DISCLAIMER: I do not own "The Lord of the Rings" (books or movies) or "Avatar: The Last Airbender" or "Harry Potter" or "The Chronicles of Narnia" or any other book and/or movie I happen to mention

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Where oh where have my reviewers gone? We are getting pretty close to the end now, about six chapters left, including this one. I am really hoping to have this story wrapped up by the end of the summer, so look out for updates. So, yeah, please stay with this story, it really lives off of ya'll's positive support. Reviews make Zuko smile :). So, again, another shout out to fantasywind for more amazing reviews, and on we go!

P.S.S If you haven't read "The Games We Play", and you don't intend to, here's a little back story about Jasmine. Jasmine has been a servant all of her life, and was born into a family of servants. Her mother was the hand maiden to Fire Lady Ursa, and thus had very strong ties in the palace. When she was five and Zuko was six, she was given to him as a playmate. What started as just a weak bond between servant and master sprouted into a strong, and vast friendship. This relationship was often made a bit complicated by the fact that Jasmine's father was the leader of the Fire Nation Resistance, and she was often sent on little info. gathering missions for him, forcing Zuko along. He never told her secret, and carried it to the grave with him. When Zuko was thirteen, and challenged to an Agni Kai by Fire Lord Ozai, Jasmine defended him, and almost put the Fire Lord on his back, but was defeated by trickery and deceit. As punishment, she was banished along with Zuko. Three years later is where our story begins.


CHAPTER 28: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Minas Tirith was a city that could certainly be bruised and burned, its people slaughtered, its homes destroyed, but the spirit was something that Zuko knew could withstand any onslaught Sauron could think of.

As soon as the battle ended and the smoke cleared, the city began its slow trek towards repair. The civilians who had fled to the upper levels during the siege were permitted to return to their homes, and dispose of their dead. And there were many. The dead of Gondor and Mordor were everywhere, the streets were constantly filled with mangled bodies. Zuko had to walk Nightwing through the city up to the seventh level where he was told Jasmine's room was located by an older man with a kind face and worn eyes who was called Beregond, the new Captain of Gondor's defenses.

The upper levels were almost entirely untouched, and the seventh level was utterly silent when Zuko arrived. One would think that there had never even been a war. That is, until he opened the door to her room with his feet, still carrying Jasmine in his arms.

He had to duck his head before the soaring arrow landed between his eyes.

Huddled in the corner of the room with a loaded crossbow aimed at his head was a young girl with a head full of wild auburn hair, and wide, frightful eyes. But the arm holding the crossbow was not shaking when she aimed.

"Release my Lady, or the next step will be your last!" she spat vehemently, her large eyes cold. Zuko was actually a bit intimidated.

"I am not here to hurt 'your Lady'." he said slowly, struggling to not make any sudden movements. "Jasmine is hurt, and I just needed a place to take care of her. My name's Zuko, I - "

"Wait. You are Zuko?" she interrupted, lowering the crossbow slightly. "Lady Jasmine whispers your name when she sleeps."

Zuko managed to quirk an eyebrow, even with an unconcious Jasmine in his arms.

"You listen to her while she sleeps? Who are you anyway?" Ceola's eyes were instantly cold again.

"Do not give me that look, my Lord. My name is Ceola, attendant to Lady Jasmine. Put her on the bed, quickly."

Zuko followed instruction and gently placed Jasmine's lifeless body on the soft mattress. One would never think that she had just gone through two days of battle, so peaceful was her sleep. But her body was obviously broken. Her face and arms were covered in bruises and scratches, some loosely bound in torn fabric. It broke his heart to see her in such a state. He was her boyfriend, he was supposed to protect her. Some job he was doing.

Ceola removed Jasmine's shredded doublet, and her surprisingly light, black mithril shirt. The more she removed, the more clear it was that there was more physical damage to Jasmine that they were not seeing. Ceola moved to pull Jasmine's soiled white, cotton shirt over her torso, but stopped suddenly, staring up at Zuko with judgmental eyes. Zuko's gaze quickly shifted between Ceola and her still hands, the cogs instantly clicked.

"I've seen her naked before!" Zuko practically shouted at the girl. "Jasmine could be internally bleeding to death, this is no time for protocol, woman!"

Ceola's eyebrows vanished under her bangs, and her lips cinched into a thin line. Without a word - even though there was obvious hesitation - she began to pull Jasmine shirt up over her torso. Her chest was still bound in her white under-wrappings, but the large purple bruise escaped no one's eyes. Zuko's stomach turned just looking at it. The bruise covered the entire expanse of her chest, and some of her stomach. Her strained breathing could be heard clearly, and Zuko wondered in amazement how the girl was even alive. Her chest should have collapsed after being in contact with such a force. He should have been there for her. He should have been there to protect her.

Zuko looked up to see Ceola looking down at Jasmine with pure concern in her eyes. Like a true friend. Some of her frigidness melted on her shoulders.

"She needs to be cleaned up." Zuko said, his voice soft, almost a whisper. "If it's possible, try to find a basin, and some clean water. Don't worry about heating it."

The girl nodded silently without even glancing in his direction. She looked on the verge of tears, and he commended her for not letting them flow. It was a "servant" thing, Jasmine had once told him. That it was a hidden rule among servants that they do not cry in front of their masters. It was a small glimmer of rebellion, a showing of how no matter what horrors or hardship they faced at their masters' hands, they would not show weakness.

As soon as the door closed behind Ceola, Zuko felt his own warm tears run down the right side of his face. He did not allow them to reach his chin, swiping them away roughly. Now was not the time.

Zuko began to inspect the rest of her body, checking to see if her cuts were deep enough to need stitches. He felt his hand along the curve of her side - searching for broken ribs - until he felt the savage heat coming from her back. He grazed his fingers lightly over the area, and Jasmine jerked in her sleep.

Carefully, making sure not to irritate her bruised skin, he lifted her from the bed, sitting her up against his arm so he could take a look at her back. He bit back of gasp. An almost identical bruise covered her entire back, fading under the hem of her leggings. It was like she had been thrown against a wall. Multiple times. It would be a very long time before any of it healed.

The door suddenly opened, and Ceola entered, her arms full of clean linens, and Aragorn walked in behind her, carrying a basin of water. Zuko assumed that he had run into her on her search for clean water. His face started as pleasant, but as soon as his eyes landed on Jasmine's body, they fell, and his mouth curved down into a distraught frown.

"I did not expect her to be this injured." he said, his voice so soft that he might as well had been talking to himself.

He rested the metal basin of water next to bed, standing across from Zuko, Jasmine's body in between them. Zuko searched Aragorn's face for any reassurance, but he found none. The Ranger's eyes were squinted in thought, and his jaw muscle clenched and unclenched sporadically. Ceola stood to the side, her hands ringing nervously.

"Well?" Zuko finally asked. "What do you think?"

"There is a darkness about her body." he said slowly. "She has fought with the Nazgul. It is not just her bodily wounds that put her in this sleep. Zuko, heat the water."

Zuko didn't ask questions, just did as he was told. He put his hand into the clear water, and allowed the heat to concentrate there. Within seconds, steam was rising from the basin. Ceola let out a loud gasp of shock, backing away a step from Zuko. Obviously this was her first experience with firebending.

Aragorn tore off a piece from the linens Ceola had brought in, and let it soak in the warm water. He squeezed the wet cloth in his fist, letting the excess water drain back into the basin. He placed the cloth on Jasmine's forehead, pressing down, causing drops of water to run down her face, over her eyes. He took her right hand in his, and pressed it to his chest.

Zuko watched in utter fascination as Aragorn inhaled deeply, and Jasmine's body inhaled with him, as if he was sucking in her very soul. Aragorn spoke words quickly under his breath in some unknown language, so softly that Zuko couldn't make out a word, even if he understood what he was saying. Then, with a slow exhale, Aragorn and Jasmine's bodies both deflated. The bruises began to fade, their ugly purple hue going from blue to brown to a soft red. The injuries went from critical to nothing more than a spider-fly bite. Also, the darkness that Aragorn spoke of had dissipated, and the light returned to Jasmine's skin, her breathing became regular. Zuko had only known of one other person who claimed to have those abilities - a certain waterbender who wore her hair in loops about her head.

