Summer Nights

The next few days passed in relative peace. Boromir entertained Faramir with stories from the soldiers' barracks as they walked around town, harassing the shopkeepers and tradesmen. Boromir did not mention the Silver Fox again. This was an issue Faramir must decide on his own, and Boromir could say nothing more to help him.

One morning, as Boromir and Faramir were leaving for a morning of swimming down near the bay, they saw Imrahil hurrying down the corridor. "Boromir," he called, "may I speak with you?" The look on Imrahil's face showed this was less a request than a command.

"Yes, Uncle," Boromir answered, a slightly confused look on his face. "Faramir, go on, I will catch up with you." Faramir made his way out the door and Boromir followed his uncle some way down the corridor. Once they turned the corner Imrahil handed Boromir a folded piece of parchment, then leaned against the wall as Boromir read it.

"The Silver Fox," Boromir said, eyeing the insignia at the top. "Aye, but what of it? You never questioned my using your account before."

"Boromir, I love you as a son," Imrahil replied, "but even a son must show some restraint."

"I am sorry, Uncle, but I do not understand --"

"Read," Imrahil ordered, so Boromir read. _One visit two weeks ago, but that was before I arrived; that leaves the eleventh, but I still do not see the problem..._

"Really, lad, twice on the same night?"

Boromir looked back down at the bill, a smile slowly creeping across his face.

"My apologies, Uncle," he said, bowing slightly. "I will try to exercise more restraint in the future." Imrahil nodded, accepting the apology, and Boromir ran out the door to catch his brother.