Summary: The Great Plague attacks Middle earth again. In a desperate attempt to save Éowyn and Elboron, Faramir sends them away. But things do not go so well as Faramir falls ill himself.

A/N: Second chapter! This chapter is a letter from Faramir to Éowyn, Éowyn to Faramir, Aragorn to Arwen, and Arwen to Aragorn. And in Aragorn's letter, I steal a line similar to one from A Knight's Tale... I hope I don't make a habit out of this.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except a few.

II

My dearest Éowyn:

I hope all is well with you and the Queen in Tolfolas. I hope the prince and our sun are enjoying each others company and enjoying the sunshine and water. As for myself and the King, we are ever fighting to keep the Plague under control. There are none in the City, save the healers, several soldiers, and, of course, the sick. When I walk in the streets, my skin crawls with the silence. Ever do I see dark, wispy fingers creeping out of the houses of those who have died. My mind is not at ease, my love.

Yesterday, two more died. One was a soldier, the other a man who has been lying long in the Houses. And after the soldier died, I overheard two soldiers talking. Their hearts were darkened with the death of their comrade, and I could do nothing to comfort them.

"I do not believe the healers could not heal him," said one.

"There's always a first time," replied the other.

Yes, there's always a first time. This is the first time that I've been so far from you, Éowyn. I miss you and Elboron terribly, and it is my greatest desire to be reunited with you again.

I have to end this letter, my love. I feel weary and my head is pounding. Do not worry for the King and I, and tell the Queen not to worry for her husband and I. My heart is light, Éowyn. Always remember, my love: have hope and faith.

Until my next letter,

Faramir

P.S. Please burn this letter as soon as you have read it. I believe it is safer, for it may be carrying the Plague with it. F.

-

Dear Faramir:

I burned your letter, as you have requested, but not before making a copy of it. I want to reply your every question, so that when you read this letter, you can feel that you are right next to me, seeing all this with me.

All is well in Tolfolas. Yes, our son and Eldarion are enjoying the bright sunshine and the Sea. The Queen - or Arwen, as she bids me call her now, have become well acquainted with each other. She is the best companion any woman can ask for, my dear. Yesterday, Arwen and I spent our afternoon watching the children on the balcony. Eldarion is very gentle with our son. He treats Elboron like a little brother.

Everyday, I look north-east, to Minas Tirith. And everyday, I see little yellow spots in the Pelennor. And now I know it is funeral pyres, being burned. I must admit, my dear, that they feel my heart with sorrow and dread. I cannot help thinkingabout theone who has died, and whether his family knows.

Yesterday, Bergil took Eldarion to the beach for a walk. Eldarion accidently stepped on a sharp piece of coral. He was very brave. Bergil carried Eldarion, bleeding foot and all, back to the house, where Beinna bound his foot. I seldom need Beinna to care for Elboron anymore, now that I am around our son always. I noticed Bergil is beginning to sprout a few hairs on his chin. Soon, Beregond will need to teach him how to shave.

Please write soon, my dear Faramir.

Love,

Éowyn

-

Dearest Arwen:

I miss you horribly, like how the Sun misses the flower in the dead of winter, and I miss Eldarion. Has he grown taller? I have a feeling that he is elated that he has stopped his fencing lessons. Please remind our son that this is only temporary. Tell him I miss him, Arwen.

It is well here. So far, we have received no news of the Plague spreding to other parts, save for the one case in Lossarnach. I hope it goes no further South and no further North. The Harads know of the Plague, and they are sending their people further South, just in case. I wish we were as lucky as them, but someone else would have to suffer.

Remember how when I first saw you, I thought I had strayed into a dream? I am the same here, only I feel like I have strayed into a nightmare. A nightmare where I cannot wake up. Seeing the people die feels like a dagger being shoved in between my ribs.

Faramir, our Prince of Ithilien, has been a good help and friend. I hope I have been a good friend to him, too. Yesterday, a man from Imloth Melui came, bearing several leaves of athelas. I hope it helps the sick, though I fear I have doubt in my heart.

But let me not burden you with such talk. Please reply soon. And by the way, Faramir says to burn the letter as soon as you receive it, for it may carry traces of the illness to you. I know this sounds queer, but we cannot afford any mistakes, Arwen. I do not want to put you, Éowyn, and the two lads at risk.

Send my regards to Éowyn.

I love you, Arwen. I love you so much.

Yours,

Aragorn

-

My dear Aragorn:

I have done as you bid me. I have burnt the letter and sent your regards to Éowyn. Here, she sends her regards and blessings. Yes, Eldarion has grown half an inch since you last saw him. We have decided to mark the doorframe of his bedroom. When he next measures himself, I shall make another mark there. Yesterday, when Bergil son of Beregond took Eldarion down to the beach, Eldarion stepped on a piece of coral. Beinna, Elboron's maid, helped bind his foot. Eldarion was very brave: he shed not one tear. When Éowyn told him that he was brave, he simply replied, "I shall die ere I weep openly." I think I beginning to see the traits of my brothers in him: stubborn, proud, and brave.

Eldarion is calling me, Aragorn. Please send my regards to Faramir. May the grace of the Valar be with you.

Your devoted,

Arwen

A/N: It took me so long to find a way to continue the story. I know it sounds a bit silly that in the middle of a epidemic, they are writing letters to each other. But I felt they must keep up the correspondence. I hope you don't mind I updated so fast, but I have nothing better to do now.

Dimfuin: It seems like a good beginning! I am very eager to read the rest of the story, so don't give it up.

Thank you for those words of encouragement. I don't think this'll be a story I'll abandon.

Alatariel5079: your off to a great start! i love it so far!

steelelf: What line did you steal? Looks ok to me! (some typos, though)

I stole: I want to see my son grow tall! I want to see the girls chasing after him. And I apologize for the typos. I just realized that I had them. Reading the line now reminds me kind of fangirls...

The Lady Shieldmaiden: I like it very much. You did very well, and actually made me feel sad when Eowyn and Elboron and to leave. Most fanfics I read can address sad issues, but the writers don't evoke any emotion. Good job!

Once again, I am honored. Thank you.

Celebne: Very interesting story! I am very curious waiting for the next chapter. Please, update quickly:hugs: Celebne

Abracadabra! You got your wish!