Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: I'm so sorry it took a whole week to update! It's been quite busy, but I was finally able to finish Chapter Twenty-Two! I'm actually quite proud of it, a much deeper look into Boromir (which I'm sure most of you won't mind!) LOL! Enjoy!
My special replies to each of my special reviewers are at the bottom of the chapter!
Chapter Twenty-Two: A Conversation With a Wizard
Boromir woke up but did not open his eyes. Instead, he savored the feelings of waking up from a good rest. He felt strangely alert, telling him just how much the sleep had revived him.
Finally he did open his eyes. Remembering exactly where he was, he sat up and cast his gaze around the cavern. To his surprise there was only one person besides himself in that portion of the caves of the Deep.
Bawuer was sitting on a chair which was pushed up against the walls, his injured leg propped up on a low stool. The man was obviously dozing, his eyes closed and his head leaning against the wall.
Boromir saw with a wary eye that Bawuer was keeping his hand on his sword. He knew not how well tuned the other's senses were so Boromir swung his legs over the cot as quietly as possible. But the movement could not go by unnoticed and the blonde man snapped his eyes open, his body tense for a brief moment as he drew his sword out. But his action was cut short as he realized that it was only Boromir awaking.
With the briefest of nods, Bawuer returned his sword into the scabbard. "Sleep well?"
The Gondorian did not get up but stayed sitting on the edge of the cot. "Have you been staying here, watching me the whole time, Bawuer? Except for sleeping of course."
The Rohirrim soldier smiled. "Of course not my lord. It has been a few hours since you first laid down to rest. Since then I have reported to my captain, who told me not to return to duty until the morrow. I have also seen to our horses who appear to getting along quite well." The last sentence was spoken with much humor and Boromir could not help chuckling.
"Indeed, I can imagine."
Bawuer frowned in a miserable fashion. "You may want to but not I. I for one am not looking forward to the time when you and your precious horse must leave me alone with my wicked excuse for a horse."
Boromir laughed out loud. "My dear Bawuer, don't tell me you are tiring of Ebon?"
"Nay, I did not say that. He is..."
"Stop, I don't need to hear of Ebon's virtues once more." Bawuer gave the captain a mock glare as Boromir stood up and stretched the sleepiness away.
As he did, all the worries from earlier that morning came back to him. The worries about meeting the rest of the Fellowship, the worries about the road before him which he knew not where it led to. He sighed and tried to let it all go. First things were first, he had to have a serious talk with Gandalf.
With a cautious tone he spoke. "Did you happen to chance upon the White Rider?"
Bawuer had by that time also stood up from his chair. "I believe he is at the Deeping Stream with Shadowfax. Now that is a marvelous piece of horseflesh, his movements are pure poetry in motion! I would give my sword arm to be able to just..." He stopped speaking as Boromir began shaking his head in amusement. "What?"
"Nothing. You Rohirrim and your thoughts on horses are just quite amusing" Boromir picked up his black cloak which he had been using as a blanket and wore it around his shoulders. "Well, I must be on my way. There are some people I must see to."
"Then allow me to accompany you until you find whoever you are seeking." Bawuer gestured with his head towards the direction they would need to take to come out from the caves.
But Boromir stood where he was, fixing a hard gaze upon the other man. "You need not follow me."
The man of Rohan's voice was quite serious, as was his face expression. "Though you may wish to keep your true identity a secret, a man of your station needs someone at your side. And as I know who you are, I am perfect for the assignment until tomorrow."
"I don't need a bodyguard," Boromir said with a touch of annoyance.
Bawuer smiled. "Nay, I believe you can handle yourself. Think of it as my being a guide for you."
Boromir nodded after a moment, though in all honesty he wouldn't mind the company. Bawuer had become an interesting person to be around with, and he did not wish to lose their companionship so quickly.
So together, Bawuer walking half a step behind Boromir, they walked out from the caves.
**********
"Lavlaisi, just the man I wish to see," Gandalf said from where he stood next to the Deeping stream, Shadowfax calmly grazing beside him.
"Then I am glad I sought you out." Boromir was glad to be greeted with such pleasure from the wizard. He went to stand next to Gandalf and they looked out at the strange trees which still had the Rohirrim whisper among themselves in fear.
The man of Gondor once more found himself thankful of the fact that Bawuer was a very intuitive man. Understanding that Boromir would want to speak to Gandalf alone, Bawuer had left after saying he would be at hand.
Gandalf had become somewhat subdued in manner so Boromir waited for the other to speak first. He himself sank deep into his thoughts, trying to organize them in a comprehendible manner. He still could not figure out how he was going to ask the wizard the many questions he had.
At that moment, Gandalf turned so that he was looking straight at Boromir. "Come, come. I know you well enough to know that you have much to say to me." The words had come out kindly yet Boromir hesitated in speaking for the simple fact he didn't know where to start.
"To put it bluntly, I don't know where to begin."
Gandalf nodded his head in understanding. "Maybe I can help you. You wish to know why I head towards Isengard today with the king and Aragorn."
Boromir bowed his head in shame. "Not too long ago I have come to know that it is not my place to question wizards. And wise Elves." Remembering the Lady Galadriel he added, "For it is impossible to receive a straight answer that way.
