*Old and New Friends*

Summary: Boromir arrives once again in Rivendell, and meets up with an old friend... or two, and makes a new one. Also, him and his new friend go on a little late-night adventure.

A/N: woohoo! Fifth part! I'm so proud of myself! (although my english teacher may not be, when I fail to hand in my essay ^-^;;) but anyway! I hope this one is better then the last one. Please R/R but no flames~.

***

On only our fourth day of traveling, my thoughts were beginning to cloud my mind. I let myself doze off, and I pushed aside all fears and doubts that he and I would cross paths now, and let myself enjoy the trip.

*

Our arrival at Rivendell was just the same as others - the being met at the gates by Elrond and his children, the formal introductions, but this time, things seemed quieter and more serious.

We were almost immediately shown to our rooms, what with it being nighttime and all, but I didn't want to stay in my room.

Unfortunately, father caught me trying to slip down the hallway to go outside.

His stern voice told me that I was not to be wandering off and causing any trouble - I was to be respectful and serious. It was just another lecture I'd gotten so many times before, ever since I 'became a real man'.

I stood, listening to his firm words and waited for him to just shut up and let me go to bed, I was already tired of him.

Finally, I lay in bed, now angry and with a need for comforting.

Curling myself up, I pressed my face into the pillow and tried to sleep.

*

I made my way down the stairs for breakfast, still half-asleep, as my father had shaken me awake only minutes before and told me to make an appearance for fear of seeming rude.

'And waking me up like that isn't?' Sarcastic thoughts trailed slowly through my head as I took my seat next to my father.

I noticed that there were a few more Elves going in and out of the room, although some were just sitting there watching the group of us men, trying to eat, pretending we didn't feel their eyes uncomfortably watching us.

Afterwards, I was walking around the gates and saw Elrond greeting a group of very short, bearded men with heavy axes.

I found out that they were Dwarves, also coming to speak to Elrond.

"But what about?" I inquired.

"You shall find out later," my father replied, motioning for me to lave him alone.

Sighing in frustration, I took off for the gardens.

*

Now, this is where things get complicated. The one person in the whole world I was trying to forget, was the one person I knew I wouldn't see here. I had managed to forget about him and try to enjoy my time. But all the fair-haired Elves running around made it hard, and my thoughts drifted from time to time, to things I knew I shouldn't have been thinking about. I was, after all, trying to forget.

The long years made it easy. I forced any mental picture away, blocked my ears at recalls of his voice, shrank away from a touch that wasn't there.

I stopped short, realizing I was dwelling. I don't like to dwell. Scowling at myself, I ran my hands through my hair and turned to go back the way I came.

But standing in my path, was a tall, dark-haired Elf with piercing green eyes and an expressionless face. He looked familiar, and yet...

"Boromir," he bowed, and I remembered who he was.

Or whom I thought he was. "El... El..." I almost blushed, I felt so bad for forgetting his name, or rather, which one was his name.

"Elrohir," he said.

"Elrohir," I bowed my head in return.

A smile appeared briefly as I spoke his name, but faded away just as quick.

"Are you liking it here, in Rivendell?" he began small talk as I started walking.

"Yes, I am, thank you," What was I supposed to say to him? I've scarcely spoken with Elves, and I still hold an admiration and respect for them.

"You're shy, almost nervous?" There was that tiny smile of his again, almost hidden in the shadow of his face, not to mention the shadows of the trees we walked under.

I chuckled. "You know me well for not knowing me, Elrohir."

We walked to the House of Elrond in silence, but it was not an uncomfortable one.

I enjoyed the company of this Elf, even if he didn't say much. But you don't need to say much to be beautiful.

*

After a long day, it was finally bed time. I crawled under my blankets, hoping to quickly doze off - the council was less than a day away - but a sound made me wake up again. It was the sound of... someone...

"Singing."

I crept out of bed and to the window, peering out between the moonlight-covered trees.

"No, no... It can't be..." I don't actually know if I said that aloud. What I do know is that I saw someone... And the instant I saw him, I lost my balance and almost stopped breathing.

After all this time, I'd pushed any thought or memory of him out of mind, completely forgetting him.

Or so I'd hoped.

*

I heard his voice dancing on the wind, ever so quietly, as if he didn't know whether he wanted someone to hear him.

