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The Prize (NC-17) Print

Written by Sairalinde and Anorienbean

29 July 2006 | 48931 words

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Chapter 4

Faramir awoke alone in Haldir's bed and wondered where his 'guardian' was before he heard soft voices coming from the other room. Curiosity getting the better of him, he crawled out of bed and pulled a green robe over the nightshirt that was quite a bit too large for him. He smiled to himself as he realized it was Haldir’s. Once he was suitably covered he wandered slowly to the door that separated the bedroom from the living area. He really hadn't seen Haldir's home and found that he looked forward to exploring it a bit. Opening the door slowly, he saw two blond Elves sitting across from Haldir and another dark-haired one in a chair not far away. The two blonds looked oddly familiar to him for a moment, and then he recognized they bore similar features to Haldir's. //His brothers?// He stood in the open doorway with his head tilted to the side for a moment trying to understand the Elvish that was being spoken so softly.

Haldir had been listening intently to Orophin as he explained that Feanor was still being held, awaiting Haldir’s orders. Before he could speak, however, he heard the soft squeak of his bedroom door opening and completely forgot his guests. Quickly getting to his feet, he hurried over to Faramir and put one arm around his waist. “Pen velui,” he said softly as his other hand rested over Faramir’s forehead and he checked for a fever, “you shouldn’t be up. Do you need anything? Or…would you like to join us?”

Rúmil’s mouth dropped open as he saw his brother being positively solicitous to the young man Feanor had brought back from Gondor. He was handsome, that was easy enough to see, but he looked weak and malnourished, and Rúmil couldn’t help but wonder what his life had been like before Feanor had dragged him to Lórien. He knew well that Haldir would never make a ‘slave’ out of the young man, but he hadn’t expected his brother to fuss over him, either.

Faramir was surprised when Haldir rushed away from his guests to see to him. "I… I woke up al… woke up and heard voices. I didn't mean to interrupt… just… didn't feel like lying down anymore," he whispered. He'd stopped himself from saying woke up alone in case Haldir didn't wish the others to know they'd shared the same bed. He found himself peeking past Haldir's shoulder toward the others and wondered about the shocked looks he saw on their faces.

“You didn’t interrupt anything,” Haldir smiled. “You were sleeping peacefully when I heard someone at the door, and I tried not to wake you. I was just talking to my brothers and one of my captains. Are you up to meeting them?” He hoped Faramir was feeling better, and, if he stayed as Haldir truly wanted him to, he would need to realize that not all Elves were like Feanor. Most of them were kind and gentle, able to keep their duties and their private lives separate, unlike Feanor. And while he was determined to keep those under his command at an arm’s length, he found he simply couldn’t help but worry about Faramir, the urge to take care of him overriding anything else he might feel or think at this moment, even with his guests no doubt watching them closely.

Faramir nodded slowly when Haldir offered for him to meet his brothers, though he was a bit wary of the captain. He could tell the dark-haired Elf's looks were more than merely surprise and curiosity like Haldir's brothers. "If you don't mind, I don't… but… I can just go back to bed if… yes, please," he said, realizing that Haldir had asked HIM if he'd like to meet them, not the other way around. His face colored slightly, and he realized that he probably didn't look like much with his hair mussed from sleep and Haldir's nightshirt and robe that were quite a bit too large for his slender frame. His father had seen to it that he didn't have much to eat to keep him thin and boyish looking, and as he'd grown taller the last few years, even he knew he looked quite skinny. Boromir always said he would 'fill out' as he grew a bit older, but he doubted that he ever would living in Gondor, after no proper meals and weapons training ending three years ago when his father started using him for other things.

Haldir smiled encouragingly and gently guided Faramir into the room. “Rúmil, Orophin, Elarin, this is my friend Faramir, who will be staying with me for the foreseeable future. Though I know you have not had many dealings with Men, I expect you all to treat him as you would any of my other friends.”

