A/N: This was a little faster wasn't it? Well, in any case, we do our best to get the updates posted.
Very sorry to everyone reading 'Change of Destiny' though. Those chapters are just longer and chapter two is giving us some difficulty. The boys are just not behaving. Seems the hobbits (Merry and Pippin) dared Achilles to stroll into the council room naked. We're trying to convince him that it isn't a good idea. Odysseus isn't being any help because he thinks it would be hilarious and Aragorn and Legolas, well, they speak for themselves if you ask me. Hector and Paris are the only ones who are cooperating.
Okay, on to ASCAL.
Enjoy.
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Chapter 36
TA 3019 March 15 Evening
Palace of Minas Tirith
Aragorn strode into the throne room without so much a single wavering step, yet his heart was racing. He had told no one how he planned to make Sauron fall for the bait. Part of the reason was because, in the corner of his mind, he wondered if he was insane for thinking this would work. More importantly, though, he really wanted to show Gandalf that he was perfectly capable of making his own decisions and he wouldn't be manipulated anymore.
However, as Aragorn approached the black clad bundle sitting to the side of the throne steps, his doubts only grew. Could he really do this?
Before he could lose his nerve Aragorn threw the black cloth off the palantir to find it already glowing. He instinctively flinched away from it as the Lidless Eye formed in the palantir's depths.
'Come on,' Aragorn thought to himself, 'You can do this. Sauron has an overwhelming desire to kill all remaining Numenoreans. You're certainly at the top of his hit list.'
In a sudden burst of courage, or impulsiveness, Aragorn grabbed the palantir and hoisted it up to eye level. As he gazed at the Eye he idly wondered how he could ever have feared falling to something so dispicable.
"Long have you hunted me," Aragorn sneered, "Long have I eluded you...No more."
Hoisting up Anduril so the Eye of Sauron could clearly see it, the ranger threw away any chance he yet held of remaining anonymous.
"Behold, the sword of Elendil!" Aragorn declared.
The sword will break again.
Aragorn ignored the evil voice in his head. At that affront Sauron switched his tactics. The scene in the palantir abruptly shifted to show Boromir, his face twisted in rage and despair. Aragorn would have dismissed the trick for what it was, considering how emotional Boromir was at the moment, but then the scene expanded to show Farothen backing away from the Gondorian.
'He wouldn't!' Aragorn denied silently, but his parenting instincts never listened to his reasoning. Afraid that Boromir had actually snapped to the point of striking out at someone, he dropped the palantir and raced out of the throne room. The palantir flickered a few times before going black.
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The first sight to greet Faramir's eyes as he awoke from a deep rest that evening was the concerned face of his loving brother.
"You came back to me, Bori," he managed to choke out.
Boromir smiled despite the fact that it looked as if he had aged twenty years in as many hours, "How could I do aught else, little one?"
I'm still your little one? Even though I carry the heir to the throne of Rohan and will be cast aside by my own people," Faramir replied skeptically.
Boromir gave a faint chuckle, "Gondor will have to become more open-minded. Her king bore a son, and is married to Legolas, the elf prince of Mirkwood. Plus, that giddy elf is carrying their second child."
Faramir giggled, "He would be the beautiful blond who always wakes up asking for strawberries?"
However, Boromir was so lost in his thoughts he barely acknowledged Faramir's question, "I am married to the Crown Prince."
Faramir's eyebrows shot up, "You're married?!"
Boromir put a finger to his lips and nodded to his left. Faramir turned his head to see the dark haired version of the beautiful blond...Legolas...sitting beside said elf prince. Faramir vaguely remembered the young half elf from when he'd been dragged off the burning pyre.
What exactly had happened there?
"My own 'little elf', Farothen." Boromir sighed whimsically, "Aragorn still has no clue that we're married...though many others do."
"Ye Gods, Boromir! Though Aragorn would become immensely unpopular if he were to have you killed, he would be well within his legal rights!" Faramir pointed out.
"The Host at the Black Gate may yet do it for him." Boromir said.
Faramir paled, "What say you?"
