Boromir, Thou Shall Live

By Priscilla Stafford

Author's Note: Here it is! The Big 3 – O ! ! I want to thank everyone for all the support they've been showing throughout my humble piece of work. Seriously, I never thought I'd get this far.

Anyway, you're probably tired with all the sentimentality. This is by far, in my humble opinion, the best chapter I've written. To make it a surprise, hardly any one knows what this chapter's about, and though I've given hints around, it seems no one has guessed it yet! So this chapter I hope will be very exciting and fun to read, and a BIG surprise!

IMPORTANT!: My friend Maria was kind enough to host my fan art in her homepage, please check out my drawings, including drawings I've done of Lord of the Rings characters (so far I've drawn Boromir, Aragorn, Pippin, and Gandalf) They're all in the Fan Art section, under "Fan Art by Priscilla Stafford"

www.geocities.jp/kosmeokanai/

Chapter Thirty: The Scattered Fellowship

Legolas watched as Gandalf gently lifted and carried the hobbit back to his bed. Merry tagged along faithfully to sit down beside the emotionally drained Pippin.

While Gandalf took some time to speak privately to the hobbit, Legolas stole a glance towards his other companions. Aragorn appeared haggard and tired, with the weight of responsibility upon his shoulders. The Mirkwood Elf knew just how much the hobbits meant to the Ranger.

As for Gimli, Legolas saw that the Dwarf was pointedly looking at the ground avoiding everyone else around him. Gruff as he may be, the Elf knew that the Dwarf loved those 'rascals, those woolly-footed and wool pated truants'. Legolas smiled. Yes indeed, Gimli was not one to admit readily his fond affection for them. But everyone knew, and it was all right with that.

And the king and his nephew, Legolas saw with worry that the two appeared disturbed. Ever since leaving Isengard, though in relief that Saruman was no longer a threat to their lands, they had been uneasy of the crystal ball which Gandalf had taken with him. For countless years, the Rohirrim had been battling the forces of Saruman but now was it all over. Or was it? From Pippin's words, with certainty they knew that Sauron was now going to be keeping his Eye upon Rohan.

While Theoden stood quietly, brooding in deep thought, Eomer paced a few steps back and forth in an agitated manner. Legolas forced his hand from reaching out to still the ever restless young man. Yes, patience was not one of Eomer's better traits.

Looking down to the ground, Legolas couldn't keep his eyes from gazing upon the object of their troubles. The Orthance-stone lay on the ground, and though covered by the cloak which Gandalf had hastily thrown over it, there seemed an aura of a black shadow around it.

Picking up the sounds of an approaching person, Legolas tore his eyes off of the object to see that Gandalf had returned to join them. The wizard looked as troubled as the lot of them did, his bearing tense yet still maintaining that stability Gandalf always seemed to carry with him. "Peril comes in the night when least expected. We have had a narrow escape," Gandalf spoke gravely.

"How is he?" Aragorn asked, everyone knowing exactly who he meant.

"I think all will be well now," answered Gandalf. He sighed. "He was not held long and hobbits have an amazing power of recovery. The memory, or the horror of it, will probably fade quickly. Too quickly, perhaps. Will you, Aragorn, take the Orthanc-stone and guard it? It is a dangerous charge."

Legolas saw Aragorn turned away for a moment, biting his lip in deep thought. Finally the heir of kings spoke, slowly and deliberately. "Dangerous indeed, but not to all. There is one who may claim it by right. For this assuredly is the palantir of Orthanc from the treasury of Elendil, set here by the Kings of Gondor." Softly, his words hardly distinguishable, Aragorn said, "Now my hour draws near."

The Elf watched as the emotions played against the features of the Ranger. Taking the crystal was just one more step towards taking up the responsibilities that came with his birth and heritage. A heritage which Aragorn never wanted. Yet Legolas knew, this was his time. Both Elrond and Gandalf had known his time would come... Arwen knew it.

It was time to begin. Legolas watched as Aragorn lifted his chin and took a deep and thoughtful breath. The Ranger met the wizard's eyes and nodded almost imperceptibly. "I will take it."

Four words, yet spoken with such command and humility. As the wizard uncovered the globe and handed it to Aragorn with a revered bow, Legolas, too, dipped his head in a sign of respect. A sign of respect to his friend and to the future king of Arnor and Gondor. Two roles; one which Aragorn had proved worthy of, another role which Legolas had all faith the Ranger could take up.

"Receive it, lord!" Gandalf said. "In earnest of other things that shall be given back. But if I may counsel you in the use of your own, do not use it... yet. Be wary."

Aragorn took the stone and after peering into it for a few moments, everyone stood still without moving, as if the air itself was holding its breath. Then just as soon as it had taken for Aragorn to take it into his hands, he looked up and Legolas saw with relief that the man's eyes were clear with his usually brightness.

"When have I been hasty or unwary, I who have waited and prepared for so many long years?" Aragorn said with a small quirk at the corner of his mouth.

