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Chapter 20: Sleeping with the enemy
Arash gently pulled the sheets over his new lover, a gentle smile on his face. She hadn't spoken much, but he understood. She must be feeling overwhelmed - this girl who'd expected to die a virgin, was now the lover of a man she wasn't supposed to be with. The shock of losing her innocence seemed to be silencing her, so he just held her gently, comforting her as she let herself adjust to this change. Dúniel stared at the Harad, memorising his handsome face. She smiled suddenly, and he grinned back.
"Are you alright?"he asked, stroking her cheek tenderly. She nodded.
"I knew you'd take care of me."she whispered."I knew you'd be gentle."he kissed her forehead as she snuggled closer, tightening his arms around her.
"My beautiful meril en forod."he whispered, stroking her soft hair."I will always take care of you. You are my world."
"You are mine."Dúniel whispered, nuzzling her head under his chin and sniffing.
"Are you crying?"Arash asked quietly."Did I hurt you?"
"No, no."she said quickly."I'm so sorry, I've ruined this beautiful night. I'm just so happy..."she trailed off, sobbing as he held her gently, smiling slightly.
"It's alright, my dear. You haven't ruined anything. I'm glad I make you so happy."they were silent until her tears stopped, and Dúniel looked up at the man she loved.
"Do you still want me to leave?"she asked. Arash chuckled.
"You, my dear, are not going anywhere. I will return you to your room at dawn. Until then, you are stuck with me."Dúniel smiled at him.
"I think I can manage that."they kissed for a long moment, then settled down to sleep.
"Gen melin."she whispered quietly.
"And what does that mean?"she simply smiled and closed her eyes."Ah, another thing you don't think I'm ready to hear."
"I don't think I'm ready to say it."she whispered."Now go to sleep."
Arash woke as the sky started to lighten. He pulled himself onto his elbow and gazed at the beautiful woman beside him. She lay close to him still, black locks framing her pale face like a mane. She looked so innocent and desirable just lying there. He gently pushed some hair off her face and pressed his lips to her forehead.
"Dúniel, you must wake."he said quietly. She groaned and snuggled closer to him.
"It is too early, Nana, the sun is not yet awake."she murmured. Arash chuckled and gently shook her.
"I am not as lovely to look at as your mother, my meril en forod." Dúniel opened her eyes tiredly, and smiled as Arash kissed her nose.
"Ah, I am alive. I could get used to this."she said, sitting up slowly. Arash hugged her tightly, and she giggled as he kissed her enthusiastically."It is too early for you to be so awake."she complained, kissing his cheek.
"Come, my dear, I must return you to your rooms."he said sadly. They dressed slowly, and Dúniel found her gaze falling on the bed once more, where the blood of her innocence stained the sheets.
"Perhaps I should take the sheet."she said quietly."I can pretend it is my fertility cycle."he nodded and they pulled the sheet off, folding it quickly.
"Arash, after the meeting, why don't we meet at our Secret place. Do you remember the way?"he nodded.
"Yes. I will wait for you, I have the feeling your father will want to speak to you after..." she nodded. She suddenly smiled broadly at him.
"What?"he said, grinning.
"I'm your lover."she said quietly, vibrating with happiness."And you're mine. I still find it hard to fathom that you want me."he kissed her hard and stroked her scarred cheek.
"I will convince you one day that you are worthy of the affection I show you."she giggled happily.
They kissed once more then Arash led her to the balcony, climbing down and landing softly in the snow. He reached up and helped Dúniel down, then they raced away through the buildings. Dúniel gave Arash her own bed sheet, so as not to arise any questions, then after he'd left she grabbed her clothes and went to have a bath.
Dúniel was walking up to the Hall when Arash hugged her tightly from behind, picking her up.
"Arash!"she cried, squirming as he lowered her with a laugh."Not with everyone watching!"
"You are just determined to ruin my fun, aren't you?"he grinned as she turned, and tried to grab her arm. She darted away, laughing.
