In the Middle of Middle-Earth

In the Middle of Middle-Earth

Chapter 9

Author: Frosty the Glo-Worm
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Boromir, Aragorn, Faramir, Elrond, Eowyn, Elros, Haldir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: Has evil come to the elves of Lorien? Can Legolas get control over his sister? Is Boromir not the coolest thing ever?!? R&R!
Author's Notes: Taking extreme creative license here: Aragorn and Arwen are married. Faramir and Eowyn are not together. Boromir is alive. Haldir is alive. All the hobbits are alive and well. Takes place after the defeat of Sauron. More notes as I think of them.
Disclaimer: LOTR is not mine! Who knew?!

*

Elrond peered through the trees at the large group of elves milling around Galadriel's former residence. His keen sight helped him identify Celeborn standing at the head of the group, but he could not seeing Elros nor Valawen. His stomach clenched in fear.

"Are those all the elves of Lothlorien?" asked Eowyn, squinting at the assembly of hundreds.

Elrond looked around. He didn't really know, but it seemed the majority of the city had congregated here. "It seems so," he replied, scanning the group again, "Most of them, at least."

Legolas crawled up beside where Eowyn and Elrond were hiding. "There aren't that many," he said, and Eowyn widened her eyes at him, "We can take them."

"Don't be stupid," hissed Eowyn, "You'd be dead within minutes!"olasolas frowned, annoyed that he wasn't allowed to even try.

Boromir appeared beside the trio. "Are we going to sit here all day?" he asked, staring at Elrond, "Or are we going to look for the princess?"

Elrond clenched his jaw and inhaled deeply. "They would be keeping her under guard," he said, "Preventing her escape. We should not separate." He looked over to where Boromir lay, but was startled to see him gone. Whipping his head around, Elrond glared at the disappearing figures of Boromir and Legolas.

Faramir caught Elrond's eye and shrugged.

Eowyn could have swore she heard Elrond growl. "The four of us must stick together," he said, "Hopefully they will not do anything...stupid." Sighing, he got up and moved back to where Aragorn stood with the horses. "We'll move on foot. Check the outlying houses. Do not allow yourselves to be seen." His voice became low as he looked back to where the group of elves was, "We're greatly outnumbered."

Aragorn glanced at Faramir before following Elrond into the city. He wasn't too keen on the elf's plan; it seemed too vague. It occured to him that Elrond probably didn't have any idea where Valawen could be.

Looking around, he was saddened by the state of Lothlorien. It was not long ago when he had stayed here, and marvelled at its beauty. That beauty was here no longer.

Darkness began to envelop the forest. Eowyn walked slowly behind the rest of them, listening carefully. She had never been to this forest before, and the place scared her. It was too quiet. She wery ery worried at what might have happened to her friend; thoughts of the worst sprang to mind. She shook her head and took a dbreabreath, and concentrated on her surroundings.

After a few minutes, Elrond stopped suddenly. He motioned for them to step behind a building, and soon Eowyn knew why. A small group of elves were heading their way.

"Haldir's furious," one of the elves said, "Celeborn had to physically restrain him from going after Elros." Eowyn noticed Elrond stiffen at the mention of his brother.

"Why didn't he just let him go?" asked the second elf, "It's not like Elros is going to get away with this, anyway."

The third elf snorted. "That crazy bastard took the girl they've been talking about. You know, that one from Rivendell." Aragorn took a sharp breath at the mention of Valawen. "Celeborn doesn't want Haldir going after him because he thinks Elros will use the girl as a means of negotiating with Elrond. Give them our secrets or something."

By this time, the elves had nearly moved out of Eowyn's hearing range. She clasped onto Aragorn's arm as they continued listening. When the only sounds they heard were the barks of laughter, Elrond turned towards the group. "He'll have taken her somewhere away from the city," he said, thinking, "Perhaps to his residence."

Faramir frowned. "Wouldn't he have left Lothlorien by now?"

