Title: Prisoner of Gondor Author: Sivan Shemesh sivan325@walla.com Beta: Manon. Thank you sweetie. Website/Archive: www.adultfanfiction.net. www.slashfiction.net, www.lotrfanfiction.com, www.slashfanfiction.com. Aniron, CIB, Deamel, LIC, Mirrormere, OEAM. Others ask me first I probably say, “Yes”, or Legolas will be punished again… Rate: NC-17. Main Pairing: Glorfindel/Legolas, Aragorn/Legolas Summary: Legolas and Glorfindel were on their way to Gondor, but on their arrival, things go wrong. One is put in the dungeon, after being horribly humiliated, and the other enjoys the good life. Will the prisoner find hope, or die alone in the dark dungeon after the humiliation? Warning: Character Death. OOC. Missing scene. Torture, dirty language, rape, sex, and the whole circumstances that followed, as well as thoughts of suicide. In this chapter there is a lot of torture, if you can't bear this, just LEAVE. If you are: It is your own risk/responsibility. You've been WARNED! Disclaimer: I do not own any of J R R TOLKIEN's characters, only those I have created. Author notes: This is still my first attempt in this fic, so be kind. ****** ~*~ Discomfort endlessly has pulled itself upon me Distracting, reacting Against my will I stand beside my own reflection It's haunting how I can't seem to find myself again My walls are closing in (Without a sense of confidence, I'm convinced there's just too much pressure to take) I've felt this way before So insecure "Crawling" – Linkin Park ~*~ Chapter 6: My Walls Are Closing In As King Elessar left the cold dungeon, Legolas closed his eyes, his soul determined to leave for Mandos' Halls. "Hey! Open your eyes!" one of the guards when he saw the elf had his eyes closed. He was determined to carry out the king's orders. ‘The elf is going to pay… I am going to teach him some manners…' the guard thought and saw a whip lying on the floor. Legolas did not care what was going to happen to him – all he wanted was to end his life. The guard took the whip from the floor and approached the elf. He raised his arm and brought the whip down on Legolas' back. ‘Whip' ‘Whip' ‘Whip' Legolas' eyes opened, and he bit his lips as he felt the pain. Soon his back felt like it was burning, and he bit his lips even harder. "I love the sound of the whip. Don't you?" the other guard asked. "I do," the guard with the whip said, raising his arm to starting whipping again. ‘Whip' ‘Whip' ‘Whip' ‘Whip' ‘Why are they do this? What I done to them?' Legolas asked himself. He could feel the blood running down his back, and the tears running down his face. The guards laughed when they saw his tears, and the whipping continued. ~ At the same time… When King Elessar left the dungeon, he walked to his wife's rooms to see how she fared. In his heart he wanted to inflict more pain on Legolas, who now was an enemy to him. Aragorn walked through the corridor till he reached the door leading to his wife's rooms. As he opened the door, he heard Éowyn's voice: "Please my lady, open your eyes. " Stepping inside the room, he watched as Éowyn kissed his wife on her lips, trying to convince her she was safe, that he was gone, but Arwen only continued to say: "No… Legolas… Get off me…" Aragorn came closer to his queen, to his love. Éowyn was startled when he appeared and was about to attack before she realized it was the king. "I'm sorry, my Lord! Please, forgive me," she said. Aragorn nodded, and Éowyn quickly left the room to search for her husband. Aragorn tried to comfort his wife, without any success. Her cheeks became paler then before, and she was crying. He could not bear her pain. Arwen did not even notice her husband was even there. She feared to be touched again and to be hurt. The wrath against Legolas filled him again, and there was fury in his eyes. ‘I failed by letting the one I love suffer,' he thought and left her alone. Aragorn walked quickly back to the dungeon, blind anger controlling his heart and mind. As he got there he could hear the sound of a whip; it was a sound he liked to hear, reminding him of a drop of rain splashing against the window. He opened the door and watched the guards whipping the elf. "Stop!" he said, but the guards did not hear him, too intent on their whipping. "STOP!" he yelled, and by that he got their attention. "Forgive me my Lord," said the guard holding the whip. They stood there, waiting for their king's orders. "Leave us!" King Elessar said. The guards left the room and waited outside in the corridor. Aragorn untied the elf, and looked at him in disgust. The elf's back was covered completely in blood; in the weak light it looked like in some places pieces of flesh had been torn away. "Get up!" Aragorn ordered, but Legolas could not stand; he could barely move. "I SAID GET UP!" Aragorn yelled once more. When there was no movement from Legolas, Aragorn came closer to Legolas and started to beat and kick him, and more blood poured from Legolas' body. "Why did you did this to me?" Aragorn asked in fury, tears running down his face. Aragorn beat him again and again, in fear of losing his wife, in anger as to how his best friend betrayed him. "How could you rape my wife? How could you do this to your friend?" Aragorn asked, but there was no answer from Legolas. Aragorn took off his clothes, and was ready to rape Legolas again when he was noticed he being watched by the guards. ‘They must have heard me,' Aragorn thought. "Make sure he does NOT close his eyes!" Aragorn ordered, as he reached over Legolas' back and untied the ropes. The elf felt numb, he could not refuse; he could not do anything. Legolas was hurting inside; he could not believe that Aragorn, his best friend, had not listened to him, and he could not believe the king would act like a fool. As a King he should be clever, and see the whole truth, see the facts lying beneath the surface. The elf said nothing, only cried in pain, and he wished that Mandos would take his soul, as he wondered to himself: ‘Why am I still alive?' Aragorn slid his cock roughly inside Legolas' abused body, moving faster and harder than before. The guards watched how their king acted, and they seemed to admire every move that he took. They took turns whipping Legolas, no matter if his eyes were open or not, as they felt proud of what their king was doing. The sound of the whip and the moaning seemed louder than Legolas' heart screaming from help. Aragorn showed no mercy on the elf, thrusting harder and harder inside him, ignoring the blood that was Legolas' back, not caring about the damage he was doing. He did not want to stop; he wanted to see the elf suffer for what he did to Arwen. He wanted to see him in pain. Aragorn watched as the guards whipped Legolas' back, and he enjoyed watching them. Soon he reached his climax and he sighed, but before he pulled away from Legolas he leaned over the elf and whispered: "By sunset tomorrow your horse will be dead, and no one will ever know that you were here. As for you, you are dead already to me – you no longer exist." ‘No, not Arod! He is only a horse,' Legolas thought. He was more worried more about his horse than he was about himself. Aragorn pushed Legolas away from him and dressed quickly. He looked at the elf, and then nodded to the guards. The king watched as one of the guards resumed whipping the elf, pushing him onto his back so he could start whipping Legolas on the chest. Aragorn smiled, and then left the dungeon, closing the door behind him. He went outside and looked at the night sky. Aragorn noticed that Eärendil's star seemed to be fading and he frowned. There was a moment when he thought the clouds covered it, but then the sky became clear again as the light of the full moon broke through. The king thought to himself ‘By tomorrow he will be dead, and I hope Arwen will live. I cannot let her go away from me.' Aragorn walked back to wife's room, but when he got there he found he could not open the door. He stared at it but could not bring himself to open it. He walked to Faramir and Éowyn's room, hoping to find comfort and support. Aragorn opened the door quietly and went inside. Faramir and Éowyn looked at their king. "I fear for my wife," he said, as a tear falling from his eye. "How does she fare?" Éowyn asked. "Worse, I am afraid," Aragorn said. He thought he was going to lose control; he felt his world was collapsing around him, and he could not do anything. "Did you leave her alone in the room, my Lord?" Éowyn asked. Aragorn nodded. Éowyn left the room to be with her lady, and left the men alone so they could comfort each other. After she left, Faramir walked towards his lord and gave him his hand. Aragorn took the hand, and Faramir led him to the bed. Both men lay down on the bed, and Faramir took the king in his arms and held him close. "How does Legolas fare?" Faramir asked. "He will be dead by sunset, soon after you have killed his horse," Aragorn said. "Why do you want to kill the horse?" Faramir asked. "Because that way it will appear he had never been here, that is why," Aragorn said. "So, if Master Gimli comes in search of him and comes here, you will tell him the prince was never here?" Faramir asked. "Yes!" Aragorn said. Faramir sighed but did not say a word. "I want to get rid of everything that belongs to him. I do not want…" Aragorn's voice faded, and Faramir continued for him: "…I know – he never arrived in Minas Tirith." "Yes," Aragorn said. Faramir leaned over and kissed his king on the lips. Aragorn moved closer to Faramir and took his face in his hands, smiling at him. The king's face looked calm now; the angry look was now gone. Aragorn kissed the other man softly, and then closed his eyes. Faramir wrapped his arms around his king. ~ Aragorn slept in his arms. He had a peaceful look on his face, but Faramir knew deep down the king was still angry with Legolas. ‘Legolas and his horse will be dead by tomorrow, and I am part of it,' he thought. He did not know if he should be happy or angry. He did not know if what he was doing was right. He could not sleep. He watched his lord sleep. It was quiet, too quiet. He finally slept as he heard his wife sing a lullaby to her lady, trying to comfort her: "I wonder why You act so fly When you try, so hard to try, to try, to try, to try I see the sky, is open wide Take a look inside Its wild like a child, it's free" Arwen' eyes were closed. Éowyn prayed she would see those beautiful blue eyes open again. Éowyn stroked her lady's face, her eyes streaming with tears. She lay down next to her lady, still stroking her face, before finally falling asleep. ~ Arwen's eyes blinked; she opened her eyes for the first time since she was raped. She still could see him over her, pushing his cock inside her, holding the knife at her throat, and… she cried again. She wished it had just been a nightmare, that it never really happened. She lay on the bed, eyes open, then turned to glare at the sleeping maid next to her. She did not say anything – only watched. ~ Aragorn woke up first and got out of the bed, staring down at Faramir who was still asleep. Aragorn began to think if he should kill the elf right away, or if he should wait for his wife for wake up. He was needed her