Chapter 1
Boromir sat on the sunny side of the great courtyard, in the centre
acrobats displayed their skills as the group of elven dancers and musicians
they had just watched filed out to relax, there were already several
young maidens and men gathered around the exit waiting got show their
‘admiration’ for those graceful movements in a more personal
way.
Boromir pulled a face and looked away, his eyes fell on his king sat
with the queen a few rows away and a smile flitted across his face.
Much as Boromir chaffed under the requirements of protocol that said
both Gondor’s captain and its steward should be present for this
games he was pleased to see Aragorn relaxed and enjoying the spectacle.
Elessar he reminded himself he really must get used to the fact that
the scruffy ranger he had travelled with, fought with and loved very
dearly was now King Elessar.
His feeling of well being disappeared however when his eyes fell on
Gondor’s steward, his little brother, sat close to the king. He
was sitting even closer to a fair haired elf, and as Boromir watched
the elf slid one long arm gracefully around Faramir shoulder ostensibly
to direct his attention to the acrobats, but the arm stayed put and
Boromir sucked in a breath as he saw red gold curls winding round the
slender fingers. His stomach twisted in the confused welter of emotions
he felt when looking at his little brother these days. Everything had
changed in the past six months, it was September, a beautiful golden
month. The king and queen had been wed for 10 weeks. This was the first
celebration after their wedding, to give thanks for the harvest which
had been more plentiful than any had right to expect after the war thanks
to the unstinting efforts of those farmers who had been sent back to
their lands as soon as was possible. Aye and thanks also to Faramir
who once recovered form his wound had proved himself to be a better
steward by far than his father or indeed Boromir himself would have
made.
Boromir was glad he had not been asked to take on the role of steward,
he was far happier as Gondor captain. When he saw the harvest, the school
being set up, the homes rebuilt he praised and encouraged. He could
send warriors to protect the outlying fields and lend their strength
to the endeavour but he could not even begin to comprehend how one would
go about organising this effort. That was what Faramir was good at,
he had spent long hours closeted with Aragorn and then with the lord
Elrond and his cool advisor Erestor in the first month or tow. After
that he had emerged and calmly taken up the job of ensuring the city
ran smoothly. Leaving Aragorn free to concentrate on being king, wooing
his people.
The steward had proved popular and in the months that had followed
his father's death he had seemed freer and younger than ever before.
There had been those who had hoped for a second wedding but the brief
affair with Eowyn had faded into a sweet friendship, they had both taken
healing from that and Boromir knew although many others didn’t
that it was possible there would be an heir as well. Eowyn had however
refused a political marriage of expediency. She still cared for Faramir
but she had stated quite calmly that she had no intention of marrying
a man who did not love her. Faramir had protested but Boromir and Eomer
had intervened, both knowing that there would be none of the shame that
might accompany a child born out of wedlock in Gondor for Eowyn. The
rohirim were an ultimately practical people when it came to matters
of childbirth and marriage. A child of Eowyn sired by Faramir had worthy
bloodlines and given that Eomer was in no hurry to wed it provided a
default heir until the young kin fathered his own children.
Boromir had spent much of those first few months regrouping his soldiers
and overseeing patrols to clear the last remaining remnants of the enemy
out of Gondor and ithlien. HE had been accompanied in this by Legolas
and a band of Mirkwood and Lorien archers who were now settling the
woods of ithlien, making them once more a place of beauty and joy.
It had been early June when he had returned, and he had been amazed
and pleased at the changes in his brother. Freed from the weight of
suspicion and bitterness with which Denethor had always viewed him,
serving a king he loved Faramir had blossomed. For Boromir he summed
up the changes in Gondor itself. No longer a warlike city Minis Tirith
had begun to blossom also with gardens, music and laughter, and it was
fitting that his brothers joyous face and sweet voice be the one to
oversee this.
But there had been a darker emotion also in Boromir’s heart,
his little brother was no longer that. HE was a man in his own right
secure in his place and the affection of others. He no longer needed
to turn to his brother for comfort and love, no longer did he rely on
Boromir standing between him and their fathers rages. He did not come
wide eyed and trembling to Boromir’s rooms, face still wet with
tears form an encounter with Denethor or one of the dreams that plagued
him. He was too busy, too happy for any of that. His rooms weren’t
the cold distant tower rooms Denethor had said were all he needed, they
were airy sun filled chambers next to the kings. And although Boromir’s
own chamber were on the same hall he saw less of Faramir now than when
they were consigned to opposite end of the citadel.
