Author's note: Finally another update! I'm sorry I'm taking forever to update this! I'm surprised there're still readers out there reviewing! Thanks so much for all the reviews! They really keep me going! I'm not giving anything away as far as the plans for Elenya! I would think it would have to be destroyed just like the One Ring, but you never know! Hope you all enjoy this chapter! And I borrowed a lot of events from the book in this chapter, just to let you know!
Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings, just Lilli and any other characters not in LOTR.
Elenya by Shelly
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Denethor's eyes lit on Faramir first. "I would like to know what possessed you to bring them here first instead of bringing my son to me, he who has come back to me after all this time. So," he said as he neared Boromir, who released Lillisandra and slowly eased in front of her. "Have you returned with the gift you promised me?"
Boromir set his shoulders and met his father's gaze evenly. "No, I have not," he replied.
The older man's jaw clenched as he looked Boromir straight in the eye. "And why haven't you? Boromir, my son, you've never disobeyed my orders before. What makes you do so now?"
"You asked of me an impossible task. To bring you that which our enemy seeks even now with his foul creatures spreading across the land. You wished me to bring you the One Ring forged by the hand of Sauron. Instead it is being carried straight into Mordor itself in order to be destroyed, and Sauron will meet a similar fate if he is successful."
Denethor sneered. "A fool's quest. He will surely be killed and Sauron will come against us with all his might. How then will we defend ourselves?"
"With the strength of our army," Boromir replied. "And with the help of Lillisandra's own ring which she carries, which has power enough to stand against Sauron."
The Steward's eyes narrowed on her as she stood there behind her beloved, determined not to show any hint of fear to him. "So our fate would be decided on an elven woman that carries her own trinket."
Lillisandra bristled at this. "This is no mere trinket I carry, Lord Denethor," she said as she stepped out from behind Boromir to face him. "Elenya has the power to defeat Sauron, even if he regains the One Ring. With it I can also heal those who are wounded, just as I did your son who was lying at death's door after three orc arrows had pierced his body. I brought him back, but at a heavy price, one I most willingly paid. I am no longer immortal, but mortal like yourself. And our lives depend on each other's. If he dies, then so do I, and vice versa."
"A lovely story," he sneered.
"Father, you go too far," Boromir replied.
"Do I? The forces of Mordor may well be knocking at our gates soon, and they have been joined by Southron armies which attacked Silmarion. Their strength grows in number daily, and we have a shadow of what our army should be."
"And what of Rohan?" he asked.
"The beacon lights have been lit. Amon Din, Eilenach, Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad, and Halifirien blaze brightly, broadcasting to all that Gondor is in need of help. But so far we have received none." Then he sighed as if weary. "I would speak with both my sons as I have a plan that might help keep their numbers down."
Lillisandra laid her hand on his arm and squeezed it before he left, nodding her head to Faramir as he followed behind, and she sighed as she felt her father's hands come to rest on her shoulders. "All is becoming dark around us, Father. It is hard to see our way through."
"I know, Lilli. But for now, please tell me of your own journey to Lorien after you left here," he said as he led her over to sit at the table.
She told him of what had happened during their long journey, about Dairuin and the ruins of the city of Ost-in-Edhil as well as the deaths of Aldarion and Tarcil, her brave escorts and loyal friends. He was saddened to hear this news, and it seemed that death was never very far away, not for anyone during times like these.
Soon Boromir and Faramir returned, and Boromir told them that they were leaving for Ithilien the day after tomorrow. That night, she lie in Boromir's protective embrace, wishing that he didn't have to leave but knowing that to ask him otherwise would be futile. He loved his country very much and she knew that he would die for it, but if he did then so did she. It was a depressing thought, but she vowed to be there for him whenever and however he needed her as she loved him so very much, and they had come too far and been through so much to just give up now.
The next day was spent gathering the weapons and gear they would need for the journey, and then that night gave way to the next morning, the morning of their departure. She said her goodbyes to them at the stables, determined not to let them see her tears as she didn't want them to remember her like this, but they came anyway. And she knew that she wasn't the only one as many of these men had families of their own that missed them, and she knew just as well that some of them would not see them again. She just hoped that she wasn't one of them.
Over the next seven days, she spent her time doing things to help around the city to keep her mind and hands occupied so as not to worry about Boromir and his brother. At night she had strange dreams as she would sometimes see things that could only have come from Boromir, and she guessed that she was seeing what he had seen himself during his absence. What lifted her spirits most was the image of Frodo she saw in her dreams, and she was glad to see he was okay and that Sam was still with him.
