The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Imagines

The Little Moments That Bring Us Joy -Faramir

(Author's Notes: things I wrote here about ashes and eggshells are what my Dad does for his plants. My Mom also likes succulents. We keep all the yougurt cups, disposable cups, plastic bottles, old tires and wheelbarrows and old sinks and pails and eggtrays. They plant their succulents or vegetable seedlings there. We have a lot of spinach just outside our house and even though I really don't like gardening, I'm happy whenever other people from other farms come over to us and see the spinach my father planted and they'd ask if they could have some 💕

I thought it would be nice to incorporate some of the little things I find joy in. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed by the bad stuff that's happening in the world, we forget to appreciate the little moments that make us smile. I hope this reminds you of them.)

"What makes you happy?"

"Watching a little seed grow into a seedling and knowing that it was you who helped bring it to life. And when your plants grow and when you are finally able to harvest what you have planted, you are reminded of the effort you've done and a sense of satisfaction fills you."

Faramir smiled as the owner of the house opened the door and greeted him with a bow. He was visiting the baker and he did this every week on Sundays before he returned home. His visits have become a routine that Faramir doesn't even need to knock for the baker to know he's there.

The baker doesn't even ask why he's there because the moment the door opens, the baker gives him quite a large paper bag.

And this paper bag contains a lot of eggshells.

Because Faramir visits often, the baker insisted that he should bring a basket with him everytime he comes so that the baker could fill the basket with bread and pastries. At first Faramir declined, for it felt wrong to take or receive something for free, especially that the baker needs money to survive and he makes money because of his baked goods.

But the baker insisted that what Faramir and his wife was doing for their people and for Gondor was more than enough. And so Faramir accepted the gifts.

Because of Faramir's numerous visits, the people who lived near the bakery would also come out of their house and give Faramir more bags of eggshells and even ashes. They would also bring old mugs and jars they have not used. Others would also offer old and extra bowls. Sometimes they would also bring out their old wheelbarrows and sacks. Faramir took all of these graciously and the people would look after him with fond smiles on their faces as he left happily, carrying the things they had given.

When Faramir arrived home, he went inside first to drop off the basket of goods. He would then run outside and take the things the people had given to him. Faramir continued past his house and towards a place a few blocks away that was surrounded by hedges.

He passed the entrance that had an archway where bougainvillea crept. Faramir walked towards the pergola placed in the middle of the garden and put down the things he had brought before looking around.

It was a still a work in progress but Faramir was happy on how it was turning out. There was still a need to make a path out of the spare stones and bricks they had and he also took note of where to put the lamps so that the place would be illuminated during the evening. But other than that, the place was starting to come together. He admired the flowers arranged beautifully in one side and the succulents that were also planted.

This is why Faramir had been collecting and why the people were giving their old things.

You were making a garden for everyone to enjoy.

And you had the idea of making this garden out of things that you and the others already had. You refused to make things more difficult by having to buy other stuff when there are more important things that the money should be going to. Making a garden out of recycled materials also meant something more because you made use of the things that people once owned.

You couldn't explain but whenever you used wheelbarrows as a place to transplant your seedlings, you couldn't help but feel happy thinking of how the wheelbarrow had served its purpose and is serving another purpose.

You were too focused on your work, too focused on planting more seeds in little cups you had acquired while squatting down(they were your seed trays) that you didn't notice Faramir approach you.

"My love, I have returned," he said and you nearly jumped when you heard his voice. Faramir laughed at your reaction and you rolled your eyes in response. "Some had given more mugs that they thought you might find a use for. I also brought the eggshells and ashes."

"Oh, they are all too kind," you said, standing up and dusting off dirt from your pants, tunic, and hands. "Where are the ashes and eggshells? More slugs have come and they are eating my vegetables!"

Faramir walked back to the pergola and took the bag of ashes and the bag of eggshells then followed you to the corner where you grew your vegetables. It was a lovely sight to see. Spinach and lettuce and tomatoes and onion grew in their areas—you had put up a sign specifying what vegetable or fruit, because yes technically a tomato is a fruit, was growing there.

You kneeled down and took the bag from Faramir. You then put the ashes in a circle, surrounding the plants that were usually attacked by snails and slugs. You also crushed the eggshells into fine pieces and put them on top of the soil or mixed them with the soil to act as an organic pesticide and fertilizer.

Faramir helped you in your task and the two of you worked throughout the afternoon. Your work was also filled with laughter and stories and so you didn't realize that it was already 4 in the afternoon and it would be best to go home.

After cleaning up, Faramir took the bags of eggshells and ashes in his arm and wrapped his other arm around your waist. You did the same and the both of you walked back to your house.

"Remind me to bring over vegetables to the bakery," you told Faramir when you saw the basket filled with goods on the table.

Faramir laughed and placed a kiss on your temple before pulling you with him so that the both of you could clean up before dinner.

"Well noted, darling."

This little moment happened often but it did not make you less happier. Days and weeks, months and years had passed and before your eyes you saw how your garden grew. It brought you joy to know that the green leaves and the bright colors of the flowers made the others happy as well. It also brought hope to everyone. That indeed the world was healing, that there are brighter days to come. In that garden you and Faramir and your people would gather and celebrate important occasions. These moments left beautiful memories and they made you all look forward to the days to come.

It made you all look forward to a happier future.

It made life worth living.