Fic: Bring me to life. Chapter 13. Boromir/Ofc. Nc-17
Title: Bring me to life.
Chapter: 13
Authors: Gilraen / Megiliel
Pairing: Boromir /OFC
Rating: Nc-17
Archieved: Gilraen's Fanfictions Page
Warnings: See the previous chapters.
Disclaimer: I don't own Boromir, Faramir, or the other known characters.
Faramir was struggling to lace her dress for minutes now, but the cursed garment just wouldn't surrender. How could Boromir have chosen such a tricky thing?
When his umpteenth, strenuous try to poke the silken string properly through the eyelets failed miserably, he couldn't help but growl out loud with frustration.
"Hold still now" he mumbled resolutely, eyeing the devilish fastening in a menacing fashion, "It just keeps on slipping away when I'm almost done."
Three energetic knocks at the door, then, and the young man rolled his eyes.
"Whoever it is, she's not ready yet."
"Open the door!" a quite impatient Boromir urged from the corridor, trying to open it himself just to find out that it was locked.
"Go away! We've got a job to finish here." Faramir retorted, chuckling, and then leaned forward to kiss the side of Kreshen's neck in an affectionate way. "You're doing wonderfully. Just don't move, we're almost finished."
Kreshen couldn’t help but smile worriedly at him from the mirror.
The time had come. She would go to her first banquet.
From her window she had seen people from many reigns arriving with servants, horses and carriage, clearly rich beyond her imagination.
She had even recognized King Theoden from Rohan, accompanied by a young, blonde maiden and two men.
If it hadn’t been for Faramir, Kreshen would have refused to go at the party, for she was scared, and sure that she would have felt awkward and in the wrong place among kings and noblemen.
What would Boromir say to introduce her? She had no idea of his intentions.
But her beloved Faramir had prepared an hot, scented bath for her, to allow her relax to her body and mind.
When she had finished, she put on some make up, combing her hair in an hairstyle that left her neck uncovered.
Some moments later, she was snapped out from her reverie for Faramir was exulting. The dress was finally up.
And Boromir was still behind the door, obviously eavesdropping. "May I enter now?"
Faramir chose to ignore him, and smiled at Kreshen through the mirror. "Turn around, and let me see you."
Perfect. She was absolutely, incredibly perfect.
Beyond the broad neckline the embroidered fabric wrapped magnificently around her shapely breast and slender waist, ending up in the soft drapery of the wide gown. All Faramir could do was nod his approval, words not being enough, though he was sure that his eyes were showing clearly all his admiration and awe.
"Shall we open the door to my annoying, impatient brother?" he asked then, raising his voice just to be sure that Boromir could hear him from the corridor.
Before her answer, the girl smiled at Faramir. A moment later she had flung herself into his arms, hugging him fiercely and showering his checks with many tiny kisses.
She couldn’t express with mere words the gratitude and the affect that she felt for him, so she had just decided to explain it practically.
He had promised to be with her during all of the party, for he knew that Denethor would detain Boromir to show him to his allies with pride.
Kreshen knew that Denethor’s attitude towards him hurt Faramir, but she had said nothing. His father never seemed proud of him.
But she was. And she told him ceaselessly, just to be sure that he understood that there was someone who really cared for him, apart from Boromir.
"Now we can open…"
"Aye, but listen to me first" Faramir said softly, framing her face with his hands, paying attention not to mess up her hair. "If someone approaches you, do not speak unless questioned. And smile, just smile graciously, they won't bother you if you do so. That's the only thing the shallow nobility really care about when facing a fair maiden, a submissive smile." he ended the sentence with a grimace, and then smiled. "You are beautiful tonight. And I'm very proud of you."
After a soft kiss on her lips he drew back and eventually nodded towards the door, chuckling.
"Go on now, before he decides to knock down my poor door."
Walking to the door, Kreshen turned the key, unlocking it, and opening the door.
She just remained there, to look somewhat awkwardly at Boromir.
"How do I look like?"
Dresses in his uniform and ready, Boromir just couldn't reply for some moments, when he first saw her. He didn't miss a single detail, a single curve, a single ripple of the fine silk wrapped around her lithe form, blazing grey eyes literally worshipping her.
"Like a dream" he eventually whispered, stepping forward and taking her hands gently into his. "Like my dream."
"Thank you" she responded, blushing. "You look gorgeous…"
She remained some moments to look at her beloved, proud of what she was seeing. He was the most beautiful creature on which she had ever laid her eyes. And he had chosen her. A simple peasant, a slave, to be at his side.
If Faramir hadn’t been there, Kreshen would have wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him breathless, whispering all the love she felt.
"I’m so proud of you…And…you’re really beautiful with that uniform. Gondor will be well represented by you tonight".
"I am but doing my duty" he smiled, his gaze unwavering. "But you are my dream come true, and that's an entirely different matter. You look just.. just stunning, Kreshen."
And he just couldn't take his eyes off her.
Without further words, the girl tenderly kissed his forehead and his lips, her eyes lingering on his, trying to explain that she had dressed like that just for him and no one else.
"Do you think we should go?" she then whispered against his lips.
"Definitely" he smiled, offering her his arm and looking at Faramir, who was finishing getting dressed up.
"Just go ahead. I'll catch up with you in a couple of minutes."
"As you wish, little brother." Boromir replied, and then led her out of the room and to the stairs. "Are you nervous?"
"Yes…" she smiled, walking at his side and gently squeezing his arm.
