~ Sightseeing in Middle-Earth ~
~ Quote: ~
"Some forget it, but go far enough back in any House, and you'll find a commoner who showed uncommon courage or kept his head and took charge when everybody else was running around like plucked geese." - Lord Davram Bashere in 'Lord of Chaos', book 6 of 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan
~ Disclaimer: ~
*sings* I own nothing nothing nothing, I own nothing all day long, I own absolutely nothing, now you know my nothing song! *ahem* Erin's mine.
~ Chapter XVI~
~ Legolas's brother and Haldir's Return ~
Seeing as Boromir practically sleepwalked into bed, and there was no one around to show me the way out of the Citadel, I ended out sleeping in Boromir's room. It was quite nice to curl up next to him to sleep - I fell asleep almost instantly, despite the fact that I'd slept most of the afternoon. When I woke, it was to a loud knocking on the door. Boromir was still knocked out next to me, and didn't look like he was going to move soon, so I stood, straightened my clothes, and went to the door and opened it. The guard that was there eyed me strangely.
"Lord Denethor requests the presence of his son, Boromir." the guard said after a moment, and I nodded.
"Tell him Boromir will be there soon. Just as soon as I wake him up. Which might take awhile." I said dryly, glancing back at Boromir, who had begun to snore softly. The guard gave a slight bow, then headed off down the hall. I closed the door and turned back to Boromir. I woke him up nicely, with no tickling or staring at him involved - in fact, it mostly involved kissing various parts of his face, which was quite enjoyable. Even more enjoyable was the good morning kiss that followed.
"Your father requests your presence," I said softly when we broke away from each other, and Boromir sighed.
"Then I suppose I must go to him," he said, getting up. He stretched, and I grinned as he absently stripped off his shirt and set about finding a cleaner one. Boromir shirtless? Yummy! Eventually, much to my dismay, he found a shirt, and motioned for me to follow as he headed out. He led the way to the hall where Denethor was waiting, and there we found that Gandalf and Pippin were waiting for us.
"I believe it would be best if you were at this meeting, Lady Erin, but it seems Lord Denethor does not agree. You shall have to spend the day with Pippin, or about on your own." Gandalf said when we arrived. I nodded, then pulled the wizard off to one side.
"Faramir must go to Osgiliath." I said softly. The wizard nodded, then disappeared inside the hall. Boromir delayed long enough to quickly kiss my hand, making me smile, then he followed Gandalf, and Pippin and I were left in the hall. The hobbit smiled at me, and we set off down the hall. Once we left the Citadel, Pippin started talking, and I accompanied him to his post on the walls. There, I met Beregond, who, after seeing a halfling walk straight out of legend, was accepting of a woman in Elvish clothing who could fight.
I stayed there, up on the wall, leaving only to eat and fetch my weapons from where Gandalf and Pippin were staying, for the entire day. Beregond did find that a little bit strange, but I didn't care. The wall had a great view, and besides, I could see who was coming and going. To my delight, Faramir was indeed to one who set off for Osgiliath. Boromir was initially riding beside his brother, and for a moment I wondered if he was going, as well, but he turned back at the gate and headed back to the Citadel. I considered following him, but if Denethor hadn't wanted me at the meeting at the beginning, he probably wouldn't want me there now.
When night fell, I went with Pippin back to the house where he and Gandalf were staying and slept there. The next day I followed Pippin once more to the wall, and spent the day there as before. Early in the morning, Faramir was forced to retreat to the Causeway Forts, and then from behind the walls approached another host of men, led by Boromir. Excusing myself, I ran down from the wall, and appeared in front of the gate as Boromir and his men approached it.
"I must ride out to help my brother, Lady Erin." Boromir said, riding over to me.
"Then I'll come with you." I said promptly. If I was out there, perhaps I could help ensure that what little I knew of the battle went as it should. And I was worried for Boromir. Faramir was supposed to be wounded in this fight - but Boromir wasn't even supposed to be in it. He could very well end up dead.
"No." Boromir said firmly, and I blinked at him. "You fought well as Helm's Deep - I know you can handle yourself in a battle. This is but a small skirmish, however, a delay before we are besieged. I would feel better to know that you were back here, safe." His tone was firm, but his eyes pleaded with me to understand. I sighed.
"I will stay, because you have asked me to." I said. "But you are going to haul your butt back here without a major scratch, or I'll tie you to a tree for the rest of the war!" Several of the men in the company, who were close enough to hear, chuckled, and Boromir smiled wryly. "I'm not kidding, Boromir. I have a hobbit and wizard who would be more then glad to help." I said warningly, and he nodded.
