Faramir Fiction Archive

Winter's Rest (R)

Written by Monica

09 March 2005 | 25774 words

Chapter Eight

Several weeks later, Gandalf found Faramir in the library after breakfast. He smiled at the sight of the young steward buried in a thick book of maps and filled his pipe while he waited for Faramir to emerge from his concentration. After a minute Faramir finally realized that he was no longer alone in the room and raised his head, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry," he said.

Gandalf waved a hand at the stack of books. "Nonsense, what is there to apologize for? Elrond has a magnificent library; and I've nearly forgotten to emerge for meals sometimes. I do believe he nearly sent out a search party once to find me after I had discovered a particularly fascinating text."

A twinkle appeared in Faramir's light eyes. "So is that where I get it from?" he asked in amusement. "I used to go for walks with a book to read. Boromir always said that one day I would run right into an orc and not realize it. He told me that you nearly ran into a tree while reading during one visit to Minas Tirith."

The wizard huffed a bit. "I have excellent powers of concentration," he countered defensively. "And yes, you have likely inherited that gift." He waved his pipe in a sharp jab. "Run into a tree, indeed!" he muttered. "What a ridiculous notion."

Faramir grinned and joined the wizard by the fire, willingly putting away his books for a time. Gandalf muttered something about boorish warriors with no respect for good books, then got over his mild snit. He looked fondly at the prince. "I hope you don't mind my interrupting."

"You are not interrupting," Faramir assured him. "You know that I am always happy to visit with you." He smiled, and Gandalf knew it was true.

Over the past weeks, they had spent much time together, and found that any unease between them had long since passed. They were comfortable with one another, taking comfort now from the other's presence. They had talked long and settled into their new relationship. Faramir did not blame Gandalf for keeping secret the truth about his birth, and Gandalf had accepted that Faramir understood the need for secrecy. Faramir could even joke with the wizard now a little bit about being half-Istari, and Gandalf was relieved that Farmir bore him no ill will.

Gandalf looked at him fondly, nodding a bit to himself. He was incredibly proud of how Faramir had handled the news of his true parentage, thanking the Valar that they had guided the prince. Faramir was also looking healthier than he had in months, the cough finally subsiding and his shoulder bothering him less. Even Elrond, who hovered over his patient, had admitted that Faramir was on the mend. Ah, and thinking of Elrond…

"Do you have a session with Elrond this afternoon?" he asked. Faramir shook his head

"Not today, but its getting easier to control what I hear," he said, satisfaction evident in his tone.

Gandalf smiled, very satisfied. "It will get easier," he assured him. "It is vastly annoying to be able to hear so many thoughts and you do need to tune them out. And mind you," he warned, waving his pipe again, "Aragorn is well aware of your small abilities. He is likely to ask you to spy on certain councilors during meetings to ascertain what they are truly thinking. You should use this ability for good."

Faramir looked innocently at the wizard. "But surely determining if they are truthful when they go on and on is using such an ability for good," he protested. "And besides, I distinctly recall that most Rangers refuse to play cards or dice with you. They claim you are reading their thoughts."

Gandalf snorted, and quickly changed the subject. "You and Elrond get along well," he said innocently.

"We do," Faramir agreed. His tone was mild, but Gandalf saw the hint of a blush and pounced upon the opportunity.

"You smile whenever his name is mentioned," he said casually. Faramir blushed again, this time a far deeper shade.

"I don't know what you mean," he mumbled, looking at the floor.

"Nonsense," Gandalf said. "I don't mean to intrude, but I can see something in your eyes when he is around." He didn't need to go any further as Faramir sighed and tried to sink back into his chair and escape. "Of course, I may be imagining it," he admitted, his tone casual. "But I am very certain that I am not imaging what I see in his eyes when he looks at you."

"What?" His voice was almost a squeak, and Faramir winced.

"No indeed," Gandalf continued. He was looking at the fire, seemingly intent on the small flames cheerfully warming the room. "Yes, there is most definitely something in his eyes that I have not seen since his wife sailed. He is in love." Gandalf glanced over and saw that Faramir was red-faced and unable to look at him, but he was obviously listening to every word the Istari said. "He is in love," Gandalf repeated in satisfaction, "and I am very happy about this. But even happier that I see the same look in your eyes."

Faramir blushed fiercely, certain that his face was hotter than the fire. Gandalf reached over and lightly patted his knee. "Let's have a talk," the wizard said brightly.

---

That night Elrond sat in the Hall of Fire, contentedly listening to the musicians and the chatter of soft voices. There had been few times in his life when all had felt this well and safe, and he treasured the moment. He had not felt this at ease since Celebrain had sailed. He smiled as he thought of his beloved wife; he missed her still, but he knew they would one day be reunited. And now his heart had opened to another, unexpected, person.

