"You look wonderful my Lady".

One of the maids was braiding Nienna's hair with precision. She had chosen blue velvet ribbons to match the colour of her Ladyship's dress. Another one of the girls was in the meanwhile lacing her shoes.

It was the great day.. Aragorn's wedding was going to start in less than an hour and Nienna was already panicking. Boromir was preparing himself in his room, while she had been forced to return to hers. Not wise to let the servants know that she was sleeping with Boromir. Thorongil would have known their bond that day for it was their first public appearence, and probably the King was going to tell it to the people. But one had always to seem pure and without sin, at least for Thorongil. And Nienna wasn't willing to fight with her narrow minded brother at the King's marriage.

As soon as the maids had finished, she was finally allowed to stand up and look at her reflection in the wide mirror.

The dress was finely embroidered in velvet and silk. Nienna could well remember how many hours she had spent with the seamstress to take the right measures. It had been well worth. Clad in such a dress, one could never wonder that she was a pleb.

"Lord Boromir is ready, my Lady" the maid said then. "He's waiting for you in the corridor. Shall I open the door?"

After another look at the mirror, Nienna nodded wordlessly, following the maid. Secretly hoping that Boromir would find her at least fit to be seen.

Judging by the brightness of his smile he definitely did, and even bowed his head when she stepped out of the room.

The warrior was wearing a black, velvety long tunic and cloak, his sleeves and the hems of the valuable fabric embroidered with fine silvery patterns. On his cuirass the tree of Gondor and the seven stars, in his eyes an almost hallowing look as he watched her closely.

"You're perfect," he smiled, offering his arm.

"So are you" she smiled back, taking his arm and slowly descending the stairs. Aragorn had decided that his marriage had to be a public one, and they had been forced to organize everything on the front of the palace.

Once there, Nienna noticed that there was a huge crowd outside. Probably the whole of Minas Tirith waiting to see the new King.

"I'm feeling a little out of place..."

"Nonsense" Boromir muttered under his breath, casting her a sidelong glance and a reassuring smile. "All you have to do is to stay by my side, noting more. And you look stunning in that dress."

Elessar and his Queen had yet to arrive, while the many smiling guests were already lined in the courtyard and waiting for the couple. Behind them, a huge crowd of Tirithians was cheering and tingling impatiently.

The warrior took his place beside his brother, who was dressed like him and smiling a little tensely, without letting go of Nienna's hand.

Her eyes lingered upon the tense figure standing at Boromir's side. It had been a while since the last time Faramir had actually talked to her. Yet she had never been able to go and speak her mind to him. Too difficult. He would have just suffered even more and he didn't deserve it.

The trumpet's trill startled her, and when Nienna turned her attention to the main door, she smiled despite all.

Aragorn and Arwen looked so happy while walking hand in hand. Their eyes alone spoke volumes, and she couldn't help but tighten her grip on Boromir's hand,casting him a sidelong glance.

His hand squeezed hers gently in return, and more than once the warrior turned to glance at her during the ceremony. He noticed that many of their allies had come, and even the nobility of Rohan was there. Then, of course, there were the soldiers. His soldiers. A certain one named Thorongil, for instance, had escorted the sovereigns to the altar that had been set in the middle of the courtyard, with another soldier named Beregond. They were two of Boromir's finest and most loyal men. And Thorongil, his brother-in-law to be, was staring straight at him and Nienna for a good while.

She didn't avert her gaze. Not even one time. Thorongil was checking their every move, as if trying to understand whether their bond was real.. Nienna didn't mind what he could think about her. The only thing she wanted was to be at Boromir's side. Freely.

Since her lover had talked to his brother they were getting along much better.

They spent almost all days together, working side by side. Nienna was in fact helping Boromir to arm his soldiers, and often she wrote down the letters he dictated to her.

Very soon she had also learned that it wasn't a good idea to talk about Faramir. It was the only argument which led them to furious brawls.

As soon as the celebration had finished, Thorongil neared the couple, stopping right in front of his captain.

"I'd like to know what is happening, my Lord".

Quite rascally, Boromir merely stared back for a few moments. Blinking as if trying to get the meaning of the other man's words, and imposing himself not to grin openly. His hand, though, was still holding Nienna's quite firmly, and he had had no doubts about the meaning of Thorongil's question.

"Well, our King has just married his betrothed." he said, smiling innocently. Then, taking some pity over the poor man, he nodded towards their clasped hands, his smile widening. "If you're referring to this, maybe you should know that we're in love."

