Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: YAY, I finished chapter ten, a nice round number! Hee hee! Anyway, I really want to thank all of my reviewers again, for chapter nine I got the most reviews I've ever gotten, FOURTEEN! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
One thing I have to admit about a *STUPID* mistake I made! For some reason, I thought Billy Boyd was from Ireland but a few reviewers pointed out that he's actually from Scotland! Forgive me! Anyway, because I made the mistake, a researched a few of my favorite actors to find out where everyone was REALLY born! Here's a very short compilation of a few actors I LOVE who were born in either Ireland or Scotland:
Scotland: Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor, Billy Boyd, David McCallum, Alan Cummings (I'm really drooling now...)
Ireland: Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Monaghan, Liam Nesson
Personal thank yous at the bottom of the chapter. Please enjoy!
Chapter Ten: Leaving Lothlorien
"Then I have made my decision."
Galadriel laid her gaze on Boromir. "And what have you decided."
Boromir lifted his chin, his mind made up. "My duty is to return to Minas Tirith. My father awaits my return, and I cannot abandon him, nor my brother at these times of peril."
"Then respect your decision I shall." The Elf Lady turned to look away, lost in thought. "You will be leaving soon."
The man of Gondor nodded. "By your leave, my Lady."
"Stay, Heru Boromir, for there is something I must give you before you depart from Lothlorien." Even before she finished speaking, an Elf maiden had come into the glade, carrying a sword sheathed in a scabbard. When Galadriel took the sword, the Elf maiden bowed and left.
Galadriel presented Boromir with the sword. With hesitant hands, Boromir took it for he had never seen its beauty surpassed by any other. From far off, the scabbard was of simple design, brown in color, yet when looked even closer, he could see it was designed with golden flowers and leaves. He slowly grasped the handle of the sword and drew it out. He opened his mouth slightly for he marveled the craftsmanship.
The handle of the sword was easy to hold, with similar designs as on the scabbard. The blade itself was of fine work, golden hues forged into the metal. Boromir tested the balance of the sword, and as expected it was perfectly balanced.
"Haldir mentioned that your sword had been notched while you traveled through the Mines of Moria. When you returned, I had this sword forged with the stars of the sun, the flowers of elanor. Much use you will have for Elanorcil, Sword of the Sunstars."
Boromir remained speechless. Finally he spoke, but could not finish his sentence. "My Lady, this gift..."
The Lady of Lorien walked up to him, her eyes appearing to glow with a gentle, blue fire. "Take this gift, Boromir, Son of Gondor."
He slowly returned the beautiful sword into its sheath and attached the scabbard to the gold belt he was wearing, the one he had also received from Galadriel. So long ago it seemed.
Boromir knelt down on one knee. "Though I do not truly deserve it, will you honor me by giving me your blessing?"
She extended her hand to rest on his head. "I give you all of my blessing in your journey, and may the Valar protect you and keep you safe." She paused. "One more gift I shall give to you, the gift of a new name. Lavlaisi, I name you, 'given new life' it means in the Elvish language. I have every hope that you will use your new given life to the utmost of your being."
Saying such, Galadriel bent down to kiss Boromir on his temple. Boromir was startled by the touch of her lips, for in the same manner had Finduilas always kissed him. The unexpected action caused Boromir's throat to constrict and his vision became blurred. He closed his eyes, as the memory of his mother bombarded his thoughts.
He felt Galadriel lean in even closer as she whispered soothingly in his ear. "Dear Lavlaisi, do not let the memory of Finduilas make your heart sad. Instead, use the memories to strengthen your love for her even more."
Boromir smiled, for her words had touched him and he felt some of his sadness of Finduilas' death go away as if never existed. He opened his eyes as Galadriel pulled back so their eyes were meeting. "You are wise as you are fair, my Lady." Boromir tried to find something more to say but felt them all inadequate. "I... I was never one who could truly convey my feelings with words. I am a warrior, not a scholar." He took one of her hands and kissed her hand, his lips barely touching her skin. "All I can say it thank you, thank you for your blessing. And your words of wisdom."
