Faramir Fiction Archive

Elves, Orcs and the Road to Recovery

Written by KC

06 November 2004 | 58662 words

Part 5

Maglor continued to ensure that Faramir was provided with meals at regular intervals. The Steward, having been dealt a rather painful lesson by the elf, remembered to eat each and every meal. At the end of two weeks Faramir felt that Beregond knew enough to assist the King adequately during the Steward's absences. Conversely, Beregond did not think he would be able to meet the demands of the King and harboured the secret belief that he was, contrary to assurances by the Steward, being punished for bringing the existence of 'Faramir's Bane' to the attention of the King.

"It is not a punishment my friend," Faramir smiled at Beregond's dark expression as they both sat in chairs in the Steward's study situated in front of the fireplace in the early morning sunshine, shining through the windows that looked out upon the private garden. "You will do fine. And no, I am not reading your mind," the Steward assured the man upon seeing Beregond's shock followed by the narrowing of his eyes. "Have you never wondered, my friend, why you always lose at card games? Every thought that enters your mind, in the space of but a moment, registers clearly in your features. And yes, you are as open to the King as well which is why he trusts you so," Faramir added upon seeing the horrified realisation in Beregond's wide-eyed look of fright.

"You are truly beginning to scare me, my Lord," Beregond said as he looked at the Steward as if Faramir had suddenly grown an extra head. He had always known that Lord Faramir was uncommonly canny and could see to the very heart of man or beast but this was truly frightening, he thought. "Please stop. I am finding it difficult enough to cope as it is without you terrifying me," Beregond whined.

Faramir's attention was diverted momentarily by a knock at the door.

"Come," Faramir called out. Thranduil entered his human son's apartment. By the twinkle of humour in his elven father's eyes, Faramir concluded that the King's keen hearing had detected most, if not all of his conversation with Beregond.

"You may go Beregond," Faramir released the flustered man. Beregond rose, bowed to Faramir then to King Thranduil and left the Steward's presence with a little more speed than was dignified or strictly polite. After the door closed behind Beregond, Faramir broke out into a fit of the giggles.

"That was not nice, ion-nin," Thranduil admonished as he looked at his son intently noticing with approval that Faramir looked less haggard, had more colour in his cheeks and had gained a little weight, though less than he would have liked given the amount of food Maglor was feeding his young charge.

"I know, ada. I love the man dearly but I cannot seem to stop myself from tormenting him," Faramir smiled as he looked up at his father. The elven King shook his head in mock disapproval but then smiled down upon his human son.

"Lord Elrond has asked that Legolas, you and I join him for the evening meal tonight at the seventh bell, if that is alright with you ion-nin?" Thranduil asked.

Taken aback that Lord Elrond would ask for him specifically, it took Faramir a moment to respond in the affirmative. The elven King left his young son to conclude the work necessary before their departure for the forests of Ithilien.

---

Sitting at his desk, Faramir thought back on the conversation he had had with Legolas about Maglor some nights ago. The young Steward was actually looking forward to pitting his wits and ranger skills against those of the elven warrior. Legolas, on seeing the mischievous intent on his human brother's face, had cautioned the young man against whatever it was that he was planning and that no, he did not want to know what 'it' was as he did not want to be considered an accessory before, during, after or anywhere within the vicinity of the fact. Faramir smirked wiggling his eyebrows. Legolas groaned, shaking his head.

It was near noon and Faramir had finished all the work that was outstanding. Grabbing his cloak the young Steward made his way to the door and on opening it, leaned out into the corridor to check if anyone was coming. Seeing that the hallway was clear in both directions, Faramir sprinted to the end of the corridor and ducked into a small alcove near the door that led out into the garden and waited. It was not long when Maglor carrying a tray filled with food, walked to the door of the room Faramir had just vacated. Balancing the tray on one hand the Seneschal opened the door and disappeared into the room. A few moments later Maglor came back out of the room looking around as if searching for something or someone. Faramir made his move disappearing out into the garden, knowing that Maglor would have caught his movement. Moving with surprising speed, Faramir made his way down through the city to the commercial district on the second level and disappeared into the tavern where Legolas had created mayhem with but one arrow and a wasp's nest.

Maglor followed his young charge amazed at how quickly and fluidly the young human could move. The Seneschal followed Faramir down into the city wondering where the young one was headed. The young human disappeared into a tavern. Annoyance growing by the moment, Maglor waited in a position where he could see both entrances to the tavern and waited. When the young Steward did not reappear after some time, Maglor decided to enter the tavern and round up his wayward charge to march him back to the Steward's apartments. Faramir, however, was nowhere to be found in the tavern.

"Is there another way out of this inn except for these two entrances?" Maglor asked the innkeeper who was serving drinks behind the bar.

"Only through the cellar master elf," the innkeeper replied.

Feeling annoyance, chagrin and a new respect for his young charge, Maglor made his way back to the palace where he came upon Thranduil, Legolas and Aragorn coming out of a meeting room.

"What ails you, mellon-nin?" Thranduil asked on seeing his Seneschal's dark expression.

