Faramir Fiction Archive

The Prize (NC-17)

Written by Sairalinde and Anorienbean

29 July 2006 | 48931 words

Chapter 3

Faramir was unsure how long he'd slept, and as he woke warmly ensconced in a bed, he turned from his back onto his side. When he did, he saw his new master sitting in a chair beside the bed. That surprised him. He was also again surprised how beautiful Haldir was. He expected him to be dark and foreboding. The golden beauty before him did not fit well at all with the picture he had formed in his mind of the Elf based on what he’d been led to believe. Faramir suddenly realized maybe that was how Haldir was so effective at putting fear into others, alluringly beautiful yet merciless. However, Haldir had brought him here to a bed to rest, and he chose to take a chair rather than crawling into the bed with Faramir and taking what was his right from his ‘prize’. Perhaps he wanted his slave to be conscious for the act? With an almost sickening feeling of wicked madness, Faramir thought for a moment that he wouldn’t mind it so much. Haldir was beautiful…if he was at least somewhat tolerable, then might Faramir actually be comfortable here? Strangely, Haldir had brought him to a bed and apparently had put a soothing salve on the rope burns around his neck and wrists. None of his other 'masters' had treated him with that much kindness.

He shifted on the bed slightly, causing it to creak, and he watched as Haldir's eyes came into focus upon him. Suddenly his fear coiled through him again. What if the Elf was angry? What he if thought Faramir was weak? So many thoughts raced through his mind that he flinched and scooted back against the wall behind him and stared wide-eyed at the Elf. Before he could stop himself, an apology was on his lips. "I'm sorry to be so much trouble, master. You should take your bed, I can sleep in the floor," his voice was rough, and his throat ached now that he'd spoken. He trembled slightly and cursed himself for it, and then pushed the many blankets from over him and scooted back to the edge of the bed before Haldir could move.

Haldir was amazed at the play of emotions he could see in the young man’s eyes before he scrambled across the bed and began shaking once again. And it didn’t escape him that he’d been called ‘master’ for the second time in less than two days. “You’re not sleeping on the floor,” he said, forcing himself not to lean forward and frighten his companion any further. “And there’s no reason to be sorry. You’ve done nothing wrong. Please…just relax and talk to me for a moment. Let’s get this all straightened out, and see what’s wrong with you. You sound as if you’re getting sick.” //Thanks to that fool Feanor, no doubt.//

Faramir stared at Haldir for a moment wondering if he truly was being kind or if it were some sort of test. “I… I am fine," Faramir whispered looking down. "You… you are not pleased with me, are you? You… do not want me, do you?" he asked, wondering if perhaps the other Elves were mistaken about Haldir's tastes. Maybe he wasn't attracted to males or… at least not Men, or maybe not him. For some reason that thought bothered Faramir, and he looked up at Haldir, who was looking at him oddly.

Haldir’s mouth dropped open for a moment and he moved forward almost unconsciously to sit on the edge of the bed. “I am not pleased with Feanor or his troops, for the way they took you and the way they treated you,” he said after a moment. “But I do think you are incredibly lovely, and I cannot deny that I would love to get to know you better. You are not, however, my slave, and I am not your master. I was hoping we could start out as…friends. It’s not that I don’t want you…intimately…it’s just that…I hate seeing you so afraid when there is no reason to be.”

Faramir jumped slightly when Haldir moved to sit beside him but then Haldir's words sank in. //Friends? He's treating me as an equal?// "But… I was brought here because my father insulted you, he sent me to prevent a war between Lórien and Gondor. I… am afraid I don't understand. You… you want to be friends?" he asked, the word ‘friends’ feeling almost foreign on his tongue.

“Yes,” Haldir smiled, resisting the urge to take the man’s hand in his own. “Friends. Feanor was wrong to take you. I do not know what kind of insult your father made toward me, but taking a prisoner is not the way I prefer to handle it. Knowing Feanor, he was trying to get in my good graces by taking you, but he had no right. Please accept my apologies for his actions and know that he will be punished.”

As he spoke, Haldir reached behind him to the small nightstand and produced a tray piled with food and warm tea that he’d gathered while Faramir slept. “You must be hungry. Please…don’t be afraid. Eat your fill, my friend. This is all for you.”

