Rated R
Boromir and Faramir's sister copes with life.
Warnings: Mentions of rape
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters except for Elena.
Chapter One
"Oof," Boromir grunted as he landed on his backside. He didn't move as his opponent's sword came down to rest just below his chin.
"Do you yield?" his opponent asked. Boromir looked up at his younger sister. He'd been prepared to yield but the cocky grin on her face made him decide to bring her down off her high horse. With a quick flick of his arm he swept her legs out from under her. Taken quite off guard she fell backwards and landed hard on the ground. Boromir quickly jumped to his feet and lightly placed his foot over her wrist, pinning her sword hand. He took his sword and poked the tip into her throat.
"Never lower your guard," he admonished her. "Even when your opponent seems beaten he can still surprise you. A creature fighting for his life is not likely to play fair."
"Yes Boromir," Elena said. Boromir pulled back his sword and lifted his foot from her wrist. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. Noticing her crestfallen expression at being defeated, Boromir threw his arm around her shoulder.
"Don't look so sad, my dear sister. Your skills with the blade are improving. You're already better than I was at your age"
"Really?" she asked smiling just a bit.
"Absolutely. Why when I was your age"
"When Sauron ruled Middle Earth," a sarcastic voice said behind them. Boromir turned and glared at his fifteen year old brother. Five years his junior, Faramir could never resist making fun of him.
"As I was saying," Boromir continued ignoring his brother's smirk and sister's chuckle. "When I was your age I could barely swing a blade. Your skills are impressive Elena."
"I don't know why you are teaching her all of this," Faramir said. "It's not as though she'll ever get a chance to fight."
Boromir watched as Elena's face crumpled. Though he knew what Faramir had said was true, he could never discourage his sister's enthusiasm to learn how to fight. He knew that if their father found out there would be hell to pay. At twelve years old, Elena acted more like a boy than a girl, much to the chagrin of both their parents. As the daughter of the Steward of Gondor, Elena was expected to behave like a proper young lady, dress nicely, be docile and demure, and learn the skills it took to procure a good husband. Boromir knew that the skinny girl dressed in his old clothes with mud on her face and her hair in a messy braid was not the image of a perfect lady. But when Elena had looked at him with her big brown eyes and begged him to teach her how to fight, he could not resist. Just as Faramir could not resist teaching her elvish and all the other things he studied that Elena would never have a use for. From the day she was born Elena had had her two big brothers wrapped around her little finger. There was nothing they wouldn't do for her. Boromir was her defender. He was the one who she ran to when she needed to be protected from a bully, or in many cases their father. It was his bed she crawled into when she was scared by a thunderstorm. Faramir was her confidante. He was the one she went to with secrets, the one who got her to come out from under the bed after she'd broken their mother's favorite vase. His brother tried to act tough around him but he was a soft touch when it came to Elena. Of course, that did not keep him from pointing out that Elena's lot in life was to be a delicate bit of fluff on the arm of some man that would never appreciate her. Boromir wished it was not so but he knew that it was true. But that was a worry for another day.
"Don't listen to him, Elena," Boromir said ruffling her hair. "He's just jealous that you're a better swordsman than he is." Faramir glared as Elena tried not to laugh.
"Well Boromir may be better with a sword, but he couldn't fire a bow if his life depended on it," Faramir shot back.
"Indeed," Boromir said, with a mock sigh. "It seems that my younger brother out does me in everything from archery to academics. I am but a brainless oaf with nothing but my sword to see me through life." Elena giggled and Boromir saw the slightest hint of a smile grace Faramir's face. In truth, though he loved to tease him, Boromir was very proud of his younger brother. Faramir was both intelligent and brave. His quiet nature made him seem weak in the eyes of some, but not Boromir. He saw an inner strength in his brother that few could see. He wished that their father could see it.
"My goodness!" a deep voice exclaimed. All three turned guiltily to see their old friend Mithrandir staring at them with a look of amusement. Boromir shifted his feet uncomfortably. Though Faramir had always liked the wizard, Boromir always felt a little nervous in his presence. The wizard's gaze was fixed upon his sister. Elena met the wizard's eyes with a look that almost dared him to lecture her.
"You, young miss better run and change for supper before your father sees you." Elena grinned and scampered off. Mithrandir turned to Boromir.
"She shows definite promise," the wizard told him. Boromir was astounded that the wizard was not lecturing him on setting his sister a bad example.
"Yes," he stuttered. "I agree"
"It's a shame she'll never have the opportunity to use these skills. Now you'd best get yourselves to the dining room before your father sends out a search party."