April. One of her favourite months.

The birds were merrily singing in the sky, and all the trees were filled with scented flowers.

And what to say about the breathtaking sight of the huge lands covered with butterflies and blooms?

Nienna was walking to the palace, smiling brightly and carrying a little leather bag.

Thorongil's lunch. Jezabelle had asked her to go and see her brother, with the excuse of the food. He hadn't been very happy about her decision to leave their home, and surely hadn't understood when she had told him she wasn't going to reveal where was he living. His wife was trying to knock some sense in that stubborn skull of his, but it was no use. Probably she had thought that to spend some time together would have helped them to get along better.

By that time Boromir and Faramir were just a faded memory to her. It was no use in deluding herself into thinking that she could have spotted them. Two months had passed from that night, and she had never seen them anymore, not even in that tavern.

The following morning she had awakened in an empty bed, sad beyond any reason, feeling empty and hopelessly alone.

"Nienna!" someone called at her back, an amused tone in his voice.

The woman suddenly stopped, turning to look at her brother's friend.

He was a huge youth, blonde hair mutinously hanging on his forehead and sparkling green eyes which always showed happiness and merriment. Gwaihir was a ranger, serving at Gondor, usually scouting the Ithilien’s woods. Lately, his source of entertainment was teasing Nienna about a possible love story between them. Something not really appreciated by Thorongil.

"Gwaihir!" she greeted him, noticing that he had a finely carved bow in one of his enormous hands, and was in company of other three men. "I thought you were scouting this week..."

"Missed me, didn't you?" he immediately grinned, shaking his head with amusement upon seeing her exasperated expression. "We've returned early from the woods, and it seems we'll stay there for a while..."

"Do you know where's 'Our grumpiness'?" she asked then, curiously looking around in search of her brother.

"He's up in the tower, I think he was escorting the Lord Denethor" was his explanation this time, while he studied her lithe figure attentively. "Listen, while you wait for him to come back, why don't you show your skills with the bow to those younglings?"

Grinning at him, she glanced at his companions.

Without thinking twice, the woman nodded at him, and took hold of the bow and the arrow that Gwaihir was handing her with a mischievous grin.

Once in the shooting area, she took her time in caressing the soft feathers at the back of the arrow, tending the bow two or three times before positioning herself and taking a deep breath, closedher eyes.

It lasted but a second, and she loosened the cord, a determined expression upon her face.

The cheering of the men gathered around her ceased when heavy footsteps approached. Some exchanged glances and others just stood there unmoving as Boromir, clad in his black and silvery uniform, walked to near the assembly. He had to impose himself not to stare at Nienna. Not even the lack of discipline of the soldiers had bothered him, mainly because the surprise of seeing her right in the courtyard of his own home had overrun his every other thought.

What was she doing there?

"My Lord." Beregond greeted him, bowing his head, and getting a single nod in response from Boromir when he eventually halted a few paces away.

"So what's the commotion about?"

"We were.." the man began, darting a nervous glance at his companions, "we were just practicing."
"Aye, I've seen that." Boromir agreed, his eyes meeting Nienna's for the first time. Faramir, who had been watching from some distance, had finally caught up with his brother and was now standing at his side.

A somewhat bewildered Thorongil was in the meanwhile running to be near them, worried that his sister could have done something wrong. Those weren't men to underestimate. They could have her banished, or even worse, should she be disrespectful towards them.

"Milords" he said, bowing his head and standing at Nienna's side, trying to protect her.

"I am sorry if all this mess has happened because of my sibling. She's Nienna, and I'm sure she didn't mean to create trouble".

Said woman had almost never met their gazes, too upset to even think and do it.

That was why they were so wary that night. The two hooded strangers were the rulers of Gondor.

And now what was she supposed to do?

Nothing.

There was nothing she could do, for they had been clear.

It had been just a quick tumble. She had to be aloof and leave as soon as she could.

"Milords" she said, in a cold tone, bowing her head.

Boromir and Faramir exchanged a quick glance, and the next moment the younger took a step forward. Then he smiled gently, before to bow his head as well.

He had to play that part. For his and Boromir's sake. And for her sake, too.

"I am Faramir" he said, before to nod towards his sibling. "And this is my brother Boromir. I'm glad to welcome you to our house." Said that he shifted his gaze to Thorongil, the smile unwavering on his lips. "You should be proud of her, she's a very skilled archer."

At his side Boromir nodded, folding his arms, and tilted his head with a curious expression before to speak directly to her. "Can you wield a sword as well?"

"No, she's not very skilled with the sword" Thorongil answered instead of his sister, who was still staring at the ground.

'Good' he thought, proud of her. His little, reckless sister was behaving as a real maiden, finally.

"I haven't had the time to teach her, and she's been away with our mother for many years..."

Clearly not being able to take any more of that, Nienna put on her face the sweetest of smiles, turning to look at her brother, now eager to go away.

"Well, I don't want to distract you from your duty anymore" she said, handing the bag to Thorongil. "This is from your lovely wife. I'll see you tonight..."

"All right, take care and go straight at home" was his reply, as usual.

"It's been an honour to meet you, milords" Nienna then said to Boromir and Faramir, bowing her head reverentially.

The younger brother bowed, too, while Boromir said or did nothing as he watched her walk away. He turned to his men then, who gathered around him waiting for his orders for the day. Also Thorongil, of course, while Faramir's rangers were dismissed and free to go back to their homes, since they'd just come back from a few days of scouting about the eastern borders of the kingdom.

It was then that Faramir took the chance to slip away unnoticed and made his way to the tunnel that led to the City, hasting to catch up with Nienna.

Said girl turned to look at him with an utterly surprised expression on her face.

Surely to see him there was the last thing she was hoping for.

"Lord Faramir... did you forget something?"

He stopped at once at her words, obviously displeased by such formality, but he didn't avert his eyes. His pale blue eyes, that always concealed so very little. He was sure that she could see how much that question had upset him. And he found that he had indeed preferred to be treated as an equal, that night in the small house near the Houses of Healing.

"Don't.. call me that, Nienna, please.."

"That's what you are... " she just replied, folding her arms on her chest.

It was odd to see him again after all that time, and to find out that he was the Steward's son had really upset her.

She was clearly confused and she didn't know how to behave with him.

"Why should I call you differently?"

"Because there is really no need to call me that.." Faramir replied gently, sighing. He took a couple of footsteps forward, but didn't dare to get any closer.

Was she angry? He couldn't quite figure out, but he was more than sure that she was at least upset, and not very pleased with her discovery.

"We.. didn't mean to hide it from you," he added after a few moments, still staring at her, "it's just that we didn't want you to behave any different because of who we are, nothing more.."

Eyes focused as if trying to see through his body and read his very soul, Nienna was nervously playing with the lacings of the leather belt she had around her sides, still trying to register what was happening.

