In the Middle of Middle-Earth

In the Middle of Middle-Earth

Chapter 1

Author: Frosty the Glo-Worm
Rated: NC-17
Codes: Legolas, Boromir, Aragorn, Faramir, Elrond, Eowyn, Elros, Haldir, OC, AU, N/C
Summary: Has evil come to the elves of Lorien? Can Legolas get control over his sister? Is Boromir not the coolest thing ever?!? R&R!
Author's Notes: Taking extreme creative license here: Aragorn and Arwen are married. Faramir and Eowyn are not together. Boromir is alive. Haldir is alive. All the hobbits are alive and well. Takes place after the defeat of Sauron. More notes as I think of them.
Disclaimer: LOTR is not mine! Who knew?!


*

Valawen had never been to Rivendell before. Her brother, Legolas, had told her stories of the place, how the fellowship was formed there, how different it was from Mirkwood, how the elves were dying before the One Ring was destroyed. It had been years since then, and Legolas was once again returning to Rivendell. Valawen insisted on accompanying him.

He stared at her, his blue eyes resting on hers. Leaning towards her, he whispered carefully, "You should stay here, Valawen. Father needs you."

"Our father will be fine, Legolas. I want to see Rivendell. I've never left Mirkwood. I'm getting a little tired of the monotony!" Valawen placed her pack on her horse and looked at her brother defiantly. She had long wanted to explore Middle-Earth, to have her own adventures, not just hear about them from her brother.

A small smile played across his face. "It is only business I go on. Don't blame me if you get bored."

Valawen grinned and mounted her horse. "I won't." Mirkwood and her father would be fine for a few weeks without them. This was her chance to have some fun. Legolas got up on his own steed and nodded goodbye to his father. Valawen waved, and they set off.

*

The journey from Mirkwood to Rivendell was long and slow. Legolas told Valawen many stories about the fabled land of Elves. She found herself very interested in the people she would be meeting, the different races, and the friends Legolas often spoke of.

"Elrond Halfelven is leadleader of Rivendell, he'll put us up during our stay," said Legolas. "His daughter, Arwen, will most likely be there, too. Perhaps you two will become friends."

"Elrond is the one who sent the army to help the men of Rohan, isn't he?" she asked. "The one who helped defeat Isengard."

"Yes. The Lady of the Wood was instrumental in coercing him to help, though. I don't think he likes Men very much."

Valawen frowned. "I've never met men."

Her brother looked at her. "You will. The King of Gondor will be in Rivendell, along with Eomer of Rohan and Faramir of Osgiliath."

"You still haven't told me why this meeting is taking place," she said, smiling at Legolas, "Is it a secret?" Her brother didn't often keep secrets from her. She knew whatever reason he was summoned for was an important one.

Valawen noticed his eyes grow distant, but he soon turned to her and smiled. "Yes. For now." She didn't bother himh thh that question again for the rest of the journey.

*

At the turn of the week was when they finally arrived in Rivendell. Valawen was struck by how bright and beautiful the place was, as Mirkwood was quite dark because of all the trees. The buildings seemed to glow. She grinned as they entered the gates.

Legolas dismounted immediately and embraced a man Valawen could only assume was the King of Gondor. Her brother had often described Aragorn to her. His hair was shoulder-length and dark, his face was bright but bore the shadow of someone who had survived things most people would never see. The dark greloakloak he wore brought out his eyes.

Valawen slowly dismounted her horse, and it was then she noticed the young woman standing beside Aragorn and her brother. A beautiful, young thing. An elf. [i]This must be Arwen[/i], she thought, as the woman smiled at the man with love in her eyes.

Valawenroacroached the group. "Aragorn, Arwen," said her brother, gesturing to his sister, "this is Valawen. Valawen, these are my friends."

The man, whose stare never wavered from her, nodded his head. "An honour, Valawen. Legolas has told us much about you."

She smiled. "Thank you. You as well." She blushed slightly, having Aragorn's eyes upon her. She had never met a Man before. They were indeed as imposing as she had been told. She turned to the woman at his side. "Arwen, your city is beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to stay."

The dark elf smiled. "Of course. I will show you to your room so Aragorn and Legolas can catch up." She pecked her husband on the cheek and led Valawen away. Valawen noticed that both Aragorn and Legolas watched them until they were out of sight, but Arwen seemed to pay them no mind. "My father, Elrond, will have you at dinner tonight. I believe all our torstors are attending."

