Note: Firstly, may I say that you do not need to read the previous two stories in this series. Certain events are interwoven, thus making it a series. Nothing should confuse you, except possibly the character Agoron. Please be aware that I have made a character list at the bottom of this chapter to help with any confusion you may experience.

Secondly, this story is purely Imrahil based. A possible scenario on how Imrahil was shaped into the fearless, heroic man who was in The Lord of the Rings. I want to give him a human appeal. He is not invincible, he is not perfect; he has faults, and like all of us, he will have to learn in order to achieve that greatness he eventually shows.

Also, a note on the Romance genre – the main area of romance in this story will not appear until further down the storyline (in later chapters), and it may require an M rating. In the meantime, I hope most of you enjoy a tale of battles, family affairs, bonding friendship, lust, and the dizzy world of politics.

Thorongil (Aragorn) will also be making an appearance in this story.

...

April: Spring 2977

The waves crashed against the sharp raggedy cliff of Dol Amroth. Dark clouds loomed above, threatening to release pales of rain. Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth stood on his private balcony, watching the fierce scene of nature taking place. It was a beauty and wonder to live by such changing elements. But now was not a time to be rejoicing in all the pleasantries one had in their life. The city was still in mourning for the recent loss of their ruling prince – Imrahil's grandfather – Prince Angelimir. The winter season, which had just passed, caused a pandemic of infection throughout the fiefdom. Imrahil's grandfather had been one of the unlucky citizens. He passed away the previous month, making Imrahil's father - Prince Adrahil - the twenty-first ruling Prince of Dol Amroth. It also made Imrahil one-step closer to the prince's throne; one-step closer to an endless duty and service. Was Imrahil complaining? He was not quite sure. He was more fortunate than most; he was given the best education in Gondor, had become a Swan Knight – every man's dream. He had the pick of women to dally with, and eventually marry. Yes, Imrahil had quite the life. But it was not as luxurious as it may sound. Being a Prince a Dol Amroth came with a sacred duty to protect those under his rule. It was hard work, and Adrahil made sure his only son and heir assisted him as often as possible. And it was this assistance - which Imrahil was duty obliged to - where his story begins.

"Have you overseen all the tax collections?" Adrahil asked his son, writing a letter as he spoke.

Imrahil slumped down into a chair across from his father. He had just celebrated his twenty-second birthday, and right now, he could think of a dozen places where he would rather be. "Indeed I have, Father."

Adrahil stopped writing and stretched. "I am pleased with you, Imrahil." He smiled, planning to enjoy informing Imrahil of his next assignment. "As you know I have recently sent a new batch of scouts to Tolfalas."

Imrahil nodded. "Yes, you appointed Captain Alagosson to overlook them."

"Well, I have recently received a report from our captain, informing me that a fleet of Corsair ships are sailing northbound towards the Bay." Adrahil handed his son a copy of the report. "I want you to take temporary command of our fleet, with Lord Agoron at your side, and intercept them before they reach the peninsular."

Imrahil was speechless. This was the first military assignment his had been appointed to. And he damn well deserved it, too, he thought. "When shall I make sail?"

Adrahil shifted through some papers. "It will take a few days to muster a large enough fleet."

Imrahil looked down at the report he held in his hands. "Captain Alagosson estimates that the Corsairs fleet varies around one-hundred and fifty."

"Mmm." Adrahil handed Imrahil another piece of parchment. "I have made a list of possible candidates; I want you to choose from that list your crewmen."

"How many ships are needed to be prepared?"

"Two-hundred, fully equipped," Adrahil answered.

"That is our entire fleet!" Imrahil exclaimed. "Should we not leave at least a dozen in dock just as a precautionary step?" He feared that, if an open-sea battle occurred, some enemy vessels may end up sneaking through their defensive lines.

"I will have two hundred archers along the seawall as a precautionary step."

"With all respect, Father, I do not believe two hundred archers will hold off an enemy vessel," Imrahil replied.

"Have faith, my son."

"I have faith in you, Father," Imrahil said, standing. "All I worry for is the city's defence while I am gone."

