**Author's Notes:
This is a short one, about 9 page on WordPerfect and on there I have saved over 70 more pages to go. So there will be more, as soon as I can get them modified.**


***************Chapter 17***************


Faramir watches her and then licks his lips and jogs over to her. He walks along beside her in silence for a moment before saying quietly, though loud enough for her to hear, "I do not think I will like waiting for our wedding. But I must." He sighs softly, obviously as frustrated about the waiting as she was. She was a beautiful woman, very desirable. And when he held her he could feel every curve of her body. And that just made his desire for her worse! Maybe they didn't have to wait.....maybe they could make love and just not let anyone know. It could happen. But as he is thinking this the political side of his mind reminds him of what is proper and what is not. And sleeping with her before they were married was not a proper thing to do. But it wasn't like they weren't going to be married. So then what was the problem? His mind was so busy arguing about the rights and wrongs of it that he doesn't notice they were in the Golden Hall until he feels her hand on his arm. He blinks and looks down at her, smiling as he nods and takes his cloak back from her, bowing slightly in thanks. Then he watches as she moves away to be with her brother. He finally looks around, noticing the throne room was already filled with people, and when he turns to look out the door he notices the rest of the people were all outside in the streets. He could hear music but he couldn't see where it was coming from.

She had heard him and knew what he meant. She couldn't believe he had suggested it, but he had, and that bit of information she puts away for later. Right now she just leans up and kiss him as she moves away from him. She walks over to where her brother was, taking his hand and smiling up at him. "Eomer!! That was a lovely service. I am sorry I am late returning," if you only knew what it really was, but alas, I only know that. She leans up to kiss both his cheeks, pausing long enough to make sure of the current company around him before hugging him tightly to her. "Oh Brother, I am sorry. I actually lost it after you left. If it wasn't for Faramir you would be dealing with a raving lunatic. He helped me, Eomer. For that, I plan on helping him." She clears her throat. "M'King, could you spare one of your finest men to go with him home?" She knew it was asking a lot, they were only just got home and wanted to let their men enjoy, but she wanted him safely taken home. "I only wish for him to get home safely. Then I wish for your man to return with the news of Faramir's safe return. Please?" She hoped he would do as she wished, it wasn't a huge favor, but still big enough.

Eomer looks at his sister when she comes over to him. He had been talking with a few of the people from the town so he hadn't really noticed that she had only JUST returned. He hugs her when she hugs him, frowning at what she says about breaking down. He looks around the room and spots Faramir with Gandalf and the Hobbits. Looking back at Eowyn he nods. If Faramir was going to be his brother-in-law, he might as well make sure he survived to be one. "I will send my best guard with him, Eowyn. You need not worry. Are you sure you are ok? You are looking a little flushed." She indeed looked like she had been running or something, it never occurred to him she looked that way because of what she and Faramir had been doing outside.

She puts her hand up to her face, feeling the warmth there, she smiles. She knew what it was from, and that causes her blush even more. Then her mind goes back to her love across the room and her eyes seek him out, lighting up when they finally catch him. "He is all I want, Eomer. Trust me on that one. I will never want for a thing with him in my life. He told me that and for once I believe in a man enough to believe that in him. I just want him safe so that he will return. He only has 3 nights left to be with me and I plan on being a Lady the whole time, but I plan on being with him the whole time, if you need me." She once more reaches up and kisses him. "Thank you," she says softly.

Eomer sighs and smiles, nodding to his sister. "Go to him. The feast will be served soon, and then I will be crowned King and then we will mention you are to be married to Faramir. After that, we will celebrate Theoden and Theodred and you and I. Go. He looks like he might need some saving." He smiles and points to where Faramir was now surrounded by some of the women from the village. Though he seemed happy, he could tell the women's interest in the man. He chuckles and shakes his head. Most of the girls were younger or the same age as Eowyn. It was funny really, watching Faramir try to be polite while also trying not to hurt anyone's feelings too much.

