Boromir, Thou Shall Live
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: It's been too long, hasn't it? Well, I'm back from New Zealand, and I must say I had a simply fantastic time! I got to see all of the LOTR sites I wanted to visit, my favorites being maybe Hobbiton (in Matamata), Weathertop (BEAUTIFUL place!), and Henneth Annûn (Tawhai Falls, a magical place). I also got to eat at three places several of the cast members of LOTR have eaten: Molly Malone's where gasp Sean Bean ate, The Green Parrot where Viggo Mortensen often went, and The Chocolate Fish Café where the whole cast and crew went often. For Orlando Bloom fans, I visited the place where he learned and practiced using his bow and arrow! Hopefully I'll get pictures up on my site when I get the chance, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line in a review or an e-mail!
Anyway, on with the story. I had a lot of school work to catch up on (had skipped two full weeks of school) so now that I'm finally caught up, I've had time to write! Again, so sorry for all the delays, this is finally the big 4-O! Lots of Boromir, since he didn't make an appearance in the previous chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter Forty: 'Till We Meet Again'
Boromir didn't wake from his sleep as quickly as he usually would have as a soldier and warrior. He blamed it on his recent injuries, as he slowly regained consciousness, not even bothering to open his eyes.
As his sleep-filled mind became fully awake, Boromir let out a groan. He felt terrible, though he knew the pain was actually a good thing; his body was mending itself, and hopefully, he was on the road to a quick recovery. He knew he should try to go back to sleep, for his body was signaling to him that he needed more rest. But Aragorn and the others would be leaving today, and he was loath to see them in this state. Now to see if he could get up to see them off…
He opened his eyes, then squinted them shut once more. Oh, how he hoped he would be well soon! Groaning again, Boromir brought his hand up to rub his aching head.
"Do you wish for something to ease a headache?"
Recognizing the voice, Boromir nodded his head slowly, willing the pounding to subside. "Just knock me unconscious again, I would really appreciate that, Bawuer."
Boromir winced as Bawuer laughed. "Don't laugh, my loud friend," Boromir remarked blearily.
"I had a feeling you would wake up in a foul mood," Bawuer said, too cheerfully for the Gondorian. Hearing a sound at his side and a presence next to him, Boromir once more tried to open his eyes. Through narrowed lids, he made out the Rohirrim soldier holding out a cup. "Drink this," Bawuer offered. "It will probably help."
"Anything would help." Boromir sucked in a breath then carefully lifted himself up into a sitting position. He succeeded without passing out, even though he secretly wished he had. His whole upper body was like a tender bruise, and however thankful he was that his left arm seemed to be completely healed, his right arm was still useless, and was shooting pain up through his shoulder.
Bawuer noticed Boromir's grimace and remarked quietly, "Need I ask how you feel?"
Boromir snorted and gave Bawuer a part serious, part humored, look. "The truth? I feel as though a cave troll sat on my chest, then proceeded to poke my arm with a stake. A full-sized, overweight cave troll with a sharp, heavy stake."
The Rohirrim soldier held back his laughter unsuccessfully, making Boromir grab the cup from Bawuer's shaking hand. "Here, give me that," Boromir said disdainfully. "You might spill this all over yourself. Or worse, all over me." Remembering what Bawuer had said about something to ease his headache, the Gondorian was just about to down the contents when he caught a whiff of its odor. He almost gagged. "What in the name of Mordor is this?"
"My mother concocted it, with a few simple instructions from Aragorn." Bawuer smiled wickedly. "Smells wonderful, doesn't it?"
"I have half a mind to believe that Faedwyn and Aragorn are just trying to poison me," Boromir said, looking grimly into the cup.
"It must have been agreed upon as the fastest way to get rid of you."
Boromir shot Bawuer a look. "You are enjoying this too much for your own good." Deciding not to dwell on it any longer, Boromir took a deep breath, and praying to the Valar he wouldn't become nauseous, drank everything in the cup. He thrust the cup in Bawuer's direction and focused on ignoring the mind-numbingly horrendous taste of whatever it was he had just drunk.
But maybe the mind-numbing part was good, for he actually felt better. Already the medicine was taking effect and the pain in his arm dulled, so he could breathe easier even with his bruised chest, and his headache eased to a bearable throbbing. All in all, he was now in a state where his pain was minor enough for him to handle without thought.
Bawuer must have noticed the change in Boromir's condition. "Maybe this is actually good for something besides causing nausea to whoever smells it," the Rohirrim man said, as he put the cup aside.
Now that he had come to grips with his rebelling body, Boromir asked, "Has Aragorn left yet?"
"Nay, the sun has not even risen, though Aragorn and his men are by now probably ready to depart. I went to check on the horses a little while ago, and I saw that many of the Dúnedain had begun assembling their gear."
"Then help me up," Boromir said, as he looked around for his shirt.
Bawuer narrowed his eyes. "They said they would see you before they leave. I'm sure they meant they would stop by – "
"Don't think I'm about to lay inside this tent, sending my friends off without a proper farewell," Boromir growled.
"You won't get five paces from this tent without collapsing, and you know it," Bawuer bit back just as firmly. "I'm not about to help you up just to carry you back in here."
"Find me my shirt, I'll worry about the collapsing," Boromir said in a tone meaning he wasn't about to change his mind. The younger man rolled his eyes in frustration and finally gave up arguing and handed the Gondorian a shirt.
Before he had gone to sleep last night, Faedwyn had wrapped thick bandages tightly around his whole chest, saying that if any of the ribs were cracked there would be less chance of causing further damage. But Boromir found that the bandages constricted his movements considerably, so in the end had to ask Bawuer to help put his shirt on. That act was also compromised as his right arm refused to cooperate. In the end, the shirtsleeve for the right arm had to be rolled up quite high, and a sling was constructed for him to put his arm in.
It seemed an age had passed by the time Boromir was ready to leave the tent. He put on both his Lórien cloak and another dark, heavy cloak, putting the hood up to cover his head and face from any curious onlookers. Until then, Boromir had only had to concentrate on standing up, but now, faced with the daunting task of actually having to walk, he carefully gathered up whatever strength he had left.
Bawuer went to stand next to Boromir, motioning for the Gondorian to use him as a crutch. Gratefully, Boromir laid his left hand upon the Rohirrim soldier's shoulder for support. Together they walked out, Boromir leaning on his friend, who neither complained nor commented on just how much weight Boromir put on his shoulder.
It took longer, much longer, than Boromir had assumed it would take to get to Aragorn's tent. By the time Bawuer motioned to a tent coming into view at their slow pace, Boromir felt he needed to sit down. But with the necessity of arriving at his destination, and some of his pride mixing in with his judgment, Boromir decided against mentioning the overwhelming tiredness consuming him.
As they neared the tent, Boromir noticed Gimli seated at a nearby fireside. The Dwarf, recognizing Boromir and Bawuer, motioned them to sit next to him. More than a little relieved at the invitation, Boromir answered Bawuer's questioning look by nodding.
