Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: I'm sorry I've been so delayed in writing up this next chapter. It's been very busy at school for me, and plus, my relatives from the States came to visit me for a week and a half. Has anyone seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding?" I have about the same number of relatives who came to visit almost every day! Argh... it was sooo busy.
But because of my delay, I've worked hard on this chapter and I've made it extra special long, twelve pages compared to my usual seven or eight. This chapter features four of my most favorite characters: Boromir, Faramir, Bawuer, and Pippin. Hope you enjoy it!
I now have 401 REVIEWS! Thank you so much my wonderful reviews! You always continue to inspire to write every single new chapter. *Hugs to all of you!* Replies to all reviewers are at the bottom of the chapter as usual.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Far From Home
Faramir didn't like what he was seeing from the lookout he had chosen. A whole army of Southrons were now camped below him from where he watched on the foothills of the Ephel Duath. It was quiet everywhere for the enemy had settled down for the night. The only sounds which came to his ears were the occasional rumblings from gigantic Oliphaunts.
The captain of the Ithilien rangers heard Damrod sigh deeply behind him. "A thousand curses on the Haradrim! The Easterlings are not the only problem we will be having."
"Not only that," Mablung remarked dryly, "the irony of the situation cuts deep into the heart."
"Aye," Faramir nodded in agreement, knowing exactly what the soldier had meant with his wryly spoken words. It was obvious that the evil men from Harad were making their way northward to the Black Gate to swell the hosts of Barad-dur. Making their way northward on the very roads that were crafted by Gondor. Yes, there was indeed a sort of irony in the situation.
Damrod sighed once more and purposely sat down hard on the ground, displaying his annoyance. "Look at them, look at them! See how they leave their fires lighted, letting their wretched smoke fill the air, not caring if anyone from miles around can see them. Purposely they are displaying their numbers, openly giving away their position." Faramir's guard picked up a twig and irritably twirled it between his fingers, muttering to himself.
Faramir couldn't help but smile at Damrod's strange little habit, while in the moonlight he could see Mablung raising one eyebrow. Always having been the more levelheaded of the two, Mablung took the stick from Damrod's hand like a parent would from a child. "Though I, too, feel ill to my stomach at their flaunting, don't you feel this is an opportunity to take advantage of?"
Thoughtfully, Faramir drew back from the lookout to sit back, careful not to bump into young Hirlon who always stayed closed to him. Mablung had indeed made an interesting point. Heedlessly were the Southrons making their way through Ithilien. As fortune would have it, they believed their new Master great enough so that the mere shadow of His hills would protect them. Yet forget they had of the stout hearted and stalwart soldiers of Ithilien.
The captain faced his companions, Mablung and Damrod, even Hirlon, having expressions of determination he too must be mirroring at the moment. "I believe it will do much good to teach them a lesson."
Seeing that Hirlon looked as if he wished to speak, Faramir gestured for him to do so. Being the youngest among the rangers, he had been quiet the whole time until now as he hesitantly asked his captain his question. "What of the Easterlings, Captain?" Hirlon asked softly, though speaking the name of another of Enemy as if with great distaste. "The Rangers are not so large in number to take care of both roads leading to the Black Gate."
Faramir rubbed a hand over his chin, thinking. Hirlon was right of course. The Ithilien rangers' strength lay in skill, not in numbers. There was no possible way to mount two different attacks on the Easterlings coming in from the East and the Haradrim from the South at the same time.
"We cannot divide our forces, that much is for certain. Though neither should be allowed to join the Enemy, we daren't risk losing more numbers than taking advantage of a good surprise attack to destroy as many of the foe as we can."
"Who do we strike?"
"The Haradrim."
Mablung nodded in agreement. "Aye, Captain. After seeing the way they have barged into our lands..." He shook his head, not finishing the sentence yet knowing that all understood the implications of his words.
Damrod chuckled softly yet deliberately. "It would be our greatest pleasure to show them some true Ithilien hospitality."
His words earned more chuckles from all around. Seriousness soon stole over Faramir's thoughts as he began to make his strategy. "First of all, we need to summon the others. But we still need someone to keep watch over the Haradrim while we go on ahead."
"I will stay behind," Mablung offered.
But Faramir shook his head. "No, I will need you with me to prepare for the attack."
"Then leave it for me, captain," Hirlon said with a firm nod.
After some thought, Faramir agreed. "All right Hirlon, but you will not be alone." The captain looked to Damrod and smiled. "I have just volunteered you for the task of keeping watch over the Southrons. Thank you."
Damrod in mock exasperation put his head in his hands. "That is how it always is. Before it is even a choice, I am made to go above and beyond the call of my duty as your guard and ranger."
Clasping the other on the shoulder, Faramir met the other's tone of voice. "What will I do without you Damrod?"
Snorting, Damrod spoke. "That is what I keep asking myself every single day, my captain. Every single day I must wonder, 'how had Faramir managed before he met me."
"Probably perfectly well," Mablung said with the dryness evident in his voice.
Matching wits with his rangers was always a pleasure and a break from the gravity of war, yet Faramir knew there was much to do and the night wore on. He drew a hasty and simple map onto the ground. He made a mark at one point of the map and spoke to Damrod and Hirlon. "We will meet here in two days time. Do not engage Haradrim, do not even let them know that they are being watched. Allow them to feel safe and secure."
Seeing that the two men understood, Faramir quickly erased all signs of his drawing on the ground. As soon as it appeared as if nothing had been disturbed, Faramir and Mablung got up from the ground in a crouching position. The captain said his parting words to his men. "In two days we shall meet again. Keep safe."
"You need not remind us, though keeping our lands safe is of a higher priority than of keeping ourselves safe," Damrod said, an unfamiliar soberness in his voice.
Any more words were caught in Faramir's throat as he knew exactly what his ranger was saying. Any of his men would give up his life if he knew it would be to protect and save their beloved Ithilien. For years they had done so, and for many more years to come they would. They would fight until who knew what kind of end awaited them. And Faramir swore he would fight till that end should come upon him.
"Let us be off, Mablung," Faramir said to the older ranger.
Mablung nodded "Aye." Exchanging hand clasps all around, Faramir and Mablung finally parted from their previous companions and set off for Henneth Annun.
Henneth Annun, a home away from home.
As he and Mablung glided through the shadowy, darkened lands of Ithilien, Faramir's wondered at the strangeness of how he had so long become accustomed to Henneth Annun. Accustomed so that it was just as familiar to him as the White City itself.
Yet could Faramir really call the Citadel in Minas Tirith his home? Rooms there were for his family, quarters where the Ruling Stewards of Gondor had for decades of time had made their home in.
But a home was not just a place where you set belongings and where you kept your bed. It was the haven for your heart, a place to keep your peace of mind. But for Faramir, of late his home had never been haven.
When was the last time he had felt at home in the Citadel? Faramir smiled at the fond remembrance of having breakfast with Boromir once, so long ago. Schedules and work would hardly allow them to spend much time as brothers, let alone spend a quiet meal together. Yet on that day, besides ending up at the morning at the same time, they had been completely left alone without being under the hardening gaze of Denethor.
Oh, how relaxing and enjoyable had the time been spend together! They had talked of anything and everything under the sun, except for the two most painful subjects for the both of them: of their parents and of the growing strength of the Enemy.
For the first time in years, Faramir had not felt ill at ease, never once feeling the pressure demanded of his birth and station. For that one hour, Faramir could truly feel that he and Boromir were able to preserve the love and peace that would bond those of a true family.
Before putting his mind again upon returning to Henneth Annun in safety, Faramir had only last thought. Wishing that Boromir would soon return home, making it feel like the home Faramir wanted it to be.
**********
Bawuer stopped when they came to a certain broad path, and bade Boromir to stop also. Boromir lifted his eyes to see in the moonlight that the path was paved with hewn stones, winding upward to short flights of well laid steps. To his ears came the trickling of water and as he cast his eyes about, he saw beside the way a flowing stream in a stone channel.
The city of Edoras echoed with silence which enveloped the riders. Late it was, a time when hardly anyone would be awake. Yet to Boromir, the silence was like that of a tomb. It was too quiet, too quiet, making Boromir feel uncomfortable. Even Maiorama had her head held high, her ears alert. The silence was that of an empty city, and Boromir disliked the aura Edoras presented to him. A kind of haunting vision of a city with no inhabitants, evacuated because of a war. Hope against hope, Boromir wished never to behold his city of Minas Tirith in the same manner.
