Love and Lust – A Dynasty Broken

My thanks to Isabeau of Greenlea for pointing out some oversights on my part. I never did put in a scene where someone remembered Theoden's second wedding. The logical place was in Chapter 7 when Faramir and Theodred are talking about Eledwhen's parentage. I went back and rewrote that discussion so that now the two discuss Queen Elanor, her marriage and her death. So if you get time, take another peak at Loose Ends. I also did a little rewriting on Chapter 16, False Hope. Galadriel doesn't seem quite so obvious about wanting to get rid of Boromir, and she remains very gracious.

To answer Isabeau's question: yes, Denethor did rape Eledwhen because he was under the influence of the Dark Lord. I tried to drop a few hints along the way, but I guess I was too subtle. I have rewritten the ending to Chapter 14, Awakenings, to make this fact clear. If the web site ever updates, you will find new material in several chapters, including Chapter 17, which I assume very few people have had a chance to read. So if you get a chance, take another peak at Chapters 7, 14, 16 and then, of course, this one. Thanks again, Isabeau. Oh, one last point. This is the last chapter of Book I. I will start on Book II, Paths of Peril--A Dynasty Broken, sometime around the first of August. I may add an epilogue to this story, so stay tuned. If you've noticed that I've changed my screen name, it's because I have. I may want to write about someone other than Boromir in the future, and the screen name BoromirFANatic wouldn't be appropriate.

Boromir barely listened as the Lord Celeborn explained the finer points of Elven architecture. He was too busy wondering what the Lady Galadriel might be up to. She was polite enough, but he sensed she was purposefully trying to keep him away from Eledwhen. Boromir finally stopped and planted his feet firmly apart. He would not take one step further; it was time for a confrontation. He wanted the plain truth, no matter what it was. Folding his arms defiantly across his chest, Gondor's heir waited for the Elven Lord to end his spiel about the open concept upon which his home was built.

Ever sensitive to those about him, Celeborn stopped speaking and turned with a quizzical look. Ah, the Man has finally decided to force the issue of Eledwhen's future. I no longer can postpone the inevitable. Celeborn tilted his head slightly to the side and tried to read Boromir's thoughts. The Man's raging emotions made it difficult, but it was clear he suspected he was being played. Galadriel's little game is over and we two must get down to the business at hand. The Elven Lord sighed inwardly and forced a smile onto his face. They were standing alone upon a wide flet overlooking the northern woods of Lorien. A chill wind blew lightly through the uncovered side.

"Speak what is on your mind. We have no secrets, you and I." Boromir threw back his head and laughed heartily. This was not the sound Celeborn had expected to hear. He composed his face into a mask and waited for the Man to regain control of himself.

Boromir finally stopped laughing and wiped tears from his eyes with the back of a hand. When he was certain he had control of his voice, Denethor's son stared icily at the Elf before him. "You insult my intelligence, Lord Celeborn. I believe that you and your wife hold at least one secret from me, and perhaps two. I sense that you do understand the meaning of my riddle and could tell me, if you were so inclined. I also believe that neither you nor your wife wishes me to marry Eledwhen. I may not be of the Firstborn, but I am not an idiot. I did not spend most of my life under the Steward's tutelage to be played for a fool by a couple of Elves. Hear my words and mark them well. I shall marry Eledwhen, and she will go with me if it is our desire. If you try to come between us, I will take her away now, this very night."

It was Celeborn's turn to laugh. "Surely you are not arrogant enough to think that you can take my granddaughter without my leave? That, my dear Boromir, is a fight you could never win."

"What do you suppose Eledwhen would think if she knew your people killed her fiancé? Would she want to remain with you? I doubt it. The Princess is afraid to travel to Imladris and I cannot blame her. But if she stays in Lorien, it will only be because I allow it." It was Boromir the warrior who spoke these words, not Boromir the politician. He was tired of being congenial and playing the role of a respectful diplomat. It was time to cut through the manure these Elves were spreading. "If it is your intent to keep Eledwhen and me apart, you had best explain by what right you do so. She is betrothed to me by a legally binding contract and, more than that, she loves me and wants to be my wife. I will fight for her. Unless it is your intent to murder me, you will have to accept me as a kinsman."

