Visitor
Yeah another chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that belongs to anyone else, unless it belongs to me.
Warnings: Longest chapter than the rest. Only by one page.
Thank you to all of my reviewers!
Chapter Four
Meeting of Many
Anna woke up to the bright sun. She groaned and rolled over, landing on something soft. The thing gave a grunt of pain and she opened one eye to stare into one of Faramir's.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." He shook his head and kissed her forehead.
"I will be fine. Holme kwal."
"Holme kwal nortrie ata. Good morning to you also. I'm glad you remembered." She smiled, before snuggling into his body. "You're comfortable."
"Thank you. I hate to say this, but we need to start moving again." She groaned and pushed her face into the crook of his neck.
"Do we have to?" she whined.
"Yes. Come on." He sat up, pushing her up as well. She groaned and sat up taller and blinked rapidly.
"It's too bright." Suddenly something nudged her back almost sending her toppling forward onto Faramir. She turned to see one of Umpra's hooves.
'The men are laughing at the two of you for sleeping so close.' Anna shrugged and petted Umpra's hoof.
"We didn't do anything, so it doesn't matter. Is it me or is it extremely bright?" she asked, shielding her eyes with her hand.
'It's you. Throw your cloak over your head.'
"Love you too Umpra!" Umpra snorted and walked away. Anna stretched her neck out before standing up.
"What was Umpra telling you?" Faramir asked her from the ground. He was rolling their bedrolls up and packing them up.
"About how the men are laughing at us because we slept so close." Faramir smiled.
"It is bound to happen." She nodded and kneeled down next to him. He looked at her and they smiled before she laid her head on his shoulder.
"I never knew love could happen so fast." she whispered into his ear. He nodded.
"Nor did I." they hugged and stood up before heading to the fire where the men were making coffee and bacon.
"Sleep well?" Jonim asked smiling widely.
"Yes I did. Thank you for asking." she answered coolly accepting a plate and mug. The men all laughed before beginning to tease Faramir.
"Alright! Enough. Today we head towards Osgiliath. We should reach there by nightfall." The men nodded, still laughing.
"Where's Osgiliath?" Anna asked.
"It is located by Minas Tirith. Osgiliath is on the waterfront and Minas Tirith is behind it."
"Is it a guard city to Minas Tirith?"
"A little bit. If Osgiliath is kept safe, Minas Tirith will be kept safe." They sat in silence for a few seconds as Anna thought of something.
"Faramir do you have any maps? I'd like to see this Middle Earth." He nodded.
"I have one with me." She scrunched her nose up and drank the last of her coffee.
"I have to feed Umpra." She whispered to him kissing his cheek. He nodded and watched as she fetched a pail of water.
"I hope your Father approves." Jonim said, giving Faramir a comforting squeeze on the shoulder.
"He will not approve. He never has."
An hour later everyone was walking towards Osgiliath. Faramir had given her the map to look at, which she was currently doing.
'How can you read the map and walk at the same time?' Umpra nudged her shoulder. Jonim was riding Umpra again but Anna had the reins tied around her wrist so he couldn't wander far.
"I'm talented and I can multi-task." Umpra snorted.
'You can't fight and think at the same time.'
"Oh shut up." Umpra's laugh ran through her head. It was the weirdest thing. She could hear everything Umpra said, but could feel his pain, his sadness, his anger and she could feel it when he laughed. She never heard him laugh. And she didn't know why that when she thought something, Umpra could never hear it, like Umpra could never talk.
She stuck her nose in the map again. It was old and yellow but still readable. A lot of the places had odd names. Places in Fawe were named after people and things.
"Enjoying the map?" Faramir asked from beside her.
"It's interesting. The names and such are odd, but we do have different languages."
"What are the cities names after in Fawe?"
"People and things. Even the Elven and Faerian cities aren't named in their languages."
"You will enjoy Minas Tirith, the "White City". We are going there after we reach Osgiliath."
"Where are we right now?"