Boromir stole a glance at his companion to see that Bawuer had an unreadable expression on his face. Guessing what the matter was, Boromir spoke. "Does the silence bother you?"
The Rohirrim soldier smiled sadly. "I must admit... the silence is disturbing."
"It is only temporary," Boromir strove to comfort him. "Soon will all the inhabitants of Edoras be returning to their homes."
"Aye," Bawuer nodded. "Come, let us be off to the stables. Ebon's irritation is beginning to show for his patience was never one to boast about."
They rode a short distance up the path and soon reached the livery stables. The place was somewhat more alive with noise for many of Elfhelm's soldiers also kept their horses there. Only the royal family and the lords of the House of Eorl were allowed to keep their horses in the king's stables which stood right besides Meduseld. But Boromir saw that even the main stables were well kept, once more proving how much the Rohirrim cared for and loved their horses.
Dismounting, Bawuer and Boromir lead their horses inside, Bawuer in the lead. Refusing the offer from a stablehand, Boromir found an empty stall for Maiorama and took care of her himself. Throughout his journey he had found himself becoming closer and closer to the magnificent beast, thus Boromir took it upon himself to do whatever he could to treat her with the utmost care.
After taking off his gear and unsaddling Maiorama, Boromir took off her bridle. With what might have been gratitude, Maiorama shook her head as if glad to be rid of encumbrance. The Gondorian warrior patted her on the neck. "Thank you for your patience." Maiorama only looked at him with her soft yet alert eyes making Boromir smile at how much she could express with one glance.
As he rubbed her down for the night, Bawuer came by with a bucket of water which he hung inside Maiorama's stall. There was some silence for a while until Boromir was finished. Just as Boromir was about to come out of the stall, something flew towards him. With quick reflexes, Boromir caught the object and saw that it a piece of a cut apple.
Looking up, Boromir saw Bawuer indicate the Elvish horse. "For your pretty mare. Forgive me for not being able to offer you a full apple. Unfortunately, Ebon decided he needed an extra piece to make up for carrying my burden."
Boromir nodded in thanks and gave the fruit to Maiorama who took it with appreciation. "Sleep well, Horse on Wings." With a final pat on her cheek, Boromir turned to his human companion. "Lead on, Bawuer."
Once entering Edoras, Elfhelm had told Boromir he could stay in one of the guest quarters in the Golden Hall. Yet Bawuer had been gracious enough to extend an invitation for Boromir to stay with him at his house. Wishing rather to spend the night in the company of someone he knew in a strange place, the Gondorian captain had taken up the offer.
Elfhelm, cautious though he was, courteously had agreed to the arrangements to which Boromir had been grateful for. It would not do to be on the wrong side of the man who at the moment was in command of the city he was staying in.
Boromir and Bawuer walked off the broad path onto a narrower and darker street, making Boromir thankful for the lantern Bawuer had brought along. Before long, Bawuer turned into the doorway of a two story building, fairly large in size compared to a few of the other homes.
They entered the home and immediately Boromir began taking note of the interior. Through only the dim light of the moon coming in through the shuttered windows and the light from Bawuer's lantern, the room appeared dark and dismal. Hardly were there any objects that caught his attention, making the house seem devoid of character. Very different from the simple yet lush quarters of the Citadel.
Bawuer walked in and placed the lantern on the table. With what might have been an embarrassed shrug, the soldier spoke. "I'm afraid the house is nothing much. My family lives very simply."
"Do not worry your head over me, Bawuer," Boromir said with a smile. "I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality."
His reply was a smile from Bawuer. The soldier lighted a candle which was left upon the table. "I'll be back to bring in some firewood. Make yourself at home." Taking the lantern with him, Bawuer left Boromir alone to explore his surroundings.
Using the candle, Boromir cast his eyes around the room which appeared to take up the whole first floor except for one door which probably led to a small side room. There was also a narrow staircase going up to the second floor. The only furniture the room consisted of was one table, at least four chairs scattered around, and a fairly large sized chest of drawers in the corner.
Walking around with the candle in one hand, Boromir went over to the chest. Touching and feeling the corners, Boromir felt that the piece of furniture was well made with nice wood. Curiously he saw that there were a few items left on top. The first item which caught his eye was a slip of paper. Seeing that it was a short note addressed to someone named Luen, Boromir immediately laid it back down, hesitant in reading anything that was not meant for his eyes.
The next object of interest was a stack of neatly folded pieces of cloths. Each one was embroidered with intricate designs of flowers ranging from beautiful roses to the common daisy.
The last item seemed to some kind of toy. Picking it up then shaking it, Boromir realized that it was a baby rattler. Baby rattler? Deciding that he would ask Bawuer about it later, Boromir kept it in his hand.
Just as he was about to walk back to the table, his foot hit upon something. Leaning down and lighting the floor with his candle, Boromir saw that it was another toy, a piece of wood carved in the shape of horse. Also palming it in his hand, Boromir next walked over the fireplace. There was a basket shoved against the corner of it, upon closer inspection were balls of dull colored yarn, yet no needles.
On the mantel were a few earthenware pots, a vase shaped one containing flowers which may have once brightened the room except that now it was all withered and drying up.
Boromir went over to take a chair next to the table and in deep thought stared out into the dark room, wishing that the room didn't feel so painful to him.
**********
Bawuer found Boromir sitting at the table with the most serious and thoughtful expression on his face. Having become somewhat used to the man's strange moods, Bawuer did not say anything but quietly prepared the fire in the hearth. After he was done, he went over to sit across from Boromir.
The Gondorian man acknowledged his presence with a smile that seemed almost sad. "I envy you, Bawuer."
Surprised and a little more curious at his strange words, Bawuer decided to wait for the other man to explain.
It didn't take long for Boromir to speak again. "I didn't know you still played with toys." With another smile, this time with more humor, Boromir opened his hands, revealing two items.
Recognizing the objects immediately, Bawuer chuckled. "Nay, those aren't mine. I didn't tell you that I had a wonderful nephew, did I? And a beautiful little baby niece."
Boromir raised one eyebrow. "Your sister's?"
"Aye, that they would be." Bawuer leaned over and took the wooden horse into his own hands. "I carved this for Herluen when he was but a babe. Eight years later, he still keeps it."
The older man picked up the rattle. "Yet you did not make this, for I can tell the craftsmanship is from a different person. As is that chest of drawers in the corner. And this table." Boromir demonstrated the smoothness of the table by rubbing his hand flat against the top.
"You are observant," Bawuer remarked now finally knowing he must never underestimate this man. "My grandfather from an injury has no use of his legs anymore. His hands are his only tools now, as he often says."
Nodding in understanding, Boromir repeated the strange words he had spoken earlier. "I say again, I envy you, Bawuer. I must admit at first that I did not think much of your home. Bare it felt to me, and too quiet."
Bawuer looked around and sighed. "Well, I must admit you are right, friend. A simple life my family lives, there is not much opportunity to decorate the place."
Boromir raised up a hand to silence him. "Say no such thing. For your home is just what it is supposed to be. A home." He waved a hand vaguely around the room. "A basket of yarn. A few toys. A short note. Hand embroidered cloths. Flowers in a vase. All something I have never experienced in my home. Each and every single item gives an essence of a family, and it's so unique to me. I wish it was not so."
Not quite understanding, Bawuer could only shake his head. In a sense, Boromir was praising him for having a home which was so obviously lived in by a family. Yet that did not make sense of what Bawuer knew because of one thing. "Boromir... my family is not necessarily what anyone would call..." Here with some shame, Bawuer lowered his head. "My family is neither perfect nor of a customary kind. You know not what you are saying."
"Bawuer." Looking up, he saw Boromir once again had that sad look on his face. "You forget what kind of family I come from. My family consists of three men, including myself. All who love each other dearly yet cannot express it. Who would do anything to protect each other yet are always apart. Nay, I still envy you. Hold on to what you have, for you are blessed, Bawuer. Blessed to have a family."
Oddly enough, Bawuer considered that maybe Boromir was right. For the first time in a long while, Bawuer counted himself lucky to belong to the kind of family he was part of, no matter the circumstances.
**********
Pippin felt oddly restless. For what might have been the hundredth time in the last minute, Pippin rearranged the cloak around his shoulders and tried sleeping on his left side. He couldn't understand it, why couldn't he sleep? They had been riding late into the night and had finally stopped at the bottom of a hill under a spreading hawthorn. What was the name of the hill? Pippin wracked his brains trying to remember when he finally got the answer. Dol Baran, yes, that was the name.