"I ride out on the morrow with Aragorn and Eomer," Boromir sighed, "If we can distract Sauron...Frodo may have his chance."
Faramir closed his eyes. He didn't want Boromir to see the heartache in his eyes. He most likely would not be lucky enough to have his beloved brother return to him a second time.
When the younger Hurin finally opened his eyes he appeared calm, although inside he was raging, "Then answer me this before you go, brother...Did Father actually gaze at me with love before...the pyre burned?"
Being reminded of his father, Boromir could not keep the tears at bay any longer. No matter how hard he tried.
Faramir stared in shock at his always strong brother coming apart at the seams, "Bori?"
"Get some rest, little one." Boromir choked out as he stood and practically ran from the room.
Faramir opened his mouth to call out for Boromir but closed it when Farothen...his new brother-in-law?...ran after the fleeing man. The love in the half elf's eyes lessened Faramir's concern for his brother, but only slightly.
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"My jewel, please wait!" Farothen called as he raced after his husband.
Boromir stopped in the middle of the hall but didn't turn around to face Farothen. Luckily the lateness of the hour ensured that the two of them were actually alone.
Farothen sighed, "Will you please talk to me?"
Boromir stiffened, but didn't bother to reply.
"You don't always have to be so strong," Farothen continued, "I wouldn't think any less of you if you were to..."
"If I were to what?!" Boromir snapped as he turned around.
Farothen instinctively backed away from the look of rage in Boromir's eyes but he made himself stop. He knew Boromir would yell and scream, but he would never actually be physically violent with him.
"If I were to cry? Break down? Maybe actually start screaming and throwing things?" Boromir cried.
Farothen doubted that his husband was even aware that he was already crying with silent tears streaming down his handsome face.
"I've never had the luxury of grief, Farothen," Boromir admitted, "When Mama died my father refused to deal with it. And Faramir was too young to understand...someone had to be strong."
Farothen remained silent, allowing Boromir to completely bare his soul.
"And even as I got older I had to be strong. Faramir needed approval, Father grew increasingly insane and the rest of Gondor relied on me for leadership." Boromir finished, then added almost to himself, "How can I lose control now?"
Farothen stepped forward, "Because you've never allowed yourself to do so before."
"He put Gondor's fate in my hands, ignored Faramir, never listened to council, never showed Faramir and I the love I know he held for us, completely unnerved everyone, drove soldiers to their deaths and generally drove me crazy," Boromir yelled before choking out, "But he was still my father, Farothen!"
Farothen pulled Boromir into his arms as the man burst into tears.
Mere seconds later Aragorn skidded to a halt from one of the side hallways with a panicked look on his face. He was clearly struck dumb by the sight of Boromir crying in his son's arms.
Farothen shook his head as his father as if to say, 'I'll explain later.'
Aragorn nodded but groaned inwardly. He had been played the fool by Sauron. Somehow the Eye was able to see his fear that Boromir would hurt Farothen...and had played upon that fear.
'If an Eye could laugh, Sauron would be having a hay day.'
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"So, was no one even worried about what happened to me?!"
With his eyes still closed Legolas grinned at the all too clear outrage in the voice and thought, 'Might as well have some fun.'
"Now why would we be worried about you, Elrohir? Aragorn and Elladan were there to hold your hand the whole time."
Haldir gritted his teeth at the teasing tone in Legolas' voice, "Boldly spoken, Thranduilion. If you weren't carrying a little one I'd throw you over the ship's keel. And if that little girl inherits anything from you other than your pretty blond hair, I'll do all of Middle-Earth a favor and throw the both of you over."
Legolas sat up so suddenly that Haldir almost jumped back in surprise. The wood elf's poker face made it hard For Haldir to even guess what his reaction would be. A temper tantrum? A crying fit?
"Can you get me some strawberry jam?"
Haldir blinked in disbelief. Legolas just stared back with a goofy smile on his face.
"I insult you and your child...and all you do is ask for strawberry jam?!"
"Yeah." Legolas replied in complete monotone, giving a small shrug as if it was a given.