When they had almost reached the hall, Kreshen heard the noise of a hundreds of people speaking and laughing out loudly, and a soft music in substratum.
Boromir's lieutenant and a guard were waiting for them at the end of the corridor, in order to escort the couple to the main hall. The two men bowed formally before Kreshen and then turned around, guiding them inside. The room was crowded with many people, and almost everyone turned towards the entrance when the captain and the fair maiden made their way inside.
A proud and strangely jovial Denethor immediately gestured for them to join him and the nobility of Rohan, as a servant offered them two goblets half filled with the finest red wine.
"King Théoden and his kin were waiting for you, son."
At his words Boromir bowed reverently before the Lord of Rohan, and smiled. "And I am utterly pleased to see the Lords of the Golden Hall again, father."
King Théoden nodded his approval to the younger man, slowly shifting his gaze on the maiden at his side.
Denethor had talked to him about that girl. She was there just to be showed up, for she was to be sold to the best offer.
He had never seen such beauty. Her face showed a great naivety, but her eyes were wise. She wasn’t stupid. What a pity that she was but a mistress.
He had meant to buy her from the first moment he had laid his eyes on her. It would have been a wonderful present to both his Theodred and his nephew Eomer.
That girl didn’t need handcuffs. She was following Boromir of her own will. Good.
The king was even more than sure that the two Steward’s sons had been good teachers to her about the art of love. They were famous even in Rohan for their many female’s preys.
"Lord Boromir" he started, hinting a smile. "I’m utterly pleased to see you. You’ve made yourself honourable on the battlefield. And you did very well".
Eomer and Theodred were quietly sipping their wine in the meantime, their eyes glued to the fair maiden.
When Theoden had talked about a negotiation with Denethor in his office, they hadn’t agreed. But now it was different. She was possibly the most beautiful woman they had ever seen. And they would have had her. Whatever it would take.
Boromir eventually shifted his gaze from the two young men to the King, and forced himself to smile again. Though he'd noticed all too well the way the two were staring at her. Though Théoden himself seemed way too interested in his Kreshen.
"Thank you, my Lord." he said simply, bowing his head. Almost instinctively he searched for her hand, just to hold it into his, not so sure of the true reason of that peculiar behaviour. They were in public, and thus weren't supposed to linger in the middle of the hall hand in hand like a betrothed couple, but he just couldn't help it. Maybe he just wanted to reassure her, remind her that he was at her side, or reassure himself that no one was going to take her away from him. Certain that Kreshen was his, his alone, and he was secretly hoping that such intimate and affectionate gesture would have made it clear to their guests.
Just then Faramir joined them, standing at Kreshen's other side as if to protect her. He had been watching them for quite a while from some distance, noticing that something was definitely wrong. Yet he was sure that now, with her secured in between him and Boromir, no one would dare to touch her. To make the concept even more explicit he exchanged a quick glance with Boromir and smiled softly at her, before he turned to greet their noble guests, bowing his head.
Théoden had noticed their behaviour. It was exactly as Denethor was fearing.
His two sons were way too affectionate with that mistress, and that was a pity, for they had to search for a noble woman. At least Boromir, the older one, was expected to be married and with many children, to please both the population and Denethor’s allies.
He was secretly hoping that the old Steward would propose a marriage with Eowyn, and it would have been even better if his niece would marry Lord Boromir himself, so proud and valiant on the battlefield.
The king understood perfectly Denethor, who wanted to get rid of that wicked mistress, to take her away from his beloved sons. And he wanted, too. For that would have been a good occasion to speak about the marriage.
Kreshen hadn’t opened her mouth. She had smiled at the king and his kin, but the lust and desire in their eyes had frightened her, so she was just staring at the ground.
The smirk on Denethor’s face was way too dangerous, and she had immediately understood that there was something wrong.
Even with Boromir and Faramir at her side, she was feeling naked under their gaze.
"I think Kreshen needs some fresh air." Boromir said then, flashing a strained smile to the King of Rohan with great effort, and then shifting his gaze to the Steward.
"May I have a word with you later, father?"
Denethor raised an eyebrow at the question, but nodded nonetheless. "Of course, son. And perhaps you're right, your.. maiden is indeed very pale and tense."
"I will guide her to the balcony, then. If you'll excuse us."
"Go ahead."
Once outside, the girl checked to see if someone could hear them, and when she knew that no one was around, she turned to look at Boromir.
"What’s happening?"
"He is up to something" Boromir muttered worriedly. "I will speak with him, and you must promise me that whatever happens you'll stay always with Faramir. Do not leave his side, not for a second. Do you promise?"
"I promise" she nodded solemnly.
"But now you have to be honest. What do you think he’s trying to do? They are looking at me as if I was a…horse at the market. Like the way it happened when he’d bought me".
"That is what worries me the most." he sighed, "It is a custom among noblemen to.. swap particularly fair mistresses with money or estates, and I fear that the rulers of Rohan might have asked for you. Or that father has proposed you as.. a gift for Théoden's son and nephew."
He took her face into his hands then, urging her to look into his grey eyes, and did his best to smile. At least to hint a small smile.
"Trust me, no one will ever take you away from here. Just do not leave Faramir's side, that's all I ask from you. I will take care of the rest."
"I’ll never go with them, Boromir" she told him quietly, retreating her face from his hands.
"I would escape during the night and even if they would catch me…I will never arrive at Rohan…alive".
