Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By pmochizuki
Author's Note: Well… I hope the update didn't take too long. Thank you always for being so patient with me! Here's the next chapter where it is now evening, close to the time when Gandalf and Pippin, then Boromir and Bawuer, will be leaving Edoras. I hope you enjoy it!
I now have 505 reviews! Wow! Never thought I'd get this far! Hugs and Kisses to you all!
Special replies to reviewers at the bottom of the chapter as usual!
Chapter Thirty-Two: Lives Are Never Perfect
Bawuer smiled as he saw his home up ahead, happy that he would finally have a chance to sit down. All day he had been with Elfhelm, helping the commander with various duties. Not that there was much to help with, for Edoras had been abandoned completely of all its inhabitants. The only thing they could really do was keep a sharp lookout at all the watch towers, waiting for any signs of friend or foe.
Throughout his time with Elfhelm, Bawuer had felt decidedly uncomfortable by the older man's questions. Elfhelm was indeed a sly and shrewd man, his questions seemed innocent and even conversational. But Bawuer knew that the Rohirrim leader very much wanted to find out more about the mysterious Lavlaisi. There was nothing Bawuer could really do but try to answer as best as possible without really saying anything.
Oh, how his head hurt from the exercises his brain had been going through! Diverting some questions, completely avoiding others. But there was really only so much Bawuer could try to pretend that he had a hearing problem. There really was no way to not answer yet not be rude. Boromir owed him for making Elfhelm think Bawuer disrespectful to his superior.
On the other hand, Bawuer remembered clearly the look on Boromir face when he realized it was the Gondorian's friends who were coming towards the city. It would be impossible to think that a face could express so much delight and so much trepidation. But those were exactly the feelings that were showing themselves on Boromir's face.
No, Bawuer felt it wouldn't be right for Boromir to owe him anything. Boromir had gone through many trials, hard trials most men wouldn't go through; that much Bawuer could decide from what little he knew and could feel about the Gondorian warrior.
But what about your own trials? a small voice in the back of Bawuer's mind spoke. The Rohirrim soldier shook his head. His own trials? He grimaced. He didn't really want to think about it. He had more important things to think about. What he needed to worry about was the present, not of the past.
As Bawuer came to the doorway of his home, he stopped and pressed his ear to the door. He knew that Boromir and his two friends, the little hobbit and the wizard, had been spending time together all day. In the early afternoon he had seen them walking the streets, and he had seen the relaxed looks on all their faces. No, if the three friends were indeed in his home right at the moment, Bawuer would never be one to disturb them. Valar forbid should he interfere in their time together.
Hearing nothing but the sound of his own breathing, Bawuer decided that the house was empty. He opened the door and strode in. But as soon as realized that someone else was inside, he froze.
Bawuer winced as he watched Boromir looked up from where the Gondorian had been seated at the table, a startled look on his face. The younger man bowed his head. "Forgive me, I did not realize you were here. I'll come back later."
Boromir, relaxing when he realized that it was Bawuer. He beckoned for the Rohirrim man to come over. "Please, Bawuer, there is no need for you to leave. Indeed, it is I who should be kicked out, for this is your home." He gave a small smile. "I'm not used to being surprised for I am usual aware of my surroundings. But I feel I was too absorbed in what I was doing."
Glancing at the table, Bawuer saw that there were parchments of paper as well as an inkwell and a quill pen. Realizing that Boromir had been writing something, Bawuer once more tried to leave. "I will be back later. I am interrupting you – "
Boromir looked down at the parchments, an expression of deep concentration on his face. Thinking that the man was lost in thought, Bawuer tried to leave quietly but was soon stopped by Boromir's voice. "No, I am quite done."
"You are sure?"
"If I was not, I would tell you."
Bawuer went over to a chair and sat down. Oh, how good it felt to sit after being on his feet most of the day. His injured foot had begun to twinge irritably, and Bawuer knew he had strained himself a bit too much.
"Where is Gandalf and the hobbit?"
"Gandalf has gone to take care of some details, who knows what. As for Pippin, he is sleeping in the next room. He will be traveling by night, it would be best for him to get as much rest as possible."
After speaking, Boromir pushed another chair towards Bawuer. "Put your foot up for a moment. It should help take away some of the pain."
Annoyed that Boromir had guessed correctly about the condition of his leg, Bawuer rolled his eyes. "You are more persistent than my mother. I'm fine."
Raising his eyebrows as if he didn't believe him one word, Boromir spoke wryly. "Indeed. So your limp is only for show."
"I am not limping."
Boromir shrugged. "Whatever you say." The man began to blot the parchments so that the ink wouldn't smear. After doing so, he folded the papers carefully.