Throwing up his hands in defeat Haldir turned and marched out of the room, nearly barreling Aragorn over as the man entered.
"Enjoy your handful, Aragorn!" Haldir yelled at the startled man.
From the bed came Legolas' flighty, "What about my jam?"
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March 16, Early morning
Heir's Apartments
Boromir would have thought that a night spent with Farothen in his bed would have been much more...active than the previous night had been. However, simply holding Farothen all night produced a level of intimacy and contentment that Boromir would not have traded for anything.
Unfortunately, the night had to end and a new day dawned that neither was looking forward to. Upon waking, Boromir roused Farothen early on the chance that Aragorn might catch them together. Farothen grumbled ill-temperedly in Elvish, but got up without any further complaints.
Boromir fought to hide his grin. His little elf was quite moody that morning. The half elf's mood wasn't improved either when the pair arrived at the Houses of Healing to find their caution was unwarranted. Aragorn was fast asleep by Legolas.
Stepping forward Boromir gently shook the older man awake. Aragorn woke with a groan.
"Tell me that morning has not come," he sighed, "Though I have no one to blame but myself for this hare-brained scheme...That's the worst part of all."
"Come," Boromir responded as he turned around, "I must show you something."
Aragorn stood up and looked at his son in confusion. Judging from Farothen's shrug he had no idea what Boromir was up to either. Left with no choice, Aragorn followed Boromir as the man led the king back to his chambers.
Aragorn sighed, "Boromir, what is this all about?"
"You weren't actually planning on marching to the Black Gate in your ranger's clothes were you?" Boromir responded with a question to Aragorn's question.
Aragorn looked down self consciously, "What's wrong with them?"
Boromir laughed outright at Aragorn, "I don't think you have enough pride to be the king of Gondor. Would you like to borrow some of mine?"
Aragorn rolled his eyes as Boromir walked into the next room, "Please get to the point, Bori."
Boromir grinned at hearing Aragorn shorten his name although Aragorn couldn't see it, "My point is that you're riding out as our leader...even though you haven't yet been crowned king."
The younger man stepped back into the main chamber holding the clothes he'd been searching for, "As your Captain-General, I'll make sure you look your best."
Aragorn gasped at the rich garments in Boromir's arms, "Boromir?"
The garments were similar to Boromir's own attire. A rich red, velvet robe, edged in gold and fitted with three silver buttons engraved with a star. To go over it was another robe of rich black leather. It would have looked exactly like the one Boromir had worn during the whole quest except for the emblazoned Tree of Gondor and seven stars in silver. A black cloak lined in red completed the ensemble.
"They look new." Aragorn said in awe.
Boromir shrugged, "Father had it made for me for when I would take over as Steward. They are meant to be worn over chain mail and light shoulder armor. Since you're not used to heave armor I thought this would suit you."
Aragorn cocked his head at Boromir, "Was that an insult?"
Boromir grinned, "Of course not, my king. Merely a statement of fact."
As Aragorn shook his head in amusement Boromir laid the clothes on the nearest chair, "I have some boots for you as well and..."
Boromir's voice trailed off as he swiftly removed his own leather vambraces and held them out to a stunned Aragorn, "From one shield brother to another."
Aragorn couldn't keep the tears falling down his face, "I'm honored...But what will you wear?"
"Oh, don't worry," Boromir responded, "I'm actually quite the clothes horse."
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The House of Healing
Twenty-five insane minutes later...
Farothen had managed to wake up Legolas and the two were feasting on...what else...strawberries when Boromir and Aragorn returned. Boromir walked in first and Farothen raised an eyebrow in appreciation at how well his husband cleaned up. His upper body was covered in typical Gondorian armor etched with the Tree of Gondor but his lower body was free of Armor so that his rich black robes were visible. He'd exchanged his travel worn boots for a new pair, his hair was clean and he had with him a dark leather cloak lined lightly with fur.
It was then that Boromir stepped aside and Aragorn was revealed. Farothen's jaw dropped at the sight of his fatther. Beside him the plate of strawberries dropped to the floor as Legolas also stared in shock. The elf could have sworn he even felt his daughter stop moving...probably because she was stunned as well.