Gandalf smiled yet replied seriously. "Never yet. Do not then stumble at the end of the road. But at the least keep this thing a secret." Focusing his gaze upon the others, the wizard continued. "You, and all others that stand here. The hobbit, Peregrin, above all should not know where it is bestowed. The evil fit may come on him again. For alas, he has handled it and looked in it, as should never have happened. He ought never to have touched it in Isengard, and there I should have been quicker. But my mind was bent on Saruman, and I did not at once guess the nature of the Stone. Then I was weary, and as I lay pondering it, sleep overcame me. Now I know." Gandalf shook his head in disgust with himself.

"Yes, there can be no doubt," Aragorn said. "At last we know the link between Isengard and Mordor, and how it worked. Much is explained."

For the first time since they had all gathered to find Pippin in his peril, Theoden spoke. "Strange powers have our enemies, and strange weaknesses. But it has long been said, 'oft evil will shall evil mar'."

The wizard chuckled. "That many times is seen. But at this time we have been strangely fortunate. The Enemy, it is clear, thought that the Stone was in Orthanc... why should he not? And that therefore the hobbit was captive there, driven to look in the glass for his torment by Saruman. That dark mind will be filled now with the voice and face of the hobbit and with expectation. It may take some time before he learns his error. We must snatch that time."

Gandalf wrapped his cloak around himself while continuing to speak. "We have been too leisurely. We must move. The neighborhood of Isengard is no place now to linger in. I will ride ahead at once with Peregrin Took. It will be better for him than lying in the dark while others sleep."

The King of Rohan nodded in agreement. "I will keep Eomer and ten Riders. They shall ride with me at early day. The rest may go with Aragorn and ride as soon as they have a mind."

"As you will. But make all the speed you may to the cover of the hills, to Helm's Deep."

At the exact moment Gandalf finished speaking, a shadow fell over them. The bright moonlight seemed to be suddenly cut off. Legolas immediately crouched low, as did the others. Silently the Elf cursed himself for leaving his bow and arrows out of reach. But his instincts told him to remain still and quiet which he did, stretching out with his senses to discover what...

Looking up, Legolas saw a vast winged shape pass over the moon like a dark cloud. It wheeled and went north, flying at a speed greater than any wind of Middle Earth. The stars fainted before it. And as quickly as the thing appeared, it was gone.

Slowly getting up, the Elf kept his eyes trained upon the winged shadow until it went out of sight. Standing as rigid as stone, Legolas slowly turned his head to see his companions' reactions. They, too, were all tensely standing, their faces turned towards the northern sky. Except for Gimli, who held his ax ready in his hand. Legolas shook his head. Did Dwarfs always carry their weapons around with them, even when their weapons were as unwieldy as axes?

Gandalf was the first to speak, and he confirmed all of their fears. "Nazgul, the messenger of Mordor! The storm is coming, the Nazgul have crossed the River!" Gandalf turned and took the king by the arm. "Wait not for the dawn, ride, ride! Let not the swift wait for the slow, only ride!"

Before Theoden could make any sort of reply, Gandalf had already turned away and began running to where the hobbits were, calling Shadowfax as he ran. Going to Pippin, Gandalf picked him up in his arms, ignoring any of the young hobbit's or his cousin's protests. "You shall come with me this time," Gandalf said with urgency. "Shadowfax shall show you his paces."

They began running back to where Gandalf had been laying, Shadowfax already stood there waiting. Gandalf handed Pippin to Aragorn then slung a small bag across his shoulders. The wizard leapt upon the horse's back and gestured for Pippin to get on.

Throughout the whole haste, Pippin had voiced his questions yet not earning any answers. But finally he shook off Aragorn's hands on his shoulders and went to stand in front of his best friend. "Merry, you're coming with us, aren't you?"

Legolas' heart almost broke at the sound of confusion in Pippin's voice. And the look on Merry's voice who apparently understood what was going on.

The Elf turned away and looked at Aragorn. The Ranger met his eyes and showed how he, too, was affected by the imminent parting.

"I'm staying here, Pip," Merry said, trying to keep his face stern.

"We will meet soon, won't we?" Pippin asked desperately.

Legolas watched as Merry blinked rapidly. "I, I don't know, Pip. I don't really know what's going to happen..." The emotions finally took over Merry as the hobbit's voice caught. He took a few steps back.

Taking the hobbit's movements as a sign, Aragorn moved forward and lifted Pippin and set him in Gandalf's arms atop Shadowfax, wrapping him in cloak and blankets.

Then Legolas did something foolish. He looked into Pippin's eyes.

Pippin's eyes were opened wide in surprise as if he still could not grasp the situation. The hobbit cast his eyes around and slowly he began to understand. Once more he looked at his cousin. "Merry!"

Time was wasting. "Farewell! Follow fast!" Gandalf cried out. "Away, Shadowfax!" The great horse tossed his head. His flowing tail flicked in the moonlight. Then he leapt forward, spurning the earth, and was gone like the north wind from the mountains.

Merry took a few running steps in the direction Gandalf and Pippin had gone then stopped. Legolas saw the hobbit's shoulders slump forward. For a few moments, nothing was said. Nothing could be said.