badly; these were difficult times. Faramir awoke, and did not feel his lover next to him. He looked up and saw Aragorn standing next to the bed. "Is something wrong my Lord?" he asked. "I've been thinking what I should do with the elf in the dungeon…" Aragorn began before Faramir cut in. "And?" Faramir asked. End of Chapter 6. ~*~ Forfeit the game Before somebody else Takes you out of the frame Puts your name to shame Cover up your face You can't run the race The pace is too fast You just won't last "Points Of Authority" – Linkin Park ~*~ Chapter 7: Between Life and Death Legolas' Soul Stands Few hours before sunrise… Inside the castle… "I've been thinking what I should do with the elf in the dungeon…" Aragorn said, but he was cut off by Faramir who was not as patient as he thought he would be. "And?" Faramir asked. "I will kill him myself," Aragorn said. "When my Lord?" Faramir asked. "After you kill his horse, he will not be able to run from me, then I will kill him, and my wife will see it being done," Aragorn said determined. Faramir saw the killer in Aragorn's eyes. "In the morning you will take Eofor with you, and you will give me proof of having killed Legolas' horse," Aragorn ordered. "Yes, my Lord," Faramir said. "I am tired," Aragorn said and lay down next to Faramir. ~ Meanwhile in the dungeon… There was a knock on the door. One of the guards opened it and saw that it was Eofor, the stable boy. "What do you want?" he asked. "Can I not see him? He is my friend," Eofor said. The guard let him in, and watched every move he made. Eofor turned his face to them and said: "Can I see him alone? He has no place to run, look at him!" The guards looked at the fragile elf lying on the cold floor, and knew Eofor spoke the truth, and left them alone, but stayed outside, still guarding. Eofor knelt next to Legolas; the sight of his friend made him sick. "How are you faring?" Eofor asked. There was no answer from his friend. "Is there anything I should do for you?" Eofor asked. Eofor heard a weak voice, and saw Legolas' lips moving, shaking. He leaned closer to Legolas' lips, to try and hear what the elf was trying to say to him. "Save my horse from your king's hands…" Legolas could not even say his friend's name. "Save your horse? But why? I do not understand," Eofor said. "Please save my horse, no matter what," Legolas said. He looked lost, his soul determined to go to Mandos' Halls, feeling the call. "I will do whatever I can," Eofor said. "I know…" Legolas said as his voice trailed off. "What about you? Is there something that I can do for you?" Eofor asked, worried by his friend's condition. "No – I only want you to save my horse, than try to ease my pain," Legolas answered. The door slammed open and the guards entered, and pushed Eofor out of the way. They grabbed the whip and started to hit his friend before his eyes. Eofor could not bear to watch the terrible act, and left the dungeon. As the door closed behind him, he leaned against the wall, and then slid down to the floor. He covered his face with his hands and cried. Eofor felt he didn't have the strength to face the guards. He could not. He felt guilty for not raising a hand to save his friend. After several minutes Eofor calmed down, wiped his tears away and walked outside. He breathed in the cold air, and walked towards the forest. Eofor saw Legolas' clothes on the ground, saturated with blood. ‘I may have a use these,' Eofor thought, taking the clothes and walking back to the stables. ~ At the same time in Arwen's room inside the castle… Arwen watched Éowyn, who seemed to be sleeping peacefully, but she did not see her husband anywhere. Tears fell from her eyes onto Éowyn, who slept. Éowyn stirred; she felt wetness on her face and wiped it away, but she could still feel it. She opened her eyes and blinked, trying to get used to the darkness. Looking up, she saw her lady staring at her; there was a sad look in her eyes. "My Lady?" Éowyn asked, staring back up at Arwen. She did not know if she was dreaming or not, if it was an illusion. Arwen nodded and looked at her, the tears falling down her cheeks. "Are you awake?" Éowyn asked as a small smile appeared on her lips. She could not quite believe that it was Arwen standing in front of her. "Wh… where is…" Arwen's voice shuddered as she spoke, and it sounded very weak. "Your husband?" Éowyn asked. She did not know what to say. Arwen nodded, and started to worry that someone had hurt her lovely husband. "He…" Éowyn started to say, at the same time trying to think of what she should say. "He is resting, my Lady; he feared for you." Arwen swallowed the tears, and remembered Legolas' last words before she entered Glorfindel's room. Her heart started to beat harder and faster; she was worried. "Is there something wrong my Lady?" Éowyn asked as she noticed the frown that suddenly appeared on her lady's face. "N…no, nothing…" Arwen said. She needed to speak with Legolas, she needed to apologize to him, for yelling at him and not believing him. Éowyn got up and held Arwen closely to her, kissing her on the forehead. She saw her lady's eyes were wide open, and she noticed how quiet Arwen was, and thought her lady must have fallen asleep on her feet. Éowyn guided her lady to the bed and lay her down before lying down next to her. She wrapped her arms around Arwen, wanting to feel her chest rise and fall, wanting to feel Arwen's breath on her neck. ~ The moon was replaced by the sun as a new day came, shining over the dark forest. King Elessar woke as the sun shone through the window, and remembered the last words he said to Faramir. ‘Legolas must die, and my wife will see it being done,' he thought. He watched the sleeping Faramir who was lying next to him, and decided to wake him, as he has a mission to do – to kill Legolas' horse. But Faramir woke up when the door slammed open and Éowyn walked inside, saying: "My Lord, I have good news!" She walked to the king and kissed him on the cheek, watching his face. Then she noticed her husband was glaring at in her. "What is it Éowyn?" Aragorn asked. "Your wife, my Lord… she is awake…" Éowyn said as tears began rolling down her cheeks. "Take me to her!" King Elessar ordered. Éowyn walked back to the room where her lady was resting, and her husband and her lord followed her. She opened the door, and saw her lord staring deeply at his love, looking for a sign of life in her. "My Lord, she needs you," Éowyn said, and pushed her king inside the room, and closed the door quietly. Aragorn only stood there staring at Arwen. He could not make his way to her, feeling for the first time the fear eating his heart. Arwen watched every move he took, except that he did not move. She was surprised he did not come closer, and she thought he feared to touch her. She began to cry, afraid her husband no longer loved her anymore. Aragorn saw the tears, and his heart began to ache, as it was hurt him to see her cry. He went towards her then, and moved his hand over her face, stroking her bruised cheek, the marks left on her face. "I missed you," Aragorn said. His eyes filled with tears, and they started to fall. ‘I missed you too,' Arwen thought but she could not say the words. She could not feel his love, something was missing. "I…" Arwen began to say, only to be cut off by her husband who put his finger on her lips. He said: "Shh… my love… you need to regain your strength." Aragorn moved his finger and kissed her as gently as he could, he did not want to hurt her. Then he stared at the window and saw the sun had risen further in the sky. He was about to leave when he felt Arwen's hand on his arm. "S…stay with me," Arwen whispered. "I need to go," Aragorn said. He did not know how his words hurt her; she felt she had been stabbed in the heart. Aragorn noticed her sadness, and for a moment thought he should stay with her, but another thought soon followed, disturbing him. ‘Legolas.' He decided that after the problem with Legolas was resolved, he would stay with his love, for as long as she wanted. The king left the room without looking back. He did not see his wife crying; he did not see how much he had hurt her in a different way. End of Chapter 7. Nice chapter Sivan! I must confess it was nice to have a chapter that wasn't full of torture or sex (not that there's anything wrong with sex…); sometimes you need chapters like this to help lay the ‘groundwork' for the next chapter… ~*~ I have hours, only lonely My love is vengeance That's never free No one knows what it's like To feel these feelings Like I do And I blame you "Behind Blue Eyes" – Limp Bizkit ~*~ Chapter 8: My Love Is Vengeance Aragorn left the room without saying anything or looking back. It was too hard for him. He loved her so much, but she had to understand – understand that he was doing this for her. Éowyn looked surprised at her lord; he was not the same as he was the day before. She was afraid for her lady and entered the room. It seemed cold to her. She looked around until she saw her lady. Arwen sat on the bed, her hands covering her face to hide the tears that rolled down her cheeks. Éowyn looked at her and thought of her lord, who obviously must have thought only of himself, and not of his wife, who needed him desperately. She went to her lady and knelt next to her, her hands on her lap. "My lady?" Éowyn asked. Arwen continued to sob; it seemed she had not heard Éowyn's question, or did not want to. Éowyn moved her hands to Arwen's face, and tried to take her lady's hands in her own. But Arwen kept her hands pressed to her face. Éowyn rose and sat next to her lady and brought her lady's head to her chest, trying to comfort her. "It is alright my lady…" But Éowyn knew the words were of no use, as her lord caused her lady to be in pain. ~ In the Hallway… Aragorn repeated the words he had said the day before to Faramir. "Do not forget to bring me proof!" Aragorn ordered. "What kind of proof do you want?" Faramir asked. "Anything, I do not even mind if you give me the horse's head," Aragorn said coldly. Faramir had an uneasy feeling about this. "Should I leave now?" he asked. "Yes, before the last light has gone," Aragorn said. "Then I shall go to my wife before I leave," Faramir said. "Before you go, find Damrod and tell him to search for Glorfindel, and tell him that Glorfindel is to go to the dungeon at once!" Aragorn ordered. "Yes, my lord." Faramir said, and left to find Damrod to tell him what the king had ordered, and then to find his lovely wife. He found Damrod outside in the yard, and went towards him. "King Elessar orders you to find Glorfindel and bring him to the dungeon to guard the elf." Damrod nodded and left to find the other elf. Faramir went back inside the palace to find his wife, knowing where she would most likely be. Faramir knocked on the door, and waited several second before the door was finally opened. Éowyn was surprised to see her husband; he did not seem happy, or so she thought. "Faramir, my love, what is it?" "I have to go," he said. "Go… go where? Why?" She was confused, not understanding why he should go. "The king ordered me to go and do something, my love," Faramir explained as he moved his hand over her