Chapter 13 - Friends in Unexpected Places

"He knew now why Beregond spoke his name with love. He was a captain that men would follow, that he would follow, even under the shadow of the black wings."- Siege of Gondor, RotK

“I am sorry to come so late; how does Faramir fare? I heard that he has been ill as of late?”

Beregond had returned to Minas Tirith from Emyn Arnen. He had been tasked to start looking for a proper home for the Steward and also lead the Royal Guard to scout out Ithilien and see that no enemies remained.  When he went home to Bergil, Borlas and his lady, a letter was sent to him from Imrahil, but he did not receive it until recently. And he did not know his Lord was ill.

“Yes, he has been battling the Black Breath, but the King himself has been tending him,” said Imrahil.  “It would be great to have your company; I am sure he would be glad to see you. King’s instruction is that he rests. He was overburdened by the coronation, funeral arrangements and the recovery of Gondor.”

“Yes, he works too hard. I will be happy to see him.” Beregond remembered how frail Faramir had looked at the Houses of Healing when he was recovering from his shoulder wound and the fever that would not break. He feared he would lose his Lord at that time. He was upset to hear of the recurring Black Breath. Surely, Faramir would battle and win this second time around?

Beregond saw that Faramir was sleeping when he went to his room. Different medicinal teas were arranged near his bedside. His face was pale and did not look too well.  The hobbits, Merry and Pippin were there and they were cheerily speaking amongst each other quietly.  Prince Imrahil also sat in a corner, reading a book.

“Why hello Beregond!”

“Hello Pippin- how is our Steward? I am sorry to come so late- i did not get the letter till late,” said Beregond.

“He is on the mend, but he is still feverish and has nightmares. Strider said he needs to rest lately but you know how hard it is to keep him in bed.”

Faramir stirred, sat up slowly and smiled, “Beregond! Good to see you!”

“And you as well, my Lord!” Beregond took Faramir’s arm and embraced him. Beregond had not seen him since the coronation. “How are you feeling? I heard you were under the weather.”

“I am fine- the King just thinks otherwise,” Faramir replied with a smile. “I’m just a little tired.”

“He is suffering from the Black Breath,” said Merry. “And Strider says he needs to rest,”

“You overworked without me around? Just write me a letter and I'll see to Minas Tirith’s recovery as well!” Beregond said. Faramir looked fatigued even though he was smiling. Beregond also felt that he was quite warm.

“Yes, well I knew you were busy in Ithilien. How is it in Emyn Arnen and the surrounding areas? Any sign of the enemy lingering?” asked Faramir. “Do you know where we can relocate?”

“The Guard has swept through about seventy percent of the area and fortunately our enemies have not been spotted. We did see some Easterlings flee a couple of days ago, but we have captured them and we sent notice to their leaders asking how to deal with the prisoners of war.  There is nothing to worry about; I have told the King about these soldiers.  Regarding your home, we have two spots that we are considering so when you are better, please ride there and see for yourself.  It is several hours from Minas Tirith so if you are needed by the King, you can easily ride back, but far enough that you are in the peaceful confines of the forest in which you prefer.”

Faramir had forgotten he did not yet have time to ride to Ithilien to plan his future home. He was glad Beregond had reminded him. “I will come when I recov–”

“You are not there yet,” said Imrahil, feeling Faramir’s forehead. “It’s time for more willow bark.”

Faramir and Beregond caught up with the occurrences in Ithilien more so. Fararmir was very glad he had come by. 

“Let me plan a trip there soon. But I am feeling weary now,” said Faramir. 

“Yes, please rest some more, my Lord. I will be at your service,” said Beregond with a bow and then he left the room.

Pippin followed Beregond.

“It is good that you returned too,” said Pippin quietly.

“Yes, and why is that?”

“Our Steward just needs as much support as possible. He still has the Black Breath,” Pippin whispered. “And also, handling the death of his father could be hard at times. I told him, and it was the one of the hardest things that I had to do,” said Pippin sadly.

