Boromir, Thou Shall Live

By Priscilla Stafford

Author's Note: Sorry it took a while to write this chapter up, it was a hard one to write!

One thing, all forms of the word Elf will be capitalized from now on. I was re-reading the Lord of the Rings books and saw that the words were all capitalized. Later on I'll go through all my chapters and fix the little capitalizing errors. Thank you!

Personal thanks to all my wonderful reviewers at the bottom of this chapter!

Chapter Seven: 'Of Elves and Love'

Galadriel had made up her mind, and there was nothing stopping her. With purposeful, yet still graceful strides, she made her way up to one of the large libraries of Caras Galadhon.

As she had surmised, she found Celeborn at a desk, pouring over a book. Though it was late at night, she knew he would be awake, for Elves need little sleep.

"Hello my love."

At the sound of her voice, Celeborn looked up then with a smile got up from the desk to approach her. All the worries of yesterday, and even of tomorrow, melted away as Galadriel faced her husband.

He was a patient Elf, and more patient than any other she had ever met. He was supportive yet let her support him as well. Their marriage was not just a partnership between an Elf and an Elf-maiden; it was a union of harmony, strengthened with love and time. They would have all the time in the world together, and their love was everlasting.

Galadriel and Celeborn embraced each other lovingly. They pulled back, only to come together once more in a short but sweet kiss.

Whenever she and Celeborn would kiss, Galadriel always felt herself not as Lady of the Woods, Ring-bearer, Queen of Lothlorien, or Keeper of the Mirror, but simply Galadriel. And she was satisfied with being just that.

She traced a small and almost invisible worry line across Celeborn's forehead. "What troubles you?"

"Dol Guldur."

Galadriel nodded, understanding what he meant. For years now, the dark forces of Sauron had gathered across the Anduin. There was no doubt that they would start an assault on Lothlorien any time soon.

The Elf-lady took her husband's hands in her own. "These woods will not fall."

Celeborn rubbed his thumb along Galadriel's hands in a soothing way. "No, we will not. But we cannot make the first move while Sauron is still strong. For a while it will only be a battle of defense."

Agreeing, Galadriel told him so. "I trust in your abilities as commander." For a moment she hesitated, but Celeborn was quick of eye.

"Now it is my turn to ask what troubles you."

With no more urging, Galadriel explained everything. "Saruman has prepared his army to take over Rohan. It is vital that they not fall. Both Eomer with his men and Erkenbrand with his soldiers will not be able to be reached in time."

"If Rohan should fall, the balance will be tipped. Gondor will fall in a matter of days."

"We cannot allow that happen."

Celeborn released one of his hands to stroke Galadriel's cheek. "I understand."

Galadriel smiled. "You always do." And it was the truth. The two Elves shared something that even they could not comprehend. Yet how can love be truly explained? For love itself is a mystery not even the wisest can unravel.

"I'll have two hundred Elves ready to leave just after sunrise." Celeborn lightly kissed Galadriel on the forehead. "Is there anyone you have in mind to lead them?"

The Lady of Lorien replied solemnly. "Haldir should go. He will be here any moment."

"You had everything planned out."

Galadriel leaned upon her husband, resting her head on his shoulder. "Does that upset you?"

The Elf-lord stroked her golden hair, laying his cheek against her head, lightly rocking her body with his. "No, I only count myself as the most fortunate of all beings, for I have the love from the most beautiful and wisest of all to call my wife."

Haldir knew that whatever Galadriel needed to ask of him, it was a matter of great importance. He assumed it had something to do with Boromir. But then again, knowing Galadriel and her unexpected requests, it could be anything.

He made it to the library but stopped under the main entrance. There stood the Lord and Lady of Galadhrim, in a tender embrace, upon their faces was a look of total peace.

Haldir looked away, feeling like an intruder upon a private scene. But even before he had taken a few steps back, Galadriel lifted her head. "Haldir, please come forth."

The Elf kept his eyes downcast as he approached and bowed low before the couple. "My Lord, my Lady, I did not wish to intrude."