"I will come back without a 'major scratch'." he said reassuringly, then leaned down and kissed me lightly on the cheek. He straightened, and with a last smile in my direction, spurred his horse forward, leaving me to move off to the side as his men followed him. Sighing, I climbed back up to the wall and looked out, watching as Boromir and his men made their way to where Faramir and his men were slowly retreating from the onslaught of the Orcs.
I bit my lip as I watched, worried, but I knew there was nothing I could do, especially after I'd told Boromir I'd stay here. As the day blended into night, the swan-knights of Dol Amroth and their Prince rode out to help the host led by Faramir and Boromir as it retreated. Then the Nazgul came, and Gandalf showed himself once more. Finally, the moment I dreaded came. The companies came back, and I strained my eyes, leaning out over the wall, to see if Faramir was at the companies head.
He wasn't. And neither was Boromir. I was relieved in that, at least, but worried. Faramir was supposed to be wounded, but I had not idea as to the part that Boromir was supposed to play in this battle, and it struck me again that he could very well have died. But there, at the back, he came riding, next to Prince Imrahil, and in front of him on his horse was his brother, wounded. At this, I said a quick goodbye to Pippin and Beregond, then dashed off the wall and headed up towards the Citadel. I reached the gates of the Citadel at the same time as Boromir and Prince Imrahil, and followed them in as they took Faramir to Denethor.
When they entered the hall where Denethor was waiting, I saw him turn, a smile on his face, ready to congratulate his sons, but then he saw who Boromir was carrying. The Steward's face went deathly pale, and I saw him swallow as his face fell to one of grief. Then he walked, jerkily, over to Boromir, and took his sons body. His eyes closed, and I swear I saw a tear glistening in the corner of them. Then his eyes opened once more, and he started snapping out orders. Faramir was taken to the healing hall, and I would have stayed in the hall with Denethor, Imrahil and Boromir, but Boromir asked me to go to the healing hall and keep an eye on his brother for him. I hesitated when he asked, but then nodded, and caught Boromir's hand and gave it a squeeze before heading out of the hall. The servants carrying Faramir were still in sight, thankfully, and I caught up with them and followed them.
When we reached the healing hall, the healers immediately set about doing what they could for the young lord of Gondor, but I shook my head as I watched. I knew they wouldn't be able to do anything - only Aragorn would be able to heal Faramir. Ioreth, the famous old healer from the book that never shut up, appeared beside me when I shook my head, and looked at me curiously.
"Have hope, Lady. The healers are most skilled, I am sure they will have Lord Faramir healed in no time." she said.
"Only the hands of a King will heal Faramir now." I said, then took a deep breath and glanced about. I hated hospitals. I'd only been in one once - when my grandmother had died - and it had scared me then. This healing hall was no hospital, but still, it reminded me of a hospital. I suddenly couldn't bear to stay in there any longer, even though Boromir had asked me to watch his brother for him.
"Please tell me if there is any change." I said, catching the sleeve of one of the healers congregating around Faramir, and he absently nodded. Oh well, it would do. I slipped out into the gardens that came off of the hall, and looked out over the city. I watched the people scurry about below, and afternoon faded into evening. Just as the gate was about to shut, I realized that there was a column of riders - going very fast - approaching the city. Squinting in the darkness, I couldn't make out very much, but I heard the call that came up. The Fair People had come once again to honour the old alliances. Which meant - Elves.
I dashed out of the healing hall, and headed straight for the Citadel. Inside, I somehow managed to find my way, without getting lost, to the hall where Boromir, Denethor and Imrahil were still talking, though Gandalf had since joined them. A look of alarm flashed across Boromir's face when I entered, breathless, apparently thinking something had happened to his brother, and he half rose, but then I caught my breath.
"The Elves have come." I announced. "Less then there were at Helm's Deep, but they have come."
"Whatever strength they have will help." Denethor said gravely, and he rose and headed out of the hall, with everyone following him. I stayed back by Boromir, who seemed to be not quite sure what to make of this new development. I'd thought he would be incredibly happy - I knew Minas Tirith was short on forces from what I'd read - but he almost looked like he was going to scowl instead of smile. To be sure, the rest of the group we were traveling with was smiling in some form or another - even Gandalf.
When we left the Citadel, the Elves were just beginning to enter the city. We waited up at the entrance of the Citadel as the Elves rode up, managing to look graceful, well-rested and ready for battle, despite the fact that they'd just run the gauntlet to get in the city before the Orcs started the siege. To my surprise, I saw not only blonde, but several dark-haired elves in the company. Looking more closely, I realized I could see Elves from all three of the different realms - Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien. Which would explain why there were two leaders to the company.
