In the Ruins of Hope

In the Ruins of Hope

Chapter 4
Author: Frosty the Street Thug
Rated: Strong R
Codes: Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, Faramir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: The hobbits are dead. Arwen is dead. The war is not over, but the elves are leaving Middle-Earth. King Aragorn and the people of Minas Tirith are all who are left to fight for the freedom of the land. But what's this? Thve bve been corrupted? Say it ain't so!
Author's Notes: Boromir lives. Deal.
Disclaimer: This is so far from Tolkien-verse it doesn't even need a disclaimer. ;)
Notes: Elvish translations will be at the end of each chapter.

*

Faramir smirked at his brother as he entered the hall. "That didn't take long," he remarked, crossing his arms, "Was she not worth it?"

"I gave her a taste of what is to come," replied Boromir, "I prefer my women clean, so I ordered her to bathe."

Laughing, Faramir shook his head and pushed himself from the wall. "I went to look at the elves. The other females are blonde and not quite as young as this one. I took one, but I would not mind a go at yours. Would you allow your dear brother to put his hands on your property?"

Boromir grinned. "I just may. You can consider it an early birthday present."

The auburn-haired man was quiet for a second before his smile faded and he leaned in close to his brother. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but the elf you took was Legolas' partner, right?" When Boromir nodded, Faramir continued, "He was most displeased when I was down there. Even without weapons he managed to knock out both the guards who had held him. If there had not been more guards outside to stop him, I suspect he would have interfered in your plans."

Boromir grunted. "There would be no interference. I would tie him up and make him watch." Sighing, he led the way out of the hall and out into the sunny courtyard. "If it were my decision, I would be done with that elf. Aragorn is too weak to give that order."

Clasping his hands behind his back, Faramir nodded softly and looked to his brother. "The loss of Arwen still affects him. I have faith, though, that he will become stronger as the days progress."

"I hope you are right. A weak King is a burden and nothing more." Boromir stood at the edge of the courtyard looking out over the white city. His eyes flitted across the plains and to the mountains, where columns of smoke rose from between the rocky hills. "A compassionate King will not be able to lead us to victory."

Faramir's cloudy blue eyes moved towards Osgiliath, a city still overrun with the enemy. "Will any King be able to lead us to victory? I must ask, Boromir, what was the point of sending out soldiers to retrieve these elves? What good can they bring us?"

"They bring us no good, for they are traitors. Gondor is alone in this war. If you were to have asked me 'why elves?' before Arwen's death, I would not have an answer for you. But now, now Aragorn realizes what the elves have left us to. This is vengeance, nothing more." Boromir's dark eyes fell upon his brother and he smiled. "I suppose the only good they bring are playthings for us."

"Indeed," chuckled Faramir, taking in a deep breath of the cool air. "I am quite pleased by this, actually. The elven women are...different than our own. The blonde one I had squirmed as though she were a virgin."

Boromir shook his head softly. "It is about time the elves paid for their degradation and superiority. I never trusted their kind. They are cold and two-faced and I will make this one scream for every friend I have lost in this war."

"Should I be prepared to have a poor night's sleep tonight?" grinned Faramir.

"Perhaps I will gag her, so as not to wake you," laughed the elder, clapping his brother on the back. "Come, let us find Aragorn. I need to speak with him."

"I believe he is with the elves." At Boromir's frown, he continued, "He seems intent on having out with Legolas. All his anger is focused on his former friend."

Boromir nodded. "Understandable." They walked through the city, heading towards the third level. "In the end, death will come to that elf."

Passing the guards when the arr at at the hall, Boromir pushed open the door and arrived upon a scene of Legolas standing face-to-face with Aragorn, a look of utter hatred upon his face.

Each person in the room turned to look at the arriving pair, and before anyone else could react, Legolas ran past Aragorn and slammed into Boromir, shoving him against the wall and locking his arm over the man's throat.

"Where is she?" he growled, his eyes blazing. He pressed harder when Boromir only smiled. Quickly, two guards grabbed the elf and pulled him off their Captain. Legolas struggled for a few moments before relaxing against their hold. "What did you do to her?"

Boromir chuckled and adjusted his clothing. "What makes you think I had anything to do with your lady's disappearance?" he asked, his eyes amused.

"Aragorn told me." Legolas' eyes stared at Boromir with such contempt, but the human seemed not to care. "If you have hurt her, I will kill you."

Tossing an irritated glance towards his quiet King, Boromir clasped his hands behind his back and approached the elf. "You are hardly in any position to make threats," he said darkly.

"Why are you here, Boromir?" Aragorn pursed his lips and walked forward, keenly aware of the Captain's irritation.

Tearing his gaze from Legolas, Boromir tossed a glance to his brother before speaking. "I wanted to speak to you regarding the city's defenses. Is this not a good time?"

Aragorn's blue eyes softened. "No, it is not. Can you not find something else to do while I speak with Legolas?"

For a moment Boromir was terribly annoyed, but a glance at the elves changed his demeanor. "Indeed I can," he said, smiling at Legolas, "There is someone waiting for me in my rooms."

"Lin gwanath sabar," replied Legolas in a quiet, hard tone, "It will happen."

Boromir narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He nodded to the King before leaving the room with his brother.

"Your death will come before his," said Aragorn as the door closed. His voice held no superior tones. He spoke as though it was predestined truth. "You cannot save these elves."

Legolas jerked free of his captors. "You are a weak, pathetic human," he spat, "The Aragorn I knew would never allow this to happen."

The words of his former friend had little impact on Aragorn. "The Aragorn you knew is dead. He died with Arwen. My trust was in you and Lord Elrond, Legolas, and you two were the first to betray us. To betray me."

"You speak what you know to be lies!" he yelled, pacing towards the King, "Is all you want vengeance? If it so, then take me and let the others leave!"

"They are as much to blame as you," he replied, "If there were more elves left in Middle-Earth, I would capture them as well. You will all receive vengeance."

Shaking his head, Legolas stepped away from Aragorn. "The city will fall. You will fail in this war, and then all your vengeance will mean nothing. If you intend to hurt me, then bee wie with it. I am tired of your talk."

Aragorn smiled softly. "In time," he replied, turning and walking towards the door. He left the hall without another word.

*

TBC


Elf-Speak:

Lin gwanath sabar. - Your death is mine.