On the eighth day, Gandalf and Pippin rode in on Shadowfax, and she was overjoyed to see the small hobbit alive and unharmed after what had happened to him and Merry. She sat with him for hours it seemed, listening to him tell her of the Ents and of the defeat of Saruman. Then she met briefly with Gandalf who told her that Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were doing fine, being the last he saw them was when they were at Isengard.
She spent a restless night that night as she missed Boromir now more than ever, and when the next morning came it was as dark as night as the sun did not dawn that day, and it cast a gloom upon her heart to know that their darkest times were now upon them. Standing out on the embrasure, she knew her feeling was right when she saw evil shapes swooping through the sky, and she knew that they were the Nazgul come again.
Hearing Faramir and Boromir's name called, she ran for the Citadel and there waited inside for them to arrive as she knew it would be useless for her to try and meet them enroute. She saw Boromir first as he was helping clear the way for Gandalf and Faramir to come through, and he met her in a desperate embrace as they both had tears streaking their cheeks. They held each other tightly before releasing each other when Faramir came near, who she embraced as well before she followed them inside to confer with their father and Gandalf.
She was glad to hear from them that Frodo was okay, and upon hearing that help was needed with tending the wounded she went there as she thought her services were better needed there than here standing around.
Boromir came to see her once they were through with their father, and she went to visit Faramir with him before they retired for the night. He held her in a desperate embrace for what seemed like forever, and Boromir couldn't blame him as they both had seen a frightening sight in the new form of the Nazgul.
"Faramir, please, you need to get some rest," she urged him once he had released her.
"I fear I will not sleep tonight," he replied.
She smoothed his hair back from his head, her heart aching at the weary light in his eyes. Rising to her feet, she walked up to Boromir and took him aside to speak with him. "Go on and get some rest. I will be there shortly."
He raised an eyebrow, seemingly unweary, and she wondered if it was due to the fact that they were bound together that he seemed to still be so unaffected by it all. "What will you be doing?" he asked.
She quirked a smile at him. "I'll see if the same thing works for him that did for Frodo."
His own lips turned up in a smile. "And what's that?"
"Singing," she replied then accepted his soft kiss before watching him walk away and going back to Faramir's bedside. He took her hand in his and held it as he looked into her eyes.
"You love him very much," he stated, mostly just to have something to talk about to keep his mind off of the present situation. "Enough to give your life for his."
"I do," she replied. "As a matter of fact I did."
He smiled a little. "I wish it were me that had been so lucky," he said softly.
"Faramir, please don't do this," she said, her eyes moistening when he kissed the back of her hand.
"I'm sorry, Lilli, I can't help it. After today, I can't help but think about what approaches us and what I have missed in my life. You don't know how happy I was to see you again, and Boromir as well."
She eyed him carefully. "But a part of you wished that he hadn't returned," she added.
"I love him very much," he replied. "But, yes, a part of me did wish that. I missed you so much while you were gone, and him as well. I couldn't help but think that maybe you would return and greet me with happiness...and love."
"But I did," she reassured him.
"You know what I meant," he answered, rising from his bed and reaching into a table drawer at his bedside to produce a box that she knew well as he had given it to her when she left the city with Boromir. Only she had told him to keep it as she thought it might be damaged during their journey. He held it out to her. "Do you remember this?" he asked.
"Yes," she breathed, remembering as well the gift he had asked for in return. She had surrendered to him before that day in the stables, and she knew now that she was in danger of doing it again if she didn't leave right now. But she didn't want to leave, and that confused her more than anything.
He took it out and held it up to the light from the fireplace, watching as the etched leaves glinted brightly. "I think you should have it now. I suppose as a wedding present now more than anything, although my love still comes with it." Taking her hand, he clasped the bracelet onto her wrist, letting his hand linger lightly on her arm as his breath teased against her ear.
That almost proved to be her undoing as her eyes drifted shut, but she thought about what was at stake and she pulled away from him, looking into his eyes and seeing hurt as well as understanding there. "I can't do this to him again," she said. "Not when I love him so much."
He nodded his understanding. "I know. I shouldn't even be doing this!"
She stepped forward to hug him tightly. "Sleep well, Faramir. I'll see you tomorrow." Then she left before she weakened any further, steadying her breathing as she made her way back to her beloved. He was in bed and almost asleep, but when she crawled in beside him he turned so that he was lying behind her and pulled her against him, nuzzling the back of her neck with his nose.
"I missed you," he whispered.
She sighed. "You always miss me," she replied as she turned in his arms and met him in a passionate kiss that told her how much he missed her. They also shared a sweet night of lovemaking as neither of them knew what tomorrow would bring.