"If you know this, you have learned something many have not," Gandalf said with a chuckle. "To Isengard I go. Yet worry not, Boromir. I shall not stay there long; my way lies now eastward. This is something you must trust that I am not abandoning Gondor, not when Gondor is in most need of my help."
Strangely enough, the words comforted Boromir in a small way. He was relieved to know that Gandalf understood the peril of Gondor, and would soon be traveling in that direction.
"So, it is now my turn to ask a question most on my mind." Gandalf gestured with his staff towards the stronghold of the Deep. "Why have you still not gone to meet your friends."
Boromir felt any comfort dissolve as the weight of Gandalf's words hit its mark in Boromir's heart. "I am most sure they think of me not in that way."
The wizard's eyebrows raised in question. "In what way do you believe they think up on you?"
"The word that first come to mind is... traitor." As he said the last word, Boromir looked away from the gentle yet probing gaze of Gandalf. Even after feeling a comforting hand upon his shoulder, Boromir still refused to look the other in the eye.
"Boromir, Boromir. Do not be so hard on yourself. The trial you had to go through was a hard one, yet in the end you triumphed."
"I cannot think of it as a triumph."
Gandalf shrugged. "It depends on what you call a triumph. You defeated the temptation of the Ring in the end, you refused to follow Frodo and take what you thought would be a weapon of destruction against the Enemy."
Boromir grimaced. "A notion which was a very foolish one in the first place." He remembered the day of the council in Rivendell, where he had felt the initial call of the Ring. How he had spoken up of how the Ring could be used against the Enemy. And how Aragorn had said that the Ring would answer to Sauron alone, that it had no other master.
The thought of Aragorn made the image of the ranger come to Boromir's mind. The image of when he had seen Aragorn battle in Helm's Deep among the throngs of fleeing Uruk-Hais.
The memory made Boromir's smile softly. "I know now who Aragorn really is, Gandalf. And I mean truly know him." He moved his head to look at the wizard whose expression was unreadable. "He really is the king, isn't he? The true king, the one who will bring peace once again to Middle Earth."
Boromir again turned away from the other's face to look out into the sky. "Until today I never really understood. The king who would return had always been a sort of myth, a nameless, faceless someone who would come in the distant future. So distant that you would never dream of meeting him. Yet here I stand, knowing that this king is coming. I know in now in my heart."
He glanced towards Gandalf. "Aragorn does not need to be worried about whether I am alive or not. It is no secret that there was no real bond between us, and it was not all his fault for I was to be blamed for some of the bad blood between us. Because of who I am."
"And that is?"
"I am the Steward of Gondor's son."
There was silence as Gandalf seemed to think upon Boromir's words. Finally the wizard did speak. "As the Steward's son, what are you to do about Aragorn?"
Surprisingly, Boromir found wizard's question humorous and chuckled. "What will I do? Absolutely nothing! I for one will not stand in his way. That is the way it should be."
In a thoughtful tone, Gandalf replied, "You justly deserve your new name of Lavlaisi. Galadriel is wiser than she seems, 'given new life'." He sighed and shook his head. "Yet because of your silence you will be putting more of a burden upon your friends, especially that of Aragorn."
"I see not how."
"Have you stopped to wonder how Aragorn feels of his heritage? He has never really wanted the responsibility of becoming who he is meant to be." His tone became thoughtful as he said, "Perhaps you two need each other more than the both of you think."
Boromir was puzzled by the maia's words. What did it mean? Surely Gandalf did not mean what he said. Truly a riddle. And he had always hated riddles.
He opened his mouth to ask the meaning to the wizard's words but he was interrupted by the other. "Do you remember, Boromir, the large tree growing in the gardens of the Houses of Healing?"
Feeling even more puzzled Boromir said that he did.
"Do you remember you would always try to climb it?"
Boromir realized with a start where Gandalf was getting at and began to blush with embarrassment. "Gandalf, please..."
"One day I was passing by Minas Tirith, in order to check up on some things. I of course wished to look upon your mother. After speaking to her and finding her somewhat better in health, I decided to see how well her sons were doing. I found one of them trying desperately to climb a certain tree."
The man of Gondor remembered that childhood memory well. In his many visits to the Houses of Healing, there were many times he was told to stay out in the gardens. Of course, what was a young, energetic boy to do in what he thought was an extremely dull place?
Faramir had been too young to play with, he had always stayed with his nurse. But not Boromir, he had to find something adventurous to do.
"This tree I remember," Gandalf continued, "was very tall and had thick branches. Unfortunately, the first branches were widespread from the others, making it difficult to go further higher. A difficult tree for a young boy to venture to climb.
"Yet there you were, trying and trying to reach the higher branches." Gandalf gave Boromir a pointed look. "It must have seemed an interesting challenge at the time."
Boromir shrugged. "I was always enjoyed a good challenge."
"I also remember you were very stubborn." The wizard winked in a friendly fashion. "At the time I offered my help, offered to at least give you a leg up. Do you know what you told me? I recall the exact words. 'I never need any help.'"
