A/N: Alright, here's the second half of the last chapter. It's insanely long since we wanted to get the Fellowship out of Lorien, and we didn't want to have a really short chapter 17. I hope it's worth the wait and the length.
Just a final note, the gift giving scene is a mix of the movie and the book.
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Chapter 16
TA 3019 February 1 Afternoon
Farothen wandered through the woods surrounding Caras Galadhon, his mind ablaze with thoughts focusing mainly on his budding relationship with Boromir. He also wondered if Legolas had really seen them outside the stable a week earlier and how much he'd seen.
Farothen was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Legolas' name mentioned. Walking a few more feet he found himself at the edge of a clearing where three elf maidens sat on some large upraised roots.
Keeping himself hidden, Farothen shamelessly listened to the maidens talk. Slowly he felt himself getting angry at the maidens' words.
"So, Maikafea," one of the maidens was saying, "You used to be betrothed to Prince Legolas, what's really going on between him and that adan Aragorn?"
Farothen turned his gaze to the maiden, Maikafea. She was fair of face but her eyes held a cold vindictiveness as she replied to the other maiden's question.
"I don't know, Tharien, but whatever it is it must be pretty bad to guilt Legolas into breaking his betrothal to me."
"You know," the third maiden started, "That half-elf who's been hanging around, Farothen, rumor says he's their son. The adan carried him. Apparently Aragorn is of Numenorean descent."
"You're right, Aryniel." Tharien said.
Maikafea shook her head, "Of course. What else would make Legolas end our betrothal? The adan got himself pregnant with the prince's bastard."
Farothen released a deep throated growl, his hand unconsciously reaching for the dagger he kept at his hip. He tensed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, surprised to see Legolas standing behind him.
"Legolas. How long have you been here?"
Legolas nodded toward the maidens, "Long enough. Ignore them, Farothen. Both Tharien and Aryniel hoped to be my queen at one point. And Maikafea is bitter that I broke off our betrothal for Estel."
Farothen glared back at the three maidens, "How can you let them get away with that?"
Legolas turned Farothen back to face him, "Because I know the truth. I love Aragorn and he loves me, and you are the result of that love. What three maidens, who know only rumors, think means nothing."
"But they're…"
"Farothen, do you believe I'm trying to work out my relationship with Estel because he trapped me by getting pregnant with you?"
"No. It's obvious you love each other and you…" Farothen started.
"Didn't know about you." Legolas interrupted, "Farothen, it's not the first time rumors have spread about me and it probably won't be the last. I'm nearly 3000 and royalty."
Farothen growled over at the maidens, who were still chattering away.
"I mean, how sad and pathetic is Aragorn?" Maikafea was saying, "Throwing himself at an elf who was completely above him. Even if he was royal, which he isn't, he's still a filthy adan!"
Farothen felt his anger shoot to a near boiling point. No one talked about his ada that way! Turning to Legolas he hissed, "How can you stand there and do nothing while they talk about Ada like that?!"
Legolas sighed, "Farothen, please understand, storming into that clearing and yelling will do nothing but prove, to their minds, that all they say is true. Besides, the only way to beat Maika is to be cool about her gossip."
"What?!" Farothen hissed again, "So you're going to…"
"Walk out there and pretend she said nothing, not giving her the satisfaction of knowing I'm mad. That's what she wants, Farothen. I wounded her pride by loving a mortal instead of her."
Not giving Farothen a chance to reply, Legolas strode into the clearing. Forcing a smile that just barely hid the blaze of temper behind it, he stopped in front of the maidens, facing Maikafea.
"It's been a while, Maika."
"Prince Legolas," Maikafea said standing while her companions jumped up to curtsy as Legolas' station demanded, "It has been a while. How is…Aragorn? I trust you're…happy."
"Very," Legolas agreed through a false smile, his hands curling into fists at his sides, "As is our son, Farothen."
"Hmm. Yes, I heard." Maikafea said with a spiteful smile, "Congratulations."
Legolas nodded, "Many thanks. We are very happy. And so proud. He's all that we expected and more for Aragorn's heir."
Maikafea's smile faltered as Tharien asked, "Aragorn's heir?"
Legolas flashed the she-elf a too-innocent grin, "Aye. Didn't you know? Aragorn is Isildur's heir. The king of Gondor."
At those words Tharien and Aryniel gasped. Maikafea went livid. Legolas smiled again, "Now, if you'll excuse me, my king awaits me."
That said Legolas walked away. Aryniel sighed, recovering first, "He's so…amazing. And yet completely wasted on an adan, king of Gondor or not. And Farothen looks just like him if you can get past his…adan side."
Tharien nodded, sighing, "But the facial hair works for him. It's too bad he's only half elf though. Prince Legolas is no longer free, but his son is."
Maikafea shook her head, "Really Tharien. Stop speaking such nonsense! He's nothing more than a half breed!"
Back at the edge of the clearing Farothen grit his teeth. Legolas may be right, for he had obviously put the maidens in their place with his king of Gondor comment, but Farothen still thought these maidens deserved some harsher judgment.
Yet, all he desired to do was get away from them before he completely lost his temper. He wouldn't be in anyone's good graces if he followed through with what he wanted to do.
And, as much as he was tempted to put an arrow between Maikafea's eyes, he knew he'd hate himself later if he did. Releasing a particularly vulgar Elvish curse that would surely have gotten his mouth washed out with soap when he was younger, Farothen spun on his heel and stalked away form the clearing.
Sometimes it just didn't pay to be a good guy.
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Later that evening
Maikafea was still fuming later that evening as Aryniel and Tharien followed behind her still chattering. She knew Legolas had overheard their conversation earlier that day and yet he had shown no reaction toward her. As if he was completely indifferent to her.
And the present conversation between Aryniel and Tharien wasn't helping her temperament. The two had already made enough crude comments about Legolas and Farothen and now they were discussing how it was a shame that Aragorn's fairness was wasted on an adan.
Maikafea didn't even want to think about the adan that way. The king of men was nothing more than a common slut!
Maikafea broke off from her thoughts as she heard someone coming from behind. Aryniel and Tharien also paused in their conversation. Without saying a word to each other, the three maidens hid behind a bush just as Farothen came into view.
Maikafea scowled at the half breed and her scowl deepened when the adan called Boromir came up behind Farothen. Boromir had a grin on his face, "I think the elf suspects something."
Farothen turned to look at Boromir with an alarmed look on his face, "Why?"
"Because," Boromir said laughing, "After you left the game, Legolas nodded at me to follow you."
Farothen shook his head, "Legolas has been acting weird like that all day. I think his pregnancy is going to his head."
Aryniel and Tharien both gasped at Farothen's last words. Maikafea glowered, 'So the adan decided to make sure Legolas was his by planting his child in Legolas' belly. Figures. All edain are disgusting.'
"What do you mean?" Boromir asked, wondering how 'weird' Farothen thought Legolas could be.
Farothen quickly explained about the conversation he'd overheard between the three elf maidens.
Aryniel gasped, "You mean Farothen overheard our conversation too?"
Maikafea motioned for her to remain quiet, but it was unnecessary since Boromir's laughter drowned out Aryniel's comment. Farothen stared at Boromir in amazement, "It doesn't bother you that they were bad-mouthing your entire race?"
Boromir shook his head, "Consider the source, Farothen. A bunch of silly elf maidens who have probably never learned a thing about the world of men. And from what it sounds like, Maikafea is nothing more than a spoiled princess who is bitter about Legolas choosing Aragorn over her."
Maikafea felt her temper flare at Boromir's words. How dare the adan talk about her like that!
"Besides," Boromir continued, "The kingdoms of Rohan and Gondor are all that stand between the Elven realms and the forces of Isengard and Mordor. Do you know how many of my people have died to keep these lands safe? If anything, Maikafea is beneath us, not the reverse."