Galadriel's laughter rippled through the air. "'Ohtar almaarea o nostale indo ar maksa suule.' 'Warrior blessed with a kind heart and a gentle spirit.' A rare man that is who has these qualities."
She became serious. "I advise you to take one of our horses for the way will be quicker. And do not worry," she smiled mysteriously, "everything has already been taken care of."
The man of Gondor stood up and bowed. "Thank you once more, for everything."
"Be safe, Lavlaisi."
With one last look, Boromir turned and left the glad, never once looking back.
'We shall meet again, you and I, son of Gondor,' thought Galadriel. 'We shall meet again.'
********** There was not much for Boromir to pack for his leaving. In a few minutes from returning to his room, he was all set.
When he had gone into his room, he had been surprised and pleased that Galadriel was right; everything had been taken care of. Fresh travel clothes along with provisions were neatly laid out on the bed. The efficiency of the Elves would never cease to amaze him.
He now wore a dark brown shirt over his chain mail, his chain mail having been cleaned and repaired during his stay. An even darker brown long vest he wore, the vest coming down above the knees of his black leggings. With great care he buckled on the golden belt from Galadriel, along with the scabbard, his sword carefully sheathed inside. He strapped on his gloves up along his forearms and wore his dark leather boots. He completed the outfit by wearing the cloak given to him by the Lothlorien Elves, pinned at the neck with the Elvish leave-shaped brooch.
With more than a little bit of apprehension, he turned towards a mirror which had been in his room. For some reason, he had always avoided looking into it, afraid of what he would see.
But look he did, and at first he could only stare for his own image astonished him.
At first, Boromir thought it was the clothes that made him step back. For he was not dressed in the usual Gondorin fashion, in appearance he was similar in clothing to that of a ranger.
Next he looked at his face. The face was strong and his chin and upper lip had the makings of a beard. He appeared leaner than when he had left, his cheekbones seeming more prominent. His hair, cut down to the shoulders, was brown, lighter than the color of his dark brown beard. And his eyes, greenish grey they were. The face, same as always, as it will always be.
So, what was it that made Boromir stare at his reflection, looking for something different? Whatever it was, maybe he would never know.
His eyes left the mirror and rested on Haldir's letter. He took it and broke the seal as he moved over to sit on the bed. He began to read the neat handwriting, though it appeared to have been written in haste:
'Dear Boromir,
I have no doubt that you are reading this before your departure, for I had told my brother to tell you when to open this letter. And from what I know of you since our first meeting, you would do as I have wished for you to do.
Once again, I assure you that it was my greatest honor in making your acquaintance. In my eyes I think of it as a blessing that I was able to save your life to bring you back to Lothlorien.
But more than anything, I thank you for Isilme. Without your words of encouragement, I would never have gone to her. For when I opened my heart to her, she gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever give, the gift of her love.
I pray to the Valar that you will be kept safe wherever you choose to depart for. I pray also that we may meet again.
As you know, I left with the army of Elves on foot. I know that you will wish to go to your destination in the swiftest of transportation. I will like you to take my horse Maiorama, 'horse on wings'. She is a mild horse and will obey you.
Namaarie, Haldir'
Boromir smiled. Haldir was a good friend indeed. He would certainly treasure their friendship.
Isilme, too. Boromir certainly admired the Elf maiden, she was a jewel among Elves. He felt in his heart that Haldir and Isilme deserved each other. Maybe one day, he too will find someone he could spend the rest of his life with.
The man of Gondor smiled even more at the thought. No, it will be a long while before he would settle down.
**********
"I would journey south until you reach the Limlight, for the eastern border of Anduin is unsafe," Orophin instructed Boromir as the man leaped lightly onto Maiorama's back.
Haldir had been right, Maiorama had a wonderful temperament and seemed to remember Boromir. She didn't give any trouble as Boromir saddled the horse with the light equipment of the Elves.
As Boromir adjusted himself to get used to being in the saddle, Orophin continued speaking. "Traveling through the Wold should be pretty safe for now, you can pass by Sarn Gebir. You will have to go across the Onodlo, or more commonly known as the Entwash, and only then will you be able to go east towards Minas Tirith. Do not worry for Maiorama, she is a good swimmer and if you handle her well, you should have no problems."
