A/N: Hello and welcome! Thank you to all the reviewers! I'm glad you liked the way I ended the last chapter. I've been waiting to get to that part for months! I hope you enjoy this one as well! We are almost to the end now, just a few more chapters. Please take a moment and let me know how I'm doing. :) As always Brunuhville was my background music: "Anima" and "Wonder" mostly this time.

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Blondiez: Oh yes, Faramir and Aragorn know exactly what they're doing. And Rhae was the perfect one for her to admit her feelings to ... as you will see in this chapter. :)

Scott: Well, he's just tasked with the city of Annuminas at the moment. :) And yes, Aragorn was sly indeed.

Rohirrim: Its certainly not what he was expecting.

Queen: Yes, he's finally got a reason to go to Erebor.

Guest: Thank you. :)

Marie: It was well played, wasn't it? I wouldn't want to play any game against Aragorn come to think of it. :)

Petal: That's what Aragorn and Faramir are hoping!

Sparky: Her mother was the only one that she really could talk to. She obviously is too stubborn to say anything to Boromir, she'd be uncomfortable talking about such things with Fíli, her father and brothers would be furious and become overprotective. :)

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It's all Tolkien's and PJ's. I'm a mere fan, basking in their brilliance.

Durin and Rhoin watched their sister leave the room then turned as one to their parents.

"Shae is changed," Rho said, concern in his voice.

"Of course she is dashtith," Rhae replied. "Anyone who went through what she did would come back different."

Thorin nodded in agreement with his wife. "Experiencing battle as she did leaves scars that aren't always physical."

"It's not that, adad. That I can easily understand but it's something else and I can't quite put my finger on it. She seems ... sad, as if she's lost something important." Durin spoke more to his mother as he was well aware of Rhae's ability to sense much more than Thorin. She met his gaze, her eyes betraying knowledge she probably wasn't going to divulge, and he knew he had been correct.

"As time passes the horrors of what she witnessed will fade, though it will never fully leave her, and she will begin to return to us," Thorin continued, not aware of the silent communication that had taken place between his son and wife. "We just have to give her time."

Rho frowned. "But she's been home a month now."

"It will take much longer than that for those unseen wounds to begin to heal," Rhae told him gently. She could tell the boys were not satisfied with the answers they'd been given and fully expected them to ambush her later for more information.

She was right.

When Thorin met with the Council the next day they cornered her in her study.

"Alright, amad, what do you know that you haven't told adad?"

"I won't divulge Shae's secrets but I can tell you that I believe the resolution will soon find its way here."

"To Erebor?"

"Aye. She's been gone from Gondor over three months now. I don't think it will be long," she told her youngest son. Her oldest looked at her shrewdly.

"It's a person, isn't it?" Rhae didn't answer him directly but Durin knew his mother well enough that he didn't need her to. "Is there someone I need to hurt? Break a bone or two? Cut something off? No one is going to hurt my sister." His voice was a growl. Rho, catching on to what his older brother meant swung his eyes back at their mother, his hands fisted in his lap.

Rhae chuckled. "No, I don't think that will be necessary, Durin. I think the only issue was her stubbornness combined with someone else's."

The brothers looked at each other with a roll of the eyes. Well they knew their little sister's hard headedness.

"You are sure she has not been hurt or taken advantage of?" Rho asked, his suspicion now raised.

"Very sure." She stared hard at her sons. "Do not mention this to anyone, not Shae and especially not your father. Trust me that I will know what to do when the time comes and for Valar's sake if the man does show up here, don't kill him on sight."

Durin frowned. "We'll try, amad, but I certainly can't make any promises."

The preparation for the journey north went quicker than expected and it wasn't but a few weeks before Boromir found himself mounted at the head of a decent sized group consisting of around a hundred workers (along with some of their families) and fifty soldiers. Wagons carrying supplies would accompany them as well. Once they had passed the mountains north of Minas Tirith the plan was for him, along with a half dozen of the soldiers, to continue north to Erebor while the rest of their group, lead by Bran, his second in command, would head west, passing through the gap of Rohan to reach the North-South road that would eventually lead them through Bree and finally to Annuminas. Crossing the Misty Mountains after meeting with King Thorin would be the only hurdle either group would have to face. The memory of climbing up Caradhras was still with him and Boromir fervently hoped the weather would cooperate this time.