He sighed, remembered how hard it had been just to get that much information out of Aragorn. The Ranger had been sullenly quiet for some reason Pippin could not fathom.
Once more Pippin moved, this time to lay on his right side. Oh, how he wished he were back home! Away from things he did not understand, how he disliked not understanding anything. He did not know where they were traveling to. He did not understand why he was here in the first place. He couldn't understand why Frodo and Sam had left them to continue their journey themselves. He did not know how Gandalf could survive Moria.
But worst of all, he did not understand why Boromir had to...
Deep down in his heart, he wished Boromir was not...
Yet in his mind, he knew the true answer.
'Stop it', he mentally scolded himself. But he could not stop it.
Then totally against his will, the thought of the strange globe he had seen and touched at Isengard came to his mind. With much insistence he pushed the image away.
How his heart ached for all the places and people he wished he could see. He wanted to go on the little thieving excursions he would go to with Merry to Farmer Maggots crops. He wished he was drinking toasts and singing gay songs at the Green Dragon. For some reason, his thoughts went to the pretty Diamond of Long Cleeve. He wished he could see her again.
Most of all, he wished he could see Boromir again, just one last time.
And maybe, just maybe. He wished he could see that dark globe just one more time...
With a grunt of annoyance at himself, Pippin flipped over to lie on his back. During the process, the pile of old bracken he was lying on cracked and rustled.
Pippin heard Merry give a big sigh next to him. "What's the matter? Are you lying on an ant-hill?"
Grimacing, Pippin decided against telling Merry about what he was really thinking about. "No, but I'm not comfortable." At least, that was the truth. "I wonder how long it is since I slept in a bed."
Merry yawned and turned on his side so he was facing his cousin. "Work it out on your fingers!" he said in exasperation. "But you must know how long it is since we left Lorien."
"Oh, that, I meant a real bed in a bedroom."
"Well, Rivendell then," Merry said with a shrug. "But I honestly could sleep anywhere tonight."
"You had all the luck," Pippin said softly after a long pause. "You were riding with Gandalf. Did you get any news, any information out of him?"
"Yes, a good deal, more than usual. Do you want to ride with him tomorrow? That is, if he'll have you?"
The idea made Pippin perk up slightly. "Can I? Good!" After a moment he spoke up again. "Gandalf hasn't changed at all, has he."
"Oh yes, he has!" The older hobbit seemed to wake up a little. "He has grown, or something. He can be both kinder and more alarming, merrier and more solemn than before, I think. He has changed. Think of the last part of that business with Saruman! Remember Saruman was once Gandalf's superior, Saruman the White he was. Gandalf is the White now."
Thinking over what Merry had said, Pippin's thoughts strayed to something that made him suddenly feel alert yet at the same time quiet. "That... glass ball, now. Gandalf seemed pleased with it. He knows or guesses something about it. But does he tell us what? No, not a word." Pondering over the glass ball, Pippin almost didn't realize that Merry had sidled up close to him and was staring at him.
"Hullo! So that's what is bothering you!" Pippin's cousin said. "Now Pip, don't forget: Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger."
Upset that Merry was scolding him for what he thought was no apparent reason, Pippin argued back. "But our whole life for months has been one long meddling in the affairs of Wizards! I should like a bit of information as well as danger. I should like a look at that ball."
Merry smacked Pippin over the head. "Go to sleep! You'll get information enough, sooner or later. My dear Pippin, no Took ever beat a Brandybuck for inquisitiveness, but is this the time, I ask you?"
Pippin wouldn't help but smile back at the infectious smile Merry gave him. "All right! Anyway, what's the harm in telling you what I should like; a look at that stone? I know I can't have it, with old Gandalf sitting on it like a hen on an egg." Pippin crossed his arms over his chest and stuck out his lip. "But it doesn't help much to get no more from you than a you-can't- have-it-so-go-to-sleep!"
"Well, what else could I say?" Merry yawned again and rubbed a hand over his eyes. "I'm sorry Pip, but you really must wait till the morning. I'll be as curious as you like after breakfast, and I'll even help in any way I can to wheedle-the-wizard. But I can't keep awake a moment longer. If I yawn any more, I shall split at the ears. Good night."
And with that, the older hobbit yawned one last time before lying down again, deliberately putting his back to Pippin.
More than a little upset with Merry ignoring him, Pippin decided to keep quiet anyway. He lay down once more but sleep still eluded him. Merry's soft breathing also didn't help in any way, for the other hobbit had fallen asleep in a few minutes after saying good night.
He tried to shut his eyes, but every time he did, an image of the dark crystal ball filled his thoughts, growing stronger and stronger as everything else grew quiet in his mind. He tried to hard to think of something else but to no avail. Without thought his hands moved together as if holding the globe itself, holding the weight of it in his hands, looking again into the mysterious red depths.
Finally, he could not take the torment any longer. He had to see, just one more time!
Carefully so as not to wake up his friend, Pippin got up and wrapped his cloak tightly around him. The moon was shining cold and white, and involuntarily he shivered. Driven by some impulse he did not understand, the hobbit walked softly to where Gandalf lay. Looking down into the wizard's face, Pippin moved back with a start. The wizard's eyes were not fully closed, there was a glitter of eyes under his long lashes.
Yet on further inspection, Pippin realized that the wizard was truly asleep. Carefully, half against his will, Pippin crept up again from behind Gandalf. Beside the wizard's right side and his bent arm, there was a hummock, something round wrapped in a dark cloth.
Daring not to even breath, Pippin slowly but surely made his way to kneel in front of the wizard. Putting his hands out stealthily, he slowly lifted the lump up. He brought it close to him, as if afraid it would be snatched away. Casting his gaze here and there, his eyes came upon a large rock. Quickly and surely, he placed the rock back into the wizard's hand.
Afraid that some sudden noise or by some strange spell that Gandalf might suddenly awaken, Pippin crept away to a green hillock not far from his bed. Sure that no one was watching, he knelt down on the ground and uncovered the mysterious object. Sure enough, there it was. A smooth globe of crystal, now dark and dead, now lying bare before his knees.
The air seemed still and tense about him as Pippin laid his hands over the ball. Then there came a faint glow and stir in the heart of it, and it held his eyes so that now he could not look away. As he looked even closer, the inside of the globe seemed on fire. Then in the blink of an eye, the lights went out. And he saw.
Pippin gasped as a feeling of being very far away and long ago came over him, yet everything was hard and clear. At first he saw nothing and he was afraid. Why had he ever looked into the cursed wizardry?
He realized now that the darkness of the globe was the sky, and there were tall battlements. There were, there were stars, tiny stars all over. The stars went in and out, they were being cut off by things with wings!
A cold fear enveloped his being but he could not look away. Nine of the beasts there were, flying and wheeling round and round one tower. As he watched, one began to fly straight towards him, getting bigger and bigger. Then he was able to look into the darkened face underneath the hood of the Rider, the eyes glowed and pierced straight into him.
Struggling to get away, the image suddenly disappeared. Then he saw It. It was Him.
A shadowy form wreathed in flames it was. There was no face to look into, but Pippin knew who He was. He looked straight into the hobbit and though He spoke no words, Pippin understood in his mind.
'So you have come back? Why have you neglected to report for so long?'
Pippin didn't answer, he couldn't answer.
Again the words flowed in his mind. 'Who are you?'
Still not trusting himself to answer, Pippin refused to say anything, to think anything. Suddenly, his head began to hurt as an enormous pressure came upon him. He could not stand it any more so Pippin spoke. "A hobbit."
The flames encompassing the shadowy figure seemed to grow for a split second, seeming as if he was concentrating harder on Pippin. And without warning, the sound of laughter filled Pippin's mind, but a laugh so cruel it was like being stabbed with knives. Pippin struggled to close his eyes to ward off the image but it proved to be an impossible feat.
'Wait a moment,' he spoke into the hobbit's mind. 'We shall meet again soon. Tell Saruman that this dainty is not for him. I will send for it at once. Do you understand? Say just that!"
In a blinding instant, the flames erupted into a raging fire, as if the He was gloating. Pippin felt himself suddenly falling to pieces as a numbing pain took hold of his body. He couldn't take it any more! Finally gaining control of his mouth, Pippin gave out a piercing cry, then knew no more.
