Disclaimer: I don't own them; I only borrow them for a time in order to
bend them to my infinitely cruel and twisted, malicious will. Alas, dear
Professor, forgive me!
Chapter 2 - A Stolen Moment in the Queen's Gardens
Many blissful months had passed since the wedding of Faramir to the Lady Éowyn, and now in midst of a waning autumn, they stood together in the Queen's garden, their faces alight with love, which burned as a brilliant fire within them. It had not been more than an hour since they had shared a quiet meal with the King and Queen, and as the day pressed forward, they had longed for a private moment. Therefore, they had stolen away to the Garden of Arwen Evenstar, which was tended with the greatest of care and attention, which was to be expected of a Daughter of the house of Elrond.
A great number of extravagant plants and flowers grew within the luscious garden, indeed a great many were considered quite exotic among the peoples of the White City. This was Arwen's private refuge. It was a place where she could dwell in peace and quiet contemplation, forsaking the often tiresome and boring duties that were required of a Queen. Lush it was, and yet simplistic in it's beauty, for it bore the touch of an Elven hand.
Éowyn inhaled deeply, and allowed the multitude of sweet, fragrant smells to fill her nostrils. She sighed and huddled into Faramir's embrace, pressing her body as tightly against his as was possible. "I love it here," she whispered, wedging her head under his chin. "'Tis so peaceful. I suppose this is her majesty's means of returning home to Rivendell, at least in memory."
Faramir smiled sadly and stroked Éowyn's hair. "Aye, I expect it serves some like purpose, for rare shall be the occasion that our Queen is able to visit the lands of her kin, and never thus to arrive by her father's welcome. And so she must seek comforts of home wherever they may be found, and this place does bare forth vivid memory of the Last Homely House."
Gazing up at her husband, Éowyn frowned and it once again occurred to her how great a choice Arwen had borne upon her shoulders and how much she had given up for the sake of love. She took Faramir's hand in her own, and said unto him: "A great price hath our Lady Arwen laid upon the altar of heart's content to give up so much as eternity for her love of our Lord and King."
Faramir nodded solemnly, and then allowed a smile to form upon his face; and he answered her, saying: "Yet this sacrifice will bear much fruit, for the line of Kings shall be restored and the glory of Gondor returned. And even though the Evenstar must one day submit herself unto death, it will be accomplished with the knowledge of what was gained at infinity's expense: happiness in life and love everlasting, even beyond the cold, iron grips of doom of Man."
Hearing his words caused Éowyn's face to soften, and she sighed and returned her head to Faramir's strong chest. "So gentle are you, my Lord- husband, and wise among men. The choice of my heart was, and ever shall be, well made."
Faramir kissed the top of her head and smiled against the smoothness of her golden hair; and he thought to himself how well fortune had smiled upon him to bless his life with the presence of such a woman as Éowyn. Brave and noble was she, courageous, strong, and yet so vulnerable. She was fair and graceful to his eye, and beloved to his heart. Even since the moment he had first known her, he had loved her for her sadness; and when she had been healed, he loved her for her joy. There was of her he did not love, and he found it hard to imagine how she must think of him, adorning so much devotion and adoration upon her.
Since they had been married and he had opened his heart to her, she had done the same to him, and he felt it his duty to shower upon her all the kindness and understanding his heart could possibly manage. For it seemed to him that even though she bore the outward armor of a warrior, deep within her, Éowyn was yet unsure of her own worth.
Thus, it had been he had made purpose to include her in every aspect of his life. He had discussed the duties of his office with her at length, and to his delight, he found that his wife had a talent for the duties of administration. Many times he had sought her out for advice on matters of the Kingdom, even when he had fairly decided the proper course of action, and each time she had advised him according to his own machinations. Truly, her astuteness never ceased to amaze him.
Yet for all the cleverness and charm she possessed, he found in her a lingering insecurity that was stubborn, and ever refused to fade completely, even though it had been greatly diminished. Faramir sighed, causing Éowyn to look upon his face in search of his troubles.
