Disclaimer: Faramir and all other things in here are not mine.
For lack of anything better, the Gondorians place their presents under trees. It makes no sense, I know, but I wracked my brains for ages trying to come up with something better, but to no avail. Sorry for the un-Middle- Earth-iness of it all.
Yes - I waited another day to update again. Sorry. I plead the excuse of seeing RotK again.
Cariad: *hug* Thanks for the review!! About Aragorn - did you read the response to Grumpy right before Chapter Five? If not, I recommend that you do. It clears up a lot of the Aragorn and Faramir mess. If you already did that, and you still are a bit iffy, try this: Even though Gandalf may have told Aragorn, and Aragorn already knew about Denethor, I'm sure, still - Aragorn has a lot of other things on his mind. He really doesn't know better, I think - it's only been a few months, and Aragorn never saw firsthand exactly how cruel Denethor was. Also, as Blue Iris pointed out, Aragorn has lived with the Dunedain, who have far different morals and such. The Dunedain are hard men, who, I am sure, never had to deal with people like Faramir, who is more sensitive than maybe your average guy. If you still don't like it - sorry. I hope you like the rest of the story anyway!! Maybe this chapter will make you like this Aragorn here *drags him over* better. *teehee* Thanks for the review again!! It's good to hear other opinions as well, and I appreciate it!! THANKS!! *hug*
Always-a-kiwi: YOU REVIEWED AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again* *hands you a Faramir action figure* Enjoy!! Anyway - well - I have Legolas as stubborn, because in FotR, when they're entering Lothlorien, neither Gimli nor Legolas want their eyes bound, and Aragorn says, "A curse on the stiff necks of Elves!" So that's where I got that from. Yes - 11 months is too long. I read somewhere that they filmed Faramir and Eowyn's wedding, which I think would be awesome - but they may not have, and it may not make it to EE anyways. I'm thinking on this being 11 or 12 chapters, depending. THANKS AGAIN FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
LeeAnn: *hug* YOU REVIEWED AGAIN TOO!! *hug again* I'm glad that you liked the explanation. *huggles Faramir* I'll give him any hugs he needs!! *grin* Anyway - I wasn't thinking of having Legolas travel with him - that's why I made up that trip for him to Mirkwood, so that they wouldn't go together. It's hard to have Faramir angst when there's THREE people who care about the guy hanging around - it's going to be hard enough with just Eomer and Eowyn. Glad you're enjoying the action figure. Yes - I too was very impressed with Faramir's sword-fighting skills during those really scary minutes in Osgiliath. I was whimpering!! THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Elektra12: *hug* YOU REVIEWED!! THANKS!! Yes - we now know what's been bugging poor Faramir. It seems to me that if I were him, I'd have more than that bugging me, but oh well. Aww. *huggles him* I think Legolas would be a good friend, because he is so perceptive, and since he's an Elf, he doesn't mind listening to other people. Elves make good buddies. THANKS AGAIN FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Angel: *hug* *hug again* YAY!! You reviewed again!! *hands you a Faramir action figure* Yupyup - the book was given to him by Denethor. In Chapter 7, Aragorn reads the dedication: 'To my beloved son Faramir, on the occasion of Midwinter, in the year 2989'. And remember in Chapter 3, Denethor gives Faramir a book of Sindarin grammar? That's all the same book. Maybe I should have made that clearer. Sorry. So anyway, that makes Denethor warmer there. I'm glad you like my Faramir. *pats him on head* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Lirenel: *hug* I can't believe - YOU reviewed!! I just want to say that I love all your stories and - and - I love your Faramir - and - and - I think you are awesome - and - and - one of the first fanfics I ever read was "Faramir's Story", and it was one of the fanfics that really got me hooked on fanfics, which eventually led to me writing this!! THANKS SO MUCH!! *faints* Anyway - *hug* sorry. Faramir feels better in this chapter, and it all goes up from here, so Faramir the Great will be perkier soon. Never fear!! I