The next day for the company was always a day of rest and by tradition, a day of feasting, so rarely were all the units together in the City.

We gathered in the great hall that evening, the men in their dress livery, women in their best gowns, laughter and music all around in the glow of the torches. My father accepted the fealty of the returned men, and as I in turn bent my knee to kiss his ring, I saw with relief that he was in good spirits.

I took my place at the table with my men and their ladies. Madril leaned over and remembered me to his pretty wife Annwen.
She spoke shyly. "Captain, I hope you do not mind, but my husband mentioned the lady Kiriel had no garments save the ranger's garb on her back. I took the liberty of lengthening a gown of mine."

"That was very kindly done," I said, "In truth, I had not thought on it"

"Nor had she." Madril said softly over his wife's head, the corner of his mouth twitched. I struggled to keep my face still.

Annwen continued. "I must say I am sure I do not know much about Elvish customs, Captain, but they seem a martial lot. The lady said she had never worn a gown before. Imagine that."

As Madril and I both burst out laughing, I explained to a puzzled Annwen "I highly suspect the lady is unusual even among the Eledhrim."

Minutes before the meal was to start, Boromir strode in with Kiriel on his arm. My brother was not much given to subtlety but mindful of not antagonizing father more, claimed her as his guest. A murmur rose around the room as they crossed the floor and he led her to a seat at the head table. Her shining hair, now neatly trimmed, fell loose past her shoulders to her hips, and two thin plaits fell either side her face. The gown was simple, of dark blue, and unlike most of the women, she wore no paint. Across the room, her eyes found mine, and she smiled. I could not take my eyes away, she shone.

As usual father excused himself early and then the evening began in earnest. Over her protestations Boromir lead her out on the dance floor and for a while they whirled about, both laughing as she frequently missed his cues.

Madril then claimed his turn. "Another skill to best you at Lady, do not deprive me!"

As the music stopped and he let her go, I was unable to resist any longer. I loved dancing and, unlike my brother, had some small skill. I claimed her hand. A gavotte started, and as she saw the couples start to twirl she looked slightly panicked.

"Faramir, I don't dance, how can I manage this?"

I pulled her close, laughing. "You will have to let me lead."

Later, as we wound our way smoothly about the floor, Kiriel said softly "Faramir, everyone is watching, I feel like some exotic Southron bird."

"You forget, most have never seen an elleth before. Let alone one so skilled at dancing."
Her rippling laugh rose up as she trod quite purposely on my foot.

Finally she pleaded to stop. " How do women stand to wear these dresses? It is laced so tight, I can hardly breathe. Annwen was kind but I want to get this thing off."
"Enough to dishonour yourself with a lowly Captain of Gondor?"
"Oh yes." Her hand traced a line down my back. "I much doubt I can get it off without some help."

I awoke after midnight in her room, the fire still blazing and dressed as quietly as I could. As I turned the door handle, returning to my apartment, I felt a touch on my arm. She stood there clad only in the bedclothes.
Quel dhu, melamin" As I kissed her brow and wished her goodnight, unaccountably she was shivering with cold.

Despite Boromir's best efforts my father would not be moved, and with our weeks of furlough over, he ordered me to take the company back to Osgiliath.

I took my leave of him in the great hall, as the councillors finished the morning's deliberations.

"Faramir, lest you think me over hard of heart, I have delayed your departure as long as I am able. I will send word to the Galadhrim of the lady's release and her people may choose what is to come. Perhaps they can make more of what she has seen."

"And if she would fain stay here with me?" I asked, little grateful for his supposed generosity.

"It is not possible."

Frustration seethed inside me and for once I lost my tight control. "You deny a love given and received in all honour, yet you turn a blind eye to Boromir's nightly conquests."

I had gone too far.

"You are not fit to speak of your brother that way" Denethor shouted. "Your emotion has blinded you, Faramir," His voice was quiet now but cold. "The elleth is damaged. Part of her mind is dark and locked and cannot be reached. There is a danger here. One best away from Gondor. Do now your office before I decide to relieve you of your rank".

We bid goodbye at the forecourt, where all around us the men were also saying their farewells. Her eyes were frightened and I knew of what she feared. I made her promise to use the sleeping draughts Renil had made.

"Mayhap before I return you will hear from your kin." I strove to cheer us both.
"Yes, perhaps", Kiriel said, smiling bravely. "Good hunting, Captain."
"Keep you well, melamin."

When three weeks hence we returned again I could not wait to reach the garrison. I looked for Kiriel at the gate but saw her not. Boromir stepped forward and bid us welcome. I looked behind him searching for her face in the throng, thinking she had held back out of the way.

"Why is Kiriel not here to meet us? Did father deny her?"

"Nay, Faramir, she lies in the Houses of Healing. She has not been well." A great fear came over my heart, and without a backward glance I threw my horse's reins at my brother and raced through the streets.

There I found her, pale and thin, her eyes sunken, her once glossy hair streaked with strands of grey. The change in her shocked me beyond measure. The room was stiflingly hot, yet her hand when I clasped it was ice cold. She opened her eyes at my touch,
"Faramir, now you are here I can fight the dark. Now I can sleep."