Boromir nodded for he understood the lay of the land well yet was thankful for Orophin's advice. Besides, he did not want to travel anywhere near Amon Hen. For as long he lived, he would avoid that place, it haunted his memories, he didn't want it to haunt him in real life.
Boromir broke off the disturbing thoughts. "Thank you Orophin."
The Elf shook his head, shaking off the thank you. "It is my pleasure. Besides, I have heard that you have played Vest Kara with my brother."
The unfamiliar words made Boromir look at Orophin curiously. "Vesuta Kayra?"
Orophin smiled at the man's accent. "Vesta Kara. I believe the best way to translate into your tongue is matchmaker."
Boromir blushed, for he knew now what the other was talking about. "You mean about Haldir and Isilme. I really didn't do..."
"But you must have said something to Haldir. For so long he has put off confessing his true feelings for her. I plead with you, for my interest has been aroused."
With a chuckle, Boromir only replied, "It was simple. I only told him to go, and to trust me that I knew that it was the right time for him to go to her."
Orophin frowned. "I never tried saying that to him." The Elf shook off whatever he was trying to figure out. "Anyway, I wish you a safe journey."
Bowing, Boromir once more said thank you. Then with a gentle nudge of his heels, Maiorama set off at a quick trot. Once he turned back to wave to Orophin, then continued on.
Only when he was far enough away did he stopped completely for before he left he wanted to engrave into his mind the image of Lothlorien.
Again, the beauty of the woods of Lorien almost took his breath away. The trees, the grass, the flowers, everything... but more than anything, it was the aura, the glow that surrounded the place. It was still so early in the morning, the sun had not even come over the horizon. Still there was an unearthly atmosphere, seeming to protect the place.
Maybe one day, he would come back. When the war was over...
Boromir became startled at the thought. Had he just said 'when the war was over'? Maybe, maybe, he truly did believe that there was hope. In his deep subconscious self, Boromir felt that maybe, maybe...
A flash of white caught Boromir's attention and saw that is was Galadriel, looking out from one of the balconies.
She stood still, her expression solemn. Her hands were gripping the rail and her golden hair was uncovered except for a simple circlet of elanor flowers.
She looked unreal to Boromir's eyes, a statuette of a goddess, perfectly made in every way.
But never, ever would Boromir consider her a statue, for statues had neither breath nor life. But Galadriel, oh Galadriel! Nothing would ever compare with her beauty, her spirit, her very vivacity for life. Wise beyond all, Galadriel would be the one thing that even time could not take away.
Boromir put his hand on his heart in a salute. And Galadriel answered by raising her hand in farewell.
~Till we meet again~
Hearing the words inside his head, Boromir spurred his horse to turn around, leaving Lothlorien behind.
**********
Galadriel kept her hand up in farewell till even her Elf eyes could perceive Boromir no more. He was gone.
Unlike the last time when Galadriel had watched the Fellowship leave the woods of Lorien, she had felt despair in her heart. As if she had really done nothing, as if she had let fate take control of the future of Middle Earth.
But this time, she felt a song come forth from her lips for hope, happiness, and a sense of peace settled over her heart. She sang softly, her voice flowing through the air of the woods.
'Despair not, ye who have lost hope
for hope is not lost, remain forever hope,
one day the lands will be filled with the shout of the people,
free people, free people now as one, free people!
Shadows will be vanquished, darkness will be flooded with light
And the light will last forever and ever, as the sun shall ever be alight.'
As the last lines of the verse stopped echoing through the woods, Galadriel felt a pair of strong arms come around her waist and felt the light touch of a kiss on her neck. She smiled and leaned into the embrace of Celeborn.
"I heard your song, it called to me," said Celeborn. "What is the reason for such happiness, my love?"
"I do not really know," Galadriel spoke. "The words came from my heart."
There was silence for a moment as the two Elves just enjoyed the feeling of being together.
It was Galadriel who broke the silence. "There is now reason to hope, and it is Boromir who has shown me that?"
