When Eldarion woke he believed himself still lost in a dream. How could this be real? How could such a vision be what lay before him?

Neniel was beside him, head mere inches from his on the soft pillow. She was deep in sleep, and unlike the last time Eldarion had watched her sleep, she was not feverish, nor gaunt or haunted. Her face was calm and peaceful, almost statuesque in its perfection, her skin glowing with a warmth that seemed to radiate from within. Her dark hair spread out around her like a blanket, and soft tendrils were draped across his arm.

He made no move to wake her, he just lay there and watched, fascinated with the sight of her, feeling a profound satisfaction deep within. It felt so right to have her there. He did not want to move an inch away from her. The pleasures of the previous night echoed through his very being and he felt content to lay there watching her for the rest of eternity.

As if sensing his vigil, Neniel's eyes fluttered for a moment and then opened fully, captivating him in their gaze. Her soft lips spread in a smile, and he smiled back; knowing that he had been the one to cause that smile was a pleasure beyond anything.

"Good morning," she said, sidling closer to his side.

"Good morning, Lalaith," he said, pressing his lips to her forehead. "That was quite an adventure last night."

Her body shook as she laughed. "It certainly was. Another one of your princely conquests?"

"I wouldn't say that."

"No?" she asked, looking up at him with a teasing glint in her eye. "I am no fool, I have seen your mind. I am hardly the first woman you have professed to love."

"Perhaps, but you are the only woman I have truly loved," he said, bringing his hands up to run them along the length of her pale arms. "You must know that to be true. As you say, you have seen my mind."

"I have," she said, watching the progress of his fingers with a smile on her lips. "And I believe I now know it as well as I know my own, if not better."

"Good," he said, grinning and then bending his head to kiss her softly. "For my mind is yours now, as is my body and soul. If you'll have it."

"I certainly shall," she said, closing her eyes and settling herself into his arms. "As one we shall be from now on, till the ending of Arda itself."

He tightened his hold around her, but a creeping of doubt began to infect his happiness. Until the ending of Arda. Which he would never see, but she would.

Eldarion put the matter from his mind, despite his misgivings. He did not want anything to ruin this moment, this perfect moment.

Unfortunately, something did.

The door to his chambers flew open with a bang, and quicker than Eldarion had ever thought he could move he had jerked upright in bed as Neniel did the same, both trying to pull the bedsheets around them. Eldarion opened his mouth, ready to launch into a desperate explanation of what had happened when he saw who it was standing at the foot of their bed, arms folded, foot tapping.

"Elboron!" he yelled, pulling the clothes even tighter. "What in Arda do you think you're doing? Have you no respect for privacy?"

"Have you?" Elboron asked, scowl upon his face. "Have you no decency?"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Eldarion asked irritated, trying to adjust the sheets around the two of them. "Can't you wait until we're dressed?"

"Don't bother about modesty, I got an eyeful last night," Elboron said, rolling his eyes.

"What?" Eldarion asked indignantly. "You were spying on us?"

"Hardly spying when my mind was being bombarded every instant by a rampant display of exhibitionism," Elboron said, pacing the room now. "I saw everything! You didn't even attempt to block me out."

"You could have blocked us!"

"I tried," said Elboron, coming to a halt and standing again at the end of the bed, eyes wide, looking almost mad. "And I did, yesterday by the pool when you let your barriers slip, and it wasn't too difficult considering I was busying myself with other things. But it was all night, Eldarion! I've not been able to sleep a wink for every time I closed my eyes … well, you get the idea. I've been walking around all night trying to distract myself. Every time I managed to block one of you out the other one forced their way back in again!"

He stood still, hair bedraggled, clothes askew and a shadow under his eyes. He looked so pathetic that despite his embarrassment, Eldarion could not help but laugh.

"It's not funny, Eldarion!" his friend cried. "You need to at least try. Believe me, I am more than happy for the two of you, but I'm not so happy that I need to see every last detail of what's going on. Please, before you … do anything else, try at least to raise your barriers."

