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The Coldest Winter (R) Print

Written by Geale

09 January 2009 | 77501 words

Rating: M/R
Genre: General/Romance
Pairing: Aragorn & Faramir
The story: This is a sequel to Of Pain and Sweetness and is to be read as one, or this won’t make much sense. Aragorn and Faramir are struggling with their relationship as winter brings both snow and unexpected events.
Warnings: Angst and slash! (Lovely combination.) If this is not to your liking, please leave! There are lots of other stories to read out there.
Disclaimer: Tolkien invented them, they’re his — I just thought they’d make a great couple.

Enjoy!

Archivist’s note: There’s now a sequel: Tale Telling.


Chapter 1 – Snowing

Minas Tirith, III 3019

Snow was falling heavily on Minas Tirith. Cold winds blew in from the north, passed over Mirkwood, sped through the lands of Rohan, and wrapped Gondor in a bitter embrace. Streams and lakes froze and night settled quickly. Every blanket and rug was looked for and produced from chests, attics, lofts and cellars. Children were kept indoors along with the elders and the sick. Even the horses grew cold in their stables and needed constant supervision. When they had absolutely no reason to venture outdoors, people stayed inside to huddle, close together, in front of the hearth fires. It was, by far, the coldest winter anyone in the White City could remember.


In his office, Aragorn was seated behind his desk. A fire was crackling cheerfully in the fireplace to his left, but even with it, the King had drawn a woollen blanket around himself to keep out the chill. Normally, his desk would be covered with letters, maps and documents of every kind, but the weather prevented most messengers from extensive travelling.

In a way, one could say we are isolated

A white city, lost in the white snow.

It was, however, still important to make sure that the people of Gondor did not suffer. That was why Aragorn had ordered a somewhat large number of his men to ride out, despite the aggressive winter, and report back to him anything of importance. Those were the only kind of messages he received now. They were not many and he knew them by heart, but still he eyed them again: a small bridge had given up underneath the weight of the snow and several trees had fallen in Ithilien, due to the winds.

Thankfully, no word of spreading illness had reached him yet. Since the cold had come upon them swiftly and taken them by surprise, Aragorn feared that the Gondorians were not at all prepared. Autumn had been beautiful, with clear blue skies and gentle sunlight. It had seemed like it would last forever, but then, suddenly and brutally, winter had arrived without warning.

Everything would be seen to in due time, Aragorn comforted himself. His men had orders to immediately repair any houses or bridges that could not stand against the wind, and the trees would be dealt with when the weather was kinder to cheeks, hands and feet. In the meantime, he could only concentrate on affairs regarding his city, and he could only hope that Éomer and his people fared well in Rohan.


Hurried steps in the hallway claimed Aragorn’s attention and he looked up as the door opened and a dripping, snow-covered Steward stepped inside the office. Faramir raised a gauntleted hand and brushed his hair out of his eyes. He was breathing heavily and looked completely drenched. Water was slowly forming little pools and puddles on the stone floor underneath him, and the firelight eagerly mirrored itself in them.

Faramir quickly shed his long cloak, hung it over a chair and placed his gloves on top. Then he pulled his arrangement closer to the fire. He inspected his boots but apparently found nothing wrong with them and so, he raised his head to meet the King’s gaze.

“It. Is. Freezing. Outside,” the Steward informed him with a shudder. “It is completely impossible to see anything because of the snow, the streets are icy and hideously slippery, and when you finally imagine that you are in no risk of slipping, some wind attacks you and topple you over!” he finished and threw his arms out in a gesture of frustration.

“And the people?”

“They seem fine. We repaired a couple of windows and made sure the stables are warm enough for the horses, but all in all, everything is under control,” said Faramir.

“But you are cold, soaked and hungry,” Aragorn surmised.

The Steward really was an endearing sight where he now was standing, too far away from the fire to get warm, trying hard to be effective and so, sacrificing his own comfort.

Faramir shifted slightly. “I sent the men away to their homes or rooms, and I came here directly to report to you, my lord.”

“And so you are here: cold, soaked and hungry?” Aragorn ascertained, and felt a small smile tug at his lips.

