Biting her lip, she asked, "The darkness is your own, then?"

Eyes narrowed, he looked back up to her face. "If you speak of our little encounter, then yes, the darkness is my own. Sauron does not influence my choices."

"I do not believe it." She spoke quietly and turned her expression into a sympathetic one. It had the desired effect.

"Believe what you want, elf." He gripped her arms and yanked her towards him. "You are nothing but a whore of Sauron, so I shall treat you as such."

A thrill of fear passed over her, but she kept herself steady. She waited and did not fight when Boromir ripped her clothing from her body, not caring if the fabric tore. He was rough, making an example of her. She tried not to flinch when he pulled her dress down her body, exposing her naked skin.

His expression was mocking when he looked at her. "You do not even fight me," he smirked, moving his eyes down her frame. "I could violate you in any manner I wish and you would not fight me. That is the difference between a friend of Sauron, and an enemy. I would fight."

Valaina swallowed and took a breath, moving her eyes up to his. "You find right in humiliating one such as I?"

He laughed, harsh and loud. "Do not attempt to turn this into something it's not." Leaning in, Boromir placed his hands on the wall on either side of her and pursed his lips. "If it were so wrong tu, yu, you would fight. I think you want it."

Her voice was breathless. "You are wrong."

"We will see." His hand moved quickly and gripped her face, urging her to stay still. He plunged his lips against hers, forcing his tongue into her mouth and sucking heatedly. When his grip loosened she remained unmoving, allowing him to rape her mouth with fervor. Closier eer eyes, she gently raised her hands to his chest and rested them upon his tunic. He growled against her lips and grinned. His eyes were lustful when he pulled back. "I knew you would not resist."

He did not allow her to respond. Jerking his pants open, he took hold of her knee and pulled it up, then shoved his flesh into her without hesitance. Valaina's eyes widened and she cried out at the entry, tightening her leg around his hip. Boromir thrust against her, hard and seeking, watching her for her reaction. It seared and burned, and he seemed to take enjoyment out of watching her hiss in pained breaths. "Look at me," he growled when she tried to close her eyes. Reaching for her other leg, he brought it up and shoved into her roughly, gaining her attention. "I want to see you struggle."

His hand began to bruise her legs as he held her there and rammed into her hips over and over again, seeking both his pleasure and her end. Valaina's eyelids fluttered closed as he moved his mouth down to her breast, moving his warm tongue around her nipple then sucking hungrily. He was irregular in his thrusts, causing her to moan in pleasure at the surprising feeling that rose inside of her. His teeth nipped at her soft flesh making her vocalize even louder and, in turn, driving Boromir further in his movements.

She could feel herself losing control. Boromir's slick hands burned on her thighs as she entwined her legs around him and gripped his shoulders, meeting her pleasure and bucking hard against him. He panted fiercely, pushing viciously into her body until he met his own climax. When it was all over, he let go of her legs and allowed her to slide to the dirt floor.

Valaina's throat was dry and burning as she sat there, unwilling to check if the wetness between her legs was more than what it should be. She ached. Boromir's breathing was loud in the quiet room, and she found it distracting. Her stomach twisted in knots and she found it difficult to look up at him when he nudged her leg with his foot. When she did raise her eyes, she noticed he had covered himself. "Get up," he said, nudging her again.

She did not want to, and was unsure if her legs would even support her. Looking back down to the sandy floor, she sifted her fingers through the grains, concentrating on the softness and tried to calm herself. The sensitive skin of her hands met the sharpnes a b a buried rock.

He kicked her again, this time hard enough to bruise. "I will not say it again, elf," he spat, "Get up and get into that cell." She looked where he pointed and felt herself shudder.

"What of my clothes?" she asked in a hushed voice. "You tore them." Her hand gripped the blunt end of the stone.

His voice was devoid of sympathy. "You have no need of clothes. You do not deserve them."

Valaina looked up at him with watering eyes. Her toook ook on a dangerous, rigid edge. "You were very easy, Steward. I want you to know that."

Not understanding, his eyes narrowed angrily. Stepping forward, he gripped her arm and yanked her to a standing position, not seeing what she held in her hand. When she thrust forward, her eyes blazing, he let go of her arm and stumbled back in surprise. Immediately his hand went to his abdomen, touching the hole she had driven into him. When he looked down, his flesh was red.

"You...," he started, then fell back. Valaina walked over to him and looked down, still holding the bloodied instrument in her hand. Kneeling down, she frowned as his eyes turned hazy.

"Perhaps Sauron has not affected you after all," she said, her voice serene, "Perhaps you are simply a vile man in your own right."

He tried to speak, but could not. Blood touched his lips when he coughed. Valaina touched his mouth and wiped the red liquid. "Goodnight, Steward." Gripping the sharp stone in her hand, she touched it to his throat and pressed, drawing it across the dampened flesh.

The light in his eyes died instantaneously.

*

TBC