Exiting the Citadel gates into the city, father and son were greeted by a crowd gathered for the riding forth. Most who were riding were already mounted and waiting. As Éomer and Aragorn stepped aside to settle a few details about the riding order, Pippin approached Faramir looking a little dejected. Faramir thought that the saddest sight in Middle-earth was that of an unhappy Hobbit.
"And what troubles you, Master Pippin?" Faramir asked.
"You don't look like you are riding with us, are you?"
"No, i'm not, Pip. In some ways i wish i could. I shall miss you all very dearly. You do not know what joy you four have brought to Minas Tirith," he said to Pip and the other three in the background. Faramir knelt to them in a display of profound respect.
Frodo stepped forward and hugged Faramir. "Thank you for the help you gave us. What you did was brave and worthy," the Hobbit said very simply.
Faramir shook his head. "Those are words that belong to you, Master Frodo. If not for you and Sam...." He trailed off not needing to finish. Everyone knew too well what would have befallen.
"Mr. Faramir," Sam said, causing the Steward to grin at his new title, "Mr. Frodo and i have decided that a book should be written, all concerning our tale and all. I shall remember everything you told me about that night you wasn't feeling well, and, with your leave of course, i would like that to be part of the story."
Faramir smiled. "You have my leave, Sam. just as long as i have yours to record all that you have told me about the Shire. I shall also want your leave to visit one day."
Sam nodded. "You'd be very welcome, Mr. Faramir."
Faramir thanked Sam but noticed that Merry hadn't said anything. There was little that needed to be said between them, they had kept each other company while convalescing and had come to be good friends. "You all have my promise that i shall visit the Shire one day, as my lord permits," he said with a wink toward Aragorn, who nodded.
"Who is riding for the Prince of Ithilien, Faramir?" Pippin asked.
"Beregond shall go in my stead." Faramir gestured to the new Captain of the Guard of Faramir. "I trust him with my life," he said with a slightly ironic smile. Faramir rose then as Glorfindel and Erestor of the House of Elrond came forth from the Citadel gates.
The Elf Lord beheld his two advisors critically. "You do we are riding... now."
"We know, mellon," Glorfindel said in his unconcerned manner. "However, we have decided to stay here a while longer."
"After all," Erestor said dryly, "Elladan and Elrohir will be along to help you in whatever advice you may need."
Faramir was greatly pleased that they had decided to stay on. The city would feel much less lonely to him thus. As Gandalf lead Shadowfax forward Faramir found himself wishing that his old friend would remain as well. His heart told him that their meetings would be only a few after this departure.
As he and Wizard embraced Gandalf muttered in his way, "We shall meet again, Faramir," as if to answer the Steward's unspoken question.
Legolas also reiterated Gandalf's words. "Gimli and i have a bit of traveling to be done, but i believe we shall both be returning to Minas Tirith before very long... in my accounting at least." The dwarf merely nodded and grumbled something inaudible as he struggled to get onto Arod's back, the horse none too happy about the arrangement either. It was a lucky thing for Gimli that Legolas had spoken to Arod that morning.
Faramir laughed, "So you mean that i shall not see you again until i am on my deathbed?"
Legolas grinned. "Perhaps we shall keep our travel quick-paced, then," he said, drawing a grunt from Gimli who was still none too steadily boarded.
Aragorn lent a hand to the dwarf before clapping Faramir's shoulder. "I will see you in a couple of months. If you find yourself not knowing what i would do, just don't ask either of those Elves," he said indicating Glorfindel and Erestor.
Faramir smiled and nodded. "Farewell, take care of yourself."
"Only if you do," Aragorn said hugging his son.
"I will, father," Faramir whispered before stepping back and allowing Aragorn to jump up into the waiting saddle.
When Éowyn brought her horse to its place in the riding formation she did not look at Faramir, causing the desired uncomfortable effect.
"Farewell, Éowyn," Faramir said gently.
She considered not responding, but turned and curtly bid him farewell also.
"I am sorry," he said, even more softly. "When you get back -" he began to at least try to soothe her but it was plain that she was no longer listening. Apparently, he was not the only one who had learned something of the art of composure and the rebuff.
Aragorn came to Faramir and spoke quietly. "Remember what i told you, Faramir. This will work out. Just trust me. Think not on this too much, and allow Glorfindel and Erestor to distract you once in a while. Well, Glorfindel at any rate. Erestor isn't a great supporter of distractions. I will see you before long," Aragorn slipped the Ring of Barahir from his finger and handed it to Faramir. "This is yours now," was all he said before riding with Éomer to the fore of the van and beginning the slow march from the city.
Faramir stood at the courtyard wall and saw the host off as far as his sight allowed him before turning and heading toward his study to relax and think for a while.
---
Now, to those who found themselves a little surprised with some of the emotions in the last chapter, bear with me here. Remember that not only has Éowyn had more time than Faramir to come to terms with this reality, but that Faramir has already had his entire life, his entire world turned around in the last few months. He is feeling as though the weight of the world that was lifted from him when he found his real father has just been dropped on him again by... fatherhood. This is a rare look at what a man might go through in his situation (we so often see it from the woman's POV.)
Question for liz: You said you wanted more exploration/explanation of headspace... who's exactly? Mostly Faramir and Éowyn? I am working on the next chapter already (of course) and i do get into their thoughts and feelings a little more, but i would like to know what you think needs the most reinforcement.
Thanks to you and to all reviewers! Reviews make my day!
