A/n: No real author's note except I hope I haven't died some horrible death from Cygna-hime's lava pit, over which I'm probably no longer dangling.can't say I blame anyone though. So, without further ado about nothing, the next installment.

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Chapter Five: Fading Light

Faramir ran as fast as he could, which was quite fast for an eight year old. He had hastily replaced the practice sword in the armory, and was currently dashing blindly through the streets of the White City. He dodged out of people's way, not knowing nor really caring where he was going. He just wanted to get away, to be alone. People stared at him as he rushed past, wondering why the child was in such a hurry.

'Perhaps he has found some sort of mischief,' they thought.

Faramir ignored their gazes, if he even noticed them at all. He continued his headlong sprint through the winding streets, ascending at last to the seventh level of Minas Tirith. He stopped, out of breath and gasping for air, resting his hands on his knees. His legs ached from his frenzied flight up the many streets. Once he had recovered control of his breathing, he set off toward the palace, intending to find a quiet corner in the library and perhaps finish the book he was currently reading. Upon reaching the library, Faramir quickly retrieved the book, an interesting account of the battle of Dagor-nuin-Giliath, which was still lying on the table as he had left it. Curling up in a large brownish colored chair, he began to read.

The sun began to sink into the western edge of the horizon, casting its rose colored light across all of Arda. In the east, a few pale stars twinkled in the fading light.

Oblivious to the signal the sun gave, Faramir continued reading, engrossed in the story at hand. Deep in his subconscious, he knew that the evening meal had already commenced. But this thought never surfaced until the sun had disappeared completely, leaving the room dark with only a couple of sparse candles for light. No longer able to see the words carefully scripted on the page, Faramir gently closed the book and placed it on its rightful shelf. It was then he realized that his presence would have been missed at the evening meal.

'For formality's sake only,' Faramir thought cynically. 'Father would lock me in a closet forever if it were socially befitting of a Steward, or anyone for that matter.'

Faramir left the library only to pause in the long stone corridor outside, contemplating whether to arrive quite unfashionably late to the evening meal, or to retreat to his room. He had almost come to a decision when the choice was made for him. Faramir could feel Denethor's warm breath down the back of his neck and instantly tensed.

"How polite of you to grace us with your presence at supper this evening." The lord's voice dripped with unconcealed sarcasm. Faramir turned around to face his father, taking the words, however mocking, as a cue.

The Steward of Gondor was livid, fairly shaking with anger. When he next spoke, his voice was naught but a furious whisper.

"Come with me," he all but growled. Then, he roughly grabbed his youngest's wrist and set off briskly down the silent, empty hallway, leaving Faramir no choice but to follow.

"Father.?" Faramir ventured fearfully.

"Shut up, you insolent child!" Denethor admonished trough clenched teeth, walking faster, dragging Faramir behind him.

Upon reaching his own private chambers, Denethor insensitively pushed Faramir through the wooden doorframe. He might have slammed the door closed but for the noise it would have caused. Then he whirled to face his son. He opened his mouth as though to speak, but closed it again. He was having an inner debate, too infuriated to even formulate a coherent accusation.

"You completely missed the evening meal. Do you have ANY idea how inappropriate that is? And what's worse! The delegates from Rohan had arrived this evening. Your formal attendance was required! How am I supposed to explain that my youngest is off someplace, where exactly I was not informed, and obviously refuses to dine tonight, despite my requests. That is unspeakably inconsiderate, downright disrespectful, and it makes ME look irresponsible!" Denethor ranted, his voice rising.

"I'm sorry." Faramir whispered, his gaze fixed firmly on the marble floor beneath his feet. "I forgot." Faramir did not actually utter the latter half, his voice died in his throat as his lips moved soundlessly.

"I don't understand you! How did you come to be so foolish?! Why can't you be like your brother? He has sense."

Faramir blinked hard, silently admitting this truth to himself.

"I thought - no, I know you were taught manners. Perhaps you do not wish to exhibit them." A new realization seemed to glow in Denethor's steely, dark eyes. "You're naught but a disobedient, rebellious inconvenience!"

Not bothering to stop himself, the Steward backhanded his youngest across the cheek, his heavy ring leaving a trail of crimson from which blood immediately began to well up and trickle down the side of his face.

Faramir stared in terrified wonder at the man who was supposed to be his father. His lower lip trembled and his eyes were bright with unshed tears. His mouth opened slightly and he looked into his father's eyes. All he saw there was a burning hatred and disappointment. Choking back a sob and a gasp, Faramir fled from the room.

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A/n: To my reviewers from chapters 4 & 5.

Cygna-hime: thanks for telling me you think I'm making Faramir into movie- Faramir. I definitely don't want that to happen! I hope this chapter is better, if not, I'll try harder in the next chapter!

Lothlorien Leaf: glad you liked it. If you have had success with italics and such on ffn, please tell me! They obviously hate me. :P

Susan: Ah, perhaps my most faithful reviewer thus far. If you have stuck with this story, I hope this chapter was worth it. (meh, it probably wasn't worth the wait, but yeah.sorry, lol)

Klaw: I'm happy you like it!

Elessar King: you make me blush.lol

Arien Laurelin: did you change your name? b/c it threw me off a bit for a moment.anyways, being a sucker for the facts is definitely not a bad thing! Hope you still like.

Anyways, thanks to everyone who will actually read this new chapter. I saw Return of the King recently.I think it was food for thought, so to speak. Man, Denethor is a such a ^%$#@$!!! Don't forget to review please!