Faramir Fiction Archive

And All Because... (NC-17)

Written by Foofy

02 February 2005 | 55500 words | Work in Progress

Part 5: Control

It was time.

Arwen was good as her word with regards to the visit. As she entered Aragorn’s chambers without knocking as usual, her eyes flickered in distrust over Boromir’s clothed body briefly as though finding offence, then nodded to him as she stopped in front of the bed. The Gondorian watched her silently, knowing to try to rush her would only lead to further anguish.

“I will take you to him,” she said after a lengthy pause. Boromir gave a little sigh of relief. “However, I expect you to behave. Needless to say, any difficulties with you will be taken out on him,”

Her eyes were clear and utterly, utterly sincere. Boromir bowed his head slightly as acknowledgement then carefully and gingerly slid from where he had been sitting on the bed, having waited for some time for the arrival he both feared and desired. He still kept a careful hold on his tongue, mindful of his usual tact.

Boromir’s eyes widened at the production of a blindfold.

Arwen cocked her head to one side slightly. “You did not think I was just going to lead you to him?” a faint smile hovered at her lips. “ If you wish to make any type of foolish escape bid, you will have to work a little harder, my dear.”

“Exactly how will you explain me walking through the corridors with a blindfold?” Boromir stared at her a little harder than he had wanted. The she elf narrowed her eyes but did not comment on this. She merely ran the silk strip through her fingers as she spoke.

“Everyone will be in the feasting hall. And if there are one or two who observe it, well,” there was a definite flash of amusement in her eyes. “let us say that I am gifted in finding unusual explanations,”

Boromir glared at her, but allowed himself to be blindfolded to the elf’s content.

“Your hands will stay by your sides. I will be watching,” Arwen warned. Boromir growled his understanding, before finding himself guided carefully by the elf, a hand resting lightly on his left shoulder. He lost track of which directions he had taken after the sixth turn, recognising the fact that Arwen was deliberately confusing his sense of direction. Finally, he entered a chamber, heard the door shut firmly after him as he stood, waiting.

The blindfold was removed. Boromir blinked in the surprising amount of light in the chamber, his eyes immediately turning to a blonde elf who was watching him coolly from in front of the fireplace. Two other elves sat one on each side, their attention directly aimed at him, their hands ready on bows although arrows were not yet cocked. Boromir stared at their unspoken threat, before glancing over to Arwen.

“Where is he?” his voice was almost careless, although the elves could hear the tension.

Arwen’s eyes flickered towards Haldir, who gave another dismissive look towards Boromir and walked towards the second door in the room. Boromir watched one of the other elves straighten slightly and give the third elf a sharp look, then his attention was all for the new room that was revealed.

It was reasonably small, and mostly empty. A slightly rumpled bedroll lay in one corner, Faramir’s light tunic rolled up as a makeshift pillow. Faramir himself was sitting in a different corner, his legs curled up under him, a slightly haunted expression on his face. He did not look towards the door as it opened, merely kept his head down and eyes firmly fixed on the floor in a manner that Boromir had seen countless times in their father’s study. A chain was attached to one ankle, although the chain itself seemed long enough to allow Faramir some ability to move around as he wished.

“Faramir,” he murmured, and would have stepped forward had it not been for Haldir. His arm immediately stopped the Gondorian from moving into the room, his palm resting firmly on Boromir’s chest. The Gondorian’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Get out of my way,” he growled. Haldir seemed completely unconcerned regarding this threat and just stared at him in a manner that suggested that he was disappointed and faintly disgusted by what he saw in front of him. Boromir snarled again, his eyes flashing a threat. Arwen made a noise to attract attention.

“The deal was for you to see him, not touch him,” she reminded him. Boromir stared at her, then stared back at Faramir who had managed to draw his head up slightly to watch them. Large blue-green eyes stared mournfully at him, the young ranger pulling his knees even tighter to himself as though they offered protection. Arwen smiled to herself at the desperate look on Boromir’s face, the concern and fear stamped over him. The control was back. Suddenly the threat to Faramir’s life was all too real.

Boromir looked back at Arwen again.

“Please. Let me see him properly, touch him,” The plea was heartfelt. Arwen noticed Orophin’s uncertain glance towards Rúmil again, then ignored them. Haldir had sworn that his brothers would follow him. It was not like him to make a mistake in this area.