Finally, Merry turned around and tried to put a smile on his face. Instead, all Merry could do was try to keep his lips from trembling. "A beautiful, restful night! Some folk have all the luck. He..." Merry caught himself and took in a ragged breath then continued. "He did not want to sleep, and he wanted to ride Gandalf. And there he goes instead of being turned into a stone himself to stand here forever as a warning."

Seeing just how hard the hobbit was trying to lighten the mood, Legolas and Gimli smiled. Aragorn on the other hand was more serious. "If you had been the first to lift the Orthanc-stone, and not he, how would it be now?" Aragorn said gently. "You might have done worse, who can say? But now it is your luck to come with me, I fear." Aragorn went to stand next to Merry and placed a fond hand upon the hobbit's shoulder, slightly bending forward. "Go and get ready, and bring anything that Pippin left behind."

Theoden appeared beside them. "My mind is set, we shall head out at once." Glancing up into the sky, the king continued, "The coming of the winged shadow has put my heart at unease and it will be best to return to the hills under cover of night."

"And then whither?" Legolas asked softly. For that was indeed the great question upon their minds.

The king of Rohan stood tall as he answered, "War is soon to be upon us, but not in our lands I'm afraid but in Gondor. When we hear the tidings of war, the Riders of Rohan will be ready. Four nights hence, the full muster of Rohan will be at Edoras. We shall be ready."

No more words were spoken as Aragorn and Theoden nodded to each other. Then shouting out orders to his men, Theoden left with Eomer beside him.

Aragorn spoke quietly, as if speaking more to himself than to the others. "So, the king will lead his men to Minas Tirith. But for myself, and any that will go with me..."

Legolas could hardly believe his ears. Was Aragorn even considering that his companions would not go with him? Immediately he interrupted Aragorn. "I for one will go with you!"

"And Gimli with him!" said the Dwarf with a snort. "You're not leaving us behind, laddie."

Aragorn held back a smile at his enthusiastic friends. "Well, for myself, it is dark before me. I must go down to Minas Tirith, but I do not yet see the road. An hour long prepared approaches."

Merry ran to stand beside Aragorn and grabbed him by the shirtsleeve. "Don't leave me behind!" he cried. "I have not been of much use yet, but I don't want to be laid aside like baggage to be called for when all is over." Merry let go of Aragorn then looked down at his feet. "I don't think the Riders will want to be bothered with me now. Though, of course the king did say that I was to sit by him when he came to his house and tell him all about the Shire."

The Ranger once more clasped Merry on the shoulder. "Yes, and your road lies with him, I think, Merry. But do not look for mirth at the ending. I twill be long, I fear, ere Theoden sits at ease again in Meduseld. Many hopes will wither in this bitter Spring."

Despair stole over Merry's features, the same despair that seeped within Legolas' being. The Elf withheld a sigh. Aragorn was right, of course. The end was nowhere in sight.

But Aragorn was not finished speaking. The man smiled a great smile, strange considering the circumstances. Curious to what Aragorn would say next, Legolas stepped closer to his friend. And sure enough, Aragorn did speak.

"So the four of the Company remains and we will ride together. The fact gives me hope, knowing that I am with my friends."

Legolas smiled. Yes indeed, they were among friends. A fact full of hope indeed.

Feeling hands upon shoulder, Boromir immediately opened his eyes and unconsciously reached out to grab his sword.

"Peace, there is no danger."

Hearing Bawuer's voice in the darkness, Boromir instantly calmed down. Sitting up on the bed he had been sleeping in, he rubbed a hand tiredly over his eyes. "You should know better than to wake a man who has barely slept all night."

Bawuer smirked. "That is unless the man doing the waking has some news of great interest to the man who was sleeping."

"News?" Boromir shirked the fact that he had barely gotten any sleep and reached for his boots which he put on. "Has something happened?"

"It seems that the guards at the watch tower caught sight of a rider from the west. And coming in this direction in great hast."

As Bawuer spoke, Boromir stood up and grabbed his vest which he pulled on then buckled his belt and scabbard around his waist. "Was the rider recognized?"

Bawuer gestured to a basin of water and a towel he had left on a nearby washstand. Nodding his head in thanks, Boromir began washing his face, the cold water making him feel more awake.

"Well, all they could make out at the moment is that the horse is running like the wind. And believe me," Bawuer said with all seriousness, "if the Rohirrim watchman believes a horse to be galloping like the wind, there is no mistaking how fast this rider is approaching us."

Boromir took the towel from Bawuer's outstretched hand. "That fast?" Thoughtfully he wiped his face. He looked into his friend's face to see that Bawuer had a strange expression on his face. "You have some idea who it is, don't you?" Boromir asked.

Bawuer waved his hand as if to fling away the idea. "It was only a thought, and I cannot say it is even for sure..."

"Just tell me, Bawuer."

For a moment Bawuer was silent. Then finally, he spoke slowly and quietly. "It is just the grasping of an idea but it may be one of the Mearas..."

Understanding came to him and Boromir froze. "You do not think it's Mithrandir, do you?"

