standard disclaimers apply.
~~--~~*~~--~~
Dwendilwen: Yeah, Tevelan cracks me up. I wouldn't mind having a minature Boromir running around.
Diadora: Hmm... Want him back in Gondor, eh? Perhaps.... ; )
And for you other well-wishers... THANKS.
This chapter is probably my favorite out of all of them. It's the one that I wrote third in line, and it's got the best ending to any fic I've ever written. I just love the dialogue. I'll stop gushing over my own fic, though. Only a few more chaps to go, so don't forget to review!!
~~--~~*~~--~~ Chapter Eight: Discovery and Loss ~~--~~*~~--~~
Late summer brought more joy for Talen and Adele as they had been blessed with the arrival of a daughter that they named Talaen. Times were happy and carefree for the growing family in the south of the Rohan; it seemed that nothing could bring an end to the dream in which they lived.
Until one afternoon in mid-August, when everything changed.
The sun was shining brightly high in the sky and a warm breeze blew across the plain. These were perfect conditions for a nap outside. So under the comfort of a shade tree in the front of the house Adele lay on a soft blanket passed down from her grandmother.
The men had all gone hunting and scouting that morning in the small forest to the north to replenish supplies that had been withered down to nothing. They had promised a return that evening if all went well. Adele waited for their return with plenty of anticipation. She hated being away from her husband for more than a few days.
Everything was quiet that afternoon as Adele lay drifting quietly off into a dreamworld under the sun. She had just closed her eyes when the trembling of the ground beneath her had her sitting up and looking around nervously.
In the distance she could see the outlines of several horses and riders galloping toward the house at tremendous speed. Though their numbers were few, she was still frightened for the safety of her children.
Quickly she ran into the house and barred the door. Sesile came walking out of the bedroom and looked at Adele strangely. She motioned for the older woman to look out the window at the strangers.
Only when they had reached the tree under which she had been napping did she recognize the tired face of her cousins Éowyn and Éomer. She ran outside, leaving Sesile inside to watch the children, and threw herself at both of them, wrapping her arms around their necks and pulling them in for a tight embrace.
"What brings you here?" she asked excitedly as she held them at arm's length to inspect their appearances.
"We come bearing news," Éomer answered.
"News? Good or bad?" Adele questioned.
"Both," Éowyn answered. "Perhaps we should go inside and discuss these matters."
Adele looked back at the house and remembered her sleeping children. She shook her head. "That is not the best of ideas," she said. "The children are taking their afternoon nap."
"Children?" Éowyn asked curiously.
"Yes, my son and daughter." Adele beamed proudly at this exclamation and laughed at her cousins' shocked looks. It was then that she noticed Éowyn holding the hand of a stranger standing beside her.
"It seems I am not the only one with surprises," Adele remarked as she looked at the stranger.
"This is my husband, Faramir," Éowyn announced.
Faramir stepped forward and took Adele's hand, kissing it lightly. Adele smiled at him, catching his eye as he stood and moved back to Éowyn's side. They held gazes for a few short moments that seemed like an eternity. Adele caught sight of something familiar about this man. It was like she knew him from somewhere; like he reminded her of someone....
"This cannot be the only good news," Adele said. "What else is there?"
"The War of the Ring is over," Éomer said proudly. "The Dark Lord Sauron has been defeated and the Kingdoms of Men have been reunited. Although I should tell you that all of this transpired some years ago."
"That is most agreeable news!" Adele exclaimed happily. "But why had someone not come earlier?"
"We thought a messenger had been sent, but it was brought up in the Golden Hall by one of the attendants that you had not been told. I feel horrible for neglecting you, Cousin."
Adele smiled and shook her head.
"Think nothing of it, for it matters to me not."
Éowyn looked up to see three men dressed in the colors of the forest walking over from the side of the house.
"Oh good, they're back," Adele said happily. "Everyone will be glad to hear of this good news."
"What good news?" Aidan asked as he greeted their guests.
"The war is over!" Adele proclaimed.
"Finished?" Amiens asked. "Are you sure?"
"I was in Minas Tirith at the crowning of the King of the Reunited Kingdoms. We all fought on the battle fields and thus saw the end of the war. Evil is diminished from these lands," Éomer said.