"We are in Ithilien, to the northwest of Osgiliath." She pointed at the map and he leaned over to see what it was she was pointing at.
"You said Osgiliath is on the river. How will we cross? By boat?"
"A road runs by Osgiliath. We will get to Minas Tirith the same way. The road is not far off."
"Is it safe to travel on the road?"
"We shall hope it will be." She hoped that he was kidding, but she couldn't tell. They walked in silence for quite awhile, taking small breaks for the wounded. Anna kept track of where they were, in case she ever got lost alone.
They reached the road about noon and had lunch to the side where they were still hidden by the tall green trees. Anna was right, it had been brighter. The trees had thinned out, so there wasn't as much coverage as the other night.
They got moving soon though, as Faramir wanted to get to Osgiliath as soon as possible. They took no more breaks as they were in the open. Faramir was growing nervous; he had no idea how his Father would react to Anna.
Denethor, Steward of Gondor, had always wanted Boromir to marry first. He thought that Faramir was too weak to carry out the bloodline of the Gondor Stewards, even though Faramir was more fit to be married.
"Faramir?" Anna's voice reached his ears and he turned to look at her. They had gone ahead of everyone so Anna could look and listen for anything coming. She had a worried look on her face and she gently touched his arm. "Are you alright?"
"I am fine, just nervous."
"Nervous?" she laughed gently. "What is there to nervous about?"
"My Father. I do not know how he will take the news." An understanding lit up in her eyes.
"Oh. I would have thought he'd be happy. Now the bloodline can continue." He sighed heavily and turned his head to look into her beautiful eyes.
"It's not as easy as that I am afraid. My Father has always thought that I was a disgrace, an embarrassment compared to Boromir. He wants Boromir to marry first and continue the bloodline. I am seen to weak to do so."
"But you aren't!" She grabbed his arm and stopped him. "You aren't Faramir. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Everyone is different and your Father is an idiot for not seeing that. And I'm sorry I called him that, but it's true. You're an amazing person, don't forget it." He let the words sink in. It was hard to believe in such after so many years of mistreatment. There were times when he thought his Father loved him, but Boromir always did better. Yet Faramir felt no hate towards his beloved older brother.
"Thank you Anna. I will try to not forget." He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. She leaned up and wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds when the rest of the guard caught up to them. They smiled and separated, falling into their places in the marching guard.
They reached Osgiliath by nightfall and stayed in an old ruined house. The entire city seemed deserted and there wasn't much noise, the entire group keeping absolutely silent.
"What happened here?" Anna whispered, clinging to Faramir's arm.
"The enemy attacks often. Not many people stay here anymore. In the morning we will leave for Minas Tirith."
Anna had a hard time falling asleep that night, afraid something was going to happen. She finally did fall asleep, but it was a restless sleep filled with nightmares of orcs and demons from Fawe.
They left at the break of dawn and Anna admired Minas Tirith. It was a large city of many layers all carved out of white stone. It looked like it came from the very mountainside. Each layer was surrounded by thick walls. One the top was a citadel and it gleamed white like a gem.
They rode up the main road that zig zagged all around the city to the top. They were met with many people, even though most didn't look very happy. There was cheering, but nothing like the cheering when those from the quests came back like in Fawe.
'It is so different here. I don't know how I'll get use to it.' Anna thought looking around at the people. There were far more women than men.
They reached the top and those wounded were taken to the city healers. Faramir led Anna to the Great Hall to report sightings and for Anna to explain herself. Faramir looked anxious and Anna squeezed his hand. He relaxed, squeezing her hand back. When the doors opened they dropped each other's hands and walked into the hall.
It was an astonishingly huge domed hall. At the end was a large pier and on top sat a large solid white throne. At the foot of the pier sat an old man on a simple black chair. He wore no special outfit, only carried a white staff.
