Faramir adjusted his tunic and smoothed his trousers. He would expect Lady Eowyn of Rohan any minute now. She was coming as a representative of Rohan to observe Gondors hospitality. As it so happened her status allowed her to enjoy the luxury of a steward's generosity. In other-words Faramir was to play host.
Trumpets sounded and he knew it to be the Lady's arrival. Casting one last look at himself in the mirror he made his way to the grand doors to greet her personally.
"Greetings fair lady of Rohan, you do Gondor a great honor", He said with a deep bow. When he straitened he realized he had erred. To his eyes this lady was not fair but beautiful in every sense of the word. Momentarily stunned, he swallowed, trying to remember courtly etiquette. "Please come in m'Lady". Accompanied by three handmaidens Eowyn entered. Faramir reached down to kiss her hand as was custom but was surprised to see his hand trembling.
Why am I reacting like this?
He brought his lips to the smooth flesh of her hand. "Lord Faramir"
"Yes" He replied, forcing words out of his throat.
"Are you well, your face is red" She placed a cool hand on his forehead, standing a lot closer that Faramir thought necessary.
"I-I assure you I am well, please do not worry yourself over my well being", Faramir said hastily, taking a step backwards. "Allow one of my servants to show you to your room" He snapped his fingers, thankful he had found somewhere else to avert his attention.
"There is no need, my handmaidens have already seen to it". Sure enough Eowyn's handmaidens were nowhere to be seen.
Faramir blinked. He couldn't recall ever seeing the handmaidens' even do so much as move a finger.
"I was hoping you would show me around" she said, bringing his thoughts back to the present. She slipped an arm around Faramir's and he tried really hard to ignore the softness of her touch.
They walked into a lush central courtyard, here and there flowers opened their petals to embrace the sunlight, birds twittered in their song. But the peaceful atmosphere was lost on Faramir. His palms were sweaty, and a steady flush came to his cheeks every time Eowyn's hip bumped against his as they walked. He stared strait ahead, staring, but hardly seeing, and had resulted in him tripping many times.
They came to a stop and sat down on a bench. For a moment they sat in silence
"You have such strong arms Lord Faramir", Eowyn cooed as she rested her head on his shoulder. Caught off guard, the Steward of Gondor nearly fell of the bench, which the hand not trapped in Eowyn's gentle yet restraining embrace, gripped tightly.
What is she doing to me?
Eowyn's thigh brushed against his. He shut his eyes and gritted his teeth. His heart beat painfully hard in his chest. Only a strong exert of will power kept him from running screaming from this place.