"It was just a quick--" she began, stopping in the middle of the phrase, sighing.

"It's been beautiful but I knew I would have found an empty bed. I surely wasn’t waiting to see you again. Especially discovering that you're the rulers of Gondor. But you've had what you wanted, so why--"

Faramir's eyes narrowed a bit at her words, a frown suddenly taking over his fair features. Yet he was still unmoving.

He couldn't expect her to be happy and fine with what had happened between the three of them, he was well aware of that. But he had not anticipated such reaction.

"You really think that--that we've offered you the house only to get your favours in return? Is that what you think, Nienna?"

"I don't know what to think... I really don't know..." she then sighed, relaxing just a little bit, understanding that his intentions weren't bad.

Yet she still couldn’t think clearly about the whole situation.

"I thought that probably...probably it was the way you two amused yourselves. Searching for young women to do some cavorting and then forget about the whole thing. I'm sorry if I haven't been able to forget..."

"We haven't forgotten, either" Faramir replied gently, his features softening and the hint of a small smile slowly curving his lips. "Boromir and I have often talked about you during those two months.. I--I've been even tempted to knock at your door with the excuse of retrieving some clothes from the wardrobe, only to see whether you were fine.." he admitted, actually blushing the tiniest bit as he spoke, and averting his gaze for the first time.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.."

"I've been waiting for you everyday since that night..." she said softly, backing a little bit, still staring at him. Quite shaken by now. He wasn't supposed to tell her those things. He wasn't supposed to care about her. Yet it seemed he did.

"I thought you just wanted some fun, and I blamed myself for I was the one who let you slip past my defenses, knowing that you would have left me alone. What should I think now? What would have you done if you were in my place?"

Faramir's eyes strayed back to hers as he shook his head, sighing softly. "No, Nienna, I'm not blaming you" he said in his usual, quiet tone. "And I'm not asking anything of you, either.. but I'd be happy if we could.. become friends. If we could try to start over again."

"I'd be happy, too..." she murmured, hinting a smile, quite surprised by his request.

Friends? Was it possible to be just friends after all that had happened that night?

She didn't know, but she was willing to discover it.

"But... are you sure you can be my friend? You're a noble and I'm but ... well I'm not like you..."

"We're human beings all the same, are we not?" was the young man's reply, matched with a bright smile and a grateful sparkle lightening his blue eyes. "I will be home for a few days, you could come and visit me sometimes, I'll show you the house and the library. And the armoury also, so that you can choose a bow to practice with."

"Oh, but I cannot practice" she said with a small shrug, finally walking to be near him, smiling again.

"My brother would rather kill me. He says I have to behave like a maiden would do, but I'm pretty bad at it... More, I do not think that...the guards would let me enter..."

Faramir shrugged in response, the smile unwavering on his lips, before gesturing for her to follow him. "Come, I'll show you our house. The guards will do anything Boromir or I will tell them to, so there is not no worry about that." he chuckled, while walking back home at her side.

"And.. since you're already quite skilled with a bow I could even recruit you, who knows. The rules of Boromir's Guard wouldn't allow a woman to join, but my Rangers don't have such restrictions. You'd need to learn how to wield a sword anyway, though."

"Wouldn't you mind recruiting a woman?" she asked, wide eyed, still walking at his side, turning to look at him now and then.

She was more at ease now, happy for she wasn't feeling alone anymore.

And his proposal had been clearly unexpected to her, even more because she had never dared to hope that one day she would have served Gondor as her brother was doing for quite a while.

It was way easier for her, in spite of what Thorongil could say. She hadn't a family waiting home for her return, while he had his wife and possibly some children within few years.

But she was a woman. And she didn't know how to wield a sword.

"I could ask to some of my brother's friends to teach me when they have some spare time.." she murmured then, without realizing she was actually saying it aloud.

"Boromir will." the young man replied at once, his smile widening. "He's much more skilled than me with a blade, and I'm sure he'll be happy to take care of your training. We'll ask him later."

They had reached the exit of the tunnel by then, and were making their way across the wide courtyard, Faramir leading her to the main entrance of the King's House.

"N-no Faramir, he doesn't have to do it..." she said, suddenly feeling awkward and shaking her head decidedly.

She could remember very clearly Boromir's ways with her, and she was seriously worried that they could have indulged in other pleasures in stead of practicing.

Everytime Nienna had thought about him, she had felt something stir deep inside of her. Something that shouldn't be there.

She wasn't in fact supposed to like him, for he didn't like her. Probably Faramir did, but not his brother, she was sure of that.

"I don't want to bother him with such things. I'm even sure he would not have to deal with me anymore..."

Faramir turned to look at her, before pushing the heavy door open. "Why do you say that?" he demanded, truly surprised. "Boromir may be a little rough sometimes, 'tis true.. but that's his way, it doesn't mean that he doesn't like you. On the contrary, I'm pretty sure he does."

Said that he gave her a gentle smile, taking her arm as they entered the wide corridor that led to the stairs to the upper floor. "Do you feel enough at ease to let me show you our chambers? We'll move to the library next and then to the armoury, if you do agree."

"It's fine to me, go ahead" she smiled, without withdrawing her arm, feeling indeed quite at ease with him.

It wasn't difficult to feel good with Faramir. He was so kind and sweet that one couldn't help but like his company.

While walking at his side, anyway, his words about Boromir continued to swirl in her mind, no matter how hard she tried to focus on something else.

Odd. Uncharacteristic and odd for her.

He had been rough at the beginning, and probably was only interested in looking at his brother all the time, yet he had been tender to her, somehow.

Sighing softly, she just concentrated on looking at the magnificence all around her, trying to forget those useles thoughts.

Once they'd reached the second floor they made their way through the corridor, that was just as wide as that on the lower story but lit only by many lamps hung at the walls, while downstairs the lighting was provided by the many windows lined on a side, during the daytime.

He eventually stopped in front of a wide wooden door on the right side of the hallway, facing another that was identical to the first one both in size and shape.

"You could lunch with me and Boromir today, we'll be alone down in the dining hall." Faramir offered while opening the door, and then stepped aside to allow her to enter the small hall that led to his bedchamber.

"With you?"

Obviously that meeting with Faramir was being amazingly strange, but above all, Nienna wasn't waiting for him to be that kind towards her. Was he one of the other nobles, he would have just bedded and soon forgotten her, but Faramir was different.

A lot of girls would have envied her for that invitation, yet for the wrong motivations.

Nienna wasn't going to accept because her aim was to reach money and a good status. She really wanted him to be her friend.

"It would be wonderful but I don't think my clothes are proper for a lunch with you..."

"They do look absolutely proper to me." was Faramir's reply, before opening also the door to his chamber, and bowing slightly as if to invite her to step in before him.

