Faramir Fiction Archive

If you can't see me as who I am, then why bother? (NC-17)

Written by Laivindur

22 April 2012 | 74699 words | Work in Progress

Title: If you can’t see me as who I am, then why bother?
Author: Laivindur
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Faramir & Boromir
Warnings: Brotherxbrother. Violence.
Summary: Boromir is striving with his emotions for his beloved little one, and Faramir is pondering on his brother getting queerer and queerer by the years. Faramir also strives with new emotions that happens to be the only thing he seems to never find answer to. By the time he does, after getting back from Rohan, another problem shows; his father.

Feedback: Would be nice :) And I sure could use a beta reader.

In this story the looks of the characters of Tolkien is taken from the movie version, but most of the happenings are taken from the book. I try to follow the lore as much as I can…And I see now that I have mistaken the actual distance between Osgiliath and Minas Thirit. I thought it was way more distance between them.. please imagine that when reading about them so things seem at least a bit logical x3

---

Chapter 1

Dust twirled as Faramir sled his hand melancholic at the cold and dusty stone sill, but the actual amount of dust got revealed by the cool moonlight which shun through the window that late night in Minas Tirith. His father the Steward had not cared to make sure his dormitory was tidy for his return after two years of training in Rohan, and it showed. Faramir could smell the dry dust filling every surface in the room, and kept his breath to avoid intrusion on his lungs while turning away. He was tired after the journey, and had left the feast earlier to get to bed. He hadn’t cared to light any candles. With a constrained breath, he noticed the weight on his shoulders returning after two years absence.

His sorrow took the all too well known grip on his heart, and the anxiety on his soul. He felt so misplaced, and wished he could stay longer in Rohan. He thought of poor Éomer and Éowyn who lost their father right before he had gone, and the devastated face of their mother Theodwyn still loaded Faramir’s condolence. He wished he could stay longer in Rohan to return the kindness he’d been blessed with.

Faramir understood that Théodred, who he’d become close to almost like a second brother, chose to stay with his family and friends in the mourning process than to escort him home.
To find his room cold and dirty was no surprise to Faramir, but he didn’t think for even a second that he would take it like this. But then again, it wasn’t just the room; it was the two years of joy and excitement, his hunger for knowledge and exploration had been contented every day, he had fellow men he could discuss nature, history, literature, warfare, and even feelings with, all of this: gone.

The distance between Rohan and Gondor wasn’t a common tiring passage, but for Faramir the road back to Gondor was always the heaviest. The lump inside him couldn’t find a soothing place to settle down, and it made the young boy almost loose his mind as he failed to acclimate back to his old life; to sit perfectly still in silence, and do as told, to accept Denethor’s disapproval and dismay towards him, and to stand in the shadow of his elder brothers glory. Even though many would have thought Faramir jealous of Boromir, he was far from it. He felt pride for his brother, and did not blame him. He always wondered why he wasn’t loved as he always tried to please his father. But it was hard to please him and at the same time be true to himself and heart. He would help anyone out of joy, but his father he served desperately.

The few times his own matters were to be exposed from his mouth, whether it would be at dinner or at a regular conversation, Denethor would make sure he got back into his place where he meant he belonged, in the shadows. The loneliness who struck on the youngest steward made the lump jump from his belly and up to his throat to press out the forgotten sorrow. He would always summon just enough spirit and strength to withstand and adjust back to this life or whatever it was, but sometimes his strength alone just wasn’t enough.

His chest tightened and made him fall on his knees with his arms folding his aching heart. This was going to be his life, to surrender into the shadows and do mostly what his heart told him not to. He made a whimper and began to succumb to the pain that desperately needed attention. A single tear snuck its way through and made its way down to his stubbles, but as the door opened, Faramir hurried back up and sniffled while hiding his tear on his sleeve. Boromir’s voice lit up and warmed the room along with the light from the hallway “Faramir, what are you doing in here?”

Faramir cleared his throat “I was heading for bed”. He got himself together and took a deep breath. Boromir started to walk towards his little brother after he shut the door silently, and the yellow light from the hallway changed back into the blue moonlight. Faramir took a few steps towards the night table out of the moonlight as he needed a bit more time to hide his feelings. As his elder brother rounded the bed with a minor concerned expression, Faramir sled his hand quickly across the night table while distracting the ongoing scene “The room is filthy.”
Boromir answered as he stopped two feet away where the blue light shone on the mighty warrior “Yes, I felt the air was a bit thick in here.” He looked around the room to delay any more conversation, but when his gaze stopped at the moon and got dazzled by its fair appearance and memoirs of their mother, he looked once again concerned at his little one who did not face him.

Boromir had given his mother a promise on her day of death; he’d sworn to protect Faramir, but he never felt he abided his promise, especially not the part when words were needed. This felt awkward for Boromir, and luckily for him, Faramir felt he’d been turned away from his brother far too long, and made his way around. Even though the moonlight was beautiful on the curly haired youth, and even though he smiled, Boromir could see that something was troubling his beloved little one. He knew it was their father who made Faramir so, himself was troubled by it too, but wouldn’t dare to come between them in fright of loosing what Faramir never got.

Boromir had been so happy when his little one had returned, and wouldn’t think of nothing more than to please his brother and best friend. The older brother gave his little one the big smile only Boromir could make and gave him a hug ”It’s so good to have you back, little brother.”

Faramir disappeared in his older brother’s arms and chest, and after realizing he wasn’t receiving a brotherly throw on the ground or head rubbing, he placed his arms gently around Boromir’s waist and sighed in security. Faramir’s troubles were easier to let go of when Boromir was around, and he reminded himself that he wasn’t that alone as he’d felt awhile ago. Boromir’s words felt as good as the hug “You can sleep at my place until your room is cleaned.” Faramir drew away from the hug and looked at his serious brother. Faramir’s grey clear eyes smiled at Boromir.

Boromir felt his heart jump “I mean; you do whatever you like. I’m sure there are lots of other beds…rooms you can…” Boromir noticed he’d been speaking quite fast and had to swallow a lump in his throat before catching up with his breath.
“Thank you Boromir. I’d like to share room with you. We have so much to talk about. We haven’t got that much time to do so after my homecoming.” Boromir’s relieved smile made Faramir smile both inward and outward. “Come then, let’s get out of this room”.

As children they’d shared chambers, but as Boromir had grown he’d been given one for his own. At first, both Boromir and Faramir felt the change too silent and cold, but as good princes they’d accustomed to it. Once in a while though, Faramir would sneak in to his Brother’s den, and to Boromir’s hidden worries he’d crawl next to him under the quilts.
It had made the older brother lie straight and nervous with all the resistance he could manage until the sleep finally caught him. And the times he would wake up embracing his little brother quite intimate, he worried if his brother would awake too and respond with suspect and revulsion, but when his little one kept lying silent and safe in his arms, he’d finally let go, feeling ashamed of his wishes and thoughts.
Their staying up late at night had been like entering a different world and a relief from their daily chores. There was so much they’d learned from each other those nights.

Boromir mostly stood for the teaching and talking. But sometimes the eldest brother would be fascinated by what the little boy knew or thought of. Faramir would tease and laugh at Boromir whenever he’d let himself be silenced. Even Denethor had trouble once in a while making Boromir silent. After Faramir had reached his puberty it wasn’t just Faramir’s mind that Boromir grew fascination for. One day when the two had sparred together, Boromir could not help himself but being distracted by some mysterious trembling in his arms as he watched his swift and gracious brother swinging and skipping about while defending himself from his older and stronger brother.

Faramir only thought that finally his brother had noticed his fencing potential, and would only smirk and act boastful while watching his astonished brother, what actually didn’t help on the eldest brother’s frustration. Mostly Boromir wasn’t the boy who sat still and thought things through before acting, but this feeling he had for Faramir, made him retreat to his deepest mind, and wonder.
As Boromir grew older, he’d eventually find answers and knowing, or perhaps just accepting, what these feelings were, but receded from them.

He was afraid that he’d one day let his feelings go too far and say or do something that would make Faramir know. Luckily, Boromir’s worries could be laid at rest for some while since Faramir’s innocence shone through him like a bright sunny sky through a clear new washed window. And Boromir never felt Faramir fear him either when he’d caress him, hug him, or approach him maybe a bit too close for a brother to be.
His worry grew when he realized Faramir’s mind sharpened and his expression turned more serious as time went by. Faramir began to read people and situations better, just like their father, and the two of them had often mind wars between them with no one else noticing.

He discovered that after many times where Faramir would burst out, either in words against a person, mostly their father, or by leaving the room, leaving Boromir and probably a few others in confusion. Boromir’s fear of doing or saying something stupid grew bigger as Faramir’s both beauty and cleverness grew day by day. But then, at an age of 17, Faramir got sent away to Rohan. Now he’d been gone for two years, and he’d struck Boromir with both fright and joy.

Faramir grabbed his bag before following Boromir out to the bright hallway where the sound of the late feast still lingered. They walked longer into the hallways away from the great hall. Sounds and smells of ail and meat, along with laughing and shouting men were warming to both boys. Faramir hadn’t felt at his place by Denethor’s searching eyes, so he’d left early. To Denethor, his son had changed and he simply tried to figure him out, but the young lord thought of it as nerve wrecking. They’d probably go on with the feast way longer than expected.
As Faramir followed his brother, he thought how small and almost insignificant he seemed to the broader and taller older man. He had meant that he had grown much and had become a man of his own back in Rohan, but being near Boromir he felt like a child once again.

“Boromir?” Faramir’s voice and appearance seemed small alongside the walls, and Boromir loved to hear his innocent brother’s voice pounce on them again. He didn’t answer as he did not want the sweet sound of his little one’s voice to be broken by his rough one.

“It’s alright if you want to go back to the feast. I understand, and I am quite tired, and we have many days ahead to talk.” Faramir finished as they rounded the last corner to Boromir’s room.

The sounds from the feast disappeared and got replaced by Boromir’s keys that jingled as he unlocked the door, and after he unlocked it, he looked at Faramir who stood still waiting for an answer. Boromir shook his head slowly with a smile “Always thinking of others. No, I do not wish to let you fall asleep alone your first night at home. Besides, I will only think of you and be missing you. Thinking that you’re lying in my bed and I’m spending time with men I’ve spent every hour with for several weeks?”

Boromir laughed short and continued “Nay, little brother. Even though I have to sit and watch you read I’d still be with you on this hour. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
Faramir dropped his glance to the ground and smiled before he again looked at Boromir who leant against the giant door.

He nodded his head to the room for Faramir to enter as he opened the door for him. Boromir’s dormitory was way different then Faramir’s; instead of papers and books all over the place, light garment, thin beams, and light wooden furniture’s, there was only one book on his heavy and dark desk. The rest of the inventory were thick curtains, a heavy door to his bath place, heavy quilts on his bed, a strong dark wooden chair and the same dark pattern on a chest probably filled with Boromir’s equipments for war, and dark and strong colors of red and green roamed the room. Even though the sight had much to say, a blind man could understand this was Boromir’s room. It wasn’t just the sight of things that made this masculine room the way it was, the smell was manly too. Faramir wondered how that could occur and smiled as he saw how happy Boromir was when he walked into the middle of the room on the carpet after closing the door.

To finally get to step inside this secret palace belonging to his elder sibling once again made Faramir’s heart beat in pride. His respect for Boromir jumped in front of the line at the sight of the giant chest standing beside the fireplace. There was green painting at the edges on the dark wooden craft, and the white tree in the middle sparkled. Faramir tossed his bag in the one corner and looked through it. As Boromir came out from his bath place he got startled by the sight of Faramir. He had taken of his shirts, and was looking for the opening in his night shirt who hung dark blue and silver in front of him. Boromir noticed new muscles on his younger brothers well formed body.

Boromir had to think twice to reckon this was his little brother, and not some strange very well grown youth, waiting for him to…The startled and nervous man shook his head rapidly and tossed his dirty thoughts away. The two candles he’d light in the room didn’t reveal a secret long kept on Faramir’s body just yet, it was only when he came closer he noticed. Three dark lines covered Faramir’s back and Boromir frowned at the sight. Was this? When Boromir came closer, he just got to see more but weaker scars on the smooth back before Faramir pulled the fabric down. He had noticed his brother’s appearance a bit too late and turned with wariness. “What happened in Rohan? Did they hurt you?” Fast forward as always with Boromir.

Faramir closed his eyes and damned himself for turning his naked back at his brother. “Blast it! Who did it? On what purpose? I swear I’ll…” “Boromir!” Faramir made his brother silent “This didn’t happen in Rohan” He spoke silent and sensed his father’s chagrin over Rohan through his brother “This happened way back in time, it’s nothing to worry about. It doesn’t matter.”

Boromir wasn’t pleased “How? I don’t understand. You do nothing that demands such treatment. A noble sane can’t have done this. Have you encountered the woodland orcs?” Denethor’s cold face blinked in Faramir’s mind “Boromir, please!” Faramir kept on a bit calmer “No, this hasn’t been done by orcs. As I said, this happened a long time ago. Please, let it go” Watching his elder brothers look he knew this was not contenting his obstinacy.

Faramir panicked “I…The…” For so long Faramir had tried to keep this from Boromir. That one time when Faramir had opposed his father to the outmost in desperate need of answers and recognition he’d been yelling and screaming towards the steward. Faramir’s screams hadn’t ended that night.

Faramir never wanted to lie to his brother, and felt sick just by thinking of it. He couldn’t tell him Denethor carried the guilt of his scars. He was already reason enough for Denethor to hate him then making his beloved firstborn against him. He thought of a lie where he could have been doing something in Rohan to deserve these marks, but then he already told him it didn’t happen in Rohan.

“Faramir, tell me!” “Alright!” Faramir yelled so loud it startled both him and Boromir. In regard of his temper, he managed to lower his voice “I…I lost my guard when some woodland orcs attacked me in the wild” Faramir damned himself. Couldn’t he find something better to tell? Nevertheless, he had to go on with this absurd lie

“They did whatever they pleased and left me to die among the trees”. Faramir’s heart felt like it would jump right out and scream this was a lie. Of course it was a lie. Barely half of the story made sense.

Boromir looked even more confused, but when he pictured poor Faramir under the whips of the foul creatures, he locked his arms around him, as if to protect him from further harm.

He held the smaller body tighter. He never could imagine Faramir would endure such pain “You told me the orcs didn’t do it.”

“I know. I lied. I was too embarrassed to tell you. I don’t want you to think of me as a child anymore.” Boromir could feel Faramir twitch a bit in his arms, and his lips formed a minimal smile of his brother’s last words. Over Faramir’s shoulder Boromir spoke “I don’t. I think you’ve grown little brother. I see it. You have matured.”
A wave of esteem filled within the younger brother and he smiled. When Boromir pulled away from the hug with a firm grip on Faramir’s shoulders, it was the serious protective brother who showed “You say they left you to die, how did you ever manage to get home? And exactly how long ago did this happen? You never travelled to the woods before you went to Rohan. Did you?”

Faramir gave him a foxy tired smile and Boromir looked more surprised than ever. That Faramir had gone out wasn’t a lie, but nothing bad had occurred to the young boy at that time. He was sure to keep away from wherever and whenever the foul orcs would appear. Pride filled Boromir thinking his younger brother was just as fierce as himself.

“You cunning bamboozle” Faramir took a step back and stopped Boromir’s attempt to bend him to the ground. Faramir did quite a good defense as the wrestle fight went over to the soft carpet before the hearth. Boromir made his wrestling to tickling, which left him on top of his hilariously laughing little brother. He’d always fall right on the floor to yield whenever Boromir hit the right spot. Faramir’s cry in laughter made it impossible for him to tell Boromir he yielded though, and Boromir knew Faramir was unable to speak at this rate. He too laughed while frilling Faramir’s shirt in the fierce tickle “Do you yield? What? I can’t hear you. You must speak clearer my friend.”

They both laughed, and Faramir tried with all his might to get Boromir off him. He still had things to tell him; that he’d better not tell anyone about his encounter with the orcs. He was afraid Boromir would brag about his brother surviving, and boast about him on pure lies, but everything about the lie and the tense between them disappeared with the laughter. Boromir wasn’t going to tell anyway, even though he thought it stupid; having an unarmed approach with a pack of orcs and survive was the opposite of being taken as weak and childish.

But Boromir knew Faramir’s desperate need of being perfect, and would not speak of the incident with the orcs. Boromir burst out in laughter by the twisted face of his little one and sat back. While Boromir watched Faramir moan and gasp for air to get back to his senses, the trembling feeling showed up in his veins and made him rise up and retreat. Faramir sat up knowing something was wrong.

He wanted to ask, but couldn’t get himself to do it. He never would have known what was going on in his brother’s mind, even though he had theories. Faramir rose to his feet “Will you tell me a story, brother?” Boromir stopped on his way to the bath place. The youngling continued “It can be anything you want”. Without turning, Boromir asked gloomy “Do you want me to tell you a bedtime story?”

Faramir felt the earlier esteem sink to the ground when Boromir had turned with that cocky smile of his, and when he saw Faramir’s puppy eyes he burst out in a laugh. The younger man felt a tinge of insult and tightened his mouth while watching his brother approach
“Oh come on, little brother. Don’t worry. I tell bedtime stories to the men all the time. One gets never too old for bedtime stories.” Faramir declined Boromir’s attempt of a hug

“Did you mean what you said earlier? About me growing more mature?” Boromir felt stupid and mean while perceiving his serious brother. He finally understood at the new look on his brother; he wanted to be accepted as a man. He could no longer pretend that his little one would always be his little one. There was no way he could avoid Faramir’s determined expression, and he looked Faramir deep and firmly in the eyes “Yes, I meant it. I’m sorry for the tease. I guess it’s hard for me to realize just yet. But I will get used to it.” As Faramir gave him the most delightful smile in all of Gondor, he laughed “I’m afraid it’ll take a while though.”

A short bubbling laughter left Boromir’s lungs before he tightened his lips to avoid more laughter. Not to spoil his point, he made it to seriousness once again and gave Faramir a confirming smile with a thud on the shoulder. He turned to enter the bath place.

The older brother decided to fulfill his brother’s wish not to be taken as a “child”, and was happy of Faramir’s wish to be a man; he only hoped their father would see, just as clear as he; that their little one had grown up. Faramir looked forward to show Boromir how mature he’d become, but it would take time.

The evening went on just perfect with both of them sitting on the bed talking. Eventually the excitement of their storytelling would lead to Boromir jumping out of bed and act out the stories. Faramir could see his thirteen year old brother in this body of 24 as he acted out his battles and stories. They showed each other techniques and waved with both feet and arms to assist and soon they both became children.

Boromir was glad that he could talk to his younger brother about things he before could not. But still there were things he yet not could speak of. Faramir told his brother a few stories from his stay in Rohan, in between Boromir’s both critical and proud annotations about the land of Rohan, the people and the culture.
They both straightened their backs, and glimpses approached in their eyes as they went on about the Rohirrim.

After hours of conversation, Faramir had gone tired and left the talking to his brother; he went on and on with both tales and brags about his journeys and battles. After Faramir had patiently listened for a while, they both went silent, and the candle on Faramir’s side on the night table had almost burnt down.

The golden goblet with the white candle shone along with Faramir’s reddish-blonde hair, and his grey eyes almost closing in. He would have fallen asleep in Boromir’s red sheets, if not wakened by him when his mighty upper body leant over him. Boromir’s muscular right arm used for support right next to his shoulder broke the tranquil.

With Boromir this close, his first thoughts would be he was setting up for a hug or a second wrestle fight. Under the circumstances it would be unsuitable and weird, and Faramir subsided into the pillow while his whole body tensed at the sight of this splendid battered upper body.
A wave of heat turned up in Faramir’s cheeks at the baffling sight, but when his view panned to Boromir’s strong left arm who stretched out of the bed, he realized Boromir was striving to cut the light out. Boromir had to stretch over Faramir to do so, and his attempt not to interfere with his younger brother’s personal space, of different reasons, had failed.
Boromir took a quick glance at Faramir before trying at the light once more “I’m sorry Faramir, I didn’t want to wake you”. In the hurried glance he’d seen a change in Faramir, and froze and quit his attempt at the light. He turned back at Faramir and stared at the youth beneath him who felt his heart pounce at his chest at the sight of his older brother’s attractive face. His gaze froze on his lips, and then they spoke “Faramir? Are you blushing?”.

The tense boy noticed he had kept his breath, and swallowed. His mouth was numbed and his voice was stuck as feelings quarreled; he wanted to…those lips, and that jaw, and that unbeliavable attractive neck. Faramir’s gazes went lower and lower, until he finally caught up with himself and shook his head as he spoke “No, I want to sleep. You get back and I’ll put out the light.” In the attempt to push Boromir aside with his palm on the neck, he also tried to rise, and as he failed as Boromir’s heavy body didn’t move a notch, he leant back on his elbows while trembling at the proximity of his big brother.

Luckily for Faramir he was now too close to engage with Boromir’s judging eyes, but the truth was that the darker grey eyes of the older brother was not judgmental at all, they were drowning in lust and love.

Faramir’s heart still beat fast and hard, and he just couldn’t get his body to stop trembling. Faramir only needed to tilt his head upwards to face Boromir, but dared not. Instead he brushed the strong jaw lightly with his head while turning towards the light, and hoped Boromir would take him for his words and lean back eventually. The touch was so light it had almost not happened, but the tension made the touch stronger and Boromir had almost lost it.

He had frozen over his little brother and fought the desires as Faramir stretched out to blow out the flame. It was then when Boromir got dangerously close to his ear that Faramir’s spine made a jump and his beating heart raced with the butterflies in his tummy at Boromir’s whisper “Good night, little brother.” The brother and flame vanished with the light.

Chapter 2

“No more resisting! And no more of that god damned restraining!” Boromir spoke with teeth clenched. Anger and lust filled his mind “The thing I desire the most is the one thing I can’t get. Why is that so?” Faramir’s grey and frightened eyes filled themselves with tears as Boromir’s grip on his hair tightened, and with the bigger body pressing him against the wall he whimpered. Boromir spoke as he had done, but lowered his voice as he closed in on Faramir’s ear “I want you, Faramir. Can’t you see that? I always get what I want, and now I want you!” The frightened boy’s eyes widened in horror as the words got to him.
The light from the morning-sun shone on the red sheets on Boromir’s bed as he tossed himself up from it to sit as the images of Faramir’s scream woke him.

Sweat poured from his chest, neck and face as he strived for his shaking breath, and his arms ached and trembled. Faramir’s scream in pain, which he’d been given no care for in the dream, echoed in the poor mind of his. The comprehending didn’t take too long taken the fact that this wasn’t the first time his dreams would be filled with this sort of content. His body still tensed as if he still tried to stop himself like he’d tried in the dream. Slowly he calmed down and reassured himself it was only a dream, or in this particular location; nightmare.

The travel to the Harad road to keep away the haradrim surely had taken its toll on the warrior. The room was quiet but for Boromir’s panting. He noticed the sun was rapidly rising and that the morning had started without him. The servants had not bothered to wake him up thinking the long snooze was healing. Besides, no one dared to wake him up after he’d gotten home from battle or a long journey.

He assumed people were missing him at breakfast, and he couldn’t wait to see his brother after weeks of missing him, so he jumped still a bit shaky out of bed to dress. Boromir had been so glad when his little one had returned from Rohan two years ago, but his father made sure the captain and heir was busy with work, duty and counsels, so he had not been able to spend that much time with Faramir, but now he was fret of it and hoped he could stay home longer to get to know more of his little brother. He tossed the night garment aside and hurried with both wash and clothes.

Laughter from various people filled the great halls of black and white, and made Boromir smile as he entered it. Servants and guards bowed and he answered.

Faramir was in a deep and joyful conversation with a person across the table which Boromir couldn’t get his eyes on because of the crowd. His younger brother squinted with his eyes like he always did whenever he tried to convince somebody of something and eagerly awaited answer. Boromir had been late, and the meal was reaching to its end, but people lingered for conversation over the long dark brown table. Faramir sat in the middle on the left side with Beregond, the loyal lieutenant, at his side, and some other men of Gondor were scattered.

Faramir himself and several others wore ranger uniforms and looked extremely jolly for being so sweat and dirty. Boromir frowned at the unfamiliar looks of his little one. Hadn’t he been home this night? Surely there had been a lot of things going on in Boromir’s absence. He had been so worn out at his return the day before that he’d gone straight to bed. When he got closer he noticed the rest half of the crowd was unfamiliar, or people he’d not seen for ages; it was people from Rohan.

He could see Faramir laugh. Even though it was unable for his ears to perceive the laughter, his mind replayed the viral and bubbling laughter his beloved little brother possessed. It had lightened Boromir’s heart, but a sudden jealousy appeared when he got closer and saw Théodred sitting across his beloved brother, and sharing his laughter.
He got ashamed of himself for being so absurd, and excused himself by the reason he’d not seen his brother for so long, and didn’t want to share him, though he couldn’t help but wonder; what would bring him here to see Faramir after only two years?

When Boromir came closer, undetected by Faramir as he was gone in the conversation, he circled into the whereabouts and noticed the whole royalty of Rohan were present. His confusion turned into cheer when Éowyn and Éomer turned their little smiling faces towards him, and king Théoden nodded approvingly.
Boromir knew about the poor children who had lost both parents in a single year only two years ago, and did not think it strange when their smile had a hitch of unsecure sadness hidden within. They kind of resembled Faramir when he was at that age, he had the same smile.
He turned his attention to king Théoden after fumbling little thirteen year old Éomer’s blonde hair while giving him the known Boromir smile, and then to turn it over to the king.

“What gives us the pleasure of this unexpected visit?”

King Théoden made a short laugh before speaking “It’s nice to see you again Boromir; strong and healthy as always.”
A tiny humble smile approached the great warrior as he nodded gratefully to the solemn and cheerful king, and he continued
“Théodred over there, and I, had been training some new youngsters in patrol when he started speaking of Faramir and his performance while training in his troop two years ago. He wouldn’t shut up about it”
Now they had gotten both Faramir and Théodred’s attention. Boromir looked amazed at his surprised but cheerful brother, who actually didn’t know what the two were talking about, he was only glad to see Boromir, though he had only noticed because Théodred had turned.

Théodred had been listening with his other ear, and because of the subject, he wanted Faramir to pay attention. King Théoden continued after giving Faramir a foxy smile, which left Faramir the only one in confusion where he glanced at everyone who just smiled and went silent. The men closest to the king had their attention towards him, and Faramir blushed the slightest at what he said.

“He was going on about how he would have done the job much better despite his age” Théodred’s big confirming smile made Boromir even more amazed. He had been so busy following his father’s orders that he’d not paid attention to Faramir’s engaging in battle, and their father had not let him engage that much other than the millitary camps. Everyone looked at Faramir.
“Who? Me!?” Théodred and Théoden laughed. Beregond and the other rangers were proud of their captain and fellow ranger and straightened their back with a surprised smile. Boromir, as slow he’d always be in the morning, had some trouble thinking Faramir in Théodred’s troops. The rohirrim had great strength and tactics, and Boromir was pleased to see his brother be accepted so well, even so; Faramir belonged to Gondor.

King Théoden spoke deterred “But it is true, Faramir” Faramir jumped by the kings viral and strong voice “You are one skilled man”. The king blinked to the youngster, and the now blushing boy felt the attention towards him get too big for his comfort; he had done great the first time out as a Captain, but had not expected this much acknowledgement.
The proud king turned to Boromir once more. “Anyway, my son here wouldn’t shut up about it. To make him so I decided we’d at least go for a visit. Our lands have been clean for some while…”
The king placed his hands on the children’s heads who sat side by side by their uncle “…and I think it’s good for the children to get some novel air in their lungs” this was a gesture to make the children go outside, and after returning their smiles, he made sure they were out of hearing before going on with a grim voice.

“As I said, our lands have been somewhat free of orcs about a year now, and we haven’t heard or seen of them for some time. Until, we actually met Faramir and his troop between Firien and The Druadan forest with news of orcs roaring our sacred lands. As Boromir frowned at this and turned his confused gaze at his younger brother, Théodred spoke
“Come, sit down, Boromir. You need nourishment for our long heading.” With a questioned look on Théodred he sat down and waited explanation, still not too happy about Faramir being so far from home while speaking of orcs, and the little detail of the prince taking Faramir’s attention.

Théodred’s smile vanished “There is a horde of orcs hiding in the Druadan forest that Faramir detected this night. He managed to get their direction where we will strike an ambush.” Boromir was impressed by their vitality, three to four days riding, and now they were setting out for battle. This started to be too much for Boromir at this time of day. He rubbed his forehead to get things on place, and still tired as he was he leaned on his elbow. Faramir wanted to smile; he knew his brother’s flounders in the mornings.

All the annoying feelings and questions that had approached Boromir before an hour after waking, and not to mention the sweat that still damped him after that awful nightmare, was quite the lot, but at the talk of fighting he felt his blood rush. Boromir was about to answer to Théodred, but as soon as he opened his mouth, a plate of his usual breakfast was set before him by a servant. It was a fine maiden with a dark green dress with a golden belt, matching her long dark brown hair. She had a firm grace upon her being.

Even though it was not common for servants to prepare the breakfast, she did it for him nonetheless. She knew exactly what he liked, and she knew how Boromir could be this early. Those who would take a closer look understood she had a thing for him, but the admired one seemed to never realize. He bent backwards to let her way as she placed the full silver-plate before him with a charming smile, and thanked her.
As soon as the servant was gone he continued “This sure came to ambush me. When are you planning to leave?” Boromir longed to talk to his little one, but once again duties came ahead of it.

Théodred smiled with his keen eyes “The orcs are hiding in the shadows by the trees at Cair Andros. As soon as the night returns they will leave west doing what orcs do best” Sharing the same anger of the orcs’ villainy Boromir and Théodred gazed at each other. They couldn’t wait to slay down the foul creatures, in contrary to Faramir. Their gaze shifted to him.

A humble and a bit forced smile curved his lips as he saw Boromir’s worried face in contrast to Théodred’s motivated one. He lowered his gaze to the table thinking what went through their heads. So alike they were, but still total difference: Boromir’s thoughts: Is faramir going to join us? He can’t face those menacing orcs! I can’t believe he has been out there, has father finally let him? And while I was away! I want to be there with him!

Théodred’s thoughts: Yes! I and the steward brothers, we’ll take on the orcs. Oh, jolly to fight by Faramir’s side again. And the mighty Boromir at my side! This can’t go wrong! – Then he spoke – “Well, we’ve been traveling all night. Sleep is necessary.” He blinked at Faramir and rose to walk away. Faramir nodded still with his tiny smile curving his lips.

Boromir’s feelings could be revealed at last as the tables had been emptied in their conversation, and the brothers were alone in the great hall with a few servants skipping about. Faramir rose and was about to walk to his chambers when Boromir startled and stopped him with his confused and worried voice “Where are you going?” Faramir frowned and spoke with his soft and tender lips “I’m going to bed.” His brows moving as a hint to what the Prince Théodred had said. Boromir’s heart pumped by the soft and tender lips; his dream still taunted his mind and he was nervous around him.
‘Faramir, always the proper and decent boy.’ Boromir cursed to himself.
As he could not force out an answer, he saw Faramir think his behavior a bit too weird this morning and left his brother with his untouched plate at the table in the empty hall.

Without giving his meal a hint of attention he made an abrupt turn from the bench and ran to catch up with his little brother in the hallway. Faramir had just made it to his door, when he heard his brother’s noisy running steps in the hallway.

He was about to turn around to face him but the elder brother came ahead and was now standing before him blocking the door. Faramir’s patience was reaching its end.
After Boromir caught up with his breath he asked the utterly annoyed Faramir.
“Have you been taking place with the rangers? And why were you out this night? I thought I was gonna…”
With a sigh Faramir answered “Father has given me orders to patrol our lands in discretion to gather whatever information.” Faramir had been so eager to show his quality over the past year, which everyone knew, but Denethor thought of it as pestering.

People were expectant to see what the steward would make of his youngest son after everyone had seen his potential. But since his skills had been taught in Rohan, Denethor despised it even more, and regretted the agreement.
He had simply done it because he knew Faramir was a digression to Boromir, and wanted him off and out. To Denethor’s resentment, Faramir and Théoden along with Théoden’s kin had been likeminded, and Faramir’s self-confidence had grown in the wrong direction.

Faramir’s assignment had been his backfire for his attempt to prove himself worthy, and it was also the steward’s excuse of getting Faramir away as long as possible.

Denethor wasn’t only a disapproving father, but a cunning ruler, and did use Faramir for what he could. He knew after their nights of chess that his youngest had a gift for strategy, but not the same priority that he had in mind. The youngest lord and the Steward were the only one who knew the rest of the story; for no one to see but them, it was also his punishment.

Denethor would never give Boromir this duty as his life would be in danger at all times; searching and spying on enemies, crossing borderlands of the enemy, and of course the best thing about it: keeping an eye on the horrifying creatures that did not touch daylight.

Faramir had been so unlucky that he had surprised Denethor in the tower of Ecthelion using the palantir. Faramir’s stealth had been one of the reasons for his assignment, just as he’d been using it unconsciously to discover his father with the palantir. The boy had only been curious of a shimmering light he’d been noticing in the tower of Echtelion, and got just as surprised as his father.

Denethor’s threats and Faramir’s wish to gain his trust had been keeping him silent.
Seeing Boromir’s illegible face he half laughed in a half annoyed manner “What exactly do you think I am doing when you are out?” “Sitting around reading books.” Boromir’s lethargic voice annoyed Faramir to the limit. He was about to yell at Boromir, for this angry he was, but he understood his brother.

“I see you still have problems looking at me as a man who knows to take care of himself. I’m leading my own group of men for Gondor’s and Arda’s sake!” As Faramir noticed he didn’t cope to tame his anger he stopped to take a deep breath.

Boromir saw something else bubbling in his brother’s anger than his overprotective-elder-brother-problems, and let Faramir continue “I can cope with father’s lack of fate in me, but if you can’t see me as I am, brother, then what’s the point?!”

Boromir damned himself once again, and placed his hand on Faramir’s shoulder “I’m sorry. I…I just love you so much I can’t handle loosing you, especially not for some stupid orc hunt.”
Boromir couldn’t bear it anymore and hugged Faramir
“Who says you are going to lose me?” Faramir’s voice subdued in Boromir’s shoulder “It’s the risk out there. To protect our lands, it is just as much my duty as yours.” Faramir drew himself out of the embrace “Don’t worry.”
After the worried frown in his elder brother’s forehead had not vanished he added: “please!”

Boromir quickly took a look around before getting closer to his brother “What about the time they left you to die, Faramir? It aches me to keep it secret.”
Faramir remembered the lie he’d told two years ago, and felt the scars burn. The images of the truth dwelled his mind and he failed to hide his stirred expression. He looked at Boromir with a face not knowing what to say. Boromir regretted what he had said and was about to speak when Faramir spoke abrupt “I will be joining you for tomorrow either you like it or not, so let me go to sleep or there’s a higher chance I’m going to get struck down.”
Boromir jerked and grabbed his brother into a tight embrace. As Faramir felt his body being crushed by the bigger man, he groaned “Boromir, you have to release me or else there will be no more breath to keep me alive.” Boromir loosened his grip and finally let him go. After Faramir got a hold of his breath, he cleared his throat and said good night before entering his chambers.

Chapter 3

Nightfall was beckoning in Minas Tirith. Boromir had been pacing almost the entire city to calm himself all day, barely eating. Some got worried for him and thought he should get some rest and at least have one of the meals, but then again everyone knew the wild warrior could go on for days with only a bottle of water and less sleep, with the down side that he got tremendously bad tempered for the lack of meat, and no one dared to face him at that state. They left him pondering. When Boromir had done the same thing years earlier to calm himself after Faramir had done such an impact on him, for earlier mentioned reasons, a young servant boy had faced him for a simple question. Moments later the servants had seen the boy running away screaming for nana.

The brothers never spoke of war, because Faramir rarely did, and Boromir had taken his brother for not enjoying the subject. The older brother didn’t doubt his brother’s capacity; it was just that he loved him too much. Poor Boromir had no one to tell about his toil but to his mother’s grave. He’d been 19 at the first time standing before the stone in the beautiful garden, asking for advice about his brother. Earlier the subjects had been about his father, war, girls and other personal subjects. But it wasn’t until his 21th summer when he would tell his mother of an incident and revealed to her his inner thoughts about his brother with mixed emotions of relief and shame.

Flashback ~

Faramir ran through the yellow high growing grass with a huge grin on his face just like whenever he’d pull pranks on his brother and the screaming laughs in between would be propped with thrilling fear. He loved to test his bravery by doing pranks on his elder brother. With Boromir closing in, Faramir hoped that he’d reach for the waters before getting caught. You would think that Faramir would be faster than his brother taking their bodyweight in mind; with Faramir at an age of 16, still slender and light, and Boromir at 21, strong and heavy.

To both foe and friends’ surprise, Boromir was quite fast, and being in training far longer than Faramir he did run the slight faster. Faramir had not yet opened his gift as a swift runner, and after a couple of hundred meters run, his pace through the tall grass started to slow down. Their guards had called for them to wait after the first hundred meters, but the playful brothers had already lost their thoughts for anyone else but themselves.

They had been traveling for a while down the river near Ithilien to find a soothing place to swim when the youngest lord had spotted something in the grass which he’d read about some while ago, and couldn’t help himself. Boromir was persistent to get revenge from the itchy plant his little brother had been placing in his shirt. Fright and panic rumbled in Faramir’s body, but the heart screamed with joy. He loved it when this mighty warrior that his brother was, hunted him as badly as if it was some other prey.

Boromir’s fast and determined movements through the grass gained on his little one, and the guards laughed while they rode after them. Faramir could see the opening in the grass. He jumped out of the tall grass just when a swift wind blew it to bend. Ten feet of open field before a small forest, and then he would be in their sanctuary, the water. Five feet away from the entrance of the forest Faramir took a glance behind to see if he was to make it through the forest at all before getting caught, and jumped when Boromir came shooting out of it in such a pace that he seemed like an eagle diving for its prey.

Faramir knew he was never going to make it and fell into the soft grass when his legs succumbed to the fear, but as he rolled onto his back to face his attacker, he laughed with excitement. Boromir met him shortly after and was already over him when he turned with a giggle. When Faramir started to laugh hysterically at his older brother, he didn’t know what to do.

He smiled and observed his brother who did it fine torturing himself. Boromir scratched his shoulders and back after the orbs had given their effect on his skin, and watched his brother with eyes of revenging conspiracy. Faramir laughed even more when Boromir did nothing but to straddle him to keep him down and scratching himself on both shoulders.
When Boromir stopped the scratching, he waited and waited for his brother to finish his hysteria, but he didn’t; he laughed so hard tears were running from his eyes. With the boy having a hard time breathing, Boromir shook his head at his stupid little brother while scratching once in a while.

After some time, Faramir’s laughter calmed down and he gazed into the sky giggling occasionally. When he finally sighed in fatigue Boromir spoke “I don’t think you’ll live through another laugh little brother.”

Faramir chuckled as they both rose. Boromir could still see some mischief in the rascal, and squinted at him as he gave him a foxy smile. Faramir looked like he was going to burst, and had to restrain himself to speak “You should thank me brother, for now you know which plant you should stay away from!” With this Faramir ran for the river through the forest just like before. Boromir scratched himself on his tormenting back before he quickened up the pace after his brother.

The guards had just gotten through the grass, and kept that distant to give the brothers space. They shook their heads with a smile and stood guard with two of them riding to the left and right to check the area, another two stayed. It was a small creek with glittering water from the sun, and soft sand which ended in the area of grass. The soft green grass made a nice slope to finally melt into the forest.

The wind, created by his pace through the forest, played with Faramir’s hair as he jumped and ran through the forest. The creek had not been visited by anyone other than animals and the two brothers once in a while. Faramir’s footsteps made marks as he reached the sand. Seeing his little brother closing in to the water he cried out “Faramir, halt!” Instinctively following his elder brother’s seemingly serious order, he almost fell right into the tempting water as he made a stumbling stop, and with the sand cloud still twirling around his feet he gazed around the area. Was there danger?

Faramir’s wary eyes looked to the right where a huge rock hid the view, nothing. As he was turning to the left he saw only Boromir who had caught up with him and was panting as Faramir spoke to his worried brother.
“What do you mean stop? What’s wrong?” The truth to be told, Boromir didn’t like Faramir diving into something without him checking it out for danger, but he was going to hide it with his revenge. After he checked the area and regained his breath he gave Faramir a smug smile
“Time for revenge.” Faramir’s eyes widened and he yelped as he had no time before Boromir grabbed him and tossed him in the water. Along with his little brother’s weight and clenching, Boromir also fell in. The sun made tiny rainbows by the water and drops which fled up in the air when it got replaced by the brothers’ bodies in the soft river. They both waved in the water for a while before they broke to the surface and regained balance to stand gasping like two drowned cats. They looked at each other as the water caressed their bodies and clothes.

The drops running down their face and neck disappeared in the wool of their shirt which hung heavy on their chest. Faramir smiled. Boromir followed, but not sure what exactly they smiled at. He quarreled with his feelings; his body burned by the sight of his brother. “Now we’re even, brother” Faramir said still gasping for air as the water calmed the pace down his body. At the confused look Boromir gave his panting little one, he added
“Fresh water and blueberry stops the itching.” The older brother sighed and shook his head while the unsure smile forged into a relived one. He faced down to the water and puffed before he turned so the still water curled around his leg, and he walked to land with his feelings still burning for his wet and sexy brother.