Wincing, Boromir remained quiet.
"Of course I would never argue with the Steward's son. You had it stuck in your head that by your own power, whether with your muscles or head, you could accomplish any task."
There was a long stretch of silence as Boromir mulled over what the wizard had said. Strange it seemed that some things never changed for some people.
"A good lesson I hoped you would learn from refusing my assistance is that everyone, even sons of mighty men, need a little help every now and then." Gandalf suddenly laughed. "And you learned the lesson the hard way."
Boromir gave the maia a sideways look. "Yes, that was the day I broke my arm." As the wizard continued to chuckle, Boromir protested, "Well, I had almost reached the top!"
"Yes, but my point is proved by what you just said. Almost. Only almost."
Gandalf became serious as he asked, "So, Boromir. Have you learned your lesson?"
Had he indeed? Boromir considered the query. Had he truly learned to reach out for some help from his friends? To answer honestly, he doubted it.
He felt Gandalf patted him on the shoulder. "Confidence not only comes from within, but from the people around you. Let others help you along your way, you'll find the path much easier to walk."
"Maybe you are right Gandalf, maybe you are right. But that still does not change the fact that I believe Aragorn is much better off not to worry about me."
"Do not delay your reunion to long, son of Gondor."
"Whatever may become of us, Gandalf, I promise to see you all in Gondor."
The wizard raised his eyebrows. "Your road lies towards Gondor? I had thought as much. I assume you will leave as soon as possible?"
Boromir nodded. "As soon as I can saddle up." The Gondorian warrior put out a hand. "Till we meet in Minas Tirith."
"Till then." The two clasped hands and Boromir felt much at ease in his heart. Surely he had begun to look at the wizard in a different light. He had to admit he had in a way looked upon Mithrandir through the eyes of his father. It was no secret from Boromir how Denethor had always felt about the wizard. Hopefully, some things would change.
Boromir saw Gandalf looking towards the Hornburg. "The king has come out from his rest. There are still some things I must speak to him about."
They began to head towards the stronghold. As they walked, Gandalf asked, "I assume you tried climbing that tree after you healed."
Boromir shook his head. "Unfortunately, I never got around to it." He sighed, and said softly, "That... was the year that mother died."
The man of Gondor felt the comforting hand one more upon his shoulder. "Your mother was a good woman, her death was mourned by all."
It felt odd to Boromir how much the wizard's words touched him. Suddenly he smiled at Gandalf. "You are good for the heart, dear friend. If in the end you are my only friend, I am still among the most fortunate of all."
The White Rider gave one of his warm smiled. "And Boromir, you have turned out much better that I would have ever thought. I see much in store for your future."
**********
Author's Note: So, was it any good? Next chapter, Boromir's (final) departure from Helm's Deep. Also, I would like to say that since the Holidays are coming up, it'll get much harder for me to get to my computer (tests, homework, Christmas shopping, etc.). I'll try to get the next few chapters as quickly as possible, but I can't honestly say whether I'll have a new chapter every single week. I thank you for you patience with me!
But one thing I can promise, I'll be going over my story and fixing little details here and there. If there are any MAJOR changes made, (which I doubt, I'm pretty much satisfied how it's going), I promise to notify you in future chapters.
Special thanks to:
*Bulegristwen* ~ I'm glad you like the chapter! Sorry, the 'reunion' (you know the one I'm talking about) still hasn't come out. As I've written in this new chapter, it still may be a while before they DO meet. :S It just works about better in my plot if the meeting is made a little later. But I promise, my reunion idea is coming out really well (if only I can write it down well... we'll see...) ^_^
*Daisy Brambleburr* ~ Glad you liked the Faramir scene! It was a cute and fun scene to write, in my idea he's always been a softie in helping others. Yeah, it is great having great reviewers, you guys have been such an inspiration! *GIVES HUGE HUG*! Here's chapter 22, I hope it lives up to you expectations!
*Im A Brandybuck* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad that so far you're liking my story! Once again, your review was greatly appreciate, thanks so much!
*beats me* ~ hee hee, gotta make sure you're not missing anything, right? Sorry it took a while to update new chapter... you know how busy it's been...
*The Dark Wanderer* ~ Another review from you, thanks so much! Yeah, Bawuer does have some secrets, but nothing really shocking or anything. I'll explain more in later chapters! Oh, about Gloredhel and how she's Haldir's wife. I asked my good friend Melian the Maia about it (she owns a copy of the Silmarillion). She was kind enough to look it up and she discovered that the Haldir mentioned is a different person. Actually, the Haldir in Silmarillion is a Man, not an Elf. Obviously it's a different person. So, in reality, Haldir the Marchwarden of Lothlorien has never been married according to what we know of him in Tolkine's writings. But thanks so much for taking the time in telling me of the fact! I learned a bit more about the history of Middle Earth thanks to Melian the Maia telling me all about it! Hope you like this new chapter!
*Lady Lanet* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm overjoyed you're liking my story! Hope you like the rest of it.
