Sorry for the small amount of Faramir and Boromir in this chapter, but Faramir will get his time when Frodo appears!

Okay, as for Boromir I have three different roads he can take. One he is on his way home and stops in Rohan only to find Haromir, two Boromir goes to Gondor and reunites with his father and Ayesha, or three, the one I am sort of leaning towards is where Boromir rides through Rohan and ends up in the middle of the battle that they are having with the wargs on the way to Helm's Deep and he joins his friends and his brother in the battle at Helm's Deep.

I'd like to hear which one you guys like more and will try to work with that. Basically, I just really want to reunite Bor and Harry! So what do you think!?

By the way, thanks to all the followers, readers, and reviewers of this story. It means a lot!

Chapter 21

"I see." Faramir said quietly after Boromir had finished his tale.

"You see brother? You see what has become of our family?" Boromir muttered. "Father is getting worse in his mind, Haromir is dead, Ayesha is pregnant and I am not who I once was…" Boromir patted his brother's arm. "But not you, dear brother. You have prevailed." Faramir opened his mouth, but his brother continued. "Both Harry and I once attempted to bring the Ring to our father, but I fear my attempt was too close to violence and madness. In doing so…I fear I have caused our brother's death."

"If what you tell me is true, and I do not doubt it, then what happened could not have been helped, Boromir." Faramir said wisely. "The power of the Ring compelled your mind. As it would any other who cared about their people. Our brother cared for our people as well. He died trying to defend his friends and you."

"Yes, but I almost hurt a dear friend in my growing madness." Boromir murmured and then sighed. "So it is true then? Ayesha is really pregnant?"

"Yes." Faramir stated and Boromir saw no smile on his brother's face.

"Are you not happy with this?"

"Oh, no," Faramir said quickly. "I am very happy about it, however….Boromir, things are not well at the Citadel. The Council it seems disapproves of her pregnancy and has managed to get father to disapprove as well. Boromir, they could very well send her off or kill her. Garan's told me of the black hooded figures that stalk her. They are waiting to take the child from her on father's orders." Boromir felt a shiver of something go down his spine. Since when had their father become so ruthless?

"Captain Faramir." A voice called and both Faramir and Boromir looked up to see one of his Rangers.

"Yes?" Faramir answered.

"Captain Berethor is here, sir. He says that he has something that might interest you." Faramir stood up and Boromir did as well.

"Wonder what that could be." Boromir murmured and Faramir frowned.

"More than likely it's something I won't like. They tend to be vague when it comes to bad news."

Boromir smirked. "They must think you have a temper, brother." He said and chuckled when Faramir rolled his eyes playfully.

"Not as legendary as yours when you don't get your way." Faramir teased before laughing. Boromir scoffed once before laughing loudly along with his brother.

"Indeed."

They reached the end of the tunnel and came out into the dim morning sunlight. Boromir saw Arden and Mira helping some of the injured Men, though the little girl was merely chattering away at them. He smiled, which was not missed by his brother, and turned to walk down the path to the river.

Berethor had been an officer under Boromir for years and had just recently acquired the title of Captain.

"My Captain-General," Berethor began, bowing slightly. "You are…alive?"

"For now." Boromir laughed. "Tell me, Berethor what news have you brought my brother?"

"The enemy is prowling towards Osgiliath. They come closer each day and I fear that our forces won't hold alone." Faramir looked at his brother.

"You see? Vague."

Boromir chuckled and then looked to Berethor again. "I will accompany you back to the White City. There I can conduct the protection of Osgiliath."

"Are you sure?" Faramir asked. "You've only just arrived. And you are still healing." He said in concern and Boromir put a hand on Boromir's shoulder.

"I am not so injured that I cannot ride a few days to Gondor." He said with a cheeky grin and then lowered his voice so that only his brother could hear. "I must also speak with father. He must know I am alive and perhaps finally see reason for his recent actions." Faramir sighed, but he nodded.

"I am just glad that you are not too gravely injured. If that were so, I would have tied you to your bedroll."

"You have once, years ago." Boromir drawled playfully. "Do you not remember?"

"Hm. No, I do not recall such an event." Faramir murmured though there was small glimmer of mischievousness in his eyes and Boromir snorted.

"You were ever the trouble maker."

"Me? No, that was Haromir." Faramir sighed and Boromir took hold of his shoulder. "I just cannot believe it to be true."

"I know, but I swear to you that I will avenge our brother the best I can." Faramir smiled and nodded.

"Just do not overwork yourself, Bor. Harry would never wish you to do things beyond his control." Boromir only shook his head.

"Don't be a worrywart, brother." Faramir only rolled his eyes, but then grew serious. "I do worry for you though." Boromir only gave him a small smile.

"I know."