As Bawuer watched the man perform the simple duties with much care and precision, he absently brought his foot up onto the chair which had been pushed over his way. The movement caught the Gondorian's eyes, and Boromir smiled.
Bawuer raised his hands in defeat. "All right, my leg is indeed giving me some pain. But only a little."
Boromir raised his hands in the same manner. "I did not say anything."
Snorting, for Bawuer knew exactly what Boromir was thinking, he spoke. "Like a said, just like a mother."
"No, I am acting like an older brother." Boromir sobered down and looked down at his papers. For some moments neither spoke, Bawuer wondering what the other was thinking about. The older man had suddenly become… 'moody' wasn't exactly the word. It was more like Boromir had suddenly become very… maybe the word was 'melancholy'. And Bawuer couldn't understand it.
Fortunately, Boromir finally spoke up. "Tell me about your family, Bawuer," Boromir whispered, then fixed his green-grey eyes upon Bawuer.
Uncomfortable by the topic which had been brought up, Bawuer brought a hand up to push back his blonde bangs from his eyes. "Well…" he said somewhat nervously. "What would you like to know?"
Boromir gave him an understanding smile. "Anything you wouldn't mind telling me about."
Deciding to speak about Herluen and Morwyn, for it was something he could speak safely about, Bawuer began to speak. "I am an uncle to two fantastic children. Herluen is the oldest, though only nine. A very precocious nine-year-old if you ask me. Just before I left he had announced that it would only be a few years before he became a soldier like me."
Bawuer chuckled at the memory of the incident. Herluen had been so confident, squaring his small shoulders back with pride. Hopefully it would be quite a long, long time before he could leave home to serve in the Rohirrim army. Bawuer wouldn't want to lose him, too…
"The toy horse figure is his?"
"Aye. And the owner of the baby rattle is Morwyn, a sweet young baby, only a year old. She is the cutest little girl in all of Middle Earth in my opinion." Bawuer smiled, bringing up an image of the baby in his mind. "They both have probably already grown so much since I last saw them."
Bawuer looked up to see Boromir listening quite intently, a soft smile upon his lips. "I should like to meet them. Your sister must be so happy to have such wonderful children."
Happy… Bawuer felt his heart fill with sorrow for his sister. Yes, she was happy. Yet she was also so sad…
Heedless to Bawuer's sudden change of mood, Boromir said, "I keep telling Faramir to find himself a wife, and let me enjoy being an uncle. But he only blushes and says 'Maybe some day.'"
An interesting turn of subject though Bawuer was more than happy to change the direction from his family. "You have no wish to have your own children?"
At that remark, Boromir laughed out loud. "First of all, my friend, I would have to find me a wife."
Shrugging, Bawuer said, "You say that as if it is a very difficult task."
"A difficult task I wouldn't care to take up. No. I have yet to meet any woman who comes close to the type of person I would spend the rest of my life with. And besides," Boromir added thoughtfully, "there is really no opportunity for me to look. I would not wish to marry then force my wife to live a life where I am often gone and she is left at home. Wondering whether at any minute that her husband will be killed and she left a widow."
Boromir's words made Bawuer feel cold inside, for they had hit too close to his heart. He closed his eyes and turned his head away. Boromir didn't know just how correct he was…
"Bawuer, are you all right?"
Opening his eyes, he saw that Boromir was regarding him carefully. He forced a smile upon his lips. "I am fine. I'm just feeling a bit tired."
The Gondorian furrowed his eyebrows, lines of worry forming on his forehead. "I must tell you very seriously, Bawuer, that I would not be offended in any way if you choose to remain in Edoras. I can easily continue the journey on my own. You have already done so much for me already and with your injury – "
Bawuer interrupted his worried companion. "There is no way I would allow you to travel on your own. It is perilous enough for two lone men to travel through dangerous lands, let alone one man." Bawuer smirked. "I'm sorry. You are quite stuck with me I'm afraid."
Before he would let the other man speak, Bawuer stood up. "I think your friend is the smart one, getting as much sleep as he can. When will we be leaving this fair city?"
"As soon as it becomes dark."
"Then it will still be a few hours. I will be upstairs resting but I'll be ready to go in time." Bawuer began walking towards the stairs, somewhat glad to out from under the scrutinizing eyes of his shrewd companion. Bed sounded very good at the moment.
"Thank you again Bawuer." Turning around he saw that Boromir was watching him with a look of understanding. "You were kind to tell me about your family. Considering how painful it is to you at times. I thank you." And with a final penetrating look, Boromir turned away.
Curse that man, Bawuer thought with more amusement than annoyance. Careful and precise. And besides that, he was extremely instinctive. If what he had heard was true, it was quite possible that Boromir was as shrewd as the Steward Denethor himself.
