A/N: I'm back! And since it's been so long, without further adieu, I give you…..the next chapter!
Post A/N: Nearly forgot! These little things """"""" denote a dream sequence. Yes, a dream sequence. Now, since you know that, on with the chapter!
SHOUT-OUTS: (So sue me!)
Roisin Dubh: I'm glad you like it! Secret? Maybe. She is hiding a little something. Maybe I'll reveal it in this chapter. Oh, you picked a favorite line! I love it when people do that! And, apparently, Boromir is not above cheating either, eh? Go, Boromir! Thanks for reviewing! Hope you enjoy the chapter!
The Last Evenstar: Well….it's not a clash of cultures. Not yet, anyway. Something a little more personal than that. And I drew from my own experience before my marriage took place. Well, except for one thing. The dream. I didn't have the dream. Wonder why? Hmmm. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
LadyDeb1970: No, Haley Joel Osment is no David Wenham. I'd have to agree with you on that. Jail bait! Jail bait! Anyway, you're always helpful! Always, always, always! Never doubt that!
Fool of a Rohirrim: I'm sorry. I couldn't keep the fighting-Faramir-and-Eowyn thing up. Don't worry. They've got plenty of fights left in them. But I just couldn't keep it up in this chapter. Read on to find out why. Hope you're not disappointed. And it's fun to write Boromir and Faramir together. They're great!
Lindahoyland: Mmmmmm….you're probably right. This is my first dramatic/humor/a little bit of everything piece in LoTR, so I'm still learning. Thanks for being honest! And constructive. I'm glad you like it.
Angoliel: I am continuing. It's taken me awhile, but you can blame Haldir. Uh-oh. He's pouting. Okay, don't blame Haldir. He's so sensitive! But……we already knew that! Ha, ha, ha,….ha….ha…..ahem. Well, I hope you enjoy the chapter. And I'm sorry for the long wait.
Susan W: I am a huge fan of Aragorn/Arwen, so I try to work it in. Even in my completely zany fics. Role reversal on the brothers is fun. I loved doing that. And Boromir's plan nearly backfired on him, didn't it? Poor Boromir. He tried. So glad you liked it!
Lackwit: You like my story! Thank you! Oh. Well, I went back and re-read my chapters. You're right. That does feel a little off. So, I'll try and tone that down a little, okay? I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Cleasmile: Wow! I'm getting new reviewers like crazy! I love this! Yes, anything with Eowyn will be resolved quickly. I will not break up one of my favorite LoTR couples. And I like Eowyn. Next problem for next chapter? Uncertainty. Uncertainty is always a killer. And jealousy. And……the past. Oooooo, the past will always get you. Denethor? Well, I'd never thought about it, but it certainly is an intriguing idea. We'll see.
Gondorian-gurl: I'm glad you like it! Yes, Boromir was very tricksy. You think I captured the characters well! Wow, I'm flattered. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
Rosie26: I did struggle with that while I was writing the last chapter, but I kept imagining the mood Faramir was in anyway. No matter who is around me, if I'm upset or frustrated with my husband, I'm bound to snap at someone. So I wrote Faramir that way. Maybe I took it a little far, but it's all in the name of poetic license. Still, you liked it. And I'm glad you liked it. I just hope you like this chapter, too!
Mercury Gray: I seem to have a habit of getting Faramir into trouble, don't I? He's just not safe with me. Ooooo, that's a good idea. I like that idea. I can't use all of it, but I can use part of it. Can't I? Hmmmm? Please?
Julia: You know, that was my favorite passage in the last chapter. I loved writing that. And Faramir wouldn't treat Eowyn like a possession. All will be revealed in this chapter, I promise. It may seem mundane, but I think it's understandable. Eowyn is, after all, human. Glad you enjoyed the Aragorn/Arwen fluff. And don't worry about Aragorn. He'll survive. After all, he's survived my other fic and I've done horrible things to him there.
Shieldmaidenofrohan: Another Ascended vote for Boromir! Perhaps, if he'd known Oma, we could've avoided the whole death scene and the Falls of Rauros. Hmmm. Anyway, it seems to be the general consensus of opinion that Boromir is tricksy. Yes, precious. Very tricksy, indeed. And if you think Faramir was frustrated in the last chapter? Ha!