"In love ?" Thorongil asked, wide eyed, his gaze shifting from his captain to his sister. It was clearly the last thing he was expecting from his sister. The warrior had always thought she was but a dud, a hoyden, and that no one would have ever dared to court her. Now the Steward of his kingdom, his valiant captain, was telling him that he was in love with Nienna. Too beautiful to be true. She had been finally useful.

"And are you planning to...to marry her one day?"

"I certainly am."

Exchanging a quick glance with Nienna, this time Boromir allowed himself to grin openly. It could have been worse. Thorongil didn't seem particularly displeased, but rather astonished and possibly content about the news. It probably was only because of his rank, and Boromir was well aware of that, but he didn't really mind; all he cared about was to be free to live his life with her as he pleased, and Thorongil wasn't likely to oppose them in any way. Things were finally beginning to look up for them, it seemed.

"I trust it will not be a problem for you, Thorongil. Especially since I can't ask your father for his consent and his daughter's hand, much depends on you."

Finally smiling brightly, Thorongil nodded enthusiastically. He had not even dared to hope for such a fluke to his sister, and now she was going to marry.

"It would be an honour to me to have you as brother in law" he said politely. "I could never be happier than this. My reckless sister has finally found someone worthy. She isn't exactly what you can call a maiden but much more of a rascal--"

"Thorongil!" Nienna cut him off, letting go of Boromir's hand in order to close the distance which separated her from her brother. Stopping mere inches away from his face. Fuming.

"I will not allow you to start it all over again! I know you haven't a good opinion of me. I can't stand you, too! But I can't see why you have to demean me in front of Boromir!"

Said warrior, after a first moment of bewildered uneasiness, had promptly reached for Nienna and pulled her back, leaning over her shoulder in order to face her brother. He wound his arms protectively around his lover and gave Thorongil a gracious smile, something Faramir had always suggested him to do whenever things threatened to get out of hand and degenerate into a brawl. Just try and be polite, he always said. Strangely enough, it was probably the first time he actually followed such advice.

"There, there now" he said jovially, and still smiling. "I can assure you that I know her well enough, probably even more than you do, and I most definitely like her. I will do my best to take good care of her, worry not, and there's no need to quarrel."

"That's the only thing we're able to do since we were children" Nienna muttered under her breath, grimacing. She was used to her brother's rudeness towards her, but to be insulted in front of her lover had been enough to ruin her day.

Thorongil, on his part, was looking at them with a dull expression. It was a mystery to him how such a man could love his sister. A moment later he nodded to Boromir.

"I have to follow Beregond now. I am sure that you will be happy. In fact I trust you, my Lord".

Nienna stared at his back while he walked away. Flushed and feeling the strong desire to free herself from Boromir's embrace and jump on that man. Just to punch him senseless. Turning her head, her eyes met Faramir's. The young man was still there, and he had probably seen the whole scene. Not that the thing bothered her. Most probably it had just ruined even more the bad opinion he had upon her.

"A close thing he is indeed." Boromir muttered as if to himself, shaking his head. Then he released Nienna from his grasp and took her hand again, the smile back on his face. "Shall we not congratulate with our King and Queen before the banquet, fair one? I believe he has something of importance to announce, something concerning us two."

"Us?" she asked, finally turning to look at him. His large hand was completely enveloping hers, and the warmth of his touch was enough to make her smile again. Brightly.

"Is he going to...announce our engagement?"

"Indeed." the warrior confirmed while leading her to the center of the courtyard, where Aragorn and his bride were standing. The couple stopped a few paces away from the sovereigns and Boromir kneeled deferentially, bowing his head low. Only when the King touched his shoulder he stood up again, smiling, and took his place beside Nienna as Aragorn stepped forward to make his speech.

Turning to glance at his Steward again, the King smiled upon seeing the happy couple. Boromir was clutching at her hand with a content grin on his face, and Nienna was indeed beaming in her happiness. They looked so alike him and his beloved Arwen that he had to stifle the urge to scoop his wife in his arms and drag her to their rooms. He was now sure about the strong bond born between Boromir and that peculiar girl. That would have been another good marriage.

"Today is the happiest day of my entire life" he began then, turning to look at the people with a kind smile. "I have a family now. A place I can call home. And a bunch of people I can call friends.. Life is nothing without love. Love can in fact change a man, for the best. I think it was quite glaring that our Steward was in love, for quite a while. Now it's time to give our official announcement. The steward Boromir, son of Denethor, is going to marry as soon as possible to Nienna, daughter of Isthion and sister of our brave and loyal warrior Thorongil".

