Faramir Fiction Archive

And so, it begins... (Letter #1) (G)

02 December 2008 | 1184 words

Title: And so, it begins… (Letter #1)
Rating: G
Fandom: LOTR
Character: Haldir, Faramir, Rúmil, Orophin
Beta: The smoochable and ever so talented minxkat.
Author’s Notes:
1. Written for 10_letters Prompt: Beginnings
2. No money was made from this. All characters belong to JRR Tolkien and his estate.
3. SUMMARY: Haldir explains why he’s not ready to leave Gondor just yet.
4. Totally AU – follows neither bookverse nor movieverse.

My Dearest Rúmil and Orophin,

I have been here in Gondor for the passing of an entire season. I have come to agreements with the Gondorian councils, signed the necessary treaties, and negotiated the numerous deals Lord Celeborn wished me to negotiate. Contracts have been signed, promises made, seals affixed to parchment, all just as requested.

In theory, I should be returning home within a fortnight.

However (and isn’t there always a, ‘however’?), I find that a matter of a personal nature is overriding my desire to return home.

I miss you both, I miss my talan, and I know I will miss the yule ball (please give my apologies to Orin, for I had asked him to be my date, but I think he only accepted because Lindir had not asked him yet. Please ask Lindir to do so quickly – you know he wants to!)

The reason for my delayed departure is, of all things, a Man. (No, Oro, not one I want to kill either! There are many of those in Gondor, but this Man is not among them). He is the steward’s son, and his name is Faramir.

When I return to Lothlorien, you will either see me as a bonded Elf (for I want more than to just sleep with him, something I have never wanted with anyone before, as you well know) or, if he will not return my feelings, as a brokenhearted one.

Even with all the work done, I feel my time has been wasted in this city, for until a few days ago, Faramir was absent, and Gondor lacked color and sound and beauty and even taste, as least to my Elven senses.

Had Faramir been here in Gondor when I arrived, I daresay the time would not have felt so empty and I would know how he feels by now, but he was on patrol (he is a Ranger) until a week ago. I happened to be on the balcony of my room when he returned and, oh brothers, he looked so majestic as he passed through the city gates!

Never before have I had any difficulty approaching someone I desired, as you well know, but when he is around, I feel almost… what is the word? Shy? Awkward? Ridiculous, I know, but I cannot seem to help myself. I have watched him, managed a few quick “hellos”, once even handed him a book he could not reach from the top shelf in the library; but I could never seem to progress much further, nor could I detect any interest – or lack of interest – on his part. He was friendly, and perhaps his eyes sparkled a bit when he looked at me, but that may have only been the sunlight.

I would have returned home as scheduled and written off my infatuation to mere foolishness, if I had not been granted a little hope last night.

It was then that I had reason to hope my fascination with Faramir might, to some degree, be returned.

Lord Denethor held a farewell party for my delegation (I think he tires of our company, especially since he thought we would leave several days ago, the poor man!). The music was lovely for a change, and since I did not see Faramir, I danced with Maridin all night. It never occurred to me how a Man would see Maridin – while you and I see him as a dear old friend, (Gods, and I do mean old – he must be, what, several thousand years old by now – far too old for me!!) to Men, I suppose, he looks as young as we do. Part of the problem also might have been that the combs kept falling from my hair and he had to adjust them more than once. I suppose it looked rather… intimate to anyone watching, but of course, I had no idea anyone was watching.

It was only when the festivities were over that I saw Faramir sitting outside on the balcony railing. I gathered my courage, took a deep breath and said everything I had been wanting to say since the day I first saw him – that I had admired him from the day he had arrived back in Minas Tirith, so proud and strong as he led his Men back home, that I found him as lovely as any Elf, that I felt like I knew him and could see that he was kind and intelligent and strong and then I asked him to join me for the evening meal tonight.

Of all the reactions I expected, his anger was not one of them!

He turned me down at once, said that had always believed firstborn were loyal and faithful and good but I had just proven him wrong, and that I had such nerve asking him such a thing, when my mate was just inside the next room!

Well, it took me a moment to catch up, and by the time I realized he was talking about Maridin, he was stalking down the hallway and back toward the main rooms. I realized that his anger was not a bad thing – for obviously he had been watching me dance with Maridin. When I said as much, his lovely face flushed and he stepped inside the library… then slammed the door in my face!

As so, my dear brothers, it begins.

I love the fire in his eyes when he looked at me, I love that he watched me dancing, and I love that he did not – and apparently will not – let me get away with anything as most Men do when they are confronted with an Elf.

I must have him. He is beautiful and intriguing and strong and lovely and yes… I think have finally fallen in love.

What a terrible, wonderful, terrifying feeling! Especially since he has avoided me all day!

So, I will return home when he either throws me out of his city or realizes that we are destined to be together. It may take some time (obviously), but I will keep you appraised of my progress… or lack thereof. As you can see by the hand that delivered this letter (and please thank Maridin again for me), I have sent my small delegation home to be with their loved ones while I try to win my loved one’s heart – and hand.

I end this letter hoping to see you soon… and introduce you to this handsome, proud – and jealous – man I have fallen so hard for.

All my love to you both,

Haldir

On to Letter #2

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