“Hmmmmm,” her eyes were delicate as they rested on Boromir. “If I let you touch him, will you try a little harder on the tasks I set for you?”

“If you do not, I will not do them,” Boromir’s voice was suddenly hard, the fierce warrior back. “You will lose nothing if you let me check he is okay. You will lose everything if you do not,”

Arwen looked faintly surprised. “Was that a threat?” She glanced towards Haldir, amused. “Would you say that was a threat, Haldir?”

Haldir nodded. “I would say so,” he confirmed. “Surprising, considering the circumstances.”

Boromir gave the blonde elf a hard glare that achieved absolutely nothing in ruining Haldir’s composure. Haldir yawned pointedly, and glanced, bored, towards Arwen.

“I still maintain you do not train your pets well enough. My little ranger would not have spoken to me in such a manner,” Haldir’s eyes drifted, smug, towards Boromir. Boromir froze, then roared to life, stepping forward. However, both seated elves moved immediately from their positions, arrows immediately cocked, aiming directly at Boromir. The Gondorian halted, glaring at the danger, before withdrawing with a growl of annoyance. Haldir could see Faramir sit up straighter, his anguish clear at the threat to his beloved elder brother.

“You are not encouraging me, Boromir,” Arwen’s singsong voice continued, knowing full well the hold she had over the human in front of her. Boromir suddenly sighed heavily, painfully.

“Let us get on with this. We both know that you will not allow me to get near him,” Boromir’s eyes were heavy, his voice defeated. “In fact, it is more likely that you would deliberately hurt him in front of me to make a point,”

“A reasonable assessment,” sniffed Haldir, amused nevertheless. Arwen had stilled, a blank look overtaking her expression, before she glared angrily at Haldir.

A heavy silence fell over the room. Finally, she turned away.

“Fine. You can get close to him, to touch him. But only for a minute,” her voice was irritated. Boromir looked at her in honest surprise, then back at Haldir who also seemed slightly stunned. Arwen glanced back at him angrily.

“Well? Get on with it before I change my mind,”

Boromir nodded his head slightly, and made his way swiftly towards his brother, kneeling down in front of him and looking at him worriedly. At the lift of Boromir’s hand to cup his younger brother’s face, Faramir flinched slightly. The elder Gondorian looked horrified, finally running his hand down the stubble of hair on Faramir’s face trying to soothe him. No one had bothered to give the young man a shave, and he had a particularly rough look to him. However, there did not seem to be any obvious bruising or injuries.

Faramir lifted his eyes to look at his brother. Boromir pulled him into a hard hug, feeling the comforting warmth of his brother against him, the hard embrace that was being returned. He rested his jaw on Faramir’s shoulder, his lips brushing against the skin of Faramir’s neck as he nuzzled him, breathing in the familiar scent, assuring himself that his brother was real, was still there.

The ranger’s hands refused to let him go as Boromir went to move reluctantly away, Faramir making a small noise in the back of his throat like a wounded animal. His elder brother kissed him gently, feeling the slight tremble that always went through Faramir at the physical contact between them.

“I will get you out of here,” Boromir’s voice was low and unsteady, but the determination was clear to all. The elves had followed the human into the room, and were watching this with differing expressions. Orophin glanced towards Rúmil once again, then stared back at the sheer devotion in front of him. With a faint shake of his head, he moved back to sit in the other room, unable to watch any further.

Haldir was watching with a grim expression.

“Surely that is enough to confirm he is well?” he voiced in faint irritation after a few moments more. His frown deepened as Boromir pulled back, gently kissing Faramir on the forehead fondly, before drawing completely away. Faramir reluctantly allowed his brother to move from his embrace, his sorrowful expression following his brother. Haldir growled inwardly. Faramir was certainly obeying his orders, if a little too well. And it was all too clear that this little relationship held more than the
ranger had admitted. Boromir looked absolutely devastated, as though Gondor itself was threatened to be reduced to rubble.

“I promise, Faramir,” Boromir said softly. Faramir nodded his understanding, and watched as his brother was swiftly pushed from the chambers by Haldir. Sighing, he pulled his knees tight to himself again and shut his eyes. At least he knew that Boromir was okay in his overall safety. Only the Valar knew what they were destroying in his beloved brother, forcing him to do acts he would not choose himself.

