Faramir Fiction Archive

The Healer (NC-17)

Written by Lilith

30 March 2004 | 11127 words

Chapter 10

Shortly after their meal they heard voices at the far entrance of the cavern. "Mablung," said Faramir, as he hurried to dress himself. The king's clothes were still soaked, so he wrapped himself in the blankets as the men arrived.

"Lord Faramir, thank Eru we found you!" Mablung said, leading Damron and Anborn into the shelter. They bowed their heads as one when they saw Aragorn sitting on the cot. "Sire," Mablung said.

"The king has been injured," Faramir quickly explained. "He fell into the ravine and has hurt his ankle. He cannot walk."

"But how did you get him into Henneth Annûn, sir? That's a rough passage from the ravine."

"I carried him," Faramir explained simply.

The three men started. A smile started to break across Mablung's face. "Well, how about that? Begging your pardon, sire, but there's none better to save you than Lord Faramir. That's what we always say, and I guess you've found that's true as well."

"Aye, I have," the king replied, matching the ranger's casual tone. "If ever I plan to fall down another cliff, I'll be sure to bring him along."

Faramir blushed as the other men laughed.

---

They fashioned a stretcher using the cot, and the four men were able to easily carry it back to camp. There they were greeted by the other rangers, who had to hear all about how their captain had saved the king. And then they had to hear it again. By the time the travelers retired to Faramir's quarters, midnight was long past.

They arose early the next morning. Anborn had prepared a supply cart to take the king back to the healers in Minas Tirith. Faramir rode alongside, happy that the king slept peacefully for most of the journey home.

---

Faramir saw the queen looking down from the citadel as they entered the city. He recognized the look of pain and confusion on her face – he knew it was the same look on his face when he had seen Aragorn lying still in the ravine. He loathed to leave his love now, to sacrifice their last moments together, but then remembered his duty. He was really the steward now, not just in name only. Grasping Aragorn's hand, he said, "The queen is waiting. I will ride and bring her news."

Aragorn squeezed his hand tightly. "Thank you, Faramir."

Faramir raced his steed up the winding paths of the city. At the citadel gates, Arwen rushed toward him as he dismounted. "Lord Faramir, what has happened?"

Faramir bowed his head. "My lady, the king is well. He fell and has injured his ankle. He cannot walk, but he is fine."

The queen sighed with visible relief. "Eru Ilúvatar be praised," she whispered. Then, looking at the captain sideways she smilingly asked, "And you saved him, did you not?"

Faramir coloured slightly. "I found him, yes," he answered.

Arwen beamed broadly now. "Then I am most grateful to you, Lord Faramir. Now will you do me another favour by telling the healers to prepare for the king?"

"As you wish, my lady." Faramir bowed and hurried to the Houses of Healing.

---

Faramir paced anxiously outside the Houses of Healing. The king had been there for some time, but they would not allow visitors other than the queen. He wanted to return to Ithilien with Anborn before nightfall. There was much unfinished business to attend to if he wanted to return by Ringarë, as the king had proposed, and Faramir had a busy month ahead. But he could not leave without seeing the king.

Finally Ioreth opened the door. "You can come in now, Lord Faramir. Usually you cannot wait to be leaving us, and Eru knows the trouble that's caused, but you're just as anxious to get in today. Well, I say the king needs rest, but he's asking to see you, and of course the king will have his way...."

The wise woman's words were lost as Faramir rushed to the king's room. Arwen gave him a smile as he entered, and then she withdrew. They were alone.

"My lord, how are you?" He caught the king's hand in his and brought it to his lips.

Aragorn smiled. "I am well, my love, very well. You have saved me again – I owe my life to you."

"No, sire, it is I who owe you everything. And I intend to repay you when I return. But now, I fear that Anborn is ready to ride." He looked longingly into the king's eyes. "Is there nothing I can do before I leave the city?"

A mischievous smile crossed the king's face, but upon hearing voices outside the room he only sighed. "No, my dear love, I am afraid that what I want will have to wait until your return." He pulled the younger man's head down so he could kiss him, a long, luxurious kiss, their mouths mingling together.

Finally Faramir broke the embrace. "I will return as soon as I can. Look for me in Ringarë."

"In Ringarë," the king repeated.

Faramir walked to the door. Turning back he locked the king's grey eyes in his own. "I love you," he whispered.

"And I love you, my steward" the king answered.

Faramir turned and left the room.

---

Anborn had his horse ready when Faramir walked outside. He was about to mount when he heard the queen call from across the pavilion, "Lord Faramir?"

He turned back to see her moving toward him. He rushed toward her, "My lady? Is anything wrong?"

"I wanted to thank you again for watching over the king."

"My lady, I will always watch over the king," Faramir murmured bashfully.

"I know you will, that is why I am happy when he is with you."

Startled, Faramir looked up at her. Her elven eyes twinkled as she continued, "Yes, Lord Faramir, I am always happy when Estel is by your side. I know he is safe. And now I have even more reason to trust him with you. Do you know why?"

"No, my lady."

"The Warden just examined Estel's ankle. He said it is healing nicely for a break that is several weeks old."

A puzzled look clouded Faramir's face. "But how can that be? He fell just yesterday?"

"Apparently you are not as well versed in ancient lore as I was given to believe," Arwen teased. "Do you not remember that Númenó rean blood carries extraordinary healing powers? Do you not remember that the hands of the king are the hands of a healer? You too are of that noble line."

"But I did not do anything!"

"I cannot say with certainty how the race of man perceives it, but the elves believe that love is itself the greatest healing power. By giving Estel your love, perhaps you became his healer."

"But how –" Faramir stopped and blushed as he realized what she meant.

"Yes," Arwen says, her wise eyes glinting in the midday sun, "that's how."

Faramir felt that he had to speak freely. "My lady, I never meant to come between you and the king."

"No, Lord Faramir, you could never do that," Arwen smiled. "There is no such thing as between. He needs us both equally, and is incomplete without us. He cannot choose one over the other, and if he ever did the one left would suffer as much as the one that was forfeit."

Faramir blinked, not sure how to respond to the queen's words.

She continued in a playful voice, "I'll tell you a secret. Sometimes I think of Estel as a bumblebee, and we are two flowers who both have part of what he needs."

Faramir smiled at that, and she returned his smile warmly. "And I hear that you will return to us for good very soon, Lord Faramir. I am very glad of that. The king can use your help."

"I will do all I can to serve you both, my lady."

Arwen embraced him warmly; then he turned, slightly dazed, toward Anborn and his waiting steed. The queen watched as he rode through the citadel gates. And in the Houses of Healing, the king watched his steward grow smaller and smaller as he rode into the distance.

THE END

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