Title: Taken

Author: Crimson Coin

Summery: Aragorn yearns for the life he has left behind. But his desires are fulfilled in a way he never imagined.

Rating: PG13. R in later chapters

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters within. They are from the mind of Tolkien and are borrowed.

Archiving: Ask first, please.

Four Days Later

Faramir rolled his eyes back into his head, rubbing a hand over his weary face. He had only been in this meeting for ... well he wasn't really sure how long. But it felt like days. His eyes wandered to his king, noting how Aragorn's head tilted forward ever so slightly, rocking. Was the king falling asleep?

"Is that right, Your Majesty?"

Aragorn jostled, his eyes on his council and he licked his lips, blinking the sleep from his eyes. He didn't answer though, at least not what anyone was expecting. "I ... I must apologize, what ... what was that?"

Faramir ducked his head, trying his best to hold in his chuckle at the King's obvious confusion and boredom. His eyes flew to the door at a loud slam, and he stood with the rest of the council as the Queen walked inside.

He didn't understand her at first; she spoke Elvish to the King and he, of course, answered his wife in the same tongue. He could hear some of the council members around him grumbling, speaking of how rude it was to use a foreign tongue in their presence. But Faramir did not care. Obvious this conversation was for something between the royal couple and for no one's ears but their own.

Faramir's smile broadened as Arwen approached the King, stepping up to his thrown and leaning down, her palm splayed on his cheek. He couldn't help the chuckle that slipped past his lips as the Queen leaned down and placed a long lingering and sensual kiss on the King's mouth.

Some of the council mumbled about inappropriate behavior, other's nearly applauded the obvious love between the royal couple. Faramir almost outright laughed when the Queen pulled back, eyeing her husband with a heated gaze. And especially when Aragorn nearly groaned right then and there. Faramir would be surprised if the King could control himself long enough for them to retire to a more private room.

The King rose then, swallowing hard before he grabbed his wife's hand. "The Queen and I have decided to take the day for a long ride. If the council wishes to continue, Faramir is more than capable of ..." as the King's eyes met his friend's, he instantly sympathized. "On second thought, we have been working hard for so many days. Go home, rest, relax. We shall continue this tomorrow after midday, when I shall return."

"But, Your Majesty, this is a pressing issue that must be resolved." One noble argued.

"As is the relationship I have with my wife." Aragorn responded with a stern voice. "I shall not sacrifice our relationship for these lands, nor these lands for our relationship. We are not to be disturbed, is that understood?"

Most of the nobles nodded, pleased they could return home for the afternoon. Others continued to grumble and the king felt a wave of anger course through him.

Faramir quickly stood, easily noting the rising dangers of such a situation. He bowed politely to the Queen, his eyes focused on her. "I am afraid that I cannot blame the King for his decision. If I was graced with an opportunity to spend the afternoon with the Queen, I fear I would also choose that over such conferences."

The Queen smiled, a faint blush rising to her porcelain cheeks. "You flatter me so, Dear Friend." A sly flicker flamed in her eyes as she squeezed her husband's hand. "But I wonder what your new wife would think of such a comment."

"She would graciously agree," Faramir said with a winning smile. "In fact, she has often chosen your company at the loom, knitting, or in the garden over a supper with me."

Aragorn nodded with a serious expression on his face. "I believe that I agree with your wife, Faramir. I would much prefer learning to knit from my wife than eat supper with you."

Gasping in shock, Faramir placed a dramatic hand on his chest. "I am deeply offended, my King. Though in all honesty, I myself would choose the Queen's company over my own."

Arwen ducked her head, her blush growing deeper at such words.

Aragorn only smiled, wrapping a protective arm around his wife's shoulders and pulling her against him. "You are blushing, My Dear." Knowing his words were obvious, he offered a nod to his council before leading Arwen from the room and into the grand corridor.

Once alone, the king stopped and turned to his wife, leaning down to look in her eyes. "You really are embarrassed, are you not?"

"Of course, my Lord," Arwen said softly. "But I do not find this to be bad."

Aragorn smiled, his brow creased with the sudden joy on his face. "What is it that you have planned, Melda?"

"It is a surprise." She answered in a mere whisper. "I shall meet you at the stables as soon as you are changed. We are riding, My Love, so dress appropriately."