"Why did Theoden not come and tell us himself?"
The three guests looked to each other and struggled for words to escape their lips. Adele became alarmed at this silence and searched their eyes for answers.
"Why is he not here?" Adele asked, strain clear in her voice.
"Theoden King fought bravely, but he did not escape the clutches of Evil with his life," Éomer said sadly.
"And my brother?"
"He is dead also."
A tear fell from Adele's eye fell and landed in the grass beneath her feet. She covered her mouth with her hand and closed her eyes as the world began to spin around her.
Talen stood in shock in the doorway of their home, watching the events transpire in front of him. He had been inside changing his clothes. He had heard the last statement about Theoden, and ran to his wife's side.
Talen was down on the ground and cradling Adele against his chest before she had even let out the first cry. Now she clutched at Talen's shirt tightly and sobbed into his chest. He held her close to him, his hands rubbing her back affectionately and reassuringly. Soft words were spoken into her ear by Talen in an attempt to calm her down, but it was obvious that nothing would console her.
"She needs to lie down. Take her inside, Talen," Amiens said.
Talen nodded at the request and lifted Adele from the ground. He held her tight and kissed her cheek lovingly before turning to walk away.
But not before locking eyes with Faramir.
There was a slight pause in Talen's step at he stared back at Faramir, the breath caught in his throat. He knew this man, he was sure of it.
In his mind several strange images flashed by. Two children playing in the summer sun; teenagers trying their faulty swordsmanship against each other; two young men laughing and smiling over drinks; and one of departure.
Talen dismissed these odd images and continued his walk back to the house with Adele still sobbing in his arms.
The others waited for Talen and Adele to enter the house before walking that way themselves. Faramir hung to the back of the group, not moving from his spot. Éowyn came over to him.
"What troubles you?" she asked with concern.
"That man, Talen, is familiar to me. I feel as if I know him," Faramir replied.
"Know him? From where?"
Faramir looked down at his wife and took her hand in his own. "I know not, but perhaps I will when things have settled down."
Éowyn smiled at her husband and recieved the kiss that he placed upon her lips lovingly. Together they walked into the house after the others, unsure of how the rest of the afternoon was going to play out. If all went well, they would be on the return to Edoras the next morning and perhaps on their way to Emyn Arnen the next evening.
As they entered the house, the soft cries of Adele could be heard through the thin walls. No one dared speak in this time of grief for the family.
In the other room Adele lay on the bed, her face buried in the pillow as her tears came a dozen at a time. Talen sat on the bed next to her, rubbing her back gently. He felt sorrow for his wife's loss, although he had only met the king once.
"Why did he have to die?" Adele asked quietly through her tears.
"Everyone dies," Talen whispered as he lay down on the bed next to her, his head sharing her pillow. "Some sooner than others."
"I miss him more now than ever before."
Talen tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear and leaned over, kissing her cheek. "I understand your pain and longing. Although I am most content here with you, my family, my life, my heart, some part of me still longs for knowledge. I want nothing more than to know my true self."
"One day you will learn these things. If at the cost of my life I can bring you this knowledge, I will."
Talen smiled at her courageousness. "Do not meddle over such things. I am lucky to have you, Adele."
Adele let out a long sigh and closed her eyes. Talen lay there watching her and knowing that he could never quite replace the emptiness that only a father could fill. He could only make her life as complete as possible, and it was his solemn vow to do just that. Until then he would close his eyes and sleep. . . .
Hours later Talen awoke to the feel of familiar kisses about his neck. He opened his eyes to see the face of his beloved.
"How do you feel?" Talen asked.
"As well as can be expected. Sesile and the twins have prepared dinner for everyone," Adele said.
"What time is it?"
"Early afternoon. Do not worry, you have not slept the afternoon completely away. Even Talaen still outsleeps you."
Talen smiled at the mention of his daughter. "Shall I wake her?"
"Yes, I think Éowyn would like to see her."
Talen nodded and sat up, caressing Adele's cheek before stopping in the doorway, looking back at his wife.
"Where is Tevelan?"
"In the main room sitting on Éomer's lap. He has taken a liking to his cousin."
