Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By pmochizukiAuthor's Note: Well, exactly a month to update, still pretty good, right? :P Sorry it took so long to get this up. It was actually a very hard chapter to write, but I hope my taking time to write it makes up for how well it's written! Finally, the chapter you've all been waiting! Please enjoy!
Important: There is one point in this chapter where I have written in first person point-of-view. I thought it would be an interesting change, plus I thought I'd be able to convey the characters thoughts and feelings better that way. That section will be all in italics. Also, there are three instances where I use a different language from the Common Speech. Translations will be written right afterwards, written in parentheses and underlined.
Special thanks to reviewers at the bottom of the chapter!
Chapter Thirty-Eight: 'At the Hands of a Healer'
Aragorn sipped his wine slowly, his eyes fixed on the fair Eowyn. She was conversing with Gimli, with whom she had become friends with during their previous encounter in Edoras. Aragorn smiled as he saw Eowyn laugh at something Gimli said, and for a moment he saw a glimpse of the young maiden usually missing in her eyes. So young… yet with so much sadness in her gaze.
As though she knew his thoughts dwelt on her, she suddenly turned so that their eyes met, and the on her face changed to something more. Aragorn grimly looked away. Yes, there was always something in the way she looked at him, and he was afraid he knew what it was.
What was he to say to her? It was only an infatuation, though Aragorn was afraid she thought it was becoming something more. He did not wish her any more pain, but how was he to deal with Eowyn, who wanted him as someone more, someone he could never be for her?
Feeling a light touch on his arm, Aragorn looked up to see Eowyn watching him questioningly. "Is anything the matter, my lord?"
Trying to smile, Aragorn replied, "Forgive me, my lady, I was lost in my thoughts when I should be enjoying such wonderful hospitality. Pray, do not worry yourself on my account."
Eowyn, though appearing less than satisfied with his answer, did not question him further. Instead, she stood up and spoke to all, who were even now being served their supper. "Lords, I hope you will find the food satisfactory. Please forgive me if in haste we have not been able to meet any and all of your needs. I know you are weary, and afterwards I hope you sleep in peace in the beds which unfortunately have also been contrived in haste. But tomorrow fairer housing shall be found for you."
As if on cue, Aragorn's companions looked toward their leader solemnly, knowing what was to come. Sighing, Aragorn stood up next to Eowyn. "My lady, you have already done much for us. Be not troubled on our account. If we may lie here tonight and break our fast tomorrow, it will be enough. For I ride on an errand most urgent, and with the first light of morning we must go."
The lady smiled and bowed her head low. "Then it was kindly done, Lord, to ride so many miles out of your way to bring tidings to me and to speak with me in my exile."
Exile…Aragorn caught a hint of dark brooding in her words but cast it aside. Now to tell her why, in fact, he had led his men to Dunharrow. He had an idea how she would react, and he assumed it wouldn't be very pleasant.
Before he could speak, someone entered the tent, catching Aragorn's attention. He narrowed his eyes slightly, wondering where he had seen the man before. He then realized that the man had been at Helm's Deep, and he was the very man who had fought with him and many others at the gate. Aragorn especially remembered how the man had been loath to leave Hama's body where it had been cut down by the merciless Uruk-hai.
If only he could place a name with the face…
Aragorn needn't have worried, as Eowyn beckoned for the soldier of Rohan to approach, and he knew he was soon to receive an introduction. "My Lord Aragorn, this is Bawuer, son of Denuer."
The man came to stand before Aragorn and bowed. Aragorn, too, nodded his head in welcome. "It is a pleasure to meet you again, though I am curious as to why you are in Dunharrow. When last I left you, we were on the high battlements of Helm's Deep."
Bawuer gravely met Aragorn's eyes, and the heir of Isildur was so startled by the look that he took a step back. There was a hard edge in Bawuer's eyes, so grave and serious that Aragorn could not speak for a few moments. Thankfully, the other broke the awkward silence.
"Would it be possible to speak to you alone, Lord Aragorn? As soon as possible."
Eowyn stepped forward, dismissal her clear intent. "They have only arrived and have yet to – "
"Peace, Lady Eowyn," Aragorn interrupted, seeing a flash of annoyance in the younger man's face. It wouldn't do to have the young soldier behave in misconduct, especially toward his superior. Especially if his superior was a woman. "In the very short moment that I met Bawuer, he proved to be an honorable man and a good soldier. If he wishes to speak to me alone, and as soon as possible, now was never a better time to do so."
It was plain to see Bawuer's shoulders relax for a brief moment, enough time for Aragorn to surmise that whatever this man needed to speak to him about was something of great importance. Yet why? Why him?
Nevertheless, even though his mind was filled with countless questions and theories, Aragorn made his excuses to his host and followed Bawuer out of the tent. But before he could make it out into the night air, Aragorn sensed Eowyn come to stand next to him. He stopped and saw that she was carrying his cloak. She handed it to him, and he took it with a nod of thanks.
As he pulled on the cloak, clasping it at the throat with the Elvish leaf-brooch, he noticed that her eyes seemed thoughtful, and Aragorn could not help but inquire what was on her mind. She seemed hesitant at first, glancing at Bawuer. Seeing that Eowyn wished to speak to Aragorn alone, Bawuer took one last look at the Ranger then went outside. As soon as he was out of sight, Eowyn spoke softly, as if not wanting to let anyone else hear. "Bawuer arrived quite early this morning with an injured companion. A foreigner, it seems, though I have not yet met him."
"You believe that all is not right with Bawuer?"
Eowyn blushed and looked away. "You are blunt, my Lord. But to answer truthfully, I do not know. All I know is that Bawuer is hiding something for some unknown reason."
Aragorn laid a comforting hand on her arm. "I do not sense any ill-intent in his manner. Rest assured, you have nothing to worry about."
Their eyes met, and Aragorn once more grimaced in his mind. He had to tell her to stop looking at him like that, as if waiting for him to say something… some sign of encouragement, some type of signal. But no, all Aragorn could do was release his hold on her arm.
A fleeting look of rejection flashed through her eyes, and it was all Aragorn could do to keep from reaching out for her again. She was so strong, yet so fragile. She had endured so much but still had so much innocence in her heart.
He knew he had to talk to her.
But now was not the time, so he simply took a step back, telling her he had to go.
She sighed and met his eyes sadly. "I was wrong in saying you were blunt, Lord Aragorn," she spoke softly. She pushed a few strands of hair from her face with some irritation. "When I am outside, and the wind is blowing across the lands, sometimes I imagine it is whispering something in my ear." She paused, taking in a slow breath. "Is it only my imagination? Or is the wind trying to tell me something? I know not what to expect though I am… comforted by its presence. But I wish I could know and understand." Eowyn looked down at the ground suddenly and whispered even more softly. "My lord, I wish you would say something. Anything. Can you not grant me this much?"
