Chapter 15: Tidings to Denethor

During the months that Boromir was gone, Pharazphel and Faramir were tending to the coming addition to their family. The days after Boromir's departure were challenging for both of them. The trouble came from Denethor and the decision to tell him about his grandchild. Pharazphel and Faramir knew that Denethor would not be pleased when he heard of Pharazphel's pregnancy. However, they knew that keeping the secret would be worse.

One night after Boromir's parting, Pharazphel found that she could not sleep. She was troubled by thoughts about how Denethor would react when he learned of the baby. Faramir entered and saw that she was troubled. Just as he promised Boromir, Faramir did his best to help his sister-in-law.

"I see that sleep eludes you," Faramir said.

"Indeed," Pharazphel said wearily. "The more I chase sleep, the more it evades me."

"What has you so troubled, sister?" Faramir asked attentively.

"I am afraid that we both know the answer to that, my brother," Pharazphel said gloomily.

Faramir nodded in understanding. "You have not yet told Father of your joyous tidings."

"I doubt he will find them so joyous," Pharazphel countered. "I know that he must be told, but I do not wish to endure his cruel speech against my child."

"Pharazphel, you are so gloomy and you should be merry," Faramir said gently. "You are married to my brother and carrying his child. You should be the happiest woman in the known world."

"You speak wisely, yet I find no comfort in your counsel," Pharazphel said glumly. "How can I be happy when I know that your Father will not accept me or any child I bear?"

"My dear Pharazphel, you need not worry about Father," Faramir comforted. "As long as you love your child that is all that truly matters. His love will come, I assure you."

"How can you be so certain?" Pharazphel asked.

"I know he loves Boromir," Faramir replied. "If he loves his son, he will love any grandchild he has."

Pharazphel smiled. "That does seem reasonable."

Faramir clasped Pharazphel's hand. "You and the child need your rest. Throw off your troubles tonight and be merry."

"I truly am quite happy to be a mother," Pharazphel replied.

Faramir held Pharazphel's hand. "I shall make a pact with you. Tonight, you shall sleep and dream of Boromir and your child. Tomorrow, I will stand by your side and we will tell Denethor about his grandchild."

Pharazphel was touched. "You would do that for me? You know that your father will not be pleased with you standing beside a woman of Rohan."

"I desire to please my father, but I made a promise to Boromir," Faramir said. "He told me to look after you and his child. I intend to keep my promise, even if it means further angering my father."

Pharazphel smiled. "You are truly a man of high quality, Faramir. I'm glad to have you with me."

"I am glad to be of service to my family," Faramir said earnestly.

The next day, Pharazphel awoke from a blissful sleep. She had all but forgotten of her task to tell Denethor of his grandchild. She knew that Denethor would be angered greatly, but she did not care. She loved her child as she loved Boromir, and Denethor would not change that. Pharazphel dressed and met Faramir outside her room.

"Are you prepared?" Faramir asked.

"To be truthful, no," Pharazphel said honestly.

Faramir chuckled. "Good gracious, Pharazphel! You've been tortured by the Uruk-Hai of Isengard, and you're afraid of facing my father."

"The Uruk-Hai are not nearly as intimidating as your father," Pharazphel said bluntly. "I would rather face one-thousand of Saruman's forces than face your father's wrath."

"You are truly a woman of courage if you are willing to stand before my father," Faramir laughed.

Pharazphel sighed. "Where is Lord Denethor?"

"In the hall. Let us tell him our tidings," Faramir replied.

Pharazphel seemed to wince. Faramir noticed her skin turn white.

Faramir held her hand to comfort her. "I will be right by your side."

"I wish Boromir were here," Pharazphel said quietly. "but if I cannot have Boromir by my side, I am glad to have you in his stead."

"Come, Pharazphel," Faramir beckoned.

Pharazphel entered the hall of Lord Denethor. As she walked, she felt as if she was walking to her doom. She knew that for the sake of Boromir and her child, she had to muster all the courage she had. Denethor sat in his high seat above her.

Pharazphel bowed low. "Hail, Denethor, my lord and father."

Denethor did not acknowledge Pharazphel or Faramir.

Pharazphel swallowed her fear and spoke again. "I have most joyous tidings this morning, my lord."

Denethor glared at Pharazphel. "I doubt that any tidings from you could be as joyous."

"Father," Faramir said slowly. "I beg you to hear Pharazphel out."

Denethor glared at Faramir and did not speak.

"Before Boromir departed, I learned the happiest news," Pharazphel said. "I am carrying Boromir's child. I bear you a grandchild."

Denethor glared daggers at Pharazphel and Faramir. "You think this is joyous news? A Rohan woman bears a brat of Rohan and expects me to take pride in it?"

"No, not a child of Rohan, but a child of Gondor," Pharazphel said hastily.

"Father, please listen to Pharazphel," Faramir pleaded.

"Silence!" Denethor shouted. "I will not here a word from this Rohan wench. And you are a fool to stand beside her."

"I am only doing as Boromir asked of me," Faramir said firmly.

"Boromir has been put under her spell!" Denethor said angrily. "Now she uses a child to trap him."

"I assure you this child is no trap," Pharazphel said.

"Silence, you Rohan wench!" Denethor spat. "Know this: I shall not take any joy in your brat's coming. If Boromir were wise, he would have left you to your fate at the hands of Saruman's hordes. Now get out, get out!"

"Father, please," Faramir begged.

"Get out!" Denethor shouted.

Pharazphel stood firm. "I know that you do not love me. I know you do not love your grandchild, but know this: I love Boromir. I will love him even if it is against your wishes. I will love our child even if you do not. I do not need your love, and I shall not ask for it."

Denethor sneered. "You are bold to speak to me in that tongue. Get out."

Pharazphel and Faramir left the hall without a second thought. Pharazphel did not blench, but Faramir was concerned for her nonetheless.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Pharazphel nodded. "Yes, I am. It will take more than your father's harsh words to wound me."

"I am truly sorry for how he behaved," Faramir said sincerely.

"You need not be sorry for your father's actions," Pharazphel said. "I intend to have my child, and I do not need his blessing to do so. I have Boromir's blessing and that is more than enough."

"I think Boromir would feel the same," Faramir agreed. "He would be so proud of you for standing up to our Father. I am certain he misses your company."

"I am missing his company as well," Pharazphel said sadly.

"Do not be so glum," Faramir said brightly. "Time moves quickly. Boromir will return, and you shall be with your child before you know it."

Pharazphel smiled. "Thank you, Faramir."

"For what?" Faramir asked. "I have done nothing."

"You stood by my side today," Pharazphel said appreciatively. "I am forever thankful and I am certain Boromir would be as well."

"I am glad to fulfill my brother's wishes," Faramir said humbly.

"I hope time moves just as quickly as you say it will," Pharazphel said hopefully. "Boromir will be home sooner than he left."

"I think you are quite right," Faramir agreed.

A/N: Aww, a bit of a sweet moment. I apologize for the long wait. I've been quite ill lately. I appreciate your patience. Thank you for all the lovely reviews. I appreciate them very much. Enjoy!