Spiritstllionofthecimarro: Thanks for the review! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Sache8: No, no, no. You can only choose one person for the tickle match. Just one. And don't worry. God will send you someone. Yes, He will. And if Boromir learned from the Hobbits, then he learned from the best! LOL Any grin on Boromir's face would be appealing! Right? Right. And Eowyn shouldn't have worried you in the last chapter. Worry about her inthis chapter. Yes. Inthis chapter, my friend.
Silver Sniper: Per your 'request', I am updating. Hope you like! And thanks for the review!
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''The Citadel
Without a horse, Faramir did not make very good time traveling back to Minas Tirith. The sun had long since disappeared into the horizon by the time he drew near the gates of the city. Just as the guards began to open the gates, Faramir heard a whinny. He turned and saw his horse making his way over at a neat little trot. When the beast drew near, Faramir caught the bridle and drew the horse's head down.
"Traitor," he whispered. The stallion nickered in reply and, in spite of the fact that the steward was irritated with his mount, Faramir couldn't keep back a smile. He shook his head in amusement.
"Well, just for that smart reply, you can carry me the rest of the way," he said. The horse tossed his head and Faramir laughed. The guards, standing nearby, reflected that the Lady Eowyn must be having some sort of odd effect on their Lord Steward. He was speaking to his horse as though the beast were human!
And so it was that Faramir rode through Minas Tirith to the stables of the Citadel. After leaving his horse in the hands of the head stableboy, Faramir practically ran towards the Citadel itself.
Just as Aragorn and Arwen were making their way out of the dining hall, they saw a slightly out of breath Steward heading towards them. The king and queen exchanged knowing glances. Eowyn was not the only one who had seen Faramir leave the Citadel earlier. While Aragorn and Arwen had been…..otherwise occupied at the time of Faramir's flight on horseback, Pippin had probably summed it up best when he said that gossip traveled faster in the Citadel than in the Shire.
"Have you seen Eowyn?" Faramir inquired as he drew near.
Two pairs of eyebrows shot up in a manner that left no doubt as to who had raised both owners of the aforementioned eyebrows. Faramir must indeed be eager to find his fiancée, for it was rare that the Steward did not address the king and queen properly when he first greeted them. Neither Aragorn and Arwen cared one whit about that, of course, but it was surprising that Faramir had skipped the formalities. Arwen was the first to find her voice.
"She was out on the training grounds an hour ago, Faramir," the queen informed him.
Faramir closed his eyes. The training grounds! Of course that's where she would go! Didn't Eomer tell him that Eowyn would go there if ever they had a fight? Instantly, he set off in the direction of the training grounds. Arwen watched him go with a slight smile on her face.
"I do not think this argument will last much longer, Estel," she addressed her husband.
"Good," he replied. "And since the happiness of our friends is imminent, why don't we retire for the evening?"
"You go on, Estel," Arwen said. "I have an urgent matter to attend to in the kitchen. But I shall be along shortly."
She kissed him on the cheek and was gone, leaving Aragorn standing in the hall, blinking. An urgent matter in the kitchen? Since when did his wife take on the characteristics of a hobbit? Shaking his head, Aragorn made his way to the chambers he shared with Arwen, unaware that Boromir had been watching him the whole time, laughing silently at his old friend's confusion.
''''''''''''''''''''''''Training Grounds of the Citadel
Faramir arrived to see the training grounds empty, save for two guards. More than a little irked that he had missed his fiancée, the steward cursed in a low voice.
"Really, Faramir, I don't think I ever heard you curse this much when I was alive."
Faramir jumped at the voice, then sighed.
"I thought we discussed a warning," he said.
"Ah, you never said anything about me giving a warning before I arrived, only before I departed. I promise, brother, that I shall give you ample warning next time. You have my word."
That seemed fair enough. Faramir sat down on a nearby stump and ran his hand through his hair while Boromir walked around the training grounds. The older brother finally ran out of patience.
