Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Hello, here's another chapter! No Boromir again, very sorry! But there's plenty *about* him, since this chapter deals with Aragorn and Co. meeting with Merry & Pippin. *gasp*! Meaning they will finally figure out that Boromir is not with either of the group! I sure hope you like it, my best friend (who by the way is in love with Pippin) liked the way I wrote him so much she was soooo happy! I've taken his character more from the movies than the books. You know, the slightly clueless but still very cute and adorable hobbit! ^_^ So hopefully, you'll like him in this chapter, too.
This chapter is semi-dedicated to "The Dark Wanderer" who wanted a bit more of Aragorn. I hope you like the Ranger in this chapter!
The first part I've taken from the book a bit, until the part where the remaining members of the Fellowship are left alone together to talk. From there I've changed it a bit. Plus, knowing I can't exactly word for word take from the book, I changed just a few places.
Special thanks to special readers are at the bottom!
Chapter Twenty-Six: Facing the Realities
With mounting apprehension, Aragorn nonetheless followed Gandalf passed the great pillar of the Hand. He had heard much from the Riders during their journey to Isengard, heard about the terrible stronghold of Saruman which none has ever entered.
But the Hand, no longer was it white as he had heard rumors about it to be. Instead, it was stained as with dried blood, the thought making Aragorn's involuntarily wince. As he passed by closely, he perceived that its nails were red.
Forcing his eyes away from such a hideous sight, he concentrated on the road ahead. All about them, as if there had been a sudden flooding, wide pools of water lay beside the road, filling the hollows, and rills went trickling down among the stones. With gentle guidance and soft words of encouragement, Hasufel proved to be a sure footed steed, letting Aragorn's gaze roam the area.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Aragorn saw with wry amusement that the Rider's reluctance seemed to seep into their very steeds. Many of the horses were skittish, shying this way and that, being just barely manageable.
"This place reeks of sorcery or some magic," Aragorn heard Gimli grumble from his place seated behind Legolas upon Arod. "But if this is of Saruman's work or not, I cannot tell."
"Not sorcery, nor magic, Master Dwarf," spoke Haldir. Aragorn turned his head to look at Haldir, who along with Isilme, sat astride a borrowed horse of the Rohirrim. The Marchwarden's expression was one of deep concentration, as if he was straining all of his senses, waiting for something. Finally he drew in a deliberate, slow breath.
"It's as if a power which has lain dormant and sleeping for so long, has awoken."
"Must have awakened on the wrong side of the bed," Gimli remarked dryly looking towards some stones, piled in ruinous heaps on the side of their path.
Haldir shot Gimli a thoughtful look. "Your words are not too far from the truth it may appear," he said in all seriousness. "I would wonder how you would feel if you were awaken to the treacherous deeds of Saruman, for the power was used against and seems to have conquered Isengard. The power of Saruman has been overthrown."
The Elf's words quieted the group as they pondered what indeed had happened to this dreary place. Isengard had come to ruin, once magestic and yet so terrible a location. As far as the eyes could see, for a strange mist had befallen the area, Isengard was little more than a disorganized array of scattered rock, cracked and splintered into countless jagged shards. The aftermath of a destruction so complete and awesome, no one could even speculate whatever had become of the stronghold of Saruman.
Aragorn was relieved when Gandalf finally halted, for the Ranger could not hold back any longer the questions plaguing his mind. As the wizard beckoned for them to come forward, Aragorn led Hasufel to the front where road also the King of Rohan and his nephew. But all notions of uttering any of his numerous questions died the instant his eyes came to rest upon the strange and so astonishing scene before them.
For the mists had cleared, and a pale sunlight shone over the place; the hour of noon had passed. They had come to the doors of Isengard, the doors now lying hurled and twisted on the ground. The same as everywhere they could see, stones were scattered far and wide. The great arch still stood, but it opened now upon a roofless chasm; the tunnel was laid bare and through the cliff like walls on either side, great rents and breaches had been torn.
There was more to see yet Aragorn heeded them not, his eyes focused on two familiar shapes. Two figures lying on a great rubble-heap, lying on it at their ease without a care. There were bottles and bowls and platters laid beside them, as if they had just eaten well, and now rested from their labor. One seemed asleep; the other, with crossed legs and arms behind his head, leaned back against the broken rock and sent from his mouth long wisps and little rings of thin blue smoke. Grey cloaked they were, if not for his sharp eyes Aragorn would not have spotted them.
"By the powers, it cannot be..." Aragorn heard the Dwarf whisper, words which he himself was thinking at the exact moment.
Merry, the one who had been smoking contentedly, sprang to his feet realizing that he and Pippin were no longer alone. He bowed very low, putting his hand upon his breast, seeming not to observe the wizard and his friends, instead turning towards the king and Eomer. "Welcome, my lords, to Isengard. We are the door wardens. Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name, and my companion, who, alas! Is overcome with weariness," here Aragorn stifled his laughter as Merry gave Pippin a kick, "is Peregrin, son of Paladin, of the house of Took. Far in the North is our home. The Lord Saruman is within; but at the moment he is closeted with one Wormtongue, or doubtless he would be here to welcome such honorable guests."
If Gandalf was irritated with Merry's manner, he did not show it. Instead, the wizard laughed, a sound which eased many a hearts of those nearby. "Doubtless he would," Gandalf spoke. "And was it Saruman that ordered you to guard his damaged doors, and watch for the arrival of guests, when your attention could be spared from plate and bottle?"
"No, good sir, the matter escaped him," Merry answered very gravely, though Aragorn detected an impish twinkle in the hobbit's eyes. "He has been much occupied. Our orders came from Treebeard, who has taken over the management of Isengard. He commanded me to welcome the Lord of Rohan with fitting words. I have done my best."
Gimli spoke up, unable to contain himself any longer. "And what about your companions? What about Legolas and me?" he cried, with Aragorn wondering why he wasn't mentioned. "You rascals, you woolly-footed and wool pated truants! A fine hunt you have led us! Two hundred leagues, through fen and forest, battle and death, to rescue you! And here we find you feasting and idling... and smoking! Smoking! Where did you come by the weed, you villains? Hammer and tongs! I am so torn between rage and joy, that if I do not burst, it will be a marvel!"
Having stopped to catch his breath after such a long outburst, Legolas laughed and remarked, "You speak for me, Gimli! Though I would sooner learn how they came by the wine."
"One thing you have not found in your hunting, and that's brighter wits," said Pippin, opening an eye, his lips upturned in a smirk. "Here you find us sitting on a field of victory, amid the plunder of armies, and you wonder how we came by a few well-earned comforts?"
"Well-earned?" said Gimli. "Hmph, I cannot believe that!"
Aragorn could only chuckle at the antics of the two hobbits, the Dwarf, and the Elf. Among the Riders, too, was there much chuckling and laughter. "It cannot be doubted that we witness the meeting of dear friends," spoke Theoden. "So these are the lost ones of your company, Gandalf? Are not these Halflings, that some among us call the Holbytlan?"
Merry bowed, and with a slight glare towards his cousin, Pippin jumped up and also bowed very low. "Hobbits, if you please, my lord," Pippin piped up.
"Hobbits? Your tongue is strangely changed, but the name sounds not unfitting so," said Theoden with wonder in his eyes. "Hobbits! No report that I have heard does justice to the truth. All I have heard are stories of halfling folks that dwell in holes in sand-dunes. But I have not heard that they spouted smoke from their mouths." The last was said with much amusement, and Aragorn saw that Theoden smiled brightly, forgetting for once the burdens of the wars.
"That is not surprising," Merry answered with a smile that matched the king's, "for it is an art which we have not practiced for more than a few generations." Aragorn groaned. He knew once Merry got started, there was no stopping him!
