A/N: Well, here's the second chapter, hopefully it'll get more reviews than the 1st one. Oh, and to the reviewer who asked about Legolas, just wait, he's coming!

Please R&R

Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Rating: PG-13, nothing yet but there will be, I can promise you that!

Chapter 2:

"What is it?" asked Eldarion.

"This is one of 7 identical seeing stones." came Aragorn's reply "Known as palantirs.

"Years ago these were created by my kin, the dunedain rangers of the south. But alas they were stolen and became tools for the enemy to communicate with his allies.

"And this one" - Aragorn held it up - "was found in the shire."

"My poor shire." said Sam through clenched teeth "I'm glad it's rid of this evil." Sam

burst into tears.

"My dear Sam!" said Aragorn " Whatever is the matter?"

"It's his wife, Rosie." said Pippen

"Oh my!" said Aragorn "What's the matter? Not sick I hope."

There was a cold silence "She died."

Aragorn gasped and Kneeled down to put a hand on his hobbit friend's shoulder. "It will be all right."

"No, it won't." Said Sam "Mr. Frodo's gone, my children are grown, there's nothing left for me."

Aragorn saw where this was going "yes there is! Your friends! My son-" he motioned toward the palantir "We have a whole new journey ahead of us!"

Aragorn looked into Sam's teary eyes, waiting for him to respond. And then, Sam spoke: "In three months I'm leaving for the undying lands."

Aragorn fell silent. He knew this was coming. "So you won't help us?"

"I will help you until I leave." said Sam.

"Is there no one else who is willing?" asked Aragorn.

The room was silent. But just then, when it seemed all hope was lost, Pippen's Tookish blood began to flow. He stepped toward Eldarion with a brave heart and triumphantly announced he would help.

"Well." said Merry "If Pip and Sam are going, I guess I've got nothing better to do." He stepped forward.

"But 4?" asked Eldarion, "That's quite a few short of a full deck."

"Well." said Aragorn "You'll pick up many others."

Eldarion sighed "Well alright."

"Right then!" said Aragorn "Great! You'll leave in the morning."

* * *

Eldarion was nervous. He tried to summon his father's courage, but there was only so much he could muster. He was woken fairly early, fed, and was now being armoured and armed by his father. His armour was a brilliant shade of gold, with a chrome hemet (A/N: Yeah, I know, chrome in middle-earth, but that's the best way to describe it) and many gondorian symbols and designs on them, but he was not wearing that now - that was for battle. Now all he had was an under-garment ring vest.

"And now." said Aragorn " I have something special for you." He pulled out a very quality gondor sword with a gleaming handle. Eldarion picked it up and weilded it around "It's beautiful."

"It is called Anduril." said Aragorn "This sword is an heirloom of the royal family. This is the sword that was once called Narsil before it was crushed by Sauron, and yet still was it reforged! Indeed it was! I now pass it on to you, my son."

"Thank you father!" said Eldarion "But what will you be armed with?"

Aragorn frowned. He kneeled down to look his son in the eye. "This is your quest. I cannot come with you, I have responsibilitys here in Minas Tirith. I am the king!" he gave his son a hug "I know you'll do just fine."

"I won't let you down father." Eldarion whispered.

* * * *

Aragorn spoke with his most loyal servant "I want you to follow them a ways behind." he said "Protect him with your life."

"Yes m'lord." said the Servant.

* * * *

Eldarion looked his last upon the white tower of Ezcthelion. He was setting out on the path to the great realm of Mirkwood with 3 halflings, 2 horses, and fairly generous provisions, he thought . Perhaps he was doomed.

But really, what foes could he encounter? There were no more orcs.

His thoughts were interuppted by Pippen.

"That's a lovely sword." he said.

"Bless me!" said Sam "If it isn't Anduril!"

Merry gasped "That's a fine blade! Once summoned an army of dead!"

"Well what blades are you wielding?" Eldarion Asked.

"Sting." said Sam "A lite elvish short sword."

"I thought that was Frodo's sword."asked Eldarion.

"Well it was." said Sam "But I took it after Frodo was captured."

"As some of us here might recall," Merry explained "My sword was destroyed in the battle of Pellenor Fields by the witch-king. I had the gondorian smiths forge me a new one." He pulled out a sword just a little longer than his old one. "And of course," Merry continued, pulling out a beautiful elvish daggar "I still got this beuty lady Galadriel gave me."

"So do I." said Pippen "And I also have my faithful short sword that went throgh the barrow downs and weathertop and the march of the ents. Plus lord Faramir's old sword that Denethor gave me when I was in his service."

Eldarion smiled. He would be traveling with the people he had grown up hearing tales of..