Shrugging, the blonde haired man replied, "It is only a guess. But I only know of one horse who possesses such speed and that is Shadowfax. One more fact which supports my thinking is that this rider approaches from the west." Bawuer shook his head. "I do not know."

"Well, let us go found out, shall we?" Boromir tossed the towel onto the washstand and was about to leave the room when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around he saw Bawuer holding his cloak out for him. Smiling, Boromir took the cloak. "You would make a good manservant if I may say so."

Bawuer wrinkled his nose but in good humor. "That is something you should not say much to men of war, my lord. It could be taken the wrong way."

His words earned a laugh from Boromir as they made their way out of Bawuer's home. "Forgive me friend, I meant not to insult. I am really just not used to the treatment you are giving me."

More than a little puzzled, Bawuer spoke with curiosity. "I would expect you to be treated with the utmost treatment, considering you are... well, you know..."

Boromir smiled at the way Bawuer had suddenly become uncomfortable. "Considering I am... who I am, I tend to keep to myself. And yes, I am treated like royalty. But in truth, I would much rather be treated as a friend." Boromir slowed down for a moment as he reflected on his own words. "Yet in war, there is no time for friends."

Bawuer was silent then finally said, "I cannot say I agree with you, but I think I can understand your position."

Once more, the pace was quickened towards the watch tower. The time in which it took to get there being used for deep thought. Boromir had spoken truth, being the Captain of Gondor and son of the Steward, Boromir rarely had a chance to really get to know the people. Oh, it was true, he probably knew most of his household and his men by name. As leader it was of vital importance to stay in touch with his 'people', to let them know he cared for them which he did with all his heart.

Yet, could they really be called his friends? No, and that was the sad truth. The only person he could honestly say was his closest friend was Faramir. And only recently when he had joined the Fellowship had he learned even more of the treasure he had never really known. And he had thrown it all away...

Though he ever so wanted to keep the friendship the Company had shared, he doubted he could ever be called any one of their friends. And the thought only made his heart hurt even more than it had yesterday, or the day before, or the many days before. And everyday that pain would get worse.

Pain healed with time, that was what he had always heard yet never had applied to himself. And now that he was indeed applying it to himself, he found that there really seemed to be no truth in the saying.

Soon, he and Bawuer had reached the guard tower. They took the steps up to the top where several men, including Elfhelm, stood looking towards the western sky. For a split second, Boromir's eyes strayed to the eastern sky when at that moment, a few rays of the early dawn graced Edoras with its presence.

Tearing his eyes off such a beautiful sight, Boromir turned to see that Elfhelm was watching him. "Has the rider been identified?" Boromir asked, moving to the fence which looked to the east.

A young lad who appeared to be no less than eighteen pointed out the rider for Boromir. "Truth be told, my lord, that stallion can be no other than Shadowfax himself. The silver of his coat, the length of his strides, his burning pace, the fluidity of his movement... nay, it could be no other!"

Boromir strained his eyes and indeed, the lad was right. No horse could move in such poetry of motion.

"Last I know of, the wizard, Mithrandir, was riding the Lord of the Mearas," Elfhelm spoke up from behind Boromir.

"Aye, that indeed," Boromir answered truthfully.

"Then if it is indeed Shadowfax, he and his rider should be arriving here..."

"My lord, if I may be permitted to speak, but I do not believe Shadowfax is carrying only one passenger," the lad spoke up.

Not only Elfhelm but everyone else who heard the boy narrowed their eyes. "What do you mean, Gelduin, what do your young eyes see," Elfhelm ordered.

The lad once more looked to the figure of the rider and for a few moments stared intently. Then finally, with a decisive nod, he answered, "I believe there is another passenger, but not a man. No, he must be a child, judging from his size."

"A child?" Boromir queried, a sudden strange feeling settling in his stomach.

"Aye, my lord, either that or a man of very short stature," Gelduin said.

Boromir sighed deeply, having an idea to whom Gandalf was riding with. "It is no child, nor is it any man." Saying thus, much to the astonishment of the other soldiers, Boromir began running down the stairs to the eastern gate, Bawuer right at his heels.

Pippin finally felt them slowing down and dared to open his eyes, only to close them tightly shut again. A pale gleam of gold from the early morning hours warmed his face for a few more seconds before leaving him slightly chilled again.

Once more, he opened his eyes, greeted with the sight of a large town upon a hill. He could make out one great house that appeared to be made of gold. In awe, Pippin could not keep from exclaiming out loud. "The house of Eorl you spoke of, look Gandalf!"

"Yes, indeed, young Peregrin," Gandalf spoke into his ear, seeming to be slightly preoccupied.

Pippin did not comment, but instead kept his gaze on Meduseld. "The glimmer of dawn is upon the golden roof, just like you said it would!" But even the beautiful sight could not shake off the extreme tiredness from the sleepless night. "Oh, Gandalf, I hope you did mean it when you said that we may stop here."

Gandalf chuckled. "Do not tell me that you are tired, Pippin? It was only a few hours before where you could not withhold from questioning me about, what was it you said? 'The names of all the stars, and of all living things, and the whole history of Middle Earth and Over-heaven and of the Sundering Seas'.

