Disclaimer- Same old, same old! It's not mine- if it was, I'd be a whole
lot richer!
Comments to my great reviewers- Kaiya, Jesse, Christine, GeneticallyElvenGryffindor, nap-003, faramirluvva, emeraldphoenix2, blu ize: Thank you much for reading and reviewing! It does help to know you like it!
The Lady Sheildmaiden: My first reviewer! Thank you so much!! I'm glad that you could see Eowyn as playful, because I was wondering how that would come across.
Starbrow: I'm thrilled you didn't think they were sickeningly sweet! That is what I am trying to stay away from. Also, thanks for pointing out what you liked, it helps a lot.
P.I.D.: That was the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me!!! ~Sniff~
Chapter Two- Gifts
Of all of the day' ceremonies, I liked this last one the best. Sitting in the large, comfortable library, tucked on a couch beside my new husband, my friends gathered around us. it was blissful.
The wedding ceremonies in Gondor lasted a lot longer than they did in Rohan. I was not sure if it was just because it was the Steward marrying, or if they all lasted three hours. There were so many oaths I had to swear, not only to Faramir, but to Gondor and the King, all of which I had to say because of my being a foreigner and all. Faramir had to speak barely at all, but when he said his vows to me, they were lovely, and I knew he meant them, even if they were just traditional responses.
Finally, we were allowed to kiss and the marriage official. I was now a citizen of Gondor, but more than that, I was the Steward's Wife. Amidst the cheering, Faramir leaned in towards my ear and whispered, "Are you acceptably happy, my lady?"
"More happy than I have ever been, my lord," I answered softly. "What comes next? Not more standing around swearing myself to various places and people, I hope."
"No, next is the public reception. For a few hours, the entire city will be celebrating, and all the people may come forward to wish us luck and leave us gifts. We just sit and talk to them, but they will be most keen to speak to you, as many of them have seen me for most of their lives."
And so we sat in the garden and celebrated with the people of Gondor until nightfall. As the darkness grew thick, King Elessar came to us and said, "It is time, my lord and lady, to retire for our private reception." Faramir nodded and took my hand. This at least, I expected. I had been asked to pick several people I would like to attend a small dinner and party after the wedding. I had been at a loss. I had no real close friends, but did not really wish to admit that to Faramir, instead I had asked him who he was to invite.
"The King and Queen, of course, and your brother. Also, I have invited Legolas and Gimli, who have been so kind to us, and Gandalf, who was always my friend as a boy. Frodo and Sam, not to mention Merry and Pippin, have all been invited already; I sent the messengers away earlier. Frodo and Sam cannot come, as Sam is newly married himself, and Frodo has been ill. In addition, I have invited my uncle Prince Imrahil, and my only close friend, Beregond."
"Then there is no one I will add," I answered, hoping he would not ask about any friends. But he simply nodded, and then I knew he understood. He understood the loneliness that oftentimes came with being a noble, the way finding friends was difficult in a King's court.
So now we sat, with all those invited, digesting our magnificent supper. The guests were engaged in small talk for the most part, and for the first time all day, the attention did not seem focused on Faramir and I. At least, it wasn't for a little bit.
"Lady Eowyn, when will you be opening your gifts?" Pippin inquired, his feet swinging more than a few inches from the ground. He and Merry looked dwarfed on the couch they had chosen, a large overstuffed thing with many pillows.
"Well, I don't know exactly," I stammered, looking over at Faramir. "When do we begin?"
"I suppose, anytime we wish," he said with a smile. "May I ask, Pippin, what is the big hurry?"
"Well, I had such a lovely gift for the two of you, I'd really like to see you open it! Besides, Gimli looks as if he might fall asleep any moment now."
The dwarf quickly sat up, his eyes becoming focused. "What? I was just resting a bit, it's been such a long day."
"If anyone deserves to be tired, it's Eowyn," Eomer said with a smile. "It was more of an interrogation than a wedding. Tell me, must all people swear so much?"
