Finally, the next chapter is finished. (Hope the wait was not too long but I am working at two stories and the spirit to write must be there otherwise, yes.)

The need was there to write a long Faramir content, so here it is. As well, you´ll find more Sindarin parts. Fortunately, I found a very nice website to translate easily from English to Sindarin. You´ll find the translations below or Faramir translates for you.

I have to confess and as already stated, that this story is by far my favourite. I review it multiple times really. But, hey you came here for the next chapter.

Enjoy.

A prize too high to pay

The Fellowship now sits in the grass, not far away of these caves. Each of them shows his grief differently. Faramir silently treats the wound on his leg. That doesn't stop the younger one from watching the others. Every companion found his own spot except for the two inseparable hobbits Merry and Pippin. The past events still visible on every face. Finished with treating his wound, Faramir binds it with a piece of his cloak. Boromir joined him and kneels down next to Faramir. His brother shares a faint smile but refused to start a conversation. The older one may seems most collected of them all but Faramir knows his brother best. Boromir was no less upset but the Captain General does never reveal his true feelings among others. "We must keep going," demands Aragorn.

"The elf-haven of Lothlórien is not far now," the ranger adds. Faramir agrees silently. Indeed, time runs against them and here in the open grass it was too dangerous to stay. He picks up his bow and rises, taking the arm of Boromir with him to force the older one up as well. His brother collects Merry and Pippin while Faramir looks after Sam. At the same time, Aragorn does the same with Frodo. Then their journey continued. Aragorn, now leader walks ahead, the others following behind. Everyone remains silent, even Merry and Pippin. Faramir began to worry about them. He volunteered to be at the end, his eyes scanning the country to see possible treats coming. By the end of the day they enter the woods of Lothlórien. Once again, the younger one marvels about the home of the elves and they haven't even reached the elf-haven yet. Then, the young ranger notices that the nine of them were watched.

"They already found us," Faramir let his companions know, using a quiet voice and Gimli's comment stayed unspoken. Aware of it, the young ranger shot his dwarfish friend an apologetic look. Then the elves, following the Fellowship reveal themselves.

"Daur," an elf, obviously their leader declares. Aragorn greets him and to Faramir it seems that the ranger knows the elf well. Both of them exchange a few words but to faint for Faramir to understand.

"We are allowed to stay for the night," Aragorn states addressed to his companions. So, comes it that the nine of them see the elf-haven from inside. Faramir flips his hood back and immediately wished they could stay longer than one night. It was clear that this night would be his only visit. Thankfully, the elves agreed to let the Fellowship pass, more, they even offered them to stay. Here, they would be safe and will be able to rest without the fear of being discovered. Faramir wonders how Lady Galadriel will be. When he was very young, his mother once told her son of Lothlórien and therefore Lady Galadriel. As well, Gandalf mentions her occasionally, referring to her as a good friend in the woods of Lothlórien. If rumours are true, the Lady was able to communicate mentally and to hear what her collocutors thought. In addition, the Lady has foresights of the events to come, similar to Faramir but differently to him the lady was able to control them. All elves having this gift, learn to ply with it. More than once Mithrandir tried to convince Denethor to allow his son to learn from the elves but with no success. Faramir mused all the way and the nine companions are now about to meet Lady Galadriel.

"Suilad," Galadriel says while she glides from the steps in front of them. Suilad, is a greeting in Sindarin. Faramir once again welcomes it that he mastered the language of the elves quite well. "So ha na- true what mín heard nia Mithrandir", the Lady asks Aragorn.

"Ha na-," the ranger answers. They were talking about Mithrandir, the Lady wanted to hear about the wizard's death from them before she believed it to be true.

'A adan plural edain -o Gondor who na- capable -o i Sindarin lammen. Im ceri- know cin Faramir, réd -o Denethor', the voice of the Lady was now in his head. Impressive, thoughts Faramir, making Galadriel smile.

The younger one, who was indirectly asked to proof his knowledge about the elfish tongue, choose his next words wisely, 'Im am. Mithrandir teached nin Sindarin ir im was a hén. Accept nin apologui bein híril an following i conversation i was ú- meant lhaw', Faramir finishes. His response was mentally as well, only for Galadriel to hear. It happens out of instinct, never has he done it before, as far as Faramir could tell. The Lady nods towards him then proceeds to Gimli. In the same way, she spoke to Boromir and Frodo, then the nine companions were led to their chambers for the night.

Again, his little brother was close to him because Faramir's assigned bed were next to the one of Boromir. "I nearly regret it to have two separate beds this time," the older one teases his brother.

"Valar looks kindly on me, to not put me on risk of hearing your so-called bedtime stories tonight," Faramir replies with a smile.

"When we were younger you loved them," Boromir says to defend himself.

"I did," Faramir states while the younger one takes a seat on the bed. Boromir smiles at him.

"Brother, tell me, did Lady Galadriel talk to you? I mean... Could you hear her in your head?" the Captain General asks his brother.

