Disclaimer: Faramir is not mine, nor is anything else in the story. (Though
he did give me presents.)
YAY!! I did see RotK!! I just want to say it is AWESOME except for one thing - there's not enough of the Captain of the Rangers!! I think Peter Jackson should make a movie about Faramir. Actually, after the movie, I was so emotionally drained (I'm a BIG cryer in movies), that I passed out on the couch (in a swoon over Faramir, of course), and fell asleep. By the time I had woken up and finished this chapter, FanFiction.net was down!! Arg!! Bad timing. So I apologize that this wasn't up yesterday. But that's okay. It's here now!!
In this chapter, there is the tiniest bit of tiny Sindarin. Much as I'd love to know the language, I don't have a clue. I actually got this from elvish.org's soundtrack analysis translation. I put the Sindarin {in these}. But the translation of it is in the actual story, so there won't be one at the top or bottom. Just telling you. If anyone can tell me if this is actually what I think it means, I would GREATLY appreciate it. Learning Sindarin is one of those things you put on your New Year's resolutions page, but never do.
Frodo16424: *hug* *hug again* You reviewed again!! *gives you a Faramir action figure* Blackmail? What blackmail? *smiles innocently* *whistles* Well - Faramir seems like the type who would do what he's supposed to do first. I figured he needed a break. We don't want him turning into a Midwinter Scrooge, now do we? Besides, I agree with you - a little eggnog and some pheasant can't do the guy any harm. But Faramir definitely needs friends. I can't imagine he had any before the War - so much other stuff going on, and Denethor probably let him have any anyway. Boromir, I think, was the closest to a friend he probably ever had. THANKS SO MUCH FOR REVIEWING AGAIN!! *hug*
Myfanwy: *hug* *hug again* You are now a repeat-reviewer!! *hands you a box of chocolate-covered almonds* I forgot to mention in my last response that I was reading your stories this weekend too. Sorry about that!! Thanks for the review!! I'm glad you think I deserve blushing. *teehee* Glad you like my angst. There's more angst in this chapter (I think). I have a hard time classifying what's angst and what isn't. But I'll try. The story is starting to come to a close, though, so the angst level will be lowering. THANKS AGAIN!! I'm so glad you reviewed!! *ahem* Yo! Fanfic site! Cut the bling-bling and load Chapter 7! There. I told them. *teehee* THANKS!! *hug*
Always-a-kiwi: You're a repeat reviewer!! *hug* *hug again* *hands you a box of chocolate cookies* Hope you enjoy them. Anyway!! THANKS!! I'm glad you liked Faramir and Aragorn's way of making up. I didn't want it to be TOO mushy, but I thought some fluff thrown in wouldn't be bad. Yes - I am planning to write more, specifically about Faramir's trip to Rohan. I need a plot, but I do want to make it full of angst. But I hope it's believable angst. ANYWAY - thanks for the encouragement. It means a lot to me. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Elektra12: Yay!! You reviewed again!! I did miss you, but don't feel badly. *hug* *hands you a Faramir action figure* Enjoy!! Yupyup - Denethor is a MAJOR hypocrite. I'm thinking that Aragorn's conscience will be clearer after they made up, but I also think that he'll feel better after the party. And yes - I saw RotK. Every time Faramir came on the screen I started sobbing. I cry a lot in movies. My friends gave me sympathetic looks. *teehee* But secretly they know I'm just weird. Lalala. But there were two really bad parts - when Faramir got tears in his eyes when Denethor sent him away, and when his horse dragged him back. I squealed, much to the chagrin of the people in front of me. I missed most of the Pyre of Denethor though, because I lost my tissues, and so did all of my friends. NOT GOOD!! *teehee* THANKS FOR REVIEWING AGAIN!!
