Boromir, Thou Shall Live

By Priscilla Stafford

Author's Note: I sincerely apologize to all my faithful reviewers for taking such a long time in writing and updating this chapter. It was a VERY busy month for me, what with school finishing next week (YAY!), working on my church renovation project (I actually helped put up siding, hauled 2 x 4's, built a deck, etc.), and directing and choreographing my school project of "Newsies" where we're making a short movie with acting, singing, and dancing. So... I've been pretty busy. :P But fortunately, things are calming down (school's over!), and I've finally got time on my computer. HURRAY!

I hope you all like this chapter, I'm sure it's one you've all be looking forward to reading. The long awaited 'Boromir-tells-Pippin-about-his-trying-to-take-the-Ring-from-Frodo'. Hopefully I've written it the way which would be faithful to the characters.

P.S. I've only just realized a few days ago that I never wrote a disclaimer for this story. Stupid me. So anyway, I will be putting in a disclaimer on the first chapter of this story.

P.P.S. In the previous chapter, I wrote that Legolas thought of Aragorn as his king. A wonderful reviewer of mine, Galadrielwannabe, mentioned that the fact is not really correct since Legolas' father, King Thranduil, is the king of the Elvish realm of Mirkwood. So technically, because Aragorn is the rightful king to the human realms of Arnor and Gondor, Aragorn is not Legolas' king. That part has been changed.

32 REVIEWS! The most I've ever gotten, I love you all so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Messages to my reviewers are at the bottom of the chapter, please read!

That's all folks! Now on to the chapter!

Chapter Thirty-One: Difficult Explanations, Difficult Decisions

Boromir watched Pippin clear his plate with the enthusiasm of a person who had been starving for a week. Of course, it was quite the contrary for the little hobbit; he hadn't eaten since yesterday.

The Gondorian warrior sipped his ale slowly while pondering all which Pippin had told him. The little hobbit had certainly gone through much since their separation. While Bawuer had left for some time to find breakfast for the two friends, Pippin had proceeded to tell the tale of Merry and his adventures. From their miraculous escape from the Uruk-Hais, to finding themselves in the companionship of Treebeard, then eventually their reaching Isengard to meet with the other members of the Fellowship, Boromir found himself captivated throughout the hobbit's narrative.

As Bawuer had arrived with some food, Pippin had just begun to end his story where he and the others had camped at the foothills of the White Mountains. Yet the hobbit seemed to become suddenly anxious and simply finished his story saying that Gandalf had taken him to ride ahead of the others towards Gondor. Though puzzled by the young one's strange ending to his equally strange but entertaining travels, Boromir remained silent sure that if indeed Pippin had something important to say, he would have.

Bawuer had left the two of them alone once more and immediately the hobbit began to press Boromir into telling his story. Knowing that Pippin had a right to know, Boromir told how Haldir had saved him and how he had been brought back to Lothlorien to heal. How he had chosen to head for Gondor but upon meeting Gwaihir, changed his decision to help bring aide to Theoden's army at Helm's Deep. How he had ultimately joined Eomer's forces then once more decided to head on towards Gondor, this time with the companionship of Bawuer.

Somewhere in the middle of his story, Pippin had begun to eye Boromir's leftover food which the man had promptly offered to the 'ever-hungry' one. The food was naturally not refused.

And somehow, throughout the whole time they had been together since the early morning, Boromir found himself unable to tell Pippin the thing most deep in his thoughts; the guilt preying in his heart and mind about his foolishness in trying to take the Ring from Frodo.

How would he explain his actions?

How should one explain such actions?

How does someone explain an action which shames him to the inner core of his being? Not really trusting himself to speak upon the subject, Boromir tried to keep an air of composure which belied his true agitation.

Thankfully, Pippin seemed not to notice if anything was amiss. After Boromir's tale, Pippin spoke up with his usual cheer. "It's such a relief to know that you are safe and sound now. It was terrible not knowing whether you were alive or... you know."

Suddenly Pippin's joy was replaced with puzzlement. "But from what you told me, was not Aragorn and the others in Helm's Deep when you also arrived there? How come he did not tell me of your fate?"

An expression of deep thought crossed over the hobbit's face as Pippin furrowed his eyebrows. "But, Aragorn told me he did not know what had happened to you after our being attacked by the Uruk-Hai." Pippin lifted his face to meet Boromir's eyes. "Did you not know that Aragorn was at Helm's Deep? But you must have! But why did you not tell him?"

Boromir turned his head away and closed his eyes from the look on Pippin's face. It was now time for the truth. A thousand scenarios flashed through his mind so quickly it was like a blur. Thousands of Pippin's reactions once he heard of Boromir's actions.

Pippin refusing to believe him.

Pippin staring at him in surprise.

Pippin asking question upon question.

A thousand scenarios, but always ending in the same manner.

Of Pippin turning away from him with hurt written all over his face.

Boromir gritted his teeth. He didn't know if he could handle such a rejection.

A questioning voice reached his ears as Pippin spoke somewhat hesitantly. "When we met this morning, you spoke of something you needed to say to me in person if I were to know your being alive. What is this thing you speak of?"