They walked forward, allowing Anna to get a good look at him. Faramir didn't take his looks after his father. Denethor was old and wrinkled in his cold, stone set face. His eyes were a cold steel gray and they stared proudly, but something wasn't right in them, Anna could tell. This man wasn't right and not just because he disliked his younger son. He had a small look of wildness in his eyes and his hair was gray and long, longer than Faramir's. He wore black robes, a dark red shirt with black boots and black breeches.
Faramir bowed low and Anna did the same, not knowing the customs of Gondor.
"Women curtsied I thought." he sneered. Anna stood and curtsied low to the ground. Women knights never had to learn the etiquette all of the other ladies were forced to learn.
"I am sorry. My customs are different than yours, and I did not know what to do." she answered. He didn't say anything for several seconds.
"Faramir, who is this?"
"The guard found her lost in the woods. She is not from Middle Earth Father. She is from another universe-"Faramir was cut off by Denethor's laugh. It sent goose bumps up and down Anna's spine.
"I did not think that you would fall for something that absurd! How is it that you are able to correct me every time I think that you can not get worse! Another universe? HA!" Anna's blood began to boil in her veins as she stared at this pathetic excuse for a father.
"I am sorry but I do not lie to any. I never have before and I never will not that I've entered training to become a knight."
"A woman knight?"
"Yes a woman knight. The people of my country are not pig-headed men who look down upon women. I did not earn my right as an honored friend to the Elves by listening to men such as you."
"Anna stop." Faramir said, grabbing her arm. Denethor looked at her with amazement.
"No woman has ever spoken to me like that. I am not sure I like it, but your spirit I do. How long will you be staying here?"
"For as long as I need. Until the adventure I seek is found. Whether I find it or if it finds me." Denethor nodded.
"You will be welcome in my halls anytime. Now Faramir what of the patrols?" Anna hardly listened as Faramir told his father of what they had run into. Soon they were dismissed, a servant following to show Anna to her rooms.
"I never." he whispered in her ear.
"What?"
"What you said to my father. I was impressed." He smiled at her and it was the most sincere smile he had given her.
"Thank you Faramir. I'm glad, although I'll admit I thought he was going to have me thrown in prison for treason or something." Faramir nodded, remembering where the servant led them so he knew where Anna was staying.
"He still didn't believe us though." Her voice sounded disappointed and sad.
"Somehow you will find a way to make him believe." She smiled at him as the servant opened the door to Anna's room. It was overlooking the courtyard with the White Tree of Gondor. The room was a lovely blue color and the curtains along the long windows were white and see through. There was a canopied bed with a dark blue cover and white and blue pillows of all sizes. There was a vanity table, a closet for her clothes, a bureau, a desk and a chair.
"It's wonderful." She walked into the room, Faramir following. The servant bowed when Faramir dismissed him. She was looking out of the window down at the courtyard with all of the guards dressed in black and silver. He wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her.
"It is somber here." She turned to kiss him. "What's happened here?"
"It is far too long of a story for me to tell you. I will show you the library tomorrow." He kissed her back quickly and then again slower.
"Will your father approve of us?" she asked him when he pulled away. He didn't answer for several seconds. Instead he looked out the window.
"He approves of you, but not of myself. He will try to persuade to marry Boromir instead." He answered finally.
"I wouldn't marry him. Even if he is better than you." They kissed again and when they broke away they stood in each other's arms.
"I should change for dinner. There will be a feast tonight." Anna looked sad and when someone knocked on the door they tore apart before another servant entered.
"The Steward Denethor wishes to know if you have anything to wear."
"I'm afraid not. I only have my traveling clothes."
"There are dresses for you to wear in the closet. They should fit. Dinner will be served in an hour. If you need any help, pull the lever." He pointed to a lever next to the bed.
"Thank you." He nodded and left.
"Tis my cue to leave. I will escort you to the feast. I will be back before the hour." She nodded and they kissed before he left the room. She sighed, before heading to the closet to find a dress.
On the way to his room Faramir ran into Gandalf the Grey.
"Mithrandir! It is good to see you!" The wizard looked older than he had ever before, like something was truly worrying him.