Faramir sat quietly beside him, following one of Glorfindel's stories intently. Something the elf said made Faramir smile, and it lit up his entire face. Elrond took pleasure just from watching the young prince enjoy himself. He thanked the Valar that all was progressing well for the Steward. He and Mithrandir were at ease with each other, spending the days talking and sharing, and his illness was finally on the mend.

There was even reason to think that Faramir returned Elrond's feelings, although the elf was patient and did not press his suit. There was something in the way Faramir looked at him that hinted there was more beneath his quiet exterior. Elrond had long ago admitted that he had lost his heart, but told himself firmly that he had to give Faramir time to cope with all the recent revelations. It was unusual for an elf to not speak their heart, but he contended himself with watching Faramir grow happier each day.

The Elf lord saw Mithrandir looking at them, and raised an eyebrow in question. Gandalf simply smiled and turned back to his pipe and conversation with one of Rivendell's scholars. Elrond sighed inwardly; he suspected that Gandalf knew of his feelings for Faramir, and he was not at all certain how to broach the subject with the wizard.

Gandalf was free for the first time to act very paternal toward Faramir, and he seemed to be making up for lost time. He was discrete when others were around, but when they were alone Gandalf fretted and fussed over the steward. Faramir protested that it was unfair that he now had both the wizard and the elf forcing medicines upon him. He tried to tactfully and respectfully point out that he was not a child, but understood that Gandalf wanted to be a father to him as much as he could, and he indulged the wizard.

Elrond hoped that his love was also showing through to Faramir, and the smiles and glances from the prince encouraged him. Faramir was usually quiet when around Elrond, but Erestor assured Elrond that it was shyness and the advisor insisted that Faramir did love him. Erestor had not forgotten his conversation with Elrond, and was subtly doing his best to bring the stubborn steward and elf lord together.

Faramir was calm on the exterior, but inside he was shaking. He saw Gandalf give him a very pointed look and sighed. He almost moved away from Elrond but stopped, scolding himself for being so nervous. He had promised the wizard to make his feelings known to Elrond this evening, and Gandalf assured him that he had nothing to fear; Elrond would be delighted.

Later, he and Elrond stayed close as they walked outside on one of the balconies for a breath of fresh air. It had become a pleasant habit to visit quietly before Faramir retired for the evening, but Elrond refused to go outside until Faramir had pulled on a long warm cloak. "I'm not cold," Faramir said, but he obediently wrapped the cloak around him. "I've never really felt the cold, except for when I'm ill. It used to make Boromir crazy; he hated the cold and never understood why I didn't."

"Estel does not feel the cold either," Elrond commented. He looked at Faramir with mock sternness. "Do not try to freeze out unwanted councilors by refusing to heat the meeting chambers in Gondor."

Faramir looked intrigued. "That is a very good idea. Where did you get that from?"

"Estel already tried it. Arwen wrote that she has appointed a servant whose sole duty is to now ensure there is adequate heat for council hearings. And she gave Estel a stern lecture on behaving properly."

A peal of laughter came from Faramir. "I wish I was there to see that," he said. "Mithrandir said that he seldom feels the heat or cold either, and that when I am finally recovered from the poison I should be nearly as impervious to the temperature as an elf."

Elrond nodded in agreement. "You likely will be, but you are not fully recovered yet and as such, you must stay warm." He brushed a hand over Faramir's shoulder, subtly drawing the cloak closer around him. Elrond guilty admitted to using any excuse to touch his beloved. Faramir smiled a little at the gesture, glancing down.

"I just wish that I would get better," he said, mildly frustrated. "I received a letter from the king in which he made it perfectly clear that he is putting off doing whatever he possibly can until I return. I feel that I should be there helping him."

"Estel will survive until spring," Elrond said firmly. "And has this not been a time of healing in many ways?"

"It has," Faramir agreed. He stopped and looked up at the stars that seemed to hover just above the trees. "I do not regret a single moment of my time here," he added softly.

"I am glad." Elrond found himself again moving close to Faramir, and once again, the steward seemed to relax against him. There was silence for a time.

"Elrond-"

"Faramir-"

Both started to speak at the same time, then stopped and shared a smile. Elrond inclined his head slightly, indicating that Faramir should speak first.

Faramir looked at him intently, some strong emotion in his eyes. "I want to thank you…for everything," he said softly. He took a deep breath and lifted a hand. It stopped just short of touching Elrond's arm. "I do not regret a moment of my time spent with you," he finally whispered.