Kreshen was more than sure of what she was saying.
She would not have allowed them to lay one hand on her, nor even if they would buy her. It was not difficult for her to escape into the woods, and even if they would captured her, it would have been easy to put an end to her life during the travel to Rohan.
"Don't even say that" Boromir scolded, folding his arms across the chest and looking steadily at the girl. "No one will take you away, and there will be no need to do such.. foolishness. So get it out of your mind. And I thought you trusted me."
"They will not have me" was her only answer before they entered the hall again, trying to search for Faramir.
She had just seen him in a distance, talking to another man, when someone approached her, and Kreshen froze in place when she recognized the blond man that was with King Théoden.
"A fair maiden as you shouldn’t walk all alone" Eomer scolded her, his gaze lingering on her breasts.
"I’m going to speak to the Lord Faramir" she immediately murmured, smiling submissively, remembering Faramir’s words in his room.
But her smile faded when the Lord in front of her licked his lips, his eyes clouded with unrestrained lust.
"Kreshen" Faramir called quietly, approaching them from behind Eomer. "I was looking for you." he continued, walking to her side and taking her arm, before he turned to the other man and smiled. "Thank you for having looked after her during my absence, Lord Eomer" he said politely, hiding the sarcasm in his words behind the unwavering and gracious smile. He was quite good at that, after all those years. One had to learn how to survive, after all.
"She couldn't have been any safer than in company of such a valiant and noble man. I am much obliged to you."
"I am obliged to you, Lord Faramir" the other one smiled grimly. "For you gave me the possibility to spend some time with that gorgeous maiden".
Said that, he gave a look to Kreshen that could have expressed just one thing. Danger.
"Please, excuse me. I must have a word with my cousin" Eomer said then, nodding and quickly walking away.
When they were alone, the girl looked at Faramir, smiling gratefully.
"Thank you…he was starting to…to…lust after me…"
"Hard not to notice that" Faramir commented as he guided her to a side hall, a hint of disgust in his voice. "I've already had enough of this."
Only once sure that Kreshen was safe with his brother Boromir neared Denethor, who was chattering quietly with his nephew Elphir, the eldest son of the Prince of Dol Amroth. His father Amrothos had not come, saying that he was too old for such a long trip to Minas Tirith. It was clear, though, that he still had to forgive the Steward for the death of his beloved sister.
"My respects, cousin." Boromir smiled, bowing his head before the other man, and then added: "I must have a word with my father, it'll take but a few minutes."
Elphir smiled in response, and nodded. "Do not worry for me, Boromir, tonight your house is certainly not lacking nice people to chat with."
Boromir bowed again then, and followed his father out of the hall. The Steward led him to a small lounge, and closed the door.
"What troubles you, son?"
"I think you know, father." Boromir replied, refusing to sit down when the other settled himself on one of the benches and gestured for him to do the same. "Why did you grant me permission to escort Kreshen to the banquet when you're meaning to.. to sell her?"
An impassive Denethor merely arched an eyebrow. "I needed to show her up."
"Dear Valar.." Boromir muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "have you no heart, father? She's a human being, not a horse to sell to the best offer."
Denethor's eyebrow was dangerously raised by then. "What's the matter with you, Boromir?" he asked, staring steadily at him. "You sound much like your brother."
"I'm happy to, then." the other retorted, "And I won't allow you to do such a thing. You can mark my words."
"And you can mark mine." the Steward said quietly, standing up. "She's but a mistress, and it is my right to do as I please with her. End of discussion."
When the other neared him to walk to the door Boromir was trembling with rage, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.
"If she goes, then I will too." he threatened, his gaze unwavering. "And I won't come back."
In the meantime Kreshen was nervously walking to the library, sighing deeply now and then.
Inside of her there was a turmoil of emotion, and fear was the worse of all. It wasn’t a good idea to let the fear overwhelm her. She had to use all of her bravery to do what she had to, in case things slipped out of control.
"Faramir?" she then asked, turning to face him.
"What if your father will take me away while you or Boromir are out?"
"You will come with us." Faramir replied resolutely, "If Boromir can’t settle things down you will march with him or scout the woods with me. It.. will certainly be safer than leaving you alone here."
The mere thought to march among soldiers or scout the woods with the rangers shocked the girl.
What would their men say to them taking a woman with them?
She would been nothing but a trouble for them, forcing the whole troop to travel way too slowly.
It was sure that the two brothers would have been distracted to care for her, and this could even cause their death, for she was more than sure that in a battle they would have protected her life instead of their own.
But what would happen to her inside that tower, alone?
They could take her whenever they wanted to, when her protectors weren’t there.
"It’s all wrong" she muttered sadly after a while, sitting on his lap.
"And I don’t know what to do to settle things down".
"There is not so much you can do" he said softly, hugging her tight and looking straight into her eyes. "But I'm sure that Boromir will sort things out, there is no need to worry."
In that moment Boromir himself opened the door, stepping inside, and went to sit next to them.
"Did you speak with father?"
"Aye, I did" Boromir nodded, "But I don't know if he'll ever listen to me."
Sighing softly, Kreshen hid her face between Faramir’s neck and shoulder, hugging him back.
There was no need of words, for she knew not what to say. They could do nothing to prevent Denethor from selling her.
"Help me escape…" she murmured sadly after a while, refusing to meet their eyes.
"There’s nothing you can do except that. It’s the best thing to do. I can’t stay here".
The two brothers exchanged a glance at her words.