cheek. He did not want to leave her, not like this. "I will wait for you," Éowyn said. He kissed her on the lips, and she let him explore her mouth with his tongue, not wanting him to stop. Faramir broke the kiss, as he did not want his lord angry at him. He was worried that the last light would be gone soon. "I love you," Faramir said, and left her, giving her one last look. Éowyn watched her husband leave, letting the tears fall over her cheeks. She wanted to tell him the same, and to tell him that she feared for him. She came back into the room and noticed the look Arwen was giving her. She did not know that Arwen had heard and seen what had happened between them. Éowyn tried to ignore the look, but could not. Arwen still glared at her. "Why are you crying?" Arwen asked. Éowyn did not answer. Instead, she embraced her lady; wanting to be close to her, to feel her. ~ In the dungeon… Glorfindel walked to the dungeon on the orders of the king. As he opened the door, he saw how the guards were whipping Legolas hard, and were enjoying themselves. He saw that Legolas was untied. His eyes were closed, and his skin and his hair were saturated with blood. Glorfindel wondered why the king did not end Legolas' life and put him out of his misery, or was it because he wanted Legolas to suffer for what he had done to the queen? Glorfindel smiled; he loved to see Legolas suffer, he loved to hear him screaming and begging. "My lovely elf…" Glorfindel hissed at him. Legolas heard him, but tried to ignore him as he thought: ‘No… please… stay… away… from… me…' "My lord, forgive us, we did not know you were here," the guards said. "Leave us alone," Glorfindel said. The guards were about to leave when Glorfindel stopped them as one of them still had the whip in his hands. "What is it, my lord?" one of the guard asked. "The whip!" Glorfindel ordered. "Yes, my lord," they said, handing him the whip and leaving. The door closed, and Glorfindel started his torture. ~ Over at the stable… Faramir approached the stable and opened the door. "Eofor?" he called. Eofor approached him and asked: "What is it, my lord?" "Take Legolas' horse and follow me!" Faramir ordered and waited for him with his horse outside the stable. Eofor took the horse, and put Legolas' clothes in the saddlebags. "Where are we going, my lord?" Eofor asked. "Only for a walk," Faramir said. "Then why have you taken your weapons?" "That is none of your business. Now go!" Faramir ordered. As Eofor walked he remembered Legolas' words, and knew he should try and do anything he could. When they were outside of the city, Faramir ordered Eofor to leave him alone with Legolas' horse, but Eofor protested. Faramir moved his knife towards the horse's head, and Eofor tried to stop Faramir. The two began to fight for the horse's life. The last thing that Faramir saw was Legolas' horse being ridden by Eofor. The horse was galloping, and there was blood on Eofor's clothes. ‘He will not get far,' he thought. Faramir was left holding onto the saddle of the horse, and he slumped forward, letting the horse lead him back to the city. ~ Éowyn watched the sky, worried about her husband. ‘He should be here already,' she thought, watching from the window of the room where her lady was. The gates of the city opened; the horse's pace was slow as the rider was hanging from the saddle. Éowyn left the room at once; she knew she would have to give her lady the answers to the questions that she would ask. She went outside the palace, wanting to see who it was. The king approached her and sent the guards to report. After a few moments of fear and worry, they knew the identity of the rider. It was Faramir. Éowyn saw the blood that covered him, and he looked so pale to her eyes. It was supposed to have been simple, so then why had he come back like this. Éowyn ran to Faramir and knelt next to him. She moved her hands over his pale cheeks, wanting to hear his voice one more time. Faramir's eyes were on her; she could see how his eyes were filled with emptiness and shadow, as death slowly claimed him. Before Faramir closed his eyes, he whispered to her his last words: "Fight… wounded boy… horse… free…" Faramir closed his eyes, and let go his last breath. Éowyn started to grieve for her husband, letting the tears fall. The King approached her and demanded to know what Faramir had said, and she told him. Éowyn could feel her lord's hand on her shoulder as he said: "He died a hero." "I know, my lord…" she sobbed, adding: "I loved him…" ~ In the dungeon… Glorfindel stopped whipping him and came closer to the naked elf, stripping himself. He grabbed Legolas' legs, not caring how much he was hurt. Legolas was bruised all over and the whip had left him with many open wounds. Glorfindel stroked his cock before pushing himself inside Legolas, his pace fast and hard. He did not show any mercy on Legolas, not after what he had done. While Glorfindel was inside of him, he started to beat the elf all over his body, remembering the King's words that Legolas was to always leave his eyes open. "Open your eyes!" Glorfindel ordered while he beat him, again and again. Legolas tried to open his eyes, but it seemed harder than he thought. His face was full of pain and he did not want to see his blood on the whip; he did not want to see Glorfindel's face once again. "Open your eyes!" Glorfindel said again, and beat him harder, the pace faster than before. Glorfindel did not want to fail his king, the mighty king; he felt how the king's heart had become darker and darker. He loved Aragorn's dark side. Legolas tried once again to open his eyes, till they were half open. "OPEN YOUR EYES WIDE!" Glorfindel shouted at him, and took the whip. He started to whip Legolas again, wanting the elf to open his eyes. Legolas moved his lips, trying to tell him to stop. It was hurting too much inside; all his body was aching. But his voice was too weak. He tried to open his eyes and finally managed it. But Glorfindel continued to whip him harder and faster as he moved inside Legolas, leaving new wounds and bruises on his body. ~ Inside the Palace… Arwen's Room… Aragorn entered the room, and came closer to his wife who was looking to him for comfort and love. "I am here my love…" Aragorn said, and held her close to him, wanting to feel her again before he had to leave to organize Faramir's funeral. Arwen swallowed and opened her mouth to speak. No matter what her husband was going to tell her, she needed to ask him something – something that would not let her rest. ‘Legolas'. "Elfstone?" Aragorn looked at her; it had been a while since she called him that. "Yes my love?" he asked. "Where is Legolas?" Aragorn thought for a moment before answering her question. "He is being taken care of." Arwen sighed in relief, and she was finally able to smile. "And where is Glorfindel?" "He is in the dungeon," he said, hoping that Glorfindel was taking care of Legolas as much as he wanted. She felt good as she heard that Glorfindel was in the dungeon, and that Legolas was being looked after. End of Chapter 8. ~*~ I will stay forever here with you My love The softly spoken words you gave me Even in death our love goes on "Even in Death" – Evanescence ~*~ Chapter 9: Nothing Exists Anymore Aragorn stayed a moment with his wife, happy to see her smile for the first time. Arwen noticed her husband looking at her. She was worried about Éowyn, as she did not know why she was crying. "What… what happened to Éowyn?" Arwen asked. "Faramir died," he replied without any emotion. "When?" she asked in panic. The pain Éowyn would be feeling would be terrible. The loss of her husband. "Where is she?" Arwen asked hastily, knowing that Éowyn would need comforting. "In the garden, kneeling next to her dead husband. The burial will be tonight," Aragorn said. His voice seemed flat. Arwen forgot about how she felt and wanted to hurry to be with Éowyn, but Aragorn caught her before she left the room. "Why?" she asked him. "You will comfort her only when you feel better, and that is an order!" Aragorn said to his love, who seemed shocked by his words. "Elfstone, what has happened to you?" Arwen asked him. The smile was gone from her face. "Nothing has happened to me, my dear wife, only the pain of seeing you hurt broke me inside," Aragorn confessed to her. "Why did you not stay with me?" Arwen started to attack him. She felt so alone when he was not with her. She felt dirty, and she thought he would not want to touch her anymore. "I was busy," Aragorn stated and moved his eyes away from her. "Damrod will keep an eye on you and make sure that no one else hurts you again," Aragorn said, and left the room. Arwen stared at the door after her husband left. She felt that she did not know him anymore. After a few moments Damrod came into the room to guard his queen. Arwen lay down on the bed; her head rested on the pillow, and she shuddered as she began to cry. ~*~ Outside, in the garden… Éowyn knelt next to her dead husband, and moved her hands over his face, crying: "I love you… I should have told you that I love you, but I did not…" She felt regret at not telling him in the last moments they had shared before he left. "He was a great warrior." She heard a voice behind her. Éowyn turned around and saw her king staring at the Steward of Gondor, but there were no tears in his eyes. "Why did he leave me?" Éowyn asked him. "He had a mission and he took it till the end," Aragorn said coldly. "But why?" Éowyn cried in despair. There was no answer from her king. Her arms were now on her husband's chest; her tears were falling as she murmured: "Why? Why did you leave me?" The king's guards pulled Éowyn away from her husband, but her eyes never left his body as she followed them taking him to the tomb that had been made when word had been received that Faramir was dead. Slowly and carefully they placed the body in the tomb and sealed it. No words were spoken. The only sound was the wind rustling the leaves on the trees. Éowyn read the inscription that was engraved on the tomb: Here lies Faramir, brother of Boromir, son of Denethor Éowyn began to cry again. She already missed her husband terribly, and thought of joining him in death. Faramir was her second love; she loved him more than she loved herself. ~*~ Inside the dungeon… Legolas stared at the whip after Glorfindel had left him. The guards were still outside, and he could hear them laughing. He knew they were laughing at what had been done to him. He wished to end his life, but then the guards entered the room. Legolas followed them with his eyes, watching as one of them grabbed the whip. He began to laugh. He was laughing at himself for being so fragile under their hands. ‘Gimli where are you?' A voice in his mind reminded him of his lost friend from afar. He wished the dwarf were here to help him, since his other friend had turned his back on him, and who was determined to see the elf die. ‘Please…' Legolas begged in his mind. A weak smile appeared on Legolas' face, as he thought ‘the first time that I have begged Gimli… I hope that you will come, before I die…' The sound of the whip woke him from the thoughts he was lost in. His whole body was in pain, and fresh blood