Elrond paused, his eyes distant. "Eventually he will," he said, his voice quiet, "But...we should check the house first."

Eowyn looked at him with worried eyes. She understood what he was saying, what he was worried about. She clenched her jaw as he took a deep breath and raised his eyes. "Aragorn, Faramir, I want you two to go find Legolas and Boromir. Meet us in the west part of the forest. Eowyn and I will go find Elros." His eyes glintedthe the starlight. "Do not be long."

Aragorn looked like he was going to protest, but under Eowyn's pleading stare he nodded his head and complied, setting off with Faramir. Eowyn followed Elrond as he made his way west. "What are you going to do when we find him?" she asked, her hand tight around the handle of her sword.

Elrond looked at her with sad eyes. "I don't know," he breathed. Eowyn looked away and watched as they approached a darkened house on the outskirts of Lothlorien. The place looked empty. They approached it cautiously, and Eowyn looked up at the towering trees surrounding it. Suddenly, without warning, she cried out as she tripped on a fallen limb.

Her blue eyes wide, she clasped a hand over her mouth as she regained her footing. She looked at Elrond apologetically, and they both stood silently, listening for any sounds of approaching footfalls. After several minutes, Elrond's concern lessened.

Eowyn let out a held breath. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. Elrond nodded and continued towards the house without saying a word.

*

Elros wasn't sleeping. He had been watching the girl in his arms, his eyes skimming over her featurwatcwatching her chest rise and fall with each breath she took. He wasn't tired. And he heard the quiet yell come from outside the house.

Squinting, he carefully maneuvered himself away from Valawen and got dressed. He looked back at her, frowned, then covered her with the blankets before leaving the room. He listened carefully, suspicious of the noise he had heard. A group of elves wouldn't bother keeping quiet. Haldir wouldn't cry out like that. And, most importantlye voe voice he heard was very much a woman's.

Glancing back at the bedroom, he made a quick decision to leave the house through the back. Taking the girl along would only slow him down. He would come back for her.

He left the warm house and moved into the cool air of the forest. His swift feet took him far. He wouldn't risk capture or death, not when he could easily sneak up on them later.

*

Elrond stopped as he approached the door. "Stay here," he said to Eowyn, "Keep watch." She wanted to go with, but nodded at his concerned frown.

He entered the house and closed the door behind him. The darkness enveloped the rooms like a fog. He listened, but didn't hear anything. Knowing Elros the way he did, he was sure his brother would have heard him coming, suspected him, and been prepared. His twin was no coward. But there was nothing.

He moved carefully through the rooms, and stopped abruptly when he approached the bedroom. He could heart brt breathing. His chest tightened as he entered and saw her lying there, sleeping soundly. He bit his lip as he approached, kneeling down beside the bed and gazing over her features. He felt sick at seeing her there.

"Valawen," he whispered, almost scared to wake her, "Valawen." He touched her arm gently and she moaned.

Opening her eyes, she looked at him with an expression of weakness and fear. "No," shiffeiffed, shaking her head gently, "Not again."

His face stilled in anger as he listened to her whispered words and watched as she pulled the blanket tight around her body. He then noticed her dress lying on the floor beside him, and his throat constricted in fury.

"Valawen," he said, clasping her wrist, "I am Elrond. I'm here to take you home." He couldn't help but clench his jaw, feeling her trembling under his hand.

She tried pulling from him, and he let go when he realized he was scaring her. "Don't make me play games," she said, sitting up and holding the blanket to her, "I can't, I just can't."

He rose up and tears began streaming down her face. She didn't believe him. She thought he was there to hurt her. "Please trust me," he said, sitting on the bed and touching her leg. She shivered and crossed her arms around her chest. His heart pounded as she wiped at her wet face.

He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and hold her till she settled, but he knew she would only think he was trying to harm her. Licking his lips, he reached up to touch her face, when a bang in the other room made him leap to his feet. Valawen jumped at the surprise.

