Battle Cries

"I'm glad you could meet with me," Eowyn said as she sat beside Aragorn. She rested in her seat uneasily.

"Of course," he replied. "Anything for a friend."

And, they really had become good friends over the time they've known each other. Though Eowyn had once had feelings of being more to Aragorn, they had diminished to their great friendship. Eowyn pushed her auburn hair behind her right shoulder and perked herself upright.

"What troubles you, Eowyn?" Aragorn asked.

"I wish to ask something of you," she said timidly. "There's something I need to know."

Aragorn stroked his dark, finely combed beard with his forefingers. "Of course, what is it?"

"Remember when you told me you were there when Boromir.....when he died," Eowyn started.

"Yes," he answered.

"Well, I need to know what happened...the whole story," Eowyn added.

Aragorn sighed and folded his hands in his lap. "Is Faramir still having those night terrors?"

"Yes, and I don't know how to help him. Maybe if I knew what happened, I could," Eowyn finished.

Her eyes widened with the lust for knowledge. Aragorn engulfed the top of her small hand with his.

"Eowyn, it is not in my power to tell you this." he told.

She sighed. "I knew you would say this."

Aragorn sort of laughed.

"Eowyn, how long have we known each other?" he asked.

"Ages," she replied.

"And in all that time, how many times have I been as predictable as this?" he inquired.

"Many times, Aragorn," she answered.

"Then, if that is the case, everytime you ask for my advice you already know the answer," he said.

She tried not to smile as she playfully slapped Aragorn on the shoulder.

"So, what is your advice?" she asked clearing her throat.

"Faramir will tell you when he is ready, and not before then," Aragorn said. "Just be patient, my friend."

A small child with dark hair and the beauty of an elf ran into the room. Aragorn picked up the boy, threw him gently into the air, and kissed him on the nose. Eowyn smiled at the sight of Aragorn and his son, but still she longed for her and her husband's own happiness. She patted the boy's head and hugged her dear friend before exiting the room.