Far and Away
Chapter 18 Rating: PG 13
Eowyn was holding the lead to her horse with Haleth riding. She smiled as she listened to his constant babble about anything a four year old could talk about.
"Eowyn, since you're the King's sister-daughter, don't you know a lot about history?" Haleth looked down at Eowyn inquisitively.
"Well, yes, I suppose I do."
"What's my name from?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who was I named after?"
Eowyn thought for a second. "Haleth, I believe was the eldest son of King Helm. You see, he was slain while defending the doors of Meduseld against Wulf, who was an evil man."
"Oh. So he wasn't an important person?"
"He was very important Haleth! If he had lived, he would have been King after his father. He died a noble death, though, you must see. He was defending that which he loved. And that is an honorable way to die, in battle, fighting for something you love."
Haleth nodded and they went on in silence for a while. Then Haleth asked, "If my daddy or uncle dies, would it be honorable?"
"Of course Haleth! They are fighting for their land! For their king! There is much honor in that!"
"I hope my daddy doesn't die." The four year old blinked hard and gazed over his shoulder at his mother, who had been walking behind them. She smiled sadly.
Eowyn nodded and walked on quietly, consumed with her own thoughts.
She always had to lingering fear of being caged. The only way that she could ever achieve honor and valor was too die in battle. But the thought of being caged, bound to a marriage without love, was almost unbearable for Eowyn. She won't let her life end up like that. She wouldn't let it happen. She would die first.
~*~
Faramir sat with his back against the wall in a small "room". The Hobbits were asleep and all seemed well. The soft chirping of crickets was the only audible sound.
Faramir wanted desperately to sleep, but it was in vain. He wanted to continue his dream about the woman. She was so beautiful. He had only caught a glimpse of her, but he felt as if he knew her.
It was as if he had seen her or one of her relatives before, but it was all a clouded mystery. Dreams tend to get fuzzy and fade slowly as soon as you wake, so that no matter how hard you try, you can't remember all the details. They wander in and out of your mind like a passing breeze. Some of them last longer than others and are more enjoyable, others aren't.
Faramir was losing consciousness quickly and he let it win. Within five minutes dreams took his mind.
The familiar stairs to Minas Tirith were below him and two young men walked away from him. Faramir called after them. They turned.
They were both blonde headed, tall and young. The older's face struck him oddly. It was familiar in a distant way. Then Faramir remembered. The two men from Rohan who came to seek our help! But that was over five years ago! Faramir strained to remember their names. One had been the king's son, the other the king's nephew. Theodred and something. Eomer! That was it! Eomer, son of Eomund.
The woman's face flashed thru his mind. The face vanished and two small children played before him in a field of golden grasses. The older was a boy and the younger a girl. Their faces were familiar too. Could it be Eomer and the woman, but as children? He didn't understand why would she be with him.
Then a conversation came back to him that Eomer and he had had while in the bar having drinks. (Do ya'll remember that?)
Eomer sighed and placed his mug on the table. Theodred had fallen asleep on his cousin's broad shoulder. Faramir leaned against the table and asked, "Who?"
Eomer glanced up. "Oh, my sister. She would have loved to come here. She's twenty years old. You're what, 12 years older than she?"
Faramir counted it out. "Yes, you're right."
Eomer nodded and half to himself said, "She'll never make it passed the age of 30 if she doesn't stop getting into trouble and not settling down. Did you know that my sister is 20 and not married? She's beautiful, but she's won't have any of the suitors that have asked for her hand!"
Faramir chuckled. "Eomer, I fear you may be a bit drunk. Slow down before you hurt your self."
Eomer gazed up and smiled. "Yes, you're right Faramir. I'm not used to drinking much and I think I did have a glass too many. Would you mind getting us a room here? I don't want to disturb Theodred much, but he should be sleeping in a bed, not in a bar."
Faramir nodded. "Of course, friend. I'll get you one right away."
Faramir was startled awake by an uneasy feeling. Looking around, he finally spotted a small creature staring at him from the other side of the wall.
Rubbing his eyes, Faramir sat up.
"Hullo." The creature said.
"Hello to you too. What are you doing up at this time of night, Master Halfling?"