"I'm not a prisoner," Faramir said softly. "There is no reason to apologize, really, Feanor only did what countless others have. You are not the first I have been gifted to in such a manner," Faramir explained, and then his words trailed off as Haldir turned and produced a tray covered with more food than he'd had in ages. Even at home his father didn't allow him much in the way of meals. "I… that is… I haven't seen this much food in years," the words spilled from his lips before he could stop himself. It wasn't exactly true, he'd seen it at the dinner table the few times the last few years he'd been allowed to dine with his father and brother, but none of it was ever for him.

Haldir’s face flushed as his anger turned from Feanor to the young man’s father. “Your…your father ‘gives’ you to others?” he repeated softly, not even realizing he was still holding the tray, instead of giving it to Faramir. “I…I was going to see if you wanted me to escort you back to your home, but…I just…Gods. I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. But…you are not my prisoner, and you are under my protection, so I can promise you that no one will touch you against your will. And you shall have all the food and drink you wish, if that helps any. Here…” Gently settling the tray over Faramir’s legs, Haldir realized his hands were shaking and quickly drew them back. “Let’s start with you telling me your name…though I cannot promise that I won’t slip and call you pen velui now and then, for you truly are beautiful.”

Faramir stared at Haldir for a moment when he said he would escort him back home. His mind seemed to tune out anything else only hearing the words escort you back to your home and sending him into a panic. "Please… I'll do anything you ask of me, Haldir… anything if you don't send me back. I will do anything you wish, any task, and if… if you decide you wish to take me, I will not need to be bound… well… unless that is your pleasure, then I will not mind. I just… wish not to return home," Faramir said softly in a rush of words, hardly realizing in his sudden fear of being sent back that Haldir had set the tray in his lap. He looked up quickly and stared at Haldir, who was looking at him, equally as surprised, and then it dawned on him that Haldir’s words had not been what he thought they were at first. Embarrassed for overreacting, he looked down at the tray. "Faramir… my name is Faramir… " he whispered. Others had called him beautiful before, but no one had ever made him FEEL beautiful until Haldir said the words.

Seeing how upset Faramir was, Haldir reached out one hand and rested it over the young man’s arm, squeezing gently. “Faramir…please. I would never send you back against your will, and I certainly would never bind you…I…Gods, what have you been through? No… wait. You don’t have to answer that. For now, just relax and eat your fill. You will not be expected to do any tasks, and though I think I would love to spend many, many hours exploring your body, I would not even consider doing so until you would wish for it, as well.”

Feeling the heat of Haldir's hand against his arm somehow seemed to calm Faramir, and he looked up at the Elf, realizing how foolish he had been. He flushed and looked down. "I'm sorry… I am not used to my… used to… being spoken to like this. Normally… the others they… well… thank you for your generosity. As soon as I'm feeling strong enough from the trek here, though, I will go and won't be any more trouble to you than I already have been." He picked up the cup of tea that was still warm and drank slowly, feeling it ease his sore throat. He wondered if Haldir would wish some sort of payment for his food and shelter? He said that he would love to explore his body, and he was far kinder so far than any had been to him in the past. He found that he certainly didn't mind the idea of being with Haldir in that manner.

“There is no need to thank me,” Haldir said softly, as his hand moved to carefully brush a lock of hair behind Faramir’s ear before he even realized what he was doing. “And you aren’t any trouble. Please…don’t even think of leaving until you feel that you are ready. You are more than welcome to share my talan with me for as long as you like. In fact…” Tilting his head back to smile at Faramir as he slowly moved his hand back to rest on the bed beside him. “In fact, I would love for you to stay here. I have few friends and rarely have anyone to talk to except my brothers, so the longer you stay, the happier I will be. But you are free to leave whenever you wish, and I promise, you will never again be bound within these borders.”

Faramir found himself smiling despite himself as Haldir brushed his hair back. No one had ever touched him so tenderly, aside from Boromir, though it never stirred in him the same feeling as he'd experienced when Haldir did it. "Stay? I… in truth, I have nowhere else to go… but I will not impose on your generosity for too long," he whispered softly. When Haldir promised he'd never again be bound within Lórien a part of him rejoiced in that, though a more wicked part of him thought yet again he wouldn't mind - if Haldir were the one to do so. He nearly blushed from that thought and dropped his eyes back to the food. Slowly he began to eat his fill, which wasn't all that much since he was not accustomed to eating very much to begin with, and he'd gone without for so many days. His eyes were heavy, though, and he stifled a yawn. "Are you certain you do not wish to have your bed back?"