Orophin couldn’t suppress a snort. “You don’t have many other friends.”

Haldir glared at his brother, reminding him that Elarin was present, and he simply did not tease or laugh around his captain.

“Be that as it may, Orophin, I think you all will like Faramir a great deal.” Almost before he realized it, his words continued. “I find myself liking him a great deal already.” Shaking his head, he caught himself at the last moment and smiled brightly at Faramir. “Rúmil and Orophin are my brothers, and Elarin is one of my captains.”

"You… you said that already," Faramir whispered, grinning shyly at Haldir who still had his arm around his waist. When Haldir had said that he liked Faramir a great deal already, Faramir had felt almost proud, but then noticed the way Elarin was looking at him. He could nearly read the Elf's mind by the look in his eyes and found himself scooting closer to Haldir. "Pleased to meet you… I… I've been unwell so I do apologize for my appearance," he said softly to the group.

Elarin was shocked by Haldir's gracious behavior toward the young human and found himself watching curiously as Haldir led him closer. He certainly was pretty… sick or not one would notice. When Haldir said that he found himself liking the man a great deal already, he fought to keep a smirk from his lips from his own thoughts. //Oh, I just bet Haldir likes him… bet I would, too… though seems such a shame to waste such a lovely creature on one so cold as Haldir.//

Rúmil and Orophin simply exchanged pleased looks. They had seen the softer side of Haldir before, but doubted that their brother even realized he was showing what he regarded as his own weakness in front of Elarin. Still, they were happy for Haldir, not believing for one moment that a little softening of his usually cold and distant demeanor before those under his command would change the respect they had for him.

Haldir smiled and tucked a lock of hair behind Faramir’s ear in a gesture he’d never done with anyone else, but found he loved to do with the man before him. It was, he knew, merely an excuse to touch him, but as long as Faramir didn’t seem to mind, it was something he would do often. “He has no idea how handsome he looks,” Haldir teased, leading Faramir over to the couch, already feeling his companion trembling lightly against him, most likely from the fever that was still upon him. Speaking quietly, he waited for Faramir to sit, then sat down beside him, looking at him anxiously. “Do you need something to drink? More tea, perhaps?”

Faramir felt his face flush even more when Haldir said that he was handsome in front of the others. He followed Haldir to the couch and as Elarin's eyes seemed to be trying to see through his clothing, Faramir shivered. He knew that look all too well and decided that if he could help it, he would steer clear of the Elf. He sat down beside Haldir and when asked if he needed more tea, Faramir shook his head. "I'm fine right now, mast… uh Haldir," he said softly, remembering that Haldir didn't wish for him to call him master, but unsure how to behave in front of others like this. He felt that perhaps he should have stayed in bed and not intruded. "Please… carry on with whatever you were discussing… I truly didn't intend to interrupt."

Elarin kept his mouth closed, but his eyes continued to follow the young man. He wondered just what sort of body lurked under that oversized night shirt and robe… he'd not been at the border to see the man, but others had told him that he'd been stripped bare and that he was quite lovely despite being so incredibly thin. He tried to focus his attention back to Haldir though, knowing that his captain wouldn't appreciate him ogling his… 'guest'.

Shaking his head slightly at his brothers, Haldir let them know that they were not to discuss Feanor while Faramir was in the room. As he’d talked to them earlier, he’d made a list of several items he wished for Rúmil and Orophin to bring him later that evening, and he quickly folded it and handed it to Rúmil. “They were just giving me reports about the border patrols,” he said smoothly. “Rúmil found some orc tracks on the eastern borders, but it looks like they simply passed by. I think they knew better than to try and attack Lórien. Did you have many problems with Orcs in Gondor?”

Faramir nodded. "Almost constantly… our border lies so close to the Black Gates that our soldiers are almost constantly in battle… " Faramir said softly. In truth he should have been fighting all these years instead of being where he was. Just before he was to be sent to become a Ranger, his father had come up with his plan to appease those he insulted when one of the nobles had been overheard suggesting that he could ‘forget’ the entire matter for one night with the steward’s lovely youngest son.

