By Adri
Genre Romance/Angst/Alternate Universe
Rating Pg-13
Disclaimer Please refer to the previous chapters. Standard disclaimer applies. I own nothing. Nothing I say.
Notes/Questions This is what I'm calling the 'interlude'. It's going to be a flashback chapter on how Faramir and Eowyn met in my story in the first place. It's going to include Boromir's visit to Edoras, the battle of Helm's Deep, Eowyn's crush on Aragorn, and all that jazz starts singing music from ChicagoLol just kidding, you don't want me to sing ; But I thought it would be nice to do a 'lost chapter' of sorts so you understand a little bit of background information on why things are the way they are in the story. And also in my last chapter, I wrote that it had been almost a year since Faramir and Eowyn met, well I'm changing that to almost a month (hey come on, things happened faster between them in the Houses of Healing) to fit the storyline (please consult the storyline in the 'Return of the King' appendix to see why :). I also wanted to thank my reviewers again, your praise is very inspirational, and makes this feel worthwhile and fun! And thanks especially to Jen, Arlewen, tigersmeleth, and iSpeekyGreeky() for your incredibly nice comments, and continued support. I really appreciate it! :) And don't worry, the chapter with the Witch King is coming next I promise. This chapter is just something I felt necessary and it will come in two parts.
Chapter 8 – Interlude – Part One One month previousEowyn stood waiting on the steps of Edoras, in her special attire. For today they welcomed the Steward of Gondor's son, an important figure and key person in their alliance with Gondor. And as usual she had to play well-mannered hostess while the men talked of war. Eowyn felt the urge to roll her eyes at that. She could handle a sword just as well as the men, yet her only duty was to fetch things for the men and stand there and look pretty. Eowyn was annoyed at this, but she accepted her role with a grim stoicism and did as she was told. 'Things could be worse…' She mused. And she wasn't completely dreading Boromir's visit. After all, he was rumored to be very handsome and very good with a sword- exactly the kind of man she wished would sweep her away in her fantasies, take her to a foreign land, treat her as an equal, and wouldn't cage her in…
Eowyn's fantasy was broken immediately at the sounding of horns. The Steward's son had arrived. Eowyn stood up straight and tried to put on some semblance of a smile, just to be polite, though it was hard. She watched as the line of well-dressed people paraded up the city slopes, led by none other than the Steward's…sons? Eowyn was confused at this. She was told only one son was to come. Remembering her role, she walked forward to greet the company. "My Lords, welcome to Edoras. Please go inside, my King awaits your arrival. I shall take your horses, you needn't bother with them."
Boromir smiled kindly, "Thank you M'lady. I would help you, but your King has requested I meet him as quickly as possible."
Eowyn shook her head. "It's not a problem M'lord. I'll tend to them, they shall have nothing but the best care while they're here."
Boromir nodded and headed up the steps toward the Golden Hall. But to Eowyn's
surprise, the younger son approached her with a couple more horses. "I'll help you M'lady." He smiled at her kindly. And to her surprise, her heart began to roll over in her chest.
He stood tall before her, handsome, intelligent, and gentle, yet she could tell that here stood a formidable warrior. And the part she enjoyed the most…he treated her like she was someone.
"Oh M'lord that isn't necessary, it's my…"
His smiled brightened. "You needn't worry M'lady, I wish to help."
She couldn't help but smile. "If you insist M'lord. This way…"
Turning to him as they walked, she couldn't help but ask him questions. She was fascinated. "So M'lord…what is your reason to grace us with your presence this day? I was told only your brother would be coming."
He seemed to diminish at that. "Actually, my father didn't want me to. My older brother had to talk him into it. I dared not miss a meeting of this importance…Boromir's always having to defend me from him…." He trailed off, then slightly embarrassed told her, "I'm so sorry M'lady. I shouldn't be burdening you with all this, when we've barely met…" He trailed off chuckling. "By the way, my name is Faramir, M'lady."
Eowyn turned away mortified. She'd completely forgotten her manners. "Oh M'lord…"
"Faramir M'lady. Please call me Faramir. There's no need for pretense between us."
Eowyn nodded reluctantly, but secretly she was pleased. He saw her as his equal. "Yes…okay…Lord Faramir." But something sickening rose inside her. She knew that here was a man she'd been dreaming of to take her away…but they couldn't be together…he probably already had someone…and he lived so far away…and even if they could be together she'd probably be paired with someone else, told to marry into an alliance with one of the Rohirrim. Women could scarcely marry whom they wanted. Eowyn fell silent and sad again.
Faramir smiled at her as they arrived at the stable. She hadn't said anything else since that last exchange and he was eager to learn more. But the sadness in her eyes worried him. Instantly he wondered if he'd done something wrong. "M'lady…you know my name but I'm afraid I have yet to learn yours."
Eowyn turned to pay attention to a horse, and blurted out, "Eowyn, my Lord."
"Eowyn. A beautiful name."
She nodded quietly. "Thank you, my Lord…I mean Faramir."
Faramir turned toward his own horse, and after a thorough grooming and cool down, and approached Eowyn again. "My lady, I'm afraid I must join the others. I have enjoyed our time together and I would like to spend more with you before I depart tomorrow. Would you please meet with me tonight, at the gates?"
Eowyn looked over at him, still quiet, and nodded. "Yes M'lord."