Rúmil, meanwhile, had offered to escort Arwen and Boromir back. The Gondorian seemed as though he had had the energy drained from him as soon as he stepped from Faramir’s cell; he merely nodded and waited mutely as the blindfold was placed back over his eyes. Orophin stared down at his bow as the little procession moved from the room, then looked back up slowly as the door shut with the faintest of clicks.

Haldir was aware of the gaze now settling on him.

“Something the matter?” he queried without moving his head.

“You know exactly what concerns me, brother,“ Orophin’s voice was low and heavy, speaking in their own language. Haldir snorted in amusement, before finally glancing towards him.

“I confess to having a suspicion,“ he mused lightly and with little interest. “It is somewhat late to be getting cold feet, Orophin.“

“For this scheme as a whole, indeed it is,” Orophin replied heatedly. “but I was not aware of the additional aims you were planning,“

“Possibly because you did not ask. You simply followed Rúmil’s lead, with little consideration to what it might entail. I cannot be responsible for you if you let your obsession cloud your personal judgment.“ Haldir eyed him coldly. “And, in any case, I am uncertain as to which aims you refer to.“

“The aims regarding that boy. Your . interest in the captive. Both Rúmil and I have noticed your increasing devotion to him.“

“Devotion?“ echoed Haldir, and laughed. “Why, Orophin! You make it sound so exciting!“ He shook his head. “No, I fear that it is nothing as interesting as you make it out to be.“

Orophin looked completely unconvinced. “Then you will have no objection if Rúmil or I were to watch over the boy,“ he said dryly. Haldir’s expression hardened.

“I appreciate your concerns, but I feel this is unnecessary. You are well aware of my opinions on the matter of cross mating,“ he said sternly. Orophin raised an eyebrow.

“Indeed,“ he replied. “And I am also aware that your opinions and principals often change when it is no longer convenient to keep them,“ His eyes were steady.

“I dislike your attitude, Orophin,“ the amusement had completely gone from Haldir’s voice. “The boy is safe under my care. I need to coordinate with Arwen when the time comes. Your assistance, although no doubt well meaning,“ a cold glare here, “is completely superfluous.“

Orophin looked towards the chamber, then back. “For the Valar’s sake, Haldir,“ his voice dropped slightly, an urgent plea only faintly hidden. “he has family who care about him, a brother who loves him dearly. You can consider any sort of relations with him whilst they have fears of his safety?“

“I see.“ Haldir folded his arms. “Because there might be a possible relationship between the brothers, you feel that it is your moral duty to speak up for them? How touching! And, of course, absolutely nothing to do with your own situation,“

Orophin glared at him. “It is wrong, Haldir.“

“That’s nice. Duly noted.“ Haldir’s voice could freeze water. “Now, it might be nice if you could go and assist Rúmil in that way you do so very well, hmmm? I’m finding your halo a little tiresome,“

“You would be wise to consider it.“ Orophin growled, before making his own way towards the door. “That boy has been taken because of a situation he knows nothing about. Don’t make his concerns any greater.“

Haldir said nothing. He simply watched as the door once again shut, then turned on his heel and stalked back into the chamber. Faramir lifted his head slightly, watching Haldir warily. The elf recognised the concerns, the fear that he had not completed the elf’s task to his satisfaction. Ignoring his internal fury at Orophin’s words, Haldir managed a calm smile and patted the mortal on the head before sitting near him.

“Good, Faramir. I am pleased with you,”

There was a brief look of unguarded astonishment from Faramir, before the man managed to regain control over his expression. Haldir suddenly remembered that words of praise were undoubtedly rare in the child’s home land, especially by those who controlled him. Haldir smiled again, forgetting a little more of his outrage.

“What happens now?” Faramir said softly. Haldir shrugged.

“No doubt I will hear shortly. Your brother seemed most anxious to get you out of our hospitality,” The memory of exactly how anxious Boromir was flickered across Haldir’s mind again, how concerned. The warmth of the hug and the tenderness of the kiss had also not been forgotten.

“Do you sleep with your brother?” Haldir said bluntly, although his tone was one of disinterest. Faramir’s head shot up, eyes large and surprised, staring at him as though expecting a joke.

“As in… sexual relations?” Faramir struggled with the words. Haldir nodded.

“As in sexual relations.” Haldir watched in interest as Faramir turned an interesting shade of red, a much more solid level of embarrassment clear.

“No, we haven’t,” he said finally, discomfort laced throughout his tone, obviously unhappy discussing it. Haldir cocked his head slightly to one side, studying him.