Valawen was fascinated by the buildings she was being led through. Each was so rich with history and magic. Mirkwood was beautiful, but it was deep in the forest. Rivendell was open and luminous. She turned her attention to her companion. "Legolas has told me nothing of why he was summoned here," Valawen said, noticing Arwen's suddenly downturned glance, "Are all your visitors here for the same reason."

She smiled, an indulgent one at best. "Yes. Most of them." She led them into a room filled with tapestries and art. At the end of the room was a bed. "These will be your quarters while you are our visitor. My father's are just down the hall. Legolas will be next door."

"Thank you," said Valawen, sitting on the bed. She hesitated, but curiousity got the better of her so she asked, "Arwen, can you tell me anything of why Legolas was asked to come?"

The elf looked thoughtful for a momenten sen sighed. "I'm afraid I am not allowed. I'm sorry, Valawen, but in time you'll be told. There are many here who don't know why a meeting is being held, but it will be public knowledge soon enough." A smile graced her features. "Put it out of your mind, and please, feel free to take a tour of our city. Dinner will be in three hours. If you'll excuse me, I have a previous engagement."

Valawen stood and smiled. "Of course. Thank you." She watched as Arwen left and closed the doors. Valawen felt a twinge of annoyance at not being told anything of why her brother was sent for, but decided against sulking. The day was too young, and Rivendell too beautiful. She looked out the window and sighed. A walk would be nice.

*

Valawen walked along the balcony that led to the guestrooms on the other side of the building. The entire city glittered in the distance. She leaned against the railing and looked downwards towards the meeting hall. Legolas and Aragorn, she could see, were still talking, but another man had also joined them. She wasn't sure who he was, but he was dressed in the armour of someone who expected battle. His sword hung loosely at his side.

She slid her gaze from the trio when she noticed Arwen walking the path beneath the balcony. She was accompanied by a small blonde woman. Valawen didn't know if she was human or elf. Her attention was quickly drawn away from them when a deep voice crept up beside her. "Enjoying the view?"

Valawen startled and placed a hand on her chest. She smiled at the man next to her. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you."

He grinned softly and looked out over the city. "I haven't been up here in a while. It's quite lovely."

Valawen stared at the stranger next to her. He was an elf, probably of some stature, she assumed, because he gave off an air of confidence. His hair was long and dark, but his eyes were kind. He noticed her staring at him and she blushed and turned away.

"I'll leave you to your view," he said, and she could have sworn she saw the shadow of a smirk play across his lips.

She watched him walk through the doorway and exhaled sharply when he was gone. Shaking her head, she berated herself for acting like a child. Mirkwood held lots of attractive men, but she had known them all since they were very young. She had grown up with them, and considered most as close as brothers. Here, though, in Rivendell, was the first place she had met new people in many, many years. Good-looking people. She sighed and looked back at the doorway. Very good-looking people.

*

Legolas sighed and looked at his surroundings. He wasn't upset to be back in Rivendell, but he had hoped the circumstances of his visit would have been better.

He looked up and saw his sister on a balcony near the guest-quarters. He smiled and waved, and she returned the gesture.

Faramir turned to look at who Legolas was greeting. "Is that your sister?" he asked, frowning.

The elf nodded. "Yes, she insisted on accomanying me." He looked at the two men in front of him. "She knows not of the reason I was summoned."

Aragorn glanced up at the balcony. He watched as Valawen walked onward and out of their sight. "Is there a reason you haven't told her?" he asked.

"No," said Legolas, "I just didn't want to weigh her down with un-needed worry. Not until it's necessary that she know."

Aragorn looked at Faramir as he fidgeted with his sword. "I don't see how it won't be necessary. If what Elrond says is true, then another war is inevitable."

"There's always hope for a way around war," said Aragorn softly, "But I agree. It doesn't look good."

Legolas frowned and glared at the mountains in the distance. "Elves should know better."

"Elros has been tainted. They all have." Aragorn paused as Legolas moved his eyes to look at him. "An unfortunate reminder of Sauron's power."

Faramir bowed his head and sighed. Legolas pursed his lips. "I am grateful that the Lady of the Wood has long passed. In the hands of evil, her power could have destroyed us all."

