Home » Fiction

Faramir's Second Chance (PG-13) Print

Written by Morwen

17 January 2013 | 25743 words | Work in Progress

[ all pages ]

Author note: Finally, one year later, I’m updating this story! It’s been WAY too long! I will be doing several updates on it, now that it’s winter vacation – woohoo! For anybody who actually read the first chapter a year ago, thanks for coming back. :) I won’t disappoint like that again. Please, everyone, give me reviews and tell me what you think; this chapter may seem a bit slow, but I have a lot of ideas for this story.


Chapter Two

Due to being utterly exhausted from the journey, Faramir fell asleep in the bed in his bedchambers only moments after Elrond had bid him a good evening, pulled the large burgundy gauze curtains covering the room’s entryway shut, and closed the delicate wooden carved door. When he awoke some time later, however, he was shocked for a moment before remembering, once again, that he was in Rivendell. He struggled for a moment between realizing whether or not he was dreaming of being in Rivendell, but reality soon gripped him. Jumping out of bed with joy, he looked around, wondering what time it was. There was light streaming through the large windows on one of the far walls of the room, but the windows were covered with more gauzy, light-colored fabric. He ripped them open to see nothing but grandness.

From the vantage point of Elrond’s Last Homely House, most of Rivendell was visible down below. He could hardly believe his eyes. He could see elves in the distance, their beautifully woven clothing shimmering in the early morning sunshine that was drifting through some of the lazy tree branches. From the level of the sun in the sky, Faramir guessed that it was some time around 8 in the morning. The warm golden sunshine felt so wonderful upon his face, so kind and inviting. He smelled sweet flowers in the air, and was tempted to run about outside. He then realized that there was a balcony connected to his chambers, and he went through the connecting entryway onto his personal balcony. If the view from inside through his window was not beautiful enough, it could not match this. Now he could hear the rushing of the tall waterfalls far off in the distance, and he could hear some hustle and bustle on the floor just below him. He peered over the edge of the balcony to see that the main common areas of the House were below him. Somehow he had ended up on the second floor of the House, even though they had climbed no stairs. The elves built their architecture to blend in so well with nature that the floors curved downward and upward naturally, like a rolling hill.

After absorbing all of the scenery for another moment, he collected his thoughts. Surely, by this time of the morning, Elrond was already awake. He should probably get properly dressed. He went back into his chambers and found his leather satchel, which was already sitting on a chair awaiting him. He knew he had packed his best clothes in there, alone with his few books, notebook, and a few other possessions he managed to obtain over his young years. Pulling a fresh tunic and pair of leggings out of the leather bag, he dressed quickly, eager to go downstairs. He felt nervous about all of the new experiences which lay before him, but he was also feeling brave – at least, for the moment.

Suddenly, he felt a lurch in his stomach as his nerves began to set in just a little bit. Would Lord Elrond be as stern as his father usually was whenever he, Faramir, was shy in certain situations, or hesitant in other situations? Would Elrond be as angry as his father almost always was? He felt a tightness in his throat, but he remembered Elrond’s soothing words during their journey to Rivendell, and managed to comfort himself a little bit. He finished pulling on his tunic, laced up his boots, checked his appearance in the mirror just once, then headed out the door. Once outside the door, however, he ran into another problem: Finding someone to tell him where Elrond was. He felt quite alone even in the presence of several elves, who were walking past him. The only two people he had grown acquainted with were Elrond, and Legolas, both incredibly well-known elves. But he didn’t have much more time to think, for an elf he did not recognize was walking towards him, making eye contact.

“Faramir. Good morning.” The elf bowed slightly, and Faramir did the same, not wanting to appear rude. “Lord Elrond had expected you to be awake by about now. Did you rest well?”

“Yes, I slept very well.”

“That is good news. We only want you to be comfortable here, especially until you get the lay of the land.” The elf turned around and began to walk in the same direction in which he came, gesturing for Faramir to come with him. Of course, Faramir joined him by his side. The elf walked quickly and smoothly down the hallways of the House, and Faramir tried not to look like he was struggling to keep up with the long strides of the elf.

