Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or settings used in this fic; they belong to JRR Tolkien and New Line Cinema, and we should all praise them with great praise for creating a wonderful world for us to play in.

Dedications: To Ithil-valon, for tireless beta-reading and endless brainstorming. You are wonderful, mellon-nin, and never forget it. I owe you a LOT. Also for Evendim, who first gave me hope that my writing in this fandom wasn't totally horrible, and gave me enormous delight with her own AU series. Thank you, and thank you for gracious permission to play in your playground. And last, but not least, to my darling AJ, without whom my writing would never have seen the light of day. You give me courage, hon, and I love you for it.

Author's Notes: THIS STORY IS SET IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE. That means that some facts, features, and faces will differ slightly from canon. This story is the second in hopefully a long series, beginning with "Revolution and Retribution." You don't necessarily need to read that one to understand this, but it will help enormously.

To All My Dedicated Reviewers: Thank you so much for making "Revolution and Retribution" so much fun to write! I hope you will all enjoy this tale as well.

Chapter Eight

(The Council Chambers)

Boromir bowed to his King as he entered and then took his seat, silently cursing his foolishness of the night before. His head felt like a drum; even the tiniest sound reverberated through his skull, which was surely too small for the amount of noise it was trying to contain. He stifled the groan that threatened and forced himself to appear focused and capable.

Aragorn called the meeting to order. "My Steward has been investigating rumors of Haradrim activity in the south. Faramir?"

Faramir stood then, and with a slight bow to the assembled, he indicated places on the open map before him. "They are massing battalions along the border, here, here, and here. We have an outpost here; I would suggest, until we are certain of their intentions, that we reinforce it heavily. If the Haradrim attack, this garrison would hold, but only with additional troops in place."

Cirin stood and Aragorn forced himself to be civil. "You have a suggestion, Cirin?"

"Indeed. I would also suggest that those in the City with Haradrim connections should be watched, and closely. They might be passing information to their countrymen." Cirin gave Boromir a quick glance. "We must be certain that no news of our troop movements leaves the City."

Boromir remained seated, though his temper was rising quickly. Eru, but his head hurt! And this weasely little worm was not helping matters. "You are suggesting that we place some of the population into custody?" he asked nonchalantly. He waited until the man nodded. "I see no reason to do so. These are our people! We should lock them away for the mere accident of their birth? They have Haradrim blood; does that make them monsters? No, they are no different than they ever were."

"You are so besotted with that unnatural female that you cannot be trusted, either!" Cirin shouted in response.

Boromir shot to his feet, his hangover forgotten in the initial rush of fury. "You attack my honor, you gutter slime? And where were you while Saruman was destroying Gondor? Fighting back against his tyranny? Trying to restore your king to his throne? No, you were cowering in your home, while I fought for your freedom and your king. While Tanathel fought for your king!"

Faramir was also on his feet, his rage plain. "Retract that accusation or I will tear your lying tongue from your mouth," he spat. "Boromir is no traitor, and if you name him so, there is no place in Middle Earth that will hide you from me."

Cirin glared at Faramir. "Of course you would take his side," he sneered, sarcasm dripping from every syllable. "After all, you are the closest of brothers. One wonders just how close the two of you really are! Perhaps you take turns with her, hm? Or do you take turns with each other and leave her to watch?"

Boromir leaped across the table at him as Faramir gave a strangled cry and drew his dagger. Aragorn rose with a ringing shout. "Enough!" The fight broke up instantly, all three men turning their attention to their king with near identical expressions of shock. "That is quite enough! Cirin, you will remove yourself from this chamber and from Gondor itself. It is not enough that you accuse my most trusted men of treason and more… you have accused me of favoritism and acts against the good of Gondor as well. You are to be out of the City gates before nightfall."

He turned to the brothers, fire in his eye. "I understand you were insulted, gentlemen, but there will be no further displays of this nature. There will be no brawling in Council. You will see me after Council for your punishment."

Both men bowed their apologies to their king and re-took their seats, seething. Not at Aragorn; both would serve him faithfully to their dying breaths. No, the anger was for Cirin. They both resolutely tabled the reaction, bringing their attention back to the business before them.

Aragorn gave one final glare around the table, settling everyone back down to business. "Boromir, you will take enough men to reinforce the Garrison. Leave as soon as possible. Gondor is in a weakened condition; we cannot afford to allow the Haradrim to take advantage of this. Daerlin?" Warily Aragorn allowed him to speak, hoping desperately that there would be no repeat. Daerlin was not over fond of Tanathel either; but hopefully he would be more discreet about his distrust.

Daerlin cleared his throat, obviously searching for just the right words to keep from inflaming Boromir any further. "I would suggest that Tanathel be sent with them," he began carefully. "She is Haradrim, though I do not count that as a flaw, like some. She might be able to shed some light on their plans. She speaks the language; perhaps she might also be used as in interpreter."

Aragorn nodded thoughtfully. "A wise idea. Boromir, your thoughts?"

Boromir also nodded. "I had already considered including her. As you say, she speaks the language. She is also a formidable warrior, and could be an asset if things worsen suddenly."

"Then this Council is adjourned, unless anyone else has something pressing?" Aragorn waited only a moment. "Good day, gentlemen. Faramir, Boromir, attend me."

The Council filed out and the brothers remained, keeping their expressions blank. The silence stretched out until both were uncomfortably shifting in their seats, looking for all the world like a pair of guilty little boys about to be strapped. Finally Aragorn spoke. "Your father would be appalled by your behavior," he said simply.

Boromir looked up, his green eyes veiled. "Indeed he would, but the only regret that I have is causing you embarrassment. I will offer no other apology for my actions. Cirin should have been drowned at birth."

Faramir slowly shook his head. "I, too, am appalled at my actions; I had thought my control over my temper much more reliable. It will not happen again, my lord."

"Cirin is no longer your concern, either of you. What am I to do with you? There can never be another such display of temper in Council. Faramir, I have your word; go, and keep yourself to your chambers for the next two days unless I summon you. Boromir…" Aragorn caught Boromir's eyes as Faramir bowed and withdrew, and the weight of that steely gray stare was almost too much for Boromir.

"Never in all of Middle Earth would I have caused you pain or embarrassment," Boromir said simply. He knelt before his king, his head bowed in respect. "I said I would not apologize for my actions; but I find I must. Forgive me."

Aragorn sighed heavily and raised the other man to his feet, drawing him into an embrace. "All is forgiven, mellon-nin, but there must be some discipline. I will think on it and give you your sentence when you return. Go now, and ready your troops. You must depart quickly; this situation must be contained. I do not trust to luck; Cirin might well go to the Haradrim since I have banished him. You must reach the Garrison before he can do so."

Boromir nodded and departed quickly.