Chapter 5. Light Dawns

A few days later, the Steward sought the King’s leave to keep his residence in the Tower. 

Aragorn was standing by the parapet on the great jutting rock in the middle of the City, when Faramir came and stood next to him.  It was nearly sunset. 

“I will not invoke any of the three reasons you mentioned, my lord, though they are all true,” Faramir said.  “I am your steward and your servant; we are following tradition; and there is no question who the Lord of the City is.” 

“What reason, then, Faramir?” 

“Both options—to stay in the Tower or to stay elsewhere in the City—would not hinder me from performing my duties as the Steward.  You have given me your blessing to stay here or in any other residence.”   

Faramir paused for a moment, then continued, “I will stay because I wish to.” 

This surpassed Aragorn’s expectation.  He had intended to tell Faramir to do as he pleased, but he had worried that the thought of placing his own wish above other considerations might unsettle Faramir. 

Faramir gazed towards the Pelennor. His hand moved instinctively to adjust his tunic, as though brushing away an invisible dust.  He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the calm demeanor he usually wore now slipping into something more restless. 

“I believe you have not done something like this in a long time, if ever.  Am I right?”  Aragorn asked. 

Faramir turned to him with surprise, which quickly gave way to gratitude.  His steward, Aragorn realized, was not accustomed to being understood. 

“Allowing my wishes and whims to sway me?”  Faramir let out a mirthless laugh.  “I learned from an early age to set aside such trifles.” 

Aragorn’s heart stirred with pity and respect.  Many sons of Gondor had learned to place duty above their desires.  For Boromir and Faramir, there must have been the added weight of their father’s expectations. 

Faramir’s way of coping was unusual.  Not only had he placed his duty above his own wishes; he had willed himself to love his duty and to desire little else. 

It was noble, and had enabled him to serve Gondor faithfully through the war.  But was it right, was it safe, to let him continue giving without learning to ask, or receive? 

“The Shadow has departed,” Aragorn said.  “There is much to be done to rebuild Gondor, but perhaps now is also a time to loosen your restraint a little.  Do not will yourself to be content all the time.” 

Faramir seemed to understand his concerns.  “I know things are different now,” he said, “and I also know the peril of continuing in my old ways.  I am adjusting to the sunshine, as it were.” 

Aragorn nodded.  “I will get to dine at the Steward’s House many more times, then?” he asked. 

“As many as you wish, my lord,” Faramir replied. “We will serve you a proper supper next time, with the best silverware—which no doubt you remember fondly.” 

Aragorn laughed. 

They stood together a while longer, in peaceful silence, as the setting sun bathed the lower circles in a warm, amber light, casting a reddish hue over the stone walls and streets. 

“I stood here with my father just before I left for Ithilien, only a few days before the siege,” Faramir said suddenly.  It was the first time he had mentioned Denethor to Aragorn. 

Aragorn remained silent, careful not to interrupt Faramir’s reflection. 

“He was proud and always followed his own way, convinced he knew best,” said Faramir. 

“He did know best in most matters,” Faramir added with a wistful smile.  “He had aged much in the last one year.  Being proud, he seemed to think that the fate of Gondor was his burden, and his alone.” 

Aragorn wondered if this was what having a son mean—having someone who would recall your failings with understanding and tenderness.  A longing for a family of his own stirred in Aragorn’s heart. 

Then Faramir seemed to pull himself back to the present.  He turned to Aragorn.  

“You spoke of reclaiming the weight of duty from the Ruling Steward, my lord,” he said gravely, “and indeed, the heaviest burden now rests upon your shoulders.  Yet you need not bear it alone.  Nor should your sons grow up knowing little else but duty.  I will gladly share the weight, for what it is worth to one as high as you, surrounded by wise and mighty friends among Elves and Men.” 

Not for the first time, Aragorn wondered how one could adequately respond to such depth of devotion. 

“I will strive to be worthy of your devotion,” he finally said, “which I value as highly as the crown of Gondor itself.” 

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