Dedication: To my mother on Mother's Day and my Grandma on her upcoming birthday.


Lessons

I look at her with worried eyes. "Beloved, you mustn't exert yourself so, especially with your time so near. Let Gilmeren and Idril dole out supplies to the poor today."

She shakes her head, "It would be better for me to go thanmerely my serving ladies. It would show the poor and wretched that their leaders care for their well-being. Besides, it would be a lesson of morals for the child."

I sigh. "As you wish."

I have apparently not learned my lessons as of yet. For I still hold a foolish hope that someday she may love me in return, but I only ever receive fondness not love.

What foolishness lies in the hearts of the wise!

Innocence

"Finduilas!" Denethor shouts, bursting into the room. "Are you ill? What of the child?"

I smile weakly. "I am fine as is our son." I uncover the blanket to reveal a round, pink face.

Denethor carefully takes the bundle and speaks to him in a quiet tone of voice. "What troubles you brought upon your mother to bring you into this world. I nearly hated you for causing her so much pain save that you are an innocent and the child of Finduilas. Because of that, I love rather than despise you."

I feel shocked at the audacity of his words, but something inside feels warm.

For I knew then I loved this husband of mine.

Mirror

Little Faramir points to a letter and laughs. My sister turns smug. "Look, sister, is he not a clever, curious child? I believe he will be a great scholar like his father one day."

I nod my head as Finduilas boasts on and on about the virtues of her son.

All of a sudden, she stops and adds in a mystified tone, "It is strange, though, that Denethor is so distant from Faramir than Boromir for Faramir's nature mirrors him more than his elder brother's."

I recall Denethor's looks of apprehension when he sees Faramir preferring the musty archives over the bustling armory and sigh.

"Don't you see, Finduilas? That is what he is afraid of."


A/N: Argh, I'm starting to wonder if Denethor is OOC. Anyone mind enlightening me on the matter and suggesting any improvements? Thanks!