The Lady of Lorien could feel the question in the way Celeborn shifted his feet. "In what way?"
"Just this, Boromir fell for the Ring, it was foreseen and it happened. Yet he now lives. And I feel in his heart that he is now a changed man. Do you not see? There was hope for Boromir, a man who was deceived by the Ring. Now, he journeys to fight for the land he loves without the torture of the Ring in his mind."
"Yes," Galadriel continued. "Hope remains."
**********
Author's Note: Well, was it any good? I hope you all approve of the choice for Boromir going to Minas Tirith. Of course, I plan for him to have many adventures on the way! *wink*! Also, what do you think of the Elvish name Boromir has, Lavlaisi? I just wanted so bad for him to have another name, Aragorn has like.... tons!!! Lol Also, does his sword sound cool? I'm really going to make it cool in the upcoming chapters! Hope you liked!
Many thanks to:
*Spry Sprite* ~ I'm really glad you like the chapter, sorry for the suspense! But suspense is a good thing, right? I hope you like the Galadriel/Celeborn scene I inputted in this chapter. Sorry it's sooo short! I'll write more though in other chapters. Btw, I read your fic and loved it! I hope you got my review for it! Harper is definitely cool, perfect for Boromir in a weird sort of way. Hee hee!
*Melodist* ~ Yes, Boromir is definitely handsome, both the way he is portrayed in the books and the way he is portrayed by Sean Bean! Have you seen Sean Bean in the movie "Goldeneye"? He seems to always play the bad guy but he's totally too cool! It's kind of a shame he has to lose against 007.... anwayz, hope you like this chapter!
*BoromirDefender* ~ Ah, someone who liked my portrayal of Finduilas! Thanks! Well, I felt as if a lot of action is coming up in later chapters so there wouldn't be too much time for Boromir to dwell a bit about his family. So I decided to put it in the chapter.
*Alex92* ~ Well, because of my stupid mistake, I have to say that I love both Irish AND Scottish accents! But English accents are just too cool, too! (think Sean Bean, think Sean Bean....) I'm glad you like cute little Faramir *wink*! I love stories where it tells about young Boromir and Faramir. So I decided to give a try by inputting a bit of that in my story.
*Aelimir* ~ I hope you're not disappointed about the choice Boromir makes about where he's heading for. But remember, I love to have cliffhangers and to have sudden plot changes! Hee hee!
*KT Shy* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers (a nickname I have for my wonderful, fantastic, great, terrific... reviewers!) Oh, I'll have to check out your story if it has Boromir alive and well! I hope you like the rest of my story!
*iwantboromir* ~ *bows back down towards the GREAT REVIEWER, iwantboromir!* *chuckles*! Anyway, thanks for reviewing yet once again! Well, I hope you like it that Boromir's going to Minas Tirith. :D Boromir falling for a pudgy, sarcastic, self-sufficient blonde? Hee hee! An interesting idea! *wink*! I'll give the idea some thought....
*Maria* ~ Yay, it's Maria! Thanks for reviewing! I hope you like more of Boromir in this chapter! Well, Bory's heading for Minas Tirith, I hope you're happy with that! And about whether Haldir's going to live... I'M NOT TELLING! *wink!*
*Ice50* ~ Thanks for pointing out my stupid mistake about where Billy Boyd was born! I hope you like Boromir's decision! You give my story 5 stars! *swoons and faints from shock and happiness...*
*Hack and Slash* ~ Glad you like the story! Sorry bout the uber-huge cliffhanger! ^_^ I'll 'try' not to have too many of those. Hee hee!
*Anne-Marie* ~ Thanks for reviewing! I'm really flattered that you call my story middle earthistic! That's such a great compliment! I hope you like the story! Thanks again!
*Melian the Maia* ~ Changed your name again, huh? Hee hee! I don't mind, really! Just tell me when you do that, you scared me! Hee hee! Anyway, hope you like chapter 10! Cya!
*you-know-who* ~ Hope you like the chapter! I'm glad you're enjoying it lots!
*galadrielwannabe* ~ Thanks for pointing out my mistake! Hope you like my newest chapter!
