A/N: Hello, welcome, and thank you! I am kinda sorry (not really) for how I left the last chapter but my story is not over quite yet. I hope this chapter begins to make up for it and you enjoy what I have in store. :) The Khuzdul is from the wonderful Dwarrow Scholar and the translations are at the bottom. For the beginning and middle of this chapter I thought Brunuhville's "Northwind" suited perfectly while his "The Last of his Name" fit some of the ending. :) Take a listen some time. :)

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Sparky: They're both fools right now. Glad you liked Fíli and Faramir's discussion, that kinda popped up out of no where and I liked the idea of the two of them scheming ... and that meeting you're wanting is coming. :)

MissCallaLilly: Very, very true.

Blondiez: Makes ya want to bash something against their heads, doesn't it? ;)

Rohirrim: Yup he did!

Marie: It was a trifle painful to write as well but they've got to realize what they mean to each other. I'm glad you liked his reaction to that. :)

Scottusa1: Thanks!

Petal: Because he's stubborn. I always pictured him as being like a dog with a bone once he got something in his head. He realized he was wrong but thought he'd ruined any chance.

Queen: I'm not stopping. :)

kaia: They both got stubbornness is huge doses from their parents. :)

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Everything familiar belongs to Tolkien. Everything else is mine.

It was a long but thankfully uneventful journey. There were signs of others having passed through rather recently - Shae supposed it may have been some of the Haradrim that somehow managed to flee at the end of the battle before Mordor - but they never saw anyone. She was quite glad of it, having seen enough battle and bloodshed to last her the rest of her days. At one point not too long distant all she craved was adventure and to see the world. Now all she wanted was home, her family, and ... Every time her thoughts tried to veer in a direction they had no business going she would adamantly remind herself that things had played out the way they were fated to and her place was in Erebor. Shae took watch as many nights as Fíli, Gimli, and Legolas would allow, mingled with the remaining soldiers, and made sure she found anything to keep her mind occupied as they steadily rode north.

They made good time, reaching the southern edges of Mirkwood within a month of leaving Minas Tirith. Legolas left them a few days after that, heading into the forest to find his father and kin. Shae was a bit sad to see him go but as their kingdoms were so close, not to mention allies, she doubted this would be the last time she'd lay eyes on him. Now only she and Gimli remained of their Fellowship, leaving her feeling like a major chapter in her life was closing. What Gandalf had always said was true, its a dangerous business stepping out your door, but as glad as she was to be going home, this adventure behind her, there was still a twinge of regret that she would never again get to travel such a distance. The horror she'd seen aside, she had been able to see new lands and meet new people and she would be forever thankful that she'd taken that chance. At least she had some pleasant memories to hold on to.

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The dwarves continued on and just under three months after leaving Gondor their destination was before them. As they crested the hill Shae pulled her horse to a stop. She just wanted to take a moment and look. It had been over a year since she'd ridden away from Erebor with Gloin and Gimli in search of adventure. The mountain still stood tall, the green marble of the Main Gate still beautiful. The River Running still splashed its way noisily in its course down towards Dale. Everything else, however ...

"It looks as it did after the Battle of the Five Armies," Fíli said quietly at her side.

Countless buildings had been destroyed in Dale. There were scorch marks on the walls and it looked as if entire sections of the city had burned to the ground. The road between the two cities was torn up and in pieces though they could see movement along it. Across the valley floor were deep pits and trenches, more scorch marks, and the wreckage from the Easterling army that had yet to be cleared away. Her heart sank to see it. Suddenly all she could think about was her parents. With a kick she sent her horse tearing down the hill leaving Fíli and Gimli to lead the soldiers the last of the way to the mountain.

Shae caught the astounded looks from some of the citizens of Dale as she sped through the city but she didn't give them a second thought. Getting to the mountain, getting through the gate and finding her mother and father were all she cared about; she hoped Maec had already arrived so they would know she was coming. As she galloped up the ravaged road she could see the scurry of the guards at the Main Gate and knew they had been alerted to her approach. She knew she should probably rein in her horse, entering her home with the dignity of a princess but at the moment that was the farthest thing from her mind. The shadow of the mountain fell over her and she had to fight back the tears that wanted to spring forth. She might not mind tearing into Erebor like the Nazgul were on her heels but she'd be damned if she showed up weeping like a baby. A small crowd had formed, just visible in the dimness of the gate and her eyes raked over them all, searching for the ones she most desired to see.

"Adad! Amad!" she cried, leaping from her horse before it had a chance to come to a halt and flinging herself in their waiting arms. She didn't care one bit who saw her moment of weakness. All she wanted was to feel the protection of those who loved her unconditionally.