As the two drew closer to Gimli, the Dwarf said, "Aragorn is still inside finishing putting his gear together. As for the Elf, 'e's gone for the horses." Gimli raised an eyebrow at seeing how heavily Boromir sat onto the ground to lean against the log. The Gondorian barely refrained from swearing as pain seared up from his legs to his head.
"You're sure ye're ready to be out of bed at all, laddie?" Gimli enquired. "Ye look pale."
"I don't need to be told," Boromir said crossly as Bawuer nodded emphatically at Gimli's words. "Anyway, you look the worse for wear yourself, Master Dwarf." Indeed, Gimli's eyes were red-rimmed and there was a certain stiff way in which he was sitting up.
Bawuer smirked. "It seems that you may have drank too much last night."
"Out of the question," Gimli grunted. "I can still drink twice as much as a young pup like ye can."
The two men decided prudently against answering the Dwarf, instead choosing to ask whether Gimli and the others would be leaving soon or not. Before they could receive an answer, Aragorn had exited his tent, and seeing who were gathered round the fire, came to sit next to them.
"I did not expect to see you here," Aragorn said sternly, though his next words proved his true feelings. "But I am happy to see you are up and about."
"I was not about to let you leave without properly saying my farewells," Boromir said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Besides, I have been staying in one place too long, and I needed to get up."
At that moment, Legolas chose to appear, leading two horses along. He greeted Boromir and Bawuer with a nod and a smile. "Elladan and Elrohir have the Dúnedain mounted and ready to depart, Aragorn," the Mirkwood Elf said quietly, and a little hesitantly, as he gave an almost unnoticeable glance at the Gondorian. In fact, Boromir realized that most everyone was looking at him uncomfortably, except for Bawuer, who was studiously poking a stick at the fire.
Smiling sadly at the fact that he was the reason for some of the discomfort among his friends, Boromir tried to raise the others' spirits; hopefully, the act would raise his own floundering emotions at having to say farewell. "Come, do not let me keep you. We had better get you off on your journey, for it may take a while for you to get me up from my very comfortable position here on the ground."
The words made everyone smile, though there was no doubt they knew Boromir was anything but as cheerful as he was trying to be. It was Aragorn who lent Boromir a hand in getting up. "Walk with me till we join with the company," Aragorn said, his tone leaving no room for objection.
The Gondorian hesitated, but after receiving a hard look, put a hand on the Dúnedain's shoulder. After hearing his mumbled thanks for the help, the group began walking towards the clearing where the others would be waiting for their leader.
Bawuer, Gimli, and Legolas walked several paces behind as Aragorn and Boromir led the way. Sitting down had allowed Boromir to regain some strength, and being loath to lean so much on his king, he tried to walk as quickly and steadily as possible.
Aragorn slowed the pace, however, saying, "No need to be in such a hurry as to tax all of your strength. Remember, you have to return to your tent after I leave."
"Forget that," the Gondorian quipped. "Let me just worry being able to walk in a straight line." But gratefully he took smaller steps, taking more of his time in concentrating putting one foot of the other. Boromir dryly wondered how strange the two of them looked, even more so if others knew who they were. The Captain-General of Gondor, future Steward of Gondor, leaning upon the Chieftain of the Dunedain, future King of Gondor. How ironic…
His thoughts were interrupted as Aragorn spoke. "I'm sorry that we have not truly had the time to discuss many matters, you and I."
"Aye," Boromir agreed truthfully. "Unfortunate that though our paths cross again, we must part once more so soon."
"Hopefully our next meeting will be in the High Court of Minas Tirith," Aragorn said lightly, and then suddenly paused to look at Boromir cautiously.
Boromir, guessing as to why Aragorn was acting as he was, shrugged in what he hoped was a careless manner. "You will be welcomed in Minas Tirith, of that I am sure."
Aragorn shook his head grimly. "There are… those who may not see my coming as… shall we say, an occasion to celebrate."
"Don't think me a fool, for I can rightly guess of who you mean," Boromir said darkly.
The Ranger accepted the Gondorian's words with a calm nod. "I have met the Steward of Gondor. I do not expect your father to be overjoyed at my arrival."
"Count yourself lucky if he even admits you into his presence." Boromir sighed, thinking of just how his father may react to Aragorn's coming. To be sure, Denethor would fight for his Stewardship, and would no doubt ignore any claims as to the heir of Isildur taking up the throne of Gondor.
As for Boromir… he knew what he heart was telling him. Aragorn was the rightful heir; Boromir had no right to contest the claim.
But if Denethor forced Boromir to make a decision between his father and the 'king'? He hoped the Valar would give him strength to do what had to be done and wisdom to do what was right.
If only things were that simple… Boromir suddenly wished he would be far, far away when Aragorn and Denethor would inevitably meet.
Realizing that Aragorn was speaking, Boromir shook his dire thoughts away to concentrate on the Ranger's words. "…no ill feelings. Whatever conflict there is between your father and me, it will be kept that way. I would not ask you to become involved."
"I am already involved, whether the two of us like it or not," Boromir spoke with sadness. "Make no mistake, I thank you for your words, which were meant kindly. But you and I know you cannot make such a promise. In any case, I shall be more involved in the matter between you and my father than should be allowed."
The two stopped walking as they had come within sight of the Rangers of the North. Boromir shifted his feet uncomfortably and whispered, "If only I were to travel with you. In that way I may be sure to reach Minas Tirith with you, perhaps speak to Denethor before – "
"Out of the question," Aragorn interrupted, quietly but firmly. "After such an ordeal as you have suffered, you must recuperate." Here the lean man grinned sympathetically. "You are barely standing as it is."
"But I am standing, which is the important thing," Boromir replied good-humouredly, for he had already known the Ranger will never allow him to leave Dunharrow unless fit to travel. He had argued enough the night before to know of Aragorn's obstinacy in the matter. Besides, what stopped him from leaving after Aragorn's departure?
Of course, there would be Bawuer to deal with…
Boromir glanced behind to see his friend deep in conversation with Legolas and Gimli. At that moment, the Rohirrim soldier looked up, ready to come to assistance at any moment. Yes, Boromir thought dryly, Bawuer would be hard to sneak by if he wanted to make some sort of departure from the Rohirrim camp…
Bawuer, Legolas, and Gimli, seeing as Aragorn and Boromir looked back at them, came to stand over next to them. A gloom settled over them, as if saying 'it is time.'
Gimli spoke first, though traces of discomfort showed in the way he was pursing his lips. "Wish ye were comin' with us, laddie. And that goes for ye, too, young pup," the Dwarf said in Bawuer's direction.
"It seems it was not meant to be," Boromir replied with a wan smile.
"But saying farewell only means we will have the pleasure to see each other again," the Elf said with a smile of his own, the hardness in his eyes indicating how much he believed his words to be true.
Aragorn nodded his head in agreement. "And this time we know for sure there shall be a next time."
Legolas handed one of the horses over to Aragorn, then mounted his own horse, Gimli climbing on behind with some help from Bawuer. As soon as he was settled, the Dwarf fixed Boromir with a smirk. "Do you know of some good pubs in Minas Tirith?"
