It took Faramir a moment to realize that Aragorn was not rebuking him, nor finding faults where none was to be found. It took Faramir another moment to realize that he was preparing himself for harsh words and harsher punishment - his fingers were curled into his palm, body tense and rigid, as though expecting an attack, as though the act could strengthen him against the glare from his better's eyes. None came, and Faramir blinked repeatedly.

"--thank you, my lord," he said, though in truth he was prepared to report Ithilien's progress had Aragorn requested it. The past days had been spent not in the comfortable and lovely company of his wife, but in the Prince's study. Should the King request it, he would be able to give a detailed account of all that Ithilien had gained and acquired since Faramir was made Prince of it. "Ithilien had already been flourishing even before its keeper had been appointed. All that it needed was someone with a hand strong and steady to guide its growth."