Licking his lips, he leaned closer to her, his eyes locked on her gorgeous orbs. "Then I shall see you shortly."

Aragorn approached the stables with a certain glee to his step, one that he hadn't known in a long while. It felt good to be in his riding clothes again. He opted for a pair of tan leather breeches, his black leather tunic hung regally from his shoulders, the white tree of Gondor encrusted on his breast. Adjusting his boots then making sure his cape was tied, he opened the stable door.

His breath caught high in his throat, his eyes widening in pleasure. Unsure if he truly saw correctly, he raked the hair from his eyes. He was pleased he decided not to wear his crown or any symbol of his station. His hair felt so much more natural this way. And hers looked natural as well.

Arwen stood across the stable, grooming her horse, a beautiful white speckled stallion. She hummed a familiar Elvish melody, her voice a little deep and gorgeously soothing. He wasn't surprised when she didn't place a saddle on her horse; she usually rode bareback, the way she was taught.

Her outfit was deliciously familiar, however despite the beauty he saw, it also brought pain. The last time he saw her wear that, it was about a year ago when she had searched for him on his road to Rivendell. When a certain hobbit had been mortally injured. When she had ridden off with him with nine ring wraiths following her every step.

His heart still stopped when he thought of it, especially when she recalled the event to him the evening he arrived.

"Melmë, what is it?"

Aragorn broke from his trance, shaking his head to clear his thoughts and he forced a smile. His eyes scanned her body, every detail of her embedded in his memory. "It's nothing." He said, quickly, turning his eyes away and to his dark chestnut brown stallion.

Arwen cocked her head, eyeing him curiously. "You recognize what I wear?"

"I do, My Lady," he responded, brushing the dust from his horse's back. "I see you are riding bareback. It may be difficult for me with that pack. If I use the saddle and the saddle bags, it may be easier."

"You change direction of this conversation." She stepped next to him, her hand reaching out to rest on his forearm, stilling his actions. "Estel."

He sighed, glancing at her from half lidded eyes. "I was just reminded of the danger you were in. And all because of me. Because I didn't do my duty. Because I didn't protect Frodo. You could have been killed. And I can't even think of ..."

"Hush, my Lord," she interrupted him, her eyes ever so soft and delicate. "It is not important. Do not think back on such terrible times. Think of now."

Aragorn looked to the ceiling for a moment before meeting her eyes again. Cupping her cheek with his warm palm, he brushed his thumb along her lips before leaning down, kissing her softly.

Arwen sighed, leaning into him, her eyes closing as their lips entwined again and then one last time. "Your kiss is beautiful, My Lord," she said into his mouth, her hand pressed to his collar bone to keep him back. "But I fear that if you kiss me one more time, I shall not be able to contain myself. And it is not proper for the King and Queen to engage in such indecencies in the stables."

"Proper or no matters not to me," he groaned, leaning further into her. "You have denied me for nearly seven days. Do you still tease me?"

"Yes."

He whimpered in frustration when she walked away from him, striding back to her stallion before gracefully lifting herself onto his back. The stallion whinnied, stomping the ground a few times before accepting his rider. Aragorn gazed pitifully up at her, his eyes pleading with her.

Arwen smiled, shaking her head slowly. "Not yet, Estel. And to answer your earlier question, you should saddle your horse. I have already packed the saddle bags with things we would need and your pack can fit in the opposite one."

He chuckled, obeying her without question. "You have mastered the art of instructing me, My Love. You have melted into the shoes of Queen quite easily."

"Not Queen, Indonya." She cooed at him, her smile tweaking a just the corners of her lips. "I think the role of wife is befitting to me. I need only to speak and you do as I will."

"Aye," he answered with a nod, placing first a heavy blanket and then the saddle on his beloved horse. "Though I only obey for the hope of a reward that evening."

Her head tilted back as she laughed heartily at his insinuation, and she had to clasp a hand to her chest as he waggled his eyebrows as if he were suggesting something. "Estel, what am I to do with you?"

He smiled, swinging himself into the horse's saddle, then sorted through the belongings he brought, placing them in the empty saddle bag. "Well you have two choices, Melmë."

"And what might those be."

Aragorn sat tall in his saddle, grabbing the reins lightly so he could walk his stallion towards her, stopping next to her so her eyes met his, their horses standing side by side, nose to tail.