Angel: *hug* *hug again* You reviewed again!! *hands you a box of chocolate- covered strawberries* Thanks!! I'm happy that you still read on, despite the evil-Denethor-ness. I'm glad you like the story!! YAY!! Thanks for saying that I'm doing well - it certainly makes me feel better!! THANKS AGAIN FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Reba: REPEAT-REVIEWER ALERT!! *hug* *hug again* *hands you a box of pralines* Yay!! I'm glad you like the Rohan idea. I'll probably get writing soon, but I may not post it for a week, so that I can get a chance to go ahead. That way I can post faster for all of you. *dances funky chikin dance with you* *gets Faramir to join us* YAY!! Funfun!! *teehee* Doubtless a Faramir/Eowyn story will be coming - this Rohan one, most likely - but quite frankly, I'm a little frightened of how to write her. She just seems SO complex. But I'll certainly give it a whirl. As for the candy and chocolate Faramir - thanks!! My friends have promised to kidnap Faramir, and mail him to me this break!! I can give him the chocolate-Faramir to eat. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
LeeAnn: *hug* You reviewed again!! *hands you a Faramir action figure* Yupyup - seems as though everyone else likes your idea, too!! I will definitely take you up on that. I still need a plot. But I think there will be lots of angst in it. Mayhap remembering Boromir, as he thinks about Eowyn and Eomer? Or maybe he gets into bad dreams again? I don't know. I'll come up with something. BTW - there's more Beregond in this chapter. And I think they're friendlier. So that should make you happy. *hug* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug again*
That took an extremely long amount of time, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you all like this chapter!! The timing in the story may be off by now - I don't remember how many days ago that it was a week 'til Midwinter. But from now on, it should be pretty clear, when Midwinter's Eve comes along. That'll probably be next chapter.
________________
Chapter 8: Reasons Explained
Evening saw Faramir back in the Steward's rooms, searching for the missing book. He and Beregond had already gone through them twice, but Faramir couldn't rest until the book was found. He was kicking himself for not keeping track of his things better. He sat down in a chair for a moment, and closed his eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"{Cuiva! Tiro!}" Faramir shook his elder brother, and pointed at the window.
"Faramir," his brother answered drowsily. "Speak so that I can understand you." He rolled over on the couch.
"I said, 'Wake up! Look!' And I said that because it's snowing outside!" Faramir responded excitedly. Boromir got up and ran over to the window. "See? I told you."
"It is snowing," he said.
"I already told you that."
"It hasn't snowed for three years, you know. I can't believe this! How lucky!" He turned to his younger brother. "Let's go ask if we can go outside to play."
Faramir beamed. "Have you finished your nap?" he teased.
"Little brother, you should know by now that all warriors need their strength more than anything. I was merely storing strength," Boromir said loftily.
"Warriors need to be clever too, so that they can plan their battles. One hundred warriors strolling around looking for Orcs would be killed as fast as that -" he snapped his fingers "- no matter how well they fight."
"Well, I should have no problem with cleverness," Boromir said proudly. "I can just take you along in my knapsack, and pull you out anytime I discuss military strategy." The pair chuckled, as Boromir walked over to a nearby table, picking up a book. "I wonder how you can even understand this - Father must have known that you had a talent for languages. You practically taught Sindarin to yourself."
Faramir blushed slightly. "No - Mithrandir helped me when he was here."
"You're too modest, Faramir. Here," he gave Faramir the book. "Keep it safe. It's the only book in the City about Sindarin itself, instead of being written in Sindarin."
"I will always keep it safe," Faramir said softly, running his hand across the dedication on the title page. "It is special."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir gave a heavy sigh, trying to disperse the memory. [What did I do with that book? I could have sworn it was here.] He had just started searching his memory for the umpteenth time when a soft knock sounded on the door. "Come," he said.
Legoals opened the door. "I just wanted to see how you were doing," he said.
Faramir smiled. "Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you. I'm quite fine, though."
"No more headaches?"
"None whatever. Thank you for asking," Faramir replied.
"I'm glad." Legolas paused. "What is troubling you, then?"
Faramir was surprised that the Elf could tell. He was trying very hard not to draw attention to himself. "Nothing important," he said quickly. Legolas looked at him intently. "I just lost something."
"What?"
"A book. I thought it was on the shelf, but I can't find it."
Legolas gave a mysterious smile, puzzling Faramir. "I'm sure it will turn up eventually." He changed the subject. "So - Aragorn said you were coming to his Midwinter celebration." Faramir nodded. "I'm glad you are. I was hoping he'd ask you. I'm quite looking forward to it." Faramir smiled, suddenly looking forward to the party himself. "What was it like when your father was Steward?"