“Well,” began Faramir, but he was silenced by Aragorn who raised a hand. His Steward could most likely be well on his way to freeze to death before he chose to admit it.

“Come here,” he beckoned and watched as Faramir made his short way to the desk, rounded it and stopped in front of him.

Aragorn inspected the man’s features. He was still so young and he was so eager to please, very anxious to be of service and to prove his worth. Denethor had not been a kind father to him. Aragorn sighed. Then he lifted his hand again and as Faramir bowed, he let his fingers brush against the damp forehead. Water ran in small trails from the masses of copper hair and made their way down Faramir’s throat and neck.

“I have missed you today, I am glad you have come back,” Aragorn said softly.

“I confess I am pleased to be indoors again,” admitted Faramir.

Outside it grew darker every second, and soon the black of night would surround the whole City. It was hard to know precisely what time it was but from the growl that escaped Faramir’s stomach, Aragorn decided it was dinnertime.

“We should find you something to eat,” he smiled, letting his fingertips travel down to the unshaven cheek of the Steward. “But first, I think…” he trailed off as Faramir stepped nearer and bowed his head even lower.

“You think..?” Faramir spoke in a very low voice.

Aragorn raised his other hand and placed it on the other cheek. Water, transforming into steam, rose silently from Faramir’s cloak and boots, and drifted lazily around the room. The firelight gleamed in his Steward’s hair and tinted it with a golden hue. Aragorn could feel the other man’s breath wafting over him, and his heart swelled with joy at the closeness. It was never easy, but it was beautiful.

Aragorn slowly pulled him closer, and closer, until their mouths touched in a careful meeting. For all the water, Faramir’s lips were warm and soft. The King held him like this, with a hand on either cheek, as he let his tongue slip out and caress the lips so tenderly pressed against his own. He felt Faramir’s hands work their way into his own hair, and then the younger man sank to his knees and Aragorn became the one who must bend down. Faramir kissed him back, opened the King’s mouth with his own tongue, leaning in and asking for more. Aragorn shivered as a pleasure long denied announced its presence.

‘Perhaps I can do this,’ he thought dizzily. Courage grew within him as Faramir claimed his lower lip and sucked on it demandingly.

He knows me, he will not judge…

Faramir now tugged gingerly at his hair, pulling Aragorn towards him, evidently wanting to deepen the kiss. The King of Men plunged his tongue into the open mouth and felt every intelligent line of thought flee his mind.

I can… do…

When the two men broke apart, Aragorn felt like he was floating in the air, much like the snow outside. Faramir was gazing up at him with burning eyes and such a rare smile on his face that Aragorn was almost taken aback. He cleared his throat.

“We should get you out of those clothes.”

Faramir raised an eyebrow, but kept on smiling. “If you insist, my liege.”

“I mean, you should change and then we will have dinner,” said Aragorn and felt his courage waver as reality crept upon him again. “Will you assist me?”

He saw Faramir’s stunning smile slowly fade as he rose and helped his King to stand. Aragorn felt wobbly as he took a few steps and he leaned on Faramir for support. The Steward willingly gave it and he escorted Aragorn towards the door. He stopped, though, when they were only a couple of feet away.

“Aragorn,” he said, “for how long will you fight this?” He turned and looked straight into Aragorn’s eyes.

The King felt as if he was hit by a club. “I… Faramir,” he began but having no idea what to say next, he fell silent.

“Remember that night, Aragorn, when you fell? You asked me to stay and I will, but I will not deny – no, that is not what we are doing — I cannot accept — this. Kisses, maybe some quick embrace, but nothing more, and I know we both want more.”

With that, he reached out and opened the door. Aragorn found he could not speak, and when he, a short while later, was seated behind the table and awaiting dinner, he still had no words to offer. Not that it mattered, since he seemed to be dining alone.

NB: Please do not distribute (by any means, including email) or repost this story (including translations) without the author's prior permission. [ more ]

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51 Comment(s)

OMG—all I can say is WOW

— Liv    Saturday 19 July 2008, 14:29    #

Started to read a chapter or two and read eight chapters! I love the variety of emotions they experience as the story progresses.

