Bring me to life

Chapter 18

   
Kreshen hadn’t seen Boromir for the whole day.

Faramir’s door was closed when she climbed up the stairs. Knocking to try and talk to him was no use. He wouldn’t want her company anymore. It was even too clear to her eyes.

Sighing softly, she opened Boromir’s door, expecting to see him there, looking outside the window with that dreamy face he always had when he observed his beloved city.

But he wasn’t there.

The large room was empty, the only sound was the low crackling of the fire into the wide fireplace.

There was no trace of him. It seemed that he hadn’t even eaten there. And neither with his father.

Closing the door behind her back, Kreshen took off her boots, for she loved to walk barefoot on those soft and wondrous tapestries. Opening the closet, she noticed that Boromir’s cloak wasn’t there.

He was out for a ride with Thalion. Probably still mad at her about her father.

Even if he had told her that it wasn’t her fault, the girl felt incredibly guilty for her father’s request. Sometimes it was difficult to stay at Boromir’s side knowing that she was but a peasant, and that all those pretentious noble people looked at her with derision and pity. Now was one of those times in which she thought that he would have been better without her to complicate his life.

She had to do something.

To begin, she sat at the desk, taking a piece of paper from one of the drawers and starting to write with tidy handwriting.

Dear father,

You don’t even know how much I hate you for what you’ve done to me.

But your evil nature has accommodated me. I’m in love with the Steward’s son. Boromir. He loves me more than his life. No one, not even you, could take our happiness away.

When I first read the letter I felt disgusted. Then I remembered the way you were looking at me while Denethor checked my body. Your eyes were cold and distant. It was as if you weren’t looking at your daughter, but at the profits you would have done with me.

Boromir asked me to write you. He wants to see you.

Come here in two days.

When you have your money, I want you to walk out of my life.

I don’t want to see you anymore.

May the Valar have pity of your soul.

Kreshen

Boromir got home a couple of hours before dinner. Upon entering the bedroom he found Kreshen, sitting alone on the sofa in front of the fireplace, an open book laid upon her knees. He did his best to smile, at least to hint a smile, as he took off his cloak and sword.

"Have you been here alone the whole day?"

"Yes" she answered, noticing his strange behaviour and ascribing it to their previous quarrelling.

"Faramir is locked into his room. I wanted to ask him to lend me one of his books, then I thought that maybe he desired some time alone. So I went to take this one from the library down in the palace".

"I see." Boromir nodded, taking the book from Kreshen's lap to lay it on the table, and then sitting at her side. He stared at her for a while, before gathering the slender, beloved girl into his arms as his habit, and kiss her forehead.

"I've missed you very much today. Shall we dine here together?"

"I’m sorry if I made you angry today" she murmured then, sincerely contrite.

"A courier is sending him my letter. He’ll be here in two days so we will finally get rid of him and we could think to our marriage…"

At her first sentence Boromir frowned, and drew back to look at her. Yes, it was good the whole thing about getting rid of his father, it really was. But by the Valar, did she really think that he could possibly be mad at her because of that? He knew that it was not her fault.

"I wasn't angry at you" he said softly, shaking his head. "Why do you even think that?

"I didn’t mean to complicate your life" she admitted then, reaching his cheek to affectionately stroke it.

"But I’m no fool. I know that the whole situation isn’t easy to handle. I know that your allies look at us with derision for I’m not of blood. And I would like to do something about it but… I can’t… it’s just… me. I’ll never be worthy of you in their eyes".

"But you are worth much more than me, to mine" Boromir replied, his strong hands gently framing her delicate face. "And I love you.. I love you more than anything else. I would shout it to the whole city from the very top of this Tower."

"I love you, too" she smiled, leaning into his touch and turning her face to give him a lingering kiss on one of his strong hands.

"Kiss me. Now. I need it…"

"And I need you, Kreshen.. so much." Boromir whispered in response, drawing her beloved face closer to his and fixing noble grey eyes into bright blue ones. He lowered his gaze then, just as his lips were brushing tenderly over hers, his tongue slipping slowly into her mouth to find and caress hers. He had to close his eyes when she started to respond to the kiss, a storm of different emotions overwhelming him. Love being the first of them. Unconditional, deep, boundless love. His eyes suddenly stinging with unshed tears, just for the intensity of it.

