Faramir rose before the sun that morning and set about preparing to leave. They would be spending a good month on the road going north and Faramir knew the importance of seeing to it that nothing was overlooked. Éomer, also being an early riser by nature, came to lend his brother-in-law a hand.

"On your way so early?" Éomer said seeing Faramir's horse already tacked. "Anyone would think you want to be away from here," he jested.

Faramir's diplomatic mind sought the more conciliatory reply. "Actually, it is more a matter of wanting to hasten to Rivendell," he said with a smile.

"I thought this excursion was meant to be restful for you, Steward," came a voice from Shadowfax's stable, causing both Men to lose a year of their lives. It was common knowledge that this was no ordinary horse... but speech? Faramir was relieved to see Gandalf step away from the white stallion. "Come gentlemen, let us take a proper breakfast. It is likely to be the last decent meal some of us see for another month," Gandalf said, not a touch of umbrage in his tone.

Faramir laughed. "It was your choice to join us, Mithrandir," he said.

"Not entirely, young Faramir," Gandalf huffed, leading out of the stables. "It was Elrond's 'suggestion' that i make the journey to Gondor, and this is the best opportunity i have to get back to Imladris and tell that Elf that the next time he wishes to be rid of me, he shall have to be the one who displaces."

That morning saw the five riders off well-rested and prepared for their month in the wilderness. By the time they got to what had once been Hollin the nights had grown cold enough to keep a fire at night. After an evening meal, Aragorn and Gandalf would sit back and assess their progress thus far over a smoke, while Faramir often made his way with Glorfindel and Erestor away from the flames to star-gaze. It wasn't clear if Aragorn simply did not notice that Faramir stayed away from their campfire, though that was unlikely. It may have been that Gandalf kept him well distracted, or that he figured his son was just eager to learn from the Elves more about the stars that made the skies look like Thranduil's legendary gem horde.

Eregion and Eriador were no unfamiliar territories to Aragorn and Gandalf, and once Erestor also knew the land well, but that was many years ago. Glorfindel had not known Eregion in it's heyday and there were lands utterly alien to Faramir's eyes, though his mind knew the tales of Eregion forward and back. Alas, it was up to Aragorn and Gandalf to guide this group home, however, and they were a pair notorious for disagreeing on which path to take.

"Gandalf, clearly it makes more sense to cross the Glanduin near the Ost-in-Edhil ruins. If we head further east than that we shall have to ford two rivers and i, for one, do not fancy that in the least," Aragorn argued.

"By crossing there, like we should have done the last time i was on a journey with you," Gandalf said in a very meaningful tone, "we will end up adding nearly another week to this excursion. We can save time by crossing further east and then taking to ride over the Hollin Ridge, and from there it is a straighter shot right into Imladris."

Aragorn attempted not to roll his eyes overtly. "I was the one who cautioned you against going in there, Gandalf. No one listened to me, though. Moreover, and to the point, if we cross at the ruins, then make our way west of the Ridge, we will be closer to the Bruinen and, thus, more handy to water, and that is what i favor."

"Would you have had us walk passed Isengard then? With Saruman also bent on the Ring and Theoden as much without control as Denethor?" the Wizard challenged. "That is to say nothing of the Uruks!"

"No, i would have pressed for the High Pass from the start. I would have been much more comfortable staying north and going through Mirkwood. I would have entered Mordor from the extreme East, it would never have been suspected. It was never my plan to go anywhere near Rohan or Gondor," Aragorn shouted back, "that was Bor-" he stopped himself suddenly, taking a breath when he realized that they were encroaching upon precarious territory.

All the commotion had drawn the other three back toward the campfire, though Faramir was seeming a little withdrawn yet, possibly still pondering whatever grand tales he'd been hearing from Glor' and Ere'. The two Eldar had their questioning gazes turned upon the dissenters, though Gandalf didn't seem put out in the least.

Aragorn stood in frustration. "You see? This is why i have always traveled alone. The road is conducive to collision of interests," he said before angrily striding away into the trees. Faramir turned and went after his father quickly.

"Is it wise to let him go after Estel while he is in that mood?" Glorfindel more mentioned than asked.

"Faramir is the only one who could do so," Gandalf said with an apologetic sigh.

"Mithrandir, young Faramir has not been himself since we set out from Minas Tirith. I know he has long wished to see Imladris, but you think this trip wise just now?" Erestor said.

