Disclaimer: I do not own anything that belongs to Tolkien's estate. I do own the Sea Hawk/Lady Eirien, and would like to be asked if you want to use her in a story. Evendim, however, has permanent permission to use any of my characters that she would like to in any story she wishes to write. Cerris, Ancir, and a few others belong to Evendim and you should ask her before you use them. Thanks, ED!

Author's note: This story takes place a few weeks after the events in The Sea Hawk, which is set in Evendim's wonderful AU. I recommend that you read her stories and then the Sea Hawk before you tackle this one. It'll save time and answer a lot of the most commonly asked questions, like how Boromir survived Amon Hen. LOL

Dedications: To Evendim, who created this wonderful AU where Boromir didn't get the short end of the stick and who has graciously allowed me to play in her playground. You go, girl! Love your stuff, always! And to my darling AJ, without whom I would never have had the courage to post even one chapter of any of my stories. Love you, babe, don't ever change. J

Chapter Five: Meetings

Eirien stepped into the sitting room of her apartments and checked herself one last time. A final twist to the heavy braid of her dark hair and she headed for the door.

A knock stopped her. When she called her permission to enter, none other than Dalos entered, followed quickly by Aran. "You look every inch a princess," Dalos said in a kindly voice as he took in her attire.

Aran was not so reserved, however. He pulled Eirien into a huge hug, careful not to disturb the fall of lace at her throat or the puffs protruding from the sleeves of her amber gown. "You look wonderful! That color really does bring out your eyes, Eir. You'll turn heads in that gown."

"Thank you, Aran, Father," she said politely as she stepped back from her brother. "But all pleasantries aside, the guests will be waiting. We should go."

"Dark colors suit you, Eirien," Dalos said as he offered her his arm. Eirien ignored it in favor of her brother's, and they moved down the passageway toward the council chambers.

"You really shouldn't be so cruel to him, Eir, he means well. And it's for our people. Surely you can't blame him for that!" Aran made certain his voice was pitched quite low.

"The only reason I haven't knifed him and fled is that it is for our people!" she retorted through her fixed smile. "Gods, Aran, how can I do this? I cannot betray my heart in this way!"

"Smile, sister, we've arrived and your betrothed is waiting. As for your heart… Eir, you have always been a strong woman. You can do what is necessary for our people, you always have. Please, give Cerris a chance. He could make you happy if you let him." He bowed low before Aragorn and stepped away, leaving his sister in the charge of Gondor's King.

"You look beautiful this evening, Lady Eirien," he said dutifully. He drew her aside, into a small alcove. "Soon enough. Eirien, I see the sorrow in your eyes, and I wish I did not have to cause it. But I see no other course to be certain of peace on all our borders."

"My lord, it is my duty, and I will see it through as you ask. My people have waited far too long for the security and peace that have been offered to them. My lords have commanded this, and I shall see it through." Her eyes flashed for a moment with determination. "Shall my lord introduce me to the notables, then?"

Aragorn considered her for a moment, and then smiled, a bit sadly. "Indeed. Shall we begin?"

She nodded and made an effort to keep her sorrow hidden. Even if this farce was at least partially of his making, she could not hold him totally responsible. Nor should she take her feelings out on the poor unfortunate Cerris, who was likely as much of a sacrificial lamb as she.

She kept her arm linked with Aragorn as they moved about the room, nodding to this noble, and that lady. Faramir she recognized and smiled for, but she had no words for the evening. Then the moment of truth loomed as they approached another group.

Eirien would have mistaken the man for Boromir save for the darkness of his hair. Then he turned and she was caught by the clear grey gaze.

"My lady, I had hoped I would see you once more," he said as he bowed over her hand. "I wished to thank you for the pleasure of your company in the Sanctuary." He gave a proper bow to Aragorn. "Sire."

Aragorn nodded in acknowledgement. "Lord Cerris of Lossarnoch, may I present to you Her Highness the Princess Eirien of Hollin."

Cerris gave a soft laugh. "Well met, dear lady," he responded lightly. "Your pardon, Sire, but I would take my betrothed in hand, now." He suited actions to words and took her hand in his, leading her away from the crowd inside to a small bench just outside on the terrace.

She seated herself carefully, taking a care with the gown, since she wasn't used to such finery. "It seems we are not so much strangers to each other as we thought," she said with a smile. "And thank you for being so kind this afternoon." She wasn't sure quite what she should say. Would he hold up to his promises or not? He hadn't known who she was when he made them, certainly. She had no doubt of that.

"Twas not kindness alone that made me speak, Eirien," he said softly as he seated himself next to her. "Your very bearing sends a message to me, that you will not bend to any man. That you have been, and ever shall be, your own. That you were willing to share your fear with me honors me greatly. That you will be my wife, though the thought certainly does not appeal to you, brings me great joy." He touched her cheek lightly, his fingertips tracing the contours there.

She turned her face upwards to his, her dark eyes bright. "And what of your vows, Cerris? Will you still cherish me, though another's child grows within me? Will you still feel great joy at taking me to wife, knowing that my heart belongs to another and always will?"

Cerris dropped his fingers from her face and sighed. "That your heart will never be mine, I have already accepted," he said simply as he gazed across the room. "But though you may not love me, I would cherish you and love you and care for you and our child as long as there is life left within me." He gave her his direct attention once more, his grey eyes contrasting with his dark hair enough to draw her gaze to them. "None shall know of it save us. That is my vow to you. And I shall never ask you the name of the father. As far as Gondor, Lossarnoch, and all of Arda, your child is mine. I will love him as my own, as I will love you, if you will allow it."

What would she have given to have heard those words from Boromir! But it was not to be, and she firmly banished her thoughts of him to the back of her mind. Boromir was no longer a part of her life. All she had was duty, and a husband who would be kind to her, and accept her child. But oh, how she wanted that husband to be Boromir!

A cheer from inside drew their attention and they exchanged shy smiles. "We should go in, since this reception is for us," Eirien said softly. Cerris nodded and took her hand, and they returned to the reception.

TBC