Disclaimer: I do not own any characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien (such as Boromir, Faramir, or Denethor). I own only Hallahiriel, the former Barmaid of Dol Amroth, Thaurelda, Corerith, Aethlien, Airigoniel, Ascafenien, Lady Brumwen, Therassa, Owynvan and Gweddyn.
The story is set in 3011, seven years before The Fellowship of the Ring. Boromir is 33 and Faramir is 28. Hallahiriel happens to be 26.
The Continuing Story of Hallahiriel, the Former Barmaid of Dol Amroth
By Leah Pensotti
Chapter Ten: Negotiations
"It's too tight, Lady Hallahiriel."
Hallahiriel pulled at the laces of Thaurelda's dress and huffed out a frustrated cry. The celebration was to begin in less thansix hours and this bump in the road was one that they could not afford or mend at the moment.
"Don't be silly. You can bear it for the night. I don't know how this could have happened. There must have been an error in measurement." She looked down at the dress in sheer befuddlement and sighed. Thaurelda went behind the changing screen and threw the dress over the top and changed into her simple brown dress.
"You're right, my lady. It is only for one night. I'm sure you have much to do, with the guests arriving and all." Thaurelda emerged from the screen and Hallahiriel wished she could tell her how right she was.
Things had been quite stressful since she learned the Steward's true intentions for the evening. Boromir had to pull her out of bed that morning, vowing that no such thing would happen to their children, but that the event should still be welcoming to their guests since Theoden and his house were so hospitable to him during his stay in Rohan. Boromir also confided in her that he doubted that even Theoden knew the Steward's true intentions.
Hallahiriel thought that acting kind to Denethor would be the biggest problem of the night. She wanted to do nothing more than yell at him in her old barmaid manner. Thaurelda placed her hand on Hallahiriel's shoulder and knew that the young mother was perplexed.
"Are you alright, Lady Hallahiriel?"
Hallahiriel raised her eyebrow to her friend and turned to meet her in jest.
"When will you call me Hallahiriel? Even Halla would suffice. Shall I call you Lady Thaurelda?" Hallahiriel felt a small smile break upon her lips and Thaurelda chuckled helplessly.
"Then tell me, Halla. What weighs on you so heavily?"
Hallahiriel debated internally whether to reveal all to Thaurelda. Yet she ultimately decided against it. Thaurelda need not worry about such problems. She should be more concerned about her dress and Faramir than Hallahiriel and the possible betrothals of her daughters to men twenty or more years their senior.
"It's nothing, Thaurelda. Really, I am just fussing over the guests, the food, my dress, your dress, what the children and Boromir are wearing. Just silly thoughts that will be put to rest by the end of the evening." Hallahiriel turned away quickly, fearing that her true emotions would wash across her face and expose her completely. She did not want to trouble Thaurelda, since it was to be a great night for her.
Suddenly someone same bursting through the door of the room and Hallahiriel recognized the form as Corerith, who wore an urgent look on her face. Hallahiriel felt fear creep up from the pit of her stomach and waited for Corerith to catch her breath and say what exactly was wrong.
"Theoden's company from Rohan, Halla. They've arrived. Lords Boromir and Faramir are downstairs, your husband wishes to have you at his side."
Hallahiriel looked shocked and smoothed the skirt of her silver-blue dress and wondered if she looked presentable to welcome such guests. She wasn't preparing for the celebration for another two hours. She picked up the necklace of Finduilias gestured to Thaurelda to aid in clasping it around her neck.
Hallahiriel picked up a hand mirror and appraised her hair, which was long and loose with the exception of the front strands being twisted away from her face. She sighed, knowing that she was not up to full form after having her children and turned to the two other women in the room.
"Do I look fit enough to welcome a royal family of Rohan to Minas Tirith?"
Thaurelda nodded, "You look lovely, my–Halla."
Hallahiriel could not help but smile at her friend, who she could see was finally getting accustomed to dropping the formalities. Such titles need not be used amongst friends, especially when Hallahiriel saw Thaurelda as her equal.
Corerith gave her a gentle push towards the door and then assured her that she and Thaurelda would look after Ascafenien and Airigoniel while she attended to the business downstairs. As she left the room, she pinched the apples of her cheeks hastily, hoping that it would bring color to them and headed down to the hall where her husband and brother-in-law waited for her.