Aragorn shifted subconsciously, "Well...say something. Anyone."
Getting over his shock Legolas felt his pixie side surfacing and he turned his gaze to Boromir and demanded, "Where did you put my husband?"
Farothen cocked a brow at his suddenly mischievous adar. Aragorn merely blinked, speechless. Boromir grinned and played along with his Elven father-in-law.
"This is your husband."
"No," Legolas argued, "He is entirely too...clean."
"Ah," Boromir nodded, "We merely cleaned him up and put some new clothes on him. This is him under the dirt."
Legolas got out of the bed, "I just do not know. There is only one way to be entirely sure."
"What's tha..."
Aragorn was cut of abruptly as his husband crossed the space between them and pressed a kiss to his lips. Stepping back Legolas met the ranger-king's gaze and smiled.
"Ai, he is my Estel."
"Told you." Boromir replied, giving a mock injured sniff.
"There's just one thing," Legolas added, ignoring the Captain-General's sniff, "You two simply cannot ride out looking like that."
"What's wrong with the way we look?" Boromir and Aragorn chorused.
The elf gave his classic head shake-eye roll and sighed, "You edain know nothing."
Farothen chuckled, catching his Elven father's line of thought and finished the elf's claim, "The clothes are fine..."
Elven father and son finished together, "The hair is not."
Aragorn and Boromir met each other's gaze, both thinking the same thing.
'Huh?'
Legolas heaved a sigh and pointed to a couple chairs, "Sit."
As the men sat down almost hesitantly and Farothen watched in amusement as Legolas wandered back to his bed where his small collection of personal items lay on a side table. The whole time the elf muttered to himself in Elvish. The general gist of which, to those who understood Elvish, was 'foolish humans don't know the first thing about proper braids'.
Seconds later he was back and standing behind Aragorn saying, "Come, Farothen, I cannot do both. You must take care of Boromir's hair. I have only two hands."
"I have never done that type of braid." Farothen admitted, "I do not know how."
"Not surprising." Legolas said, "It is a Mirkwood braid. Just do what I do."
Taking a breath Farothen moved behind his husband and gathered a portion of Boromir's red-gold hair in his hands.
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Citadel Stables, Sixth Circle
Farothen watched as Boromir personally readied his 'king's' horse for the ride to the Black Gate. Eomer had gifted Brego to Aragorn when it had become obvious the animal had chosen a new master. With Theodred gone and no one else able to control the stallion it had seemed the only viable solution. Boromir, of course would ride Roch. The black almost human, Elven stallion had taken to Boromir extremely fast, going so far as to almost snub Farothen.
The general air in the Citadel was tense as it was quickly nearing time for the Host to ride out. It was expected that not many would return, possibly none would. They rose to death or glory, or both.
For a second Farothen pressed a hand to his belly, wondering if he should tell Boromir about the babe he carried. It could be the factor that brought the man back to him alive. Yet, it could also prove to be too much of a distraction that hindered Boromir's return.
Boromir looked at his husband, hiding a grin as he saw that small tell-tale gesture. He could almost hear the debate going on inside the half elf's head. Tell him about their smallest one, or not tell him.
"Is there something you wished to tell me, little elf?" Boromir asked, taking the decision out of his husband's hand, "Some little...gift...you wish to give me before I ride out?"
Farothen's gaze clashed with Boromir's. He knew? But how?
Boromir smiled, "Were you planning on keeping the news to yourself, love? Did you think I would not be happy?
"I...it's not a good time." Farothen stammered, "We're in the middle of a war. I...I was not sure how..."
Boromir stepped around Roch and pulled his husband into a hug, "These things happen when they do, my love. And they happen for a reason."
Farothen snuggled into Boromir's embrace, "I fear you will not return to me, my jewel. How can I deal with this alone?"
"I will return." Boromir promised, even knowing it may not be a promise he could keep, "I have something precious here I would defy death to return to."
