Hi y'all!!
Thank you to everyone who reviewed. You all rock!!
Susan W: Oh, goody! Fresh blood. Mwah ha ha!! Thank you for your kind comments. I hope you enjoyed the rest of the fic, and I hope you like the upcoming chapters.
Sidhe-ranma: Don't worry. Faramir will tell her in no uncertain terms where to go… maybe…
Vor Tirla Laime: I'm basing Endara on people that I went to school with. (God some of them were bitches) I hated them too. You'd really like to smack Endara, don't you? I know I would. Really hard across the face.
Fancygirl1810: 'in style of Homer Simpson' Éomer… mmmmmm… The man is a honey alright. I'm glad you liked the story. Hope you like the update.
Rebby: You're lucky. Two updates in a few days. Hope you like it. I had to have Endara in it. It would have been no fun otherwise. Watch how she messes up Faramir and Éowyn's relationship.
Lackwit: Yes, Faramir is that dense. Like some men I know… I'm telling you, I had to practically knock my boyfriend over the head and drag him back to my lair to get his attention. God! Men!! Thanks for the tips on Endara. I'd hate for her to be a two dimensional villain. I want people to really hate her. Let me know what you think.
The Ballad of the Odd: Thank you! Hope you like the rest.
Maria: Who wouldn't have a crush on Faramir? Grima will not feature much in this fic, but I will write a bit about his 'descent into darkness.'
Zirona: I want Éowyn to break her neck, but then she'd be up for murder and she and Faramir couldn't get together. I'd settle for a good bitch slap, but I cant find a way to write it in to the story. Damnit!!
Tori Bradley: Sorry it took so long to update. I meant to write a longer chapter, but I got distracted. Hope you like this update.
ClapToSaveTheFaries: Thank you for your kind words. I'm so glad you liked it.
I'm kinda surprised no one got the reference to Seachange (But then again, not everybody is a David Wenham Fanatic/Stalker/Nut like me.) Oh well. Never mind.
Any parts in italics are flashbacks.
Oh, and I got the date wrong. It's 3011, not 2001.
Just so you know, I know nothing of fencing. So when Éowyn and Faramir are practicing later on in this chapter, I am just writing what I believe would be important to a fighter. If I am wrong, I apologise.
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Éowyn ran lightly down the steps of the back staircase towards the practice ring. She used the back stair as she was dressed in her sparring gear, and it would not do for a Lady of Rohan to be seen in the White City dressed in tight-fitting leggings and a loose shirt.
She peeked around a corner and found the next corridor empty. Almost there! She lifted her broad-sword again and stepped around the corner. She didn't want to be late. Especially since it was Faramir that she was meeting.
They had been in Minas Tirith for a week now, and she often saw Faramir. Éowyn was aware in the back of her mind that her uncle was having a hard time with Lord Denethor, but she was having too much of a good time to give it much thought. She saw the sons of the Steward every day, and she had finally convinced Faramir to give her a sword lesson.
The more time Éowyn spent with the kind younger son, the deeper in love she fell. She adored him, but he seemed oblivious to her attention. He treated her as he did Éomer and Théodred, and, while one part of her rejoiced in the face that he treated her as an equal, another part of her wanted to hit him on the back of the head for being so dense.
She stopped suddenly as a beautiful woman walked out in front of her, engrossed in a book. The woman jumped slightly, and laid her hand across her heart.
"Oh goodness child, you startled me."
"My apologies," Éowyn replied, a little put out that she had just been called 'child'. "I was rushing."
"Off to war, are we?" the woman asked with a voice that Éowyn was not comfortable with. It was filled with amusement, but not kind amusement. It was the sort of malicious tone that several ladies of the court used to patronise her.
Éowyn looked at the woman, and suddenly it clicked with her why she looked so familiar. She remembered their arrival the week before, and the party they had attended that night.
: Flashback :
She was standing next to between Éomer and Boromir, and had her hand resting on Boromir's arm. He was pointing out the nobles of the city, either expressing his admiration (which happened rarely) or his amusement at their deeds.
Éowyn was quaking with suppressed laughter at Boromir's latest description when suddenly a tall, fair woman came across their path.
"Who is that?" Éowyn asked, for the lady was as fair as she had ever seen. Indeed, Éomer was practically keening beside her, causing Éowyn no little amount of mirth.