"It was Tobold Hornblower, of Longbottom in the Southfarthing, who first grew the true pipe-weed in his gardens, about the year 1070 according to our reckoning. How old Toby came by the plant..."
"You do not know your danger, Theoden," Gandalf interrupted with a sigh. "These hobbits will sit on the edge of ruin and discuss the pleasures of the table, or the small doings of their fathers, grandfathers, and great- grandfathers, and remoter cousins to the ninth degree, if you encourage them with undo patience. Some other time would be more fitting for the history of smoking."
Gimli snorted to which Merry and Pippin gave him an exasperated look, as if they could not understand what was exactly wrong with the timing of their explanation.
"Where is Treebeard, Merry?" Gandalf asked.
"Away on the north side, I believe," Merry said, waving his hand towards the steaming lake. The whole company turned to look, and they heard a distant rumbling and rattling. Far away came a 'hoom-hom', as of horns blowing triumphantly. "Treebeard...
"It is past noon," Gandalf interrupted again, "and we at any rate have not eaten since early morning. Yet I wish to see Treebeard as soon as may be. Did he leave me no message, or has plate and bottle driven it from your mind?"
Merry gave Gandalf a hurt look, puckering his lips in a pout. "He did leave a message and I was coming to it, but I have been hindered by many other questions. I was to say that, if the Lord of the Mark and Gandalf will ride to the northern wall they will find Treebeard there, and he will welcome them. I may add that they will also find food of the best there. It was discovered and selected by your humble servants." He lifted his chin then gave an exaggerated bow as a performer would after giving an especially good performance.
Aragorn shook his head, the hobbit had not changed one bit.
Gandalf laughed. "That is better! Well, Theoden. Will you ride with me to find Treebeard? We must go round about, but it is not far."
"I will come with you."
Gandalf then turned to face Haldir. "Would you and your company care to join us as we make a circuit of ruined walls of Isengard?"
Haldir nodded. "We shall follow."
As Gandalf and the King's company turned to ride away, King Theoden lingered behind and spoke to the two hobbits. "Farewell, my hobbits! May we meet again in my house! There you shall sit beside me and tell me all that your hearts desire: the deeds of your grandsires, as far as you can reckon them. And we will speak also of Tobold the Old and his herb-lore. Farewell!" Saying thus, the king expertly lead his horse back again to the front of his men to ride besides Gandalf.
Aragorn was pleased to note that the King seemed to like the hobbits, and was glad that they had met. Without surprise, the Ranger saw that Gimli and Legolas stayed where they were, as had the hobbits who had not moved from their place upon the rocks.
"Well, well!" Aragorn said as the Lothlorien Elves, who had held the rearguard, passed by on foot. "The hunt is over, and we meet again at last, where none of us ever thought to come." He faced the hobbits and for the first time, he was able to look into their eyes. They both appeared to be fine and healthy enough, though their clothes were travel stained. But Pippin... in his eyes, Aragorn saw a flicker of... something.
As the riders alighted from their horses, Aragorn was a little startled as Pippin jumped down from his place, for the hobbit had looked so comfortable. Rushing over to the Ranger, Pippin threw his arms around Aragorn in a hug. Before Aragorn could react though, Pippin let go suddenly to look up into his face.
The impish confidence was gone from Pippin, replaced now with the childlike brightness which Aragorn preferred. "It is so good to see you again, Aragorn! But where is Boromir?"
When the name came out from Pippin's mouth, Aragorn froze. Boromir? Yet he would have thought... He closed his eyes, his mind already understanding what it meant if the hobbits didn't know where Boromir was...
Pippin did not notice and continued speaking in his usual nonstop manner. "I do hope he is doing well, Merry said no one could have survived what Boromir went through. But I know if anyone could, it would be Boromir! And I'd never thought to see any of the Lorien Elves, for that is who they are, aren't they?" He tried to peer around Aragorn to watch as the last of Elves had passed by. Aragorn followed his gaze, knowing that the Elves, being the rearguard, were the last to follow. He saw Haldir and Isilme pause to watch them, grief in their eyes. Isilme lowered her gaze and Haldir turned away sadly to leave with the rest.
Looking down, Aragorn saw that Pippin's eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. "Is Boromir coming later?" he asked, some hesitance evident in his voice.
Seeking help, Aragorn looked around. He saw that Legolas and Gimli stood not to far away as did Merry. Gimli and Merry looked uncomfortably away and though Legolas caught Aragorn's gaze, his eyes were troubled. The Ranger bowed his head, knowing that by silent agreement, the task had come to him to speak with Pippin.
Aragorn sighed, then bent down on one knee so that his face was level with the other's. The action and the look on Aragorn's face must have warned Pippin, for the hobbit's expression suddenly became one of concern. "Aragorn," he whispered softly, his eyes widening in apprehension. "Where is Boromir?"
Speaking slowly and deliberately, Aragorn explained in a quiet voice. "Legolas, Gimli, and I hunted the Uruk-Hais, knowing that they had taken you hostage." He paused, trying to figure out how to put what he had to say next into words. "Pippin... we found no trace of Boromir. We had been hoping that you could tell us what had happened."
An array of emotions flitted across Pippin's face, ranging from surprise to unease. Yet one emotion was clearly defined in his eyes. Fear.
His voice came out in a whisper, making Aragorn move closer to catch every word. "The Uruk-Hais were closing in on us. I thought they were going to kill Merry and me." A far off look came into his eyes, and Aragorn saw that the little hobbit was relieving the memory. "Boromir came and began fighting off the Uruk-Hais, protecting us. Then an arrow came out of nowhere. Then another." Pippin closed his eyes, and with one hand touched his left shoulder near his heart, then his side, as if the arrows themselves were piercing where Boromir had been hit. "Boromir never stopped fighting, never stopped... even when they took Merry and me away, he kept fighting..."
Tears escaped from the hobbit's closed eyes at the same time Aragorn was struggling to control his own tears threatening to spill. So Boromir had been injured, both injuries Aragorn knew were fatal if not cared for. And overwhelming sense of guilt flooded his senses. If only Aragorn had been able to find Boromir, there would have been the chance he could have saved the Gondorian warrior. Yet now... now it was too late. "We found no trace..." Aragorn whispered once more.
Pippin opened his and with his small hands grasped the front of Aragorn's shirt. "Aragorn, he may still be alive," he cried out. "He may still be alive," he said again in a whisper, desperation evident in his voice.
The desperation struck Aragorn's heart. He had seen how close the hobbit and Boromir had been, yet he had not realized just how much Pippin would have been affected. He tried to put it as gently as possible. "Pippin, we have to try to face the realities. We must take into consideration that...." 'Boromir might be dead'.
Before he could say it, the words caught in Aragorn's throat. He couldn't, he just couldn't say it. Not to Pippin, not to this young hobbit who was looking at him with so much despair. Who was he to take away hope, when hope was the one thing most needed at such dire times?
He tried to smile, hoping the gesture reached to his eyes. "Boromir is a fine, brave warrior. If there is hope, it is a hope that he knows how to take care of himself. He is either tracking our footsteps, or continues on to Gondor where he knows we will try to reach at some time or other."
His words seemed to signal for the others to join in. Merry moved over to Pippin's side and put an arm around his younger cousin's shoulders. "That's right Pip, Boromir has more brains than you. At least he knows in which direction north, south, east, and west is!"
Legolas nodded with a small smile upon his lips. "Indeed, Boromir has a good head on his shoulders."
"It is past midday," Gimli spoke. "You truants might make amends by finding us some of the plunder that you spoke of. Food and drink would pay off some of my score against you."