"The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known."

Ceola's voice invaded the silence, causing both of the men's eyes to turn towards her. She stared with wide, awed eyes at Jasmine's healed body. Then, she slowly turned to face Aragorn. There was an emotion that crossed her face, something strange that Zuko had never seen before. It was an odd cross between fear, and amazement, and hope. Like seeing a legend come to life.

She bowed at the waist, her hair veiling her face.

"My King." she said, not in fear nor submission, but it in utter admiration.

Aragorn stood a little taller, his head a little higher, an air of nobility draped around him. He patted Ceola softly on the head, encouraging her to stand straight, but said nothing.

"Her grievous injuries are healed, but she will not wake immediately." he said to Zuko, who had to force himself to close his mouth and stop gaping at the man like a blow fish. "She is very tired, she will need her rest. Clean her wounds, put her something clean, then let her sleep. I am needed in the Houses of Healing, but I will come in to watch her progress later."

Aragorn let one more look settle on Jasmine's now peaceful face, then he moved to leave, heading straight for the door, but was stopped by Zuko's hand on his arm.

"Are you intending to tell me exactly how you did that?" he asked.

"Not today." Aragorn answered immediately.

"I figured as much." Really, he did. "But even so. Thank you, for helping her."

Aragorn grinned, breaking the kingly exterior of his usually unbent face.

"There is no need to thank me, Zuko. You are not the only man who loves her."

-888-

Jasmine's body felt lighter than it had in days when her mind finally came to. The numbing pain that had been centered around her chest and her limbs was gone, and her head was no longer foggy. Her body was pressed against something soft that molded to fit her body's shape. She could feel the touch of the sun on her skin, a welcome feeling compared to the darkness the had shrouded Minas Tirith during the siege. Maybe she was finally dead, she thought. But her time wasn't up yet.

Slowly, she opened her eyes, seeing Zuko reclined in a low-backed chair next to the bed, his left foot crossed atop his right knee, smiling down at her. He had a new wardrobe, wearing a loose white shirt with baggy sleeves, and open lacing at the neck line, running in a V shape to right at the crest of his chest, exposing skin. He still wore those brown pants that he was given in Rivendell, tucked into his shin high boots. And his hair had grown so long, the back brushing against the nape of his neck, and his bangs falling into his eyes. And there was a growth about him, a maturity to his face. She never thought that she could miss that face so much.

"Hi." he said softly, still smiling. Jasmine gave what she felt was a smile, even though she was still too weak to give more than that.

"Hi." she said, even though no sound came from her mouth. She pulled herself up onto her arms, slowly feeling her strength return to her body. It was then that she noticed that she was wearing a too-large chemise, the neck line so wide that one of her shoulders was exposed. Her arms were covered in small bandages, and she could feel the pull of stitches in her forehead. She sighed in annoyance. That would be the second time that her head was almost split open in Middle-earth. Then, an incredible thirst hit her, and the emptiness of her stomach was brought to her full attention.

"Water." she gasped, her voice sounding ragged and worn.

Zuko moved quickly, crossing the room to the small table that held a pitcher of water and a few cups. He poured her three, knowing that one would not satisfy her.

She threw back one in seconds, causing it all to come coughing back up.

"Slow down, take your time." Zuko instructed, handing her another cup. Jasmine nodded, and slowly drank in the cool water. It was like honey down her dry throat, and she took the other cup just as quickly. Two cups later, she was ready to talk.

"How long have I been out?" she asked Zuko, sitting up straight in bed.

"About two days." said Zuko, handing her a piece of warm bread, which Jasmine attacked. "Strider was in and out checking on you. He said that you were exhausted, and just needed to regain your strength. He would have been in to see you by now, but he's been busy."

"I can imagine." Jasmine cleared the crumbs from around her mouth with her hand, having demolished the bread in record time, and looking around for another. "You came with Rohan?"

Zuko smirked, giving his hair a toss.

"Not exactly."

Then, he told her the whole story. About Elrond and the sword, and the Paths of the Dead. When he told her about the undead army, Jasmine broke into laughing fits for about two minutes before she realized that Zuko was serious. Well, that explained the transparent green corpses. He told her about the Rangers who had ambushed the Corsairs of Umbar, taking control of their ships. Jasmine had never even thought about there being other Rangers besides Aragorn, so she was excited to finally meet a few. She was not surprised by their appearance, however. She was beginning to learn that Middle-earth gave help when help was needed.

After describing the battle on Pelennor Fields, he told her about the events that had unfolded while she was asleep.

"King Theoden died on the field, killed by the Witch King. His body is being held vigil over in the tombs of the Kings of Gondor until his people can take him home." he said, his eyes downcast. Jasmine felt her heart break a bit. Theoden was stubborn, but he was a good man who loved his people. It gave her no pleasure to hear of his death.

"Lady Eowyn killed the Witch King not long after, even though Merry says he helped."

Jasmine sat up straighter in bed.

"Eowyn's here? And Merry? They killed the Witch King?"

"Yeah, I know, I didn't believe it either when Pippin told me." said Zuko with a laugh. "But it's true. They are both heroes. Eowyn was near death for about a day, but Aragorn's healing abilities all but brought her back from the dead. Merry didn't need much to bring him back. I think the smell of food was enough magic to pull him out of the coma."

Jasmine managed to laugh at that. Even after all they had been through, Hobbits would always be Hobbits.

Jasmine sighed deeply, burying her head in her hands. So much had happened, so many lives were lost. And still, the war was not over. She felt that it would be another hundred years before the killing ended.

"So, what's the plan?" she asked, playing with the ends of her hair.

"I don't know. Strider's holding a meeting today with the Company, the Rangers, and Eomer to decide what we should do next. Even though, I doubt if there is any solution. No matter what we do, Sauron will just keep coming back, and back again." Zuko's shoulders slumped, the exhaustion truly showing in his body. Jasmine reached out, and cupped his burned cheek in her hand, pulling his eyes to hers.

"I'm just glad I'm with you. I missed you so much, Zuko."

Zuko moved until he sat on the very edge of his chair, pressing his forehead against hers.

"I missed you too, Jazz. By Agni, I missed you."

Then, she moved forward locking her lips with his for the first time in over a week. Jasmine did not even attempt to end the kiss, and instead sighed into it, curling her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck, pulling him closer. Zuko kissed her back, sweetly, deeply, his hand moving from her waist to her neck, pulling her head closer to his with his hand fisted in her hair, as if he was attempting to drink her in. With every touch of his lips, Jasmine felt the fire rise in her. It had only been nine days, but they kissed like they had been separated for nine years. The passion came forth from her with force, threatening to tear her body in two. She fisted Zuko's shirt in her hands, suddenly thinking that he was wearing far too much.

Suddenly, there was movement, and she felt Zuko begin to lower her back onto the soft bed. His body molded into hers instantly, his weight settled on top of her. She did not object - the thought had not even crossed her mind - and allowed her hands to wander under them hem of Zuko's shirt, feeling the warmth of his skin, and the hard, smooth plains of his stomach. His muscles tensed under her touch, just like they had that night in Edoras.

Zuko's lips moved from hers, and instead made a searing path down her neck onto her exposed shoulder, while he balled her chemise into his hand until it was bunched up to her knees. His hand then moved under the fabric, and touched the skin of her leg, his hands hot, amazingly so. Jasmine was near panting, the memories and feelings and emotions that came with Zuko coming back to her almost too fast for her to absorb, overwhelming her. She wasn't thinking, only acting, and didn't care. His hand slowly, teasingly, ran up her calf until it hooked behind her knee, bringing her leg up to hook around his waist, then a pain hit in the small of her back, dull at first, then rising in strength until she yelled out, pushing against Zuko's chest.

He instantly stopped, holding himself above her on his arms, his eyes wide and frightful, scanning her body for injuries.

"Sorry." she said once the pain had subsided. "I guess I haven't completely healed yet."

"No, no, I should be sorry." Zuko jumped back, sitting himself on the edge of the bed, his hair a mess, and his shirt wrinkled, his eyes still slightly glazed over with lust and guilt. "I've been with you, I knew not to push you this far after you've slept. I'm sorry, I should have controlled myself."