Said bedroom was very tidy and luminous, and quite wide. Fine tapestries hung at the walls, and a huge carpet was set right in the middle of the room, covering the cold stone floor. In the centre of the carpet stood Faramir's bed, sided by two nightstands, its canopy dressed in the same dark blue velvet of the curtains, and the headboards made of carved wood just like the bench set at the bottom of the bed.

On the right side of the room a huge stony fireplace was still crackling feebly, and a large couch had been placed right in front of it, with two small tables at its sides. On the other side of the chamber there were a small bookcase overflowing with ancient volumes, and Faramir's desk. Next to it, the doors to the wardrobe and to the bath.

"Boromir's is almost identical," Faramir said from the doorframe, smiling as Nienna looked around the room, "though the velvet of his canopy and curtains is dark red."

The dim light which illuminated the room rendered the atmosphere even more fanciful to her eyes, and Nienna almost held her breath to look at that splendour. She had never seen anything like that, but after all it was the way the Steward and his family had to be treated. They were the rulers of one of the greatest kingdoms of the men's race.

Finally turning to look at Faramir, after long moments of silence, Nienna smiled softly.

"Everything is so... beautiful here..."

Obviously pleased, the young man smiled again at her words. "I am glad you like it" he said, walking to be near her. "You can come and borrow a book sometimes, even if I'm not home. The library is usually locked, and not even the servants have the key. The King has it. I, too, have a copy, and Boromir, so you'll have to ask one of us to get there. I'll show it to you, right after Boromir's bedroom."

"Why are you so... tender and kind?" she actually asked, bringing one hand to his face to stroke it affectionately with her thumb, her eyes never leaving his blue pools, wondering if he cared for her at least a little bit, or if he was doing it just to be sure she would keep their secret.

"Because I like you." was Faramir's gentle reply. He didn't try to avoid her gaze but stared back at her, and leaned into her delicate touch.

"Because I like your company. And also because we've decided to start over again, and I want to do it properly. Trust me.."

"I do trust you" she smiled again, taking his hand into hers, ready to go. "Otherwise I would not be there..."

Then giving him a quick peck on his lips, she gently squeezed his hand, guiding him to the door.

"So. Where are you going to go now, my Lord?"

"Now?" Faramir smirked, tugging at her hand when they exited in the hallway again. "Now I'm going to show you the inconceivable mess that's Boromir's room. Then we'll have our tea served in the library, we'll read and chat for a while and then head to the armoury."

Said that he opened the door on the other side of the corridor, a huge grin on his face, and nodded for her to follow him inside.

The furnishing was in fact identical to that of Faramir's chamber, but indeed the wide room was not as tidy: some clothes had been thrown carelessly onto the couch, Boromir's shield was propped against a nearby wall as well as his sword, while the desk was scattered with varied belongings, piles of books, maps, parchments and quills. Faramir couldn't help but chuckle when he spotted his brother's boots next to the bed, and raised an eyebrow amusedly when his eyes met Nienna's again.

"I do not know him well enough, but I should say I knew somehow that his room would have been like this..." she grinned, looking around without actually letting go of Faramir's hand, an amused expression on her face.

She didn't know why, but all that mess just suggested her a thought.

Even before she could continue her phrase, a door opened and a wet and almost naked Boromir came out of the bathroom, with just a towel wrapped around his sides.

And the mere sight made her shiver.

The warrior froze in place when he saw them. The last thing he was expecting was to get out of the tub and find himself face to face with Nienna, no doubt, and for a few seconds he merely stared at her, unmoving on the threshold. He opened his mouth as if to speak, not really knowing what he could have said. Without noticing, he was clutching at the white towel in his hands.

"You'll get a cold!"

With that Faramir was hastening to stir the embers in the fireplace, muttering to himself and shaking his head. And Boromir finally smiled, relaxing a little as he wiped his chest and arms, his grey eyes never straying from Nienna's bright ones.

"I didn't know you were with him."

"Oh..." was all she said at the beginning, clearing her throat and immediately scolding herself.

"Well...Faramir has caught up with me and he's asked me to spend the rest of the day together... I didn't know you were here..."

Boromir shrugged lightly, the smile still in place. "Makes no difference." he said evenly, "I'm glad you agreed to stay over."

After another glance he opened the door next to the bath, and vanished into the small, dark room for a few moments, rummaging. When he came out he was carrying in his arms a bundle of clothes, that was unceremoniously thrown onto the bed. The towel wrapped around his waist was then removed just as casually, ending up on the floor, and as Boromir reached to grab his leggings Faramir gave him an amused glance from the couch.

"You see, he's never been very modest." he grinned, causing his brother to chuckle quietly while slipping the garment on.

Grinning back, Nienna's eyes eagerly roamed all over his body, not even missing an inch of it, trying to disguise the way she was actually feeling.

Boromir seemed arrogant and too sure of himself. He had been rough to her at the beginning.

Yes, but he was godlike in his perfection, his still damp body glimmering in the faint light coming from the huge window.

"Don't worry, I don't mind. I've already seen all I had to see, so it makes no difference..."

One of Boromir's eyebrows instantly arched at the statement, and his gaze strayed back to Nienna just as promptly.

"I don't think it's wise to remind me of such things, really.."

Uh-oh, Faramir thought amusedly, eyeing the two with patient interest from the couch he was comfortably sprawled on. He said nothing aloud, anyway, curious to see how far his brother was willing to push it this time.

"I have not forgotten."

"Neither I" she said, staring challengingly at him for some moments, before averting her gaze and walking past him, sitting on the other side of the couch, decided not to let them be in charge this time.

She couldn't bear to be alone again, and wouldn't have allowed him to ruin everything just because they wanted each other too much.

"But me and Faramir are starting all over again, so you'd better forget it, Boromir".

"Oh, are you?" he demanded, head bent as he laced his leggins, casting them only a quick glance before to return to his task.

"Aye, 'tis true" Faramir confirmed, smiling brightly and nodding, "We're trying to become friends."

"And what about me? I could get jealous."

Laughing out loudly at such words, Nienna slightly turned to glance at him, shaking her head.

Godlike, yes. But probably too arrogant. He was a incessant challenge to her, and she wasn't willing to lose.

"I will not take Faramir from you, if it's this what worries you, fear not".

"I didn't mean it that way."

He uttered not another word while getting dressed, and once finished he didn't falter to reach for the couch and sit between them, one of Faramir's arms winding around his waist at once.

"Faramir isn't bound to me in any way but by brotherhood" he said, suddenly serious and staring straight into Nienna's eyes. "He's free to live his life the way he pleases. And so am I."

"It didn't seem you were bound just by brotherhood the other night..." she said plainly, her eyes moving to Faramir's arm in a quite eloquent gesture before returning to the older one's face, folding her arms on her chest and crossing her legs.

"I figured you were really close, and it was quite clear, believe me. But I don't mind, I just mind my own business and I don't want to meddle between you two..."

