Here's the new chapter I promised. This is dedicated to Uncle and Camreyn. Thanks for making me think about this. I hope it meets with your approval! This is the chapter that was holding me up forever.
The Council convened once again an hour later in the Great Hall to discuss the dilemma presented them. Aragorn sat on his throne with Arwen to his left. Gandalf and Legolas stood between the pillars to his right and Faramir and Eowyn stood opposite. A gathering of nine stood throughout the Hall, who had been talking rather animatedly amongst themselves for some time. A man in dark green robes stepped forward.
"My Lord, you cannot be giving serious thought to this mad woman's ravings"
"I cannot simply ignore them. I am to bring peace and prosperity to this land. How am I to do that if I ignore the first plea for my help? You have charged me to listen and assist those who are in need" Aragorn answered in a calm and respectful tone.
"But Sire" a younger man in brown robes stepped up beside the first with a hand held forth. "You could be walking into a trap! There are still those who would wish your death and the destruction of our peoples."
"I heard no lies come from her mouth" Gandalf stated as fact.
This time a man in red and maroon robes spoke from the near back"Are your ears always correct on these matters" A few muffled chuckles passed through the others.
"More so than yours." The snickering stopped abruptly.
Faramir left his place to walk to the center of the room. "Let us say, for the sake of argument, that we shall send people with her. Who, then, would go"
Silence followed as the council members looked at each other, searching for someone to answer. Those of the Fellowship stood by patiently and watched, keeping their thoughts to themselves for the moment. The first council member took a step forward again.
"I will certainly not volunteer for this"
Arwen did her best not to let a smile escape her. She found it amusing to picture this man in his late fifties and a bit portly, in the heat of battle. Apparently she wasn't alone in this for she could see the corners of her companions mouths twitch with suppressing smiles as well.
"I am sure that only volunteers would be sent. My lord would not send any against their will." Aragorn nodded in agreement.
"And who would volunteer for this fools errand" cried a white haired man with a red face and in gold colored robes. Clearly he was not going to allow this to happen if he had anything to do with it. Stares and murmurs followed again. The council seemed quite reluctant to do anything else.
"I would see this done if no one else will go." Every eye in the room turned on a blond Elf who now stood in front of his king and friend. Legolas met Aragorn's almost astonished eyes. Then he turned to the rest of the room"who would join me"
"I would see this done as well" Faramir agreed and stood beside him. He exchanged an apprehensive look with Eowyn. He knew that she would try to volunteer once he had and did not want her to go. Therefore, he was grateful when next Gandalf came to stand with them.
"I would go on this 'fools errand'" he said with a quick glance towards the man in gold robes, who furtively looked the other way. "The woman said she needed seven warriors to go with her. Will no one else volunteer"
Eowyn was about to step forward when another volunteered. All eyes stared in disbelief and jaws touched the floor as Aragorn, King of Gondor and leader of the race of Man, came down from his throne to stand with his friends.
"I would go and see this done. If no one else will go then I will. I will answer this woman's plea as my station demands."
Cries broke out all over the room. "This is blasphemy" yelled one. "You cannot go, you are the King" shouted another. More were heard and each one grew louder and louder. Then Aragorn held up both hands to call for silence.
"I have heard your arguments and advice. Now I would make my final decision. If the council would please step outside." The council, though reluctant, did as they were bid. As soon as the doors were closed Aragorn sat back down and braced himself for what the others would say to his going.
"Aragorn you should not go on this mission" Faramir was the first to speak. "There are far too many risks for the new king to take. Especially ones that are not of our realm."
"And what makes you think they will stay in their realm" Gandalf countered. "She said that Sauron came from her world. If one revulsion can cross to our lands, so can others."
"What are you intending, then, My Lord" Eowyn stepped forward.
Aragorn walked to his companions and stood in front of them, looking at each in turn"I would meet them head on myself instead of sending someone else in my place. I would ride out and meet them like we did at Helm's Deep. I have seen and survived the horrors of my time. I will do it again."