The blue-eyed Hobbit raised his eyes to Faramir's. "I don't sleep much any more."
"Why is that?"
The Hobbit shifted a little uneasily. "I'm burdened with such a load that you would find hard to fathom."
Faramir nodded. "Fair enough. Come, sit. There is not reason to be afraid of me, Master Baggins."
"Thank you kindly sir." Frodo sat down by Faramir's feet.
"So, why do you travel these wood, Master Baggins? Reason are often questionable for these ways are not traveled by free folk any more."
"Yet you travel freely."
"Yes, but we are bound to protect our boarders. Gondor is counting on us to hold off any intruders."
"Of course."
"Tell me, Master Baggins, did you know my brother well?"
"Your brother, sir?"
"Boromir was my brother."
"Your brother!"
"Were you friends with him?"
The Hobbit twitched and then answered, "Ay, for my part."
"Would it grieve you then, to know that he is dead?"
"Dead! How?"
"I thought maybe you might be able to inform me, seeing as you were one of his companions."
Frodo shook his head. "No, we went separate ways and I know no more about the others in our fellowship than I know about Boromir. It does grieve me to learn that he is dead."
"Yes," Faramir paused, taking a moment to control his grief. "But again, what is your purpose for traveling through Ithilien?"
The other Hobbit appeared at the entrance of the room. He rushed over to Frodo and took his hand.
"Mr. Frodo," he whispered loudly, "you weren't in bed when I woke up and you worried me. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Sam. I'm talking with Faramir."
"Hello Sam. Will you join us?" Faramir motioned for him to sit beside Frodo.
Sam nervously sat just behind Frodo and watched Faramir intently. But after a while, he loosened up. Faramir and Sam had a nice talk about many different things. Frodo slowly backed out of the conversation and drifted into his own world for a time.
"And then what happened Sam? Boromir took his peril with him?" Faramir leaned forward, wrapped up in Sam's story about the fellowship's journey.
"Well, you see, as good a man that Boromir was he still had his weakness. And from the moment he saw it, it was the Enemy's Ring he wanted-"
"Sam!" Frodo immediately snapped back into what was happening.
Sam looked puzzled for a split second and then his face went ashen gray. "Oh," he muttered, "Its like my gaffer used to always say, 'Every time you open your mouth, Samwise Gamgee, you put your foot in it' Oh dear!"
Faramir had gotten too his feet and so had the Hobbits.
The Ring? The One Ring? The Ring of power? This small Hobbit was its bearer? Oh, how easily it would be to simply take it.
Frodo had backed up against the wall and look horrified. Faramir now saw that beneath his shirt, a ring hung on a silver chain. Drawing his sword, Faramir put it to Frodo's neck and lifted the chain. A plain gold ring hung about it.
"You look here sir! Don't take advantage of my master because I'm the fool here. You've taken me off my guard, but as we say in the Shire, handsome is as handsome does. Now's a chance to show your quality!" Sam stood looking at Faramir anxiously.
"So, this is the answer to every riddle. The One Ring. And to think, that I have you both here in the wild with a host of men at my call. And a chance for Faramir, Captain of Gondor to show his true quality-" Faramir breathed in sharply. Frodo's eyes were pleading him silently to let him go. Faramir shook his head. He withdrew his sword.
"Nay, I would not take it even if it lay before me on an open highway. If it did, I would turn away. I see your burden now, Master Baggins, and I pity you. No man, or Halfling, should have to carry such a burden. So, as soon as it is morning we will provide you food and-"
Anborn rushed into the room and stared for a moment at the Hobbits before saying, "Captain, the sulky creature has entered the forbidden pool."
~*~
Eowyn helped Haleth down from Windfola (her horse) and he went running off to play with the other children. Leofa came up beside Eowyn.
"Thank you for keeping him entertained. We own you much, my lady."
Eowyn just smiled. "It was nothing."
Eotheod came riding up the path. Eowyn and a few of the elders went to greet him. Eotheod dismounted his horse and stood panting for a moment.
"The King and his men will be here within three days. Make ready for the King!"
Ceorl spoke up, "When should we be expecting them?"
