When Aragorn entered the stables, the last thing he was expecting to see was Boromir, who was pressing that young guest of his against the wall, while their mouths were locked in an heated kissing session.

What was her name again?

Nienna. She was Nienna.

The King witnessed their kissing for some moments, until a smug grin curved his lips and he cleared his throat to be sure that they could notice his presence.

"Oh, well. At least now I know why you are offering her a room there, Boromir" he said amusedly, raising an eyebrow and decided to abash him. "But you should indulge in such activities within your rooms. It could have been someone else, and can you imagine the fuss that this could have created? You could be her doom, Steward..."

Boromir, who had merely turned his head in order to look at him, raised an eyebrow at once.

"Pray tell me, my King, why should I?" he demanded, letting go of Nienna only then, and smirking. "I reckon it.. common for betrothed couples to indulge in such activities, like you said. Am I mistaken?"

"Betrothed?" Aragorn then asked, clearly puzzled, his gaze shifting to the seemingly impassive young woman.

He has thought it was a mere matter of physical desire, and wasn't surely looking at her as Boromir's wife-to-be.

"You have never given an official announcement, and I thought it was... indecorous for a maiden to be found in such a situation with her Steward..."

"Well, then I'm giving you my official announcement now." the warrior replied, smiling, and wound an arm possessively around Nienna's shoulder as if to sharpen the meaning of his words.

"There is no hurry to let the City know about it, after all, and you know fully well that I've always been very wary when it comes to such private matters. That is why you knew nothing of it."

"Oh..." was all he was able to mutter at such words, being all of a sudden in need of some fresh air, not even remembering why was he going to the stables.

Boromir had a betrothed?

So his suspicions about his relationship with his sibling weren't founded. Good news, at last.

"Well" Aragorn then smiled, utterly relieved. "I'm going to have a walk in the gardens. Have a nice day..."

After a reverent bow to the woman, the King smiled and stalked away, leaving a baffled Nienna staring at Boromir.

Said man followed Elessar with his gaze as he exited the stables. When he turned again and his eyes met Nienna's, he had to struggle in order to stifle a chuckle.

"What?" he grinned then, pulling her against his chest at once. "Is that not what we are?"

"N-no, we aren't..." she murmured, still too upset to be able to think clearly.

There was just that insane need to run away as fast as she could, leaving all that part of her life at her back for she knew all too well that it wouldn't have ended well.

Faramir. What about Faramir?

She could never be Boromir's betrothed, also because she would have probably been just some sort of coverage for the relationship between the two siblings.

"We are not meant to be...you know that just as well..."

Boromir frowned.. His arms were still wound around her waist, but the grip had loosened the tiniest bit at her words. The worried shadow that had crossed her face, too, was much less than encouraging, and for a moment he wondered whether he'd been wrong from the start to think that she cared about him that way.

"Why would you say that?" he muttered, the frown still in place. "I thought we--"

"Faramir" she said, knowing that he would have understood what she meant.

Her friendship with the young man had deteriorated more and more and now they were feeling as some sort of strangers to each other. Odd. Yet she didn't feel like being insincere and fool him, making him believe she was his best friend. She couldn't conceal how much seeing him with Boromir hurt her, and Faramir was well aware of that.

"Faramir?" Boromir repeated, lowering his voice. Just in case one of the stableboys, or Faramir himself, would enter. "I could not push him out of my life even if I wanted to, and I don't want to. I care about him. He'll always be my brother anyway, but what's between me and you it's different, we're.. we're lovers. Are we not?"

"I don't want you to push him away..." she said softly, lowering her gaze and clearing her throat even if there was no need to do it.

"But he will suffer... he is not only your brother, I know that. About me...well..." Nienna then faltered, daring to look at him before to continue. "I know it's foolish and insane but I'm in love with you, Boromir".

For some moments the warrior said nothing in response, only staring intently at her face as if trying to realized whether she'd said the words for real. Then his features softened, and his hands reached stroke her cheeks and frame her face, with uncharacteristic gentleness.

"Don't stop loving me, then" he whispered, smiling, and the next moment his lips were already closing over hers.

Nienna responded to that kiss at once, with all the tenderness she could muster, wrapping her arms around his waist, closing her eyes and caressing his back.

He hadn't told her that he returned her love. But he had not even told her otherwise.

Quite strangely the kiss didn't deepen, and Boromir didn't ask for more. He just kept on kissing her tenderly, devotedly, and bestowed a last tiny kiss on the tip of her nose when at last their mouths parted.

"You truly are a gift" he smiled, resting his forehead against hers. "A gift from above."

"No, I'm not.." she whispered,tightening the embrace and brushing her nose against his in a tender gesture.

"I am but a little rascal who hasn't a real family and who was searching for a place to stay. Then I met those hooded strangers who offered me this house and the same night something happened. I learned that there was a strong bond between them, and I had the grand idea to...be somewhat part of that. I told to myself that I should have never fallen for the older one, for it wouldn't have been fair towards his brother. I don't know how it happened but one day I was looking at him while he was asleep and there was just one thing that I would have gladly said to him. 'I love you'. But I've kept it for me for I knew that his brother would have suffered. And now I'm so sorry I've done it, for I know it will never be the same...I'm so sorry..."

"Why sorry? Why?" Boromir wanted to know, still holding her face in his hands in order to prevent her from averting her gaze. "You don't know how much having you by my side means to me, Nienna, you just don't know. I--I have never been that good with words"

There it was. Embarrassment. Slowly creeping its way to his very guts, just like everytime he tried to actually be himself and speak his mind. Just like everytime it came to such matters. He was used to it, somehow, and everytime it happened he used to just close himself and give no chance to others to understand the way he was really feeling. Such attitude had been often mistaken for haughtiness in the past, but he didn't really mind. Better haughty than vulnerable, no doubt.