"Are you going to tell me, or is this a game and I must guess?"

"First," he began with a stern expression. "You simply must accept that this is who I am." Then the most sly smile spread across his face. "Or you could try to convince me to ... change my ways. I could be easily motivated, Meldanya."

"Are you that in need?" she asked him, spurring her horse to walk out the stables.

He followed her, their horses side by side as they walked down the streets of their home city. "Aye, My Lady."

His tone caught her off guard and Arwen quickly looked to him, gasping at his seemingly shaken appearance, the most obvious need flickering in his eyes.

Aragorn licked his lips, his eyes blazing with lust and desire as they gazed into one another's eyes. His look must have been intense for she quickly looked away. His horse jostled and he was nearly tossed to the ground as the Queen yelled a series of Elvish orders, her horse rearing then stomping to a halt.

As his horse calmed, the King turned his gaze forward, nervous to see what had caused the Queen to react in such a way. His eyes widened.

Arwen quickly swung off her horse, her eyes intense and focused as she gazed down at the small child. The little girl gazed up, awed at the Elvin woman and the child played with her curly blonde hair.

"Child, what are you doing?" Arwen asked, unable to keep the inflection from her voice. The child could have been trampled.

"Tylian, what are you doing? Move out of their way." An older woman spat, rushing up to the small child and standing behind her. The woman bowed her head, speaking to the ground in humble servitude. "I apologize, your Majesties, but I did not see her leave the house. I apologize for any hassle or trouble she has caused and ..."

"It is alright," Aragorn said in a confident voice. "There is no need for apologies."

Arwen smiled, kneeling before the child, causing gasps from many in her presence. "Hello, Little One," she cooed, gently, her smile warm and inviting. "You should be more careful. You could be injured."

"I know," the little child said, her eyes sparkling with the innocence so common in youth. "But I was just playing. Mama always tells me that ... that one day I'm gonna get hurt. But I haven't gotten hurt yet."

"Hush, Child," the mother scolded, placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Hush your mouth."

"It is fine," Arwen said, eyeing the mother a moment before returning her gaze to the child. "Now tell me, Child, how old are you?"

Tylian smiled, her grin quirking to one side of her plump face. "I'm only three." She held up the corresponding fingers. "And I know who you are. You're the ... the ..." the child's eyes narrowed in confusion as she thought but then she smiled. "Mama says that you're the prettiest lady in all the land."

Aragorn chuckled at his wife's shy smile. "That she is, Child." He responded. "The Queen is the most beautiful creature throughout all Middle Earth."

The little girl nodded, her curls bouncing with the motion. "Yes. She is very pretty. And my Mama also says that the King is the prettiest man too."

Arwen snickered. "Yes, the King most certainly is the prettiest man." She cast a half glance over her shoulder at her husband. "Doesn't he look pretty in his black leather tunic?"

"Yes, he is the most prettiest." The child answered then cocked her head curiously. "Your ears are funny."

The mother gasped, turning a crimson red at her child's remarks. "Tylian, no."

But before she could whisk her child away to hide in fear from such a statement, Arwen held up a hand to stop any further actions. "My ears are different from yours because I am an Elf."

Tylian furrowed her tiny brow, her eyes focused intently on the strangely tipped ears. "An Elf?"

Arwen nodded. "Yes. An Elf. I am like you ... but different."

The child reached out tentatively then quickly pulled her hand back. "Your hair is very pretty too." Then she giggled. "And your ear sticks out of it."

Aragorn placed a protective hand on his wife's shoulder. "And it's a very beautiful ear."

The child nodded enthusiastically as her giggle heightened in excitement. "Yes. It is a beautiful ear. I ... I wish my ears were just like the ... the Queen's." The child again crinkled her brow, squatting down to pick up the ring of flowers that lay on the ground. She roughly handed the ring to the Queen.

"What is this?" Arwen asked, carefully taking the ring from the child. "It's very pretty. Did you make this?"

Tylian shook her head. "No. My Mama made it. It goes on your head. You take it. Mama says that when I wear it ... it makes me a princess. So ... so then shouldn't you have one too?"

Arwen smiled sweetly, almost moved to tears at how adorable this small child was. "Well I am a Queen. And if you wish me to have this ... then I shall graciously accept. Would you like to put it on my head?"

