It took one month to reach Gondor. They rode sometimes throughout the night, not yet fearful of the roads. With a king on the throne, the roads were always being watched and soldiers rode along the roads during the day.

As the three hobbits entered the realm of Gondor and came up to the White City they all stopped to see Minis Tirith rebuilt. The sun was setting, and an orange light glowed on the circular city. The three riders stopped their horses and let their eyes wander around, looking at the White City and the lands that lay around and beyond.

"Merry look!"

Merry looked to his left gaping.

There was an army of troops, orcs, marching toward the White City. They were marching on Pelannor Fields.

A hundred thousand Orcs

King Theoden yelling death

His answering cries

The charge

The White Lady of Rohan

Merry kicked his horse, "Toward the White City! Ride!"

He urged his pony on, trying to forget the events of Pelannor Fields, and escape the orc army that was coming toward the city. They had arrived just in time. War was on the doorstop.

It took a few minutes to get to the city gates. As they got closer, Merry took out his Rohan horn and blew it. He hoped someone would understand the meaning of the horn, and would not mistake it for an orc horn.

Legolas, Gandalf, Gimli, and Aragorn all looked up. They had just ended another meeting. They had been sitting and talking about days past, and memories of the last time they had all been gathered here.

"That is no orc horn!" Legolas smiled. They went to the window to see three small ponies, with even smaller riders, approaching Minis Tirith. "Open the gate!" Legolas called down to the gates. Not sure if they heard him, he descended down to the city gates himself, followed by the wizard, man, and dwarf.

The hobbits were inside and talking to the guards when the rest of the Fellowship arrived. Gandalf walked swiftly and quickly for an old man. He opened his arms to the hobbits; "Our Fellowship is now complete." He surveyed the hobbits, his eyes twinkling, and his soul lightened. He then realized a hobbit was missing, "Where is Frodo?"

"He couldn't come. He is sorry, but some wounds go too deep," Merry explained.

Gandalf's eyes fell and his shoulders slumped. He could see the ring bearer in his mind, sitting in Bag End, tired and weary. He had put that pain on the naïve hobbit. He leaned more heavily on his staff; the burden of the illness of Frodo was heavy on his shoulders. He tried to smile but found nothing. Silence followed the last statement by Merry. Everyone knew the consequences the War of the Ring had on themselves, but most exceptionally on Frodo Baggins, the Ringbearer. Gandalf sighed deeply, the hour would come when he would grieve the Ringbearer, and make peace with his suffering and feeling of lost, but now was not it. War was upon them, and before him stood the other three brave hobbits.

"Why doesn't someone show you to your rooms, and then we can all meet in the Dining Hall for an early supper. I know you must be hungry," Gandalf suggested, to which the three hobbits agreed.

"Well yes, I for one am hungry, it has been an hour since I last ate!" Pippin smiled and thought about his last meager meal.

Gandalf laughed, "Come dear friends, let us eat, and enjoy this peaceful hour."

A soldier took the three hobbits' ponies to the stables, and another soldier led the hobbits to their rooms, which were near the rooms of the members of the Fellowship. After washing up, they all headed to the Dining Hall, eager to eat.

The Fellowship was waiting for them. Aragorn sat at the head of the table with Faramir on his right, and Gandalf on his left. Eomer sat next to Gandalf and a child sat between Faramir and Eowyn, the White Lady of Rohan. A strange man sat next to Eomer, he was clad in a gold set of armor that resembled Gondor's armor. Gimli, son of Gloin, sat next to Rohan's king. Next to Eowyn sat another boy, about the same age as the first one, and Arwen, the Evenstar, was at the other end of the table. Between Arwen and the boy, there were three spots, and the hobbits quickly took their place at the table.

"Maximus, Anborn, Eldarion and Elboron let me introduce to you three brave hobbits," Gandalf addressed the four people in the room that were not familiar with the hobbits. The others beamed down at the small folk remembering their jokes and heroics. "To your left Eldarion are Merry Brandybuck, Soldier of Rohan, and then Pippin Took, Soldier of Gondor, and Samwise Gamgee, who was the servant and friend of the Ringbearer during his adventure."

The hobbits stood and bowed to the three people they did not know.

"Mother, why can't I be a soldier of Rohan or Gondor? I am bigger than they are!"

Everyone laughed. Eowyn smiled down at Elboron and spoke, "They are fully grown hobbits, Elboron. They are hobbits, or halfings, your father has mentioned them to you before."

"How old are you?" Elboron asked Merry.

"I am forty-nine years old, young sir," Merry smiled at the boy, "And how old may you be?"

"I am nine years old," the boy said proudly.

"As am I!" the boy sitting next to Merry proclaimed.

"And whose son are you?"

"Elboron is my son, Merry," Faramir spoke to him from the other end of the table. "Eldarion is Aragorn's."

"Then it is a pleasure to meet you, Master Elboron, and Master Eldarion," Merry smiled at both boys.

"Are you married, Merry?" Eowyn asked.

