Gone

Gone

Chapter 8
Author: Frosty the Obstetrician
Rated: 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 rturrture of the elves, and a realization by those who remain.
Author's Notes: Elvish translations are in parentheses.

A bit THANK YOU to Beth and Marianne for reviewing! It means a lot.

*

Chin resting on her hand, Idril watched with distant eyes the child that sat across the table fher.her. He was scribbing on parchment, littering the floor with scraps of paper that did not meet his approval. Every few moments, he would look up and study her, then dip his head back down while the quill in his hand moved in a frenzy. For nearly an hour now he had tried to draw her. Each time Idril closed her eyes, though, Eldarion would wake her with a kick under the table.

It was nearing the dinner hour. As she moved her eyes to the window again, watching for the waning light, she grew nervous with the approaching dusk. Her entire day had been spent alone with Eldarion, with nary a visitor to speak of. They had not left the upper level of the city, nor seen hide nor hair of Aragorn or either of the Stewards. Not that she had expected them, but hours alone a c a child prone to introversion was enough to make anyone crave adult company.

In one form, at least. While she would have welcomed a visit from Faramir, she was in truth worried about Aragorn's return. His attitude toward her earlier had been unusual, and had caught her off-guard. Faramir had told her what the King had been like lately, but having witnessed a moment of disquiet from him had unnerved her. She hoped, when he came for Eldarion, he would be back to normal.

The door creaked open and Idril looked up. When the King entered, she sat straighter and smiled. "Elessar," she greeted, hoping the morning had been forgotten.

Aragorn offered a nod and greeted his son, who had begun gathering his papers. "Eldarion," he said, placing a hand on the child's shoulder, "Will you go to your rooms and change for dinner?"

He nodded, said goodbye to Idril, aet oet out out the door. Biting her lip and standing, she knew the fact that Aragorn had stayed meant he wanted to speak with her. So, taking a deep breath, she waited until the King was sure of his son's departure before speaking. "Did you still need me, my Lord?"

His eyes flickered up to hers. "Yes, I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?"

Tilting his head, he seemed to scrutinize her before continuing. "Who did you sleep with last night?"

The question took her completely by surprise. Shocked, Idril knit her brow and watched him, hoping he would do something to show he wasn't serious. Aragorn only stood waiting, though, for an answer.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I understand," she said, hoping she misinterpreted his query.

He smiled and stepped towards her. "It's a simple question, Idril. Who did you sleep with last night?"

Immediately she started thinking. Perhaps he knew something about her and Faramir. She decided to answer without truth. "No one."

"You're lying." He moved even closer, and Idril stepped back instinctively. His eyes were locked onto hers as the smile faded from his face. "I could smell him on you this morning." Leaning forward, he took a breath through his nose and a smirk played on his lips. "I can still smell him."

Uncomfortable and even a little frightened, she gathered the anger she felt at his questions and moved by him out into the open. "Even if I had slept with someone, it is not your business, my lord."

"You're wrong. If you are to play the role of my wife, everything you do is my business."

Idril shook her head softly, confused. "I am not your wife, nor would I try to take her place. I am merely your son's caregiver."

Aragorn began to walk towards her. "My son enjoys you. He knows his mother is gone forever, and looks to you for what she once gave him. You are providing for him. You provide for me, as well."

Everything about this felt wrong. "I am not your wife," she repeated, "I cannot provide for you."

His eyes moved over her as he stopped and smiled. "You already do."

"Elessar, we have barely spoken since my arrival. I do nothing for you except care for your son!"

His expression was sad and wistful. "I watch you sometimes. With him. Arwen would be happy with the way you care for Eldarion."

Idril swallowed heavily. "And you as well?"

Aragorn nodded. "I thank you for the time you spend with him."

"That is why I am here," she replied quietly.

"I know." Lowering his head, he walked forward and looked up with clear, wide eyes. "I trust you with him. My time alone has changed my opinion of your visit. I now welcome you, and all you can provide. Now," he said, raising a hand and touching her chin, "Tell me who fucked you."

She jerked back and found herself tense. "Excuse me?" she hissed.