"Well, why are you just sitting there, Faramir? For the love of the Valar, go find her! Talk to her! You didn't come all the way back to Minas Tirith just to sit in the middle of the training grounds, did you?"
"No. But she isn't here, Boromir."
Boromir rolled his eyes.
"Has love addled your brain? Queen Arwen said she was here only an hour ago, didn't she?"
"Yes."
"She couldn't have gone very far in an hour. What are you thinking, Faramir? Are you thinking that she packed up in the space of an hour and went back to Rohan? Go find her! She's somewhere in the Citadel, most likely in her chambers. Go talk to her there."
Faramir looked scandalized.
"I can't go to her chambers, Boromir! We aren't married!"
Boromir threw his hands up in the air and looked up at the sky.
"Eru help me!!" he entreated.
Turning back to his brother, Boromir tried again.
"Faramir, I'm not asking you to ravage the woman! Just talk to her! There is nothing wrong with talking. Or kissing, when all is said and done. You have kissed her, haven't you?"
"Boromir!"
"I just wondered. Well?"
"Well, what?"
"Have you kissed her?"
"Of course I have!!"
Faramir's yell, laced with irritation and frustration at his brother's antics, brought the attention of the two guards. They stared at the steward as though he'd gone mad and Faramir dropped his head into his hands.
"Wonderful," he said. "It will be all over the Citadel tomorrow that I was seen yelling at myself in the training grounds. Oh, Boromir. I thought you were going to help me."
There were a few moments of silence and then Faramir felt two strong hands on his shoulders. He looked up and saw his brother smiling down at him.
"I am," he said. "Let's go, Faramir."
Faramir smiled and stood, leading the way off the training grounds, and talking to his brother as he went.
"I'm sorry about teasing you," Boromir apologized. "But I am your older brother. It's a hard habit to break, I suppose. I'll try not to do it anymore."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Faramir replied. "If you were nothing but helpful, I would probably wonder what was wrong with you. Or I would suspect that it wasn't you at all."
The brothers continued a friendly banter as they walked past the guards. Those two worthy individuals exchanged glances with each other after Faramir had gone.
"Did you hear that?" one asked. His companion nodded.
"Poor man. I felt the same way just before I got married. Didn't know whether I was coming or going. Well, I hope Lady Eowyn gives him an easier time than my missus has given me."
The first one snorted with laughter.
"I doubt that. Did you see her out here earlier? I think we'll have to get some new training equipment after today."
But the second guard, despite the hard time his 'missus' had given him over the years, was still somewhat inclined towards romanticism.
"I don't know. Something about the way she lights up whenever he's around tells me that everything'll turn out alright in the end. Yes, I think everything'll turn out alright in the end."
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Eowyn's Chambers
Meanwhile, Eowyn was blissfully unaware that her future with Faramir was being discussed by two palace guards. Actually, she was just unaware. 'Blissfully' was probably not the best word to describe Eowyn's current state of mind.
She had tried to put Faramir, and her argument with him, out of her mind completely. But her usual method of clearing her head had failed miserably. Three hours in the training grounds had resulted in nothing more than some scratches on her legs and rather sore arms.
Eowyn grimaced as she stepped out of the now tepid bath water. It had been scalding hot when she got in half an hour ago and her skin, now a pinkish red color, attested to that fact. Her muscles were already beginning to feel the effects of her little 'training session'. As Eowyn dressed for bed, she was forced to remember something that Theodred had told her long ago, when she had first begun to learn how to fight.
'You should never, ever push yourself too hard. Know your limits when you train,' he had told her. And she had listened to him then. He would have been furious with her if he could've seen the way she had gone at it today. Eomer would've, too. So would Faramir, for that matter.
Eowyn suppressed the urge to scream. There he was again! Why did he insist on invading her thoughts? Must he always be in her mind? It was infuriating.He was infuriating. After locking her bedroom door, a habit learned from the dark days at Meduseld, Eowyn threw back the covers on her bed savagely and plumped up the pillows with a bit more ferocity than was absolutely necessary before climbing in. She settled into her bed and, after tossing and turning a bit, finally let sleep claim her.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''The Library of the Citadel – One Hour Later
"Faramir, we have been all over the Citadel," Boromir complained. "It is obvious that your betrothed has retired for the evening, as any woman in her right mind would do. Please, brother. Let's go to her chambers."
