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Idis paced in the shadow of the White Tree, wringing her hands and trying to calm her breathing. Boromir had been gone for several days after King Elessar received word that Men were unlawfully entering the Drúadan Forest. He and a small company of soldiers went to the border, not intending to resort to use of arms but with the intention of intimidating the trespassers into yielding through strength in numbers. A messenger had come to the king and informed him that the objective had been successful, with no casualties on their side, and the Men who had entered the forest were all captured alive and being brought back to the city to face trial. Idis heard the same news from one of her ladies and made ready to greet her husband upon his return.
This was far from the first time Idis and Boromir had spent time apart, nor was she a stranger to awaiting the return of a person she loved. She had spent many days and nights, sometimes with Éowyn and sometimes alone, watching at the window for her father’s banners and the familiar mounts and armor of her brother and cousin. Now, rather than the green and gold of the Mark or the white stallion of Eorl, she looked for the black and silver of the Reunited Kingdom and the White Tree of Gondor.
Usually, she was happy to see Boromir return to the city, but this time she had news to share with him that left her with mixed feelings. It should have been simple. It should have been a celebratory moment. However, for some reason, she had a feeling that the rapid flutter of her heart was borne of worry rather than of joy.
Perhaps it would be safer to say nothing, she thought. But while that would serve as a solution for the moment, it would not last. In the near future, she would not be able to hide it from him anymore.
She shook her head and pressed a hand to her brow. She couldn’t keep something like this from her husband. Even if she had not loved him dearly and even if they both had been unwilling in their marriage, he should not be kept in the dark. She had seen him at his lowest and helped him climb out of the pit he had become trapped in; if anyone could be her crutch in this exciting yet uncertain time, it was him.
Just as she had begun to gather her wits, she noticed a shift in the air, coming from the four Citadel Guards who were keeping watch around the White Tree. She first watched the gate that led to the sixth circle and saw nothing. When she turned to the doors of the Citadel, she saw King Elessar coming towards her. He was only there to greet Boromir, as well, but she couldn’t help but feel nervous again.
Idis stepped away from the tree and curtsied as the king drew closer. He came to a stop and nodded to her.
“Lady Idis.”
“Your Majesty.”
She straightened and folded her hands in front of her. The king moved so he was standing beside her, at a respectable distance.
“I have received word that Boromir’s objective was a success, and the Men causing problems in the Drúadan Forest have all been captured.”
“I am pleased to hear it. It must bring you comfort to have someone as reliable as Boromir commanding your armies.”
“It does. And I also have confidence in Faramir’s abilities and talents. I consider myself fortunate to have them as my advisers and friends.” Idis hummed in acknowledgement but otherwise did not respond. A silence passed between them. Idis noticed the king was watching her in her peripheral vision. “Are you well, Lady Idis?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“You appear a bit pale.”
She let out a shaky breath. She thought she had added enough color to her cheeks and that her freckles might provide a livelier appearance. But the king was very astute. Having spent much of his life as a Ranger and tracking enemies in the wild, he was able to spot small details that most people would have ignored or missed.
“Perhaps I have been out here for too long,” she said. This time, Elessar was the one to decline to respond.
At that moment, the gate began to swing open. Boromir walked through it, carrying his helm in the bend of his arm. He appeared to be uninjured and in good health, which Idis was grateful for. Her lips curved into a smile that mirrored the smile on Boromir’s face when he laid eyes on her. Rather than greeting the king, as was customary, he went to her first, pressing a kiss to her brow before lifting one of her hands to his lips.
“This is a welcome sight,” he said, his voice sounding deeper than usual. “I am happy to have you to miss when I am away and to have your arms to return to.”
Idis ducked her head, and a lovely shade of pink bloomed on her cheeks. The clearing of a throat to her right made her remember that they were not alone.
“While I may not be as lovely as your wife, I hope you do not object to me welcoming you back to the city, as well,” the king said half-jokingly.
“Of course. You are the brightest star to shine upon the Reunited Kingdom,” Boromir said with exaggerated flattery before folding in a bow.
