Post by Admin on Jan 9, 2021 1:43:03 GMT
Author: Erulisse (one L)
Summary: A casual discussion of their mothers with Aragorn leads Faramir to hunt for the person who had been a mother to him after his own mother had died.
Characters/Pairing: Faramir, Aragorn, Éowyn, Laithwalen (OC)
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Tolkien built the sand box; I only play with the bucket and shovel that he left for me. No money, profit or non, is made from the publication of this story.
“You seem pensive tonight, my Lord,” Faramir said. He swirled the deep red wine in his glass, looking at the flames of the hearth through the garnet liquid.
“My apologies, I'm far away from here. My mother’s birthday would have been today and my thoughts have been dwelling on her.”
“You need not apologize. I am sorry; I did not mean to bring up sad memories.”
“She was still young, beautiful, and full of gaiety the last time I saw her. I miss her and wish she had lived to see the fulfillment of our most closely-held dreams. I have succeeded where any sane person would have bet against my chances. I have reunified our land under a single crown. She sacrificed everything to assure my success but died before the final act.”
He looked up at his younger companion and abruptly changed the focus. “Your own mother died when you were quite young, as I recall. Hmmm?”
“Yes, I was only five years old when she died; Boromir was ten.”
“Did your father raise you alone then?”
“No. No, we had a nurse, a truly wonderful woman who had come from Dol Amroth. She was maidservant to my mother and took over as our nurse when mother succumbed to her fever. – Mistress Laithwalen – we called her ‘Lalla’. She was a great comfort to us.”
“Is she still living here in Minas Tirith? She would be old, but perhaps she is still alive.”
“You know, I haven’t thought about her in quite some time. Father dismissed her from our service when I was in my early teenage years. He felt I needed a manservant, not a nurse. I remember hearing that she had married a man of the guard.
“Now you’ve set thoughts swirling around in my head. I think I’ll try to find her again. She was the closest thing to a mother that I had for many years and I think Éowyn might enjoy meeting her.”
“If you find her living here in Minas Tirith, bring her and her husband to the Citadel. I would be interested in meeting her too. I’m sure she must have some good stories about what a rascal you were as a child.”
“Oh, I'm sure she does, although I think I was a bit better behaved than Boromir was. But I think I will try to find her. Yes.”
* * * * *
“Ooof, I be feelin' my age today, Button.” My cat jumped down from my lap and ran to his food plate. Sniffing at it, he sounded a sad 'feed me' meow. I reached down and bracing myself against the armrests of my chair, pushed myself up from the seat with care. Today was not one o’ my better days. I’m feelin’ pain and movin’ slowly.
“Huh! I'll feed you at sundown, ya beggar!” I laughed shortly, the sound quickly cut off by a stab of pain from my bad knee.
While standing still for a moment I looked ‘round the room. I’ve come down in the world since the days when I called the palace or the Citadel ‘home’. Those times are now long behind me. My Jaeck’s dead, killed on the Pelennor fields fightin' for our home. My boys no longer think o' me, although to tell truth, why would they? I was naught but their nurse, not their mother.
I walked to the window usin’ the edge of the table to guide myself the last few steps. I know that the light in the middle of the wall is the kitchen window. Jaeck planted a small herb garden below it so that the sweet scents of the herbs would come into our rooms. The trestle table where I often sit is placed to catch its light.
There are two rooms on this floor of our small house; the large room where I cook and which acts as my all-purpose chamber, and a smaller room hidden behind a curtain which holds the bedstead and a coffer chest for my clothing and linens. Behind a door near the hearth is a staircase that leads up, but the upstairs is in ruins. It was destroyed in the war and I don't have neither money nor skill for repairs. I hope that the fall rains won't be heavy since I have no roof o'er my head any more.
My eyesight has been failin’ me for years. Now I can only see blurred shapes and color unless I am very close. I find my way by touch and keep my walkways clear. I'll soon be blind, but I try not to think o' that. I still have these two rooms and I have Button to keep me company. But on bad days I feel my future is lookin' dark, and the hope that’s come over Minas Tirith with the crownin' of the new king has passed me by.
I heard rumor that Faramir was in the Houses of Healin’, injured unto death in the last weeks of the war. I also heard tell that Boromir lost his life in some far away land and will never return to Gondor. Lord Denethor is also dead, although that’s probably just as well. He became a hard man after my Lady died, and would have been frettin’ about giving up his Stewardship to a King after all this time.