“I am taking you to the kitchens, to enjoy breakfast with Lord Elrond. He wishes to dine with you this morning, especially. He said that he asked your brother what your favorite breakfast dish was before they left. He had it especially made for you, this morning.” Faramir felt an immediate joy dancing in his heart for the elf lord, who had given so much thought to making him comfortable on his first day in the Homely House.

“That was nice of him,” was all he managed to say. He hoped he did not sound ungrateful. They reached the kitchens a moment later.

It was a large space, like everywhere else in the house. The dining table was made of wood, with beautiful shapes carved into the edges. The table almost looked like it was growing out of the ground, as if a branch of of the nearby trees had burst through the stone flooring and sprouted into the large, thick tabletop that existed there. Around the corner came the smells of many different foods cooking, but Faramir could smell his breakfast already – ham and eggs, preferably mixed together with other vegetables. There was nothing Faramir loved more for breakfast. But what he noticed the most was that the elf lord was sitting at the table, sipping something steaming hot out of a cup and reading some sort of report. It appeared that he was doing work. However, he set it aside as soon as he saw Faramir standing hesitantly in the entrance to the room.

“Good morning, Faramir,” Elrond said simply.

“Good morning,” was all the boy replied. He still felt a sense of astonishment every time he saw Elrond, even through their five day long journey. However, Elrond raised a hand to gesture him over, and pulled out one of the chairs for him to sit down in. The food was now being brought to the table. Elrond had wanted Faramir’s favorite breakfast meal prepared, since the boy looked so frail and weak, undernourished. It concerned him. If he was to grow strong, which he was certain the boy was capable of, he would need to be well fed to do so.

“Eat,” was all Elrond said. “You must be hungry. You are welcome to as much as you would like, as always.” He smiled to Faramir, which made the boy feel much more at ease. Realizing that he was indeed very hungry, he dug into his breakfast quickly. Elrond watched he boy as he ate, glad to see that he had an appetite. He collected his thoughts for a moment before telling him, “Faramir, today I would like you to become more familiar with a few of my friends, and some guests from other lands who have come to stay for a short time. You will know them soon anyway, and they may be people whom you have already read about in some texts. We will all be gathering for a large evening meal tonight, and you will have a chance to meet everyone. Mithrandir is arriving next week, as well.”

Faramir dropped his fork in surprise. Embarrassed, he picked it up, but he was still shocked and asked, “Mithrandir? Gandalf is going to be here?” His eyes were lighting up with excitement.

“Yes, indeed, he is.” Elrond smiled at the boy’s excitement. “I knew you would enjoy that. You two will have to catch up, I hear it has been some months since you have last seen each other. He planned to visit Rivendell before now, but I informed him that you may possibly arriving here a while later. He decided to wait.” Faramir was, again, surprised at all of the consideration Elrond and Mithrandir gave him. It was so much to get used to, after being treated poorly his entire life. Elrond knew that this was very different for Faramir, but knew he would adjust to it well in time.

“Also, Faramir, the elf that led you here to the kitchens is Erestor. He is my chief counselor here in Rivendell, and one of my dear friends. He takes over the care of the house whenever I am away, and he will surely become a friend to you. Everyone in this house is a friend, and I hope you will learn to trust me when I say that. I, of all of us, want you to be comfortable here – and I am certain you will be.” Faramir was quiet, not knowing what to say. Elrond knew that the boy was uncomfortable; he was excellent at detecting the emotions of others, so he tried to think of a way to soothe his newest guest. He quickly thought back to when Aragorn was just a child, and what he did to soothe him or make him feel more comfortable in certain situations. He decided that the best thing to do was stimulate young Faramir’s mind, since he was such an intelligent child.