"I'll try," said Eldarion, still laughing, "but I can't promise anything."

"We're sorry, Elboron," said Neniel, whom he was relieved to hear sounded as amused as he did, "but it is a little hard to concentrate."

The two of them burst out laughing again at Elboron's frustrated groan. They could now sense Elboron's thoughts, and his mortification and embarrassment served only to make their own disappear. Nothing could spoil this moment for him. Elboron, seeing that neither of them was going to do anything other than laugh, sighed in exasperation and stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

As soon as he was gone, Eldarion hooked Neniel's waist with his arm and pulled her close, pressing his lips to her neck from behind.

"Now, where were we?"

Aragorn did not see Eldarion at breakfast that morning, though that was hardly unusual; Eldarion was always a late sleeper. But when he neither saw Elboron or Neniel, he began to be concerned. His advisors and the other council members were already deep in discussion over their food, not wanting to wait until their gathering later that morning. Talks were finally beginning to come to a close and all that remained was for the various leaders to depart to their own lands and begin the fight anew with their new alliances and shared tactics agreed. The only thing they could not yet agree on was where the four heirs should remain. Thranduil, Legolas and Bard seemed to think the safest place was in Mirkwood, while Éomer favoured Helm's Deep and Gimli agreed and Aragorn and Faramir believed Minas Tirith was the safest. The hobbits had even offered to protect them in the Shire.

Aragorn thought hard over this as he walked the caverns of the palace, wandering through the various reception halls as he whiled away the hour or so before their meeting. Each idea had merit, but each idea was inherently flawed. Helm's Deep was his least favoured option; though strong and able to withstand attack, this Enemy did not win through strength of arms. Helm's Deep and the lands behind it were near always steeped in some sort of shadow, a notorious breeding ground for attack. It was not as infallible as it would be in normal circumstances.

He had discounted the Shire immediately; though the hobbits had argued adamantly that they would be well protected and concealed, as no one would suspect it. Though well meaning, Aragorn did not want to expose the Hobbits to any more danger than necessary, and he doubted their ability in holding back an entire Shadowed army.

He wished to take the four to Minas Tirith, where they could be under his protection always, but the journey south was long and treacherous, and there would be many opportunities on the road for them to be taken.

That left Mirkwood, and though Aragorn was loathe to leave his son here when he returned to protect his lands, he had to admit it was the better option. Though Shadows surrounded the forest, and evil had begun to return here, it could not penetrate the Elvenking's halls. Magic still existed here in the last of the great Elven realms which strengthened its borders. Keeping them here, with Brúnor's guidance, was safer than sending them on a long journey where they would be exposed. Splitting the four up had been considered in order to prevent all being taken at once, but Aragorn dismissed the idea; they needed to be together, of that he was certain.

He emerged into a wide and airy hall which, by way of a balcony, overlooked a hall below, a sort of courtyard where there sprung a clear spring, surmounted by a fountain of carved stone. Its soft trickling sound reached him on this upper level and relaxed him somewhat. He noticed then that he was not alone in this hall.

"Elboron!" he called as he approached, and the young man almost jumped out of his skin. He looked somewhat haggard, and Aragorn was immediately on guard.

"What is wrong? You do not look well."

To his confusion, the young man blushed profusely. "I did not sleep well, my lord," he mumbled, avoiding his eyes. "My … injury prevented it."

"I see, perhaps you should forego your lesson with Brúnor today then," Aragorn said, watching Elboron carefully. "You should be well rested before attempting something like that."

"Yes, my Lord. I'll go now and get some rest."

The young man bowed hastily and began to hurry off, but Aragorn called him back, seized with a sudden idea. It had been a while since he had spoken to Elboron, and there was something plaguing him.

"Might I speak with you a while?" he asked, and Elboron nodded, eyes wary, as if afraid he had been caught in some mischief. "There is no need to worry. I would like to speak to you of Eldarion."

If anything, this made the boy yet more cautious, and again caused him to avoid Aragorn's eyes. Aragorn guided the young man to some chairs overlooking the courtyard below and sat down, watching him intently.