wouldn't leave him in dire straits without the assurance that he'd be happier soon anyways. THANKS SO MUCH FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Bex: YAY!! *hug* Thanks for the review!! If you're feeling about Aragorn, try reading the response to Grumpy in front of Chapter 5, and the response to Cariad in this chapter. That may make Aragorn seem better. Also - Aragorn gets nicer and nicer in this chapter too, so all is not lost!! I like Aragorn a lot, so - even though I think he is somewhat flawed (as is Faramir, to be fair) - I would NEVER make him mean. I just think he's a little on the insensitive side. I'm glad you're enjoying the story - it makes me happy-happy!! THANKS!! Yes - I like David Wenham as Faramir a lot - even with the blonde hair. When he started tearing. *cry* *grabs hankie* Anyway. THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!! *hug*
Toria: THANKS SO MUCH!! *hug* I'm glad you like my Faramir. I like him too. And yes - FARAMIR IS THE GREATEST!! HANDS DOWN, NO CONTEST!! *cough* Anyway - thanks for your praise - it was really nice of you to say so. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug*
_________________________
Chapter 9: Midwinter's Eve
Faramir smiled with satisfaction at the table of presents before him. [At least I'm finished with wrapping everything.] He looked at the sky, noting with pleasure that the hour was still early. In his mind, he double-checked to make sure that all the gifts were here. [Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli, Beregond.] He looked about suddenly, searching for Eowyn's gifts, before remembering that he had already sent them out, along with those for Eomer, and his uncle, Imrahil.
He then surveyed the rest of the room with his eyes, hoping desperately to see his book, but it was not there. He sighed, then found his boots and pulled them on. Looking again at the sky, he paused for a moment, then left the rooms. [Since I've been so late on the previous appointments with Aragorn, I had best get there a bit earlier today.]
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Boromir and Faramir sat at the table. "Well, little brother, it's almost Midwinter," Boromir said.
"Yes, it is," Faramir responded, as he took another sip of wine. "Shouldn't you be going soon? Father would not be pleased if you are late."
"No - I think my absence can go unnoticed for a little while. The party lasts all day, anyway. Besides, I want to see you too."
Faramir smiled. "I should think you would rather see Lord Pouil. He may try to enlighten you about the history of Midwinter, and such a lecture you cannot afford to miss."
Boromir chuckled. "That's why I enjoy spending time with you. You know just as much as old Pouil any day, but at least you don't try to bore me to death."
"Would you let me try? Something tells me that you would either pour wine on me or box my ears."
"I probably would." The brothers laughed. The bell tower tolled twelve times, as the pair sat in silence listening. When the chimes stopped, Boromir spoke. "Well, since it's officially Midwinter, I can now give you your gift." He stood up.
Faramir stood up as well. "And I can give you yours." They both knelt under the tree, and, shoving a few wrapped packages about, finally emerged with a box each. "Happy Midwinter, Boromir," he said, as he put the package into his brother's arms.
"Happy Midwinter, Faramir," Boromir replied, as he did the same. They walked back to the table, and rested the presents on the top. Then they stared at each other and laughed. "Well? Aren't you going to open it?"
"No, you go first. It's only right," Faramir protested.
"No, Faramir, you should go first. I'm the oldest, so I get to choose."
"No, you're the oldest, so you open yours first."
Boromir sighed. "Why do we always have this problem every year?"
"I suppose it's the excitement of giving," Faramir said.
"I think it's more the anxiety of seeing whether or not we'll like the gift." They laughed. "So," Boromir said. "Open it."
"No - you can." They chuckled. "I have an idea - we'll flip a coin." Faramir produced one. "I'll flip it, and you call it."
"Fair enough," he agreed. As Faramir flipped the coin, he called heads, and the coin landed on it.
"Go ahead," Faramir said with a smirk. Boromir ripped apart the wrapping, and opened the box.
