Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Another chapter done! Sorry it took awhile to update. was down for a while. Thanks again to all my reviewers! Couldn't have finished this chapter so quickly without all you guys rooting me on!
Anyway, one point I would like to say to my readers. As you know, since Boromir is alive, everything's different. But not quite yet. What I mean, is that Aragorn, Frodo, Pippin, etc., don't know Boromir is alive! So nothing is different for them until Boromir shows up.
So most of chapters will be about Boromir (I'm sure lots of people are happy about that!). The Aragorn/Legolas/Gimli part of the story will pick up when they meet up with Gandalf. Frodo/Sam's story will be written from when Faramir enters the picture (I just love Faramir too, too much! I'm going to make him nicer than in the movie version. ). And I still haven't decided where Merry/Pippin will come out in my story. I'll guess we'll see about that.
Another thing I wanted to clear up. Galadriel's voice inside the head (you know the one!) will be put between this wavy mark and italics (...). Hope this helps making it easier to read.
Well, on to the story! We know Boromir is alive, so how is he going to react when he realizes exactly why he is still living?
Chapter Four: 'A Choice of Destiny'
Boromir slowly felt himself coming back to consciousness. At first his brain did not seem to function, and he struggled to grasp even a single random thought. Slowly and surely though, Boromir was able to shake away the feeling of drowsiness. Finally he was able to open his eyes.
Bright, too bright.
Boromir quickly closed his eyes and decided to assess the situation in a different manner.
He was lying down on what must be a bed for nothing else could compare to the softness. What seemed to be a blanket covered his body.
Where am I? Why...? Suddenly, he remembered.
Boromir opened his eyes ignoring the bright light and sat up with a start He quickly regretted the rash action. Pain erupted in his shoulder and whole upper body. Automatically, he cradled his left hand onto his lap to keep from moving the shoulder. Instead of leaning back, though, he stubbornly stayed sitting up, supporting himself with his right hand.
You are a stubborn man, son of Gondor
Boromir wildly surveyed the room he was in. He knew instantly that he was in Lothlorien, for the architecture was clearly elvish. And there was no one else in the room. The voice must then belong to...
Would you care to join me in the garden since you appear to have regained some strength?
It was not a request, it was an order. Boromir had heard that tone from his father too many times not to recognize an order.
Shaking off the blanket, Boromir saw that he was wearing only his leggings. His upper body was bare except for bandages wrapped tightly around his stomach. His shoulder was also tightly bandaged. After looking around he saw what appeared to be clothing draped across a chair.
Stiffly getting up, Boromir couldn't help groan. He rubbed his forehead, knowing that he was going to have a headache.
He walked to the chair, using the wall as a support. He picked up the piece of clothing and saw that it was a shirt. He put it on slowly because his shoulder throbbed whenever it was moved. The shirt was basically a robe that came down to his thighs. There was also a belt that he tied loosely around his waist. It was a perfect fit. After putting on his boots, he was ready.
Looking out of the room, he saw he was on the ground instead of in one of the rooms up in the trees. There was a path leading away from the door into what seemed to be a garden.
I wouldn't be surprised if this was all planned, Boromir thought suspiciously. It was not that he had anything against the elves, but the last time he was here, he had felt decidedly uncomfortable.
Well, are you coming?
"Might as well," Boromir thought. As if he had any choice. Yes, he definitely felt uncomfortable here.
He followed the path deep into a beautiful garden. On the way he recognized the place where he had sat with Aragorn, talking of the White City. He smiled a bit at the memory. For the first time, he felt himself bonding with the strange ranger. He may be the heir of Isildur, the king who would take away the Stewardship, but Boromir couldn't help but admire the man.
The path stopped at the edge of a short flight of stairs, leading down into a peaceful looking glade. In the center of everything stood a large pedestal, made of stone, with the design of vines climbing up the sides. Boromir hesitantly stepped down the stairs, his eyes straying here and there searching for any signs of life.