"They ride hard, but not in complete hast. Except them within an hour of sun down on the third day. They will not linger here very long, for battle is near."
Ceorl nodded. "Then I will fight with them."
Fastred, another elder, stepped forward too. "I will also fight."
Eotheod nodded. "Thank you all, but you can wait and tell the King you wish to fight when he gets here, now is time to prepare."
"Eotheod, we've only just arrive. We ourselves have to settle everyone down- "
"But Lady Eowyn, the Lord Aragorn is coming with his company today and they must leave soon after arriving. They must hold counsel though, so they need a tent. Could you see that it is prepared?"
Eowyn's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Aragorn. "Yes-s. I could do that." She felt a blush rise in her cheeks and she turned her face from the group of men. "If you'll excuse me I'll see to it right away."
As Eowyn ran to her duty, she heard Eotheod cry, "Long live King Theoden! Be ready for the muster of Rohan!"
~*~
Sam ran behind Faramir and Frodo as they hurried to the waterfall. Anborn pointed down into the pool.
"Down there, see the creature?"
"What do you think it is Anborn?" Faramir asked.
"Well, it has four limbs and dives like a man. It's pretty masterful in the water. What do you suppose it's trying to do?"
Sam tugged at Frodo's arm. "It's a fine view, but what's going on?"
Frodo looked over his shoulder. "I think Gollum's down there," he whispered.
~*~
Faramir turned to Frodo, who was whispering to Sam. "Shall we shoot?"
"No, he is our guide. He means no harm. Let me go down to speak with him."
"Does he know about It?"
Frodo looked up at Faramir. "Yes, he bore it for many years."
"He bore it?" Faramir breathed in sharply. "Does he pursue it?"
Frodo hesitated a second. "I don't know. Maybe. It is precious to him. But I won't speak of that."
"But what is the creature looking for?"
"Fish."
"What?"
"Just watch."
Faramir peered over the edge. The creature was just climbing out of the pool with a silver thing in its mouth. It began singing to itself and beat the fish before beginning to eat it.
Faramir laughed. "Fish!" He turned back to Frodo. "Alright, go down to him, but if he gives you any trouble, he won't come out alive."
Frodo nodded and disappeared through the brush, following Anborn who was showing him the way down.
Sam and Faramir watched anxiously. They saw Frodo appear near the edge of the clearing of the pool. He got Gollum to come to him and both of them disappeared beyond sight.
Faramir motioned for Sam to follow him and they went back down into the caverns. Anborn carried Gollum into the room with Frodo following with a broken look on his face.
Faramir questioned Gollum but he would admit to nothing. Finally Faramir allowed Frodo to untie Gollum.
Faramir leaned forward. "Now, look at me!"
Gollum looked up slowly and unwillingly into Faramir's stern eyes. There was complete silence. Then Gollum couldn't take it any longer and shrinking back, dropped his eyes from Faramir's gaze.
"We doesn't know anything. Never came, never will come again."
"That's right. There are locked doors and closed windows in your mind. What oath will you swear that I can trust?"
"Master knows," said Gollum, looking side ways at Frodo. "We promise Master, we'll promise to it!" Gollum crawled over to Frodo. Sam nervously twitched beside Faramir. "Save us Master! Smeagol promises to precious! We doesn't know anything! Never came! Never will come again!"
Faramir looked at Frodo. The Hobbit nodded. Faramir stood then and said to Gollum, "Fine, your word binds you to your master. Let him do with you what he wants!"
Gollum coward and nodded. Frodo smiled sadly at Faramir. "Thank you."
Faramir nodded. "Well, now I seal my doom. I declare you free in any realm that is in the land of Gondor."
One of Faramir's oldest Rangers, Golasgil, came up to Faramir and said, "But my lord, you know your father's laws! If you let them roam freely, your life may be forfeit!"
Faramir paused and looked at Frodo. The Hobbit peered up at him with his blue eyes underneath his dark curly hair. "Then let it be forfeit." Faramir knelt by Frodo. "I will assist you in any way you need."
Frodo smiled gratefully and exited the room with Gollum following him.
Sam hesitated for a moment and then, bowing, said, "Good night Captain. You took a chance, sir."
"Did I?" Faramir looked down at the small creature.
