Disclaimer: Faramir the Great does not belong to me. Nothing belongs to me.
(Except my eternal love for Faramir.)
This chapter is sort of filler-ish, and sort of helps explain something later. No real plot movement here, so sorry. I'm hoping that I can update a chapter a day, but I'm not sure, since I only have one more already written after this. Still, I'm working on it. After all, what else is Latin class for? *teehee* *looks over shoulder* I didn't just say that. *prints out Pliny translation* *whistles* Yes. It's good to take Latin.
ANYWAY - I just want to respond to my reviewers now. Lalala. I so enjoy this. I suppose I should warn you - these responses are getting to be pretty long, but I feel thus: if someone takes the time to review while I'm still working, I should at least take the time to write a decent response. So - here they are. And I promise you: if you review before the story is finished (because of those new regulations that chapters can't be responses to reviewers, I can't respond after *cry*), then you will get a nice pretty paragraph too!!
Frodo16424: My second repeat-reviewer!! *hug* *hands you a box of chocolate- covered cherries* Yes, it's good to have those oh-so-perceptive elves around. I like Legolas a lot, although, I must say, I could never be insane over him. *blocks the stones thrown at me* Sorry. Anyway. Yes - Faramir has tons of memories. It only seems right that he would though, since so much stuff happens in his life. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Yay!! Thanks so much for reviewing again!! *hug* *hug again*
Blue Iris: You reviewed!! *hug* Glad you liked the Aragorn explanation. You make a GREAT point - I had never really thought about Dunedain customs being different. I definitely see Minas Tirith as a salad bowl, if not a melting pot. After all, they have been around in the world for a pretty long time, and not hidden, like Rivendell or Lothlorien. And they have those treaties with places like Rohan, and fiefs like Dol Amroth and Lossarnach and such. When some time comes around (this weekend?) then I will DEFINITELY check out your stories. I love reading other people's, and I look forward to yours!! Thanks again for reviewing!!
Myfanwy: THANKS SO MUCH!! *hug* You're so kind!! I'm so happy that you like the story. Do you know, I actually blushed when reading your review? I'm just glad to get anyone to review; thanks so much for thinking highly of me. Yay!! As I said before, I like updating as much as possible. Believe me, there's NOTHING worse than waiting months for a chapter to come along. I've been reading fanfics for a while before I actually started writing my own, and there are some I'm still waiting for from January. Arg. Now THAT'S what I call frustration. I'm glad to know that there's something to brighten your evenings!! Just kidding. *hug* Thanks SO much again for reviewing!! *hug again* THANKS AGAIN!!
Always-a-kiwi: *hug* Yay!! A reviewer!! Thanks so much!! I'm glad you like the story. It was so nice of you to give me a thumbs-up!! As for Faramir being the coolest - did you even need to ask? All my friends are Legolas fans (except for one die-hard Imrahil), so I constantly need to fend off any other claims for "Coolest of All Time". But I always do. *sighs sweetly* How easy it is to say that Faramir is the best!! Thanks a bundle for reviewing!!
Elektra12: *hug* I was very pleased to dedicate a chapter to you. I was even more pleased to see you review for the THIRD time!! *touched* It's so nice of you!! *hug again* I'm glad you agreed with the Aragorn reasoning. Approval makes my heart swell!! Also - I'm glad you thought that Aragorn might mistake Faramir's actions - that was what I was going for. I'm getting through!! Yay!! Thanks again for reviewing!! *hug* YAY!!
Reba: Thanks for reviewing!! *hug* Yes - angst can be very, um, angsty. I think you can tell what I mean. But - since I'm so pathetic - if it mentions Faramir, chances are that I will read it. But I can definitely see your point. Sometimes I start crying, and then memum asks me what's wrong - and I'm left with the excuse of a sad fanfic. Oh, the troubles of this life!! *teehee* I'm so glad that you overcame your un-angstiness and read this!! Thanks so much for thinking of this as good angst. I'm also glad that you're not an Aragorn-worshiper. I think he's a great guy, but you're right: the man has some character flaws. I'm glad you like this Aragorn here *pulls him over* Say hi, Aragorn. *teehee* Anyway, thanks for reviewing!! I hope you keep reading!!
