"Goodnight, father."
"Goodnight, Faramir."
Faramir nods and stands up. He walks to the door and opens it. Before he steps out of the room, he looks back. His adar is leaning back in his chair with a wine glass. His adar is looking ahead of him with a faraway look in his eyes. He smiles and leaves the room while making sure the door closes softly.
As he walks back to his room, his mind turns back to his conversation with his adar; to everything he has learned about the king. The king is a wise man who knows when to accept aid, he is a skilled warrior, a healer, and a leader. He can think of a few more words to describe him. His father praised the king highly. At the same time, the prospect of meeting the king is daunting. It worries him but does not lessen his excitement to meet the king.
His worry stems from not knowing if the king will be similar to his father. However, considering what else he has learned about the king from others than his adar, he does not consider it a bad thing. He is most certainly someone he is more than willing to serve.
One thing he knows, he needs to keep proving himself. Depending on the words of the king tomorrow, he will need to prove his worth to be appointed as steward or to be trusted to give sound advice. Even a steward who is not trusted by the king will be able to hold his position but still be circumvented. Another lord will act as the steward in all but name. The position will be meaningless as even rule in the absence of the kind will be done under the supervision of another lord. This he has read about in the past.
As for his needs; he doubts the king will condone his failures any more than his father does. The mercy he at times feels is appropriate will not happen. Especially if the king and his father are similar. At the same time, hope remains in his heart that he will not need to prove himself and that mercy will be shown when appropriate. Hope which stemming from the belief the king will do it on his own and his ability to convince the king to show it. The stories he has heard about the king in the Houses have also strengthened this belief though he cannot be sure about how truthful it is.
As for their future, … well, his adar has confidence in it. Adar believes everything will work out fine. There will be no problems for them. Nevertheless, nothing is certain even though he trusts his adar. Time will tell him how much of his adar's confidence is true and what will truly happen. For now, all he can do is wait.
Houses of healing, Minas Tirith, Halon POV
Halon slowly walks through the city as he looks around. Everywhere he can see the preparations for tomorrow's coronation. Streets are being cleaned. Decorations are being placed. The further he walks into the city the more he sees how the city is being prepared for a celebration which the coronation certainly is. A few times, soldiers move past him but more often people walk around talking excitedly. Most do not pay him any mind. Those who do are quick to talk to him.
Once he enters the next level, he sees even more preparations for the feast being conducted. Banners, flags, and whatnot can be seen. He stops for a moment to admire all the work. It must have taken lord Denethor a lot of time to even see to ordering all these preparations. He scratches his head. When did he have the time for this; he was with the host. His eyes widen; he must have had someone do it for him. And more importantly, he has never been to a coronation before - with the Dúnedain there has not been one in a long time. They have for as long as he can remember had a chieftain. Nevertheless, he wonders if it is not a bit too much. He bites his lips. Maybe it is appropriate because lord Aragorn brought them victory. Well, one can say it is a celebration of two occasions.
"Lord Halon, it is good to see you. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Likewise, lord …"
He tilts his head. This lord seems familiar to him somehow. It is as if he has seen him before. He just cannot connect a name to his face. The lord smiles sheepishly while he scratches his head.
"Oh, I apologize for not introducing myself. My name is lord Elphir - Prince Imrahil is my father."
"Ah, now I know why you seemed so familiar. Your father has spent a lot of time talking with my lord Aragorn."
"Yes, I have been told I resemble my father a lot. However, you have not yet answered my question; is there something I can do for you?"
"No, there is nothing you can do. I was on my way to visit my father in the Houses of Healing."
"Ah, would you mind if I were to accompany you?"
"No, not at all."
Halon resumes his walking while lord Elphir walks beside him. They talk about a number of things as they walk. Halon gets the impression lord Elphir is looking for some information but is unable to discover which. Even when he asks about it. It does not help that he keeps his answers to some questions superficial. Much to lord Elphir's irritation. It is most likely some form of retaliation. Before long, they reach the Houses, and lord Elphir excuses himself.