The hobbit stifled a yawn. "Yes, but that was hours ago. Now I only wish to know when I may get some sleep."

"Very soon, Pippin, very soon."

Reasonably satisfied with the wizard's words, Pippin pulled his cloak tighter around him and closed his eyes. He wished that Merry was here with him. Gandalf had actually proved to be quite a conversationalist last night, yet now, once again, he had a mask of seriousness about him. Sighing, he again wished that Merry was here to take his mind off of where he and Gandalf were headed. What had Mithrandir said? Oh yes. 'Every stride of Shadowfax is bearing us nearer to the Land of Shadow'.

Land of Shadow. Pippin barely withheld a shiver which coursed through his body.

The wizard must have felt it for he spoke into the hobbit's ear. "We have reached Edoras, young hobbit. There you may regain your strength."

Indeed they had ridden up to a large gate. Someone seemed to have seen them coming for when but a short distance away, the gate slowly swung open to let them in. Pippin's eyes first fell upon the figure of a large man, tall and broad shouldered with blue eyes. The man spoke. "Mithrandir, it is an honor to have you here with us."

"Elfhelm, it is good to see you here, and to see that Edoras is safe." As Pippin looked up into Gandalf's face, he saw for a fact that the wizard did seem pleased. The hobbit suddenly saw the Gandalf's gaze shift. A look of surprise first crossed over the wizard's features, quickly replaced by one of delight. Curious as to what the elder was looking at, Pippin was just about to follow his gaze a shadow fell over the town.

Knowing instantly what it was, Pippin felt himself panicking as the winged shadow passed over them once more. A screeching sound so terrible and great filled Pippin's ears. So loud that it was physically painful, Shadowfax reared up, making Pippin lean forward so as not to fall off.

Pippin heard Gandalf cry out, "Lavlaisi, take him!"

Having no idea who Lavaisi was, Pippin concentrated on hanging on for his dear life. He brought his hands up to his ears to block out the sound. Yet to no avail it was as the noise still buzzed in his brain.

After rearing up again, Shadowfax finally landed on all fours. Immediately Pippin felt hands grab around him and pull him off the horse. Trusting this man to be Lavlaisi who Gandalf had called out, too, Pippin did not struggle and allowed himself to be carried underneath a covered doorway.

Then, as if nothing had happened, the light of dawn once more shown upon the town, the winged shadow gone. Slowly, Pippin uncovered his ears and cracked open an eye. The soldiers of Edoras all were cowered under various archways and doorways. The only one remaining out in the open was Gandalf and Shadowfax, both who appeared calm and relaxed much to Pippin's amazement.

Feeling the man, Lavlaisi, backing away, Pippin turned to him and saw that the man's face was covered by a hood. Curiously, the hobbit also saw that the man seemed to be bending his head down low on purpose.

Shrugging off Lavlaisi's strange manners, Pippin gave him a smile. "I thank you, kind sir. Am I wrong to assume you are Lavlaisi?"

Lavlaisi suddenly bent down on one knee before Pippin, yet remained silent. The hobbit began to become worried. He stretched out with one hand to touch the stranger's shoulder. "Are you all right? I do believe the danger is gone, though I may not be such a good judge of danger myself. I tend to trip over danger wherever I go."

Hesitantly, a voice came from underneath the hood. "You have not changed, dear Pippin."

Alarmed, Pippin took one step back. "How do you know my name?"

The man did not speak for some time and for a moment, Pippin was afraid he wouldn't answer. But before he could repeat the question, the man spoke softly, and to Pippin's ears, the words seemed... sad. "Maybe it is better you do not remember me."

That voice, that voice... Pippin knew that voice! In the back of his mind, Pippin knew that he should know that voice. Lavlaisi began to get up but Pippin grabbed the man by the shoulders. "I know your voice. Please tell me who you are."

Slowly with what might have been apprehension, the man lifted his head. Pippin could hardly make out a dark beard, a firmly set mouth, and a very straight nose. But it was not enough. Boldly Pippin took the edges of the hood and pulled it behind the man's face.

Green-grey eyes met his own and Pippin felt his world spin. It could not be... yet there he was, right before him! With some fear that this man would disappear before his very eyes, Pippin reached out to touch the man's cheek. He was real!

The man gave him a small smile he knew so very well. "Hello, Pippin."

Finally, matching the voice with the face, the reality of it all struck Pippin into the very core of his being. And he could not contain the joy any longer.

"Boromir!"

Throwing his small arms around Boromir's broad shoulders, Pippin hugged him and did not let go. No, he was not letting him go, not after he had found him! Moments later, Pippin felt Boromir wrap his own arms around the hobbit, and Pippin felt that everything would be all right.

Yet the curiosity bubbling inside him threatened to burst. Pippin broke the embrace and once more said his friend's name as if to make sure it was all real. "Boromir, how is it that...."

"Not so loud, my friend," Boromir spoke in a whisper. "I know you have many questions, but I do not go by 'that' name here, I go by the name of Lavlaisi."