LeeAnn: Yay!! *hug* My third repeat-reviewer!! *hug again* *hands you a box of caramels* I'm glad you're reviewing again!! *pleased* Yes, I don't think I would ever want to be alone around the holidays. My family is pretty small, but I don't think I could ever imagine having NO family around whatsoever. If I were Faramir, I'd DEFINITELY be depressed too. Even though Denethor wasn't the most Tiny Tim-like of the crew, at least he was there. And since Faramir and Boromir were so close, he must be missing his brother terribly. *sigh* Poor Faramir is right. As for Eowyn - I said somewhere (chapter 3?) that Faramir was going to Rohan soon. That's not part of this story, but - SPOILER - it may - um - 'hinder' her arrival. Also - it must be cold in Rohan, and it is a six day's journey from Edoras, so - um - yah. *cough* *cough cough* Yah. Anyway - THANKS FOR REVIEWING AGAIN!! *hug*
This chapter is dedicated to my second and third repeat-reviewers, Frodo16424 and LeeAnn. Thanks!! *group hug*
_________________________________
Chapter Six: Memories of a Missing Family
"You've given yourself a rather bad lump, my lord, but nothing more serious," the healer pronounced. "However, I think it best that you sleep here in the Houses tonight - just to make sure."
Faramir smiled. [At least I won't have to spend the night in the Steward's rooms. This is lucky.] "Very well," he agreed. "Just let me get a few things, and tell Beregond."
Legolas cut in. "There's no need, Faramir. I can give a list of things to Beregond, and he can come over with them, if you like."
"Thank you, Legolas. I'm very appreciative." Faramir quickly wrote out a list, and handed it to the Elf. "Beregond will doubtless be in the Steward's apartments now, so you won't have to go far." Legolas bid Faramir a good rest, and left the Houses, making his way back to the palace.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir lay down to rest early that night. Beregond had come to the Houses, and refused to leave until he was certain Faramir was asleep. So Faramir went to bed early, and pretended to be asleep, in order to give Beregond a rest himself. The bell tower, however, chimed midnight, and Faramir was still awake. He kept thinking about Boromir. [It all seems so strange - he has always been with me on Midwinter. This is the first year I haven't seen him.] Faramir sighed quietly. [No, that's not true. He wasn't here last year, either.]
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir sat silently at the table, while Denethor ate slowly. He had been offered no food, and, knowing it would be impolite, had asked for none. So, silent he sat, as Denethor made his way through a warm pile of vegetables. Eventually, Denethor set his plate aside.
"I wish to speak with you, about your men in Ithilien," he began. Faramir lifted guarded eyes to his father. "Your losses are heavy, and you serve little or no purpose there, as seen by the fall of the eastern half of Osgiliath."
"My lord, with all due respect - "
Denethor held up his hand to silence him. "I have not given you leave to speak." He paused. "I have decided to terminate the Ithilien company."
Faramir was in shock. "You will have no defense against the Orcs and Haradrim! The Shadow will be able to gather armies unhindered! Compared to the losses of the other companies, ours are minimal."
"Yes, because you hide in the bushes, instead of fighting. Many of those men would be better employed in other companies, where their skill can be properly used."
Faramir knew that he shouldn't argue, but his duty to his own men, and to ensuring the safety of Gondor, bid him speak. "My Lord, their skill comes from being in Ithilien. Even beyond that, separating the men would be detrimental to their morale. The Rangers are an integral part of Gondor's defense, They serve as both soldiers and scouts, fighting, but with an eye to the west, to Minas Tirith, Without them, there is nothing between Minas Tirith and Mordor to halt, or at least slow, the Enemy."