Sam nodded. "Yes, sir, not so much about that Gollum creature, but with everything. And in it all, you showed your quality: the very highest."
Faramir smiled. "Nay, Master Samwise, for the praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards. Yet there is nothing to praise. I had no desire do to other than that which I did."
Sam blushed at the compliment. "Well, sir, Mister Frodo is right. There is an elvish air about you, but also one of wizards."
Faramir nearly laughed. "Maybe you discern from far away the air of Numenor."
Sam looked slightly puzzled but said, "I don't know what you mean sir, but it is often said that quality and honor around found not in places near to us, but places far and away."
Faramir nodded thoughtfully. "Far and away, eh? What do you mean, master Samwise?"
"Oh, just the simple truth, sir. That some things are easy to get, while other things, like quality, honor, and I suppose even love are difficult to get, or earn."
"Love?"
Sam nodded. "Ay, love. You see, you can't simply love someone and assume that they love you back to start with. You have to get, or earn, their love in return."
"I suppose you are completely right Sam! I had never thought of it that way. So honor and quality and love are found in places far and away from us?"
"Ay, that's how I was always taught by my gaffer. He used to say, "Samwise, us gardeners aren't the brightest of folks, but we've earned our honor! See here Sam, it came not from our jobs, but from our hearts." See sir? To earn a love [or honor/quality] that seems too far and away from your grasp, you must reach into the strength of your heart." Sam nodded to himself and then stood to his feet. "I'd best be getting on back to Mr. Frodo, sir. He must get some rest before we go. Good night, sir."
Faramir said good night and then sat there for a while after, taking to heart what Sam had just said. He wouldn't realize how true Sam's words were until he met her.
~*~
Aragorn arrived with his company before Theoden. Lady Eowyn greeted them and though there were many great men among his company, he was the only one she had eyes for.
Aragorn shifted uncomfortably in the saddle and leaned over toward Legolas. "Why does she stare at me so? It makes me feel ill at ease."
Aragorn saw Legolas shift in his saddle to find Eowyn. "I don't know why. She seemed to take a great interest in you at the Golden Hall."
He nodded. "Doesn't she know my heart belongs to another?"
Legolas nudged him. "well, your Tinuviel would be please to here that!"
Argorn blushed. "Yes," he muttered.
His company dismounted and they went inside a tent. Food was laid out for them and the men sat and ate. They talked about their plans even though Eowyn stood near, listening to every word. When she heard about the battle in Helm's Deep her eyes shone.
But at last she stood and said, "Lords, you are weary. We have beds prepared, but tomorrow we can have fairer housing for you."
Aragorn stood and then said, "Nay, my lady. We will lie here tonight and break our fast tomorrow. That will be enough, for I must ride on. And at tomorrow's first light we must go."
A blush crept over her pale cheeks and she smiled. "Then it is all kindly done, to bring me news and to speak to me in my exile."
"Indeed, it was not a journey wasted, and yet I would not have come this road if it had not been the only road which led me where I need to go."
Her face fell a little but she said, "But lord, there are no roads. For there are no roads that run east or south."
Aragorn paused and then said, "No, lady. I do not stray. There is a road out of this valley and that is that road I take. Tomorrow I ride by the way of the Paths of the Dead."
At this her face turned pure white. No one spoke for a time until she quietly said, "But lord, is your errand to seek death? They do not suffer the living to pass that way."
"They will suffer me-"
"But it is madness!" Eowyn said forcefully. "I beg you, ride with my brother and do not go that way. For then our heart would be lighter and our hope would seem brighter."
Aragorn removed her hand that gripped his arm. "No," he said softly, but firmly. "That is the way appointed to me, and that is the road which I take. I take the Paths of the Dead, alone, if I must."
And no one spoke a word.
~*~
*Finally! Another chapter posted!
*comments? Suggestions? Call toll free 1-800-tell me what you think or you can just review by clicking the button beneath my ramblings!
*next chapter: Eowyn asks to go with Aragorn and is rejected. She sees the man who won't have her leave for what she assumes will be his death. Now all she wants is to seek battle and death.
(Faramir won't appear again until their dreams become a reality!)