Talen laughed and turned, walking down the hallway and into his children's room. He walked over to where his daughter lay.
"You cannot sleep?" he asked playfully while lifting her out of her cradle. "Well then you shall come with me and meet the family that you do not know."
Talaen drooled on her father's shirt as she lay her head there, making soft noises into his ear. As they entered the main room, Adele walked to her husband, taking the child.
"Come see your cousins," Adele said as she handed the child to Éowyn.
Talen smiled and walked over to the corner, tkaing his favorite chair. No sooner had he sat down than did Tevelan come and jump in his lap with something to show him.
"Adele, she is beautiful. I do not think you could have asked for a more perfect child. Tell me, what is her name?" Éowyn asked.
"Talaen, after her father."
Faramir smiled as Éowyn fussed over the child. His attention was turned, though, to the commotion in the corner as Talen listened to his son chatter on. There was still something so familiar about the man. Something that he couldn't place. It was right there before, but he couldn't think, he couldn't.....
Faramir gripped the arm of the chair as it came to him. This man was a replica of his brother. The brother he hadn't seen in years, not since before his departure from Minas Tirith to join the ill-fated journey with the ring. He had been told that he brother had perished, but no body had been found. And there had been dreams. He knew Boromir was alive, and there he sat before his very eyes.
Éowyn touched Faramir's forearm, startling him.
"What's wrong?" Éowyn asked.
"I need to go outside for a moment. Accompany me?" Faramir asked as he tried to give a reassuring smile.
"Of course."
The two stood and left the house quietly, not many noting their exit. But one did. Talen sat in the corner smoking his pipe. He had noticed Faramir's gaze, and once more felt a connection with the man.
It was all very confusing.
~~--~~*~~--~~
"What is wrong, Faramir?" Éowyn asked as she and Faramir sat on the grass outside.
Faramir did not speak at first. He sat staring at the stars, a thoughtful look on his face. Reaching over, he took his wife's hand in his own and caressed it.
"My brother has been gone for many, many years, Éowyn. People say that he is dead, never to return to the White City. As I sat in that room, the familiarity of Talen's presence came to me."
"You mean not tell tell me that Talen is your brother, do you?"
Faramir nooded and took in a shaky breath. "I am almost certain that he is."
"How can you know for sure?"
"There can be only one way to know for sure, and so I must ask him of his past and origin. If he has no answer, then it will be for sure."
The two looked up as a figure walked out of the house and headed toward the stables. Éowyn nodded at Faramir as he stood, firmly set on asking questions.
"Good luck," Éowyn called at his retreating back.
~~--~~*~~--~~
There was a torch in a holder on the wall giving light to the stable as Faramir entered. He looked around at the equipment laying about, saddles and ropes. Noise came from a pen toward the back and Talen came walking out with a rope thrown over his shoulder.
"Hello," he greeted as he noticed Faramir standing not too far away. "Magnificent animals, are they not?"
"Yes, I own a few horses myself. Tell me, which one is yours?"
Talen walked closer to Faramir, stopping nearby and reaching into the pen, touching the nose of a large, black horse. As it walked to the gate, the horse nuzzled his master's cheek affectionately.
"This one is mine," he said while rubbing the space between his ears. "Mason is his name. Born not long after my son, and he is almost four."
"Have you always had a love of horses?"
Talen looked over at Faramir before turning back to the horse, a sad look in his eyes that was not missed.
"I wish I could tell you that I have, but my past does not come readily available to me. Tell me first, what is your name, for I did not hear it when you arrived."
"Faramir. Why does your past not come to you?"
"This is very complicated subject matter, and although I am reluctant to speak of it, I will tell you since you seem to mean well."
Faramir smiled and nodded.
"About five years ago I was found washed up on the river bank, no memory of my name or my origin. Adele and her family took me in and gave me care. That is how I have come to be where I am."
Faramir felt quite dizzy after haveing heard this, his hopes becoming more and more a reality.
"Were there any tokens upon you that gave you some clue as to where you might have come from?"
"Yes, there was an elven symbol that I carried. A cloak fastening in the shape of a metal leaf. And there were arrowheads that had been taken out of my chest, thought to be made by orcs. And a dagger as well."