Boromir and Faramir were sitting in the chairs by the fire, looking nothing but relaxed. As Hallahiriel approached, they both stood to greet her. Boromir offered his hand to her and she took it while wearing a fitful look on her face. He couldn't help but chuckle.
"Whatever is that face for, dearest?"
"I fear that I am ill-prepared to greet our guests. Shall I curtsy?" Hallahiriel saw the amused look on Faramir's face and he spoke up to ease her fears.
"Perhaps a small bow of reverence and respect, Halla. But I would save the formalities for tonight. You need not worry, I'm sure that everyone will be enchanted with you, as they almost always are."
Hallahiriel gave him a funny look and chuckled, "Indeed. Surely such rumors have not spread so far as Rohan."
Boromir fought the urge to laugh out loud at his wife's dismissal, knowing good and well that Theoden and his people knew of Hallahiriel. Instead, he lead her beside him and kissed her lightly on the temple and then the three of them walked outside on the steps to greet their guests.
As the company approached, Hallahiriel noticed the fairness of their hair and faces and grew curious about them as her nervousness temporarily subsided. Boromir called to them with a smile prominent on his face and in his voice.
"Hail, Theoden King!"
As the horses came to a halt, Three of the twelve men dismounted and walked forward to meet Boromir, Faramir and Hallahiriel on the stairs. Hallahiriel examined them closely as she watched them advance and found herself feeling terribly awkward. King Theoden smiled at Boromir as he held his helm in his hand.
"And you, Lord Boromir. It is good fortune that we should meet again so soon and for a happy occasion." Theoden had a kind, bearded face and Hallahiriel's awkwardness diminished. Boromir gave a small bow and directed the attention to those that stood by his side.
"This is my brother, Faramir, my lord."
Faramir bowed, smiled and spoke up, "Welcome to Minas Tirith, Theoden King."
"Thank you, Lord Faramir."
Boromir squeezed Hallahiriel's hand and pulled her a little closer, "And this my lord, is my wife Hallahiriel."
She watched as Theoden and the two other men's eyes turned to her. King Theoden grinned brightly and took her free hand.
"Indeed. You are well known in Rohan, my lady. The mysterious princess that captured the heart of the Steward's son in Dol Amroth. Children in my city are well aware of the tale. I daresay Boromir was anxious to get back to you during his visit and now I certainly understand why." Hallahiriel blushed what felt to be a deep crimson and gave a gentle bow to the King.
"Thank you, my lord." Theoden nodded and spoke again.
"And what of the children? Is all well with them? When news came of the celebration, I was overjoyed to hear that you and Boromir were blessed with two healthy daughters." Hallahiriel smiled and looked up to her husband and then back to the King.
"They're doing wonderfully, my lord. They are resting at the moment for their special night. When they awake, I would be happy to introduce you to them."
With her promise of introductions, Hallahiriel saw a look of realization wash over the King's face and he then gestured to the two men at his side. Theoden smiled and the spoke, "Forgive me Lord Faramir and Lady Hallahiriel, this is my son Theodred and my nephew Eomer."
Hallahiriel felt taken aback, first seeing the men that her father-in-law intended to match her infant daughters with. Theodred was tall and noble-looking and seemed to be around Boromir's age while Eomer had a young, bearded handsome face and looked to be no more than twenty years of age. They certainly didn't look threatening, with their smiles and their pleasant faces. At this point, she doubted that they knew anything of the potential pairings and the true nature for the celebrations. Hallahiriel smiled and nodded in greeting, as King Theoden turned to Boromir and Faramir.
"And where is your father, the steward?"
"He is in his study. I shall take you to him. Do not worry about the horses, Faramir will show the men to the stables and Hallahiriel will show Theodred and Eomer to their quarters." Boromir turned to her hopefully and she smiled in a stunned way. It would be awkward, but she intended on being a good host. Boromir kissed her temple and walked away with the King to Denethor's study. Faramir smiled and patted her shoulder.
"I will see you before the celebration, Halla." She smiled at him and watched as he rounded up Theoden's snowy horse and tethered Eomer's and Theodred horses to two of the other riders. As the rest of the horses and men were led away, Hallahiriel turned to her charges and held back a sigh.
"Please, follow me, my lords."
Before she could turn around, Theodred spoke up quickly, "May I escort you, Lady Hallahiriel?"
He offered his arm to her in a polite way and she felt it would be rude to deny him. She nodded in consent and took his arm with her own. As they walked inside and through the corridors, Theodred attempted to engage her in friendly dialogue.