Aragorn watched from the corner of the eating hall with a frown on his face, conflicting emotions racing through his body as he watched Arash playfully trying to grab his daughter. She was so happy, so very happy...and yet he was so worried at what would happen after today. What would he have to do to protect his people, his family? He didn't want to part them. He liked Arash, in spite of himself, he could see the young man was worthy of his daughter (though it was hard to admit this, no father wants to lose his little girl). Gentle hands squeezed his shoulder and familiar lips brushed his cheek.
"Do not be angry with her."Arwen said gently as Aragorn pulled her into his arms. He sighed.
"She loves him."it was not a question. Arwen smiled sadly.
"He loves her."Aragorn didn't ask if she was certain. Arwen would know better than anyone. Aragorn sighed and rested his forehead on his wife's.
"Why do I have the most horrible feeling this is going to end very badly?"
"Do not think like that. Give him a chance, my love. He's doing this for her. He wants to stay here, and if he stays, then Dúniel will always be happy, as will he. Keep a clear mind. You are a good King, and a good father. You will know what to do in the end."he smiled lovingly.
"You always know the right thing to say."she smiled.
"What else is a wife for? Now come and eat."they made their way into the hall behind Dúniel and Arash, who were laughing madly. Aragorn frowned, but Arwen squeezed his hand.
"He cares not that she is scarred. I am glad of this. I was so afraid she would always be alone." she whispered in Sindarin.
He nodded, and put his hand on Arash's shoulder. The young man turned and paled visibly, and Aragorn couldn't help but laugh.
"Calm down lad, I'm not going to bite you. Are you joining us for breakfast?"
"If I am welcome."
"Of course you are."Dúniel said breathlessly."Come, sit by Miniual. You need not fear her affections anymore."he grinned slightly as she pulled him away.
Aragorn shook his head slightly as she pressed Arash into the seat beside her sister, but he immediately stood to pull the chair beside him out to help her into it. Clearly moved by this level of chivalry, Dúniel sat, grinning as he resumed his seat.
"He's so charming."Arwen said, giggling.
"I thought I wouldn't have to worry about losing Dúniel to a man."Aragorn sighed. Throughout breakfast, Arash was very silent, and only ate when Dúniel begged him to.
"My father is a fair man, Arash."she whispered."Just tell him what you told me, and anything else you know. Please."he looked at her, feeling slightly ill.
"I will."he said quietly. Once breakfast was over, Aragorn stood, gave Arash a meaningful look and lead his wife away.
"That meant, wait a few minutes before following."Dúniel said, squeezing his hand.
He clutched her fingers tightly, shaking slightly. He was terrified, mostly of being parted from Dúniel. She didn't even know how much she meant to him, how much he loved her-
"Come on, maethor veren vuin." he let her lead him out of the hall, barely aware Eldarion walked at his side. When they reached the door, he doubled his grip on Dúniel's hand.
"Dúniel, whatever happens..."she smiled gently as his whisper trailed off.
"I'll take care of you."she said reassuringly, and knocked on the door. Eldarion put a reassuring hand on Arash's shoulder as Aragorn opened the door.
"Thank you for seeing me."Arash said, bowing."Would you object if I spoke to you privately for a moment. It's just it concerns my rewards..."All three looked at him in surprise, but Aragorn nodded.
"Just let us know when you want us to come in."Eldarion said as Arash moved into the room, casting an apologetic look at Dúniel.
"What is he doing?"she whispered as the door closed. Eldarion wrapped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed her gently.
"I'm sure he knows."she looked up at her brother, who she'd always adored above all her siblings.
"Eldarion..."he smiled gently at her."I love him."his smile faded as shock took over his face.
"Dúniel..."unable to express his feelings, he simply held her tightly, careful of her still tender shoulder, as she started to sob.
"Well, young man. What would you ask of me that you can't ask in front of my children?" Aragorn asked, gesturing him to sit.
"I...I hope I don't sound presumptuous or rude, but I have decided what I would like."Aragorn sat behind his desk.
"Very well. For Merenwen's rescue, what would you like?"