Halon steps into the Houses and quickly makes his way to his father's room. Or more likely the room where the injured Dúnedain reside in. Once there, he sees his father is no longer there. He frowns. He does not have long to consider it as a voice calls out to him.
"Halon! How did everything go?"
He turns around and finds every eye in the room trained on him. He meets the eyes before responding.
"Everything went fine but do tell me where I can find my father. I assumed he was here but it does not look so."
"Aye, some time ago, they moved him to the noble wing. I do not know which room but Aphadon might know that. I mean there is little chance to keep Aphadon away from either your father or our chieftain."
"Aye, he's so insistent. I know he's been away from here most of the day and only returning to sleep if for that."
"Mhh, then he must know where to find my father. But do you know how my father is doing?"
"Aye, he seems to be doing fine from what I have seen."
"And what did you see?"
"Well, I have seen him moving through the gardens during the day whenever I was also there. I cannot say anything about the other days."
He nods as he understands this. With this matter cleared up it is time to turn to something else.
"Thank you for telling me. How have you been doing?"
"I have been doing fine."
"Really? You have been complaining for days now. I know because I had to listen to it all the time."
Halon smiles and watches the two friends bicker for a while. It is a good response from the last few days. He breathes calmly for a while before he bites his cheek. The stinging in his idea returns in full force. Something he refuses to share with everyone. Shouting pulls him out of his thoughts. Those two seem to be fighting right now. He takes a deep breath before he shouts while ignoring an even greater stinging in his side.
"Silence. It is good to see you two are well enough to be fighting."
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing. You must look out for the time you are allowed to leave the Houses.
"Yes, Halon, I do. I am glad to be out of here tomorrow."
"Not today?"
"No, they want me to stay for another night. I mean I did not fight it as I was promised that I could leave tomorrow. So…"
"Well, then that is good to know. I will seek out my father then. Leave you two to your bickering"
"Hey, I am offended you think so. But from my kindness, I hope you will have a good day."
He turns around and sees someone loitering near the door. He raises an eyebrow. As he steps closer, he sees it is one of the Gondorian warriors. Not one he has seen before but he is not too worried about it. He looks the man over. The man is not only a warrior but most likely an officer. He is dressed similarly to some of the Gondorian officers he met during the march.
"Can I help you with something?"
"No, my lord, you cannot. I could not help but overhear what you were talking about. If you would like then I can guide you to your father."
"That would be most appreciative, …?"
"My name is Mendear, my lord. I am the captain of the first level. I was here visiting one of my injured warriors."
"Captain Mendear, lead the way then."
Captain Mendear steps out of the room. Halon follows him. Together they walk through the hallways in silence for a while. He is more focused on the hallways to ensure he can find his way back later. After he has made sure of it, he speaks up because something has stayed on his mind.
"Captain, how does your warrior fare?"
"He fares alright, my lord, considering his injuries. I fear he will not be able to return to his post for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, I am glad at his progress. He is better off than some."
"Why can he not return soon?"
"His injuries are just too severe. I hope he can find something to do with his injuries so he can provide for his family. I know once he can leave the Houses, he still has to recover before he can return to his previous duties."
"Mhh, I am sure some sort of solution will be found."
"If you say so. Here we are. Two doors further you will be able to find your father."
"Thank you, captain. May I ask how you know my father is there?"
Captain Mendear ducks and scratches the back of his head. Halon waits for a response while he considers the wounded man's future. Just so he has something to do. He knows lord Aragorn will make arrangements for the man and his family if he knows about it. And not just this man but everyone he can help. When captain Mendear makes a sound, he turns his full attention to him.
"Uhm, well? I have had many meetings here in the Houses with captain Faramir. It caused all of us to know where your father resides though none speak about it publically."
"Thank you, I bid you a good day."
Captain Mendear bows and walks away. He clearly noticed the dismissal he received. Halon remains there for a moment before turning around and walking to the room he was directed toward. As he nears the room, the only sound he hears are his breathing and his footsteps. He frowns. If Aphadon is with his father - as some alluded to - then they would be talking. The silence is strange. It gives him an ominous feeling. His heart speeds up as he opens the door and steps in. Aphadon jumps and turns around. Aphadon looks at him with shock. Something he only notices in passing as his eyes move. past Aphadon to see his father lying on the bed asleep.