They kept on kissing like that for minutes, but it could well have been hours. The night was drawing in and the only light left in the room was that of the fire dancing and spitting in front of them, warm and reassuring. Just as the contact of their bodies clinging to each other on the couch, and their mouths linked together in the sweetest of kisses.

An utmost nervous and tense Kreshen was pacing up and down Boromir's bedroom, sighing deeply now and then.

The day had come.

Boromir was down in the hall to talk to her father, and the expectancy was killing her.

Her beloved had put on his uniform to try and overawe the older man, even if Kreshen had told him that it was very difficult to jeer her father. The only think he considered worth of his attention was money.

Faramir had gone scouting the woods with his men for two days now, vanishing into the night after the tattle they had in the gardens, arousing feelings of longing, guilt, grief and distress into Kreshen’s heart, even if no one knew how she was really thought about the whole matter.

Almost an hour passed before the door opened, and Boromir entered the room.

The man closed the door quietly and went to sit on the couch, sighing when he looked at her.

"He's banished." he began unhurriedly, "Two of my men will escort him to the northern borders of the kingdom. And he got what he wanted."

His words resounded into her brain as a storm that wouldn’t want to appease, and Kreshen stood there for a while, sighing now and then.

Finally, she sat down at his side, wrapping her arms around his hips and resting her head onto his shoulder.

It was over.

Before she could utter a word, she heard the ring of the trumpets.

"Faramir is back".

Boromir nodded and then faltered for a few moments, unsure of what to do next. Should he say something to Kreshen, or speak with him first?

He had thought a lot about the whole matter during those days, while Faramir was away from home. And he had come to the conclusion that he could not, could not bear the thought of his beloved little brother unhappy because of him. And Kreshen, Boromir knew it well, was very fond of the young man.

So, just let them decide. If anything, he wanted her to be the one to deny him. Or to grant him what he wanted.

"I must speak with him." Boromir said quietly, disentangling from her embrace and then kissing her forehead. "Wait for me here."

"It’s all right?" the girl asked then, eyeing her beloved curiously while he walked to the door.

A brief nod was all she obtained, and she couldn’t help but shake her head bitterly, standing up to look outside of the window.

When she caught a glimpse of Faramir, talking to his men outside of the stables, the breath was caught in her throat. She had missed him a lot. And feeling him so cold and distant certainly didn’t help, even if was maybe the best thing to be like that. To avoid hurting Boromir.

Faramir stiffened visibly when he saw his brother approaching. He just couldn't help it. He relaxed a bit, though, when he found no trace of rage or rebuke in his grey eyes, and hinted a shy smile.

"Welcome home, little brother." Boromir greeted him, placing a large hand on his shoulder. "I need to have a word with you."

And Faramir stiffened again at those words, gulping nervously. The moment had come, then.

"Of course." he replied, managing to keep a straight face despite it all, and then turned to the ranger who was with him. "You can go home, Damrod. I will see you tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Captain."

Once they were alone Boromir nodded towards the stables, and then followed the other inside. Closing the large doors behind them.

"I won't try anything." Faramir said once the doors were shut, suddenly quite nervous. Almost frightened. "I do not know why I told you. I shouldn't have."

Boromir raised an eyebrow in response, crossing his arms across the chest, and leaned casually against a wooden wall. "Why don't you try to relax a bit?"

"You mean you're not going to slice me up and then serve me for dinner?" the other teased, relaxing indeed now that he was almost sure that his brother had no ill intentions towards him, and causing Boromir to laugh out loud.

"I could never do such a thing to my little brother." he smirked, "But you must do something for me."

"Anything."

"Good" Boromir nodded, and then took a deep breath as his eyes met Faramir's. "I want you to speak with her."

The young man merely stared at him for long moments, almost suspiciously, waiting for him to go on. What did he have in mind? And above all, what in the name of the Valar was he supposed to tell her?

"Do you really love her, Faramir?"

"I--I do."

"Then tell her." Boromir said resolutely, suddenly serious. "And let her choose."

Faramir shook his head at the mere suggestion. "There is nothing to choose. You are in love with her, and she loves you. You are going to marry and I do not want to meddle, I do not want to give you troubles."

"We will marry anyway."

Now Faramir was indeed and utterly confused, to say the least. "Wha--what are you suggesting then?"

