Thank you to Ziggy3, MANDERS21, Caelhir and Aranel Mereneth for your continued support of my story.

Rated M for violence and sexual encounters

Disclaimer: The characters all belong to the master Tolkien and this is only being written for my own enjoyment and hopefully yours. No money or profit involved

A Cage of a Different Kind

Chapter 14

The next few days were tough on Eowyn. After crying until she fell into an exhausted sleep, she lay as one dead, the elf's words replaying in her head.

"Or perhaps it was because you carry his child? I should not be so surprised since the sum total of our relationship, if you can call it that was physical. If you so willingly succumbed to my charms, I should not find it hard to believe that you would have fallen for his as well."

Her heart ached and she tried to think of something else but his voice resonated in her head again.

"Oh, I forgot he was wounded as well. You seem to have a soft spot for wounded and vulnerable men my lady. Did your need to heal him overwhelm you to the point you forgot me and lay with him?"

Sobs once again erupted from her throat and she rolled over to bury her head in her pillow.

A day later she still couldn't seem to muster the energy to leave her room and decided that illness was her best excuse. Faramir knew that she was emotionally wounded and wished to confront the elf but she begged him not to bring any more attention to the situation than had already been drawn and his love for her overcame his need for restitution, at least for the time being. So he contented himself with delivering food and collaborating her story of sickness. He would sit with her until she would send him away again and he was very concerned by the full trays he had to remove. Finally he convinced her to eat a little something through guilt.

"Eowyn, even if you cannot eat anything for yourself, think of your baby!" That seemed to strike something inside her and she actually nibbled some bread and cheese before falling asleep once again.

He had not seen Legolas around even though he had looked for him. He had promised Eowyn that he would not challenge the elf directly but he could hardly be blamed if he happened upon him. But the elf had not appeared. Eowyn would not talk about what had happened and his heart told him that maybe it was best if he did not know, for now.

Legolas on the other hand had decided to stay sequestered in his room until he could talk to Aragorn privately. It was more than a full day before Aragorn and Arwen emerged from their suite and it was not easy to avoid the persistent dwarf during that time. He had had to stay quiet and listen to the pounding, berating and finally begging that had ensued when he would not respond. He had known that dwarves were persistent but sleeping outside his room was a bit much. When the snoring had begun he made his escape, stepping carefully over the body that had thankfully slumped to the side in sleep. He made his way quietly down the corridor and then had to find a hidden spot to watch from. Eventually he saw Aragorn enter his study but he had to scuttle back into hiding when he heard the dwarf who quickly followed the new king inside.

"Probably tattling on me!" He thought impatiently.

Finally Gimli emerged with a disgruntled snort and disappeared down the hall.

The elf slipped quietly into the room.

The king was sitting at his desk shuffling through papers when he finally spoke.

"Aragorn, I am sorry to bring this up right now but I need some information..."

Aragorn looked startled but relaxed when he realized it was only his friend. He studied Legolas probably trying to decide how to broach certain subjects. He decided to let the elf drive the conversation for Legolas looked like he still had not slept and the circles under his eyes worried the king.

"I have been told that there have been some issues during the last few days." He responded neutrally.

"I am sure that Gimli is upset but he truly does not know anything about this. I really need your help."

Aragorn sighed. "Of course Legolas, what is the problem?'

"I don't know how to begin...Eowyn and I exchanged words the other night...actually, I said most of the words. I have been upset and confused and…. aargh, It's just that..." His voice trailed off and he turned away searching for a way to say what he needed.

Aragorn had never seen his friend so tentative and gently tried to help him. "Are you wondering why she got betrothed to Faramir mellon nin?"

"Yes, but...

"Do you still care about her?" Aragorn asked softly.

"Aye Aragorn, I feel as if my heart has been ripped from my breast and I took it out on her. Do you know if she ever cared for me?" Legolas looked horrible and Aragorn's heart went out to his friend.

"Sit down Mellon nin, I will tell you what I know." he took a deep breath and began. "Eowyn never left your side when you were hurt, much to the ire of her brother and your father."

"Ada?"

"Yes, after he arrived he ordered me to keep her away from you and moved you to another room complete with guards."

"What? I don't understand." Legolas said although the tight lines around his mouth indicated otherwise.

"Legolas, you know your father has never been fond of humans. In fact, he barely tolerates me and we have known each other for many years."

"That is true Aragorn." He shook his head sadly and then jumped to his feet. "Was he rude or mean to her?"

"Not directly, but he spirited you away without a word to any of us. There was no news for weeks until we received the message that you would not be attending the wedding. We did not even know whether you lived!"

Legolas looked shocked. "I sent many messages to you and Eowyn."

"We never received them" Aragorn said. "But I do remember something odd now that you mention it. During the short time your father was here, I got the feeling he found an ally in Eomer. That might explain what happened to the messages." Aragorn offered.

"Eomer! How could they possibly see eye to eye?" Legolas scoffed.

