Lament - by Cunien.

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted in an age - my time has been occupied with school, learning how to tie my school tie and deciding where to apply for university. I hope you're all still here!

So if I have any readers left anymore, I would like to clear something up - in the last chapter Boromir was speaking about Sam - in his Ring-twisted mind, he seems to think that without Sam, Frodo would not want to continue the quest, and would hand him the Ring. It doesn't occur to him that Aragorn or any other might try to stop him. He's not thinking clearly.

But Boromir is not a bad man - he's just weaker than the others, and he really wants to help his people - he's desperate and, from a line he says in the film, it sounds as though his father is putting pressure on him to do something to help Gondor.
(Sorry that it wasn't very clear in the last chapter.)

Summary: He looks to me to make things right.' (- Boromir about his father. Not a direct quote, but something along the lines of. )

Disclaimer:
Things I Would Do If I Owned Lord Of The Rings -
5. - just thought you might like to know - we invented a new word today - because Frodo is from the upper class, someone in school said he was a hobbit snob, which quickly lead to the inevitable conclusion of Snobbit'. Well I thought it was funny anyway!

Chapter 6 - Warnings.

Haldir's vacant eyes were open in the wide-eyed sleep of the elves. He was sitting outside the small shelter where the injured hobbit slept. There was little need to guard anything this deep in the Golden Wood's, for no orcs would be permitted to venture this far. Haldir simply knew that the other little halflings would sleep sounder to know that their friend was being watched over.

The Man crept passed, glancing fearfully at the blonde elf. He was unnerved by this strange way of sleeping, though he had seen Legolas rest like this many times. The vacant look in his eyes assured Boromir that the elf was asleep, and he did not notice Haldir stiffen as he passed.

Boromir walked with light footsteps, but they were not nearly silent enough to an elf, and the man's breathing, though he did not notice, was ragged and quick with fear and adrenaline.

Haldir did not move, but his eyes silently followed Boromir as he walked into the dwelling in the tree. He had no reason to be apprehensive - the man was most likely only here to visit his sick friend, but something in his heart told him not to return to sleep. Haldir could see the tension and conflict in his eyes.

He rose and walked lightly after the man, making no noise that could be heard by a human. Crouching hidden behind a curtain, Haldir watched as Boromir paused before Sam's bed. He clenched his fists, grimacing, and made as if to turn. But the man stopped suddenly and jerked around again, as though some other power possessed his body. His face, before creased with worry and strain, was now clear and serene.

*

You cannot turn back now.
But I cannot go forward either.
You must! This ring would be precious to Gondor - it is her last hope.
Hope...
Gondor depends on you. Your father -
Do not speak of him!
He has charged you with this task - he trusts you to make things right-
Don't -
He chose you, not Faramir, you!
I do not know! I feel torn in two! I cannot sleep, I cannot rest - there is no peace for me!
There will be! Do it and there will be.
I do not know...
He should have chosen Faramir. Faramir would not hesitate at the chance to save his people.
My people!
It would be precious...
*
The man lurched forward as though suddenly resolute.
Sam lay on the bed, oblivious to the threat leaning over him now.

How do you feel little one? Do not worry. It ends here. Gondor will thank you - her people will sing songs of Samwise Gamgee.

Boromir stepped closer to the bed. A short metallic sound rang silkily, the rough uneven breathing of the man the only other noise for what seemed like miles. Haldir could not see from this angle, but he knew the sound of a blade being drawn. He stood, not caring if the human saw or heard him anymore. He made to move forward, but stopped as something clanged harshly on the wooden floor.

A change suddenly came over the man, and the blade lay forgotten.

Boromir fell as his knees sagged, and he seemed to fold slowly in on himself in exhaustion and despair.

Precious? My Precious?! No. If the ring comes to me then let it come - I will not seek it. Boromir spoke quietly, but Haldir, with his elven ears, heard a small whisper come from the man after, though his voice seemed changed.
Not yet.

Haldir stepped behind the curtains again as Boromir began to sob. But the embroidered fabric whispered slightly as the elf passed, and the man looked up in surprise. Boromir could not see Haldir, but fear and guilt made him stand and run from the flet, scrambling down the twisting stairs that wound around the great trees. Haldir caught a glimpse of his face as he passed - tear stained and so very tired.

He almost felt pity for the man.

*

Legolas poured the shining water into a glass for the young hobbit and smiled gently.
You need to rest, Pippin.
You don't believe us, do you?
The blonde elf laughed quietly, at which Merry and Pippin took great offence.
Forgive me. Boromir is tired - we are all tired. We are all grieved. Gandalf has gone, and now Sam is hurt. I am sure he was only thinking of this when you saw him.
But you didn't see him! argued Pippin.
Well I don't trust him for one - there's more going on behind those eyes than he will show us. said Merry, backing up his cousin.

Aragorn slumped down beside them, lines of weariness on his face.
I do know what you mean - I must admit I do not trust him much. But what can we do? Boromir is a good man - I do not think he would hurt you.
But would he hurt Frodo? asked Pippin
And would the Ring care if he were a good man or no? I do not think so.
added Gimli.

The Ranger sighed and put his head in his hands.
You seem to look to me for an answer. Well I have one, though I do not know if it is right. Let us approach one thing at a time. Let us concentrate all our thought on Sam.
said Aragorn's, his words muffled through his hands. He lifted his head then and looked at them all in turn.
We can deal with this if and when it is a problem.

He sighed at the look on Pippin's face.
If it makes you all feel any better I will sleep beside Sam. No harm will come to him.
But what about Frodo? asked Merry, glancing at the hobbit. He slept deeply in a bed that lay between massive tree roots that seemed to curve protectively around the Ring bearer. Frodo's brow creased in subconscious worry - even as he slept his heart was with Sam.

I will not leave his side, I promise you. replied Legolas, laying a hand gently on the two hobbit's shoulders.

*

What should be done, my Lady?

The Lady Galadriel stared at the night stars, flashing like jewels in the deep
velvet of the autumn sky.
she said. Her voice was sad, and so very old. The star of hope. He shines down on us always - though sometimes we cannot see him for the clouds. We will do nothing.

Haldir would have protested, but he knew that if the Lady thought it should be so, then there was some wisdom that she saw in this course.

We can all be tempted, Haldir. Even the wisest are not immune to some desire. The ring is calling to him, as it called to Gandalf, to Elrond. To me. No one is above it. But it is our choices that make us who we are. Boromir resisted.
But for how long? There is weakness in men -
There is weakness in us all. Can you not see that? The Ring, it finds that weakness, it can pull you apart by the tiniest cracks in your will. It is not our place to interfere. I have seen it.

And what could Haldir say? His doubts remained, but he knew Galadriel could see further than them all, to some conclusion hidden to all others.

TBC..

There will be a new chapter within a few days, I will try my hardest! Thankyou so much to reviewers - please come back! Please read and review again!!

Don't leave me like this.....

please....?