“Why not?”

“He’s my brother!” Faramir stared at him. “It’s unheard of,”

“It is almost certainly unusual but certainly not unheard of.” Haldir settled back. “He seemed very… caring towards you,”

“I am able to have relationships with people without the need to fuck them,” said Faramir coldly. Haldir was once again reminded of the hidden steel within Faramir’s personality, almost entirely hidden except whenever he seemed to be the most distressed. Keen to explore this possibly, Haldir decided to probe further.

“Really? That’s good. I feared that you might use mating for a completely different motivation,” Haldir picked at a nail, aware that Faramir was staring at him, a cold, hard stare that seemed completely divorced from the meek submissive ones that he gave freely. An unguarded moment.

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean,” Faramir regained control again, his voice back to being soft. Haldir smiled to himself.

“In which case I shall explain further. Please do stop me if I confuse you,” Haldir finished with his nail and looked at him. “As you are aware, people get involved in relationships for many different reasons. Many times it is simply for lust or, occasionally love. But then there are the times it is used for control, for attention,” Haldir’s eyes flickered to Faramir. “for affection not seen elsewhere,”

“Meaning?” Faramir’s expression was unreadable.

“Very defensive aren’t you?” The tone was beginning to irritate him. Faramir immediately put on his submissive expression and bowed his head slightly. Nodding, Haldir continued.

“Now you, you I can see being one of two types. You have low self esteem of your worth, most likely to do with your upbringing. ,” the elf paused delicately. “People in such situations can often have such low confidence that they feel unable to seek out anyone, always feeling as though they do not deserve the love that is given to them, assuming it is out of pity.”

Faramir paused before speaking. “And the other?”

“Completely the opposite,” Haldir smiled at him. “Looking for affection from whoever would give it, trying to find whatever they’re lacking in day to day relationships. Relationships, if they could be called that, would be sought with colleagues, friends… ,” Haldir eyed him in amusement. “and even family. Constantly trying to achieve that sense of affection and never finding it.”

Faramir gave a dry chuckle. “And I couldn’t just be normal?” he queried.

“Are you?” countered Haldir. “Definitely nothing you could possibly relate to your situation?”

The young ranger eyed him back, then sighed and shuffled back so his back was resting against the wall. His auburn hair fell over his face again, although Haldir had seen the expression that was currently residing.

“I wonder ,” Haldir’s voice dropped. “which one are you?”

Faramir remained silent. The elf paused, and deliberately studied him longer.

“I’m not entirely sure I can classify you as a shy little virgin,” mused the elf. “No, you would have looked a little more shocked than you do.” He was deliberately provoking for a reaction, needing to have something else to concentrate on other than Orophin’s words. “Which means, of course.,”

“You believe I would try and seduce my rangers?” Faramir’s voice, when it came, was perfectly level. A little too perfectly.

“As it happens,” Haldir watched him carefully. Faramir smiled to himself.

“I don’t need them distracted.”

“And when you can relax for a night? When you need something to take your mind from the day to day routine?” Haldir noticed Faramir’s narrowing of his eyes immediately. “Yes,” he continued in a low voice. “I could believe that you would know how to squirm delightfully under another man’s body,”

“I don’t squirm under anyone,” Faramir’s voice was a lot sharper than Haldir had expected, the rare steel inserted. The ranger’s posture was alert, eyes flashing.

“Do you not?” responded the elf politely. “Interesting. In which case, it is no wonder that you have not slept with your brother. He did not seem the submissive type either,” Haldir’s expression was amused. “although I hear that he’s now open to persuasion,”

It was clear the ranger did not know how to react. There was a fierce fire blazing in the young man’s eyes, his hands already formed into fists, but Faramir still managed to cling on to his self control, his sheer force of willpower demanding that his body stay seated. The elf watched curiously, waiting to see which would win. Finally Faramir looked away, his body relaxing slightly. Haldir smiled to himself. The boy definitely had potential.

He deliberately ran his eyes down the young man’s half dressed body.

“You,” he said after a lengthy pause. “need a bath,”

Haldir smiled at Faramir’s suddenly startled expression. Ah yes, the child was most entertaining indeed! Now all he had to do was to get him into a fit state of cleanliness and the possibilities would be overwhelming.

