I want to thank Chris for her great beta reading job, thank you very much, pal.
This story is dedicated to all people who are around and support me: Mirka, Tanicka, Shaytis, Jo, Chris, Inyx and of course all Faramir fans.
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Prelude to Innocence
by Akin
He knew that he should be packing a few things, but that could wait.
He moved to his desk and there spread there a new scroll. He was well aware that he might be deciding about the result of their battle with Haradrim and that idea made him very uncomfortable.
In the case of their victory, he could receive more attention than anyone. In case of the other...he did not want to think the thought to the end. If they lost the battle, they would be very fortunate not to lose their lives in it as well.
He was the one to lead the companies and most likely decide about victory or defeat. His choices would make the difference. And it began on the scroll that was still lying on his desk, blank.
He gazed at it again and scribbled several names only to cross them out again furiously.
Which company to take with them? He needed strong, reliable men who could support the younger ones. They had to be skilled in fighting with the sword as well as have experience with the bow. He had to be sure about their loyalty and character as well.
The blankness of the scroll which had at first represented a challenge was now almost dreadful. Boromir was not one to lose his heart fast though.
I should pack a few items, maybe I would have clearer head then.
He stood up resolutely and started to line different items on his bed. There were not many and so he did it slowly, consciously over-thoroughly.
Together with the list of the items he had in his mind, he went through the list of all companies presently in Minas Tirith and the experiences connected with them.
To his relief, with his hands his head started to work well and the terrible responsibility on his shoulders lifted. He ended the packing soon. He did not have to think about what to take with him, his years of service were of great help to him.
Boromir licked his lips contently: he had planned everything, was packed and at the top of all still had some time before he wanted to send for the captains of the chosen companies.
Maybe Faramir would like to have a hand in packing. He was sure that his younger brother's temper must have cooled down already so Faramir would welcome his help and it would be a good opportunity to have a talk with him.
Boromir looked one last time around his room one last time to make sure he had not forgetten anything important and then left for Faramir's chamber.
When he entered Faramir's rooms after a brisk knock, he was surprised to find it neat with no prepared things at all. Faramir himself was sitting behind his table and furiously fumbling with something. When he heard someone enter, he turned towards the door and it was quite clear on first sight that his brother was severely agitated.
Boromir cocked his head, slowly entered and carefully started with neutral statement,
"I see you have not prepared anything, so I come right to help you."
Faramir looked at him angrily, "I did not have time to prepare myself. I came a moment ago. I was with Denethor."
Boromir exclaimed disbelievingly, "You were where?"
"With Denethor," Faramir replied dryly, "I was there to protest against taking the orphans with us."
When he caught his brother's disapproving glance, Faramir hastily, but not less sternly added, "I had to do it."
Boromir slowly sat down on the edge of Faramir's bed opposite to his brother sitting by the table and sighed exasperatedly, "And have you achieved anything?"
Faramir's hands flew up angrily, "Of course not!"
Although his younger brother did not describe their conversation, Boromir could well image how it had gone,
"You are going against the stream. I am really getting tired of you and father permanently being on each other's throats."
Faramir looked at him almost reproachfully and exclaimed, "I had to do it! Someone had to do it!"
Boromir replied soothingly, "I know. "
By the words Faramir seemingly warmed and stood up prepared to finally take care of necessary things.
"Have you prepared anything? No. Then do not forget that Hyarmen is a dry land, almost desert-like. There will be dust and soil similar to sand. And the days are very hot there. Warm things are needed only for the nights. But do not take any heavy boots."
When Faramir uncertainly showed him several pairs of shoes, Boromir chuckled, "I have a feeling this will take a little longer than I expected. Wait. I will just give the list of the captains who should come to me to one of the messengers and then we can continue."
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The time with his brother ran as fast as usual. It did not take them long to prepare everything necessary and so they sat opposite each other talking. It had been a long time since they had had a comfortable and good time like this.
Boromir watched his brother while he was talking and clearly felt that something had changed between them, or rather within them. Faramir was changed. His eyes were different. The change passed unnoticed, almost hesitantly, as if someone slowly turned a page in a book.
Faramir was now more mature, manly. It was not only that he had grown, it seemed that a strange red emanation was coming out of his core. And suddenly despite their five years difference, they were equals again.