I remember both o’ my smilin' boys so well, but I’m sure it's been long since either one thought of me. It was my arms that held them and dried their tears after their dear mother passed on. They were still open to love then - before Lord Denethor hardened them in mind and body. After I was dismissed from the Steward’s household I married my Jaeck. We wanted children but it ne’er happened. My Lady's children were mine in my heart if not from my body.
I shook my head. I know that thinkin' on the past will force my feet to walk down paths that my mind and heart know lead only to heartbreak. I try not to think on the past, memories only hold despair.
I put my head out the window and see my neighbor in the small yard of the next house over. By the sound she’s scattering grain for her chickens.
“Ruilanda, any news?”
She moved closer to our shared wall. “No, no news at all. Midsummer is coming soon, though. Mayhap the new king is waiting to do something official then? But he took the battle to the very doorstep of the Enemy and he returned victorious to us -- Here now! Get away from there!"
She moved quickly to whoosh a bird back into the coop. Angry clucks followed her return to the wall. She stood and looked up at me. I am framed in the window, nothing much to look at I’m sure.
“Say, I will be doing laundry tomorrow. My sister's daughter will be over to help me. Would you like me to wash anything for you? It's as easy to wash a dozen things as six.”
It's kind of her to offer. “If you wouldn' mind, could I give you two skirts, two skirts and a chemise? I'd be thankful for the help.”
“I'll send Egbertha over in the early morning. Whatever you need washed, just put in a pile and don't forget your bed linens. I'll send a loaf of bread along with her too. I'm baking this afternoon and I'll have extra.”
“Bless you, Ruilanda. You're a good friend to me.”
“Pshaw! Don't be silly. Many's the time you have done somewhat for me, I'm just payin' back the favor. I’ll send her by shortly after sunrise.”
I hear a cheer in the distance as I turn back into my room. While I find my water bucket I shake my head. Whatever is happening has nothing to do with me. I drink a ladle of water, then check Button's bowl. He's plenty of water and even a bit of cheese that's left from breakfast.
I slowly gathered the clothing and linens for Ruilanda and set the bundle next to my door. Walking back to my hearth I stir up the fire and put water on for tea, readyin' my cup while I wait for the water to boil. I'm usin' tea leaves that have only been used twice before. They should still give flavor for one more time. I carry the cup over to my chair and put it onto the small table that sits near me.
Suddenly I hear a knock at my door. I stand still thinkin' I misheard, but the knock repeats.
“I’m comin’, be patient,” I say and shuffle to the entry. I rarely have visitors. More likely it is someone's lost their way in the crowded streets and lanes.
I open my door and gaze at a face I haven't seen closely for more than twenty years. My hand flies up to my chest as my heartbeat speeds and threatens to beat out of my chest.
“Faramir! Is't truly you?”
“Lalla,” was the only word I heard before I was enfolded in strong arms. “I finally found you.”
I don't know how long we stood there half in and half out o' my home, embracing with silly smiles on our faces. I didn't care. I had my boy back in my arms again and that was the only thing that mattered to me. Tears of joy were falling down my cheeks.
“My Lord, I don't have much, but could I offer you some tea and a seat at my hearth?”
“Gladly, Lalla, although no “My Lord” from you. I am Faramir to you, no more and no less.
“But I forget myself. I have brought some things for you. When I finally found where you had moved, I heard about your home. I have some food and other small gifts for you, and I've also arranged for workmen to come by next week to begin repair of your upstairs.”
He signaled to a guard who came in towards the table carrying a large basket of food, an armful of blankets and some basic clothing. “Oh, Faramir, you shouldn't have, my boy. It is too much.”
“No, Lalla, it is just the smallest bit of a 'thank you' for caring for my brother and me while we were in such need. Please let me share with you.”
Before long we were seated in my chairs with a merry fire in my hearth. I had a newly-stocked wood chest, fresh tea leaves were waiting for hot water in our cups and small, dainty iced cakes were on a plate between us.
We talked and talked and talked some more, trying to catch up with the long years between us. After a couple of hours Faramir rose to his feet.