Boromir pretended to be affronted. "My dear Dwarf, be sure I can introduce you to every pub, good or bad, in my city."
"It's settled then," Gimli said with a bark of approval. "Last group to arrive in the city pays for a night out in the pub of Boromir's choice and recommendation. Agreed?"
The Elf winked and bowed to Boromir. "Pick a suitable place near to our quarters, for I very much fear having to carry my friend home. Drunk."
Gimli sputtered for a few minutes in undisguised disgust while the others strove to maintain a straight face. Boromir wondered if what Bawuer had mentioned earlier about Gimli being unable to keep his ale was perhaps true …
Realizing that all were mounted except for Aragorn, Boromir took his hand from off of Aragorn's shoulder. Noticing the movement, Aragorn wordlessly moved to stand facing Boromir. Bawuer came to stand next to Boromir to offer someone to lean on, but Boromir waved him away. Not now…
He squared his shoulders and met steel grey eyes with an unwavering look. As a soldier would to his superior, Boromir stood at attention. "I would have followed you, my King," he whispered.
"There was no doubt in my mind, son of Gondor." The Ranger paused as if considering his words, then spoke up again. "When in your delirium, you spoke of the Ringwraith, how the Nazgûl extended to you… quite an offer. And you refused it."
Boromir nodded slowly, surprised, for he had not told anyone the specifics of what had been spoken between him and the Ringwraith. Though he did remember something in his dream… of speaking to Aragorn…
"I know that you have grown up believing yourself to be the next Steward," the Ranger continued. "I am humbled that you would accept me. I know you did not at first…" here the two men smiled, neither feeling any discomfort.
"I have decided to put that behind me," Boromir said firmly. "Both our concerns are for the future of not only Gondor, but for all of Middle-earth. It would be foolish for anything to come between us, hindering any of our hopes for the future." He bowed, knowing it was time to say farewell. But what to say at such a farewell as this?
Before he could contemplate much on his choice of words, he spoke the words he remembered, with startling clarity, from his dream. "Avalôi ki-mâ, Bâr n' Adûnâim"
Aragorn looked at the Gondorian lord with surprise. "A farewell in Adûnaic; it is a surprise indeed to hear this coming from you. Where did you learn this?"
"I did not speak of this before, but your voice was not the only one to pull me out of my terrible dreams," Boromir said, after a moment's hesitation. "The voice spoke in that speech, and though I knew not what language it was until you revealed it to me now, I understood it enough to obey."
The Ranger considered Boromir's words. "Your mother was from a line of descendents from the first Prince of Dol Amroth, son of the Númenorean, Imrazor. And even the Ruling Stewards of Gondor were descended from Húrin of Emyn Arnen, a man of noble Númenorean descent. The bloodline has grown faint through the years, however…" Aragorn looked at Boromir thoughtfully, and then said with a small smile, "Perhaps the poison has stirred what Númenorean blood you may still have within you."
They were silent, each contemplating his words. Boromir, on his part, was more than a little skeptical of Aragorn's words. He was a simple man, nothing more. If there was anyone in his family to possess some sort of mystical Númenorean blood, it would be Faramir. Who was the one who always had the dreams? Faramir. Who had the strange ability of perception? Faramir.
As for himself… Boromir shook his head. He had made far too many grave mistakes for him to think of anything to praise himself for. He was a good soldier… and that was all. And he believed, hoped, it to be enough.
He turned away from his thoughts as Aragorn spoke. "Avalôi ki-mâ, Bâr n' Gondôr." Aragorn smiled, and was just about to mount his horse when he stopped, looking at something behind Boromir's shoulder. The Gondorian turned, and saw that it was not a something that Aragorn was looking at, but a someone.
At first glance, Boromir believed the person to be a man. But he quickly dismissed the thought, for though clad as a Rider, there was no mistaking the flowing, golden hair and the subtle grace in the person's walk; this person was female.
As she came closer, Boromir thought he heard Aragorn mutter under his breath. "Who is she?" Boromir whispered.
"The Lady Éowyn," Aragorn whispered back as she approached.
Boromir would have made some sort of greeting to the maiden, but except for a quick glance in his direction, she seemed to only have eyes for Aragorn. In her hand she bore a cup, and she set it to her lips and drank a little, all the while not breaking eye contact with Aragorn.
She was young and fair, graced with the colorings of the Rohirrim with her golden hair and blue eyes. Yet unlike many of the outdoor-orientated Rohirrim, she was far too pale. Even her lips were a very pale pink color, and Boromir had to fight to quell the urge to cover her in his warm cloak. She seemed… cold… and more than usually frail for a woman… Boromir could make out an alarming amount of emotions on her features, though no one commented because of the fierce pride obvious in the lift of her chin.
"A safe and swift journey for you and your men, my lord," she said, her voice soft and almost ethereal. Boromir, however, could still detect a slight quiver in her tone, masked behind a stern expression.
Aragorn took the cup and also drank some of the contents, as was the custom of the Rohirrim. "Farewell, Lady of Rohan. I drink to the fortunes of your House, and of you, and of all your people. Say to your brother, 'beyond the shadows we may meet again'!"
All of a sudden, the emotions Éowyn had been keeping under control overwhelmed her, and Boromir watched as silent tears slid down her cheeks. Her gaze never wavered, her lips were in a firm line… so stern and proud, the sight of the tears made Boromir look away in grief. He could hardly look upon was so fair and fragile, she was breaking before his very eyes…
"Aragorn, wilt thou go?" the Gondorian heard her whisper as Aragorn looked in the direction of the eastern sky. It seemed impossible that dawn was not so far away, for the sky was gloomy. As gloomy as the feelings surrounding the atmosphere right then…
The affirmative Aragorn gave to Éowyn's question made her struggle to speak. "Then wilt though not let me ride with this company, as I…. have asked?" she said, her voice cracking only once.
Boromir looked upon her with surprise. To be sure he had been bewildered to see the White Lady of Rohan attired in a soldier's outfit, but she also wished to travel with Aragorn? He shook his head, wondering how such a thought had entered her head. What was causing her to act so irrationally? What made her wish for certain death, for she was but a woman… and war was no place for her.
Then to his utter amazement, Éowyn dropped the cup, then went down on her knees before Aragorn, her tears now falling in a steady trickle from her eyes. She begged him to let her go, but Aragorn firmly denied her request. The maiden squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head in pain.
It was at that moment that Boromir finally understood the scene unfolding before him. Lady Éowyn was in love with Aragorn…
He felt his heart go out to her, knowing full well now why Aragorn looked down upon her shaking form with sadness and even some pity. Boromir knew that the Ranger had already given his love to another; Éowyn was clinging on to a lost cause, reaching for hope where there was none to be found.
The Lord of the Dúnedain took her by the hand and raised her up. He kissed her hand, and Boromir saw that in Éowyn's eyes she was pleading for more. But all Aragorn could do was let go of her hands. The Ranger walked to Boromir, and whispered for the Gondorian's ears alone, "Farewell, my friend."