The crowd cheered in response, and Boromir's hand tightened its grip on Nienna's at the same time. His bright smile, though, faltered a little when he noticed that his brother had left his place and was nowhere to be seen.

Right behind the King and the Queen some gondorian soldiers, all lined up and dressed in their highest uniforms, were in the meantime gaping at Thorongil in sheer amazement.

"Why didn't you tell us?" cried Beregond, "Your sister is to marry our Captain and Steward and you didn't tell us!"

"I knew nothing of this" Thorongil grinned at him, casting a quick glance to his sister. She was still holding Boromir's hand and looking quite enthusiastic at the approval of the people.

She wasn't that bad. Maybe.

"But I'm quite proud of her, too..."

"I bet you are" an equally grinning Beregond pointed out, while following the couple with his gaze as they made their way to the King's House to attend the banquet. The nobility followed them shortly and very soon the main hall was teeming and noisy, while liveried servants hovered about carrying large trays arranged with silvery goblets, all filled to the edge with the sweetest mead.

Nienna was soon parted from Boromir, loosing grip on his hand due to the crowd. She stood there, looking around with a disoriented expression over her features. There were just strangers to her and she felt out of her place more than ever. She almost cried out when a man pulled her towards him all of a sudden. One of the maidens was almost going to collide with her, and her dress would have been all messed up by now if he hadn’t helped her. Finally raising her eyes to look at the stranger's face, Nienna hinted a small smile. He was a fair man, his long, blonde hair flowing down broad shoulders. She wondered who could he possibly be, when she noticed the horse embroidered on his tunic. Rohan.

"Are you well?" the man asked kindly, clearly concerned for the odd expression on her face.

"Y-yes, I'm fine, thank you..." she answered, stepping back and curtsying. "Thank you for your help, Sire".

Obviously taken aback, Eomer hurried to help her to her feet, bowing his head and trying hard not to grin openly.

"How did you know I am a King?"

"I've deduced it, for on your tunic there is Rohan's royal symbol" she said promptly, finally smiling. "It's an honour, King Eomer".

"My pleasure" he gallantly answered, turning to look around before to shift again his attention to her. "You're Boromir's wife-to-be...Where's he? It's been a while and I would have liked to greet him properly".

"Oh, I really don't know" she sighed, looking around as well, scanning the surroundings to try and find him. "I've lost him some minutes ago and I'm not able to see him..."

"He's chatting with our cousins and uncle from Dol Amroth" said Faramir's quiet voice from behind her, as the young man approached them. "they wanted to congratulate with him for the betrothal."

He stopped a couple of steps away from them, bowing his head before Eomer, and hinted a smile. "My Lord. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Obviously taken aback from his behaviour, Nienna just lowered her eyes. Decided not to show him how upset she really was.

Eomer, on his side, frowned at the very sight, casting a questioning glance at Faramir.

"Of course I am" he answered, probably thinking that the young man had had some misunderstanding with his sister in law. "How are you? I thought you said you were going to pay a visit at Edoras the last time we met..."

"Oh aye," the gondorian nodded, sipping mead from his silver goblet. "and I still mean to. I'd hoped my brother would have come along too, but he's been even busier than I have.. all with the King's return and the rebuilding of Osgiliath and the first levels of the City, we've been through a little rough time. But we'll come and visit you, 'tis a promise. Maybe Nienna would like to come too?"

With that he shifted his gaze to her, waiting for an answer, all the while doing his very best to look at least a little friendly and not plainly vexed. Besides, he wasn't angry with her. On the quiet, Faramir knew well enough that it wasn't her fault and that she had done nothing wrong, her only fault was to have fallen in love with Boromir. Yet he couldn't help but feeling as if someone had stabbed him right in the middle of the chest.

Though his tone was somewhat kind, Faramir's eyes were cold. Nienna had noticed it well enough. Sometimes she wondered whether they could be friends again. Looking at him she understood that it could never be as it was before. Never again.

"I'll come along if Boromir will ask me to" she answered plainly, turning then to the King.

"I need some fresh air, milord. It's been an honour to meet you, I hope you'll enjoy your stay in Minas Tirith".

Bowing her head reverently, Nienna walked away without looking at Faramir. Too upset to try and think clearly. Unaware that Thorongil was following her. She noticed his presence only when she reached the balcony.

"Are you feeling sick?"

Suddenly turning to look at him, she tried to find a good excuse, and hinted a smile.