Denethor scowled. [He knows that he is wrong, but does not want to admit it. May his pride not overshadow his reason!] Faramir prayed silently to himself that Denethor would not disband the Rangers out of spite for his son, their Captain. After an agonizing length of time, the Steward answered.
"We will not make such decisions without your brother, the Captain-General. He should have returned by now, but I am loathe to act without his advice." Faramir nodded. [If] - he corrected himself. [When Boromir returns, he will not disband the Rangers. He knows the military benefits, and how much the Rangers mean to me. A selfish thought, but a true one. He will not let Father disband us.] "When Boromir returns, I wish to make a complete reassessment of our forces. We will then decide the fate of the Rangers."
Again, Faramir nodded. [Should I tell him what I have foreseen? Or has he seen it himself? Should I tell him that I have dreamt of Boromir's death?] One look at his father, with the faraway look in his eyes, told him not to. [He has such hopes - losing Boromir would break his heart. I could not tell him, even if it were the right thing to do.] He sighed.
Denethor heard him. "I am not boring you, am I, my Lord Faramir? Or do you wish to usurp your brother's authority, to ensure your own position as Captain of the Rangers? Do not think that I do not see through you. You only wish to keep the Ithilien company so that you will be its Captain."
"You are wrong, my Lord," Faramir responded, as calmly as he could manage. "I seek only Gondor's safety. I have no wish to be in my brother's place."
"That just shows your weakness and your lack of dignity. Your brother holds a high position, one that any loyal man of Gondor should wish to hold," Denethor said, voice and temper rising.
"If I were in Boromir's position, I would take on his duties. However, you accused me of trying to take over duties and privileges of Boromir, and it is those that I do not desire for myself," Faramir tried to explain. [This is pointless - he's not going to listen anyway.]
"Do not try to twist your words to sound better. I know your true meaning, and I will mark it well, and bear that in mind." Denethor scowled, then waved his hand. "Leave me."
Faramir stood, bowed dutifully, and left the hall.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir turned over onto his side. [Why did things always have to be that way? If only he had listened to me, just once in a while, things would have been so different.] Faramir turned his thoughts back to his Father. [Things were always better when Boromir was around.]
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The servants all rushed quietly in and out of the Steward's chambers, serving the family seated at the table. The Steward was not usually festive on Midwinter, but this year was different. It was the year in which Boromir had been given his first rank in the Army, only a few weeks previous, and the celebrations had been postponed to Midwinter. Denethor was sitting at the head of the table, silent, until at last the servants left the room.
"First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of Boromir." Denethor turned to the young man, who smiled at him. "Boromir, you will be a great warrior one day, and you will be the saviour of our people. The children of your children will look back in pride at you, and at this day, as the beginning of a new era in the history of Gondor."
Boromir nodded his head in respect. "Thank you, Father."
"Secondly, I would like to give you this." Denethor rose from his seat, and lifted the sword box from the table on which it had rested. Boromir stood, and bowed graciously, but his solemn actions were spoiled by the grin on his face. Taking the sword box in his hands, he opened it, wonder spreading into his eyes.
"This is too grand for me," he said. Lifting it from the box, he ran his hand up and down the scabbard, his hand finally resting on the jewel- studded hilt. Denethor stood proudly off to the side, watching as his son pulled the sword from its casing.
"It is not grand enough, for the man who will be Steward," he replied. He turned to Faramir, who sat at the table still, watching the moment unfold. He was truly glad for his brother, but found himself feeling out of place, as Boromir and Denethor shared a close moment. "I hope you will take note of this, Faramir," his father said more sternly. Boromir turned around to look at his brother, the smile leaving his face slightly. "This is the day that your brother takes command of his first official post as a commander. You should look at his example, to see what you are aiming for." Faramir felt himself smile weakly. [I wish to be myself, not Boromir. But he will never listen.] "Look to your brother. He has all the qualities of a Steward: a commitment to duty and tradition, but he fights better than any for his country." Denethor turned back to Boromir. "My sons, you must never forget: duty, above all. Come what may, your duty to me and to your country come first. Gondor's traditions are what make us what we are, and we must always abide by them."
