A/N: Okay I cannot believe that I am writing a Lord of the Rings story, I really can't. For those of you that follow my stories you know that I don't rant before I begin a story, I just write the summary and warnings so please excuse my rant here.
I don't know how well this story is going to be or where it will be going. Things in this story will differ from the books and the movies, but the end goal is the same. This really is all Orlando Bloom's fault. I had no interest in watching the Hobbit movies, I read the book when I was in Grade eight and hated it. So I never watched the first one, but then Orlando Bloom decided to be in the second one so I had to watch it, because it's freaking Orlando Bloom with long hair, need I say more. So you can't watch the second movie without seeing the first so I had to watch the first and then watched the second one right afterwards. That led to wanting to see the Lord of the Rings all over again with the extended scenes. Now here we are I'm searching the site and reading stories and now I have to write one.
For those that read my stories, I have a serious interest in characters with pasts and I love brothers. There is just something about Faramir that I love and have to write about. The way his father treats him and how Faramir and Boromir have a close relationship and there isn't any jealousy or hatred between them. So I have to write about Faramir.
So for this story some things will be different I want to get it all out now so if people don't like the difference in the story they don't have to read it from the start and hopefully no one will complain about it. Boromir is alive he survived his injuries from the arrows and he still tried to take the ring. Everything in the first movie happened and in the second movie happened the only difference is Boromir was alive to help in Helms Deep. Faramir let Sam and Frodo go, but his actions are that of the book where he doesn't take them to Gondor to hand the ring over. I don't believe that Faramir would try to take the ring especially after hearing that Boromir tried. The character seems more noble and has a strong will and belief in right and wrong like Aragorn. I also think it shows just how different the brothers are. It also shows how Boromir is more like his father in his interest in glory and power and how Faramir is more like his mother with a more intellectual side and no desire for glory or power.
I am going to try my best to get the characters down and most importantly the old language. I ask that you bare-with me while I get the language and wording down, I am welcomed to people helping me out with the language in a constructive way. This is a new territory to me and I'm not sure how well it will go over.
Summary: So this story is going to be focused on Faramir and Gondor. The fellowship is still in Rohan after their victory. Faramir has to go back to the city to face his father once his father got word of his actions in letting the ring go. The fellowship decide they will head to Gondor because they know that Sauron will attack there next, especially with it being so close to Mordor. Theoden is staying in Rohan to build up the army before they come to Gondor to help them fight the war. I am going to have it so there is a larger time in between Helms Deep and the final battle in Gondor so there is more to this story. The time in between will be more than a week and a bit, for my story it will be a couple of months with smaller battles building up to the big final battle. I'm also going to make it so that Faramir is only twenty-five in my story and Boromir is thirty. I want Faramir a little younger and only holding seven years' experience to make him seem younger in the field than Boromir as well.
Hopefully this goes over well and people don't crucify me for this. There will be mentions of torture, violence and past child abuse. There won't be any slash at all in this and I don't even know if there will be any romance in this at all.
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Chapter One
Aragorn along with his fellowship were back in Rohan celebrating their victory at Helms Deep with King Théoden and his men. It was a hard battle, but Gandalf had arrived just in time with Eomer and his men to save them from destruction and death. Now they were all back together at King Théoden's throne room celebrating their victories. Merry and Pippin had managed to destroy Isengard, so today was a good day for Middle Earth. No one had heard about Frodo or the ring, but for now they would listen to their hearts and think positively. If they hadn't heard about either Frodo or the ring then that might mean that they were still alive and had not been captured. With the destruction of Isengard and their victory at Helms Deep they were all certain that Sauron was beyond furious at his loses. He would strike hard and when he does he will make sure it is where it will hurt them the worst. Tonight was for celebration, but tomorrow it would be about planning their next step. Aragon couldn't bring himself to relax though, he knew that he should be celebrating, but he couldn't help, but feel like it was just one battle against many in this war. They didn't know where Sauron was going to attack next, but Aragon had a good idea that it would be Gondor. Gondor was the last true kingdom of men. It was also practically in Mordor's backyard. It wouldn't take long for Sauron to send his armies to attack Gondor from all sides. Aragon was certain that once Sauron had a large enough number in his army he would begin his strike on Gondor. Aragon knew it was supposed to be his kingdom, but he couldn't get passed that fear in him. He did let Frodo go when Boromir could not, but that didn't mean he would be able to lead a kingdom. Even if he did survive the final battle and they had won, Aragon didn't know how to run a kingdom. He didn't know how Gondor and its people would even react to him being there. There was also the Steward that would be a problem in itself. He didn't know much about Denethor other than he would not weakly give up his throne and title. Aragon knew that Denethor couldn't deny his return, but that didn't mean he would willingly give it up either. It could cause a civil war to break out in Gondor if the worst case scenario happened. Aragon also didn't know how Boromir felt about him returning to the throne. Technically it was Boromir's to take over once his father died or stepped down. Aragon knew he would need to speak with Boromir to see how he even felt about his return to Gondor. Aragon knew it was his birthright and he didn't need to consult with anyone. In the end it was his decision and his right to take the throne to Gondor. That didn't mean he wouldn't speak with Boromir first and see how he would react to it. If he could get Boromir on his side and support his return, then Gondor might not react poorly to it.