"I would like you to please spare Dúniel from any punishment."Aragorn looked extremely surprised by this."When I told her what I intend to tell you, I was so relieved that I didn't realise what I was putting her through. I never intended to make her feel she had to choose between her family and me. I thought she would tell you."he looked up into Aragorn's grey-green eyes."Please, forgive her. Don't blame her for my mistake."
"I must admit, this is not what I imagined you asking me."The King admitted, sitting back."But if this is what you wish, then I shall grant it to you."Arash looked visibly relived.
"Thank you."
"And for Dúniel's rescue?"Arash now looked extremely nervous as sat forward.
"I have already mentioned my desire to remain here. That has not changed. Although, I feel that once you know everything, you will lose any faith and trust you have in me now. So I would ask you to allow me to become loyal to Gondor, to call Minas Tirith home and you my King. I would do any task you asked to prove myself, and I will fight for you, and perhaps die for you if I must."
"Arash, are you always so dramatic?"Aragorn exclaimed, standing slowly. He moved around the desk and sat on in, looking down at the Harad."You truly have no desire to return home?"
"What family I have left is most likely dead. There is nothing for me there. Harad has given me no reason to be loyal. Gondor has. I feel I can be myself here, and I feel so free. And I have a reason now that makes me fight for this."
"And what is that?"he asked, though he suspected he already knew. Arash swallowed hard, then raised his chin proudly.
"I'm in love with Dúniel."he said quietly."I would do anything for her."Aragorn stared at him, no expression on his face.
"It is amazing what a man will do for the love of a woman."he said finally, standing."I know what that's like."he smiled slightly."I am impressed you so boldly admit this to her father. Does she know?"
"I haven't told her yet, but I think she does. And I think she feels the same. She said something to me..."he struggled to remember her words."I think she said gen me-lin ... is that right?"
"When did she say that?" Aragorn said, looking shocked.
"Yesterday, when she asked me to speak to you. May I ask what it means?"
"It means I love you."Aragorn said, a slight tightness in his voice. The look of complete joy on Arash's face was proof enough that his love for Dúniel was genuine.
"Truly? Oh, Valar..."he suddenly hesitated."You won't tell her, will you?"
"And spoil it for you? No."
"Thank you."
"Now then, are you sure this is what you would ask for? Dúniel to be spared of punishment and you to remain here, loyal to me?"Arash nodded. "I think perhaps I had better hear what you have to say first."
"Me too."Arash said, looking guilty.
Aragorn walked past and gestured his son and daughter into the room. Dúniel squeezed Arash's shoulder as she sat beside him, and Eldarion nodded encouragingly as he sat on her other side.
"Alright then, Arash."Aragorn said, sitting behind his desk once more."I think I have imagined and guessed many things that you may tell me, but I have no doubt there will be something you can say to surprise me."Arash closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Forgive me."he said quietly."I would never..."
"Arash."Dúniel said quietly. He nodded, knowing he was stalling.
"Sorry. Um...I shall start from the beginning. Mazid is not my father. I am a bastard, born on the streets."he ignored the gasp from Eldarion."My mother was murdered when I was six, and Mazid took me in when I was seven. I don't know why. He raised me as a son. Mazid is the leader of those who still follow Sauron."at this Aragorn gasped, and Eldarion straightened."I know you have been sending peace offers to our leader for a few years, but I don't believe the last one reached them. The one accepting his offer of ambassadors. He said we would take up this offer, and destroy any chance of reconciliation between our country's. When we were to leave, I told him I wanted nothing to do with his plans to find Gondor's weaknesses. That's when he told me he had my niece hostage. He said if I didn't come and do my job, then she would be killed. I-I didn't want to lose her, so I came. But when he told me what he wanted me to do, I knew I couldn't do that either..."
"What did he ask you to do?"Aragorn asked , knowing he wouldn't like the answer. Arash swallowed and looked at Dúniel, who nodded encouragingly .
"He, he knew your greatest weakness was your family. He wants war. He, he told me I was to seduce Dúniel, and murder her in my bed. After I'd..."he couldn't continue, a wise decision considering the look of fury on both Aragorn and Eldarion's face.
"You kept this from us?"Eldarion said angrily to Dúniel."How could you? What if he had been playing you!"