Faramir took her hand and flustered her by kissing it. Eowyn felt herself go numb. He was being so nice to her…he wasn't talking down to her…he wanted to be with her. Feeling somewhat better she managed a smile. Faramir walked away. When he was out of sight, she sunk down into the hay to ponder what just happened. Her feelings were warring within her. She wanted to be with him…there was something about him…something in the way he spoke to her…treated her…but she knew the chances of them being together was slim. Shaking her head she began laughing at herself. What was she thinking? She was a shieldmaiden, a woman of war. She didn't think herself capable of love. Certainly she had her fantasies, but that was the woman in her talking. And it never really included her falling in love. Just a man who treated her like a person. Yet here she was, well on her way to falling in love. And she didn't know what to do about it.
Deciding to practice sword fighting to take her mind off her feelings and Faramir, she went to the weapons room and took out a sword. She slashed, jabbed, and danced around the room, as if trying to kill an enemy she couldn't see…trying to kill her demons…Thinking about them, her fighting intensified, her breathing rapidly increased. She slashed, she fought, but she couldn't kill them. And when she couldn't take any more, she let out a frustrated scream and threw her sword down. Her emotions welled up inside her, and because she was weak from fighting, let herself silently cry and slide down onto her side. No matter how hard she fought, the result was always the same. She couldn't escape. Maybe that's why she liked fighting so much…to take her mind off pain and fear…and try to kill her demons. Disgusted with herself she sat upright and wiped away her tears. Looking out the window she gasped- the moon was up and it was pitch dark. Remembering her promise to Faramir she quickly rushed toward the gate. And saw him there.
At her approach, Faramir turned. She looked pale and lovely in the moonlight. And if he wasn't mistaken, there were remnants of tears. And it tore at him. "M'lady." He smiled at her.
She tried her best to smile. "Greetings, M'lord…I mean…Faramir. I've come as you've asked it of me."
Faramir took her hand and noted it was ice cold. "M'lady, you're freezing."
Eowyn shook her head, despite the chill that ran through her. "I'm okay."
He shook his head. She was beautiful, she was strong, but she was stubborn. He removed something from behind his cloak. It was a mantle of royal blue and sewn on it were dozens of silver stars. And though Eowyn never thought about such things, knew it was something beautiful and precious. Faramir wrapped it around her shoulders. He had wanted to give it to her, even though it was hard to part with it. It had been his mother's and he always carried it to give him strength. He had loved his mother, and her presence, no matter how sad she was comforted him. But from the moment he saw Eowyn, he had known her strength and beauty, and that had comforted him. He had a desire to lift the sadness from her shoulders. "My lady, please accept this gift as a token of my admiration."
Eowyn quickly protested. "My Lord I can't possibly…"
"Please keep it. You look so lovely in it. And besides, I wish you to remember me even after I depart."
Eowyn's heart ached. She didn't want to take it from him, but seeing the look in his eyes, pleading, made her accept. She nodded. "Thank you…My Lord."
"My Lady, I must ask what troubles you? I cannot stand to see something so lovely so saddened."
Eowyn stared off into the distance, unsure of whether or not to tell him; after all, they'd just met. But she'd never had anyone to talk to, and she felt as though she could trust him. So she told him. "All my life…I've never wanted anything else except to fly. But they…they keep me caged. They trained me as a shieldmaiden…yet they never let me fight. I'm alone." She let a lone tear fall. And Faramir, not sure of what to say to comfort her, simply stayed silent.
They stood in silence, gazing at the stars. At least Eowyn was. But Faramir stood gazing at her, fascinated. She looked so sad…but so beautiful…like a tragic beauty…and so strong…fighting her demons all the time but never giving in…and he knew he couldn't live without her. "Eowyn."
She tore her gaze from the stars and looked at him. And stiffened. Eowyn suddenly found the ground fascinating, seeing the way he looked at her. "Please don't turn from me Eowyn…" He took her face in his hands. "I know we've only met, but…I already feel as though you were meant for me. I look at you so sad, and so lonely, and it hurts me. Please…let me be the one to open your cage. I want you to be with me."
Eowyn stood, shocked, and she couldn't feel anything in her body. This was a dream, she was sure. But when Faramir leaned forward and kissed her that belief was quickly dispelled. And when she looked up at him again…she almost cried. He wanted her, and she was more than an object to him. Someone to help her beat back the demons that plagued her, that wanted to help her. Her dream was coming true. She gave him a watery smile and barely managed an "Okay…okay yes."
Faramir smiled at her reassuringly, and held her. And whispered, "My Lady…I must leave come tomorrow, but I promise you, I'll come back for you."
Eowyn hugged him tighter. "I know you will...I know…"
- - - - -
The lords of Gondor majestically mounted their horses, and the people of Rohan stood to either side, bidding them farewell.
And on the top stair of the Golden Hall, stood the court of Theoden. And among them, stood Eowyn dressed in heaven white and the mantle of royal blue and silver. And when Faramir passed by the stairs, he looked up. And smiled.
And Eowyn knew.
He'd come back.
- - - - -
Okay kiddies, that was only part one. Part two will contain the battle of Helm's Deep, Aragorn makes an appearance, and Eowyn wonders if Faramir really will come back for her. Wah. Hope you enjoyed that, thanks for reading. Bear with me, trying to drag this out because I love writing it! You can email me at if you have any questions or comments. Thanks! :)