Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings and Faramir (he warrants his own mention) are
not mine, *tear*.
Frodo16424: *hug* *hug again* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! Thanks for the praise on last chapter - it's very sweet of you. *touched* In FotR movie, Aragorn takes Boromir's vambraces, which is why he miraculously has Gondorian vambraces during TTT and RotK. So technically the idea isn't really mine. We can all thank Viggo for that. THANKS AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again* THANKS!! *hug*
Toria: YAY!! *hug* YOU REVIEWED AGAIN!! *hug again* *hands you a box of cream chocolates* Thanks a bundle of thanks!! *grins* Faramir IS sweet, isn't he? Awww. you just have to love him. I'm glad you like the story!! *hug* *hug again* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!
Reiven: THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again* I liked Boromir a lot too, but I think that Faramir's more the type for me. As for him being human: well, he IS a human, whereas Legolas and Gimli are not. Boromir is a vulnerable character, which makes him believable. But so is Faramir. Faramir's everything that is good!! *teehee* I'm just glad that you like the story - knowing that people like it makes me very pleased with myself!! I've discovered that writing is a major ego boost. THANKS AGAIN!! *hug*
Callie3: *hug* THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!! *hug again* And thanks SO much for putting me on your favourites list. I was so touched. *hug* And telling me that Tolkien couldn't have done better!! *hug* *hug again* You DEFINITELY DESERVE - this!! *hands over a bottle of Schweppes's Lemonade* Drink of the Gods!! Thanks so much!! *blushes* Your review is SO nice!! *hug* Okay, I'll stop now. Anyway - Faramir's leg problems - I actually got that from history. One of the Georgian heirs to the crown - gah - I forgot which - had to wear them. It's just from having weak joints, and that the legs aren't growing straight. Something tells me it was Victoria or Alexandra's kids, but I really don't remember. Sorry!! THANKS AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again*
ElaineMc: THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again* Thanks for the praise!! I was pretty worried about character interaction, and hearing from you has helped to stave off some of that. So thanks a bundle!! *hug* THANKS!! *hug again*
LeeAnn: *hug* *hug again* It's so nice of you to keep reviewing!! *touched* I tried to include some Faramir and Beregond stuff just for you, so I'm glad that you liked it!! I miss Boromir as well - he was such a good brother to our Faramir. The book thingy gets settled in this chapter, so feel comforted. THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN AND AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again*
This is a nice, light, fluffy chapter. Sorry for all the angst-lovers. *opens a bag of white fluffy fake snow* I threw Arwen in here for good measure, but she's a little ditzy. Sorry about that. I tried to come up with a witty repartee for them all, but I think I failed miserably. Something tells me that angst is more my thing. This is the second to last chapter, and the next one's really short, so just telling you now.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!
HAPPY MIDWINTER!!
__________________
Chapter Ten: Midwinter's Day
Faramir picked up the last of the gifts on the table, and put them into his arms. Most of them were small, except for one very large, flat box that he tucked under his left arm, balancing the other gifts in his right. Hastening to the King's quarters, he was admitted to an empty room, just as he hoped. As soon as the door was shut behind him, he walked quickly over to the tree and piled the boxes under it. Taking a step back, he looked with satisfaction at the gifts, and then left the room.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir knocked on the door to Legolas's apartments. The Elf, dressed in a festive shade of green, answered the door himself. "Happy Midwinter, Legolas," Faramir said.
"And Happy Midwinter to you, Faramir. Are you ready?"
"Aye. Are you?"
"Yes." Legolas closed the door behind him. "It was kind of you to wait for me," he said.
"One good turn deserves another," Faramir replied. "I wanted to thank you, for all that you have done for me these past few weeks."
"No thanks is needed between friends," Legolas answered. Faramir smiled, and they began to walk towards Gimli's rooms. "I wonder if Gimli will be ready - he may still have to spend another hour grooming his beard." They spoke merrily on the way to Gimli's rooms. When they reached the door, Legolas knocked loudly. "Master Dwarf? Are you ready? We are waiting for you."
Gimli emerged almost immediately. "Since when could an Elf be ready before a Dwarf? I thought I should linger here until you were ready, instead of sitting outside your door waiting." He raised his eyebrows at Faramir. "I see you had someone to do that for you," he said, a twinkle in his eye.