"Intrude you did not, Haldir. Please look up."

There was no reason why he shouldn't obey, so Haldir did so. Galadriel and Celeborn stood in a comfortable position, Celeborn putting his arms loosely around her waist while she rested her hand on his arm. A perfect picture, but it only increased Haldir's uncomfortable feelings.

But why? Why did this scene make his heart clench and his throat constrict?

He ignored the feelings as Galadriel spoke. "We are sending an army of two hundred Elves to Helm's Deep to go to the aid of King Theoden."

Haldir nodded. "Theoden, King of Rohan."

"Indeed," Celeborn said. "Saruman has had his eyes on Rohan far too long, and he will strike hard and fast. Theoden will get no help from Gondor, for Gondor must prepare itself for a strike from Mordor."

"If Rohan falls," Galadriel continued, "there is no hope for Middle-earth, for Gondor will fall only days later. Therefore you shall lead our Elves to Helm's Deep."

"What of Dol Guldur," Haldir asked, for he knew of the concern of the rising forces in the dark forests of Rhovanion.

"Your brothers Rumil and Orophin will continue the patrols for the borders of Lorien."

Haldir felt relieved inside, for he trusted implicitly in the skills of his brothers. Lothlorien was in good hands. He bowed low, showing his respect to Lord and Lady of Lorien. "I will prepare to leave."

"May the Valar protect you," Celeborn said in farewell.

"I thank you." With another bow, Haldir turned to leave. For some reason though, at the doorway he stopped, and carefully looked back.

Celeborn had his back towards Haldir, and Galadriel was in his arms. Galadriel, resting her head on his shoulder, had her eyes closed.

Finally, Haldir understood what had been bothering him. He hadn't been able to pin the feeling down, but he now did. He wanted to have what Galadriel and Celeborn had.

For the first time, Haldir saw in the two Elves what it meant to have and hold one's beloved in your arms. To feel the utter peace of just holding and being held. Love… what a strange but wonderful thing it must be. But Haldir doubted he could ever grasp the illusive dream.

Haldir saw something in his mind's eye, and it was a picture of Galadriel and Celeborn together as he had seen them. But instead, the two were replaced with himself and...

Isilme?

Time is precious, even for Elves.

Haldir focused on Galadriel as her voice awakened him from his reverie. Her eyes were open, searching deep down into his mind.

Be wise, Haldir.

Boromir groaned as he sat up. His whole body felt stiff, but fortunately, his headache had become bearable. He looked outside and saw the day had yet to begin. Why had he awakened?

Carefully, he listened for disturbance, for he knew he wouldn't have awakened unless something was amiss.

And indeed, he could hear the sound of many Elves moving through the halls, though he had to strain just to hear the Elves' soft, almost imperceptible, footsteps. And was that the sound of armor he heard?

Boromir slowly got out of bed, trying not to move his shoulder overly much. With slow movements he put his boots on and proceeded to move to the door. To his surprise, the door swung open as if on its own. Boromir quickly saw it had been opened by Isilme.

"You are awake. It is still early."

The man of Gondor hid the smile that had been forming with his hand, pretending to rub his chin. This Elf certainly was strange. She was usually this way, dispensing with the pleasantries and getting straight to the matter at hand. He certainly did like her. He wished all woman were as straightforward as she, but he had yet to meet such a lady.

"Good morning, Lady Isilme."

She nodded yet did not return the greeting. "I was told to awaken you."

"What is happening?"

"The Lord and Lady of Lorien are sending some of our warriors to aid King Theoden. Saruman is mounting an attack against Rohan."

Boromir went over to a chair where his sword and scabbard were resting. "When do we leave?"

"What do you mean by 'we', my lord?" Isilme asked in all innocence. "You are going nowhere."

The man of Gondor turned to look at her with anger in his eyes. "Do you mean to say I am a prisoner here? Can I not leave when I wish?"