This chapter is sort of filler-ish, and sort of helps explain something later. No real plot movement here, so sorry. I'm hoping that I can update a chapter a day, but I'm not sure, since I only have one more already written after this. Still, I'm working on it. After all, what else is Latin class for? *teehee* *looks over shoulder* I didn't just say that. *prints out Pliny translation* *whistles* Yes. It's good to take Latin.
ANYWAY - I just want to respond to my reviewers now. Lalala. I so enjoy this. I suppose I should warn you - these responses are getting to be pretty long, but I feel thus: if someone takes the time to review while I'm still working, I should at least take the time to write a decent response. So - here they are. And I promise you: if you review before the story is finished (because of those new regulations that chapters can't be responses to reviewers, I can't respond after *cry*), then you will get a nice pretty paragraph too!!
Frodo16424: My second repeat-reviewer!! *hug* *hands you a box of chocolate- covered cherries* Yes, it's good to have those oh-so-perceptive elves around. I like Legolas a lot, although, I must say, I could never be insane over him. *blocks the stones thrown at me* Sorry. Anyway. Yes - Faramir has tons of memories. It only seems right that he would though, since so much stuff happens in his life. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Yay!! Thanks so much for reviewing again!! *hug* *hug again*
Blue Iris: You reviewed!! *hug* Glad you liked the Aragorn explanation. You make a GREAT point - I had never really thought about Dunedain customs being different. I definitely see Minas Tirith as a salad bowl, if not a melting pot. After all, they have been around in the world for a pretty long time, and not hidden, like Rivendell or Lothlorien. And they have those treaties with places like Rohan, and fiefs like Dol Amroth and Lossarnach and such. When some time comes around (this weekend?) then I will DEFINITELY check out your stories. I love reading other people's, and I look forward to yours!! Thanks again for reviewing!!
Myfanwy: THANKS SO MUCH!! *hug* You're so kind!! I'm so happy that you like the story. Do you know, I actually blushed when reading your review? I'm just glad to get anyone to review; thanks so much for thinking highly of me. Yay!! As I said before, I like updating as much as possible. Believe me, there's NOTHING worse than waiting months for a chapter to come along. I've been reading fanfics for a while before I actually started writing my own, and there are some I'm still waiting for from January. Arg. Now THAT'S what I call frustration. I'm glad to know that there's something to brighten your evenings!! Just kidding. *hug* Thanks SO much again for reviewing!! *hug again* THANKS AGAIN!!
Always-a-kiwi: *hug* Yay!! A reviewer!! Thanks so much!! I'm glad you like the story. It was so nice of you to give me a thumbs-up!! As for Faramir being the coolest - did you even need to ask? All my friends are Legolas fans (except for one die-hard Imrahil), so I constantly need to fend off any other claims for "Coolest of All Time". But I always do. *sighs sweetly* How easy it is to say that Faramir is the best!! Thanks a bundle for reviewing!!
Elektra12: *hug* I was very pleased to dedicate a chapter to you. I was even more pleased to see you review for the THIRD time!! *touched* It's so nice of you!! *hug again* I'm glad you agreed with the Aragorn reasoning. Approval makes my heart swell!! Also - I'm glad you thought that Aragorn might mistake Faramir's actions - that was what I was going for. I'm getting through!! Yay!! Thanks again for reviewing!! *hug* YAY!!
Reba: Thanks for reviewing!! *hug* Yes - angst can be very, um, angsty. I think you can tell what I mean. But - since I'm so pathetic - if it mentions Faramir, chances are that I will read it. But I can definitely see your point. Sometimes I start crying, and then memum asks me what's wrong - and I'm left with the excuse of a sad fanfic. Oh, the troubles of this life!! *teehee* I'm so glad that you overcame your un-angstiness and read this!! Thanks so much for thinking of this as good angst. I'm also glad that you're not an Aragorn-worshiper. I think he's a great guy, but you're right: the man has some character flaws. I'm glad you like this Aragorn here *pulls him over* Say hi, Aragorn. *teehee* Anyway, thanks for reviewing!! I hope you keep reading!!