"Not at all, Gimli. I was merely passing by, and it occurred to me that Legolas might be ready," Faramir replied loftily. "And, Gimli, we had to come for you - I thought it was the tradition of the Dwarves to always arrive early. Which means that you were taking your own time, and were the latest of all three." A smile betrayed his voice, and Gimli began to laugh.
"I should have known better than to argue with you, Faramir. You know our traditions better than I," Gimli conceded with a chuckle. "Well, shall we be leaving? I am anxious to test the fine wine of your City."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
"Happy Midwinter," Aragorn rose greeted them all, with Queen Arwen following suit. Faramir, Legolas, and Gimli did the same, and took their seats at the table. The lunch was enjoyable for everyone, though Faramir found himself wishing that Eowyn was sitting at his side. Still, he had resolved not to depress himself, and he was trying earnestly to focus on that thought. [This is a day for celebration, and the last thing I want, or anyone wants, is to be glum.] Eventually, the time came for unwrapping gifts, and the group left the dining room to relax in the living room. Aragorn and Arwen were astonished, when they entered the room, to find everyone's presents piled under the tree.
"How did all of these get to be here?" Aragorn asked Legolas.
"Why are you looking at me?" he responded with a laugh.
Arwen broke in with a smile. "It's always the Elves who pull such tricks. I suspect you too, Legolas. Do you confess?"
"It wasn't me, honestly!" Legolas laughed. "It was Faramir. Gimli and I gave all our presents to him to bring in - he's the only one who can really come and go unannounced. We wanted it to be a surprise." Legolas looked approvingly at the tree. "I must say, Faramir, you did an excellent job."
Faramir gave a mock bow. "Thank you," he giggled. "I tried to incorporate the gifts in such a way that everyone's were fairly represented."
Gimli gave a nod of approval. "That you did, Faramir. However," he grunted, "you displayed the gifts from me that were wrapped most poorly in front."
Aragorn gave an exasperated sigh. "Well, Gimli, that can be amended by distributing the gifts to their rightful owners!" He looked expectantly at the Dwarf. "Well? Do you care to do the honours? You are, after all, the closest to the presents, since you are also the closest to the floor," he said with a wink.
"I would prefer to have Faramir do it - he knows where all the gifts are anyway. He put them there." Aragorn asked Faramir to do so, and he agreed. Faramir knelt under the tree, and passed out the gifts to everyone. To his surprise, there were some boxes left under the tree. [What are these doing here?]
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Faramir?" Boromir asked, as he knelt down on the floor beside his brother. "Faramir? What's wrong?"
Faramir gave a guarded answer. "I have your present here."
"Where is your gift, Faramir? You didn't mention yours."
"I - there are no more."
"But this is Father's tree! It must be here." Boromir wiggled his way under the pine boughs, searching for another wrapped package. "There's nothing else," he said, a puzzled expression on his face.
The younger boy tried to hide his disappointment. "Oh. Well - it doesn't really matter anyway."
Boromir wrapped his arms around his brother. "I'm sure Father just forgot to put your present under the tree," he said confidently.
"Yes, he must have forgotten." Faramir replied, knowing that Denethor had not forgotten anything.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir put an arm out to read the tags on the strange gifts. His eyes widened as he read the labels. [For me? Why would anyone give me a present? I don't understand.] Faramir looked up.
"Don't leave your own gifts under the tree!" Arwen said with a laugh. "Pull them out." Faramir obeyed, surprise on his face.
"Well - in what order should we open them?" Gimli asked.
Aragorn smiled. "Ladies first."
Arwen made a face. "I am no lady. I am a she-Elf. But since you offered, I will open mine first." The group sat and joked over each gift, until Faramir's came up. [I hope she likes it,] Faramir thought worriedly. [I think she was the hardest to come up with a gift for.] Arwen gave a squeal of delight, as she lifted two silver goblets, engraved with Elven characters. "These are beautiful! Wherever did you get these?"
Faramir gave a small smile. "I am good friends with a silversmith, and."
"You put me to shame, Faramir," Aragorn laughed. "I should have thought of that."
"Thank you, Faramir. And that's all for me," she said. "Since I am finished, I get to decide who opens their gifts next. I choose Gimli."
Gimli progressed through his stack. Upon reaching Faramir, he gave a laugh. "I hope you didn't get me Elven goblets," he said.
"Valar forbid it," Faramir said, pretending to be serious.
