All Work and No Play (or The Thrum of Tookish Bowstrings, Part 2)
(formerly known as Farry and Ferdi Go to Gondor)

At age 16, Faramir Took aims to follow his father’s footsteps on the Quest to learn more about his family history
as well as Hobbits’ involvement in the Outlands during the War of the Ring.

Prologue

From Just Desserts, Chapter 33. All Work and No Play

~ In the Houses of Healing, New Annuminas, Arnor (the Northern Kingdom), S.R. 1446, about six weeks before Midyear's Day ~

‘I was almost forgetting what I meant to say,’ Ferdi said, turning to the King. ‘You told me the Steward would be wakening soon, and that I should send for Pippin, and so I did; but he looks as deeply asleep as ever he was...’

‘He will waken soon,’ Elessar said, and as if in answer there was a groan from the bed, and the masked man moved to the bedside.

‘Ah, Haldoron,’ he said. ‘What foolishness have you done now?’

‘A great foolishness,’ Haldoron muttered, forcing one eye open and peering up over his shoulder at his brother. ‘As you so kindly informed the King in your letters to him while he was still in the Southlands.’

‘Someone had to make you see reason,’ Halbadhor said, ‘and if you wouldn’t heed my warning, whom would you heed?’

‘I have been blinded by grief,’ Haldoron said. ‘Anger, and despair... Not fit...’

‘...and that is why I’m here,’ Halbadhor said. ‘Come to bear my share of the burden. I’ve been hunting and fishing long enough, and it is time to take up the sword once more.’

‘Battle?’ Haldoron said, confused.

‘In a manner of speaking,’ Halbadhor said, and the King chuckled.

‘It is a battle, of sorts,’ he said. ‘You’re stale, old friend, and worn down, and...’

‘In need of a holiday?’ Pippin said helpfully from the doorway.

‘Ah, the Thain has arrived,’ Elessar said.

‘A holiday...?’ Haldoron said, forcing himself up with his hands and rolling to a seated position. He shook his head to clear it of the lingering effects of the draught, and winced at the pain of his back, though it was healing in a remarkable manner thanks to the application of athelas. ‘What sort of nonsense...?’

‘My cousin is famed for his nonsense,’ Ferdi said lightly, ‘though in this case I’d agree. When he’s been too long indoors, listening to complaints, and I notice that he’s stopped listening, I put a stop to things.’

‘He does,’ Pippin said ruefully. ‘Sometimes I wonder just who is in charge of things...’

‘It helps,’ Ferdi said in a lofty tone, ‘that he is the younger cousin.’

‘Helps very much indeed,’ Elessar agreed, and turned once more to Haldoron. ‘Your brother has agreed to take your place while you are elsewhere occupied...’

‘Elsewhere,’ Haldoron interrupted. ‘I’m not sure I like the sound...’

‘The Prince of the Halflings,’ Elessar began, and the other two men snorted, for having guarded the Shire and the Breeland for the better part of their lives, they knew how the Shire-folk themselves would have reacted to such an epithet, ‘has made a request of the King, that...’

‘Are you to set me to guarding the Bounds of the Shire?’ Haldoron said. ‘Is that to be the consequences of my failing to listen to the advice of hobbits?’

‘I had considered the notion,’ Elessar said with a thoughtful air. ‘However, Peregrin’s request came as I was considering, and I am of a mind to grant his petition.’

‘His petition,’ Haldoron said, when the King stopped.

‘He wishes to send his son to the Southlands, to Gondor, for a time of learning,’ Elessar said. ‘As you know, young Faramir Took would be seen as a prize by renegade Men seeking the Thain’s gold. His escort must be carefully chosen.’

Ferdibrand barely suppressed himself from rolling his eyes. Carefully chosen, aye, and for more reasons than one. Headstrong, the lad was, for starters.

‘I’ll be sending Ferdibrand along, of course,’ Pippin said with a nod for his cousin (and ignoring Ferdi’s hastily concealed shock), ‘but I was discussing the need for an experienced Captain to lead the escort, one somewhat familiar with hobbits, but also well-versed with travel in the Wilderlands.’

Ferdi definitely did not like the sounds of this. Nor did Haldoron. It seemed that the two were in complete agreement on this matter, at least, from the glance that they exchanged before Haldoron spoke.

‘Wilderlands?’ he said.

‘My son would like to retrace the journey of the Nine,’ Pippin said. ‘Insofar as it is possible, of course.’ He sighed. ‘I would love to accompany him myself, but am much encumbered by matters of business at present.’

‘Retrace...’ Ferdi said.

‘Yes, Ferdi,’ Pippin said briskly. ‘Isn’t this a stroke of luck? Here you were just saying the other day that you wished you’d seen even half the wonders I’d told you of, and...’

‘Wishing and wanting are two different matters entirely, cousin,’ Ferdi began, but Pippin laughed and spoke over his protest.

‘Well here is your chance!’ he said gaily. ‘The King has offered to provide a seasoned escort for the journey, and...’

The rest of his speech was lost on Ferdibrand, and Haldoron, who had locked glances once more. It seemed they were going on a journey together, whether they wanted to, or no.

***