"No, not usually, it is because she is marrying such an important official. We could not have someone disloyal to Gondor wed to the Steward," Elessar said, smiling softly at Faramir. My new husband blushed softly. He did not think much of his position, now that there was a king. It flattered what pride he had to be called important by a man he greatly admired.
Yes, since Elessar had come to the throne, he and Faramir had befriended one another rather quickly. In the beginning, Faramir seemed cautious around him, maybe because he feared my affections would stray. It had been true that I thought I loved the future king, but once I had kissed Faramir high up on the walls of the city, I had desired no other. My love for Elessar was proved false, and I wished only to be a Lady of Gondor, not its Queen.
"Well, I suppose we could begin to open the gifts now," Faramir said quietly. "And since it is he who is so impatient, Master Peregrin shall have his gifts opened first." He reached into a pile of nicely wrapped gifts at the foot of the couch and withdrew a small package. "Would you like to open it, my lady?"
"I think that you shall, and I will open Master Meriadoc's, if that pleases you," I said. I did not wish to begin a custom foreign to me.
"Very well," Faramir said, carefully unwrapping the little package. Inside was a little book, no bigger than the palm of my hand, the cover bearing the Tree of Gondor. Faramir opened it to reveal a few pages written on in blue ink, and many more empty ones.
"It's a book of all the weddings which took place in Gondor over 600 years ago. It was in the library in my old house, and well, why we Tooks have many books, I never expected that to be there. Look at the last page that has writing," Pippin instructed, a wide smile on his face.
Faramir flipped a few pages to one written on in red ink, in a far different writing style. "Lord Faramir, Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien, and Lady Eowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan and Princess of Ithilien," he read. The date followed, written with a large flourish. "Why, thank you very much, Master Peregrin, this is surely a treasure."
Merry's present came next. It was a rug, "woven by my own sister," he said proudly. It had the White Tree in one corner, the standard of Rohan in another, and the rest was a small country scene. "Gondor, Rohan, and the Shire, all together," he said with a small smirk. "I figured you could use it as a heirloom or something."
There was a small round of laughter. Faramir proceeded to open another small box, which contained some seeds. "They're from Sam. He thought the two of you might like to start your own garden with some rather unique bulbs from the Shire," Pippin said.
"That is quite a good idea," I said. "I have always wanted a garden of my own, and surely it would not be complete without some flowers from other lands."
Frodo had sent a small book containing papers he had written on the two of us. Faramir read some of it aloud and laughed. "He flatters you, my lady. I begin to fear I will lose you to a sweet tongued hobbit."
"Well, he also recognizes you as a noble and good man. You do have quite friend in him, my lord." Faramir smiled at me and rested his hand on mine. Indeed, I could tell it touched him to see that others held him in such esteem. I smiled back.
Beregond gave Faramir a new sword, and me a small ring of ruby. I declared that he should not have given me so much and he colored. "Why, Lady, I figured that anyone worthy of Lord Faramir deserved the very best, at least," he said, shifting uncomfortably.
I laughed and smiled at him. "Well, do not let it become a habit. I would have you and your wife be good friends of ours, so do not think of us as just your Lord and Lady." He reddened even more and nodded.
I gasped as Eomer presented Faramir with his gift. It was a spear of the Rohirrim, very old, and it had hung in Meduseld for many years. It was truly an honor for my husband to receive it, and he saw from the look on my face that it was so. "My many thanks, King Eomer, but I do not think I can accept this. You have already given me the most precious thing in your kingdom, and I could ask for no more."
"But you must, for I think highly of you, and I am glad that my sister chose you for a husband. You are a good man, Faramir of Gondor, and I would have you take this as yet another token of appreciation. As for you," Eomer said, turning to me. "There is not much I can give. I could not find something suitable for you, and I was worried I would never find anything. But then, dear sister, I found this in your old rooms." He handed me a leather bound journal, worn and old. I immediately knew what it was.
"My old picture book," I said, opening it. The inside was full of sketches I had drawn as a young child, many of horses and of Eomer and Theodred playing at sword fighting.
"You have talent," Faramir said, watching as I flipped through the pages.