"There are no bonds." Boromir insisted, "That's what I want you to understand, I wasn't saying that.. that we aren't much closer than two brothers should ever be.."

Faramir sighed then, pursing his lips slightly, and shifted his gaze to Nienna. Without removing his arm at all.

"You're the first one who knows."

"Aragorn suspects something" the eldest muttered, shrugging. "But he won't ask, so she is officially the only one who knows for sure."

"I am no sneak if it's what you are implying" she said, now quite offended by such words.

But it was not just about what they had told her. It was the way they looked at each other, the way they seemed to understand the other's thoughs with just a glance, without words.

How could she ever dare to hope that Boromir could be interested in her if he was in love with Faramir?

"Do what you please, I will not tell it. If my brother should know what's happened he would kill me. So do not be afraid of me, I will not meddle or hinder you".

"He will know not" the eldest granted, laying a reassuring hand on Nienna's knee, and squeezing gently. "You have my word for it."

Faramir smiled at his brother's uncharacteristic placidness, and leaned to nuzzle his neck affectionately before getting on his feet, ruffling Boromir's still damp hair in the process. "I will be in my room, if you do need me."

Boromir seemed puzzled at first, as he followed him with his gaze. "Why do you leave?"

"To give you two the chance to know each other better."

Nienna just stared at Faramir's back while he exited the room, clearly feeling somewhat awkward in being alone with Boromir. His hand was still resting on her knee, but she didn't retreat from that pleasurable contact, slowly turning to look at him, not knowing what to do or say.

When their gazes met again Boromir cleared his throat, and hinted a nervous smile.

He wasn't good at dealing with women, at all. Furthermore, he was feeling inexplicably clumsy now that Faramir was gone, so very uncharacteristic of him. And afraid to ruin it all someway, saying or doing something wrong, which was possibly worse. But he couldn't just stare at her without saying a word, could he?

"So.. no chances for me to become your friend as well?"

"I didn't say that..." she said softly, hinting a small smile, looking straight in his grey eyes, propping on an elbow to have a better view of him.

Was he feeling awkward?

No. It couldn't be possible. He was arrogant and self assured, it couldn't be. And why feeling awkward with someone he did not even know well?

"I'd like to be your friend, too".

The smile on Boromir's lips widened a bit at those words. And, much to his own surprise, he felt even a little relieved to know that after all Nienna wasn't trying to keep him at distance. She wasn't pushing him away, not even after what had happened between them a couple of months before.

"Good." he muttered, nodding. The hand laid on Nienna's knee gave another gentle squeeze then, before Boromir retreated and folded his arms, laying back onto the couch. "Your brother's one of my best men, did you know that? But I didn't know he had any siblings, I never ask about such matters. I've met his wife a couple of times, though."

"Thorongil is...strong and brave" she nodded, searching for the right words, pensively pursing her lips, her gaze shifting to the wide fireplace.

"We have never been very close. He has always considered me as a kind of rebel and he will always try and change me, submitting me to his will. That's why I decided to follow my mother when she went to Edoras. She was a really good artisan, you know? Then I met someone who helped me to learn how to use a bow, and I practiced a lot. Thorongil would never accept my being hoyden but he has insisted in having me returning there, even if we don't like each other very much. Time changes the people, and sometimes it's not for the best... That's why I was searching for home and job..."

"I see." Boromir muttered, sighing. He was sorry for her, somehow. "I know I'm lucky, for I and Faramir have always been very close.. and always leaned on each other, since we were kids. I've never really been alone, despite my mother's death, nor has he. But it must have not been easy for you.."

"No, it hasn't..." she sighed, her thoughts returning to the relationship between those two brothers.

No. There wasn't room for her. They were too much in love to simply meddle and ruin everything, and she had no heart to do it, even if she liked him a whole lot more than he knew.

"And I've noticed how is between you two. You've been lucky, indeed. Faramir will always be your brother, and the one love of your life. It's quite clear, and it's rare to find such strong feelings..."

"We are not in love." was Boromir's answer, as he turned to look at the small fire crackling in front of them.

The tone of his voice wasn't plainly sad when he spoke again, but very low and filled with something that might have been regret.

"It's been all my fault. It's just not meant to be, and I should have never acted upon.." he stopped for a moment, sighing, and still looking at the fireplace. Without noticing, he was clenching his fists. "upon whatever it's been, whether it was my feelings or a fancy or mere physical attraction I know not. I only know that I still feel like I've.. tainted him, somehow. He was but a boy at the time."

Sighing softly, Nienna turned to look at him, clearly confused and upset.

She didn't like to see him blame himself for something like that. It was not a fault to be in love, and he surely hadn't threatened Faramir. He had taken his decision and there was no need to regret it.

Still she couldn't understand why he continued in denying something so blatant like their love. Then she realized that maybe he didn't want her to know too many details about their relationship.

"He's happy whenever he's with you. Everytime he looks at you his eyes glow with adoration. You make him shine, Boromir. There's no need to regret it, I know you're happy as well.." she said softly, leaning to place an hand on his shoulder in a quite affectionate gesture, stroking him tenderly.

Boromir lowered his eyes for a moment, sighing again, and then his gaze shifted slowly to the hand set on his shoulder, and to her face. She had meant what she'd said.. And he was grateful for such words, grateful beyond measure, when he'd expected her to blame or disdain him for his confession.

Without really thinking he drew Nienna against his chest, closing his eyes, and his arms wrapped around her at once.

Crushed within his strong arms, the woman couldn't help but tense, at least at the beginning.

Soon she found out that it wasn't uncomfortable to be there with him, and she sighed again, allowing her arms to wrap around his waist, embedding her face in his chest.

Soap. He smelled of soap, cinnamon, and then there was the spicy scent of his skin.

Enticing. Probably too much.

"Do you think we'll manage to stay just like that without ripping each other's clothes off and make furious love on the carpet?" she asked softly after a while, an amused smile on her face.

Chuckling, Boromir drew back slightly. Enough to be able to look in her eyes, and to give her a huge grin.

"I wasn't thinking about us making furious love on the carpet." he stated amusedly then, raising an eyebrow. "I yet had to get to that part. Actually, I was stuck at the point where you lie there naked at my mercy and I kiss and lick and bite my way to your belly and--"

He stopped halfway the sentence, obviously on purpose, before clearing his throat and trying hard to keep a straight face, however without succeeding.

"Well. Anyway we're managing not to. Aren't we?"

"We'll do nothing more than stay there and cuddle each other" she grinned, giving him a quick peck on his lips, her hands now reaching to caress his still damp hair. Something she had dreamed of for two months.

"And share some kisses, maybe. But I do not want to ruin it all just because we want each other too much..."

Boromir smirked in response, actually purring as he leaned into her gentle touch and his hands started to stroke her back.

"So be it," he murmured, "just don't stop."