Haldir sighed. “I can’t say that I am surprised. The orcs are growing stronger and larger in number every day. I have heard rumors that Gandalf had a plan to destroy the Ring, and thus destroy Sauron, but I dare not hope until it is done.”

Faramir turned and looked at Haldir for a moment. "You know Gandalf? He… well… he was my tutor once… until my father forbade me to be trained by him," he said softly. "I hope that whatever plans he has come to fruition." He glanced over again at Elarin, whose eyes were still roaming over him avidly, and he shivered again and scooted closer to Haldir unconsciously.

Furrowing his brow at Faramir’s words, Haldir’s hatred of the steward of Gondor grew exponentially. //That foolish old man wouldn’t let his own son have food or books…why did I think he would have allowed him to have a tutor? Gods…I could strangle him with my bare hands for putting that sadness in Faramir’s beautiful eyes!// As Faramir moved closer, Haldir’s hands began to run lightly over his back, thinking the young man was nervous, suddenly being surround by so many strange Elves. If he had only looked up, he would have seen the look in Elarin’s eyes, but Haldir’s attention was focused solely on Faramir at the moment. Pulling him closer, Haldir touched his forehead once again and smiled. “Gandalf visits Lórien quite often,” he said softly. “I think he would be glad to spend time with you on his next visit. Maybe you can pick up where you left off with your tutoring…though I bet you have found ways to learn on your own, despite your father.”

"Oh, I did… he just didn't want me to be trained by a wizard… he didn't trust them he said, but I was still well educated," Faramir explained and realized that Haldir's attention was completely on him and not his guests. When Haldir touched his forehead, he smiled. "I no longer have a fever… you really should stop worrying over me and… pay attention to your guests," Faramir whispered softly, hoping that only Haldir could hear him and that he hadn't overstepped his bounds by suggesting that. He still didn't quite know where he stood with Haldir and bit his lip worriedly after he spoke, wondering if maybe he shouldn't have said such a thing.

Elarin sat watching the pair on the couch and was quite surprised by the young human's audacity to tell his master that he should pay attention to his guests. He sat wondering how Haldir would punish him.

Haldir laughed and shook his head. “You are right, pen velui, I am ignoring my other guests,” he chuckled. “But you are my guest as well, and I worry about you, too. I will, however, stop fussing over you for the moment, if you’re sure you are feeling better.”

Orophin choked on his tea as he tried to stifle his laughter. He’d thought Faramir was painfully shy, but maybe, just maybe, he thought, there was a spark in him that would make him a good match for Haldir. Trying to disguise his amusement, he elbowed Rúmil in the ribs and saw that he, too, was having trouble hiding his laughter. “We should take care of some…things,” he finally managed, nodding toward the paper in Rúmil’s hand Haldir had given them earlier. “I think it is time we take our leave, brother.”

Faramir looked up as Haldir laughed and then over to see his brother's eyes sparkling with mirth, as well. He felt his face flush again and looked down. He hadn't meant for them to hear him, but obviously they had.

Elarin sighed and wondered just what was wrong with Haldir, and then figured it wouldn't be like him to punish the man in front of them. He would wait until after they left and set him straight, he was certain. He knew that no Elf told Haldir what to do besides the Lord and Lady of the Wood, and certainly not some young human. "I should go as well. I'll inform my replacement at… the guardhouse of what we discussed," he said smiling. Haldir had specific orders how Feanor was to be handled for his mistreatment of the man on his trip there. He was certain that it was only for the mistreatment and not any other reason that Haldir was upset. Feanor really couldn't have handled it worse; if you want to present a prize, you don't try and break it first.

Haldir stood and walked his guests to the top of the stairs, whispering to Rúmil that he wanted the items on his list sitting in his front room first thing in the morning, if at all possible. When they had all said their goodbyes, and Haldir once again made sure Elarin knew that Feanor was to be guarded at all times.