"I am well Captain Faramir. And yourself?"
"I am better than ever I believe."
"What made you so well?"
"A beautiful woman Mithrandir." They started to walk, Faramir's arms behind him, one hand clasped around the other's wrist. "She is amazing. She has red hair, golden highlights, the bluest eyes and she can fight. She was trained by the Elves of her country."
"Her country? Where is she from?" Gandalf/Mithrandir stopped and turned his head slightly to look over at Faramir.
"That is the odd thing. She is not from Middle Earth. You are a wizard Mithrandir. Have you not heard of the Parallel Universes?"
"I have heard tales, never the actual thing."
"She claims to be from another universe. She lives in the country of Fawe." He paused. "I believe her. I do. There is such a sincerity around her."
"This is a large thing to believe in." They continued walking, not really going in one direction or other.
"You travel Mithrandir. Have you any adventures planned for the immediate future?"
"I do." He looked around and lowered his voice. "I believe I have found something of great importance. I must get it somewhere safe. That is why I am here. I am reading scrolls to gather more information. I have much of what I need."
"Perhaps she can help. She is looking for an adventure. She could help guard whatever it is you need help with." Gandalf/Mithrandir paused to think about what Faramir was suggesting. He found a lovely woman and was willing to risk his happiness of being with her, for her need of an adventure.
"Perhaps I could use her help. Would she come with me? I need her help to get this thing from one place to the next. It would not take too long and then she could come back to Gondor with you."
"I believe she would. I do not know. I will ask her. I must leave you and prepare for the feast. I trust to see you there?"
"Yes, yes, I'll be there." He waved Faramir off. When he could no longer see the Steward's youngest son he started to think about just how much help this woman could provide.
An hour later Anna was ready and waiting for Faramir. She was wearing a beautiful dress of a light-blue silk. She wore her hair down and a simple necklace of silver and sapphires.
She heard a knock and opened it to see Faramir. He was wearing a nicer outfit of dark blue and black. She smiled and he held his arm out.
"You look beautiful Anna." he whispered. She blushed and thanked him.
"Anna may I ask you something?"
"Of course. You can ask me anything." She looked up at him. He was staring straight ahead, his face worried.
"Earlier you said that you would stay until you found an adventure. If I found you one, would you go?"
"Faramir?"
"A great wizard is here and needs help protecting something. All you would have to do is get it from one place to another."
"Would you mind?"
"I asked him personally if there was an adventure to be had. I want you to be happy, even if it means we are apart for a brief amount of time. And if the adventure grows to another, so be it. I can wait for you. Father will keep me busy." She squealed in excitement and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"Oh Faramir! This makes me so happy. Thank you so much." He smiled and hugged her back.
"You will meet him tonight. I hope he gives you what you seek." He led her to the Feast Hall where he looked for Mithrandir, whom he spotted sitting at one of the tables. He led Anna to the seat.
"Mithrandir? This is Annadra-Marion Frae, the woman I told you about." He stood up and took Anna's outstretched hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Mithrandir, or Gandalf the Gray. I have many, many names."
"It's good to meet you too. I commonly go by Anna."
"I hear you are from a Parallel Universe?" Her eyes widened in excitement and she sat down next to the wizard.
"Yes. Have you heard of them?"
"Limitedly. I believe you. Has Faramir told you?"
"About the adventure? Yes, I would love to help you. I'm a good fighter. Especially with sword and archery. I see and hear from far away."
"I would enjoy your help. All of Middle Earth will need all that it can get in these upcoming times. But I will not bore with it now."
"Oh you won't!" Faramir smiled slightly when he saw Mithrandir's eyes light up.
"All the same. Meet me in the library in the morning. Faramir will show you the way. There we will discuss all that is needed."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" He nodded and Faramir led Anna to the High Table where they were to sit. Mithrandir placed his pipe between his lips as he watched the two walk away.
'There is something much extra there. What could it be?'
I hope you liked the new chapter! It's the last week of school and a three- day weekend. Review please!