“Sorry to hear that. I too mourn the death of Denethor and regret the slaying of the porter,” Beregond looked distressed. “That was a tragic end to Denethor, and I regret that we had to experience it.  How can we help Faramir more?”

“We need to distract him more and keep him company. He says he doesn’t want it, but I think it’s good to talk to him. My cousin Frodo has had experience with grief and just being there would be helpful.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

Beregond stayed by his Lord that day. He was glad to see Faramir looking better.  

“What ails you the most from this illness?”

“I was overworked- there is no need to worry,” replied Faramir. That was the easy way to explain things. He needn’t worry Beregond with details.

“The war has taken a toll; I am sorry about all that had passed among the rangers of Ithilien,” said Beregond sympathetically. “And I am sorry about Denethor.”

“You were there that day he passed, weren’t you?” Faramir asked evenly.  He knew better than to probe too much, but he didn’t know what Beregond may say.

Beregond paused, “I am sure Mithrandir and Pippin already spoke about it? I need not repeat anything unnecessarily?  Is there anything that can ease your mind?”

“No, you are right. There is nothing.” Faramir paced the room in deep thought.  Fire and ashes. He paused and he felt a bit out of sorts again, pieces of memory again seeming to invade his senses.

“My lord?” Beregond was there to orient Faramir for Faramir seemed to have a faraway look in his eyes.  “Do you wish to know anything more? There really is not anything to add to what you have heard.”

“I am alright,” Faramir replied slowly, focusing on his friend intently. He looked at Beregond and saw his concern.  Beregond had brought a mug of tea for him and he felt calmer smelling the fresh herb of chamomile.  It was best not to mention anything regarding his father’s death.

“Don’t blame yourself on things that cannot be changed,” said Beregond. “Gondor needs their Steward, and please recover soon.”

“I understand and thank you for your confidence,” replied Faramir.  Did he want to press for more details? He shuddered involuntarily.  Being burnt alive was not something that would be better with details.  He felt a bit nauseous thinking about how close he was to the fire, how close to the afterlife he could’ve been…how mad his father may have been to want to burn him as well. Why wouldn't Denethor let him choose his life?

“My lord?”

Faramir did not realize he was grasping onto the curtains with his knuckles white as if grasping for life. Beads of sweat had accumulated.  A headache had reoccurred, and he felt anxious.  He sat down in weariness.

Beregond gave some more tea to calm Faramir down. 

“Are you alright?”  What are you thinking about? Do you need me to ask the King to come?”

“Nothing, I am glad for you helping save me,” said Faramir slowly.  “I just…can’t fathom what occurred in Denethor’s mind.  I guess I will never understand.”

“Gandalf or PIppin told you about the palantir, didn’t they?” said Beregond softly and reluctantly. “That was the cause– it was not something we could’ve prevented, my Lord. Please believe that and don’t blame anyone and it is hard to understand but what is important is that you’re alive.  It’s so important for Gondor to see their Steward alive and guide them to the New Age.”

“I wonder,” Faramir sighed. “Yes, I know the importance of guiding our people.  I am not sure why I can’t feel better sooner but I am on the mend. You are right- Father must not have been in his right mind.  It is a pity.”

There was some silence for a while and then Faramir felt a wave of weariness affecting him.  “I must rest now- thank you for coming by.”

Beregond didn’t want to leave Faramir anxious again. Fortunately, the hobbits came in at that time.

“What happened, Faramir? Are you all right?” Pippin asked, sensing some tension in the room.

“Yes, do you want to talk about anything?” Merry asked.

“No, I am more weary at the moment and may lie down for a nap,” said Faramir. But internally, he was ill at ease about Denethor and how he could’ve decided his fate as such.  He also never had a chance to say good-bye. His headache abated a bit with the teas but thoughts of not understanding why persisted.   Someone’s hand was on his forehead.

“My Lord, you are quite warm- take some more willow bark,” said Beregond.

Faramir acquiesced silently. After taking the tea, Faramir fell into an uneasy sleep.