Faramir followed. As Boromir reached land, he perceived from the corner of his eye that his brother was undressing while wading to shore. The heir wished himself back into the water, but stood still watching his little one put passion in his every move, as he always did. Faramir had taken off his jacket and tossed it on a boulder to pull off his shirt as he closed in to a tree.
When he hung his jacket and shirt on a branch with an annoyingly focused expression, Boromir felt a tingle blush ‘Damn it!’ He turned fast and hoped his rushing blood would disappear. He walked towards the giant rock in opposite direction of his annoyingly lovely brother.

“Take of your shirt while I go find some berries.” Faramir called and went into the forest after a quick glance at his wet and depressed brother.

Boromir did so and slammed his cloth onto the rock. Lucky for him they had stopped undressing entirely many years ago, but he was still afraid Faramir would notice his feelings if his weakest spot would decide to crave attention. He suddenly felt too grown to be playing in the water, and wanted to go home.

While searching for the berries, Faramir had to shake the image out of his mind as his eyes still showed him the sight of the broad back against the wet and heavy summer shirt. He frowned at his reaction of wanting to embrace his brother at that moment, but let the thought go as his attention went to the forest. It was easier for Faramir to go on as usual as he did not have the same explicit thoughts as Boromir.

Boromir sat down by a rock nearby the water, took of his boots and tossed them angrily at the rock. He stared into the water and tried not to think of anything. He splashed his feet in the water and smiled a little as he felt better. A sudden urge to scratch his shoulders made him jump and do what his skin craved.

“Don’t scratch it”
Faramir had come out of the forest with his hands so full of blueberry he dropped some on his way and smiled at it while trying not to drop any more.

Poor Boromir still shamed himself for his wishes and turned away as Faramir continued.
“You’ll press the dust deeper into your skin. The water only calms the aggression for a while. Here, this will stop it”
A cold liquid was pressed against Boromir’s shoulders, and Faramir started to massage both shoulders and neck with eyes focused and mouth curved in a tiny smile now and then, while Boromir had closed his eyes and enjoyed it quite much.

At this time Boromir had short hair, so it went on easy without a mess. He had kept the fringe though, and now it hung half dried before his relaxed face.

Faramir’s hands felt fantastic; the older brother loved the way they filled him with pleasure and ease. It was rather maddening when he thought more about it, and tried to focus on something else. He looked at the twinkling water and smiled at the memory which emerged in the sun.

A tiny Faramir at seven stood in the water up to his tummy wearing only his underwear, and tightened his body like he was about to jump. With his eyes closed, mouth clenched, and his body still as tight as steel he subverted into the water.

‘Faramir!‘ A twelve year old Boromir shouted his name in fear from the shore. This was a time where the guards had just started to let the boys be by themselves for some time, and stood guard as they did that day on the other side of the forest. A splashing little Faramir had been pulled up by Boromir and dragged to shore ‘What in God’s name do you think you are doing?!’
Boromir had shouted to the panicking little boy, and with the reddish golden curls still dripping and his grey eyes in terror he sobbed and coughed ‘I just thought… since the guards were gone I could finally learn how to swim’.

Boromir thought it strange how Faramir had grown. With his eyes still in the water he spoke ”Remember when I taught you how to swim?” A bubbling chuckle left Faramir’s lungs “Yes, you were quite the teacher.” Boromir grimaced “A lousy one.” followed by a deep chuckle. “Do you say I’m a bad swimmer?”

Faramir placed his hands on his hips and raised the light brown brows. Boromir turned still sitting on the stone and looked up at Faramir “No, I…” Seeing Faramir’s grin he waved his hand and turned back to stare at the water; he wasn’t in the mood for jokes.

“I miss the old days; it felt so easy back then” He thought of the innocent love he once had for his brother, and got ashamed of himself
”Now there are so many things to do and think about. Not to mention the stupid feelings.”

Faramir never thought his brother would have problems growing up; he’d done perfectly, and the talk of feelings was not like Boromir. After a quiet break where Faramir had working on Boromir’s shoulders, he spoke gently “How do you feel?”

Boromir swallowed and felt his heart beat “It’s just that, not only has my mind and body gotten bigger, my emotions too. Like, I mean. With you”
Faramir cut him off sensing the subject got to places he’d rather avoid
“I meant your shoulders. How do you feel? Do they scratch?” Boromir blushed and prayed to the Valars that Faramir wouldn’t notice

“Oh, no they don’t. Thank you.” After his chin had lowered in temperature he turned on the stone, for Faramir had walked away.

He’d felt his heart beat, but didn’t quite understand what his elder brother was saying, and it nagged his mind. Maybe he didn’t want to understand? He hoped the burning in his cheeks would vanish, and thought about what Boromir had just said while washing his hands in the water. Boromir stood up and walked slowly to his retiring brother. They had both forgotten their purpose of the trip. With Faramir just standing there with his back at the approaching young man and his dark brown tights still wet, he waited for the older brother to speak. He was about to as he had placed himself beside his younger brother, but noticed blueberry on Faramir’s slim hips and tummy.

He pictured himself fall to his knees and grab him by the buttocks and thighs to lick and suck on the skin where the sweet berries had been greased. He could imagine Faramir jerk his head backwards in pleasure and ecstasy. After he’d lick the berries off he’d push Faramir onto to the grass and kiss his soft lips and then he’d…As Boromir had stared at the dark purple grease, Faramir looked down to what it could be, and when he noticed, he grimaced and tried to wipe it away. It didn’t go off easily so he turned around to wash it off in the river.

Boromir saw a way out of this awkward situation and took it.

He pushed Faramir into the water with his foot on his butt, and Boromir’s laughter followed after the big splash. Faramir stumbled in the water after cutting the surface. He stared at his hysterically laughing brother with a huffy face dripping with water “I thought we were even!” Faramir yelled, but Boromir only laughed and said

“I just wanted to help you wash off.”~

The late evening Boromir met Théodred outside the citadel, ready to head off. The Rohirrim and Gondorians were standing in position with torches to light up their way. Fires and torches were light up in the streets and buildings to give a cozy and safe appearance, and though the sight of soldiers standing ready to leave for battle wasn’t exactly charming, it filled the men with cohesion and strength.

Amaze, pride and thrill circulated through the soldiers as they witnessed Boromir walking towards them in his mighty armor, but Théodred had started staring at something behind him after giving him a short nod of approval. It was something that sure made him happy and determined, and Boromir’s curiosity made him turn his head still walking with his horse at his side. When he saw Faramir and his troop walk proud and firm, he stumbled and stopped in front of Théodred.

“You have to leave your clumsiness behind Boromir.” he gave the laughing Théodred a false one back before attacking his hear with his palm. The prince ducked away with a small giggle before his hair got too messed up, but when he saw Boromir take a quick glance at Faramir, to turn back again with a worry on his face, he spoke warmly “Don’t worry, dear friend. Faramir knows how to engage in battle. Besides, you were only 19 entering battle.” “Yes, but Faramir is different”
Théodred raised his eyebrows and gave Boromir a bad conscious with his ‘oh-really’- expression “I mean he…he is too kind and he’s…”

Seeing Théodred’s not convinced expression he kept on “Remember the incident with the cat?” Théodred was quite like his father when speaking
“You don’t have to be a bad warrior just because you inherit the respect for any living creatures. Now stop this nonsense and trust your brother. And me, as you once did.”
Leaving Boromir with another bad conscious and quarrel with himself, king Théoden showed up on a white and gracious horse.

The strong horse nodded proudly with its King and Rohirrim blanket covering its back. Golden patterns were set on both armor and the green fabric. Not only his royalty shone, but also its strength in the movements.
Boromir remembered when he’d been given one of their horses as a gift, one as strong and wild as himself. The king spoke “Where’s your father, Denethor? I haven’t seen him. Does he even know we’re here?”

Boromir tried to act as normal as he could. “Uh, he does this sometimes. He just disappears into the towers reading parchments and thinks. I think.” The king cocked one of his eyebrows and stared at the nervous Boromir for a while before Faramir appeared.
The heir got startled by the sudden appearance; he stood close to his bigger brother with his hands behind his back, and his illegible face was frustrating for Boromir.
Boromir wanted to grab his little one, carry him all the way in to his chamber, maybe give him a kiss but that was not the point right now, lock the door and let him stay there forever for only his to be.

Boromir smacked himself inwards and remembered how proud he’d been of Faramir earlier, and put himself together to a cheerful and supporting manner
“You ready, brother?” Faramir smiled, not sure if he was hearing right. Boromir didn’t know if he could hold on much longer this incoherent cheering. “Let’s go!” He said while tapping his brother on the back, and trotted to his horse and troop.

As Théodred climbed his giant horse next to his father, he gave Faramir a convincing blink before he rode to the front along with the king. Faramir smiled and felt stronger. He turned quickly to his men and reminded them of the plans and orders before they all nodded in silence. They did almost everything in silence.

Soon they’d be seen riding among the others on their way to battle.
Faramir had been riding with the rohirrim before and felt secure with them. He was thrilled to convince his brother what he could do, and was so determined that his nervousness did not spring forth. He was glad to ride with the rohirrim again, and excited to lead his men once more.

Chapter 4

Clouds hid themselves behind the knolls. And with bright orange, and colors of a night beckoning, Boromir watched Faramir as he and his troops rode up to the king in the front. Goosebumps spread across Boromir’s skin as he studied Faramir’s serious and focused, but yet frightened face under the short conversation with the firm king.
Boromir shortly smiled as he thought of the situation of his little brother already cooperating with a high king.

The night was reaching to its darkest so the hurry begun. The determined and accepting nod from Faramir, and the well done sliding off his horse to give sign to his troop, gave Boromir shivers through his spine. Getting closer to Rohan the terrain dilated and made it easier to battle by horse, but as the rangers were not to use horses no more, they gave them up to others who’d been sharing horses. He couldn’t help it to feel a hole in his tummy when the rangers, along with his precious, disappeared by foot behind a narrow knoll.

It didn’t help on Boromir’s worry that darkness was hiding his little brother in the shadows, which made it more difficult to keep an eye on him. His images about Faramir under the orcs’ captive almost made him skip his horse in a straight gallop and get him back. He hurried his gaze away from the view for not making his wishes for real. As Théodred made his troop ride to the left, it was Boromir’s sign to take the right.

As Boromir made it around the knoll, he could see the forest with the red sunset in the back, where also some mountains had the honor of participating in the glorious view. He couldn’t see Faramir; the rangers had already entered the woods where they would be hiding and make the sign when all the orcs had made it out of the trees. Théodred and the king would be waiting behind a slope, and Boromir would ride his troops in for another ambush behind another slope. Faramir and his rangers had found their places and were well hidden thanks to their nature colored uniforms and blending skills.

Faramir didn’t like to take lives, but knowing this amount of orcs had their direction towards an innocent village, he would do it. His hatred towards orcs still lingered after seeing Éomer and Éowyn’s faces after knowing their father had been killed by one. He remembered poor Éowyn who he had comforted after she had crashed into him while running from her mother who’d told her to act like a lady. The woman had been devastated of her husband’s death.

The boy from Gondor and Éowyn had never spoken to one another before, but somehow the little girl trusted the boy who sat down on his knees to face her and dry her tear away while speaking softly that it was alright to cry. The long blonde hair the girl possessed reminded him a bit of his mother.
He thought of her in the darkness of the trees, and just like every other time he did, he wished her alive safe back in Gondor waiting for him to return. Before sinking into deeper thoughts he gathered his concentration once more. Just then he heard a branch break.

Théodred had difficulties to keep his gaze on two of his spies who lay still on the top of the hill, scouting for the orcs. The sun had almost vanished, only seconds left. He only assumed the two black spots he’d locked his gaze on still were his spies. The king did the same. Théodred trembled with excitement; this would be over in a minute. Two troops would attack before the orcs; Théodred and Théoden, a rain of arrows from the woods, which would be Faramir, and another two troops afterwards with Boromir in the front. This would be a child’s play.

“They are coming” One of the spies had whispered hysterically to Théodred and ran to mountain his horse. The other spy which had told Théoden, did the same. “Wait for the sign, and charge at my command” Théodred’s heart beat adrenalin in every inch of his body. With a torch each, waiting to be lit, they waited in total silence and were afraid their heartbeats would be heard like drums to the orcs.

Théodred worried when time passed without the sign, and started to doubt Faramir. Why did it take so long? The orcs were getting pretty close. The men could hear grunting, stomps and rustling. Panic started to spread through the air only for a second when a sudden flock of birds were squeaking all over the field. The men jumped, and though they knew it was the sign, some did cast a sight at the sky.

The orcs reacted the same way and started to converse between themselves where it could have come from. Another flock of birds, so it seemed, squeaked in the woods. The captain of the orcs shouted as he and the rest were staring at the woods “It’s just mating sick birds. Get a move on!”
When the chieftain turned to lead his fellow orcs forward, he became aware of a herd of horses. It took him a while to understand why the horses seemed to have some kind of fireball attached to each one of them. He didn’t know what to scream so he only roared angrily. That was enough for the others to understand a battle was on.

The rohirrim tossed their torches in the middle of the crowd of orcs as they slashed every foul creature they could get their blade or spear into. The torches light up the battleground and made it easier for the men to see. Some orcs were living torches as they had been set fire to, and some orcs tried to make a run for it, but the outer line got struck down by another herd of horses with fireballs.

Boromir had finally get himself to enjoy the battle, and jumped down from his horse right onto an orc who died right at the spot by the severe dash the warrior made on his chest. Drawing his sword he slashed two middle sized orcs in one blow and turned to stab a bigger creature in the chest.

Seeing their doom, the orcs went for the forest. The silent rangers watched the orcs get closer from afar. Their green hoods hid them quite well, and with the bow ready with an arrow they waited. Faramir’s eyes reflected the fire from the field a hundred meters away as he pointed out an oncoming orc.
The rangers had crawled to the end of the forest after all the orcs had left it, and waited for the horrified creatures to get closer for instant kill. Faramir’s men were amazed of their Captain’s courage to go forth with his strategies, and they admired his philosophy.

Even though some thought of him too mellow, most of them respected and admired their new appointed captain. He’d been having struggles at the start, for some of them had been under Boromir earlier and had troubles adjusting to Faramir’s difference. Some were not happy about the boy’s age, but followed the orders he gave.

Faramir would be the first to raise his bow followed abruptly by the others. After the raise of bows, they all counted the agreed amount of seconds before they let go of the arrows with fire burning in their eyes.

A sound of arrows swift through the air got followed by the thuds and groans of the orcs. Faramir wouldn’t let go of his tightened lips before reassuring the screams of the men had turned to cheering. All of the orcs had been slaughtered, and only two men had been badly wounded. A deep cut through a thigh were tended to, and one had almost lost his arm. Many splintered and broken armors had to be fixed, and some horses had been burnt or cut, but not severely. Faramir could see his brother assist the others by collecting the orcs in a pile to set fire on them. He got out of his hiding place, followed by the others to assist.

Théodred watched as Faramir dragged a corps of an orc a few meters, and walked over to him as he tossed it in the pile “I can’t believe this went so smooth. You did well my friend.”

Faramir huffed and puffed as he smiled and answered “Yes, it went quite smooth. Thank you.”

After this he glanced at the orcs in the pile still panting of the effort used in carrying heavy orcs.
“Do you pity them my young friend?” Faramir’s sad and unsecure eyes fell to the ground, and he felt embarrassed before his elder Captain
“Don’t worry my friend, I know you. And you’re right, but this is war and you have to learn to comprehend to these feelings. After some time you will.”
Looking up to Théodred’s firm and tender eyes, he smiled, and they slammed on each others’ shoulder with a friendly gaze
“Now, we all deserve a nice and long rest.” Théodred said before he disappeared behind the pile of orcs to attend to some of his men with a concussion each.

The young and proud ranger heard his name being called by a loud and warm voice which made his heart pounce, and his skin tremble. He turned and was grabbed firmly on the shoulders by his brother “You did great! I can’t believe this, it went on so fast. I think this is a record when it comes to slaying orcs.”
Faramir smiled with his brother and met his firm grip by holding on to his elbows. “I’m so proud of you!” Boromir continued with a passionate look on his brother and squeezed him in a hug. He let go right after and ruffed his hair
“Let’s go home and tell father!”
Boromir did notice the face on Faramir at the mention of Denethor, but thought that this time their father had nothing on Faramir to make him feel bad. Faramir wasn’t so sure; there were a lot of things he could scold him for.

Chapter 5

The atmosphere in the group of men was dozy and silent, but jovial as they returned home from a victorious battle. Their voices were low and cheery in the herd of men and horses. The torches lit up some of the smiling faces though some of them turned serious towards the city; even though a battle was won, many were lacking hope for the future. The fantasizing of a soft and warm bed oscillated, while other thought of what to do the next day off.

Earlier mentioned some men shared horses, and this time Faramir sat behind his brother. When Faramir had gone to bed the day before, his sleep had been troubled by his thoughts and feelings for his elder brother. He loved him, but he knew their father didn’t like their good relationship because he meant he was a digression to Boromir, and even though he didn’t ashamed himself over his feelings, he knew it wasn’t approved.

Faramir was courageous standing up to his father and lord the times he did, and received the scolding far better than many others, but only picturing Denethor’s face if he’d ever find out about his feelings was nearly just as bad as he’d imagined a nazgul’s breath would be.

He’d tried to make as much distance from himself and his brothers as possible for the sake of both Boromir and his father, and for his own. He’d been tired of the over protectiveness by his brother, but this seemed to change now after he’d seen him in battle.

Maybe he could spend more time with his brother since they’d been at battle together, and Boromir had told him he was proud. Faramir had wanted to kiss his brother at that moment, and snuggle him, and toss his armor off to touch his skin as much as possible not being bothered if his clothes were soiled in sweat. Faramir blushed as he thought this through where he sat behind his brother on the tall horse.

He didn’t lock his arms around him to keep the distance he’d promised to himself, but couldn’t help but feel his body pressing against his by the steps of the horse. He wanted so badly to place his hands on his thighs and join his body for the rhythm. He wanted to touch his hips and snuggle on his shoulders and neck.

In opposition to Boromir, Faramir smiled at these thoughts. He listened to Boromir’s lovely voice in a conversation among some other soldiers riding next to them. Soon he would indulge a sudden drowsiness.
He could hear the men’s lowered voices, the torches flicker and his body let go of the stress by the reassuring safety. Even though he had been titled as a grown man and captain, he now looked like a cute little brother sleeping on his elder brother’s back. Boromir smiled when a soldier of Gondor made him perceive his brother’s snooze. They both smiled at each other and gazed at the small lights from Minas Tirith in the pitch dark in front of them.

Faramir had been really giving it all in and almost didn’t wake when Boromir lift him off the horse. He could hardly stand, and leant against his brother “You take your brother in while I take care of the king and prince” Boromir’s best commended got his confirmation abruptly from his general as he started to carry Faramir in the doors.

“You don’t have to…” Faramir started blunt. Boromir looked at him to let him finish, but noticed his brother was too tired to continue. In the hallway he tried again: “I can walk by myself you know.” This time he managed to open his eyes a notch.

“You did so well today brother you are to strain yourself no more.” When Boromir looked at his beloved between his arms and smiled, it took a while before the dull creature answered with a blunt smile.
After putting his brother to bed, he lit two candles at the night table and one by his desk full of papers and books. The older brother became curious of the many interesting things and checked if his brother slept before daring to take a look through the scrolls and parchments at the desk.

Lots of drawings and poems covered half the table, and the rest half were maps, books and other parchments. The drawings were creatures he’d been making out of his mind after reading about them apparently. One of them could be a Hell hawk.

Boromir smiled and thought of the times he’d been watching his brother read and draw. He’d been doing it with such passion, and he’d been captured by it. He looked at his brother who was dozing off at the right end of the large bed. His quilts were green with a golden pattern at the edges. They circled in elegant patterns in the corners and fitted his elegant brother.

Faramir’s smooth neck and jawbone took Boromir’s breath away, and he got afraid he’d do something he’d regret if not getting himself out of there soon as possible. He stood up and noticed his brother’s boots were still on, and though he didn’t dare to take his clothes of he’d at least remove the boots. He rounded the bed silently, and grabbed Faramir’s right leg. The outworn ranger gasped in alert while pulling his leg towards him in surprise, making Boromir freeze.

Faramir didn’t have the vitality to steady himself on the elbows further as planned. His eyes closed once again and he fell halfway to sleep with a sigh as he’d sensed no harm from the familiar creature. Boromir had been startled, but smiled as he saw his wary brother fall into relaxation at the sight of him.

He tossed one boot after another on the floor, and gazed on his beautiful brother as his chest lifted and lowered in the rhythm of the breaths. He thought the ranger uniform must have been much more comforting to wear than the steel armor, and longed to take his own off. He rose and took a last glance at his brother before he blew all of the candles out and went to his own chambers. He tossed his armor in the bath place and washed himself somewhat before tossing himself on the bed. A couple of days off would be nice after this extra mission.

His thoughts went to Faramir. He should also feel the delight feeling of getting rid of the uniform. He lay still for a long time and stared at the ceiling thinking of this matter. Only hours until morning he thought, his little brother could manage until then.

The self quarreling man kept giving himself reasons not to visit his brothers chambers but couldn’t help but thinking of it. He decided to at least be able to take his leather armor off. That wouldn’t be a problem he encourage himself, and left his chambers for Faramir’s. His heart pounded and arms shook as he got closer and closer the well known door. Only take off his armor, nothing more he thought, but noticed he trembled more and more thinking of what he actually desired.

Faramir’s peaceful face by the candles’ light did not leave his mind, and he hesitated as he was about to grab the handle. His eager to touch his brother strengthened, but he was determined he was only taking off his armor. He was about to open the door with just as much determination, but remembered just soon enough to open it quietly.

He opened the door slowly as he was afraid of having judgment and accusation jumping out of the room to punch him down in mud of shame. The room was dark, but the well known form of his brother was not mistakable. He did not bother to light any of the candles, both in fright of never leaving, and taking his short staying in mind.

He stopped beside his brother to make his eyes get used to the dark while searching for broaches and knots of the armor. ‘Maybe I should light the lights’ he thought for himself. He felt a sudden awkward feeling as he caught himself just standing in the dark staring at his brother like one stalker.
He pressed his lips together and called himself stupid before he got himself together and light the candle. He felt the blood rush in his face as he stared at Faramir’s face in the warm light. It had become fairer in his absence.
Boromir shook his head to erase the images that taunted him and stepped a tentative step away with clenched fists.

The light from the city and the bright moon made its entrance through the window, but the older brother didn’t notice as he was trying to keep as much distance as possible while stretching out to tie up the knots at his brother’s waists.

After finishing on both sides with intense concentration and restraining, he frowned and couldn’t find a way to take it all off. He searched all over, and stiffened as he figured he’d have to roll him over to get to the main broach. He rolled his eyes ‘Typical’.

He wavered, and could be mistaken for a magician where he held his hands over his brother, had it not been for the sweat pouring and the agonized expression. He was tired and annoyed of this insecurity, and couldn’t help it that his intended gently touch became maybe just a bit too harsh. Just as he grabbed Faramir’s left arm and leg to roll him over, Faramir woke abruptly and screamed while he grabbed Boromir’s trespassing arm, and kicked him in the chest.

Boromir felt the slender tuck slamming hard onto his chest, but it did not flinch him; he’d expected an attack after noticing Faramir’s abrupt awakening, and his great muscles attenuated the strike. He only groaned and waited for the next strike to come. His thoughts through the attack did go to the surprise he felt over his brother’s defense.
Hadn’t Boromir been the giant warrior as he was he’d been struck down, and of course Faramir had to be a bit older and bigger to get it done, but now Boromir blocked the next strike that Faramir intended to give his nose.

He now held Faramir’s right striking hand firm in his left just a few millimeters from the intended spot. He’d also made to capture Faramir’s right kicking leg between his blocking arm and his chest. Faramir’s left arm still had a tight grip on Boromir’s right which the role had been the opposite.

“Bromir!” Faramir’s voice shook with surprise, confuse and regret. Boromir smiled and laughed at holding his brother as he did, and that he’d been using the nickname for so long ago. The slender ranger had given in to his reflexes, and did not get back to fully consciousness after a while. He just stared surprised at his older brother who was now holding half of his body firm in his one arm. When Boromir was sure his brother had no intentions of attacking him further, he loosened the grip to let go of him.

Faramir lowered his foot to the bed as he noticed the slackening grip. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you.” Faramir pulled himself to sit by the headboard with his pillow backing up his tired back, and Boromir sat down by the chair beside the night table with the one light.

“It’s nice to see you have your guard at hand, but I think you’ll be safe in here.” he smiled. Faramir didn’t notice the joke and rubbed his neck and shoulder as he sighed. Boromir’s smile disappeared, and he lowered his gaze to the floor when Faramir stared blunt in the room, clearly affected by something.

“What were you doing anyway?” Faramir’s accusations did not need to be spoken as they flashed in his eyes. Boromir swallowed the sudden tightness in his throat.
“I didn’t want to wake you and thought your sleep shouldn’t be disturbed by the leather armor, so I tried to remove it.” Faramir couldn’t help himself by smiling unwillingly, and a silent laughter bubbled in his lungs. Boromir noticed this and smiled relieved while leaning forward and folding his hands.

“I could use some help with it. The broach is on the back.”

Faramir said and got out of the bed to stand with his back towards Boromir, who’d straightened up his back and placed his hands on his knees. He stared nervously at Faramir’s shoulders, arms, waists, and… his blood rush once again, and didn’t slow down when the younger brother turned to look at him with an expecting look.

He hesitated to rise and unlock the broach, but shot himself from the chair and thought if he did this fast and said good night he’d get out with no harm done. The candle colored their faces with glowing warmth; Faramir relaxed and tired, and Boromir anxious and nervous with intimate images haunting him. But then the broach wasn’t that easy to undo, and Boromir frowned at the weird composite of the armor.

A leather thread kept the vest together at the lower part of the vest, and Boromir’s hands trembled being so close to Faramir’s soft butt. He strived with the thread as it got stuck somewhere. In the while, Faramir just waited for his brother to get it done. He became blunt and almost swayed, but he kept his straight attitude. Boromir became just as annoyed at this as he’d always be when they played board games or puzzles, and as he pulled the thread in attempt to get it loose, he also pulled Faramir so he bumped onto him. Boromir startled by the soft and fragile state of his brother and the touch of his delight body.

“I reckon you’re not used to knots.” Faramir smiled and tried to keep his burning body a secret. He stepped away from the bigger and warmer body to give it a try with the knot, and now it was his fingers’ turn to tremble.

Boromir watched as his brother’s hands gently untied the knot and loosened the broach so the vest easily slid off as he pulled it over his head. His untidy undershirt had been dragged along with the vest and jacket, and hung half way out of his tights.

The small naked spot that appeared made Boromir almost loose his mind. He kept telling himself to leave before he’d do something, but it felt so wrong to leave this delightful creature. Faramir tossed the vest on the chair by the hearth, and Boromir took a few slow steps to his brother while he removed the jacket.
“I hope father will assign you with a more practical uniform.”

Faramir smiled weary when he faced his older brother, but left him unable to smile back as he walked away towards the bed. Boromir couldn’t hold it anymore; he grabbed Faramir from behind and held him in a tight embrace “Brother, I…”

Faramir shut his eyes wide open in shock, and trembled in fear. Boromir didn’t know what to say, he only knew what he wanted to do. In the wonderful while he held his brother he felt a strong and fast pouncing in his palm which held firmly on Faramir’s chest above the heart.

The feeling of his younger brother’s heart pounce hard and fast made him wonder ‘Did I scare him? Or is it the feelings that I suspect he has?’ Boromir was afraid the signs his brother had been giving him, though unwillingly, had been Boromir’s imagination or for real. He turned his brother around to face a blushing and almost weeping Faramir. Boromir’s intentions vanished, and the protective brother appeared.

“Faramir, what’s wrong?” Boromir tried to attain eye contact, but his little one stared at his chest while abruptly answering “You have to leave.”

Boromir could hear the striving in his voice. He knew the numenor blood in him was strong, but he couldn’t have gotten that far in his mind that he’d seen his dreams, and nightmares for that matter, could he? Boromir clenched his brother in an embrace with a protective palm on the back of his head “I’m sorry if I scared you, little brother.” Faramir felt so good in his brother’s arms, but this messed up everything.

Faramir tried half-assed to pull himself out, and swallowed his sorrow to back up what he was going to say “What an absurd thing to say. Scare me?”
When Boromir tightened the grip, Faramir tried harder to pull himself out and grimaced by the strength his brother had evolved “Boromir, what do you mean? I just think it’s time for us to…”
Faramir gave up with a sigh, and embraced his brother instead as he continued in fatigue.
“We have to go to bed. I mean you should go to bed, in your own chamber. You need rest, father is going to blame me if you…” Boromir let go of Faramir to look him in the eyes.
“No, father has nothing on you. This time there’s nothing he can scold you for. If there’s something father is to say to you tomorrow it’s in gratitude for saving his lands.”

Boromir stroke Faramir’s troubled face long enough to make him smile and place a hand on his shoulder. He studied his older brother’s chest with his hand gently sliding down the dark red fabric with green and gold patterns. His smile died, and the sorrow crept back when he spoke with a lowered voice.

“Good night then.” This was what Faramir made to say before Boromir shut his lips with his own in a deep and firm kiss.

Faramir felt a wave of excitement rumble through his body as he finally got the long wanted kiss. His entire body was set on fire, and Boromir caught himself trembling in the heat. The fantastic scent of his brother made his head spin and felt every corner of his body pump with pleasure. Mentioned matter for the both of them.
As Faramir was about to press Boromir away as his hands were rebelling against his wishes, he noticed his right hand was held in a firm and shaking grip by his seducer, and he couldn’t move. After the ecstasy had left Faramir’s head he panicked, still holding on to the kiss.

He was horrified by the consequences that would follow when he’d withdraw. Boromir felt the energy of his beloved change, but he also stayed in the kiss; it had felt so right to kiss him there and then. He had not been able to hold back any longer and triumphed as he’d dared to move, regardless of how wrong he knew it was.

He’d been so happy when Faramir hadn’t rebelled of their lips’ touch, and for a while Faramir had accepted the intoxication of his love, but now, after he’d felt the sudden change, Boromir felt helpless. He also didn’t draw away from the kiss afraid of the consequences of his actions, but he kept his calm either way.

Faramir on the other hand, had never been with anyone as Boromir had, and didn’t know what to do. He was so horrified and clung to the kiss. When he felt his older brother was about to withdraw from the kiss and loosened his grip on the shaking hand, he grabbed his elder brother by the jacket with strong grips and kissed him harder.

Long he’d been avoiding this, and now that his brother had been getting ahead of him, he never wanted it to end. Faramir knew he had to let go some time, and felt his chest burst at the sight of their father in his mind.
He kept his eyes closed and whimpered after the lips parted as he withdrew into the cold space between him and the hot kiss. His feet slowly lost their will to hold the tormented body standing, and fell to his knees in Boromir’s embrace weeping. He tried to keep the tears from shedding, and lowered his head as the attempt failed. Tears ran uncontrolled down his cheeks, and his fierce grip on his brother’s fabric slackened.

Boromir had followed his falling brother to the floor and the whimpers worried him. He’d been sure Faramir felt the same as he’d been giving him that last strong and passionate kiss, which by the way had shot his mind up in the roof and back again, but one last question was to be answered; How did he handle it?

His little brother’s fear was far stronger than his own, apparently, and just that frightened the elder brother. When it came to feelings, Faramir wasn’t the one to overreact. That was Boromir’s thing. He’d come up with so many theories of why his beloved could be crying in his arms, but wanted to hear it from him who he just seemed to never understand.

Boromir was so overwhelmed with emotions that his voice only made it to a whisper as he tried to raise his brother’s head to have a look at him.
“Dear brother, why are you acting like this? Why are you crying?” When he didn’t get any answers, only more whimpers blended with gasps of despair, he started weeping along.
“I love you, Faramir.” As Faramir’s whimpers turned into restrained cries he tugged him in his arms and had no idea what to do but hold him. He was no good with words so this was the solution he’d gone for, ever since they were little and he’d had to comfort Faramir, especially after the quarrels with their father. Boromir jumped when Faramir finally spoke.

“I love you too, dear brother.” This warmed the heart of the elder, but it felt like stopping as the next words made way.
“But we can’t do this.”
More sobs came from Faramir “I don’t want this.”
Boromir thought he would have died if he’d not been able to hear the lies hidden in Faramir’s voice.

He knew these words had something to do with Faramir’s longing to stop casting bad reflections on his father. But actually hearing these words hurt a lot, now that they’d finally crossed over. Then it came to him, things would never be the same again. If they decided to end it like this, the dinners in the great hall, the breakfasts in the garden, the battles, everything, and especially the family meetings, would never ever be the same. He squeezed his brother so tight the younger brother let himself lose balance and fall sideways onto his lap.

Boromir held his brother’s curled up body and let him rest his head on his broad shoulder. Boromir snuggled on Faramir’s neck and cheek with his own lips and cheek. Faramir had gone silent and he breathed silently like he always did while sleeping.

Although, his body responded on Boromir’s soft kisses placed on his neck by stirring a notch and breathing deeper. He also frowned in a cute way Boromir thought. Faramir had gone to sleep, and Boromir felt guilty to have outworn his brother this much. The candle had almost burnt down as he placed Faramir on the bed, and covered the quilt up to his shoulders. The worried frown on Faramir’s eyebrows did not leave though, and Boromir knew the next day was not going to be easy.

Chapter 6

A conjugated lord in a black robe sat in his chambers and stared at the rain which attacked the pane of wavy glass. His eyes were filled with doubt, hate and worries. The soft and royal yet dull grey hair reflected the many cold years the steward’s heart had been through, and the tormented soul of Denethor grew colder and colder past the years.
Denethor had seen the king of Rohan enter his city from his window, but had not bothered to leave the tower of Echtelion in the middle of the night as his youngest could make up for their stay. He knew the servants would make a comfortable stay for the king until the next day, maybe then he would be in the mood to meet him, and that disobedient son of his.

No one was aloud to the tower except the steward and his most entrusted, so news from the guards or servants was not being given to him. Faramir had reassured both guards and servants that he would take care of the guests so his father was not disturbed in his sleep.

Not only did Faramir come home with the company, he came home too early, and this had worried Faramir as he knew his father wouldn’t like having him flying in and out the gates when he should be out spying. However, the Captain judged it far better that he and his rangers would lead the troops in accurate direction to the spotted orcs rather than hurrying back to where Denethor had ordered them.

When the time came for Boromir to come home from the Harad battle, Denethor wanted the only diversion gone, and had sent his youngest out on his first duty of Captain deliberately at that time. At the day of his firstborn’s expected return he’d showed up, and with those bloody rohirrim too.

He was happy to see them leave at the evening, but had been worried seeing Boromir leave too. Thousands of questions jumped across his mind, and many dark thoughts clung to him. As even he realized such thoughts were folly, he ashamed himself and looked at himself; hiding in the tower not daring to meet the king of the riddermarks.
He reassured himself that Boromir would return in short time, and he finally walked out of the claustrophobic room that earlier had seemed like a very safe and nice spot to plot and rule, but how could he rule when no one could even see him?

Luckily the steward had fallen asleep long before they got home from the battle that night, but now, as he sat by his huge wooden chair in his chambers the next morning, he thought of a way to greet the pompous king.
He also thought of how he should let his youngest son know of his indolence, but still make Boromir know how happy he was to see him. He also thought of a way to explain himself for not greeting the King at his arrival, the embarrassment if Théoden King would know that he’d been actually hiding in the tower, was the only thing making him reluctant to meet at the breakfast.

“I did not expect any of my sons to get home so soon, or anyone to pay a visit without a message to prepare, so I addicted myself to the inner library. But I’m sure you were greeted as the way a king, such as yourself, is fitted.”
Everyone felt hit by Denethor, but not like Faramir, he felt a sting from every breath.
Faramir wondered what punishment he would receive from; ‘did not expect’, or ‘get home so soon’, and wanted to defend the king of the sentence; ‘without a message to prepare’.

He also felt Denethor would blame him for all of this. He felt a blade at his throat while his father mentioned his addiction to the inner libraries.
When Faramir met king Théoden the first time out in the fields that morning, he’d still several more days out on patrol, but meeting Théoden at the spotting of the orcs had been almost too good to be true.
King Théoden himself and a few others knew they had different definitions of what the steward meant by what a king such as him deserved.

They were all sitting by the giant table eating the breakfast when Denethor had entered, and made everyone stand while he walked to his chair. He smiled strict and everyone sat down before he had started this cold and spiky speech.

“Yes, I was greeted even before I got to this fine city. Your youngest Faramir over here spotted a herd of orcs before he met us, and let women and children come here before we set out to strike the dark creatures down. And I’m thankful for the care that my family has received from your fine staff.” Seeing Denethor’s squinting made the king go on with a harder attempt to get his point at the table.

“Thanks to Faramir and of course all the men joining, this was done by the hour.” King Théoden tried to cheer things up after everyone had been offended by Denethor’s depression. Faramir had been sitting silent all morning, answering the few questions as short and precise as he could, and waited for his doom.

“All I’m saying is that this young lad over there surprises me, you did a great decision putting him by the rangers.”

Denethor looked at Faramir still unsatisfied, his early homecoming still lingered his mind. The young Captain dared to lift his gaze, but shut it down as he noticed the disapproving look. The steward turned to Boromir.

He didn’t seem changed other than being subdued to his father for not reporting of his homecoming and participating in something he had not ordered.
Boromir was also scared to death if he should say something that would hurt his beloved.

“I recon you were participating too?” “Yes, father. But I had nothing to do with it more than stomping orcs.”

Though everyone smiled and some laughed, even Faramir smiled, he who felt himself more revealed to Denethor’s scolding than ever, Boromir’s smile vanished as he was reminded by the squint and disapproved look from his father that he didn’t like it when his oldest and finest son made himself a laugh at these states.

The king started talking to Denethor and kept his joviality despite the skeptical glare he was receiving from the steward.

With his father busy for the moment, Boromir tried to gain eye contact with his brother by curving his back and slide down the bench, making himself smaller to prevent Faramir’s gaze to rise more than willingly. He had tried to gain Faramir’s attention earlier too with no success.

Faramir had showed up late and made as little out of him as possible. People thought he be tired and didn’t expect much of him, but Boromir knew Faramir did not wish to be there, and that he had troubles dealing with things, perhaps an event the evening earlier. He remembered when Faramir had been in these situations before, and even though he was on the merge to burst, he always behaved descent and kind to others who did not matter the case.

For the first time Boromir was aware of his own part in Faramir’s struggles, and understood why he did not dare to look at him, but did not quit the attempt anyway. His heart hurt, knowing he was one of the reasons of his little brother’s pain.

Boromir got slightly desperate and almost stretched across the table where his little brother sat to. As Denethor watched his eldest sit like a fooling child he frowned and lost all attention away from the king. Denethor tried to understand this curving position his son were in, but wanted him out of it as he saw the rest of the company give their attention to this awkward behavior.

“Boromir!” the father barked, and the eldest son straightened his back and jumped so fast he hit the table so it lifted and made everything on it teeter. Faramir had lifted his gaze onto his brother by that, and Boromir could only watch him by the corner of his eye as he met his father’s. “Yes, father.” Boromir tried to seem as natural as ever, but revealed that something was up by the unfamiliar brighter tone in the usual brute voice.

The steward shook his head fast and discreet as he squinted with his one eye at his eldest and kept on with the King. Several others looked questioning at Boromir, but not for long. They’d heard of the general’s temper and wish for personal life. Théodred kept his eyes on him the longest where he sat five people away from him; he saw an insecurity he’d never seen in his fellow general. The king made sign of their retirement after a short conversation with the steward. Boromir had not dared to look at his brother after the rebuke, and had poked his beef for a while.

“Excuse me father.” Faramir’s restrained voice reached Boromir’s ears, but when he looked up his brother had walked away and was reaching the hallway. Boromir was about to rise and run after him, but a firm hand kept him at his place “Boromir, what’s the matter with you. I haven’t seen you for weeks and this is how you greet me? Joining in to fight for another kingdom, acting like this at the table, and not passing me a glimpse of ratification?”

Ashamed of his actions Boromir spoke “I’m sorry, father. It’s just so many things going on. After returning from Harad I was tired, but you know me…” He reached for a laugh but his father’s lips only narrowed. “…eheehe, yes. I was glad to see Faramir again, but I heard they were talking about a herd of orcs moving to a village between our borders and I couldn’t stay home after knowing this. It went smooth, just as king Théoden told you. And I got to see Faramir, father. He did so well.”

Denethor didn’t look content by this, and Boromir got serious. “Father, please believe in him. He tries so hard, and you must have given him that dangerous task for some reason.” Denethor’s smirk almost made it through, but stayed in his depressed and cocky expression “Enough of this matter with your weird behavior and your foolish brother. I want rapport on the Haradrim.”

Faramir hit the stone wall to suppress a scream. He hit it once more as his anger needed more domestication and leaned on the cold stone so his feverish forehead chilled. He took a few deep breaths and hurried to his desk. He fell down on his chair and started writing with haste. A knock on the door and a familiar voice called Faramir’s name.
“Aye!” Faramir answered without stop in the furious writing. Théodred entered seeing Faramir at the desk with the feather swaying rapidly in his hand “Are you mad my friend?” Faramir froze and glared at the ink still wet on the parchment.

He turned and looked at his friend with a confused and annoyed frown behind his bangs. Théodred smiled as he once again was right about his younger fellow.
“You shouldn’t write your rapports in anger.” he nodded at the foul writing and the overuse of ink before sitting down at the bed, leaning his elbows on his knees.