Jasmine rolled her eyes, once again sitting up in the bed. Zuko could really be so dramatic sometimes.

"Don't give yourself all the credit." she said with a smirk. "I kissed you, remember?"

Zuko copied her smirk before placing a soft kiss on the palm of her hand.

"Soon." There was no question in his voice. It was a promise. Jasmine nodded once, his alluring gaze reflected in her eyes.

"Soon."

The door then opened, and Ceola walked in, carrying a tray piled with various breads, meats, and pastries. Jasmine's heart jumped at seeing her freckled face and bright hair again, more than she thought it would. Ceola closed the door behind her with her elbow, completely oblivious to Jasmine's conciousness.

"You are going to eat something this time, Lord Zuko, and I will not take no as an - "

Ceola's eyes finally settled on Jasmine, who only stared, grinning. Ceola's mouth remained open, gaping, closing, then opening again. Then the young girl squealed, almost dropping the tray with all of its contents.

"My Lady! Thank the Old Kings, I thought you would never wake!"

Jasmine could not open her arms fast enough before Ceola crashed into her, wrapping her thin arms around her neck.

"It's good to see you, too, Ceola." said Jasmine in a strangled, yet happy voice. Ceola finally drew back, sitting next to Zuko on the edge of the bed.

"Lord Zuko hasn't left your side in days." she said, grinning like a maniac, her eyes on the brink of tears. "He refused to even eat anything from fear of not being with you when you woke. Even Lord Aragorn could not persuade him. He is really quite stubborn, this Zuko of yours."

Ceola's voice was just north of patronizing, but there was a kind glint in her eyes when she grinned at Zuko. Jasmine nudged his shoulder with hers, and he nudged back, an action so routine with them that the intimacy came naturally.

"Yeah, he is."

And that was the truth. Zuko was stubborn and ruthless and by far the most ambitious person Jasmine had ever known, but there was a burning heart large enough to encompass the world beneath that. A heart that Jasmine was honored to occupy a corner of.

-8-8-

After multiple futile attempts by Zuko and Ceola to get her to stay in bed until Aragorn came back, Jasmine was up and fully dressed, looking truly alive for the first time in days. She refused to stay in bed all day while the city needed her help rebuilding. She hadn't seen any of the Company yet, and she was starved for news. Zuko insisted on escorting her, just in case she felt weak or pained again, and Jasmine let him even though she thought the whole thing was ridiculous. Honestly, she was just happy to get out of the blasted room.

The city was draped in a cross between despair and relief. The Houses of Healing were full - as were the graves - but the victory against Mordor, and Aragorn's arrival gave a new breath of life to the people. As they walked the streets, Jasmine heard constant whispers of "The King, the King has returned.", "They say he can heal any illness.", "Isildur's heir has returned to the throne." Even the long-thought-dead White Tree of Gondor had a small bloom.

Not surprisingly, the first people they ran into were Legolas and Gimli, seated under the shade of a some sort of a wild peach tree in the hidden crevices of the city. Also not surprisingly, they were arguing.

"What need is there for gardens when there is solid architecture?" Jasmine heard the Dwarf ask gruffly once they were close enough to hear. "When Aragorn comes into his own, I shall offer him the service of the stonewrights of the Mountains, and we will make this a town to be proud of!"

"Stone and mountains are cold." answered Legolas in a soft voice. "They need more gardens. There is too little here that grows. When Aragorn is truly king, my people will bring him birds to sing and trees that never die."

"Gardens and birds? Ha, I should have expected as much from an Elvish princeling."

Even though Gimli's words were mocking, there was no spite in his eyes or in his smile. And there was no insult in Legolas's eyes. The great chasm that had been formed by centuries of bad blood between the Elves and the Dwarves seemed nonexistent between the two of them. Jasmine remembered when every word they spoke to each other was an insult. Now, she wasn't sure if she had ever known two friends who were closer.

"Is there anything that you two can agree on?" Jasmine asked with a smile, approaching them. They both immediately stood from their bench, and rushed her. Legolas was the first to reach her.

When he wrapped her in an all-consuming hug, Jasmine was so shocked that she could do little but stand there and take it. She could barely remember - wait, no, she had never hugged Legolas. It was common knowledge among the Company that Legolas wasn't a huger. Elves in general weren't huggers. Now, as her feet hung a good few inches above the ground, Legolas's arms looped around her back, she was certain that Elves were actually quite enthusiastic huggers.

When he finally set her back on the solid ground, she saw the same looks of shock on Zuko and Gimli's faces. Zuko gave her a questioning look, and she could only shrug.

"We were all very worried about you." he said, his light blue eyes looking even more expressive. "It brings great joy to my heart to see you up and well."

It took Jasmine a moment to compose herself, but when she finally got over the hug, she cleared her throat and gave Legolas a soft smile.

"It's good to be back. I'm sorry you all worried so much."

"Ah, I didn't worry about you, lass." said Gimli, slightly shoving Legolas aside with his axe. "I always knew you were a strong one." he said with a smirk and a wink. Jasmine felt the happiness in her spirit swell. She had never felt more at home than the time she spent with the Company. They were the closest friends she ever had, would ever have. Her greatest regret when she died would be leaving them all again, and knowing that she would never come back.

The sounds of the sea gulls echoed over the city, and Jasmine noticed the glazed, faraway look in his eyes. Of course, he got that look every time he walked through a forest, but never like this.

"Gulls." he whispered, speaking as if they weren't even there. "They are flying far in land. Their wailing voices speak to me of the sea, which I have not beheld. Yet, deep in the hearts of all my kindred, their is a longing." Then, Legolas let out a long, broken sea so full of longing that it almost broke Jasmine's heart.

"Well, Zuko and I have a lot of experience with the sea." she said, taking a step forward, capturing Legolas's attention again. She signaled Zuko with her eyes, and he caught on quickly.

"Yeah, she's right. We spent three years on a warship. It's not right for a man your age to have never been on a boat before. When all of this is over, we'll take you sailing."

Legolas's head turned towards them quickly, his eyes wide, and face erupting with emotion, like a small child when he hears that he'll be able to go to the zoo after all.

"Truly?" His voice was barely a whisper.

"Aye, lad, we'll all go!" added Gimli. "The whole Company, the Hobbits, too. I must say, I have yet to see the sea, as well, and from what I have heard, it is a more magnificent sight than the Misty Mountains."

"What's all this about going sailing?" The voice was unmistakably Pippin's, and of course, Merry was always close by. Jasmine had never been so glad to see their rosy-cheeked, smiling faces. Even though, she could not ignore the fact that the cheeriness that she had known in Hobbiton had faded from them both significantly. They were thinner, stronger, and - dare she think it - taller. In eight months, they had aged eight years.

Jasmine bent at the waist, and gave both of the Hobbits a true hug. Especially Merry.

"I heard what you and Eowyn did." she said after she drew back, looking directly into his eyes. "That may by far have been the bravest, most reckless thing I have ever heard. I'll give it to you Hobbits. You don't get knocked down easily."

Merry laughed off his compliment, but the blush did not go unnoticed. "All in a day's work for a Brandybuck."

Jasmine grinned, and moved to ruffle Merry's hair, like she used to, but her hand stopped. She had always treated the Hobbits like children because of their size, and their general attitude. But, now that she looked at them in this new light, she saw that they were just as much soldiers as she was.

"My Lords,"

They all looked up to see a newly decorated Beregond coming towards them, dressed in the livery of a Captain.

"Beregond, it's good to see you again." said Jasmine, approaching him. "Or should I say, Captain Beregond. I heard you got a promotion."

Beregond noticeably stood a little straighter, the symbol of Gondor's white tree on his chest catching the morning sun.

"Yes, my Lady, Lord Faramir anointed me with the great honor of Captain. Never before had I dreamed of serving my city at such a rank. I often wish that my son was here to see it."

The sadness that shone in Beregond's eyes brought Jasmine close to tears. The image of Bergil's small body being crushed under tones of stone came back fresh in her mind like it was just yesterday. She stood close to the Captain, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"He would be very proud." She attempted a smile, but she knew that no level of comfort would ease the father's broken heart. "Have they found his body?" Jasmine was almost afraid to ask the question.

