A/N: Three hours to write this! I couldn't decide what I wanted to happen,
and I spent all day chewing on my pen and scribbling down ideas! Well, it's
finally done, and I had a good time writing it. The story is really coming
along! As I was coming up with ideas for this chapter a few plot bunnies
bit me, and then I started thinking about the next chapter. How annoying,
because I had to start planning that out before I even got to start on
Chapter 6! Anyway, I've got a lot of great ideas for upcoming chapters and
what I want to happen.
Thanks for the reviews! I apologize if you asked me a question and I haven't answered it, I know a few people have. I'm so ditzy sometimes, I forget who asked me what and when, so if you've got something on your mind, feel free to EM/IM me. ^_^
I'm on Spring Break, so that means I have more time to write and think! Yee- aay-ee!
Ciao!
Enednilwen*
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
Disclaimer: Boromir isn't mine, but thanks to Tolkien for letting me mess with him!
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
**Chapter 6**
With each footstep, Steph was reminded that she was still alive, at least for one more second. Never in her life had she run like this. The rest they had taken seemed such a long time ago, such a distant memory. A little while after the rest, Boromir had been struck with a fierce urgency to get to Edoras, as though his life depended on it.
"We must press on," his words echoed in her sleep deprived mind, "We cannot afford to come late."
It was dark now; they had been running for miles. Boromir wasn't even waiting for her anymore. If she lagged behind, he would run back and drag her along until her indignation and anger revived her wits and she was able to run alone.
Steph was nearly asleep on her feet, stumbling in the darkness and cursing the rocks that tripped her. She pinched her face and rubbed her eyes, squinting in the darkness. She tightened the jacket around her waist before running after Boromir. As she forced herself awake, all she could think about was a nice warm bed.
~*~*~*~
After a long time, Boromir halted on a hilltop, looking over the land. The sun had begun to rise, and a pale light was beginning to dispel the darkness. In the distance there was a sparkle of gold that glimmered as the rays of sunshine hit it.
Steph stumbled sleepily to his side. "Why'd we stop?" she asked, her words slightly slurred.
"We are close." He pointed to the glimmer of gold in the distance. "Do you see that?"
Squinting at the darkened land, Steph irritably shook her head. "What the hell are you talking about?" she snapped, frowning at the darkness, "I don't see anything, just dark!"
"That gold glimmer! Can't you see it?"
Steph squinted again in the direction Boromir was pointing. "Yeah, I see it now." She turned back to him. "What's so great about it?"
"What you see is Meduseld, the golden hall."
She scowled at him. "Is that a good thing?" Lack of sleep was making everything annoy her.
Boromir snorted at her ignorance. "Yes, it is a good thing." He said curtly, starting to run again.
"Is it close to Edoras?" she called to his retreating back.
"It *is* Edoras, you fool!"
Steph glared at him. "Well sorrr-rry Boromir!" she snapped, "I wasn't aware that I was supposed to be an expert on a *fictional* geography!"
They inched along toward the glimmer, and said no more.
~*~*~*~
Boromir drank water from his cupped hands as he settled back against the willow tree. His stomach growled loudly, and with each thump of his heart the arrow wound in his left shoulder throbbed. He rubbed at it with his palm, which made the pain subside. This place looked oddly familiar, and obviously the Rohirrim used it, as the ford between the low banks was trampled by horses.
He enjoyed sitting there in the shade of the willow tree. The land about him was green, showing signs of spring. As he closed his eyes and considered a nap, he heard Steph's distinct footsteps running towards him.
"Come here a sec!" she ordered impatiently.
Boromir followed her as she scrambled up the hill like an eager young child. He faintly wondered how she could go from being drunk from fatigue to acting as if fire was behind her.
When he got to the top, she gestured to the many mounds in front of them. They were high and green, and seemed sprinkled with stars on the sides facing west.
"What is it?" Steph asked quietly. Something about the place made her feel that she should whisper.
Boromir also felt the need to be quiet. "It is a place of rest for the sires of Théoden."
"What are those white things?"
Boromir raised an eyebrow. "White things?"
"Yes!" she whispered, becoming annoyed, "Those things growing on one side of the hills!"