Was it for him, he would have at least kissed her straightaway. But he didn't, deciding to focus on her caresses and on the feel of the soft fabric sliding under his palms instead. Trying to imagine how so very good it would have felt to stroke her bare skin while kissing, claiming, conquering, the memories of that night still alive and vivid in his mind. More than ever.

But this time he was willing to let Nienna be in charge.

Smiling softly, clearly amused by his behaviour, the woman kept on stroking his hair and neck, sliding down to caress his cheeks with her thumbs now and then, all the while staring intensely in his eyes.

It was quite obvious that she wasn't waiting for him to be that submissive, but she liked it.

There was something between them, something strong, and it went far beyond the mere physical attraction, even if they almost couldn’t manage to stay together in the same room without feeling dizzy with desire.

Yet, she didn't know what it was.

"I thought you would have objected" she grinned then, tilting her head on a side. "And I have to say I prefer you that way...although I don't mind when you are...dashing and overwhelming.."

"Oh aye?" he grinned back, shifting on the couch in order to get even closer to Nienna, and wrapping his arms around her shoulders right after. "I can be very peaceful and submissive, you know.. but it takes a huge amount of babying and pampering to keep me quiet.. and just as much kisses."

Brushing his lips over hers, grey eyes half closed, he smiled again. "What are you waiting for?" he whispered, "You don't want me to jump on you, do you?"

Smirking, Nienna cupped his face with her hands, catching his lower lip in between her teeth, just to tease him, caressing it with the tip of her tongue right after, closing her eyes as well.

Slowly, oh so slowly, her lips opened to grant his tongue access, and she relished the unhurried dance of their entangled tongues, trying to explore each and every inch of his mouth, willing to impress those moments with him in her heart, not knowing if there would have been more.

One of Boromir's hands reached for the back of her head, holding her in place, while his other arm was still wound around her, so firmly that she was almost crushed against his broad chest. And he didn't loosen the grip at all, probably unaware of how tightly he was actually holding her, too caught up in their heated kissing to be able to focus on anything else.

Good. She felt, tasted so good that he would have been more than willing to kiss, probe and taste her like that forever.

When she finally managed to break the kiss, Nienna couldn't help but grin, looking intensely in his noble eyes, her hands now descending to stroke his shoulders and back.

Valar, he was beautiful.

"Are you planning to choke me?"

"Not at all.." he murmured with a small grin, staring intently at her face. "I'm rather planning to kiss you breathless."

And so he did, claiming her mouth a moment later, though this time his hands were settled at her waist and the kiss was even more urgent and demanding than the first. Even when their lips parted he kept on kissing her face, her cheeks, descending slowly to her chin and neck.

"Boromir..." she called at him, trying to not yeld to those wonderful sensations, closing her eyes for a moment and retreating once again opened them.

"I don't want to...be your toy...I like to be with you but...I am not one of those whores you have fun with and then you throw aside when you've grown tired of them..."

The warrior remained silent for some moments, just staring at her.

Seriously, how could he expect Nienna to believe him if he said that he actually cared? It wasn't a good idea. And yet he actually cared about her, even if it was reasonless and even if it was only the second time they met. To him, it was like he'd known her for a whole lifetime. And this, too, was indeed irrational.

He was careful to say nothing about that, though, when he finally forced himself to speak.

"I only wanted to kiss you" was all he managed, "I'm sorry.."

Unfortunately the look in his eyes spoke more than he wanted to say, and Nienna didn't miss it.

Furthermore, she didn't want him to stop. Never.

Sighing softly, she stroked his cheek for a while, gathering her thoughts. Then, bracing herself, she decided to speak.

"I know I'm a stupid lassie with too many illusions but... I've missed you..." she said softly, lowering her gaze and faltering a little before to continue. "I've thought a lot about you and...I'm a stupid..."

"You have.. thought about me?" he repeated, without even trying to disguise his astonishment. Of all the things she could have said, that had been the least expected indeed. During those two months he had often thought about her, too, and more than once he and Faramir had remembered what had happened that night, wondering whether Nienna was fine, and whether she would have been happy or rather annoyed to see them again. None of them had found the courage to go and check, anyway.

When Boromir realized that his reaction could have been easily misunderstood, he hurried to give her a small smile.

"I wasn't expecting that." he admitted quietly, wrapping his arms around her waist anew, and staring straight at her. "Were they pleasant thoughts?"

"I was just wondering whether you and Faramir were fine..." she started, faltering a little, unsure of what to say.

Was it right to tell him everything? To confess about the nights she had spent craving his touch, remembering the way he had made love to her and the feeling of his warm skin against her own while they slept together?

No, probably it wasn't a good idea. At all.

"Anyhow you were my...first man in a certain way, and...I would have liked to know you better, to spend some time alone with you... it has been an important experience to me, even if I knew that more likely I would have been just another name in your long list of lovers..."

"We can make up for that, now.. We can spend some time together, try to know each other better" he replied at once, taking Nienna's face in his hands and staring expectantly at her. "You can stay here with me, with us, as long as you wish to. I've been thinking a lot about you, too.."

"Have you?" she smiled brightly, utterly pleased by his words.

When he nodded, Nienna couldn't help but kiss the tip of his nose, resting her forehead against his, her arms wrapped around his neck.

"I am more than wiling to spend some time with you. But I don't know if staying there would be a good idea... where could I sleep?"

Boromir smirked at the question. "There are many available rooms, for our guests. We use to lodge here our allies from far lands whenever a council or a feast is to be held. Otherwise you could stay here with me.." he offered, nodding towards the large bed standing behind them, the smirk slowly turning into a huge grin. "But you wouldn't probably sleep at all. The choice is upon you.."

"I like you, Boromir, believe me..." she began, sighing sadly and looking down.

A pity. He was offering her to share the same bed, to know each other better and she couldn't accept.

Because it was not up to them. There was Faramir, too. And he didn't deserve to be hurt from her.

"But...I don't want to meddle between you and your brother. I bet he wouldn't be happy..."

"We'll ask him, then." Boromir replied softly, smiling. He leaned to claim her lips again, only a light kiss this time, an almost affectionate and very undemanding one. Maybe he was learning, after all. He didn't really know why he was feeling so eager to please her, to gain her trust, but it was good to have her so close. And he knew that his little brother wasn't likely to deny her hospitality, even more so because what he and Boromir shared was nothing more than a little comfort whenever needed, a little warmth. Only that and brotherly love, Boromir mentally reminded to himself.

And the expectant look was back in his eyes when he retreated, along with the small smile that was playing at the corners of his lips. "Will you stay, if he agrees?"

"In your bed?" she demanded, more to herself than to him, trying to decide soon, but finding it rather difficult to think clearly when he was so close to her.

Valar. They had seen each other only two times, but it seemed there was some sort of connection between them, something that started with sex but was not only physical pleasure. There was a lot more.

"It would be...wonderful but...what should I say to my brother? He's not so...well disposed towards me and I don't want to give him any excuse to mortify me..."