“Why was Faramir so anxious, all of a sudden?” Aragorn had arrived and was assessing the situation. He felt the increased heart rate even as his patient slept.  He put some lavender oil in the air to make sure it can increase the calm in the air.

“We mentioned Denethor’s last moments a bit because  he was inquiring about it,” said Beregond quietly.  “Of course, I did not go into detail but I think it is still present in his mind about details and his role in it.”

The hobbits looked sympathetic and Aragorn furrowed his brow in worry.  

It was a hard demon to vanquish and one of the most tragic things to happen during the war. It would take time for the Steward to accept the circumstances regarding his father.

“What can we do to help him through that? What should we mention and not mention?” Beregond asked.  He looked at Faramir’s sleeping figure but could see that he was frowning, seemingly in a bad dream. He put his hand in Faramir’s and the Steward relaxed a bit.

The hobbits looked at each other and at Aragorn. 

“It’ll take time to get through trauma like that,” Frodo broke the silence first.

“I believe Frodo is right- we will just have to keep the conversation light if possible.”

The hobbits nodded and sat in silence, waiting to be there for Faramir once he awoke.

Beregond sat by Faramir and waited for him to awake later that day.  The hobbits had decided to go for their midday meal and said that they would return later. He made sure to prepare a warm mug of tea for him when he awoke. He felt badly that his Lord was feeling this much grief after the war and wanted to be there for him to alleviate his pain.

Faramir stirred; he had some dreams that he did not remember but when he saw Beregond, he smiled and said, “Were you waiting for me to wake? I am feeling alright now.” Faramir sat up without aid and was glad that Beregond had a cup of hot tea for him.

“Are you hungry? Should I send for some food as well?” Beregond asked.  Beregond also felt Faramir’s head to see if he was feverish and it seemed that he had cooled down.  “Do you still feel feverish?”

“No, I am alright for now.”  Faramir did feel better and he was glad for Beregond’s company.

“Do you want to go for a walk? It would be a nice change from being in bed?” Beregond asked.  Faramir happily obliged and the two men went out to the courtyard. It was warm that day and the flowers bloomed. The gardeners of Minas Tirith took care of the yards and made sure that the Citadel looked like it had before the Siege.

“Thank you for helping with Emyn Arnen and also for coming back. Do you anticipate we will have any delays with finding supplies to build the home?”

“No, it will be fine- we just need you to come and decide where to have your home since we have decided on two places.”

“Yes, I remember you mentioning that before,” said Faramir with a smile. He looked out to the lower circles and his eyes landed on the beginnings of the Silent Street and he shuddered.

“My lord? Are you cold?” 

“No I am fine,” Faramir closed his eyes and tried hard not to think of the tombs and his brush with death.  He was glad for the sunshine and the good weather of the day instead.

“Tell me when you decided to wed. Are you in touch with Eowyn? Where will you have your wedding?”  Beregond did not know any details yet.

“No,  I have not had time to go over details with Eowyn- I hope to see her when we depart to Edoras for King Theoden’s burial.  We will decide then. I will be away for two months, I believe.”

“Good for you. You deserve the rest. You have been working non-stop and be sure to take care of yourself.”

“And you as well, Beregond.”  Faramir was glad to have Beregond be appointed to be Captain of the White Company and glad for Aragorn’s sentence for him to be dismissed from Minas Tirith and to be part of his staff instead. He was grateful Beregond saved him. 

“I never thanked you for what you did that day…”

“There is nothing to be thankful for- you know how important you are to Gondor,” said Beregond.

“Thank you for your vote of confidence. I just wish…”Faramir’s voice trailed. He wished many things but he was glad for his friend’s words.  Abandoning his post to save him could’ve had Beregond get the death penalty or worse in these times when his father still ruled but Aragorn’s pardon and mercy weighed heavily on his mind. He was glad for the sentence and glad he had his subject as devoted as Beregond to help him in the transition.

“You’re doing the best you can, and please recover fully so you can come out to Ithilien. There is more to plan and do for the Fourth Age.”

“You are right, Beregond. Thank you for reminding me of these things,” said Faramir.

