*** First of all: Hooray to 250 reviews!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I was bouncing up and down with joy when I saw it!! I have to say I'm a little sad that my 250th reviewer obviously didn't read the story and flamed me for something I didn't even write… But I want to thank every single of my reviewers from the bottom of my heart, even the one who called me a "sick huzzy" (I still don't know what a "huzzy" is but I assume nothing good). Yeah. So thanks!!! You all rock!!!! And please don't stop reviewing, it really helps and means a lot!
I decided to split the wedding chapter in two parts so you don't have to wait any longer. It's kind of chopped in the middle now, but I didn't want to wait until January to post a new chapter. I'll be away in London over the holidays, I'm going to see Sean Bean performing at the MacBeth-Show so keep your fingers crossed that he will inspire me for future chapters. ;-)
Thanks to everybody who is still following this story! I hope you will enjoy the wedding.
Merry Christmas everybody and a happy new year!!!!! ***
She couldn't believe it. In only a moment, she would get married. And she was pregnant with her future husband's child. Despite the fact that she had been prepared and brought up to do exactly this and nothing else, she suddenly felt unsure. Aerilyn felt how her hands were trembling, but she couldn't do anything about it. Although she was looking forward to finally bonding with Boromir, she was scared. Now as they were standing on the platform at the top of the stairs that led to the entrance of the White Tower, she realized the great significance this marriage had not only for their families, but for the people as well. Masses were crowding below them on the huge square and the streets in order to witness the wedding of their captain and future steward. As the daughter of a steward, Aerilyn had attended many large festivities and other huge cultural events in her life, but even she had never seen such a lot of people in one place. And all those pairs of expectant and curious eyes were focused on her and Boromir...
"If my lady doesn't mind, will she please be so kind and tear her attention from the people so I can take her as my wife, finally?"
"Yes, I'm... I'm sorry," Aerilyn stammered and turned around to face Boromir who tried to take away some of her nervousness by smiling at her encouragingly. With a cruelly split and bruised lower lip, she noticed, but it was a smile that came from the heart and it comforted her greatly.
When they had met for the first time today, only a few minutes ago, she had almost not recognized him. He looked so different in these light-coloured garments with all the golden ornaments, the heavy, long and very impressive cape that was draped over his broad shoulders. Aerilyn found that he looked like a king. Glorious, dignified, solemn and handsome. He also looked older, though she didn't know whether that was because of the unusual clothing or because of what he had gone through the past weeks. Only when a short but beautiful fanfare officially opened the ceremony, she tore her gaze from him and tried to concentrate on the speech that was held.
"People of Gondor, People of Katalla, we all have gathered here today in Minas Tirith to witness and rejoice the union of two hearts and two souls..."
Aerilyn was so nervous that she didn't even get half of the words that everybody was listening to with joy and anticipation. Suddenly she was very aware of the amazingly quiet crowds behind her, she could feel the peoples' presence although they had fallen completely still in order to listen to the speech, and the overwhelming silence gave her goosebumps. Aerilyn swallowed with some effort and shifted her gaze a little to her left, where their families were positioned. When she saw Atalar's face, a soft smile spread over her face. Her brother's cheeks sported bright red blots of excitement and he looked as if he was about to faint every second. It was more than obvious that he didn't feel very well, and the fact that he was forced to stand right next to his father didn't make things better, but when he noticed that Aerilyn was watching him he managed to throw her a broad, reassuring smile.
Cautious fingertips that stroked over the back of her hand made her turn her head back again, and the moment her gaze caught Boromir's eyes, he gently interlaced his fingers with hers. He openly showed his affection for her, holding on to her hand and caressing her delicate skin with his thumb, for everyone to see. She never would have expected him to demonstrate anything that emotional in front of his family and his people and for a moment she was so deeply touched by it that she almost missed the end of the speech.
"Lord Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, and Lady Aerilyn, daughter of Ribensis, Steward of Katalla, step forward and make your pledges."