They both waited and listened to the loud shuffling in the other room, when suddenly the bedroom door burst open and Boromir charged in, sword at the ready.

"Valawen!" he yelled, and Elrond felt cold as she jumped up from the bed, holding the blanket to her, and wrapped her arms around Boromir.

"Oh God," she sobbed, clinging to him. Boromir looked shocked, but he maintained his composure as he tied the ends of the blanket around her bare back and held her tight.

"It's alright," he soothed, glancing at Elrond. His eyes were filled with worry, and Elrond knew Boromir was blaming him for this.

Pulling back, he wiped Valawen's tear-stained face and smiled. "We have to go now," he said, and looked confused when she grasped him tightly and looked at Elrond.

Sudden shame made her lower her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said, speaking to Elrond, "I didn't know, I'm sorry." She sniffed and lowered her head, feeling too humiliated to even look at him.

Boromir's eyes darkened as he pushed her hair back from her face. "Do you have clothes?" he asked, and nodded when she pointed to the pile on the floor. "You need to get dressed quickly. We will be outside."

Valawen hesitated, not wanting him to leave, but agreed. "Alright," she said, and watched as Elrond made his way to the door.

She startledn Eln Elrond's eyes widened and he jumped back, and Legolas ran into the room. "Valawen!" he cried, shoving Boromir out of the room and grabbing her around the arms. His breath was ragged. "Are you alright?" he asked, leaning down and staring at her with wild eyes.

Valawen smiled at her brother. "She's fine," said Boromir rubbing the arm Legolas had ran into, "But we need to leave now."

Legolas touched his sister's face and breathed a sigh of relief. It was then he noticed her att "W "Where are your clothes?" he asked, knitting his brows. "Why...why are you covered with this?" He touched the blanket, and Valawen blushed with shame.

Her brother's eyes searched her face. He had the look of someone who was waiting to be told that it wasn't what it looked like. Valawen froze; she didn't know what to say. "Legolas," said Boromir, touching his shoulder, "She needs to get dressed. Let's wait outside."

Valawen moved out of his grasp and avoided his eyes. She knew he was staring at her with the realization of what had happened to her. She picked up her dress and waited for them to leave. When she looked up, Boromir was directing Legolas out of the room. Elrond followed, casting one last glance in her direction before closing the door behind him.

Valawen covered her mouth with her hand and sobbed, trying to keep quiet. They were here. She was finally leaving. Composing herself, she quickly dressed, and fear filled her body as she approached the door. They all knew. Boromir, Legolas, Elrond...they all knew what had happened to her. She felt hot with humiliation. Rubbing her arms, she thought of how she had reacted when Elrond had woken her. She had thought he was Elros. Guilt swam over her body. How would she ever be able to look at him again?

Biting her lip and taking a deep breath, she opened the bedroom door and stepped outside.

*

They had made their way out of Lothlorien without incident. Valawen held tight to Legolas as they rode back towards Rivendell. She felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her, but she dreaded what would happen next. If she had her way, they would ride like this forever, without speaking. It was when they stopped that Valawen felt the fear flood back into her.

They rode for several hours, until the dawn rose before them. Valawen blinked against the light, and heard Faramir yawn on the horse beside her. She looked in his direction, and saw Aragorn staring back at her. She rested her head on Legolas' back and lowered her eyes. Aragorn continued to watch.

Boromir trotted ahead to Elrond, who was leading, and they spoke quietly. Soon afterwards, the group stopped for rest.

Legolas dismounted and helped Valawen down. Her legs were sore from the riding and the assaults. Her brother didn't say anything to her, but watched her go sit by the fire. She knew he was worried, and very uncomfortable. She just wished what happened could have remained her secret.

Eowyn sat down beside Valawen and smiled warmly. "How are you feeling?" she asked, handing her some lembas bread.

Valawen leaned back against a rock. "Better," she said, then licked her lips. "Thank you for coming for me."