"Can I see the dagger?"
Talen nodded and reached down, pulling the knife out of his boot. Faramir smiled, for that was where Boromir had always kept his knife as well. Old habits die hard. He reached his hand out as the knife was handed over.
"My brother used to carry a knife like this," Faramir said as he unsheathed the dagger.
"What happened to him?"
"Some say he died, but I believe he is still out there waiting to be found."
Faramir inspected the dagger and its markings, a smile crossing his features. This was Boromir's knife, he was almost sure of it. There was only one way to be positive, one way to know for sure.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Talen asked as Faramir ripped the leather around the hilt of the dagger away to show a more beaten leather hilt with a name etched in it.
Faramir looked up at his brother through knowing eyes as he handed the dagger back to Talen with shaky hands.
"I believe this belongs to you, Boromir."
Talen looked down at the dagger and traced the letters of the name with his thumb. Some part of him wanted to believe this man, to beleive that he had found himself, but what were the chances? He could not easily accept this.
"How can you be sure of this?" Talen asked.
"What is there not to be sure of? You look like my brother, although he had longer hair," Faramir said with amusement. "Your voice is the same from what I remember. You even carry his dagger, found with it no less. And the story matches up."
"What story?"
"You were found on the bank of the Anduin, and that is the same river into which my brother was thrown after his supposed death. You said they pulled arrows from your chest, and that was what had killed him in the first place."
Talen raised his eyebrows in shock. It was true that this did make sense.
"You are my brother, there is no doubt in my mind," Faramir said.
Talen looked up at the man and saw himself mirrored in his face. Their facial characteristics were the same, and even their eyes were alike. An image of this man in younger years flashed through his mind as he looked him over, erasing all doubt from his mind.
"Brother....." Talen said quietly before grabbing Faramir and pulling him into a tight embrace. "Then it is true! You are my brother! I have a brother!"
"Boromir, I cannot breathe," Faramir said into his brother's shoulder. "Boromir-"
"That is my name!" Talen yelled as he released Faramir. "My name is Boromir."
Talen smiled at Faramir and grabbed his arm, pulling him in the direction of the house where everyone still sat in the main room. They came bursting in through the door, catching everyone's attention.
"I have a brother!" Talen announced loudly.
Adele looked up from her seat on the floor with her children and gave Talen a very curious and confused look. She looked over to Éowyn who sat calmy in a chair near Sesile, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"What are you talking about?" Amiens asked loudly. "You cannot even remember who you are."
"I have reason enough to believe that this man," Talen said as he put a tight arm around Faramir. "This man is my brother. His story matches with how I was found and even the dagger you found on me bears the name of his brother."
Amiens took the pipe out of his mouth.
"Can you not see a resemblance between us?"
Adele looked from one face to the next and noted that there was a remarkable resemblance between the two men. Why she had not seen it before was a mystery. Standing up, she walked to her husband and glanced into his familiar eyes. Looking to Faramir, she saw the saw eyes as those of her husband.
"Then it is true," she said softly. Turning, she left the house, leaving everyone in a stunned silence.
~~--~~*~~--~~
Talen found her sitting in the garden where they had sat many times together watching the sun set behind the mountains. Tears fell from her eyes as she gripped her knees to her chest tightly. Something had upset her, and it broke his heart to see her cry.
Sitting down on the grass beside her, he pulled her into his arms, letting her sob against his chest.
"Tell me, Love, what has made you cry?"
Adele reached up and touched a hand to his face, her voice quiet as she spoke to him.
"Now that you have found yourself, will you leave this place and follow your brother to wherever it is you came from?"
"I would never leave you, Adele," Talen said as he kissed her cheek.
"Things are going to change, Talen. I fear that your past will bring about something terrible to our lives. What if we grow apart? I cannot stand to lose you."
Her sobs began again and she cried into his chest even harder than before. His arms wrapped around her, and his face buried into her neck as the two struggled to be closer together.
"You will never lose me," Talen said with a strained voice. "I will not let you go."
~~--~~*~~--~~~
a/n: i hope you liked that. now gimme some feedback. HIT ME!!
