Daughter of the Shapeshifter (A Lord of The Rings Fanfiction)

Chapter 34

I trembled as everything seemed to slow down almost to a complete stop.  Did this man really meant to give me to Bormir's brother out of respect for his memory?  It felt more like a slap across the face.  I backed off and shook my head.

"My lord, this is completely unnecessary...  I don't even know this man."  Faramir began to nod in agreement, but we both were cut off by lord Denethor.

"None of this modesty, my dear.  I do believe that this will help lighten our way through this dark time."  Turning to Pippin, he smiled a little.  "As for you, I accept your offer of servitude.  Later today, I will have you swear alliegance to Gondor."  He turned back to me.  "Come child, and don't despair."  Faramir stepped forward a little.

"Father, please..."  Denethor whirled around and glared at his son.

"How ungrateful you sound!  This is the woman your brother died protecting...  Won't you honor your brother and swear to love and cherish her as long as you both live?"  I watched helplessly as he hung his head.

"As you wish, Father..."  I swallowed hard as my heart dropped to my stomach.  I looked between the two men as Faramir approached me.  "Only if she'll accept me."  My breath went ragged in fear as he held out his hand to me.

I glanced around desperately, hoping to see some way out of all of this.  No...  I couldn't allow this.  There had to be a way out without insulting anyone.  I saw the expectant look from Denethor, the worried look in Pippin's eyes, the sorrow in Faramir's, and the helplessness Gandalf expressed.  I should have listened to Aragorn and not said that I was betrothed to Boromir.  Maybe this all could have been avoided...  I extended my hand to Faramir, feeling my chest freeze.

"I accept..."  I had nothing left except the hope my mother was going to be okay.  I had nothing to lose by agreeing.  Faramir took my hand and kissed it as Denethor's smile widened.

"I will have the two of you married after this upcoming attack.  In the meantime, Faramir, will you show her to the guest chambers?"  Faramir nodded as he forced a smile on his face.

"Of course, Father..."  Nodding towards Gandalf, he lead me through the halls.  As soon as we were away from the throne room, he turned to face me.  "Forgive my father for forcing you into this.  Perhaps I can talk some sense into him and get him to drop this whole affair..."  I shook my head.

"There is no point for me to fight this unless this is the opposite of what you want."  I swallowed hard as he looked down at me.  "I've lost more than can be replaced in an lifetime.  I have nothing to lose or gain."  He tilted my head up so I was looking at him.

"Then, there is no reason for me to fight this either, unless it hurts you."  I tried to turn away, but he cupped my chin in his hand.  "Era...  I miss my brother, maybe as much as you do.  If Father says this may help us through this time, I wish, with your permission, to go through with this."  I examined his face carefully.

His blue eyes were much paler than Boromir's, but they were also filled with insecurity and fear.  I swallowed hard as I began to realize that being second to the favorite is exceptionally hard because all the extra weight is placed on your shoulders.  I saw everything Boromir wasn't, with the acception of kindness, in Faramir.  I knew that, should I refuse, it would hurt us both.  Finally, I nodded.

"Very well...  As long as you are willing, I am as well."  He smiled as he kissed my hand and started back down the halls.  I followed him untill we reached one of the furthest rooms.

"This is were you'll be staying.  Father will have a maid bring down some dresses that are about your size."  Smiling kindly, he bowed his head.  "We will see you as soon as you are ready..."

"Ah, my dear Era...  How lovely you look now that you are cleaned up."  I stroked the end of my black braid and stared down at the green dress the maid had brought me.  It was a little too fancy for my taste, but, based on the way Faramir beamed at me, he had ordered it be brought to me, so I didn't have the heart to turn it down.

"Thank you, my lord."  Faramir smiled at his father as he approached me.

"Father, do you wish to see the hobbit and have him swear alligence to Gondor?"  Denethor thought for a moment before nodding.

"Yes, have him brought in."  As Faramir nodded and left, Denethor turned his attention towards me.  "The boy seems a lot happier now, thanks to you, my dear..."  I remained still, almost froze in place as he motioned me to come forward.  "Come now...  Is something bothering you?"  I stepped forward and shook my head.

"Of course not, my lord..."  He frowned as he examined my face.

"Oh, but there is..."  He stood up and approached me.  "What could it be?  Does Faramir remind you too much of Boromir?  Is this all a bit too much for one day?  Is something not pleasing to you?"  I shook my head.

"No, my lord.  Everything is just fine."  I dare not say how all of this is bothering me out of fear of his temper.  Even then, I might hurt Faramir as well.  I refused to risk it...  Denethor started to say something, but Faramir arrived, with Pippin in tow.

"The hobbit, Father..."  Denethor smiled and sat down.

"Now, master hobbit...  Let's hear you pledge alligence to Gondor."  I heaved a soft sigh and turned to face Pippin as he swallowed hard and started reciting the pledge.  As he did, Faramir edged closer to me and whispered.

"Father didn't intimidate you, did he?"  No...  Instead, he simply nagged me about something I knew I shouldn't talk about...  I shook my head.

"Not at all..."