Eowyn grinned. "We're just glad that you're alright." She slid an arm around the elf and pulled her close, and Valawen was grateful for the touch. She wanted to be near someone who cared about her. She needed to know things would be alright.

She looked up and around the campfire. Faramir was staring at it, paying her no attention. Legolas was doing the same. Aragorn and Elrond were nowhere to be seen. She suddenly felt very alone. Even though Eowyn was kind to her, everyone else was very dis. It. It made her feel ashamed of what had happened.

Tears welled up in her eyes but did not fall. She sighed heavily. "I'm going to go for a walk," she said, pulling from Eowyn. Legolas looked up and seemed like he was going to say something, but he only watched her go. Valawen crossed her arms and breathed out. He usually warned her to be careful. He didn't this time.

She didn't go near the forest, instead walking out over the empty fields. She jumped when she upo upon Aragorn and Elrond, talking in the dark.

She held a hand to her chest and stood back. "I'm sorry," she breathed, "I didn't see you there."

"It's alright," said Aragorn, smirking, "We didn't hear you coming, either."

Valawen smiled lightly, purposely avoiding Elrond's e She She had a feeling he wasn't looking at her, either. Aragorn filled the tense silence by speaking again, "You shouldn't go too far. There are dangers around here."

"I know," she replied, nodding, "I won't go far. I just...needed a break." Aragorn touched her arm gently, but pulled away before she would have liked. Any soft touch was better than the coldness she felt. She thought Aragorn probably felt unsure about how to treat her, and again Valawen wished none of them knew.

Valawen heard Elrond sigh deeply, and make a sudden choice. "Elrond," she spoke, looking up at him with an imploring expression, "Would you walk with me, please? I need to talk." She then turned to Aragorn. "If you don't mind."

Aragorn nodded, "Not at all," and left before Elrond had replied. Valawen looked at the elf and was happy to see that he was watching her with a hopeful expression.

"Valawen," he said, "I cannot tell you how sorry I am. It's my fault things went so far." His eyes looked sorrowful, and Valawen felt even more guilty.

"It's not your fault," she said quietly, "And I'm the one who should be sorry. I mistook you for Elros, and that...that..." she shook her head, unable to speak what she felt.

Elrond placed a hand on her shoulder, and she could feel tears sting her eyes. "Don't be sorry," he said, drawing her in, "It'll be alright now."

Valawen allowed herself to be pulled into an embrace. Soft tears fell from her eyes as she rested her face on Elrond's chest. His soft rubbing over her back felt warm and very, very good.

"I knew you'd comr mer me," she whispered, and she couldn't see the pained and guilty expression that flitted across Elrond's face. "Thank you for saving me."

He didn't speak, merely pulled her in closer and rested his face on top her head, his own tears threatening to fall.

They stood therr ser several minutes before breaking their hug and walking back to the camp in silence. Valawen felt better now that she had spoken what was on her mind. She smiled as she approached camp, and sat down beside Legolas, who was looking at her with a searching expression.

She smiled and patted him on the leg, and he seemed to take that in a good way. The worry on his face lessened, and he smiled in return.

Their rest was short, and they soon took up on the horses again. The ride back to Rivendell was uneventful and slow, but when the city came into view, Valawen felt a rush of elation run over her.

She sighed in relief as they entered the gates. Arwen greeted them, smiling as her father dismounted and gave her a hug. She looked happy to see Eowyn, too, but her expression was stony at the rest of the group.

Clenching her jaw as she walked by Arwen, Valawen could feel the older elf's stare upon her. All of a sudden, memories of before her abduction came back to her. She shuddered at what Arwen must've found out, and immediately tensed when it occured to her that Elrond might also know.

Shaking the thoughts from her head, she walked quickly to her room, with Legolas accompanying her. "I'm so glad you're back," he said, smiling and embracing her briefly before allowing her to go alone into her room.

