B2MeM
Challenge Roles and names of Aragorn1- king; Carolling- You could
almost say it glowed;Canon couples Earendil/Elwing; Emotions-
courage; Facets of Faramir - mentor;Book
Titles: Skin and Other Stories
Format:
ficlet
Genre: general
Rating: G
Warnings:
none
Characters: Aragorn,Faramir
Pairings:
Earendil/Elwing
Summary: Aragorn is suspicious of Faramir's
loyalty.
These characters all belong to the estate of J.R.R.
Tolkien. This story was written for pleasure and not for financial
gain.
Aragorn was starting to have suspicions about his Steward. He instinctively liked the young man, and had sensed a noble spirit when he had called him forth from the darkness in which the Black Breath had trapped him. Now,though, the King was beginning to wonder if Faramir was not all he seemed to be.
In the days following his coronation, Aragorn had several times observed his Steward making his way towards a disreputable part of the City without his guards in attendance. When he had greeted him, Faramir had flushed and looked uncomfortable, though he denied anything was wrong. As a healer, Aragorn knew that skin told its own story.
The King began to wonder if Faramir regretted handing over power to him. He was, after all, Denethor’s son and his family had ruled Gondor for almost a thousand years unchallenged.
One afternoon, after seeing Faramir furtively slip away yet again, Aragorn decided to follow him. He needed to be able to trust his Steward completely if they were to work in harmony together to rebuild Gondor. Most likely his suspicions were completely unjustified, but he needed to know.
Using all his Ranger skills to move stealthily, Aragorn followed Faramir down to the first circle. The war damage was severe here and most of the buildings were in need of repair. Faramir entered a house, which was intact save for the windows.
Aragorn could hear voices inside. At first a murmur and then Faramir’s voice, strong and clear.
“I know the times are hard for you children,” said Faramir. “But have courage. The King is returned. Moreover, is he not of the line of Eärendil and Elwing? Remember how Eärendil alone was brave enough to summon help from the Valar when Middle-earth faced the greatest hour of need? Elwing despaired and cast herself into the sea, but Lord Ulmo changed her into a great white bird. Now she and her husband sail across the night sky in the Vingilot while the light from the Silmaril on the prow brings hope to Men.”
Aragorn felt himself flushing with shame at his unjust suspicions. He inwardly debated what to do next. He felt like slinking away, but knew that was the coward’s way. He would have courage.
The King knocked on the door. It was answered by a flustered looking young woman, with such rosy cheeks you could almost say they glowed. She obviously did not recognise him. “Can I help you?” she asked.
“I believe Lord Faramir is here,” said the King. “May I speak to him?”
“Of course,” said the young woman. “We are much indebted to Lord Faramir. He is such a wonderful man and a kindly mentor to the orphans here. He pays for their food and lodging and cheers and inspires the children by telling them stories.”
At the mention of his name, Faramir joined the woman in the doorway. He gestured for her to return to the children before speaking to Aragorn. “I promise I am not neglecting my work, sire,” he said. “I shall finish the report you asked me to write before the morning.”
“Do not fret about the report, Lord Faramir,” said Aragorn. “I confess I was curious why you were visiting this part of the City. Now that I know. I would learn how I might best help these children. The Royal Treasury will pay for anything they need.”
Faramir beamed. “I will tell Mistress Haleth,” he said. “I was just about to bis her and the children farewell.”
King and Steward walked back to the Citadel together.
“I apologise for my intrusion, Faramir,” said Aragorn. “I should not have followed you.”
“I should have told you about the orphans, sire, but I feared you would think me neglectful of my duties as Steward.”
“You do not have to tell me how you spend your free time,” said Aragorn. “You are a good and conscientious man, Faramir. I would have you tell me if know there is need, though, that I might help.”
“I was wondering, sire.” Faramir hesitated.
“Please ask of me what you will,”said Aragorn.
“I was wondering if you would accompany me to visit the orphans ,”said Faramir.
"I will do gladly," said the King.
“The children would be delighted to meet you, my lord,” said Faramir.
As they reached their apartments, King and Steward went their separate ways. Aragorn returned to his chamber with much to think upon. As King, he knew now he must get to know his people and learn their needs. He also needed to get to know his Steward better. The young man remained an enigma as he resisted all Aragorn's attempts to befriend him. Yet Aragorn could sense the young man liked him. Why then was he so uneasy in his King's company?