"Ah, of course." He said with a laugh, "They are called simbelmynë. They grow where dead men rest."
Steph nodded silently, wondering if Boromir's people did the same. "It's actually very pretty," she said, eyes locked on the mounds, "to be a graveyard and all."
Wordlessly, the two returned to the stream and willow trees. Steph stooped by the spring and drank. After washing her sweaty face, she yawned.
"Are we almost there?" she asked, her fatigue returning. She always found it strange that she could feel so energetic one moment and then feel like crap the next.
Boromir nodded, smiling at nothing in particular. "We are very near Edoras."
Steph snorted. "I've heard that before."
"You should have more faith in me, Steph." Boromir laughed, his good humor returning because of finding the water, "We are close, whether you believe it or not."
Stifling a yawn, Steph followed him. They were close. Yeah right.
"Is your land this pretty, Boromir?"
"I suppose it is." He answered simply, keeping his eyes ahead of him.
"What's so great about your land, anyway?" she asked sleepily, hoping conversation would keep her awake.
Boromir fought to keep the anger and indignation of out his voice. "By our valour the wild folk of the East are restrained, and the terror of Morgul kept at bay. Thus the peace and freedom are maintained in lands behind us. My people are brave and valiant, and our land noble."
Steph munched her lip in the uncomfortable silence. "Sounds nice."
~*~*~*~
"Hurry Steph!" Boromir shouted over his shoulder, "We are almost there!"
Steph started into a stumbling trot, making her way up the hill. As she reached Boromir, she gasped loudly. They were there!
Boromir started toward it, but Steph grabbed his arm and pulled him back. "Hold on!"
He shot her an irritated look. "What is it now?"
"Would they know you're dead?"
He snorted. "I don't know. We will have to risk it."
She didn't release him arm. "What if they attack? What if they think you're a ghost?"
"They won't." he said impatiently, wrenching his arm from her grasp. Giving her a reassuring glance, he started toward the gates of Edoras.
"Wait!" she cried again, grabbing for his arm.
"What now?"
"You've got mud all over your face!" she quipped bossily, tugging him backwards. "You can't go in like that!"
"Stop this, woman! Let me go!" he pulled his arm away and started again, though he did run his arm over his face just in case.
Men clad in mail were sitting by the gates, though it seemed that there were fewer than the last time he had been here. Upon closer inspection he saw that it was two old men and a young boy! Where were the young warriors to guard Edoras?
The young boy saw them first. He nudged the old men, who looked up and wearily got to their feet.
"Halt strangers!" shouted the young boy, his voice not yet changed by manhood.
"Who are you and what is your errand in Edoras?" the old man drawled, fumbling with the heavy sword in his hands.
Steph joined Boromir. Shifting her weight to one hip, she looked at him. "These are the Rohirrim?" she snorted, "I'm not impressed."
Boromir shook his head. "I do not know what has happened. Children and Elders should not be guarding the gates."
The boy took a step forward, struggling to hold the sword. "Speak, silent one!" he shouted, his face white with fear.
The quiet man noticed Steph. "Strange is your companion, and strange is her garb. I have never seen a company so strange in appearance and manner." He squinted at both of them, his old eyes casting a haze and blurring their faces. "Why do you not speak? Answer!"
"My God," Steph moaned, nudging Boromir. "Bor, I'm dead tired, answer their damn questions and get us in."
Boromir frowned at Steph, but took a step toward the ragtag guards. "I am Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, my companion is Lady Ste-"
"Boromir?" the old man snorted in disgust. "What is your jest? Dare you dishonour Boromir the Brave, knowing he is dead?"
Boromir frowned, growing angry. "I am not jesting. Behold! I stand before you, alive as you are! I am in great haste to speak with Théoden and members of my company that I am told," he shot a glance at Steph, "are here. Let me pass!"
The little boy plucked up his courage and spoke. "It is quite impossible." He stammered, unable to meet Boromir's steely gaze. "Boromir was slain by orcs. His companions sent him in his funeral boat down the Anduin."
Steph had been silent through the entire conversation. She was nearly asleep on her feet, she was hungry, tired, and she was in an extremely bad mood. Unable to stand it any longer, she stepped forward and stood next to Boromir, fuming.