"Oh, it is you, Halon. Why are you here?"
"I came to see how adar is doing."
"Mhh, he has been missing you. That much I know. He hoped you would have visited by now but also understands how you have been busy with your current duties. I have seen how it caused him to rarely find any time to relax. Or proper sleep for that matter."
"I know. I missed him too. But Aphadon, how is Adar doing?"
"He has been healing. I do not know the details but it has been getting better for him."
"So he has been regaining his strength?"
"Slowly, he is still weak at times. Especially if he had been active and exercising for a while then he needs his rest then."
Halon can hear the unsaid, and he refuses to do so. He walks further into the room and sits on a chair near the end of his father's bed. Aphadon looks at him strangely but he ignores him.
"Then I will let him sleep but I am relieved to know that he has been recovering even if it goes slowly."
"I am sure that everyone is relieved. What else do you want to know? You are not here just to learn how Halbarad has been doing. So, what is it?"
"I would like to know how his stay has been. Especially why he was moved to this room."
"It surprised us too when they moved him. All on orders of the steward if what I'm told is true."
"You doubt it?"
"If I'm being honest? Yes, I do doubt it. The steward was not even in the city when they moved Halbarad. I doubt the steward would have given the order before he left. So someone who stayed behind must have made the decision. Whether it was made on the urging of the steward or not, does not matter."
"No, it does not but Aphadon, you disagree with it?"
He narrows his eyes and watches Aphadon carefully. He does not like the implications. Aphadon shrugs and rolls his eyes. He clinches his fists. This he does not like for a whole different reason. Before he can so much as respond, Aphadon speaks up.
"Not really, Halbarad has more rest here though it would have made certain things easier had he not been moved."
"Mhh, indeed? Tell me more about how you found your stay here."
"It has been good for me and the others. These healers are certainly skilled though their skill pales in regards to lords Elladan, Elrohir, and our chieftain."
"And that surprises you?"
"No, it doesn't. These healers make sure we get all the aid we need as well as rest and exercise. All in all, it has been good even though we all would have liked to …"
A knock on the door stops Aphadon from continuing. Aphadon turns to the door with an annoyed expression. He looks at Aphadon with raised eyebrows but Aphadon doesn't respond. All he gets is an annoyed look. He sighs.
"Enter!"
The door opens and a healer steps into the room. He tilts his head. He doesn't know who this is as he has not been here often enough to learn their names. The healer immediately turns to Aphadon.
"Captain Aphadon, good day. How has your lord been doing? …"
The healer stops talking for a moment when he notices him in the room. He nods in greeting.
"Who is this?"
"Lord Halbarad's son, Halon. He has only recently returned with the host. With my lord injured, Halon took on the duties of the standard bearer and those of my lord Halvarad. If I heard right, our chieftain will soon become king of Gondor and Arnor."
"Ah, another kinsman of our future king. It is an honor to meet you, lord Halon."
"Likewise, master …."
"Oh forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is Nestor; I am the Warden of the Houses."
"The warden? Is there something wrong with my adar?"
He glares at Aphadon who looks sheepishly at the ground. What has he been hiding? And more importantly; why does the Warden attend on his adar? It makes no sense to him. His eyes move back to Master Nestor who looks at him calmly.
"Nothing more than the wound he received from the battle and the problems it causes, my lord. I always attend to the nobles whenever one is injured if it is possible otherwise senior healers are responsible for their care. The younger healers and apprentices are only allowed to assist until their skills have proven to be adequate."
The door opens softly and a few apprentices step into the room. They all carry trays with bowls, cloth, and ointment and stop behind master Nestor. They share glances with each other but do nothing more. Their eyes meet him and they bow for as much as is possible with the trays they're holding. Master Nestor sees this and waves with his hands. It has the apprentices moving further into the room. Halon follows them for a short while with his eyes before he turns back to master Nestor.
"Thank you for clarifying this."
"I am glad to be of service, my lord. If you excuse me, I will proceed to check lord Halbarad's wounds."