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: YAY, I finished chapter ten, a nice round number! Hee hee! Anyway, I really want to thank all of my reviewers again, for chapter nine I got the most reviews I've ever gotten, FOURTEEN! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
One thing I have to admit about a *STUPID* mistake I made! For some reason, I thought Billy Boyd was from Ireland but a few reviewers pointed out that he's actually from Scotland! Forgive me! Anyway, because I made the mistake, a researched a few of my favorite actors to find out where everyone was REALLY born! Here's a very short compilation of a few actors I LOVE who were born in either Ireland or Scotland:
Scotland: Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor, Billy Boyd, David McCallum, Alan Cummings (I'm really drooling now...)
Ireland: Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Monaghan, Liam Nesson
Personal thank yous at the bottom of the chapter. Please enjoy!
Chapter Ten: Leaving Lothlorien
"Then I have made my decision."
Galadriel laid her gaze on Boromir. "And what have you decided."
Boromir lifted his chin, his mind made up. "My duty is to return to Minas Tirith. My father awaits my return, and I cannot abandon him, nor my brother at these times of peril."
"Then respect your decision I shall." The Elf Lady turned to look away, lost in thought. "You will be leaving soon."
The man of Gondor nodded. "By your leave, my Lady."
"Stay, Heru Boromir, for there is something I must give you before you depart from Lothlorien." Even before she finished speaking, an Elf maiden had come into the glade, carrying a sword sheathed in a scabbard. When Galadriel took the sword, the Elf maiden bowed and left.
Galadriel presented Boromir with the sword. With hesitant hands, Boromir took it for he had never seen its beauty surpassed by any other. From far off, the scabbard was of simple design, brown in color, yet when looked even closer, he could see it was designed with golden flowers and leaves. He slowly grasped the handle of the sword and drew it out. He opened his mouth slightly for he marveled the craftsmanship.
The handle of the sword was easy to hold, with similar designs as on the scabbard. The blade itself was of fine work, golden hues forged into the metal. Boromir tested the balance of the sword, and as expected it was perfectly balanced.
"Haldir mentioned that your sword had been notched while you traveled through the Mines of Moria. When you returned, I had this sword forged with the stars of the sun, the flowers of elanor. Much use you will have for Elanorcil, Sword of the Sunstars."
Boromir remained speechless. Finally he spoke, but could not finish his sentence. "My Lady, this gift..."
The Lady of Lorien walked up to him, her eyes appearing to glow with a gentle, blue fire. "Take this gift, Boromir, Son of Gondor."
He slowly returned the beautiful sword into its sheath and attached the scabbard to the gold belt he was wearing, the one he had also received from Galadriel. So long ago it seemed.
Boromir knelt down on one knee. "Though I do not truly deserve it, will you honor me by giving me your blessing?"
She extended her hand to rest on his head. "I give you all of my blessing in your journey, and may the Valar protect you and keep you safe." She paused. "One more gift I shall give to you, the gift of a new name. Lavlaisi, I name you, 'given new life' it means in the Elvish language. I have every hope that you will use your new given life to the utmost of your being."
Saying such, Galadriel bent down to kiss Boromir on his temple. Boromir was startled by the touch of her lips, for in the same manner had Finduilas always kissed him. The unexpected action caused Boromir's throat to constrict and his vision became blurred. He closed his eyes, as the memory of his mother bombarded his thoughts.
He felt Galadriel lean in even closer as she whispered soothingly in his ear. "Dear Lavlaisi, do not let the memory of Finduilas make your heart sad. Instead, use the memories to strengthen your love for her even more."
Boromir smiled, for her words had touched him and he felt some of his sadness of Finduilas' death go away as if never existed. He opened his eyes as Galadriel pulled back so their eyes were meeting. "You are wise as you are fair, my Lady." Boromir tried to find something more to say but felt them all inadequate. "I... I was never one who could truly convey my feelings with words. I am a warrior, not a scholar." He took one of her hands and kissed her hand, his lips barely touching her skin. "All I can say it thank you, thank you for your blessing. And your words of wisdom."