The difference was that this time his wall of aloofness had crumbled down even before he could actually put it up, and in the end he was the one to avert his eyes.

"I've never.. uttered those words."

"I don't want you to speak them" she said softly, taking his hands in hers and placing them at her waist. And a moment later she wrapped her shapely arms around his neck, burying her face under his chin and holding him tight as if not willing to let him go. Never.

"You will tell it to me just when you'll be ready to do it, not only to please me. I know you care and that's enough. I am not planning to leave your side, it's just that I do not want to meddle between you and Faramir. It seem I'm doing it from the beginning but I'm not doing it on purpose, I swear..."

"You are not meddling, Nienna" he said softly. And he meant it, there was nothing to meddle in. He cared deeply for Faramir, but there was nothing more than brotherly love between them. And physical attraction, he mentally added, but that had nothing to do with what she was implying. He and Faramir were not in love. Not that way.

"I shall speak with him as soon as I can."

"No...don't do it..." she said, retreating in order to look in his eyes, a pleading expression upon her face,one of her hands reaching for his face tenderly stroking his cheek.

"I trust you. I need nothing more. Just...be youself and...stay by my side, too. I really need it..."

Boromir was smiling again, at last, and took her hand into his as he nodded. "Not to worry, then. I'm not planning to leave your side at all."

They'd started the day with a ride in the woods near the City, Faramir being busy with his rangers, and to Boromir's utter delight he and Nienna were getting along better day by day, spending a lot of time together. She would often keep him company even when he was working in his study, reading a book or giving a hand when the pile of papers threatened to overwhelm him, and by then he'd grown quite fond of her presence. Just to have her near was well enough to make him smile.

As they neared the exit the warrior patted the muzzle of his horse upon passing it by, and even once in the open he didn't let go of her hand.

Once entering the king's house, Nienna left his hand, still walking at his side, for if the servants would know about their relationship then even Thorongil would have known. And she really couldn't foresee his reaction. Not at all.

They passed some maidens who reverently bowed their heads to the Steward, and Nienna felt the jealousy stir deep inside of her, even if she really couldn't explain why was she becoming so possessive towards him.

"Do you want to go in your rooms or in the study?"

"Our rooms." Boromir corrected, giving her a sidelong glance and a smile. "I have something to do in my study but 'tis not much, and I could take care of it later. So the choice is upon you, my dearest little one. Wherever you'll go, I'll follow."

Smiling back at his tenderness, Nienna seemed to ponder about the matter for a while, pensively pursing her lips.

"If it's nothing of importance we could take care of it together later. And now we could...stay together to celebrate our newly achieved intimacy?"

"Sounds way better than working to me" he smirked, taking her hand again once they'd reached the upper floor. They only had to cross the corridor and walk to the door to their chambers, after all. For some reason he couldn't help but look for contact, physical contact, whenever she was with him. He liked to feel her close, it felt good.

He eventually let go of her hand, even if with some reluctance, when they stopped in front of the huge wooden door. He opened it, and hinted a reverent bow.

"There you go, my lady."

Hinting a playful bow, Nienna entered the room, the smile still in place on her face.

The servants had taken care of the fire, which was now merrily crackling into the wide fireplace, rendering the room warm enough for their liking. Without thinking twice, she walked to the window, closing the heavy velvety curtains in an attempt to extend the darkness of the night, shutting out the sunshine.Then she turned to look at Boromir, sending him a quick kiss and winking, before to lit some perfumed candles, scattering them here on the tables and the nightstands.

Perfect. It was perfect.

The room was in fact now lightened just by the faint light of the candles and the fire, and shadows were dancing against the walls and over their features.

"Would you like to join me on the carpet?"

Boromir smiled, and ridded himself of the heavy leather vest and of the boots before to take Nienna's hand and lead her in front of the fireplace. Instead of sitting on the carpet, though, he literally sprawled on it, dragging Nienna down with him.

"Shall I fetch some cushions?" he chuckled, doing his best to immobilize her someway, "Or would you rather be my personal one?"

Being used to Boromir's possessiveness, Nienna just chuckled, adjusting her position so he wouldn't crush her, even if he was in fact laying on the top of her body.

"I wouldn't mind being your cushion...so there's no need to fetch them...just relax..."

"I shall, fear not.."

Once satisfied enough with his position, the warrior rested his head on Nienna's shoulder, his lips brushing against the soft skin of her neck. He closed his eyes at once then, smiling, and almost purred when she started to stroke his hair.

"You're by far the best cushion I've ever had the chance to test.."

"Must be a huge compliment" she smirked, looking down at him and tightening the embrace,closing her eyes as well.

"For I know you've had the chance to test many mattresses and cushions...I've heard the servants talk about you as if you were the naughtiest creature of the whole kingdom..."

At such words, Boromir's right eyebrow arched even before he had actually reopened his eyes. He raised his head then, looking at her with a faintly amused expression and a small grin on his face.

"Don't tell me you're jealous now..."

Actually blushing quite fiercely, Nienna looked away, trying to regain her usual composure and not letting him understand how bothered she was from those odd reactions towards him that she was having all of a sudden.

"Oh...well..." she began, clearing her throat. "No-no, I could...never be jealous... I was just...uhm...wandering".

The warrior stared at her for quite some moments, and was only with great effort that he forced himself to give up the grin and replace it with a disappointed expression.

"Such a pity.." he muttered sulkily, before to settle himself down again and nuzzle her neck. "I wouldn't mind if you were jealous.. it would mean that you consider me as yours as I consider you mine."

"It would hurt too much to consider you mine..." she said softly, a sad expression making its way over her features, and she sighed deeply, gently caressing his hair and closing her eyes which were now stinging for the tears were seriously threatening to come out.

