Citadel, Minas Tirith
As he steps into his office, Denethor looks around. The office is cleaner than it was before he left. The books and scrolls are back on the bookshelves and neatly lined. Or as neatly as he deems it possible to do so. His eyes turn towards his desk. It is littered with scrolls and books. It is in stark contrast with the bookshelves. And behind his desk, Faramir sits with his eyes trained on a scroll. He is ignorant of his entrance.
He steps toward the desk and tries to read what the scroll is about. A useless effort as the letters are upside down for it. He cannot read a single word. When he scrapes his throat Faramir jumps up. Faramir's eyes are wide and he scratches the back of his head. A wry grin is on his face.
"Father, I did not hear you arriving?"
"I noticed that."
"How long ago did you arrive?"
"A few hours ago."
"What? I was not informed about it or else I would have met with you at the gate."
"Do not bother yourself with that. How are you doing, my son?"
"I am doing alright. My wounds are nearly fully healed. And you?"
"Mhh, I am doing alright. Master Neston told me it will be around a month before you are fully recovered."
"I know. You have not answered my question yet. Are you wounded?"
Faramir sounds as if he doesn't want to admit it. Denethor is just glad Faramir recognized it even if he does not like it. It is true Faramir is right, he has not answered his question yet. With these things cleared up, he decides to answer before moving on to the actual reason he is here.
"I sustained a few wounds. Nothing major. Gil has already treated them and I will seek master Neston later today to have them checked."
"Good to hear that. I am positive you were in good hands with the king."
"I know that. How are the preparations going?"
"Well, I have started with rebuilding the city. It will unfortunately take a long time before it is completed. And I fear the poorest will take up occupation on the first level before we have truly started with the repairs."
"Something which will more than likely happen. It comes as no surprise."
"No, it does not. I have also been working with the Rohirrim to get the Fields cleaned up. Hopefully, they will soon produce food once more. And …"
"Do you think there will be a shortage of food? Lossornach has not been affected too badly as far as I have heard."
He frowns. He should have heard something about it. If not then he will have to have some words with lord Lathron. It could very well be his next infarction. He clenches his fists and looks at Faramir. Faramir is looking away and smiling. He seems to be lost in his thoughts. As he scrapes his throat, Faramir looks back at him. He raises an eyebrow which has him speaking up again.
"Not for us but I fear Rohan will be badly affected by a lack of crops. None of the men can work the lands."
"I have not heard anything about that. Where have you heard that?"
"During one of my meetings with lord Erkenbrand as well as during my breakfasts with princess Éowyn."
"So from two people. It is good to know. We can make arrangements then to give it as aid."
"If they accept it."
"You doubt it?"
He shakes his head. He is not at all surprised considering how proud they are. It also explains why king Éomer has not said anything about it. And right now, he will know how Faramir thinks about them. And maybe he will learn some new things.
"I have gotten to know the Rohirrim as a proud people. How much they will accept charity, I do not know."
"Then we have to look into other ways to 'justify' giving it."
"Of course, father. Shall I do that?"
"No, I will do it. Considering all the work you have done I would like to know how much you have rested?"
"As much as possible."
"But not as much as you needed to?"
"No, I am afraid not. There was just too much work to do."
"Well, now that I am here, you can take all the rest you need. And also catch up on any you have missed."
"Are you sure? Will it not be too much work for you with your injuries."
"Yes, I am sure. I am more than callable off handling it or do you doubt my abilities?"
"No, not at all, father. I did not want to instigate that."
Faramir shakes his head repeatedly. A desperate look grows on Faramir's face as the atmosphere becomes heavy. Denethor keeps his expression stern but indifferent. He will not allow Faramir to notice now he is merely joking even though he understands Faramir's reaction. More often than not it is a prelude to a harsh response if not countered quickly enough. He allows the atmosphere to last a bit before he speaks up.
"Good, you have already done more than I could have asked of you. I would not have minded if the progress was slower had you rested as you needed. And even though it would cause me more stress."
"My lack of rest has not hampered my work or the progress in any way."
"I know that but it does not mean you should not have rested more."
Faramir bows his head but does not say anymore. It allows him a moment to consider some things he has seen. There was something in Faramir's face and posture which he has not seen before. It is almost as if his thoughts at times were somewhere else. Somewhere or on something or someone else. He is not sure. Until Faramir speaks up or he asks him, he will not know for sure what it is about. And he does not like it at all.
"Faramir."
"Yes, father?"
"I know I said I would not have minded if you rested more. Understand that you would still have gotten enough work done."
"I know that but I did not want to disappoint you."
"As I said before, you did not disappoint me."
Faramir gives him a small smile and stands up while mentioning with his hands to the chair. Smiling, he walks to the chair and sits down. Finally, after all this time, he has the chance to sit somewhere he is at ease. Faramir immediately begins to explain all that he has done. He stores everything in his mind as plans begin to take shape.
"You have truly done a lot based on what you just told me."
Faramir smiles and there is a light in his eyes. He seems pleased. It is in stark contrast to earlier in the war. Then Faramir seemed to be under a lot of pressure but also trying to hide it. Especially whenever they were together without Boromir. He knows he also did not treat his son right then. Not at all. But now? Faramir is relaxed and seems to be happy. It is reflected in the light in his eyes.