Faramir, in spite of his earlier resolve to seek out Eowyn in her room, had gone back to being…..modest. He kept avoiding the part of the Citadel that sheltered his fiancée, insisting on searching for her everywhere else instead. Boromir was getting quite irritated with his brother.
"I do not want to make her uncomfortable," Faramir reasoned.
"So you keep saying," Boromir shot back. "And yet I think you are the only one who is uncomfortable with the idea, little brother. You place too much importance on appearances sometimes. Now, we should go to my future sister-in-law's chambers. We have wasted an hour since we left the training grounds!"
Faramir hesitated.
"She is probably asleep by now," he began. Boromir rolled his eyes.
"And if she is, whose fault is that? If we had gone there to begin with, you would not have to wake her up! Trust me, Faramir, you should not let this argument fester overnight."
The young Steward regarded his brother thoughtfully. Boromir was right, he knew. This problem with Eowyn should be worked out right away. Such a thing should not be allowed to build up. This was no time for conventions and proper etiquette.
"Very well," Faramir gave in. "I shall go see her."
Boromir gave a sigh of relief and followed his brother out of the library.
''''''''''''''''''''''Eowyn's Chambers
The sound of men screaming in agony surrounded Eowyn, but all she could focus on was the hideous being in front of her now.
'Feast on his flesh', the Witch-King hissed.
She didn't know where she found the courage, but it seemed to well up from within her. All she could think about was the fact that her uncle was lying helpless and she was all that stood between him and an unholy death.
'I will kill you if you touch him!' she cried, unable to keep her voice from breaking. One slash, two slashes….the fell beast was dead. And now she stood before the Witch-King.
Eowyn could not keep the fear from her eyes as she looked upon him. And she hated herself for showing weakness. It all happened so fast. With one swift hit from his weapon, she had dropped the shield she held. Pain like she had never felt before surged through her arm. The Witch-King had her cornered.
'Fool!' the being cried. 'No man can kill me!'
Eowyn saw a slight movement behind the Ringwraith. She saw Merry plunge his weapon into the Nazgul and heard the shriek of pain from the servant of Sauron. Filled with courage at the sight of this small being, so brave in the face of danger, Eowyn pulled off her helmet, letting her hair fall down around her.
"I am no man!" she cried. "A woman stands before you!"
She plunged her sword into the Witch-King and watched, both fascinated and horror-stricken, as he crumpled in front of her. He was gone.
Eowyn turned to go to her uncle. But, when she went to him, she found that it was not her uncle who was lying there. It was…
"Faramir?" she whispered in disbelief.
He looked up at her, his eyes full of love.
"Thank you," he said.
"No," she shook her head. "No, this isn't right. Faramir! Faramir!"
But he was already gone.
"So young," said a voice from behind her.
She turned around to see Grima hovering over her. They were no longer on the battlefield, but in the Golden Hall of Meduseld. This was Theodred's room. Eowyn looked back down. Theodred's bed, but Faramir was still lying there.
"No," was all she could say.
Grima put his hands on her shoulders comfortingly and a shiver went up her spine.
"You grieve, my lady," Wormtongue said. "But you will find happiness again. Your uncle has seen to that."
Eowyn refused to look away from Faramir. Grima continued.
"Your brother has abandoned Rohan. Your cousin and your betrothed are both dead. Your uncle is very ill. My lady, you are the only hope for your country. And your uncle has been so concerned for your future, as have I."
"This is not real," Eowyn whispered, keeping her eyes on Faramir, willing him to wake up.
"I assure you, it is. King Theoden has decreed that your marriage shall take place two weeks from now. It is vital to the survival of the house of Eorl. Our marriage will bring you happiness, Eowyn."
Only then did Eowyn look away from Faramir's body.
"Our marriage?" she inquired disbelievingly.