"Of course."
Halon steps to the side and mentions for Aphadon to follow him. Aphadon just looks at him confused. He just glares until Aphadon finally moves. Then his eyes move to master Nestor and track his every move. Master Nestor carefully moves adar's shirt up and removes the bandages. An apprentice is quick to put the used bandage away.
A door opens in the background. Halon turns his eyes to the door and sees Aphadon leaving the room. He frowns for a second before shaking his head. Whatever reason he has it is not important right now. He turns his eyes back to master Nestor. He fails to see the extent of his adar's wound as master Nestor hides it from his view. He does however see how master Nestor dips a cloth in a bowl of - what must be - water before moving it over his adar's side. When master Nestor puts it away, Halon tilts his head. The cloth only seems to be clean. At least there seems to be no blood on it.
An apprentice holds out a bottle of ointment and a cloth. Master Nestor does not take it but mentions for the apprentice to step closer. Under master Nestor's careful observation, the apprentice applies the ointment before they redress the wound together. Afterward, master Nestor stands up and turns back to him. A relaxed smile is on his face. A heavy weight, he did not know he carried, falls from his shoulders. In the background, the apprentices gather everything before leaving the room in silence.
"Now that we are alone, my lord, we can talk more easily."
"Of course, master. What can you tell me about my adar's wound?"
"Lord Halbarad's wound is healing nicely considering its severity. It is not yet fully closed but it is dry today…"
Master Nestor keeps talking but the words just pass through him. He hears them but does not fully comprehend them. His mind is just too preoccupied by what master Nestor does not say. It is clear - as he also gleaned from lord Aragorn's words and actions - how close his adar came to dying. He can clearly hear lord Aragorn's words in his ears. He knows that once he has a moment of peace, he will have a chance to truly consider master Nestor's words.
"... I suspect it will be some months before your adar can travel back to the north."
"I would not expect adar to be able to leave anytime soon. No matter if he tried, lord Aragorn would have him restrained just as my adar would do for lord Aragorn if the situation was to be reversed."
"That is good to know. I would certainly impress on him to stay too if he were to desire to leave too early. But if you would excuse me, my lord?"
"Of course. If it is alright with you then I would like to stay for a while to keep watch over my adar."
"That is no problem, my lord. I bid you a good day."
Halon watches as master Nestor leaves before walking to the chair Aphadon sat in before and sitting down. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Immediately the sounds around him claim his attention. Birds sing outside the room. Leave whistling. People are talking. Their steps echo into the room as if they are next to him. Halon opens his eyes and sighs. Then he leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees as his head lands on his hands. With this, his mind finally moves back the master Nestor's words.
The healer's words confused him when they were spoken. Now, the room is quiet enough for him to consider them. And despite not fully hearing them, he knows from experiences that he will remember them. Also, he needs to inform lord Aragorn about what he has learned. Something which is impossible to do if he does not understand the words. So what was being said?
Firstly, adar's wound had been cauterized. He's unsure why. Master Nestor gave an explanation but frankly, it went over his head. He hopes lord Aragorn knows the reason because it's one thing he can't explain. Afterward, the wound was treated accordingly; whatever that meant. Master Nestor did say something about an infection setting in. He remembers clearly what master Nestor said further about this. It is maybe the only thing he understands fully. They had to cut the infection open to clean it which was successful. Only time is needed now for his adar's wounds to fully heal.
He turns a bit and bites back a groan. He should not have moved like that. His hand moves to his left side and presses on it. He tries but fails to hide a hiss. It's still sensitive to touch. He had felt pain when he moved in certain ways. From time to time, the pain or stinging distracted him if it was bad enough. He has not said anything to anyone about it as he refused to burden them. He is also fairly confident that he has been successful in hiding it but one never knows for sure.
He lifts his shirt and looks at the bandage he has wrapped around his side. He managed to swipe it at one time when a healer was too distracted. Ever since he has been treating it on himself; he is confident he knows what he is doing. What he saw last night when he inspected his wound only strengthened his confidence. Last night, he cleaned the wound which thankfully did not bleed anymore though it was still open.