*psycho elf* ~ Oh. My. Goodness. I've gotten a review from *THE* psycho elf! *jumps up and down screaming!* I have always simply LOVED your stories, especially the fantastic "Ranger and Pirates" and "Pirates in the Fellowship". And the great you has read and liked my story! *jumps up and down even more*! Thanks so VERY VERY VERY much reviewing, you don't know how much of an inspiration it was to get a review from one of my favorite authors! Keep up your wonderful story!
*Willow-41z* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing, glad you're liking my story so far! Yes, Boromir is not an evil character, he's just human like all the rest of us. In the end he did resist the Ring and chose not to follow Frodo, that act was a very difficult thing to do in my opinion. Oh, yes, the arrows were barbed. But you are also right, Haldir IS an Elf, I'm sure he was able to do it and still heal him. (if he isn't able to do, I've gotten my story all wrong...) ^_^ Once again, thanks for reviewing!
*Alex92* ~ Hi! Glad you like Faramir, he IS sooooo sweet! Yes, he's definitely a huggable guy, both the two Gondorian brothers are!
*Aelimir* ~ Hello, thanks so much for reviewing and your great suggestions! I'll use your idea for Maiorama to pick up what Boromir's feeling, if that's all right with you. I have a great place to add that scene in. ^_^ Also, your riding tips will become a GREAT help! I've just come up with this scenario where... oops, I can't say anything or it'll ruin everything! Hee hee! Anyway, one thing I can say is that this scene will be VERY cool! I think it'll come up in either chapter 26 or 27, I'm not quite sure. But your suggestion will come in handy, I just want to give you a big hug! *BIIIGGG HUG*! Oops, sorry, are you still breathing? LOL! Thanks again for everything!
*BoromirDefender* ~ hee hee, I'm glad that my previous chapter made you laugh. "Stubborn men...", yup I like characters who are stubborn, in a good way of course! (Boromir, Bawuer, etc.). Yeah, Dom M And Billy B. are very funny! I also like the special features, especially the part where they were talking about how they would 'head butt' each other. HA HA! Ooooh, can't wait till "Troy"! Strangely enough, I still can't find any pictures of Sean Bean in his role as Odyseuss! Hmmm... Anyway, hope you like this new chapter!
*Spry Sprite* ~ Yay, I'm really glad you liked my new chapter! Hee hee, it seems Bawuer is 'definitely' having his own following. ^_^ Maybe I'll write a chapter in his point of view, maybe the next chapter... Anyway, waiting for "Insanity Abounds"! *smile*! Oh, yes, there is one thing I would like to ask you. I'm thinking of writing my own humor/parody story with a few of my friends. I haven't decided yet but I was thinking of making the title "The Buddyship of the Ring". It's sort of from your own fanfiction so I wanted to make sure it's all right with you. But if you don't want me to use that as a title, please tell me honestly, and I will think up of something else. Thanks so much!
*Sean/Boromir Fan* ~ hiya! *pouts* why did you have to delete your story? It started out great! Well, we're going to be pretty busy writing our story, huh? Hee hee! I've already thought of a TON of ideas to put into the story! Anyway, Isilme will NOT be falling in love with Boromir! That's be strange, besides making it totally bad for poor, sweet Haldir. I would never do anything to hurt one of our favorite Elves! Hope this has plenty of Boromir to satisfy your Boromir-thirst. Hee hee! P.S. Yeah, Faramir is sweet!
*iron-eyes24* ~ Ah, so you're British, that explains everything! Hee hee! Just kidding! Man, I'm reading over your review again and getting such a good laugh! You're reviews are always so entertaining, thanks always for that! I liked what you wrote 'Boromir has more Elvish blood in him than Aragorn. HA! IN YOUR FACE, ARAGORN LOVERS!' *bursts out laughing* That was so funny! *wipes tears of laughter away from eyes* But seriously, that really is interesting because it's very true. Yeah, I too can't wait to see "Troy"! In fact, for this month's book report, I have to read "The Odyssey"! But I don't mind at all, all I have to do is put Sean Bean's image in my head whenever Odyseuss comes out. *sigh* *drools* hee hee! Anyway, hope you like this new chapter!
*Daughter of Olorin* ~ Hello! Glad you like the previous chapter! I was worried that I hadn't put Isilme's thoughts down very well, but if you like it, I guess that I did a fairly good job. ^_^ I hold all of my reviewers thoughts with high regard. Yeah, that line about Isilme thinking of the men of Rohan didn't come out the way I had wanted it to. I'm going to fix it to: "The Rohirrim fascinated her, for different they were to the way she had visualized them to be. All her life she had lived with the Elves of Lothlorien. Just as the Elves, the men of Rohan were stalwart and brave, hardly ever did they cry out it pain or grimace at the extent of their injuries." I hope that comes out better. It's funny, I think when I was writing the chapter, I must have by mistake deleted some parts. So sorry about that! I hope you like this new chapter!
*Melian the Maia* ~ My dear friend and schoolmate, thanks so much for the info! Before writing about Isilme, I had checked to make sure if Haldir had been married or not so when I heard about Gloredhel, I was like, "I didn't read about that anywhere!" But thanks to your trusty Silmarillion, you were able to tell me all about it. Thanks so much! Lots of hugs!