Yeah another chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that belongs to anyone else, unless it belongs to me.
Warnings: Longest chapter than the rest. Only by one page.
Thank you to all of my reviewers!
Chapter Four
Meeting of Many
Anna woke up to the bright sun. She groaned and rolled over, landing on something soft. The thing gave a grunt of pain and she opened one eye to stare into one of Faramir's.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." He shook his head and kissed her forehead.
"I will be fine. Holme kwal."
"Holme kwal nortrie ata. Good morning to you also. I'm glad you remembered." She smiled, before snuggling into his body. "You're comfortable."
"Thank you. I hate to say this, but we need to start moving again." She groaned and pushed her face into the crook of his neck.
"Do we have to?" she whined.
"Yes. Come on." He sat up, pushing her up as well. She groaned and sat up taller and blinked rapidly.
"It's too bright." Suddenly something nudged her back almost sending her toppling forward onto Faramir. She turned to see one of Umpra's hooves.
'The men are laughing at the two of you for sleeping so close.' Anna shrugged and petted Umpra's hoof.
"We didn't do anything, so it doesn't matter. Is it me or is it extremely bright?" she asked, shielding her eyes with her hand.
'It's you. Throw your cloak over your head.'
"Love you too Umpra!" Umpra snorted and walked away. Anna stretched her neck out before standing up.
"What was Umpra telling you?" Faramir asked her from the ground. He was rolling their bedrolls up and packing them up.
"About how the men are laughing at us because we slept so close." Faramir smiled.
"It is bound to happen." She nodded and kneeled down next to him. He looked at her and they smiled before she laid her head on his shoulder.
"I never knew love could happen so fast." she whispered into his ear. He nodded.
"Nor did I." they hugged and stood up before heading to the fire where the men were making coffee and bacon.
"Sleep well?" Jonim asked smiling widely.
"Yes I did. Thank you for asking." she answered coolly accepting a plate and mug. The men all laughed before beginning to tease Faramir.
"Alright! Enough. Today we head towards Osgiliath. We should reach there by nightfall." The men nodded, still laughing.
"Where's Osgiliath?" Anna asked.
"It is located by Minas Tirith. Osgiliath is on the waterfront and Minas Tirith is behind it."
"Is it a guard city to Minas Tirith?"
"A little bit. If Osgiliath is kept safe, Minas Tirith will be kept safe." They sat in silence for a few seconds as Anna thought of something.
"Faramir do you have any maps? I'd like to see this Middle Earth." He nodded.
"I have one with me." She scrunched her nose up and drank the last of her coffee.
"I have to feed Umpra." She whispered to him kissing his cheek. He nodded and watched as she fetched a pail of water.
"I hope your Father approves." Jonim said, giving Faramir a comforting squeeze on the shoulder.
"He will not approve. He never has."
An hour later everyone was walking towards Osgiliath. Faramir had given her the map to look at, which she was currently doing.
'How can you read the map and walk at the same time?' Umpra nudged her shoulder. Jonim was riding Umpra again but Anna had the reins tied around her wrist so he couldn't wander far.
"I'm talented and I can multi-task." Umpra snorted.
'You can't fight and think at the same time.'
"Oh shut up." Umpra's laugh ran through her head. It was the weirdest thing. She could hear everything Umpra said, but could feel his pain, his sadness, his anger and she could feel it when he laughed. She never heard him laugh. And she didn't know why that when she thought something, Umpra could never hear it, like Umpra could never talk.
She stuck her nose in the map again. It was old and yellow but still readable. A lot of the places had odd names. Places in Fawe were named after people and things.
"Enjoying the map?" Faramir asked from beside her.
"It's interesting. The names and such are odd, but we do have different languages."
"What are the cities names after in Fawe?"
"People and things. Even the Elven and Faerian cities aren't named in their languages."
"You will enjoy Minas Tirith, the "White City". We are going there after we reach Osgiliath."
"Where are we right now?"