Faramir looked at Legolas. [Why does he want to know?] He answered himself. [He does seem genuinely interested.] "It wasn't much of a party," he admitted. "It was more of an official meeting for the nobles. A chance for them to talk about themselves, and gather ammunition for the council debates." They laughed. "I rarely went," he continued.
"Why? Were you not in the City on Midwinter?"
Faramir really didn't want to answer, so he tried a non-answer, hoping he wouldn't have to tell Legolas why he never went. "No, the only time I wasn't in the City was three years ago. There was a band of Orcs in Ithilien, and we had to make sure they did no harm."
"I see. So why did you never go?"
Faramir tried desperately to come up with a good answer.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Faramir!!" He snapped to attention, as his father came into the room. "You are back. I did not expect you for a few days."
"No, our Company came back earlier than expected. The Captain said he'd reported -"
"Obviously he did not." Denethor scowled. "You know that in this year you have been officially declared of age."
"Yes, my Lord." Faramir stood straighter.
"And that you now should participate in the social practices of the Steward."
"Yes, my Lord."
"And that the Midwinter party is just that."
Again, Faramir replied, "Yes, my Lord."
"I do not want you coming. You are to stay out of sight on Midwinter. I do not want to exhibit you to the Council, such a failure after my Boromir."
Faramir's head drooped slightly. "Yes, my Lord."
"Then I will leave you. And mind what I said - I do not want to see you at all on Midwinter." Denethor turned on his heel and left the Hall. [Well,] thought Faramir, in an effort to cheer himself, [at least I don't have to buy any gifts for the Council.] But he could not make himself smile, and so, he went back to his rooms.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir saw no point in lying to Legolas. "My father did not want me to be there."
"Oh," Legolas said, obviously feeling uncomfortable.
"Let's not talk about me. Have you planned your trip to Mirkwood yet?"
"No, not yet. I was hoping to time mine to not coincide with your own trip. Aragorn, I think, can't afford to lose us both at the same time," he said with a laugh. He suddenly turned serious again. "Faramir, I actually had another reason for coming here."
"What is it?" asked Faramir, slightly worried by the Elf's tone.
"I think there's a reason, a real reason, why you don't want to live here in the Steward's rooms. I want to give you the opportunity to tell me." Faramir's eyes narrowed. "Don't take this as an offense - but you really haven't been yourself lately. Is there something else that we should know?"
Faramir was in shock. [Why is he even asking me this?] "Why would you think there is?" He stood up, and walked over to the bookshelf, where his book was supposed to be. [Why can't they just leave me alone? Why must they always ask me such things?]
"Faramir? I don't want to upset you." Faramir gave him a look, telling him that he was. "You need someone to talk to. You can't always keep everything to yourself." Again, he just looked at Legolas. "Please, Faramir." Faramir turned away. "Do you think that Boromir or, or even Denethor, would want to see you unhappy?"
"I am not unhappy."
"You are," he pressed. "And I want to help. Tell me." Faramir shook his head. [I may be acting like a stubborn child, but I don't want to think on this. It will only make me feel any guiltier.] "I'm not leaving until you tell me. We Elves are noted for our stubbornness." He sat deliberately down. Faramir couldn't help but laugh.
"I can see why."
"Well?"
Faramir sighed, and sat next to him. "You will think less of me, but very well." He took a deep breath. "My father raised me to be dutiful, and to follow all of Gondor's traditions. Well, in Gondor, the Steward is not allowed to enter these rooms until after the old Steward, his father, has been buried." His voice shook slightly. Legolas put a supportive arm on his shoulder. "Boromir went out to sea, and you gave him what honours you could, but he has no grave. And Father -" He stopped, unable to continue, resting his head in his hands.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Legolas said. "I didn't know -" He too stopped, not knowing what to say.
Faramir lifted grief-filled eyes. "You could not know. And yes, I should not worry about this, for they are gone, and the tradition means nothing, but I do. I can't help it."
"Faramir," Legolas said firmly, "you have every right to feel the way you do. I will talk to Aragorn for you. Everything will turn out well in the end."