"Well, here goes," Gimli said, as he ripped open the paper. Faramir cringed. [And I spent so much time wrapping that too.] "Well, I'll be -" he said, holding up the gift.
Aragorn laughed. "A pipe and a stash of Old Toby? Faramir, that's priceless!"
"I still hadn't gotten any replacement pipe. But how did you come by the weed?" he asked, sniffing it to check for freshness.
"I merely asked Merry and Pippin to send some along," Faramir shrugged. "And pipes are common enough."
"Well, I know what I will be doing tonight," Gimli said.
"Drinking Aragorn's wine?" Legolas quipped.
Gimli gave a little snarl. "No, that is what you will be doing. I will be calmly smoking my pipe-weed."
When Gimli had finished opening his gifts, he called upon Legolas to open his. Legolas reached for Faramir's gift first. "Since you seem to be so good at choosing gifts, I'm interested to see what you think I'll need," he smiled. Faramir felt his throat constrict slightly. [I don't think I've ever been so nervous before. Now I feel so much pressure!] Legolas neatly unwrapped the box, and opened it. "Well! How did you know?" Legolas's hand emerged from the box holding a good-sized lamp.
"You are so good at this!" Arwen said.
Faramir blushed. "I remembered that you said your rooms were too dark, so I thought that a lamp might help with that," he said simply. [I'm glad he likes it.]
"Thank you, Faramir, very much." Legolas smiled warmly at him, and continued along. When his presents were finished, Legolas again looked at him. "I want Faramir to open his gifts next."
"Me?" Faramir was slightly confused. [Wouldn't they want to leave me until last?] "What about Aragorn?"
"No - you're next," Aragorn said. "I'd like to know if we all are as good with presents as you are."
"Go on, Faramir," Arwen prompted. "We're all interested."
With a measure of uncertainty, he reached his hand out to the nearest box, discovering that it was the gift from Gimli. [I should have known,] he thought wryly, noting the wrinkled wrapping paper. He neatly unwrapped the paper, smoothing it out, before opening the box. "Gimli!" he exclaimed. "This is too much!"
"Nonsense," the Dwarf snorted.
"What is it?" Arwen asked. Faramir held up a roughly cut stone, sparkling with crystals. She turned to Gimli. "Where is that from?"
"The Glittering Caves," he replied. "When Legolas and I were there, the Rohirrim were kind enough to let me cut off a stone."
"Thank you so much, Gimli," Faramir said, still in awe.
"It was nothing, Faramir, really. You can really thank Eowyn. She persuaded them to let me," Gimli said. "Go ahead and open the next gift."
Faramir put the stone aside, and reached down to his feet, coming up with a heavier package. "Good, now you can open mine." Again, Faramir neatly unwrapped the package, and opened the box. He gave a small cry as he realized what was inside.
"Queen Arwen! These must be -" Faramir started.
"From Father's personal library, yes," she finished for him. "I took the liberty of raiding it before I left, and I thought those two books would interest you the most, since they are in Sindarin."
"May I see?" Legolas asked. Faramir passed the books over to him. "Hmm. interesting. Very scholarly. I doubt if we'll see Faramir until he finishes them," he laughed.
"What are they about? I can't read the titles," Gimli said.
"One of them tells of the events leading up to the Battle of Dagorlad, and some of the events after. The other one is a detailed history of all the rulers of Gondor, both the Kings and the Stewards," Arwen said. "That's why the second book is so thick."
"Thank you, my Lady," Faramir said. He glanced over at Legolas. "He's right. You probably won't see me until I'm through with them, so I apologize in advance." They laughed merrily.
Faramir reached down for the last gift. He picked up a rather large, heavy box, and looked at the tag. [Legolas.] He opened the paper, followed by the box. Legolas chuckled giddily as Faramir stared in shock at the gift. "Legolas, this is too much," he said.
"You always say that," he replied. "I thought it would put itself to good use."
Gimli stared in curiosity at the strange configuration of wooden beams. "What is that?"
"A portable easel," Faramir answered. "You store it like this," he said, lifting it so that the Dwarf could see. "And then when you want to use it, you just twist a few beams, and then -" Faramir placed the easel on the floor. He folded it back up again. "Thank you Legolas, very much." He smiled warmly at Legolas. "And now that leaves Aragorn."
Arwen interrupted. "No, Estel hasn't given you his gift yet."
Gimli looked down at where Faramir's gifts had laid. "Where is it?"
