As before, any flames will be used to burn my English 4 book or make marshmallows. This is a Faramir/Eowyn fic, for those who want to know. And I do not own LOTR, although I would like to own David Wenham. Thanks to Malethwen and Risha for reading and reviewing this.
Ioreth showed Eowyn how to tend the Steward's wounds, and then left the two young people alone in the room. The shield maiden contemplated his face for many long moments. It was a kingly face, like unto Aragorn, but this man's face held a certain gentleness and was less weathered. He looked to her like someone who would be at home with weapons and also small children or books. To be sure, this Faramir, Steward of Gondor had a very handsome face. Eowyn marveled at the fact that she was able to even contemplate such thoughts so soon after Aragorn had told her-albeit very gently- that he could not return her feelings.
Suddenly, a small groan came from the bed and her attention was taken out of her thoughts. The man was awake, and when he had looked to his left, he swung his head to the right where his eyes met Eowyn's. She had to consciously keep tight control on herself, for she knew after one glance into the steward's eyes that her heart was lost to him forever.
"I do not mean to seem rude or discourteous my lady, but may I ask who you are?" he queried, with a rich-sounding voice. Eowyn had to make sure and mentally tell herself to talk. She could listen to him speak for hours. "My name is Eowyn of Rohan." She replied quietly.
Respect was evident in those eyes of his. "I heard your tale, my lady, many times in the city. The people have a great admiration for the one who was able to take down a Nazgul and live. I am extremely honored to meet you at last. I am Faramir, Steward of Gondor, and I hope that you have found your stay here beneficial to your healing." He said. "It is a honor for me to make your acquaintance, Lord Steward."
He winced at the title. "Please, Lady, call me Faramir. I never was one for titles." She tilted her head in acknowledgement of his statement and replied, "I will if you call me Eowyn. I am also not a liker of titles and such." Faramir smiled. "It seems we have something in common, Eowyn. Would you stay and talk with me a while? It seems my heart is less burdened now that I have someone to share the time with."
"Since I am now your caretaker, it would only make a certain sense for me to remain here with you, Faramir." He struggled to a sitting position. "You are my caretaker now? Is Ioreth indisposed?" Eowyn smiled wryly. "She claims that the stairs are too much for her old bones, but I suspect she more on her mind then care of your physical wound."
Faramir fell back onto the bed and groaned theatrically. "If she is attempting another one of her matchmakings on me, I might be convinced to jump out of the nearest window and flee for home!" Eowyn had to give a chuckle at this. He studied her for a moment, and she found his keen eyes somewhat disturbing to her current mental state. "Is there something you want to tell me?" she teased gently. "Perhaps...but I do not know if I should say it." He answered.
"I promise not to tell Ioreth..." Faramir laughed a true laugh at this. To Eowyn, his voice sounded like music. "Then Eowyn, I will tell you what I am thinking. To me, you are a lady beautiful, even beyond the highest elven words to describe. I would that you stay near me, for I am lifted out of the dark by your face."
Eowyn was stunned, and did not know what to say. "Oh Faramir, do not look to me for healing, but I will stay near you as long as you think I do you well." The steward looked stricken. "I apologize if I was too forward, Eowyn. I sincerely hope you do not think me a boor, or ill-mannered."
"I could never think that about you, Faramir." She answered honestly. A smile returned to his face, and she wondered how she was going to handle being so close to him. Perhaps in time, she could just put everything behind her and concentrate on being his friend.
The lunch bell rang, and with a jolt, Eowyn realized that she was hungry for the first time in days. "Go and get yourself lunch, Eowyn." Faramir said. She rose to her feet. "I will, and I shall bring you back something. We can take our lunch together."
They had many lunches over the days that followed, and as Faramir regained his strength, they ventured out into the gardens and often spent time looking over the walls and discussing her country, his travels, and everything in between. Aragorn had come to see both of them, and Eowyn was surprised by how little he affected her now. What she did not dare to admit to herself were her growing feelings for Faramir. She tried to distance herself from him, but could not stand the look of hurt on his face when she told him she would not walk with him that day. Inevitably, she would find herself in the garden by his side.
She was up early one morning, looking at the sunrise. "Lovely, isn't it?" Faramir asked gently from behind her. She jumped slightly, and he placed a hand on her arm. "I am sorry...my old Ranger habits creep up from time!" He gazed at her. "I though by now you would be with Eomer. Did he not call for you?"
"He did, but I stay for a reason." She answered. "I know of two reasons that you might stay, but which is true, I do not know." "Stop the riddles, Faramir. If you know, say." He planted his feet firmly and looked her square in the eye. "Either you go because seeing Aragorn would bring you no joy, or because I am here, and you do not wish to leave me. Eowyn, I cannot wait forever without an answer from you. I love you...do you not care for me in that way, or do you not wish to admit it?"
A veil fell from her heart, and she knew. "I love you as well, Faramir." He smiled and gathered her into his arms. "Will you come to Ithlien and stay with me there? Everything will bloom with the White Lady to tend to it." "Oh, so you suppose you handle a wild Rohan maid, Lord Steward?" Eowyn said cheekily. "I shall do my best..." he replied, then kissed her.
Loud cheers were heard from the Healing House, Ioreth among them. "We shall never hear the end of this, I suspect." Faramir said, regretfully breaking the kiss. "We must make the best of it, Faramir, although a smug Ioreth will be hard to bear..."
"I HEARD THAT!" a voice yelled. There was much laughter, and even greater joy in the hearts of two people.
There will be one more chapter, and that's it. Hope you liked this chapter!