"Your welcome, my lord."
Surprised that Bawuer had called him 'my lord', Boromir tried to question the soldier on his choice of words but the other had already ascended up the stairs. Curse that man, Boromir thought dryly. That Bawuer was a very intuitive young man. Intuitive, but he liked him immensely. Probably one of the reasons why he liked him so much. There were so many young men these days with only either a good strong arm or a good head upon his shoulders. Only one or the other. But Bawuer had both, and Boromir couldn't ask for a better companion.
He was no fool to not realize though that Bawuer had some very serious family issues. Whenever the subject on families was brought up, the young man would always become tense and become determined not to speak too much. Bawuer tried to hide it, but Boromir could always tell.
Boromir grimaced for he knew that he himself acted the exact same way as Bawuer did whenever he had to think about his family. He just couldn't help it, and probably neither could Bawuer.
He looked down at his hands and realized he had begun to absently play with the corner of one of the folded papers. After smoothing the corner as best as he could, he decided to get some fresh air. He stood up and after a moment's thought, took the papers in his hand.
As he walked the quiet streets of Edoras, for the first time in so very long, Boromir forced his mind to be free from all thoughts. He needed the peace and quiet, he wouldn't allow his mind to wander to thoughts which were disturbing nor troubling. Thoughts of home, of war, of friends, of family… he cleared his mind.
Up and down various streets, Boromir kept walking without any destination or purpose. On occasion he would meet with a Rohirrim soldier going on some errand or another. They would nod in respect to the man they knew only as Lavlaisi, the mysterious stranger who was known to the equally strange little man called a 'hobbit'. To the Rohirrim, Boromir seemed even more impenetrable as he walked the streets with his serious face and the solemn and occupied manner in which he greeted them back. The observant man would notice the folded parchments in Lavlaisi's hand which he was curiously running his thumb over. But the soldier would only shrug to himself; this Lavlaisi was not their problem, not anyone who to worry about.
Finally, Boromir reached a broad path, the main street of Edoras. Deciding that he would like to behold Meduseld one last time before he departed, he continued on the pavement of hewn stone. Soon the path began winding upward so that Boromir had to climb in short flights of well laid steps.
Soon he came to the crown of the hill. There stood a high platform above a green terrace, on top of which was built Meduseld, shining ever brightly from the light of the descending sun. At the foot was a bright spring gushing from a stone, the water spilling into a wide basin, then feeding the stream that had been flowing down the main path.
Boromir eyes roamed up from the green terrace to where stairs of stone, high and broad, led upwards to the platform. On either side of the topmost step were two stone hewn seats. Boromir knew that on any usual day, there would sit two Doorwardens of Theoden. But now the seats were empty.
Reaching out, Boromir let the water from the spring run over his hand. The water was refreshingly cool and he couldn't resist from bringing his lips to the water he cupped in his hand. The water was sweet to the taste and Boromir afterwards splashed the water onto his face.
Feeling as if renewed, Boromir flicked the water from his fingertips then climbed the stairs, his steps lighter than when he had arrived. Once at the top, he surveyed the huge doors closing Meduseld from any unwelcome visitors. The Golden Hall of Edoras, so different from the courts of Minas Tirith. Boromir ran his fingers lightly against the heavy bars of the door.
Remembering the papers in his hand, he walked to one of the columns of the building and leaned against it. He took the first parchment and unfolded it.
When he had been left alone in Bawuer's home with Pippin resting and Gandalf gone, the reality of his soon being home had made itself evident to Boromir. He had pondered what Minas Tirith was like after his long departure. He wondered what would have remained the same; and he wondered what would have changed.
But one thing he knew. He knew that his father would forever remain the same. And he knew with certainty that Denethor would not be quite pleased with the appearance of Gandalf in Minas Tirith. Boromir had always known of Denethor's persistent dislike in the Mithrandir. To the Steward, Gandalf was but a 'meddling wizard'.
How Boromir wished he could arrive in Minas Tirith with Gandalf, but he knew he would but hinder the speed in which Shadowfax would need to deliver his passengers to the city of Gondor. There was much danger because of Pippin's incident with the palantir and the hobbit would need to be brought to safety as quickly as possible.
So there really was only one thing Boromir could do. So looking around for some parchments, ink, and a quill pen, Boromir had proceeded to write a letter to his father, hoping that Gandalf would be kind enough to deliver it to Denethor.
Now, underneath in the awning of Meduseld, Boromir reread his letter.
Dear Father,
It has been almost eight months since my departure from Minas Tirith. Forgive me for the long delay of my homecoming, and for any inconvenience this may have caused to you and to Gondor. I have missed you and Faramir much, and I miss my home of Minas Tirith for it has been too long since I have beheld the faces of my family and of the Tower of Ecthilion.
