Chapter 14: Journey to Rivendell
The next morning, Pharazphel and Boromir awoke in each other's arms. For a long time, they stared into their eyes and smiled. Finally, there was a moment of peace for them. Denethor would not trouble them nor would the dangers of the world. For this moment, the only thing that remained was their love and nothing more.
"Good morning, my darling husband," Pharazphel whispered.
"Good morning, beloved wife," Boromir replied.
"We shall remember this day as the day that we became bound to each other," Pharazphel declared.
"Indeed. Now nothing shall ever separate us again," Boromir said.
"Just as you promised," Pharazphel said.
"It is part of being a good husband," Boromir said.
"You are not a good husband, my love," Pharazphel said. "You are a perfect husband."
"And to me, you are perfect," Boromir whispered.
The sun would not show itself on this day. The day was grey as it was before. The city was quiet on this day, but it was an uneasy quiet. The uneasiness was caused by the sound of the Mountain of Fire bursting and the Great Eye keeping watch.
The uncertainty in the climate and the city did not deter Boromir and Pharazphel. They were determined to celebrate their love on this day. Nothing, not the gray clouds nor the watchful Eye of Sauron would impede them.
Boromir and Pharazphel sat up in bed, dressed in their nightclothes.
"What shall we do now that we are married?" Boromir asked.
"Let us go into the woods of Lorien," Pharazphel suggested. "I hear that those woods are some of the fairest on this earth."
"Do you mean now?" Boromir asked.
"Of course, my love," Pharazphel replied. "We are wed now. I do not think you'll be expected to return so soon."
"We shall visit Lorien. I promise," Boromir said earnestly. "But we do not have the time to do so."
"How much time do we have?" Pharazphel asked.
"At least a month, at the most," Boromir answered.
Pharazphel sighed.
"What is it?" Boromir wanted to know.
"I only thought that we would have more time together," Pharazphel said bitterly.
"Do not be so glum now," Boromir said cheerfully. "This is a happy time."
Boromir then tossed Pharazphel some clothes.
"What are you doing?" Pharazphel asked.
"Well, we only have at least a month we shall make it last," Boromir said happily.
Pharazphel smiled brightly. "We shall make it last."
The grey sky did not deter Pharazphel and Boromir. The merry couple was intent on spending their month as they would. Just after they had dressed, Boromir and Pharazphel sped down to the stables and took two, lively horses. They rode side-by-side through the levels of the city and out to the fields of Pelannor.
"Will the skies be this gray all the time?" Pharazphel asked in jest.
"Yes," Boromir answered. "But we do not need sun."
"No, to me, you are the sun," Pharazphel said lovingly.
Pharazphel then took Boromir to the middle of the field.
"Pharazphel, what are we doing?" Boromir wanted to know.
"I am going to show you how to dance," Pharazphel said.
"You know that I do not care much of dancing or music," Boromir said.
"What's the matter? Suddenly the brave Boromir is frightened by a little dance?" Pharazphel jested.
"I did not say that," Boromir said.
"Then why don't you prove it?" Pharazphel asked.
Reluctantly, Boromir joined Pharazphel. He did not enjoy the art of dancing, but truly it was only so he could save face.
"Protecting your pride, are we?" Pharazphel asked.
"You know that I could never refuse you," Boromir replied.
"Hence why we are husband and wife," Pharazphel laughed.
Pharazphel then instructed Boromir how to dance. She placed his hand around her waist and took his other hand.
"One, two, three," Pharazphel counted as she and Boromir circled.
Suddenly, Boromir stepped on her foot. "Sorry."
Then, Boromir stepped on her right foot. Finally, Boromir tripped and nearly fell.
"No wonder you do not dance. You are so clumsy!" Pharazphel giggled.
Boromir feigned another trip and fell, taking Pharazphel with him. Pharazphel and Boromir's laughter seemed to overpower the sounds of the fields. They did not even hear the deafening explosions from neighboring Mordor. For that moment, their laughter was the most beautiful sound to hear.
The bliss of Boromir and Pharazphel's honeymoon seemed to last as long as an age of the earth. Alas, it was not so. After less than a month, Boromir and Pharazphel's honeymoon was over. It was time for Boromir to leave for Rivendell. Boromir awoke the next morning and saw Pharazphel sleeping next to him. Hoping to slip out unnoticed, he quickly dressed in his suit of mail with his horn, a large shield, and a long sword. Just as Boromir headed for his horse, he heard a voice.
"Did you truly believe that you could have slipped out unnoticed by me?"