"Ghivashel," Thorin whispered against her hair, his strong arms tight around her. "Zûr astu?"

For a moment Shae couldn't speak. All she could do was clutch her father, breathing in the familiar scent of him, the strength of his arms holding her close. When she could finally lift her head from his shoulder he pressed his forehead to hers.

"E absâtul adad."

"Fíli's message said you had been injured in the battle."

"I was but I am fine now, I promise you." His eyes roved over her, most likely trying to see if she was telling the truth, but she knew the worst of the scars were well hidden. "Gandalf and Aragorn were there by my side throughout my recovery. I was in good hands."

He pressed his lips together for a moment then she saw a twinkle in his eye.

"You brought down many orcs?"

"Aye, I did indeed and not just before the Black Gate of Mordor."

"Nathith." Her mother's voice cut through their conversation and Thorin reluctantly let her go. Rhae met her gaze and Shae tried not to look away; she'd always hated it when her mother did that as it seemed like she was able to read what was written on her very soul. She was then pulled into a tight hug and, just like she had with her father, she could feel herself relax as she took in her mother's familiar scent of lavender.

"Welcome home, nâthuê kurdu."

"It feels good to be home, amad."

Her mother's eyes seemed to bore into hers again. "So have you satisfied your thirst for adventure, exploring, and meeting new people?"

She took her parents' hands in her own and squeezed tightly. "I have seen more than I ever cared to see, witnessed things I will never be able to forget. Gandalf was right - about stepping out your door - and I don't think I'll be doing it again any time soon." While a look of relief crossed Thorin's face Rhae didn't seem to quite believe her, though she smiled nonetheless.

"Namadith! Shae!" Durin and Rhoin pushed their way to her side, her brothers throwing their arms around her, almost crushing her in their enthusiasm.

"It's good to see you, too," she gasped when they finally released her.

"So you're finally home," Rhoin said.

"Aye, as you can see."

Durin crossed his arms on his chest in a move that looked exactly like their father. "Atatha 'udran."

Shae rolled her eyes at him. "Next time I'll make sure to consult you on my comings and goings."

"Would you listen to my advice?"

"Not a chance."

"I see a year's absence hasn't changed you at all, namadith," he replied with a grin. She kept the smile plastered on her face but she could feel her mother watching her closely and knew there would be a long talk very soon.

"Come, you must let the healers look you over," Thorin said, taking her arm and leading her in the direction of the Healing Halls."

"Adad, I am perfectly well."

"You might as well let him have his way, Shae. He's been out of his mind with worry since Maec brought cousin Fíli's message," Rhoin told her. She sighed but knew her brother was right. If she resisted he would most likely just pick her up and carry her there like he had done numerous times when she was a child.

"Where are Fíli and Gimli? They were with you, weren't they?"

"Yes, Amad, but I was in such a hurry to get here I left them on the hill outside Dale. They should be along any time now with the soldiers."

"So you truly called on the Army of the Blue Mountains?" She nodded and Thorin smiled proudly. "My 'azghûna."

Shae allowed the healers to check her over and couldn't refrain from an 'I told you so' to her father when they pronounced her fit and well. After her family had escorted her back to her chambers, leaving her with orders to rest as long as she wanted, she found herself staring at the flames in the fireplace, alone in the quietness of her home. She wasn't sure how long she sat there. It was almost strange to be back in her own rooms and she wandered around feeling as if she didn't quite belong there. Pausing in her small study she stared at the maps on the walls, the few pieces of armor scattered on the floor, her books about warfare and the cultures of others in Middle Earth - all items that proclaimed what she had once thought was so important, so enticing. Stepping up to the largest map she couldn't help but run her fingers over the words 'Minas Tirith' on the parchment.

"You liked Gondor?"

She jerked backwards, startled at her mother's sudden, silent appearance. It was a trait that had always irritated Shae and her brothers, Rhae's ability to sneak up with them without a sound, and they had landed in a lot of hot water because of it. She tried to school her face into a neutral expression.

"Minas Tirith was certainly a sight to behold. I've never seen the like before."

"And what of the people of Gondor?"

"Friendly, hopeful despite their precarious situation, overjoyed now that the constant threat has been removed," she answered carefully, knowing her mother could pick up on much more in a conversation than her father could.

Rhae motioned towards the living room. "I brought you some supper. Why don't we have a talk while you eat and you can tell me about your journey."

Managing to hold back a sigh, Shae made herself comfortable on the floor, pulling dishes from the basket her mother had brought, and waited for the interrogation to begin. She'd known this would be inevitable but she'd hoped to put it off for a little while.

"Where would you like for me to start?"