A bird calls loudly outside the room. The sun streams brightly into the room. He smiles and takes a few deep breaths. He knows what the consequences will be if anyone discovers it. Lord Aragorn will learn about it and he has heard stories of Lord Aragorn discovering people hiding injuries. It never ended well.
A groan pulls him out of his thoughts. He looks around the room. No one has entered till now. He is still alone with his father. Could it be? He glances at his adar and sees him moving his head around while his adar's eyes flicker. He smiles and waits for his adar to be fully awake. It does not take long for wide eyes to greet him. Adar looks at him with clear confusion and bewilderment. Before he can react his adar speaks up.
"Halon? What are you doing here? How did the battle go?"
"I am here to see how you are doing, adar. Imagine my surprise when I learned you had been moved."
"I can imagine. It was a surprise for me too."
"Yes, I am glad I got here before Master Nestor checked up on you. I learned a lot from him."
"You questioned master Nestor?"
"No, I merely inquired about your health."
"On Aragorn's orders, I imagine. You will be telling him everything you have learned, right?"
"Of course."
Adar laughs and shakes his head. This does not surprise either of them. Adar is quick to try and move their conversation back to the battle. It causes him to turn to the window. He is not sure what he should do. Master Nestor never said it in so many words but he got the message; adar needs rest and experience as little stress as possible. He knows his knowledge will do the opposite. So he cannot share everything yet. It also means he needs to share enough to satisfy him without stressing him. This means he can only share the absolutely necessary work Adar. And hopefully, adar will not press him too much for answers even though he does not have much hope.
"It went well. We managed to do what we went to do. All in all, despite the injured we were successful. Mordor is no more."
"Aye, that is good to know but tell me more. How is Aragorn doing?"
"Lord Aragorn, last time I saw him he was doing well all things considered."
"Such as?"
"You know, the regular matters after a battle. Nothing special."
"Halon, you are leaving something out. What happened?"
"Nothing for you to worry about."
"Let that be for me to decide."
Halon tries a few more times to circumvent answering his adar's questions. However, each time, his adar keeps pressing him to give answers he doesn't want to give. After his adar presses him the fifth time, he sighs. He knows he has lost. He does not like it but he has to give his adar the answers he seeks. Considering this, he begins at the beginning with the battle before explaining the aftermath. During all this, there is one thing he avoids talking about; his injuries. Adar looks at him questionably once he's finished.
"Halon, is there something you have been forgetting to mention?"
"I do not know what you mean, adar."
"I mean about your injuries. I know you, ion nin, I know you. You are injured."
"It is nothing severe. Just a few scrapes."
"Scrapes? I doubt it, not with the way you are sitting right now or how you moved."
He opens his mouth to respond when a knock sounds on the door. Before he can turn around the door opens. Aphadon steps into the room with a raised eyebrow and a wry smile. Halon narrows his eyes. He does not like the look of it; it promises nothing good.
"What?"
"Nothing really though I have to say I could not help but overhear what was being said."
"About what?"
"Well, Halon, about your injuries which you managed to hide so successfully. I cannot believe you managed to hide them from lord Aragorn. How did you do that?"
"Aphadon! Do not encourage him. He should not hide injuries at all."
"But…but…"
"I mean it, ion nin, you should not hide your injuries from Aragorn or the other healers. I am sure at least Aragorn and the twins have noticed something but still… you are going to see the healers here right now."
"No, adar. I do not need to see them."
"It was not a discussion, Halon."
"And I mean it that I do not need to see them. I have my injuries under control."
"That does not mean the healers should not take a look at it. You are not a trained healer, ion nin. You may be able to tell if injuries are severe but you cannot tell which ones need treatment so you will be going."
He opens his mouth to protest but before he can say anything a hand grips his arm. He turns and sees Aphadon gripping his arm. He glares at him which has no effect. He tries to shake the hand off but fails.
"Come on, Halon. I will see to it a healer looks at his injuries, Halbarad."
He tries again to shake Aphadon's hand off but again he fails. He is hauled to his feet and marched out of the room before he can so much as protest.