The second-to-last chapter, 406 words in length, set directly after Denethor tells Boromir that he must go to the Council of Elrond (Two Towers Special Extended Edition).

Disclaimer: I am still not old (obviously) or dead (thankfully), nor am I male.


Return For Me, Brother

"For Gondor's sake, Faramir! Do not blow this out of proportion!"

"Whose sake?" The slighter of the two men whirled to face his brother. "Whose sake are you leaving for, Boromir?"

"For Gondor!"

"But for you, Gondor would have fallen to her enemies a score of years ago! No, brother mine, you are being selfish!"

Boromir's eyes flashed. "Nay, brother, it is you who is selfish. You begged for glory, Faramir. You wished for the chance to be a hero. Well, your wish has been granted: Gondor will be left in your precarious keeping whilst I am sent on a fool's errand!"

The older man was expecting the punch, almost hoping that his brother's fist would smash into his jaw and alleviate some of the rage that had set the air crackling. Instead, Faramir's hand froze a breath away from Boromir's chin.

"No." Faramir collapsed onto his bed and buried his face in his hands. "Why, Boromir? Why Rivendell? Why now?"

"Isildur's Bane has been found."

"My dream…our dream influenced this madness?"

Boromir nodded. "Partially. Father wishes me to…go to a council in Rivendell and ensure things sway in Gondor's favor."

Faramir's eyes flickered. "Our country's favor, or Father's favor?"

"No," Boromir replied. "It is both."

The younger brother sighed and leaned his head against his sibling's shoulder. "What I do not understand is why it is you that must leave. You are the Captain; I am the diplomat."

"I need your support, Faramir. Little soldier, please, I will not leave unless you order me. Tell me I must go."

Faramir swallowed. "You have to leave, Boromir. You have to leave for Gondor's sake."

Boromir shook his head. "Believe it, my little Captain. Believe that I must leave. It is for our people's sake, whatever else you may think."

"When you are gone, for weeks, months, or years," the younger Captain whispered, "what will become of our Gondor without you? We need your strength, Boromir."

"Gondor needs your wisdom, brother. You have always been the better Captain between us."

Faramir buried his face in his brother's shirt. "I am only a good Captain because I have my brother as an example."

When the fire had burnt low and the two brothers were still clinging desperately to each other, Boromir whispered, "Tell me again, little soldier. Tell me why I must leave."

"You have to leave for Gondor, my brother, my Captain…but you must return for me."