“It surprises me that I am telling you this fact, dear friend. What’s bothering you?”
Faramir tossed the feather at the desk and leaned on both of his elbows on the desk, glaring at the rain outside.

“Has it something to do with your brother?”

Faramir felt the anger and sorrow bubble up and crave for rebellion, but his mind deleted it the second his body was about to act.
He wanted to scream, hit, kick and shout. How dared Boromir to open that gate he had tried to keep locked ever since…

He looked at Théodred and said with his viral warm and low voice: “I’m just tired. There are lots of tribulations to deal with, and right now they are teaming up against me all at once, but I’ll be fine.” Théodred leaned on his palm while tilting his head to the side with a puppy gaze at Faramir. That made him smile. But he rose and said before he walked to the hearth: “Don’t worry. I will manage somehow.”

A silence filled the presence. Only the crackle from the fire made sound. Théodred stood up and sauntered so his boots and the crackle from the fire were the lonesome sounds in the room. He faced Faramir who stared blunt in the fire. Faramir had his gaze locked in the hearth a while before he finally met his good friend’s, unable to hide his ennui.
“Don’t worry, dear friend” Théodred began.
“You should mind your own progress, and don’t let your brother hold you back. And don’t even let your mind start tricking you to yield to your father’s words of spite.” Even though Théodred’s voice was lowered by the mentioning of the steward, his eyes lightened with deliberation.

Faramir knew his friend wanted to help, but this was not the issue, and not being able to tell Théodred about it made his jaw tight.
Théodred lifted his dark eyebrows and tilted his head so his silk hair left his shoulder.

“Stop giving me those puppy eyes, Théodred” Faramir smiled and turned away to his desk.

Théodred’s pride filled his curving lips and he strolled to the other side of the table with a grimace, and leaned on it to stare into Faramir’s eyes still with the goofy grimace “I know what will cheer you up.”

Faramir raised his eyebrow, knowing this would not turn out good, but as Théodred was about to speak, the door opened. With both Faramir and Théodred’s eyes on him as he entered, Boromir felt accused of something and backed behind the door with only his toe and face showing. Faramir was the only one making that feeling true. He shifted nervously still behind the door “I’m sorry did I interrupt something?”

Still with Faramir’s accusing face, Théodred raced his brows in surprise of seeing the brutal and gruff Boromir so polite and obsequious. He knew at that point that this was not like the time when they were children; when Boromir had been teasing Faramir by running away with his books, pushing him or grappling him to the ground, or when Faramir had been an annoying pestering little brother, hanging onto his brother like he was his horse, or getting in the way when he had been fencing. This was not the same, it was something deeper, but Théodred knew exactly what to do.

“I was just about to ask Faramir to join me for a night out at the bar, Silver boot. Maybe you would like to join too?” Boromir didn’t want his brother to go out with Théodred alone ‘Why were they so often together?’ Boromir cursed his jealousy again, and was about to step into the room to gladly accept Théodred’s proposal, but stopped immediately seeing Faramir’s expression. He’d never seen the eyes of his brother like this.

Faramir remembered he’d fallen asleep from fatigue in Boromir’s arms, and had wakened the next morning with an emotional hurricane ravaging his mind and body. He’d been avoiding his brother at the breakfast, but now as he was staring at him, and the fact that they were back at his room where it all started, the emotions boiled up inside.
He’d loved the kiss, he loved Boromir, but they couldn’t, and the facts around it made him angry; it reminded him of the chains he had around his neck, arms and legs. It would destroy everything he’d used all his life to accomplish.

He was now dealing with his father better than ever, even though it was not good, it was better than before; now he wasn’t punished with flogging or beating. The public humiliations had subdued, and he had a title to stand up to. And then it was the dark secret he kept for his father. And now, his brother who’d been supporting him, comforting him, and loving him, was now the main problem.
Théodred noticed the tension between the brothers, and he straightened his back after leaning on the desk and strolled pass Faramir.
“I’ll be around to hear your answers, steward brothers.” Boromir nodded to him and let him pass throughand out to the hallway. Boromir closed the door and was more frightened of the look Faramir set upon him than any foul creature had.

“Faramir, I’ve never seen you like this. I’m sorry if it’s my fault, I never meant to…” Seeing a paler color change in his little brother’s face and his grey eyes turn more blue as the tears were ready to emerge, his instinct told him to hold him and comfort him, but his fright that Faramir might vanish in his embrace made him stay on place.

Faramir stood firm trying to stay strong. “Why did you do it?” As the sudden question left Faramir’s strict lips and Boromir could hear his trembling voice; he dared to move closer, only a few steps. Boromir did not know what to say. With both of them knowing the answer, no one spoke. As Boromir got closer, Faramir’s striving to keep his emotions at hand got harder. He tightened his lips and shook his head like a warning to his elder brother not to get any closer.

Boromir did come closer though, like he was walking on a minefield. Faramir backed away and kept Boromir on the other side of the desk.
Faramir’s voice was cold and trembling “You just couldn’t help it? Is that the answer?”

Boromir gave in to Faramir’s wish of distance and stopped at the other side of the propped desk. He studied the parchment Faramir had been writing on, and saw it on his writing that he’d been upset. A small smile made it in the corner of his lips.

“Were you actually going to give this to father?” He glanced up on Faramir who lost his metal hard face and frowned by the sudden irrelative question. After taking in the unexpected question, he sighed and threw his gaze to the roof. “No, I wasn’t. That would put all of my efforts to ruin. You know that if I do even one mistake everything will…”

Boromir had gotten closer in Faramir’s distraction and it made Faramir raise his voice and stumble a step further away.
“…and I have no intentions of letting that happen, Boromir. I will not let everything I’ve strived so hard to get be tossed to a nazgul’s nest just by some…”
Faramir backed away as Boromir got closer and closer. He was pushing Faramir to a corner.
“Boromir, please understand.” Boromir wondered why his brother had gained this sudden horrid fear of him, and since words weren’t his plane, he waited.

It wasn’t fair to Faramir, and it was rather cruel to push his brother to this limit, but he desperately needed to know his brother’s mind. He studied his backing brother as he continued.

“Boromir, I lo…Please back away. You can’t always get what you want. I didn’t mean to do what I did, it was…” Boromir couldn’t believe he was pushing his brother this much. He didn’t mean to seem threatening, but by the acts of his little brother he knew that was what he appeared to him right there and then. He knew he should back away, but he’d never seen his brother like this and was hypnotized by it.

“Why are you not stopping, Boromir. I’m asking you to back away.” His tears broke and he screamed when Boromir had gotten so close he could hardly move.
“Why are you not listening?” With Boromir a head taller than Faramir, they stared at each other.

A tense moment between the brothers stopped time for a split dangerous second, and Faramir’s tears made way in his shock, and Boromir stared at his brother not knowing what to do. Faramir’s body had enough and he tried to run away, but Boromir pinned him to the wall by pressing at his shoulder and arm with a leg blocking his.

The youngest brother fought hard to get loose. It was no trouble for the stronger man to hold the younger one still and striving on the spot. Since Boromir didn’t do anything but hold him tight, he calmed down and dared to meet his elder brother’s stern gaze. Seeing his little brother this agitated, blushing and panting stirred feelings upon him and his arms trembled in the tight grips. His dream hit him and he jolted for a second before speaking with a stern and loving voice.

“I do not mean to harm you, little brother. Why are you so afraid? I have never given you any reason to frighten me, have I?”

Faramir’s breathe trembled in anger and fear “We can’t go through with this brother, you know that. I’m trying to make this easy for us, but you’re only making it graver.”

The tears’ tracks still showed on his hot cheeks, but he was no longer crying. His fury had returned. Boromir tried to calm him by caressing his face, but he jerked from his loving palm and barked “Don’t”.
As Boromir’s palm remained where it had been rejected, Faramir continued a bit calmer “Must I repeat myself? You’re not making this easy at all.” The warm voice of Faramir made Boromir close into Faramir’s face. Faramir panicked.
“No! Don’t you dare do that!” He kept screaming to his brother to let him go while he kicked and hit in attempt to get loose. It only made Boromir hold him even harder and press him further into the wall.

When Faramir screamed and cried, Boromir understood that the kid was going to fight until death, so he quickly released him and backed two meters away breathing heavily and ready to catch him if he was heading for the door, he wasn’t finished even though letting go of him.

Faramir stood still against the wall breathing heavier than Boromir. He was so tired his legs trembled, and his muscles threatened to fail. As Faramir got accustomed to his new freedom, Boromir felt his heart break. Now it was his turn to get angry, but he understood what Faramir was saying. Without a glare at his beloved he let go off him totally and told he was sorry before bursting out the door.

After a while Faramir calmed down still supporting his body against the wall, and he looked out the window gaining his breath. A storm was coming up and the rain poured like a waterfall. His calm, wet and tired face gazed on the parchments he’d not finished. He had to deliver them as soon as possible. Putting everything aside as best as he could, he started on a new rapport.

Chapter 7

Denethor strolled down a marble stair with beautiful carved patterns in the wall, and his mind was still lost in the terrible views that the palantir had revealed to him. He still struggled to keep his will at hand, but was always strong enough to keep the dark lord out of his mind. Even so, his heart dug itself deeper into the abyss, without the owner knowing of it.
He knew terrible things would occur in his time, in his beloved Boromir’s time, and… Faramir, he always felt like weeping thinking of his youngest, and he was cruel to send the young man to the darkest mountains to spy and patrol by using his stealth abilities and tactics.

He touched the carvings on the wall and studied them as he felt the rough and sleek marble interchange. The memory of his wife dying with Faramir in her arms was somehow the wound his heart bled from the most. This tender, kind and weak soul didn’t deserve such foul times.
His conscious struck through his barrier of steel for a second to tell him Faramir did not deserve his treatment, but like always, his conscious failed to turn his own mind around to the better, and he’d come up with an excuse to keep up the barrier. A ruler should never cry or show weakness.

He turned his sorrow into anger before the tears would reveal themselves. ‘It’s just what he deserves’ he contradicted. ‘The boy is too weak to encounter the evil lurking behind the great wall, so it’s only for the better that he learns of it sooner or later’.

The young Faramir hasted through the hallway to his father’s tower with the rapport in his hand. As he opened the door to enter the spiral stairs, he met the regarded with a jolting fear and succumbed at once. “Forgive me father for my late arrival.”
Denethor stared on his youngest son in chagrin while waiting for more, and Faramir bowed short and muttered.

“I have the rapport.”

“Both rapport and arrival are way too early, my son. Somehow it did not surprise me. Well, let us see it over upstairs anyway. Come.” Denethor sighed and Faramir thought this would be harder than usual.

Faramir had to keep reminding himself to breathe while the steward read his rapport; he did not know if Denethor would agree to his decisions or expect him to leave again. The frowning on his brows was sharper than ever and it didn’t seem like he understood. Faramir went through the rapport in his mind to find any mistakes or flaws. Did he use too much or too little ink? Were there any mistakes in the writing? Was it coherent? He jumped as Denethor spoke “This is quite good for being your first, Faramir.”

The boy stared at his father with surprise. When Denethor hadn’t heard a word from his son as he’d kept on reading, he lifted his gaze to look upon him. Faramir struggled to comprehend the compliment, and jumped by the eye contact. He tossed his gaze to the ground and made a humble thank.

“But there’s something wrong in the end, and there are things I must speak to you about” ‘Here it comes’ Faramir thought while catching his father’s glance.

“It’s great that you’re slaying orcs and joining forces, Faramir. That is what’s expected from you. On the other hand it’s not expected from you to house an entire kingdom. You should’ve let Boromir handle that, and gone back to your mission.”
Of course this was unfair on the Captain’s behalf since none of the two knew that the General had come home, and Boromir wasn’t the one spotting the herd.
“You still have a week on patrol, and here’s the fault I see at the end. Where’s your troop?”

“I didn’t think that…” Faramir knew by these first words he was doomed and knew he had to row quite much to get out of this one. He was told not to think anything, and started over in hope of his father’s contentment as he now stared harder on the nervous Captain.
“We’ll start our next patrol earlier since we cut off earlier at this one.” Faramir was not quite sure if his solution was any solution at all. It seemed like he would say anything to make his father pleased, but the fact was he only made it worse.

“Who do you think you are, Faramir?” By the voice of his father he knew this wasn’t turning out good.

“I’m sorry if I’ve displeased you father, I’m only trying to make everyone benefit from my first bad decision as a Captain. The men are already at home with their families…” Denethor yelled so Faramir’s mind blanked in fear.

“You’ve sent them home?” Faramir felt his feet scream to run away but he was paralyzed, he did not dare to look upon the steward as every inch of his body trembled. Denethor rose from his chair and walked towards his son “Without my order!” Tears threat to well up, and his cheek was prepared for pain.

“I didn’t think it meant that much with a few days out of…” He realized he had no more breath to speak and took a deep breath as his furious father got as close to reach. The young man could only wait for what to come. His grey shimmering eyes looked upon his father and they understood a glimpse before the hit struck that it would come.
It was hard enough to smack his head to the side.

“You are to follow my orders! You hear me?” Luckily for Faramir his hair hid his tear that escaped his left eye, and tended to the pink cheek that would later turn red, maybe blue.

“Yes, father.”
“Now see if you are worthy of anything in this world and go get your men, and finish what I’ve ordered you to. I bet the enemies do not inherit such lazy Captains as this one. ” Faramir could speak no more and only nodded. Denethor’s cold voice spoke calmer “and send these horsemen home to their lands.” Faramir finally let his feet move backwards. He bowed before he left with a more aching heart than an aching cheek.

A strong horse whined and snorted as it hurried across the gondorian border heading north in the stormy weather. The horse was used to the warrior’s anger and warfare, but this time its owner’s anger was of a broken heart. Both horse and man, soaked in rain and sweat, flared teeth at the attacking weather, but in total different state of mind; with the horse worried and obeying its master while trying to understand why they were attacking mid air, the master had gone into a reckless world of hurt, fury, sorrow and frustration. The pace Boromir had made his horse gallop in was just enough for it to manage. A great roar flooded the land and reached the ears of Osgiliath’s citizen.

Five malcontent gondorian men standing in the rain with arms crossed or placed demonstrative on their waists, raised their brows or frowned as their Captain was telling them to get back on duty after the taste of release.
With the warm houses, the smell of ail and smoke still damping from their clothes, they listened to the humble and young but firm Captain

“I’m terribly sorry. There’s been misconception between me and the steward.”
The men had not yet been accustomed to Faramir’s defined young and warm voice, except Lahadrar, a man way older than Faramir, and few others which Faramir felt secure with.
Lahadrar with his grey long hair stood forth and tapped Faramir’s shoulder
“Yes, we understand Captain Faramir”
He turned to the others
“We’ve all been in this awkward situation that our dear Captain is now facing with dignity and definition, and most important of all; a wish to accomplish his lords command.”

Already now the men had been convinced, but Lahadrar loved to speak, especially when he could help his younger friend and Captain. “I think that he, as our selves, would like to get inside to the warmth and sit by the fire with his…”

He was about to say lady, but his point was to help Faramir, not to make fun of him. “…his ail”

Earlier, the men had been discussing if Faramir was virgin or not, if he had a lover or not and so on. They had a great amusement of it when he was nowhere to be found. Lahadrar didn’t know if he’d been helping his captain or not, and kept his arm around him to show he was on his side.
The awkward rain poured down, and as they all knew some of the men strived to hold back their laughter, Faramir gave Lahadrar an insecure smile of pity and forgiveness. Lahadrar grimaced back ‘What can one do?’ He loosened his grip around the lad and cleared his throat.

A man just a few years older than Faramir stepped forth from the grumpy assembly “But some of the men have gone to Osgiliath.” Faramir was tired of everything and helped himself by focusing on the mission and the mission only “We’ll ride to Osgiliath, gather and head for the river Erui. There are some villages I’d like to check on. The dark abyss of Ephet Dual can wait as there’s no way we can get anything from it in the few days remaining. Let’s make the best out of our Steward’s wish.”
A sudden friendly and determined voice appeared in the heavy rain

“You’re ready to leave again?”

Everyone bowed but Faramir as the Prince stepped forth. “Yes, I am sorry Théodred. Father has sent me out to complete the order…” He whispered to his friend; “…to stay away”. Théodred laughed.

As Théodred watched his friend’s humble smile, he noticed his left cheek was a bit darker than the other, and his smile slowly died. It had not skipped Faramir’s mind that anyone would care or notice, but the care Théodred had for his friend, and his perception made Faramir shift nervously
“I’m terribly sorry to leave once you’ve arrived dear friend, but I’ll be in trouble if I don’t…” Théodred spoke abruptly.

“I understand, Faramir. I heard you were going to the river Erui. Myself, and the king with kin will leave after the rain stops, and hopefully the storm will not reach any of us further.”

Faramir let not his sorrow reach his heart yet, and gave Théodred a quick hug and farewell before he walked away to gather his equipment. His men did the same with less determination and motivation.

When Faramir hurried through the great hall, he overheard his father talking to a servant.

“What are you saying? Boromir has run off? What do you mean? Speak!” The servant didn’t like to be the one telling this.
“The general was furious, he did not speak or matter anyone.”

‘Yeah, sounds like him’ Faramir thought as he hurried pass them from afar.

The terrified servant continued; “I tried to help him by any sort, he seemed so upset. Then he just went off on his horse in complete gallop.”
Denethor got a glimpse of his youngest as he vanished into the hallway. “Thank you, Demini, back to your chores.”

The servant bowed, and when he got up the steward was gone from his chair, hasting to the hallway. Faramir’s upper body was stripped when Denethor entered with little care for the handle. Faramir’s scars stung by the sudden visit of their maker, and Denethor slammed the door shut.

Faramir hurried with his undershirt as his father were closing in.
“I’ve ordered the men to leave at this instant. Is there something you want whit me you must do it quickly.”

Faramir’s face could have been mistaken for a metal shield had it not been for the revealing color of his cheek. Faramir did not know what he could be accused for, but knew his father had some sort in his mind. He got so close Faramir leaned back at his desk. Denethor poked Faramir’s chest with his finger and spoke dangerously silent. “You know what has made Boromir this upset, and you are going to tell me.”
“Father there’s not everything I know about my brother. I haven’t seen him in months.”

Denethor kept on with a higher voice “You’re the reason he’s distraught. Tell me what’s going on between the two of you.”

Faramir felt the wood assemble under his nails as he clenched to the edge of the table. When Denethor saw his demand did not get through, and the stubborn face of Faramir hid the secret, he gave him a warning.

Faramir knew from experience that this was his last warning. “Faramir.” He spoke his name with the outmost hatred and the finger almost piercing his chest.
“You know how much Boromir loves me” Faramir started and Denethor rolled his eyes and moaned in annoyance as he removed his finger and backed away a bit.

Faramir wanted to continue; ‘In contrast to someone else I know’ but kept on; “He was worried about me and kept saying I was not worthy of the assignment and that I was too weak to make it.”

He thought of how often he had to lie to either his father or his brother for some reason. Faramir noticed his father’s confused expression, and waited for him to speak.
“Go on!”
“He kept saying so, and I tried to convince him otherwise. We quarreled and…”
Faramir’s mind jumped off to him and Boromir kissing passionately.
“Speak boy.” The steward barked and Faramir finished abruptly
“And that’s where he just ran off.”

Denethor pushed his shoulder so he stumbled backwards and were now almost sitting at the table with his hands supporting him

“And you just let him stride off! Another thing you’re not telling me. Maybe I should flog you for treason again, Faramir. How’d you like that?”
Seeing Faramir’s horrified face, he came so close the lad could feel his strong breath.

Denethor smiled as he finally had struck through Faramir’s defense. Faramir tried to recede but figured if he backed away any more he’d find himself on the table with the steward on top of him. The steward’s piercing eyes was only a fool to look upon.

“I didn’t know he was going to leave Minas Tirith.”
Faramir spoke frail.
Denethor made more space to his son, and the son dared to meet his father’s eyes
“I’m sure he’ll be back. You know Boromir, he runs off someplace and settles things and then he comes back.”

Faramir tried to smile but his accurate position didn’t make it easy. “Go find him, Faramir. Whatever you two have argued about, you are to tell you’re sorry, and agree to whatever he says.”

“Yes, father.”
Denethor backed away to give Faramir back his personal space, and left with one last strict glance. Faramir thought this could have gone far worse, and was kind of happy when he left to search for his brother.

“Lahadrar, new destination!” Lahadrar squint his eyes in the rain when Faramir had jogged past him and hurried for his horse in the stable while giving the information.

A heartbroken Boromir sat by a bonfire in the grey woods of the Druadan forest, north west for Gondor. The ground and the trees were still wet after the strong storm, but since it had calmed now, the trees managed to protect both man and ground from more rain.

Boromir had found a dry spot underneath the thick Grey forest, and there he’d managed a small fire. Not because he was cold or had plans to broil or cook something, he just sat there staring at the flames, thinking about his little brother. He had missed him so much and now he’d ruined it.

His mind drifted off to the city, his father, his chores and so on, but he didn’t really care. He knew he had to get back and adjust to Faramir’s denial. ‘Tomorrow’ he thought. Or maybe he could use a visit to Osgiliath as an excuse to get away for a while. He’d been sitting so still and quiet in his pondering, that a bird had mistaken him for a mound.
He watched the woodpecker climb the tree he sat next to. It jumped up and down searching for insects in the bark. Boromir just couldn’t deal with anyone right now and stabbed the bird with his knife.

It made a short squeak of surprise before it died, and a feather popped from the small creature and burned in the fire. Boromir studied the bird on his knife and started pulling off the feathers one by one, more of boredom than preparation.

Faramir and the ranger’s were halfway to Osgiliath when Faramir made them halt. Luckily the rain had traveled south and made their travel easier. But the men had become soaking wet and started to freeze as the night was beckoning.
“I’ll leave you in charge, Lahadrar, while I go find my brother.” Lahadrar nodded to his Captain’s commands.

“Ride to Osgiliath where I will meet you for the last patrol.” An understanding nod from Lahadrar made Faramir nod back and leave it all to him.

He called out to his men as his horse was eager to go on. It felt its owner eagerness to leave for his brother
“You can all rest well in Osgiliath, but make sure you’re ready whenever my arrival shall occur.” All the men understood and watched their captain ride off to the Druadan forest with a nod and “Aye.” farewell.
“Will the captain be alright?” A man asked as they moved. Some looked worried. Some sighed dejected and shook their head by the silly question. One or two of the rangers punched another for insulting their beloved captain.

As Faramir reached closer to the grey wood he felt his brother’s appearance strengthen. He knew of both mind and heart that he’d be here. If he did not wish to be found it would be a lot harder, especially in the dark. Or maybe he could use that to his advantage.

He let his horse carry him as much as the horse could manage in the thick forest. After a short time he continued on foot and trusted the horse to stay at its place.

With Amon Din at his right, and being in the thickest part of Druadan there was no great threat other than the pointing branches. He didn’t call out to his brother since he didn’t know whether he wanted to be found or not.

Boromir’s grey eyes almost shut as he submerged further into sleep where he sat by the fire, but when a sudden voice made him jump, he rolled away swiftly after. Leaves and twigs flew the air from his clothes and hair as he got on his feet with the knife ready to strike.

Faramir was leaning onto the tree Boromir had been sitting against like a shadow from another tree. With the hood still on and his arms crossed, he smiled to his older brother
“I see you’re having a little picnic, with a bird for lunch?” Boromir noticed a burnt woodpecker was still stuck on his long knife. He jerked the bird off and walked closer. He bowed under a branch and squinted onto Faramir. Even though his little brother was standing there clearly in front of him he seemed like melting into the shadows behind the light from the fire.
What made Boromir sure he wasn’t tricked by his sight, was the golden hair which shone with the fire, and the ranger’s adorable eyes which was now looking at him with the kindness Faramir possessed. Boromir looked pissed at Faramir and sat down glaring in the fire.

Faramir didn’t yet dare to sit next to his angry brother. He walked to the other side of the fire, still on guard for creatures who most unlikely but perhaps might jump out of the darkness.

Boromir didn’t seem to care. Faramir had rarely seen his brother like this, and sat on his heels to warm his soaked cold body by the fire. He grimaced at the small fire and rose to walk further in the forest. Boromir’s awareness awoke when Faramir disappeared in the darkness, and he was about to call after him, but when he made a sudden appearance behind him he shut his mouth. Faramir made sure to keep a certain distance, and placed a branch and a chump at the fire.
The fire seemed to vanish, but as Faramir sat down by his brother the fire tripled the size and made Boromir’s eyes widened in astonishment.

His heart pounced with both outer and inner warmth, and Faramir started to gain warmth from the fire. When Boromir’s astonished expression turned to Faramir, the younger brother smiled superciliously.
Boromir smiled and made a short laugh before muttering “You and your herbs.” They both smiled in the fire and the silence felt nice. It was hard to come up with something to talk about but the special subject they both were so nervous about.

Faramir started “What are you doing here, Boromir? Giving no message of where you went off.”

Boromir smiled to his little brother who he thought was so cute behind the green ranger hood “You found me.”
Faramir pushed Boromir with his elbow and smiled to the fire once more. Boromir noticed a small blue color in a circle of red on Faramir’s cheek right behind the brim of the hood.

He frowned at the color for a while before Faramir noticed his brother studying his face intensely and his smile was gone. Faramir’s glance flared and he rose abruptly, but got pulled down again by his strong brother.
“Whose fault is that?” Faramir tried to pull himself out of the light “What do you mean?”, but Boromir held him.

Boromir pulled the hood back to get a closer look. Faramir turned away, but then Boromir jerked him closer to Faramir’s outmost insult.
“That blow you’ve received on your cheek. Who did that? Answer me beloved brother!”

Faramir didn’t know what to be most afraid of. The fact that they were alone in the forest with Boromir asking and craving, or that Boromir had just touched Faramir’s heart in a way he’d never done before. Under the pressure of being in Boromir’s grip made his words stumble through the sentence “I don’t understand why you aah…” the unpleasant position didn’t make things easy. He tried once more to break free. It was useless.
“Why do you…” Faramir grabbed Boromir’s tight hands.
“Would you please release me so I can answer you in proper manners?”

Boromir did so, but didn’t let go off the rigid gaze upon his beloved. Faramir pulled his clothes back to place and sighed highly annoyed.

“Answer me Faramir.”
Faramir was sick of lies, questions and games and felt all the tension he’d collected from both his father and brother emerge.
“You want to know the answer Boromir?! Do you!? You want to know the sacred truth!?”

Boromir was shot back and surprised by the sudden outburst of his little one. Boromir felt he’d nothing to lose now, but something did loosen up hearing this.
“Father is the one who’s been giving me these bruises. Now you know, happy?”
He stared in the fire after blurting the truth. Boromir was not actually surprised, but got disappointed in their father “That bastard” he muttered and shared Faramir’s gaze in the fire, but then the youngest stared at his brother.

“You believe me?” The grey eyes met “Why wouldn’t I?” Faramir’s lips trembled “I was afraid you thought that I would talk bad about father since…”

Boromir embraced Faramir and leant his cheek on his little brother’s forehead
“I don’t like the way he treats you brother. I have tried to make him ease on you, but I think no one can change that stubborn man. Maybe that’s why you two argue so much. You’re both just as stubborn as Waradrams horse.”
Faramir smiled by the remark and embraced Boromir back. But as he remembered the lie he’d been telling his father, he froze.

“What? Have you been talking good about me to father?” Faramir met Boromir’s confusion as he retreated from the hug.

“I thought that was a good thing.” “No you don’t understand. He…” The difficult subject emerged.
“He questioned me about your disappearance and he knew something was going on between us.”
As he saw Boromir’s horrified look he hurried on.
“No, he doesn’t know that we…”
They both stared at each other; Boromir waiting for that last word, and Faramir refusing to say it “…never mind.”
He turned to the fire “I told him that we had quarreled because you meant I was no good and told me to stay home or something like that. Father must have known I lied but didn’t care as long as I brought you home.”

They both gazed worried in the fireplace. One could see the resemblance behind the flickering light. What separated the little one from the elder one was the curly hair, less gruff and gentler face, and smaller body.

“Father can’t know. But he knows now that I lied, and that I’m hiding something between you and me. Damn it.”

Faramir imagined what his father meant to do if he didn’t tell. But he imagined something worse if he did.
It would be his fault for taking Boromir to the wrong side of morality or whatever. Before the punishment was even settled, he accepted it.
“What if we stay here? Never going back.”

Faramir’s reaction to Boromir’s idea started with a grimace, then a minimal smile while he searched for a joke in his brother’s face. He saw Boromir stare determined in the fire and frowned as he always did when he was certain of something.
After taking a glance at Faramir, and revealing he didn’t see why not, the younger brother burst out in laughter.

As Boromir’s brother laughed, he could only wait for him to finish. In between Faramir’s hysterical laughter he plumped; “The great Boromir…”
a strong snort from Faramir as he tried to keep himself from laughing sounded before he managed to go on
“…the heir of our great nation runs away with his brother to never be seen again.”

Boromir didn’t see the comic in this. Faramir continued “What’s happening in the great Druadan forest?” Faramir stared on to his brother with the intensity of a storyteller, which his soldiers loved, “What do they do in the forest where no one can be seen?” He kept on with his best storytelling voice “What do they do when a fire can’t keep them warm?”

Faramir knew he’d danced over the line and knew by the look on Boromir that this wasn’t turning out the way he’d intended. His smile slowly vanished and both got dead serious. Boromir’s eyes had never been this passionate and serious. Faramir looked on his brother and fell truly in love. He felt guilty for making fun of his beloved brother’s feelings.
“Boromir, I’m sorry.”

Faramir’s soft lips made it this far in his apology before Boromir glued his lips to Faramir’s in a deep and tender kiss. Faramir’s head spun and he could smell both forest and brother as he inhaled the only way he could with this remarkable man licking him both inside and out. After Boromir had made Faramir moan, he retracted from the kiss and spoke even more passionate than his gaze showed, if that was even possible.
“I love you so much, Faramir. My beloved Faramir, I don’t care about rules, gossip or morals. I know what I want.”

Faramir had strived to catch up with his breath, and his astonished state of mind had no intentions of leaving when Boromir grabbed him and tossed him over his lap on the other side to kiss him once again, deep and passionate. Faramir felt his heart pouncing blood all over his body, and he was about to head for the stars along with his moaning mind.

He held on to his elder brother with all his might and got lost in the great wave of pleasure of Boromir’s touches. Their mouths and faces seemed to be made for this exact task. Their kisses danced and changed as the elder brother didn’t know where or what to kiss first or last of Faramir’s delightful mouth, but when the little one felt Boromir’s caressing palm against his hurt cheek he whined. Boromir retreated from the kiss in worry.

“Did I hurt you?” Faramir had his eyes closed. He needed some time to adjust back to the forest ground, and panted heavily while feeling the spinning slow down.
“No Boromir. I mean, I think I just…jumped a bit.”

Boromir didn’t want his rational brother to return so he placed another kiss on his brother’s trembling body. Faramir felt pleasure between his legs he’d never felt before. This time it was his neck who was greeted with Boromir’s hungry and loving lips. Boromir loved the rhythm of Faramir’s chest, and most of all his moans and gasps, and the grasps on his shoulders didn’t feel wrong either.

He slid his palm up and down Faramir’s upper body to feel his sensational rhythm, and when the stroke went down to Faramir’s hip, which made him moan deeper, continued slowly up to the broach on his cloak to easily undo it and begin undoing the vest.

“Aah, Boromir…” Faramir started to object, but Boromir didn’t want his brother to retrieve his boring conscious, and got more intense with the kissing and touching.

It made Faramir moan louder and he yelped in Boromir’s embrace when a thrust came onto his crotch. The younger man lifted his leg in an attempt to push his seducer away. At least he thought that was the reason. That must have been the reason, but then his leg did not fulfill its mission, he had simply done it on instinct. What instinct?

The leg wrapped itself around the loving brother.
Boromir started to caress Faramir’s thigh “I love you.” before licking and sucking on his neck. This was too much for Faramir. His mind couldn’t deal with this, and when Boromir pressed onto the arousal once again, he screamed in both delight and frustration over this situation he had no control over.

His back had been curving even though he wanted it not to. His head had been disobeying by leaning backwards welcoming his brother’s kisses. After some time he came back to consciousness and wondered if his brother were still present. He jerked his head back up and met his brother’s face. He was still on top of him.

“You screamed. What did I do?” Boromir said after his brother had noticed he had stopped. Faramir was still on the ground barking to him with a smile “Of course I screamed. It’s too much. You’re… I don’t know, raping me.”

Boromir tried to hide a smile while pulling himself on his knees making the left foot of Faramir slide down from his waist. With Faramir’s right leg between his he looked down at his little panting brother and smiled. His viral voice made a short laugh and he grabbed Faramir by the vest and pulled him into a tight embrace.

“I would never hurt you, little brother!”
Faramir spoke silent in Boromir’s protective embrace “I know.”

When the hug tightened his lungs, he could barely say; “Not on purpose at least.”

Boromir smiled the known Boromir-smile and his eyes squirted with joy. “My dear brother!” He peppered him with kisses and hugs. Faramir felt the kisses tickle and laughed. When Boromir finally stopped, Faramir cleared his throat and smiled to his brother before he looked at the fireplace.
The flames were small and needed wood.

“Do you want to leave or shall I gather more wood?”

Boromir looked at Faramir with a sad expression. Faramir didn’t quite understand until Boromir caressed his blue cheek.

“No, not yet.” Faramir nodded and pulled his foot from between Boromir’s to get up, but he was brutally hindered and was dragged back down to another kissing attack “Boromir, stop.” and between the kisses the elder brother blurted.
“I can’t let you go ever again little one.”

“Boromir, I know you are blinded by love at the moment, but you must…” Faramir could say no more because the kisses on his lips, neck and face, and the caresses all over him made him almost lose his breath.

Their bodies melted together and Faramir felt the chaos return. “Boromir, enough.” Right before Faramir was about to scream once more, Boromir stopped, but kept his close distance “Faramir?”

Faramir groaned irritated and barked “What!?” Boromir smiled at his frustrated brother. When Faramir opened his eyes and returned back from the land of pleasure, he saw Boromir’s smile didn’t quite know if it was going to stay or leave “Are you virgin?”
Seeing the shocked embarrassed and blushing Faramir, he grinned “You are!” Faramir could see Boromir’s eyes change in a way as if he was gazing upon a new toy he could play with

“Shut up.” Faramir pushed him away and walked to gather more wood. Boromir watched him with lustful eyes.

He let his brother go, and sat back by the tree still staring where his brother had left off. He wondered what his brother was thinking about when he vanished behind the trees in the lone darkness. Was he going to keep his denial after this?

Was he frightened of it all? Even though there was no lie in Faramir’s eyes, he was still unsure why Faramir had screamed. After he let his mind swim in admiring thoughts of his younger brother for a while, he raised a brow pondering about his brother’s virginity. He was searching for answers and advice in the fire. There was so much he wanted to do with him.

He thought this exciting and decided to take it easy on him even though his lusts craved differently. His patience would surely be tested at the outmost, he worried, and he wondered how he’d manage to go forth with this. Then his happy mood got crushed by the reality of him being the heir of Gondor. His dream of running off with his beloved got crushed as well, and he poked the ashes with a stick, grumpy as ever.

After thinking everyone in Gondor stupid and cursed the world, he came up with a solution. If Faramir didn’t deny this and had accustomed to the idea of them together, maybe they could be happy keeping it a secret. He thought it exciting to have such a love, a secret love.

He smirked with his head resting in his hand. His weight pushed the leg out of balance and he was slowly falling to the side staring in the flames. His foot dug and snuggled in the soil as he was sinking deeper into thoughts. When Faramir appeared from the shadows, Boromir lost balance and almost fell to where his foot had been sliding. He made to sit after some waiving of both feet and arms. Faramir held on to a pile of wood as he stared at his exceeding brother.

Boromir got back up to lean his head in his arm and tried to seem normal. Faramir shook his head and placed the wood by the fire. He’d also been thinking about what his brother had made him feel, and knew they both would be unhappy if he didn’t accept the feelings they both had for each other. Boromir noticed Faramir stared into the flames with remote eyes. It was all up to his little one.

The elder brother felt his tummy roll over, and his body chilled more and more as he waited for Faramir to say or do something as he stood there furiously thinking with his arms placed at his waists. He was thinking so hard Boromir could feel the monsoon hit his mind and give him a headache.
He saw Faramir’s gaze shift to the cloak on the ground, which Boromir had dragged off him. Boromir did not dare say anything to make Faramir loose more control. He knew Faramir rarely made a decision without having control, so he waited for him to retrieve it.

Faramir’s face tensed by the minute, and his eyes turned more and more determined. The elder brother knew his happiness was in the hands of his younger brother, and jumped when Faramir took a deep breath. This was it! When Boromir only heard a deep sigh from his brother as he turned his face away, he carefully suggested

“We can keep it a secret you know!” Faramir did not turn to look at his brother as he agreed
“It’ll be far worse for us if we keep up this denying anyway. Father will notice the tension between us.”

At this, he turned to look at Boromir with widened pupils in his frightened face
“I can’t see another way then to go through with this.” Boromir couldn’t believe his own hearing. His lips parted to curve to a smile, but he wasn’t so sure he’d let the smile come forth yet.

He waited for more as he saw Faramir’s lips were still open for more delightful words to come out
“Even though we stand forth a great risk, dear brother, my love for you is worth it.”
Boromir’s heart stopped for a split second to beat extra hard when Faramir shut his lips to make it final.

Boromir slowly rose and Faramir shifted to meet his brother. This was too much of a deal to sit down. He wanted to ask Faramir if he was sure, or make him repeat what he just said so he would know the air had not toyed with the words coming out of Faramir’s mouth, and lured him into hearing just what he wanted.

No, he saw it in his brother’s eyes. Even though he’d turned away from Boromir once again, he could see it. With his eyes staring firmly in the fire he was dead serious.
“You mean this!” Boromir gasped. Seeing Faramir’s astonished reaction to his own agreement, he had troubles believing it himself apparently, Boromir ran to his brother. He grabbed him to look him straight in the eyes “You really do mean this. This is not a dream or my imagination, right?”

Faramir was still in some kind of shock for what he’d just said; he’d now made it real, he’d made it real for his brother, and himself. But then again, his mission was to find his brother and agree with him. Faramir gently pushed Boromir’s arms away

“Stop being so dramatic, Boromir.” Boromir shook his head and smiled at Faramir’s wide eyes and corpse white face as he accused him of being dramatic.
Faramir on the other hand had never seen his brother this happy since he’d been fencing with the gondorian captain when he was 19 to see if he was ready to get a position. Actually his brother was happier this time. This really meant a great deal to him, and he was afraid that reality would destroy him. Seeing Boromir’s overwhelmed expression he continued; “We’ll see how it goes”.

Boromir laughed out loud and picked the stunned Faramir up in a tight embrace to spin around the campfire “Boromir, you’ll attract whatever mischievous creatures in Arda with your ruckus. Stop it!” Boromir placed Faramir on the ground again and smiled so bright to his tidy brother who looked around for possible spies

“For goodness sake, Boromir, act like a man.” Faramir said straightening his clothes.

Boromir grabbed his new toy and kissed him deep and strong as he pushed him to the tree. Faramir moaned in the surprising kiss and louder when Boromir licked and kissed him on his neck while pressing his body onto his. When Boromir finally drew away still holding him firmly by the tree, Faramir groaned and gasped for air while keeping his eyes closed and leaning bluntly to the tree. Boromir’s smile was still glued to his face, and Faramir lifted one eye still panting “What?”

Boromir held his laughter back as he answered “I don’t know many arts brother, but I do know how to paint your face red like a bright shiny apple.”
Faramir frowned at first at the silly remark, but then he placed his head back at the tree while smiling. He had not felt this comfortable since when they were kids. In Boromir’s arms he felt just where he belonged. It was like the winter when they had been sitting by the fire sharing a blanket, and Faramir had fallen asleep on Boromir’s lap. Boromir had kept on caressing his face and hair as he’d dreamt of his entire family with both parents and his beloved older brother living happily.

But his mother had passed away with his father’s love and it left Boromir at the last, the last and the best.

“My beloved Faramir.” Boromir said like talking to a lover and caressed his cheek and neck. Faramir felt his heart leap and his lungs just wouldn’t stop claiming for more air as the new touch of his brother strengthened his desires. His cheeks burnt and his body trembled “Boromir.”
The younger brother tried to get his brother out of the hypnotic effect he seemed to give upon him. Even though it felt amazing to be in his brother’s embrace like this, Faramir needed more time to get to know his brother at this.

His attempt to calm Boromir failed, and the stronger brother pulled him closer by the neck to kiss him fast but gently. Even though Faramir’s lungs screamed for air, he did not pull away. He thought the scent of his brother more delightful then anything he’d ever tasted or smelled before.
Boromir had become keener hearing his little brother call his name, and trembled by the instincts his body wanted him to give on to.

This Faramir could feel while being in the strong arms controlled by the weaker mind of Boromir. When it came to Boromir’s lust and desire, not much could stand in his way. Almost reading Boromir’s mind, he feared for what Boromir might attempt to do.

The older brother lowered his gaze to Faramir’s body while their foreheads touched. Faramir swallowed as he felt Boromir’s muscles restrain themselves greatly. The general leaned his arms to the tree and grasped it in his fists as he lowered his shameful gaze to the ground. Faramir couldn’t see Boromir’s face clearly as the hair covered and made shadows, so he touched Boromir’s shoulder and spoke with a low voice “Boromir?”. Boromir quickly looked at Faramir ready for everything. Faramir looked at him a while before smiling reassuringly. Boromir slackened and smiled back.