At last, at last, I crossed the halls and paths and now I stood behind him, as one of his hands rested ever -so-gently on a tree beside him.

"You walk a lonely road

Oh! How far you are from home

When the night is overcome

You may rise to find the sun

Believe and you will find your way..."

It was like his words were caressing the wind. I couldn't take it - I wanted him back, no matter how much it hurt! He seduced me like this before, and now he's gone and done it again.

Oh, how I hated him for it.

Yes, I know. I love him and I hate him. I hate him for making me love him. And I love him, because...

I just do.

*

I scarcely slept that night, my fears of loving him creeping back and haunting me. I didn't want to love him again! I didn't love him! I didn't! And I don't!

Then why did I run?

Why did I leave as quickly and quietly as I could and slink back to my room as if I were in trouble? Because I was in trouble. If he'd turned around and looked at me, or worse - if he'd spoken to me - I have no idea what I would have done.

"Probably throw myself on him and not let go," I muttered with a harsh laugh.

A loud knock on the door jolted me to full awakeness and I sat up, startled.

"Who is it?"

"Get up and get ready," My father didn't bother saying it was him - he didn't need to; I could tell by the annoyed tone in his voice.

If he is so peeved with me, why does he bother bringing me places? Muttering, I crawled tiredly out of bed and dressed, ready to stay awake for the day.

*

Father said that I should go and wander the gardens - again - and not irk him. What he really meant was "Boromir, I find it completely unnecessary to bring you along but I do just to torture you and bring back painful memories of your past so go cry in a corner."

That's my father in a nutshell.

I laughed to myself as I made fun of him in my thoughts, the night before forgotten.

Until I walked by that tree.

I stopped short, an upset scowl on my face. "Why right now? Why can I not be left alone? I would like to come here one time without those memories coming back! Why can't I just bury them in the back of my mind somewhere? Why-"

I heard him approach before he even thought of speaking.

"And now you..." My voice broke and my body went rigid as he stepped up close behind me.

I was close to tears now, with all the torment on my mind.

"Just go away..." I shut my eyes tight, hoping no tears would come.

A swift wind came from behind me. Slowly, I opened my eyes and turned around.

He was gone.

*

"Boromir, why are you frowning? Is there something here that does not please you?"

I glanced up at Elrohir. I knew it was him because his brother didn't like me and avoided me.

"No, I'm fine. Where are you going?" I noticed he had his cloak on.

"My brother and I are going hunting. I suppose I won't see you for some time, then. Wish us luck," he smiled.

"The best of luck to you and Elladan on your trip," I smiled back.

He smiled again, then left the room.

It was close to raining so I'd decided to stay inside that day, and wander the halls of the House of Elrond, like I'd always wanted to, but never had.

I nodded and smiled politely at anyone I ran into, avoiding eye contact for more than a few seconds, for fear that I may have to strike up a conversation with someone.

I only glanced at the Broken Sword, reminding myself to go back later and look at it.

But now, I was nearly late. It was almost time for the council.

*

"Valar save me."

Those words came into my head when I saw... a certain someone.

He was walking along an adjoining path to the one I was on, heading for the meeting place.

I stopped still, certain he would turn his head and look at me, with those piercing oh-so-gorgeous eyes of his.

Holding my breath as if to hide, I watched him walk a few more feet until he was in front of me, only a few skinny trees separating us.

Unsure of just how good his hearing was, I began breathing again, and took a step, but his walk slowed.

And he suddenly whipped around, looking right at me.

The many expressions that flashed through his pale eyes, then finally, the look on his face when he stared at me, were almost amazing. I'd never seen him look so upset.

He almost stuttered on his words. "Hello, Boromir."

"Legolas," I nodded, hoping I didn't look nearly as nervous and scared as I felt. But... scared? What did I have to be scared of? Besides what he might think of me...

His eyes glanced around me, then settled back on my face. "How have you been?"

"Fine. You?" Our voices were quiet, and I took a couple steps toward him.

"Fine."

I fidgeted nervously.

We were about to speak again, when someone called out something in Elvish and Legolas turned and called back.

"We should go. The council is about to start," his tone seemed more formal, and he straightened up; I hadn't even noticed he's slouched.

I nodded. "I'll be there in a minute."