“There you are,” Aragorn’s voice was definitely impatient, although he was obviously trying to keep it under control. “Where were you? I come back and the room’s empty,”

Boromir paused guiltily in the corridor where Arwen and Rúmil had left him, feeling as though he had been caught red handed. He glanced back towards Aragorn about to speak, when he realised with a shock that the ranger was not alone. Legolas lingered near the rear, his dark blue eyes watching him with all the interest of a hunter sensing prey, although it was still surprisingly soft.

The Gondorian dragged his eyes back to Aragorn who was stood stiffly, arms folded, watching his lover. A quick decision was made.

“I was with Arwen,” he confessed after another moment of uncomfortable silence, then cursed himself for not being more imaginative and keeping the she-elf out of the conversation entirely. Aragorn’s expression had tightened, although Boromir couldn’t tell whether this was from surprise or anything else. Legolas also looked faintly shocked by the admission.

“And what were you doing?” Aragorn’s voice was clipped. Boromir stared at him, the tone faintly registering as jealousy although that was obviously ridiculous.

“We were just talking,” Boromir could see the query already in Aragorn’s eyes and hastened to continue. “About the Fellowship. I just needed… well.,” He shrugged helplessly. Aragorn looked slightly mollified by the explanation, and glanced towards Legolas who had a particularly neutral expression.

“We have been asked to find you,” Aragorn continued, a little more softly.

“Lord Elrond wishes to speak to you,” added the elf when Aragorn seemed to be failing to speed up the conversation.

Lord Elrond! Boromir had completely forgotten about the elf lord’s request. Boromir nodded, slightly dazed.

“I will go immediately,”

Legolas gave Aragorn a small side glance. Boromir frowned as the ranger shrugged back, and gazed towards the Gondorian with an apologetic air.

“We have been asked to escort you,” Aragorn said finally, uncomfortably.

“Why?” Boromir’s eyes slid between the pair, his voice harder than usual.

“There is nothing to concern yourself over,” said Legolas smoothly.

“I’ve just been summoned to speak to the Lord of this realm with two escorts and this isn’t deemed to be concerning?” Boromir’s tone was back to sarcasm. Aragorn straightened his back.

“Just come with us, Boromir.” Aragorn definitely seemed to be in an odd mood. Boromir watched him briefly before nodding and stepped forward to follow them towards the requested chambers. He felt an odd urge to flee, to run before he could find out what the elf lord wanted with him. His imagination was already running wild with him, possible horrors that had befallen Gondor whilst he and Faramir were away springing to the front of his mind. His father was no longer the field soldier he once was. The shadow could have easily taken advantage of such a situation. He was a fool to have left!

Boromir glanced back confused as they reached the door and both his escorts moved to allow him to pass.

“You’re not coming?” he asked Aragorn. The ranger hesitated, then shook his head. After a moment’s pause, Boromir pushed open the door, glancing back at Aragorn before entering the chambers. The elf lord was stood behind his desk, looking out of the window over the tranquil scene of Rivendell. He looked back.

“Ah, Lord Boromir,” Elrond moved away from the window and nodded to the obviously cautious Gondorian who hovered a few paces past the door. “Thank you for agreeing to see me at such short notice. I do realise that you have much to prepare.”

“It is my pleasure, my lord.” Boromir unstuck his limbs and walked slightly further into the room.

“Drink?”

“No thank you,”

“Well, I will not delay my reasoning for bringing you here. Please sit down,” Elrond gestured to the chair which was in front of the table. Big and padded though it obviously was, the mere thought sent a shiver down Boromir’s spine. He tried to put on the most casual expression he could, feeling his injuries throb at the mere thought of pressure.

“I would prefer to stand, my lord,”

“As you wish,” carefully Elrond put his finger tips together, obviously considering his next sentence. Boromir felt his own heart rate pick up, galloping horses within his veins. “I have had word from your father,” he said finally.

“My father? What does he say?” Boromir stared at him, biting down the query of why his father also chose not to write directly to him.

Elrond’s manner was nonchalant, but the elf was watching the mortal carefully as he spoke again. “Unfortunately, it appears that your brother is missing in action.”

Boromir stared at him, trying to stop the relief from spreading through his muscles. Old news. He struggled with a suitable expression, knowing full well that Elrond’s full attention was on him. There was normally very little that escaped his notice. To come this far and to fall at the last fence would be too hard to bear.

“Your father appears to think we hold him in Rivendell,” the elf lord continued when it was obvious Boromir was speechless. The look of shock on the Gondorian’s face was nowhere near an act at that news.

