Together the three entered the hall, this time Faramir going directly to Aragorn. "My King..." he said kneeling.

Aragorn turned to see him and would have burst out in laughter at the sight of his son kneeling to him, even around those who did not know, if it were not for his sheer surprise to see him. "Faramir? When did you come - arise -" he said rolling his eyes, forgetting that in these public situations he actually had to tell people to stand up. He seriously debated disposing of that annoying custom.

"This morning," Faramir replied dropping formality with a slight grin.

Aragorn embraced him. "It is good to see you, i had missed our.... Faramir... who...?" he trailed off guardedly, realizing that now both the King and the Steward of Gondor were here in Rohan.

"You trust Masters Glorfindel and Erestor, do you not?" His father went slightly pale.

"Yes, i trust them," he said not so sure of himself. "Well, i trust Erestor. I trust Glor' as well, just not with anything... political."

Elrond rested his hands on their shoulders. "Your kingdom is in fine hands. Many times did i go forth from Imladris leaving the keeping to them. The only thing you have to worry about is staying away too long. If you do, you run the risk of them having killed each other before you return." Elrond's grin told the two that he was very serious about the last statement.

"Well, i have a few matters to take care of here before i go home. A little visiting the attractions, you might say. How long did you intend to stay, my s-Steward?" he asked, catching himself before saying 'son.'

"I do not know, my King," he added with a smirk. He quickly resumed his serious countenance though. "I shall stay as long as Éowyn needs me here, or until she will come back to Minas Tirith." Faramir was silent for a moment. "I asked Éomer for her hand just now."

Aragorn nodded his approval. "You did right, my son," he said in a whisper, embracing Faramir. "I am proud of you."

This was still almost a foreign feeling to Faramir, he still couldn't get over what it felt like to have a father who was proud of him.

Elrond put an arm around each of the men. "I am exceedingly proud of you both. The two of you are a credit to the Mortal race that i thought might have no hope. I can leave here in peace knowing that, as long as your lines survives, Middle-earth is in good hands."

As the feast drew to an end Eomer rose and announced Faramir and Éowyn's betrothal to the gathered, much to their delight. After the proclamation of the bonding of the two kingdoms, the rejoicing carried on long into the night. At one point Galadhriel went to them and taking Éowyn's hand and Faramir's she smiled, a mysterious light shining in her eyes.

"The time of Elvendom in Middle-earth has come to end, this i now know beyond recall of hope, for until this moment have i failed to see a thing in the days to come," the Elf-lady said. "Éowyn of Rohan, you bear not only a fair daughter, but a strong and handsome son also," she said, her smile growing wide as her eyes rested then on Faramir.

For the first time Faramir had the impression that the Lady of the Wood was not just looking at him but reading him and searching his heart. Her expression transformed from beaming joy to one of gravity and recognition. "A dark shadow did cover your heart, Faramir, though it came when many thought the Shadow driven out with finality. Yet it had not the strength to claim you and keep you in its power. You fought against it, for you are pure of heart, and with the aid of friends unlooked for the shadow that so often divides the hearts of Men has been destroyed and is gone from you. Though it seems so small a thing now to the minds of those who are but newly come, i knew the terror of the Black Foe and watched Beleriand fall to jealousy and divisiveness and false sorrows sown into hearts by the fell lies of Morgoth. Count yourself among the strongest of heart, Faramir, son of Aragorn."

Faramir pressed a hand to his heart, deeply bowing to Galadhriel. "Your words are great honor to me, my Lady, such that i have not the hope to repay."

She smiled gently to him. "You are in no debt, Faramir, if you but remain true." She then, with Celeborn, Elrond, and Arwen departed Meduseld with the twin sons of Elrond. The family were not seen again in Edoras for three days, for their parting from each other would be bitter.

Shortly after Éowyn retired to her chambers for the night. One by one guests dwindled away hither and thither until the only ones left were Faramir, Aragorn, Éomer, Gandalf, and Gimli, who was sound asleep right where Legolas had left him at the feast.

"Did Legolas slip Mirkwood water into his ale?" Faramir had to ask of the snoring Dwarf.

Gandalf did nothing to repress a chuckle at the memory of the tale of Thorin's company's venture through Mirkwood that resulted in Bombur's extended nap after he fell into the Enchanted River.