"Tell her that you love her. I am willing to grant you the assent to be her lover, whether she will agree."

A baffled Faramir could only stare at him wide-eyed for long moments, not knowing what to do or say. On his part Boromir merely hinted a smile, and walked unhurriedly to the door.

"She is in our bedroom."

The wicked hat’s box wasn’t willing to enter the narrow rack, and Kreshen, barefoot on a chair, was fuming with irritation at the umpteenth failed try.

And she almost fell down when someone entered the room. Providential was the shelf, for she clung to it to regain her balance.

"Can you please help me with this, Faramir?"

"Careful" the young man urged, hurrying towards the girl and grasping her waist in attempt to support her. "Get off that chair, I'll take care of that." he smiled gently, offering his hand to help her.

"Thank you" she smiled back, grabbing his hand and climbing down, walking unhurriedly to the soft couch without bothering to put on her boots.

"I’m too short, and that shelf was too high. It just didn’t want to stay up" she defended herself, with a sulky expression on her face when the young man quietly settled the box in place, turning to look at her.

He chuckled softly in response, and caressed her hair in an affectionate way while sitting on the couch next to her.

"I have missed you these days." he said then, taking one of her hands into his. "I have missed you very much, Kreshen."

"I’ve missed you, too" she smiled, gently squeezing his hand.

"You departed without even saying your farewell… I…I thought you… I thought I’d lost you".

Faramir smiled softly, shaking his head. In the meantime he brought his free hand to her cheek, framing her face with the utmost gentleness, and their eyes met.

"You will never lose me." he whispered, staring intently at her.

"I love you."

That revelation hit her as a blow to her heart. How could he love her?

It was just inconceivable that they were having that discussion in Boromir’s room, while her beloved was maybe down the hall to settle things for their dinner.

But it was even true that she couldn’t deny the feelings she felt for him. Not now that he had told her the truth.

"I-I must have a word with Boromir" she said, her eyes full of unshed tears. "We shouldn’t talk about that in his room. Next to the bed where… it’s not fair…"

Just when she was about to get up Faramir took hold of her arm, and induced her to sit again. "Kreshen" he said softly, "He knows. He knows for I've told him, that is why I left without even saying goodbye. I didn't have the strengh to face you or him back then."

After a deep breath he was able to find the courage to look into her eyes again. "He told me to speak with you.. and.. to let you choose."

"You can’t do this to me… you both…can’t do it" she sobbed quietly, looking away and placing a hand over her mouth to muffle her sounds.

"I can’t choose…I’m not able to do it. For…for I love you both".

All Faramir could do was crush her into his arms and close his eyes, struck by the overwhelming urge to kiss her breathless caused by her revelation. But he didn't. He drew back after a moment, instead, and pushed aside a lock of dark hair from her forehead with all the tenderness he could muster.

"He's willing to marry you anyway" he said softly, without averting his gaze. "You only have to choose if... if you want me, too."

"I must have a word with him, Faramir…" she murmured, hinting a smile with her eyes reddened from crying.

Before standing up, she cupped his face with both hands, merely caressing his lips with hers for some moments, before drawing back and walk to the wide corridor.

And she almost screamed out loud when she saw Boromir leaning against the wall at the opposite side of the passage.

He raised both eyebrows at such reaction, seemingly quite amused. He didn't move, though, but only fixed his grey eyes into hers and smiled.

"I hope I'm not all that scary" he said then, "Now am I?"

"No, you aren’t" she murmured, sighing softly and walking towards him.

"Why did you tell him to come and talk to me?"

"Because.." he began, sighing softly and wrapping his arms around her waist. "Because I've observed you. A lot. And though you're happy with me it was like.. something was still missing. It didn't take much time to understand what it was. I know you love him."

It was hard, hard indeed. He forced himself to give her a strained smile, and leaned closer to kiss her softly before continuing. "To me nothing is more important than your happiness, and his. Just tell me that you love me, I beg of you.. I need it."

"I love you more than my own life" she whispered, reaching his face with trembling fingers to stroke it lovingly.

"And that’s why I don’t want you to accept that situation. I know you don’t like to share and I know that you will just suffer because of me…"

"I will suffer only if you will leave me" Boromir whispered back, "Or to see you unhappy. There is just one thing I ask of you. Just one."

