Author's note: Here's the shocker! Now, steady on, if you don't think it's shocking enough. The plot layout of the next few chapters is done, I only have to write them. 'Past and Remembered', an epic in Faramir's point of view (corresponding with 'Red Dawn') is just getting started. The reviews are great! I'm getting a few more than usual, thanks! Now hang on tight to your special someone, or more likely, the armrests of your chair and read on! I'm still with you!

Secrets

Faramir had his back to me, but turned around when he heard the opening of the door. He looked at me for a long moment.

"Are you all right?" he asked slowly.

I nodded and swallowed. What did I do now?

"I thought something had gone wrong with the healing..or ..oh, well, as long as you're feeling all right." He continued.

He closed the door and locked it. Replacing the keys in a pouch at his belt, he started off. Like the night before, I followed, three paces behind. As though Faramir had been Boromir, he said, "Don't fall back. Stay up front. Right here." He waved his right hand at a spot beside him.

Without protesting, I moved in next to him. He nodded approvingly and we walked on in silence.

Finally, "So, you're also a flutist, I believe."

Blushing, I replied with: "Yes, my lord."

"You play well."

"Thank you, my lord."

My words were followed by a short period of silence.

I mustered my courage and asked, "Do you play music too, my lord?"

"Bugle and horn, of course, but also the harp and violin."

"That's quite a bit, my lord." I said in astonishment.

My legs suddenly felt weak. As Faramir said, I 'fell back'. He stopped his measured paces and with a look of concern, put a hand on my shoulder. I swayed and he put a hand out behind my back to catch me if I fell.

"Kneel." He said, and took off his charm again. "Do you feel faint? Dizzy?" I shook my head and made no move to go down.

"Do you want to go back?" I shook my head once more.

"It's all right. I'm fine now. Really." Warily, he eyed my cheeks for any sign of paleness.

"You don't have to come. If you do not feel well, it's nothing to be ashamed of." He said quietly.

"Like I said, sir," I emphasized the word. "I'm all right. I need to exercise too."

All serious, he said, "All right, but don't stress yourself. Hear me?"

I nodded nonchalantly and walked a little ahead of him. It was obnoxious of me, but I could not show him any weakness whatsoever. It was enough that I'd shown him last night. He didn't need anymore.

"Over here." He muttered and opened a door. Up narrow stairs we went, and I wondered whether this was some sort of secret passage.

At last, we entered a level corridor and he said, "We're in the Citadel."

I could only stare. The Citadel? Only the Steward and important individuals were allowed in its secret halls. The rest stayed in the court halls, or wandered elsewhere in the White City.

Faramir paused and turned left for a moment. He looked at me.

I was caught with a sudden notion that if I went into Boromir's chambers, something bad would happen. He would see. For sure.

As if Faramir could read my mind, he asked, "Do you wish to come in?"

"I'm sorry, but I..do not wish to go. I'll just wait outside."

"Do you want me to inform Boromir that you're here?"

"No, just ignore me. I'm not here."

He gently touched my shoulder again, "Is there something bothering you?"

"I don't want it to happen again. No one deserves it."

Comprehending, he said, "I won't be long."

He knocked at the door. "Boromir," he said softly, "It's me."

I watched as he entered swiftly without looking back at me. As he shut the door, I sighed quietly in relief. I leaned against the wall next to the door.

Without thinking, I began to listen to the brothers within. I was afraid that Faramir would secretly tell Boromir to protect him. Not that I could blame him in any way.

"Where were you last night?" Boromir was speaking.

"Lady Ariaelle was ill."

"Why did you not take her to the Houses of Healing instead?"

"She was asleep."

"In your chamber."

"Yes."

"Faramir, don't do that again."

"I did nothing."

"Nothing..with her."

"Of course not!" Faramir sounded angry.

"Oh, I'm sorry. No, Faramir, you don't do things like that, I should have known. Forgive me."

Faramir seemed to accept his apology. "It's all right."

Boromir sighed, "I need to tell you something, brother." There was urgency burrowed in his voice.

"What is it?"

"You must swear, on your honor, never to speak of this to anyone."

Faramir sounded concerned. "Boromir-"

"Just swear it."

"I swear on my honor as Faramir, son of Denethor, Soldier of Gondor and Captain of the Ithilien Rangers that I shall not speak of what is spoken here."

There was silence.

And then, "Father..hasn't been doing enough to stop Mordor's forces. He's sent your Rangers and the soldiers to Osgiliath over and over again. We're trying to hold them back, but, like you know, it's virtually impossible. Not enough men. Every legion he sends will go to their deaths.

"He sends me to defend Osgiliath," Boromir continued, "and never represents Gondor himself. What sort of ruler is that? He's afraid, Faramir. He sends us instead and would rather have us die and himself safe. When was the last time he rode out? When did he ever lead Gondor's army? It's never happened, Faramir, and it never will."

Faramir's voice was soft, "Boromir, you're speaking treason. Father-"

"Is a coward." Finished the older son of the Steward. "I'm going to stop him before the White City is taken and Gondor falls. I'm going to make sure the White Tree will always fly on Minas Tirith. I'm going to be the Steward of Gondor."

A sudden fear flooded me. What was going on? Why was Boromir saying these things? What would Faramir do? What will I do?

From what I had heard, Boromir only wished to take the throne for himself, probably because of impatience, but he could just advise his father instead, right? He had already a worthy position and was virtually known everywhere in Gondor as the Son of the Steward and heir to the throne of Gondor.

"Boromir," breathed Faramir, "Father loves you. He-"

"I know he does." Boromir said.

"But why?"

"For Gondor."

"Boromir," he said again.

"Are you with or against me?" Asked the older brother.

There was another uncomfortable silence.

Faramir cleared his throat, "Give me some time, please."

"I will then."

"Thank you, brother." He said, so low that I could barely hear him.

It was then that I'd realized that I'd heard some of the most treasonous things a Gondorian could say. And the person who said it was Gondor's own heir. What would I do? Tell his father? I couldn't..yet. And Faramir..he would know that I'd heard.

I could hear footsteps nearing the door.

I gasped.

And there was a silence, so strained, it felt like the incessant blaring of trumpets in my ear.