Maikafea gasped, "I'm beneath him!"
Boromir and Farothen looked at each other, their expressions both saying they had heard Maikafea's gasp of outrage.
"You wanna giver her something to really talk about?" Boromir whispered to Farothen.
Farothen arched an eyebrow in affirmation and a split second later Boromir kissed him. Almost instantly, three gasps of surprise could be heard from the bushes.
"You mean the son's been taken now too!"
Farothen and Boromir both burst out laughing at the dismay in the elf maiden's voice. As one the two turned to see two dejected elf maidens and one very pissed off one looking at them. Boromir directed his gaze to the very cold looking one with an amused look on his face.
"Something must be good about humans, Maikafea, because we keep taking YOUR men," Boromir said. As Maikafea's face turned red in anger, Boromir and Farothen both turned and walked away.
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February 5
Farothen sat in a small cove of trees a short distance from the Fellowship's clearing brooding while he watched Pippin and Merry pester Boromir about giving them another fencing lesson. The Gondorian gave a show of moaning about not feeling up to it. The hobbits' reaction was to tackle him.
Farothen smiled as their laughter drifted to his ears. It was times like this, when Boromir was relaxed and happy, that he reminded Farothen of Ada. Both the good parts and the not so good.
Boromir had the pride and the temper, but he also had the gentle heart and willingness to listen and compromise…on certain things. 'And,' Farothen thought, chuckling as Boromir continued to wrestle with the hobbits, 'He has the potential to be a good father should the need arise.'
"He's a good man." Legolas said suddenly, sitting down beside Farothen on the tree root.
Farothen jumped in surprise and scowled at the elf's innocent grin, "Can't you make some noise?"
Legolas smirked, "I'm an elf, Farothen. We don't make noise."
"Well it's unnerving the way you just…show up out of the blue with no warning."
Legolas shook his head with a chuckle and looked back at Boromir, "The grace of the elves is not what makes you brood. Has the young adan from Gondor caught your eye?"
Farothen met Legolas' gaze, "As if you didn't know."
Legolas sighed, "Young love is hard to hide from one who knows where to look. Especially if that one is an elf."
"But how do you know its love?" Farothen asked.
Legolas thought a moment, his gaze searching out Aragorn, who sat on the opposite side of the Fellowship's clearing, watching Boromir and the hobbits wrestle. He smiled when the ranger laughed out loud.
Farothen watched the elf, waiting for his answer and wondering if he, himself, had the same adoration in his eyes as Legolas did. Did Farothen gaze at Boromir the same way Legolas gazed at Aragorn, with his heart in his eyes and a small smile on his lips?
"You just know," Legolas finally answered, "You see him and your heart rate picks up and you know…he's the one you want to spend your life with. The one you'll give up everything for."
Farothen nodded thoughtfully, "You broke your betrothal for Ada."
Legolas sighed, "I almost didn't. It was a political link of my ada's choosing. Ada's word is law in Mirkwood. No one goes against his rule. Especially his son."
"And yet you did." Farothen whispered.
Legolas nodded, "It was after my last fight with Estel, as I walked the halls of the palace, that I realized…I had to be true to myself. Even if it meant going against my ada."
"So you chose Ada over your duty to your own father?" Farothen asked, "Even if it meant angering your ada?"
"I followed where my heart led." Legolas said, putting a hand on Farothen's shoulder, "And you must follow where your heart leads you. Don't make the same mistake I did and let 37 years go by."
Farothen glanced at Aragorn, "But Ada…"
"Leave Estel to me. He will growl, even yell a little, but in the end he will remember, as did my ada, that your happiness is what's important." Legolas said, conveniently leaving out the part where Thranduil had already known about Estel and that he could deny Legolas nothing. Legolas figured that wasn't important.
Farothen turned back to Legolas, "You think I should pursue this…relationship with Boromir?"
Legolas rolled his eyes, reaching over to tap Farothen's chest, over his heart, with a finger tip, "I'm saying," he emphasized the second word, "Listen to your heart and follow where it leads. Rarely does the heart go astray."
Before Farothen could reply Legolas stood up, gave the young adan's shoulder a final squeeze, then walked away. Farothen watched the elf make his way toward Aragorn and sit down by the ranger.
'Listen to my heart,' Farothen thought, 'But what is it telling me?'
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February 9
"You're still aiming too high, Boromir."
Biting back a retort, Boromir notched another arrow and aimed lower. Releasing the arrow he cursed when it hit the tree just below the target.
He scowled at Farothen when the half-elf failed to muffle a snort of laughter, "That's better, Boromir. Closer to the target…but it was a little too low this time."
"You know," Boromir growled, dropping the bow, and took the few steps necessary to reach Farothen, who was sitting on the ground, casually reclining back against a root, "You could get up and…help."
Farothen looked up at the man towering over him and nodded, "I could. But…"
"But what?" Boromir asked, shifting a bit self-consciously as Farothen gave him a slow once over while getting leisurely to his feet.
"But," Farothen whispered, stepping toward his companion and pressing a teasing kiss to his jaw, causing Boromir's breath to catch, "Archery seems to slip our minds when we get this close."
Boromir released a chuckle and reached up to bury his fingers in Farothen's hair, "I wonder why."
Before Farothen could reply Boromir pulled him into a heated kiss that drew a small moan from them both. After a moment they both pulled back and met each other's gaze.
Farothen felt a flare of panic at the clear desire in Boromir's eyes. Shaking his head he backed away, "No. I'm sorry. I can't."
Boromir blinked, "Farothen, what…" He cut off when he saw the fear in the half-elf's eyes, "Why do you fear me?"
Farothen sighed, "Not you exactly. Just…this. I've never…" He shook his head again and forced himself to meet Boromir's gaze, "I mean…I've been with maidens, but never…another male. And never one…who meant so much to me."
Boromir released a breath, but before he could speak Farothen continued, "I just didn't want to end up like Ada. Alone, raising a child. I was borne by a male. The chances of me being able to, especially now that Legolas can too…At the risk of that, I want a love like my fathers have."
"I understand, Farothen." Boromir whispered, "And you're right to wait for that kind of love."
Farothen sighed, remembering Legolas' words. 'You see him and your heart rate picks up and you know…he's the one you want to spend your life with.' He looked at Boromir and his heart thumped.
'Listen to your heart and follow where it leads,' Legolas had said, 'Rarely does the heart go astray.'
Taking a deep breath Farothen looked Boromir in the eye, "I believe I've found a love like that, Boromir. I believe I've fallen in love with you…but I need to know, can you say the same…and mean it?"
Boromir swallowed, "Farothen, I…"
Farothen stopped Boromir's words with a gentle kiss, "Not yet, Boromir. I need you to be sure. Think on it." He pressed one hand flat against Boromir's chest, feeling the steady beat of the man's heart, "Listen to your heart. It will not lead you astray. A very smart elf told me that."
With one more quick kiss Farothen left Boromir alone in the archery clearing. Boromir sighed, 'How do you listen to your own heart?'
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February 10
Boromir sat a little off to the side watching Farothen as he entertained the hobbits with stories of his youth. Gimli sat behind the hobbits smoking his pipe and occasionally releasing huffs of laughter at Farothen's most likely embellished tales of his childhood pranks.
The man of Gondor sighed, a myriad of emotions running through him as he studied the young half-elf. He hadn't slept a wink the night before, thinking about his conversation with Farothen.
Farothen had told him to think about his feelings and 'follow his heart'. He'd done so. The problem was his heart was telling him he loved Farothen but there were whispers that had plagued him for weeks telling him he wasn't good enough for the son of the king.
Those same whispers told him that the ring would make him good enough. With the ring he'd be more powerful than any other. He'd be the king's equal.