"You won't go anywhere without me" Boromir replied decidedly, leaning to caress her cheek and urge her to meet his eyes. "We would escape together."
"There will be no need to do that" Faramir protested vehemently, shaking his head. "We'll take her with us, so that she won't be alone in the tower. Even if you should have some of your men guard the entrance, they would let father pass."
Shifting her position, Kreshen wrapped one arm at Boromir’s neck, looking straight into his eyes, showing with a single glance what only a thousand of words could have explained, softly kissing his full lips.
Just then, someone entered the library, and the girl retreated into Faramir’s arms, scared.
Eowyn of Rohan. She froze right on the doorframe when she saw them and blushed slightly, sure to have interrupted something.
"I am sorry" she eventually muttered, "I thought no one was here and I.."
Faramir smiled in response, gesturing for her to join them. He knew that she was not like her brother and cousin, and that they could trust her. "Do not worry. Come and sit with us."
The young niece of Théoden promptly complied, closing the door and then walking to the couch they were sitting in.
Kreshen made room for her on the couch, sitting on Boromir’s lap, happy beyond any reason to be within his strong arms again.
If it hadn’t been for Denethor and his plans, this would have been the most beautiful day of all her life. To be dressed as a queen, walking hand in hand with the man she loved, receiving envious glances from the noble maidens into the hall, had been something she had never experienced.
And the best part was that she just loved to be at Boromir side. Whatever he was doing.
On his part, Boromir didn't seem too happy about Eowyn's company. To him she was just one of them, her blood was the same of the men who were planning to take his beloved away from him, and nothing more. Thus he chose to ignore her presence deliberately, giving all of his attentions to Kreshen as he held her tight into his arms and kissed her tenderly.
Matching perfectly his tenderness, Kreshen responded to that kiss, smiling softly and pushing aside a lock of hair from his forehead, sighing deeply and resting her head onto his shoulder, inhaling the deep, masculine scent that was imprinted into her brain as Boromir’s. Cinnamon, leather, and pure masculine scent.
Faramir and Eowyn were politely looking elsewhere, and none had yet uttered another word. Aware of the fact that there was definitely something deep between Boromir and the girl that her uncle was meaning to buy, Eowyn was the first to speak.
"They just won't listen to me."
Faramir looked at her, and leaned back in the couch. "Who?"
"My brother Eomer.. and my cousin. They just keep on talking about her as if she was some sort of.. object. It's sickening."
"What did you tell them?"
"That." she replied, turning to look at the young man. "I told them that their behaviour is sickening, that she's a human being and not.. not just a toy to use as you please and then throw away when you get tired of it. But they didn't listen."
Raising her eyes to look at the girl, Kreshen pondered quietly if she could speak to her or not.
Then she decided that she seemed really different from her kin.
"Beauty is a curse to me" she sighed, tightening her grip on Boromir’s hips.
"I’ve been bought some time ago to…to be given as a gift to Faramir. I wasn’t a slave, but money can buy everything… I’ve been lucky, for I’ve find a lovely brother and…" Kreshen raised then her eyes to look at Boromir, smiling softly. "And a wonderful and tender man which I adore… But they’ll never have me. I’ll never be with someone else…"
Boromir tightened the embrace at her words, while Eowyn lowered her gaze, feeling suddenly guilty. Guilty for she was a daughter of Kings, she was of the blood, no one would have even thought about selling her to be a sexual slave. Yet her uncle, a noble man, a King, meant to buy that girl. Meant to buy a person to have her submitted to his son and nephew's lust.
"They just have no morals. I am so sorry about this."
"Then let me tell you something, Eowyn of Rohan." Boromir said, his voice dangerously low and menacing. "They lay just one hand on her, and I'll make sure to have them crawling on all fours for the rest of their days. And this is a promise."
"They will not have me" Kreshen told resolutely then. "I’ll kill myself rather than lay in another man’s bed. I prefer to die…"
Boromir sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment in order to recollect his thoughts. They had to find a solution. The worse thing was that Théoden and his kin were going to stay for a few days, and he was fearing that Eomer and Théodred would refuse to leave without their gift.
"I will speak with my uncle."
Boromir snorted jeeringly at Eowyn's words, and raised an eyebrow. "He won't listen to you. You're just supposed to find a worthy man to marry and spend the rest of your life quiet and submissive at his side. They're not expecting you to take such initiatives."
"Now don't be rude, Boromir." Faramir scolded him, "she's just trying to help."
"I do not need her help."
"We will solve nothing if we continue like this" Kreshen immediately said, gently cupping Boromir’s face with both hands, forcing him to look at her. Just then, she smiled tenderly, giving him a kiss on his lips.
"There’s nothing to lose. Let her try, maybe her uncle will show us some mercy…"
Boromir sighed, evidently sceptical about Eowyn's real possibilities, but he had to admit that he could deny nothing to his Kreshen. Not when she looked at him that way, with those beautiful eyes so full of love and hope.
"Alright." he eventually agreed, and then smiled. "But it's just because you asked."
Giving him a quick peck on his lips, Kreshen smiled again, turning to look at Eowyn.
"Your offer to talk to the king is very kind. I don’t know what kind of person he is, but…if he’s like your brother and your cousin…there’s no hope".
"He just wants to please them" Eowyn replied sadly, "but I think that.. Lord Denethor is the one who proposed the exchange. I do not know for certain."