Aerilyn still stared at Boromir and only realized what just had been said when her husband to-be carefully squeezed her cold hand and slightly tilted his head, pointing into the direction they were to move. She took a deep breath and let him guide her a few steps, then turned to face him while he took both of her hands in his. And so they stood, looking at and holding tight to each other, in the centre of attention.
Finally, it was time to exchange the vows and legitimize their bond. Aerilyn had the feeling that her knees would give way every second and her mouth was totally dry. She was sure she wouldn't get out a single word, not even a whispered one. She probably would forget everything she wanted to tell him anyway... But when she finally opened her mouth and the first word came out, her speech flowed easily. Her voice was softly trembling, but loud enough for everybody to catch what she was saying.
"Here I stand in Minas Tirith, the city I will from this very moment on call my beloved home. Here I stand surrounded by the people I will from this very moment on call not only allies, but my brothers, my sisters, my friends. Here I stand in the White City, filled with anticipation of the times that lie in front of us. And here I stand, ardent to bind myself to your empire and to you."
For a slight moment she hesitated. She had spoken the phrases her father had chosen for her to say, and she had not just said it but had actually meant every word of it, but still she had the feeling something was missing. She had to tell him something more personal, with deeper meaning, something that wasn't formed by Ribensis but only by her heart. And so she decided to not think of her father anymore and add a few more words to her original vow.
"I never knew what true love was or felt like before I met you," she continued, totally wrapped up in the gentle gaze of his deep, green eyes. "And so I give to you my heart and soul, for eternity. I promise that I will never stop loving you but will always worship our bond."
She was relieved when she saw the warm glimmer in his eyes while she said those words. It told her that it hadn't been the wrong decision to speak them out loud. A smile spread on her face as she said the last words that completed her pledge: "Here in Minas Tirith I, Aerilyn, daughter of Ribensis, take you, Boromir, son of Denethor, as my beloved wedded husband."
Thrilled and excited about the fact that she had spoken the ultimate words, she took one of the sparkling rings from the crimson velvet cushion that was being held next to them, and turned back to Boromir who stood there with a rapidly growing smile upon his noble face. Only when she noticed that the ring in her hand wouldn't even fit Boromir's smallest finger she understood why he was so amused.
"That's the wrong one," he said gently, low enough that nobody but she could hear it.
"I'm sorry..." she muttered, cheeks flaming. While she quickly swapped the rings, she heard Boromir chuckle softly what caused her blush to deepen, but thanks to the veil nobody could see it. With trembling fingers, she grasped his large hand and clung to it a little roughly because of her excitement. She felt him squeeze back, softly, and raised her head only to look into a pair of twinkling green eyes that were gazing upon her with love and devotion.
"Easy now," he whispered, his reassuring smile never fading. "It is all good. You're doing wonderfully."
A grateful smile on her lips, Aerilyn softened her grip on Boromir's hand and heedfully slipped the right ring on his finger. Even now as she was done with her part of the ceremony, her heartbeats didn't slow down. On the contrary. When Boromir again enclosed her hands in his and started to make his vow, her heart felt as if it was about to burst from her chest. He spoke loud and clear with a strong and steady voice, and he didn't seem to be excited or nervous one single bit.
"To have you by my side, keeping you secure and safe, is pure bliss to me. To know you in pain or to see you in sorrow is pure torture to me. You awakened new feelings in the heart of a warrior, and for that I thank you. For that I will adore and shelter you for always, and so will my people. I promise to protect and to love you through sickness and health, through war and peace, through times of joy and times of misery. I will cherish and honor you forever and beyond."
His voice didn't betray him, but his eyes spoke volumes when he gently slid the small ring onto her slender finger and spoke the finishing sentence of his vow. "I, Boromir, son of Denethor, take you, Aerilyn, daughter of Ribensis, as my beloved wedded wife."
They didn't take their deep, affectionate gazes from each other but kept on looking at one another while the ceremony headed towards its end.