"That is Lady Endara," Boromir told her, a strange note in his voice. Éowyn thought it betrayed mild disgust, but she could be wrong. "Her father is one of Lord Denethor's advisors, and the wealthiest man in Gondor, aside from my father. Lady Endara is… let us just say that she is used to having her own way. Her father has always given her anything she wanted, and she expects any men in the city to continue on with this tradition."
"You sound as if you do not care for her," Éowyn replied tentatively.
"I have no time for women like her," he told her. "She breaks hearts for sport, and cares for naught but herself." Boromir suddenly seemed to realise who he was speaking to, and smiled down at her sheepishly.
"Forgive me Éowyn," he begged of her. "I should not speak so plainly in public about one of Gondor's finest ladies. Shall we dance?" he asked, holding out his arm to her. She took it, and they moved to the dance floor.
With a frown, she noticed Lady Endara approach Faramir who was speaking with Théodred. After a few moments, Faramir excused himself from Théodred, and they both moved onto the dance floor.
Boromir noticed the direction of her gaze, and whispered "Do not worry little one. He cares little for her. Father has instructed him to be polite to her should their paths cross."
Éowyn relaxed a little after Boromir's soothing words, and actually found herself enjoying the dance, as her friend kept up a running commentary on those around them as they danced.
However, she found that afterwards, she could not keep her eyes away as Faramir escorted the Lady to the refreshment table, and offered her a drink.
: End Flashback :
The woman, Lady Endara was speaking again.
"Pray tell me child, where are you off to in such clothes? Surely girls do not wear such things in Rohan?" she shuddered a little as if the very thought disgusted her, and Éowyn gritted her teeth to prevent the retort that sprang to her lips. She was getting heartily sick of being called a child. Instead, she schooled her face into a pleasant mask, and sweetly replied
"Oh course not my lady. We are not barbarians." Lady Endara's eyes narrowed a little at this, and Éowyn hid her smile. Something about this lady just rubbed her the wrong way. Her cheerfulness was too forced and frankly, Éowyn just didn't trust her.
"I am on my way to the practice ring."
"You fight?" Endara asked incredulous.
"I do. I continue on the grand tradition of the Sheildmaidens of Rohan. In fact, Lord Faramir is waiting for me now."
Lady Endara lightly tapped her head, and smiled.
"Oh how silly of me!" she exclaimed. "Faramir told me about that, and I completely forgot."
Éowyn shifted uneasily. Endara spoke as if she knew Faramir well. In fact, she called him by his name, not Lord Faramir.
"But then," Endara continued "We speak so often about so many things that I cannot keep track of it all." She laughed lightly. "I must remember to tell him what I thought of the book that he gave me to read. It is a book of Elvish poetry." She held it up so that Éowyn could see it. "Fascinating, is it not?"
Éowyn recognized the book. Indeed, it had been a gift to Faramir from herself, Éomer and Théodred when the Gondorian had been promoted to Captain of the Ithilien Rangers. They had all signed the inside. Éowyn remembered what she had written on it: 'Faramir, my thoughts are with you whenever you ride out. Be safe and well. Blossom'
She stared in shock. Faramir had promised them that he would treasure it always. He gave it to her to read?
"If you'll excuse me, I am running late," Éowyn shakily told Lady Endara, and she stepped around the woman and hurried down the corridor.
Was Faramir involved with her?
She certainly seemed close to him. She called him by name, and he gave her some of his precious books, which meant he trusted her. He told her of their lesson, and she seemed comfortable speaking of him.
Was he involved with her? It would break her heart if it was so. If he was, why didn't he tell her? Was that why he never seemed to notice her attentions?
Éowyn stepped glumly through the archway and into the practice ring. Endara was not worthy of Faramir, if Boromir's description was to be believed.
"Éowyn, are you well?" a voice called to her. Faramir was standing in the practice ring, a look of concern of his handsome face.
"I am fine Faramir. I was just thinking." Éowyn assured him. "Shall we begin?"
Faramir gave her a concerned look, but moved into the starting position. After fifteen minutes of sparring, he called a halt.
"Éowyn, what is wrong? You are dropping your left arm and leaving yourself open to attack. That is a beginner's mistake that you never make. Your face is clouded with worry, and your heart is not in our session. What is amiss?"
"Forgive me Faramir. I am just lost in thought."
"About what, may I inquire?"
Éowyn panicked for a moment. She couldn't tell him that she was wondering if he was in love with Endara.