"Eomer, this is a great gift. Thank you, brother," I said, rising to hug him. He held me tightly in return, but said no more, for his eyes were wet with tears.
Legolas and Gimli both presented me with necklaces, the dwarf's made of jewels from the Glittering Caves, the elf's the purest silver, surrounding a shiny pearl. To Faramir they gave a coat of mithril, woven through with diamonds, which rendered us speechless for a moment, and a longbow made by the elves of Mirkwood. There was no way to express our excitement, except for a few hugs and a quick kiss for Gimli, at which he blushed furiously and returned to his chair. Gandalf gave Faramir a large book filled with the wizard's notes on Gondor, as he had taken them for the past few hundred years. To me he gave the notes of Rohan, which I could not read, but I did not say. Faramir had already offered his help, and I knew that this would be the first thing I would try to read.
Prince Imrahil came next. I opened mine first, which was a small painting of the sea, which I was informed Faramir had painted many years ago. Now it was my husband's time to blush, which he did with must gusto and a small laugh. Still quite embarrassed at his early attempt at art, he opened his present rather quickly, then stopped.
"This, Faramir, is one I painted myself, many years ago when you visited me for the summer," Imrahil said. I leaned over to look at it and saw why it was that Faramir stopped. It was a portrait of two boys, one about ten, the other still a toddler, sitting on a long sandy stretch, looking at the ocean. I immediately recognized my love's features, and I could see them echoed in the older boy as well.
"Why, it is Boromir and I, on the beach in Dol Amroth," Faramir said slowly. His voice sounded a little shaky, and he did not take his eyes off the picture. "It is wonderfully done. It looks as it did that very day. I can remember that was my first visit, and I was scared of the water. Boromir had to hold my hand the whole time."
There was a pause and silence fell heavily on the room. Finally, Faramir set the picture aside and smiled at his uncle. "It is lovely, and I shall always cherish it. Thank you for this gift." He leaned back and looked down at his hands. "Eowyn, love, would you like to open the last one?" he said, his voice a bit strained.
Quickly, I reached for the last gift. I knew that Faramir was dwelling on that picture, perhaps getting lost in another memory, but I wanted him to stay focused on our present situation. He could reminisce later, in private, where his emotions did not have to be held in check.
Inside the box was a long blue gown and a regal looking tunic of the same color. "They are elven," said Queen Arwen with a small smile. "I made them myself, with the materials and patterns of Rivendell. The color will suit you both marvelously."
I smiled as I stroked the material. "It is so lovely and soft. Thank you very much, my Lady."
King Elessar stood and spread his arms. "I am sorry I have no gift that is physical enough to be wrapped. But, I do hope you will like it, all the same. I know, Faramir, that you will not want to spend all your time in Minas Tirith, and I know you would like a dwelling in Ithilien. So, please, I bid you, take the next month off of your duties to build yourself and Lady Eowyn a home in the Emyn Arnen. And until then, Lady Eowyn, please feel free to go anywhere in the city, or even in all of Gondor. Queen Arwen would also like to spend time with you, so that the two of you might become good friends."
Together, Faramir and I stood and bowed. "Thank you, my King," he said. "This is truly a great gift, so that I may begin my life with Lady Eowyn with ease."
"You are welcome, my friend," Elessar said with a smile. "But for now, you both look weary, so I would bid all to go to their rooms, and have a good night's rest. The two of you especially." He embraced the both of us and kissed our foreheads. All the other guests followed suit.
Faramir tugged my hand, and with a final farewell, we departed the library. "What about all the gifts? Do we just leave them there?" I asked, suddenly realizing.
He led me down the hall to our new rooms. "They will be gathered and brought to our apartments tomorrow," he said quietly. He paused for a moment and sighed. "It was a lovely painting," he said finally.
"Yes, it really was. But, my love, do not let it bother you too much. Tonight is our wedding night, after all." We stopped in front of our door. Faramir gazed at me sadly, his gray eyes thoughtful. Then suddenly, he smiled a playful little grin. "Yes, of course, my lady, we should do our best to enjoy it." With that he opened the door and ushered me inside. Immediately, he put his hands on his face and kissed me, kicking the door shut behind us.
