The long wait

Chapter 11

March 21st

In the morning, Faramir dresses and feels relieved when he does not feel much pain in his shoulder. It gives him hope that he might soon leave the houses and take up his duties as the steward. Duties which he would like to attend too as soon as possible. Just as he is considering that Beregond enters his room.

"Suil, Beregond."

Faramir made the decision to greet Beregond as soon as he saw him. He does not want Beregond to attend on him without being acknowledged by him. Especially, since he did not acknowledge Beregond the past few days. Or at least he did not acknowledge Beregond as much as he prefers to. Beregond's respond comes immediately.

"Suil, my lord. Are you feeling alright?"

Faramir smiles calmly because he knows that this is a normal question to ask. Considering his shoulder, he is can say that he is alright which he does tell Beregond.

"Yes, Beregond, I feel fine. My shoulder does not pain me as much as it did yesterday."

"I am glad to hear that."

Well, that concludes that. Now he would like to know why Beregond came. He does not expect breakfast for another hour which would give him time to take a walk in the garden. This Faramir decides to look into it.

"Why did you seek me out right now, Beregond? Breakfast should not be brought for an hour."

"I know that, my lord. The reason I came actually concerns breakfast. I came to inform you that your breakfast will be delayed today. The kitchens are delayed due to an incident that occurred in the early hours."

Well, that explains why breakfast is delayed. He is glad to know about it now. It means that he will have more time to spend in the garden. Unfortunately, he also knows that some will not be pleased with this. When he notices Beregond's worried look, he decides to reassure him.

"That is no problem, Beregond. I only hope that no one was injured during the incident."

"No one was seriously injured, my lord. A few maidens suffered some scratches but are already treated for it or receiving it as we speak."

"That is good to know. If you could arrange for my breakfast to be brought to the garden today."

He got the idea of eating breakfast in the garden just now. He was considering how to determine when he will receive his breakfast. Something which he expects to be difficult in the current situation. Especially, because he does not want to be treated any different from the others who reside in the houses.

Also, he wants to take a walk in the garden. Combining it with the uncertainty concerning at what time he will receive breakfast, makes for a difficult situation. As such he decided that he could eat his breakfast in the garden.

Beregond is quick to respond to his request.

"Ben iest lîn, my lord. I will make the arrangements."

"I will go to the gardens then to take a walk there. Once my breakfast has been brought to the garden, please seek me out."

"Carathin i iest lîn, my lord. I hope you have a good walk in the garden."

Then Beregond bows to him and leaves the room. Faramir is not far behind him in leaving the room. He sees how Beregond walks in the direction of where he remembers the kitchen of the houses is located. Most likely to inquire about his breakfast. Or at least that is the only reason he can imagine. He does not believe that Beregond would have come to the houses to look after him without eating beforehand. Faramir smiles amused at Beregond's dedication to him and turns towards the garden.