The purple shadow of Mount Mindolluin was fast passing away as the company left Gondor. The  golden fields of plains were becoming more plentiful and stretched out far beyond eyes can see. The company rode further northwest and stopped two to three times a day since there was no rush and that made time for adequate rest, conversation and food.

They passed by villages of Rohan where they blew their horn to announce the King was returning to be buried.

Finally, Edoras came into sight. Faramir beheld the city upon a hill- a walled city, sitting upon a tall peak, surrounded by mountains that were “white tipped and streaked with black”. The mountaintop capital had many mounds and Faramir could see many dwellings there but on top there was a great hall of Men that seemed thatched with gold. The light of it shines far over the land. Golden, too, are the posts of its doors. Faramir had never seen such a structure and city and adored and respected what went on to make the structure. Being embedded in the mountain reminded him of Minas Tirith as well.

Faramir rode in a steady pace and his anticipation of being reunited with Eowyn swelled. He had enjoyed the ride to Rohan but he knew it would be better with Eowyn by his side. Indeed as soon as she saw the company arrive, she was outside the gates to receive and welcome everyone, especially Faramir.

Faramir dismounted his horse, ran to Eowyn and gave her a huge embrace. “I’ve missed you very much.” Absence had made his heart fonder, and he had no second thoughts at all about getting married to the very valiant and beautiful shield-maiden of Rohan.  He breathed in her hair which smelled sweet like the earth. He sighed and wanted to breathe in the moment forever. It had been a hard two months without Eowyn.  

“As did I,” replied Eowyn, burying her head on Faramir’s shoulder, giving a huge embrace back. “How are you doing? Are you weary?” she asked with tears in her eyes. She stroked his cheek and his hair tenderly. Faramir looked more careworn, but his gray eyes were glinting in happiness at the moment, and Eowyn was glad he was so happy. She gave him a kiss on the cheek. He had come to her and kept his word.

“No, seeing you again is energy for the soul and I can ride again for fifteen days to see you again,” replied Faramir. “How are you, my Lady?” 

“We are faring well; the funeral processions will occur first, then the feast for Theoden and then we will formally announce Eomer to be King,”

“Then I have some time to announce the betrothal?”

“Yes, do not worry- we have it in the plan.”

Faramir and Eowyn stood hand in hand during the funeral. The company of the King’s wain brought the body to the east side of the Barrow-field. The funeral processions were made ready.

The Riders sang the song of Theoden, Thengel’s son that Gleowine, the minstrel made and everyone bowed down to pay their respects.

“Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising 

He rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.

Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;

Over death, over dread, over doom lifted

Out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.”****

Merry wept and showed the most emotion as he cried “Farewell Theoden King, as a father you were to me, for a little while.” ***

Pippin gave Merry a hug at the foot of the green mound. The simbelmynë were plentiful upon the mound and signified that Theoden would rest in peace, knowing that he did all he could for his country and Gondor’s at the last moment in war. His forefathers would be proud. He could rest in peace and all could honor him as a wise, noble, valiant King.

Eowyn felt tears in her eyes, but she hurt less with fond memories of her uncle and she knew he died fighting the good fight and how he wanted to– with honor. The funeral was long planned and she had time to accept the reality. Now, she had to deal with other obstacles or perhaps anticipate a happier future. She had long tended King Theoden when he was under the influence of Wormtongue and now with him gone, she wanted to keep herself busy with something meaningful. She was intent to heal and and love all that was barren and grow a garden and perhaps a family in Ithilien with Faramir. She looked tenderly at him and caught him looking back smiling.

It was now time for the feast and the Rohirrim prepared an elaborate feast to honor Theoden’s memory. Eowyn then came forth and bore a filled cup to Eomer to announce him as the new King. The minstrels named all the Lords of the Mark from the beginning and then when Theoden was named, Eomer drained his cup. Eowyn bade those that served to fill their cups again and drink to the new new King, crying “Hail, Eomer, King of the Mark!”

Everyone drank to the new King and the food was plentiful.   Faramir would not part one step away from Eowyn, being mesmerized by her beauty. He had waited so long to be reunited. He sighed and thought it was a great moment despite the sorrow of the funeral for Theoden. Hand in hand, Faramir and Eowyn walked towards the new King and toasted to King Eomer together.

“Are you ready to say a few words later? I will announce your intentions at the end of the feast,” Eomer asked Faramir.

“Thank you. Yes I am more than ready,” replied Faramir, raising another glass to toast his soon to be brother in law and new King.

At long last it was the end of the feast and the hobbits were all tired (Sam had fallen asleep), Aragorn looked eager for the end of the night, Leoglas and Gimli were laughing together in jokes that they could only understand.