"Yes, I just needed some fresh air. I don't like overcrowded places..."

Was there concern in his eyes? Was Thorongil really concerned about her?

It was the first time she had really seen that feeling in his eyes and she felt herself smile in response. Happily.

"All right then. I'm inside there if you need me" he smiled back, patting her shoulder before walking away.

On the way back to the hall the soldier met Boromir, who was obviously looking for his beloved and smiled while passing him by. The Steward had by then spotted Nienna and headed straight for the balcony, nearing her from behind.

"Boring yourself fair one, are you?" he chuckled, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"N-no..." she lied, still looking forward. She knew she shouldn't talk about his brother but there was no way she could hide something from Boromir. Besides, Faramir was still dangerous. He could come and claim his brother one of those days, leaving her alone. Shattered.

"Faramir hates me..." were her plain words, as she crossed her arms on her chest.

Definitely caught off guard, Boromir drew back almost out of reflex at such words. Then, shaking his head, he sighed while taking Nienna into his arms again, his chin rested on her right shoulder.

"I don't think he does," he muttered, "unless something I'm not aware of has happened between you two. It's been a while since I last talked with him."

"We were talking to the King Eomer before" she began, sighing softly and leaning against his back. "I wasn't able to find you, and Faramir's come to tell me that your cousins were congratulating with you. He tried to seem friendly but--but I couldn't stand his gaze, Boromir. In his eyes I saw....it was obvious that he hates me..."

Boromir's resolute answer came swiftly. "Nonsense." he said, "Faramir has never hated anybody, he's not prone to feelings such as hate and spite, I know he's not.. he's probably just uneasy among such mundaneness, I'm sure he's craving the peacefulness of his bedroom or of the library.. not to worry.."

And yet worried he was, he couldn't help it. It had been since their last conversation that Faramir had started to avoid him, greeting him with a mere nod whenever their ways met, and then hasting to walk away as quickly as he could without looking blatant. All that they used to share seemed to be ages away, every memory of it having been forcedly deleted and pushed aside. Two strangers they had become, they were not even two brothers anymore.

As if reading his thoughts, Nienna felt a deep pain inside of her. Freeing herself from his embrace, she walked forward. Looking at the beauty of the landscape. So beautiful was Minas Tirith as the sunbeams breaking through the clouds caressed the white stone.

He was blaming her. She was the only one to blame. Was it not for her, the siblings would have been still close.

Boromir was right, their relationship wouldn't have lasted if she had shared him with Faramir.

But would it last in a situation like that?

"Then you will hate me. And soon..."

"That's just ridiculous!" he retorted hotly, though without daring to get closer. There it was again, distance. More distance between the two of them, and he wondered if they would have ever been able to understand each other properly.. for at times he strongly doubted that, all the while being aware that she wasn't the one to blame. Everytime it came to Faramir they ended up fighting, for a reason or another, and was mostly because, he thought, he wasn't yet ready to face the truth. He almost couldn't bear to utter the name.

"Why in the name of the Valar should I hate you?"

"Because you've lost Faramir...and it's all my fault" she said softly, gripping at the railing.. Her head hung low and her knuckles went white. They had been wrong to think that they could override their split. The official announcement had made things worse for the threesome. Now she wasn't sure that they could stand and fight for their love. Not when the one who is supposed to stay at your side hasn't made his choice. Yes, he had told to Faramir that it was over. But it was a lie. Nienna could see it clearly in his eyes each and every time he looked at his brother.

"I don't know if we'll ever be able to go on like that...maybe Aragorn's announcement is been a little too hasty..."

Boromir wavered, staring at her back. What had she just said? Was she regretting it? He was suddenly lost for words, and scared at the same time. What if she wasn't sure about spending the rest of her life with him? On his part, he was more than sure. He loved her. Whatever other doubts he had, weren't certainly due to her and only his to sort out.

"If--if you aren't sure about this--" he began uneasily, though stopping halfway to run a hand across his face and sigh, "If you do have any doubts it would be better to discuss them now, I deem.."

"Oh, but I am sure about me..." she said, smiling bitterly and shaking her head. "I have doubts, but it's about you. I am sure that I love you and if we were alone, if we could be alone just for a while I know we could be truly happy. We are never alone, Boromir. Faramir's shadow is always between us. And don't tell me you've made your decision. I am not stupid. It's only...fear. What if one day you should decide that you want Faramir? I would be set aside, forgotten... I don't want to be hurt. Yet I have a strong feeling that in the end I'll be the one who'll have her heart shattered in a million of tiny pieces...because of you..."