"I know you are Faramir's it's no use in deluding myself. Anyway you don't consider me as yours as you're saying, for you've shared me with your brother..."

Boromir sighed, then rolled over to lie on the carpet and crossed his arms behind the head, giving Nienna a sidelong glance. It was no use in trying to relax or to focus on something else. No use, not since she was constantly reminding him of Faramir.

"Why must you think of him even when we're alone? Why can't you just relax for a while?"

"Well if it's a guilt to be scared, then I'm guilty" was Nienna's reply, and she sighed deeply, standing up and walking to the window, shaking her head with a bitter expression on her face.

It was no use. He could never be as she wanted him to be.

Boromir was way too disillusioned and in love with his brother to care for her.

They would never be able to get along well, for Faramir's shadow would always be between them.

"I'm going out for a ride, do you want me to open the curtains?"

Boromir's response was to get up as well and walk to the door, turning the key twice. He pulled it out then, securing it in the pocket of his tunic, and crossed his arms across the chest in a challenging fashion.

"You are not going anywhere." he said sternly, without averting his eyes. "I want you to stay with me today, and you shall."

"I am not one of your subordinates, so stop ordering me around!"

Nienna crossed her arms on her chest, looking at him with an outraged expression on her face. She couldn't believe to what she was hearing. He was giving her orders!

He surely didn't know whom was he dealing with. Not at all.

"You will stay here," Boromir repeated decidedly, "and we'll sort this out once and for all. What should I do to prove you that I really care about you? What? I and Faramir don't share the same bed anymore, we barely speak to each other, we avoid each other. I'm spending almost all of my time with you, night and day, because I like to and I want to. Yet it's not enough, it's never enough for you."

Though both his voice and his eyes were filled with emotion, he was still unmoving. All he'd tried to keep quiet for weeks was now threatening to overwhelm him, but he didn't care. He didn't care to just be himself and speak his mind, for once, not even if it hurt.

"Don't make me regret falling in love with you, Nienna. Prove me that there is something worth fighting for."

"It's all wrong..." she said, grimacing and turning to the window again, looking outside and trying to gather her thoughts at once.

All wrong, indeed. It was all her fault if those two weren't getting along well, and she wasn't happy about that. On the contrary, she felt as if split in two.

On one side she wanted him to be completely hers, without having anyone else threatening their happiness. On the other side there was Faramir and the relationship between siblings that she had ruined. And that alone was hurting more than ever.

"Everything I do is wrong. I should have never told it to you...I should have never agreed to stay here. It's awful that I've manged to have you avoid each other. I don't know why you are still talking to me... I've been a witch, and I still don't know--"

She was cut off by Boromir's arms suddenly wrapping around her waist from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder. He couldn't help but hint a smile when she jolted, probably not expecting him to look for any kind of closeness. But her words had been enough to prove him that indeed there was something worth fighting for, something to hold on to.

"I love you" he whispered in her ear, "I won't allow you to ever leave my side Nienna, ever.."

"Y--you..." she began, slightly turning her head to look at him, the astonished expression soon turning in a bright smile.

He had told it. He had managed to tell her the words she was craving to hear from who knows how long.

Bestowing a lingering smile on his forehead, Nienna entwined her fingers with his, resting her back against his broad chest, finally allowing herself to relax. At least.

"I love you...too...you can't understand how much..."

Boromir smiled, ducking to kiss the top of her head in an affectionate gesture.

All seemed to go the right way, finally. He'd been even able to say the words, Valar, for the first time in his life he'd really felt like saying that. The only thing that still worried him was that he'd have to speak with his brother, and he didn't know how he was going to tell him that he and Nienna were betrothed, and that they couldn't share the same bed anymore. Faramir would understand. The warrior was sure of that, but nonetheless the thought had filled him with anxiety.

"I will need to speak with Faramir about this."

Sighing softly, the girl turned to look at him, resting her back against the wall and reaching his face with her hands to brush away a lock of hair which was mutinously hanging on his forehead. In doing that, she brushed the tips of her fingers on his skin, soft and yet firm. And her eyes never left his when she finally spoke.

"You don't have to do it just for me. I don't want you to do it if this thing will bring you despair and regrets. Just relax and continue seeing him if it's what you want. I've already ruined your relationship..."

He sighed as well while considering her words carefully, but his gaze didn't waver.

"It would not be fair towards you" he eventually replied, "nor towards him. I'm not that selfish, Nienna, I can't exact to have both of you by my side and in my bed.. Faramir will always be my brother, no matter what, if not a lover.. but I can't lose you. I don't want to.."

"I would try and stay by you side, as well" she said softly, shrugging.

"I can't promise it would work, anyway, but I could try at least. It's not Faramir who bothers me, but the thought that one cannot love two people with the same intensity.I'm always scared to be set aside...that's all. And...probably...I'm too jealous about you...I'm sorry..."

"I don't mind you being jealous, I've told you before" he grinned, reaching to stroke her cheek. "I don't mind, as long as you trust me."

Then he led her to the couch, and once they'd sat down he leaned back and hugged her, so that she was resting her head on his shoulder. He stared at the fire for a while with a pensive expression, until he smiled again and lowered his head to be able to look at her face.

"I'll have to get you a new dress.. Elessar's wedding is in less than a couple of weeks."

"Should I come?" she asked, raising her head to look at him with wide eyes, clearly taken aback by such a request.

Of all things, she surely wasn't waiting for him to invite her to the King's marriage, for it was an honour too great for her. The King in fact had given disposition that only a few people should be present at the event.

And Boromir wanted her to be with him.

"I'm but... a pleb and...I would surely disfigure among so many nobles..."

"Nonsense." Boromir smiled, "You'll do wonderfully, I have no doubts about it. You'll just need a new dress, and to stay by my side. I've already told our King that you'll be with me, and he seemed quite pleased about the news."

