Title: Play it again, Samwise. Author:Mimine Pairing: Legolas/Boromir, Aragorn/Boromir Feedback: Yes please. At mimine101@hotmail.com Disclaimer: I freely admit that I own nothing. I'm from Barcelona. Archive: Sure. Just ask. I'm sure I won't say no. I'm easy. The main idea for this story has been stolen by a brilliant Star Trek slasher by the name of Scarlet. Her Casablanca, Star Trek style can be found here http://www.geocities.com/cc_ssd/tgb.html I strongly recommend it. I found the script for Casablanca on the web and will freely admit that in many cases it has been copied word for word. Deal with it. I don't pretend to own it or Tolkien's characters, or even the original idea of doing a Casablanca spoof. If I had original ideas I suppose I wouldn't be writing fanfiction. No currency changed hands, this silly fic is written for fun, not profit. I tried to contact Scarlet about stealing her idea but she did not reply. Perhaps she no longer uses the addie I had. Perhaps she has outgrown her fanfic writing phase. Who knows? Mim Narrator: With the coming of the Shadows and Saruman's treachery, many eyes turned hopefully -- or desperately -- toward freedom on Middle Earth. But not everybody could get to the free regions of Middle Earth directly. On the remote Mordor town of Quastablanca, fortunate ones through money, or influence, or luck, might obtain exit visas for Gondor. The others had to wait on Quastablanca, and wait, and wait, and wait... * * * Scene: The city gates of Quastablanca. Ugluk, leader of the Uruk-hai has just arrived. Captain Gimli, Son of Gloin, prefect of the local City Guard, leads the welcoming committee. Gimli: Unoccupied Quastablanca welcomes you, commander. You may find the climate a trifle hot... Ugluk: Oh, we Uruk-hai have to get used to all climates. What about the murder of our couriers? Gimli (proudly): My men have been rounding up twice the usual number of suspects, and we know already who the murderer is. Ugluk: Good. Is he in custody? Gimli: There is no hurry. Tonight, he'll be at Legolas's. Everybody comes to Legolas'. Ugluk: I have heard about this cafe, and also about Mr. Legolas Greenleaf himself... * * * Scene: Legolas' Café Mirkwood. The place is getting crowded. A hobbit is playing the piano. Legolas, the owner of the establishment, is sitting at a chess board. An acquaintance of his, a shady looking man named Wormtongue, joins him. Wormtongue: Too bad about those Mordorian couriers. Legolas: They got a lucky break. Yesterday they were just Mordorian clerks, today they are the honored dead. Wormtongue: You are a very cynical person, Legolas, if you'll forgive me for saying so. Legolas: I forgive you. Wormtongue: Will you have a drink with me? Legolas: No. Wormtongue: Oh, I forgot, you never drink with... (sadly) You despise me, don't you? Legolas: If I gave any thought to you I would. Wormtongue: But why? Oh, you object to the kind of business I do, huh? But think of all those unfortunate refugees who must rot in this place if I didn't help them. Legolas: For a price, Grima. For a price. Wormtongue: But not everyone can meet Gimli's price. I get it for them for half. Is that so parasitic? Legolas: I don't mind a parasite. I object to a cut-rate one. Wormtongue discreetly puts some papers on the table. Wormtongue: Do you know what these are? Letters of transit, signed by the Mordorian commander. Tonight I will sell them, and then - I'm off! You know, Legolas, I have many friends in Quastablanca but somehow, because you despise me, you are the only one I trust. Will you keep them for me? Please. Legolas: For how long? Wormtongue: Perhaps an hour. Perhaps a little longer. Legolas: I do not want them here overnight. Wormtongue: Don't worry about that. Thank you. I knew I could trust you. Legolas takes the papers. Wormtongue leaves the table just as the waiter comes up. Wormtongue: Oh, waiter. I'll be expecting some people. If anyone asks for me, I'll be right here. Waiter: Yes, sir. Wormtongue: (to Legolas) Legolas, I hope you're more impressed with me now. Legolas: I heard a rumor: Those couriers were carrying letters of transit. Wormtongue: I heard that rumor, too. Poor devils... Legolas stares at Wormtongue steadily. Legolas: (slowly)Yes, you're right, Wormtongue. I am a little more impressed with you. Legolas takes the letters and moves to the bar, where he hides them in the piano. He is approached by a woman. She looks at him bitterly. Eowyn: Where were you last night? Legolas: That was so long ago I do not remember. Eowyn: Will I see you tonight? Legolas: I never make plans that far ahead. Eowyn turns, looks at Merry and extends her glass to him. Eowyn Give me another. Legolas: Merry, she has had enough. Take her home. Merry: Yes, boss! Legolas: And come right back. Merry: (his face falling) Yes, boss... Gimli sits at a table at the café terrace, watching this evening's performance. Gimli: Hello, Legolas. Legolas walks over to him. Legolas: Hello Gimli. Gimli: How extravagant you are. Throwing a fine lass away like that. Some day they may be scarce. Legolas sits at the table with him. Gimli: Perhaps I should try my luck with Eowyn. Legolas: (shrugs) When it comes to women you don't let any hit the ground. Gimli: (looks thoughtfully at