It was on the fourth of July of the previous year in which I left Gondor in purpose of finding Imladris. Not to seek allies in the Elves, but to seek counsel and wisdom from Lord Elrond. But more importantly, to discover the meaning of the strange dreams which came to me of one night and has been plaguing my brother, your son Faramir.
I cannot go into the details of what has happened to me since our separation, for much has happened, much of which I need to relate to you in person. Even as you read this, I am on the road making all possible speed to reach home as quickly as my horse can.
Once more, I cannot express the extent of how much I cannot wait to return home. I hope to find you and Faramir in good health and good spirits.
Your Son,
Boromir, Captain of Gondor
Boromir scowled and barely restrained himself from crumpling the letter. He had never been one to be good with words. How much he had disliked writing as a young child, and even now the dislike was just as strong. But the letter was necessary he knew.
Yet how Boromir hated even reading the letter! He knew his father would purse his lips and growl in his usual manner while reading. Denethor of old had always demanded to know of everything and of everyone. He would be angered that his own son could not give more information; information he wanted, needed to know.
But Boromir knew that he truly could not explain anything in writing. It would be hard enough to tell his father in person of the countless incidents and adventures he had been through. Even more importantly, he could not even hope to explain the vital information he had discovered.
About the Ring of Power being in the hands of a lone hobbit who was even now venturing into the lands of Mordor, hoping to throw the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom.
About there being an heir of Isildur, a Ranger from the North who was descended from the line of Kings.
Those two pieces of information made Boromir unconsciously shudder in apprehension. The apprehension of what would happen if his father knew about the Ring and about Aragorn.
Boromir could not imagine exactly how Denethor would react. But however his father would react, it would not be good.
The other thing he knew was that Denethor would most assuredly not welcome Mithrandir heartily into his courts. Much distrust there was between the Steward and the wizard, the kind of distrust Boromir could hardly do anything about.
Well, that was the reason why Boromir had written one more letter. A letter to his brother.
With a smile on his face, different from the frown he had worn in reading the first letter, Boromir unfolded his letter to Faramir.
Dearest Faramir,
It has been too long, little brother. That is really all I can say. I have missed you greatly, and hardly a day has passed without my bringing the image of my little brother to mind.
You know more than anyone how much I dislike letter writing. As a man of action, I prefer speaking directly to whomever I wish to talk to, rather than putting my words to writing. Yet two things I must write to you about.
By now you probably know that Mithrandir is in Minas Tirith for it is to him I have given this letter to give to you personally. With him travels the Halfling, Peregrin Took. No, as you are probably guessing, he is not the Halfling from our dreams. That story is for another time, in which I hope to tell you everything in person.
But this Peregrin Took, Pippin as he is called, is one of the two persons I wished to write to you about. As my brother, the one whom I can put all my trust in, I implore you to take care of him. He will need all the friends he can have, for though he is of a stalwart race of beings, he is still very inexperienced in many areas of life outside his home. He has an insatiable curiosity and he always seems to remind me of you when you were younger.
The other subject whom I wished to tell you about is of our Father. You know very well his dislike for Mithrandir, and I am somewhat sure that the wizard and his companion, Pippin, will not receive much welcome. Also, I have written him a letter but refrained from telling him much, for I need to speak to him in person. Both of us know very well how Father will not be satisfied with such an excuse. I'm afraid that this alone would not help to improve his mood.
Please look out for both Pippin and Father. Both need someone to keep an eye on them and I am counting on you to do so.
Dearest brother, how I miss you and wish that I did not have to write you this dull letter. Instead I would have wished us to meet face to face and find a secluded room in which we can tell each other all we have gone through since our separation. Duties both you and I have, but promise me that as soon as I am home, we will put them aside to spend time just the two of us.
I shall be home very soon. Until we meet again little brother.
Your Brother,
Boromir
Closing his eyes, Boromir sighed. How he missed his brother! Oh yes, he knew that Faramir would be slightly annoyed but amused at how Boromir had written 'little brother' at several points in the letter. Yet that was the way Faramir would always be to him, his little brother.
Gandalf smiled in relief as he finally found Boromir. The Gondorian was leaning against one of the columns, his eyes appearing to be closed. The wizard was pleased to see that the man looked quite peaceful and relaxed.
At first, Gandalf debated whether to call out to Boromir or not. The man had been through a lot, and Boromir deserved a time of quiet. Just as the wizard was about to turn around and walk away, Boromir opened his eyes and looked out to the sun which was sinking low across the horizon. The warrior seemed not to notice the wizard and Gandalf watched with curiosity as Boromir looked down to some parchments he held in his hand. The relaxed look on his face disappeared and was replaced by worry lines and a solemn pursing of his lips.
