Note: I wrote this story so Boromir could redeem himself. None of these
characters belong to me. Elven words are in ' '. Sorry, but I use
********** to mark whose POV it is. Boromir fans should be happy with this
story.
Mourning
Part 3
By: A.J. Matthews
************
Gimli
************
I walked through the forest in the early morning light, swinging my ax. I headed for where I'd seen Aragorn and the little hobbits walking towards yesterday when they left.
I knew Aragorn had been worried when he'd heard that particular Elven whistle. Even I knew what that meant. I hoped that no harm had come to my companions.
As I reached a clearing, I saw Aragorn sitting on a tall rock next to a dwindling campfire. That wasn't what drew my attention so much as the fact that Legolas had his head in Aragorn's lap.
When I got closer, I saw that Aragorn's hands were in Legolas's hair, stroking it softly.
He tensed and looked up as he heard me approaching. He looked relieved.
As I looked around, I realized that they were the only two in the camp.
"Aragorn, where's everyone else?" I asked, as I entered the camp.
"The hobbits were captured by orcs," he said, gesturing for me to lower my voice.
Legolas moaned softly. Aragorn placed a comforting hand on his back.
"And you didn't go after them?" I was incredulous.
That is, I was incredulous until Legolas turned his face towards me. I gasped softly when I saw the bruises marring his face. His Elven healing ability was making them fade, but they looked ghastly.
"What happened to him?" I asked.
Aragorn shook his head. "It's for him to tell you, not me. The hobbits and I found him like this yesterday."
"Where's Boromir? Didn't he help Legolas?" I whispered.
Aragorn shook his head. "I don't know. He ran off into the forest. Legolas was too hurt to go anywhere."
I nodded.
"But we should get moving now. We don't want the orcs to get too far away with the hobbits," he said. He gently shook Legolas's shoulder.
The elf's eyes flew open, and he let out a choking gasp. He might have bolted if Aragorn hadn't caught his arm. That's when I realized Legolas was wearing Aragorn's spare clothes.
'It's ok, Legolas. It's only Gimli and me.'
The elf nodded slowly, his breathing returning to normal.
"Are you up to helping us look for the hobbits, Legolas?" I asked.
He nodded and stood carefully.
Aragorn stood as well. He stretched and looked at us. "Take only the supplies you can carry. We must catch up to the hobbits."
Legolas nodded mutely and went over to his things. He started packing them quietly, a bleak look in his eyes.
I looked at Aragorn and nudged towards Legolas. I mouthed, "What's wrong with him?"
Aragorn looked back at me and shook his head. Sorrow and a hint of anger were in his eyes. "His story, not mine," he mouthed back
I frowned and shook my head. I knew something bad must've happened and Legolas didn't want to talk about it. I began to pack my things as well.
Aragorn started to pack his things, too.
************
Boromir
************
I wandered through the forest until dawn. I loathed myself and my weakness. My sword was still drawn.
How easy it would be to take my own life. But that would be a worse betrayal than anything I'd done. I wanted to make amends to them, the ones I had considered friends. And I didn't know how.
I couldn't approach Legolas. Aragorn was furious and I knew part of him wanted to kill me, kinsman or not. Frodo knew as well, and I'd seen him and Sam leave on one of the Elven boats. I felt certain that Gimli would hate me as well when he found out.
Then I realized that I hadn't seen Merry or Pippin. The little hobbits had followed Aragorn into the forest when he ran towards me when I blew my horn.
I was concerned, for I thought they could be lost in the dark woods.
But when I heard the sounds of a fire and muffled cries nearby, I knew what I'd find.
I followed the sounds and crept behind a tree when I saw the camp. It was as I had feared.
Merry and Pippin were bound and gagged. The orcs who had them were cheering and laughing.
I knew Aragorn would be coming soon, but I was afraid for my little friends.
I tossed a rock into some bushes near me, to get a few of them alone.
It worked. I quickly slew them with a slash of my sword across their throats. Others followed, searching for them. I began to battle hard.
I fought with them for what seemed like hours. The more I killed, the more there were.
Eventually, I realized I could not keep this up forever. I raised the horn of Gondor and called for the last time. I knew it would be too late for me, but Merry and Pippin might live and be set free.
An thick arrow struck me in the shoulder. I cried out and fell. Then I stood up again and killed some more of the foul creatures. I didn't even notice the archer aiming at me again, as I fought my way towards the camp.
A second arrow hit me, this time in the chest. I gritted my teeth and held on, determined to battle until the very end.
I was hit once more with an arrow; this time in my stomach. It was too much for me.