"You cannot, Boromir." Farothen whispered, "Death takes who it will and gives nothing back. If you were to die..."
"Then you must survive...for our smallest one." Boromir whispered back, "She deserves a chance to live."
Farothen choked out a laugh, "You sound so sure we have a daughter. Are you sure you have not been hanging around Adar too long."
"Perhaps," Boromir replied, "But I don't think Legolas' insistence he carries a girl has anything to do with my feelings. We Hurins have our own gifts you know."
"I do." Farothen sighed before pressing a kiss to Boromir's lips and adding, "Do not promise you will return to me, for you cannot in all conscious keep it if fate decrees otherwise. Just promise to try...to love me no matter what."
"That I can do." Boromir vowed, "Living or dying, I will love you...and I will strive to return to your side."
Farothen nodded, "I've just one more thing to ask."
Understanding Boromir smiled, "I will do whatever I must to bring Aragorn back as well."
At that vow their lips met once more and clung in a drawn out good-bye. They both knew it could very well be their last. They would make the most of it.
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House of Healing
Faramir was standing at the window staring out sightlessly when Eomer stopped in the doorway. Without turning he spoke quietly, yet loud enough for Eomer to hear him.
"You ride out shortly."
"Yes." Eomer replied, "I've come to say good-bye."
Faramir turned then, his heart in his eyes, and shook his head, "Do not say good-bye. That echoes of lost hope and eternal separation. Whisper farewell, I shall see you again...be it here or beyond the veil."
Eomer stepped forward and pulled the older man into a gentle kiss, "A love such as ours can never be broken, my jewel. Death be damned, I will see you again."
A smile crossed Faramir's face, "My fierce horse lord. Were I Sauron I would be rolling away in fright."
"Rolling?" Eomer asked, seeing that twinkle of mischief in Faramir's blue eyes.
"Of course," Faramir returned, "He is an eye. Surely he cannot run in fright. He has no legs."
A chuckle escaped Eomer, "In such times, you can make me laugh. It is part of the reason I love you so."
"And I love you." Faramir whispered, "Fare thee well, my love. The Gods would not see to separate us now, when we have so much to live for."
"Surely not." Eomer agreed, knowing he could die...but somehow knowing he and his love would never be separated, life or death.
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Palace Throne Room
Aragorn stood alone in the throne room, staring at the White Throne. Try as he might he just couldn't imagine himself seated there. For so long he'd wandered the wild, never dreaming he would one day be standing in Minas Tirith, contemplating being her king. He'd always believed he would die a ranger, leaving Farothen to continue as Isildur's Heir.
In all his years he'd never wished to be king. At times he'd even coached Farothen in the skills of ruling, leaving him fully in charge of the Dunedain compound hidden in Lost Arnor. Aragorn had never truly felt he had the strength of blood to become king. Farothen's blood was purer, more Elven than Isildur's or his own. Aragorn just couldn't help but feel that his son should be king.
"Long have you despaired over your destiny."
Aragorn sighed as Legolas' soft words reached him, "I never wanted to become king. I always believed it would be Farothen's destiny."
"Then you fooled yourself." Legolas replied, walking around to stand in front of his husband, "It was never Farothen's destiny to rule Gondor."
"He is my heir." Aragorn said, unable to ignore the feeling that Legolas believed Farothen was still never meant to rule Gondor, "He will rule when I die."
Legolas shrugged non-commitally. He knew Farothen would never rule. Boromir would die before Aragorn, and Farothen, as the man's Elven bonded, would follow.
"Let us not talk about death at such a time, my love," the elf said instead, changing the subject, "We ride to war in..."
"We?" Aragorn asked.
"Yes." Legolas answered, a stubborn glint entering his eyes, "I will not stay behind while you ride out."
"You are not going." Aragorn growled, "I will not allow it."
"Not allow?" Legolas hissed, "I have fought this whole war with you, and now, on the threshold the last battle you forbid me to stand by your side!"
Aragorn remained calm in the face of his husband's fury, "I let you fight at Helm's Deep and you were injured. I allowed you to accompany me through the Paths of the Dead and fight down on the Pelennor and you...you climbed a blood Oliphaunt for Elbereth's sake. After the battle you fainted."