Chapter 18 Rating: PG 13
Eowyn was holding the lead to her horse with Haleth riding. She smiled as she listened to his constant babble about anything a four year old could talk about.
"Eowyn, since you're the King's sister-daughter, don't you know a lot about history?" Haleth looked down at Eowyn inquisitively.
"Well, yes, I suppose I do."
"What's my name from?"
"What do you mean?"
"Who was I named after?"
Eowyn thought for a second. "Haleth, I believe was the eldest son of King Helm. You see, he was slain while defending the doors of Meduseld against Wulf, who was an evil man."
"Oh. So he wasn't an important person?"
"He was very important Haleth! If he had lived, he would have been King after his father. He died a noble death, though, you must see. He was defending that which he loved. And that is an honorable way to die, in battle, fighting for something you love."
Haleth nodded and they went on in silence for a while. Then Haleth asked, "If my daddy or uncle dies, would it be honorable?"
"Of course Haleth! They are fighting for their land! For their king! There is much honor in that!"
"I hope my daddy doesn't die." The four year old blinked hard and gazed over his shoulder at his mother, who had been walking behind them. She smiled sadly.
Eowyn nodded and walked on quietly, consumed with her own thoughts.
She always had to lingering fear of being caged. The only way that she could ever achieve honor and valor was too die in battle. But the thought of being caged, bound to a marriage without love, was almost unbearable for Eowyn. She won't let her life end up like that. She wouldn't let it happen. She would die first.
~*~
Faramir sat with his back against the wall in a small "room". The Hobbits were asleep and all seemed well. The soft chirping of crickets was the only audible sound.
Faramir wanted desperately to sleep, but it was in vain. He wanted to continue his dream about the woman. She was so beautiful. He had only caught a glimpse of her, but he felt as if he knew her.
It was as if he had seen her or one of her relatives before, but it was all a clouded mystery. Dreams tend to get fuzzy and fade slowly as soon as you wake, so that no matter how hard you try, you can't remember all the details. They wander in and out of your mind like a passing breeze. Some of them last longer than others and are more enjoyable, others aren't.
Faramir was losing consciousness quickly and he let it win. Within five minutes dreams took his mind.
The familiar stairs to Minas Tirith were below him and two young men walked away from him. Faramir called after them. They turned.
They were both blonde headed, tall and young. The older's face struck him oddly. It was familiar in a distant way. Then Faramir remembered. The two men from Rohan who came to seek our help! But that was over five years ago! Faramir strained to remember their names. One had been the king's son, the other the king's nephew. Theodred and something. Eomer! That was it! Eomer, son of Eomund.
The woman's face flashed thru his mind. The face vanished and two small children played before him in a field of golden grasses. The older was a boy and the younger a girl. Their faces were familiar too. Could it be Eomer and the woman, but as children? He didn't understand why would she be with him.
Then a conversation came back to him that Eomer and he had had while in the bar having drinks. (Do ya'll remember that?)
Eomer sighed and placed his mug on the table. Theodred had fallen asleep on his cousin's broad shoulder. Faramir leaned against the table and asked, "Who?"
Eomer glanced up. "Oh, my sister. She would have loved to come here. She's twenty years old. You're what, 12 years older than she?"
Faramir counted it out. "Yes, you're right."
Eomer nodded and half to himself said, "She'll never make it passed the age of 30 if she doesn't stop getting into trouble and not settling down. Did you know that my sister is 20 and not married? She's beautiful, but she's won't have any of the suitors that have asked for her hand!"
Faramir chuckled. "Eomer, I fear you may be a bit drunk. Slow down before you hurt your self."
Eomer gazed up and smiled. "Yes, you're right Faramir. I'm not used to drinking much and I think I did have a glass too many. Would you mind getting us a room here? I don't want to disturb Theodred much, but he should be sleeping in a bed, not in a bar."
Faramir nodded. "Of course, friend. I'll get you one right away."
Faramir was startled awake by an uneasy feeling. Looking around, he finally spotted a small creature staring at him from the other side of the wall.
Rubbing his eyes, Faramir sat up.
"Hullo." The creature said.
"Hello to you too. What are you doing up at this time of night, Master Halfling?"