"We don't have to tell him, in case you'll decide to stay here with me." Boromir replied with a small shrug, and then remained silent for some moments as he considered their chances. He eventually smiled again, laying both hands on her shoulders. "Let's make a deal: we'll assign you a room anyway, and just tell him that we'll lodge you here for a while.. you could do some sword training with me in the meantime, or help Faramir with his rangers. From what I've seen, you seemed to have quite some skill with a bow."

"Only with the bow, unfortunately. I'm not that good with the sword..."she shrugged, her smile unwavering.

And now she was hoping with all of her heart that Faramir would have accepted. Maybe it was true. Maybe there was just brotherly love, and she wouldn't have ruined all.

"Right. If Faramir will agree I'll stay there with you, but to one condition. I will go away if...if my presence there should spoil your relationship. Agreed?"

"Agreed." Boromir nodded, and then leaned to seal their promise with another kiss.

Luckily, Faramir didn't protest at all when his brother asked his opinion on the matter. On the contrary, he seemed quite happy to have her as their guest for some time, and that afternoon he saw personally to bring some spare blankets and clothes to her new room, along with candles and a few books. Since Boromir was busy in his study, he also accompanied her to the small house in order to collect her belongings, and it was only a couple of hours before dinner that they went back to the King's House.

*******

Once alone in her room, Nienna was pleasantly surprised to find a golden basin filled with water, alongside with some spare towels tidily folded and settled at the bottom of the huge bed.

Swiftly unbuttoning her tunic, the woman threw it onto the bed, splashing some water on her face and arms, smiling helplessly due to the wonderful scent. They had poured some jasmine scented oil in it.

On the armchair she had arranged her outfit for that evening.A dark red, long tunic, a pair of black pants and her boots.

Not much, but the brothers had assured her that they would have had supper alone, and there was no need for her to worry about her clothes.

After another uncertain look at the mirror, Nienna exited the room, closing the door at her back and smiling to the servant who promptly escorted her to the Great Hall, through a maze of seemingly identical corridors.

The two brothers were already there, facing each other at the end of the long table, chattering quietly while sipping some wine. When Nienna entered the Hall, though, both set aside their goblets and stood. Such obeisance was usually reserved to very important guests, and in a way that was just what she was.

Certainly not lacking good manners and willing to welcome her properly at their table, both bowed their heads slightly when she neared them, and then smiled.

"Have your seat, Nienna." Faramir said in his usual, kind way, "The dinner is to be served."

Smiling brightly at that chivalrous gesture, the woman slightly bowed her head, to greet them as well, sitting at Faramir's side, to be able to look properly at Boromir, sitting in front of them.

Everything was perfect to her. The candles,the servants ready to obey to their command, the table richly layed. She had never seen such opulence, and surely it was something she would never forget.

"Thank you" she finally said, eyeing the two brothers. "It's all so...beautiful here..."

"You're welcome" Boromir replied, returning the stare. "I wish you could feel at home here."

Just then a young servant appeared on the doorframe, carrying a large tray. Only when Boromir nodded the boy entered the room, followed by a couple of maids.

"May I dish out the supper, my Lord?"

"Go ahead."

As it was usual Faramir eyed with utter interest the food in the plates as the maids lay them on the table, and as it was usual Boromir couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. It amused him no end the way his little brother's eyes lit up everytime food was involved.

"Do you like mushrooms?" the young man asked Nienna, while serving himself some stew. "Else there are some mashed potatoes seasoned with oil and chive, or.." he stopped then, leaning out to study the content of a large bowl set in the centre of the table before ending the sentence. "salad, I believe. Shall I dish you out?"

"No, no, just eat" Boromir smiled, shifting his gaze from Faramir to Nienna. "I'll manage. Mushrooms, potatoes or salad?"

"Mushrooms will be perfect, thank you" she smiled back, surprised to see him behaving that gentlemanly towards her. That first night she had seen him as the conqueror, the fiery warrior who never asked but claimed as his own, sometimes rough and haughty. But now she was finding out that he was different. This was only one side of his character, for he could be tender and sweet with people he cared for.

A thought which made her grin, while he was diligently filling her plate, totally concentrating probably to avoid soiling the white table cloth.

He cared for her. It was glaring, but she had noticed it only after a whole day spent together. He cared. She could tell it by the look in his eyes, by the fact that he hadn't jumped on her and he was trying to please her in every way possible.

He cared.

Right after the mushrooms Boromir dished her some stew and roasted meat, seeing to fill his own plate with meat, salad and potatoes only once sure that Nienna had been served properly. Faramir, as usual, was sampling a little of everything, helped by a sip of red wine now and then, raising his head from the food only in order to smile at Nienna or at his brother.

*******

Once the dinner was over, Nienna remained silent, her hands resting on her lap and her eyes fixed in Boromir's.

She didn't know if he had told his little brother about the deal they had had in the morning, so she was waiting for a little hint to understand if she would have slept in her room or in Boromir's bed.

Not that she was worried. It was clear that the older one would have knocked at her door later that night, and certainly not only to check if she had been well accommodated.

Faramir was the first to stand up, as he set his napkin on the table. He glanced at his brother then, smirking, before to look at Nienna and bow his head. "I wish you both a good night" he said, "I think I'll retire in my room and read a good book before to sleep."

Boromir nodded, standing as well. "We'll accompany you to your door then, do you mind?"

"Not at all."

As they climbed up the stairs and crossed the wide corridor, none spoke. When Faramir halted in front of his door and turned to look at the other two, Boromir gave him a bright smile and glanced towards the other end of the corridor, just to be safe, before to(delete to) hug (hugging)him affectionately.

"Good night then."

"To you" was Faramir's soft reply, promptly followed by a just as tender a kiss. When they parted Boromir chuckled, ruffling his brother's golden hair, and took Nienna's hand into his in order to guide her to his bedroom.

To see them that close had upset her again, even if she immediately scolded herself. They were brothers, afterall, and she had no right to meddle or judge them. Yet she hadn't missed the hallowing look in Faramir's eyes, nor the brightness of Boromir's smile. No. It wasn't just brotherly love, no matter how hard they were trying to deny it.

Sighing softly, Nienna meekly followed Boromir in his room, closing the door at her back and glancing at the wide bed. She had dreamed of a night alone with him for two months, and now she was somewhat scared and tense for she probably wanted him too much.

Boromir, crouched in front of the fireplace in order to stir up the still aglow embers and add another log, gave her a glance and smiled to himself. She was nervous, too, he could tell. He could almost sense it, and it wouldn't have surprised him to know that she was aware of his uneasiness just as well.

It was stunning. Stunning the way he already felt her close, almost connected to him in some way.

"Relax." he chuckled, now without looking at her. "I'm a bit tense, too."

"I know" she grinned, intaking a deep breath and releasing it a moment later.