When the Elven riders were within about 20 feet of us, the company halted, and the two leaders dismounted and walked up. They bowed slightly to Denethor, and then let the hoods of their cloaks fall back. One looked like the spitting image of Legolas - he had to be a brother of the prince. The other was Haldir.
They greeted Denethor, and made a similar speech to the one which Haldir had made to Theoden at Helm's Deep, and made excuses for Elrohir and Elladan's absence, saying they were currently on a quest of their own. Then it was Denethor's turn to welcome the Elves to the city and tell them how grateful we were for their arrival.
Boromir sure didn't look grateful, though. As soon as the two leaders had shown their faces, his face had slid into the promised scowl, and he was not a happy looking Lord of Gondor. I elbowed him lightly and looked at him curiously. He glanced down at me and smiled slightly, then looked back out at the Elves and scowled again. After a moment, Haldir and the other leader - who actually was Legolas's younger brother, it turned out - turned to the company of Elves and said something in Elvish. Apparently it was a command to disperse, as the Elves suddenly broke off into little groups and went wandering off through the city.
Then Haldir and the young Mirkwood prince turned back, and it was decided to go back into the Citadel to discuss the defense of the city with the addition of the Elves. I almost followed, but I realized it would not only be incredibly boring, but I was really at a loss as to where this battle was supposed to go, anyways, since several people had been added that shouldn't be there - heck, several companies of Elves had been added! So I went back to the healing hall and checked up on Faramir. He was doing as expected after being hit with a Nazgul dart - that is, not very good. There were a few Elven healers in the hall, now, and they'd helped as they could, but even they could not heal him completely.
I headed out into the gardens, then, and watched as the darkness got darker. The Gate had been shut behind the Elves, and with the falling of night, the siege of Minas Tirith began. The sound of the orcs drifted in on the night wind, and I closed my eyes, trying to remind myself that everything would turn out right. The Rohirrim would come when they were needed, Aragorn would turn up at the last to defeat the orc army, and the free peoples would win. And that was without the help of the Elves. But as the sounds of the orc army going about their business floated in on the wind, and the unholy screeches of the Nazgul's and their mounts rang out over the city, I began to realize what was meant when Boromir had said it was long since they'd had any hope.
~ Quote: ~
"Some forget it, but go far enough back in any House, and you'll find a commoner who showed uncommon courage or kept his head and took charge when everybody else was running around like plucked geese." - Lord Davram Bashere in 'Lord of Chaos', book 6 of 'The Wheel of Time' series by Robert Jordan
~ Disclaimer: ~
*sings* I own nothing nothing nothing, I own nothing all day long, I own absolutely nothing, now you know my nothing song! *ahem* Erin's mine.
~ Chapter XVI~
~ Legolas's brother and Haldir's Return ~
Seeing as Boromir practically sleepwalked into bed, and there was no one around to show me the way out of the Citadel, I ended out sleeping in Boromir's room. It was quite nice to curl up next to him to sleep - I fell asleep almost instantly, despite the fact that I'd slept most of the afternoon. When I woke, it was to a loud knocking on the door. Boromir was still knocked out next to me, and didn't look like he was going to move soon, so I stood, straightened my clothes, and went to the door and opened it. The guard that was there eyed me strangely.
"Lord Denethor requests the presence of his son, Boromir." the guard said after a moment, and I nodded.
"Tell him Boromir will be there soon. Just as soon as I wake him up. Which might take awhile." I said dryly, glancing back at Boromir, who had begun to snore softly. The guard gave a slight bow, then headed off down the hall. I closed the door and turned back to Boromir. I woke him up nicely, with no tickling or staring at him involved - in fact, it mostly involved kissing various parts of his face, which was quite enjoyable. Even more enjoyable was the good morning kiss that followed.
"Your father requests your presence," I said softly when we broke away from each other, and Boromir sighed.
"Then I suppose I must go to him," he said, getting up. He stretched, and I grinned as he absently stripped off his shirt and set about finding a cleaner one. Boromir shirtless? Yummy! Eventually, much to my dismay, he found a shirt, and motioned for me to follow as he headed out. He led the way to the hall where Denethor was waiting, and there we found that Gandalf and Pippin were waiting for us.
"I believe it would be best if you were at this meeting, Lady Erin, but it seems Lord Denethor does not agree. You shall have to spend the day with Pippin, or about on your own." Gandalf said when we arrived. I nodded, then pulled the wizard off to one side.