Galadriel's laughter rippled through the air. "'Ohtar almaarea o nostale indo ar maksa suule.' 'Warrior blessed with a kind heart and a gentle spirit.' A rare man that is who has these qualities."
She became serious. "I advise you to take one of our horses for the way will be quicker. And do not worry," she smiled mysteriously, "everything has already been taken care of."
The man of Gondor stood up and bowed. "Thank you once more, for everything."
"Be safe, Lavlaisi."
With one last look, Boromir turned and left the glad, never once looking back.
'We shall meet again, you and I, son of Gondor,' thought Galadriel. 'We shall meet again.'
********** There was not much for Boromir to pack for his leaving. In a few minutes from returning to his room, he was all set.
When he had gone into his room, he had been surprised and pleased that Galadriel was right; everything had been taken care of. Fresh travel clothes along with provisions were neatly laid out on the bed. The efficiency of the Elves would never cease to amaze him.
He now wore a dark brown shirt over his chain mail, his chain mail having been cleaned and repaired during his stay. An even darker brown long vest he wore, the vest coming down above the knees of his black leggings. With great care he buckled on the golden belt from Galadriel, along with the scabbard, his sword carefully sheathed inside. He strapped on his gloves up along his forearms and wore his dark leather boots. He completed the outfit by wearing the cloak given to him by the Lothlorien Elves, pinned at the neck with the Elvish leave-shaped brooch.
With more than a little bit of apprehension, he turned towards a mirror which had been in his room. For some reason, he had always avoided looking into it, afraid of what he would see.
But look he did, and at first he could only stare for his own image astonished him.
At first, Boromir thought it was the clothes that made him step back. For he was not dressed in the usual Gondorin fashion, in appearance he was similar in clothing to that of a ranger.
Next he looked at his face. The face was strong and his chin and upper lip had the makings of a beard. He appeared leaner than when he had left, his cheekbones seeming more prominent. His hair, cut down to the shoulders, was brown, lighter than the color of his dark brown beard. And his eyes, greenish grey they were. The face, same as always, as it will always be.
So, what was it that made Boromir stare at his reflection, looking for something different? Whatever it was, maybe he would never know.
His eyes left the mirror and rested on Haldir's letter. He took it and broke the seal as he moved over to sit on the bed. He began to read the neat handwriting, though it appeared to have been written in haste:
'Dear Boromir,
I have no doubt that you are reading this before your departure, for I had told my brother to tell you when to open this letter. And from what I know of you since our first meeting, you would do as I have wished for you to do.
Once again, I assure you that it was my greatest honor in making your acquaintance. In my eyes I think of it as a blessing that I was able to save your life to bring you back to Lothlorien.
But more than anything, I thank you for Isilme. Without your words of encouragement, I would never have gone to her. For when I opened my heart to her, she gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever give, the gift of her love.
I pray to the Valar that you will be kept safe wherever you choose to depart for. I pray also that we may meet again.
As you know, I left with the army of Elves on foot. I know that you will wish to go to your destination in the swiftest of transportation. I will like you to take my horse Maiorama, 'horse on wings'. She is a mild horse and will obey you.
Namaarie, Haldir'
Boromir smiled. Haldir was a good friend indeed. He would certainly treasure their friendship.
Isilme, too. Boromir certainly admired the Elf maiden, she was a jewel among Elves. He felt in his heart that Haldir and Isilme deserved each other. Maybe one day, he too will find someone he could spend the rest of his life with.
The man of Gondor smiled even more at the thought. No, it will be a long while before he would settle down.
**********
"I would journey south until you reach the Limlight, for the eastern border of Anduin is unsafe," Orophin instructed Boromir as the man leaped lightly onto Maiorama's back.
Haldir had been right, Maiorama had a wonderful temperament and seemed to remember Boromir. She didn't give any trouble as Boromir saddled the horse with the light equipment of the Elves.
As Boromir adjusted himself to get used to being in the saddle, Orophin continued speaking. "Traveling through the Wold should be pretty safe for now, you can pass by Sarn Gebir. You will have to go across the Onodlo, or more commonly known as the Entwash, and only then will you be able to go east towards Minas Tirith. Do not worry for Maiorama, she is a good swimmer and if you handle her well, you should have no problems."