"I am glad to finally meet you, my lady. When Boromir came to visit we learned that the tales were true, that the flame-haired princess of legend truly existed. I daresay we were captivated by it."
"They are just stories, my lord. I am no princess and I am not born from any Elvish blood that I am aware of. The tales are flattering, however." Hallahiriel smiled at Theodred while Eomer followed behind. She picked up her skirt as they walked up the stairs, when suddenly Thaurelda appeared before them.
"Hello, Thaurelda. Where are you off to?" Theodred and Hallahiriel stopped and Eomer appeared beside them. Thaurelda looked taken aback at the presence of the strange men and turned a bright pink.
"Ascafenien and Airigoniel are asleep, Corerith is watching over them as I go to my aunt's shop. I thought that I would see if she had any spare material that I could use to help my gown." Hallahiriel nodded and then realized that she had stopped her guests dead in their tracks.
"Thaurelda, these are our guests from Rohan; Prince Theodred and Eomer, King Theoden's nephew." Thaurelda preformed a brisk curtsy and felt Eomer's eyes on her.
"Welcome, my lords. I am sorry for the rude behavior, but the celebration is only hours away and my gown needs attention." Hallahiriel smiled at the girl, who was unabashedly awkward.
"Shall I come to help you, Thaurelda? When you return?" Hallahiriel questioned lightly.
"I don't wish to draw you away from your duties, Halla. I think I can do it on my own." Thaurelda shook her head and Hallahiriel chuckled.
"Nonsense, it is partially my fault your gown needs attention. I will be there in the hour and we shall get ready together." Thaurelda smiled and nodded in a shy manner and brushed past the group.
"I apologize for my hurriedness, I hope we can be properly acquainted later. I fear that I must go. Thank you, Halla, for your help." Thaurelda grabbed her cloak around her and rushed through the hall and out the door. Hallahiriel could not help but chuckle. Eomer looked to the door and then to Hallahiriel and asked in an interested manner.
"Does Thaurelda serve as your attendant, my lady?" Hallahiriel shook her head as she walked up the stairs to the third floor where the guest quarters were located.
"No, Lord Eomer. Thaurelda is my dear friend as is her aunt, Aethlien. Thaurelda came from Lamedon earlier this year to help her aunt with her shop. I daresay I could not have done a lot of the things I have accomplished without either of them. I helped Thaurelda with her dress and I made an error in measurement. I owe it to her to help, she does not have much time before the beginning of the celebration."
Hallahiriel came to a halt before two doors and extended her arm in presentation, "Your quarters, my lords. I do hope you rest well before the celebration. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask."
Hallahiriel returned to her quarters to find her husband attaching his sword on to his hip and he was wearing his finery for the events of the evening. She could not help but smile, even though stress played at her nerves. Boromir turned around slowly and returned a smile.
"Did Theodred and Eomer find their lodgings to their liking?" Hallahiriel lifted her gold gown with the deep blue trim from the bed and nodded to Boromir as she went behind the changing screen.
"I suppose so. Is King Theoden with your father?" Hallahiriel wriggled out of her silver blue dress and into the gold one that she would be wearing to the celebration. She heard Boromir grunt softly, and knew that his father was speaking to Theoden about the proposed betrothals. Hallahiriel stepped out from behind the screen and walked over to him, her dress not secured and she held it up in the front.
"Will you lace me up?" She turned around to him and felt Boromir's fingers fumbling with the ribbon laces against her skin. She really didn't know what to say to him in that moment. It completely escaped her. When he tightened and tied the ribbons, Boromir pulled Hallahiriel's back against his chest and he buried his head in her neck.
"I wish we didn't have to attend, though you do look lovely in this gown." His arms went around her waist and she chuckled lightly, knowing that he felt unsure about the night's events and their daughters future just like she did. She patted his arm in comfort and shook her head.
"Alas, we must attend. I feel some sort of confidence, Boromir, in the men from Rohan. I do not believe that they will want to have any part in such a union. They seem too sensible."
Boromir shook his head and released Hallahiriel gently, "If they are honorable, they will do as the King says. You heard Theoden, Halla. He knew of your story, the whole of Rohan does. To have one of our daughters marry into his house would be a coup for Theoden."
Hallahiriel could not help but feel a bit bewildered and knew what her husband said was true. Sadly, she walked over to her dressing table and picked up her silver combs and used them to sweep her hair away from her face. Her precious little daughters fates were being made without either of their consent and it made her grieve.