Celeborn watched the emotions play across Boromir's face. He was a proud and arrogant Man, and truly the Steward's heir. Like two peas in a pod. The Elf was slightly amused in spite of his dislike of Denethor's son. "Your reputation as a formidable opponent is well deserved. And since you speak plainly, so shall I speak in kind. My Lady and I do not want this mortal marriage for our granddaughter. It would be criminal to sentence her to the life you offer."

Boromir wanted to throttle the Lord of Lorien. His sword hand reached for where the hilt should have been, but came away empty-handed. Boromir remembered bitterly that he was not allowed to wear it within the city. He took a step toward Celeborn, but stopped short as an Elf with a long bow already nocked and pulled entered his field of vision. He turned his head and saw several more approaching from the shadows. "Has this been your plan all along, to lure me away from Eledwhen so that your underlings can assassinate me?"

Celeborn laughed musically. "They are here to protect me from you! They sensed a threat to their Lord and responded. No one here desires your death. Not even my wife, though you may find that difficult to believe."

Boromir snorted derisively. "If your wife had the physical strength, she would personally throw me from the highest flet in your architecturally perfect tree house. I advise you not to treat with me as you would a common soldier, for I was raised among politicians and courtiers. Plus you know well who is my father."

Celeborn narrowed his eyes. His voice became all silky and dangerous. "I remember well who your father is, and what he is. If you wish to remain in my land, you will not mention his name in my presence, or my wife's."

Boromir was taken aback by the Elf Lord's comments. "Tell me plainly of what you speak. What grievance could you possibly have against my father?"

Celeborn waved the surrounding Elves away before speaking. "Your line is tainted. I cannot allow a union between Eledwhen and the son of the Man who drugged and took an innocent maid by force. It is unspeakably vile and unforgivable. And the more so because that maid was, and still is, betrothed to his eldest son and heir."

Boromir was shocked by the accusation and the shock fueled his anger. "You lie!" he shouted. "My father would never do such a thing. He has laid down strong laws forbidding such actions. I cannot see your purpose for telling me this, but I warn you not to take me for a fool."

Celeborn smiled tightly. "If you do not believe me, ask your betrothed. Or, were your brother here, you could ask him. Faramir saw the truth ere you set off for Imladris. You, however, have obstinately refused to see that which is so plainly obvious. I would have preferred that Eledwhen tell you in her own time, but you have forced my hand. And, in truth, I think this is a matter best discussed between us. It is not an easy subject for my granddaughter."

Boromir felt off-balance. He studied the Elf's face closely, searching for a sign that he lied. But Celeborn's blue eyes (so very much like Eledwhen's eyes) were unreadable and as cold as the peaks of the White Mountains in winter. "I must speak with Eledwhen," Boromir said. As he turned to leave, Celeborn's voice rang out loud and strong. "No! You shall not speak with the Princess on this matter. She is too ill. I will not permit it!"

Boromir shook his head and spoke without turning to face the Elf. "You will not permit it? Who are you to deny me anything? First you insinuate that my father is a rapist and now you order me about like a servant. You tread on thin ice, Elf!"

"Not nearly as thin as the ice upon which you tread. With but a command from my lips, you would lose the life which my granddaughter gave you." Once again they were not alone upon the wide flet. At least half a dozen well-armed Elven warriors surrounded them. Each looked extremely hostile and deadly. Boromir looked at their long bows, almost as tall as the Elves themselves, then turned his gaze back upon Celeborn. He had never backed away from a fight (except where his father was concerned), but he knew when he was outmatched. "I apologize if I have offended you," he said diplomatically. "This is your land and I am your guest. I shall, of course, abide by your rules."

Celeborn's lips curled into a smile, but his eyes remained as hard as flint. "I will send one of my household to show you the way to your room. You will remain there until Eledwhen is strong enough to receive visitors. If you do not, I will have you escorted to the northern border of our land and you will not be permitted to return."