He could refuse to speak, it would be so simple to brush it all away and tell Pippin that nothing was the matter. Yet Boromir, no matter what he had done, still retained a sense of honor. Honor. Yes, he had some honor left. Pippin had the right to know, if he did not tell the hobbit what had happened right now, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

And he already had too many regrets.

Opening his eyes but making sure he did not meet the hobbit's gaze, Boromir stood up and went to kneel on one knee in front of his friend. Taking in a deep breath, Boromir tried to release as much of his tension as he could. "Pippin, I must tell you what happened before the army of Uruk-Hai came down upon us by the river Isen. You must have noticed Frodo and my absence."

Looking up, Boromir saw Pippin nod. "Yes, I remember. Aragorn seemed... I don't know. He seemed worried."

Boromir smiled wryly. "And with good reason was he worried. For he knew... of my weakness."

Abruptly standing up, Boromir turned away from Pippin, his arms clasped behind his back. Maybe it would be easier if he did not look into the younger one's face. Valar, this was going to be so hard.

"I had wished to speak with Frodo. I wished to tell him that I had noticed the Ring taking hold of him, how I saw him more wearied and exhausted every day. Every step towards Mordor, I knew it was weighing down on him."

The Gondorian captain shook his head. "But as soon as I started actually to speak to Frodo, all my words seemed to come out... different. I found myself telling Frodo that it would be best if we kept the Ring for Gondor, as a weapon against the enemy."

Closing his eyes, Boromir began reliving the incident. How strange it had been when speaking to the Ringbearer, feeling so inexplicably in the right. How his idea of going to Gondor instead of Mordor was the only right path for them to take.

The foolishness, the folly of his actions, his words. The image of Frodo's frightened yet determined face filled Boromir's mind. "It was then that Frodo said, 'You are not yourself'. And it felt like I snapped inside.

"How could this hobbit know anything? He had hardly ever known a life outside the Shire, he knew not of the real world. The world which has long lingered in the threat of a darker force. Gondor has since the beginning fought for the little freedom we have left. The men of Gondor have shed their blood, the women have watched their loved ones leave to die in battle, and the children have grown up never knowing a life without the fear of someday having their villages burned to the ground."

Boromir brought a hand up to brush his bangs from his face and noticed the cold sweat from his forehead wiped upon his hand which was shaking slightly. He felt that his throat dry but he pushed aside all distractions. There was no turning back now. Summoning up all the courage he could, Boromir spoke the one sentence which would decide the future of his relationship with Pippin, a friend he did not want to lose. Somehow his words came out strong and clear for there must be no doubt that Pippin could hear him. "Before I could hardly know what was happening, I grabbed Frodo and... and tried to take the Ring from him."

Slowly he faced Pippin, afraid of what he would see. The hobbit still sat in his chair, but on his face was an expression of utter shock. No words could be formed on Pippin's lips for Boromir saw that the hobbit was completely taken by surprise by Boromir's terrible confession. The silence seemed to stretch on and Boromir found himself unable to remain still, the quietness unnerving him. Pacing the room, Boromir spoke up, more to himself than to the only other sole occupant of the room.

"Frodo had been in the complete right; I had not been acting myself." As he continued to speak, his voice rose as he felt the anger and frustration in himself. "It was foolishness on my part to believe that bringing the Ring to Gondor would save Middle Earth. How could I have been so deceived? Now I can admit freely that it was not Frodo who was coming under the influence of the Ring. Instead, the only one who was falling under its evil spell was I!" Boromir laughed harshly and without humor. "The Ring is powerful, of that I can testify to. It was as if it knew me to the core of my being, and knew exactly how to strike at me! How to control me and take me into its grasp!"

Exhausted by his passionate words, Boromir stopped his pacing to take in deep breaths to steady his breathing. "But no, I am only making excuses for myself," he whispered. "I try to blame the Ring, but there is only one person to blame in reality. I have prided myself as the captain of Gondor, protector of my land. And I could not even guard and protect my own heart from obvious lies and deceit. I had become blinded with my own thoughts, thinking I was the only one with the right to determine the proper course in which to deal with the Ring."

He could not control the sob which escaped from his mouth. "How could I have been so blind?"

For a few moments, Boromir struggled to keep his emotions in check. This was the first time he had actually spoken out exactly what he had been feeling in his heart. Putting to words exactly what he had been experiencing in his heart was so hard.

Suddenly remembering that Pippin was also in the room, Boromir looked down at his feet, still not wanting to face his friend. "I have no right to ask that you accept all that I've spoken. I have told you all I have to say. I can only hope that you..." What? Boromir could find no words to finish what he was going to say. Forgive? Understand? None of the words seemed to feel just right so Boromir just left it at that.

"That is why Frodo signaled to Merry and me to leave him, to let him go on alone," Pippin said from where he had remained seated, his voice scarcely a whisper. The Gondorian warrior looked at the hobbit and saw that he was staring down at his hands which were put flat on the table. "I had wondered what had suddenly made Frodo want to leave without us."

"It was all my fault," Boromir said sadly.

Once more, the room was quiet as neither of them spoke, each filled with their own thoughts. Boromir went back to his seat and sat down, mirroring Pippin by placing his own hands on the table and staring down at them.

