In the white city's great hall Arwen had taken up her husband's throne seat for the time being. Guards were posted outside Aragorn's bedchamber at all times. I could get there quickly if needed. Arwen had made me her senior royal adviser for now; I sat in the former steward's chair during court. Legolas was present as was Eowyn; the latter now for the first time strikingly dressed as an Arda amazon (her gear had been made by the wonder plane) and no longer that of the horse lords; the likely first of many women warriors to follow. Eowyn had also professed her newfound/growing faith in the gods of Olympus; not that she'd had to; mighty Athena was now her patron as well.
The hall doors opened and a party entered, headed by a royal aide. They stopped before the upraised throne and bowed. "My queen; the Lord Faramir." Faramir didn't look at Eowyn right away due to her amazon helmet obscuring her more specific features. She'd pulled the same trick during the minas tirith battle in order to fight, and against her late uncle's wishes.
"Your majesty, I received summons that you require my service as an aide to deal with the factions that could pose a threat to your husband's throne." "That is correct Lord Faramir." "I will humbly help in any way that I can my queen." "Thank you. Please approach the factions when possible and liaise between us." "I will at once your majesty." He bowed and left.
Eowyn only stepped up to the stairs at the base of the throne after her former lover had left and removed her helmet and bowed. "My queen. Having consulted with the Lady Diana I am ready to begin forming the new tribe of women warriors to be known as the Arda amazons. The first of them are due to arrive within hours. I humbly request permission to begin their institutionalization here in the Gondorian capital." "I am familiar with Lady Diana's amazon idea. By all means Lady Eowyn. Keep me informed of its developments and feel free to request what you need at any time." Eowyn bowed again before donning her helmet. "Thank you my queen."
Several other smaller matters of court were taken up and dealt with. Most of this was to show continuity of rule through the queen during her husband's illness. Only when everyone had left with this court's dismissal did the queen step down the stairs and walk up to me. "I may have lost the grace of the Eldar...but not of my good sense." I nodded, inferring to what she meant. "I'd considered telling you about Eowyn Legolas and myself..." "I can see why you didn't." "I apologize." "Do not. But I am aware that Faramir and Eowyn were together..." "Yes majesty. I fully trust that we will put the good of the realm before ourselves in all things; including this matter." Arwen nodded. "I trust that you will...but please come to me if you must." I bowed. "I will majesty. Thank you for your understanding."
I was actually glad it had worked out that way. Now the truth was out there. The rest we'd deal with as we went, as always.