Legolas, changing the subject) You're one of the last of your kind here. I often wonder why you haven't left for the Grey Havens. And what brought you to Quastalanca. Legolas: I came to Quastalanca to be one with nature. Gimli: What nature? It is a barren wasteland. Legolas: I was misinformed. Gimli and Legolas go back in the café. They pass Samwise at the piano. Legolas pats him on the shoulder. Gimli: Legolas, there is going to be some excitement here tonight. We're going to make an arrest at your café. Legolas involuntarily glances toward the gambling room Gimli catches the look. Gimli: Don't try to warn him. He cannot possibly escape. Legolas: I stick my neck out for nobody. Gimli: A wise foreign policy. They start upstairs to Legolas' office. Gimli: You know, Legolas, we could have made this arrest earlier at the Drunken Goblin but out of my high regard for you we are staging it here. It will amuse your customers. Legolas: Our entertainment is enough. Gimli: Legolas, we are to have an important guest tonight. Ugluk, leader of the Uruk-hai no less. We want him to be here when I make my arrest. A little demonstration of the efficiency of my administration. Legolas: I see. And what is Ugluk doing here? He certainly didn't come for a demonstration of your efficiency. Gimli: Perhaps not. Legolas: Gimli, you've got something on your mind. Let's have it, then. Gimli: How observant you are. As a matter of fact, I wanted to give you a word of advice. Legolas: Yeah? Have some wine. Gimli: Thank you. Legolas, there are many exit visas sold in this café but we know that you never sold one. This is why you have remained open. Legolas: I thought it was because we let you win at the roulette. Gimli: That is another reason. There is a man who's arrived at Quastablanca and will try to go to Gondor. He will offer a fortune to anyone who can offer him a visa. Legolas: Is that so? What is his name? Gimli: Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Legolas: Aragorn? Gimli watches Legolas' reaction Gimli: Legolas, this is the first time I've ever seen you so impressed. Legolas: Well, he's succeeded in impressing half of Middle-Earth. Gimli: It is my duty to see that he won't impress the other half. Aragorn must never reach Gondor. Legolas: It will be interesting to see how he manages. Gimli: Manages what? Legolas: His escape. Gimli: Oh, but I just told you... Legolas: Stop it! He managed to escape from Saruman and Sauron and Saruman's forces have been chasing him all over Middle Earth. Gimli: The chase ends here. Legolas: Two hundred gold pieces say it isn't. Gimli: Is that a serious offer? Legolas: Yes Gimli: Make it one hundred. I'm only a poor corrupt official. Legolas: Fine. Gimli: Done. No matter how clever he is, he still needs an exit visa, or I should say, two. Legolas: Two? Gimli: He's traveling with someone. Legolas: He will take one. Gimli: I don't think so. I have seen the person he is traveling with. And if he didn't leave his companion in all the towns he has escaped from before, he will not leave him now. Legolas: Maybe he's not quite as romantic as you are. Gimli: It doesn't matter. There will be no exit visas for him. Legolas: Gimli, what gave you the impression that I would help Isildur's Heir escape? Gimli: Because, my dear elven Prince, I suspect that under that cynical shell you are at heart a sentimentalist. Gimli's aid informs him that Ugluk is there. Gimli makes his excuses and leaves Legolas. Gimli: (to one of his officers): Take him quietly. Two guards at every door. Officer: Yes, master Gimli. Meanwhile, at the roulette table: City Guard officer: Grima Wormtongue? Come with us, please. Wormtongue (stalling for time): May I cash my chips first? The City Guard officer nods. Wormtongue starts to walk out, followed by the officers. When he reaches the doorway he rushes through and slams the doors closed. By the time the City Guardsmen manage to open the doors he has taken out a dagger. As he runs in the hallway he sees Legolas appearing from the opposite direction and grabs him. Wormtongue: Legolas! Legolas, help me! Legolas: Don't be a fool. You cannot get away. Wormtongue: Hide me! Do something! You must help me! The Guardsmen catch up with him and Legolas watches impassively as they take him away. Legolas apologizes to the guests for the disturbance, and encourages everybody to continue enjoying themselves. Samwise starts playing again... Two warriors come in through the front door. One is brown haired, quite clearly a Ranger, dressed in worn clothes, the other is fair haired, tall and well dressed. In fact, so impressive and grand of stature is the blond man that the customers turn to stare. As they are heading to a free table, they pass the piano and the blond man looks at Samwise. Samwise with a conscious effort keeps his eyes on his keyboard. He appears to know this man. After he has gone by, Sam steals a look in his direction. The two men order drinks. The Ranger surveys the room carefully. Aragorn: I see no one here who fits Wormtongue's description. Boromir: (upset) Aragorn, I... I feel somehow we shouldn't stay here. Aragorn: If we walk out too soon it will only call attention to us. Perhaps Wormtongue is in some other part of the café. Gimli approaches