Third month, 20th day
I had the most horrible dream last night, and woke up in cold sweat, I do not remember much of what it was about, except that my brother was dying, and the only one who could save him was Faramir. It is bizarre that I should dream of a man I have known for so little time. Especially because the only other man I've ever dreamt of is my brother. I was frightened at the time, and could not sleep. So, I drew my blanket about me, for it was fearfully cold, and ventured out into the hall. It was a long foreboding corridor, yet mostly forsaken, as many who were here had left. I did pass Merry, and he was sleeping contently, as I was nearing the other end of the hall I saw a small pool of light emanating from one of the rooms. Out of curiosity I looked in, and was surprised to see Lord Faramir sitting with his back facing me. The strange thing was he was sitting as far away as possible from the fire, and considering how cold this was I found it surprising.
I stepped in, intending to chastise him for not sleeping. Instead, he got up from his seat, he was startled to see me, but he could not hide from me he had been very upset over something.
"Éowyn, what are you doing out of your bed at this hour?" he queried.
"I could ask you the same. I might also ask you why you sit so far from the fire on a cold night." I retort.
"I cannot sleep, that is why I am up. As to the fire, I simply cannot sit near it. I do not know why."
I laughed softly, "Why ever not? It won't bite." I say stretching out my icy hand towards it.
He snatches it back, I look at him in utter astonishment. "There is something about it I cannot place." He said quietly, perhaps it is only the bad dreams I have, but ever since I was wounded I have terrible dreams concerning fire. In the end, I always end up burning because I cannot get out and-" he faltered, and stopped.
"I am sure you are having enough of your own nightmares, you certainly don't need mine to add to them."
"It is strange you should mention that, for I just woke from one. Though I can barely remember what it is about.
"Perhaps it would help you, Faramir, to speak of it. Sometimes it helps to know that someone else knows as well."
"If I am going to tell you this, then you must promise to tell no one, especially the healers, and you must sit down. For I shall not have you standing al night."
"Alright." I complied, and he too sat, but I noticed neither chair was positioned anywhere near the fire. He began.
"In my dream, I see the Southron men surrounding my rangers and I in our desperate charge back to Minas Tirith. I approach their leader, to strike him down, and then everything goes black. The next thing I know is I can hear my father's voice crying for his servants to bring oil, wood and fire. He tells them to lay both of us down on the wood, and pour oil on us, and then he tells them to light us. The last thing he says is always something like, 'The West has failed, it is time for the last of the House of Stewards, and the line on Anaorien to die together. For Sauron may have dominion over all Middle Earth, but he shall not have control over my death, or my son's.' Then, the flames consume us, and that is where I always wake up."
"Why would your father burn himself and you?"
"He despaired of me. I was never the son he wanted, that was my elder brother Boromir. Never once in my entire life did he tell me I ever did something even part way right." He sighed. "Yet, my brother was always, 'Gondor's finest' or, 'my beloved son.' But never Faramir. I do not begrudge my brother this, for he was a worthy man. Do you not know though, that my name when translated to the common tongue means 'half-jewel' yet my brother's means 'precious jewel.' It is as if he hated me from birth.
"Then, when the days grew darker, and Mordor's strength grew, he became even more depressed. Finally when my brother died he lost it. He did not sound like he was mad, but I who knew him well, knew that he was. He had brief bouts of sanity, but they became fewer and fewer. He finally sent me on a suicide mission, and angry were his words at our parting. That is the last time I ever saw him."
"Your father was unjustified in what he did. For you are as great a warrior as your brother, if not better. At least that is what I hear from the city."
He laughed, almost bitterly. "I never asked for the approval of men. Simply my father's. Is it not strange how they always said I was, yet my father never did? Usually it is harder to win the opinion of the masses."
"Your father's approval cannot matter, and should not, if he could only give it to your brother, that is favoritism, and it is wrong."
"My father did not care. Enough of that, what was your dream about?"
"My dream was different than yours. I remember little, except that my brother was in grave danger, and I could not help him. There was only one who could."
"And that person was?"
"Someone I know very little of, and thus I am surprised it was he."
"Well, I do not pretend to know your acquaintances, so whom would that be?"
"Someone you know."
"Someone I know? Pray, Éowyn why do you refuse to give me a definitive answer? Someone I know? I know many people."
"Perhaps you should guess."
"I should take all night if I were to do that Éowyn."
"Then start."
"My uncle?"
"No."
"Lord Aragorn?"
"No."
"Mithrandir."
"No."
"Merry."
"No."
"I give up."
"You."
"Me? Why me?"
"That is what I have been trying to discover."
"Well, such things will be for tomorrow. You and I should be sleeping, not talking. Go back to sleep Éowyn."
"Why? It is but two hours until sunrise, and even if I succeed, I shall have nightmares again."
"Because, if you do not, I shall not be able to show you the stars tomorrow- night."
"I can see them now."
