This idea came to me in a dream about why Boromir was always so...reserved. This follows the story of Lady Ella, a noble in Gondor. It's gonna be good so STAY TUNED!
"Grace! Grace! Where is Ella?"
A tall, thin blonde girl in a green velvet dress walked into her room, searching for her sister, Ella. Said sister sat at her vanity tweaking her brunette curls vainly. Ella's porcelain skin shimmered brightly, clashing with her plump, vermillion lips. Her emerald eyes observed her thin fingers twisting in her hair.
"Sister?"
"Grace."
"Father wants you," the blonde said softly, brilliant blue eyes falling on her sister's red dress and the dagger strapped to her small waist. Ella nodded slowly, giving Grace a brilliant smile. Of the two sisters, Ella was the youngest by one year, being 20 years of age, Grace, 21. Ella surpassed her in beauty, albeit Grace was more sociable. Ella was the reserved and brooding, choosing to spend her time wisely, picking and choosing her company wisely. Ella descended down the elegant wooden stairs to her father who stood waiting for his favorite daughter.
"Ella," he whispered, observing his beautiful daughter's new pale red evening dress. Her large breasts peeped out of the top of the dress, and the dress hugged her curvy hips. Her father hugged her, his 6'6'' frame towering over her 5'6''frame. Grace stood at the top of the staircase fiddling with a stray strand on her emerald dress. Ella and Grace's father crept down to Ella's ear.
"Lord Boromir will be there tonight. Be sure you catch his eye." Ella nodded, her plump lips curving into a smile.
"It shall be done father."
Evening crept upon Ella and she sat lazily in her living room. She had removed her dagger from her waist, opting for it to be strapped to her thigh. One never knew when they would need a weapon. She had been taught self defense when she was but 8. Her father, being a very prominent and noble merchant in Gonder on the 6th level, felt it would be better if jealous competitors could not touch his children. Ella was his dream daughter. Grace was his eldest, however, when one's life is based on selling only the best, one refuses to sell second best merchandise. Grace would be married to a minor noble of Gondor or perhaps Rohan. Many would attend the party tonight. Ella's only concern was the Steward's son, Boromir. It was said that his eyes were the color of clouds just before a storm. He was known for his broad shoulders and large frame. Ella heard he was handsome too.
"Ella, are you here?" A soft, wimpish voice mumbled from the doorway.
"Mother," Ella whispered, quickly standing up. Her mother's skin was unnaturally pale, covered by a thin nightgown. Her normally bright green eyes were lackluster, the sockets holding them sunken in her skull. A blood-stained kerchief was clenched in her hand, a token of consumption.
"Is Garrett here?" Tears brimmed at Ella's eyes as her mother searched for her boy that would never show up.
"He's at the market mother..."
"Oh goodness. I should have told him to pick up flour," she muttered. Tears floated down Ella's face as she watched her mother retreat to her sick bed, muttering about her lost son Garrett.
"She'll never get better," her father muttered from behind her. Tears brimmed in his blue eyes as he stared aimlessly at the place where his wife stood just moments before.
"When did it really start, Father?" Ella asked softly, "It's not just the consumption."
"It happened when Garrett passed on. It was before we had Gracie... I'll tell you after the ball. Now, go and get yourself a husband."
"I will not fail you father."
"Presenting the merchant Seon and his daughters, Lady Grace and Lady Ella." Applause sounded across the room, and Ella smiled widely. All eyes were on her. They weren't on her sister or her father or any other woman. She was the main attraction. 'Now, where was Boromir?'
"Lord Boromir is over by Kibbi. Be sure your friendship with her does not prevent you from obtaining your goal." Seon eyed Ella sharply, giving her a look that would frighten an Orc. Ella shuffled off, sending a smile towards her sister. She saw Kibbi, given name Kibbana, first, shiny black hair pulled up into a boring, manageable bun. Her brown eyes met Ella's emerald orbs, and she smiled. It was not a smile of friendship, however. She had her duties and Ella had hers. The man who stood next to her was absolutely stunning. He was big but not overweight, muscles peeking out of his dress tunic. His steely gray eyes met her emerald ones and he nodded politely towards her. Ella sadly turned herself towards another suitor. He was a plump, red-headed, baby faced man by the name of Rorn.
"Good Evening, Lady Ella. Are you here for my help again?"
She smiled at the man saying, "You know me so well Rorn-y. I'm so glad you came with me. Of course I do. Is he watching?"
"If by 'he' you mean Lord Boromir, yes. Would you like me to say something funny?"
Ella's soft tinkling laughter rang up, reaching Boromir's large ears.
"Who is that woman with Lord Rorn, Lady Kibbana?"
"No one special," Kibbi said quite loudly, "Just a merchant's daughter."
"Yes, but her name?"
"Ella," she grumbled defeated, seeing the look in his eyes. He walked away slowly, entranced by her shameful beauty.
