I sighed. The doors of the Great Hall shut behind me in a final note. The guards were indifferent as I sat down on the steps. I put my head in my hands and pushed my fingers into my eyes until the colours turned sporadic and dark. I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Boromir?"

"It is I." I sighed. "So what did our father say?" He asked.

"He- He's sending me to Rohan. He gave me some letters, and told me to go." I held up a leather package. "There's a horse waiting. I-I'm just supposed to leave." I was in shock.

Boromir was in shock as well. "He- he's just making you leave?"

I nod. "He says I'll be of use to Rohan as an advisor to the king, Theoden. I am well-versed in politics and people. I am well versed in archery and the sword. I will be fine." I say it as much for him as for myself.

"I will speak to him." He has already pushed open the door before I can say no. The door slams shut and I sigh. When will Boromir learn that the Steward, our Father is not to be defied. It is better to obey. It is far better to please him, than to be his enemy. I stand and look out over the plain. Mentally mapping out my route, I'm happily surprised by the fact that I'll be going along some of the river for a while, before I take the road that swings east through the foothills of the White Mountains, and then continues on towards the open plains of the Riddermark, Rohan. I straighten my leather tunic and resignedly wait for Boromir to return.

The plain stretches before the city, the road a silver line that leads towards the river, which glows in the morning sun. The city itself already sings with the songs of woman washing, children playing, and soldiers training. Tiny brown birds, probably sparrows, perch and flutter around the White Tree. My city is beautiful.

I jump as Boromir shoves open the doors in anger. His brow is furrowed and his hands clench within the folds of his fur cloak. "He says that you must go. He says that he alone can decide what to do with you, not I." He stares at the ground, as he often does when he's angry.

Sighing, I start walking down towards the gates that will take me to the Lower Stables. I know he will follow me, and he does, his footfalls heavier and angrier than my own. I slow and allow him to catch up to me. "Boromir, I'm not going to be gone long. I've just got to ride to Rohan, about a week's journey there, and a week back. You will be fine."

He shook his head. "I don't feel good about this. Why can't he send a normal messenger? What's wrong with a courier?"

"I'm acting as ambassador, I think." I put the leather pouch containing the letters into one of the saddlebags. I check that my sword belt is tight, then mount the bay mare. She tosses her head, and I pat her neck. Boromir gives a heavy sigh.

"Are you going to be fine?" He hands me the quiver and bow that had been put near the horse for me. They aren't my own, but they are similar, and would do.

I roll my eyes. "Yes. He is simply sending on a mindless trip to remove me from his presence while I'm on legal leave from Ithilien and my squad."

Boromir nods, looking up at me from the ground. "That seems to be it, but I still feel misgivings about this. Be safe."

"I will return. I can't leave you with Father... he's..." I search for the right words.

"Dry, stuck-up, high-strung, annoying, boring?" Boromir supplies.

We both laugh and I nod. "Yes, that is it." We shake hands as good brothers do, and I guide the mare out of the stables.

"For Gondor!" I shout heroically. Boromir laughs and echoes my sentiment.

"For Gondor and my little brother." I wave to him brightly, knowing I'll be back soon enough.