"I kept it separate," Aragorn said as he stood, "so that Faramir would open it last." He retrieved a small, well-wrapped package, and handed it to Faramir. He then took his seat again. "Enjoy," he said, and cast a look at the others.
Faramir tore through the wrapping as carefully as he could. Taking off the lid of the box, he lifted a few pieces of cloth to reveal something very familiar. "My book!" he cried. He removed it cautiously from the cloth, as though it might crumble in his hands, although it was highly unlikely, since the book was like new. Faramir immediately turned to the title page, thinking that the book might be a reprint, but sure enough, Denethor's dedication was there. "How did you -?" He found himself unable to finish his question, as he fought against tears. He tried desperately to collect himself.
Luckily, Aragorn understood the question anyway. "I simply went to the best bookbinder in the City, and offered him an official position here if he could fix your book." He gave a large smile. "The incentive is amazing. He had it finished in no time."
Faramir clutched the book to his heart. "Thank you, so much, thank you. You don't know - what this means to me -" Faramir managed to get himself under control in a few seconds. "I think you deserve to open your gifts now," he said. "Go on. You know you want to."
Aragorn laughed, and made his way through the gifts. Lastly, he came to Faramir's. "I was purposefully saving yours for last, since I have no idea at all what this is," he said, as he lifted the large flat box onto his lap. Faramir smiled. Aragorn tore through the wrapping, and gaped in awe at Faramir's gift. "Faramir! This is wonderful!"
Legolas gasped in wonder at the painting of Aragorn's coronation. "It's perfect! I'd swear that it was real!" Faramir felt his cheeks begin to flush.
Gimli added his opinion. "Faramir, you got the exact moment when Aragorn stood up! It's exactly as it happened!"
Aragorn was speechless. Finally, he managed a few words. "Thank you."
"Happy Midwinter, Aragorn," Faramir said.
"Faramir, thank you again. This will hang in a place of honour for many years." Aragorn looked down at it again. "I still can't believe this!"
Arwen leaned over Aragorn's shoulder. "Now I can see how it all happened," she said quietly.
"Faramir," Aragorn said, "I could never repay you."
"We are even, Aragorn," Faramir said, as he lifted his book from his chair.
Frodo16424: *hug* *hug again* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! Thanks for the praise on last chapter - it's very sweet of you. *touched* In FotR movie, Aragorn takes Boromir's vambraces, which is why he miraculously has Gondorian vambraces during TTT and RotK. So technically the idea isn't really mine. We can all thank Viggo for that. THANKS AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again* THANKS!! *hug*
Toria: YAY!! *hug* YOU REVIEWED AGAIN!! *hug again* *hands you a box of cream chocolates* Thanks a bundle of thanks!! *grins* Faramir IS sweet, isn't he? Awww. you just have to love him. I'm glad you like the story!! *hug* *hug again* THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!
Reiven: THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again* I liked Boromir a lot too, but I think that Faramir's more the type for me. As for him being human: well, he IS a human, whereas Legolas and Gimli are not. Boromir is a vulnerable character, which makes him believable. But so is Faramir. Faramir's everything that is good!! *teehee* I'm just glad that you like the story - knowing that people like it makes me very pleased with myself!! I've discovered that writing is a major ego boost. THANKS AGAIN!! *hug*
Callie3: *hug* THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!! *hug again* And thanks SO much for putting me on your favourites list. I was so touched. *hug* And telling me that Tolkien couldn't have done better!! *hug* *hug again* You DEFINITELY DESERVE - this!! *hands over a bottle of Schweppes's Lemonade* Drink of the Gods!! Thanks so much!! *blushes* Your review is SO nice!! *hug* Okay, I'll stop now. Anyway - Faramir's leg problems - I actually got that from history. One of the Georgian heirs to the crown - gah - I forgot which - had to wear them. It's just from having weak joints, and that the legs aren't growing straight. Something tells me it was Victoria or Alexandra's kids, but I really don't remember. Sorry!! THANKS AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again*
ElaineMc: THANKS FOR REVIEWING!! *hug* *hug again* Thanks for the praise!! I was pretty worried about character interaction, and hearing from you has helped to stave off some of that. So thanks a bundle!! *hug* THANKS!! *hug again*
LeeAnn: *hug* *hug again* It's so nice of you to keep reviewing!! *touched* I tried to include some Faramir and Beregond stuff just for you, so I'm glad that you liked it!! I miss Boromir as well - he was such a good brother to our Faramir. The book thingy gets settled in this chapter, so feel comforted. THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN AND AGAIN!! *hug* *hug again*
This is a nice, light, fluffy chapter. Sorry for all the angst-lovers. *opens a bag of white fluffy fake snow* I threw Arwen in here for good measure, but she's a little ditzy. Sorry about that. I tried to come up with a witty repartee for them all, but I think I failed miserably. Something tells me that angst is more my thing. This is the second to last chapter, and the next one's really short, so just telling you now.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!