"The king has decreed it," Grima said, his tone that of one who had fought the decision. "I was just as stunned as you."
Eowyn shrank away from Wormtongue as he began to advance on her, not realizing that she was headed towards a wall until it was too late. There was nowhere to go.
"I will treat you well, my lady," Grima assured her, unsuccessfully. "You have nothing to fear."
In one swift move, he captured her lips with his own.
Just as Faramir was about to knock on the door, there was a choked sob from inside. He hesitated, thinking that Eowyn might be crying about him. Then, both he and Boromir heard something completely different.
"NO! FARAMIR! FARAMIR!"
Instantly gone were the ideas of propriety and etiquette. When he realized the door was locked, Faramir began to ram the door with all his strength, cursing whatever wood it was made out of. Boromir stood by helplessly, wishing desperately that he could help in this manner. Two guards were summoned by the noise and, between the three of them, the door was gone in short order.
"FARAMIR!!! NO!"
Rushing into the room, Faramir was only slightly relieved to see that Eowyn was suffering from a nightmare. His relief was only slight because he knew how terribly, terribly real nightmares could be. In a few long strides, he had gathered her into his arms.
"Eowyn, wake up. Eowyn, it's me. It's Faramir. I'm here, it's alright. You're alright."
She had tensed when he first touched her, but she went completely limp now, sobbing as she clung to him like a child. He turned slightly and dismissed the guards with a nod, hoping that Eowyn hadn't seen them at all. She was terribly proud.
He stroked her hair as she cried, speaking in soothing tones and saying things that really didn't make much sense. But Eowyn didn't care. It was Faramir's voice she heard. That was all that mattered. As her sobs subsided, she started to realize that something wasn't….quite right.
"Faramir?" she inquired, her voice muffled against the material of his tunic.
"Yes?"
"You came to my room?"
"Yes."
Eowyn pondered this for a moment. Faramir was always so….proper. This was very unexpected. She pulled away and looked at him.
"Why?" she asked.
Faramir shook his head and smiled a little.
"I'll tell you in a few minutes," he replied, reaching out and wiping the tears off her face with his hand. "Right now, why don't you tell me what that nightmare was about?"
She began to close herself off. He could see it happening right in front of him.
"No," he said. "Don't do that. I want to know."
She sighed deeply and related the dream to him, but left the part about Grima out. Faramir studied her closely and could tell she wasn't revealing the whole thing. But there was no sense in pushing her.
"I've had the dream several times," she told him. "But only in Rohan. I thought that here, in Gondor, I wouldn't have it anymore."
Faramir frowned.
"Why?"
"Because I would be with you," she explained.
"Well, my lady, you have been with me," Faramir began. "But we've been so busy arguing with each other, perhaps it's triggered this dream of yours."
"Why did you come to my room, Faramir?" Eowyn repeated her earlier question, eager to get the answer. Faramir smiled at her.
"I think you spent far too much time with Master Merry. His curiosity rubbed off on you," he said.
"Oh, if anyone has curiosity to spare, it's Master Pippin," Eowyn argued. "So you are the one who is truly in danger. Now, will you answer my question?"
"Yes. I came to discuss something with you. I…..I wanted to apologize first of all. And I want to find out what it is that's bothering you. Eowyn, I can't even remember what started all these fights that we've had. But I do remember that you keep saying I treat you like a possession. Now, I honestly don't know how I've done that, but I apologize for making you feel like a possession. If you would tell me how I've done so, I'll do my best not to do it again. What is it, Eowyn?"
Eowyn was crying again.
"You're just so sweet and so kind. I don't deserve you, Faramir. Truly, I don't!"
Faramir scratched his head and stood up, then began to walk around the room.
"Well…..now I am confused!" he finally said.
"You haven't done anything to make me feel like a possession," Eowyn confessed.
"I haven't?"
"No."
There was a moment of silence.
"Then why have you accused me of such a thing?"
"Faramir, I-"
"Do you have any idea what you have put me through?"
"No, I can't say that I-"
"Eowyn, I can't believe that you would do this!"
"Faramir, please let me-"
"I don't think I want to hear-"
"For the love of the Valar, would you let the woman speak?!"
