Chapter 13

With Aragorn, I saw several other figures.

Of course, first my gaze was fixed to my father, who, despite all the solemnity of the moment, turned his head slightly to Mithrandir and said something to him, a smile on his lips. The wizard nodded thoughtfully, smiling slightly in return.

I sighed quietly; since the arrival of the letters, I had feared that all this was a trick of my mind, a dream that would vanish into thin air with the first rays of morning light. Now, as I saw my father walking slowly towards me, obviously in good health and happy, another burden seemed to slide down gently from my shoulders. My brothers were not to be seen, and I chuckled softly to myself, wondering if they were not purposely kept away, for fear they might somehow spoil the festivities.

I also saw my friend Merry and his cousin Pippin, and with them there were two other Halflings, looking pretty lively, though very thin and pale, especially the one with slightly darker hair, whom I guessed to be Frodo. I do not know if it was due to their weakness or better manners, but they behaved considerably better than the two cousins, who were constantly nudging one another when they thought no one was looking, which was far from being true. Everyone's eyes seemed glued to the four of them.

There was another man with the group, and I felt my face burn when I recognised him. That was Éomer, Éowyn's brother and future King of Rohan, and, added to all that, the man who kissed me in the hallway of the Houses of Healing.

When they approached, he swept the assembly with his eyes and beamed to see Éowyn, who gave him a radiant smile and a small wave of her hand. And then he was suddenly looking into my eyes.

I almost cringed in embarrassment, remembering our last encounter. And then he…winked at me.

It cost me great effort not to burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation. There we were, surrounded by the highest nobility of several realms, and the heir to Rohan's throne winks at the daughter of the ruler of Dol Amroth!

He seemed to be amused too, but at that moment Faramir stepped towards Aragorn, and a hush fell as all prepared to listen. Éomer sent me a mock frown and turned his attention to the ceremony.

Faramir, white in the face from the strain, nevertheless did everything immaculately. There was a general delighted gasp as Aragorn handed him back the White Rod and confirmed him in his position. I saw Faramir look up into his face unbelievingly, a faint blush spreading over his pale cheeks; but he quickly collected himself and continued the ceremony.

After the crowning was done (which I do not see any point to describe in great detail, it having been done very thoroughly in the chronicles of Gondor), the new King proceeded towards the City; I noticed that Faramir was walking almost abreast with him, just a tiny step behind, and the King seemed to be telling him something. They stopped after passing the barrier, and Aragorn put his hand on Faramir's shoulder, squeezing it slightly. My cousin smiled and said something quietly in return, and then he turned and went back to where he had been before.

"Was I good, Thíri?" he enquired, smiling at me.

"You are breathing so hard as if you have just had a run to Barad-dûr and back," I teased. "Was it that hard?"

He sighed. "And it is not over yet. It will take some time for the King to get to the Citadel, for which I am grateful. I only hope there will not be any confusion with banners. I should not be surprised if the one with the Tree and the Stars goes missing all of a sudden!"

"At least the music is perfect," I said. "Especially the harp. I love it."

Faramir gave me an absolutely haunted look. "What music?"

I laughed and wrapped an arm around his waist. "You truly did not hear it!"

"Where is Éowyn?" he said, looking around. "There is bound to be a bit of confusion, and she is not used to cities. Can you see her?"

"Yes," I said, pointing to the side. "She is with her brother."

Indeed she was, arms flung around his neck, face buried in his chest, and from the shaking of her shoulders, I guessed she was weeping.

A sad smile crossed Faramir's face; he turned away and was prepared to leave when I caught his sleeve.

"Where are you off to?" I demanded angrily. "Has it not crossed your mind to escort me to my father? I was left in your care, by the way."

He smiled against himself. "If I remember rightly, that was just the other way round. But can you not manage on your own? There are still things I have to see to."

"I am not Éowyn," I snapped. "I do not go about slaying monsters. All this crowd will simply trample me down if you do not help."

"All right," he consented, taking me by the arm.

We made our way towards the group where I noticed my brother Erchirion's face. I waved to them; they cheered and beckoned to us, urging us to join them.

I sneaked a glance at Faramir, who must have believed me very cruel at that moment. The pain in his eyes could almost be touched, and every moment his they wandered to a family huddled together, a husband and a wife, clasped to each other in a loving embrace, an old couple making a great fuss over a young soldier, it seemed he could barely hold back tears… I felt his hand tremble on my arm, and his grip loosen a little; but he managed to pull himself together and go on.

As we almost reached our goal, and I saw Elphir wriggle his way towards us, I freed my arm from Faramir's hold and retreated into the crowd.

Faramir looked about in alarm, but just then, Elphir got him into a bear-tight embrace, laughing happily at the reunion. He was soon followed by my other two brothers and my father, who all hugged him so tight that I could see him flinch, all talking at the same time, tugging at his ceremonial clothing and, as should be expected, teasing him mercilessly about his finery. I guessed they thought that I had gone to meet Father.