"Very well." Boromir said then, "You deal with your uncle, and I'll deal with my father."
"I will."
Chapter: 13
Authors: Gilraen / Megiliel
Pairing: Boromir /OFC
Rating: Nc-17
Archieved: Gilraen's Fanfictions Page
Warnings: See the previous chapters.
Disclaimer: I don't own Boromir, Faramir, or the other known characters.
Faramir was struggling to lace her dress for minutes now, but the cursed garment just wouldn't surrender. How could Boromir have chosen such a tricky thing?
When his umpteenth, strenuous try to poke the silken string properly through the eyelets failed miserably, he couldn't help but growl out loud with frustration.
"Hold still now" he mumbled resolutely, eyeing the devilish fastening in a menacing fashion, "It just keeps on slipping away when I'm almost done."
Three energetic knocks at the door, then, and the young man rolled his eyes.
"Whoever it is, she's not ready yet."
"Open the door!" a quite impatient Boromir urged from the corridor, trying to open it himself just to find out that it was locked.
"Go away! We've got a job to finish here." Faramir retorted, chuckling, and then leaned forward to kiss the side of Kreshen's neck in an affectionate way. "You're doing wonderfully. Just don't move, we're almost finished."
Kreshen couldn’t help but smile worriedly at him from the mirror.
The time had come. She would go to her first banquet.
From her window she had seen people from many reigns arriving with servants, horses and carriage, clearly rich beyond her imagination.
She had even recognized King Theoden from Rohan, accompanied by a young, blonde maiden and two men.
If it hadn’t been for Faramir, Kreshen would have refused to go at the party, for she was scared, and sure that she would have felt awkward and in the wrong place among kings and noblemen.
What would Boromir say to introduce her? She had no idea of his intentions.
But her beloved Faramir had prepared an hot, scented bath for her, to allow her relax to her body and mind.
When she had finished, she put on some make up, combing her hair in an hairstyle that left her neck uncovered.
Some moments later, she was snapped out from her reverie for Faramir was exulting. The dress was finally up.
And Boromir was still behind the door, obviously eavesdropping. "May I enter now?"
Faramir chose to ignore him, and smiled at Kreshen through the mirror. "Turn around, and let me see you."
Perfect. She was absolutely, incredibly perfect.
Beyond the broad neckline the embroidered fabric wrapped magnificently around her shapely breast and slender waist, ending up in the soft drapery of the wide gown. All Faramir could do was nod his approval, words not being enough, though he was sure that his eyes were showing clearly all his admiration and awe.
"Shall we open the door to my annoying, impatient brother?" he asked then, raising his voice just to be sure that Boromir could hear him from the corridor.
Before her answer, the girl smiled at Faramir. A moment later she had flung herself into his arms, hugging him fiercely and showering his checks with many tiny kisses.
She couldn’t express with mere words the gratitude and the affect that she felt for him, so she had just decided to explain it practically.
He had promised to be with her during all of the party, for he knew that Denethor would detain Boromir to show him to his allies with pride.
Kreshen knew that Denethor’s attitude towards him hurt Faramir, but she had said nothing. His father never seemed proud of him.
But she was. And she told him ceaselessly, just to be sure that he understood that there was someone who really cared for him, apart from Boromir.
"Now we can open…"
"Aye, but listen to me first" Faramir said softly, framing her face with his hands, paying attention not to mess up her hair. "If someone approaches you, do not speak unless questioned. And smile, just smile graciously, they won't bother you if you do so. That's the only thing the shallow nobility really care about when facing a fair maiden, a submissive smile." he ended the sentence with a grimace, and then smiled. "You are beautiful tonight. And I'm very proud of you."
After a soft kiss on her lips he drew back and eventually nodded towards the door, chuckling.
"Go on now, before he decides to knock down my poor door."
Walking to the door, Kreshen turned the key, unlocking it, and opening the door.
She just remained there, to look somewhat awkwardly at Boromir.
"How do I look like?"
Dresses in his uniform and ready, Boromir just couldn't reply for some moments, when he first saw her. He didn't miss a single detail, a single curve, a single ripple of the fine silk wrapped around her lithe form, blazing grey eyes literally worshipping her.
"Like a dream" he eventually whispered, stepping forward and taking her hands gently into his. "Like my dream."
"Thank you" she responded, blushing. "You look gorgeous…"
She remained some moments to look at her beloved, proud of what she was seeing. He was the most beautiful creature on which she had ever laid her eyes. And he had chosen her. A simple peasant, a slave, to be at his side.
If Faramir hadn’t been there, Kreshen would have wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him breathless, whispering all the love she felt.
"I’m so proud of you…And…you’re really beautiful with that uniform. Gondor will be well represented by you tonight".
"I am but doing my duty" he smiled, his gaze unwavering. "But you are my dream come true, and that's an entirely different matter. You look just.. just stunning, Kreshen."
And he just couldn't take his eyes off her.
Without further words, the girl tenderly kissed his forehead and his lips, her eyes lingering on his, trying to explain that she had dressed like that just for him and no one else.
"Do you think we should go?" she then whispered against his lips.
"Definitely" he smiled, offering her his arm and looking at Faramir, who was finishing getting dressed up.
"Just go ahead. I'll catch up with you in a couple of minutes."
"As you wish, little brother." Boromir replied, and then led her out of the room and to the stairs. "Are you nervous?"
"Yes…" she smiled, walking at his side and gently squeezing his arm.