Aragorn shook his head slowly. "My lady, I'm afraid there is nothing to say." His own answer made him flinch inwardly, sensing how much dismissal he had put into the words. But this had to end some time and in some way.
Eowyn's reaction was unexpected. She looked up abruptly, her blue eyes shining with a fierce light. The storm within them spoke of pain, pride, and determination. "If you have nothing to say then I must let you leave for there is someone waiting outside for you." Eowyn turned on her heel and left him alone, moving to join her other guests. Aragorn did not miss the slight tremble in her hands as she lifted her skirt to walk.
Aragorn noticed Legolas and Gimli standing not too far away, having approached him while Eowyn had been speaking. They now surveyed him with curious eyes, no doubt having not missed the stern manner in which they had been conversing. The Elf cocked his head slightly, but Gimli was the first to speak. He went straight to the point, as always, which was oftentimes a disturbing habit. "Aragorn, dinner is served, and I see you trying to leave. What is this all about, lad? And you have scared the lass away."
"Nothing to be worried about," Aragorn assured his friends. "There is someone I need to speak to."
Legolas raised one eyebrow, a habit which Aragorn found just as disturbing as Gimli's bluntness. The Elf only raised that eyebrow when he had something to say… usually something very to the point… "It is my belief that the person you need to speak with is Eowyn, but you have very pointedly sent her on her way."
Confirming his suspicion that the Elf at least had heard most, if not all, of the conversation with Eowyn, Aragorn gave a small smile. "Though you are right, there is someone else – "
"Ah," Legolas interrupted, having the look of one who knew everything, "the young Rohirrim soldier."
Trust the Elf to notice everything… Aragorn didn't bother to give any reply. "I will probably not be gone long. Enjoy the food and save some for me."
"A hard task, but I will keep that foremost in mind," Gimli remarked, then laughed at his own humor. The Dwarf walked back to the others, Legolas lingering just a bit in order to tell Aragorn not to hesitate to call them if he needed any help.
Aragorn finally left the tent, and as the cold night air hit him, he was grateful for the cloak Eowyn had been thoughtful enough to remember to make him wear. Eowyn…
Bawuer was standing a short distance away, nervously pacing. But as soon as he noticed Aragorn, he approached the Ranger in a few quick strides. "My lord, again I apologize for the interruption."
"What is it you wish to speak of?"
The Rohirrim soldier looked to the right and left, and looking as if assured that no one was either watching or listening, sighed and began to speak. "No doubt the fair Eowyn has explained my situation."
"And what situation may that be?"
Bawuer frowned. "I am no traitor, that I hope you are well aware of. I fought in Helm's Deep against the enemy among my companions-in-arms."
"No one may accuse you of anything other," Aragorn remarked sincerely, though in truth he wondered what the soldier was doing here.
"Nor am I a deserter. Yes, I know what you may be thinking, just as others are wondering in their heads," Bawuer said bitterly. "What is a lowly soldier doing away from his post? With no message to deliver to anyone, no real explanation as to why he has traveled to Dunharrow?"
The young man looked away, some of the bitterness fading away to what Aragorn perceived as helplessness. "But we, my companion and I, were not supposed to be here at all, if truth be told," Bawuer said with a sigh. He shook himself out of his thoughtfulness and gestured in the direction of an encampment for those families who had evacuated Edoras. "If you would please come with me, I will try to explain as best as I can."
Aragorn refused to move, some part of him wanting to know more before following Bawuer. "I wish to understand why – "
"Please, there is no time."
Furrowing his eyebrows as he caught the desperation in the soldier's voice, Aragorn wavered for a moment. "No time?"
"No time, for my companion is dying," Bawuer snapped.
No time… Aragorn looked at the other, finally understanding the man's mood. But it still did not explain why he was asking Aragorn to go with him…
"Forgive me," Bawuer suddenly spoke, his tone once more even and calm. "It is not my place to speak in such a way to you."
"Your companion is a good friend of yours?"
Bawuer nodded. "And in all probability, a friend, or at least an acquaintance, of yours, too."
At this, Aragorn couldn't hide the surprise in his voice. "What?"
"Do you know…" Bawuer paused. "Do you know the name Lavlaisi?"
Aragorn started. That name… Lavlaisi… where had he heard it before? He suddenly remembered. Back in Helm's Deep when Eomer had arrived with reinforcements…
"I, too, am much heartened to see you here," Aragorn said. "I had not thought you would come at all."
"Only by the goodness of the Valar was I right in believing what Lavlaisi had spoken to me was truth," Eomer admitted.
Aragorn turned his head in a questioning way. "Lavlaisi? Who is this person you speak of?"
Indeed, who was this person?
Coming to a decision, Aragorn directed his gaze in the direction Bawuer had pointed to. "Lead the way and explain."
Bawuer began to walk at a brisk pace and as Aragorn kept up, the Rohirrim soldier spoke. "I was asked by Lord Eomer to accompany Lavlaisi from Helm's Deep to wherever the man wished to travel. When Lavlaisi chose Minas Tirith as his destination, I did not argue."
"Is Lavlaisi by any chance Gondorian?"
Bawuer glanced at Aragorn. "Aye."
"Strange that a foreigner, especially from such a place as Minas Tirith, should be traveling in the lands of Rohan. Alone," Aragorn mused out loud.
"Strange indeed," Bawuer agreed. "Alas, we were not far past the city of Edoras when we were attacked."
"Orcs?" Aragorn asked.
"If only," Bawuer growled, a glint of anger in his blue eyes. "Nay, we were beset by a flying creature of Mordor, a fell beast released by its Master. And on its back rode a Black Rider, Servant of the Eye."
The Ranger stopped in his tracks, at first unable to register what he had been told. "A Ringwraith?"
Bawuer, having also stopped, grimly replied with an affirmative. "Lavlaisi was injured, and I was able to bring him here. Though at first it seemed he would come through, he took a turn for the worse early this afternoon."
A Ringwraith… Aragorn could hardly believe it. He had of course known of the Rider roaming the lands for the past few days since Pippin had looked into the cursed palantir. The question was why Bawuer and his companion had been attacked in the first place…
Seeing that Bawuer was waiting with barely concealed impatience, Aragorn signaled for the man to continue leading the way. The rest of the short walk was done in complete silence, Aragorn wondering to himself what he was getting into.
