Faramir woke the morning after spending the evening in the tavern feeling strange to say the least. He had fully expected a terrible hangover, but there was none. Only with extraordinary caution did he lift his head, fearing to trigger a headache, but in truth, he felt fine. Encouraged by this surprise, Faramir readied himself for the day ahead with renewed enthusiasm. He had been right, he thought to himself, and there really was something in the ale in Minas Tirith that could cheer a man.

He thought that now he was back at home he should spend more time with his friends again. Faramir was so unlike Boromir when it came to socializing. Faramir did not call many people friends but those he did he was loyal to. After the war, Valen and Angmir was two of the only people left in the city who he considered friends.

Heading to his study, Faramir remembered Aragorn words and wondered exactly why he has advised his son to refrain from that room. How bad could it be? After all, Lord Elrond's trusted counselors had matters well in hand, surely.

Entering, Faramir stood stock still for a moment, bewildered. His study was looking in better shape than he had ever seen it, even since the years when it was kept by Denethor's chief counsel. From an adjoining room came Erestor, who Faramir could not praise enough for his care of the office.

Erestor shook his head. "Little do i envy you, young Faramir. This is all yours again, if ever i see this room again, it will be much too soon." The dark-haired Elf exited unceremoniously, though Faramir hardly noticed. Forgetting entirely about being rather hungry, Faramir sat down and began to look over the last few weeks worth of work. For the next two weeks, Faramir would again have the luxury of feeling in his truest element.

ooo

After the first week passed since Faramir and Éowyn's wedding feast, she had made up her mind. Slipping out in the night and moving quickly the White Lady of Rohan began her journey toward Minas Tirith. Even she no longer knew if she felt anger or pity toward Faramir, but she knew that she was not going to let the matter be suspended mid-air while she lay around "resting" and waiting to give birth.

Having heard sounds in the night outside her window, Arwen looked to see a small framed soldier of the Rohirrim clinging to the shadows in escaping. Her Elf-eyes were not to be deceived, and shaking her head she wondered why mortals were so stubborn and never listened to the advice of the Eldar. Perhaps that was why Elves gave up giving advice, it was never heeded anyway.

Arwen knew that there was only one thing that could be done about the matter if peace would be kept between kingdoms. Going to Éomer, who was still up in his study trying to sort out missives of every nature, she explained to him in her calm and gentle Elven way the situation at hand. She spoke in such a manner that even Éomer could not lose his temper, at least not immediately. Arwen told Éomer that he had nothing to fear for his sister or his niece and nephew as she would catch up with Éowyn and travel with her to Minas Tirith. While she had Éomer calm and willing to listen she asked that he impart the information to Imrahil. She also suggested he take some rest and in the morning set about finding himself a Steward. She knew but the next night he would come to his "senses" and rush off after them.

Riding after Éowyn, the Elf queen had little difficulty catching up with her by sun up. She found her not asleep but presumably hiding under a tree, weeping. When Arwen set her hand upon Éowyn's shoulder she started and drew back.

Éowyn stared angrily at Arwen. "If you have come to convince me again to go back home where i belong -"

"I have come to help you Éowyn," Arwen cut in firmly but gently. "You can not make this journey alone. For you to walk from Edoras to Minas Tirith is nothing short of folly."

"Folly? I have slain a Ringwraith!" she cried. "If i had the strength to fight in battle to defend your kingdom i am sure i have the strength to walk there!"

Arwen sighed. So mortal women really were more stubborn than mortal men. She feared that slaying a Wraith was going to become like Glorfindel's favorite defense of slaying a Balrog. "Éowyn, you were not with child when you went to battle. Please, let me travel with you, and take my palfrey."

"I thought you said it was dangerous for me to ride," Éowyn said, sounding like she was relenting.

"It is less dangerous than walking out here alone. Just because Sauron is defeated does not mean there is no more evil in Middle-earth." Arwen handed Éowyn the reigns. "My palfrey is light of step and you should be comfortable. We shall walk but quickly."

Almost against her will Éowyn nodded in acceptance. She rose and attempted to climb into the saddle but her eyes went to Arwen in confusion. "This is some sort of Elven saddle?"

Arwen judiciously held back her laughter. "You do not ride side-saddle?" she asked.

Again, only confusion.

Arwen demonstrated and Éowyn followed suit, though she seemed displeased that her Elven companion took it so easily that she had been trained to ride differently because she is a woman. As they walked onward, Arwen mentioned that they should take only a little rest on their journey, as before long Éomer would come to realize that his pregnant sister had just gone off to walk to the next kingdom, who's Steward had run out on her. Arwen understood that it would do no good to keep Éowyn from her goal. Éomer knew it well enough also, but Arwen had the compassion to help whereas Éomer's instinct would have been likely to drag her back to Edoras and lock the door. Having almost a day and a half's head start, as well as a small supply of lembas, the wives of the King and Steward arrived at Minas Tirith a day before Éomer.