"One stage of your journey is over. Another begins," Gandalf spoke quickly leading the group out of Fangorn. He had a cloak given to him by Aragorn so that he could hide his white robes from sight. With rumors of a white traveling Wizard they did not need to be stopped needlessly. Aragorn had Haromir slung over one shoulder, with Legolas nearby in case the young Man awoke from his fitful sleep. Gimli trotted behind them, trying to keep up to Gandalf's long stride.

"We must travel to Edoras with all speed."

"Edoras?" Repeated Gimli with a huff. "That is no short distance!"

"We hear of trouble in Rohan. It goes ill with their King." Aragorn murmured as he recalled his conversation with Eomer.

"Yes," Gandalf murmured with a nod. "And it will not be so easily cured."

"Then we have run all this way for nothing? Are we to leave those poor Hobbits here in this horrid, dark dank tree-infested-?" Gimli paused as the trees began to groan angrily. "Ah, I mean, charming… quite charming forest," He amended with a nervous tone and Gandalf turned to face him.

"It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn," Gandalf spoke to Gimli. "A great power has been sleeping here for many long years." His eyes then moved to look around them, scanning the area as if seeing something that no one else could."The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains."

"In one thing you have not changed, dear friend," Aragorn chuckled with slight amusement. "You still speak in riddles."

The two shared a quiet laugh before Gandalf turned his eyes to roam the forest again.

"A thing is about to happen that has not happened since the Elder Days. The Ents are going to wake up… and find that they are strong," he said softly, a serious expression coming onto his features.

"Strong? Oh, that's good." He laughed slightly

"So stop your fretting, Master Dwarf," Gandalf chided him while pointing a stern finger in his direction and turned to press on.

The Wizard continued as if he weren't interrupted. "Merry and Pippin are quite safe. In fact, they are far safer than you are about to be."

"This new Gandalf's more grumpy than the old one." Gimli muttered much to Legolas' amusement.

Upon reaching the forest's edge and back into the sunlight, Gandalf stepped out into the grass ahead and gave a clear, mystical whistle. A pure white horse galloped up to them, fast upon its hooves.

"That is one of the Mearas…" Legolas murmured in awe sounding humble by the sight of the magnificent creature. "Unless my eyes are cheated by some spell."

"Shadowfax," Gandalf told them as the horse finally reached them. It burred and bowed its head as if in greeting to the Wizard as Gandalf stroked his neck. "He is the lord of all horses…And has been my friend through many dangers."

Aragorn went over to the horse that was given to him by Eomer and Legolas took hold of Haromir as the Man climbed up on the beast. The Elf lifted Haromir so that Aragorn could pull him the rest of the way up. Haromir was seated in front of him, slumping against the horse. Legolas smiled a bit when Haromir's fingers twitched and latched onto the bridle's cheekpieces. Aragorn saw this too and he glanced at Gandalf. The Wizard inclined his head knowingly and then waited for his companions to ready themselves. Once Legolas and a grumbling Gimli were astride their horse they began their journey.

They rode for many hours passing away from the trees of Fangorn and came to a stop just as the sun began to disappear over the horizon. Gandalf dismounted, telling them to get rest for the journey bright and early the next morning. Aragorn slid off his horse and with help from Legolas got Haromir down. He could now tend to what wounds he could. Gimli started a fire, poking and prodding it.

"Help me roll him Gimli." Aragorn murmured when Legolas went to grab items from Aragorn's bags.

"How fares his fever?" Gandalf asked his eyes on the stars overhead. Aragorn felt Haromir's forehead, a hand to stay Gimli from turning him.

"Down a great deal, though there is evidence he still has one." Gandalf nodded and disappeared into the dark with a word. Aragorn did not call to the wizard, but instead focused on the task at hand. Gimli gave Haromir's shoulder a light squeeze and gently he and Aragorn flipped on onto his stomach being careful of his injured thigh.

"By the Valor what have those fouls things done." Gimli cursed upon seeing Haromir's back. Haromir whimpered when Aragorn's fingers checked the lines for infection. "Easy laddie." The Dwarf patted his companion's head.

"Whip marks?" Legolas guessed, his cool eyes gazing up and down the Man's back. Aragorn nodded.

"Yes. He is lucky indeed they did not go deep. There will be scars, but faint ones."

"Boromir…." Haromir called out when Aragorn began to clean the wounds on his back and the Ranger sighed internally. If only brothers could be sure of each other's fate. Both were alive, at least he hoped that Boromir still was and here was Haromir safe and sound and not dead like they had feared. Once the young Man's back was cleaned and bandaged best as could be, Haromir was rolled back over. Legolas and Aragorn worked diligently to examine and bandage more wounds as Gimli tried to clean Haromir's neck.

