Author's Notes: This chapter is rated PG-13+ for obvious reasons. (wink). –Kero.
Chapter 9: All My Heart
"Lord Faramir, Prince of Ithilien, why do you come before me?" said King Elessar in a booming voice for all who were gathered in the court of the White Tree to hear.
"To pledge my heart and my love to Éowyn White Lady of Rohan before all witnesses present this day," replied Faramir.
"Then so be it. Make your oaths for all to hear," continued the king.
"To you, Lady of Rohan, I do pledge my troth, my constancy, my life and my love. Lady 'tis you who hold my heart. I ask now that you come to my House and be my wife, my healer and my help mate in all my endeavors. Henceforth I would share my life with thee, so that what is mine is also yours, 'till death, and beyond," said Faramir steadily.
"To you Man of Gondor, I do pledge my troth, my constancy, my life and my love. 'Twas you my Lord who saved me from my darkness and discovered my heart. I come now to be your wife, and all oaths of loyalty do I swear to thee and bind myself to thee and thine House. And now and henceforth I would share my life with thee, so that what is mine is yours, 'till death, and beyond," said Éowyn steadily.
A page dressed in the livery of the House of Stewards came forth with a large box lined in velvet. "To you, White Lady of Rohan, and now my wife so fair to behold, this emblem of my house I give to you, and do hereby crown and declare thee Princess of Ithilien," said Faramir, crowning her with a beautiful silver circlet of hammered leaves and sapphires. She lowered her head gently and her golden hair fell to either side of her face as he slipped the crown securely onto her head.
"My pride, my honor and my duty is bound with Ithilien and Gondor ever after," replied Éowyn .
"Faithful Faramir of Gondor, Steward and Prince of Ithilien, and valiant Éowyn of Rohan, Lady and Princess of Ithilien, I have heard your oaths and they are acceptable to me. The sight of you brings me much joy, and may you two go forth now bound by your love ever after, and let all of Gondor and Rohan rejoice in this blessed union."
At the king's final words in the ceremony, the crowd cheered and roared with praise and adulation for their Steward and his new bride, with whom they were still awestruck since the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. The handmaidens around her threw white petals into the air, which caught on the breeze and flew in every direction. Éowyn 's beauty was different from that of their Queen, for Éowyn was filled with sun and shine, characteristic to her home of sunny fields and fair weather. The White Lady had a warm smile for all who looked upon her. She was human and yet she was legendary for her valor. It was a joy to see their beloved Faramir with such a woman; that such a woman could see and enjoy the goodness of their Steward's heart.
Faramir was nothing like his father, who, though revered among Gondorians even after word of his madness got out, was colder and more unapproachable. Faramir was a brave Captain of men, learned and gentle, and with eyes that could see through any dark scheme or mischief. He had eyes like his mother, whom the people still remembered and were remorseful and sad for her passing. She had not done well in the tall stone walls of Minas Tirith. But Éowyn 's light was so radiant, it was impossible to think it would be diminished by these walls. They were all hoping she would shine like a bright jewel in the City, a comfort to Faramir's lack of immediate family and company now. The people were eager to learn more of the Steward's wife, who seemed more approachable than the new Queen, who was Elvish, and so mysterious to them.
Éowyn was dressed in a light blue silk gown embroidered with silver stars over a white tree over the Steward's Emblem on the bodice. She would name this her "attire of state," from this time onward. Silver lace peeked out from under the hem and her sleeves as she walked. Faramir's prior gift was draped over her shoulders in a regal fashion, and it was clasped by a chain of silver stars. Her hammered silver leaf crown glittered in the sunlight, and the stones glowed like little bulbs of blue fire. The newly crowned Princess of Ithilien had coiled her hair upward with the rest of it cascading down her back entwined with blue ribbons and thin braids. She was a sight to behold. The Steward and Prince of Ithilien escorted her down the dais steps as the people cheered. The proud smile on his lips told all.
The couple followed the king and the queen into the great hall of Merethrond where the other noble guests would eat and dance and be entertained. In the streets, the people were dancing and singing for it was declared a holiday in the City and no work would be done. Faramir first gave thanks to the Valar for this blessed feast and this day, and then to the King and Queen for their generosity in sponsoring the celebration, to King Eómer for granting him such a treasure to brighten his life, and last but not least, to their hobbit guests and the noble members of the Fellowship present. The guests clapped and cheered and the feasting began.
