10th November 3018 (continued)

As we stood outside the main doors of the citadel I took hold of Faramir's hand.

"I only seem to walk through this door with you when we are wet."

I looked up at Faramir and smiled. He looked like I did before I went into the battle. His hand tightens around mine.

With a deep breath we pushed open the doors and moved slowly toward the smaller throne where Lord Denethor sat.

He looked up at Faramir and his face was an image of disgust and when his eyes met mine, they narrowed, his mouth grew small.

"And who is she?"

"Father, this is Lady Éowyn of Rohan. She came here eight years ago with her uncle King Théoden."

"Yes." His voice was a low rumble. "I remember you. You came in just like this with Faramir. You were in a dress last time, more formally dressed, unlike now but the state seems to be the same."

I think he was referring to the fact that I'm now in my riding clothes and like last time the drips from our wet clothes were leaving puddles on the floor. Lord Denethor then turned to look at Faramir again.

"What is she doing here? Why should she come into my hall when I asked to talk to my son?"

"If you have anything to say to me you can say it in front of Éowyn."

"I do not see why a handmaiden to a dying king should have the right to know the affairs of Gondor. What business is it to her?"

Faramir was beginning to get angry but his voice remained calm. Our hands were still together and his grip tightened even more.

"Éowyn has every right to know."

"Do not take that tone with me Faramir. You have forgotten your manors, even in Rohan they have Lords and Ladies, Boromir would not have forgotten."

Suddenly a memory came back to me of what uncle said last time we were here.

"I had to reframe myself from ramming my sword down his throat"

If he was not Faramir's father and the steward of Gondor he would have had mine down his throat.

"Lord Faramir does not need to call me Lady."

I looked over and smiled at him. His grip loosened. But Denethor did not crack a smile.

"You are an unbelievable and head strong girl. You will only talk when you are spoken to"

It was my turn to tighten my grip on Faramir's hand. My heart started to beat faster and faster in my chest. I could feel my cheeks warming up as they turned red, maybe it would have been better is I had stayed outside.

"You have not answered my question Faramir. What is she doing here?"

"I have been riding with the Lady Éowyn." Faramir fell silent and stared straight head. He seemed to look straight past his father.

"We are going to be married."

Every time Faramir said that I would have to fight away a smile however the way Denethor replied he seemed to have no reason to smile.

"You can not get married, and not to her."

"I see no reason why. Rohan is an honourable land of men."

"You will marry after Boromir and any heirs you have will have no link to the throne of Gondor. Secondly you will only marry a woman of the race of the Númenor, not a wild shieldmaiden of the North."

"Why should I get punished when Boromir is incapable of finding a wife? Also I am your son, so why should my son's not have the right to be inline for the stewardship of the city?"

Faramir let go of my hand and moved closer to Lord Denethor. He was still arguing strongly for our love.

"What right do you have to tell me who I can and can not marry? Mother was not from the White City."

Denethor stood straight up as soon as 'mother' past through Faramir's lips.

"HOW DARE YOU MENTION FINDUILAS!"

His voice echoed around the empty hall. His face was full of emotion. He lowered his voice and moved closer to Faramir.

"At least she was still from Gondor."

"Éowyn is related to Brego and his farther Erol who where noble men of Gondor."

"But that blood will have been polluted, how many generations has it been?"

I was starting to get fed up. I was the main reason their was an argument and I was not involved in it.

"Since Brego there have been 15 kings, including my uncle. But my Grandmother was from Gondor. Many say that I have the grace and pride from the south."

"Who was your grandmother?" I was surprised that Denethor wanted to know this.

"Morwen of Lossarnach"

Denethor slumped back onto the throne nodding his head. Faramir turned to face me and signalled outside. As he moved closer I noticed he wanted to talk.

We stepped outside into the growing darkness of the night.

"Why did you not mention your grandmother being from Gondor before? It would have helped the argument along."

"Sorry, I just did not think it was important. Anyway it was said. Did you see Lord Denethor's face? He had nothing else to say. The major point of his argument failed."

I looked up to the sky laughing.

"Thank you!"

I swear the star shone brighter in acknowledgement. I heard Faramir behind me laughing and placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Who are you saying thank you to Éowyn?"

"My grandparents. Their love means that I can be with the man I love."

"I do not think we have won father over yet. But what ever happens I will be with you for the rest of my life." Faramir began to laugh "We may end up living in the middle of nowhere. You exiled and my love for you guaranteed to get any inheritance taken away. I think a mud hut sounds very nice."

I spun around to face Faramir.

"I love you. My Captain of Gondor."

"I love you. My White Lady of Rohan."

As I rested my head on his chest he kissed it, before laughing to himself.

"I though we were going to avoid a public show of our love."

I smiled and broke free and looked out into the distance. He was right, it was not the correct way to act in public.

After minutes of silence Faramir spoke.

"I will need to ask your uncles permission for your hand I suppose."

I could not help but laugh.

"I can just imagine that conversation.

May I have Éowyn's hand in marriage?

(Silence)

Do I take that as a yes?

(Silence)

Just a grunt will be fine

(Silence)

I do not think that will be the best way. Ask Éomer or Théodred and if they do not say yes then take it as a yes and marry me."

"What about the worm. He will want to stop it."

"Leave him to me. I will use my feminine charm on him."

"Slicing him up into tiny little pieces?"

"Every woman's charm works in a different way." We laughed "But yes that seems a very good option."

"I best go back to farther. Stay here and wait for me. I do not want him to use you against me. I will not be long."

Faramir kissed me on the brow and walked back in through the doors. I have not spoken to him since.