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: I'm so sorry it took a whole week to update! It's been quite busy, but I was finally able to finish Chapter Twenty-Two! I'm actually quite proud of it, a much deeper look into Boromir (which I'm sure most of you won't mind!) LOL! Enjoy!
My special replies to each of my special reviewers are at the bottom of the chapter!
Chapter Twenty-Two: A Conversation With a Wizard
Boromir woke up but did not open his eyes. Instead, he savored the feelings of waking up from a good rest. He felt strangely alert, telling him just how much the sleep had revived him.
Finally he did open his eyes. Remembering exactly where he was, he sat up and cast his gaze around the cavern. To his surprise there was only one person besides himself in that portion of the caves of the Deep.
Bawuer was sitting on a chair which was pushed up against the walls, his injured leg propped up on a low stool. The man was obviously dozing, his eyes closed and his head leaning against the wall.
Boromir saw with a wary eye that Bawuer was keeping his hand on his sword. He knew not how well tuned the other's senses were so Boromir swung his legs over the cot as quietly as possible. But the movement could not go by unnoticed and the blonde man snapped his eyes open, his body tense for a brief moment as he drew his sword out. But his action was cut short as he realized that it was only Boromir awaking.
With the briefest of nods, Bawuer returned his sword into the scabbard. "Sleep well?"
The Gondorian did not get up but stayed sitting on the edge of the cot. "Have you been staying here, watching me the whole time, Bawuer? Except for sleeping of course."
The Rohirrim soldier smiled. "Of course not my lord. It has been a few hours since you first laid down to rest. Since then I have reported to my captain, who told me not to return to duty until the morrow. I have also seen to our horses who appear to getting along quite well." The last sentence was spoken with much humor and Boromir could not help chuckling.
"Indeed, I can imagine."
Bawuer frowned in a miserable fashion. "You may want to but not I. I for one am not looking forward to the time when you and your precious horse must leave me alone with my wicked excuse for a horse."
Boromir laughed out loud. "My dear Bawuer, don't tell me you are tiring of Ebon?"
"Nay, I did not say that. He is..."
"Stop, I don't need to hear of Ebon's virtues once more." Bawuer gave the captain a mock glare as Boromir stood up and stretched the sleepiness away.
As he did, all the worries from earlier that morning came back to him. The worries about meeting the rest of the Fellowship, the worries about the road before him which he knew not where it led to. He sighed and tried to let it all go. First things were first, he had to have a serious talk with Gandalf.
With a cautious tone he spoke. "Did you happen to chance upon the White Rider?"
Bawuer had by that time also stood up from his chair. "I believe he is at the Deeping Stream with Shadowfax. Now that is a marvelous piece of horseflesh, his movements are pure poetry in motion! I would give my sword arm to be able to just..." He stopped speaking as Boromir began shaking his head in amusement. "What?"
"Nothing. You Rohirrim and your thoughts on horses are just quite amusing" Boromir picked up his black cloak which he had been using as a blanket and wore it around his shoulders. "Well, I must be on my way. There are some people I must see to."
"Then allow me to accompany you until you find whoever you are seeking." Bawuer gestured with his head towards the direction they would need to take to come out from the caves.
But Boromir stood where he was, fixing a hard gaze upon the other man. "You need not follow me."
The man of Rohan's voice was quite serious, as was his face expression. "Though you may wish to keep your true identity a secret, a man of your station needs someone at your side. And as I know who you are, I am perfect for the assignment until tomorrow."
"I don't need a bodyguard," Boromir said with a touch of annoyance.
Bawuer smiled. "Nay, I believe you can handle yourself. Think of it as my being a guide for you."
Boromir nodded after a moment, though in all honesty he wouldn't mind the company. Bawuer had become an interesting person to be around with, and he did not wish to lose their companionship so quickly.
So together, Bawuer walking half a step behind Boromir, they walked out from the caves.
**********
"Lavlaisi, just the man I wish to see," Gandalf said from where he stood next to the Deeping stream, Shadowfax calmly grazing beside him.
"Then I am glad I sought you out." Boromir was glad to be greeted with such pleasure from the wizard. He went to stand next to Gandalf and they looked out at the strange trees which still had the Rohirrim whisper among themselves in fear.
The man of Gondor once more found himself thankful of the fact that Bawuer was a very intuitive man. Understanding that Boromir would want to speak to Gandalf alone, Bawuer had left after saying he would be at hand.
Gandalf had become somewhat subdued in manner so Boromir waited for the other to speak first. He himself sank deep into his thoughts, trying to organize them in a comprehendible manner. He still could not figure out how he was going to ask the wizard the many questions he had.
At that moment, Gandalf turned so that he was looking straight at Boromir. "Come, come. I know you well enough to know that you have much to say to me." The words had come out kindly yet Boromir hesitated in speaking for the simple fact he didn't know where to start.
"To put it bluntly, I don't know where to begin."
Gandalf nodded his head in understanding. "Maybe I can help you. You wish to know why I head towards Isengard today with the king and Aragorn."
Boromir bowed his head in shame. "Not too long ago I have come to know that it is not my place to question wizards. And wise Elves." Remembering the Lady Galadriel he added, "For it is impossible to receive a straight answer that way.