"Look." She said menacingly, poking Boromir in the arm to get his attention, "I don't care if you have to cut off some heads to make them let us in, but if you're only going to sit here and have childish playground fights, I'm going to strangle someone."
Boromir blinked at her. He didn't feel like dealing with her wrath at the moment. "My name is of no importance. I am escorting Lady Stephanie," he gestured to the scowling blonde, "to Edoras. I wish to speak with the sovereign of this place."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances.
"Let us in you assclowns!" Steph shouted, the dark circles under her eyes making her look almost frightening.
The shorter of the two elders sighed. "Wait here! I will report them, and learn the will of our ruler." Beckoning to the young boy, the two set off, shooting the strangers distasteful looks.
Steph plopped down on the ground. "Assclowns."
~*~*~*~
It had not been long before the old man returned, the boy supporting him. "You have been given leave to enter." He said, breathing heavily from the exertion of climbing up and down the steps.
The dark gates were opened for the two travelers, and they followed the young boy through paths made of hewn stones that changed from winding paths to short flights of stairs.
Steph looked around at the small wooden houses and doors they passed. She noticed the clear stream that flowed in a stone canal and was suddenly aware of her own thirst. It bubbled and sparkled, teasing her. Tearing her eyes away from it, she looked at the people instead. There was something missing..but what was it?
Her attention was captured as they reached the top of the hill. A high platform stood above a green terrace, a stone carved like a horse's head at the foot of it. The clear water gushed from the 'horse rock' and onto a basin beneath it, eventually making the stream Steph had just passed. As she marveled at the horse, she noticed that on the green terrace went stairs of stone, and on each side of the topmost stair was a stone seat.
She gasped audibly when she saw the guards sitting there. Their braided blonde hair gleamed in the sun, as did their green shields and silver corselets. Their swords were across their knees, ready to defend. Steph swallowed the nervous lump in her throat.
The young boy nodded to the tall doors. "Here you are." He said nervously, "The Lord of the Mark waits for you." Bowing, he bade them goodbye and scurried back towards his post.
Boromir shot Steph a pleased look. "Shall we go in?"
She nodded as she watched him push open the doors. "My God, Boromir, I just noticed something.."
Thanks for the reviews! I apologize if you asked me a question and I haven't answered it, I know a few people have. I'm so ditzy sometimes, I forget who asked me what and when, so if you've got something on your mind, feel free to EM/IM me. ^_^
I'm on Spring Break, so that means I have more time to write and think! Yee- aay-ee!
Ciao!
Enednilwen*
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
Disclaimer: Boromir isn't mine, but thanks to Tolkien for letting me mess with him!
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
**Chapter 6**
With each footstep, Steph was reminded that she was still alive, at least for one more second. Never in her life had she run like this. The rest they had taken seemed such a long time ago, such a distant memory. A little while after the rest, Boromir had been struck with a fierce urgency to get to Edoras, as though his life depended on it.
"We must press on," his words echoed in her sleep deprived mind, "We cannot afford to come late."
It was dark now; they had been running for miles. Boromir wasn't even waiting for her anymore. If she lagged behind, he would run back and drag her along until her indignation and anger revived her wits and she was able to run alone.
Steph was nearly asleep on her feet, stumbling in the darkness and cursing the rocks that tripped her. She pinched her face and rubbed her eyes, squinting in the darkness. She tightened the jacket around her waist before running after Boromir. As she forced herself awake, all she could think about was a nice warm bed.
~*~*~*~
After a long time, Boromir halted on a hilltop, looking over the land. The sun had begun to rise, and a pale light was beginning to dispel the darkness. In the distance there was a sparkle of gold that glimmered as the rays of sunshine hit it.
Steph stumbled sleepily to his side. "Why'd we stop?" she asked, her words slightly slurred.
"We are close." He pointed to the glimmer of gold in the distance. "Do you see that?"
Squinting at the darkened land, Steph irritably shook her head. "What the hell are you talking about?" she snapped, frowning at the darkness, "I don't see anything, just dark!"