"What bothers you, love?" she asked.
"I shall never understand how I came to be so blessed in this life," he answered her, gently stroking her cheek with the palm of his hand. "You are a treasure greater than any for which I could ask. Tell me, do you know this, Éowyn? Can it be that you understand how beautiful and wondrous you are? Can you see how vast the love is, which my heart does hold for you?"
Éowyn blushed under his praise and locked her eyes onto his; and with great care, she brushed the hair from his face and sighed. "Upon each blessed morn, I awaken to see the love of which you speak," she then answered. "And I tell you, Faramir, it sets my very heart to its rhythm. Therefore, I answer you, husband: yes, I know this, for I see it in your eyes; and yes, I understand this, for I feel it in your touch. With each day that passes, with each word of love you speak to me, my heart is healed ever more. So it is that we heal each other."
"So it is," whispered Faramir, as his face drew nigh unto hers. When at last they came together, their lips met in a kiss, and for many a blessed moment, the world around them stood still, and all was right and good.
It was onto this scene that Aragorn and Arwen intruded, walking hand-in- hand upon the pathways of the garden, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. They, too, had wished to take a respite from the bustle of palace life, and had sought out the sanctuary of the garden. Yet, when they spied the interlude before them, they remained quiet, and observed the couple from a distance, taking in the peace that the love of Éowyn and Faramir wrought.
When at last the two lovers parted, Aragorn looked upon his close friend, and chuckled at what he saw. "Never have I seen a man so smitten with his lady as Faramir with Éowyn. He seems as if the light of the sun and the moon in the sky resides in her eyes. 'Tis strange to think this man the brother of Boromir."
Arwen smirked, and her eyes twinkled with delight. "'Twas not so long in the past that another man, yet greater than the one you now see, wore such expressions upon his face, though I should say I do not believe them to have altogether departed."
"Who is this man of which you speak?" Aragorn asked, raising a playful brow.
"O! he is a man of great stature," the Queen answered, thoroughly enjoying their banter. "A Ranger of the North was he, and great toil did he undertake to ensure the safety of his people. He was quite charming, rugged, and dare I say, incredibly becoming.for a man."
Arwen grinned brightly at Aragorn, and he gave a laugh. "You should introduce me to this fellow," he said in his mirth. "Rare is it that such praise is given of men by the Eldar folk, and I would like to see how it was I erred all these years not to merit such esteem as this Ranger has received."
Arwen laughed aloud at his gaiety and then took his proffered hand when he offered it, and they continued their journey. When they had nearly reached the place where Éowyn and Faramir stood, Aragorn called out to them, and they both turned and smiled at the approach of their Lord and Lady.
"Greetings, my King!" Faramir said, bowing low in reverence to his liege. "I must beg your forgiveness for this trespass, but my Lady and I have greatly desired a moment apart from company, and found the allure of the Queen's garden too great to resist."
"No trespass has been made, Faramir," Arwen answered him, bowing her head gracefully towards him when he bowed to her. "These gardens are my own place of tranquility and are always welcome to be shared by such beloved friends as you and Éowyn are to Estel and I. Therefore, beg no forgiveness, and be at ease in our presence."
Faramir sighed, and assumed a more casual stance, as Éowyn also did. "I fear I am not yet adjusted to being so informal when speaking with higher authorities, even on friendly matters, for such dalliances were frowned upon by Denethor, my father, and yet am I ever his son."
Faramir's countenance seemed to weaken at mention of his father, and even as his eyes closed against the onslaught of memories, he felt the hand of Éowyn fasten more firmly within his own. He could feel her strength coursing through him, offering him protection against the fear and dread of things long past, and when he opened his eyes once more, his wife's own clear, blue eyes were fixed lovingly upon him, and she offered him a smile, which he returned.