She hugs her brother tightly. "If you are sure you do not need me here...." She turns to see where he is looking and can't help but smile at her love. He was definitely in need of being rescued. "I will come when you call." She turns back to look at him. "And I mean always, Eomer. I will always come when you call." She meant that from the bottom of her heart. He was her family, her first love, her brother and nothing would ever keep her from returning when he needed her. She leans up and kisses him softly before heading across the floor, gently pushing her way between the other women until she was standing in front of Faramir. "Darling, there you are. I have been looking for you." She places her hand on his arm. "Come, I would like something to drink."

He smiles and watches his sister walk off, then he turns back to the woman beside him and resumes the talk they were having. She was an old friend of his, his age, but he had grown up with her. Though she was a peasant she was still his friend.

Faramir smiles kindly at a girl who looked about 20 years old. She was inquiring about his life in Gondor, and he was telling her as much as he could without giving anything important away. So it is with great relief when Eowyn arrives. He can't help the smile when she calls him Darling, the other women's reactions were comical. He takes her hand and smiles, leading her over to where the barrels of drink were. Once they are out of hearing range he leans down and speaks quietly to her. "Thank you, Love."

She smiles softly up at him, nodding slightly. "You are welcome. But I didn't do that just for you, but for me as well. I didn't want anything to come between us, so I rather save you from them now then have to later."

Faramir smiles as he fills two goblets with ale, handing one to her before taking the other. "None of them could come between us, my Love." He sips his ale, then turns and looks around again, then he looks back at her. "Do you need to sit with your brother during the meal?" He was hoping she would sit with him but he was sure she had to sit with her brother.

She nods, taking a sip of the ale and reaching down to take his hand in her's. "And you will be sitting with me. You will not be put out to the wolves again, and I will not chance it. I am sure that my brother will not mind you sitting with us. He probably would have it no other way as he wants nothing more then for me to be happy. And for that to happen you need to be by my side."

He smiles and nods. "Great. I was not looking forward to having to kindly reject them again." He lets her lead him to the main table in front of all the others when it is time for the feast. He stands, as everyone else does, and bows his head as Eomer speaks about the fallen and how the feast was to honor them and those who survived as well. He goes on to say a prayer about the fallen and then says that the feast was also to celebrate something else. Faramir watches as Eomer turns and smiles at himself and Eowyn and then looks back at the crowd and announces that his sister was to wed the Steward of Gondor. Faramir notices a mixed reaction from the people. They were happy for Eowyn, but they also didn't wish to lose her to Gondor. He would have to remember that and do something about it. Finally they are able to sit down and the food is brought in and placed on the tables for everyone to start eating. Sitting beside Eowyn, he waits a moment, mumbling something quietly before he starts to do as the others and puts food on his plate.

She smiles at her brother when he tells of them marrying, her eyes lighting on Faramir's face, but noticing a slightly thoughtful look on it. She looks out over the crowd and wonders what it is that has him so fascinated. It must be the fact that some seemed happy for them where as there were a few men that actually seemed angry. Why would they be angry? They should be happy for her at least. She leans in and whispers to him, "Don't worry so much." She pats his hand, then starts to dish up her food. "I think tonight will be a good night for all. Tomorrow everyone will be used to the idea. So don't worry so much. The hard part is my brother and that is taken care of." She sneaks her hand under the table and pats his thigh.

Faramir looks at Eowyn and smiles, patting her hand on his thigh. "I know, my Love. I am not worried." He then starts to eat, showing just how well his table manners were yet again. Something his father, and yes his mother as well, had instilled in him at a young age. After all, it was not proper for a son of a Steward to act like a wild man.

During the meal there is much conversation, though he himself is quiet, as he usually was. This was more out of habit than anything. His father had always believed that Faramir should be seen but not heard. Boromir was the one who was to be heard. Faramir hadn't minded it though, as it gave him more time to his thoughts than to having to discuss boring political topics with his father's guests. And it kept him from having to hear the painful words his father always seemed to have in store for him. Well no....not always. When he had finally won a game of chess against his father he had been expecting to hear some snide remark. Instead he had heard what was the closest to a compliment as Denethor would give him. That he had done well and if he kept it up he might be worth something someday. It was a compliment and a put down all in one but it was still nice.