She turned to Boromir and gave him a weak smile, "Sixteen years is a long time, Boromir. Perhaps other maids will catch their eye. Perhaps they are avoiding the same arrangements that you were. Perhaps they will marry on their own terms."
"Perhaps." Boromir nodded hopefully. He took her hand in his and kissed it tenderly, "I love you, Halla."
With that she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Boromir unhooked his sword and let it fall to the floor and then set to work unlacing the ribbons that he had just secured. Hallahiriel unbuttoned his tunic and shook her head.
"I'm supposed to help Thaurelda get ready." Boromir kissed her ear and then her neck and smiled slyly.
"There is plenty of time, love. Besides, she knows that you have certain duties to attend to." Boromir bent to remove his boots and she sat on the bed and thought about everything that laid before her that night. Ultimately, she shook her head in agreement and pushed Boromir back against the bed.
"You're right, there is plenty of time."
Thaurelda dressed in the nursery and waited for Hallahiriel. Airigoniel and Ascafenien napped silently in the crib beside her. Her blood red dress was made more comfortable by a thick strip of gold material that added to either side of the laces and allowed for more room for her to breathe.
As she looked into the full length mirror, the door to the nursery opened and Faramir glided through, wearing his formal garb and sword. Thaurelda turned and looked a little embarassed that he saw her looking so long in the mirror. Faramir smiled lightly and gestured to the crib.
"I thought that I would see the twins before I made my way downstairs." Faramir could not help but let his eyes roam over her. Her gown was perfectly suited for her long dark hair, her sun-kissed skin and her green-brown eyes that sparkled like the most unique of jewels. He stood a little straighter and walked over to the crib and brushed the back of his hand over the cheeks of his nieces. All of the pomp and circumstance of the evening was for them, yet they would surely sleep through the whole celebration.
Thaurelda peered into the crib beside him and smiled. Faramir was a doting uncle and an all together wonderful man. Thaurelda's hand rested on his gently, and Faramir turned to her and hoped that he did not look nervous. He clasped her hand and waited for her to speak, but she didn't.
Thaurelda was rendered speechless. She had no idea what to say. The feelings she felt had been bubbling up inside of her for months. Faramir was gentle and kind and he treated her as an equal, not as a subordinate. She never knew such men existed. Thaurelda took a step forward, not being able to look away from him.
Faramir was expecting to wake up at any moment. Thaurelda looking up at him made him feel bold. He reached out with her with his right arm, which found its way around her waist. Thaurelda inhaled sharply as his left hand cupped her cheek and his thumb traced the curve of her upper lip. She thought that she may faint, never has anything like this happened to her. Not able to withstand the anticipation that hung in the balance between them, Thaurelda stood on her toes and kissed him squarely on the lips.
Faramir thought he may laugh out loud, but fought the urge. His left hand found its way to her waist and pulled her tightly against him. The kiss was chaste, but meaningful. As it ended, they clung to one another for a little while. Faramir could still not muster a word and Thaurelda merely buried her head into his shoulder. Faramir pulled himself away slowly and took Thaurelda's hand in his. He brought it to his mouth and brushed his lips against her knuckles gently.
"I must go, my lady. I fear that guests are arriving and I must make haste if I am to welcome Imrahil's company to the city. I will find you tonight at the celebration."
Thaurelda nodded her head and made an attempt to mumble a farewell, but truth be told, she was embarrassed that she had been so forward with the young captain. He gave her a small bow and he walked back through the door, his heart still pounding against his ribs. He had no idea that such feelings existed and that one person could bring them out.
Hallahiriel did not want to get up, she wanted to lie in bed with Boromir forever. Alas, she knew that they were expected downstairs soon. She sighed heavily and rolled closer to her husband and rested her head on his chest. Boromir smiled and knew exactly what she was thinking. His arm snaked around her bare shoulders and they laid in a few minutes of silence as the impending frenzy of the evening was reaching a fever pitch.
"I'm sure no one would notice if we didn't attend. There is going to be so many people there, we will not be missed." Hallahiriel pulled herself up on her elbows to meet eyes with him. She flashed a wry smile to him and he chuckled.
"Indeed, I wish it were true. I suppose we should get up, dress and go attend to the children." Hallahiriel nodded and watched as Boromir lifted himself from their bed. With a feeling of dread and hesitance, she followed suit and pulled her gown on once again. When she brushed her hair and pulled it away from her face with her silver combs, Boromir offered his arm to her.
