Disclaimer: They aren't mine, unfortunately. All recognizable characters from the book/movies belong to JRR Tolkien. I'm just borrowing them for a bit of fun. The Sea Hawk, however, is mine and I'd like to be asked before she's used in someone else's fics. Ancir is the creation of Evendim and used with permission.

A/N: This story is set in an ALTERNATE UNIVERSE. That means that not everything is the same as in the books. Point in question: Boromir didn't die at Amon Hen and I thank Evendim for making that possible. This is her AU, also borrowed with permission.

Dedication: This story is dedicated to some very wonderful people. Evendim, for allowing me to use her AU and even helping me brainstorm what's coming next, for tireless beta reading and keeping my facts straight, and just in general being the best friend a writer could have. And for my darling AJ, without whom I would never have had the courage to even start this. Thank you both, more than I can ever say.

Boromir stifled the temptation to simply wrap his hands around Hawk's throat and squeeze. She had been leading them further and further in what felt to him the wrong direction. But he stilled the impulse, just the same, because he thought he knew what she was doing.

How had it come to this? He had placed his trust in her, and trust was not something he took lightly. She had managed to earn his respect quickly, which was no mean feat. But this was going too far, leading them away from the docks and the Garrison. She was up to something.

Hawk held up a hand for him to stop, and he drew near enough to hear her whispered caution. "My people have been living in these caves for a very long time," she explained softly. "They are ever wary of strangers who find their way to the catacombs. I'll go first; stay behind me and don't make any sudden moves, please. I need you in one piece to negotiate for us."

She moved out ahead of him just a touch and he finally saw the torches illuminating what seemed to be a huge cavern, fitted out with living spaces and kitchen facilities. Indeed, these folk had been there long enough to make even the caves feel homelike. Bright tapestries graced the far wall, and there was a mural along one side that resembled the one he'd seen at Rivendell. Not exactly, though.

Hawk was addressing her people and he returned his attention to her words.

"We have a chance for freedom, now. The King is come again in Gondor, and he has been informed of our presence. The Captain-General of Gondor, Boromir, has assured me he will speak for us to his King." She waved a hand in his direction and he bowed to the assembled, not quite certain what she was leading up to. Then she continued, her voice hard. "Arthond has forfeited his claim to our heritage. He has taken the Aergil, and he has committed murder. He is no longer one of us."

The silence in the cavern was immense. No one spoke or even breathed, it seemed. Hawk's voice softened, but only slightly. "He may come here, seeking refuge. Do not offer him sanctuary. He is not one of us. Take him and hold him if he shows his face here. Boromir and I go to find him and bring him to justice for the murders he has done. Then I will return to you, and lead you to the promised place of safety."

She waited only a moment before she took Boromir's arm and pulled him back into the shadow. "Now, I'll take you to the dock, as promised. But don't make a liar of me with my people, please. They need some hope."

Boromir swore to himself. "I would never break my word, should my King himself demand it of me, and you know it," he managed to choke out. He would have said more, but one of the older children came forward and claimed Hawk's attention.

"What should we do, my lady?" he asked respectfully. "If Arthond may come here, we'll need to be ready. And there are more than a few of us who would see to your safety as well. Tell us where you need us."

She looked around to find a circle of young, determined faces. "Very well, Tothik, take ten of you and set a guard on the entrances. Then bring whoever is left and meet us at the dock. I'll give you further instruction when you meet us there."

She headed out, going in what felt to be the right direction this time, and Boromir dared a question. "Who are you to these people?"

"I am the only one they have to protect them," she shot back smoothly. She pulled down on a sconce and the passageway opened next to them. "I've been leading them and caring for them since I was little more than a child. My father expected it of me."

"Your father? He was a woodcrafter. What would he know of leading an entire country? That is what I see, in that cavern, a people who have lived in fear too long. How does the daughter of a woodcrafter learn to lead as well as you?" Boromir gave a slight snort. She was no leader, either, when it had come down to the finish. He'd taken command of her ship because she was indecisive and hesitant.

So unlike the woman she was now. This woman wore a cloak of responsibility as though born to it. She issued orders, and they were obeyed without question. She was no longer a fledgling, barely out of the nest. She was living up to her namesake.

"My father expected it of me." She shrugged and halted, letting him get close enough behind her to see the faint outline of a door. "The docks are just beyond that door," she said quietly. "Are you ready?"

"I was ready before you were whelped," he returned sardonically. "Let's get this done before Faramir dies of old age."

Together, they started forward.