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faeriichaii · 3 months

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Greetings 🤗 could I requested how the fellowship would realise their feelings for reader and how would their behaviour change towards them? Thank you! <3

The Fellowship and how they would realize their feelings

A/N: I am finally back!! I am so happy to be able to write again and I apologize that you had to wait so long for your request :( omg I never got like a headcanon (??) request and like I am so excited!! Especially cause it's kinda a big group and like I never wrote anything for the hobbits or like for Aragorn or Boromir hihi <33 (Tbh it was like so hard cause I really noticed I don't really know much about their characters or well I don't really know much about them?? idk idk... so some could be a little bit off so I apologize!!) But I still hope you like this!!!

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Warnings: fluff (maybe some ooc behaviour) ࿐ྂ ⇢ ˗ˏˋ Words: 1.3k in total ࿐ྂ ⇢ ˗ˏˋ Request: Yes (thank you <33) ࿐ྂ

Aragorn:

I think he would notice his growing feelings for you rather quickly. He would probably notice this after watching you argue with passion about some kind of topic with another person. The way you stand behind your opinion and fight for the things you love and adore. The passion that lines every single word that passes your lips. The way your eyebrow raises at your opponent and their silly sentences, that absolutely make no sense to you. Honestly, I doubt that much changes from his behaviour because he already is a caring person. Maybe his hand would sometimes hold onto your hand to make sure you know that he stands behind you and your decisions. Maybe he also tends to polish your weapons for you and maybe he also prepares a few arrows for you if you decide to use a bow. And maybe, just maybe he shows you a few tips and tricks with the sword in order to make sure that nothing could harm you. Because he knows, that you can handle yourself in any kind of fight. But practice still helps to ensure your safety, especially in the case that the both of you get separated.

Legolas:

Like Aragorn, he would catch onto his growing fondness for you rather quickly. He probably would notice his feelings after catching you being so incredibly sweet and kind towards one of the hobbits. The way you immediately tried to help Frodo through his doubts. How you tried to cheer him up by telling him that he will make it. That all of you will make it and finish the quest at hand. You always try your hardest to brighten everyone’s day with your positivity and your cheerfulness. Legolas couldn’t do anything else than fall for you head over heels. The warmth that you always spread around captured him and his heart. He would probably (definitely) ask to braid your hair (in case you are totally unaware of the custom behind it). But he would probably also try being constantly close to you. Not in a clingy way. Well, more like a moth that was drawn to a flame. (Maybe a tiny bit in a clingy way). And oh as soon as the quest is over he will try to find any kind of artistic measure to capture your heart with.

Gimli:

Listen, he definitely takes a while to realize his feelings. But he would totally notice some kind of admiration after you beat him in battle. The way you just jump from one enemy to another and rip them apart. Your strength and the way you just push through them with ease. (He still will huff after you declare that you definitely killed more enemies than he did). He would also try his best to deny his feelings and try to act indifferently or like ‘he doesn’t care’ (Even though he definitely cares). He would definitely clean your weapons and sharpen them for you. After returning home he will forge an axe or sword for you. Maybe even a courting bead if the time has come for him to stop battling his feelings and just face them.

Boromir:

I think he would take a little while to notice his feelings towards you. Probably due to the fact that he mostly is being occupied by the power of the ring or maybe due to the pressure of the quest that lays heavily on his shoulder. He knows it is an important journey. So his heart did stutter after you reassured him with your kind words. The way you spoke with him and the way you just would listen to his worries. It felt like you really cared for him and his wellbeing and he really just needed someone to talk to. Someone who was willing to listen to him (especially because I feel that some people tend to misunderstand him). And you just happen to really want to listen to his worries and try to push him through it. Try to show him that you would be by his side while he follows the path of the journey. After he realized his feelings for you he would definitely try his best to take care of you the way you did for him. He would support your decisions and if you happen to have a bad day he would stand by your side and listen to your worries and just do the same things you did for him. Care for you and give you the support you need.

Sam:

Oh he would totally catch onto his feelings quickly. Probably after receiving your praise for how well he had prepared dinner that night. The way your eyes lit up at the first taste of the soup and how you hummed in approval at the flavour. He definitely would blush and smile dumbly while stirring the pot (definitely lost in the thought of your beautiful smile). He definitely would be more fidgety and bashful around you. He would probably also share some of his portions of food with you (In case you are hungry or you already finished your food for the trip). And maybe he would give you just a little bit more food if he was the one preparing the food (either for breakfast or dinner or the portions for travelling idk idk). (And maybe just maybe he would carefully prepare like a cute flower crown or smth for you.)

Frodo:

His feelings for you were definitely the last thing on his mind. He would definitely notice them however, after you carefully hold him close to you after another one of his nightmares he had. Gently stroking his hair while holding him towards your chest, mumbling to him that everything will be alright. He didn’t even notice the way he had clung onto you. But you didn’t mind that. All that you wanted to do was reassure him and try to give him the strength he needs to push through this. His heart filled with warmth at your kindness and at the support you lend him. Every time when he struggles, he just looks at you and he immediately feels better. He will definitely try to reassure your worries and try to be there for you the way you always seem to be there for him.

Merry:

I think he would be a little like Pippin when it comes to the realization of his feelings. Like, he would definitely not notice his feelings at first, but after you did protect him from a few Orcs, he couldn’t help but admire you. He wanted to get stronger (and maybe protect you too yk?) So he will definitely learn a few sword fighting skills from Boromir and Aragorn, but he will mostly try to practice with you. To understand the way you swing your sword and to understand the fighting tactics you use. (He also just wanted to spend more time with you) And maybe just maybe when the time has come, he will raise his sword against an Orc and protect you.

Pippin:

Oh he would definitely take his time realizing his feelings. But he does realize them, after he notices that you seem to be one of the only people who was not completely mad at him for his constant clumsiness. Yes, he made mistakes. But that is normal, isn’t it? Everyone makes mistakes and you try to explain that to him. The way you try to make him understand that even Gandalf or Aragorn took wrong turns in their lives made him feel a little bit better. You would explain to him that mistakes need to happen in order for him to grow as a person. Nobody is perfect, is what you told him with a beaming smile. But he couldn’t believe your words if you sat in front of him and just existed. He would definitely try and make you laugh as much as possible. Especially if the days or nights are rough and maybe everything is grey, he definitely still will try to brighten your day with either very silly harmless jokes or pranks.

#lotr x reader #legolas x reader #aragorn x reader #boromir x reader #gimli x reader #frodo x reader #sam x reader #pippin x reader #merry x reader #the fellowship x reader #listen i tried ok

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welikeimagines-andfandoms · 1 month

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Waited So Long- Boromir x Reader x Legolas x Aragorn

Summary: Boromir, Legolas and Aragorn had been wanting you the whole journey and you had been wanting them. Finally you are able to show them just how much you had been craving their touch.

Word count: 2, 102

“You know, the sunrise in Rohan is beautiful at this time of year, especially from my bedchambers.” Eomer drunkenly whispered in your ear, his awful flirting attempts making you giggle.

Standing quite close to one another now, Eomers hands begin to move up and down your hips. You’re definitely not opposed to his touches, although there are other hands you’ve craved a lot more during this long journey. As his hands begins to creep up your waist, he confidently grabs you, pushing you into himself with a lust-filled grunt, his face inching closer to yours.

Unfortunately for him, however, before he can kiss you, he is ripped away from your body, and you are pulled away from his.

Being pulled apart from Eomer, you land on a firm chest with strong hands now on your hips, with another softer hand interlocking with your own. Looking around you, you realise it is Boromir who holds you so possessively and Legolas who holds your hand.

“Thank you for keeping y/n company, Eomer, but we would like to enjoy such festivities with our dear friend now.” Aragorn calmly explains, though there is venom and warning in his tone.

Before you had a chance to say goodbye to Eomer, you are being ushered away by all three men, their hands all managing to find a different part of you to hold onto as they escort you out of the celebrations. You can’t help but giggle at their protectiveness, and the way their hands hold onto your body.

The three of them overpowered you quite easily, but you couldn’t care less about being led away by them. Pushing you out of the hall and into the empty corridor, they find a large storage room that they led you into.

Stepping into the room, you had no time to get your bearings before Aragorn pushed you against the door into a heat and desperate kiss. Your hands immediately reach for his hair, as his grab onto your hips.

“You have no idea how long we’ve wait for you, darling.” You heard Legolas whispered heatedly into your ear as you feel Boromirs desperate kisses on your neck.

Your head was swirling with pleasure as Aragorn broke the kiss, leaving you breathless and your chest heaving. You had no time to recover however as Legolas took Aragorns place and pushed against you into a desperate and hungry kiss. Legolas’ kiss was not as brutal as Aragorns, but it did not lack passion or hunger.

While the elf continued his passionate kiss, the two men busied themselves by removing your shoes, pants and undoing your tunic. As the fabric made its way over your head, you were left bare to six eyes that hungrily wandered across your body.

“My turn.” Boromir grinned at you.

Boromir pounced at you like an animal, his kiss the most hungry and desperate out of all. His hand found its way into your hair, where it tugged and held onto the strands. Your hands found their way into his hair as well, pushing his face closer to yours, desperate for more of his touch.

The kiss was so heated and desperate that you forgot about the other two in the room. Your hands continued to rough up his hair, and once you began to tug his locks, Boromir let out a delighted moan and picked you up by the backs of your thighs.

The squeak that you made at the suddenness of being picked up caused them all the laugh sweetly at you. Now you have your eyes open, you see that both Legolas and Aragorn have rid themselves of their shirts and currently had their impressive lengths in their hands.

“We have waited this whole journey to have you, sweetheart.” Boromir moans against your lips as your foreheads touch and your eyes close once again.

“And I you all.” You moan back as you begin to desperately tug at Boromirs trousers.

“Would you like to have Boromir first, darling?” Aragorn chuckles against your neck at your desperateness.

“Mmmhmm yeesss.” You moan out as Aragorn begins to suck and bite at your neck.

Boromir hummed, pleased with your response, as he put you down. Your pout at being away from Boromir did not last long as Aragorn and Legolas began to crowd you with their bodies.

Aragorns lips were quickly on your neck, kissing hungrily and desperately. With one hand on your hip, the other hand makes it’s way down your front and begins to play with your already soaking pussy.

While Aragorns fingers make you whimper and moan, and your legs beginning to shake, Legolas is busy paying your tits attention. The elves warm mouth work your nipple on one breast, while the other breast is in his skilful fingers and hands.