Comments to my great reviewers- Kaiya, Jesse, Christine, GeneticallyElvenGryffindor, nap-003, faramirluvva, emeraldphoenix2, blu ize: Thank you much for reading and reviewing! It does help to know you like it!
The Lady Sheildmaiden: My first reviewer! Thank you so much!! I'm glad that you could see Eowyn as playful, because I was wondering how that would come across.
Starbrow: I'm thrilled you didn't think they were sickeningly sweet! That is what I am trying to stay away from. Also, thanks for pointing out what you liked, it helps a lot.
P.I.D.: That was the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me!!! ~Sniff~
Chapter Two- Gifts
Of all of the day' ceremonies, I liked this last one the best. Sitting in the large, comfortable library, tucked on a couch beside my new husband, my friends gathered around us. it was blissful.
The wedding ceremonies in Gondor lasted a lot longer than they did in Rohan. I was not sure if it was just because it was the Steward marrying, or if they all lasted three hours. There were so many oaths I had to swear, not only to Faramir, but to Gondor and the King, all of which I had to say because of my being a foreigner and all. Faramir had to speak barely at all, but when he said his vows to me, they were lovely, and I knew he meant them, even if they were just traditional responses.
Finally, we were allowed to kiss and the marriage official. I was now a citizen of Gondor, but more than that, I was the Steward's Wife. Amidst the cheering, Faramir leaned in towards my ear and whispered, "Are you acceptably happy, my lady?"
"More happy than I have ever been, my lord," I answered softly. "What comes next? Not more standing around swearing myself to various places and people, I hope."
"No, next is the public reception. For a few hours, the entire city will be celebrating, and all the people may come forward to wish us luck and leave us gifts. We just sit and talk to them, but they will be most keen to speak to you, as many of them have seen me for most of their lives."
And so we sat in the garden and celebrated with the people of Gondor until nightfall. As the darkness grew thick, King Elessar came to us and said, "It is time, my lord and lady, to retire for our private reception." Faramir nodded and took my hand. This at least, I expected. I had been asked to pick several people I would like to attend a small dinner and party after the wedding. I had been at a loss. I had no real close friends, but did not really wish to admit that to Faramir, instead I had asked him who he was to invite.
"The King and Queen, of course, and your brother. Also, I have invited Legolas and Gimli, who have been so kind to us, and Gandalf, who was always my friend as a boy. Frodo and Sam, not to mention Merry and Pippin, have all been invited already; I sent the messengers away earlier. Frodo and Sam cannot come, as Sam is newly married himself, and Frodo has been ill. In addition, I have invited my uncle Prince Imrahil, and my only close friend, Beregond."
"Then there is no one I will add," I answered, hoping he would not ask about any friends. But he simply nodded, and then I knew he understood. He understood the loneliness that oftentimes came with being a noble, the way finding friends was difficult in a King's court.
So now we sat, with all those invited, digesting our magnificent supper. The guests were engaged in small talk for the most part, and for the first time all day, the attention did not seem focused on Faramir and I. At least, it wasn't for a little bit.
"Lady Eowyn, when will you be opening your gifts?" Pippin inquired, his feet swinging more than a few inches from the ground. He and Merry looked dwarfed on the couch they had chosen, a large overstuffed thing with many pillows.
"Well, I don't know exactly," I stammered, looking over at Faramir. "When do we begin?"
"I suppose, anytime we wish," he said with a smile. "May I ask, Pippin, what is the big hurry?"
"Well, I had such a lovely gift for the two of you, I'd really like to see you open it! Besides, Gimli looks as if he might fall asleep any moment now."
The dwarf quickly sat up, his eyes becoming focused. "What? I was just resting a bit, it's been such a long day."
"If anyone deserves to be tired, it's Eowyn," Eomer said with a smile. "It was more of an interrogation than a wedding. Tell me, must all people swear so much?"
"No, not usually, it is because she is marrying such an important official. We could not have someone disloyal to Gondor wed to the Steward," Elessar said, smiling softly at Faramir. My new husband blushed softly. He did not think much of his position, now that there was a king. It flattered what pride he had to be called important by a man he greatly admired.