Very soon, Aragorn was brought before a tent where Bawuer paused for a moment. "My lord, I debated long before going to meet you for… many reasons. Lavlaisi is not fully coherent as he is in a delirious state of mind. Yet when your name reached his ears, for a moment his eyes were clear, and he insisted he be taken to you. A moment, just for a moment, he was awake and the first thing he wished was to speak to you."
Even more puzzled, Aragorn could only shake his head slowly. "Yet I do not know this man, for I am sure he and I have never met. The name of Lavlaisi is unfamiliar to me."
Bawuer looked up at the sky, deep in though, a slight wince in his expression. Sighing, and apparently reaching some sort of decision, Bawuer spoke. "Then maybe you will know him by another name."
Before Aragorn could question the cryptic words, Bawuer pulled open the tent flap and motioned to whomever was inside. "If you truly have never met this man, please let me make the introduction," Bawuer said softly with a grim undertone. "Lavlaisi… or better known as Boromir, son of Denethor, Captain-General of Gondor."
All Aragorn could do for a moment was stare at the young soldier. It cannot be… Then, with only one way to know if this was some sort of elaborate untruth, Aragorn entered the tent and looked down upon the face of the man lying upon the ground.
As if struck physically, Aragorn took a step back. Disbelief mixed in with wonder, and Aragorn felt as if in a dream, for how could this all be true? "It cannot be…" he said this time aloud. For the face of the injured man belonged to none other than Boromir. Boromir, whom he had thought…
"Do you know this man?"
Aragorn answered the question with a whisper. "Aye, he was a companion of mine… one whom I had given up all hope of being alive. To see him here…"
Remembering just what kind of predicament the Gondorian was in, Aragorn pushed away the initial surprise from his mind as he went to kneel next to Boromir. For the first time he noticed the woman sitting in the corner mixing some sort of herbal potion. Bawuer, choosing to stand quietly in the corner, quickly introduced her as his mother, Faedwyn. Aragorn asked her to enlighten him on Boromir's condition.
As she spoke, Aragorn cast his gaze over the injured man, and his eyes fixed upon the right arm, bound in clean bandages, though there was a faint stain of blood at the forearm.
"You say he was pierced through the arm?" Aragorn asked.
"Aye," the woman answered. "It has been bleeding on and off ever since he arrived. The wound will not close, no matter how much I may clean it."
"He has been wounded by a weapon of the Enemy," Aragorn said grimly. "There is some poison or evil at work… alas, if only I could have been here sooner!"
Aragorn took Boromir's left hand in his own, then his other hand he lay upon Boromir's brow. The forehead was warm and moist with a cool sweat, but the hand… it was cold to the touch. Aragorn spoke to Bawuer, who was standing behind him. "Bawuer, what happened to the Ringwraith?"
"If only I could answer," the young man said with a shake of his head. "Boromir stabbed the fell Being with his sword, and it just…" Bawuer searched for the words to explain. "It was like the Nazgûl disappeared with the wind. All that remained were his weapons and his cloak."
"I can guess with which arm Boromir struck the enemy," Aragorn said, lifting Boromir's left arm carefully. "The arm is – "
The Ranger was interrupted by a slight noise from the prone figure lying on the ground. As he leaned forward to look into the Gondorian's face, Aragorn saw that there was movement under the closed lids. Then before he realized what was happening, the injured man opened his eyes.
Boromir blinked his eyes several times, and Aragorn saw that he was trying to focus his gaze on something. Finally, Boromir seemed to fix his eyes at a point just underneath Aragorn's chin.
"What is this?" Boromir spoke in a raspy voice, pain mixed with some surprise. "A green leaf veined with silver, one very familiar to me…"
Realizing that the man was looking as his Elvish brooch, Aragorn spoke in a gentle tone. "Boromir, it has been long since we were separated. Your friends and I have been worried about you."
Eyes once more unfocused, Boromir turned away with a frown. "Friends… I do not believe I have any more…" he said as if talking to himself. "Nine walkers, who would have though that one would be a traitor to all. Nine brooches, mine should be taken away…"
Of course, Aragorn knew why Boromir was referring to himself as a traitor. Boromir had tried to take the Ring from Frodo, for Aragorn knew how much the Gondorian had been tempted. Tempted with so much, ultimately the temptation of somehow saving his beloved land. How was anyone to defy the will of the Ring, let alone one who risked so much…
"The brooch…," Boromir continued, "makes me think of another trinket." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing," the Gondorian mused.
Before it registered in Aragorn's mind that Boromir was speaking of the Ring, the Gondorian began to shiver and shake his head about. Aragorn kept his firm grip on Boromir's hand and soothingly called out to the Captain-General. "Boromir, you must let it go. Listen to me – "
"Listen to you, Aragorn, a Ranger of the North?" Boromir's interruption caused Aragorn to pause in confusion. So far the Gondorian had been speaking as if he was not aware of his surroundings, yet now he had spoken Aragorn's name, clearly giving proof that the man was speaking with some coherence. But now, even more so than before, a glazed look was in the green-grey eyes of the Gondorian. A fresh gleam of sweat was upon his brow, and his pallor was deathly pale.
"Aragorn, mere Ranger of the North," Boromir spoke, this time his words uttered slowly and softly. "He shall take up the throne long empty… the Stewards of Gondor will be forgotten just as quickly as the Line of Isildur was. Unless Gondor were to surrender to the Eye…"
Aragorn's breath caught in his throat. What was Boromir saying? Were these words spoken in delirium or were they spoken from the heart? Aragorn then remembered that the man had faced a Ringwraith. Who knew what lies the Nazgûl had fed Boromir? Yet here was Boromir now, and who knew what Boromir had answered the Ringwraith?
"He offered me everything." The Gondorian suddenly laughed hoarsely. "I shall have great power, power beyond anything imaginable. It would be all mine. I would rule Minas Tirith, just as I was raised to do."
"Boromir," Aragorn said, struggling for an answer. "You must know the Enemy promises much yet fulfills nothing."
A look of peace washed over Boromir's features. "I know," he whispered. "I have sworn my life to the destruction of the Master of Lies. And I have sworn allegiance to… my king. The question is, would anyone believe me?" Desperation one again crept into Boromir's voice as he squeezed Aragorn's hand and cried out. "I do not want it anymore! I do not wish it!"
Aragorn tried to calm him as Faedwyn began wringing a rag then used it to wipe Boromir's brow. "Boromir," Aragorn spoke, "listen to me. You were not yourself when you tried to – " Aragorn broke off, remembering there were others in the room. It would do no good for anyone if he mentioned the Ring so carelessly.