It was Pippin who first broke the silence. "I remember when we were in Moria. When we were in that room with the tomb. Curious hobbit that I was, and still am, I couldn't help but go around wanting to look at and touch everything. Do you remember how I..." Pippin cringed slightly at the memory, "caused the skeleton and the bucket to fall down the well?"

Remembering the incident, Boromir smiled a bit. "Yes indeed, I could never forget. You brought down every single orc of Moria down upon us!"

"We all could have died; the mission would have been failed."

All of a sudden, Boromir knew exactly what this was leading up to. He tried to speak. "Pippin, it – "

"Not one member of the Fellowship afterwards blamed me," Pippin interrupted. "You all simply accepted what happened. What else am I supposed to do?"

Was, was Pippin saying he was not angry with Boromir? The man shook his head for he could not understand. Looking into Pippin's deadly serious eyes, Boromir gave him a sad smile. "But it is not the same thing."

"No, of course not," Pippin agreed. Here he sat back into his chair and sighed. "My actions were caused by curiosity and stupidity. You on other hand acted as you did because you thought you were doing what was right for your homeland. You were acting under the influence of wanting to protect Gondor and the people of Gondor."

"Let me tell you something else young Pip," Boromir said after a few moments reflection. "When I tried to take the Ring from Frodo, I clearly remember the words I had said. 'It should be mind. Give it to me.'" Seeing the look on Pippin's face, Boromir could only shrug miserably. "So you see, I was not only acting in the interest of Gondor, I was thinking also in my own interest. I could return to Minas Tirith as a hero in my father's eyes, as a savior in the eyes of my people.

"Both our actions are different. While you acted out of simple inquisitiveness, I acted out of plain selfishness."

The word 'selfishness' triggered another assault of guilt onto his senses, making Boromir feel sick in his stomach. He had to get out of that room, he needed to breath in fresh air. Yet he doubted it would help in the slightest.

But before he could even get up from his seat, Pippin spoke. "I, too, have something I to confess to you."

Puzzled, Boromir asked, "What?"

"I did not tell you the complete truth of how it came to be that Gandalf and I arrived here ahead of the others."

Seeing that Boromir was not speaking, Pippin continued. "When in Isengard, during Gandalf's confrontation with Saruman, Grima Wormtongue threw something at Gandalf, hoping to hit the wizard. But he missed, and I went to retrieve the object."

"What was it?"

"I think that Gandalf called it a palantir."

Boromir raised his eyebrows, more than a little surprised. "A seeing-stone?"

The hobbit nodded then proceeded to tell about what really happened at Dol Baran. How he had almost gone out of his mind with thoughts of the alluring dark crystal and finally, almost against his will, had taken the palantir unnoticed from Gandalf.

As Pippin related to him his feelings when he had looked into the crystal, Boromir couldn't help but move from his seat to go lay an encouraging hand upon the hobbit. But Pippin seemed not to notice the gesture as he looked unseeingly at his hands.

"Looking into that cursed ball defined my most foolish moment," Pippin said sadly. "I was such an idiot. Gandalf was most certainly right in calling me a 'fool of a Took'. And to think! Because of my actions, that terrible..." here Pippin shuddered. "That thing is now on our track. He thinks that I may have the Ring!"

Pippin dropped his head into his hands. "How could I have been so foolish?"

Boromir forced Pippin to look at him. "Listen, Pip. You cannot blame yourself for forces beyond your control. It was the palantir which got a hold of you, it was not of your own doing which tempted yourself to look into that seeing-stone."

The hobbit gave him a lopsided smile. "Tis strange, I was going to say the same kind of thing to you."

The Gondorian stepped back, more than a little surprised. Understanding what his friend meant, he awkwardly looked away.

"It was the Ring which caused you to act the way you did."

"How can you know that?" Boromir whispered with some fear, for Pippin had hit upon the true source of his tortured feelings. "For all you may know, my actions were caused from my true self. I may have been acting from my nature within. The Ring can only be an excuse to cover up my, my own, terrible deed."

Pippin protested, "I cannot believe it. I know you too well."

Boromir shook his head. "You have only known me for little more than four months. Is that long enough for you to truly assure me of your claims of knowing me too well?"

Stubbornly, Pippin crossed his arms across his chest. "Then how can you assure me that is was the palantir which caused me to act so foolishly, and not my own foolish nature?"

Just as stubbornly, Boromir gazed down at Pippin with a hard look. "It is hardly the same thing."

"Why not?"

'And why not indeed?' But Boromir shook that thought away. There was no similarity between his and Pippin's experiences with the evil objects of the Dark Lord. In the standards of the hobbits of the Shire, he knew that Pippin was considered very young. Yet he himself, Boromir the Captain of Gondor, could not be considered a child anymore. A responsible adult he was who for years held the responsibilities no normal person would have to. He had experienced war while Pippin hardly could know the term. Indeed Pippin had fought bravely through their journeys; but Boromir had been learning to fight at the youngest age possibility.

Yes, both Boromir and Pippin's circumstances were very different. There was no similarity to be considered.

