Warning
This story is rated «NC-17», and carries the warnings «Implied and graphic non-con/rape, incest, prostitution, power games, angst».
Since you have switched on the adult content filter, this story is hidden. To read this story, you have to switch off the adult content filter. [what's this?]
Remember that whether you have the adult content filter switched on or off, this is always an adults only site.
Simulacra (NC-17) 
Written by Vanwa Hravani09 November 2011 | 30013 words | Work in Progress
VIII
Mid Third Age
Three riders crested the hill and paused to look down on the human city of Iolinde.
‘Can you feel anything? Can you see him?’
Grim came the answer. ‘No. I see only darkness.’
‘But this is the last place she saw him…’
‘Patience. We will inquire. And then we will keep searching.’
‘Ada…’
‘No, Elrohir. I have no intention of giving up. We will find him.’ Elrond’s mouth was a thin line as he spurred his horse down the slope toward the town.
‘An elf, you say? A blonde one? Seem to recall there was one a while back. Haven’t seen one around here in years. My apologies, my lord.’
The gatesman shook his head in emphasis, sorry to disappoint the three cloaked foreigners.
‘But there was one here? How long ago?’ Elladan leaned forward eagerly, only to encounter Elrond’s restraining hand.
Kindly do not show our cards ‘Dan.
The grizzled man startled at the warrior’s sudden intensity. ‘Oh, a good while back. You’d want to ask some of the grander folk about that. That’s the company he kept. Lord Seneval, perhaps…’ The man’s eyes narrowed with a hint of suspicion. ‘If he’ll speak to you…’
‘Our thanks sir.’ Elrond handed the man a coin and turned away.
To Elladan he said, ‘Don’t let that happen again.’
‘I knew him. He’s no longer here.’
Lord Seneval had graciously granted them an audience in his well-appointed sitting room, perhaps because his servant had told him three foreign lords in fine but subtle cloth awaited him. Perhaps because some small part of him had always expected this. Had always hoped another elf would come his way again. Maybe give him another chance.
The elder Peredhel accepted the crystal snifter he was offered and sat back with steely dignity. Eyes shrewd and veiled, he regarded the man across from him.
‘How long has it been?’
‘I don’t know. Five years. Maybe more.’ Well manicured fingers worried the seam of his robe. The palm not holding a glass rubbed on burgundy velvet leggings. Twice, three times.
From their deceivingly nonchalant positions against a rear wall, the twins watched with masked intensity as their father worked.
‘Where has he gone?’
‘He didn’t say! He only said he was leaving, and he did. I was not his keeper, nor even his only… associate.’ The noble’s voice trailed off lamely as he sought to amend his initial outburst, knowing he couldn’t. He rose from the sofa to take a position by the large window, gazing out over the well-tended walled garden where rare birds strutted through exotic hothouse flowers.
Elrond’s eyebrow…
‘You loved him.’
Non-elven eyes might have thought it the effect of a passing cloud. The three present saw Lord Seneval’s face drain of color. Eyes closed in resignation as he exhaled.
Silence stretched as the Lord swallowed painfully.
Elves are patient.
In a whisper, Lord Seneval addressed the ghost of his own reflection in the windowglass.
‘Yes.’
‘Then you will understand our need to locate him now.’ Calm counterpoint to the turmoil played out before him, Elrond’s demeanor remained even. Hypnotically so.
The man struggled not to see his own thoughts. Not to speak them. But lost.
‘Go to… the laborer’s quarter… to the Bleeding Heart. You… you won’t… like… what you find.’
As the three reached the door, his quavering voice stopped them.
‘Lord Elrond —’
‘Yes Lord Seneval?’
‘Remember me to him?’
As the carven door clicked shut at their backs, the man’s forehead found its rest on the cool glass.
NB: Please do not distribute (by any means, including email) or repost this story (including translations) without the author's prior permission. [ more ]
Enjoyed this story? Then be sure to let the author know by posting a comment at https://www.faramirfiction.com/fiction/simulacra. Positive feedback is what keeps authors writing more stories!
Filter
Adult content is shown. [what's this?]
Adult content is hidden.
NB: This site is still for adults only, even with the adult content filter on! [what's this?]
I am looking forward to reading more of this – I adore all of the undercurrents in their relationship.
— pinbot Wednesday 6 August 2008, 20:25 #