A Mother's Gift: Brothers Minas Tirith Late Summer 2988

Summer was on the cusp of turning into fall when Finduilas became too weak to get out of bed. She now relied on the medicines the healers gave her to sleep at night. As the light that streamed through the window during the day became more golden and the air that wafted through the windows at night began to carry the scent of dying leaves, Finduilas knew she could delay no longer.

Faramir spent most of the time in her room now and, although he had lessons to attend to, Boromir also spent a great deal of time there. There was more than enough space in her private room for two small beds that her sons could sleep in and Boromir and Faramir slept there every night now. It gave her pleasure to see their dark hair falling over their foreheads and their closed eyes framed by long lashes as they dreamed.

She had refused to speak with Denethor or hear his entreaties for her to give him an audience. She had nothing to say to her husband but she had to think of some way to ensure that her boys, especially Faramir, would be as protected as possible when she could no longer be physically present.

On a day that descended into a lavender dusk and then into a night lit by an enormous golden moon, Finduilas gazed upon her sleeping sons illuminated by the moonlight and knew she had to summon her brother. Imrahil would know how to help her.

Her message was sent out and Imrahil arrived more quickly than she could have hoped. She had not seen her brother in a long time and was very glad that he had come. She sent the boys to play in the garden while she spoke with her sibling.

Imrahil sat on the edge of her bed, took one of her hands in his, and said, "Fin, I wish you had called me sooner. I did not know how badly it was with you. I know it is not just the physical, as dire as that is. You wrote that you needed my help and I am no healer."

Finduilas took a deep breath and told him of how Denethor, who had never taken to Faramir as he had to Boromir, had shown an increasingly irrational hostility towards the child since the beginning of her illness. When she concluded her story, she noticed that Imrahil's eyes flashed in anger briefly before filling with compassion.

He stroked her hair and said, "Fin, Fin. I can't believe he dared do such a thing. It could be that lashing out at Fari is the way he chooses to express his anger and grief at your illness. A less-favorite child can make a convenient scapegoat."

Finduilas scowled at her brother, "Imrahil, It is no excuse! It is unforgivable! Our father never..."

He shook his head and said, "I did not say that it was forgivable or offer that as an excuse. It is but a possible reason and I may be wrong. I spoke with him before I came to your room and I think he still loves you."

She gave a sad smile and said, "But, my brother, I can no longer love him."

He turned very grave and said, "You have to speak with him sister, whether you love him or not. Think how alone he is right now. You will not speak to him and even Boromir spends his time here and not with his father. That is, perhaps, as it should be but you should let him say goodbye."

She pursed her lips and said, "That is something to think on, Imrahil. I will offer him no comfort but I must see him." Her face crumpled then and she moaned, "Oh, Imrahil! What about Fari? I can't leave him like this! And my little Boromir! Denethor won't hurt him but he will try and protect his brother. That is admirable but such a burden for a small boy."

He stroked her hand and said, "He wouldn't object if I took Faramir to stay for awhile with me in Dol Amroth? It would be wise, at least until Denethor's grief abates."

She sighed and replied, "Yes, that is an option. The boys do love each other so, however. Must they lose each other and me at the same time? Can you not take them both?"

He frowned and said, "Yes, I could. Boromir is a fine little lad and I am fond of him but Denethor will need him. You know he will not hurt Boromir."

She used all her strength to sit up in the bed and said, "That is true, but I hate to sacrifice Fari to salve Denethor's pain. I will hear what he has to say to me, then decide."

Imrahil left to find Denethor in such a hurry that he did not notice two small, stricken figures quickly hiding in an adjoining doorway. Boromir and Faramir had not been playing in the garden but eavesdropping on their mother and uncle and what they heard filled them with grief.