"First, how are you?" Aragorn asked, realising that he had spent very little time with his Captain since all of this began when once he had been much closer. "Aside from your injury. What think you of your first Elven realm?"

This caused a smile on Elboron's face, and Aragorn was inwardly pleased at his choice of conversation starter; he remembered well how avidly he had listened as a child to his and Arwen's stories of their upbringing in Imladris.

"It is fairer than I could have imagined," he said warmly. "So full of music and cheer, even here in the darkest of times. I feel as if I could always stay here."

"I am glad," Aragorn smiled. "Elven lands have such an effect. Once one enters, he finds it very difficult to leave. I have often found that. There is only one mortal I have ever encountered who found it more of a curse than a blessing to remain in one." Seeing Elboron's confusion, he spoke again. "Your uncle Boromir."

"Really?" Elboron's surprise was genuine, and Aragorn wondered how much of his brother's story Faramir had shared with his son.

"He was not comfortable the entire time we were in Lothlórien," Aragorn explained. "He could find no true rest. He was a man of practicality and was eager to be on the road to Gondor again to be with his people."

"He had his duty to them," Elboron said, looking at his hands. "I … I know my duty as well, but I find I wish to delay it for as long as I can and remain here in peace. It is wrong of me."

"It is not wrong to wish for rest," Aragorn said firmly. "You have suffered much in recent months. Elven realms have long been places of rest and restoration and it is fitting that you should restore your strength and spirits here."

"But I should be back with my people," Elboron said, and his voice was sad. "I am supposed to be the Captain of the White Tower. I have responsibilities to fulfil. Hiding here will not help with that."

As Aragorn listened, he thought again that he had been too hasty in giving Elboron his inherited position. Elboron was an excellent fighter, wise beyond his years and loyal to a fault, but he was young and inexperienced of life. His heart lay not in fighting, just like his father. He had much more to learn of the world, much more growing and exploring to do. It would be wrong to deny him the chance to discover himself naturally. He had slipped into his assigned roles with so little complaint that Aragorn had hardly noticed he was not entirely happy.

"I understand your desire to help. I too am impatient to fulfil my responsibility to my kingdom and return to wipe out this scourge. But to my eyes, you are fulfilling your responsibilities perfectly," Aragorn said, making the boy raise his head. "You are here as ordered, learning to use this skill you have been granted in order to save your people. You are the most responsible young man that I know."

Elboron smiled grimly. "Responsible …" he repeated. "That's what everyone calls me. Gentle, reserved … unoffensive, unobtrusive ... insignificant."

"That is not how I see you at all," Aragorn said, his heart sinking at the despondency he saw upon his face. "Right now you are one of the most important people in all of Middle Earth. You have my faith and trust, and that of your fellows. Do not be ashamed of your nature, Elboron. Eldarion may be bolder and audacious, but he is also headstrong and foolhardy at times. There is space for both of you in this world. Neither is superior to the other in character."

Elboron looked at him with narrowed eyes, as though he didn't quite believe what he was hearing. Aragorn saw him then as the age he truly was, just out of boyhood. Yes, the moment all of this was over, he would recommend that Elboron take a period of leave from his duties in the citadel. To deny this boy the chance to come out of his shell would be criminal. If he wanted to study, travel, so be it. He would rather have a Steward confident in himself than one who was self-deprecating and miserable.

"In any case, I am glad you like it here," Aragorn said, changing the subject. "It appears you will be staying for some time, which I am sure will give you ample opportunity to expand your knowledge of Elven lore and practice your Sindarin, though both are already exemplary."

"My lord?"

"When the rest of us head south again to meet the Enemy, you and Eldarion will remain here to work with Brúnor," Aragorn said. "It is what is needed to ensure you are fully prepared for your role in this tale."

Elboron did not look happy about remaining, but accepted it with a nod, seeing the wisdom of the decision as Aragorn knew he would. "Eldarion won't be pleased," he said.

