Faramir pauses before answering. "I am not certain," he says finally. "And I hesitate to speculate before I may hear him further."

He takes her arm again, guiding her towards the room's exit. There are too many people here, and while it is likely futile to prevent rumours--all sorts of rumours--from spreading, he would do what he can to limit them. The guards are entirely loyal, he is sure--but they are still human, and that was a scene that will not be soon forgotten, nor overlooked.

Once they have drawn a little apart, Faramir looks at Éowyn, apology written in his face. "My lady--Éowyn, forgive me. I had meant to wander with you a little more yet, before redeeming my promise to the Warden to return us both for the midday meal. But I think this is business that cannot wait. Would you be willing to return with our escort alone? You need not hurry, if you wish to tarry here with your kinsman a while longer. I will rejoin you as soon as I may, but I must attend to this first, and I think it may take some time."