"On a matter very close to both their hearts...you and Eowyn." Aragorn stood and walked around his desk and put his hand on the elf's shoulder trying to give him some comfort. "Now that I think about it, Eomer had come to me to ask for my blessing on the betrothal of Faramir and Eowyn before your father left with you. I was so overwhelmed with worry for you and plans for my own wedding that I hardly questioned it. I am so sorry Mellon nin."

"You have nothing to be sorry for Aragorn. Do you really think they collaborated to keep us apart?" Legolas shook his head as he tried to see the situation clearly.

"I know nothing for sure. I only know Eomer was pushing Eowyn and Faramir together."

"But Aragorn, I sent messages almost daily after I awoke and got nothing in return." Legolas was still trying to deny his father's possible role in all of this.

"All I know Legolas is that Eowyn also sent daily messages and held out against Eomer until she got a message from you telling her you never wanted to see her again."

"What!" The elf pulled away in shock. "I never sent any such message. Aragorn, you know I would never do that?"

"I didn't think it sounded right and I told her that, but after getting no other communication, she could no longer hold out against her brother's wishes. I think the person you need to talk to now is Eowyn."

The elf looked at Aragorn with such sorrow, Aragorn almost took him in his arms to comfort him but he knew Legolas would not appreciate that.

"I no longer know if that is possible. Aragorn, I am ashamed of how I acted the other night...I said some very hurtful things...I..." his voice trailed off and he looked away.

"Try Legolas, this will not get resolved any other way."

Legolas looked uncertain, clearly fighting to decide how much more he should say. Suddenly he confessed. "She is carrying my child."

The look on Aragorn's face was incredulous. "What! By the Valar Legolas, how did that happen?"

Legolas looked at him, rolling his eyes and Aragorn smiled. "Of course I know 'how' it happened but I thought elves chose the time of conception."

"We do, I must have lost control or perhaps because she is mortal, I do not know."

"That explains the quick betrothal Legolas, she could not be pregnant and unwed and when she got no response from you, she became desperate. Now there is no more argument. You must speak with her and in all haste!"

"You are right mellon nin, my thanks for your candor." Legolas turned and strode out the door.

Legolas stood outside Eowyn's chambers and knocked on the door yet again. There was still no response. He knew she was in there, he could sense her presence. He now had an inkling of what Gimli had gone through. He was so sorry for what he had said and he had to set things right. Even if there was no chance of repairing their relationship, he had to find out the truth and apologize for his dreadful behavior.

"Please Eowyn, I know you are in there." Legolas called as he knocked on the door yet again.

"Please go away." He heard her voice come weakly from inside the room.

"Eowyn, I must speak with you!" Legolas pleaded.

"I think you said quite enough the other night. Please leave me alone." After that, there was no further response to any of his attempts to see her.

Sadness and frustration followed the elf as he made his way blindly back to his room. As he thought about everything, a new determination started to well up in him and he smiled to himself as he made his decision. He could just hear Gimli. "That pointy eared, half wit elf did what?" He would never hear the end of this if the dwarf ever found out but there was more than one way into Eowyn's room...he thought as he gazed out his balcony.

He had not realized that the side of the keep her room looked out upon was almost a sheer drop to the rocks far below. This side of the keep needed no walls for protection for no enemy could approach from this direction. He started to rethink his plan as he clung to the side of the fortress. There was enough roughness to the stone that a skilled climber could find some purchase for his hands and feet, but her balcony still looked very far away. "Maybe I have overestimated my recovered strength?" He thought as his arms and legs trembled with the effort the climb was demanding from him. As another gust of wind almost dislodged him, he was finally able to clasp a hand on her railing and pull himself over and onto her balcony. Not wanting her to see him gasping for breath he took a few moments to compose himself before entering her chamber. He looked in to see where she was and saw several trays of untouched food littering the room. His heart lurched as he caught sight of her lying upon her bed. She looked like she had flung herself there and had not moved for days. He crept quietly in and looked down on her beautiful face. Her usually glorious hair was tangled and messy, floating about her face in disarray. Her eyes though closed were puffy from crying and even in sleep, she did not look peaceful.

"I am responsible for this. How could I have done this to the one I love, no matter how hurt and angry I was?" He continued to silently berate himself as he ran his hand softly over her cheek. He stepped back as her green eyes opened and widened in surprise upon seeing him standing over her. His heart lurched again as she scuttled away from him, hugging the far side of the bed and pulling the covers to her chin.

"How did you get in here?" she exclaimed in surprise and bewilderment, her eyes going to the door. "The door is still bolted and I have the only key! Better yet, Why are you here?" Eowyn could not believe Legolas stood before her. She had taken every precaution she could think of and yet, here he was.

"I entered from your balcony." he said softly.

"How could you have... ?" she started as the realization of what he had done hit her. "You climbed up here?" she said in disbelief.

"You would not let me in." He stated simply.

"There was a good reason for that. Now please honor my wishes and leave." She stated and with as much force as she could muster and rose from the bed turning her body away from him but keeping the blanket clutched in her hands, almost as if for protection.

"You would need to unlock the door and I would start a scene."

"You are good at scenes." she said, not able to hide the bitterness and hurt in her voice. "Why don't you leave the way you came then. I would be happy to show you out that way."