Elrond felt the emotion pouring from the prince now, and without thought, he clasped Faramir's hand, pulling it against his chest. "Nor do I," he said. They were standing now with only inches separating their bodies. Elrond saw the hesitation in Faramir's eyes and knew that he was reluctant to speak. It was time for him to admit his own feelings.

"I have been alone for many centuries," the elf said quietly. "I did not know what was lacking until you arrived. You have found healing, and a new father in Rivendell, but I have found someone who entered my heart and captured it utterly. I am very grateful that fate brought you here."

Faramir looked down for a moment, then quickly back up, his eyes shining. "I've never known love before," he said reluctantly. "I kept telling myself that I was feeling some foolish emotion that would go away, but it didn't. It grew stronger, and then after Mithrandir arrived, I grew confused at what I was sensing from others." He shook his head a little, trying to find the words to explain. "I realized that I was feeling emotions, but they were so hard to read. I knew they were from you, but not what they meant."

Elrond smiled. "They meant I had found a very special person. I blocked what I could from you; you needed time with Mithrandir, but my feelings were too strong, and your mind too agile, to escape complete notice." He raised their joined hands and placed a kiss on Faramir's hand. "They meant that I am in love with you."

"And I with you," Faramir whispered. He hesitated, still unsure, and Elrond closed the small distance remaining between them, their lips meeting.

It was a sweeter kiss than Faramir had ever tasted before, and far more passionate. He felt Elrond's hands gently coming around his shoulders and eagerly pressed himself close to the Elf lord. His hands reached up to run through the long silken strands of dark hair and Elrond hugged him tighter.

Suddenly, a door opened down the walkway and several elves emerged, laughing and talking. Though they were some distance away and hidden partially in shadows, Faramir immediately tensed and pulled away. Elrond looked disappointed, but he saw the worried glance Faramir gave the elves, and the blush appear on his face, and it made him smile a little. He took Faramir's hand, and led him inside.

By the time they made their way to Elrond's study, Faramir had regained some of his poise. He looked at Elrond sheepishly as the Elf closed the door behind them. "I'm sorry for reacting like that," he apologized.

"Do not apologize," Elrond replied, putting an arm around Faramir and guiding him to a couch by the small fire. He removed Faramir's cloak and they sat on the couch. "Love between men is new for you?" He saw Faramir's blush and nod, confirming his suspicion. Faramir was shy about many things, and this was a new type of love for him. "I regret that they interrupted us." He kissed Faramir's hand and was rewarded with a huge smile.

They sat beside each other, their hands still clasped. Faramir watched the Elf and shook his head. "How can you love me?" he asked softly, sounding rather amazed.

Elrond raise a dark eyebrow. "How could I not?" he answered. "Your heart is pure and true, and you are beautiful to behold." He ran a finger gently along the neatly trimmed beard. "There are many who wished to court you. I am surprised that you would choose an old Elf as myself."

Faramir matched the raised eyebrow. "Old?" he scoffed. "That is nonsense. But I do wonder…" he hesitated, and continued only when Elrond squeezed his hand encouragingly. "I must return to Gondor in the spring," he whispered, his heart wrenching at the thought.

"I know." Elrond rested his hands on the prince's shoulders, making Faramir look at him. "I cannot foresee what the future holds for us, Faramir. The time of Elves is over in Middle Earth, and someday I will sail with my people. But I ask that you do not let an uncertain future prevent you from loving in the present." He smiled, dark eyes searching Faramir's face for signs that he believed him. "We do not know what amount of time we will have together. Will you accept my love for the time that we do have?"

The Steward smiled and touched a strand of the long hair. "I do accept it," he answered quietly. This time he closed the distance between them and the kiss was even sweeter.

Sometime later Elrond made himself end the kissing but he kept hold of Faramir, both men resting against each other and relaxing. "Mithrandir will be pleased," Faramir finally ventured to say. "He gave me a rather stern talk this morning about admitting my feelings and to stop hiding."

"Ah, I owe him great thanks then," Elrond said, now understanding the look the wizard had given him earlier. "I wondered what had made you speak. And perhaps he gave me some courage as well."

Faramir chuckled a little. "Perhaps," he agreed. His head had come to rest against Elrond's chest, and he almost purred as long slender fingers ran through his hair.

"You should grow your hair longer," Elrond mussed aloud. "The curls are so beautiful. It very unusual for Elves to have curly hair; it makes you stand out."

Faramir blushed. "The curls are a nuisance and it grows so quickly," he grumbled. "I have to cut it every month or risk being mistaken for a girl."

Elrond laughed at the idea. "You are beautiful, but Men would have to have very poor eyesight indeed to mistake you for a female," he assured the prince. "And I would battle anyone who tried to claim you from me."

