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 Thirteen: The Return Home
Three days after Boromir had finally returned to consciousness, the company set out back from Minas Tirith. The previous days brought much frustration to Boromir, who was not used to having people help him with the most mundane tasks and fancied himself quite self-sufficient. Hallahiriel, on the other hand remained as patient as she could be with her husband, though he tended to be grumpy. She really could not blame him, though.
Hallahiriel rode on the back of Eomer's horse while Boromir sat rather uncomfortably on the back of Faramir's. Hallahiriel held on to Eomer and looked at her husband gently. She could not wait to get him home and tend to her children. She had missed her little girls so and hoped that she would never be forced away from them ever again. Even though they were infants, she knew in her heart that Ascafenien and Airigoniel missed their parents very much.
Boromir caught her gaze and flashed her a warm, albeit, pained smile and Hallahiriel could not help but chuckle lowly. Eomer turned his head slightly and questioned timidly.
"Is everything alright, my lady?"
Hallahiriel nodded and replied, "I seem to be faring more comfortably than my poor husband, though he seems to be making the best of it. He is really keen on returning home."
"Indeed, I know that you and Boromir wish to see your daughters and friends... Lady Hallahiriel, I was wondering what you think of the idea of betrothal?" Hallahiriel sighed and responded honestly.
"At the beginning, I was horrified. My little, infant daughters engaged to men old enough to be their father...but now, after meeting Theodred and yourself and after all you have risked to save a stranger like me...I cannot think of better, more honest and honorable men."
She felt Eomer laugh heartily and could tell that he was pleased by her response. He drew a sharp breath and felt hesitant to ask the question that he felt he needed to.
"I was wondering, my lady, if you would permit me to change my mind. I would be honored to someday wed your youngest daughter."
Hallahiriel would have been appalled at such a question just a week before, but she felt a newborn kinship with Eomer. She mulled it over in her mind. Of course she would want her daughters to make their own choices and marry for love, however, if she and Boromir would be forced by Denethor to make alliances with other countries via their dear children, they would be hard pressed to find more kind, loyal and honorable men than Eomer and Theodred.
Eomer sensed Hallahiriel's hesitation to speak such a commitment, so spoke up gently.
"That is, only when Airigoniel is ready herself. I believe that she has a right to make that decision." Hallahiriel was surprised by this condition and decided to put him to the test.
"What if she is not ready until she is twenty-five or thirty? Can you wait that long to wed?" Eomer shrugged and smiled.
"If Airigoniel is not comfortable with the arrangement until that time, than so be it." It was a good answer, but Hallahiriel decided to push further.
"Tell me, Lord Eomer. Why did you change your mind? Why did you not consent in the first place?" Eomer sighed, Lady Hallahiriel had backed him into a corner.
"I suppose I didn't know what to expect and I wasn't sure if I wanted someone so young. After watching you and Lord Boromir, I know that your daughters will inherit the same loyalty and bravery that you yourself have." Hallahiriel spouted a laugh and shook her head.
"If my daughters are anything like me at the age of twenty, you can be sure that they will be willful and headstrong as well as loyal and brave." Eomer laughed with her and shrugged again.
"Well, I suppose that those traits hold a certain charm, too." He felt awful about leaving out the whole story with Thaurelda, but he felt that it was best to bury his feelings. Eomer knew that he had been foolish to refuse the betrothal for a quick meeting with a girl that he had exchanged only a few words with. Only a fool could be that dumbfounded by first sight.
They rode from dawn to dusk that day, until they finally crossed the borders into Minas Tirith. Boromir's heart swelled at the idea of home, Hallahiriel and his daughters. As they reached the steps of the Steward's home in the highest tier, Faramir and Hallahiriel helped Boromir into the Great Hall, where Denethor was waiting by the fireplace. He rushed out of his chair to embrace Boromir and saw that he was injured.
"Boromir? Whatever happened? You must tell me everything!"
Boromir winced in pain with his father's overzealous affection and shook his head, "With all due respect, father, I would wish to leave that story for morning. For now I would like to hold my daughters, bid them goodnight and take rest in my own bed. I am sure that Faramir or Theoden would be thrilled to give you an account of our adventure. Goodnight, father."
