What Will It Take

by imaginationflies

Faramir longed for recognition from his father. So what would it take for him to get it? A heroic deed? A daring escape?...Death? Constructive criticism welcomed!

1. Chapter 1

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?

What will it take for Denethor to notice his second child, Faramir?

I SADLY DO NOT OWN LORD OF THE RINGS. I DO NOT SEEK PROFIT FROM THIS STORY, JUST CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM! THIS IS THE ONLY TIME IN THIS STORY I WILL SAY THIS.

Chapter 1

He was five years old. His older brother was ten. The ten year-old, Boromir could hold a sword. The five year-old, Faramir couldn't. But oh, did Faramir try. He would follow his older brother, his role model, to his swordplay practice every day. He should've been focusing on his own lessons, but Boromir promised not to tell Father.

"Hold it like this," Boromir instructed Faramir, demonstrating with a straight arm and lethal blade.

"Like this?" Faramir tried to hold the dagger as the expert had, but he collapsed under the weight of it.

Boromir chuckled while he lifted Faramir to his feet. Faramir's brown hair flicked as he spun his head around. "We can use those sticks."

"Clubs?" Boromir exclaimed. "No, dear brother, I'm afraid all the weapons in here are too heavy for you."

"When can I become a warrior like you?"

Boromir laughed, ruffling his brother's hair. Faramir tried to reach up to Boromir's dark auburn locks, but couldn't.

The older one admitted, "I'm not a warrior yet, little brother."

A sharp voice entered the room, thundering footsteps echoing. "And he won't be if small children do not leave him be and return to their studies."

Boromir grimaced. Faramir looked helplessly towards the voice. Denethor, their father, was an impatient man.

"I just wanted to show him a few things, Father." Boromir stood, showing respect for the Steward of Gondor.

Denethor's straight face didn't budge an inch. In a monotone, he said, "Faramir will learn to become a soldier when he is of age. For now, he must learn to read. Faramir, come. Your instructor is impatient."

Faramir rushed to his father's side. When Denethor turned, Faramir glanced childishly back at his brother, who gave a hearty smile back. Faramir smiled, and couldn't wait for dinner, when he would see his brother again.