The rustling of the leaves beside him was so slight that Aragorn would normally have mistaken it for a gentle breeze. But there was no breeze at all this night. Either the tree beside him was an Ent, or the ranger had calm company. Quiet a contrast to his stormy mood, Aragorn turned to find Legolas perched peacefully on the balcony rail.
"Come to admire the view, mellon-nín?" the fair one asked.
Aragorn laughed joylessly. "Indeed, but it seems you admire it more, so i will leave you to it."
He turned to go back inward but Legolas caught his sleeve. "No you don't. You are troubled, and i can see that it is more than the view ahead. Talk with me, friend, that your burden may be lighter and allow you to sleep this night."
"Ai, the questions i have may have no answers either in the realms of mortal man or of elvendom," Aragorn sighed, obviously trying to avoid disclosing much to his friend too soon.
"Very well, Estel. But when you fall on the field of exhaustion, do not expect me to bear you then," Legolas half teased. "Come, do not think that because you are about to wear the crown of Gondor and Arnor your questions are more burdensome than those of anyone else. Furthermore, do not think that suddenly you can bear more than i. You are still a mortal, and i care not what title you wield, for the Firstborn are yet more gracious."
Aragorn allowed his troubles to leave him then and smiled at the elf. "And what about you? Do you not also need some sleep?" he countered weakly.
Legolas simply shook his head in disbelief. "You are worse off than i thought, thinking i lack sleep.... It so happens i was sound asleep before your vexatious steps shattered my reflection."
The two bantered on in jest for a while longer before falling into companionable quiet. Both could not avoid their gazes going to the angry red that filled the sky about Orodruin. Grimness returned to Aragorn's expression. "What chance do you think Sam and Frodo have?"
"A better chance than you or i would have. I feel sure that we will meet again with them, in one way or another. But they have no chance if we do not act to allow them a chance."
"I know the course that must be taken, but if i do not return.... Gondor can not survive longer without a king."
"Fear not so. You will survive, and Gondor will flourish. You will not be friendless when this war is over. You and your children will bring joy to Minas Tirith such as there has never before been. The line of Elendil will not break, and the age of men will come at your coronation," Legolas said with a placid, confident smile.
"How do you know these things? I have never known you to have the gift of foresight," Aragorn faltered in amazement.
"I do not know those things, Aragorn. But i do believe them."
"Hmm. Elven faith in the future is not mortal faith in the future." Aragorn sighed heavily. "I have been too long out of the company of elves and i am starting to think like a man. Thank you for your belief in this, Legolas. You have always borne fewer doubts than i," Aragorn said, gripping his companion's shoulder.
"Rest, Aragorn. Your chances of coming home are poor if you are not at your strongest."
"I may rest well knowing my friends are true."
Legolas nodded slightly, smiling to his long-time friend, and lightly descending to the broader branches again. Aragorn turned back toward his bed, but thought again of his promise to visit Faramir.
He ended up spending the entire day after arriving in debate with the captains of all who would be fighting. The day after that he was engaged for every moment by someone or other asking for cures for their dear ones, asking for tactical advice, asking for help preparing arms and armor and horses. At some point he was aware that someone had handed him something edible, either a child of Gondor or Pippin, he wasn't quiet sure anymore. Once darkness had quelled the bustle of the city of mortal men he all but crawled to his chamber and fell into bed. That was when all the questions started assailing. If it wasn't people in the street, it was his own mind.
He had to go down to the Houses. He was pretty sure Faramir would not be awake, but that mattered little. If he was sleeping peacefully, just that would give Aragorn impetus enough to fight with all he had for the safety of Middle-earth. Besides, he would not break a promise. Even if Faramir was not awake, a visit was still a visit. Aragorn had made that promise more to himself anyway.
