A/N: Three new reviewers! A big hello to Nerwen Calaelen, JeanB and SperryDee, thank you for your nice reviews. Also a thanks to the other faithful reviewers, that would be Emmithar (love your stories as well), ThE iNsAnE oNe (feeling much better, so is Faramir) and acacia (you hurry up with chapter 11!).

To answer two questions: Nerwen, who says anything about Denethor actually believing Boromir? *bg* Even the latter is not sure himself…

And JeanB, very flattering to hear you say the Netherlands are beautiful *beams*.

In this story, nothing is mine. And as you all know by now: Italics are Sindarin. And *** means a jump in place.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

12.

Faramir felt like a five-year old under the older elf's gaze and had a feeling he was acting that age too. Never had he hidden under his arm like a weakling, why he had done it in the first place was still a mystery to him. His father had hit him only once or twice, not even really hard, when he had disobeyed. But never any abuse that would prompt such a reaction. Could it have been mistrust, the fear of being seriously hurt by the elves? Faramir swallowed as he came to the conclusion that that was indeed the reason he had made such a defensive move.

The man then realised how silent it was in the room and that Celeborn was waiting for an answer. He tried his very best not to stutter as he started to explain himself, keeping his eyes fixed on the bedcovers.

"I…I wanted the know why he had drugged me, without explaining to me what he was doing. It was really…well, I was really scared when I started to fall asleep like that. Then I heard him talk Westron and I just felt a bit betrayed…"

Celeborn provided a quick translation for Orophin, who in turn said something back with a regret filled voice. The older elf looked sternly at the younger one for a moment, then directed his attention back at Faramir, who was watching the exchange with big eyes.

"It seems there has been a misunderstanding, Faramir," said Celeborn. "Orophin did not know the tea would be as strong as it was and have such an effect on a Man. And as for the Westron, while you were asleep, I taught him a few words and sentences at his own request."

The silver haired elf watched as the man, while biting his lower lip, thought the words over. Hoping this was enough information to gain back the lost trust, Celeborn moved of the bed, went to sit in a chair and looked up expectantly at Orophin. The younger elf gave a slight nod of understanding and placed himself on the edge of the bed, drawing the attention of the dark haired man.

"I am sorry Faramir," the elf simply said, hoping his eyes would show the man he truly regretted the way things had gone. There wasn't much else he could say at the moment.

Faramir looked at the silver haired being next to him, not quite knowing what to say or do. He somehow did believe the elf was sorry. It puzzled the man how he knew this, but he really felt he could trust Orophin. He still wasn't very sure about the other elves though.

"Apology accepted," the man finally said in a whisper. A look of puzzlement went over the elf's face. Realising Orophin didn't understand what he had just said, Faramir raised his arm slowly and grabbed the elf's arm just above the wrist. This universal gesture was understood as the two men held each other in a warriorsgrip.

***

Throwing a sack on the bed, Boromir prepared himself for a long journey. He was getting more worried about his little brother by the day. The constant glances he kept getting from his father didn't do a thing to ease his nerves…'cause that was what he was as well; nervous. He was afraid Denethor would find out his lie.

If he doesn't know already! The man thought wryly. Well, he probably does after yesterday.

While stuffing some clean clothing in the sack he kept thinking about what had happened the other day. He had been practising on the yard when his father had approached him. Coming right to the point, the lord had told him to travel to Edoras, so he could pick up his wayward brother.

Boromir's mind had gone in overdrive, since he knew Faramir wasn't there. While trying to think of an excuse not to go there, Denethor had pushed a piece of paper in his hands.

"I want him back unharmed, you hear me. I don't care if you have to cut down the entire forest, you will find him!" And had stalked away with those words, leaving his son more than just a little bit puzzled.

His puzzlement hadn't lasted long, just until the moment he had read the letter. A letter from Éomer, explaining that Faramir had left Edoras some time ago in the direction of Mirkwood. After that came downright disbelief, his father hadn't done anything to punish him for his lie.

He will probably do that when I get back. Boromir thought as he closed the sack, took his sword and cloak, and headed towards the stables.

He had already informed some servants he was going to Edoras and that he needed supplies. Surprisingly, his horse was already saddled and ready to go. The stablemaster stood next to the big red-brown horse and smiled at the surprise he saw on Boromir's face.

"Good day, m'lord. Your horse 's packed with the supplies you requested."

"There wasn't any need for you to saddle my horse, Griffon. I wouldn't have mind to do it myself."

The elder man looked a bit embarrassed, then turned serious again.

"Rumour goes you're going to bring the young lord Faramir back 'ome, m'lord."

"Really?" Boromir asked with a raised eyebrow. News travelled fast under the maidens, servants and soldiers. Most of the time faster then official news. Any news concerning Faramir had always travelled even faster. He was well liked by the people of Gondor.

"Yes," he finally said. "I am going to search for him, although I have a good idea of were he is."

"Bring 'im back safely, m'lord." The concern was evident in Griffon's voice. The stablemaster then turned around and scolded a soldier for pulling the reins to hard.

Boromir let out a chuckle and mounted his own horse in a fluent motion. He looked back at the castle before he road out the gate and thought he saw his father standing there.

"I will bring him back safely," he vowed under his breath, then made his way toward the citygate and the road to Edoras.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A/N: Per request some Boromir! And all you readers, review please.

Almost forgot: Go read some stories from Morwen Tindomerel. Mostly Gondorian orientated stories. And read the stories of my faithful reviewers!