He cast a final glance at his brother who gave him a cheeky smile that set his teeth on edge. Faramir had been almost giddy since Aragorn had announced he desired help in the rebuilding from the dwarves of Erebor. Though he'd asked him about his strange mood repeatedly his little brother had only shrugged. As irritating as it had been, they had still parted on good terms as both knew it could be quite some time before they saw each other again. The work in Annuminas would not be completed quickly.

"May the Valar guide you all as you trek north and begin reestablishing the once great city of Annuminas," Aragorn said, his voice easily carrying over the gathered crowd. He was dressed more like the Ranger Boromir remembered though the difference in his manner and expression were still easy to spot for those that had known him. The burden of kingship did not seem to weigh heavily on him. "Parting from your families is difficult, I know, but be comforted in knowing that you will go down in history as the ones that began to reclaim Arnor from the wilds, helping to reunite the two kingdoms once again." There was a cheer from the crowd and Aragorn approached where Boromir waited to begin the journey.

"I will do my best to see your vision fulfilled, your Majesty."

"I know you will, my friend. Arwen and I will come north next summer and I look forward to seeing what you have accomplished."

"With the help of the dwarves I have very high hopes."

Aragorn smirked good-naturedly. "Their involvement will help with a great many things, I believe."

Boromir frowned slightly, he sounded a bit too much like Gandalf, but nodded. With those final words he motioned to those behind him and turned his horse towards the gate, once again leaving his city for regions in the north. He only hoped things went smoother this time.

Throughout their trip north Boromir was constantly reminded of the last time he'd traveled with a group and camped in a different spot each night. He was surprised to find he missed Pippen and Merry's constant chatter and even Gimli's grumbling. Though he tried not to he kept expecting to see Shae just on the other side of the campfire each night. It was harder to ignore that empty spot her departure had left inside when he was sitting alone in the silence on watch. Keeping busy had helped slightly ... and now he was steadily making his way towards her home. How should he greet her? Would she even want to see him now that she'd been back in Erebor for some time? For not the first time he mentally berated himself for his blindness, cursed the Ring for its influence. Without those he might have realized the truth of his feelings before it was too late. Now all he could do was hope that time and distance had not changed her.

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He and his five companions made better time than he expected, reaching Dale in just over a month. When they came to the top of the hill overlooking the city and the valley before it he halted, eager to see what Shae had looked upon all her life. It was clear the city was still rebuilding from the Easterlings' attack, the sight of scaffolding and the sounds of construction very familiar to their ears. There were clear signs of a battle in the valley though he could tell that some of the trenches were decades old, most likely left from the Battle of the Five Armies. His eyes were then drawn to the Lonely Mountain. It had been visible on the horizon for many days but to see it close up was ... breathtaking. It dominated the landscape, its arms stretching out on both sides. The road that connected Dale to Erebor lead up to a main gate that was carved in green marble. Massive statues stood guard and even at a distance the lit braziers appeared large. Flags dotted the long balcony that ran more than double the width of the open gate. Besides that fateful trek through Moria Boromir had never seen a dwarven city. What was before him was impressive and surprisingly he was looking forward to seeing the inside. Spurring his horse forward they made their way down the hill and through Dale. All the while he kept his eyes on the mountain as it grew larger and larger, trying not to think about who lived within its impregnable walls.

They were stopped just inside the main gate, inquires were made as to who they were and where they were from. When Boromir informed them that he brought a message for the King Under the Mountain from the new King of Gondor they were allowed to dismount but still had to wait until word came that he had been granted an audience with the king; he wondered how long they would have to stand there.

"Bless my beard! I didn't expect to see you here, lad!" A voice boomed in front of them. Boromir couldn't keep the grin off his face.

"I'm rather surprised myself. It is good to see you, Gimli."

There was a twinkle in the dwarf's eyes. "So what brings you so far north? How long will you be with us?"

"Aragorn sent me to discuss something with King Thorin and I'm not sure how long we will be required to remain. Not very long, I expect."

"Is that so? Well, once you've conducted your business I'll take you down to the tavern and you can tell me everything that's happened since we left."

"A drink would be quite welcome," he replied with a laugh.