He seemed to want to say more, but Boromir spoke first. "Farewell. And… I will watch over her while I remain here." He didn't know why he made such a promise, but remembering the look of pain in the woman's eyes, knew he would keep his word. As headstrong as she tried to make herself out to be, he knew she needed more watching out for than she thought she did.
Relief took away some of Aragorn's burden. With a last look back at Éowyn, who had kept her gaze unseeingly ahead, Aragorn mounted his horse and began to ride away, his men following him.
Legolas and Gimli spoke a few words of good-bye to Bawuer, and then reined their horse next to Boromir. No words needed to be said among the three of them. The Elf and Gimli nodded their head in respect to Boromir, and then with the flick of Legolas' wrist, they, too, hastened to catch up with their leader.
Boromir, though suddenly feeling incredibly tired and worn out, remained where he was, standing next to Éowyn. He dared not face her, for fear of causing any embarrassment on her part. In the corners of his eyes, she seemed to be as a figure carven in stone, her hands clenched at her sides. She did not move, and did not seem as if she would. Boromir instinctively knew she would not leave until Aragorn was no longer in sight.
He was weary and wanted to sit down; yet he stood still, all senses focused on the young maiden. As if he was bound by some duty, Boromir knew he would not leave unless she moved first. He resigned himself to stay where he was, eyes staring straight ahead, thoughts ever on Éowyn standing next to him, who never once acknowledged his presence. So focused was she on the riders, and their leader, as they headed for the shadows under the black Dwimorberg, the Haunted Mountain, in which was the Door of the Dead.
Boromir hoped fervently that his friends would be safe… how soon, if at all, would they meet again?
Éowyn felt all hope deflate from her soul as Aragorn and the riders rode away. A small part of her had firmly held onto the string of hope that maybe, just maybe, they would stop, call for her, beckon her to follow… anything but have her remain in Dunharrow, this prison.
Anger coursed through her veins as she bitterly cursed the day she had first laid eyes upon Aragorn. How dare he come and turn her life upside down!
But she knew she was being unfair; her dissatisfaction with life had begun long before she even knew of his existence. But instead of helping her, he had only made her soul long for more, until she realized that there was no more to be had. Especially from him…
Why could she not have her heart's desires? Why couldn't she be happy? Why couldn't she just be satisfied?
Because she didn't know what she wanted.
Yes, I do! she thought furiously. I want to ride with the men! I want to fight for my people! But most of all, she knew she wanted to be needed and… loved.
Was it such an impossible wish? Well, maybe it was…
Her hands hurt, for she was clenching them so hard, but she could not, would not, relax them. Until there was no chance Aragorn would turn back around, she would stay where she was. That was what any soldier would do… stay at his post unless called.
But before she knew it, Aragorn was gone from sight. Leaving her all alone. Again.
The word alone was the last straw for her. She choked back a sob and turned on her heel. He was not coming for her. The realization made her disorientated so much that her first step back to her lodgings caused her to stumble. But instead of falling to her knees, she found that a hand was grasping her arm, keeping her from going to the ground.
For a second she looked at the hand with curiosity, wondering where the help had come from. Suddenly she remembered the black-cloaked figure standing next to Aragorn as the Ranger was about to leave. She had really taken no notice of him and struggled to remember something of him. Yet all she could recall was a stray memory of piercing eyes from under the man's hood.
She looked up and gasped in shock. For a moment, she thought she was looking into the face of Aragorn! The beard, the rugged face, the eyes…
Her surprise caused her to take a step backwards, putting more weight upon the hand that was supporting her. All of a sudden, the hand, which had been helping just moments before, gave way as the man seemed unable to keep up with her sudden movements.
In mere seconds, roles were reversed as Éowyn struggled to keep the man from collapsing. He was a large man, not so much tall as he was broad shouldered; Éowyn was worried for a moment that he would fall on her. But thankfully, he recovered from his lapse of weakness and he stood straight, both of them still keeping wary hands on each other's arm. Éowyn heard him softly gasping for breath and she cast away her previous grief to worry for the man, who was obviously sick or wounded in some way.
Before she could inquire of him as to what was wrong, however, he spoke first. "Forgive me, my lady," he said slowly, slightly out of breath. He had a deep voice, and an accent that Éowyn could quickly place as not of the Rohirrim. A foreigner…
She looked up to see Bawuer coming towards them, worry etched all over his features. Bawuer… this man must be…of course… the illusive Lavlaisi, who else? So the man must be truly wounded, just as Bawuer had told her. It seemed the Rohirrim soldier had been speaking some truth.
Focusing on the stranger, Éowyn decided that though Lavlaisi did indeed resemble Aragorn, after a good look she knew that they were actually quite different. The same coloring of course, dark hair and beard, except this man's hair seemed slightly reddish brown instead of Aragorn's darker hair. And the eyes, though grey as was Aragorn's, were tinted green…
She was openly staring at him, and realized that he, too, was staring at her intently. She lowered her eyes, as she knew was proper. "It is I who must apologize. You are wounded."
"And you are hurt."
Éowyn looked at him sharply at his blunt words. Words that were too blunt for her taste. "Thank you," she replied coolly. "Now if you will excuse me."
"Allow me to accompany you to your quarters."
She pursed her lips. Of all the chauvinistic acts, here he was the one who probably needed to be accompanied back to his quarters. He looked pale and Éowyn knew that whatever wounds he had acquired must be bothering him a lot right then. Men…
Emotionally drained and more than a little bit cross and ill-tempered from Aragorn's rejection, Éowyn didn't even reply. She began walking back, without a word to either Lavlaisi or Bawuer. She was none of their business, and more than anything she wanted... what?
She kept a swift pace back to her lodgings, dismayed to hear the sounds of footsteps following her. For a brief second, she felt sorry for her manners. The man was wounded, and she had rudely dismissed him. Her pace must be killing him to keep up with. Unconsciously she slowed down until he was walking abreast with her. She could hear him breathing heavily, and though she felt guilty, she refused to speak.
Soon they reached her lodgings and propriety demanded she say something to him. But what was she to say?
She was saved from thinking of something for he spoke first. "Will you be all right?" he whispered, a little breathlessly from the walk.
How could she reply, when she herself did not know the answer? Irritation rose within her towards this man who had no right to make her feel even more confused. She looked at him coldly. "I will be fine, I only wish to be left alone," she said stiffly.
Something flickered in Lavlaisi's eyes… was it pity? "Of course, forgive my impertinence," he said quietly, then bowed. "Good day, Lady Éowyn." He offered her something from his hand and Éowyn was surprised to see it was the cup she had taken for Aragorn. After she took it from him, he turned away and began walking stiffly away, Bawuer waiting close behind with a worried expression.
Éowyn went inside her quarters, and with a surge of frustration, threw the cup to the ground. It made a satisfying thud as it hit the carpet and for a few moments, Éowyn reveled in the feeling of having some control.