“Please join me at the Citadel for dinner tomorrow night. I'll send a cabriolet for you an hour before sundown. I have met a very special person, Lalla, and have asked her to be my wife. I would love you to meet her. You can stay in the Citadel for the night and we'll bring you back in the morning. That way the three of us can stay up and talk for as long as we want.”
“I don't know, my dear - The Citadel. I haven't been back through those doors in many years.”
“Please. It would mean so much to me. And I know you'll love Éowyn. She's Rohirrim, blonde haired and blue eyed and strong willed. She's everything I ever dreamed of in a life partner. Please say you'll come.”
“Och! I never was able to say 'no' to you. Very well, I'll be waitin' for your vehicle and I'll walk through the Citadel doors one more time.” I laughed with joy as I was taken into his arms once more.
“Tomorrow then,” he said. Releasing me he walked to the door and without hesitation, opened it and left.
In some ways it was as if a whirlwind had left. My home suddenly seemed empty. Button twined around my legs and jumped onto my lap, purring for attention as soon as I sat back down. I started scratchin' him while I spoke. “Well. That was certainly unexpected, wasn't it lovey? I'll have to make sure that Ruilanda can take care of you while I'm away. I'll talk with her tomorrow.”
Sleep came hard that night. I was so excited. My dear boy had returned and I was going to meet his future wife – at dinner in the Citadel. The Citadel! That grand building which I had left so abruptly long years ago. I shivered and finally managed to get a few hours of sleep in spite of myself.
* * * * *
I was up with the sun on the next day and spoke to Ruilanda while she and her niece started the laundry.
“The Citadel? You'll be a’ hob-nobbin’ with the great ones up there, Mistress. Don't you be getting no swelled head over it now. You come back to us.”
“Och! And where else would I be a-goin'? This is my home. I'm just visitin' for the night to see my boy once more and meet his lady. He seems quite taken with her for all that she's a foreign'r.”
“Do you think you'll meet the King?”
“Now why would I be meetin' the King? It's just a nice quiet dinner with the two of them.”
“Well, you can never tell about them high and mighty, but I can't wait for you to come back. We'll share a cup o’ tea and you can tell me all about it. I'm so excited for you!”
The cabriolet came the next afternoon as Faramir had promised and I was helped into it. A blanket was tucked around me to keep me warm in the cool of the evening. Even with the brisk pace that the two young men at the bar were settin’, it still took a bit of time before we came out in the Courtyard of the White Tree. I noticed, to my surprise, that a new tree had been planted. But my two haulers didn't slow down, just continued on to the main stairs.
At the bottom of the steps stood Faramir, a woman with windblown golden hair who was surpassingly beautiful, and a taller, well-built man with piercing eyes but a kindly smile. A guard helped me out of the cabriolet which was whisked away just as Faramir came to me and hugged me firmly.
“Lalla, I want to introduce you to my bride-to-be, Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, and this is -”
A voice that sounded familiar to me sounded from my left. “I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Mistress Laithwalen. Be welcome to my home.”
“Och! Your highness,” I said. I attempted to drop into a curtsey and, because of my bad knee, messed it all up and went flying onto my backside in front of the world and my King. I could feel my face flushin'. I was so embarrassed.
Hands reached out to me from all three of them and I was pulled back up.
“My apologies, Mistress. I'm not quite used to this King role yet and didn’t mean to startle you. Please, be at your ease and join us for dinner. I am quite looking forward to hearing about all of the mischief that Faramir and his brother got into while you were helping to raise them.”
We walked up the stairs slowly and I cast quick sideways glances towards the King. He looked somewhat familiar and I was trying to place him. As guards opened the doors to a smaller eating chamber he waved Faramir and Éowyn into the room, holdin’ me back for a moment. Recognition suddenly came to me.
“You are Thorongil, but how can that be?” If I was right, he should be at least as old as me, but he looked only a bit older than Faramir.
He nodded. “You have found me out, Mistress. But I pray you to keep my secret. The name I have given you, that of Aragorn, is my true name and I hope that you will not hold my past against me.”
He smiled, and at that moment I would have promised him anythin’, for I saw the past glories of Númenor reflected in him. “The past is forgotten, your Majesty.”