Aragon looked around the room and saw Merry and Pippin singing on a table with a group of men drinking and smiling up at them. Hobbits always did know how to have a good time. He looked over at another table and saw Eomer with a shocked look on his face as Legolas and Gimli were having a drinking game. Aragon could see Gimli completely drunk and barely staying awake while Legolas looked completely sober. Aragon could understand the look of shock on Eomer face. Elves were not easily intoxicated. In order for Legolas to get truly drunk he would need to drink easily a barrel full of ale before he even got close to passing out. Elves were special creatures and many were envious of their abilities. There had been many times in Aragorn's life, even on this journey that he wished could possess some of Legolas' skills. Even the simple fact of walking on top of snow instead of buried under it. Aragorn loved the Elves and he would never allow any hatred to come from the occasional envy.
Aragon turned to see Gandalf watching Merry and Pippin dancing and singing another song on the same table. He also then saw Boromir speaking with a few of the Rohirian men. He had been drinking, but not too much, just enough to make him louder than normal. Boromir was a man of confidence in himself and in his skills. Aragorn found himself wondering about what Boromir's brother would be like. Aragorn knew that Boromir had a younger brother, but he didn't know his name or anything about him. All he knew was that his brother had a dream that led Boromir to Rivendell. Aragorn wondered if his brother would be confident like Boromir was and if they even got along. Aragorn walked over across the room to speak with Boromir. As he walked up to Boromir, Boromir smiled at Aragorn and welcomed him by putting his arm around Aragorn's shoulders.
"Now this is indeed a celebration for a well-deserved victory." Boromir said with a huge smile on his face.
"We still have a long way to go my friend." Aragorn said with a smile back.
"You need to learn to celebrate the victories in life no matter how small or big my friend." Boromir said with a smile as he moved his hand off from Aragorn's shoulders.
"It is indeed a victory for Middle Earth." Aragorn said with a smile. "I was wishing to speak to you for a moment." Aragorn added.
"Of course. Come let us go outside for some fresh air and quiet."
Boromir and Aragorn headed outside into the night. The stars were blanketing the sky and the moon gave light to the earth. Once outside they could no longer hear the cheering and chatter of men. They didn't have to speak loudly just to be heard over the others.
"What is troubling you my friend? You should be celebrating this victory, not troubled by thoughts." Boromir said.
"It is hard to celebrate when Sauron will just strike another target. There is much to discuss tomorrow and to plan."
"Though that is not what is troubling you." Boromir said as he leaned his back against one of the railings outside.
"No it is not. At some point we will end up in Gondor. I fear that Gondor is where this final battle will take place. Eighty-seven years I have feared and avoided my birthright and now I must return to the city where I am supposed to rule. There are many questions, many unknowns. The further into this war we get the more it troubles me." Aragorn answered honestly.
"The most important question is simple, do you want the crown?" Boromir asked in a simple voice. There was no anger or disgust in his voice and Aragorn took that as a good sign.
"I do not know how to rule or run a kingdom. I have not been to Gondor in decades, not since your father first took over. Not only that you know your father would not willingly stand down. That could cause a civil war in a city that is already weak from this war."
"Those are all excuses and not an answer. At the end of the day, do you want to be king?"
"I never used to, but more recently I feel like I do wish to be king. I think it would be good for the world of men to have a king to return to the throne. I have made many allies in this world and those allies would become Gondor's allies. I am not young anymore. Maybe this war and journey has changed me or maybe just simply my age, but I do believe I do want to be king of Gondor." Aragorn said as he worked it out in his head. It felt good to be saying it out loud. It was helping to get his thoughts in order.
