Thank you, Raven22372. Poor Aragorn, but he knew what he was getting into. He has the stubborn himself to make sure that Faramir is happy—if not with him then with someone.
As for Gimli, I’m always sure he knows exactly what he’s doing and does it the ‘rustic’ way, as you put it, because it throws off sticks in the mud like Gondorean counselors. Not only does the problem get fixed but he gets entertainment out of doing it. So does Legolas. I imagine they work as a team.
Now, on to breakfast.

Aw, what a subtle romance! :D You did a wonderful job bringing them together at turtle speed. And I must say I have a soft spot for Faramir still bearing the mental marks of passed days and yet developing his own kind of persistence. As heartbreaking as it is – I could really see him driving Aragorn mad by stubbornly refusing to be dragged to bliss. ;)

Plus: A cameo of Gimli! I love his rather “rustic” way to tramp onward right across the story and set things right. What a refreshing little side step that was! Thank you very much for sharing (and please excuse the delay. Christmas business, you know…)!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Eora. I am very glad you enjoyed it and especially the pacing. I was very worried up to my final read-through that it would end up being slow to the point of boring, so I’m pleased to hear that it didn’t.
I think their relationship progresses quite slowly and I’m not sure at all how far they end up taking things. As to Eowyn, I had every intention of her coming back at one point but I never know how these things will work out—and Eomer is a stubborn one.
As for the kiss… they are both alpha males, leaders, so who takes charge when they kiss? That will be one of those things they enjoy exploring, I think. Fairly innocent but so important and personal.
Again, thank you so much for the comment. It’s your story and I am very pleased that you enjoyed it.

Firstly let me make a brief apology for taking a few days to comment, I’ve been on holiday and was quite horrifically jet-lagged yesterday to the point of giving up and sleeping it all off and being quite useless to anyone, so, sorry about that! :P
Secondly, thank you thank you for this delicately wonderful story! It’s just what I was envisaging when I wrote my (rather lengthy, oops) challenge :)
This story is just perfect, so sweet, well-written and just lovely! The pacing was excellent, nice and measured without dragging at all, and I really loved the idea of Aragorn and Faramir going out for rides together, the wind in their hair and leaving their cares behind for a few hours, with each falling for the other a little more each time. You wrote their characters most wonderfully, Faramir’s dedication to duty and his humility and devotion to Aragorn were excellently written and I was very much endeared by Aragorn’s devotion in turn to Faramir’s happiness and his pursuit of their friendship regardless of his love. I loved the line “a meeting of lips that became an intricate dance—one which both parties were accustomed to leading”, such a great metaphor! I liked that, the experimental kiss that leaves both flushed, but both are willing to see how things go at their own pace. Of course, I’m left wanting more; I want to know how their relationship progresses, how Faramir and Arwen interact (not with too much awkwardness on Faramir’s part I hope) and indeed how the situation with Eowyn resolves itself (happily for all parties, I hope, whatever that may entail.) This was just perfect and I really enjoyed reading it (the line about Aragorn’s getting accustomed to doors made me giggle,) thank you so very much! :)