Father looked around, the only one to suspect something, for he had clearly seen me approach with my cousin, and finally caught sight of me watching from afar. He smiled and beckoned to me, and then I shook my head slightly, nodding towards Faramir.

He seemed to understand, for he smiled warmly in return and nodded, too. I waved my hand in the direction of the City, indicating that we could talk there, later.

My heart tightened in my chest when I cast one last glance upon my family before returning to the City. Faramir was in the middle of the group, chatting animatedly to my brothers; Amrothos was nearly jumping around, for he loved our cousin dearly; Father had his arm about Faramir's shoulders.

I love you so, I thought. I am so happy to have you all back. But I hope you do not mind me lending you to him for a while. I know this moment of reunion is a treasure for anyone, and yet for him I am ready to sacrifice that, and, for once, give him a family, all to himself.

I sighed and prepared to leave, but as I turned around, there was Mithrandir, looking at me thoughtfully.

"No doubts about that, Lady Lothíriel?" he asked. "You can still 'find your way back' and join them."

I shook my head resolutely. "That would make them switch their attention to me, and I do not want him to feel deprived again, not today. Let him be the first and foremost, for once."

Mithrandir eyed me appraisingly. "You are a brave one, my lady."

"I know that," I grinned at him.

"Thíri!"

The voice was Éowyn's.

I turned to see her with her brother, his arm holding her firmly and protectively to himself. Éowyn was radiant with delight, though her eyes were still a little red.

"My lady," Eomer bowed to me. "I am forever indebted to you for taking care of my sister so. She seems to have fully regained both her strength and her peace of mind, and I am told that you were not the last person to help her in this."

"Neither was I the first," I murmured, earning a mortified look from Éowyn. It appeared she had not yet told him about the one who played a greater role in her recovery. I wondered how he would take that…probably not too well.

"Now, all this is very pleasant, but I think we had better proceed to the Citadel," Éomer said. "Aragorn…King Elessar, that is, will await us there. Oh…" he stared at her dubiously, looking quite funny.

Éowyn laughed and patted him on the shoulder. "Éomer, I suggest you calm down and just go. We shall join you in a while. And stop looking so damn worried. I am all right, you can ask my dear nurse to confirm that."

I nodded several times, grinning at her. Éomer, though still looking very uncertain, kissed her on the cheek and joined other nobles on their way up. I noticed Faramir and my family too, but decided against going to them just then. There will be plenty of time later, and Erchirion and Amrothos looked so engrossed in the conversation with our cousin that I could not bring myself to end that.

Father, however, found me already in the hallway of the Citadel and swept me into a warm embrace.

For once, I did not try to pull away, but snuggled close and sighed contentedly.

"I am so glad you are back," I whispered.

He stroked my hair, then stooped to kiss the top of my head.

"I am glad to be back, too, Thíri," he said softly. "And I am so proud of you, child. Never have I felt thus about any of my children. What you did today was the noblest deed I have ever witnessed. I did feel a little sorry that I did not have you there at my side, and your brothers were positively angry, but you did the right thing."

I closed my eyes, basking in the praise. How often have I desired him to talk to me like that, and was angry when he just called me child, but now the very word bore a totally different meaning. For there was genuine pride in it, pride of having me as his daughter, and I knew that from that moment I would never be seen as an unruly girl.

"Let us come and see your brothers," he said, kissing me once again.

I had to endure endless rebukes from my brothers for getting lost in the crowd and never bothering to try and find them (that was what my father had told them), and I was called anything they considered the representation of being whimsical and irresponsible, but that could be born easily, once I caught the look in Faramir's eyes from across the room where he was engaged in a conversation with Mithrandir.

He gazed at me long, as if seeing me for the first time in his life; then, a slow smile crept onto his face, and he inclined his head slightly.

At some point, as I wearied of the feast, I crept quietly into the hallway and wandered aimlessly to the City walls.

"My lady, are you all right?" came a concerned voice from the guard.

"I am, do not worry," I said. "I am not going to leave the Citadel."

I went out to the courtyard, inhaling the deep scent of many crushed flowers mingled with the leftover smoke from the fires of the night before. This one was peaceful and quiet, though a bit cold, and I shivered in my light dress.

"How peaceful, is it not?" Éowyn said, approaching me from behind.

I smiled at her. "You are reading my mind."

Éowyn came to stand beside me, our shoulders touching. I noted she was wearing the dark blue mantle.

"Never parting with that, are you?" I teased, pulling at it lightly.

She laughed. "Apart from being a very welcome gift, it is quite warm, you know," she said. "But Éomer grows more and more suspicious."

"You have not told him yet?" I exclaimed.

She shook her head. "I could not bring myself to, Thíri. He was so happy to see me well, and so relieved I was over that story with Aragorn, and then he said, 'I am glad the man is my friend, Éowyn, for otherwise I would have killed him for bringing you to this.' Éomer is rash, and I should not like him to clash with Faramir before he actually knows the truth of our feelings."