But Boromir was tired of where this conversation was leading up to; he no longer wished to argue with his friend. So he only went to kneel before Pippin once more, a friendlier expression on his face. "I regret not being there for you when you had to face the darkness of the palantir controlled by Sauron. I am only glad that you had the others with you. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize again for not making a way for you to not know how I was faring."

Pippin gave him a serious look. "I still cannot understand your reasons, but I shall respect them. What is done is done." He suddenly smiled. "How wonderful it could be if we could turn back the time, wouldn't it?"

Boromir could not help but mimic the hobbit's smile albeit sadly. Such an innocent little remark, but one with such weight behind it. "Aye, indeed it would."

"Maybe I could change everything by wishing I had never left the Shire," Pippin said with a laugh. "Then the Fellowship wouldn't have had to endure all my little 'incidents'."

"I would never trade you with any other person to join us on the Fellowship," the man said. "Many laughs you have given us throughout our journey."

Wrinkling his nose, Pippin said wryly, "Only laughs? Remember my stupid actions like having every single orc attack us in Moria. You should have seen the look on your face when you realized that they had a cave troll with them."

Together they laughed, and Boromir felt himself release some tension with the realization. They were laughing, together, as friends. Ever after his confession, Pippin still was staying here right with him, accepting him even after knowing what he had done.

Still not truly believing how blessed he could be with a friend like Pippin, Boromir said, "Dear Pippin, you are still my friend? Even after..." not knowing how to finish, Boromir only shrugged, hoping the other would understand.

Pippin seemed to, for the hobbit said, "You are sorry for what you did?"

"I have never in my life, regretted something so deeply and so much as I do for my actions against Frodo and even the Fellowship. As you said," Boromir sighed, "if only the wheels of time could be turned back."

"But they cannot," Pippin said with exuberant cheerfulness. "Time is still working the way it's supposed to, and we cannot have it any other way. Else we could really never learn anything. From my experiences I've learned two things. One, never touch anything in a tomb. Two, never, under any circumstance, take anything from a wizard without his knowing it."

Laughing, Boromir replied trying to be serious but utterly failing. "Wise words from a very wise hobbit. Two pieces of advice I shall carry with me for all time."

Pippin looked back at him with shock. "Me? A wise hobbit? No one has ever accused me of that before!"

"And you shall not be accused of that ever again I imagine," a voice spoke out which came from neither Boromir nor Pippin. The two of them looked towards the door to see that Gandalf had entered without being noticed by the two of them.

"Gandalf!" Pippin exclaimed. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to know that all seems to be all right now. Is it?" Gandalf asked with that kind twinkle in his eyes.

Knowing that the question was more pointed towards him than at Pippin, Boromir stood up and answered, "Yes, everything is all right."

The wizard was silent for a few moments then finally nodded. "That is indeed good news." He moved over to the table and took a seat as did Boromir. "I was speaking to Elfhelm and he has given us permission to stay for the day. Pippin and I will be leaving under the cover of dark, only then will it be safe to travel."

"You are heading for Gondor?" Boromir asked quietly.

"Yes."

Pippin spoke up. "Will you be traveling with us, Boromir?"

Glancing at Gandalf for confirmation, Boromir then shook his head. "I seriously doubt if any steed could keep up with the swiftness of Shadowfax. And Gandalf is right in taking you to Minas Tirith with the greatest speed."

Seeing how crestfallen the hobbit looked, Boromir strove to give him comfort. "Do not worry your head, I shall be right behind you and I doubt I should arrive no later than a few days after you reach your destination."

The hobbit's only response was a broad smile then reached out to finish his drink which had been neglected for some time.

Gandalf was the next to ask a question as he turned towards Boromir. "Are you planning to travel with Bawuer?"

Giving an affirmative, the wizard gave a small smile. "I spoke to the soldier and I found him quite to my liking. It is a good thing for you to be riding with him."

"Bawuer was the man who brought us breakfast, was he not?" Pippin asked.

"That's right."

As Pippin furrowed his eyebrows as if in deep thoughts, Boromir said, "I know that look by now. Come, what is it you wish to ask now?"

"I wonder at your encouraging him to try to find an answer for everything under the sun and the moon," Gandalf said with humor. "Believe me when I say he has an insatiable curiosity."

Pretending not to hear the wizard, Pippin said, "I have only one question."

"What is it Pippin?"

The hobbit lifted his plate. "Do the Rohirrim serve second breakfasts?"

From the high chamber of the Burg, Aragorn looked down at the bustle of activity at Helm's Deep. King Theoden had long since sent out a thousand soldiers to Dunharrow. Yet at least five hundred men still remained to leave with the king in a short time. And before they departed, there was much to do.

"My lord?"

Aragorn heard the questioning voice of Halbarad, his trusted companion, behind him. Commander of the Grey Company, a company of the Dunedain of the North, Halbarad and his men had found Aragorn in the early morning at the Fords of Isen. They had been summoned by the Lady Galadriel to join Aragorn. How pleased he had been to see his kinsmen coming to his aide.

They had traveled together to Helm's Deep where Theoden sought to find some rest before they continued their journey to Dunharrow. But Aragorn could not find solace in the room he was allowed to stay in. Instead, he found neither rest nor comfort so instead had asked to be allowed to go to the high chambers of the Burg. Only Halbarad had followed him there, and seen everything.