This came from Boromir, who had made himself scarce while Faramir comforted Eowyn. He interjected himself now, though, seeing that Faramir was being stubborn. Eowyn wasn't sure what brought her fiancé up short or what prompted the rather shocked look on his face, but she was grateful for it.
"I'm frightened, Faramir."
Eowyn jumped right to the point. No more pretending for her. He might as well know everything. Faramir's look was one of complete shock. Did he just hear Eowyn admit to being frightened?
"Frightened? Of what?"
"Marriage, children, a life in Gondor, being a wife….everything that most women seem to have under control, I guess."
Faramir narrowed his eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know how to do all those things! I know how to fight! But I can barely sew, I can't cook at all, I'm not very good with children, and I'm rather unsure of……other things," Eowyn blushed.
"Oh, Elbereth," Boromir began to hit his head against the broken door. Faramir shot him a dark look.
"We can discuss…..other things…..later," Faramir assured her. "And as for the things you spoke of, do you think I care about them?"
"You don't care about children?"
"I adore children! And I saw you with Bergil just the other day. He idolizes you and you're wonderful with him. You'll be a wonderful mother, Eowyn. We have cooks, we have seamstresses. If you want to learn how to do those things, they'll teach you how. Queen Arwen could teach you as well, although I have it on good authority from Aragorn that her cooking is not the best, either."
"Really?"
"Ranger's Honor," Faramir swore, holding his hand over his heart and making Eowyn laugh. The sound brought a smile to his own lips. He regarded her for a moment, his eyes piercing her own until Eowyn was a little uncomfortable.
"Faramir?"
"I was just thinking. You picked these fights with me because you were scared? You were frightened that you wouldn't be a good wife?"
"I was worried that I wouldn't be good enough for you. I was trying to push you away, I guess. I am truly sorry, Faramir. Will you forgive me?"
"You're a thousand times too good for me," he argued, placing a kiss on her forehead for emphasis. "And I thank the Valar every day that you were placed in my life."
"Every day?" she questioned, her eyes shining with mischief.
"Well…." he hesitated.
Eowyn laughed.
"Do not say anything more, Faramir. I believe that, if we were to fall all over each other every day, life would be very boring indeed."
Faramir smiled and gently traced the contour of Eowyn's cheek with his hand. She closed her eyes at the contact and stepped closer, leaning into him.
"Life with you will be many things, my lady," he said softly. "But I do not think that 'boring' is among them."
"Thank you," she replied softly, not bothering to look up. She was enjoying this far too much. The sound of his heart beating, the scent of the woods that always lingered around him….No matter how much time Faramir spent in the city, he always had a certain scent that Eowyn was later to learn came from Ithilien. She loved it.
"Eowyn," Faramir whispered.
"Hmmmm?"
"Eowyn, I must go. It is late."
"Stay," she said, not really realizing what she was saying. She only knew that she wanted him with her.
Faramir argued with himself for a moment before letting propriety win out.
"I can't, Eowyn. I have to go."
Reality set in then and Eowyn reluctantly released her fiancé. It took all the strength he had to not take her in his arms and kiss her passionately, but Faramir knew that, if he did that, he might lose all the self-control he had. Instead, he kissed her gently on the lips and whispered against her ear.
"Le melon."
Eowyn smiled.
"Someday, you're going to have to tell me what that means. For all I know, you're insulting me!"
"Why don't you ask Aragorn or Arwen?" Faramir inquired innocently as he headed towards the door.
Eowyn made a face at him.
"Because they won't tell me. They know your little game."
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," retorted Faramir, still adopting a look of innocence. He turned his attention to the door then and became sober. "I'll have a guard posted here for the rest of tonight. And someone will be sent to repair it tomorrow."
"You broke down the door?!" Eowyn noticed the door for the first time.
"You were calling for me," Faramir replied, his tone impressing upon her that he would've done anything to get to her. Eowyn embraced him.
"Thank you, Faramir."
They stood like that for a while, arms wrapped around each other tightly before Faramir reminded Eowyn once again that he had to leave.
