Chapter II: The Steward of the City
Faramir had awaken the next morning in a sweat. He did not remember what nightmares may have plagued his sleep, but he suspected they involved fire. He bathed to rid himself of the oil that still clung to his flesh. Last night, Iorlas, the Captain of the Citadel Guard and his good friend, had brought him a trunk of fresh clothes from his chambers in the city. Now, Faramir opened the trunk, and took a long green tunic trimmed in black with the emblem of the twin ravens. He also found new boots and trousers. Once dressed, he touched the sleeve, the light, soft velvets so different from the wool, leather, and oilskin of his ranger gear. He also missed the familiar weight of his sword hanging from his belt.
As he walked to the garden, he was greeted by many with "Good morning, my Lord." Even Curutir, the Warden of the Houses, was madly deferential, though he insisted yet upon the keeping of Faramir for several days.
Faramir remembered the misty days of his youth when a young boy, a child really, waited with his brother for news of their mother’s health. He traced a path around the small fountain, then along the walls, looking out over the Pelennor. The grass was stained with blood, and a great burning pile gave off thick smoke. Faramir though he could see the twisted silhouette of a fell beast being consumed. Some time later, as he stood upon the wall, he heard a voice call his name.
"My Lord Faramir? Here is the Lady Éowyn of Rohan."
Turning, he saw Curutir coming from the Houses. He also saw the lady beside the Warden, head held proudly, clad in white, her hair a curtain of gold.
***
Éowyn stood still. Of course she recognized him. This was the humble soldier with gentle blue eyes who had seen her at her window? She remembered what the Warden had said to her: "The Lord Faramir is by right the Steward of the City." He looked the part more so today, his green cloth finely embroidered with an intricate black trim, his posture that of a noble warrior, and his face stern.
He walked toward them, listening gravely as the Warden told him of her predicament. More than once, his gaze flickered between the older man and her. She interrupted, saying, "Understand, my Lord, I am not upset by lack of care. I only wish to be released from this cage, and rejoin the battle."
Faramir dismissed the Warden, but said nothing. She continued with a backward glance at Curutir‘s retreating form. "I looked for death in battle, but did not find it."
"My lady, I myself am in the Warden’s keeping, and have not taken my authority yet. But even if I had the power, I would still listen to his counsel. For death in battle may find us all yet, whether we would seek it or not; we would be best prepared when fully healed."
Éowyn opened her mouth to give one more feeble protest, but decided against it, instead whispering, "But I cannot even see any tidings from the East; my window does not face the Dark Land. And I am barred from leaving my chamber."
"That can be remedied," said Faramir kindly. "I will bid Curutir the Warden to give you leave to walk these gardens, if you will, my lady. Here you can look East, while thelight endures." She moved as if to bow curtly and depart, but he spoke again. "And here shall you also find me, walking and waiting, and also looking east. It would ease my care if you would speak to me, or walk at whiles with me."
She turned back to him, and looked up at him, colour rising in her cheeks. "How do you mean, Lord?"
"Éowyn of Rohan, I tell you that you are beautiful; more lovely and sorrowful than any I have seen in Gondor. It would ease my heart, if while the Sun yet shines, I could see you still. For you and I have both been drawn from beneath the Shadow’s wings by the same healing hand."
She looked at him sharply, face still flushed, and eyes bright and keen as a steel blade. "Not me, Lord! Shadows still lie upon me. I am a shieldmaiden, and my hand is ungentle. But I thank you that I will not be caged, but walk free by the grace of the Steward of the City." Then she did bow her head, and walk swiftly back into the Houses.