"Then you shall have it," Merry piped up. "Come, Pip! We shall lead the way, and while they fill their stomachs with food, and of course we should join them in a second meal, we shall tell them of our adventures!"
Aragorn watched as Pippin wiped the tears from his eyes and struggled to cast away his sadness. But the Ranger feared that the Pippin who had been standing at the top of a pile of rocks to the Pippin standing before him were two different people.
For the Pippin before had the childlike innocence of one still young in mind and body, one who had still a lot of growing up to do. But now, with the knowledge that he may never again see someone he loved so dearly, that innocence had dimmed in Pippin's eyes, revealing too much pain for one so young to have as a burden. Aragorn's heart cried out because of that innocence so prematurely taken away. Only once had he seen it happen, when they had believed Gandalf to have fallen in Moria. Yet in Lothlorien, with the magic of the woods and the Lady Lorien, Pippin had healed. But now... there was no hope for such a kind of peace or healing.
**********
Pippin tried to inconspicuously push the plate of food away from in front of him. Unfortunately, everyone seemed to notice yet fortunately, no one commented on his actions.
The five members of the Fellowship were now seated inside one of the rooms of Saruman's guard house where Merry and Pippin had found their treasure troves of food and wine. They had eaten in almost complete silence, the three warriors hungry and Merry, of course, able to eat another meal. But Pippin was not hungry.
When the meal was finished, Pippin listened with only half an ear as Merry talked about the pipe-weed they had found. It was not until Gimli said that he had lost his own pipe did Pippin remember.
Putting a hand inside the breast of his jacket he pulled out a little soft wallet on a string. "I always carry my old wooden pipe with me. And here's another, an unused one." Giving the Dwarf a small smile, for it was all he could force himself to do under the circumstance, Pippin handed Gimli the pipe. "Does that settle the score between us?"
"Settle it!" Gimli cried out in delight. "Most noble hobbit, it leaves me deep in your debt."
"Well I am going back into the open air, to see what the wind and sky are doing," Legolas said, getting up from his seat.
Aragorn looked around and seeing that no one was protesting, said, "We will come with you."
Standing up they all walked out of the guard house, Pippin behind everyone else. They seated themselves upon the piled stones which Merry and Pippin had been comfortably sitting on not too long ago. Pippin saw that the mists had lifted and were floating away upon the breeze, allowing them to see far down into the valley.
As of one mind, Merry, Gimli, and Aragorn took out their pipes and from the stash of Longbottom Leaf the hobbits had found, smoked in silence for a while. Legolas himself only lay still, looking up at the sun and sky with steady eyes.
Pippin, too, readied his pipe, and took in a puff, then sent from his lips a thin stream of smoke.
Legolas finally spoke up. "Come now. Time wears on, and the mists are blowing away, or would if you strange folk did not wreathe yourselves in smoke. What of the tale?"
Out of the corner of his eyes, Pippin saw Merry looking at him intently. Pippin only turned his head away slightly, silently telling his cousin that he wasn't in the mood to talk. From years of growing up together, Merry understood the gesture and began a colorful narrative of what had taken place since their separation at the river.
While Merry talked, with a few interruptions here and there by the others, Pippin became lost in his thoughts. Dear Boromir, where were you?
From the start, Pippin at first had been frightened of Boromir. Tall and strong of bearing, the man showed Pippin just how much of a hobbit he was. But for all his height, manly stance, and sometimes harsh eyes, Boromir had never looked at Pippin with anything but kindness.
At first, Pippin saw that Boromir looked at him with more than a little amusement, which for some reason Pippin couldn't understand, everyone did. But as they journeyed from Rivendell, Boromir's attitude had changed from that of a casual friendship to something else.
The questions Pippin asked Boromir were always answered, never once was the man annoyed. Pippin learned that the Gondorian warrior had a younger brother, joking that the fact was one of the reasons why he could stand to listen and satisfy Pippin's inquisitiveness.
Maybe that was the reason Pippin thought Boromir more as a brother than just a friend.
Pippin drew in a shaky breath, forcing the tears which were suddenly beginning to form to stop. He had never felt so depressed in his life.
Depressed, such a terrible word, such a terrible feeling. Pippin did not like the feeling.
Pippin brought up images of Boromir into his mind. He tried to recall every memory he could. Boromir lending his cloak to the hobbits to ward off the chill. The warrior showing Pippin how to hold his dagger. Boromir carrying Pippin on his back when the hobbit's feet couldn't move any more. Pippin gratefully taking the offered food from Boromir's rations.
Memories of when they laughed together.
Each and every scene, Pippin tried to embed and engrave into his heart and mind. He wished never to forget...
'Stop it,' Pippin mentally shouted to himself. He had to stop thinking as if Boromir was dead.
But wasn't there that possibility? Wasn't that what Aragorn was going to say before he had stopped?
Maybe Aragorn was right, he had to face the realities. And Pippin disliked realities. It was too much of a jolt from the kind of life he had in Hobbiton. When at the Entmoot Merry had told him about the Darkness spreading to the Shire, that reality had struck very hard. So hard that at first he couldn't do anything. Sauron, coming to the Shire? No, that was something he didn't want to think about.
And in a way, this was the same thing. No one knew what happened to Boromir. The last the warrior was seen was him pierced with many arrows. The image made Pippin shudder involuntarily. He just didn't want to think about the possibility of never seeing Boromir again.
Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Pippin was glad of the interruption from his thoughts. He looked to see that the hand belonged to Aragorn. In the Ranger's other hand were two sheathed knives. Pippin's eyes widened as he recognized the objects.
"Well, I never expected to see those again!" With delight, Pippin took his dagger while Merry took the other.
"And here also is your brooch, Pippin," Aragorn said, displaying the precious item. "I have kept it safe, for it is a very precious thing."
"I know," Pippin said wistfully as he took it, remembering how much of a struggle it had been to part with it. "It was a wrench to let it go, but what else could I do."
"Nothing else," answered Aragorn, giving Pippin a gentle pat on his arm. "One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters. You did rightly."
The words comforted Pippin as he clasped the brooch on his cloak, happy that it was back where it belonged. Then suddenly, his fingers froze just as they were about to pull away from the brooch. The brooch which Boromir had once had to adjust for him.
"Just like a child, cannot pin on a simple brooch by himself," Boromir had joked as he pinned the brooch on. Pippin had pouted, proving just how much of a child he could be, earning a laugh from the tall man.
Oh, Boromir... Pippin could not get his kind face of his out of his mind, how Boromir would wink down at him whenever any of the others would scold him.
Memories, so many memories of one man whom he might never see again.
Pippin could not stop the tremble in his hands as he lowered them to his lap. Another pair of hands grasped his. Not Boromir's hands, yet the hands were just as gentle.
"Memories, Pippin?" Aragorn asked softly.
Not trusting his voice, Pippin only nodded.
Aragorn reached out to grasp the hobbit's shoulder in a comforting way. It was not much, but for Pippin, it was just enough. For now, it was enough.
**********
Author's Note: So, was this any good? I hope so, I actually enjoyed writing it, hence my being able to update this fairly quickly. For those who are thinking, why Haldir and Isilme appeared sad, well, to Aragorn it 'looked' that way. You see, he doesn't know that they know that Boromir's still alive. And yet, Haldir cannot say anything. More will be explained better in I think the next, next chapter.
Next chapter will have Boromir in it, I promise!
Special thanks to:
*iron-eyes24* ~ Hello, my good friend and reviewer! I'm very pleased you liked Legolas in the previous chapter! I don't know where the idea came to make Legolas make fun of Haldir... hee hee! I'm VERY glad YOU'RE glad that I don't write *that* kind of fiction. You are so correct when you said that it's sick and wrong. ^_^ Oh, you spelt tension correctly, hee hee! Sorry that there wasn't any Boromir here, though they DID talk a lot about him. I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible!