"From this moment on, Gondor and Katalla will not only be bonded in battle, but also in blood. In front of all these people who witness this joyful moment, I declare you, Boromir of Gondor and Aerilyn of Katalla, husband and wife. May this union bring forth peace, power, wealth, happiness, and above all, an heir to the stewardship of the united empires. Boromir, Son of Gondor, as a sign of your affection and to seal the promise to always honor and love your wife, you may now kiss the bride."
Boromir gently pulled his fingers from Aerilyn's loving grip, slowly lifted up the veil and let it fall over the back of her head. He smiled softly when he saw her face that was reddened with excitement and a little moist from a few tears. When he framed her face, taking her glowing cheeks in his palms, he was very careful with the bruised parts of her skin.
"I hope these are tears of joy," he whispered while he gently wiped the few tears away with his thumbs. She nodded faintly, her lips forming a shy but happy smile, and lay her small, shaky hands on his. She held her breath when he bent down and simultaneously pulled her closer towards himself. When he lowered his lips on hers her eyelids fell closed and the breath she had held made its way out through her nose with a low, content sigh. Her blush deepened when she heard thousands of people cheer, scream and clap, and she quickly clasped her hands to Boromir's arms because she feared that she wouldn't manage to stand upright without support for much longer. Boromir didn't seem to be very impressed by the mass of people who witnessed their first kiss as husband and wife, he even drew her closer and deepened the kiss for a few seconds. When he felt that Aerilyn obviously was a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable with sharing an intense kiss in front of so many people, he broke from her lips with a short, genuine laugh and grabbed her hand with his own, squeezing it tightly. Before she could smile back at him he turned towards the people and raised his free hand to wave, still a wide smile upon his face. His gesture was greeted by even louder cheers and Aerilyn had to laugh too.
"This is unbelievable," she said when she started to wave too and the people's enthusiastic response caused her beaming smile to grow even wider, lighting up her partly bruised face.
"Wait until we start the parade. It will be earsplitting. Tomorrow we'll be deaf," Boromir replied with a grin.
"It's worth it," Aerilyn responded happily.
"You speak true words, my lovely wife," Boromir said and once more bowed his head to place another kiss on her smiling lips. Then they strode down the stairs together, heading for the pompously adorned carriage that would take them around the city. The wedding couple would be the head of a huge parade that was going to last for a few hours. The main purpose of this parade was of course to please the people and give them a special event to celebrate and take part in, but Aerilyn was as least as fond of the procedure as the people. She had dreamed of this since she had been a little girl and still couldn't believe it was finally happening. She couldn't help chuckling cheerfully when Boromir helped her to climb into the lovely carriage and people started to throw flowers. Before she sat down she glanced over her shoulder and took in the beautiful picture that confronted her. Right behind them were Faramir and Atalar, both straddling their pretty, strong horses and each carrying the banner of the other's empire. Her parents and Boromir's father were in another carriage, followed by Aragorn, Legolas, Ghorid and a couple of other mounted men. There were also musicians with polished trumpets, shiny flutes and other instruments, and soldiers in their best uniforms. It was a captivating sight.
When the procession finally started to move, Boromir put an arm around Aerilyn who in response turned her head to look at him with a beaming smile. His sparkling gaze never left her eyes that were so full of joy and devotion when he lifted his other hand and guided it to her hair. He plucked a yellow petal from her raven locks although it was a senseless action. There were flowers and petals raining down on them as they passed the masses of cheering people and within seconds the yellow one was replaced by several lilac and orange petals that had caught in Lyn's curls. The scent of the flowers was everywhere, fresh and sweet, the people's enthusiasm and joy was larger than he had dared to hope, and Aerilyn had never looked more happy and beautiful in Boromir's eyes. If he hadn't felt the burning and itching pain of his healing wounds all over his body and if there hadn't been a war waiting for him this would have been perfect.
