Okay, so here's chapter two! I hope you guys are enjoying it! A number of people have been telling me about how unrealistic it is to have Boromir and Marion share a bed, and I acknowledge how non "Tolkien-esque" it is, but please bear with me. Marion and Boromir were living on the eve of war, and the future was uncertain. They were deeply in love, and so they decided not to wait. Reviews are, as always, very helpful and fun to read, so feel free to leave them.
Marion was quick in dressing after Boromir had left. She readied herself in a soft blue gown of velvet and silk, and a simple silver chain that had been a gift from the Steward, both things that had been left by a servant the evening before. Before she left the room she cast one last look around the grand quarters, knowing it would be the last time she saw them for many months.
The journey to Rivendell would take four months on horses, as long as the company went unhindered by any foes. And after they arrived, Boromir would have to attain the ring, and then journey the way back, which would undoubtedly be more difficult. Carrying such a treasure would surely draw unwanted attention. It was likely that she would not see him for another year, if not longer. Her heart hurt to think of the time apart, but she pushed the sadness from her mind. He was going on her urging. How would it be for him to see her weeping as he rode off? No, she would wave goodbye with no tears in her eyes. She would be brave for him.
Her steps were slow as she made her way out of the great house of the Stewards. For a moment she considered turning left as she came across the hallway to her chambers. Half of her wanted to go and hide away until all was well again. But she was a Lady of the White City and betrothed to the Steward's firstborn. Although she had already said her goodbyes with Boromir, the people would look to her to be there as he left through the gate.
People were already gathering to see the Steward-prince go when Marion arrived at the gates. She wondered if they knew which lord they would be seeing off, or if the news had not yet spread and they gathered only in hopes of glimpsing some form of royalty. People all around parted as she walked by, lowering their eyes to the ground as she looked at them. She got to the balcony from which Lord Denethor and Faramir would watch the company go before anyone else did, and so was left to look down on the sea of people alone. To the right of the gate horses were being led out from the stables, some in simple tack and others carrying large sacks of goods and supplies. To the left she saw several knights in a group standing apart from the rest, their silver helms glinting in the morning sun. One or two servants were mingling along the edges of the group, helping secure bags and delivering water and wine to the knights.
She had been standing on the balcony for about ten minutes when she spotted Faramir coming down the alley behind the knights, dressed only in fine robes. Boromir came close behind him, wearing chain mail and a silver breastplate bearing the White Tree. So it is certain then, Faramir will be staying behind, Marion thought. A small part of her was disappointed, but she quickly dismissed those thoughts.
"Boromir will bring back the Ring. Our people will be safe." She spoke to herself
"Yes, he will." A voice from behind her replied. Marion jumped and whipped around. Behind her was Damrod, a knight under Faramir's command.
"Apologies, good lady. I meant not to frighten you" He said, inclining his head slightly.
"Think nothing of it." She replied, turning back to watch Faramir and Boromir. They were now deep in conversation, with their heads tucked together. Marion could not see their faces to judge what they might be discussing. Damrod stepped up next to her and followed her gaze to the brothers.
"It does no good to fear and doubt now, my lady." He advised. She turned to face him. He now looked at her and not down at the now large crowd beneath them. In his eyes she saw sadness, but also wisdom, beyond his years. He could not be more than one and twenty.
"I wish that I did not fear." She told him, looking down again on Boromir.
Faramir had left him and he was preparing to mount his horse, a great bay warm blood with eyes like fire. The knights were mounting also, and three already stood by the gates on their horses, waiting. Faramir came and stood next to Damrod, who stepped back and bowed his head. The crowd was parting again, this time to let Denethor through. When he reached them he raised his hand. Silence fell below, and the horses hooves stepping as they impatiently waited were the only things that sounded as the Stewards voice called out.
"Boromir, my son and future steward, leaves this day! He travels to Imladris for a weapon that will save Gondor and restore the peace! May his travels be swift and his battles few. Good luck!" The gates opened and the horses started out. The people cheered as they passed. Boromir cast a look back on his father and his eyes flickered briefly to hers. She raised her hand in farewell, and then he was gone.