The conversation lingered on over other mundane things. Also, and against my theories, Faramir only met with Talmar; but perhaps that was enough given Talmar's influential position with the white city's merchant hierarchy. Obviously whatever Talmar took from here Faramir theorized Talmar would distribute that information among his allies. I didn't like spying on Faramir - my lover's still proven honest ex and loyal crown servant, who was officially acting on the crown's behalf in these matters...but with brother being involved I couldn't take any chances.
Talmar left first followed by Faramir. I then followed after Faramir. He donned his hood in the night; a gentle cool mountain rain came over the vertically set up city built into the mountainside. We went down an alley; we were alone. "Lord Faramir." He stopped slowly turned and had his hand on his still sheathed sword. "Who is it?" I stepped into better city lamplight and pulled back my hood. "It is Lady Diana." He frowned straightened and slowly removed his hand from his secured blade. "What are you doing here at this hour my lady?" "Frankly, I was watching you." He pulled back his hood and stepped over closer to me. "Why?" "I observed your conversation with Talmar." "How do you know his name?" I gave a small smile. "I have many resources at my disposal." "You sound like Gandalf." "He did make me his successor; so I'll take that as a compliment." "I am doing crown business on behalf of the queen; you were there in court when the order was given." I walked up to him and nodded. "Yes. But the nature of the anti crown factions is more dangerous than any of us might think." "Lady Diana, I respect all that you have done for us, but you are still new here..." "Forgive me Lord Faramir, but this isn't just a matter of resurgent factionalism; there is true darkness behind it. It connects to the king's condition."
"I don't doubt your word my lady, but what does this have to do with me?" I sighed. "You were tempted by the ring." "Many were; it is gone." "Yes, but it can leave a taint - a seed - of darkness that can grow over time." "How?" "My brother, the god of war, can harness that darkness in any way he chooses." "Are you accusing me of treason my lady?" "No. I am saying my brother can make you or anyone else a pawn in his evil games." "What must I do?" "Be firm with the anti crown factions. Tell them their fealty is demanded - or else punishment will follow." "That's a direct threat to them my lady." "It's a fact." "They'll take it as a threat. We need their help and experience to rebuild the realm. My family depended on them; the crown must do the same." "I have no issue with that my lord; but they must do it the right way - the way the crown requires." I pulled up my hood and left him there in the cold rainy alley with those thoughts to ponder.