His uneasiness was the first thing she had noticed. It was glaring he was feeling somewhat tense, otherwise he would have just jumped on her or kissed her breathless.

Anyway there was nothing to worry about, she was sure of that.

Somewhat reassured by this stating, Nienna walked to the bed, shifting the heavy blankets aside and sitting to take off her boots, glancing at him now and then, a little smile curving her lips. Something that always happened whenever she looked at him.

Boromir's tunic was thrown carelessly onto the couch, his heavy boots kicked away along the way to the bed. Once there he halted in order to undo the fastening of his leggings, glancing at Nienna's back as she undressed, grinning wickedly all the while. When she eventually turned to look at him he was already lying on his flank, propped on an elbow and stark naked, the grin still in place.

"Already relaxed eh?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, utterly amused by his behaviour.

Once completely undressed, she slipped under the blankets, too, settling on her side to face him, grinning.

Then one of her hands reached to touch his face, slowly descending to caress his neck and shoulder, and she leaned to bestow a quick kiss on his lips.

Leaning into her touch, in no time at all Boromir was snuggled comfortably against her. Chest against chest, legs entwined, gazes locked. He took his time to study her features, as if trying to impress in his mind each and every detail of her face, all the while caressing her back with lazy strokes and holding her tight.

"So beautiful.." he eventually whispered. Without recognizing himself in such a statement for it was so unlike him, just so unlike him to be able to speak his mind when it came to such matters, used to keep it all to himself, but nonetheless he had meant it. He really found her beautiful, and not even having said it out loud had embarrassed him at all, which was possibly stranger. Faramir had always been the one, the only one, who usually made him feel enough at ease to be himself thoroughly, without restraints. Now she had managed, too, and he had to smile at the thought that he should have probably been scared because of that. But he wasn't.

Stunned by such a statement and the intensity of his gaze, Nienna remained silent for several moments, feeling vulnerable and defenseless under such scrutiny. Oddly enough, she wasn't feeling uncomfortable, for she had nothing to conceal from him. Boromir knew that she wasn't rich, he did not even seem too bothered for her previous lovers or for her skills with the bow. On the contrary, he had offered her to give her fencing lessons.

Then a soft smile crept his way on her face, and she sighed again, utterly relieved.

"You are beautiful... A beautiful, fiery and dashing warrior, who can be tender, sweet and protective as well. And I'm proud for I've been able to know even the other side..."

"Just.. you and him" was all Boromir said in response, for some reason knowing that she would understand the meaning of his words. He didn't avert his eyes, at all, though he was in fact a little uneasy now. Used to being in charge, to be the strong one, to just claim and take what he reckoned was due, especially when it came to dealing with women, and now he couldn't help but seeing Nienna as an equal. There was enough to worry about, no doubt.

"Are you feeling uncomfortable here with me, Boromir?" she asked then softly, for of all things, the upset frown upon his face was quite clear to her.

Yet she didn't knew if she should be happy or sad about the confession he had done. She was the only one, aside from Faramir, who had been able to know the real Boromir. But this meant that he would have always been at the first place. He would always been more important than her.

"No," he replied at once, sighing. "not because of you. It's just that I'm not used to.. this."

Another sigh, a deeper one this time, and eventually forced himself to smile. He had already told her enough, there was no use in hiding the rest. He had to gather a good amount of bravery and to push aside his pride, though before he was able to continue.

"I'm not used to feeling this vulnerable, Nienna.. that's what makes me uncomfortable, only my pride. I like to be with you.. feels good."

"I didn't mean to make you feel...uneasy..." she said, sighing as well.

It was happening again.

"But...it always happen to me. Men are scared because I'm not the governable and submissive maiden they want me to be. And they run away...I'm quite used to that..."

The room was silent for a few moments then, aside from the crackling coming from the fireplace, no further words being exchanged. After another attentive scrutiny Boromir pursed his lips pensively, as if pondering about the whole situation, and then nodded.

"I see." he mumbled, his embrace tightening until her breast was pressed against his chest, their faces mere inches away from each other. "But I'm not planning to run away, at all. On the contrary, I'm very eager to know you better. Does that worry you?"

"No...at all..." she said softly, nearing his lips and gently caressing them with her own, closing her eyes and finally letting go. Nothing anymore mattered but his strong body pressed against her, his hard shaft brushing against her inner thigh and his hands roaming all over her back, igniting fire everywhere he touched her.

Obviously not in need of any further encouragement, this time Boromir instantly deepened the kiss. And urged Nienna to roll over and lie on her back, climbing over her the next moment, his tongue now probing and pushing deep into her mouth as if actually wanting to claim and ravish and conquer with just a kiss.

No more restraints, at last.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, the woman eagerly responded to his kiss, entangling her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer. Wondering how could it be that he managed to make her think naughty things each time he just touched her.

Soon the kisses had become frantic, their mouths were clashing, almost fighting for predominance, yet she wasn't willing to yield.

A grinning Boromir broke the kiss only once he had somehow managed to gain the upper hand, by pinning Nienna beneath him and immobilizing both her arms. He was much heavier, and stronger than her. No chances to escape my dear, he thought a little smugly, the triumphant grin now annoyingly wide.

"Now what?" he chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Do you give up?"

"It's not fair, you know that, don't you?" she said, feigning a great offence, even if she was struggling not to openly grin.

She was well aware of his body pressed against hers, but she didn't want to free herself. At all.

"Weren't you supposed to be nice and tender tonight?"

"But I am being nice and tender!" Boromir protested amusedly, while pushing her legs further apart with his knee, and then settling himself more comfortably in between. So warm. Enticing. And quite wet, he could tell, since he had in the meantime started to rock his hips back and forth, his shaft rubbing purposefully against her clitoris with every movement.

"Am I not?" he whispered, his eyes now dark with lust and staring into hers.

"Y-yes..." she breathed, unable to keep her eyes open, softly gasping due to the enticing friction he was using to tease her.

Nienna was clinging to him for dear life, slightly trembling, loving the little tickling of his pubic hair against her inner thighs, and his beard brushing against her chin and lips.

This man was truly a gift from the Valars.

Just as Boromir's mouth claimed hers again in a kiss, a deep and slow one this time, one of his hands vanished under the covers and sneaked in between their entwined bodies. At the same time he widened his legs in order to part hers further, and guided his by then rock hard erection to her entrance, without actually pushing himself inside yet. He only teased her for a while, gasping softly into her mouth now and then, until he eventually decided that it wasn't enough anymore. He let only the tip in at first, drawing back to slip out completely and then plunge in again, a little deeper with every thrust, resolute to give her something that she would remember for a long while.

He didn't want her to forget him. Ever.

Biting at her lower lip hard enough to spill some blood, Nienna was desperately trying not to scream and moan too loudly, or else the whole palace would have known what where they doing.