The child nodded again, more excited at such an opportunity. And as the Queen slightly bowed her head, Tylian creased her bow in greatest concentration. She had to do this perfectly. Taking her time, and being extra careful, the child laid the ring of flowers on the crown of Arwen's head and once pleased with its position, she dropped her hands to her sides, grinning with pride.

"It looks beautiful, Melda." Aragorn sighed then smiled at the small child standing proudly before his wife. "It is a wonderful gift. One fit for a Queen."

Arwen brushed the tips of her fingers across the child's cheek. "Hantëalyë."

The child cocked her head, confused at the word she didn't identify.

Aragorn chuckled, kneeling down beside his wife as he looked warmly onto the little girl. "That means 'Thank you,' in Elvish. The Queen's native tongue."

The child licked her lips, preparing to speak. "Ha ... Hant ... Hantë ... alyë."

Arwen's smile broadened, just hearing the child attempt the word nearly moved her to tears. "Yes, child. Hantëalyë."

Aragorn stood, patting Tylian on the head. "You have made the Queen very happy. But I fear we must now take our leave."

The Queen stood, looking regal as always as she nodded politely to the small child and in turn, her mother. Saying not a word, she gracefully lifted up onto the back of her stallion, sitting proudly and tall.

"Be careful, Child," Aragorn commented, his eyes warm though his words were serious. "You could be trampled." That said, the King spurred his horse, and the Royal couple continued through the city and out the main gates.

Faramir sighed, leaning against one of the pillars on his balcony. A softness in his gaze, he watched as the royal couple road across the plains and to the North. They were probably heading to the Druadan Forest. He was slightly confused as to their reason for riding to that forest. He thought that Aragorn had plans to promise that land to a people perpetually ... and that no one could go there. But then again, this was the King and if this agreement was so, Faramir could not imagine these peoples would deny the King and his Queen entrance.

"What catches your eye, My Love?"

Faramir smiled softly, his body warming at the sound of her voice. "My Darling, Eowyn."

"Were you expecting another?" She asked, playfully, her eyes twinkling as she approached him and placed a soft comforting hand on his forearm.

"Nay, my Lady." He responded with a whisper and he turned his head to gaze lovingly onto her face. "It is you ... I was waiting for."

Eowyn turned her gaze to the land of Gondor and the two racing horses that sped swiftly to the North. "I am surprised the council has allowed them to leave without escort."

"Once the Queen had left, a few of the high nobles cornered the King, pleading with him to take the proper escort to ensure his safety. Aragorn threatened to have them hanged should they insist on such an endeavor."

She chuckled. "I understand their worry. The land is still unstable. There are still many dangers."

"Yes," Faramir agreed. "But Aragorn is more than capable of taking care of himself. And from what I've been told, the Queen herself is quite the ... accomplished warrior."

"She has been to battle?"

He smiled, brushing his fingers along her cheek. "I don't know if she has seen war as you have. But according to Aragorn, who may be slightly biased, she is a skilled swordsman and quite the perfected archer."

"As are most Elves," Eowyn commented with an understanding nod. She squinted, focusing on the other figure that now rode from the gates of the city. "And who would that be, My Lord?"

Faramir laughed. "Why that appears to be one of the guards. I wouldn't be surprised if the Chamberlain sent him out to follow the royal couple, just to make sure they were safe."

An amused smirk spread across Eowyn's face. "Aragorn will have his hide."

He nodded, his smile just as amused. "That is if Arwen doesn't have it first."

Shaking her head, the beautiful Steward's wife only sighed. "That poor boy. If only he knew what he rode into."

"How long do you think until Aragorn realizes they are being tracked?"

"That depends on how distracted he is by his wife." Eowyn answered with little embarrassment on such a topic. "I believe Arwen will sense him first."

"And I think it will be Aragorn. But enough of this." Faramir led her further into their chambers. "This is a rare day. You have me all to yourself. What would you have of me?"

"Many a things, My Dear Husband," she responded with a smile before lifting onto her toes, her arms wrapping around his neck as she offered him a soft kiss.

(This is the second part. And fear not for the next shall be filled with A/A beauty. It may take some time for that update because I wish it to be perfect But I do wish to see many reviews. Reviews I adore, good and bad. Please Review.)