HE was glad but he also found that he missed his brother fiercely, and
there was a part of him, a very small and ignoble part that envied his
brothers new found assurance.
Now, his eyes drawn unwillingly to the two sat so close together he
found another emotion knowing at his heart. he believed it was anger
at the show of emotion and affection, believed it was a condemnation
of the fact that his brother was sat with another man not a maiden,
disapproval that Faramir had chosen his friends and companions form
amongst the elves as well the men. He did not name the emotion or even
dare look at too closely, but it clouded his mind and set him apart
from the others and their simple enjoyment of the games.
Haldir grew bored with the human acrobats in front of him but with
a soft sigh he ignored that feeling and the slight discomfort of the
stone tiers of seating. The soft hair curling round his fingers, the
warmth of Faramir’s body next to his and the sparkling green eyes
which turned to him every now and again, easily made up for the rest.
He had grown very fond of the steward in the months he had spent here.
Their friendship had begun innocently enough, Faramir was fascinated
by the differences between the three races of elves, the sindar, the
sylvan and the Noldor. Haldir teased him sometimes now that he had only
pursued Haldir because he wanted to add the third to his collection
after both Legolas and Erestor had become his fast friends.
They had been sitting in Faramir’s rooms, drinking wine and relaxing
after a meal. Legolas had been with them but had made his excuses an
hour or so past saying he had promised to rise early and ride out with
Aragorn on the morn. Haldir had stayed, it was growing late but he was
relaxed in the young mans company and it would not be the first time
they had watched the dawn come in while talking and drinking wine.
The sense of relaxation Haldir felt in Faramir’s company was
welcome, with him he could drop the mask of cold aloofness that he still
held on most public occasions. They laughed and talked like old friends.
And it was this trust bolstered by the wine that had led to the teasing
remarks about Faramir’s collection of elves and wondering if he
would bother talking to them if he could only get it all written down
for him instead.
A flicker of Faramir’s old uncertainty had surfaced at the playful
accusation and he had stammered and blushed guiltily, protesting that
he truly enjoyed Haldir’s company, and while he learnt much from
him it was not merely a scholars curiosity. The words had died on his
lips however when he looked up to see Haldir regarding him with a smirk.
“you….” Farmers face split in a wide grin. “You
teased me!” he said half accusing and half incredulous.
Haldir lounged back in his chair, “elves my dear friend do not
‘tease’ we are paragons of all that is graceful, serene
and wise.”
Faramir snorted inelegantly, “tell that to the rohirim that have
had half your company spending nights in their quarters.”
Haldir raised a elegant arced eyebrow, “it is hardly the fault
of elves if the uncivilised hordes of men find their beauty and elegance
to be inspiring to their virtue and courage.”
At that Faramir coughed up half his drink, “virtue??? Haldir
have you ever walked past there at night – I can assure you the
noises emanating from some of those rooms have about as much to do with
virtue as ……”
“Oh? And how would you be so sure? perhaps they are merely …...exchanging
tales of customs? After all an innocent like you could hardly be expected
to recognise and distinguish the sounds so accurately” Haldir
said with an arrogant smirk.
“Innocent?” Faramir’s voice was half choked from
some emotion.
“But of course my dear mortal, after all you have only had what?
Barely two score years? We elves have centuries, ages to become truly
experienced!” Haldir flung his hand out wide to illustrate his
point enjoying the flush of amused outrage on Faramir’s face.
“You are a child” he declaimed, “a mere child learning
at the feet of masters….”
His voice was abruptly cut off when with a sudden movement Faramir
had slid out of his chair and was kneeling in front of him.
“I’ll show you who’s the innocent one” he half
growled before leaning forward and capturing the surprised elf’s
lips in a kiss.
Haldir’s first thought was to thank the valar for the effects
of wine on human sensibilities. He second was wonder at just how soft
Faramir’s lips were. The kiss was clumsy at first, Faramir attacked
his mouth with determination but his hands fluttered uncertainly on
Haldir’s tunic. The elf lent into the kiss, letting Faramir control
the pace. Haldir melted against the man and felt rather than heard Faramir’s
gasp as he found himself drawn to explore the warm, sweetness of Haldir’s
lips. Then Haldir parted his lips under the assault and the kiss suddenly
was all passion, Faramir’s uncertainty passed and his hands drew
Haldir closer kissing him with the ardour and experience of a man.