I sank to the ground. "Merry. Pippin. I'm sorry I failed you," I whispered.
As the archer walked over and aimed at me for the fourth time, I prepared for the end.
As the bowstring was pulled back, it was suddenly knocked out of his hands. Aragorn leapt out of nowhere and began to attack him.
Gimli, too, appeared and began slaughtering the orcs.
Elven arrows were fired from the trees, where Legolas stood. He leapt down on the ground and shot more arrows.
I couldn't believe it. They came to my rescue. After what I'd done.
I watched them battling, knowing I was dying. Then I heard Legolas cry out in anguish.
I whirled to look at him. While he'd been firing an arrow, he'd been leapt upon from behind by an orc.
Aragorn and Gimli were too busy to make their way over, though they tried.
The orc was too big for him to fight physically. So I grabbed my sword by the hilt and stood, trembling with weakness.
I fumbled as I walked over to him. I stabbed the creature directly in the back, as it slashed at Legolas's face and left claw marks all over it. It died instantly.
Then I fell to the ground. Legolas looked at me with shock in his eyes as he finally managed to get out from under the creature.
************
Legolas
************
I couldn't believe it. Boromir had saved my life. He truly was sorry. I saw it in his eyes.
I fought my way free of the dead creature and knelt beside him, too stunned to speak.
Gimli came walking over, as did Aragorn.
We were all saddened, for the orcs had managed to take Merry and Pippin away again.
"Aragorn," I said quietly. "He's dying."
Aragorn knelt beside him and looked at me. "You are right, old friend."
Boromir coughed hard, blood running from his wounds and mouth. "I know I don't have much time left. Please listen to me."
Gimli knelt down as well.
"Legolas, I know I betrayed you and your trust. I only hope that one day you can forgive me." He broke off, coughing more blood up.
"You saved my life," I whispered. "I have already partly forgiven you for that. It was the Ring who forced you to hurt me." And I knew that was true.
"Aragorn," he whispered. "Never let Minas Tirith fall, or my people," he pleaded.
Aragorn nodded gravely. "I promise."
Boromir's eyes met Gimli's. "Farewell, Gimli." His eyes closed.
"Boromir is at peace now," Gimli said.
I felt sorrow in my heart. It must have showed in my eyes, for Aragorn looked at me closely.
"Are you all right, Legolas?" he asked gently.
I nodded slowly. "Ring or no, he was a friend. Even after what he did." A few tears dripped out of my eyes.
Gimli frowned and looked at me, confused. Then he looked at Aragorn. "Will I ever learn what happened?" he asked.
"I told you before, Gimli. It is for Legolas to tell, and not me," Aragorn's voice said sternly. "And we have a fallen comrade to bury."
************
Aragorn
************
I knew that Boromir's death had upset Legolas, in spite of everything that had happened between them.
Gimli was the one who came up with the idea to send Boromir out in a boat, with his sword and shield. Which we did.
All of us felt sorrowful as we watched Boromir float away in the boat. His arms had been folded across his chest.
Legolas leaned against me, weeping softly. I put my arms around him comfortingly. I knew I was stricken as well.
Sadness was written all over Gimli's face. When the boat drifted out of sight, he looked at me. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Legolas in my arms. When he opened his mouth to speak, I shook my head.
He nodded slowly.
'Legolas, are you sure you want to continue on this journey? It has brought much suffering already, and I do not know how much more we will face before the end,' I whispered in his ear.
His green eyes met my dark ones. 'I can't cry forever, Aragorn. I'll be strong again. Take me with you,' he said quietly.
I nodded.
Gimli watched us carefully. "But where are Frodo and Sam? They weren't with Merry and Pippin," he pointed out.
Legolas spoke softly. "They must have left for Mordor on their own. Their packs are missing, as well as a boat."
"I agree." I looked at Gimli. "We must rescue Merry and Pippin before we follow the Ring-Bearer. The hobbits may not be kept alive if it is discovered that they do not have the Ring."
He nodded. "We must free them."
"Yes," Legolas said. "Before it is too late."
************
Gimli
************
Well, I was glad to see that the elf would not leave our Company of three.
Aragorn wiped the blood off of the scratches on Legolas's face. I wasn't sure what had happened, but I knew that there was something between Aragorn and Legolas now. They whispered together a lot, and when I looked at them, Legolas always seemed to be held by Aragorn. And he had shed tears. That was puzzling in itself. I'd never seen the elf cry before.
I shrugged a little. It was none of my business.
We began to walk then, quietly. Legolas walked beside Aragorn, as always.