But Boromir, even in his delirium, seemed to know what Aragorn was trying to say. "Aye, maybe so… maybe I shall never know. But for all I know, this is still only a dream…"
A dream…? Before Aragorn could understand, Boromir closed his eyes and ceased moving. Fearing what had happened, Aragorn took hold of the Gondorian's wrist. Fortunately, there was still a pulse, albeit a mere fluttering of a heartbeat.
"What does he mean?" Faedwyn asked. She paused then shook her head in confusion. "I do not know what is ailing him, for this is beyond any powers as a healer that I may have in my possession."
Bawuer entered the tent at that moment, though Aragorn had not even realized he had left. The man laid a long object wrapped in a blanket next to Aragorn. "I don't know if this would help…" the Rohirrim soldier said, unwrapping the object. Aragorn saw that the object was indeed two objects: A long broadsword and a long, thin knife. He passed a hand over the weapons and felt darkness emanating from them.
"Few now have the skill in healing to match such evil weapons," Aragorn said after some thought. "I will do what I can, though I fear – "
He stopped suddenly as a faint aroma reached his senses. He abruptly looked up to see Faedwyn wringing the cloth she had been using in a bowl of water. That aroma…
"Answer me quickly, Faedwyn," Aragorn asked in all seriousness, causing the woman to look up at him with surprise. "Do you by any chance have athelas with you?"
"Athelas… I…" Faedwyn slowly answered without any recognition of the name.
Not athelas… "It is oftentimes called kingsfoil –"
"Ah, kingsfoil, that I know," Faedwyn replied, this time with a smile. "On rare occasions, such as now, I have used it. Though I wonder that it is familiar to you. It is not well known, even among healers and those learned in herb lore."
"My lady, do I dare to hope that you might have some more leaves with you?" Aragorn held his breath. If she had some still in her possession…
Faedwyn nodded and reached out to grab a pouch which had been laid aside. "I believe I have six leaves left for your disposal. If it may help in any way…"
Aragorn took the leaves, gently taking her hand and squeezing it in thanks. "It will help, and the rest will be up to the strength of will Boromir possesses within him."
Were my eyes open? Or were they closed… I could not tell. There was neither backwards nor forwards, up nor down in this ever-blanketing darkness. I had given up trying to peer through the blackness; there was obviously nothing to see.
It was not how I wished it to be, but there was nothing I could do but try to ward off the images…
Trapped in my own thoughts, this never ending madness neither stopped nor waned in any way. Memories of the past flickered through my mind as did images of a distorted future. All of them haunting and painful to watch, but there was no turning away in this place of torment.
Why was I here? In the back of my mind where some reality still existed, I remembered being in Dunharrow, injured from a battle with a Ringwraith. But I was brought back abruptly to the darkness, and I knew that there was no way back.
The image of Minas Tirith burning filled my mind as it had done countless times before in this place. All I could do was cry my silent tears of anguish and wish I could turn away. The Tower of Ecthilion no longer shined with a bright, pearly whiteness;the black smoke tainted it to a dark gray until it, too, crumbled to the ground as the rest of the city became a mass destruction of stone and rubble.
If only I could close my eyes from the terrible scene…
There were moments when I thought that there was a way out of all of this. Just to shut my mind down, drift into the welcoming arms of eternal nothingness. It was possible, for even now I felt carried along a current of nonexistence. The emptiness beckoned me… a way out to where there was no turning back.
The offer was tempting, for any respite from this place would be welcome.
But no matter what, there was always something that told me not to give up. I would always be resolved to stay. A distant part of me lent me the strength to remain here, though it was never revealed from whence the strength came. Something unreachable and unattainable but in a way hovering at a close distance like a faded memory.
Maybe I was here as a punishment to atone for my terrible deed against the Fellowship and ultimately the fate of Middle-earth. Maybe it was my fate to forever be in anguish.
But always that place of eternal rest called to me…
Yet it was not all torment here, and a times I imagined I spoke to family and friends: my dear brother, at times the Lady of the Woods, and even Bawuer. On one occasion, I believed I was speaking to Aragorn. The conversations seemed so real to me, but I continued to remind myself it was all a dream, for there was no other explanation for this realm of disillusion.
But maybe I was using the wrong term. This was not a dream, but a living nightmare. Yet people awaken from nightmares… if only it were so in my case…
I paused in my thoughts suddenly. Hearing something in far-off in the distance, I quieted a rising feeling of panic within my being. Panic along with wondering if this madness was taking another drastic turn…
Were my ears deceiving me, and would I be tormented even further?
But inside my head I felt a comforting whisper, spoken in a foreign tongue, yet strangely I understood the words. 'Unakhi… unakhi.'
(He is at hand… he is at hand)
'Who?' I thought in my head.
I imagined the voice in my head laugh, soft and gentle. 'Bâr n' Adûnâim…'
(The Lord of the Dunedain)
The far off voice called my name again, and this time I recognized the voice. "Boromir…"
Unbidden, I cried out the name of the voice long, oh, so long ago, familiar. "Aragorn!"
As the name left my lips, I felt my spirits lift as I imagined I felt someone taking hold of my arm. And at the same time, a part of me wanted to pull away.
"Come back to us," Aragorn called out soothingly. "You do not belong here."
"Maybe I do," I answered sadly. "I can now see, and I have failed you, the Fellowship, and my people – "
"Failure would mean the Ring would be in His hands right now," the Ranger interrupted sternly. "There is still reason to hope, and there is still a place for you here."
Without consent, I felt some hope rise within me. Aragorn sounded as if he spoke truth, as if there was indeed a way for me to return from this dark place.
"Just follow my voice…"
I started to obey, when I was caught unaware and I felt the darkness swirl around me. Before I knew it, I was slipping away. I struggled against the suffocating shadows and felt Aragorn calling out from even farther away than before. "Boromir, follow my voice…"
"I cannot," I whispered, and I suddenly felt tired. Weary beyond anything I had ever before felt. Once more I remembered that place of eternal rest. I wondered how it would feel…
Slowly I stopped fighting against the current and felt myself being pulled down, but unlike how I had imagined it would feel, it was cold… so incredibly cold…
But now there was nothing I could do. I no longer could hear Aragorn as icy tendrils encompassed me, and I decided there was no turning back.
I didn't know if Aragorn could still hear me, but I spoke anyway, uttering what I believed to be my last words. "I would have followed you to the end… my brother… my captain… my king…"
Suddenly, just as I was about to give up completely, the strange voice inside my head spoke up, stern and commanding. 'Bâ kalab ugru-dalad! Bâ idô!'
(Don't fall into the Shadow! Not now!)
In an instant, a warm blanket covered me, and I shook myself, as if from a hypnotic state of mind. As I seemed to regain control of myself, I was determined to obey and not fall into the dark chasm of the Shadow.