Legolas shook his head, "It was a tiring few days. I'm rested now..."
"You...are...not...going...to...the...Black...Gate." Aragorn said deliberately slowly, "The Valar only know what foolish stunt you will pull there."
"Foolish?" Legolas went livid, "I am not foolish."
Aragorn said nothing, merely stood his ground, not giving an inch. He would win this fight. Legolas was not riding to the Black Gate.
A few moments passed with both elf and man glaring at each other. Slowly, Legolas accepted that anger would not make his husband give in. Deciding to try different tactics he drew upon the mood swings he had perfected the last few weeks.
His lower lip trembled in real sadness as equally genuine tears escaped his eyes, "I must go with you, Estel. Who will protect you if not me."
Aragorn sighed, "Legolas, I need you to remain here where you will be safe. You're duty is to protect the precious burden you bear. So long as I know you are safe I can concentrate on the battle. Besides, the twins have already vowed not to leave my side."
Legolas gave a humorless snort, "Sure. And they're so helpful. Elrohir tried to shoot a ghost."
A small smile of amusement, and relief, crossed Aragorn's lips. Legolas was beginning to give in. He just had to stay true to his own orders.
Lightly kissing the pout from Legolas' lips Aragorn whispered, "Please, my love. Do this for me. It will give me the confidence I need to fight knowing you are here where you will be safe."
A moment passed before Legolas sighed, "Alright, my love. I will not ride to the Black Gate."
"Thank you, Guren." Aragorn whispered, pressing another kiss to his husband's lips, "Thank you."
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An hour later Legolas and Farothen stood at the base of the city with Faramir watching the Host ride out. All three stood in tense silence as their loved ones rode further from them by the second.
After a moment Farothen broke the silence, "What do we do, Adar, if this is nothing more than a suicide mission?"
Legolas pulled his son to his side in a comforting embrace, "They will return. We must believe that or we will go insane with worry."
"How can you remain so sure of that?" Farothen asked.
"Because I must." Legolas replied simply, sounding more like himself than he had the past few months since his mood swings had begun, "To contemplate losing Estel after just finding him again is to lose myself. The Valar will not take our loved ones from us now."
He met Faramir's gaze and added, "None of our loved ones."
Faramir smiled, silently thanking the elf for that little bit of hope. In an attempt to change the maudlin mood, giving the three of them a slightly better chance to survive the next few days until they're loved ones returned, he asked, "So what was the braid in Boromir's hair? I noticed the king had the same braid. Does it mean anything specific?"
Legolas smiled, "It is Mirkwood's royal marriage braid. As spouses of Mirkwood's princes it's their right to wear those braids."
Farothen swallowed, "Mar...marriage braid? Does Ada know?"
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Elvish translation (If needed)...
Edain – Men or humans
Guren – My heart
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Replies to reviews...
dark As for you question about Eomer, we can't really answer that at the moment because it's one of our various secrets in this story...just to keep it interesting. And as far as our Boromir goes, trouble is, he fell too quickly for Farothen so nobody else even got a chance. And, going by the email, you are also dark malignity I'll also tell you that no, we are not done with this. We still have a ways to go with it.
Arch-Nemesis: This chapter answers your question about Legolas going to the Black Gate. But rest assured he is far from out for the count. He may seem agreeable for the moment but he still has his...moments. Good luck with your little one and if you remember you other question let us know.
felia Well, don't die. New updates aren't that important are they? Besides, if you die you'll miss the very update you died for. Just seems counter-productive to me.
bradleigh More death...possibly. But even so, the Fellowship will always be broken because the problems the members have with each other (you know Boromir/Gandalf...etc.) may and probably will be difficult to overcome. And are you asking us to do away with Gandalf? It really would be pointless; the bloody wizard won't stay dead.
Okay, I think that's all the questions. If I missed any let, me know. I'm watching ROTK as I type this up so my attention is kinda split.
Thanks to all our reviewers.
Becky and Brina