YAY!! I did see RotK!! I just want to say it is AWESOME except for one thing - there's not enough of the Captain of the Rangers!! I think Peter Jackson should make a movie about Faramir. Actually, after the movie, I was so emotionally drained (I'm a BIG cryer in movies), that I passed out on the couch (in a swoon over Faramir, of course), and fell asleep. By the time I had woken up and finished this chapter, FanFiction.net was down!! Arg!! Bad timing. So I apologize that this wasn't up yesterday. But that's okay. It's here now!!
In this chapter, there is the tiniest bit of tiny Sindarin. Much as I'd love to know the language, I don't have a clue. I actually got this from elvish.org's soundtrack analysis translation. I put the Sindarin {in these}. But the translation of it is in the actual story, so there won't be one at the top or bottom. Just telling you. If anyone can tell me if this is actually what I think it means, I would GREATLY appreciate it. Learning Sindarin is one of those things you put on your New Year's resolutions page, but never do.
Frodo16424: *hug* *hug again* You reviewed again!! *gives you a Faramir action figure* Blackmail? What blackmail? *smiles innocently* *whistles* Well - Faramir seems like the type who would do what he's supposed to do first. I figured he needed a break. We don't want him turning into a Midwinter Scrooge, now do we? Besides, I agree with you - a little eggnog and some pheasant can't do the guy any harm. But Faramir definitely needs friends. I can't imagine he had any before the War - so much other stuff going on, and Denethor probably let him have any anyway. Boromir, I think, was the closest to a friend he probably ever had. THANKS SO MUCH FOR REVIEWING AGAIN!! *hug*
Myfanwy: *hug* *hug again* You are now a repeat-reviewer!! *hands you a box of chocolate-covered almonds* I forgot to mention in my last response that I was reading your stories this weekend too. Sorry about that!! Thanks for the review!! I'm glad you think I deserve blushing. *teehee* Glad you like my angst. There's more angst in this chapter (I think). I have a hard time classifying what's angst and what isn't. But I'll try. The story is starting to come to a close, though, so the angst level will be lowering. THANKS AGAIN!! I'm so glad you reviewed!! *ahem* Yo! Fanfic site! Cut the bling-bling and load Chapter 7! There. I told them. *teehee* THANKS!! *hug*
Always-a-kiwi: You're a repeat reviewer!! *hug* *hug again* *hands you a box of chocolate cookies* Hope you enjoy them. Anyway!! THANKS!! I'm glad you liked Faramir and Aragorn's way of making up. I didn't want it to be TOO mushy, but I thought some fluff thrown in wouldn't be bad. Yes - I am planning to write more, specifically about Faramir's trip to Rohan. I need a plot, but I do want to make it full of angst. But I hope it's believable angst. ANYWAY - thanks for the encouragement. It means a lot to me. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Elektra12: Yay!! You reviewed again!! I did miss you, but don't feel badly. *hug* *hands you a Faramir action figure* Enjoy!! Yupyup - Denethor is a MAJOR hypocrite. I'm thinking that Aragorn's conscience will be clearer after they made up, but I also think that he'll feel better after the party. And yes - I saw RotK. Every time Faramir came on the screen I started sobbing. I cry a lot in movies. My friends gave me sympathetic looks. *teehee* But secretly they know I'm just weird. Lalala. But there were two really bad parts - when Faramir got tears in his eyes when Denethor sent him away, and when his horse dragged him back. I squealed, much to the chagrin of the people in front of me. I missed most of the Pyre of Denethor though, because I lost my tissues, and so did all of my friends. NOT GOOD!! *teehee* THANKS FOR REVIEWING AGAIN!!