"That gold glimmer! Can't you see it?"
Steph squinted again in the direction Boromir was pointing. "Yeah, I see it now." She turned back to him. "What's so great about it?"
"What you see is Meduseld, the golden hall."
She scowled at him. "Is that a good thing?" Lack of sleep was making everything annoy her.
Boromir snorted at her ignorance. "Yes, it is a good thing." He said curtly, starting to run again.
"Is it close to Edoras?" she called to his retreating back.
"It *is* Edoras, you fool!"
Steph glared at him. "Well sorrr-rry Boromir!" she snapped, "I wasn't aware that I was supposed to be an expert on a *fictional* geography!"
They inched along toward the glimmer, and said no more.
~*~*~*~
Boromir drank water from his cupped hands as he settled back against the willow tree. His stomach growled loudly, and with each thump of his heart the arrow wound in his left shoulder throbbed. He rubbed at it with his palm, which made the pain subside. This place looked oddly familiar, and obviously the Rohirrim used it, as the ford between the low banks was trampled by horses.
He enjoyed sitting there in the shade of the willow tree. The land about him was green, showing signs of spring. As he closed his eyes and considered a nap, he heard Steph's distinct footsteps running towards him.
"Come here a sec!" she ordered impatiently.
Boromir followed her as she scrambled up the hill like an eager young child. He faintly wondered how she could go from being drunk from fatigue to acting as if fire was behind her.
When he got to the top, she gestured to the many mounds in front of them. They were high and green, and seemed sprinkled with stars on the sides facing west.
"What is it?" Steph asked quietly. Something about the place made her feel that she should whisper.
Boromir also felt the need to be quiet. "It is a place of rest for the sires of Théoden."
"What are those white things?"
Boromir raised an eyebrow. "White things?"
"Yes!" she whispered, becoming annoyed, "Those things growing on one side of the hills!"
"Ah, of course." He said with a laugh, "They are called simbelmynë. They grow where dead men rest."
Steph nodded silently, wondering if Boromir's people did the same. "It's actually very pretty," she said, eyes locked on the mounds, "to be a graveyard and all."
Wordlessly, the two returned to the stream and willow trees. Steph stooped by the spring and drank. After washing her sweaty face, she yawned.
"Are we almost there?" she asked, her fatigue returning. She always found it strange that she could feel so energetic one moment and then feel like crap the next.
Boromir nodded, smiling at nothing in particular. "We are very near Edoras."
Steph snorted. "I've heard that before."
"You should have more faith in me, Steph." Boromir laughed, his good humor returning because of finding the water, "We are close, whether you believe it or not."
Stifling a yawn, Steph followed him. They were close. Yeah right.
"Is your land this pretty, Boromir?"
"I suppose it is." He answered simply, keeping his eyes ahead of him.
"What's so great about your land, anyway?" she asked sleepily, hoping conversation would keep her awake.
Boromir fought to keep the anger and indignation of out his voice. "By our valour the wild folk of the East are restrained, and the terror of Morgul kept at bay. Thus the peace and freedom are maintained in lands behind us. My people are brave and valiant, and our land noble."
Steph munched her lip in the uncomfortable silence. "Sounds nice."
~*~*~*~
"Hurry Steph!" Boromir shouted over his shoulder, "We are almost there!"
Steph started into a stumbling trot, making her way up the hill. As she reached Boromir, she gasped loudly. They were there!
Boromir started toward it, but Steph grabbed his arm and pulled him back. "Hold on!"
He shot her an irritated look. "What is it now?"
"Would they know you're dead?"
He snorted. "I don't know. We will have to risk it."
She didn't release him arm. "What if they attack? What if they think you're a ghost?"
"They won't." he said impatiently, wrenching his arm from her grasp. Giving her a reassuring glance, he started toward the gates of Edoras.
"Wait!" she cried again, grabbing for his arm.
"What now?"
"You've got mud all over your face!" she quipped bossily, tugging him backwards. "You can't go in like that!"
"Stop this, woman! Let me go!" he pulled his arm away and started again, though he did run his arm over his face just in case.
