Here I am, once again.
In this chapter I have laid the foundation for the upcoming events. What or better who that will be, you´ll see.
For the ones that should miss some action in this story, I have some in mind but we do need to get there first. So, stay with me and with your heroes.
Denethor will have the first content, then Beregond (hope I did him right), next comes dear Faramir and Aragorn will follow. At the end, no entry but a letter of someone´s maiden.
My thanks: To all of you that added "Ten they´ll be" to their favourites and follows. (Missed that in the past and it was time.) To all readers of the story. (Cannot say that enough.) As well, to the wonderful CoraBrasch because she always takes the time to write a review.
Any wishes, suggestions, complaints: Let me know. Your voice will be heard. Should there be none, I do not complain. ;-)
Enjoy.
Arrival and departure
Denethor expected guests. With benevolence he watched the exchange between Boromir and the other man he dislikes. His son was coming. He was very sure of it. However, he was announced of another's coming. The Steward has not seen the White Wizard in the past years. Still, he valued the council of the White a lot. Denethor sat on his seat, in the throne room not far away of the seat of a King who shall not come. The only one who will be granted the title regent of Gondor was Boromir when his ruling period was over. Since both of his sons left for Rivendell, the city fell empty. Their units exposed to the foolishness of the second in commands. Soon, the White Wizard will arrive. In the letter sent ahead, Saruman promised support for Gondor. An offer that guarantees subsistence of his territories. The only ally they have left. "Lord Denethor, Saruman the White arrived," Beregond informs him. He instructed the man alone to lead the wizard to him. Denethor gestures to not let his guest wait and to bring him in. The order was followed and Saruman enters the room. "My Lord Denethor, trusted Ruler of Gondor, I greet you," began the wizard. "Minas Tirith has awaited your coming," replies the Steward. "Your sons?" asks his guest. "Sent away. However, Boromir will soon come to me," counters Denethor. "That are indeed good news and good news I have. You accept the allegiance of my friends then," responds the wizard. "I do consider your offer. Nevertheless, I have a few questions that I would like to have answered beforehand," states the Steward. "I have already suspected something like that. Go on," declares Saruman.
Beregond has not left his place in front of the throne room. He could not tell what but something was not right with the wizard. The Steward may trust Saruman the White but the soldier could not share any sympathy for the man. From where he stands, the soldier catches a few words of their conversation. Though he felt not guilty because he has not left position. Encouraging was that Lord Boromir will come. The two sons of the Steward were inseparable as children and brought life to Minas Tirith. When their mother died, Beregond did everything in his power to support them. Especially, Faramir became a friend of whom the soldier was fond of. Whenever, Boromir left the city, the younger son went to see Beregond. He told him about books he read and shared a wisdom beyond his age. Indeed, there was nothing Beregond would not do for his Lord. Inside, the conversation came to an end. Still, he did not understand why the Steward assigned him to take responsibility on the wizard. Whatever, the reason, Beregond would not question him. The door opens and the Steward accompanied by the wizard steps out. "Guard of the Citadel, lead Saruman the White to one of the guest chambers," Denethor declares. Beregond bows while answering," I will, my Lord Steward." The eyes of the soldier could not escape the deeply contented gaze of the wizard. He would try to have an eye on him.
At the time Faramir awoke his brother was already on his feet. "Morning. I were not able to wake you so I decided to wait," Boromir greets him. "I see," the younger one replies. "Everything ready for the departure of yours?" he then asks. The Captain General nods and adds," I feared to break my promise but I was about to wake you up. It is good I did not need to. We are leaving in short." Faramir rises to stand beside his brother. "Where is Pippin?" he questions. "Merry promised me to bring him," Boromir responds. They both went outside and Faramir could see a black horse at the side of Shadowfox. His brother explains," This is Thunderstruck. My new steed, so I can keep pace with Gandalf." Thunderstruck was as beautiful and as mighty as Shadowfox. The white horse neighs hearing these words of him. Mithrandir mounts his horse, then the wizard viewed Boromir. "I will see you at Minas Tirith," the older one states. Faramir kept eye contact while saying, "Till then, all the best and may Valar protect you." His brother once more clasps the arm of him and smiles, then Boromir proceeds to Thunderstruck and mounted. In that moment, Pippin arrived in company of Merry. "I need you to come with me, Merry. What am I supposed to do without you?" the hobbit begs. "I cannot do that Pip," replies Merry. The younger one walks over to them. "Do not worry. Soon, war will be over. Then nobody asks you to separate again," he reassures them and lifts Pippin in front of his brother. Boromir closes his arms around the hobbit. Mithrandir and his brother both shared a last glance at Faramir, then they were off. The young ranger remained where he stands and his gaze followed the horse of his brother till, he was gone. He closes his eyes. Things were as they were and nothing could be changed. Hand on his sword, which could never be his favourite weapon, Faramir did not move. When he felt Merry's presence perish, the younger one opens his eyes and followed the hobbit.