the table from behind Aragorn. Gimli: Aragorn, son of Arathorn, is it not? Aragorn: Yes. Gimli: I am Gimli, son of Gloin, Captain of the City Guard. Aragorn: Yes, what is it you want? Gimli: Merely to welcome you and your companion to Quastablanca and wish you a pleasant stay. Aragorn: You must forgive me, I have not found officials so cordial in the past. May I present Boromir, son of Denethor? Gimli (to Boromir): I was informed that the Steward's Son in Minas Tirith has been called Boromir the Fair. I see now that there is truth to that. Boromir: You are very kind. Aragorn: (to Gimli) Will you not join us? Gimli: If you will permit me. (Turns to the waiter) Pippin, a bottle of your finest wine. Put it on my bill. Pippin: Fine, sir. Aragorn: No, captain, please. Gimli: No, please. It is a little game we play. They put it on the bill, I tear the bill up. It is very convenient. Boromir glances off in Samwise's direction. Boromir: Captain, the hobbit who is playing the piano, somewhere I have seen him. Gimli: Samwise? Boromir: Yes. Gimli: He came from Poros with Legolas. Boromir: Legolas? Who is he? Gimli: My dear sir, you are at Legolas' and Legolas is... He's an elf, a firstborn, and if I were a woman, or the kind of man that... well, you understand... if I weren't around (he taps his chest over his beard) there is no doubt about it, I would be in love with him. But what a fool I am talking to a man of your persuasion about another man in the presence of your... erm... companion, no less. Ugluk comes and invites Gimli back to his table. He exchanges some words with Aragorn who will not be daunted by the Uruk-hai's offensive stance. After Ugluk and Gimli leave their table, Aragorn is off to make his liaison with Resistance agents who have made their presence in the bar known to him. Boromir sits alone at his table. Boromir: (to waiter) Will you ask the piano player to come over here, please? Pippin: Very well, sir. Samwise wheels in the piano to Boromir's table. On his face there is this funny fear. Boromir: Hello, Samwise. Samwise: Hello master Boromir. I never expected to see you again. He sits down and is ready to play. Boromir: It's been a long time. Samwise: Yes sir. A lot of water under the bridge. Boromir: Some of the old songs, Sam. Sam begins to play. Boromir: Where is Legolas? Samwise: (evading) I do not know. I haven't seen him all night. Boromir: When will he be back? Samwise: Not tonight. He won't come. Uh… he went home. Boromir: Does he always leave so early? Samwise: Oh, he never… well… Erm… he's got a lass up at the Drunken Goblin. He goes up there all the time. Boromir: You used to be a much better liar, Samwise Gamgee. Samwise: Leave him alone, Master Boromir. You're bad luck to him. Boromir: Play it once, Sam. For old time's sake. Samwise: I do not know what you mean, Master Boromir. Boromir: Play "As time goes by". Samwise: Oh, I can't remember it, Master Boromir. I'm a little rusty on it. Boromir: I'll hum it for you. Boromir starts to hum. Samwise plays softly. Boromir: Sing. And Samwise sings. Samwise: You must remember this A kiss is just a kiss a sigh is just a sigh the fundamental things apply as time goes by The door to the gambling room opens. Legolas comes out. He's heard the music and he's livid. Legolas (interrupting): I thought I told you never to play -- Samwise just nods towards one of the tables. Legolas turns and freezes as he sees Boromir. Samwise stops playing and prepares to move the piano away. Gimli and Aragorn approach the table from the bar. Gimli: (to Boromir) Well, Boromir, you were asking about Legolas and here he is. May I present… Legolas: Hello, Boromir. Boromir: Hello, Legolas. Gimli: Oh, you two have already met? There is no answer from either. Gimli: Well then perhaps you also… Boromir: This is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Aragorn: How do you do? Legolas: How do you do? Aragorn: One hears a great deal about Legolas Greenleaf on Quastablanca. Legolas: And about the heir of Isildur, everywhere. Aragorn: Won't you join us for a drink? Gimli: (laughing) Oh, no, Legolas never… Legolas: Thank you. I will. Legolas sits down. Gimli: Well! A precedent has been broken. Wouldn't you say, Pippin? Aragorn: This is a very interesting café. I congratulate you. Legolas: And I congratulate you. Aragorn: What for? Legolas: Your work. Aragorn: Thank you. I try. Legolas: We all try. You succeed. Gimli: I can't get over you two. Boromir here was asking about you earlier, Legolas, in a way that would have made me very jealous were Dwarves not firmly heterosexual. Boromir: (to Legolas) I wasn't sure you were the same. Let's see, the last time we met… Legolas: It was the day the forces of Mordor conquered Poros. Not an easy day to forget. Boromir: No. Legolas: I remember every detail. The Orcs wore grey, you wore burgundy red. Boromir: I've put that shirt away. When Sauron's forces leave Poros, I'll wear it again. Aragorn: I hate to say it, but it's getting late... Gimli: So it is. And we have a curfew here in Quastablanca. It wouldn't do for the Captain of the City Guard to be found drinking after hours and have to fine himself. Aragorn: (to Legolas) I hope we didn't overstay our welcome. Legolas: Not at all. Waiter: (to