Boromir smiled at Aragorn before he spoke.
"Well then my King that is all that matters. If you wish to take the throne then take it. Just do so knowing that it might not be as simple as walking through the white gates."
"Your father will not want to step down, you know this. I do not wish to cause any more war in the city."
"Everything will work itself out in the end. My father will not want to step down, but he also does not have the right to deny you your throne. I will not lie and say it will be easy, it will not be. You will need to learn how to run Gondor, see what you would like to change and what you would like to keep. You may wish for a new council to be appointed. It will not be easy at first, but you will figure it out and I will be happy to help and support you."
"Are you sure? I would be taking your place after all."
"Being king was never my place my friend. Besides I have no desire to sit at a throne all day. I enjoy being the General to the army of Gondor. I am a soldier and a fighter sitting in a chair all day would not be something I would enjoy. Faramir on the other hand probably would have enjoyed every minute of it." Boromir said with a smile.
"Faramir is your younger brother?"
"He is."
"How old is he?"
"He is only twenty-five. He is ten years younger than I am. He is a Captain of Gondor, he only has to follow mine or our father's orders."
"That is a lot of responsibility for someone that young."
"It is, but my father expects nothing less."
"So Faramir would wish to be Steward of Gondor?"
"I am honestly not sure what his wishes are. I should know, but it is not something we have discussed. We both always knew I was the heir to Gondor, our father made that very clear to us both. I do not know what his heart desires. I do know that his heart does not desire to be a part of war. He does not have a desire to be a soldier."
"Yet he is. Why is he a soldier, a Captain, if his heart does not desire it?"
"Because that is how our father is. Faramir does not have the choice. He's more of a Ranger than a solider. He has amazing skills with a bow. He is not a fighter, but he will do everything he can to protect his men and make sure they have the best chance of survival. He does not wish to be a solider, but he does do his best none the less."
"Would he have a problem if I did return?"
"Not in the least. He has always wished for the return of the king ever since he was little. He always hoped it would happen in his life time. He would not fight you for the throne at all. I do have one request though."
"Which would be?"
"When we do return to Gondor, if the war is still going on, I would request that you keep it a secret from Faramir who you truly are."
"Why?"
"He does not do well with men in power. I do not want him to fear you based on your title. I would like him to know you first, so he sees that you mean no harm."
"I can grant you that request, but that does bring up other questions."
"Faramir is not like me. He has no heart for war or violence. If he could he would spend his days in the library curled up on the couch reading. He has always been the intelligent one out of the two of us. He can speak three languages including Elvish that Gandalf taught him when he was younger. He is shy and timid and he has not had the best experiences with men in power. It has been harder on him with having my father as Steward than I. I see that you are a good man, a man that can be trusted, but Faramir will only see that you are a man of power and that will make him more timid and fearful of you. I do not wish for that to happen. I do not want him to fear his own king. If he gets to know you first then I am hopeful that he will not fear you once you take the throne."
"I understand and I will keep that part a secret. I do not know how long it will be kept, but it will not be broken by me my brother."
"Thank-you brother. Now come, you have not had nearly enough ale tonight. We will worry about troubling problems tomorrow." Boromir said with a smile.
Aragorn smiled back and he allowed Boromir to put his arm around his shoulders once again and guided him back inside. Aragorn did feel better now that he knew how Boromir felt, but he did still worry about Faramir. He had never met Faramir and he didn't know how he was going to be around him. What Boromir said about Faramir only brought up more questions that Aragorn had about him. Why did Faramir have a fear of men in power? Why was he so shy and timid when Boromir was the opposite? Yes Aragorn understood that siblings were different and they were not identical, but still some traits were still there. It sounded like Boromir and Faramir were completely opposite of each other. Aragorn found himself to be curious about Faramir and he knew he would need to go looking for more answers another night. For now he would enjoy this victory and the company of men that he had fought beside. Tomorrow they would met and go over a new plan of attack.
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The next morning Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, Boromir, Eomer and Eowyn were all in the throne room speaking with King Théoden about what their next move should be. It wasn't a heated discussion thankfully. They had all become friends after their battle at Helms Deep and now they were all acting like allies of Middle Earth.
"How can we be sure that Sauron won't try and attack Rohan again?" Eomer asked.
"There would not be a point. He has already suffered a defeat by Rohan. With Isengard destroyed and being run by Tree Beard he has no Orcs. There would not be a point in sending his Orcs from Mordor all the way out here." Aragorn said.