"No, my lady. Sam and Pippin are though. Sam married the fair Rosy Cotton not long after we returned home. Pippin just recently married Diamond."

"Congratulations, Sam and Pippin," Arwen, who sat next to them, gave them a smile. "Do you have any children?"

Merry laughed, "Children? Sam is trying to have his own Fellowship!"

Sam blushed, "I have six children, Eleanor, Frodo, Rose, Merry, Pippin and Goldilocks."

"And you Pippin? You have been quiet this evening," Arwen asked.

"I have one son," Pippin smiled at the memory of him. "His name, well his name is Faramir Took. I always wanted to remember the Captain who I admire."

Everyone who knew the relationship between Faramir and Pippin smiled. Faramir was looking at his plate, and finally he looked up. "I do hope to meet the child who bears my name." He smiled.

"I hope you do too. It would be an honor for me, and my wife, for you to see him."

They ate for another hour. Gimli told them all about Legolas and his trip to Fangorn Forest and Helm's Deep. Legolas sat and added in a few comments about their journey, but let the dwarf do most of the talking. Faramir informed the hobbits of the rebuilding of Ithilien and the regrowing of trees that had been destroyed in the War. When they were done, Eowyn spoke to her son and Eldarion, "Go and play now. There is business to discuss."

"We never get to know what is going on!" Elboron complained.

"That is because you are too young, go and enjoy your childhood!" Faramir laughed and escorted them out. He closed the doors to the Dining Hall behind them.

The two boys could be heard for a few seconds running and yelling, already forgetting that they were too young to be involved in talks of war.

"Your sons are wonderful," Merry told Faramir and Aragorn.

"Thank you Merry," Aragorn smiled. "I know that one day you will be blessed with a wife and children."

Merry nodded, thanking the King for the kind words.

"Now that dinner is over, can we know what is going on? Your letter was urgent and lacked details," Pippin looked around at the men gathered.

"Yes it is time," Gandalf agreed with the youngest hobbit.

Faramir nodded, "Anborn why don't you start."

A man stood up. The hobbits had been introduced to him but he had not spoken to them, yet. He was clad in the Gondorian armor and he sat near the end of the table. "It began in Minas Morgul." He said in a slow, soft voice. Merry had a shiver run down his back, the voice made him feel uneasy.

"Minas Morgul?" Sam's eyes widened and he shivered but for another reason.

Gandalf and Faramir looked sympathetically at the hobbit; they knew why that name brought fear to the hobbit, though no one else did.

"As most of you know, the land of Mordor has been quiet and uninhabited for years since the War of the Ring. I, along with others, believed we should take back the land and settle it, for it is the land of our ancestors. Our plan was to wash away the filth and waste of Mordor and bring people to settle in the lands, and restore the cities back to their state when they were first made. Just a year ago, we went into Minas Morgul and spent months cleaning and searching the deserted city. However, two months ago, we were attacked by Orcs. I was sent to Minas Tirith by my Captain with a letter for King Elessar. Near the gates, I heard the horns blowing and I knew there was trouble. I considered riding to Minas Tirith and bringing back more men, but I knew by then it would be too late. I had to go and help my friends as much as I could. I went back to kill a few Orcs, but there were too many of them and I was forced to retreat to my shame."

"Did you go back with men and kill the Orcs?" Merry asked.

"There are too many, all it would do would be kill more Gondorian soldiers. Has not Gondor done its share in the war for peace? Enough men have been killed I say!"

"Who is their leader?"

"They were just Orcs under no command," Anborn argued.

"But some would not agree," Gandalf raised an eyebrow. This argument had been going on for two months now. "Not long after the attack a messenger came to Minas Tirith. As I was not here at the time it is not my place to give an account of the conversation, I believe that would be your's Faramir."

"Thank you, Gandalf," Faramir now stood. "As Gandalf said, a messenger came to the city as I was visiting the King. We both went out to see the messenger who claimed to be from Melkor. For those who have not studied their history, Melkor is a god, one of the gods who created Middle Earth and those who walk its lands. Sauron was Melkor's lieutenant, in his time started wars, and was the reason for many good elves and men dying. The messenger rode up, as night was falling, calling for the King. As I said, both King Elessar and I went to see what it was he wanted. He rode a black horse, and was dressed in black robes reminding me of the Black Riders. He told us that Lord Melkor was offering a peace agreement between Gondor and the gods. He would give us all the gold we wished and the power to control and keep all of Middle Earth. If we did not agree to this, he would destroy the city and all that we hold dear."

"King Elessar told the messenger that he had spent his life fighting the Dark Powers, and he would not stop now. If Melkor attacked, he would bring his full army and answer the challenge. He told him then to remember the results of the War of the Ring.

The messenger then replied that, "The Lord Melkor is gracious and will give you time to change your mind. I will be back." He then rode off. Since that night, we have been preparing the troops for war, and every day scouts report that their army is preparing for war. It will come before the week's end."

"Did Melkor order the Orcs to attack the men inside Minas Morgul?" asked Merry.

