Day 9

Éowyn stood alone in the garden waiting for Faramir. Faramir was correct. Hope and good prevailed, and Sauron destroyed. Éowyn thanked the Valar for protecting and allowing the Halflings to complete their impossible task, and bring her loved ones back from battle safely.

Éowyn smiled as she heard footsteps approach. After being with Faramir for almost a week, she recognized his gait and she could sense when he was near. She turned to find him looking a slightly somber.

"Good morning, Faramir," Éowyn said smiling.

"Good morning, Éowyn. It is good to see you smiling, on this sun filled day," Faramir said. "But I regret to say that I must take my leave from you, for the Warden has released me from his care, and there are duties, as Steward, I must attend to in preparation for the King's arrival."

Éowyn lowered her head to hide her disappointment. "I understand," she said, "I will not hinder you from your duties."

"Do not feel lonely for it will not be long until Lord Aragorn and your brother calls for you. I will come and visit you if time permits." Faramir took and kissed the back of her white hand and took his leave with a bow.

After Faramir departed, Éowyn no longer looked to the east, for the terror of the east was eliminated, but there was still a pang in the White Lady's heart.

Éowyn's hand absentmindedly picked a Simbelmynë petal as she recalled the past few days she had passed with Faramir. During those past few days, Faramir was able to return hope into her heart. He had freed her from her despair even during Middle-earth's darkest hour. He had taught her how to smile again. Most importantly, he had taught her love.

Now that a future lay ahead, Éowyn did not know what was to occur. The few short days with Faramir, felt like an eternity, yet it was too short. She felt like she had known him in a past life. She felt complete each time he stood by her side, and his voice softly telling her not to give in to despair, always brought a smile to her lips.

She smiled at the memory of him reading her the tale of the lovers Beren and Luthien and saying that she was like Luthien with golden hair, for that day she wore a blue raiment and had grey eyes like the Elven Princess. Éowyn began to blush as she remembered how Faramir openly voiced his affections for her.

Éowyn did not know how long she sat in the garden thinking before the Warden came to her.

"My lady, your brother, the Lord Éomer, has sent word asking you to come to the field of Cormallen," said the Warden.

"It is not yet ten days, I can not leave the Houses the Healing," Éowyn replied.

"My lady, you seem well enough to make the short journey to the fields of Cormallen. I will release you from my care if you wish, and find an escort for your journey."

Éowyn thought of the Warden's offer. She wanted to see her brother dearly, but yet she did not wish to leave the Houses of Healing. For there was still a pain in her heart that had not yet healed, and she didn't wish to see her brother, while her heart was still ailing.

Éoywn shook her head. "Thank you Warden. I wish to remain here longer, for I do not feel well enough to journey to the fields of Cormallen," she said softly.

The Warden bowed and excused himself. He immediately sent word to Éomer stating Éowyn's reply that she was not well enough to make the journey to be reunited with him.

When Éomer heard this, he worried for his sister's health, and decided to ride out to the City and call on her as soon as he could. Éomer told Aragorn his predicament, and Aragorn nodded in understanding, and wished him a safe journey and to return when Éowyn's ailment had been cured.

Faramir also heard this message of the Lady of Rohan. He wondered why Éowyn would delay being reunited with her beloved brother, but his duties as Steward kept him from visiting the Houses of Healings to seek her that day.