“Do you really have to leave? It was my dream; I should know about the meaning myself and help Gondor. I will go in your stead- you have to convince Father that that is the better decision,” said Faramir insistently to Boromir the eve before Boromir was to depart.

“You know he will not change his mind,” replied Boromir sympathetically, whose younger brother’s dark eyes pierced him as he looked away and tried to convince Faramir that it was better that he go. “It is too late and you know how stubborn Father can be.”

“I am a better horseman after all and I know my way around.”

“It is a perilous quest and not all maps denote properly where Imladris is. It is far too dangerous. You stay here and protect our country- it is an important task.”

“Your task is just as important! You can help Father change his mind- you know he favors you,” Faramir would not let go of this. His heart forebode dark times and he felt like he needed to go on this Quest.

“I’ve tried already to dissuade him of his decision -you have to trust me that I want the best for you and Gondor. I wouldn’t go unless I must.”

“You’re not trying hard  enough- if anyone can get through to father it’s you!”

“No need to get angry, Faramir. I’ll be back before you know it .”

It went quiet as Faramir looked and turned away from Boromir in frustration . All his life he felt that he always received the lesser task, advice put aside, not listened to. After all, this was his dream. Why can’t he be the one to go to the Elves for answers?

He felt Boromir’s arm on his shoulder, a gesture of reconciliation, for him to speak again on the eve of departure . Faramir could not be angry for long but he was frustrated at the moment and did not speak.

“Do you know you looked the same way when father sent me to the fencing lessons first 10 years ago? Don’t be angry. One day you’ll understand it’s all right you don’t swim with the sharks first . One day you will know it’s all right to not do everything first,” said Boromir softly. “I’ll miss you, Faramir- take care of the White City and do not let its enemies take it .”

“I won’t,” replied Faramir resolutely . After hesitating in a sigh, he asked even more insistently,  “I do, though, want to take the risk and go . Why can I not be the one chosen ? “ he paused for effect 

“At one time , there will not be someone to return. This is a trip that we did not foresee having and we are experiencing critical times for Gondor. The enemy is at our doorstep.”

“Which is even more important, you stay! I want to make sense of everything -how can Father and the council give you the task while it’s so clear in my mind what happened ?” Seek for the sword that was broken…It seemed like a fairy tale come to life and Faramir would have wanted to unravel it first. A riddle that could change the future. Why are his elders so insistent for Boromir to go? He clenched his fists, almost wanting to shout out loud but not sure who to since Boromir was not to blame in the matter. He took a long breath in and out. How could he be angry for too long at his only brother? It seemed childlike to be so.  He looked in the direction of where he thought Imladris was but not sure of the distance as well.

“Faramir! Please don’t make this harder . You’ll be fine defending our city. “

Faramir calmed down a bit and asked, “Do you know how long it is for Imladris ?”

“No one knows for sure but looks every bit of at least three weeks. The elves keep it hidden. The path is arduous, far and long,” Boromir replied . “Don’t be angry, there’s so much we need to be angry at and it’s not this matter of who leaves for Imladris. I’ll write at every spare moment, brother.”

It was a clear night. The brothers looked upon the stars that gleamed so bright . It calmed  Faramir a bit, but he also felt anxious that Boromir was leaving . It’s not like he didn’t before but it felt different this time. He could not explain it .

“Be safe, Boromir. I’ll miss you,” he said softly  “Come back to us as soon as possible,” he said and he held onto Boromir’s hand.

“You know I won’t linger if I must not,” replied Boromir, taking Faramir’s hand and squeezing it tightly.

Faramir drew in Boromir for a long embrace , feeling tears upon his eyes that did not fall. Boromir returned the hug but then laughed , “Let’s have a drink. It will be alright, little brother.” 

“Hardly anything to drink for- but I will toast to your safety and not to do anything rash and ridiculous ,” Faramir smiled.

Boromir took two glasses and took the finest brandy out. “Little brother, take care of the city in my stead for a little while.”

“Always for Gondor,” and Faramir lifted his glass to meet Boromir’s. They smiled, arm in arm and took in that moment of peace together.