When they had almost reached the hall, Kreshen heard the noise of a hundreds of people speaking and laughing out loudly, and a soft music in substratum.
Boromir's lieutenant and a guard were waiting for them at the end of the corridor, in order to escort the couple to the main hall. The two men bowed formally before Kreshen and then turned around, guiding them inside. The room was crowded with many people, and almost everyone turned towards the entrance when the captain and the fair maiden made their way inside.
A proud and strangely jovial Denethor immediately gestured for them to join him and the nobility of Rohan, as a servant offered them two goblets half filled with the finest red wine.
"King Théoden and his kin were waiting for you, son."
At his words Boromir bowed reverently before the Lord of Rohan, and smiled. "And I am utterly pleased to see the Lords of the Golden Hall again, father."
King Théoden nodded his approval to the younger man, slowly shifting his gaze on the maiden at his side.
Denethor had talked to him about that girl. She was there just to be showed up, for she was to be sold to the best offer.
He had never seen such beauty. Her face showed a great naivety, but her eyes were wise. She wasn’t stupid. What a pity that she was but a mistress.
He had meant to buy her from the first moment he had laid his eyes on her. It would have been a wonderful present to both his Theodred and his nephew Eomer.
That girl didn’t need handcuffs. She was following Boromir of her own will. Good.
The king was even more than sure that the two Steward’s sons had been good teachers to her about the art of love. They were famous even in Rohan for their many female’s preys.
"Lord Boromir" he started, hinting a smile. "I’m utterly pleased to see you. You’ve made yourself honourable on the battlefield. And you did very well".
Eomer and Theodred were quietly sipping their wine in the meantime, their eyes glued to the fair maiden.
When Theoden had talked about a negotiation with Denethor in his office, they hadn’t agreed. But now it was different. She was possibly the most beautiful woman they had ever seen. And they would have had her. Whatever it would take.
Boromir eventually shifted his gaze from the two young men to the King, and forced himself to smile again. Though he'd noticed all too well the way the two were staring at her. Though Théoden himself seemed way too interested in his Kreshen.
"Thank you, my Lord." he said simply, bowing his head. Almost instinctively he searched for her hand, just to hold it into his, not so sure of the true reason of that peculiar behaviour. They were in public, and thus weren't supposed to linger in the middle of the hall hand in hand like a betrothed couple, but he just couldn't help it. Maybe he just wanted to reassure her, remind her that he was at her side, or reassure himself that no one was going to take her away from him. Certain that Kreshen was his, his alone, and he was secretly hoping that such intimate and affectionate gesture would have made it clear to their guests.
Just then Faramir joined them, standing at Kreshen's other side as if to protect her. He had been watching them for quite a while from some distance, noticing that something was definitely wrong. Yet he was sure that now, with her secured in between him and Boromir, no one would dare to touch her. To make the concept even more explicit he exchanged a quick glance with Boromir and smiled softly at her, before he turned to greet their noble guests, bowing his head.
Théoden had noticed their behaviour. It was exactly as Denethor was fearing.
His two sons were way too affectionate with that mistress, and that was a pity, for they had to search for a noble woman. At least Boromir, the older one, was expected to be married and with many children, to please both the population and Denethor’s allies.
He was secretly hoping that the old Steward would propose a marriage with Eowyn, and it would have been even better if his niece would marry Lord Boromir himself, so proud and valiant on the battlefield.
The king understood perfectly Denethor, who wanted to get rid of that wicked mistress, to take her away from his beloved sons. And he wanted, too. For that would have been a good occasion to speak about the marriage.
Kreshen hadn’t opened her mouth. She had smiled at the king and his kin, but the lust and desire in their eyes had frightened her, so she was just staring at the ground.
The smirk on Denethor’s face was way too dangerous, and she had immediately understood that there was something wrong.
Even with Boromir and Faramir at her side, she was feeling naked under their gaze.
"I think Kreshen needs some fresh air." Boromir said then, flashing a strained smile to the King of Rohan with great effort, and then shifting his gaze to the Steward.
"May I have a word with you later, father?"
Denethor raised an eyebrow at the question, but nodded nonetheless. "Of course, son. And perhaps you're right, your.. maiden is indeed very pale and tense."
"I will guide her to the balcony, then. If you'll excuse us."
"Go ahead."
Once outside, the girl checked to see if someone could hear them, and when she knew that no one was around, she turned to look at Boromir.
"What’s happening?"
"He is up to something" Boromir muttered worriedly. "I will speak with him, and you must promise me that whatever happens you'll stay always with Faramir. Do not leave his side, not for a second. Do you promise?"
"I promise" she nodded solemnly.
"But now you have to be honest. What do you think he’s trying to do? They are looking at me as if I was a…horse at the market. Like the way it happened when he’d bought me".
"That is what worries me the most." he sighed, "It is a custom among noblemen to.. swap particularly fair mistresses with money or estates, and I fear that the rulers of Rohan might have asked for you. Or that father has proposed you as.. a gift for Théoden's son and nephew."
He took her face into his hands then, urging her to look into his grey eyes, and did his best to smile. At least to hint a small smile.
"Trust me, no one will ever take you away from here. Just do not leave Faramir's side, that's all I ask from you. I will take care of the rest."
"I’ll never go with them, Boromir" she told him quietly, retreating her face from his hands.
"I would escape during the night and even if they would catch me…I will never arrive at Rohan…alive".
Kreshen was more than sure of what she was saying.