soon appeared as the guards started to whip him again. ~*~ 2 months later… in Imladris… The guards at the border were surprised to see their lord's horse. They could see there was a rider on him; not an elf, but a human, and he was losing a lot of blood. "Call Lord Elrond!" one of the guards shouted. As they helped the rider down from the horse to bring him to the houses of healing, another guard quickly made his way to the main house. "My lord!" he called as he ran to Elrond's chamber. Elrond, Lord of Imladris, left his room when he heard the guard calling for him. "What is it?" Elrond asked. "Your horse, my lord, he is back…" the guard said, managing to speak. "My horse, but…" Elrond started to say. "A human was the rider on your horse, my lord," the guard explained. "What?" Elrond asked wonderingly. He nodded. "Where is he?" Elrond asked as he followed the guard to where the boy was, his wounds being attended to by one of the healers. "He is from Gondor," Elrond said. "Yes, my lord, we saw the flag, but there was another thing with him," the guard said. The guards handed to their lord the things they had found with the boy. "I recognize these; these are the clothes I gave Legolas when he reached his majority. But why are they are covered in blood?" Elrond mused out loud. "We do not know. Only the boy will have the answers, my lord." the guard replied. "Call Erestor, we might have found what we were looking for," Elrond ordered softly. He sat on the edge of the bed and looked at the wounded boy. The boy began to cry out: "Legolas!!! No!!!" though he did not wake up. ‘I hope nothing has happened to Legolas…' Elrond thought worriedly, as he remembered what occurred in Imladris three months ago… End of Chapter 9. ~*~ It's all about power, by taking control, Breaking the will, erasing the soul. They suck us dry till there's nothing left. My, oh my. My, oh my. "We Are" – Ana Johnsson ~*~ Chapter 10: It's All About Power Imladris… 3 months earlier… Elrond watched as he saw his friend return from the trip; somehow Elrond felt strange as he saw the smile on his friend's face. It made him shudder. "Where have you been?" Elrond asked him. "In Mordor," Glorfindel replied with a heavy smile on his face. Elrond looked at his friend; his face was grew younger, while his own face grew older. Glorfindel's hair was shinier than before. Elrond could feel that something had happened to him, but did not know why. "Are you feeling alright, my dear friend?" Elrond asked him. "Already am," Glorfindel said, and turned to leave him. "Where are you going?" Elrond asked. He had noticed that his friend's behavior had changed as well. "To my chamber, I am tired…" Glorfindel said, and walked out of the room. Elrond watched as Glorfindel retired to what he thought his chamber, but he was walking in the wrong direction; he headed towards Erestor and Lindir's chamber. Elrond called to him, but there was no response. The door to Erestor and Lindir's room was closed, but he saw Glorfindel open the door and go inside. ‘Something very odd is happening here,' Elrond thought as he tapped his mouth with this finger. ~~~ Glorfindel walked inside the room and watched Erestor and Lindir. They were curled up against each other, naked and moaning as they touched each other. Elrond followed Glorfindel and stood behind him, knowing that Glorfindel would be aware of his presence. Glorfindel's eyes darkened and were filled quickly with lust and cold. Elrond coughed softly, and Erestor and Lindir finally realised that they were not alone in their room. "My lord?" Erestor asked, surprised to see the lord. "Forgive me, but it seems that our old friend thought that he was going to his chamber…" Elrond said, but trailed off as he saw Glorfindel going closer to the pair on the bed, his eyes never leaving them. Both Erestor and Lindir noticed how Glorfindel's eyes seemed cold, and they shivered slightly. "Glorfindel?" they asked at the same time. Something was not quite right; it was as if they could not feel *him*, that it was not their friend Glorfindel, and it seemed very odd to them. "Yes, it is me…" he answered coldly. "You have returned from your journey," Erestor said, but the old lord did not answer; he did not seem to have heard the question. "W… what are you doing here?" Lindir asked in fear. He did not like the way the old lord was behaving. "This is my chamber," Glorfindel replied roughly. Erestor could felt his lover shudder as if from fear or something else, and he was worried for him. Glorfindel's eyes narrowed. They glittered with anger, and it seemed he was ready to kill whoever was standing in front of him. "It is not, my friend," Elrond said and moved his hands onto Glorfindel's shoulders. He was surprised when Glorfindel pulled away from him. "It is their chamber; your chamber is further down the hall, you know that!" Elrond said. Glorfindel reached down and pulled out his sword. It shone in the late afternoon sun, and the point looked as if it was tipped with blood. Erestor and Lindir gave Elrond worried looks. The elf-lord tried to take the sword from Glorfindel's hand, and at the same time tried to see what hidden inside Glorfindel's eyes. But all he could see was darkness. Glorfindel was somehow blocking him. "Glorfindel!" Elrond called. The warrior turned around and looked at Elrond. "What is wrong with you?" Elrond asked. "What is wrong with you? This is my chamber!" Glorfindel claimed. The sword was still in his hand, and he pointed it at Elrond. "No… it is not, mellon, and you know it…" Elrond said and grabbed the sword, taking it out of Glorfindel's hands. "We need to talk alone… come." Elrond said and walked towards the door. He stopped and turned, waiting for Glorfindel to catch up with him. Glorfindel's lust-filled eyes were still on the lovers, and he seemed unaware of anything else. But then he heard his name being called again and again, and he turned to look at Elrond. His eyes looked bright with anger, but he followed the lord out of the room. After the two elves had left, Lindir looked at his lover and asked, "What was that? He scared me, love…" He started to cry out on his lover's shoulders. "I would not let anything happen to you, my love," Erestor said. He lifted Lindir's head and kissed him softly and with passion on his lips. "I will do the same, my love, as I love you so…" Lindir said and kissed him with lust and pleasure. Erestor began stroking Lindir's body gently as they lay on the bed. Lindir's skin made Erestor think it was the skin of an elfling; it felt so smooth, and he wished he could just keep touching it and never stop. Erestor started to kiss Lindir all over his body, making his lover breathe harder and gasp for air. Lindir could felt as his cock becoming hard as Erestor kissed him. He begged for his lover to be inside of him; he was desperate to feel his lover's cock within him. "Need… you… now…" Lindir moaned. He lifted his head and saw his lover's eyes shining with love and lust. "Not yet, my sweet Lindir," Erestor teased him and moved his mouth to lick and suck Lindir's cock. Lindir laid his head back on the soft pillow, filled with the pleasure his lover was giving him; it made him gasp for air. Erestor paid attention to his lover's breathing; it was not the first time that Lindir had forgotten to breathe. "Breathe easy, my love, we have the whole day and night…" he said. Lindir shuddered violently as he could feel his orgasm approaching, although he tried to hold back, knowing his lover would want him to try and hold on a little longer. He knew that Erestor would eventually let him climax. "Breathe, my love…" Erestor said, easing back for a moment. "No… let me come…" Lindir moaned. He couldn't hold on any longer, and sighed when he finally found his release. Erestor leaned over his lover's body and licked the seed off his stomach and cock. "Now breathe," Erestor said, trying to calm his lover. When Lindir started to breathe again, Erestor took the oil and poured some of it onto his fingers. He put Lindir's legs over his shoulders, and then he slid one of his fingers into Lindir, feeling the heat inside. He watched every move his lover made. When he found that special spot and rubbed gently, Lindir's breaths became gasps as he moaned and asked for more. Lindir pushed down on the finger inside of him, and soon another one was added. "More…" Lindir begged, trying to breathe. He did not want his lover to stop because he was forgetting to breathe every time they were making love. "You will get a better thing, my love," Erestor said and removed his fingers. He looked down at Lindir, and saw he was remembering to breathe. Lindir's body was covered with sweat, lost in the pleasure his lover was giving him, making him lose control. "Need… you… inside…"Lindir moaned and pulled his lover closer to him. Erestor placed his cock at the entrance to Lindir's body and slowly slid in. Their bodies were moving together as one, skin against skin, their movements full of passion and lust. Erestor felt his lover shudder beneath him and moved faster, moaning to him, "Come with me, my love…" Lindir could feel the building heat inside him, but he tried to hold on. He wanted to feel his lover stay longer inside him, but he screamed Erestor's name as his orgasm came. Erestor came soon after, and Lindir clamped down onto his lover's cock to try and stop him from pulling out, needing to feel him inside. Then Lindir could feel the tiredness overtake him. Erestor carefully pulled himself out of his lover and lay down next to him. They were both covered with sweat. "I…" Lindir tried to speak, but Erestor moved his finger on to his lover's lips and said softly, "I know… you love me as I love you…" before kissing him. Soon they slept in peace. ~ Meanwhile outside… Glorfindel heard the screaming, and the lust was still burning in his eyes. "Glorfindel?" Elrond called, aware that Glorfindel stood not far from his chamber. Glorfindel looked hard at him and said nothing. "Let me guide you to your chamber," Elrond said, putting his hand on Glorfindel's arm. He thought that Glorfindel was only tired from the journey. "Do not touch me…" Glorfindel said roughly to him, his eyes bright like the flames of a fire. He was angry. ‘They took my chamber and now Elrond wants to touch me?' he thought angrily and moved the lord's hands off him. ‘He has changed,' Elrond thought. ‘Something has changed him.' "Easy friend," Elrond tried to stay calm, and said softly, "You have changed; what has happened Glorfindel? What made you become so cold?" "Death!" Glorfindel answered. "But you were reborn! What happened to you on the journey after the fellowship had returned?" Elrond asked in curiosity. He waited for an answer, wondering what Glorfindel would say. End of Chapter 10. ~*~ I linger in the doorway Of alarm clock screaming monsters Calling my name Let me stay Where the wind will whisper to me Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story "Imaginary" - Evanescence ~*~ Chapter 11: When Evil Struck Glorfindel… There was no answer from Glorfindel so Elrond asked again. "You were always kind, with a good soul. What changed you?" Glorfindel's answer was a single word: "Mordor!" But Elrond was not happy with this. "What happened to you in Mordor?" he asked. "There were voices that called my name, underneath the ashes…" Here he was interrupted by Elrond. "What voices?" Elrond asked worriedly. "Dark voices, calling my name. I remember frowning at the way they said it. Then orcs appeared from nowhere; I could not see where they could have come from. They surrounded me and took my weapons. They began to beat me, and they would not stop until I fell onto the ash-covered ground." Glorfindel took a deep breath before continuing his story. He did not dare to look at Elrond. "They dragged me to a large rock and draped me over it. They tied my hands together so tightly that they began to bleed. Then they spread my legs far apart and…they raped me, one after the other. And I loved it." A smile appeared on Glorfindel's face. "Yes, Elrond, believe it or not, I loved it, and I asked for more…" Elrond looked at him, horrified. He felt pity for his friend, but he swallowed when he heard Glorfindel's words, "I do not need your pity!" "That is what changed you?" Elrond asked. "They beat me badly, but it was somehow a turning point in my life. As they raped me, I could feel a great power fill my body, building up inside of me… it felt good. For the first time, I felt alive…" Elrond looked at him in disbelief, and he shuddered. Glorfindel had finished speaking, and Elrond looked over to him. There was a smile on Glorfindel's face. "Glorfindel?" he asked. He now felt sadness as well as pity for his friend. Glorfindel had undergone a traumatic experience in Mordor, and even though he said he enjoyed what had been done to him, Elrond was sorry for him. The elf lord only hoped that now he was back, his kind spirit would return through the love and care of his friends. "And then I heard another voice. He said that he had filled my body with some sort of power…" Glorfindel said suddenly. Elrond stared at Glorfindel. He felt a great fear when he heard the word ‘power'. "…I could feel it growing within me…" Glorfindel continued, his eyes fixed on a waterfall. It seemed that he was staring at something that only he could see. "Glorfindel?" Elrond asked again. The former lord of the House of the Golden Flower turned and faced Elrond. His eyes were black and shone of…something; what, Elrond did not know. He could not believe that Glorfindel could walk so tall, so proud, after what had been done to him. Glorfindel could see the pity in the lord's eyes and said in cold voice, "Do not pity me… I will be fine on my own…" "No! You need friends…" Elrond began softly. "To what? To pity me?" Glorfindel said harshly, furious at Elrond's words. Elrond took a step back from him. He did not want to hurt, nor did he want to get hurt by his friend, especially as he was still unsure as to what exactly had happened to Glorfindel. "Let me show you to your chamber, my friend…" Elrond only said. "You are not my friend!" Glorfindel said to him. "You need to rest… I will speak to you later," Elrond continued, pretending he had not heard Glorfindel's words. He noticed that Glorfindel's eyes were not looking at him, and realised that he was staring at the door that led into Erestor and Lindir's chamber. "Glorfindel?" he asked, a little afraid. He was concerned as to why Glorfindel was all of a sudden showing so much interest in the two elves. Glorfindel turned towards Elrond, and then followed him in silence as the elf lord moved down the corridor. "This is your chamber!" Elrond said. He opened the door and stood aside so that Glorfindel could enter. He did not know how his friend was going to react, and the thought frightened him. Elrond watched carefully as Glorfindel entered the room, noticing how his friend's eyes gleamed with a strange light. The warrior glanced briefly at Elrond before taking the door and shutting it in the elf lord's face. Elrond stared at the door, a frown on his face, and then began to walk away. His heart was heavy. Something terrible had happened to his friend, and he had no idea how he could try and help him. Glorfindel had now become a mystery to him. End of Chapter 11. ~*~ I linger in the doorway Of alarm clock screaming monsters Calling my name Let me stay Where the wind will whisper to me Where the raindrops as they're falling tell a story "Imaginary" - Evanescence ~*~ Chapter 12: Do Not Leave Me… Please… Imladris, one month later… Elrond feared that something bad was going to happen, and he felt the need to prevent it. He sighed heavily and lowered his head into his hands. On his desk was a message he had received from Lothlórien. He sighed again; he did not want to send his best elf to the Golden Woods and, at the same time, separate the two lovers. But he knew that if he did not send Erestor, Celeborn and Galadriel would not be pleased. Getting up from his chair, Elrond left his chamber and made his way to their rooms. When he got there, he stood outside for a moment, not sure if he should interrupt them or not. He was so lost in thought that he did not even notice the door opening and an elf standing before him. "My lord?" Lindir asked, puzzled, wondering what his lord was staring at. Startled, Elrond looked up. "Forgive me, my friend, I… it seemed… that… I was…" Elrond stuttered. Lindir smiled shyly and said, "There is no need to explain, my lord…" Erestor appeared behind his lover. "Is there something wrong, my lord?" he asked. Erestor noticed that Elrond sighed heavily before he opened his mouth to speak "My lord?" Erestor asked again. There was an apologetic look on Elrond's face "Erestor, your presence is needed in Lothlórien and I am afraid you will need to leave immediately. Galadriel specifically asked that you do so…" Elrond noticed the frown appearing on Lindir's face, and his voice trailed off as he looked at Erestor, who was trying to comfort his lover. Erestor appeared anxious, not understanding why he had to go. "For what, my lord?" he asked. "I do not know, but both Celeborn and Galadriel asked for you… and I have no choice but to release you from your duties…" Elrond responded, his voice filled with sadness. He truly did not want Erestor to leave. Lindir's eyes had widened at the news, and he looked frightened. "I will leave you two alone, but Erestor, my dear friend, you need to leave soon." He turned and walked away, leaving the two lovers standing in the doorway of their room. Erestor gave a small smile as his lord left, and then turned to face his lover. Lindir's face was pale. Taking his hand, Erestor led Lindir to the bed, took off his clothes, and made him lie down. "Wait for me," he said softly. "I am just going to get a special oil, one that will please you very much, my sweet love…" he said and kissed his lips before he left. Lindir wondered what this special oil was. He began to stroke his body with his hands, waiting for his lover to return. ~ A figure moved as Erestor left the room, quietly slipping inside when Erestor was out of sight. Staying in the shadows, his eyes filled with lust as he saw the naked and pale elf lying on the bed, touching himself, his cock hard. The figure moaned softly. "Soon you will be mine, pretty elf… soon you will be mine…" he whispered, and then laughed aloud, quickly leaving the room before Lindir had a chance to see him. ~ The laugh startled Lindir, and made him shake with fear. He knew who it was, and he wondered what was taking his lover so long to return. Lindir started to tremble, feeling vulnerable, as he wasn't sure if *he* was still in the room. He became more frightened as he realised that he would be soon on his own once Erestor left for Lothlórien, and he started to cry. ~ Erestor returned with the oil, and found Lindir crying. "Lindir, my love, what is it?" Erestor said concerned. He approached the bed and put the bottle down on the table. He sat down and took his lover into his arms. "What is it?" Erestor asked again, stroking Lindir's hair. "He…" was the only word that came out of Lindir's mouth. "Who? What are you talking about?" Erestor asked and continued to stroke his lover's hair, trying to calm him. "He was here…" Lindir was still trembling in fear. "Sh… my love, I am here now…" Erestor said. He was worried by Lindir's words, and vowed he would speak to Elrond before he left. "Please, take me with you…" Lindir begged, already feeling empty, knowing his lover would soon be leaving. "You know that I cannot, my dear and sweet lover… although I wish that I could…" Erestor replied softly and leaned down to catch his lover's mouth. Their kiss was full of hunger and desperation, their tongues dueling, and Erestor could feel the bond between them; the bond that was based upon their strong love for each other. They clung to each other, and Erestor felt the need to please his lover. They continued to kiss, their hands exploring each other's bodies. Lindir stroked his lover's back, filled with lust, wanting Erestor badly. They broke the kiss, each of them gasping for air. "Wait… my love…" Erestor moaned as Lindir moved his hands down to his cock. Lindir raised his eyes to his lover's face, and then watched as Erestor reached for the bottle and opened it. A fresh smell filled the room. Erestor moved down and spread Lindir's legs. Carefully he dripped some of the oil onto Lindir's opening. He watched as his lover moaned and closed his eyes, and smiled. Lindir slowly opened his eyes, curious, wanting to ask Erestor what it was. He shivered slightly when his lover continued to drip more of the oil on him, feeling it slide down his skin. "What is… this?" Lindir asked. "Nothing but pleasure… love… trust me…" Lindir closed his eyes again. He loved the feel of the oil on his skin, loved the way how his lover touched him. Erestor placed the bottle back on the table and leaned down to kiss his lover, rubbing his cock alongside his lover's. Lindir broke the kiss. He needed to have Erestor inside of him. "Need… now…" he moaned, his hands moving over Erestor's chest. Erestor leaned down and gently bit, then licked, Lindir's nipple, making Lindir shiver with pleasure. Erestor then moved down to Lindir's cock and took it in his mouth, making Lindir arch and yell his name. The dark-haired elf loved to hear his name spilling from his lover's lips. He sat up, and Lindir groaned when he could no longer feel his lover's mouth on his cock. Erestor raise Lindir's legs and settled them on his shoulders. "Now…" Lindir moaned, tossing his head from side to side. Erestor moved two of his fingers inside, spurred by the lust he could see in his lover's eyes. "Now!" Lindir demanded, wanting Erestor to just take him. Erestor removed his fingers and moved up so his lips were just above his lover's. "Your wish is my command, my love…" he whispered. He sheathed himself in his lover's body and began to move slowly, but it only made Lindir cry out for more. Erestor soon gave in to Lindir's demands, wanting to give himself to his lover, knowing that it could be a while before they were together again. "I love… you…" Lindir moaned, his eyes never leaving Erestor's face. He felt happy now that his lover was there, making love to him… Erestor leaned down and kissed Lindir again, never tiring