Title & Chapter Number: The Foolish Wish 6/8
Author(s): - Author's Index
Website: Tortured Scribes
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I am only borrowing J.R.R. Tolkien's world for a bit. The only things that are mine are Jessy, Bella, and this twisted plot.
Warnings: Language, Violence, Het
Betas: Hedda
Cast: Lord of the Rings characters and two O/C's
Timeline: Post The Return of the King; Sequel to The Wayward Wish
Spoilers: Some for The Return of the King
Summary: Five years have past since Jessy went to live in The Shire. Legolas returns unexpectedly to find Jessy is not very happy to see him.
Notes: I'm playing with official canon a bit for storytelling purposes. The Keepers of the Rings have not passed over the Sea. Frodo and the others have not taken on any positions of leadership in The Shire at this point. I have also shortened the distance between Buckland and Hobbiton. Celeborn and Galadriel still reign in Lothlórien.
Chapter Six: Aragorn's Plan
Aragorn sat in his study reviewing the latest report from the Southern Border of Gondor. It seems there was another uprising among the Southrons. This was the third one in the last six months. He would soon have no choice but to personally oversee the quelling of their rebellions. It seems some of the tribes refused to yield even though Sauron had been defeated.
Sitting back in his chair, he let his eyes wander over the richly appointed room. He would trade the expensive carpet and wood furniture for just one night free under the stars. He never thought he would miss wandering from place to place as he had done under the guise of Strider.
A knock at the door brought him back to reality and his duties as ruler of the Reunited Lands.
"Come."
A young page entered the room and bowed. "Sire. Your brother Elladan is here and wishes to speak with you immediately."
Aragorn brightened; it had been well over a year since he had seen either of the twins. "Escort him here and see to some refreshments. Then inform the Queen that her brother has arrived."
The page bowed and left the room.
Even after five years, Aragorn was still unnerved by the bowing and scraping of his subjects.
A few minutes later, Elladan, Haldir and a young child entered the room. Aragorn stood and embraced his brother. "Elladan. Well met, it is good to see you again." He greeted Haldir and then smiled at the young girl. He had not missed the two Elves' grim faces.
The page reentered with a tray of refreshments and then promptly left.
Aragorn motioned for the two Elves to take a seat. "What brings you to Minas Tirith? I take it this is not a social call." He noted that the child had promptly crawled into Haldir's lap as soon as he had seated himself.
"We come seeking sanctuary." Elladan said.
"You need not ask. My home is always - " Elladan cut of Aragorn with a wave of his hand.
"Hold, Brother. I would have you hear the entire tale before you make your decision." He cast a meaningful look at Haldir.
Haldir stood, lifting Bella into his arms as he did so. "Let us take a walk, Bella, so your cousins may talk." He strode from the room.
"Cousin? Is that Jessy and Legolas' daughter?" Aragorn had never seen the girl.
Elladan nodded and then recounted the entire tale to Aragorn starting with Bella's abduction and ending with the flight from the group.
Aragorn rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I understand if you cannot offer us sanctuary. Jessy gave me a message to relay to you. She says that you are not do anything that you feel would endanger your people." Elladan paused. "I will take the child into the North if need be. Haldir has already agreed to come with us. I would only ask that you outfit Bella for such a journey."
"Nay! Arwen would never forgive me if I sent the babe into the Wilds of the North. I would never forgive myself. She is not much older than Eldarion. You have sanctuary on one condition."
"What is the condition?"
"That I am granted guardianship of Bella."
Elladan lifted a black brow. "What are you up to, Estel?"
"It is simple really. Bella does not need to be dragged from one end of Arda to the other by her quarreling parents. Arwen and I will raise her until Legolas and Jessy can come to their senses and reconcile."
Elladan could only shake his head. "You, more than any other, should know that Jessy can be unreasonable and stubborn. And Legolas does not seem to be giving much thought to his actions either. How do you expect them to reconcile?"
"I have an idea." Aragorn's eyes sparkled. He had a feeling this was going to be the most excitement he had had in a while.
