A/N: This is very short I know. Consider it a transitional chapter into bigger and better things. Thanks for your kind reviews!
Éowyn seemed much improved the next morning, but she did not truly relax until we were away from Pelargir and back upon the road. Even then, I noticed her glancing over her shoulder from time to time as if looking for someone behind us. "Is there something wrong?" I finally asked her.
She seemed startled by my question. "Why do you ask?"
"As often as you cast your eyes back toward Pelargir, I thought that you might have forgotten something there."
I was relieved when she laughed. "Nay, husband, I am simply making certain that Seregon's load rests evenly across his back."
"It does, love. I checked it myself." Then I made jest. "I should have known better than to marry a Rohirric maiden. You shall always nag me about the horses' comfort when you should be seeing to mine!"
A slow smile spread across her face. "Is that so? Then when we arrive in Linhir on the morrow, would it make you happy if I curry your mane and make certain that you get your fair portion of oats and hay before I care for the horses?"
By way of an answer I whinnied most obnoxiously, earning a laugh and a light cuff upon my arm from her. We rode awhile longer in silence before Éowyn broke it with a question.
"Faramir, do you ever think that you see people from your past among the faces in a crowd?"
Her question surprised me, but I answered quietly. "Often." I wondered if this had happened to her in Pelargir. "Sometimes I think that I spy Boromir's green eyes peering at me from groups of people in the marketplace in Minas Tirith, though I know that it is impossible."
She nodded but said no more.
It was nearly dark when we stopped for the night, and Faramir began to erect our tent a few paces from the road while I set about making a fire to warm us through the dark hours. By firelight I cared for the horses while Faramir set out bread, cheese and apples that he had purchased in Pelargir for our dinner. Just as I finished currying Windfola, I felt arms slip around my waist, and before I could stop myself, I stiffened noticeably before realizing that it was Faramir who had approached so stealthily.
"Éowyn, I did not mean to frighten you," he murmured as I turned to face him.
"My husband, the ranger," I said in wry amusement, though my heart was pounding in my chest. "You must teach me how to do that so we shall be on more even footing in the future."
His face lit up. "I would feel honored to show you the ways of the rangers, my wife. Come, let us eat now, and we can begin your training as a ranger whenever you would like."
I was able to relax for a time as I sat upon the cold ground next to Faramir, allowing him to feed me tidbits of food, delighting in the way his grey eyes looked at me as he kissed the apple juice from my mouth between morsels. I leaned against him, taking comfort in the warmth of his touch, feeling the slight tremor that ran through his body as he anticipated the moment when we would retire to our bedroll. I could not help but smile at him to know that I had that effect upon him. "I adore you, Faramir," I told him, though the words seemed inadequate, and he sighed in deep contentment, pulling me yet closer.
"Your voice when you speak those words never fails to make my heart skip a beat, Éowyn," he admitted breathlessly.
"Your response to me shall never fail to amaze me, my lord," I said as he began to trail light kisses upon my throat.
"Ah, but you are beautiful and most desirable, my love. I think of no other day or night. You utterly consume me."
"Faramir."
"Yes?"
"I am cold," I lied, feeling anything but cold. He paused in his attentions only long enough to chuckle throatily and draw me into his arms before he carried me into the tent, the remains of our dinner completely forgotten.