"Yes, but you cannot enjoy them properly. I shall even show you the constellations that our people see in them. But it is too late now, and you must sleep, as must I."
"I suppose so. Goodnight Faramir."
"Is it not good morning now?"
"Good morning then."
"Same to you."
I walked out reluctantly, feeling as if there was something else I should say to him, but I had no idea what it was, nor how I should go about saying it. I really must sleep now though, or the healers will know I have been up.
Later....
I had another horrible dream, and I woke up screaming and thrashing about. The Nazgul was attacking my uncle, and I could not get to him, because there was a fiery creature that looked like Wormtongue threatening to burn me at any instant. I could feel the hot flames licking about me as I tried ferociously to fend them off, but to no avail. I could here the Nazgul shrieking in for the kill on my uncle and there was none to help us..
When I awoke and finished thrashing I saw Faramir holding down my shoulders, while the healing-women were too scared to move at the opposite end of the room. He was telling me it was just a dream and I was safe now, and to calm down.
"How long have I been like this?" I asked absolutely mortified. Seeing that I was alright, he dismissed the girls.
"When you did not come out this morning to visit with the Halfling and I we suspected you were ill. He stayed outside lest you should come, but I went in to see where you were. The ladies here had come to change your cast, but were terrified to see you like this. Since I came you have been screaming for about a minute."
I sighed. "I wish you had not seen that."
"If you are implying that this scene has lessened my opinion of you then you are sadly mistaken Éowyn. Everyone has nightmares, whether they admit it or not. Even your brother and the great Lord Aragorn, though I wager it should take them much to admit it. I also have bad dreams as you know, and premonitions as well. It is part of life. You have not told me of your dream yet, what was it about."
I told him, except the fiery Wormtongue part.
"Why could you not reach your uncle?"
Of course, he would ask that question. "There was a fiery creature stopping me."
"What did it look like?"
Silence. I had not told him how Wormtongue in his filthy thoughts had desired me, nor was I even sure I wished too. The only man who knew of that was my brother, and that was enough.
He jokingly commented, "I hope it was not like me."
I was shocked, how could he think such a thing? "Nay, certainly not! Why should I think of you like that? The only experiences I have with you are good ones, not-not like..that." I finish.
"Do you not wish to tell me?"
I sighed again. "If I were to tell, you will speak of this to no one?"
"Unless it is against the law."
"For my part, no it was not, but his... If my brother had any say in the matter."
He became very serious, "Tell me who did this to you."
"Wormtongue."
"I KNEW IT! I KNEW THAT GOOD-FOR-NOTHING__" he stopped short and sheepishly apologized. "I am sorry, being with my rangers all the time I fear has destroyed my speech. Please continue."
"Do not apologize Faramir, I hear worse where I come from-and I use it myself from time to time. How did you know it was Wormtongue though?"
"My brother did write when he was journeying to Imaladris. Erratic though it was. He described some of what was going on at court in your land, and he did not like what he saw. Of course he would not tell my father, only me. For though my brother loved our father, I think he knew some things cannot be trusted to him. But pray continue."
"Wormtongue was not only at Edoras on Saruman's business, but also his own. His reward for his good service to Saruman was going to be me. He was stalking me from the time I was eight. It was horrifying to walk into my room before bed and find him there. I could not even change until I was sure he was not there. My brother did his best to protect me, he and Theodred even moved their rooms to be on either side of mine. His visits became fewer, but he still came, and then Theodred died, and my brother was banished.It was terrifying to think what he might have done to me, what he might still do to me." I finish and turn to face the wall, ashamed of my inability to get rid of Grima.
"Did he..?" Asked Faramir softly.
I answered his unspoken question, "No, but he very nearly did once. My brother came in just in time, we had intended to go riding and he wanted to know where I was. After that Wormtongue had two black eyes and a broken nose. He was lucky he didn't get more with the way my brother was carrying on."
Faramir was silent for a little, "He shall die if I find him." His voice was frozen with cold, hard all-consuming anger and hatred. It was worse than hearing an angry shout, because those who say such things often do not mean them. This threat was meant, and it scared me that this man was capable of such a deep hatred. I had not expected it of him.
"Why are you so concerned in my affairs that you threaten to kill my stalker?"
He looked at me a log time before answering, "Because Éowyn, you are the first true friend I have ever known. I will not tolerate such actions towards someone I care about."
"Surely you have had other friends?"
"Not like you. My brother and I were friends as much as is possible between brothers, but with Denethor as a father that is almost impossible. Mithrandir was a teacher and a mentor, besides time limited our meetings together. Pippin admires me, but there is not much to admire in me, besides he talks so much about himself one cannot get a word in edgewise. Merry is virtually the same, though to a more serious degree. This not bad, as they need someone to talk to, but it does not allow me to speak. Other than that nobody else comes close. Mostly because I do not know them.