But she remembered where she was and felt all of her energy leave. She dropped to the ground without a word, finally allowing her emotions to take over. Taking in a deep breath, she could feel the tears already forming in her eyes.
Curling up in ball, ignoring the armor digging into her skin uncomfortably, she put her head in her hands and cried for everything wrong in her life.
She was such a liar. Only minutes before she had told Lavlaisi she wanted to be left alone. But that's not what she wanted! Or did she? There was no choice in the matter, or was there? Lavlaisi had seemed genuinely concerned for her… but they barely knew each other. No, she did not want any comfort from a stranger.
Yet she could not even find comfort in her family or friends.
And not for the first time in her life, she was left all alone. Again.
Faramir carefully scrutinized the Hobbits as they broke fast with him. They were seated inside the caves of Henneth Annûn, only minutes after having been awakened from the beds. Awakened… or maybe not. Faramir doubted they had slept at all after the early morning ordeal. He himself had not even tried laying his head down. Too many thoughts filled his head.
Also, his scouts and watchers had returned and through Elbaran had received a full report. A strange report, indeed. The land of Ithilien was empty; nothing on the road, and no sound of foot, horn, or bowstring anywhere to be heard.
Faramir did not know what this meant. But he knew one thing; the time was drawing swiftly to some great conclusion. A storm was coming… and to what end no one, let alone he, could know.
He had already come to the conclusion that Frodo and Sam, along with their so-called 'guide,' could not return to Minas Tirith with Faramir and his men. They had their errand, and one Faramir knew was vital importance in the war against Sauron. But how were they to accomplish such a task? To enter Mordor was folly; he knew what dangers lurked in the Dark Lands.
Yet the Ring had to be destroyed… if only it didn't seem so impossible…
He pushed his empty plate away and carefully regarded Frodo and Sam, who were also almost finished with their meal. Frodo, noticing how Faramir was looking at him so carefully, cleared his throat.
"Lord Faramir, you have yet to declare your will concerning me and my companions. Your judgment was postponed until the morning; that is now at hand."
Ah, yes…
"Then I shall declare my judgment," Faramir answered, for he had already decided what was to be done. He had thought long and hard upon the subject, and he hoped it was the best decision. "In so far as lies in me under higher authority, I declare you free in the realm of Gondor to the furthest of its ancient bounds; save only that neither you, nor any that go with you, have leave to come to this place unbidden. This judgment shall stand for a year and a day, and then cease, unless you shall before that term come to Minas Tirith and present yourself to the Lord and Steward of the City. Then I will entreat him to confirm what I have done and to make it lifelong. Are you answered?"
Frodo bowed low, a small smile of gratitude on his lips. "I am answered. I place myself at your service, if that is of any worth to one so high and honorable."
Flatterer, but he means it. Faramir could not help but return the smile with one of his own. He hadn't smiled in so long… "It is of great worth. Now I have promised to speak no more of your errand, and I will honor what I have said," he continued a bit more soberly. "Yet you must answer me: whither would you go? You have your… guide. Whither was he leading you?"
A silent look passed between the two Hobbits, and it was Frodo who answered. "Sméagol brought us to the Black Gate as I asked. But it was impassable."
Faramir withheld a snort. Of course it was impassable, even for some as small as these Halflings were…
"Seeing this, we turned aside and came by the Southward road," Frodo continued, "for he said that there is, or there may be, a path near to Minas Ithil."
Stunned, Faramir had certainly not expected this answer. There was only one 'path' Sméagol must be speaking of. Hesitantly, he whispered, "Minas Morgul."
The dark-haired Hobbit shrugged. "I do not know clearly, but the path climbs, I think, up into the mountains on the northern side of that vale where the old city stands. It goes high up to a high cleft and so down to – that which is beyond."
Shaking his head at Frodo's naivety, Faramir asked, "Do you know the name of that high pass?"
"No."
Of course he wouldn't. Faramir rubbed his eyes; he should have foreseen this. The Ithilien Captain took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It is called Cirith Ungol."
Rising from his seat, Faramir paced a few steps back and forth. Nothing much was known of the passes above Minas Morgul. As a curious teenager, intent on learning his geography, Faramir remembered always asking the old men and masters of lore about Cirith Ungol. Most of all, he remembered clearly how they would all blanch and fall silent.
Seeing as the Hobbits were staring at him, Faramir stopped his pacing and sighed. He would do his best to steer the Halflings away from the terrible pass. And there was still the problem of Sméagol…
"Frodo, I think you do very unwisely in this plan," he tried to explain. "I do not think you should go with the creature. It is wicked."
"No, not altogether wicked," Frodo insisted, Sam only rolling his eyes.
Faramir grimaced. "Not wholly, perhaps, but malice eats it like a canker, and the evil is growing. He will lead you to no good. Maybe…" The Captain tried thinking of an alternative but was at a loss as to what to say. "It would be better if you part ways with the creature."
The Hobbit shook his head. "It would be of no use. He would follow after me as he long has done. And I have promised many times to take him under my protection and to go where he led. You would not ask me to break faith with him?"
Knowing how he would answer, Faramir could only sit down again and try to convince them in another way. "No, I could not ask you to break faith him, no matter how much my heart would. If he will go with you, you must endure him, I suppose. However, I do not think you should go to Cirith Ungol, of which he has told you less than he knows. That much I perceived clearly in his mind, for he is a creature of deception. Do not go to Cirith Ungol!"
"Where then shall I go?" Frodo cried out, distress written clearly on his face. "Where else would you direct me? Over the mountains I am bound, by solemn undertaking to the Council, to find a way or perish in the seeking."
Faramir had no reply for him, for what was there to say? Too many decisions, yet none of them could hold any hope for them. A flicker of a thought entered his head. Maybe it would be better to return to Minas Tirith at once. There they may find reinforcements, think of more alternatives; but more than anything not leave such a burden upon the Hobbits…
Frodo must have deciphered Faramir's contemplative look. He shook his head and whispered, "Would you have me come to Gondor with this… Thing, the Thing that drove your brother mad with desire?"
Boromir… Faramir looked abruptly away, but Frodo pressed on. "What spell would it work in Minas Tirith? Shall there be two cities of Minas Morgul, grinning at each other across a dead land filled with rottenness?"
The image almost caused Faramir gag. The pictures in his mind came all too often in his dreams… "I would not have it so," he bit out in a harsh tone.
"Then what would you have me do?" Frodo asked, in even a more hushed whisper.
Come with me to Minas Tirith! But Faramir realized that it wasn't really his own thought. Bitterly he realized even now the Thing must have been influencing him. Disgusted with himself for succumbing so blindly and easily, he tried to clear his thoughts. "I know not what you should do," Faramir finally replied. "Only I would not have you go to death or to torment. And I do not think that Mithrandir would have chosen this way."
At the name of Mithrandir, whom Faramir had guessed had been a good friend of the Hobbits, Frodo winced and looked down at the ground. The Halfling swallowed. "Yet since he is gone, I must take such paths as I can find. And there is no time for long searching."