He faltered for some moments then, cupping her face tenderly with both hands, his gaze unwavering. "Should we ever decide to.. have a heir, I want to be sure it is mine. Nothing else."

"I’m still drinking that…that infuse at evening" she explained. "It is to avoid carrying any baby. But… whenever we would decide to have our heir I’ll not stay with Faramir".

But the whole situation still didn’t convince her.

"Boromir I can’t do it… I can’t. I’m not one of those nobles that marry with a lover. I don’t want to be unfaithful to you…"

"Do whatever makes you happy." he said softly, still caressing her affectionately. "There are a few things worse than regrets, Kreshen, don't bear any. And stay by my side whatever happens, for you can't even imagine how much I need you.."

"I love you both…" she whispered, averting her gaze.

"And I’ll always be at your side. But… I need to know honestly… what do you think about the whole thing?"

Boromir didn't answer straightaway to the question. He took a deep breath first, and stared intently at his boots for some moments before his eyes met hers again.

"I' ve told you what I do think about this." he said softly then. "The only thing that matters to me is to have you by my side, and this is your decision to make. I won't love you any lesser if you'll choose the both of us."

"Let me talk to Faramir…" she whispered, softly kissing his lips and caressing his cheek.

Once inside the bedroom, the girl neared the young man again, sitting at his side, but still looking at the fireplace.

"Do…do you think that he…will suffer?" she asked after a while, harassing a hem of her tunic with her hands.

"I would step aside, should it happen." Faramir replied without hesitation, "The last thing I want is to give you troubles, Kreshen.. and you would always be Boromir's wife first, you must think about him, about his well being rather than mine."

"I want to think even to your well being, Faramir" she said softly, hinting a smile and finally turning to look at him.

"I love you. And I also love Boromir. I just…would like that…no one would suffer for this…"

Faramir returned the smile, and nodded. "Then we'll see that we do not to make him suffer." he whispered, "I want to see you happy, Kreshen, I want to see you both happy."

And he meant it. To him nothing was more important than that, and he was ready to give up anything if he would find out that Kreshen or his brother were suffering because of him.

"You’re incredibly sweet…" she whispered dreamily, snuggling closer to him and raising her head to look longingly into those deep blue eyes.

"I’ve missed you…"

His response was a bright smile, promptly followed by a tender, lingering kiss on her lips. It was the beginning of a new life. Their life together, and still he couldn't believe that it was actually happening.

Closing her eyes at the contact, Kreshen entangled her hands into his blonde and soft hair, gently pulling him closer, just to caress his full lips with her own for a while.

Then she started to nibble at his lower lip, soothing the mild pain with sensual strokes with the tip of her tongue.

When he parted his lips to grant her access, the girl couldn’t help but sigh contentedly, intoxicated by his sweet taste.

Soon Faramir deepened the kiss, tightening the embrace at the same time, his fingers tangling in her hair. It was somehow different from all the other kisses they'd shared since then, he realized, not less sweet or affectionate, just more intimate. For they knew, now they knew that the feeling that bound them was way stronger than brotherly love.

Only when they parted for lack of air, Kreshen allowed herself to open her eyes, resting her forehead on his, gently caressing his hair and neck.

"Do you want me to prepare you a hot bath as I used to do?" she whispered softly. "You should be tired and sore. All that scouting with this cold would have exhausted anyone".

"I'd be most grateful if you would." Faramir smirked, stealing another quick kiss. "I've missed you taking care of me.. among other things." said that he drew back and grinned mischievously, staring intently at her while his fingers reached for the collet of his tunic and started to unbutton it.

Kreshen’s tongue quickly licked her lips, almost of her own will, the hunger evident in her eyes.

But it was too soon. Too soon to share that emotion. For she knew all too well that it would have been all different from the times they used to make love in his room.

Now it wasn’t just longing and affection. It was love and she desired above all that everything could be perfect. As if it would be their first time together.

After another lingering glance at Faramir, the girl hurried towards his bathroom, filling the tub with hot water and pouring some jasmine oil inside.