But Boromir knew those whispers to be what they were. The ring tempting him to claim it. Promising him power, everything he desired.
Boromir shook his head, 'Leave me in peace. No more lies!'
Advice. That's what he needed. Someone to talk to who wouldn't judge him. Someone not tempted by the ring, who knew their way around issues of the heart.
Gandalf was gone. Gimli wasn't exactly Boromir's idea of someone who would have good advice on love. The hobbits were like little kids really. Farothen was the topic he needed advice on. And Aragorn…right. Let's ask the overprotective father for advice on a relationship with his son.
Boromir's gaze was drawn to Legolas, who sat at the far side of the clearing, leaning against a tree. Getting to his feet Boromir walked over to the elf. Stopping in front of Legolas he took a breath to speak.
Legolas beat him to it, "Sit, man of Gondor. Speak your mind."
Boromir sat down with a sigh, "I'm not sure where to start."
"You love my son." Legolas said abruptly, "I've seen it happening. But that's not what bothers you is it?"
Boromir shook his head, "Nay. I know I love him…but…the whispers…"
Legolas sat upright, wincing slightly and pressing a hand to his belly, "What do the whispers tell you?"
"Are you okay?" Boromir asked.
Legolas waved a hand dismissively, "It's nothing. Just…nothing. What do the whispers tell you, Boromir?"
Boromir sighed, not really believing the elf's claim about his wince being nothing but let it pass, "They tell me I'm not good enough. That I don't deserve him."
Legolas tilted his head, "Do you believe that?"
"No…Yes…I don't know." Boromir said, running his fingers through his hair, "I know I love him. I'd do anything for him. I'd die for him."
Legolas smiled, "Then that's all that counts."
"But the ring…" Boromir started only to cut off as Legolas shook his head.
"It speaks to us all, Boromir. Nobody is immune to its power." Legolas said.
"Not even you?" Boromir asked, unable to understand how something as pure as an elf could be used by something as evil as the ring.
"Not even me." Legolas sighed, "It preyed on my insecurities about my relationship with Aragorn. It preys now on my regrets for not being a part of Farothen's youth. And it preys on my doubts about being a good father to this baby."
"I think you'll be a good father, Legolas." Boromir said, "You're doing alright with me."
Legolas chuckled, "Ai, Boromir, you're questions are easy." He turned serious again and put a hand on the young adan's shoulder, "You love him, Boromir, and he loves you. Trust in him to bring through your doubts."
"But what about Aragorn?" Boromir asked, "He won't…"
Legolas once again waved a hand dismissively, "Like I told Farothen, leave Aragorn to me."
"How will you keep him from finding out?" Boromir asked skeptically.
"I've got," Legolas paused and grinned evilly, then finished, "Ways."
Boromir chuckled, "Aragorn better watch out. You're positively dangerous, Elf."
Legolas merely cocked an amused brow. Shaking his head Boromir got to his feet, "I'll leave you to your…wicked ways. I want to talk to Farothen anyway."
Legolas smirked, "Just remember, adan, that's my son you're…talking to."
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February 12
Boromir was half walking in a daze after Aragorn and Legolas' wedding. The entire ceremony had been spoken in Elvish, but there had been no missing the love between the two.
'I want that for myself,' Boromir thought just as he caught sight of Farothen walking a little ways ahead. It suddenly hit Boromir right then and there, 'I do have that same kind of love. With Farothen. And I can't believe I almost let him go because of some doubts perpetrated by a ring!'
Squaring hid shoulders for what was to come, Boromir quickly increased his stride to catch up to Farothen and he only had a moment to be thankful that no one else was around to see what he was about to do.
Reacting on impulse, he grabbed Farothen by the wrist and spun the half elf around to face him. Farothen only had time to give a small squeak of surprise before Boromir pressed their lips together.
"You could have warned me," Farothen whispered breathlessly against Boromir's lips after the kiss had ended."
"Sorry, my love," Boromir said, "I just couldn't resist."
Farothen looked at Boromir with wide eyes, "What did you call me?"
"My love," Boromir answered. "I'm sorry it took me so long to figure it out. But…I love you, Farothen."
Farothen was momentarily speechless, and he had tears in his eyes, "
What are we going to do, Boromir? You'll be leaving soon with the rest of the Fellowship."
Boromir didn't bother thinking about it much. Too much thinking was what had gotten him into the whole dilemma of doubting his feelings. This time Boromir followed his heart completely.
"Marry me, Farothen?"
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February 14
Gimli followed Legolas through Lorien grumbling about it being so early. After all, it was barely dawn and few were awake save the elves. The only reason Gimli was awake was because Legolas had dragged him out of his nice warm blankets with no explanation beyond a whispered, "Come with me."
"Crazy elf. You're not even listening to me." Gimli grumped, "Where are we going anyway?"
"On the contrary, my dear Gimli, I have heard every word you have said. I have merely chosen not to reply to your grumbling." Legolas said with a smile, "In answer to your question, we are going to a wedding."
"A wedding." Gimli smirked, "Let me guess, that would be Boromir and Farothen's am I right?"
Legolas threw a surprised look over his shoulder and Gimli huffed, "You elves are not the only ones with quick eyes, laddie."
Legolas faced forward again with another smile, "Nay, Master dwarf, I guess we are not. Now, come, we must hurry. Aragorn cannot know."
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Boromir and Farothen paced in opposite, parallel lines as they waited for everyone to arrive. They paused mid-pace when Legolas entered the clearing. Gimli followed him saying, "Aragorn will kill you all when he finds out."
"And you as well, mellon nin, for you will help us keep this secret." Legolas said as he stopped in front of Boromir and Farothen, "Have you two decided on tokens to exchange?"
Both nervous grooms froze, "Uh…"
Legolas rolled his eyes with a sigh, "What would you do without me?"
That said the elf reached down and pulled a dagger out of his boot. Before anyone could question him he'd reached up and cut two small locks of hair from the back, underneath so it wasn't noticeable, from each groom. Without a word he slid the dagger back into his boot just as Galadriel and Celeborn arrived.
Boromir and Farothen glanced at each other as Legolas quickly braided together one lock of each color of hair into a slim braid before starting on the two remaining.
"Um, Legolas…" Boromir started.
"Don't ask questions," Legolas interrupted without looking up from his task, "Just start your vows."
Boromir and Farothen looked like they were both close to panicking since they'd already been nervous to begin with. And Legolas was quickly making the situation out of control.
Luckily Galadriel was there to contrast Farothen's very eccentric father. She gave Legolas a stern look while speaking to Boromir and Farothen, "It's alright, you two. Go ahead and start your vows. Legolas does have a reason for his bizarre behavior."
Normally Legolas would have flinched from such a look from Galadriel, but he was anything but normal these days. Without even looking up at Galadriel he simply waved a hand at her as if saying 'leave me alone and let me finish this'.
Meanwhile, Boromir and Farothen still looked fairly nervous, despite Galadriel's attempt at reassurance. "We didn't really plan out our vows," Boromir said, trying to avoid everyone's gaze.
Galadriel smiled, "Just speak with your heart."
Farothen felt just as nervous as Boromir, but when he looked up at his husband-to-be, he suddenly knew exactly what to say. Grasping Boromir's hand with his left, he reached up with his other hand to tilt the Gondorian's chin up so they were gazing straight into each others eyes.
The half elf took a deep breath to steady his nerves before speaking, "The first time I saw you I knew my life would change. I believe in fate, that everyone has their other half waiting to be found. I found mine in you. My life, my heart and my soul are yours. I love you, Boromir. I cannot live without you."
Boromir felt tears come to his eyes at Farothen's words. Judging by the silence engulfing the clearing, he was sure the others were moved as well.
