Boromir blew out the candles in his chambers and laid down in his bed. He wanted Denethor to think he was already asleep. He was going to Faramir's room to spend more time with his little brother. He quickly closed his eyes as he heard footsteps coming toward the door. Denethor knocked on the door before opening it.

"Boromir, are you awake?"

Boromir gave no answer pretending to be asleep. Denethor closed the door and walked away to his own chambers. Boromir opened his eyes as he got up. He walked down the hall to Faramir's bedroom.

"Little brother?" he said knocking on the door.

"I am awake", he heard inside.

Boromir went into the room and saw Faramir practicing sword fighting with a stick. He chuckled and shook his head as he took the stick.

"You are a brave little soldier. But a good soldier knows when it's time to stop and rest."

Faramir jumped into bed allowing Boromir to tuck him in. Boromir settled next to him.

"Are you sleepy?" he asked.

"No", Faramir said shaking his head.

"Lay down", Boromir said. "Mother used to do this with me whenever I couldn't sleep."

"What was Mama like?"

He started running his fingers through Faramir's hair. Faramir looked up at him and watched as he took a deep breath.

"Mother was the best", Boromir started. "She was the kindest woman in the Citadel. Whenever Father was angry about something, Mother was there to protect me and calm him down."

"Why did Mama die?" Faramir asked.

"She died to save your life. You were very sick and Mother said she would do anything to save you. So she gave her life for yours."

"Is that why Papa hates me?"

"Faramir, Father doesn't hate you. He misses Mother. Nobody hates you."

"But Mama's gone because of me", Faramir. "I am the reason everything is the way it is."

Boromir hugged him trying to think of something else to say. He tucked Faramir in and patted his shoulder.

"Do not think of anything like that", he said. "Mama's death was not your doing. She chose to give up her life. None of it was your fault."

"Are you sure?" Faramir asked.

"I am. Now sleep, little brother and dream of our mother. Hear her voice in your dreams and see her smile. May she be as beautiful as I remember."

Boromir patted Faramir's shoulder and blew out the candles letting him sleep in peace.