"I'm sure we will survive the evening, Halla." She nodded and accepted his arm.
"I certainly hope so."
After the visit to the nursery, Boromir carried Ascafenien downstairs while Hallahiriel carried Airigoniel. The girls were dressed in clean white dresses with blue embroidery that Hallahiriel had stitched herself. As they made their way to the hall, they were welcomed with the sounds of familiar guests.
"There ye 're, Halla!"
Hallahiriel walked to her father and kissed him on the cheek. Gweddyn looked completely different than three years before. He quit drinking and sold the Finicky Fief so he could work in Imrahil's court in Dol Amroth. He wore fine garments of deep brown and a huge grin on his face. It had been six months since Hallahiriel had saw him last and it would be the first time meeting his granddaughters. Gweddyn patted his daughter's cheek and smiled warmly.
"Are these me granddaughters?" Hallahiriel nodded and motioned for Boromir to stand beside her.
"Indeed they are. This is Airigoniel and Boromir has Ascafenien." She placed Airigoniel gently into her father's awaiting arms and watched as he cradled her.
"Ah think the last time Ah held a babe, is when yeh came into the world." Gweddyn looked to his daughter and saw that she smiled. Her good fortune had been a positive change for the both of them, and for that he was grateful.
Soon, King Theoden and Prince Imrahil appeared beside Boromir and Gweddyn. Boromir passed Ascafenien to Imrahil and he smiled brightly.
"Indeed, the blood of my people runs in their veins. From both their mother and their grandmother, Findulias." Boromir was struck with his words. He would have never surmised that perhaps his own daughters would look like his mother. Though he was young when she passed, he remembered her clearly. Theoden placed his hand on Airigoniel's head and nodded in agreement.
"If they grow in the likeness and loveliness of their mother, then they would make fortunate men lovely wives, perhaps even queens." Hallahiriel's eyes shot to meet the fleeting look on the King of Rohan's face.
Her daughters? Wives of horse lords? Queens? But they were just babes! No matter how hard she tried to acquaint herself with the idea it seemed the more in denial she seemed to be. She only smiled a smile that she hoped would not be seen as vacant and took Ascafenien back from her father. Thankfully, Boromir spoke up.
"Shall we go to dining hall?" There was a slight mumble amongst the guests and everyone nodded and smiled in agreement. Boromir accepted Airigoniel from Prince Imrahil and walked alongside Hallahiriel. He leaned over to her gently and whispered.
"Have you seen Faramir? Or Theodred and Eomer?" She shook her head negatively. She had been wondering the same thing about Thaurelda.
As they entered the large dining hall, Hallahiriel saw Faramir, Theodred and Eomer standing and sharing a laugh in the middle of the room. As they approached, all three of the men smiled in welcome at the sight of Hallahiriel and Boromir carrying the twins. Faramir kissed Hallahiriel on the cheek and smiled yet again.
"We were just speaking of you, Halla, and the children. I was just saying how warm our house had become." Hallahiriel smiled at Faramir, she was very fortunate to have such a kind and caring brother-in-law. She felt Theodred and Eomer's eyes on her and she mustered her brightest smile, though she felt like crying.
As the guests settled in and Denethor finally arrived to start the feast, Boromir and Hallahiriel entrusted the twins to the care of Corerith and Ioreth and watched as they made their way back to the nursery. Hallahiriel scanned the tables and the entire dining hall; Thaurelda was no where to be seen. She was worried, and she turned to her left side and whispered to Faramir.
"Have you seen Thaurelda? I have not seen her since the arrival of Theoden's company." Faramir nodded discreetly.
"I saw her only two hours ago before I met Imrahil at the gates. She was in the nursery." Hallahiriel was a bit relieved, though she still wondered what kept her friend.
Before she could speak her concern to Faramir, Denethor stood at the head of the table, his goblet raised in the air. Hallahiriel could not help but eye Boromir on her right, wondering if the same thoughts ran through his head. Denethor cleared his throat as he gained all of the attention in the room.