When at last he faced the King and Queen once more, he bowed his head and spoke softly to them, saying: "Alas, I am afraid some things have yet to fully mend, so stubbornly rooted within my soul are they. Yet, as long as my Lady should stand beside me, I feel the courage to overcome them. I must again ask your forgiveness, my Lord and Lady."
"And again, none is called for, friend," Aragorn replied, laying his hand upon Faramir's shoulder. "Greatly did you suffer at the hand of your father, yet I say to you, healing shall come to thee through the plight of your troth, for so as the strength in Éowyn, your wife, slew the Captain of the Wraiths, so will it heal her husband's heart and mind. Peace shall come to thee, my brother, seek it not, for it has found you well."
When he had ceased speaking, Aragorn gazed upon Éowyn, and saw the wisdom of his words reflected in her eyes, for in them was love, which was the only true means to restore an ailing spirit. And when she saw her King's eyes upon her, Éowyn bowed her head to him and said to her husband: "The King is wise, Faramir, heed his words. For I shall love thee unto healing as you love me unto the same. Faith and hope are ours to claim, so long as we cling to one another."
Faramir nodded lightly, and gave Éowyn's hand a squeeze, and then turned to Aragorn and said: "My king and brother - blessed are you, even among the Kings of old! For wise are you, powerful and just, and in your hand are punishment and mercy equally dealt."
Aragorn smiled and took Arwen once again by the hand, and said, "Come now, let us now take sanctuary in the green of the Queen's garden, and forget the worries of the world for a time."
So, the two couples walked down the path, into the very depths of the garden, and there upon a small patch of grass, they sat and stayed for a time, until the business of the Kingdom once again called upon it's King and Steward. Arwen and Éowyn yet remained together in the garden for a while, and enjoyed the serenity of the time; for unbeknownst to them, the peace would soon be broken.
A/N - Alas, error was made in the previous chapter, for it was that Éowyn and Faramir plighted their troth in Edoras in front of the new King, so this particular tale may be considered slightly AU. Forgive the mistake, and the brevity of this chapter, as more will follow. And to those of you who sent in reviews, let me extend my gratitude to you. Thank you!
Chapter 2 - A Stolen Moment in the Queen's Gardens
Many blissful months had passed since the wedding of Faramir to the Lady Éowyn, and now in midst of a waning autumn, they stood together in the Queen's garden, their faces alight with love, which burned as a brilliant fire within them. It had not been more than an hour since they had shared a quiet meal with the King and Queen, and as the day pressed forward, they had longed for a private moment. Therefore, they had stolen away to the Garden of Arwen Evenstar, which was tended with the greatest of care and attention, which was to be expected of a Daughter of the house of Elrond.
A great number of extravagant plants and flowers grew within the luscious garden, indeed a great many were considered quite exotic among the peoples of the White City. This was Arwen's private refuge. It was a place where she could dwell in peace and quiet contemplation, forsaking the often tiresome and boring duties that were required of a Queen. Lush it was, and yet simplistic in it's beauty, for it bore the touch of an Elven hand.
Éowyn inhaled deeply, and allowed the multitude of sweet, fragrant smells to fill her nostrils. She sighed and huddled into Faramir's embrace, pressing her body as tightly against his as was possible. "I love it here," she whispered, wedging her head under his chin. "'Tis so peaceful. I suppose this is her majesty's means of returning home to Rivendell, at least in memory."
Faramir smiled sadly and stroked Éowyn's hair. "Aye, I expect it serves some like purpose, for rare shall be the occasion that our Queen is able to visit the lands of her kin, and never thus to arrive by her father's welcome. And so she must seek comforts of home wherever they may be found, and this place does bare forth vivid memory of the Last Homely House."
Gazing up at her husband, Éowyn frowned and it once again occurred to her how great a choice Arwen had borne upon her shoulders and how much she had given up for the sake of love. She took Faramir's hand in her own, and said unto him: "A great price hath our Lady Arwen laid upon the altar of heart's content to give up so much as eternity for her love of our Lord and King."
