Chapter 3 – The Encounter Under the Moonlight
by Siberia
"Faramir?"
Startled, the Prince of Ithilien broke out of his reverie and turned around to face the female voice calling for him. It was Éowyn, clad in a royal blue gown. Faramir was aware that she chose that particular colour to please him, for it reminded him of his beloved mother. Some of her golden strands slipped loose from her braid as folds of her garment rustled with the breeze. Her eyes were riddled with concern. Despite this, he still believed that his future wife was the most beautiful woman that walked upon the shores of Arda.
"My Lady," he responded rather gloomily, though he was still in awe to be near Éowyn's elegant presence.
Confusion stretched across her pale face as she tenderly placed her right hand on his left shoulder. "Faramir, what is wrong?" she asked. "Why did you leave without me? What are you doing here, so far away from my brother's Hall?"
"I..." Her betrothed seemed unable to word his feelings, and gave her a half-truth. "I simply wanted to look at the stars."
Éowyn was not pleased with his answer. "If that were true, then you would have brought me to stargaze with you!" She was frustrated, not realizing that Faramir instinctively acted in this manner. Living with Denethor had taught him that silence and vague replies were his best defences against such a demanding father. She added firmly, "You know I detest it when you withhold things from me! Speak plainly! Tell me what is troubling you."
How could the gentle Faramir ignore his Lady's commands? "I saw the way you and the King Elessar glanced at each other when Éomer proclaimed our betrothal." He paused, as he gathered his thoughts and averted her piercing gaze. "It just…upset me that I no longer hold the highest place in your heart. Or perhaps I never did. That is why I wanted to be alone."
Éowyn was stunned by the Steward's words. "My Lord, is that what has been bothering you?" With her left hand, she lifted her slim fingers towards his right cheek. "Faramir, look at me!"
He obeyed; their grey eyes were now staring at each other, with nothing but the wind, the stars and the moonlight to witness this moment.
The Lady Éowyn continued. "'Tis true that I loved the Lord Aragorn. But you yourself said that I had loved him like a young soldier who would admire a great Captain. And you were right. I know now that my feelings for him were only remnants of a silly, girlish infatuation. Elessar never would have been able to fulfil me. The King healed my physical wounds, but 'twas only the sweet love of the Lord Faramir that mended my spirit. Only you gave me the strength to live again."
Faramir turned away his eyes from the White Lady once more, not certain if the restoration of her psyche was enough to ensure that she loved him more than the King. He uttered quietly, "I do not know, my Lady. You seemed so happy when he wished you bliss in our marriage."
Éowyn could not believe what she was hearing. With her pale fingers, she placed a soft pressure against his face and forced Faramir to look at her again. "And what of it? Should I be miserable when someone wishes me joy with you?"
"Well, no, but 'twas strange that you needed to ask for the Lord Aragorn's blessing. And that look you two shared…"
"Faramir! There was no such thing! I was simply glad that he wished us happiness. Nothing more. Do you not believe me?"
Éowyn's eyes began to fill with fluid, and the Prince of Ithilien feared that his Lady might start to cry. He held her head within his hands to comfort her in her distress, but did not know what else he should say. She quickly added, "I gave up my life as a shieldmaiden for you. Does that mean nothing to you?"
The young Steward looked at her with bewilderment. He was almost angry. "I had never, ever, asked you to do that for me. Never would I ask the woman I love to abandon something she holds dear. You let go of the sword of your own free will."
"But do you not see?" she pleaded. "That is exactly the reason why I gave up the ways of a warrior! Because I know you would never have asked it. If any other man had demanded that of me, I would have struck him dead with my own sword! But you…you are so different from all of the other men that I have met. Whenever I am in your presence, I no longer feel the desire to have to prove myself by slaying another. Your tenderness knows no bounds; always is my happiness the chief among all of your concerns. You respect me as your equal. What more can a woman ask? That is why I vowed to become a healer. Being with you has taught me that giving life is a much more honourable and difficult deed than taking it away."
Last, but not least, Éowyn told him, "And I love you, Faramir. Only you, and no one else."
At that instant, Faramir's heart swelled with relief and joy, for he knew in her eyes that she had told him the truth. Free of his worries, he grasped his beloved into his arms and held her into a tight embrace, caressing her golden hair.
"Oh, Éowyn!" he exclaimed, once again staring at her fair features. "Can you ever forgive me for doubting you?"
"Well, my Lord…" she said teasingly, placing her hands on his chest, "you can start to amend your ways by giving me a kiss! I believe the last time you did was, oh, early this morning. It's been far too long!" As soon as she had finished with her words, the Prince of Ithilien thought that her grey eyes twinkled with the starlight of Elbereth.
Faramir smiled. "Whatever the White Lady desires, she shall have it!" And he bent down to kiss her. His hands fell down to her waist as she moved her arms around his neck, their mouths tasting the love that they shared with one another. They melted slowly into a blissful state of ignorance from their surroundings, for as the couple's lips were locked in this passionate exchange, they suddenly heard a grumpy male voice.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the nitty gritty details of Tolkien's universe, "Arda" is the Quenya name for the whole world. "Elbereth" is the Sindarin title for the Vala Varda, who brought starlight to the night sky.