Once he was in his bedroom, Faramir locked the door and took off the tunic, hurling it on his armchair. He undressed himself quietly, flashing a glance at the bathroom door now and then, smiling to himself for the turning of the events. Since Kreshen was still busy preparing his bath and he was ready, he took his time to add a little romance to their first evening as lovers. He took some scented candles from a drawer on his nightstand, scattered them here and there in the room and finally lit every single one, stubbing out all the other lamps.

When a stark naked Faramir entered the bathroom Kreshen was giving him her back and was bent on the tub. Despite all of his efforts, he couldn't help but lick his lips nervously and lean against the doorframe to enjoy the view, until she eventually acknowledged his presence.

"I am ready." he said mischievously then, raising an eyebrow. And indeed he was.

Her eyes roamed all over his body, her lips slightly parted and her breathing quickening at the view.

He needed a good bath, but beside that, his body was glorious in his splendour.

"I see" she whispered, eventually looking into his eyes again, stepping aside and helping him enter the tub.

Settling herself at his back, Kreshen started to massage his muscles with some camphor, to soothe the pain and relax him. She took her time to exploring every inch of his skin, revelling in the softness of it.

Then she shifted her attention to his hair, carefully washing and combing.

When he was ready, the girl wrapped a blanket on his shoulders, exiting the room.

And the sight of that room they had shared for months, enlightened just by the candles, the vanilla fragrance in the air, moved something deep inside of her.

A part of her brain was showing her all sorts of sensual images of them entangled and sweaty on the wide bed at the centre of the room. But the other part was still somewhat shy, despite the fact that it wasn’t their first time together, at all.

The towel wrapped around Faramir's shoulders fell to the ground the moment he enveloped Kreshen in a tight embrace, his chest clinging to her back. That simple contact sent a long shiver running along his spine, as a trembling sigh escaped his slightly parted lips.

"I am a happy man if you want me half as much as I want you." he whispered into her ear, leaning out to lave the side of her pale neck with the tip of his tongue, delighting in her familiar scent and the slightly salty taste of her skin.

"I want you so badly…" she said in a trembling whisper, wrapping her arms onto his ones, as to anchor herself, for she was sure that her knees wouldn’t have supported her.

It had been sufficient that simple contact to mess up all her being, her breathing coming into quick puffs and her head resting on his right shoulder to allow him better access to her neck.

Faramir kept on fondling and kissing her neck enthusiastically, both his breathing and his pulse quickening as they made their way to the large bed.

He had wanted her so much, during those last few days, that now he could scarcely believe it was actually happening again. Well, in fact he had wanted her for a much longer time, at least for weeks without any doubt, but he had always managed to hold it back just by thinking that she was Boromir's. The mere thought had been enough for him. But that was before.

"Turn around" Faramir said softly once they had reached the bed, loosening the embrace in order to allow her to do as he was asking. "Let me undress you."

Without hesitate, the girl turned to face him, smiling softly and looking lovingly into those blue pools she liked so much. She was completely relaxed under his touch, her arms abandoned alongside her hips and the shining fall of her dark hair fell softly onto her shoulders.

He was there, for her alone. He was holding her in his strong arms as he used to do before. And just now she realized how much she had missed him.

During those past days she had troubled herself thinking that he could marry soon induced by his father to a marriage he didn’t want. Just the mere thought had hurt her. She had felt a mix of jealousy, pain, longing and grief.

Now she knew why she had been so worried to loose him forever. She loved him.

"I love you." Faramir whispered, as if reading her thoughts, as he started to unlace her dress. It didn't took long before the garment slipped off her lithe figure, pooling in a soft heap of fabric at her feet. And then he was taking her into his arms again, his mouth closing over hers as they lay on the fur covers, the tip of his fingers brushing along her sides, descending slowly to caress her thighs.

Kreshen couldn’t help but slightly tremble under his touch, one hand wrapped around his neck and the other one caressing and worshipping his taut muscles, descending past his belly button to mimic the caresses he was giving to her.

Faramir sighed softly at the contact, his mouth leaving hers and moving down to her chin and neck with a trail of lingering kisses. Just then his hand had reached her inner thigh and was slowly making its way to much more sensitive areas. All he did once he reached the spot was brush the tip of a finger over her clit and draw back to look at her, though, an eyebrow mischievously raised and a wicked grin curving his full lips.

"Don’t stop now…" she begged him, opening her bright eyes and almost pleading him.