Struggling to break free, I reached with all my power for a way out. Before I knew it, I could hear Aragorn's voice again, closer and clearer than before.
"Boromir, come."
Unexpectedly, the darkness began to fade and a familiar fragrance filled my senses. Little by little, I felt myself returning to my body. I could move my fingers, and I realized that there was a hand within my own and a hand upon my brow.
"Open your eyes, Boromir," Aragorn commanded.
As I obeyed, I heard the voice in my head call out one last time. 'Avalôi ki-mâ, Bâr n' Gondôr.'
(The Valar be with you, Lord of Gondor)
I opened my eyes, and the dream ended…
Boromir blinked several times, wondering if this was real. But here he was, back in the tent at Dunharrow. And there, kneeling next to him, was Aragorn. The Ranger, though he looked tired, smiled. "Welcome back, Son of Gondor."
A sense of relief washing over him, Boromir returned the smile with one of his own. "It is good to see you again."
"I was afraid for a while before that you would not awaken," Aragorn said seriously. "You have suffered a Morgul-wound, and not many survive after such an ordeal. The poison is powerful, and it had much time to fester within your being."
Remembering how he had been trapped in his own mind, Boromir said, "Thank you for bringing me back. I do not know how much longer I would have lasted."
Aragorn shook his head. "To tell the truth, I almost lost you toward the end. You were too close to the edge of the Shadow, and I feared I was too late. It was surprising that you came back from there at all."
The Shadow… Boromir recalled vividly almost losing to the will of the cold darkness which threatened to steal his life. It was only that strange voice which helped him…
Before he could comment on it, Aragorn spoke again. "But if there is anyone to thank, it is Faedwyn who deserves all glory. That she would have athelas with her is a miracle in itself."
Boromir turned his head to see Faedwyn kneeling on his other side, a bowl of the fragrant scented water in her hand. The healer smiled as she looked down at Boromir, a relieved expression on her face. "It is good to see you well, my lord."
Indeed, he did feel well. The throbbing in his right arm had disappeared, and he found the numb sensation in his arm had also left. His headache, too, was gone, leaving him feeling pleasantly relaxed. "Faedwyn, I am forever in your debt, as I am to Bawuer. Where is he?"
"Right here, my lord," Bawuer spoke from where he had been staying in the corner. "And there is no debt."
Boromir waved the comment away. "We shall see."
"Is there anything I could do?"
In all honesty, Boromir was finding it awkward to be lying down and speaking up toward Aragorn and the others. Asking to be helped to sit up, Boromir allowed Bawuer to help him do so. He found that as relaxed as he felt, he was still tired from all the ordeals he had been through. He had to remind himself to take it slow and easy until he was fully recovered.
Thankfully, he was given a moment to collect himself as Aragorn gestured to Bawuer and whispered something into the Rohirrim soldier's ear. The young man nodded then left the tent and soon afterwards, Faedwyn made her excuses and also left, leaving Boromir and Aragorn alone.
So many things to say… but Boromir found he could not begin anywhere.
Fortunately, it was not necessary to think of where to begin, for Aragorn spoke first. "I realize now that you are one and the same as Lavlaisi. Lavlaisi… an interesting name, and one that I think strange you would use."
"The Lady Galadriel gave it to me," Boromir said, not surprised to see a strange look cross Aragorn's features.
"Before we go into how you come to be here in Dunharrow," Aragorn spoke as if mulling over his words carefully, "I would like to know why you did not come forward in Helm's Deep. I am sure you knew we were there." Aragorn suddenly looked deep into Boromir's eyes, causing the Gondorian to nervously turn away. "But I think I may know the reason…" Aragorn said slowly.
"I believe you know why Frodo went on his own," Boromir said quietly.
"Aye, that I do. He told me, and I agreed with him that he should go."
"Then you did what I could not." The Gondorian sighed. "When I arrived in Helm's Deep and found out that you were there, along with Legolas and Gimli, in truth I wished to see you. But I did not have the… courage… to face you at the time. There was shame for what I had done, and fear of how you would act towards me." Boromir shrugged his shoulders helplessly, more than a little shamefaced.
"I do hope you do not wish for some sort of forgiveness, or redemption, from me," Aragorn replied thoughtfully. "For I cannot grant forgiveness where none is needed, for I know well the powers of the Ring.
"Frodo bore the burden of the Ring, something none of us can imagine taking upon ourselves. Yet you were made to bear a different burden from the rest of us. I am sorry you had to go through so much, and I admit that I was blinded of the fact until it was too late. There were times when I could see, but other times…" Aragorn trailed off.
Boromir gave the Ranger a humorless smile. "There is no blame to take upon yourself. I committed a terrible act – "
"A terrible act that was of fate, it seems, considering what your act caused," Aragorn pointed out. "Frodo knew that the Ring was affecting others beyond anyone's control; he had been told so by Galadriel, and it became all too clear after you tried to take the Ring from him. He left, and as heartless as it may seem, it may have been the best thing to do. Think what would have happened if we were to continue our journey with Frodo. How it would have affected not only you, but the others, one by one?"
The Ranger sighed. "I tell you the truth when I say I was close to making Frodo stay with us. There wasn't any way one could make the journey, let alone one Hobbit. And for a moment, I thought there was only one who could do it…" Aragorn shook his head. "I was being influenced, who next? Legolas or Gimli? The other Hobbits?"
Boromir felt his heart clench at the thought. Merry, or dear Pippin, having to endure the Ring? He looked up and saw Aragorn watching him closely. "I see what you are trying to say," Boromir said grimly.
"You may think some of your honor, and maybe some of your pride, has been sacrificed." Aragorn took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "But I have learned to look at the whole picture instead of focusing on one portion. The fact is, you weren't able to take the Ring from Frodo, and they are both well beyond our reach now. Now all you have to do… is let it go. And have peace."
Let it go, just let it go. Boromir looked away, deep in thought. Aragorn had laid everything out for him, and now it was up to him, how he was going to take it. No, no! I tried to take the Ring! And… there was nothing he could do about it.
Was he to bear the guilt forever? Yes, he admitted, that was one scar he would have with him the rest of his life, along with the very physical scars he had also acquired. But there was now the choice to admit to the wrong he had done, live with it, and have the peace to do so.
And once he thought about it, there was little else he could really do.
So Boromir brought his gaze to meet Aragorn's waiting eyes. He raised his eyebrows. "Does my King so command me?"
The dumbfounded expression on Aragorn's face was priceless, and one Boromir was not to soon forget. The Ranger quickly composed himself to reply seriously, though there was a smile on his lips. "He does."