Valawen closed the doors behind her and sat on the bed. Her eyes became distant as she thought of the past few days, and of what she would have to go through now. She was scared. Curling up against her pillows, she concentr on on sleeping. She wanted to rest. And, slowly, it came.

*

The next morning Valawen had risen early and left her room before Legolas had even woken. She went to the gardens and walked around, breathing the fresh air and thinking. She was constantly thinking.

When she turned a corner, she saw Boromir sitting on a bench. "Princess," he called as he saw her approach, "You're up early."

Valawen smiled and shrugged. "I couldn't sleep any longer," she said, taking a seat beside him, "I wanted to see the gardens again."

Boromir nodded and offered her a licorice. She refused. "The mornings are quite nice out here," he said, taking a bite, "I had gone down to breakfast, but your brother had cleared out the hall pretty good."

Valawen frowned. "Legolas?" she said, "What do you mean? I thought he was still sleeping."

He leaned back on the bench anorteorted. "No, he's been up for a while. Tracked down Aragorn for some reason. They're having a bit of a row."

Valawen blushed and closed her eyes. She couldn't believe Legolas would be so stupid and insensitive. "Do you know what they're arguing about?" she asked, hoping he didn't.

Chewing, Boromir rolled his eyes. "No. Don't care, really. Wish they would do it elsewhere, though."

She sighed. "Maybe I should go break them up." She got up and looked back at Boromir. "Thank you. For yesterday," she said, and he nodded and smiled.

She walked quickly down the path to the dining hall. She was furious at Legolas. As she approached the building, she expected to hear shouting and scuffling, but it was eerily quiet. She opened the door and entered, and saw Legolas and Aragorn sitting at opposite sides of a table, looking very unkempt, and, to her horror, Elrond.

The door shut loudly behind her and they all turned. Legolas and Aragorn both had the decency to look abashed, but Elrond looked very upset.

"Valawen," he said as he stood at the middle of the table, "Is something wrong?"

She didn't know what to say. "Uh, Boromir told me that...that Legolas was fighting...in here," she said quietly, "I...I just came to try and stop him." She glared at her brother with fierce eyes, and he looked away.

Elrond nodded slowly. "Did Boromir tell you what this is about?" he asked.

She looked at him, confused. "No, he didn't know," she replied, "Why?"

Elrond crossed his arms and ed aed at the two people at the table. "Neither of them will tell me what is going on," he said, clearly irritated, "But I will not having fighting in my city."

He didn't know. Valawen sighed in relief. They hadn'td Eld Elrond why they had been arguing.

Aragorn watched as she approached the table. She took both their appearances in and frowned. They had obviously been in a fight. "May I speak to them alone?" she asked Elrond, hoping he wouldn't take offense, "It's...important."

Elrond looked surprisbut but agreed to leave. "I would like you to come see me afterwards," he said to her as he walked by, "There are some things we need to discuss."

Valawen's stomach tensed, but she nodded. When Elrond had left the hall, she licked her lips and turned to look at Legolas.

"Is this about me?" she hissed, leaning in. "Because if it is, I am going to be very angry."

Legolas looked affronted. "Of course it's about you!" he said, standing up, "I'm trying to defend your honour here!"

Valawen's eyes widened. "My honour!?!" she said, getting angrier, "This is how you defend me? By parading my private life in front of the entire city?"

Legolas narrowed his eyes and glared. "What?" he said, "What are you on about? This is between me," he pointed his finger at himself, "And him!" He pointed at Aragorn. Aragorn leaned back and rolled his eyes.

"You got Elrond involved," she said, "This is not something I want others knowing, Legolas, can't you understand that?"

His face softened. "He didn't find out anything," he said, "No one else knows." He glared at Aragorn, "Unless he told someone."

Valawen turned to face Aragorn. She was still a little angry at him, but more than anything she just wanted to get past what had happened with him. It all seemed so long ago.