“You will be doing many interesting things today, Faramir. While I tend to some more business matters, you will be taken on a tour of the entire House, as well as meeting more of the guests that are here. And though you have only just arrived, I want to get you started on your formal education here, so you will meet your instructors.” Elrond felt so warm inside when Faramir’s eyes lit up at the idea of schooling; Faramir might as well be a young elfling of his own. “You will be working here in the house with your own tutor, of course, but you will also be working in one of Rivendell’s finest archives and libraries, with some other elflings that are being educated as well. Reading and writing will be some of your priorities, but most days they will teach you how to use hunting knives and of course, the bow. But I hear that you are quite the good archer already, is that true?” Faramir couldn’t believe that Elrond was interested in him, and asking questions about his archery skills.

“I can hit a target,” was all the boy said in response, though.

“That is excellent, very good work for someone your age. Did you train yourself?”

“No, my brother taught me. But I’ve practiced on my own for a few years.”

“It was good of your brother to show you something other than swordplay – otherwise you would have never found your true skill.”

“Yes… but father things that Boromir cursed me by showing me the bow, that I would have become much more skilled with the sword.”

“It does not matter anyway; you are one who can be skilled at both the bow and the sword, but I do hope you are more skilled with the bow.” Elrond wanted to reassure him, and keep him focused on learning to use the bow. He could see him being a great hunter. He mused over the idea of Faramir returning to Gondor, to his father, after years of training and becoming a full grown man. The elf chuckled to himself, thinking of the look of utter shock and loathing that might cross the Steward’s face if he saw the greatness of his strong, bow-wielding, strategic genius of a son.

“Along with those activities, I would also like to have you visit our best cloak makers today. I do not mean to be critical, but you do need more clothes. And I do believe some new pairs of good boots are in order.” Faramir nodded, glad to know that Elrond had realized he only had three different tunics and breeches in his leather satchel back in his bedroom, and that his one and only pair of boots were muddied up. They were also getting to small for him, since his feet had grown since he had gotten them.

“And this evening, we shall all dine together in the dining hall, and there will be a small musical performance, if you are interested. The elves, as you might know, adore their music. Do you play, Faramir?”

“Music? No, but I have studied how the notes are written,” Faramir replied, as if hoping that that would be enough to impress him. Elrond smiled. Of course he studied musical composition. How many years of his life has he spent in those archives? “You know a lot for your age,” Elrond said. Faramir felt humbled; Elrond was a great elf lord, and yet he took the time to say that Faramir was knowledgeable.

They finished their breakfast in a peaceful silence, with both of them tending to their own thoughts. Elrond thinking of the patients he would be helping to heal and the other matters he had to discuss with his fellow counselors; his brow furrowed as he thought. Faramir watched his new friend’s very furrowed brow while he tried to deal with the butterflies in his stomach about the day’s events. Hopefully all would turn out well.


Faramir adored Rivendell. By the time he had finished his tour, met his new school instructors, and visited the tailors, he had a good idea of the atmosphere of the land – and it was just as he had imagined. The text had not lied about the elves’ beautiful architecture, or the power that Elrond wielded over the waters surrounding the land with the power of the Vilya ring. There had been several times when he was so overtaken by the beauty of it all that he had to be guided by Erestor in the proper direction for their next destination.

Erestor was a kind elf, more gentle than Elrond, but that did not mean that Elrond was not kind. Erestor seemed to emanate a gentle reassurance which soothed Faramir’s butterflies, and made him feel entirely welcome and comfortable. He led Faramir about to his activities and kept a lively chatter, but he moved with grace and confidence. Faramir only wished he could be so confident. What makes the elves so confident? Is it their age, or the fact that they are elves? Faramir did not know the answer, but he continued to ponder the question. All of the elves were so calm. Had they simply seen everything that could cause them stress? Was that why they were so calm?

When he was with one of the tailors, he watched how the elf moved his fingers so nimbly with the measuring tape to record the length of his arms, legs, and torso. Faramir could hardly keep up with what the elf was doing, but he did not mind. It was simply one example of how quickly they could work. If I am under Elrond’s wing, will I somehow become at least somewhat as skilled as the rest of the elves? It was something he wished for; he longed to fit in with their behavior. It was so beautiful. Men were clumsy, imperfect.