"With you though, there is no limit to our friendship be it fathers, time or admiration. I consider you my equal, not my inferior as many men might even now think. With all of those I mentioned before they either considered themselves above or below me, and therefore we cannot have a strong friendship. At least not until they realize that. If I am not mistaken though, you perceive me as an equal?"
"Well, if you put it that way, yes." There was a long silence as we stared at each other, it was interrupted by pounding footsteps and hampered breathing.
"When are you two going to stop talking and come at breakfast? I'm famished!" said Merry.
Faramir laughed, "You remind me very much of Sam, you silly little hobbit." He said rubbing Merry's head fondly. "We shall come now, unless there is something else Lady Éowyn needed?"
I swung my legs over to get out of the bed, and suddenly everything went black..
I woke up to find that Merry, using his hobbit-sense had just poured ice- cold water all over my face. Faramir was chastising him for it saying it was already cold enough.
I laughed, "Faramir, stop reprimanding him, because it worked. Now, we were going to have breakfast outside if I am not mistaken?"
"Nay, Lady Éowyn will stay here until the Healer has checked her out." Answered Faramir.
"Nay I shall not! You forget to whom you speak! I am the Princess of the Mark, sister to Eomer King! I shall do as I please."
"What would Eomer King say if I let his sister hurt herself because she wanted to get up for breakfast? You forget you are in my charge Princess Éowyn, for I am responsible to the King for you. Would you drive your brother to grief simply to satisfy your own pride?" His words cut deep, and I was angry to see that he could read my mind. He was right and we all knew it.
He may have been right, but I was still angry with him. "GET OUT!" I shouted, "GET OUT!!!!!! GET OUT!!!!!" Merry disappeared without comment, but Faramir said,
"Perhaps, though it be years from now, you will understand this Lady Éowyn, though I wager you'd rather kill me now. Since you do not desire my company I shall not force it on you, nor shall I see you unless you call." With that he swept out, as he did I could see in his eyes hurt, betrayal and loneliness. But there was another emotion there what it was I do not know. All I knew was that I had just caused them.
I immediately began to rebuke myself, but my pride refused to let me go after him, and the damage had already been done...
Even Later......
The healer came to see me at Faramir's behest. He said I should just take things easier, and I am recovering nicely. I would love to go out and talk with Merry & Faramir, but I still have not apologized to them, most particularly Faramir, so I cannot.
I do not know what is keeping me from doing so; it must be my pride as Faramir predicted. I hate it when people can read me so. My brother could do so, but less than this man. It is unnerving that someone who has only known me for two days can read me better than I can. I suppose it is a tribute to his wisdom, and Elvish lineage. For it is said that Elves can read the minds of lesser beings. Or could at any rate. I do not mind the Elves doing this so much, for I know none of them well enough to mind, but a man, someone of my race, that is frightening. I do not know why, but there is a part of me that feels he would not like what he would find there were he to look. Perhaps that is why. In any case I should write a letter to my brother instead of moping around here.
Later Still....
Merry came in to see me for dinner. He says that I should apologize to Lord Faramir. Something I already knew. He says his lordship seems to have opened up unlike he was before, but now he has become silent again. He put it this way,
"Lord Faramir, (whom Pippin speaks so highly of, and I wish Pippin were still here I am so bored. Not that your company is boring, but you aren't a hobbit, and..well..I can't steal mushrooms from you.) What was I saying? Oh yes. Lord Faramir has become as silent as a tomb since you screamed at him. (I would know, I've seen a lot of dead, and tombs too in my travels. Moria, before we fought the Balrog and the orcs was just as quiet. Well, that was all because Pippin's fault he knocked the skeleton's head down the empty well. The whole skeleton followed it down because it was attached to the chain.) Could you pass the salt please?"
That was how the Halfling put it. But I am a Princess of the Rohirrim, sister to it's king, he should not be ordering me around like that. Although, (one could argue, and justifiably so,) his orders came from my brother the King, therefore I had to obey them. So, again, back to square one, me and my stupid pride. Or should I say, me, my stupid pride and my big mouth? Either way I am to blame, so why can't I apologize? I think we both know the answer to that.
Later Yet.....
It was late when His Lordship returned to the houses. His face was downcast and his form was bent. He had discovered something I knew not. Perhaps it was about his father. My first instinct was to go ask him about it. But how could I expect that of him when I had all but told him earlier I did not want his company?
There was one thing left to do. I alone could do it. As he passed by my door I stepped out to block his path. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he did not notice me until he had nearly run into me.
"Your Lordship! I crave pardon, and hope that you will hear my case." I fell to my knees it only seemed right, that even though we were of equal rank he was in the right, and I the wrong.
"Lady Éowyn I have other things on my mind now. Please come later." He tried to push past me, but I was not moving.
"Lord Faramir, I beg of you! Please hear my case! I am sorry for hurting you, for not controlling my headstrong temper and my tongue. I plead for your forgiveness! I may not deserve it, but still I ask all the same, for I do not wish to be alone and I desire your companionship."
