Summary: The Great Plague attacks Middle-earth again. In a desperate attempt to save Éowyn and Elboron, Faramir sends them away. But things do not go so well as Faramir falls ill himself.

A/N: Inspired by reading the article about Gondor on Wikipedia. And I'm sorry I stole a line from the movie Troy.

Disclaimer: I own a few of the obvious characters. The rest I am merely borrowing.

I

"Lord," a voice whispered in Faramir's ear. Faramir was awake instantly. It was Beregond, holding a candle. His face was full of worry and fear. "Lord Faramir," whispered Beregond, "a messenger awaits you. He has ridden from Minas Tirith. He bears a message from the King Elessar. He says 'tis urgent."

"Hand me my mantle," whispered Faramir. Beregond handed him the mantle, hanging from the bedpost. Silently, so as not to awaken Éowyn or Elboron, Faramir slipped out of the door. Beregond was worried... And if Faramir knew Beregond, it was not like him to worry. Faramir quickened his pace.

A man was staring into the fire, tapping his foot. When he saw Faramir, he snapped into a salute. "Prince Faramir," he said. "I bring an urgent letter from the King Elessar. He bids you read it immedietly, lord, and decide immedietly." From his cloak, the messenger drew forth a letter. It was sealed with red wax, impressed with the symbol of the King Elessar. "May the Valar be with you," said the messenger, turning to leave.

"And with you," Faramir said robotically. He broke the seal and opened the letter. The parchment was covered with the King Elessar's firm hand:

Faramir,

My news is grim. The Great Plague has once again awoken. There are five in the Houses of Healing, and I do not doubt that within this night, more will join their number. People are fleeing Minas Tirith this very moment, Faramir. I am sending Arwen and Eldarion away to Tolfolas with a van of my most trusted men. I bid you to send Éowyn and Eldarion with them, my dear friend. As for myself, I will stay in the City with the few healers who volunteered to stay. I will need your help if we are to keep this demon under control, but I shall not force you. If you feel that you are needed most with your family, then I tell you, go with them. Arwen and Eldarion leave in the morning, Faramir. Please make your decision quickly.

Elessar

Faramir threw the letter into the fireplace and watched the flames consume it. The Great Plague has returned! During the last epidemic, in the year 1636 it had nearly halved Gondor's population. There was a tight squeezing in Faramir's chest. With a grunt, he turned away from the fire and fairly sprinted to his room.

Éowyn was still asleep. Farmir was glad: The less Éowyn knew, the less she would be alarmed. And the less alarmed Éowyn is, the less she would want to stay with him. Éowyn and Elboron's safety washis priority right now.

He bent over Éowyn. He called her name once and shook her gently. Éowyn did not awaken. Faramir shook her a little harder. Éowyn moaned softly and whispered, "Not now, Faramir. I'm too tired. Tomorrow night, hmm?" Éowyn gave a sleepy smile. It made Faramir's heart ache to see Éowyn so beautiful.

"Wake up, Éowyn," whispered Faramir. "Please wake up."

Éowyn's eyes half-opened. Her eyes were filled with confusion and concern. She sat up and said, "What is it, Faramir?"

Faramir decided to tell Éowyn the truth. "The Great Plague has entered Minas Tirith."

Éowyn's mouth opened. "Impossible."

Faramir nodded grimly. "The King Elessar is sending Arwen and Eldarion away from Minas Tirith, to Tolfolas. I want you to go with them, Éowyn. Please."

"And what about you?"

Faramir took a deep breath and replied, "I will stay in the City with the King Elessar. You will follow them, do you understand, Éowyn?"

"No," replied Éowyn defiantly. "I will stay with you. Do you hear me? I will stay with you. Elboron can follow them, Faramir, but I cannot leave you. I will stay with you no matter what." Tears began rolling down Éowyn's face.

"And we risk Elboron losing both parents?" Faramir said, making his tone stern. "So that he can grow up an orphan, without a mother or father?" Seeing the anger and grief on Éowyn's face, he took her into his arms. "No, Éowyn. You will stay with Elboron, and Elboron shall travel to Tolfolas with the Queen and the little Prince. I would go with you, Éowyn. Do you think I want to die? I want to see my son grow tall! I want to see the girls chasing after him."

Éowyn buried her face in Faramir's shoulder and sobbed broken sobs. Faramir held her tighter for a while. Then, he released her.

"There isn't much time, Éowyn," he said. "Quickly, pack your things. Do not bring unnecessary things. Just bring what you need, Éowyn. I will send Beregond with you, and Bergil, too. Bergil can help you care for Elboron, and Beregond I will hold responsible for your life, safety, and health."

Éowyn gave a brave nod. Faramir felt overcome with emotion. He kissed her and held her. Then he whispered, "Go now, Éowyn."

"What about you?" Éowyn asked, wiping away her tears.

"I will ride for Minas Tirith," said Faramir. Seeing that Éowyn was not moving, he said, frustrated, "Go, Éowyn."

Éowyn rose and turned to leave.

"And, Éowyn," Faramir called. Éowyn halted. "I love you," he said.

Éowyn nodded, and left the room.

Faramir walked to Elboron's cradle. He picked up his son's sleeping form. Elboron was only six months old, yet he had to live in such a terrible time. Would there be no peace in this world? Faramir kissed Elboron's brow. A new voice next to him.

"Lord?" it said. Faramir turned. It was Beinna, Elboron's nurse. "I will take him now," she said softly. Faramir nodded and handed Elboron to Beinna.

"The Valar be with you, lord," said Beinna, turning to leave. Faramir did not reply.

A/N: I hope this story turns out okay... Hate it? Love it? Review, please!