HAPPY MIDWINTER!!
__________________
Chapter Ten: Midwinter's Day
Faramir picked up the last of the gifts on the table, and put them into his arms. Most of them were small, except for one very large, flat box that he tucked under his left arm, balancing the other gifts in his right. Hastening to the King's quarters, he was admitted to an empty room, just as he hoped. As soon as the door was shut behind him, he walked quickly over to the tree and piled the boxes under it. Taking a step back, he looked with satisfaction at the gifts, and then left the room.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Faramir knocked on the door to Legolas's apartments. The Elf, dressed in a festive shade of green, answered the door himself. "Happy Midwinter, Legolas," Faramir said.
"And Happy Midwinter to you, Faramir. Are you ready?"
"Aye. Are you?"
"Yes." Legolas closed the door behind him. "It was kind of you to wait for me," he said.
"One good turn deserves another," Faramir replied. "I wanted to thank you, for all that you have done for me these past few weeks."
"No thanks is needed between friends," Legolas answered. Faramir smiled, and they began to walk towards Gimli's rooms. "I wonder if Gimli will be ready - he may still have to spend another hour grooming his beard." They spoke merrily on the way to Gimli's rooms. When they reached the door, Legolas knocked loudly. "Master Dwarf? Are you ready? We are waiting for you."
Gimli emerged almost immediately. "Since when could an Elf be ready before a Dwarf? I thought I should linger here until you were ready, instead of sitting outside your door waiting." He raised his eyebrows at Faramir. "I see you had someone to do that for you," he said, a twinkle in his eye.
"Not at all, Gimli. I was merely passing by, and it occurred to me that Legolas might be ready," Faramir replied loftily. "And, Gimli, we had to come for you - I thought it was the tradition of the Dwarves to always arrive early. Which means that you were taking your own time, and were the latest of all three." A smile betrayed his voice, and Gimli began to laugh.
"I should have known better than to argue with you, Faramir. You know our traditions better than I," Gimli conceded with a chuckle. "Well, shall we be leaving? I am anxious to test the fine wine of your City."
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
"Happy Midwinter," Aragorn rose greeted them all, with Queen Arwen following suit. Faramir, Legolas, and Gimli did the same, and took their seats at the table. The lunch was enjoyable for everyone, though Faramir found himself wishing that Eowyn was sitting at his side. Still, he had resolved not to depress himself, and he was trying earnestly to focus on that thought. [This is a day for celebration, and the last thing I want, or anyone wants, is to be glum.] Eventually, the time came for unwrapping gifts, and the group left the dining room to relax in the living room. Aragorn and Arwen were astonished, when they entered the room, to find everyone's presents piled under the tree.
"How did all of these get to be here?" Aragorn asked Legolas.
"Why are you looking at me?" he responded with a laugh.
Arwen broke in with a smile. "It's always the Elves who pull such tricks. I suspect you too, Legolas. Do you confess?"
"It wasn't me, honestly!" Legolas laughed. "It was Faramir. Gimli and I gave all our presents to him to bring in - he's the only one who can really come and go unannounced. We wanted it to be a surprise." Legolas looked approvingly at the tree. "I must say, Faramir, you did an excellent job."
Faramir gave a mock bow. "Thank you," he giggled. "I tried to incorporate the gifts in such a way that everyone's were fairly represented."
Gimli gave a nod of approval. "That you did, Faramir. However," he grunted, "you displayed the gifts from me that were wrapped most poorly in front."
Aragorn gave an exasperated sigh. "Well, Gimli, that can be amended by distributing the gifts to their rightful owners!" He looked expectantly at the Dwarf. "Well? Do you care to do the honours? You are, after all, the closest to the presents, since you are also the closest to the floor," he said with a wink.