"Oh… I am thinking of my uncle. He is under a lot of pressure."
"I agree. The talks with my father do not go well. Come," he said, putting a friendly arm around her shoulders, "we will not practice today. Neither of our hearts are in it."
She smiled sadly up at him as he steered them inside. His arm remained where it was, but in a brotherly way. Éowyn felt the first cracks in her heart as she realized for the first time that Faramir may feel nothing but friendship for her, because he loved another.
XXXXX
Endara watched as the young upstart from Rohan fled down the hall. Her face slipped into a mask of hatred. In the past week, she had seen how close she and Faramir had become. She began to suspect that Faramir held feelings for the girl, and that couldn't be borne! She refused to give up her mark to a young child from a Valar-forsaken horse country!
She turned around and went back the way she came. She had to replace the book of Elvish drivel before anyone saw her. It had taken her twenty minutes to break into Faramir's private rooms, and even longer to rifle through his books until she found one that Éowyn would recongise.
She glanced at the inscriptions. Blossom. Huh! What a stupid name. Almost as stupid as the content of the book. Elvish poetry. Oh please! Her (unknowing) husband-to-be had deplorable taste.
Not to fear, she would soon see to it that he had no time for books.
She slipped silently along the corridors, and as she did, a smug smile crept over her face.
Phase one of her plan had been completed. Even though it had taken a lot planning to appear in front of Éowyn as if by accident it had been worth it. She had planted the seeds of mistrust in the girls mind. She would question Endara's relationship with the Son of the Steward.
Now, if she timed phase two right, Faramir would be hers before the stroke of midnight.
XXXXX
Théodred knocked on Éomer's door and entered when he was bidden. Éomer was standing in the middle of the room, scowling at his reflection in the mirror. Théodred grinned at the sight. Éomer hated dressing in finery, and was much more comfortable in his armour. Still, the evening meals in Minas Tirith were important occasions, and as visiting dignitaries (Éomer still laughed at that one) they had to be on their best behaviour, and dress appropriately.
"All set Cousin?" Théodred asked as he settled himself in the chair, the one place that wasn't littered with clothes.
"I hate formal wear!" Éomer exclaimed with a tug on his collar. "It makes me look like a fool."
"I agree. You do look ridiculous," Théodred said, laughing and ducking the shoe that Éomer threw at him.
"I see you are ready, as a good little prince should be," Éomer teased. "I am glad that you are the heir, and not I. I could never stand all the ceremony."
"Speaking of ceremonies, do you think you will be the one giving Éowyn away?" Théodred asked his cousin, taking delight in the purple colour Éomer's face turned, just as he knew it would.
"Give her away?" Éomer chocked. His collar seemed even tighter than before, and he could feel his face flushing with colour.
"Yes, in her wedding with Faramir," Théodred continued, enjoying torturing his cousin.
"They're getting married!" Éomer exclaimed, making to run for the door. "If he has laid one improper hand on my baby sister, I swear I'll…"
Théodred stood and held him back, laughing all the time.
"Relax Éomer," he told him. "They are not getting married." Éomer relaxed a little until Théodred added "Yet."
"What do you mean by yet?" Éomer asked menacingly.
"Well, it is obvious, isn't it cousin? Éowyn favours Faramir, we all know that. Even Boromir saw it. What I mean is that over the past week I, and Boromir I might add, have noticed that although Faramir seems oblivious to her attentions, he is beginning to fall for Éowyn. But why are you angry. Last week, you were insulted by the thought that Boromir didn't think Éowyn good enough for his brother."
"It is one thing to just speak of it. It is quite another to have one whom I look upon as a brother fall for my little sister."
"Éomer," Théodred was serious now. "Do you trust Faramir?"
"With my life." Éomer answered instantly, and truthfully.
"Do you trust him with Éowyn's life?"
Éomer paused. Did he?
Of course he did. Faramir was kind, thoughtful and strong. He would treat his sister well, and love her dearly. A smile spread over his face.
"Yes, I think I do."
"Excellent! I think Faramir and Boromir would make good cousin-in-laws" Théodred grinned.
XXXXX
"Are you ready Little Brother?" Boromir asked as he entered Faramir's room. "You know how father gets when we are late."
"When I am late you mean," Faramir grumbled. He was currently attempting to arrange his tunic so it sat properly on him, but no matter what he did, it just didn't seem right.
"Come here," Boromir said, standing in front of him and fitting it properly. "You know, you really need to find a wife to do these things for you Faramir," he teased.