Denethor's son could not resist one final parting shot. "You may be the lord of this land, but I shall be the twenty-seventh ruling Steward of Gondor and Eledwhen will be at my side as my wife." Boromir moved to leave but was stopped in mid-stride by the queer sound of Celeborn's laughter, which was a cross between a cough and a snort. "What is so funny, my Lord Elf?"

Celeborn answered softly, "I would not count on being the one to rule Gondor at the end of your father's reign." Boromir's face wore a puzzled expression but he did not ask the meaning of the words. He was afraid he would hear of his death. As he continued down the hallway, Boromir heard Celeborn's lyrical voice at his back. "Remember, do not discuss this with Eledwhen. I meant what I said about your banishment."

* * * * * * * * *

Eledwhen was restless and confused. After Boromir and Celeborn left, Galadriel had spoken to her about remaining in Lorien. The Princess agreed readily enough, and the Lady of the Galadrim had been ecstatic. However, when the conversation turned to her marriage to the Lord Boromir, Galadriel had brushed the topic aside rather abruptly. Eledwhen was now certain that her grandparents did not want her to marry the Man she was betrothed to. I need to speak with Boromir about this. Determined to tackle the problem head on, the Princess pulled a robe on over her nightdress and moved silently down a wide and open hallway in search of his room. She stopped when she heard Boromir's voice. He was arguing with someone and he sounded very angry. When the verbal battle ended, Eledwhen saw Galadriel leave a room to her left. The Elf's movements were less than graceful and it was clear she was extremely upset. When the Lady was no longer in sight, Eledwhen went to the room Galadriel had just exited.

Boromir was sitting on the bed, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. He was seething. Galadriel had made it clear she would do everything in her power to keep him away from Eledwhen. The Lady of the Golden Wood had come to his room full of apologies for the way Celeborn had talked to him, and they had exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes. She even asked after his health. Her demeanor had taken a 360-degree turn, however, when he asked her politely if the Lord Celeborn would be willing to marry him and Eledwhen before he left for Imladris. The conversation had then become quite ugly. Galadriel had bandied about such insults as "Son of a rapist!" and he had called her an Elven shrew, among other things. Boromir expected the grim archers to appear at his door momentarily to use him for target practice. That was not my shining hour, he thought glumly. I should never have lost my temper. All those years watching Father cut the legs out from under his political opponents with words alone, and I start a war with the Galadrim over a simple marriage.

Boromir sensed a presence in the doorway and tensed, but relaxed when he saw who his visitor was. "Close the 'door' and come sit with me," he said softly. The Princess drew the rich brocaded covering over the entrance and walked hesitantly across the room. "What were you and grandmother fighting about?"

Boromir took her delicate hand in his and drew her down on the bed beside him. She looked incredibly lovely in the white robe. He frowned, remembering Celeborn's words about his father and the fight with Galadriel. He said nothing, but began stroking the silken tresses that spilled down the girl's back like spun gold. Eledwhen closed her eyes, enjoying his touch. Her face became slightly flushed. Boromir watched her closely for a few minutes, then bent forward to kiss her. There was more than one way to gain his heart's desire. The girl's eyes fluttered open in surprise, but she did not pull away from him. "Are you afraid?" he asked quietly, his lips almost touching hers.

"No, my Lord," she whispered back. Boromir straightened up and laughed.

"Call me by my name, please. We traveled alone for at least a month. Surely you feel comfortable enough by now to call me something less formal than 'My Lord.' Are you certain you do not fear me?" Eledwhen scrutinized him closely, trying to decide what he knew.

"What did the Lady Galadriel tell you, my…Boromir." She lowered her head and blushed slightly as she stumbled over his name.

