*** I'd like to say something to the negative reviews... Okay, first of all, of course I know that Boromir died in the books (and in the movie), but I decided to write a story in which he survived the journey of the fellowship. Excuse me, but I always thought that's what fanfiction is for?! I don't think my story is less "realistic" than many other stories that are posted here. I pointed out that I know it is far fetched that Aragorn refuses the crown, but: I read stories in which Boromir rapes Legolas or Aragorn has sex with Gandalf, now how far fetched is that?! (No offense to the people who wrote stories like that! Keep it up, guys!) In my opinion everybody can write what he or she wants to write, nobody forces you to read it if you don't like it! If you want to read a story in which everything happens exactly like it does in Tolkien's version... very well, read Tolkien's version and not fanfiction! And there's no reason to get rude, only because you don't like this
story. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate negative criticism, but only as long as it is constructive and not stupid and insulting. And man, don't take fanfics so damn serious!! I write this only for fun, so relax a bit, okay?
Last but not least, thanks a lot for the encouraging reviews! They keep me writing! :) ***
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The sun was already setting when a lonely rider entered Gondor at high speed. He had come from far away, not only to witness the wedding ceremonies but also to see a good friend of his again. Finally reaching the gates of Minas Tirith, he gently forced his horse to slow down. The corners of his mouth moved only slightly to form a tiny smile when he saw people decorating the streets and houses for the huge festivities that were to start tomorrow. Slowly he entered the city.

He did not come far until something caught his attention. A small group of riders was dashing along the road, shouting at the people to make way. The single rider moved his horse to the side of the street to make way like everybody else, but when the group came past him his eyes locked with the ones of one of them. Eyes that were familiar.

"Wait!" the male human ordered his companions and made his big dark horse stop right next to the rider that had just arrived at Minas Tirith.

"But we need to..." one of the other two men stated, but was silenced by a gesture of the man who had forced them to stop.

"What a pleasure to see you, Legolas my friend," Aragorn said while the male elf made a respectful movement with his head to greet back.

"Are you in trouble?" Legolas asked and shortly gazed at the other two men whose faces showed worried and inpatient expressions. A small smile spread on Aragorn's face.

"You did not even arrive properly and already offer your help, after such a long and exhausting journey?" he asked teasing.

"Of course. So what is it that troubles you?" Legolas demanded to know.

"Boromir and his betrothed, Lady Aerilyn, set out for a ride this noon. They have not returned since and the sun is setting already."

"Forgive me, Aragorn, but we are wasting precious time," the other one of the two riders pointed out.

"You speak true words, Lord Atalar. Let's move," Aragorn said, his eyes still locked with Legolas'.

"I will join you," the elf said immediately and so the group of four urged their horses to fasten up again.

It was a few hours later and dark already when they found the first hint. They had split up the group, leaving Atalar with Aragorn while Legolas and Faramir rode alone, but they always kept within hearing.

"What is it?" Aragorn wanted to know when Atalar suddenly jumped from his horse and knelt down on the ground of the wood. He picked up a piece of cloth, dark purple in color.

"This belongs my sister," he said, rising on his feet again and showing the piece to Aragorn.

"It is ripped," Aragorn stated. Atalar only nodded and got on back on his horse rapidly.

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Legolas slowed down his horse when he reached a small clearing. His eyes had caught something that struck him, something that was lying in the grass, slightly shimmering although it was rather dark. He got off his horse and approached it slowly at first, but when he realized that it was a human body he increased the speed of his steps.

She was lying on her side and did not move. Her pale skin that was in sharp contrast to her very dark long hair reflected the moonlight. Legolas knelt down next to her and carefully rolled her on her back, not paying attention to her nudity at all. He choked when he discovered the dagger that had been stabbed deeply in her chest. The dark blood that came from the wound was rather fresh, so the attack must have taken place not very long ago. Legolas looked around alarmed, ready to pull his weapon, but the woods remained silent. He looked back down to the young woman and then raised his head again to yell after the other ones. He just wanted to examine the woman and her wound more closely when Atalar cried out in pain and fell on his knees next to the body of his sister. When he said her name and touched her face she suddenly opened her eyes a bit. She had to struggle hard, but she managed to keep them open for a short time.

"Lyn... speak, what happened to you?" Atalar asked softly, running a hand over her pale cheek.

"Boromir..." she whispered exhaustedly and blinked with a lot of effort. Before she could bring out another word she coughed up some blood and then closed her eyes, not able to open them again. Legolas outstretched a hand, but before he reached her neck Atalar pushed him so hard that he almost fell on his back.

"Do not touch her, elf!" he yelled.

"I only want to..."

"I said do not touch her! And do take your eyes off her, all of you!" Atalar interrupted and hurried to get off his cloak to cover Aerilyn's naked and injured body.

"We need to find Boromir," Faramir exclaimed and wanted to climb his horse, but then twirled around when he heard Atalar say: "We need to find him quickly so I can make him pay for what he has done."

"What are you talking about?!" Faramir hissed.

Atalar glared at him, tears gathering in his dark eyes. He rose on his feet while he spoke, his voice full with pain and hate.

"Boromir obviously took advantage of my beloved sister and then murdered her ruthlessly!"

"You have no evidence for that!" Faramir replied furiously.

"No evidence you say?! They went for this ride alone, nobody else who could have done it was with them! My sister's last word was Boromir!"

"The name of the man who was about to be a good husband to her," Faramir said.

"The name of the man who was a murderer to her! Am I the only one who sees the truth?!" Atalar hollered, "It is Boromir's dagger that brought death to my sister, is that not evidence enough?!"

"Atalar, calm down," Aragorn said, honest sympathy in his voice.

"No! Boromir did not only dishonor my sister with this horrifying deed but also my whole family! Whole Katalla! And you must admit, whole Gondor too! He deserves to die from my hand!"

"Then you will have to kill me first! Come and try!" Faramir yelled and pulled his sword.

"Stop it now!" Aragorn shouted and stepped between them.

"It is not too late yet!" Legolas suddenly exclaimed, drawing the attention of all three men towoards him. Legolas locked gazes with Atalar and continued to speak.

"Your sister is still alive, she is only unconscious. If we ride fast and bring her to the best healers she perhaps will survive. Her heart is young and strong."

Aragorn nodded.

"I will take her with me, my horse is the fastest."

Atalar didn't complain when Aragorn finally was in the saddle, Aerilyn's slack body safe in his arms, wrapped in Atalar's dark cloak.

"We will meet back at Minas Tirith. Legolas, make sure those two will not kill each other on your way back."

"Yes, Aragorn. Good luck," Legolas replied.

"We will need it," Aragorn responded and was gone a second later.