"Lady tis not right that you should kneel so before me for I am but a steward. But why dost thou desire my company? For you seem to have forgotten how very clear you made it this morning that you did not want it."
"Rash words oft escape one's mouth when one is angry or hurt that one does not mean to speak. I never intended to cause you any hurt for you least of all people on this Middle Earth deserve it."
"First Lady, I asked you to stand up, for it is not right for one of your station, or in your condition to kneel so. Second, flattery shall get you nowhere. I have seen much of it in my time, do you not recall I have grown up in the perilous court of Gondor under the dark days of Denethor?" he says coldly.
"Yes, my Lord. I know that, but I too have seen flattery in Théoden son of Thengel's court. And I despise it. For those who flatter you only intend harm. Yet, I am a sheildmaiden of the Mark and have no flowery speech for Rohirrim do not use such words. We are blunt, sometimes more than is good for us. We are also a hasty folk who live in days where in order to survive one most think and act quickly. As the Lord Aragorn is wont to say, 'oft the hasty stroke goes astray' it is also with words and anger. I beseech you not to judge me by my lack of speech and good manners." I am truly begging him, and near to tears, something that I find shameful, but I think now he shall not forgive me and I shall live the rest of my days without him. A thought I despair of.
"Lady, I ask you one last time, please stand." He kneels down to my level and offers me his arm. For the first time since this encounter I dare to look him in the face. He smiles weakly, and I realize it shall take time to rebuild this relationship. I warily reach out to take his arm, still not sure of himself or myself. He stands me up, "How, Lady Éowyn dost thou expect me to forgive you when you shall not stand up? I like to look at people when I speak to them."
"Then you have forgiven me?"
"Well, I must say it has been the first time I've had anyone nearly crying at my feet for mercy. Of course I forgive you, there-I do not wish for this to be the last memory you have of me."
"Last memory?" I ask in fear.
He sighs. "We do not know how much longer they shall hold out at the Black Gate, or if Mithrandir's plans shall succeed. If one or both fail Sauron shall return again to besiege this city and as my father put it, 'There shall be no dawn for men. We shall not survive this war, for victory against the Dark Lord is hopeless.' Yet, until Mithrandir despairs of life I shall not falter, nor should you."
"How long since the riders left for the gate?"
"Four days, nearly five. Nay, Éowyn, you shall not ride with them."
"I know that now, and should have known earlier for it was folly to think I could attempt to reach them, and even more so now."
"You may see battle yet, and perhaps we shall fight side by side in the last battle for Middle Earth. We should not dwell on such dark things though, I believe I mentioned last night we should look at the stars, are you still interested?"
I smile, "Of course, I should love to come."
"Then meet me in the gardens in ten minutes."
"Why do we not go now?"
"This is Minas Tirith Éowyn, the White City of Gondor, and rightfully named for it becomes frighteningly cold out at night. Even your brother and cousin thought it prudent when they visited to wear cloaks when they went about at night."
I smiled again, sheepishly, "I should have known that."
"You are a foreigner, it is expected." He turned and walked down the corridor, and I stared after him for awhile before I went to my own chambers to get my things.
I was out there before he was. Shivering in my thin cloak. I had grabbed the nearest soldier's when I was rushing around to find some gear before we left. Now, I regretted my haste as I was freezing, Faramir was right this city was frigid when the sun went down.
He was beside me before I even knew he was there. I nearly jumped out of my skin. NOTE TO SELF: Never let Faramir sneak up on you like that again. He apologized for scaring me. I said it wasn't necessary and that I just hadn't been paying attention. He laughed, "I seem to frighten a lot of people like that. Even my father."
"Well, it's got to be your Elvish blood. Only Elves can do that."
He laughed, "Well, here are some of my old charts I brought from the tower of Ecthelion this morning."
"You visited the Tower?"
"Yes. I went to learn what became of my father."
"Do you mind telling me what-how he died?"
His face grew dark, even though it was night I could see that. "There are things I learned today that no man should ever learn of his father, let alone repeat to others. Lady Éowyn, perhaps I shall tell you some other time, but not now. I am still trying to process the information myself. The line and House of Anorien have many terrible secrets that are enough to make one of that line ashamed."
"You, my Lord are forgetting what Mithrandir said of you. 'That the blood of Numenor runs truly in his veins, but not that of his father or brother.' Do not undersell yourself, or your accomplishments."
He looked me in the face, and said seriously, "And neither should you Éowyn, for though you may not know it you are far more precious to your friends and family than you would first think."
"What does my Lord mean by this riddle?" I said puzzled.
"His Lordship leaves you to discover the meaning of his phrase, and once you do, perhaps you shall find true healing which even now you despair of."
After that we turned our attention to the stars.
I must say this man is an enigma, some things, such as the locations and brightness of stars he will tell me, yet he refuses to answer his own riddles. Why I do not know, and I must find out.
A/N: I think this was a fairly weird chapter, and I don't know how to fix it.
