They had spotted him. There was no way back now. And Elboron was coming towards him. It was like in the dream. For a brief moment, Faramir found himself surveying the trees and hedges about, searching for hidden bowmen, but then his attention shifted wholly to the small person now running towards him. If someone was out there intending to shoot him, so be it. But he would not waste another moment to finally greet his son.
His son, who had grown so much in his absence! Faramir could hardly believe how much. His hair had turned darker, too. As Éowyn had mentioned in her letters, the similarity between father and son had become more prominent. And despite his short legs, Elboron was running quite fast. In fact, he seemed to wanting to run even faster than his legs would carry him, clutching Horsey in one hand, and with the other flailing about to keep his balance.
“Dadi,†Elboron called, beaming, waving Horsey.
Faramir halted, striken. The fear he had harboured for so long, that his son would not recognise and indeed shun him evaporated with this single word. He felt himself beginning to shake slightly.
“Elboron,†he whispered hoarsely, but more words would not come as his throat was too tight to speak. Slowly he sank to his knees.
Elboron slowed when he was a few paces away from him, looking at him strangely as if last doubts about the other’s identity had come up. He cast a swift reassuring glance back to Éowyn, who only nodded slightly, then he turned back to his father. He hesitated briefly, then took a few steps towards him, holding out his hand.
Carefully, his own hand trembling, Faramir extended his left, and with surprising strength the boy caught and shook it. “Hello, Dadi,†he said gravely, mimicking what he had seen when the grown-ups greeted each other. Then he laughed merrily.
“Hello, Elboron,†Faramir managed to reply, before his voice failed him, and he pulled his little boy into a tight embrace. For a moment Elboron seemed unsure what to think of that because he stiffened, but then he laughed again and put his arms around Faramir’s neck, burying his face in the other’s tunic. Horsey dropped onto the grass behind them.
Faramir simply held him with his eyes closed. This was real. No dream. There would be no waking up to a cold reality. He was home. The relief and joy he felt were so poignant and wonderful that they hurt. Feeling Elboron stir, he opened his eyes and slightly released his hold, fearing he had clutched him too tightly. Elboron had spotted the sling, and drew back a little to be able to see it better. He looked at Faramir questioningly. “Dadi hurt?†he asked, indicating the white linen.
Faramir nodded, upon which his son reached for his right hand.
“Elboron make heal,†he declared, and blew on it. Then he looked at his father expectantly.
Faramir could not help it but laugh, and the laughter grew until it was as merrily as his son’s. He hugged him again. “Thank you, Elboron,†he said. “‘Tis much much better already.†With that he kissed the boy’s forehead, before looking at him. “I must say hello to your Mami and your brothers, too,†he told him, nodding towards where Éowyn still stood, watching them. He felt a deep stab when he beheld her. Her face was pale and drawn, and her eyes reddened from crying. He recalled the washer-woman’s words. Obviously she had had a rough night – only one of many, too many. And yet, there she was, his Éowyn. And to him she looked more beautiful than ever. “Will you bring me to them?†he asked his son.
Elboron nodded vigorously, taking Faramir’s hand in his. Carefully, Faramir rose, and stood a moment to prepare himself. “Do not forget your Horsey,†he told Elboron, and the boy picked it up.
“Go see frogs, too?†he asked when they set out, waving Horsey in the direction of the ponds.
Faramir laughed again. “Later, Elboron. Later,†he added softly, his gaze bent on the golden-haired figure that was slowly approaching them now.