Denethor looked a little despondent by his eldest son's words, but he nodded in response. Faramir and Hallahiriel helped Boromir to the nursery, where Thaurelda, Corerith and the twins were guarded by two Rangers outside the door. After easing Boromir into a chair beside the crib, Hallahiriel was swept up in the arms of Thaurelda.
"Oh, Lady Hallahiriel, I was so worried. I am sorry!" Hallahiriel squeezed her friend tightly and shook her head.
"Nonsense. You have looked after my daughters and I am happy to see you safe." Hallahiriel let Thaurelda go and hugged Corerith, who cried with happiness that she and Boromir were returned safely home. The older woman handed Hallahiriel Airigoniel and Boromir received Ascafenien.
Hallahiriel sat next to Boromir and kissed both of her daughters on the head. Their cheeks were rosy and they were filled with sleep. They looked healthy and happy and for that, Hallahiriel felt relieved. Faramir took Thaurelda by the arm and lead her gently out of the room and both Boromir and Hallahiriel took notice and shared a secret smile.
Corerith helped them tuck the children in and Boromir and Hallahiriel hobbled back down the hall to their own quarters. Hallahiriel sat Boromir on the bed, helped him out of his tunic and boots and then disappeared behind the changing screen to doff her dirty celebration gown, wash off with water and a clean cloth and then put on her night clothes. She emerged from behind the screen to see Boromir sitting up against the pillows his eyes locked on her.
"I can see that you are happy to be home, Boromir." She picked up her brush and ran it through her hair. It had been days since she had seen a mirror or her brush and her hair had been in desperate need of attention.
"Indeed, but there is no home without you, Halla, or without our children." Hallahiriel smiled and set down her brush so she could walk to the bed and slide in beside her husband.
Boromir wrapped his arms around her and for the first time in days felt calm and comfortable. She rested her head against the crook of his shoulder and smiled peacefully. They were indeed home. Bruised, battered and broken bones aside, they were happy.
Faramir led Thaurelda out into the courtyard and stopped when he felt they were far enough away to be uninterrupted. He noticed in the pale moonlight how tired she looked. No doubt that she had taken care of the twins and worried over the safety of their parents.
"I am glad to see you back safe, Faramir." Thaurelda did not look at him, rather kept her head down and eyes looking at her hands. He placed the fingertips of one hand under her chin and lifted her head so they could meet eyes.
"What's wrong, Thaurelda?" She bit her lip anxiously and released a pained sigh.
"My mother has sent word that my father has fallen ill...she wants me to stay until my father can work the farm again...My aunt sold her shop...she wants to return to Lamedon as well and I am to accompany her. "
Faramir felt his heart break in his chest. All of this had occurred in just a matter of days? He sighed shakily, knowing that this was not how he envisioned his return to Minas Tirith coming about.
"And when shall you return?" Faramir watched her raptly as tears appeared in the corner of Thaurelda's eyes and she shrugged.
"That remains to be seen. I do not wish to leave, Faramir, I wish my father was healthy and whole. I am afraid to go back and watch him decline. I will miss Hallahiriel and the twins greatly, she is like family to me and now so is Corerith. And you...just when..."
Faramir pulled Thaurelda to his chest and stroked her hair. He knew her heart broke as well, but he also knew what the call of duty and loyalty to family felt like.
"You must do what is in your heart, Thaurelda. I know that it lies with your family. I just pray that you are allowed to return soon and on happy terms." Thaurelda pulled away and brought her lips to Faramir's and kissed him.
She too prayed the same thing.
A/N: One more chapter to go in this installment of Halla and Boromir's story. The next installment will pick up six years later, right before the siege of Osgiliath and when Boromir sets out for Rivendell.
Please let me know how I am doing and R&R!
Love ya-
Leah P!
To The Green Lama: I like your new name! Kinda trippy! I sure do know that pre-exam nervousness all too well! I am glad that you are reading still! The third installment is going to be very nerve wracking! Hope to hear from you soon!
To Angel of Harlem: Schmoopiness is ever so good! No worries, Eomer is going to have quite a meaty role in the next installment. I must say, I may have to write a fiction for him sometime. I hope all is well with you, and I hope to hear from you soon! Love ya!
To Dread Lady Freya: The third installment is going to be chock full of sadness, madness, angst and war! There will be a bit more of "Farelda," too! Thanks for the review!