“What?”

“He also believes,” Elrond added, tapping his finger against his desk gently. “that you are being held here against your will,”

An uncomfortable look was noticeable on Boromir, the man remembering that he still had not sent through the message that he promised Aragorn. He shook his head as though to clear it. Elrond watched him carefully.

“I was hoping you might have some information regarding your brother. Whether there has been anything unusual recently.”

Boromir shook his head slowly again. “I am not aware of anything new. Faramir still leads the Ithilien rangers, and their enemies are as they have always been,”

“Any visitors recently?”

“No.”

“Hmmm,” Elrond looked down at his hands idly. The silence lengthened to uncomfortable levels. Boromir coughed to hide his embarrassment.

“What does my father say he will do?” he asked finally. Elrond shrugged delicately. Boromir was suddenly reminded exactly whose father he was facing after that little display of mannerisms. Arwen obviously learnt from the best.

“I believe the threat is general,” he replied. Boromir sighed heavily.

“I should never have left,” he said bitterly. Elrond raised an eyebrow.

“Speaking for the free peoples of Middle Earth, we are all extremely grateful that you did.” The elf lord’s tone was not unfriendly. “Faramir was on a routine scouting mission when he was taken. Even if you were still at Minas Tirith you would have been unlikely to have been able to do anything about this. Do not blame yourself, Boromir. We will do all we can,”

“But what can you do?” replied Boromir, his eyes scanning Elrond’s, wondering whether he could speak freely to the elf lord and request protection for himself and his brother. But he knew he couldn’t protect Faramir forever. Each scouting mission, each trip outside the walls of the White City, he would be worried sick of any elf retaliation. And retaliation there would be if he involved a lord of an elf realm in his battles.

“We are currently investigating,” Elrond sighed. “I know this will be of no comfort to you, but it is the best we can do under the circumstances. We will let you know of any developments,”

Boromir thought about this, and nodded. “Thank you,”

“If you think of anything else, please inform me immediately, no matter how small,” Elrond nodded back to him, an indication that the meeting was over, and stood from his chair. “Thank you for your attendance, Boromir,”

Boromir gave a short bow out of courtesy, and swiftly went to leave.

Since the moment that Boromir had stepped within the room, Aragorn had been aware of Legolas’ eyes on him. Since the ranger had vowed to wait until his lover emerged, Aragorn had positioned himself near the window, trying to ignore the obvious queries that were waiting to be spoken and staring out the window with quiet and firm dedication.

The elf, true to form, had said absolutely nothing. His expression was faintly one of accusation.

“Whatever it is,” Aragorn said after a while, realising that he was unlikely to get out of this without saying anything. “I’m not in the mood.”

“You and Boromir seem close,” commented Legolas finally. Aragorn glared a little harder out of the window.

“Do we?” Aragorn tried to relax his jaw. “I suppose it’s due to having a similar outlook,”

Legolas cocked his head slightly to one side in order to study Aragorn a little further. “Because you are both linked to Gondor?” he asked innocently. However, even he was taken aback by the sheer ferocity of the glare that aimed itself at him.

“I do not wish to talk about it,” growled Aragorn. Legolas kept himself on his toes.

“Does Arwen know of your… outlook?”

“I do not wish to talk about her either,” the ranger stared back out of the window. Legolas raised an eyebrow.

“Perhaps we should speak of the weather instead,” he suggested dryly.

“Legolas, please let me be.” Aragorn considered walking away from this persistent inquisition, but he had no idea how long Boromir was likely to be. He sighed angrily, and stared even harder out the window. “I am well aware of your opinions in the matter. You do not need to speak any further with regards to them.”

Legolas looked faintly surprised.

“My opinions?” he echoed. Aragorn glared round at him.

“Don’t play innocent,” he snapped. “I am well aware that you’ve never agreed with my union with Arwen, and quite frankly I’m getting a little tired of it. Of other people’s views rammed down my throat, of having to do this that and the other all for the sake of… what, tradition. Destiny?” he spat, and shook his head, looking away again. “I want no part of it.”

“And yet you are willing to marry your foster father’s daughter.” Legolas stared at him levelly. “Is that not for other motives?”

Aragorn snorted. “Well, it’s not for tradition.” His eyes turned back to the door, behind which his lover was speaking to said foster father, feeling the now familiar trickle of fear that Elrond would discover their link. He would not understand, Aragorn knew this. Legolas noticed the direction of the gaze, the desolate expression, and his own expression softened.