It was some minutes later when they drew apart panting. Faramir’s
eyes were very wide as he looked at Haldir and the flush on his face
had more to do with arousal than wine.
“I suddenly find myself to be alarmingly sober” he said
in a shaky voice.
Haldir reached out and stroked his cheek gently, “good”
he said softly, “because I would not have you do this in a drunken
moment and regret it the next day. Our friendship is too precious to
me for that.” He kept his voice level and his eyes calm, not giving
away how his body had hardened the moment Faramir’s lips had touched
his, how he wanted to draw him close and kiss him back properly.
Faramir swallowed and for a moment Haldir was sure he was going to
make some light comment about the effects of wine and withdraw, he could
see the words hovering on the mans lips. But when he spoke it was a
different question, one that perhaps even Faramir himself did not mean
to ask. “But would you have me do it sober?”
For a long moment Haldir couldn’t find the words to reply, Faramir
looked away the flush becoming a painful blush as he thought that he
had said too much.
But then firm hands took his head and drew him back towards the elf,
hazel eyes looked steadily into green. Haldir did not reply but dipped
his head and slowly, lingeringly tasted the sweetness of Faramir’s
mouth again. This time it was the elf who controlled the kiss, teasing
and nibbling on the full lips until Faramir was making soft moaning
sounds in his throat and unconsciously pressing closer. “Yes”
he whispered when he finally lifted his head.
A burst of cheering from the crowd brought Haldir back into the present
with a disconcerting jolt. Faramir turned to look at him with an amused
expression on his face.
“You are supposed to clap and smile” he stage whispered,
“not look as though you were just poleaxed.”
Haldir tightened his fingers on the back of Faramir’s neck for
a moment and Faramir’s eyes widened. Then narrowed as he took
in Haldir’s somewhat tense figure. “And just what were you
thinking of my dear elf.” He murmured under cover of the crowds
noise.
Haldir leaned in to his ear and said softly, “the first time
I had you” he sat back and admired the flush that slowly spread
from Faramir’s neck to his brow. It amazed him that he could still
draw those blushes from the steward, who had in fact lived up to his
promise proving to be a passionate and daring lover.
Faramir turned his face back to the bowing acrobats resolutely, “such
things are not appropriate subjects for discussion here” he said
primly.
“of course steward” Haldir said smoothly withdrawing his
hand and sitting up straight. “Du rwalaer-nin” (tonight
my lusty one)
Faramir swallowed and turned with a curse hovering on his lips, fortunately
for both their public persona’s Aragorn chose that moment to stand
up and proclaim his thanks to the dancers and acrobats so far. He then
began the speech that heralded the start of the warriors parade and
show.
Faramir shot Haldir an evil look but the elf was now a perfect picture
of haughty disinterest and he sighed and settled back into his seat,
needing to adjust his formal robes somewhat for comfort, promising himself
to make sure Haldir was amply repaid for his torture later on.
Later……
“your brother was watching us today” Haldir’s voice
was lazy and slow.
“mmmph?” Faramir query was somewhat muffled and Haldir
laughed and tugged his face up out of the pillow where he had fallen
in exhaustion.
“Come, you can not be ‘that’ tired!”
“Easy for you to say, you’re not the one who ended up being
pounded into the mattress ‘twice!’” Faramir groaned
rolling over onto his back and looking up at Haldir. He raised a hand
and traced the lines of Haldir’s face lit now only by moonlight.
Haldir captured the questing hand and brought it to his lips with a
soft smile, “How can I help myself when you look so lovely like
this?” he questioned. His eyes ran over the mans naked body, the
fair golden skin looked paler in the moonlight, the few freckles bleached
out and the coppery curls looking darker in contrast.
Faramir leant up on one elbow and kissed Haldir with gentle passion,
“You are so beautiful” he breathed softly as he fell back,
drawing the elf down with him. They lay there for some time curled up
in each others arms, finally Faramir stirred and said sleepily, “what
did you say before? About Boromir?”