"I'm quite pleased, too..." she whispered, now smiling and utterly relieved.

Yes. Everything was going to be fine, Boromir would have managed to settle things straight and for the first time she wasn't scared.

Without further words, her lips closed over his in a heated kiss, meant to let him see how happy she was.

Boromir's arms wrapped around Nienna's shoulders almost instantly, crushing her against his broad chest, as he responded to the kiss with equal fervour. He had never been one to draw back when it came to such matters, and this time wasn't an exception. Not since they were probably alone in the King's House until lunch, and he was more than willing to resume that certain discussion they'd been forced to break off earlier, when Aragorn had entered the stables.

Nienna's hands started to unclasp his tunic almost of their own will, while she gave all of herself to that heated kiss, actually tasting, probing and caressing each and every inch of the moist cave of Boromir's mouth.

She loved him, and he loved her in return. It was something she surely wasn't waiting for. Almost too much to bear, but it was true.

And for once she decided to trust him, for it was clear the depth of his feelings for her. If he had told her that he would have choosen her, then he would have done it, no matter how hard this would have been.

Boromir was a man of honour.

"I love you" he whispered, breaking the kiss in order to draw back and look at her. And he had meant it. He loved her. He was in love. And his eyes never left hers as he started to undo the buttons of her tunic, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. Once he'd ridded her of said garment he took care of the lacings of the light, silky undertunic she was wearing, and slid it down her arms in order to uncover her shoulders. Lowering his head, he brushed his lips against the soft skin, and grey eyes closed as his smile widened.

"Mine."

"Yours...all yours as you're mine" she breathed, closing her eyes as well and instinctively tangling her hands in his hair.

His, all his as he slowly undressed her, carelessly abandoning the garments on the floor. All his as he kissed and nibbled his way to her breasts, circling a rosy nipple with his tongue, teasing it until he felt her softly moan in response.

All his. She had never been more sure of that in all her life.

"I love you, Boromir. I love you so much..."

When his mouth eventually left her skin, after a last affectionate lap, he was smiling again. Their eyes met and he stood up, taking her hand to urge her to do the same. He never broke eye contact as he unbuckled his belt and unlaced his leggings, with no hurry at all, nor when he kneeled in front of her on the carpet and started to take care of hers just as well.

"Come here" he murmured then, sliding the garment down her legs. "Lie down with me, just here"

Kicking away her leggings, Nienna knelt in front of him as he had asked, facing him with a bright smile and her eyes filled with adoration and love.

Happy. She was happy beyond any reason. If only she could have stopped the time, she would have chosen that moment. It was way too perfect to waste it and it would have always been impressed in her heart.

"You're so beautiful, my Lord..." she whispered, reaching his shoulders to caress them with tenderness, her eyes never leaving his noble grey ones.

"Not as much as you" was Boromir's answer, "..my Lady."

Then he was dipping to brush his lips on her neck, his hands cupping her breast. It was so different from the other times, every single movement and gesture being led by love and devotion. Not just need or affection, but love. And will to please the other, without asking anything in return.

"Lie back" he whispered on her skin, trailing kisses to her chin and then to her mouth. "There is no hurry, my dearest, is there?" he continued, eyes half closed and lips crooked into a small smile. "I'm dying to taste each and every inch of you"

Hinting a smile, Nienna tangled her hands in his soft, fair hair, relishing the smell of his skin, a mixture of leather, grass and soap, and the soft fragrance coming from his hair. Jasmine. It had to be jasmine. He knew she loved it, and he always made sure to use it whenever washing himself.

Doing as he had asked, the woman looked up at him, resting her hands over her belly, feeling the soft material of the carpet brushing against her back, and the heat emanating from Boromir's body.

"We have all the time in the world..."

"Good" he whispered. Then didn't falter at all, for the next moment his mouth was already busy resuming its kissing, working all the way downwards from her mouth to her neck, shoulders, collarbones, matching the shower of kisses with small bites and quick laps now and then.

Only once he'd reached her breast he raised his head, and smirked before to lave an already firm nipple with the tip of his tongue.

"How can you manage to taste so good?"

"I don't know..." she breathed, clearly overwhelmed by those sensations, so strong and so different from all the other times.

Yes. It was different. They were witnessing their love, and they were both aware of that.

The tickling of his beard against her skin amplified the effects of his ministrations, and she couldn't help but softly gasp, her eyes unfocused and her hands reaching for his head.

A soft sigh came from him as she started to stroke his hair, a clear encouragement for her to keep on fondling him, to keep him that close. That was bliss. Her bare skin felt wonderful against his, so soft and warm, and felt even more wonderful to taste, smell and stroke. So much so that he would have gladly kept on kissing and biting and licking even for the whole day, not caring at all about lunch and dinner and the papers scattered over his desk in the study. He was eager to please her, like never before. And the heated sighs coming from above would have been more than enough as a reward.

He allowed himself to close his eyes then, mouth fastened to her right nipple and sucking in earnest, while two of his fingers were busy pinching and teasing the other, both already tense and swollen due to such considerate ministrations.

His hair were soft and fresh against her heated skin, and Nienna continued in stroking them with the outmost care, as if he was a precious gift, a gift from the Valars themselves.

So overwhelmed as she was, eyes closed and an utterly pleased expression on her face, the woman kept on whispering and softly moaning his name, over and over again, almost without noticing, as if she needed something to hold on to.

"I love you....I love you...I love you..." she was then murmuring over and over again, her brain now completely melting into mush.

Quite unexpectedly, a few moments later Boromir's mouth was removed, and his eyes were opening again to cast a glance above. He gave her a small, warm smile when their gazes met, and crawled his way to lay on his flank at her side.

"I love you, too." he murmured on her lips, his hand now leaving her breast and trailing caresses to her stomach and belly. "Part your legs for me, my fair one."