*i need two more cables* ~ Mushy, huh? But still, glad you liked it.
*Spry Sprite* ~ Hewo, dere! Yay, you liked my Haldir/Isilme scene! I was worried that people wouldn't like it, but you boosted my morale again! Lol! Glad you liked the humor and some more of Eomer. How's this new chapter, do you like my Pippin?
*Celtic Angel18* ~ Am really glad you like the characterizations. Now, I'll have to see if you like my character of Pippin. ^_^ He's sooo sweet and cute in my opinion, it was fun writing him in this chapter!
*KendraC* ~ Hello again! You've been reading for four+ years? I only got into fanfiction maybe a year ago, but never really wrote till a few months back. I'm so complimented that you would take an hour to write me a review. *blushes* "The Bee Charmer" stories sounds interesting, I must check that out next. Yes, I've read Adara/BoromirFAN's stories. Unfortunately, though thought-provoking, I couldn't stand her main character, the 'Mary-Sue'. And some points of Boromir's character was very annoying. And moreover, I didn't like her characterization of Galadriel. This is what I wrote in a review to her story, "The Power of Love" about Galadriel. "She seems so... so... 'petty'. I don't know how to describe it. She just doesn't have the poise, grace, and wisdom I would expect her to have. I'm sorry to say, she acts somewhat in the manner of the 'foolish Men' she keeps complaining about." As a reader, I also prefer it when the author's would reply to her reviewers questions at least. One of the reasons why I'm so adamant in replying to reviewers, it gives such a special relationship between the author and reviewers, don't you think? I asked Adara/BoromirFAN some questions, yet she didn't answer them. *shrugs* so I never really got into her story again. Enough with my complaining... I must try to read "Little Brother", sounds like a nice fic. Yes, Sean Bean was in "Lady Chatterley", but it's a bit too, shall we say, 'racy' for me to watch yet I think. I've heard it's pretty... 'bold', if you know what I mean. I personally can't wait to see "Van Helsing", did you hear that David Wenham is going to play in it? I can't wait to see him, plus Hugh Jackman looks totally hot! Can't wait to see "Troy", too. (Sean Bean and Orlando Bloom, what more could anyone want? *wink*!) So, do you like my character of Pippin in this chapter? I followed the movie version of Pippin more than the book, since I liked his relationship with Boromir a lot more. I agree, Merry and Pip's dance scene was sooo cute! Yeah, I know about the Eomer/Lothiriel part of the story Tolkien had written. Maybe I'll write a bit about the two of them. I'm please you're ok with the aspects of Legolas, Gimli, Haldir, and Isilme I wrote in the previous chapter. I liked writing their teasing each other! I might have Faramir appear in the next chapter, but I'm still not sure. I can't think of anything else to write until he meets up with Frodo and Sam. If you can any suggestions, feel free to give them to me! Good luck with college, skipping three days means you'll have a lot to catch up, right? I was sick last week, too. I had to skip two days but fortunately I caught up very quickly (easy subjects). Hope you like this new chapter!
*Michaela90* ~ Tell your friend Tessa I have a separate note to her after this note to you. Anyway, glad you're happy with your semi-dedicated chapter! And I'm so pleased you liked the 'romance' I wrote. My secret for being able to write it? Hmmm... I think I can write it because I watch too many movies and read too many books. :P Of course, in my opinion there's never such a thing as watching too many movies or reading too many books. So, you like Legolas and Gimli? Good! They are sooo funny and such an Odd Couple, which another of my reviewers has named them. In all honesty, I'm a bit of a romantic, too. I like romantic comedies of the irony that they'll HAVE to end up together at the end, you know? Hee hee! Eomer's your second favorite now? Hee hee! Oooh, you have a 'Girl dropped into ME' story? I guess I'll have to check I out when I have the time! I'm glad Tessa is enjoying this story! Thanks again for reviewing!
*Tessa* ~ I'm very glad you're enjoying my story! So, you used to not like Boromir? Glad you like him now, though! Hee hee! He's such a big sweetie warrior in my opinion. You like angst, huh? I hope you like the angst in this chapter involving poor Pip missing dear Boromir.
*Alex92* ~ ooooh, someone who likes Gimli, I'm glad you do! He's such a gruff yet lovable Dwarf, don't you think?
*The Dark Wanderer* ~ More of Aragorn and Eowyn? Well, not Eowyn but I hope you like all of Aragorn in this chapter! I hope you read the Author's Note where I semi-dedicated this chapter for you! I wasn't sure whose POV to write it in, but when I saw that you wanted more of Aragorn, I thought, "Perfect!"
*Martini-Diablo* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers, thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad you're liking this story! I agree, it's so hard to find a nice Galadriel/Celeborn story, or at least find a story with nice characterizations of these two Elves. Oooh, a fellow Newsies lover! I agree, Spot Conlon is totally cool, though I'm starting to REALLY like Kid Blink. Plus, the actor Trey Parker who played Kid Blink has his own band called EYC with VERY cool music! Glad you're liking my story, hope you like this new chapter! Btw, VERY cool name you have there!
*iwantboromir* ~ Hello again! Sorry, no Boromir here or in the last chapter, but I did have plenty of Pippin 'thinking' about Boromir, right? I hope that's ok. Don't worry, he'll be out and about in this next chapter! Just a hint... there just 'might' be some action involved! Hee hee! I'm very pleased that you like Legolas. I agree, the movies might have developed his character more. Sweet dreams of Sean Bean! Did you know he's in a movie called "The Big Empty"? He's got a very small part, but he's got a cool costume!
*Strange Visitor* ~ Hello there! Sorry, there was no Boromir in the last chapter nor in this one. But of course, Pippin thinks a lot about him here. Glad you liked the Dwarf/Elf banter, it was sooo much fun to write!
*Lady Laffs-a-lot* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Thanks for reviewing, and I'm glad you're liking my story! Yes, Haldir and Isilme are so sweet together. And I'm very highly complimented you think that my portrayals of Legolas and Gimli are very much like the books. *blushes* Thanks so much, hope you like this chapter!
*Daughter of Olorin* ~ Hello! Glad that you're glad that I wrote more of Haldir and Isilme. I was thinking of letting them just go back to Lothlorien when I though, "Hey, why don't they just travel with the others till Isengard?" So, that's what I decided to do. I don't worry about busy, I know what it's like to be so busy. I'm just pleased you would take the time to keep reading my story. *gives Daughter of Olorin a big hugh* Hope you like this newest chappie!
*Arinya* ~ Whoah, I'm surprised that you think I wrote the romance pretty well. Thanks for the compliment, I was worried a bit that it wouldn't come out that good. Hee hee, it was fun writing the Haldir getting teased part! More of Boromir will be in the next chapter!
*Lalaithiel Noleambar* ~ Hello there again! I'm so complimented that you would take the time to find my story again! For an author it's nice to hear when others would try reading my story again! Glad you're liking it, and yes, Boromir is DEFINITELY awesome!
*Aelimir* ~ Hello! Yeah, it's kinda cool that holidays are celebrated different in different countries. You like virtual hugs? *squeeze*! ^_^ hee hee! Anyway, I loved your horse tips (as always). I especially liked learning about how horses lay down and get back up. Very cool, your descriptions are really easy to read and easy to see in my mind's eyes. Thanks so much! I hope you like this chapter, though there isn't much Boromir. But he'll back in the next chapter, I promise! Plus, more of Bawuer and the Terrible Two Horses. Hee hee!