Faramir was finished with his activities by late afternoon, at which time Erestor led him back to the house. He was glad to be coming home, and the sight of the Last Homely House on the top of one of the gently rolling hills was already peaceful to him. It was already starting to become home, in its own way. The windows were emanating a warm light, and he wondered how long the fires had been lit and if the musicians had begun their playing yet. He wondered when dinner was; his stomach growled as he thought.

He heard a soft chuckle from Erestor, who was walking next to him. It was marvelous, how much their laughs actually sounded like little ringing bells. Faramir looked up to him, wondering if he had actually heard…

“The evening meal will be prepared for us in one hour,” Erestor said, suppressing a little smirk. So he did hear that, Faramir thought, clutching his stomach a bit. It was somewhat embarrassing. Do elves’ stomachs ever growl? He had questions, too many questions! At least I won’t bother Elrond with so many questions – father would have never stood for me asking so many questions anyway. Besides, questions are for the libraries. However, he highly doubted that he would be able to find texts that specifically stated whether or not elves’ stomachs growled like that of Men.

By the time he had finished pondering this, they had reached the top of that rolling hill, and they were heading into the house. He heard lively talking and elves were bustling about, probably preparing for the night’s dinner and musical festivities. He could faintly smell the scent of a very delicious stew that was brewing in the kitchens, and he heard elvish singing very faintly in the background. It was definitely a beautiful sound.

“Faramir,” came the voice of the one he was getting to know so well. Elrond was drifting down a set of stairs from another floor of the house that Faramir had not yet been on. He was dressed in a set of fancier evening robes, a deep burgundy velvet cloak with a silver and copper tunic beneath. It was amazing how an elf of so many thousands of years of age could still look so young, and could still be so graceful. He had seen more than Faramir ever would, and that was definitely a humbling thought. Faramir would have loved to just have one look into the mind of Elrond, just to see how much knowledge was actually stored in there.

“Good evening,” Faramir replied, bowing his head slightly. Elrond smiled and bowed also before asking, “Did you enjoy your first day?”

“I did,” Faramir answered quickly, nodding eagerly. Elrond smiled again and replied, “I am glad to hear that, young one. . . Rivendell always holds something special for every person who takes in its beauty. I know that you only visited the tailor early this afternoon, but one of your new wardrobes has already arrived; an assistant told me of it earlier this afternoon. I would like you to wear it tonight, with you willing of course, just so that we can observe what those robes look like on you. It is a traditional styled elvish robes, which are usually worn by younger elflings just your age. I believe you will enjoy them, I instructed them in advance on what colors to incorporate into your traditional robes.” Faramir was intrigued by this color information, and he was certainly excited – not to mention shocked – that his first set of robes had arrived already. “I will wear them tonight,” he promised.

“Thank you, Faramir. I must check on another patient for now, but you will be sitting with me and Erestor tonight at our small dinner party and music event, so I shall see you then.” Elrond started to turn away, but then stopped again to look at the boy. “Oh, and Faramir?”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Let Erestor help you put your robes on for the first time. I only say that because some of the materials they are made of can tear easily, and it is your first time putting them on. Allow him to show you how to put them on. He has shown many elflings before you.”

“As you wish, my lord,” Faramir bowed. Elrond furrowed his brow only slightly before lightening up, saying, “Faramir?”

“Yes?”

“Just call me Elrond.”

“Yes… Elrond.” Faramir noticed that the word felt funny coming out of his mouth, but if that was what he wished to be called, then that was what he would call him. The smile on the elf lord’s face was proof to him that it was okay to call him that. He smiled. “I will see you in a while.”

“Very well, then,” Elrond responded, moving away down one of the halls toward his sick patient. Erestor, who had been standing back to allow Faramir and Elrond some privacy during their conversation, now stepped up next to Faramir.