Aragorn nodded and looked up as Arwen and Eowyn approached. He bowed his head curtly. "Ladies."

Arwen smiled and clasped her hand over her husband's arm. "Were you speaking of Lothlorien?"

"We were," said Faramir, "It is a shame."

"I hoped Sauron's power would have finally left Middle-Earth. I suppose things are never quite that easy," said Eowyn, crossing her arms.

Faramir raised his eyebrows. "Easy?"

Arwen smiled and tugged on Aragorn's arm. "Dinner is almost ready. We should all get ready."

Legolas shouldered his and Valawen's packs. "Yes. There will be time to discuss this later." They then headed for their rooms.

*

Valawen was waiting for Legolas when he arrived. She took her bag from him and followed him into his room. "Did you have a good meeting?" she asked, flopping down on his bed. She noticed his room was very green, while hers was very red. She wondered if there were any pink rooms.

Legolas eyed her as he stepped into the bathroom. He closed the door and she heard a muffled, "Are you ready for dinner?" coming from behind the wall.

She rolled her eyes and sat up. "Yes," she said, not bothering to raise her voice. It was a few minutes before her brother came out of the bathroom. He was clothed in a much nicer set of threads. Princely attire.

He stared at his sister and she glared at him, then sighed. "I'll tell you about it later, alright? After dinner."

"Promise?" she asked, eyebrow raised.

"Yes. Now let's go, or we'll be late."

Valawen got up and followed her brother out of the room. They passed into the gardens before she spoke again. "An elf came to speak to me while I was on the balcony. Do you know who he is?"

Legolas looked at her. "I didn't see you talking with anyone. What did he look like?"

"Tall, long dark hair, dark blue eyes...," her mouth inched upwards into a small smile, "He wasn't bad to look at."

Her brother frowned. "There are a lot of elves in Rivendell, Valawen, you'll have to be more specific."

She frowned. "Nevermind. Maybe I'll see him again later."

Legolas said nothing as he led them into the dinner hall. Many of the faces Valawen had seen earlier were present among the crowd. Most of them, though, she didn't recognize. She jumped when two small people ran past, nearly knocking into her.

Her brother noticed her staring. "Hobbits," he said, smiling. She nodded, having remembered the stories.

Legolas led her across the room as most of the people began to take seats. They found theirs near the middle of the table, and Valawen looked to her right and smiled as she noticed she was being seated next to Aragorn.

"Good evening, Valawen," he said as she sat down, "How was your tour of Rivendell?"

Valawen bit her lip. "It was beautiful," she said, "I'm looking forward to seeing more of it tomorrow."

"Perhaps I could take you on a tour of the gardens," he said, "That was my favourite place when I grew up here."

She raised her eyebrows. "You grew up in Rivendell? I didn't know."

He nodded. "I did, but it's a long story. One better suited to, say, a long walk?" He grinned.

Valawen smiled. "Of course. I'd love to."

"Good. Tomorrow, then." He was about to say something else when someone walking by caught his attention. "Ah, our host. Finally." he said, winking.

Valawen turned her head and noticed immediately that their host was the same elf who had spoken to her earlier on the balcony. She watched as he walked to the head of the table. "Friends," he said, "Welcome to Rivendell. To those who I have not yet introduced myself, my name is Elrond. We have business to discuss, of course, but that will wait till tomorrow. For now, let us dine in peace."

Some cheering erupted from the far end of the table, and Valawen noticed she could barely see the little people over the heads of the rest of the crowd. A few people laughed, and she turned her head back to Elrond. She noticed a small smirk on his face, the same good-humoured one he had given to her. She caught his eye and he held their gaze for a moment, and then turned and settled into conversation with a man next to him.

"So that is Elrond," she said, then she leaned to Legolas and hit him on the leg, "he's the one who talked to me earlier," she whispered, and her brother frowned at her.

Aragorn smiled. "Elrond is a good man. I can introduce you tomorrow, if you like."

Valawen nodded. She had hoped to speak with him again that evening, but it was too busy and he had left before she could find him. So she retired to her room for the evening, looking forward to spending the next day with Aragorn.

