Faramir Fiction Archive

Brothers (G)

Written by Monica

09 May 2005 | 4731 words

Chapter 7: Learning

"Fara?" Boromir looked around the huge room, considering all the hiding places the library offered. Faramir could be anywhere and if he was curled up with a new book, he might not even pay attention to his brother's call. "Faramir, come out now," Boromir commanded.

A sigh, and then a small head appeared from behind some shelves. "Over here, Boro," Faramir said. Boromir smiled and went to his brother.

"What has got your attention this time?" he asked his little brother fondly, joining him on the floor. Since Faramir had turned six and was allowed to enter the libraries to read, the boy spent much his free time with his nose in a book. Boromir himself did not quite understand the fascination with old histories, but he knew Faramir loved all types of learning.

"It's a history of Rivendell," Faramir said excitedly. "All sorts of stories, but I wish it had a map."

Boromir shrugged. "There is surely a map here somewhere," he said. "You can ask the scribes sometime."

Light eyes smiled at his older brother. "But I want to find it myself," he said. "That's the fun part."

Boromir laughed in agreement. "And I bet we can find all sorts of interesting stuff while we are looking," he agreed. Just last week while helping Faramir find a story about the dwarfs, Boromir had come across a very interesting little book of poetry. Normally he hated poetry of all types, but this one had contained some quite enlightening words about love and women. Judging from the reaction of the scribes, Boromir had correctly deduced that it was for adults only, and thus he badly wanted to read it. He would help Faramir find his map, and then Faramir would surely remember where the poetry was stored.

He helped Faramir up to his feet, and the brothers began their sneak attack on the unsuspecting library.

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time change

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His stomach announced that it was time for a break, and Frodo Baggins was one to listen to his stomach, even when reading. He carefully placed a bookmark to mark his spot in the huge volume of maps, and looked around the library. "Faramir?" he asked aloud. There was no telling where the Human had curled up this time.

"Over here, Frodo." A dark head appeared from behind some shelves, and Faramir joined the hobbit at one of the tables. "Let me guess, snack time?" the Steward teased gently.

"Guilty," Frodo admitted. "And you know that if we don't take a break, Sam and Éowyn will be in here to drag us out. I don't know how they expect us to get work done with interruptions for food, but I must admit a snack does sound good."

"I agree tea and perhaps some of cook's pies appeal to me as well." Everyone in Gondor seemed intent on stuffing the Ringbearer and Steward with food, which both accepted stoically. It was difficult to pull themselves away from the libraries, but it was a fact that they would be dragged away by their various keepers if they missed a meal.

Frodo smiled fondly as Faramir tidied the maps on the table before they left. It was such a delight to have found a fellow scholar, and in Faramir the Hobbit had a kindred soul. The two would often disappear for an entire day in the vast libraries, perfectly content with reading and learning. It reminded Frodo of days spent with Bilbo, and Frodo loved the Steward as a younger brother. Faramir eagerly learned all that Frodo could teach him, and the Hobbit treasured their time spent together. As much as he loved Bag End, Frodo had felt a bit lonely at times, and wished for a younger brother to keep him company. Now he had Faramir in that role, and he was content.

Faramir smiled at the Hobbit, and Frodo took his hand as they left the library together.

THE END

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