"Faramir must go to Osgiliath." I said softly. The wizard nodded, then disappeared inside the hall. Boromir delayed long enough to quickly kiss my hand, making me smile, then he followed Gandalf, and Pippin and I were left in the hall. The hobbit smiled at me, and we set off down the hall. Once we left the Citadel, Pippin started talking, and I accompanied him to his post on the walls. There, I met Beregond, who, after seeing a halfling walk straight out of legend, was accepting of a woman in Elvish clothing who could fight.
I stayed there, up on the wall, leaving only to eat and fetch my weapons from where Gandalf and Pippin were staying, for the entire day. Beregond did find that a little bit strange, but I didn't care. The wall had a great view, and besides, I could see who was coming and going. To my delight, Faramir was indeed to one who set off for Osgiliath. Boromir was initially riding beside his brother, and for a moment I wondered if he was going, as well, but he turned back at the gate and headed back to the Citadel. I considered following him, but if Denethor hadn't wanted me at the meeting at the beginning, he probably wouldn't want me there now.
When night fell, I went with Pippin back to the house where he and Gandalf were staying and slept there. The next day I followed Pippin once more to the wall, and spent the day there as before. Early in the morning, Faramir was forced to retreat to the Causeway Forts, and then from behind the walls approached another host of men, led by Boromir. Excusing myself, I ran down from the wall, and appeared in front of the gate as Boromir and his men approached it.
"I must ride out to help my brother, Lady Erin." Boromir said, riding over to me.
"Then I'll come with you." I said promptly. If I was out there, perhaps I could help ensure that what little I knew of the battle went as it should. And I was worried for Boromir. Faramir was supposed to be wounded in this fight - but Boromir wasn't even supposed to be in it. He could very well end up dead.
"No." Boromir said firmly, and I blinked at him. "You fought well as Helm's Deep - I know you can handle yourself in a battle. This is but a small skirmish, however, a delay before we are besieged. I would feel better to know that you were back here, safe." His tone was firm, but his eyes pleaded with me to understand. I sighed.
"I will stay, because you have asked me to." I said. "But you are going to haul your butt back here without a major scratch, or I'll tie you to a tree for the rest of the war!" Several of the men in the company, who were close enough to hear, chuckled, and Boromir smiled wryly. "I'm not kidding, Boromir. I have a hobbit and wizard who would be more then glad to help." I said warningly, and he nodded.
"I will come back without a 'major scratch'." he said reassuringly, then leaned down and kissed me lightly on the cheek. He straightened, and with a last smile in my direction, spurred his horse forward, leaving me to move off to the side as his men followed him. Sighing, I climbed back up to the wall and looked out, watching as Boromir and his men made their way to where Faramir and his men were slowly retreating from the onslaught of the Orcs.
I bit my lip as I watched, worried, but I knew there was nothing I could do, especially after I'd told Boromir I'd stay here. As the day blended into night, the swan-knights of Dol Amroth and their Prince rode out to help the host led by Faramir and Boromir as it retreated. Then the Nazgul came, and Gandalf showed himself once more. Finally, the moment I dreaded came. The companies came back, and I strained my eyes, leaning out over the wall, to see if Faramir was at the companies head.
He wasn't. And neither was Boromir. I was relieved in that, at least, but worried. Faramir was supposed to be wounded, but I had not idea as to the part that Boromir was supposed to play in this battle, and it struck me again that he could very well have died. But there, at the back, he came riding, next to Prince Imrahil, and in front of him on his horse was his brother, wounded. At this, I said a quick goodbye to Pippin and Beregond, then dashed off the wall and headed up towards the Citadel. I reached the gates of the Citadel at the same time as Boromir and Prince Imrahil, and followed them in as they took Faramir to Denethor.
When they entered the hall where Denethor was waiting, I saw him turn, a smile on his face, ready to congratulate his sons, but then he saw who Boromir was carrying. The Steward's face went deathly pale, and I saw him swallow as his face fell to one of grief. Then he walked, jerkily, over to Boromir, and took his sons body. His eyes closed, and I swear I saw a tear glistening in the corner of them. Then his eyes opened once more, and he started snapping out orders. Faramir was taken to the healing hall, and I would have stayed in the hall with Denethor, Imrahil and Boromir, but Boromir asked me to go to the healing hall and keep an eye on his brother for him. I hesitated when he asked, but then nodded, and caught Boromir's hand and gave it a squeeze before heading out of the hall. The servants carrying Faramir were still in sight, thankfully, and I caught up with them and followed them.