*

"I used to spend hours here, in my youth. In the evening the jasmine would bloom; have you ever smelled jasmine?" Aragorn had kept his promise and escorted Valawen on a tour of the gardens. He had told her of his childhood, how and why he grew up in Rivendell, and he had been particularly attentive to her for the entire morning. She was quite enjoying it.

"No," she answered, "Mirkwood is too dark for such flowers, and this is the first I've left my forest."

He led them to a bench and they sat down. "And how are you enjoying your first adventure?" He smiled. Valawen was quite enamoured of that smile.

She grinned. "It's not quite an adventure, but I am enjoying it nonetheless."

"I'm glad to hear that." Aragorn leaned over the back of the bench and plucked a flower from the tree behind them. He smelled it before tucking it behind her ear. "Plumeria," he said, running his finger along her ear, "It looks beautiful on you."

Valawen's eyes widened as his finger slid from her. "Thank you," she breathed. She sat there as he looked into her eyes, a small smile on the edge of his lips. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She wasn't sure what was happening, but it was an invigorating feeling. She jumped when a voice behind her sounded.

"Aragorn."

She turned quickly to see a man and woman walking towards them. She looked back at Aragorn and saw him smile at the couple. "Faramir, Eowyn" he said, standing up as the man approached, "This is Valawen, Legolas' sister. Valawen, these are my friends, Faramir of Osgiliath and Eowyn of Rohan."

Valawen stood and bowed her head to them in greeting. The man she recognized as the soldier who she had seen speaking with Aragorn and her brother. She recognized his name from Legolas' stories; he was the brother of Boromir. Eowyn she had seen walking with Arwen. The young blonde smiled warmly at Valawen.

"It's an honour to meet you, Valawen," said Faramir, "Your brother has told us much about you."

Valawen raised her eyebrows. "Has he?" she asked, surprised.

Faramir smiled. "Well, he has told us of you." He winked and then turned his attention to Aragorn. "Can we talk? Eowyn can continue the tour you were giving Valawen, if that is alright with her." He turned his attention back to her.

Valawen was disappointed, but nodded to Aragorn. "It is. Thank you, Aragorn. I hope to see you later."

"Of course," he said, and then he and Faramir walked away. Valawen watched them briefly before turning to her companion. The woman was smiling at her.

"Would you care to have tea in the dining hall?" Eowyn asked, as they began walking. She was very soft-spoken.

"That sounds nice," replied Valawen, taking one last look back from where they came.

*

"Was I seeing things, back in the garden, or were you flirting with a new elf?" Faramir grinned at the man walking next to him.

Aragorn raised an eyebrow and looked up. "I am a married man, you know."

Faramir laughed. "Yes, I know. Hasn't stopped you before." They continued on, walking towards a building on the far side of Rivendell. "Boromir has arrived, finally, and he brings news of Lothlorien. Seems the elves want to talk, and are sending a party this way." Aragorn's eyes turnerk. rk. "Elros is with them."

"How far are they?" he asked, his pace increasing.

Faramir sighed. "I don't know. That's all Boromir told me before going to see Elrond." He paused and looked back at Aragorn. "She's very pretty."

Aragorn frowned and stared, taking a moment before realizing who his companion was speaking of. "Valawen?" Faramir nodded, and Aragorn smirked. "Yes, she is indeed easy on the eyes."

"Arwen wouldn't approve," said Faramir, grinning.

Aragorn laughed. "No, she would not."

"So, you probably don't want her to find out, then?" Faramir's smile faded slightly, but a light came over his eyes.

"We can speak of this later," replied Aragorn, smirking, as they approached the building, "Right now our attention should lie with other, less appealing elves.

Faramir nodded as they entered the meeting hall.

*

Eowyn brought two cups of tea to the table where Valawen was seated. "Thank you," said Valawen, as the human sat down across from her. She noticed that Eowyn had been looking at her a lot, with what could only be described as a curious expression. Valawen wished she would speak about whatever was on her mind.

Finally, she did.

"I noticed you were quite close to Aragorn," she said, taking a sip of her tea.

Valawen raised her head. So this was about Aragorn. "Excuse me?" she asked, not sure exactly what Eowyn was hinting at.

The blonde looked up, her blue eyes wide with interest, and a hint of worry. Valawen was very confused. "I know we're not friends, but I feel I need to warn you," said Eowyn, turning her cup in her hands, "Aragorn can be quite...insistent."