I had the most horrible dream last night, and woke up in cold sweat, I do not remember much of what it was about, except that my brother was dying, and the only one who could save him was Faramir. It is bizarre that I should dream of a man I have known for so little time. Especially because the only other man I've ever dreamt of is my brother. I was frightened at the time, and could not sleep. So, I drew my blanket about me, for it was fearfully cold, and ventured out into the hall. It was a long foreboding corridor, yet mostly forsaken, as many who were here had left. I did pass Merry, and he was sleeping contently, as I was nearing the other end of the hall I saw a small pool of light emanating from one of the rooms. Out of curiosity I looked in, and was surprised to see Lord Faramir sitting with his back facing me. The strange thing was he was sitting as far away as possible from the fire, and considering how cold this was I found it surprising.
I stepped in, intending to chastise him for not sleeping. Instead, he got up from his seat, he was startled to see me, but he could not hide from me he had been very upset over something.
"Éowyn, what are you doing out of your bed at this hour?" he queried.
"I could ask you the same. I might also ask you why you sit so far from the fire on a cold night." I retort.
"I cannot sleep, that is why I am up. As to the fire, I simply cannot sit near it. I do not know why."
I laughed softly, "Why ever not? It won't bite." I say stretching out my icy hand towards it.
He snatches it back, I look at him in utter astonishment. "There is something about it I cannot place." He said quietly, perhaps it is only the bad dreams I have, but ever since I was wounded I have terrible dreams concerning fire. In the end, I always end up burning because I cannot get out and-" he faltered, and stopped.
"I am sure you are having enough of your own nightmares, you certainly don't need mine to add to them."
"It is strange you should mention that, for I just woke from one. Though I can barely remember what it is about.
"Perhaps it would help you, Faramir, to speak of it. Sometimes it helps to know that someone else knows as well."
"If I am going to tell you this, then you must promise to tell no one, especially the healers, and you must sit down. For I shall not have you standing al night."
"Alright." I complied, and he too sat, but I noticed neither chair was positioned anywhere near the fire. He began.
"In my dream, I see the Southron men surrounding my rangers and I in our desperate charge back to Minas Tirith. I approach their leader, to strike him down, and then everything goes black. The next thing I know is I can hear my father's voice crying for his servants to bring oil, wood and fire. He tells them to lay both of us down on the wood, and pour oil on us, and then he tells them to light us. The last thing he says is always something like, 'The West has failed, it is time for the last of the House of Stewards, and the line on Anaorien to die together. For Sauron may have dominion over all Middle Earth, but he shall not have control over my death, or my son's.' Then, the flames consume us, and that is where I always wake up."
"Why would your father burn himself and you?"
"He despaired of me. I was never the son he wanted, that was my elder brother Boromir. Never once in my entire life did he tell me I ever did something even part way right." He sighed. "Yet, my brother was always, 'Gondor's finest' or, 'my beloved son.' But never Faramir. I do not begrudge my brother this, for he was a worthy man. Do you not know though, that my name when translated to the common tongue means 'half-jewel' yet my brother's means 'precious jewel.' It is as if he hated me from birth.
"Then, when the days grew darker, and Mordor's strength grew, he became even more depressed. Finally when my brother died he lost it. He did not sound like he was mad, but I who knew him well, knew that he was. He had brief bouts of sanity, but they became fewer and fewer. He finally sent me on a suicide mission, and angry were his words at our parting. That is the last time I ever saw him."
"Your father was unjustified in what he did. For you are as great a warrior as your brother, if not better. At least that is what I hear from the city."
He laughed, almost bitterly. "I never asked for the approval of men. Simply my father's. Is it not strange how they always said I was, yet my father never did? Usually it is harder to win the opinion of the masses."
"Your father's approval cannot matter, and should not, if he could only give it to your brother, that is favoritism, and it is wrong."
"My father did not care. Enough of that, what was your dream about?"
"My dream was different than yours. I remember little, except that my brother was in grave danger, and I could not help him. There was only one who could."
"And that person was?"
"Someone I know very little of, and thus I am surprised it was he."
"Well, I do not pretend to know your acquaintances, so whom would that be?"
"Someone you know."
"Someone I know? Pray, Éowyn why do you refuse to give me a definitive answer? Someone I know? I know many people."
"Perhaps you should guess."
"I should take all night if I were to do that Éowyn."
"Then start."
"My uncle?"
"No."
"Lord Aragorn?"
"No."
"Mithrandir."
"No."
"Merry."
"No."
"I give up."
"You."
"Me? Why me?"
"That is what I have been trying to discover."
"Well, such things will be for tomorrow. You and I should be sleeping, not talking. Go back to sleep Éowyn."
"Why? It is but two hours until sunrise, and even if I succeed, I shall have nightmares again."
"Because, if you do not, I shall not be able to show you the stars tomorrow- night."
"I can see them now."