Flashback –

Faramir didn’t often get in fights, but this time he’d manage to get over the senseless Galadrad and his two followers. They were horribly jealous of the Steward family, and with their own family on instant bad rumor, they became what they were told.

Galadrad meant the steward family had nothing to do in the citadel, and meant the kingdom not to have a ruler before the king itself returned.
Of course his drunken father had a bit to do with these opinions. After Faramir had been escorting a little girl back home in the strong pouring rain, and was off to his own home, he’d crashed into Billibur, the smallest one of Galadrad’s followers, a tiny red-haired boy. Billibur had fallen in the mud, and with Faramir deeply excusing himself and lending him a hand, Billibur had not dared to take it. His father had told him to be extremely careful with the sons of the strict steward.

Galadrad had been kicking Billibur and yelled “Get up you fool. Show that you’re not any less of worth than this weakling.”

Faramir watched Billibur hurry up and stand behind Galadrad, dipped in soil. Barafindur, a boy at Galadrad’s age, splashed mud as he trooped up next to Galadrad with his hands crossed. His black hair was soaked in the rain, just as the other boy’s.

It was only Faramir’s and Galadrad’s hair who had curls, but one could see Faramir was of royal because his hair and clothes were cleaner and softer. Galadrad was 16 and should know better than ganging up on a three year old younger boy, a “prince”, but sad enough it was the title of his victim and wrong teaching that made his actions.

With Faramir not understanding why Galadrad said what he did and even less understanding the kicking of a man down, he stood by them in the heavy rain
“What do you mean with lesser worth, Galadrad? I do not think of Billibur as any less worthy than anyone. When have I given you reason to make this statement?”

Galadrad’s hatred rose at Faramir’s diplomatic and decent words. Had it not been for Faramir’s gentle voice even in the noise of the rain, Galadrad surely had been on top of him by this moment, bloodletting him.
“You dirty cheater. Pushing poor Billibur into the mud, and pretending to help him just to make everybody think of you as the royal you so much desire to be.”
Faramir wanted to laugh at this. He was only a clumsy human helping another. Galadrad noticed the lighter expression on Faramir than expected, and took two stomps closer to him splashing the mud to all sides. Faramir saw this boy knew how to fight, and thought back at the time where a horse had almost run him down as a comparison.

Galadrad tried to push Faramir so hard he fell, but he backed away just in time. He raised his voice this time “I had no intentions of doing what you accuse me of. I was in a hurry when I regrettably ran into Billibur. I don’t know if you noticed, maybe you were too busy kicking your friend, but I offered him a helping hand.” Now the older boys moved towards him and he backed away still speaking. “I’m sorry if I have been some sort of dismay to you. Let me pass and I will try not to…”

Galadrad laughed so loud of Faramir thinking he’d let him go after insulting him like that, and Faramir had no chance saying one more word to be heard. Billibur was not sure what to do, he’d been forgiving Faramir at the sight of his hand reaching down to him, but in the fright of disobeying Galadrad, he did not speak. He stood poorly in the distance with the rain judging him.
Barafindur smirked with no good intentions on his mind stepping aside Galadrad. Faramir awaited the laughter to come to an end as he watched out for the seemingly stronger boy next to him. Faramir had been having some minor troubles with Galadrad before, but he’d never seen this huge kid before.

Billibur he’d seen sometimes, but not given him anymore thought than he’d regularly do to strangers. He got eye contact with the small kid standing miserable in the back, and with a tender and discreet smile he made sure Billibur understood he was not mad at him for not backing him up.
That didn’t make Billibur’s conscious any lighter. His belly twisted knowing what the two could have in mind for the steward son.

Barafindur stepped forward and grabbed Faramir by the collar so wrinkles curled on his fine blue shirt. Faramir did not want to explain to his father why his clothes would be ripped, and grabbed Barafindur’s arm to prevent the fabric from parting.
He barely touched the ground with his toes, and the most jealous Galadrad finished his laughter before piercing Faramir with his eyes.

“You little brat, thinking you can talk your way out of everything. Think you can do whatever you want to us peasants.”
He spat Faramir in the face at the last word, and the dangling boy felt his ear drum ache at his loud voice.
“Please, let me down.”
Faramir still kept his cool, but it was on the merge until he had enough. Galadrad gave the black haired boy a sign. Then suddenly Faramir felt the world spin and his legs fly. He found himself slammed into the mud and the rocks underneath wasn’t friendly to his body.
A creeping headache made it through his mind until someone pressed him further down the mud.

He felt soil crawl into his mouth and ear as Galadrad pressed him deeper into the brown grease.
He tried to fight back, but with these two on top of him it was useless. An unpleasant intimate voice appeared in Faramir’s ear.
It was soaked in rain and mud “We’re just doing as you command your highness, letting you down.” A short and rough laughter left his keepers mouth as Galadrad let go off Faramir’s head. “Someone’s coming. In here!”

Before Faramir got a hold of himself and made to call for help, he got dragged into a backstreet, and Barafindur slammed his palm onto Faramir’s mouth. By the lack of air and the strangle Barafindur’s arm made on his throat, he thought he’d suffocate and die in that alley. He wished for the safe citadel when they dragged him further away.

His last thoughts went to Boromir, but then he finally got released and tossed stumbling into a barn. Both of them shut the door after themselves and turned to the helpless boy. The satisfied smiles worried Faramir where he stood panting for air.

Galadrad started to speak “You see what we have to live in? I think a couple of days down here will set your mind into how we’re doing!” Faramir finally understood, if not everything at least a bit “This is how you live?”
A sudden foul smell filled Faramir’s nose and he turned to look around. It was filthy alright, and he could imagine the small piles of hey could be their beds.

“Don’t you dare look upon us as pigs! This is your fault” Galadrad pushed Faramir so he fell backwards, but the younger boy knew how to fall without hurting himself, so he gently slid on the stone and rolled over to quickly rise. Galadrad roared and pushed Faramir once again. This time Faramir prevented wounds just the same, but didn’t gain the balance to stand up again.

He waited for a third attack, but Galadrad only grabbed him and spat in his face.
“We are only living here because you, our royal highness need gold and silk on his shirt.” He pulled and pushed the shirt so the sound off ripping cursed Faramir’s ears.

“Stop it! Tearing my clothes solves nothing! I didn’t know you lived like this. Even if I wanted to do anything about it, it is not in my power.”
Faramir made to push Galadrad away and they both stared at each other with anger. He waited for response to his words.
The fright crept back seeing both Galadrad and Barafindur measuring him several times without saying anything. Faramir tried to get up but the twisted boy pushed him down again.
This time the small boy had enough
“What do you want from me? I have no power. I can’t do a damn thing. If you have problems in the way this city is meddled, go to my father. He is in fact the steward. Or is it so that you have no courage to do so? You have to push me around to fulfill your needs?”

Faramir knew this could cause backfires, but he wasn’t prepared, nor could he imagine what they would do to him. Galadrad would not stop kicking the poor lad despite his cries and begging. He dragged him by his leg out on the floor where Barafindur joined in the beating. “You say we have no courage?! What about you, little brat, hiding in your castle and waiting for your throne to be received so you can rule over a land you know nothing about!”

Faramir wanted to answer back but the kicks and hits made it difficult to form words. Finally Galadrad made Barafindur stop “Stop it, stop it!” Faramir’s body trembled and ached. His shirt was destroyed by the soil and the ripping and kicking. He’d manage to cover his face somehow, but they had managed to get in a great punch at the corner of his eye. ‘That would hurt in the morning’ he thought.
He also thought why no one had heard the ruckus and made it to his rescue. Maybe they didn’t care of each other in this dirty place? Was everyone in this place so full of hatred as these two? With pain soaring his muscles and body, fright covered his mind, but he managed to speak nonetheless
“I’m sorry. I have no power to do anything about your condition at the moment, but I will try my best as soon as I get the authority to do so.”
He didn’t look them in the eyes in fright if them giving him a fatal kick. He lay still grasping around his head and his voice muttered in his arms. Barafindur talked as if to a child
“Speaking like a royal diplomat. How cute.” Faramir heard Galadrad walk away and dared to raise his head to see what went on.

The black haired smirking boy stared down at him sadistically. Faramir saw Galadrad return with a glowing ironbrand. Faramir couldn’t believe what this mad boy was about to do, and despite his aching he crawled backwards real fast and bumped into Barafindur who grabbed him and pulled him up.
The grey innocent eyes filled with tears and horror couldn’t remove themselves from the glowing heat yielded by Galadrad.

“No, don’t do it. Don’t. No one will get anything out of this.” The boy pleaded, but nothing the small diplomat would say reached anyone’s brainwashed intellect, and Galadrad ordered his friend to place Faramir at a wooden table to hold him still.
Faramir cried and tried to fight the stronger arms that held him so tight he thought he had to sacrifice his arms to get loose. Faramir got slammed onto the table facing down with his arms almost breaking behind him. Faramir cried with all his might as Galadrad wondered where to brand the prince with the gondorian iron brand.

The rain was like drumming triumph to the older boys, but when a sudden great roar and a sword splinting wood in half made it to all ears in the barn. Both torturers and victim saw the door being bashed open, and there, a 19 year old Boromir was raging. Covered in mud and a ripped shirt, Faramir was glad to see his brother come to his rescue with a giant sword between his hands.

Galadrad and Barafindur froze of the frightful sight, but the crazy young lad with the iron stake was determined to get his point ahead on his own horrific way, so he headed to burn the royal child with his jealousy. Boromir had started walking towards the boys at the first sight of them, and he now threw the giant sword at Galadrad when he saw what he intended to do to his beloved.

The glowing iron stick got jerked out of Galadrad’s grasp when the sword hit both him and the iron. Galadrad screamed at the huge cut that almost split his hand off. Barafindur used Faramir as a shield when Boromir growled like a mother bear protecting its cub “You let go of my brother this instant and I will spare you, just maybe! If you dwell one more second I will cleave you in half with my bear hands!”

Faramir was released and ran to his brother who gave him a short hug. His anger was not easily buried with the enemies still standing.
Galadrad screamed once in a while where he writhed on the ground of his hurt arm, and Faramir worried for him, but he’d have to wait. Boromir was going for the other madness when Faramir tried to calm him “Boromir, no! Don’t hurt him.”

Faramir’s smaller arm grabbed Boromir’s leather armor to stop his attack towards Barafindur who backed away against the wall. Faramir got dragged along as he yelled “Boromir no! They are not worth it. They are desperate people in desperate times, Boromir, stop.” Barafindur agreed with Faramir on this one, but couldn’t help being a bit surprised at the mercy the child was giving him. Boromir did stop two meters from a dead scared Barafindur and growled

“They are not worthy of anything! They are not worthy of you, Faramir. See what they have done to you! Yet you pity them.”

“Yes I am, Boromir, violence is not the answer. Galadrad needs help” They looked at the bleeding and whining Galadrad rolling in the hey
“So does everyone down here it seems.” Boromir understood why their father and he quarreled a lot, Faramir had these crazy ideas.

Boromir looked at his beat up little brother and thought he could repay them the deed they had given him “Step away, Faramir.” Faramir did and before he could react, Boromir attacked a screaming Barafindur with an intense rage. Faramir watched his brother beat the guts out of the boy with dismay, and the curses his older brother shouted he had never heard before.

He took a glance at Galadrad who had turned white, and when he looked back at Boromir who was blinded by hatred and was mutilating the kid, he yelled “Boromir stop! Don’t put your career to waist. Boromir, please!”

He thought the soldiers of the great city weren’t meant to kill their own people, and if Boromir did, he might not be able to be one. That would destroy him, and this was the exact day he’d been accepted by the captain and his father to join in.

The sight of his father blaming him for Boromir’s fate made him haste to the fight to save Barafindur from the fierce brother. Boromir was slamming the boy in the wall like a piece of cloth and bent down to hit him. Faramir held on to his raging brother’s arm as it swung back to strike the bloody figure.
Even though he was at risk of getting beat up in the attempt to stop him, it was worth it
“Brother, stop this at once!”
Boromir, surprisingly enough, froze and looked at his brother who had shut his eyes and was pulling his arm.
“Boromir, think about your career. How would you think the people would think of you if you killed one of their own!?”

Boromir looked at his small and young, but wise brother and sighed. His strong arm was still tight and bloody while being held by Faramir who opened his eyes and looked at Boromir who had calmed down by the gentle touch of him.
“Maybe I did cross a line.” he said calmly, and they both looked at the moaning and whining Barafindur, then back at Galadrad who wept and whined even more.
“How are we ever going to explain this?” he said reaching a fatigue. Faramir frowned at his brother’s question “We just tell what happened.” Boromir looked at his little brother and sighed as he ruffled his hair.

Boromir seemed to handle his first patrol very well, even if it wasn’t an official one, and he’d managed to get the wounded boys to the healer. Both boys were keeping their limps and a bit of reputation. Boromir had listened to Faramir’s explanation, and he’d presented it to their father in a bit different way so the chance of making the proposition for the poor go easier through. Things had been settled a bit better for the poor, but many still lived like the two desperate lads.

Of course the father’s of the two boys who had to spend a few days at the healing houses were not happy, and wouldn’t forget despite how much the two Steward brothers did for the people.
An early evening when they had finished a roof for a lady with three kids, they walked up the circles. Faramir lifted himself by both arms on Boromir’s outstretched strong arm, and they both laughed and played until they reached a sign with a silver boot on it.
Boromir stopped to talk with some soldiers.

Faramir listened to understand what they were talking about. He had heard or read of some of the places, and some other things lingered his mind but he didn’t quite understand. Everybody looked at the curious lad and laughed.

The smell of ail damped from them and the door as it opened. Faramir tried to have a look inside as people went in and out, but did only get a glimpse of a woman sitting on a man’s lap and laughing. Just when the door was about to hit the curious boy, he was dragged away by Boromir.
“Faramir, you are not allowed in there.”
“Brother, what are they doing that I can’t?”

Soldiers and brother burst out in a hearty laugh where Faramir glanced at everyone in confusion, and then the soldier spoke.
“You are old enough to join us, lord Boromir. And after what I’ve heard you got your rank a few days ago. We should celebrate, some day you will lead the troops.”

Boromir bent down to his little brother
“You go home little one, I have some other things to do.”
Faramir nodded and hugged his older brother good night, and loved the feeling of the broad shoulders embrace him with safety. He walked the last circles alone a bit disappointed, but was happy for his brother in his new position, and thought of the books he wanted to read. Boromir casted a last glance at his beloved brother and went inside.

End of flashback –

Faramir had fallen asleep while leaning onto Boromir who sat by the tree. The small lingering fire kept the elder brother company while he caressed his brother, feeling happier than ever. Faramir’s cloak had been pulled over him, and Boromir fell asleep listening to and feeling Faramir’s gentle breath.

Boromir woke up by a movement of Faramir, and saw that he was intending to rise, so he grabbed Faramir by the belt and pulled him onto his lap again to embrace him in a bear hug where Faramir grimaced by the sudden loss of balance.
“Good morning beloved little one!” Faramir smiled by the superior strength his elder brother had. “Good morning, do you mind releasing me now? Even though I have submitted to this, I still need to fulfill my father’s wishes and my promises to the troop.”

Boromir did release him, but gladly made it difficult for him to rise. Faramir got halfway up as the superior brother kept holding him back. He fought with him for a while, and as he finally broke through, he laughed and hit Boromir on his shoulder “Stop it, you child!”

Boromir sure looked happy as one. Faramir took his cloak on and looked at his brother who was still sitting by the tree, grinning childishly, but turned grumpy at his brother’s serious words.
“You must return to Minas Tirith where father awaits you. Maybe he’ll be pleased having you home earlier than expected, and at my absence I bet it’ll be like Jule’s eve.”

Boromir rose and stepped forth to his little brother “Father do love you, Faramir. He just doesn’t know how to express it.”

Faramir wasn’t convinced. He looked at his brother from beneath the hood with cute and sad eyes beside the red and blue cheek “Of course” and walked away. Boromir watched bluntly after his little one as he went off behind the trees, then he abruptly grabbed his sword and sprinted along “Where are you heading off to when you leave Osgiliath?”

Boromir asked dodging the branches. Faramir’s height was perfect in the middle of the wood, he walked right beneath the branches as he answered “We’ll check upon the villages by the river Erui, and further southwest if not any news along the villages makes us otherwise.”

They jumped down a mound and got closer to the end of the forest so Faramir had to dodge branches too. “It’ll take us about a week or more.”
Boromir broke a few branches as he got tired of dodging, and sometimes his body was just too big to avoid it. Faramir smiled by the clumsy brother of his as he gently slinked past every pointing branch.

“My horse is just down here.” Boromir assured when Faramir stopped with a worried look as they started to walk separate ways. Shifting his gaze to a longing one as Boromir disappeared behind the trees, he kept on walking and dodging branches towards his horse the opposite direction. He was glad to see his horse unharmed and well under a couple of trees. At the sight if its master the horse rose so the leaves and dirt fell off its brown fur and black crop.

It walked towards its master, and he stroked it gently as he thanked it in sindarin.
He’d started to learn the language since the age of eight, but used it only on the horses or when Mithrandir would pay a visit one rare occasion.
He brushed more dirt off his companion and mounted it. Then he gazed towards Boromir’s direction and the horse moved. The morning sun shone orange and purple behind the horizon, and the rest of the sky blended in light blue and white. Boromir showed up riding from behind the one corner of the forest.
They met with a smile, while the horses made small sounds greeting one another. Faramir had to look away from his overwhelmingly happy brother, and laughed at him while making his horse move further.

They both rode for a while only smiling and enjoying the view. Mostly on Faramir’s behalf; the sky and nature, while on Boromir’s behalf the wonderful view consisted of his splendid brother riding his horse with ease. He did not wish to leave his brother for everything in the world, and got more malcontent at their closing in on the city.

“This is where I must leave you, brother.” Boromir could see Faramir speak against his heart, but once again, Faramir was being the one doing the right thing and being the strong minded

“Make haste to Minas Tirith where father awaits you and we’ll come together in a week, if you’re still there.”
“Of course, brother. Why would not that be?” Faramir’s horse moved impatiently “Father might send you off somewhere, maybe to keep you away from me.”
Faramir halted the horse and had to turn his head as he spoke “I pray to the Valars he does not, because when I return from this annoyance of a patrol I sure would need a bit of your company, dear brother.”
Boromir saw a new intensity burn in Faramir’s eyes at the last words, and the young Captain smiled before he called his horse ahead towards their proud city Osgiliath. Boromir had almost fell off his horse by this new look his brother had been given him, and the giant horse started to walk in the opposite direction of Faramir to help his master make the right decision.

Chapter 8

The giant doors of Minas Tirith opened as the guards recognized their fine and strong general return. Being the mid of the day, people swarmed around the giant doors and bowed as their future steward entered. His horse slowly walked in, making his lord able to nod back to most of them.

Giving his abrupt escape in mind, he smiled with a slight insecure in the beginning, but as he noticed none of them looked other than happy to see him, he smiled more and more gladly back at them.

The women welcomed him with gentle voices and loving greetings while the men raised their fists and greeted him by shouting his name virile. Some children didn’t dare to say his name too loud, and hid behind their parents while watching the great warrior ride pass them. They had rarely seen him, only heard so much about their strong general, captain and lord.

They’d heard stories of how he’d sway away twenty orcs singlehanded, and made an army run away just by splinting their leader in four pieces and roaring in anger and amusement. Some stories were exaggerated of course, but not too distant from the truth. Boromir smiled at the young gasping faces as he knew many frightful stories of him went through their little minds. They got a bit confused seeing him smiling so friendly and being so polite, but they did not doubt the stories for that reason. He saw some smaller ones hid between their moms and dads with an accepting smile.

After Boromir had left the herd of people, the children went off playing, with the strongest kid among them being their great general captain Boromir. Some kids had problems saying the entire title “General Captain Boromir sir, thank you!” a child proudly yelled to another as he pumped his chest after the other kid had stuttered in the title.

Boromir entered the great halls looking for his father, the steward. He was having a conversation with two of his best entrusted in the council, but when Boromir walked smiling towards him, the steward opened his arms and welcomed his son. When Boromir left the hug he noticed he’d only smiled and met his father with politeness out of habit, and thought of Faramir’s blue cheek.
He frowned thinking his father could have done such a thing. He knew Denethor had punished Faramir as a child whenever he’d make their father angry or simply breaking the rules or misbehaving, but didn’t approve of him beating Faramir like that.

And more over the fact that Faramir had accomplished more during the past days than most captains would have during twice the time. Boromir was not as trained as Faramir to hide his emotions, so Denethor asked Boromir “What’s wrong, lad? Are you not happy to see me? Is that why you couldn’t wait leaving off again?”

Widening his eyes and lifting his brows, as he always did when lying, he spoke “No father I was just wondering how you keep yourself so young!” Denethor waved him away laughing
“Do not give me that nonsense. Come, I must speak to you. If you’ll excuse us gentlemen”
He nodded to the bowing men, and walked to his tower along with his eldest son.
“Explain to me, Boromir, what is going on between you and your brother? And most of all why you left with not a single word to explain after your behavior earlier.”

Denethor asked Boromir while sitting down in his chair, and the light from outside was dimmed by the wavy window. The steward’s dark desk had a single candle to the right with a green cloth underneath, and some parchments kept company by a few thin books to the left.

Boromir leaned on his hip while crossing his arms, and sighed with a frown down at the floor. He shook his head in apology and once again raised his brows when speaking “I’m sorry, father. We argued, and I became so frustrated I left. There’s nothing more to it than that. It’s all of my stupidity, really.”
Denethor noticed something wasn’t right, and tilted his head up the way he did to show Boromir he wasn’t pleased
“Go on.”
Boromir started to sweat and turned to the window. As he started slowly to walk against it, using it as an excuse to move away from the tenseness, he spoke with the same clear voice he did when lying to his father only to protect his brother
“I tried to tell him not to expose himself of anything since I didn’t like the idea of having him out in the fields. Even though I know he is a great warrior and Captain, he is only 21 summers.”

This was true to Boromir, but it had not been the reason for his leaving. He waited for this heavy situation to loosen up. Denethor spoke with the same low creaky voice
“you told me earlier to put more trust in Faramir, but you dwell on this matter yourself? And to that extend that you leave town out of frustration.”
Boromir placed his hand on the window sill to act more relaxed as the sweat made him damp and nervous. He sighed once more and looked out of the window as he spoke “I am very worried of him, father. But I know he’ll do fine out there, I just need time to get used to it. And when it comes to my temper I am working on it.”

Denethor knew his sons were still hiding something from him, but saw no way to blurt it out of this son at the moment. With a bit of waver in his voice, Denethor spoke looking at the grey stone floor

“Yes, he will do fine. Do not worry of your brother, Boromir.” This time he spoke louder
“I want you to worry for your duties and responsibilities. If Faramir get you out of control one more time I must separate you as I did four years ago.”
Boromir stared out the window, hoping this would be the end of it and hoped nothing would happen that would make him send Faramir away again, he would not bare it. Forgetting his manners he abruptly lowered his head
“Yes, father.”
Denethor stared suspiciously at his eldest son “that would be all, now tend to your duties.” Boromir shot himself from the sill, bowed politely from the midst of the room and left for his chambers.

Chapter 9

A landscape with forest and meadows mingled with Ithilien fighters and both Ithilien and Gondorian rangers. Screams, clashes and metal crashing sounded that late evening as one of the Ithilien camps had been ambushed by the haradrim. Faramir fought a huge man, and as he’d been pierced slightly by an arrow in his arm, and a cut along his waist released frightful amounts of blood, he had troubles, but still he fought bravely against this giant with a huge stick.

It was an odd weapon, but soon it would show its quality. After Faramir had blocked a strike with his sword, he jerked to make a counter attack, but shortly after he noticed in surprise that the sword was jabbed to the wood and the haradrim dashed the confused Captain to the ground.

Soldiers were fighting their own battles around him and did not know their captain was gazing upon his own death. Faramir groaned as the cut given to him earlier made his muscles decline any attempt to rise. The big haradrim raised his baulk to give Faramir the penalty, and the late sunset shone behind the huge dark man as he was aiming his strike. Faramir moaned as the cut refused him to move, and the blood leaked out rapidly by his struggles. The light sky got colored by red dots as the harad’s blood exploded by a sword cutting his head halfway off.
The harad fell sideways to Faramir’s good fortune, and two men started abruptly to carry Faramir away from the battle and into a small forest which hid them somewhat from the battle.

“My lord, you’re wounded.” A man with dark brown short hair widened his eyes gazing upon the Captain ranger, the son of the steward, in such manners. The man was a soldier from Ithilien, but had been getting to know Faramir after he’d traveled with him from Osgiliath. He’d learned to know of Faramir’s kindness and respect.

“It’s merely a scratch, Bonrad, tend to the others.” Not knowing if he should follow orders or do what he meant would be right as a healer, an apprentice, he touched Faramir clumsy all over to be sent away by a more experienced healer.

Bonrad looked back at his new friend and went out to get revenge.
“Lord Faramir, are you alright?” Beregond asked, still having the heat of the fight in his voice.
“It’s nothing, my friend. My sword is jammed to a chump not far from here. Bring it if you may.”
“I’m sorry sire, but you are not able to battle anymore at this rate.”

Two soldiers assisted Beregond in helping Faramir walk to a safer place to be taken further by horse. After he got pulled on a bed between two horses, he protested
“I can…” but when a sudden pain shot through him he kept quiet. It was a hurtful and tormenting ride towards the other camp. He and three others, two being guards, and the other a second wounded between two other horses, got spotted by two arriving healers.

A group of soldiers rode swiftly past them towards the battle, and the healers gazed worriedly at the Captain and hoped this ambush was to be won, or else it would be fatal to them all.
They started to lift Faramir off as the horses were ordered to lie down, and noticed their captain were quite pale and had fainted. The sheets were soaked in blood, though the cut had been bandaged. More healers attended to the other man.

Beregond shouted along with the men of victory, and they all raised their weapons for more cheering. Beregond looked around to see who he could tend to, and they all ran around tending for the ones who were still alive.

Thinking of Faramir, Beregond galloped his horse towards the healing camp as he saw things were well tended to at the battlefield.
When he reached the healers camp he noticed not as many as expected had been injured, but worried still for his captain.

A healer was about to pass him, but she stopped as Beregond’s arm grabbed her by the shoulder “Where is lord Faramir?” She had a sad expression when she pointed to a couple of trees bending over a small tent. The worried man hurried to it, and startled the healer who was bending over Faramir’s wounds
“Oh! Is the fight over?”

Beregond answered quickly “Yes, we won, they’re gone. How is he?” The healer had just undressed the Captain and was pouring something on Faramir’s cut and prepared equipment to stitch it. Beregond looked at Faramir’s young and pale body, and felt bad about his faith, but happy he’d survived the ambush. Regardless, Faramir was breathing heavily trying to handle the pain clearly coming from the cut and the arrow wound.

“Will you assist him, Beregond? I started to do this when he had passed out, but he seems to wake once in a while, and I think this will stress him a bit.”
Not sure of how his young captain would handle this, he started to hold his hand. When Faramir jerked at the first touch of the healer, Beregond leaned over to hold him down and let his face be the first to look upon at his awakening. Beregond could not see what the healer did, but knew the stitching started as Faramir started to breathe faster, and groan once in a while. Another healer leaned over Faramir’s legs to prevent them from kicking the healer working on him.

The worried friend kept himself as calm as he could, not wanting Faramir to meet a horrid face when first opening his eyes. When the Captain did open his wet grey eyes and moaned, he grasped Beregond’s arm with all his might and tried to speak.
Beregond shushed at him and stroke his cheek “Be still captain, this isn’t as bad as it seems. You’ll be alright.”

Smiling of relief seeing Faramir up and awake, he also thought of the irony that he caressed and comforted the boy as his own son, being the fact that he was his captain.
“What is happening?” Faramir made to ask before cut off by his own small scream.
Beregond shushed him again and caressed him even more.
“Relax, Faramir. The healer is stitching that cut of yours. It’ll be over in no time.”
The healer leaned sideways to tell Faramir in no time was actually right now. He’d stitched the cut perfectly and asked Beregond to help him fasten the bandage. The older man helped the newly appointed captain to sit up. Even though great pain struck Faramir, he’d gathered somewhat of consciousness that made him clench his teeth to avoid more sounds of pain.

He wanted to appear strong, being the captain after all. With the healer in front of him reaching the bandages to Beregond behind him, they managed to get a good start at the twining. Beregond’s face darkened at the sight of Faramir’s scars on his back. The lad had not been long enough in battle to attain such damage, and he’d not heard of him being captured by the enemy.
“There. Now, would you gently lay down our good patient?”
Beregond did so, and Faramir sighed in relief feeling the bandages’ healing oil. “Now we’ll be fine. You may leave.” the healer smiled at Beregond. Beregond did not actually want to leave Faramir, but thought it best that way.

The huge hallway, lit up by great windows at day, and numbers of candlesticks holding five white candles each at night, seemed smaller to Boromir where he stood in the entrance. An exact memory hit him; He remembered himself and his little brother running through it playing spy and guard. He smiled thinking of Faramir’s screams when he’d scare him popping around the corner. Even though Faramir had been playing the guard one time, he ended up being chased.

Boromir’s glad face darkened remembering his father yell at Faramir at one time he’d crashed into a vase belonging to their mother. Faramir at age of seven could clearly understand what he’d done without their father’s scolding. They had been playing in one of the rooms where no fun was aloud, and clearly, Boromir as the eldest should have known better, but it was Faramir who’d received it all.

Their father had seen nothing else than the broken vase and the small regretful sad child. Boromir closed his eyes and could only imagine what faith his little brother had received after he got dragged out of the room by their father.
The citadel could never be the same as he thought more and more of how Faramir had been treated. He’d thought it as a matter of course the way Denethor lectured the difficult kid who’d never listen to the grownups, and would blurt out his own opinions in the worst matter of time.

A slap now and then, but he’d never seen anything really brutal. As Boromir walked out on the balcony his eyes caught the fencing school, the plane field where he and his friends often spent their time. Faramir did cause himself trouble among his friends, but only when they’d do things that would provoke him, a thing they enjoyed doing, like talking bad about someone. Even though they were talking shit about orcs he gave them a warning by the look. If they continued, as they did whenever Boromir wouldn’t be around to stop them, Faramir would go right on attacking, leaving the elder brother to handle his temperamental little one who learned the power of words later and didn’t need his brother to aid him from them anymore.

As Boromir leant against the rail he thought of every time he had comforted Faramir after their father had taken him in after one of his misdeeds. It was not those moments his mind chewed on though, it was the times where Faramir had run off for several hours, or the times where he’d refused his elder brother to tend to him.

Boromir dropped his head in his hands and sighed for his stupidity ‘Why didn’t I see it?” He lifted his head to gaze at the upcoming stars in the horizon. His eyes glistened as they perceived everything anew. ‘I was too selfish to see my brother’s struggles. When I saw him I saw my cute little brother who’d always turn happy again and run around smiling. I knew he and father didn’t go along, but not that he’d…’ As usual, Boromir came up with the annoyingly solution where there was nothing he could do for his brother other than being there for him and comforting him and to continue softening their father to him.

“My lord, please do not restrain yourself, you must rest” the healer pushed Faramir back down and wiped his sweat away from his face and forehead “Your fever is still high. You must stay like this until the inflammation goes away.”

Faramir sighed and stared blunt in the tent for the third night in a row when the healer placed a cold cloth against his forehead. A rough laughter was heard before the owner entered the tent with a grey bearded smile around a jolly face.

“Lord Faramir, I know it is difficult for you. Take it as a test of patience.”
The healer blurted out “Hah, oddly this comes from you Lahadrar, who the rangers have almost given away to the haradrim because of your whining and worrying of the captain’s health.”

Faramir smiled the best he could to Lahadrar when he made a grimace behind the healers back, but when the healer turned to the old joking man he straightened up and flared his gaze around the tent like nothing and excused himself by “I think I should get our captain something to eat.”
The healer shook his head “Aye, you go do that.” and when Lahadrar left, the healer continued “so our captain can get some rest.” The healer blinked to Faramir who wanted to laugh, but the cut made it painful.

The only light shining in the camp was the light from the moon and the stars. Some torches lit up a few steps from the tents, and guards and men were sitting or walking in conversation or sleep. Beregond was on his way to Faramir’s tent when he overheard a conversation among two soldiers; “Our captain is healing quite fast and will be up and running in no time if I know him correct.”

The other one agreed happily, but changed deeper in voice as he went on “Even though, I hear that that wound of his was quite nasty. I think the healers have decided that he is to be sent back to Osgiliath. I remember one time I got badly wounded; my wife cuddled me and did everything I pleaded for until I was walking again, and longer. That was jolly times.”
“Isn’t it that jolly anymore?” the other guard laughed. They laughed together, and Beregond was just about to leave when he overheard something more; “Who do you think awaits the captain back home?”

“Don’t go there again, Vamirar. Who keeps the captain’s sheets warm is none of our business.” Beregond thought of his this matter as he closed in on his young friend’s tent.

He’d never seen Faramir close to a woman, or anybody for that matter. Sure it was normal for a 21 year old man such as himself to at least have one lover. Beregond smiled thinking that his Captain did whatever was expected of him and dedicated himself to his chores and duties whenever he had the chance.
He remembered seeing many lassies that’d approached Faramir on rare occasions where he had joined the men on a night out. He’d treated the women gently and warm, but never gone anywhere with them.
He could barely recall one time where his young captain could be seen making out with a lovely lucky lass, but he’d kissed her good bye and gone away leaving her heartbroken. Beregond smiled at his captain’s mystery.
He opened the tent carefully and sat by his captain who slept soundly and peaceful. The older man sat there for a while just listening to the nightly sounds and enjoying some time away from the other rangers and soldiers. He was thinking of history and philosophy that he and Faramir had been discussing earlier. They had become good friends at times where Beregond had been guarding the city and had been stumbling upon the youth whenever he had escaped from whatever the youth escaped from, and sometimes he just wanted peace to read a book.

Flashback ~

It was a sunny day in Minas Tirith, and Beregond stood guard at the watch tower. He held on to a spear with the gondorian flag swaying proudly in the cool wind. The view was amazing, and he thought of his son and wife. His thoughts wondered off to Rohan and of the plans the steward had for his youngest to be sent off there. Beregond wondered of the boy’s age ‘How old is he now?’ He gazed to the blue sky. But then a small pebble fell beside him, and rolled forward. He frowned at it for a while before he turned abruptly at the roof. He stepped back and scouted for the causing at the ceiling above him.

A wary and surprised Faramir at the age of 16 met the guard’s gaze. He was climbing the roof, and that small stupid pebble had betrayed him. Beregond understood this was young Faramir at once. He had not seen him since he was a small child, and even though Faramir had a small amount of stubbles on his well shaped jaw, he saw it was him by the mellow and worried eyes. Then Beregond got gladly surprised by the youth’s viral voice and smiled at the sudden command

“Who are you to stare at me? Just turn around and continue your duty.”
The guard saw Faramir’s insecurity and fear behind the strict and determined mask.
“Excuse me sire, but what are you doing up there? It is not safe.” Faramir’s lips forged into a line. Beregond could see his little lord think hard and fast ‘This soldier wasn’t as blinded by fear as the others’
He smiled once more of the boy’s struggle to come up with something. Then Faramir’s lips loosened and he moved to a better position while speaking like a lord full of authority

“What is not safe for me is up to me to configure.”
The conversation could have been quite interesting if not for the sudden interruption.
A swift guard jogged around the corner, and at the sight of Beregond, he called and jogged towards him. Noticing Faramir’s worried grimace and quickly retreat to the wall above the roof; he straightened his back and acted like nothing was going on.
“Have you seen the youngest lord?” the guard asked desperate to find him. Beregond acted confused at the panting guard

“The youngest lord? I remember seeing him as a child once; so cute and adorable.” Faramir grimaced and rolled his eyes hearing it all from the roof.

“I may have seen a boy run quite in a hurry past here. May that have been the youngest lord?” Beregond acted regretful and worried when he continued “Oh my, I would have bowed if I knew it was him!”
Faramir once again grimaced by the ass kissing. The guard was not interested in hearing this blabbering guard’s whining, and thanked him as he ran off. Beregond smirked as the guard disappeared.

Stepping back again and gazing up to Faramir, he saw he had been moving further away, balancing to the wall he’d been sitting against. Beregond stepped a couple of steps closer and called up to him. “Excuse me sire. You know I have to report this sooner or later.” Faramir froze immediately.
Beregond smiled as he imagined Faramir’s look, and awaited a clever reply. Faramir turned to look upon his rival “Then why did you back me up just now?”
“I just couldn’t stand that guard’s attempt to get you down. He’d probably yell and shout and cause a lot of ruckus, and as in fact being your guard I have a duty to protect you. I thought it better if I could help you get down safely. Will you accept my offer?”

“Your effort to help me is pointless the moment you report me being here, so I’ll be better off without.”
Beregond frowned and walked along side with Faramir as he kept on crawling and dodging windows in between.

The guard did not exactly know what to say. After a brief moment he spoke; “What exactly are you running from, my liege?” Faramir stopped, surprised by the guard still following him. He abruptly sat down by the wall as a few soldiers were patrolling past Beregond. They greeted everything alright and moved on with the patrol.

Beregond waited to look up again until they were out of sight. It looked like Faramir had given up, and sat down quite grumpy and lost. The rooftops were ending, and he would have to jump down to carry on, having him to face the annoying guard.
Faramir sighed and gazed at the view thinking of his mother and… “Do you miss your brother, Faramir?”
Beregond dared to ask, hoping the rumors of the kind child were true.

The seemingly kind youth looked blunt at Beregond, still not happy about him catching him. They had a staring competition, where Faramir did not hide his malcontent and tried to seem like a strong and cold lord. The guard tried to make his lord cheerier by having a friendly gaze to the hostile youth’s, certain this was not how he was like. Faramir frowned at the unfamiliar friendly guard and sighed as he lost the staring competition and gazed to the sky. Missing both mother and brother he answered with a low and sad voice “yes.”

“How long has he been gone?” The same low and sad voice appeared “Two weeks.” Beregond thought their bond must have been strong missing his brother after such a short period. Beregond worried for the sad boy being in such trouble that he’d been forced to hide on the roof.
“Can you tell me why you are hiding up there?”

Faramir tried to hold back his anger but it showed in his voice “No! You said you would report this anyway, and you’d probably blurt everything in fright for my father. So I think not!”

“You don’t want your father to know why you’re skipping class?”

Faramir looked angry at the head sticking up from the roof down below, and the guard continued.
“He would have known sooner or later. I’m sure you know that.” Faramir turned blunt once more

“I guess the new fencing teacher scares the wits out of me.” Faramir thought himself stupid to have run away in the first place, and the soldier was right.

Finally getting to the meaning of it all Beregond spoke “So it is your fencing teacher you run from.” Faramir leant forward crossing his legs in lotus.
“If I had him running after me I would have been caught shortly after because my legs would be petrified by the outmost fear. Having one of the guards after me is just annoying.”

Beregond thought back at the distressed man earlier, and looked at the ground trying to hide his smile. Faramir raised his head with pride and couldn’t help it but smile as well. Beregond looked back up soon enough to see the tiny smile on the youth before acting serious once more.
“Is your teacher that bad?”

Faramir’s strive to seem lordly and grown up vanished by the youthful and childish grimace and act by the answer.
“You damn well can be sure he is. I could handle Alfallar those five years, but coping with this guy is like coping with an orc half the IQ.”

Beregond laughed so loud by the explanation of his teacher, that Faramir sat back afraid someone might see him by the attention Beregond could cause. Beregond leant forward and wiped a few tears of his eyes “Eeh, oh, Faramir, that made my day.” He sniffled looking back up at a smiling and headshaking Faramir.

Beregond admired the boy. He was a lord, but so easy and nice to talk with “So you have a new fencing teacher. You must be sixteen then?” Faramir smiled askew as a ‘not too happy about’ it answer.
When Beregond studied the well shaped youth who perhaps was to become his Captain one day, he felt pride as he also saw his good heart.

But when Faramir got back to his original reason for being there, he lost contact with the man and his eyes flickered nervously for a way out. The man could just the same have watched a rare beautiful bird lift its wings to fly away, and to keep him at place, he hurried with another question;

“What’s so bad about this new teacher? Who is he anyway?” Faramir looked at Beregond like an annoying problem to solve before being able to fly away, but then his tense eyes softened while leaning back to the wall and dropping his wings. He sighed inward and squinted at the strong evening sun.

As he had the youngest lord captured (he’d heard rumors he was hard to catch), he wanted to use this opportunity to get to know him. Noticing Beregond’s expecting look he sighed
“Is there much more to say than what I just explained to you?”
Beregond laughed once more as the IQ half the size of an orc reached his mind
“Aye, aye, I get it.” Sensing Faramir did not wish to speak of it he stopped asking about that foul teacher. Suddenly Faramir asked; “What’s your name?”
Surprised, he answered “Beregond, my lord.”
Faramir crawled to the edge of the roof and spoke with his viral and warm voice;
“I understand, Beregond, that you have to rapport this. You are a good guard, loyal to Gondor, but please don’t stop me while I climb down from here.”
Tilting his head to the side, Beregond smiled and just watched the worried boy.
“Where are you off to then?”
Faramir thought his father had gotten the news of his escape, and wanted him to calm his anger before confronting him.