"I would prefer to have Faramir do it - he knows where all the gifts are anyway. He put them there." Aragorn asked Faramir to do so, and he agreed. Faramir knelt under the tree, and passed out the gifts to everyone. To his surprise, there were some boxes left under the tree. [What are these doing here?]
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Faramir?" Boromir asked, as he knelt down on the floor beside his brother. "Faramir? What's wrong?"
Faramir gave a guarded answer. "I have your present here."
"Where is your gift, Faramir? You didn't mention yours."
"I - there are no more."
"But this is Father's tree! It must be here." Boromir wiggled his way under the pine boughs, searching for another wrapped package. "There's nothing else," he said, a puzzled expression on his face.
The younger boy tried to hide his disappointment. "Oh. Well - it doesn't really matter anyway."
Boromir wrapped his arms around his brother. "I'm sure Father just forgot to put your present under the tree," he said confidently.
"Yes, he must have forgotten." Faramir replied, knowing that Denethor had not forgotten anything.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Faramir put an arm out to read the tags on the strange gifts. His eyes widened as he read the labels. [For me? Why would anyone give me a present? I don't understand.] Faramir looked up.
"Don't leave your own gifts under the tree!" Arwen said with a laugh. "Pull them out." Faramir obeyed, surprise on his face.
"Well - in what order should we open them?" Gimli asked.
Aragorn smiled. "Ladies first."
Arwen made a face. "I am no lady. I am a she-Elf. But since you offered, I will open mine first." The group sat and joked over each gift, until Faramir's came up. [I hope she likes it,] Faramir thought worriedly. [I think she was the hardest to come up with a gift for.] Arwen gave a squeal of delight, as she lifted two silver goblets, engraved with Elven characters. "These are beautiful! Wherever did you get these?"
Faramir gave a small smile. "I am good friends with a silversmith, and."
"You put me to shame, Faramir," Aragorn laughed. "I should have thought of that."
"Thank you, Faramir. And that's all for me," she said. "Since I am finished, I get to decide who opens their gifts next. I choose Gimli."
Gimli progressed through his stack. Upon reaching Faramir, he gave a laugh. "I hope you didn't get me Elven goblets," he said.
"Valar forbid it," Faramir said, pretending to be serious.
"Well, here goes," Gimli said, as he ripped open the paper. Faramir cringed. [And I spent so much time wrapping that too.] "Well, I'll be -" he said, holding up the gift.
Aragorn laughed. "A pipe and a stash of Old Toby? Faramir, that's priceless!"
"I still hadn't gotten any replacement pipe. But how did you come by the weed?" he asked, sniffing it to check for freshness.
"I merely asked Merry and Pippin to send some along," Faramir shrugged. "And pipes are common enough."
"Well, I know what I will be doing tonight," Gimli said.
"Drinking Aragorn's wine?" Legolas quipped.
Gimli gave a little snarl. "No, that is what you will be doing. I will be calmly smoking my pipe-weed."
When Gimli had finished opening his gifts, he called upon Legolas to open his. Legolas reached for Faramir's gift first. "Since you seem to be so good at choosing gifts, I'm interested to see what you think I'll need," he smiled. Faramir felt his throat constrict slightly. [I don't think I've ever been so nervous before. Now I feel so much pressure!] Legolas neatly unwrapped the box, and opened it. "Well! How did you know?" Legolas's hand emerged from the box holding a good-sized lamp.
"You are so good at this!" Arwen said.
Faramir blushed. "I remembered that you said your rooms were too dark, so I thought that a lamp might help with that," he said simply. [I'm glad he likes it.]
"Thank you, Faramir, very much." Legolas smiled warmly at him, and continued along. When his presents were finished, Legolas again looked at him. "I want Faramir to open his gifts next."
"Me?" Faramir was slightly confused. [Wouldn't they want to leave me until last?] "What about Aragorn?"
"No - you're next," Aragorn said. "I'd like to know if we all are as good with presents as you are."
"Go on, Faramir," Arwen prompted. "We're all interested."
With a measure of uncertainty, he reached his hand out to the nearest box, discovering that it was the gift from Gimli. [I should have known,] he thought wryly, noting the wrinkled wrapping paper. He neatly unwrapped the paper, smoothing it out, before opening the box. "Gimli!" he exclaimed. "This is too much!"
"Nonsense," the Dwarf snorted.
"What is it?" Arwen asked. Faramir held up a roughly cut stone, sparkling with crystals. She turned to Gimli. "Where is that from?"