She would not have allowed them to lay one hand on her, nor even if they would buy her. It was not difficult for her to escape into the woods, and even if they would captured her, it would have been easy to put an end to her life during the travel to Rohan.
"Don't even say that" Boromir scolded, folding his arms across the chest and looking steadily at the girl. "No one will take you away, and there will be no need to do such.. foolishness. So get it out of your mind. And I thought you trusted me."
"They will not have me" was her only answer before they entered the hall again, trying to search for Faramir.
She had just seen him in a distance, talking to another man, when someone approached her, and Kreshen froze in place when she recognized the blond man that was with King Théoden.
"A fair maiden as you shouldn’t walk all alone" Eomer scolded her, his gaze lingering on her breasts.
"I’m going to speak to the Lord Faramir" she immediately murmured, smiling submissively, remembering Faramir’s words in his room.
But her smile faded when the Lord in front of her licked his lips, his eyes clouded with unrestrained lust.
"Kreshen" Faramir called quietly, approaching them from behind Eomer. "I was looking for you." he continued, walking to her side and taking her arm, before he turned to the other man and smiled. "Thank you for having looked after her during my absence, Lord Eomer" he said politely, hiding the sarcasm in his words behind the unwavering and gracious smile. He was quite good at that, after all those years. One had to learn how to survive, after all.
"She couldn't have been any safer than in company of such a valiant and noble man. I am much obliged to you."
"I am obliged to you, Lord Faramir" the other one smiled grimly. "For you gave me the possibility to spend some time with that gorgeous maiden".
Said that, he gave a look to Kreshen that could have expressed just one thing. Danger.
"Please, excuse me. I must have a word with my cousin" Eomer said then, nodding and quickly walking away.
When they were alone, the girl looked at Faramir, smiling gratefully.
"Thank you…he was starting to…to…lust after me…"
"Hard not to notice that" Faramir commented as he guided her to a side hall, a hint of disgust in his voice. "I've already had enough of this."
Only once sure that Kreshen was safe with his brother Boromir neared Denethor, who was chattering quietly with his nephew Elphir, the eldest son of the Prince of Dol Amroth. His father Amrothos had not come, saying that he was too old for such a long trip to Minas Tirith. It was clear, though, that he still had to forgive the Steward for the death of his beloved sister.
"My respects, cousin." Boromir smiled, bowing his head before the other man, and then added: "I must have a word with my father, it'll take but a few minutes."
Elphir smiled in response, and nodded. "Do not worry for me, Boromir, tonight your house is certainly not lacking nice people to chat with."
Boromir bowed again then, and followed his father out of the hall. The Steward led him to a small lounge, and closed the door.
"What troubles you, son?"
"I think you know, father." Boromir replied, refusing to sit down when the other settled himself on one of the benches and gestured for him to do the same. "Why did you grant me permission to escort Kreshen to the banquet when you're meaning to.. to sell her?"
An impassive Denethor merely arched an eyebrow. "I needed to show her up."
"Dear Valar.." Boromir muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "have you no heart, father? She's a human being, not a horse to sell to the best offer."
Denethor's eyebrow was dangerously raised by then. "What's the matter with you, Boromir?" he asked, staring steadily at him. "You sound much like your brother."
"I'm happy to, then." the other retorted, "And I won't allow you to do such a thing. You can mark my words."
"And you can mark mine." the Steward said quietly, standing up. "She's but a mistress, and it is my right to do as I please with her. End of discussion."
When the other neared him to walk to the door Boromir was trembling with rage, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.
"If she goes, then I will too." he threatened, his gaze unwavering. "And I won't come back."
In the meantime Kreshen was nervously walking to the library, sighing deeply now and then.
Inside of her there was a turmoil of emotion, and fear was the worse of all. It wasn’t a good idea to let the fear overwhelm her. She had to use all of her bravery to do what she had to, in case things slipped out of control.
"Faramir?" she then asked, turning to face him.
"What if your father will take me away while you or Boromir are out?"
"You will come with us." Faramir replied resolutely, "If Boromir can’t settle things down you will march with him or scout the woods with me. It.. will certainly be safer than leaving you alone here."
The mere thought to march among soldiers or scout the woods with the rangers shocked the girl.
What would their men say to them taking a woman with them?
She would been nothing but a trouble for them, forcing the whole troop to travel way too slowly.
It was sure that the two brothers would have been distracted to care for her, and this could even cause their death, for she was more than sure that in a battle they would have protected her life instead of their own.
But what would happen to her inside that tower, alone?
They could take her whenever they wanted to, when her protectors weren’t there.
"It’s all wrong" she muttered sadly after a while, sitting on his lap.
"And I don’t know what to do to settle things down".
"There is not so much you can do" he said softly, hugging her tight and looking straight into her eyes. "But I'm sure that Boromir will sort things out, there is no need to worry."
In that moment Boromir himself opened the door, stepping inside, and went to sit next to them.
"Did you speak with father?"
"Aye, I did" Boromir nodded, "But I don't know if he'll ever listen to me."
Sighing softly, Kreshen hid her face between Faramir’s neck and shoulder, hugging him back.
There was no need of words, for she knew not what to say. They could do nothing to prevent Denethor from selling her.
"Help me escape…" she murmured sadly after a while, refusing to meet their eyes.
"There’s nothing you can do except that. It’s the best thing to do. I can’t stay here".
The two brothers exchanged a glance at her words.
