Merry rested his chin against his fist, sighing as he looked out the window.
He had hoped that Faramir would return to him, and that his boredom would be lessened by the visits. But the scene out the window showed him why he hadn't been visited for days.
Eowyn and Faramir looked stunning together, of course, even just walking side by side in the garden. Fair and strong, both of them. Alike in many ways. Tall and straight and proud and beautiful. Merry hoped for both of their sakes that things worked out for them. Faramir seemed to be so taken with her, and Eowyn needed a good man like he was to lessen her grimness. It was right in too many ways, and he sent them good thoughts even as he couldn't help but resent their ignoring him.
Well, he wasn't important to them, of course. Silly to think so. He had been a burden on her saddle, and he was just a friend of his brother. They had no obligation to come see him. Besides, they were taken with each other, or so it seemed, and he knew well how easy it was to get single-minded when love appeared in a person's heart.
"Master Brandybuck?"
He turned, smiling wanly at the healer. "I feel much better," he answered before the usual question could be asked. "I'd like to take a walk outside, if you think I can."
The man smiled. He had a kind face, Merry had thought from the start. "For an hour, later today. First I'd like you to eat."
Merry nodded, turning from the window. "How are things outside? Is there any word?"
"None. People are hopeful. More than they have been for some time. I'd like to think that means something. Now come, back to your bed to eat."
Merry obeyed, with enough reluctance to imagine Pippin saying disapproving things. That, at least, made him smile.
He was picking at the food that had been brought to him when he heard sounds from outside his door. Louder than the usual hum of activity in the busy houses of healing - there was an excitement in the air.
He pushed the tray of food aside and got to his feet, moving to the door. Peering out, he didn't see anything clear. People talking, walking quickly down the corridors. His brow furrowed and he moved out of his room, wondering where the healers had gone.
It was Faramir himself who found Merry, running up from the garden with Eowyn at his side. His face was jubilant, and Merry felt a rush of hope.
"Merry!" It was Eowyn who called for him. "A messenger has arrived!"
"And?" Merry took a step towards them, but faltered.
They came to him, though, and Faramir beamed at him. "And we have victory! Unbelievable victory! Sauron has been destroyed, and Frodo has been found! The armies are encamped, and will begin the journey back in days!"
Merry drew in a faint breath, wanting to be elated but waiting for yet more news. "And?"
Faramir grinned in understanding. "Eomer has sent word that he wants his sister to join him. And Boromir and your Fellowship request the presence of Master Meriadoc."
Merry let out his breath, his face transforming slowly into the same beaming joy the two people in front of him held.
Eowyn laughed and crouched, hugging him close. "Merry, isn't it wonderful?"
Merry hugged back, beaming over her shoulder at Faramir. "When do we leave?"
She pulled back at that. "You will go with healers and supplies in the morning." She glanced back at Faramir, and a look passed between them. "I won't be going. I will see them when they return."
Merry could smile honestly then, because he could be happy for them without a shadow of selfishness. His friends were alive, and Boromir asked for him. He laughed aloud. "I'm very glad to be denied your presence, then. I think you'll be more appreciated here."
"She will indeed." Faramir touched her arm as she stood up straight again, and she smiled at him.
Merry beamed.