“I am quite certain.” Haldir smiled, feeling unaccountably happy that Faramir no longer wished to leave just yet. //Gods, I could just stare at him for hours…though I would love to run my fingers over his skin as well. And my lips…I bet no one has ever kissed every inch of his body before…// Shaking his head at himself, he could see that his young friend was getting tired again. “If you are finished eating, please, feel free to crawl back under the covers and rest, mellonamin (my friend). You have no need of worrying about anything at all. I will make sure of that.”

Faramir smiled as Haldir spoke and handed the tray back to him. "Thank you," he whispered and lay down, sliding under the covers. Haldir was still on the edge of the bed, and he reached out tentatively to touch his hand. "You are not at all as I was led to believe," he whispered before continuing, "I was led to believe you were cruel and cold, brutal, in fact… yet the reality is so much different." Then he remembered how powerful Haldir was when he fought with Feanor. "Or perhaps you are only taking pity on me that others wouldn't recognize in you… at any rate, I am grateful." His eyes were slipping closed of their own accord, but he fought it for as long as he could, unable to take his eyes from Haldir. The Elf was truly more beautiful than anyone he had ever seen.

Haldir curled his fingers around Faramir’s and smiled. “I let myself be cruel and cold with my troops,” he admitted softly. “But that is only because I see no place for friendship when the safety of our homes and our land, not to mention our Lord and Lady, are concerned.” His free hand moved to brush Faramir’s hair back from his forehead again, and he found he couldn’t quite bring himself to look away from the sleepy young man who’d obviously suffered much pain and unhappiness in his short lifetime. “Let’s just let this side of me stay between us, shall we?”

Faramir smiled conspiratorially at Haldir and nodded once. "They won't know of your kindness from me unless you wish it," he whispered softly. His eyes finally sank closed, and he began to drift to sleep. His body still ached from his ordeal, but now at least he was warm, fed, and comfortable. It seemed strange that the one person he had feared the most on his way here turned out to be the one person he felt the safest with. He would take what friendship and time here Haldir offered, and then one day move on so that Haldir could be left in peace. He was certain that he didn't wish to have Faramir there forever, just at least until he was well enough to make it on his own. Haldir was honorable… more so than he could have ever imagined. He'd admitted his attraction, but not acted on it… Faramir had never experienced that, and if Haldir hadn't admitted it, he truly would have thought he did absolutely nothing for the Elf. At least his own attraction, or perhaps hero worship at this point, wasn't one sided. He liked that idea… of finally having someone who looked at him as something other than a plaything or a prize. He fell asleep with a slight smile on his face despite his raw throat and aching body.

Haldir watched as Faramir drifted off to sleep, wondering about the smile on his face even as he began to snore softly. “You are incredibly beautiful,” he repeated, “I only wish I could erase all the pain you’ve been through and know how to make you smile every moment of every day, for you are even more breathtaking when you’re happy.” With a soft sigh, he brought their still entwined hands up to his lips and pressed a kiss to Faramir’s fingertips. When he finished, he gently tucked his new friend’s hand underneath the covers and settled back into the chair, determined to keep watch over him for as long as he had the pleasure of the Man’s company.

Faramir felt as if his skin were on fire, yet he was freezing at the same time. He realized as he woke that his teeth were chattering even as sweat beaded on his forehead. He rolled on the bed, pushing the covers down and letting the cooler air of the room wash over his flushed skin. He shivered again and moaned. His body ached, and he couldn't decide which was worse - the feeling of being cold or hot. He felt a cool hand press against his forehead, and he leaned into the touch slightly, though he didn't open his eyes. It was as if his very bones had turned to ice, yet his skin burned like the fires of Mordor and he shifted restlessly on the bed. "Boromir," he murmured, "hurts." It was all he could think of to describe how he felt, but he knew his brother would make him feel better. He always did.

Haldir woke as soon as Faramir started mumbling in his sleep. Quickly moving closer, he brushed his hand over the sweat-soaked forehead and tried to soothe him. He could feel the heat radiating from Faramir and knew at once, that on top of everything else the young man had been through, he was now sick and feverish. As the word ‘Boromir’ was murmured more than once, he couldn’t help but wonder if this was Faramir’s lover or someone he at least wished to return to, even though he’d said he had no place to go. Despite himself, he felt a twinge of jealousy, even though he knew he had no right.