Boromir nodded. "Then it is my duty to obey." With those words, a weight lifted from Boromir's shoulders. He felt immense gratitude towards Aragorn for understanding him and giving him the second chance he thought would not be granted. Maybe he would be able to live with himself from now on…
Before he could express his thanks, however, the two men suddenly turned their heads toward the tent's entrance. A distinctive voice could be heard from outside, growing louder as the man approached. Or, more precisely, not man…
The Gondorian gave Aragorn a pointed look. "Is that whom I believe it is?"
Aragorn smirked. "Most probably, the one and the same."
"Gimli doesn't seem to have changed." Though he spoke in light jest, Boromir felt nervousness suddenly gnaw at him from inside. For it was obvious now that Aragorn had sent Bawuer to call for Gimli, and probably Legolas, too. He had faced Gandalf, Pippin, and now Aragorn. Now to face two others…
He felt eyes on him and looked to see Aragorn watching him. The Ranger seemed to read Boromir's mind, for he gave him an encouraging smile. It will be all right…
Gimli's voice was now loud enough to be able to make out the words. "…enough of your excuses. You tell us why Aragorn call us or… he is in here? Out of the way, Lad… Aragorn!"
The flap of the tent opened, and the Dwarf entered the tent, a look on his face as if ready to do battle. Right behind him came Legolas, much more subdued in manner yet just as serious in expression. But within seconds of registering that Aragorn was not alone, the two members of the Fellowship stood completely still, any questions they had in mind to ask Aragorn slipping away to numbed astonishment.
Bawuer came in, and Boromir almost smiled at the haggard look on his face. He could imagine just how much verbal torture he had endured from the demanding Dwarf. Gimli would never stand for being left in the dark in any situation, especially not from a stranger.
Gimli soon gained control of his tongue as he exclaimed, "Boromir! Now there's a sight for sore eyes! We had all but given up on ye!"
The Dwarf moved forward as if to pound Boromir on the back and the Gondorian barely withheld a grimace. Would it do him any good to beg off such a hearty reunion when he suffered an injury to his back…?
Thankfully, Gimli paused and noted Boromir's bandaged arm. "Here now, laddie, yer injured?" He suddenly narrowed his eye and crossed his arms over his chest as he growled, "Ye've got a lot of explaining to do, Boromir."
"Indeed," Legolas spoke up in his soft voice. "Though none of us may have confessed to it, we all believed you to be dead. Why did you not – ?"
The Elf suddenly paused, for all became keenly aware that one outside of the Fellowship was present. Bawuer quickly noticed the awkwardness of his presence in the tent and nodded his head cordially. "I will leave you to talk in peace, for I see there is much for you to catch up on."
The Rohirrim soldier had almost left before Boromir called out, "Thank you, Bawuer."
Bawuer smiled and left, leaving Boromir alone among his former companions. Legolas and Gimli made themselves comfortable on the ground. "All right, Boromir, what happened?" Gimli asked, a tone of impatience in his voice, though Boromir guessed the Dwarf may have been trying to hide how worried he had been.
Boromir explained from the beginning how he had tried to protect Merry and Pippin when he had been wounded, and how he had been saved by Haldir and taken to Lothlorien, and had even met Gandalf there. He told the story slowly, for he dreaded what was soon to come.
The Elf and the Dwarf were silent for the most part. But not for long. The question Boromir knew would be asked was indeed brought up by Legolas and Gimli; the question was why Gandalf nor Haldir had ever mentioned Boromir's fate at Helm's Deep.
Boromir wondered what the others knew about his trying to take the Ring so he glanced at Aragorn. The Ranger, seeming to understand what was going through Boromir's mind, nodded an affirmative. "They know."
Sighing, Boromir looked back towards the Elf and the Dwarf. "I asked Gandalf specifically to let me be the first to speak to you about what had happened to me. Through myself I wished to… beg pardon for my actions throughout the journey from Rivendell, especially when we left Lorien. But when I arrived in Helm's Deep and knew you were there…" Boromir dropped his gaze. "In Helm's Deep, I was not ready to face anyone, for I believed my act at Amon Hen had caused wariness in your hearts against me. But a wariness that has just cause. And I was not ready to face it."
For a few moments, no one spoke and Boromir found nervousness gnawing his insides. He had faced Aragorn, and perhaps had won some small kind of victory and earned some hope through the Ranger, but what of Legolas and Gimli? The two seemed deep in thought, and Boromir did not want to disrupt them.
Legolas finally lifted his blue eyes, which seemed to Boromir thoughtful and kind. "Do not think I ponder long because I must make a decision," Legolas said firmly, as if wanting to make sure Boromir understood. "For the decision is already made; in this time of darkness, I cannot take part in taking away any form of hope from anyone, hope of moving on, as I know you wish to do. Especially from someone with whom I have traveled and come to know through both fair weather and storms, times of peace and times of battle.
"You love your land very much," Legolas continued. "A love each of us share for our own homes. Your love for Gondor was obvious whenever you spoke of Minas Tirith, whenever we knew your thoughts were of your home. The Ring knew of your love, and it used it to its own ends. I do not blame you for the power of the Ring."
"But you can blame me for succumbing to it," Boromir pointed out grimly.
"Yes, but in the end, we all would have succumbed." The Elf gave Boromir a small smile. "We thank the Valar for the strong folk of the Shire, do we not? To whom else could we have trusted to bear so great a burden?"
Legolas offered a hand to Boromir and gave the best Elf imitation of a smirk. "My kind does not focus on the past. We prefer to let time flow and lead us to wherever it takes us, taking everything in stride. I hold no grudge, Boromir, son of Denethor, towards you. Your action was, alas, a grievous error, yet I see where it has led us, and I do not think we are in a hopeless situation. Do you?"
The Gondorian took the offered hand, his throat suddenly dry. Yet he managed to whisper, "My thanks, Prince of Mirkwood."
"And what say you, Gimli?" Aragorn asked the Dwarf, as Gimli had remained quiet while Legolas spoke, a most serious expression on his face.
Gimli harrumphed. "I agree with the Elf." The words earned the Dwarf looks of surprise and speculation which Gimli waved away. "Well, it's true!" He fixed his gaze on Boromir. "Listen, lad, I wouldn't have traded yer right arm for anyone else. Ye had a part to play in the Fellowship, as have all of us. Even the little rascals had their moments." Gimli nodded his head sharply and continued, "We'll need every good man we can get in the days of battle we have ahead of us."
Boromir hardly knew what to say, overwhelmed by the words of his companions, nay, friends. That they chose to lay aside his past actions touched him deeply, and made him wonder what he had done to deserve such benevolence.