"Not with your bad shoulder. You are to remain until you are completely healed." Isilme raised her hand to stop him from talking. "I suggest you do not defy Lady Galadriel, for she herself gave these orders."

Boromir sighed in frustration, for he knew she spoke sensibly. He hated to admit it, however, for not only did his shoulder hurt, but also his pride. The Elves would have to leave in all possible speed and he would only slow them down. "Is Haldir going?"

"I assume that is correct."

This was an interesting bit of information. She only assumed of Haldir's going. He innocently questioned, "You mean to tell me that you haven't spoken to Haldir himself?"

Isilme only gave him an unreadable look. "I know he is leading the group, but I have not spoken to him personally."

"And why is that?"

The Elf maiden spoke plainly. "He has not approached me."

"Isilme." Boromir went to her, taking her hands in his. He had to speak plainly, for Haldir's sake. "Can you not see that he is in love with you?"

But his words did not create the effect he desired. For she did not gasp in utter shock nor argued with what he said. She just said simply, "Of course."

Her words hit Boromir as if cold water had been splashed onto his face. "You know?"

"I feel as if I must repeat myself."

Boromir tried to figure it all out. "And do you... I mean, do you feel..."

Isilme gave a rare and slightly embarrassed smile. "I have always loved Haldir."

"Yet you do not tell him."

Isilme tried to take her hands away from Boromir's, but he held on until she gave up. When she did, she spoke. "I wish for him to tell me. It is that simple. I want Haldir to realize for himself what he really wants, for I know he still has not searched his heart for the answer. When he does, I will be waiting."

Boromir let her go as she turned and glided out the door. For a while he just stood there, his mind filled with confusion. He doubted he would ever understand Elves, let alone love. Maybe someday he would.

But now, he knew he had to do something. He felt he owed Haldir for saving his life. So with purposeful steps, he set out to look for Haldir.

Fortunately, he had only to ask a passing Elf for Haldir's location to find him. Haldir was looking out of one of the balconies, a thoughtful expression on his face. However, it was not Boromir who first called out to the other, but the other way around.

"Boromir, I did not expect you to be awake." The man of Gondor had forgotten about the sharp hearing of the Elves.

Boromir wasn't about to be deterred from his quest. He got straight to the point. "Haldir, you must speak to Isilme before you go."

Haldir's expression was one of confusion, for obviously he hadn't expected Boromir to start out a conversation in that way. Boromir pressed the advantage. "Haldir, listen. Isilme is somewhere close by, just waiting for you to go to her. You cannot disappoint her."

The Elf only shook his head. "How can you be so sure? "

Boromir was beginning to feel frustrated. "I... well... I just know. Please, Haldir, you will not regret it." He went over to grasp the other's shoulder. "Trust me."

Greenish-grey eyes met the light brown eyes of the Elf as Boromir implored Haldir to trust him.

Finally, Haldir slowly nodded. "I will go."

Isilme sat in her chair, overlooking the grounds of Lorien. The small army of Elves had already gathered, but where was Haldir? Her silver-blue eyes scanned the faces of the Elves but did not find the one belonging to the Elf she loved.

Suddenly, she felt a tentative hand touch her shoulder. She turned in her seat and almost jumped out of it as she saw that the hand belonged to none other than Haldir. Isilme noted he was arrayed in his battle armor, but she had eyes only for his face. Slowly, she stood up so that they were eye to eye.

"My Lord, I did not expect you." Isilme knew that what she said was a bit harsh, but she couldn't help but want to test Haldir. She had to be sure, she had to be really sure...

To her surprise though, he nodded his head nervously and said, "I'm sorry you didn't, but I wanted to see you."

Oh, if only he knew how his words made her heart melt. Yet she continued to hold a cool façade. "You have something you wish to say to me?"

Haldir looked down. At that moment, Isilme became afraid. Had she gone too far? Would he leave? Then Haldir looked up, his nervousness gone, and he looked her straight in the eye. "Isilme, I must tell you that you haunt my dreams."

He reached his hand up to her cheek, barely touching her skin. "In all my dreams, I see your face. Your moonlit eyes looking into mine. With love."