The pleasure your two companions give you makes your head begin to feel fuzzy and delighted. Your fingers weave through their hair as your moans become louder and you find yourself bucking into Aragorns hand.

Looking over to Boromir, you see he has stripped naked and is playing with his impressive length, looking hungrily all over your body. As he comes back over to you, both Aragorn and Legolas reluctantly break from your body. Your whine at the loss of contact soon turns into a moan as Boromir picks you up once again.

“You ready, darling?” Boromir asks as he lines himself up with your entrance.

“Please, Boromir.” You moan desperately.

Your pleading drives the men to moan out, the sound being music to their ears.

As Boromir slowly enters you, perfectly stretching you out, your head falls back against the wooden door. Your eyes close and you let out a deep moan, a feeling of relief and pleasure washing over you.

You had been craving this moment, each one of these men, since the beginning of your journey. Now to have all three of them worshipping your body, felt like a wonderful dream.

“Oh, fuck! Ooohh Boromir!” You moan out as his thrusting speeds up, pushing you against the wood of the door.

With Aragorns previous teasing, you weren’t far from your release. The pleasure-filled pressure in your lower belly only felt tighter as Legolas’ nimble fingers began to work your clit.

“Cum for us, sweetheart. Finish all over Boromirs cock and Legolas’ fingers.” Aragorn whispered seductively into your ear, his warm and calloused hand squeezing at your breast.

“Ooohhh! Fuuck!” You shout out in pleasure, their delicious treatment of your body being too much as you fall apart for them.

Your pussy clenches around Boromirs cock, causing his head to drop against yours and his jaw to clench as his movements stopped.

“You did so well, darling.” Boromir smoothly encourages as he gently lets you down.

“But you didn’t finish.” You look up at him in your dazed state, reaching for his hand.

“You didn’t think it would just be Boromir who would have you, did you?” Legolas asks cheekily.

“Do you think you could handle all three of us at once, darling?” Aragorn asks, now standing behind you.

“Yes.” You simply moan out as you lean your back against Aragorns chest, his hands on your hips tightening their grip.

Working together, the three men get you on the ground, straddling Boromirs hips while Aragorn kneels behind you, and Legolas stands above you with his cock in hand. Lightly shuffling you around they gently push you forward, your face in Boromirs neck as both he and Aragorn line themselves up with your entrance.

“Just relax, darling, let us take care of you.” Boromir gently whispers in your ear, as both Aragorn and he slide inside you, filling you up perfectly.

A deep and desperate moan leaves your parted lips as both men fill you up more than you thought possible, feeling them in every inch of you and taking over your thoughts. They give you a moment to adjust before slowly beginning to move. The moan that leaves your lips is the most filthy sound you’ve ever made, quaking and groaning with pleasure as both men move in and out of you in tandem.

So lost in pleasure you’d forgotten about the elf above you.

“Sit up and ride us, darling. You’ve been so good for us.” Aragorn gently encourages.

Slowly raising from Boromirs neck, your eyes comes to Legolas’ length, making you moan even deeper. Once properly seated, you begin to bounce on both mens cocks, moaning out desperately as you look into Legolas’ eyes.

Gently Legolas takes the back of your head and leads your mouth to his cock.

“Be a good girl for me, darling.” Legolas encourages you gently as he pushes inside your eager mouth.

With one hand on Boromirs chest and the other wrapped around Legolas, you grind into both men as they thrust into you. Legolas moves his hips in and out as you suck on the head of his cock.

Boromir can’t help but look up at you in absolute awe as he watches you bounce and grind against him, your tits bouncing perfectly in his face. Reaching his hands up, he squeezes both of your tits, loving how they feel and look in his hands. His fingers twist at your sensitive nipples, causing even more pleasure to course through your already quaking body.

From behind you, Aragorn has a tight grip on your hips, reaching down to grab at your ass every now and then. He uses his grip on your hips as leverage to move your hips to his own pace, both of you moving with each others bodies, giving each other the pleasure you’ve both craved.

Legolas looks down at you like you are a beautiful vision. His mouth is open and brows furrowed as he looks down at you working his cock. Bringing his other hand to the back of your head, he can feel his release as he begins to thrust deeper into you.

Your hands move from his cock to his pale thighs as he begins to thrust into your open mouth, enjoying being used in such a way.

“You going to swallow all of Legolas’ release, y/n? You want to taste the sweet elf prince?” Aragorn asks as he can see his friend approaching his release.

Doing your best to nod, you await Legolas’ cum. Legolas lets out a groaning moan at your answer, his thrusts getting faster as his eyes close and his head falls back.

“Oh, y/n.” He moans out your name, mixed with some Sindarin words you don’t know as he finishes inside your mouth.

With a few more short thrusts, Legolas takes himself out of your mouth as you swallow all that he gives you.

“Such a beautiful woman.” Legolas whispers in awe at your blissed out face, as he gently wipes away the spit and cum from your face.

“You’re doing such a good job, darling. Lay on top of Boromir and let me cum all over your gorgeous ass.” Aragorn groans into your ear, his release approaching quickly.

Leaning forward onto Boromir, you begin to kiss and nip at his neck, earning more moans and groans from the man below you. Letting out a gasping moan as Aragorn pulls out of you, you soon feel his warm release land on your ass as he lets out a long groan and some words you assume are swear words in Sindarin.

“My turn, darling. Sit up for me.” Boromir growls in your ear as he begins to push his hips up to meet yours.

Following his instructions, you sit up and put your hands on his broad chest, as you begin to grind onto him. Looking up you see all three men staring at you, Aragorn and Legolas now half dressed. Deciding to put on a show for them, you bite your lip as you begin to bounce on top of him, your tits bouncing with you.

Boromirs grip on you tightens as all three men moan out at your little performance. Slowly Boromirs fingers begin to creep down from your hip and come to you clit, rubbing it with fast circles.

“Ooohh fuck! Boromir!” You moan loudly.

“That’s it, sweetheart, I’m so close. Cum with me, darling!” The man below you moans out as he begins to thrust harder into you.

It didn’t take long before both you and Boromir were moaning out and quaking in each others arms. After a few more thrusts from Boromir, you fall forward onto him, closing your eyes in bliss.

“Perhaps we should try to find the bathhouse.” Aragorn chuckled, looking down on you and Boromir.

#lotr #lotr imagine #lord of the rings #lord of the rings imagine #Boromir imagine #Boromir x reader #legolas imagine #legolas x reader #Aragorn imagine #Aragorn x reader #Legolas #Boromir #Aragorn

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maximwtf · 1 year

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“Run like the wind, please.”

Legolas x injured reader (pt2)

Part 1

words: 1460

google docs pages: 3

warnings: description of a wound (infected), being injured

opening: After getting injured by the arrow, you start to realise that it must have been poisoned. You try to hide it, but someone notices.

AN// A second part was not planned but I couldn’t leave it at where the first part left off xD reader can be any gender :3

“Run like the wind, please.”

After the injury had healed up enough, you had told the group to keep moving. Moving slowly was better than not moving at all, the orcs could attack again at any given moment. Aragorn had thought about it for a moment, but because he knew how important it was for the fellowship to get to its destination, he had agreed to on moving on. Legolas asked you a couple times if you were sure, but you didn’t want to complain, knowing you were already becoming a burden even if no one said anything about it.

So all of you kept moving, kept walking forward. Every step you had to take sent waves of pain from your leg to all across your body. You’d let out a groan or grit your teeth together every now and then, thinking you had hidden the pain quite well. What you didn’t notice, was the way a certain elf had been following you. From the start he had been doubtful about moving on with you like this, and it hadn’t taken him long to notice how you were limping. He didn’t dare to say anything about it, since he had already asked you a couple times, but he did still keep his eye on you just in case your condition got any worse. Legolas had had his worries about the arrow being poisoned, but he didn’t make any conclusions just yet. It could just be that the wound was hurting since there was no proper way to heal it.

While internally hoping that someone would request a break, you kept on walking. You had gotten bigger and smaller cuts and wounds in the past, and knowing what they felt like, you knew something was off. This time the wound the arrow had left felt different, it hurt in a different way. The pain was way more intense and it almost felt like you were getting dizzy because of it as well. But of course, being used to having to keep your calm even in dangerous situations, you tried to not care and kept your worries to yourself. You were no healer, but you would manage.

You noticed Legolas walking right behind you after some time had gone by. He hadn’t said anything, but you knew he was up to something. Your thoughts were interrupted by Aragorn speaking up. Everyone seemed to be agreeing to have a small break, it seemed like the hobbits were getting tired from the walking and mostly they were asking for it as well.

The group stopped under the safety of a couple trees at the edge of a forest and a field. There were a few rocks to sit on, and the rest would just sit on the ground. You stood closer to one of the trees, not wanting to sit down because you knew that if you tried to stand up after, it would be a struggle mixed with pain.

The dizziness from earlier had gotten worse, forcing you to lean against the tree that stood behind you. You closed your eyes for a moment, hoping that the feeling would go away on its own. When you opened them again, nothing had changed. Slowly you started to slide down against the tree, your body ignoring the hard tries to push yourself back up. You sat down, giving in to the pain. “Fuck…” You mumbled to yourself, but the people closer to you definitely heard it. Legolas and Aragorn’s heads turned to look at you. You gritted your teeth together and slid up your trousers so the wound was showing again. Taking off the bandaging hurt as well, making you form a fist with your free hand. “Y/n?” you heard Boromir start. Not giving him a reply, you took a look at the wound. The sight of it made you want to look away, it seemed infected but you had seen an infected wound before, this was something worse. The pain finally ripped through you, making you groan and hunch over. It felt like a cold sweat was rising to your forehead along with the waves of pain. Legolas and Aragorn had come over too, both of them seeing the wound again. Legolas seemed to have realised something new. Not only had the arrow been poisoned, it had been an arrow from the morgul bow. He had wondered why you were reacting so harshly to the pain, since he had seen how you act when you get wounded normally, it had always been quite slight.

“Aragorn. The arrow was poisoned, only an arrow from the Morgul bow could have caused something like this.” Legolas spoke up, not wasting a second. He knew how dangerous the arrows were, he was also aware of the painful death it would lead to if the wound wasn’t taken care of by an experienced healer. Since the wound seemed to have gotten infected as well, there was no way anyone would be able to heal it anymore with just herbs.