**********
Author's Note: Sooo... what do you think? I hope you liked it! I wanted to write a little bit more on how Faramir and Boromir view of a real home. For Faramir, his home is Boromir. Without his older brother, his home isn't home. As for Boromir, he cannot consider his home a home at all without any of the personal touches a home needs. As for Bawuer, he doesn't realize how blessed he is, and for a good reason. Don't worry, you'll learn more about Bawuer's mysterious family in future chapters!
Oooh, the next chapter will be the big 30! It might take a while to post it because it finally has, *gasp*, Pippin and Gandalf heading for Gondor!
Thanks to my wonderful reviewers!:
*Racetrack's Goil* ~ Well, I've finally updated! Happy now? Yes, we ALL know that you just LOVE Boromir. :P You guessed right about Gurignak and where the name came from. Hee hee! I couldn't help myself! Yeah, the idea about using a terrible Japanese accent just came to me out of the blue. I hope you like some of Boromir I've put in this chapter, and of poor Pip!
*Celebwen Telcontar* ~ Thank you so much for the review! I'm so glad you like this story about how Boromir lives! I know what you mean about how hard it is to find a nice Boromir-lives story. ^_^ Hope you like this new chapter!
*Lady Luthien* ~ Thanks for the two reviews you wrote! I know what it means to be so busy it's hard to go on Internet. ^_^ One of the reasons I couldn't get this newest chapter up so quickly. So, here's more Faramir in this chapter, I hope you liked it. Yeah, I agree about how there should have been more of him and Eowyn in the movies. Oh well, maybe when the extended edition DVD comes out. Ha ha, it was lots of fun writing the scene where Ebon suddenly lies down in the midst of carrying Bawuer. So, you like everything connected to Rohan and the horselords? Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter where Boromir and Bawuer have arrived in Edoras!
*Spry Sprite* ~ Well, I'm glad at least one person enjoyed my previous chapter! I'm glad you thought it was well written. Here was more of Faramir, did you like him? I finally finished your Insanity Abounds story, I hope you got the review! Again, I'm terribly sorry for not having read in a while. I'll be off to read the sequel now. Sounds incredibly fun!
*Michaela90* ~ I'm terribly pleased you love my story so much! It's always great to know someone enjoyed reading my story. One fear I have is my expanding on the characters and relationships a bit too much, what do you think? Eowyn was fun to write, she's such an interesting character. I agree, Brits are VERY good lookin'. :P Like... Sean Bean!!! Lol
*sz2000* ~ Yes, Eowyn is an interesting character to expand upon, and it's easy to realize after some research into the story that she was very quite alone. One of the reasons I feel that she fell in 'love' with Aragorn, then found true love with Faramir. You have a story out? I'll have to check it out someday. Does it have any Boromir in it? Yeah, a lot of LOTR readers can be hard on OCs. Fortunately, my reviewers have so far been generous and allowed me to write Bawuer and Isilme's character without any complaints. You're friend is a Haldir fan? Go Haldir! ^_^ Ebon also reminds me of my pet, I have a border collie puppy who is sooo naughty! Hope you like this new chapter!
*KendraC* ~ Yay, two reviews from one of my favorite reviewers! Thanks so much! I love your LOTR story recommendations, thanks so much for those! "Son of Gondor" sounds REALLY interesting, I'll have to check it out very soon. But there's one decidedly OOC moment? Is the OOC... *gasp* Boromir? Well, I'll have to see. As you can see in this chapter, I'm having Boromir and Bawuer in Edoras. ^_^ Which will set up an interesting twist in my story I'm looking forward to writing! Hee hee! I'm glad you liked the Eowyn scene, it was fun to write. Oh my goodness, Orlando Bllom as JAMES BOND? *boggle eyes* Umm... I honestly think he's too young for the part, he hasn't even passed his 25th birthday, and all of the James Bond's must have been over 30 (or even 40...) What do you think, should I write a chapter in Gollum's point of view? That should be a challenge... Anyway, I hope you liked this new chapter with dear Faramir!
*The Dark Wanderer* ~ Yup, Elfhelm is a great character, and I agree though that he's overlook a lot. Hmmm... about the Dunlendings being so subdued in captivity. For one thing, they were still in awe over discovering a Gondorian warrior in Rohan and I think that they were a little more than curious to find out exactly what was going one. I hope it makes sense when I write a bit more about it... I think in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, too!
*AAAClub* ~ You think my story is the most realistic story you've ever read? I'm terribly flattered, thank you! I'm trying very hard to keep it realistic and close to the book. I hope you like this chapter!
*iron-eyes24* ~ Hewo! Thanks for reviewing, and TWO reviews from (though it's only because the first one became a mistake! *wink*!) No, I haven't seen the "Lost Boys" with Kiefer. I'll have to check it out. Well, yes, Eowyn is terrified of marriage. I'm sorry that you, too, find the thought of marriage terrifying. Well, I hope that through my story where I change Eowyn's mind you'll change your mind, too! ^_^ Glad you like Guri... Gurig.... Gurg... the Dunlending guy. :P So, did you like this new chapter?
*hornofgondor2* ~ Cool, you got a new computer! Congrats! Yeah, poor little Eowyn. Don't worry, I've got a great ending fixed up for her! Did you hear "Troy" is gonna be rated R? :P That's most unfortunate but I still wanna see it. I have the first "Sharpe" DVD, "Sharpe's Rifles". I love it, he's sooo cool!
*Bonnie Lass* ~ I'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapter! I hope you like this new chapter, too with more of Boromir!
*Lalaithiel Noleambar* ~ I am so pleased that you liked my Eowyn! I'm trying very hard to make her as realistic and believable as possible. I hope you liked this chapter!
*Lada* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Thank you so much for writing and I'm so glad you're enjoying what I've written to far! Yes, I agree with all the things you wrote about Boromir: he's a great warrior, a loving brother, an honest person, etc., etc. (this list can go on a while longer... *wink!*). Hmmm... change Eomer and Lithiriel's marriage? An interesting concept, I'll think upon it! Because to tell the truth, I haven't figured out at all where to put their romance if I do put it in my story. As for who gets Eowyn, Boromir or Faramir... sorry, I can't tell! It's a big author's secret I have to protect. :P Hope you like this chapter!
*Arinya* ~ Hello there, thanks for reviewing again! Sorry about my torturing my readers. :P I can't help it. Yeah, Eowyn is quite the feminist. Of course, through my story I'll have her change her mind on some points. :P
*Alex92* ~ Sorry the previous chapter was short. This one's much longer! So sorry also that Boromir and Eowyn haven't met yet. But I promise, there will be a meeting in future chapter!
*Aelimir* ~ Aha, thanks again so much for reviewing! *gives Aelimir a hug* Yeah, writing political and diplomatic stuff is not my thing, but glad that it didn't seem to have turned out too bad. Thanks again for more of the horse tips! I'll be sure to use them in future chapters. Of course, I wouldn't want my favorite horses, Ebon and Maiorama, to get too sick or lame, would I? *wink!* Again, thanks for everything you've done to help me write the 'horse stuff' accurately. What did you think about some stuff I wrote in this chapter about setting up Maiorama for the night? Is there anything more I should know about that kind of thing?
*A.E.Hall* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing! Yes, Boromir is such a good guy, I couldn't write him any other way! I hope you liked this newest chapter!
*StrangeVisitor* ~ Thanks for reviewing yet once again! Sorry the previous chapter was short, hopefully this newest chapter was long enough! Yes, Boromir would be a good diplomat in my opinion, he has to be since he has been raised to be the next Steward. One thing I can disclose to you... yes, there will be a Boromir romance though I will not reveal who the love interest will be. :P sorry! Oh, and the hobbit/Boromir reunion is coming right up soon!
*who let the cow out?* ~ Maybe you can specify on what points made this chapter not so good as the other chapters?
*darcy101* ~ Thanks for writing, you are reviewer number 400! Thanks so much! I'm glad you're liking my story. I used to also read only Faramir fanfiction but I have to admit, Boromir is starting to grow on me. *smiles!* Since you like Faramir, I hope you like him in this chapter.
*Morwen Eleniel* ~ Thank you for reviewing again! I understand what you mean about not many authors writing responding to reviews. It annoys me a lot because I like asking questions and pointing on things in the story, yet the author never gets back to me! Really, Boromir is now your favorite male character? Cool! I agree, Legolas has too many fans, he really doesn't do toooooo much in the books nor movies. But he IS cute. ^_^ Hope you enjoy this new chapter!