“I thought I’d sneak around for a while. It was my second class with Mindor today and I intend to speak to my father about it after he is finished with his meetings today.”
Going on a bit heavier he spoke “That’s why I ran. Because Mindor, my teacher, can’t cope with me and I can’t cope with him.”

Beregond noticed a wave of pain render through the young man’s body. “Alright Faramir, I will not stop you. Can I at least help you down from there?”

Faramir was rather skeptical, but chose to trust this friendly guard and lowered his foot to Beregond’s palm. The guard placed the spear to the wall before grabbing Faramir’s waist to keep him from falling. The boy let go of the roof and landed lightly on the ground with Beregond’s help. He thanked him with a smile and tidied his clothing. Just then, four soldiers rounded the corner and stared at them both.

Faramir jumped but stood still keeping an eye on the guards, not taking any rushed conclusions; he did not need to run if they were not after him.
One of the Soldiers stepped forward “Faramir, you must accompany us back to the citadel. Your father the steward wishes to speak to you.”
Faramir’s body chilled thinking his father had sent more guards to fetch him. And he had been disturbed in the meetings because of him. Fearing what his father might think of this matter, since he actually had left his meetings to speak to him, Faramir was not eager to accompany the men. He cursed himself for getting down from the roof at this exact stupid point and swallowed a lump.

“Faramir, if you please.” The soldier opened a way for him as a hint to join them. Beregond noticed Faramir’s breath fastened and the sad face made his heart melt. Just as he was about to encourage the boy, he ran off the other direction quickly as a shy lynx. The guards ran after him like a pack of wolves afraid not to come home to their leader with the prey. Beregond watched the young slender boy disappear behind a corner abrupt by the noisy soldiers.

End of flashback ~

He returned from his thoughts to the dark tent as Faramir moved and started to breathe uneasy, and sweat was pouring from him. Beregond worried and lifted his blanket to check on the wounds. There was no way there could be problems after this many days of recovery, though it didn’t look good. He did see no worries but Faramir’s chest which lifted and lowered by the heavy breaths.

“My lord.” he was about to call for the healer, but listened as Faramir mumbled. Beregond thought it nothing more than a nightmare, and sighed in relief. When Faramir was increasing the mumbling to words, he listened to what his friend could be dreaming about
“…this nothing to do with Boromir. Leave him…” Beregond frowned and listened for more
“Father, please. This has nothing… it is all, my fault…” Faramir jerked his head to the side and panted heavily. He winced and Beregond was about to wake his captain, but he got ahead of him and woke abrupt weeping in his words “It’s all, my fault” Beregond embraced him as he tried to rise.
He pushed him down again and kept on embracing the weeping lad “It’s all, my fault” Beregond shushed him, “What’s your fault Faramir? What are you talking about?” Faramir kept on weeping in the older man’s hug who kept his calm despite his hundred questions in mind. ‘What did Faramir mean as his fault? He was talking to his father. He had mentioned Boromir. What about him?’ Faramir calmed down and his breath calmed and he didn’t seem any more flustered.

A sudden whisper reached the lieutenant’s ear “I love you.” Beregond sat up abruptly after widening his eyes. He looked at his fast asleep captain as a last tear rolled down his cheek. Beregond wiped it away ‘Well, that answered one question, there is someone he loves’. The older man gave his captain a warm and understanding smile as he watched him.
The worried frown was still present on his troubled head, and his lips wide letting air flow slowly in and out.
“You want to say something more, Captain?” Faramir shut his lips as if to answer, and it made Beregond laugh a silent laughter
“It’s alright captain. Sleep well now.” He touched his undamaged shoulder and made the worried frown disappear.

Flashback ~
“Wait up! Boromir!” Faramir at an age of ten called out desperately while running after his brother through the city Osgiliath. The busy streets mingled with people more cultivated than Minas Tirith, but these boys were heading to fencing class, and they were late. Faramir stumbled and bumped into the tight crowd as he tried not to lose his leading brother of sight. Three of Boromir’s friends were running beside him, and didn’t think of their friends’ little brother. Boromir on the other hand, looked back and gazed after the reddish blonde kid among the crowd who struggled greatly to keep up being so small as he was. The other three called after their friend and said they would not wait for the fencing teacher’s punishment.

Boromir didn’t want it either, but didn’t want to leave Faramir behind in the huge crowd or leave him to the punishment alone if he ever made it to the class alone. The teacher wasn’t known for his mercy, and didn’t considerate his students age. He bit his lip when the three run off and he could not yet see Faramir. His legs twitched to run, but his heart stayed.
“Faramir, where are you?” he mumbled to himself clenching his teeth. Filled with frustration he started to walk into the crowd once more.
As small as Faramir was at the age of ten, he had been closed in among many women blabbering about fabric, dresses and clothing. Two of them had stopped Faramir, calling him the cutest thing and wasn’t letting him pass. Faramir being so polite among ladies had not made his point that he had to go “I’m sorry miss, but I have to…” “Oooh, look at that nice fabric this lovely boy is wearing. Where do you come from little one?” Faramir tried once more “It will be best if I didn’t…”
“Now look at this lovely hair, so lovely”. Boromir rolled his eyes and squeezed himself through the thick dresses and pulled Faramir out. The ladies chuckled and giggled at the sight of the cute boy’s grumpy elder brother.

Running with his little brother’s hand in his, he shouted “What are you doing, Faramir? Have you no idea what kind of teacher we are up against? If we are late it’s all your fault.”
“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t get out of that sea of dresses.”
Boromir cursed the whole world if they’d be late. They had missed out of time fooling around in the exciting and flourishing city, so many things to see, and so many different kinds of people. They had been staring at a couple of elves, and had to hold Faramir back not to go talk to them. He’d been reading Sindarin for two years in secret, and wanted to see if they could understand him.

The boys had been afraid of the elves, and refused the kid to go near them. A Gondorian boy trying to converse with the elves was an outrage among the men. It had been such a ruckus holding Faramir back, luckily they had been a hundred meters away so the elves were luckily not engaged with it, but they had gracefully turned and smiled at the fighting lad. Gaining eye contact with one of them made Faramir freeze and widened his eyes in excitement.

Luckily it made the people lose attention towards the boys, and as one of the elves stared at Faramir in a friendly manner, he had stopped fighting at once. After a while staring in the eyes of the gracious elf, he smiled and ran along with the others as they’d hurried on to class.
The elf had talked to him. The elf was amused that the boy knew some sindarin and had made a small conversation with him by not having a single word escape his mouth.
Faramir’s heart pumped in joviality in Boromir’s captivating arms as he’d been talking to the elf just by thinking the words. The elf had told him there was nothing wrong in him wanting to learn their language, but he had to understand people would react if a small child suddenly talked to strange elves. He encouraged Faramir, and wished him luck.

Boromir ran with his little brother half running half dragged through the streets which were less crowded now. Faramir bumped into Boromir as he stopped at a corner where he saw the boys standing ready in line with a sword each, and with Alfallar, the teacher, calling out orders. Boromir was about to shove Faramir back behind the corner they’d come running from, but was too late as the teacher turned and gazed upon the panting boys.

He frowned malcontented at the youngest, and then at the eldest “I can see Faramir’s late coming, but yours Boromir? What’s happening to you? You’re always the one showing up long ahead of time. Is your brother holding you back?”
Boromir bowed
“Forgive me and my brother; the streets are filled with a lot of people which makes it hard to get through. Please excuse us for our late arrival.”
When the teacher lifted one eyebrow and looked back at Faramir who jumped by the suspicious look, Boromir glared at the other boys if they had betrayed them, and of course the one fool who thought Faramir as an annoyance looked far too innocent than the rest.

Faramir tried to copy his brother, but the gracious and respectful bow, which Boromir had made, was done too quickly by Faramir and the fright in his voice was nowhere to be hidden.

“I’m sorry too, it’s just as my brother says. It was rather difficult to get here in time.” Boromir was afraid he’d say something to ruin his attempt to avoid a beating, and worried for how this would turn out.

The fencing teacher had a thicker beating stick, which was one of the reasons Faramir liked these classes the less. His father had made the teacher be strict on Faramir to rough him up. This was Faramir’s fourth class with Alfallar and had made it through without a beating, which Boromir had helped him with.
Faramir had bowed just when Boromir had straightened up, and was now staying in the position not sure what to do. Faramir was afraid Alfallar would take a short bow as disrespecting, but sensing the teacher close in he straightened up and got uncomfortable as he came too close. Boromir stood his ground proud and strong, but Faramir measured the teacher uncertainly.
“Turn around” Alfallar ordered as he revealed a stick from behind his back.

Boromir did as told, cursing that idiot of a boy who called himself his friend. Faramir on the other hand dropped his jaw by the size of the batten, and stood still flaring his gaze between the teacher’s strict face and the thick branch kept firm in his hand. Boromir tried to give Faramir hint to turn around, but Faramir stared at the huge man in front of him with horrid grey eyes.
As the man bent down to stare the kid deeper in the eyes, he turned and swallowed. He looked at Boromir for answer or comfort, but his brother stared forward cursing the teacher if he’d make Faramir cry. Faramir copied his brother once again; he stared forward without looking at anything.

Boromir received a spank one after the other with nothing more than clenched lips in a painful grimace and a bit of proud beaten away. Faramir’s fright for the batten grew by the sounds and numbers of strikes, but Boromir seemed to take it easy, so he decided he would too instead of running away as his feet ached for.

Boromir received five strikes before Alfallar walked over to the trembling Faramir. He worried if this would be harder or like the same he’d received from his father. When the first hit was done it was just like the time he’d broken the vase of his mother, only then he didn’t have the protective fabric from the angry hand, and was glad he was to keep the pants up this time. He clenched his teeth to hinder himself from releasing the screams as the second strike landed, and he took a step forward not to lose balance. Feeling his buttocks burn he thought ‘Only three more’.

The third he managed barely without a sound, but by the fourth he whined.

‘One more I can handle’ he thought while also thinking how the man could beat someone this hard just for being late. As the fifth landed, he felt the pain not so bad being the last one. He sighed out the restrained screams after feeling his behind burn at the final strike.

He screamed in pain and surprise while taking an unsteady step forward as the sixth strike landed on his sore behind. As Faramir fought his tears back, Boromir turned and looked upon Alfallar with a warning in his eyes. The strict man smiled and spoke “That’ll teach you not to be late for my classes again, huh?”

Faramir being the youngest in the class they would always fool around with him, but not long enough to get Boromir at their throat.
Faramir felt his pride and buttocks burn while cursing the teacher.

“Pick a fitting sword and get to your places.” Alfallar yelled. Boromir hurried with the order, feeling sore, but had no problems going on as usual. Faramir on the other hand felt a new burn for every step, though he kept it discreet, and he fought way worse than ever. He made only one victory against Brumadur after anger had filled him by the scolding from Alfallar.

The brown haired boy, who was Faramir’s sparring partner this session, was a bit taller than him, and two years older. He was also far back in genus of the brothers, and was friendly, but wanted to prove himself strong. After the fifth time Faramir’s sword was dashed to the ground after a hurting and difficult battle, and the tenth shout from Alfallar reached Faramir’s ears, Faramir yelled back “How do you expect me to perform the way you wish after that kind of treatment!?”

After Boromir slammed another kid at his size to the ground after disarming him, he turned abrupt and stared at the angry little brother of his. Everything went silent after Faramir’s small voice had screamed that loud. Boromir straightened up, and stepped away from his just as shocked partner lying on the ground. ‘No, Faramir!’ He looked at his brave and panting but insecure little brother who did not look away from the fierce teacher.
Boromir looked at Alfallar who boiled with anger, and was ready to go for Faramir’s rescue.
Faramir noticed everyone stopped their training and looked at them both. He regretted what he’d said by the second, and felt his hands numb. He said his goodbyes to his behind.

Luckily, Boromir needed not to step between them. “Take a look at this boy lads” the teacher made to say calmer than expected “this is a boy who’ll never learn, and will always be the one you’ll see under the whip of his teacher.” The teacher was right. Faramir was the one retrieving more whips and beatings than the others. Not because he was bad, just because he cared for the other’s and did not obey orders of the teachers.
Five years later the same event occurred.
Faramir had been holding back to a smaller kid, and the teacher beat Faramir for being weak and folly. A reason Faramir meant unfair, and after the seventh hit he’d pushed the teacher away and yelled his opinion at him “It’s not right of me to receive this just because I don’t slam the kid to the ground. He is five years younger than me! There’s a limit for a child’s confidence!”

The teacher had shown the other students what happened to a student after talking back to his master once more, and someone meant to have seen a single tear from their brave companion.
Boromir was not at that practice. He’d turned twenty and had other fencing practices.
The smaller kids, who’d eventually be in Faramir’s troop as he grew older, thanked him for teaching them in a respectful and calmer manner. They could never show enough of their gratitude to him for receiving all those beatings on their account.
One of them, only one year younger than Faramir, was now sitting beside his Captain in Osgiliath at an inn.

They were preparing to leave for Minas Tirith after seeing everything under control after the ambush near the river in Ithilien. Of course Faramir had been sent back to Osgiliath after his injury, and let Lahadrar lead on further to Erui.
Beregond had joined to be Faramir’s guard in the city but was now on an errand which he’d insisted on doing instead of him.

Their captain’s cut was still under healing, and the poison from the arrow was still weakening him, but he managed. The man who was now joining his captain for a meal, smiled at Faramir’s comic remark of himself when he’d ordered the food.
The food tasted great. Meat, vegetables and salad had been Faramir’s usual meal the last days, in contrast to the soldier across the table who had only eaten dry bread and not any better tasting meat. He relaxed more around Faramir, so manners were no matter.

He dug in both food and ales, but as Faramir looked at him over his pint of water “Hey, just because I am nicer than the other captains of yours, doesn’t mean you can drunk yourself at the mid of the day”, the boy noticed he’d been relaxing a bit too much and sat his ail back at the table feeling the alcohol bubble his head
“Forgive me captain.” Faramir smiled forgivingly and started to eat again.
Seeing his captain’s mood rise in his own thoughts at the meal, he studied him for a while. While picking his teeth, the curious soldier frowned at the smile Faramir tried to hide.
“May I ask what you’re thinking of, dear captain?” Faramir stopped chewing and held his gaze on his plate. He lifted his eyes onto the questioning man innocently. After looking at the curious man for a while he lifted his head in an innocent manner “huh?”

“Don’t you give me that look, captain, I saw you smile at something.” Faramir leaned back “What is there not to smile about?”
The boy was about to say something, but shut it just after. Faramir smiled even wider and kept on eating. The man studied his captain with intensity like if he was going to stare the answer out of him.

With his mouth full of food and still looking at his plate he muffled “Famdur, that aint gonna help you.”
A sudden dutiful voice appeared.
“We’re ready to leave captain, but take your time. We’ll wait for you to…” Faramir took a large bite, and with his mouth once again full with food, he rose to speak. The tense guard stepped back out of respect of his captain, which he had not yet got to know “Then we’ll be off.” Faramir muffled as he placed his cloak on, and headed for the exit. The tense guard looked confused after his captain and at his plate still half full. Famdur grinned and went after his captain.

Chapter 10

Boromir woke up lying sideways in his bed snuggled under his quilt, and smiled thinking that Faramir would be home soon. He turned and looked at the sun which shone through his open window. Summer made its way. He could hear birds chatter and the soft sounds of the city, and moved impatiently thinking back to his brother. He grinned and tossed himself to many times around in excitement until he fell down on the other side of the bed with quite a thud with the quilt twirled around him.
The stone floor was cold, and calmed the overexcited older brother. He didn’t care the cold bugging his back, and only thought back at the times where he and Faramir had been wrestling. Playing king of the bed, and Faramir had always been pushed out of bed leaving Boromir the king.

He smirked and thought he’d still be the king. He could picture Faramir’s face when he’d…” Boromir smirked even more and laughed out loud. As the laughter increased, he did not hear the door open, and got surprised by his father standing in front of him.

The jolly laugh slowly disappeared into small chuckles before greeting his father while pulling himself to sit. Denethor flared his gaze around the room and back at Boromir, and placed his hands on his waists “Is there something I have missed out on this cheerful morning, son?”

As Boromir rose, still with a grin at his face he jollied “Faramir is coming home soon. I was just thinking about a memory, and…”
Gracefully turning to the son Denethor could recognize as his firstborn, he continued
“…it was funny. I am looking forward to his return.”

Denethor smiled and walked to look outside the window. He looked at Boromir’s empty desk and spoke “Yes. I’m glad to see you two have grown up to such good friends, but you know what I’ve been telling you.” Denethor looked at Boromir with firm and warning eyes without seeming too offending.

Boromir remembered Denethor telling him not to let Faramir interfere with his progress or reputation. Suddenly Boromir wished his father out, but answered polite “Yes, father.” Denethor tapped Boromir’s shoulder and was about to exit the door when he spoke “There’s an arrangement for you at the fine dining room. A servant will escort you there, so get ready. And dress your finest.”

Boromir wondered what kind of arrangement he could have fixed in the fine dining room. No one got to go in there but Denethor and Boromir on rare occasions, the same room where Faramir had broken Findulias’ vase.

As Boromir had washed himself and dressed up in nice green tights, a pair of black soft boots, a red tunic with golden patterns, and a nice darker vest with beautiful patterns to match, both he and the servant who had helped him, looked at him in the mirror. The servant seemed to be more pleased than the wearer with her hands folded into an admiring stare.

When Boromir entered the sacred room filled with treasures and fine furniture, he noticed a fine lady sitting by the table set for two. ‘Oh no, father has set me up with a lass’. He walked towards her and looked at her as gently as he could spite his discomfort.

She rose and they greeted each other with formalities. As they sat down, the servants served breakfast, lovely tea, milk, bread and everything they wanted. Boromir was nervous and started to peel an egg. The lady had long dark hair with a golden diadem fitting her gracious appearances. Her dark green dress matching the general’s tights made the man even more nervous.

They seemed like a married couple from a far, but Boromir felt like being shot hundreds of miles away. ‘What am I going to do? I never expected father to just choose one for me, if that is what he’s done, but I certainly hope not.’ It sure was a lot of a big deal taken their choice of room in mind.

After he finished peeling the egg, he nervously chose bread and meat. He thought it strange to be so nervous around a girl since he’d been with so many before. He smiled at her as she sat silent and shy “Please, dig in.” He said while tentatively looking her in the dark green glistening eyes before blushing down to his plate once again.

She smiled by the warrior’s manners and thanked him before starting carefully to prepare her plate. She had lovely sweet hands, and her lips ended the perfect portrait of a dream woman.

He thought her most beautiful, and smiled at her his typical Boromir smile as the tension loosened by her smile. Her name was Tiriamulie, and she was here to teach girls to sow and prepare clothes of different fabric.
She had good manners and seemed like every other women belonging to Gondor, quiet, beautiful, and secure in presence.
They had a nice conversation, but mostly of the city and the people, little about themselves. Boromir had nothing to talk to a woman about but how splendid she appeared, and she was too shy to ask him too many questions.
He wanted to know more about how she got there and if she and the steward had been arranging something, rather than knowing about her. She didn’t mention anything of the sort, and he didn’t dare to ask as he did not want to ruin a nice breakfast or give message to his father of disapproval for the lady or plans.

After the breakfast was done and the awkward silence appeared for a while, a sudden sound of horse-hooves made it to both ears. Boromir moved abrupt in the chair from his relaxing position as people called the son of the steward home. He stared at the shining windows as he listened to the splendid sounds and rose abruptly.

“I’m sorry fine madam, but I have to go.” Boromir barely took time to nod at the lady and nearly ran out of the room. She smiled and sighed knowing it was his brother (she had gotten the idea of their great relationship in the earlier conversation), and as she sat back down in the chair while staring blunt in her tea, she pondered about their good relationship.

Boromir ran through the hallways past his own room, then Faramir’s. He startled the servants by his swift and sudden appearances around the corners and past the rooms and they gazed bedazzled and confused after the eldest son of the steward disappearing just as fast as appearing. With some maidens bent out of the rooms to see what all of the ruckus was about still with the sheets in their hands, the heir was gone.

Denethor greeted Faramir at the door with guards walking beside their Captain with a worried expression, still with orders of keeping quiet and not bothering their leader about the wounds anymore. But as Denethor noticed Faramir’s pale face and the guards’ anxious faces he asked “What is amiss?”

Denethor noticed a restrained face of his youngest son as he failed an attempt to bow. Beregond was at Faramir’s right and seemed worried. “Faramir, are you injured?”

Their Captain had insisted to walk by himself and greet his father without their help. Faramir made a apologizing smile and nodded to his father with a hurting twitch in his mouth.

“It’s alright, my son” Faramir felt his father’s warm palm at his shoulder while he called out the healers and ordered preparation for a meal to those who needed it.
“Watch him, he already made to open the wound once because of his stubbornness.” Beregond said.
Denethor frowned at first discreetly at his own uncommon actions towards his uncontrollable lesser son, but then he stared strict and worried at his youngest while hearing what Beregond told him.

The lieutenant was ready for his Captain’s chagrined gaze for defying his orders and Denethor waited for his son to look him in the eyes for explanation, but just then, Faramir almost ran away from the older men, leaving them startled and bewildered by the sudden move.

The loving brothers had fixed their eyes upon each other at the exact moment Boromir had entered the hall. Boromir noticed Faramir was injured by the uneven pace of his hurried walk, and ran faster making Faramir stop in a smile to greet him. Knowing the strength of Boromir, Beregond saw he would split Faramir in two and called out in horror “No, Boromir!”

As he noticed Boromir didn’t dash into him as he mostly did when greeting a good friend, especially his little brother who he usually slammed to the ground, he instead held around him like he could have held a puppy or a butterfly, Beregond lowered his alarming arm and shook his head while sighing in relief.

The brothers did not listen to anyone, and everybody smiled at their carelessness. The cut burnt, but the hug was worth it. Denethor frowned by the childish acts and disapproved of it, but couldn’t figure out anything to do with it at the moment.

“I’ve missed you so much brother.” Boromir said and withdrew to take a look at him. Faramir was pale and seemed tired, but very happy nonetheless.
The older brother got worried seeing there was pain souring through his little one “Are you injured? Why aren’t you at the healing houses?” Before Faramir could answer, Boromir yelled to the healers who had just been summoned to escort Faramir “Why isn’t my brother at the healing houses?”
Faramir placed his hand abrupt on Boromir’s shoulder and spoke firm but low “Boromir, don’t overreact. Calm down.”

Boromir noticed his stupid behavior and tried to row himself out of his outburst “I mean; he looks pale and should rest.” Boromir was about to walk along with the healers and Faramir, but Denethor called him, and the older brother stood still, feeling torn in two as he wanted to follow Faramir, but his father’s commands were to be put first.

It wasn’t until Faramir whispered abruptly “Go.” before he actually did go to the steward.
After Denethor told Lahadrar and Beregond he would listen to their rapports later, he waited for Boromir with a strict glare. Boromir met his father with restlessness, but the father asked in a small and calm excitement “How did it go with the fine lady? Did you like her?”

Boromir answered his father with words he knew he wanted to hear, and using the joy of seeing Faramir again as a boost in his voice “Yes, she was splendid father. Just my taste, but I have to think about it a bit more, you know, get to know her better.”

Denethor had smiled, but frowned now by the last words of his finest son, and seemed confused until his voice changed jollier in the end.
“That sounds fine, and will be arranged. I’m glad you like her. See to that you behave your outmost in her presence.”

Boromir nodded and the steward gave his son a pleased smile before going off. Boromir waited until he was gone to sprint to the healing houses.

He opened the door to the healing houses and saw the healers wash an enormous cut at Faramir’s waist. He closed the door silent despite his shock, and worried great for his brother. It was closer to a normal damage than a severe one, but the fact that his beloved was injured made the overprotective brother strengthen.
He looked horrid at the giant red line, and as he got closer, he saw he bled from a huge ripped spot in the cut. The worried elder brother kept his cool seeing the well done stitches at the other places, and that Faramir was in no greater pain.

When Faramir noticed his elder brother entering, he felt safe and secure while the healers finished cleaning the cut. A small smile in Faramir’s face vanished as the worried brother’s voice trembled “When did you receive these damages?” He sat down by a chair at the head of the bed, gently placing his palm at Faramir’s right shoulder.

The healer was burning a needle to stitch the opened wound with, and Faramir followed the healer’s movement nervously while answering “We were set by an ambush in Ithilien one night after I left you.” Seeing Boromir’s confused look; since it was weeks ago they had parted, he added with a tiny self ironic smile and explained “I have ripped the stitches several times.”

Hearing this Boromir looked strict at Faramir who smiled as innocent and apologizing he could. The healer gave Boromir a short smile before turning to stitch the crack on Faramir’s tummy. Boromir shifted and grasped his little one’s hand. He whispered while pressing his cheek lightly at Faramir’s forehead “You can hold on to my hand if it hurts, little one.” Faramir’s heart melted by his brother’s protective care, but felt awkward in front of the healers.

Faramir had watched the healers stitch the cut a couple of times by now and gazed up in the ceiling as Boromir sat back again and watched the healers with hypnotizing worry. They were nervous thinking Boromir would ravage them if they made Faramir wince just once. The patient got lost in thoughts of his mother as he’d been with her in the houses of healing several times as a child. He wondered how she’d react by her sons’ relationship, and when he looked at Boromir with a tiny smile, he could guess he was thinking just the same.

Faramir closed his eyes and clenched teeth as pain got to him by the stitching. Boromir was unsure how far he ought to go on comforting his little brother; he didn’t exactly know where the limit of queerness ended in the comforting. He gently placed his palm on Faramir’s forehead and caressed him slowly.

“You have probably heard this many times, Faramir, but you must lie still while the wound heals. Do not do anything by yourself. Lie completely still. You hear me!”
Faramir smiled, trying to ease up the strict face upon the healer, and as it did not work, his smile faded and he went humble with eyes on the ground and a yielding nod as an understanding. The healer gave Boromir a hidden for Faramir to see smile before leaving the room for only them to share.

While Faramir was still in his humble and sorry state, he felt Boromir’s gaze at him and looked carefully back. Boromir smiled and stroke Faramir’s arm as he’d not let go of it through the whole time. He pressed the hand to his cheek while sharing his brother’s gaze, and was relieved he had come home alive. He kissed the palm, and placed it back on his cheek before speaking.

“I’m so glad you came back. I can’t think of any other time I’ve been more afraid for you.”

Faramir smiled, not daring to laugh “You always say that every time I’ve been in here.” Boromir smiled and breathed out the laugh through the nose, and the quick cool air from it felt nice and reawakening to Faramir’s palm.
Boromir bent down and kissed Faramir on his cheek, a long kiss that forged a small color in Faramir’s pale face. Boromir withdrew from the kiss, but stopped as close as he could get to the grey captivating eyes. Faramir spoke gently “We are alone, Boromir. It’s alright.” and gently received Boromir’s lips.
Boromir couldn’t quite enjoy the kiss since he had to hold back a lot of his pleadings, but had never felt happier. He never thought he’d be able to do this under the walls of the citadel and almost wept by the sensation.

Faramir’s body was tired and weary, but protested as he didn’t go any further. Faramir pulled back and laughed a short rolling laughter as the new emotions screamed in his body. His body screamed by not being able to pinch his brother to the floor, and it was a new and giggly feeling to him.

When he swung his head back to Boromir’s lips, he grimaced in pain, but the smile lingered to threat with more laughter from the wounded body, and Boromir teased
“Faramir, don’t laugh.” while chuckling still close to the adorable face.
Hunting for Faramir’s mouth once more he gave him a deep and loving kiss. Faramir lifted his hands to drown them in Boromir’s hair, and he himself drowned in the kiss. The older brother grasped the wounded man’s shoulders and did not know what to do with himself but to kiss hard and wanting, but retreated as the young one underneath him stiffened and repressed a scream.

Faramir moaned and spoke between gasps of air after his brother’s retreat “This time… it was not my fault.” Boromir studied Faramir’s wounds abruptly still holding on to his shoulders. He saw the cut was still fine. Then he gently let go off the shoulders and caressed the bandage on Faramir’s upper arm, thinking that was the reason for his pain.

As Faramir lowered the arm to the mattress Boromir asked “Did I touch this?” Faramir had his eyes still closed as he answered “Yes, but it is fine now.” He opened his weary eyes and breathed slower. Boromir smiled awry in apologize and Faramir placed his good arm on his strong shoulder as forgiveness.
When Boromir sat back he seemed bothered by something, and didn’t quite know where to begin complaining. Faramir studied him for a while where he sat and stared at the injury, to the floor, then back again at the red healing line.

The worried line on Boromir’s left brow told him he worried for him. Faramir did not really want to ask his brother what he was worried about, as he could imagine the cause, but could not go on with this unspoken matter. It seemed to bother his brother a lot, so he made the risk “Tell me what’s wrong, brother.” Faramir asked just as caring as only Faramir could do.

Boromir blinked before he flared his gaze from Faramir to the floor once more still not knowing where to begin. “Come on, Boromir, you are scaring me.” Boromir was about to speak but breathed heavily instead. It was like he was on the merge to weep. Finally he made sounds at least “I… I mean, the times you…” his breath continued to be bothered. Faramir waited patiently until his brother finally asked calmly “That time where you had bandages all over your upper body. After my return from one of my first travels you had spent time here in the houses of healing, and I got home seeing you just getting out all twined up with bandages. Father was quite eager to hold me away from you that period, and I had that feeling again.”

Boromir looked after explanation in Faramir’s sad unwilling face, and kept on almost bursting “Father was keeping me quite busy with duties and formalities at that time. I’m sorry Faramir, but what happened then actually? What did really happen?”

Faramir shook his head slowly and didn’t dare to look his brother in the eyes, keeping himself from crying.
“Faramir?” Seeing Faramir’s stone face he knew he didn’t just fall off his horse that time. Boromir whispered
“What did father do to you?” Faramir shook his head, still not daring to meet his brother’s eyes, and his voice was harder.

“It doesn’t matter what father did or what I did. Those days are over. Either way, I didn’t do what was needed for Gondor, and had not father made me, I would not be able to defend myself or Gondor. I shouldn’t have stood up to my father as much as I did as a child…” Faramir’s voice broke to weep, but he did not. His stone face remained.

Faramir remembered the time where he’d tried to make Denethor listen, but he was not to be reached. The lesser son had gone against his father’s orders for a good reason, but the steward did not listen, and had punished his son without a second thought.

Flashback ~

A 16 year old Faramir was pinned to the ground on his knees by three soldiers who followed Denethor’s orders; two holding his hands and the third making him bow his head.
Even though Faramir didn’t struggle, the soldiers behaved like it, and afraid as they were of their lord pointing them out as treacherous, they overdid every command.
As Denethor got closer; getting up from his chair after scolding Faramir, the soldiers lifted Faramir to his feet still holding his hands tight behind his back.
“What kind of soldier of Gondor skips his fencing classes? Were you born to make fun of me, Faramir?! Were you born only to mock me and go against me?!” Faramir was to speak but a slap made him silent.
“Has the enemy taken your body and corrupted you. Is that why you show yourself so worthless?!”
Faramir looked back at his angry father with wet and sorry eyes. He drew breath to speak, but got interrupted by another slap.

A short cry left the youths lungs, and he sobbed at the throbbing pain on his cheek.
The steward grabbed Faramir’s ear and hair to make him face him. “What am I to do with you? All these five years I have had to cope with all the complaints from your teachers. And now, even at your age, one might not believe you will ever grow up, you skip classes…” As brave as Faramir was, he interrupted his father and tried once more to explain exactly why he’d, more precisely; escaped.

“Mindor might be good at his sword, but…” despite Denethor’s hardening grasp at Faramir’s ear, he kept on, of course with a voice growling with pain “…he has no idea how to treat people.”
Denethor pulled and pinched harder as he wondered how far Faramir was to go after interrupting him in the first place.

The pain was great, but the boy made it to keep his voice somewhat proper “Nor does he know how to fight with honor; all he knows is killing and stabbing, he knows nothing of…” As Denethor’s grasp hardened and it felt like he almost tore his ear off, Faramir growled and screamed “Aaarrg, it is bad of me to say, but he is no better than an orc…aaah…maybe worse! Please…!” Denethor let go off Faramir’s ear in astonishment of the boy’s vitality and stubbornness.

Denethor spoke with a low and dark voice “Even though I am about to tear your ear off you oppose me!”
Faramir met his father’s horrendously fierce gaze as the steward kept on “What am I to do with you, Faramir?”
Faramir moaned in pain and moved what he could in the tight grasps of the soldiers. His ear ached and begged him to yield to his father. Instead he took a few deep breaths to dig up more courage

“Have you listened father? Have you listened to what I’ve tried to…” Another quite hard slap hit Faramir’s throbbing red cheek and echoed in the great hall. Denethor’s patience almost lost track.

Faramir felt the burn on the cheek emerge to half of his face, and his eyes stung of tears, but he was determined to not let one single tear show. His anger filled up and he heaved for breath before screaming so the halls echoed “Why won’t you listen?!”
By that, a single small tear chilled his hot cheek and his breath shook. Denethor’s eyes burned with rage.

Faramir’s screams echoed the great hall and the guards flinched by the roaring child “Why must I always fight my way to get to you, but even then you will not listen! You never do!”

“Be silent!” The steward raised his hand for another slap, and a long squeak went through the boy’s head as his ear was hit by the strong and angry steward.
“Let’s see if…” the steward’s voice mingled with silence and squeaking sounds as Faramir had troubles hearing, but managed to hear some bits and put it together “…traitorous…” The great hall would not stop swaying “…flogged.”

Faramir’s adrenalin rose by that last word. The guards started to drag, mostly carry him away.

‘What!? Was he going to flog him like some other murderous malice he had sent away countless times before?!”

Faramir had witnessed enemies and prisoners being flogged and tortured, and did not envy not even the foulest creature on earth that kind of treatment. Without being sure if he’d been hearing right, or was sure where they were heading, he instinctively fought against the soldiers.
The youngling twisted and decelerated what he managed in his state, and sobbed between whimpers of fright in the dark dungeon.

His dizziness wore off just in time to notice the giant brown door fastened with huge metal locks at the beautiful and yet horrific marble. The air was cooler down there, and the sound of the giant door closing behind him made Faramir’s legs numb by fear. He couldn’t believe this was happening and hoped it was only a way of Denethor to scare him. That was also a bit of reason why he had not begged them to let him go; so his father would not have the opportunity to see him beg. Perhaps both of them possessed a bit too much proud.

He sobbed quietly and tried more and more to release himself as his guesses were not reliable. He got pushed and dragged inside a dark and cold room, where guards of the chamber looked confused at the young lord Faramir “Please…”, struggling not to be pinned at the diagonal board with clenches at both sides. The guards of the chamber thought them too big for the kid, but his gracious being lured them. His wrists had no problems getting locked, and he tried at once they were fastened to free them.

He looked pleadingly at the guards while they grasped him painfully and pinned his hands to the board. The tinier prisoner than usual hyperventilated and waited for his father to make this as a warning.

As a child trusts his parent he still waited for his father’s voice to appear behind him and take back the order.
His tunic was pulled and cut off him, revealing the still innocent back of his.
The board was meant for a grown man, and made the teenager Faramir almost stand on his toes while testing the strength of the metal locks around his wrists.
He smelled the scents of all the other poor bastards being flogged at the board, and felt his tummy twist; the board was moist and rough at the same time.
Even though he could hear the leather from the lash tighten in the grasp of its owner, he still awaited his father to come save him.

He felt his heart bounce at the board, and it reminded him of how frightened he was. He sobbed, not knowing if he could talk his way out of this. He wanted to start with ‘Please don’t do this’, but knew his prisoners had heard it all before, and would not let him go. His father had ordered it, and no one but him could get him out.

That night Faramir could not sit in his window sill and ponder at the stars and of his brother. He was bleeding half to death in the basement, and had to tell a lie to his brother days later.

Chapter 11

Boromir squeezed Faramir’s hand and took a deep breath before speaking just as nervously as before “I feel like such a fool for not seeing what went on right in front of me. I hope you can forgive me.”
Boromir barely had the nerve to look his beloved Faramir in his lovely grey eyes in the middle of his rigid stone face which was spacing out in the open air. Faramir woke from his thoughts by the humble plead from his strong brother who seemed now like a repentant old man, and looked abrupt at Boromir lightly confused and surprised.
“What do you mean? Forgive you?”

Boromir met his little brother’s searching eyes, and Faramir continued seeing his brother’s pleading look “None of it had anything to do with you, dear brother. On the contrary, you have done such good and great things for me that I must ask for your forgiveness. I have been suppressing your full potential and holding you back…”

Faramir stopped talking as Boromir rose from his chair and stared strictly at him. Faramir knew he had said something he deeply disagreed with. Boromir would always expand his chest, not on purpose though, and rise whenever someone said anything he’d strongly disagree with.
Just when Faramir didn’t think he could feel any smaller, his huge brother grabbed the edges of the bed and stared him fierce but gently in the eyes. Faramir could recall a small smile, but was not sure. Boromir spoke silent and lovingly firm “You have never ever been a suppression of my potential, nor have you ever been the pain in the butt I have so often told you.”
They both smiled, and the elder brother kept on even warmer

“I loved every moment you came running to me in my studies where everyone referred to you as a disturbance. My heart smiled just as much as my lips when you jumped onto my lap and you shook my tunic to come play with you in the garden. I loved every moment of your teasing voice when I went through puberty”
Their smile emerged to grins
“Even though you have somehow gotten me evolved in your schemes and we both paid the penalty, I was glad to stand by your side. I loved every moment when I felt stupid because you read better than me, and had to help your five year older brother with his studies” Boromir kissed Faramir on his forehead, but his smile withered “I only wish I could prevent father from treating you the way he did.”

Faramir lowered his gaze for a brief moment to collect an answer. He gave it to Boromir shortly after with loving eyes
“Aye, he did not treat me right at times, but I did not make it easy for him either. I believe you in your loving words, dear brother…” he couldn’t help it but laugh
“…and forgive me if I hurt you by my remark.” thinking back at his brother’s serious face rising like a living mountain, his eyes laughed still. Boromir tried still to seem serious, but failed as his smirk made its way, and he studied his younger brother who stared back patiently.

Finally Boromir said “I must thank you for making my schemes seem like nothing. I must be honest with you Faramir, at times where you met the penalty, I went off easy, but I hope I made up for it by being there for you afterwards.”

Faramir got serious as well
“You sure did. You always did what was expected of you, and I believe it must have been a heavy burden for you. To be the perfect son for such a demanding father. Thank you, Boromir, for being such a great brother and support.”

He placed his palm at his brother’s broad chest while thanking him and Boromir leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek. Faramir accepted it with a smile, but closed his eyes as chills rendered through his body at Boromir’s whisper “Just you wait until I become your lover.”
Despite of Faramir’s pale skin, a blush appeared on Faramir’s cheeks and his heart beat by fear and anticipation.

Boromir placed his hand on Faramir’s bare chest and stroke it gently. Feeling Faramir’s heart beat in such a rhythm he pondered once more on Faramir’s virginity. Boromir’s up to no good squinting made Faramir stare suspiciously at him
“What? I see that face of yours, Boromir.” The older brother looked at the tender nipples and wondered if Faramir knew how he could make of his brother by giving them some attention.

He grinned and caressed his brother’s cheek “Nothing, I will go get us something to eat. After that I must tend to some duties, but shortly after, I will come back.”
Faramir sighed and smiled not sure if he’d go for that. Boromir giggled and tousled his hair before leaving with a laugh.
Faramir wondered what on Arda his brother could be up to now, and smiled back before pondering in the tall ceiling while waiting.

He intended to wait for his brother, but when he did return, the young Captain had fallen asleep due to his weariness. And the older brother sat with his little one for a while and was told by the healers that they would make sure he ate after awakening. The heir had duties to tend to.

Chapter 12

A strong sun shone through Boromir’s red silky curtains, and made the giant warrior squint and turn away. He opened his eyes as he got accustomed to the light, and remembered something that made his heart leap of joy. He sat up and looked at his sleeping brother next to him. The sheet, which they used as quilt in the hot summers, was covering the slender man’s hip and legs. He had almost curled into a ball, and snuggled the pillow between his arm and peaceful head.

The cut which had just gotten to heal itself to an extend that made it impossible for faramir to tear it again, was hidden as he was lying sideways.

Boromir had anyway insisted on having his brother stay another night in worry for him tearing it, and was now studying him. Was he dreaming? Boromir wondered. A small cute frown on his brows and the way his mouth tightened made it look like he was pondering about something. Boromir smiled and leaned down to stroke his hair, and spoke gently “Faramir.”

Faramir moved slightly and made a content noise which made it impossible for Boromir not to grab him by the neck and kiss him. Faramir didn’t wake, but blushed by the sudden ecstasy he felt, and placed his arm around Boromir’s waist to press himself closer.

Boromir withdrew from his splendid little brother’s face “How’s your wound?” Without opening his eyes, Faramir answered “Fine. It tingles a bit by the threads, but when they fall off I will be good as new.” He snuggled closer to Boromir’s chest muscles, and sighed in contentment.

Boromir placed a protective arm around him and squeezed him in a tight embrace while resting his cheek on his head. He smelled his younger brother’s scent which would stay the same forever.

The older brother worried for the next time his little one had to go out in battle, but was coping with it, and right now he decided to enjoy the time they had together.

Boromir had made to keep away from Faramir’s weak spots by the time he’d spent in his chambers to heal, and shoved away his yearnings so Faramir could heal perfectly.

