Prompts: a delayed entry for 'protector' + 'grief & loss' for @boromir-week
Summary: Boromir has always taken his duty to look after his family seriously. Even when he is too young and circumstances too dark for him to protect them.
Character(s): Boromir, Ivriniel, Caeveneth (Denethor's sister) + bonus appearances from various Gondorian nobles
Rating: T
Word count: 11k
Warning(s): brief references to eating disorder
Aunt Caeveneth began to descend the stairs. âWeâre a carcass, boy. This entire family. They can smell death. The vultures have been circling for a while and now theyâre coming in to pick us apart.â
Boromirâs frown deepened, unease stirring in his gut. He had not thought that Berthon represented more than a rage-inducing ulcer but now Aunt Caeveneth descended upon him like some ill omen. âWho is they?â
âEveryone,â said his aunt, arriving at the foot of the steps. She glanced about them, and on instinct Boromir turned about, mimicking her scan of the empty landing. âThe city officials. The lords and their lackeys. Spies from Umbar, Harad, the East.â
âBut theyâre on our side. Most of them.â Even as he said it, Boromir recalled his fatherâs whispered conferences with his advisors and his sisters, the way that he always cautioned Boromir not to share information about their family or anything that they discussed with the squires or the children of other lords. Even Lord Duinhirâs twins, whom he counted among his closest friends, were to be kept in the dark.
âNot when weâre weak,â said Aunt Caeveneth. âAnd we are the weakest we have been for a long while at this moment. Your father wilts, like a flower in the sun, and all of us are scrambling to cover the cracks. Make no mistake, Boromir. We are weak, and no one can be trusted.â She reached to pat his head, and he could not tell whether the gesture was meant to be conciliatory or patronising. âNow hurry on. You will be late for your riding lesson.â
I like to believe that, had Boromir survived, he would have visited The Shire. He and Frodo would have been able to talk, and Boromir's guilt about the Ring incident would have been alleviated. They would have had a great time at a party with Merry, Pippin, Sam and Rosie, and afterwards, Frodo and Boromir could have enjoyed looking at the stars together :)
Boromir Week 2026 is in the books, and once again you did not disappoint! It was exciting to see new creators participate this year, as well as to see some "old friends."
Unable to finish everything on time? DON'T PANIC! Just because the event is technically over, you can still submit things in the coming days/weeks/months. This applies for those of you who just found out about the event, as well!
If you have submitted something and I have not reblogged it, PLEASE make sure you have tagged @boromir-week somewhere on your post so that I will get a notification. The #Boromir Week and #Boromir Week 2026 tags do not show every post in searches.
I already have the prompt list for next year, and most of them will be new (there will be a couple of repeats), and I plan to make a post probably in July to give you all a big head start on brainstorming. The dates will remain the same.
Again, thank you all so much! I loved all of your creations and ideas; I'm still making my way through everyone's submissions, so if I haven't commented either here or on AO3, I promise I will get to yours soon!
Crossposted on Ao3 here; link to masterlist here; Check out other amazing works at @boromir-week!
Characters: Boromir
Content Warnings: Brief reference to strangulation
Summary: Inspired by a chat in a discord group I'm in, where we talked about where we talked about Boromir having difficulties receiving visions.
Boromir floats in the ocean, looking up through the surface to the glimmering light. The ocean flows through him and delivers a jumbled message that wonât stop to allow him to understand. There is a gold ring, a far off place, elves â few or many? He could not hear in time â children who are not youngâŠ
A familiar voice, wizened and afraid, rises from the depths. âKeep it secret. Keep it safe.â
There is no knowing how long Boromir stays underwater, the only measure being the gathering of information.
He knows that he must travel west towards the open sea, knows that he will carry Gondor's doom, knows that terrible things will happen wether or not he carries out this divinely ordained mission.
Even in this dream, Boromir cannot help but be bitter at the Valar and Eru. Why him? Why not Faramir, the more pious one? Why extend their aid now, after all these years of unanswered prayers and pleads for help? Why haven't they, in all their might, acted already themselves? The bitterness resides in his chest, simmering, growing until it reaches up his throat and strangles him.
Boromir gasps as he wakes up in a cold sweat, thrashing at the tangled sheets before calming himself and walking to his balcony.
As he stares at the full moon high overhead, he can feel Fate wrap its cold chords around his fëa.
Themes: Change of Fate/Fourth Age/Alternate Universe
Crossposted on Ao3 here; link to masterlist here; Check out other amazing works at @boromir-week! Parts one and two and three
Characters: Aragorn, Finduilas, baby Boromir
Content Warnings: None
Chapter Summary: A trial begins
The cold mountain wind slips its way past the seams of their fur lined cloaks, burrowing into their bones, and the snow tossed by the wind obscures their vision. Finduilas has one hand in Thorongilâs and one hand cradling Boromir, who she shields in her cloak as best she can. Boromir is wrapped him in the warmest furs and kept next to her skin, yet her little one still wails. After only an hour, though it seems much longer, Finduilas and Thorongil find their way to the Fairy Court. The entrance is hidden well, even for those who know where to look, but slipping underneath a rocky overhang and through a crevice leads them true.
The realm of the Fae is hot compared to the mountain's chill, boasting greenery that could only bloom in Gondor's southernmost lands. In front of them lies a dirt path leading into a dark forest. Even though she is entranced by the sight of oranges and lemons, a rare treat from Harad, Finduilas does not forget what she aims to achieve.
Finduilas and Thorongil rest for a moment just before the forest's entrance to readjust their clothing for the heat and taking care of Boromir, who is no longer squalling but is still upset.
Once Boromir is calm, they follow the path and step inside the forest, managing a few steps before thorny shrubbery bursts out of the ground behind them to block the entrance. Finduilas bite back a cry of surprise, holding Boromir even closer to her chest, staring at the thorns until Thorongil gently presses his hand over hers. The bravery in his eyes bolsters her own, and her breathing is soon under control as they walk forward hand in hand.
A thick fog gathers they carry onwards for what seems to be several hours, obscuring roots that aim to trip and separate them, carrying voices that try to trick them into answering to their detriment, but Finduilas and Thorongil hold the otherâs hand tightly and refrain from speaking. Boromir is silent, eyes squeezed shut as he curls into his motherâs tight embrace.
More and more bright pairs of eyes appear in the fog, watching the two newcomers.
When they have walked long enough to make Finduilasâ legs tremble, a voice more grandiose than the rest carries itself on the leaves. âHand over the child in your arms, lay him in the bush, and we will listen.â
Finduilas complies with a heavy heart, heeding her learnings about openly disobeying the fey, and places him on a rose bush as tall as her shins. Boromir reaches his pudgy little arms towards her and babbles happily, but the foliage quickly covers him from view.
Thorongilâs hand still holds hers, giving it a squeeze of reassurance.
âWell done,â the same voice rings out from around them. âNow propose your bargain.â
Finduilas deliberately and carefully lays out her words, saying nothing more and nothing less than sheâs practiced. âI have come to take back the child that was stolen from me five years and five months and five days ago. I will play a game of skill where luck is not a major component, and the gameplay does not balance to the favour of either player. If I am successful in the game, the child that was stolen from me will be returned to me safe, healthy and with no magic affecting him, either to his detriment or benefit, and as a good parent would want him to be.â
After a few moments of deliberation, another voice speaks from out of sight. âA game it shall be, then. But your friend will not help you win.â
The forest in front of them fades, revealing a clearing with two cribs side by side. A gust of wind blows through the clearing, and twin wails pierce the hearts of Finduilas and Thorongil.
The first voice tells Thorongil and Finduilas to approach. When they do, they find what they feared â one infant in each crib, identical down to their freckles, each wrapped in their own identical blanket.
A third voice speaks. âExamine them both as you wish, then choose wisely. The child you claim as your own will return with you, and the child you do not claim will live here.â
Finduilas had known her decision from the start, and her hesitance was only a matter of word-smithing.
When she had hammered out the faults in her language, rewriting her words several times, she spoke with the true confidence that served her well in her political career. "I claim them both as my child."
