Battle Cries

Faramir took one last look upon his homestead before leaving for Minas Tirith. It seemed that Eowyn was not the only one who seeked advice with the King of Gondor. He went swiftly and by back roads. He did not want to be seen by Eowyn or anyone at the moment. For the sake of Valor, he could have harmed his own wife. He did not understand himself lately. He knew Aragorn could not understand what he couldn't, but Faramir decided that counsel would be sufficient.

Faramir stood on the steps of the castle before Minas Tirith and took in a deep breath of the morning air. His eyes of deep gray were weary as he had fought off sleep throughout the night. He had not slept or hardly eaten in days. Somehow he could not seem to stomach any substance much of late.
He shuffled his feet into the Great Hall and stopped abruptly.

"Legolas," he started. "This is a surprise indeed."

Legolas stood before Faramir dressed in blue leggings and tunic. His braided blond hair looked perfect and his face as fair as ever. He patted Faramir's shoulder as Faramir did the same to him.

"It is good to see you again, Faramir," Legolas said with a smile.

"Where is Aragorn?" Faramir wondered.

"He is away on business," Legolas answered. "What brings you to Minas Tirith?"

"I had some business to speak of with the King," Faramir said. "But, it can wait."

"I'm glad," Legolas said, putting his hand on Faramir's back. "Come."

Legolas folded his hands behind his back as he and Faramir continued along. Faramir's eyes were still distant as Legolas noticed this at once.

"What ails you, mellonamin?" Legolas pondered.

The two halted as they reached a balcony overlooking a glorious garden. It was some of Queen Arwen's handy work. The colors were so bright and pure that they almost were stinging to the eyes.

"Legolas, have you ever dreamt a dream so often that you could not come to accepting it to pass?" Faramir inquired fruitfully.

"In Mirkwood, no dreams of which you speak are heard of," Legolas replied.

Faramir nodded slightly. Legolas's crystal eyes looked upon him with grave concern.

"Have you spoken with anyone? To Lady Eowyn?" asked Legolas.

"I've tried...God I've tried. I can't," Faramir confessed.

"All of this, it will burn you up inside," Legolas noted. "You cannot just stay in seclusion."

"And what can I do?" Faramir stepped closer to Legolas. "I nearly harmed Eowyn."

He turned and took two steps back. Faramir turned his palms downward onto the rails.

Legolas was relentless. "You cannot faulter and be selfish now, Faramir. For Eowyn's sake, you cannot."

Faramir faced Legolas again and raised an eyebrow.

"What do you speak of?" Faramir asked sternly.

Legolas sighed. "You do not know? You can not tell from the look in her eyes and the tone of her voice?"

"What?" Faramir questioned.

Legolas paused a moment and answered with assertiveness. "She is with child."

"My God...." Faramir said. "How could I have been so blind?"

"Do not blame yourself," Legolas answered.

"Why would she not tell me this?" Faramir asked.

"Perhaps you are not the only one now with secrets," Legolas replied.

Suddenly, a young man around fourteen ran into the courtyards below. Faramir glanced down at him.

"My young Rydan, what troubles you?" Faramir called to him.

"My Lord Faramir, you must come at once!" he beckoned. "It is the Lady Eowyn."