"Faramir, this is too much," he said quietly, as he lifted the gift from the paper. Faramir beamed as Boromir turned them around in his hands. "Faramir," he said again, speechless. In Boromir's hands was a new set of vambraces, embossed with the White Tree. All vambraces worn by Gondorians were decorated so, but these were far more elaborate. The White Tree's branches spread out across the length of the vambrace, and the leather was much more rich and supple.
"May you wear them with pride always and think of me," Faramir said quietly.
"Faramir, this is too much. I can't -" Boromir began.
"You are Gondor's finest. You are the Captain-General. And you are the greatest brother anyone could ask for."
Boromir looked up at Faramir, emotion in his face. "Thank you," he said simply. "And now you must open your gift."
Faramir neatly tore through the packaging, revealing a simple box. He opened it, and moved aside the paper. "Boromir -"
"Now that you're Captain of the Ithilien Rangers, you deserve a cloak to match. The man told me that it was made with dye from plants in Ithilien, so that you could blend in even better."
"I don't deserve -"
"In my mind, you deserve far better. But it's the least I can do."
Faramir lifted his eyes to meet Boromir's. "Thank you." They stood and embraced.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir tugged at the cloak around his shoulders with his fingers, and straightened it out before he knocked on the door to Aragorn's rooms. After being admitted and announced, he entered the dining room. [The decorations here are lovely. They have an Elven touch,] he noted, looking at the tree, which appeared to have been dug out of the ground, so that it could be replaced.
"Faramir! You're a bit early. We weren't expecting you -" Aragorn said, glancing at Legolas.
"I can leave," he offered, turning around.
"No!" Legolas protested. "Maybe it would be better if he were part of this, Aragorn," he said quietly.
"Yes, I think so. Faramir, Legolas told me about your - conversation - yesterday." Faramir steeled himself against Aragorn's anger. "I can only say how deeply sorry I am. I had no idea - I'm not really familiar with a lot of the customs."
Faramir was in shock. "You're not angry with me?"
"Of course I'm not angry with you! Why would you think that?"
Faramir looked down at his feet. "I don't know."
"Well, Legolas has come up with an idea. You say that Boromir and Denethor need burials."
"I never said - that's impossible - there's no way that it could happen."
"Yes, there is. We may not be able to bury them, but we can bury something that belonged to them. The ashes of Rath Dinen were saved. And I have something of Boromir's." Aragorn opened a small wrapping that had been in hands.
"The vambraces! I thought he had lost them, when he wasn't wearing them - when I saw the boat -" Faramir choked out, and ran forward. "I can't believe -"
"I took them," Aragorn admitted. "I wanted something to remember him by. But the City, and you, reminds me of him. If you don't mind of course, these would be perfect."
Faramir nodded his head numbly. "That's - they -" He took them into his own hands.
Aragorn looked at Faramir. "I hope I did not offend you."
"No - not at all. I just - I don't know." His voice trailed off. Faramir looked down at the vambraces, and rubbed his fingers into the familiar grooves. "I gave these to him," he said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. "I told him he was the best brother a man could have. And he was."
"Faramir?" Legolas's voice intruded his thoughts.
"I'm sorry. Yes - these would be perfect." He looked up, faint tears in his eyes.
"Good. I'm glad," Aragorn said. "But there remains another question. Where do you wish them to be buried?"
"Oh - I don't -" Faramir stuttered.
"If you want to think about it for a while, or if you would prefer to have the dwarves rebuild Rath Dinen - just think on it," Aragorn said.
"Thank you. But - the tomb of the Stewards - it would be so long before it could be rebuilt," Faramir replied.
"Can you think of anywhere else suitable?" Legolas prompted.
Faramir turned his eyes to the sunlight streaming through the window. "There is the room in the Memorial Gardens for the War, is there not?"
"Yes," Aragorn answered.
"It may be against tradition, and be disrespectful of the dead, but when the Silent Street is rebuilt, a memorial could be built after," Faramir said slowly. "What think you?"