"Yes, but you cannot enjoy them properly. I shall even show you the constellations that our people see in them. But it is too late now, and you must sleep, as must I."
"I suppose so. Goodnight Faramir."
"Is it not good morning now?"
"Good morning then."
"Same to you."
I walked out reluctantly, feeling as if there was something else I should say to him, but I had no idea what it was, nor how I should go about saying it. I really must sleep now though, or the healers will know I have been up.
Later....
I had another horrible dream, and I woke up screaming and thrashing about. The Nazgul was attacking my uncle, and I could not get to him, because there was a fiery creature that looked like Wormtongue threatening to burn me at any instant. I could feel the hot flames licking about me as I tried ferociously to fend them off, but to no avail. I could here the Nazgul shrieking in for the kill on my uncle and there was none to help us..
When I awoke and finished thrashing I saw Faramir holding down my shoulders, while the healing-women were too scared to move at the opposite end of the room. He was telling me it was just a dream and I was safe now, and to calm down.
"How long have I been like this?" I asked absolutely mortified. Seeing that I was alright, he dismissed the girls.
"When you did not come out this morning to visit with the Halfling and I we suspected you were ill. He stayed outside lest you should come, but I went in to see where you were. The ladies here had come to change your cast, but were terrified to see you like this. Since I came you have been screaming for about a minute."
I sighed. "I wish you had not seen that."
"If you are implying that this scene has lessened my opinion of you then you are sadly mistaken Éowyn. Everyone has nightmares, whether they admit it or not. Even your brother and the great Lord Aragorn, though I wager it should take them much to admit it. I also have bad dreams as you know, and premonitions as well. It is part of life. You have not told me of your dream yet, what was it about."
I told him, except the fiery Wormtongue part.
"Why could you not reach your uncle?"
Of course, he would ask that question. "There was a fiery creature stopping me."
"What did it look like?"
Silence. I had not told him how Wormtongue in his filthy thoughts had desired me, nor was I even sure I wished too. The only man who knew of that was my brother, and that was enough.
He jokingly commented, "I hope it was not like me."
I was shocked, how could he think such a thing? "Nay, certainly not! Why should I think of you like that? The only experiences I have with you are good ones, not-not like..that." I finish.
"Do you not wish to tell me?"
I sighed again. "If I were to tell, you will speak of this to no one?"
"Unless it is against the law."
"For my part, no it was not, but his... If my brother had any say in the matter."
He became very serious, "Tell me who did this to you."
"Wormtongue."
"I KNEW IT! I KNEW THAT GOOD-FOR-NOTHING__" he stopped short and sheepishly apologized. "I am sorry, being with my rangers all the time I fear has destroyed my speech. Please continue."
"Do not apologize Faramir, I hear worse where I come from-and I use it myself from time to time. How did you know it was Wormtongue though?"
"My brother did write when he was journeying to Imaladris. Erratic though it was. He described some of what was going on at court in your land, and he did not like what he saw. Of course he would not tell my father, only me. For though my brother loved our father, I think he knew some things cannot be trusted to him. But pray continue."
"Wormtongue was not only at Edoras on Saruman's business, but also his own. His reward for his good service to Saruman was going to be me. He was stalking me from the time I was eight. It was horrifying to walk into my room before bed and find him there. I could not even change until I was sure he was not there. My brother did his best to protect me, he and Theodred even moved their rooms to be on either side of mine. His visits became fewer, but he still came, and then Theodred died, and my brother was banished.It was terrifying to think what he might have done to me, what he might still do to me." I finish and turn to face the wall, ashamed of my inability to get rid of Grima.
"Did he..?" Asked Faramir softly.
I answered his unspoken question, "No, but he very nearly did once. My brother came in just in time, we had intended to go riding and he wanted to know where I was. After that Wormtongue had two black eyes and a broken nose. He was lucky he didn't get more with the way my brother was carrying on."
Faramir was silent for a little, "He shall die if I find him." His voice was frozen with cold, hard all-consuming anger and hatred. It was worse than hearing an angry shout, because those who say such things often do not mean them. This threat was meant, and it scared me that this man was capable of such a deep hatred. I had not expected it of him.
"Why are you so concerned in my affairs that you threaten to kill my stalker?"
He looked at me a log time before answering, "Because Éowyn, you are the first true friend I have ever known. I will not tolerate such actions towards someone I care about."
"Surely you have had other friends?"
"Not like you. My brother and I were friends as much as is possible between brothers, but with Denethor as a father that is almost impossible. Mithrandir was a teacher and a mentor, besides time limited our meetings together. Pippin admires me, but there is not much to admire in me, besides he talks so much about himself one cannot get a word in edgewise. Merry is virtually the same, though to a more serious degree. This not bad, as they need someone to talk to, but it does not allow me to speak. Other than that nobody else comes close. Mostly because I do not know them.
