A/N: No real bad stuff in this chapter, just Faramir getting to know Rivendell and its people.
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For the first time in many years, the great healer Elrond felt that he had found someone who could not, who would not, be healed. Faramir had become reclusive, keeping to his room and leaving only for lessons or meals, which he only picked at. Elrond ate with the boy every morning and night, trying desperately to bring him out of his shell. Faramir was striving also, struggling to do what Lord Elrond asked of him. He tried to eat more, communicate with the elf lord, yet he had no appetite and he refused to speak, using only hand motions. During the first dinner Elrond decided that he would not consume wine in Faramir's presence, after the boy stared fearfully at him when he began to drink. With every sorrowful look in Faramir's gray eyes, Elrond felt a need to protect the boy, to give him the love of a father that he needed. Yet also in those sad eyes was the light of a far-seer, like the Numenorean kings of old. And that was the elven name Elrond gave Faramir, Tirpalandil. Being told his new name was the one time that Faramir had smiled since he had left Dol Amroth.
One day, on a rare occasion when he was out of his room for something other than sword practice or lessons, Faramir was walking silently through the halls of the Last Homely House. Except for Tatharwe and Lord Elrond, he hadn't met any other elves. He never saw Tatharwe at all, and Lord Elrond always announced his presence, so Faramir was startled when he nearly ran into two elves, for he hadn't heard them. The male was tall, blond, and very stately, while his female companion was dark-haired and luminous, noble, yet radiating warmth. Luckily the elves didn't care about the near collision. "Hello young one, you must be Lord Elrond's new ward. I am Glorfindel and this is my wife Eluial. It is a pleasure to meet you." Faramir bowed in respect, then looked around to see if there was a way to escape these two. The blond elf raised an eyebrow, expecting the boy to give his name, as was proper. "Child, it is rude not to answer when talked to." Faramir backed up, not knowing what to do. Eluial shook her head at her husband.
"Glorfindel! Can you not tell that you are scaring him? Honestly, not all children are like the twins, you need to be more patient." She smiled at Faramir. "Please excuse my husband, he is not used to quiet children. They make him nervous." The boy almost sighed in relief, but he knew he was still expected to say something. Luckily he was saved by the timely arrival of Elrond.
"Tir, there you are. I could not find you. Hello Glorfindel, Eluial it is good to have you back. You will have to tell me how your trip went later. I see you have met Tirpalandil. Tir, I know you and Cunaros were going to spar this afternoon, but I had to send him on an errand." Faramir inclined his head in understanding. Elrond was about to go on, but Eluial spoke first.
"Lord Elrond, have you shown him the north-west waterfalls?"
"No, I haven't yet."
She smiled. "Perfect! Tir, would you like to take a picnic and eat at the waterfalls? They are beautiful, especially this time of year with the surrounding trees so many different colors." Faramir glanced at Lord Elrond who gave him permission. The boy nodded and Eluial smiled. "Wonderful, I will meet you on the west patio around three o' clock." Faramir bowed and left for his room. As soon as he left, the two elves turned to face Lord Elrond, matching questioning expressions on their face.
Elrond sighed. "Tir doesn't talk because of a trauma he recently experienced. I will not say what, for it is not my place. Thank you Eluial for being so kind to him. Perhaps you shall reach him better than I."
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". . .and so Lord Elrond brought the remainder of the Hollin Elves here to Imladris. This is the Last Homely House east of the Sea, a haven for many elves." As they ate, Eluial gave Faramir the history of Rivendell, and Lord Elrond. The boy had had no idea that the elf lord was so powerful or that he was a great warrior. He figured Lord Elrond also saw his weakness and that the elf would soon tire of him and send him back to Minas Tirith. Trying to shove those thoughts away, Faramir took in the sights of the waterfalls. They flowed softly over the hillside, glittering in the afternoon sun. The rushing water thundered as it hit rocks in the pool below, spray creating a rainbow that arced gracefully before dissipating into nothingness. The sight lifted his spirits until he forgot his earlier musings, content with the simple beauty.
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Tirpalandil is roughly 'far seer`. I mixed up Palantir, the name of both the seeing stones, and the name of a Numenorean king. And the waterfalls come into play later, they aren't as lovely as they appear to be. *cue mysterious music*