"It's ultimately your decision, but I think it's a wonderful idea. And I do not think that it is disrespectful at all," Aragorn said.
"Thank you," Faramir replied. "It means a lot to me to know you think so." He fought hard against the tears welling in his eyes.
"I will ask the stone carvers already in the City to create a memorial for the graves. If you can wait a week or so, then they can carve something magnificent. Until then, if you wish, you can stay somewhere else -" Aragorn offered.
"No - there's really no need. I feel better just knowing that they will have a burial." He paused. "Thank you, Aragorn."
"It's the least I can do, Faramir."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir stayed later than he had thought he would. Beregond was waiting for him when he returned, obviously a little surprised himself that Faramir had stayed so late. "I'm sorry, Beregond," Faramir immediately said. "I really didn't expect to stay that late."
"Not at all, Captain - I was just getting a little worried - you did fall down the stairs only a few days ago," Beregond said.
"Well then, you had best be going, hadn't you?"
"Going where, Captain?"
"Home to your family, Beregond. Surely you're spending tonight and tomorrow with them."
"No - I am here to serve you."
"No - you are Captain of the White Guard - that means you get special privileges from your position. Which means that you are spending this time with your family," Faramir obstinately said.
"Thank you Captain," Beregond said. "Then I will take my leave -"
"Just one more thing." Faramir bent under the tree, and emerged with a flat package. "This is for you, Beregond. Happy Midwinter."
"Captain! I couldn't -" Beregond protested.
"You will," Faramir said. He grinned. "Well? Aren't you going to open it?"
Beregond carefully removed the wrapping paper. "Valar," he breathed, as he lifted from the paper a watercolour of his wife and son. "Captain - this is wonderful," he said. He looked up. "How can I ever repay you?"
"There is one thing you can do," Faramir said mischievously.
"Anything, Captain," Beregond replied readily.
"Call me Faramir. Happy Midwinter, Beregond. Give my regards to Morwen and Bergil."
"I will, Faramir, I will. And thank you."
For lack of anything better, the Gondorians place their presents under trees. It makes no sense, I know, but I wracked my brains for ages trying to come up with something better, but to no avail. Sorry for the un-Middle- Earth-iness of it all.
Yes - I waited another day to update again. Sorry. I plead the excuse of seeing RotK again.
Cariad: *hug* Thanks for the review!! About Aragorn - did you read the response to Grumpy right before Chapter Five? If not, I recommend that you do. It clears up a lot of the Aragorn and Faramir mess. If you already did that, and you still are a bit iffy, try this: Even though Gandalf may have told Aragorn, and Aragorn already knew about Denethor, I'm sure, still - Aragorn has a lot of other things on his mind. He really doesn't know better, I think - it's only been a few months, and Aragorn never saw firsthand exactly how cruel Denethor was. Also, as Blue Iris pointed out, Aragorn has lived with the Dunedain, who have far different morals and such. The Dunedain are hard men, who, I am sure, never had to deal with people like Faramir, who is more sensitive than maybe your average guy. If you still don't like it - sorry. I hope you like the rest of the story anyway!! Maybe this chapter will make you like this Aragorn here *drags him over* better. *teehee* Thanks for the review again!! It's good to hear other opinions as well, and I appreciate it!! THANKS!! *hug*
Always-a-kiwi: YOU REVIEWED AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again* *hands you a Faramir action figure* Enjoy!! Anyway - well - I have Legolas as stubborn, because in FotR, when they're entering Lothlorien, neither Gimli nor Legolas want their eyes bound, and Aragorn says, "A curse on the stiff necks of Elves!" So that's where I got that from. Yes - 11 months is too long. I read somewhere that they filmed Faramir and Eowyn's wedding, which I think would be awesome - but they may not have, and it may not make it to EE anyways. I'm thinking on this being 11 or 12 chapters, depending. THANKS AGAIN FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