Angel: *hug* *hug again* You reviewed again!! *hands you a box of chocolate- covered strawberries* Thanks!! I'm happy that you still read on, despite the evil-Denethor-ness. I'm glad you like the story!! YAY!! Thanks for saying that I'm doing well - it certainly makes me feel better!! THANKS AGAIN FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Reba: REPEAT-REVIEWER ALERT!! *hug* *hug again* *hands you a box of pralines* Yay!! I'm glad you like the Rohan idea. I'll probably get writing soon, but I may not post it for a week, so that I can get a chance to go ahead. That way I can post faster for all of you. *dances funky chikin dance with you* *gets Faramir to join us* YAY!! Funfun!! *teehee* Doubtless a Faramir/Eowyn story will be coming - this Rohan one, most likely - but quite frankly, I'm a little frightened of how to write her. She just seems SO complex. But I'll certainly give it a whirl. As for the candy and chocolate Faramir - thanks!! My friends have promised to kidnap Faramir, and mail him to me this break!! I can give him the chocolate-Faramir to eat. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
LeeAnn: *hug* You reviewed again!! *hands you a Faramir action figure* Yupyup - seems as though everyone else likes your idea, too!! I will definitely take you up on that. I still need a plot. But I think there will be lots of angst in it. Mayhap remembering Boromir, as he thinks about Eowyn and Eomer? Or maybe he gets into bad dreams again? I don't know. I'll come up with something. BTW - there's more Beregond in this chapter. And I think they're friendlier. So that should make you happy. *hug* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug again*
That took an extremely long amount of time, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you all like this chapter!! The timing in the story may be off by now - I don't remember how many days ago that it was a week 'til Midwinter. But from now on, it should be pretty clear, when Midwinter's Eve comes along. That'll probably be next chapter.
________________
Chapter 8: Reasons Explained
Evening saw Faramir back in the Steward's rooms, searching for the missing book. He and Beregond had already gone through them twice, but Faramir couldn't rest until the book was found. He was kicking himself for not keeping track of his things better. He sat down in a chair for a moment, and closed his eyes.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"{Cuiva! Tiro!}" Faramir shook his elder brother, and pointed at the window.
"Faramir," his brother answered drowsily. "Speak so that I can understand you." He rolled over on the couch.
"I said, 'Wake up! Look!' And I said that because it's snowing outside!" Faramir responded excitedly. Boromir got up and ran over to the window. "See? I told you."
"It is snowing," he said.
"I already told you that."
"It hasn't snowed for three years, you know. I can't believe this! How lucky!" He turned to his younger brother. "Let's go ask if we can go outside to play."
Faramir beamed. "Have you finished your nap?" he teased.
"Little brother, you should know by now that all warriors need their strength more than anything. I was merely storing strength," Boromir said loftily.
"Warriors need to be clever too, so that they can plan their battles. One hundred warriors strolling around looking for Orcs would be killed as fast as that -" he snapped his fingers "- no matter how well they fight."
"Well, I should have no problem with cleverness," Boromir said proudly. "I can just take you along in my knapsack, and pull you out anytime I discuss military strategy." The pair chuckled, as Boromir walked over to a nearby table, picking up a book. "I wonder how you can even understand this - Father must have known that you had a talent for languages. You practically taught Sindarin to yourself."
Faramir blushed slightly. "No - Mithrandir helped me when he was here."
"You're too modest, Faramir. Here," he gave Faramir the book. "Keep it safe. It's the only book in the City about Sindarin itself, instead of being written in Sindarin."
"I will always keep it safe," Faramir said softly, running his hand across the dedication on the title page. "It is special."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir gave a heavy sigh, trying to disperse the memory. [What did I do with that book? I could have sworn it was here.] He had just started searching his memory for the umpteenth time when a soft knock sounded on the door. "Come," he said.
Legoals opened the door. "I just wanted to see how you were doing," he said.
Faramir smiled. "Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you. I'm quite fine, though."
"No more headaches?"
"None whatever. Thank you for asking," Faramir replied.
"I'm glad." Legolas paused. "What is troubling you, then?"
Faramir was surprised that the Elf could tell. He was trying very hard not to draw attention to himself. "Nothing important," he said quickly. Legolas looked at him intently. "I just lost something."
"What?"
"A book. I thought it was on the shelf, but I can't find it."
Legolas gave a mysterious smile, puzzling Faramir. "I'm sure it will turn up eventually." He changed the subject. "So - Aragorn said you were coming to his Midwinter celebration." Faramir nodded. "I'm glad you are. I was hoping he'd ask you. I'm quite looking forward to it." Faramir smiled, suddenly looking forward to the party himself. "What was it like when your father was Steward?"