There was another dead end! Boromir simply could not believe it! He had come here with his Ada several times, and he was quite sure he knew the way to the place where Ada âslavedâ all day, but suddenly, it seemed that he didnât know the first thing about getting there. And there was no one about, and everything was cold and stony and he wanted his horse and his blanket. Most of all, though, he wanted his Ada, or his Naneth, but she never came to this part of the house. Then a horrible truth came over him: he had no more options left. So he sat down and screeched, âAAAADDDDDDAAAA!â as loudly as ever he could. Nothing happened at all. His father didnât come running like he was supposed to. So Boromir tried again, and again, and again, until it occurred to him that perhaps his father didnât care to come. This was terrible! In fact it was so terrible that it reduced Boromir to uncontrollable sobs. Then he heard running and looked up hopefully. But it wasnât his Ada.Â
âI want my Ada,â Boromir declared after a few hicupp-filled-false-starts.Â
The strange man looked nonplussed. âWho is your Ada?â he said stupidly.Â
Boromir did try to be brave. He always tried, as well as he could manage it, but that was too much, and he began to sob again.Â
The manâs eyes widened in horror. Quickly, he said, âIs he one of the Citadel guards? The ones in the black and silver?â
Boromir thought for a bit. His father always dressed in black and silver, but he was sure that Ada wasnât a guard. What was it that Adaâs Ada had called what he did in the big tower? It was a big word, and it had something to do with soup. Nana had said so.Â
âSoup?â He tried experimentally.
âHeâs a cook then, in the kitchens?â
âNo.â Boromir knew that, he wasnât one year old!
âOther kind of soup?â He tried again.Â
The dark-haired man sat back on his haunches and thought. âStew?â
Boromir nodded fast. âNana said what Adaâs going to do one day had something to do with stew.â
âWhatâs his name?â The man asked.
âDunno,â Boromir said stoutly, after all, what kind of two year old knew that about his Ada?
âWhatâs your name?â The man said next.Â
âBoromir!â Boromir shouted, excited to know an answer at last.Â
âOhhhhh,â said the man. âYou mean Steward, little lordling, not stew. I will take you to your Ada. May I pick you up?â
Boromir considered all this new information. âAre you sure itâs steward?â
âPretty sure,â the man said. âDoes your Adaâs Ada sit in a big room on some steps?â
Boromir nodded.Â
âExcellent,â the man said. âMay I pick you up and take you to your Ada?â
This time, Boromir reached up his hands to be picked up. Then it seemed they went all sorts of places and talked to all sorts of people, and then the man asked whether heâd like to go to his Naneth instead. This he resisted strongly. He had come to see his Ada, and his Ada he would see.Â
âVery well,â the man said with a sigh.Â
Then they went on walking for another very long time and then the man talked to another man for a while in whispers, and then two doors were thrown open and somebody shouted much too loudly, âThe Lord Boromir to see the Lord Denethor!â
The man who was carrying him bowed a little over Boromir and said, âForgive me, my Lord Ecthelion, I found the Lord Boromir in one of the armory corridors and he insisted on seeing his Adar.â
âITâS ADA!â screamed Boromir at the top of his lungs.Â
Quickly, someone stood up from the group of the men around the table and hurried over. It was his Ada!
âDown, please,â he said to the man and he was promptly set on his feet. He did not notice his Adaâs Ada saying to the man who had rescued him, âNever mind, Captain Thorongil, we must make excuses for the needs of our little Boromir. Join us. My son, do you return Boromirââ
âCan I stay, please?â Boromir rushed in as his father picked him up.
âYou are over-young, beloved one,â said his Adaâs Ada.
âAnd you are in need of a nap,â his Ada said.Â
âIâm alright,â Boromir insisted.Â
His Adaâs Ada sighed and waved his hand in assent, and his Ada squeezed him tight and murmured, âBe good, my little jewel,â in his ear.Â
He didnât make it through the whole council, though, because he fell asleep, but he surfaced for the end of the meeting. All the men talked at each other, back and forth and back and forth. His Ada and his friend that rescued him seemed to talk most though, and afterwards others stopped talking. Then everyone got up and started towards the door. He pulled his Adaâs sleeve and whispered loudly, âWhoâs the man I came in with?â
âThat would be Captain Thorongil,â his Ada said.
âCan I thank him?â
He felt his Ada sigh, but he called Captain Thorongil over to him and then nudged Boromir.Â
Boromir, sitting in his Adaâs lap, said seriously to the Captain, âDo you think you could shrink a bit? I canât talk to you up there.â
Obligingly, Thorongil knelt down beside him.Â
âHow may I serve you, little lord?â he asked gently.
âI wanted to thank you for finding me my Ada, Captain Thorongil! Please and thank you!â Boromir announced grandly.
Thorongil smiled. âAnytime, my lord Boromir. Though you should not wander about in that place, for there are sharp things there that might hurt your lordship.â
âHe is quite right, Boromir,â his father said chidingly. âYou could have been hurt badly. You mustnât go there without me, do you hear?â
âYes, Ada,â Boromir said quickly. âI wonât go there or get lost again, Captain Thorongil!â
âI am glad to hear it,â said Thorongil.Â
Boromir smiled happily and looked at his Ada. âIs it dinner time now?â
âI should think so, child. Shall we go to your mother and eat with her?â Ada said.Â
âPlease and thank you!â Boromir shouted once again.Â
âYou may get up and go, Captain Thorongil,â said Adaâs Ada. âIt is not only Boromir that needs to eat after all.â
Boromirâs Captain regained his legs and bowed from the waist. âYes, my lord, thank you. My lord Denethor,â he acknowledged, inclining his head and looking at Boromirâs Ada, before he turned and left.Â
âSo thatâs your name, Ada!â Boromir put in as the door closed.Â
His Ada looked surprised. âWhy yes, child, didnât you know?â
Boromir shook his head. âIt was quite difficult not knowing. Next time could you tell me?â
âI will endeavor to remember that for next time, little jewel,â Denethor said, half-laughing.Â
Themes: Change of Fate/Fourth Age/Alternate Universe
Crossposted on Ao3 here; link to masterlist here; Check out other amazing works at @boromir-week! Parts one and two
Characters: Finduilas, baby Boromir
Content Warnings: None
Chapter Summary: A brief lull
Ecthelion and Denethor are none the wiser to their scheme, so Finduilas and Thorongil leave a month after the proposal. The trip and lessons both go well, but Finduilas is kept awake the night before they will go into the mountains that seem to loom over the sleepy village.
Finduilas sits by the embers of the fireplace as she holds a sleeping Boromir in her arms, stroking his fair hair. It shines under the moonlight, much like the ocean waves of Dol Amroth she loves so much.
She wonders if Boromir would be safe in the Fae realm, or if her mannerisms have rubbed off on him too much. Would he be rejected? Cast out? Killed? And for that matter, will they be able to retrieve her other child, or will she lose both? Her first and only pregnancy was dangerous, another one would most certainly weaken her forever.
A log snaps, pulling her out of her thoughts. Reminding herself of the late hour, she rises from the chair and lays Boromir down in the crib. She needs her rest if she is to succeed.
She stares at the ceiling for hours until exhaustion overcomes her.
Title: Gondor's Most Eligible Husband
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 2.1k
Characters: Boromir, Faramir, Ăowyn, Elboron, Aragorn, Original Characters
Relationship(s): Boromir x OFC, Faramir x Ăowyn, Boromir & OCs, Faramir & OFC, Aragorn & OCs
CW: Girl-dad Boromir fluff, PTA moms; disabled character; speech disorder
Summary: Boromir attends the Spring father-daughter dance and looks forward to a fun evening with his two girls. He's not quite sure if he's more nervous about the start of hockey playoffs or the PTA moms that swarm like sharks.
@boromir-week prompt: Freeform
Dividers by @saradika-graphics
*** Also posted on AO3 ***
A/N: This fic is also part of my (not yet started) Hockey AU and is set after Boromir retires from playing and becomes a coach (so spoiler alert I guess?).
This is probably an American thing, but in elementary school we had father-daughter dances. I was never able to go because my dad was gone a lot (he drove a semi), but some of my classmates went and it seemed like they always had fun.
As I mentioned on Day 6, in my Garo Estel AU, Galuwen is Elboron's twin sister, who is named after Ăomer. While in the womb, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, which led to developmental/speech problems. She can talk, but it takes her longer to form syllables or she mispronounces words. Gimli and Legolas teach her IglishmĂȘk and MĂĄtengwiĂ« (Dwarven and Elven sign language). In this story she communicates with ASL.
Boromir darted into a parking spot, although it was debatable if it was an actual parking spot. It didnât matter, since he didnât plan to be there long.
He sprinted across the parking lot, smoothing back his hair with his palm before opening the door⊠and holding it open for several families who were leaving. He saw his daughter waiting at the front desk as soon as he went inside, standing next to her backpack and glaring at the floor as though it had betrayed her somehow. Just over her shoulder was a tall blonde woman with her hand planted firmly on a blond boyâs shoulder like a hawkâs talons. Boromir knew this mother quite well⊠better than he would like, if he was being honest.
âSorry, sweetie. Practice ran a bit over,â he said as he cupped the back of his daughterâs head and drew her against his side.
âCouldnât Mom pick me up?â Finduilas said with a pout.