The blue-eyed Hobbit raised his eyes to Faramir's. "I don't sleep much any more."
"Why is that?"
The Hobbit shifted a little uneasily. "I'm burdened with such a load that you would find hard to fathom."
Faramir nodded. "Fair enough. Come, sit. There is not reason to be afraid of me, Master Baggins."
"Thank you kindly sir." Frodo sat down by Faramir's feet.
"So, why do you travel these wood, Master Baggins? Reason are often questionable for these ways are not traveled by free folk any more."
"Yet you travel freely."
"Yes, but we are bound to protect our boarders. Gondor is counting on us to hold off any intruders."
"Of course."
"Tell me, Master Baggins, did you know my brother well?"
"Your brother, sir?"
"Boromir was my brother."
"Your brother!"
"Were you friends with him?"
The Hobbit twitched and then answered, "Ay, for my part."
"Would it grieve you then, to know that he is dead?"
"Dead! How?"
"I thought maybe you might be able to inform me, seeing as you were one of his companions."
Frodo shook his head. "No, we went separate ways and I know no more about the others in our fellowship than I know about Boromir. It does grieve me to learn that he is dead."
"Yes," Faramir paused, taking a moment to control his grief. "But again, what is your purpose for traveling through Ithilien?"
The other Hobbit appeared at the entrance of the room. He rushed over to Frodo and took his hand.
"Mr. Frodo," he whispered loudly, "you weren't in bed when I woke up and you worried me. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Sam. I'm talking with Faramir."
"Hello Sam. Will you join us?" Faramir motioned for him to sit beside Frodo.
Sam nervously sat just behind Frodo and watched Faramir intently. But after a while, he loosened up. Faramir and Sam had a nice talk about many different things. Frodo slowly backed out of the conversation and drifted into his own world for a time.
"And then what happened Sam? Boromir took his peril with him?" Faramir leaned forward, wrapped up in Sam's story about the fellowship's journey.
"Well, you see, as good a man that Boromir was he still had his weakness. And from the moment he saw it, it was the Enemy's Ring he wanted-"
"Sam!" Frodo immediately snapped back into what was happening.
Sam looked puzzled for a split second and then his face went ashen gray. "Oh," he muttered, "Its like my gaffer used to always say, 'Every time you open your mouth, Samwise Gamgee, you put your foot in it' Oh dear!"
Faramir had gotten too his feet and so had the Hobbits.
The Ring? The One Ring? The Ring of power? This small Hobbit was its bearer? Oh, how easily it would be to simply take it.
Frodo had backed up against the wall and look horrified. Faramir now saw that beneath his shirt, a ring hung on a silver chain. Drawing his sword, Faramir put it to Frodo's neck and lifted the chain. A plain gold ring hung about it.
"You look here sir! Don't take advantage of my master because I'm the fool here. You've taken me off my guard, but as we say in the Shire, handsome is as handsome does. Now's a chance to show your quality!" Sam stood looking at Faramir anxiously.
"So, this is the answer to every riddle. The One Ring. And to think, that I have you both here in the wild with a host of men at my call. And a chance for Faramir, Captain of Gondor to show his true quality-" Faramir breathed in sharply. Frodo's eyes were pleading him silently to let him go. Faramir shook his head. He withdrew his sword.
"Nay, I would not take it even if it lay before me on an open highway. If it did, I would turn away. I see your burden now, Master Baggins, and I pity you. No man, or Halfling, should have to carry such a burden. So, as soon as it is morning we will provide you food and-"
Anborn rushed into the room and stared for a moment at the Hobbits before saying, "Captain, the sulky creature has entered the forbidden pool."
~*~
Eowyn helped Haleth down from Windfola (her horse) and he went running off to play with the other children. Leofa came up beside Eowyn.
"Thank you for keeping him entertained. We own you much, my lady."
Eowyn just smiled. "It was nothing."
Eotheod came riding up the path. Eowyn and a few of the elders went to greet him. Eotheod dismounted his horse and stood panting for a moment.
"The King and his men will be here within three days. Make ready for the King!"
Ceorl spoke up, "When should we be expecting them?"