He tried to suppress a sad sigh and again reached out to her, this time in order to gently wipe a pink petal from the corner of Aerilyn's mouth. Before he could touch her face she suddenly moved towards him and the last thing he was aware of was the petal being blown away from the swiftness of her motion. Then there was just the kiss. Aerilyn nestled herself against his body, into Boromir's protective arms that tightly wrapped around her, and kissed him deeply, for all she was worth.
And it was perfect…
Hours later, when they were in the candle-lit and beautifully decorated halls where the royalty and privileged people of Gondor, Katalla and befriended empires as well as soldiers of high ranks and guests of honour were to celebrate today's joyful event, Boromir held his speech. He stood, proud and tall, at the head of the long tables that were arranged in the shape of a horseshoe and every single guest was hanging at his every word. He took Denethor's version of the speech into consideration and used some of his father's phrases, but he refused to just entirely drop his own speech.
He mainly spoke of better times that lay ahead of them all. He spoke of power and strength, of bravery and honour, of friendship and love. His voice was steady and loud yet comfortable to the ear and he spoke with such passion and dedication that everyone who listened felt himself or herself dragged along with Boromir's enthusiasm.
In the end he brought the speech round to what had happened in the last weeks, but he didn't allow dejection and dismay to settle over the people.
"Yes, it was a horrible and underhanded strike of the enemy and it hit us hard, we cannot deny that. But that's all the more reason to stand up, hold together and strike back with all we've got! And we've got a lot, believe me. Our forces aren't overpowered easily when fighting on their own, but now as they are joined our might will be indestructable! We will take revenge soon! We will make them pay for what they tried to do to our alliance! And I promise you, my brothers and sisters, I promise we will succeed! We will conquer! I will lead our empires that are now united as one to victory!"
Boromir's passionate words were greeted with joyful, enthusiastic cheers.
"I know you all are expecting our troops to start marching in the morning. I'm afraid I have to disappoint you," Boromir continued. He already felt his father's alarmed gaze boring into him but chose to just ignore it. He knew he would get himself into big trouble if he continued with his speech and said what he had in mind, but his father's wrath wouldn't change anything. What else could Denethor do apart from grinning and bearing it, he certainly wouldn't dare interrupt his heir during such a great and important speech. Not in front of so many people.
"Today was a day of joy and happiness, and I want this night to be even more cheerful. I think I speak for everyone here when I say that it is a lot easier to let go and celebrate madly if you don't have to depart for war the next day and since I want to see everybody dancing, drinking and laughing until the sun rises again we will set out the day after tomorrow. And now…" Boromir took a beautifully decorated goblet of wine that stood in front of him and raised his hand, "I want to propose a toast to the union of our empires. May it give us strength and joy."
"To Lord Boromir and Lady Aerilyn!" somebody shouted and a lot of people repeated the new toast or added phrases like "Long live the Lord and the Lady" or "To the wedding couple".
Boromir drank with a smile and then said: "Thank you so very much, your happy wishes are much appreciated. And now let's celebrate together. Eat, drink, chat… In short: Enjoy the night!"
Another round of cheers and applause accompanied Boromir when he sat down between Aerilyn and his father. While Lyn beamed at him with a huge, grateful smile Denethor seemed to wrestle with the urge to throttle his eldest son.
"Don't you think it's the wiser decision to let them rejoice over this night properly before sending them off to war?" Boromir muttered before his father could say anything.
"My orders were clear, Boromir," Denethor pressed, trying hard to not throw a tantrum in front of his people and the other guests.
"They deserve a decent feast. I want them to see what they are fighting for. Don't you see my point? If you command them to war tomorrow morning already, this won't be a wedding celebration but a night of farewells and many tears. Is that what you want?"
"First of all I want a son who obeys me," Denethor snapped. "We are going to discuss this tomorrow in private, not here in front of our guests."
"As you wish," Boromir only said and then turned to Aerilyn who was still beaming at him.