— trixie    Wednesday 23 July 2008, 5:13    #

Thank you for reading and liking! Makes me very, very happy!

— Geale    Wednesday 23 July 2008, 8:48    #

Love the turn this story has taken: very different from the usual and yet very credible within the context you have created for the two of them!

— Ebbingnight    Wednesday 13 August 2008, 21:44    #

Still reading and enjoying. Absolutely love the interaction between the two of them!
I do believe poor Faramir thinks more than I do ;)

— trixie    Thursday 14 August 2008, 17:55    #

Thank you, thank you!
Hehe, yes, our dear Faramir certainly has an active mind. The story continues… I don’t seem to have the heart to end it, so please, do continue reading! :)

— Geale    Thursday 14 August 2008, 19:40    #

I so often see this pairing portrayed in a way that makes it seem like they are in a relationship because it is convenient. That or Aragorn tolerates Faramir’s adoration.
It makes me so happy to read a story where they are so clearly in love!

— trixie    Thursday 28 August 2008, 15:30    #

OMG! JERK! how do you just go whacking the king i hope faramir kicks deren’s ass next chapter coz we all know that he’s the one who did it.

magos    Friday 12 September 2008, 18:10    #

Haha! Instead of writing another chapter, I should just send you over to Minas Tirith to straigthen things out! ;)

— Geale    Friday 12 September 2008, 18:28    #

This is fantastic! It’s been quite a while since I hit a ‘TBC’ and actually groaned aloud. :P You’ve got a real talent – thank you so much!

— Lasselanta    Tuesday 21 October 2008, 5:29    #

Gods, thank YOU! I don’t know exactly what made you groan, but it must have been the lo-ve-ly Deren! ;) Have faith, all of you – there will be a new chapter arriving, hopefully this week. This season is alway hectic so I don’t have that much time on my hands right now. Thank you for your patience!

— Geale    Tuesday 21 October 2008, 20:03    #

Oh I love this story. I want to take Deren out myself. I hope Faramir gives it to him when he finds out he’s the one. These two need some happy time. I cant wait for more.

— Kelly    Thursday 23 October 2008, 19:38    #

Ugh! I almost yelled out loud when I realized this chapter ended here! I cant wait to find out what happens next!

— Kelly    Monday 27 October 2008, 14:15    #

evil! that is an evil ending! man! totally dyin to know what happens here.

ange    Monday 27 October 2008, 21:11    #

Cliffie? What cliffie? Who, me? NEVER! :D Imagine instead how horrible it would have been if the whole story had ended here and now… Oh, I am so happy to see you engage in this! We have holidays over here this week so I’ll probably do some writing sooner than later this time around. Keep those yells coming ;) I DO love you all!
//the author who is feeling just a tad bit evil tonight

— Geale    Tuesday 28 October 2008, 0:08    #

Oh this vile little man! I’d like to teach him a lesson. I hope he gets his. Poor Faramir. I just knew he was going to be in trouble in the next chapter. Awesome work. Can’t wait for more as always.

— Kelly    Monday 10 November 2008, 23:19    #

Ouch! That was low. Deren doesn’t miss a trick, does he? Please don’t let Aragorn be merciful with this one like he was Grima. This is no time to be noble.

Thanks!

— Vanwa Hravani    Friday 14 November 2008, 16:29    #

Aaw, he’s a sweet one, isn’t he? So… what would an appropriate punishment be?

— Geale    Saturday 15 November 2008, 17:35    #

OMG! Poor Faramir – this one truly makes my stomach hurt. Awesome job! I feel so bad for these two. I hope the Valar grants them some happiness soon and some swift, and hopefully painful, punishment to that horrible creature.

— Kelly    Monday 17 November 2008, 18:10    #

Keep writing! I keep loving it.

— Vanwa Hravani    Sunday 23 November 2008, 3:59    #

Excellent! Truly Excellent! That was well worth the wait. Thank you.