The warrior had in the meantime circled her, to be able to look at her face as she spoke, and was shaking his head slowly in both anguish and disbelief.

"You are being unfair now," he said, his voice a little shaky. His steady gaze, though, didn't waver. "you are doubting my feelings for you and I don't think I deserve that.. and yes, perhaps you're right and 'tis but fear," he went on in what now was a heated whisper, fearing that someone from the hall could have heard them. "but look at me for the Valar's sake, and look at him! We're the same kin Nienna, we're the same blood, was it not bad enough that we are both men. Brothers! We are not meant to be, there is nothing more to say. And I don't regret my decision."

Nienna's eyes went wide, and her face was now pale. Her trembling hands convulsively opening and closing into fists. A shocked expression on her face.

"So you want to marry me just because it would be the right thing to do..." she said, her voice barely audible. Retreating from him. Stepping back. She was not even able to stay close to Boromir. The pain was too strong.

"You are not in love with me, you liar! It's just because...people expected you to marry a gracious maiden...It's because you're both men and no one would ever accept your bond...It has nothing to do with love. Can you not hear what you're implying? Why do you want to hurt me like that? What have I done to deserve it? Face the reality, Boromir. You are in love with Faramir, and to marry you would be the most wrong thing to do..."

Said that, she faltered for a moment, looking at him through watery eyes. Then she hurried back inside, heading to her room. Almost running, without noticing that almost everyone was looking at her.

By the time she had reached the stairs, her face was strained. Her body shaken by the sobs.

Boromir had to struggle to get out of the hall and make his way to the stairs, for almost everyone stopped him in order to greet him or to ask what was wrong.. It was almost ten minutes later that he managed to get to Nienna's door, to find out that it was locked.

"Nienna!" he called, knocking with quite some vigor. "Open the door! I need to talk with you, please, you misunderstood!"

"I understood very well, worry not..." she said, sobbing. "I just...need to stay alone, Boromir. You were clear enough, so don't even try and make a fool of yourself. Let me go...you don't want me at your side..."

"Of course I do want you at my side!" he retorted, placing both hands on the cool wood of the door, his head hung low.

"Why else would I have asked you to marry me? Please Nienna, I'll even beg if necessary but open the door!"

She didn't want him to beg. Of all things, Nienna was well aware that she could never force him to love her. She didn't want it that way. With trembling hands, she slowly unlocked the door, opening it slightly. Peering outside and glancing at him. Without letting him enter.

"It was not a misunderstanding..."

"Yes, it was" Boromir said hotly, one hand gripping at the doorframe while the other was still placed on the thick, dark wood, as if to hinder her from shutting him out again.

"I didn't mean that I don't love you.. I do Nienna, please believe me.. I love you.." he continued, the tone of his voice almost pleading. "I love you more than you know."

"No..." she said, resolutely shaking her head. Actually grimacing. "You don't. You can't. You'll never love me, Boromir, for your heart is elsewhere engaged. And I will not marry you, knowing that your heart belongs to another. I will not spend my life at your side asking myself if you're cheating on me. I can't do it...."

The warrior shook his head, sighing, and ran a hand nervously through his hair before their eyes met again.

"What is that I should do?" he murmured, restraining himself from just bursting the door open and taking Nienna into his arms only with great effort. He could have easily pushed her aside and entered the room, he was aware to be much stronger than she was. Yet he didn't move at all and just stood there, his hand still gripping at the wooden doorframe as if in need of some kind of support.

"What do you want me to do, to prove you that I have not been trifling with you, what? I shall do it, whatever it is, just tell me."

"You know, Boromir" she started, deliberately ignoring his previous question. Her usually bright eyes now reddened. "There was a time in which I truly believed that we could have been happy together. But it never lasted. Maybe deep in my heart I've always known that you would have hurt me. I knew that you would have never forgotten your old feelings...I'm not able to accept it, Boromir.. Would you accept to marry me should you know that I'm in love with someone else? Would you?"

"I do not know." the warrior answered, plain and simple. "I truly want to stay with you Nienna, I truly want to marry you. You can believe it or not, you can stay with me or set me aside and decide that you don't even want to ever see me again" he went on, without averting his gaze. "but we both know that it would be a mistake, don't we?"

Said that he fell silent for a few moments, and Nienna didn't speak either. Finally following his instinct, Boromir allowed his right hand to reach for his lover's cheek, and to stroke it tenderly.