"It is unimportant and nothing we need to discuss now," he replied. "However, I do wish to speak with you of our marriage. I do not want to wait until we return to Minas Tirith. It is my desire that we wed immediately. Would that please you?" Eledwhen looked up at him with wide eyes. They changed from blue to deep blue with flecks of violet swirling about the irises. Boromir ached to make love to her. He took Eledwhen's hand and pulled her to him. His lips sought the warm flesh on her neck; his hands moved to caress her shoulders, slowly pushing the robe off them so his lips could trace a path across the silky skin. Eledwhen shuddered, whether in fear or pleasure he could not tell. He moved back and looked at her pale face. "You are afraid of me," he whispered hoarsely. "Perhaps you blame me for what another has done."

"Nay, it is not you that I fear, nor do I blame you for what has happened to me. Sometimes the fates are cruel and things do not turn out as we hope. Sometimes, when you touch me, it brings back frightening memories. I try not to think of that night in Minas Tirith, but the images come to me unbidden. The memories of the Uruk are even fresher. It has only been two weeks since I was captured. Please forgive me if I seem hesitant. I want so much to please you." She looked up and saw Boromir's face. He looked so hurt and distraught that she took one of his large hands in hers and kissed the back of it.

"I want to take the sadness from your face and see you smile again." Saying that, she moved her slender body against his and kissed him deeply. Boromir's passion erupted and he kissed her back, hard, and eased her down onto the bed. He caressed and kissed her until he knew they were reaching the point of no return. Uttering a deep groan, he rolled away from her and sat up. His breathing was quick, yet heavy. Eledwhen gave him a questioning look.

"If there was someone available to marry us, I would make good my promise to teach you the joy of lovemaking. As things stand, I do a great wrong touching you so. And, too, you still recover from your injuries…" His voice trailed off and he remained silent for a few moments. Boromir began to rise, but stopped when he felt her soft hand on his arm.

"I have benefited greatly from Elven healing and no longer feel any pain. It is strange that I was able to save you from death, but was unable to heal myself. The Lady Galadriel has very powerful healing abilities; I should be well enough to travel soon…if that is what you want." Eledwhen sat upon the bed, head bowed, hands folded demurely in her lap. Boromir could sense she was hoping he would forbid her to go with him. He sighed and put a hand under her chin, lifting her face until she met his eyes.

"Nay, Eledwhen, I will not make you come with me to Imladris. It would be too dangerous for you to accompany me further. It is my wish that you stay here with your grandparents and learn about your Elven heritage. I can see this is your wish, too."

The Princess was overjoyed and threw herself into his arms, nearly smothering him with kisses. Both tumbled backward upon the bed, laughing like two children. "Oh, I love you so much! Let us say our wedding vows to one another, here, tonight. Our words will be as binding as any uttered before a magistrate." This was exactly the response he had hoped for. The Lord and Lady could hardly refuse a legal marriage once Eledwhen had physically bound herself to him. And if she were with child when he left…well, that was just one more chess piece on his side of the board. The Princess was speaking, but he had not been listening to her words. Boromir turned his attention back to Eledwhen in time to hear her say, "The Lord Celeborn could legally marry us. Do you think he would?"

Boromir laughed softly. "No, my love, he would not. He'd rather see me dead."

Eledwhen looked shocked and started to speak, but he silenced her with another deeply probing kiss. His hands stroked her backside gently. "Say your vow to be my wife and I will swear to be your husband until death do us part." The Princess of Rohan solemnly pledged herself to Gondor's heir, who uttered his vow breathlessly in return.

"If there is something I do this night that frightens you, tell me and we shall deal with it. If you wish to stop, I will understand. I love you and want to make you happy. We are now man and wife and nothing and no one can change that. I ask that you keep no secrets from me, and that you come to me with all problems instead of running off into the night." He chuckled lightly as he said the last, then began kissing her. They became entwined upon the bed, lost in their own world of passion and desire.

Here ends Book I of Love and Lust -- A Dynasty Broken. I shall begin work on Book II, Paths of Peril -- A Dynasty Broken, shortly. Readers will learn more about what happened in Lothlorien before Boromir's departure through his thoughts as he searches for Imladris. Boromir and Eledwhen will be reunited in Book III, which I have not yet titled. Thanks very much for reading my story.