Ciel- Undomiel: Thank you! Yep, jealousy is definitely very dangerous but it's impossible to eradicate, unfortunately. Glad you liked it!

Lindahoyland: Several people have said that in more tan just this fic so I am going to work very hard on sticking with words that fit into Tolkien's universe. If you spot anything in future chapters that don't fit than please let me know. Thanks for your review!

Strider's Girl: Hmmm, I've never tried a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. But maybe I'll get 2 try one seen as though I've updated quite soon! Thanks 4 your review!

Lady Alathon: I hope I've updated soon enough: please don't throw me into Mount Doom or you'll never get 2 see the rest of the story.

Dark Borg Drone: Thanks 4 your review, mellon nin! Here is the update.

Malara: Alatariel is slightly TOO self- confident, isn't she? Yes, elves are really hard to wriote about: I mean a thousand year old elf is kind of different to a 14 year old girl who's trying to write about her. I'll try to keep her more mature in future as several people have said this.

Dark Borg Drone: Here is Chapter 4!

Nessa Fawndancer: Thanks, glad you're enjoying this!

Illenya the fair: Is this soon enough 4 the update?! Glad u liked that chappie.

Rhys: Great! I love getting reviews from someone who hasn't reviewed before, especially when they're so helpful and kind at the same time! I get some reviews that are sort of on the borderline between criticism and flames and upset me a bit (I'm a bit too soft- skinned, if u get my meaning!), but your reviews were really well put and helped me a lot. They didn't make me feel angry or worried at all: they made my day, so thanks!

As to what you actually said, thanks 4 it all. I get a bit afraid to make things too long winded for too reasons: so I can get the update up faster and so readers don't get bored. But maybe I do need to take my time a little more! As for using modern language, a lot of people have made that point and I am trying to improve, so please tell me if you find something out of place in this fic, although I'm sure you don't need prompting as you are so helpful.

Yes, I tried to make markings between the author notes and story but whatever I did it would come out blank on quickedit. I hate it when it does that. Unfortunately this chapter won't show much of Eowyn and Arwen as this chapter is on a slightly different subject but I will go back to Eowyn, Arentiel and the others. I just thought putting this idea in would help to avoid me going on about the same sort of things in every chapter. Anyway, you might actually want to read the story now, I think this is the longest review response I've ever written.

A/N: This chapter leaves the women 4 a bit and changes subject: I thought it wounld make for a bit of a breather. I understand I've skipped quite a few events but felt I needed to move on.

START OF STORY (sorry, the site likes to remove all my markings)

Several weeks later, Arwen was settling in quite well. She had made many friends. Though she had never managed to convince Alatariel and her peers to change their ways, Arwen did not care. Luckily, however, she had managed to convince Galadriel not to say anything. Today was the first proper council meeting since Arwen had arrived in Gondor.

All rose to greet the King and Queen as they walked in together, but the smiles soon turned to puzzled expressions when the Queen sat down instead of going out of the door.

"You stay, my lady?" Ventured a brave councillor.

"Of course," Arwen replied in bemusement. "What is the problem?"

The councillor opened his mouth to reply, before Aragorn cut in.

"I am sure there is no difficulty, Lord Hendras?" He asked diplomatically.

"No, your majesty, obviously there is not. My apologies, sir," Lord Hendras stammered.

"You need not apologise to me," Aragorn said pointedly.

"Apologies, lady," the embarrased man uttered grudgingly.

"You are forgiven, my lord," Arwen returned, in a far more gracious manner than the councillor had spoken in.

Aragorn stood. "Friends and strangers, the difficult task of rebuilding Gondor from the brink of destruction lies before us. Today we must plan how best to do this. I would suggest we start by rebuilding the damage suffered to this city and work outwards from there."

A ripple of agreement spread through those gathered.

"I thought we would start on the Northward side, as this is most badly damaged. The question remains as to whom should be appointed the task."

"Darascus. He's the quickest buider I've known and he charges very little gold for his work," Lord Seyban suggested.

"How good is he?" Arwen asked.

Some of the councillors laughed.

"Perhaps the Midsummer heat proves too much for you, lady. As I have said, he is both quick and cheap."

Aragorn started to come to his wife's defence, but a swift look from her silenced him.

"I am aware what you said, sir. But I did not ask you how fast or cheap he was. I asked you how good he was. To what standard will the work be done?"

He gaped at her. "What does that matter? You have no eye for economy, Queen Arwen. We need the fastest and cheapest builder there is around."

"She does have an excellent eye for economy, Seyban. What use is it to be built cheaply now, only for it to fall down in ten years time?" Faramir snapped.

"I'm glad you never were the steward. You are nothing like your father. I would call anyone stupid who suggested that!"

"Two people more powerful than you? You would call them stupid."

"Only you are more powerful than me, save the King, by ancient tradition. You should know that the chief advisor has always been third in command."

"Where am I, then?" Arwen asked gently.

"You? Your position is below all of ours. You bear heirs to the throne: you should not even be here!" Lord Hendras laughed, forgetting the king was even there.

"In that case," Aragorn broke in, "I should change the traditions. If someone like Lord Seyban is third in command: or second when there was no King; then no wonder all the battles went ill."

Lord Seyban's eyes bulged from his head, but he remained silent. Aragorn saw Arwen's slight tremble from the corner of his eye and realised that she would be blamed for all the problems.

"We shall take a short reprieve to allow everyone to calm down. We will meet here again in fifteen minuites."

Aragorn and Arwen walked down the corridor together, and went outside to sit beside the white tree.

"I'm sorry, meleth. They were truly awful to you," Aragorn murmured as he slipped his arm over Arwen's shoulders.

She smiled at him. "Never mind, Estel, they shall soon get used to me."

END OF STORY

A/N: Please review! It really doesn't take long. Criticism presented in a non- agressive way makes my day! Have a look at Rhys' reviews; they're the sort of reviews I like to get. Of course, just writing: I read your fic and liked/disliked it is better than nothing! :)