"Don't we, Nienna?"

"Yes, we do..." she said, her voice barely audible. But she was feeling distant now. Nienna knew that deep in his heart Boromir loved Faramir, and not her. Yet she wasn't able to turn her back and walk away. The Valars knew how much she had tried to suffocate her love for him, but it had never worked. And now, how could she trust him?

After all, he had said that he couldn't be with his brother just because people wouldn't accept their bond. Maybe it hasn't been voluntary. Yet he had said it nonetheless.

"I think I just...need some time to think about it. Just...try and imagine about how bad I'm feeling...try, for once..."

Boromir nodded wordlessly, retreating his hand.

That definitely wasn't the way he had planned to start their life together, and yet there was nothing he could do to set things straight again.

"I'll wait.."

Nienna stared at his back as he walked away. A mixture of regret, longing, hurt and sadness was making her feel sick.

After another glance at the now empty corridor, she entered the room and locked the door at her back.

The following day had been fairly uneventful.

Boromir had not even knocked at her door, and Nienna assumed he was working in his study.

She was feeling sad and lonely, even if she knew it was all her fault. After all she had been the one to tell him she needed time, hadn't she? Yes. But now she was already regretting her previous behaviour.

Much to her surprise, Nienna had met Thorongil in the gardens. Her brother had asked her to spend some time together, and Nienna had found herself accepting. Glad that they seemed to get along better.

Soon her thoughts had returned to her lover, but Thorongil hadn't missed her change of behaviour.

Without even knowing what she was doing, she had found herself telling him that she was having some problems with Boromir. Not mentioning Faramir and their bond at all.

And Thorongil understood. For the first time in her life, Nienna heard some useful advice offered by her brother. He had not even scolded her! Odd. Pleasurably odd. But she liked it nonetheless.

When she stepped in the dining room, she was still clad in her leggings and tunic, for she hadn't had time to change her clothes.

"Good evening, my Lord" she greeted Aragorn, sitting in front of Boromir. As if she hadn't noticed his presence at all. "My Lady".

"Good evening, Nienna" the king answered, smiling kindly.

His face showing no emotion at all, Boromir cast her a quick glance, before turning his attentions to the silver goblet in front of him as he poured himself some wine.

"Have you been out riding?" he asked as casually as he could, while setting the pitcher back on the table. On the other side of the table Faramir was pale and silent, but it was no news. Lately he had been so glum and tongue-tied that more than once Arwen had asked him whether he was sick.

"I've been in the gardens for the whole day" she answered quietly, smiling at the servant as she was putting some stew in her plate. "Thorongil had asked me to spend some time together, and I thought it was a great idea. I would have searched for you should I have decided upon a ride outside. And you know that very well".

"I was only asking." Boromir replied drily, his right eyebrow slightly arched. Not a good sign.

And indeed he was already racking his brain trying to figure out why she had to lie so blatantly, since of all things Thorongil had never bothered himself to show at least the tiniest bit of affection toward his sister. And now he had asked her to spend some time together?

The warrior said nothing else though, very aware of Aragorn's inquisitive gaze on him as he ate quietly, staring at his plate. Surely the King had already noticed that something was wrong, and he certainly didn't want to give him further evidence.

As soon as the dinner was over, Nienna excused herself and exited the room. Heading to the stairs. She was eager to reach her room, sure that everyone in the palace had already understood that she’d had quite a bad fight with Boromir.

She had spent a beautiful day with the brother she had never had. Unfortunately Boromir had ruined everything again. Nienna was sly and she hadn't missed the suspicious looks he had been sending her, preferring to ignore him.

It was useless to talk some sense into him.

Nienna had not even reached the door to her bedroom when a well-known voice behind her back started her.

"So, where have you been?"

Upon turning around she found herself face to face with her betrothed, who was staring at her with his arms crossed across the chest and a faintly inquisitive expression on his face. He didn't seem angry. Only somewhat suspicious.

"I've told you..." was Nienna's answer, as she crossed her arms on her chest. An eyebrow was quite dangerously raised, as she slowly considered the situation. She couldn't believe in what she was seeying. He didn't believe her words! As if it was her habit to lie to him, or to go out without letting him know.

By the time she was able to speak again, she was in fact quite vexed.

"Thorongil asked me to spend some time with him. We've been in the gardens. You can ask him, or Beregond. Or even your King, if you don't believe me. But don't look at me that way, Boromir. I am not the one who's messing up everything."