Sighing, Gandalf realized that maybe it would be better if he spoke to the captain before he and Pippin left. He knew with certainty that Pippin would be talking the whole time and Gandalf would hardly get time to even say farewell. Now seemed to be the best time.
The wizard walked up to Boromir. The sound of his staff hitting the pavement made Boromir abruptly turn to look at him, the serious look still on his face.
"Pippin and I shall be leaving within the hour."
Boromir looked back towards the sun. "Yes, I had expected so."
Neither spoke and Gandalf took the time to study his companion's face from the closer distance. Without much surprise, the wizard saw that Boromir looked tired as well as solemn.
Gandalf decided to be the first to speak. "This morning I asked if everything was all right. You answered yes. Would you care to tell me the truth now that Pippin is not anywhere around?"
Boromir smiled dryly. "You were always so observant." He looked away and said softly, "No, everything is not all right." Then much to Gandalf's amazement, Boromir looked at him with a soft smile on his lips. "But rarely is everything perfectly fine, is that not right, Mithrandir?"
Walking up to stand right next to Boromir, Gandalf evaded the question by saying, "If everything is perfect, then there is no room to appreciate life. When life is not perfect, only then can we be thankful for those times when life goes smoothly."
Seeing that Boromir did not comment, Gandalf smiled and said, "Without the lush, green mountains of happiness and the dark, dangerous valleys of depression – "
"Let me guess," Boromir interrupted quietly. "Life would be but flat, colorless plains of dullness."
Gandalf gave the younger man an understanding smile. "A very astute observation."
Sighing, the Gondorian warrior only shook his head wearily. "I wouldn't mind just a bit of dullness in my life right at the moment."
"All right."
Boromir faced Gandalf in a puzzled manner as the wizard gestured with his staff towards the west. "The path is open for you, there is nothing stopping you," Gandalf spoke sharply. "Instead of traveling east where much awaits, where there will certainly not be any dullness, travel west. Find a quiet little hill far from everything, and forget everything except finding some peace. Maybe that will help your strange state of mind you seem to be in."
The wizard suddenly rapped his staff onto to the pavement with one sharp movement. The sudden sound made Boromir start abruptly and watch Gandalf with wide eyes. For countless moments the two regarded each other; the older with a sharp, intent eyes while the other looked surprised and somewhat dazed.
Suddenly, Boromir smiled in embarrassment then looked down at his feet. "I deserved that, didn't I?"
"What do you think?" Gandalf said with a shrug, though in truth he was happy that Boromir had reacted in the way he had. The Gondorian had begun to sink into that ever deceiving trap of depression. From what the wizard knew of Boromir, the best way was to snap the man out of his mood, and it seemed to have worked.
Still not looking up, Boromir spoke. "There is no possible way I can just close my eyes and wish it all away. You were all right, except for one thing." The man looked up into the darkening sky as if searching for something. "You said that there is nothing stopping me from just leaving. Yet there are countless reasons. My family, my country, my… friends. My duty. And my own self."
The maia laid a comforting hand upon the man's shoulder. "You don't know how relieved I am to know that you finally realize that. And I hope you never forget it."
Boromir turned to face the wizard, and Gandalf was pleased to see some worry lines erased from the man's brow. Gandalf listened intently as Boromir continued to speak seriously. "I cannot, will not, bring more shame upon myself by running away."
"More shame?" After a few moments, the wizard finally understood. "Boromir," Gandalf said kindly, "a person cannot be condemned his whole life for one action. And he cannot condemn himself. Most especially if that action is regretted."
At the word 'condemned', Boromir winced. "Maybe I – "
"Who are you to decide who is to be shunned by others, to put yourself under such extreme pressure?" Gandalf spoke harshly. "Do you remember what I told you in Lothlorien? I told you to 'not try to decide for yourself something which you shouldn't.' Do you remember?"
"I remember," the Gondorian whispered.
"Then do not forget."
"How can I?" Boromir said wryly. "You will not let me."
Gandalf chuckled. "And I do not aim to let you." Looking away back at the sunset, Gandalf glanced at Boromir out of the corner of his eye. "Do you feel better?"
"No."
Boromir's answer made the wizard turned sharply to face Boromir and saw with amazement that the man had a smirk on his face. "Everything is not perfect," Boromir continued to say, "but it is getting better."
"Do not be so cocky, Lord of Gondor," the maia said, barely holding back a smile.
"But I was telling the truth," the man said ever so seriously.
Gandalf sighed, satisfied. "I am relieved to hear you say so."