"It is a hard doom and a hopeless errand." Faramir ran a hand through his hair. "Heed my warning though, Frodo and Sam. Beware of this guide, Sméagol."
It was getting late, and it was time to get a move on. Faramir stood up. "May no hunger trouble you on the road. You have little provision, but some small store of food fit for travelers I have ordered to be stowed in your packs. Now, hasten while you may! If you are ready, let us go. The sun will soon rise above the Shadow."
Faramir gestured to Hirlon, who had been waiting at hand, and the Hobbits' packs were given back to them. Another Ithilien Ranger also came forward, carrying two stout staves of polished wood, shod with iron, and with carven heads through which ran plaited leathern thongs.
The staves were handed to Frodo and Sam, who accepted them with curious expressions. They looked to Faramir for an explanation. He had wondered how else he could help the Halflings, and this was one of the ways he had thought of at the last moment. Elbaran had customized them in time to present them to the guests.
"I have no fitting gifts to give you in parting," Faramir said with open hands. "But pray, take these staves. They may be of service to those who walk or climb in the wild. The men of the White Mountains use them, though these have been cut down to your height and newly shod. They are made of the fair tree lebethron, beloved of the woodwrights of Gondor, and a virtue has been set upon them of finding and returning. May that virtue not wholly fail under the Shadow into which you go."
The Hobbits bowed low, bringing a smile upon those who observed the humble visitors from afar. "Most gracious host," Frodo said, "it was said to me by Elrond Halfelven that I should find friendship upon the way, secret and unlooked for. Certainly I looked for no such friendship as you have shown. To have found it turns evil to great good."
Faramir noticed how his men, at least those who heard the Hobbit's words, nodded their heads appreciatively. Frodo was indeed one full of kind and polite words and was a gentle one to be sure.
And Sam… Faramir saw that though he was of few words, he, too, was strong in his own way. A fine pair…
He could almost feel hope for the two, until he remembered where they were going. Cirith Ungol, Pass of the Spider, lead by a creature Faramir knew could not be trusted. It would soon be out of his hands, though not out of his head or heart. He had the awful feeling that he may never see them again.
Sam blinked as the blindfold was taken away and he could once more see. He, Frodo, the Captain Faramir, and Gollum were standing under the boughs of the woods again after being blindfolded and led away from Henneth Annun. No noise of the falls could be heard anymore, for a long southward slope lay now between them and the ravine in which the stream flowed. The Hobbit looked to the west and could see light through the trees, as if the world came there to a sudden end, at a brink looking out only on to sky.
He gripped his newly given staff, appreciating the hefty, yet strangely lightweight, feel of it. He admitted again to himself that maybe, just maybe, these Ithilien Rangers weren't as untrustworthy as they had first seemed.
Also, this Faramir didn't seem to like Gollum and had treated the creature with the distrust Frodo should be having. Sam didn't like the way Frodo kept protecting the sneaky devil; but what was he to do except remain silent? There was only one thing could do and that was to keep a wary eye on Gollum, while also keeping a very ready grip of his new stave.
He stole a look at Gollum, who was cringing so low he was practically hugging the ground. Faramir had risen more in Sam's estimation after the man had given Gollum a harsh talking to. The old Gaffer would have been proud of the ear stinging the creature had received. Gollum had listened sullenly with occasionally mutterings; hopefully some of Faramir's words would be taken to its heart, if it had a heart, that is.
Sam looked up, realizing that Faramir was speaking to the Hobbits. "Here is the last parting of our ways. If you take my counsel, you will not turn eastward just yet. Go straight on, for then you will have the cover of the woodland for many miles. To your west is an edge where the land falls into the great vales, sometimes suddenly and sheer, sometimes in long hillsides. Keep near to this edge and the skirts of the forest. In the beginning of your journey you may walk under daylight."
The Captain smiled wryly. "The land dreams in a false peace, and for a while all evil is withdrawn."
"I hope we meet again, Lord Faramir," Frodo spoke for both Sam and himself.
"Aye, that I do hope," Faramir said, though there seemed an almost sad tone to his voice. "I would gladly learn more of your adventures and your homeland. If ever beyond hope you return to the lands of the living and we re-tell our tales, sitting by a wall in the sun, laughing at old grief…"
Faramir looked away, lost in his words. Sam had the feeling that the man seemed to be not only speaking to them, but someone else, or else was reminiscing. In any case, his thoughts seemed far off.
He suddenly seemed to snap out of it and continued in his usual calm and steady voice. "You shall tell me then. Until that time, or some other time beyond the vision of the Seeing-stones of Númenor, farewell."
The man stepped forward, embracing first Frodo and then Sam, stooping and placing his hands upon their shoulders, and kissing their foreheads. He may have been mistaken, but as Faramir was leaning over Sam, the Hobbit thought he heard the man whisper, 'Take care of your master, Samwise Gamgee.' But the Ithilien Ranger hardly met Sam's eyes, so the Hobbit wondered if he had imagined it.
Faramir's final words were, "Go with the good will of all good men!"
Frodo bowed and Sam followed suit. Even before they stood up straight, the man had turned away and without looking back, went to his two guards, who had been standing at a little distance away. Sam watched in wonder as the green-clad men moved with such speed it was if they had vanished in the twinkling of an eye. In seconds, Sam almost felt as if the Ithilien men and their Captain were but a dream, for the forest now seemed empty and drear, as if no other living soul besides the Hobbits and Gollum had ever been there.
Sam shouldered his pack, thinking over what had happened in the past few days, especially on the time spent with the Captain. Boromir's brother… what a coincidence. And though he could think of nothing but distrust towards the man who had caused so much trouble for his master, Sam could not help but grudgingly admit that Faramir seemed a nice person, with the little he knew of Men.
Perhaps you and I might meet again, Captain Faramir. And not to fear, I will take good care of Frodo. Sam peered over to his side to see that Frodo was speaking to Gollum. Gollum… yes, I will keep a wary eye on him, too…
Author's Note: Sooo, how was it? I apologize if many may feel Éowyn is quite the emotional 'blob' in this chapter, but I felt that after all that's happened, this would be the time where she would be her weakest. Aragorn has just left her, she has been denied riding with the men, and even her brother and uncle weren't there for her. Lucky for her, Boromir's there, huh? The scene where Éowyn stumbles away is actually from the book, except of course there was no Boromir to 'catch' her.
Also, it has been revealed that the voice in Boromir's dream had been speaking in Adûnaic! Several people had guessed correctly; congrats! Hope that the whole explanation of the Númenorean blood in Boromir's lineage makes sense.
Also, a lot of Faramir, Frodo, and Sam's conversations are from the book, though I've taken the liberty of writing them in my order instead of the book's order. Hope it all makes sense!
I love to hear from you guys; any questions, comments, criticism, and suggestions are readily accepted!
