Boromir fought the urge to scream as the healer wrapped healing herbs into his wounds. Denethor had whipped him good the minute he came home. He was punished for talking back to his father, deserting their sparring session, and disobeying his orders of going down to the lower levels to play. Denethor whipped Boromir until he bled and ordered no supper for him.
"My lord, please hold still", the healer said. "I don't want your wounds to fester."
"I want them to fester", Boromir said. "Teach my father a lesson."
"You shouldn't speak about the Steward like that", the healer said. "Your father does what is best for you."
"Mama didn't want this to happen. Mama has told him countless times not to do this to me."
The healer bandaged his wounds before sending him on his way. Boromir walked down the hall to Faramir's room. The maid gently closed the door as she saw him.
"Please, my lord", she said. "You can see Lord Faramir another time. I just put him down to sleep."
"I won't be long", Boromir said going inside.
Faramir laid sleeping in his crib with his thumb stuck firmly in his mouth. Boromir stuck his fingers in the crib and gently stroked his hair.
"You're lucky, little brother", he said. "You are lucky Papa will never expect this much from you. You're lucky Papa will never whip you or train you for hours."
Boromir sighed as he watched Faramir open his eyes.
"I wish I can exchange places with you, little brother", he continued. "I wish I was as free as you."
Faramir pulled his thumb from his mouth as he looked at his older brother. He noticed Boromir looked so sad today. His older brother took his little hand with his finger and thumb, holding it.
"You probably do not know what I'm saying."
Faramir smiled for him and he wrapped his fingers around his bigger finger. Boromir smiled as he watched his brother bring his finger down to his mouth and started sucking on it. Boromir kept his finger there knowing Faramir was trying to make him feel better.
"Thank you, little brother."