Boromir nodded for he understood the lay of the land well yet was thankful for Orophin's advice. Besides, he did not want to travel anywhere near Amon Hen. For as long he lived, he would avoid that place, it haunted his memories, he didn't want it to haunt him in real life.
Boromir broke off the disturbing thoughts. "Thank you Orophin."
The Elf shook his head, shaking off the thank you. "It is my pleasure. Besides, I have heard that you have played Vest Kara with my brother."
The unfamiliar words made Boromir look at Orophin curiously. "Vesuta Kayra?"
Orophin smiled at the man's accent. "Vesta Kara. I believe the best way to translate into your tongue is matchmaker."
Boromir blushed, for he knew now what the other was talking about. "You mean about Haldir and Isilme. I really didn't do..."
"But you must have said something to Haldir. For so long he has put off confessing his true feelings for her. I plead with you, for my interest has been aroused."
With a chuckle, Boromir only replied, "It was simple. I only told him to go, and to trust me that I knew that it was the right time for him to go to her."
Orophin frowned. "I never tried saying that to him." The Elf shook off whatever he was trying to figure out. "Anyway, I wish you a safe journey."
Bowing, Boromir once more said thank you. Then with a gentle nudge of his heels, Maiorama set off at a quick trot. Once he turned back to wave to Orophin, then continued on.
Only when he was far enough away did he stopped completely for before he left he wanted to engrave into his mind the image of Lothlorien.
Again, the beauty of the woods of Lorien almost took his breath away. The trees, the grass, the flowers, everything... but more than anything, it was the aura, the glow that surrounded the place. It was still so early in the morning, the sun had not even come over the horizon. Still there was an unearthly atmosphere, seeming to protect the place.
Maybe one day, he would come back. When the war was over...
Boromir became startled at the thought. Had he just said 'when the war was over'? Maybe, maybe, he truly did believe that there was hope. In his deep subconscious self, Boromir felt that maybe, maybe...
A flash of white caught Boromir's attention and saw that is was Galadriel, looking out from one of the balconies.
She stood still, her expression solemn. Her hands were gripping the rail and her golden hair was uncovered except for a simple circlet of elanor flowers.
She looked unreal to Boromir's eyes, a statuette of a goddess, perfectly made in every way.
But never, ever would Boromir consider her a statue, for statues had neither breath nor life. But Galadriel, oh Galadriel! Nothing would ever compare with her beauty, her spirit, her very vivacity for life. Wise beyond all, Galadriel would be the one thing that even time could not take away.
Boromir put his hand on his heart in a salute. And Galadriel answered by raising her hand in farewell.
~Till we meet again~
Hearing the words inside his head, Boromir spurred his horse to turn around, leaving Lothlorien behind.
**********
Galadriel kept her hand up in farewell till even her Elf eyes could perceive Boromir no more. He was gone.
Unlike the last time when Galadriel had watched the Fellowship leave the woods of Lorien, she had felt despair in her heart. As if she had really done nothing, as if she had let fate take control of the future of Middle Earth.
But this time, she felt a song come forth from her lips for hope, happiness, and a sense of peace settled over her heart. She sang softly, her voice flowing through the air of the woods.
'Despair not, ye who have lost hope
for hope is not lost, remain forever hope,
one day the lands will be filled with the shout of the people,
free people, free people now as one, free people!
Shadows will be vanquished, darkness will be flooded with light
And the light will last forever and ever, as the sun shall ever be alight.'
As the last lines of the verse stopped echoing through the woods, Galadriel felt a pair of strong arms come around her waist and felt the light touch of a kiss on her neck. She smiled and leaned into the embrace of Celeborn.
"I heard your song, it called to me," said Celeborn. "What is the reason for such happiness, my love?"
"I do not really know," Galadriel spoke. "The words came from my heart."
There was silence for a moment as the two Elves just enjoyed the feeling of being together.
It was Galadriel who broke the silence. "There is now reason to hope, and it is Boromir who has shown me that?"