Men clad in mail were sitting by the gates, though it seemed that there were fewer than the last time he had been here. Upon closer inspection he saw that it was two old men and a young boy! Where were the young warriors to guard Edoras?
The young boy saw them first. He nudged the old men, who looked up and wearily got to their feet.
"Halt strangers!" shouted the young boy, his voice not yet changed by manhood.
"Who are you and what is your errand in Edoras?" the old man drawled, fumbling with the heavy sword in his hands.
Steph joined Boromir. Shifting her weight to one hip, she looked at him. "These are the Rohirrim?" she snorted, "I'm not impressed."
Boromir shook his head. "I do not know what has happened. Children and Elders should not be guarding the gates."
The boy took a step forward, struggling to hold the sword. "Speak, silent one!" he shouted, his face white with fear.
The quiet man noticed Steph. "Strange is your companion, and strange is her garb. I have never seen a company so strange in appearance and manner." He squinted at both of them, his old eyes casting a haze and blurring their faces. "Why do you not speak? Answer!"
"My God," Steph moaned, nudging Boromir. "Bor, I'm dead tired, answer their damn questions and get us in."
Boromir frowned at Steph, but took a step toward the ragtag guards. "I am Boromir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, my companion is Lady Ste-"
"Boromir?" the old man snorted in disgust. "What is your jest? Dare you dishonour Boromir the Brave, knowing he is dead?"
Boromir frowned, growing angry. "I am not jesting. Behold! I stand before you, alive as you are! I am in great haste to speak with Théoden and members of my company that I am told," he shot a glance at Steph, "are here. Let me pass!"
The little boy plucked up his courage and spoke. "It is quite impossible." He stammered, unable to meet Boromir's steely gaze. "Boromir was slain by orcs. His companions sent him in his funeral boat down the Anduin."
Steph had been silent through the entire conversation. She was nearly asleep on her feet, she was hungry, tired, and she was in an extremely bad mood. Unable to stand it any longer, she stepped forward and stood next to Boromir, fuming.
"Look." She said menacingly, poking Boromir in the arm to get his attention, "I don't care if you have to cut off some heads to make them let us in, but if you're only going to sit here and have childish playground fights, I'm going to strangle someone."
Boromir blinked at her. He didn't feel like dealing with her wrath at the moment. "My name is of no importance. I am escorting Lady Stephanie," he gestured to the scowling blonde, "to Edoras. I wish to speak with the sovereign of this place."
The guards exchanged uneasy glances.
"Let us in you assclowns!" Steph shouted, the dark circles under her eyes making her look almost frightening.
The shorter of the two elders sighed. "Wait here! I will report them, and learn the will of our ruler." Beckoning to the young boy, the two set off, shooting the strangers distasteful looks.
Steph plopped down on the ground. "Assclowns."
~*~*~*~
It had not been long before the old man returned, the boy supporting him. "You have been given leave to enter." He said, breathing heavily from the exertion of climbing up and down the steps.
The dark gates were opened for the two travelers, and they followed the young boy through paths made of hewn stones that changed from winding paths to short flights of stairs.
Steph looked around at the small wooden houses and doors they passed. She noticed the clear stream that flowed in a stone canal and was suddenly aware of her own thirst. It bubbled and sparkled, teasing her. Tearing her eyes away from it, she looked at the people instead. There was something missing..but what was it?
Her attention was captured as they reached the top of the hill. A high platform stood above a green terrace, a stone carved like a horse's head at the foot of it. The clear water gushed from the 'horse rock' and onto a basin beneath it, eventually making the stream Steph had just passed. As she marveled at the horse, she noticed that on the green terrace went stairs of stone, and on each side of the topmost stair was a stone seat.
She gasped audibly when she saw the guards sitting there. Their braided blonde hair gleamed in the sun, as did their green shields and silver corselets. Their swords were across their knees, ready to defend. Steph swallowed the nervous lump in her throat.
The young boy nodded to the tall doors. "Here you are." He said nervously, "The Lord of the Mark waits for you." Bowing, he bade them goodbye and scurried back towards his post.
Boromir shot Steph a pleased look. "Shall we go in?"
She nodded as she watched him push open the doors. "My God, Boromir, I just noticed something.."