Turning back to Faramir, Haldir sat next to him and smiled. “Do you need to rest, or do you think you can sit here while I make us some lunch?”

Faramir watched as Haldir saw the others out and wrapped his arms around himself as Elarin gave him one last glance that turned his blood cold. //I don't trust him… not as far as I could throw him.// He almost laughed at himself. In his current state, that certainly wouldn't be far. He wondered if he stayed longer if Haldir would allow him to train with a bow again, he'd always loved it, and he did miss it the last few years. He didn't so much miss sword training, but the bow he had greatly missed. Looking back up as Haldir sat beside him Faramir smiled. "I am fine… do… would you like me to help?"

“Yes, I would,” Haldir said, taking one of Faramir’s hands in his own and gently pulling him to his feet. He led the still weakened young man to the small area where he prepared meals and gently tucked a blanket around his shoulders as he urged him to sit down. “I would like for you to talk to me while I make something for us to eat. Tell me what you like and don’t like, what interests you and what bores you silly, and tell me about your brother. That is…if you don’t mind and feel up to talking.”

When Haldir said he would like his help, Faramir smiled and tried to will himself a bit more strength to try and help Haldir prepare their meal until the Elf sat him down again and wrapped a blanket around him so gently. He blinked and looked up at Haldir who was already moving about the small kitchen. "Oh… I… oh," he mumbled for a moment and clutched the blanket tighter around him. "I'd love to," he said, smiling. It had been ages since someone wanted to actually know something about him like that. So, while Haldir prepared their meal, Faramir shared with him his love of books and lore, his enjoyment of music and art, and his former enjoyment of training with his bow. Though he found that most of what he talked about centered on his beloved brother, Boromir.

Haldir listened intently as he prepared their lunch, and by the time he finally set a large bowl of stew and a plate of bread, fruits, and cheeses next to Faramir, he felt as if his young friend was finally beginning to relax. He could tell Faramir loved his brother greatly, and made a mental note to send Rúmil off first thing the next morning with a letter, assuring Boromir that Faramir was well, even if Faramir wasn’t up to writing him. The poor man had to be worried sick about his ‘little one’, as Faramir told him Boromir had called him since their childhood, and Haldir knew at once that he would like the steward’s eldest son, though not as much as he liked the youngest. Faramir got more beautiful before his very eyes, it seemed, and he wished with all his heart that he could convince the young man to stay and not worry about being a burden. “So,” he said as he set his own plate down and took a seat next to Faramir, “I happen to have an extra bow that you’re more than welcome to use any time you like. That is…if you want to practice again. I usually practice several times a week, just behind this talan. I think having company would be a nice change of pace.”

Faramir looked at the food Haldir sat in front of him and smiled. He knew there'd be no way he could finish even half of it, but he certainly appreciated the gesture. When Haldir sat down beside him he found himself surprised when he spoke of a spare bow. "You… wouldn't mind me practicing with you?" he asked, "I… I don't know how good I'll be… honestly, can't say I can hit the broad side of a barn anymore, though… well, three years ago I wasn't a terribly bad shot, I'd won a place with the Rangers of Ithilien but… was never able to join them," he admitted, "I'd love to, though… once I'm feeling a bit stronger, I guess. Doubt I can even pull the drawstring back as weak as I've felt the last few days." He took a bite of his stew and watched Haldir for a moment, just enjoying the Elf who was still so much different than he expected. He wondered when that feeling would go away… and hoped it would be soon. Each moment he spent with Haldir he found he liked him more and more, and he truly hoped that continued.

“Your strength will return in no time, I’m sure,” Haldir said softly. “And I would love to have you practice with me, when you feel ready.” Slowly, he reached out and took one of Faramir’s hands and turned it over, studying each finger intently. “I see such strength in you, Faramir. Not only in your hands, but in your eyes and your smile. I am so very sorry about the manner in which you were brought into my life, but I honestly am glad you’re here now.”