Beregond nodded stiffly.

"Yes, yesterday. He has been buried in my family's tomb with his brothers and mother. My two daughters hold vigil over his body."

Jasmine internally took a step back at that. She didn't know, or even guess, that Beregond had more children. Or that he had already lost so much of his family. Well, now that she thought about it, she should have assumed as much. Middle-earth was shrouded in broken families.

"But, he would not wish me to mourn, so lively a boy as he." said Beregond, clearing his eyes, wiping away the few tears. "He would wish me to avenge his death, and defend Minas Tirith. And I shall."

In that, Jasmine held no doubt.

"Well, on another note, Mithrandir has sent me to summon my Lords Legolas, Gimli, and Zuko - and I suppose Lady Jasmine now that you are well - to the council that is being held in the Citadel. It is of most urgent and grave news."

Gimli groaned loudly, stomping the but of his axe on the hard stone.

"Shall there ever be a day when news is neither urgent nor grave?"

"Perhaps a day sooner than you think." said Legolas, inhaling deeply. "There is a wind of change moving through the air. Well, my friend, let us see what news our esteemed leader carries for us today."

"Hey, wait, what about us?" exclaimed Pippin.

"Aye, we are just as much a part of his Company as them!" added Merry.

"Oh, don't worry." said Zuko with a smirk. "We all know you'll show up anyway."

The memory of the first council that Merry and Pippin had crashed was known by all members of the Company, breaking the tense air with laughter. This was what Minas Tirith was missing, Jasmine realized. Laughter.

-8-8-

Beregond lead them through the bright streets of the city, having to stop multiple times so Gimli could point out some buttress or equilateral arch or Legolas could indicate a blank patch of dirt that caught just enough light for a tree from Mirkwood to grow ther. Overall, it was a very slow process, and Jasmine and Zuko often laughed at the utterly exasperated look on Beregond's face.

One particular time while Gimli was enthusiastically going on about the brilliant stonework over the mantel of a door, Jasmine felt Zuko's hand ease into hers, his fingers hooking in between hers. She looked down at their joined hands - an image so odd for them that it seemed almost foreign - then back up at him. He said nothing, only grinned, giving her hand a tighter squeeze. Zuko wasn't much of a hand-holder, at least not like this. Maybe a quick squeeze of reassurance or comfort here or there, but that was the extent of it. By consciously looping his hand with hers, he was saying that he wanted this, he wanted them to be a true couple. He wasn't joking when he said that she was his girl. Jasmine also remained silent, but inside she was giggling like a love struck school girl.

Beregond finally distracted Gimli enough to get them moving again. They were only one level away from the Citadel, and he was hoping that if he walked fast enough, the two tour guides wouldn't have time to stop and go one some lecture about something.

"Lady Jasmine."

Jasmine turned around instantly, knowing that voice, and a bit too excited to hear it. Standing beneath an arch, golden hair shimmering in the sunlight, stood a grinning Hayward. He was clean and pulled together, looking like he belonged in the lordly setting. His left arm was bandaged and hung against his chest in a sling. Even injured, he looked flawless.

"Hayward!" She was surprised by the own shrill sound of her voice, and walked quickly towards the Rohan warrior, all the while not releasing Zuko's hand. She purposefully ignored his groans of protest.

"I had heard that you had fallen ill." said Hayward once they were close enough to speak evenly. "I am glad to see you well." Jasmine was beginning to grow annoyed by all of the 'I'm glad to see you well's" even though she knew that they meant no harm.

"All I did was sleep for two days." she said with a laugh. "You, however, have an arm in a sling. What happened to you?"

Hayward looked at the immobile arm with indifference, not the least bit concerned.

"A Harad arrow. A lucky shot. The Healers say that it will be healed within the month. No time at all."

Jasmine did not miss it when Hayward's eyes strayed a bit too long on her and Zuko's joined hands. She could practically feel Zuko smirk in arrogance.

"I am glad to see that you made it through the Paths of the Dead, Lord Zuko." Hayward said quickly, like he had hoped that he could get away with not saying it, but his honor was apparently too strong for that.

"So am I." Zuko answered, his voice literally dripping with ego. "I see you got out of Pelennor Fields almost in one piece."

Jasmine jabbed Zuko roughly in the ribs. Zuko mouthed "what" in her direction, but he couldn't hide the playful glint in his eyes. Hayward grinned, externally unfazed.

"Well, you know from personal experience, my Lord, that it takes a lot to get rid of me."

"Yeah, I guess I do."

The two young men locked eyes - green matched with gold - and neither of them flinched. Jasmine's eyes shifted nervously between Hayward and Zuko, suddenly feeling that it was becoming rather hot.

"Um, well, we have that meeting in the Citadel we need to get to." said Jasmine, attempting the break the tense air. "Right, Zuko?" She gave his hand a strong pull for emphasis. Finally, whatever telepathic battle that was going on between them ended, and they both grinned.

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right, we should go before Strider banishes us for tardiness."

"Yes, and I should visit my brothers who are still recuperating in the Houses of Healing. Also, it has been a long time since I've seen the White City. I wish to see if that fortune teller is still here. Good day, Lord Zuko...Lady Jasmine."

Hayward bowed his head slowly, then turned bout face and continued down the long streets.

"Okay, what was that?" Jasmine asked Zuko once Hayward was out of ear shot. The Prince only shrugged, releasing Jasmine's hand, and wrapping that arm around her waist, pulling her against his side, and turning them in the opposite direction.

"Nothing. Just guy stuff."

Jasmine was about to ask what exactly he meant by "guy stuff", but thought better to leave whatever little bro-mance was going on between them be.

-888-

The hall of the King of Gondor was a throne room the likes of which Zuko had ever seen, not even in the Fire Nation palace. The arched ceiling seemed to go on forever, giving the room a look of utter and complete majesty. The large windows that lined the hall let in light from every angle, giving light to the white statues of past kings of Gondor. Jasmine had told him that the throne room had been beautiful and awe-inspiring, yet cold. He wondered if they were speaking of the same throne room, for this space radiated life. He did not doubt that that had something to do with Aragorn's return. The whole city seemed to exhale as soon as he entered the Great Gate, as if the very stones knew that the rightful king had returned.

Zuko and Jasmine were apparently the late ones, because everyone else had already arrived. Aragorn stood looking pensive and noble, dressed still in his Ranger garb, but a certain ora of authority shone about him that let all know who he was. Legolas, Eomer, and Halbarad stood by silently, watching Gandalf pace, while Gimli smoked his pipe while lounging in the black, Steward's chair. Everyone's eyes went instantly to their faces, and then to their joined hands. Pleased looks dominated all of their expressions.

"Ah, you two finally arrived." said Aragorn with a grin when he saw them enter. "I was prepared to send out a search party. I hope you were managing not to defile the sanctity of the Citadel." That got a chuckle out of all of the men.

The blush that spread on Jasmines face started at her brow, and spread down to beneath her neckline, her head ducked. Zuko, however, wasn't so modest.

"Oh, don't worry, Strider." he said, looping his arm around Jasmine's shoulders. "We'll wait until after you're king to do that."

Gimli just about fell out of the Steward's throne from laughing. Even Gandalf managed a quiet giggle. Jasmine, obviously, wasn't as amused.

"Does no one even care that I'm in the room?" she exclaimed, her face flushed with embarresment. "By Agni, you're all unbelievable!" To make her point, she folded her arms across her chest, tendrils of steam escaping her nose, her bottom lip jutted out in a slight pout. Zuko would never say it to her face, but he had to admit, she was adorable when she was angry.

"Only in jest, Jasmine, only in jest." said Aragorn, squeezing her shoulder, even though she tried to flinch away, not backing down. "It is good to see the fire return to your eyes. Let me introduce you to Halbarad, a fellow Ranger."

The dark haired man stepped forward, dressed in a clean, lordly wardrobe befitting his stature. A dark blue, velvet tunic over chainmail. To be honest, he looked more like a king than Aragorn.

"I have heard much of you, Lady Jasmine." said Halbard as he took Jasmine's hand in his own. "And I must say, the descriptions fall short of your beauty." The Ranger winked in Zuko's direction before placing a light kiss on Jasmine's hand. The blush was obvious, and Zuko unconsciously pulled Jasmine tighter against him.