In the meanwhile, her hand wrapped around his shaft, squeezing it lightly and moving up and down with excruciating slowness.

"Oh Valar.." Faramir muttered under his breath, blue eyes closing helplessly as he started to caress her in return, matching her unhurried pace purposefully. His head lowered again then, and he resumed the kissing and licking business with even more fervency than before, trailing kisses from her neck to her shoulders and then further down.

"I love you" she whispered trembling when he reached her breasts, licking one of her nipples catching it between his lips.

Instinctively, she quickened her pace, pulling his face against her chest with her free hand.

Mere moments later she was wriggling and moaning helplessly under his ministrations, sensing that she was very close to reach her climax.

Without warning Faramir's hand stopped and withdrew after one last, lingering caress. He had sensed it, too. When he saw that Kreshen was about to say something - maybe protest - he took advantage of her slightly parted lips to kiss her again, deeply and sensually, while urging her to stop her ministrations by placing a hand over hers. Then he was climbing on top of her, settling in between her parted legs, and pushing himself all the way inside a mere moment later, unable to wait further.

Closing her eyes, Kreshen moaned loudly into his mouth when she felt him move inside of her.

It was beautiful. It was sensual. And the game of lights on his skin created an incredibly erotic display.

Too much for her, she wrapped her long legs around his hips, urging him to let go and show her how much he wanted her. For she knew that he was barely restraining his passion.

His thrusts were slow at first, so very slow and yet deep. He wanted it to last, he wanted it to be perfect. Balancing his weight on his arms, propped at the sides of Kreshen's head, he claimed another heated kiss, moaning and panting softly into her mouth. All the while struggling to keep the unhurried pace as long as possible, but he soon found it quite hard. Quite hard indeed, since her hands were grasping his buttocks firmly, and urging him to go faster and deeper with every thrust.

"Do not instigate me, Kreshen.."

"Let go…" she whispered against his ear, sensually nibbling at his earlobe between soft pants and moans.

She was feeling almost dizzy with desire for him, her breathing had become erratic and the heat in her lower belly was increasing even more with each thrust, forcing her to nibble at his shoulder, leaving a slight mark, to avoid screaming out.

Already slack, Faramir's will definitively cracked at her words. He couldn't help but moan loudly, and raised his head to look into her eyes just for a split second before he kissed her roughly, increasing the depth and the pace of his thrusts at the same time.

Just a few good thrusts later Kreshen almost screamed into his mouth, her back arching and her muscles clenching around his shaft almost of their own will, barely aware that the force of her orgasm had triggered his own.

They remained entangled and panting for a while, hugging each other tightly.

And Kreshen’s thoughts immediately went to Boromir. He had vanished after their conversation. The last thing he needed was to find out that his wife to be and his brother had barely waited few moments before abandoning themselves to the wanton passion.

"I love you." Faramir reminded her in a whisper, afraid to know what she was thinking about. For he was thinking about it, too. Feeling happy like never before on one hand, and guilty beyond measure on the other. How should he feel, Boromir, how should he feel to know that the woman he loved was to bed both him and his brother?

Sure that he must have love her, no wait, he must have loved them, them both very deeply to agree to such a thing. It was very uncharacteristic of Boromir.

"I love you too" she whispered back."But I’m scared, Faramir. I… What if all this situation would slip out of control? I don’t want you or Boromir to suffer, but… I couldn’t bear to lose one of you. It’s so difficult…I’ve never felt that way, I’m so…confused, dazed…and deeply, madly in love…"

"Then just love." Faramir said softly, trying to reassure her despite he had his own concerns about that peculiar situation. "For we love you too, and I'm sure you can't quite figure out how much." he smiled then, and kissed her again before dragging himself up and stretch lazily. "It should be almost dinner time."

"Yes, I think it’s time to go" she sighed, standing up and reaching for her dress, abandoned on the floor just what had seemed a moment before.

She dressed quietly, trying to avert those thoughts about the whole situation, and waiting for Faramir to be ready before to exit the room.

Boromir still was nowhere to be seen, and they sat silently on the couch, without looking at each other.

Especially Kreshen, who was scared about what she would find in Boromir’s eyes. Condemnation for her foolish behaviour, maybe.

That’s why, when he entered the room, she couldn’t help but lower her eyes to the floor, unable to look at him.