Boromir suddenly looked down at his hand and seemed to remember something. He lifted the parchments and Gandalf saw that they were two separate, folded papers. "Would you please be kind enough to give these to my father and brother?"
Not answering, Gandalf just nodded and took the offered letters then proceeded to put them in his cloak.
"And Gandalf? Please give the letter to Faramir without letting father know."
A strange request, but nevertheless, Gandalf nodded once more. "They will be delivered to them in person as soon as I reach Minas Tirith."
"Boromir! Gandalf!"
The two being called out turned to see Pippin running up the steps of Meduseld to reach them. The hobbit was already wearing his cape and about his waist was his belt and scabbard, his sword already sheathed.
Out of breath, Pippin couldn't speak for some moments while Boromir and Gandalf tried not to laugh at the sight of the little hobbit trying to control his breathing.
Finally, Pippin spoke. "It is already almost dark, and I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to say a proper farewell to Boromir!"
Not being able to help it any more, Boromir laughed softly. He knelt down so his face was level with Pippin's. "Do not fear, little one. I am sure Gandalf will no whisk you away without letting us say our good-byes. And please remember that I will be traveling right behind you. I shall be seeing you very soon."
Pippin nodded. "It will be nice that I will actually know where you are instead of wondering what became of you."
Gandalf watched as Boromir dropped his gaze, the wizard almost feeling the shame radiating from him. "Forgive me."
Shaking his head, the hobbit spoke seriously. "There is nothing to forgive. You took two arrows trying to protect Merry and me. You could have been killed, yet till the end you kept fighting, and against innumerable odds! I cannot leave without making sure you know how thankful I am."
Boromir turned away. "I do not…" he suddenly broke off and looked at Gandalf. The wizard raised his eyebrows, almost daring Boromir to continue his sentence. A hint of humor appeared in the man's eyes as he closed his mouth and did not finish his sentence.
The hobbit, not even noticing the event, spoke with earnest sincerity. "I know you feel as if you failed, and I know that I may never be able to make you think otherwise for you are quiet stubborn. So my gratitude is none the less."
Watching with interest, Gandalf saw something stir in the depths of Pippin's eyes. Wondering what the hobbit was thinking, he walked closer to hear better what the hobbit had to say.
"Little service would you as a great warrior of men think to find in a hobbit. A Halfling from the northern Shire. And being your traveling companion you know very well what kind of a hobbit I am." This was said with a small smile. "Yet such as it is, I will offer it, my service, in payment of my debt." To the wizard's amazement, Pippin shifted his grey cloak aside then drew forth his small sword. Then with great reverence he laid it at Boromir's feet. "To a better friend, to a better lord, I could not present my service."
The action struck deep into the very core of Gandalf's heart and before he could stop them, he felt the prickle of tears in his eyes. For such a little hobbit, Pippin had a good heart. For Gandalf, he could never know a more kind spirited nor gentle heart than what he saw in Pippin in that moment.
Boromir on the other hand seemed stricken. "You do not know what you are saying," he whispered hoarsely. "There is no debt you owe me."
"Countless times you protected me in our journeys," Pippin argued. "And you bear two scars, both for my cousin and I."
The wizard saw the Gondorian shake his head as if he was going to argue once more. But Gandalf knew that this meaningful act by Pippin was deeper than even that. The hobbit, unknowingly or maybe not, was showing Boromir just how much he trusted and respected him. How much he was devoted to Boromir. Swearing to be under the service of the Gondorian, he was demonstrating his faith in the older man. And considering that, at the time, Boromir was not having much faith in himself, Gandalf found himself asking Pippin, "Are you resolved on this?"
Nodding seriously, Pippin answered, "I am."
"Then give your sword to Boromir."
Pippin took it up from the ground and offered it Boromir. The man hesitated, and Gandalf could see the indecision in his eyes. Then a whisper of a smile played on Boromir lips, and he took the sword and laid it across his knee.
"Take the hilt," Gandalf told Pippin.
The hobbit knelt down so that he was lower than Boromir who was also kneeling. Pippin then put his hand to the hilt and repeated slowly after Boromir.
"Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor and to a Lord of Gondor, heir to the Stewardship of Gondor. I swear fealty and service, to speak and to be silent, to do and to let be, to come and to go, in need or plenty, in peace or war, in living or dying, from this hour henceforth, until my lord release me, or death take me, or the world end. So say I, Peregrin son of Paladin of the Shire of the Halflings."
Then it was Boromir's turn to speak. At first the man could not speak, his eyes kept on Pippin. But the hobbit's eyes held the determination he obviously held in his heart, so Boromir replied, "And this do I hear, Boromir son of Denethor, a Lord of Gondor, heir of the Steward of the High King, and I will not forget it, nor fail to reward that which is given: fealty with love, valor with honor, oath-breaking with vengeance."
