A/N: Alright, here's the next chapter. Hope you all enjoy it.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 17
TA 3019 February 20
As evening started to darken the sky the Fellowship brought their boats ashore to make camp for the night. While Boromir and Gimli made sure the boats were far enough ashore so they wouldn't be taken away by the current, the hobbits (mainly Merry and Pippin) dug into their packs, most likely looking for food, and Aragorn and Legolas went to scout the area and gather firewood.
Once they were far enough away from the others to get some privacy, yet still close enough should there be trouble, Aragorn pulled Legolas into his arms for a kiss. Legolas allowed the kiss for a moment then pulled back.
"What happened to scouting and gathering wood, Estel?"
Aragorn smiled at Legolas' knowing tone, "Are you saying you prefer an armful of firewood," he paused, pointing at his own chest, "To an armful of beloved ranger?"
Smirking Legolas stepped back into Aragorn's arms, "Never, meleth. I was simply curious."
Aragorn playfully turned his head away when Legolas tried to resume the kiss, "Could you not have waited until later to sate your curiosity?"
Legolas twirled a lock of the adan's hair around his finger, "Estel, meleth nin."
"Hmm?" Aragorn murmured, giving Legolas an innocent look.
"I have been rowing a boat down the Anduin every day, all day for four days straight. I am tired and I am moody. And above all that I am pregnant and my hormones are all over the place. Do not tease me; you may lose an arm." Legolas growled in a somewhat pouty tone.
Trying not to smile at Legolas' pretty pout Aragorn tilted his head to the side questioningly, "But if I were to lose an arm, my love, how would I hold you?"
Legolas heaved a sigh, "You do not need two arms to please me, adan."
"But two arms make it so much easier." Aragorn said in a tone that clearly said 'that should be obvious.'
"Estel," Legolas started warningly. Once he had the ranger's attention he finished, "Just shut up and kiss me."
Aragorn smiled and pulled the elf's mouth back to his, "With pleasure, meleth."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile, Boromir sat back at the campsite by himself since the hobbits and Gimli had all fallen asleep. When Aragorn and Legolas hadn't returned from collecting firewood, Boromir had simply taken the initiative, gathered the firewood and started a fire himself. He honestly wasn't about to wait since he was pretty sure he knew what those two were doing anyway.
"Do you think something happened to Aragorn and Legolas?" Sam had asked nervously.
Boromir had simply laughed at the comment, "They probably just snuck off to have a moment to themselves; I wouldn't worry, Sam. They are newlyweds after all."
'And so am I,' Boromir thought to himself now as Aragorn and Legolas returned completely unharmed.
Legolas quickly settled down to go to sleep leaving only Boromir and Aragorn awake. Aragorn was awake to keep a watch on the camp while Boromir simply had too much on his mind to sleep.
Absentmindedly, Boromir pulled his husband's dagger out of the sheath from behind his back. Feeling himself missing Farothen more than he thought possible, Boromir ran a finger over the Elvish runes and sapphire encased in the hilt.
'I wonder how Farothen is feeling right now,' Boromir thought.
In the meantime, Aragorn had walked by and simply spared a brief glance at the dagger Boromir was holding.
"Farothen has a dagger very similar to that one," Aragorn said as he threw some sleeping arrangements for himself down on the ground.
Boromir froze at Aragorn's comment and slowly put the dagger back in it's sheath so Aragorn wouldn't think anything looked suspicious and replied, "I know. Farothen showed the dagger to me,"
Aragorn didn't answer at first since he seemed lost in thought, "You know I gave that dagger to Farothen when he turned 10. I know it sounds sappy, but the blue of sapphire reminded me of Legolas' eyes."
'And probably Farothen's,' Boromir thought but instead he said, "No that's not sappy."
However, then Boromir's attention was caught by a log moving against the current and toward the shore they were on. Cautiously, Boromir peered around a huge rock to get a better view.
"Gollum," Aragorn answered Boromir's unspoken question, "I had hoped we would lose him on the river, but he's too skilled a river man."
Boromir swallowed nervously before turning back to Aragorn, "If we make it to Minas Tirith, we can regroup from there."
Aragorn was already shaking his head at Boromir's suggestion, "There is no strength in Minas Tirith that will aid us."
Boromir unexpectedly felt himself getting angry at Aragorn. He could handle a bunch of silly elf maidens making insults at his people because they were just a couple of spoiled brats. But having the man who was supposed to be his King talking about his city that way was almost more than Boromir could stand.
'Maybe it would be better if I was in charge of Minas Tirith,' Boromir thought angrily to himself. But then he quickly discarded the thought.
'That's the ring talking, not you.'
"You were quick enough to trust the elves," Boromir pointed out, "Have you so little faith in your own people?"