Resting her hands on his solid chest, Nienna slowly did as he had asked, looking intensely in his eyes, with a knowing little smile upon her face.

Then, unhurriedly, she started to caress his shoulders, moving further down in a while, her fingers tangling in the blond curls scattered here and there from his navel to his groin, grinning when she felt him shudder.

"You're so beautiful, my love. I've never seen such a man and from when I've been with you it seem that no other man has ever existed for me. You're the only one, and you'll always be".

"That's good" he whispered, matching the statement with a quick, and yet very suggestive kiss, "I've grown to be very possessive when it comes to you.."

His hand had in the meantime reached its target, and while two fingers were gently parting her folds, a third one started to draw lazy circles over the hardened knot at the top, eliciting a soft moan from Boromir as he claimed Nienna's mouth again, without restraints this time.

As he started to caress her, Nienna's fingers wrapped around his shaft, unhurriedly stroking it, knowing that all that teasing would have him undone soon. And she couldn't wait to deal with Boromir's hunger. Not at all.

It was just then that she jolted and nipped Boromir's lower lip in order to suppress a much louder moan, gripping at his shaft almost unintentionally.

The warrior stiffened for a moment, not expecting Nienna to respond so eagerly to his attentions, and another moan was muffled into her mouth. His teasing finger suddenly slipped lower, dipping into her and pulling out just as quickly, almost tentatively, as Boromir's grey eyes opened again. He drew back a little, wanting to see his Nienna properly as the slippery digit plunged in again with the adding of a second one, sinking slowly past the first knuckle and deeper within, both the feel of her hand stroking him and the velvety warmth around his fingers already threatening to undo him.

Throwing her head back, the woman moaned softly, her eyes tightly closed and her unsteady breathing passing through slightly parted moist lips.

In the meanwhile her hand had redoubled her efforts, and she was struggling to focus on her movements instead of his fingers. An hard task, indeed. It was way too delicious to forget about it, and soon she reopened her eyes, looking intensely at him.

"I want to feel you inside of me..."

"Do you?" he murmured, running the tip of his tongue teasingly over her lower lip, and then nibbling gently at it. He wasn't actually waiting for an answer, for he knew that she wanted him at least as much as he wanted her. It was unmistakably written on her features, it was clear from the way her body was responding to his ministrations and from the urgent strokes of her hand, still wrapped firmly around his length.

Boromir's probing fingers eventually pulled out, and he urged her to stop her hand as well. The warrior then raised an eyebrow provocatively, never breaking eye contact, as he brought the soaked digits to his mouth in order to lick them clean, just before to lean back and lay himself flat on the carpet. And that alone was a clear invitation.

"Have your way then.."

A grin slowly made its appearance over her features in seeing him so submissive.

She never drew back, especially when it came to such matters, and a moment later she was straddling him, propping on her knees and positioning his shaft at her entrance, looking intensely in his eyes as she lowered herself onto him. Slowly. Teasingly. Stopping only when he was buried deep inside of her, and by now she was panting with lust.

For quite some moments Boromir didn't move at all, nor urged her to, just relishing the sensation and staring intently at her through heavy lidded eyes, a storm of emotion stirring in the depths of his grey irises. He was resting a hand on the small of her back, the other roaming on the front to fondle her nipples and to caress her stomach and belly, then slithering further down until one of his fingers found the emerging and slippery nub and started to stroke it, ever so gently and lovingly.

"Make love to me" he whispered, his hips raising slightly as he spoke, as if to encourage her.

Nienna's response was a tiny moan, and as she started to move forward and downward on him, she found herself panting and flushed, already close to the pinnacle of pleasure. Her hands were in the meanwhile caressing his strong and powerful chest, but it wasn't enough. Not since he was so lovingly taking care of her sensitive spot, too.

Shifting her position, Nienna brought one hand at her back, gropingly finding her way to his scrotum, caressing it with the outmost care, without stopping her thrusts at all.

A shuddering sob slipped past Boromir's lips the very moment. The pressure of his finger, still busy stroking and teasing her small knot with quite some fervency, increased at the same time, and his legs widened further, allowing her hand more room.

"Yes" he breathed in between ragged pants, "don't stop.. please don't stop"

"Never..." she whispered with a small smile, pleased to see him respond so eagerly to her touch.

Beautiful. He was so beautiful lost in the throes of passion.

Without even noticing, her pace had quickened, and she was shamelessly pushing herself against Boromir's hand. It was too sweet, too alluring to even try and restrain herself.

Very soon the room was filled with their soft pants and whispered pleas, the air with the mingled scent of their bodies. Sweat and lust and raw need.

Boromir was now arching his hips shamelessly every time Nienna lowered herself on him, as if wanting to go even deeper, as if wanting to claim her thoroughly as his alone, as if silently begging her to give herself completely to him.

She was so close. So close that he could have easily hurled her over the edge she was threading on just with his finger. But he didn't. He started to circle the impossibly swollen tiny nub instead, now soaked and slippery with her essences, slowly and yet with enough pressure to make her shudder above him, as his own orgasm started to build deep in his loins. He let out a deep groan when each and every muscle in his body jerked taut, every sinew stretched to its limits, and had to fight in order to keep his eyes open.

"Wait for me" he managed to pant in an urgent whisper, his voice thick and slightly trembling. "wait for me.. my fair one.."

Unable to articulate coherent words, Nienna just closed her eyes, trembling and panting while uncurbed moans slipped past her parted lips, and shudders ran all over her body.

Too close. She was too close and she didn't know how much could she last, being completely lost in a fog of emotions and lust. Her hand was more urgent now, her pace even more fast and she had to bite her lower lip in order to stifle a much louder moan.

"Please..."