Adrahil smiled. "Our city shall do just fine in your absence. Besides, I thought once you returned you should visit Finduilas in Minas Tirith."

Imrahil raised his eyebrows. "As much as I would love to see my sister again, whatever for? Has something happened? Is she unwell?"

"Peace." Adrahil raised a hand to silent his son. "Your sister is fine, from what I have last heard. I merely thought you would enjoy seeing her again. She has not seen any of us since her wedding a year ago. Also, if our campaign against the Corsairs proves successful, I am sure the steward would like to thank you for your efforts in person."

Imrahil nodded. "Very well. But first I would like to focus on one matter at a time."

Adrahil chuckled. "Imrahil, when the day comes that you find yourself in my position, you will realise that you will not have a choice but to focus on many matters at once. The business of the fiefdom never rests."

"You make it sounds so... appealing," Imrahil said sarcastically.

Adrahil laughed. "Some areas are appealing."

"I'm sure," Imrahil muttered. "I'll go and write to these men on your list so we can be organised to set sail within the week, if the wind proves to be on our side."

It was not a very long list, Imrahil noticed as he briefly sat down outside his father's study. Agoron was on top of the list, as was to be expected. Lord Toven was next. Imrahil enjoyed Toven's company in the past, and the man had a promising record of being a worthy sailor. Imrahil's uncle – on his mother's side – came next. Uncle Ablador was a minor Lord of Dol Amroth, but not a frequent visitor to the swan palace. Growing up it interested Imrahil to know why he rarely saw his uncle, but it turned out that Lord Ablador was a private man who lavished himself in his own family's attention and needs. He had three young cousins to his uncle, the eldest – twin girls - being only eleven years. His wife, Lady Lothuielil had died five years earlier in childbirth to their only son, Horon.

Lady Lothuielil, Imrahil thought, scanning the list of names. Her brothers, Lord Glamrion and Lord Aduialon were also on the list. They were Lords of the city, Uilben, which was located on the coast of Belfalas. His father had chosen well. Imrahil knew all these men had profound reputations of being educated, well-trained men of Gondor.

Imrahil stood up and walked to his apartments. There, his clerk, Mainion was sorting through the tax papers in the small room adjoined to the antechamber. Imrahil was yet to have his own study; his father told him he had to earn the privilege, just as he did when he was Imrahil's age.

"Mainion, make a copy of this list and then send a message to each man on that listing to attend council here, in the palace, in three days time. Make the letter brief, and do not go into too much detail. I do not want word spreading that there is an impending attack from the Corsairs. People may panic."

While Mainion went about his business, Imrahil took the opportunity to visit his sister, Ivriniel. He knew she would be in her apartments; she hardly ever left them these days. Since their mother's health had declined further, their father was dependant on both Imrahil and Ivriniel for moral support. Ivriniel's main task was to look after their mother, while Adrahil and Imrahil were busy running the fiefdom. Imrahil knew his sister did not enjoy doing her duty; she hated seeing their mother so frail. Enough death had happened in the family, and even though the physicians kept telling them that their mother was still a long way from death, it was hard.

Ivriniel took the news well. "I have faith in you, Brother." She paced in front of the large window in her antechamber, holding a necklace of pearls her husband had given her before he died. "How long will you be gone for?"

"Hopefully no longer than a month," he replied. "If all goes according to plan, I am hoping to intercept them just after they sail pass Tolfalas."

"And if something should go wrong?" she asked, staring at him blankly.

"Nothing will go wrong," he said determinedly. "You have my word."

"Words are nothing more than sounds," Ivriniel replied. "They cannot guarantee anything. You should know that."

"Then what would you have me say?" he asked, finding himself dry of any reassuring material.

"There is nothing you or any man can say to make me see hope." Ivriniel moved away from the window and over to a chest of draws. "But there is something you can wear for me." She opened a draw and took out a piece of green cloth.

"Before I had my wedding dress cast-off, I kept a piece of it as a reminder of the luck I received from the Valar." She handed her brother the cloth. "I was lucky to have met a man such as He."

Imrahil nodded wordlessly and took the green cloth. "Wear it as luck."