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Hello, here's another chapter! No Boromir again, very sorry! But there's plenty *about* him, since this chapter deals with Aragorn and Co. meeting with Merry & Pippin. *gasp*! Meaning they will finally figure out that Boromir is not with either of the group! I sure hope you like it, my best friend (who by the way is in love with Pippin) liked the way I wrote him so much she was soooo happy! I've taken his character more from the movies than the books. You know, the slightly clueless but still very cute and adorable hobbit! ^_^ So hopefully, you'll like him in this chapter, too.
This chapter is semi-dedicated to "The Dark Wanderer" who wanted a bit more of Aragorn. I hope you like the Ranger in this chapter!
The first part I've taken from the book a bit, until the part where the remaining members of the Fellowship are left alone together to talk. From there I've changed it a bit. Plus, knowing I can't exactly word for word take from the book, I changed just a few places.
Special thanks to special readers are at the bottom!
Chapter Twenty-Six: Facing the Realities
With mounting apprehension, Aragorn nonetheless followed Gandalf passed the great pillar of the Hand. He had heard much from the Riders during their journey to Isengard, heard about the terrible stronghold of Saruman which none has ever entered.
But the Hand, no longer was it white as he had heard rumors about it to be. Instead, it was stained as with dried blood, the thought making Aragorn's involuntarily wince. As he passed by closely, he perceived that its nails were red.
Forcing his eyes away from such a hideous sight, he concentrated on the road ahead. All about them, as if there had been a sudden flooding, wide pools of water lay beside the road, filling the hollows, and rills went trickling down among the stones. With gentle guidance and soft words of encouragement, Hasufel proved to be a sure footed steed, letting Aragorn's gaze roam the area.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Aragorn saw with wry amusement that the Rider's reluctance seemed to seep into their very steeds. Many of the horses were skittish, shying this way and that, being just barely manageable.
"This place reeks of sorcery or some magic," Aragorn heard Gimli grumble from his place seated behind Legolas upon Arod. "But if this is of Saruman's work or not, I cannot tell."
"Not sorcery, nor magic, Master Dwarf," spoke Haldir. Aragorn turned his head to look at Haldir, who along with Isilme, sat astride a borrowed horse of the Rohirrim. The Marchwarden's expression was one of deep concentration, as if he was straining all of his senses, waiting for something. Finally he drew in a deliberate, slow breath.
"It's as if a power which has lain dormant and sleeping for so long, has awoken."
"Must have awakened on the wrong side of the bed," Gimli remarked dryly looking towards some stones, piled in ruinous heaps on the side of their path.
Haldir shot Gimli a thoughtful look. "Your words are not too far from the truth it may appear," he said in all seriousness. "I would wonder how you would feel if you were awaken to the treacherous deeds of Saruman, for the power was used against and seems to have conquered Isengard. The power of Saruman has been overthrown."
The Elf's words quieted the group as they pondered what indeed had happened to this dreary place. Isengard had come to ruin, once magestic and yet so terrible a location. As far as the eyes could see, for a strange mist had befallen the area, Isengard was little more than a disorganized array of scattered rock, cracked and splintered into countless jagged shards. The aftermath of a destruction so complete and awesome, no one could even speculate whatever had become of the stronghold of Saruman.
Aragorn was relieved when Gandalf finally halted, for the Ranger could not hold back any longer the questions plaguing his mind. As the wizard beckoned for them to come forward, Aragorn led Hasufel to the front where road also the King of Rohan and his nephew. But all notions of uttering any of his numerous questions died the instant his eyes came to rest upon the strange and so astonishing scene before them.
For the mists had cleared, and a pale sunlight shone over the place; the hour of noon had passed. They had come to the doors of Isengard, the doors now lying hurled and twisted on the ground. The same as everywhere they could see, stones were scattered far and wide. The great arch still stood, but it opened now upon a roofless chasm; the tunnel was laid bare and through the cliff like walls on either side, great rents and breaches had been torn.
There was more to see yet Aragorn heeded them not, his eyes focused on two familiar shapes. Two figures lying on a great rubble-heap, lying on it at their ease without a care. There were bottles and bowls and platters laid beside them, as if they had just eaten well, and now rested from their labor. One seemed asleep; the other, with crossed legs and arms behind his head, leaned back against the broken rock and sent from his mouth long wisps and little rings of thin blue smoke. Grey cloaked they were, if not for his sharp eyes Aragorn would not have spotted them.
"By the powers, it cannot be..." Aragorn heard the Dwarf whisper, words which he himself was thinking at the exact moment.
Merry, the one who had been smoking contentedly, sprang to his feet realizing that he and Pippin were no longer alone. He bowed very low, putting his hand upon his breast, seeming not to observe the wizard and his friends, instead turning towards the king and Eomer. "Welcome, my lords, to Isengard. We are the door wardens. Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name, and my companion, who, alas! Is overcome with weariness," here Aragorn stifled his laughter as Merry gave Pippin a kick, "is Peregrin, son of Paladin, of the house of Took. Far in the North is our home. The Lord Saruman is within; but at the moment he is closeted with one Wormtongue, or doubtless he would be here to welcome such honorable guests."
If Gandalf was irritated with Merry's manner, he did not show it. Instead, the wizard laughed, a sound which eased many a hearts of those nearby. "Doubtless he would," Gandalf spoke. "And was it Saruman that ordered you to guard his damaged doors, and watch for the arrival of guests, when your attention could be spared from plate and bottle?"
"No, good sir, the matter escaped him," Merry answered very gravely, though Aragorn detected an impish twinkle in the hobbit's eyes. "He has been much occupied. Our orders came from Treebeard, who has taken over the management of Isengard. He commanded me to welcome the Lord of Rohan with fitting words. I have done my best."
Gimli spoke up, unable to contain himself any longer. "And what about your companions? What about Legolas and me?" he cried, with Aragorn wondering why he wasn't mentioned. "You rascals, you woolly-footed and wool pated truants! A fine hunt you have led us! Two hundred leagues, through fen and forest, battle and death, to rescue you! And here we find you feasting and idling... and smoking! Smoking! Where did you come by the weed, you villains? Hammer and tongs! I am so torn between rage and joy, that if I do not burst, it will be a marvel!"
Having stopped to catch his breath after such a long outburst, Legolas laughed and remarked, "You speak for me, Gimli! Though I would sooner learn how they came by the wine."
"One thing you have not found in your hunting, and that's brighter wits," said Pippin, opening an eye, his lips upturned in a smirk. "Here you find us sitting on a field of victory, amid the plunder of armies, and you wonder how we came by a few well-earned comforts?"
"Well-earned?" said Gimli. "Hmph, I cannot believe that!"
Aragorn could only chuckle at the antics of the two hobbits, the Dwarf, and the Elf. Among the Riders, too, was there much chuckling and laughter. "It cannot be doubted that we witness the meeting of dear friends," spoke Theoden. "So these are the lost ones of your company, Gandalf? Are not these Halflings, that some among us call the Holbytlan?"
Merry bowed, and with a slight glare towards his cousin, Pippin jumped up and also bowed very low. "Hobbits, if you please, my lord," Pippin piped up.
"Hobbits? Your tongue is strangely changed, but the name sounds not unfitting so," said Theoden with wonder in his eyes. "Hobbits! No report that I have heard does justice to the truth. All I have heard are stories of halfling folks that dwell in holes in sand-dunes. But I have not heard that they spouted smoke from their mouths." The last was said with much amusement, and Aragorn saw that Theoden smiled brightly, forgetting for once the burdens of the wars.
"That is not surprising," Merry answered with a smile that matched the king's, "for it is an art which we have not practiced for more than a few generations." Aragorn groaned. He knew once Merry got started, there was no stopping him!
