A/N: Well, I hope you all are enjoying the story. Remember, reviews are always nice. : ) Things are about to get interesting as Boromir (this chapter) and Eowyn (next chapter, not yet posted) get the news. I tried to portray Boromir according to the following quote:

"Boromir...beloved by his father, was like him in face and pride, but in little else. Rather he was a man after the sort of King Earnur of old, taking no wife, but delighting chiefly in arms; fearless and strong..."--The Stewards, Appendix A, The Return of the King

Oh, and one more thing: I do not write slash or incest. Thus, anything that happens in this chapter is purely family feelings and relationships.

Denethor mentally rehearsed what he was going to say to Boromir. No words seemed adequate. How did you break the news to your independent, eldest, warrior son that he was about to ally not just with Rohan, but with a wife?

Well, Boromir, it is...

Hopeless. He said the word aloud.

"Father?"

Denethor silently cursed himself for worrying his son.

"Sit down, my son."

Boromir, obeyed, silently, but with worry in his grey eyes.

"You know, of course, Boromir, that war with Rohan is imminent."

Boromir nodded. Of course, he did. He was the soldier at his father's right hand. He knew all that his father knew.

"We are using most of our strength to keep Mordor at bay. If we are attacked by Rohan, we will have to split our forces in half. We would be stretched too thin and survive neither war. Amlach has suggested a solution to our problem, a forming of an alliance."

Denethor could almost see Boromir roll his eyes. An alliance was exactly what they needed! Didn't every soldier know as much? Yet Boromir dutifully waited for more.

"He has proposed an...uh...alliance between you and the Lady Eowyn."

At first Boromir did not understand. Then understanding crossed his face. Denethor watched the violent reaction.

"Never!" Boromir exploded, leaping to his feet. Never mind that a moment ago he had known of the great need for Rohan's alliance.

"How can you ask this?" Boromir yelled.

"Boromir, if there was another way..."

"It comes to this then?"

"There is no other way. Think of your country! We cannot go to war with Rohan. It would destroy us."

Boromir turned.

"Boromir, it is your duty!"

Boromir left the room.

It was true. Every word. Boromir searched for something, anything, with which to vent his fury. He would have to marry her. He, who cared not for women. He had never intended to marry. Never!

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. He whirled around. Faramir had his sword out. Boromir whipped his out, too. Bless Faramir for knowing what best to do. Vent anger now, talk later.

Boromir poured his anger into the sword fight. When at last he was too spent to go on, he called a truce.

"Bor? If you want to talk, let me know."

He knew Faramir wouldn't press the issue. Faramir was never one to pry. He sighed and recounted his conversation with their father. When he finished, Far just looked at him.

"It might not be so bad..." He suggested hesitantly.

"Far, you are an incurable optimist! Of course, it might be that bad. Can you see me married?"

"Well, even I have a hard time imagining that. Well, at least she might be able to refine you!" Faramir teased.

"Hey!" Laughing, Bor tackled his younger brother.

A/N: What did you think of this chapter? Did I portray Boromir right?