Isilme closed her eyes, and out of the corner of her eyes she felt her teardrops slowly slide down her cheeks. Tears of happiness, for Isilme had dropped her mask, all her emotions laid bare to the one she loved.

Through the haze of her joy, she heard Haldir speak, his tone worried. "Isilme, why do you cry?"

Isilme opened her eyes, only to close them again as she pressed her lips to his, her arms tightening around his neck.

Haldir must have been enjoying the kiss, for he brought his arms tightly around her. But Isilme focused on the feeling of his mouth upon hers, and she knew she would never tire of his kiss for ages to come.

They separated for want of air, but Haldir brought her close to him as he whispered in her ear. "I love you."

Isilme sighed in her contentment, for his words had made her life complete. "I love you, too." The Elf-maiden opened her eyes to see Boromir standing in the doorway, a pleased expression on his face. He openly smiled when he saw that she had noticed him. With a broad wink, he left the room.

Isilme was too full of happiness to hold a grudge against Boromir, for she knew he probably had something to do with Haldir approaching her. But she didn't care, because Haldir was finally hers, and she wasn't letting go.

The two Elves moved back but only enough for their faces to be barely inches apart. "I am sorry I did not come to see you earlier," Haldir whispered, "for I have been blind. And though some say love is blind, I feel that love is what has cleared my vision."

Bringing her hands up to stroke his face, Isilme said softly, "There is nothing to forgive, I believe that my patience was a test of love. I have passed, and my prize is even better than I would have ever dreamed."

Haldir took one of her hands in his and kissed her fingertips. "It is most unfortunate that I had to reveal my love to you only to leave for battle."

The Elf-maiden just smiled, tracing the corners of Haldir's frowning mouth. "I will count each and every moment until you are back in my arms."

They kissed once more and they finally stepped apart. Isilme took off her necklace and put it around his neck. Haldir looked down to examine the pendant. It was in the shape of a crescent moon in shades of the darkest of blue and brightest of silver.

"I wish this necklace returned to me," Isilme said softly.

Haldir answered with a light kiss, and with a parting smile and a stroke of her cheek, he left the room.

As soon as Haldir closed the door, she quickly crossed the floor and cautiously opened it. She saw that Haldir had disappeared from the corridors. Isilme smiled and called out softly into the deserted halls. "Be safe, my love. Be safe, for I shall be waiting."

Then she stood still for a few moments, deep in thought. Her face changed suddenly as if she had made a decision, and she went down one of the corridors with a plan forming in her mind.

Author's Note: So, what do you think? This was an EXTREMELY hard chapter to write! Of Elves and Love I don't know much about, but I tried my best, I hope you like it!
Many, many thanks to:

Spry Sprite I'm glad you liked the Faramir scene, more definitely coming up! Yeah, someone who knows Mablung! You're right, not many people know about him at all! I'm thinking of putting more of Mablung and maybe Damrod, too.

Melodist I totally agree with you about Mary Sues, so are just too, too, too annoying. But I hope you like how I've written Isilme in this chapter, I hope it's someone you feel that Haldir deserves! wink! She'll be coming out more, but I'm not making her overpowering or a scene stealer. Besides, Boromir is definitely the scene stealer in this story!

Maria You liked the title? It was a spur of the moment thing, glad you like it! Yeah, I just had to include Gandalf meeting Boromir after I read that he had gone to Lothlorien before going to Fangorn.

Diadora Yeah, someone who liked my Gandlaf quote! I was hoping it didn't come out too 'stale' or 'overused'. I'm sooo honored you consider me one of your 'chosen authors' skips around my room You're a terrific reviewer and friend, I just love getting your reviews! I really hope you like this chapter!

Alex 92 Everyone seems to like my 'raw fish' joke! Hee hee! Sorry, but I have my little secrets about the whole Denethor thing now that Boromir is alive. cackling... I have sort of a vague idea what I'm going to do but it's taking shape as I continue writing. Hop you like this chapter!