“We won’t make it back to Rivendell by foot, the poison works too fast.” Aragorn replied, also knowing that the fellowship wouldn’t go back anymore. Legolas didn’t have time to reply, as the sounds of galloping interrupted the conversation. They saw a white horse appear from the top of one of the hills, and the person riding it was Gandalf. He hurried down the hill, only stopping once he was next to you and the three other men. Aragorn was about to explain to him the situation but Gandalf didn't let him. “I’ve heard. Legolas, take them back to Rivendell.” The wizard said, not wasting any more time. Legolas only nodded, glad that there was now a chance to save you. Shadowfax has been said to run faster than the wind, and the elven prince could only hope that that was true. A horse running faster than the wind seemed like the only thing that would help anymore. By walking, the poison had spread across your body faster, which Legolas blamed on himself. He should have put more effort into making you stay and rest.

Legolas helped you onto the horse, sitting behind you, so you could lean on him. Gandalf seemed to have said something to the horse, and it looked like it understood every word. Without Legolas even touching the reins, the white horse began to first walk and then quickly change to a fast run, soon the others disappearing as the two of you made your way back to Rinvendell.

You must have passed out a couple times on your way back. All you could remember were a few times you had woken up, and felt the horse run and the wind on your face. Sometimes you came back to it and groaned in pain, a few times you remember Legolas pressing you against him to keep you still when the waves of pain got worse. The only thing you remember clearly was the cold sweat all around your body, feeling like you were about to die.

You had no memory of arriving through the entrance of Rivendell, nor any memory of who had helped you and how. It was only after everything had been done that you woke up for real. The lights in the room were quite dark, only a few windows, but the light didn’t come in fully because there were thin curtains covering them. As far as you could tell, you didn’t feel any pain anymore, and with the confidence from that you tried to sit up. A sting like pain shot up from your leg, but it disappeared soon after. You had almost no time to react to anything, as a hand was already calmly pushing you back down on your back. It was only then when you noticed that you were laying on a bed, a very comfortable one as well. “Do not get up yet.” A familiar man’s voice said, lifting his hand off of your chest. Legolas, he was still here. “Do you feel any pain?” He asked, only now calming down himself. You didn’t feel like speaking yet, so you only shook your head. “They gave you a mix of powerful herbs, it should numb most of the pain as the leg heals.” Legolas explained. Slowly, you took a hold of his hand, only laying yours on top of his. Him not being a fan of public displays of affection, you gave him a chance to move away if he wanted to, but he didn’t. You tried to smile because of this. “Thank you.” You were able to mumble, before the herbs began to lull you back to sleep.

#lord of the rings #lotr #legolas #x reader #lord of the rings legolas #lotr legolas #fanfic #fanfiction #lord of the rings x reader #lotr x reader #legolas x reader #lotr fanfic #the hobbit #legolas greenleaf #legolas greenleaf x reader #legolas beloved

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minaturefics · 2 years

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In My Place

Request: hey ! 🥰 i was wondering if as a fic, you could write about maybe the reader and aragorn being friends for a long time and when the fellowship forms, the reader starts to form a friendship w boromir too, except aragorn starts to get a little jealous, and he and the reader are at odds w each other? but then the group gets attacked and split up, and aragorn kinda reveals how he feels while they’re arguing and looking for the rest of the group? @sebstanshit

A/N: This came out angstier than I thought it would, but I hope you enjoy it all the same! Also 100% convinced Aragorn can be a little bitch when he wants to be ("and i will die as one of them" smh legolas was talking in elvish for a reason aragorn)

Aragorn x Reader

Gender-neutral reader

No content warnings

3k words

---

The cool evening air blew through the open window of Aragorn’s rooms, and with it came the faint sound of music from Elrond’s Halls. The scent of rosemary lingered in the air, the sprig still floating in the wash basin in the corner. You leaned back on the wall, your arms crossed over your chest, and watched Aragorn fiddle with his hair. His fingers carded through the damp strands, untangling and smoothing the locks so accustomed to neglect.

Your fingers twitched. How easy it would be to cross the room, to offer to help him. A few paces and you would be by his side. A few paces, and the distance you tried so hard to maintain would vanish under your feet. You shifted and tore your eyes away from him. It could not be. Could never be. Aragorn was a friend, and that was enough.

“What is the matter, my friend?” Aragorn glanced over his shoulder. “If you are impatient to join the party, please go ahead. I will be there soon.”

How could you tell him? What words could possibly convey the maddening desire to be near him? The constant pull at your heart and tug at your limbs, the draw of your gaze to his hands, his eyes, his lips.

You nodded and forced a smile onto your face. “I will leave you to your battles.”

You slipped out of his room and down the open corridor towards the farewell celebration. Owls hooted in the distance, and crickets chirped in the bushes nearby. You inhaled, sucking in the comforting smell of pine. When did the silent torture of his presence start? A few months? A year?

All you knew was that a month ago you had reached out to place a comforting hand on his arm, and when his own hand came to rest on top of yours, you felt as if you wanted to stay there, enfolded in his touch.

You had ripped your hand back, had turned from him and fled.

You were no fool. You knew how others looked at him, how their eyes would linger on his form, how they spoke of him when he was not around. How could you compare to any of them? Aragorn was an heir, a king. You were just another orphan, common as the daisies in the fields. It was only by sheer chance and Elrond’s kindness that you found your way to his side.

Ever the constant companion, ever the unwavering friend. No one else knew how he liked his pipe filled, how he favoured his left just ever so slightly when he fought, how he sometimes dreamed of his father’s voice.

You shook your head and took another breath. It would be no good showing up to the party bitter and brooding. You rounded the corner into one of the empty halls and stumbled into someone. Warm arms came around you, steadying.

“Forgive me, I was not watching where I was going,” Boromir said, a rueful smile on his face.

“I am equally at fault, my lord.” You stepped back and straightened your robes. “Are you not attending the party?”

“I am on my way there, but I must admit that I am lost. Lord Elrond’s halls are maze-like, and I am unfamiliar with them.” He chuckled. “My companions left me to wrangle my hair so I had no one to guide me.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “You are not the only one who suffered such a fate. I have just abandoned my friend to his tangles.”

“It seems that we are well matched then! Seeing as you have deserted your companions and I have been deserted by mine. I trust you know the way?”

“We have just a few more rooms to pass through and we shall be there.” You started and he fell in step with you.

“I am looking forward to a good celebration, even if it is one for our leaving. Valar knows we all could use some cheer.” He flashed another smile at you and you felt your lips curl up. “And those halflings, the hobbits, I expect they shall be good fun.”

You thought of the troublemaking hobbits unknowingly shocking the elves with some Shire custom. “I expect they will be dancing on the tables and making a fine mess of Elrond’s hall.”

“They are good additions to the Fellowship, I think.”

You arched a brow at him. “You do not think they will slow us down? Or are unnecessary burdens?”

Aragorn had expressed such a thought to you, worried that they may not be fit for such a journey.

“Perhaps, but swords and bows are not the only things that win battles. A little bit of hope and joy can be the difference between a person choosing to stay down, defeated, or to stand up, determined.”

You glanced at him, heart lifting at his words. Hope and joy. Perhaps you could afford some of that, some lightness, some cheer. Perhaps you shall never have Aragorn, perhaps the world will be engulfed in darkness. But there was still happiness to be had.

The music grew louder and the both of you approached the open door. Merry and Pippin were dancing, arms linked, while the elves looked on with amused smiles.

“I see we have not missed too much,” Boromir said, laughing. “Those little hobbits are yet to raise any hell.”

He looked at you, mirth in his eyes and you chuckled. “Perhaps we could be persuasive.”

The late evening sun streamed through the trees and casted the forest in a soft gold. Aragorn trudged through the shrubs and bushes, twigs snapping under his heavy steps. Behind him the hobbits chatted, comparing recipes, and further behind, you were speaking to Boromir. Your laugh rang out in the air, one of pure joy and happiness.

He fought the urge to glance behind, to see your smiling face, and he ground down on his teeth. After a month of your shifting eyes and feeble smiles, all it took was Boromir’s arrival to change that.

Aragorn had tried all he knew to cheer you but you had been determined to evade him with every attempt. His invitations to walk in the wilds went rebuffed more often than not, and his little dry comments about things had not elicited anything more than a forced smile from you.

What had happened? For it seemed that one evening you were fine, and the next you were not. You had made your excuses to him, fatigue from the constant scouting, fear for what lay ahead. But it seemed that all that vanished when you were in the company of other people. That evening at the farewell party in Rivendell had only served to confirm his observations.

You had been standing close to Boromir, clapping along to the music, and when he had slung his arm over your shoulder and drew you in, you did not recoil. All night long, you had laughed at Boromir’s words, had nudged him with your elbow when the hobbits beckoned him to join them, had shared his goblet of wine when you had misplaced your own.

How strange it was, for Aragorn to see the both of you the way he expected others had seen you and him before. Was his place not there, where Boromir had been standing?

Ever the constant companion, ever the unwavering friend. No one else knew how you would raid the kitchens at night for food, how you would sing little made up songs when you thought you were alone, how you traced the scar on your arm when you were nervous.

Was it possible that you had seen what was in his eyes, the adoration plain on his face, and were repulsed? He had tried his best to disguise it, to keep hidden the tenderness in his heart. But from the way Elrond would sometimes look at him, compassion mingled with amusement, he sensed perhaps he was not as successful as he thought.

He had thought of speaking to you, but the words never came. His eyes would linger on your face, on the line of your nose or the curve of your lips, and when you looked up at him, head tilted in question, all he could do was shake his head and look away. How could he burden you with his love? Risk confining you to a throne when he knew you belonged out here in the wilds?

He could never have you, so what good would it do to have the words spoken?

“Aragorn,” you called and he blinked out of his thoughts, turning.

The hobbits were leaning on each other, cheeks flushed and foreheads sweaty. Legolas and Gimli were circling the small clearing, and you and Boromir were frowning at him.

“What is the matter?” His eyes darted between his companions. “Why have we stopped?”

“We have tried to call you twice,” you said. “We are all weary, it is best if we camp here for the night.”

Aragorn glanced at the woods, the darkness growing closer as night began to fall. “We should walk another hour or so. We can light torches if we must.”

“Aragorn, there is little point. It is better to rest well and start early tomorrow.”

“I agree,” Boromir said, laying a hand on your shoulder.

Aragron’s heart twisted at the sight. He opened his mouth to protest, to mention the urgency of the quest, when out of the corner of his eye he saw Legolas slowly shake his head. He exhaled, willing the tension in his chest and shoulders to ease. “Very well, but we leave at dawn.”

