A/N: Updated Elvish, and more

Disclaimer: Blah, blah, blah, you know the drill. This is Tolkien's stuff, not mine.

Chapter 22: Faramir

            Faramir sat with Éowyn and Merry in the garden for some time. They told stories to each other and spoke of their pasts, adventures and experiences along the way. Faramir was very polite and gentlemanly towards her and friendly towards Merry.

He was surprising relaxed, considering how tense she felt inside, though she hid it well. He was genuinely interested with Merry's journey with Frodo from the Shire, and curious about the Hobbits who lived there. He sat smiling and laughing, listening intently to everything that was said, every expression.

            Faramir was fascinated by Éowyn as he listened to her speak of her life. He delighted in watching her, his infatuation with her growing with every moment that passed between them. He had never felt like this around anyone before, she was so intoxicating in every way possible. He imagined himself drowning in her deep blue eyes, becoming lost in them every time he looked at her; being captivated by her smile, her face so glowing and cheerful. He could not live without her, now.

'The famous Captain Faramir, hero to his people, Prince of Ithilien and now, smitten with her, Éowyn, Lady and shieldmaiden of Rohan,' thought Éowyn. It was new, surreal to her, and she enjoyed his advances. He made her feel new inside as well as outside.

She had been very reserved since her ordeal with the Witch-King but her brighter side was starting to emerge again as it had when Aragorn arrived at Edoras. It seemed a long time since he had ridden into the city, head held high, gazing into her eyes as he went.

It had been long since a man had sought her affections in this way. Aragorn had never done so openly, though she could see how hard it was for him. She had always wondered at his reasons for concealing his emotions, it was not only with her, she could never tell what he was feeling. Out of the corner of her eye, Éowyn saw him enter the gardens. He came over to them almost immediately.

"I see that you have woken, lady," he said, smiling at her. "Captain, I must speak with you in private as soon as possible," he said, in a more serious tone.

"Yes, my lord," he nodded, now standing before Aragorn, and bowed. He took Éowyn's hand and kissed it.

"I do hope that we have the privilege to speak again, my lady." He flashed her a smile and left with Aragorn.

Éowyn sighed so loud that Merry overheard her. He chuckled.

"I think you may be in love," he said, quietly.

Éowyn flashed him a look, a slight smile on her face. Merry laughed again.

"And I suspect that he, unlike the other you share these feeling for, feels the same for you." He smiled at her.

"Oh, Merry," she said. "How can you know that?"

Merry looked at her, somewhat seriously. "Believe me, I think Aragorn was a bit worried. The way he looked at you when Faramir kissed your hand, he was a bit concerned. He was a little jealous if you ask me," said Merry with a twinkle in his eye. Éowyn scowled at him, but Merry knew that she was pleased. He grinned hugely.

"I shall take my leave of you now, my lady," he said in a mock smug tone. She smiled at him as he walked away.

Éowyn remained in the gardens for some time. She found its atmosphere pleasant and safe, as well as the freedom that she had so often desired, even though it was restricted. It was outside, which was where she enjoyed being most.

She stood up and paced the garden, admiring its beauty and serenity. She did not notice Aragorn arrive. He approached her quietly and caught her hand, holding it in his own.

"Éowyn, may I speak with you?" he asked softly.

Their eyes locked in a fixed gaze. She nodded, slightly dazed. He motioned for her to sit down on one of the benches and seated himself beside her.

"I have been observing your recovery," he said. "You have done well."

"Thank you, my lord," she replied. "I have been eager to rejoin my brother on the battlefield."

"I would not wish it so," said Aragorn, firmly. "You are not fully recovered, although you are progressing well, I would not have my skills go to waste by seeing you fight again so soon after your ordeal."

Éowyn glared at him fiercely, as she had before she had ridden off, against his will and her brother's, to fight the Nazgûl.

"Do you still deny that I am capable of fighting?" she demanded. "You have observed my victory, and yet you bid me stay here, away from battle. Why do you not see, I am as skilled a fighter as any?"

"Éowyn," he began, "I care too deeply for you to allow you to fight again. I feared the worst when I saw you, and I could not bear to see you that way again. You were too close to death for my comfort, and your brother agrees with me on this."

"But I returned to you, safe and well. Do you not see? I have overcome this evil; I faced it valiantly and defeated it. I am able to face that danger again, Aragorn, I do not fear it."

"But I fear for you, Éowyn," he said. "I could not live with myself if you were killed, knowing that I had allowed you to."

"I do not fear death for myself," she replied sternly.

"But you fear it for your loved ones, as do I," finished Aragorn. "This is why I bid you stay."

Éowyn looked into his eyes, hoping to persuade him otherwise. But they carried little expression and were unchanged by her.

"You have seized the glory you desired, Éowyn," he said. "Now I ask you leave that. I wish to see you safe when this is done. You know my reason for that." Éowyn nodded but looked glumly at the ground. Aragorn lifted her chin up and looked into her face.

"Gerich emel nîn, Aragorn, dan aborich nin emel lîn," (You hold my heart, Aragorn, but you deny me your heart) she whispered. "Estelon min lû gerithach han an nîn." (I hope that one day you will offer it to me)

"Nach bein athar i-peth, Éowyn, ah nîon min lû nathich na nin," (You are beautiful beyond words, Éowyn, and I feat that one day you will be lost to me) he said. "You are young. There is much of your life still ahead of you. I do not wish to lose you to that, nor to another."

"Melon le go ilya o emel nîn, Aragorn,[1]" she cried. "I would never leave you."

"I fear another's affections towards you may sway that," he said. He stood up and kissed her hand. "I have stayed long enough. I shall leave you now." He turned swiftly and left the garden.



A/N: I know, I know, you hate me for doing this. Éowyn's hard work to prove herself to Aragorn has now been crushed. Will Faramir help her out of this grief, or will she still cling to Aragorn's love? Read on, dear friends, read on.

[1] "I love you with all my heart, Aragorn,"