of tasting his lover. Lindir kissed him back eagerly, their tongues dancing around each other's. Erestor's hands were tangled in his lover's hair and he continued to kiss Lindir with passion. But Lindir broke the kiss as he started to feel the pleasure building up inside of him. "I… am… close…" he moaned, his eyes on his lover's face. Erestor could not say anything. He could feel what his lover was feeling through their bond, and knew that Lindir could feel him. He took Lindir's cock in his hand, stroking it and bringing his lover to orgasm. He soon followed, releasing his seed inside of Lindir. He leaned down and kissed Lindir softly on the lips. "Thank you…" Lindir whispered, trying to catch his breath. "Easy, my lover…" Erestor said, gently stroking Lindir's face to help calm him. Soon Lindir began to breathe more evenly and closed his eyes. Erestor wrapped his arms around his lover's body and watched as Lindir fell asleep, a smile on his face. It did not take long before he was asleep himself. ~*~ Later that day… Erestor awoke with Lindir in his arms. His lover was still asleep, and the smell of sweat and sex still hung in the air. ‘I need to leave…' Erestor remembered. He felt sad that he was about to leave his lover, and wondered what the reason was that the Lady of Light wanted him. Lindir woke immediately, feeling tense. He knew that something was wrong. Lindir's eyes were wide as he looked at his lover. "What is happening, my love?" he whispered. "I…" Erestor moaned, before leaning in and kissing his lover. He then broke the kiss to look at Lindir. "I need to pack my things…" Erestor said. He could feel his heart pounding. "I *will* see you soon, my lover. I know my heart will break if I am away from you too long. I only hope nothing will happen to you while I am gone…I could never forgive myself…" Lindir's pleading eyes stared at his lover, silently begging him to stay. "Do not leave me… please…" Lindir lowered his head over his lover, and started to kiss his body "… Please…?" End of Chapter 12. I am the sound of love's arriving Echoed softly on the sand Lay your head upon my shoulder Lay your hand within my hand I give you all that I am "All That I Am" - Rob Thomas ~*~ Chapter 13: Consequences of What You Leave Behind Erestor looked at his beloved, his eyes filled with pain. He did not wish to leave him, not in the state Lindir was in, as he knew how much his lover feared Glorfindel. He could feel it in his heart. Erestor began to cry. "I do not wish to leave, not like this, not ever. I really wish that. But I have to go over Lothlórien, you know that…" he sobbed. Lindir settled himself next to his lover and pulled him into his arms, stealing passionate kisses. "I have to go, my beloved, if I wish to return to you soon as possible…" Erestor groaned in his lover's mouth. "I fear…" Lindir said, his eyes filling with tears. Erestor gently cuffed his lover and said softly at him, "I will not be able to take it if he hurts you. I want you to stay close to Elrond as much as possible while I am away, and lock the door when you go to sleep. Will you promise me that?" Lindir nodded, and sniffed. Pulling away slightly from his lover, Lindir asked, "Can I ask Elrond to guard me at night?" He found he could not stop crying. Erestor nodded and answered, "Anything that will keep you safe; you are the world to me." Erestor leant down to take his pack, and then he looked at his lover. Lindir was so beautiful to him, and the love and lust he felt for his lover made him feel weak. After taking one last look, he left the room. "No…" Lindir whispered, watching Erestor leave. It seemed to him his heart was starting to break. Lindir dressed quickly and hurried to catch his lover before he departed. ~ Lindir's heart cried as he saw his love leave, and then he walked towards Elrond. "Do not leave me, my lord…" Lindir asked. He did not want to be left alone, not for one second. "I do not intend to. Erestor has already warned me of what will happen if I fail in the task," Elrond said, smiling at Lindir. "Then hold me, please…" Lindir asked with pleading eyes. Elrond stared at the young elf and hesitated. He did not want to come between the lovers, for he knew how much they loved each other. "What?" Lindir asked, seeing how Elrond was staring at him. "I have permission from my lover… please hold me!" Lindir said, his eyes still pleading. Elrond put his arm around the young elf and guided him towards the library. "Come, my friend, it is not late to learn more. Accompany me…" Lindir sighed, and smiled a little. There was a sound behind them, and Lindir tightened his grip on the lord. Elrond felt the shiver and turned to his friend, and tried to calm him down. "Shh… I am here… no one is going to hurt you… shh…" "Erestor, my love?" Lindir asked, hoped that it was his love. Elrond gave the younger elf a worried look, and then tried to smile. "No, but you are close… it is I, your lord, and friend, Elrond," he teased. "I miss him, oh Valar, how I miss him…" Lindir said, his tears falling unchecked down his face. Elrond rubbed his back, trying to comfort him. He started to lead Lindir to his chambers. Lindir noticed they had changed direction. "This is not the way over the library…" he said, puzzled. "There has been a change of plans, my friend…" Elrond grinned at him. ~ Two days later… at night… Carrying a candle, Elrond walked to Lindir's chamber. Finding the door locked, he knocked, trying not to panic. Everything was going well so far, and he wished that it continued. "Lindir? It is I, please open the door…" Elrond knocked and pleaded. Suddenly there was a loud scream that came from inside the room, and it made Elrond worry even more for the younger elf. Panicking, Elrond dropped the candle and broke open the door. When the door was finally open, Elrond stepped inside the room and found Lindir lying on his bed. The younger elf's face was covered in sweat, and he was shivering. Elrond sighed in relief, as he had thought that something might have happened to Lindir. He went closer to the young elf and sat down next to him. Trying to comfort Lindir and to calm him down, he said, "It is only a nightmare, open your eyes… open your eyes, mellon- nin, it is only a nightmare." Lindir slowly opened his eyes, and shook his head, only to find Elrond looking at him. "W… what are you doing in my room?" Lindir asked. "What? You were scaring me, mellon-nin. I heard you scream, and I thought that something might have happened to you…" Elrond explained, still scared about his friend. ~*~ In the meanwhile… in Lothlórien… As Erestor approached the Golden Forest, he heard a voice in his head. "What are you business, in here, my lord advisor?" Erestor mouth fell open, and he hoped that the Lady could give him the answer that he was looking for. "I am still waiting…" Galadriel reminded him. Erestor approached and entered, but was stopped by Haldir and the guards. The advisor did not touch his swords, instead handing Haldir the letter that he had received, and said, "I came because of this message, for the Lady and the Lord have asked for my advice." Haldir took it and nodded, then he commanded the guards to lower their weapons. He led Erestor to the tree where the Lady and the Lord were waiting for them. Erestor found his eyes locked with Galadriel's, but there were no words. "He has a letter," Haldir said. He handed them the message and bowed, and then before he left he turned to the advisor and blessed him with a good night. Erestor thanked him and returned his gaze to the waiting Lord and Lady. "This is not my hand-writing, nor is this the symbol of our kingdom…" Galadriel started to say, but Celeborn continued. "Someone has deceived you, my lord," Celeborn said, before glancing at his wife and nodding to her. "Follow me…" Galadriel said to Erestor, and led him to her mirror. "What is your purpose, my lady? What will I see?" Erestor asked, wondering. She filled her vase and poured the water into the basin, saying to him, "Things that were…things that are... and some things… …that have not yet come to pass…" Erestor glanced with fear into the mirror, and saw pictures of Lindir, happy and staring at him. Then he saw Legolas bleeding, looking close to death. And then he saw Glorfindel laughing at him, Lindir lying dead next to him, looking as pale as the moon, while Elrond lay nearby, badly beaten. Erestor walked away and closed his eyes, fearing for his lover. "No… it cannot be, no!" Erestor's voice became demanding, and he kept saying to himself that it was only a vision, that it would not happen. Yet he kept seeing the image of his lover, lying dead at Glorfindel's feet. "You have to face it, you have to face what you saw…" Erestor heard Galadriel say, and he looked at her. For a moment he did not know what he was going to do, he felt helpless. "It was obvious that you were deceived, Erestor… you have to go now… and I hope that you are not too late…" Galadriel suggested. Erestor looked at her, feeling the tears running down his cheeks. The sight of his lover in the mirror made him sick, and he ran towards his horse. He rode as fast as he could back to Imladris hoping, like Galadriel, that he was not too late. ~*~ In the meantime, back in Imladris… Elrond watched the young elf, and tried to comfort him for as long as he could. He saw that Lindir was constantly trembling, and it was obvious to him that Lindir needed his lover, or his heart might break. "Noro path a noro bell…" Elrond whispered in the darkness, wishing that Erestor would come soon. He fell asleep, overcome by tiredness. [Ride fast and ride hard.] ~*~ Later in the morning… Elrond could feel the rays of the sun upon him and he opened his eyes, only to find that Lindir was gone. He looked around the room and saw that it was in a mess. Elrond became afraid, fearing that something might have happened, and hurried outside. His mouth dropped open in horror, shocked at the sight before him. Lindir lay on the ground, his body covered with fresh bruises, and Elrond ran over to him. "Lindir? What is wrong?" Elrond asked, and yet he got no answer from the young elf. "Talk to me, mellon-nin… saes…" Elrond took the young elf in his arms and tried to comfort him. He then took a deep breath before carrying his friend to his room to take care of the bruises. "Where are you Erestor?" Elrond asked in a whisper, wishing that the advisor came soon, before it was too late. Elrond entered his room and placed Lindir on the bed, and then making certain that he locked the door. He did not wish to be interrupted while he attended to healing Lindir's body. He moved his hands over Lindir's body, noticing how the young elf was trembling underneath his hands, and sensing the fear. He leant over and whispered into Lindir's ear, asking quietly, "Who did this to you, mellon-nin?" But Lindir said nothing, as he was too afraid. Flashback Lindir could feel the rough hands that grabbed him from the bed before taking him outside and throwing him down onto the grass. It was then when he first opened his eyes, and noticed Glorfindel. He felt pain as Glorfindel hit him time after time, showing no mercy. All the while Lindir begged for help, but did not