Faramir nodded solemnly, and then allowed a smile to form upon his face; and he answered her, saying: "Yet this sacrifice will bear much fruit, for the line of Kings shall be restored and the glory of Gondor returned. And even though the Evenstar must one day submit herself unto death, it will be accomplished with the knowledge of what was gained at infinity's expense: happiness in life and love everlasting, even beyond the cold, iron grips of doom of Man."
Hearing his words caused Éowyn's face to soften, and she sighed and returned her head to Faramir's strong chest. "So gentle are you, my Lord- husband, and wise among men. The choice of my heart was, and ever shall be, well made."
Faramir kissed the top of her head and smiled against the smoothness of her golden hair; and he thought to himself how well fortune had smiled upon him to bless his life with the presence of such a woman as Éowyn. Brave and noble was she, courageous, strong, and yet so vulnerable. She was fair and graceful to his eye, and beloved to his heart. Even since the moment he had first known her, he had loved her for her sadness; and when she had been healed, he loved her for her joy. There was of her he did not love, and he found it hard to imagine how she must think of him, adorning so much devotion and adoration upon her.
Since they had been married and he had opened his heart to her, she had done the same to him, and he felt it his duty to shower upon her all the kindness and understanding his heart could possibly manage. For it seemed to him that even though she bore the outward armor of a warrior, deep within her, Éowyn was yet unsure of her own worth.
Thus, it had been he had made purpose to include her in every aspect of his life. He had discussed the duties of his office with her at length, and to his delight, he found that his wife had a talent for the duties of administration. Many times he had sought her out for advice on matters of the Kingdom, even when he had fairly decided the proper course of action, and each time she had advised him according to his own machinations. Truly, her astuteness never ceased to amaze him.
Yet for all the cleverness and charm she possessed, he found in her a lingering insecurity that was stubborn, and ever refused to fade completely, even though it had been greatly diminished. Faramir sighed, causing Éowyn to look upon his face in search of his troubles.
"What bothers you, love?" she asked.
"I shall never understand how I came to be so blessed in this life," he answered her, gently stroking her cheek with the palm of his hand. "You are a treasure greater than any for which I could ask. Tell me, do you know this, Éowyn? Can it be that you understand how beautiful and wondrous you are? Can you see how vast the love is, which my heart does hold for you?"
Éowyn blushed under his praise and locked her eyes onto his; and with great care, she brushed the hair from his face and sighed. "Upon each blessed morn, I awaken to see the love of which you speak," she then answered. "And I tell you, Faramir, it sets my very heart to its rhythm. Therefore, I answer you, husband: yes, I know this, for I see it in your eyes; and yes, I understand this, for I feel it in your touch. With each day that passes, with each word of love you speak to me, my heart is healed ever more. So it is that we heal each other."
"So it is," whispered Faramir, as his face drew nigh unto hers. When at last they came together, their lips met in a kiss, and for many a blessed moment, the world around them stood still, and all was right and good.
It was onto this scene that Aragorn and Arwen intruded, walking hand-in- hand upon the pathways of the garden, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. They, too, had wished to take a respite from the bustle of palace life, and had sought out the sanctuary of the garden. Yet, when they spied the interlude before them, they remained quiet, and observed the couple from a distance, taking in the peace that the love of Éowyn and Faramir wrought.
When at last the two lovers parted, Aragorn looked upon his close friend, and chuckled at what he saw. "Never have I seen a man so smitten with his lady as Faramir with Éowyn. He seems as if the light of the sun and the moon in the sky resides in her eyes. 'Tis strange to think this man the brother of Boromir."
Arwen smirked, and her eyes twinkled with delight. "'Twas not so long in the past that another man, yet greater than the one you now see, wore such expressions upon his face, though I should say I do not believe them to have altogether departed."
"Who is this man of which you speak?" Aragorn asked, raising a playful brow.
