Battle Cries

Faramir was both worried and confused, not that he wasn't already. He rode one of Gondor's fastest horses like the wind. He didn't know what had happened or what to expect when he reached home. He just knew that his heart was about to burst from his chest.

When Faramir arrived in the mid-afternoon, he was lead to Eowyn's room and met by her brother, Eomer. Eomer halted Faramir as his chocolate eyes were in as much dismay as Faramir's.

"Eomer, tell me what has happened," Faramir said, peeking through the door.

"She was out riding early last morning," replied Eomer. "The horse went mad as it seemed and threw her off."

Faramir snapped to attention.

"The baby?!" Faramir asked concerningly. "What of the child?"

Eomer lowered his head. "The horse stepped by her side, but we can only hope for the best."

Faramir left Eomer and rushed to his wife's side. Faramir's eyes welled with tears as he peered at his almost battered bride. She lay perfectly still almost in a death-like state. Her fair hair covered the pillow and encircled her face. He traced his hand over hers, which seemed so small to him. He touched her porcelain face, which seemed so fragile to him now.

Faramir knelt beside Eowyn and lifted the side of her gown slightly to reveal her wound. From Eowyn's left side to mid-stomach was all black and blue. Faramir's heart sank as he brushed his fingertips over Eowyn's eyes, lips, and cheeks.

Then, she stirred and opened her olive colored eyes. "Faramir."

"Eowyn," he said kissing her hand. A tear ran down his face as he lowered his head.

"Do not look from me, my love," Eowyn said, raising his chin with her slender fingers.

"I'm sorry, my wife," Faramir whispered under his breath. "I should have been with you."

"It could not of been helped either way. Do not blame yourself," she acknowledged.

"Thank the Valor for the others and Eomer," Faramir noted.

"Yes, I daresay he has hardly left my side," she said in almost a laugh.

Faramir placed his hand over Eowyn's stomach and caressed it softly and carefully.

"So, now you know," Eowyn said, surprised.

"What did you not tell me?" Faramir asked.

Eowyn paused. "Why do you not tell me of anything?"

"I had the right to know," Faramir assured.

"And do I not have the right to own the key to my husband's heart?" she asked in a firm voice.

Faramir lowered his voice. "Some things are better left unsaid."

"And some things are not," she contradicted.

She winced at a slight pain.

"Enough," Faramir pleaded. "You should rest."

"I will not rest when my husband will not," she turned her face from his.

Faramir sighed heavily as his tired eyes could hardly fight sleep anymore. He leaned over Eowyn's lap and rested his head. She turned back and twirled her fingers in his straggly curls. Soon, sleep found her as well.