The ride to Edoras was more relaxing than Aragorn or Faramir had hoped. They kept their own pace, and with the help of the weather, were in no discomfort along the way.

There were some habits, though, that Aragorn would likely never break and eating lean on the road was one of them. No one else seemed much bothered by that fact though, as Arwen had sent along a good supply of lembas to supplement their other road food. In this way, there was no need to stop for meals as each could eat whenever he desired along the way.

The nights were merely mild and when sleeping in a huddle upon the earth which had soaked in the warmth of the sun all day, all were able to rest most comfortably. Aragorn had proposed that they share the watch each night, but Glorfindel would not hear of it and took the watch himself every night that they were out. It ended up that the Vanya watched the dream glaze in his lover's eyes more than anything, for the nights were peaceful with no trace of tension or malice to be sensed.

With all going well, the party arrived in Edoras two days ahead of schedule. They had not expected to be greeted by the King and Queen themselves, and moreover they had not expected to see Lothíriel riding Firefoot. Anyone who knew anything about the Rohirrim knew they were notoriously possessive about their horses and Faramir had to wonder just how much had changed in Éomer since his sister's death.

That night over an after-dinner aleÉomer took Faramir aside, once again thanking him for setting him straight on the day of Éowyn and Findiel's funeral. Though he had not stopped grieving for a dayÉomer had come to understand much and now felt much better equipped to handle his life and title. Faramir was just saying that he was glad to be of assistance when Éomer interrupted, a habit he had obviously not gotten rid of.

"I need more of your wisdom, though, Faramir. Tell me, what is fatherhood like?" Éomer asked, sounding, for the first time in his life, genuinely nervous.

Faramir was stopped short for a moment, first just trying to process what Éomer had asked him, then thinking of a suitable answer. Delightful did not rightly convey it... nor did entertaining.

Aragorn, as usual, overheard and offered his own opinion. "I can not speak for my son, but for me it has been an honor. It is something you must never take for grantedÉomer," he said solemnly.

"I know what it is to lose a father... never shall i take for granted being one," Éomer said every bit as seriously. "And it seems that i am going to become one near the same time that your Queen is due."

Both Faramir and Aragorn smiled, offering their congratulations. Éomer thanked them, but did not return the cheeriness. "I am worried sick about this," he confided. "I do not know how to be a father... i scarcely knew my father. I was just starting to get a little bit used to running a kingdom, which turns out to be a little more difficult than commanding an Éored, and now i am to be a father as well?"

This was one worry that could understand, but his situation had been vastly different and he could not quite understand why it should weigh so heavily on Éomer. "Surely you will have a nurse to assist my cousin, though?" Faramir asked.

"A nurse?" Éomer said. "We do not have nurses in Rohan. Children are cared for by their mother and father, it has always been so. No, my friend, it is down to me."

Faramir looked as though he was seriously considering challenging this idea that Lothíriel would be largely on her own in this matter, considering the fact that Éomer would obviously be rather busy running the kingdom, since he had yet to put any manner of trust into the man who was supposed to be his Steward. But Faramir thought better of it and resisted the temptation. Instead he chose to let the matter be, offer a reassurance to his brother-in-law, and to seek his sleep for the night. Most likely on the morrow after a proper rest he would be much more disposed to civilly discussing the pros and cons of methods of upbringing in Gondor versus in Rohan.

Aragorn, on the other hand, did not mind sitting up for a while to ease Éomer's fears over a couple pints of ale... each... several times.

The next day after breakfast Lothíriel asked her cousin to ride with her for a while. Though Faramir tried to hedge that a bit, not thinking it wise for a woman several months pregnant to ride, she convinced him that it was perfectly safe and that Firefoot behaved like an ideal gentle-horse with her. Perhaps even the horse knew that his war days were over. As they rode Lothíriel talked of the last time they were in Gondor, saying that she was very near staying in Minas Tirith, and had circumstances not been as they were, she likely would have. She had been finding it very hard going for her in Rohan, for even as mild and open as she was with her degree of Telerin blood, Rohan was no Dol Amroth to say the least. She told him that she was feeling much more at ease now that she was expecting and since Éomer's rather sudden endeavor to settle down and be a husband and king. However, she spoke of a longing to be near the sea again, or even the Anduin, any water that did not run the risk of going dry in the summer months.

Faramir grew concerned for his cousin, having seen this all too clearly once before. "Even Anduin would not be enough in time, 'Thíri," Faramir said gently. "The same thing happened to naneth. For as long as i knew her she hated Minas Tirith and wanted to go home with me so badly... he never let her. Even now what was left of her reposes in the Hallows. I was almost glad when she died, at least she was free. 'Thíri, listen to me, you need to go home, not permanently, but occasionally at least. Promise me that, promise me that you will not stay here in this barn... pardon me, Golden Hall... and waste away just because you think it your duty to be beside Éomer. And if he has anything adverse to say about it, one word from me should be enough to straighten him out; i think the same thing started to happen to Éowyn..."

Lothíriel rode close to her cousin and embraced him tightly. "You are so dear, Faramir. Thank you. I do give you my word."

Faramir nodded his acceptance and looked about at the sparse landscape. His eyes came to rest on the burial mounds just outside the city, one in particular, the newest. That sad look that had defined Faramir for most of his life returned momentarily as he whispered, speaking to someone who was not there, "I miss you... both of you. We all do."

Just then Éomer rode up, calling for his brother-in-law to join him for a while. Lothíriel was content to depart him and seek other company, perhaps the Elves who were in his party, but she made him promise that he would visit when the heir of Rohan arrived. Faramir gave his word, though he would not promise when, for he would also have a brother arriving at that time. That thought gave him pause as he thought of the brother he'd had and missing him fiercely. Faramir was glad that with the morning they would be continuing on to Rivendell.

-

linda: Elboron's staying in Minas Tirith might have consequences... i can not say at this time. However, it would be quite impractical to take him along, travel is too hard on one that little.

Elenhin: I have been meaning to read Hitch-hiker's Guide actually, for a number of years. I just keep delving further into Tolkien's world. I don't know about the tea... but i do know that 42 is the answer to everything.

flowerbee: Hmm... work to death, you say? Indeed... (Oh dear! There is that evil light shining in my eye's again!)