When we reached the healing hall, the healers immediately set about doing what they could for the young lord of Gondor, but I shook my head as I watched. I knew they wouldn't be able to do anything - only Aragorn would be able to heal Faramir. Ioreth, the famous old healer from the book that never shut up, appeared beside me when I shook my head, and looked at me curiously.
"Have hope, Lady. The healers are most skilled, I am sure they will have Lord Faramir healed in no time." she said.
"Only the hands of a King will heal Faramir now." I said, then took a deep breath and glanced about. I hated hospitals. I'd only been in one once - when my grandmother had died - and it had scared me then. This healing hall was no hospital, but still, it reminded me of a hospital. I suddenly couldn't bear to stay in there any longer, even though Boromir had asked me to watch his brother for him.
"Please tell me if there is any change." I said, catching the sleeve of one of the healers congregating around Faramir, and he absently nodded. Oh well, it would do. I slipped out into the gardens that came off of the hall, and looked out over the city. I watched the people scurry about below, and afternoon faded into evening. Just as the gate was about to shut, I realized that there was a column of riders - going very fast - approaching the city. Squinting in the darkness, I couldn't make out very much, but I heard the call that came up. The Fair People had come once again to honour the old alliances. Which meant - Elves.
I dashed out of the healing hall, and headed straight for the Citadel. Inside, I somehow managed to find my way, without getting lost, to the hall where Boromir, Denethor and Imrahil were still talking, though Gandalf had since joined them. A look of alarm flashed across Boromir's face when I entered, breathless, apparently thinking something had happened to his brother, and he half rose, but then I caught my breath.
"The Elves have come." I announced. "Less then there were at Helm's Deep, but they have come."
"Whatever strength they have will help." Denethor said gravely, and he rose and headed out of the hall, with everyone following him. I stayed back by Boromir, who seemed to be not quite sure what to make of this new development. I'd thought he would be incredibly happy - I knew Minas Tirith was short on forces from what I'd read - but he almost looked like he was going to scowl instead of smile. To be sure, the rest of the group we were traveling with was smiling in some form or another - even Gandalf.
When we left the Citadel, the Elves were just beginning to enter the city. We waited up at the entrance of the Citadel as the Elves rode up, managing to look graceful, well-rested and ready for battle, despite the fact that they'd just run the gauntlet to get in the city before the Orcs started the siege. To my surprise, I saw not only blonde, but several dark-haired elves in the company. Looking more closely, I realized I could see Elves from all three of the different realms - Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien. Which would explain why there were two leaders to the company.
When the Elven riders were within about 20 feet of us, the company halted, and the two leaders dismounted and walked up. They bowed slightly to Denethor, and then let the hoods of their cloaks fall back. One looked like the spitting image of Legolas - he had to be a brother of the prince. The other was Haldir.
They greeted Denethor, and made a similar speech to the one which Haldir had made to Theoden at Helm's Deep, and made excuses for Elrohir and Elladan's absence, saying they were currently on a quest of their own. Then it was Denethor's turn to welcome the Elves to the city and tell them how grateful we were for their arrival.
Boromir sure didn't look grateful, though. As soon as the two leaders had shown their faces, his face had slid into the promised scowl, and he was not a happy looking Lord of Gondor. I elbowed him lightly and looked at him curiously. He glanced down at me and smiled slightly, then looked back out at the Elves and scowled again. After a moment, Haldir and the other leader - who actually was Legolas's younger brother, it turned out - turned to the company of Elves and said something in Elvish. Apparently it was a command to disperse, as the Elves suddenly broke off into little groups and went wandering off through the city.
Then Haldir and the young Mirkwood prince turned back, and it was decided to go back into the Citadel to discuss the defense of the city with the addition of the Elves. I almost followed, but I realized it would not only be incredibly boring, but I was really at a loss as to where this battle was supposed to go, anyways, since several people had been added that shouldn't be there - heck, several companies of Elves had been added! So I went back to the healing hall and checked up on Faramir. He was doing as expected after being hit with a Nazgul dart - that is, not very good. There were a few Elven healers in the hall, now, and they'd helped as they could, but even they could not heal him completely.
I headed out into the gardens, then, and watched as the darkness got darker. The Gate had been shut behind the Elves, and with the falling of night, the siege of Minas Tirith began. The sound of the orcs drifted in on the night wind, and I closed my eyes, trying to remind myself that everything would turn out right. The Rohirrim would come when they were needed, Aragorn would turn up at the last to defeat the orc army, and the free peoples would win. And that was without the help of the Elves. But as the sounds of the orc army going about their business floated in on the wind, and the unholy screeches of the Nazgul's and their mounts rang out over the city, I began to realize what was meant when Boromir had said it was long since they'd had any hope.