"If you know this, you have learned something many have not," Gandalf said with a chuckle. "To Isengard I go. Yet worry not, Boromir. I shall not stay there long; my way lies now eastward. This is something you must trust that I am not abandoning Gondor, not when Gondor is in most need of my help."
Strangely enough, the words comforted Boromir in a small way. He was relieved to know that Gandalf understood the peril of Gondor, and would soon be traveling in that direction.
"So, it is now my turn to ask a question most on my mind." Gandalf gestured with his staff towards the stronghold of the Deep. "Why have you still not gone to meet your friends."
Boromir felt any comfort dissolve as the weight of Gandalf's words hit its mark in Boromir's heart. "I am most sure they think of me not in that way."
The wizard's eyebrows raised in question. "In what way do you believe they think up on you?"
"The word that first come to mind is... traitor." As he said the last word, Boromir looked away from the gentle yet probing gaze of Gandalf. Even after feeling a comforting hand upon his shoulder, Boromir still refused to look the other in the eye.
"Boromir, Boromir. Do not be so hard on yourself. The trial you had to go through was a hard one, yet in the end you triumphed."
"I cannot think of it as a triumph."
Gandalf shrugged. "It depends on what you call a triumph. You defeated the temptation of the Ring in the end, you refused to follow Frodo and take what you thought would be a weapon of destruction against the Enemy."
Boromir grimaced. "A notion which was a very foolish one in the first place." He remembered the day of the council in Rivendell, where he had felt the initial call of the Ring. How he had spoken up of how the Ring could be used against the Enemy. And how Aragorn had said that the Ring would answer to Sauron alone, that it had no other master.
The thought of Aragorn made the image of the ranger come to Boromir's mind. The image of when he had seen Aragorn battle in Helm's Deep among the throngs of fleeing Uruk-Hais.
The memory made Boromir's smile softly. "I know now who Aragorn really is, Gandalf. And I mean truly know him." He moved his head to look at the wizard whose expression was unreadable. "He really is the king, isn't he? The true king, the one who will bring peace once again to Middle Earth."
Boromir again turned away from the other's face to look out into the sky. "Until today I never really understood. The king who would return had always been a sort of myth, a nameless, faceless someone who would come in the distant future. So distant that you would never dream of meeting him. Yet here I stand, knowing that this king is coming. I know in now in my heart."
He glanced towards Gandalf. "Aragorn does not need to be worried about whether I am alive or not. It is no secret that there was no real bond between us, and it was not all his fault for I was to be blamed for some of the bad blood between us. Because of who I am."
"And that is?"
"I am the Steward of Gondor's son."
There was silence as Gandalf seemed to think upon Boromir's words. Finally the wizard did speak. "As the Steward's son, what are you to do about Aragorn?"
Surprisingly, Boromir found wizard's question humorous and chuckled. "What will I do? Absolutely nothing! I for one will not stand in his way. That is the way it should be."
In a thoughtful tone, Gandalf replied, "You justly deserve your new name of Lavlaisi. Galadriel is wiser than she seems, 'given new life'." He sighed and shook his head. "Yet because of your silence you will be putting more of a burden upon your friends, especially that of Aragorn."
"I see not how."
"Have you stopped to wonder how Aragorn feels of his heritage? He has never really wanted the responsibility of becoming who he is meant to be." His tone became thoughtful as he said, "Perhaps you two need each other more than the both of you think."
Boromir was puzzled by the maia's words. What did it mean? Surely Gandalf did not mean what he said. Truly a riddle. And he had always hated riddles.
He opened his mouth to ask the meaning to the wizard's words but he was interrupted by the other. "Do you remember, Boromir, the large tree growing in the gardens of the Houses of Healing?"
Feeling even more puzzled Boromir said that he did.
"Do you remember you would always try to climb it?"
Boromir realized with a start where Gandalf was getting at and began to blush with embarrassment. "Gandalf, please..."
"One day I was passing by Minas Tirith, in order to check up on some things. I of course wished to look upon your mother. After speaking to her and finding her somewhat better in health, I decided to see how well her sons were doing. I found one of them trying desperately to climb a certain tree."
The man of Gondor remembered that childhood memory well. In his many visits to the Houses of Healing, there were many times he was told to stay out in the gardens. Of course, what was a young, energetic boy to do in what he thought was an extremely dull place?
Faramir had been too young to play with, he had always stayed with his nurse. But not Boromir, he had to find something adventurous to do.
"This tree I remember," Gandalf continued, "was very tall and had thick branches. Unfortunately, the first branches were widespread from the others, making it difficult to go further higher. A difficult tree for a young boy to venture to climb.
"Yet there you were, trying and trying to reach the higher branches." Gandalf gave Boromir a pointed look. "It must have seemed an interesting challenge at the time."
Boromir shrugged. "I was always enjoyed a good challenge."
"I also remember you were very stubborn." The wizard winked in a friendly fashion. "At the time I offered my help, offered to at least give you a leg up. Do you know what you told me? I recall the exact words. 'I never need any help.'"