He left.

Did he feel at all like I did? Tortured, scared, anxious, nervous... I sure hope he did.

*

I waited until he was out of my sight before I began walking again.

"Did that really happen? Yes. He was just here. I saw him and spoke to him. But I made a complete fool of myself!" I scolded myself out loud for letting my nervousness show.

But then a thought struck me.

"What is he doing here?"

No! It didn't make sense. I'd run the idea over in my head a thousand times. Mirkwood was simply too far north to get involved in any business that was as far south as Gondor.

It didn't make sense and it wasn't fair.

The surge of emotions when I saw him, when I looked into his eyes, it almost made me want to cry.

But I thought I'd gotten rid of those feelings long ago. All those ones that made me happy, the ones that gave life meaning.

I guess I hadn't.

*

The council went...well.

That's all I'll say.

*

Why did I let myself get involved in this? I am such an idiot! I shouldn't have agreed to go. But then again, if I hadn't, Father would have made my life a living hell and he'd never let me forget that I was a coward and missing out on my chance to prove myself.

"...But at least then I wouldn't be stuck on a long journey with him," I muttered through gritted teeth, trying to think any thought to console myself that it was a good decision I'd made.

I'll get to prove I'm capable of almost anything... Like... Argh! I don't know. Maybe I'll get real battle practice in. Yes, I'll learn to fight better. Maybe...

I never said it was easy.

*

I avoided everyone after the council was over, heading straight for my room as soon as I could, but my father stopped me to talk.

I didn't actually hear much of it, just something about how he thinks I'm now worthy, or something like that. It was yet another time when I wished he would leave me alone.

Shrugging away from him, I sped my pace until I was in my room. I almost threw myself down on the bed, thinking about what I'd said and done in the meeting.

Hating myself for all of it, I buried myself under the blankets and fell asleep.

*

I woke the next day, feeling as if I'd had a wonderful sleep. I did, of course, sleep great because this place has some sort of magic to help you feel better.

On the outside, at least.

I was still furious at myself for breaking down when I'd seen him, and I still regretted almost everything I'd said and done, but now it was too late to worry about that.

Lord Elrond was having some sort of celebration tonight to honor all of us and our bravery.

I really did not want to attend it, but I knew I'd have to.

Sighing, I rolled slowly out of bed and changed my clothes, and I just realized that I complain a lot, especially lately.

"I'll make a note to change that," Rolling my eyes, I nearly laughed at my own stupid conclusion.

Of course I complained! What would Boromir be without telling himself dumb things? Well, he surely wouldn't be Boromir...

I ran a hand through my hair and exited my room, wandering downstairs, and took my place at the table at my father's side.

I glanced around at the others; Elrond was at his usual place, Arwen sitting a couple of empty chairs away, Aragorn at her side. Directly across from me were the four Hobbits, all but the Ringbearer whispering to each other.

There were a few random elves scattered at different seats, eating slowly and carefully.

I noticed that the Dwarves weren't around, probably due to their hatred for Elves.

But one Elf I didn't see was - need I really say? - Legolas. Not that I cared, of course. I don't need to see him. I could care less about him.

"...Right," I am such a horrible liar.

"Did you say something?" my father asked.

"Huh? Oh, no..." I faced away from him and began picking at my breakfast.

*

I decided to spend the day walking around and exploring, kind of like I used to do here. I wandered from the balconies to the gardens and back before I noticed the day was nearing an end.

"How could it have passed so quickly?"

And that meant I'd miss the celebration!

Cursing, I hurried back inside. Luckily, my father quickly found me and pulled into one of the biggest rooms I'd ever seen.

It had the beautiful Elvish decorating everywhere - door frames, window frames, pillars at the sides of the rooms, the walls, even the ceiling had those designs sketched into them.

"Wow..." I was so busy admiring the room that I didn't notice I was sitting in a fancy chair at an elaborate table, supposed to be listening to Elrond's speech.

My father nudged me, meaning I should pay attention.

I tried focusing my eyes on Elrond, but they wandered and examined the room some more.

I also tried to see who was in it.

We were sitting in the back of the room, almost against the wall. Glancing around, I saw the Dwarves huddled together at one table near the door, the four Hobbits sitting with Gandalf, Aragorn sitting with Arwen and a couple of other Elves.