King Eomer stood up and said, “Now this is the funeral feast of Theoden the King; but I will speak ere we go of tidings and joy, for he would not grudge that I should do so, since he was ever a father to Eowyn, my sister. Hear then all my guests, fair folk of  many realms, such as have never before been gathered in this hall! Faramir, Steward of Gondor, and Prince of Ithilien, asks that Eowyn Lady of Rohan should be his wife, and she grants it fullwilling. Therefore they shall be trothplighted before you all.”***

Faramir arose and spoke, “Thank you, King Eomer, for granting our permission to wed. I am forever grateful.” He turned to Eowyn and held both her hands even tighter and looked into her eyes, “ From the moment I saw you, I knew you are special. Please know that you are the most gentle, valiant, beautiful person I have ever met. I wish to always take care of you and be there for you. We fell into Shadow, but the same hand drew us back from the wings of the Shadow, and I never want to be parted from you. May this be the beginning of something special. Lady Eowyn, please accept my proposal that we wed, take care of each other, and live together as long as we shall live.”  He came down to one knee and gave a betrothal gift, a sapphire ring that belonged to his mother which he had found to be fitting for his future wife.

Before Faramir ended, Merry and Pippin yelled celebratory words, and everyone was cheering and toasting to the proposal.

Eowyn looked at everyone, with tears in her eyes, and she too had prepared something to say, “I never knew I could fall in love so fast and so deep and I believe Faramir of Gondor is someone beyond special and I am so grateful that he chose to believe in me during my lowest time. I accept the betrothal and hope that we can have a full life together. I would love to take care of you forever and always, and it is beyond words to say the luck of earning the love of one so valiant, strong, modest, and fair-minded. I will gladly wed thee,” Eowyn finished and Faramir responded by kissing her on the lips, pulling her in for another embrace.

“Very well, we will set a date for the wedding,” said King Eomer. He was so glad for Eowyn’s happiness. Her sister’s glowing face was enough to convince him. It was a long time coming that her sister was this happy and he was glad that she had found Faramir. 

 Everyone was out of their seats and toasting the newly engaged couple.

“Thus, is the friendship of the Mark and of Gondor bound with a new bond, and the more do I rejoice.”* 

“No niggard are you, Eomer, to give thus to Gondor the fairest thing in your realm,” *said Aragorn in jest.*

Eowyn turned to Aragorn, “Wish me joy, my liege-lord and healer!” Eowyn can now look at Aragorn and not feel like she had lost. She had gained his respect, she was sure, but now she knew who she really loved, and it was not out of awe and desire to be more than she was. She knew her value and she found her best self with Faramir, desiring to heal and to care first and foremost.

“I have done so ever since I met you. I am glad now, you can be together with Faramir, the most excellent choice. May both of you bring joy, peace, and love to each other, always,” said Aragorn.

“Thank you, my King, for all that you’ve done for us and continue to do for us. We will return to Ithilien and continue to serve.” Faramir had tears in his eyes, but it was a joyous occasion and he felt content more than felt sorrow. Imrahil gave a congratulatory embrace, the hobbits did in turn with Pippin drinking way too fast, and Legolas, Gimli also toasted in turn. Faramir sipped his mead, knowing that he had to pace himself since it was strong.

“Lord Faramir, that was quite a speech!” said Pippin.

“I couldn't have done better. Sam, write some notes on how to propose to Rosie when we return,” Merry jokes.

Sam just blushed, as red as a tomato. “Sir Merry, now I…I”

Frodo saved his friend, “When the time comes, I'm sure Sam has the right plan, no need to tell him. Congratulations to Lord Faramir and Lady Eowyn!” Frodo cheered.

“Thank you, hobbits. We are so glad that you are part of the betrothal. Hope that you can also come to the wedding,” said Eowyn.

“Do you know when that will be?” asked Frodo.

“We have to talk about it,” replied Faramir. “We also have to set time and place very soon.”

Eowyn replied, “I do not think this year will be good.”

“And why is that?”

“There is too much still to do. I have state affairs to mind and as do you, with your newly appointed land of Ihtilien, is that right?”

“But all I want to be is with you,” Faramir whispered into Eowyn’s ear.

Eowyn laughed back. “We will talk about it tomorrow.”

The night festivities went on long into the night and Faramir wanted to enjoy every moment with Eowyn. It was getting late though, and Eowyn showed Faramir where the guest quarters were but then Faramir insisted he walk Eowyn back to her own room. 

“Will you be alright?”