— Kelly    Thursday 11 December 2008, 18:03    #

exhaaaaaaales Thank you! (I actually said that out loud a couple of times.) I was honestly quite nervous when posting this chapter since I don’t want to disappoint you and yet… well, I’ve given all of my reasons above. Hah! I feel much more at ease now! resumes breathing

— Geale    Thursday 11 December 2008, 18:56    #

Ilove the way you describe those two, it’s a lovely variation of the more usual fare. Although I got used to the concept of mpreg in fantasy [however could THAT happen? ;-)] I prefer your way, especially in this case. I’m always happy to discover a new chapter. Thanks for sharing!

— Minkicat    Saturday 13 December 2008, 0:37    #

Thank you, thank you! I’m falling more and more in love with this story as I go along and I will be sad to see it end. I’m insanely happy that, so far, you all seem to approve of my decision regarding Aragorn’s future children. Don’t worry, I have it all worked out. I actually do. Hugs to you all! Oh, and cookies!

— Geale    Monday 15 December 2008, 22:02    #

I’m rather glad you have gone with a more canon solution to their issues. It makes it easier for me to think it really happened that way! ;-)

— trixie    Saturday 20 December 2008, 12:47    #

So even as you let Aragorn be merciful, you won’t let the little bastard off the hook? I admit he deserves a bit more than a smack on the fingers…
Merry Christmas and a very happy and content New Year to you!

— Minkicat    Tuesday 23 December 2008, 17:31    #

Geale, still loving every bit of it. So glad Aragorn finally got the marriage thing sorted out (took him long enough, the brute!). And the healer is, of course, loved. But please, please, please, can’t some Ranger skewer Deren with an arrow somewhere beyond the borders, out of loyalty to Faramir and anger at the pain D caused him? Cause the Rangers are the voice of truth and just vengeance, right? Please? He can float down a melting river with arrows in his back – maybe he tried to sneak back in to Gondor? Please?

Will love whatever you do. Thanks!

— Vanwa Hravani    Saturday 27 December 2008, 12:50    #

Trixie: I do get your point ;)
Minkicat: Same to you! I’ve been debating with myself since forever what to do with Deren… and this was my solution.
Vanwa Hravani: I’m considering… I am. I think that maybe you gave me an idea actually. I do hope all of you will endure a never-ending epilogue! I should try to work it into the last chapter though… OK, I’m rambling. Let me see what I can do for you! And, YES, I took him some time to finally ask the big question! Men… ;)

— Geale    Saturday 27 December 2008, 16:51    #

As Always truly excellent. I will be sad to see this story end as well. I anxiously await each new piece. So glad they are finally together forever. I think some copper locked children would be nice also. However, I think Legolas or Haldir could be persuaded to get our dear Deren between the eyes for his treachery. I’d volunteer to do it myself but I’m sure I’m not nearly as good with a bow. Then let the scavengers have him. Cruel I know but I so hate anyone trying to hurt our Faramir. Poor lad has suffered enough. Thanks so much for this story. I have enjoyed every bit of the ride.

— Kelly    Tuesday 30 December 2008, 21:42    #

I’ve loved reading this fic! you portray the relationship so beautifully! It’s tender and sweet and hot all at the same time:)

— minx    Thursday 1 January 2009, 11:43    #

Oh Geale! That was the most beautiful yet, and that’s saying something. I could feel each touch, and every one was so full of pure love. Lust born of love is such a special beast, and so hard to portray. Yet you did it in spades. Now I’m in love with both of them. Sigh. Your Aragorn is the most gentle and loving and truly admirable I have read. These two both have such strength of character. I’ll be awaiting the epilogue with baited breath – as many parts as you like. Write on lady!

VH

— Vanwa Hravani    Friday 2 January 2009, 18:57    #

You’re all so sweet – thank you!
Kelly: I’ll put you in my next story, if you’ve worked up your skill with a bow by then ;) We shall see what happens in the epilogue…
Minx: I’m glad they’re not only fluffy, but hot as well! That’s always so… very nice, I find ;)
Vanwa: I’m blushing over here. You spoil me! Not saying I don’t like it, though! I’m actually curious about what you will think of the epilogue – which will be in two, long parts. And that’s partially your fault! :D

— Geale    Friday 2 January 2009, 22:07    #

Thank you for including me. I shall practice diligently as to be ready for my challenge. This last part was wonderful. My curiosity is piqued for the epilogue. I can hardly wait.