"They ride hard, but not in complete hast. Except them within an hour of sun down on the third day. They will not linger here very long, for battle is near."
Ceorl nodded. "Then I will fight with them."
Fastred, another elder, stepped forward too. "I will also fight."
Eotheod nodded. "Thank you all, but you can wait and tell the King you wish to fight when he gets here, now is time to prepare."
"Eotheod, we've only just arrive. We ourselves have to settle everyone down- "
"But Lady Eowyn, the Lord Aragorn is coming with his company today and they must leave soon after arriving. They must hold counsel though, so they need a tent. Could you see that it is prepared?"
Eowyn's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Aragorn. "Yes-s. I could do that." She felt a blush rise in her cheeks and she turned her face from the group of men. "If you'll excuse me I'll see to it right away."
As Eowyn ran to her duty, she heard Eotheod cry, "Long live King Theoden! Be ready for the muster of Rohan!"
~*~
Sam ran behind Faramir and Frodo as they hurried to the waterfall. Anborn pointed down into the pool.
"Down there, see the creature?"
"What do you think it is Anborn?" Faramir asked.
"Well, it has four limbs and dives like a man. It's pretty masterful in the water. What do you suppose it's trying to do?"
Sam tugged at Frodo's arm. "It's a fine view, but what's going on?"
Frodo looked over his shoulder. "I think Gollum's down there," he whispered.
~*~
Faramir turned to Frodo, who was whispering to Sam. "Shall we shoot?"
"No, he is our guide. He means no harm. Let me go down to speak with him."
"Does he know about It?"
Frodo looked up at Faramir. "Yes, he bore it for many years."
"He bore it?" Faramir breathed in sharply. "Does he pursue it?"
Frodo hesitated a second. "I don't know. Maybe. It is precious to him. But I won't speak of that."
"But what is the creature looking for?"
"Fish."
"What?"
"Just watch."
Faramir peered over the edge. The creature was just climbing out of the pool with a silver thing in its mouth. It began singing to itself and beat the fish before beginning to eat it.
Faramir laughed. "Fish!" He turned back to Frodo. "Alright, go down to him, but if he gives you any trouble, he won't come out alive."
Frodo nodded and disappeared through the brush, following Anborn who was showing him the way down.
Sam and Faramir watched anxiously. They saw Frodo appear near the edge of the clearing of the pool. He got Gollum to come to him and both of them disappeared beyond sight.
Faramir motioned for Sam to follow him and they went back down into the caverns. Anborn carried Gollum into the room with Frodo following with a broken look on his face.
Faramir questioned Gollum but he would admit to nothing. Finally Faramir allowed Frodo to untie Gollum.
Faramir leaned forward. "Now, look at me!"
Gollum looked up slowly and unwillingly into Faramir's stern eyes. There was complete silence. Then Gollum couldn't take it any longer and shrinking back, dropped his eyes from Faramir's gaze.
"We doesn't know anything. Never came, never will come again."
"That's right. There are locked doors and closed windows in your mind. What oath will you swear that I can trust?"
"Master knows," said Gollum, looking side ways at Frodo. "We promise Master, we'll promise to it!" Gollum crawled over to Frodo. Sam nervously twitched beside Faramir. "Save us Master! Smeagol promises to precious! We doesn't know anything! Never came! Never will come again!"
Faramir looked at Frodo. The Hobbit nodded. Faramir stood then and said to Gollum, "Fine, your word binds you to your master. Let him do with you what he wants!"
Gollum coward and nodded. Frodo smiled sadly at Faramir. "Thank you."
Faramir nodded. "Well, now I seal my doom. I declare you free in any realm that is in the land of Gondor."
One of Faramir's oldest Rangers, Golasgil, came up to Faramir and said, "But my lord, you know your father's laws! If you let them roam freely, your life may be forfeit!"
Faramir paused and looked at Frodo. The Hobbit peered up at him with his blue eyes underneath his dark curly hair. "Then let it be forfeit." Faramir knelt by Frodo. "I will assist you in any way you need."
Frodo smiled gratefully and exited the room with Gollum following him.
Sam hesitated for a moment and then, bowing, said, "Good night Captain. You took a chance, sir."
"Did I?" Faramir looked down at the small creature.