Even now, Aragorn felt wearied from his earlier struggles. A struggle somewhat grimmer for his part than the battle of the Hornburg, Aragorn had looked in the Stone of Orthanc.

A bitter battle it had been, and he remembered how he had not spoken one word to Sauron. Many times did the Dark Lord try to force him to speak, yet Aragorn had ultimately won the battle by wrenching the Stone to his own will. The fact along would make it hard for the evil one to endure.

Aragorn had shown himself and the re-forged sword of Elendil, though he had presented himself in another guise. Yes, Sauron had not forgotten Isildure and the blade of Elendil. He was not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt would ever gnaw on him now.

Suddenly remembering that Halbarad had spoken to him, Aragorn in some embarrassment turned to face the curious looks pointed at him. "Forgive me, friend. My mind wandered and I almost forgot your presence."

"If you wish me to depart – "

"Nay," Aragorn interrupted. "Though in my mind I forgot I was not alone in the room, in my soul I have felt the comfort you have been giving me through your just being here."

Bowing, Halbarad asked somewhat hesitantly, "Is all well with you? It is long since you looked away from the Stone to take up a post at the window."

Knowing it to be true, the Ranger sighed. "Much to think about I had." Smiling in a wistful manner, Aragorn looked out again from the window. "I never imagined myself in this situation."

"Your time has been drawing near for so long, you cannot be too surprised that you are here now, in the ultimate moment of your destiny," Halbarad said softly.

"Yes, and here I am now. Wishing things were so much simpler than the situation demands at the moment."

Halbarad remained silent, and for that Aragorn was thankful. So many choices he had to make, choices which he wished some other one would make. If only Gandalf were here to give him some advice.

But it would do no good to wish for things which cannot happen. Now was the time to worry about; now was the time to act. There was a decision to be made.

"Come, it is a full hour past noon. The others will be waiting for us."

Halbarad handed Aragorn his cloak. "No, they are waiting for you." Here Halbarad suddenly smiled. "And they have been waiting a long time for their king."

His implied words made Aragorn pause for a mere second before taking the offered cloak. Yes, many had been waiting for the return of the king. But... why did he not feel comforted by that knowledge?

The older Ranger held out a great staff to Aragorn. Its appearance was like that of a standard but it was close-furled in a black cloth bound about with many thongs. Aragorn recalled Halbarad's words when Aragorn had first looked upon it when they had met at the Isen. 'It is a gift that I bring you from the Lady of Rivendell. She wrought it in secret, and long was the making. But she also sends word to you: The days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hopes end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Farewell, Elfstone!'

Sweet, sweet Arwen! Aragorn closed his eyes and remembered how bright her eyes had been when they had met privately before their separation in Rivendell, unshed tears threatening to spill from beneath her lashes. But she had been so brave, and she had smiled at him, so full of love.

Aragorn knew exactly what it was that Halbarad bore and as when he had first beheld the staff, Aragorn shook his head again. "Nay, bear it still for me a little while longer."

Halbarad seemed somewhat surprised yet nodded in acknowledgment.

Outside the door were Aragorn's closest friends standing guard at the door. Legolas and Gimli both bowed to Aragorn, and in both of their faces Aragorn saw a sober determination. They both knew from here on their journey would be even more perilous than before for they were to draw nearer to the Evil Land. The heir of Isildur clasped hands with both before turning to the other two who had waited for him outside the chamber.

The sons of Elrond had traveled far together with the Grey Company but even now looked ready for battle. Dark haired and grey eyed, their Elven faces were fair. They were both clad alike in bright mail beneath cloaks of silver-grey. Aragorn had known both Elrohir and Elladan for many years so that though many could not tell the twins apart, the Ranger could instinctively call out there names correctly.

"Elrohir," he said, nodding to the elder twin. He could always tell Elrohir from his brother for he had an ever amused twinkle in his that few could distinguish except those who knew the twins well. Elrohir gave him a small smile.

Aragorn then nodded to the other Elf. "Elladan." The Elf inclined his head in respect, Elladan the more serious of the two.

At that moment, they all heard someone ascend the steps to the chambers and within moments Eomer made an appearance.

"We are ready," Eomer said simply.

Eomer and Aragorn headed the group with Halbarad half a step behind them. The sons of Elrond took to either side of Halbarad while Legolas and Gimli took up the rear. Many steps they descended and many hallways were passed through before they made it to the gate of the Hornburg.

Aragorn first laid his eyes upon the Grey Company, who had been seated a little apart from the king's men. Yet as they saw their captain coming towards them, they all stood up at attention. With the signal from the Ranger, they all mounted horses their horses, silent yet ready.

Aragorn walked up to King Theoden who was already mounted upon his horse Snowmane, Merry next to him astride his pony, Stybba. Looking at the hobbit, Aragorn saw that Merry seemed startled to see him. Remembering how he must look after his long night of neither rest nor sleep, Aragorn straightened his shoulders and faced the king. "I am troubled in mind, lord. I have heard strange words, and I see new perils far off. I have laboured long in thought, and now I fear that I must change my purpose. Tell me, Theoden, you ride not to Dunharrow, how long will it be ere you come there?"

