While Faramir was able to find comfort in Gandalf's company, his brother-in-law found relatively little comfort in his talk with Aragorn. It was difficult for Éomer to discuss preparations for his sister's funeral, especially with one culprit still at large, because through their lives they had always depended on one another so very closely. Éomer had even spoken to Aragorn of a desire to war against Harad, but the King of Gondor was vehement that if Éomer made that decision Rohan would not be going in with Gondor's aid. Éomer argued that but Aragorn refused to argue back. He came to bear the duty of his son in preparing for Éowyn's funeral, nothing more.

Once done Aragorn finally made his way to find Arwen again. It had seemed like a life-age since he had held his wife. He found Arwen and Lothíriel looking after Elboron and for a few moments all of Aragorn's strife melted away as he thought that before long he would have a new son or daughter of his own. Holding his precious grandson, Aragorn was reminded, with a sharp tug at his beard, of who he had wanted to introduce Elboron to.

Lothíriel went to find her husband on Aragorn's advice that he needed her support. Arwen, Aragorn, and Elboron went back to where Faramir, Belthil, and Gandalf were in the King's chambers.

"Elboron, son of Faramir the true," Aragorn said, "is it my greatest honor to present you to Gandalf the White."

Gandalf took the babe in his arms, setting his pipe aside, and for a moment Elboron stared raptly at the wizard before giving a pull to his long whiskers. Elboron was delighted to no end with Gandalf's laughter. As much as he was content to hang on to his father's hair after Faramir took his child, Elboron had never seen a beard that long except on Gimli, and the Dwarf Lord didn't exactly hold the Steward's son very often. It was a great offense to tug on the beard of a Dwarf.

Aragorn decided that he need not bring up the matter of the funeral just now, not when things were at last a little at ease for Faramir. Oddly enough, it seemed now to Aragorn that Faramir was not having any trouble talking of the dead as he was speaking much of Boromir to Belthil, the younger man drawing in every precious word about the father he never had. Faramir had just opened the letter that Belthil had given to him in the inn at Pelargir that afternoon. Aragorn did not understand this sudden turn until Gandalf whispered to him, reminding him of what he had told his Mortal friend when his mother died 13 years ago. Aragorn nodded then, understanding what made it so much easier for Faramir.

That evening the King decided to have one finally meeting with his councilors before he left the next morning. He dreaded it but wanted to make it absolutely clear that while those going to Edoras were away the Queen would rule and that he would show no mercy to anyone who dared defy him on that. The day he returned to Minas Tirith he would be choosing a new council anyway.

Entering the council chambers with Faramir, who had insisted that he come along this time, Aragorn ignored whatever gestures of respect the pack of dogs that was his council decided to exhibit to him. The King was soon to learn, yet again, that there is no rest, even for the weary. Hardly had he begun the meeting, but the questions came rapid-fire about the wisdom of the King and Steward leaving the city so soon again. That had been expected and Aragorn assured them that security measures had already been put into place.

Then came the questions once again of declaring war, yet still Aragorn refused. He made it clear that he would do nothing to jeopardize more innocent lives for the sake of revenge, giving a brief lecture on the fragility of Mortality. When one councilor, it was the outspoken Gwaithir again, commented that he sounded more like an Elf than a Mortal, Aragorn reminded him that he had been raised in the peaceful home of Elrond.

"Yes, and raised to act like him, too! You refuse to risk war, just as the Elves refused to aid us last year. Had they sent help we would not have been so pressed!" the councilor dared.

"Those whom i call my brothers, Elrond's sons, fought side-by-side with me at Pelennor and before the Black Gate," Aragorn shot back. "And it was through them that Elrond's advice came to take command of the Army of Dead at Erech. My longtime friend Legolas of Mirkwood also fought beside me, and every member of our fellowship was aided by the Elves of Lorien. Without Elven aid my s-Steward would not have survived last fall. I will not hear in my court that the Elves gave to us no aid."

"Elves! Ha! The Elves certainly have groomed you to be the one who orders the future of Men. I am not even convinced that you have a rightful claim to that throne you occupy," Gwaithir said with a boldness that shocked everyone present, with the exception of Aragorn. He had been waiting for this issue to be raised. He only wondered why it had to be done now.

"I refuse to discuss that matter on the eve of a funeral march," Aragorn said with a frightening calm. "You may raise the subject when i convene the council upon my return. Not before." Rising, he left the room quickly, Faramir wasting no more time than his father.

Father and son bid one another a weary goodnight before retiring to their chambers to try to get a decent night's rest before the march on the morrow. It was going to be a trying day ahead and Aragorn was glad to learn that Gandalf had left for him a flask of miruvor before taking a night walk in the healing gardens.

---

When Aragorn woke the next morning he realized just how much he hated to leave Arwen, especially in her condition. She would not hear it though and sent him along at once to get ready for the next week or more of traveling. Traveling was one thing for the Ranger who was still rather used to traveling light and at his own pace, but funeral marches were simply grueling with a somber pace and taking along what gear was necessary for one to look respectable at all times.

Once sure that he had everything he would need, including his old sword with the knife in the scabbard (despite Arwen's insistence that it did not look well with his regal garments), he went to find Faramir. His son was just getting ready to come find him, Berethil following her Lord closely with the Steward's son trying to pull at hairs that strayed from her under her wimple. Faramir flatly refused to leave his son behind and even arranged for a coach to bear Elboron and his nurse.

"You are certain you are ready for this, Faramir?" Aragorn asked gently.

Faramir nodded. "I had not been thinking of Mithrandir's words on the subject until he arrived. I can handle this now, i am certain of it."

Aragorn nodded in return and they went out to the courtyard together. He knew the words Faramir was referring to and knew that they had both been sworn to secrecy about them. Privileged were the few who ever got to hear of what happened once one had crossed the veil of death before experiencing it themselves. They both guessed that even Gandalf shouldn't be sharing the information with them, but were immensely glad that he had done.

---

Elenhin: I like the thought that young Belthil would protect Faramir... he'd get that from his father :) Gandalf's "nudge" from the Hobbit (which is also a most excellent restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland, by the way) - well, it was comical. Though i do not think old Bilbo thought so at the time. I would say it is the hallmark of a good writer to find a way when all paths seem blocked - thank you for your observation!

linda: Gandalf is always popping up when you least expect him, and almost always when he is really needed. It is definitely good that he is there for Faramir right now, and for Aragorn too. But it is doubtful that even Gandalf could have saved Eowyn and Findiel, the Maiar are not supposed to intervene thusly. But then again, Gandalf always was a bit of a rule breaker. I think Manwe probably had some serious words for him when he sailed with the Ring Keepers.