There were none.
He cautiously approached the pedestal, curious. Drawn closer, he could see clearly that on top of the pedestal was something like a silver bowl. He stood at the base and slowly leaned forward to look into the bowl...
The only thing it contained was water. Boromir scoffed silently. There was nothing mesmerizing about water.
But as he tried to look away, he found that he could not. It was then that the water began to swirl and ripple.
Boromir brought his head back and looked up, but there was no wind in the trees, not even the slightest breeze.
Once again, he looked even closer into the water. Images suddenly began to appear as if by magic. An image of himself.
Boromir saw himself fighting the hordes of orcs, and Merry and Pippin watching him in the background. Within moments an arrow flew out, striking him in the shoulder.
He went down, but was soon up again, trying to get to the hobbits. Another arrow struck him but still he continued to fight.
But then came the Uruk-hai, and Boromir narrowly avoided being hit.
The two fought savagely. Boromir found himself closely watching the mesmerizing battle for what he knew would happen.
The image of himself was now on the ground, and an arrow was ripped out. The Uruk-hai prepared for the killing blow.
Any moment now…
But nothing happened. The Uruk-hai froze then a nasty grin appeared on his face. He picked up the arrow he had taken out from Boromir instead. Then with a malicious yell he stabbed the arrow into Boromir's stomach.
For a moment in time, everything stood still. Boromir struggled to breathe as he saw the Uruk-hai leave the body. As a warrior, he knew that if a man gets a stomach wound, there was nothing one could do to save his life. It was a cruel, painful, and slow way to die.
But this is not what happened! Boromir shouted out in his mind. I am alive now, am I not?
He saw now Aragorn kneeling over his body. "Forgive me," the dying Boromir spoke. "I could not see. I have failed you all."
"No, Boromir. You fought bravely, you have kept your honor."
"The world of men will fall and all will come to darkness. And my city to ruin."
As Boromir struggled to stay alive, Aragorn spoke with power. "I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the White City fall, nor our people fail."
The face of Boromir changed to one of hope. He reached out for his sword and reverently put it to his chest. "Our people, our people! I would have followed you to the end... my brother... my captain... my king!"
Boromir could not hold back the tears as he saw himself take his last breath then become still.
His tears fell into the picture, breaking the calmness of the water. While the water rippled, the image changed, replaced with that of a flowing river. Gently drifting in the water was a boat, recognizable as the one borrowed from the elves of Lothlorien. And what lay in the boat would be forever engraved in his mind.
For it was himself that Boromir saw in the boat. He lay quietly in the boat, his pallor gray. Eyes closed, his shield and sword were laid across his chest.
"It cannot be..."
But there was no doubt in his mind that Boromir was looking at his own lifeless body.
Abruptly, the water began to swirl like a small eddy and before Boromir's very eyes, flame and fire seemed to erupt in the bowl. Boromir saw the Ring as clearly as if the Ring was really there.
Oh, so tempting! All he would have to do was reach out and grab it. Against his will, he felt his hand reach out to touch the Ring...
But at the very last second, a part of Boromir's mind cried out for him to stop. He saw Frodo in his mind's eye, frightened and disappointed.
No, Boromir thought as he set his jaw. He would not make the same mistake twice, in reality or not.
The Ring disappeared, replaced with the Eye of Sauron. The fire became more vivid and took on a life of its own. The Eye was wreathed in flames and Boromir heard a distant but powerful voice speaking in the Black Speech of Mordor.
"NO!" This time Boromir cried out loud and used his hand to ward off the picture. Only when his hand connected with the water did Boromir remember what he was looking into.
His hand burned as if he had put his hand into fire. But Boromir was pleased to hear a roar of disapproval and anger emit from the image. Only then did Boromir step away from the pedestal and the disturbing things he had seen.
Boromir drew in and let out a shaky breath. What had he seen? What did it all mean? More than anything, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had seen something he wasn't really supposed to.