The Lady of Lorien could feel the question in the way Celeborn shifted his feet. "In what way?"
"Just this, Boromir fell for the Ring, it was foreseen and it happened. Yet he now lives. And I feel in his heart that he is now a changed man. Do you not see? There was hope for Boromir, a man who was deceived by the Ring. Now, he journeys to fight for the land he loves without the torture of the Ring in his mind."
"Yes," Galadriel continued. "Hope remains."
**********
Author's Note: Well, was it any good? I hope you all approve of the choice for Boromir going to Minas Tirith. Of course, I plan for him to have many adventures on the way! *wink*! Also, what do you think of the Elvish name Boromir has, Lavlaisi? I just wanted so bad for him to have another name, Aragorn has like.... tons!!! Lol Also, does his sword sound cool? I'm really going to make it cool in the upcoming chapters! Hope you liked!
Many thanks to:
*Spry Sprite* ~ I'm really glad you like the chapter, sorry for the suspense! But suspense is a good thing, right? I hope you like the Galadriel/Celeborn scene I inputted in this chapter. Sorry it's sooo short! I'll write more though in other chapters. Btw, I read your fic and loved it! I hope you got my review for it! Harper is definitely cool, perfect for Boromir in a weird sort of way. Hee hee!
*Melodist* ~ Yes, Boromir is definitely handsome, both the way he is portrayed in the books and the way he is portrayed by Sean Bean! Have you seen Sean Bean in the movie "Goldeneye"? He seems to always play the bad guy but he's totally too cool! It's kind of a shame he has to lose against 007.... anwayz, hope you like this chapter!
*BoromirDefender* ~ Ah, someone who liked my portrayal of Finduilas! Thanks! Well, I felt as if a lot of action is coming up in later chapters so there wouldn't be too much time for Boromir to dwell a bit about his family. So I decided to put it in the chapter.
*Alex92* ~ Well, because of my stupid mistake, I have to say that I love both Irish AND Scottish accents! But English accents are just too cool, too! (think Sean Bean, think Sean Bean....) I'm glad you like cute little Faramir *wink*! I love stories where it tells about young Boromir and Faramir. So I decided to give a try by inputting a bit of that in my story.
*Aelimir* ~ I hope you're not disappointed about the choice Boromir makes about where he's heading for. But remember, I love to have cliffhangers and to have sudden plot changes! Hee hee!
*KT Shy* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers (a nickname I have for my wonderful, fantastic, great, terrific... reviewers!) Oh, I'll have to check out your story if it has Boromir alive and well! I hope you like the rest of my story!
*iwantboromir* ~ *bows back down towards the GREAT REVIEWER, iwantboromir!* *chuckles*! Anyway, thanks for reviewing yet once again! Well, I hope you like it that Boromir's going to Minas Tirith. :D Boromir falling for a pudgy, sarcastic, self-sufficient blonde? Hee hee! An interesting idea! *wink*! I'll give the idea some thought....
*Maria* ~ Yay, it's Maria! Thanks for reviewing! I hope you like more of Boromir in this chapter! Well, Bory's heading for Minas Tirith, I hope you're happy with that! And about whether Haldir's going to live... I'M NOT TELLING! *wink!*
*Ice50* ~ Thanks for pointing out my stupid mistake about where Billy Boyd was born! I hope you like Boromir's decision! You give my story 5 stars! *swoons and faints from shock and happiness...*
*Hack and Slash* ~ Glad you like the story! Sorry bout the uber-huge cliffhanger! ^_^ I'll 'try' not to have too many of those. Hee hee!
*Anne-Marie* ~ Thanks for reviewing! I'm really flattered that you call my story middle earthistic! That's such a great compliment! I hope you like the story! Thanks again!
*Melian the Maia* ~ Changed your name again, huh? Hee hee! I don't mind, really! Just tell me when you do that, you scared me! Hee hee! Anyway, hope you like chapter 10! Cya!
*you-know-who* ~ Hope you like the chapter! I'm glad you're enjoying it lots!
*galadrielwannabe* ~ Thanks for pointing out my mistake! Hope you like my newest chapter!