He is brought out of his thoughts by laughter from the people around them as they watch Merry and Pippin doing a little dance and singing. He can't help but laugh as well. Most were done eating. Faramir was, so he was just sitting back and enjoying the 'show'

She doesn't notice his silence at first but then it starts to bother her. She leans in a few times and says something to him, trying to draw him out of his quiet revere. Nothing really seems to work, but soon enough she realizes that that is just Faramir. So she doesn't worry so much about him as she does just always letting it be known that she was open to him joining in in the conversation should he wish.

When Pippin and Merry do their little dance it was at her insistence. Pippin had come up to congratulate her again, saying that they would travel back when the wedding came around. But till then they would give her a taste of what she had in store. And when she asked what, that was when the dancing had started. She laughs, having a good time as she watches Pippin and Merry dancing and singing. At their insistence she gets up and walks around the table to stand in front of it. She takes each Hobbits's hand and starts dancing in a circle with them, laughing and singing as she does. She tosses her head back, her long blond hair flying around her face as they move around in a circle. She was having a good time and that was obvious to all that were watching.

He smiles as he watches Eowyn, his eyes instantly going to her when she stands. She looked so beautiful dancing like she was. Beautiful and happy. He watches as more get up to dance, men and women. It truly was a happy time. He winces as pain shoots through his shoulder. Reaching up he rubs at it, then sighs and drops his hand. He couldn't help wondering if his arm would ever really heal. It seemed that even if he had missed one dose of whatever it was that Gandalf kept giving him, that his shoulder would stop healing and begin to hurt again. Well it was just something else he'd have to live with. With a smile he watches as Eowyn looks over at him before she returns to her dancing. Yes. He was truly lucky to have her.

She was winded when she finally stops dancing, moving over to the front of the table and resting her hands on the table, leaning in and laughing at Faramir. "So Darling, are you not going to come and dance with us?" She motions with her hands, stretching both out to him. "Come on, have fun with us. I want you to dance with me. We are celebrating us, you know. So come on, let's celebrate us."

Faramir looks at her and sighs, but he does smile, his eyes giving away just how much he did want to dance with her. Once again, he knew how to dance, having had lessons when Boromir did. With a nod he stands and moves around the table, taking her hand and letting her lead him out to the place everyone was dancing. He dances with her, laughing and just having a good time, enjoying the slow dances as much as the fast. And he also was amazing the people around at just how knowledgeable he was with the local dances.

It is hours later when the celebration starts to wind down and people start to go home, some of them carrying their children with them. He was still dancing with Eowyn, loving how the sweat from their dancing glistened on her skin and made her even more beautiful. They both seemed to have more energy then they seemed to because this had to be the twentieth dance they had together. It was a romantic dance, one for the two of them really, celebrating their coming wedding. So he was moving around the room with her, one hand on the small of her back, gently leading her, while the other held her hand. They had been discussing things, mainly their wedding but also other things, little things that most couples talked about. So when he finally looks up he notices that most of the crowd was now gone or leaving for the night. With a smile he looks back down at Eowyn. "Seems we were so wrapped up in each other, my Love, that we missed the end of the party, though I think it will not end until everyone has gone to their beds."

She looks around at that time, noticing what he was talking about and smiles up at him. "It would seem that we have indeed missed the end of the party. And here, I am not ready to retire to bed." Mainly she didn't want to leave his presence, and she wasn't sure if he could sneak to her room tonight. Tonight would be a night that her brother would be really looking for him to try to sneak into her room. She didn't want him getting in trouble or her brother changing his mind. "How about a walk in the gardens to cool off from the dancing?" she asks softly, her thumb rubbing softly across the back of his hand where their two hands were clasped.

He smiles and nods. "A lovely idea, Love. Come on." He takes her hand and starts leading her towards the door, stopping to say goodnight to the Hobbits and Gandalf and Eomer. He notices the look Eomer gives Eowyn, a warning look before saying he would see her in an hour. Then they are finally able to leave and go for their walk. Once out in the gardens he walks long, his hand over her hand that was resting lightly on his arm. He smiles at her, looking at her as they walk. "You dance very well, Eowyn. And you of course, looked quite beautiful dancing. Are you feeling better? Happier?"

