Boromir leaned forward on one leg near the doors to the throne room. Sweat dripped into his eyes in the summer's heat. He glanced at Faramir next to him in a similar position.

"Marks" He said loudly. Boromir crouched lower.

"Ready?" Faramir asked. He smiled at his older brother.

"Set," Boromir responded with a smile. Though the age was considerably different, they still liked to play games together.

"GO!" They shouted together and sprinted of to the other side of the courtyard. Their hands slapped the other wall at the same time. They pivoted and sprinted back.

Boromir pulled out ahead. Faramir strained to catch up. Boromir skidded to a stop at the foot of the stairs. He turned and grinned victoriously at his younger brother.

Faramir was going to fast to stop and ran headlong into Boromir. The fell to the ground laughing.

Laughing, they rolled on the ground pulling playful punches and kicks at one another.

"Boromir!" Came a loud voice from the top of the stairs. It was Denethor, their father. The two boys jumped up and stood straight. "Boromir, my son," Denethor started, "There is a patroll that calls for your attention, to the East." With that he smiled at Boromir and glanced at Faramir. He turned and walked back up the stairs

Boromir smiled at Faramir and ruffled his hair. He walked of toward the stables. Faramir rushed after him. "Wait, brother!" He caught up to him and said, "If father had not stopped us I would have won that fight." He puffed out his chest and tried to look heroic in the afternoon son.

Boromir laughed, "That will be a challenge for when I return." He mounted his horse and took off thorugh the city.

"Indeed it will." Faramir smiled.