"This looks like something tore into his flesh." The Dwarf grimaced and Legolas shifted. His long nimble fingers gently probed the tender, washed flesh and Haromir groaned.

"Teeth marks." The Elf corrected and Gimli paled.

"He was bit into like an animal." Aragorn said in slight disgust. Haromir's eyes flickered open and he blinked slowly. His mind trying to process what his hearing had registered. At first all he saw were blurred shapes, against an orange light. Slowly, the shapes came into focus. Haromir blinked at the dark haired Man who was bent over him slightly, examining a bruise.

"Aragorn?" He croaked unsurely and the Man smiled at him, leaning back on his heels.

"Yes. You are safe my friend." He told him and Haromir let out a breath, laying his head back on the cloaks behind him.

"We feared you dead, laddie." Gimli said, giving him a worried look under his bushy eyebrows. A smile broke out on the Dwarf's face. "But here you are."

"I feared I was too." Haromir murmured and mirrored the smile that Gimli gave him. Aragorn handed him a flask and Legolas propped Haromir's head so that he could drink from it, giving the Man a smile. Once he had his fill, Legolas laid his head back down and the young Man took a few steadying breaths. Aragorn then grabbed hold of Haromir's leg.

"I need to get this out while you are awake." He murmured and Haromir nodded. "Legolas, Gimli, I will need you both to hold him still. I must get the arrowhead out of his thigh." The Elf and Dwarf both placed their hands on him as the Man took out a dagger. Haromir hissed as Aragorn cut through his pants leg and peeled back the bloodied cloth.

"Sedho, mellon nin." Legolas murmured, pressing his fingers against Haromir's shoulders. Aragorn glanced at Gimli and the dwarf gripped Haromir's leg.

"It's in deep." The Ranger stated and he glanced up at Haromir whose brow was glistening with perspiration.

"Do what you have too." The young Gondorian said through gritted teeth. Aragorn nodded and slid the blade into Harry's skin. Gimli had to tighten his grip when Haromir groaned and jerked in pain.

"Steady, lad."

Aragorn had to cut carefully into Haromir's skin, trying to make an incision big enough to get in his fingers into. Blood welled up and ran down from the cut, soaking his pants and Gimli's and Aragorn's hands. The Ranger glanced at his companion briefly before setting the blade down.

Haromir cried out, his body jerking with each wave of pain as Aragorn's fingers dug into his skin.

"Legolas, you'll have to extract it." Aragorn said over Haromir's groans of pain. "I cannot grip it and I don't want it going deeper than it already is." The Elf nodded and switched places with the Man. Haromir's eyes rolled back in his head when Legolas' nimble fingers delved into his wound, gently maneuvering where Aragorn's could not. The Elf gripped the arrow tightly and starting pulling it free. A hoarse cry came from the Gondorian as Legolas pulled the arrow freed from his thigh, examining it for chipped off edges that could still be in the Man's leg. Aragorn watched the Elf's face until Legolas nodded that it was still intact. They were lucky indeed. The Elf suddenly stiffened as he examined the arrow and he moved to the fire. Gimli watched him with wide eyes.

"Rest now, Haromir." Aragorn soothed and Haromir turned to Legolas.

"Is it infected?" The Elf took too long to answer and Haromir sucked in a breath. Aragorn turned to Legolas who was sliding a thin finger along the very tip of the blade. Aragorn moved towards him and Legolas showed him the sickly green glow that came from the blood covered arrow point. Aragorn grimaced.

"Poison." He breathed. "I did wonder why he still had a fever." The Ranger turned and dug through a small pouch extracting some of the same plant he had used as a paste on Haromir and Frodo not too long ago. "Hold him still again." Legolas tossed the blade away from them and went to hold down Haromir's leg. Gimli supported the young Man's head in his lap, trying to ease the fever with a cool rag.

Aragorn used the athelas to make a paste to help heal the wound in Haromir's leg, before administering it. Haromir jerked and groaned at the slight cleansing sting of the plant that was covering his wound.

"Almost done." Aragorn assured him and then true to his word, he bandaged up the spot and then sat back. Haromir blinked and tried to focus on him.

"Will it heal?"

"Yes." The Ranger told him and Haromir nodded once, before sighing. "I…I am sorry. I could not keep up with the Hobbits any longer. I tried to keep them safe."

"We know, laddie." Gimli stated and patted his shoulder reassuringly.

"They are safe." Aragorn smiled at him and Haromir frowned.

"But how? Where are they?"

"With friends, at least that is what Gandalf has said." Gimli continued. Now Haromir's frown deepened.

"What?"

"Oh, yes, you do not know… Gandalf is alive."

"What!?" Haromir stated and his eyes searched Aragorn's. "How can it be?"

"He has come back to us, that is all we know." Haromir looked around.

"Where is he?"