“Why wouldn't I be if you’re so close to me?” Faramir could not help but embrace Eowyn and then swung her around and caught her in his arms.  She was so lovely. He did not want the night to end, but he felt weary, and it was getting late.

Eowyn laughed and was loath to part for the night as well. “It’s been a long day. It is best we rest, and we can talk more tomorrow.”

“Good night then. I’ll miss you till tomorrow, “ Faramir said as he laid a kiss on Eowyn's lips. 

The next morning came and it was sunny and bright. Faramir woke later and was glad he slept without any of Aragorn’s medicine. It was mostly dream free as well. He hadn’t had a night of uninterrupted sleep for a while. During the two weeks riding out, Legolas and Gimli both said he talked in his sleep and he woke up once or twice but the dreams were short and did not last too long. Aragorn had kept his eye out for any deviation from the norm constantly. Furthermore, after the talk with Galadriel, he had slept better. The long distance traveled also aided in sleep. He was feeling well, and was determined that no shadow could touch his spirit. 

He quickly dressed and made ready to accompany others for breakfast.

But Eowyn was already at his door.

“Good morning dear lady! This is such a wonderful surprise.” Faramir hugged and kissed Eowyn tenderly and Eowyn returned the affection.

“Good morning, my dear prince- how was your sleep?”

“It was good– it has been fine. Don’t worry.”

“I have been worried,” Eowyn said with a look of sadness. “Let’s go take a walk.”

They walked away from Meduseld hand in hand and went through the village, and Faramir took in the sight of a new city and appreciated Edoras for its simple yet long standing structures. It showed that the people appreciated horses in which most houses had stables to house their beloved creatures.

“What happened? Are you dreaming too?” asked Faramir. They walked hand in hand, delighting in the summer sunshine which bore down on them.

“No, but when Merry wrote to me about the Black Breath, I was scared,” Eowyn’s eyes filled with tears. “I do not want to lose you.”

“And you won’t because I am recovered,” reassured Faramir wrapping Eowyn in his arms. “Surely, please believe me.”

“Are you truthful? You were not when I left Gondor. The last two months have been difficult. I was worried about you.” Eowyn pulled away, blue eyes glancing at Faramir seriously, demanding nothing but the truth.

Faramir thought about those moments and responded slowly, “Yes, I was not completely truthful, but I didn't want anyone to worry. And I did not know it was that critical. I didn’t hear about Black Breath reoccurring.  We should both be careful.” He held onto Eowyn’s hands tightly. He remembered Eowyn’s pale face in the Houses of Healing, and how he had pulled her back from despair. In turn, he found a place for himself of importance that necessitated him to look beyond his losses.

“Can you promise to be truthful to me no matter what? That is how I know how to take care of you,” Eowyn pleaded. “I need to know how I can help you through the bad times, and we will then go through the good times together even better.”

“Yes, I will be truthful to you, my lady,” Faramir did not feel so loved in a while and he was very moved by Eowyn. “I will promise you to not let you worry but will let you in on my problems. Though now, I do not feel like there is any darkness since I've seen you and you are my light. Know that you still have such a huge role in life.”

“You need to let me know about your nightmares. I have them too. I’ve gotten better as well, but is there anything that still bothers you? It’ll take time. Grief comes in and out and takes you without you knowing. I know I still want to feel my mother’s embrace, but she has passed so long now that only the childhood memories still stand by but I just…hope for a brighter future.”

“And yes, we will have that,” said Faramir resolutely and folded Eowyn into a hug. Then he clasped onto her hands again, looked into her eyes  and said, “I am hopeful too despite the sorrow that still exists.   My father… I need to know how to deal with his decisions at the end…” Faramir trailed. That was one issue he could not handle yet. The ghost of Denethor would not be easily vanquished. He closed his eyes and tried to not let fear of how Denethor died take over. He shuddered.

“Do not fault yourself for something you cannot change. We will certainly see how you can memorialize him better but for now, just concentrate on yourself.” Eowyn pulled Faramir closer. There seemed to still be a shadow upon Faramir when Denethor was mentioned because he could not look at her, and he seemed to breathe harder as in fear or grief.

“Yes, I agree–it’ll take time,” Faramir felt some dark thoughts starting to occur, but the sunlight was brighter and Eowyn looked at him, and he felt heartened by hope instead of despair.

“Anything else you need to share with me?” Eowyn glanced at a pensive Faramir.

“No, you give me hope, and that is enough for me,” replied Faramir with a smile.

“Let’s go break our fast. We prepared a lot of food for the guests of honor,” said Eowyn as she led Faramir to the dining hall.

**taken from Many Partings, Return of the King 

TBC