"Well, we all know how well that turned out, don't we?" Faramir answered wryly.
: Flashback :
Faramir stood to one side of the great hall, extremely uncomfortable. He was just not a party person.
For three weeks, since his return to Minas Tirith, he had attended a party every night in his attempt to find the one woman who would love him for who he really was, not for what he could offer her.
So far, he was coming up empty.
Oh, he had met plenty of women, each more beautiful than the last. They were bright, and sparkling and confident. But they all got the same gleam in their eyes as soon as he introduced himself. They fluttered around him like butterflies, each vying for his attention. He was a handsome man, and took care of his appearance whenever he had the chance. However, he felt like a side of meat on display, and he knew that they were mentally thinking of what he could buy her.
He swore to himself that this was the last one. He wouldn't even be here if not for Boromir. He had confided in his older brother his desire to find a wife, and (after laughing a little) Boromir decided to help. He asked Faramir to attend just one more in the hope of finding someone to his liking.
Tonight, he was trying to avoid them. He stood in the shadows and watched as they fawned over some other poor, unsuspecting victim. He decided that he had enough, and left the safety of the darkness to make his way to the door. Suddenly, a blur of colour blocked his path.
"Oh, excuse me!" the lady exclaimed when she bumped into him. "I did not see you there." She was tall with long dark hair and perfect skin.
"It's is quite alright. No harm done," Faramir said, trying to step around her politely. However, she latched herself onto his arm, and spoke again.
"No, it is my fault. Please forgive me."
Faramir sighed. "It is alright. I promise you." The woman looked relived.
"Oh that is good to know," she gushed. "My name is Lady Endara," she told him and held out her hand for him to kiss. He took it reluctantly. She managed to engage him in conversation for a minute or two before he could graciously make his escape.
At first, Faramir had thought that Endara would be another one of those vapid, insipid females that plagued the court, but after a few moments in her company, he found that to be untrue. She had a brain, and that made her all that more dangerous. She had a sharp mind, and she used to calculatingly to introduce herself to him. Faramir was not as blind as she thought him to be, and knew that she saw him as an easy mark.
Once he made his exit, he slipped quietly down the corridor, and had almost reached the stairs when he heard a voice behind him.
"Where do you think you are slipping off to?" Faramir grimaced inwardly and turned to face his father.
"I am retiring for the night father."
"Hmm." Denethor did not seem impressed. "I saw you talking with Lady Endara" he told Faramir, and Faramir winced again, noticeably this time.
"What was that for?" Denethor asked coldly, noticing the wince. "What is wrong Lady Endara? Knowing you as I do, you could do a lot worse than to choose her for a bride. That is, if you could get her to agree to marry you. She has half the citadel after her. And she is the daughter of one of my most trusted advisors."
"I am aware of that father," Faramir answered carefully. He knew that Denethor thought highly of Lady Endara's father, Lord Thethan, and he had no wish to insult him. However, he knew if he did not stand up for himself on this point immediately, then his wedding would be arranged before he could draw breath.
"Father, I feel that she and I would not suit."
"And you got this from two minutes conversation with her?" Denethor asked coldly.
"Sometimes, two minutes is enough. She is the complete opposite of me. I know that we would never suit."
Denethor seemed enraged at Faramir's defiance. In his minds eye, he could see the dynasty that his child and Endara could make. They would be the richest couple in Gondor. But before he could speak again, Faramir spoke up.
"Father, I want to marry for love. Like you did."
Denethor's face softened a little at Faramir's words. His thoughts went to his own beloved Finduilas who had tragically died when Faramir was but five years old. For the first time in many years, Faramir saw his father look upon him with something other than disgust and disappointment. Denethor clapped a hand on Faramir's shoulder.
"My son," he said. "I would spare you the pain of loving and loosing as I did, but if you wish it, I will not force you to pursue Lady Endara. Though it would make me happy, and improve the stability of Gondor, I will not force you. But please, do not shun the woman. For the sake of my friendship with her father, become her friend."
He then turned and left. Faramir stared after him, stunned. It seemed that he had struck a chord with his father, for the first time in years.
Shaking his head in wonder, Faramir turned and headed up the stairs.
: End Flashback :
"Yes, well I'm not talking about some random lady of the court," Boromir told his brother as he finally settled the tunic properly onto Faramir's frame. "I am talking about someone much closer to home."
