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Leaves on the Wind: Signaling Storm
by Nancy Brooke
Author's Notes: This story was originally posted online in response to the Open
Scrolls "Letters from Middle Earth" challenge, but written as a way to think around a
writer's block I was experiencing with a longer story (at last nearing completion)
exploring Boromir's powerful and obsessive nature. Looking for perspective took me all
the way to Ithilien to stand beside Faramir as he gazed back across the plains to his
brother in the White Tower. In trying to communicate with Boromir and tell his story,
these letters came to me.
21 Súlimë, 3018
Boromir –
53
We have arrived, though I will not break protocol to tell you where and
with what company. Suffice it to say all has gone as you intended it should — to
the letter, in truth, so apt in every particular were your plans.
We have made camp unmolested, perhaps even undetected; only time will
tell. Morale is high, supplies sufficiently laid up, and each man has quickly made
himself as comfortable as may be. I could wish myself in no other company
unless it be yours.
In truth, it is not possible I could set you by even if I wished to: the men,
my company, wear your love and training like a badge beneath their cloaks and
want for no greater armor. I see it in every polished sword, every ready bow,
each easy watch, the sorties that return whole and victorious. They do you great
honor, my brother.
I shall strive to do the same, though I cannot help but feel I have somehow
usurped your position in leading this small force from the city while you stay
behind. Yet, how else could it be? You must remain at the head of your army as
you are their strength, even as you alone could captain our father’s unfathomable
reticence and prepare our people for the storm we know must come. Meantime I
will console myself that were you here sleeping rough as you love, in the
company of men you hold dear, you could not be easy playing our hide and seek