LeeAnn: Yay!! *hug* My third repeat-reviewer!! *hug again* *hands you a box of caramels* I'm glad you're reviewing again!! *pleased* Yes, I don't think I would ever want to be alone around the holidays. My family is pretty small, but I don't think I could ever imagine having NO family around whatsoever. If I were Faramir, I'd DEFINITELY be depressed too. Even though Denethor wasn't the most Tiny Tim-like of the crew, at least he was there. And since Faramir and Boromir were so close, he must be missing his brother terribly. *sigh* Poor Faramir is right. As for Eowyn - I said somewhere (chapter 3?) that Faramir was going to Rohan soon. That's not part of this story, but - SPOILER - it may - um - 'hinder' her arrival. Also - it must be cold in Rohan, and it is a six day's journey from Edoras, so - um - yah. *cough* *cough cough* Yah. Anyway - THANKS FOR REVIEWING AGAIN!! *hug*
This chapter is dedicated to my second and third repeat-reviewers, Frodo16424 and LeeAnn. Thanks!! *group hug*
_________________________________
Chapter Six: Memories of a Missing Family
"You've given yourself a rather bad lump, my lord, but nothing more serious," the healer pronounced. "However, I think it best that you sleep here in the Houses tonight - just to make sure."
Faramir smiled. [At least I won't have to spend the night in the Steward's rooms. This is lucky.] "Very well," he agreed. "Just let me get a few things, and tell Beregond."
Legolas cut in. "There's no need, Faramir. I can give a list of things to Beregond, and he can come over with them, if you like."
"Thank you, Legolas. I'm very appreciative." Faramir quickly wrote out a list, and handed it to the Elf. "Beregond will doubtless be in the Steward's apartments now, so you won't have to go far." Legolas bid Faramir a good rest, and left the Houses, making his way back to the palace.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir lay down to rest early that night. Beregond had come to the Houses, and refused to leave until he was certain Faramir was asleep. So Faramir went to bed early, and pretended to be asleep, in order to give Beregond a rest himself. The bell tower, however, chimed midnight, and Faramir was still awake. He kept thinking about Boromir. [It all seems so strange - he has always been with me on Midwinter. This is the first year I haven't seen him.] Faramir sighed quietly. [No, that's not true. He wasn't here last year, either.]
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir sat silently at the table, while Denethor ate slowly. He had been offered no food, and, knowing it would be impolite, had asked for none. So, silent he sat, as Denethor made his way through a warm pile of vegetables. Eventually, Denethor set his plate aside.
"I wish to speak with you, about your men in Ithilien," he began. Faramir lifted guarded eyes to his father. "Your losses are heavy, and you serve little or no purpose there, as seen by the fall of the eastern half of Osgiliath."
"My lord, with all due respect - "
Denethor held up his hand to silence him. "I have not given you leave to speak." He paused. "I have decided to terminate the Ithilien company."
Faramir was in shock. "You will have no defense against the Orcs and Haradrim! The Shadow will be able to gather armies unhindered! Compared to the losses of the other companies, ours are minimal."
"Yes, because you hide in the bushes, instead of fighting. Many of those men would be better employed in other companies, where their skill can be properly used."
Faramir knew that he shouldn't argue, but his duty to his own men, and to ensuring the safety of Gondor, bid him speak. "My Lord, their skill comes from being in Ithilien. Even beyond that, separating the men would be detrimental to their morale. The Rangers are an integral part of Gondor's defense, They serve as both soldiers and scouts, fighting, but with an eye to the west, to Minas Tirith, Without them, there is nothing between Minas Tirith and Mordor to halt, or at least slow, the Enemy."
Denethor scowled. [He knows that he is wrong, but does not want to admit it. May his pride not overshadow his reason!] Faramir prayed silently to himself that Denethor would not disband the Rangers out of spite for his son, their Captain. After an agonizing length of time, the Steward answered.