"Well, it seems just a bit.. strange, since he's never acted like he really cared about you in any way. Now he looks for you and asks you to spend a nice afternoon in the gardens together. Sounds odd, but correct me if I'm mistaken." he said in a quiet, almost flat tone, arms still folded challengingly.

"I don't mind if you find it strange, Boromir" she hissed, now plainly vexed. She couldn't understand why was he behaving like that. They had spent a lot of time together, and not once she had lied to him. Not once.

"And I can't see why you are asking me where did I spent my afternoon. Why are you being so suspicious? Are you scared that I could have spent my time with another man? Well, I'm not that kind of woman!"

"Very well." Boromir answered in the same quiet tone as before, though this time it was rather obvious that he was struggling to restrain himself. He got closer, staring in her eyes, arms now abandoned along his sides and hands clenched into fists.

"Then do as you please, Nienna, 'tis not my concern. I will not worry and I will just not care, if that's what you want of me."

"You aren't being suspicious because you care!" she snapped then. Clearly furious at him.

How could he say that? How could he be so selfish after all he had said and done the day before?

"In fact you don't care. So stop lying I know that it's not me who you want at your side, you've made it clear yesterday! Or maybe I've been too blind to miss it the whole time!"

"Fine!" Boromir snapped, so sharply that his voice bounced on the cold stone walls, echoing in the darkness of the corridor. Anyone within hearing could easily infer that it wasn't being exactly a friendly confrontation, but the thought didn't even cross his mind. He had had enough of that.

"Then I don't care!"

Said that he stalked away, and entered Faramir's bedchamber without even knocking. His little brother had always been keen to help him whenever something troubled him. His little brother had never denied him a little support. And the Valar knew if he needed it.

"You stupid, stubborn snotty!" she screamed to the empty corridor, her fair features almost unrecognizable. Then she stalked to her room, slamming the wooden, heavy door at her back.

Squatting on the couch, Nienna stared at the fire, her eyes unfocused and her whole body trembling.

He was with Faramir now. No one needed her.

Their story had been just a lame attempt to cover a much important love story going on between the siblings.

Her head was now spinning as old memories came to her mind. It's funny how one can easily remember even the littlest detail when he's about to lose it all.

The smoky and obscure tavern where they first met. Now she could almost sense that same smoke filling her nostrils.

Faramir. It had been the youngest one to be kind to her when Boromir would have probably left her at the tavern.

The old house they led her to, so close to the Houses of Healing. Its heavy curtains and richly furnished bedroom. The same bedroom where they had made furious love for the first time.

That time when Thorongil had told her who they really where, and their offer to give her a room. This room she had almost never slept in at the beginning, and that now had become the place where she was spening the most of her days.

All the mornings when Faramir came to Boromir's room, opening the curtains and bringing their breakfast, in an attempt to wake them up. An hard task, indeed.

To look back to those days made her feel almost dazed. It was unreal. How could they be the same persons?

Faramir had becomed but the shadow of the light-hearted young boy he used to be. Boromir was behaving strangely, always following his brother with his eyes. He had no secrets for her. Nienna was well aware that he was suffering, too. He missed his little brother.

Even Nienna had changed. She seemed to be very different from the carefree, witty girl she was. And maybe even Thorongil had understood that there was something wrong. The woman was becoming skinny, for food made her sick.

They had to do something. Anything. They had to solve their problems so that they could be happy again.

"Yes...I have to try, at least" she whispered to herself, standing up and grimacing when she felt a sharp pain coming from her back. Perhaps she had sat there for too long.

Settling her hair in place, she silently exited her room, looking around. There was no trace of Boromir, and she was more than sure that he should be talking to Faramir.

She wanted to be there, too.

Walking to the kitchens to prepare some hot tea, Nienna mentally repeated what she was going to say to the siblings.

Meanwhile the two brothers were sitting together in Faramir's room, in front of a crackling fire. The younger brother had tried to do his best and be supportive, despite it all, without actually being able to. How was he supposed to soothe his brother's heart and mind when he, in the first place, was feeling like he had lost everything? He had never blamed Boromir or Nienna for that, and deep in his heart he was truly sorry to know that their relationship was going through such hard times.

Yet for the first time Faramir's advice had not been of any use, and the two brothers seemed to have nothing else to say to each other.

Boromir, on his part, seemed very well aware of the fact that his little brother was somehow trying to keep him at distance, and also that he didn't feel like sharing his thoughts with him. They had been silent for some minutes now, just staring at the fire. And the eldest didn't like that, either.