Valawen blinked. "He's married," she said. Married meant something. She couldn't deny that she felt attracted to Aragorn, but she would never act on that attraction. Arwen had been good to her, and she would never come between a married couple.

Valawen widened her eyes in surprise when Eowyn laughed. She seemed to be lost in thought for a few moments, before she looked back up at the elf. "That means less than you think it does." She sat back, sighed, and smiled. "Arwen isn't stupid," she said, shaking her head, "but she loves her husband. Even if he didn't come back quite the man he was when he left."

Valawen's face softened. "I don't understand."

Eowyn leaned forward. "It's not my place to say more, but I just thought you should know that...that Aragorn can't always be trusted to take the moral high ground."

"Alright," said Valawen, shaking her head slowly. She had a pretty good idea what Eowyn was talking about, but part of her just couldn't believe that Aragorn wasn't as trustworthy as he seemed. She knew Legolas would have warned her to be careful if there was actually something to be worried about.

Eowyn seemed to know exactly what she was thinking. "Most don't know," she said sadly, "Your brother, I don't believe he knows. I ask that you keep this to yourself. Aragorn is a good king and a good warrior," she paused, "He's a good man. If you have any concerns, you should talk to Arwen. But I ask of you not to, unless the need arises."

Valawen took a deep breath. "I understand. Thank you. I...I should be leaving. Legolas will wonder where I've been." She stood up, leaving her full cup on the table. Eowyn rose also. "Thank you for the tea," she said.

Eowyn nodded. "You're welcome." Valawen then turned away, and hurried off to find Legolas.

*

She found him out near the waterfall, staring silently into it. He was always so reflective.

"Legolas," she said as she approached. He turned towards her and smiled. "I'm sorry I'm late. I was having tea with Eowyn."

His smile became broader. "I'm glad to hear you're making friends."

Valawen nodded silently. Not really a friend, she thought, but she didn't want to get into details with her brother. She promised Eowyn that she wouldn't tell anyone what she had said, and she meant to keep that promise.

Legolas stood up. "Did Aragorn introduce you to Elrond?" he asked, interest in his voice.

Valawen had almost forgotten. "No, he didn't," she said, "Will you introduce me to him?" She grinned, knowing that her brother would prefer not to.

Legolas frowned. He seemed to consider something for a few seconds, then huffed, "Fine!" before setting off towards the main hall. Valawen followed him quickly.

*

Elrond stared out at the gardens. He was feeling very conflicted, and more than a little worried. He had hoped that the battle for Middle-Earth had ended when Sauron had been defeated, but that hope had disappeared when news of Lothlorien arrived. The evil had moved far and fast, and even his own people had felt the effect of it. Now he had rogue elves on his hands, and even a few rogue men. Another battle was beginning. And his own brother was leading it.

"Elros," he sighed, thinking about what Boromir and the others had told him about the advancing party. Apparently, they wanted to speak with the elves and in Rin Rivendell. They spoke of a peaceful resolution. A resolution to what, though, Elrond didn't know. The elves of Lothlorien had turned dark, and he honestly couldn't say what it was that they wanted. Power, he supposed. Is that not what it always was?

He licked his lips and glanced to the far trail when he noticed movement. Legolas was walking with his sister towards the hall. He watched the young elf, her dark hair flying behind her as she tried to keep up with her brother. He smiled, thinking of how much she looked like Celebrian. Her dark features, her bright eyes, even the way she moved. She was so young, though, younger than even his daughter. But just looking at her made him feel warm.

Elrond took a deep breath when Legolas walked into the hall. He smiled as the blonde elf approached, and noticed a hesitant and somewhat resentful look on his face. The girl behind him, however, looked very happy.

"Elrond," said Legolas, bowing his head slightly, "I would like you to meet my sister, Valawen of Mirkwood. Valawen, this is Elrond. Father of Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen." The introduction was short and Legolas' tone somewhat clipped. Elrond smirked at the uncomfortable look on the elf's face.

"Valawen," he said, taking her hand and kissing it, "It is an honour to finally know your name." He smiled as he saw her blush.

"It's good to meet you also," said Valawen, "Thank you for your hospitality. You have a beautiful city."

Elrond released her hand and said, "Thank you." He paused for a moment, then asked, "Would you care to join me for dinner tonight, Valawen? I would enjoy hearing about your journey here."