"I'm overjoyed to hear that you won't leave tomorrow," she said. "I can't believe we'll have one more day together."
"I'm afraid I won't have much time for you tomorrow, my love," he told her.
"Oh. I understand," she replied sadly.
"I will try to spare some time for us to be together," he promised when he saw the huge disappointment in her dark eyes. "Aren't you happy that you can spend some more time with Atalar before we'll go to war?"
Aerilyn only nodded.
"Well, let's eat now. The dishes look very promising, don't they?" Boromir tried to cheer her up and she forced herself to smile again.
"Yes," she agreed. "And it smells terrific, too. Let's see whether the taste can bear comparison."
Soon after the great and unbelievably delicious meal it was time for the opening dance. It was the first time Boromir and Aerilyn danced together and he was pleased that she was easy to lead. She completely adapted to his way of dancing and let him guide her over the huge dance floor in big, elegant circles. Other couples followed quickly and they all began to dance a formation during which the pairs occassionally switched partners. Boromir pressed a quick and loving kiss to Aerilyn's lips just before sending her off into the arms of another male dancer.
"So, did my brother step on one of your lovely feet yet?" Faramir welcomed her with a warm smile and slid a hand onto her waist. Aerilyn chuckled and put her delicate hand in his.
"No, he didn't," she told her brother-in-law while he swirled her over the dance floor in a less dominant way than Boromir had. Then she turned serious again and looked him right in the eyes when she continued to speak. "Faramir, I haven't forgotten that I accused you of horrible deeds the other day. I owe you an apology and -"
"It's alright, Aerilyn," Faramir interrupted her.
"I'm so very sorry."
"You were in panic and fear. We all were. Let's just be grateful that the truth was revealed in the end and that you and Boromir are alive."
Aerilyn nodded in a relieved way. Faramir was just too kind and she was more than happy to have gained such a wonderful brother-in-law. She still had a bad conscience because she had thought that he had been her attacker, but he didn't seem to bear her a grudge for it. They chatted along for a little longer until it again was time to switch dancing partners. Faramir gave her a very tender and chaste kiss on the back of her hand and left her to Atalar.
"How are you?" he wanted to know while they started to move to the music together. It was relaxing to dance with Atalar since they were more than used to each other's dancing style. Ever since she had reached the age to attend large festivities or dancing balls her brother had been the one to take her to the dance floor.
"Shouldn't I ask you the same?" she asked with a teasing grin. "You looked as though you were about to faint when Boromir and I exchanged our vows."
"Well, I have to admit I didn't feel very well that moment. But this single dance makes up for it. I'm feeling much better already."
"This night we will dance a lot more often than just once," Aerilyn promised and then gave a short squeal when Atalar snatched her tightly into his arms and spun her around so that her feet lost contact with the ground. Somewhat out of breath and still chuckling she then was handed over to Legolas. Lyn had never before danced with an elf and was so excited that she forgot a few steps and softly bumped into the tall, blond male, simultaneously stepping on his foot.
"My apologies," she said and blushed, but the smile on her face didn't cease. Legolas just smiled back at her and continued to lead her through the dance as if nothing had happened. Aerilyn didn't say any more but enjoyed the dance in silence. She just thought that it was true what they said about the stunning dancing skills of the elven people when she again was confronted with a new partner.
"Lady Aerilyn," Aragorn greeted her politely and slightly bowed his head before he offered her his left hand and carefully placed the right one on her slender waist. She was very comfortable being near him since he had a calming and peaceful effect on her and quickly relaxed again while they danced. She just wanted to involve the quiet man in a light conversation, when she looked over Aragorn's shoulder and her gaze caught Boromir who was just dancing with the Lady Éowyn of Rohan. Aerilyn couldn't suppress a small gasp and immediately drew Aragorn's concern towards her.
"Is something wrong, my lady?" the dark man asked in worry.