"How does anyone figure out where Sauron will attack next though? Surely, there are many different options for him." Eowyn said.
"It is Gondor that will suffer the true power of Sauron first. They will need our help. It will be Gondor that the fate of the world will be decided." Gandalf said.
"Are you certain that Sauron would attack there first?" Eomer asked.
"Gondor is the closest to Mordor. If Sauron wanted to strike the world of men with his full power, Gondor is the first city of men that his Orcs will come across. We have been fighting back herds of Orcs for a couple years now. Sauron has aligned himself with other villages of men that have grudges against Gondor. While the world has been at peace, Gondor has been fighting war after war for the least ten years." Boromir answered.
"How strong is Gondor after all of these years of war?" Théoden asked.
"Gondor has had some damage done to it, but it is still holding strong. I have not been there in a year, but when I left I did leave on the eve of victory. We had just taken back Osgiliath." Boromir said.
"How many soldiers does Gondor have?" Eomer asked.
"Six thousand in the whole kingdom of Gondor. They are spread out amongst different villages within Gondor." Boromir answered.
"How many villages are within Gondor?" Legolas asked.
"Nine major cities and twelve regions throughout the kingdom realm. Some of those regions are just farmlands that we use as harvest to feed the cities. Minas Tirith is where the Steward lives and is the largest city we have. Osgiliath used to be our kingdom's capital, but it has long been ruined and abandoned due to the Orcs that had taken over the city. We had just taken the city back when I left for Rivendell." Boromir said.
"What about Ithilien? What has become of it?" Aragorn asked.
"It has been abandoned and taken over by Mordor. My brother, Faramir, we there with a group of Rangers to try and kill some of the men that travel through there that are loyal to Sauron. We knew he would not be able to kill them all and eliminate that threat, but he and his men have been able to disrupt the supply lines. I am not sure what has become of any of Gondor since I have left. Before I left I did pull Faramir and his Ranger out of Ithilien to help take Osgiliath back. He was still there when I left." Boromir answered.
"It seems that Sauron is setting up the pieces to take Gondor." Théoden said.
"Sauron has been slowly working on taking over Gondor. Now that word has reached him about Aragorn he seems to be focusing more now on Gondor than before. I fear that Sauron will strike even harder on Gondor after this defeat. He will not risk the return of the king, for it could align the world of men. Gondor is where our focus needs to be. We need to see what state it is in and get it ready for this war. Sauron will strike it hard. We cannot wait for the beckons to be lit. We must ride out for Gondor." Gandalf said.
"We will need more than six thousand men to withstand the strength of Mordor." Eomer said.
"And we shall find some. I will send out riders to gather men all over this country. I will set up a meeting place for all the men to meet. I will go and meet them and get the men in order while you can go to Gondor to help prepare Gondor for this battle." Théoden said.
"I need to go to Gondor to see just what state it is in. I would also like to see my brother and make sure he is well." Boromir said.
"Are we sure Aragorn going would be a wise decision?" Gimli said.
"If we keep quiet about who Aragorn is then I see no problem with his coming. We do not need to start a civil war with the Steward right now." Gandalf answered.
"I agree. I would not deny Aragorn his birthright, but I do not think now would be the right time for that to happen. I do not know how many of the soldiers would standby Aragorn at the moment." Boromir added.
"I do not need to make claim of the throne. All I wish to do is win this war and save Middle Earth from the darkness. I will worry about the rest afterwards." Aragorn said.
"Then we ride for Gondor then?" Pippin asked. Him and Merry had been quiet this whole time just allowing the others to speak. For them it didn't matter where they went really. They were there to help in any way that they could, but they weren't fighters or soldiers. This wasn't up to them, they were just going along with them because it was what was right. They weren't going to sit by and not fight while Frodo and Sam were off trying to get to Mordor.
"We ride for Gondor. It's a three days journey from here." Gandalf said.
"Eomer, I would like for you to go with them. Eowyn, you can travel with me to help get the men ready. How long do you think we will have before Gondor becomes under attack?" Théoden asked Boromir.
"I am not sure. It will depend on what state Gondor is in. When we arrive I can send a messenger to you so you will know what state Gondor is in. When I left we were in good standings. We were still getting attacked by Orcs and men loyal to Sauron, but we had control over ninety percent of the kingdom. I hope that is still true." Boromir answered.
"Is your brother not good with planning and war?" Legolas asked.