Sam nodded. "Yes, sir, not so much about that Gollum creature, but with everything. And in it all, you showed your quality: the very highest."
Faramir smiled. "Nay, Master Samwise, for the praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards. Yet there is nothing to praise. I had no desire do to other than that which I did."
Sam blushed at the compliment. "Well, sir, Mister Frodo is right. There is an elvish air about you, but also one of wizards."
Faramir nearly laughed. "Maybe you discern from far away the air of Numenor."
Sam looked slightly puzzled but said, "I don't know what you mean sir, but it is often said that quality and honor around found not in places near to us, but places far and away."
Faramir nodded thoughtfully. "Far and away, eh? What do you mean, master Samwise?"
"Oh, just the simple truth, sir. That some things are easy to get, while other things, like quality, honor, and I suppose even love are difficult to get, or earn."
"Love?"
Sam nodded. "Ay, love. You see, you can't simply love someone and assume that they love you back to start with. You have to get, or earn, their love in return."
"I suppose you are completely right Sam! I had never thought of it that way. So honor and quality and love are found in places far and away from us?"
"Ay, that's how I was always taught by my gaffer. He used to say, "Samwise, us gardeners aren't the brightest of folks, but we've earned our honor! See here Sam, it came not from our jobs, but from our hearts." See sir? To earn a love [or honor/quality] that seems too far and away from your grasp, you must reach into the strength of your heart." Sam nodded to himself and then stood to his feet. "I'd best be getting on back to Mr. Frodo, sir. He must get some rest before we go. Good night, sir."
Faramir said good night and then sat there for a while after, taking to heart what Sam had just said. He wouldn't realize how true Sam's words were until he met her.
~*~
Aragorn arrived with his company before Theoden. Lady Eowyn greeted them and though there were many great men among his company, he was the only one she had eyes for.
Aragorn shifted uncomfortably in the saddle and leaned over toward Legolas. "Why does she stare at me so? It makes me feel ill at ease."
Aragorn saw Legolas shift in his saddle to find Eowyn. "I don't know why. She seemed to take a great interest in you at the Golden Hall."
He nodded. "Doesn't she know my heart belongs to another?"
Legolas nudged him. "well, your Tinuviel would be please to here that!"
Argorn blushed. "Yes," he muttered.
His company dismounted and they went inside a tent. Food was laid out for them and the men sat and ate. They talked about their plans even though Eowyn stood near, listening to every word. When she heard about the battle in Helm's Deep her eyes shone.
But at last she stood and said, "Lords, you are weary. We have beds prepared, but tomorrow we can have fairer housing for you."
Aragorn stood and then said, "Nay, my lady. We will lie here tonight and break our fast tomorrow. That will be enough, for I must ride on. And at tomorrow's first light we must go."
A blush crept over her pale cheeks and she smiled. "Then it is all kindly done, to bring me news and to speak to me in my exile."
"Indeed, it was not a journey wasted, and yet I would not have come this road if it had not been the only road which led me where I need to go."
Her face fell a little but she said, "But lord, there are no roads. For there are no roads that run east or south."
Aragorn paused and then said, "No, lady. I do not stray. There is a road out of this valley and that is that road I take. Tomorrow I ride by the way of the Paths of the Dead."
At this her face turned pure white. No one spoke for a time until she quietly said, "But lord, is your errand to seek death? They do not suffer the living to pass that way."
"They will suffer me-"
"But it is madness!" Eowyn said forcefully. "I beg you, ride with my brother and do not go that way. For then our heart would be lighter and our hope would seem brighter."
Aragorn removed her hand that gripped his arm. "No," he said softly, but firmly. "That is the way appointed to me, and that is the road which I take. I take the Paths of the Dead, alone, if I must."
And no one spoke a word.
~*~
*Finally! Another chapter posted!
*comments? Suggestions? Call toll free 1-800-tell me what you think or you can just review by clicking the button beneath my ramblings!
*next chapter: Eowyn asks to go with Aragorn and is rejected. She sees the man who won't have her leave for what she assumes will be his death. Now all she wants is to seek battle and death.
(Faramir won't appear again until their dreams become a reality!)