“You are certain there is nothing you wish to talk about, Estel?” he said gently. Aragorn snapped back into the conversation, and stared at him again.

“And you would like it, wouldn’t you, if there were some agreement between Boromir and myself,” he snapped. Legolas shrugged.

“As it happens, yes,” Legolas stared at him. “You are mortal, Estel. You do not have the time to readjust your mistakes.”

“You don’t even know him and yet you are encouraging me to join with him?” Aragorn’s voice was bitter.

“I may not know Boromir well, but I certainly have a good idea with regards to Arwen.”

“You’ve never liked her.”

“Agreed.” Legolas shrugged again. “I have no idea why you do.”

“The possibility that she might be able to work out her own problems without needing me?” Aragorn snapped, his fingers drumming on the window sill in his agitation. Legolas watched him.

“You’re my friend, Estel,” the elf said gently. “If I can help in any way.,” he sighed and stared forlornly at the firm straightness of Aragorn’s back. “Will you go back to Gondor with him?” he asked finally.

“Do not speak of it.” The fingers stilled.

“Estel-”

“No. I mean it. Stop.”

Legolas bowed his head slightly. “As you wish.” The sound of the door opening behind him signified the end of their discussion, the elf’s eyes sliding back to Boromir who had emerged looking shaken, staring at the corridor as though he had no recollection of where he was. Aragorn had turned from the window and was about to speak when Elrond appeared within the doorway.

“Estel. A quick word if I may,”

Legolas and Aragorn exchanged the briefest of looks. The elf stepped forward.

“Boromir, I will show you to your room,” Legolas’ voice was warm. Boromir glanced longingly towards Aragorn, but nodded and moved forward as Aragorn made his way into his foster father’s study. The door shut smartly behind them. Elrond wasted no time at all.

“Exactly what is the nature of your friendship with the elder son of Gondor?” The elf lord stared sternly towards Aragorn. The ranger looked back at him, trying to think.

“I’m not entirely sure what you mean,” he said, playing for time. Elrond saw immediately through this.

“Don’t take me for a fool, Estel. That man knew before he had even set foot in the room.”

Aragorn stared at him. “But I did not tell him. I took him straight here, as you requested,” he protested.

“Regardless, he knew.” Elrond stared at his foster son sharply. “Or, at the very least, suspected. Unfortunately this now appears to have more complexity than we had considered.”

“Boromir would not harm his brother,” Aragorn was quick to interject. “He would not be involved,”

“Indeed. No doubt Mithrandir would agree with you. However. I do not like this, Estel.”

Aragorn nodded. “What would you have me do?”

Elrond paused briefly. “We cannot allow this matter to distract from the mission. The ring must come first. However, Gondor will be even more dangerous if we do not investigate this difficulty. Get Boromir to talk to you,” the elf lord’s eyes flickered to Aragorn. “After all, you seem close,” he added softly.

Aragorn was desperate to stop this particular idea from spreading.

“Yes, I have tried to become close to him. You have always said that I should investigate my background,” Aragorn improvised. Elrond raised an eyebrow.

“And you have always ignored me,” Elrond gazed at him, then shrugged delicately. “No matter. Find out what you can.”

The elf leant forward before Aragorn could begin to make his way towards the door.

“I am relying on you, Estel.” Their eyes met.

Aragorn nodded again, slightly more cautiously, before opening the door and slipping through it. Elrond studied the door for a few moments more, before sighing and standing to stare out the window behind him. It was only too obvious that Aragorn was holding secrets back. The ranger had never been able to hide his guilt from him, ever since he was a small boy.

Elrond considered demanding the truth, but dismissed this just as quickly. It was likely to just be a simple crush on the elder son of Gondor which Aragorn was attempting to keep away from Arwen. Even if Boromir did reciprocate, Denethor would never allow such a relationship, and certainly a closer relationship would not harm the Fellowship.

The elf mused further, then shook his head decisively. No, this secret would have to stay secret. His faith would rest with Aragorn.

NB: Please do not distribute (by any means, including email) or repost this story (including translations) without the author's prior permission. [ more ]

Enjoyed this story? Then be sure to let the author know by posting a comment at https://www.faramirfiction.com/fiction/and-all-because. Positive feedback is what keeps authors writing more stories!