"With you though, there is no limit to our friendship be it fathers, time or admiration. I consider you my equal, not my inferior as many men might even now think. With all of those I mentioned before they either considered themselves above or below me, and therefore we cannot have a strong friendship. At least not until they realize that. If I am not mistaken though, you perceive me as an equal?"
"Well, if you put it that way, yes." There was a long silence as we stared at each other, it was interrupted by pounding footsteps and hampered breathing.
"When are you two going to stop talking and come at breakfast? I'm famished!" said Merry.
Faramir laughed, "You remind me very much of Sam, you silly little hobbit." He said rubbing Merry's head fondly. "We shall come now, unless there is something else Lady Éowyn needed?"
I swung my legs over to get out of the bed, and suddenly everything went black..
I woke up to find that Merry, using his hobbit-sense had just poured ice- cold water all over my face. Faramir was chastising him for it saying it was already cold enough.
I laughed, "Faramir, stop reprimanding him, because it worked. Now, we were going to have breakfast outside if I am not mistaken?"
"Nay, Lady Éowyn will stay here until the Healer has checked her out." Answered Faramir.
"Nay I shall not! You forget to whom you speak! I am the Princess of the Mark, sister to Eomer King! I shall do as I please."
"What would Eomer King say if I let his sister hurt herself because she wanted to get up for breakfast? You forget you are in my charge Princess Éowyn, for I am responsible to the King for you. Would you drive your brother to grief simply to satisfy your own pride?" His words cut deep, and I was angry to see that he could read my mind. He was right and we all knew it.
He may have been right, but I was still angry with him. "GET OUT!" I shouted, "GET OUT!!!!!! GET OUT!!!!!" Merry disappeared without comment, but Faramir said,
"Perhaps, though it be years from now, you will understand this Lady Éowyn, though I wager you'd rather kill me now. Since you do not desire my company I shall not force it on you, nor shall I see you unless you call." With that he swept out, as he did I could see in his eyes hurt, betrayal and loneliness. But there was another emotion there what it was I do not know. All I knew was that I had just caused them.
I immediately began to rebuke myself, but my pride refused to let me go after him, and the damage had already been done...
Even Later......
The healer came to see me at Faramir's behest. He said I should just take things easier, and I am recovering nicely. I would love to go out and talk with Merry & Faramir, but I still have not apologized to them, most particularly Faramir, so I cannot.
I do not know what is keeping me from doing so; it must be my pride as Faramir predicted. I hate it when people can read me so. My brother could do so, but less than this man. It is unnerving that someone who has only known me for two days can read me better than I can. I suppose it is a tribute to his wisdom, and Elvish lineage. For it is said that Elves can read the minds of lesser beings. Or could at any rate. I do not mind the Elves doing this so much, for I know none of them well enough to mind, but a man, someone of my race, that is frightening. I do not know why, but there is a part of me that feels he would not like what he would find there were he to look. Perhaps that is why. In any case I should write a letter to my brother instead of moping around here.
Later Still....
Merry came in to see me for dinner. He says that I should apologize to Lord Faramir. Something I already knew. He says his lordship seems to have opened up unlike he was before, but now he has become silent again. He put it this way,
"Lord Faramir, (whom Pippin speaks so highly of, and I wish Pippin were still here I am so bored. Not that your company is boring, but you aren't a hobbit, and..well..I can't steal mushrooms from you.) What was I saying? Oh yes. Lord Faramir has become as silent as a tomb since you screamed at him. (I would know, I've seen a lot of dead, and tombs too in my travels. Moria, before we fought the Balrog and the orcs was just as quiet. Well, that was all because Pippin's fault he knocked the skeleton's head down the empty well. The whole skeleton followed it down because it was attached to the chain.) Could you pass the salt please?"
That was how the Halfling put it. But I am a Princess of the Rohirrim, sister to it's king, he should not be ordering me around like that. Although, (one could argue, and justifiably so,) his orders came from my brother the King, therefore I had to obey them. So, again, back to square one, me and my stupid pride. Or should I say, me, my stupid pride and my big mouth? Either way I am to blame, so why can't I apologize? I think we both know the answer to that.
Later Yet.....
It was late when His Lordship returned to the houses. His face was downcast and his form was bent. He had discovered something I knew not. Perhaps it was about his father. My first instinct was to go ask him about it. But how could I expect that of him when I had all but told him earlier I did not want his company?
There was one thing left to do. I alone could do it. As he passed by my door I stepped out to block his path. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he did not notice me until he had nearly run into me.
"Your Lordship! I crave pardon, and hope that you will hear my case." I fell to my knees it only seemed right, that even though we were of equal rank he was in the right, and I the wrong.
"Lady Éowyn I have other things on my mind now. Please come later." He tried to push past me, but I was not moving.
"Lord Faramir, I beg of you! Please hear my case! I am sorry for hurting you, for not controlling my headstrong temper and my tongue. I plead for your forgiveness! I may not deserve it, but still I ask all the same, for I do not wish to be alone and I desire your companionship."