"Faramir Thranduilion!" Maglor growled.

"What has he done now? Where is he?" the elven King asked wondering what his human son had done to so annoy Maglor. "Oh ho! He has managed to slip his leash," Thranduil laughed in astonishment as realisation struck.

"Yes," Maglor admitted looking annoyed. Legolas and Aragorn both looked at the Seneschal in disbelief.

All four walked to the Steward's apartment and on entering froze, for sitting at his desk finishing the meal placed there by Maglor was the young Steward of Gondor. Faramir looked up and graced the King and elves with such a look of innocent intent that Legolas and Aragorn shuddered and Thranduil roared with laughter. Eyes narrowing, the Mirkwood Seneschal dipped his head slightly to his young charge conceding this first round to the Steward of Gondor. Let the games begin he thought.

---

Just before the seventh bell, Faramir, Thranduil and Legolas walked to the rooms set aside for use by the Lord of Rivendell. Elrond greeted them on arrival and directed the trio to a small dinning room two doors away and invited them to sit at a small table that had been set for the evening meal.

The meal turned out to be a pleasant interlude with wine and conversation free flowing and enjoyable. Although much more serious than the elven King, Faramir discovered that the Lord of Rivendell did indeed have a sense of humour and delighted in the stories Lord Elrond related about his and Thranduil's younger days. At the conclusion of the meal, Thranduil, as was his nature, came to the heart of the matter in the most direct manner possible.

"Alright mellon-nin. You have plied us with Estel's best food, your best wine and have entertained us exceedingly well. What do you want, mellon-nin?" Thranduil asked as he stared at his friend unwaveringly with the raised eyebrow that Faramir was certain must be taught to every elf at a very young age.

To the young Steward's astonishment Lord Elrond blushed, looking decidedly uncomfortable.

"Well…yes," Elrond coughed. "I do have a favour to ask."

Realisation dawned on King Thranduil.

"This has to do with the 'duo horribus', does it not?" Thranduil asked in a flash of insight.

Faramir frowned confused, remembering vaguely that King Elessar had used the term when telling the story of Maglor's strength versus Mithrandir's.

"Elladan and Elrohir," Legolas leaned over to his right and whispered in his brother's ear. Faramir's eyes widened in alarm that his father would call the Elrondion twins that to Lord Elrond's face.

"They are driving you or Estel, or you *and* Estel to distraction and you wish to get them from underfoot by sending them with us when we visit the site of the elven haven," Thranduil deduced, continuing to look at his friend intently.

"More the latter than the former, I do admit, mellon-nin," Elrond replied in embarrassment. "If Estel does not cause their hasty demise then much to my own shame, I will."

Thranduil laughed, Legolas smirked and Faramir sat looking stunned.

"You do understand what you are asking of me, do you not, mellon-nin? Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas and Faramir all travelling in the same party at the same time? The 'trio horribus'," Thranduil stressed, including Legolas in the definition much to the embarrassment of his son who blushing averted his eyes downward, "Maglor and I can control…mostly. But add this young one to that already unpredictable mix," Thranduil said indicating Faramir, "and it could very well be the end of the fourth age before it has had a chance to truly get started!"

Shocked at the statement and his pride offended, Faramir was about to snap out a tart rejoinder when his father pinned him with a look that promised retribution if he were so much as to squeak. Faramir, teeth making an audible sound as his jaw snapped shut, heeded the warning and remained silent.

"Yes, mellon-nin. I am fully cognisant of what I am asking but I find myself at wit's end," Elrond answered in exasperation.

A few moments of silence ensued whilst Thranduil considered the rather unpalatable proposition.

"I will allow the twins to travel with us out of deference to our friendship, mellon-nin," Thranduil sighed. "But do not be surprised if one morning you find a crate at your doorstep in which they have been packaged and returned to you and Estel," the elven King stated.

Elrond sighed in relief.

"Hannon le, mellon-nin (I thank you, my friend)," Elrond smiled at his friend of many centuries.

"You will owe me, mellon-nin" Thranduil warned pointing a finger at his long time friend.

"Inordinately!" Elrond replied wryly knowing that he was indeed indebted to his friend.

---

Preparations were completed and the company of elves and one human were gathered in the early morning hours in the courtyard before the palace to say farewell to their friends. Faramir was standing with Legolas and Thranduil before the King of Gondor. Maglor and Finrod were standing in the background with the horses. The twins were bidding goodbye to their father and sister.

"Hannon le, mellon-nin," Estel thanked Thranduil for removing the twin thorns from his side, if only temporarily, as he looked over to where the twins were standing. Legolas chuckled. "You my Steward, take care," Estel said as he embraced Faramir. "One word of warning," the King added as he pushed Faramir to arms length to look his Steward in the eye. "If you place yourself in danger needlessly you will, in addition to your father and whoever else, answer to me. Do I make myself clear?"

"As crystal," Faramir muttered mutinously.

"Remember little one, I have a paddle with your name on it! Take care," Aragorn whispered as he embraced his Steward again and shared a meaningful look with Thranduil over Faramir's shoulder.

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