âNo, sheâs with your sister at her piano lesson.â
âI donât want to miss the dance!â
âI know, and I donât either. Letâs get you home andââ Boromir fell silent when the woman cleared her throat, and he swallowed when he noticed how she was smirking at him like she smelled blood in the water.
âI couldnât help but overhearâŠâ she said and flicked some of her hair over her shoulder. âWill you be coming to the father-daughter dance tonight?â
âYes, I will. Itâs Finduilasâ last dance and my youngest, Aerdisâ first.â
She knew what dance he was talking about, just as he knew why she was talking to him. She wasnât the first mom to try to get his attentionâregardless of marital status. In addition to her son being in the same soccer club as Finduilas, this particular mom was the PTA president at their kidsâ school, and heâd lost count of how many times sheâd invited him to join the PTA. Fortunately, his coaching job occupied most of his evenings, especially because his team was about to play their first playoff game, so he had an excuse to turn her down.
âWonderful! I will see you there, then,â she said, laying a hand on his arm.
âI guess I will,â he said with forced politeness, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at her comment about being at the dance. Despite it being a father-daughter dance, some of the PTA moms "volunteered" to be chaperonesânot that chaperones were necessary. Really, they just used it as an excuse to be around all of the dads. Boromir leaned down to pick up his daughterâs backpack, effectively extricating himself from the womanâs claws. âCome on, letâs go home.â
Boromir started walking, but after a few steps he stopped when he realized Finduilas hadnât moved. He turned around and saw her looking up at the mom with her hands curled into fists at her sides.
âI have a mom, you know,â she said, making the woman blanch. Finduilasâ eyes narrowed and then she turned on her heel.
âBye, Fin,â the boy said shyly with a small wave.
âHmph!â
Finduilas grabbed Boromirâs hand and tugged him towards the doors, her nose high in the air. Boromir smiled down at his daughter and they swung their arms back and forth as they headed to the car.
After a bath and some dinner, Anael helped Finduilas put on her dress and then styled her hair by braiding her bangs and tying them back, topping it off with a pale pink bow that matched her dress. Her younger sister Aerdis was wearing a blue dress and her hair had been curled to give it waves. Boromir wore all blackâboth during his days as a player and now as the coach of a hockey team, he had accumulated a lot of black suit jackets over the years, though he forewent a tie this time.
âYou both look beautiful!â Anael said as she bent down to kiss her daughtersâ heads. She then stood up and kissed Boromirâs cheek. âAnd you look very handsome.â
âThank you,â Boromir said with a crooked grin.
âI want to get a picture.â While she went to grab her phone, Boromir picked up Aerdis and stood just behind Finduilas. Anael turned the phone sideways and held her finger above the button. âOn three sayââ
The doorbell rang. Anael held up a finger as she went to answer the door, reappearing a few seconds later with Faramir, Ăowyn, and their twins, who were in the same grade as Aerdis. Faramir was sporting a dark brown herringbone suit while Galuwen wore a forest green dress with a sparkly matching headband.
âYou two look adorable!â Ăowyn gushed.
âThanks, Aunt Ăowyn.â
âI was just about to get a picture. Get in there, too, Faramir,â Anael said. Faramir picked up Galuwen and moved to stand next to Boromir. âOn three say âdancing!ââ
âDancing!â
âHow come I donât get to go?â Elboron grumbled.
âI told you earlier that it is a dance for dads and daughters,â Ăowyn said, gently running her fingers through her sonâs curls. âWeâre going to have fun, too. We can watch a movie, okay?â
âI want to watch Sonic the Hedgehog!â Anael kissed her husband and daughters once more before she reached out a hand for Elboron to take.
âCome, you can help me find the movie, alright?â Ăowyn kissed Faramir and Galuwen goodbye then went to the living room.
âWeâll take my car since it already has two booster seats in it,â Faramir said. Boromir hummed in acknowledgment. Faramir then turned to his daughter and crossed his two fingers then shook them side-to-side, raising his eyebrows.
âAre you ready?â
Galuwen made a fist and bent her wrist back and forth while nodding her head.
âYes.â
After everyone was strapped inâwith Finduilas insisting that she could put on her own seatbeltâFaramir backed out of the driveway and headed towards the school. Boromir rested his chin on his hand and sighed.
âSomething wrong?â
âJust a long day.â
âHowâs the team looking?â
âGood. They play the Pelargir Pirates in the first round, so Iâm not too worried.â He then chuckled to himself. âIâm actually more worried about the PTA moms who will be playing chaperone tonight.â
âAre they that terrifying?â
âOh, my dear brother, you have much to learn. At least youâre here. Strength in numbers, and all that.â
Faramir raised an eyebrow but didnât press for details. He supposed he was about to find out for himself just how formidable PTA moms could be.
They went to the gym where a table had been set up so they could check in and were given corsages (for the dads) and flower bracelets (for the daughters) made of fake flowers. Finduilas and Aerdis picked pink and blue ones to match their dresses, while Galuwen picked a purple one. Lollipop by The Chordettes was playing from the speakers.
âI think I see what you mean,â Faramir murmured when he noticed a group of women standing off to one side and ogling at the dads while whispering to each other and occasionally pointing.
âAh yes, and this is their first time seeing you. Careful, brother, because they can sniff out fresh meat.â
âMust you really say it that way?â
âJust trying to look out for you.â They found a less-crowded spot and the song changed to Macarena.
âI love this song!â Finduilas squeeled. âI know all the moves!â
âI donât,â Aerdis said with a frown.
âDonât worry, Iâll teach you Aedi. And you, too, Lu. Itâs easy!â Finduilas moved the two girls so they were standing opposite her. She then turned her head. âYou have to do it too, Dad, Uncle Faramir!â
âI have a feeling that this song was added to the playlist intentionally,â Boromir said to Faramir under his breath, gesturing to the PTA moms who looked mighty pleased with themselves.
âOh my Eru⊠this is embarrassing. Hopefully nobody records this on their phone.â
âJust think about having fun and nothing else,â Boromir said, giving him a nudge with his elbow before shaking his hips and jumping. He couldnât see his brother, but even without looking, he knew that the tips of Faramirâs ears were pink. The next time he turned, he spotted a familiar face across the room, badly dancing and probably doing the moves incorrectly on purpose. With him were two girls around Aerdis and Galuwenâs age. âIs thatâŠ? It is.â
âWhat?â Faramir asked. Boromir pointed and Faramirâs gaze followed the path of his finger. âOhâŠâ
Sure enough, it was Aragorn Telcontar, who Boromir knew from when he was still the captain of the Minas Tirith Capitals. Aragornâs contract with the AnnĂșminas Kings ended after the team won the Arda Cup, and the Capitals signed the free agent to a one-year contract. Rumors quickly spread that he would replace Boromir as the captain, as it had been many years since the Capitals had won a cup, and that caused a bit of friction between them. However, Aragorn was upfront with him, stating that he would play out this last season and then retire. Now that he had a championship ring, he wanted to spend more time with his family. They had kept some contact and saw each other when Boromir went to the All-Star Game that was hosted by the Kings, but he hadnât realized Aragorn was living in Minas Tirith or that his children went to the same school as Boromirâs.
âNimmy, Lothy!â Aerdis called and waved when she saw the two girls. âDad, can I go say hi to my friends?â
âAre they in your class?â he asked.
âNimriel is in mine and Galuwenâs class. Lothraen is in Elboronâs class.â
âI see. How about we all go over?â Aerdis and Finduilas ran across the floor, holding each otherâs hands, while Boromir followed close on their heels, ensuring they didnât get stepped on or bump into anyone. Faramir picked up Galuwen and walked at a leisurely pace. âWell, I didnât expect to see you here, Telcontar.â
Aragorn turned at the greeting and looked a bit surprised. His mouth curved into a half-smile.
âWhy, because you think I canât dance?â
âWell, since you havenât seemed to master the Macarena, Iâd say yes. But I actually was surprised because I didnât know your daughters went here.â
âDidnât Anael tell you? She saw me at Back-to-School Night, though I was there with my son while Arwen brought our daughters.â
âShe didnât mention it.â
âAlso, I do know the Macarena.â
âDad just likes to be weird,â said one of the little dark-haired girls; the more serious one.
âWell, thatâs just a normal dad thing,â Boromir said with a wink. While they were talking, the song ended and the next one began. It was At the Hop by Danny & the Juniors.
âI love this song!â Finduilas shouted before twirling.
âIâm a little surprised theyâre playing songs that were popular when we were their age,â Faramir commented.
âMusic has no expiration date,â Boromir said. He then noticed how Galuwen had her head on Faramirâs shoulder and raised a brow in question.