— Kelly    Monday 5 January 2009, 17:36    #

What I will think about the epilogue? Ah…Sigh. Big long exhale. Love it. Love them. Love your writing. Thank you!

Very happy to see Deren get an arrow in his back, in his gullet, in wherever else he got them. Really like the way Eachann tries to be merciful, yet flashes on Elessar’s ‘unspoken wish,’ how when he finally lets fly, it’s without thought but with the smooth immediacy of both necessity and justifiable honor, targeted by the unseen voice and years of skill. Just as I would picture one of Faramir’s Rangers. What a strong and touching legacy of his command, followed by scenes of his continuing grace as a parent. Also like how Eachann went back the next morning to retrieve his arrows, both covering his tracks and not wasting even good iron on the trash that was Deren. In few words, shows that both the man and what happened to him are unworthy of further notice. The ultimate vengeance. He is only a blip in the past.

The parent sex scenes (early morning, curious children) were oh so well written and so true to life without being either saccharin or unrealistically feral. They speak of deep and abiding love, strengthened, rather than interrupted, by the presence of children. And what to say about the final gifts of naming and of cradling in one another’s arms and Creation? Well, I’ll have to follow Aragorn’s advice here. The words would never do. Know that I’m smiling and content and so enjoyed the journey. Thank you.

— Vanwa Hravani    Friday 9 January 2009, 15:42    #

Phew, I’m glad I did justice to the rangers! Since I’m not very used to writing – any of – them. But I do happen to like Eachann actually, and I figured that he should be the one to… bring matters to an end.

I’m certainly not used to writing family scenes either, but after I had sorted out Eldarion’s character, I just couldn’t stop! (If I’m allowed to say so myself – I love him!)

But, no matter how many children Aragorn concieved, I don’t want his and Faramir’s relationship to change into either a boring one, or a chokingly fluffy one. They are still individuals, and they have their own story – the children, as you say, are adding to it, simply.
And thank YOU for coming all this way with me. New journeys await. Let us see where they take us.

— Geale    Saturday 10 January 2009, 17:05    #

Ooh! That was quite the perfect epilogue. I am glad their relationship endures with the same quiet intesnity. I love how sweet and loving these two remain with each other, and how perfect they are with the kids! I also liked the little bit where Faramir feels for the mother as well. I tink he certainly would be cognizant of her feelings.

Quite a perfect ending, and the sequel is most looked forward to:)

— Minx    Sunday 11 January 2009, 17:01    #

Thank you Minx! Perfect, you say? You won’t hear me complaining… ;)
No, I can’t see Faramir punishing the mother or the kids like that. Ah! He’s so noble it’s endearing!

Now, I am working on a new story, but it’s not a sequel, and has nothing to do with TCW. Primarily because presently I don’t know what a sequel would be like. But who knows, one of these days maybe I will? Thank you again!

— Geale    Monday 12 January 2009, 12:30    #

Absolutely wonderful!!!!!!! Eachann is my hero!! I love that Deren got what was coming to him. And there will be some slightly copper haired children after all. I’m so glad with how everything turned out. I love Mirairael’s name. That was perfect! What a great story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

— Kelly    Monday 12 January 2009, 18:13    #

Oh I forgot to ask before. I was wondering on the pronunciation of Mirairael’s name. I made the assumption that the ai will follow the long I in pronunciation. Is that right? That is a beautiful name. Just wondering for my own amusement. Thank you

— Kelly    Monday 12 January 2009, 20:16    #

Finally got caught up in a timely manner! I have truly enjoyed this tale. It is romantic without being cloyingly sweet. I adore the teasing and banter between the two along with the dry wit.

I have been intrigued by your use of personification and especially liked,’ Her white apron immediately drew the attention of the firelight which excitedly coloured it orange.”

I thought it added a sense of realism that Faramir experienced hurt at Aragorn’s determination that his line must continue. (Doubt if Aragorn would have been thrilled if the situation were reversed either ;-)

Finally, the scene back in chapters 8 and 9 with the under the table seduction was one of the hottest things I have ever read. Wow!

Thank you for sharing!