Yes, since Elessar had come to the throne, he and Faramir had befriended one another rather quickly. In the beginning, Faramir seemed cautious around him, maybe because he feared my affections would stray. It had been true that I thought I loved the future king, but once I had kissed Faramir high up on the walls of the city, I had desired no other. My love for Elessar was proved false, and I wished only to be a Lady of Gondor, not its Queen.
"Well, I suppose we could begin to open the gifts now," Faramir said quietly. "And since it is he who is so impatient, Master Peregrin shall have his gifts opened first." He reached into a pile of nicely wrapped gifts at the foot of the couch and withdrew a small package. "Would you like to open it, my lady?"
"I think that you shall, and I will open Master Meriadoc's, if that pleases you," I said. I did not wish to begin a custom foreign to me.
"Very well," Faramir said, carefully unwrapping the little package. Inside was a little book, no bigger than the palm of my hand, the cover bearing the Tree of Gondor. Faramir opened it to reveal a few pages written on in blue ink, and many more empty ones.
"It's a book of all the weddings which took place in Gondor over 600 years ago. It was in the library in my old house, and well, why we Tooks have many books, I never expected that to be there. Look at the last page that has writing," Pippin instructed, a wide smile on his face.
Faramir flipped a few pages to one written on in red ink, in a far different writing style. "Lord Faramir, Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien, and Lady Eowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan and Princess of Ithilien," he read. The date followed, written with a large flourish. "Why, thank you very much, Master Peregrin, this is surely a treasure."
Merry's present came next. It was a rug, "woven by my own sister," he said proudly. It had the White Tree in one corner, the standard of Rohan in another, and the rest was a small country scene. "Gondor, Rohan, and the Shire, all together," he said with a small smirk. "I figured you could use it as a heirloom or something."
There was a small round of laughter. Faramir proceeded to open another small box, which contained some seeds. "They're from Sam. He thought the two of you might like to start your own garden with some rather unique bulbs from the Shire," Pippin said.
"That is quite a good idea," I said. "I have always wanted a garden of my own, and surely it would not be complete without some flowers from other lands."
Frodo had sent a small book containing papers he had written on the two of us. Faramir read some of it aloud and laughed. "He flatters you, my lady. I begin to fear I will lose you to a sweet tongued hobbit."
"Well, he also recognizes you as a noble and good man. You do have quite friend in him, my lord." Faramir smiled at me and rested his hand on mine. Indeed, I could tell it touched him to see that others held him in such esteem. I smiled back.
Beregond gave Faramir a new sword, and me a small ring of ruby. I declared that he should not have given me so much and he colored. "Why, Lady, I figured that anyone worthy of Lord Faramir deserved the very best, at least," he said, shifting uncomfortably.
I laughed and smiled at him. "Well, do not let it become a habit. I would have you and your wife be good friends of ours, so do not think of us as just your Lord and Lady." He reddened even more and nodded.
I gasped as Eomer presented Faramir with his gift. It was a spear of the Rohirrim, very old, and it had hung in Meduseld for many years. It was truly an honor for my husband to receive it, and he saw from the look on my face that it was so. "My many thanks, King Eomer, but I do not think I can accept this. You have already given me the most precious thing in your kingdom, and I could ask for no more."
"But you must, for I think highly of you, and I am glad that my sister chose you for a husband. You are a good man, Faramir of Gondor, and I would have you take this as yet another token of appreciation. As for you," Eomer said, turning to me. "There is not much I can give. I could not find something suitable for you, and I was worried I would never find anything. But then, dear sister, I found this in your old rooms." He handed me a leather bound journal, worn and old. I immediately knew what it was.
"My old picture book," I said, opening it. The inside was full of sketches I had drawn as a young child, many of horses and of Eomer and Theodred playing at sword fighting.
"You have talent," Faramir said, watching as I flipped through the pages.
"Eomer, this is a great gift. Thank you, brother," I said, rising to hug him. He held me tightly in return, but said no more, for his eyes were wet with tears.