"It's an honor to finally meet another Ranger." said Jasmine with wide-eyed enthusiasm once she recovered from the shock of Halbarad's charming kiss. "I've only ever known Aragorn, and after eight months, I was beginning to think he was the only one."

Halbarad's laugh was like something inhuman, almost Elfish, so bright was its sound even though his tone was deep and masculine. Jasmine's eyes shimmered. Zuko had to struggle to resist rolling his eyes. He was yet to meet a Middle-earth male who couldn't make every woman in the room swoon with a look.

"Well, Aragorn is the most social of us all, if that speaks for the Rangers of the North." said Halbarad, clapping Aragorn on the shoulder. "We value our subtlety."

"Now if all introductions have been made, there are grave tidings that must be addressed." said Gandalf gruffly, loudly, stopping all side conversations. Jasmine sat on the steps of the throne next to Gimli, and Zuko stood close by, leaning against a pillar while the others all stood in a semi-circle in the center of the hall.

They watched as Gandalf paced, his hands clasped behind his back, and his eyes downcast. They all did nothing but watch for a while, waiting for the voice of wisdom to say something inspiring and uplifting, like he did every time they found themselves caught in one of these situations - which was often, if you can believe that. But the words he spoke to them were anything but inspirational.

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight." he said finally, his back to them all, his voice heavy. "The darkness is deepening."

"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it." said Aragorn instantly, his voice confidant.

"It is only a matter of time." said Gandalf with a devastating sigh. Zuko felt his back bend, his heart drop. After all that they had been through, all of the blood they had spilt and the lives that were lost, to ay that it was all for nothing?

"He has suffered a defeat, yes, but...behind the walls of Mordor, our enemy is regrouping."

Zuko exchanged a quick, strained glance with Jasmine, and saw that she was feeling the same dread as he.

"Ah, let Him stay there! Let Him rot!" shouted Gimli from the Steward's chair, his head shrouded in tobacco smoke from his pipe. "Why should we care?"

Gandalf's hard eyes turned on Gimli, and for a moment, Zuko actually felt sorry for the Dwarf at the end of such a condemning stare.

As he stalked forward, Gandalf said, "Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom." Gandalf stopped short, staring ahead past Gimli, at the empty throne of the King. Zuko could imagine what he was seeing. Frodo as he was, as they all remembered him: soft spoken and light hearted, those abnormally large blue eyes bringing light to the darkest places. Now that little Hobbit was lost in some unbreachable darkness, fighting for his life, and the lives of Middle-earth. Zuko made a vow to stand by Frodo, all the way the the Black Gates, and he had failed him. He had failed to protect his friend. Zuko understood the guilt and dread he heard in Gandalf's voice when he said, "I've sent him to his death."

"No."

Aragorn's voice pierced the silence, and caused all to lift their heads. He stood straight and firm, unmoving in his stance. His posture alone gave a little more strength to their broken hearts.

"He needs time, and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that."

"How exactly do you expect us to do that?" asked Jasmine, leaning back on the stairs. "We don't have any trump cards, no white lotus tiles, no undead armies or walking trees. Even if there was help out there, it wouldn't be coming for us. We don't have the man power to defeat Him now."

"We don't need to defeat him."

Zuko hadn't even noticed he had spoken until everyone's eyes were on him. Had he said that out loud?

"Yes, Zuko?" Aragorn asked, the hint of a grin on his face, encouragement in his eyes. Zuko wanted desperately to do what he was best at and dissolve into the shadows, but he willed himself to step forward. His plan was crazy - insane, actually - but it was a plan.

"I mean, our plan from the beginning has never been to take him out with an army. If Frodo can get to Mount Doom and destroy the Ring, then the war will be over. The easier we can make it for him to do that, the quicker this thing will end. Eomer, how many men do you have ready and able to fight?"

Eomer started, not anticipating being pointed out directly, especially not by Zuko.

"Three thousand strong, I am sure."

"And Aragorn, do you know how many Gondorians are left standing that the city can spare?"

Aragorn kept his face neutral, but Zuko could see his eyes gleaming with pride.

"Four thousand standing, including the palace guard and the Rangers who came with Halbarad."

"Seven thousand. Just enough to get His attention. And if He knows you're standing at His door, Strider, He will be even more eager to crush us, to crush you. In His arrogance, He will think the universe delivered you to Him as an act of providence. He'll empty Mordor. We should gather all able men who can stand and march on the Black Gate immediately. Two days at the most. Tomorrow, actually."

Gimli lurched forward, choking on his tobacco. Aragorn was the only one who was smiling like a fool.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms." said Eomer, stepping forward, his voice filled with obvious - and justified - doubt.

"Not for ourselves." answered Aragorn. "But we can give Frodo his chance if we can keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us." His eyes turned to Zuko, a smirk gracing his face. "Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion." exclaimed Legolas, like he had just understood the conversation that had been revolving around him for the last ten minutes. Zuko wanted desperately to say something sarcastic, but he held himself back.

Gimli nodded his head soundly, chewing on the end of his pipe. "Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?"

"Exactly!" Jasmine declared, standing to her feet, the hem of her dress moving against the stone floor. "We're the Company of the Ring. Hopeless situations are our specialty."

"Sauron will suspect a trap." said Gandalf, speaking to Aragorn and Zuko in hushed tones. "He will not take the bait."

Aragorn only grinned, the confidance of a king shining about him.

"Oh, I think he will."

Halbarad suddenly stepped forward, saying, "From the North we came with this purpose. The Rangers will not turn back."

Eomer shook his head in dumbfounded wonder, his eyes crossing between the Company members, who seemed perfectly cheery about marching off to certain death. They were all either incredibly brave, or stark raving mad. Probably both. Finally, with a deep sigh, Eomer stood straight, grasping the hilt of his sword.

"I have little knowledge of these deep matters, and I believe that you all foolishly commit yourselves to death...but this I do know: As my friend, Aragorn succored me and my people, so I and those who ride with me will aid him when he calls. I will go."

"And you already know where we stand, lad." said Gimli, motioning between him and Legolas with his pipe. "Besides, you need someone watching your foolish back."

"Same with me." said Jasmine, her hands settled firmly on her hips. "I told Frodo I'd protect him, and if this is how I can do that, then I will."

Zuko ground his teeth, struggling to hold back what he knew he would have to do. She wasn't going to like it, but he had failed to keep her safe the last time, and he would not let her willingly march to certain death now. She would hate him forever, but it had to be done. It was for her own good.

"Not you, Jazz." he said, speaking softly in hope that it would hold off her temper. "You're still healing. You will stay in Minas Tirith."

Jasmine's eyes instantly fell on him, disbelieving. She laughed lightly not yet seeing just how serious he was.

"Come on, Zuko, you tried this at Helm's Deep. I'm not bed-ridden, I can fight just fine. Aragorn himself said I'm looking better."

"No, Jazz, I don't think you're understanding me." He put more strength behind his voice, struggling to sound as authoritative as possible, and took a step towards her. "You are not going. This is most likely a one way trip, and I won't send you to die. Not like this."

Jasmine's back straightened, and the jollity faded from her eyes. She was taking a mental fighting stance, Zuko could see it. She was acquipping herself for a fight.

"You have no say in that, Zuko. If I want to march on the Black Gate, I shall, that's that. You have no right to command me!" The fire in her eyes rose with her voice, and Zuko could see the others in the room take a wary step back. Obviously, she wasn't going to back down easily. He knew that this would hurt her, but he'd rather have her mad at him than dead.

"I have every right!" he shouted harshly, taking a forceful step forward. "As your boyfriend it is my responsibility to keep you safe, and I failed at that! You almost died during the Siege, Jazz!"

"You're my boyfriend, Zuko, not my husband! What I do with my life is my choice!" Her voice was growing hoarse as her tone become more impassioned. "I want to fight with you, and my friends, how is that bad?"

"And I am trying to keep you safe! Stop, for once, trying to prove yourself to everyone, and do as I say!"

"No!"

The fire was literally rising from her fingers, and showing through her eyes. Zuko should have quit then, just let go, but he was too far in. That was how it was with their arguments. Once they started, they kept going until they ran out of energy, or something was set on fire.

