Chapter 19 - Many Farewells

“Time passes. In the morning we must each go swiftly on the ways appointed to us.” Faramir, The Window on the West

 The festivities of the funeral and crowning of Eomer had come to a close and the elves and hobbits were making their way to depart. There were many goodbyes including Faramir with the hobbits, Gandalf and Aragorn. The elves of Rivendell and Lothlorien were going the same direction. At that time Arwen and Elrond also had their farewell.

Eowyn found time to speak with Aragorn alone.  She knew Aragorn had done much the past two months for Faramir. Merry made sure to write in the detail that Faramir tended to omit.

“What is on your mind, my lady?” Aragorn asked when he saw that Eowyn approached him.

“I would like to know the details about the Black Breath and how Faramir is doing.”

“Did he not mention it to you ?” Aragorn asked quietly.

“Yes, but in pieces. I desire to know if he is truly recovered and what I can do to aid him at all times. Do you use any special medicines? He did mention kingsfoil to me but we only use that if the Black Breath indeed has returned, correct?”

“Yes that is true and I have not used it for a couple weeks now,” replied Aragorn. “I think he is truthful to say he is recovered, but it is better to always err on the side of caution. He becomes anxious so make sure he is not overwrought for that is when his headaches reoccur. For anxiety, I do have tea and I administer a massage to his temples which helps him. He should be better with you by his side,” Aragorn finished with a smile. “I am not returning to Gondor till after September, and Faramir can stay in Edoras as long as you both see fit. I think a change of scenery will only help him.  I am following Gandalf and the hobbits to meet Treebeard.”

“Thank you my liege-lord and King. I appreciate your insight into this important matter greatly and I will tend to my betrothed accordingly,” Eowyn bowed and smiled to Aragorn her gratitude. “Thank you for tending to Lord Faramir the past two months. I knew something was amiss before I left and am glad he is on the mend. I was frightened for a long time.”

“Do not worry, Lady Eowyn. Grief takes time and only time can heal.  I am hopeful for our Steward; hope is also very alive in him as well,” Aragorn replied. “You can anchor him in the present, and I am sure that he would appreciate that.”

Eowyn did not find any words to say. She bowed to the King. “Thank you again. I am hopeful as well, for I see hope in the future and glad we could be of service to you in the future. I heard from Faramir, he will govern Ithilien?”

“Yes, that is true- you and him will be the Lord and Lady of Emyn Arnen. I believe both of you will be happy there.”

Eowyn bowed. “Thank you for the honor. It will be good to be out of the city that still has too much memory,” agreed Eowyn. “I thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

“I’ve only wished you happiness, lady. Thank you for accepting this proposal of governance and our Steward and Prince will be glad for your presence.  I will see you in Gondor soon,” Aragorn retreated from Lady Eowyn.

The hobbits were departing soon from Edoras, and Faramir felt loath to depart with them. He had grown to love all of them in their unique ways. He knew Merry and Pippin would come visit again but not certain if Frodo and Sam would make the long journey again. Perhaps he would visit them in the Shire. He was hopeful that he would want to in the near future.  Maybe they would come for next year’s wedding.  He was hopeful on that matter but nevertheless, he made certain to give each a very fond farewell.

“Do not forget to write!” said Pippin. “Do not hesitate to summon me to your services. Merry and I will be back soon.”

“You are all invited to the wedding,” replied Faramir. I will let you know as soon as the details are set.”

“I look forward to another royal party,” replied Pippin with a grin.

“I will cook coneys and think of you,” said Sam as Faramir guided him into a hug. Sam’s face was red again but he was glad for Faramir’s hug. He would miss him very much as Faramir had become his favorite big person aside from Strider. His down to earth ways and wisdom was second to no other Big Person he had ever met. 

“I also know that you’re quite the gardener, and will ask you for advice on how we can make Ithilien beautiful again. Lady Eowyn and I would love a garden in our own new home. Be sure to share your advice, Samwise,” said Faramir.

“Indeed I will! It would be my pleasure,” said Sam.

“We can meet in Rohan too when I serve King Eomer. Lady Eowyn did give me a nice horn for which I am grateful,” said Merry.

“Yes, that is a very nice parting gift.Our Lady always does well with gift giving. Use it well. Thank you for helping me in the Houses of Healing, Merry,” said Faramir with a wink. “Things would not have been the same without you there.”

Merry smiled, “Of course things would not have been the same. I think I need credit for bringing you and the Lady together. I know what both of you need.  A slight mention in the wedding is all I need.”

Faramir laughed, “Now is that so? I will mention that in our wedding that we had a hobbit match-maker and make sure you have due mention.”

Merry grinned at the thought. He had indeed used his time wisely while he recovered from the battle. He was very glad that Eoywn and Faramir found love and could heal each other. He would be sure to keep correspondence with each of them.  And he did hope to attend Faramir’s wedding. He wanted to travel everywhere to see his friends outside the Shire now.