Éowyn came to me and escorted me to my chair. The four of us spent the evening sharing quiet memories and stories of youth as lived by each of us. At last, much later, the King bade us farewell as did Lady Éowyn. Faramir and I shared one last glass of wine sitting in front of the fire in a small side room and talking of Boromir and Lord Denethor. Now our talk was more serious. It was peppered with talk about Faramir's love for his brother and his confusion about the manner of death of his father.
Finally Faramir rose from his seat and offered me his hand. “It is getting quite late, Lalla. I'll escort you to your chambers. Sleep as late as you will, whenever you want to return home I'll arrange it.”
At my chamber door we embraced one last time.
“I never had the opportunity to thank you for everything you did for me. I hope you know how much you meant to me and that you will allow me to make up for the years when we fell out of contact with one another beginning now.”
“My dear boy. I think you have giv’n me one o the happiest days of my life. Seein’ and holdin’ you once more and meetin’ your beautiful Lady and the King himself – truly all of my dreams have been fulfilled. Thank you.”
* * * * *
From that point Mistriss Laithwalen was a frequent visitor to the Citadel and later on, to Ithilien. She was present at the wedding of Faramir to his beloved Éowyn, and grew to know the King’s elvish wife, Arwen. When Éowyn had her first child, it was Lalla who helped at the birth and who helped care for their firstborn.
But all good things must end, and some six years after they had been reunited a messenger arrived at Faramir’s door bringing news of Mistress Laithwalen’s death the day before. Faramir prepared to leave for Minas Tirith and her funeral the next day, but sat by the fire that night. He spoke softly while gazing into the fire.
“It was a night much like this one when Aragorn asked me about my memories of my mother. That led to my thoughts about Lalla and shortly thereafter to finding her once again after more than twenty years.”
He stopped suddenly, closing his eyes against the sudden onrush of tears, and swallowed hard in an attempt to get his emotions back under control.
“It is as if I have lost my mother a second time, Éowyn. I miss her already. I hope she knew how much I cared for her.”
Éowyn knelt at his feet, lifting a hand to dry the single tear that had escaped his eye. “I know she knew how much you loved her. Any mother knows the love that comes to them from their child, and you were her child, my love.”
As the fire died, the flickering shadows lighted the forms of two people who would never forget one nurse who had given everything to two young, frightened boys in their hour of need.
Summary: A casual discussion of their mothers with Aragorn leads Faramir to hunt for the person who had been a mother to him after his own mother had died.
Characters/Pairing: Faramir, Aragorn, Éowyn, Laithwalen (OC)
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Tolkien built the sand box; I only play with the bucket and shovel that he left for me. No money, profit or non, is made from the publication of this story.
“You seem pensive tonight, my Lord,” Faramir said. He swirled the deep red wine in his glass, looking at the flames of the hearth through the garnet liquid.
“My apologies, I'm far away from here. My mother’s birthday would have been today and my thoughts have been dwelling on her.”
“You need not apologize. I am sorry; I did not mean to bring up sad memories.”
“She was still young, beautiful, and full of gaiety the last time I saw her. I miss her and wish she had lived to see the fulfillment of our most closely-held dreams. I have succeeded where any sane person would have bet against my chances. I have reunified our land under a single crown. She sacrificed everything to assure my success but died before the final act.”
He looked up at his younger companion and abruptly changed the focus. “Your own mother died when you were quite young, as I recall. Hmmm?”
“Yes, I was only five years old when she died; Boromir was ten.”
“Did your father raise you alone then?”
“No. No, we had a nurse, a truly wonderful woman who had come from Dol Amroth. She was maidservant to my mother and took over as our nurse when mother succumbed to her fever. – Mistress Laithwalen – we called her ‘Lalla’. She was a great comfort to us.”
“Is she still living here in Minas Tirith? She would be old, but perhaps she is still alive.”
“You know, I haven’t thought about her in quite some time. Father dismissed her from our service when I was in my early teenage years. He felt I needed a manservant, not a nurse. I remember hearing that she had married a man of the guard.
“Now you’ve set thoughts swirling around in my head. I think I’ll try to find her again. She was the closest thing to a mother that I had for many years and I think Éowyn might enjoy meeting her.”
“If you find her living here in Minas Tirith, bring her and her husband to the Citadel. I would be interested in meeting her too. I’m sure she must have some good stories about what a rascal you were as a child.”