"You can not speak to me like this!" she shouted, her voice choking back potential sobs. "You can't treat me like - !"

"A servant? That's what you are, Jasmine. You are my servant, I am your prince, you are under law to do as I say!"

"You are not my master, here! I am as free as any other woman in this world!" Zuko couldn't see it, but there were tears steadily forming at the edge of Jasmine's eyes.

"Am I not? Remember the vow you made, Jasmine?"

Jasmine's body immediately stilled, the weight of what his words meant settling on her. Obviously, she remembered.

"No." she whispered, her voice going instantly from confrontational to pleading. "Please, Zuko, not here. You promised you would never make me say it, you promised." Now the tears were beginning to come freely, but he didn't stop. If this was the only way to keep her safe, then consequences be damned.

"Kneel, Jazz." His voice was soft, but his tone left no room for debate.

"I will not." Jasmine bit back.

"Kneel!"

Jasmine literally jumped back at the intensity in Zuko's voice. He had not meant for it to come out so strong, but it could not be helped. She needed to understand.

Jasmine's eyes slowly scanned the room, locking on the men who could only look in silent amazement, too shocked to intervene. There was such humiliation on her face, that Zuko almost took it back. Almost. Jasmine's eyes finally settled on him - cold, angry, and hurt. Slowly, her body pitched forward, her legs bending, until she knelt before him on both knees, looking up into his eyes.

"Recite the vow." His voice was even, emotionless, just like he was told to act all those years ago when the vows were made, when he went from prince to Crown Prince.

"Zuko, this is not necessary." said Aragorn, stepping forward. Zuko held out his hand, stopping any movements the Ranger was planning to make.

"Stay out of this, Strider." Aragorn must have seen the look in Zuko's eyes, for he stopped where he stood. "Recite the oath, Jasmine."

Jasmine sucked in a choked breath, fighting to hold in the sobs. Zuko hated this, hated making her feel like this, but she would not see reason otherwise. She would understand. With another broken inhale, Jasmine let the words come forth from her quickly, her voice strained.

"I swear eternal fealty to my sovereign lord, Crown Prince Zuko, son of Fire Lord Ozai, and to the royal, anointed crown. I give all loyalty, duty, allegiance, and honor unto him. I give him my mind, to do with as he pleases. I give him my spirit, to do with as he pleases. I give him my body, to do with as he pleases. If ever I should disobey, betray, dishonor, or question my sovereign lord, I shall be granted the mercy of death."

The hall stood in silence, all eyes on the weeping girl knelt before a burned prince. The vow was one that all servants were commanded to take when Ozai rose to ultimate power. The Fire Lord had made people go through terrible things because of that vow. Women were given to lords like toys, men were forced to Agni Kai for no reason other than entertainment. It was a debasing and humiliating vow that Jasmine had always despised.

When they were young, Zuko swore to Jasmine that he would never make her do anything she did not want to do, never make her act out the orders of the vow. Their friendship meant more to him than eternal fealty, he had said. Now, as he looked down at his best friend who knelt before him, utter betrayal in her eyes, Zuko wondered if she was the one going back on her vow...or was he?

Finally, after he watched Jasmine wallow in her humiliation, he decided he had gone far enough.

"I'm sorry I had to do that, Jazz. But it was the only way I knew I could protect you. You can stand up now." Zuko reached down to help her to her feet, but she vehemently snatched her arm from his grasp.

"A prince should not help a servant to her feet. Or share her bed." The spite in her voice was cold, and as sharp as his dual swords, her tears like fire. She rose to her full height quickly, keeping her head down, her eyes meeting with no one.

"If you'd please excuse me, my Lords." she whispered, almost too softly for anyone to hear. She did not bother waiting for a response, but bowed stiffly at the waist, turned on a heel, and stalked quickly out of the hall.

"Jazz, come on, don't be like that! I did it to protect you!" Zuko shouted after her, but she did not even flinch at his voice. "Jasmine!" His voice was drowned out by the sound of the great door closing.

Zuko ran his hands through his hair, groaning loudly. Now, she was officially mad at him. He received nothing better when he turned and faced the six pairs of criticizing, disappointed eyes.

"What? You saw what she was going to do! She wouldn't listen to me, I had to get through to her somehow."

Aragorn only shook his head, his eyes hard and full of disappointment. Zuko could tell that it was taking everything in the man to keep him from lunging at Zuko. If Aragorn was sixty years younger and his heart wasn't utterly and completely devoted to Arwen, Zuko knew that he would make a move on Jasmine himself. Yet, seeing as how situations did not unfold that way, he took to protecting and loving Jasmine in the only way he could. Seeing the way Zuko treated her probably enraged in Ranger, and Zuko was actually thankful for the crowd that prevented him from dying on Anduril's blade right then.

"All that work getting you two together, wasted." said Gimli with a sigh, his pipe protruding from the side of his mouth.

Gandalf's steely grey eyes went right through Zuko, sucking all pride out and replacing it with shame. "If I were you, Zuko, I would run begging at her feet for forgiveness, and hope she speaks to you after that display. What would your uncle say?"

Zuko exhaled harshly, pinching the bridge of his nose. Gandalf was right. His uncle would hit him in the back of the head the with palm of his hand after that. He was no king, he should not have spoken to her like he was. He doubted she would believe that, but it was all he had at the moment.

-8-8-

He started at her room, prepared to throw open the door and lay prostrate before Jasmine's feet, begging her forgiveness, but his dramatic entrance was interrupted when he saw Ceola standing at the foot of the bed, folding Jasmine's clothes and packing them neatly in the worn bag that Jasmine had been carrying since Hobbiton, the room empty except for her.

"Where's Jasmine?" he asked instantly, his eyes still scanning the room for any sign of life.

"Lady Jasmine asked to be moved to a different room, my Lord." said Ceola, still meekly folding the few clothes Jasmine possessed.

Zuko hung his head with a groan. Of course she did.

"Well, do you know which room she was moved to?"

"She told me not to tell you, my Lord."

Zuko clenched his teeth to keep from screaming.

"Do you know where she is right now?" he managed to bite out. Ceola looked up at him with a cocked head, her eyes giving him the answer he expected. He groaned loudly, and waved her off as he closed the door behind him.

"She told you not to tell me, yeah, I know."

-888-

Jasmine looked out over the fields of Pelennor from the stone bench carved into the walls of a building, the spot that Beregond had taken her and Pippin on their tour of Minas Tirith. The sun shone brightly across the light blue sky, illuminating the bits of green growing on the once barren plains. It would have been a beautiful sight if it were not for the fires of Mordor rumbling in the distance. Minas Tirith would know no peace until that place no longer haunted its borders.

The tears had long since dried on her cheeks, but she did not bother to wipe them away. They reminded her why the pain she felt was so intense, so numbing. When she started to convince herself that it wasn't his fault, that he was just having a moment of relapse and she was wrong to push him - like she had been doing ever since that damned Agni Kai - she would feel remnants of tears on her face, and her heart would instantly harden. What he made her do was something unforgivable.

And still she loved him.

She wanted to scream from the foolishness of it all. This was exactly what she knew would happen. What she warned Aragorn about, what she warned herself about. The easy thing about being Zuko's friend at the most was that when he would be harsh to her, or talk down to her, or treat her like the serf that she ultimately was, she would be wounded, of course, but her heart would remain untouched. She would rise the next morning with the sun and act as if nothing had happened. Zuko would pout and apologize, she would forgive him, and they would go on as normal until the next time.

But now, it was literally impossible for her to do that. She had given Zuko a piece of herself, something far more valuable than just friendship. She was ready to walk forward with him as his lover and face all of the coincidences that would come with that. She made that commitment to the long-haired, bright-eyed, smiling Zuko of Middle-earth...not the close minded, harsh, cruel, uncompromising Prince Zuko of their world. And when he stared down at her with those golden eyes of royalty, that was the Zuko she saw.

Suddenly, there was movement beside her, and she saw from the corner of her eye Eowyn sit down in the space next to her on the bench. Even from there, Jasmine could tell that there was a new lightness to the Rohan princess, an obvious weight that was gone from her, and now her ora was gravity defying. She wore a plain white dress of cotton, the long sleeves covering almost the entirety of her hands. Her long hair shone golden like freshly harvested wheat, clean and brushed, framing her face perfectly. Eowyn was incredibly beautiful, there was never any question about that, but now that beauty actually had some life behind it.

