A/N
Sorry it took longer than a day, the thoughtful reviews inspired me to write another Faramir reaction scene. Hope you enjoy
Esther: Glad you like the story!
JoJo4: Sorry, couldn't resist the tease
Electra, neesh, Ceylon! Thank you for your reviews, they keep the keyboard going
Faramir stepped out of the tub hastily drying. He was to meet with the party from Rohan at the evening meal. A meeting sooner was not possible for the visitors, having returned from a ride beyond the Pellennor fields, had also ordered baths. He glanced into his looking glass, and not satisfied, poured hot water into a basin, scrubbing at the dirt which stubbornly clung to him. So doing, he mentally rehearsed his speech. Formal, talk first to the men, humbly ask for permission . . .again, then turn to the lady and . . .
He paused, his mouth turning dry. See her again, he would, after many months, but now as a future husband.
"Careful, brother, or the lady will have no golden Gondorian face to behold!"
"Simple for you to scold, Boromir!" Faramir turned his head to look at him, still scrubbing at his face, "you have been living in civilization for weeks already. I have but an hour to wash away months of toil."
Boromir laughed, "Your nerves are worn on your face as clear as a portrait! But take comfort! What you feel is nothing compared to the lady, for sure. When I announced your arrival her eyes grew big as saucers and Eomer almost went for his sword!"
"Thank you for inspiring confidence!" Faramir splashed some water on him.
"Brat!" Boromir declared, and smacked him on the head before continuing, "No fear, brother. You are not truly anxious but merely astonished, as I, that our scheming has actually produced some results. It was easier to talk of marriage, then to go through with it."
Faramir rose up from the basin and began drying his face. "Especially when you are the one expecting to fulfill it!" He laid the towel down.
"That too!" Boromir laughed, then his tone was comforting, "Eowyn is a lovely gift to Gondor, and you will have time to know her before the nuptials. And she you."
"Know me, indeed," Faramir laughed ironically, "I have no that doubt she became acquainted with me last year. But what she thinks of me is another matter entirely!"
"Nothing to fear on that count," Boromir reassured, "I have given you the highest recommendation."
"Thank you," Faramir said quietly, and then stared into the looking glass. "But will I frighten her, coming as a husband?" He muttered.
"Never!" Boromir asserted merrily. "Rather you fear her!"
"Thank you for inspiring my manly confidence, oh he-who-brings-comfort-to-the- afflicted!" Faramir reached into the basin and splashed him again, and this time Boromir's responding smack caused his ears to ring.
----
Faramir walked into the hall where the visitors from Rohan awaited him, his brother at his side. The conversation stopped abruptly with their entrance. They all turned and bowed, the lady Eowyn curtsied, and Faramir felt himself wish to avoid her gaze, then with courage looked and saw she was doing the same. Faramir took their gestures as his cue and bowed to them, going into his speech.
"I am pleased to see you again and gratified that my proposal has been well received. That said, I would ask you, Theodred, as your the King of Rohan's son, and Eomer, the beloved brother, if this is truly your will and the lady's," he faced Eowyn then, " for I would only be willing to accept this gift so generously given, if it is truly Lady Eowyn's will."
Eowyn met his eyes then and replied, "It is my wish. I am honored by your proposal and accept it in gratitude."
"As she has spoken, so do I assent," Eomer told Faramir.
"As does the Théoden King," Theodred added.
Faramir smiled, "I thank you and look with hope to the continued friendship of our peoples."
Again they bowed.
Boromir stepped forward then, "Now that's done!" he swept his hand dismissively and declared. "Let us dine!"
---
Following the meal, the young people walked across the pavilion overlooking the city. Boromir and the cousins of Rohan discreetly strode faster allowing Faramir and Eowyn to lag behind.
Faramir's mouth went dry again. So strange that he could face a hundred Orcs in battle, yet feared this woman's gaze. He set his shoulder then. Only thing for it was to face her. He gestured to a bench a few strides away and bade her sit.
"My Lady," he said choosing carefully his words, "you must know that I am a little disoriented. I believed I was riding home to a routine report and instead found a bride waiting for me. But do not mistake my surprise for displeasure. I was transported from a man who had been refused, to one who has been given what he ever wished for in but an hours notice."
"I must apologize to you, my lord," The lady replied in a low voice, not meeting his gaze. "There was confusion."
Faramir nodded, "And no fault of either party, thank be." He noted that the men by now were entirely out of sight. He tried to swallow, then asked "Boromir told me briefly, that came you perhaps expecting to marry him?"
"I was," Eowyn admitted, "he being the firstborn and still unmarried." She looked up quickly, "I am not disappointed, if that is what you wish to know."
Faramir smiled, glad she was looking at him and admitted, "I did."
"On the contrary," Eowyn continued, "I am honored that you chose me as a bride and wish to bestow in me the honor of marrying into the Steward's family."
"You speak of honor, but does our marriage please you?" Faramir persisted.