"No, I doubt he will be," said Aragorn, agreeing. "I half-expect him to come tearing after me anyway, sword in hand, ignoring my orders." He cast a sidelong glance at Elboron. "But … there may be something that may ease the burden of staying, is there not?"

Elboron looked fixedly at his feet, seeing that the real reason Aragorn had decided to speak to him had arrived. Aragorn did not hesitate.

"You and Eldarion have been inseparable since you were children, ever since you first came to be fostered in Minas Tirith," he began. "You always shared everything with each other, even before this mind sharing business. I know there is something preoccupying him at present. Am I right?"

Elboron did not answer, but his awkward silence was confirmation enough. Aragorn forced the boy to look at him, wanting to see his eyes.

"I am not asking you to betray his trust," he said, meeting the boy's gaze. "If he has confided something in you, it is right that you should be loyal to him. But after recent events … concealment has been disturbing to me."

"I would never conceal anything like what happened last time again," Elboron said immediately, and Aragorn believed him. "I promise, my Lord. No matter what Eldarion said to me, I would not hide something from you which I believed placed him in danger or anyone else. I have learned my lesson, and so has he."

"I am glad to hear it," Aragorn said, the unsettled feeling he had had of late beginning to subside slightly. "Eldarion made a promise to me never to lie again, and I believe he has kept that promise, but I also sense he is hiding a secret. Can you tell me … is my assumption correct?"

Elboron hesitated a moment, and then nodded. He bit his lip awkwardly.

"All I ask you now, is that secret something which could bring him harm?"

"No," Elboron said, shaking his head fervently. "On the contrary. He is happier than he has been in a long time."

Aragorn's suspicions were raised once more, and he hesitated to ask the question which had been plaguing him for a long time.

"Is that secret anything to do with Princess Neniel?"

Elboron's eyes went wide and his cheeks flushed pink, which was all the answer Aragorn needed.

"I will not ask any more," he said, sparing the boy's embarrassment. "Watch out for him, as I know you will. He treads a precarious path, and I would spare him any hurt. Tell him to be careful."

Elboron nodded, and suddenly seemed desperate to be anywhere but here. Aragorn decided to take pity on him.

"Go and rest now," he said with a smile. "You have helped ease your king's troubles, and I thank you for it."

Elboron stood to leave, but Aragorn spoke again.

"Eldarion has not been listening to this conversation, has he?" he asked, suddenly concerned.

Elboron shook his head and bowed, speaking in a voice so low Aragorn barely heard it. "I at least know when it's appropriate to block things out."

A moment later and he was gone, leaving Aragorn to his thoughts. Though relieved that his son was not concealing any more life-threatening secrets, this news about Neniel was less than welcome. He had suspected something first in Osgiliath when finding them alone together in the herb gardens, seeing how close Eldarion stood to her and how he looked at her, and this suspicion had only grown as he observed how often his gaze fell upon her.

Aragorn was no simpleton. His son was twenty years old, in the prime of his life; it would more concerning if his head wasn't turned by a pretty face. He also knew of some of the exploits of his son with the ladies of court, despite Eldarion and Elboron thinking they had managed to cover his tracks. But this was another situation entirely. This was an elven princess, heir to two other realms, someone with whom he shared an as yet unexplained bond which could literally be the salvation of all Middle Earth. The whole thing was extremely complicated.

Was it any less complicated for you? a voice whispered in his head. Were you not the same age he was when you fell in love with an unobtainable elf maiden?

He shook himself out of these thoughts. There was no talk of love as of yet, so worrying about it would do no good. His son would not spend the next sixty years of his life in an endless agony of frustrated devotion as he had. Chances were this was all a minor infatuation. Half of the men, hobbits and dwarves here stared at her with their eyes wide and their jaws hanging open. No, there was no cause for concern yet.

"My Lord Elessar?"

Aragorn looked up to see the palace servant standing waiting on him. The meeting was due to begin. Pushing all unnerving thoughts out of his head, he stood and followed the elf. It was time to focus on something which he had power to control.