Eyes flashing, Aragorn's calm demeanor had now been replaced by impatience and anger. "I can smell his sweat all over you," he growled, raking his eyes down her form, "I can smell your heat. Tell me who touched you! Was it someone I know?" His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Was it Boromir? Faramir?"

"No," she replied, breathless, "No one."

He hit her. She had not seen it coming, nor had expected it, but the slap across her face sent her stumbling. When she looked back up, his expression was calm. "Don't lie to me."

"You hit me," she whispered, shocked, "What is wrong with you?"

"No oneto tto touch you. They know that. I want you to tell me who dared to disobey my orders."

She was reminded of what Faramir had told her. Scared of what he would do with the knowledge that she had slept with Faramir, she decided to try to change the topic. "You told people to stay away from me? Why?"

Unfortunately, he was wise to her. "Don't change the subject."

Taking a deep breath, she stood straight and replied, "I am sorry you lost Arwen, Elessar, but I do not understand what has happened to you. You hit me, and I will not stand for such acts, nor will I allow you to have knowledge of my private life. If you cannot deal with that, I will leave this city immediately."

Anger flashed in his eyes, but it quickly subsided. Licking his lips and nodding, he relented. "I apologize, Idril. I don't know what came over me." Tears began to line his eyes. "It has been so hard without her. Please, do not go. Eldarion needs you."

Part of her had trouble believing what he did was simply caused by grief. He was a trusted friend of Legolas', though, and Elrond's son, so she swallowed her suspicions and pride and decided to give him another chance. "I will stay."

"Thank you." He sighed heavily and made his way to the door. "Please, I ask that you tell no one of my weakness. It would worry them."

Clenching her jaw, she nodded. Aragorn looked at her once more before exiting the room, closing the door behind him. It was a relief. Exhaling deeply, she collapsed into a chair and touched her sore face. The King had frightened her, more than she had first thought. Looking at her hand, she noticed she was trembling.

Idril closed her eyes and leaned back, concentrating on her breathing. She would have to tell Faramir. There wasn't any way she could keep what happened a secret, no matter what she told Aragorn. If he was this unstable, he could become a danger to his own son.

She stood quickly and made her way out. She did not bother stopping for anyone or anything, heading straight to her own building and room. When she entered, closing and locking the door behind her, a swell of relief fell over her body. She would wait here for Faramir. He would come looking for her.

Stepping into the bath, Idril unclothed herself and washed. She took her time, feeling Aragorn's voice inside her head. She wondered how he had known that she had slept with someone, and wondered if he had any idea who it had been. It made her angry that he talked to her like that, and it scared her to think what he might do if he found out it had been Faramir. She hoped the King would not see him before she did.

Nearly an hour later, there was a knock at the door. Drawing a robe around her nightclothes, Idril walked softly to the door and leaned close. "Who is it?"

"It's me."

Biting her lip, she unlocked the door and opened it to allow Faramir in. His expression was not one of concern, so she knew Aragorn had not spoken to him. "You look comfortable," he said, noticing her casual clothes but not the worry upon her face, "Long day?"

"You could say that," she breathed, closing the door and once again turning the lock. When she turned around, he was watching her with a question on his face. "Have you seen Elessar?"

He cocked his head. "Not lately. Why?"

Unconsciously tightening the robe around her, she walked to the bed and sat down. "Something happened."

Immediately he became concerned, sitting beside her. "What? Is everything alright?"

Idril exhaled heavily. "Honestly, I don't know. When the King came to pick up Eldarion, he was...different."

Faramir's voice lowered, as though he suspected what she meant. "Did he hurt you?"

"He hit me," she replied, not holding back, "And he threatened me." He did not get angry, as she thought he might. Instead, he sat back and looked away, seemingly caught in disbelief. When he did not speak, she asked softly, "Do you not believe me?"

His eyes widened in surprise. "I believe you." He touched her face, then seemed to notice the redness that lined her cheek. His fingers traced the skin gently. "I'm sorry. I wish I could have stopped it."

"I know." Taking a breath, she added, "I worry for Eldarion."

His hand dropped and he rubbed his face. "I should have listened to Boromir. He warned me."

Idril frowned in confusion. "Boromir? What do you mean?"