Raising his eyes, now half closed and heavy with desire, Boromir couldn't help but shudder. His back arched almost out of reflex, breath hitched in his throat at the very sight of his Nienna, her head hung low and dark hair falling around her beloved face, over the flawless paleness of her shoulders, red lips parted and eyes closed shut. That, matched with the fiery pleasure kindled by the frenzied pace of their lovemaking and by her insistent caresses, was well enough to finally undo him.

"Now" he urged, his strong hands reaching to grasp her hips, fingers digging in the silky skin. "Let go.."

Barely the time to utter the words, and he was already jerking and twitching and moaning beneath her as violent convulsions ripped through his body.

Nienna collapsed onto his body a moment later, still slightly trembling and panting, without opening her eyes at all.

It had been the most intense of their experiences together. They had been led not only by desire or lust, but by love and affection, as if telling the words had opened a brand new side of their relationship. Something that definitely didn't happen everyday.

"I love you" she murmured softly, affectionately nuzzling his neck, her lips curved into a small smile.

"I know" Boromir murmured back, finally allowing himself to relax and relishing the afterglow. "I love you too."

For quite a while he didn't move at all, nor did he speak, just lying there with her still on top of him and staring pensively at the glowing embers creaking in the fireplace.

Sensing that there was something wrong, Nienna raised her head, frowning a little, and brushed aside a lock of hair from his forehead.

No. Definitely there was something that was bothering him.

Was it her fault?

Was he regretting it?

"What...?"

Suddenly snapped out of his own thoughts, at first Boromir merely shrugged and smiled a bit, before reaching to stroke her cheek.

"I'm fine" he tried to reassure her then, tightening his arms around her waist at the same time. "I was just thinking. About.. us, and the future. Not to worry, fair one."

Not at all convinced about his words, Nienna didn't smile, still looking worriedly at him, her hand stroking his fair and soft hair almost of his own will.

She couldn't help but think that he was regretting everything because of Faramir, even if he had said that she should trust him. She just couldn't help it, no matter how hard she tried.

"If...you should have some sort of afterthought... you would tell it to me?"

"Afterthought?" he demanded, frowning. "What kind of afterthought?"

He was actually upset, yes, that was sure. But mostly in anticipation of what he was going to say to his brother, his beloved Faramir, who'd always been so patient and well-disposed with him, no matter what, never blaming him. Not even because he'd somehow set him aside since Nienna's arrival to the King's House.

"Well about us..." she whispered, sighing softly and rolling at his side to avoid looking at him. She was simply staring at the ceiling, knowing that he was probably trying to hide something from her.

"...about what you promised...about Faramir...I don't know. You tell me..."

"No afterthoughts about us whatsoever" Boromir said solemnly, at last smiling openly as he leaned towards her, and turned her beloved face in his direction so that he could be able to look straight in her eyes. "I've never been this sure about my feelings before. I'm just a bit worried for I don't yet know how I'm ever going to face Faramir, it'll be awkward I fear.. but this does not imply that I don't want to keep my promise, by no means."

"I don't want you to do it just for me..." she said softly, without averting her gaze at all.

She was more than sure about her feelings for him, having secured them deep in her heart for a whole lot more than he knew. But she decided not to meddle between the two siblings. And the responsibility of a broken heart was too much to bear for her.

"We could find a solution anyway.... maybe you could sleep with him sometimes while I could sleep in his room... I could do it, we could at least try..."

"And is that what you really want?" he demanded, holding her eyes steadily with his grey ones. "Would you be happy thus? Would he, and would I? I think not. And the last thing I want is to ruin what's between you and me, what we have now.. I know it wouldn't last if we would do as you say."

"I do not want him to be unhappy because of me..." she said sadly, sighing and resting her forehead against his. It was hard, hard indeed, to face the reality of things. Whatever she could do or propose would hurt her or Faramir. And the same would happen to Boromir.

"And I know not what should I do..."

No, it wasn't going to be easy. For any of them. Though, the warrior mentally reminded to himself, he and Nienna were meant to be together, and there were no doubts about that. It was the right thing to do, to set things straight once and for all. To start it all over again tomorrow, their life together.

A grin suddenly took over Boromir's features at the thought. "You should kiss me right now," he whispered enticingly on her lips, "then you should tell me that you love me, and that you'll never leave me."

Grinning back, Nienna looped her arms around his neck. Taking her time before to answer and fulfill his request.

There was no need for him to say aloud what was he thinking. She could tell it from the look on his face, and that alone was enough to reassure her. No afterthoughts. He was sure about his feelings.

"I love you" she said, bestowing a tiny kiss upon his forehead. "I'll always love you". Kiss on the tip of his nose. "I'll never, ever leave your side..."

And with this last statement, she finally kissed his lips, ever so tenderly and lovingly, letting her tongue caress the moist cave of his mouth.

Dinner was fairly quiet that night. As they took their place at the long table Boromir introduced Nienna to Arwen most politely, although the future Queen of Gondor seemed to already know well enough about her and their bond. Obviously, Aragorn had already cared to inform her.

The warrior fell silent as they ate, half listening to the women's gracious conversation, his mind soon drifting to Faramir and to what he was going to tell him to explain the decision he'd taken. Even without raising his eyes he was keenly aware of his brother's probing gaze on him, and he wouldn't have been surprised to find that the sibling had already understood what was going on. His little brother was never easily fooled. Or maybe Aragorn had told him about what had happened in the stables that morning.

The younger brother retired in his room early after dinner, being obviously not in the mood for such mundane entertainment as small talk and funny tales, leaving the others sipping spiced tea and enjoying the warmth of the fire in one of the smaller side halls. But a few minutes later Boromir stood and dismissed himself as well, exchanging a glance with Nienna and giving her a nervous smile, before making his way to the stairs. Feeling like he'd eaten something extremely heavy and wriggly for dinner. His head, on the contrary, felt thoroughly empty. What in the name of the Valar was he going to say?