"I don't want anyone knowing, Aragorn," shid, id, feeling as though she was being violated again. She already had most of Rivendell knowing what had happened to her in Lothlorien; she didn't want them all knowing that Aragorn had managed to seduce her, too.

He nodded and looked downward, but said nothing. Valawen closed her eyes and sat down. "Who knows?" she asked, afraid of the answer.

Aragorn pursed his lips and crossed his arms. "Arwen," he said, and Valawen was about to sigh with relief when he quickly added, "Faramir. Eowyn. The hobbits."

Valawen lowered her head in her hands. "What?" she heard Legolas yell, "You told people about this?" She jumped when Legolas rounded the table and grabbed Aragorn by his collar, "I'm going to feed you to the Wargs, you son of a bitch!" He shook Aragorn like a ragdoll.

Valawen ran over and yanked at Legolas' hands. "Let him go!" she said through gritted teeth. Aragorn just sat there, staring at the blonde elf, not fighting back. Valawen felt a little annoyed at him for not stopping this. "Legolas!" she yelled again, and he finally let go.

Standing between them, she turned on Aragorn. "Why did you tell them about us?" she asked, grabbing where Legolas had just let go, "Why?"

Aragorn frowned and looked vaguely annoyed. "Why do you think?" he said, pulling away from her grasp and getting up, "Look at you." His eyes raked up and down her form. "You're a hot little number. When you get something like that, you brag about it. I don't know how the women keep finding out, though."

Valawen grabbed Legolas' arm as he tried to fly by her. "No," she said to him, and he stopped, but fixed the human with the best glare he could. "You're sick," she said to Aragorn, but he only shrugged.

"Yes, you certainly are," came a voice from the door, and all three jumped. Valawen sighed in exasperation as Boromir approached them. "You screwed the princess?" he asked Aragorn, making a face, "That's disgusting."

Valawen was peeved. "Hey!" she said, staring at Boromir as he came to stand beside her.

He looked momentarily perplexed, but then rolled his eyes. "That's not what I meant," he said, then sighed heavily. "Is this why you and blondie have been fighting," he asked Aragorn, "Because of her?"

Aragorn cocked his head. "I don't know how he found out," he said, crossing his arms, "I certainly didn't tell him."

"It's no matter how I found out,elleelled Legolas from behind Valawen, "What matters is how many arrows it's going to take to kill you!"

Valawen whapped her brother on the chest. "Enough," she growled, and he crossed his arms huffily. "Boromir," she said, turning to him, "I just want this dropped, okay? Can we all just leave this alone now?" She looked at Aragorn with a pleading and expectant gaze.

Aragorn shook his head. "Fine by me," he said, "I'm not the one who has the problem."

Boromir frowned at him, but looked at Valawen with easy-going eyes and nodded. She turned to look at her brother. "Please, Legolas," she said, holding his arms, "Please, I need you to forget this."

He held her gaze, looking as though he wouldn't do as she asked. But then he brought a hand to her face and smiled. "If it means that much to you," he said, "Then I will leave it alone."

"Thank you," she replied, squeezing his arm. "Can we all go now?"

Aragorn and Boromir left quickly, exiting the door. Valawen took her brother's hand in hers and walked slowly. "Thank you," she said, "Even though I wish you hadn't done any of this, it means a lot that you care."

Legolas smiled and nodded. "He's an asshole, you know."

Valawen sighed. "Yes, I know." She reached for the doorknob when suddenly a loud crash came from the other side. She pushed it open and they both surged through, and she gasped at the picture before them.

Aragorn laid sprawled out on the cement floor, clearly unconscious. Boromir stood above him, rubbing his fist. He looked up as they approached. "Bastard has a bloody hard jaw," he said, grimacing, "I think I bruised myself."

Valawen stared open-mouthed at Aragorn, and then looked up at Boromir. He shrugged and she shook her head and stepped by the prone form, walking away from the trio. Legolas grinned and slapped Boromir on the back before quickly running to catch up to his sister.

*

TBC