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: I'm sorry I've been so delayed in writing up this next chapter. It's been very busy at school for me, and plus, my relatives from the States came to visit me for a week and a half. Has anyone seen "My Big Fat Greek Wedding?" I have about the same number of relatives who came to visit almost every day! Argh... it was sooo busy.
But because of my delay, I've worked hard on this chapter and I've made it extra special long, twelve pages compared to my usual seven or eight. This chapter features four of my most favorite characters: Boromir, Faramir, Bawuer, and Pippin. Hope you enjoy it!
I now have 401 REVIEWS! Thank you so much my wonderful reviews! You always continue to inspire to write every single new chapter. *Hugs to all of you!* Replies to all reviewers are at the bottom of the chapter as usual.
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Far From Home
Faramir didn't like what he was seeing from the lookout he had chosen. A whole army of Southrons were now camped below him from where he watched on the foothills of the Ephel Duath. It was quiet everywhere for the enemy had settled down for the night. The only sounds which came to his ears were the occasional rumblings from gigantic Oliphaunts.
The captain of the Ithilien rangers heard Damrod sigh deeply behind him. "A thousand curses on the Haradrim! The Easterlings are not the only problem we will be having."
"Not only that," Mablung remarked dryly, "the irony of the situation cuts deep into the heart."
"Aye," Faramir nodded in agreement, knowing exactly what the soldier had meant with his wryly spoken words. It was obvious that the evil men from Harad were making their way northward to the Black Gate to swell the hosts of Barad-dur. Making their way northward on the very roads that were crafted by Gondor. Yes, there was indeed a sort of irony in the situation.
Damrod sighed once more and purposely sat down hard on the ground, displaying his annoyance. "Look at them, look at them! See how they leave their fires lighted, letting their wretched smoke fill the air, not caring if anyone from miles around can see them. Purposely they are displaying their numbers, openly giving away their position." Faramir's guard picked up a twig and irritably twirled it between his fingers, muttering to himself.
Faramir couldn't help but smile at Damrod's strange little habit, while in the moonlight he could see Mablung raising one eyebrow. Always having been the more levelheaded of the two, Mablung took the stick from Damrod's hand like a parent would from a child. "Though I, too, feel ill to my stomach at their flaunting, don't you feel this is an opportunity to take advantage of?"
Thoughtfully, Faramir drew back from the lookout to sit back, careful not to bump into young Hirlon who always stayed closed to him. Mablung had indeed made an interesting point. Heedlessly were the Southrons making their way through Ithilien. As fortune would have it, they believed their new Master great enough so that the mere shadow of His hills would protect them. Yet forget they had of the stout hearted and stalwart soldiers of Ithilien.
The captain faced his companions, Mablung and Damrod, even Hirlon, having expressions of determination he too must be mirroring at the moment. "I believe it will do much good to teach them a lesson."
Seeing that Hirlon looked as if he wished to speak, Faramir gestured for him to do so. Being the youngest among the rangers, he had been quiet the whole time until now as he hesitantly asked his captain his question. "What of the Easterlings, Captain?" Hirlon asked softly, though speaking the name of another of Enemy as if with great distaste. "The Rangers are not so large in number to take care of both roads leading to the Black Gate."
Faramir rubbed a hand over his chin, thinking. Hirlon was right of course. The Ithilien rangers' strength lay in skill, not in numbers. There was no possible way to mount two different attacks on the Easterlings coming in from the East and the Haradrim from the South at the same time.
"We cannot divide our forces, that much is for certain. Though neither should be allowed to join the Enemy, we daren't risk losing more numbers than taking advantage of a good surprise attack to destroy as many of the foe as we can."
"Who do we strike?"
"The Haradrim."
Mablung nodded in agreement. "Aye, Captain. After seeing the way they have barged into our lands..." He shook his head, not finishing the sentence yet knowing that all understood the implications of his words.
Damrod chuckled softly yet deliberately. "It would be our greatest pleasure to show them some true Ithilien hospitality."
His words earned more chuckles from all around. Seriousness soon stole over Faramir's thoughts as he began to make his strategy. "First of all, we need to summon the others. But we still need someone to keep watch over the Haradrim while we go on ahead."
"I will stay behind," Mablung offered.
But Faramir shook his head. "No, I will need you with me to prepare for the attack."
"Then leave it for me, captain," Hirlon said with a firm nod.
After some thought, Faramir agreed. "All right Hirlon, but you will not be alone." The captain looked to Damrod and smiled. "I have just volunteered you for the task of keeping watch over the Southrons. Thank you."
Damrod in mock exasperation put his head in his hands. "That is how it always is. Before it is even a choice, I am made to go above and beyond the call of my duty as your guard and ranger."
Clasping the other on the shoulder, Faramir met the other's tone of voice. "What will I do without you Damrod?"
Snorting, Damrod spoke. "That is what I keep asking myself every single day, my captain. Every single day I must wonder, 'how had Faramir managed before he met me."
"Probably perfectly well," Mablung said with the dryness evident in his voice.
Matching wits with his rangers was always a pleasure and a break from the gravity of war, yet Faramir knew there was much to do and the night wore on. He drew a hasty and simple map onto the ground. He made a mark at one point of the map and spoke to Damrod and Hirlon. "We will meet here in two days time. Do not engage Haradrim, do not even let them know that they are being watched. Allow them to feel safe and secure."
Seeing that the two men understood, Faramir quickly erased all signs of his drawing on the ground. As soon as it appeared as if nothing had been disturbed, Faramir and Mablung got up from the ground in a crouching position. The captain said his parting words to his men. "In two days we shall meet again. Keep safe."
"You need not remind us, though keeping our lands safe is of a higher priority than of keeping ourselves safe," Damrod said, an unfamiliar soberness in his voice.
Any more words were caught in Faramir's throat as he knew exactly what his ranger was saying. Any of his men would give up his life if he knew it would be to protect and save their beloved Ithilien. For years they had done so, and for many more years to come they would. They would fight until who knew what kind of end awaited them. And Faramir swore he would fight till that end should come upon him.
"Let us be off, Mablung," Faramir said to the older ranger.
Mablung nodded "Aye." Exchanging hand clasps all around, Faramir and Mablung finally parted from their previous companions and set off for Henneth Annun.
Henneth Annun, a home away from home.
As he and Mablung glided through the shadowy, darkened lands of Ithilien, Faramir's wondered at the strangeness of how he had so long become accustomed to Henneth Annun. Accustomed so that it was just as familiar to him as the White City itself.
Yet could Faramir really call the Citadel in Minas Tirith his home? Rooms there were for his family, quarters where the Ruling Stewards of Gondor had for decades of time had made their home in.
But a home was not just a place where you set belongings and where you kept your bed. It was the haven for your heart, a place to keep your peace of mind. But for Faramir, of late his home had never been haven.
When was the last time he had felt at home in the Citadel? Faramir smiled at the fond remembrance of having breakfast with Boromir once, so long ago. Schedules and work would hardly allow them to spend much time as brothers, let alone spend a quiet meal together. Yet on that day, besides ending up at the morning at the same time, they had been completely left alone without being under the hardening gaze of Denethor.
Oh, how relaxing and enjoyable had the time been spend together! They had talked of anything and everything under the sun, except for the two most painful subjects for the both of them: of their parents and of the growing strength of the Enemy.
For the first time in years, Faramir had not felt ill at ease, never once feeling the pressure demanded of his birth and station. For that one hour, Faramir could truly feel that he and Boromir were able to preserve the love and peace that would bond those of a true family.
Before putting his mind again upon returning to Henneth Annun in safety, Faramir had only last thought. Wishing that Boromir would soon return home, making it feel like the home Faramir wanted it to be.
**********
Bawuer stopped when they came to a certain broad path, and bade Boromir to stop also. Boromir lifted his eyes to see in the moonlight that the path was paved with hewn stones, winding upward to short flights of well laid steps. To his ears came the trickling of water and as he cast his eyes about, he saw beside the way a flowing stream in a stone channel.
The city of Edoras echoed with silence which enveloped the riders. Late it was, a time when hardly anyone would be awake. Yet to Boromir, the silence was like that of a tomb. It was too quiet, too quiet, making Boromir feel uncomfortable. Even Maiorama had her head held high, her ears alert. The silence was that of an empty city, and Boromir disliked the aura Edoras presented to him. A kind of haunting vision of a city with no inhabitants, evacuated because of a war. Hope against hope, Boromir wished never to behold his city of Minas Tirith in the same manner.
