Untitled - BoG-Archive

I did not know any Rangers; I hoped that they had volunteered for the
duty, for if they did not know how to manage children, it could be a trying day
for all involved.
Finally Boromir and Faramir finished; then, without urging, scrubbed
hands and faces cleaner than I had ever before seen them do voluntarily. Their
small packs and bedrolls – worn blankets bound with twine – lay waiting
expectantly on one of the couches. Boromir slipped his pack and bedroll over his
shoulders easily then shoved his wooden sword through his belt. He helped
Faramir struggle into his pack, then demanded, "Where are we going? Where is
our tent?"
"We are going to the gardens," I said. "Do you remember where there is a
tall willow?"
"Can I go?" If Boromir had been a horse, he would have been stamping his
feet and snorting. "I know where it is, can I go?"
"You may both go," I nodded, and they did not need to be told twice.
Lord Denethor had informed me that he himself would assist the boys in
setting up their small camp, and when I glanced out the window, I could see that
he was already in the garden, so I did not hurry to follow them.
85
When I reached the garden, the boys and their father were deeply involved
in pitching the small tent. Lord Denethor and Boromir were cutting poles to a
proper length, and Faramir was hammering pegs into the ground with a mallet.
I did not interrupt them, but settled on the grass to watch. The boys were
enjoying themselves hugely, running to and fro to follow their father's directions,
and I was quite pleased with myself, for my idea had certainly gone over well.
I was peeking into the pack to see what treats Mag had prepared when
Faramir caught sight of me. "Nanny!" he exclaimed, running over to me and
seizing my hand. "Look, look at our tent!"
"I have been watching you put it up," I told him, restraining the urge to
brush the dirt from his knees. "What a good job you have done!"
"No girls!" Boromir had his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his
face. "There aren't any girl Rangers, Nanny, and you are a girl, so you can't play."
I did not particularly want to stalk rabbits and sleep outside, but Boromir's
tone of voice was rather too arrogant for my liking. I was preparing to chastise
him when Lord Denethor spoke.