âShe just gets a little overwhelmed in crowds,â Faramir whispered. âSheâll be alright.â
âWell, let me know if you want to leave early.â Faramir shook his head.
âYou have fun. Weâll just take a walk outside if she needs to get away from the noise.â
Boromir nodded curtly and then turned back to watch his girls. Finduilas had Aerdis and one of Aragornâs daughterâs hands and was twirling them around. The other twin, the less-serious one, was hanging off Aragornâs arm. He was worried about his niece, but at the same time he didnât want to deprive the others of their fun. Faramir said she would be okay, and he knew his daughter more than Boromir did. Heâd just have to take him at his word.
The evening went on, with Aragorn and Boromir trading daughters every other song. Tunes like Funky Town, Dancing Queen, and Stayinâ Alive made Boromir think that he was back in high school and not a forty-year-old man, and as one song ended and flowed into the next, the more he was starting to feel his age.
At one point, Aragorn bid them goodnight, holding Nimriel in one arm and taking Lothraenâs hand with the other, both girls looking like they were ready for bed. Galuwen was asleep on Faramirâs shoulder, and Aerdis was yawning and rubbing at her eyes. Finduilas was still going strong, but she was usually an endless ball of energy; she was not so different from Boromir when he was her age.
âAlright, I think itâs time to head home,â he said.
âNoooooo! Five more minutes!â Finduilas whined. Boromir sighed.
âOne more song. Alright?â
âOkay!â
Of course it had to be Youâre the One That I Want.
I'm a 90s kid, and the songs I included in this fic were popular at summer camp, birthday parties, school dances, and jump rope/hula hoop day in gym class. Macarena was the staple in the 90s and then when I started middle school it changed to Cha-Cha Slide.
Yes, I am aware of what Macarena is about, but it's a classic. Also, I had to put the image of Boromir, Faramir, and Aragorn dancing to it in your minds (you're welcome).
SUMMARY: Faramir announces to Boromir as he recovers from his wounds that he and Ăowyn are getting married. He seeks his older brother's blessing.
CHARACTERS: Boromir, Faramir, Ăowyn
WORD COUNT: 746
Read it on AO3
Boromir hoists himself upright on the bed and Faramir rushes to his side to tuck pillows behind his back and plump them up. The older brother thanks him with a sigh, patting his wrist. The younger brings an additional stool to the bedside, earning approval from one of the healers before he does. He sits yet fidgets with the button at his cuff, tapping his foot nervously on the stone floor.
âAlright, alright, enough already with the ruckus,â Boromir hisses, already dizzy from sitting up. âYou said you wanted to tell me something. What is it?â
âMaybe we should wait a moment.â
âWhââ
At the same second, a figure appeared at the doorframe. A lean woman with blond hair reaching her waist, rustling against the white silk of her belted dress with wide angel sleeves. On her shoulders rests a cloak as blue as the night with stars embroidered with gold thread. She curtseys yet does not utter a word. Faramir reaches a hand towards her but she does not take it. Instead, she advances into the room and occupies the open stool.
Boromirâs eyes widen.
âThat is Motherâs cloak. I recognise it.â
âYes, well⊠That is an important detail of what I mean to tell you,â Faramir steers the conversation again. He eyes the woman for a split second, taking in a deep breath. âBoromir, this is Ăowyn.â
âThe White Lady of Rohan,â the wounded reflects pensively. âI thought I recognised your face. Anyway, what about it?â
Ăowyn laces her fingers with Faramirâs as a silent encouragement. They do not need to speak for Boromir to understand the nature of their announcement. It is already clear as day. His mouth opens and closes, and he stares wide-eyed at his younger brother.
âĂowyn and I are getting married,â Faramir says at last, tears of joy glistening in his eyes as he beholds his beloved.
âAbsolutely not!â
The pair snaps their heads towards him, incredulous.
âCare to explain?â Ăowyn grunts.
âFaramir,â Boromir starts, still puzzling his thoughts into order as they collide and slip out of his grasp, âdo you not remember her from the few times we visited Edoras? She was insufferable, dreaming of becoming a shieldmaiden and hitting everything that moved with her toy sword. Including myself. Including you.â
His younger brother scoffs.
âShe was a child. She has grown out of it.â
âOh, has she now?â Boromir continues, readjusting his position against the pillows behind him with a grimace. âDo you think I am daft and that I think that her presence here is natural? I have heard of a Rohirric woman who disguised herself as a man to fight our battle. She is disobedient, ungrateful, and she put many in danger by doing so!â
âDo not speak to me as if I were not here,â the Rohir protests, glaring at the man Faramir has told her so much about in the most positive manner. Right now, she does not see the same qualities in him as Faramir does.
âMy apologies, princess,â Boromir forces a snarky smile. âBut I stand by what I said; you put all your men and our own in danger by your being here.â
Faramir bites back the tears and uses all his strength to refrain from lashing out at his brother out of indignation. Of all people in the realm, he expected Boromir to understand and support his choice. If he is happy, why should he oppose it?
Ăowyn, on the other hand, does not hesitate to defend herself.
âI took care of Merry throughout our journey to Minas Tirith and prepared him for the battle,â she states matter-of-factly.
âOh. B-But that does not mean thaââ
âHe and I took down the Witch King of Angmar by ourselves.â
âYou whâŠ?â
âAnd I love Faramir.â
Upon seeing the conflict in his otherwise hostile eyes, Ăowyn smirks.
âOne does not simply come out dressed like that.â
Merry sighs and twists the doorknob, but Boromir slams his body weight against it as soon as he hears the click.
âNO!â his voice screeches as the hobbit still attempts to shove the door open. âAbsolutely nobody is allowed to see me like this. Not even Faramir.â
âIâm sure youâre exaggerating, Boromir,â the hobbit says, his cold pipe hanging from his lip. âRosieâs been working on your clothes for weeks, the least you could do is to flaunt them.â
âYou do not understand.â
âMake me understand, then!â
With a grunt, Boromir wrenches the door open, staring down at Merry, who cannot help but burst out laughing at the sight. Upon receiving an invitation to Pippinâs wedding in the Shire, Boromir wrote back to confirm his presence. At the bottom of the letter, knowing that the bridegroom would not be the one to receive his response but Sam would, he added a line, offering to surprise Pippin by wearing the clothes of his people. Elated at the prospect, the gardener and his wife composed another letter, and Rosie asked for his measurements and favourite colour among a short list, so she could sew him suitable garments by the time Pippin would tie the knot.
As soon as he arrived in the Shire on horseback, accompanied by his brother, his sister-in-law and Ăomer King, Lily Brown welcomed them in Bywater. Eager to provide the clothing, she asked who the âgiant hobbitâ was, and Boromir dismounted. He was pushed by the elderly lady behind the knees towards the Cottonsâ farm. There, she insisted that he try the clothes, but he politely declined, assuring her that he trusted Rosieâs talents.
Oh, how he regrets it.
After spending a less than comfortable night in a bed far too tiny for him and with rags tightly wrapped against his scalpâcourtesy of Ăowynâhe is now facing quite a ridiculous situation.
His hair, usually so pin-straight, is curled like a poodleâs fur around his scalp. The white shirt with its long and sharp lapel is much too loose, and the sleeves hang too low and far from his arms. On the opposite, the sage green corduroy vest fits his torso much too tightly. The buttons are threatening to rupture and blind someone, and the slightest movement would certainly rip the side seams. The fabric itself looks like it is screaming for help. As for the trousers⊠Boromir is no longer sure that he will be able to offer his line a descendance.
Merry wriggles on the rug, out of breath from the laughter that seizes him.
âYou look like a caricature of a hobbit,â he cries, burying his face in his hands to muffle the howling laughs. âPipâs going to love it!â
Boromir screeches involuntarily.
âWhat?! No. No, no, no, no. No. Nobody is going to see me like that. Surely there is something we can do! I cannot even move in these things!â
The front door suddenly opens and Boromir blanches. He frantically reaches for the knob, but it is too late. Smelling of lavender and vanilla, Ăowyn enters, her long golden hair framing her perfectly.
âBoromir? Are youââ
Her eyes widen and she slaps a hand over her mouth.
âWhat on Arda have you done?â she says, forcing the trembling words out as she refrains from losing her composure.
âI know it is bad, Wyn, thank you very much,â the Gondorian retorts. âWhat do I do?â
âDo you not have your own clothes?â
âI do, but they are not fitting for a wedding.â
âSo, your whole plan was to rely on the promise of hobbit garments made for giants?â
Boromir paws at his face. He hates it when she is right.
âPerhaps.â
âBefore you do anything, I need to fetch Fari and Mer.â
âWhat!?â
But she is already gone. Merry sits up, wiping away his tears, but his face still a bright red.