Wincing, Boromir remained quiet.
"Of course I would never argue with the Steward's son. You had it stuck in your head that by your own power, whether with your muscles or head, you could accomplish any task."
There was a long stretch of silence as Boromir mulled over what the wizard had said. Strange it seemed that some things never changed for some people.
"A good lesson I hoped you would learn from refusing my assistance is that everyone, even sons of mighty men, need a little help every now and then." Gandalf suddenly laughed. "And you learned the lesson the hard way."
Boromir gave the maia a sideways look. "Yes, that was the day I broke my arm." As the wizard continued to chuckle, Boromir protested, "Well, I had almost reached the top!"
"Yes, but my point is proved by what you just said. Almost. Only almost."
Gandalf became serious as he asked, "So, Boromir. Have you learned your lesson?"
Had he indeed? Boromir considered the query. Had he truly learned to reach out for some help from his friends? To answer honestly, he doubted it.
He felt Gandalf patted him on the shoulder. "Confidence not only comes from within, but from the people around you. Let others help you along your way, you'll find the path much easier to walk."
"Maybe you are right Gandalf, maybe you are right. But that still does not change the fact that I believe Aragorn is much better off not to worry about me."
"Do not delay your reunion to long, son of Gondor."
"Whatever may become of us, Gandalf, I promise to see you all in Gondor."
The wizard raised his eyebrows. "Your road lies towards Gondor? I had thought as much. I assume you will leave as soon as possible?"
Boromir nodded. "As soon as I can saddle up." The Gondorian warrior put out a hand. "Till we meet in Minas Tirith."
"Till then." The two clasped hands and Boromir felt much at ease in his heart. Surely he had begun to look at the wizard in a different light. He had to admit he had in a way looked upon Mithrandir through the eyes of his father. It was no secret from Boromir how Denethor had always felt about the wizard. Hopefully, some things would change.
Boromir saw Gandalf looking towards the Hornburg. "The king has come out from his rest. There are still some things I must speak to him about."
They began to head towards the stronghold. As they walked, Gandalf asked, "I assume you tried climbing that tree after you healed."
Boromir shook his head. "Unfortunately, I never got around to it." He sighed, and said softly, "That... was the year that mother died."
The man of Gondor felt the comforting hand one more upon his shoulder. "Your mother was a good woman, her death was mourned by all."
It felt odd to Boromir how much the wizard's words touched him. Suddenly he smiled at Gandalf. "You are good for the heart, dear friend. If in the end you are my only friend, I am still among the most fortunate of all."
The White Rider gave one of his warm smiled. "And Boromir, you have turned out much better that I would have ever thought. I see much in store for your future."
**********
Author's Note: So, was it any good? Next chapter, Boromir's (final) departure from Helm's Deep. Also, I would like to say that since the Holidays are coming up, it'll get much harder for me to get to my computer (tests, homework, Christmas shopping, etc.). I'll try to get the next few chapters as quickly as possible, but I can't honestly say whether I'll have a new chapter every single week. I thank you for you patience with me!
But one thing I can promise, I'll be going over my story and fixing little details here and there. If there are any MAJOR changes made, (which I doubt, I'm pretty much satisfied how it's going), I promise to notify you in future chapters.
Special thanks to:
*Bulegristwen* ~ I'm glad you like the chapter! Sorry, the 'reunion' (you know the one I'm talking about) still hasn't come out. As I've written in this new chapter, it still may be a while before they DO meet. :S It just works about better in my plot if the meeting is made a little later. But I promise, my reunion idea is coming out really well (if only I can write it down well... we'll see...) ^_^
*Daisy Brambleburr* ~ Glad you liked the Faramir scene! It was a cute and fun scene to write, in my idea he's always been a softie in helping others. Yeah, it is great having great reviewers, you guys have been such an inspiration! *GIVES HUGE HUG*! Here's chapter 22, I hope it lives up to you expectations!
*Im A Brandybuck* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad that so far you're liking my story! Once again, your review was greatly appreciate, thanks so much!
*beats me* ~ hee hee, gotta make sure you're not missing anything, right? Sorry it took a while to update new chapter... you know how busy it's been...
*The Dark Wanderer* ~ Another review from you, thanks so much! Yeah, Bawuer does have some secrets, but nothing really shocking or anything. I'll explain more in later chapters! Oh, about Gloredhel and how she's Haldir's wife. I asked my good friend Melian the Maia about it (she owns a copy of the Silmarillion). She was kind enough to look it up and she discovered that the Haldir mentioned is a different person. Actually, the Haldir in Silmarillion is a Man, not an Elf. Obviously it's a different person. So, in reality, Haldir the Marchwarden of Lothlorien has never been married according to what we know of him in Tolkine's writings. But thanks so much for taking the time in telling me of the fact! I learned a bit more about the history of Middle Earth thanks to Melian the Maia telling me all about it! Hope you like this new chapter!
*Lady Lanet* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm overjoyed you're liking my story! Hope you like the rest of it.