Faramir simply stared at his hand where Haldir touched him, feeling warmth radiate up his arm from the gentle touch. His heart seemed to be beating faster in his chest, and he was unable to think for a moment. He honestly didn't know what to say, he was so touched by Haldir's words, and it took him a long moment to respond. "I… am glad that you seem to be much different than I ever expected," he admitted.

“I am glad as well,” Haldir smiled. “For the Haldir Feanor knows isn’t all that pleasant, I must admit. But, he guards the borders of the Golden Wood and has no time for happiness. The Haldir before you, dear one, is the one Elves like Feanor will never see, yet it is the real me. I hope the differences aren’t too disturbing, but it’s the only way I know how to exist.”

Faramir nodded, trying to understand. His brother, too, was a leader, but he was quite different with his men, still friendly toward them, but they still offered him much respect. He wondered why Haldir was so much different… then perhaps maybe he'd been taught to be that way by his former commander? "I… I think perhaps I understand… though it does give people a false impression of you," he said softly. "By the way your men spoke… I was truly frightened before and still am a bit, to be honest."

Giving Faramir’s hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it, Haldir leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against the young man’s cheek. “I understand. I can only imagine what they said about me, and I’m sure they believe it to be true. I hope that one day you will see that there is no need for you to be frightened of me. If you stay, as I hope you will, you will know that I would never hurt you, pen velui…never.”

Faramir's hand rose to touch where Haldir had kissed him so sweetly, and he stared at the Elf for a moment, confused by how the chaste kiss made him feel. A part of him wanted to simply crawl into Haldir's lap and offer himself to him, though he doubted Haldir would accept. //I would gladly be his… his what exactly? If he isn't my master… then… his lover? I thought I wouldn't want to offer myself to him, but I find that I do… and he doesn't want me that way. How ironic is that?// "I no longer believe all that they said about you… each day you are proving them very, very wrong," he whispered, unable to bring voice to his other thoughts.

“And I will continue to do so,” Haldir said softly. He honestly didn’t have many friends, but the feelings he was already experiencing toward Faramir were definitely more than friendly. //Gods…how can I care so much for him after only a few days?// “I think you can be happy here, Faramir. I will do everything in my power to make sure you are.” His last words were spoken almost to himself, and he meant every one of them. He honestly wasn’t sure where this ‘friendship’ was leading, but he hoped that one day, when Faramir was no longer afraid of him, that they could be lovers, at the very least, though he had a strong feeling that he would want more than that, if Faramir were willing.

Faramir was surprised yet again that Haldir wished to make him happy. He was so insignificant, how is it that someone so beautiful… a leader of his people's army… how could Haldir wish to make him happy? It just didn’t seem to fit with all he'd been taught, but he pushed the thoughts away. "I will stay until you ask me to go… will… will that be all right? I have no where else to go, to be honest, and you have offered more than once for me to stay, so I will just stay until you bid me to leave." He felt awkward saying that, but he felt that he needed to.

“If that is what you wish, then you will stay here with me forever, I think,” Haldir chuckled. “I would never want you to stay against your will, but I know I will never ask you to leave. I don’t think you understand how much I already value your presence or how happy it makes me to know that I can spend time with you. Maybe one day, you’ll truly see how much I enjoy your company, dear one.”

Faramir's mouth dropped open for a moment and then he looked down. "Perhaps so… with time," he answered softly, feeling as if he were missing something important. They continued their meal and once they were done, Faramir offered to help clear the table, but Haldir again refused his aid. He sighed and settled for watching the Elf. All in all, it was far more pleasant than his home. No worries about who his father would give him to next… even if Haldir changed his mind and decided he did want a physical relationship with him, Faramir realized he actually would welcome it.

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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20 Comment(s)

Please continue. Poor Faramir, thank goodness Haldir is taking care of him.