After a moment, Haldir left only long enough to soak a washcloth in cool water and gently bathe Faramir’s face. “I know it hurts,” he said softly. “I wish I could take your pain away, dear one…or at least make it more bearable.”

Faramir sighed when a cool cloth was pressed against his forehead, and his eyes opened slightly, seeing not his brother but Haldir leaning over him with a worried look in his bright blue eyes. "You've pretty eyes," Faramir murmured. He was so feverish he couldn't seem to think straight and didn't even consider not saying such a thing to Haldir. If he'd been well, he would never have spoken, at least not in such a childish manner. Haldir did have very beautiful eyes, though.

Haldir laughed softly and continued moving the cloth over Faramir’s face, then down on to his neck, which was also wet with sweat. The salve he’d applied earlier to the rope burns had soothed them a bit, but the sweat was undoubtedly doing more harm than good, despite the ointment. “You have pretty eyes as well,” Haldir said softly. “That was the first thing I noticed about you, in fact. You also have a lovely smile. I hope you will let me see it more often.”

Faramir smiled despite how bad he felt, Haldir's touch was so soothing, and his softly spoken words easily drew a smile from him. He hissed slightly when the cloth rubbed against his neck where his skin was still raw from the rope but he quickly bit his lip when Haldir's hand stilled. "Just… a little sore," he whispered. His voice he realized was very rough, and his throat ached more than it had earlier. "Sorry you are having to take care of me… really some prize. If you hadn't turned out to be so kind I don't know what would have become of me."

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Haldir whispered, drawing his hand away and shaking his head. “Seldom do I get a chance to take care of anyone, and you, my friend, look like you are going to need some looking after for a while. I think your…journey weakened you. I’m sorry for what Feanor put you through, but I must say, I am happy to have you here. I didn’t realize how lonely I was until I looked over at you while you were sleeping and thought how nice it would be to simply sit at home and talk to someone.” Wetting the cloth again, he resumed bathing Faramir’s face, careful this time not to touch the raw areas of his neck, which he would treat again later with the salve.

Faramir smiled slightly as Haldir continued to take care of him. No one had ever cared for him like this except Boromir; even as a child it was always his brother. "Despite how I got here, I'm glad I am here now. I wish my brother Boromir could know that I'm safe, though… he worries about me," he whispered softly to keep from straining his throat. Haldir's touch was soothing, and even though he felt like an entire company of orcs had marched over him, it didn't seem quite so bad. He shivered and pulled the covers up. The cool water on his face was helping to even out his body temperature. "I hope you don't catch this."

“I won’t,” Haldir assured him, smiling to himself when Faramir said that Boromir was his brother. //Maybe he isn’t in love with anyone then…// “Elves rarely get sick unless they are wounded or fading, so don’t worry about me. I have some herbs I can seep into a cup of tea that will help, and as soon as you feel up to writing your brother a note, I will have one of my brothers deliver it to him personally, if you would like. Is there anything else I can do to make you feel better? I feel it is all my fault you are sick in the first place.”

"I would love to send a message, but Haldir, how can it be your fault I'm sick?" Faramir asked, surprised. "You weren't even there!" He suddenly covered his mouth and coughed and shook his head. "There is no reason for you to feel at fault. How would you know my father would insult you and your men take offense… and how could anyone imagine that my father would give me away like that to placate those he upsets." He smiled sadly after a moment. "In the last three years I have probably helped to keep Gondor from being overrun by one insulted enemy or ally turned enemy. Father… is no diplomat so… he used me to smooth over his mistakes."

Haldir was momentarily speechless as he pictured all manner of men and the Valar-only-knew-who-else being appeased by Faramir for his father’s mistakes. “If Feanor hadn’t thought to get into my good graces by bringing you here…but then again, it…” He had to look away for a moment, unused to showing so much emotion, but he could not keep the pain from his voice as he spoke. “But then again,” he continued, “it got you away from your father, and if nothing else, you are now assured of your safety. The next time you take a lover, it will be someone you choose…not someone who has a grudge against your father.” He hadn’t even realized it, but as he spoke, his hand rested over Faramir’s cheek and his thumb ran gently over damp skin. “You deserve so much happiness, my lovely one. I hope you will find it one day. And I hope I can help you.”