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After the soldiers that had accompanied him were shown to their quarters he was lead up several large staircases and down different corridors. Though he longed to run his fingers along the shining green marble walls he refrained, knowing it wouldn't do for an emissary of Gondor to act like a child. Never had he imagined a city built inside a mountain could be so open and spacious and ... glowing. Even though he'd heard Gimli and Shae's song while in Moria he hadn't really believed such things were possible. Another example of his foolish pride. As he walked he couldn't keep from glancing left and right constantly, hoping against hope to catch a glimpse of Shae. He was eventually left in a spacious, comfortable room - the study or office of the King Under the Mountain from the looks of it. A fire crackled in a large hearth, its light casting a warm, golden glow on the large wooden desk near by. On the wall behind the desk were two windows which further lightened the space. There was a full bookcase, a table covered with maps and papers, and various weapons and pieces of armor placed around the room. Curiosity got the best of him when he noticed two frames sitting on the edge of the desk. Picking up the golden edged one he saw a portrait of a woman in a long tunic and leather jerkin, boots, cloak over her shoulders, long sword at her hip, and a quiver visible over one shoulder. It was so life like he felt it could step off the page. Boromir guessed this was Shae's mother, depicted as she had been when a Ranger. Placing it back in its spot he picked up the silver frame and felt a smile cross his lips. This equally as life like drawing depicted two young men flanking a young woman, all dressed in embroidered tunics, circlets on their brows and with similar features, and he knew it was Shae with her brothers. He could only stare, drinking in this little peek at what she had looked like when she was younger. The brothers, one obviously more dwarf like than the other, stood by her protectively in the picture and he could almost see the smirk on her face.

That these two pictures were positioned so prominently on the King's desk spoke volumes about their family dynamic. There had never been pictures of him or his mother, and certainly not Faramir, in his father's study. He wondered what it would have been like to grow up in such a close knit family. At a sound on the other side of the door he quickly replaced the picture of Shae and her brothers and took several large steps away from the desk ... and just in time. The door swung open and he tried not to gape at who entered. Thorin, King Under the Mountain, strode towards him, beads flashing in his silver hair, the gilt embroidery on his blue tunic and silver belt catching light from the fire as he moved. A velvet robe with black fur lining the collar gave his figure an even more imposing and majestic air. Piercing, intelligent blue eyes seemed to nail him where he stood. For the first time in his life he felt a bit intimidated and could feel his hands begin to sweat from nervousness. He tried to shake it off but despite the fact that King Thorin only came to his chin - Shae was the same height as her father, he absently noticed - there was something very commanding and royal in his bearing and he knew this dwarf was not to be trifled with. For a moment he wasn't sure what to do or say.

"Boromir, son of Denethor, at your service," he finally managed, recalling the way Shae had always greeted others. The dwarf's lips twitched in amusement.

"Welcome to Erebor. You come with tidings from the South I take it?"

"I do, Your Majesty." He pulled a rolled piece of parchment from his bag and handed it over. "I bring a letter from King Elessar, newly crowned King of Gondor."

Thorin glanced at the woman by his side. "Your dreams were right again, amrâlimê," he said as he moved to sit at his desk.

"You are the Gondorian that traveled with the Fellowship?" Boromir nodded at the regal woman by Thorin's side. "Shae mentioned you." There was something in her eyes that seemed to belay knowledge of some sort. As Thorin looked over the letter he had brought from Aragorn he observed the Queen Under the Mountain. Rhaella was not as tall as Aragorn but he could see the same wisdom in her eyes, the same confidence. Even though she was dressed in a brocade gown with a gem-studded belt at her waist it was easy to see the fire of the Ranger in her eyes. There were thick streaks of gray in her brown hair, fine lines on her face, but none of it could take away from the simple beauty she had nor the strength he could sense in her. Observing them together he could see how formidable a duo they were.

"Was your journey north easy?" she asked.

"It was. Remarkably quiet actually. We saw signs that others had passed through but it had been some time before us."

"Shae mentioned that they saw the same. She supposed they were fleeing from the battle in the south."

He tried not to react at the mention of her name. "It is certainly possible."

She appeared to consider him thoughtfully. "I'm afraid Shae isn't here. She accompanied a merchant group to the Iron Hills a week ago and won't be back for at least two weeks."

He tried to conceal his disappointment but while Thorin didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary Rhaella was watching him closely to see his reaction to her words. Luckily he was spared having to answer.

"So, the new King of Gondor wants to reestablish the Kingdom of Arnor?" Thorin said, finally looking up from the paper in front of him.

"Indeed he does, Your Majesty."