âOh, that is too good.â
âI cannot believe this. I wanted to surprise a friend, and this is how it turns out. On the most important day of his life.â
âTrust me, thatâll make it a hundred times better.â
âShush, you.â
Three heads poke in at once from the round doorframe and gasps resonate throughout the house. Ăomer does not waste time mocking his appearance. Faramir winces and steps inside.
âOh that is notâŠâ
âTell me something I do not know, Fari,â his brother grumbles, âyou are usually so good at that.â
âAnd your other clothes?â
âRed and gold.â
âOuch.â
Faramir shakes his head and turns to Merry as he hoists himself back up on his hairy feet.
âI believe the superstition of wearing red with gold embroideries only applies to the ceremony itself, does it not?â he asks the hobbit. âFor the celebration and the banquet, there are no âforbiddenâ colours?â
Merry cracks a match and lights up the weed in his pipe as he ponders Faramirâs question. Hobbit customs and traditions are his everyday life; sometimes, the codes and instructions do not come easy to him without taking a step back and properly thinking about them. What is unspoken must become apparent.
âI believe you are right,â he answers, still unable to restrict his smile when his gaze fleets towards Boromir.
âI am afraid that it will have to do for the ceremony,â Faramir sighs. âMake sure not to make abrupt movements.â
âAbrupt movements?! Fari, I am not particularly fond of jewels, but I am quite certain that the two I own will shatter the moment I take a step!â
His comment does not appease Merryâs and Ăomerâs hilarity.
âWhat other choice do you have, brother?â the Prince of Ithilien says. âThere is little you can do. Come to the ceremony in these clothes, and I will arrange a horse for you to return and change. Besides, Rosie will be happy to see that you still made the effort.â
âI hate you.â
 ~*~
In Bywater, the small field tucked between the Green Dragon and the brook is adorned with white flower arrangements. A wooden platform was built at its centre, intended for the newlyweds to stand on so everybody can see, and a banner hangs above it between two poles, bearing Pippin and Diamondâs names. Many hobbits have already reached the ceremony grounds and gaily smoke and chatter, eager to raise their brews to the coupleâs health, dance, and fill their bellies with pies and cakes. They know that the Green Dragon has been privatised for the celebration, and the prospect is rejoicing.
Ăowyn, Faramir and Ăomer walk at the front of the group, still in awe of the natural beauty of the Shire even after two days here. They have not shied away from their normal-sized garments, but they wore ribbons of the same cloth the pairâs wedding apparels were cut from in their hair. Behind them, Boromir hops on the cobbled path, wincing every time his bare feet brush against a sharp rock. Since he eventually consented to keeping Rosieâs creation on for the ceremony, he decided to embrace the hobbit way of life fully, and that included walking around barefoot. But that is torture as well. He misses his boots. Dearly.
âFaramir, over here!â they hear Samâs jolly voice calling from the bridge. Beside him, Rosie and Frodo hold the Gamgeesâ children by the hand to keep them from diving into the running water beneath them.
The group joins them and share warm greetings. Rosie makes her way through them to behold her creation on Boromir, but her jaw drops wide open and she looks mortified.
âOh, Boromir, I am so terribly sorry! They do not fit at all!â
âNo harm done, Rosie,â he tries to reassure her. âSince my other clothes are not suitable for a hobbit wedding, I will still wear these for the ceremony.â
âYou do not have to wear them all day out of guilt,â she says, reaching up to pat his arm. âI appreciate your effort to wear them already. But they do not look comfortable.â
âMy clothes are red and embroidered with gold otherwise, which I hear is a bad omen for a wedding.â
âThat is very much true. But that should not cause any problem later on. Oh, still, I am so sorryâŠâ
Boromir squeezes her shoulder with a smile and they walk towards the wedding âvenue.â Frodo greets him on the way and they exchange some pleasantries, but the Gondorian can sense the hobbitâs unease in his presence. After all, they did not start on the best of terms.
The group gathers by the wooden platform, ensuring that a pathway remains clear for the newlyweds to walk down the makeshift aisle when the time comes. A few minutes later, a cart pulls up at the bridge and an old hobbit stands apart from the crowd with a flute to play a merry tune. As their customs dictate, Pippin descends from the cart and holds out his hand for his bride to take. Together, they pace towards the field to the tune played.
Standing closest to the brook, the humans turn around and smile at the happy pair. Faramir is already dabbing the hem of his sleeve against his eyes as tears of joy invade them. Boromir, like a proud older brother of an extended bunch, feels the prickling as well. As he reaches blindly for his embroidered handkerchief, the piece of cloth falls on the grass. He attempts to bend over, but the seams give way and rip loudly. Three buttons on his chest pop, one of which bounces on the ground and hits the flute player right in the forehead, making him tumble back and fall onto his buttocks. Right as Pippin and Diamond are approaching, the corduroy tears between his legs and up a certain crevice.
Pippin gasps excitedly, recognising Boromir as the giant hobbit with a wardrobe malfunction and ridiculously curled hair.
âThis is the best day of my life!â he says.
Diamond glares at him and clears her throat loudly.
âB-But our wedding is the best event of all, my love,â he responds as fast as he can so she will not run away.
âI prefer that.â
As they pass the humans by, Pippin glances over his shoulder at Boromir and grimaces approvingly, pumping up a hand conveying his delight.
CHARACTERS : Ăowyn / Faramir / Boromir
RATING : Mâ WORD COUNTÂ : 830
SUMMARY : Ăowyn has two husbands. (This is an optional sequel to "Arrows.")
Read here or on AO3
(divider credit: @uzmacchiato)
PREVIEW :
Now every morning, Ăowyn wakes up to two raven heads beside hers on the pillow. Two warm, handsome bodies flank her on either side.
She wakes, and maps kisses on two pairs of sea-gray eyes. She kisses two noses, equally high and noble, and she gives each mouth a slow, sensuous kiss.
âMm, I think I want you first today.â
Some people have more than one horse, and all are loved as deeply as family. One horse may serve well in battle, keeping his rider from harm in the face of spears and raging mĂ»makil. Another horse may be swift, devouring leagues as if its riderâs errand were its own. And a third may be nothing like that, but it gets down to its knees to nudge you awake, even if you are bleeding and would rather slip away.
But no one Ăowyn knows has more one spouse. She has only heard of such a custom in lands far away.
But she has two spouses.
Not that people are anything like horses. (Some say that horses are better, but that is an argument for another day). But sometimes, a heart you thought was barren sprouts a garden so lush, one love is not enough.
She met Faramir first in the garden at the Houses of Healing. The lavender and yarrow grew tall in the flowerbeds, and he was the first man who did not want anything from her. He did not seek to tell her what was best, and he made no pretense of knowing her already.
But he was a comfort. He spoke less than he listened, and he wanted to know everything about her. What drove her from her home, and if she remembered her parents. And when he shared pieces of himself, it made her want to share herself too.
When she knew all would be well in Rohan without her, she came to him in Ithilien. But amid the preparations for the wedding, Faramir was worn thin by matters of state, so his brother Boromir stepped in, acquainting Ăowyn with her new home.
Together, they rode and sparred and toured the wine yards, tasting the fruit of the earth as dark as night. And when the stiff-lipped nobles looked at her askance and spoke in Sindarin-laced accents, thinking she would not understand, he taught her to put them in their place.
Boromir was big and expansive and forthright, just as his brother was humble, selfless, and would deliberate ten times before acting. Both made her feel safe, and that her heart and mind mattered.
In time, her heart, which never knew love before, began to waver. She wondered if it was right, to feel so tender and so giving in the presence of two different people.
She thought to confide in Faramir â for after all, he was better at putting words to the stirrings of the heart. Never mind that they were soon to be married. If she was doing wrong by him, it was only right that he should know.
She almost made up her mind to do it, but then, two days shy of the wedding, Boromir spoke first.
Seeming to have read her thoughts, he confessed his love, and said that he asked nothing of her, but having wrangled with his feelings, he determined that she must know.
And Ăowyn, having wrangled with feelings of her own, was ready to run back to Rohan when Faramir paid her a visit.
By then, the sun had grown dark in her eyes, and she could no longer hide from the truth. She confessed, and he heard her and smiled, saying he knew as much already.
In the end, it was Faramirâs idea, the way things are now.
The three of them live together. Faramir is her husband in the eyes of the law and the people, and both are her husbands in her heart. Nobody knows except the servants, who always know. And the three of them are content that way, for it is not for them to change anybodyâs mind.
They are happy, just the way they are.
Now, every morning, Ăowyn wakes up to two raven heads beside hers on the pillow. Two warm, handsome bodies flank her on either side.