“Oh, I'm sure she does, although I think I was a bit better behaved than Boromir was. But I think I will try to find her. Yes.”
* * * * *
“Ooof, I be feelin' my age today, Button.” My cat jumped down from my lap and ran to his food plate. Sniffing at it, he sounded a sad 'feed me' meow. I reached down and bracing myself against the armrests of my chair, pushed myself up from the seat with care. Today was not one o’ my better days. I’m feelin’ pain and movin’ slowly.
“Huh! I'll feed you at sundown, ya beggar!” I laughed shortly, the sound quickly cut off by a stab of pain from my bad knee.
While standing still for a moment I looked ‘round the room. I’ve come down in the world since the days when I called the palace or the Citadel ‘home’. Those times are now long behind me. My Jaeck’s dead, killed on the Pelennor fields fightin' for our home. My boys no longer think o' me, although to tell truth, why would they? I was naught but their nurse, not their mother.
I walked to the window usin’ the edge of the table to guide myself the last few steps. I know that the light in the middle of the wall is the kitchen window. Jaeck planted a small herb garden below it so that the sweet scents of the herbs would come into our rooms. The trestle table where I often sit is placed to catch its light.
There are two rooms on this floor of our small house; the large room where I cook and which acts as my all-purpose chamber, and a smaller room hidden behind a curtain which holds the bedstead and a coffer chest for my clothing and linens. Behind a door near the hearth is a staircase that leads up, but the upstairs is in ruins. It was destroyed in the war and I don't have neither money nor skill for repairs. I hope that the fall rains won't be heavy since I have no roof o'er my head any more.
My eyesight has been failin’ me for years. Now I can only see blurred shapes and color unless I am very close. I find my way by touch and keep my walkways clear. I'll soon be blind, but I try not to think o' that. I still have these two rooms and I have Button to keep me company. But on bad days I feel my future is lookin' dark, and the hope that’s come over Minas Tirith with the crownin' of the new king has passed me by.
I heard rumor that Faramir was in the Houses of Healin’, injured unto death in the last weeks of the war. I also heard tell that Boromir lost his life in some far away land and will never return to Gondor. Lord Denethor is also dead, although that’s probably just as well. He became a hard man after my Lady died, and would have been frettin’ about giving up his Stewardship to a King after all this time.
I remember both o’ my smilin' boys so well, but I’m sure it's been long since either one thought of me. It was my arms that held them and dried their tears after their dear mother passed on. They were still open to love then - before Lord Denethor hardened them in mind and body. After I was dismissed from the Steward’s household I married my Jaeck. We wanted children but it ne’er happened. My Lady's children were mine in my heart if not from my body.
I shook my head. I know that thinkin' on the past will force my feet to walk down paths that my mind and heart know lead only to heartbreak. I try not to think on the past, memories only hold despair.
I put my head out the window and see my neighbor in the small yard of the next house over. By the sound she’s scattering grain for her chickens.
“Ruilanda, any news?”
She moved closer to our shared wall. “No, no news at all. Midsummer is coming soon, though. Mayhap the new king is waiting to do something official then? But he took the battle to the very doorstep of the Enemy and he returned victorious to us -- Here now! Get away from there!"
She moved quickly to whoosh a bird back into the coop. Angry clucks followed her return to the wall. She stood and looked up at me. I am framed in the window, nothing much to look at I’m sure.
“Say, I will be doing laundry tomorrow. My sister's daughter will be over to help me. Would you like me to wash anything for you? It's as easy to wash a dozen things as six.”
It's kind of her to offer. “If you wouldn' mind, could I give you two skirts, two skirts and a chemise? I'd be thankful for the help.”
“I'll send Egbertha over in the early morning. Whatever you need washed, just put in a pile and don't forget your bed linens. I'll send a loaf of bread along with her too. I'm baking this afternoon and I'll have extra.”
“Bless you, Ruilanda. You're a good friend to me.”
“Pshaw! Don't be silly. Many's the time you have done somewhat for me, I'm just payin' back the favor. I’ll send her by shortly after sunrise.”
I hear a cheer in the distance as I turn back into my room. While I find my water bucket I shake my head. Whatever is happening has nothing to do with me. I drink a ladle of water, then check Button's bowl. He's plenty of water and even a bit of cheese that's left from breakfast.