He smiles at Faramir. It is a good change. He just has no idea where it came from. Nor master Neston. Had master Neston had any hints or suspicions then he would have been informed. If not at least, he would have caught hints of it. So what caused it? Maybe he has met someone again he has not seen in a long time. Or has he fallen in love? With whom?
One name continues to catch his attention: Princess Éowyn. Master Neston deemed him to be fond of her. Potentially in love. Or so he thought earlier. Right now, he is not sure what to think. There are few ladies in the city at this time. Princess Éowyn is one of them. Any of them could have caused it. But, he does not deem it likely Faramir has fallen in love. Still, he knows he cannot exclude it completely. No matter how unlikely, it still can have happened.
Despite all this, he does believe Faramir's happiness stems from meeting someone he has not seen in a long time. He just cannot have met someone who would have such an impact on him that he would fall in love quickly. If he has fallen in love that is. It is not how he knows his son. It also means he has to ask Faramir for clarification if he wants to be sure.
"Faramir, is there something I should know?"
"Not at this time, father. We discussed everything of importance."
"Then something happened. What is it?"
"Nothing bad but I do not yet wish to discuss it."
Faramir turns his head to the side. Denethor's narrow and he looks more closely at his son. Faramir's hands move around restlessly. His feet are surprisingly still. But his posture; it is marked by stiffness. In his arms and back.
"Why are you so nervous?"
"I am not nervous."
"Something is going on, Faramir, and I would like to know what it is."
"It is nothing to worry about."
"Nevertheless, I would like to know what it is."
Faramir sighs and his shoulders drop. Denethor bites back a smile.
"I usually break my fast with Princess Éowyn so we can talk about our days and lives. It is so we can take a break from everything. Even if only for a short time."
"Mhh, I heard you are quite fond of her. And I can understand what you said. It is a good thing. However, I doubt it is the actual reason for your meetings."
Faramir bites his lips and again turns his head away. He had hoped his suspicion was false but it is apparently true. There was something else. Not as if he is surprised considering master Neston's words. His eyes remain on Faramir waiting for a response.
"I was greatly impressed by her spirit and wanted to get to know her better. Everything else just happened without pushing towards it."
"And how did it go?"
"Quite quickly I am afraid, father. We fell in love the more we spent time together. And I have asked her to marry me."
"What was her answer?"
"She said yes."
"And you have the necessary permission?"
He already knows the answer as he has not yet given it. He only just learned about their plans. Plans, he approves of but he would have liked to be informed of beforehand. It would have allowed him to make good arrangements. Now, he does not have as much leverage with it. And besides, once Gil has been crowned he also needs to give permission. He sighs. He will have to inform Gil about it as soon as possible. They need to discuss it soon.
One thing though he does not know is what the rules are to which princess Éowyn is bound. He hopes Faramir has asked about them. Faramir? He looks at his son who is looking at the ground. It is as if Faramir feels him looking because he speaks up almost immediately.
"No, we do not have it."
"Then why have you pledged yourselves already?"
"Because we love each other. Father, it will be a good match for both our lands. And considering the current situation, we both need it."
"Rohan, maybe more than us based on what you told me before. You have thought about it."
"Yes, we have. We did agree to get your's and Éomer king's permission after some discussion."
"What kind of a discussion?"
Does he even want to know? Probably not but he has asked. He will have to accept whatever answers he receives now.
"Éowyn had …"
"You do not use titles with each other?"
"Not after a few breakfasts. But as I was saying: Éowyn was hesitant as she doubted we would get the permission. She initially became dismissive of marrying but agreed in the end."
"And why was she dismissive?"
"I do not know for sure. I cannot remember if I asked her about it. Or if I have, if she gave me an answer."
"Do you have any ideas then?"
"Maybe something of cultural origin, I am not sure. I do plan to ask Éomer king about it once he reaches the city. Hopefully, I will learn then what it is about."
"That is a good plan you have there. I will not make a problem about it, but you know the king will have to agree once he is crowned."
"I am aware of that, father."
"Then see to your plan. We will have to discuss with all parties involved how we move forward and what will be negotiated."
"Yes, father."
He nods. It is a good thing Faramir has plans to marry. It will ensure the survival of their house. And with this plan, he will not have to arrange a marriage between Faramir and someone else. It is something he has put off for too long. At this time, however, he is glad he has not done so before. It allows for this marriage to take place.
Faramir and Éowyn marrying will strengthen their bond with Rohan. As he has already determined a few times before. As for Gil's eventual return, Faramir knows it will mean changes but he is unsure if Faramir knows the extent of the changes for himself. But Faramir
will not know the changes for the future. Those are due to his actions.
One of the changes is needing Gil's permission once he is crowned. All due to a decree in an ancient law. It will come into effect once Gil is crowned. His permission and king Éomer's together will not be enough. His voice will only be advice. Nothing more nothing less. It will be Gil's and king Éomer's permission which they need. Also, the bond created through this marriage will not be between ruling houses. No, it will be between a ruling house and a ruling deputy. This is what he wants to ensure Faramir is aware of.