Belegion was a young brown haired medium-built soldier who was Faramir’s subordinate and had always respected the first family of stewards. His older brother, Belegor, three years older, was also summoned to fight. Belegor was assigned to Cair Andros. He was skilled in arms and was proud of his own country . Their parents were loath to depart with their sons but when duty calls, one must defend your country .

Belegion was also assigned duty. He was with the Rangers of Ithilien and that’s how he met Faramir. From the beginning, he was drawn to the Captain. He led by example, was fair and wise. Faramir always was logical with his decisions and led the younger soldiers with more guidance.

HIs older brother Belegor perished in Cair Andros the night before the Causeway Forts. It was an arrow to the back. His body was fortunately not severed by the orcs for another comrade, Callon made sure to bring him back to Belegion. He was grateful he could bury his brother. However, he was steeped in grief. Losing Belegor was so hard to bear. Belegor and he did everything together in youth. From learning to ride, archery, evading their parents during dinnertime, Belegion could not think of anything he wouldn’t do with Belegor. He was his confidante and he looked up to him.

Belegion was one of the first families that Faramir visited and also provided reparations for. Faramir did not know Belegor well but provided much needed comfort and words of advice to Belegion and his parents.

“We will always remember Belegor and his duty to Gondor.  His name will be on our memorials for the service he provided. He died with honor and may the Valar keep him safe in their keeping,” Faramir said to Belegion the last time they met. “Gondor also has some special restitution for your family.”

“Thank you my lord. How do you fare? You must be tired. Many things have gone on for you in the past two weeks,” Belegion looked at his friend with concern. Faramir looked tired most of the time when he saw him.

“I am well, thank you.”

“We will miss Boromir–he was so strong and unconquerable. He is what every Gondorian lad sought to be in terms of strength in arms.  Boromir was respectable and loved-just like you.”

“Yes, it is grievous that he is not with us. He is missed. Like you, I wish he was beside us again. He was taken far too soon. ” Faramir looked away from Belegion. He tried not to show the deep pain he still felt inside. There was no time to show weakness.

“It is unfortunate our older brothers are not with us. I felt Belegor always seemed invincible too- I do not know what to do without him,” Belegion started to weep.

Faramir did not know what to say but spoke words of solace and gave his friend an embrace. “We will get through this, my friend. It should get easier with time.”

“You’re so brave, Faramir- I don’t know how you can handle everything.”

Faramir did not know either- he just kept pushing forward- what can anyone do? He had duties to keep him busy. However, a slight headache started, so he bid Belegion farewell. 

“I’ll return soon to see how you are. Please take good care of you and your parents. They need you to be there for them.”  Indeed, Belegion’s parents looked to their only remaining son even more. They were grateful the Steward came to offer his condolences and met up with them so much. Faramir did feel connected to Belegion because not only did they both lose an older brother and also because they liked the same books of poetry and Numenor and valued the outdoors.

And that was already more than a week ago. Belegion knew that Faramir did not make promises he could not keep. He wondered if Faramir was all right. He decided to write to him.  He did not think it was appropriate to go stalk out the busy Steward- he was indeed very busy taking care of Gondor.  Writing would be more appropriate.

Dear Lord Faramir,

Sorry to bother you but it’s been over a week since you’ve visited. My parents and I are fine and appreciate the reparation amount that was sent over. We are wondering how you are?

We made a personal memorial for Belegor at home to remember him. My parents wanted to bury his items, and I  kept one thing of his which is a picture that I'll put in my room to look at and remember in love. 

It is hard but we are lucky to live in a new age. I just keep counting my blessings. Is that how you are getting by each day? I was gardening today and there was a white lilac that just bloomed in my garden and I thought of you because I know you like the outdoors. Also, signs of hope are everywhere in the city if we look hard enough. The flowers are blooming again like it once was and I’m surprised Spring brings so much loveliness outdoors. Let us look at the small things that can make us smile again.

Please come visit or write to me soon.

Thank you.