The steward sighed happily, pleased at Elrond's statement. But it made him think of something and he raised his head.

"Elrond, do you want…I mean, want me…er, I mean tonight…oh, damn," Faramir cursed, thoroughly embarrassed. He had just admitted he was in love, and already he was acting like a fool! Elrond smiled, relishing the feel of the warm body in his arms.

"I do not wish to rush you into anything, and you are still healing."

Faramir muttered something under his breath that even Elven ears could not distinguish. "I am healed; at least enough," he protested, lifting his head.

One dark eyebrow rose in amusement. "Enough for what? Whatever could you mean?" Elrond asked, seeing the color immediately rise in Faramir's cheeks.

"You know what I mean! I may have never…well, never done that with a male… but I know what happens," Faramir stuttered in indignation. He moved to pull away, but Elrond held him carefully.

"Ah, young one, yes, I do know what you mean," Elrond allowed, now feeling a bit guilty at his teasing. "And I dearly desire you, Faramir, but I think you are not ready yet. We have just declared our love; I see no reason to rush in any manner."

The Steward regarded him, his light eyes probing. "Have I not wasted enough time?"

The words sounded like another plea, and Elrond's heart filled with love for this brave Man. "There has been no time wasted," he said, running a finger down the planes of the thin face. He saw the disagreement in Faramir's eyes and some of his resolve melted. "A compromise then," he proposed. "I do not see any reason we cannot sleep together tonight – sleep only," he added sternly.

A light blush spread to Faramir's ears, but he nodded agreement. "I would like that," he whispered.

Elrond placed a kiss on his hair again. "Then will you stay with me tonight?" He could hardly believe that he was asking this already, but his love was strong and Faramir was determined. For months they had longed for each other in their hearts, and now that they had admitted their love, Elrond was reluctant to let the moment pass.

"Yes," Faramir answered firmly.

Elrond stood and held out his hand, which Faramir accepted, and he led them to his bedroom.

Faramir looked about curiously as they entered the chamber. It was smaller than he would have thought, and rather simply furnished. But it reflected its occupant well in the books and healing herbs scattered about the room and it had an air of peace and quiet. He decided it was a perfect retreat for the Elf lord.

Elrond moved about the room gracefully, lighting a few small candles and adding some logs to the fire. Faramir looked glad when he returned to his side and he happily relaxed into the Elf's embrace. The healer had to smile at the yawn that Faramir tried to conceal. "You need to rest," he said, deciding that he needed to take the lead tonight. He guided Faramir to the wardrobe and withdrew one of his sleeping robes. "Go change," he said, gently pushing Faramir toward the bathing chamber. He had guessed from Faramir's nervous look that he was rather uncertain about disrobing in front of him tonight. The steward smiled and disappeared into the small room. He emerged a moment later just as Elrond was finishing pulling on his own robe.

Elrond had to take a few deep breaths and sternly remind himself that he had insisted that they move slowly tonight. He hadn't counted on how tempting Faramir would look in his room, dressed in one of his robes. The blue robe changed Faramir's pale eyes to a darker shade, and Elrond admitted to feeling very pleased and rather possessive of this beautiful prince. Faramir smiled at him, but there was a slight blush on his face and he hugged his arms to himself.

"Are you cold?" Elrond turned to add more logs to the fire but Faramir held up a hand.

"I am fine," he said. "Nervous, but otherwise well," he admitted, smiling sheepishly.

"Ah." Elrond drew the steward into his arms again. "I understand, as I feel quite the same."

Faramir tilted his head a little, studying the Elf. "Why would you be nervous?" he asked.

Elrond raised an eyebrow. "I have a very beautiful and desirable young man in my chambers, a prince that says he loves me. How could I not be nervous?"

The steward felt better at hearing that he was not the only one uncertain. He pressed a light kiss to Elrond's lips, and sighed as the arms around him tightened. Elrond was more than happy to kiss for a time, but then he quietly guided them to the bed, knowing that Faramir was tired, even if the prince would not admit it. He pulled back the covers, and Faramir obediently laid down, making room for the Elf.

They settled quickly, their bodies seeming to fit together perfectly. Elrond drew the covers over them, making sure that Faramir was warmly covered, and pulled him close. He heard Faramir give a little sight of contentment, and smiled.

"Why are you comfortable?" he asked fondly.

"I can't believe I'm here," Faramir confessed. "It seems like a dream."

Elrond kissed his hair. "Then sleep, and when you wake, you will know that it is no dream." With that promise, he felt Faramir relax, and soon slip into a peaceful sleep. Elrond himself stayed awake for some time, still marveling at his fortune, and watching over his beloved.

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