That anniversary (Open)

[faramir_hurin]

It has been five years since I died. Was killed. I was remarkably at peace about it last year and even more so today. I do not feel like brooding about it, not with how things are going here. I worked this morning and I have a book to just read here in the hotel lobby. Tonight I am going to supper with my father--he wished to do this and I'm

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[needsthumpin]

Kerai smiled when she saw Faramir, and crossed the room to meet him.

"Good greeting, Faramir. I'm glad to see you."

[faramir_hurin]

I look up when someone approaches and return the smile I'm getting.

"It is very good to see you, Kerai. How do you fare in this new year?" I never feel quite 'new' until the ninth, when I was reborn, but it's close enough.

[needsthumpin]

"Very well. Some people complain of boredom here, but I like it uneventful. I've been looking for you, to give you your holiday gift."

[faramir_hurin]

"I like it uneventful too. I can train to avoid becoming lazy and it's better than what the village terms excitement." I consider. "Although the holiday party was fine."

Gift? Oh, I get so surprised to get any that I can forget who has sent them.

"You've a gift for me? Well, I had one for you* so it's only fair."

*I've been so out of it that I didn't make a real gifts post. I know Faramir got something for Kerai and Chuck, I just don't know exactly what. He is working on translating 'The Lay of Leithian' and writing down the Elvish in... English.

[needsthumpin]

"Yes, I have a gift for you." She knows him well enough to have expected the surprise, and it makes her smile fondly.

"But it's not a thing that can be handed to you. It's a thing to be listened to."

[faramir_hurin]

I could have guessed.

"Music--that will be wonderful." What Kerai does is amazing, and she's come so far here in the village. Not being ostracized for something you can't control helps with that.

"How are you and Chuck doing, if you don't mind my asking?" I hope they are well. For all that they live right by me I don't see them much.

[needsthumpin]

Her smile is smaller, but deeper than usual. Her face untwists until it's nearly pretty.

"Well, very well. He's said, once we're done with what we have to do, and have gone on, that somehow he'll come find me. And I believe him. And until then...I'm stronger for having known his love."

[faramir_hurin]

I relax, and I didn't even know I was nervous.

"That is beautiful, and I'm very pleased." I consider people I know. "He may very well be able to find you. There are a number of people here who went after a loved one."

Not all were dead in their own worlds either.

"I'm so happy for both of you." I knew he was better for her than I. There's something... different about Chuck. Kerai can't read him and that must mean something.

[needsthumpin]

"I'm better for knowing you, too." She cocked her head. "When would you like your present?"

[faramir_hurin]

"I hope so, even as I am better for knowing you."

This is not the best place to hear a song.

"I'm not sure. The lobby of the hotel isn't the right place. Where do you think would be good?" She knows these things better than I do.

[needsthumpin]

"There are conference rooms near, or we can make an appointment for you to come by the Ribbon?"

[faramir_hurin]

"Whichever you think would sound better." I am now quite curious but if the Ribbon is better and she cannot go now, then I'll wait.

"How soon could I get an appointment?"

[needsthumpin]

"I have time now, but I'm afraid you are waiting for someone?"

[faramir_hurin]

I shake my head.

"I am not waiting for anyone now. Later..." She knows what this means to me. "I am going to supper tonight with father."

I'm like one of the Earth children before Christmas.

[needsthumpin]

She smiles, another nearly untwisted one.

"I'm happy for you...for you both. Then the best place, I think, would be your room."

[faramir_hurin]

"All right." I never even set down my book. "Stairs?"

It's only one floor up, as she knows.

"Olore will be happy to see you, too." He likes people other than me. Not that he doesn't like me, but he likes company.