"Let us now end all talk of this," Aragorn said, closing the subject. "We know you were in Helm's Deep, though how you came to be is a mystery, for we know you did not travel with the Elves of Lorien."
So Boromir began telling of his adventures and for once, though tired in body, he felt much of the weariness of his heart and mind vanish. Here among his friends, something he thought would never again be possible, Boromir found a little peace with himself.
Author's Note: (Hesitantly looks at readers) Well… was it ok? I'm really hoping this chapter was able to make the big impact I wished it to. Please give me your honest opinions of what you thought, I accept all criticism if you have any!
As for those who may wonder what was going on in Boromir's 'dream', with the strange voice and the strange language, I'm sorry to say it won't be revealed until a few more chapters go by. :P So sorry about that!
One question, my chapters seem to get longer and longer with each new update. Please tell me about how long you like the chapters to be so it's easy to read. A little longer, a little shorter?
Some special news… I'll be going to New Zealand next week! Yes, my parents and I are going to celebrate my graduation a bit early because this will be the only time we have to go for vacation. The first time to visit NZ, I'm especially looking forward to seeing all the sites and shooting locations for Lord of the Rings! Am definitely going to go see Hobbiton… But never fear, I'm still taking my little "Boromir, Thou Shall Live" army-colored-notebook with me, which contains all my secrets and outlines for the story. I'll continue to write even while I'm driving through NZ.
Next Chapter: Will have some more scenes in Dunharrow, probably with Bawuer getting to talk with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli a bit. Then maybe a scene at Henneth Annun, to see what's going on with Frodo and Sam with Faramir and his men.
Replies to my "Family of Reviewers"
shie1dmaidenofrohan Hee hee, I loved writing the beginning of the last chapter with the Rangers, so glad you liked it! I agree, the lighter tone of that part was much-needed after all the drama. :P Yup, so far Faramir is acting like in the books, but I'm thinking of having some bits of the movie-version come into play in the next few chapters. Still want Eowyn with Faramir huh? Of course, it's still a secret, but just to let you know, my ultimate choice will depend on the opinions of my wonderful, faithful reviewers! So keep reminding me what you want!
Celtic Angel18 Glad you liked Damrod's little scene, it was lots of fun to write it. I'm so relieved that I have patient readers as I often don't update as much as I want to. Thanks for being patient with me, I try to keep you readers happy!
Aelimir Like the sudden twist with Boromir, huh? I like keeping my readers in suspense. So, did this chapter turn out ok for you? Hope you liked it!
Arianna Malfoy LOL, glad you were so looking forward to this chapter! Did it live up to your expectations?
Vor Tirla Laime Hello there, welcome to my 'family of reviewers', a fond term I have bestowed on all of my reviewers! I understand about not reviewing until having read the latest chapter, I do the same thing. Very pleased to hear that you're liking my story so much! Too bad I can't have it published because it's fanfiction. But I'm thinking that someday, if I ever get into the movie business, I'll write a screenplay based on what I've written here. With an all new plot, characters, and new places of course. I'm honored that this is the only LotR story you're reading. (blushes) The scene where Legolas and Gimli tease Haldir and Isilme is one of my favorite scenes, too! As is the reunion between Boromir and Pippin. I hope the reunion between Boromir and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli came out just as well! Ahh, another major Faramir/Eowyn shipper, huh? Lol I have many Faramir/Eowyn fans that have begged me to keep them together. Well, it's still a big secret, I don't really like revealing too much of the future plots, or my readers might get bored… :P Oh! You're post-script at the end of your review made me really laughing out loud! 'LONELY Faramir… Think about it!!' LOL Anyway, I love the way you write your reviews: it was very fun to read and really made me happy to know I'm making other readers happy! Hope you like this new chapter!
Aldariel Well, here it is, Aragorn and Boromir's reunion! Hope you liked it a lot, sorry for keeping you a little antsy after waiting so long. :P You're right, I would never kill off Boromir (at least, I don't think so.. :P), but I'm starting to feel bad for making him suffer so… Ewan McGregor and Sean Bean in the same movie, hurray! I have GOT to see it! I just saw previews for Star Wars Episode III… man, does Ewan look sooo cool! Can't wait to see his lightsaber duel against the evil Anakin… Anyway, getting off subject… your comment on saying that Boromir fans are extremely hostile made me laugh sooo much, my friends thought I was going nuts… :P Hope you liked this knew chapter!
Lady Morwen Eleniel, Loremaster of Anorien Glad you liked the previous chapter so much! I had lots of fun writing the Rangers, I'll probably think of writing more of them in later chapters. Firnon reminds you of your grandpa? That's odd, I'm kinda basing him on my dad; always analytical and thinks ahead. The Three Hunters and Boromir has met up in this chapter! What did you think, did it come out ok? Hee hee, you're the third person who has reviewed in the past eight reviews who has stressed for Faramir and Eowyn to get together. LOL Well, it just may happen, won't it?
flip8 LOL, yeah, I love the Rangers part in chapter 37, too! Hope you liked the meeting with Aragorn and co. with Boromir! You thought it won't happen anytime soon but, hey, it finally happens!! Oooh, you liked the Mouth of Sauron?
Alex92 Wow, you got into med school? Many congratulations! I wish you the best of luck! Glad you're having more free time (and time to review) (wink!) Yeah, I tend to put poor Bori-pooh through too much pain… but I have a really nice, happy ending planned out for him, don't worry! You wanted to see Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli's reaction when seeing Boromir alive and well (sort of well at least), you get to see it in this chapter! What did you think, did you like it?
bloodredcherry Hi there, thanks for the reviews! Yay, another Boromir fan! One of the main reasons I've written this story is to discover just how many Boromir fans are out there. And you're not just a Boromir fan, but a Haldir one, too! You asked if I'll finish this story (unlike many authors), I'll be sure to get this finished. Someday… :P Hee hee, that's funny you'd say that some authors have portrayed Haldir as 'cranky'. LOL! It says you've read up to chapter 10, hope you were able to read more! Again, thanks so much for reviewing!
Pipkin Sweetgrass Thank you for your nice review, I'm always enjoying reading from you! 'All I need to do to get nominated is to have the story resolved with no Boro-bashing and good interaction between Boromir and Pippin'. Gotcha, will do! The problem is finishing the story… :P Well, I'll do my best to someday finish the story! Depends how long I can keep readers interested in reading this… Looking for a beta? Would you like me to put in a request in my next chapter in like a special announcement? I liked your little 'essay' on Boromir's character. Very insightful, thanks very much for taking the time to write it! Yeah, research is very vital in all writing; I had to do quite a bit of research for looking for the language I used in this chapter (still a secret what it is though!) Again, thanks for your very lovely review!
