I am so sorry for the wait. I know I know, you've heard it before. I have been extremely busy with school and work, but soon that will all be over. I feel as though this story is coming to a close so be ready. Enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Thirteen

The sun rose on the morning of the coronation, but I had been waiting for it. I had been up nearly all night trying to make my final decision. I was so terribly torn between my mind and my heart that I thought I would go crazy if I thought about it anymore.

On the one hand, I could go to the coronation and forget all of my skepticisms and hindrances that I had come up with since I had met Boromir. On the other, I could not go and save Boromir the struggle that would indubitably come with courting me. The people of his own rank would ridicule him, he would have to justify himself to the King no doubt, and also to his brother. I was, selfishly, thankful for the fact that his father was no longer alive. He had lost his mind before Faramir was brought to the Houses of Healing and had thrown himself over the edge of Minas Tirith. That was one less obstacle in my decision making.

I held the dress up and pressed it against my body. It was beautiful, but the blood red frightened me. Not only had Boromir picked me to go with him to the coronation, but if I were to go he was going to make a statement about us. That he wanted everyone to see me with him and that I was not to be looked over. I sat down at my vanity and began combing my long hair out until it shone. I twisted sections up and pinned them in place, leaving a few curly tendrils down. It didn't look too bad and I left it as it was. I picked up a few different pots of makeup and began applying very soft, natural color to my cheeks, lips, and a smidge of kohl around my eyes. The makeup had become one of my vices since moving to Gondor. Everything was accessible in the marketplace as it had never been in Bree.

The dress flowed over me like water as I pulled it on. It fit like a glove and I wondered how Boromir did it. Since I had it on, I couldn't take it off. My fingers trailed over the beautiful bodice that had silver gold stitching. The long sleeves moved over the ground as my hands moved. My fingers then moved to the jewels. "They were my mothers." The note had said.

What kind of woman had she been to raise such a man as Boromir? I had done some research on Boromir's family. His mother's name had been Finduilas and she came from Dol Amroth to marry Denethor. That was all the book said. There was a painting next to the small excerpt about Finduilas. Her hair was dark and she had a kind, though unsmiling face. It was her eyes that struck me though, for they were Boromir's. They were grey and hard and soft at the same time. I looked at myself in the mirror and didn't recognize myself. I touched the onyx necklace throat and hoped desperately that Finduilas would have liked me as Boromir said she would have.

I took a deep breath and made my way to the Citadel. My heart was pounding and my palms were sweating profusely. What was I doing? I had weighed my different options, but had honestly not made a conscious decision, but here I was making my way to meet Boromir.

When I mounted the stairs to the top of the city I saw his broad back. He seemed to be pacing, obviously unsure if I were going to join him. His large hands were clasped tightly behind his back.

"Boromir," I said gently.

He quickly turned around and ran toward me, like a child. His strong arms wrapped around me and I was crushed into his barrel chest, my feet lifting off the ground. "Lindy," he breathed into my hair.

"I thought you might not come," he said as he set me back on the ground. I had been grinning like mad, until then.

"This does not mean anything is set in stone, Boromir." I said gently. "There is much to be discussed when the celebration is over."

Boromir nodded. "In that case, we shall celebrate until then."

We walked, my hand resting on his arm, to the ledge where the coronation would take place. Again my heart was pounding furiously at the prospect of being seen by so many people. I was on the arm of one of the most desirable men in all of Arda and I was dressed in a way that demanded people look at me.

"Are you ready?" Boromir asked quietly.

"I don't know. I don't know if I can do this," I stammered.

"Yes you can. I want you to be with me. Nothing else matters, Lindy." He looked down at me and with one of his large, rough hands stroked my cheek. There was no one around, but I looked around nervously at his affection. "Please," he murmured.

I took a deep breath and finally nodded. "Alright."

We walked toward the crowd. I could hear the murmuring. Boromir made his way through the crowd and in our wake there was silence and then hurried whispering. As we passed I caught snippets of what was being said.

"Who is she?"

"Who is that woman with Lord Boromir?"

"I have never seen her; surely he did not bring a harlot to the coronation?"

"Is she commoner?"

The comments hit me like a thousand comments. They would be another reason that would deter me from pursuing anything with Boromir. Perhaps I wasn't strong enough to endure the comments and ridicule. "Ignore it, Lindy," he said sternly.

Boromir led us to stand next to a stunning blonde elf in a tunic of green and a dwarf next to him.

"Boromir," the elf smiled.

"Good to see you, laddie," the dwarf said. He peered around at me. "And who is she, if I might be so bold."

Boromir chuckled. "Of course you can. Lindy this is Legolas and Gimli. Lindy served as a Healer during the war. She was the one who saved my life."

"Your services have been immeasurable," the elf, Legolas, said kindly.

I smiled at his compliment. "Thank you."

Soon there was music and the King came walking down the center of the people. He met the Wizard, Gandalf, who had been in the Houses of Healing with Faramir. The old Wizard took care of the ceremony and then the King sang a song in the old language that I did not understand, but when I looked up at Boromir he was smiling and his eyes were actually wet.

Unexpectedly, there was a movement among the people once more and there was a green banner moving toward the King. It was a procession of elves and the King came toward them and the banner was moved to reveal a stunning, dark-haired Elvish maiden. The King, without hesitation, kissed the woman deeply on the mouth and everyone applauded.

The people were led into the Great Hall by the King and his betrothed. Music started immediately and there were trays of food and drink being passed around.

"Please smile," Boromir whispered in my ear.

"Everyone thinks I am your whore again," I said bitterly.

"I could give a damn less what everyone else thinks, Lindy." He said sternly, he almost glared down at me in his determination. "I do care, however, that you are here with me and you are so beautiful."

I smiled, despite myself.

"Now dance with me," he demanded with a grin.

Boromir and I spent the night dancing together and eating and drinking. I do not recall a time in my life when I had ever laughed and smiled so much. Being twirled around in his arms was the safest I had ever felt. I felt as though I were no longer a fragment of a person, but a whole being. However, there was still the tugging at my heart for his sake.

I reached up to touch his face. "Can we talk on the balcony?"

Boromir stopped smiling and nodded. He knew what the impending conversation would be about. He led me out onto the balcony, leaving the noise of the party behind, into the starry night.

I hope you enjoyed it. I would love to know what you think as usual! Sorry I cut off before the juicy stuff. I'll try to have it up soon!

Happy reading,

Avonmora