"Faramir is very intelligent and has good instincts. The men are loyal to him and they will follow him into battle without thought. Faramir would not let the defense fall. I have worked hard for seventeen years to keep the defense strong and Gondor safe. He would not let the hard work be for nothing." Boromir said with a dead serious tone.
"We need to prepare to leave as soon as possible. The sooner we know more of Gondor's condition the better. As hopeful as you are Boromir it has been a year since you have been to Gondor. There is no telling what Mordor has done with Gondor since you have been gone." Gandalf said.
"I know my father and my brother would not let Gondor fall." Boromir said in a serious voice.
"How soon will we be able to leave?" Aragorn asked.
"Within the hour. We just need to prepare the horses for the travel." Eomer answered.
"Prepared the horses and I will get some men sent out to start sending the word out for men." Théoden said.
Everyone started to leave the throne room to get ready for the three day travel to Minas Tirith. Boromir was excited to see his city and his family once again. It had been a long year and he had missed Faramir. He hated having to leave him alone with his father. Boromir had no idea just how bad the relationship between Faramir and Denethor was. Faramir had kept a lot from Boromir because of fear of how Boromir would react to the information and knowing that he couldn't do anything to fix it. Their father was the Steward and what he said was law so telling Boromir wouldn't have changed anything, he wouldn't have been able to go against their father without getting hurt himself. Boromir was looking forward to seeing Faramir and trading stories about the last year.
Aragorn headed towards the stables to get his horse ready. He wanted to speak to Gandalf first though. The conversation last night about Faramir was still in Aragorn's mind and he found that he had more questions about a man that he had never met. Aragorn found Gandalf just outside of the stables and he went up to him.
"A word?" Aragorn asked softly as he looked around to make sure no one was around.
Gandalf just gave a nod and he started to walk away from the stables over to one of the benches away from any listening ears.
"Something troubling you?" Gandalf asked calmly.
"Last night I spoke with Boromir about how he would feel if I took the throne."
"I'm assuming he was not pleased with the idea."
"No, actually he was supportive of the idea."
"Well that is surprising. If it is not that, then what is troubling you?"
"He requested that I keep the truth about who I was a secret from his brother Faramir, until he knows me first."
"Hm" Gandalf said in a deep thought.
"He told me that Faramir has a fear of men in high power and that he wished for Faramir to know me first so he does not fear me. I find that troubling."
"Hm" Gandalf said once again.
"You obviously know something that I do not."
"Why do you find that troubling? That Faramir has a fear of men in power?"
"I am not sure. Here is a man that I have never met, yet I find him interesting and I am curious. Boromir is very confident and sure of himself. From what very little I got from Boromir, Faramir is shy and timid and he fears men in power. Yet his father is the Steward so he should not fear men in power. You have been in Gondor before; have you ever seen Faramir when he was younger?"
"Oh yes. The first time I saw young Faramir was when he was four. Very sweet boy, very shy. I found him in the library reading a book that I was shocked to see him reading. The book was at a much higher reading level then his age, yet he was able to read and understand it. When I saw him I knew there was something special about him. I knew he would do great things. He used to love my stories about the cities I have been to. I would talk to him for hours when I was in Minas Tirith. It was very sad when his mother died when he was just five. He was very close to her and was very hurt by it as any child would be. I tried to be around more for him, stayed closer to the realm of Gondor. I checked in on him when I could. His father did not approve of it. He started to call Faramir a Wizard pupil. His father and I have never gotten along."
"Not that that has ever stopped you before." Aragorn said with a smirk.
"No, no it has not." Gandalf smiled back.
"What was Faramir like when he was older?"
"He was still shy and timid. I had thought he would have grown out of it, but he did not. Whereas Boromir is loud and confident, Faramir is not. Faramir would prefer to be out of the spotlight and off by himself. He prefers quiet areas and less of a crowd. Boromir prefers to party and be loud with crowds. They are very opposite, but very close. Boromir has always done his best with the knowledge that he has to protect Faramir from anyone. Their father has always favored Boromir over Faramir for his own reasons that are not justified in my opinion. Even still there is no jealousy or hatred between the two brothers. His father's treatment of Faramir has made him cling more to Boromir."
"What has his father's treatment been like with Faramir?"
