I will always love you

DISCLAIMER: I sadly do not own Faramir, or any character. They all belong to Tolkien. oh, and the name "Englehorn", I merely borrowed from Peter Jackson's "King Kong". Enjoy and please review!

"You slaughtered the army, Englehorn! You must pay!", shouted 11 year old Boromir, chasing his little brother around the many rooms and halls of their 'palace'.

"Neverrrr!", replied 6 year old Faramir, pointing a wooden sword at his brother.

The young sons of the Steward were no doubt annoying the maids.

"They are so precious, but..."

"Somebody please get ahold of them"

"The Steward should control them, really..."

Boromir chased Faramir into the kitchen where lunch was being prepared.

"I have a battle ready to fight you!", Faramir yelled.

"But you are not stronger than me!", Boromir replied, and took a step forward.

Faramir backed into a table. But as he was about to run, he heard a crash. He whirled around, and gave a little gasp.

To his horror, he had knocked 2 glass plates onto the floor when he had bumped into the table. They smashed onto the ground, and broke into millions of pieces.

His little heart instantly began to beat rapidly. He was in trouble. He was in big trouble. Nothing in the Steward's house was to be broken. What would his father say?

The kitchen maids instantly came with brooms and rags. Faramir backed away. "Let's go, Fara", Boromir said. But Faramir didn't move. Boromir sighed. "Faramir, come on. They will take care of it". One of the maids assured what he said. "Yes, we will, now please leave here", she said.

"Will you tell my father?", Faramir asked quietly. The maid didn't answer. Boromir took his hand and led him out. They walked back to their rooms. Boromir tried to continue their game, but Faramir wouldn't speak.

"Hey", he said, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Father will not find out. And if he does, I will take part blame. Do not fear, little brother." Faramir gave a little smile, but inside, he was still terrified. How can Boromir not be scared?

That evening, Denethor called them for dinner. While eating, Boromir noticed that Faramir's hands were shaking, and he hasn't looked up at their father once.

Suddenly, the worst began.

"Faramir, I need to speak with you after dinner", he said. Faramir bowed his head, and lightly put his spoon down. He stayed silent for a few moments. Then he couldn't hold it in.

"I'm sorry, father!", he cried, tears flowing from his eyes. "I didn't--mean t-to"

Denethor's brow creased. He looked at Boromir for an explanation,

"We were playing in the kitchens and...he accidentally knocked 2 plates over...they broke"

Denethor immediately got up from his seat and walked toward Faramir. Here it goes, he thought.

..But thought wrong. What he thought was going to be a brutal beating was actually a consoling hug. He was confused..

"Its alright, Faramir", he said. "I am not mad at you"

"But--but I broke--"

"Shhh", he whispered, and continued to hug him.

Faramir was relived. He rested his head on his father's shoulder. From behind him, he saw Boromir smile. He smiled back. "Now go dry those tears, and come back, alright?", his father said, stroking his light brown hair." Yes, father", he replied and left the room, happy.

After dinner, Denethor led Faramir into his private chambers. "The reason why I want to speak with you is this," he said, and handed Faramir a very familiar object. His mother's starry mantle.

"This was mother's", Faramir said quietly.

"Yes", Denethor replied. "She loved it, and she would have wanted you to have it". He wrapped the too-big mantle around Faramir. He smiled.

"Thank you, Father", he said, and hugged him.

Denethor embraced his little son. "I want you to know, no matter what happens, no matter how many plates you brake, no matter what you do wrong, I will always love you."

"I will always love you too, father"