The hobbits gave each other tired smiles and went about setting up camp. Aragorn sat down against a tree and rummaged through his pack. Footsteps approached and he looked up to see you walking towards him.

“Are you alright, Aragorn? You seem ill at ease.”

What could he say? What words could convey the wretched ache in his chest when he saw you with Boromir? When he looked at you and saw the ghost of himself by your side where Boromir was.

He shook his head. “I am simply weary.”

“Boromir mentioned teaching us some game he and his brother contrived to entertain themselves as children. It involves twigs and pebbles I believe. Would you care to join us?”

“No, I am alright as I am.”

You glanced back to where Boromir was teaching Legolas. The elf knocked two twigs together hesitantly, his brows furrowed in confusion. Merry flicked a rock at Sam who tossed it back. A smile crept onto your face. “Are you certain? It will be quite fun, I imagine.”

Fun. When was the last time he allowed himself such a thing? Years ago, perhaps, running wild and feral through the woods with you. Back when crowns and kings did not matter, where shadow and doom did not loom so close. He could not afford such a thing, but that was no reason to deprive you of it.

He nodded towards Boromir and forced a smile. “You better go or you will miss out.”

He watched you kneel beside Legolas, watched Pippin lean against your shoulder, and tried not to stare as you looked up and smiled at Boromir.

The clash of steel rang out in the air. You reached into your quiver and knocked your last arrow to your bow. Aragorn was behind you, fighting off one of the orcs. Another one made its way towards you, lumbering in its heavy armour as it stepped over the bloodied bodies of its company. You took a breath and let your arrow fly.

It hit its mark true, the arrow protruding from its neck. The orc let out a spluttering cry as its eyes rolled back. It fell to its knees and you turned to look behind you.

The orc lay dead at Aragorn’s feet and he cleaned his blade before sheathing it. How handsome he looked, windswept and flushed from battle, his eyes bright and his lips parted. A stray leaf was lodged in his hair and your fingers longed to pluck it out.

He turned to you, a grim smile on his face. “It has been some time since we fought together, has it not?”

“Our luck has run out,” you grimaced, walking over to him. “The Enemy has found us.”

He looked around, eyes darting between the trees. “They have led us away from the rest. I suspect that was what they intended all along.”

“We should find them, head back to camp.”

He nodded. “I fear for the hobbits, especially Frodo. I worry what may happen if he and Boromir are alone.”

You frowned at him. “What do you imply?”

“You saw the way he looked at the ring on Caradhras. I fear he will not be able to resist the temptation.”

Your stomach lurched at the thought of Boromir trying to tear the ring from Frodo. Laughing, cheerful Boromir, driven to madness by the cursed thing. “What you fear may not come to pass. Let us go.”

You found your bearings and started towards the camp. Aragorn walked next to you, his shoulders tight and his face drawn. There was something on his mind, you knew. It was the slight puckering of his lips, the subtle sucking in of his cheeks. Something on his mind he was trying very hard not to speak.

“What is it, my friend? I know that look.”

He glanced at you, face pained before he let out a long breath. “I wish you would not let your feelings for Boromir cloud your judgement.”

You blinked at him. Your feelings for Boromir? Was it such a terrible thing to have some faith in a friend? “Cloud my judgement? We are his companions, we should have more trust.”

“Your trust in him does not extend to mine.”

What did Aragorn mean by that? Was he aware of something you were not?

Ever since the fellowship left Rivendell he had been cold and distant to Boromir. Aragorn only ever spoke to him when he needed to, his tone short and clipped. Boromir had asked you about it once, but you could not offer any explanation for Aragorn’s behaviour. Perhaps the presence of the steward’s son was too strong of a reminder of the throne he was fated to take.

But that did little to explain his disposition towards you. Since the journey began it felt as though an undercurrent of disharmony ran between you and him. Insisting on walking more instead of resting, arguing over which clearing would be better for camp, declining the buttered mushrooms you knew he loved.

Even your attempts to coax it out of him by the fireside yielded little more than a few dismissive words. Why, after so many years, did he decide to shut you out? At a time where trust and faith were needed the most? You shook your head and sighed.

“Aragorn, you have been in a foul mood since we left Rivendell. What has been on your mind?” His jaw tensed and he glanced away.

“It is nothing.”

You let out a mirthless laugh. “Have you also lost your trust in me?”

Aragorn stopped and turned to face you. His grey eyes were stormy and his lips were twisted. “Have you lost your trust in me?”

“What do you mean?” You crossed your arms, frown growing on your face.

“For weeks, you have been sullen. You refuse to confide in me, you reject my attempts at cheering you.” He glanced away and let out a sharp exhale. “And yet when Boromir arrived, it took little more than a few days for the both of you to become fast friends.”

You blinked at him. He was bothered by your closeness with Boromir?

“If I have betrayed your trust in some way, you should have told me,” he said, voice a little lower. “I do not have your love, I know, but it is far too difficult to also lose your friendship.”

What was he saying? Why did he sound so resigned, so bitter? “Aragorn—”

He sighed. “It is out at last. My words, my feelings.”

Your heart raced in your chest. His feelings? Aragorn felt for you what you did for him? All this while he had shared in your feelings of longing. Had you missed his glances, so wrapped up in your own pain? So determined not to love him that whatever tenderness he might have shown was lost to you.

You took a steadying breath. “You have never lost my friendship, and you have always had my love.”

His eyes snapped to yours, the irritation melting away into confusion. His frown softened and his jaw grew slack. His lips parted and closed, and he shook his head. “How can this be?”

You reached up, hand trembling, and cupped his cheek. His skin was warm, his beard rough. He leaned into your touch, his eyes fluttering shut. You stroked his cheek with your thumb, relishing the feel of him under your hand. You tugged gently and he brought his forehead to yours. You inhaled his scent, musk and moss, pipeweed and woodsmoke.

“I fear I have been foolish,” he whispered. “I had thought you and Boromir… You have been so distant of late.”

“I have been foolish as well. I thought if I was not so close to you, it would ease my aching heart.”

He drew back and pressed a kiss to your temple. “Did it work, meleth nin?”

You chuckled. “It only served to make it worse.”

He beamed at you but his expression sobered. “The throne—”

“Aragorn, my place is here with you. No matter where you may go. I am more worried about what people may say. I am not…”

“I do not care,” he muttered and brought his lips to your forehead. “I would not be parted from you.”

“Then do not be parted from me.” You reached for his hand and squeezed. His eyes were bright and a smile lingered on his lips. His arms came around you, strong and safe, and you tucked your nose into his neck. He leaned against you, the tension melting away from his shoulders.

“Come,” he said, pulling back. “We have tarried too long. I do fear for the hobbits. They are ill-equipped to defend themselves.”

You reached for the leaf in his hair, a smile growing on your face. He caught your hand and pressed a kiss to your palm. “Then let us hurry. We will have our time later.”

“Yes,” he muttered, his eyes meeting yours, soft and full of promise. “We will have our time.”

#aragorn #aragorn x you #aragorn x reader #aragorn x y/n #lotr #lotr fic #lotr fanfic #request

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gothhobbithoe · 7 months

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The Fellowship on a night out:

Gandalf:

he would be organizing the whole thing

like he knows the best places to go and has a little plan of where to go and when

everyone knows him like he cant go anywhere without bumping into old friends

when hes drunk he tosses his hat up in the air then curses himself because seconds later its lost

RIP to all his lost hats

his has spares

Boromir:

he's such a sweetheart he looks after everyone

he's the one to bring you a glass of water and sits with you if your feeling yuck

headcounts whenever they leave a venue

dad mode activated when he loses sight of the hobbits

always makes new friends

loves the white girl music, full on screams when taylor swift comes on

Gimli:

goes out to get wasted

forgets how bad hangovers can be

gets into drinking competitions with everyone and anyone

prefers the drinking to the dancing but when he's really drunk oh my god can he dance

forbids merry and pippin sharing videos of him dancing

only drinks beers or ciders, sadly mead isn't really sold in pubs or clubs nowadays

loves taking pictures of his friends, he's making a scrapbook (with a tally on how many drinks him and Legolas had on the nights)

Legolas:

takes hours to get ready (its hard to get his braids just right ok!)

dances so elegantly like he's using is ballet classes as inspiration

will drink a shot of vodka without even a wince

drinks the most out of the group due to his elven metabolism

looks perfect in every picture

hands out glow sticks to everyone because he thinks they are so pretty

Aragorn:

sends Arwen drunk texts about how much he loves her, in perfect elvish of course

everyone swoons over him but hes so oblivious

loves dancing with borormir and gimli

had the hobbits on his shoulders most of the night

protects his friends with his life

cant dance but his confidence makes up for it

Frodo:

bit nervous around crowds and loud noises, but he loves being with his friends and letting loose

bit of a lightweight

takes a while to get ready, mainly because he procrastinates it

tries to set his friends up with girls, such a cupid

sends Bilbo all his drunk selfies

constantly finding Gandalfs hat for him

Sam:

compliments everyone he meets

buys drinks for his friends

checks on his friends to make sure they are ok

goes for food after the club, also has snacks in his pockets for Frodo because he knows he gets hungry halfway through the night

loves watching gimli and legolas' drinking competitions

Merry:

spends weeks planning his outfit

orders shots for the group

terrible at flirting

dances on the table with Pippin

scares boromir half to death with how much given how tiny he is

stole gandalfs hat from the floor and spent the rest of the night wearing it

screams when mr brightside comes on

Pippin:

gets lost nearly every time

drinks luminous blue drinks because he can't drink pretty cleaning products so this is the next best thing

sings at the top of his lungs

falls of the table

wears ten glo-sticks on each arm (Boromir made him)

orders so much food after the club, and steals peoples chips

of course he shows videos of gimli dancing its the best fucking thing ever

#i want to go on a night out now #pippin tried to eat a glo-stick once #frodo had to take him to hospital after he fell off a table #headcanons #lord of the rings #the fellowship of the ring #been forever since i did one of these

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justsomerandomfanfic · 1 year

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A Shoulder To Cry On - Boromir X Female Reader

Title: A Shoulder To Cry On

Boromir X Female Reader

Additional Characters: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli (Mentioned), the Balrog (Mentioned), and Gandalf (Mentioned)

Requested by @micheleamidalajedi!