"This is a beautiful view." she said in a soft, elegant voice. "I wonder how you found such a secluded place."

Jasmine immediately recognized the signs of an intervention. Eowyn had been sent to sooth her fire, bring her back to sanity. Well, she wasn't falling for it. Zuko would have to try much harder than that.

"It's easy to find a quiet spot in such a large city." answered Jasmine nonchalantly, still facing forward. "A friend brought me here once. How did you find me?"

Eowyn shrugged, letting the light wind of the coming spring toss lose a few strands of hair.

"It did not take much thought. I only imagined a place I would go if I had just had an argument with my lover in front of all of my friends and lords."

Jasmine's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. It had been less than an hour, and already she was hot news.

"Did Aragorn tell you?" she asked slowly, struggling to keep her voice even and free of surprise.

"No, no Lord Aragorn did not tell me any of what transpired." Eowyn paused, biting the inside of her cheek. "But he did tell Merry and Pippin."

Jasmine groaned loudly, allowing her head to slump forward, her hair falling carelessly around her head. Aragorn was ever noble and kind, but he could be devious. He knew that telling the Hobbits would ignite a fire that would spread without a notion of receding until it consumed the entire city. And in that, he knew that someone would hear of it, and seek her and Zuko out in an attempt to bring the two together again, and he would have kept his promise of "staying out of it". Jasmine could not help but mentally applaud the Ranger. Clever, very clever.

"So, they sent you to quench the flame, hugh?" Jasmine asked, smirking.

"No one sent me, Jasmine." said Eowyn, her voice constantly remaining calm. "I came to you because I understand how you are feeling."

"You understand?" Jasmine shot back, sounding more abrasive than she meant. "You are a princess, and now you may even be in line for the throne of Rohan. You slew the Witch King! People listen to you, and respect your input, always. Before Middle-earth I was a servant, and after this war, I will still be a servant. I am nothing, you are everything. How could you ever understand?"

"I may be royalty but that does not mean that any aspect of my life has ever been mine to choose, to control. Men did not listen to me until I took up a sword, wore men's garb, and fought in a man's war. I have been sheltered and coddled my entire life, like a glass doll that will shatter at the slightest movement. Before this war, I was bitter and angry because I thought it was the fact that I am a woman that caused my uncle and my brother to treat me such a way. That is why I have worked so hard to prove my strength, my worth. But now, I have come to realize that they treated me that way to protect me. Because they loved me. They would rather see me at home - the safest place they knew - then on the field of battle, fighting for my life. That is why Zuko said the things he said, not to humiliate and debase you, but because he values your life."

Jasmine huffed, rolling her eyes.

"But Zuko knows me. I have never even tried to prove myself to him. We have been training together since we were children, if anyone knows how strong a fighter I am, it's him!"

"That is probably why he is fighting so hard to prevent you from going to battle." said Eowyn with a soft laugh. "He knows that you will fight just as hard as any soldier, and therefore put yourself in more danger. It is not your skill that he doubts, but his ability to go on without you."

Jasmine shook her head as new tears began to form, even after she thought that she had no more tears. She knew that Eowyn was right, that Zuko was trying to protect her, but he could have done that without making her feel so worthless.

"But he did not have to speak to me that way." Jasmine managed to say against the tears. "Like I was worse than a servant, like a slave. He must know how much he hurt me."

"Oh, I assure you, he does." said Eowyn as she scooted a bit closer to Jasmine. "He is currently scouring the whole of Minas Tirith looking for you, in an absolute panic." Jasmine was not fazed.

"Yeah, let him look. Maybe some day he'll realize that I won't always be there for him, like I have been our entire lives. A year ago, after he'd blow up at me, he would come back the next day begging forgiveness, and I'd give it to him. How can I do that now when I know that he will just do it again?"

There was a moment of silence between the two women as they stared out over the pale fields, then Jasmine heard Eowyn sigh deeply, her voice coming out like a summer breeze.

"You told me what feels like an eternity ago that you can either make the best of a situation, or you can change it. Do you love Zuko?"

"Unfortunaetly, yes." Jasmine deadpanned instantly, without hesitation, for there was no use denying it.

"Then, you can either make the best of the situation, or you can change it."

Finally, Jasmine turned her head to fully look at the shieldmaiden of Rohan, and was not surprised to see bright blue eyes staring back at her, smiling in an almost smug way.

"You are not a servant here, Jasmine. You are An honored member of a noble Company, and a strong woman who has proven again and again that you are worthy of the position you have been given. Just because Zuko is a prince does not mean you have to obey him in everything. You love him, and he undoubtedly loves you, and you both deserve to fight together. You should tell him as much."

Jasmine blinked at Eowyn, completely impressed. She was right. She was totally right. If she wanted to fight, then dammit, she was going to fight, and Zuko would just have to get his over over-protective priorities. She loved him, and she wasn't letting him ride off to sacrifice his life for Frodo on his own.

"Eowyn, has anyone ever told you that you're brilliant?" Jasmine asked, grinning. Eowyn only shrugged.

"Occasionally."

-888-

He searched the entire sixth tier, asked anyone he could find, but no one had seen Jasmine, or they refused to say where she was. The entire city had turned against him, it seemed. And he deserved it.

As the midday sun hung at its pinnacle, Zuko found himself in the armory, going through old suite of armor, trying to put something together for when the marched on the Black Gate. Everything was old and rusted and dinted, falling a part. He found a pretty well intact breast plate, and rubbed at it fiercly with the sleeve of his shirt. The reflection was blurred, but he could see his face clearly. Mouth turned down in an angry frown, pale skin, golden eyes. A brutal scar. The mark of a prince who was worth nothing to his people, a disgrace, a failure. Jasmine was the only one besides Iroh who ever placed total and complete faith in him. And he had failed her. He wasn't like Aragorn, not noble or strong like him. He could never live beyond what he was. The exiled, traitor prince. What nation would want him for a king? What woman would want him for a lover? With a loud, frustrated exclamation, he threw the breast plate back into the pile, the clashing sound of metal on metal reverberating through the cramped room. He clinched the edge of the long table that was pile with discarded armor, his head bent.

"Smooth move, Zuzu."

"I see you and the breast plate aren't getting along."

Zuko stood up with a start, thinking that he was entirely alone, and took a literal step back at what he saw. In the doorway of the armory stood Boromir. Or, at least, Boromir as he was maybe six or seven years ago. Him and this man were the same in almost every aspect, but there was a subtle difference. A weight that he had seen every day in Boromir was all but absent from this man. His eyes shone with that illuminating sparkle of new hope. Yet, that nobility that shrouded Boromir was just as present in him. He was dressed in a white tunic and pants, meaning that he had just been realeased from the Houses of Healing.

"We were just having a disagreement." said Zuko with a slight grin. "You must be Faramir."

Faramir grinned widely, and moved into the room, approaching Zuko.

"And you must be Zuko. Jasmine's description of you was correct."

"You know Jasmine?" Zuko asked, stepping forward, his voice eager. Faramir nodded, his red-blond hair catching the little light there was in the room.

"I do. She is a dear friend to me, and a person I greatly respect. Apparently, you two had a disagreement of your own this morning."

There was no question in Faramir's voice. He was utterly aware of the events that transpired in the Citadel. So, it was common knowledge around Minas Tirith now. Great. He had gone from local legend to local gossip.

"We did. It didn't start that way, but...I just want to keep her safe. I know she thinks she knows what she's doing, but she doesn't. She doesn't have any idea how dangerous this is going to be. Is it bad that I want to protect the girl I love while I still can?"

Faramir grinned in a way that was almost tragic. He picked up an old longsword, turning the blade over in his hand.

"No, it is not 'bad'. In fact, that is proof that your love for her is real and true. Yet, you must know that just because you love her does not mean that you know what is best for her."

"How can saving her life not be what's best for her?" Zuko proclaimed, throwing up his hands. "Last I checked, that was, like, relationship basics!"