"Boromir…" Aerilyn stammered and before she could say more Aragorn turned his head and saw it too. There was a bloodstain on Boromir's back. It was just a small stain, but the bright red was in sharp contrast to the light colour of his garments. Without the slightest hesitation, Aragorn whirled them across the room with a few improvised dancing moves until they were right next to Boromir and Éowyn who both stared at them as if they had gone crazy.
"Excuse me," Aragorn said to the future Steward in a low voice and let go of Aerilyn's hand. "One of your wounds must have opened. You are bleeding."
Éowyn's concerned gaze shifted from Aragorn back to Boromir.
"You better leave and have somebody mend you before anybody sees," she suggested. Boromir nodded while Aragorn lay his hand on Boromir's back to cover the red stain, careful to let it appear as though he was just putting it there in a gesture of friendship.
"It is nothing," Boromir assured Aerilyn when he saw her worried facial expression. "It just wouldn't be good if everyone saw it. I don't want them to know that I'm still so wounded."
"We better go, the stain gets bigger quickly. I can hardly cover it with my hand anymore," Aragorn urged.
"I'll be back with you in a minute, don't fret," Boromir told Aerilyn and then left with Aragorn as discreetly as possible. Aerilyn and Éowyn withdrew to sit down at one of the long tables for a chat, but neither of them had to wait long until they were invited back to the dance floor again. While the Lady of Rohan went with Faramir, Aerilyn followed Legolas who had asked her to give him the pleasure of a dance that lasted for an entire song this time. When she placed her hand in his tender palm for the second time tonight her eyes caught Atalar who sat in the corner of the hall, alone and with a posture that told her he was brooding over something depressing.
"You get along with my brother very well, don't you?" Aerilyn asked the male elf she was dancing with.
"I think you could say that," Legolas answered with a small smile. "Why do you ask?"
"Do you think you could try to cheer him up a little? I'm sorry for bothering you with this, but he seems so miserable and I don't know what to do about it."
"And you believe that I can do something about it?"
"I wouldn't know anybody else apart from you. Atalar thinks very highly of you and I'm sure he will listen if you go and tell him to not mope the whole evening."
"I'll see what I can do," Legolas promised. "But only if you grant me another dance later this night."
"Deal accepted," Aerilyn said smiling and hoped that this elf could do something about her brother's sad mood.
"Why aren't you on the dance floor like everybody else?" Legolas asked Atalar after he had left Aerilyn to Éomer and had walked over to the young man.
"I don't feel like dancing. And I wouldn't know whom to ask for a dance," Atalar replied downheartedly, staring into the goblet he was holding. Legolas took a long look around the great hall.
"How about the Lady Éowyn of Rohan?" he finally suggested when his eyes caught the young woman again sitting down at a table and starting to talk to another female guest. Atalar shook his head.
"No. I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why not? She is very kind and a joy to dance with."
"I'm sure you're right, but if I'm not terribly mistaken Faramir is more than interested in her. He won't let her out of his sight and she already started to make eyes at him. I really don't want to have Lord Faramir's wrath directed towards me for he surely will get jealous. Besides, Éowyn somehow reminds me of Inunyen. I couldn't bear dancing with her anyhow," Atalar explained sorrowfully.
"I see," Legolas said softly and squeezed the young human's shoulder. "Do you want to retreat to your chambers? I'm sure your sister will understand that you can't share her joy today. Your grief is still strong and no one will or can possibly expect you to suppress it."
"No, I'll stay. I will have to pull myself together. I know how important it is for Lyn that I'm here today and I don't want to spoil everything for her," Atalar said determinedly and looked up at Legolas' face.
"Then I suggest you search for the maiden who reminds you least of Inunyen and ask her for a dance," the elf replied.
"Maybe later. I'm going to have another drink first. Join me?" Atalar asked, a little more enthusiasm in his voice. Legolas nodded, a smile gracing his fine features.
"With pleasure."
*** Stay tuned for part two of the wedding party! (And of course the wedding night… *g*) ***