*psycho elf* ~ Oh. My. Goodness. I've gotten a review from *THE* psycho elf! *jumps up and down screaming!* I have always simply LOVED your stories, especially the fantastic "Ranger and Pirates" and "Pirates in the Fellowship". And the great you has read and liked my story! *jumps up and down even more*! Thanks so VERY VERY VERY much reviewing, you don't know how much of an inspiration it was to get a review from one of my favorite authors! Keep up your wonderful story!
*Willow-41z* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing, glad you're liking my story so far! Yes, Boromir is not an evil character, he's just human like all the rest of us. In the end he did resist the Ring and chose not to follow Frodo, that act was a very difficult thing to do in my opinion. Oh, yes, the arrows were barbed. But you are also right, Haldir IS an Elf, I'm sure he was able to do it and still heal him. (if he isn't able to do, I've gotten my story all wrong...) ^_^ Once again, thanks for reviewing!
*Alex92* ~ Hi! Glad you like Faramir, he IS sooooo sweet! Yes, he's definitely a huggable guy, both the two Gondorian brothers are!
*Aelimir* ~ Hello, thanks so much for reviewing and your great suggestions! I'll use your idea for Maiorama to pick up what Boromir's feeling, if that's all right with you. I have a great place to add that scene in. ^_^ Also, your riding tips will become a GREAT help! I've just come up with this scenario where... oops, I can't say anything or it'll ruin everything! Hee hee! Anyway, one thing I can say is that this scene will be VERY cool! I think it'll come up in either chapter 26 or 27, I'm not quite sure. But your suggestion will come in handy, I just want to give you a big hug! *BIIIGGG HUG*! Oops, sorry, are you still breathing? LOL! Thanks again for everything!
*BoromirDefender* ~ hee hee, I'm glad that my previous chapter made you laugh. "Stubborn men...", yup I like characters who are stubborn, in a good way of course! (Boromir, Bawuer, etc.). Yeah, Dom M And Billy B. are very funny! I also like the special features, especially the part where they were talking about how they would 'head butt' each other. HA HA! Ooooh, can't wait till "Troy"! Strangely enough, I still can't find any pictures of Sean Bean in his role as Odyseuss! Hmmm... Anyway, hope you like this new chapter!
*Spry Sprite* ~ Yay, I'm really glad you liked my new chapter! Hee hee, it seems Bawuer is 'definitely' having his own following. ^_^ Maybe I'll write a chapter in his point of view, maybe the next chapter... Anyway, waiting for "Insanity Abounds"! *smile*! Oh, yes, there is one thing I would like to ask you. I'm thinking of writing my own humor/parody story with a few of my friends. I haven't decided yet but I was thinking of making the title "The Buddyship of the Ring". It's sort of from your own fanfiction so I wanted to make sure it's all right with you. But if you don't want me to use that as a title, please tell me honestly, and I will think up of something else. Thanks so much!
*Sean/Boromir Fan* ~ hiya! *pouts* why did you have to delete your story? It started out great! Well, we're going to be pretty busy writing our story, huh? Hee hee! I've already thought of a TON of ideas to put into the story! Anyway, Isilme will NOT be falling in love with Boromir! That's be strange, besides making it totally bad for poor, sweet Haldir. I would never do anything to hurt one of our favorite Elves! Hope this has plenty of Boromir to satisfy your Boromir-thirst. Hee hee! P.S. Yeah, Faramir is sweet!
*iron-eyes24* ~ Ah, so you're British, that explains everything! Hee hee! Just kidding! Man, I'm reading over your review again and getting such a good laugh! You're reviews are always so entertaining, thanks always for that! I liked what you wrote 'Boromir has more Elvish blood in him than Aragorn. HA! IN YOUR FACE, ARAGORN LOVERS!' *bursts out laughing* That was so funny! *wipes tears of laughter away from eyes* But seriously, that really is interesting because it's very true. Yeah, I too can't wait to see "Troy"! In fact, for this month's book report, I have to read "The Odyssey"! But I don't mind at all, all I have to do is put Sean Bean's image in my head whenever Odyseuss comes out. *sigh* *drools* hee hee! Anyway, hope you like this new chapter!
*Daughter of Olorin* ~ Hello! Glad you like the previous chapter! I was worried that I hadn't put Isilme's thoughts down very well, but if you like it, I guess that I did a fairly good job. ^_^ I hold all of my reviewers thoughts with high regard. Yeah, that line about Isilme thinking of the men of Rohan didn't come out the way I had wanted it to. I'm going to fix it to: "The Rohirrim fascinated her, for different they were to the way she had visualized them to be. All her life she had lived with the Elves of Lothlorien. Just as the Elves, the men of Rohan were stalwart and brave, hardly ever did they cry out it pain or grimace at the extent of their injuries." I hope that comes out better. It's funny, I think when I was writing the chapter, I must have by mistake deleted some parts. So sorry about that! I hope you like this new chapter!
*Melian the Maia* ~ My dear friend and schoolmate, thanks so much for the info! Before writing about Isilme, I had checked to make sure if Haldir had been married or not so when I heard about Gloredhel, I was like, "I didn't read about that anywhere!" But thanks to your trusty Silmarillion, you were able to tell me all about it. Thanks so much! Lots of hugs!