Aragorn looked unconvinced so Boromir kept going, "Yes there is weakness, there is frailty, but there is courage also and honor to be found in men."
'I don't need to listen to this,' Aragorn thought to himself, 'I know all too well what the "strengths" of men are.'
Not knowing what to say, Aragorn turned to walk away, but Boromir wouldn't let Aragorn go before he'd had his say.
Grabbing Aragorn by his shoulder, Boromir continued talking, but now his voice had risen, "All your life you've lived in the shadows," he said angrily, "Afraid of who you are, of what you are!"
Aragorn glared at Boromir before throwing the man's hand off his shoulder.
'He's right though. I don't have nearly as much confidence in men as he does.'
But unfortunately Aragorn's blasted pride flared up causing him to get angry.
'Who does Boromir think he is talking to me like that?!'
"I will not lead the ring within a hundred leagues of your city!" Aragorn hissed out at Boromir.
Boromir looked like he'd been slapped. Mumbling some excuse about needing to take a walk Boromir quickly got out of there before he said something he'd regret.
'This is the man that's supposed to lead Gondor! He doesn't know Minas Tirith like I do! He doesn't love her people like I do!'
Aragorn, for his part, looked like he'd regretted his words from the moment he'd uttered them. But he wasn't about to go after Boromir in his present state of mind.
Deciding to check on the fire, Aragorn stepped around the pile of sleeping hobbits unaware that one was still quite awake.
Frodo opened his eyes after Aragorn had walked past.
'The Ring is coming very close to splitting the Fellowship. I wonder how long it will be.'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
February 26
The Fellowship reached the Falls of Rauros shortly after mid-day and pulled their boats ashore on the western bank. Boromir sat in his boat for a second.
The last few days, since his argument with Aragorn, the ring's whispers were getting louder. Taking a breath Boromir forced the whispers away semi-successfully and stood up just as Aragorn spoke.
"We'll cross the river at nightfall, hide the boats and continue on foot," he was saying, "And approach Mordor from the north."
Boromir was vaguely aware of Gimli complaining about crossing Emyn Muil as he set his shield down near the pile of packs and muttered an excuse to Legolas about going to gather firewood. Legolas nodded absentmindedly to Boromir then stepped over to Aragorn as the man of Gondor walked into the woods.
"We should leave now," Legolas said when Aragorn met his gaze.
The ranger shook his head, "No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore." Aragorn resisted a chuckle as Legolas rolled his eyes and continued, "We must wait for cover of darkness."
Legolas shook his head as he studied the surrounding woods, "It's not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat have been growing in my mind." He looked back at Aragorn, "Something draws near. I can feel it."
Both elf and man turned to face Merry when he suddenly asked, "Where's Frodo?"
Aragorn looked toward the place where the packs had been piled, the last place the ring-bearer had been seen. Only Sam was there, sitting up from his attempt at a nap.
Aragorn's gaze fell on the shield sitting a couple feet from the packs. Unfortunately, the owner of said shield was nowhere to be seen.
Legolas sighed, suddenly remembering Boromir excusing himself to gather wood. With both Boromir and the ring-bearer gone things could easily go wrong with the ring preying on Boromir.
"Split up. We've got to find Frodo before…" Legolas cut off abruptly, not wanting to say what they were all thinking but didn't want to admit. If the ring took Boromir…their friends were doomed. Without another word, the group split up and went searching for their missing companions.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Boromir wandered aimlessly through the woods, stooping occasionally to pick up a piece of wood. As he walked he found himself mentally battling the whispers of the enemy.
Find the ring-bearer. Take the ring.
'No. The ring is evil. I think I understand that now.'
That's what they want you to believe. Lies. All of it.
'I can't betray the Fellowship. I can't betray Frodo.'
How can a halfling handle such a task? Take the ring.
'I could handle the task…I could…No. It's Frodo's task.'
Fool! If you take the ring you'll be able to protect your people, your city.
'Aragorn…'
You wouldn't need a king if you took the ring.
'He's not just my king anymore. He's family. Farothen…'
Boromir's thoughts came to an abrupt halt when he saw the ring-bearer. For a second he debated walking away.
Stay. The ring will soon be within your grasp.
"None of us should wander alone," Boromir said, facing Frodo, conveniently ignoring the fact that he, himself, had been alone, "You least of all. So much depends on you."
Frodo watched Boromir tensely as the man tilted his head, "I know why you seek solitude. You suffer. I see it day by day."
Take the ring. Relieve his burden.
'Leave me be!' Boromir thought as he said, "There are other ways, Frodo, other paths we might take."
"I know what you would say," Frodo finally replied, "And it would sound like wisdom but for the warning in my heart."
Heed no warning!
"Warning!" Boromir scoffed, "Against what?"
