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

Special thanks go to Evendim, without whom this chapter wouldn't exist. She wrote most of it, since my mind was balking at the thought of Eir and Bori being with anyone besides each other. Hopefully, this will end that phase and I'll be able to update in a more timely manner. Thank you so much for the help, ED. virtual hugs

By Honor Betrayed

Chapter 10: The Last Night of Freedom

Boromir was determined to put a brave face on this if it killed him. He did not want to hear it said that any was feeling pity for him and besides, Cerris was his half brother, a fact not known to many, Faramir included, since it did not concern him. Boromir and Cerris had the same sire. Faramir and Boromir had the same mother. Even so, Boromir never saw Faramir as half of anything. He was Boromir's brother. End of story.

Into this complex situation was thrown the added spice that Cerris was being ordered to marry the only woman Boromir would willingly marry and as best man, Boromir was expected to organise the bachelor party.

This not being a conventional situation, subdued seemed the way to go. Boromir agreed on a menu with the Citadel chef and took aside the wine butler to make his choices of complimentary vintages and prayed that the night did not turn into a wake!

He was still recovering from the mystery illness which had almost claimed his life and at times the lingering effects surfaced as fatigue. Like now, here he was dressed and set to attend his brother's/friend's bachelor party and all he wanted to do was lie down somewhere soft and quiet and drowse.

"Are you quite well?" Faramir asked with sorrow in his eyes and pain in his heart. He knew the reality of this charade, new that Boromir was covering his true feelings yet again for the good of others. Faramir was furious at his father over this. Had Boromir not done enough for the sake of Gondor?

In any event, it was too late to change the events about to unfold and so when Boromir lied and claimed to be well Faramir gave him an out by accepting it and just held him a moment for comfort.

Their guests, Cerris and Ancir, looked to be as much in the frame of mind for a celebration as Boromir and Faramir, it was part of the ritual of making this wedding seem to all in the Citadel to be above reproach.

The conversation around table was mostly about the Ring War, it was still fresh enough in all their minds to be a topic of discussion for a long time to come. As the servers departed and they took their wine and fruit to the fireside the topics became less general.

"So, you find my choice of wife prudent?" asked Cerris to none in particular but somehow it was apparent he was actually asking Boromir.

The obvious thing to Faramir was to take the attention from Boromir by offering his own opinion.

"She is very beautiful. Are you sure you can tame her? It seems to me a particular kind of man is required there."

"Other than me?" laughed Cerris.

"You are much too agreeable, Cerris. The Lady will leave her tracks all over you!" laughed Ancir.

"Think you? Sometimes it takes strength to feign weakness. She and I shall get along enough to survive I will warrant! Besides, she does have some softness to her, she is not all strength and steel," said Cerris.

"I thought she was more suited to Boromir personally. They were getting along famously at Cair Andros, indeed I recall the time…gah!"

Faramir landed such a kick, as Cerris leaned to light his pipe from a spill taken from the fireside, taking advantage of the groom's blind side, that Ancir blanched from the pain.

"I missed that Ancir, deaf on that side since the battle of the Pelennor. Took a massive cuff to the head and never got the hearing back. What were you saying?"

"He was saying how lucky you are to be marrying such a little witch. She shall never become a respectable matron, you lucky dog. I could never marry any woman who over time should become my mother!" said Boromir.

"Ought to have budged up and made her the offer yourself then!" laughed Ancir and this time Faramir punched him so hard he gave the unfortunate red-head a dead arm!

"Do you only ever open that mouth to change feet?" hissed Faramir.

Ancir would have replied but was now too intimidated to do so!

"Why was that, Bori old sport? Rather thought for a moment you and Eir…"

Boromir stood and with a glare he announced:

"Bad form to name a lady in barracks. A toast gentlemen, to the Bride and groom, gods bless her and all who sail in her!" it was a tilt at her previous occupation and not a bawdy insult and as such the others echoed the toast. It was the beginning of a new life for Cerris and the end of a potentially happy one for Boromir.

They spent some time chatting and drinking wine. A false buoyancy settled about the group and at long last they left, save for Faramir who said he needed to see Boromir settled since he looked pale and overtired.

"Boromir!" sighed Faramir as the doors closed and they were left alone.

"How long can one night be? I have no notion how I am to get through the ceremony tomorrow!" the blond sighed.

"You shall. Somehow. I wish I could help to take away your pain. Is there aught I can do?"

"Divorce Eowyn, elope with me and have my babies!"

"Idiot!" Sniggered Faramir "what sort of uncle are you going to make I wonder?"

"Uncle? Me?" gasped Boromir.

"It is early to tell you, much may happen but…if the gods favour us we are to be parents!"

"Faramir, I am so happy for you both!" choked Boromir. One thing at least had gone well tonight. His little puss, a father!

"Keep that before you tomorrow if things become too much. Go to bed, big brother, you are exhausted, that much you need not feign!"

"I am grateful you shared that with me. It will be a shining light to lead the way on the morrow!"

"There shall be someone for you some day Boromir. Truly."

"Not unless she jumps ship there won't. Who but Boromir of Gondor could fall in love with a Pirate?" laughed the blond and laughed until the laughter turned to tears.