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Letters From Faramir (G) Print

Written by Alcardilmë

28 April 2010 | 16713 words

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Letter Six –

Faramir sat at Boromir’s desk, his hand lovingly stroking the warm oaken top. His usual seat was across from the desk. He would sit and listen for hours to Boromir’s soldier’s tales, laughing aloud, for Boromir was a master story teller and no tale was bereft of humor. He closed his eyes, the memories too painful.

It had taken him nigh unto an hour to shake the horrors of the last few days. At last his body relaxed. After one last shudder, he pulled out parchment and quill and began what was now become a necessity.

Brother,

We have reached Minas Tirith. So few of us. I am still shaken, shaken and weary but we are inside the Citadel now and I take this moment for rest. I find it difficult to describe to you what happened. Perhaps I do not want to relive it. He moaned. I do not want to relive it, but I have found sharing these times with you comforts me.

We approached the City. My eyes turned towards the White Tower looking for you, hoping to see you standing upon the battlements as was your wont. It was then I saw them, felt their evil presence permeate the very air around us. I ordered a trumpet blast to forewarn those inside to open the Gate. The fell beasts swooped down upon us. The horses were wild with fright. Most of the men were thrown. All seemed lost. My eyes were dragged from the walls of the City back to those who were chasing us. I saw my men fall and I turned back. Before I knew it, the beast was upon me. Its great claws reached out. Its foul stench enveloped me and suddenly – he was there – Mithrandir! The fell beast could not knock me off my horse, but the sight of my friend almost did!

The Halfling had told me he was lost in Moria. Yet, here he was before me. And in splendor, Boromir. This was not the Grey Pilgrim in front of me, but some mighty Lord and Warrior – almost, I would swear – a Vala. But that is not possible. He was all in white, his great beard also and a long white cloak flowed out behind him as he galloped towards us. The steed he rode was magnificent. Its white coat shone as if covered with mithril. Never had I seen such an animal. Mithrandir raised his hand. Did he bear a sword or what – something that shone like the sun? That light alerted the Nazgûl and one broke off and swept towards him. The beating of the beast’s wings as it passed over me was deafening. The very ground shook in time to their undulating sweeps.

I tried to cry out a warning, but no sound would come. Mithrandir raised his hand and a shaft of light flashed, up towards the great beast. It gave a cry and wheeled off. The others wavered, and I felt a shudder almost in time, before they too broke away and left us on the Pelennor. “How could this be?” I asked as I grabbed his arm.

Boromir, I wanted to jump from my horse and hug him – not for the escape though surely it was needed – but for him. I had forgotten in the grief of you, how much this man meant to me, how much I valued his friendship, and now, in our darkest hour, to find him here with me. It was almost more than I could bear what with this weariness upon me.

We spoke for only a moment, though my heart cried out to sit with him in the Great Library and talk about little things – the fate of Númenor, the sundering of Beleriand. But there was no time for that. Mayhap, if we are victorious? Boromir, the City was wild with joy. You would have thought a great battle had been won. But our people are so starved for even a morsel of hope. I fear they have heard rumors of your…. My heart goes out to them. Too long have I been away.

Their cries of Faramir and Mithrandir bounced off the very walls of the City. And my heart fell. Someone cried out, “The Lord of Gondor has returned.” ‘No, no,’ I thought, ‘It is all wrong. The cry should be, “The Lords of Gondor have returned.”’ Never have I come home to a more unwelcome welcome, for your absence is engulfing, all encompassing. I can hardly bear it.

Where are you, my Brother? Is nothing the way it should be? There must be someone here who misses you also. Someone who feels your absence as heavily as I.

And yet, I must keep my head up, not succumb to this grief. The people are desperate for hope and I must show it to them. But wait! There was a Halfling there in the crowd, dressed in the livery of the Tower. I tried to seek him out, to speak with him. Mayhap he was with you, knew you. But we were both being forced forward by the great crowds towards the Tower Hall. No time for thought or questions.

I was curtly reminded that Denethor awaited me and even escape from the Nazgûl was no reason to be late for him. They pushed me onward. I was beyond weary. Forgive me, Brother. I must spend a moment in preparation for my meeting with Father. I know you understand. I cannot write more. I… Boromir, I miss you. I will put this letter in the box when I return to Henneth Annûn.

Faramir

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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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