Trying to steady his rapidly beating heart, Boromir felt Galadriel's gaze on him and was suddenly reminded of some words she'd said to him earlier. It gave him the perfects words to say.
"Farothen, when I first came to Lothlorien all hope had deserted me. I'd seen so much death and evil in the world that I didn't think love was possible. But a very wise woman once told me, 'even now there is still hope'. And I believe she was right. Because I found a light here in the Golden Woods. Something to really live and die for. Something worth fighting for. It was all you, Farothen. I love you. Here, now and forever."
It was at this point Legolas stepped forward and handed each groom one slim braid long enough to be tied around the other's wrist. Understanding, they both smiled and faced each other again.
Farothen started by tying one of the long braids around Boromir's wrist while quietly whispering, "Im meleth le."
Boromir smile and repeated the action, except he whispered, "My love."
The ceremony was short and to the point, with all the guests quietly leaving to allow the newly married couple some time alone. Amazingly, Boromir and Farothen were thinking the exact same thing once they were left alone, 'My father is going to kill me.'
Farothen had known Aragorn was going to be angry from the beginning. Not because he didn't approve of Boromir, but because he still viewed Farothen as 'his baby'. And as for Boromir, his father wouldn't even consider this a real marriage, let alone how he'd react when he found out Boromir had married the king's son!
'Well first things first,' Boromir thought as he looked at Farothen with a nervous smile, "So," he started, "How are we going to manage to keep away from Aragorn for the rest of the day?"
The two of them were startled by the sound of someone clearing his throat and were surprised to see Legolas standing behind them. They thought he'd left with the others. But judging by the elf's amused grin, he'd been there the whole time.
"Don't worry about Estel. I'll keep him too busy to even remember he has a son, much less wonder where you are."
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February 16
The day came for the Fellowship to continue their quest. The Lord and Lady supplied them with three boats to take them south by way of the Anduin. Before their departure, as bidden by Lady Galadriel, they lined up on the shore.
Several Galadhrim, one for each member of the Fellowship, approached them and presented them with hooded cloaks of Elven make, woven by the lady herself with the help of her maidens. Each cloak came with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver. Also presented by them was a fair supply of lembas should they have need of it along their journey.
Next approached Galadriel herself, followed by a couple maidens loaded with gifts for the members of the Fellowship. She stopped before each in turn, starting with Aragorn.
"Already you have what your heart has wished for above all else, Son of Arathorn," she said motioning to Legolas, who stood at Aragorn's side, "But also I gift you with this dagger. Use it well."
She handed over the dagger and Aragorn took it with a small bow of his head, "Hannon le, heryn nin."
Next Galadriel went to Legolas and presented to him two things, "This belt, prince of Mirkwood, will lend extra support as your child puts more strain on your body as it grows."
Legolas ducked his head to hide a slight blush and Galadriel smiled as she continued, handing him a Galadhrim longbow, "I also gift you with a bow of the Galadhrim, as befits the skill of our Mirkwood kin."
Taking the bow Legolas studied it with awe before also giving the lady a small bow and echoed Aragorn's words, "Hannon le, heryn nin."
With a small nod Galadriel faced each of the hobbits in turn, presenting them with gifts as she saw fit. To Merry and Pippin went daggers of the Noldorin, to Sam, rope made of hithlain. Frodo received a crystal phial in which was captured the light of Earendil's star.
Her next gift was to Boromir, a belt of gold. Boromir accepted the gift with a bow of his head, "Many thanks, my lady."
Galadriel smiled, "Tis only one of the gifts I have for you, Lord Boromir. Another, I have, though not from myself or my husband. Rather, it comes from yours."
Boromir's breath caught warily and he turned his gaze to Aragorn. Thankfully the ranger paid them no attention for he was deep in conversation with Lord Celeborn.
Turning back to Galadriel he took the dagger and sheath she held out. The handle was jeweled and the sheath inlaid with silver thread spelling something out in Elvish runes. Boromir ran his fingers over the runes, wanting to ask what they meant.
As if sensing his question Galadriel answered, "They mean 'my jewel'. Sewn into the leather by your husband's own hand."
Boromir swallowed back the growing need to cry and reached under his new Elven cloak to unstrap the dagger and sheath he kept hidden at his back. This dagger too was jeweled at the handle, with the tree of Gondor engraved on the sheath.
Boromir held his own dagger out to the lady, "Please, if you would, return this one to him?"
Nodding Galadriel took the dagger, "It will be done."
After another quick thank you from Boromir, at last Galadriel faced Gimli, "And what gift, Master Gimli, would you ask of me? For I will not have you be the only guest with no gift."
"None, Lady." Gimli said, "For it is enough to have seen the Lady of the Galadhrim and to have heard her gentle words."
Galadriel laughed, "I thank you, Master dwarf. Yet surely there is something you would ask of me."
"There is nothing," Gimli started, ducking his head before stammering, "Unless it might be…nay, is permitted to ask…to name a single strand of your hair."
With another small laugh Galadriel gifted Gimli with not one strand of her hair…she gave him three.
After the gifts were given and accepted the Fellowship loaded their boats and set off. In one boat was Aragorn with Frodo and Sam as his passengers. Merry and Pippin went in the second with Boromir. The third held Legolas with Gimli as his companion.
Boromir looked at the shore as he rowed after his companions. Farothen stood a short distance from the elves, his hand raised in farewell, his heart in his eyes. Boromir closed his own eyes with a somewhat shuddery sigh, one thought filling his mind.
'Please, to the Valar, to the fates, to any who meddle in the lives of us men, let me return to my love. I beg you.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Farothen already missed Boromir, even after they'd only been parted for a few short hours. 'At least I still have a few tokens from my husband,' he thought as he looked at the braid tied around his wrist and the dagger in his hand. Boromir's dagger looked almost exactly like his own except it had diamond in the hilt instead of sapphire. If Aragorn were to simply glance at the dagger, he wouldn't even notice it wasn't Farothen's.
"I can't help but worry about him, Celeborn."
"Why do you keep stressing over this, Galadriel? You yourself said that Boromir's fate was no longer in our hands."
Farothen paused and ducked behind some bushed to listen as he thought, 'Why is Galadriel so worried about my husband?'
"The ring has taken hold of him. It will try and use him to get back into Sauron's hands. If it completely takes over…" Celeborn started.
"Not if, Celeborn," Galadriel interrupted, "When. I have seen it. He will try to take the ring."
Farothen recoiled in horror, 'Not Boromir! Not the brave and valiant man I love!' The half elf felt tears fill his eyes at the thought of his husband's soul being destroyed by such pure evil.
Without another thought, Farothen jumped up and started sprinting for the stables. 'I won't let this happen to Boromir.'
However, Farothen had jumped up so fast that he'd given no thought as to whether or not Celeborn and Galadriel had seen him. Which they had.
"It's alright, Celeborn," Galadriel said, "I knew Farothen was hiding there."
Celeborn looked at her half amused and half confused, with a look that said, 'Please, explain.'
Galadriel smiled at her husband, "Boromir put all his hope and faith in Farothen. If anyone can pull him back from the darkness of the ring, it's Farothen. Boromir's life is now in his husband's hands."
Less than an hour later Farothen rode out of Lorien on Roch.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elvish translations…
Im meleth le – I love you (Sindarin)
Hannon le, heryn nin – Thank you, my lady.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Replies to reviews…
Cerasi: (1) No comment. (2) I am not your 'dearie' and I prefer not to be addressed by any such endearment. (3) DO NOT tell me what I am or am not sure of. You do not know me; therefore, you have no way of knowing what I'm thinking. Remember that, next time.
As for the rest, thanks again for the great reviews. The only question that keeps coming up is whether or not we'll kill Boromir. That will be one point in which we mess with Tolkien's LOTR. We can't kill Boromir in an extended story like this, and besides, we just went through a lot of trouble to get him and Farothen together. So for all you Boromir fans, he won't die.
