Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings belongs to Tolkien, as much as I'd love to be the owner.
Author's Note: I'm hoping to update this at least once a week, as this will be an ongoing story. Not sure yet how many chapters, but we'll see!
Eowyn understood that even after so many years, Faramir needed this day to himself. It was the anniversary of his brother's death, and not even their children could cheer him up. He was grateful that she understood. The day came and went every year, but always a bit of sadness lingered in his heart. He had lost so much in the war, but he had gained even more. But some scars may never fully heal.
He sat in his study at Ithilien alone, staring out the window and watching his two elder children. Elboron was nearing nineteen, and he looked more like his uncle Eomer each day. He was a skilled fighter, and had been teaching his sister Finduilas for years. She was very much a tomboy, and insisted upon being called Fin. Her archery skills could rival the Elves, but she was also handy with a sword. If he could have, Faramir would have put his sixteen year old daughter at the front of his army. But at the same time, he wanted to hold her close.
"Papa!" His youngest, Theodwyn, entered the room cradling a roll in her arms. "Mama told me to bring this to you."
He took it from the eight year old and managed a smile. "Thank you, Theodwyn."
She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Do you think Elboron will teach me how to fight?"
He chuckled softly. "Not yet, little one. Mama needs you."
She beamed and skipped out of the room. A tear escaped his eye. She looked so much like Boromir. Some days it was too hard for him to look at her. But she was a light, and she was his. He loved all his children, but little Theodwyn was always able to make him smile, and today of all days.
The door opened again and Finduilas entered carrying a roll of parchment. "This came for you, Papa."
"Thank you, Finduilas." She glared at him. "Fin."
She smiled. "Did you see me fighting Elboron?"
He nodded. "You're getting better and better."
She smiled and tossed back her long dark braid. "He's a good teacher. And he learned from the best he says. He says there's no one better than you."
He smirked. "No, Fin, I think your mother has surpassed me."
"That's not what she says."
"Oh, and what does she say?"
"That there's no one better than you."
He stood up and kissed her forehead. "That is one thing your mother and I cannot agree on. Now, go back to your fighting. I must read this message."
She started to go, then turned back. "Papa?"
"Yes, my child?"
"I don't want you to be sad."
"Thank you, Fin."
After she left, he broke the seal and opened the message. He quickly read it and then called, "Eowyn!"
She hurried in. Normally when he called for her, she would teasingly tell him she would not be called for, but today she simply laid her hand on his shoulder.
"What is it, Faramir?"
"Your brother is coming. He says he meant to send this sooner, but he was unable to. They will be arriving later this afternoon."
"But tomorrow we ride for Minas Tirith."
"I don't think he will object to seeing an old friend."
"That is true. I will have the rooms prepared." She studied him carefully. "Faramir-"
"I'm fine, Eowyn."
"No, you're not."
"Eowyn," he said gently, "please."
She sighed in defeat and kissed him. "You win for now. But I will be back."
He squeezed her hand. "I know you will. Go. Your brother will be here soon."