"This morning...he told me I should be more careful." When she did not seem to understand, he explained. "He found me here, asleep. He found your cloak."

Her heart felt like it was constricting. "He knows?" Faramir nodded. "Do you...do you think he told the King?"

"No, he would not betray me like that. Why do you ask?"

"Elessar...he told me he knew I had slept with someone. He demanded to know who it was. I did not tell."

"And that's why he hit you?" he whispered, brushing her hair behind her ears.

Idril nodded. "When I stood up to him, told him I would say nng, ng, he seemed to change. He apologized and asked that I tell no one how he had acted." She looked up sadly. "I couldn't keep it a secret."

Faramir nodded, sliding his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "Something happened to him. This can't just be because of Arwen." He sighed heavily. "I need to tell Boromir."

"Must you?" she asked, dreading that his brother would be brought into this.

"I don't know what to do, Idril. I don't know what else Aragorn is capable of, and I certainly can't trust that this is the only time he will hurt you. Besides, what of Eldarion? And what of the city?" She could feel the tension in his body as he rubbed her arm. "Boromir needs to know."

"Could you speak with him tomorrow?" she whispered, fingering the ties of his tunic. "I am tired."

"You will have to face Aragorn in the morning. I should really talk to Boromir now. Someone needs to keep an eye on you."

She pulled back and looked up. "I will be alright for one more day."

"Idril...," he started, hesitating as she slowly began pulling the ties from his tunic. He touched her hand, stalling it. "I worry for you. Will you not let me go to him now?"

She fought to keep her eyes from shining with tears. "Stay with me," she breathed, her voice tight.

Faramir knit his brows and tilted her face up. "Don't cry," he said, smiling, "I will not let him hurt you again."

"It's not that," she responded, pulling her face away and looking down. She fought hard to control her emotions.

"Then what is it?"

Swallowing, she sniffed and met his eyes. "What would he do, if he found out I slept with you?"

Faramir blinked back surprise at the question. "Aragorn? I don't know. Is that what you're worried about? Me?"

"You find that hard to believe?" she asked weakly.

He wiped a stray tear from her face. "I find it a welcome surprise," he answered, "Don't concern yourself with that, Idril. I will be fine."

"How do you know? Faramir, if I lost you...," her voice trailed away as she thought about just how much he meant to her, "If I lost you, I would be alone again."

She looked away as he pulled her into a hug. "I will not leave you. I promise."

A few tears fell from her eyes as she allowed herself to relax against him. "I'm sorry. I am not usually so emotional." Pulling back, she smiled feeling somewhat embarrassed.

"Don't apologize. It's been a long while since someone has needed me."

"It's strange," she said, exhaling deeply, "I never thought I would feel so strongly for a human."

"Well, there aren't exactly a lot of options in Gondor." He grinned when she laughed. "Now, will you let me find Boromir?"

Biting her lip, she asked, "How about a compromise?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, frowning.

With a glint in her eye, she came forward and caught his mouth with hers, biting gently at his lips and urging him into a kiss. "I mean, you stay here for a little while, and then you go find your brother."

"A little while?" he breathed, watching as she undid his tunic, "How long is that?"

"Until I'm finished." With a grin, she pushed him by his shoulders until he laid down upon the bed. Sliding the robe from her shoulders, she raised the skirt of her nightgown up and straddled him. "I need you right now," she said seriously, leaning down and placing gentle kisses upon his face, "Please, stay for me. Just for a little while."

He hummed a reply, now too caught up in her actions to deny anything. His hands ran up her bare legs and under the dress, grasping her waist as she dipped her mouth to his. Faramir sucked softly, knowing needneeded care.

Idril parted his tunic and moved her mouth to his chest, brushing kisses down to his abdomen. When she reached his trousers, her nimble fingers undid the ties and pulled the garment from his legs. He sat up before she could get on top of him again. "Lay down," he whispered, pulling her towards the bed.

She allowed him to place her. What she wanted at that moment was him in any way or form, but was tired enough to allow him to lead. Relaxing onto the mattress, she watched with hooded eyes as he pulled the gown up her legs and rested the material at her waist, baring her lower half.