"He could've killed me a million times since he arrived, and pretended he bedded me."Dúniel replied angrily."But since he has done neither, we must assume that he indeed intends me no harm."
"But how could you know that?"Aragorn asked furiously.
"I felt it."Dúniel answered quietly. "I knew it. I felt the goodness inside him. Nana feels it and I know you can see it. You know I would've come to you if I suspected anything worse."Aragorn turned his angry glare back to Arash, who met his gaze.
"I couldn't harm her. You know I couldn't."Arash said quietly. There was a very long silence.
"No. There is no murder in your heart. You are not capable of such things. My wife reassured me of that."Aragorn suddenly looked very sad."So you are now risking the life of your niece to save my daughter's?"
"I believe my niece is dead."Arash said sadly. Aragorn nodded."But I would've done this anyway. I can't live with the guilt. I want peace, Tar-Elessar. Harad wants peace with Gondor, believe me. Mazid only represents a few. Don't lose faith in your idea."Aragorn nodded slowly.
"I'd best write to Harad again then."he said, more to himself than anything.
"Tar-Elessar? There is something else."
"What?"Eldarion said, still clearly angry."What more could you possibly do to hurt us more?"Arash, stung by his friends understandable anger, looked away.
"Mazid said to me that if I didn't take care of Dúniel by the end of the week, he would do it himself. He sent those men who attacked her, but I believe it was Canion who found them. I also believe he found someone to put salt on the ice where Merenwen fell." Eldarion stood, eyes blazing.
"How could you hide such things from us?"he yelled.
"I have only known of them for a day or so."Arash said, meeting Eldarion's gaze."I only delayed because of Miniual's birthday, and after what happened to Merenwen and Dúniel, I felt you would want to spend some extra time with them. I'm sorry if I misjudged this."
He suddenly felt very light, like after he had told Dúniel of Mazid's plans. Dúniel smiled as she saw this and took his hand.
"Thank you."she said quietly."I'm proud of you for doing this."Arash smiled slightly. At least she still believed in him.
"Eldarion, be seated."Aragorn said gently, looking very tired and old. Eldarion obeyed, but continued to glare at Arash. Aragorn steepled his hands thoughtfully.
"You have provided me with knowledge to stop a war, young man. And I feel I must commend you for your bravery to come to me with such unwelcome news. I will admit, what you say hurts me deeply. It is known how important my family is to me, and it grieves me that someone would purposely target them to create death and destruction, all in his name once more." he finished bitterly.
"I had such a dream...if I am to believe what you say is true, then perhaps it is still possible."he stood."But you were sent here as an assassin, Arash. You say to me you can't harm my daughter, and I can see you speak truthfully. But...at the moment I don't feel we can trust you."Arash nodded. He had expected no less."And as for Mazid's threats to my daughter..."he trailed off, fury lighting his gaze."You said you would do anything to prove yourself to me, to prove your loyalty?"Arash nodded, aware Dúniel was looking at him, confused.
"I am a man of my word. Ask, and I shall do it, or die trying."Aragorn leaned forward, resting his hands on his desk.
"You have skills in pick pocketing. Eldarion shared that with me. So I need you to enter Mazid's rooms and get evidence. Any evidence, I don't care what it is. Find me something so that I may put him under arrest without risking war."
"Ada, no."Dúniel said desperately."What if he's caught?"
"I will do this."Arash said, standing and bowing."I will gain your trust again."
"Arash!"Dúniel said, standing and taking his arm."No! You could be killed!"Arash smiled sadly at her, then turned to Eldarion.
"I'm sorry."he said quietly."I truly am sorry. Your friendship meant a lot to me. I hope one day I can win it back."
"Arash, listen to me!"Dúniel said, looking close to tears.
"I must do this."he said so only she could hear."So I may stay here. So I can be with you."
She gasped a little, fear and grief taking hold. He took her hand off his arm, squeezed it gently and left the room.
nice big long chapter as sorry for wait :D uni...stress...and oncoming flu! gah! anyways, thanx for reading :D
Gen melin - I love you
Maethor veren vuin - Dear brave warrior