A/N This story is a prequel to "The Hidden Days of Healing" also on this site. The story is based on a mixture of the book and the film mixed freely with my own imagination.
I did only intend to write one "Lord of the Rings" story but the response I received to "The Hidden Days of Healing" amazed me and encouraged me to write more. Depending on the response I get, I may write another story after this.
This is dedicated to all my loyal readers.
A very big thank you to everyone who has reviewed. Your comments are much appreciated.
Aragorn knocked on Faramir's door but on getting no reply entered, hoping the young man was sleeping.
Instead, he found him curled almost in a ball sobbing convulsively yet almost silently.
Only an occasional choked yet heartrending sob was audible. Faramir seemed unaware that anyone had entered the room, so consumed was he by his terrible grief.
Putting aside his own weariness, Aragorn impulsively sat on the edge of the bed and reaching out towards the distressed Steward, drew Faramir into his arms as one would a child, holding him cradled close against his shoulder, all the while taking care not to aggravate his wounds. He gently stroked the dark head.
Soothed by the comforting touch, Faramir's tears started to flow freely. Between sobs, Aragorn could make out the occasional word.
"I tried to please you, father, truly! My loyal men, all fallen! Boromir, my beloved brother, no!"
The words tore at the King's tender heart, thinking just how much Faramir had endured.
He made no attempt to quieten him, apart from gently massaging his head and neck, hoping the tears would bring him healing that he could not.
He was somewhat puzzled that the Steward's son would accept his comfort after his earlier apprehension in his presence; yet glad he could be there with him, while he released his pent up anguish
Aragorn sat there silently, knowing that words were powerless to assuage such grief and that all he could do was simply be there, holding the grief stricken young man, as a loving father would hold his child.
Faramir's tears soaked through his cloak and tunic and the damp fabric clung uncomfortably to his flesh.
Eventually the sobs subsided and Faramir slowly drew away from Aragorn's aching arms.
"Uncle, I'm sorry!" he gasped and then turned and found himself looking into the compassionate eyes of his King, who himself was wiping away a tear as he remembered how Boromir had died in his arms, his noble body pierced with the arrows of many orcs.
"My Liege, I crave pardon!" he gasped." I thought you were my uncle!" Faramir flushed scarlet.
Aragorn smiled at him and gently took his Steward's trembling hand.
"There is no shame in weeping." he said gently." Your brother was a great man. I too wept for him. If I unwittingly deceived you into thinking I was your uncle, I am sorry but I could see you were in need of comforting."
Faramir bowed his head unable to look the King in the eye. He could hear his father's voice inside his head mocking him for showing weakness. How could he have wept in the arms of the King? He would have forfeited his Sovereign's respect forever now!
"I am not your father, Faramir." He started at the quiet yet commanding voice, wondering how he could read his thoughts thus.
"I will not show such weakness again." Faramir said, raising his head." What does my Lord command?"
"I would command you not to fear me." Aragorn said gently yet firmly." It is no weakness to mourn a beloved brother in the privacy of your chamber."
He raised Faramir's head forcing him to look at him at the same time, using a light healing touch to soothe the troubled young man. He wished he were not so tired as every bone in his body seemed to ache with weariness.
"I will try my Lord." Faramir managed a weak smile and he forced himself to look at Aragorn. The King much resembled his father in appearance, the same dark hair, though with much less grey in it, high cheekbones, and grey eyes. Yet, his eyes were very different, whereas Denethor's had been hard and cold as flint, Aragorn's were warm and compassionate.
Aragorn released him and went to draw up a chair beside the bed. He plumped up Faramir's pillows and drew the covers up to his chin.
"I will stay with you a while." he said." Weep as you feel the need as it will heal your heart's grief then you can rest and restore your body."
He smoothed Faramir's hair back from his brow, gently stroking his head with his fingertips.
Faramir continued to cry quietly for a little while longer and Aragorn continued to soothe him until his healing touch sent the younger man into a deep and dreamless sleep.
Aragorn continued to sit by the bedside, still worried that he might be needed, though weariness overcame him and he fell into a light doze.
A sudden footstep behind him jolted him back to wakefulness. He realised that Prince Imrahil had entered the room.
Aragorn beckoned him outside as not to awaken Faramir.
"I am sorry, I could not come before, My Lord." Imrahil apologised." I was needed to supervise the setting in place of a defence strategy for while we are gone and it took the messenger some time to find me. How is my nephew?"
"He insisted upon learning of his father's death and I felt I should tell him about his brother before we left." Aragorn said sadly. "Naturally he is distraught, but I hope he will sleep now. I comforted him as best I could; yet I fear there is little comfort for sorrows such as his. Only time can bring true healing."
"These times are hard for us all, but he has had more to bear than most He never measured up to his brother in his father's estimation and recently, Lord Denethor has driven him so hard, that a lesser man would have been broken long ago.. "Imrahil replied. "I will stay with him now as you look exhausted, My Lord. Thank you for caring for him."
"I will go to my tent and rest now." Aragorn said wearily and turned to go.
"One more thing." Imrahil halted him." I hope you will forgive me for saying this, but although you have the undoubted bearing of a King, you do not exactly look like one and we, that is the leaders of the West, feel you should lead the Host out tomorrow looking like the King that you are!"
TBC