~~--~~*~~--~~
Dwendilwen: Yeah, Tevelan cracks me up. I wouldn't mind having a minature Boromir running around.
Diadora: Hmm... Want him back in Gondor, eh? Perhaps.... ; )
And for you other well-wishers... THANKS.
This chapter is probably my favorite out of all of them. It's the one that I wrote third in line, and it's got the best ending to any fic I've ever written. I just love the dialogue. I'll stop gushing over my own fic, though. Only a few more chaps to go, so don't forget to review!!
~~--~~*~~--~~ Chapter Eight: Discovery and Loss ~~--~~*~~--~~
Late summer brought more joy for Talen and Adele as they had been blessed with the arrival of a daughter that they named Talaen. Times were happy and carefree for the growing family in the south of the Rohan; it seemed that nothing could bring an end to the dream in which they lived.
Until one afternoon in mid-August, when everything changed.
The sun was shining brightly high in the sky and a warm breeze blew across the plain. These were perfect conditions for a nap outside. So under the comfort of a shade tree in the front of the house Adele lay on a soft blanket passed down from her grandmother.
The men had all gone hunting and scouting that morning in the small forest to the north to replenish supplies that had been withered down to nothing. They had promised a return that evening if all went well. Adele waited for their return with plenty of anticipation. She hated being away from her husband for more than a few days.
Everything was quiet that afternoon as Adele lay drifting quietly off into a dreamworld under the sun. She had just closed her eyes when the trembling of the ground beneath her had her sitting up and looking around nervously.
In the distance she could see the outlines of several horses and riders galloping toward the house at tremendous speed. Though their numbers were few, she was still frightened for the safety of her children.
Quickly she ran into the house and barred the door. Sesile came walking out of the bedroom and looked at Adele strangely. She motioned for the older woman to look out the window at the strangers.
Only when they had reached the tree under which she had been napping did she recognize the tired face of her cousins Éowyn and Éomer. She ran outside, leaving Sesile inside to watch the children, and threw herself at both of them, wrapping her arms around their necks and pulling them in for a tight embrace.
"What brings you here?" she asked excitedly as she held them at arm's length to inspect their appearances.
"We come bearing news," Éomer answered.
"News? Good or bad?" Adele questioned.
"Both," Éowyn answered. "Perhaps we should go inside and discuss these matters."
Adele looked back at the house and remembered her sleeping children. She shook her head. "That is not the best of ideas," she said. "The children are taking their afternoon nap."
"Children?" Éowyn asked curiously.
"Yes, my son and daughter." Adele beamed proudly at this exclamation and laughed at her cousins' shocked looks. It was then that she noticed Éowyn holding the hand of a stranger standing beside her.
"It seems I am not the only one with surprises," Adele remarked as she looked at the stranger.
"This is my husband, Faramir," Éowyn announced.
Faramir stepped forward and took Adele's hand, kissing it lightly. Adele smiled at him, catching his eye as he stood and moved back to Éowyn's side. They held gazes for a few short moments that seemed like an eternity. Adele caught sight of something familiar about this man. It was like she knew him from somewhere; like he reminded her of someone....
"This cannot be the only good news," Adele said. "What else is there?"
"The War of the Ring is over," Éomer said proudly. "The Dark Lord Sauron has been defeated and the Kingdoms of Men have been reunited. Although I should tell you that all of this transpired some years ago."
"That is most agreeable news!" Adele exclaimed happily. "But why had someone not come earlier?"
"We thought a messenger had been sent, but it was brought up in the Golden Hall by one of the attendants that you had not been told. I feel horrible for neglecting you, Cousin."
Adele smiled and shook her head.
"Think nothing of it, for it matters to me not."
Éowyn looked up to see three men dressed in the colors of the forest walking over from the side of the house.
"Oh good, they're back," Adele said happily. "Everyone will be glad to hear of this good news."
"What good news?" Aidan asked as he greeted their guests.
"The war is over!" Adele proclaimed.
"Finished?" Amiens asked. "Are you sure?"
"I was in Minas Tirith at the crowning of the King of the Reunited Kingdoms. We all fought on the battle fields and thus saw the end of the war. Evil is diminished from these lands," Éomer said.
