[ it's true; Sam has never seen such an open and unguarded expression on Boromir's face in all the weeks he's known him. it rather takes him aback for a moment, but he can't help smiling back in spite of himself; both for the joy of the expression itself and for the love of this brother, this Faramir, that's so clear. ]

Why, he sounds like Mr. Bilbo - him being Mr. Frodo's cousin, if you understand me, what lives back in Rivendell now, if you ever saw him there before we set off. A finer storyteller or loremaster there never was in all the Shire, or my name's not Sam Gamgee. [ there's a note of respectful pride and earnestness in Sam's voice, as there always is when talking about either of the Bagginses. ] Though he never did have no tales of this land, or at least none as he told to me. [ wistfully: ] I shouldn't mind hearing some though; I should imagine your brother could tell a fine tale.

[ though perhaps not quite as fine as Mr. Bilbo or Gandalf, Sam adds in his head out of loyalty. ]