"Just so you know, Haldir will expect to take service with you as Bella's guard. My Grandfather has bid him to guard Bella and he will do so until he is released from that duty."
Aragorn nodded. "I see no problem with that."
The door burst open suddenly as Arwen rushed into the room. "Elladan!" The next few minutes were spent in reunion and then Aragorn brought Arwen up to date.
~*~*~*~
Jessy sat upright on the back of the horse, her hands tied before her. She was tired but refused to lean back and rest. She was riding before Legolas and his closeness was sending mixed emotions through her.
Legolas stared at the rigid back of his wife. He watched her sway slightly before righting herself once again. Sighing inwardly at Jessy's stubbornness, he reached around and pulled her into his chest. He was already regretting his treatment of her just as Gimli predicted. The last few days in her presence had invoked memories of their night together in Minas Tirith.
Jessy struggled to sit upright one again. The last thing she wanted was to touch Legolas. It sent a rush of warmth through her and she didn't want to feel anything but hate where he was concerned.
"Stop your struggles. You are tired and will rest." Legolas said shortly. "Unless you wish drop dead of exhaustion. I could care less but Bella may see things differently."
Jessy snorted. "What does it matter? You are going to take her over the Sea and out of my reach."
This startled Legolas for he had not told her of his plans. "Where did you get that idea?"
"Don't play dumb with me. I've seen it in Galadriel's Mirror just as I've seen that you will shoot me in the back one day." Jessy paused and swallowed painfully. Her throat was swollen and bruised from where Legolas had strangled her. "I wonder what Bella will think of you then. Watching her father kill her mother."
Legolas had been consumed by rage when he had attacked Jessy. He was ashamed at his behavior and her words cut him. Still he stubbornly refused to apologize to her; the rift between them was still to deep. "She will understand one day that it was for her own good." He regretted the words as soon as they were spoken.
"Then you know nothing about my daughter."
"She lived for four years thinking I was dead. She is stronger than you think." New anger surged through him as he remembered Bella's words in the Shire.
"Fuck you." Jessy spat out the words.
Legolas squeezed Jessy tighter to him, his arm pressing painfully into her abdomen. He ignored the stirring in his groin at the close contact. "You will do well to remember that Bella need never see your death. Accidents happen all the time."
Jessy wisely remained silent, biting back the retort that had sprung to her lips.
Legolas loosened his hold a bit but still held Jessy to him. He tried to tell himself that it was just so she could not escape. He almost believed the lie.
~*~*~*~
Legolas dragged Jessy up the steps that lead to the Great Hall in Minas Tirith. Gimli, Niere, Allinda, and the others followed, the captives still bound.
The hall was empty except for the steps that lead to the dais where Aragorn and Arwen's thrones sat. On the steps stood Aragorn, Elladan and Faramir who had answered Aragorn's summons the day before.
Legolas stopped at the base of the stairs. "Aragorn." He said by way of greeting. "It saddens me that you have been brought into this affair and I seek to end it here and now. Bring me Bella and we will depart."
Aragorn let his eyes sweep over Jessy, noting the bruises on her face and neck. He cast an irritated look at Legolas. "You are in no position to make demands, Legolas. Release them."
Elladan had been barely able to contain his rage at the sight of his brother bound and held between two Elven guards. Only a subtle nod from Elrohir had stayed his hand.
Legolas turned and nodded to his companions. Elrohir and the Lórien Elves' bonds were cut and they moved forward onto the steps. "Now bring me Bella."
With a motion of Aragorn's hand, the Great Hall was suddenly filled with soldiers and the Upper Gallery was filled with archers. "As I said, Legolas, you are in no position to make demands. Now release Jessy and have your men put away their weapons."
The Elven guards had drawn their bows despite the overwhelming odds.
Legolas realized that Aragorn had outmaneuvered him; he motioned for his escort to stand down. Having little choice, he released his hold on Jessy who promptly scrambled up the stairs.
"Where is Bella?" she asked Elladan as he cut the thin cord around her wrists. "I want to see her."
"No!" Aragorn said, never taking his eyes from Legolas.
"What do you mean no? I want to see Bella." Jessy argued become irritated.