"It was Tobold Hornblower, of Longbottom in the Southfarthing, who first grew the true pipe-weed in his gardens, about the year 1070 according to our reckoning. How old Toby came by the plant..."
"You do not know your danger, Theoden," Gandalf interrupted with a sigh. "These hobbits will sit on the edge of ruin and discuss the pleasures of the table, or the small doings of their fathers, grandfathers, and great- grandfathers, and remoter cousins to the ninth degree, if you encourage them with undo patience. Some other time would be more fitting for the history of smoking."
Gimli snorted to which Merry and Pippin gave him an exasperated look, as if they could not understand what was exactly wrong with the timing of their explanation.
"Where is Treebeard, Merry?" Gandalf asked.
"Away on the north side, I believe," Merry said, waving his hand towards the steaming lake. The whole company turned to look, and they heard a distant rumbling and rattling. Far away came a 'hoom-hom', as of horns blowing triumphantly. "Treebeard...
"It is past noon," Gandalf interrupted again, "and we at any rate have not eaten since early morning. Yet I wish to see Treebeard as soon as may be. Did he leave me no message, or has plate and bottle driven it from your mind?"
Merry gave Gandalf a hurt look, puckering his lips in a pout. "He did leave a message and I was coming to it, but I have been hindered by many other questions. I was to say that, if the Lord of the Mark and Gandalf will ride to the northern wall they will find Treebeard there, and he will welcome them. I may add that they will also find food of the best there. It was discovered and selected by your humble servants." He lifted his chin then gave an exaggerated bow as a performer would after giving an especially good performance.
Aragorn shook his head, the hobbit had not changed one bit.
Gandalf laughed. "That is better! Well, Theoden. Will you ride with me to find Treebeard? We must go round about, but it is not far."
"I will come with you."
Gandalf then turned to face Haldir. "Would you and your company care to join us as we make a circuit of ruined walls of Isengard?"
Haldir nodded. "We shall follow."
As Gandalf and the King's company turned to ride away, King Theoden lingered behind and spoke to the two hobbits. "Farewell, my hobbits! May we meet again in my house! There you shall sit beside me and tell me all that your hearts desire: the deeds of your grandsires, as far as you can reckon them. And we will speak also of Tobold the Old and his herb-lore. Farewell!" Saying thus, the king expertly lead his horse back again to the front of his men to ride besides Gandalf.
Aragorn was pleased to note that the King seemed to like the hobbits, and was glad that they had met. Without surprise, the Ranger saw that Gimli and Legolas stayed where they were, as had the hobbits who had not moved from their place upon the rocks.
"Well, well!" Aragorn said as the Lothlorien Elves, who had held the rearguard, passed by on foot. "The hunt is over, and we meet again at last, where none of us ever thought to come." He faced the hobbits and for the first time, he was able to look into their eyes. They both appeared to be fine and healthy enough, though their clothes were travel stained. But Pippin... in his eyes, Aragorn saw a flicker of... something.
As the riders alighted from their horses, Aragorn was a little startled as Pippin jumped down from his place, for the hobbit had looked so comfortable. Rushing over to the Ranger, Pippin threw his arms around Aragorn in a hug. Before Aragorn could react though, Pippin let go suddenly to look up into his face.
The impish confidence was gone from Pippin, replaced now with the childlike brightness which Aragorn preferred. "It is so good to see you again, Aragorn! But where is Boromir?"
When the name came out from Pippin's mouth, Aragorn froze. Boromir? Yet he would have thought... He closed his eyes, his mind already understanding what it meant if the hobbits didn't know where Boromir was...
Pippin did not notice and continued speaking in his usual nonstop manner. "I do hope he is doing well, Merry said no one could have survived what Boromir went through. But I know if anyone could, it would be Boromir! And I'd never thought to see any of the Lorien Elves, for that is who they are, aren't they?" He tried to peer around Aragorn to watch as the last of Elves had passed by. Aragorn followed his gaze, knowing that the Elves, being the rearguard, were the last to follow. He saw Haldir and Isilme pause to watch them, grief in their eyes. Isilme lowered her gaze and Haldir turned away sadly to leave with the rest.
Looking down, Aragorn saw that Pippin's eyebrows were furrowed in confusion. "Is Boromir coming later?" he asked, some hesitance evident in his voice.
Seeking help, Aragorn looked around. He saw that Legolas and Gimli stood not to far away as did Merry. Gimli and Merry looked uncomfortably away and though Legolas caught Aragorn's gaze, his eyes were troubled. The Ranger bowed his head, knowing that by silent agreement, the task had come to him to speak with Pippin.
Aragorn sighed, then bent down on one knee so that his face was level with the other's. The action and the look on Aragorn's face must have warned Pippin, for the hobbit's expression suddenly became one of concern. "Aragorn," he whispered softly, his eyes widening in apprehension. "Where is Boromir?"
Speaking slowly and deliberately, Aragorn explained in a quiet voice. "Legolas, Gimli, and I hunted the Uruk-Hais, knowing that they had taken you hostage." He paused, trying to figure out how to put what he had to say next into words. "Pippin... we found no trace of Boromir. We had been hoping that you could tell us what had happened."
An array of emotions flitted across Pippin's face, ranging from surprise to unease. Yet one emotion was clearly defined in his eyes. Fear.
His voice came out in a whisper, making Aragorn move closer to catch every word. "The Uruk-Hais were closing in on us. I thought they were going to kill Merry and me." A far off look came into his eyes, and Aragorn saw that the little hobbit was relieving the memory. "Boromir came and began fighting off the Uruk-Hais, protecting us. Then an arrow came out of nowhere. Then another." Pippin closed his eyes, and with one hand touched his left shoulder near his heart, then his side, as if the arrows themselves were piercing where Boromir had been hit. "Boromir never stopped fighting, never stopped... even when they took Merry and me away, he kept fighting..."
Tears escaped from the hobbit's closed eyes at the same time Aragorn was struggling to control his own tears threatening to spill. So Boromir had been injured, both injuries Aragorn knew were fatal if not cared for. And overwhelming sense of guilt flooded his senses. If only Aragorn had been able to find Boromir, there would have been the chance he could have saved the Gondorian warrior. Yet now... now it was too late. "We found no trace..." Aragorn whispered once more.
Pippin opened his and with his small hands grasped the front of Aragorn's shirt. "Aragorn, he may still be alive," he cried out. "He may still be alive," he said again in a whisper, desperation evident in his voice.
The desperation struck Aragorn's heart. He had seen how close the hobbit and Boromir had been, yet he had not realized just how much Pippin would have been affected. He tried to put it as gently as possible. "Pippin, we have to try to face the realities. We must take into consideration that...." 'Boromir might be dead'.
Before he could say it, the words caught in Aragorn's throat. He couldn't, he just couldn't say it. Not to Pippin, not to this young hobbit who was looking at him with so much despair. Who was he to take away hope, when hope was the one thing most needed at such dire times?
He tried to smile, hoping the gesture reached to his eyes. "Boromir is a fine, brave warrior. If there is hope, it is a hope that he knows how to take care of himself. He is either tracking our footsteps, or continues on to Gondor where he knows we will try to reach at some time or other."
His words seemed to signal for the others to join in. Merry moved over to Pippin's side and put an arm around his younger cousin's shoulders. "That's right Pip, Boromir has more brains than you. At least he knows in which direction north, south, east, and west is!"
Legolas nodded with a small smile upon his lips. "Indeed, Boromir has a good head on his shoulders."
"It is past midday," Gimli spoke. "You truants might make amends by finding us some of the plunder that you spoke of. Food and drink would pay off some of my score against you."
