Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from The Lord of the Rings. The late JRR Tolkien, New Line Cinema, and a bunch of other people with a LOT more money than I have do, and I'm just borrowing them to have a little fun and I'll put them back when I'm finished. I'm making no money from this, it's for entertainment purposes only, so please don't sue me. Tanathel is my creation, as are a few of the other original characters in this series. Please consult me before you use them in your own fics; I'll probably say yes, I just like to know where my babies are.
Archive permission: If you want it, take it. Just tell me where you're putting it so I can stop by and visit. Thanks.
Author's note: This is third in an AU series; you should read "Revolution and Retribution" and "Restoration and Revelation" before you read this. It isn't necessary; but you'll understand this one better if you do.
Dedications: To Evendim, who has given me such great pleasure with her own AU series and graciously given me permission to play in hers any time I wish. She has the same permission from me. Without her, I would never have gotten started in this particular fandom; she gave me the courage I needed to post that first story, and for that I am forever grateful. To Ithil-valon, who has provided tireless beta-services and been the best friend anyone could ever ask for… I love you for it, hon, don't ever change. And finally, to my beloved AJ, without whom I couldn't have gotten through some seriously horrid times in my life, or how I would go on without. I love you. Rest in peace, my darling.
Part 7
Mazhto responded to Aragorn's summons quickly, but the King of the West wasn't happy to see him. "You mentioned that Tania and her escort were captured and executed, did you not?" he asked simply as they sat down to discuss the matter. "Explain it to me again, if you would please."
Mazhto regarded Aragorn with something akin to concern. "You have seen something that causes you to think otherwise," he said slowly. "All I have had is the word of the company that tracked them down. They are, regrettably, no longer within reach of my questions." He shrugged. Many, many companies of Haradrim had fallen in the Ring war. "What have you seen?"
"A birthmark," Aragorn replied simply. "A soaring falcon. And from my time in Harad, many years ago, I remembered that the royal family all bore such a mark."
"Indeed it is so." Mazhto considered for a moment. "It changes nothing, you realize. This marriage, it must still take place. She must still stand as the lost princess, even though it appears she is such in truth. And yet the truth must out. Her mother, have you questioned her about this?"
"Not yet." Aragorn had sent for Faramir, however, since he knew the girl's history. "My Steward may yet be able to shed some light on this. He has known the girl for most of her life. Perhaps he may be able to answer our questions."
A tap at the doorway warned them and then Faramir moved into the room, taking the seat that Aragorn indicated with a nod to Mauhar. who stood again in his place as King's Guard. "You sent for me, my lord." He gave a nod of greeting to the other man. "Mazhto." He merely waited for one of them to speak.
"Faramir, please. We have need of your knowledge, my friend, with regards to Tanathel," Aragorn said simply. "Be seated. Tell me, how did you learn of her?"
"Denethor spoke of her father to me, told me of how he had granted the man's family safety when they arrived here," Faramir replied evenly. "Of how, in exchange for that safety, Aeglan was to forgo his weapons and armor. He was never to raise them against Gondor." A wry twist left touched his lips. "That didn't stop him from teaching Tanathel what to do with them."
"And did Tanathel come with him, and her mother? I was under the impression that Ninueth was Gondorian." Aragorn's words were composed. "Help me to understand her origin, if you would."
Faramir glanced from Aragorn to Mahzhto and back quickly. "I will do so, of course, but it would help if I understood exactly what seems to be the issue," he replied slowly. That something was amiss was obvious, and if it involved Tanathel, then it also involved his brother and he wouldn't stand by and allow this marriage not to happen, not even were he ordered to do so. The two were made for each other, both so bloody stubborn and dutiful that they couldn't see what a gift they'd been given.
Mahzhto spoke before Aragorn could, his words thickly accented and yet clearly carrying their concern. "The girl, the princess, perhaps she is more than she seems," he commented. "I seek only to be certain that she is who she must be."
"Ninueth is Gondorian, yes," Faramir said into the ensuing silence. "She had been taken as a slave in Harad, and her husband had freed her before marrying her. I have it on good authority that she is in truth Tanathel's mother, and Aeglan her father. Where they came from in Harad, though, was somewhat of a mystery. Aeglan refused to speak of it, only to mention that he had dishonored himself and all he held dear to escape." He shook his head. "He had no regrets on that score, however. All he cared about was finding safety for his family."
"Then it is as we suspected, my host, and Tanathel is the princess in truth." Mazhto inclined his head respectfully toward Aragorn. "There is no need for falsehood or subterfuge. This makes things quite easier."
"And yet, if Ninueth is in truth her mother, and Aeglan her father, that diverges from the royal line, does it not?" Aragorn was desperate to understand.
Mazhto shook his head. "Aeglan was the name of my father in your Common Speech, and when Tania was sent away, he disappeared as well. Ninueth was the name of the consort my father had chosen as his latest wife, and the mother of Tania. These names, they all bear out the truth of your observation. The one you call Tanathel is in truth my youngest sister, and due all the honors and respect we have conspired to give her. That she did not know the truth of her birth, this is a puzzle, but not one that must be solved immediately. Now, we can relax and enjoy this celebration without the spectre of falsehood and dishonor hovering over it."
"And Tanathel's child will be provided for by the royal family?" Aragorn was pressing his advantage and he knew it; Manzhanesh's family had already allowed for care of the child, but this would secure a future in no uncertain terms. Not that it would lack for anything from the outset; but this would give it a legitimacy that might otherwise remain lacking.
"Of course. The child will be acknowledged by myself and as such, shall be above reproach." Mazhto inclined his head graciously.
"Then there is nothing more to discuss. The wedding is set for the end of this week, gentlemen. I see no reason to postpone the happy day." Aragorn rose and indicated that the interview was finished. Faramir, however, remained behind. The door had barely closed behind the visiting monarch when he snickered.
"The only thing to discuss is how they will handle the additional revelation," he said quickly, his voice full of mirth. "They will both be demanding border duty to escape from the pomp and protocol that this will involve."
"I think you do them a disservice," Aragorn replied as he moved out onto the balcony. He gazed out over his City, once more captivated by the movement of his people. "I think they will rally quite well." A mischievous expression passed over his face. "Or they will simply break and run."