"The Glittering Caves," he replied. "When Legolas and I were there, the Rohirrim were kind enough to let me cut off a stone."
"Thank you so much, Gimli," Faramir said, still in awe.
"It was nothing, Faramir, really. You can really thank Eowyn. She persuaded them to let me," Gimli said. "Go ahead and open the next gift."
Faramir put the stone aside, and reached down to his feet, coming up with a heavier package. "Good, now you can open mine." Again, Faramir neatly unwrapped the package, and opened the box. He gave a small cry as he realized what was inside.
"Queen Arwen! These must be -" Faramir started.
"From Father's personal library, yes," she finished for him. "I took the liberty of raiding it before I left, and I thought those two books would interest you the most, since they are in Sindarin."
"May I see?" Legolas asked. Faramir passed the books over to him. "Hmm. interesting. Very scholarly. I doubt if we'll see Faramir until he finishes them," he laughed.
"What are they about? I can't read the titles," Gimli said.
"One of them tells of the events leading up to the Battle of Dagorlad, and some of the events after. The other one is a detailed history of all the rulers of Gondor, both the Kings and the Stewards," Arwen said. "That's why the second book is so thick."
"Thank you, my Lady," Faramir said. He glanced over at Legolas. "He's right. You probably won't see me until I'm through with them, so I apologize in advance." They laughed merrily.
Faramir reached down for the last gift. He picked up a rather large, heavy box, and looked at the tag. [Legolas.] He opened the paper, followed by the box. Legolas chuckled giddily as Faramir stared in shock at the gift. "Legolas, this is too much," he said.
"You always say that," he replied. "I thought it would put itself to good use."
Gimli stared in curiosity at the strange configuration of wooden beams. "What is that?"
"A portable easel," Faramir answered. "You store it like this," he said, lifting it so that the Dwarf could see. "And then when you want to use it, you just twist a few beams, and then -" Faramir placed the easel on the floor. He folded it back up again. "Thank you Legolas, very much." He smiled warmly at Legolas. "And now that leaves Aragorn."
Arwen interrupted. "No, Estel hasn't given you his gift yet."
Gimli looked down at where Faramir's gifts had laid. "Where is it?"
"I kept it separate," Aragorn said as he stood, "so that Faramir would open it last." He retrieved a small, well-wrapped package, and handed it to Faramir. He then took his seat again. "Enjoy," he said, and cast a look at the others.
Faramir tore through the wrapping as carefully as he could. Taking off the lid of the box, he lifted a few pieces of cloth to reveal something very familiar. "My book!" he cried. He removed it cautiously from the cloth, as though it might crumble in his hands, although it was highly unlikely, since the book was like new. Faramir immediately turned to the title page, thinking that the book might be a reprint, but sure enough, Denethor's dedication was there. "How did you -?" He found himself unable to finish his question, as he fought against tears. He tried desperately to collect himself.
Luckily, Aragorn understood the question anyway. "I simply went to the best bookbinder in the City, and offered him an official position here if he could fix your book." He gave a large smile. "The incentive is amazing. He had it finished in no time."
Faramir clutched the book to his heart. "Thank you, so much, thank you. You don't know - what this means to me -" Faramir managed to get himself under control in a few seconds. "I think you deserve to open your gifts now," he said. "Go on. You know you want to."
Aragorn laughed, and made his way through the gifts. Lastly, he came to Faramir's. "I was purposefully saving yours for last, since I have no idea at all what this is," he said, as he lifted the large flat box onto his lap. Faramir smiled. Aragorn tore through the wrapping, and gaped in awe at Faramir's gift. "Faramir! This is wonderful!"
Legolas gasped in wonder at the painting of Aragorn's coronation. "It's perfect! I'd swear that it was real!" Faramir felt his cheeks begin to flush.
Gimli added his opinion. "Faramir, you got the exact moment when Aragorn stood up! It's exactly as it happened!"
Aragorn was speechless. Finally, he managed a few words. "Thank you."
"Happy Midwinter, Aragorn," Faramir said.
"Faramir, thank you again. This will hang in a place of honour for many years." Aragorn looked down at it again. "I still can't believe this!"
Arwen leaned over Aragorn's shoulder. "Now I can see how it all happened," she said quietly.
"Faramir," Aragorn said, "I could never repay you."
"We are even, Aragorn," Faramir said, as he lifted his book from his chair.