Eomer spoke. "It is now a full hour past noon. Before the night of the third day from now we should come to the Hold. The Moon will then be one night past his full, and the muster that the king commanded will be held the day after. More speed we cannot make, if the strength of Rohan is to be gathered."

The words did little to ease the impatience in Aragorn's heart. There was simply not enough time. "Three day," he murmured to himself. "And the muster of Rohan will only begin. But I see that it cannot now be hastened." And in that moment, Aragorn found that he had made his decision.

He stepped back a few feet from Theoden and bowed. "Then, by your leav, lord, I must take new counsel for myself and my kindred. We must ride our own road, and no longer in sedcret. For me the time of stealth has passed. I will ride east by the swiftest way, and I will take the Paths of the Dead."

Aragorn saw the looks of pure amazement and horror in the faces of those who heard him. "The Path of the Dead!" exclaimed Theoden as he trembled. "Why do you speak of them? If there be in truth such paths, their gate is in Dunharrow; but no living man may pass it!"

"Ala! Aragorn my friend," Eomer said, pain in his voice. "I had hoped that we should ride to war together, but if you seek the Paths of the Dead, then our parting is come, and it is little likely that we shall ever meet again under the sun."

Determined nonetheless, Aragorn answered, "That road I will take. But I say to you, Eomer, that in battle we may yet meet again, though all the hosts of Mordor should stand between."

There some silence as Aragorn watched different expressions of despair and worry played across the king of Rohan's features. Finally, Theoden spoke. "You will do as you will, my lord Aragorn. It is your doom, maybe, to tread strange paths that others dare not. This parting grieves me, and my strength is lessened by it." Theoden looked away and sighed, then turned to Aragorn. "But now I must take the mountain-roads no longer. Farewell!"

"Farewell, lord!" Aragorn said in a strong voice. "Ride unto great renown." Next he turned to Merry whose face had turned ashen. He knew what had to be done about the hobbit. "Farewell Merry."

Merry started at Aragorn's words, fear written all over his face. But before he could say anything, Aragorn interrupted him. "I leave you in good hands, better than we hoped when we hunted the orcs to Fangron. Legolas and Gimli will still hunt with me, I hope, but we shall not forget you."

The hobbit slumped his shoulders slightly, and he seemed puzzled and depressed by all these gloomy words. But Aragorn could already see that Merry understood he could not argue his way out of it. "Good-bye."

Theoden spoke to Eomer then lifted his hand and cried aloud, and with that word the Riders set forth. They rode over the Dike and soon disappeared from sight, the whole time in which Aragorn kept his eyes upon Theoden, Eomer, and Merry till he could not make them out any longer among the Riders.

Aragorn turned to Halbarad and took a shuddering breath. The separation from Merry was going to be harder than he thought it would be. Merry was the last of the hobbits to leave him, and he would forever miss each and every one of their company. Frodo with his quiet strength, Sam with his reliability, Merry and his loyalty, and Pippin with his playful innocence. "There go three that I love, and the smallest not the least. He knows not to what end he rides, yet if he knew, he still would go on."

Halbarad nodded. "A little people, but of great worth are the Shire-folk. Little do they know of our long labour for the safekeeping of their borders and yet I grudge it not."

"And now our fates are woven together," Aragorn said. "And yet, alas! Here we must part." Once again he turned in the direction the Riders had left.

Finally, when he could no longer bear the thoughts which threatened to show themselves on his face, he turned and began walking away. "Well, I must eat a little, and then we also must hasten away," he called over his shoulder, knowing Halbarad would forever be right behind him.

He called out to Legolas and Gimli who stood not far away. "Come, Legolas and Gimli! I must speak with you as I eat."

Together they went back into the Burg. There was much to talk about for there was much to do.

Author's Note: Well, how did you like it? I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it! As you could tell, I'm going by the book in which the Rohirrim and Aragorn separate at Helm's Deep instead of at Dunharrow. The book version will give me some interesting side plots I can add in now that Boromir is alive.

The next chapter will have more of Aragorn and his leaving Helm's Deep, and maybe some more of Boromir, Pippin, and Gandalf.

I'll try to have the next chapter up as soon as possible though it might be a while since my relatives will be coming from the States to stay at my house. :P My second cousins are younger than me so I'll be babysitting them, hence more time away from my computer. Boo hoo! But please, do not worry! I totally plan on finishing this story, the next chapter WILL come out, and this story will never be abandoned!

Replies to my 'Family of Reviewers':

Galadrielwannabe Thank you for pointing out the thing about Aragorn not being Legolas' king. Your grammatical and storyline advices are much appreciated! I hope this chapter was fun for you to read!

Racetrack's Goil Hee hee! How did I know that you would enjoy the previous chapter so much? :P 'Pippin-meets-Boromir, Boromir-meets-Pippin, with Gandalf at the back'! Glad you liked it so much. This chapter was much more difficult to write but hopefully it came all right. Can't wait till Boromir and Faramir meets? Hmm... it's still a long way off! Hope you can be patient with me! You liked the name Gelduin? I don't know how I thought it up, it just suddenly came to mind when I was trying to think up of some Rohirrim names. Anyway, I'll be off to write the next Newsies chapter next. Enjoy!