When he felt the couch shift he turned around, and saw Faramir stand up.

"I need some sleep." the younger one said apologetically. Of all things, he had not missed the frown on his brother's face; he had felt his very heart flinch at the sight, though he was struggling to seem aloof and distant. It was the right thing to do. Mostly because things were never going to be the same with Boromir, and he didn't want to show how vulnerable his mere presence made him feel. He didn't want to be the weak one anymore.

Anyway something, probably the polite way in which he had spoken, had striken Boromir, since he was staring back at him in an almost challenging way and standing up as well, his grey eyes as cold as steel.

"No, you don't" he said slowly, in a whisper that made Faramir shiver. And not in the good way. "Why don't you just tell me that you don't want me here?"

"That is nonsense, Boromir."

"No, 'tis not. You are making it very clear."

Discomfort. It was slowly taking over Faramir, relentlessly, making his stomach clench and his pulse quicken. Too close, they were too close. And Boromir's eyes were too demanding, too eager to know the reasons why he was pushing him away.

Go away, he thought, just go away. Leave me alone.

Strong-willed and stubborn as he was, Boromir stood right where he was, even when Faramir averted his gaze.

"Why?"

"I--I've told you.." Faramir said weakly, sounding unconvincing even to himself.

"Why?"

"I am just tired. I need to put myself in bed."

The younger man couldn't help but gasp, his eyes straying straight back to his brother's, when a strong hand closed almost painfully around his arm. Then he was being dragged to the wide bed as if he was a rag doll, and pushed onto it.

"We'll put you in bed, then."

When the door opened, it made no sound.

Nienna had climbed up the stairs with the tray on her arm, when the unmistakable sounds had reached her ears.

Her very heart was hammering furiously in her chest, as if trying to break her rib cage and fly away. The woman was visibly shaken, her cheeks red, even if a faint gleam of hope was still glimmering in her eyes.

As she looked at the entwined couple making love on Faramir's bed, Nienna felt like dying.

It seemed just a quick tumble, as they still had their tunics on. Faramir's leggings had been abandoned on the floor a few feet away from the trembling girl who was witnessing their frantic lovemaking without being noticed.

She felt sick. It was strange that she wasn't able to avert her eyes, even if it hurt. Even if she was feeling the strong need to throw up the salad she had eaten as dinner.

Just when she was about to back away, she heard the words that he had claimed being just for her, and no one else.

Boromir, her Boromir, the one she had loved and respected, was whispering all the love he felt for his brother.

Time slowed down then. Nienna could hear nothing else, those words echoing in her mind over and over again threatening to drive her insane.

Every word. Every whisper. Every breath. Every caress. Everything has been deleted within seconds, by a storm of different emotions.

Hate. Despise. Hurt.

She was feeling betrayed. After all, it seemed she had been right about them.

A startled gasp escaped her lips when the tray crashed down. But not even then she lowered her eyes to observe the mugs and the teapot shattered on the floor. She wasn't able to avert her eyes.

The very moment Boromir had turned to the door, his heart had stopped.

Unmoving, the warrior held his breath until his lungs started to burn, bewildered as if he'd realized only then what he'd been doing. Most certainly, he'd realized only then what the consequences would have been; only when he'd found himself facing them.

Not real, not happening. It's not real.

But Faramir's body beneath him, hot and slick, was indeed real. His brother's hands, still clutching at his forearms, felt real just as well. And Nienna, standing on the doorframe, was real. As the hurt in her eyes.

"Nienna.." he managed, untangling himself hastily from Faramir, who was staring at the woman wide-eyed, unable to do or say anything.

By then, Nienna's face was almost stony, as she was desperately trying to hide her real feelings. Burying them deep inside of her being.

The turmoil of emotions was betrayed by two mutinous tears now slowly sliding down her cheeks. Aside from this, even her eyes seemed cold and distant. As her voice when she forced herself to speak.

"I hate you. The both of you".

With that, she turned away, almost colliding with Aragorn in the corridor. In her mind there was just one resolution, clear and simple. Her life with them was over. Well, in fact she felt as if her very life was now over. She had to find another place.

By the time she had reached the tunnel, she was running as fast as she could. The streets were dark and it was raining. Nienna's dress and hair were dripping wet. Not that she minded. The chattering of her teeth was a pure nervous reflex.

She just wanted to go away and stay alone.

Not once she turned back, towards the palace. Not once she stopped, afraid that they could catch her.

Over. It was over.