"Perhaps you have not found the help you were seeking." Legolas chuckled.
"Elladan has placed Bella under my guardianship at my bequest. Neither of you will see her until you have settled this feud. She will have both her parents or none at all." Aragorn said firmly.
Jessy wanted to believe that she had misunderstood him but one look from Elladan confirmed it. "You have no right!" she lunged at Aragorn but was restrained by Elladan. "She is my child and I want her back. I lost her once I won't let it happen again." Exhaustion, her beating, and worrying about Bella had taken its toll and Jessy cracked under the strain. She collapsed onto the stairs and sobbed.
Legolas resisted the urge to go and comfort Jessy. He had changed his plans on the way to Minas Tirith after capturing her. He would collect Bella and all three of them would return to Eryn Lasgalen weither Jessy liked it or not. She would either take her place at his side or he would lock her away in the dungeons. Legolas knew that Aragorn meant what he said. He and Jessy would have to set aside their difference if they were to see Bella again.
"You are all tired from your journey. I have had rooms prepared for you." Aragorn's demeanor changed as if he were a gallant host greeting newly arrived guests. "I expect to see you all at dinner this evening."
The newcomers had no choice but to allow themselves to be escorted to their rooms.
~*~*~*~
Gandalf mounted Shadowfax and galloped though the gates of Orthanc. Thranduil's army was closing on the border of Gondor. He must get to Lórien before Celeborn left with his troops. The situation would resolve itself soon enough without a pair of Elven armies clashing on the battlefield and then he would have to carry out the task that had been set upon him.
~*~*~*~
Gimli answered the knock at his door and was not surprised to see Aragorn standing outside it.
"Aragorn." Gimli stepped back so he could enter.
"Gimli, son of Glóin. I am not surprised to see you embroiled in this mischief." Aragorn greeted the Dwarf as he entered.
"Trust me Aragorn, I would rather that none of this had happened." Gimli took a seat near Aragorn. "Tell me, how is little Bella faring?"
"She is not stupid. She is aware that there is trouble between Legolas and Jessy. But I have given her my word that I will help resolve it." Aragorn smiled at the memory of his conversation with his cousin. "She simply smiled and then ran off to play tag with Eldarion. It is amazing how resilient children are."
"He tried to kill her." Gimli said suddenly.
Aragorn knew he was referring to Legolas and Jessy. "I saw the marks on her throat."
"How do you expect them to reconcile if they can barely be civil to each other?" Gimli was curious about what Aragorn had in mind and not a little concerned about Jessy's safety.
"You will see. Tonight at dinner I will implement my plan." Noting Gimli's frown, Aragorn said, "Do not worry. It will all work out well."
"I hope you are right about this."
So do I, Aragorn thought to himself.
~*~*~*~
Jessy paced the confines of her room. A couple hours of rest had rejuvenated her body and temper. How dare he, she seethed mentally. Why can't the males of this world just leave me alone? Why must they always interfere with my life?
She still couldn't believe that she was expected to dress and attend dinner as if this were nothing more than a social visit. Her belongings had been delivered not long after being locked in the room. One of her dresses lay out on the bed waiting for her to put it on.
The door opened and she looked over to see Niere enter the room. She resumed her pacing wondering if she could give her guards the slip and seek out Bella.
"It will soon be time for the evening meal." Niere said softly to the irritated girl.
"I'm not going." Jessy said belligerently.
"Do not make this situation any worse. Put on the dress." Niere was firm with her order.
Jessy sighed. She had learned long ago that arguing with Elves was as productive as trying to move a mountain simply by pushing on it. Thirty minutes later, Niere announced that Jessy was ready for dinner. She had insisted on braiding Jessy's hair in the Elvish fashion. Niere was proud of the results of her effort. Between the gown and her hairstyle, Jessy looked more Elven then Human, The only thing that ruined the effect was her rounded ears and her height.
"This is completely ridiculous." Jessy continued to rant.
Niere was learning that the more scared, nervous, or threatened Jessy felt, the more she ranted and raved. She ignored the girl's protests and went to the door to inform the guards that they were ready.