Yes. Give in. Face your fear.
"We are all afraid, Frodo." Boromir said, unconsciously succumbing to the whispers, "But to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have…Don't you see? That is madness…"
"There is no other way." Frodo said, cutting Boromir off.
Lies! All lies! You can control it; destroy Sauron, save your city.
Boromir felt a surge of anger at Frodo and threw down the firewood he'd gathered, "I ask only for the strength to defend my people!" He took a step toward Frodo, his hand held out for the ring, "If you would but lend me the ring…"
"No!" Frodo said, backing away from Boromir.
"Why do you recoil?" Boromir asked, "I am no thief."
Don't waste time asking. Take the ring.
"You are not yourself." Frodo said, still retreating as Boromir continued to approach.
Take the ring.
"What chance do you have?" Boromir demanded, "They will find you. They will take the ring, and you will beg for death before the end!"
Now! Take the ring!
"It is not yours save by unhappy chance."
Do it!
"It could have been mine. It should have been mine." Boromir growled, diving at Frodo, "Give it to me!"
Yes!
Frodo was completely unprepared for the attack. He knew he couldn't fight off Boromir, so he simply tried to keep the ring away from the man. Unfortunately, Boromir was almost too far gone.
He's weak! You can easily take it from him!
'This will save my people. But what about Frodo? He's my friend.'
He's not your friend! He cares nothing for what happens to your city!
Boromir, by this time, had gotten Frodo completely pinned to the ground and the ring was laid bare for him to take. Frodo was terrified at the blank and drained look in Boromir's eyes. But he still tried pleading with his friend.
"Boromir, please! If you're still in there don't do this!"
You will be king. Imagine what your husband…
'Farothen!' Boromir's mind shouted. He pulled his hand back a second before he grasped the ring.
What are you doing?! Take the ring!
'This isn't me! This isn't the man Farothen fell in love with!' As Boromir thought about Farothen, he felt some semblance of his husband in his heart. As if Farothen was close by.
Before he lost the will to do so, Boromir pushed himself up and away from Frodo. He ended up slamming into a tree, which had the effect of jarring him partially to his senses.
What are you doing?! Fool! The ring was nearly within your grasp! You could have had everything!
"No more lies!" Boromir shouted out loud. Frodo sat up and started at Boromir, stunned. When Boromir turned to meet Frodo's gaze he had tears in his eyes and he was trembling, "Run from me, Frodo," he choked out weakly, "Before it takes me again!"
"Frodo, for the sake of the Fellowship and the quest, didn't ask questions. He merely scrambled to his feet and ran.
Go after him! You still have a chance!
'No.' Boromir thought as he wrapped his arms around his knees to keep himself from getting up and running after Frodo, 'I've already broken his trust and betrayed his friendship. Betrayed the Fellowship. I won't hurt him anymore.'
Eventually the whispers died away, but Boromir was still left feeling desolate and shamed. Placing his forehead against his knees he did something he hadn't done since his mother had died when he was a mere boy of ten. He started to cry.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Farothen reigned Roch to a stop for two reasons. The horse had been running at a near gallop all morning and needed a few moments of rest, but mostly because Farothen's half elf senses told him something had gone horribly wrong.
All Elven-bonded couples had a sort of emotional connection. Even those who were adan to elf or, in Farothen and Boromir's case, adan to half elf. It was a bond that couldn't be broken unless one spouse was to die…and even then the one still living was likely to feel bound.
It was that bond that Farothen sensed was in trouble. It hadn't been completely severed, which told him Boromir wasn't dead, but he wasn't exactly…there either. The bond seemed strained, weakened somehow.
'Ai, Valar, let me reach him…'
Farothen's thoughts were cut off abruptly as he was flooded with emotion as the bond suddenly strengthened again. Farothen closed his eyes with a deep sigh, "Boromir," he whispered, "Please, my love, stay safe until I reach you."
At that he urged Roch into motion again, whispering in Elvish, "Come, my friend, I must reach him quickly."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Replies to reviews…
Alicewinter: Sorry, but Aragorn isn't likely to get pregnant again in this, but, we do have a couple surprises coming up that I hope will make up for that. I won't say what they are or they wouldn't be surprises but…just keep reading and I hope you like what's to come.
Arch-Nemesis: Well I'm glad we aren't going to make you mad, but it's safe to say that in any story we write that's going to be long like this one, Boromir won't die. We're in permanent denial. So Boromir fans should like any long story we may write.
Zelda Saturn Mistress: The best I can do to help you pronounce Farothen's name (without telling you verbally since that is kinda…well…impossible) is it's pronounced fair-oh-thane. I hope this help's if not…just pronounce it your own way.
And to everyone who reviewed, thanks again. We really appreciate everything.
~Becky and Brina~