“Frodo, do take care of yourself,”Faramir faced the quiet hobbit. 

“Yes, you do too. I will write,” Frodo felt tears in his eyes. He had always felt an affinity to Faramir and was grateful for the advice and provisions into Mordor on their last leg of the journey. The time in Gondor had only solidified their friendship.

“I hope you find peace in your country, dear friend,” said Faramir as he embraced the smaller hobbit.  “Please try to think of the good in our world and how you played such a key part to help us maintain that and also rid us of evil forever.”  

“Yes I hope so. We will meet again,” said Frodo with a smile.  “Don’t forget the stars.”

“Indeed, I will look up to them and always think of you,” Faramir replied.  He watched him go wondering how so seemingly small a hobbit could have endured so much.

“We will miss you Steward, but as I promised the King, a knight of Gondor will always come and serve and I will be back,” said Pippin. “ Do take care, Faramir!”

“Yes, I will. Thank you dear hobbits. And yes, I will write the letter to you first, Pippin to come and serve Gondor. Report to us annually.  Be careful in the last legs of the journey. I will come to the Shire with Eowyn and the King at a future date,” said Faramir.

“Go where?” Aragorn also emerged into the conversation.

“To the Shire- I have never been,” said Faramir.

“It is a wondrous, lovely place with more of our hobbits but of course these four are the best of them,” said Aragorn with a smile.

“You are leaving north with the hobbits?” asked Faramir.

“Yes, I am leaving Edoras. I need to bid hello to the Ents that Gandalf keeps mentioning. They are keeping Saruman in Orthanc and we will see what to do with him. I hope that we will protect the Ents too under my Kingship.”

“Will you return to Edoras?”

“No, I do not believe so. I will directly go back to Gondor if there are no other matters to attend to. How are you feeling?”

“I am feeling fine, thank you King,” Faramir bowed down and then looked up with sincere gratitude in his heart. He was reluctant at first to talk to Aragorn about the nightmares he was having but over the past two months, he saw that he could open up without fear of judgment. The King was not like his father and he found some similarities with himself. If it wasn’t for Aragorn, he did not know how he would battle the Black Breath. For this he would always be grateful.

“Thank you for your help the past two months,” said Faramir quietly. “I am grateful for your care.”

“There is no need for thanks, only to continue what you’ve been doing– which is being a strong ally and friend to me,” replied Aragorn. “Rest well in Edoras, plan with Eowyn and then we will see each other again soon at the end of the year.  You deserve this rest.”

Faramir bowed to the King and felt no words to say but felt like Aragorn was more than his liege-lord and gave him a hug which the King returned. He would miss Aragorn till he saw him again.

“Thank you, my King, for all that you have done for me,” Faramir said gratefully.

“Stay well, Steward. Remember to always seek my help if you need it. I will see you back in Gondor. Take all the time you need in Edoras,” replied Aragorn.

Faramir bowed again and felt appreciative of his new King and vowed to always also help Aragorn whenever he needed.

Gandalf also said his farewell to the Steward, “Be well dear lad and never forget the wisdom that you inherently have. Till we meet again…I know you will fare well since I’ve seen that potential ever since you were a wee lad,” said Gandalf with a wink.

Faramir laughed, “Are you sure it was not Boromir you were fond of more? I may have been too curious about Numenorean and Elvish lore, being the curious person I am. I hope that you will travel to Gondor again. Do you think you will?”

“My travels are not certain but as I have told you that my time in Middle-earth may be drawing to an end. I will travel to Rivendell and Eriador and we will see when I will travel south again. Again, be well in Edoras and I wish you well with Lady Eowyn.”

Faramir bowed low and then also embraced the wizard. 

Legolas and Gimli went forward to the Glittering Caves as was promised by Legolas to Gimli while the rest of the company went further North.

Faramir stood next to Eowyn hand in hand as they saw the company go forth from Edoras galloping at a leisurely pace away from the city.

.............

Faramir was standing on a precipice. Dark clouds gathered above. A dark wave was descending, and it threatened to engulf the whole city. He could only observe from afar and do nothing. He felt sorrowful that he could not warn the city’s inhabitants.

There was a white ship that bore the lucky ones forth from the catastrophe that was about to happen. A small dark-haired hobbit was upon the boat and he looked sorrowful and guilty. Oh but why did he look so anguished and in pain?

The cool water became rain that drenched even those that were lucky to leave. Can we pull the curtains and see the sunshine?

Faramir woke up with a start. Sweat was on his brow and it was the middle of the night. He had this dream twice in consecutive nights and gasped at the authenticity of it. It did not feel like a dark dream but instead seemed to be a portent of things to come. He realized that he was alone in the guest quarters in Edoras. He could not sleep anymore and stood up. He started to pace. Fortunately there was no headache, only slight anxiety which he knew how to deal with.

He wondered why he obtained that dream. Was it a portent like the one about the Halfling’s bane? Did he dream of Frodo passing into the West? He stayed up the rest of the night since he was fearful that he could fall into a dark dream.

