Faramir Fiction Archive

Death Long Suffered (NC-17)

Written by Alcardilmë

09 December 2009 | 33441 words

Epilogue

Faramir and his second slipped through the forest, never looking back at the Hobbits. The Steward’s only remaining son clenched his hands, trying to stay the trembling that shook them. The thought of the path Frodo and his gardener were taking almost overwhelmed him, even after all these years. A very long time ago, he had been forced upon that very path. His life had changed forever.

“I think I frightened Frodo, Damrod.”

“Aye, you did.”

“Do you think it was the eye patch?”

“Nay. You told him Boromir was your brother.”

Faramir’s face twisted in pain. “That is true, but in the end, I think we parted as friends.”

“That you did, Captain.

“Boromir is dead, Damrod.”

“He died many years ago, Faramir. He is only now at peace.” The soldier’s tone was as to an old friend, not his captain.

“When did he die, Damrod?”

“They day we found you. A death long suffered.”

“A death long suffered. Nothing I did could help him. He loved me before I knew it. With his very being. How could I not have seen, Damrod? How could I have been so blind?” Faramir’s voice cracked. “And then I used him, against his will, against all love.”

His friend said naught.

“He never touched me again. After that day on the Pelennor. Father sent me south to Dol Amroth the next day. I know now it was at Boromir’s request. When I returned three years later, he was not the Boromir I knew. He would not let me touch him, nor allow himself to be alone with me. All because I wanted to forget that damnable face, that hell-cock, the arms of the Witch-king. I tried to replace them with Boromir and instead, I killed him. I asked too much.”

“He was here, the night before he left for Imladris. Why?”

“To take me,” Faramir whispered. “As he once hoped to. Gently.”

As soon as he saw his little brother, standing behind the thin veil of water, the sun sinking behind him in splendor, Boromir could wait no longer, else he would be mindless and take Faramir with abandon, not with the gentleness he wanted for his little brother. That was the whole purpose for coming to Henneth Annûn, was it not? To finally take Faramir as he had hoped, not as he had done that night so long ago. To show his brother how much he loved him, how happy he had been to know Faramir’s love, if only for a day.

He pulled away from his little brother and smiled. “I would take you with you lying on your side; it is the easier way, for your first…” He bit his lip. “You have not done it since…?”

“It is my first time, Boromir,” Faramir’s voice was gentle. “The other… was but a nightmare—for us both. This is my first time. Make it good.” His smile turned into a soft gurgle. “I have heard tales of your prowess. And – from the front. I want to see you.” His face flamed in sudden shame.

Boromir’s eyes filled with tears. “As you wish, Faramir.”

“No. As I command.”

Boromir raised his hand in mock salute. “As you command, Captain.”

“Come, Damrod. The men await.” They disappeared into the forest as Frodo watched.

The End

A/N – Green gauntlets covered their hands, and their faces were hooded and masked with green, except for their eyes, which were very keen and bright. At once Frodo thought of Boromir, for these Men were like him in stature and bearing, and in their manner of speech. RotK: Book IV: Chapter Four: Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbits.

“Boromir son of the Lord Denethor?” said Faramir, and a strange stern look came into his face. “You came with him? That is news indeed, if it be true. Know, little strangers, that Boromir son of Denethor was High Warden of the White Tower, and our Captain-General: sorely do we miss him. Who are you then, and what had you to do with him? Be swift, for the Sun is climbing!” Ibid.

They named themselves Mablung and Damrod, soldiers of Gondor, and they were Rangers of Ithilien; Ibid.

Boromir was my brother… Frodo thought for a moment, fearing some further trap, and wondering how this debate would turn in the end. He had hardly saved the Ring from the proud grasp of Boromir, and how he would fare now among so many men, warlike and strong, he did not know. RotK: Book IV: Chapter 5: The Window on the West

He embraced the hobbits then, after the manner of his people, stooping, and placing his hands upon their shoulders, and kissing their foreheads. “Go with the good will of all good men!” he said. RotK: Book IV: Chapter Seven: Journey to the Cross-roads

Listing of characters:

Agrod – Captain of Gondor
Aldrich – Boromir’s aide
Arroch– Boromir’s mare ((noble horse – old English)
Balshak – Orc
Boromir
Faramir
Denethor
Damrod – Soldier of Gondor
Gabere – Faramir’s horse (charmer – old English)
Gorgrum – Orc
Hador – Captain of Osgiliath
Hafoc – Mablung’s mare (hawk – old English)
Ioreth – Healer’s assistant
Mablung – Soldier of Gondor
Siriondil – Master Healer of Gondor
Witch-king

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