Haldir nuzzled the stewards shoulder, “I said he was watching
us”
Faramir shot upright, “you think he knows?”
Haldir raised his eyebrows and shrugged, not understanding why Faramir
would be so disturbed. “While he is not as bright as you your
brother is far from being an idiot when he actually turns his mind away
from matters of war. Of course he knows, does not half the citadel and
the other half are merely wilfully blind.”
“Damn” Faramir’s voice was muffled once more as he
dropped his head into his hands.
Haldir sat up and put his arms around him, drawing him back to sit
against the archers strong chest. “What is it love? Are you…..
would you prefer that our relationship was not so widely known.”
“No, its just…” Faramir caught the note in Haldir’s
voice and turned with a reassuring smile. “No” he said more
firmly, “I am not ashamed to be your lover. It is merely that
I had hoped to broach this matter with my brother myself.” He
rested his head on Haldir’s shoulder, “I have been a coward,
I was so glad to have him back this month that I could not bear to tell
him for fear that he might disapprove.”
“You are no coward Faramir, not ever” Haldir vowed as he
kissed the soft hair. “But perhaps you should speak to him? He
must know, his eyes told me that and while I doubt that a brother who
loves you as dearly as he does would ever disprove of you it would be
better for him to have it confirmed from you not to hear rumours from
the guards.”
Faramir sighed and nodded, “I will speak to him. But not now”
he added leaning back so he could see Haldir, “now I want you
to hold me while I sleep, I want to wake up in your arms, I want…”
The last sentence was cut off as Haldir kissed him again. The moonlight
played over both fair bodies as their limbs tangled and soft sounds
of pleasure filled the room, and eventually Faramir got what he’d
asked for.
Chapter 2
Faramir is a wicked tease and Boromir and Haldir cross blades
!tease Faramir, !arrogant Haldir and !bemused Boromir warnings *grins*
Faramir pushed his hair back out of his eyes and smiled. His opponent
was watching him warily a few feet away.
“You are skilled with a blade,” the soft voice said.
“A ranger must carry both blade and bow” Faramir replied,
circling round trying to draw the other fighters’ attention.
Haldir grimaced and shifted his grip, elves also had to carry blades
as well as bow but he was unused to the single straight sword the Edain
used. He changed his stance forcing himself to forget the unfamiliar
weight and heft, to remember the movements of feet and body. He feinted
to one side then stepped back, blades engaging as Faramir lunged forward.
They danced like that, Haldir’s superior strength and grace balanced
by his unfamiliarity with this form of swordplay. Blades met and slid
against each other with the faint sound of steel, like a lovers kiss
that draws blood with its sharp edged promises.
From the shadows Boromir watched, they looked achingly beautiful, so
golden and young. Faramir’s red-gold hair pulled back with a light
tie, Haldir’s mithril fair hair in contrast still hanging loose
held only with two warrior braids. Boromir sucked in a breath as they
circled round again and he realised that Haldir was dressed similarly
to the human in a linen shirt and close fitting breeches. The light
clothing left very little to the imagination, and it made an obvious
lie of the belief that all elves were like slender maids or half-grown
lads. Haldir’s shoulders were near as broad as Faramir’s,
the elf was a touch taller but they were much of a size otherwise. Faramir
still too thin to his brothers eyes from the long illness, but there
was lean muscle under the golden skin and his eyes glowed with health
and happiness now.
Boromir felt that stab of envy and anger again, //what right did this
arrogant elf have to come in and……// his thoughts trailed
off there, //and make your brother happy?// a little voice asked sarcastically.
He shook his head angrily and turned away slightly, but then a soft
breathless laugh drew his attention unwillingly back to the scene before
him.
Haldir had the advantage and was slowly pressing Faramir back. The
elf’s fair face was alive with the joy of the sparring match,
his body moving so gracefully that you could almost forget how deadly
the dance could be.
Faramir gave ground again, falling back across the room. Boromir frowned.
Faramir was a better fencer than this, he had taught him himself. He
was defending only not attacking, not taking the match seriously. There
was a flurry of blades and then both broke off circling around each
other so the hidden watcher caught glimpses first of his brothers flushed
and smiling face and then of the fair features of the elf.