~Becky and Brina~
Just a final note, the gift giving scene is a mix of the movie and the book.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 16
TA 3019 February 1 Afternoon
Farothen wandered through the woods surrounding Caras Galadhon, his mind ablaze with thoughts focusing mainly on his budding relationship with Boromir. He also wondered if Legolas had really seen them outside the stable a week earlier and how much he'd seen.
Farothen was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Legolas' name mentioned. Walking a few more feet he found himself at the edge of a clearing where three elf maidens sat on some large upraised roots.
Keeping himself hidden, Farothen shamelessly listened to the maidens talk. Slowly he felt himself getting angry at the maidens' words.
"So, Maikafea," one of the maidens was saying, "You used to be betrothed to Prince Legolas, what's really going on between him and that adan Aragorn?"
Farothen turned his gaze to the maiden, Maikafea. She was fair of face but her eyes held a cold vindictiveness as she replied to the other maiden's question.
"I don't know, Tharien, but whatever it is it must be pretty bad to guilt Legolas into breaking his betrothal to me."
"You know," the third maiden started, "That half-elf who's been hanging around, Farothen, rumor says he's their son. The adan carried him. Apparently Aragorn is of Numenorean descent."
"You're right, Aryniel." Tharien said.
Maikafea shook her head, "Of course. What else would make Legolas end our betrothal? The adan got himself pregnant with the prince's bastard."
Farothen released a deep throated growl, his hand unconsciously reaching for the dagger he kept at his hip. He tensed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned, surprised to see Legolas standing behind him.
"Legolas. How long have you been here?"
Legolas nodded toward the maidens, "Long enough. Ignore them, Farothen. Both Tharien and Aryniel hoped to be my queen at one point. And Maikafea is bitter that I broke off our betrothal for Estel."
Farothen glared back at the three maidens, "How can you let them get away with that?"
Legolas turned Farothen back to face him, "Because I know the truth. I love Aragorn and he loves me, and you are the result of that love. What three maidens, who know only rumors, think means nothing."
"But they're…"
"Farothen, do you believe I'm trying to work out my relationship with Estel because he trapped me by getting pregnant with you?"
"No. It's obvious you love each other and you…" Farothen started.
"Didn't know about you." Legolas interrupted, "Farothen, it's not the first time rumors have spread about me and it probably won't be the last. I'm nearly 3000 and royalty."
Farothen growled over at the maidens, who were still chattering away.
"I mean, how sad and pathetic is Aragorn?" Maikafea was saying, "Throwing himself at an elf who was completely above him. Even if he was royal, which he isn't, he's still a filthy adan!"
Farothen felt his anger shoot to a near boiling point. No one talked about his ada that way! Turning to Legolas he hissed, "How can you stand there and do nothing while they talk about Ada like that?!"
Legolas sighed, "Farothen, please understand, storming into that clearing and yelling will do nothing but prove, to their minds, that all they say is true. Besides, the only way to beat Maika is to be cool about her gossip."
"What?!" Farothen hissed again, "So you're going to…"
"Walk out there and pretend she said nothing, not giving her the satisfaction of knowing I'm mad. That's what she wants, Farothen. I wounded her pride by loving a mortal instead of her."
Not giving Farothen a chance to reply, Legolas strode into the clearing. Forcing a smile that just barely hid the blaze of temper behind it, he stopped in front of the maidens, facing Maikafea.
"It's been a while, Maika."
"Prince Legolas," Maikafea said standing while her companions jumped up to curtsy as Legolas' station demanded, "It has been a while. How is…Aragorn? I trust you're…happy."
"Very," Legolas agreed through a false smile, his hands curling into fists at his sides, "As is our son, Farothen."
"Hmm. Yes, I heard." Maikafea said with a spiteful smile, "Congratulations."
Legolas nodded, "Many thanks. We are very happy. And so proud. He's all that we expected and more for Aragorn's heir."
Maikafea's smile faltered as Tharien asked, "Aragorn's heir?"
Legolas flashed the she-elf a too-innocent grin, "Aye. Didn't you know? Aragorn is Isildur's heir. The king of Gondor."
At those words Tharien and Aryniel gasped. Maikafea went livid. Legolas smiled again, "Now, if you'll excuse me, my king awaits me."
That said Legolas walked away. Aryniel sighed, recovering first, "He's so…amazing. And yet completely wasted on an adan, king of Gondor or not. And Farothen looks just like him if you can get past his…adan side."
Tharien nodded, sighing, "But the facial hair works for him. It's too bad he's only half elf though. Prince Legolas is no longer free, but his son is."
Maikafea shook her head, "Really Tharien. Stop speaking such nonsense! He's nothing more than a half breed!"
Back at the edge of the clearing Farothen grit his teeth. Legolas may be right, for he had obviously put the maidens in their place with his king of Gondor comment, but Farothen still thought these maidens deserved some harsher judgment.
Yet, all he desired to do was get away from them before he completely lost his temper. He wouldn't be in anyone's good graces if he followed through with what he wanted to do.
And, as much as he was tempted to put an arrow between Maikafea's eyes, he knew he'd hate himself later if he did. Releasing a particularly vulgar Elvish curse that would surely have gotten his mouth washed out with soap when he was younger, Farothen spun on his heel and stalked away form the clearing.
Sometimes it just didn't pay to be a good guy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Later that evening
Maikafea was still fuming later that evening as Aryniel and Tharien followed behind her still chattering. She knew Legolas had overheard their conversation earlier that day and yet he had shown no reaction toward her. As if he was completely indifferent to her.
And the present conversation between Aryniel and Tharien wasn't helping her temperament. The two had already made enough crude comments about Legolas and Farothen and now they were discussing how it was a shame that Aragorn's fairness was wasted on an adan.
Maikafea didn't even want to think about the adan that way. The king of men was nothing more than a common slut!
Maikafea broke off from her thoughts as she heard someone coming from behind. Aryniel and Tharien also paused in their conversation. Without saying a word to each other, the three maidens hid behind a bush just as Farothen came into view.
Maikafea scowled at the half breed and her scowl deepened when the adan called Boromir came up behind Farothen. Boromir had a grin on his face, "I think the elf suspects something."
Farothen turned to look at Boromir with an alarmed look on his face, "Why?"
"Because," Boromir said laughing, "After you left the game, Legolas nodded at me to follow you."
Farothen shook his head, "Legolas has been acting weird like that all day. I think his pregnancy is going to his head."
Aryniel and Tharien both gasped at Farothen's last words. Maikafea glowered, 'So the adan decided to make sure Legolas was his by planting his child in Legolas' belly. Figures. All edain are disgusting.'
"What do you mean?" Boromir asked, wondering how 'weird' Farothen thought Legolas could be.
Farothen quickly explained about the conversation he'd overheard between the three elf maidens.
Aryniel gasped, "You mean Farothen overheard our conversation too?"
Maikafea motioned for her to remain quiet, but it was unnecessary since Boromir's laughter drowned out Aryniel's comment. Farothen stared at Boromir in amazement, "It doesn't bother you that they were bad-mouthing your entire race?"
Boromir shook his head, "Consider the source, Farothen. A bunch of silly elf maidens who have probably never learned a thing about the world of men. And from what it sounds like, Maikafea is nothing more than a spoiled princess who is bitter about Legolas choosing Aragorn over her."
Maikafea felt her temper flare at Boromir's words. How dare the adan talk about her like that!
"Besides," Boromir continued, "The kingdoms of Rohan and Gondor are all that stand between the Elven realms and the forces of Isengard and Mordor. Do you know how many of my people have died to keep these lands safe? If anything, Maikafea is beneath us, not the reverse."
Maikafea gasped, "I'm beneath him!"