Faramir looked at Legolas. [Why does he want to know?] He answered himself. [He does seem genuinely interested.] "It wasn't much of a party," he admitted. "It was more of an official meeting for the nobles. A chance for them to talk about themselves, and gather ammunition for the council debates." They laughed. "I rarely went," he continued.
"Why? Were you not in the City on Midwinter?"
Faramir really didn't want to answer, so he tried a non-answer, hoping he wouldn't have to tell Legolas why he never went. "No, the only time I wasn't in the City was three years ago. There was a band of Orcs in Ithilien, and we had to make sure they did no harm."
"I see. So why did you never go?"
Faramir tried desperately to come up with a good answer.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Faramir!!" He snapped to attention, as his father came into the room. "You are back. I did not expect you for a few days."
"No, our Company came back earlier than expected. The Captain said he'd reported -"
"Obviously he did not." Denethor scowled. "You know that in this year you have been officially declared of age."
"Yes, my Lord." Faramir stood straighter.
"And that you now should participate in the social practices of the Steward."
"Yes, my Lord."
"And that the Midwinter party is just that."
Again, Faramir replied, "Yes, my Lord."
"I do not want you coming. You are to stay out of sight on Midwinter. I do not want to exhibit you to the Council, such a failure after my Boromir."
Faramir's head drooped slightly. "Yes, my Lord."
"Then I will leave you. And mind what I said - I do not want to see you at all on Midwinter." Denethor turned on his heel and left the Hall. [Well,] thought Faramir, in an effort to cheer himself, [at least I don't have to buy any gifts for the Council.] But he could not make himself smile, and so, he went back to his rooms.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir saw no point in lying to Legolas. "My father did not want me to be there."
"Oh," Legolas said, obviously feeling uncomfortable.
"Let's not talk about me. Have you planned your trip to Mirkwood yet?"
"No, not yet. I was hoping to time mine to not coincide with your own trip. Aragorn, I think, can't afford to lose us both at the same time," he said with a laugh. He suddenly turned serious again. "Faramir, I actually had another reason for coming here."
"What is it?" asked Faramir, slightly worried by the Elf's tone.
"I think there's a reason, a real reason, why you don't want to live here in the Steward's rooms. I want to give you the opportunity to tell me." Faramir's eyes narrowed. "Don't take this as an offense - but you really haven't been yourself lately. Is there something else that we should know?"
Faramir was in shock. [Why is he even asking me this?] "Why would you think there is?" He stood up, and walked over to the bookshelf, where his book was supposed to be. [Why can't they just leave me alone? Why must they always ask me such things?]
"Faramir? I don't want to upset you." Faramir gave him a look, telling him that he was. "You need someone to talk to. You can't always keep everything to yourself." Again, he just looked at Legolas. "Please, Faramir." Faramir turned away. "Do you think that Boromir or, or even Denethor, would want to see you unhappy?"
"I am not unhappy."
"You are," he pressed. "And I want to help. Tell me." Faramir shook his head. [I may be acting like a stubborn child, but I don't want to think on this. It will only make me feel any guiltier.] "I'm not leaving until you tell me. We Elves are noted for our stubbornness." He sat deliberately down. Faramir couldn't help but laugh.
"I can see why."
"Well?"
Faramir sighed, and sat next to him. "You will think less of me, but very well." He took a deep breath. "My father raised me to be dutiful, and to follow all of Gondor's traditions. Well, in Gondor, the Steward is not allowed to enter these rooms until after the old Steward, his father, has been buried." His voice shook slightly. Legolas put a supportive arm on his shoulder. "Boromir went out to sea, and you gave him what honours you could, but he has no grave. And Father -" He stopped, unable to continue, resting his head in his hands.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Legolas said. "I didn't know -" He too stopped, not knowing what to say.
Faramir lifted grief-filled eyes. "You could not know. And yes, I should not worry about this, for they are gone, and the tradition means nothing, but I do. I can't help it."
"Faramir," Legolas said firmly, "you have every right to feel the way you do. I will talk to Aragorn for you. Everything will turn out well in the end."