She wakes, and maps kisses on two pairs of sea-gray eyes. She kisses two noses, equally high and noble, and she gives each mouth a slow, sensuous kiss.
âMm, I think I want you first today,â she says to Faramir, mounting him under the covers.
It is their rule that if she makes love with one, she must soon make love with the other. That way, their seed mingles in her womb and if there is a child, they can both feel they are the father.
Her hands caress his stomach and chest, and her hair falls curtain-like to one side.
Faramir thrusts and moans, his voice still heavy with sleep. His hands glide over her waist, hips, and thighs.
âEnjoy, but leave some for me, little brother,â Boromir laughs.
He reaches under the covers to take hold of his flesh. His eyes are shining, drinking in the sight.
Before they are through, each of them will finish more than once. For the pleasure one is the pleasure of all, and that is just the way they like it.
CHARACTERS : Boromir / Ăowyn, Faramir / Ăowyn
RATING : Tâ WORD COUNTÂ : 630
SUMMARY : Boromir survives and falls in love at first sight. But her heart belongs to another.
Read here or on AO3
(divider credit: @uzmacchiato)
PREVIEW :
He was back in his beloved White City, and the war was won.
Except, he had fallen out of the frying pan into the fire.
Her reputation preceded her, this fire.
Boromir had survived, but he wished he had not.
He had taken an orc arrow to the shoulder, and had collapsed, watching the hobbits get taken away. But Aragorn appeared just in time, taking down the Uruk-Hai leader, and plucking the arrow from Boromirâs flesh. He then stemmed the blood with pressure, and would not hear of his friend dying, no matter how Boromir protested.
Then Legolas and Gimli arrived, and after a scramble for herbs and a clever surgery with a knife doused in liquor, Boromir was no longer at deathâs door. Some hours later, he was well enough to stand, though he suspected the liquor had much to do with it.
And now, it was several weeks later, and he was back. Back in his beloved White City, and the war was won.
Except, he had fallen out of the frying pan into the fire.
Her reputation preceded her, this fire.
She had disobeyed her uncleâs orders, riding in disguise with the Rohirrim. Then, she slew the Witch King at the Battle of Pelennor with Merryâs aid. And then, convalescing in the Houses of Healing, she caused a ruckus trying to get out with a still-bandaged hand. Though unsteady on her feet, it took several healers to subdue her.
Boromir was at the Black Gate at the time, and did not meet her until all was said and done.
But when he did, it was like another arrow to the chest.
He met her at a feast, and for some time, he could neither speak nor move, and the wine dribbled down his beard.
He had heard of such love, that came like a bolt from the heavens. But having lived four decades on this earth, he had never known it â nor any other kind of love. His affection was for his family and friends, and for feats of arms, and he never had eyes for any woman.
He bowed stiffly, introducing himself. But he did not lower his head, for it meant he would not see her.
She was incomparable.
Tall and fair she was, and, yes, there was something wild about her. She moved smooth and free as wind across the plains, her limbs long and unencumbered. She had the walk and bearing of someone who knew how to handle a sword. And her face! One expression chased another, like the sun chasing the moon.
He might have taken on armies for her sake, but her heart belonged to another.
Nobody said as much, but it was plain. She was on the arm of his brother Faramir, and he looked at her like she was the sun, and the rest of the world lay in shadow.
His little brother, who scarcely smiled toward the end of their fatherâs life. Whose shoulders grew heavier by the day, their father piling on trial after trial.
She lowered her eyes when Faramir looked at her like that. But when he touched her, she did not recoil.
A woman like that would not let anyone touch her against her will.
She stayed beside Faramir through the evening, and when she looked at him, her lips formed a tender smile.
And so Boromir did the only thing he could do.
He bowed, and said all the right things. Etiquette, the strange hieroglyphic nature of it, was a comfort and a lifeline.
When the banquet was over, he excused himself and went to the training grounds. Once there, he practiced sinking his spear into a sand-filled foe.
He would let his brother have this. He would.
His beloved little brother. He had seen too much suffering, well beyond his years. He deserved this.
And himself? He would carry on, though he dearly wished that arrow had been the end of him.
The Captain of Gondor and the Second Marshal of the Riddermark entered the bustling citadel with the laughter of carefree youth. Inside the hall, majestic banners bearing the White Tree and others displaying a white and gold horseâs head hung from the windows of the triforium. All torches were ablaze, casting a bright halo glistening on the white halls and black columns. Underneath the lofty arches, Gondorians and Rohirrim alike mingled and celebrated a rare gathering of their people, while music played and couples danced. Some servants were still busy carrying away crumpled tablecloths and wooden boards. Wine and ale flowed together, warmed up cheeks and lightened spirits.
âYou are late, Boromir,â Denethor scolded him, careful not to attract attention and bring dishonour on himself and his beloved heir. âWe had to open the banquet without you. After all I have done for you, you dare bring shame onto our house!â
The King of Rohan waved a dismissive hand and turned away to sip on a rich burgundy wine. Denethor continued to scowl at the two boys, but his anger faded fast.
âWith all due respect, Boromir, your father terrifies me.â
âAh, nevermind him,â the Captain of Gondor snorted, his mouth salivating at the thought of indulging in simple pleasures for the rest of the night. âThe worst he could have done was to send me back to my quarters. He would not dare scold you, unless you slaughtered his household.â
âI know. So he will never scold you. Calm down.â
Boromir approached him to clink their tankards and chug a first few gulps, trying their best to ignore the overwhelming bitterness coating their tongues at first. The Gondorian coughs a few times, concealing an amused smirk from his comrade behind his wrist.
âYou know,â the Second Marshal spoke, leaning towards his friend as the musicians began a new song, âI still cannot believe that we have known each other nearly all our lives and I am only now visiting Minas Tirith.â
âForgive me,â Boromir let out a laugh, âI meant to invite you over much earlier, but either my father disagreed or your father wrote to me to decline because of your duties.â
âOur roles are not ideal for enjoyment, are they?â
âThey are not. But how do you like the White City, then? I have shown you around, but you still have not said a word about your impression.â
âNot enough horses,â he confirmed. âBut our presence makes up for that. We brought ours for all to enjoy, I suppose.â
Boromir leaned against the smooth and cool column again, his shoulder grazing against his friendâs.
âI am sorry that I did not manage to show you how beautiful Minas Tirith can be. It is not its usual self, what with all of Edoras suddenly showing up. But I swear that it can shine as bright as your city can. And it would be much more dazzling if the treeâŠâ
âI know, Boromir. I have heard tales of the White Tree, and songs complimenting its majesty. The Rohirrim might not always bear Gondor in their hearts, but we can admit that your realm has its treasures.â
âShould we go talk to him?â he suggested, his heart aching at the sight of the lonely boy, whom he knew was so dear to Boromir.
âNo need,â the Gondorian responded, taking his place and bringing his attention to the tilt of his pint so he could control the amount of foam falling inside. âHe may not show it, but I can assure you he is content sitting over there and reading. He does not want to read at the library or in his room because he is much too interested in lending an ear to some of the Rohirric songs that might be played during the night.â
âIf you say so. Besides, he might be quite tired of having company. Ăomer ran after him all day to make him carry him on his back like a horse. That child can be relentless.â
âI find him hilarious.â
âHe can be.â
They toasted again and chugged their ales. Just as he was about to empty his tankard, Boromir felt an arm hooking around his and a melodious voice caressing his ear.
âWhen will you finally ask me to dance?â
He took the time to swallow the golden brew, trying not to choke from the surprise, and turned to the young lady who had invited herself beside him. Ăriel laced her arms around his and rested her chin on his shoulders, batting her long lashes at him.
She was beautiful in every way and many young nobles in Denethorâs court coveted her. Many longed for a chance to brush the silk or linen of her long and flowy dresses, to remove a fallen petal from her tresses, and to be the ones she addresses. She hailed from Dol Amroth, but her family had moved to the White City after her father entered the stewardâs service under the counsel of Prince Imrahil. Her skin had paled away from the sea, but her eyes still bore its colours, with the light cast in them resembling the foam on its waves. Her long brown hair reached the back of her legs and covered her lean but strong body like a shawl whenever she cast her gaze down.
During Denethorâs birthday celebration a few months back, Boromir had been assigned a seat beside her. Since they were the same age, their fathers thought it best to introduce them, though they ensured that her maid followed them wherever they set foot to keep them chaste. Boromir had greatly enjoyed their conversations, and she had listened to his travel tales with much interest. She had seen many places across Gondor, but not nearly as many as he had. According to her, she would never find much happiness in a life where she would be secluded into a household, tucked away from the open road and wilderness.