Aragorn) Your check, sir. Legolas takes the check. Legolas: It's on me. Gimli: Another precedent gone. This has been a very interesting evening. Gimli leaves. Aragorn: We'll come again. Legolas: Any time. Boromir: Say goodnight to Samwise for me. There's still nobody in the whole of Middle Earth that can play "As Time Goes By" like Samwise. Legolas: He hasn't played it in a long time. * * * After closing time, Legolas is sitting alone at a table. He is drinking whiskey. His face is expressionless. Samwise comes and stands hesitantly besides Legolas. Samwise: Boss. No answer as Legolas drinks. Samwise: Boss. Legolas: Yes? Samwise: Aren't you going to bed? Legolas: Not right now. Samwise: (lightly) Aren't you planning on going to bed in the near future? Legolas: No. Samwise: You ever going to bed? Legolas: No. Samwise: Well, I'm not sleepy either. Legolas: Good. Then have a drink. Samwise: No, not me boss. Legolas: Then don't have a drink. Samwise: Boss, let's get out of here. Legolas: No. I'm waiting for someone. Samwise: Please, sir. Let's go. There's nothing but trouble for you here. Legolas: He's coming back. I know he's coming back. Samwise: We'll just saddle our horses and ride all night. We'll get drunk. We'll go fishing until he is gone. Legolas: Shut up and go home, will you? Samwise: (stubbornly) No, sir. I'm staying right here. Samwise sits down at the piano and starts to play softly, improvising. Legolas: They capture Wormtongue and he walks in. Well, that's the way it goes. One in, one out. Suddenly he pounds the table and buries his face in his arms. Then he raises his head, trying to regain control. Legolas: Of all the gin joints in all of Middle Earth he walks into mine. He downs another glass. Samwise is still playing the piano. Legolas: You know what I want to hear. Samwise: No, I don't. Legolas: You played it for him, you can play it for me. Samwise: Well, I don't think I can remember it. Legolas: If he can stand it, I can. Play it! Samwise (sings): And when two lovers woo They still say "I love you" On that you can rely No matter what the future brings As time goes by Samwise plays on, and Legolas loses himself in memories -- until, suddenly, the door opens. Boromir: Legolas, I have to talk to you. Legolas: Oh, I saved my first drink to have with you. Here. Boromir: No. No, Legolas. Not tonight. Legolas: Especially tonight. Legolas reaches for the bottle and pours himself another drink. Boromir: Please. Legolas: Why did you have to come to Quastablanca? There are other places. Boromir: I wouldn't have come, if I'd known you were here. Believe me, Legolas. Legolas: Interesting how your voice remains unchanged. I can still hear it: "I will go to any place with you, Legolas." Boromir: Please don't, Legolas. I can understand how you feel... Legolas (harshly): Huh! You understand how I feel! How long was it we had, Boromir? Boromir: I didn't count the days. Legolas: I did, every one of them. I distinctly remember the last one, the grand finale: An elf standing at a crossroads, in the rain, with a comical look on his face because his insides have been kicked out. Boromir: Can I tell you a story? Legolas: Does it have a grand finale? Boromir: I do not know the end yet. Legolas: Well, go on, tell it. Maybe one will come to you as you go along. Boromir: It's about the Steward's son in Minas Tirith who met a man he'd heard a lot about. A great, courageous man. He opened up a world full of excitement. He talked about reforging the Blade that was Broken and reclaiming the throne of Gondor. I admired him, worshipped him with a feeling I supposed was love. Legolas: Yes, very pretty. I've heard similar stories before. Tell me, who was it you left me for? Was it Aragorn, or were there others in between? Or are you not the kind that tells? Boromir storms out in anger. Legolas hides his face in his hands. Scene: The next morning, outside in the Black Market. Boromir is examining a belt, sold by a native. The native holds a sign which says 7 silver pieces. Legolas walks up behind Boromir. Legolas: You're being cheated. Boromir looks briefly at Legolas then turns away. His manner is politely formal. Boromir: It doesn't matter, thank you. Native: Ah, milord is a friend of Legolas? For friends of Legolas we have a special discount. Did I say 7 silver pieces? It is 2! He takes out a sign which says 2 silver pieces and replaces the other sign with it. Legolas: I'm sorry. I was in no condition to receive you when you called on me the other night. Boromir: It doesn't matter. Native: Ah, for special friends of Master Legolas we have special discount. One piece of silver. He replaces the second sign with a third which reads 1 silver piece. Legolas: Your story had me a little confused. Or maybe it was the whiskey. Native: I have some daggers, scabbards… Boromir: Thank you. I'm really not interested. The native hurriedly exits. Boromir pretends to examine the goods on the counter. Legolas: Why did you come back? To tell me why you ran away from me at Poros? Boromir: Yes. Legolas: Well, you can tell me now. I'm reasonably sober. Boromir: I don't think I will, Legolas. Legolas: Why not? After all, I got stuck with an extra horse. I think I'm entitled to know. Boromir: Last night I saw what has