Daughter of Olorin I'm glad you liked the way I wrote about the separation of Pippin and Merry. But it was ok right, since Pippin and Boromir are now reunited? I hope you like this chapter with lots more of Boromir and Pippin, though it's a bit angsty. :D

Celebwen Telcontar Yes, it's so nice now that at least Pippin knows that Boromir/Lavlaisi isn't dead! I'm glad you liked the chapter so much. How did you like this chapter?

Tindomiel Welcome to my family of reviewers! I'm so glad you're liking my story! Yes, it's true, neither the book nor the movie explains much about the horn of Gondor being cleaved in two so I decided to write it in my own way. Hmmm... I guess it could be pretty scary if really indeed Boromir had lived. Galadriel probably knew what would happen if he was alive and many of your predications could happen. Denethor wouldn't commit suicide, Aragorn would have a tough time becoming the King of Gondor. Galadriel saw many of 'what could happen?" But in my story, I'm trying to stress the point that it was the Ring, not Boromir, which caused him to act as he did. This is a story of second chances, of how Boromir finds hope even after making such a grave error as allowing himself to be deceived by the Ring. Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying my story so far! I hope you like the rest of the story!

Redone Welcome to my family of reviewers! I'm so pleased that you're liking my story so much! Yes, I've written him more pensive, less self-assured, and penitent compared to how he was before and during the Fellowship. :P It's also a relief to me to write that another person besides Gandalf knows that Boromir is alive. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter!

Arinya Thank you for looking at my drawings! Thanks for the compliments, though I still think I need to have a lot more practice before I can draw Boromir perfectly. I'm in the process of drawing Hector from "Troy" now. His armor is soooo difficult to draw! :P About what you reviewed, "Then Legolas did the foolish". You're right, after reading it a few times over, it doesn't seem to feel just write. So I simply changed it to "The Legolas did something foolish". Someone else with the seeing stones? Hee hee, sorry, I won't reveal much more! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Pallas Analise Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm so glad that you liked the dialogue between Boromir and Pippin, it was lots of fun trying to figure out in my head what they would have said if indeed Boromir had not died. How to pronounce Boromir's Elven name? It's pronounced 'Lav-la-I-si', the 'i' sounding somewhat like an 'e'. I hope that makes sense. Hope you liked more of the dialogue between Boromir and Pippin in this chapter!

Spry Sprite Glad you liked Pippin and Boromir's meeting! Wondering who Boromir gets to be reunited with next? Sorry, I can't tell you but I can only promise that it'll be VERY good. I've got it all planned out! Well, at least, I HOPE it's very good. :P

KendraC Thank you again for your always awaited reviews! I'm honored that you'd read my fic instead of getting much needed rest. :P I hope you did well on your exams! And many congratulations on your graduation! Sorry this chapter wasn't updated before your graduation, but I was pretty busy. I hope you understand. Did you get the Theatrical Release DVD of RotK? I did, it was so good! I love the behind the scenes featurettes, one of them has a very cool David Wenham! Glad you liked my mixing a little of the movie into Gandalf's departure with Pippin. I felt so much that blending the book and movie would work so well at that scene. I was so happy when I got many reviews saying how unexpected it was the Pippin meets Boromir! But of course, it was a good kind of unexpectedness, I'm so honored that everyone liked it so much. I hope this chapter came out all right, with Boromir explaining to Pippin what had happened between him and Frodo near the River. :P I'm a bit worried if it came out all right. I just finished reading "Emma" and "Pride and Prejudice". I just loved them both, PaP the most. I can't wait to get the movie with Colin Firth in it since I just love Colin Firth, he's such a great actor. Now I definitely have to read some JA fics, please put your stories upon the net so I can read them! Once again, thanks for always reviewing! Hope you liked this chapter!

Morwen Eleniel/Lady of Gondor Ha ha! Experimenting with screen names, huh? I hope you find just the right name for you! Glad you liked the meeting with Pippin and Boromir so much, glad it had just the right amount of fluff. I don't think I'm really a good 'fluff' writer in my opinion. :P What will Boromir's future love look like? I've already decided, but so sorry I can't reveal it yet! Gildor Inglorien of the House of Finrod/Finarfin? I haven't heard of him, I'll have to check him out. ;) Oh, I've read "The Captain and the King"! It's a marvelous story! But I haven't finished reading it yet. You see, I'm trying to stay away from too many 'what-if-Boromir-live' stories. I'm afraid my story would come out like I'm mimicking them because I'm trying very hard to be original. But definitely, I'll have to finish "The Captain and the King" soon. Yeah, Boromir being saved my Mary Sues are soooo cheesy and makes me gag when I read them. An immortality necklace? :P About wanting a good Boromir-lives fic where he's saved by an OC. I'm thinking of writing a Boromir-lives fic with an OC, though it'll be VERY different from other stories written. Maybe I'll write it when I've finished this story. Anyway, hope you continue to enjoy my story!

