Chapter 2: Resting In Hope

(Faramir's POV)

It has been four days since I gazed at her at the window.

She stood there waiting upon the walls the city, looking to the east as always. The wind was strong and I was glad to see that she wore the blue mantle that was my mother's.

"The city has fallen silent. There is no warmth left in the sun. It grows so cold" she said in her usual sadness.

I walked up to her and countered gently "It is just the damp of the spring rain."

I looked at her with the hope that she had been growing in my heart over the last few days. But she looked at me with the sorrow as when we first met. I wondered if she knew of my hope while we spent the time walking and talking in the gardens.

"I do not believe that this darkness will endure" I continued steadily, gazing into her eyes. Then in a bold move on my part, I took her hand as if in reassurance.

Then a smile broke over her face as her cold hand closed tightly in mine.

She was just lovely.

(Eowyn's POV)

He looked at me again, with eyes shining with a confidence, stemming from a deep sense of hope. After spending the last few days in the gardens with him, I saw him come out of the Shadow and a sorrow he bore. He appears to be healed.

I do not understand but I know he cares very much for me. The gift of his late mother's mantle tells me that I am very special to him. But might this be a show of his gratitude that I helped to ease his care? Or maybe he is just kind, like Aragorn?

Yes, he makes me feel as if I were with Aragorn. But I sense there is more.

He kept his eyes upon me as he spoke. I felt a growing tenderness radiating from his eyes and that bought me much joy.

Why do I always feel so alive whenever I see him?

But I cannot bear to harbor another hope in vain. I need to shield myself. I must not to be moved.

Then I felt his hand take mine. It was warm and firm like the soft light of the morning breaking into my darkness. Suddenly, I too felt the hope he carried. I could not help but hold onto him tightly. And then I smiled and felt the light. It has been a long while since I smiled.

Somehow, I felt a need to be sheltered by him. He looked as if he would never turn me away. My resolve weakened and I drew closer to his heart. I rest in his embrace and in his hope - at least for now.