"That's the last thing i need," Aragorn said, starting to sound a little ill-tempered for lack of sleep. "I can just imagine trying to drag a sleeping dwarf all over Middle-earth."

"Which is exactly why Legolas would not," Gandalf said sagely. "Though i am sure he would do almost anything to get out of his promise to visit the Glittering Caves, enchanted water never did make for a well paced journey."

Faramir smiled, shaking his head. "You have no idea, Mithrandir. I would have been here two weeks ago if not for the stuff."

Eyebrows were raised from Aragorn and Gandalf, now considerably interested in how water from the Enchanted River had delayed the Steward, but Éomer spoke first. "I wish you had come sooner, Lord Faramir. Since we returned here after the war, Éowyn has acted so strangely. She had not been herself at all until you arrived this day. I have you to thank for enlivening her again."

Faramir shook his head, refraining from any more because he knew it was not for him to explain. However, it did remind him of his reason for coming to Edoras, and he renewed his silent vow to find the perpetrator and see justice done. Gandalf perceived this in the young man and was quick to offer a distraction.

"Tell us, if you will, Faramir, just how exactly you know of Mirkwood's river-water," requested the elderly Wizard.

"That is a long story, Mithrandir, one i only partly understand or remember. What i am told is that because i spent the night after you left awake and pacing, and obviously annoying a certain Elf with the noise, he decided to put enchanted water in my skin when i went to the river in the morning. I did not drink any of it but i fell asleep on the bank of my own accord. Later i fell asleep again in my study. I had a vision which told me i should be here with Éowyn," Faramir guarded his words carefully around Éomer, whereas he might have explained more to his father and Mithrandir.

"I went to ride out here immediately, leaving those to my charge of the city. I took the same water skin, but did not drink of it till the next morning. When i did i grew too sleepy to even think straight and i must have fall off my horse. Really i suppose it's a wonder i wasn't hurt in the fall, but i suppose sleeping for two weeks might have helped heal me if i had been hurt. The next thing i remember is being propped up on a horse again, Lord Glorfindel's charger, and explaining to him that i needed to get here all the quicker for losing so much time. He assented and said he would go with me, since there was now only one horse between us. He suggested i take a sip of water to regain my strength. It was a wonder to me that i had any strength at all, i must surely have been running on pure willpower.

"Of course, i fell asleep again, and he lead me back to Minas Tirith where i sleep for another two days. When i woke i was told about this enchanted water and for a few minutes i had the burning desire to strangle Glorfindel, fortunately for him i was too weak to lift my own head. That night i made up my mind i must come here and i set out in the morning. I told the people that Glorfindel and Erestor were in charge, since it seems they have had more experience than any of us."

Aragorn shook his head, laughing reminiscently. "Elrond used to use enchanted water all the time on me, it was often the only way he could get a moment's peace. I've built up an immunity to it. Glorfindel is too long away from us mortals though, he probably thought he gave you enough of the stuff for a nice night's sleep. I get the feeling Erestor probably wanted to strangle him too."

"Perhaps i should try to return to Minas Tirith as soon as possible?" Faramir asked in growing concern.

"No, you should stay here. I am pleased that your sense of duty is truer than mine was at your age. You may be Steward of Gondor, but that does not mean that your stewardship is necessarily your first priority. There are things in life much more important."

Somewhere in the middle of Faramir's tale Éomer had gone the way of Gimli and was now sound asleep in his place. Faramir looked at Éomer, then cast a wary eye about to make sure there were no others to overhear. "Father, that vision i mentioned, what impelled me to come in such haste... i saw Éowyn... some soldier had taken advantage of her." Rage began to edge into his voice. "When i came here she told me of it herself."

Aragorn looked to be deeply shocked by this revelation. "Éomer shall have to know this, Faramir, in order to bring that man to justice."

"I know father, but that must be her choice, not ours," Faramir said wisely.

Aragorn thought of it momentarily. "You are right, ion-nín. Do what you can to convince her to speak with her brother though. I would see this justice done before we leave here."

"As would i, father, and i shall do all i can to see to it."

"Galadhriel had little luck in convincing her," Gandalf said, apparently knowing more than he originally let on, as usual. "But you stand a better chance, Faramir," he said with a knowing smile.

"Gandalf is right, Faramir. She would listen to you, you are probably the only person in Middle-earth who wields that power," Aragorn said.