Faramir's voice sounded oddly strained when he answered with a 'come in' to his brother's three knocks. He was apparently readying himself for the night since when Boromir entered, closing the door behind him, he was ridding himself of the tunic and his leggings were already unlaced. For some reason, the warrior found it even harder to concentrate on what he had to say.

"Can we have a word?"

"Certainly" the younger man replied evenly, though without looking at the other. "Have a seat, suit yourself."

"N-no, I'll just.. stand."

Quick and painless, Boromir reminded himself, just be straightforward. Don't beat around the bush or it'll be even worse.

By then it was quite clear to him that something, something undefined between him and Faramir, had irreparably broken. There was no need to say it, it was glaring by the way his brother had spoken, by his forcedly polite manners, by the way he was refusing to even meet his eyes.

"You already know, don't you?" Boromir heard himself ask, yet unmoving and still staring at the other. He thought to see Faramir wince, and stop in his undressing for a split second. Then the younger man nodded and bent to unlace his boots, giving Boromir no chance to look at his face.

"I was expecting that" he said as if trying to convince himself, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "I am happy for you."

"Are you?" Boromir prompted, taking an hesitant step toward him. "Are you, Faramir?"

"I--yes, I am."

Boromir had by then stopped, and was so near that he only had to lean slightly forward in order to place a large hand on his brother's bare shoulder.

"Why won't you even look at me, then?" he asked, the tone of his voice a lot softer than he'd intended. He heard, felt Faramir intake a deep, slightly shuddering breath. Then the younger man was eventually lifting his head and facing him, his pale blue eyes staring straight into his grey ones.

"What will you have me do now, Boromir?"

Boromir frowned, and removed his hand from his brother's shoulder as if burnt. Faramir, on his part, felt suddenly cold at the loss. Was it not for his pride, he would have even begged Boromir to put his hand back in place, or to hug him so tight to steal his breath away.. The Valar knew if he needed it, but he couldn't ask. Not anymore, and he could see that Boromir's jaw was clenched quite tight, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. Not a good sign.

"I will have you free." the warrior eventually replied, "I will have you free to live your life, to love and have a family of your own."

Faramir did not answer with words. He stared intently at the beloved face for quite some moments instead, his head tilted to the side. Boromir couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable under such eager and attentive scrutiny after a while, and cleared his throat awkwardly. That was not the kind of reaction he'd expected.

"W-what?"

Faramir hinted a tiny, sad smile. "You were the one who always said that there were no bonds but brotherly love" he said softly. Without even trying to fight back the tears, now blurring his view and Boromir's face before him. "You were the one who always said that we were free to live our lives as we pleased. You are doing it now. And yet I don't seem to be able to."

Boromir closed his eyes for a moment, and let out a deep sigh. Then, almost without thinking, he was framing Faramir's face with both hands, and his eyes were gazing into his again. "You will" he whispered, "You will, Faramir, trust me."

He leaned to kiss his brother's forehead then, his lips crooking into an affectionate smile as their eyes met again. "You know, right now I only wish I could give you back all the happiness you've given to me throughout the years. I wish I could have you smiling again, my dearest one."

Though his cheeks were streaked with tears, and despite the lump in his throat, Faramir actually smiled. He smiled one of his warm, hearty smiles. Then, before he could actually realize what was happening, his brother's mouth was pressed demandingly against his. He parted his lips almost out of reflex and welcomed Boromir's tongue with his own, his fingers tangling in silky hair. His other hand settled firmly at the back of his brother's neck, as if to hinder him from drawing back, his body stuck to his.

He tasted tears on Boromir's lips.

"I must go" the warrior eventually murmured on his mouth, without drawing back, and Faramir knew that the sibling didn't want him to see that he was crying as well. For some reason, the mere thought almost overwhelmed him with a mixture of fond tenderness, sadness, and even plain despair. For things were never going to be the same, they were never going to stay in each other's arms like that again. Let alone kiss each other, make love to each other, share the same bed and the sweet warmth of their twined bodies.

"I know." Faramir answered softly, closing his eyes as he rested his cheek against his brother's equally damp one. "Just go.."

He didn't open his eyes when Boromir gave him a last, lingering kiss, nor when he untangled himself from the embrace.

Cold. It felt just so cold, all of a sudden, so cold that Faramir almost trembled. Maybe he would better get dressed for the night. Yes.

Only when he heard the door close, and Boromir's heavy boots walk away, he allowed himself to look around. The fire was dying, in the lamps the candles were reduced to short stumps. His shadow flickered on the wall in front of him and no sound was to be heard in the room, aside from his shallow breathing and the occasional crackling coming from the fireplace.

"I will never be free." Faramir whispered to the closed door.

The gardens were silent that evening. The white little stones which formed the path reflecting the faint light provided by the moon. A soft breeze rustled through branches and leaves, while the coloured flowers merrily dangled their heads. Now and then some strange fish jumped out of the pond to catch some bug, just to fall down again with a splash.

A lonely maiden was slowly walking on the path, dragging her feet. Seemingly tired. Seemingly.

Nienna was in fact lost in thoughts.

After Boromir had retired in his rooms, she had been wondering. It was glaring that he needed to speak to his brother. Despite all the good intentions, she was tempted to climb the stairs to Faramir's room and listen to their conversation. Yet it wouldn't have been fair. They needed their time, even if the whole thing was driving her insane.

Now it wasn't Boromir who was having afterthoughts. It was her.

Aragorn was sitting on one of the fences observing Boromir's betrothed with keen eyes. Nienna seemed unaware of such attentions for she kept on walking, looking at her feet.

Puffing the smoke from his pipe, the King remained silent, too. Not wanting to disturb her thoughts.