Boromir turned. The voice was no one else but Pharazphel.
"I did not want to wake you," Boromir said, embarrassed at his failed attempt.
"You didn't want to say goodbye," Pharazphel countered.
Boromir sighed. "I hoped that I would not cause you any pain."
"I always thought men were so strange," Pharazphel laughed. "You think that by slipping away from your women you are sparing them pain."
"Forgive me," Boromir said. "I only wish it was Faramir going in my place. He is worthier of the task. He is eager for it."
"I never knew men could be so foolish until I met your father," Pharazphel said bitterly. "A man so cold that he is willing to separate his firstborn so soon after his marriage. Men are altogether a ponderous race."
"I assure you that I am not so ponderous," Boromir said.
"I know that you are not your father," Pharazphel said.
Boromir made a pained expression. "You do not jest when you speak of my father as such. I do not wish to leave my bride."
"I'm afraid that even a man such as you has no say," Pharazphel said glumly. "I'm afraid your father's will rules."
Pharazphel smiled. "But do not let your heart be troubled, my love. There is still some joy to be taken from these last few moments."
"What joy do you speak of?" Boromir asked, his voice rising. "Have you managed to put my father under your spell?"
Pharazphel laughed. "That I have yet to do. The joy I speak of is that I carry your child in my belly."
Boromir was stunned. For a long moment, all he could do was stare at Pharazphel. The words were stolen from him. Finally, he found his voice. "Are you certain?"
"What an odd reply from a man, even my own husband!" Pharazphel exclaimed. "I bring you tidings of your child and you reply, "are you certain?""
Unable to speak, Boromir snatched Pharazphel and kissed her with as much passion as he could.
"That's better," Pharazphel laughed. "I take it that my tidings bring you joy?"
"You bring me joy every day," Boromir replied. "And now, so will our child."
"Then go now, my love," Pharazphel whispered. "And when you return, you will have your wife and child waiting for you."
"I shall return before you know it," Boromir replied. "Until then, remember today, my love."
"I will," Pharazphel replied.
Boromir knelt and kissed Pharazphel's belly. With one last kiss from his wife, Boromir turned and went on his way.
That afternoon, the city was somberly quiet. Faramir was waiting for Boromir. "I only wish I could go in your stead."
Boromir clasped his brother's shoulder. "Father will remember your worth in the end, brother. But I need you here now."
"Why? Is there some great evil drawing nearer?" Faramir asked.
"No, quite the opposite," Boromir said happily. "Pharazphel is carrying my child."
"A child!" Faramir cried with joy. "Much joy to both of you, brother."
"Thank you," Boromir said gratefully. "Until I return, I need you to look after Pharazphel and our child."
"I shall do as you bid, brother, but I think Pharazphel is a capable woman," Faramir said.
"It is not of some great evil I speak. It is only a matter of time before Father learns of our news if does not know already," Boromir said.
"In that case, I shall tend to my sister as best I can until you return," Faramir said.
"I know you will," Boromir said proudly.
Faramir watched as Boromir mounted his horse. The hot, July air was cooled by a breeze that made the banner of Gondor fly. Boromir gazed up at the flag and then at Faramir. There was so much bitter-sweetness at their parting.
Boromir smiled at Faramir. "Remember today, little brother."
With that, Boromir trekked out of the city. Faramir watched as his brother journeyed out, and he was as still as stone.
For the next three months, Boromir made his journey on horse to the Elven sanctuary of Rivendell. The journey was quite tedious. Boromir was always wary of any predators that would wish him harm. He would travel through the plains of Edoras. The sight of the golden Edoras made Boromir wish his wife was with him. Boromir then pressed on through forests and hills.
One October evening, he came across a great green and stone city. There was a stream that would have calmed the most sorrowful of hearts. The courtyard was carpeted with flowers of red and gold that the city seemed to make the city bright. All around, there was lush green that made the city look like an emerald. Many sculptures decorated the courtyard and beyond. Boromir was taken aback and breathless at the beauty and majesty of the city.
An Elf approached him. This elf had the beauty and agelessness as all elves possessed. He was regal in demeanor, and Boromir knew he was of high position. He wore great, blue robes and there was a circlet upon his head.
"Lord Elrond," Boromir greeted, bowing.
Lord Elrond bowed. "Welcome to Rivendell, Master Boromir, son of Denethor."
A/N: I apologize for the extremely long wait! I hope you enjoy this chapter and what follows. Thank you to my faithful reviews, you know who you are. I appreciate it so much. Thank you!
