In the days after Aragorn took up his inheritance Faramir found himself more busy than ever before. But so unlike Denethor, for whom the work was a nuisance that was a negative aspect in the power of the office, Faramir found that he thrived like never before.
To Faramir, the power of the office of Steward held utterly no significance, but for in the eyes of the people of Minas Tirith, who had loved him all of his life. To Faramir, working with Aragorn and assisting him in his ministry was a joy and gave him a sense of satisfaction he had never had before. He felt that perhaps such fulfillment, the feeling of being wanted and useful, was how Boromir looked upon his role in battle.
Though when Faramir had served with the Ithilien rangers he knew well enough that he was indeed more than useful to the fight against Mordor, he never felt at his vocation. He had not served needlessly, but he knew he was possessed of so much more and his abhorrence of battle caused him often to be grim and withdrawn in his rank as Captain.
But now, as Steward of Gondor and assistant to the King, Faramir was a changed man. He walked, for the first time, proud and happy and the people said what a fine team the King and the Steward made. For the first time in his life, Faramir felt important and appreciated and in his true element.
---
After his first week Aragorn knew the meaning of exhaustion. Days without food or sleep were routine and undemanding. Minas Tirith was suddenly under siege. Not from a foe unlooked for, but by her own people. King Elessar was kept engaged from before the sun rose to long before it set. He might have expected a few days worth of such a storm, but not an entire week. He had not even seen his friends since his coronation and he hadn't had the time to speak more to Faramir than to apologizingly ask for his help with yet another matter.
After the departure of the Rohirrim the city calmed down considerably. When he woke one morning to no pressing throng filling the streets below, his first reaction was suspicion. 'Something bad has happened and they're not telling me,' he thought, slightly paranoid, as he dressed hastily and rushed out into the corridors. There was no one about, no guards and maids hurrying back and forth. In fact, there was what Aragorn perceived as an overriding sense of peace in the Citadel.
Movement at the other end of the hall caught Aragorn's eye and he nearly shouted for happiness to see Legolas and Gimli. Together they went down to the Hall where four Hobbits were waiting for Aragorn, rather impatiently, that they might start their breakfast. For the first time in what seemed an eternity, Aragorn felt comfortable again. After a while Gandalf joined them as well and the picture was, nearly, complete (though Aragorn was beginning to wonder how someone from the Blessed Realm could possibly always turn up later than everyone else).
That morning there was no rush to anything and the friends relaxed and talked together long into the afternoon, for days had come that each of them had wondered if they would see. The companions took rest and comfort in being together again.
As evening came on they started to retire separately until the only ones left in the Hall were Aragorn and Gandalf. "I was speaking with Faramir this morning," the wizard said, obviously making more than just small talk.
Aragorn sighed slowly. "I know, Gandalf, i know i have to talk to him soon. It's just that in the last week i have had no time to talk to anyone here who hasn't come for audience. There just has not been time -"
"There is time now, Aragorn," Gandalf interrupted, sounding impatient with Aragorn's procrastination.
"Do you really think now is the right time, though? We have only just started -"
Again Gandalf cut him off though, not exactly caring whether he was talking to the ranger he met years ago or the King of Gondor and Arnor. "The right time would have been years ago, but now there is no right or wrong time. There is only time and that is all you are losing by waiting."
"What exactly had you spoken about with him?" Aragorn asked, afraid that maybe Faramir had already learned something.
"If you fear that i have preempted what you have to tell him -"
Aragorn couldn't help smiling as he realized it was his turn to interrupt. "That is not my fear, Gandalf. I know you much better than that. I just wanted to know if he found out someway."
"What Faramir told me of is not for me to say. You may ask him yourself, if he is willing to tell you. Suffice it to say, your words will not be old news to him," Gandalf assured Aragorn.
For a few moments Aragorn sat looking like he dreaded this before asking Gandalf to ask Faramir to meet him in his study. He hoped Faramir would feel more comfortable there than in the relatively impersonal Hall of the Kings. Faramir had been his right hand the passed week and he truly enjoyed and appreciated working with him. Aragorn feared so that it would all come to an end, likely a bitter end, this night.
---
Take a deep breath....
Anyone else have any guesses about the Shakespearean parallel that i couldn't help but draw?