Dipping his head towards her heat, Faramir placed warm kisses to the inside of her thighs. His tongue ran along her soft skin as she closed her eyes and opened her legs to him. He took the invitation, moving further up until his mouth pressed against her womanly flesh. Idril hissed in a breath and moved her arm up over her head, gripping the pillow as he sucked gently. He was cautious and slow in his search, lapping at her moist skin and holding her legs steady.

Idril began to roll her hips forward as he bit softly at her sensitive centre. She moaned and breathed out his name, trying to move against him as he kissed her deeply. Faramir was strong, though, holding her hips still and making her take it as he gave it, unhurried and steady.

His intensity grew. Idril bit her lip and gasped out as his strong tongue invaded her, causing her to throw her head back in bliss. Faramir held strong to her as her legs tensed, feeling her come close to the edge.

Her hand found his hair. "Faramir," she breathed, swallowing back the pleasure surging within her, "Stop."

He looked up, rubbing her hip gently. "Are you alright?"

Idril's breath was heavy in her chest as she sat up. "Yeah," she replied, leaning close, "But I want you...inside me."

Faramir grinned and moved with her back down to the bed. "Wasn't that just where I was?" he asked, sucking softly on her neck.

"You know what I mean," she growled, pinching his side. He jumped and looked down on her in surprise. "Sorry."

"No, you're not," he grinned, "But that's alright." He captured her mouth with his, plunging his smooth tongue into her depths. If nothing else, she revelled in the fact that he could take her away from the coldness of reality simply by touching her.

Idril opened her legs when she felt him press delicately against her. She was still warm and sensitive when he entered, and immediately arched back, caught up in the sensation. It was sharp and pleasurable, and almost torturous. Faramir didn't hesitate to begin an even-paced thrust, and Idril curled her legs around him as the feelings grew once again.

Arms resting on either side of her, he jerked into her again and again, moving her towards her climax. Idril wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a hungry kiss, separating when she moaned out in enjoyment.

Faramir alternated the speed of his thrusts, intent on sending her over the edge. His bright eyes watched as she struggled with her feelings, then cried out in pleasure. When Idril shuddered beneath him and arched back, he forced himself into her hard, increasing her gratification and sending him over the edge with his own.

The space between them was hot and moist as both regained their senses. Real-life worries entered Idril's mind almost immediately, though she was grateful to Faramir for making her feel better for a time. When his breathing became more relaxed and he did not speak, she tapped him on the shoulder. "Don't fall asleep. You wanted to go see your brother, remember?"

"Mmmm..," he answered, resting his head in the crook of her neck. She could hear him sigh heavily. "Will you be alright alone?"

"Yes. I think I'll just go to sleep." She wasn't sure if she'd actually be able to do that.

Groaning, Faramir pushed himself off her and got off the bed. "I shouldn't be long. Do you want me to come back afterwards?"

Part of her wanted to say no, but the human in her needed reassurance. "Only if you don't mind," she answered, sitting up and covering herself.

"Of course I don't mind," he smiled, leaning over and kissing her on the forehead. Grabbing his trousers, he began to ce hie himself. "Lock the door when I leave, though."

She frowned. "How will you get back in?"

Faramir shrugged. "I'll just have to wake you up." When she knit her brow in mock annoyance, he added, "I'll knock quietly when I comek. Ik. If you're still up, let me in." He pulled on his tunic. "If you're not, I'll just see you in the morning."

"Alright," she sighed, laying down and snuggling ithe the pillows. She watched him as he pulled his boots on. "What are you going to tell him?"

He frowned, sitting down to think. "He knows there's something wrong with Aragorn. I won't have to convince him of anything." He looked at her with a worried expression. "I have no idea what will be decided, though."

Idril yawned. "Be careful. I don't want Elessar to find out about us."

Faramir nodded and stood. "Try to sleep. I'll be back soon." He went to the door, then looked back. "Idril, lock the door."

Pushing herself up, she walked to the door and closed it behind him, turning the lock. Padding back to the bed, she laid down and felt suddenly sleepy. Concern for Faramir was still on her mind as she closed her eyes and succumbed to the need for rest.

*

TBC