I slowly gathered the clothing and linens for Ruilanda and set the bundle next to my door. Walking back to my hearth I stir up the fire and put water on for tea, readyin' my cup while I wait for the water to boil. I'm usin' tea leaves that have only been used twice before. They should still give flavor for one more time. I carry the cup over to my chair and put it onto the small table that sits near me.
Suddenly I hear a knock at my door. I stand still thinkin' I misheard, but the knock repeats.
“I’m comin’, be patient,” I say and shuffle to the entry. I rarely have visitors. More likely it is someone's lost their way in the crowded streets and lanes.
I open my door and gaze at a face I haven't seen closely for more than twenty years. My hand flies up to my chest as my heartbeat speeds and threatens to beat out of my chest.
“Faramir! Is't truly you?”
“Lalla,” was the only word I heard before I was enfolded in strong arms. “I finally found you.”
I don't know how long we stood there half in and half out o' my home, embracing with silly smiles on our faces. I didn't care. I had my boy back in my arms again and that was the only thing that mattered to me. Tears of joy were falling down my cheeks.
“My Lord, I don't have much, but could I offer you some tea and a seat at my hearth?”
“Gladly, Lalla, although no “My Lord” from you. I am Faramir to you, no more and no less.
“But I forget myself. I have brought some things for you. When I finally found where you had moved, I heard about your home. I have some food and other small gifts for you, and I've also arranged for workmen to come by next week to begin repair of your upstairs.”
He signaled to a guard who came in towards the table carrying a large basket of food, an armful of blankets and some basic clothing. “Oh, Faramir, you shouldn't have, my boy. It is too much.”
“No, Lalla, it is just the smallest bit of a 'thank you' for caring for my brother and me while we were in such need. Please let me share with you.”
Before long we were seated in my chairs with a merry fire in my hearth. I had a newly-stocked wood chest, fresh tea leaves were waiting for hot water in our cups and small, dainty iced cakes were on a plate between us.
We talked and talked and talked some more, trying to catch up with the long years between us. After a couple of hours Faramir rose to his feet.
“Please join me at the Citadel for dinner tomorrow night. I'll send a cabriolet for you an hour before sundown. I have met a very special person, Lalla, and have asked her to be my wife. I would love you to meet her. You can stay in the Citadel for the night and we'll bring you back in the morning. That way the three of us can stay up and talk for as long as we want.”
“I don't know, my dear - The Citadel. I haven't been back through those doors in many years.”
“Please. It would mean so much to me. And I know you'll love Éowyn. She's Rohirrim, blonde haired and blue eyed and strong willed. She's everything I ever dreamed of in a life partner. Please say you'll come.”
“Och! I never was able to say 'no' to you. Very well, I'll be waitin' for your vehicle and I'll walk through the Citadel doors one more time.” I laughed with joy as I was taken into his arms once more.
“Tomorrow then,” he said. Releasing me he walked to the door and without hesitation, opened it and left.
In some ways it was as if a whirlwind had left. My home suddenly seemed empty. Button twined around my legs and jumped onto my lap, purring for attention as soon as I sat back down. I started scratchin' him while I spoke. “Well. That was certainly unexpected, wasn't it lovey? I'll have to make sure that Ruilanda can take care of you while I'm away. I'll talk with her tomorrow.”
Sleep came hard that night. I was so excited. My dear boy had returned and I was going to meet his future wife – at dinner in the Citadel. The Citadel! That grand building which I had left so abruptly long years ago. I shivered and finally managed to get a few hours of sleep in spite of myself.
* * * * *
I was up with the sun on the next day and spoke to Ruilanda while she and her niece started the laundry.
“The Citadel? You'll be a’ hob-nobbin’ with the great ones up there, Mistress. Don't you be getting no swelled head over it now. You come back to us.”
“Och! And where else would I be a-goin'? This is my home. I'm just visitin' for the night to see my boy once more and meet his lady. He seems quite taken with her for all that she's a foreign'r.”
“Do you think you'll meet the King?”
“Now why would I be meetin' the King? It's just a nice quiet dinner with the two of them.”
“Well, you can never tell about them high and mighty, but I can't wait for you to come back. We'll share a cup o’ tea and you can tell me all about it. I'm so excited for you!”