"Why did Theoden not come and tell us himself?"
The three guests looked to each other and struggled for words to escape their lips. Adele became alarmed at this silence and searched their eyes for answers.
"Why is he not here?" Adele asked, strain clear in her voice.
"Theoden King fought bravely, but he did not escape the clutches of Evil with his life," Éomer said sadly.
"And my brother?"
"He is dead also."
A tear fell from Adele's eye fell and landed in the grass beneath her feet. She covered her mouth with her hand and closed her eyes as the world began to spin around her.
Talen stood in shock in the doorway of their home, watching the events transpire in front of him. He had been inside changing his clothes. He had heard the last statement about Theoden, and ran to his wife's side.
Talen was down on the ground and cradling Adele against his chest before she had even let out the first cry. Now she clutched at Talen's shirt tightly and sobbed into his chest. He held her close to him, his hands rubbing her back affectionately and reassuringly. Soft words were spoken into her ear by Talen in an attempt to calm her down, but it was obvious that nothing would console her.
"She needs to lie down. Take her inside, Talen," Amiens said.
Talen nodded at the request and lifted Adele from the ground. He held her tight and kissed her cheek lovingly before turning to walk away.
But not before locking eyes with Faramir.
There was a slight pause in Talen's step at he stared back at Faramir, the breath caught in his throat. He knew this man, he was sure of it.
In his mind several strange images flashed by. Two children playing in the summer sun; teenagers trying their faulty swordsmanship against each other; two young men laughing and smiling over drinks; and one of departure.
Talen dismissed these odd images and continued his walk back to the house with Adele still sobbing in his arms.
The others waited for Talen and Adele to enter the house before walking that way themselves. Faramir hung to the back of the group, not moving from his spot. Éowyn came over to him.
"What troubles you?" she asked with concern.
"That man, Talen, is familiar to me. I feel as if I know him," Faramir replied.
"Know him? From where?"
Faramir looked down at his wife and took her hand in his own. "I know not, but perhaps I will when things have settled down."
Éowyn smiled at her husband and recieved the kiss that he placed upon her lips lovingly. Together they walked into the house after the others, unsure of how the rest of the afternoon was going to play out. If all went well, they would be on the return to Edoras the next morning and perhaps on their way to Emyn Arnen the next evening.
As they entered the house, the soft cries of Adele could be heard through the thin walls. No one dared speak in this time of grief for the family.
In the other room Adele lay on the bed, her face buried in the pillow as her tears came a dozen at a time. Talen sat on the bed next to her, rubbing her back gently. He felt sorrow for his wife's loss, although he had only met the king once.
"Why did he have to die?" Adele asked quietly through her tears.
"Everyone dies," Talen whispered as he lay down on the bed next to her, his head sharing her pillow. "Some sooner than others."
"I miss him more now than ever before."
Talen tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear and leaned over, kissing her cheek. "I understand your pain and longing. Although I am most content here with you, my family, my life, my heart, some part of me still longs for knowledge. I want nothing more than to know my true self."
"One day you will learn these things. If at the cost of my life I can bring you this knowledge, I will."
Talen smiled at her courageousness. "Do not meddle over such things. I am lucky to have you, Adele."
Adele let out a long sigh and closed her eyes. Talen lay there watching her and knowing that he could never quite replace the emptiness that only a father could fill. He could only make her life as complete as possible, and it was his solemn vow to do just that. Until then he would close his eyes and sleep. . . .
Hours later Talen awoke to the feel of familiar kisses about his neck. He opened his eyes to see the face of his beloved.
"How do you feel?" Talen asked.
"As well as can be expected. Sesile and the twins have prepared dinner for everyone," Adele said.
"What time is it?"
"Early afternoon. Do not worry, you have not slept the afternoon completely away. Even Talaen still outsleeps you."
Talen smiled at the mention of his daughter. "Shall I wake her?"
"Yes, I think Éowyn would like to see her."
Talen nodded and sat up, caressing Adele's cheek before stopping in the doorway, looking back at his wife.
"Where is Tevelan?"
"In the main room sitting on Éomer's lap. He has taken a liking to his cousin."