Legolas and Gimli both presented me with necklaces, the dwarf's made of jewels from the Glittering Caves, the elf's the purest silver, surrounding a shiny pearl. To Faramir they gave a coat of mithril, woven through with diamonds, which rendered us speechless for a moment, and a longbow made by the elves of Mirkwood. There was no way to express our excitement, except for a few hugs and a quick kiss for Gimli, at which he blushed furiously and returned to his chair. Gandalf gave Faramir a large book filled with the wizard's notes on Gondor, as he had taken them for the past few hundred years. To me he gave the notes of Rohan, which I could not read, but I did not say. Faramir had already offered his help, and I knew that this would be the first thing I would try to read.
Prince Imrahil came next. I opened mine first, which was a small painting of the sea, which I was informed Faramir had painted many years ago. Now it was my husband's time to blush, which he did with must gusto and a small laugh. Still quite embarrassed at his early attempt at art, he opened his present rather quickly, then stopped.
"This, Faramir, is one I painted myself, many years ago when you visited me for the summer," Imrahil said. I leaned over to look at it and saw why it was that Faramir stopped. It was a portrait of two boys, one about ten, the other still a toddler, sitting on a long sandy stretch, looking at the ocean. I immediately recognized my love's features, and I could see them echoed in the older boy as well.
"Why, it is Boromir and I, on the beach in Dol Amroth," Faramir said slowly. His voice sounded a little shaky, and he did not take his eyes off the picture. "It is wonderfully done. It looks as it did that very day. I can remember that was my first visit, and I was scared of the water. Boromir had to hold my hand the whole time."
There was a pause and silence fell heavily on the room. Finally, Faramir set the picture aside and smiled at his uncle. "It is lovely, and I shall always cherish it. Thank you for this gift." He leaned back and looked down at his hands. "Eowyn, love, would you like to open the last one?" he said, his voice a bit strained.
Quickly, I reached for the last gift. I knew that Faramir was dwelling on that picture, perhaps getting lost in another memory, but I wanted him to stay focused on our present situation. He could reminisce later, in private, where his emotions did not have to be held in check.
Inside the box was a long blue gown and a regal looking tunic of the same color. "They are elven," said Queen Arwen with a small smile. "I made them myself, with the materials and patterns of Rivendell. The color will suit you both marvelously."
I smiled as I stroked the material. "It is so lovely and soft. Thank you very much, my Lady."
King Elessar stood and spread his arms. "I am sorry I have no gift that is physical enough to be wrapped. But, I do hope you will like it, all the same. I know, Faramir, that you will not want to spend all your time in Minas Tirith, and I know you would like a dwelling in Ithilien. So, please, I bid you, take the next month off of your duties to build yourself and Lady Eowyn a home in the Emyn Arnen. And until then, Lady Eowyn, please feel free to go anywhere in the city, or even in all of Gondor. Queen Arwen would also like to spend time with you, so that the two of you might become good friends."
Together, Faramir and I stood and bowed. "Thank you, my King," he said. "This is truly a great gift, so that I may begin my life with Lady Eowyn with ease."
"You are welcome, my friend," Elessar said with a smile. "But for now, you both look weary, so I would bid all to go to their rooms, and have a good night's rest. The two of you especially." He embraced the both of us and kissed our foreheads. All the other guests followed suit.
Faramir tugged my hand, and with a final farewell, we departed the library. "What about all the gifts? Do we just leave them there?" I asked, suddenly realizing.
He led me down the hall to our new rooms. "They will be gathered and brought to our apartments tomorrow," he said quietly. He paused for a moment and sighed. "It was a lovely painting," he said finally.
"Yes, it really was. But, my love, do not let it bother you too much. Tonight is our wedding night, after all." We stopped in front of our door. Faramir gazed at me sadly, his gray eyes thoughtful. Then suddenly, he smiled a playful little grin. "Yes, of course, my lady, we should do our best to enjoy it." With that he opened the door and ushered me inside. Immediately, he put his hands on his face and kissed me, kicking the door shut behind us.