The cabriolet came the next afternoon as Faramir had promised and I was helped into it. A blanket was tucked around me to keep me warm in the cool of the evening. Even with the brisk pace that the two young men at the bar were settin’, it still took a bit of time before we came out in the Courtyard of the White Tree. I noticed, to my surprise, that a new tree had been planted. But my two haulers didn't slow down, just continued on to the main stairs.
At the bottom of the steps stood Faramir, a woman with windblown golden hair who was surpassingly beautiful, and a taller, well-built man with piercing eyes but a kindly smile. A guard helped me out of the cabriolet which was whisked away just as Faramir came to me and hugged me firmly.
“Lalla, I want to introduce you to my bride-to-be, Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, and this is -”
A voice that sounded familiar to me sounded from my left. “I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Mistress Laithwalen. Be welcome to my home.”
“Och! Your highness,” I said. I attempted to drop into a curtsey and, because of my bad knee, messed it all up and went flying onto my backside in front of the world and my King. I could feel my face flushin'. I was so embarrassed.
Hands reached out to me from all three of them and I was pulled back up.
“My apologies, Mistress. I'm not quite used to this King role yet and didn’t mean to startle you. Please, be at your ease and join us for dinner. I am quite looking forward to hearing about all of the mischief that Faramir and his brother got into while you were helping to raise them.”
We walked up the stairs slowly and I cast quick sideways glances towards the King. He looked somewhat familiar and I was trying to place him. As guards opened the doors to a smaller eating chamber he waved Faramir and Éowyn into the room, holdin’ me back for a moment. Recognition suddenly came to me.
“You are Thorongil, but how can that be?” If I was right, he should be at least as old as me, but he looked only a bit older than Faramir.
He nodded. “You have found me out, Mistress. But I pray you to keep my secret. The name I have given you, that of Aragorn, is my true name and I hope that you will not hold my past against me.”
He smiled, and at that moment I would have promised him anythin’, for I saw the past glories of Númenor reflected in him. “The past is forgotten, your Majesty.”
Éowyn came to me and escorted me to my chair. The four of us spent the evening sharing quiet memories and stories of youth as lived by each of us. At last, much later, the King bade us farewell as did Lady Éowyn. Faramir and I shared one last glass of wine sitting in front of the fire in a small side room and talking of Boromir and Lord Denethor. Now our talk was more serious. It was peppered with talk about Faramir's love for his brother and his confusion about the manner of death of his father.
Finally Faramir rose from his seat and offered me his hand. “It is getting quite late, Lalla. I'll escort you to your chambers. Sleep as late as you will, whenever you want to return home I'll arrange it.”
At my chamber door we embraced one last time.
“I never had the opportunity to thank you for everything you did for me. I hope you know how much you meant to me and that you will allow me to make up for the years when we fell out of contact with one another beginning now.”
“My dear boy. I think you have giv’n me one o the happiest days of my life. Seein’ and holdin’ you once more and meetin’ your beautiful Lady and the King himself – truly all of my dreams have been fulfilled. Thank you.”
* * * * *
From that point Mistriss Laithwalen was a frequent visitor to the Citadel and later on, to Ithilien. She was present at the wedding of Faramir to his beloved Éowyn, and grew to know the King’s elvish wife, Arwen. When Éowyn had her first child, it was Lalla who helped at the birth and who helped care for their firstborn.
But all good things must end, and some six years after they had been reunited a messenger arrived at Faramir’s door bringing news of Mistress Laithwalen’s death the day before. Faramir prepared to leave for Minas Tirith and her funeral the next day, but sat by the fire that night. He spoke softly while gazing into the fire.
“It was a night much like this one when Aragorn asked me about my memories of my mother. That led to my thoughts about Lalla and shortly thereafter to finding her once again after more than twenty years.”
He stopped suddenly, closing his eyes against the sudden onrush of tears, and swallowed hard in an attempt to get his emotions back under control.
“It is as if I have lost my mother a second time, Éowyn. I miss her already. I hope she knew how much I cared for her.”
Éowyn knelt at his feet, lifting a hand to dry the single tear that had escaped his eye. “I know she knew how much you loved her. Any mother knows the love that comes to them from their child, and you were her child, my love.”
As the fire died, the flickering shadows lighted the forms of two people who would never forget one nurse who had given everything to two young, frightened boys in their hour of need.