Boromir then felt like someone was watching him. He turned around quickly, his hand reaching for his sword before he remembered he had not carried it with him.
There stood Galadriel, exactly as he still pictured her in his mind. Dressed in splendid robes of white, she possessed an unearthly glow, her hair shining gold. Her face, so young and beautiful. And yet, her eyes looked so old, as if she carried the load of having seen so much, been through so much. Now her expression was one of thoughtfulness as if she wasn't exactly noting his presence.
Soft and melodic, she spoke out loud, though still the words seemed to flow all around him, intoxicating his senses with her mere presence. "I had yet to see someone actually touch the Mirror. It is strange that would be you who would do so."
At her words, Boromir felt his hand smart and burn. He looked down at his hand and saw even now it was starting to blister. But he had felt worse and so ignored it, facing the elf.
"What is this, this mirror? Why did I see what I just saw?" he demanded.
Galadriel glided towards the Mirror, not looking at Boromir. "The Mirror shows many things. Things that were, things that are, and some things that have not yet come to pass. As for why you were shown certain images... even the wisest cannot tell."
Boromir shook his head. "I do not understand. For what I saw was not any of those things."
Galadriel finally looked at him, a gentle smile upon her lips. "You saw was what was to be."
The man of Gondor rubbed his head for the headache had come just as he had predicted. "I still do not understand."
"What would have happened had not Haldir to come rescue you?"
Finally, Boromir understood.
"That was the future, wasn't it? Or the past... or whatever! I was to die!"
Galadriel did not acknowledge, but Boromir could see in her eyes that what he spoke was truth.
"You saw the future!" Boromir could feel the anger rise up as he now understood everything. "Well, how does it feel to hold the power of knowing what will be? I surmise it must make you feel wonderful knowing you can change everything to your whim."
He walked straight up to Galadriel and stopped when they were nose to nose. Boromir was surprised to see that he was actually slightly taller than her. He had thought she would be the taller for she emitted such power in her stance.
Boromir's anger deflated as he spoke, for he knew he really wasn't angry at her. He was angry with himself. "And why did you not warn me that I would try to take the Ring from Frodo?"
"Would you have listened? Even then, the Ring had a hold on you. You would not have believed me."
Boromir continued to glare at her. Much to his annoyance, she gave a small smile. "If you wish to intimidate me, I'm afraid you cannot."
Boromir could no longer stand looking into the fathomless eyes. He looked down, feeling for the first time at a loss. "Lady of the Woods, you have taken something away from me."
He could hear the surprise in her voice. "And what is that?"
"An honorable death." Boromir's eyes once again stung with unshed tears, remembering the words he had spoken before his 'death'.
"I believe I understand now." Boromir felt the cool touch of her hand cupping his cheek and forcing him to face her. "Do you believe that your death could have redeemed what you have done to Frodo?"
Boromir could only try to avoid her gaze as she continued to look into him. Her whole being radiated authority and wisdom.
"Do not let your heart be troubled. If Frodo had not seen how tempted you were, I doubt very much that he would have decided to go into Mordor alone."
"He has gone alone?"
" Sam is with him. But he avoided an even worse disaster, for the closer you cameto Mordor, it is likely that the whole Fellowship would have become corrupted." Boromir felt his heart sinking as she spoke. All would be lost, for how can two hobbits make it through Mordor?
All is not lost. There is still hope
Boromir did not answer. What is there to say, for I dare not, cannot, believe her, he thought.
"I will put it bluntly for you must hear what I have to say. I confess that I at first was not going to send Haldir. For if you lived, what stops you from becoming tempted again?"
Boromir tried to speak but she stopped him with a look. "I may have taken away a death you believe you deserved. But in that way I have given you life, and a second chance. A choice I have given you.
"You can live and fight for what you believe in. You are an accomplished warrior, an able captain, and I believe you have a good heart. I believe your life was worth saving, do not make me believe I was wrong. Your strength will help in the battle for Middle Earth."