Faramir reached up from under the covers to curl his fingers around Haldir's wrist. "You already are," he whispered. He was starting to feel more comfortable again, and his eyes were getting heavy once more. "I am sorry that I'm such poor company though… I'm already starting to fall asleep again," He found he didn't wish to succumb to sleep, and as he thought of Haldir's words about taking a lover, he wondered if Haldir would ever want him. Or would he think he was unclean after being his father's whore? He swallowed hard at that thought and grimaced from the pain of doing so. Part of him wished to ask Haldir to stay with him, to crawl into the bed with him, but he couldn't seem to bring voice to it. He wasn't shy- any idea of shame had long since left him after all he'd been forced to do - but he suddenly felt unaccountably shy with Haldir and wasn't sure why.

Haldir once again lifted Faramir’s hand to his lips and kissed his fingertips, though this time, he did it while his friend could see him, not while he was asleep. “You aren’t poor company at all,” he said softly. “I’ll brew you some tea. You rest for a while, and then I’ll wake you when it’s ready. After that, I think you’ll rest easier and start to feel better. If you can stand it, I’ll put more salve on the wounds around your neck as well. They look quite painful.”

Enthralled, Faramir watched as Haldir's lips brushed across his fingers, and he felt a different sort of heat than that of his fever surge through him. "That tea sounds wonderful, Haldir… and the salve would be nice, too. My neck does ache… suppose I should have worn a higher collar," he said, smiling to let Haldir know he was only teasing. As Haldir started to move away, Faramir watched how graceful he was. He was powerfully built but lithe and graceful at the same time. "When… when I've had the tea and the salve… would you… would you mind… never mind… it isn't important."

Haldir sat back down at once and shook his head. “It is important if you thought it,” he said softly. “What were you going to ask me?”

Faramir felt his face flush even more than it already was from his fever. "I… I was going… to ask if you'd stay… I mean with me here… if… if you'd hold me?" he asked, feeling like a foolish child for asking.

Biting his lip as Faramir’s face flushed an even deeper shade of red, Haldir was completely entranced at the look in his eyes. “Of course I will,” he whispered. “I would be more than happy to hold you, for as long as you want me to. Please…don’t feel ashamed of asking.” His heart skipped a beat at the very thought of holding Faramir, even though he was sick and only in need of comfort and body heat. He couldn’t help but think that in moments, however, he would get to wrap his arms around his new friend, and that thought alone made him happier than he thought possible. “Give me a few moments, and I’ll be back with the tea, then I will snuggle under the covers with you and get you nice and warm.”

Faramir found his heart warm as Haldir said that he would snuggle under the covers with him. Just the idea that the Elf who was so feared by his wardens would even consider snuggling made Faramir smile. "Thank you," he replied softly as he watched Haldir get up again and leave the room. Faramir couldn't believe how different this was all turning out than he imagined. //How could Feanor possibly believe that Haldir would be so cruel as he described? Even if he isn't 'close' to his men… how could they believe he'd be anything but honorable?// Faramir thought back to the gray-eyed Elf's words about Haldir not even treating enemies that badly, when he gave Faramir water from his own supply. Now that he could believe. He closed his eyes and settled back against his pillow waiting for Haldir as he drifted in and out of sleep.

Haldir returned almost a quarter of an hour later with a cup of herb-seeped tea in one hand and parchment and a feathered quill in the other. Unable to suppress a smile as he saw Faramir asleep, he laid the parchment aside, planning on writing a letter to Faramir’s brother if Faramir himself didn’t feel up to the task when he awoke. He could only imagine how much Boromir missed his little brother and worried about him, especially after seeing him being taken away by Feanor and his comrades. Sliding under the covers, Haldir slid one arm underneath Faramir’s shoulders and smiled down at him. “Wake up, dear one,” he whispered, noticing that the young man was still feverish and shivering. “Drink some tea for me, and then you can sleep as long as you need to.”