But neither of them was daft. Their fathersâ idea to place them together had a hidden agenda of which they did not yet speak, but they inevitably shared their conception of a perfect marriage, should they enter one.
Ăriel seemed to have taken a liking to him. He did not yet know how he felt about her, but her sudden presence did bring a sincere smile to his face. From where he stood and despite the noise, Boromir could hear the sighs of the young nobles of the court as they beheld the lady at his arm.
The Rohir briefly bowed at her before her, kissing her knuckles, and she curtseyed in return. But her attention fleeted back to Boromir within a heartbeat.
âI will forgive you for it if you allow me one dance.â
The Captain tenderly took her hand and pressed a kiss into her palm, then onto the ring on her finger.
Amid the other pairs, Boromir and Ăriel gave each otherâs hand an affectionate squeeze before they parted. One row of men and another of women formed on either sides, and the young souls only had eyes for each other. On one end, a man stood forth and sings a verse, loud enough for the entire hall to hear. Afterwards, each row, with its dancers clapping their hands to the rhythm, sang back; women first, then men. When the first stanza was sung, the pairs trotted towards one anotherâtwo steps to the right, two to the leftâand once their shoulders grazed, their hands met halfway. They spun in a circle, still in a trot, then changed direction. Ăriel ensured that her hand lingered on Boromirâs longer than necessary. They separated again and joined the opposite sides, twirling to face one another again. The leader sung the new stanza and the dance carried on.
In the middle of a twirl, Boromir let out a chuckle as Ăriel snuck a caress on his cheek while nobody was watching. When they were side by side, they turned holding each other by the waist instead of the hand. Both of their faces were red, from the dancing and from the rapid beating of their hearts. At once, the music ceased and Ăriel ended her course in Boromirâs arms. Everybody applauded the musicians, except the pair, whose eyes were lost into each other. Ăriel batted her eyelashes again, her lips parted and her breath heavier. She smiled at first, but it faded away as the tension grew thicker. Guessing her intention, Boromir glanced around them and encircled her waist with one arm to whisk her away from the crowd and under the arches. His back to the wall, he gazed into her eyes again, brushing his fingertips against the smooth skin of her face, tucking flyaway hairs behind her ear. With glistening eyes, he lowered his hand to cup her chin and leaned in, his head slightly tilted.
Boromir pulled away without breaking eye contact. He did not hear Ărielâs protests, nor did he feel her tugging at his shirt to catch his attention again. Nothing worked.
Title: Youâre My Favorite
Rating: Gen
Word Count: 2.4K
CW: Mentions of kissing, obscene amounts of banter
Characters: Boromir, Amrothos, Original Characters
Summary: Amanda survives getting presented to court in Minas Tirith, meets an old flame of Boromir's, and is forced, yet again, to ride a horse.
(This an excerpt from a larger WIP. For context, Amanda is taken in by Imrahil, the Prince of Dol Amroth after winding up in Middle Earth. She has to adjust to life in what she thought was fictional world, while also seeing if it possible to change the future without breaking it. And, you know, doing her best not to fall in love with the doomed Captain of the White Tower.)
Relationship(s): Boromir x OFC, Boromir & OCs
@boromir-week late posting, but hopefully you'll forgive me :)
âI simply kissed her. And it wasnât on the ramparts, it was on the balcony of the great hall,â Boromir whispered back.Â
Amanda bit her lip, but he saw her amused smile.
âWhy are you laughing?â Boromir growled.
âIâm just glad that you cleared that up for me,â she said. âI do feel better knowing it was just the balcony and not the ramparts.â
He huffed.
âAt least it wasn't on the parapet,â she said.
==================================================
After her first dance with a stranger she started to feel calmer. These were just people. Not every conversation was a chess match she had to win. She danced, met people, she did not embarrass herself, she did not trip and fall over her dress.
A success in her book.
Eventually everyone was called to dinner, and Boromir came to escort her.
âYou see, society here is nothing to be afraid of,â Boromir said to her. âMuch like your fear of horses, you just need to spend time with them to get over it.â
âOh sheâs still afraid of horses,â Amrothos said.Â
She glared at him. "Thanks, Amrothos."
âThen the fact that sheâs still practicing her riding is even more admirable.â Boromir said.
Amrothos opened his mouth but Amanda elbowed him in the ribs before he could speak. âOoof!â
Boromir turned a stern gaze on her. âYouâve stopped riding havenât you?âÂ
âIâŠdonât ride as often as I should,â she said, wilting under his glare. âI know, I know.â
He sighed. âYou know Iâm going to talk to Imrahil about this,â he said.Â
She rolled her eyes.Â
They sat down to dinner, and Amanda was treated to a lengthy lecture on all aspects of riding. The value of knowing how to ride a horse. The dangers of not knowing how to ride. All the situations she might experience that would require riding. The vital necessity of practicing her riding.
By the time dancing resumed she was ready to throttle Boromir.Â
They processed back to the dance floor, and her hopes of escaping when a Lord she'd danced with earlier came to request another.
"Perhaps the next, I've already claimed her for this one," Boromir said.
Amanda watched him leave with a sinking heart, but she felt a spark of hope when a woman approached them. Suddenly Boromirâs arm was resting on her right hip and his other holding her left hand. He took a slight step back, so Amanda was effectively a human shield between them.Â
The woman was the epitome of Gondorian beauty: Slender with sleek black hair, pale skin, light blue eyes. She couldnât have been more than 30. Amanda felt overdressed and plain just standing next to her.
âMy lord,â the woman bowed.
âMy lady,â Boromir said curtly. He tried to lead Amanda past her, but she stepped in front of them.
Amanda didn't move, she was so surprised and bewildered.
âYouâve been away from the city,â the woman said. Even her voice was lovely.Â
âMy duties often require me to be away,â Boromir said.Â
âIt has been long since Iâve seen you,â she said.Â
Amanda looked between the two of them. Boromir looked like he was facing the Witch King of Angmar and the woman looked like she was trying to corral a feral cat. Amanda tried to leave, but Boromir tightened his grip and pulled her closer to him. In another circumstance she might have enjoyed the feeling of being possessively clasped to the chest of the Captain of the White Tower, but not when being used as a buffer from the attention of another woman. She didnât know who she was more annoyed with.
âI-âBoromir began.
Amanda cut him off. âAre the two of you going to just talk over me, or is one of you going to remember their manners and introduce me?â
The woman blushed deeply. âForgive me, your highness,â she said, and curtsied deeply.
âCousin, This is Lady Berthrien,â Boromir said stiffly.Â
The name was vaguely familiar, but Amanda knew sheâd never met this woman before. It took her a moment to place it.
Oh.
OH.
Lady Berthrien had written Boromir. Sheâd written THE letter. The very spicy letter that she almost wished she hadnât seen. If Amanda had done something similar she would want someone to have pity on her.Â
âA pleasure to meet you, Lady Berthrien,â Amanda said, and smiled at her. Berthrien observed her with a calculated eye, clearly trying to assess if she was an ally or a threat.
âThe dance is starting,â Boromir said. He now put both hands on Amandaâs waist and tried to move sideways, but Berthrien yet again moved swiftly in front of them.
âWill you be coming to Lady Emlinithâs card game tomorrow?â She asked.
âIâm sorry but I cannot,â he said
Berthrien looked devastated. Amanda felt compelled to soften the blow.
âItâs my fault, heâs teaching me how to ride,â Amanda said. âI know, itâs shocking that I donât know already. Heâs forcing me to learn, whether I like it or not.â
Berthrien gave her a brittle smile and bowed as they walked away. Boromir's grip on her hip distractingly strong as he led her to the line of dancers.
Amanda felt for Berthrien who really seemed torn up about rejection. She followed the steps of the dance, but she was distracted.Â
âYou think badly of me,â Boromir said. It wasnât a question.
âA little,â Amanda admitted.Â
He sighed. âI think badly of myself. It was a moment of weakness I should not have indulgence in. I did write to her, like you suggested. It seemed to help, until I returned.â
An alarming possibility occurred to her. âWait,â Amanda leaned closer and whispered. âSheâs not pregnant is she?â
Boromir looked absolutely horrified. âNo!â
They moved apart and did a turn around the couple behind them before joining together again.Â
âYou said you behaved inappropriately, but didnât ask how inappropriate you were,â She whispered.Â
âI kissed her. And it wasnât on the ramparts, it was on the balcony of the great hall,â Boromir hissed.Â
Amanda bit her lip, but he saw her amused smile.
âWhy are you laughing?â Boromir growled.
âIâm just glad that you cleared that up for me,â she said. âI do feel better knowing it was just the balcony and not the ramparts.â
He huffed.
âAt least it wasn't on the parapet,â she said.