WC: 1,400

Warnings: Murder, death of Gandalf mentioned, depression, crying, maybe hurt/comfort, grief, survivor's guilt, slight angst, and fluff

Your feet and the muscles in your legs hurt as you continue to follow behind the rest of the Fellowship; the dried up orange and brown leaves crunching and breaking under your feet with each step. No one said anything, just following Aragorn as you all traveled through a thick forest. You'd usually take the time to let your mind wander and daydream, in awe of the beautiful trees and wonderful world around you. But, you couldn't find it in yourself to let your mind fill with dreams and fantasies, you were grieving. Gandalf, your mentor, and hero was dead. Killed by the fiery hands of the Balrog, who had been hiding in the dark pits of Caradhras, one of the Mountains of Moria.

You felt as if your heart had been ripped from your chest entirely, seeing him die right before your eyes like that. The look on his face as he held onto the edge of the stone walkway, eyes full of desperation. Watching him die... It was the last image you'll ever have of your mentor, of the man who gave you hope, who taught you how amazing and special magic was. A man who would tell you to always trust your instincts, even if they weren't perfect; that there was no greater power than the power of true friendship and companionship. He was a great teacher, the best mentor you could ask for, and now, he is gone. And you couldn't do anything about it. It broke you; it shattered every last bit of happiness and hope within you.

You stared up at the sky above, watching as it slowly turned from blue to a pinkish-orange; the sun was setting. "We shall take rest for the night." You heard Aragorn announce, almost bumping into Gimli as he stopped walking before you.

Everything happened so fast, and yet, so slowly. You just watched as the members of the Fellowship got their sleeping mats ready, food cooking, and so on. You sat alone, on a broken log of an old Birch tree, relieved that your feet could finally rest but your mind still raced. You stared at the ground, watching the dull, green grass flow slightly in the brief wind, spotting a small bug crawl its way up a blade of grass before lifting its wings and flying off into the sky. You followed it with your sad eyes, almost wishing you could do the same, to fly off and leave; be free.

"Here, Y/N." You heard someone say, your eyes blinking as you let your eyes settle on the small wooden bowl of soup, held by Legolas. "It would be best to eat." He finished, as you slowly took the bowl from his grasp, stirring the potato soup with the spoon, not really feeling like eating at all. The thought of eating made your stomach ache as you felt your chest clench uncomfortably. Pushing down the pain, you pushed through, taking bite after bite of your soup. You hoped that as the food settled in your stomach, warming your body, you'd sleep peacefully tonight.

