King Aragorn of Gondor shot a despairing gaze at Arwen from across the Council Table. When he agreed to hear Indor's plan for the rebuilding of the City he never expected that the eager architect would demand not only his but Arwen's, Faramir's, Eowyn's, and all the advisors for a period of no less that three hours, and the man had yet to reach the Sixth Level! Not to mention, the summer heat was sweltering—Anor seemed intent on burning them to ashes in their royal regalia of long velvet robes and tunics. Thank the Valar that he was only expected to wear Earnur's Crown only on special occasions!...
"And with that, my Lords and Ladies, we move on to the Seventh Level. I am most pleased to tell you that my plans…"
On and on the man droned. Aragorn was reminded of something Frodo had wryly said once: "The Road goes ever on, yes, but it goes on and on and on!"
Aragorn knew exactly what that meant.
The others looked half dead, and Faramir's face was assuming a pained expression. Doubtless he should call a halt, but every time he opened his mouth Indor asked for a few more moments.
"But, my Lords and Ladies, with your permission, I do not wish to quite divulge all of my plans for the Seventh Level quite yet. Suffice it to say, some of the smiths of Gondor have put forth a very nice proposition, but they do not wish for you to know about it yet. So, my Lords and Ladies, that concludes my plan for the rebuilding of Gondor."
For a moment, a stunned silence descended on the inhabitants of the room. They were done? Really?
Faramir was the first to recover, bounding to his feet in a round of applause that the others quickly joined. Amidst flushed bowing, Indor left. Making their obeisance, the others filed out of the room within moments.
Soon only Aragorn and Arwen remained. Rising gratefully, Aragorn ignored his cracking joints and offered his arm to Arwen. "Well, Herinya, that's an end of it. Would you care to join me in watching the sunset?"
Aragorn smiled. "With much pleasure, my gracious Lord."
Her arm in his, they went to their rooms.
Aragorn grunted with relief when he pulled his sticky robe and tunic off himself, and walked to the balcony to let the cool Western wind dry his shirt. Arwen too slipped into a simpler gown and removed the circlet she normally wore during the day. She walked to his side, and he slipped an arm around her waist. Together, they waited for the sunset.
As if it knew that the King and Queen were watching, the sun set in a brilliant flash of color. The last rays of the sun reached into the firmament with flaming tips of light kissed with edges of rose that darkened to deep violet at the outermost edges.
Wordlessly, the King of Gondor turned his Evenstar's face to his and kissed her, full on the lips.