LeeAnn: *hug* YOU REVIEWED AGAIN TOO!! *hug again* I'm glad that you liked the explanation. *huggles Faramir* I'll give him any hugs he needs!! *grin* Anyway - I wasn't thinking of having Legolas travel with him - that's why I made up that trip for him to Mirkwood, so that they wouldn't go together. It's hard to have Faramir angst when there's THREE people who care about the guy hanging around - it's going to be hard enough with just Eomer and Eowyn. Glad you're enjoying the action figure. Yes - I too was very impressed with Faramir's sword-fighting skills during those really scary minutes in Osgiliath. I was whimpering!! THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Elektra12: *hug* YOU REVIEWED!! THANKS!! Yes - we now know what's been bugging poor Faramir. It seems to me that if I were him, I'd have more than that bugging me, but oh well. Aww. *huggles him* I think Legolas would be a good friend, because he is so perceptive, and since he's an Elf, he doesn't mind listening to other people. Elves make good buddies. THANKS AGAIN FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Angel: *hug* *hug again* YAY!! You reviewed again!! *hands you a Faramir action figure* Yupyup - the book was given to him by Denethor. In Chapter 7, Aragorn reads the dedication: 'To my beloved son Faramir, on the occasion of Midwinter, in the year 2989'. And remember in Chapter 3, Denethor gives Faramir a book of Sindarin grammar? That's all the same book. Maybe I should have made that clearer. Sorry. So anyway, that makes Denethor warmer there. I'm glad you like my Faramir. *pats him on head* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Lirenel: *hug* I can't believe - YOU reviewed!! I just want to say that I love all your stories and - and - I love your Faramir - and - and - I think you are awesome - and - and - one of the first fanfics I ever read was "Faramir's Story", and it was one of the fanfics that really got me hooked on fanfics, which eventually led to me writing this!! THANKS SO MUCH!! *faints* Anyway - *hug* sorry. Faramir feels better in this chapter, and it all goes up from here, so Faramir the Great will be perkier soon. Never fear!! I wouldn't leave him in dire straits without the assurance that he'd be happier soon anyways. THANKS SO MUCH FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again*
Bex: YAY!! *hug* Thanks for the review!! If you're feeling about Aragorn, try reading the response to Grumpy in front of Chapter 5, and the response to Cariad in this chapter. That may make Aragorn seem better. Also - Aragorn gets nicer and nicer in this chapter too, so all is not lost!! I like Aragorn a lot, so - even though I think he is somewhat flawed (as is Faramir, to be fair) - I would NEVER make him mean. I just think he's a little on the insensitive side. I'm glad you're enjoying the story - it makes me happy-happy!! THANKS!! Yes - I like David Wenham as Faramir a lot - even with the blonde hair. When he started tearing. *cry* *grabs hankie* Anyway. THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!! *hug*
Toria: THANKS SO MUCH!! *hug* I'm glad you like my Faramir. I like him too. And yes - FARAMIR IS THE GREATEST!! HANDS DOWN, NO CONTEST!! *cough* Anyway - thanks for your praise - it was really nice of you to say so. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug*
_________________________
Chapter 9: Midwinter's Eve
Faramir smiled with satisfaction at the table of presents before him. [At least I'm finished with wrapping everything.] He looked at the sky, noting with pleasure that the hour was still early. In his mind, he double-checked to make sure that all the gifts were here. [Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli, Beregond.] He looked about suddenly, searching for Eowyn's gifts, before remembering that he had already sent them out, along with those for Eomer, and his uncle, Imrahil.
He then surveyed the rest of the room with his eyes, hoping desperately to see his book, but it was not there. He sighed, then found his boots and pulled them on. Looking again at the sky, he paused for a moment, then left the rooms. [Since I've been so late on the previous appointments with Aragorn, I had best get there a bit earlier today.]
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Boromir and Faramir sat at the table. "Well, little brother, it's almost Midwinter," Boromir said.
"Yes, it is," Faramir responded, as he took another sip of wine. "Shouldn't you be going soon? Father would not be pleased if you are late."