"Just a few more days and I won't have to," he reminded her.
She smiled in response and closed her eyes as he kissed her again. Then, he left the room. Sighing, Eowyn went back to her bed. She settled back in for a restful night's sleep.
Faramir suppressed a groan as he returned to his own chambers. He had done many difficult things in his life, but leaving Eowyn alone just now had to be number one on the list. After placing a guard at her door, he practically ran back to his room.
"Your room isn't going anywhere, you know," said Boromir, appearing beside him.
"I know," Faramir replied, slowing his pace slightly. He glanced at his brother out of the corner of his eye. "Um…..thank you, Boromir."
"For what?"
"For giving us some privacy. I….uh….I noticed that you only appeared a couple of times."
Boromir shrugged.
"Far be it from me to interfere in my brother's private life."
Faramir shot him a disbelieving look.
"Very well," Boromir sighed in surrender. "Far be it from me to SPY on my brother's private life."
"That's better," Faramir nodded.
Boromir hesitated as they entered Faramir's room, unsure of whether or not he should bring up a certain subject. Faramir brought it up for him.
"I know, Boromir. She did not tell me the full extent of her nightmare."
"You know?"
"Of course I know! She's my fiancée! Boromir, do you know…"
Boromir shook his head.
"I only knew that she was hiding something. I don't know what it is. I cannot see into her mind, brother."
Faramir frowned as he removed his tunic, tossing it carelessly onto a nearby chair. Boromir shook his head.
"What?" Faramir questioned, his tone defensive.
"Most people," Boromir observed dryly, "would think that I was the messy brother and you were the neat one. Not the other way around."
"I have things on my mind! More important things than a tunic!" retorted Faramir. But he picked the tunic up and put it where it would be picked up for laundry, nevertheless.
"Do you know what she is hiding?" Boromir asked, returning to the subject of Eowyn.
"No," sighed Faramir. "But she will tell me when she's ready. I will not push her. Someday, Boromir. Someday, she'll tell me. For now, I'm getting some sleep. So……go haunt someone else."
Boromir bristled.
"There's that word 'haunt' again. Really, Faramir, you should be more considerate of my feelings."
Faramir smiled as he climbed into his bed.
"And you should be more considerate of the fact that some of us still need sleep. Good night, brother."
Boromir smiled back at his brother. Although he left the room, he never left the Citadel that night. Eowyn had more than one guard outside her room. While the guard Faramir had placed could protect her against physical threats, he couldn't protect her against anything else. And Boromir wanted to make sure that his future sister-in-law was safe. Eowyn had a sweeter sleep that night than she could ever remember having before. And she was never sure. But she almost felt as though a presence similar to Faramir's was in her room when she awoke the next morning.
A/N: So, what's with the dreams? Aren't nightmares awful? Sorry for the long space between updates, but I lost my muse! And now…..I've found him again! Say hello, Haldir!
Haldir: Hello!
Isn't he the cutest thing? Anyway, hope you enjoyed. Next chapter, an engagement party. Doubt begins to creep into Faramir's mind, planted there by some jerk of a noble. And Boromir is going to get revenge on that guy. Ha! Stupid noble. Never mess with Faramir on Boromir's watch. Right, Haldir?
Haldir: You are correct. This noble will definitely wish he had not troubled Faramir. And he is fortunate that Boromir is the only one who will seek revenge on him.
Haldir and Faramir are good friends in my universe, because Haldir didn't die at Helm's Deep in my universe! If this gets posted before Thanksgiving (which is looking more unlikely because is being spooty), I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! If not, then I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Haldir: What is Thanksgiving?
Help me!!!
Translations: Le melon - 'I love you'
Post A/N: Well, was being spooty on Wednesday, so I didn't get to update then. I'm sorry. But I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. On a side note, I got to go see 'National Treasure' on the Friday after Thanksgiving. And Sean Bean was just charmingly bad. I mean, in a good way. Well, this is just not coming out at all like I planned. Anyway, go see it. It's a wonderful popcorn flick. Takes a while to get going, but it's worth the wait. See you guys later! And please review. Haldir loves reviews!