Boromir stole a glance at his companion to see that Bawuer had an unreadable expression on his face. Guessing what the matter was, Boromir spoke. "Does the silence bother you?"
The Rohirrim soldier smiled sadly. "I must admit... the silence is disturbing."
"It is only temporary," Boromir strove to comfort him. "Soon will all the inhabitants of Edoras be returning to their homes."
"Aye," Bawuer nodded. "Come, let us be off to the stables. Ebon's irritation is beginning to show for his patience was never one to boast about."
They rode a short distance up the path and soon reached the livery stables. The place was somewhat more alive with noise for many of Elfhelm's soldiers also kept their horses there. Only the royal family and the lords of the House of Eorl were allowed to keep their horses in the king's stables which stood right besides Meduseld. But Boromir saw that even the main stables were well kept, once more proving how much the Rohirrim cared for and loved their horses.
Dismounting, Bawuer and Boromir lead their horses inside, Bawuer in the lead. Refusing the offer from a stablehand, Boromir found an empty stall for Maiorama and took care of her himself. Throughout his journey he had found himself becoming closer and closer to the magnificent beast, thus Boromir took it upon himself to do whatever he could to treat her with the utmost care.
After taking off his gear and unsaddling Maiorama, Boromir took off her bridle. With what might have been gratitude, Maiorama shook her head as if glad to be rid of encumbrance. The Gondorian warrior patted her on the neck. "Thank you for your patience." Maiorama only looked at him with her soft yet alert eyes making Boromir smile at how much she could express with one glance.
As he rubbed her down for the night, Bawuer came by with a bucket of water which he hung inside Maiorama's stall. There was some silence for a while until Boromir was finished. Just as Boromir was about to come out of the stall, something flew towards him. With quick reflexes, Boromir caught the object and saw that it a piece of a cut apple.
Looking up, Boromir saw Bawuer indicate the Elvish horse. "For your pretty mare. Forgive me for not being able to offer you a full apple. Unfortunately, Ebon decided he needed an extra piece to make up for carrying my burden."
Boromir nodded in thanks and gave the fruit to Maiorama who took it with appreciation. "Sleep well, Horse on Wings." With a final pat on her cheek, Boromir turned to his human companion. "Lead on, Bawuer."
Once entering Edoras, Elfhelm had told Boromir he could stay in one of the guest quarters in the Golden Hall. Yet Bawuer had been gracious enough to extend an invitation for Boromir to stay with him at his house. Wishing rather to spend the night in the company of someone he knew in a strange place, the Gondorian captain had taken up the offer.
Elfhelm, cautious though he was, courteously had agreed to the arrangements to which Boromir had been grateful for. It would not do to be on the wrong side of the man who at the moment was in command of the city he was staying in.
Boromir and Bawuer walked off the broad path onto a narrower and darker street, making Boromir thankful for the lantern Bawuer had brought along. Before long, Bawuer turned into the doorway of a two story building, fairly large in size compared to a few of the other homes.
They entered the home and immediately Boromir began taking note of the interior. Through only the dim light of the moon coming in through the shuttered windows and the light from Bawuer's lantern, the room appeared dark and dismal. Hardly were there any objects that caught his attention, making the house seem devoid of character. Very different from the simple yet lush quarters of the Citadel.
Bawuer walked in and placed the lantern on the table. With what might have been an embarrassed shrug, the soldier spoke. "I'm afraid the house is nothing much. My family lives very simply."
"Do not worry your head over me, Bawuer," Boromir said with a smile. "I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality."
His reply was a smile from Bawuer. The soldier lighted a candle which was left upon the table. "I'll be back to bring in some firewood. Make yourself at home." Taking the lantern with him, Bawuer left Boromir alone to explore his surroundings.
Using the candle, Boromir cast his eyes around the room which appeared to take up the whole first floor except for one door which probably led to a small side room. There was also a narrow staircase going up to the second floor. The only furniture the room consisted of was one table, at least four chairs scattered around, and a fairly large sized chest of drawers in the corner.
Walking around with the candle in one hand, Boromir went over to the chest. Touching and feeling the corners, Boromir felt that the piece of furniture was well made with nice wood. Curiously he saw that there were a few items left on top. The first item which caught his eye was a slip of paper. Seeing that it was a short note addressed to someone named Luen, Boromir immediately laid it back down, hesitant in reading anything that was not meant for his eyes.
The next object of interest was a stack of neatly folded pieces of cloths. Each one was embroidered with intricate designs of flowers ranging from beautiful roses to the common daisy.
The last item seemed to some kind of toy. Picking it up then shaking it, Boromir realized that it was a baby rattler. Baby rattler? Deciding that he would ask Bawuer about it later, Boromir kept it in his hand.
Just as he was about to walk back to the table, his foot hit upon something. Leaning down and lighting the floor with his candle, Boromir saw that it was another toy, a piece of wood carved in the shape of horse. Also palming it in his hand, Boromir next walked over the fireplace. There was a basket shoved against the corner of it, upon closer inspection were balls of dull colored yarn, yet no needles.
On the mantel were a few earthenware pots, a vase shaped one containing flowers which may have once brightened the room except that now it was all withered and drying up.
Boromir went over to take a chair next to the table and in deep thought stared out into the dark room, wishing that the room didn't feel so painful to him.
**********
Bawuer found Boromir sitting at the table with the most serious and thoughtful expression on his face. Having become somewhat used to the man's strange moods, Bawuer did not say anything but quietly prepared the fire in the hearth. After he was done, he went over to sit across from Boromir.
The Gondorian man acknowledged his presence with a smile that seemed almost sad. "I envy you, Bawuer."
Surprised and a little more curious at his strange words, Bawuer decided to wait for the other man to explain.
It didn't take long for Boromir to speak again. "I didn't know you still played with toys." With another smile, this time with more humor, Boromir opened his hands, revealing two items.
Recognizing the objects immediately, Bawuer chuckled. "Nay, those aren't mine. I didn't tell you that I had a wonderful nephew, did I? And a beautiful little baby niece."
Boromir raised one eyebrow. "Your sister's?"
"Aye, that they would be." Bawuer leaned over and took the wooden horse into his own hands. "I carved this for Herluen when he was but a babe. Eight years later, he still keeps it."
The older man picked up the rattle. "Yet you did not make this, for I can tell the craftsmanship is from a different person. As is that chest of drawers in the corner. And this table." Boromir demonstrated the smoothness of the table by rubbing his hand flat against the top.
"You are observant," Bawuer remarked now finally knowing he must never underestimate this man. "My grandfather from an injury has no use of his legs anymore. His hands are his only tools now, as he often says."
Nodding in understanding, Boromir repeated the strange words he had spoken earlier. "I say again, I envy you, Bawuer. I must admit at first that I did not think much of your home. Bare it felt to me, and too quiet."
Bawuer looked around and sighed. "Well, I must admit you are right, friend. A simple life my family lives, there is not much opportunity to decorate the place."
Boromir raised up a hand to silence him. "Say no such thing. For your home is just what it is supposed to be. A home." He waved a hand vaguely around the room. "A basket of yarn. A few toys. A short note. Hand embroidered cloths. Flowers in a vase. All something I have never experienced in my home. Each and every single item gives an essence of a family, and it's so unique to me. I wish it was not so."
Not quite understanding, Bawuer could only shake his head. In a sense, Boromir was praising him for having a home which was so obviously lived in by a family. Yet that did not make sense of what Bawuer knew because of one thing. "Boromir... my family is not necessarily what anyone would call..." Here with some shame, Bawuer lowered his head. "My family is neither perfect nor of a customary kind. You know not what you are saying."
"Bawuer." Looking up, he saw Boromir once again had that sad look on his face. "You forget what kind of family I come from. My family consists of three men, including myself. All who love each other dearly yet cannot express it. Who would do anything to protect each other yet are always apart. Nay, I still envy you. Hold on to what you have, for you are blessed, Bawuer. Blessed to have a family."
Oddly enough, Bawuer considered that maybe Boromir was right. For the first time in a long while, Bawuer counted himself lucky to belong to the kind of family he was part of, no matter the circumstances.
**********
Pippin felt oddly restless. For what might have been the hundredth time in the last minute, Pippin rearranged the cloak around his shoulders and tried sleeping on his left side. He couldn't understand it, why couldn't he sleep? They had been riding late into the night and had finally stopped at the bottom of a hill under a spreading hawthorn. What was the name of the hill? Pippin wracked his brains trying to remember when he finally got the answer. Dol Baran, yes, that was the name.