"We are in Ithilien, to the northwest of Osgiliath." She pointed at the map and he leaned over to see what it was she was pointing at.
"You said Osgiliath is on the river. How will we cross? By boat?"
"A road runs by Osgiliath. We will get to Minas Tirith the same way. The road is not far off."
"Is it safe to travel on the road?"
"We shall hope it will be." She hoped that he was kidding, but she couldn't tell. They walked in silence for quite awhile, taking small breaks for the wounded. Anna kept track of where they were, in case she ever got lost alone.
They reached the road about noon and had lunch to the side where they were still hidden by the tall green trees. Anna was right, it had been brighter. The trees had thinned out, so there wasn't as much coverage as the other night.
They got moving soon though, as Faramir wanted to get to Osgiliath as soon as possible. They took no more breaks as they were in the open. Faramir was growing nervous; he had no idea how his Father would react to Anna.
Denethor, Steward of Gondor, had always wanted Boromir to marry first. He thought that Faramir was too weak to carry out the bloodline of the Gondor Stewards, even though Faramir was more fit to be married.
"Faramir?" Anna's voice reached his ears and he turned to look at her. They had gone ahead of everyone so Anna could look and listen for anything coming. She had a worried look on her face and she gently touched his arm. "Are you alright?"
"I am fine, just nervous."
"Nervous?" she laughed gently. "What is there to nervous about?"
"My Father. I do not know how he will take the news." An understanding lit up in her eyes.
"Oh. I would have thought he'd be happy. Now the bloodline can continue." He sighed heavily and turned his head to look into her beautiful eyes.
"It's not as easy as that I am afraid. My Father has always thought that I was a disgrace, an embarrassment compared to Boromir. He wants Boromir to marry first and continue the bloodline. I am seen to weak to do so."
"But you aren't!" She grabbed his arm and stopped him. "You aren't Faramir. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Everyone is different and your Father is an idiot for not seeing that. And I'm sorry I called him that, but it's true. You're an amazing person, don't forget it." He let the words sink in. It was hard to believe in such after so many years of mistreatment. There were times when he thought his Father loved him, but Boromir always did better. Yet Faramir felt no hate towards his beloved older brother.
"Thank you Anna. I will try to not forget." He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. She leaned up and wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds when the rest of the guard caught up to them. They smiled and separated, falling into their places in the marching guard.
They reached Osgiliath by nightfall and stayed in an old ruined house. The entire city seemed deserted and there wasn't much noise, the entire group keeping absolutely silent.
"What happened here?" Anna whispered, clinging to Faramir's arm.
"The enemy attacks often. Not many people stay here anymore. In the morning we will leave for Minas Tirith."
Anna had a hard time falling asleep that night, afraid something was going to happen. She finally did fall asleep, but it was a restless sleep filled with nightmares of orcs and demons from Fawe.
They left at the break of dawn and Anna admired Minas Tirith. It was a large city of many layers all carved out of white stone. It looked like it came from the very mountainside. Each layer was surrounded by thick walls. One the top was a citadel and it gleamed white like a gem.
They rode up the main road that zig zagged all around the city to the top. They were met with many people, even though most didn't look very happy. There was cheering, but nothing like the cheering when those from the quests came back like in Fawe.
'It is so different here. I don't know how I'll get use to it.' Anna thought looking around at the people. There were far more women than men.
They reached the top and those wounded were taken to the city healers. Faramir led Anna to the Great Hall to report sightings and for Anna to explain herself. Faramir looked anxious and Anna squeezed his hand. He relaxed, squeezing her hand back. When the doors opened they dropped each other's hands and walked into the hall.
It was an astonishingly huge domed hall. At the end was a large pier and on top sat a large solid white throne. At the foot of the pier sat an old man on a simple black chair. He wore no special outfit, only carried a white staff.