****************
You thought something was going to happen between her and Faramir, didn't you? Hee-hee! I can't wait to see him in the movie! I imagine there will be a lot of fics out about him after The Two Towers comes out. Next chapter, well, you all know what's going to happen if you've read the book. But I just might change things a bit! I'm entitled to, aren't I? Anyway, thanks for reading! C-ya!
Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings, just Lilli and any other characters not in LOTR.
Elenya by Shelly
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Denethor's eyes lit on Faramir first. "I would like to know what possessed you to bring them here first instead of bringing my son to me, he who has come back to me after all this time. So," he said as he neared Boromir, who released Lillisandra and slowly eased in front of her. "Have you returned with the gift you promised me?"
Boromir set his shoulders and met his father's gaze evenly. "No, I have not," he replied.
The older man's jaw clenched as he looked Boromir straight in the eye. "And why haven't you? Boromir, my son, you've never disobeyed my orders before. What makes you do so now?"
"You asked of me an impossible task. To bring you that which our enemy seeks even now with his foul creatures spreading across the land. You wished me to bring you the One Ring forged by the hand of Sauron. Instead it is being carried straight into Mordor itself in order to be destroyed, and Sauron will meet a similar fate if he is successful."
Denethor sneered. "A fool's quest. He will surely be killed and Sauron will come against us with all his might. How then will we defend ourselves?"
"With the strength of our army," Boromir replied. "And with the help of Lillisandra's own ring which she carries, which has power enough to stand against Sauron."
The Steward's eyes narrowed on her as she stood there behind her beloved, determined not to show any hint of fear to him. "So our fate would be decided on an elven woman that carries her own trinket."
Lillisandra bristled at this. "This is no mere trinket I carry, Lord Denethor," she said as she stepped out from behind Boromir to face him. "Elenya has the power to defeat Sauron, even if he regains the One Ring. With it I can also heal those who are wounded, just as I did your son who was lying at death's door after three orc arrows had pierced his body. I brought him back, but at a heavy price, one I most willingly paid. I am no longer immortal, but mortal like yourself. And our lives depend on each other's. If he dies, then so do I, and vice versa."
"A lovely story," he sneered.
"Father, you go too far," Boromir replied.
"Do I? The forces of Mordor may well be knocking at our gates soon, and they have been joined by Southron armies which attacked Silmarion. Their strength grows in number daily, and we have a shadow of what our army should be."
"And what of Rohan?" he asked.
"The beacon lights have been lit. Amon Din, Eilenach, Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad, and Halifirien blaze brightly, broadcasting to all that Gondor is in need of help. But so far we have received none." Then he sighed as if weary. "I would speak with both my sons as I have a plan that might help keep their numbers down."
Lillisandra laid her hand on his arm and squeezed it before he left, nodding her head to Faramir as he followed behind, and she sighed as she felt her father's hands come to rest on her shoulders. "All is becoming dark around us, Father. It is hard to see our way through."
"I know, Lilli. But for now, please tell me of your own journey to Lorien after you left here," he said as he led her over to sit at the table.
She told him of what had happened during their long journey, about Dairuin and the ruins of the city of Ost-in-Edhil as well as the deaths of Aldarion and Tarcil, her brave escorts and loyal friends. He was saddened to hear this news, and it seemed that death was never very far away, not for anyone during times like these.
Soon Boromir and Faramir returned, and Boromir told them that they were leaving for Ithilien the day after tomorrow. That night, she lie in Boromir's protective embrace, wishing that he didn't have to leave but knowing that to ask him otherwise would be futile. He loved his country very much and she knew that he would die for it, but if he did then so did she. It was a depressing thought, but she vowed to be there for him whenever and however he needed her as she loved him so very much, and they had come too far and been through so much to just give up now.
The next day was spent gathering the weapons and gear they would need for the journey, and then that night gave way to the next morning, the morning of their departure. She said her goodbyes to them at the stables, determined not to let them see her tears as she didn't want them to remember her like this, but they came anyway. And she knew that she wasn't the only one as many of these men had families of their own that missed them, and she knew just as well that some of them would not see them again. She just hoped that she wasn't one of them.
Over the next seven days, she spent her time doing things to help around the city to keep her mind and hands occupied so as not to worry about Boromir and his brother. At night she had strange dreams as she would sometimes see things that could only have come from Boromir, and she guessed that she was seeing what he had seen himself during his absence. What lifted her spirits most was the image of Frodo she saw in her dreams, and she was glad to see he was okay and that Sam was still with him.
On the eighth day, Gandalf and Pippin rode in on Shadowfax, and she was overjoyed to see the small hobbit alive and unharmed after what had happened to him and Merry. She sat with him for hours it seemed, listening to him tell her of the Ents and of the defeat of Saruman. Then she met briefly with Gandalf who told her that Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were doing fine, being the last he saw them was when they were at Isengard.