"No - I think my absence can go unnoticed for a little while. The party lasts all day, anyway. Besides, I want to see you too."
Faramir smiled. "I should think you would rather see Lord Pouil. He may try to enlighten you about the history of Midwinter, and such a lecture you cannot afford to miss."
Boromir chuckled. "That's why I enjoy spending time with you. You know just as much as old Pouil any day, but at least you don't try to bore me to death."
"Would you let me try? Something tells me that you would either pour wine on me or box my ears."
"I probably would." The brothers laughed. The bell tower tolled twelve times, as the pair sat in silence listening. When the chimes stopped, Boromir spoke. "Well, since it's officially Midwinter, I can now give you your gift." He stood up.
Faramir stood up as well. "And I can give you yours." They both knelt under the tree, and, shoving a few wrapped packages about, finally emerged with a box each. "Happy Midwinter, Boromir," he said, as he put the package into his brother's arms.
"Happy Midwinter, Faramir," Boromir replied, as he did the same. They walked back to the table, and rested the presents on the top. Then they stared at each other and laughed. "Well? Aren't you going to open it?"
"No, you go first. It's only right," Faramir protested.
"No, Faramir, you should go first. I'm the oldest, so I get to choose."
"No, you're the oldest, so you open yours first."
Boromir sighed. "Why do we always have this problem every year?"
"I suppose it's the excitement of giving," Faramir said.
"I think it's more the anxiety of seeing whether or not we'll like the gift." They laughed. "So," Boromir said. "Open it."
"No - you can." They chuckled. "I have an idea - we'll flip a coin." Faramir produced one. "I'll flip it, and you call it."
"Fair enough," he agreed. As Faramir flipped the coin, he called heads, and the coin landed on it.
"Go ahead," Faramir said with a smirk. Boromir ripped apart the wrapping, and opened the box.
"Faramir, this is too much," he said quietly, as he lifted the gift from the paper. Faramir beamed as Boromir turned them around in his hands. "Faramir," he said again, speechless. In Boromir's hands was a new set of vambraces, embossed with the White Tree. All vambraces worn by Gondorians were decorated so, but these were far more elaborate. The White Tree's branches spread out across the length of the vambrace, and the leather was much more rich and supple.
"May you wear them with pride always and think of me," Faramir said quietly.
"Faramir, this is too much. I can't -" Boromir began.
"You are Gondor's finest. You are the Captain-General. And you are the greatest brother anyone could ask for."
Boromir looked up at Faramir, emotion in his face. "Thank you," he said simply. "And now you must open your gift."
Faramir neatly tore through the packaging, revealing a simple box. He opened it, and moved aside the paper. "Boromir -"
"Now that you're Captain of the Ithilien Rangers, you deserve a cloak to match. The man told me that it was made with dye from plants in Ithilien, so that you could blend in even better."
"I don't deserve -"
"In my mind, you deserve far better. But it's the least I can do."
Faramir lifted his eyes to meet Boromir's. "Thank you." They stood and embraced.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir tugged at the cloak around his shoulders with his fingers, and straightened it out before he knocked on the door to Aragorn's rooms. After being admitted and announced, he entered the dining room. [The decorations here are lovely. They have an Elven touch,] he noted, looking at the tree, which appeared to have been dug out of the ground, so that it could be replaced.
"Faramir! You're a bit early. We weren't expecting you -" Aragorn said, glancing at Legolas.
"I can leave," he offered, turning around.
"No!" Legolas protested. "Maybe it would be better if he were part of this, Aragorn," he said quietly.
"Yes, I think so. Faramir, Legolas told me about your - conversation - yesterday." Faramir steeled himself against Aragorn's anger. "I can only say how deeply sorry I am. I had no idea - I'm not really familiar with a lot of the customs."
Faramir was in shock. "You're not angry with me?"
"Of course I'm not angry with you! Why would you think that?"