"Faramir is not one easily dragged into a fight," I pointed out.

"No, he is not," she smiled tenderly. "Oh, Thíri… whatever have I done to deserve this bliss…"

She lowered her head onto my shoulder, sighing.

"Killed the Witch-King, for one thing," I said.

Someone laughed softly behind us. "Well said, my lady!"

We whirled round and saw a very pleased Éomer.

"Brother!" Éowyn cried. "You have been eavesdropping!"

His grin widened. "So I have. And heard all that you said."

She stared at him, mortified. "And…and about…"

He nodded, "About your involvement with the Lord Steward? My dearest sister, I have known that since Merry came to Cormallen. He held it his duty as a Knight of the Mark to inform me of a possibility of a new alliance…which, I must confess, I at first found somewhat unattractive, but on serious consideration…"

"Éomer!"

"What?" he blinked at her innocently.

"Oh, you…" she looked as if she might strike him; then turned on her heels and ran off.

All this time, I had been bent almost double with laughter.

"And what do you find so amusing about this, my lady?" he asked in a threatening tone, his hands on his hips.

I finally steadied my breath, but still could not speak a word.

"Oh, women…" he sighed, shaking his head. "I wonder if I should go and rescue Merry. Éowyn's wrath could prove deadly."

"Oh, I should not worry about his well-being," I said lightly. "My cousin has to be able to stop her, should she become dangerous."

He stepped closer, eyeing me with an unreadable expression.

"I might think you are trying to keep me from leaving, lady? Do you still fear I may harm your cousin?"

I shook my head. "No, my lord, I do not fear that. I do hold a firm belief that you will behave as befits a King…for are you not to become one?"

He seemed saddened by the reminder of his uncle's death, and I instantly regretted my words, but by this time I knew better than to run away like a silly child.

"Forgive me, my lord," I said in my softest tones, placing my hand on his arm. "That was most inconsiderate of me."

"No, no," he said quietly, "I am grieved by my uncle's death, of course, but the pain would be tenfold had he died while he was in Rohan. His passing was honourable, and for that I am grateful."

His eyes rested on me again, and then he said, not a trace of jesting in his voice, "To you, I am too grateful."

"What for?" I said, my voice lowered to a whisper for some reason.

"For the farewell you gave me," he said, reaching his hand to touch my face. "How true you spoke then, Lothíriel, that true affection has no need of tokens. Mine did not."

I stood rooted to the spot, looking straight into his eyes and thinking it was most scandalous and unladylike to do so; and yet I could not look avert my eyes. His hands cupped my face, thumbs caressing my cheeks, and he slowly tilted his head to touch my lips with his in another kiss.

I was the first to pull back, scared and confused. He sighed and stroked my cheek again.

"I am rushing you into it, am I not?" he said apologetically. "My experience with ladies has always skipped the wooing part… oh, damn!"

He was bright red with embarrassment, and I felt amused against myself.

And suddenly, I did what was the rashest thing ever in my life.

"To hell with the wooing," I whispered and wrapped my arms about his neck.

Even if he was scandalised by my behaviour, he never mentioned it. Not then, at least.

Late at night, as I was lying in bed, the whole scene seemed rather unreal to me. Falling for a stranger who I barely knew, standing kissing him in the courtyard where any could see us… was I mad? And there, on the chair, was Éomer's green cloak, which he had lent to me when I shivered with cold. Another cloak…was it a new fashion, giving them to ladies one fancied?

But I had no wish to go deep into all that, my eyelids heavy with sleep. As I was dozing off, the door hesitantly creaked open to let Faramir in.

He stood there, looking at me, for long minutes; then made several swift steps to the bed, sank to his knees and took hold of my hand. He pressed it to his lips and buried his face in the bedclothes.

After a while, he lifted his head and looked me in the eye again, and then whispered, "Thank you."

And I knew that it would be this expression of gratitude that I shall treasure more than any other.

TBC

Lindahoyland, thanks for being so kind to my Lothi. You know, some here say I have been reading your fanfic too much :)

Elenhin, that was about you. How did you find the gift? And oh, I am so glad you liked the letter thing!

ClapToSaveTheFairies (my, it takes some skill to type that:)) I am happy that you like it. As to your comment about Éowyn, don't be too harsh on her! Anyone could get distracted, you know, even from Faramir, horrible as that may sound. As to his troubled family history, here I agree, but I had to give the lead role to Thíri here!

Thayzel, thank you so much for noticing this. Actually, that was done with the book beside the computer. One question: any particular wise words? Kidding…:)

To all: and don't you dare tell me she would never let Faramir 'borrow' her family! She has. Or do you have other ideas?

Yours,

Lilan

P.S. Jokes aside, thank you very much, guys. You have actually lifted my spirits a lot, which resulted in this lightning speed of writing. Hate to say I'll have to slow down a bit here. But I'll try to update as soon as possible!