"Welcome, my guests! Long have our countries been allies and our friendships have served us well and now my house finds itself in a time of great joy with the birth of my granddaughters to my eldest son Boromir and his wife, Lady Hallahiriel." Hallahiriel felt a tinge of blush dot across her cheeks and Boromir saught her hand with his underneath the table as his father continued, "And it is with even greater joy that I announce that our friendship with Rohan will become even stronger. It is with great honor that the houses of Minas Tirith and Edoras will be tied forever. Today I announce the betrothal of my eldest granddaughter, Ascafenien, to King Thoeden's heir, Theodred."
Hallahiriel drew a sharp breath as the words were spoken. Boromir squeezed her hand and she could hear Faramir barely mutter something beneath his breath. She looked around the table, her eyes surely bewildered as she awaited the second announcement, betrothing Airigoniel to Eomer.
However, the announcement never came. Hallahiriel could not speak, but studied Theodred carefully. He did not look particularly overjoyed by the news, but wore a subtle smile that she noticed may be forced. As she looked to him, he caught her eyes with his own for a moment. She did not smile, but looked for some kind of meaning or understanding of the arrangement.
But Theodred only nodded to her in reverence as Denethor gave the word to bring out the food for the feast. Hallahiriel felt Boromir's hand lying heavily on hers. He worried; his heart broke.
Faramir leaned over to her and made her look at him directly. She fought a fierce battle to remain calm and Faramir allowed a very small smile to play at his lips.
"I'm so sorry, Halla. It troubles me that little Ascafenien has such a future; though you and I and Boromir must remember that sixteen years is a very long time. She shall grow with the love of her mother, her father, and her very doting and protective uncle. So much can occur in sixteen years, Halla. So much can change. She is not a young woman yet. So many happy days of childhood are ahead of her...ahead of both of the girls. And we shall not begrudge them a minute or a moment of it."
Hallahiriel fought back her sadness more successfully with Faramir's words. He was right, a lot could happen in such a distant amount of time.
Throughout the evening, Hallahiriel and Boromir remained remarkably quiet, though they kept up the pleasantries. Somewhere in between dinner and the time to dance, Hallahiriel and Boromir managed to pull away from the crowd. He lead her up the stairs to the nursery to check on the twins.
Worries plagued Hallahiriel. Not only had the betrothal occurred, Thaurelda was not to be found, and Corerith and Ioreth had not been seen for the rest of the evening. Her heart pounded in her temples and Boromir remained a man of few words, but he held her hand tenderly as they ventured up the stairs together.
When they entered through the door of the nursery, Hallahiriel screamed in shock.
Both Corerith and Ioreth laid back to back on the floor, bound together at the waist, the feet and the hands. Rags were stuffed in their mouths preventing them from speaking. Hallahiriel fell to her knees and pulled out Corerith's gag the older woman shrieked.
"The babes...men took them...out the window."
Hallahiriel felt the acidic burn of anger and grief ebbing in her chest. She howled loudly and Boromir, after freeing Ioreth and Corerith from their bonds, pulled her to him quickly. His muscles tensed with ire and he questioned Corerith and Ioreth firmly.
"Who were the men? Had you seen them before?"
Corerith nodded fervently, though before she opened her mouth to speak, a male voice was heard through the window.
"HALLAHIRIEL!" The voice beseeched.
The four of them tore out of the room frantically and Boromir still held Hallahiriel's hand. Fear dogged at her and tears streamed down her face. As they made their way out to the courtyard, they saw that the celebration guests had already beaten them there. Hallahiriel pushed through the crowd urgently, Boromir quick on her heels.
She saw the looks on Imrahil, Eomer, Theodred and Faramir's faces and feared the worst. Her heart was beating do fast that she feared that it would lodge in her throat. As they entered the front of the onlookers, Hallahiriel gasped in horror.
Owynvan stood before her, holding a bound and gagged Thaurelda by the waist and a sharp dagger at her throat. Boromir roared in anger and prepared to charge at the man. In response, Owynvan pushed the blade closer to Thaurelda's throat. Boromir stopped in his tracks, but his chest heaved and his hands itched to rip out Owynvan's throat.
"I'd stay there, Boromir, unless you have need for unnecessary bloodshed." Owynvan stated cooly.
Hallahiriel could see the beads of sweat pouring down Thaurelda's face. What could be done to save her? Boromir stared his foe down and growled.
"What do you want, Owynvan? And where are my daughters?"
"They are safe at the moment, which is more than I could say for the lovely Thaurelda. I'm sure that Faramir is just dying inside, knowing that she is in danger. A danger that could be avoided if my terms are met."
