It was evening before Faramir had a chance to get back to his study and finish going through the reports. He had talked over the decision to ride to Imladris with a number of people, and all supported him. Faramir was perfectly thrilled with this new prospect, especially when he considered that if there was enough time they might take a brief visit to the Shire as well.
After dinner with his father and Legolas and some counsel on travel arrangements, Faramir went to his study and was going to start drawing up everything that would be needed when he noticed a report that had been left from the previous night. It only caught his eyes because the hand was rather strange, seeming to have been written hastily, and the paper slightly crumpled. It was also an extraordinarily lengthy report and Faramir grew curious. He picked it up and sat back, expecting to learn something interesting. By the time he had finished reading its contents, the Steward was pacing his office in anger.
Though he hated to interrupt Aragorn and Éomer's discussion, Faramir decided that the King of Gondor needed to receive the information he held at once. If what he was reading was true, and he begged the Valar that it was not, something would have to be done immediately.
Faramir knocked at the study door, which Aragorn answered himself. The smoldering eyes of his son said much, though he was not sure if he should ask the Steward's brother-in-law to leave. Faramir said nothing but handed him the scroll he had been reading.
As Aragorn read, his hands clenched and shook in fury. Throwing down the offending report he began pacing much as Faramir had. "Our soldiers?" he more demanded than asked.
"So this contends," Faramir said, picking up the paper. "It is my hope that this is not true, though."
"It better had not be! The very men i, i, sent? I will skin them alive if this is so! What in the name of Udûn do they think they are doing?!" The level of anger that some had seen during the last council meeting was quickly returning. Aragorn took a few deep breaths (as well as a couple sips of wine) before continuing. Putting a hand on Faramir's shoulder, more to steady himself than his son, he asked, "Do you think it is possible that the messenger who brought this is still in the city?"
"Most likely," Faramir replied simply. "I will seek for him immediately. Should i have him brought here?"
"No, to the Hall of Kings. This is going to be rather formal." Aragorn dragged a hand over his face, muttering something to the effect of "why is it always me?"
Faramir went quickly to the sixth level where the messenger's quarters were kept and asked if any had come from Pelargir. One young boy came forward, looking tired, weak, hungry, and most of all, afraid. Faramir recognized that look as one of someone who has seen far too much in his few years, and the Steward was filled with pity. Smiling, Faramir put an arm around the gaunt shoulders of the lad. "Come with me, the King requests your presence," he said kindly.
"King Elessar?" the young man asked sounded extremely alarmed. "My lord, i can hardly go before the king as i am!"
Faramir only smiled. "I think he will understand better than you may think. But come, i will see that you are perhaps a little more presentable." Faramir took the messenger to his own chambers where he found him some more suitable attire, as well as a hot bath and meal.
On the way to the Hall the young man turned to Faramir, "My lord, i can not thank you for showing me such kindness. I am in your debt and would serve you in any way you should need."
Faramir stopped and looked into the boy's eyes. "It is you whom i strive to serve. You and all those like you who are so loyal to Gondor. You owe me nothing," he said with all sincerity. "What is your name, lad?"
"I am Faramir, my lord," he boy replied. Seeing the Steward's puzzled expression, the boy explained, "My mother named me for a kind young captain from Ithilien who fed her and my brothers and gave them provisions just before i was born. Mother said they would not have survived without his help."
For a moment Faramir stood open-mouthed as he remembered. Taking a breath he smiled fondly and brushed away a tear that had slipped out. "Well met, young Faramir," he said after a long moment. "I am Faramir, Steward of Gondor."
It wasthen theboy's turn to stare agape. "The captain from Ithilien?" the younger Faramir asked before coming to his senses and dropping down to his knees immediately.
Lifting the child to stand, Faramir said, "Yes, i was Captain of the Ithilien Rangers for a number of years. But i would not have you kneel to me. I can not tell you the gift you have just given me, to know that one small kindness of mine has been so remembered. But come, i fear we have kept the King waiting overlong. Ah, do not look so frightened! Let me speak first with him, and all you must do is answer him truthfully. Aragorn is every bit as charitable as i in the end."
---
Isn't that nice? Please, enjoy the niceness while it lasts. I sure hope our dear Fara' does.
Voldie: Actually, i am disinclined to agree about Frodo/Sam. In fact, that is one of the pairings i have yet to read. I just think that in Tolkien's day one often used words that we misconstrue today. Still and all, if that's what floats your boat, it doesn't bother me.
Anyway, a Gimli/Gollum fic? If you can bear to write it i could bear to read it... i think.
I definitely do not have the story written already, i just have the rough draft filed in my mind. I know what is going to happen when, approximately. Though the bit about the young Faramir just came to me this morning. And by the way, i update so fast because outside of my M-F 9-5, i have no life whatsoever :)
AM: Just one box of tissues? No way, better buy in bulk for this one. Like i said, i am well braced for the Balrog-sized flames i am likely to get.
Linda: I am not entirely sure how dire the situation is going to get for Aragorn and Faramir, but they both have some work ahead for them, and Faramir is going to have a lot to contend with emotionally before too long.