She spent a restless night that night as she missed Boromir now more than ever, and when the next morning came it was as dark as night as the sun did not dawn that day, and it cast a gloom upon her heart to know that their darkest times were now upon them. Standing out on the embrasure, she knew her feeling was right when she saw evil shapes swooping through the sky, and she knew that they were the Nazgul come again.
Hearing Faramir and Boromir's name called, she ran for the Citadel and there waited inside for them to arrive as she knew it would be useless for her to try and meet them enroute. She saw Boromir first as he was helping clear the way for Gandalf and Faramir to come through, and he met her in a desperate embrace as they both had tears streaking their cheeks. They held each other tightly before releasing each other when Faramir came near, who she embraced as well before she followed them inside to confer with their father and Gandalf.
She was glad to hear from them that Frodo was okay, and upon hearing that help was needed with tending the wounded she went there as she thought her services were better needed there than here standing around.
Boromir came to see her once they were through with their father, and she went to visit Faramir with him before they retired for the night. He held her in a desperate embrace for what seemed like forever, and Boromir couldn't blame him as they both had seen a frightening sight in the new form of the Nazgul.
"Faramir, please, you need to get some rest," she urged him once he had released her.
"I fear I will not sleep tonight," he replied.
She smoothed his hair back from his head, her heart aching at the weary light in his eyes. Rising to her feet, she walked up to Boromir and took him aside to speak with him. "Go on and get some rest. I will be there shortly."
He raised an eyebrow, seemingly unweary, and she wondered if it was due to the fact that they were bound together that he seemed to still be so unaffected by it all. "What will you be doing?" he asked.
She quirked a smile at him. "I'll see if the same thing works for him that did for Frodo."
His own lips turned up in a smile. "And what's that?"
"Singing," she replied then accepted his soft kiss before watching him walk away and going back to Faramir's bedside. He took her hand in his and held it as he looked into her eyes.
"You love him very much," he stated, mostly just to have something to talk about to keep his mind off of the present situation. "Enough to give your life for his."
"I do," she replied. "As a matter of fact I did."
He smiled a little. "I wish it were me that had been so lucky," he said softly.
"Faramir, please don't do this," she said, her eyes moistening when he kissed the back of her hand.
"I'm sorry, Lilli, I can't help it. After today, I can't help but think about what approaches us and what I have missed in my life. You don't know how happy I was to see you again, and Boromir as well."
She eyed him carefully. "But a part of you wished that he hadn't returned," she added.
"I love him very much," he replied. "But, yes, a part of me did wish that. I missed you so much while you were gone, and him as well. I couldn't help but think that maybe you would return and greet me with happiness...and love."
"But I did," she reassured him.
"You know what I meant," he answered, rising from his bed and reaching into a table drawer at his bedside to produce a box that she knew well as he had given it to her when she left the city with Boromir. Only she had told him to keep it as she thought it might be damaged during their journey. He held it out to her. "Do you remember this?" he asked.
"Yes," she breathed, remembering as well the gift he had asked for in return. She had surrendered to him before that day in the stables, and she knew now that she was in danger of doing it again if she didn't leave right now. But she didn't want to leave, and that confused her more than anything.
He took it out and held it up to the light from the fireplace, watching as the etched leaves glinted brightly. "I think you should have it now. I suppose as a wedding present now more than anything, although my love still comes with it." Taking her hand, he clasped the bracelet onto her wrist, letting his hand linger lightly on her arm as his breath teased against her ear.
That almost proved to be her undoing as her eyes drifted shut, but she thought about what was at stake and she pulled away from him, looking into his eyes and seeing hurt as well as understanding there. "I can't do this to him again," she said. "Not when I love him so much."
He nodded his understanding. "I know. I shouldn't even be doing this!"
She stepped forward to hug him tightly. "Sleep well, Faramir. I'll see you tomorrow." Then she left before she weakened any further, steadying her breathing as she made her way back to her beloved. He was in bed and almost asleep, but when she crawled in beside him he turned so that he was lying behind her and pulled her against him, nuzzling the back of her neck with his nose.
"I missed you," he whispered.
She sighed. "You always miss me," she replied as she turned in his arms and met him in a passionate kiss that told her how much he missed her. They also shared a sweet night of lovemaking as neither of them knew what tomorrow would bring.
****************
You thought something was going to happen between her and Faramir, didn't you? Hee-hee! I can't wait to see him in the movie! I imagine there will be a lot of fics out about him after The Two Towers comes out. Next chapter, well, you all know what's going to happen if you've read the book. But I just might change things a bit! I'm entitled to, aren't I? Anyway, thanks for reading! C-ya!