Most sincerely,

Belegion

…

“I am feeling better, truly. Perhaps I can go into the office tomorrow for a little while? I promise that I will work only half a day and come back to rest in the afternoon. I would like to catch up on any messages I missed.” Faramir was already asking the King to return to work the following day, feeling antsy to return to a bit of normalcy.  The sleep was still questionable in Aragorn’s standards. The Steward was up at least twice during the night with bad nightmares but fortunately they were not as bad as previous times. Aragorn didn’t count interrupted sleep as a good night’s sleep. The fever came and went so there was concern regarding that. The shoulder was still cool and Aragorn could tell it was still tender and he worked with Faramir to make the shoulder a bit more mobile after the Black Breath’s effect on it. He instructed him to exercise it appropriately and daily.

“No, it is too soon. You didn’t recover for half a day yet, had a panic attack yesterday and a lingering fever. I am not sure you know how to control your dreams,” replied Aragorn firmly. “We are all still very concerned for you.  You are not aware, but the Black Breath has not gone completely.”

“I understand that,” Faramir sighed. “But what can anyone do?”  He was not as fatigued as the teas had helped, but he dreaded being idle.

“You need to take it day by day in regards to your recovery. The past is the past but we can tell me what you are truly feeling,” said Aragorn resolutely.  “You’ve gone through plenty and you need time for yourself.  After the events of the past two weeks, I have not yet confidence to let you go as you were, and we cannot afford another relapse.  You are to stay put and rest.”

Faramir stayed quiet because his liege-lord and healer had already said no. He paced in his room. “Then can I at least check for any messages? Here?”

“I’ll ask the servants to bring you any pertinent messages like mail.”

“Thank you.”

“In the meantime, don’t overtax yourself, there are teas for sleeplessness and headache that you are to take. If the fever returns, there is willow bark.  You are to be at least twenty-four hours fever free and nightmare free before we see another course of action.  Please rest.”

“I remember. Thank you, my King,” Faramir bowed at Aragorn.

“I will come back three hours after noon because there is a meeting unrelated to state affairs I need to attend.”

Faramir wondered at that but did not probe. It was nearing mid-Summer’s and the King said that there was a special event coming. He hoped it was a good event. 

There were three letters for Faramir including two soldiers thanking him for his support and reparation and Belegion. He read Belegion’s letter first.

Faramir was glad for his friend’s letter. He missed his friend as well and felt guilty he hadn’t been back for a week. Has it already been a week since he made his rounds? He was going to go after he had unexpectedly spoken with Gandalf and fallen into a swoon that day and that was  almost a week ago.  He wondered if he could go visit him without the Fellowship and uncle following him. He thought he at least could have that liberty to visit his friend. 

He dressed into his Ranger gear- he wanted stealth and privacy in his trip to the Sixth Circle. The less people recognize him the better.  He slipped out of the rear door where there were less guards and went quickly down from the level of the Citadel.

Belegion did not live too far from the Citadel. He was in the fifth circle and since it was a nice sunny warm day, Faramir thought the walk was calming to his nerves. Faramir avoided the street leading to Rath Dinen and the Silent Street at all costs. He was not ready to revisit the area where Denethor had met his doom.  He shivered thinking about that road but quickly walked the opposite direction.

Finally, after half hour’s walk, he arrived to Belegion’s home.

“Lord Faramir, what a lovely surprise! “ Belegion gave his mentor an embrace after he opened the door. “Come in, do you want some tea?”

“Why yes, that would be wonderful. I received your letter. Thank you for that. I apologize I have not visited. “

“I understand that you’ve been busy, reordering the country and city…I'm sorry to bother you.”

“No bother at all, no bother at all,” Faramir sipped the tea. He felt weary after the walk, but he was glad for the company that Belegion provided. The young man was good natured and had a happy spirit despite the recent grief he had to sustain.

They spoke about how Belegion was, about how the parents are. They had stepped out at the moment and Faramir was glad since he wanted to talk as peers to Belegion. 

“You look a bit less tired, Lord Faramir. Are you doing all right? I have not seen you since two days after the funeral- you looked more tired then.”