They walked forward, allowing Anna to get a good look at him. Faramir didn't take his looks after his father. Denethor was old and wrinkled in his cold, stone set face. His eyes were a cold steel gray and they stared proudly, but something wasn't right in them, Anna could tell. This man wasn't right and not just because he disliked his younger son. He had a small look of wildness in his eyes and his hair was gray and long, longer than Faramir's. He wore black robes, a dark red shirt with black boots and black breeches.
Faramir bowed low and Anna did the same, not knowing the customs of Gondor.
"Women curtsied I thought." he sneered. Anna stood and curtsied low to the ground. Women knights never had to learn the etiquette all of the other ladies were forced to learn.
"I am sorry. My customs are different than yours, and I did not know what to do." she answered. He didn't say anything for several seconds.
"Faramir, who is this?"
"The guard found her lost in the woods. She is not from Middle Earth Father. She is from another universe-"Faramir was cut off by Denethor's laugh. It sent goose bumps up and down Anna's spine.
"I did not think that you would fall for something that absurd! How is it that you are able to correct me every time I think that you can not get worse! Another universe? HA!" Anna's blood began to boil in her veins as she stared at this pathetic excuse for a father.
"I am sorry but I do not lie to any. I never have before and I never will not that I've entered training to become a knight."
"A woman knight?"
"Yes a woman knight. The people of my country are not pig-headed men who look down upon women. I did not earn my right as an honored friend to the Elves by listening to men such as you."
"Anna stop." Faramir said, grabbing her arm. Denethor looked at her with amazement.
"No woman has ever spoken to me like that. I am not sure I like it, but your spirit I do. How long will you be staying here?"
"For as long as I need. Until the adventure I seek is found. Whether I find it or if it finds me." Denethor nodded.
"You will be welcome in my halls anytime. Now Faramir what of the patrols?" Anna hardly listened as Faramir told his father of what they had run into. Soon they were dismissed, a servant following to show Anna to her rooms.
"I never." he whispered in her ear.
"What?"
"What you said to my father. I was impressed." He smiled at her and it was the most sincere smile he had given her.
"Thank you Faramir. I'm glad, although I'll admit I thought he was going to have me thrown in prison for treason or something." Faramir nodded, remembering where the servant led them so he knew where Anna was staying.
"He still didn't believe us though." Her voice sounded disappointed and sad.
"Somehow you will find a way to make him believe." She smiled at him as the servant opened the door to Anna's room. It was overlooking the courtyard with the White Tree of Gondor. The room was a lovely blue color and the curtains along the long windows were white and see through. There was a canopied bed with a dark blue cover and white and blue pillows of all sizes. There was a vanity table, a closet for her clothes, a bureau, a desk and a chair.
"It's wonderful." She walked into the room, Faramir following. The servant bowed when Faramir dismissed him. She was looking out of the window down at the courtyard with all of the guards dressed in black and silver. He wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her.
"It is somber here." She turned to kiss him. "What's happened here?"
"It is far too long of a story for me to tell you. I will show you the library tomorrow." He kissed her back quickly and then again slower.
"Will your father approve of us?" she asked him when he pulled away. He didn't answer for several seconds. Instead he looked out the window.
"He approves of you, but not of myself. He will try to persuade to marry Boromir instead." He answered finally.
"I wouldn't marry him. Even if he is better than you." They kissed again and when they broke away they stood in each other's arms.
"I should change for dinner. There will be a feast tonight." Anna looked sad and when someone knocked on the door they tore apart before another servant entered.
"The Steward Denethor wishes to know if you have anything to wear."
"I'm afraid not. I only have my traveling clothes."
"There are dresses for you to wear in the closet. They should fit. Dinner will be served in an hour. If you need any help, pull the lever." He pointed to a lever next to the bed.
"Thank you." He nodded and left.
"Tis my cue to leave. I will escort you to the feast. I will be back before the hour." She nodded and they kissed before he left the room. She sighed, before heading to the closet to find a dress.
On the way to his room Faramir ran into Gandalf the Grey.
"Mithrandir! It is good to see you!" The wizard looked older than he had ever before, like something was truly worrying him.