"But I don't care," Pippin resolutely shook his head then smiled. "You are my friend, Boromir, and that is all that matters." Then he pursed his lips grudgingly. "But if I really must, I shall call you Lavlaisi. But you never told me about that name? I've never heard..."

Boromir laughed, causing Pippin to stop his lips from speaking. "The same you are, Pippin. You have not changed. You still talk a mile a minute."

The hobbit again wrapped his arms around Boromir. "I just can't believe you're here. I'd never thought to see you again!" Pulling apart, Pippin cast his eyes over his friend's face. Frowning slightly, Pippin spoke. "But I do think you've changed."

"How so?" the man of Gondor asked softly.

Cocking his head from side to side, Pippin looked into Boromir's face intently, wondering how he could explain it. "I don't know exactly. Maybe it is your eyes. They look more..." 'Lost', was the word which came to Pippin's mind, but he did not say it out loud. But after thinking it over, he decided that was the only word that seemed to fit the description of those green-grey eyes which used to hold such confidence. And that bold confidence did not seem to be there any more.

"Do not be afraid to tell me."

"Well... your eyes seem different than before. I mean, your eyes haven't changed of color or anything like that. But before, you seemed so assured in yourself, and now they look..."

Boromir finished the sentence for him with a sad smile. "Lost?"

Pippin blushed then nodded. How would this man take it, having been told such a thing?

But he need not have worried for the Gondorian man calmly laid his hands on Pippin's shoulders. "To tell you the truth, little hobbit, I'm afraid I do feel a bit lost at the moment." Suddenly, Boromir frowned then moved one of his hands on top of Pippin's head then quickly looked the hobbit up and down. "My, I do believe you've grown since the last I saw you! I did not think you would grow any more than you were."

Standing proudly, Pippin spoke. "You would not believe the adventures Merry and I have had! But I'm sure they're only half as exciting as yours must have been." Remembering the last time he saw Boromir, Pippin became serious. "You took two arrows while fighting those dreadful Uruk-Hais, and while protecting Merry and me."

Boromir dropped his eyes to the ground. "And I failed in – "

Grabbing the bigger man by the shoulders, Pippin vigorously shook his own head. "You WERE protecting us and taking two arrows for us is NOT called failure! Even I am not so dense to think that what you said is true!" Quieting down, Pippin whispered, "You could have been killed."

A strange expression fell across Boromir's features. "I could have been killed, yes. And I would have died for you."

The two friends could only look into each other's faces for the longest time. No words needed to be spoken, nothing needed to be said. All Pippin could feel was a profound joy in finding his friend.

"I see you two have finally found each other, and thank the Valar for that."

Pippin turned as did Boromir towards Gandalf who had walked up to them. The hobbit looked at the wizard with curiosity as he saw that Gandalf did not seem at all surprised to see Boromir. "Indeed, well met Gandalf!" Boromir said, standing up to give the wizard a bow.

"A though it would be a while longer before I would see you again," Gandalf said with a knowing smile, "but my heart is glad to see you here."

The hobbit looked back and forth between his two taller companions. "Don't tell me you knew all along that Bor… I mean… Lavlaisi?..." Looking to Boromir to make sure he had said the name right, he continued. "But, Gandalf, you knew he was all right! Why, I almost died when I saw that Aragorn and the others didn't have him along! Oh, the others!" Pippin widened his eyes. "The others don't know he's safe! Gandalf, wizard or not, how could you keep it a secret?!"

Gandalf chuckled. "It was not a secret, for not once did anyone ever ask me what I knew of Boromir. And the fact of the matter was, I think it was something best to be told by Boromir himself."

Pippin pouted. "I'm not really sure about that. I think it terribly unfair."

"Forgive us, Pippin," Boromir said kindly trying to smooth over Pippin's feelings. "For it was more my fault than Gandalf's. If you were to know of my being alive, there was also something else you needed to know. And it is something I very much need to say in person."

In Boromir's eyes, Pippin saw a flicker of shame and he could not comprehend it. Shame? Why should Boromir be feeling that way?

Any more thoughts were cut off as Gandalf spoke. "The two of you have much to catch up on. I have many details to take care of, and Pippin and I do not leave till the sun has set."

Someone walked up to Boromir's side and from what Pippin could tell from his looks he appeared to be of the Rohirrim. The soldier spoke into Boromir's ear and got a nod from the Gondorian warrior. "Come along, Pippin, there is a place where we can have some privacy. You can rest there and," the next words were said with a significant glance at the hobbit, "we can talk."

"Yes, go along," Gandalf said, more with a commanding tone than one would used to recommend something. "I shall be there shortly."

"Oh, yes, do!" The depressing prospect that he and Gandalf would be leaving that night immediately left Pippin's thoughts. "Again it would be the Fellowship once more! Well, I mean, not the Fellowship exactly, but part of it! The three of us all together!"

"Indeed, young Peregrin Took, indeed you are very correct," the wizard said with a smile which Pippin answered with a happy expression of his own. But his glee faded when he saw the look on Boromir's face, a look of what might have pain. Pippin wondered just exactly Boromir needed to say to him...