"Then you shall have it," Merry piped up. "Come, Pip! We shall lead the way, and while they fill their stomachs with food, and of course we should join them in a second meal, we shall tell them of our adventures!"
Aragorn watched as Pippin wiped the tears from his eyes and struggled to cast away his sadness. But the Ranger feared that the Pippin who had been standing at the top of a pile of rocks to the Pippin standing before him were two different people.
For the Pippin before had the childlike innocence of one still young in mind and body, one who had still a lot of growing up to do. But now, with the knowledge that he may never again see someone he loved so dearly, that innocence had dimmed in Pippin's eyes, revealing too much pain for one so young to have as a burden. Aragorn's heart cried out because of that innocence so prematurely taken away. Only once had he seen it happen, when they had believed Gandalf to have fallen in Moria. Yet in Lothlorien, with the magic of the woods and the Lady Lorien, Pippin had healed. But now... there was no hope for such a kind of peace or healing.
**********
Pippin tried to inconspicuously push the plate of food away from in front of him. Unfortunately, everyone seemed to notice yet fortunately, no one commented on his actions.
The five members of the Fellowship were now seated inside one of the rooms of Saruman's guard house where Merry and Pippin had found their treasure troves of food and wine. They had eaten in almost complete silence, the three warriors hungry and Merry, of course, able to eat another meal. But Pippin was not hungry.
When the meal was finished, Pippin listened with only half an ear as Merry talked about the pipe-weed they had found. It was not until Gimli said that he had lost his own pipe did Pippin remember.
Putting a hand inside the breast of his jacket he pulled out a little soft wallet on a string. "I always carry my old wooden pipe with me. And here's another, an unused one." Giving the Dwarf a small smile, for it was all he could force himself to do under the circumstance, Pippin handed Gimli the pipe. "Does that settle the score between us?"
"Settle it!" Gimli cried out in delight. "Most noble hobbit, it leaves me deep in your debt."
"Well I am going back into the open air, to see what the wind and sky are doing," Legolas said, getting up from his seat.
Aragorn looked around and seeing that no one was protesting, said, "We will come with you."
Standing up they all walked out of the guard house, Pippin behind everyone else. They seated themselves upon the piled stones which Merry and Pippin had been comfortably sitting on not too long ago. Pippin saw that the mists had lifted and were floating away upon the breeze, allowing them to see far down into the valley.
As of one mind, Merry, Gimli, and Aragorn took out their pipes and from the stash of Longbottom Leaf the hobbits had found, smoked in silence for a while. Legolas himself only lay still, looking up at the sun and sky with steady eyes.
Pippin, too, readied his pipe, and took in a puff, then sent from his lips a thin stream of smoke.
Legolas finally spoke up. "Come now. Time wears on, and the mists are blowing away, or would if you strange folk did not wreathe yourselves in smoke. What of the tale?"
Out of the corner of his eyes, Pippin saw Merry looking at him intently. Pippin only turned his head away slightly, silently telling his cousin that he wasn't in the mood to talk. From years of growing up together, Merry understood the gesture and began a colorful narrative of what had taken place since their separation at the river.
While Merry talked, with a few interruptions here and there by the others, Pippin became lost in his thoughts. Dear Boromir, where were you?
From the start, Pippin at first had been frightened of Boromir. Tall and strong of bearing, the man showed Pippin just how much of a hobbit he was. But for all his height, manly stance, and sometimes harsh eyes, Boromir had never looked at Pippin with anything but kindness.
At first, Pippin saw that Boromir looked at him with more than a little amusement, which for some reason Pippin couldn't understand, everyone did. But as they journeyed from Rivendell, Boromir's attitude had changed from that of a casual friendship to something else.
The questions Pippin asked Boromir were always answered, never once was the man annoyed. Pippin learned that the Gondorian warrior had a younger brother, joking that the fact was one of the reasons why he could stand to listen and satisfy Pippin's inquisitiveness.
Maybe that was the reason Pippin thought Boromir more as a brother than just a friend.
Pippin drew in a shaky breath, forcing the tears which were suddenly beginning to form to stop. He had never felt so depressed in his life.
Depressed, such a terrible word, such a terrible feeling. Pippin did not like the feeling.
Pippin brought up images of Boromir into his mind. He tried to recall every memory he could. Boromir lending his cloak to the hobbits to ward off the chill. The warrior showing Pippin how to hold his dagger. Boromir carrying Pippin on his back when the hobbit's feet couldn't move any more. Pippin gratefully taking the offered food from Boromir's rations.
Memories of when they laughed together.
Each and every scene, Pippin tried to embed and engrave into his heart and mind. He wished never to forget...
'Stop it,' Pippin mentally shouted to himself. He had to stop thinking as if Boromir was dead.
But wasn't there that possibility? Wasn't that what Aragorn was going to say before he had stopped?
Maybe Aragorn was right, he had to face the realities. And Pippin disliked realities. It was too much of a jolt from the kind of life he had in Hobbiton. When at the Entmoot Merry had told him about the Darkness spreading to the Shire, that reality had struck very hard. So hard that at first he couldn't do anything. Sauron, coming to the Shire? No, that was something he didn't want to think about.
And in a way, this was the same thing. No one knew what happened to Boromir. The last the warrior was seen was him pierced with many arrows. The image made Pippin shudder involuntarily. He just didn't want to think about the possibility of never seeing Boromir again.
Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Pippin was glad of the interruption from his thoughts. He looked to see that the hand belonged to Aragorn. In the Ranger's other hand were two sheathed knives. Pippin's eyes widened as he recognized the objects.
"Well, I never expected to see those again!" With delight, Pippin took his dagger while Merry took the other.
"And here also is your brooch, Pippin," Aragorn said, displaying the precious item. "I have kept it safe, for it is a very precious thing."
"I know," Pippin said wistfully as he took it, remembering how much of a struggle it had been to part with it. "It was a wrench to let it go, but what else could I do."
"Nothing else," answered Aragorn, giving Pippin a gentle pat on his arm. "One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters. You did rightly."
The words comforted Pippin as he clasped the brooch on his cloak, happy that it was back where it belonged. Then suddenly, his fingers froze just as they were about to pull away from the brooch. The brooch which Boromir had once had to adjust for him.
"Just like a child, cannot pin on a simple brooch by himself," Boromir had joked as he pinned the brooch on. Pippin had pouted, proving just how much of a child he could be, earning a laugh from the tall man.
Oh, Boromir... Pippin could not get his kind face of his out of his mind, how Boromir would wink down at him whenever any of the others would scold him.
Memories, so many memories of one man whom he might never see again.
Pippin could not stop the tremble in his hands as he lowered them to his lap. Another pair of hands grasped his. Not Boromir's hands, yet the hands were just as gentle.
"Memories, Pippin?" Aragorn asked softly.
Not trusting his voice, Pippin only nodded.
Aragorn reached out to grasp the hobbit's shoulder in a comforting way. It was not much, but for Pippin, it was just enough. For now, it was enough.
**********
Author's Note: So, was this any good? I hope so, I actually enjoyed writing it, hence my being able to update this fairly quickly. For those who are thinking, why Haldir and Isilme appeared sad, well, to Aragorn it 'looked' that way. You see, he doesn't know that they know that Boromir's still alive. And yet, Haldir cannot say anything. More will be explained better in I think the next, next chapter.
Next chapter will have Boromir in it, I promise!
Special thanks to:
*iron-eyes24* ~ Hello, my good friend and reviewer! I'm very pleased you liked Legolas in the previous chapter! I don't know where the idea came to make Legolas make fun of Haldir... hee hee! I'm VERY glad YOU'RE glad that I don't write *that* kind of fiction. You are so correct when you said that it's sick and wrong. ^_^ Oh, you spelt tension correctly, hee hee! Sorry that there wasn't any Boromir here, though they DID talk a lot about him. I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible!