"Thank you, Ivriniel," he replied softly. He kissed the ribbon before placing it in the pocket of his breeches. "Knowing your wise ways, it shall bring me much luck on the high seas."

Ivriniel smiled faintly. "I do hope so. I would hate to see you no more."

Imrahil raised a concerned eyebrow. "Sister," he said in a tone of warning. "Remember that conversation you had with Father? Do you remember the deal you made with him?"

Ivriniel sighed deeply. "I am not to vocalise my fears of losing those close to me."

"Exactly," he replied sternly. "You may think them and write them down. But please, Ivriniel, I understand where you are coming from, but I don't want to hear my own sister telling me that I could die."

Ivriniel flinched at the word 'die' and stepped away from him. "I know, and I am sorry."

Imrahil walked over to her and gently wrapped his arms around her from behind. He kissed her cheek. "When I return, I am taking you for a long, long progress through the country."

He saw Ivriniel smile. "Really? You promise?"

"Most definitely!" he declared. "Have I ever broken my promises?"

"No," she confessed, turning around in his arms. "I would like it very much."

Imrahil smiled, triumphant. "Excellent! While I am away, you can plan our progress so we can leave as soon as I return. Oh! Damn! I forgot I must visit Finduilas in Minas Tirith once I return. Father wants me there for a few weeks."

Ivriniel lowered her eyes and nodded. "It is fine, Brother. We can go away after you have visited Finduilas. She will like seeing you very much."

"Do you write to her often?" he asked.

Ivriniel shrugged. "Occasionally. She always sounds so busy in her letters; I fear I am intruding in her new life."

"Believe me you are not. I am sure she loves hearing from you."

Ivriniel smiled and gently pushed her brother away. "You have business to attend."

"Trying to get rid of me," he jested, kissing her hand. "Thank you again for the token of luck. I shall wear it every day on my campaign."

Once he left his sister's apartments, Imrahil began his journey down to Agoron's house. The walk was brisk; he did not want to waste any time. If his city was in peril of being attacked by their biggest threat, then Imrahil would see to that said threat would be eliminated quickly. He was not doing this as a man duty bound to his people, but as a man who loved his homeland, and would do anything to see it kept safe and well guarded.

Imrahil knocked on Agoron's front door, but no immediate answer came. He stepped a few paces back and looked up at the second story window. "Put her down and answer the door!"

Ever since the downfall of Agoron's plans on marrying Finduilas, Agoron had been trying to move on... unsuccessfully. Imrahil tried to help his best friend move on by taking him to taverns, long rides through the countryside, and weeklong sea-voyages around the Bay. Fortunately, it had worked to some degree.

Agoron answered the door. "It was actually the other way round." Agoron grinned. "She had to put me down."

Imrahil laughed. "As much as I would love to jest, now is not the best of times."

Agoron's face darkened and beckoned Imrahil inside. "What is it, Friend?"

Imrahil took a seat on a stool by the staircase. "The Corsairs of Umbar are sailing."

Agoron handed his friend a mug of ale. "How many?"

"One-hundred and fifty strong."

Movement was heard from upstairs. Imrahil tilted his head up, trying to get a look at who the woman was. He turned to look at Agoron, an eyebrow raised.

Agoron merely shrugged. "They are good pastimes."

"Mmm," Imrahil agreed. "My father has given me temporary command of our fleet."

Agoron nodded. "As would be expected; you need experience in the field."

"Well I am planning on being extremely successful in my campaign against these cursed pirates." Imrahil drank from his mug, deep in thought. "It makes me wonder why they are sailing on us now. Why not years earlier, or years later? Why now? Has something happened that I am not aware of?"

Agoron ran his fingers through his dark hair. "You know very well the rumours of the Dark Lord rising ever greater in power. Perhaps the Corsairs have allied themselves with Him."

Imrahil nodded, contemplating the idea. "It does not matter the reason. I plan on seeing that none of their plans came to."

Agoron smiled. "Do not be too hot-headed, my friend. It's going to be your undoing one day."

Imrahil laughed. "Most certainly."

Footsteps came down the staircase. A woman with fiery red hair appeared. She stopped at the bottom and stared blankly at the prince. "My lord." She curtsied low. Imrahil turned his attention to Agoron, glaring.