Boromir knew he should leave, the two thought they were alone, they
had no doubt chosen this smaller practise room instead of the main fencing
galleries deliberately so they might have this time in private……..but
he could not. The sheer eroticism of the scene, the light sheen of sweat
on both faces, the flashes of skin tantalisingly revealed by the loose
lacings of their shirts all combined to root him to the spot. His breath
seemed to echo the breathing of the fighters, coming quicker and harsher
as they moved. Long lean legs circling round, parting and crossing paths
so smoothly until it seemed that they were dancing not fighting.
They were on the far side of the room now, and still Haldir pressed
forward, Faramir seemed to make little effort to defend, only stepping
back each time, yielding the ground to his opponent almost eagerly.
Faramir’s legs took another step back, and another and then his
slim hips were pressed against the cabinet of swords along one side
of the wall.
//strike// Boromir urged him silently, //now while he is distracted,
as he steps forward to take your blade// But the blue steel lowered,
fell to Faramir’s side. He leant further back, stretching his
body out, Boromir could see his chest heaving, his eyes glinting up
at his opponent as he deliberately let the blade clatter to the floor.
His brother yielding, head thrown back in submission, his opponent
leaning forward past the sharp steel at his throat. Boromir’s
body ached, he felt the sharp tang of sweat and blood in the air, the
feeling of exultation at being victor in the fight against a worthy
opponent.
The red gold head tipped back and the sharp blade swept up and sheared
off a lock of hair.
Pressed back hard against the unforgiving wood, unarmed, his hair dishevelled,
Faramir should have looked defeated. He looked elated. Boromir’s
breath caught in his throat painfully, Haldir was lowering the blade,
leaning forward.
“Your brother watches us” he whispered his breath fanning
Faramir’s cheek.
Faramir’s eyes were bright as he looked up, “I know”
Their eyes met, Haldir searched and found the answer he was looking
for in Faramir’s sparkling blue gaze. His free hand came to rest
on Faramir’s hip and he turned them slightly so their silent watcher
would see the soft bulge in the tight breeches. Faramir’s legs
parted, and one slim elven leg shifted and slid between them.
Boromir leant back against the wall gasping, his knees weak. His hand
strayed to his groin, his legs parted in unconscious imitation of his
brother stance, and as Haldir’s breath ghosted over one brother’s
skin the other felt its light touch.
Haldir’s hand drifted up, catching Faramir’s chin and tilting
his head back. For a long moment the scene was frozen like that, and
it lingered longer behind Boromir’s tightly closed eyes as he
frantically tried to calm his aching body, his hands clenched at his
side. He did not dare watch them kiss, as he was sure they would, could
not bear to feel the hard arrogant mouth of the elf descending onto
his brother’s soft lips.
Their eyes met in perfect understanding, and Haldir smiled. He dropped
his hand and stepped back a fraction so their bodies were no longer
touching, just separated by the thinnest of slivers of air. “Perhaps
you would care to take your brother’s place Boromir?” He
said clearly but softly.
The voice slid into Boromir’s fuddled mind and his eyes snapped
open. Emotion choked the words in his throat, he longed to deny it,
to call out and challenge the elf, to wipe the arrogant smile from his
face……………… to run away and hide.
Then the elf stepped back and the two figures turned with shaming accuracy
to where he stood in the shadows. Haldir held his sword lightly, looking
perfectly cool and unreachable as he made a slight bow in Boromir’s
direction and said calmly. “My Lord Steward has a prior appointment,
perhaps you Captain would do me the honour of continuing the match?”
His cheeks burning Boromir managed to straighten his clothing and step
out, unwilling to trust his voice he nodded curtly to the pair.
Faramir turned, picked up his sword and bowed to Haldir, “my
thanks Haldir for the match, I am sure my brother will be happy to spar
with you.” His voice too was unbelievably level and calm. At that
moment Boromir came close to hating his beloved brother. Faramir smiled
sunnily at them both and strode out of the room picking up his discarded
tunic as he went.
“Come Boromir, I have learnt great respect for your skill with
the arts of war, I look forward to testing those skills for myself”
Haldir spoke over his shoulder as he moved to the side picking up a
water canteen and drinking from it. Turning he held it out to Boromir,
“you look a little flushed Boromir, would you drink?”