"I brought dinner." Boromir said quietly, pushing the door closed with his foot and then walking to set the tray on the table. Faramir stood immediately, willing to help him, but Boromir shook his head without even bothering to raise his eyes and look at him.

"Don't worry."

"But--"

"I'll manage."

Kreshen then raised her eyes to look at them.

Even if not willingly, she had meddled between two brothers. And it was evident that Boromir was acting coldly and aloofly with Faramir.

They dined like that, without talking. For everytime Faramir had tried to start a conversation, Boromir had severely rebuked him.

"All right" she then said sternly, standing up.

"I’ve had enough of this. And I’ve no intentions to be the cause of your hostility. I’d rather live poorly, escaping from you. So please. Set your things out. Or I’ll leave you both. For I can’t choose. Now excuse me. I need some air".

With that she was gone, slamming the door behind her, running away from those two, into the darkness of the gardens.

"A grand craft, yours."

"Go on and follow her, then." Boromir replied caustically, stalking to the bed and then kicking off his boots. "I'm going to bed, I've had enough for today."

Faramir couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief, following the other with his gaze. "What's the matter with you, Boromir? Why must you make her feel guilty for this? You said that.. that.."

"I certainly didn't mean that you had to lock yourselves into your room right afterwards." the other snapped, flashing him a grim glare and then unbuttoning his tunic quite rudely, obviously vexed and dangerously peeved. Faramir had to give him that, though. At least.

"It was my fault."

"Sorry, but that doesn't make me feel any better."

"I am sorry." Faramir tried submissively, hoping that his wrathful, hastily undressing brother would have taken pity on him, understood his reasons. He had been waiting for those moments with Kreshen for who knows how long, and though aware that it hadn't been a very polite move, he had not been able to restrain himself. And he was sure that Boromir could understand that very well. For it was an attitude that belonged much more to him than to the calmer and younger man.

"Don't be."

"Please, Boromir."

And then he gave up. At last. Sighing deeply he eventually looked at his little brother, and nodded. "Very well. I'll behave, if you will."

"I swear to the Valar."

"Then go and bring her back."

In the meanwhile the girl was sobbing behind her favourite tree, trying to muffle her sounds with her hands, aware that every servant could have heard the whole scene.

But she didn’t turn to look at the man approaching, quickly walking away instead. Knowing who he could be.

"Kreshen, wait." Faramir called, quickening his pace to catch up with her. "It's all settled down. Wait, for the Valar's sake!"

Once close enough he grabbed her arm and forced her to stop, looking steadily into her eyes. "Why do you cry?"

"I don’t want to talk to you both" was her only answer, hastily wiping her tears with the back of her free hand, averting her gaze.

It was all wrong. All the whole thing. Maybe Boromir was merely trying her faithfulness, and she had been a fool, surrendering to a passion and a love that she should have keep secret.

"But why?" Faramir asked, letting go of Kreshen's arm and still staring at her. "It's all settled down, I say. Why do you behave like that?"

"He will never accept it, Faramir!" she snapped then, finally looking at him.

"And it’s all my fault, can’t you see that?"

"He needs time" Faramir said firmly then, steady gaze unwavering. "He needs time and needs us to take it slow, 'tis not your fault at all. I don't want to let you go, Kreshen. Not now. I can't."

"I’m but a whore" she murmured sadly, walking past him to return to the tower.

"And I’ll always be. All that fuss just because of me. And his delirious talk about being sure that our heir will be just his and not yours. He hurt me and doesn’t even register it. He’s the first one to make me feel guilty and…dirty. And then he’s there to profess his love. I can’t even understand what I’m feeling right now".

Faramir said nothing else, walking quietly at her side and staring at the ground. When they reached the bedroom Boromir was seemingly asleep on his side of the bed, giving his back to them.

"I think it's better if I sleep in my room." Faramir said softly, glancing at his brother and then kissing Kreshen's cheek goodnight. "Try to get some rest."

But Boromir wasn't quite asleep as he seemed. In fact he was already dragging himself up to look at the two, propped on his elbows.

"Stay."

"I--"

"Just to sleep, what's the big deal?"

"Fine."

Kreshen from her part didn’t bother to take off her dress, intentioned to not speak to either one, quickly slipping under the covers, turning on her side, immediately closing her eyes.