Faramir nods and adds," She did indeed." His brother looks up and of course Faramir could tell that something troubles him. Boromir learned at a young age to keep a strong gaze. He wants to but... there are times where it is difficult to live up to it. "Boromir," Faramir made his way to the older one and having his brother's attention continues," Tell me. What is it that troubles you?"

Actually, everything, thoughts Boromir but he could never say that aloud. Otherwise, Faramir would understand. "She told me that Gondor will face hard times and would have to pay a prize. You know, my... our folk means everything for me. Father wants the ring but I do not know if I can action this request of him," the older one says, gaze locked on the ground. Faramir moves closer and adjust Boromir's head gently on his right shoulder. The Captain General remembers very well the times where he held Faramir this way. Most times when their father struck his little brother or treated the younger one unjustly.

"We will do well. You'll see," Faramir reassures him and Boromir, even from his position could tell that the younger one was smiling. Faramir meant everything for him. Lady Galadriel witnesses it as well, while she read his thoughts. Boromir searches for his brother's hand and once discovered clamps it.

Aragorn was with Legolas this very moment. He regrets to be only now with his friend since the journey started. Aragorn's assigned bed was next to the ones of the two brothers. "Im don't anír- na believe i Mithrandir na- firn," he says in a quiet voice. Legolas looks at him but stays silent.

After a while the elf rises to speak, "Ha was a mistake na chose i lond trí i mines -o Moria. I fen was locked an a reason." Together they listen to the elegy the elves of Lothlórien vocalize for Mithrandir. It recounts most adventures of the well-known wizard. As well, it tells that his death forged a gap, none can fill in. Legolas leaves and Aragorn heard his friend was asked about the elegy and its content. Similar to him, Legolas can't meet this request. About half way of the journey lays behind them. Except for... Mithrandir's death, they done well so far. They learned to trust each other and got to know their strengths and weaknesses. His infirmity were his trust issues towards men. Aragorn regrets it that he had shout at Boromir this moment at Caradhras. The man for sure believed that Aragorn doesn't like him. He should make it clear to Boromir that this was not the case.

So, it comes that Aragorn pays the Captain General a visit. Faramir was with the older one. The young ranger was about to leave but Aragorn gestures the younger one to stay. "You may think that I do not welcome having you as a companion Boromir. I came here to prove this to be wrong," he states addressed to the older one.

Boromir nods, then the Captain General searches for his eyes and replies, "Thank you." When he talked to Galadriel, his assumption who could be wrong was that Faramir understood their dispute.

"Cin are capable -o i Sindarin lammen," words meant for the younger one. "Mithrandir teached nin a few words," Faramir answers and Aragorn received the proof that his assumption was true. Boromir regards his brother proudly. Both of them were very close with each other, this was obvious for Aragorn. His return to Gondor could turn out more pleasant with the two brothers at his side. True, Denethor ruling Steward of Gondor dislikes... can't actually stand him but not so his sons.

"May I ask why you mastered Sindarin?" Faramir asks him.

Aragorn smiles and replies," One thing we have in common is that we both lost a member of our family at a very young age."

The younger one regards him curiously but it was Boromir who spoke first," You heard from Finduilas?"

Elessar's smile fades and he began to explain, "Indeed. I witnessed more than one would suspect. My kind is nearly gone but I am one of the Dúnedain, descendants from the Númenóreans." The brothers waited for him to continue so the three of them were silent for a moment.

"You are one of them. I never met one before but I read stories about them several times," Faramir states.

"I did not know you lost one you hold dearly as well, "Boromir says and it surprises Aragorn.

"It can be difficult to be strong at all times. I know what I am talking about," he declares.

"So, it is true you are the rightful king of Gondor?" Boromir asks with a faint smile. Receiving no answer because none was needed Gondor's Captain General continues, "The men of Gondor ever waited for the return of the king. So do I." Aragorn nods his thanks but remains silent. "My father may not give up his reign easily but he will have no other chance and this ring should not come to Gondor," Boromir promises him.

"And I won't fail the people of Gondor," Aragorn pledges his allegiance. Faramir smiles and Aragorn knew without words that the young man is on his side as well.

Isildur´s Bane

Recently our journey forced us to walk through mines to pass the mountains. We had to cope with several perils and with the death of one member. To prevent that any details of our journey will reach the enemy, I go without them. Tonight, we will be the guest of fair elves and therefore spend the night in peace. Boromir finally figured out who he can trust. All companions of the Fellowship are well, including myself. I do hope that I´ll be able to get some Sleep, without any dreams.

Tranlations:

Faramir's response: I am. Mithrandir teached me Sindarin when I was a child. Accept my apology fair Lady for following the conversation that was not meant hearing.

Aragorn's conversation with Legolas:

A: I don't want to believe that Mithrandir is dead. L: It was a mistake to choose the path through the mines of Moria. The gate was locked for a reason.

Aragorn's conversation with Faramir:

A: You are capable of the Sindarin tongue. F: Mithrandir teached me a few words.