1Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings. Tolkien does. I do not own the song this chapter was named for. Avanwe is a representation of my sister, so I don't own her, either.

Author's Note: Boromir's ghost makes a short appearance in this chapter. If you don't like him, tough. Like the Woodland Wanderers, he is not going away.

"Often it is the things we do know for sure that confuse us the most."

Chapter Four

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Faramir stirred uneasily in his sleep. He'd had strange dreams before, especially right before important occurrences. The 'search party' was staying the night in Rivendell and then departing.

In his dream, the steward saw not at all what he'd expected. The whole sky grew in a blinding white light, so bright Faramir couldn't believe his eyes were closed. There was only one small space of shadow, encircled by the brightest of the bright light. Nevertheless, it stood out, and the young steward let his eyes rest on it, a relief from the sunlight.

Suddenly, he heard a voice he knew very well. "That's right, little brother," it said. "That's where they are."

Faramir opened his eyes with a start. The voice had been Boromir's, as clearly as he'd ever heard it. But where was that island in a sea of light? What did it represent?

Faramir tried hard to go back to sleep, but, every time, the dream came. Finally, deciding he wasn't getting anywhere, he got up and wandered out to the gardens.

To his surprise, he wasn't the only one there. Bilbo was there, as well. Faramir had only briefly met the old Hobbit before the Council, but he knew he was Frodo's uncle and was very close to all four missing Hobbits.

"Is something wrong, Faramir?" Bilbo asked.

"I was about to ask the same thing. Do you always stay out this late?"

"Sometimes. The stars are so different here: brighter, more real."

"The stars at night are big and bright. . . . ." Faramir started, but then stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry. I don't know where that came from."

"Don't apologize. I've heard far worse poetry."

"Thing is, I'm not sure what's supposed to come after it."

"It'll come to you. Always does."

"You're right. The stars are more real," Faramir smiled, looking up.

"Glad you like it," said a voice from behind them.

"Avanwë! You startled me," Faramir said, amazed. His alertness was usually better.

"The words you were looking for, Faramir. 'The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.'"

"The heart of what?"

"Humans. So thick-headed. And not what. Where."

"Where's Texas?"

"Don't ask."

"Why'd you tell me if you didn't want me to ask?"

"Just go back to sleep."

"I had a strange dream."

"So what else is new? Tell me about it."

When Faramir had finished, Avanwë nodded. "That confirms my guess," she said calmly. "I know where the Hobbits are."