Agoron gestured for the woman to leave. She gave one last look at Imrahil – a more apologetic look – and then left in a hurry.

Imrahil pointed at Agoron. "I believe she was mine last week. One cannot forget that head of hair."

Agoron shrugged again. "How do you think I met her?"

Through me, Imrahil thought. He could not help but laugh. "Keep her."

Agoron scrunched his nose. "Mmm... once was enough. She seems more interested in you."

"She may be nothing more than a tavern wench, but I will not have her come to me again now," Imrahil declared. "You can have her."

"She is not..." Agoron broke off, looking out into the distance.

Imrahil sighed. "I understand why you are acting like this; Finduilas was a major part of your life."

"I must not speak of her," Agoron said. "When she was betrothed to the steward's son, I was warned not to see her or talk of her again."

"Oh, let it go." Imrahil stood up. "What are you afraid of? Do you think lore master Denethor is going to travel all the way over here and challenge you?" Imrahil burst out laughing. "I would love to see that performance!"

Agoron chuckled. "He would not stand a chance. Besides, part of me would love to have the opportunity to fight for the love I bear her."

Imrahil grinned. "Perhaps one day you will."

Agoron took a deep breath, feeling far more relaxed than before. "Enough of women! What plans has your father drawn up?"

"Nothing as of yet." Imrahil pulled out the list he had retrieved from Mainion before visiting his friend. "These men are to accompany us. I was to choose, but they are all so... well you will see."

Agoron skimmed the list, nodding with approval. "These are all good men and sworn knights to your family."

"Indeed." He paused. "Agoron, I know I am much younger than you, and quite inexperienced. But I need to learn; I need to know how to behave, how to take command in these situations." He placed a hand on Agoron's shoulder. "I would never confide about this to any other except you. I suppose in some way I am asking for your guidance; a mentor."

Agoron raised his brow. "This is quite touching, Imrahil." He chuckled before turning serious. "I will be your mentor. And have no fear; this can be between only you and me."

Imrahil grinned. "If my father was still active in armed service, I would have asked him. But he is guiding me well enough in political matters. It would be too much to ask him of this."

Agoron nodded. "I understand. Besides, I have complete faith in you. You have never met a challenge with that shiny sword of yours." Agoron turned away and walked over to the table where his own sword rested. "You are also a fine sailor, too. But..." He turned around, buckling his sword around his waist, "I will make a sea-commander out of you; the finest they have all seen!"

Imrahil stifled to laugh when he noticed Agoron was being incredibly serious. "I am as touched as you were."

Agoron laughed. "You should thank the Corsairs personally to be given this opportunity of an open-sea war. They are quite spectacular to take part in!"

Imrahil nodded. He could not help but feel so naive and inexperience. But in some way, he was. The only military experience he ever had was routine patrols along the coastline. He was captain of the division that overlooked the lands surrounding Dol Amroth; so far, it had been quite dull.

"If we take one of their ships, I shall indeed thank them personally," Imrahil replied, sharing a laugh with his friend.

"I will hold you to that," Agoron said, pointing at him. "If I know anything about sea campaigns, I advise we start preparations for the loading of all the ships. Loading every ship of supplies is going to take a lot of labour, and we will have to end up paying overtime, if we are to sail within the week."

Imrahil nodded. He held out his arms. "You see, I am learning something new already."

Agoron grinned. "I am rather enjoying this! I must make a list of all the things I can teach you - good and bad... or actually plain irresponsible. I have never met one sailor has not had an embarrassing tale to tell."

Imrahil laughed. "Well then, tonight we shall go to a tavern and reminisce on all your embarrassing tales."

"You will receive your fair share, make my words," Agoron replied, opening the front door. "But then again you are already turning into quite the bachelor. Tavern wenches... honestly Imrahil! I remember Finduilas telling me how much of an innocent and well-behaved man she knew you would turn into."

Imrahil laughed aloud at that. "That sister of mine never ceases to amaze me. She only said that because she has never seen my... lesser qualities. Both of those sisters of mine expected so much virtue from me it makes my head ache. I am rather afraid any son she bears will turn into a prude, little lore-loving lord."