Valawen seemed slightly taken aback by the offer, but soon smiled and offered a breathy "Yes" as a reply. Legolas only frowned.

"Excellent. Legolas, would you please escort your sister to my private dining room at sunset?" Elrond smiled when Valawen's brother replied in the affirmative. "It was lovely meeting you," he said again, "I must ask now that Legolas accompany me alone. There is some business I must discuss with him."

"Of course," said Valawen, who didn't look too happy at being left alone again. Legolas, however, looked much happier. Elrond watched as the young girl left the hall, and found himself very much looking forward to that evening.

Legolas stared as Elrond as he watched Valawen walk away. He raised his eyebrow saidsaid, "You had some business to discuss with me?"

Elrond turned to the blonde elf and smiled. "Your sister is quite beautiful," he said, and smiled even broader when Legolas' eyebrows shot up, "I hope you don't mind me asking her to dinner. She seems like she could use some company."

Legolas' face softened and he nodded. "I haven't had much time to spend with her," he said, "I imagine she is quite lonely." He shook his head slowly. "She insisted on coming along."

Elrond began walking towards the door on the far end of the hall. "She's your sister, Legolas. Would you be content sitting at home while others are out helping the world?"

Legolas sighed as he fell in line with the elder elf. "No, I suppose not. But she knows nothing of why we've come." His eyes turned downcast. "I've been afraid to tell her."

Elrond nodded. "She will learn eventually. There's no harm in telling her. This impending war will affect us all. You can't protect her from that."

"You're right, of course," replied Legolas, "So what of this business? Has someone brought news?"

"Yes," said Elrond as they approached the door, "We are meeting inside." He opened the door and gestured to Legolas. "Please, join us."

*

Valawen made her way back to her quarters. She was still feeling a little shakey after being asked to dinner by Elrond. She wasn't sure what it was about him, but he made her feel kind of weak-kneed. It was a very new feeling to her. And a very good one.

Dinner actually wasn't too far away. She entered her room and closed the door, layed down on the bed, and thought about what she would be doing if she were still in Mirkwood. Nothing this exciting, most likely. Days there were monotonous and dull. Her duties as the daughter of the King weren't anyt to to look forward to. Here, here she could do what she wanted, when she wanted. And there were so many new people. She smiled bit bit her lip. She loved this adventure thing. No wonder Legolas always took off at the first chance he got.

She rolled over and sighed, that nagging feeling still in the back of her mind. There was always business to discuss. She really wished someone would tell her what this "business" was.

Valawen shook her head and grabbed the book on her bedside table. She had time to do a bit of reading before having to get ready for dinner.

*

Boromir leaned back in his chair and looked at each person around him, eyebrow raised, a small smirk on his face. "Well," he said, looking up at Elrond, "What do you want us to do?"

Legolas crossed his arms and sighed. This news of a party being sent towards Rivendell wasn't something he was happy to hear. They must have some sort of ulterior motive. "We will do nothing," he heard Elrond say, "When they arrive, I will speak with them."

Boromir snorted and got up from his chair. He paced the hall, shaking his head, and then stopped suddenly. "You would allow the enemy into the only place on Middle-Earth that hasn't been affected by this...this plague? What sense does that make?"

Elrond clasped his hands behind his back. He was used to Boromir's anger. "The plague is not a risk any longer. Only those it has affected are a concern. We will set up guards along Rivendell, and allow those from Lothlorien access to only certain parts of the city. They will be watchday day and night."

Boromir didn't seem too relaxed by that sentiment. He crossed his arms and roughly sat back down in his chair. Faramir walked forward. "We will set up our men tonight, Elrond, along the east wall. If Aragorn agrees, his guards can be ordered to accompany the Lothlorien elves while in Rivendell." Aragorn nodded his ascent.

"I have sent out several guards to accompany the Lothlorien party on their way to Rivendell. They will arrive no earlier than 26 hours from now. I suggest everyone get some rest before they get here." Elrond took a deep breath and looked at Legolas, "Anyone who doesn't know about the impending arrivals should be let in on what's happening. I don't want anyone getting harmed." Legolas nodded in silent understanding. "It's nearing the dinner hour. I suggest we go eat."

Silently, most of the company exited the hall. Legolas followed Elrond out, noting how Boromir stayed behind.

*

TBC