Faramir looked down at his feet. "I don't know."
"Well, Legolas has come up with an idea. You say that Boromir and Denethor need burials."
"I never said - that's impossible - there's no way that it could happen."
"Yes, there is. We may not be able to bury them, but we can bury something that belonged to them. The ashes of Rath Dinen were saved. And I have something of Boromir's." Aragorn opened a small wrapping that had been in hands.
"The vambraces! I thought he had lost them, when he wasn't wearing them - when I saw the boat -" Faramir choked out, and ran forward. "I can't believe -"
"I took them," Aragorn admitted. "I wanted something to remember him by. But the City, and you, reminds me of him. If you don't mind of course, these would be perfect."
Faramir nodded his head numbly. "That's - they -" He took them into his own hands.
Aragorn looked at Faramir. "I hope I did not offend you."
"No - not at all. I just - I don't know." His voice trailed off. Faramir looked down at the vambraces, and rubbed his fingers into the familiar grooves. "I gave these to him," he said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. "I told him he was the best brother a man could have. And he was."
"Faramir?" Legolas's voice intruded his thoughts.
"I'm sorry. Yes - these would be perfect." He looked up, faint tears in his eyes.
"Good. I'm glad," Aragorn said. "But there remains another question. Where do you wish them to be buried?"
"Oh - I don't -" Faramir stuttered.
"If you want to think about it for a while, or if you would prefer to have the dwarves rebuild Rath Dinen - just think on it," Aragorn said.
"Thank you. But - the tomb of the Stewards - it would be so long before it could be rebuilt," Faramir replied.
"Can you think of anywhere else suitable?" Legolas prompted.
Faramir turned his eyes to the sunlight streaming through the window. "There is the room in the Memorial Gardens for the War, is there not?"
"Yes," Aragorn answered.
"It may be against tradition, and be disrespectful of the dead, but when the Silent Street is rebuilt, a memorial could be built after," Faramir said slowly. "What think you?"
"It's ultimately your decision, but I think it's a wonderful idea. And I do not think that it is disrespectful at all," Aragorn said.
"Thank you," Faramir replied. "It means a lot to me to know you think so." He fought hard against the tears welling in his eyes.
"I will ask the stone carvers already in the City to create a memorial for the graves. If you can wait a week or so, then they can carve something magnificent. Until then, if you wish, you can stay somewhere else -" Aragorn offered.
"No - there's really no need. I feel better just knowing that they will have a burial." He paused. "Thank you, Aragorn."
"It's the least I can do, Faramir."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir stayed later than he had thought he would. Beregond was waiting for him when he returned, obviously a little surprised himself that Faramir had stayed so late. "I'm sorry, Beregond," Faramir immediately said. "I really didn't expect to stay that late."
"Not at all, Captain - I was just getting a little worried - you did fall down the stairs only a few days ago," Beregond said.
"Well then, you had best be going, hadn't you?"
"Going where, Captain?"
"Home to your family, Beregond. Surely you're spending tonight and tomorrow with them."
"No - I am here to serve you."
"No - you are Captain of the White Guard - that means you get special privileges from your position. Which means that you are spending this time with your family," Faramir obstinately said.
"Thank you Captain," Beregond said. "Then I will take my leave -"
"Just one more thing." Faramir bent under the tree, and emerged with a flat package. "This is for you, Beregond. Happy Midwinter."
"Captain! I couldn't -" Beregond protested.
"You will," Faramir said. He grinned. "Well? Aren't you going to open it?"
Beregond carefully removed the wrapping paper. "Valar," he breathed, as he lifted from the paper a watercolour of his wife and son. "Captain - this is wonderful," he said. He looked up. "How can I ever repay you?"
"There is one thing you can do," Faramir said mischievously.
"Anything, Captain," Beregond replied readily.
"Call me Faramir. Happy Midwinter, Beregond. Give my regards to Morwen and Bergil."
"I will, Faramir, I will. And thank you."