"You won't go anywhere without me" Boromir replied decidedly, leaning to caress her cheek and urge her to meet his eyes. "We would escape together."
"There will be no need to do that" Faramir protested vehemently, shaking his head. "We'll take her with us, so that she won't be alone in the tower. Even if you should have some of your men guard the entrance, they would let father pass."
Shifting her position, Kreshen wrapped one arm at Boromir’s neck, looking straight into his eyes, showing with a single glance what only a thousand of words could have explained, softly kissing his full lips.
Just then, someone entered the library, and the girl retreated into Faramir’s arms, scared.
Eowyn of Rohan. She froze right on the doorframe when she saw them and blushed slightly, sure to have interrupted something.
"I am sorry" she eventually muttered, "I thought no one was here and I.."
Faramir smiled in response, gesturing for her to join them. He knew that she was not like her brother and cousin, and that they could trust her. "Do not worry. Come and sit with us."
The young niece of Théoden promptly complied, closing the door and then walking to the couch they were sitting in.
Kreshen made room for her on the couch, sitting on Boromir’s lap, happy beyond any reason to be within his strong arms again.
If it hadn’t been for Denethor and his plans, this would have been the most beautiful day of all her life. To be dressed as a queen, walking hand in hand with the man she loved, receiving envious glances from the noble maidens into the hall, had been something she had never experienced.
And the best part was that she just loved to be at Boromir side. Whatever he was doing.
On his part, Boromir didn't seem too happy about Eowyn's company. To him she was just one of them, her blood was the same of the men who were planning to take his beloved away from him, and nothing more. Thus he chose to ignore her presence deliberately, giving all of his attentions to Kreshen as he held her tight into his arms and kissed her tenderly.
Matching perfectly his tenderness, Kreshen responded to that kiss, smiling softly and pushing aside a lock of hair from his forehead, sighing deeply and resting her head onto his shoulder, inhaling the deep, masculine scent that was imprinted into her brain as Boromir’s. Cinnamon, leather, and pure masculine scent.
Faramir and Eowyn were politely looking elsewhere, and none had yet uttered another word. Aware of the fact that there was definitely something deep between Boromir and the girl that her uncle was meaning to buy, Eowyn was the first to speak.
"They just won't listen to me."
Faramir looked at her, and leaned back in the couch. "Who?"
"My brother Eomer.. and my cousin. They just keep on talking about her as if she was some sort of.. object. It's sickening."
"What did you tell them?"
"That." she replied, turning to look at the young man. "I told them that their behaviour is sickening, that she's a human being and not.. not just a toy to use as you please and then throw away when you get tired of it. But they didn't listen."
Raising her eyes to look at the girl, Kreshen pondered quietly if she could speak to her or not.
Then she decided that she seemed really different from her kin.
"Beauty is a curse to me" she sighed, tightening her grip on Boromir’s hips.
"I’ve been bought some time ago to…to be given as a gift to Faramir. I wasn’t a slave, but money can buy everything… I’ve been lucky, for I’ve find a lovely brother and…" Kreshen raised then her eyes to look at Boromir, smiling softly. "And a wonderful and tender man which I adore… But they’ll never have me. I’ll never be with someone else…"
Boromir tightened the embrace at her words, while Eowyn lowered her gaze, feeling suddenly guilty. Guilty for she was a daughter of Kings, she was of the blood, no one would have even thought about selling her to be a sexual slave. Yet her uncle, a noble man, a King, meant to buy that girl. Meant to buy a person to have her submitted to his son and nephew's lust.
"They just have no morals. I am so sorry about this."
"Then let me tell you something, Eowyn of Rohan." Boromir said, his voice dangerously low and menacing. "They lay just one hand on her, and I'll make sure to have them crawling on all fours for the rest of their days. And this is a promise."
"They will not have me" Kreshen told resolutely then. "I’ll kill myself rather than lay in another man’s bed. I prefer to die…"
Boromir sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment in order to recollect his thoughts. They had to find a solution. The worse thing was that Théoden and his kin were going to stay for a few days, and he was fearing that Eomer and Théodred would refuse to leave without their gift.
"I will speak with my uncle."
Boromir snorted jeeringly at Eowyn's words, and raised an eyebrow. "He won't listen to you. You're just supposed to find a worthy man to marry and spend the rest of your life quiet and submissive at his side. They're not expecting you to take such initiatives."
"Now don't be rude, Boromir." Faramir scolded him, "she's just trying to help."
"I do not need her help."
"We will solve nothing if we continue like this" Kreshen immediately said, gently cupping Boromir’s face with both hands, forcing him to look at her. Just then, she smiled tenderly, giving him a kiss on his lips.
"There’s nothing to lose. Let her try, maybe her uncle will show us some mercy…"
Boromir sighed, evidently sceptical about Eowyn's real possibilities, but he had to admit that he could deny nothing to his Kreshen. Not when she looked at him that way, with those beautiful eyes so full of love and hope.
"Alright." he eventually agreed, and then smiled. "But it's just because you asked."
Giving him a quick peck on his lips, Kreshen smiled again, turning to look at Eowyn.
"Your offer to talk to the king is very kind. I don’t know what kind of person he is, but…if he’s like your brother and your cousin…there’s no hope".
"He just wants to please them" Eowyn replied sadly, "but I think that.. Lord Denethor is the one who proposed the exchange. I do not know for certain."
"Very well." Boromir said then, "You deal with your uncle, and I'll deal with my father."
"I will."