Before Pippin could take his sword back, Boromir laid a hand upon the much smaller hand. His face devoid of expression, but Boromir's eyes betrayed how touched he was. And to tell the truth, Gandalf, too, was feeling very touched and even a little humbled by Pippin's actions.
Both the hobbit and the man stood up together. For a moment there was an awkward silence, neither knowing what to say. And being the wise wizard he was, Gandalf stepped back to give them room knowing it was best for the two of them to work it out.
Quite unexpectedly, Pippin smirked. "My lord," he said, then with an elaborate wave of his hand, bowed gallantly and most exaggeratingly.
Boromir's face broke into a real smile without any doubts or hesitation. He pulled the hobbit into a big hug and Gandalf found himself exuberant in being able to watch such a wonderful sight of the two friends becoming closer.
Author's Note: :P Hmmm… I don't think I did a very good job writing this chapter. Oh, well, I hope you enjoyed it anyway! What did you think about Pippin offering his service to Boromir? I thought I'd change that from the books, because since Boromir's alive, there's really no reason for Pippin to serve under Denethor. And I thought that it'll be a nicer subplot if Pippin decides to swear an oath of fealty to Boromir. Hope that you liked the idea!
Next chapter should be quite interesting… though I won't reveal anything now about what it's going to be about!
Replies to my "Family of Reviewers"
Melian the Maia It's ok about not reviewing for some of the previous chapters. I totally understand that you've been busy. :P I'm glad you're out of the hospital safe and sound. I was worried you'd get out weirder than usual! LOL Sorry, I couldn't help but say it. Anyway, glad you liked the Boromir-Pippin scene, I made sure not to make it too emotional. What did you think about Pippin offering his service to Boromir? It was a pretty sudden idea.
Kaye Thorn Thanks so much for reviewing, welcome to my 'family of reviewers'! It's always nice to get reviewers from other Boromir fans! Hurray for Boromir! He's such a fantastic character. I'm flattered that you like my writing style. But the one thing I really appreciated about your review are your criticism. I always enjoy encouraging criticism and that's exactly what you gave me. I'll make sure to check the occasional capitalizations and typos (I'm planning on going over the whole story very soon to make small changes and fix mistakes). About the accents… :P I'm not really too good about that in Tolkien's world. If you have any suggestions or help tips about that, please tell me! Yeah, I did use some dialogue pieces from the book. Thank you for not accusing me of plagiarism, but I'll take very good care to not use too much of the book. Oh, and one thing I wanted to mention. I simply love your story, "Of Earth and Water"! It is simply one of the best Boromir fics I've read, and I love your writing story which flows so smoothly. Please update your story soon!
Diadora :P I made you emotional in the last chapter? Boromir is definitely such an incredible, strong character, a character which is so much fun to expand. And Pippin is so sweet, and I can definitely agree with you there! Hope you liked this chapter where Boromir and Pippin's friendship is strengthened!
Lady Laffs-a-lot I'm glad you think that my characters are staying very true to the books! Thanks so much!
The Dark Wanderer Yes, finally someone else knows more about Boromir's terrible deed. I'm pleased you would think that I wrote Pippin's reaction down very well. Ha ha, 'Arwench' indeed. :P Well, she's not 'that' much of an interesting character but still, I'd like to keep it with Tolkien's idea of having her and Aragorn marry in the end. It symbolizes the kind of strong, patient love the two of them shared for each other, lasting through many years and hardships. :P Enough of my ramblings, hope you enjoyed this new chapter!
shie1dmaidenofrohan Welcome to my 'family of reviewers'! You are definitely most welcome after taking the time to review for every single chapter I've written! ::pmochizuki gives shie1dmaidenofrohan a big virtual hug:: Thanks so much! I'll try to reply to every comment you've made: 1) Yes, it'll sure be interesting that Boromir's alive, a great chance for a great AU story. 2) You seem to like Faramir a lot, I do, too! David Wenham played him very well in the movies! Yup, Haldir and Boromir are becoming friends. I thought it'd be interesting to make it that way. 3) Glad you like my blendings of the movies and the books! 4) Ooops, I'll make sure to change the 'gait' mistake. :P 5) ha ha, surprised that Lavlaisi's traveling with Eomer, were you? 6) I meant very much for the nightmare about the pyre to be verrrrry creepy, I'm glad it came off that way! 7) Haldir's alive, and that's way it should be. It's such a shame that Peter Jackson had him killed off in the movies. 8) I loved the part where Aragorn goes to speak to the orc masses at dawn. It would have been spectacular to see in the movies. 9) Ebon is a bit of a take from my two dogs, a papillon and a border collie, both very spoiled. :P 10) Whew, glad you don't think Isilme's a Sue! 11) All of my readers are curious about who Eowyn ends up now that Boromir's alive. Sorry, I can't reveal anything but I promise it to be good! 12) Another secret I'm keeping is about Bawuer's mysterious past. But again I promise, it'll be good! 13) Yes, poor Pippin indeed. I'm tending to put a lot of 'angst' on him but at least he knows that Boromir's alive now. 14) Looking forward to the Boromir/Faramir reunion? Well, I'm looking forward to it, too! 15) More of Faramir will be coming up in at least the next few chapters.