"Best to start at the beginning. We heard of the Council meeting from Gloin and the others but I'd like to get your take on it and what happened in Rivendell after your escorts left." And so between bites of stew and bread, she told her mother about what she'd seen and learned in Lord Elrond's home, trying to glaze over the brief conversations with Boromir, while focusing on meeting Bilbo and Aragorn.

"Our burglar was well, then?"

"Yes and quite eager to hear all about you, adad, and the rest of the Company." She gave her mother a sad look. "I don't think he'll be able to visit the mountain again like he's always hoped. He seemed quite ...aged."

"Without the Ring's influence he will, sadly, decline rather quickly now. I am glad to hear he has found peace in Rivendell." Rhae tucked her legs up underneath her skirts in the chair. "And the rest of your journey?"

Swallowing a bite of apple and taking a deep drink of ale, Shae launched into a recounting of all that had happened once they'd left the safety of the elves. It didn't take long for her to get caught up in her own story-telling, forgetting who she was talking to, and so revealing more than she had planned. Her mother was dismayed at hearing about Balin, Oin, and Ori's fate; peppered her for information about how the orcs that had attacked them on Amon Hen were different from the orcs they'd faced in the past; praised her for her decisions after she'd looked in Galadriel's mirror; asked countless questions about the battle before Minas Tirith and Mordor. It was far into the night when she finally came to the end of her tale, her departure the morning after Aragorn's coronation, and she sat back with a sigh. It had been hard reliving so many painful moments ... and even harder to relive the good ones. She stretched, hoping her mother would leave her now.

"And what of the Gondorian, Boromir?"

"What about him?" She tried to hide behind her mug.

"Will he be coming here?"

She frowned. "Why would he come here?"

"To come for you." There was a slight sparkle in her mother's eyes as she answered.

"Tada alläknul haga."

"Oh? Considering what I heard from your own lips the two of you are quite suited for one another. You obviously cared enough for him to get him back to Lothlorien and from what Fíli has told me he was frantic to get you help when you fell in battle and then was almost constantly by your side while you were unconscious."

Shae stared at her mother. Why hadn't her cousin told her that? She'd had no idea Boromir had been there all those days in the Houses of Healing. When she'd finally awakened there had been the memory of a voice calling to her through the darkness, a voice she'd thought was his, but had assumed it was the injury and fever she'd been suffering through causing delirium. To now discover that her mind hadn't been playing tricks on her? That he'd been by her side? Did it change anything? Rhae was looking at her with a gentle smile on her lips.

"You did not know? He never spoke to you?" She shook her head. "Typical male. They are all alike when it comes to things like that, always afraid to speak what is in their heart. Sometimes females are just as stubborn. Did you say anything to him, Shae?"

"No, amad. What was there to say? He has his duty to his people and I have my place here."

Rhae snorted. "Now who's being stupid?" She reached out and took her chin in her hand, tilting her face up. "Do you love him?"

The words hung in the air, heavy. Shae wanted to deny them ... or did she? What were her feelings for the Gondorian? Images played across her mind in a flash: their sword fight, his hand on her arm when they discovered Balin's tomb, the way he'd lead her across that narrow stone bridge in Moria, the fear she'd felt when he'd fallen to the orc's arrows, the sight of him in full armor and then at the coronation, his smile, his voice ... Suddenly something felt like it cracked inside as everything crashed down on her and she gasped, tipping forward as tears began streaming down her face. Her mother caught her and held her as she cried.

"I did, amad ... I did love him ..."

Boromir trudged into the king's private study, preparing himself for the argument sure to come. It had been the same for weeks but he wasn't going to change his mind no matter what Aragorn said. He barely acknowledged his brother when Faramir greeted him upon his arrival wanting to get this over with as quickly as possible so he could return to his work. The conversation did not turn in the direction he was expecting, instead focusing on the continuing rebuilding of Minas Tirith and Osgiliath. Relieved that he wasn't going to be asked about the Stewardship again he found himself pacing restlessly, barely listening to what was being said as he glanced over the books and papers around the room. Every so often he'd pause by the northern facing window, peering out at the mountains. It was something he found himself doing more and more, though not as frequently as he would stare up at the moon. Each night he would go outside to stand in its pale light, recalling their conversation about how their homes looked in its glow, and try to find some comfort in the knowledge that Shae was under that same moon. It had been so long ...

He suddenly realized the room had gone silent and he turned to find king and brother staring at him.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention," he said, striding back to stand by Faramir's side.

"You have moped around here for the past three months or so, my friend. Don't think I haven't noticed or that I am ignorant of the cause," Aragorn stated with a raised eyebrow and what could almost pass as a smirk on his lips.

"I have a lot on my mind."