Eowyn answered, "It pleases me to be settled in the knowledge that my marriage affords me the opportunity to help my people. Where I was, I could not do little to defend my land."
Faramir nodded.
"Though I do miss my Uncle and Rohan."
He nodded again. Eowyn must have known for what he wished her to say, since she added, "And you were very kind to me last year."
Faramir smiled, "I am pleased to have given you comfort in your distress." His face turned earnest, "I will see to it that Rohan will not be forgotten or left defenseless. Nor will any peril be allowed near you."
"Then you will be often from Gondor?" Eowyn asked.
"In these dark times it must be," Faramir replied. "But I look to the day when peace shall reign and I may take my White Lady of Rohan to Ithilien. There I will build a garden and all will bloom with a light only the Valar could rival if she would but come."
Eowyn's jaw dropped.
Faramir noticed and winced, for he had let the depths of his thoughts out unawares.
But then she smiled. Encouraged, he knelt and kissed her hand saying, "Until then, I swear I will keep you safe."
"I thank you." Her eyes lowered now. They sat silently, yet in comfort.
So Faramir was certain she had received his silent message conveying that he understood her reasons for accepting him, and that she did not need to speak.
---
Eowyn walked out onto her balcony, thinking of her intended and his words. She had been astonished to hear poetry spring forth so easily from his lips. And then, unbidden, he had seemed to read her mind and reassure her greatest fears. Had he the ability to read minds? She had heard of such people, but did not think it likely that a lord of Gondor would be one of them.
A noise distracted her. The men were riding again from the Tower. She sighed. Should she wait up for them, to see in which state they returned? Of late she was vexed that Eomer and Theodred's excursions with Boromir had not become tiresome to them; for she wished to be included in more recreation. Unfortunately that had been denied her given their destinations. Yet she did not grudge men mirth. In war, one must celebrate life whenever a respite from battle was allowed.
But now Faramir was here, and he had gone with them.
Certainly, he was also allowed relief from the tensions of war, but . . .
Her eyes narrowed. She hoped that he did not partake of any recreation that included 'company,' for she would like it ill.
Very ill.
Then she laughed at herself seeing that it had not taken long for jealousy to enter her emotions, feelings that only days ago had been fixed on the other brother.
These thoughts occupied Eowyn's undressing and even into her dreams, where so engaged, she missed the men's return.
And when she woke with the sun, her manner was much at peace. Her spirit soared when a servant entered, bringing the gift of a silver necklace from the lord Faramir. She jumped out of bed, fastening the clasp as she hurried to the looking glass, and smiled at what she saw.
Sorry it took longer than a day, the thoughtful reviews inspired me to write another Faramir reaction scene. Hope you enjoy
Esther: Glad you like the story!
JoJo4: Sorry, couldn't resist the tease
Electra, neesh, Ceylon! Thank you for your reviews, they keep the keyboard going
Faramir stepped out of the tub hastily drying. He was to meet with the party from Rohan at the evening meal. A meeting sooner was not possible for the visitors, having returned from a ride beyond the Pellennor fields, had also ordered baths. He glanced into his looking glass, and not satisfied, poured hot water into a basin, scrubbing at the dirt which stubbornly clung to him. So doing, he mentally rehearsed his speech. Formal, talk first to the men, humbly ask for permission . . .again, then turn to the lady and . . .
He paused, his mouth turning dry. See her again, he would, after many months, but now as a future husband.
"Careful, brother, or the lady will have no golden Gondorian face to behold!"
"Simple for you to scold, Boromir!" Faramir turned his head to look at him, still scrubbing at his face, "you have been living in civilization for weeks already. I have but an hour to wash away months of toil."
Boromir laughed, "Your nerves are worn on your face as clear as a portrait! But take comfort! What you feel is nothing compared to the lady, for sure. When I announced your arrival her eyes grew big as saucers and Eomer almost went for his sword!"
"Thank you for inspiring confidence!" Faramir splashed some water on him.
"Brat!" Boromir declared, and smacked him on the head before continuing, "No fear, brother. You are not truly anxious but merely astonished, as I, that our scheming has actually produced some results. It was easier to talk of marriage, then to go through with it."
Faramir rose up from the basin and began drying his face. "Especially when you are the one expecting to fulfill it!" He laid the towel down.
"That too!" Boromir laughed, then his tone was comforting, "Eowyn is a lovely gift to Gondor, and you will have time to know her before the nuptials. And she you."
"Know me, indeed," Faramir laughed ironically, "I have no that doubt she became acquainted with me last year. But what she thinks of me is another matter entirely!"
"Nothing to fear on that count," Boromir reassured, "I have given you the highest recommendation."
"Thank you," Faramir said quietly, and then stared into the looking glass. "But will I frighten her, coming as a husband?" He muttered.
"Never!" Boromir asserted merrily. "Rather you fear her!"
"Thank you for inspiring my manly confidence, oh he-who-brings-comfort-to-the- afflicted!" Faramir reached into the basin and splashed him again, and this time Boromir's responding smack caused his ears to ring.