"He is a wizard, you know they do not sit long." Gimli chuckled and even Legolas gave a smile. Haromir looked at him.

"I am sorry…I did not apologize for my…behavior. I-" The Elf cut him off.

"Like I told your brother, we are brothers are we not? We often quarrel, but in the end we forgive." Haromir smiled at this and then looked at Aragorn.

"And my brother…Where is Boromir?" Aragorn bowed his head.

"He was gravely injured at Amon Hen and it is there we left him. He could not travel with us, his injures were too many. I do not know if he is alive or not." Haromir shut his eyes briefly and Aragorn put a hand on his shoulder. "I wish I could tell you otherwise." Haromir nodded and opened his eyes again, looking pained. "He would be back at home by now, if he had the strength to move." He murmured softly. "Thank you for easing my mind though, it helps to think that he is well on his way home."

"Rest now, Harry. You need your strength." Haromir closed his eyes slowly, needing no further prompting.

He awoke a while later, painful spasms going through his leg and he lifted his head. His companions were sleeping, but there was another sitting across from him, dark grey cloak around his shoulders.

"Gandalf…" The Wizard was looking at him from across the fire, eyes twinkling in the firelight. Haromir's mouth opened and closed several times. "It is really you then."

"Yes, Haromir, I am here." The Wizard toned gently and smiled.

"But you fell."

"Indeed, but now I have returned to you." Haromir smiled.

"I am glad to see you."

The Wizard smiled at him. "And we are glad to have you back with us safe and sound."

"The Hobbits told me you saved them from being killed many times."

"They over exaggerate. I merely got them out of the way when the Orcs became restless and angry."

"You were whipped for one such deed."

"Yes."

"They see you as their savior and for that I must agree. You saved them from awful torture and they already thought most highly of you. Pippin told me of your remarkable "feet" of strength." Haromir chuckled.

"Ah, that is an exaggeration. I only used what strength I had left to kick at some foul liquid those bastards were trying to shove down Merry's throat. Had I not, he may have drowned." Gandalf's eyes remained fixed on him.

"And that, my dear Haromir, is the measure of a true hero. Not in the strength he possesses, but in the size of his heart. You risked your life to save them and that is more than what others would have done." Haromir wanted to argue, but the look on the Wizard's face dared him to do so. Instead he yawned. "Now, get some more rest, I can tell you need it." Haromir nodded at him and closed his eyes again as he fell into a dreamless sleep.

Aragorn shifted on his bedroll. Sleep would not come so easily to him so he got up from the ground. Gandalf was standing up with his back to the group of sleepers, staring off into the plains around them restless as well, and Aragorn approached him quietly.

"The veiling shadow that glowers in the east takes shape. Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-ur, his Eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt ever gnaws at him. The rumor has reached him. The heir of Numenor still lives." Aragorn stiffened slightly and Gandalf turned to him.

"Sauron fears you, Aragorn. He fears what you may become. And so he'll strike hard and fast at the world of Men. He will use his puppet Saruman to destroy Rohan. War is coming. Rohan must defend itself, and therein lies our first challenge….for Rohan is weak and ready to fall." Gandalf shook his head. "The king's mind is enslaved, it's an old device of Saruman's. His hold on King Theoden is now very strong. Sauron and Saruman are tightening the noose. But for all their cunning…we have one advantage." Aragorn met the Wizard's gaze as he came to the same conclusion. "The Ring remains hidden. And that we should seek to destroy it…has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the enemy is moving towards Mordor…in the hands of a Hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom. We must trust now in Frodo. Everything depends upon speed….and the secrecy of his quest."

Aragorn shifted uneasily. He had never felt well about letting the Hobbit go and it gave him a heavy guilt. Gandalf noticed this and frowned.

"Do not regret you're decision to leave him. Frodo must finish this task alone."

"He's not alone. Sam went with him. Haromir sent him after Frodo."

"Did he? Did he, indeed? Good. Yes, very good." Gandalf smiled and then Aragorn frowned.

"What does Saruman want with Haromir?"

"It is not Haromir himself he is after, just the line of Denethor." Gandalf responded and narrowed his eyes at the landscape around them. "I fear something has overtaken the Steward and so now the only hope that remains is that of Denethor's sons and…you. Haromir and his brothers would be used to take down the White City and leave it defenseless. Already it is not as strong without Boromir's guidance."

"What of Faramir?"

"Denethor has never seen eye to eye with his middle child. I doubt that even he can stop whatever ails his father." The Wizard cast a glance at Haromir who was sleeping peacefully before eyeing Aragorn again. "For now he is safe and hopefully it will keep that way. Saruman's Orcs no doubt will be looking for any sign of Gondor's insignia and will kill the one who bears it." Aragorn could only think of Boromir and what the Man would run into on his journey home.

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