Next Chapter: Probably will be entitled something like 'Two Different Women'. :P I'm sure that's piquing everyone's curiosity. But anyway, it has lots of Boromir, not to worry. Please feel free to express any opinions you have of 'Boromir on women'. I have a clear idea what I will write, but I would love to hear your opinions of what you feel Boromir felt about women in general. Thanks a ton! Probably will be entitled something like . :P I'm sure that's piquing everyone's curiosity. But anyway, it has lots of Boromir, not to worry. Please feel free to express any opinions you have of 'Boromir on women'. I have a clear idea what I will write, but I would love to hear your opinions of what you feel Boromir felt about women in general. Thanks a ton!
Replies to my "Family of Reviewers"
Vor Tirla Laime Ooooh, the 'little bro' throws pillows at you, huh? Do you throw pillows back:P Glad you liked the mixing of Bookamir and Filmamir… (btw, don't you just love saying 'Filmamair' outloud? Hee hee, it's sooo funny for some reason to me!) I know you're an avid Faramir/Eowyn shipper, but hope you enjoyed the scenes between Boromir and Eowyn in this chapter! Yup, I had a wonderful time in Middle-earth… New Zealand!
shie1dmaidenofrohan Hi there, always nice hearing from you! Assume away about whether Boromir will be riding with the Rohirrim… but you'll just have to see what I have in mind! There's a major change coming up in the next few chapters; a change of both the books and the movies. But that's all I'll say for now… Anyway, glad you approved of the choice of not having Faramir take Frodo and gang to Osgiliath. I agree, a strange decision on PJ's part to have Faramir take the Ring to an orc-and-nazgul infested city. :P
Pipkin Sweetgrass Hello, it's certainly been a while! Yes, my previous chapter was un-beta-ed… but hopefully it wasn't too much of a mess… :P Hee hee, I loved your nickname of 'Bau-baby'. Lol! Whoah, cool! Your husband looked like Kiefer and now is a cross between Boromir and Faramir! Lucky you! Whoah, that's a strange tidbit you gave me in your review, about Isildur's brother Anarion being Boromir's fore-father… I agree, it's weird if you think Arwen as a type of distant cousin to Boromir. Thanks so much for all your suggestions and inputs; they are all greatly appreciated! That's what a love most about my reviewers is when they give such wonderful input and ideas! Wow, I'm honored you think my story is one of the best action/adventure LotR fanfics on this site. And I must remind you that I, too, am honored to "know" you. Oh, yes! I'm very interested to be a judge in your Bee Charmer Awards! Sounds quite interesting though I must warn you, I'm quite picky about fanfics sometimes. :P So any way I can help, please let me know! Hope you enjoyed this new chapter!
rose of england Thanks so much for reviewing! Hee hee, you thought for a second that I'd kill Boromir, huh:P Of course I would do that! Glad you liked the Elves I've put in the previous few chapters. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
lembaspot Hi there, thanks for the review! I'm flattered you're loving my story! Well, the reunion between Boromir and Faramir won't be for a while, but I hope you keep being patient with me!
freelance beatnik Hello, hello, hello! Nice to hear from you! Glad you loved the new chapter so much! A lot of people have been commenting how they'd love to see Boromir 'reunite' with someone so I had thought it'd be a good idea for Aragorn and co. to 'bump into' Boromir in Dunharrow. Hope you loved this new chapter, though it's all about farewells.
Celtic Angel18 Hiya! I had been worried how people would like the interactions between Faramir and the Hobbits since I had changed quite a bit of it. But I'm so relieved that you liked it so much! Glad you're liking Elbaran, though he is an OC. Yes, I had a wonderful time in New Zealand, thanks for wishing me to have fun!
Randa-Chan Thanks for your comments on the Elves! Yes, they are indeed very highly powerful and influential people with some good advice for the 'mortals'. Not so much of the Elves in this chapter, but I hope you still enjoyed it!
Lady Morwen Eleniel, Loremaster of Anorien Hee hee, I just can't get over how COOL your sign-in name is! Oooh, thanks for all the wonderful praise on the previous chapter! I really wanted to flesh out Legolas because, as you say, on most fics he tends to be quite a 'static' character. Yup, you were correct, the language Boromir heard was Adunaic! How were you able to guess it? Do you study Tolkien language? If you do, I might ask if for some help in translations. I know you're a Faramir/Eowyn shipper, but I still hope you liked the Boromir/Eowyn scenes in this new chapter!
Susan W Well, my previous chapter was updated quickly, but soooo sorry it took so long to get this new one up! Hee hee! That would have been interesting if PJ asked fanfiction writers to be consults for the moviemaking! LOL That would have been interested. What I'd have consulted is for them to have had MORE Faramir and Eowyn! I mean, come on, it was such an important scene in the book! Oooh, ooh! And more Eagles! And… wait, there's no stopping to the endless scenes they could have added to the movies, huh? LOL! I'm honored you're liking my OCs; they're quite difficult to write since I might get murdered by my readers if I get them tooo Mary-Sue-ish or too unlikable. :P Hope you liked this new chapter! Thanks for the review!
Racetrack's Goil Hi there! You've already read the chapter, but still hope you enjoyed reading it again because it's finally updated! So, what do you think, did you like the chapter? Lots of Borry-baby, right:P Of course, your head is too filled with Gerard Butler lately…. Hee hee! Maybe I should write a Phantom phic, huh? What do you think? Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter, thanks for being one of my most faithful reader and reviewer!
Shallindra Hi there, thanks so much for reviewing! Glad I'm keeping you happy and satisfied with my humble little story. Hope you liked this new chapter, ciao for now!
Arianna Malfoy I'm pleased that you liked my mixing of Book-amir and Film-amir. :D Yeah, I know what you mean about loving Film-amir but… Book-amir does some way cooler stuff. Liked Elbaran? Hurray! For an OC I'm really liking him a lot. Here's the new chapter, hope you liked it!
Kaye Thorn Hi there, congrats on turning 18! I've also turned 18 recently, and I don't feel old at all:P I heard you're going on a road trip at the moment to visit colleges. Hope you have a great time! But when you get back up, please update your "Of Earth and Water" as soon as possible; I'm loving the story and can't possible wait to read more! Oooh, I'm honored you thought my Faramir's Ring scene even creepier than The Two Towers. Yippee, that was the whole idea and I'm soo happy that someone thought so! Sorry again for not having Boromir show up in the last chapter; but from this chapter on he'll be coming out quite a lot! Again, thanks for always reviewing!
flip8 Hee hee, so pleased that you liked Gollum so much. :P I agree, Gimli's hilarious and I loved writing his dialogue in my chapters. I agree, not many make it clear about the Ring tempting Faramir but I knew if all Men were being tempted, why not Faramir? I mean, he's almost perfect (), but he had to be a little bit tempted. I also wrote into this new chapter about the Ring calling for him a bit. Hope you enjoyed this new chapter with lots of Boromir!