"Lady tis not right that you should kneel so before me for I am but a steward. But why dost thou desire my company? For you seem to have forgotten how very clear you made it this morning that you did not want it."
"Rash words oft escape one's mouth when one is angry or hurt that one does not mean to speak. I never intended to cause you any hurt for you least of all people on this Middle Earth deserve it."
"First Lady, I asked you to stand up, for it is not right for one of your station, or in your condition to kneel so. Second, flattery shall get you nowhere. I have seen much of it in my time, do you not recall I have grown up in the perilous court of Gondor under the dark days of Denethor?" he says coldly.
"Yes, my Lord. I know that, but I too have seen flattery in Théoden son of Thengel's court. And I despise it. For those who flatter you only intend harm. Yet, I am a sheildmaiden of the Mark and have no flowery speech for Rohirrim do not use such words. We are blunt, sometimes more than is good for us. We are also a hasty folk who live in days where in order to survive one most think and act quickly. As the Lord Aragorn is wont to say, 'oft the hasty stroke goes astray' it is also with words and anger. I beseech you not to judge me by my lack of speech and good manners." I am truly begging him, and near to tears, something that I find shameful, but I think now he shall not forgive me and I shall live the rest of my days without him. A thought I despair of.
"Lady, I ask you one last time, please stand." He kneels down to my level and offers me his arm. For the first time since this encounter I dare to look him in the face. He smiles weakly, and I realize it shall take time to rebuild this relationship. I warily reach out to take his arm, still not sure of himself or myself. He stands me up, "How, Lady Éowyn dost thou expect me to forgive you when you shall not stand up? I like to look at people when I speak to them."
"Then you have forgiven me?"
"Well, I must say it has been the first time I've had anyone nearly crying at my feet for mercy. Of course I forgive you, there-I do not wish for this to be the last memory you have of me."
"Last memory?" I ask in fear.
He sighs. "We do not know how much longer they shall hold out at the Black Gate, or if Mithrandir's plans shall succeed. If one or both fail Sauron shall return again to besiege this city and as my father put it, 'There shall be no dawn for men. We shall not survive this war, for victory against the Dark Lord is hopeless.' Yet, until Mithrandir despairs of life I shall not falter, nor should you."
"How long since the riders left for the gate?"
"Four days, nearly five. Nay, Éowyn, you shall not ride with them."
"I know that now, and should have known earlier for it was folly to think I could attempt to reach them, and even more so now."
"You may see battle yet, and perhaps we shall fight side by side in the last battle for Middle Earth. We should not dwell on such dark things though, I believe I mentioned last night we should look at the stars, are you still interested?"
I smile, "Of course, I should love to come."
"Then meet me in the gardens in ten minutes."
"Why do we not go now?"
"This is Minas Tirith Éowyn, the White City of Gondor, and rightfully named for it becomes frighteningly cold out at night. Even your brother and cousin thought it prudent when they visited to wear cloaks when they went about at night."
I smiled again, sheepishly, "I should have known that."
"You are a foreigner, it is expected." He turned and walked down the corridor, and I stared after him for awhile before I went to my own chambers to get my things.
I was out there before he was. Shivering in my thin cloak. I had grabbed the nearest soldier's when I was rushing around to find some gear before we left. Now, I regretted my haste as I was freezing, Faramir was right this city was frigid when the sun went down.
He was beside me before I even knew he was there. I nearly jumped out of my skin. NOTE TO SELF: Never let Faramir sneak up on you like that again. He apologized for scaring me. I said it wasn't necessary and that I just hadn't been paying attention. He laughed, "I seem to frighten a lot of people like that. Even my father."
"Well, it's got to be your Elvish blood. Only Elves can do that."
He laughed, "Well, here are some of my old charts I brought from the tower of Ecthelion this morning."
"You visited the Tower?"
"Yes. I went to learn what became of my father."
"Do you mind telling me what-how he died?"
His face grew dark, even though it was night I could see that. "There are things I learned today that no man should ever learn of his father, let alone repeat to others. Lady Éowyn, perhaps I shall tell you some other time, but not now. I am still trying to process the information myself. The line and House of Anorien have many terrible secrets that are enough to make one of that line ashamed."
"You, my Lord are forgetting what Mithrandir said of you. 'That the blood of Numenor runs truly in his veins, but not that of his father or brother.' Do not undersell yourself, or your accomplishments."
He looked me in the face, and said seriously, "And neither should you Éowyn, for though you may not know it you are far more precious to your friends and family than you would first think."
"What does my Lord mean by this riddle?" I said puzzled.
"His Lordship leaves you to discover the meaning of his phrase, and once you do, perhaps you shall find true healing which even now you despair of."
After that we turned our attention to the stars.
I must say this man is an enigma, some things, such as the locations and brightness of stars he will tell me, yet he refuses to answer his own riddles. Why I do not know, and I must find out.
A/N: I think this was a fairly weird chapter, and I don't know how to fix it.