“Did you sleep last night? You look a bit pale, nephew.”

Imrahil had stayed in Edoras to bond further with his future related kingdom which would be akin soon. King Eomer had insisted that any of Faramir’s relatives stay so that he could get to know them better.  King Eomer had met Imrahil’s family at Aragorn’s wedding and felt obligated to get to know his future brother-in -law's uncle a bit better.

Faramir felt embarrassed to be asked this during breakfast in front of King Eomer and Eowyn. He was not in the best appetite, and he felt only connected to the coffee that was served. Eowyn immediately looked at him with concern and grasped his hand.

“No, I am fine, surely. Please, let’s continue the meal and plan the wedding,” replied Faramir with composure and gave his uncle a look to indicate that he would like to be asked at a later time.

After breakfast, Eowyn led Faramir alone and talked to him about different things from the time and place of the wedding to where they would live.  They spoke about the place in which it will be held. Eowyn and Eomer thought Rohan in the following year would be suitable. Faramir thought it was a good idea too. He liked the environment of Rohan and though Gondor would have been repaired by the following year, he would acquiesce to the wishes of his bride. Eowyn just smiled at him as he stated details of when he would come to prepare if necessary. And it was at this moment, they decided that the wedding would be in late May to June of 3020.

Finally she changed the topic and asked, “Did you have a dream last night? You look quite weary, and you were not yourself during breakfast..”

“I’ve had better nights,” said Faramir with a sigh. “I dreamt…dreamt of water again. It seemed like a portent, but I really hope not. It was the second night with the same dream.”

“Is it from the Black Breath?” asked Eowyn in fear. She wrapped Faramir in a hug. “Can you tell me details?”

“No, I do not believe so. I become more anxious if it recurs. I do not think it is that serious.”

“You have to be truthful- I did not stay behind to have untruths, Faramir,” Imrhahil suddenly came from nowhere. “Does it make you fearful? Is there a dark element?”

“Uncle, I assure you that I am well. I would surely tell you otherwise. My dream was not from the Black Breath,” Faramir insisted. If the dream recurred again, he would share but he did not think it was alarming.

Imrahil and Eowyn exchanged glances but wordlessly came to a conclusion that they would keep an eye on Faramir that night. Faramir then changed the topic entirely, and they could not persuade him to speak more about it.

Instead, he continued to talk about the wedding details. Faramir could not be more excited about the wedding next year. However, he felt like there was something missing and he felt sorrowful that so little kin was left to celebrate the biggest event of his life. Would his family be happy for him? Is it right that he is this eager to move on? Was he ready for these celebrations?

That night, Faramir could not sleep because he was thinking about honor, remembrance, and his family. He went outside and looked up at the stars like how Frodo and he had done and the stars seem to be twinkling more brightly in Edoras than in Gondor. He then remembered old lore from the First Age of Middle-earth and the names of the ancient stars and they were Wilwarin, Telumendil, Soronume, Anarrima, Menelmacar. He was in awe that all of them were so brightly shown tonight.

“Are you alright, my Lord?” Eowyn appeared beside him and held tightly onto his cold hand. “Please be truthful to me.”

“Yes, I am always alright besides you,” Faramir looked at Eowyn’s blue eyes and he could not help but lose himself in them and feel content that his future wife could hold him in such high esteem. But still he sighed. He held onto Eowyn’s hand in one hand and tenderly brushed her cheek with his other hand. 

He looked up to the sky and said, “How brightly the constellations from the old tales shine tonight, Eowyn! Frodo told me the stars… the stars could hold our loved …ones.  And I believe… they are …looking down.” Tears had gathered involuntarily in his eyes. Was he ready for the next steps in life? How can he truly be ready? 

Eowyn brought Faramir’s face close next to hers and Faramir could see that she had tears too. “Frodo is right. They do look down upon us and are always there for us. My uncle, cousin, parents… I feel them daily in my heart. We are never alone, my beloved. We will always, always remember them.  Remember the tale of Earendil? He goes on through us remembering his star.”

Faramir kissed Eowyn’s forehead tenderly. “Yes, we will remember them fondly. And I do not believe we are alone, either.” He clasped both Eowyn’s hands gently, their heads meeting to remember together.

“I hope they will be happy for us,” whispered Faramir into Eowyn’s ears. His eyes were filled with tears. How he wished he had more friends and family to be there for him in the events that would change his life.

“They will be– we will do something in the ceremony to remember them. Even before if need be,” replied Eowyn. She knew exactly how Faramir felt with the losses endured, and she needed more time before next year’s celebration too. It was a turning point in her life and she also was moving to another part of Middle-earth. Change was good, but she did not want to feel overwhelmed. It was a good plan to wait till next year.

They stood looking at the stars and identified each of Arda’s stars to represent each of the dead that they still honored so lovingly in their hearts.

TBC