~*~*~*~
Legolas tried not to stare as Jessy was escorted into the Dining Hall. He had changed into a dark burgundy tunic and leggings he had borrowed from Elladan. Neither twin was holding a grudge despite his earlier behavior. He looked every bit the noble Elven prince and Jessy could easily pass as his princess, which she by all rights was.
Jessy's gown was a warm brown in color, matching her eyes and flattering her skin tone. Legolas could do little to still the rampant lust that surged through him. It had been too long since he had held her. Already his mind set about a plan of action to seducing her, neatly forgetting the fact that she despised his very presence. Not to mention his own grudges against her.
Jessy was disappointed as she scanned the room and didn't catch sight of Bella.
"She is not here." Legolas interrupted her search. "I already looked for her."
Jessy had been so intent of looking for Bella, she hadn't seen him approach. "What do you want?"
"A truce. We will never see Bella again at the rate we are going." Legolas moved to place Jessy's arm on his and escort her towards the high table.
Jessy plastered a smile on her face. "Ok, I'll play ball but the very second I have her back, we are going to disappear. I promise you that."
Legolas ignored Jessy. "I sincerely doubt you will escape me again. I was a fool the last time. I should have taken both of you. I will not make the same mistake again."
"Still spoiled I see. Well better get used to not getting your way cause I will kill myself and Bella before I let you have your way in this." Jessy said sweetly.
Legolas fought back the urge to hit her. She was the only female he had ever met that caused such conflicting emotions. He did not know which he wanted more, to beat her or to bed her. "You will do well to watch your words with me. They may come back to haunt you later. My home is equipped with a few rather sturdy cells and some time in one of them may do wonders for your disposition."
"Go fuck yourself, Legolas." Jessy hissed under her breath as they approached Aragorn and Arwen.
Legolas made no further comment for they were no longer alone.
"It is good to see that you two are finally starting to set aside your differences." Arwen said after hugging Jessy.
Aragorn wasn't fooled. He knew them both too well and had not missed the tension between them.
A horn sounded and the diners took their seats. It was going to be a long meal.
~*~*~*~
Jessy's head felt like it was filled with cotton. She tried to open her eyes but they wouldn't budge. She heard her name called from what seemed like a million miles away. She tried to open her eyes again and was rewarded when they cracked a bit before sliding closed.
"Jessy."
The voice seemed closer this time and insistent. Her eyes opened easier this time and she blinked to clear her vision. A blond head swam above her. A few more blinks and the head came into focus. She knew the face but couldn't place it. Her mind was numb and wouldn't work.
"Jessy. Can you hear me?" The voice was very loud this time and made her head hurt.
She tried to tell the speaker to be quiet but apparently her mouth wasn't working right. Her tongue refused to help form the words properly. They came out slurred and unrecognizable.
"Try and sit up."
Legolas. That is who was talking to her. She loved Legolas. No, wait. Did she? Everything was so confusing. She felt herself being pulled into a sitting position and propped against something soft. Her body refused to work. Her muscles remained limp and useless.
Jessy was content to let her eyes slip shut once more but Legolas wouldn't let her. She had the strangest suspicion that she was supposed to be angry with him but couldn't remember why. Maybe he was just one of those irritating people. It wasn't unreasonable to think that, he certainly was irritating her right now. She just wanted to sleep.
"Jessy. Listen to me. You have to wake up. Drink this."
She felt the edge of a cup pressed against her lips and then cool liquid passed between them. She managed to swallow though some of it went down her windpipe causing her to choke and sputter. Stop it you ass is what she tried to say to him but the words were only marginally understandable.
"Hush. Drink."
The cup was back and Jessy had no choice but to swallow. Yes she definitely thought she hated Legolas.
Half an hour later, a very coherent Jessy was coming to grips with her situation. Aragorn had drugged both her and Legolas at dinner the night before. Then to add insult to injury, he had locked them both in the very tower they had spent their one night together. He had left them with enough rations to last two weeks. There was a note, which simply said, `When you have made up, I will let you out'.
Jessy couldn't decide who she hated more Legolas or Aragorn.
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