“Indeed?” They shared a knowing grin. Elessar had heard those words and similar ones from courtiers and foreign diplomats who hoped to benefit from gaining his favor, and while he had been far from politics for most of his life, he could smell an ingenuine word like blood in the water. “I look forward to hearing your full report.”
“Oh, well…” Idis began before cutting herself off. Boromir looked at her with a raised brow.
“What is it?” Boromir asked.
“I…” Her eyes flickered between her husband and the king. “I had something… that I wanted to speak to you about. But this matter is more important.”
“Are you alright?”
“I’m…”
“The report can wait,” Elessar said, making the decision for them. “Come to my study later.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Elessar nodded to them both before turning on his heel and making his way back to the Citadel. Boromir set down his helm and clasped both of Idis’ hands. “What did you want to tell me?”
Idis closed her eyes, wanting nothing more than to disappear into the ground. She had just been able to gather her resolve, and now she was finding that she could not speak. What if he reacted unfavorably to the news?
No, he wouldn’t do that. He loves me. He would be happy.
“Why don’t we sit down and we can talk about it?” Boromir asked, giving her hands, which were cutting off the circulation to his fingers, a gentle shake. Idis forced her fingers to relax and nodded, allowing Boromir to lead her to one of the stone benches near the White Tree. “Are you well?”
“Yes.” She stared down at their joined hands and listened to each of her breaths. “I have some news.”
“What is it?” he asked, his brow furrowing with concern. Idis pressed a hand to her abdomen before meeting his gaze.
“I wanted to tell you sooner, but the king sent you on his errand, and I did not wish to distract you with this.” She swallowed and her brow creased in a slight grimace. “I am with child.”
Boromir’s gray eyes widened, flickering down to where her hand was placed on her abdomen. His lips parted slightly in a gasp.
“You are certain?” She nodded. Boromir grasped her chin and pulled her forward in a kiss. When they drew apart for air, Boromir pressed his forehead to hers. “This is wonderful news,” he said somewhat breathlessly. “We have been trying for several years since we wed, and now…”
“I am glad that you are happy.” She felt him frown.
“Then why do you not sound happy?” He drew back from her and gazed at her face when she did not answer, hoping to find some kind of clue there.
“I am happy. But I am also afraid.” She looked away from him when her eyes began to sting. “I lost my first child, when I learned that my husband had been killed in the Orc raid. My mother died giving birth to my brother and me. And your mother died young, as well. What if I—?”
“You won’t,” Boromir said firmly.
“How can you be so sure? I am not in the greatest health, as you well know. And I am… older than most expecting mothers.”
“Because despite all of that, you still took it upon yourself to save Théodred from Wormtongue’s schemes and Saruman’s treachery, single-handed, when no one else would.”
“I intended to, but things did not turn out that way.”
“Even so, you were indirectly responsible for saving him, even if you were not physically present. And you did save me. Had you not taken a wrong turn and discovered me along the river, I would not be here.”
“None of those things mean that I will survive the birth.”
“You will. I won’t let anything happen to you or our child. Even if I must force my way into the Halls of Mandos and bring you back with me, I will do whatever it takes to keep you by my side.” He picked up her hands and brought them to his lips. “Worrying about what might happen will take a toll on you and increase the chances of it coming true. And, should anything happen, you will be taken care of by the best healers in Gondor, including our king. So, until the day comes, promise me that you will think on this matter with gladness. It is a joyous occasion and should be a cause for celebration.”
Idis was quiet and thoughtful again, but she eventually nodded in agreement. Her eyes fluttered closed when he kissed her forehead, and the smile upon her lips remained in place. Just as he had been there for her when the things she had witnessed during the war shook her to her core, he would be her crutch and anchor, keeping her grounded and helping her stand tall when her fears would drag her to her knees. And after they went into the Citadel and parted ways, Idis returned to their chambers, carrying the spark of courage that Boromir’s words had ignited in her heart and spread like wildfire, chasing away the dark tendrils of fear and doubt that had haunted her.