She sighs at her brother's words, nodding. "Yes, I will be back in an hour. Do not worry." She hugs him before taking Faramir's arm and heading out into the gardens. As they are walking around, she leans against him slightly, taking it all in. "Yes, Darling, I am. I think only one thing could make me happier." She grins playfully up at him.

He looks down at her and pretends not to know what she was talking about. "Oh really? And what is that? Perhaps something I can help you with?" He smiles, rubbing her hand gently as they walk along the path in the garden. It was a cool night, but still a nice one. There were no clouds in the sky, so the stars were out. It was really beautiful actually.

She nods slightly, squeezing his arm where she held it. "Yes, actually, you would be able to help me with that. But it won't be for months and months when we are together as man and wife. Because that is what I am wanting, more then anything, to be your wife. That is the only thing that could make me happier. I know it may sound stilly, but for me, you are now the be all end all."

He smiles and stops. When she turns towards him he takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately. It takes him a moment but when he pulls back he smiles down at her, breathing heavily. "You always seem to know just what to say to make my heart soar, Eowyn. And I have wanted to kiss you like that all night. I do not understand why but when I'm with you, I want nothing more than to kiss you and show you my love for you. I like this side you bring out in me."

She leans against him, flushed from the kiss. "Is that so? I do that to you? You already know what you do to me, I had you feel the butterflies. And with kisses like that, it gets worse. What will I do with you gone?" It was an honest question, one that sounded desperate coming from her lips right then, probably because she was desperate right then. She wanted more of his kisses, she wanted more of his touch. Truth be told there were thoughts going through her head that had nothing to do with being a Lady. And more with being a wild animal, with needs and desires to be taken and given. Only her training kept her from jumping his body right then.

He smiles down at her. "You will miss me as much as I will miss you. And you will more than likely be just as busy with your country as I am with mine." He leans down and kisses her again, letting his lips linger on hers. When he pulls back it is only a tiny bit. He smiles and looks into her eyes. "I know what you feel, Eowyn. I have the same desires for you as you have for me. I wish we could give in. I would very much enjoy becoming your lover." He smiles and kisses her again. "Ah if only we weren't who we were. Then it would not matter so much."

"Exactly, Faramir. If we were not who we are, then we could easily become lovers. No one would pay no head to two peasant lovers. But they will to a Steward and a Lady. And a King who is watching his sister like a hawk it's prey. He expects me back within the hour, and that only leaves us time for soft words and tender kisses. Anything more would be too little, just leaving us frustrated from our lack of ability to conclude our needs, our desires, then things that I want the most in you. I am sorry, Faramir, more then you know. " She takes his hand and puts it to her breast. "Feel my heart beat from the need to have you completely? I love you and I want nothing more then to take that love to the next level. But alas, we can not. And that pains me as much as anything else does." She looks into his eyes almost desperately, wanting him to see her need for him, the truth behind her words and how she would like nothing more then to have him in her arms, nothing more.

Faramir leans down and kisses her softly, his hand moving to her arm, which he gently rubs. "Eowyn, it may sound strange but....well if they didn't find out...." He smiles slightly, then shrugs. "No no. I can wait. I will not force you to do something that is not proper, though I hope if we did I wouldn't have to force you." He smiles and leans down, kissing her gently. "I am rambling I know. I am sorry. Would you like to walk some more? Or find a place to sit and talk?"

She moves closer to him, putting her arms around his waist and leaning into him. "Faramir, what if I told you that I want more then anything to not be a Lady? What if I tell you that for one night I want to be nothing more then a peasant? To open my arms and my bed to nothing more then an archer? Faramir, I have this feeling deep down in my gut that is something, something big. It radiates like a fire when you kiss me. Tonight when you looked at me while I was dancing I faltered. Why? Because I saw desire in that look. I saw lust in that look. And that look was for me. It scared and thrilled me all at the same time. Just that one look. Then it was like as if you had been caught and the look disappeared. Tell me, Darling, when you first looked at me tonight, dancing with the Hobbits, what were you thinking?" She could not believe how bold she was getting, but suddenly it had hit her that he would be leaving in a few short days. Maybe it was all the ale and wine she had consumed that loosened her tongue, giving her the courage to speak her mind. Or maybe she was just using that as an excuse, an excuse as to why she was doing what she was doing. Or what she wanted to do. Because she really wanted to make love to him.