âAmanda,â he said warningly.Â
âOr the banquette,â she said. âGod forbid!â
âIâm going to take you riding tomorrow,â he said.Â
That quit her gloating. She groaned. âWhy?â
He glared at her. âDid you hear nothing I said about the importance of knowing how to ride?âÂ
"Yes, trust me, you do not have to give me more reasons," She said.
"It sounds as though you are not convinced," he pressed.
"I'm convinced!" She said. "But, you know, Iâm curious-"
âNo,â Boromir cut her off.
âYou donât even know what I was going to ask,â Amanda protested.
âYou wanted to ask me why Iâm not pursuing Lady Berthrien,â Boromir said.Â
âWell, why arenât you?â She said, making her meandering turn around him. Other couples mirrored their movements. Gondorian dances reminded her of animal mating rituals than actual dances, but at least she didn't have to count to keep track of where her feet went anymore.
âI have no time for such fleeting distractions,â he said.
Amanda frowned, but waited until she was facing him again to ask, âdo you like her?â
âWhat?âÂ
âI said, âdo you like her?ââ Amanda said . âSheâs beautiful, young, and clearly very determined.â
âAnd very eager to move up in the ladder of Gondorian society,â Boromir said.
âAnd ambitious apparently,â Amanda added. âYou didnât answer my question.â
âThere is nothing there beyond desire and ambition,â he said. âSheâs rehearsed being pleasing to others, I donât think she knows how to be anything other than a reflection of what she believes people want.â
Amanda blinked. âWow,â she said. âSo you did like her, but you very much do not anymore.â
âHow is it that we are speaking on this when I told you that I did not want to speak on it?â He growled.
âIâm sorry,â Amanda said. âI was just trying to understand if you think you feel guilty for enjoying yourself or you actually donât care for Lady Berthrien. And if she actually deserves your disdain.â
They moved away, spinning past the couple behind them before joining hands again and moving under the arched arms of the dancers in front of them, resuming their place.
âAnd what have you decided?â Boromir asked. His hackles were raised again. She could see his jaw was clenched and his brow was furrowed, and he was staring very intently at her.
âWell youâve been pretty clear that you are not interested anymore,â Amanda said. âSheâs obviously crushed, but I donât know her well enough to say if it is because she really was in love with you or if it's because she feels like she lost her chance to be one of the most powerful women in Minas Tirith.â She thought about the version of Boromir that existed in her imagination based on the books and the films. He seemed very driven, very frustrated. She imagined him being angry all the time. âI had heard a lot about you before we met. You are different from what I thought you would be.â
âAh, Iâm not the pinnacle of virtue you expected?â Boromir asked bitterly. He was holding her hand for the final march, his grip tight.
âNo, I was going to say youâre nicer than I expected,â Amanda said.
The dance ended, and they bowed to each other. He took her arm, but instead of walking back to where her family was, he steered her towards the edge of the hall, away from the dancers. âYou thought I would be cruel?â He looked troubled at this.
âNo. I thought your temper would be shorter,â she said.Â
He scoffed. âI recall being chastised by you for my temper."
âI didnât say it was great, I said I thought it would be shorter,â she said, and then wondered if she was giving the impression she thought badly of him. âI didnât expect you to be a bad man.â
âHigh praise,â Boromir muttered.
Amanda laughed. âIt is a compliment. I would like you less if you seemed more perfect.â
Now Boromir laughed. âYou would like me less if I were more virtuous?â
âNo, I said if you seemed more perfect. It would make me distrust you,â she said.
âSo you like me best for my faults?â Boromir asked with a raised brow.
She thought about it for a moment and nodded. âYes,â she said.
âShall I tell you what I like best about you then?â He asked.
âI bet it is not my horse riding skills,â she said.Â
He laughed.Â
------------
The next day Boromir was at her room early. She barely had time to finish her breakfast before she was dragged to the stables. Lennion was in a paddock waiting for them, along with another horse.
âThereâs two of them,â She said.
âYes.â Boromir held out his hand and clicked his tongue and Lennion trotted over.
âWhy are there two of them?â Amanda asked.
âOne is for me and one is for you,â he said.Â
She grabbed his arm in alarm. âBoromir.â
âCousin,â he said.
"What if you just lecture me instead,?" She pleaded.
He took advantage of the death grip on his arm to move her forward. âHorses have not become more dangerous in the months weâve been apart.âÂ
They went into the paddock together and helped her onto Lennion and he got on the other horse. Together they rode out of the city into farmland. Boromir stayed close and would call Lennion if Amanda stopped steering correctly.Â
âWhatâs this place called?â she asked. The open fields were like a breath of fresh air after the sterile white walls of the city.
âPelennor Fields,â He said.
Amanda nearly dropped the reins. This was where Eowyn would slay the Witch King. Where Theoden would die. Where Aragorn would make his triumphant entrance and turn the tide of the battle. Something Boromir would not live to see.Â
She felt a hand on her shoulder and started.
âAre you well?â Boromir asked.Â
âI just..â she couldnât think of anything to say. âJust a sad memory.â
He led them to a large tree by a brook and tied the horses to a low branch. It was pleasant to sit under the shade. She hadnât realized how warm it was.Â
Boromir sat down beside her. âWhat was the memory?â He asked
âA battle,â she said. âPeople dying.â
He took her hand and squeezed it. âThat does sound like a sad memory.âÂ
She looked at him. It was impossible not to think of his future. âDo you ever think about dying?â She asked.Â
âSometimes,â he said.Â
âAre you afraid?â She asked. âOf dying, I mean.âÂ
âNo,â he said. âWell, not often. There are times when I fear it, moments when I feel itâs breath on my neck. But I worry more for the living. Of what will become of them when I am gone. Faramir especially.â
She said nothing but rested her cheek against his shoulder. It helped know he wasn't afraid to die, but she wanted to think about him being alive. To remember him being alive.
âWhat about yourself? Do you think of death? Do you fear it?â He asked gently.
âSometimes I think Iâve died already,â she said. âThere isnât anything from my life before Dol Amroth I havenât lost.â She felt a tear slip down her cheek. âI wasnât a princess before. I think thatâs pretty obvious. I know there are people who would do anything to have what I have now, butâŠI just miss everything I had before.â
He put his arm around her shoulder and she snuggled into his arms. He was warm and smelled like leather and soap. She felt like a riot of butterflies were swarming inside her.
âWhat is something you miss?â he asked.
She wanted badly to talk about home. She remembered Radagastâs warning, but she felt so unbearably lonely. She leaned back to look him in the face. âIf I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone?â
He tilted his head and smiled. âI would not share anything without your consent.â
âIâm being very serious, not your brother, not your father, no one,â she said. She picked up his hand and linked their pinky fingers. He looked at their hands and raised an eyebrow.
âThis is the way of my people, when you are making a sacred oath,â she said. âDo you swear to keep what I tell you secret to everyone unless I tell you otherwise?â
"What do you call this type of oath?" Boromir asked.
"Why does that matter?" She asked. She squeezed his finger. "Do you swear?"
âOn my honor, I will keep your secret,â he said.
She nodded and let go. âThe thing I miss the most is speaking English. Itâs my native tongue and there is no one I can speak it to,â she said.
âWould you speak it for me?â he asked.
She looked at him. âYou are going to die, and Iâm afraid I wonât be able to save you." Saying the words were oddly comforting. It sounded harsh compared to the musical tone of Sindarin, but it felt like home. And it was a relief to say what she was actually thinking, even if he didn't understand her.
âWhat does that mean?â He asked.
âIt means, âYour brother would never force me to ride a horse, and thatâs why he is my favorite.ââ she said.
He leaned forward, looking her intently in the eye for a moment, and then grinned. âYouâre lying.â
âI think you are incredibly handsome,â she said.
âAm I not allowed to know what you are saying?â He asked.
âWhat do you want me to say?â she asked.
âThat Iâm your favorite,â he said.
âYouâre my favorite,â She said, laying her head on his shoulder.
âSay it again,â He said.
She sat up and hit him on the shoulder. He laughed. âWhat is this? Iâm trying to learn your language,â he said. "Again, please?"
âYouâre my favorite,â she said.
He mumbled the words, testing them on his tongue. He reached out and hooked her pinky in his. âWill you make a solemn vow to me?â
She looked at him âTo do what?â
âTo keep riding when you return to Dol Amroth.â
âGo to hell,â she said with a smile.
He laughed. âWhatever you said, it was rude.â
âYou cannot possibly know that!â She exclaimed.
He took both of her hands and helped her stand. âOf course I can. You have a very particular smile when you are doing something mischievous.â
Her heart fluttered at his words. âYouâre my favorite,â she said.