I brought up the rear as we set off to rescue Merry and Pippin.
To be continued
Mourning
Part 3
By: A.J. Matthews
************
Gimli
************
I walked through the forest in the early morning light, swinging my ax. I headed for where I'd seen Aragorn and the little hobbits walking towards yesterday when they left.
I knew Aragorn had been worried when he'd heard that particular Elven whistle. Even I knew what that meant. I hoped that no harm had come to my companions.
As I reached a clearing, I saw Aragorn sitting on a tall rock next to a dwindling campfire. That wasn't what drew my attention so much as the fact that Legolas had his head in Aragorn's lap.
When I got closer, I saw that Aragorn's hands were in Legolas's hair, stroking it softly.
He tensed and looked up as he heard me approaching. He looked relieved.
As I looked around, I realized that they were the only two in the camp.
"Aragorn, where's everyone else?" I asked, as I entered the camp.
"The hobbits were captured by orcs," he said, gesturing for me to lower my voice.
Legolas moaned softly. Aragorn placed a comforting hand on his back.
"And you didn't go after them?" I was incredulous.
That is, I was incredulous until Legolas turned his face towards me. I gasped softly when I saw the bruises marring his face. His Elven healing ability was making them fade, but they looked ghastly.
"What happened to him?" I asked.
Aragorn shook his head. "It's for him to tell you, not me. The hobbits and I found him like this yesterday."
"Where's Boromir? Didn't he help Legolas?" I whispered.
Aragorn shook his head. "I don't know. He ran off into the forest. Legolas was too hurt to go anywhere."
I nodded.
"But we should get moving now. We don't want the orcs to get too far away with the hobbits," he said. He gently shook Legolas's shoulder.
The elf's eyes flew open, and he let out a choking gasp. He might have bolted if Aragorn hadn't caught his arm. That's when I realized Legolas was wearing Aragorn's spare clothes.
'It's ok, Legolas. It's only Gimli and me.'
The elf nodded slowly, his breathing returning to normal.
"Are you up to helping us look for the hobbits, Legolas?" I asked.
He nodded and stood carefully.
Aragorn stood as well. He stretched and looked at us. "Take only the supplies you can carry. We must catch up to the hobbits."
Legolas nodded mutely and went over to his things. He started packing them quietly, a bleak look in his eyes.
I looked at Aragorn and nudged towards Legolas. I mouthed, "What's wrong with him?"
Aragorn looked back at me and shook his head. Sorrow and a hint of anger were in his eyes. "His story, not mine," he mouthed back
I frowned and shook my head. I knew something bad must've happened and Legolas didn't want to talk about it. I began to pack my things as well.
Aragorn started to pack his things, too.
************
Boromir
************
I wandered through the forest until dawn. I loathed myself and my weakness. My sword was still drawn.
How easy it would be to take my own life. But that would be a worse betrayal than anything I'd done. I wanted to make amends to them, the ones I had considered friends. And I didn't know how.
I couldn't approach Legolas. Aragorn was furious and I knew part of him wanted to kill me, kinsman or not. Frodo knew as well, and I'd seen him and Sam leave on one of the Elven boats. I felt certain that Gimli would hate me as well when he found out.
Then I realized that I hadn't seen Merry or Pippin. The little hobbits had followed Aragorn into the forest when he ran towards me when I blew my horn.
I was concerned, for I thought they could be lost in the dark woods.
But when I heard the sounds of a fire and muffled cries nearby, I knew what I'd find.
I followed the sounds and crept behind a tree when I saw the camp. It was as I had feared.
Merry and Pippin were bound and gagged. The orcs who had them were cheering and laughing.
I knew Aragorn would be coming soon, but I was afraid for my little friends.
I tossed a rock into some bushes near me, to get a few of them alone.
It worked. I quickly slew them with a slash of my sword across their throats. Others followed, searching for them. I began to battle hard.
I fought with them for what seemed like hours. The more I killed, the more there were.
Eventually, I realized I could not keep this up forever. I raised the horn of Gondor and called for the last time. I knew it would be too late for me, but Merry and Pippin might live and be set free.
An thick arrow struck me in the shoulder. I cried out and fell. Then I stood up again and killed some more of the foul creatures. I didn't even notice the archer aiming at me again, as I fought my way towards the camp.
A second arrow hit me, this time in the chest. I gritted my teeth and held on, determined to battle until the very end.
I was hit once more with an arrow; this time in my stomach. It was too much for me.
I sank to the ground. "Merry. Pippin. I'm sorry I failed you," I whispered.
