Replies:

Alice: No, he isn't going to hear the end of it. Not ever. ::giggles evilly::

Asia: Two more chapters, then no more Wormtongue…

Claire: Wow, the top five? Really? ::feels so loved:: Thanks!

Silindro: Skilled punishment (wink wink nudge nudge) eh? I'm sure Éowyn could arrange that…

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Silindro, because I love you. ::grins:: Boromir belongs to her. To everyone who liked Faramir's comment about being teased for the rest of his life….heh heh heh. He's in trouble. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own no one. Except possibly Whisper and Faramir's stupidity.

Chapter Nine: Oh, Dear Valar

For the first time in my life, I felt like killing Faramir.

No, really. It passed quickly, but I stayed irritated with him. I'd gotten back to Edoras, told Éomer off and waited for Faramir to come back, but he hadn't. His men came back without him, and told us what happened. Apparently, he'd forgotten to set a watch one night, and Wormtongue had attacked. No one had died, but Faramir had gone and gotten himself captured. I was seriously annoyed with him, because now I would have to leave Edoras again and go help him.

I was pacing in the quiet parlor set apart for private audiences, and pondering how to persuade Éomer to let me go after Faramir when I heard a sudden exclamation from behind me. My skirts flared as I whirled to see who had invaded my privacy.

I felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach.

Faramir stood at the door, but it wasn't Faramir. This man was older, more careworn, with troubled eyes and darker hair. Somehow, I knew that he was a warrior, with the blood of many on his hands, not like my gentle Faramir.

"My lady," he said, and bowed. "Forgive me for startling you." His voice was so like Faramir's. Perhaps a touch deeper.

"My lord." I did not curtsy, or even nod, being in a belligerent mood and angry with the world to boot. "What do you do in the Golden Hall?"

"I came to visit Aragorn," he said, running a hand through his hair. "He was angry with me for taking so long."

"I beg your pardon?"

He gasped in mock-surprise, his eyes laughing. "My lady, have I not introduced myself? I am Boromir. You may know my brother."

"Boromir," I breathed, remembering the many tales Faramir had told me of his childhood in the Houses of Healing. Always those tales had included his brother, and always they had ended with Faramir's eyes darkening in sorrow. The two had loved each other greatly, that I knew. "I...have heard of you."

"If it was from Faramir, I am sure none of it was good."

"Actually a great deal of it was...and it was not all from Faramir. The hobbits liked you, too."

"Did they." The sadness in his eyes increased. "I've done nothing to deserve it."

"I'm certain that's not true." Suddenly tired of this courtly conversation, I asked bluntly, "Weren't you dead?"

"Um. I'm not sure. I think so. But something happened...still not sure what. Woke up halfway down the waterfall, which was not fun. Then I landed in the river." He shrugged. "I lived. Barely, but I lived. Waited until my bones knit, then got myself over to Lothlorien and the Lady Galadriel healed me. It was well worth enduring those knowing looks she kept giving me."

I was not quite certain what to say to that, so I changed the subject. "Did you know your brother got himself captured?"

"Yes," he said, the sadness suddenly overtaken by laughter again. "I heard he got himself kidnapped going after a maiden who was kidnapped, but rescued herself."

"The maiden would be me," I said, slightly irritated by this man.

"My apologies." He wasn't sorry at all. "I suppose I shall have to rescue him. Again."

"That won't be necessary." I didn't feel like elaborating so did not respond to his interested look. "Forgive me, I must go."

He bowed, and looked after me as I went. I had the distinct feeling he'd been flirting with me, and I was not interested. Much as he resembled Faramir on the outside, it was not Faramir's looks I had fallen in love with...although I had to admit both were handsome. No, it was the Steward's kind heart and gentle hands that I loved so much.

I was now resolved. I would not bother to ask Éomer, but take Whisper and go myself, tonight. Faramir deserved help, and he deserved to see his brother again.

I would not let myself wonder what he would feel upon seeing me.