"Maybe so, maybe not so. Time will tell," mused Faramir. "I still do not know if i love her as she loves me. I am so unsure of this and it was not love that drove me here but compassion. A man may have compassion for that which he does not love. I could not remain in Gondor while she suffered; i know when i am needed. She needs a husband who will take care of her. For all her strength of will, she is still a woman and as such has certain needs. Now if what the White Lady says is true, her needs are doubled. I do not think i love her in my deepest heart, but i am willing to make this sacrifice for her comfort."

"Your rewards will be great, Faramir, for all that you have sacrificed of yourself," Gandalf said as he rose from the table. "Now i think we should all have some rest, morning will dawn sooner than we think."

The two men left waking also rose, Aragorn agreeing that sleep was well in order. Faramir, however, disagreed. "Go ahead, father; i, myself, am sick of sleep. I could use some fresh air though. If you need me, look for me outdoors."

Aragorn nodded and went his way as did Gandalf. Faramir headed out of the palace and sat back on the stairs, his eyes fixed on the stars above. The moon was nearly set already and Faramir knew it would be another sleepless night.

---

"Vedui, Faramir," came a peaceful voice from nearby.

Faramir turned to greet his company. "Mae govannen, Legolas. So the stars call you at all hours too?"

Legolas laughed appreciatively. "They do, but lack of sleep is not a burden to me as it is to you."

"Aye," Faramir agreed, "but i've had far too much sleep lately. I suppose you did not hear of what happened to me with the water from your homeland?"

Legolas held up a hand. "Say no more, mellon-nín, i already understand. It feels as though it has been a life-age since i last looked upon that black water."

Faramir nodded contemplatively. "You too shall return to your home soon, is that true?"

"Aye. Though it seems i have a promise to fulfill yet," Legolas said with a very slight smirk. "Still, i should see home before the last of the leaves have dropped. It is as i promised, we shall return to Gondor before very long."

"That is well, Ithilien is in great need of Elven life. There were times i would look upon the land, even in spring, and would find no cheer in aught."

Legolas was quiet for a moment, sensing that Faramir's inability to find liveliness in the woodland had more to do with the weight of the cares he bore than all else. "I have walked upon the land of Middle-earth for more years than the oldest of trees in Ithilien has stood. Still every year the opening of the tiniest leaves of spring enthralls me. And every summer the fruit from the trees tastes all the sweeter. Each autumn i am in wonder of the hues that surround me. And every winter i still tread as lightly upon the snow. Yet all these wonders are of Middle-earth's realms and i know not what may be found across the Sea, and i am called to go one day. I hear the cry of the gull even in the deep of night. The only thing one can do while here is enjoy the journey, Faramir; and to help to better others enjoy their journey is a noble act. Looking back, I enjoyed my travel with my friends, though our purpose was unjoyful. One never knows what may come of a venture, nor can one anticipate the friends one will encounter, though your father and i were hunting Gollum years before Lord Elrond's council."

It did not immediately register with the young Faramir that Legolas was also in on the secret. "It is not possible to keep truths from the Eldar, is it?" Faramir asked, beginning to grow a little sleepy.

"No, it is rarely at all possible to hide from Elven discernment. Aragorn did not tell me though, it was plain enough. When were we on hunt together, every village we passed through he would ask anyone he saw if there was any word from Gondor and of the new Captain of the Ithilien Rangers. Yet it did not become all clear to me until our rest in Lorien last winter, how he listened to every word Boromir spoke of you with utmost concern. Aragorn is a good friend, a fine leader, and, i am sure, a good father. You take after him in all things. Including the pressure you put on yourself," Legolas said, clapping Faramir's shoulder. "Take some sleep if you can. At least rest your body, if not your mind. You mortal children would live longer if you but took better care of yourselves," Legolas said with that impossible to fault Sindarin Elf grin.

Isil had since made himself scarce, releasing Faramir of his call to vigilance. The young man decided to take Legolas's advice and went to find a place to fall sleep.

---

Vedui = Greetings

Isil = the moon

Lots of guy talk here. Some chapters i seem to be in a more "conversation" mood than an "action" mood, but i guess it all balances out in the end.

Can't think of anything i need to address here as of now. Anyone have any suggestions for appropriate sentence for the as yet unnamed captain of the Rohirrim?