Aragorn watches Merry climb the stairs to the watchtower. Right behind the hobbit was Faramir. He did not enjoy it to let the young ranger part with Boromir but Estel still could need his assisstance. So, there were no way left to do it otherwise. The younger one felt his gaze on him and drew near. When he looked in the eyes of Faramir, he could tell that the man was aware of his thoughts. "You are able to read another's heart," states Aragorn. It fascinates him, that the young ranger could hold both. The gift of dreams from his mother and the one of Denethor. Many times, when in service of Gondor, he witnessed meetings with the man and felt observed. "That is right... My father passed it on to me, with dislike. However, it happens not on purpose. I was not able to master this gift nor my dreams," answers the younger one. Still, he felt comfortable in the presence of him. Remembering Merry, he began to climb the stairs, Faramir followed. "He was never alone. We were never separated," mumbles the hobbit when Aragorn took place next to him. "Neither of you is alone," replies Estel. "You now have my whole attention, if you wish," offers Faramir with a smile. Merry was too concentrated on the land before him to note it. His eyes drifts over the area too. Then he recognized riders coming towards Edoras. Aragorn lay a hand on Merry's shoulder then he leaves the watchtower. He run to meet them halfway. His eyes have not betrayed him. It was his kinsman Halbarad accompanied by the sons of Elrond. "I have received the letter of yours and gathered some of the men together to ride out to meet you," the man states. "Such a letter was not set up by mine. However, you appeared in my thoughts and to know you here, reassures me," answers Aragorn. "Lady Arwen asked me if I would give you this," counters Halbarad and handed him a furled standard with a letter. He viewed it. It did look like a banner. Obviously handcrafted by his maiden. Aragorn nods his thanks. "At your service," declares his kinsman. "At cín haer, Estel," joins in Elladan. His right hand found the way to his heart. A gesture to express he was deeply grateful. With the letter and gift of Arwen in his hands and good people in front him, mind was set at ease. Indeed, he often thought about the company of the other Dúnedain. With Elladan and Elrohir the Grey Company was achieved. "Im gar- a message o nin adar, na treneri- cin na- urgent," declares Elrohir. "Lothron afad- nin. Other companions are still min," responds Aragorn. Then he adds," Halbarad, may stay. We will be back." His kinsman nods and dismounted. Estel, now accompanied by Elladan and Elrohir entered Edoras again. Faramir comes towards them and greets the two elves with a nod. "Could you may search for Legolas and Gimli? I need them to discuss our next steps," requires Aragorn. "I will," responds the young ranger, bows his head slightly and went search for them. Soon, Faramir returned with elf and dwarf at his side. They all expected him to begin but Estel gave the word to Elrohir. "To follow the paths of the dead, will be essential for victory. Our father himself suggests it," the son of Elrond declares. He heard of them before. The ones that reside inside, only listen to the owner of Anruil. "These paths are new to me but they do not sound very appealing," states Gimli. "All that refused to come to aid the land they promised to do, need to stay there till the plight is honoured," responds Legolas. Faramir only nods but remained silent. "I will depart for these paths. The Grey Company at my side and with my other companions should they agree to come with me," decides Aragorn. "Dear fellow of mine, I shall stay with you," determines Gimli with a smirk. "As will I," adds Legolas with a bow of his head. "I am at your side, Estel," joins Faramir. Elessar nods and left to prepare himself for the next part of their journey. The letter still in his hands, Aragorn searches for a silent spot. As luck would have it, he ends up at the very place where they stargazed yesterday. He sat down and his right hand reveals the letter, to which he had clung to. Then he unfolds it:
Nin Dúnedain, nin aran plural erain or erein, nin mel -o nin cuil.
With delight im received man words o cín lend. I echor -o nin adan plural edain na- with nin everui aur. Sui are nin thoughts. Lothron i banner im crafted n- mín taith till mín reunite. Im will darth- an hain aur na tul-, sui cin ceri-, hi im ceri- know. Gar- estel a estel, Estel sab- because i coth na- weak dan mel a gwent. Limb -o ha, cin carrui with cin.
Arwen
He read it twice before he folds the letter to store it in one of the pockets of his garment, close to his heart. Then there were footsteps approaching. Aragorn turned around and signalled Faramir to come over to him. "My intent was not to disturb you," the young man began while he sat down. "None was taken," replies Estel. "We could depart," the younger one continues. The Dúnedain nods, then he rose and went to bring Brego.
Translations:
Arwen's letter:
My Dúnedain, my king, my love of my life.
With delight I received good words of your journey. The ring of my man is with me every day. As are my thoughts. May the banner I crafted be our sign till we reunite. I will wait for that day to come, as you do, this I do know. Have trust and faith, Estel mine because the enemy is weak against love and friendship. Much of it, you carry with you.
Arwen
Elladan to Aragorn: E: At your side, Estel.
Elrohir to Aragorn: E: I have a message from my father, to tell you is urgent. A: May follow me. Other companions are still inside.
Well, Thunderstruck. What should I say…? It is said that Shadowfox is a very fast and mighty horse. To prevent the case from happen that Boromir arrives delayed, a horse was needed that match with the white steed. And there we are. I do not know if the letter of Arwen appears in the book. Research told me that Aragorn receives such a letter and the content was done with my fantasy completely. Hope you liked it.
To be continued:When I can spare time to write. Times that do approach desire my attention and I may be completely occupied by my school stuff. Still, I do my best to write and publish the next chapter as soon as possible. It may not be the case, just to let you know. Thanks for your attention. Read you.