*i need two more cables* ~ Mushy, huh? But still, glad you liked it.
*Spry Sprite* ~ Hewo, dere! Yay, you liked my Haldir/Isilme scene! I was worried that people wouldn't like it, but you boosted my morale again! Lol! Glad you liked the humor and some more of Eomer. How's this new chapter, do you like my Pippin?
*Celtic Angel18* ~ Am really glad you like the characterizations. Now, I'll have to see if you like my character of Pippin. ^_^ He's sooo sweet and cute in my opinion, it was fun writing him in this chapter!
*KendraC* ~ Hello again! You've been reading for four+ years? I only got into fanfiction maybe a year ago, but never really wrote till a few months back. I'm so complimented that you would take an hour to write me a review. *blushes* "The Bee Charmer" stories sounds interesting, I must check that out next. Yes, I've read Adara/BoromirFAN's stories. Unfortunately, though thought-provoking, I couldn't stand her main character, the 'Mary-Sue'. And some points of Boromir's character was very annoying. And moreover, I didn't like her characterization of Galadriel. This is what I wrote in a review to her story, "The Power of Love" about Galadriel. "She seems so... so... 'petty'. I don't know how to describe it. She just doesn't have the poise, grace, and wisdom I would expect her to have. I'm sorry to say, she acts somewhat in the manner of the 'foolish Men' she keeps complaining about." As a reader, I also prefer it when the author's would reply to her reviewers questions at least. One of the reasons why I'm so adamant in replying to reviewers, it gives such a special relationship between the author and reviewers, don't you think? I asked Adara/BoromirFAN some questions, yet she didn't answer them. *shrugs* so I never really got into her story again. Enough with my complaining... I must try to read "Little Brother", sounds like a nice fic. Yes, Sean Bean was in "Lady Chatterley", but it's a bit too, shall we say, 'racy' for me to watch yet I think. I've heard it's pretty... 'bold', if you know what I mean. I personally can't wait to see "Van Helsing", did you hear that David Wenham is going to play in it? I can't wait to see him, plus Hugh Jackman looks totally hot! Can't wait to see "Troy", too. (Sean Bean and Orlando Bloom, what more could anyone want? *wink*!) So, do you like my character of Pippin in this chapter? I followed the movie version of Pippin more than the book, since I liked his relationship with Boromir a lot more. I agree, Merry and Pip's dance scene was sooo cute! Yeah, I know about the Eomer/Lothiriel part of the story Tolkien had written. Maybe I'll write a bit about the two of them. I'm please you're ok with the aspects of Legolas, Gimli, Haldir, and Isilme I wrote in the previous chapter. I liked writing their teasing each other! I might have Faramir appear in the next chapter, but I'm still not sure. I can't think of anything else to write until he meets up with Frodo and Sam. If you can any suggestions, feel free to give them to me! Good luck with college, skipping three days means you'll have a lot to catch up, right? I was sick last week, too. I had to skip two days but fortunately I caught up very quickly (easy subjects). Hope you like this new chapter!
*Michaela90* ~ Tell your friend Tessa I have a separate note to her after this note to you. Anyway, glad you're happy with your semi-dedicated chapter! And I'm so pleased you liked the 'romance' I wrote. My secret for being able to write it? Hmmm... I think I can write it because I watch too many movies and read too many books. :P Of course, in my opinion there's never such a thing as watching too many movies or reading too many books. So, you like Legolas and Gimli? Good! They are sooo funny and such an Odd Couple, which another of my reviewers has named them. In all honesty, I'm a bit of a romantic, too. I like romantic comedies of the irony that they'll HAVE to end up together at the end, you know? Hee hee! Eomer's your second favorite now? Hee hee! Oooh, you have a 'Girl dropped into ME' story? I guess I'll have to check I out when I have the time! I'm glad Tessa is enjoying this story! Thanks again for reviewing!
*Tessa* ~ I'm very glad you're enjoying my story! So, you used to not like Boromir? Glad you like him now, though! Hee hee! He's such a big sweetie warrior in my opinion. You like angst, huh? I hope you like the angst in this chapter involving poor Pip missing dear Boromir.
*Alex92* ~ ooooh, someone who likes Gimli, I'm glad you do! He's such a gruff yet lovable Dwarf, don't you think?
*The Dark Wanderer* ~ More of Aragorn and Eowyn? Well, not Eowyn but I hope you like all of Aragorn in this chapter! I hope you read the Author's Note where I semi-dedicated this chapter for you! I wasn't sure whose POV to write it in, but when I saw that you wanted more of Aragorn, I thought, "Perfect!"
*Martini-Diablo* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers, thanks so much for reviewing! I'm glad you're liking this story! I agree, it's so hard to find a nice Galadriel/Celeborn story, or at least find a story with nice characterizations of these two Elves. Oooh, a fellow Newsies lover! I agree, Spot Conlon is totally cool, though I'm starting to REALLY like Kid Blink. Plus, the actor Trey Parker who played Kid Blink has his own band called EYC with VERY cool music! Glad you're liking my story, hope you like this new chapter! Btw, VERY cool name you have there!
*iwantboromir* ~ Hello again! Sorry, no Boromir here or in the last chapter, but I did have plenty of Pippin 'thinking' about Boromir, right? I hope that's ok. Don't worry, he'll be out and about in this next chapter! Just a hint... there just 'might' be some action involved! Hee hee! I'm very pleased that you like Legolas. I agree, the movies might have developed his character more. Sweet dreams of Sean Bean! Did you know he's in a movie called "The Big Empty"? He's got a very small part, but he's got a cool costume!
*Strange Visitor* ~ Hello there! Sorry, there was no Boromir in the last chapter nor in this one. But of course, Pippin thinks a lot about him here. Glad you liked the Dwarf/Elf banter, it was sooo much fun to write!
*Lady Laffs-a-lot* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Thanks for reviewing, and I'm glad you're liking my story! Yes, Haldir and Isilme are so sweet together. And I'm very highly complimented you think that my portrayals of Legolas and Gimli are very much like the books. *blushes* Thanks so much, hope you like this chapter!
*Daughter of Olorin* ~ Hello! Glad that you're glad that I wrote more of Haldir and Isilme. I was thinking of letting them just go back to Lothlorien when I though, "Hey, why don't they just travel with the others till Isengard?" So, that's what I decided to do. I don't worry about busy, I know what it's like to be so busy. I'm just pleased you would take the time to keep reading my story. *gives Daughter of Olorin a big hugh* Hope you like this newest chappie!
*Arinya* ~ Whoah, I'm surprised that you think I wrote the romance pretty well. Thanks for the compliment, I was worried a bit that it wouldn't come out that good. Hee hee, it was fun writing the Haldir getting teased part! More of Boromir will be in the next chapter!
*Lalaithiel Noleambar* ~ Hello there again! I'm so complimented that you would take the time to find my story again! For an author it's nice to hear when others would try reading my story again! Glad you're liking it, and yes, Boromir is DEFINITELY awesome!
*Aelimir* ~ Hello! Yeah, it's kinda cool that holidays are celebrated different in different countries. You like virtual hugs? *squeeze*! ^_^ hee hee! Anyway, I loved your horse tips (as always). I especially liked learning about how horses lay down and get back up. Very cool, your descriptions are really easy to read and easy to see in my mind's eyes. Thanks so much! I hope you like this chapter, though there isn't much Boromir. But he'll back in the next chapter, I promise! Plus, more of Bawuer and the Terrible Two Horses. Hee hee!