Faramir was sleeping, though not soundly, when he felt a body slide into the bed next to his own. He sighed and rolled toward the other body, snuggling close to the warmth. After a moment he realized someone was speaking to him, and he opened his eyes to regard Haldir sleepily. "Haldir?" he asked wearily. His body was still fighting the fever, and he nodded. "Tea… and sleep… both sound good. Promise I'll pay you back soon," he whispered sleepily. His mind was still foggy from sleep and the fever, but he scooted in the bed to sit up and lean against Haldir's chest. "You're warm."

Keeping his arm firmly around Faramir, Haldir chuckled softly. “You’re warm, too, though I know you don’t feel like you are.” He could see a thin sheen of sweat on Faramir’s forehead, yet he continued to shiver and burrow even closer to Haldir’s warmth. As he held the tea to his friend’s lips, he could tell how much effort it was taking him to stay upright. “Please…don’t worry about paying me back. You owe me nothing. Just…promise you won’t tell anyone I’m snuggling, and we’ll call it even, all right?” His voice was teasing, but he was more serious that Faramir knew. He simply couldn’t bear the thoughts of his troops seeing this side of him, fearing that it would make him seem soft and would result in him losing control of those under his command.

Faramir laughed softly. "Won't hear it from me," he whispered. He took a drink of the tea and grimaced as his throat ached at first, but after a few moments he could feel his raw throat relax just a bit from the warm liquid and herbs. He sniffled and without realizing it rested his head against Haldir's shoulder. He was so weak and tired, of course he'd had a cold before, but this was one of the more miserable ones, he was sure. He might not have caught it if Feanor hadn't taken his cloak away from him. "I hate to ask any more of you, but would you do something for me, please?"

“Of course, pen velui,” Haldir smiled, holding the cup steady in Faramir’s shaking hands. “Anything.”

Looking up at Haldir he smiled slightly from the Elvish endearment, still unsure what to make of that. "Feanor took my cloak away from me before we even got outside the gates at home… he said I was little more than property and that I didn't deserve such a grand cloak, but it was a gift from my brother. It was to keep me warm because it has been so cold lately… he put it in his saddlebag, and I don't know what has become of it. It is all I own now that my clothes were destroyed and… I would like it back, if that's possible."

Biting his tongue to keep from lashing out at Feanor, Haldir schooled his features and rubbed his hand gently over the small of Faramir’s back. “I will see that it is returned to you,” he promised. “When you write to your brother, if you would like him to send you any of your belongings, please, feel free to ask him. I will have Rúmil deliver the message, and he can bring back whatever you wish. I can always send more Elves with him to carry everything you can think of. I have plenty of room, and you are more than welcome to have your own belongings around you.”

"I… I don't have many belongings," Faramir said softly. "I have a few books that Boromir would sneak into my room and clothing… but that is all. Nothing else that I had before is… is mine any longer. My father… didn't believe that I had need of anything more." He felt uncomfortable discussing that with Haldir and sighed heavily. "Anyway, at least you won't have to worry about me taking up much space before I leave."

Haldir pulled Faramir closer and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “You seem awfully anxious to leave,” he said after a moment. “Though I can understand why, after the way you were treated. I am already dreading seeing you go, though. I have become used to your smile and the light in your eyes, and you’ve been here for such a short time.”

Looking up after feeling Haldir kiss his forehead, Faramir stared at the Elf. "I… I just… I'm sure after a while you will grow tired of me," he whispered. He shifted slightly and took another drink of the tea, feeling it relax him as it slid warmly to his stomach. He wasn't sure why Haldir was being so kind… his troops had described him so differently, and a part of him wondered if he should be wary. No one was ever kind to him without a motive… he did say he found him attractive. Maybe he just wanted to make Faramir comfortable? Some of those his father had given him to had, in fact, been kind, a few even gentle… maybe that's what this was about? And since he was sick… well, no one wants to do that with someone who's sniffling, right?

Haldir let one finger rest just under the tip of Faramir’s chin and gently tilted his face up until their gazes met. “I’ll not grow tired of you,” he said firmly. “You are free to leave, but I really, really hope you will stay, even after you have recovered. You will have all the food you could want, and I have plenty of books to keep you occupied. All you will need to worry about is which book you want to read next.”

Faramir smiled sadly as he looked into Haldir's eyes and shook his head. "I should do more than that if I stay… Haldir. I can't just pretend to be a guest here," he said softly. A part of him wondered if he could, but he knew that everything had a price. Even if Haldir claimed to not want to be repaid, he was sure that would change if he stayed for too long.