Cindy (galadrielwannabe) I had a wonderful Christmas, indeed, thanks for asking! How about you, did you have a great Christmas and a wonderful new year? Yes, I have seen the Return of the King EE! It was completely fantastic and I loved it! Especially the extra Faramir scenes!
KendraC Hi there, thanks for the reviews! As for finding out news about the championship, I used a search engine on the Internet and saw the names of the winners and the finalists. Your name was there. Wow, tested out the new LOTR computer game? I want to play it, but haven't gotten around to buying it yet. :P Glad you liked the previous chapter so much! I love the Ranger-trio scenes, too. They're growing on me so look forward to reading more of them! More to Bawuer's story indeed… and as to your question if we'll see the great-grandkids soon, yes, they'll be making an appearance sometime in the next few chapters while Boromir is still in Dunharrow. I hope you're pleased with the reunion in this chapter, it's finally happened! Yup, I got the RotK: EE, and it's simply fantastic! And you're right, the peace on Faramir's face when he gets to hold Eowyn in arms… sigh Simply priceless… I still haven't finished watching all the behind the scenes yet, but so far some of the scenes are hilarious! Oh, btw, I wanted to read the article you sent me but reviews don't let you include URL's, so could you send me through an e-mail perhaps? Thanks, and thanks again for reviewing!
rose of england Thank you very much for reviewing! Yup, I have a tendency to write cliffies, sorry about that. :P But I hope this chapter makes it all up, since you'll finally get the reunion between Boromir and three other members of the Fellowship! Hee hee, Faramir and Eowyn are meant to be, huh? Well, I'm leaning that way myself after seeing them together in RoTK: EE….
Randa-Chan Hello there, welcome to my 'family of reviewers', a fond nickname I have given to my readers/reviewers! LOL, don't worry, I wasn't at all dismayed or anything like that from your so-called 'scathing review'. It was very constructive criticism, and I appreciate you telling me your true thoughts and feelings. But your happy now that Haldir is alive and well, right? I hate character deaths, too… especially Haldir's death in the movies… As for my switching between using the book and movie version; well, I like both too much so I've decided to pick and choose the best scenes, if that's ok with you. But I'm really flattered you're liking this story so much! I hope you liked this new chapter, with Boromir finally safe with the help of Aragorn and a strange little voice… Again, thanks so much for reviewing!
Kitsume Thanks for the review! Again I have to comment how cool your name is, that was really good blending on your part to think of putting 'kitsune' and 'tsume' together. Yes, you spelled Dunedain right in your review! Well, you said that you wished Legolas and Boromir could have had time to maybe have a more friendly relationship, I hoped you liked their little interaction in this chapter. Having my update as your best Christmas present? Glad you liked it so much, thanks again for reviewing!
Daughter of Olorin That's all right for missing to review for ch. 36, it's really no problem! Ha ha, 'it should make things easier if Boromir had never met Eowyn'… well, as you said, it 'should'. Yeah, broken homes though existing in ME might be very much hidden. Yup, it's Aragorn to the rescue indeed, I hope you liked this whole chapter dealing with Boromir (finally) meeting Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli! Tell me what you thought about it!
Mirfein Hello there, welcome to my 'family of reviewers', a fond nickname I have given to my readers/reviewers! Randomly searching for Boromir stories, huh? I do that quite often, at least once a month to see if I've missed any good ones. :P Am so glad you were able to look my story up, and am especially glad that you're liking it so much! I agree, there are many 'Boromir-fanfiction-authors' who don't seem to get his character down right, but I'm honored you think I understand him well. You are now a permanent reader and reviewer? (sniff sniff) You are just too kind! Thanks so much for the support, looking forward to hearing more from you!
Michaela90 A brilliant ch. 37 you say? Glad you liked it so much! Ha ha, you're very perceptive to see that I won't kill off Boromir, considering my story is called "Boromir, Thou Shall Live"… LOL Anyway, hope you liked this chapter, I worked very hard on it to try to make it live up to everyone's standards.
i wish i were a cloud Hi there, thanks ever so much for taking the time to review my story! LOL, so, my chapter 37 was very intense, huh? I'm honored you think my story is well written, I hope you continue to enjoy the chapters I write out! Hope you enjoyed chapter 38!
Fwoggeh (formerly Chocolate Newt) Hi there, your new name is interesting, cute in a way! You liked Bawuer's past? Glad you did! Ahh, yes, I'm tending to write quite a few cliffies for the past few chapters, are you happy that this chapter didn't have a cliffhanger? Hope you enjoyed it!
Beornthryth Thanks very much for reviewing, I'm glad you liked the Frodo/Faramir interaction and didn't think it was too much of a repeated 'standard confrontational scene.' Yes, I seem to end up always putting a cliffhanger in my chapters. :P Thankfully, I didn't do that in this chapter, right? Hope you liked this new chapter!
The Dark Wanderer LOL, yes, I do tend to try killing of Boromir, don't I… :P Of course, the title is "Boromir, Thou Shall Live", so I'll try my best to keep him alive. Hee hee! Hurray! I'm glad you're not feeling threatened by my OC, Bawuer. I'm starting to love him so much, it would be a shame if none of my readers were becoming attached to him. This chapter has more of all your favorite characters: Boromir, Aragorn, Eowyn, and Bawuer… I hope you liked the reunion between Boromir and the other three members of the Fellowship!
z3o Hi there, thanks so much for reviewing my humble little story! One of the main things I want to work on in my story is the evolving relationships between the characters now that Boromir is alive, and I'm so pleased you pointed that out! As to your question, yes, Boromir was stabbed with a Morgul blade. But as you see in this chapter, Boromir is alive and well now that Aragorn was able to heal him, with the help of a mysterious voice… Alas, I can't tell you whether Bawuer will meet his father, you'll see as the story progresses! Again, thanks so much for the review, hope you continue to enjoy the story!
Skye-Chan12 Thanks so much for reviewing! On the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen? Well, I hope this chapter was an exciting one to read, with Aragorn saving Boromir and all, with the help of a strange voice in Boromir's head… Hope you enjoyed it!
Racetrack's Goil You don't know how relieved I am to reply to you cause you're the last reviewer to reply to! :P Thanks so much for always reviewing, you have been there for me from the very beginning of the story, hopefully you'll stay for the end, right? (if the story ever finishes..) :P Sorry for making Boromir suffer again… can't help laying on the thick the angst… (wink!) I know you've already read this chapter, and already said it's gooood (not just 'good', goooood) but still, hope you liking reading it once over again! Can't wait till Boromir meets Eowyn, huh? That should be around… chapter 41 by my calculations. Or chapter 42, depends what I put inbetween, right?