He looks down at her listening to her words while watching her eyes for the truth of them. He smiles at what he sees and hears. When she asks him what he had been thinking he blushes and looks away, only to have her make him look at her again. "I was....noticing how you moved so gracefully....and uh...the way your breasts moved." He goes even deeper red. He wasn't used to talking about such things. But she had asked and he would not deny her a truthful answer. "And I was thinking of how all I wanted to do was take you away to some quiet room and see you unclothed." It was the truth. It had been what he was thinking about. But to actually say it too her just made him blush. He couldn't help wondering what she thought of him now. A pervert maybe? For having such thoughts? He hoped not.

She was probably as red as he was, having never talked like this to anyone. But with him somehow it didn't seem.... dirty. No, indeed the redness was lessening on her cheeks from embarrassment and deepening along her neck from something totally different.... desire. She licks her suddenly dry lips and tries to say something, only to have a little croak come out. She giggles nervously, but then takes a deep breath and tries again. "Is that what you were thinking about? What I would look like... naked?" She sees his slight nod and her smile widens. "Well we know that you will be able to on our wedding night, but that is the question of the night, isn't it?" She was getting more and more bold, the ale taking over her tongue, yet not causing her to say or do anything she would regret, just giving her the nerve to say it. "What would it hurt if for one night we were peasants, Faramir?" she whispers breathlessly, looking at him with passion clouded eyes. "I want to know what it is like to be your wife. I don't know if I can wait for our wedding night. To be honest, with all that is going on now, I fear that if we wait, something could happen to one of us and we would never have known it. I do know my brother will not allow us to marry so soon, or I would wed you this instant. This would be our... secret." She couldn't believe how bold she had suddenly gotten. And how wanton as well.

He looks down at her, his eyes having adjusted to the night quite quickly, as they always did. It helped that the moon was high and bright as well. With a smile on his face he sighs, longing in his eyes, as well as desire. "Oh Eowyn, you have no idea how much that appeals to me right now. How much I want to just take you to my room and make love to you till sleep takes us. But we can't. What if your brother found out? What if someone saw? I do not doubt I desire you, I know I do. But I would rather wait in torture for our wedding night, then have you look bad." But they were getting married, his mind screams at him. It wasn't like it was a one night affair. They were going to be husband and wife and would have to make love then. So really....what would be so wrong if they just got a little ahead of themselves. She wouldn't be a virgin on her wedding day, but no one would know that except for him. And it would be him she would lose her virginity to so once again, where was the wrong in it. He was to be her husband after all. Reaching up he gently runs the back of his hand over her cheek. "Are you sure about this, Eowyn? I am not saying you are drunk but....could it be the ale talking?" He hoped not, really he hoped not.

She shivers at his touch, taking a shaky breath as the reality of it hits her. He was seriously thinking about it too, she wasn't the only one who had apparently been spending time entertaining thoughts of not waiting. "I will not lie to you, Faramir. I have not yet and I will not ever. It is probably the ale that has loosened my tongue, but it is not the ale that gave birth to the words or feelings." She licks her lips, a nervous habit of hers lately. "We would have to sneak away in the middle of the night, it would have to be planned, because my brother will be waiting." Then something dawns on her and she gets a little twinkle in her eyes. "Darling, my brother will be waiting for you to sneak into my bedroom in the night. He would not think twice about a ride in the forest in the afternoon.....?" She didn't know if it would work, in the middle to the day, it would leave them no cloak of the darkness, but then maybe hiding in the light would work better where this was concerned.

He smiles at her, shaking his head. "Too many are out in the daytime. It is easier to escape prying eyes when there is darkness about." He leans down and kisses her softly, then pulls back. "Tomorrow night. After all are asleep. If you truly want this as much as I do, Eowyn, we can sneak out tomorrow night. I will have to show you how to make your bed look like you are still in it though." He smiles, looking down at her. "Unless of course, my Lady already knows the fine art of escaping at night."