"She's insane, milord," Kibbi muttered as a last attempt, "A complete nutter. Don't waste your time. She'll poison your mind as well."
"Aren't we all mad?"
"Oh Rorn, it's not working! He doesn't even notice me."
"Oh really? Because he's walking over here now," Rorn said softly, a smile gracing his pudgy lips. With that, he took his leave.
"My lady Ella?"
"Ah yes, you are Lord Boromir, correct?" He towered over her,almost a foot taller than her, approximately 6'4''. A small smile graced his thin lips. He was quite handsome, not unpleasing to the eye. His hair was shoulder length and a dark brown shade.
"My lady, I am ashamed to say I have not seen your face at court before." A blush graced her face as he grinned.
"Nor have you had the chance. This is my first year in the Gondorian court. My sister, Grace, has been in this court for 5 years. Perhaps you know her?"
"The blonde woman talking to Lord Balïsh?" She looked over, and sure enough, her sister was across the room, flirting with Lord Balïsh, a minor noble.
"Bravo, my lord. It appears you have found her."
"So, how long have you lived in Gondor?" Boromir asked, swiftly grabbing two glasses of wine off a servant's tray, handing one to Ella.
"I lived in Gondor for the first 13 years of my life, but I was quickly sent to Rohan for my debut and lessons. I was quite popular with the young lord Éomer. That aside, I moved back a month ago due to a family issue and here I am," she finished, sipping at her red wine.
"Here you are," Boromir echoed, "Forgive my rudeness, but how old are you?"
"My lord, how shameful. Rules of etiquette strictly state that a gentleman should not ask a lady's age, however, I am not one for rules. I shall divulge this information if you shall return the favor."
"Of course, my lady. How can I refuse?" He asked, mockingly, a wide grin on his face.
"I am 20 years of age."
"You are not much younger than I. Tomorrow is my 24th name-day."
"I was not informed that this was your name-day ceremony! I should have brought my lord a gift!"
As Ella worried over her error, Boromir began to laugh, loudly. He laughed so loudly that Ella was brought out of her pit of self-loathing forced to flush a bright crimson. Everyone in the room froze at Boromir's loud laughing.
"My lady, you continue to amuse me. You worry not about wishing me a happy name-day but instead, you worry about bits and baubles that you should have bought! I did not want a name-day ceremony. That is why this is simply a ball."
Ella's mouth twitched. This was not going the way she planned! She was supposed to be charming! Beautiful! Elegant! However, from the looks her father shot her from across the room, she was anything but.
"Forgive me my lord," she said stiffly.
"If you'll excuse me, I must take my leave." 'Time for Plan B,' she thought.
"My lord?"
"My lady?"
"Before you leave, I have a confession."
"Speak your mind, Lady Ella." Eyes turned towards our conversation.
"Truthfully, I am not here to chat idly by with you. My sole purpose in speaking to you was to woo you, and I shall be cast in the fires of Mount Doom should I not get my way. I demand you come back and speak with me so that I may try again with my wooing."
"Lady Ella, you are too bold!" An older lady shouted from the crowd.
"I shall be bold if I like. I am the youngest in my family, given everything I desire, and I am spoiled rotten. Nothing is too bold."
Boromir watched Ella as she spoke her mind. Truly, this woman was mad. Completely mad, and Boromir knew he should not take an interest in her. However, aren't we all mad?
"Lady Eleanor, leave Lady Ella be. She was not too bold. I would enjoy being wooed by you, Lady Ella. Will you join me on the balcony?"
Ella blushed, "Of course, my lord."
The balcony was chilly, and Ella stood close to the tower that was Boromir. She was too cold for said wooing, and they both stood in silence.
"I was wondering, my lady, would you and your family be at all interested in dining with my own family for my name-day dinner tomorrow. It will be a small, meaningless affair, however, I would like to speak to you without so many watchful eyes."
Ella's mouth fell open.
"It is rude for a lady to gape wildly at a man who just invited her to sup with him."
"Forgive me! I," she closed her mouth, "I would be honored to join you for dinner."
"Splendid! Shall I see you around six o'clock?"
"Six o'clock sounds wonderful, my lord." He grinned madly at her, eyes full of mirth.
"I shall go tell my father of this news. Would you accompany me back inside?" He offered her a muscled arm.
"Of course," she stated softly, taking his arm. What woman would refuse?
And that's all she wrote folks! Stay tuned for the first chapter which will consist of the dinner and perhaps a few more "DATES". Boromir and Ella are going to have a few talks too. :D I might not be able to spin out chapters quickly because my mom is mad that I'm on the comp so much, however, I will try my hardest to get these out for ya! Check out some of my other stories (What Should Have Been is gonna be a two or three shot...maybe) and review Review REVIEW! :) Ta-Ta!