“Shall we get you dressed?” he asked. Faramir looked up at him and nodded, only thinking, As long as there aren’t too many laces, and as long as I don’t tear anything… Everything was certainly taking some getting used to.

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/faramirs-second-chance. Positive feedback is what keeps authors writing more stories!


17 Comment(s)

This was indeed a lovely story. I hope that you will continue with it.
Thank you for letting us read it

— Ingrid    Wednesday 30 December 2009, 13:40    #

It’s an interesting beginning with a very young Faramir who does already have a hint of the older man. It will be interesting to see his journey there.

— Bell Witch    Wednesday 30 December 2009, 21:55    #

I like it a lot! There is plenty of interestingness here that would be nice to see continued (ahem hint hint)

— AlexanderW    Thursday 31 December 2009, 11:51    #

Warm story!Please continue!XD

— xeleyouxe    Friday 1 January 2010, 0:02    #

I like what you have written so far and I’d like to see what else you have planed for us.

— waterwolf    Friday 1 January 2010, 7:41    #

Oh, it is truly an interesting idea and very well done! Write more!
Thank you and Happy New Year!

— Anastasiya    Saturday 2 January 2010, 7:30    #

I hope you write more, I would love to see Arwen interact with a young Faramir. I bet she’d have a huge impact on who he becomes as an adult.
And to see Faramir return to Gondor as an adult would be nice too, Denethor’s reaction would be priceless.

— Anna    Wednesday 24 February 2010, 0:49    #

Oh, thank you everyone! I’m sorry it’s taken me a whole year to get back here, I’ve been so busy with school and work! But now I’m on winter break, and have plenty of time to write – so I’m going to write a bunch of chapters now! I’m inspired, as well as interested in your ideas. Keep those ideas comin’! I love to hear what other people are thinking. :) Thanks for your comments, and look for updates SOON!

— Morwen    Friday 17 December 2010, 2:05    #

I love this so much and your writing is brilliant!!! Will this be a slash story with Elrond (sorry if this is a dumb question)? I can’t wait for the next chapter and more interactions with the elves!

— Lina    Tuesday 21 December 2010, 16:37    #

Thank you for reading, Lina! You are very kind. :) I think this will actually end up being a slash story in a few more chapters, but I’m taking time to develop the characters and really like exploring what Faramir’s childhood in Rivendell would be like. No questions are ever dumb, thanks for asking! The rating for this story will probably change soon…!

— Morwen    Tuesday 21 December 2010, 19:11    #

Sweet Faramir.
Thank you for the nice story.
PLEASE, keep writing. ;)

— Lille Mermeid    Friday 24 December 2010, 7:30    #

Thank you so much, Lille Mermaid. I appreciate it. :) I’m working on the fourth chapter now, it should be up in a few days. Happy holidays!

— Morwen    Friday 24 December 2010, 8:52    #

very nice indeed. you should keep this up;you’ve got good ideas and a nice writing style. good luck!

— yavanna    Friday 24 December 2010, 9:14    #

Thank you so much, Yavanna! You’re very kind. The next chapter update is coming soon, ‘specially since I know there are readers!

— Morwen    Tuesday 28 December 2010, 7:31    #

Oh, I am so happy to see you have updated this. I really hope you write more, and delve into what happens after this. I really enjoyed reading this, especially the kiss between them. :)

— Avid Reader    Sunday 20 January 2013, 1:24    #

What a wonderful story. I hope you continue the tale. Thanks for sharing this with your readers.

— SparkyTAS    Sunday 9 October 2016, 11:22    #

I really like the whole concept of Faramir being adopted by Elrond, it’s so cute

— comrade hannah    Monday 22 July 2019, 22:50    #

Subscribe to comments | Get comments by email | View all recent comments


Comment

  Textile help

All fields except 'Web' are required. The 'submit' button will become active after you've clicked 'preview'.
Your email address will NOT be displayed publicly. It will only be sent to the author so she (he) can reply to your comment in private. If you want to keep track of comments on this article, you can subscribe to its comments feed.