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: I'm stalling, buying time, procrastinating, crapping... Use whatever term you like, but please review this chapter!
Disclaimer: I own some characters... You'll see.
Beinna picked up the note the Lady had left her. She unfolded it. Usually, she could read even the messiest handwriting, but this one simply left her stunned. It was a hurried scrawl... Actually, Beinna would not even call it a scrawl. It was more like a drunken spider falling off the side of a piece of parchment. Beinna squinted until her eyes ached. I should have stayed at the door and listened more, she thought. Damn that old fart of a soldier Duhildir for calling me away! The squinting paid off: she knew what the note said. Beinna laughed softly.
In the kitchen, Cook was peeling the potatoes. Next to her was more potatoes to be peeled. Beinna stood there, watching Cook. Cook looked up from her work and wiped her sweaty brow with the back of her large hand. "If you aren't going to help," she snapped, "I'd suggest you let those who are working work." The Cook held up a small shiny knife.
Beinna handed the note to Cook before drawing up a small stool. She took the knife and began peeling. Most people find peeling potatoes a chore, but not Beinna. She had six little brothers and sisters back home in Lossarnach, and peeling potatoes was an everyday thing for her.
The Cook paused to the read the note. She deciphered it faster than Beinna had expected. The Cook snorted with laughter. "Lovely," Cook snapped sarcastically. "We are in Tolfolas with the Queen, a van of soldiers, and two little lads who run amok without any discipline." She put the note down and peeled furiously. "Lovely... lovely..."
"I'm sure she meant well," Beinna said slowly. She disliked people speaking bad of her lord and lady: They had taken her in as a maid of Elboron. She has had a lot of experience with little children, especially after she took her mother's place back home...
Beinna tried not to think of her mother.
"D'you know what I think?" snapped Cook (she snaps a lot, Beinna noticed). Without waiting for Beinna's answer, she continued snappily, "I think the prince is ill and she wants to be by his side 'til his last breath. That's what I think."
"There's nothing wrong in that, Cookie," Beinna said. Although Cook was as prickly as a hedgehog, Beinna enjoyed her company. It was something to do on a boring day, when there was nothing to do. (With Prince Eldarion hovering around little Elboron so much and acting like an older brother, what use was there for Beinna?)
Cook gave this some thought before admitting, "No, I suppose not."
Beinna put the knife down and reached over to pick the note off the ground. "I think I should go tell the Queen. It is only right that she should know."
Cook snorted. "That's nice. When I thought that lazy bum of a girl was finally going to get off her rear to help me, she darts off to speak with the Queen. That's nice..." She continued to mutter to herself even after Beinna had left the kitchen.
Beinna could not help but smile as she climbed the spiral stairwell to the Queen's private tower. On her way up, she passed one of the guards, getting off his duty. He was the young one that always greeted Beinna. The only thing that she knew about him was that he is one of the Prince Faramir's most trusted men, though she seldom saw him in Emyn Arnen (which is not unusual, for Beinna never mingled with the soldiers). He was a little shorter - and perhaps a year younger - than Beinna, but she liked him anyway. He placed a hand on his breast and ducked his head. Beinna curtseyed before climbing on.
The door was ajar, but Beinna knocked. Then came the Queen's melodious voice: "Come in," and that was what Beinna did.
The Queen Evenstar was seated at the balcony. Eldarion and Elboron were sitting on her enormous bed, playing something. When Beinna neared, she realized it was wooden horses they were playing with. She recognized them: the Prince Faramir made them for Elboron a few months ago. Elboron and Eldarion gave Beinna smiles. Beinna smiled back. Those two rascals had grown as thick as thieves (which is strange because two apples went missing from the winter stores yesterday).
"My queen." Beinna curtseyed. The Queen acknowleged her. Although Beinna had seen the Queen plenty of times, she never stopped being amazed. Amazed at her beauty, her wisdom, her eyes... It must be a trait of the Fair Folk.
"Good morning," said the Queen.
Beinna held out the note. The Queen raised her eyebrows and took it from Beinna. She unfolded the scrap of parchment and read it. The Queen gave a lighthearted yet worried laugh.
"Do not worry about the Lady," said the Queen. "If I know her like I do, Beinna, she knows what she is doing."
Beinna nodded. "Of course, my queen! But I can never stop just feeling worried..." her voice slowed, "for... them..." The Queen gave an understanding smile. "The Cook says the Prince Faramir is ill with the Plauge," said Beinna cautiously. "Do you think that is true?"
The Queen looked away. "Who knows? Perhap it is, perhaps it is not. Rumors fly on the wings of the wind, and what may be a common cold might have been mistaken for something more serious." The Queen looked back at Beinna, smiling again.
Beinna blushed. "Of course he's alright," she said, half to herself. "I just couldn't help being worried." Cheeks burning, Beinna curtseyed. "Good day, my queen."
She fairly flew down the steps. When she had shut the door behind her, she cursed herself for not asking if she should tell Elboron, should he ask. But she could not go in again, not now, as gracious as the queen is. At the bottom of the stairs was the young soldier. He was out of his armor and he seemed delighted to see her.
"Good morning," said he.
"Good morning," replied Beinna. Pause. "You greet me every morning, yet I do not know your name."
"Do you not?" said the soldier, half smiling. "Then I tell you: It's Bergil, son of Beregond."
A/N: (pauses after finishing the chapter) I actually had fun writing this chapter. I never intended for the young soldier to be Bergil, really. I just thought it might be cute.(pauses after finishing the chapter) I actually had writing this chapter. I never intended for the young soldier to be Bergil, really. I just thought it might be cute.
Arahiril: Silly Faramir. But it's so very him though. Very interesting and well-written... I am looking forward to the next update.
Here is your chapter... I laughed - which is a good thing - and was touched - an ever better thing, I think - when I read your review. I'm glad you like this story.
WindStar: sad :( but good. Please continue:)
I like that little thing you did with the sad face and smiley face. Very creative.
CaptiveFaRaMiRheart: next chapter next chapter next chapter..! woo! this is good! I gots ma popcorn and coke ready for the next chapter!
steelelf: Good chapter, oh my gosh, poor Faramir!
I like your review: short and sweet, yet says a lot. No sarcasm intended, thank you.
Celebne: What an exciting chapter! Now Faramir is ill. Please update soon:hugs: Celebne
I hope you liked this chapter.