Faramir but shakes his head a little, his smile a little tinged with sorrow. It does no good to know that no man could have succeeded in retaking Osgiliath, that his father's final orders to him were madness, just as it is little comfort to know that the Steward bitterly regretted those orders and his last words to his second son. Faramir has been told so--but hearing it and forgetting the memory of their last parting are not the same thing, and the knowledge brings but scant comfort.

But those are no thoughts for this place, or this company. "When I was drawn here, the Captains had just ridden for the Black Gate, with some few days only left before their arrival. One way or another, that battle will bring a conclusion to the long war that has plagued our lands. If you know aught of what has transpired, I would be grateful to learn."

He hesitates, then adds, "Or if you know aught of how those left behind in Minas Tirith fare, I would as glad to hear tidings of them. For the city and all its inhabitants are now in my care, and it is bitter to have been pulled away from them just as that has become the case."