He sighed, remembered how hard it had been just to get that much information out of Aragorn. The Ranger had been sullenly quiet for some reason Pippin could not fathom.
Once more Pippin moved, this time to lay on his right side. Oh, how he wished he were back home! Away from things he did not understand, how he disliked not understanding anything. He did not know where they were traveling to. He did not understand why he was here in the first place. He couldn't understand why Frodo and Sam had left them to continue their journey themselves. He did not know how Gandalf could survive Moria.
But worst of all, he did not understand why Boromir had to...
Deep down in his heart, he wished Boromir was not...
Yet in his mind, he knew the true answer.
'Stop it', he mentally scolded himself. But he could not stop it.
Then totally against his will, the thought of the strange globe he had seen and touched at Isengard came to his mind. With much insistence he pushed the image away.
How his heart ached for all the places and people he wished he could see. He wanted to go on the little thieving excursions he would go to with Merry to Farmer Maggots crops. He wished he was drinking toasts and singing gay songs at the Green Dragon. For some reason, his thoughts went to the pretty Diamond of Long Cleeve. He wished he could see her again.
Most of all, he wished he could see Boromir again, just one last time.
And maybe, just maybe. He wished he could see that dark globe just one more time...
With a grunt of annoyance at himself, Pippin flipped over to lie on his back. During the process, the pile of old bracken he was lying on cracked and rustled.
Pippin heard Merry give a big sigh next to him. "What's the matter? Are you lying on an ant-hill?"
Grimacing, Pippin decided against telling Merry about what he was really thinking about. "No, but I'm not comfortable." At least, that was the truth. "I wonder how long it is since I slept in a bed."
Merry yawned and turned on his side so he was facing his cousin. "Work it out on your fingers!" he said in exasperation. "But you must know how long it is since we left Lorien."
"Oh, that, I meant a real bed in a bedroom."
"Well, Rivendell then," Merry said with a shrug. "But I honestly could sleep anywhere tonight."
"You had all the luck," Pippin said softly after a long pause. "You were riding with Gandalf. Did you get any news, any information out of him?"
"Yes, a good deal, more than usual. Do you want to ride with him tomorrow? That is, if he'll have you?"
The idea made Pippin perk up slightly. "Can I? Good!" After a moment he spoke up again. "Gandalf hasn't changed at all, has he."
"Oh yes, he has!" The older hobbit seemed to wake up a little. "He has grown, or something. He can be both kinder and more alarming, merrier and more solemn than before, I think. He has changed. Think of the last part of that business with Saruman! Remember Saruman was once Gandalf's superior, Saruman the White he was. Gandalf is the White now."
Thinking over what Merry had said, Pippin's thoughts strayed to something that made him suddenly feel alert yet at the same time quiet. "That... glass ball, now. Gandalf seemed pleased with it. He knows or guesses something about it. But does he tell us what? No, not a word." Pondering over the glass ball, Pippin almost didn't realize that Merry had sidled up close to him and was staring at him.
"Hullo! So that's what is bothering you!" Pippin's cousin said. "Now Pip, don't forget: Do not meddle in the affairs of Wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger."
Upset that Merry was scolding him for what he thought was no apparent reason, Pippin argued back. "But our whole life for months has been one long meddling in the affairs of Wizards! I should like a bit of information as well as danger. I should like a look at that ball."
Merry smacked Pippin over the head. "Go to sleep! You'll get information enough, sooner or later. My dear Pippin, no Took ever beat a Brandybuck for inquisitiveness, but is this the time, I ask you?"
Pippin wouldn't help but smile back at the infectious smile Merry gave him. "All right! Anyway, what's the harm in telling you what I should like; a look at that stone? I know I can't have it, with old Gandalf sitting on it like a hen on an egg." Pippin crossed his arms over his chest and stuck out his lip. "But it doesn't help much to get no more from you than a you-can't- have-it-so-go-to-sleep!"
"Well, what else could I say?" Merry yawned again and rubbed a hand over his eyes. "I'm sorry Pip, but you really must wait till the morning. I'll be as curious as you like after breakfast, and I'll even help in any way I can to wheedle-the-wizard. But I can't keep awake a moment longer. If I yawn any more, I shall split at the ears. Good night."
And with that, the older hobbit yawned one last time before lying down again, deliberately putting his back to Pippin.
More than a little upset with Merry ignoring him, Pippin decided to keep quiet anyway. He lay down once more but sleep still eluded him. Merry's soft breathing also didn't help in any way, for the other hobbit had fallen asleep in a few minutes after saying good night.
He tried to shut his eyes, but every time he did, an image of the dark crystal ball filled his thoughts, growing stronger and stronger as everything else grew quiet in his mind. He tried to hard to think of something else but to no avail. Without thought his hands moved together as if holding the globe itself, holding the weight of it in his hands, looking again into the mysterious red depths.
Finally, he could not take the torment any longer. He had to see, just one more time!
Carefully so as not to wake up his friend, Pippin got up and wrapped his cloak tightly around him. The moon was shining cold and white, and involuntarily he shivered. Driven by some impulse he did not understand, the hobbit walked softly to where Gandalf lay. Looking down into the wizard's face, Pippin moved back with a start. The wizard's eyes were not fully closed, there was a glitter of eyes under his long lashes.
Yet on further inspection, Pippin realized that the wizard was truly asleep. Carefully, half against his will, Pippin crept up again from behind Gandalf. Beside the wizard's right side and his bent arm, there was a hummock, something round wrapped in a dark cloth.
Daring not to even breath, Pippin slowly but surely made his way to kneel in front of the wizard. Putting his hands out stealthily, he slowly lifted the lump up. He brought it close to him, as if afraid it would be snatched away. Casting his gaze here and there, his eyes came upon a large rock. Quickly and surely, he placed the rock back into the wizard's hand.
Afraid that some sudden noise or by some strange spell that Gandalf might suddenly awaken, Pippin crept away to a green hillock not far from his bed. Sure that no one was watching, he knelt down on the ground and uncovered the mysterious object. Sure enough, there it was. A smooth globe of crystal, now dark and dead, now lying bare before his knees.
The air seemed still and tense about him as Pippin laid his hands over the ball. Then there came a faint glow and stir in the heart of it, and it held his eyes so that now he could not look away. As he looked even closer, the inside of the globe seemed on fire. Then in the blink of an eye, the lights went out. And he saw.
Pippin gasped as a feeling of being very far away and long ago came over him, yet everything was hard and clear. At first he saw nothing and he was afraid. Why had he ever looked into the cursed wizardry?
He realized now that the darkness of the globe was the sky, and there were tall battlements. There were, there were stars, tiny stars all over. The stars went in and out, they were being cut off by things with wings!
A cold fear enveloped his being but he could not look away. Nine of the beasts there were, flying and wheeling round and round one tower. As he watched, one began to fly straight towards him, getting bigger and bigger. Then he was able to look into the darkened face underneath the hood of the Rider, the eyes glowed and pierced straight into him.
Struggling to get away, the image suddenly disappeared. Then he saw It. It was Him.
A shadowy form wreathed in flames it was. There was no face to look into, but Pippin knew who He was. He looked straight into the hobbit and though He spoke no words, Pippin understood in his mind.
'So you have come back? Why have you neglected to report for so long?'
Pippin didn't answer, he couldn't answer.
Again the words flowed in his mind. 'Who are you?'
Still not trusting himself to answer, Pippin refused to say anything, to think anything. Suddenly, his head began to hurt as an enormous pressure came upon him. He could not stand it any more so Pippin spoke. "A hobbit."
The flames encompassing the shadowy figure seemed to grow for a split second, seeming as if he was concentrating harder on Pippin. And without warning, the sound of laughter filled Pippin's mind, but a laugh so cruel it was like being stabbed with knives. Pippin struggled to close his eyes to ward off the image but it proved to be an impossible feat.
'Wait a moment,' he spoke into the hobbit's mind. 'We shall meet again soon. Tell Saruman that this dainty is not for him. I will send for it at once. Do you understand? Say just that!"
In a blinding instant, the flames erupted into a raging fire, as if the He was gloating. Pippin felt himself suddenly falling to pieces as a numbing pain took hold of his body. He couldn't take it any more! Finally gaining control of his mouth, Pippin gave out a piercing cry, then knew no more.