Faramir feigned ignorance.
"I don't know what you mean Boromir," he replied.
"Oh come off it. You know very well that I speak of Éowyn. I know you're falling for her."
"Is it that obvious?" Faramir asked sheepishly.
"Only to those who know you well. But Éowyn hasn't figured it out yet. Just like you."
"What do you mean 'just like me'?"
"I mean, Brother Mine, that she has feelings for you but you don't see them, you dunce!" Boromir exclaimed, playfully cuffing his brother on the back of his head.
Faramir was amazed. Éowyn had feelings for him? How had he not seen it? Truthfully, it was a dream come true. Since Éowyn's arrival in the city a week ago, Faramir had found himself falling hard and fast for the daughter of Rohan. She was kind and sweet, but strong and capable, and she saw him for himself, not just as the son of the Steward or a source of wealth.
Boromir snapped his fingers in front of Faramir's face. Faramir had zoned out for a moment there.
"Faramir, snap out of it!" he ordered. Faramir blinked to clear his vision.
"Éowyn has feelings for me? How do you know?" Faramir croaked.
"Brother, it is obvious. Even if it wasn't, Éomer and Théodred told me. Apparently, you are all she can talk about."
"But she is so young. It is probably just a crush," Faramir sighed dejectedly.
Boromir looked into his brother's eyes.
"Tonight, go find out," he told him, and steered his brother out of the room.
XXXXX
A strange gloom hung over the dinner table that night. The tension between Denethor and Théoden was almost visible, and it was reflected in the muted conversation and hushed tones used by the other diners. After the meal, the company moved into the large ballroom, where the nightly party was about to begin. Every night, Minas Toroth's elite came together for a social gathering.
Faramir stood near the window, surveying the room. He hadn't had a chance to speak to Éowyn that night. She had been seated several seats away from him during the dinner and she had slipped off afterwards, saying she would be back shortly.
That had been half an hour ago.
Faramir had watched her during the dinner, and she still seemed to be distracted. Faramir's concern grew when she slipped off. Making a decision, he strode out of the hall in search of her.
He turned a corner, and bumped (quite literally) into Grima Wormtongue.
"I'm so sorry Grima," Faramir said, steadying them both. "Forgive me. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"It is alright my Lord," Grima told him.
His voice was weaker than Faramir remembered it being, and his skin was pale. He remembered Éowyn telling him one day,
"Poor Grima. His company was attacked by Orcs, and he was captured. He escaped but as forced to take shelter in Fangorn Forest to evade them. He was there for four days, and has no memory of what occurred when he was there. He has not been the same since."
Faramir was concerned. During the years of his visits to Edoras, he had come to know the Rohirrim and considered Grima a friend of sorts.
"Are you alright?" he asked the pale figure before him.
"I am well my Lord," Grima assured him. "Is there anything I can help you with? You seemed to be in a hurry."
"I'm looking for Éowyn actually," Faramir told him, glancing down the corridor and thereby missing the grimace that flickered over Grima's face when he mentioned Éowyn's name so casually. "Have you seen her?"
"She was heading for her rooms the last time I saw her, my Lord," Grima told him.
"Thank you!" Faramir exclaimed and headed off down the corridor. He had to have a talk with a certain Lady of Rohan.
XXXXX
Éowyn hurried down the corridor, almost running but barely restraining herself. She had been gone much longer than she had intended to. Éowyn had felt Faramir's gaze on her during their meal, and somehow knew that he would wish to speak with her afterwards.
Éowyn had to escape for a few moments to compose herself before she made a fool of herself in front of him. Her emotions were in turmoil, and she needed a few moments peace before confronting him.
She turned a corner, and stopped dead in her tracks at the sight that greeted her. Nausea overwhelmed her and she turned and fled down to her room. Her stomach settled a little as she clutched the bed post.
Tears formed in her eyes, and her heart felt like it was shattering as she replayed the scene in her mind. She began to sob, and could not stop. The tears came thick and fast, and her cries grew louder as she remembered what she had seen.
Lady Endara had been wrapped in the arms of, and was being passionately kissed by Faramir, son of Denethor.
XXXX
And that is all for this chapter. I have the next chapter almostdone, and will update it tomorrow or the day after.
In just realized that people 'bumped into' people a lot in this chapter. Oh well.
As I said before, Reviews are my life's blood.
Flames are my Kryptonite.
Read and Review please.
ForeverFaramir