“Yes, resting is what I’ve been doing,” admitted Faramir.  “King’s orders.”

“Really? Are you better now?”

“Yes, I am on the mend. The King told me to rest a bit more, but I am feeling fine,” said Faramir.

“Oh, I’m sorry if this visit wasn’t–

“No, no need to be silly- I received your letter and thought this was the best way to show my gratitude at your thoughtfulness.”

“I’m in your service, Steward– I thank you more for your kindness that you’ve always shown.” Belegion bowed to Steward.

“No need to be this formal,” replied Faramir, holding his friend’s hand up from the bow. “I appreciated the line in your letter about being appreciative of the small things. It is so true. We should be glad for the new age and all the little things that make us feel alive, so I’ve come to thank you for that small insight.”

“You are never alone, dear Lord and we do only have one world to appreciate. Also there are those that still care for you, and I've learned to appreciate that.”

Faramir felt tears in his eyes. Belegion was right. Aragorn, the hobbits, Gandalf, Imrahil and of course Eowyn had all shown such kindness to him. If they were not around these days, he would’ve fallen into the Shadow already. He shuddered involuntarily. He did not want to. His place was here to rebuild Gondor and live in appreciation of the Fourth Age where the King had returned to also guide it to peace and prosperity. He believed whole-heartedly it’ll be a better world now that the Enemy was vanquished. Gondor did not have to fear for their borders anymore. And he was in charge of Ithilien.

“Thank you- you speak in such great truths. I have failed to see lately how much good there still is in this world,” remarked Faramir with a sigh.

“I believed you to be the positive one, Lord Faramir. You made me more hopeful since all you do is good for our world.”

Faramir laughed. “It’s my duty as the Steward to provide a plan forward. The King is wise and talented, but we all have to assist.”

“Again, I am always impressed by you, Lord. You’re an inspiration to many. I really thank you for being my friend and mentor. I learn much from you.”

“As do I, friend, as do I,” Faramir replied.

Belegion brought out some brandy and two shot glasses and some warm bread. “I am happy to see you- let’s have a drink, shall we?”

Faramir found no reason not to.  “Sure, I am grateful for that.”

“To our brothers Belegor and Boromir, the late Steward, and all those that perished,” said Belegion.

“May they rest in peace and let us always remember them,” added Faramir solemnly.  The two men clinked the glasses and downed the first round.  After two rounds, Faramir felt very relaxed, maybe a bit too relaxed.  Drinking had also made him feel less guarded. He had to be mindful he did not overstay. “What is the time?”

“It is still early. Do you have to be somewhere?”

“I do not believe so.”

“Relax, Lord! My parents are not expected to return till later.  You can tell me what else has been happening. Where is your soon to be bride? You found a maiden at the Houses of Healing? “ asked Belegion. He poured another glass, but Faramir politely declined. He did not want to return home too inebriated. He was already feeling some effect. The King was going to see him later.

“Why yes, Lady Eowyn of Rohan– she is the most lovely lady I’ve ever met- the most valiant,  insightful, and understanding,” Faramir smiled. “I miss her. It would be so much darker without her. I really am fortunate to have met her.”

“Why is she not here?”

“She went back for funeral preparations for her uncle who perished in the Battle of the Pelennor.”

“I’m sorry to hear that- will you join her soon?”

“Why yes, I will–very soon I will go to Rohan to give a betrothal speech.  We will have to wait till August.” Faramir thought it was a long way till then but he knew about the special event in late June and they had to be patient when Eomer was coming back to retrieve Theoden which was scheduled to happen in July.

“How lucky you are!” exclaimed Belegion. “I have not found a maiden yet to wed,” he said and looked down sadly.

“You will- you are still young.”

They fell to silence for a while and then suddenly, Faramir felt that he should go. He felt very weary again. He needed enough energy to return home.

“I better be departing- thank you for the company and the drinks.”

“Anytime, Lord Faramir. Please be safe returning home and come by soon again!”

“Yes I will.”

TBC