— Lothlorien Vampiress    Wednesday 7 June 2006, 2:14    #

Oh I hope you continue to enjoy the story as it progresses! Thanks for letting us know you are reading and enjoying their story! :)

— Sairalinde    Wednesday 7 June 2006, 9:42    #

woooo~ very cool fic~! Am waiting for the next installment with baited breath~!!!
holds breathing and slowly turning blue

— enkenemiel    Saturday 10 June 2006, 11:53    #

This isn’t Feanor as in Fëanor Curufinwë High King of the Noldor, creator of the Silmarils and first of the Kinslayersis it?

Tara,

No, I don’t think this Feanor is the High King of the Noldor, as that Fëanor lived and died in the First Age, whereas this story clearly takes place in the Third Age.

It is common for names to be re-used: most parents do not invent an entirely new name for their child. This also happened in Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Remember that both the main characters of this story have namesakes: we also know of Haldir, son of Halmir and Faramir, son of Ondoher.

As mentioned, comments are very welcome, but please make sure they are constructive.

Thanks-
- the archivists

— tara    Thursday 15 June 2006, 23:22    #

Oh no poor Faramir. Please let Haldir get back in time to save him.GRRRRRR I hate Elarin.

— Lothlorien Vampiress    Wednesday 21 June 2006, 1:55    #

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haldir saved Faramir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I think that Haldir should have killed Elarin. My friend Yaoi She-Elf thinks the Haldir and Faramir should have hooked up in the books and movies, I think the same. She is also greatful that Haldir saved Faramirl. She also agrees that Elarin should have died.

— Lothlorien Vampiress    Wednesday 28 June 2006, 11:27    #

So glad you enjoyed that chapter and yes…Elarin probably SHOULD have died but…Faramir was worried if Haldir killed him that Haldir would end up in trouble. As he said he had no ideas what the laws in Lorien were. :)

Glad you and your friend are enjoying the story though!

— Sairalinde    Wednesday 28 June 2006, 11:32    #

Turning blue isn’t good! Hope that this next installment allowed you to get your breath back! hehe Glad you are enjoying!

— Sairalinde    Wednesday 28 June 2006, 11:34    #

yay! they’re falling in love*jumps up and down* more more more more more more more more more more more!!!!!!!!!

— Yaoi She-Elf    Sunday 2 July 2006, 9:25    #

They are so lovely together! Thank You so much. I love this fic! If I can’t get Haldir or Faramir, it’s only fair that they are in love ;)

— Kiisseli    Saturday 8 July 2006, 16:15    #

tear that was sooooo cute!!!!!

— yaoi She-Elf    Sunday 9 July 2006, 5:15    #

Heh. I’ve been away from FaramirFiction too long if I’ve missed a gem like this!

— Ertia    Monday 10 July 2006, 8:25    #

YAY! YAY! YAY! their geting married!!!!! i cant wait!!!!!

— Yaoi She-Elf    Thursday 13 July 2006, 17:21    #

Yay!!!!!! And I agree with my friend Yaoi She-Elf on the fact that they are getting married I can’t wait!!!!!!!

— Lothlorien Vampiress    Thursday 13 July 2006, 19:43    #

Faramir explaining that he wanted to wait after the ceremony was really cute:-)). And I like your story a lot.

— melogale    Friday 14 July 2006, 14:49    #

YAY!!!!!! Boromir likes Haldir, its soooooooooo cute!!!!!! Keep Writing!!!

— Yaoi She-Elf    Monday 31 July 2006, 17:09    #

I can see Haldir falling in love with Faramir already and vice versa.

— balrog    Wednesday 27 June 2007, 0:10    #

This was the best story I have read. It was beautiful. Thanks again.

— balrog    Wednesday 27 June 2007, 8:53    #

Love the story!

— Gloria    Saturday 15 October 2011, 3:58    #

thank you very much. Another great story from you.Thanks

— blondie    Saturday 14 December 2013, 19:35    #

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