Boromir suppressed the growl in his throat and turned away, striding
over to the rack of swords and selecting one. Moving swiftly he pulled
off his heavy tunic and turned to face Haldir, the heavier broadsword
held in both hands. Stormy green eyes met calm grey and Boromir bowed
mockingly
“Shall we?” he would wipe out the memory of the shaming
betrayal of his body with steel.
This match was nothing like the graceful dance that had played out
only moments earlier. Boromir was more a match for Haldir’s strength
although he lacked some of his lighter brothers grace. He did not try
to play the elegant game of courtly fencing however, he stood feet firmly
planted, his strong arms wielding the heavier blade, making his own
beauty out of the play of muscle under skin, the controlled strength
and the promise of violence.
It was a beauty Haldir appreciated even as he found himself fighting
harder and faster in order to keep the match evenly balanced. They had
been sparring for some minutes and Boromir showed no signs of loosing
the scowl that darkened his features and tightened his shoulders. //Time
to see what will get under his skin.// the elf thought with a hidden
smile.
“Your brother fights well, he has a certain …. grace that
is often lacking in mortal men”
His only response was a slight widening of the eyes and a redoubled
ferocity of attack from Boromir.
Unflustered Haldir met the attack and for a brief moment he showed
his true strength, meeting Boromir blade for blade. Green eyes widened
and then narrowed but before Boromir could make it a match of brute
force Haldir spun to one side and there was nothing there for Boromir
to fight against.
Boromir swore under his breath cursing the elusiveness of elves. He
was further disconcerted when the light mocking voice spoke from behind
him. “If I had known you were so eager to have me within your
grasp Boromir of Gondor perhaps we would have done this sooner”
Boromir actually growled at that, he spun around, more lightly than
a casual observer would have thought given his size. The elf was standing
there with a mocking smile on his face but a challenging gleam in his
eye, asking a question Boromir wasn’t prepared to answer. When
their blades met again there was no holding back. The room was filled
with a frighteningly fast whirl of steel and fury, but slowly, ever
so slowly Boromir was giving ground. Haldir was faster, more agile and
just as strong, and he’d lost his unease with the unfamiliar blade.
Their blades met again and slid down, locking at the hilt, full body
lock. For the long time neither moved, but inch-by-inch Boromir found
himself being pushed back, the blades lowered, still locked between
their bodies.
Then Boromir’s eyes widened as he felt the wood pressed into
his back. For a moment he couldn’t move or react seeing his brother
and Haldir has they had been half an hour earlier. That moment was all
Haldir needed and a split second later Boromir found himself in exactly
that position, his blade spinning away across the floor, leaning back
to avoid the sharp steel at his throat.
Haldir stood there, breathing was hardly changed, his pale skin untouched
by the hectic flush, which stained the humans cheeks.
“Is it your custom to spy on the private moments of others?”
Haldir asked in a silky voice.
“How did you know?” Boromir asked raggedly.
A single arced eyebrow rose even higher, “it was your brother
who sensed you Boromir, he knew when you arrived.” The cold mouth
twitched, “elves may have superior senses but even I can’t
distinguish the smell of one sweating and aroused Gondorian brother
from another so easily.”
Boromir opened his mouth but no words came out, he flushed even more
painfully but was unable to deny the elf’s words. He was reluctantly
grateful for the fact that Haldir chose not to underline his point,
as he could have so easily done with a single glance down at Boromir’s
straining breeches.
“Although I would remark that your brother is far more ….open
than you when it comes to declaring his feelings.”
Boromir reacted angrily to that, ignoring the insinuation that he also
desired Haldir he focused on what he perceived as a slight to his brother.
“Faramir is no mere toy for you elf, he deserves more than to
be a plaything. Elves may whore themselves to any who ask but my brother
is a man, and he is Steward of Gondor, I warn you, do not trifle with
him or treat him with contempt.”
There was a mocking laugh, “you are very protective of your brother
are you not? Do you not think him capable of fighting his own battles?”
Haldir leant closer, until his breath brushed Boromir’s cheek,
“and do not presume to insult me by insinuating that I have any
less care and affection for Faramir than you yourself do.”
Boromir watched mesmerised as the perfect features of the elf came
even closer.
Haldir’s voice was silky as he continued speaking, “but
I have only one question for you Boromir of Gondor, Which of us were
you watching?”
TBC...