Michaela90 Thanks for reviewing! Glad you love the previous chapter! Ha ha! Yes, I guess I do but an 'insane' amount of angst upon my characters' shoulders. :P I'm really not a 'fluff' writer, although I can say I'm not too much of an 'angst' writer either. Thanks for the compliment! I meant to surprise my readers by not letting them even suspect that Pippin would meet up with Boromir so soon. Surprised you guys! Elf guy with the girlfriend... HALDIR! :P I almost forgot about him too, poor guy. Do you think I should write more about him?

Lady Laffs-a-Lot Thanks for the review, I'm glad you're happy that Boromir has finally reunited with another member of the Fellowship!

Aelimir I hope you're better now! Don't worry about not writing a review for ever single one of my chapters! I'm thankful for any review I get! I thought the idea of Boromir talking about the toys with Bawuer would be cute, I'm glad someone else thought so! Thanks again for more 'horse advice'. Ha ha! No hoses in ME, I never thought of that! Yay, you liked Boromir meeting Pippin! Did you like their conversation in the beginning of this chapter? :S I hope I wrote it down well. Thank you for looking at my artwork! My name, pmochizuki? Well, the 'p' stands for Priscilla, my first name. 'Mochizuki' is my Japanese last name. It's pronounced the way it's read, though the 'z' is somewhat softer than you would usually pronounce 'z'. :D I hope that makes sense! Yes, Pippin does indeed have an insatiable curiosity!

orlandos-girl21 Thanks so much for reviews! I'm flattered you would take the time to try to read at least two chappies a day. No, I haven't read your story but I'll check it out when I get the time! A middle earth high school story, I haven't read any of those kinds of stories yet though I've seen many summaries for them on fanfic. Glad you like my adding in Eomer into my story! I think if Boromir had really lived, they would have been great friends. Ha ha! Yeah, not many people know that Hama dies at Helms Deep and not by a Warg attack. Also about Boromir's sword being notched in Moria. Stupid cave troll indeed... :P

Alex92 Yes, Boromir has finally met someone from the fellowship! How did you like Troy? I think Sean Bean was soooo cool in it!

sz2000 Congrats on finishing your finals in college! Sorry about the cliffhangers. :P I couldn't help it! I hope though that this new update will satisfy you. Cool name, Deathstar! I like Star Wars, too, especially Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi. I hope you like this newest chapter!

Bonnie Lass Thanks so much for the compliment about my story! About Boromir not going with Aragorn and the rest... well, you'll never know! ;)

AAAClub Wow, I'm so complimented that you would put my story on your 'Highly Reommended List'! Thanks so much! Glad you're liking my story, hope you like this new chapter!

Diadora Hello there Diadora! ::gives Diadora a big virtual hug:: Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the Boromir-meets-Pippin scene! Hope you liked part two of their meeting, with Boromir telling Pippin how he tried to take the Ring from Frodo. Aragorn and Boromir's meeting should really be interesting to write, though I think it'll be some more time before it happens. But it is coming, steadily and surely!

hornofgondor2 I'm so happy that the previous chapter was one of your favorites! It's one of mine, too! With Boromir and Pippin reuniting, what could be better? Oooh, Sean Bean is DEFINITLEY drop dead gorgeous. He was great as Odysseus! He does have a good voice, he has such a nice accent! Hope you liked this newest chapter!

The Dark Wanderer Ha ha! Thanks for the 'hint hing' for Boromir and Aragorn to reunite soon! Don't worry, it's coming up although it might be a little while. You're right, I'm sorry I can't reveal how I'm going to have Boromir finally achieve his personal redemption. But I can tell you truly that I've already got it all figured out, and that I have something in mind. I hope you're satisfied with just that! Hope you liked this chapter 31!

ashes Thanks for reviewing! Sorry I couldn't update too quickly, but hopefully the next chapter should be up pretty soon!

Lalaithiel Noleambar :P I hope this story isn't keeping you too much away from you homework. Glad you liked it so much though!

kurupt emocions Welcome to my family of reviewers! Thanks so much for reviewing! Yeah, a lot of other people thought that the stranger meeting Eomer was Halbarad or maybe Gandalf. But it's an author's greatest fun to surprise her readers. Well, in the books it says that Rumil and Orophin spoke Sindarin to Haldir, but I don't think it implies that they couldn't speak Common Speech. Haldir was the only one who spoke the members of the Fellowship, probably because he was the captain and the only one supposed to speak to them. :: shrugs :: I hope that makes sense. Hope you like the rest of my story! And yes, Gwaihir rules!

King-Cold Welcome to my family of reviewers, a fond title I give to my reviewers! I'm so glad you're liking my story! Yes, I never really had much interest in Boromir until I watched Sean Bean play him to perfection in the film versions. That's what really inspired me to write this AU fic where Boromir lives. Hope you like this newest chapter! I most definitely will continue to update this story!

melian murin Wow, I'm so complimented that you would say my story is the 'best Boromir story so far!' Thanks so very very much! As for whether Boromir will be matched up with Eowyn, I can't tell you what I've decided since I'm keeping all of my readers in suspense. :P But whatever I choose, I hope you'll like it since I think it'll come out very nicely. Hope you like this newest chapter!