As the archer walked over and aimed at me for the fourth time, I prepared for the end.
As the bowstring was pulled back, it was suddenly knocked out of his hands. Aragorn leapt out of nowhere and began to attack him.
Gimli, too, appeared and began slaughtering the orcs.
Elven arrows were fired from the trees, where Legolas stood. He leapt down on the ground and shot more arrows.
I couldn't believe it. They came to my rescue. After what I'd done.
I watched them battling, knowing I was dying. Then I heard Legolas cry out in anguish.
I whirled to look at him. While he'd been firing an arrow, he'd been leapt upon from behind by an orc.
Aragorn and Gimli were too busy to make their way over, though they tried.
The orc was too big for him to fight physically. So I grabbed my sword by the hilt and stood, trembling with weakness.
I fumbled as I walked over to him. I stabbed the creature directly in the back, as it slashed at Legolas's face and left claw marks all over it. It died instantly.
Then I fell to the ground. Legolas looked at me with shock in his eyes as he finally managed to get out from under the creature.
************
Legolas
************
I couldn't believe it. Boromir had saved my life. He truly was sorry. I saw it in his eyes.
I fought my way free of the dead creature and knelt beside him, too stunned to speak.
Gimli came walking over, as did Aragorn.
We were all saddened, for the orcs had managed to take Merry and Pippin away again.
"Aragorn," I said quietly. "He's dying."
Aragorn knelt beside him and looked at me. "You are right, old friend."
Boromir coughed hard, blood running from his wounds and mouth. "I know I don't have much time left. Please listen to me."
Gimli knelt down as well.
"Legolas, I know I betrayed you and your trust. I only hope that one day you can forgive me." He broke off, coughing more blood up.
"You saved my life," I whispered. "I have already partly forgiven you for that. It was the Ring who forced you to hurt me." And I knew that was true.
"Aragorn," he whispered. "Never let Minas Tirith fall, or my people," he pleaded.
Aragorn nodded gravely. "I promise."
Boromir's eyes met Gimli's. "Farewell, Gimli." His eyes closed.
"Boromir is at peace now," Gimli said.
I felt sorrow in my heart. It must have showed in my eyes, for Aragorn looked at me closely.
"Are you all right, Legolas?" he asked gently.
I nodded slowly. "Ring or no, he was a friend. Even after what he did." A few tears dripped out of my eyes.
Gimli frowned and looked at me, confused. Then he looked at Aragorn. "Will I ever learn what happened?" he asked.
"I told you before, Gimli. It is for Legolas to tell, and not me," Aragorn's voice said sternly. "And we have a fallen comrade to bury."
************
Aragorn
************
I knew that Boromir's death had upset Legolas, in spite of everything that had happened between them.
Gimli was the one who came up with the idea to send Boromir out in a boat, with his sword and shield. Which we did.
All of us felt sorrowful as we watched Boromir float away in the boat. His arms had been folded across his chest.
Legolas leaned against me, weeping softly. I put my arms around him comfortingly. I knew I was stricken as well.
Sadness was written all over Gimli's face. When the boat drifted out of sight, he looked at me. He raised an eyebrow when he saw Legolas in my arms. When he opened his mouth to speak, I shook my head.
He nodded slowly.
'Legolas, are you sure you want to continue on this journey? It has brought much suffering already, and I do not know how much more we will face before the end,' I whispered in his ear.
His green eyes met my dark ones. 'I can't cry forever, Aragorn. I'll be strong again. Take me with you,' he said quietly.
I nodded.
Gimli watched us carefully. "But where are Frodo and Sam? They weren't with Merry and Pippin," he pointed out.
Legolas spoke softly. "They must have left for Mordor on their own. Their packs are missing, as well as a boat."
"I agree." I looked at Gimli. "We must rescue Merry and Pippin before we follow the Ring-Bearer. The hobbits may not be kept alive if it is discovered that they do not have the Ring."
He nodded. "We must free them."
"Yes," Legolas said. "Before it is too late."
************
Gimli
************
Well, I was glad to see that the elf would not leave our Company of three.
Aragorn wiped the blood off of the scratches on Legolas's face. I wasn't sure what had happened, but I knew that there was something between Aragorn and Legolas now. They whispered together a lot, and when I looked at them, Legolas always seemed to be held by Aragorn. And he had shed tears. That was puzzling in itself. I'd never seen the elf cry before.
I shrugged a little. It was none of my business.
We began to walk then, quietly. Legolas walked beside Aragorn, as always.
I brought up the rear as we set off to rescue Merry and Pippin.
To be continued