"Y/N." You heard your name being called, looking up to make eye contact with Aragorn from across the small camp. "You'll have the first watch." On that note, you felt your shoulders droop, as you got yourself mentally ready for the first few hours of night watch.

~~~

The night was cold, but you were grateful for the fur cloak you had around your shoulders. The sky was completely dark, except for the small twinkling stars that littered the sky, glimmering and shining like crystals against the darkness. There was a calmness that came with the peaceful silence, minus the crickets and other bugs. Your thoughts wandered back to Gandalf, your mind replaying his death over and over again. Your breathing became more rapid the longer you sat outside, staring up at the crescent moon and stars. Tears started to sting your eyes, threatening to fall at any second. You didn’t want to cry, you knew it wouldn't do you any good. That and, you’d end up waking up everyone else and ruining their sleep and lives just because you were crying.

But, you wanted to cry, and so you did. You let the tears fall down your cheeks as silent sobs escapes your lips, feeling your emotions take control of your body. You buried your face in your arms as the sobs wracked your body, allowing the tears to roll freely. All your pain and sadness and grief came pouring out, the pain of losing someone you cared deeply for was too much for you. Suddenly, something touched your shoulder, causing you to jump, your head whipping to look in the direction of the touch.

There, standing before you was Boromir, looking down at you with a concerned expression. His hand rested softly on your shoulder. “Are you alright?” He asked softly, not wanting to wake the others; concern evident on his features. Your sniffles slowed down to quiet hiccups, and you wiped away the tears from your cheeks, a bit embarrassed. You shook your head, staring down at the ground before you, avoiding eye contact. Boromir frowned, before taking a seat beside you. Your shoulders bounced as you continued to cry, trying to calm yourself down to say your dignity until Boromir spoke up again. "Do you... Want to talk about what is making you so unhappy?" He whispered from beside you, clasping his hands together.

"No, not really." You muttered, wiping your tears, "I'm sorry I woke you. I'll calm down." You continued, as Boromir just sighed, shaking his head.

"Do not fret, you did not wake me. My mind kept me awake." He spoke, before glancing over at you, watching as you continued to dry your eyes before letting out a small breath, shivering. Slowly, hesitantly, Boromir lifted his arm, wrapping it around your shoulders, comforting you the best way he could.

As he hugged you, you leaned into him, holding his arm tightly. Silence fell between the two of you, both unsure what to do or say. Finally, your body relaxed into Boromir's arm. You felt his hand gently move to stroke your hair, and you closed your eyes, leaning further into his embrace. You felt safe and warm. For a moment, the sorrows of your life seemed far away, far removed from you. "I miss Gandalf." You finally spoke, breaking the silence as you began to calm down once again. Your voice was shaky as you spoke, and you could feel Boromir tense as he listened to you speak, "He's been my mentor since I was a kid… He's helped me become who I am today… I don't know what to do without him..." You trailed off, taking in a deep breath as the tears started to well up once more. "... What happened to him was so sudden... And I could not save him," You let out another shaky breath, looking up at Boromir with wide, desperate eyes, "Why did I not save him?" You cried, closing your eyes in fear, "Did I fail him?"

"No, Y/N." Boromir quickly said, moving his hand to cup your cheek, turning your head to look up at him, "You did not fail Gandalf. What had happened was not in your control. There was nothing you, or any of us could have done to prevent his death." He spoke calmly, keeping his tone steady as he spoke.

"It doesn't feel like that." You mumbled sadly, looking up at him.

Boromir stayed silent, not saying anything for a moment. "Y/N..." He spoke quietly, squeezing your shoulders slightly. "... Do not dwell on the past." He told you, his words leaving a bitter taste in your mouth. "I know how much he means to you, but I would think that Gandalf would want you to continue on." He explained.

You let out a heavy sigh, staring into his greenish-gray eyes. "Yes, I guess you're right. Thank you, Boromir." You replied quietly, "... I just wish he survived." You murmured softly, resting your head against his chest.

"As do I," Boromir replied, his voice soft, his fingers raking through your hair, "As do I."

And as the night continued, Boromir continued your night watch, holding you as you slept in his arms, the crickets and the sound of his heartbeat lulling you to sleep.

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officialjamesflint · 2 months

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sadly it's too cold for me to be fully immersed in the newsletter but I Have portaged canoes down steep slopes before and it was Miserable 😔 rip probably just boromir and aragorn I hope you don't hit the back of the boat on the ground too much

#lotr newsletter #idk if theyre actually going down a steep hill but ive always imagined the way down to raurous being like that

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mirkwoodshewolf · 18 days

Text

IATCOD Chap. 28; Plan in motion

*Author's note*

This was a chapter long in the making due to life getting in the way but I finally got around a week ago to finally get this chapter done. Not a lot of action in this, just some plot settings to get ready for the main action that'll happen the next few chapters. But I hope you all enjoy this chapter no matter what. And yes I had to use the death whistle from Puss in boots the Last wish so credit goes to Dreamworks for that.

NEXT CHAPTER

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@thats-s0-ravenn

@gay-and-ready-to-cry

_________________________________________________________________

After Cain had returned back to Hela's chambers and told everyone what Druig had suggested, there was silence in the room. Everyone pondering in concern, fear, and denial.

"And you're sure there is no other way?" asked Gandalf.

"It has worked one other time. With Fili and Kili sons of Dis, nephews of Thorin Oakenshield. Hela gave to them the very gauntlets she wears that holds our kins celestial stones. When Sauron took full control over her body, the stones used both their bodies as a host to banish Sauron's spirit from her very body before releasing them."

"Bofur and my uncle Oin did tell me that tale when I was still a lad. Never before had they been both in awe and struck with terror at the sight of what happened that night."

"I too was there when it happened. Never would I have thought that two Dwarves could hold the power of nine Celestial gems and live." Said Legolas recalling that night at Bard's house.

"But Merry still needs time to heal. He's not ready." Proclaimed Pippin worriedly.

"And the raw power of a Celestial's stone is nothing to be trifled with. I have seen what gripping a celestial stone can do." Aragorn said with a distant yet horrified look in his eye as he remembered one incident with some wild men in the North when they came to take out the remaining members of the Dúnedain.

The chief of the wild men had foolishly thought he could take Thena's stone for himself to enhance his weapon's strength and durability. But when he went to take the stone from Hela's gauntlet after ripping it from her arm, his body began to crack and burn like firewood.

His screams sounding like something both unholy and holy at the same time. His eyes became soulless white and gold until his body exploded into a pure light before Hela managed to contain Thena's stone once again.

"How do we not know that the same could happen to Merry if he takes hold of Druig's stone?" continued Aragorn.

"He wouldn't have suggested Merry if he didn't feel some sort of connection to him. Trust me Aragorn, I don't like this either but we are running out of options and out of time." Cain said as thunder rumbled once again and the red lightning began to flash in the sky once more. Cain and Aragorn turned to Merry and Aragorn said to him.

"The choice is yours Merry." Everyone turned to the hobbit who still looked exhausted from his Black breath recovery. Merry slowly stood up, Pippin tried to help but he held his hand out to refuse help. He slowly walked to the center of the room and said to everyone present.

"Since starting this quest back in the borders of the Shire, Pip and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. But even then I didn't care, all I wanted was to see Frodo away from the danger. Only to find out that he must bravely face the danger himself to destroy the biggest threat to our home. And Sam, loyal hearted that he is, he willingly without a second thought vowed to go alongside Frodo even if it costs him his own life. Boromir died to save Pippin and I. Without a second thought, he kept bravely fighting until his last breath took hold. I have lost—many of my friends, and thousands-nay millions more all over Middle Earth will suffer if Hela is not awakened. If there is a chance to free her from her curse, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to play my part in saving Middle Earth."

Everyone took to heart of what Merry had to say. He walked back over to Druig's stone and called for him once again. The black onyx stone glew bright until a golden light shot out once again and appearing before him once again was Druig.

"You have made your decision." He spoke down to the young hobbit.

"I have." Replied Merry.

"Then what say you, Meriadoc Brandybuck?" Merry took a deep breath before exhaling through his nose and he said.

"How do we save Hela from herself?" A slight grin came across Druig's face then he told Merry.

"Take my stone within your hand, once you feel the full strength of my power coursing through your body, press the stone to the crown of your head. And we shall become One mind, One body, One soul."

"You both shall become one? But will Merry still be there? Your soul won't overwhelm his?" asked Pippin.

"He has accepted the terms young Peregrin Took." Druig said turning towards the other hobbit. "Time is of the dire most essence now, and we must bring her back now before it is too late." Druig's spirit then shot back into his stone and the glow of the stone faded.

"He's right Pip. If we're going to do this, it has to be now. If Hela is truly dying from this spell, Druig and I need to act now. And we've already lost a day already." Merry and Pippin looked at each other then after a moment of staring at each other, Pippin gave him a nod.

"Pippin, come join us." Cain said as he took out his knife and he slide the blade across his palm. Pippin walked over towards the others who were now starting to huddle on the other side of the room.

Using his blood, Cain drew along the floor a Celestial rune circle to protect everyone within the tower from any Celestial power outbursts. Everyone stood within the circle while Merry stood over the table where Druig's stone rested.

He turned to the others as Cain now began to wrap his wounded palm and he gave the young hobbit a strong nod. Merry nodded to him and took a deep breath as he reached out and took the stone within his bare hand.

As he grasp the stone into his palm, Merry's arm began to slowly crackle open like lava seeping through Mount Doom itself, he fell to his knees in agony as the power of the Mind celestial began coursing through his veins. But he kept a firm grip on the stone as well as holding his enclosed fist with his free hand.

The group watched in despair as Merry was forced to endure this pain alone. Pippin softly whimpered and said.

"We have to make him let it go! He's hurting can't you see he's in such agony!"

"No Pippin, we cannot interfere at this point." Gandalf warned him as he held him back.

"Merry?" cried out Aragorn. Merry continued to grunt and cry in agony.

"Merry talk to us." Cain ordered. As Merry continued to groan and pant in agony he finally spoke up.

"I'm fine. I'm alright." Slowly he raised his enclosed hand as he felt the full power of the Mind Celestial coursing through his entire body. But even with such power coursing through him, it was causing the gem to feel so heavy, he could barely lift his own arm.

However Merry knew he had to do what Druig had told him. Using his free hand, he guided his enclosed fist towards his head and with a cry, he open his palm and pressed the stone into his very head before a flash of light and wave of red energy shot out hitting the barrier but knocking down all the furniture in place. Then Merry fell onto his back with a thud and Druig's gem embedded into his very skin.

"MERRY!" cried Pippin as he ran through the barrier. Everyone crowded over him but Cain warned them.

"Don't move him!" Gimli held Pippin back as both Gandalf and Cain knelt over the unconscious Merry. Cain used his enhanced senses and could hear Merry's heart beating normally. "His heartrate and breathing is normal." Gandalf waved a hand over Merry's face.

"And his spirit is still in-tact." Suddenly Merry's eyes shot open but they glowed the same golden light that Druig produces whenever he used his mind controlling abilities. Cain and Gandalf backed away as did everyone else as Merry now stood up but there was a difference to the way he stood. He looked down at his hands and he said.

"I almost forgotten what it's like to have an actual body."

"Is that you Druig?" asked Cain.

"No, it's Sauron. Of course it's me." He turned over to Pippin and said, "And don't worry Pippin, Merry's still here. I just need to take control when performing the spell. However I do need to request something of you all. Performing this spell, requires my full concentration and power. Both Merry's body and Hela's will be completely defenseless, so someone needs to stand guard over us in case time runs out." They all turned to one another before Haldir spoke up.

"I'll do it." Everyone turned to him and Haldir said as he looked to Cain, "It's what Hela would've done for me." Cain nodded.

"I admire your heart and loyalty to my sweet Hela, but you'll need a better weapon than your own. Take Aeglos and place the tip of the blade to Thena's gemstone. It was once the host of her powers, and should any Deviants come to the tower seeking her or my power, you'll need the power of the Celestial of War to aid you." Druig told him. Haldir nodded then Merry walked over towards Hela.

He stood over the head of the bed and placed his hands on each side of Hela's temples. Golden light emanated from his palms and bounced between his palms and Hela's temples which also began to glow. Soon the small glow from Merry's eyes grew bigger until his whole eyes were nothing but a pure golden light.

"It's happening. Now it's up to him and Merry. The rest of us will continue to get the people down below and prepare for the Deviants as well as the Celestials of Sauron's attack." Said Cain. As the others began to leave the tower leaving Haldir alone, Cain said to him, "Haldir," the march warden turned to him. "Take it from someone who has tasted vengeance for over 2 Ages. When Nergal shows himself, do not engage him alone. You will wait for us to aid you in taking him down, understood?" Haldir turned his head with a narrowed, hateful look in his eyes. "Understood?" Cain asked in a firmer tone.

"Go help the others in getting the people to the lower levels of the city. They've suffered enough at the hands of a leader who could care less about them." Haldir said as he went over and took Aeglos from Hela's side.