Boromir and Farothen looked at each other, their expressions both saying they had heard Maikafea's gasp of outrage.
"You wanna giver her something to really talk about?" Boromir whispered to Farothen.
Farothen arched an eyebrow in affirmation and a split second later Boromir kissed him. Almost instantly, three gasps of surprise could be heard from the bushes.
"You mean the son's been taken now too!"
Farothen and Boromir both burst out laughing at the dismay in the elf maiden's voice. As one the two turned to see two dejected elf maidens and one very pissed off one looking at them. Boromir directed his gaze to the very cold looking one with an amused look on his face.
"Something must be good about humans, Maikafea, because we keep taking YOUR men," Boromir said. As Maikafea's face turned red in anger, Boromir and Farothen both turned and walked away.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
February 5
Farothen sat in a small cove of trees a short distance from the Fellowship's clearing brooding while he watched Pippin and Merry pester Boromir about giving them another fencing lesson. The Gondorian gave a show of moaning about not feeling up to it. The hobbits' reaction was to tackle him.
Farothen smiled as their laughter drifted to his ears. It was times like this, when Boromir was relaxed and happy, that he reminded Farothen of Ada. Both the good parts and the not so good.
Boromir had the pride and the temper, but he also had the gentle heart and willingness to listen and compromise…on certain things. 'And,' Farothen thought, chuckling as Boromir continued to wrestle with the hobbits, 'He has the potential to be a good father should the need arise.'
"He's a good man." Legolas said suddenly, sitting down beside Farothen on the tree root.
Farothen jumped in surprise and scowled at the elf's innocent grin, "Can't you make some noise?"
Legolas smirked, "I'm an elf, Farothen. We don't make noise."
"Well it's unnerving the way you just…show up out of the blue with no warning."
Legolas shook his head with a chuckle and looked back at Boromir, "The grace of the elves is not what makes you brood. Has the young adan from Gondor caught your eye?"
Farothen met Legolas' gaze, "As if you didn't know."
Legolas sighed, "Young love is hard to hide from one who knows where to look. Especially if that one is an elf."
"But how do you know its love?" Farothen asked.
Legolas thought a moment, his gaze searching out Aragorn, who sat on the opposite side of the Fellowship's clearing, watching Boromir and the hobbits wrestle. He smiled when the ranger laughed out loud.
Farothen watched the elf, waiting for his answer and wondering if he, himself, had the same adoration in his eyes as Legolas did. Did Farothen gaze at Boromir the same way Legolas gazed at Aragorn, with his heart in his eyes and a small smile on his lips?
"You just know," Legolas finally answered, "You see him and your heart rate picks up and you know…he's the one you want to spend your life with. The one you'll give up everything for."
Farothen nodded thoughtfully, "You broke your betrothal for Ada."
Legolas sighed, "I almost didn't. It was a political link of my ada's choosing. Ada's word is law in Mirkwood. No one goes against his rule. Especially his son."
"And yet you did." Farothen whispered.
Legolas nodded, "It was after my last fight with Estel, as I walked the halls of the palace, that I realized…I had to be true to myself. Even if it meant going against my ada."
"So you chose Ada over your duty to your own father?" Farothen asked, "Even if it meant angering your ada?"
"I followed where my heart led." Legolas said, putting a hand on Farothen's shoulder, "And you must follow where your heart leads you. Don't make the same mistake I did and let 37 years go by."
Farothen glanced at Aragorn, "But Ada…"
"Leave Estel to me. He will growl, even yell a little, but in the end he will remember, as did my ada, that your happiness is what's important." Legolas said, conveniently leaving out the part where Thranduil had already known about Estel and that he could deny Legolas nothing. Legolas figured that wasn't important.
Farothen turned back to Legolas, "You think I should pursue this…relationship with Boromir?"
Legolas rolled his eyes, reaching over to tap Farothen's chest, over his heart, with a finger tip, "I'm saying," he emphasized the second word, "Listen to your heart and follow where it leads. Rarely does the heart go astray."
Before Farothen could reply Legolas stood up, gave the young adan's shoulder a final squeeze, then walked away. Farothen watched the elf make his way toward Aragorn and sit down by the ranger.
'Listen to my heart,' Farothen thought, 'But what is it telling me?'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
February 9
"You're still aiming too high, Boromir."
Biting back a retort, Boromir notched another arrow and aimed lower. Releasing the arrow he cursed when it hit the tree just below the target.
He scowled at Farothen when the half-elf failed to muffle a snort of laughter, "That's better, Boromir. Closer to the target…but it was a little too low this time."
"You know," Boromir growled, dropping the bow, and took the few steps necessary to reach Farothen, who was sitting on the ground, casually reclining back against a root, "You could get up and…help."
Farothen looked up at the man towering over him and nodded, "I could. But…"
"But what?" Boromir asked, shifting a bit self-consciously as Farothen gave him a slow once over while getting leisurely to his feet.
"But," Farothen whispered, stepping toward his companion and pressing a teasing kiss to his jaw, causing Boromir's breath to catch, "Archery seems to slip our minds when we get this close."
Boromir released a chuckle and reached up to bury his fingers in Farothen's hair, "I wonder why."
Before Farothen could reply Boromir pulled him into a heated kiss that drew a small moan from them both. After a moment they both pulled back and met each other's gaze.
Farothen felt a flare of panic at the clear desire in Boromir's eyes. Shaking his head he backed away, "No. I'm sorry. I can't."
Boromir blinked, "Farothen, what…" He cut off when he saw the fear in the half-elf's eyes, "Why do you fear me?"
Farothen sighed, "Not you exactly. Just…this. I've never…" He shook his head again and forced himself to meet Boromir's gaze, "I mean…I've been with maidens, but never…another male. And never one…who meant so much to me."
Boromir released a breath, but before he could speak Farothen continued, "I just didn't want to end up like Ada. Alone, raising a child. I was borne by a male. The chances of me being able to, especially now that Legolas can too…At the risk of that, I want a love like my fathers have."
"I understand, Farothen." Boromir whispered, "And you're right to wait for that kind of love."
Farothen sighed, remembering Legolas' words. 'You see him and your heart rate picks up and you know…he's the one you want to spend your life with.' He looked at Boromir and his heart thumped.
'Listen to your heart and follow where it leads,' Legolas had said, 'Rarely does the heart go astray.'
Taking a deep breath Farothen looked Boromir in the eye, "I believe I've found a love like that, Boromir. I believe I've fallen in love with you…but I need to know, can you say the same…and mean it?"
Boromir swallowed, "Farothen, I…"
Farothen stopped Boromir's words with a gentle kiss, "Not yet, Boromir. I need you to be sure. Think on it." He pressed one hand flat against Boromir's chest, feeling the steady beat of the man's heart, "Listen to your heart. It will not lead you astray. A very smart elf told me that."
With one more quick kiss Farothen left Boromir alone in the archery clearing. Boromir sighed, 'How do you listen to your own heart?'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
February 10
Boromir sat a little off to the side watching Farothen as he entertained the hobbits with stories of his youth. Gimli sat behind the hobbits smoking his pipe and occasionally releasing huffs of laughter at Farothen's most likely embellished tales of his childhood pranks.
The man of Gondor sighed, a myriad of emotions running through him as he studied the young half-elf. He hadn't slept a wink the night before, thinking about his conversation with Farothen.
Farothen had told him to think about his feelings and 'follow his heart'. He'd done so. The problem was his heart was telling him he loved Farothen but there were whispers that had plagued him for weeks telling him he wasn't good enough for the son of the king.
Those same whispers told him that the ring would make him good enough. With the ring he'd be more powerful than any other. He'd be the king's equal.
But Boromir knew those whispers to be what they were. The ring tempting him to claim it. Promising him power, everything he desired.
