[He stays so still, the same way he would in a forest when trying not to fright a deer or a fluttering bird. It is not unlike, though so much more important. All the same, deep down Faramir thinks it fortunate that he is a man of great self-restraint. Too much so, he has sometimes been told--but here and now it is serving him well, and he is glad of it.

She pulls away and returns, and he sighs relif at this small but pointed gesture of comfort and trust. One more time he brushes his lips over hers, then pulls back.]

Come, melda. You need rest and care. And in truth so do I, for these past days have been long, and longer ones await. We are both fortunate to have this respite here, I think.