Talen laughed and turned, walking down the hallway and into his children's room. He walked over to where his daughter lay.
"You cannot sleep?" he asked playfully while lifting her out of her cradle. "Well then you shall come with me and meet the family that you do not know."
Talaen drooled on her father's shirt as she lay her head there, making soft noises into his ear. As they entered the main room, Adele walked to her husband, taking the child.
"Come see your cousins," Adele said as she handed the child to Éowyn.
Talen smiled and walked over to the corner, tkaing his favorite chair. No sooner had he sat down than did Tevelan come and jump in his lap with something to show him.
"Adele, she is beautiful. I do not think you could have asked for a more perfect child. Tell me, what is her name?" Éowyn asked.
"Talaen, after her father."
Faramir smiled as Éowyn fussed over the child. His attention was turned, though, to the commotion in the corner as Talen listened to his son chatter on. There was still something so familiar about the man. Something that he couldn't place. It was right there before, but he couldn't think, he couldn't.....
Faramir gripped the arm of the chair as it came to him. This man was a replica of his brother. The brother he hadn't seen in years, not since before his departure from Minas Tirith to join the ill-fated journey with the ring. He had been told that he brother had perished, but no body had been found. And there had been dreams. He knew Boromir was alive, and there he sat before his very eyes.
Éowyn touched Faramir's forearm, startling him.
"What's wrong?" Éowyn asked.
"I need to go outside for a moment. Accompany me?" Faramir asked as he tried to give a reassuring smile.
"Of course."
The two stood and left the house quietly, not many noting their exit. But one did. Talen sat in the corner smoking his pipe. He had noticed Faramir's gaze, and once more felt a connection with the man.
It was all very confusing.
~~--~~*~~--~~
"What is wrong, Faramir?" Éowyn asked as she and Faramir sat on the grass outside.
Faramir did not speak at first. He sat staring at the stars, a thoughtful look on his face. Reaching over, he took his wife's hand in his own and caressed it.
"My brother has been gone for many, many years, Éowyn. People say that he is dead, never to return to the White City. As I sat in that room, the familiarity of Talen's presence came to me."
"You mean not tell tell me that Talen is your brother, do you?"
Faramir nooded and took in a shaky breath. "I am almost certain that he is."
"How can you know for sure?"
"There can be only one way to know for sure, and so I must ask him of his past and origin. If he has no answer, then it will be for sure."
The two looked up as a figure walked out of the house and headed toward the stables. Éowyn nodded at Faramir as he stood, firmly set on asking questions.
"Good luck," Éowyn called at his retreating back.
~~--~~*~~--~~
There was a torch in a holder on the wall giving light to the stable as Faramir entered. He looked around at the equipment laying about, saddles and ropes. Noise came from a pen toward the back and Talen came walking out with a rope thrown over his shoulder.
"Hello," he greeted as he noticed Faramir standing not too far away. "Magnificent animals, are they not?"
"Yes, I own a few horses myself. Tell me, which one is yours?"
Talen walked closer to Faramir, stopping nearby and reaching into the pen, touching the nose of a large, black horse. As it walked to the gate, the horse nuzzled his master's cheek affectionately.
"This one is mine," he said while rubbing the space between his ears. "Mason is his name. Born not long after my son, and he is almost four."
"Have you always had a love of horses?"
Talen looked over at Faramir before turning back to the horse, a sad look in his eyes that was not missed.
"I wish I could tell you that I have, but my past does not come readily available to me. Tell me first, what is your name, for I did not hear it when you arrived."
"Faramir. Why does your past not come to you?"
"This is very complicated subject matter, and although I am reluctant to speak of it, I will tell you since you seem to mean well."
Faramir smiled and nodded.
"About five years ago I was found washed up on the river bank, no memory of my name or my origin. Adele and her family took me in and gave me care. That is how I have come to be where I am."
Faramir felt quite dizzy after haveing heard this, his hopes becoming more and more a reality.
"Were there any tokens upon you that gave you some clue as to where you might have come from?"
"Yes, there was an elven symbol that I carried. A cloak fastening in the shape of a metal leaf. And there were arrowheads that had been taken out of my chest, thought to be made by orcs. And a dagger as well."