Spry Sprite Glad you liked the idea about the similarities between Boromir and Pippin's temptations to two evil objects. Yeah, the book version of the parting between Aragorn and the Rohirrim was better than the movie, though the movie did have its good points about it. I hope you enjoy this new chapter!
Michaela90 Wow, I'm so pleased that my previous chapter touched you so much! I do have a tendency towards the over dramatic (as you can tell by the way I write), but I feel so glad to know my readers are liking it. Oooh… thanks for pointing out the grammar mistake in the chapter. I'll get it fixed as soon as possible. You're right, that sentence structure is incredibly weird… :P Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Pallas Analise Thanks for the review! :$ Yup, my updates are few and far between and I apologize for that. :P Glad you liked the Boromir and Pippin dialogue; glad you liked Aragorn's scene, too!
Shallindra Thanks for the review! Sorry that I don't update too often. I do hope you like this new chapter!
AAAClub Was Elladan the elder twin? Hmm… I'll have to check into that a bit more. :P I'll tell you when I find out. Well, I'm done babysitting my cousins, I'm in lovely Hawaii! Hopefully I'll have a new chapter up soon!
Alex92 Whew, glad the new chapter was worth the long wait. I took too long to update, and I'm so ashamed. :P Been busy… but I won't get into that. Oh, Sean Bean IS extremely cool… sigh…
King-Cold Thanks for the review! I pretty much have an idea how I'll use the book aspects for Aragorn and the Other Two though I'll have to work out the details. Well, more about Denethor will be in the next chapter!
Morwen Eleniel So happy that you're so happy about my new update! Yeah, I know what you mean about really bad Mary Sues and authors making Thranduil and Denethor incredibly evil. ::rolls eyes:: I'm gonna be writing more on Denethor from this chapter onward now that we're getting close to the events from "The Return of the King". Hopefully I'm going to make him very human and a believable character and no just a two-dimensional baddie. Anyway, hope you liked this chapter!
KendraC Hello there! Thanks for reviewing yet once again! Sorry this was such a long update. :P Been busy! I know what you mean about major fanfiction withdrawal though. Lol Glad you have your diploma now! I looked at the Jane Austen site but couldn't find your stories. Could you tell me the titles of your stories? Hope you liked this new chapter!
hornofgondor2 Yup, Boromir and Pippin are still friends. And that's the way it should be! "Do the Rohirrim serve second breakfasts?" ha ha!
darkecho Thanks for both the review and the e-mail! I'm sorry I couldn't write you an e-mail back since I was very busy. But I'm extremely flattered that you really like my writing style and that you would consider asking me to write a story for you! Well, actually, the plot of your story (with some changes) would make a very cool sequel to "Boromir, Thou Shall Live"! What a coincidence! But I also have an idea for a totally different Lord of the Rings story which I was planning to write after this. But maybe I can write both at the same time, we'll see as soon as I either finish "Boromir, Thou Shall Live" or my other story, a Newsies fanfiction. Again, thanks so much for the offer, I'm terribly pleased and honored!
Lalaithiel Noleambar Glad you liked Boromir's confession! I really worked hard on it!
Racetrack's Goil Hello dere, my 500th reviewer! Thanks so much for always being my faithful reader and friend! Glad you liked the previous chapter so much! Well, I'm gonna keep this short so I can hurry and update this. Toodles!
orlandosgirl21 Thanks very much for the two reviews! I totally understand about being busy, I've been busy, too! Glad you liked my keeping Eomer out of Helm's Deep, only to appear later on. Curious about why Rumil's there? More will be explained in the next chapter, chapter 17.
Meg-a-millions Thanks for the review, but what exactly did you mean by your phrase?
iwantboromir I love how there's more free time during summer vacation! I hope you get to do all you want this summer! I'm so glad you're liking my story, I feel so lucky to have such nice readers such as yourself!
Aelimir Hello! ::gives virtual hug:: Glad you liked the interactions between Boromir and Pippin! Oooh yes, Boromir will have to confront many other people before he is perfectly well again! Hope you liked this chapter!