He looked forward to explore his brother’s knowledge on sexual matters and smiled down at him. He moved his arm from underneath Faramir’s head to steady his own, and it made the sleepy young man grunt by the sudden movement of his human pillow.
He looked up at a smiling Boromir and muttered “Why do you have to move so much?”
“It is daytime. You must wake.”
Boromir said, too cheerful on Faramir’s account, and smiled just as much still claiming his arm to support his head instead of being Faramir’s pillow. Snuggling deeper into Boromir he muttered once more
“Since when did you get to such a cheer in the morning?”

Boromir laughed and moved to sit to Faramir’s malcontent, and the pestering older brother got his little brother even grumpier as he turned him to face the sun. He frowned and felt his eyes burn by the strong sun as Boromir’s cheerfulness continued

“Since the day you let me in your heart little one.” Boromir kissed Faramir while he was busy blocking for the sun.
The kiss turned to be quite hot, and Faramir forgot about the sun and turned all his attention to the demanding warrior on top of him.

Faramir moaned before pushing Boromir away to breath. He smiled as Boromir kept on kissing his neck and caressing the other side of it with his fingers
“You have always been in my heart, Boromir.”

Boromir decided to go a bit further and went down his collarbone with inquired kisses and licks. Faramir moaned with closed lips as he sucked on it and turned fiercer on the kissing. When he went lower to close in on Faramir’s nipple, Faramir grabbed the elder brother by the sturdy shoulders and prepared for whatever his brother might give him.
Faramir arched his back and clenched his eyes by the intense thrill when Boromir stimulated his nipple with his experienced tongue. He was about to moan quite loud by the intense pleasure his brother gave upon him, but made it to a whimper afraid someone might hear. He’d never felt this kind of pleasure, and thought he’d go crazy by it all.

He panted heavily by the sensation, and whilst his chest moved in a rhythm Boromir found quite encouraging, the brother kept on. After torturing his little brother some more, he got up with a smile and with Faramir having so many questions without managing to utter a single word, the older brother grinned.

He wanted something from him, but didn’t quite know what to ask for. He moved his hands from the brawny shoulders to his neck and pulled him closer, which Boromir took as an invitation to a deep passionate kiss.

Faramir explored Boromir’s loving mouth, and wanted the kiss to last forever. Boromir grabbed the sheet and drew it off to toss it on the floor, and it revealed Faramir’s gracious young body only wearing dark brown night trousers with an even darker rope as belt around its waist. The older man smirked at the forged knot a soothing pace from the navel.

Boromir stroke his hand dreamingly down Faramir’s waist and smiled while stopping at his hip to let his thumb caress the little amount of hair beneath the navel, which guided him in the exact direction he had in mind.
He placed his legs between Faramir’s, and spread them by spreading his, and then he grabbed him from under his arms and shoulders to press into a deeper kiss.

Faramir felt the blood rush while he was totally submerged in Boromir’s loving captivity. The powerful arms held him and the bigger body pressed him to the mattress. The younger brother explored this new feeling of safety in someone’s loving embrace while letting the older touch places none usual did. He had sometimes been lying beneath his brother with his legs spread like this, but under completely different circumstances.

One of the times they had been wrestling, Boromir had lifted Faramir off the ground and let them both fall onto the soft grass. Even though this was a game of fighting, Faramir had felt comfortable with his elder brother on top of him and only smiled by the loss of the fight. Boromir at the time had loved it too, but would soon feel uncomfortable, taken his worries in mind, and gone off his brother as quickly as possible.

It was rather nice for Faramir to feel the same as then, but as the feelings got stronger and onto different places he could not help it but letting fright emerge. Boromir could tell by the whimper and trembling as he gave thrusts at him.

Boromir had started quite aggressive, so he calmed down with light kisses on his lips and face. Faramir seemed to enjoy it more and more, and as he moaned shortly by a deep and strong kiss, Boromir flipped over once again.

In his bigger brother’s clenching quite sexy embrace, which was no way out off, Faramir spoke between outbursts of pleasure as Boromir had started once more on the fierce claiming “Aah, Boromir. Do you… want me to tell you a secret?”
Boromir gave a last passionate kiss right beside Faramir’s nipple before looking at him “Yes, do tell.”

Faramir gave a foxy smile “Very often I lost on purpose just to get you on top of me.” Boromir smiled with both lips and eyes. He puffed through his nose and stroked his fingers through Faramir’s hair and let his thumb caress the forehead. He let the hand continue seductively downwards to his cheek and chin; he had no words to speak as he tried to understand this weird little brother of his.

Faramir shivered by the warm touch, and moved the notch he could while trying to push Boromir away “I don’t think…” Boromir interrupted with a thrust at his crotch which made him moan and face away with a strong blush.

Boromir’s mouth craved his neck as it had been presented for him: He spoke with Faramir moaning in between “Please do not speak of how we have to end this… just to go on with our silly and…mm… stupid lives”
Faramir tried once more, making the first word a bit louder than intended “Brother, what if…mm… the servants…ahh”
Boromir groaned “If a servant dares to interrupt this I’ll kill him.”

Still trying to push his lusty brother away and even though he had started on his nipple once more, Faramir made to speak “I’m sure you would do a fine job killing that servant, but how would you answer for yourself…”
he let out a loud moan by the sensational thrust his brother gave to his arousal, and after a few breathtaking kisses and moans, he got himself together and continued

“…how would you answer for yourself after that servant had gone missing by the other…” Boromir hurried to stand on all four above his panting brother, which made Faramir end it with a last sigh “…people.”

Boromir frowned grumpy at the headboard and stood heavy like a statue above his panting brother.
“I love you, dear brother, and I would love to stay here with you, but we have to go on with our other lives too. If we stay missing, and people would keep finding us in our bedrooms, they would start to wonder and ask questions” He paused to breathe
“We took upon ourselves this tormenting secret, and no matter how high our love is, the world is not going to accept it, and perhaps not give us time to fulfill its cravings.”

“You sure have thought this through more than me, little one. I have been dreaming myself away and thought I could send everyone all away to be alone with you. But as I get back to my senses I see that is not possible. I can’t just send everyone away…”
He laughed at himself
“…they will stay here and demand whatever it might be.”
By that he sat back by the bed board with a malcontent sigh.

Faramir’s cut hurt still, so he used his hands to support his way up to sit. Boromir stared bluntly on the floor and was too depressed to give thought to anything else but the bittersweet love.

“Do not be sad Boromir; be glad we get to expose our feelings to each other at least this much. We are close, we live close. I am not saying it is impossible, I am just saying we have to be careful and subtle.”
Boromir gave his little brother an askew smile and stroke his leg.

“As usual you speak wiser and much more prudent than me, little one.”
Faramir felt his lust after Boromir still, but glared timidly at the carpet. Boromir also felt linger of lust and leant forward to kiss Faramir to let the wonderful sounds and scents spring forth once more from him, to make him blush once more.

Just when Faramir turned expectant to his closing brother, the door opened.
The horrifying sound of the handle made its way through the room and both brothers could hear the wood creak its warning too late. Faramir saw his whole life flash before him as Boromir was closing in on him, but just then, Boromir proved himself the great hero he was; he quickly made the closing kiss to look like he was about to rise up.

And he did, right before touching Faramir’s lips; he rose like nothing was going on. Faramir stared in front of him where the end of his life just had been.
Boromir walked out on the floor to pick up his shirt when he saw his father close the door with a minor concern on his usual rough face. Faramir’s chest tightened at the sight of him, and only met his father’s gaze for two seconds before looking away. As Boromir bent down to pick up the shirt he spoke to give Faramir time.

“Good morning father. Have you come to give me a date with another lass have you?”
Denethor laughed by his happy firstborn, without noticing his second son sitting petrified in the bed not daring to face any of them

“No I have not. I am actually here to see how Faramir is doing.”
Faramir looked surprised at his father, and followed him with disbelief as he made his way around the bed to sit by his side. The steward frowned at the sheet which was lying on the floor. He looked at both while speaking
“What have you two been doing?” Faramir looked away as his father’s grey piercing eyes met his. Denethor looked at Boromir which looked rather innocent

“What, we just woke up. What do you mean, father?” The father shook his head thinking the night had been hot in this summer and that they had tossed the sheet off in their sleep like some rebelling children. He placed his hand on Faramir’s leg while sitting by the bed, smiling

“I see your cut has healed, and you look well. I reckon you are ready to tend to your duties today.”
Faramir took a short glance at him just to answer “Yes, father.” and turned his gaze to the bed again in hope that he would be left by that.
Denethor tapped his leg “Good, good.”

Boromir picked up the rest of his clothes, using it as a diversion to the bad news that struck his mind; now Faramir had to leave again. He was about to walk to the bath place when Denethor rose and spoke to him
“Boromir, It’s nice of you to tend to your brother while healing, but these lingering mornings are not to be repeated” Boromir nodded frantically and saw Faramir’s lugubrious face turn wary as Denethor turned to him
“Is that understood?”

Faramir nodded more graceful than Boromir, and murmured
“Yes, father.” Then he raised his chin and spoke strict

“Are there any services I can do for you after I have dressed and perhaps before I leave?” He had forced his eyes on him by raising his chin, and his voice made chills down Boromir’s spine.

The elder brother was lost by the sudden change in his little one; his voice had changed to the strictness of a soldier, and he had listened if the warm and compassionate voice was still present, and he sighed inwards when it was, but this grieved him nonetheless.

He could only stand and watch as his emotions and thoughts rolled through him, and tried to picture the awful things he had learned about his father’s treatments of his precious little one.

He could now see the actual reason why Faramir feared their father this much. A sudden understanding to it all made him stand petrified right there on the floor with his hand tightly grasping the shirt. It was almost like he was waiting for anything to happen right before his eyes, but Denethor spoke like he always had done and he didn’t seem to threat Faramir in any way.

As Denethor’s orders to his youngest son fled past Boromir’s ears, he studied his little brother’s nods and answers; his cute small lips which spoke as if a respected captain glistened still red from the earlier kisses. None other than Boromir could see the small trembling of fear in them as they uttered ‘yes’ or ‘understood’.

“Are you still standing there?” Boromir woke by his father’s words, and looked at him harsher than intended as his mind pictured itself in the adult face. His frown and dark gaze still lingered his face, and Denethor made to give his son a confused and suspicious glare before the firstborn could hide his accusations and looked away as he walked to the bath, embarrassed.

Denethor spoke “I will see you later then.”

Boromir answered shortly from inside the room, and Faramir stood up to dress. When Denethor left and closed the door, Boromir opened the door from the bath and checked if he was really gone. When he saw Faramir search for clothes in his dresser, he walked to his little brother while trying to gain eye contact, but when Faramir’s eyes would not meet his, he hugged him and snuggled on his shoulder while speaking softly
“I hate that you must leave again.” Faramir’s body was soft, but he felt the same stiffness as the first time he’d kissed him. He let go to look at him; he was just as delicate and shining, but his eyes were changed. His voice sounded fiercer than earlier when he spoke

“This is what we must go through, brother. This is what I was talking about earlier. I can’t believe how close we were to be caught” Boromir got startled by the barking, but the softness seemed to be there whether Faramir wanted or not
“and by father, himself!”
Boromir looked sad at his scared brother, and whispered, afraid he’d make his brother more upset
“Fara.”
Faramir leant away on the dark dresser while grasping tight around his white shirt. Boromir looked at the scars on the muscular and slender back and felt an uncomfortable sting in his own. The punishment for being with the same sex were many; some of them flogging, and sometimes until death.

Boromir held around him. Faramir was still leaning on the desk and ostentatiously he didn’t hug back, or revealed any feelings towards his brother. It hurt his heart as he kept it cold and untouchable as he always did when talking to his father. Boromir retreated as Faramir pushed him gently away and spoke softer
“Please, don’t make this any harder than it already is, loving brother.” Boromir watched him pull on his shirt and walk out the door without a single glance at him.

Chapter Thirteen

“Faramir!” Lahadrar screamed of all his lungs from inside the grey and green muddy valley in the heavy rain and storming skies. The thunder made it impossible for Faramir to hear his second lieutenant calls, and he was fighting off three orcs all by himself at the end of the small entrance of the valley with his men watching the fight from afar as they had been pinned down by one or two orcs each.

Lahadrar and the others had been ambushed by a hoard of huge orcs right before Faramir and three others had gotten back from patrol around the camp. All three had been killed while protecting their lord almost in an instant when the orcs had come forth from their hiding and Faramir was fighting the best he could after the surprise.

He blocked one hard strike from a dripping wet orc and kicked another one before he made it to attack, but a third orc came fast and kicked the Gondorian Captain as well with his huge and stompy foot. He landed on his back in the mud with a groan and the orc who’d kicked him grasped his hair shortly after while another disabled the gondorian by stepping on the sword.

The orc which held him firmly by the hair placed a knife at his throat and Faramir moaned in fear as he knew he was dead.

These orcs were huge and not as skipping and crazy like the others. He’d never encountered orcs this size, and they seemed more intellectual, which could not be good.
Faramir groaned by the heavy weight of the orc as he sat himself on him.
The Captain could get somewhat information when the foul creatures spoke to each other. One of them grinned with its sharp and dirty teeth at the moaning man, but when the man went silent and seemed to listen to them as they spoke of where the other rangers were to be sent, and where they were going to let this one go, and a look of confuse turned to horror of knowledge in the young man’s face, the orcs went silent as they had noticed the man’s perceptive behavior.
He had realized they were not going to kill him; they had agreed to take him to their leader for interrogation, and the man panicked. He would rather die, and let go off his sword to grab the orc’s hand and fought for his freedom against the knife at his life veins.

He heard the orcs curse and yell
“Stupid man, does he want to die?” “Did he understand what we said?!” Faramir tried to kick the orc several times still holding onto the thick and dark hand.
Lahadrar had screamed his captain’s name in warning and fear for him, and had already started weeping as his captain had been struck down in the soil.
He’d seen his beloved friend lying under the huge orc, and could just imagine what they did to him. As he’d seen Faramir flounder under the beast, he laughed a bit in relief. He abruptly whispered to the other rangers, who had been bound, that their captain was truly alive still.
A struck on top of his head from his captivator had made him silent, but he kept his gaze expectant towards Faramir.

The rangers had reacted differently each and one of them seeing their captain not being slaughtered. Some knew what could be waiting for him, while some had gone into shock and couldn’t think straight, and some smiled knowing their good friend still breathed life.

The orc got kicked in the face as he tried to tie Faramir’s legs together. He cursed and stabbed Faramir in his thigh with a long dagger. Some rangers closed their eyes as their Captain’s echoed scream from the exploding pain in his thigh hit the valley and reached their ears.

The orc made to tie his legs by standing on them while their owner groaned still in pain, and stood up to spit in his face. Even though the pain soured through him, he kept silent. They tied his hands easily as the human didn’t want to risk getting stabbed again, and their strong and dirty arms grasped them painfully.

The orc who had been sitting on him all along, got off him and made a snarling laugh. A thunder rumbled through the valley and the orcs roared by their lucky capture. Not only did the white tree on Faramir’s chest give him authorities and advantages, it also gave him unpleasant disadvantages.

He tried to rise up to sit, but a heavy stomping foot kept him down in the mud. The rain made it difficult for Faramir to gain control of the situation. He tried to figure out the state of his men; how many of them slain, and how many wounded or captured.

When he saw at least ten of his men pinned down by an orc each, he gained a second thought to his life; he couldn’t leave his men behind like this. The owner of the foot crushing his chest spoke to his troop and they all started to carry, drag and push the humans away. Two of Faramir’s attackers lifted him up and ran along with the others. Faramir saw almost half of his men were slain as the corpses were left behind.

The rangers had already been placed in a circle on their knees further inside the giant cave when Faramir was being dragged inside by one orc at each side. He had been blindfolded just as the other, but sensed the cave probably had many different tunnels. He was lead away from his men, and he could hear Lahadrar shout “Where are you taking him?” before a thud explained his further silence.

The frightened and worried whispers and voices made Faramir lack courage and wished his panicking men to regain the calm focus they had trained so hard to get.
He could hear grunts of the orcs walking by and some snorted right beside his face making him jerk closer to his captivators, and the other made sounds that could perhaps be a laugh. He jerked and winced as they lead him further inside. The feeling of his legs tied and unable to walk by themselves was truly frustrating to the ardent captain.

He had been lead away from his men, but he could hear their frightened whispers and the orcs’ orders to keep shut through the mountain caves still. When the orcs finally stopped, he could hear his own nervous breath and numbers of orcs move and grunt.

Not only did the unlucky situation crave its courage from the young captain, his older rangers who still questioned his leadership bothered him a lot as well. He didn’t want them to lose hope because of his inexperience, and the pressure he felt was nothing like before.

The cave got more silent, but it wasn’t until a sudden vile and dark voice appeared in front of him that everything went as silent as the grave.
When everyone present noticed it was only Faramir’s wary breath that sounded, a few snorts from the creatures sounded and the huge evil grunted a couple of times that perhaps could be words. Even though the person had a certain distance his voice was terrifying to the young Gondorian, and his feet trembled as he was pushed a couple of steps forward.

When he refused to go closer the terrifying creature and pressed backwards at his captivators, he heard huge feet step down three steps and as he started on the same floor where Faramir had his feet, they threat to succumb to this strong and frightening creature.

He expected a strike, or a spear or a sword stab him right in the gut, but as the creature mumbled roughly, he could hear it was definitely an orc and feared something he could not even imagine.

The blindfold got removed and he looked upon a huge orc chest before gazing upwards to a smiling dark face with yellow eyes. The orc bent down still smiling and spoke with his foul breath in Faramir’s face
“Is a weakling like you their leader?” Faramir faced away from him and kept silent. A strike hit his ribs and he revealed a restrained moan.
The orc which held him grasped his jaw and yelled “Speak, you runt!”

The chief orc grasped the orc’s arm carefully and spoke calmly while he tightened his grasp around it
“If you break his jaw, he can’t speak, you…” He spoke their language, so it was barely that Faramir understood.

Faramir shifted his jaw back to a comfortable position as the orc let go and the arm was tossed away by the chief.

“They are tender these humans.” The giant orc purred as he grabbed Faramir by the vest and lifted him up and towards himself to have a closer look at this young Captain. Faramir had troubles hiding the fear as it made his breath quicken.

“Tell me where the other troop is heading, and I will spare your adorable face.” the orc purred as softly as he managed with his rough throat, but did not get anything from the captain this way so he yelled “Tell me where they will be!”

He yelled so loud that Faramir’s eardrums echoed. He closed his eyes and the trembling breath was the only thing leaving his lips.
Faramir got dashed to the ground by the impatient orc and he repeated the question with a whisper so close to his ear it made him sick.
For the first time speaking to an orc, he went through everything he’d heard or read about these foul creatures, but could not figure out what to do, say or expect as he strived so hard to keep it cool.

He’d heard they were quite unpredictable and shook by fear, but gathered somewhat sense and courage to speak.
“I do not know of any other troop.” Faramir said and got surprised by his own trembling voice. The orc roared and dashed Faramir to the ground once more. His neck muscles ached from keeping his head from the floor in the hard fall and he yelled
“I don’t know of any other troop!”
Lahadrar and the others heard a smack after their Captain’s yells.

They prayed for a miracle, but were glad to see their Captain being dragged inside to their cave, though with a stripe of blood from a cut on his cheek. Some of them said his name in relief, but were silenced by the orcs. They still had one or two orcs keeping them under control, and none dared to do uproar under these circumstances.

The men could see their captain’s fear as he had gone paler and his eyes had never been this wary and frightful. They could see him plot an escape with every free second he got without the orcs’ attention towards him, and some of the older men thought it brave of their young one to have hope, but they knew they were doomed and looked at the ground defeated.
Some of the younger ones trembled and was still in shock. Three had been deeply wounded as they’d shouted and fought even though the older once had told them to stay calm.

One had not handled his Captain to be away from him like this, and started sobbing and weeping as Faramir had not been placed with them. The lieutenants, Lahadrar and Beregond, had kept them somewhat calm, but it wasn’t until they gained a reassuring gaze from Faramir they stopped. One of them looked for an order from his Captain, and almost started weeping again as he did not give one and instead dropped his gaze to search for something that could save them.
An orc placed himself between them, and repeated the question. The orc hinted to the other rangers to answer as well, and Lahadrar spoke with his courageous old voice

“There is no other troop.”
Faramir looked warningly at him with his strict lips and eyes. Lahadrar just wanted to back up what his captain had said earlier, and didn’t quite understand Faramir’s reactions.

The orc turned away from Faramir to the older man, and smacked Lahadrar so hard he fell into the orc behind him. Lahadrar’s captivator pushed the old man back to his knees and the chief turned to everyone in the cave “Do not lie, stupid humans! We see through you. Tell where the other troop is, and you will be released from your suffering!”

The shouting orc turned rapidly towards Faramir and squinted suspiciously as he had turned his gaze in a hurry. The captain had given his men the steal glare of silence as the orc had roared, but now he looked blunt ahead of himself.
He tried to make this the best he could. If only he could have his sword so he could stab this son of a…
“This is your captain, I know it!” The orc spat as he leaned uncomfortably near him. He turned to the rangers once more and growled.

“If none of you tell where the other company is…” He turned back to their brave captain “…your dear captain will suffer greatly.”

Faramir went cold and stiff and had a storming quarrel with himself; he hoped his men would stand this and not blurt out where Boromir and his company were to meet them as they would probably be forced to watch their Captain be tortured to death.

But then: would it be worth it if everyone of them would have to be tortured to death in front of their comrades until one of them got mad and told the foul creatures everything they wanted to hear?

Would they blame him if they met needless pain just to have one of them blurt the truth at the end and then to be killed?
No, he and his men knew the orcs would kill them if they spoke or not, but what if they would be killed faster if speaking?
No, they would never reveal Boromir’s camp, it would be best to have one troop of rangers lost than putting a huge army to the bill as well.

He thought of how Boromir would feel or react when he got the news of his death.

“Aaw, are we getting scared and puny?” The orc gurgled and Faramir gazed back angry at the orc as he imitated sobbing as good as an orc could “You do not want to die do you, boy?”

Faramir kept his iron gaze at him and the orc thought if the man stared any longer at him an arrow would come out of nowhere.

“Don’t look at me like that, kid!” The orc hit Faramir so hard he almost fell out of his captivator’s grasp, and then he took forth the same dagger which he’d stabbed Faramir with earlier to place it beneath the man’s left eye after grabbing his hair to straight him up. Faramir’s blood was still on the cold metal
“Do you think your Captain will be able to be just as good with only one eye?”
Faramir jerked in the grasps of the orcs “No.”
A young man stood up from the sitting rangers
“I will tell you everything, just let him go!”
Faramir screamed “Farahir, sit down!”

This young boy was new and had been taken good care of by Faramir. He’d gotten to know his Captain and learned to know just how nice and honorable he could be. One day in the stable he’d been so frightened when he’d answered just in time with Faramir after mishearing the name called out. Both Lahadrar and Faramir had looked confused at the boy after he’d answered by Faramir’s name.

The boy had been so afraid of his Captain’s gaze even though it wasn’t that frightening; it was just the fact that he got attention from this high ranked man, and the boy had miscalculated Faramir’s confused and intense eyes and thought he’d stared at him in insult and dismay.
Faramir had laughed by it when he’d told him the reason for his run away, and tapped him on the back. Farahir had smiled and laughed with him.

Faramir groaned as the orc hit him in the tummy and moved slowly towards Farahir. He waved with the dagger while speaking.

“Well then tell, little human.”
Farahir just couldn’t stand what they were about to do to his beloved Captain, but now he regretted his outburst. He had strived not to be an obstacle for Faramir and succeeded on every mission. Now he’d ruined it in two seconds.
Faramir clenched his teeth not to say something to make the situation worse, and as the orc stretched out to grab Farahir, Faramir screamed.

“There is nothing to tell, he… he is in shock, he doesn’t know what he is saying!”
The orc dragged Farahir out in the circle, and placed his still bloody dagger to his throat “You were saying?”
Faramir swallowed.
Lahadrar looked worried on the bleeding stab from Faramir’s thigh which made his Captain grow paler. He wanted to help him, but remembering the earlier warned look from his Captain, he knew he was not to speak.
Faramir’s skin glistened by the pouring sweat, and he carefully said

“He is in shock, you must see that. Humans are not reliable whilst in shock, they tell all sorts of irrelative things.”
Faramir feared for the kid’s life, and tried to save him from whatever the orc was to do to him. He looked strict at Farahir before speaking angry to the orc

“I can assure you I am in no shock as your friend here stabbed it out of me, and I can tell you there is no other troop, company or whatever. Let us go, and we will leave your land as quickly as we can. And we can do it quite quickly if you do us no harm.”

The orc had only let Faramir speak because he was curious on what this small Captain had to say, and somewhat he enjoyed his voice. He looked back at Farahir and sled his dagger slowly at his cheek so a red stripe followed.

Farahir whimpered and looked at his Captain which eyes had grown more intense as they seemed like trying to mind control the dagger away from him. The orc’s voice provoked Faramir more and more and his anger rose by the filthy creature using this vulnerable boy.

“Come one little one, do tell where the others are.” Farahir followed his captain’s whatever plan and spoke in a hurry trembling thin voice

“I want three pairs of rabbits after this tea party is over.”

Everyone in the cave held their breath and tensed while time stopped. None actually knew what to say or do. The most surprised ones were the orcs who froze for a second not knowing how to react, but then they all roared out in a terrible laughter while the men stood frozen by both shock and fear for what to come next.

The rangers looked insecure at each other and waited anxiously at the orcs’ next move. Faramir stared just the same at Farahir after a tingle light of surprise and shock had emerged in his eyes hearing his crazy ranger, but done was done, and he was praying the orc would release him.

What Faramir feared the most happened; but the boy kept on with his insanity while the orc tortured him.

Faramir’s and Farahir’s cries mingled; Farahir’s screams and cries by what the foul orc did to him, and Faramir’s pleadings to make him stop while being held back by strong and painful orc claws.

He tried to come up with whatever the orc might find more interesting, but as it didn’t work and the orc seemed to do it all just for fun, he was on the edge to lose it. The other rangers were on the edge to lose it as well, but made it to keep silent between sobs of either fear or horror.

The silence which followed after the poor boy got his throat cut by a strong and deep stab and slice from the orc was heartbreaking for all the rangers, but it was the caring Captain who had the orcs’ attention.
Faramir had stopped breathing and felt the whole cave freeze in timeless pain and anguish, while the other rangers looked at the poor corpse with grief and remorse. Faramir took a deep breath as the orc moved towards him, and while the orc grabbed Faramir’s cheeks and made him face him, he could not feel the tears rolling down his face.

Without blinking, the tears rolled uncontrollably down his iron gaze.

“Did I kill your little friend?” the orc snarled. Faramir hated this creature with all his heart and soul. To the rangers’ surprise, Faramir roared at the sickening orc with all his might and the orc let go off him while backing away as the human had started to kick him in the legs.

He tried to wriggle himself out of the other orc’s captive, and wouldn’t stop screaming and roaring as his hatred for this creature overwhelmed.
“Get him to shut it!” the orc yelled, and Faramir was lifted from the ground as he tried with all his might to attack the orc before him. The captivator crushed Faramir to the ground which made an end to the screams. Instead, the captain panted heavily with a few groans while still trying to attack the orc.

The orc punched him several times until he lay still and silent. He bled from his nose, and could imagine two of his ribs broken. The orc placed a dagger pointing at Faramir’s throat.
Faramir swallowed some blood and looked at the strong arm which the dagger yielded to
“There’s a lot of noise from you, but not what I want to hear.”

The orc started to cut loose the leather armor and his shirt without minding stabbing or cutting him. The rangers saw blood color the ground beneath Faramir from the many cuts and stabs, and felt sick by the sounds of pain coming out from Faramir’s lungs.

After the orc was done, the rangers looked upon a half naked, bleeding and beaten down captain. A man dared to whisper “Lord, Faramir!” in horror, and the man was not sure why he had said it, but regretted it after seeing his captain’s reaction; he screamed and attacked the nearest orc to get the attention away from the his ranger.
“I hate you all ugly creatures of the dark, may you all burn in the flames of Anor! Or perhaps your own deceitful master’s flames!”

Having his legs and arms bound and being beaten as he was, he had not much to fight with, but a swing with his legs made an orc loose balance for some time, and it provoked the orcs to start kicking and cursing him.

He felt a vehement pain crush through him as the orcs hit his ribs and the wound in his thigh, and he moaned and sobbed thinking the kicking would never come to an end.
His cuts and wounds scratched to the stone as he rolled onto an orc’s feet to cling to them like a scared child. A last kick was placed on his hurt thigh before the orc he’d been clinging to, grasped him by his shoulders and pinned him to face down.

“This one has been under the whips.”
He scratched him on his scar covered back so forcefully he made new stripes of red. Lahadrar wept, seeing his young friend being treated like this while being unable to do anything, and some rangers who had not seen the captain’s dishonest back full of scars before, frowned even in this hopeless time.

“Hang him up the wall.” the orc ordered. Watching the orcs pick up the sweat, bleeding and tired Faramir, Lahadrar also glanced at some bolted rings in the mountain wall. He saw the orcs make ready ropes through the rings, and tied Faramir to them. He let himself hang by the ropes using them and the wall as support since he was to tired and beaten to keep himself up.

“Listen you worthless humans; I will give your precious little Captain one good swing for each time you keep silent, after that I have more fun for him, don’t you worry. This will gladly be an appetizer, but of course, your dear…” The orc looked at the bleeding and panting Faramir “…Faramir over here…”
he looked back at the trembling rangers “…will not think of it as so. It is your choice. Speak, or watch him suffer.”

The orc saw the rangers were on the edge to speak, so he turned quickly to snap the whip on Faramir. A quiet whimper from him made half the rangers close their eyes and throw their heads down. The orc repeated the action many hurried times, but as he realized these annoying rangers were not speaking, he hurried to Faramir and grabbed his hair.
Faramir muffled a moan feeling the tight grasp from the orc, and shivered as the orc whispered to him after tilting the head backwards to an agonizing position
“Do you like being treated like this, weak human? Do you want some more? If not you must make these slaves of yours speak.”

He let go of Faramir with a jerk and walked over to Farahir’s corpse. He kicked it and screamed to the rangers
“You want to end up like this fella?”

None of the rangers dared to look, but then Faramir yelled
“What, are you tired of me? You have to kick around corpses to fulfill your day?”
The foul orc growled to his men “Bring the salt!”
Faramir shifted in position and prepared for what to come. He took deep breaths and exhaled with eyes closed. A man closest Faramir, who had seen Faramir’s pleading face for each whip, leaned a bit forward to whisper “My lord?”

He did not have his own orc to watch over him, and was hidden behind other rangers, squeezed to the wall that Faramir was pinned to. Faramir’s bleeding body breathed, but his face told a different story.
His eyes were closed, and he didn’t seem to hear his man. The man heard the orcs coming back, probably with the salt, and he tried one last time
“My lord!” He got pushed slightly by another terrified ranger and they both widened their eyes hearing a slight trembling whisper “Make sure everyone keep silent.”

Shivers crept through Faramir’s spine as the orc placed himself behind him, and he could smell the salt.
“Sure you don’t want to spill where your company is?”
The orc breathed coldly on his neck.

Faramir filled the cave with torturing silent, and the orc made a move. The stinging pane that coursed through as the orc rubbed a fistful of salt onto his wounds made him arch his back and lift himself by the ropes.
His chest felt like bursting by the scream he held back, and he cursed the wall that kept him from getting away from the violating hands. It felt like someone ate his flesh just to put it back and tear it off again.
Drops of salt and blood got spilt on the nearest rangers as the vicious orcs bathed their Captain with the tormenting spice. He didn’t stand their vicious massage any longer and the suppressed scream that came forth made Lahadrar strive to fight back tears.

It was not only salt in those dirty bags, though he could not figure out what, it sure hurt.

A heartbreaking scream tortured the rangers’ ears as an orc bathed the wound on Faramir’s thigh with the tormenting sand. Their claws and hands could be painful enough without the salt, and he cried even more as the orcs got fiercer.

Some rangers wept of the helplessness.
They saw no way out from this grieving hour until a ruckus appeared from the tunnel. The orc who’d first started torturing Faramir stepped away from the suffering man and didn’t quite get what happened before seeing a huge warrior dressed in red and dark garment flash through his guards and cleave all at once in half.

Both warrior and orc roared as the warrior lifted his sword and cut the foul creature in half as well.
The rangers called out in relief and surprise “Boromir!” and Faramir sighed in relief as well when leaning towards the cold and wet stone wall. He had no energy left for surprise or wonder, he was only glad to know safety.

All of the orcs had been slain in seconds by Boromir and his troop. The general hurried to the terrifying sight of his mutilated brother as the other rangers were tended to.

“Faramir.” Boromir whispered, and afraid of making him hurt even more he didn’t touch him. He kept his arms protectively over him with a fist’s distance as he couldn’t find a place on his torso not violated “Answer me brother, are you alright?”

Faramir sighed and smiled even though he ached, and relaxed his forehead against the wall. The ranger who’d whispered to Faramir last, stared at his smiling Captain. He admired the brother’s bonds as he saw the strong protective elder brother stand behind his little brother with deep concern, and the other smile despite his fate.

As the staring ranger’s hands were untied, two soldiers hurried beside Boromir and helped him untie the younger captain. He couldn’t stand on his own legs, so Boromir held him carefully by under his arms when the ropes loosened. Faramir winced and yelped as the salt burnt by the movements to make him sit.

He felt his legs untwined and heard Boromir call out an order, but was too weary to perceive it.
Later the men came in with a wet blanket.
“Hang on, Fara.” Boromir said comforting to Faramir before he placed the wet blanket around his torso. To Faramir it was a blanket of pain and he tightened the grip around Boromir’s neck when he started walking after lifting him up.

Boromir gave orders and commands to his soldiers as he carried his brother outside.
As Faramir saw the sunlight outside he thought of Farahir who would never see it again, and worried his soul perhaps was lost in the cave. Boromir comforted him on the way to a lake as he wept in between moans of pain.

Faramir had almost lost consciousness when he felt water surround his legs and back where he lay in his General’s arms. He pressed his lips together to stop himself from making any more sound. By gently supporting him, Boromir let his little Captain stand on his feet in the fresh water.

Faramir supported himself on Boromir the best he could, and looked weary upon the worried expression on his elder brother.
The water was both soothing and burning to his injuries, but as Boromir sled the blanket off his bleeding back, Faramir winced and clenched onto him grasping his garment.
The elder brother blushed a bit when he had to keep Faramir standing by cupping his butt, and the water around them circled with both blood and salt.

Boromir placed his hand on his little one’s head and stroke his cheek with a caring thumb “Faramir?”

Faramir moved back in a crooked position and smiled, but closed his eyes abrupt by a clenching pain in his ribs.

Boromir’s attention was put away by an approaching soldier.
“My lord, we have secured area, and a tent for Lord Faramir has been put up.”
He had come running from the wood and had stopped by the waterfront as he had given the message. Right after, a healer jumped in the water and walked to stand beside Faramir.

Boromir looked pleadingly at him, and didn’t let go the worry even though the healer spoke reassuringly to his General
“He will be alright. Walk with him in the water to make sure most of the salt gets removed. And it seems like his ribs are injured so be careful.”
Boromir supported Faramir as carefully he could and started slowly to walk with him. He glanced insecure at the healer when Faramir grasped his arm in pain.
“It’s alright, Boromir. It will hurt, but it is for the better.”

The healer smiled at the uncommon sight of the great warrior; normally he would have told the soldier in his arms to stop whining and stormed the water with the crying man in his arms. Now, he moved tentatively, and wouldn’t give his attention to anything else. The healer walked out of the water, and called out to Boromir.

“That is fine. Come up and I will lead you to the tent.”
When Boromir walked with his brother, both dripping wet, Faramir made to speak despite his weariness “Thank you.”
Boromir kissed him soft but quickly next to the bruise on his cheek.

After Faramir had gotten his torso completely filled with bandages, and his thigh had been tend to, he was kept warm by blankets and placed by the bonfire. The men looked warmly at Faramir as they watched him sleep.
Boromir’s soldiers patrolled like never before to make sure their camp was safe. If the general noticed any of his soldiers linger, or not making sure of Faramir’s safety, he was quick to rise and make them.

“Calm down Boromir.” Lahadrar placed his palm on the strict general’s shoulder and made him sit. Boromir sat down by the old man and tried to relax as he admitted to himself he was being too strict.

This terrible place so close to Mordor sought out the worst in him, and with the enemy moving closer to his realm worrying his mind, it sure didn’t make it easier seeing his little Faramir so close from being killed. It had almost flipped him of the board.

He glanced often over to Faramir who slept silent in the warmth of the fire, then he rubbed his face and forehead to make himself calm down. Lahadrar spoke to Boromir in the soft murmur of tired men around them
“How is it that you came to our rescue? We were supposed to meet you at Emyn Arnen, how did you know where to find us?”
Boromir’s men didn’t ask questions like these annoying rangers, and he gave Lahadrar a strict and offended none-of-your-business gaze. Whilst Lahadrar looked upon the younger man unaffected and waited for answer, Boromir looked away and sighed before answering.

“When we got to your camp we saw the corpses. By the numbers we thought the rest of you had been taken captive and set out to find you.”
Lahadrar knew his General told a version of the story to lure the question away from why he’d sought to find their camp in the first place, but didn’t want to press him any further by asking too many questions, and as he could see there was something the general was about to say but didn’t, he kept silent.
“We found the trail, and I heard…”
by the last words his voice almost broke “…Faramir scream.” While Boromir looked away from the lieutenant and at Faramir, he fought the tears.

He swallowed his grief and rubbed his face before covering nose and mouth with his symmetrical praying palms.

Lahadrar rubbed Boromir’s back
“If it was your gut feeling that made it to us, then I say trust it with all your heart. Thank you, Boromir. It is true what they say about you indeed.”
One of the rangers ahead of Boromir reached out a bowl with warm soup “Here.”
Boromir accepted it but did only stare in it; his gaze searched for someone to blame among the vegetables and meat in the broth, as he’d not gotten enough anger put out on the orcs. The same ranger, who’d dared to whisper to Faramir earlier, dared himself once again and made a joke to Boromir.

“You’re supposed to eat it, not stare it to digestion.”
A dark and cold gaze from Boromir made all the rangers on the log in front of him shiver and lean back or slide away from the joking fellow ranger. After an awkward and frightening silence from them, the angry general looked back in his soup. Faramir had heard it all in his ‘sleep’, and spoke with a low and soft voice which surprised the men

“It’s true, Boromir, it is eatable.”

Boromir lost his distress when he met his brother’s warm and delicate gaze, and the rangers smiled at their Captain; it was good to see him as himself again.

Boromir walked over to Faramir to sit beside him “Do you want this? I’m not hungry.”
Boromir asked like a worried mother, and the rangers smiled by it, but made sure to turn away so the angry general was unable to see. Faramir smiled “If it’s Bommidos’ cooking, then no thank you.”

“Eey! I heard that.” The rangers laughed as Bommidos popped up from one of the tents.
Boromir smiled along with Faramir, and somehow he envied the relationships he had with his men. He got back to the worried brother as Faramir frowned in pain and placed a reassuringly hand on his forehead to caress the brows with his thumb “I do not know who made this soup, but you should eat.”

An almost unnoticeable nod from Faramir made Boromir put the bowl down, and then shift to help him up. Faramir made it fine to sit by himself, but Boromir watched him like a tilting crystal vase.

Boromir’s clumsy and tentative feeding made Faramir laugh, and some of the men tried to hide as they also found it quite entertaining. The younger brother grimaced in pain by the laugh, and after he let his brother fail on feeding him by spilling broth on his chin, he said somewhat laughing
“Boromir, I’m sure I can hold the bowl myself.”

With an askew mouth letting out a malcontent noise, Boromir wiped the broth away from his brother’s chin.

“You’re a nice nanny, but I can eat this by myself.”
Faramir continued the joke, but Boromir shook his head and turned to see if any of the men witnessed this humiliation. Everyone had gone to make their beds luckily.
The truth was that they wouldn’t dare linger any more as the sight of Boromir was too funny, but it wasn’t too long for bedtime anyway.

Boromir watched the fire and would not leave his brother throughout the night. Faramir’s lovely voice warmed Boromir more than the bonfire ever could

“How is it that you came for us?”
Boromir glanced at the men sleeping a bit far ahead, and lowered himself on his elbow to lie next to Faramir.
“I couldn’t stand being away from you any longer.”
Faramir looked at his big brother tenderly
“You big cuddle bear.”

Faramir was the only man who could get away saying such, and the great general smiled.

When Faramir noticed something troubling Boromir a while after, he whispered to know what it was. Boromir answered silently “When I saw your sword lie in the soil, I feared…”
Faramir placed his hand on his, and didn’t need to hear more. Boromir left it by that and felt a sudden drop at his face.
He gazed up at the sky
“It’s going to rain. Let’s get you inside.”
The healers helped Boromir carry Faramir inside the tent, and Boromir tucked him in with more blankets. When they were left alone, Boromir bent down and placed a kiss on Faramir’s lips.

“Good night, little one. We are going home tomorrow.” Faramir could not sleep as well as Boromir had wished him, for he could imagine his father’s look as he was about to come home earlier once again.

Faramir was right.
As Denethor got the news of what had happened in Ithilien close to Ephel Duath, he looked away from Boromir with chagrin. The sight of Faramir being carried to the houses of healing on a healer’s board by four soldiers made Denethor speak in dismay.