"The daughter of the King Under the Mountain not the least of those things." Boromir jolted and Aragorn chuckled. "For those of us that know you both it was easy to see the difference in how you treated each other upon your return to Minas Tirith compared to when we set out on our journey. After her injury and how much time you spent by her side it became clear to everyone else."
"I hope I haven't done anything that would sully her reputation. She is the daughter of a king and I wouldn't have any of my actions harming her marriage."

"I was not aware Shae was to be married."

"I'm sure it is only a matter of time. King Thorin will be looking for a strong match for her," Boromir remarked darkly. This wasn't something he cared to think about.

"And the eldest son of the Steward of Gondor, who should be Steward himself now, isn't a worthy match for a princess?" Faramir asked with a smile.

"I am not worthy of her no matter my station. And I have not changed my mind about the Stewardship."

"What does the lady have to say about that?" Boromir glanced at Aragorn but couldn't answer. Faramir shook his head with a sigh. "You never told her, did you?"

"Never told her what?"

"How you really feel about her."

He tried to keep his face expressionless. What could he say? Up until right before the coronation he had thought she was in love with Aragorn and he with her. However as he looked between his friend and his brother he knew he couldn't keep the truth from them. His shoulders slumped.

"The right moment never seemed to present itself," was all he allowed himself to say and that was saying enough.

Aragorn just managed to keep from rolling his eyes but Faramir snorted in amusement.

"You were afraid of rejection, brother." Boromir's eyes flashed at that but he continued. "There hasn't been one adversary you haven't been able to analyze, find their weakness, and defeat ... until now. You had no idea how to speak to her about such things because you were unsure of the outcome. That was a totally new experience for you and so you chose not to say anything at all."

Boromir opened his mouth to contradict his brother ... before realizing he couldn't. He stood there as the truth raked over him. Not once had he tried to discover if his suspicions where Aragorn and Shae were concerned were true, he'd just assumed they were and avoiding speaking to her because he thought he knew what she would say in response ... and he had never been very good at being told no. He crossed his arms on his chest, trying to avoid their pointed stares, and silence fell over the room. The king was the one to finally break it.

"If you are adamant about Faramir having the Stewardship of Gondor then I have a proposal for you. Based on your reasons for not wanting the position that is rightfully yours here I think this may just suit you." Boromir looked up intrigued. The king - and his own brother - had been adamant about his taking the role left vacant by their father but he had been just as adamant in his refusal. So much had changed and he did not want the Stewardship.

"If you will accept I would make you my new Steward of Arnor and task you with rebuilding its city of Annuminas. It is time the two kingdoms were reunited."

He stared at Aragorn in surprise. The idea that the new king would want to reunite Arnor and Gondor had never crossed his mind. Begin the reestablishment of an entire kingdom? Turning he strode over to the map laid out on a table, the other two men in the room soon joining him as he contemplated the task. Arnor was quite large, at least twice the size of Gondor and encompassing the Arthedain, Rhudaur, and Cardolan. It stretched from the River Lhun in the west to the Misty Mountains in the east and from north of the Emyn Uial and the North Downs to the Greyflood in the south. The prospect was daunting ... but not without a certain allure. His reasons for not wanting to have a part in the government in Gondor - the pandering, the sycophant courtiers only out for their own gain, the mindless meetings - would all be absent in the North. Yes, he would be working to rebuild something that had been destroyed over a thousand years before but he would have freedom there.

"Why Annuminas and not Fornost?"

"It was the original capital of Arnor and thus I feel it is only right that it should be returned to its original position."

The plan was too tempting. "I accept, Your Majesty, on one condition."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow again. "And that would be?"

"That Faramir is granted the position of Steward of Gondor." His brother looked at him in astonishment. "He is much more suited to it than I and will be of a greater help here than I could be."

"That is a condition I am quite willing to take."

The remainder of their meeting was spent in discussion about the plans for the new city, when he would head north, and who he would take with him. They would be starting from scratch in a region that had been ravished by attacks from Angmar for generations but he found himself eager to begin. There was one last surprise for him, however, as he was dismissed.

Aragorn's eyes took on a slightly mischievous sparkle and for a moment Boromir saw the Ranger and not King Elessar. "And when you leave to head north I would have you venture to the Lonely Mountain first in order to ask King Thorin if any of his workers would be willing to relocate in order to help with the rebuilding. The dwarves' skill with stone is legendary."

ghivashel: treasure of all treasures

zûr astu: how are you?

E absâtul: I am fine

nathith: young daughter

nâthué kurdu : daughter of my heart

namadith : little sister

atatha 'udran : It's about time

'azghûna: war lady

tada alläknul haga: that's just stupid