a/n: here's a little something formy lovely readers, to give you something, ANYTHING to read, as I continue to struggle with Just a Lifetime Too Late.
o0o
'And don't even begin to insult my intelligence by telling me it's dangerous! Just because I'm younger than you doesn't mean I'm naive.'
'Faramir-' his brother tried to halt the flow of heated words but Faramir was having none of it.
'This is just as dangerous for you as it would be for me. But you're the Heir: I'm just the second-born, the spare. Would it not be wiser for me to go instead?'
'Oh, don't try to use the "I hold the logical arguement" tactic, Little Brother.' Though his voice was light, his eyes were full of pain as he gazed at Faramir. 'You do it excellently, but father's seen it too many times... and his mind is set on this.'
Faramir spun on his heel and stared blankly at the patterned tiles on the floor, breathing heavily. The urge to just lash out and punch the wall in frustration was almost irresistable, only the painful memory of a previous attempt kept him from doing so.
'Faramir...' he felt his brother's hand on his shoulder. He couldn't bear it. Faramir turned and pulled his brother into a crushing hug. 'I am afraid, brother,' he said. 'Oh, the Valar keep you safe...I wish I could go in your stead, or go with you!'
Yet he could not... and they both knew it. Standing back, his brother put his hands on Faramir's shoulders and looked intently into his eyes. 'I love you, Little Brother... I always have, and always will.' Giving Faramir's shoulders a gentle shake, Artamir turned and walked out of the room. For several long moments Faramir stood still, staring after him. Suddenly he drew in an sharp breath and turned back into the room. As he stepped toward the window his gaze fell on a tapestry hanging on the wall, a tapestry depicting a horse. Faramir stopped and studied it, a look of revelation slowly growingon his face.