“I wonder when you are to stop rescuing that little brother of yours every time he fails. What do you expect will come of him if you tend to his rescue every time?”
Boromir was speechless and had troubles finding words “Father!” he let his jaw hanging as he couldn’t find words. Tentatively he spoke as it was hard not to seem agitated

“Faramir risked his life for keeping our position a secret. He endured whatever the orcs might find amusing to do to a human.” As Denethor watched Boromir with illegible eyes, Boromir puffed and turned to walk away.
Denethor called for him. He stopped, but fisted his hands without turning, not wanting to reveal his anger. As time passed by without a word, Boromir did turn, and Denethor could see the anger in his firstborn.
He spoke coldly “Faramir might have done well, but every time I send him out he returns wounded and unable to serve Gondor for days, maybe this time for weeks. I will speak with him when he recovers, but now I need you to fix things your brother has failed in and join me for meetings. There are things to be done, and plans to plot. We who still stands must prevent our lands from falling.”

Boromir understood, but couldn’t help the anger by the underestimation of his courageous little brother. He bowed and left.

In the healing houses the healer spoke to soothe
“You were lucky, my lord; I have seen men being treated far worse than this by orcs.” the healer thought he could comfort Faramir by those words, but really it made things worse.
Faramir had been staring blunt ahead of him all the time as he’d been sent to the healing houses, and the healers worried for him and had asked for Boromir, but he was kept all too busy by his father after the last mission had failed.

One of the several times Faramir had to be begged by the female healers to eat, to later succumb to Ioreth’s demands, Ioreth had had enough and knocked fiercely on a door leading to a court room. A servant came outside and told her to be gone or meet the consequences.
She didn’t care what the servant said and spoke demandingly with her hands on her waist “I need Sir Boromir right this instant. It’s regarding his brother.”
The servant lifted his brows and sighed ‘sooth yourself’ as he turned back inside the room.

The steward had let his attention go from one of his counselor’s to Boromir as the servant had taken his attention from the meeting. Denethor could read his youngest son’s name on his firstborn’s lips, and straightened up when he rose quickly as the servant nodded. Denethor knew exactly what Boromir was to ask for as their eyes met. To Denethor’s offence and astonishment, Boromir didn’t ask, he excused himself and left in a hurry.

Chapter Fourteen

After Faramir had been starting to eat again, and was fit to walk all by himself, he had found his way to the hobby room one night, to ponder in the fire with a single glass of red wine to keep him company. He had tried playing some music on the several instruments, but his head could only think of the poor boy who’d sacrificed his life for him.
He had been talking to Boromir about it that day when he had stormed in to the houses of healing to look upon his depressed little brother, and Faramir had finally gotten to cry his heart out in his arms, but he just couldn’t stop thinking about Farahir, and of course the other horrific experiences in the dark cave between Ithilien and Ephel Duath.
Not only had his heart ached at the time Boromir had held him, but as he sobbed and heaved for breath he felt every wound on his body remind him of the evil. He would have been ashamed if his father had seen him so beaten down as he was, but then the sour sweet joy of not having him there at the time prevented such an embarrassment.

Days later, he now sat on the couch in the warm hobby room in his dark blue night trousers with a bandaged bare upper body. He shone by the warmth of the hearth and looked blunt in front of himself with the glass in his hand between the legs.
He had spent many nights sitting there with only one glass of the red liquor which he had picked up from the kitchen on his way, but this time when he looked upon it, he thought of the blood running out of the poor boy’s throat when cut open by the orc chief.
The thought made him sick, and after putting the glass away, he rested his head in his arms. He was too tired to think.

His wounds protested the slightest when he lifted his head abrupt by a sound from the door as it opened, and Denethor stepped carefully inside. Seeing his son sitting sad on the couch, and wearing only his trousers and the bandages covering his torso, he tried to smile.

The son tried to smile back, but tensed and shifted as his father sat by his side. He waited nervously for him to speak and hoped a conversation with compliments could be at bay as Denethor used more time to find words than usual, and the fact that he didn’t look upon him. Meanwhile Faramir prepared not to ruin this moment and tentatively Denethor started slowly.

“I have learned what happened in the cave, and by that you have gained honor, well done, son.”
Their eyes were locked to one another while the steward complimented his captain, but when Faramir did not let a single word come forth though his mouth opened for it and instead threw his gaze to the carpet while closing his soft lips, the father frowned and spoke with a hint of chill like a sneaky first winter cold.

“You seem troubled. I recognize that look.”
Faramir didn’t speak. He tried to freeze this moment where Denethor had actually looked at him and saw him; saw his grief.

“Tell me what is bothering you, Faramir.”
Faramir met Denethor’s worried, but still strict gaze to speak, and when Faramir quickly looked back at the red carpet to collect the right words, the father took the chance to look at Faramir’s wounds. Though Denethor’s metal face lingered, his heart ached by the torment his son had been through.

The steward got both surprised and not by what Faramir said; he explained what Farahir had done, and how his mother’s conditions were. That he had been her only son and that she deserved a better house and someone to look after her. He also hinted to a proposition he had spoken to his father about before; having some sort of care house for the poor and helpless people left alone by the cause of dead soldiers.

Denethor had not entered to his son knowing this was bothering him, though that was not all of his son’s worst worries, but the son would never speak to him about them, and Faramir had gotten to know his father more like the steward more like his own kin.

They had the same arguing as before only Denethor spoke calmer and softer taking his earlier intentions in mind
“Faramir, I came here for your healing and worries, not some old woman who knew her son was to die some day or another.”
“But I feel guilt. I feel some responsibility, and it is not hard to build her a better house and give her perhaps some coins to live for.”
“That soldier gained honor by serving Gondor, and his mother should be content by that. We cannot give coins and houses to every family member to our soldiers who dies.”
His voice got deeper
”Do not fail me by retreating to your weak and soft heart and rebel against me once more, Faramir. This discussion…I will have no more of it.”

Faramir’s wounds along with his heart winced. He stared still at the carpet with his crystal grey eyes, regretting he had mentioned his worries.
Denethor had completely forgotten his reason for meeting his son
“I thought I had prepared you, but I fear you’re just as naïve as…” Faramir broke his father’s words and met his eyes with provoke “Father, please!” the son had not cut off his father’s words for a long time. His eyes turned from anger to grief and fright.

“It is not my intent to fail you or disgrace you or humiliate you or whatever you accuse me off. I do what I can in this war, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy it. I don’t like war and slaughter, but I do it to protect the lands I love, and the people I love. And I do it for you, because believe it or not I do love you.”

Seeing Denethor’s unreadable face and having the feeling of fright growing bigger within, he looked back down at the carpet while wounds poked and pinched him as his blood hurried past them.

He didn’t dare to meet his father’s gaze, and it would always be a mystery to him how Denethor took it since he rose and left without a word.

After lingering in the hobby room with emotions of anger, grief and loneliness punishing him for the once in a year chance of actually having a nice conversation with his father, he decided a good night sleep was needed, but then he stopped right in front of the door and thought maybe he could be so lucky that Boromir had gotten off early from his duties and waited for him in his chamber.

He felt lighter in spirit as he walked with his injuries through the hallways to Boromir’s chamber.
He looked around in the white and black hallway with a few beaming candles light, to see if anyone saw him before slowly opening the door. No one could be seen inside, but he smiled and closed the door as noises of his brother were heard from his bath place.

Faramir walked soundlessly across the room and placed himself in the doorway to the bath, watching his brother’s great body behind the curtain. He was probably naked, and Faramir smiled as he watched him dress after the wash.

Boromir drew the curtain away to look and smiled as he spoke.
“I hoped it was you.”
After putting his dark green trousers on, and throwing away some dirty clothes for the servants to pick up, he walked to Faramir and gave him a gentle kiss on his brow.

“Have you spoken to father?”
Boromir didn’t need an answer seeing Faramir’s eyes drop and mouth tighten, and almost jumped when Faramir raised his gaze and spoke “He was proud of me…”
Hearing good news of their conversation made Boromir’s brows fly, but hearing the rest: “…but… you know.” they quickly fell.

Boromir looked reassuringly at him and caressed his cheek
“Don’t you worry; you are making progress, he only needs time to see it.”
Boromir closed in on Faramir with a brushing hand at his ear, and Faramir’s cheeks reddened while he lowered his face in a smile and tried shyly and effortlessly to hide in the corner of the door.

Boromir’s breath caressed Faramir’s other ear and neck, and while the older man pressed him to the door frame, both hearts pounded more fiercely as they thought more and more of each other.

Faramir placed his hands on his brother’s waists and caressed him slowly and curiously with his fingers at the back moving upwards, and his thumbs at the front downwards. The inexperienced lover’s hands ended up carefully on Boromir’s buttocks, and the soldier’s broad shoulders and strong muscles made the slimmer ranger lean surrendering to the frame.

Faramir’s breath quickened as the more experienced lover carefully touched his neck with his lips.
“Boromir.”
“Let me kiss you, Faramir. I will do nothing more. Just let me kiss you.”

Faramir let Boromir crave as much as he could of his neck, and as the neck had been explored thoroughly, he carefully went up to his cheek, but it was Faramir who cupped his brother’s head and pressed deeply into a wet and passionately kiss where both stumbled over to the bedside. Faramir placed his knee on it before letting them both fall onto it with the willingly ranger kissing passionately on top of the happy general.

Even though Boromir could sense Faramir’s small winces whenever a wound hurt of the movements, he didn’t move to end it, but when the slender man stopped, apparently he had lifted himself on to his knees to straddle his general, the wound from the stab in his thigh had struck him with a strong pain, and he stretched out the injured left leg still sitting on Boromir.
The older brother looked at his little one with awoken eyes as he watched him draw away from the kiss and sigh when the pain released its grasp at him.

Faramir looked apologetically at his brother underneath him, but he only smiled a smile of comfort while stroking the foot next to his head.

Faramir was fed up with being wounded
“I can’t wait until these injuries are healed. Then I can cuddle with you as much as I want without having them pester me.”

Boromir grinned at his little one, and stretched his long and strong arm to press Faramir’s cranky lip downwards with his finger and let the wet lip flopp back again. He repeated this three times, making Faramir smile more and more for each, and finally the little brother let out a cute and warm laughter.

Boromir laughed along and rose up so Faramir ended up on his lap straddling, leaving the injured leg behind both physically and literally.

Faramir straightened up and pressed his groin together with Boromir’s, making him kiss his younger brother carefully not to touch any of his wounds on his torso.
“I love you, Faramir. I love the way you have grown. You just keep getting more and more perfect. You are perfect.”

It was a bit difficult for Faramir to understand why his brother loved him so, but he could imagine he spoke the truth since he felt just the same for him.
Going in for another kiss, Boromir sled his right hand from Faramir’s waist where it had grasped firmly and pressed him harder to his groin when the little one had teased him, to underneath his trousers and cupped his left buttock. Faramir’s cheeks burned and he embraced Boromir’s neck while arching his back and pressing deeper onto the man’s groin while hot emotions of lust stirred the ranger.

The older brother breathed heavily by the thrilling reaction he himself got and by the astonishing creature on his lap. A slight foxy smile emerged while thinking of his next move, and with half closed eyes resting in the air he prepared for Faramir’s reaction; he wanted to perceive it all.

Boromir went for it, and Faramir clenched to his older brother in his jerk of surprise while letting out a soft whimper by the finger touching his entrance.

“It’s alright.”
Boromir whispered and shifted to gain more control and steady his arching captain. Faramir had closed his eyes in the surprise, but opened them slowly by Boromir’s comforting voice.

He kept the embrace and panted on to his brother’s shoulder while waiting for his next move. Boromir sensed the fear in Faramir and went on carefully. Another, but small, jerk from Faramir as he repeated the action made Boromir lean his head onto Faramir’s, and comfort him with more loving words.
Boromir knew he was not that very nice to his brother, stirring such emotions within him knowing he was not going any further, but couldn’t stop himself just yet.

Faramir pressed his head against Boromir’s and let his breath do chills from Boromir’s ear and down to his spine, and when the general sled his hand further down and caressed whatever would appear between Faramir’s legs, Faramir moaned and tightened his legs while shifting closer and further up on the strong lap.
Boromir smiled as he had to strain his neck to keep it up in Faramir’s buck battling sort of love.

The pain in Faramir’s thigh could scream as much as it wanted; he was not letting it ruin this wonderful touch of his brother. Boromir grinned as his little brother’s body moved impatiently for more, and the dark blue trousers became the sea brushing against the green grass in the night.
Boromir sled his hand slowly over Faramir’s behind with a finger taunting the entrance before his lovingly hand appeared out of his trousers and moving slowly back to the waist.

“Don’t stop, please don’t stop, Boromir.”
Faramir whispered and tried to make him do more while buck battling to the chuckling brother’s head, but as Boromir did nothing but keep his firm grasp at his waist, he looked at him with his grey pleading eyes.
The eyes stared at the entertained and sexy brother with love and lust, but they calmed their intensity as they understood he wasn’t going to get more. Even though, Faramir stroke his hand down his older brother’s neck to perhaps make him respond, but stopped at his collarbone.

Boromir’s darker grey eyes smiled at his sad and a little confused little brother, then he spoke
“I love to touch you, and I love how you react to my touches, and I love you, and I lo… Ah, gods I could go on for ages, but I dare not cause too much on your body, dear Faramir. Your wounds are deep and many…”
Boromir kept on despite Faramir’s head shaking objections and sad eyes.
“…I do not want to cause you pain or delays of healing.”

Faramir played his fingers at Boromir’s collarbone while his sad but understanding gaze lowered.
“I am sorry I made you think otherwise, brother.”
Faramir smiled and glanced at him

“No, it is alright. I’m glad you…” A shy shift of Faramir made Boromir smile “…did what you did.”
The General hugged the blushing and smiling little Captain of his, and carefully he kissed his cheek.
“You are wonderful, Faramir.” He looked at his oh so yes wonderful brother
“It is late; you must go back to your room and get your rest. I also need rest for tomorrow.”
Boromir walked with Faramir back to his room and made sure he was comfortable before leaving for his own sleep.

Chapter Fifteen. Storm and engage.

The tall and strong stone walls of The white city sheltered its people from the cold wind made by a cruel storm coming from the cold north. Through openings in the walls the fierce wind found a way to remind the people of the harsh weather coming this time of year.
Even so, that wasn’t what bothered the youngest steward at the moment where he walked through the streets. Though he had left for peace, Faramir’s distress didn’t seem to leave as he walked further away from the citadel.

It seemed like everything boiled up inside just this night, and so typical; he wasn’t sure if he could keep his decency at the formal dinner with the family and his father’s company.
He had made love to Boromir for about a year now and wanted it more than anything else, but still he felt the passion grow alongside with the fear.
He worried his father would know just by looking at him; his gazes towards his youngest son had been filled with wonder, suspicion and fret.

He had seen wondering gazes being sent from Denethor to Boromir whenever he’d act childish or perhaps a bit too happy for anyone but Faramir to understand, but as usual his perfect firstborn would make his father let go of the case after a short reassurance, but still Faramir could see their father wonder behind his firstborn’s back and he feared for what he might do.

His tummy twirled as he worried, though under the most unlikely circumstances he might meet his father doing a quick errand in the soaking wet streets. The rain was soft but thick, and the few strikes of wind made the youngest steward grasp his hood.

He had no plans to where he might end up after leaving his quarters, but the usual panic striking him before meeting his father had struck harder this time, and he had to leave immediately. In between worries and fear, he sought a place to stay for the evening, or perhaps the whole night as he had no idea how to greet his father if he’d show up late for the family evening meal.

He passed doors, people, trolleys and stables, but could never be far enough away from the citadel and his demanding and disapproving father.
People gave the unfamiliar young and good looking person peculiar looks as he hurried past them. He hid under the hood when soldiers would stand guard where he went, or patrol past him; he didn’t want to talk to anyone, just hide.
After turning around a corner he saw a light at the end of the street which could be a nice tavern to hide in; it was far enough from the citadel and still it seemed like a nice and appropriate place.

As he was about to head for the small tavern, a stern but soft hand grabbed Faramir’s shoulder and he jerked around and back to face whoever had caught him.
Faramir had feared one of Denethor’s brainwashed soldiers or worse; Denethor himself, but as the wet face of a worried, but happy-to-see-his-little-brother Boromir brightened up, he sighed
“Boromir!”
“I hoped it was you. I was pretty sure it was.”
Boromir spoke calm in opposition to his anxious little brother. While gazing around for unwelcomed bystanders he brushed Boromir’s hand off and asked.
“What are you doing? You should get ready for the supper.”
After perceiving there was no one around and his nerves calmed, he looked questioningly at Boromir as he’d remained silent in the pouring rain.

He could read his brother well where he stood like a lost pup in the rain.
“Boromir, I don’t want to come back with you. I ran off this once to be able to breathe. I…I can’t stand father’s gaze this night, brother.”

In relation to Faramir with the somewhat waterproof cape and hood, Boromir looked like a drowned cat without shelter. But the rain seemed nonexistent in Boromir’s mind right then; Faramir was the only thing in the city that seemed to touch him. Faramir couldn’t bare the disappointed silence.
“It is if I can feel his whip on my back just now. I can feel the blade at my neck.”
The youngest brother was scared and tired, and the lump in his throat clasped.

“I dare not think of more as I know why I feel the cold blade at my neck. If I cast any more bad reflection on father, especially this, if he finds out…I don’t think he is ever going to let people know why I simply just disappear one day with no traces from my existence. Or perhaps my head will roll away from Gondor after it is chopped off and…”

“Speak no more, little one.”
Boromir’s words were firm like mountains as they always were when speaking of protection for something dear to him.
“Father will never do that even though your thoughts of him not loving you are correct. But I know he loves you, and he would never do that. I will not let him anyway. I will never let him hurt you ever again.”

The older brother’s attempt to calm his little one failed as Faramir’s heart doubted every word and despaired.

A strong blow of the wind kept Boromir from hearing the sob from his upset little brother as he threw his gaze downwards while trying not to break apart, but he could see the sad face underneath the dark green hood. He cupped the wet cheek to make him face him and almost pulled him close for a kiss while wanting to bring him home in his warm embrace by the hearth. Faramir spoke ahead of him.
“However…”
Faramir jerked away from his touch quite anxious and his voice shook.
“…I can’t go back. I fear what will happen if I do, and besides, you will do great with father. There’s no question that he loves and admires you and he will probably be pleased to have some time with you where I am not present. Please, go so you don’t have to explain why you’re late. I hate to make you lie.”

Boromir nodded and moved his hand to Faramir’s shoulder. He gave him a hug, a lingering hug which made Faramir’s loneliness the rest of the night enduring.

The morning damp of the storm still made the walls wet, and where Faramir walked through the empty streets this very early morning, a child drew circles and figures on a dirty wall.

The small child turned to look upon the weary but gracious man as he was passing with barely a glance at him.

“Good morning, mister.”

The thin and small voice greeted him, and as he stopped in surprise and met the dark brown big eyes in the pale and dirty face, he smiled and nodded so the child smiled back to him and the chubby cheeks shaped the sad eyes into a smile as well. The youngest steward bit his teeth to go on further up the circles and the child waited until the strange man he’d never seen before was out of sight before turning to draw on the dirty wall again.

Denethor had summoned his youngest son to his room after breakfast where Faramir had not been present.
‘Boromir must have made the time with father quite worth the while since he’s not screaming’
Faramir thought while his father spoke

“I understand, Faramir that you are young and restless, and probably want to spend your nights out in the city. It grieves me however that you do not come to me about the issue; instead you sneak out and lie. I have tried to teach both of you to be honest and true. I see that Boromir is coping far better than you at this.”

Faramir couldn’t look at his father any longer as he was about to fall to his knees and tell the whole story.

“I hope that you turn the tides with your dishonesty, for else I must take precautions or make you face the consequences.”

A silent while past between them where Denethor saw Faramir sway the slightest while staring at the floor in shame, and the father could only see a problem child face its uselessness once again.

“I hope you understand, Faramir. I also hope that you do change to the better, and that I do not have to be bothered by you in the future. When Boromir is now reaching for the rule, and when he does, I pray that you agree with him and do whatever he orders you too. I will turn in the grave if you disobey him as you do with me.”

“I will promise Boromir to follow him just as I have promised you, father. I will give my life for Boromir, do not be afraid of any treason from me.”

Faramir had not yet dared to look at Denethor as he was on the merge to release the rumbling feelings, and hoped he would stand his ground until having his leave.
Denethor squinted at his son who loved his brother more than him. He couldn’t blame him though, Boromir had been there for him when he had not, and he knew nothing of what they had together, but he knew it was something strong.
“You are dismissed.”
Faramir bowed with a quick glare at his father and left.

Just before Boromir was about to grab the handle, Faramir jumped up from the red quilt.
“Wait!”
Boromir turned to look at his half naked brother still with his wavering hand above the handle, and his little brother continued.

“We must figure out different excuses.”
Boromir stepped two steps closer to his lover while gesturing and speaking as if it was the simplest task.
“You have been caught in a book and skipped out on time…”

Faramir gestured hectically.
“No, we have been using that excuse far too many times.”

Boromir had been closing in on Faramir, and smiled “But you do that far too many times too, little brother.”

He ruffled Faramir’s hair and turned to the door again saying.
“While you have been reading your life away, I’ve overslept.”

The general turned with a smirk at his malcontent and unconvinced brother. He stepped out of the bed to dress after glaring at the easy going man, and stood now with his trousers on and hands on his waists while glaring at his still smirking brother, and then he looked away while shaking his head in unwillingly agreement.
“Alright we can go by that.”

He looked again at Boromir “But next time we have to find something better.”
Boromir was gone and Faramir did not look forward to meet their father with his low excuse.

The winter in Gondor had gone easier than usual and the brothers had gotten more time together than expected, though Faramir was often sent to Ithilien to maintain the refuge Henneth Annûn while Boromir got to stay home in the warm citadel while learning more of the stewardship.
Years passed where Faramir spent a lot of time training and patrolling with battles and hunts in between to keep his lands safe, and the steward spent a lot of time teaching his oldest son how to rule a kingdom.
Boromir understood that his father was keeping a sharp eye at him as there was something he knew was kept from him, so the heir deleted Faramir from his mind to seem like the old Boromir again, and even more whenever around the steward. But he turned guilty and struck with sadness and loneliness in the evenings where the longing for his little one was strongest.

A late night in one of the splendid springs in Minas Tirith where Faramir had turned 24 only weeks ago, he was kept busy by paperwork and planning of a new construction in the city.
Since the day Boromir had rescued Faramir from being burn marked by two poor and desperate elder boys, the two steward brothers had been spending some of their free time from Denethor’s orders to help the villagers.

Since Boromir was mostly occupied by his father in the citadel or meetings and planning, Faramir had more time to help and assist the villagers who got closer to the youngest lord day by day, and he created good relationships with his people and enjoyed every moment of it. It delighted Faramir even more as Denethor approved this as well.

Whenever the oldest brother could help out, he wished to do more practical tasks, so Faramir would often do Boromir’s paperwork while he helped building, carrying, or whatever hard work the people needed. Sometimes Boromir would bring along some of his soldiers too and they would have a great time at the Silver boot after a hard day’s work.

As the night got older, Boromir would come to Faramir’s chamber for a jolly ending.

This night he had a bad conscious leaving his little brother with the boring protocols, letters and notations, and opened the door to his chamber silently. He was in a sorry but silly mood, and if he was lucky, Faramir would be standing ready to be ambushed by a love sick brother.

As he opened the door without a sound he heard Faramir humming. His lovely voice calmed the goofy state of his elder brother and all he could do was listen while staring at him from the door.
Faramir was wearing his new ranger equipment his father finally had handed out, and was standing by the second chair at the desk. He was submerged into a paper held by his right hand and Boromir thought his beautiful brother’s singing was like the most adorable bird in all of Arda. He could be a rare eagle soaring the sky in freedom, but he frowned by him wearing the ranger uniform.

The worry of having his brother sent on another mission made him forget about the ambush and didn’t concern his stealth anymore while walking towards the calm man.
Faramir was deeply concentrated in the papers and didn’t notice Boromir before he was in the corner of his eye, and he made a sudden stop in his lovely humming after he got startled by the sudden appearance.
His attentive eyes shone upon him.
“Greetings brother, have you enjoyed yourself this evening?”

The youngest asked while turning back to some other papers at the desk. He hid his smile, knowing exactly what went through his brother’s mind and placed some papers in a pile. Boromir smirked with dark eyes at his adorable hard working brother and loved it when he acted formal towards him even when they were alone. It was like a teasing challenge to bring down the wall of uptight official behavior that surrounded him.

He cupped Faramir’s waists in his hands and rested his head on his shoulder. Faramir stood smiling and felt warm by his brother’s hug. It looked rather funny with the pickled elder brother snuggling at the busy little brother who accepted the hug but still waited for it to end so he could finish off with the work.

As Faramir raised his hands still with the papers in them to give a hint, he waited for Boromir to free him. He didn’t let go and stood like that for a while with Faramir patiently waiting, not that he was that much against the demanding brother.
After a shooting star fled across the dark sky outside the window, Boromir spoke “You have a beautiful voice, Faramir.”
Faramir leant his head against his brother’s, and smiled.

“Mother taught me.”
Faramir glanced at the window and pushed backwards so they stepped away from sight.
Then he turned to face his brother with a concerned open shining face, but Boromir smiled to show that the mention of their mother had not hurt him.
He loved it when Faramir praised their mother by either singing, reading or even mention her, sadly Denethor never did. Faramir understood he was only trying to be strong like their father when he saw the painful beat in his brother’s heart force him to lose sight to the floor and the smile fainted.
Still with his papers in his hands, Faramir hugged his elder brother softly. Boromir felt better holding a bit of his mother in his arms, and leaned his chin on top of his little brother’s head with a sigh.

Faramir rested on Boromir’s collarbone and could feel the vibration on his chest when he spoke “Will you sing for me?”
Faramir smiled and started humming. Boromir faded away in the viral voice and almost wept as he could picture their mother in front of him, telling how proud she was of both of her sons. The lump in Boromir’s throat grew as he thought of his father and little brother.

His little one had started with some recognizable words in between, but laughed a bubbly laughter as he retreated from the hug to look at Boromir while speaking.
“I do not remember all the words mother used to sing, but I remember how it went by voice.”
“Keep going.” Boromir made to say despite the tightened throat. Even though Faramir noticed, he leant carefully back to his brother’s strong chest and started humming again.
He felt Boromir’s grip tighten around him after a short while, and he thought it sad that Boromir hadn’t got to listen to their mother sing as much as he.

Faramir stopped humming as the hug got even tighter; even underneath his leather armor he could feel Boromir’s hard muscles press against him.
“Boromir, dear, what’s wrong?”
The great warrior sat back at the bed so Faramir had to surrender to his knees still in Boromir’s tight embrace.
As he felt the strong brother tremble around him and release a few sobs he also felt a lump grow within.

“Boromir.” Faramir’s voice broke and made the warrior sob even more. He embraced his crying brother and tried once more “Boromir.” but it ended up in both of them sobbing and weeping in each other’s embrace. The younger brother embraced his elder as hard as he could and tried to comfort the devastated man.

Boromir missed his mother a lot and sobbed greatly. Faramir’s light tears rolled along with his brother’s and they stayed like this for a long while.

The tears of Faramir was brushed off by the broad shoulders of his brother as his hands were tied, and his knees started to ache by the cold floor, but he waited patiently for Boromir. He was glad to see his brother alright again when he finally spoke after a sniff and wipe away of his tears.
“Why are you wearing your ranger clothes?”

Faramir smiled and said as humble as Faramir does “I am an archery teacher for children. Earlier today I had my second class, and they are great, though I miss the discipline of the rangers sometimes.”

Boromir smiled and stroke him on the shoulder.
“You’re the best teacher which they are blessed with.” Boromir said and leaned carefully in for a kiss. Faramir met his lips and was about to caress his cheek when he realized his hands were full of papers. He waved them in his lover’s face and he retreated blinking and dazzled until he saw what was flapping in front of him. Then he smiled and let his brother rise for his desk.

Faramir hurried to gain control over the papers once more and sorted them to finish them off the next day. In the meantime, Boromir looked foxy at him and leaned back at the bed while sniffling one last time before speaking seductively.
“Do you remember the first time, Faramir?”
Faramir froze for a second over the desk and papers before blushing in a smile “Yes…I do.”
Boromir laughed.

“I remember wondering if I ever got to do you since you got home injured all the time.”
“That is why I finally got to kill the orcs before they could even scratch me; I thought of you fucking me.”

Boromir struck back by laughter, and lay down at the bed laughing even more. The thought of his brother killing for a fuck was hilarious to him.

Faramir giggled.
“What? You would not touch me if I got injured so I decided not to.”
With Boromir laughing in the back, Faramir smiled still sorting papers. The heir pictured thousands of orcs between him and a ravaging Faramir.
Slowly Boromir’s laughter calmed and the ranger shook his head while still sorting papers.
“I’m glad you have this ambition Faramir, not just to have me rule you in bed, but also…” Faramir froze while bending over the desk for a paper by Boromir’s cocky remark. This Boromir had noticed and therefore he stopped and waited in excitement for the scowling brother to turn for his backfire.

When he met his little brother’s challenging glare from over his shoulder, he leant back on his hands with a grin.
“…admit it. I do rule you in bed.”
As Boromir saw Faramir straighten up in a matter where his hands slid on the desk threateningly, he sat up and waited expectantly. The ranger turned his foxy and challenging cocky gaze to his older brother and walked silently and slowly towards the bed.

Boromir’s eyes sparkled as he looked forward to take this audacious ranger down. He spread his hands, inviting him inn.
“Come on then.”
Faramir measured him with a narrow smile which turned to a grin while shaking his head and he turned back to the papers.

Damn it, Boromir had been too willingly for the fight and now Faramir was leaving it. He dropped his disappointed hands on his thighs and was about to plead for him when he abruptly turned to charge at him faster than Boromir could react.

Boromir screamed in both surprise and laughter when his little brother had jumped on him and pushed him to the bed.

“Ahaha, remember, Faramir, the tickle rule! No tickling.”
It didn’t matter what Faramir did, Boromir was to win whatever tricks his little brother might come up with. After a lot of tumbling and fumbling, Faramir ended up on his tummy with his face covered with his own ruffled hair, and Boromir with a triumphing laugh on top of him.
“I wonder little one, since we are at the topic and I am quite recollective this night, what did you like the most about our first time?”
With his voice muffled in both quilt and hair and the weight of his brother on top of him, Faramir barely made it to understandable words.
“You know that, Boromir. You have asked me a hundred times.”
“Say it again.”
“No.”

“Say it or else I might smite you with my passionately strong hand on your passionately pleading butt.”
Faramir could not believe his brother and smiled.

“My, Boromir! That was a new one.”

“What? I cannot hear you. Why do you have all that hair in your mouth, my precious little brother? You make a fool of yourself, here, let me.”

While brushing away the hair from his little brother’s face he smiled. A small thank from Faramir and Boromir straightened up making Faramir moan by the weight.

“Now, where was I, oh yes, repeat what you liked the most about the first time I…”
“Boromir! Get off.”
Boromir laughed.
“No, dear brother, you know the rules, and also the consequences if you break them. Let me give you a reminder.”
Faramir’s eyes beamed in horror a split second before clasping them shut as Boromir spanked a short scream out of him.
Still quite muffled in the quilt, he yelled afraid of more pain “Alright I’ll say it!”
Boromir grinned, still holding his hand firmly on Faramir’s burning butt.

“I loved that my rough strong brother could be so sensitive while…”

Faramir felt his face burn and his groin swell as he remembered;
The way Boromir’s arms had kept him safe while going deeper inside by every thrust, and the reassuringly voice which spoke comforting every time a painful whimper or moan would finally make its way through the restrained and frightened younger man.

“Remember how you hurt yourself the time you rode me?”
Faramir shifted embarrassed, but smiled in the slightest shame.
“I remember. And you have been afraid you were the one not able to control yourself.”
Boromir laughed short.
“But I was afraid I’d hurt you, not myself.”
“Oh, excuse me for wanting to be fucked mercilessly by you.”
Boromir bent down to Faramir’s ear.
“You want me to do that now?”
Faramir’s face flushed and he couldn’t stop the words from leaving.

“Oh, gods I want you to.”

By that Boromir lifted Faramir up to his knees quite mercilessly and started undressing him by brutally unlacing the armor. After pulling of the vest where the shirt followed and left his little brother’s splendid naked torso to his sight, Faramir loosened the gauntlets and threw all of the armor on the floor. Boromir had accustomed to the scars and made them a reminder of how much he loved him and wanted him well. He gave him a long deep kiss on the neck before pushing Faramir back to the bed aga. The slim ranger kneeled while supporting himself on his elbows with his body trembling by anticipation.
The general tossed his own tunics off and placed himself on his knees behind his captain to undo both of the trousers’ lacings by each hand.

Faramir couldn’t help it but feel the tiniest fear as his big brother pulled his trousers down and placed his hard shaft between the buttocks as he bent over him to snuggle his ear.

Faramir swallowed and stuttered while Boromir was rocking him and stimulated his nipples while breathing softly close to his sensitive ear.
“When I meant mercilessly, I didn’t think you’d skip the…err”

“Don’t worry, Faramir. I will never do anything that would hurt you; you know that, at least not that much.”

After those last words, he left Faramir with the slightest concern on his brows, but when a sudden exploding wave of wet pleasure shot through him as his lover had started preparing him with his mouth, he let out a loud moan.

“Oh, gods Boromir! I’d never expected…imagined…oh god! That’s…”

The Gondorian General came forth to his panting lover’s ear again after making sure his entrance were wet and slick.

“You ready, Captain?”

Faramir wasn’t quite sure what he meant at first, it had been such a surprise what he’d done, but when a hard and piercing faith struck through him from behind, he screamed of both pain and pleasure.

He was determined to cope with this new treatment as he’d put himself in to it, and grabbed whatever he might get a hold on to. With the sheets in his left and a pillow strangled in his right, he grasped them not to scream any louder as Boromir’s thrusts started a bit more painful than they used to.

Faramir groaned passionately and stubbornly while grasping the sheets as hard as he managed as the thrusts were hard and painfully. Boromir stopped and bent down to his little brother.

“You alright?”

When Faramir’s head stopped spinning and he had caught up with his breath, he spoke both passionately and hoarse while glaring in front of himself where his hands grasped the fabric.

“Uhh, uh, yes. I’m alright.”

Boromir started carefully to move again while checking out for Faramir’s reactions, and as he got positive feedback from the man underneath him, he started as fiercely as he’d planed.

The young Captain groaned between clenched teeth, and felt the sheets friction while the fierce General had obeyed his commands and did actually fuck him mercilessly. It took a while before he actually did get used to this treatment, but he didn’t mind as he wished Boromir the opportunity.

The younger brother almost dragged the sheets off the bed as he grasped and pulled at them in his hurricane of unbelievable pleasure and intoxicating pain. Drops of sweat rolled down from his face, neck and body, and he had nowhere to go as Boromir’s hands held him at place by the hips so he could thrust as deep as he wanted.

At one moment Faramir had felt his brother hit a delightful spot inside of him and as he’d hit that spot several times, he’d almost gone mad by the ecstasy and groaned quite loud while grasping the sheets, and when it was hit repeatedly and hurriedly by the hard thrusts, he reached his climax with a loud moan which he subdued in the corner of his elbow.

Boromir started moving even fiercer. Faramir hoped his general would reach his climax not too far ahead as affliction ruled his body after pleasure had left. Even though it was painful, he wanted to endure it for him, but as the strong and demanding thrusts started to become more and more painful, he grasped Boromir’s arm by his waist instinctively to make him stop.

Boromir groaned as he was reaching his climax, and had just loved it as he’d finally got to do Faramir the way he’d wished for so long. He didn’t want it to end, but as he could not control himself any longer, he did reach the end of his endurance and ended the act by slowing the pace. It wasn’t until now that he noticed the grasping hand of Faramir around his wrist on the lovely hip in front of him.

He’d forgotten about Faramir for a while, and by the sight of his brother hiding his face in his elbow, he worried if he’d hurt him and listened to the sounds to figure his condition.

To Boromir it sounded if his Captain was in more pain than pleasure, and instantly regretted his submission to his needs and bent down to his beloved.

“Faramir, are you alright? I’m sorry I shouldn’t have…”

After moaning in pain, Faramir, with his hand still grasping Boromir’s, waved his other hand and muffled inside the sheets and his elbow.

“No, no it’s alright. Just…aah, don’t do any abrupt movements.”

Boromir couldn’t help it by smile of his brother in this particular position, with the rapidly waving hand underneath confirming everything alright when obviously he was in large pain.

He saw him wince when he pulled himself out as slowly he could before lying down next to him on the choked pillow. With his arm steadying his head, Boromir met his little brother’s worn out face when he finally got out from the corner of his elbow with quite a painful expression, and a rapid breath.

“I think I hurt you a bit.”
Boromir started in apology, but Faramir frowned and tried to disagree.
“What? No, no, no. It’s… I’ll be alright. I asked for it, remember?”

“Did you get any pleasure out of it at all?”
Boromir asked not the slightest convinced.

“I came for Valar’s sake. It was after that the pain was almost unbearable.” Faramir moved, but stopped abrupt “Aah.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t notice. I was in my own pleasurable sky. Oh! How I loved doing you like this, little one. But I’m afraid I’ve hurt you a great deal, you’re not moving.”

Faramir cocked a brow and started to move his elbows to get up, and the general worried as the young ranger’s face expressed great pain and instead of getting up, he shifted his legs to lie down on his tummy still with pain ruling his behind.
“I just need to rest a bit.”
Boromir sat up to check on his lover, and sighed inward by relief as he saw no blood.

“Come, let’s take a bath together, we don’t need to hurry as we have the day off tomorrow.”

“Ooh, that will be great.”
Faramir murmured and shifted to roll onto his back, but winced as pain shot through him and he gave up the mission.

“I did go a little rough on you, didn’t I?”
Boromir muttered a bit malcontent.

“No, no.”
Faramir said just as he had done twice already.
“It’s alright. As I said, I asked you to, now, go get ready that bath and I’ll join you in a moment.”

Boromir took on his pants and went to place a kettle with water in the hearth while Faramir strived to sit. Boromir noticed his brother’s strivings, but let the stubborn man call for help after realizing he was forced to.

The strong general turned to see that his captain had made to pull his trousers back on and was lying on the bed.

“Faramir!”
“I’m alright, I just need some time.”

Boromir shook his head; ‘If he needed a break after pulling his pants on then certainly he couldn’t possibly walk by himself’ But when Boromir turned back once more after setting the third kettle, he abruptly rose to assist his lover.
“Faramir, let me help you. Dear Valar, did I fuck you that hard? You must tell me, Faramir! Stupid boy!”

Faramir had done it fine by himself from the edge of the bed to the bed post, but as Boromir had seen the post was the object keeping him up so he didn’t fall to his knees, he hurried to his side and helped him back on the bed.

“Aah, Boromir not so fast. Fine, I’ll rest here on the bed for a while, and then I’ll be fine.”

Boromir stood up and shook his head at the outstretched creature on the bed.
“Just give me a minute and I promise you I am back as normal.”

Boromir laughed at his stubborn brother and went to the bath place to get ready the tub.
He remembered Faramir as a child. Whenever he would get hurt or beaten in fight, he had strived to hide his pain and tears not to seem weak. He had always tried his best to be just as strong as his older brother who always won and rarely cried.

After he had made ready the tub and everything, and the steaming water waited to embrace the steward brothers, Boromir placed himself in front of his little one and with his hands at his waists he spoke.
“Well?”
Faramir aimed to move, but a threatening pain in his butt made him quit the attempt maybe even before it began, and Boromir cocked his brow and tilted his head while smiling at his striving brother.
“Aren’t you coming? I have given you more than a minute.”
Faramir sighed while closing his eyes.
“It hurts too much. You…”
“What?”
“You have to help me up!”

Boromir smiled a bit at first, but he was truly mad at his brother for letting him hurt him so and turned serious while helping him to sit maybe a bit too roughly.
“Ai, why do you speak soft but treat me rough?”
Faramir complained, but his older brother sat down on his heels and looked upon him while speaking as he’d done so many years ago whenever Faramir would have done anything naughty.
“I have told you a thousand times you have to tell me whenever I go too far!”

As Faramir grimaced in pain while sitting, he faced his brother’s strict glare.
“Forgive me, Boromir if I have upset you, but it’s not as bad as it seems. I’m just damn sore, and it’ll be over by tomorrow. I don’t regret it, on the contrary; I’m happy to finally experience it, and I’m also happy that you got to do it. You’ve always wanted to. I know that.”

Seeing Boromir almost come over to the side of convincement, he added.
“Besides, this will help me endure another ravage fuck, right?”

Boromir couldn’t believe his brother’s statements, and couldn’t help but smile by his unbelievable brother. The smile turned to chuckling, and as the chuckling turned to laughter, it later made the astonished Boromir burst out in cries of laughter so he almost lost balance on his heels.
He turned back to chuckling as he rose, but as he shook his head and was heading for the bath, he burst out once more and had to lean on the door frame.
Faramir looked a bit dazzled and confused at his hysteric brother “What?” But couldn’t help but laugh as well by his jolliness.
“Ooh, Faramir. You’re really something. I think that’s why I love you so much.”

He sighed of weariness by his outburst and sled his hand up the frame to lean his forehead against it, and smiled to his confused brother from under his arm.

“But it’s true.” Faramir said.

Boromir couldn’t stand another laugh, and lifted his other hand while his tummy threatened to do exactly that.
“Say no more!”
The truth of the older brother’s outbursts was not only what Faramir had said; it was as simple as that that he was truly happy, and that Faramir had endured what he just had to fulfill his brother’s lusty wish, backed it up greatly.