— trixie    Monday 12 January 2009, 20:39    #

Kelly! Thank you dear! It’s lovely to see so many exclamation marks in a row ;)
I was quite happy with her name too. As for the pronunciation… Well, since I made it up myself (sort of, not stealing the light of glory from Master Tolkien who created the languages) I could not say for certain. Also, I’m far more used to Sindarin than I am to Quenya. However – bear with me now – this is my guess:

‘Mir’ – ‘meer’, as we know already from Faramir’s name.
‘ai’ should be pronounced ‘ai’, as in ‘rye’, which here I would rather see pronounced as ‘a + i’, to tell you the truth, ie as separate vowels.
As for the vowels that are not any of the six diphthongs ( ai, au, eu, iu, oi, ui), I’ve heard that they are to be pronounced separately.
So that should give us: Meer-ai-ra-el?

Anyone who knows this better is welcome to share their knowledge – I have an email address!
I hope I managed to shed some light, though. Perhaps…

— Geale    Monday 12 January 2009, 21:05    #

Trixie, you too have made it to the end! And with some very nice comments as well. I like those!

Yes, I am the person who personifies a lot. But it does make the world so much more interesting! And I highly suspect I will carry on with this winning (?) concept in the future.

And, actually, now that you mention it… I think Aragorn would have been most displeased, had it been Faramir who must take a lover in order to continue his bloodline… That is a very interesting thought indeed!

Ah, the chapters 8 and 9… As a dear reader of mine put it: “The good old under the table action”. I guess that I should include some “on top of the table action” next time ;)

And thank you for reading! For my part, it’s been a pleasure writing!

— Geale    Monday 12 January 2009, 21:23    #

That was kind of what I was thinking. Thank you for the assistance. I think its a cool name. Also I agree wholeheartedly with the under the table seduction scene. I know I read that several times, especially the hallway parts when Aragorn informed Faramir he didnt like to share “anything”. If I had Faramir I wouldn’t share him either.

— Kelly    Monday 12 January 2009, 21:45    #

No, our King doesn’t like sharing… and it now it has served to inspire me further. Give me a couple of days! ;)

— Geale    Tuesday 13 January 2009, 15:22    #

Well now, this sounds intriguing! Since I have some free time this week, I’ll be waiting to see what you come up with ;)

— trixie    Tuesday 13 January 2009, 17:07    #

Oh I just love when you are inspired. Means good reading for me! I’m on the edge of my seat

— Kelly    Tuesday 13 January 2009, 23:17    #

what a wonderful story! i couldn’t stop reading it! PLEASE WRITE MORE!!!

— HugeFan!    Tuesday 22 December 2009, 15:41    #

I think my favorite parts are the perspectives of the elements (the dawn light and the temperature), but I loved the whole story.
The healer was definitely my favorite character, that old dude was awesome.
I’m also very glad Aragorn got his rug, he seemed very happy.

— Anna    Tuesday 17 August 2010, 23:09    #

Thank you! This universe still has a special place in my heart…

Anna, the healer takes his work very seriously ;) And rugs are important! I was pleased that you made the rug connection :)

Thank you for reading!

Geale    Wednesday 18 August 2010, 8:47    #

WOW – a bit tired now after reading for the whole night, but I just couldn’t stop. – WOW

Congratulations on the characters you have written for us readers.
The relationship between Aragorn and Faramir sounds far more convincing than most of the other fanfics have them.
The under the table scene gets full points – not for originality, but for very well written indeed.
The healer is a gem – I’d love to see more interaction with him – perhaps some more stories about the royal family?

BTW I was missing the lecture on positions given to Aragorn and Faramir by the healer…. but one can’t have all, can one ?;-)

Thanks for sharing this great story,

— Kathurien    Thursday 30 September 2010, 1:22    #

Thank you so much! It’s great to hear that you enjoyed it!

I’m afraid the healer’s lectures are closed to the public and I can do very little about that. He’s a stubborn one…

I feel very comfortable in this universe but I will honestly say that I have no ideas for another sequel right now (one already exists – Tale Telling). Although, pretty reviews, such as yours, always make me want to write more :)

Thank you again!

Geale    Wednesday 6 October 2010, 19:19    #

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