She was already shaking her head as he speaks, more adamant then she probably should be, but she didn't want anything to go wrong with it. When she finally stops again she grips his arm to steady herself. "You are not understanding me, my Love. I have thought about this, I have thought about what you were saying and I think that it can be done. It is as easy as sneaking into my room, or me into yours. If you make it sound complicated, it will become so." She shakes he head slowly.

He smiles. "Ah but your brother would check both rooms, would he not?" He leans down and kisses her again. "I could sneak into your room, my Love. What do you think we should do?" He couldn't believe he was actually planning this. But his heart had won over his mind. Besides, like he had argued with himself. She was to be his wife. He would be taking her virginity on their wedding night anyway so what was wrong about taking it earlier than normal.

"Hence why I implore you to hide under the guise of the daylight squeeze both his hands, not realizing how hard he may be actually holding them. It was because of the excitement that she was now feeling. In a way she felt as if she were sneaking around and sinning. But it was not a sin, after all, if he was her husband already in her heart, right? Her eyes seem to search his for that answer as she gazes deeply into them. Maybe she just wasn't thinking clear. Maybe there was something she just wasn't thinking of that what she needed.

He smiles at her. "Eowyn, I..." But he is stopped as he hears the crunching of footsteps on gravel. He looks over to see Eomer coming towards them. He had not noticed the time. They must have been out past the hour he had given them. Knowing this would more than likely be the last time he would see her tonight he leans down and whispers to her. "Take me for a ride tomorrow after breakfast. To show me your land." He winks at her before he smiles and kissing her hands lightly. Then he turns and starts walking towards where Eomer had stopped. He looked angry. Nodding to Eomer, Faramir goes to speak but is stopped as Eomer just shakes his head and takes Eowyn's hand and starts leading her back up to the Golden Hall in silence. With a smiles, Faramir shakes his head and turns, looking at the stars and the moon again.

She smiles tenderly at Faramir as he speaks to her about riding the next day. He had finally caught on it would seem. She quickly steals a kiss from him before turning to look at her advancing brother. She too is about ready to say something when he just gives her a stern look and takes her hand. She gives Faramir an 'oh oh we are caught' look before she feels her brother tug on her arm pulls her off in a different direction. When they are out of earshot of Faramir she finally speaks up. "I am sorry, Brother. I did not mean to be late" She begs him to forgive her.

Eomer doesn't say anything, he just shakes his head and drags her along with him. He doesn't speak until they are in her room with the door closed. "He may be your future husband but he isn't your husband yet. Go to bed, Dear Sister." He leans in and kisses her forehead, smiling and shaking his head. "I will see you tomorrow at breakfast. I have told the cook to prepare your favorite dishes." He shakes his head again, then taps the tip of her nose with his finger very gently, like he had when they were children and he was acting in charge. "And no sneaking out of your room tonight to see him. I did not put him in the room across from mine for nothing." He hugs her and then leaves the room so that she could get to bed. He then heads to his room, yawning all the way there.

Faramir finally pulls his eyes away from the night sky and starts to head back up to the Golden Hall. He stops though and looks to his right, down into a dark alley between two of the houses. He couldn't shake the feeling that something....or someone was watching him. And his instincts told him they were in that alley. But his eyes tell him there is nothing there, his mind saying it must be his imagination. So he shrugs and continues on, not looking back as he enters the Golden Hall. Maybe if he had he would have seen the angry young man that had stepped from the shadows and was watching him enter the home of the King with such hatred it could rival that of Sauron.

He makes his way to his room, chuckling as he sees Merry and Pippin carrying trays of food into the room they were sharing with Frodo and Sam. Shaking his head he walks into his room and smiles to himself as he starts to pull off his formal clothes. He looks at the bed and smiles as he sees his other clothes were folded nicely and set on the end of the bed, nice and clean.

After making sure his formal wear was folded and put away he moves over to the bed and pulls off his boots, then he climbs under the covers, dressed only in his under shirt and leggings, and pulls the covers up to his chin. He was not aware of just how tired he was until sleep takes him in a matter of minutes. It didn't help either that the bed was nice and comfortable and the room was warm.