"I am well Captain Faramir. And yourself?"
"I am better than ever I believe."
"What made you so well?"
"A beautiful woman Mithrandir." They started to walk, Faramir's arms behind him, one hand clasped around the other's wrist. "She is amazing. She has red hair, golden highlights, the bluest eyes and she can fight. She was trained by the Elves of her country."
"Her country? Where is she from?" Gandalf/Mithrandir stopped and turned his head slightly to look over at Faramir.
"That is the odd thing. She is not from Middle Earth. You are a wizard Mithrandir. Have you not heard of the Parallel Universes?"
"I have heard tales, never the actual thing."
"She claims to be from another universe. She lives in the country of Fawe." He paused. "I believe her. I do. There is such a sincerity around her."
"This is a large thing to believe in." They continued walking, not really going in one direction or other.
"You travel Mithrandir. Have you any adventures planned for the immediate future?"
"I do." He looked around and lowered his voice. "I believe I have found something of great importance. I must get it somewhere safe. That is why I am here. I am reading scrolls to gather more information. I have much of what I need."
"Perhaps she can help. She is looking for an adventure. She could help guard whatever it is you need help with." Gandalf/Mithrandir paused to think about what Faramir was suggesting. He found a lovely woman and was willing to risk his happiness of being with her, for her need of an adventure.
"Perhaps I could use her help. Would she come with me? I need her help to get this thing from one place to the next. It would not take too long and then she could come back to Gondor with you."
"I believe she would. I do not know. I will ask her. I must leave you and prepare for the feast. I trust to see you there?"
"Yes, yes, I'll be there." He waved Faramir off. When he could no longer see the Steward's youngest son he started to think about just how much help this woman could provide.
An hour later Anna was ready and waiting for Faramir. She was wearing a beautiful dress of a light-blue silk. She wore her hair down and a simple necklace of silver and sapphires.
She heard a knock and opened it to see Faramir. He was wearing a nicer outfit of dark blue and black. She smiled and he held his arm out.
"You look beautiful Anna." he whispered. She blushed and thanked him.
"Anna may I ask you something?"
"Of course. You can ask me anything." She looked up at him. He was staring straight ahead, his face worried.
"Earlier you said that you would stay until you found an adventure. If I found you one, would you go?"
"Faramir?"
"A great wizard is here and needs help protecting something. All you would have to do is get it from one place to another."
"Would you mind?"
"I asked him personally if there was an adventure to be had. I want you to be happy, even if it means we are apart for a brief amount of time. And if the adventure grows to another, so be it. I can wait for you. Father will keep me busy." She squealed in excitement and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
"Oh Faramir! This makes me so happy. Thank you so much." He smiled and hugged her back.
"You will meet him tonight. I hope he gives you what you seek." He led her to the Feast Hall where he looked for Mithrandir, whom he spotted sitting at one of the tables. He led Anna to the seat.
"Mithrandir? This is Annadra-Marion Frae, the woman I told you about." He stood up and took Anna's outstretched hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Mithrandir, or Gandalf the Gray. I have many, many names."
"It's good to meet you too. I commonly go by Anna."
"I hear you are from a Parallel Universe?" Her eyes widened in excitement and she sat down next to the wizard.
"Yes. Have you heard of them?"
"Limitedly. I believe you. Has Faramir told you?"
"About the adventure? Yes, I would love to help you. I'm a good fighter. Especially with sword and archery. I see and hear from far away."
"I would enjoy your help. All of Middle Earth will need all that it can get in these upcoming times. But I will not bore with it now."
"Oh you won't!" Faramir smiled slightly when he saw Mithrandir's eyes light up.
"All the same. Meet me in the library in the morning. Faramir will show you the way. There we will discuss all that is needed."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" He nodded and Faramir led Anna to the High Table where they were to sit. Mithrandir placed his pipe between his lips as he watched the two walk away.
'There is something much extra there. What could it be?'
I hope you liked the new chapter! It's the last week of school and a three- day weekend. Review please!