Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or concepts of Middle Earth; they belong to the estate of JRR Tolkien. Tanathel, however, is my creation and I would like to be asked before she is used in any other fic.

Author's note: This story is set in an Alternate Universe of my own making. It is after the War of the Ring and several years into the Fourth Age. Boromir will feature in this story, and if you wish to learn how he survived, you will have to read. This will be mostly movie-verse, since no one knows what happened to Saruman after the Ents trashed Isengard in PJ's world.

A special thank you is in order, to Ithil-valon, for tireless beta-reading and endless encouragement. Thanks so much for being a sounding board, hon, I really appreciate it!

Dedications: To Evendim, who helped me find the courage to seriously write in this fandom, and who has given me great fun with her own AU series. And to my darling AJ, without whom I would never have had the courage to allow my stories to see the light of day. I couldn't have done it without you, ladies, and I love you both for it. Don't ever change.

Chapter Nineteen

(The King's Pavilion)

Aragorn had not removed his armor, preferring to remain in readiness. Farin's Dwarves had rallied and kept the Orcs from advancing any farther than the tunnel's mouth, with the support of the Greenwood's Archers. That threat was at least contained.

He sat back in his chair, closing his eyes wearily. His heart tore anew as Arwen appeared before him, the sword strokes she had taken vividly visible, her eyes full of pain and sorrow.

His eyes flew open in denial. No more, he pleaded silently, I can take no more. Arwen, forgive me, he spoke softly. Soon. Soon we will be together.

A scratching at the flap alerted him and he composed himself quickly. "Enter," he called, his voice showing none of his inner turmoil.

Boromir came into the tent and came straight to his King, kneeling before him. "I would make this right, before we are drawn any further into this war," he said simply.

Aragorn stood and drew him up. "I have no need for ceremony at the moment, my friend," he replied firmly. "Come, break your fast with me and we will talk. Let there be no King and Captain here, only two friends who share their troubles." He caught Boromir's gaze and held it sternly. "Nor is there anything to make right, Boromir. I forgave you all at Amon Hen, my friend. My brother."

Boromir nodded, his eyes holding Aragorn's, seeing the sorrow and despair in his eyes clearly. "I would offer my counsel, then, as I did so disastrously before. Perhaps I have gained some wisdom from my death."

Aragorn sat at the small table and smiled at his comrade. "Perhaps," he replied evenly. "Let me hear your counsel, since you seem most insistent." He grinned, but the smile never reached his eyes, and Boromir noted it. Nonetheless, since he had been bidden to speak, speak he did.

"It occurs to me that if Saruman was in my mind, perhaps he is aware of all I know. That could be catastrophic if he were to find that knowledge quickly. I propose a frontal assault, and quickly, to keep him from having time to dwell upon what he might have discovered from me while I was under his sway." He raised a hand at the protest he saw forming on Aragorn's lips. "Hear me out! There are ways into the City that even Faramir does not know. I propose to send a small company through one of them, to open the Gates for the main force. Once inside the City, our task will be far easier. We can fight our way to the Citadel itself if we must. But once inside the gates, we have the advantage. And those who are loyal to you will rise to your call."

"You are so certain, Boromir?" Aragorn hated what he knew he must ask. "What if this ingenious notion is something Saruman wished you to have? What then? You would have delivered your King to his death."

"If there was any doubt in my mind, I would not have spoken," Boromir answered slowly. "I understand your hesitation. What must I do to prove to you that I am in my right mind, that Saruman no longer controls my thoughts? That this plan is of my own making, and not a trap conjured by that foul piece of wizardry? I swear to you, none but myself knows of this entrance. I discovered it by accident. I do not believe even my father knew of it. But as we speak, Saruman has time to discover it, if he has access to the thoughts and memories that I had when he was cast out. We must move quickly, Aragorn, if we expect to keep the advantage."

Aragorn kept his gaze on Boromir's face, reading what he saw there and relaxing slightly. This was his friend, his companion from the Ring Quest. Not a trace of guile or deceit was visible in those vivid green orbs. "I believe you," he said simply. He called for Pippin, knowing the Hobbit would be close. "Send word to the leaders. We will hold Council two hours hence. And see that Tanathel attends as well." She had more than earned her place among them, and he returned his attention to Boromir. "We will put your plans on the table for the Council to decide, my friend. And now, let us simply pass some companionable time together. What shall we talk about?

"Ultimately, the decision is yours, my liege," Boromir replied quietly. "Yet we will allow for some discussion. Perhaps one of the others can provide a better plan." He shrugged, and his eyes caught Aragorn's once more, and held them. "I would talk about the Quest, then. Tell me everything."