Gimli and Legolas were among the first to approach Éowyn and Faramir and give them personal greetings and blessings. Gimli gave Éowyn a beautiful bracelet, wrought of mithril and silver, shaped like a delicate string of leaves and flowers. To Faramir, Gimli gave a ceremonial battle axe and offered lessons in axe throwing. Legolas gave Éowyn a necklace of sapphire and mithril, to match her crown and bracelet, and to Faramir, an Elven long bow, which the Prince of Ithilien greatly appreciated. In fact, he spent much of the rest of the night speaking with Legolas, learning more about Elves, and delighted in the fact that Legolas and some of his people were thinking of moving out of the Forest and into Ithilien where they could be of better aid to the King.
Next came the hobbits, giving their gifts of pipe weed and ornate blown glass vials and jars filled with scents of flowers and sweet herbs. Éowyn spent much of the night with Merry and his kinsmen, listening of their tales of the Shire, their long heritage and the recent nuptials of Samwise Gamgee and Rosie Cotton, both of whom were unable to attend since it was their honeymoon. Also, the Ringbearer was unable to attend due to recent illness. But they sent their blessings, which were received with pleasure. Pippin and Merry were about to tell the Princess about Treebeard and the defeat of Saruman and Wormtongue when they were all called to dance by King Elessar and King Éomer, both visibly drunk. Éowyn rolled her eyes at her brother and decided to join him if only to prop him up in public. To her surprise, she was joined by Lothiriel, cousin to Faramir, who also felt a similar concern. Giving a sly smile, Éowyn entrusted Lothiriel with her brother and told him not to drink any more, words she was certain he would not heed.
Éowyn sought a quieter place by a window sill in a corner of the Hall that was scarcely populated. She glanced up to see the full moon beaming brightly above. So, you are dead then, Wormtongue, said Éowyn to herself. She sighed as if a great weight had suddenly lifted from her heart. There was no power left in any of his words. She was now Princess of Ithilien, and had never been happier in her life. She looked around at the gaiety that surrounded her and a slow smile came to her lips. In the midst of all the dancing and the shouting, Éowyn then felt someone beside her, when she thought she had been alone, and she turned to see her husband, to whom she had not spoken a word since their marriage ceremony.
"I am happy to see you again, my lord husband. I was wondering if we would speak to one another again tonight," she laughed. "We have both been so preoccupied.'
"Yes, I believe we have not spoken since we exchanged vows this morning. I am afraid everyone wants our attention, my love, else I would have been at your side sooner. I have missed you in every moment we have not spoken," he smiled. Éowyn leaned in closer to him and he kissed her brow. Faramir's way with words had a tendency to make her ankles weak.
"You shall have plenty of time with me later," she blushed. Faramir did not reply, but when she looked into his eyes there was a sense of longing in them. She smiled and blushed even deeper. Then, several other court members approached and whisked them away in different directions so that truly they would not speak to one another again until later that night.
Faramir, King Elessar, Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, and King Eómer walked up the stone steps of the street towards the Steward's House laughing loudly as they walked past the guards. Each in turn had some advice to give to the newly wedded Prince and Steward. Dancing and singing were still going on in the streets below and would most likely continue into the dawn.
"And do not forget, the women are always right," laughed Pippin.
"And that's even when they're wrong," joined in Merry. "But Lady Éowyn is as fine and gentle a woman I have ever known. I doubt she will insist upon being right all the time…at least until you disagree with her," he chortled.
"Aye lad, and that's the key to any marriage," smiled Gimli. "The gentle sex will give us joy and comfort to the end of our days but only if we treat them kindly."
"And with respect," added King Elessar.
"And in such a union may you two be blessed," smiled Legolas. He then added in a whisper, "And when in doubt, Elven poetry never fails, I'll see to it that several volumes are sent to your new estate in Ithilien."
"Thank you all for your advice," laughed Faramir, rather embarrassed at having such a conversation. "I'll be sure to come to any one of you when I am in need of further advising."