happened to you. The Legolas I knew in Poros, I could tell him. He'd understand. But not the one who looked at me with such hatred… Well, I'll be leaving Quastablanca soon and we'll never see each other again. We knew very little about each other when we were in love in Poros. If we leave it that way maybe we'll remember those days and not Quastablanca, not last night. Legolas: Did you leave because you couldn't handle it? Because you didn't want to have to hide all the time? Boromir: You can believe that if you want. Legolas: Well, I'm not running away any more. I'm settled down. Above a bar, that's true but it's just a flight of stairs… I'll be expecting you. Boromir turns his head away. Legolas: All the same, someday you'll lie to Aragorn. You'll come. Boromir: No Legolas. No, you see… Aragorn is my liege. I have sworn my allegiance to him. I had sworn it even before I met you. Boromir leaves. Legolas stares at him in stunned disbelief. Scene: Legolas' Café Mirkwood. Night. Aragorn and Boromir have been looking everywhere for a visa. They've been told that Legolas probably has the visas Wormtongue stole. Legolas greets Boromir and Aragorn. Legolas: Good evening. Aragorn: Good evening. You see, here we are again. Legolas: I take that as a great compliment to Samwise. (to Boromir) I suppose he means Poros to you of well… happier days. Boromir: (quietly) He does. Could we have a table closer to him? Aragorn: And as far away from Ugluk as possible. Legolas: Well, the geography might be a little difficult to arrange. Legolas snaps his fingers for the headwaiter. Legolas: Pippin! Table thirty. Pippin: (to Aragorn and Boromir)Yes, sirs. Right this way, if you'll please. Legolas: (to Boromir) I'll have Samwise play "As time goes by". I believe it is your favourite tune. Boromir: (smiles) Thank you. Legolas passes Samwise on his way to the roulette and whispers in his ear. Samwise stops what he was playing and starts playing "As time goes by". He shakes his head as Legolas leaves. Scene: Legolas' office. Aragorn has asked to see him in private. Aragorn: You must know it is very important I get out of Quastablanca. I need to reach Gondor. I need to claim the throne or Minas Tirith will fall. Legolas: The affairs of men do not concern me. My kind are leaving Middle Earth. I simply own an establishment, I have no intention of saving the world. Aragorn: I have been told that it wasn't always thus. You have a reputation for fighting for freedom on Middle Earth. Legolas: I found that to be a very expensive pastime. Aragorn: Perhaps then you would appreciate an offer of 500 gold pieces. Legolas: I appreciate it but I won't accept it. Aragorn: I'll raise it to 1,000. Legolas: My friend, you could make it a million and my answer would still be the same. Aragorn: There must be a reason. Legolas: There is. I suggest you ask Boromir. Aragorn: Pardon me? Legolas: I said, ask Boromir. Aragorn: Boromir? Aragorn looks at him puzzled. Legolas: Yes. * * * Scene: Aragorn and Boromir's room at the Quastablanca city inn. Boromir: Aragorn, don't go to the underground meeting tonight. Aragorn (heroically): I must. Boromir: Ugluk gave me a warning. He said it isn't safe for you here. Aragorn: To tell you the truth, I'm frightened too. Should I stay here in our room, hiding or should I carry on the best I can? Boromir: Whatever I'd say you'd carry on… (hesitant)Aragorn... what did you find out about Legolas? Aragorn: Apparently he has the letters, but no intention of selling them. One would think that if sentiment didn't persuade him, money would. Boromir: (now noticeably uncomfortable) Did he give you any reason? Aragorn: He suggested I ask you. I don't know why he said that. Boromir tries to smile, but sinks down on the bed, visibly disturbed. Aragorn sits down next to him, concerned. Aragorn: Boromir, I… Boromir: Yes? Aragorn: When I was Saruman's prisoner, were you lonely on Poros? Boromir (slowly, avoiding his eyes): Yes, Aragorn, I was. Aragorn: I know how it is to be lonely. (pause) Is there anything you wish to tell me? Boromir can't bring himself to look at Aragorn, who has his arm reassuringly around the Gondorian's shoulders. Boromir (quietly): No, Aragorn, there isn't. Aragorn: I love you very much. Boromir finally turns to look at Aragorn. Boromir: Yes, yes I know. Aragorn, whatever I do, will you believe that I… that… Aragorn: You don't even have to say it. I'll believe. Goodnight, dear. Bends down and kisses Boromir's cheek. Boromir: Goodnight… Aragorn! Aragorn: What is it? Boromir: Be careful. Aragorn: Of course I'll be careful. Kisses Boromir again and then leaves. Boromir looks out the window. Once Aragorn is no longer in sight he takes his cloak and exits the room. * * * Scene: Legolas' room above the cafe. Legolas enters the room -- and finds Boromir there. Legolas : How did you get in? Boromir: The stairs from the street. Legolas: I told you this morning you'd come around but that is a little ahead of schedule. Come, sit down. Boromir: My fair Prince, I had to see you. Legolas: My fair Prince? We're back in Poros. Boromir: Please. Legolas: Your unexpected visit is not by any chance connected with the letters of transit? It seems that as long as I have those letters I'll never be lonely. Boromir: You can ask any questions you want, but you must give me those letters. Legolas: I went through all that with your liege. Boromir: I know how you feel about me but I'm asking you to put your feelings aside for something more important. Legolas: Do I have to hear again what a great man Isildur's Heir is, what an important cause he is fighting for? Boromir (furious): It used to be your cause too. Legolas: I am not fighting for anything any more, except myself. I am the only cause I am interested in. Legolas turns and walks over to the window; Boromir follows. Boromir: Legolas -- we loved each other once. If those days meant anything to you... Legolas: I wouldn't bring up Poros if I were you! It's poor salesmanship. Boromir: Listen to me! Please! If you knew what really happened, if you only knew the truth… Legolas (coldly): You would say anything to get what you want. Boromir: You want to feel sorry for yourself, is that it? With so much at stake all you can think of are your feelings. Someone hurt you and you take your revenge on the rest of the world. You're a coward and a weakling! There are tears in Boromir's eyes now. Boromir: No! Oh, my Prince, I'm sorry… You must help us! If you don't, Aragorn will die in Quastablanca. Legolas: What of it? Men die all the time in every place. Quastablanca as good place for it as any. Legolas walks away from the window. When he looks up, Boromir is pointing his sword at him. Boromir (desperate): All right, I tried to reason with you, I tried everything. I want those letters. Give them to me! Legolas: If Aragorn and the cause mean so much to you, you will not stop at anything. I will even make it easier for you. Legolas walks calmly towards Boromir, until they are practically touching. Legolas: Go ahead and strike me. You will be doing me a favor. Boromir struggles to keep his calm. He lowers his sword. Boromir: Legolas -- I tried to stay away. I thought you were out of my life. He turns away, fighting back tears. Legolas quietly takes Boromir in his arms and presses him tight to him. Boromir: The day you left Poros -- if you knew what I went through. If you knew how much I loved you -- how much I still love you... Legolas silences Boromir with a passionate kiss. Scene: Still Legolas' apartment over the café. Later. Legolas: And then? Boromir: It was not long after I swore my allegiance to him that Aragorn was captured. One of his Rangers told me that Saruman had him. I was frantic. For months I tried to get word. Then it came. He was dead, Saruman had killed him. I was lonely. I had nothing. Not even hope. Then I met you. Legolas: Why weren't you honest with me? Why didn't you tell me about Aragorn? Boromir: Aragorn wanted to keep our relationship a secret to protect me. It was not his time to claim his throne yet. Legolas: When did you find out he was alive? Boromir: Just before you and me where to leave Poros together. One of his men found me and told me he was alive. He was sick, hiding in the outskirts of town. He needed me. I wanted to tell you but I didn't dare. I knew you wouldn't leave Poros if you knew and it wasn't safe for you there. So I… well, you know the rest. Legolas: It's still a story without an ending. What about now? Boromir: Now? I do not know. I know that I'll never have the strength to leave you again. Legolas: And Aragorn? Boromir: You'll help him now, Legolas, won't you? You'll see that he gets out? Then he'll have his work, all that he's been living for. Legolas: But he won't have you. Boromir presses his face on Legolas' shoulder. Boromir: I can't fight it anymore. I ran away from you once, I can't do it again. I don't know what's right anymore. You'll have to think for both of us. For all of us. Legolas: All right, I will. Here's looking at you, Boromir. Boromir snuggles closer to Legolas. Boromir: I wish I didn't love you so much. Scene: Still Legolas' apartment. Aragorn is there, lightly wounded. He had a close call and one of Legolas' bartenders brought him there. Boromir just managed to leave before Aragorn would find him there. Legolas comes to see his unexpected guest. Aragorn is holding a piece of cloth around his wrist. Legolas looks questioningly at the injured hand. Aragorn: It is nothing, just a little cut. We had to get through a window. Legolas pours him a drink. Legolas: Well, this might come in handy. Aragorn: Thank you. Aragorn takes a drink. Legolas watches him silently. Legolas: Don't you ever wonder whether it's worth it. I mean, what you're fighting for? Aragorn: We might as well question why we breathe. If we stop, we die. If we stop fighting Sauron, the whole of Middle Earth will die. Legolas: What of it? Then it will be out of its misery. Aragorn: You know how you sound, Mr Greenleaf? Like someone who's trying to convince himself of something he doesn't really believe in his heart. Each of us has a destiny for good or for evil. Legolas: Yes, I get the point. Aragorn: I wonder about that. I wonder whether you realize that you're running from yourself and that you'll never succeed. Legolas: You seem to know all about my destiny. Aragorn: I know more than you would think. I know for instance that you are in love with someone. It is perhaps strange that we should both be in love with the