"We will not make such decisions without your brother, the Captain-General. He should have returned by now, but I am loathe to act without his advice." Faramir nodded. [If] - he corrected himself. [When Boromir returns, he will not disband the Rangers. He knows the military benefits, and how much the Rangers mean to me. A selfish thought, but a true one. He will not let Father disband us.] "When Boromir returns, I wish to make a complete reassessment of our forces. We will then decide the fate of the Rangers."
Again, Faramir nodded. [Should I tell him what I have foreseen? Or has he seen it himself? Should I tell him that I have dreamt of Boromir's death?] One look at his father, with the faraway look in his eyes, told him not to. [He has such hopes - losing Boromir would break his heart. I could not tell him, even if it were the right thing to do.] He sighed.
Denethor heard him. "I am not boring you, am I, my Lord Faramir? Or do you wish to usurp your brother's authority, to ensure your own position as Captain of the Rangers? Do not think that I do not see through you. You only wish to keep the Ithilien company so that you will be its Captain."
"You are wrong, my Lord," Faramir responded, as calmly as he could manage. "I seek only Gondor's safety. I have no wish to be in my brother's place."
"That just shows your weakness and your lack of dignity. Your brother holds a high position, one that any loyal man of Gondor should wish to hold," Denethor said, voice and temper rising.
"If I were in Boromir's position, I would take on his duties. However, you accused me of trying to take over duties and privileges of Boromir, and it is those that I do not desire for myself," Faramir tried to explain. [This is pointless - he's not going to listen anyway.]
"Do not try to twist your words to sound better. I know your true meaning, and I will mark it well, and bear that in mind." Denethor scowled, then waved his hand. "Leave me."
Faramir stood, bowed dutifully, and left the hall.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir turned over onto his side. [Why did things always have to be that way? If only he had listened to me, just once in a while, things would have been so different.] Faramir turned his thoughts back to his Father. [Things were always better when Boromir was around.]
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The servants all rushed quietly in and out of the Steward's chambers, serving the family seated at the table. The Steward was not usually festive on Midwinter, but this year was different. It was the year in which Boromir had been given his first rank in the Army, only a few weeks previous, and the celebrations had been postponed to Midwinter. Denethor was sitting at the head of the table, silent, until at last the servants left the room.
"First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of Boromir." Denethor turned to the young man, who smiled at him. "Boromir, you will be a great warrior one day, and you will be the saviour of our people. The children of your children will look back in pride at you, and at this day, as the beginning of a new era in the history of Gondor."
Boromir nodded his head in respect. "Thank you, Father."
"Secondly, I would like to give you this." Denethor rose from his seat, and lifted the sword box from the table on which it had rested. Boromir stood, and bowed graciously, but his solemn actions were spoiled by the grin on his face. Taking the sword box in his hands, he opened it, wonder spreading into his eyes.
"This is too grand for me," he said. Lifting it from the box, he ran his hand up and down the scabbard, his hand finally resting on the jewel- studded hilt. Denethor stood proudly off to the side, watching as his son pulled the sword from its casing.
"It is not grand enough, for the man who will be Steward," he replied. He turned to Faramir, who sat at the table still, watching the moment unfold. He was truly glad for his brother, but found himself feeling out of place, as Boromir and Denethor shared a close moment. "I hope you will take note of this, Faramir," his father said more sternly. Boromir turned around to look at his brother, the smile leaving his face slightly. "This is the day that your brother takes command of his first official post as a commander. You should look at his example, to see what you are aiming for." Faramir felt himself smile weakly. [I wish to be myself, not Boromir. But he will never listen.] "Look to your brother. He has all the qualities of a Steward: a commitment to duty and tradition, but he fights better than any for his country." Denethor turned back to Boromir. "My sons, you must never forget: duty, above all. Come what may, your duty to me and to your country come first. Gondor's traditions are what make us what we are, and we must always abide by them."