"Please don't," laughed Gimli. "I believe the only other married man here is Aragorn. I wouldn't trust the rest of the advice you're getting right now, lad."
"Keep me out of it, I do not wish to know," laughed Eómer. "Whatever my sister does to you ere after is your own fault for marrying her," he joked. In good humor, he and Faramir clasped hands, and Eómer took his leave at the base of the steps of the Steward's House. King Elessar put one hand on his steward's shoulder, "I wish the both of you bliss henceforth. Just be certain you are not late for the midday meal the Queen has invited the both of you to come to the castle three days from now. I can give you three days alone, but after that, your services will again be needed at Court." Faramir bowed as the King departed. Legolas, Gimli, Pippin and Merry also took their leave, patting him on the back and giving him last minute advice before heading back.
When they all departed, Faramir found himself alone on the front steps of the Steward's House. The windows were dimly lit, as some of the servants were still awaiting his return, and others were probably tending to his bride as he stood there. Taking one deep breath, he walked up to the door and opened it. He was immediately greeted by one servant who took his cloak and his adornments to be put away. His crown was carried away on a velvet pillow to retire with the Steward's other princely artifacts in a vault below. The house was mostly quiet as the servants had already retired to their quarters. With a candle to light his way, Faramir walked up the stairs to the dimly lit hall where the sleeping quarters were. Several guards stood at attention in the hallway. Just as he approached, his cousin Lothiriel, Queen Arwen, and several court ladies in waiting exited the nuptial bedroom. The Queen nodded in greeting and Faramir bowed low.
"She has been waiting for you," said the Queen gently. She smiled and took her leave. The ladies curtsied to Faramir and then followed the Queen back to the castle.
Faramir entered the bedchambers and closed the door behind him. The room was dark except for the moonlight shining through the windows. Éowyn was sitting on a velvet sedan in front of the balcony doors, which were open to let the night breeze come in, shifting the curtains gently, as well as the dressing gown she wore. The dressing gown was loosely wrapped around his wife, so that he could see her graceful figure in silhouette. Faramir was almost overwhelmed with the urge to go to her immediately and carry her to bed. This was certainly not his first time with a woman, but it has been a while since he had shared his bed. Still, he was not nervous or anxious at all as he stared at her silhouette. Éowyn was his wife now, and there would be much time to enjoy the time with her in their years to come. He would do this at her pace, since he was certain this was her first time.
"Éowyn ," he said gently.
"Yes my lord?" she asked in a small voice.
"You are more lovely to me now than in all the day's finery." He went over to her. "May I sit with you?"
She looked up at him demurely and replied, "Of course."
Faramir sat down next to her and slowly gathered her in his arms so that her head was resting on his chest.
"Something on your mind, beloved?" he asked her gently.
"Yes and no, Faramir."
"What do you mean, Éowyn ? You must tell me or else I will be forced to guess," he smiled.
"I want to tell you how happy I am to be here as your wife. The more I know of you, the more I love you. I have further made my acquaintance with the Queen as well. This has brought me much relief for I do really like her. It is a great consolation to me since I will be spending more time with her, for I am afraid that your duties will keep you away from me sometimes. I am fearing that now. I only want you to know that I enjoy being useful, and if there is anything you need me to do as Princess of Ithilien, I would gladly do any task for you Faramir."
"This I know, Éowyn, my beloved. I am aware that you are my help mate now, and I will take every advantage to have you close to me at all times, rest assured of that." She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tight.
"I have never been so happy, Faramir," she said. "I want to be near you always."
"I am about to make you happier, dearest, if you will permit me." He pulled back and gently kissed her brow, her eyes and her cheeks. Faramir noticed her breathing had become uneven and he advanced further to kissing her neck. His lips had found a sensitive spot by the nape of her neck and suddenly Éowyn gasped a little from the sensation that shot through her. Her grasp on his shirt tightened. He picked her up in his arms and took her to their bed.
"Darling Éowyn, I shall be gentle," he professed as he undid the laces to her dressing gown. She giggled as his fingers undid the ties over her stomach.