As soon as Gollum left to find some food, Sam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well, Mr. Frodo, he's gone. You really should eat some more of those nice lembas."

Frodo gave a somewhat weak smile that almost tore at Sam's heart. "Sam, you worry too much, I'm all right."

Sam shook his head. "I beg to differ, Mr. Frodo. You need your strength. Here," Sam broke off some pieces of the Elvish food and handed it to Frodo.

After making sure Frodo ate at least a few bites, Sam allowed the other to rest. It took only a few moments for Frodo to fall asleep.

Sam kept a sharp lookout for some time for the illusive Gollum yet the creature failed to return. Irritably wondering of the sneaky Gollum had left them for good, Sam put his gaze on Frodo.

Frodo's face was peaceful, the marks of fear and care had left it. But it looked old, old yet somehow beautiful, as if the chiseling of the shaping years was now revealed in many fine lines that had before been hidden, though the identity of the face was not changed.

Sighing deeply to himself, Sam made a promise to himself, the same promise he vowed to himself almost every single day. Never would he leave Frodo, and never was he going to let anything happen to him. He knew not what had happened to the other members of the Fellowship. For all Sam knew, he might never see them again.

So the two of them remained. And it was going to remain the two of them until this journey was completed. Sam vowed to himself he would see this mission through to the end with Frodo next to him.

Author's Note: So, did you like it? I hope you did! I know how much you've probably been waiting for Boromir to reunite with the other members of the Fellowship. Well, he's finally joined up with Pippin! Did you like the meeting? I guess you guys didn't really expect it so quickly! Hee hee! I apologize again if I've stretched it out. :P

I kinda ended it at a cliffhanger though, sorry about that. I'm sure you're all wondering how exactly the future conversation between Boromir and Pippin will take place. Well, that will come out in the next chapter, don't worry!

The last part of this chapter with Frodo and Sam might have seemed out of place, but I needed to add it in because I wanted to name this chapter 'The Scattered Fellowship'. And to do that I would have to have included everyone, including Frodo and Sam. So I hope you don't mind it at all.

Replies to my 'Family of Reviewers':

Racetrack's Goil Hey, you always seem to be the first reviewer for every single chapter I update! Hee hee, that's ok though! I can't thank you enough for always reviewing and encouraging me on through your… ah… hmmm… 'interesting' reviews. So, were you surprised about who Boromir meets? Didn't expect it, didya? All right, you must have REALLY been hyper when you wrote the last review! Bawuer does NOT have that kind of strange past! But it was funny to read, ha ha ha! Denethor a rotten cabbage? I haven't heard that metaphor before? Anyway, will work on "Never Bet On Love" next. Ta ta!

Melian the Maia You only read the Pippin part! Hee hee! I kind of expected it since your favorite character is Pippin. :P Yes, you're very bad. Lol Anyway, here's more Pippin cuteness, I hope you liked it!

KendraC I'm glad you're enjoying my story so much, it's so nice having such wonderful faithful reviewers such as yourself. sigh yes, Faramir is so cool, I do so want to see David Wenham as Carl in "Van Helsing". But alas, the movie won't come out in Japan theaters until... SEPTEMBER! They've got to be crazy. So sniff sniff, I have to stay satisfied with reading the book over and over and over and over... :P Faramir won't meet Frodo and Sam for a little while longer, but probably in the next three chapters or so. Write a chapter in Gollum's POV...? Interesting... I'll think on it! Well, you were right in saying that Boromir in Edoras sets him up to meet a lot of other characters. But he meets Pippin first! The idea chanced upon me as I was reading over the books and I read a small part which said that Gandalf and Pippin stopped over at Edoras! And I was like, 'Hey, I've left Boromir there, they're bound to meet!' Oh, yes, I've read through halfway of "Son of Gondor". :P I totally agree with you about the OC moment. Legolas and Gimli TICKLING Boromir? That is just so wrong.... lol You asked some questions about Bawuer's family. Yes indeed, you'll be reading more about them, that is, if my reader's don't detest them too much. :P Don't get me wrong, I think they're wonderful characters, yet I'm always a bit apprehensive about how readers will react to OCs. We'll see though. Thanks for the compliment about my adding onto the books! I didn't want to copy too much from the book so I just added in snippets of my own thoughts, including lots of action which Tolkien didn't include during dialogue. It was lots of fun to do. Anyway, once again, thanks for always reviewing!

Lada Thanks so much for the review! I'm glad you liked the parts about both the two brothers reflecting on their thoughts of home. Merry and Pippin had a lot of respect and love for Boromir, I definitely agree with you on that point. I'm having lots of fun fleshing out those relationships! Boromir is indeed full of life, hee hee! Hope you liked this chapter!

Daughter of Olorin Thanks for the review! It's ok about not reviewing for every single chapter, I understand totally if you're busy. Hmmm... about the Haradrim being evil. The book mentions them to be Evil men, and also, from what I saw in the Return of the King, they seemed pretty evil to me. But you have a good point, the Haradrim thought that if they weren't with Sauron, they would be killed. Hope you liked this newest chapter!