Cain turned but had a suspicious look on his face as he left to join the others to help evacuate and prepare Gondor for the oncoming Deviants.

Within Hela's mind, both Druig and Merry walked through a dark chasm with the only light coming from the very floor they walked upon. However the floor itself was a sea of souls glowing a pure blue light.

"Is this really what's inside Hela's mind?"

"We're only at the gate. Everyone has their own unique gateway into their subconscious." explained Druig.

"So what is it that we're looking for?"

"A tree. A very large tree."

"A tree?" asked Merry unsurely.

"Being the Mind Celestial I've come to see that in everyone's mind, no matter the race or species, the gates of their minds hold a very special tree to which I've called them the Tree of Life. Each branch representing a person's memory or thought. It's what makes them the person or creature that they are. And if my hunch is correct, Hela's tree may not look like it once was." As they treaded through the ankle-deep water, Merry began to grow weary of the souls that were moaning and weeping.

"Who are all these people?"

"The souls that had been lost but could not move on. Remember Hela is the bridge between the Seen and the Unseen world. Souls pass through her in order to move onto Mandos' halls, even under this spell they continue to come to her. But they're trapped here until she gives them her blessing."

'You are correct.' A voice spoke up. The boys stopped and Druig stood in front of Merry protectively as a spirit soon raised itself up from the water before taking the shape of King Theoden.

"Theoden King?" Merry gawked.

"Hello Meriadoc." He then turned to Druig and said, "And you must be her twin brother Lord Druig. Hela told me many stories of you and your sister Makkari the Speedster when I was a lad." Druig nodded and Merry said.

"Theoden King, we're looking for Hela's Tree of Life, can you take us to it?"

"I can but I must warn you. The spell that has imprisoned not only us but Hela herself has grown too strong. If you dive too deep into her mind, you too may also suffer the same fate as she."

"That's a risk we have to take. I won't leave here without knowing my sister will be okay." Answered Druig firmly. Theoden's spirit looked at both of them as Merry gave him a strong nod.

"Very well." He faded back into a spirit ball and began the light to guide them through the darkness and towards where they needed to go. Eventually they came upon a grand willow tree that stood nearly as tall as Treebeard himself, but just as Druig had thought, the lush green vines had been dried up and were starting to crumbling.

Within the vines were small thought bubbles that would normally be as bright as bubbles should be, but they were now dimmed and grey with faded memories hazed over.

"This is Hela's Tree of Life?" asked Merry.

"Yes. But it's worse than I imagined it would be." They walked up to the tree as Theoden's voice spoke to them.

'Remember, dive too deep and you too may suffer the same fate as she. Though I do hope you are successful in returning our Hela home. Good luck.' His spirit then dove back into the sea of souls. Merry walked up to the tree and touched the main trunk. He could feel just how malnourished the tree was.

"Any ideas on how we can fix it?"

"It's not up to us, it's up to Hela. Only she can mend her own Tree."

"But how are we going to find her?" Druig walked around Hela's tree until he had found what he'd expect to find. Glowing in a haunting green and black aura of magic was a large mushroom that was attached to one of the roots of Hela's tree. The light pulsating and almost sounding like a heartbeat but what had Druig in awe was the mushroom was showing a vision much like Hela's thought bubbles on the vines of her trees had.

"I think I might have found her." Merry came around and knelt down beside him. The two of them stared at the mirrored image of what looked like a large green pasture (much like the Shire) and Hela was out folding laundry. "You ready for this?"

"Let's do it." Answered Merry. Druig took his hand and together with their free hands, they reach out and touched the mushroom all while their eyes glowed a pure gold. The second they touched the mushroom, the black and green aura shot out like lighting trying to fend off Druig's and Merry's touch. Both the Celestial and the Hobbit groaned and cried out in pain but they kept a firm hold on the mushroom. Until they were encompassed by the green light.

"Merry? Merry! Wake up!" Merry's eyes shot open and he saw Druig kneeling over him. "Easy there halfling." Merry held his head in pain as he let out a small groan.

"What happened?"

"We got absorbed by the curse and sent into this false world. I must say I'm impressed by your mental stamina, any normal person would've crumbled by now. Think there might be a future for you being a Mind Celestial." Druig held his hand and helped Merry onto his feet.

"Hela once said I would make a clever one."

"And for myself I can see why she said that." Merry gave a slight smile before asking.

"Now that we're here, how do we find Hela? This place is nearly as big as the Shire."

"We just start walking. Hopefully we'll come across her. And we may just find out just what exactly this curse is doing to her." The two then proceeded to walk once again onward this time through the peaceful green pastures.

Back in the real world, Cain was standing along the very edge of the city where Denethor had leapt to his death. He could sense the very change in the air from the darkened clouds, the difference in the lightning and the very air seemed denser as if a dark spell had once again been placed over all of Middle Earth.

"We've gotten the last of the civilians gathered in the lower caves. And Faramir and Gandalf finally managed to work out the protection spell Hela had made for the city. It should be up later tonight." Aragorn said behind him.

"With all that Denethor allowed to happen, this city doesn't need to suffer twice at the hands of a bigger threat than orcs, trolls and wargs." Said Cain. Aragorn stood beside him and said.

"They'll find a way to bring her back."

"It's not bringing Hela back that I'm worried about." One look on Cain's somber face and Aragorn knew what he meant.

"You fear for Haldir's mental state at losing Hela."

"Grief—is a powerful feeling. Especially if it's fueled by rage. I may not be able to physically see his eyes but I can sense his heartbeat. His deep, sharp breaths through his nose, and the anxious ticks he's now been having at the tips of his hands, especially since he took hold of Aeglos."

"You fear he might turn into what you became." Cain solemnly let out a deep sigh. Aragorn placed a hand to Cain's shoulder and he told him, "He may not know it now, but he'll need your guidance before the end. Who better to understand what he's going through, if you can find the way, he will too before the end."

"I hope so Aragorn, I really hope so." Aragorn turned and headed back inside the palace leaving Cain to stand alone once again. However Cain felt a dark presence behind him and he withdrew his axe and his blade soon met with another and a voice said to him.

"You can even sense Death coming for you. Impressive."

"Deimos." The two of them uncrossed their crossed their weapons. "Why are you here?" Cain sneered lowly in the tone he's always used for those who were impure of heart.

"Apologizes for interrupting your little brotherly love session with Isildur's heir, but I had to come see for myself what wasteful plan you all have tried to come up with to save yourselves." Deimos chuckled sinisterly.

"You underestimate them. Even in their darkest hours, until there is no hope remaining, the Fellowship and the people of Gondor will continue to fight till their last breath."

"It's a waste. You cannot save them from the inevitable. Without Hela's power, the Deviants will take each race of Middle Earth, one by one until all is nothing but shadow and stone."

"And what do you three get out of all this in the end? If all is meant to be shadow and stone, what will you and your brothers do?"

"What Perses and Nergal want is up to them. I, however, have a different score to settle." Cain heard as Deimos unsheathed his second sickle. "As I'm sure you're aware, each Celestial while cut from the same cloth based on one's powers, there are the Celestials gifted with sub-level powers. A power solely focused to one main power."

"Yes. Like those celestials who could only control one element, or be able to see into the future."

"Hela had her time to be the high Celestial of Death, but she missed the whole point of her existence entirely."

"How so? By teaching that death shouldn't be feared? That it is another path to the next life."

"That! That right there!" Deimos snarled in distain. "You actually believe that death is a merciful, that it's something to be fully embraced and accepted like how you view Life. No, no, no. Death should be feared, uncertain, and permanent." He emphasized on the word permanent as Cain could feel his red eyes cutting right through him.

"You've come for me." Cain realized.

"Now you're catching on." Deimos then began to circle around Cain like a predator, eyeing him as he continued, "When you were brought back by the desperation of your brother Ikaris, you didn't value what he had given you. And while I find the very idea of resurrections and reincarnations absurd, what I loathe more than anything in this world are those who think they can cheat Death."

"As you said, it wasn't my choice to be brought back to life."

"You don't think I don't know how throughout the first 100 years of your banishment you tried to end your own life? And yet with each time, you survived."

Cain's heartbeat escalated, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, a cold chill ran up his entire body. He could hear the blades of Deimos' sickles cut across the cobbled stone beneath them.

"But here's how we can rectify all of this. When the time's right, I will come for you, and you and I shall face off in a duel to the death. See who truly has the blessing of the Valor on their side. You do that, and I swear to not harm a single hair on anyone else's heads."

"You really think I'll trust you to do that? After the way you beat Haldir and Hela nearly to death."

"A mere demonstration for what I have in stored for you. They were just so I could get to you. You agree to fight me, and death will only come for you." Deimos then let out a soft yet haunting whistle and when Cain turned around, he could sense that Deimos was gone, only hearing the brief whistle before it too was silenced.

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Almost as if he had been strung up on strings, he collapsed to his knees, his heart still racing in such fear that he only felt when he came before the Nine Nazgul.

In Hela's mind, Merry and Druig continued walking along the grassy over hills until they came to a quaint little cabin. To Merry it almost resembled Frodo and Bilbo's home of Bag-end with a similar green circular door but it was a big-people sized home.

It had a small front deck with a porch swing, and the front yard was covered with wild flowers. A gazebo that looked exactly like the one in Lothlorien stood at the side of the cabin.

"Is this what Hela dreams about?" asked Merry.

"She was never one for riches or grand castles. When we were children, she always said she'd get herself a cabin and plant wild flowers as far as the eye could see." Said Druig. "But even so, this is still a prison so don't get swept by whatever you see. Remember Theoden's warning." Merry nodded as the two of them soon heard the sound of arrows being twanged from an bow around back. They heard the arrow hit a target so they came around to see someone who looked like Haldir doing some target practice.

Instead of the normal Marchwarden uniform or even armor, he donned on a simple dark green tunic and grey trousers. Haldir notched another arrow into his bow and released it and it split the arrow that was already in the target.

"Can he see us?" Merry quietly asked.

"No. This is an illusion, they usually can't see nor hear us."

"Even if this were an illusion, we Elves can hear the flutter of a humming bird's wings 10 leagues away." Haldir actually responded to them. He turned towards them and greeted with a warm smile and a bow of his head, "Welcome Merry, and back already Druig? It's not even been 20 minutes since you left." Merry looked up at Druig worriedly. While Druig's eyes expressed shock, he turned to Merry and told him telepathically.

'Just follow my lead.' Druig cleared his throat and said, "Well you know how it is. Big brothers and all, can't leave you two alone for one second."

"Even after all this time we've been married, you still can't trust us alone. Though I can understand, being an older brother myself. What can I do you both for?"

"We're actually here for Hela. Is she in the cabin?" Merry asked the Haldir illusion.

"Unfortunately you won't find her in the cabin. At this time of the day she's down at the farm just over that hill. What do you want with her?" there was a hint of suspicion to this fake Haldir's tone but Druig plainly said.

"Just received a message from Keoghan about the Midsummer's ball tonight. Apparently Kingo once again burned the cake and they need Hela's help since she is the best baker out of all our kinsman."

"Very well. But I must warn you, one of the cows just recently gave birth. She'll be on the fight if you anywhere near her pen."

"Thanks for the heads up Haldir. Good day." The two of them bowed to Haldir the Mind Celestial bow before heading over the hill where Haldir said the farm was at. "Tell me you caught the way he got suspicious on why we needed Hela."

"I did. There was also something in his eyes that gleamed the same color as the spell that shot out around us when we touched that mushroom on her Tree."

"You are indeed a clever hobbit Master Merry." They soon came up and looked down at a large farm. With large shire horses running freely around the wooded area in the back, large mountain dogs helping log around eggs, crates of apples and corn, and ducks and chickens waddling about the farm grounds.

As they walked through the farm grounds, they heard soft humming coming from the stables. They slowly walked in and soon found Hela brushing a white stallion's mane humming softly.

"Hela?" Merry called out to her. She jumped and smiled.

"Merry, this is a surprise. I wasn't expecting you till next month for Pippin's birthday. And Druig, back so soon. Let me guess, you thought Haldir and I were having another sweet rendezvous at the gazebo that you walked in on just shortly after we began courting." At that openly suggestive statement, Druig's cheeks went red as he said.

"No but thank you for that unholy image that is now seared into my brain." Hela giggled and said as she stroked the stallion's nose. "So what brings you both here?"

Merry turned to Druig wondering if they should break it to her now since looking at her, it seemed like they had found the real Hela. Druig was torn because the last time he had seen his sister this happy was when they were children. After Sauron came fully into power by the time the three of them came of age, Hela always held such a burden on her shoulders. Like the weight of the world fell on top of her weighing her down and taking her innocence away bit by bit until all that was left was a hollowed shell.

Here she seemed—happy, relieved even. No wonder why she's refused to awaken from such a dream. But he knew she had to, but they had to approach it delicately at first.