The dwarf king nodded. "That region has lain lawless far too long. Even with the orcs gone there are still those up to no good hiding in the woods and ruins in that area." He looked up at Boromir. "And you are appointed Steward of Arnor, tasked with rebuilding Annuminas."

"Yes. My younger brother will be Steward of Gondor."

"Why would you refuse the title and position that is rightfully yours as eldest son of the former Steward?"

"I am not suited to political maneuvering and placating others; I'm much more comfortable with a weapon in my hand. Faramir has the talent to remain calm in such situations and as Minas Tirith will be Ara - King Elessar's main seat of government, he needed someone much more knowledgeable than I in diplomacy. I feel I am not suited for the ins and outs of politics."

Thorin looked at him with a bit more respect. "It is always good for a leader to know their own strengths and weaknesses." The dwarf king sat back in his chair, running a hand over his beard as he contemplated first the paper on his desk and then the man before him. "So, Annuminas. This is good news. The ancient city is a convenient stopping place between here and the Blue Mountains; its reestablishment will be a boon to trade. For that reason I am quite willing to send workers to help you in your task."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"There are many details to be worked out. When were you planning to leave for the west?"

"I did not have a set time in mind but I was hoping that my stay here would not last longer than about a week." He glanced at Rhaella. "I have heard how treacherous it is crossing the Misty Mountains."

The King and Queen both chuckled then Thorin came to his feet. "I don't foresee any problems in having the details laid out in that timeframe. Our first task will be to find one of our master stonemasons willing to head the project. Once that is done and we've discussed what all is needed and required we can get you on your way. No sense in you rattling around here in the mountain with nothing to do while we find workers that will come west for any amount of time."

"Aye, for we all know how stubborn dwarves can be," Rhaella said with a cheeky grin.

"You are right as always, amrâlimê," Thorin replied fondly. He returned his attention to the man before him. "I hope you will be comfortable here for a few days, Boromir."

"I'm sure I will, Your Majesty. Gimli has already invited me for a drink."

Thorin laughed then dismissed him, instructing one of the guards at the door to help him find his way first to his quarters then the tavern. Boromir left the study still feeling rather intimidated by the King Under the Mountain.

A knock pulled her from the paper she was considering. An eyebrow rose when Fíli entered and she greeted him with a smile. He remained close to the door, hesitant to take a seat when she indicated he should.

"I am sorry to disturb you, Rhae."

"You're not." She paused, debating whether to say what was on her mind or not. Seeing how uncomfortable he was she decided to take the risk. "Fíli, I know your departure from Erebor was under somewhat difficult circumstances but please believe me when I say that I bare no ill will against you nor do I wish for you to keep yourself estranged from us. I know how much you must miss your mother and brother."

"I doubt Thorin would say the same."

"Your uncle has missed your insight and council as well as your company." He snorted in disbelief and she shot him a stern glance. "Your brother, while much more responsible now, has not your ability to see to the root of a problem nor does he possess the ability to react calmly and rationally. Dwalin, for all his loyalty, would much prefer to settle everything in a fight. Since Balin left Thorin has been lacking someone whose council he could wholly trust." Her voice dropped at the mention of Balin and she had to take a moment to compose herself.

"Shae told me what they found in Moria. How did Thorin take the news?"

"It hit him hard. Balin had been his most trusted adviser since before Thrain disappeared. The news was not easy for any of us. I tried to warn them all that returning to Moria was not wise but my advice was not heeded." She shook her head, trying to push away the sadness that wanted to creep in. "So, what did you come to talk about?"

"Your daughter."

Rhae gazed at him thoughtfully for a moment and then smirked. "You know about her feelings for the Gondorian."

"I have my suspicions."

"Do you know if her feelings are returned?"

"In that I am much more certain." Fíli quickly filled her in on what he'd seen since joining them in Rohan and the conversations he'd had with Boromir. He also told her of his discussion with Faramir and what they'd decided.

"You were quite right in your decision," she told him with an amused smile. "We've all seen how Shae has been since returning and I saw the man's hopes fall with my own eyes when he found out she wasn't even in the mountain."

"What are you going to do? From what Boromir told me earlier he and his men will be leaving tomorrow. Shae won't be back from the Iron Hills."

"Aye, she won't."

Fíli could only laugh at the expression on Rhae's face. "I take it you find whatever you have planned rather amusing."

"Oh I most certainly do."

dashtith: young son

amrâlimê: my love