Gandalf nodded. "It is because Faramir has not been himself that i pushed you to prepare to make this trip. If anything this trip should have come some time ago, and were it put off yet again it could be detrimental to that poor lad's health. He needs Imladris now and this is why i do not wish to waste time in getting there."

"What troubles him, Gandalf?" Erestor asked in a low, worried voice, afraid of just what could be plaguing the young Mortal that he so desperately needed the healing arts of the Valley.

"His heart, mostly," Gandalf explained. "He is now fully aware of what happened to him when the ranks of Mordor nearly broke his City. It was revealed to him as mercifully as possible, but nothing could have truly cushioned the shock of finding out that he who Faramir had once regarded as his father tried to burn him alive. That is chief among Faramir's troubles at the moment, though there are certainly others that need to be allayed. Incidentally, please do not mention any of this to Aragorn. And say nothing of it to Faramir himself either. He has no desire to have this discussed. It is most likely that i only know because i was there."

Erestor nodded his confidentiality, but Glorfindel, ever the curious, felt the need to know more. "But if Faramir only just learned of what happened to him, what of that young guard? His friend... Belegorn?"

"Beregond, you fool," Erestor said. "All that has been said of him is that he saved Faramir's life, along with a few others of note. He knew not the circumstances. He should not feel ashamed of his fear in any way though," Erestor said, obviously feeling pity for Faramir, as he was just realizing why Faramir had suddenly started star gazing with them every night since they had starting building a fire a night.

"Of course he shouldn't," Gandalf said quickly. "He can not be pushed though, it will take him time. I am hoping that Elrond will be able to aid him."

"Naturally," Erestor said understandingly.

"But Gandalf, you are the fire-keeper, you of all should be able to help him!" Glorfindel said.

"The power of Narya is scarcely enough to light my pipe in these days, Glorfindel," Gandalf said much more patiently than Erestor would have.

-

Faramir claimed a spot beside his father and for a little while the two Men sat in silence, each in their own thoughts. After a time Aragorn took a drag on his pipe and exhaled. "I guess this isn't your favorite scent in the world," he said without looking up.

"Not particularly," Faramir answered. "But what makes you say that?"

Aragorn cracked one of his humorless smiles that only wryly touched his eyes. "Every night when we finish dinner and i light up you take off as quick as possible with Ere' and Glor'. It is almost as though you are trying to distance yourself from me."

Faramir looked suddenly over at Aragorn. "Never, father...," he practically choked. All of a sudden Faramir was fighting back tears of uncertain origin.

Aragorn did not fail to note the crack in his son's voice. "Ion-nín... what troubles you?" he asked gently. "You have not been yourself for weeks, my son, you seem so withdrawn."

Faramir almost felt panicked. He desperately wanted to confide his fear in his father, but something held him back, likely his old habit of trying to hide weakness. But so often he had allowed himself to be open to his father... and yet, this was so different. He simply felt that he could not tell Aragorn this; he felt he needed to be able to fight this for himself. Still, Faramir knew when he needed support and he allowed himself to be drawn into his father's arms... his real father, who had fought to ensure he kept his life.

"All will be well, Faramir," Aragorn comforted. "I know the journey is taxing, obviously my nerves are wearing thin as well. I give you my word, though, no matter how strenuous a burden may be, Imladris has always been the most beneficial sanctuary. You will feel as though the Bruinen has carried your troubles away in it's rush."

Faramir could see it all so clearly in his mind's eye, the Last Homely House East of the Sea, and even here in the wilderness it's comfort surrounded him as he started to drift off into mild dreams while leaning against his father.

-

linda: I know, it was sad for me to part them. But Faramir can't get used to smothering his son or become dependent on him. That would just end up making things way too hard for Elboron as he grows up.

Elenhin: We will likely see what little Elboron has been up to at some point before long. We will need to check up on Belthil filling in for his uncle with young Faramir's help anyway.

flowerbee: Looking at Faramir like what? Who, me? And anyway, you can't blame me for Eowyn and Findiel's deaths... it was Castamir and Calimehtar,spawn of my muse. Besides, i think if Faramir's cousin died at this point either he or Eomer would lose it completely. I can't deal with a madman running loose in my stories just now.

Just as a little "warning" to everyone... i envisioned Faramir's death last night. I absolutely refuse to say any more than that. It could come at any time, perhaps in this story, perhaps in the next one. Anyway... just a little something to worry about - but remember, mostthings we worry about never happen... except death, of course-D