A slight smile appeared on his lips at her attempt at a jest. "Or was it a jest?" he suddenly thought sobering up quickly. "I was hoping I would be allowed to speak to you after the effort I put forth to be here."

"You think that climbing a wall gives you the right to speak to me after what you said the other night?" she could not believe his nerve.

"Please Eowyn, I am so very sorry for the things I said to you. I cannot fathom the hurt you must feel after my cruel and thoughtless words."

She just looked at him. Her face was an emotionless mask, though he could tell she was trying hard to maintain it. "Why should I open myself up for more hateful words?" she asked softly.

"Please my love, I come to ask for your forgiveness and to try to right this horrible wrong." She could hear the pleading tone in his voice but the hurt was too raw.

"My love! How could you call me that so easily Legolas? The other night the only word you could think to call me was 'whore'!"

He gasped as her words struck him with an almost physical force. "I never called you that Eowyn!"

"Oh, I am sorry. Did I misinterpret your reference to our relationship as purely physical? Or maybe it was the insinuation that I spread my legs for any wounded man or elf that needed my help? Gods, there were countless men I helped after the battle, how did I find time for all of them?" Her voice broke and she bit back a sob.

He stood there speechless for a moment as he realized that that was exactly what he had implied. He lowered his head and a tear escaped down his cheek. "There is no way I can take back my words but I need to know, why did you not answer any of my messages?" He looked imploringly back up at her.

Her mouth dropped open at those words. "Why did I not answer you? Why did you not answer me? I sent so many messages trying to find out if you were dead or alive. I sent one almost every day until I finally received your very curt reply that you were not interested in hearing from me again."

Now it was his turn to stand aghast. "Eowyn, I swear to you on my life, I never sent that message, nor did I ever receive any from you. I asked my father to send word to you the moment I awoke and I continued to write to you each day of my recovery. I could not understand why you were not replying, until I heard of your betrothal."

Each looked at the other. What could have been a wonderful moment of reconciliation had been turned into a time of hurt and mistrust by his angry words the other night. He searched her face and finally saw a bit of doubt in her green eyes and could hold himself back no longer. He flung himself on the floor at her feet. Eyes pleading. "Please Eowyn, I know I do not deserve your forgiveness, but at least understand why those hateful words came from my mouth. The woman I loved, the one that had kept me clinging to life those many weeks, had just gotten betrothed to another man. I felt as if my heart had been ripped out when I saw the two of you together at the wedding. Had you approached me at any other time, I would have been able to compose myself, but as it was, Aragorn had just formally announced your engagement. I had to go outside just to breath." Tears flowed down his face as he begged her to believe him.

"I know some of what you speak Legolas. I had my heart ripped out as well, more than once. Imagine how I felt, alone and carrying your child, trying to get word of your condition only to find out you did not wish to see me again." She chocked back the sob that threatened to erupt. "I held out until that message came. And then to behold you standing beside Aragorn…" her voice trailed off for a moment. She raised her head and looked him directly in the eye. "When did you arrive? Why did you not seek me out?" By this time, tears were flowing down her face as well, as each fought the impulse to fall into each other's arms.

"I arrived late the night before the wedding. My father refused to allow me to attend and went so far as to threaten me with the dungeon should I attempt to go. I had to sneak away from my own lands to even be here. I rode for two days straight to make it in time. I wanted to see you immediately but I had to let Aragorn know I was here and I was not sure what kind of reception I would receive. The only thing I had heard was that you were betrothed to Faramir. Aragorn made me get clothes appropriate for standing up with him and by that time it was time for the wedding. I did not have any opportunity to find you."

"Oh Legolas, how did this happen?" she sobbed still not willing to touch him.

"I do not know, but I have a strong suspicion Eomer and my father conspired in this."

"Eomer? No Legolas, he is a lot of things but I do not think he would ever do such a cruel thing to me." Eowyn stated, but even as the words were leaving her mouth, doubt started to invade her heart.

"Do you deny that he wanted us apart? Eowyn, he threatened my life that night outside your tent, should I come around you again."

She was silent as she regarded the sorrowful elf. She could tell now that he had suffered as well but there was still a part of her that held back.

"Please leave me for now. We can talk soon."

He fought the urge to fling himself toward her and gather her in his arms. He stood stiffly and looked back out at the balcony. "I was hoping I could leave by the door this time my lady, or would you rather I attempted to fly? I can well understand your preference to see that about now." A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and the twinkle that she loved so much appeared once again briefly in his eyes.

She had to laugh softly and it filled his heart to near bursting to hear something he feared he would never hear again.

"Nay my lord, I believe I no longer wish to see your battered body on the rocks below, though there may be someone else I wish to see there before this day is done."

He was glad to see anger replace the overwhelming sadness he had seen in her eyes earlier. This was more like the fiery shield maiden he had fallen in love with.

"I have some investigating to do as well my lady. When can we speak again?"

"Soon Legolas, we will speak very soon."

TBC

Sorry this took so long but I just couldn't seem to get it the way I wanted. It still is not there but the more I play with it the more dissatisfied I become. Please read and review.

Alanic