receive any. "No one would help you, young one…" Glorfindel hissed at him, and continued to hit him, tearing his clothes and throwing them aside. Then he undressed in front of Lindir, and added, "You are mine, and mine alone, as your lover, it seems, has abandoned you…" "No… leave me alone…" Lindir begged, but no one came to aid him. He felt alone and broken inside, for it seemed that his lover was not coming. End of Flashback Elrond softly stroked Lindir's body, gently touching the hurt areas. He puts herbs in the bandages and applied them to the bruises before sitting back to watch over him. He was afraid of what had happened earlier in the morning. ~*~ Two weeks later… Erestor raced into their room, but could not see his lover. "LINDIR?" he shouted in fear, "WHERE ARE YOU?" Erestor ran to Elrond's room, hoping to find some answers, but all he found was a lot of blood. There were bandages covered in blood… he panicked even more. Something was wrong, and his panic continued to grow as he remembered what he saw in Galadriel's mirror. "LINDIR!" he called in fear, terrified that he had come too late to save his lover from… from… from Glorfindel. He ran outside and looked around wildly before his ears caught the sound of someone whimpering. His heart racing with fear over his lover, he walked towards the bushes, the images of what he saw in the mirror coming to his mind. He walked, only to find… ‘Elrond? What are you doing here, and where is my lover? Where is Lindir?' he thought, but still could not find the right words to say to his lord and trusted friend. "Elrond?" he called in fear, and knelt next to him. His friend was covered in many bruises, and he thought that he may even be dead, yet he could feel Elrond's chest moving under his hands. Elrond had been badly beaten, and he looked the same as Erestor had seen in the mirror. He shivered. "No… no… Valar… help me… help my lover…" Erestor murmured, as he prayed for the Valar to spare his lover's life. "Elrond… You must stay alive…" Erestor begged the wounded elf, and then he rose and tried to find his lover. Then he was going to find Glorfindel and kill him for what he did. He walked to the stable and found his lover. He was pale like the moon, just like Erestor saw in the mirror, and Glorfindel was next to him, naked, pushing hard inside his lover. He pulled out his sword, ready to kill Glorfindel for what he did; for abusing his lover, for beating his lord and friend, Elrond. He was ready to strike hard, but he could not foresee the power that Glorfindel would use to hit him hard on the head. The last thing that he remembered was the light of Eärendil and Glorfindel taking Elrond's horse before darkness engulfed him. ~*~ Later… As the regained consciousness, Erestor opened his eyes. Tears streaming down his face, he crawled towards dead, pale lover, and hugged him, wanting to feel him, but his lover was dead, dead, for Erestor had left him alone with a beast. He knew that Elrond had tried to defend his lover, and for that Elrond had been beaten to death. Erestor cried over his dead lover, and Lindir's face was soon wet from all the tears. "I failed you… my lover… I will avenge you… I will kill him for what he has done to you, and Elrond… this I swear to you, my beloved, and then I will follow you." End of Chapter 13. ~*~ I used to stand so tall I used to be so strong Your arms around me tight Everything, it felt so right Unbreakable, like nothin' could go wrong Now I can't breathe No, I can't sleep I'm barely hanging on "Behind these hazel eyes" - Kelly Clarkson Chapter 14: I Used To Be so Strong Legolas' POV I was so fragile, lying there, beaten and broken, and I had no idea why. It had happened so fast. I thought that Aragorn trusted me as a friend but, instead, he was the one that had beaten me, and… and… I never thought that I could say those horrible words, but he and Lord Glorfindel raped me. They raped ME! By their action, my body had been broken by their efforts. I felt numb; I felt as if I had become their toy, to beat with chains and to rape. This had all started, as I said, with what had happened between myself and Lady Arwen, though I have no idea where she is, for I have not see her, and I have grown worried about her. I hope that she had not gone to see Lord Glorfindel; I hope that she did not get hurt. But, Arwen, if you had gone to Glorfindel, and were hurt by him, then I am so sorry, and I should be the one that should die in the dungeon. I am too weak to fight, for it is too difficult to try and move. It may be my time to die, for I have nothing here. For all I know my father has already left my home, my beautiful home… though I seem to have forgotten the name, and that of my second home, the one where I took my peoples to, the one we built. Where were the good days, the ones where I fought alongside Aragorn and Gimli? Where were the days when he fought evil, where we won our battles? I have certainly lost this battle, for the one that I called ‘friend' has abandoned me, raped me, and beaten me, without hearing me out. I remember fighting side by side with him and alongside many more great fighters on Pelennor Fields. I was there for him when he needed me… I was there for him. Now I felt lost and forgotten. ~*~ I heard the door open. My eyes were lowered, for it hurt too much to try and lift my head. I only saw the feet as they headed toward me. I could hear hissing and laughter, but I found that I no longer cared as to what happened to me. I felt emotionless and cold, and I kept praying to the Valar to send me home to my nana, or at least to let my ada know what was happening me. But they were only wishes, only prayers. It did not matter anymore who was in the cell, looking at me, looking at my naked body and laughing. Aragorn or Glorfindel, they all looked the same to me; even their cruelty felt the same to me. I felt strong hands moving over my body, hitting me all over. I felt my body twitching as he rolled me over and hit my behind with no mercy, before forcefully entering me, raping me brutally. The pain was terrible, and I swear that I could hear my soul crying for help. My light was dying, my soul was dying, I was dying. Then he pulled out, but he kept one cold hand on my body while with the other he used the chain. I could feel its coldness on my skin, could feel it drawing blood, but I closed my mind to the pain, not wanting to feel it anymore. I hoped that, once he was gone, I could find something to end my life with, as I felt used and dirty, not worth living, for they had taken my life from me. "Kill… me…" I suddenly said, though I felt numb. I had not meant to say that;, the words slipped from my mouth, my thoughts making themselves known. "Kill you? Why should I kill you, pet?" I heard him asking me. I could hear his laugh, and I kept my mouth shut, fearing to say anything else. "For us, pet, you are already dead, for you have hurt everyone that came close to you, prince." I heard him, felt that I knew him once, but I did not know him any longer. He has become a total stranger. I was their pet, nothing else, just a toy that they could play with. I was nothing to them. ‘Why do they not kill me? I want to be free, for my soul to be free,' I thought. I could feel each hit making more damage to my ribs. It was cold; I looked at the chain as he struck me with it time after time. I closed my eyes and wished it would be over soon. I prayed to the Valar for the last time, but it seems that every prayer has been ignored, for I am still lying here… to be their pet. The Valar have forsaken me… I could feel his hands as he turned me around, and then he shouted at me, "Open your eyes, I want to see your eyes…" I tried to open my eyes, but it was an effort to do so. I finally opened them and looked into space, as I had no wish to look at him. He placed the cold chain over my abused cock and tightened it. The other end he held in his hands as he took me again, hard and with no mercy. While he did it, I could felt my cock hurting as he pulled at the chain. I could felt blood leaving slowly again, and again, as he hit me. "No one will save you pet… you belong to us, and you will die when we tell you… you will die, when my knife slices your throat, and when you die you will see me laughing at you…" I heard him, and I wished that it would be over soon, for I was tired of living like this. I was tired of their torture, of how they tormented me as if I was nothing. The Valar have left me on my own… in this cold dungeon, my jailers holding my life in their hands. End of Chapter 14. ~*~ Wanna get rowdy Gonna get a little unruly Get it fired up in a hurry Wanna get dirrty It's about time that I came to start the party Sweat dripping over my body Dance and getting just a little naughty Wanna get dirrty It's about time for my arrival "Dirrty" - Christina Aguilera Chapter 15: Gimli It had been two weeks since he received the urgent message from Imladris, a message that had shocked him to his core. It was indeed two weeks, settling himself on the pony that Legolas, his best friend, had arranged for him. He felt that he owned it. As he rode he read the letter one more time, the words burning into his mind. Gimli wondered about Thranduil. He wished that the king had never left. The war was over, but the dwarf feared that, with Thranduil gone, Legolas was lonely, and that it was slowly killing him. Gimli lowered his head and found himself reading the same line again… "…Prince Legolas is in trouble in Gondor…" Gimli lifted his head and stared at the sunset, noting the red colour of the sky. He was curious as to what trouble his friend might be in… he lowered his head again to once more read the letter… "Dear elf friend, Lord Gimli, Your presence is needed here in Imladris. I am afraid that I have to inform you that Prince Legolas is in trouble in Gondor. You will need to come to Imladris first as I need to explain some things to you first… as well as what has happened to Legolas. Gîl síla erin lû e-govaded vín, [A star shines upon the hour of our meeting] Lord Elrond, Imladris." Gimli was tempted to ride straight to Gondor, but he knew had to wait until Elrond had told him what he knew, as that could help him in saving his friend. ~*~ Gimli left his kingdom and rode to Imladris, Elrond's letter tucked away safely in his pocket. He dearly hoped that nothing bad had happened to Legolas, and his thoughts turned to Aragorn. He dearly hoped that the man had nothing to do with the trouble that Legolas was in, because Gimli was secretly in love with the elf. He could feel his heart racing again as he let his mind imagine Legolas' body. His beautiful blond hair shone as if the sun had set it aflame, and his blue eyes were like the calmest sea that he had ever seen. Gimli closed his eyes for a moment, fantasising about touching his friend's body as gently as he could, wanting to feel and taste him. He opened his eyes and smiled as he rode toward Imladris. ~*~ Two weeks later… Imladris Gimli appeared at the border of Imladris and was surprised to see Elrond himself there, along with another elf and a young human. "My lord," Gimli said and bowed his head. Raising it, his eyes went to the other