But it wasn't easy. With every thrust his pelvic bone hit her clitoris and some point deep inside of her which sent shots of intense pleasure through her whole body. She had never experienced something that intense and yet somewhat tender.

Yes, it was different this time. Boromir was different. He wasn't just ravishing her to fulfill his needs, or else his kisses would have been way more rough, as their first time together. Now he wanted her to enjoy their time together. And she was enjoying it. Immensely.

Yet for him it was not enough, apparently, for only after a couple of minutes he stopped, and raised his head in order to look at her. A half smile crept its way to his lips as he licked away the tiny stains of blood from Nienna's mouth and chin, and hooked the hollows of her knees with the crooks of his elbows in order to pull her legs higher. His next, much deeper thrust forced a strangled groan to burst from the back of his throat, and his eyes to shut tight as he started to pound his hips against hers anew with a relentlessly slow pace, driving deep down just to draw back just as slowly and push in again. And again, over and over, without increasing the pace at all but just savouring the intimacy and every intense shock of pleasure. As if wishing for it to last forever.

Eyes shut quite tightly, Nienna was gripping at his shoulders, actually digging her nails in his skin, as if to anchor herself to something. Anything, for it was almost as if she was losing every cognition of who she was, her brain completely unwilling to cooperate, too much taken by the wonderful sensations he was giving her.

It was but some moments later that she began to beg, whining something unintelligible at his ear, not even knowing what was she begging for, unable to focus on anything else but her body.

He seemed to listen to her pleas, for he stopped for a few seconds in order to shift his position and kneel in between her legs, assaulting her neck with fiery kisses and small bites and hungry laps at the same time. He was still leaning on both arms, holding her legs up. And panting heavily, overwhelmed by lust and by the need to pleasure her, to have her twitching and wriggling helplessly beneath him. By the need to make her forget every other lover she'd had before him.

He resumed his thrusting, as slow as before, licking his way to her ear.

"I'm planning to have you begging for me to stop before the end" he whispered, his low voice dripping lust. "hope you don't mind"

Said that he worked himself into a fierce rhythm within seconds, moaning shamelessly into her mouth as he kissed her again. Rough and heated and demanding.

Moaning helplessly in his mouth, Nienna began to push back against him, meeting each and every powerful thrust as if actually asking for more. She had never experienced such an erotic situation, having been just with clumsy men before. It was as if forsooth she couldn't focus on anything else but Boromir, the heat emanating from his body, the tiny drops of sweat on his forehead and his heavy breath.

Soon there was something similar to an explosion in her lower belly, making her actually cry out loudly, now unable to restrain herself anymore, her head thrown back and her hair scattered on the pillow in dark streaks and her back arching against him, while her whole body tensed and quaked, seemingly possessed.

The unbridled pace of Boromir's thrusts, though, didn't slacken. Not even now that he'd got what he wanted, not even after having her writhing and undone under his merciless pounding. He had made a promise, after all, and was looking forward to fulfill it.

"Yes" he breathed hotly, Nienna still shuddering beneath him and clinging to his shoulders, her nails raking his skin. "that's it"

He was dangerously close to the edge by then, the first contractions already starting in his groin, but he was decided to hold it back as long as he could. Even if all he was still able to focus on was that wonderful slide, that warmth and dampness, Nienna's inner walls clamping and clenching around him. That alone was enough to urge him to increase his thrusting to an almost wild pace, the bed creaking in protest.

"S--slacken!" she almost shouted, shoved up in time with each powerful thrust, gripping at his shoulders to avoid beat her head against the headbord.

By that time in fact her flesh was becoming tender and oversensitive, the incessant friction becoming more and more nagging. Yet she was still pushing back against him, decided to have him coming hard, too.

"Come... come for me Boromir... I...will not last forever...please...."

A low moan was Boromir's heated response to such words. And it took no more than a few hard trusts before he pulled out hurriedly, long gushes of thick liquid spurting over Nienna's belly and stomach as he climaxed violently, twitching and shuddering, eyes shut tightly and a relieved groan erupting from his throat. Then he didn't move for a few moments, his head low, still kneeling in between her legs and panting hard.

"You did it" he murmured breathlessly, without moving or opening his eyes. And a half smile slowly curved his lips.

"Y-yes..." she managed to say, still too shaken from the whole situation and what had happened. The most intense experience of her whole life.

A trembling hand then reached for his hair, gently brushing aside some mutinous wisps hanging on his forehead, a soft smile slowly curving her lips. She hadn't missed the way he had drew back not to create her troubles.

"Is..there something to wipe myself?"

Boromir nodded wordlessly, his eyes now open and staring back at her. Then he was standing and walking to the bathroom, after another quick glance at Nienna. He returned but a few moments later, carrying a small white towel, and sat on the bed in order to wipe her clean with the utmost care, before throwing the towel carelessly on the ground and lie at her side.

"Better?"

Nodding and smiling brightly,Nienna turned on a side, hurrying to hug him tightly, kissing his naked shoulder and inhaling deeply his scent.

Then she stood up in order to recollect the blankets winded at the bottom of the bed during their passionate lovemaking, putting them onto Boromir's powerful body and snuggling closer to him, closing her eyes.

"It's...never been so intense..."

"Yes. It's been good" he agreed huskily, staring at the bed's canopy, a pensive expression on his fair face. And his arms wrapped around her shoulders at the same time, pulling her even closer. Then he lowered his eyes, meeting bright blue eyes staring back at him, and couldn't help but smile warmly in response.

"Will you remember me?" he whispered, "I know I'll remember you"

"How could I forget?" she said softly, smiling back and tenderly kissing his chin, sighing contentedly with an utterly pleased expression upon her face.

He would have remembered her. And it went by himself that she would have never forget him, for the mere thought of seeing him again had haunted her for the previous two months.

"Are you planning to go somewhere else where I can't reach you? For if...if you should be there I'd be more than glad to...stay with you for a while..."

A light chuckle, followed by a lingering kiss on her cheek, was Boromir's immediate response.

"I'm not planning to go anywhere" he replied then, holding her gaze. "Not for a good while, at least. I'll be busy here, training the new recruits and taking care of the kingdom instead of our King. And I'll be happy to have you by my side."

"Really?" she asked, smiling brightly and giving him a quick kiss on his lips, tightening the embrace without averting her gaze.

Few words that meant a lot to her. He wanted her. It hadn't been another one night tumble. He wanted her by his side and probably he cared about her. Probably.

"I would be happy, too... really happy to be allowed to...stay with you..."

"Good" he whispered, settling the covers over her shoulders, and then closing his eyes. A tiny, sleepy smile still on his lips as he snuggled to Nienna, hiding his face in the hollow between her neck and shoulder.

"Good to have you here.."

"No. It's good to be here with you" she corrected with a smile, closing her eyes and sighing contentedly, gently caressing his shoulders and back.

It was but some moments later that they both fell asleep.