"Do not-not there! I am ticklish there!" she laughed. He proceeded to kiss her side and she could not help but laugh out loud. Soon they were both gently laughing their shyness away. He continued up until he found her breasts and she gave a gasp as he proceeded to suckle them. A delicious moan escaped her lips. Faramir then lay on top of her kissing her neck and face gently.
"Please, do not stop, my lord," she whispered.
"I do not intend to," he replied. A breeze came in through the open doors and blew out the only candle lit in the room, allowing the couple to proceed through the night in darkness.
Éowyn stirred and awoke in the dark. The moon was high now, but some of its light was still shining through the open doors of her balcony. She turned her head and saw Faramir sleeping soundly beside her. He was sleeping on his stomach and he had a blanket draped loosely over his hips. His bare skin glowed pale and smooth in the moonlight and it caught the waves in his black hair. She stared at his beautiful naked form, every sinew and muscle reminding her of his strength. And strength he had for they had spent over an hour in their love making. It was certainly not as painful as everyone had made it out to be. Faramir was very gentle with her, and very skilled. So skilled in fact, it made her blush to think back on it. Where had such skill been learnt? She wondered if he would be this passionate with her every night. A deep flush spread from head to toe. Still unclothed, she sidled up next to him and started kissing his arms and back. He began to stir. Éowyn continued until he was awake.
"Éowyn," he smiled. "What are you up to? Can you not sleep with me in your bed? Shall I retire elsewhere?"
She laughed softly. "I was sleeping actually when I woke unexpectedly. I am sorry to have awakened you, my lord. But I could not resist."
"What could you not resist, dearest?" asked Faramir. He rolled back on his side and drew her closer to him, nuzzling his lips against her neck.
"I could not resist kissing you, my love, as you slept. You are so beautiful in the moonlight," she whispered.
"As are you," he replied, pulling off the blankets to reveal her naked form and he slowly settled on top of her body to make love to her again.
Faramir awoke with the sun's light in his eye. He recalled the passionate night he had shared with his new wife and looked around the room to observe the aftermath. His clothing was strewn across the floor, and her dressing gown was nowhere to be seen. The blankets on their bed were twisted about and most were on the floor. He was sleeping on his side, and Eowyn's head rested on one arm. He nuzzled his slightly whiskered chin against her smooth skin. She stirred and opened her eyes. A warm smile greeted her in return. She whispered his name and curled her body into him, her warm breath on his chest.
A warm sense of belonging overtook him. In his arms was his wife; a woman who loved him regardless of anything, and she was a woman he could love for the rest of his life and would die to protect. She was passionate in bed, much to Faramir's surprise. He was afraid she would not enjoy their first night together but it seems that he made her very happy. She had also made him very happy-happier than he could remember ever being. Faramir gently stroked her long hair, flowing and undone from all the previous night's ventures. He hoped that he could be a good husband to her. He wanted to stay in bed with her throughout the next few days, but she would probably not consent. Faramir would still, however, ask her later when she was awake. As he was thinking this, he noticed that her eyes were open, blinking at the sight of a scar on his chest.
"What is it, love?" he asked gently.
"How came this scar upon you, Faramir?"
"It happened in my early years as a Ranger of Ithilien. A pack of orcs surprised us. We had ill fortune that day." He sighed. "Many friends perished."
"You lived through it, and for that I am grateful. I am convinced that you are a great captain of men. I see it in the eyes of the Rangers you spoke with last night. They would follow you to the very end," she said with a hint of pride in her voice. Then a frown reached her lips as he traced her fingers over several other scars on his side and on his back.
"You have bled much for Ithilien. It was just of the King to give you the title of Prince of Ithilien. Seeing this I am convinced no other man would be worthy of it. I am eager now to see your Ithilien now, my love," she smiled up at him.
"And you will. Things in Ithilien grow wild and beautiful, just like you," he said, bending down to kiss her brow. "You may do whatever you like there; I would not have you feeling caged in our new home."
She kissed him on the lips in thanks.
"I will do my best to make you happy, Éowyn, though I cannot promise I will the perfect husband," he confessed.
"You make me happy just as you are, love. And if I were to know all your faults and imperfections, I would love you still the same," she smiled and kissed his cheek. Her words touched him deeply and he gathered her in his arms and held her close. Thereafter, the two were content to stay embraced in bed for much of the day.