Enjoy.

Concerning Rivendell

Faramir is at his brothers left side. They came here to seek guidance about what to do. It was this vision. Faramir did dream very often. He received this gift from his mother to have insights of a may possible future. As well, he was the son of his mother. He was a gentle and calm human nature but also as stubborn as his father if it was needed.

"You might go to Rivendell then Boromir. I know you will not disappoint me, son. Bring me this mighty gift. Bring it to Gondor," Denethor declares.

Boromir bows down before his father and shot Faramir an apologetic look. His brother knew too well that Faramir's plan was to go to Rivendell too.

"Father, may I speak?" He regards Denethor and waits for his father's response.

The Steward nods at last. "I do know that Boromir is more than capable to accomplish this important task. I do know Gondor needs me but it needs Boromir quite more. Send both of us to Rivendell and the faster we will be back. I promise I won't be in Boromir's way and that I'll do anything to bring him home in time," Faramir finishes with the words, "This is all I ask for, my Lord."

Boromir supports his brother, "Father, it was Faramir who first dreamed of Isildur's Bane. He would have deserved it to go as well. We would not disappoint you. Neither me, nor my brother will."

Denethor seems to think about it. "And who will see to it that the borders of Gondor will be defended? Your brother is not you but he is all Gondor has left while you are gone, my son." Denethor looks at Faramir. "He always cast a poor reflection on me. He would disappoint me again if I would let him go."

Faramir doesn't break the eye contact to his father but he has to fight back tears. Yes, he should be used to it. He should know that his father prefers Boromir. His brother is a strong and successful heir to Gondor. His brother means the world to him. Faramir loves him dearly and Boromir his brother too.

However, he never gave up hope that his father would see and accept him as he is.

"This wasn't my intention," he replies. Denethor looks at Boromir again and smiles at him. "It is your wish that he will join you, is that correct."

The Steward pauses, then continues, "If it is your wish, he may go with you. See to it that Faramir will behave and that the mighty gift will be ours."

Denethor embraces his firstborn, then takes his leave.

"Come on, brother. Let us be prepared for the journey," Boromir states. Faramir nods and follows his brother to their chambers.

An hour later everything was ready and the brothers left Minas Tirith. Both were equipped with as less as possible. Boromir carries his sword of course, his shield and was dressed in his red and blue garment. The horn of Gondor trails at his belt.

Faramir is clothed in his Ithilien robe and carries his bow and because of duty his sword as well.

Boromir looks at his little brother. Faramir haven't talked since they talked with Denethor and refuses to talk even now.

"Little brother, tell me. You are sorrowful I feel it. Is it because of father? He does love you. I don't know why he isn't showing it. Just know I am here for you and you know I love you dearly. I wouldn't be able to live without you, Faramir." Boromir smiles at his brother and he returns it.

"I do know that," Faramir confirmes.

Indeed, it was unrightful that his brother never received any love of their father. Since their mother died it got even worse. Boromir held his father dear but his heart broke every single time when his father rejected Faramir.

"Let us see to it that we will reach Rivendell soon." They urge their horses and hurry along.

Till it is getting dark their ride continued. They made it to Westfold, a part of Rohan. Here they dismount and decide to stay a night. "I will take the first sentry," Faramir says, "I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway." He disappears in the woods before Boromir was able to counter anything. Hopefully, Faramir will be able to forget their father when they reached Rivendell. We will see how it will work out in the end. He hopes that the elves are not as unpleasant as his father said but luckily Faramir was at his side. His brother adored them and Boromir could proudly tell that his little brother can speak and understand their language. Time to sleep. Faramir should not be doomed to be awake the whole night. The Captain General has to take the second sentry. He closes his eyes.

On Faramir the forest has a soothing effect. Whenever he was in company of his rangers and especially in Ithilien he felt at home. Yes, Minas Tirith was his hometown but he preferred the woods. His rangers will do well even without him. Faramir trusts his second in command. He looks forward to meet the elves. Ever since he was young, he studied them and their language. He wonders what in detail Isildur's Bane will be but he does not believe that it is a gift. It is more a curse. It is responsible that Middle Earth was driven into war and for Isildur's death. It can't be anything good. He fears to disappoint his father but it should not reach Gondor again. Elrond will know what to do. Faramir regards the sleeping form of his brother. It will work out good in the end. He does not believe this darkness will endure.

Boromir wakes up early in the morning. Startled he registers that Faramir were up all night to let him rest. He searches for him. "Morning," Faramir smiles at him. "You haven't rouse me little brother. How comes that?" Boromir retorts the smile and rises from his place on the ground.

"You looked so peaceful I wasn't able to. It is fine," his brother replies.

Boromir's smile grows wider and he tousles the hair of his younger brother. They prepare for the next ride and mount their horses.

After two more days they finally reached Rivendell. They ride straight through a gate. Boromir passes it before Faramir and looks around his face betrays no emotions. His younger brother follows but instead of looking past the elves he greets them with a nod of his head. "I greet you men of Gondor. Allow me to guide you to your chamber," a servant state. "Hantale. Thank you," Faramir replies. The elves around him seems surprised that he is capable of their language. Gondor's ambassadors follow the servant to a chamber with one bed. The servant left. "I guess tonight we will sleep like we did when we were younger," Boromir smiles. Faramir nods, "Yes... as long as you don't tell any toasts disguised as bedtime stories."

Boromir leans his shield and sword next to bed. "I'll explore this place. We see each other later on," he declares and leaves.

"It is good to see that you came as well Faramir," a welcomed voice greets him. It was his friend Mithrandir. The Ranger smiles at the wizard. "So, you convinced Denethor to let you go with Boromir," Gandalf finishes and retorts Faramir's smile. The wizard then disappears and the younger son of the Steward is left alone. He reaches in the pockets of his garment to bring out a diary. Faramir decided to start one during this journey. The young man was about to write the first entry but he was hold back. "Faramir of Gondor, Lord Elrond invites to a secret council which is about to begin," a servant informs him. Faramir nods and the servant take his leave. He stows his diary away and follows the elf.

Boromir received the invitation shortly after he had met the strange ranger, near the broken sword of Isildur. Dazzled, he took the hilt in his hand and then felt he was watched. It was then that he saw him. They exchanged a few words and Boromir returned the sword. Then he hurried out of the room because he somehow felt uncomfortable. It was then that he was asked to join this Council and was on the way to it.