"The Steward loves Boromir and praises him. He makes sure everyone knows that Boromir is his son and his heir to the throne. In his eyes Boromir can do no wrong and he would never do or say anything to hurt Boromir. With Faramir it is the exact opposite I am afraid. His words towards Faramir are poison and have done nothing to help his confidence and self-worth. His father has made it very clear to Faramir that he does not love him or even care what happens to him. I do not know everything and there is even more that Boromir does not know. Faramir keeps quiet about everything his father has said or done to him. I do know that Faramir was never meant to be a solider. His soul is too pure. He has a kindred soul, much like yourself. He is very gentle and if given the choice he would never hurt anyone. He once told me that when he has to kill a man he feels evil. He cannot help, but wonder if that man was a family, if he was truly evil hearted or simply following orders of his commander. He understands that it is a kill or be killed situation, but that does not make it any easier for him. He is not a man born for war and if he had been given the chance he would never have been a soldier. He does it to please his father, but his father is blind to him. There is nothing that Faramir could do to please his father. Even if Faramir single handily killed Sauron himself, his father would still find a reason to belittle and humiliate him." Gandalf said sadly.
"Where is Boromir in all of this? If they are so close why is he letting his father treat Faramir like this?" Aragorn said with a slight anger towards Denethor.
"Boromir only knows what Faramir is willing to share. If Boromir knew everything that I knew or that Faramir would tell, then he would not follow his father. I do not know if either of them would be in Gondor if Boromir knew the whole truth. I believe that is why Faramir has always kept quiet. He does not want to cause pain to his brother. There is also fear there, of how Boromir would react to the information. Faramir is so used to being alone and handling everything on his own that the thought of even Boromir defending him against Denethor does not cross his mind. Faramir just wants his father's love, it is quite sad."
"That is sad. A son should know what the love of his father feels like. Do you think Faramir would give a fight if I was to take the throne?"
"Faramir is not like Denethor or Boromir. He does not care for glory or power. Faramir would make a fine Steward and leader. His men follow him without thought. The people of Gondor love him and trust him. Faramir is down to earth. He does not care for luxury or the finer things in life. He gives everything he can to the people on the lower levels of Minas Tirith. He will not get in the way of your return you need not worry about that. I will give a bit of council though if I may."
"Of course"
"If you are to assign a new Steward to take your place should something happen, I would choose Faramir over anyone else. He has a destiny about him. You are the king and Faramir is as close to a king as one can get. He was meant to be a leader and with him at your side the two of you will be able to restore all of Gondor to its glory. Leave Boromir to do what he does best and that is to fight. Faramir is intelligent, too intelligent to be left out in the field. He would be able to show you how to run a kingdom and with him by your side the people of Gondor will follow you."
"You care about him. It is not often that you care for someone, he must be one hell of a man to gain your heart."
"He is a very rare man with a kindred soul. You will see what I mean when you meet him. He could have very well been your son in another life. Have patience with him he will fear you at first, but he will learn to warm up to you and trust you. He will just need time."
"I am in no hurry. I am now more curious to meet him."
"He is a very good man who has been through a lot in his short life. He will need time to move passed everything that has happened. I do fear that he will not be able to overcome this war. Faramir is not a man for war."
"He has survived this long. With the help of his brother, I am certain he will pull through."
"I hope so. It would pain me to lose him."
"All wounds heal with time. With his brother there with him I am sure Faramir will be able to start to heal from this. Boromir seems excited to be going back to Gondor and back to Faramir."
"Boromir loves Faramir and he worries about him when he is away. Boromir has always loved Faramir more than anyone else in this world. It would not end well if Boromir found out everything that Faramir has been hiding. It is not just your return that could cause a civil war in Gondor."
"You fear what state Faramir will be in for it could cause a rift between Boromir and his father."
"I do fear that. There are things that I do not even know that has happened between Faramir and Denethor. There is even more things that Boromir does not know. Faramir is surrounded by walls that he has built in order to continue on each day. I fear that with Boromir not being there this past year Denethor has not held back. All it will take is one crack in Faramir's walls and all of the truth will come out. If there is a crack just seeing Boromir might be enough to open the floods. Gondor will not be strong enough to handle a civil war especially at this time. We need to get to Gondor as soon as we can. I fear Faramir needs help on more than one level."
"Let us ride then. It is a three day journey to Minas Tirith and we will not get there any faster sitting around here. There will be a time to wonder and plan for a return to the throne. For now we must focus on the survival of Gondor and Middle Earth." Aragorn said as he stood up.
Gandalf stood up as well and together they made their way back to the stables to head out for Gondor. None of them even knew what state Gondor would be in and Boromir was anxious to get home to see his brother for the first time in a year.