Agoron's grin faded. "Is she with-child?"

Imrahil blinked. "Not to my knowledge. You know, they have been married a year, and still, now babe in the cradle. I do not doubt Finduilas' fertility; we are a productive stock. Perhaps that husband of her's is unmanned."

"Part of my hopes that he is," Agoron murmured.

Imrahil grinned. "For the sake of peace in this kingdom, I hope he is not. Lord Denethor needs an heir. The last thing we need is for the Line of Stewards to fail also."

"Then who would rule?" Agoron queered. "The Princes of Dol Amroth?"

"Oh, do not even think it!" Imrahil said, dreading the thought. "I am satisfied with the idea of ruling one fiefdom, but not an entire kingdom. I could not do it. I am not the man."

Agoron shrugged. "Well then, let us pray that your sister conceives."

"I am sure the entire kingdom is praying for it to happen," Imrahil replied. "It is odd, though. Maybe he is too busy for the deed?"

"Are you saying that a man would rather stay cooped up in an office than... than bed that beautiful sister of yours?" Agoron was shocked. "He must be unmanned."

Imrahil was glad Agoron was starting to lighten up to the situation. "I am planning on visiting Finduilas after the campaign; I will ask her."

Agoron stared at him. "Is this a jest?"

Imrahil shrugged. "Why don't you come with me and ask her yourself?"

Agoron shook his head. "No, it would bring up old feelings; ones that should forever be locked away."

"Understandable. I am glad I am not in your position," he said. "If I was, I would not have acted so acceptable."

"What would you do if the love of your life was given to another?"

"I would never allow it to happen," Imrahil answered. "I would plead my case and make sure she fought as strongly as I would."

Agoron smirked. "You have a lot to learn about love, too. Love is not easy. It can make you do foolish things."

"It was foolish of you to let her go as easily as you did."

"Would you call it foolish after your liege told you to stay away from her?" Agoron asked.

Imrahil sighed. "No, I would not. You have a point."

They had reached the docking harbour. People were hurrying about their business, birds chirped in the sky above, searching for pray. The dark clouds had covered the sky, threatening to rain at any moment. "We will not have long," Agoron said, watching the clouds.

"We will find the docking master and have him draw up a list of all ready ships to be loaded," Imrahil replied.

Agoron nodded, agreeing. "He can see over the loading."

"Right." Imrahil rubbed his hands together. "Let us prepare for battle."

"You seem excited," Agoron said, observing the young prince.

"This is my first sea campaign; every Prince of Dol Amroth dreams of this moment. I am glad to have one so early in my life," he replied.

"I am sure you will have many to follow," Agoron said. They walked over to a square built, stone building that had green moss growing in the cracks of the walls. Baskets – some broken, some new – were strewn in an uneven pile by the entrance. The smell of rotting fish and other seafood wafted through the dock. Trading vessels had been tied up in preparation for the storm that was about to it.

A seagull was stationed on one of the baskets, a rotting prawn in its beak. It flew away as the two men approached. It flew southward, in the directed of Belfalas' coastline, in the direction of Tolfalas. A storm was brewing on the horizon, and little did anyone know, that this hazard of nature was about to change the oncoming battle before it even began.

Character List:

Adrahil: Current ruling Prince of Dol Amroth – Imrahil's father

Ivriniel: Adrahil's oldest child – Imrahil's older sister

Finduilas: Adrahil's youngest daughter – Imrahil older sister

Agoron: Admiral/Commander of the Swan Fleet – Finduilas' first love and ideal marriage candidate

Lord Toven: Younger brother to Lord Tarondor (Ruling Lord of Linhir)

Lord Ablador: Imrahil's uncle on his mother's side

Lord Glamrion: Heir to the Mayor's office in Uilben*

Lord Aduialon: Glamrion's younger brother

Mainion: Imrahil chief clerk (assistant)

*The town of Uilben is of my creation. After studying a map of Gondor and reading up on all the regions and current towns, I have decided to come up with a few towns of my creation to dose up the amount of Lordships.