Boromir shook his head, 'Leave me in peace. No more lies!'
Advice. That's what he needed. Someone to talk to who wouldn't judge him. Someone not tempted by the ring, who knew their way around issues of the heart.
Gandalf was gone. Gimli wasn't exactly Boromir's idea of someone who would have good advice on love. The hobbits were like little kids really. Farothen was the topic he needed advice on. And Aragorn…right. Let's ask the overprotective father for advice on a relationship with his son.
Boromir's gaze was drawn to Legolas, who sat at the far side of the clearing, leaning against a tree. Getting to his feet Boromir walked over to the elf. Stopping in front of Legolas he took a breath to speak.
Legolas beat him to it, "Sit, man of Gondor. Speak your mind."
Boromir sat down with a sigh, "I'm not sure where to start."
"You love my son." Legolas said abruptly, "I've seen it happening. But that's not what bothers you is it?"
Boromir shook his head, "Nay. I know I love him…but…the whispers…"
Legolas sat upright, wincing slightly and pressing a hand to his belly, "What do the whispers tell you?"
"Are you okay?" Boromir asked.
Legolas waved a hand dismissively, "It's nothing. Just…nothing. What do the whispers tell you, Boromir?"
Boromir sighed, not really believing the elf's claim about his wince being nothing but let it pass, "They tell me I'm not good enough. That I don't deserve him."
Legolas tilted his head, "Do you believe that?"
"No…Yes…I don't know." Boromir said, running his fingers through his hair, "I know I love him. I'd do anything for him. I'd die for him."
Legolas smiled, "Then that's all that counts."
"But the ring…" Boromir started only to cut off as Legolas shook his head.
"It speaks to us all, Boromir. Nobody is immune to its power." Legolas said.
"Not even you?" Boromir asked, unable to understand how something as pure as an elf could be used by something as evil as the ring.
"Not even me." Legolas sighed, "It preyed on my insecurities about my relationship with Aragorn. It preys now on my regrets for not being a part of Farothen's youth. And it preys on my doubts about being a good father to this baby."
"I think you'll be a good father, Legolas." Boromir said, "You're doing alright with me."
Legolas chuckled, "Ai, Boromir, you're questions are easy." He turned serious again and put a hand on the young adan's shoulder, "You love him, Boromir, and he loves you. Trust in him to bring through your doubts."
"But what about Aragorn?" Boromir asked, "He won't…"
Legolas once again waved a hand dismissively, "Like I told Farothen, leave Aragorn to me."
"How will you keep him from finding out?" Boromir asked skeptically.
"I've got," Legolas paused and grinned evilly, then finished, "Ways."
Boromir chuckled, "Aragorn better watch out. You're positively dangerous, Elf."
Legolas merely cocked an amused brow. Shaking his head Boromir got to his feet, "I'll leave you to your…wicked ways. I want to talk to Farothen anyway."
Legolas smirked, "Just remember, adan, that's my son you're…talking to."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
February 12
Boromir was half walking in a daze after Aragorn and Legolas' wedding. The entire ceremony had been spoken in Elvish, but there had been no missing the love between the two.
'I want that for myself,' Boromir thought just as he caught sight of Farothen walking a little ways ahead. It suddenly hit Boromir right then and there, 'I do have that same kind of love. With Farothen. And I can't believe I almost let him go because of some doubts perpetrated by a ring!'
Squaring hid shoulders for what was to come, Boromir quickly increased his stride to catch up to Farothen and he only had a moment to be thankful that no one else was around to see what he was about to do.
Reacting on impulse, he grabbed Farothen by the wrist and spun the half elf around to face him. Farothen only had time to give a small squeak of surprise before Boromir pressed their lips together.
"You could have warned me," Farothen whispered breathlessly against Boromir's lips after the kiss had ended."
"Sorry, my love," Boromir said, "I just couldn't resist."
Farothen looked at Boromir with wide eyes, "What did you call me?"
"My love," Boromir answered. "I'm sorry it took me so long to figure it out. But…I love you, Farothen."
Farothen was momentarily speechless, and he had tears in his eyes, "
What are we going to do, Boromir? You'll be leaving soon with the rest of the Fellowship."
Boromir didn't bother thinking about it much. Too much thinking was what had gotten him into the whole dilemma of doubting his feelings. This time Boromir followed his heart completely.
"Marry me, Farothen?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
February 14
Gimli followed Legolas through Lorien grumbling about it being so early. After all, it was barely dawn and few were awake save the elves. The only reason Gimli was awake was because Legolas had dragged him out of his nice warm blankets with no explanation beyond a whispered, "Come with me."
"Crazy elf. You're not even listening to me." Gimli grumped, "Where are we going anyway?"
"On the contrary, my dear Gimli, I have heard every word you have said. I have merely chosen not to reply to your grumbling." Legolas said with a smile, "In answer to your question, we are going to a wedding."
"A wedding." Gimli smirked, "Let me guess, that would be Boromir and Farothen's am I right?"
Legolas threw a surprised look over his shoulder and Gimli huffed, "You elves are not the only ones with quick eyes, laddie."
Legolas faced forward again with another smile, "Nay, Master dwarf, I guess we are not. Now, come, we must hurry. Aragorn cannot know."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Boromir and Farothen paced in opposite, parallel lines as they waited for everyone to arrive. They paused mid-pace when Legolas entered the clearing. Gimli followed him saying, "Aragorn will kill you all when he finds out."
"And you as well, mellon nin, for you will help us keep this secret." Legolas said as he stopped in front of Boromir and Farothen, "Have you two decided on tokens to exchange?"
Both nervous grooms froze, "Uh…"
Legolas rolled his eyes with a sigh, "What would you do without me?"
That said the elf reached down and pulled a dagger out of his boot. Before anyone could question him he'd reached up and cut two small locks of hair from the back, underneath so it wasn't noticeable, from each groom. Without a word he slid the dagger back into his boot just as Galadriel and Celeborn arrived.
Boromir and Farothen glanced at each other as Legolas quickly braided together one lock of each color of hair into a slim braid before starting on the two remaining.
"Um, Legolas…" Boromir started.
"Don't ask questions," Legolas interrupted without looking up from his task, "Just start your vows."
Boromir and Farothen looked like they were both close to panicking since they'd already been nervous to begin with. And Legolas was quickly making the situation out of control.
Luckily Galadriel was there to contrast Farothen's very eccentric father. She gave Legolas a stern look while speaking to Boromir and Farothen, "It's alright, you two. Go ahead and start your vows. Legolas does have a reason for his bizarre behavior."
Normally Legolas would have flinched from such a look from Galadriel, but he was anything but normal these days. Without even looking up at Galadriel he simply waved a hand at her as if saying 'leave me alone and let me finish this'.
Meanwhile, Boromir and Farothen still looked fairly nervous, despite Galadriel's attempt at reassurance. "We didn't really plan out our vows," Boromir said, trying to avoid everyone's gaze.
Galadriel smiled, "Just speak with your heart."
Farothen felt just as nervous as Boromir, but when he looked up at his husband-to-be, he suddenly knew exactly what to say. Grasping Boromir's hand with his left, he reached up with his other hand to tilt the Gondorian's chin up so they were gazing straight into each others eyes.
The half elf took a deep breath to steady his nerves before speaking, "The first time I saw you I knew my life would change. I believe in fate, that everyone has their other half waiting to be found. I found mine in you. My life, my heart and my soul are yours. I love you, Boromir. I cannot live without you."
Boromir felt tears come to his eyes at Farothen's words. Judging by the silence engulfing the clearing, he was sure the others were moved as well.
Trying to steady his rapidly beating heart, Boromir felt Galadriel's gaze on him and was suddenly reminded of some words she'd said to him earlier. It gave him the perfects words to say.