Boromir tried to argue. "My lady, I am but one man. How can I make a difference?"
Galadriel gave him a gentle smile. With her hand she gently pulled down his head so she could plant a feathery soft kiss upon his brow. Once more looking in his eyes, she replied, "You will know when the time comes."
She said no more as she turned and walked away, leaving Boromir with his thoughts.
Author's Note: Ooooh, hard chapter to write! Galadriel's a harder character to write than I had originally thought.
Well, I'm full of ideas of what I can have Boromir do now that he's alive! But please, if you guys have any suggestions, don't hesitate to give them!
My special thanks to:
BoromirDefender Thanks for such a long review! I love long reviews! Sorry that this chapter didn't come out as quick as chapter 3. For some reason, was down for a while. hmph I couldn't update it! Thanks for liking the way I write Boromir as the hero as we all know he is. I agree, his death scene in the movie just moved me to tears! I can assure you that most people in the theater I was in were crying too!
Oooh, you're putting me on your favorite's list? jumps up and down Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! Glad you liked Haldir's last line, I really wanted to have a powerful line for him to say. And such a nice (and deserved!) thing to say to Boromir, don't you think? Anywayz, I hope you continue to like the rest of my story.
Maria Hmm... sorry, but I'm not telling when Boromir's meeting up with the rest of the Fellowship. It's a big secret! As for Haldir, I'm not telling how he's going to be used in the plot. A hint, he'll be out a lot more than in the books and the movies. I hope you like that idea!
Melodist Sorry I won't be able to spoil you too much in the next week. I'll be having some tests in school next week so I won't know how often I can update. I sure hope you enjoy this new chapter! Sorry, but I don't think I'm going to let Boromir find a bar and drink his troubles away. LOL! (But it would be cute to see him so down and out, if only we could be there to cheer him up...) Ummm... I'm rambling, aren't I? Anyway, I hope you continue to like the rest of my story!
iwantboromir I hope this wasn't too much of a cliff hanger! prepares to duck any thrown objects coming this way wink! Don't worry, I have such a soft spot for Boromir, I won't abuse him (well... not TOO much.... hee hee!).
Diadora Thanks for the compliment on my story! I'm glad you think it's one with some quality. I agree, some Boromir fics are just too unbelievable and sometimes (sad to say) a bit stupid. (I'm not mentioning any titles, wouldn't want to offend people). Hope you like this chapter!
RoseRed16 Hmmm... I sort of have the image of how the story should go. Here's a hint though, Boromir will catch up with Aragorn and Co. somewhere before the Paths of the Dead. Not telling exactly where though! I'm extremely flattered that you'll be reading this chapter twice! does the happy dance Thanks sooooo much for reviews, compliments, and everything!
Sunsong Really, Tolkien DID originally had Boromir live? That's a really cool trivia, thanks for telling me! Oooh, but I don't like the sound of having Boromir live only to fall under the Ring's influence again! That would be just too too sad! I can understand Tolkien's reasoning to not finish the draft. Anyway, I'm glad that another Boromir-fangirl finds my story enjoyable! Thanks so much!
Gwaihir1 Hello! That's a pretty cool name of yours! I guess you're a big fan of the Eagles of Middle Earth! Hey, that gives me an idea to include Eagles in my story.... anyway, glad you're enjoying my story!
Galadrielwannabe Well, I hope Galadriel is well represented in this chapter. I'm a bit nervous in case you feel it's an inadequate portrayal of Galadriel. But please, don't hesitate to tell me your true opinions about my Galadriel.
The Oboist's Apprentice Glad you like having both Boromir and Haldir in my story! I'm planning to make the two great pals in my story.
Spry Sprite Ah hah, someone who liked the mithril thing! wink Haldir is WAY too cool to have killed at Helm's Deep! I'm glad you like my characterization of Haldir. And for the billionth time, I certainly LOVE keeping Boromir alive! Since he's going to live, he's certainly going to capture the heart of some lovely maiden....