Somehow, Faramir's laugh was not as helpful as Zuko had hoped.

"I do not mean to laugh." said Faramir through the giggles once he noticed the shocked and offended look in Zuko's eyes. "It is just, looking at you, I remember what it was like to be so young. There is so much you still have left to learn. Let us compare Jasmine to this sword, or any sword. A beautiful weapon turned into a work of art. Smooth, sharp, made of the purest medal. A sword that sings when it is drawn. So beautiful and precious is this sword, that you use it less and less. You keep it sheathed from fear of the metal shattering or even being scratched. Soon, you are no longer wearing it at your side, but leave it in your quarters, shut away from the world from fear of the sword becoming rusted in the rain. You cherish this sword more than anything in this world. Overtime, the sword becomes dull with age and lack of use. You unsheath the sword one day after years of watching it sit idle on your mantle, and the connection is broken. You realize that even with all of the beauty and perfection of the sword, it is missing the blood stains, the dents, the show of battle. The proof that the sword protected you, fought with you. That is where the true beauty of a sword lies.

"Jasmine is like a sword. She is beautiful, strong, sharp. But she bares the proof that she's fought with you in her want to fight at the Black Gate. No sword ever wishes to be left behind. She expects that there shall be death - her death - at the Black Gate. Yet, she would rather face that death and that danger with you then be locked away in a white city. When a woman willingly chooses to sacrifice her life for you and her friends, that is the start of a very rare and a very beautiful love, Zuko. One that I would never take for granted."

Zuko knew that Faramir was right, about everything. He knew that he couldn't protect Jasmine by keeping her locked up in a gilded cage, miles away from him. The best way he could protect her was keeping her by his side, where she belonged. Where he belonged. Zuko did not even realize he was rubbing the pommel of Boromir's dagger until that moment, so normal it was to him, until that moment. The reason why he had the dagger at all suddenly came back to him, the image of Boromir - pale-skinned and cold - clutching the weapon in his hand, making Zuko vow to get it to his brother in Minas Tirith. Zuko wanted to laugh at the irony of it all.

Zuko slowly drew the dagger from the space between his belt and his pant hem, and the recognition in Faramir's eyes was instant.

"Um, I almost forgot that this is meant to be yours." Zuko said, turning the blade over in his hands. "I was with Boromir when he died. Seconds before he went, he gave me this dagger, and he made me promise to get it to you, no matter what. After the advice you've given me, after the care you've shown for Jasmine, for this city, I know now why Boromir wanted you to have it."

Zuko extended the dagger towards Faramir, watching it suspended against the both of them. Farimir smiled softly, and took the dagger in his hands like it was the Ring itself.

"It was his lucky dagger." Faramir said, his voice so faint that he might as well had been talking to himself. "He carried it into his first battle, a skirmish with Orcs near the border. I was still young, not yet fit to be a soldier. He told me all of the harrowing tales of how this dagger had saved his life. He told me that when I was truly a soldier of Gondor, he would give it to me, so it could protect me, as well."

Faramir's eyes looked at the dagger as if it was a portal to the past. Memories of times spent with his brother crossed before him, the times of happiness when they were still children, playing at war, to the times of utter sorrow when their mother died and their family was torn asunder. Through it all, they had been together. Now, Faramir was left to continue through that mad world without his big brother. The ultimate test, greater than any his father could have concocted. A test that he was confidant he could pass. For Boromir.

Faramir looked back up to face Zuko, smiling despite the tears forming in his eyes.

"I believe he would want you to keep it." he said, placing the dagger back in Zuko's hands. "I was never the soldier Boromir thought I would be. You are the one riding into war the day after tomorrow. He would want you to have this dagger with you. For luck."

Zuko looked between Faramir and the dagger, in shock. It took everything he had to hand over his uncle's knife. For Faramir to give him - a man that he had known for barely a day - the dagger that his brother carried through battle. Zuko was more touched by that simple gesture than anything he had experienced from a stranger back home. Zuko had to work not to cry like the softie he was.

"I promise to take care of it." he said, slipping the dagger back into its place behind its belt. It felt like it belonged there. Faramir seemed to be thinking the same thing when he grasped Zuko's shoulder, nodding soundly.

"I am sure you will."

Faramir's eyes suddenly widened, and his face became serious when his gaze landed somewhere over Zuko's shoulder. Zuko turned, expecting to see maybe an Uruk standing in the arch way after all of the surprises Middle-earth had thrown at him, but instead saw Jasmine standing sternly, both hands on her waist, he face blank unreadable.

She instantly began to stride towards them with hard, steady steps, her face certain. She was coming like a raging saber-toothed mooselion, and all he could do was stand his ground and wait for the impact.

When she was close enough for him to say the flecks of gold in her brown eyes, Zuko opened his mouth to begin in his grovel, but he didn't get far.

"Jazz, let me just say - "

"Shut up!" Jasmine ordered, holding up her hand to stop his flow of words. Zuko shut his mouth instantly, knowing that this would go so much better for him if he just kept quiet.

Jasmine held up a single finger. "First off."

Zuko didn't even have time to flinch before her palm came in contact with his cheek, snapping his head to the side with the force. Zuko closed his eyes to stop the spinning, the sting of his red cheek making his ears ring. Zuko's instinct was to react, but he held back. He deserved that.

He bit the inside of the cheek she had hit as he turned to look into her face again. Standing his ground.

"Secondly."

Jasmine lunged again, grabbing Zuko by the front of his tunic, and pulling him down into a breath stealing kiss. Zuko heard Faramir gasp in surprise behind him. Hell, if Zuko wasn't currently having the life kissed out of him, he would have gasped, too.

Jasmine finally released him, leaving Zuko teetering on the edge of sanity. He had a plan of attack, and now that tactic was totally useless. He was sure he didn't deserve that.

Jasmine took a deep breath - perhaps stabilizing herself after that attack - then began again.

"I understand why you did what you did. You only wish to protect me because you love me, and that is valiant and beautiful, and very sweet. But you will get nowhere with me by speaking to me like I'm a serf. I may have been your servant back home, but here I am your equal. If you speak to me that way again, or attempt to order me into anything because of some debasing vow I took when I was ten years old, I will cut you out of my life completely. You really hurt me and humiliated me, and I should honestly be breaking up with you right now if I had any sense. But I still love you, and because of that, I will fight with you and our friends no matter what you say because I would rather die beside you tomorrow then live a hundred more years without you."

Zuko tried not to smile, but the emotion broke through easily. He grasped Jasmine by her shoulders, and pulled her closer to him until she was forced to crane her head to look into his eyes.

"I agree with you completely."

Jasmine's eyes widened in surprise, and Zuko actually laughed out loud at the shock in them.

"You do?"

"I do. I was stupid and rude by making you say that vow, and I am so, so sorry for hurting and humiliating you. Instead of trying to force you to do what I want, I should have just talked to you. Even though you wouldn't have changed your mind anyway, I know. I watched you die once already, and I was so scared of going through that again that I would do anything to keep you as far away from the danger as possible. But thanks to some good advice, I now know that the best way for me to protect you is to carry you at my side. We've been fighting together for ten years, no use in stopping now."

Jasmine smiled widely, looping her arms around Zuko's neck, crossing her wrists behind his head.

"I'm glad we're in agreement." she said smugly as he drew her in closer by her waist.

"Did we just have our first fight?"

"Yeah, I think we did."

"That wasn't so bad."

"Compared to other fights we've had? No, it wasn't."

"I think I could get used to this whole...relationship thing."

Zuko tilted Jasmine's head up by her chin, and captured her lips in a soft, loving kiss that promised more fights...and make-ups to come. Of course, that was if they survived the Black Gate.

Yet - as Faramir struggled to squeeze around them to leave them in privacy - Zuko and Jasmine were not concerned about their limited chances of survival in the coming battle, or the fate of the Ring, or of Middle-earth. In that moment, they were only aware of each other, of how much they wanted this. Let tomorrow come with all of its uncertainties. They would face it like they had faced everything: together.


AN: So, the longest chapter so far, and a really nice look at Zuko and Jasmine's relationship, I think. Chapters are only going to get much longer from here, so get ready for lengthy reads. Next, battle at the Black Gate. Please review, and thank you for reading!