two. "Lord Gimli," Elrond greeted him and nodded before turning his horse to the company behind him and revealing their names. "This is Lord Erestor, and my friend," Elrond said, seeing the fresh tears rolling down Erestor's face. Then he turned toward the human. "This is Eofor, a stable boy from Gondor." Gimli found himself wondering why the boy was here. "A stable boy? What are you doing so far away from your home?" Eofor stared at the dwarf, not knowing exactly how to answer him. He turned his head toward the lord who had healed his wounds, and he saw Elrond nod to him, giving him permission to answer the dwarf's question. "Prince Legolas, my friend, has been tortured and raped by my king, King Elessar," Eofor answered, and then he continued as he saw the frown appearing on the dwarf's face. "I fought against Lord Faramir, who had tried to kill Legolas' horse, though I had switched horses. The horse is safe in Gondor, though my king thinks that it has been killed." "Why would the king want to kill Legolas' horse? What for?" Gimli asked curiously. "Why? I suppose to end his life before any one could stop him," Eofor answered as he wiped away the tears that had begun to fall. Gimli turned his head toward Elrond and asked, "When do we leave?" "As soon as the twins return from Lothlórien we are leaving for Gondor," Elrond answered, handing the dwarf a flask of water to relieve his thirst, before adding, "And Lord Erestor has a personal issue to close with Glorfindel." "What is wrong with Glorfindel?" Gimli asked, feeling a little relieved, for if he had let temptation take over, it could end his friendship with Legolas, as well as the love that he had for him. ~*~ At the same time in Gondor… Glorfindel entered the dungeons with a whip in his hands. As he entered the cell that Legolas was in, he saw that the other elf lying on the cold, hard floor and smirked. Legolas was lying on his back, and Glorfindel could see his marks on Legolas' body and face, and the elf's hair was covered with dried blood. His eyes were closed. Glorfindel walked to Legolas' side and began to kick him in the ribs, smiling when he heard bone breaking and piercing the skin, the blood dripping onto the floor. Then he knelt beside the fragile elf and wrapped his fingers around Legolas' throat, choking him. But he stopped as a sudden thought came to his mind. The thought of what Aragorn would do to his ex-friend. "Wake up, you filthy pet," Glorfindel hissed at him, whipping Legolas on his stomach, showing no mercy. Yet Legolas' eyes remained closed, as if he were already dead. "Open your eyes, you filthy elf," Glorfindel shouted, slapping Legolas again and again. Legolas' eyes snapped opened, and he found himself staring defenselessly at Glorfindel with a worried look in his eyes. Glorfindel moved his right hand to the chains that were wrapped around the elf's bloodied cock and pulled. The fingers from his other hand he pushed into Legolas' abused opening. The pain was unbearable, and Legolas cried out helplessly, though he knew that no one would come to his aid. Legolas could feel himself being rolled over, and as he lay on his stomach he could feel the fresh pain from the whip and tried to bear it for as long as he could. Then, the next thing that he felt was like a stab in his heart, like it was before. He could feel and smell the blood that left his body. He continued to pray to the Valar to end his life, to finish it, as he could not longer take it anymore. "The Valar won't help you, for they have forsaken you and left you for us, filthy pet," Glorfindel snapped at him, and then he hit him brutality. ‘Eofor, where is Eofor?' The question arose in Legolas' mind. Legolas somehow missed the boy as much as he missed Gimli and the twins. ‘Gimli, how I wish that you were here, or have you abandoned me as well, as the Valar did…' Legolas let the despair fill his mind, and he lost what little optimism he had. Darkness soon engulfed him. End of Chapter 15. Gondor… In the king's room… Queen Arwen felt lonely and rejected by her husband. She could feel that there was something wrong but she did not know what it was. It had been three months since the rape, yet in her eyes it seemed that her beloved husband no longer wanted to touch her, and was distant from her, as if he were ashamed what had happened to her. Another thing she noticed was that she no longer saw Faramir or Legolas around. She rose from her bed in which she had been spending most of her time in and left the room. She needed to walk outside, to breathe the fresh air, to make her feel alive. "My lady?" Damrod called to her as he bowed, knowing that he should let his lord know that his wife had risen from her bed. Damrod glanced at Arwen and examined her face. He saw how much she had changed; she seemed paler than before, and there was something in her eyes. There was no joy in them; did they appear to be empty? He did not know. "Where is Elessar? Where is my husband?" she asked worriedly, as she did not see him. "Let me find him, my Queen, while you continue to get the rest that you need," Damrod suggested cunningly, staring at her. "No!" Arwen said with determination and added as she noticed what appeared to be a frown on the man's face, "I am coming with you, and besides I need to stretch my legs as they feel a little numb." "As you wish my lady," Damrod said in despair, but he tried to smile, not wanting her to suspect anything of what her husband and Glorfindel were doing in the cold and dark dungeons. Damrod led her to the stables, and then to the garden, but the king was still missing. He tried to pass the time, wishing that his beloved king would show himself soon before his lady tried to do something. "My lady?" Damrod called softly as he could to her. When he got her attention he asked, "Should I let him know that you are in the garden if I find him, my lady?" Arwen stared at the guard and nodded gently before walking alone to one of the garden benches and sitting down. She was worried for both her husband and Legolas, as she did not seen both of them for a long time. ‘Legolas, where have gone? I am sorry for doubting you…' she thought regretfully. But she knew the doubts had come after tasting the pain of Glorfindel raping her. So much so that he was like a stranger in her eyes, that there was nothing about him that she could not recognize. "Elessar…" she called softly, her eyes unfocused. "Where are you my beloved husband?" she called again, and blinked, not knowing if her husband was there with her or not. ~*~ While the queen was in the garden, Damrod hurried toward the dungeons searching for his king. When he opened the door, he only noticed the golden elf. "Lord Glorfindel," he said and bowed at once, and then he continued, "Have you seen my king?" Glorfindel shook his head ‘no' and was about to continue with his torture of Legolas. "Why?" Glorfindel asked, his eyes on Legolas as he grasped the elf's limp form. "The queen is searching for him, my lord," Damrod explained. Glorfindel turned to face him at once and asked carefully, "Is she awake? What is she doing outside her room?" "I do not know my lord," Damrod answered and stared at the elf, searching for any reaction, but there was none. "Have you searched in the cellar…?" Glorfindel asked, as he returned his attention to his pet, his nails digging into Legolas and leaving further marks. "Umm… no my lord," Damrod answered, and was about to leave, but stopped as the elf spoke to him. "Make sure your king does not let her leave her room, not until justice has been done," Glorfindel said to him, his gaze still on the bruised and battered body of his pet. "I will do that my lord," Damrod assured him and left the dungeons. Then he walked through the palace, looking for the cellar. Once there, he opened the door and went down the stairs. He was soon surrounded by darkness, for he had forgotten to take a torch, and he wrinkled his nose at the smell, for it was awful. "King Elessar, are you there?" Damrod asked fearfully, his voice trembling. When there was no reply, Damrod continued carefully down the stairs, hoping to see his king. "My king? Are you there?" Damrod asked again as he tried to fight his fear. The air was dank and heavy, and Damrod soon began to cough. He held his hands out, trying to touch something solid, as he felt that he was going to pass out. He could no longer get any air, and he did faint, but not before vaguely hear someone's steps; they sounded heavy to him. "Damrod, what are you doing here?" the king asked, but Damrod could not answer. Elessar knelt beside his guard and reached out with his hand to touch Damrod's neck. He found a pulse but it was weak. Elessar lifted Damrod and carried him from the cellar, bringing him out into the air, laying him down on the floor. Damrod soon woke and coughed a few times as he breathed in the fresh air. "Are you alright?" Elessar asked, a worried look in his eyes. Damrod nodded and started to sit. "What were you doing down there?" Elessar asked softly. "I… I was looking for you, my king," Damrod answered weakly. "In there?" Elessar asked. "Lord Glorfindel advised me to look there… where were you?" Damrod asked. "I was in the tower, thinking of Faramir…" the king answered. "My king, your wife is searching for you… I told her to wait in the garden while I tried to find you," Damrod said. "You did well… now go and rest. You will need it for tomorrow as your reward will be the elf in the dungeons," Elessar said softly as his hand reached out to caress Damrod's face. Elessar placed a gentle kiss on his guard's cheek before moving away from him. "Go." "Thank you, my king." Damrod was on his feet, and he bowed to his king with smile on his face before leaving. Elessar nodded and smiled in return, and then he too was on his feet, walking from the palace to the garden, searching his wife. He found her staring at the trees, seemingly amazed by their green leaves, while the birds were chirping happily. He did not hear her mumbling, "I wish you were here to see the sight Legolas… where are you my friend?" "Arwen," he called softly. Arwen heard the soft voice calling to her and she turned her head toward it. A smile appeared on her face. It was her first real smile since her rape, and she stared at her husband. "Elessar… I have missed you…" Arwen said softly as she rose from the bench to walk to her beloved husband. Elessar did not move. "What are doing here?" Elessar asked roughly. Arwen stopped, her eyes never leaving left her husband. She frowned, not knowing why Elessar was acting the way he was. "Elessar?" she called softly. "I do not want you here, outside of the palace. You need to stay in your room, for you are still not strong enough," Elessar ordered, his voice now slightly harsh. "I do not want to be alone. I needed air, and I needed you as well, the man that I married," Arwen answered, her voice still soft. "Go. Now!" Elessar ordered. She heard him and sighed, then walked back to the palace with defeat in her eyes. The king walked after her, wanting to make sure that she stayed in her room, and wondering where Éowyn was. He hoped that she had stopped crying for her husband. End of Chapter 16.