same person. The first evening I came here in this café I knew there was something between you and Boromir. Since no one is to blame I… I demand no explanation. I ask only one thing. You will not give me the letters of transit. That is alright. But I want Boromir to be safe. I ask you as a favor to use the letters and get him out of Quastablanca. Legolas: You love him that much? Aragorn: Apparently you think of me only as the leader of a great cause. I'm also a human being. Aragorn looks away for a moment. Aragorn: (quietly) Yes, I love him that much. Suddenly there is a crash at the door of the café. Several City Guard officers walk in. One of them walks to Aragorn and addresses him. Officer: Aragorn, son of Arathorn? Aragorn: Yes. Officer: You will come with us by order of the Governor of the city. Aragorn: On what charge? Officer: Captain Gimli will discuss it with you later. Legolas: It seems that destiny has taken a hand. Aragorn leaves with the officers. He looks back to Legolas for a moment but the fine elven features reveal nothing of his feelings. Scene: Inside Gimli's office. Legolas: You have no proof, Gimli and you know it. Nothing that will hold up in a trial and you know that you can't just kill him. Gimli: Legolas, I advise you not to be too interested in what happens to Isildur's Heir. If he were, say, to escape… Legolas: What makes you think I would stick my neck out for Aragorn? Gimli: Because one, you've bet 100 gold pieces that he'd escape. Two, you have the letters of transit - don't bother to deny it. And three, you don't like Ugluk's face. As a matter of fact, I don't like him either. Legolas: Well, they're excellent reasons. Gimli: Don't count too much on my friendship. In this matter I'm powerless, Leggy. Besides, I might lose 100 gold pieces. Legolas: You're not very subtle but you are effective. I get the point. Yes, I have the letters but I intend to use them myself. I'm leaving tonight. Gimli: Huh? Legolas: And I'm taking a friend. One you'd appreciate. Gimli: What friend? Legolas: Boromir, son of Denethor. (pause) That ought to put your mind at rest about me helping Aragorn escape. Gimli: You didn't come here to tell me this. You have the letters of transit. You fill in your name and your lover's and leave any time you please. Why are you so interested in what happens to Aragorn? Legolas: I want to make sure that Aragorn will be out of Boromir's life for good. What you have against Aragorn now is only a petty charge. Wouldn't you want to catch him on something big? It would be quite a feather on your cap. Gimli: It certainly would. The Dark Lord would be mighty pleased. Legolas: Then release him. And be at Legolas' before nightfall. Gimli sits down, looking at Legolas with suspicion. Legolas: I'll arrange to have Aragorn there to pick up the letters of transit. There's your serious charge. You get him, Sauron is pleased, Boromir and me leave. To the Dark Lord the last part would be a minor annoyance. Gimli: (puzzled) There's still something I do not understand. Boromir, it is true, he is fair as men go but you've never been interested in any man, woman, elf, dwarf, hobbit… What is different now? Legolas: Well, he isn't just any man. Legolas stares at the floor then back down at Gimli. Gimli: I see. How will I know you'll keep your end of the bargain? Legolas: I'll make the arrangements with Aragorn right now, in the Dungeon. Gimli: I shall miss you, Leggy. Apparently you're the only one in Quastablanca with even less scruples than I. Legolas: Oh, thanks. Scene: Legolas' café. Night. Legolas opens the door and Boromir rushes in. Seems to be in a great amount of strain. Legolas grabs him by both arms and pulls him close. Boromir: My Prince, Estel thinks I'm leaving with him. Haven't you told him? Legolas: No, not yet. Boromir: But all is well, is it not? You were able to arrange everything? Legolas: Everything is quite all right. Boromir: Oh, Legolas! Boromir looks at the elf with a vaguely questioning look. Legolas: We will tell him at the City Gates. The less time to think, the easier it will be for all of us. Please, trust me. Boromir pauses and looks at Legolas, unsure for a moment. Boromir: Yes, I will. Aragorn comes in and closes the door behind himself. Aragorn: Master Elf, I do not know how I will ever thank you. Legolas: Oh, save it. We still have a long way ahead of us. Gimli opens the office door and takes a look at what is going on. Aragorn: I brought the money, as we arranged. Legolas: Keep it. You will need it in Gondor. Aragorn: But we made a deal. Legolas: Oh, never mind about that. He takes out the letters. Legolas: All you have to do is fill in the signatures. He hands them to Aragorn. Gimli walks in. Gimli: Aragorn, son of Arathorn! I hereby order you to come with me. You are charged with the murder of the couriers who had been originally carrying these letters. Boromir and Aragorn have been caught completely off guard. They both turn to Legolas. There is horror in Boromir's eyes. Gimli: Oh, you are surprised about my friend Leggy? (smiles) The explanation is quite simple. Love, it seems, has triumphed over virtue. Legolas: Not so fast, Gimli. No one is getting arrested. Not yet, anyhow. Gimli's smile fades when he realizes that