But where was he? Damnit. I caught the thought as came into my head. Nevertheless, I looked for him. Finally, I spotted him.

At a table with a few light-haired Elves, he was sitting almost sideways to me, hands resting neatly on the table in front of him, looking formal but relaxed.

He can look relaxed because he's not in some strange place where the only other person of his race is constantly breathing down his neck.

Happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts...

"Boromir?"

"Huh?"

My father frowned. "Did you hear a word Lord Elrond said?"

"Uh... Yes..." I stuttered. Why can't I ever lie well?

A frown. "Then what did he say?"

"He said, uh, that..." Damn damn damn!

"Excuse me."

We looked at the who had interrupted mu stammering.

"Aragorn! How very nice to see you!" I stood, turning my back on my father as I bowed my head to the man, momentarily forgetting my hatred for him.

"Hello, Boromir," he smiled shortly. "I was wondering if you would care to join the Lady Arwen and I at our table."

"Certainly. Excuse me, father," I followed Aragorn, trying to keep my eyes focused ahead, on his back, trying to keep them from wandering to the left.

He showed me a chair, then sat down across from me, beside Arwen.

"My Lady," I bowed my head to her before sitting down.

"Hello, Boromir. If you do not mind my saying so, it seems Aragorn rescued you from quite a discussion with your father?"

Without looking, I knew my father would be glaring at me. "Yes. Thank you, Aragorn," I mumbled, now remembering that I disliked him.

"Boromir, I know you don't like me," his voice was deeper than I remembered. "You don't have to pretend."

I raised an eyebrow.

"But, how about for just tonight, let's say you and I are old friends, and have a good time here?"

I saw Arwen smile at him out of the corner of my eye; he was doing it to try and impress her, I suppose. But maybe not.

"Let's," I forced a smile onto my face, and we raised our glasses.

*

"I didn't know you could drink that much," I mumbled sleepily, one arm supporting Aragorn as he supported me.

"You didn't know I could, either... No, I mean I didn't know you could," he almost giggled, I swear.

"It's not funny," I replied, snickering.

"I know..."

We were trying to - unsuccessfully - make our way back to our rooms, but we had had too much to drink and had quite quickly lost our way. Now we were wandering aimlessly in the halls.

"Oh, I'm going down!" Aragorn tripped over his feet and fell forward, bringing me with him.

We tried to hold our laughter in at first, but gave up and collapsed, choking to breathe.

"I - I - haha - I can't get up!"

"I - don't say - hehe - anything!"

Needless to say, it was a while before we calmed down.

Standing behind us, Arwen was still there, watching to make sure we didn't get hurt. She hadn't had anything to drink, so we gave her a task - get us to bed in one piece.

Once in awhile, we'd call behind us;

"My Lady! Are you lost?"

"Lady! Will you put us to bed?"

"Oh, Lady Arwen, tuck us in to bed!"

"Oh, please! Make sure we're - hahaha - snuggled in!"

She just smiled at us, probably plotting ways to get revenge.

Now Aragorn and I were laying helplessly on the ground, arms still around each others necks, tears in our eyes.

Finally, we were quiet and just lay there, looking at a door down the hallway.

"Where... Where does that go?" I asked.

Aragorn shrugged. "Outside?" he suggested.

"Let's go look!" I exclaimed, trying to stand and pull him to his feet at the same time.

Bad idea.

"Oh! No!" he cried, as I fell on him again.

I crawled off and we laughed again.

"Would you like some help?" a quiet voice asked, and Arwen extended her hand.

"Certainly, My Lady," Aragorn said, raising an eyebrow and giving her a crooked grin.

She helped him stand, then offered me a hand.

"Thank you, My Lady," I stood. "Really, thank you."

Aragorn laughed. "You jackass!"

Laughingly, I replied: "At least I... I... I don't know!"

As the alcohol still had effect, we thought it was funny. So we laughed.

As we headed for that door, Arwen held both our hands, almost like a mother walking with her children.

"You think we should go to bed soon?" Aragorn swayed in his step.

"What... With each other?" I asked, giggling.

"I don't wanna sleep with you! You're a man!" he laughed.

"I thought you were propositioning me!"

"I was asking you!"

"It's the same thing!"