KendraC Hey there, thanks for always reviewing for me! I hope things have calmed down in your work and home; I know what it's like to have everything go crazy; and all at once:P Yup, I was able to go to New Zealand and had a wonderful, fantastic time! The sites were beautiful and I can't wait to go visit N.Z. again! Simply breathtaking, I can highly recommend EVERYONE to go there! Hope you enjoyed this new chapter! A bit sad since Boromir's saying farewell to his friends, but it had to happen. :P
Aelimir Greetings! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing! Hee hee, I was wondering if anyone would comment about Gimli saying how he single-handedly killed the cave troll. :P Sorry I took so long to update but I hope this new chapter was worth it! Hopefully, I won't take so long next time to get another chapter up.
the end of the world Hello there, and welcome to my 'family of reviewers', a fond name I have for my readers who review! Thanks so much for writing me such a nice review! Yeah, my story is turning out to be quite the epic, though I'm determined to finish this someday! I understand about crying when Boromir died in the movies.. (sob) I cry every time I watch it even for the hundredth time… On your two suggestions for my story: 1) Yes, you are quite right in thinking that there is more on the family history of Bawuer. More won't be revealed for a bit I'm sorry to say, but I will give some small hints throughout the chapters. 2) You want more Haldir? No problem! I'm thinking of having him and Isilme getting… umm… married (wink!) sometime in my story, but first they'll be arriving in Lothlorien any day soon. And remember… trouble doesn't lurk only in the lands of Rohan and Gondor… oops, I shouldn't say anything more! Anyway, hope you continue to enjoy my story! Ciao!
Fwoggeh Ah, yes… the eternal question of how Aragorn is going to get the throne when Boromir is still alive. Sorry, can't tell you how I'm going to do it; I hope you'll be patient with me! Pippin won't actually come out for a while, but I promise to get to that chapter as soon as possible! Hope you liked this new chapter, have a great one!
Daughter of Olorin Thanks for your reviews for both chapter 38 and 39! Hee hee, I know what you mean about not liking Legolas that much, but I think I'm starting to enjoy writing him in my fic. Glad you liked the first person POV; I really wanted to 'get into Boromir's head', if you know what I mean. It was pretty fun, maybe I'll have another dream sequence in an upcoming chapter. Oooh how I love getting into Boromir's head… LOL! Congrats on your graduation; that's cool that you got a new Bible and a truck as gifts! New Zealand was simply wonderful, I highly recommend anyone to go visit there! It's such a beautiful place, and the LotR sites are fantastic to visit! I took over 500 pictures… :P so hopefully I'll get them up on the Net as soon as possible to show my friends. Back to your comments on chapter 39, I agree that the Rangers of the North should have been kept in the movie. It would have been so cool, especially of Elrohir and Elladan had been with the group! Anyway, hope you enjoyed this new chapter! Sorry for not having updated it in so long. :P Next time I'll try not to take so long.
Aldariel Nice to hear that you were so excited that I updated so soon! Unfortunately, sorry that this newest chapter took a while to be updated. :P Got caught up in schoolwork, things have finally slowed down. Yeah, no Boromir in the previous chapter, but I hope enjoyed the Boromir parts in this new chapter! Hee hee, your description of Boromir is very good: the Sexy Lord of Gondor. LOL!
z3o Wow, cool that you have a dream of being the first movie director from your country to win an Oscar! I have the dream of being the first female director to win an Oscar. :P What country are you from? I flattered you think my Legolas is a believable Tolkien-esque personage. I agree that Tolkien did not really give much depth to the character, thus the fanfiction writer must be the one to give him the depth needed in a well-rounded character. Thanks so much for the review, I hope you enjoyed the new chapter!
MissBubbles Hey there, I like your new name! It's very cute! Glad you liked Elbaran's character; I'm also getting quite attached to him. He's a bit uptight I guess… I think he needs a girl. :P New Zealand was fantastic, I highly recommend going there! Hope you liked this new chapter!
PirateRoberts Thanks so much for reviewing, I love hearing from my readers! Hee hee, I agree, who wouldn't want to see Boromir? Lol! Yes, I had a wonderful time in New Zealand, I was walking near the 'River Anduin' where Sean Bean might also have walked! Ahhh:P Anyway, glad you liked the previous chapter, hope you also enjoy this new chapter with more Boromir!
PhoenixGoldenFire lol, don't worry about not having reviewed! I'm honored if you're even still reading my story! I agree with you, Holidays are just tooooooo much fun! Glad you loved Boromir's reunion with the other Fellowship members! It was fun to write, and Boromir needed a break from having so many terrible things happen to him. Lol! Glad you're also loving my OCs, a high compliment indeed since fanfic readers tend to want to roast OCs alive… Hee hee! New Zealand was fantastic, especially since the weather was simply perfect! I got to stop by Sydney a bit, I wish I could've stayed in Australia longer!
Kitsume Sorry about not having Boromir in the previous chapter. :P As to your question, as you can see in this chapter, Boromir didn't go with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. He's pretty beat-up from the Ringwraith ordeal, I decided to give him a short vacation. :P hee hee! Thanks so much for adding me to your Boromir C2 community! I'll have to go take a look at it as soon as possible. Wow, I'm honored that my story is one of your favorites! Hope you enjoyed this new update with more Boromir dosages:P
Bonnie Lass Hey there, thanks so much for reviewing! Hee hee, glad you're continuing to enjoy my story! I agree with you on New Zealand, it's a beautiful place! Have you ever been there?
Latoya Thanks so much for reviewing! I hope you were able to read more of my chapter and continue enjoying it!
renodlo09 Hello, I'm honored you're reading my story! Your first Lord of the Rings story to read, huh? What do you think of my Alternate Universe story so far? Hope you enjoyed this new chapter! Ciao!
Mysterious Jedi Hello there, welcome to my 'family of reviewers'! Thanks so much for reviewing my story! I'm flattered you'd say my story has actual depth in it; also am pleased that you like my OC Bawuer. May I hazard a guess that you like Star Wars:P I also love Star Wars, Obi-wan definitely being my favorite character. Hee hee, what about you? Anyway, hope you enjoyed this new chapter I've written!
sz2000 Nice to hear from you again, thanks for reviewing! Glad you're enjoying how I'm mixing both the movies and the books besides adding in my own stuff. I agree, that's the best way to do it and I love reading LotR fanfics that do that!
The Dark Wanderer Hiya, thanks for the review! I really wanted to have the Aragorn/Boromir reunion to be softer and more touching that a "And-where-have-you-been?" type of conversation. Glad you liked it that way! Oooh, so honored you think my story should be published. New Zealand was wonderful, and yes, I picked up a lot of inspiration while there. I learned a lot of interesting trivia from LotR that aren't on the Internet or in any of the interviews, which is pretty cool! Again, thanks so much for reviewing, hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Alex Greenleaf Hey there, welcome to my 'family of reviewers'! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review my story! Glad you're enjoying reading my story. Thanks much for pointing out the mistakes in chapter 35. I haven't gotten my whole story beta-read yet, but I'll start getting them done as soon as possible. Thanks again for reviewing, hope you enjoyed reading this new chapter!
Celebwen Telcontar Thanks for dropping in a review! Hee hee, yeah, I like Sam's outburst at Faramir, too. :P Glad you're liking my characterization of Faramir, hope you enjoyed more him in this new chapter!