It was a quiet evening in the citadel, and Denethor the steward ate his late supper in the hall, though alone, he felt at ease and pondered in his own jolliness. He chewed while humming a jolly song of the rising sun which had glued to his mind as he had heard it earlier that day.

~Flashback

In his late supper, Denethor heard soft voices quarreling in the hallway and turned in his chair to see who might come out of it and enter the great hall. He recognized Faramir’s childish and disagreeing voice, but he could not hear what he disagreed with. The quarreling couple needed to come closer if he was to hear that the second voice was his firstborn. When he did hear Boromir’s precocious and persuasive voice strong but lowered, he smiled and wondered what the two might be up to this time, and waited to see the two children appear.

Denethor saw what he expected; a determined Boromir appeared grasping the hand of a frightened and reluctant Faramir.
“Father…”Boromir started.
“Bromir!”
A small soft and frightened voice from Faramir tried one last time to stop his brother from acting, but the older brother jerked his hand and made him silent. When Boromir had dragged his rebellious little brother all the way to their father he spoke agitated.

“Father, Faramir wants to come with me to the encampment and I need you to tell him he can’t. And tell him to stop bothering me to join any of my training or missions.”

Denethor smiled amusingly to his blushing and rebellious youngest son, which did not dare to meet his father’s eyes.

“Boromir, release your brother’s hand so he can come to me. Faramir, come over here.”
The small child knew things would get worse if he ran away as he thought of it just as soon as Boromir let go of him, he knew that from experience, so he walked over to his father with the older brother still annoyed in the back.
“Is this true, Faramir?”
Faramir swallowed and spoke clearly while meeting his father’s eyes.
“It is true. Though I know I can’t and are not aloud, I still want to. But I guess I need to stop complaining and leave my brother to it. I am sorry, Boromir.”
The small adorable grey eyes melted his older brother’s heart; likewise the father’s when they met his once again. “My apologies, father. I shan’t pester Boromir ever again.”

~End of flashback

Denethor’s usual stiff and grey face could almost crack when a small smile emerged in it as he thought of this memory while spacing out in the hall. He felt hungrier than usual and started on his second plate of delicious food.
Another memory emerged; it was a summer where Denethor was wishing Imrahil welcome in the great hall when they heard sudden screams in the hallway to the steward sons’ rooms.
“Boromir, stop. Please, just leave me alone this one day! Uncle Imrahil is coming and I’m already late! Give it back! Boromir!”
It was a time where Boromir would tease his little brother maybe a bit too much as he had reached puberty and his chest revealed growing muscles.

A young Boromir came running and laughing out of the hallway with a white cloth in his hand, to disappear in another hallway. Denethor chuckled remembering Boromir like that, though he was too old for such behavior. A smile emerged remembering his youngest freeze half naked in position in the doorway as he realized someone present in the hall. He didn’t chase Boromir, afraid to expose himself further, and seeing his uncle and father he turned abrupt and ran to his room.

Denethor grasped his cup and chewed once or twice before taking a nice sip of his wine. When he heard a door open in the halls of his sons, he stiffened and couldn’t believe his ears as he heard the familiar sound of his sons’ noise. He thought it quite ironically that he perhaps was to collect another memory of those two make a ruckus in his halls just as he had went through the others.

He turned with a curious frown and waited for the two energetic sons of his to turn up, and the noise was quite larger as they had grown. He thought for a second if they actually had a real and quite serious argue this time, but understood it was just their new way of fooling around when Boromir’s laughter echoed the halls shortly after.

The soft and jolly voice of Faramir sounded, and Denethor smiled by his sons’ happiness, though he thought it most inappropriate of his grown sons to act like they had lately. Boromir had now crossed the age of thirty, with Faramir being 26, and still he had not found himself a lady to marry. He waited curiously for them to appear, but did not get more glimpses of them than Boromir dragging Faramir along by his head to the entrance to the garden. Boromir gave his father a short smile before goofing along with his little brother again, while Faramir gave his father an apologizing look under Boromir’s neck lock, and shouted about him acting silly and childish as he had done through the whole journey through the hallway.

Denethor turned back to his plate shaking his head. He went perhaps a bit solemn as he thought Faramir quite alike himself.

The men’s fight continued on the grass in the garden with servants and gardeners watching the entangled ball of bent arms and legs where Boromir was taking the lead. The crickets jumped elsewhere and started to play their abruptly interrupted songs once again. The maids where doing the last and final brush of the porch before going to bed, and some of them had been standing with the broom in their arms and watched the silent star bright sky.

Most of the servants, especially the women, had to suppress chuckles and keep on their work trying not to be distraught by their lords. The old servants were used to it and enjoyed the brother’s good relationship, though their real quarrels and fights were not a jolly sight. In some of their fights not even the guards dared to stand between them; the only thing that had stopped the vocal fights had been Faramir who had noticed them going too far and had everyone’s attention. He knew what his father had to say to him if he ever found out about him going against his General. With the ladies standing with a distance with a hand on their worried chest, he would raise his head and excuse himself.
The physical fights were rare, and would of course end up in Boromir winning, but the temperamental older brother would in the end feel bad about it and hurry of somewhere else to bang on a tree.
The newer servants didn’t know the steward brothers well enough to quite understand and had to be explained by the older, as they would stand shaking like a leaf in the storm after witnessing Boromir’s wrath and Faramir’s courage to stand up to him.

Luckily; these great fights became rarer as they grew older. The young servants watched the brothers from a far with great curiosity and fright, but got reminded not to if they wanted to keep both jobs and lives as a curious servant was not exactly appreciated in the citadel.
Whenever the youngest Faramir would scream out, which he did right now while being pinned to the grass, “I yield, I yield!” the women chuckled, and an old routine was repeated.

Boromir turned to where a small laughter could be heard on the porch, it was the oldest; Maya, where she twirled dust with the broomstick on the white porch behind a fence of bushes, and then he turned smiling at the panting Faramir beneath him “Listen, brother, they are all laughing at you.”

“They are not laughing at me; they are laughing at you because you have to knock down your little brother to keep your conquering at bay.”

Faramir’s neck was revealed as his tunic had been dragged along with his arms on his back, and the hair was inviting Boromir by lying like a horse’s mane behind his ear. It made the older brother bend down to his teasing brother and almost nuzzle his ear when whispering “Do you want me to conquer you after abducting you to my room?”
The young ranger blushed and loved the touch and voice of his playful General, but had been under his control for so long, and even though he did love it, he was tired of being the ‘maiden’ all the time. And he wasn’t fond of him saying such arousing things in public.

• 
  No matter how much he fought, or no matter how he countered Boromir, Boromir would always be the one ending up pressing him down to later make him moan, scream and arch with pleasure while being ‘conquered’ by him.

Later that night they had placed sheets and pillows before the hearth to have a nice time in Faramir’s room. Mostly their more romantic and talkative moments were spent there, and the noisier events with grappling, banging to the walls and table, with growling table fucking moments were at the older brother’s room, though sometimes Boromir would make sweet tender love to Faramir there whenever he’d come home with injuries or being sore from earlier treatments.
These were the moments Faramir liked the best, though he highly appreciated the other form, but it reminded him of his first time with his sturdy and handsome older brother. Now they were sitting before the warm and calm hearth, where Faramir rested the glass of wine in his hand on his lap covered with a white sheet.

“I love you so much, Boromir.”

Faramir said while glaring happily in the flames and leaning on his naked brother’s shoulder. He tended to say that often when thinking that death was lurking around the corner on every mission, and perhaps around his father, though he’d accustomed a bit more to that fact and Boromir had calmed their father’s suspects so the younger brother could relax.

The sheet was shared with his mighty General, and the muscular arm lifted to cup Faramir’s cheek without making him loose sight in the fire. Faramir turned out of the caress and looked at him when he noticed the kiss placed on his forehead had something in it.

The older brother didn’t look back at him while retreating from the tender kiss; he kept glaring in the warm dancing fire, and as usual he moved his eyes like he did when striving to find words for his thoughts.
“Boromir, what is it?”
Boromir shifted uncomfortable and sighed through his nose while looking down in his dark red wine.

“You always seem to notice when something’s amiss.” Boromir smiled still with worries in his eyes, but seeing Faramir’s more concerned look as he sat up to face him, he started carefully to line up the unpleasant words.

“Father doesn’t approve of my behavior.”

By this Faramir felt a pinch in the heart, and glared in his glass before staring back at his brother to hear more.

“He thinks I behave to childish for my age, and that I need a woman. But do not worry; I know how to counter him.”
Boromir seemed so sure and lifted his chin in his stubborn way. Faramir frowned curiously; this he had to hear.
“I told him you were my little brother, and I would always be there to remind you of it.”

Faramir’s eyes smiled along with his soft lips curving to his adorable smile which Boromir could not resist touching before going on. He too smiled shortly before turning annoyed by his own words.

“About marriage I do not know. I have troubles talking to father about it; he is quite pushy and actually gets angry with me, which he rarely does. I…I can make love to a woman, and I know I have to marry a lady soon, but…”

A knot tightened in Boromir’s tummy, so did Faramir’s throat. He had not seen his older brother this troubled for many years. His soft voice reached his older brother’s ear behind the straight hair.

“Marry a woman.”

Boromir looked abruptly on his strong and slim brother who continued with a soft and understanding voice.

“I will not fret or hate you. Do not worry for me; I do not want your relationship with father to tear because of me.”
Boromir didn’t like it when Faramir did this; shutting his needs and emotions out for other’s well being, and his little one was not letting him object.

“You like Tiriamulie, right? You have been dating her many times and you have gained a great relationship with her, and father approves of her. I think he is letting you choose, but his patience has an end.”

Seeing Boromir’s older sad and worried eyes searching desperately for other options, his heart beat in frightened anticipation, but got relieved as Boromir’s voice spoke calm and accepting.

“It’s true; Tiriamulie is a fine woman indeed. And we have gained a great relationship, though it feels wrong. It is you I love, and I feel I do both you and her wrong if I am to give her my official heart.”

Faramir smiled awry hearing him mentioning an ‘official heart’.

“It is one of the things we put upon ourselves while dealing with this secret, and think about it; it could have been worse.”

A displeased tilting head of the older man made his hair fall to the side and comfort him just as much as his little one’s words. Then he spoke.
“I will choose Tiriamulie then. But that means she must move in to the citadel and take your place in my bed.”

An angry heat emerged in the older man’s body, and Faramir tried to think of comforting words as his brother’s angry face were peppering with despair.

“It makes things a bit harder than usual, but we still have my room.”

“And when you marry?”
Boromir barked, but when seeing his brother’s sad and struck reaction, he forgot his own worries and sat up from the bed board in minor surprise and a face of concern; he was afraid he’d made to hurt his little one again without meaning it.

It was confirmed when his adorable little brother spoke with the deep and warm sad tone he so often did when referring to his father’s thoughts of him.
The sudden anger was not meant for Faramir. The gentle man knew this, but threw his gaze down as in a defensive reflex. He kept his gaze down when speaking low.
“I don’t think it matters for father if I do marry or not. But I guess I have to when I reach your age not to gain any bad reputation among the men and father. Perhaps I can wait longer than you; I can devote my life to the war and have that as reason enough to stay away from marriage, and…”

The older man took Faramir’s hand in both of his, and the younger brother looked into his older brother’s eyes while speaking and not knowing whether to smile or not.

“Maybe I’ll never marry, and things will get easier for us, but if it comes to where I have to marry as well, I will have one at bay.”

What Boromir didn’t know was that there had been many women showing interest in the youngest lord while he had been out in the city to assist his people, and if the day came where he needed a woman, there were many to choose from.
Boromir’s brows revealed his displeasure of this, and he drew breath to disagree, but knew these were somewhat true words.

“Alright, then; it is settled. I will marry Tiriamulie. Now, I do not want our evening to be ruined by more talk of this matter.”

Boromir said while caressing his brother’s cheek after putting his glass in a safe distant from their nest in front of the friendly fire. Faramir smiled using a bit more time to let the case rest, but when he did though, he placed his glass of wine away after taking a sip, and lay gently down at his brother’s feet with a content look.

Boromir brushed Faramir’s hair making his little one close his grey eyes and enjoy the love and warmth. The skin of the younger man was smooth and shining from the fire, and the sheet had sled of him revealing his strong, steady and graceful body of a ranger.

After sliding his hand from shoulder down to waist, and continuing down his hip to thigh, Boromir leant forward and startled Faramir by joining his lips with his own, but soon the Captain would welcome and appreciate the lips which later went down his neck.

“Come.” Boromir said and beckoned him to sit up while he changed position.
A foxy small smile from Boromir while he placed himself in front of his little brother, made Faramir wonder what his brother might be up to, but when Boromir leaned forward and kissed him deep and wanting, Faramir inhaled his brother’s scent mingled with wine and let himself be pushed down to the white sheet twirled with the red, and enjoyed the broader body embracing his.

When Boromir went lower, and lower, and even lower; Faramir blushed only by the surmise of the brother’s intentions. The Captain opened his mouth with a smile to give a comment of some sort, but was given no time for words as Boromir swiftly made him moan by his wet tongue at his length. While brushing his seducer’s hair back with his fingers, he saw his lover’s deep concentration, but only shortly; for Boromir’s skills made his Captain arch his back and neck so his hair twirled in the white sheet underneath his moaning head.

This was one of the moments which made the gentle Captain feel embarrassed when facing his men for the first time after a lovemaking with his brother; thinking that he had been taken like this by a man; his General; his brother; a male lover, where he had the role to lie there like a pleading maid and serve his General in total different manners, to later stand forth several men to lead.

It was always weird to attain the dominant feeling back, but Beregond would help his friend to gain back routines and remind him that he was a leader and a lord. Whenever Faramir’s troubled face was to be revealed from behind the mask of title, Beregond had seconds to ponder on his Captain’s mystery.

Faramir found himself on the merge to come while lying there in his brother’s grasp. Boromir noticed by his change of moans, but instead of making him scream in ecstasy which he surely would when coming, he made him growl when the General stopped to crawl back up to his face.

“Boromir, you get back down there.”

The older brother grinned and chuckled at the sight of his pleading little one underneath him with eyes closed and brows curved in deep wanting.

“Please, Boromir get down again and I will…”

The cocky brother smirked while waiting for the weaker brother to meet his gaze. When he opened the eyes, he also opened his mouth to bark.
“Boromir!”

A small chuckle from the General made the Captain’s eyes burn.
“You’re mean!”

A swift movement from Boromir flipped Faramir onto his tummy with one hand at his back and an insulted moan.
“Yes, I am, little brother.”
Boromir said while starting carefully to prepare him for penetration.
“Please…”
Faramir started begging for the sake of his behind as it was sore from the night before, but Boromir was quite careful and the oil was soothing.
Though Faramir thought his brother quite mean and selfish by his quite intense foreplay, the night turned out to be one of the nights where the older brother had been the most gentle with his little one, and they’d danced a slow dance on the floor with moaning and panting in both slow and rapid paces making the windows damp.

Both steward brothers were tired on an early meeting with the council, and sat nipping to sleep in the beginning of it. Later Boromir made it fine not to seem too tired as he did most of the talking, but everyone noticed their General had not gained much sleep since he was in a foul and cranky mood, and since not many dared to speak against or make remarks about Boromir’s solutions or ideas, the meeting ended sooner than expected, but lasted for a long time even so.
Faramir spoke less than usual. Actually he didn’t speak at all; he only nodded once in a while when his brother looked warningly at him to make sure he would not fall asleep since he knew what their father would do if that would occur.

Faramir tried hard to keep himself up straight in the chair with eyes forgetting themselves once in a while.
The meeting had been called for only minutes before, and Faramir was shaken brutally awake by Boromir as he had to tell the maiden who knocked the door not to come in.

She had simply told through the door that she would come back, and gave the news of the meeting. Both men had jumped from the bed to wash and dress to hurry of to the council.
After the dull and pointless meeting where Faramir had not participated at all, to his father’s satisfaction, he strolled down the circles in the sun down to the stable to greet his horse. He was tired and sighed relieved while dropping his head backwards to gaze at the sky when thinking that the meeting had been set this early on short notice only for his father to attain more information to his suspects. After the dull meeting, Boromir was sent to another meeting with his father and a few more, and Faramir had worried his brother might be set up to an interrogation, but smiled teasingly to his tired brother before leaving, and walked through the great doors with a polite nod at the guards.

As he walked all the way down to the stable, he greeted people politely. He thought his horse could give him a nicer start on the boring day, but right before entering the stable he abruptly froze at the entrance and stared horridly in front of himself where hey, horses and stable men were busy doing theirs.

His own body froze numb and aching like poison soaring through him. As the world went on, his thoughts galloped to his rooms in the citadel. The sound of an icy cold window cracking made his nerves shatter as well, but it was an impatient horse’s nigh in the stable which sent the youngest turning like a strong and swift wind in the air to sprint as he’d never done before up the circles, thinking only about the chamber still filled with sheets and glasses and…alas anyone noticed!

The maiden! She said she would come back, and he had not cleaned up as he’d used to. His boots clamped the stone as he ran like never before. Not even when a hungry wolf had been running after him in the woods he had run faster. He cursed and cursed inwards while jumping and running past every obstacle.

The unlucky man and Captain of Gondor felt his lungs scream for a merciful pause, but his frightened heart pushed his trembling body to never stop running; through shortcuts he’d learned as a child he stumbled and tripped. He could picture both Denethor and Boromir in his doorway with guards all around to take this perverted and treacherous Captain away, ‘poisoning the heir with his witchcraft learned by none other than his wizard mentor’. Faramir’s fantasy ran loose.

‘The meeting was said to be of importance’ He cursed even more while running three steps in one jump in the last stair to the great door to the damned great hall. The damned meeting had been as dull as ever, and had only been of Denethor’s interest to brag about his firstborn, while Faramir could have been back at his chamber to clean away his and his brother’s ‘mischief’. ‘Damn it all’.

The sprint through the great hall wasn’t noticed by anyone except the slightest bewildered guards which had greeted the youngest son of the steward a while ago. All the important people were at duties, and the maidens in the rooms to clean.

He paced down when he reached the steward sons’ hallway, and trotted towards his door with all the prayers to the gods in mind. To his outmost fright the door was open and the damn light from outside shone through the window and further through the door to the hallway where Faramir stepped carefully to see who might be inside.

It was Maya putting the dirty sheets from last night in a big basket, and the cups she was putting in a smaller basket. Faramir couldn’t keep his heavy and striving breath aside and fright beamed in his grey eyes. The old woman simply turned with a smile.

“Greetings, Faramir. You look exhausted, have you been out for a run?”

Faramir slammed the door shut with an unusual threat in his appearance.

She became serious and knew what the poor young man could be desperate enough to do.
“Don’t worry, Faramir. You do not have to strain yourself doing unnecessary planning inside that lovely head of yours. My mouth is shut.”

When Faramir’s threatening appearance did not seem to vanish and while struggling to keep his breath calm, Maya smiled again to reassure him, but when Faramir spoke, she made sure not to smile too wide.
“What exactly is it that you will not tell, and to whom?”

Faramir’s earlier nanny answered with the slightest pity and comfort in her voice.
“For some while I have known. Don’t worry my child, I knew it would occur sometime or another.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have watched you two grow up together, and I know what you have felt for each other. I’m happy that you’ve finally found happiness, and that this tension between you and lord Boromir is over. Don’t worry, dear Faramir; your secret is safe with me.”

Faramir felt ashamed and helpless, and couldn’t yet believe this kindness. He saw the woman was nowhere to be convinced otherwise and studied her for some time before realizing she did actually know.

“How long have you known?”

She looked compassionately at her angry and frightened young lord for a silent while before speaking like she always did when Faramir would ask her for advice or comfort as a child.

“I must admit this is the first time I have found such obvious evidence.”

Faramir shifted nervously as if her every word could be heard by the entire castle, but he held back to let her speak.

“But I have had my guesses for some time.”
It looked like the poor young man was about to have a heart attack, throwing up and run away at the same time. He turned as his breath went to restrained gasps and his heart ached of distress. He had killed before and knew how to do it in many ways. He had done awful things in the war and the images of what he might have done to her for the protection of Boromir he strived to push aside.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, dear. I will help you with this. Though I understand your reaction I hope you can learn to trust me. As I said; I am happy for you, and I will continue my duties as I have sworn, but keep this secret. I see your happiness greater than my own life, my lord.”

Faramir wanted to embrace the old kind lady who had always taken care of him, and moments ago he had considered hurting her greatly. He couldn’t sort what was worst; the shock he’d felt, the surprise of his own selfish and evil thoughts to this innocent lady, or the relief he yet not entirely could admit.

With great forces of his willpower he made his voice seem strong and authorizing, but the woman heard his distress.
“Thank you, Maya. I can take care of the rest from here. You may leave.”

He tried to keep the decent attitude, and keep himself higher than the servants as he had been told and done at the turn of 16, but as he had not turned back to face the woman who had practically been his mother, his eyes drowned in tears and his lips trembled to keep away the sobs and whimpers as he heard her lovely voice.
“You are not alone on this, Faramir. I will help you with what I can; cleaning this without anyone knowing for instance.”

He made a whisper of a thank after putting himself a bit together, but the tears shed as she placed an arm on his shoulder, and he embraced her back while letting go of all courtesy and manners.

He shed his salty tears in her dry and old hair while she stroked his back with a great care. She couldn’t help but smile as the last time she had done this for the boy he had been eleven and just gotten a beat from his father.

Memory ~

An eleven year old Faramir leant on his arm to the stone wall of the inner hallways with his other hand holding on to a hurting behind. His clothes were wrinkled and messy, and a small gasp echoed the hallway as restrained pain from the brave chest forced its way out. It was evening, and darkness filled the hallway with only a few candles lighting up a chair and a table used mostly for decoration. The chair seat was covered with red fabric, and the patterns circled beautifully.
The young boy tried to shift position to ease the burning pain on his buttocks.

The lesson was given so that he would never ever again run in front of visitors approaching the citadel. Faramir had become too happy when seeing his uncle Imrahil, so he had run out of the greeting line from Boromir’s side to greet Imrahil who was caught by surprise at his grown nephew. He had not seen him for many years, and the man smiled to his nephew who resembled his mother so much by his bright approach, and the boy had grinned like a star back at the astonishing man on the white proud horse.

“Faramir, know your place.”
Denethor had gently but coldly told his youngest after greeting the guest.

Faramir did not know whether to sit or stand at this rate. The pain had forced him to stop and lean at something in the hallway after only a few steps from the room where Denethor had mercilessly beaten his youngest bare behind with a strong and thin lash.

The young boy didn’t know what to do when the door opened some time later, and when he met his father’s gaze standing like this, the loneliness felt heavier when the man simply walked ahead without even minding the child a single word.

Another gasp left the pained body as he straightened up to keep on, and he clenched his fist determined to get to his room. He walked along the hallways with a silent and lonely gasp once in a while echoing the walls. Tears welled up in his eyes and he wanted to fall to his knees, but the unexpected strength in the boy made the last part when he lifted his gaze and saw the door to his room.

As he entered, he closed the door to shut his father and the punishment out, and while leaning to it he let out a pained sob. He hated his father right now. He hated him.

Why? What was so wrong in showing his love for his uncle? Was it expected of him to behave like the boring and restricted grown up already? He was told to know his place. Was Boromir told to know his place? What kind of place was he to hold exactly? The last in line? The worthless child his father didn’t love? The child who had killed his mother by just being born?

The angry and frustrated steward walked through the hallway to his chambers after bidding his brother in law good night. He had an annoying feeling within which he could not sort out.
He sighed and turned around a corner to some stairs which could be any stairs it wished, the steward was so lost in thoughts he let his body move by memory.

He hoped his youngest would stop being so cocky and think himself more important than his older brother the way he’d run forth to greet Imrahil before everyone else.
Though he reminded himself of why he’d lectured Faramir about these rules, he could not stop thinking if he had acted right or if he had gone too far…No…
The steward’s eyes closed in malcontent and he felt a headache emerge. His steps up the circling stairs slowed as he opened the grey and tired eyes in a sad wonder; perhaps he had been a little harsh on the child.

Denethor thought back at his frustration and sadness of being left alone after his lovely wife and star had died; he had refused to have another son as it would weaken Findulias even more, but she didn’t want Boromir to grow up alone. Now his firstborn had turned 16 and didn’t need his little brother anymore. He had other comrades and had to learn of his duties.

Faramir was only an obstacle now, and he had to remind the child not to hold the heir back. He was surprised of his own thoughts while beating his youngest, of how he was not going to let this impossible child threaten his rule, and blaming him for Findulias’ death, and even not wanting to be compared weaker than his new fencing teacher in beating.

He massaged his forehead while actually feeling ashamed of himself; he had to apologize to Faramir. ‘Poor child; living in these hopeless times. He knew Boromir would do great, but Faramir needed to get rougher. ‘Ah, that’s why Faramir just have to endure it’ he excused himself.
When he opened the brown door at the top of the stairs he jumped when realizing where he actually found himself; the palantir was set on a table before him in the dark tower.
He left all his thoughts in the steps of the stairs and locked them away with the shut door before strolling to the ball covered by a brown fabric.

Faramir slammed his fist on the door and leaned on to it while growling in pain and hurt before shedding his tears on his sleeve.

“What happened, my little lord?”
A warm woman’s voice was almost not reachable to the boy’s ears as his sobs and loneliness covered his mind. He straightened up and turned without letting go of the support of the door to see Maya, his nanny. A tear or two rolled down from his sad and lost eyes, which made the woman fall to her knees to embrace the child.
Both from security and pain he started crying in her arms.

“Why doesn’t father love me? What is wrong with me? Why does he…?”

The voice broke to let him cry out on her shoulder, and the woman didn’t know of any good answers to the child; she could only be his support for a short time. But as she noticed how great physical pain he expressed, she looked worriedly at him while grasping his arms to both look closely on him and support the unsteady creature.

“Tell me what happened.”

A last tear rolled down the wet cheeks as his face turned into metal, and the poor boy’s actions; drying his cheeks while taking a deep breath to later shake his head, made the woman tighten her lips and stare him in the eyes.

“You do not have to tell me, let me at least help you. Where are you hurt?”

“I can manage to help myself, thank you.”
Faramir’s gentle voice melted the maid’s heart.
“No, my little lord. I can cope with some of your strivings, but not when you are hurt and I can do something about it. Hm?”

Faramir blushed and shook his head once again, but stepped away from her while blushing stronger and glancing at the ground when she asked if Denethor had spanked him again. She knew the steward gave him no mercy on the subject.

“You can choose to tell or not, but please at least let me care for you so you will not go sadder to bed than necessary.”

The red thin marks on his back and buttocks startled the maid as she tended to his wounds with warm cloths and salve before twining him with bandages and a nice clean nightshirt. The marks had been greater than ever, and somewhere there were strikes given so hard it had made bloody scratches.

Faramir had not been too happy about this embarrassment, but as she had covered him with the quilt and the feeling of her caring palm through his hair after everything she had done for him, he felt much better and drowsiness made his sleep deep and safe all night.

Maya had to stay up almost the entire night doing her duties as she had spent the time at her little lord’s care, but it was all worth it as she knew he could sleep silent and free of pain at least this night.

When she was on her way to him the morning after, she met Boromir in the hallway.
“Good morning, lord Boromir.”
“Good morning, marvelous Maya.”
Boromir stopped and bowed to her with an energetic expression and a charming smile.
Maya chuckled by the nickname he’d given her some years ago when she had helped him hide Faramir from their father when he had been sneaking in to his older brother’s room after bedtime.

“Where are you off this early?”
Maya asked the usual sleepyhead.

“I’m on my way to tell Faramir that uncle Imrahil is taking us to ride lessons. I know he’ll love it.”

Maya went stiff and silent, but startled and bewildered her hands and eyes to find words after the lord Boromir smiled and bowed shortly before wandering off to Faramir’s room. She calmed herself when the boy turned at her call.
“Faramir is not feeling quite well this morning I believe.”

By that Boromir gave the maid a concerned gaze and went off even faster than earlier to his little brother. The maid almost facepalmed as she had not made her idea quite straight; Of course Boromir would run off to his brother hearing such news.

She had not taken Boromir’s great care of his little one in mind when trying to give her little lord peace and discretion as it seemed he wanted that, and even though the firstborn had reached this age and was supposed to be the royal courtesy etc etc, Boromir lost all courtesy and manners when it came to his little brother, unless Denethor was to be seen.

She hesitated to follow, but she was also on her way to Faramir’s room, and perhaps she could be of need.

Strong knocks on the door met Faramir’s dreams and he was barely awake when Boromir entered without answer.
“Faramir? I heard you were not feeling well.”

The boy was lying on his tummy with his head soft on the pillow, and faced his brother with sleepy eyes, and blinked to wake while smiling to the older handsome and kind brother. He shifted his arms to turn and rise, but as he winced and stopped by the movements as the salve had lost its purpose, Boromir looked worriedly at him while sitting down on the chair next to the bed.
“What illness has come to you, little one?

Faramir wasn’t sure what to say, but when Maya entered carefully he switched the subject to her welcome.
“Maya, is it late since my brother is here? Usually he is the last one getting up from bed.”
Boromir smiled and rolled his eyes as both Faramir and Maya laughed at him.
“Alright, alright, enough.”
Boromir said smiling and with the same energetic and cheering tone he had spoken to Maya earlier, he told Faramir about the lessons Imrahil was to give his nephews.

With support from his nanny, Faramir declined.

“You sure you don’t want to come, I have seen you train in a much worse condition than you seem now. You sure you don’t want to?”

If Boromir only knew how much Faramir would like to. It grieved him to the root of his heart when Boromir expressed disappointment before kissing him better and rose to exit. But then Boromir turned to his sad little one.
“Uncle is staying a few days more, and if we both get up early we can be sure to have another lesson with him, perhaps even fencing lessons. And then we don’t have to worry about grumpy old teachers. May that thought help your recovery, little one!”
Faramir had smiled of his older brother cheering him up, and grimaced while feeling a tingle in his tummy when Boromir had kissed him twice in his face before leaving with a great grin at both Faramir and Maya.

End of memory ~

Luckily, the brothers needed not to worry too much for the maidens’ speculation anymore as Maya was there. And the fact that Boromir was not always to find in his room could be explained that he had started staying the night out already at his 16 birthday.

Maya felt the grasp around her body had been stronger than the small child years ago, and smiled once more before speaking still with the man embracing her. Seemingly he had stopped crying.
“I’m sorry to break this lovely moment, dear, but I must get going with the sheets and cleaning.”
The grip of Faramir hesitated to let her go; perhaps he was frightened still if she would be true to her steward and tell about his secret the soon he lost sight of her. Hesitantly he loosened the grip around her.
“Yes, of course.”
Faramir said silently while retreating from the woman. She gave him a reassuring smile and wandered off with all evidence.

Faramir dropped himself sitting on the bed in complete exhaustion. His eyes were heavy, and he blinked foggily at the door. He was not supposed to do much that day and thought perhaps he could just stay in his room. He noticed he still trembled by the shock, and his clothes were still sweaty from the run.
The door almost vanished in a drowsy like dream, and he frowned when the dream played distant and determined footsteps. When the steps got closer and louder, the door was opened and a man cried out in relief as he slammed the door shut and threw himself on the tired man.

Faramir smiled as he noticed half asleep it was Boromir who had savagely entered his room to kiss his brother all over. Even though Faramir was quite worn out, he made his bubbly laughter filled with energy and thrill. The older brother moaned in happiness to see his little brother.
“Ooh, little brother. I missed you so much under that horrid meeting, oh, my dear little one.”
Boromir caressed the reddish blonde hair while kissing Faramir’s cheeks.
“Err, Boromir…”
“My sweet Faramir.”
“Um, Boromir…”
“Oh, I love you so much little one. Arg, I hate marrying Tiriamulie, though I think it’ll be great, but I’m going to miss you even more.”
“Brother, there’s something I…aah.”

Boromir had started kissing his brother’s chest as he’d ripped the buttons open on his tunic.
“I’m going to turn mad of just missing you, oh, Faramir. I love your voice, speak more.”
“Well, if you let me then I would.”

Boromir abruptly got up from the smooth and pale skin to look at the smiling brother, but then Faramir beckoned them to sit up again with a need-to-talk expression. It made Boromir sit on the edge of the bed ready to listen and give his brother his full attention.
“I think I may have done something really bad, or really smart. I don’t know. But please understand, and don’t be mad, I had no choice, and I trust…Maya.”

Boromir’s brows had frowned more and more, but he had not lost his calm as Faramir had spoken. Now he stared hard, making Faramir stumble in the words.
“I didn’t return to the room to clean up after the council; forgive me, I forgot. Instead I went down to the city, where it suddenly struck me. And I tried really hard, Boromir I really did, but Maya was here cleaning up when I entered…”
Boromir listened intensely, and surprised the explaining man as he listened with unexpected calm and patience. Boromir didn’t speak in the stunned break of Faramir, and he kept explaining with a worried frown.
“…she said she had known about us for some time, and that she wanted to help us keep it a secret. I trust her Boromir; please tell me you do too.”
Boromir answered his brother quickly to calm him “I do.”

“I trust you know the servants far better than I, and Maya has taken good care of both of us, mostly you.”
He ended with a smile.
Faramir studied his older brother with wonder, and searched the broad face for answers of this calm and patient person who had taken over his brother. Faramir’s heart beat when he recognized his brother had grown to be this handsome and good man with compassion and trust in his soul.
“So we trust Maya then?”
The worry on Faramir’s brows had not left when he asked the reassuring question.
Boromir had smiled and been happy when entering, and only frowned hard when hearing what his brother had to tell before turning just as happy again, but now he turned quite serious and stared his brother in the eyes.

“Yes, as I said, I do trust Maya. She loves us, especially you, and she knows the penalty…”
He lowered his voice.
“…for what we are doing. I trust she will not even think about it when facing anyone else. I know you mean a great deal to her. And she doesn’t participate in the gossip and will make sure no one gets to even mention the subject of being even possible. Perhaps she’ll even figure out something to prevent people from speculating on the matter as well.”

Boromir saw Faramir’s face lighten and he nodded as the General calmed him down. Boromir had entered the room with a lust of his little one’s touch, and seeing his own words calming the worried and frightened brother, the feelings stirred once again.

The older man smiled and his eyes revealed the lust. Faramir smiled and dropped his gaze to his hands shyly with a tiny blush, and when he met his older brother’s gaze one more time with a cock of his brow and a small tease on his lips, the older brother searched swiftly for confirmation.
He could see Faramir was tired and still a bit flustered, so he carefully stroke him on the shoulder with silent brotherly love.
They had managed to keep their secret for so many years now, and even though Faramir had managed to relax somewhat, he could still see the great worry within, and it grieved the older brother that it also started to get a grip on him.
“It’ll be alright, little one. We should see this as an ally, not an obstacle. Don’t you think?”
Faramir smiled “Yes.”
With a foxy glance at the door, Boromir grinned to his brother
“Is she coming back?”
Faramir looked at Boromir with the same knowledge as earlier and answered silently with a suspicious tone “No.”

Boromir gave his brother a foxy grimace before rising to walk towards the door with slow steps, and as he grabbed the door lock, he looked at Faramir for reaction.
The young Captain tilted his head tiredly while giving his brother a give-me-a-break look.
As the lock shut with a quick slide from the General, Faramir dropped his gaze to his hands on his thighs and felt butterflies twirl in his body.
He had wondered if these feelings he had for Boromir would decrease by the years, but his older brother seemed to never stop surprising him by growing in both mind and body and making his blood stir. Boromir would always be broader, bigger and stronger. Though Faramir often tried to overcome his brother in strength and battle, and though he slowly faced the annoying truth that he never would, he also loved it.

The gentle and strong hand of his General stroked him on his shoulder while sitting down next to him. “Are you tired, little one?”
Boromir had a few intentions in mind when locking the door, but as he saw his brother’s reaction, he sat beside him instead. Faramir narrowed his mouth and with a swift and elegant movement he used all his body weight to get on top of his brother on the bed.

The older brother was surprised, but gladly received the slender body tossing itself on him, and after placing his hands on Faramir’s back he looked up at a tired face though with a shiny energy still lingering inside.
“And your next move, Captain?”
Boromir teased, and made his little one sigh and drop himself down on the broad chest.
The older brother laughed and made Faramir smile by the jumping chest he rested on.
“I’m sorry, Brother. This day didn’t exactly start on my terms.”
“Aw, my poor little one. Good thing the only thing we have left is…”

Faramir’s ears twitched as the silence had been abrupt. He noticed Boromir’s joviality had vanished too fast, and frowned before lifting himself from the warm chest to look at the now serious and worried brother.
“What? What is it that we have left?”
Boromir dropped his hands on the mattress and sighed while glancing at the ceiling, and he hesitated with the slow answer.
“Father had a chat with me at the end of the meeting and council…”
Boromir didn’t like that his words now worried his little one rather than calming him.
“He wanted to have dinner with us this night…to talk about…”
Seeing Faramir’s horrid eyes in his motionless face, Boromir dropped the explanation and grabbed his little one to squeeze him in a loving and caring hug.
“Oh, brother I can’t stand seeing you like this! Please don’t be afraid, I’m sure it’s nothing you need to be afraid of, in fact it isn’t. He just wants to talk about your future. About your marriage and position in Gondor and…”

Boromir let the shaky creature in his arms rise up on his hands so he could meet his eyes. They were not as hard as before, but he could see thoughts, worries, plans, preparations and frights gnawing his little brother’s mind.
“Yes, you’ve probably right.”
Faramir said while striving to stay calm and franticly nodded before looking at a dubious Boromir. After getting off of his brother to sit and stare in the air, he continued with insecurity and fright trembling in his voice which Boromir listened to with compassion.

“I will probably find someone to marry, though perhaps that may not be his main subject in the conversation. When it comes to my position in Gondor I have no idea what he wants to…”
Faramir feared Denethor had found out about their relationship and was planning to get him for it and make sure Boromir could do nothing to protect him. He pictured himself fleeing the table after hearing the sound of knowledge from Denethor, and before continuing he took a deep breath and exhaled through cheeks blown up.

“I can’t think of anything he would want from me. I have just gotten control of the borders in Ithillien, and I feel more secure in the patrol than ever. Things are going great in Henneth Annûn; I have my men under control and no spies are suspected. I can’t figure out what can be wrong. Oh Gods, Boromir what if…”
“Hey, hey. Calm down.”

Faramir prepared for his death while Boromir stroke his shoulder trying to ease the nervous Captain of his.
“Don’t worry, if he sees you are worried he’ll ask you questions, you know that. You don’t have to be this apprehensive; he was in a good mood today. Perhaps he is having good news for you. Come on, Faramir.”

Faramir nodded but worried still for the evening to come, and as the evening came he sat silently and shaking at the table in his green fine garments.
He had nodded and smiled when Denethor had told him of the great plans of Boromir and Gondor, of his marriage with Tiriamulie, his great work in the battles and war, and of Gondor’s prosper despite the evil times.
“And when it comes to you, Faramir…”

The steward said with a bit darker voice after drinking from his cup. The twist in the Captain’s tummy made him dizzy and he had to focus to stay conscious to listen for what his father had to say. He met his gaze after he also took a sip from the cup after they had made a toast for Boromir and Gondor.
Boromir looked warily at his little brother and tightened his shoulders while hoping he would be calm; Denethor would see right through him if he did not.

Though the strict and hard face Faramir would always greet his father with, after the horrid night in the basements, Denethor would easily notice if there were to be something else.
Denethor placed his cup determined on the table before making Faramir tense with his strong gaze.

“…when it comes to you, you have done great.”

Faramir sighed inwards hearing these words and noticing the smile Denethor kept hidden in his tight lips, but the tension lingered still.
“Your duties and performances as a Captain and man of Gondor has become better through the years, though with some less prospered course of events.”

Boromir’s cheeks became alive again as a small smile emerged, and Faramir nodded and thanked for the remark as Denethor gave room for it and continued with a content tone and moved contently in his chair.
“I see from your reports and achievements that you have Ithilien under control alongside with the army in Osgiliath which your brother has trained so well.”

A quick blink at his firstborn made both his sons smile and lower their shoulders in relief.
While giving sign for the servant to bring more wine he said.
“And I assume marriage is nothing to concoct just yet as planning for your brother’s marriage is at hand. Now, let’s enjoy this prosperity at least for tonight before the next day’s worries darken our minds. And I know you will do great as the right hand of your brother on the wedding ceremony.”
Faramir’s face warmed and his adorable smile could have warmed even the coldest deceiver’s heart when thinking he’d been honored this position. The brother’s smiled to each other with an intern irony filling their eyes.
They three cheered once again and Boromir gave his brother a told-you-so-smile as Denethor said his youngest son’s name with pride before sipping from his good red wine, and Faramir’s heart beat still hard and fast, but it made him smile as it had changed to relieved and happy beats, though he could not let himself be truly happy just yet.

Chapter sixteen

Because of the progress the white city was doing, the steward wanted his sons to work harder to perhaps push the borders further. Boromir was sent to Rohan to gain information and perhaps some negotiations with the horsemen, while Faramir was sent to Ithilien to search and spy for possible cooperation between Mordor and Harad.

To be a very good continue… ;P

NB: Please do not distribute (by any means, including email) or repost this story (including translations) without the author's prior permission. [ more ]

Enjoyed this story? Then be sure to let the author know by posting a comment at https://www.faramirfiction.com/fiction/if-you-cant-see-me-as-who-i-am-than-why-bother. Positive feedback is what keeps authors writing more stories!