Disclaimer: Don't own, never will!

Understanding

Slowly Boromir ente5red the healing room, that housed his brother. He had been informed that, poor Faramir would be all right given time…and love. It was dark in here. The only noise the ragged breathing and painful moans of his brother's one of the welts on his back was stitched closed. His eyes strayed beyond his brother's face and caught a glimpse of the extent of the injuries. Mangled. Seconds ticked painfully by as the elder brother struggled to form a coherent sentence.

"H…H…How…who, when?" How someone could hurt his little Fara. It was entirely his fault, he had failed the last request their mother had given him. 'Look after him. Keep him safe!" It seemed that it had happened so long ago, but yet so near. Mother. Faramir had barely known her, and when he became ill in the depths of night, he would call for her. She could never answer. Findulas had passed beyond the circles of this world.

Faramir blinked drowsily as the healer bound him up with fresh white linen bandages. The pain killer seemed to be wearing off now, and he could feel the painful throb of his wounds. All he wanted to do was sleep. After the bandages had been secured the healer wished them a good day and hurried from the room. Faramir fidgeted there was no way he would or could tell Boromir. Why would he believe him? How could he tell him of the years of abuse, he had suffered under, his own father?

"Fara…you know you can tell me anything. That's what brothers are for!" Boromir whispered trying to stop himself from crying. He was a soldier of Gondor, he would not cry. Sleepily Faramir lifted his eyes to those of his brothers that shone with unshed tears. His resolve melted instantly.

"Father had me whipped."

THE END

AN: I hope you liked it. Thanks for all the people that have stuck with the story from the beginning. :)