It was but a moment later that Nienna was snapped out of her reverie when a high-spirited bat flew too near to her hair. And it was just then that she noticed her King comfortably sitting on the bench and staring at her.

"G-good evening my King" she murmured then, clearly taken aback, hurrying to curtsy.

Smiling one of his peculiar kind smiles, Aragorn shook his head. He didn't want her to behave in a conventionally manner whenever with him. She was part of the family now.

"Just call me Aragorn" he said gently, patting the empty space at his side. A clear invitation for her. "I didn't mean to startle you. But now that you're here, why don't you sit with me for a while?"

Raising her head, Nienna looked at him with a puzzled expression. She wasn't familiar with him and probably she had thought that he was some sort of haughty and prim king.

He was sitting there, seemingly completely relaxed, his legs crossed and his black boots tapping the floor. He was clad in a dark red outfit with his hair tousled and a worn pipe in his hand. Aragorn didn't seem a king at all. He rather seemed some sort of a ranger.

Without second thoughts, Nienna smiled in response and sat at his side, turning her head to be able to look in his eyes.

"What are you doing down here?" Aragorn then asked, clearly pleased by her decision. She trusted him, otherwise she would have just declined his invitation. And the thing he hated the most was when people treated him differently because of his rank. He didn't want to be respected just because he was the King. He was a man first of all. And he wanted the others to judge him as a man. "Were you not able to sleep?"

"No I-I needed some fresh air" she answered with a soft sigh. "I needed to gather my thoughts, I think".

"I needed some fresh air, too" was Aragorn's reply, as he nibbled at his pipe. Then a sudden thought crossed his mind. He could ask her what had happened between the two brothers.

"Nienna?" he called then, smiling when she turned her head in order to look at him. "May I ask you a question?" he said, waiting until she had nodded before to continue. "I've noticed that Boromir and Faramir are avoiding each other from when I'm returned. They have always been really close and I was wondering what's happened during my absence. Did they fight?"

At such words, she paled for a moment. Actually panicking. The King had keen eyes, that was sure. No one had ever discovered the change that had occurred in their relationship. Even if in private Boromir and Faramir weren't sharing the same bed anymore, avoiding each other, they were acting as if nothing at all had happened in public.

"Oh...well, I just think they are very busy, Aragorn" she lied, trying to control her voice and hiding her trembling hands. "Faramir is always out scouting the woods, and Boromir is often working in his study. I don't think they had a fight".

But the King was nibbling at his pipe, again, unaware of her change of behaviour. Wondering.

"It would be a pity" he murmured. "They were so fond of each other... I think I've never seen such a couple of siblings. It was glaring that they would have rather been killed to defend the other one. I know that they went through rough times when Denethor was alive, and they had to be strong, bracing each other to go on. I hope they will have the chance to spend some time together soon..."

"Yes...I hope it, too" she murmured, clenching her jaw almost without noticing.

Doubts and fears were threatening to overwhelm her, by now.

"Yes. Truly a pity" she heard herself say before to stand up, feigning nonchalance. "But I should go now. Boromir will be wondering where am I".

Bowing his head, Aragorn smiled at her.

"You're right. He's very protective when it comes to the people he loves... I wish you a good night, Nienna".

"Thank you. Have a good night, too" she said with a strained smile, before walking back to the palace.

While climbing up the stairs, Nienna felt pain inside of her. It was not right. Not right.

She felt as if incidental between them. Maybe Boromir had chosen her just because their relationship would have been accepted by everyone. It was the right thing to do. But what if he loved Faramir, instead?

Outside of his rooms, she remained silent, her hand resting on the doorknob for some minutes, without actually turning it.

As the thought crossed her mind, Nienna backed away, longingly looking at the closed door. And then she walked away. Towards her room.

The servants had lit the fire and the room was warm enough. They had been ordered to take care of it, even if in fact she almost never slept there. Once inside, she turned the key twice, decided to shut everyone outside.

She couldn't sleep. She had to think.

The next morning, when Nienna opened the door of her chamber to climb down for breakfast, Boromir was there. He was leaning against the wall, arms folded and eyebrow raised. Looking as though he'd been waiting there for a good while, and as though he'd slept very little the previous night, dark shadows circling his eyes.

"Good morning." he said evenly, tilting his head to the side. Then, without faltering the slightest, he added: "Why didn't you catch up with me yesterday night?"

Nienna was clearly taken aback. She stared at him wordlessly, closing the door at her back.

"Good morning" she replied, averting her eyes. "I just...needed to stay alone for a while. And I thought you would have been in need to spend some time alone, too. I know you've talked with your brother".

"I have, in fact." Boromir nodded, eyeing her attentively, without missing how upset she looked. For a moment he wondered whether she had seen Faramir the previous night, but he didn't ask. Of all things, he wasn't sure he wanted to talk about him.

"And long I've been waiting for you afterwards. Is there something that troubles you?"

"N-no. I'm fine" she lied, sighing softly but still looking elsewhere.

She wasn't sure about how was she feeling. Hurt. Upset. Confused. The only thing she was sure of was her love for him. And she knew he returned her love. Yet he was hurt, too. The conversation with his brother shouldn't have been easy for him. It wasn't easy for Faramir, nor for Boromir. But it wasn't easy for Nienna, neither.

Trying hard to dissimulate the turmoil of emotions which was shaking her very core, Nienna took hold of his arm.

"Let's go down now. Why didn't you knock at my door?"

"I thought you were asleep, I didn't want to wake you." the warrior replied, as they climbed down the wide staircase that led to the lower floor.

Aragorn and Arwen were already sitting at the head of the richly laid table, and both smiled when the couple entered the dining hall. Boromir bowed his head in response, doing his best not to look at Faramir's empty seat, and not to wonder whether the sibling was fine.