"O! he is a man of great stature," the Queen answered, thoroughly enjoying their banter. "A Ranger of the North was he, and great toil did he undertake to ensure the safety of his people. He was quite charming, rugged, and dare I say, incredibly becoming.for a man."
Arwen grinned brightly at Aragorn, and he gave a laugh. "You should introduce me to this fellow," he said in his mirth. "Rare is it that such praise is given of men by the Eldar folk, and I would like to see how it was I erred all these years not to merit such esteem as this Ranger has received."
Arwen laughed aloud at his gaiety and then took his proffered hand when he offered it, and they continued their journey. When they had nearly reached the place where Éowyn and Faramir stood, Aragorn called out to them, and they both turned and smiled at the approach of their Lord and Lady.
"Greetings, my King!" Faramir said, bowing low in reverence to his liege. "I must beg your forgiveness for this trespass, but my Lady and I have greatly desired a moment apart from company, and found the allure of the Queen's garden too great to resist."
"No trespass has been made, Faramir," Arwen answered him, bowing her head gracefully towards him when he bowed to her. "These gardens are my own place of tranquility and are always welcome to be shared by such beloved friends as you and Éowyn are to Estel and I. Therefore, beg no forgiveness, and be at ease in our presence."
Faramir sighed, and assumed a more casual stance, as Éowyn also did. "I fear I am not yet adjusted to being so informal when speaking with higher authorities, even on friendly matters, for such dalliances were frowned upon by Denethor, my father, and yet am I ever his son."
Faramir's countenance seemed to weaken at mention of his father, and even as his eyes closed against the onslaught of memories, he felt the hand of Éowyn fasten more firmly within his own. He could feel her strength coursing through him, offering him protection against the fear and dread of things long past, and when he opened his eyes once more, his wife's own clear, blue eyes were fixed lovingly upon him, and she offered him a smile, which he returned.
When at last he faced the King and Queen once more, he bowed his head and spoke softly to them, saying: "Alas, I am afraid some things have yet to fully mend, so stubbornly rooted within my soul are they. Yet, as long as my Lady should stand beside me, I feel the courage to overcome them. I must again ask your forgiveness, my Lord and Lady."
"And again, none is called for, friend," Aragorn replied, laying his hand upon Faramir's shoulder. "Greatly did you suffer at the hand of your father, yet I say to you, healing shall come to thee through the plight of your troth, for so as the strength in Éowyn, your wife, slew the Captain of the Wraiths, so will it heal her husband's heart and mind. Peace shall come to thee, my brother, seek it not, for it has found you well."
When he had ceased speaking, Aragorn gazed upon Éowyn, and saw the wisdom of his words reflected in her eyes, for in them was love, which was the only true means to restore an ailing spirit. And when she saw her King's eyes upon her, Éowyn bowed her head to him and said to her husband: "The King is wise, Faramir, heed his words. For I shall love thee unto healing as you love me unto the same. Faith and hope are ours to claim, so long as we cling to one another."
Faramir nodded lightly, and gave Éowyn's hand a squeeze, and then turned to Aragorn and said: "My king and brother - blessed are you, even among the Kings of old! For wise are you, powerful and just, and in your hand are punishment and mercy equally dealt."
Aragorn smiled and took Arwen once again by the hand, and said, "Come now, let us now take sanctuary in the green of the Queen's garden, and forget the worries of the world for a time."
So, the two couples walked down the path, into the very depths of the garden, and there upon a small patch of grass, they sat and stayed for a time, until the business of the Kingdom once again called upon it's King and Steward. Arwen and Éowyn yet remained together in the garden for a while, and enjoyed the serenity of the time; for unbeknownst to them, the peace would soon be broken.
A/N - Alas, error was made in the previous chapter, for it was that Éowyn and Faramir plighted their troth in Edoras in front of the new King, so this particular tale may be considered slightly AU. Forgive the mistake, and the brevity of this chapter, as more will follow. And to those of you who sent in reviews, let me extend my gratitude to you. Thank you!