"Can I see the dagger?"
Talen nodded and reached down, pulling the knife out of his boot. Faramir smiled, for that was where Boromir had always kept his knife as well. Old habits die hard. He reached his hand out as the knife was handed over.
"My brother used to carry a knife like this," Faramir said as he unsheathed the dagger.
"What happened to him?"
"Some say he died, but I believe he is still out there waiting to be found."
Faramir inspected the dagger and its markings, a smile crossing his features. This was Boromir's knife, he was almost sure of it. There was only one way to be positive, one way to know for sure.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Talen asked as Faramir ripped the leather around the hilt of the dagger away to show a more beaten leather hilt with a name etched in it.
Faramir looked up at his brother through knowing eyes as he handed the dagger back to Talen with shaky hands.
"I believe this belongs to you, Boromir."
Talen looked down at the dagger and traced the letters of the name with his thumb. Some part of him wanted to believe this man, to beleive that he had found himself, but what were the chances? He could not easily accept this.
"How can you be sure of this?" Talen asked.
"What is there not to be sure of? You look like my brother, although he had longer hair," Faramir said with amusement. "Your voice is the same from what I remember. You even carry his dagger, found with it no less. And the story matches up."
"What story?"
"You were found on the bank of the Anduin, and that is the same river into which my brother was thrown after his supposed death. You said they pulled arrows from your chest, and that was what had killed him in the first place."
Talen raised his eyebrows in shock. It was true that this did make sense.
"You are my brother, there is no doubt in my mind," Faramir said.
Talen looked up at the man and saw himself mirrored in his face. Their facial characteristics were the same, and even their eyes were alike. An image of this man in younger years flashed through his mind as he looked him over, erasing all doubt from his mind.
"Brother....." Talen said quietly before grabbing Faramir and pulling him into a tight embrace. "Then it is true! You are my brother! I have a brother!"
"Boromir, I cannot breathe," Faramir said into his brother's shoulder. "Boromir-"
"That is my name!" Talen yelled as he released Faramir. "My name is Boromir."
Talen smiled at Faramir and grabbed his arm, pulling him in the direction of the house where everyone still sat in the main room. They came bursting in through the door, catching everyone's attention.
"I have a brother!" Talen announced loudly.
Adele looked up from her seat on the floor with her children and gave Talen a very curious and confused look. She looked over to Éowyn who sat calmy in a chair near Sesile, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"What are you talking about?" Amiens asked loudly. "You cannot even remember who you are."
"I have reason enough to believe that this man," Talen said as he put a tight arm around Faramir. "This man is my brother. His story matches with how I was found and even the dagger you found on me bears the name of his brother."
Amiens took the pipe out of his mouth.
"Can you not see a resemblance between us?"
Adele looked from one face to the next and noted that there was a remarkable resemblance between the two men. Why she had not seen it before was a mystery. Standing up, she walked to her husband and glanced into his familiar eyes. Looking to Faramir, she saw the saw eyes as those of her husband.
"Then it is true," she said softly. Turning, she left the house, leaving everyone in a stunned silence.
~~--~~*~~--~~
Talen found her sitting in the garden where they had sat many times together watching the sun set behind the mountains. Tears fell from her eyes as she gripped her knees to her chest tightly. Something had upset her, and it broke his heart to see her cry.
Sitting down on the grass beside her, he pulled her into his arms, letting her sob against his chest.
"Tell me, Love, what has made you cry?"
Adele reached up and touched a hand to his face, her voice quiet as she spoke to him.
"Now that you have found yourself, will you leave this place and follow your brother to wherever it is you came from?"
"I would never leave you, Adele," Talen said as he kissed her cheek.
"Things are going to change, Talen. I fear that your past will bring about something terrible to our lives. What if we grow apart? I cannot stand to lose you."
Her sobs began again and she cried into his chest even harder than before. His arms wrapped around her, and his face buried into her neck as the two struggled to be closer together.
"You will never lose me," Talen said with a strained voice. "I will not let you go."
~~--~~*~~--~~~
a/n: i hope you liked that. now gimme some feedback. HIT ME!!