"Farothen, when I first came to Lothlorien all hope had deserted me. I'd seen so much death and evil in the world that I didn't think love was possible. But a very wise woman once told me, 'even now there is still hope'. And I believe she was right. Because I found a light here in the Golden Woods. Something to really live and die for. Something worth fighting for. It was all you, Farothen. I love you. Here, now and forever."
It was at this point Legolas stepped forward and handed each groom one slim braid long enough to be tied around the other's wrist. Understanding, they both smiled and faced each other again.
Farothen started by tying one of the long braids around Boromir's wrist while quietly whispering, "Im meleth le."
Boromir smile and repeated the action, except he whispered, "My love."
The ceremony was short and to the point, with all the guests quietly leaving to allow the newly married couple some time alone. Amazingly, Boromir and Farothen were thinking the exact same thing once they were left alone, 'My father is going to kill me.'
Farothen had known Aragorn was going to be angry from the beginning. Not because he didn't approve of Boromir, but because he still viewed Farothen as 'his baby'. And as for Boromir, his father wouldn't even consider this a real marriage, let alone how he'd react when he found out Boromir had married the king's son!
'Well first things first,' Boromir thought as he looked at Farothen with a nervous smile, "So," he started, "How are we going to manage to keep away from Aragorn for the rest of the day?"
The two of them were startled by the sound of someone clearing his throat and were surprised to see Legolas standing behind them. They thought he'd left with the others. But judging by the elf's amused grin, he'd been there the whole time.
"Don't worry about Estel. I'll keep him too busy to even remember he has a son, much less wonder where you are."
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February 16
The day came for the Fellowship to continue their quest. The Lord and Lady supplied them with three boats to take them south by way of the Anduin. Before their departure, as bidden by Lady Galadriel, they lined up on the shore.
Several Galadhrim, one for each member of the Fellowship, approached them and presented them with hooded cloaks of Elven make, woven by the lady herself with the help of her maidens. Each cloak came with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver. Also presented by them was a fair supply of lembas should they have need of it along their journey.
Next approached Galadriel herself, followed by a couple maidens loaded with gifts for the members of the Fellowship. She stopped before each in turn, starting with Aragorn.
"Already you have what your heart has wished for above all else, Son of Arathorn," she said motioning to Legolas, who stood at Aragorn's side, "But also I gift you with this dagger. Use it well."
She handed over the dagger and Aragorn took it with a small bow of his head, "Hannon le, heryn nin."
Next Galadriel went to Legolas and presented to him two things, "This belt, prince of Mirkwood, will lend extra support as your child puts more strain on your body as it grows."
Legolas ducked his head to hide a slight blush and Galadriel smiled as she continued, handing him a Galadhrim longbow, "I also gift you with a bow of the Galadhrim, as befits the skill of our Mirkwood kin."
Taking the bow Legolas studied it with awe before also giving the lady a small bow and echoed Aragorn's words, "Hannon le, heryn nin."
With a small nod Galadriel faced each of the hobbits in turn, presenting them with gifts as she saw fit. To Merry and Pippin went daggers of the Noldorin, to Sam, rope made of hithlain. Frodo received a crystal phial in which was captured the light of Earendil's star.
Her next gift was to Boromir, a belt of gold. Boromir accepted the gift with a bow of his head, "Many thanks, my lady."
Galadriel smiled, "Tis only one of the gifts I have for you, Lord Boromir. Another, I have, though not from myself or my husband. Rather, it comes from yours."
Boromir's breath caught warily and he turned his gaze to Aragorn. Thankfully the ranger paid them no attention for he was deep in conversation with Lord Celeborn.
Turning back to Galadriel he took the dagger and sheath she held out. The handle was jeweled and the sheath inlaid with silver thread spelling something out in Elvish runes. Boromir ran his fingers over the runes, wanting to ask what they meant.
As if sensing his question Galadriel answered, "They mean 'my jewel'. Sewn into the leather by your husband's own hand."
Boromir swallowed back the growing need to cry and reached under his new Elven cloak to unstrap the dagger and sheath he kept hidden at his back. This dagger too was jeweled at the handle, with the tree of Gondor engraved on the sheath.
Boromir held his own dagger out to the lady, "Please, if you would, return this one to him?"
Nodding Galadriel took the dagger, "It will be done."
After another quick thank you from Boromir, at last Galadriel faced Gimli, "And what gift, Master Gimli, would you ask of me? For I will not have you be the only guest with no gift."
"None, Lady." Gimli said, "For it is enough to have seen the Lady of the Galadhrim and to have heard her gentle words."
Galadriel laughed, "I thank you, Master dwarf. Yet surely there is something you would ask of me."
"There is nothing," Gimli started, ducking his head before stammering, "Unless it might be…nay, is permitted to ask…to name a single strand of your hair."
With another small laugh Galadriel gifted Gimli with not one strand of her hair…she gave him three.
After the gifts were given and accepted the Fellowship loaded their boats and set off. In one boat was Aragorn with Frodo and Sam as his passengers. Merry and Pippin went in the second with Boromir. The third held Legolas with Gimli as his companion.
Boromir looked at the shore as he rowed after his companions. Farothen stood a short distance from the elves, his hand raised in farewell, his heart in his eyes. Boromir closed his own eyes with a somewhat shuddery sigh, one thought filling his mind.
'Please, to the Valar, to the fates, to any who meddle in the lives of us men, let me return to my love. I beg you.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Farothen already missed Boromir, even after they'd only been parted for a few short hours. 'At least I still have a few tokens from my husband,' he thought as he looked at the braid tied around his wrist and the dagger in his hand. Boromir's dagger looked almost exactly like his own except it had diamond in the hilt instead of sapphire. If Aragorn were to simply glance at the dagger, he wouldn't even notice it wasn't Farothen's.
"I can't help but worry about him, Celeborn."
"Why do you keep stressing over this, Galadriel? You yourself said that Boromir's fate was no longer in our hands."
Farothen paused and ducked behind some bushed to listen as he thought, 'Why is Galadriel so worried about my husband?'
"The ring has taken hold of him. It will try and use him to get back into Sauron's hands. If it completely takes over…" Celeborn started.
"Not if, Celeborn," Galadriel interrupted, "When. I have seen it. He will try to take the ring."
Farothen recoiled in horror, 'Not Boromir! Not the brave and valiant man I love!' The half elf felt tears fill his eyes at the thought of his husband's soul being destroyed by such pure evil.
Without another thought, Farothen jumped up and started sprinting for the stables. 'I won't let this happen to Boromir.'
However, Farothen had jumped up so fast that he'd given no thought as to whether or not Celeborn and Galadriel had seen him. Which they had.
"It's alright, Celeborn," Galadriel said, "I knew Farothen was hiding there."
Celeborn looked at her half amused and half confused, with a look that said, 'Please, explain.'
Galadriel smiled at her husband, "Boromir put all his hope and faith in Farothen. If anyone can pull him back from the darkness of the ring, it's Farothen. Boromir's life is now in his husband's hands."
Less than an hour later Farothen rode out of Lorien on Roch.
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Elvish translations…
Im meleth le – I love you (Sindarin)
Hannon le, heryn nin – Thank you, my lady.
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Replies to reviews…
Cerasi: (1) No comment. (2) I am not your 'dearie' and I prefer not to be addressed by any such endearment. (3) DO NOT tell me what I am or am not sure of. You do not know me; therefore, you have no way of knowing what I'm thinking. Remember that, next time.
As for the rest, thanks again for the great reviews. The only question that keeps coming up is whether or not we'll kill Boromir. That will be one point in which we mess with Tolkien's LOTR. We can't kill Boromir in an extended story like this, and besides, we just went through a lot of trouble to get him and Farothen together. So for all you Boromir fans, he won't die.
~Becky and Brina~