----
Faramir walked into the hall where the visitors from Rohan awaited him, his brother at his side. The conversation stopped abruptly with their entrance. They all turned and bowed, the lady Eowyn curtsied, and Faramir felt himself wish to avoid her gaze, then with courage looked and saw she was doing the same. Faramir took their gestures as his cue and bowed to them, going into his speech.
"I am pleased to see you again and gratified that my proposal has been well received. That said, I would ask you, Theodred, as your the King of Rohan's son, and Eomer, the beloved brother, if this is truly your will and the lady's," he faced Eowyn then, " for I would only be willing to accept this gift so generously given, if it is truly Lady Eowyn's will."
Eowyn met his eyes then and replied, "It is my wish. I am honored by your proposal and accept it in gratitude."
"As she has spoken, so do I assent," Eomer told Faramir.
"As does the Théoden King," Theodred added.
Faramir smiled, "I thank you and look with hope to the continued friendship of our peoples."
Again they bowed.
Boromir stepped forward then, "Now that's done!" he swept his hand dismissively and declared. "Let us dine!"
---
Following the meal, the young people walked across the pavilion overlooking the city. Boromir and the cousins of Rohan discreetly strode faster allowing Faramir and Eowyn to lag behind.
Faramir's mouth went dry again. So strange that he could face a hundred Orcs in battle, yet feared this woman's gaze. He set his shoulder then. Only thing for it was to face her. He gestured to a bench a few strides away and bade her sit.
"My Lady," he said choosing carefully his words, "you must know that I am a little disoriented. I believed I was riding home to a routine report and instead found a bride waiting for me. But do not mistake my surprise for displeasure. I was transported from a man who had been refused, to one who has been given what he ever wished for in but an hours notice."
"I must apologize to you, my lord," The lady replied in a low voice, not meeting his gaze. "There was confusion."
Faramir nodded, "And no fault of either party, thank be." He noted that the men by now were entirely out of sight. He tried to swallow, then asked "Boromir told me briefly, that came you perhaps expecting to marry him?"
"I was," Eowyn admitted, "he being the firstborn and still unmarried." She looked up quickly, "I am not disappointed, if that is what you wish to know."
Faramir smiled, glad she was looking at him and admitted, "I did."
"On the contrary," Eowyn continued, "I am honored that you chose me as a bride and wish to bestow in me the honor of marrying into the Steward's family."
"You speak of honor, but does our marriage please you?" Faramir persisted.
Eowyn answered, "It pleases me to be settled in the knowledge that my marriage affords me the opportunity to help my people. Where I was, I could not do little to defend my land."
Faramir nodded.
"Though I do miss my Uncle and Rohan."
He nodded again. Eowyn must have known for what he wished her to say, since she added, "And you were very kind to me last year."
Faramir smiled, "I am pleased to have given you comfort in your distress." His face turned earnest, "I will see to it that Rohan will not be forgotten or left defenseless. Nor will any peril be allowed near you."
"Then you will be often from Gondor?" Eowyn asked.
"In these dark times it must be," Faramir replied. "But I look to the day when peace shall reign and I may take my White Lady of Rohan to Ithilien. There I will build a garden and all will bloom with a light only the Valar could rival if she would but come."
Eowyn's jaw dropped.
Faramir noticed and winced, for he had let the depths of his thoughts out unawares.
But then she smiled. Encouraged, he knelt and kissed her hand saying, "Until then, I swear I will keep you safe."
"I thank you." Her eyes lowered now. They sat silently, yet in comfort.
So Faramir was certain she had received his silent message conveying that he understood her reasons for accepting him, and that she did not need to speak.
---
Eowyn walked out onto her balcony, thinking of her intended and his words. She had been astonished to hear poetry spring forth so easily from his lips. And then, unbidden, he had seemed to read her mind and reassure her greatest fears. Had he the ability to read minds? She had heard of such people, but did not think it likely that a lord of Gondor would be one of them.
A noise distracted her. The men were riding again from the Tower. She sighed. Should she wait up for them, to see in which state they returned? Of late she was vexed that Eomer and Theodred's excursions with Boromir had not become tiresome to them; for she wished to be included in more recreation. Unfortunately that had been denied her given their destinations. Yet she did not grudge men mirth. In war, one must celebrate life whenever a respite from battle was allowed.
But now Faramir was here, and he had gone with them.
Certainly, he was also allowed relief from the tensions of war, but . . .
Her eyes narrowed. She hoped that he did not partake of any recreation that included 'company,' for she would like it ill.
Very ill.
Then she laughed at herself seeing that it had not taken long for jealousy to enter her emotions, feelings that only days ago had been fixed on the other brother.
These thoughts occupied Eowyn's undressing and even into her dreams, where so engaged, she missed the men's return.
And when she woke with the sun, her manner was much at peace. Her spirit soared when a servant entered, bringing the gift of a silver necklace from the lord Faramir. She jumped out of bed, fastening the clasp as she hurried to the looking glass, and smiled at what she saw.