Hallahiriel looked back to Faramir and saw that he had stepped up alongside her. She had never seen the rage in his eyes before.
"What are your terms?" Her brother-in-law called lowly and with a sneer.
"Give me what I want and the girl goes free. As do the babes. No one is harmed and we all are happy."
"WHAT ARE YOUR TERMS?" Boromir roared once again. Owynvan merely cocked his head to the side and looked at Hallahiriel coldly.
"I believe that the Lady Hallahiriel knows. I want what is rightfully mine. I want what was promised to me three years ago."
Boromir took Hallahiriel by the waist protectively. He wanted her. Hallahiriel in exchange of her own daughters and Thaurelda. Hallahiriel clung to Boromir and cradled his face in her hands and whispered.
"Listen to me. You find me. I will fight him until you do. Take the girls to safety once they are in your keep. Then worry about me."
"Halla, no. There has got to be another way." Boromir shook his head vehemently.
"I will not risk the lives of my children or my friend for a mistake that I made years ago. This is the safest way. No harm will come to them if I go willingly. It is me that he wants. I know you will find me, Boromir. I am sure that Faramir will want to come as well."
"Hallahiriel, we out number them. This can end this here and now." Faramir whispered from her side.
She shook her head. It could end with tragedy if they were not careful. A skirmish with the children in the clutches of Owynvan and his men would be catastrophic. She did not worry as much about herself.
"Lady Hallahiriel is right. We must secure the children first and Lady Thaurelda." She turned her head to find Theodred, Eomer and King Theoden behind her. Theodred nodded to her firmly after he spoke.
"We will come for you, my lady. First, we will place guards around the children and we shall be right behind." Eomer added.
"I will go with you, Owynvan. However, release Thaurelda and produce my children safely first." As the words trickled from her lips, Owynvan released a wicked chuckle and pushed Thaurelda at Hallahiriel's feet.
"That's the spirit, Halla. You are such a noble woman."
Hallahiriel bent down and helped Thaurelda to her feet. As she removed the gag from her mouth, Thaurelda gave her a pleading look.
"My lady, this is a bad idea. This is a trap, no matter how you look at it." Hallahiriel shook her head.
"If you and the twins are safe, that is all that matters. Do not worry about me. I fear Owynvan underestimates my upbringing, my temper and most of all my husband and brother. Now go and help the men with the twins." Hallahiriel lead Thaurelda to Faramir and he began working at the knots of her bindings.
Owynvan signaled to either side of the courtyard, and two of his men emerged carrying the fitful twins. She turned to Boromir, her cheeks tear-stained, and he embraced her tightly. Their lips met in a fearful and passionate kiss and Hallahiriel whispered in his ear.
"Come and find me dearest, and we shall finish this together."
Hallahiriel pulled away and walked past the men carrying Ascafenien and Airigoniel. She wanted to scream out loud in sadness, but with what strength she had, she restrained it. Owynvan met her midway and bound her hands behind her back with rope. His smile widened with triumph in seeing her in such a submissive state. Hallahiriel looked at him coldly.
"Give my children to my husband."
"Certainly." With a flick of his wrist, Owynvan signaled for the men to hand over the children. She watched helplessly as Boromir received Ascafenien and Eomer took Airigoniel. Hallahiriel met her husband's eyes one last time as Owynvan deposited her on the front of his horse.
As they rode off into the night, Hallahiriel prayed that Boromir would find her quickly and this would all be over as fast as it had occurred.
A/N: I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT. Grad School is kicking my butt, but hopefully now that the semester is winding down, I can post more often. Next Chapter: Halla fends off Owynvan...Boromir forms a search party...and Eomer has a secret! Please read and review!
To Lady Glory: Here is the next chappie...hope you enjoy it and find it useful in the crusade against the evil Dennis! Please keep the reviews coming!
To Angel of Harlem: It's here! The U2 album is back! Hoorah! "All Because of You" ,"Love and Peace or Else" and "City of Blinding Lights" rule, though the whole album is immaculate. Sorry about the wait for Faramir smoochies and the cliff hanger! Please drop me a line! I can't wait to here from you.
To Rana Ninque: Yes! Smoochies! Owynvan's gift won't be revealed in the story for awhile, but it is the Arnor Stone (palantir). Glad you like the names! Sorry for the long wait! Please review and let me know what you think!
To Diamond Took3: You can cut off one limb and three toes! Sorry for the wait! The next chappie will be a doozy! Please review! Thank you!