"Keoghan reached out to me halfway on my journey telling me that Kingo burnt the cake for the midsummer's ball again." Hela let out a sigh and shook her head.

"That Kingo, he can put on a show with Sprite but when it comes to drawing or cooking, he's hopeless. And I thought Apollo had banished him from the kitchen?"

"He did, and that banishment is still in affect but you know how Kingo is."

"He always finds a way." Both he and Hela said together. "Sorry Snowmane, afraid this grooming session's gonna have to be cut short." Snowmane huffed and let out a shocked whinny. "Don't blame me, if I don't go stop Kingo, he could blow the whole castle up." she got out of Snowmane's stable and walked pass Druig and Merry. "C'mon, we better get a move on. I'll have to tell Haldir first of where I'll be heading."

"Actually we just told him that before we came to find you." Merry said.

"Oh well okay then. That's one less thing to worry about." As they stepped out, Hela raised up her fingers and let out a sharp, loud whistle that almost resembled an eagle's scream. They waited for a bit until finally a real eagle's cry was heard and swooping down was Hela's great eagle Icarus. "Hey Icarus, think you can carry Merry to the palace?" he let out a soft trill before lowering himself down for Merry to climb on.

Druig nudged the hobbit forward and Merry raced up and with Hela's help, mounted on top of the great eagle.

"But what about you?" asked Druig.

"Why would I need Icarus to fly?" Hela's normal dress soon morphed into the Starlight Celestial armor. "Being born a Starlight Celestial, I never need aid in flying again." As Hela shot up onto the air like a shooting star, Merry and Druig looked at each other worriedly before Icarus soon took off following behind his mother and Druig used his levitating powers to fly right beside Merry and Icarus.

Another night was passing even through the dark, thunderous clouds that covered all of Middle Earth. Gandalf, Aragorn and Cain all stood along the balcony near the throne room as Cain said.

"One more day to go, and the Deviants will return to Middle Earth."

"Any word of Merry and Druig's progress?" asked Aragorn.

"I had just met with Haldir, no changes." Gandalf replied solemnly. "I know Merry is strong and Druig is powerful but I fear they may not bring our Celestial of Death back in time."

"We still have time." Aragorn stated. "All we can do now is give Merry and Druig the aid they need. We've coded the protection spell, the second we see those demons appear, we activate the spell."

"It won't just be the Deviants we'll need to worry about. Nergal, Perses and Deimos will also need to be stopped. I fear their goals are more than just what Sauron had intended for them. And if they try to stop Merry and Druig from helping Hela, Varda help us all." Cain said as thunder once again rumbled in the sky and red lightning flashed in the sky.

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middleearthpixie · 4 months

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Living Proof ~ Chapter Twenty-Five

Summary: When he puts himself between the Uruk-hai and Merry and Pippin, Boromir knows it means sacrificing himself. But it also means redemption for his near betrayal of Frodo and the Fellowship, and so it is a price he is more than willing to pay.

Kaia has been on her own ever since an orc attack razed her village. When she hears the sounds of battle, she knows what it means and when she ventured forth and finds a gravely wounded man lying amongst the leaves and debris, she takes him in, not knowing he is actually the son of the steward of Gondor.

Angry at himself and faced with a long road to recovery, Boromir does not make things easy on Kaia and it is only through her own sheer will that she does not give into the urge to hit him over the head with something on a daily basis. That refusal to give up brings about changes neither one of them could have foreseen. She just wanted to save him. She never thought he would save her in return…

Fandom: The Lord of the Rings (AU, Boromir lives)

Pairing: Boromir x ofc Kaia

Warnings: None

Rating: T

Word Count: 2k

Tag List: @sotwk @heilith @fizzyxcustard @evenstaredits @way-too-addicted-to-fandoms @emmyspov @finnofamerica @lathalea @ass-deep-in-demons @quiall321 @mistofstars @justfollowtheroad @guardianofrivendell @glassgulls @doctorwhump @kmc1989 @estethell @emrfangirl @emmanuellececchi

If you’d like to be added (or removed) to the tag list, please just let me know!

Previous chapters can be found here.

The rumble itself was powerful enough to shake the Great Black Gates of Barad-dûr. A reverberating scream of a giant eagle was the only thing louder than that rumble and Boromir stumbled back as the ground shook beneath his feet. Overhead, the enormous birds swooped down from the iron-gray sky and with their massive beaks, each caught a fell beast by the neck, snapping said neck to kill said beast.

“The Eagles!” Boromir had no idea who spoke, as all he could see around him were the soldiers of Sauron. “The Eagles are coming!”

Steel rang against steel, and Boromir had long since lost sight of Gandalf and Aragorn, of Gimli and Legolas. He could only hope they still lived, as determined to end this battle as he was. He plunged ahead, ignoring the sting of old wounds as he swung his blade or blocked a thrust. His back ached, his arms burned, but he kept moving forward and would continue to do so until the last of them fell.

Blades clanged against his heavy armor, denting it as he pushed forward still. Then he heard it.

Turning to his left, he saw an orc the size of a troll. Perhaps it was a troll. He couldn’t tell through its armor. All he knew was it bore down upon a figure lying facedown on the ground.

Aragorn.

Without hesitation, Boromir lunged, shoved through the throngs of orcs and men. Sweat ran down along his spine, rolled down his chest and his temples. And as he reached Aragorn, the air grew thicker, grabbing at him, pushing in and down on him even as it felt like it was being sucked from the world itself.

He paused, the rumble beneath his feet louder and more powerful now. They all stopped and turned toward the huge orange Eye hight above them. Hot wind blew in from all directions as the pressure worsened still, and Boromir slowly lowered his sword, as entranced as everyone around him, as swirling black clouds gathered around that Eye and as they all watched, the tower began to crumble into itself. It toppled and the Eye exploded in a burst of orange and black and the shockwave ripped across the battlefield. For Boromir, it was like being struck with the Urk-hai arrows all over again, only with no pain this time. The explosion burst the vacuum of the air and the wind on the shockwave’s heels was actually cool.

His relief lasted only minutes as the rumble worsened and they watched as the ground gave way from the tower outward, stopping at the gates and left them all to stare at the peak of Mount Doom, now alive with flame and fire.

But there was no sign of Sam or Frodo.

He spotted Pippin in the crowd, his eyes screwed shut, tears running down his cheeks as he mouthed Frodo’s name. Or perhaps he spoke it aloud. Boromir could hear nothing but the roar of blood in his own ears.

The sun split the darkness, cleaved through the heavy clouds to spill beautiful golden light across the broken earth and destroyed towers. The eagles swooped overhead, their cries silent now, the only sound that of the swish of their mighty wings as they sailed toward Mount Doom.

A hand on his shoulder made him jump, and he turned to see a sweaty, dirty, thoroughly bedraggled King of Gondor smiling alongside him.

“It’s over.”

Two simple words and Boromir’s throat tightened. His eyes stung. He nodded, looking back at the eagles once more. “It’s about time.”

****

Minas Tirith never looked more beautiful and he leaned forward to pat his horse’s neck. “We’re almost home,” he murmured. “Almost home.”

The main gates were almost completely repaired, and as he reached the stables, he handed off the reins to the stable boy, who said, “Welcome home, my lord. Gandalf and the halflings are in the Houses of Healing. They arrived about an hour ago.”

“Thank you.” He smiled, raking a hand through his slightly gummy, still sweat-dampened hair. “I’ll look in on them in a bit. There’s someone else I need to see first.”

“Of course.”

He stepped out of the stable and into the sunlight once more. The air was no longer heavy and weighed with sadness, but felt light and warm and comforting. The sky was bluer than he could ever remember it, and not a cloud to be found. It was if the world had been reborn and he was fortunate enough to see it.

His gaze went to the East. No more watchful Eye. No more Sauron. No more war. It was the first time in his life that Gondor, that Middle Earth, was at peace.

Peace. What a beautiful word.

The walk to his flat seemed to take forever and when he pushed open the door and called, “Kaia?” only silence greeted him in return.

He left the door open as he moved toward. The bedchamber to see if perhaps she was lying down. “Kaia?”

The bedchamber was empty, the bed neatly made. But there was no sign of his wife.

He smiled. His wife. It still sounded odd to him. After all, he’d spent the majority of their marriage away from Minas Tirith.

“Boromir?”

He smiled. He’d forgotten how silvery and melodic Kaia’s voice was and when he turned to see her in the doorway, he said, “I’m home.”

Her eyes glinted through a veil of tears as she closed the space between them and threw herself into his arms. He caught her easily, wrapping her in his arms, and when her lips found his, fire filled her kiss, her arms tight about his neck. He forgot about his aches and pains, that he was in desperate need of a bath and a razor, and apparently she didn't mind much, either, and that was fine with him.

Kaia stood in the doorway of the bathing chamber, leaning against the jamb, just watching Boromir as he shaved. She felt like pinching herself, as it didn't seem possible he was there, that the war was actually over.

Water sloshed in the basin as he dipped his razor into it and then carefully scraped along his left cheek. Dunking the blade back into the basin, and without looking away from the looking glass, he said, “The side of my face is growing hot.”

“Sorry,” she replied with a smile. “I’m waiting to see if you remove part of your goatee as well.”

He shook his head. “I won’t. I’ve been doing this for far too long to make that mistake any longer.”

“But you’re admitting you have in the past?”

He nodded. “Absolutely. It grows back, of course, but my face looks completely odd without it.”

She tried to picture him clean-shaven, only to shake her head and chuckle. “I think I’d not recognize you without it.”

“I could shave it off, if you wish.”

“Oh, please don’t.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very.”

“Last chance.”

“Boromir.”

He winked and moved to his right cheek now, sweeping along it as if he had no fear of cutting himself. But then, as he said, he’d been doing this for a long time. He probably did not even have to really watch himself in the glass, either. The light glinted off the blade as he scraped along his jaw and then down over his throat, which had her holding her breath until he finished and rinsed off the straight blade for the last time, Kaia drew a deep breath and then asked, “How are you?”

“I’m alive and well and that’s what matters.”

“No,” she stepped over the threshold into the bathing chamber, “I’m serious, Boromir.”

“I’m fine.” He set the razor on the towel laid out on the vanity, and turned to her. “I’m tired and more than a little hungry, but I’m fine. Thankfully, we all are. And in time, this will all be only memory and tales told at drunken reunions.”

“Do you really believe that?”

He nodded. “I do, yes. The last year has been… eventful, to say the least, but we all survived. And the days are going to be brighter going forward. You and I are having a baby. Faramir and Éowyn seem to be on the path to a future together. That makes everything that’s happened up until now all the more worth it.”

Without thinking, Kaia slid her hand along her stomach. Perhaps it was but her imagination, but she thought she might feel a hint of a curve that hadn’t been there only a week earlier. But, she kept that to herself as she took another step toward him. “Have you seen Frodo? Samwise?”

“Not yet. I spoke to Ioreth and she said they would be up to visitors in a day or two. She looked me over, pronounced me in one piece, and here I am now. And now, I’ve no need to fear the future.”

“Fear it?”

He reached for her hand, linking his fingers with hers, and tugged her closer, but not into his arms. “You and I grew up amidst war. Never-ending war. And now, we don’t have to worry about bringing any children into this new, peaceful world. I find myself filled with a hope I’ve never had before.”

She smiled, slipping her hand from his to drape her arms about his neck. “The whole world looks brighter now because it is brighter.” She reached up to brush a wayward wisp of honey-gold hair away from his forehead. “And I’m so thankful you’re here once more and I no longer have to worry about you.”

As she spoke, she traced her fingertips along the scar just below his left collarbone. Still slightly pink and raised, it nonetheless looked a far cry better than it had the first time she saw it, when it was a fresh wound sticking to his bloodied tunic.

His hand came to rest over hers. His eyes softened and his voice was low as he murmured, “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she whispered back, her throat suddenly closing. She swallowed against the unexpected lump, blinked against the unexpected sting of tears. For all the good that did. Despite her best efforts, her eyes filled and tears spilled over her lower lashes to slip down her cheeks.

“No tears,” he murmured, sweeping his thumb along her left cheek. “We are going to a celebration that is long overdue and one we’ve all been waiting to arrive, and so when I finish here, we are going to go into the Great Hall and enjoy ourselves. We’ve earned this, Kaia. We’ve all earned this, including you.”

“I can’t help it, you know. This time last year, I had nothing. I was living alone in an abandoned cabin in the woods, teaching myself how to use a sword and bow and arrow and now here I am, in this beautiful city, with you and… I know it’s silly to cry, but I can’t help it lately. It just feels as like… like it’s all right if I’m happy, that I don’t have to worry about the next terrible thing.”

“Such as finding a wounded man in a clearing and having your conscience refuse to let you leave him?”

She pressed her lips together at his words, at his boyish grin, and shook her head. “I should have left you there.”

“I’m ever so glad you didn’t, though.” He slid his arms about her waist, linking his fingers at the small of her back. “And no, neither of us need worry about the next terrible thing, for fate willing, there won’t be another one that is as terrible as the one we’ve just beaten. So, now, we enjoy the peace, the tranquility and know that, despite the huge toll and the loss, things are better and the days are brighter and this little one you carry now is living proof that life does indeed go on and brighter days are ahead of us. Much brighter days.”

“I’m glad I went out to that clearing, Boromir. And not just because of my conscience.”

“As am I, and not just because I’d be dead otherwise.” He leaned in and as their lips met, Kaia smiled. Brighter days, indeed.

#Lord of the Rings #LOTR AU #Boromir #Boromir fic #LOTR fanfic #Lord of the Rings Fanfic #Fan fiction #LOTR fanfiction #AU #Boromir x OC #Is it hot in here?#Romance #Sean Bean #Everybody Lives #Sons of Gondor

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