Spry Sprite Thanks for the review! Hee hee, so sorry if the whole mystery behind Bawuer's family is driving you nuts. :P I have to keep some of the suspense. Glad you like the brothers' viewpoints of home. Here's the new update, hope you enjoyed it!

Michaela90 hee hee, a hopeless fangirl, huh? I know what you mean about how hard it is to get posters, it's nearly impossible to get some here in Japan. At least, the good ones. Do you know what I do? I always buy the calendars of my favorite movie/actor, then when the year's up, I hang the pictures of instead. My whole room is covered in calendar pictures (including a good one of Boromir) and pictures I've printed out on my printer. Sorry, went off topic. :P Thanks so much for reviewing, I'm glad you're liking my story so far! Well, here's the Boromir/Hobbit reunion you wanted! Were you surprised I got it up so soon? Well, it wasn't as 'fluffy' as you probably wanted it but I just couldn't it get it that way. I don't know, it just wouldn't have seemed to fit with my story, sorry bout that.

Sz2000 Glad you liked the previous chapter! Yes indeed, Faramir's hope is with Boromir, can't wait to write their reunion. :D More of Bawuer is coming up too, never fear! You have a horse? Ultra cool! I do so want a horse, but Yokohama is a bit too crowded to own a horse. :P I hope you liked this new chapter, I'm hoping to get the next one out as soon as possible (but I do have a few tests this week and next week. :S Ah well...)

AAAClub You've been dying to know when Boromir meets the Fellowship, well, here's the chapter you've been waiting for! I hope you liked the reunion between Boromir and Pippin, though there's still a lot more for them to clear up between them. Thanks again for reviewing!

Diadora I understand totally. I have a lots of stories I simply love to read, but the authors either quit suddenly with some excuse or stop updating totally! ARGH, it's so frustrating! But don't worry, I'm definitely going to finish this story. So, what did you think about the reunion between Boromir and Pippin, did you like it? I hope you did, thanks so much for being so patient with me and always reviewing.

hornofgondor2 Glad you liked the Faramir/his rangers scene! Poor Pip indeed, but I've taken away much of his pain now that he knows that dear Boromir is alive and well. Cool, you're getting the whole Sharpe series! It's past your birthday now, May 11th, so I'm sure you've seen a lot of them by now. Tell me how they are, ok?

orlandos-girl21 Thanks so much for the many reviews! I'm so pleased that you're liking my story so far! Oops, my bad on spelling Namarie incorrectly. :S When I go over my story to fix the typos and stuff, I'll remember to change that part. Thanks! Wow, it's cool you've memorized stuff from the book, even more cool that you know when I've used it in my story! Anyways, hope you liked this new chapter!

Morwen Eleniel Thanks for reviewing my story yet once again! I'm glad you liked the previous chapter with the 'home' theme. Poor Boromir indeed! A cool theory about Bawuer, but sorry, I can't divulge any information to tell you if you're right or wrong. :P You'll see though, more will be explained! Yes, I'm definitely making Denethor a deeper character. Glad you liked the way I handled the Dunlending characters! Hope you enjoyed this newest chapter, the big 3 – O!

er... i can't think of any name I'm glad you liked the Pippin part, hope you enjoy this chapter.

Acacia Jules Not a Faramir/Eowyn fan? That's interesting. I'm not telling which it's gonna be, either Boromir or Faramir getting Eowyn, but I hope you like the way I've planned it. But one thing you wrote about Faramir getting beat at swordfighting by Eowyn. Let me write you a passage from the book: 'And Eowyn looked at him and saw the grave tenderness in his eyes, and yet knew, for she was bred among men of war, that here was one whom no Rider of the Mark would outmatch in battle.' That line sort of proves to me how much of an able warrior Faramir is, worthy of Eowyn. Both are warriors, yet each seek so much for tenderness and love. But that's just my opinion. Anyway, on to my fic. I'm glad you're liking my story, poor Pippin indeed! But at least he's found out that Boromir is alive! I agree, some people are just too hard on Boromir just because he was tempted by the Ring. In a way, he had the most to lose if the Ring fell into Sauron's hands, his whole land would be destroyed, all his people killed! He knows more about the people of Gondor than Aragorn does in my opinion. Anyway, hope you liked this new chapter!

balrogthane Thanks so much for reviewing! That's so cool you're a Christian, so am I! My father is a pastor of our church, Kanto Christian Church which is in Yokohama Japan. Anyway, glad you're liking my story!

Willow-41z Thanks for the many reviews! Hee hee, you're not the only person worried if Eowyn will end up with Boromir or not. :P Emotions that I write out in my story are a vital part of my story I think, I'm pleased you think I'm doing pretty well! This story was mean to be an Action/Adventure story, but as I continued to write, I kept feeling like I needed to really flesh out the characters, to give them real emotions and personalities that are real. So now it's more drama than action, I hope everyone doesn't mind! smiles! Again, thanks for the review!

Arinya The relationships of the Steward's family is a great thing to flesh out and I'm having so much fun writing it! Thanks for reviewing, hope you liked this new chapter! Yes, seeing stones are very scary.... wink!