Two of Swords IV: The Magician
Minas Tirith, Summer 2999
It was not long before Faramir grew restive being confined to his bed. He received frequent visits from his Aunt Ivirinel and Uncle Cuillin as well as from Boromir but he was anxious to resume his studies in the library before he went to Ithilien to join the Rangers. He always loved the outdoors and had some pride inn his skill at archery but he would miss his books. It would be worth it if he could prove his value to his father and to use what he had learned about using maps and moving silent and unseen through the forest, most of which he had be taught in Dol Amroth before returning to Minas Tirith.
Cuilinn and Ivriniel insisted on staying until Mithrandir thought Faramir was well enough to assist him in the library. Faramir was somewhat embarrassed about their concern and felt they were coddling him. Still, he was grateful for their company and kindness. They talked to him cheerfully about Dol Amroth and his young cousins there. After having three fine boys, his Uncle Imrahil and his wife Indis had a girl, who they named Lothìriel. Elphir, Erchirion and Amrothos were all excited about the new arrival and Faramir knew they would be good older brothers to the baby.
He saw a momentary sadness in Ivriniel's eyes and felt ashamed for not realizing how this must cause her pain. She and Cuilinn had married late, especially on Ivriniel's part. She had been forty-three and that was just over a decade ago. Thus, she would never have her own children.
Before he could say anything, she patted his arm and said, "Do not look at me like that, Fari. I know what you are thinking and it does not make me sad or regretful any more. I was quite bitter before you and Cuilinn came to Dol Amroth. Elbereth knows your father and Lord Gouge gave me cause for it but now I have a husband and many wonderful nephews. Especially you, Fari. Never doubt that you are as much my son as if I had born you myself. What hurts me now is that you are growing beyond my ability to protect you."
"You have always been the best mother I could wish for and do not worry, I think that the Rangers will be a good place for me."
She pursed her lips and said, "I hope you are right."
Her husband grinned and said, "Of course he is right, my love. I taught him archery myself, remember?" He turned to Faramir and said, "You are the best I have seen with a bow, Faramir. I do not imagine this has changed in the past year."
Faramir smiled gratefully and replied, "I have kept practicing, Uncle."
A tall rider in a grey cloak entered Faramir's room several days later. It was Mithrandir and Faramir the Wizard, after ascertaining that his pupil was sufficiently recovered from his wound and illness, put him to work lifting books and taking notes.
The wizard and the teenager were rifling through some old papers, trying to find something Mithrandir was researching, and were about to give up in frustration until Faramir had an idea.
"We should try looking up Elven-king instead of Gil-Galad. Master Alim may have inadvertently placed it under the broader term."
After some struggle, they found the document they were looking for, only to discover that it only mentioned the long departed King of the Elves only once, in passing. They laughed about this and were unaware of the black-cloaked figure scowling at them from a nearby pool of shadow.