Legolas is aiming an arrow at him. Gimli: Have you taken leave of your senses? Legolas: I have. Now sit down. Gimli: Put that bow down! Gimli walks towards Legolas. The elf puts out a hand to stop him. Legolas: I would prefer not to shoot you, Gimli, but I will if you take one more step. Gimli: Under the circumstances I will sit down. Studies Legolas carefully. Gimli: I suppose you know what you're doing but do you realize what this means? Legolas: I do. We can discuss it later. Gimli: I was to have no one follow me here. Legolas: I know. Now call one of your watchdogs and tell them to send word to the City Gates that two men will be leaving tonight. And do not forget that this arrow is pointed right at your heart. Gimli: That is my least vulnerable spot. * * * Scene: The City gates. Gimli has been forced by way of a dagger pressing on his back to have his men let Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir make it to the City Gates unharmed. Gimli has even provided them with two horses. Aragorn is off, saddling them and taking what few provisions he can find in such short notice. Legolas (to Gimli): Fill in the names, that will make it more official. Gimli: You have thought of everything. Legolas: (quietly) And the names are: Boromir, son of Denethor and Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Gimli and Boromir stare at Legolas in astonishment. Boromir: But why my name, my Prince? Legolas: Because you're leaving. Boromir: I don't understand… What about you? Legolas: I'm staying here with him until you're safely away. Boromir: But last night you said... Legolas: Last night we said many things. You said I was to do the thinking for both of us. I did, a lot of it. Inside of us, we both know that you belong with Aragorn. You will leave with him. Boromir: But Legolas, no! I…I… Legolas: You've got to listen to me. Do you have any idea what you'd have to look forward by staying here? Nine chances out of ten we'll both end up hanging from the City Walls by our entrails. Isn't that true, Gimli? Gimli: (as he is countersigning the papers) I'm afraid Ugluk would insist. Boromir: You're only saying this to make me leave. Legolas: I'm saying it because it's true. You belong with Aragorn, you're part of his work, the thing that keeps him going. If you don't leave with him you will regret it. Boromir: No. Legolas: Maybe not tonight, maybe not tomorrow but soon, and for the rest of your life. Boromir: What about us? Legolas (warmly): We will always have Poros. Boromir: (eyes welling up with tears) And I said I would never leave you! Legolas: And you never will. Now, now… Puts his hand to Boromir's chin and raises his face to meet his own. Legolas: Here is looking at you, Boromir. Aragorn returns. Gimli hands him the letters. Aragorn: Is everything in order? Legolas: All except one thing. There's something you should know before you leave. Aragorn: Master Elf, you do not have to explain anything. Legolas: I'm going to anyway because it may make a difference later on. You said you knew everything about Boromir and myself. Aragorn: Yes. Legolas: But you didn't know that he was in my rooms last night when you were. He came for the letters of transit. Isn't that true, Boromir? Boromir: Yes. Legolas: He tried everything to get them and nothing worked. For your sake he pretended that he was still in love with me and I let him pretend. Aragorn: I understand. Legolas hands the papers to Aragorn. Aragorn: Thank you, I appreciate this. (grasps Legolas' hand firmly) And welcome back to the fight. This time I know we will triumph over the darkness. Boromir looks at Legolas and he returns his stare with a blank look. Aragorn breaks the silence. Aragorn: Are you ready Boromir? Boromir: Yes, I'm ready. (to Legolas) Goodbye, Legolas. The Valar bless you. Legolas: You better hurry. Aragorn and Boromir mount their horses. Legolas and Gimli watch them gallop away. Gimli: Well, I was right. You are a sentimentalist. Legolas: Stay where you are. I do not know what you're talking about. Gimli: What you just did for Aragorn and that fairy tale you invented to send Boromir away with him. I can read men, Legolas. Boromir went but he knew you were lying. Legolas: Anyway, thank you for helping me out. Gimli: I suppose you know this isn't going to be pleasant for either of us. Especially you. I shall have to arrest you, of course. Suddenly, Ugluk appears. Seeing Boromir and Aragorn in the distance, he heads in their direction. Legolas (raising his bow): Stop right there! Ugluk growls and makes to follow the two men. Legolas fires an arrow at him. The next moment, men of the City Guard pour through the gates. Gimli: The Mordorian commander is dead... Everybody waits for Gimli's next words. Gimli: Round up the usual suspects. The police force leaves, and Gimli turns to Legolas. Gimli: Legolas, I think you've become a patriot. Legolas: This seemed like a good time to start. Gimli (opening a bottle): I think perhaps you're right. He looks at the bottle -- it's Chateau Saruman 2903. He throws the bottle on the ground. Legolas: Gimli, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Elf and Dwarf walk into the fog, as Samwise sings: Oh yes, the world will always welcome lovers As time goes by. THE END