Faramir was laughing, when a hard knock on the door interrupted him. He lifted his eyebrows in wonder, but opened the door, "Yes?"
"Excuse me master Faramir, I am looking for master Boromir and cannot find him."
"What would you like from my brother?"
"I want to tell him that the captains have gathered in the Throne Hall."
"You can go. I will tell Boromir myself."
With a simple "aye, sir" went the servant away.
Boromir stood up, "I should go to them then. I do not think we will see each other tonight so sleep well."
"Good night to you as well, Boromir."
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Boromir went to the Throne room. He had not realised that it was so late already. Through the high windows in the outer walls only darkness came. He entered the throne room hidden in the shadows of pillars supporting the heavy arched ceiling. Along the table many torches were lit. All captains he wanted to see where already gathered here, standing all around the room. No one sat by the prepared table. Boromir emerged from the shadows,
"Good evening to you, sirs."
He motioned to the table and all five captains moved together with him. They settled down and silently waited for him to speak up,
"I believe you have all at least a vague idea why I have summoned you here. We have to face another threat. The Haradrim crossed Harnen, destroyed Reenatirion and now remain dwelling in Hyarmen. We have no other choice than to respond to this attack. I am here by the will of the steward. And you are here by my will. I chose your companies because they are reliable. Our number is six hundred men and twelve orphans. We shall be the ones to protect the peace and Gondor. We should prepare and leave for Hyarmen the day after tomorrow."
The light on the faces of the captains danced slightly, but that was the only movement in the whole room. No one moved or said anything. Boromir doubted there would be anyone who would dare to doubt the decision of the steward. Although all the captains must have thought the same as him: their task was almost bordering with self-sacrifice.
"We should leave Gondor in the early morning. Be prepared. Strength and Honour."
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Boromir was unsettled. He had done everything he could for the sake of success.
For now, there was nothing else. Nevertheless, he could not bring his thoughts to rest.
There was nothing to think of, yet his thoughts were running in his head like wild horses. He could not find his peace even in the silent rooms of his chamber. Boromir smoothed the soft linen on the top of his bed. He wished to lie down.
He looked at the candle burning on his small table. The small yellowish flame was jumping and dancing in slow rhythm. His eyes concentrated only on that. There was nothing but the flame, flowing in his mind like a stream, filling it, warming him. In a moment of clarity his whole world shrunk into one flame. There was light, no anger or fear. Only hope. And then the flame went out. A thin ribbon of smoke rose.
Boromir smoothed the cover of the bed again and then stood up. Although his body was weary, there were too many words.
Ungrounded worries.
He could not understand why they were present. He could not banish them from his heart as well. A sense of dread was welling in his heart like filth on the bed of Anduin.
He cast one last look at his dim chamber and then walked out.
He escaped the high passages of the House and soon went out into the free court.
It was empty and silent. The riot of the yearly tournament soon seeped into the old walls of the city and there remained only silence again.
Boromir smiled. They had both, he and Faramir, learnt a lot then. The peace of those days seemed life-time ago. It seemed hardly possible only about thirty days had passed. For a moment he considered going to Faramir and talking to him, but then he reasoned that his brother would most likely be sleeping already. And if he was not, then they would probably spend the whole night talking- that neither of them could afford.
Boromir sat down on one of the benches in the court and looked on the flag limply hanging on the top of the House. The same one was hanging on the top of the Cathedral as well,
//Kiriel gwanale...Boromir lav nin wanya......lav nin wanya! What do you see when you look at me? Do you see a man born in the shadow of the Cathedral?//
By the memory of the spoken words Boromir shuddered. It was as if death brushed his arm. He banished the thoughts. The past could not bite them anymore, it was the future he was more afraid of.
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Alex-hmmm I am glad you like my Denethor. I, in fact, admire and in a way like the man so I try. :)
AzNnEgGrOePnOi-The pleasure is all mine, really. I love writing about these great guys, they are so inspirating. I hope that now when the story takes another course, it would still stand up to your expectations. ;)
I thank you everyone who encouraged me and told me one way or another that he/she likes the story, EVERY comment (criticising especially) is welcome!
If you have any questions or didn't like something, just drop me a line I will surely respond. Constructive criticism is more than welcomed.