“You don’t have to pretend,” Haldir sighed as he saw the look of sadness cloud the blue eyes before him. “You are my guest, and I promise you, there is nothing you need to do. If you would like something to keep you occupied, tell me what interests you and we can figure something out, but you are not my slave, nor my housekeeper, nor my cook. You are simply my very handsome, very welcomed friend who is staying with me for an indeterminate amount of time.” //The longer the better, lovely one. I hope you’ll at least give me a chance to show you how different your life here can be.//

Faramir just smiled and leaned his head against Haldir's shoulder. "Thank you," he said softly, still unsure if things would actually turn out the way Haldir spoke of. He snuggled closer despite his misgivings and sighed. He thought about the fact that Haldir had called him lovely and handsome in the past day. He wondered at that, at what it meant. Would he one day want him the way Feanor intended when he brought him here? Faramir thought that he probably wouldn't mind it so much if Haldir were always this kind. He could be comfortable here, and safe. Safe. He hadn't felt that with anyone except his brother, but even Boromir couldn't protect him from their father. Perhaps here he would finally, truly, be allowed to just live?

Smiling as Faramir moved closer, Haldir rested his cheek on top of his companion’s head and closed his eyes for a moment. “One more sip of tea and you can sleep,” he said softly, urging the small cup back to Faramir’s lips one final time. “I’ll put everything away, then climb back into bed and hold you for as long as you like.” //And tell Rúmil to take over the patrols for a few days.// His eyes opened quickly, and he was shocked at himself for that thought. Never had he missed a patrol in all his life, yet he couldn’t bear to think of Faramir here, alone and sick, shivering and lonely in his bed.

Faramir sighed and obediently drank the tea and then found himself disappointed when Haldir got out of the bed. He snuggled into the warmth left behind by the powerful Elf and watched him as he moved across the room. He was sleepy, but found yet again that he couldn't stop watching the Elf. He seemed to care and seemed kind even when he'd been told so much that seemed so different. Faramir was too tired to continue to think on it all, though, and simply waited for Haldir to return. When he did, Faramir offered a small smile and scooted over in the bed to allow Haldir to get in. "Thank you for doing this… I… I know you didn't have to humor me, and I appreciate it."

Haldir lifted his tunic over his head but left his breeches on, not wanting to give Faramir the wrong idea. He slid underneath the covers and opened his arms to the still feverish young man and wished that he wouldn’t think so little of himself that he believed snuggling in bed with him was a chore. It was far from it, in Haldir’s opinion, but he knew that merely saying the words wouldn’t convince him, not today, at any rate. Still smiling from the look of amazement on Rúmil’s face when Haldir had called out to him and told him he would not patrol today, he felt relaxed and content as Faramir moved closer. “I’m not humoring you,” he said softly. “I am a snuggler, and I am finally getting the chance to indulge in my secret favorite pastime, so I think it must be you who is humoring me.”

When Haldir returned and pulled his tunic off, Faramir found himself unable to look away. Haldir was absolutely perfect, his shoulders were broad, tapering to a slim waist, and his muscles rippled as he moved to toss the tunic aside. Faramir half expected him to remove his breeches, but all he removed were his boots before he slid into bed next to him. When Haldir spoke of his secret pastime Faramir snuggled closer. "Well, then, I'm glad to be a bit of self indulgence, then," he said with a small smile that was ruined with a yawn.

Wrapping both arms around Faramir and offering all the body heat he could, Haldir pressed another kiss to the Man’s forehead and let both hands run lightly over still damp skin. He found that he liked the feeling of simply holding Faramir and hoped with all his heart that if only for the time being, he felt safe and protected and knew that Haldir would let no harm come to him. “Good night, dear one,” he said softly. “I hope you feel better when you wake.”

"Good night, Haldir," Faramir whispered as he snuggled closer. His eyes sank closed and a soft sigh escaped. He still felt achy and feverish, but with Haldir's arms around him, moving over his skin gently, he felt infinitely more relaxed. Faramir hoped that once he felt better that things would make more sense to him, because at the moment he felt off kilter. He wasn't accustomed to being treated this way, and he wondered if it would change over the next few days.

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

Enjoyed this story? Then be sure to let the author know by posting a comment at https://www.faramirfiction.com/fiction/the-prize. Positive feedback is what keeps authors writing more stories!