Faramir yawned as he sat by the candlelight as he read another scroll. After Gandalf was dismissed from Denethor's sight, he continued to practice reading. He was starting to enjoy it. The history of Gondor was fascinating to him. It sounded nothing like the stories Denethor told him and Boromir. Faramir looked up as he heard a knock on the door.

"Enter", he said rolling up the scroll.

Boromir carried a candle as he entered Faramir's room.

"Faramir, are you ready to train?" he asked.

"Not tonight", Faramir answered. "I think I will retire for the night."

"This early? What have you been doing this whole time?"

"Reading the archives of the Citadel."

"Reading?" Boromir asked. "I didn't know you could read."

"The Wizard taught me", Faramir answered.

Boromir watched as he unrolled one of the scrolls and read out loud. He was so impressed that his little brother learned how to read. He himself wasn't that good at it. Denethor was more focused on training than teaching him how to read and write.

"Impressive", Boromir said.

"Really?" Faramir asked.

"Yes, little brother", he answered. "You are a very smart person. Father may not say so, but I know you will do us all proud."

"Are you proud of me, Boromir?"

"Very. I am very proud of you, Faramir. I know Mother would be too."

Boromir hugged his little brother as he listened to him continue to read. Faramir was smart. If Denethor would give him a chance, he would go on to be one of the greatest Stewards of Gondor.

"Boromir", Faramir said. "Did Father mean it when he said I would never be Steward?"

Boromir sighed as he looked down.

"I'm afraid that it might be true", he said. "I am the first born son. Once Father passes into the next world, then I will be the Steward. I do not wish to be, but it is my duty as his son."

"Why cannot I be the Steward if you do not want to be?" Faramir asked.

"It is not my decision to make". Boromir said. "I trust you would make a great Steward, little brother, but Father makes the decision."

"You could if you choose", he said. "If Father names you Steward, could you name me Steward in your stead?"

Boromir looked at him surprised. He had never thought about making a decision like that.

"I will think about it", he said. "But for now, it is time for you to rest."

Faramir yawned as he rolled the scroll back up. He crawled into his bed and laid down ready to sleep.

"Keep reading and maybe someday you'll be smarter than Father", Boromir said with a smile.