**********
Author's Note: Sooo... what do you think? I hope you liked it! I wanted to write a little bit more on how Faramir and Boromir view of a real home. For Faramir, his home is Boromir. Without his older brother, his home isn't home. As for Boromir, he cannot consider his home a home at all without any of the personal touches a home needs. As for Bawuer, he doesn't realize how blessed he is, and for a good reason. Don't worry, you'll learn more about Bawuer's mysterious family in future chapters!
Oooh, the next chapter will be the big 30! It might take a while to post it because it finally has, *gasp*, Pippin and Gandalf heading for Gondor!
Thanks to my wonderful reviewers!:
*Racetrack's Goil* ~ Well, I've finally updated! Happy now? Yes, we ALL know that you just LOVE Boromir. :P You guessed right about Gurignak and where the name came from. Hee hee! I couldn't help myself! Yeah, the idea about using a terrible Japanese accent just came to me out of the blue. I hope you like some of Boromir I've put in this chapter, and of poor Pip!
*Celebwen Telcontar* ~ Thank you so much for the review! I'm so glad you like this story about how Boromir lives! I know what you mean about how hard it is to find a nice Boromir-lives story. ^_^ Hope you like this new chapter!
*Lady Luthien* ~ Thanks for the two reviews you wrote! I know what it means to be so busy it's hard to go on Internet. ^_^ One of the reasons I couldn't get this newest chapter up so quickly. So, here's more Faramir in this chapter, I hope you liked it. Yeah, I agree about how there should have been more of him and Eowyn in the movies. Oh well, maybe when the extended edition DVD comes out. Ha ha, it was lots of fun writing the scene where Ebon suddenly lies down in the midst of carrying Bawuer. So, you like everything connected to Rohan and the horselords? Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter where Boromir and Bawuer have arrived in Edoras!
*Spry Sprite* ~ Well, I'm glad at least one person enjoyed my previous chapter! I'm glad you thought it was well written. Here was more of Faramir, did you like him? I finally finished your Insanity Abounds story, I hope you got the review! Again, I'm terribly sorry for not having read in a while. I'll be off to read the sequel now. Sounds incredibly fun!
*Michaela90* ~ I'm terribly pleased you love my story so much! It's always great to know someone enjoyed reading my story. One fear I have is my expanding on the characters and relationships a bit too much, what do you think? Eowyn was fun to write, she's such an interesting character. I agree, Brits are VERY good lookin'. :P Like... Sean Bean!!! Lol
*sz2000* ~ Yes, Eowyn is an interesting character to expand upon, and it's easy to realize after some research into the story that she was very quite alone. One of the reasons I feel that she fell in 'love' with Aragorn, then found true love with Faramir. You have a story out? I'll have to check it out someday. Does it have any Boromir in it? Yeah, a lot of LOTR readers can be hard on OCs. Fortunately, my reviewers have so far been generous and allowed me to write Bawuer and Isilme's character without any complaints. You're friend is a Haldir fan? Go Haldir! ^_^ Ebon also reminds me of my pet, I have a border collie puppy who is sooo naughty! Hope you like this new chapter!
*KendraC* ~ Yay, two reviews from one of my favorite reviewers! Thanks so much! I love your LOTR story recommendations, thanks so much for those! "Son of Gondor" sounds REALLY interesting, I'll have to check it out very soon. But there's one decidedly OOC moment? Is the OOC... *gasp* Boromir? Well, I'll have to see. As you can see in this chapter, I'm having Boromir and Bawuer in Edoras. ^_^ Which will set up an interesting twist in my story I'm looking forward to writing! Hee hee! I'm glad you liked the Eowyn scene, it was fun to write. Oh my goodness, Orlando Bllom as JAMES BOND? *boggle eyes* Umm... I honestly think he's too young for the part, he hasn't even passed his 25th birthday, and all of the James Bond's must have been over 30 (or even 40...) What do you think, should I write a chapter in Gollum's point of view? That should be a challenge... Anyway, I hope you liked this new chapter with dear Faramir!
*The Dark Wanderer* ~ Yup, Elfhelm is a great character, and I agree though that he's overlook a lot. Hmmm... about the Dunlendings being so subdued in captivity. For one thing, they were still in awe over discovering a Gondorian warrior in Rohan and I think that they were a little more than curious to find out exactly what was going one. I hope it makes sense when I write a bit more about it... I think in the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, too!
*AAAClub* ~ You think my story is the most realistic story you've ever read? I'm terribly flattered, thank you! I'm trying very hard to keep it realistic and close to the book. I hope you like this chapter!
*iron-eyes24* ~ Hewo! Thanks for reviewing, and TWO reviews from (though it's only because the first one became a mistake! *wink*!) No, I haven't seen the "Lost Boys" with Kiefer. I'll have to check it out. Well, yes, Eowyn is terrified of marriage. I'm sorry that you, too, find the thought of marriage terrifying. Well, I hope that through my story where I change Eowyn's mind you'll change your mind, too! ^_^ Glad you like Guri... Gurig.... Gurg... the Dunlending guy. :P So, did you like this new chapter?
*hornofgondor2* ~ Cool, you got a new computer! Congrats! Yeah, poor little Eowyn. Don't worry, I've got a great ending fixed up for her! Did you hear "Troy" is gonna be rated R? :P That's most unfortunate but I still wanna see it. I have the first "Sharpe" DVD, "Sharpe's Rifles". I love it, he's sooo cool!
*Bonnie Lass* ~ I'm glad you enjoyed the previous chapter! I hope you like this new chapter, too with more of Boromir!
*Lalaithiel Noleambar* ~ I am so pleased that you liked my Eowyn! I'm trying very hard to make her as realistic and believable as possible. I hope you liked this chapter!
*Lada* ~ Welcome to my family of reviewers! Thank you so much for writing and I'm so glad you're enjoying what I've written to far! Yes, I agree with all the things you wrote about Boromir: he's a great warrior, a loving brother, an honest person, etc., etc. (this list can go on a while longer... *wink!*). Hmmm... change Eomer and Lithiriel's marriage? An interesting concept, I'll think upon it! Because to tell the truth, I haven't figured out at all where to put their romance if I do put it in my story. As for who gets Eowyn, Boromir or Faramir... sorry, I can't tell! It's a big author's secret I have to protect. :P Hope you like this chapter!
*Arinya* ~ Hello there, thanks for reviewing again! Sorry about my torturing my readers. :P I can't help it. Yeah, Eowyn is quite the feminist. Of course, through my story I'll have her change her mind on some points. :P
*Alex92* ~ Sorry the previous chapter was short. This one's much longer! So sorry also that Boromir and Eowyn haven't met yet. But I promise, there will be a meeting in future chapter!
*Aelimir* ~ Aha, thanks again so much for reviewing! *gives Aelimir a hug* Yeah, writing political and diplomatic stuff is not my thing, but glad that it didn't seem to have turned out too bad. Thanks again for more of the horse tips! I'll be sure to use them in future chapters. Of course, I wouldn't want my favorite horses, Ebon and Maiorama, to get too sick or lame, would I? *wink!* Again, thanks for everything you've done to help me write the 'horse stuff' accurately. What did you think about some stuff I wrote in this chapter about setting up Maiorama for the night? Is there anything more I should know about that kind of thing?
*A.E.Hall* ~ Thanks so much for reviewing! Yes, Boromir is such a good guy, I couldn't write him any other way! I hope you liked this newest chapter!
*StrangeVisitor* ~ Thanks for reviewing yet once again! Sorry the previous chapter was short, hopefully this newest chapter was long enough! Yes, Boromir would be a good diplomat in my opinion, he has to be since he has been raised to be the next Steward. One thing I can disclose to you... yes, there will be a Boromir romance though I will not reveal who the love interest will be. :P sorry! Oh, and the hobbit/Boromir reunion is coming right up soon!
*who let the cow out?* ~ Maybe you can specify on what points made this chapter not so good as the other chapters?
*darcy101* ~ Thanks for writing, you are reviewer number 400! Thanks so much! I'm glad you're liking my story. I used to also read only Faramir fanfiction but I have to admit, Boromir is starting to grow on me. *smiles!* Since you like Faramir, I hope you like him in this chapter.
*Morwen Eleniel* ~ Thank you for reviewing again! I understand what you mean about not many authors writing responding to reviews. It annoys me a lot because I like asking questions and pointing on things in the story, yet the author never gets back to me! Really, Boromir is now your favorite male character? Cool! I agree, Legolas has too many fans, he really doesn't do toooooo much in the books nor movies. But he IS cute. ^_^ Hope you enjoy this new chapter!