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Letters From Faramir | Faramir Fiction Archive
 

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Letters From Faramir (G) Print

Written by Alcardilmë

28 April 2010 | 16713 words

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Letter Two –

“There! Can you not hear it, Father? It is the Horn of Gondor.” Faramir ran to the window, pulled back the heavy drapes, and tried to peer into the distance. The sun was high overhead yet the air was chilled. He shivered, but not from the cold.

A glint of wet shone in Denethor’s eyes, yet his face was set in a hard line, jaw tight, lips taut, hands clenched. “You are needed in Ithilien. Go, now.”

Faramir stared, dumbfounded. Then because he knew that look, knew nothing he could say would alter the command given him, he strode, impotent, from the room. A few short hours later, he was in Osgiliath. After sharing the daymeal with the men of Osgiliath, he wearily dropped onto an empty cot in the barracks and waited for dark to come and hide him. He would ride for Henneth Annûn at daybreak.

It was nigh unto midnight and still he had not slept. He swore, pushed the covers from him, and stood. I will go mad if I lie here longer. Giving up on the attempt at sleep, he rose and ran from the barracks. He walked to the battlements and stood next to one of the Knights. Silence, cloaked with dust from ages of decay, spilled over his body, yet his ears rang continuously with the sound of the Horn. He turned and walked to the dining hall. No one was about and only a lone lamp shone on the table farthest from the door. He walked to it, sat, pulled out the precious letter and wept. As dawn slid into the room, he rose and went to the cook’s desk. He found paper and began to write as quickly as possible.

My Brother,

I heard the Horn of Gondor. Father would not let me follow the sound… so dim. He has sent me off to Ithilien and has sent, in my stead, others to try to find you. I fear it is my destiny to have others go in my place. But a worse fear grows in my heart. Where are you? Why did you blow the horn? It was not the clear notes of the heralding of the beginning of an adventure that I heard… Rather, to my ears, it was the sharp cry of a fox caught in a trap. Three times I heard the call. Three times the air was taken from my lungs. Three times I felt the warm breath of our mother on my cheek, telling me all would be well. The same way you oft told me, as I cried myself to sleep after her death – that all would be well.

Boromir – where are you, my Brother? Please come back to me. I harbor no anger for your going on this journey in my place. You know I believe you went for my sake, not your own. Always my protector. Even with Father – Do you remember the times you would hold me and comfort me after Father would upbraid me for something that I had or had not done, whether to his purpose and satisfaction or no.

Perhaps that is why the Valar gave you the dream too. They knew you would not let me go to what you saw as my doom. And yet someone had to go. So, mayhap they gave the dream to you also, and you, as you always could, were able to talk Father into letting you go. Would that I had never had the accursed dream – never mentioned it to you!

My Brother, I fear I have lost you. No word comes and I am filled with trepidation. You spoke of despair in your post from Rivendell. And yet I cannot see you in despair. You were always the one leading the battle, in play as children, and for Gondor, when grown. You were always the one championing my cause to Father. I know you had fears, even though you hid them from your little brother, but not despair – not the kind I see in our father’s eyes. The men would follow you anywhere; I would follow you anywhere. What madness is this that would try to claim you?

Oh Boromir, I beg you – know that your little brother loves you and believes in you and waits for your return. Come quickly, dearest Brother, come quickly. Gondor needs you. I need you.

Faramir

His jaw hurt from being clenched. He shook his head, trying to relieve it of the horror he felt crushing it. He folded what he had written and put it in his tunic’s pocket. Then, he rifled through the cupboards till he found meal, stuffed it into his pouch, and left the room, bound for the stables.

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11 Comment(s)

What an excellent work, Alcardilmë!
Truly I admire your style of writing and wonderful ideas! These feelings, these emotions… They are so deep, so full of hope, of love. Thank you!

— Anastasiya    Wednesday 10 March 2010, 17:30    #

Many thanks for your kind words, Anastasiya. I do so love writing about the brothers.

Alcardilmë    Saturday 13 March 2010, 4:34    #

Wow! The emotions are so raw, they are dripping from the letters, they are dripping from my screen. Loved it! Great work! Thanks!

dream.in.a.jar    Thursday 25 March 2010, 15:06    #

Gosh – most pleased that you like this. I would offer a handkerchief for your screen, if I could. Very grateful for your comments!

Alcardilmë    Sunday 28 March 2010, 4:14    #

Wow. Gorgeously done. Intensely felt and expertly crafted. I love seeing the battle commander Faramir in action. Still thinking and feeling, but never wavering in his leadership and valor. Thank you.

— Vanwa Hravani    Monday 29 March 2010, 13:56    #

You have such a gift for translating emotions into words! This is surely what Faramir was thinking and feeling during those times.

I especially liked the mention of the friends lost in battle. They weren’t nameless, faceless ‘extras’ to the brothers. They were real men with lives and familes, and each would be mourned.

— trixe    Monday 29 March 2010, 22:14    #

My deepest thanks for your intense words, Vanwa Hravani! Never wavering is right. The lieutenant will indeed grow into the fine captain that we all know and love. But I cannot take credit; I only write what Faramir tells me to. :D

Alcardilmë    Sunday 4 April 2010, 4:42    #

Dear trixie, it is an honor to receive such a note of encouragement from an author whom I value! As for Faramir, I can see him caring for his men. Not as chattle, but as important parts of his life. Mourning lost friends must have occurred on a daily basis… the life of a soldier of Gondor was not a safe life. Again, many thanks for your gift of comment!

Alcardilmë    Sunday 4 April 2010, 4:51    #

I have just read all of the letters in one sitting, so to say. I am still crying so much that I almostfeel that my heart will tear apart. I am in a hospital and a dear friend of mine just passed away. we both have cancer, but mine is treatable, his wasn’t. I sat next to him this sunday and we spoke of all the things we would do when we got out of here. he took care of me, when I was sick from the chemo he helped me, he encourage me to stay strong and he was always there for me. When my boyfriend broke up with me because I was to sick for him to be with me he comforted me. He was like a nother big brother, one who could understand. his family visited me as much as they visited him, my own parents have never come. He died the same night and I never got to tell him how much I loved him. I feel like I am all alone now, even though some of my friends come I feel like I don’t have the strength to fight anymore. Why couldn’t I have died instead of him? Your letters has inspired me to start writing to him. I will never forget him and I wont let him be.
Tank you for this

— Ingrid    Wednesday 28 April 2010, 16:30    #

Ingrid – my heart goes out to you. I’m glad the Letters gave you inspiration. Writing is an incredible gift… I truly know what you decide to write will help heal. As for me, the Letters definitely helped me. Some folks say that feedback really isn’t necessary for a dedicated writer, but I put things that are a part of me into my writing. When folks respond, I feel more human. I feel connected to humanity. If that makes any sense. Thank you for your comments, but especially for your courage. Blessings!

Alcardilmë    Saturday 1 May 2010, 4:23    #

I am in tears. You have managed to put into words the feelings of all who have lost a loved one. I’m certain that I won’t be the only one of your readers to write to a departed relative, friend or lover. I thank you for showing me another path to healing a long held grief. Bless you!

— Dancingkatz    Sunday 8 July 2012, 4:30    #

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