Even Arwen giggled at that. "He was asking if you wanted to go to bed, but not with him. Go to bed to sleep," her soft voice explained.

"Oh... Oh!" I nodded my head. "No... I don't think so. I want to see what's in this door first."

"Okay..." Aragorn let go of Arwen's hand and gripped the doorknob. "You ready?" he asked, a playful tone to his voice.

"Ha ha... Yea..." I looked curiously at the door.

Aragorn turned the knob, slowly at first, then pushed the door open.

"It's dark," he observed, peering inside.

I let go of Arwen and walked into the room. "What room is this?" I asked.

Aragorn stepped up beside me. "I don't know... You got a light?"

"No..." I fumbled in my pockets for a flint. "Yes." I handed it to him.

He sparked it a couple of times.

"What about something to light?"

We turned and looked behind us. Arwen reached for one of the candles that were always lit, attached to the wall in the corridor.

She handed it to us and Aragorn gave me back the flint. I dropped it into my pocket as he held the candle out in front of him. The room lit up well, despite the flame being so small.

"Wow..."

Heavy drapes covered the open windows opposite us, and everything had the Elvish designs.

The room was some kind of library; books filled shelves, and these were quite a few shelves to fill.

"Now this is a library!" I stepped into the middle of the room.

Behind me, Aragorn was squinting at the candle.

Arwen took the candle from him and held it out, probably afraid that he would end up burning something.

"Of course it's a library... That's why there's books here. Otherwise it wouldn't be a library," Aragorn stated, matter-of-factly.

I gave him a weird look.

Arwen giggled at me. "This is where my father keeps all the books of Elvish history, and folk tales, and travels and so many other things. But not many people know about it. He wants to keep it somewhat secret."

"Why?" I turned around, booking my feet around one another, and fell.

"Boromir!" Aragorn exclaimed, dropping to his knees beside me. "What happened?"

"I fell..." I yawned, getting that tired feeling you get when your drinks start to wear off. "I'm tired."

"Let's go to bed," he said, standing and holding out his hands to me.

"We went through this already... I'm not going to bed with you," I accepted his hands and stood up.

"I didn't offer that!"

"Well that's what it sounds like!" He tightened his grip on my hands.

"You're just drunk. You don't know what you're saying!"

"You're drunker! You don't know what I'm saying!"

"No, you're-"

"Arwen, wouldn't you agree that this is a fascinating display?" a voice cut me off.

We turned, and looked at Lord Elrond standing beside his daughter, who was trying to keep her laughter in.

"Yes, Father. It's quite delightful to see."

"Two noble men, holding hands and arguing over who is... 'drunker'," Elrond smiled at us.

"Oh! Oh!" Aragorn let go of my hands. "Your... Your..."

"Elfness," I whispered to him, snickering.

"Your Elfness!" Aragorn caught on to what he said. "Your Elfness?"

Even Elrond had to hide a smile at that.

I almost burst out laughing. "You're drunker!" I slapped him on the shoulder.

Arwen took a confused Aragorn by the hand. "How about I get you to bed?"

He nodded, yawning. "Good night..."

She led him from the room.

Elrond motioned for me to follow him. "Come along, I'll help you to your room."

"Thank you, Lord," I followed, trying not to let my tiredness overcome yet.

"Did you have a good time tonight?" he asked.

"Oh, yes, My Lord. The celebration was great."

About the library, Boromir... Do you like to read?"

"Yes, Lord."

"Because there is two months before you leave, you will have some time to fill. Would you like to spend some of that time in the library?"

I thought about what he said. It took me a minute to figure it out; I was, after all, still drunk. "Yes, My Lord. That would be great."

Elrond smiled at me.

"Lord Elrond?"

"Yes?" We turned a corner.

"I'm glad to see you again."

He smiled shortly. "Save the compliments for when you're sober."

"But I mean it! I used to love coming here, years ago. And then I didn't get to come, and now I did and I'm glad I get to be here again and-"

"You're rambling."

"Oh... Sorry."

"It's all right. This is your room?" We stopped in front of a door.

"Um... Yes, My Lord. Thank you."

"Good night, Boromir."

***

A/N: good? bad? review! ps - the lyrics are enya's, to her song 'may it be' for the lotr: fotr soundtrack.