"That is where we disagree. Some say yes, some say no. Some think that Minas Morgul is the stronghold for Melkor, others say no. We do not know anything for sure."

"I believe we surprised the orcs, they have no connection to Melkor," Anborn spoke up.

"But it's a possibility," a soldier remarked.

Gandalf was getting weary of this argument. "War is coming, why don't we plan our attack," he suggested to Faramir who nodded.

A map was put on the table and everyone crowded around it. "Our enemy, wherever is stronghold is, will be marching from here," Faramir pointed at the heart of Mordor. "Spies and scouts have seen their troops. Our attack should be swift and not come near the gates of the city, our objective is to keep them out of the city. I have suggested to the King that we trap them using our fine horses and soldiers. Maximus, you will lead the charge from the side of the city. There is a cave in the mountain that can hold five hundred men and horses, you will wait there for the signal. Eomer, take your Rohan soldiers and charge in from Osgiliath. You and Maximus shall charge at the same time and attack from both sides."

"Where am I being placed, Faramir?" Gandalf asked.

"I would be honored if you rode with me, Gandalf," Eomer bowed his head and spoke before Faramir had a chance to answer.

"Then I shall, and King Elessar shall ride with us."

"You are planning a battle without us, Cousin?"

Everyone looked up from the map of the city to see two tall men enter the room. They were dressed in Gondorian armor, with swords at their sides and scarlet cloaks around their shoulders. They were both smiling broadly and they stopped walking. The taller one, by not that much, opened his arms and exclaimed, "No hug, Cousin?"

"Hector! Paris!" Faramir laughed. "I thought I asked your father for some warriors? I have no time for jokes!"

"Oh give me a hug and I might forget about your harsh words. We got your letter just a few days ago, Father had no time to gather his army, so he sent us."

"And a fine army that is," Faramir hugged Hector and then Paris. "Welcome back to Minas Tirith. It is good to see both of you."

"We saw two boys running around outside, one of them cannot be baby Elboron?" Paris spoke now. He smiled broadly and everyone in the room could still see traces of his boyish face. Clearly, he was the younger brother and now the youngest in the room.

"I'm sure it was. We sent him and Eldarion outside to play. They are both nine years old now."

"They get big so quickly!" Hector patted Faramir's shoulder, "while their father gets old quickly."

Faramir shook his head, "How have you been Paris?" He ignored Hector.

"Good, things have been quiet in Dol Amroth. Trust you to stir things up." Paris smiled. "What did you this time?"

"Who do we have to fend off for you?" asked Hector.

"Out of the three of us, I seem to remember being the only ever involved in war," Faramir looked at both of them. Faramir then smiled at Paris, "I didn't realize they let boys fight now."

"I have been involved in war, I made Boromir eat dirt every time I beat him," Hector joked. "Dear Boromir, how I miss him. It does me good to see you, makes me think of the happy times we shared growing up." Hector and Faramir then looked at Paris who looked angry.

"I am no boy! I am of age!" Paris looked insulted.

"I was joking cousin. If your father sent you then he deems you are fit for war. I will not argue." Faramir laughed. He turned back to the others, "Well let me introduce you to the others," Faramir had forgotten that they were not alone in the room. "This is Maximus, Anborn, Gandalf the White, Merry Brandybuck, Pippin Took, Sam Gamgee, Gimli and Legolas. Everyone, this is Hector and Paris, they are my cousins from Dol Amroth, and they are late as always."

"Be easy on us, Cousin, Paris had to inspect all the towns just to make sure they were in good condition," Hector turned to his brother.

"Yes, I'm sure that is all Paris is concerned for... the welfare of Gondor," Faramir and his cousins walked up to the group and everyone shook hands.

"You are halfings?" Paris stood in front of Merry.

"Yes we are," Merry nodded.

"I have heard of your deeds in the War of the Ring, I am honored to be able to fight with you," Paris gave a short bow. "I grew up with the stories of the War!"

"Thank you," Merry bowed back.

Faramir looked around, "Well we better get back to business. Now there should be soldiers in front of the gates, to be the first line of defense."

Everyone turned back to the map and the planning continued.

"I will do it," Legolas volunteered. "With the King Thranduil's permission, Glorifindel and I would like to be there protecting the city that has done much in previous years for all people and elves."

"It could mean your death!" Faramir shook his head.

"An alliance once existed between elves and men, and we have come to honor that alliance. Allow us to stand and guard this beautiful, white city," Glorifindel said.

"I could not say no to anyone willing to fight bravely and honorably for something they love," Faramir smiled at the elf lord. "Legolas and Glorifindel will lead the elves from the front of the castle.

"I shall stand with you my friend," Gimli told his friend

"I shall be honored," Legolas smiled down at the dwarf.

"I will be with a group of Gondorian soldiers inside as the last defense. My archers will strike at their army to help the elf army," Faramir told them. "My Brothers, war is upon us. Let us stand together men, elves, dwarves, hobbits and wizards, and fight with our hearts for the world we love. Stand together, fight hard, and pray that the battle does not go ill. The fate of the world depends on us, united we stand, divided we will fail."