A/N: So what comes next...

The Epilogue

Not long after Thorongil and company returned from Mordor, word came to Minas Tirith that the situation in Umbar was continuing to deteriorate. The King's regent requested a considerable number of troops be sent to reinforce the city, not against an external threat but rather to help keep order. It was unclear why the city would be in such condition; they paid less taxes than most Gondorian provinces specifically to try to win over public sentiment. The royal family, together with a few of their advisers, discussed their response.

"Losing Umbar would be unacceptable," argued Eldarion.

"No one is disputing that," replied Aragorn.

"Then send me or Aderthon," suggested the Prince. "I can take an army drawn from Dol Amroth and Pelargir."

"I question whether sending more soldiers will help," said Queen Arwen. "That might only destabilize a delicate situation."

"Then send me," interrupted Amdirien. "This sounds like the work of words, not swords."

"I can negotiate too!" objected Eldarion. "And it's too dangerous."

"Sure you can, brother," laughed the Princess. "You just never have … ever."

"Based on Fëalas's report, I don't think I want you anywhere near Umbar," answered Aragorn.

"I'll take Thorongil with me," suggested Amdirien.

"Oh will you!" laughed Aragorn. "He doesn't take orders from us mere mortals."

"He will from me," she boldly boasted.

"If he will go with you, you should go," Arwen decided. Aragorn trusted his wife's judgement.

Amdirien spent a few hours thinking about how to convince Thorongil to join her. This wasn't likely to be a particularly exciting mission. In the end, she decided to ask Thorongil directly before going to Elerína.

That evening Amdirien came to the training room in the Citadel's barracks just as her brothers and the maia were finishing up. Thorongil and Eldarion frequently trained together, as there was rarely anyone else in the city either would find a challenge. Amdirien felt lucky to see that Thorongil was wearing the armor she had given him.

Amdirien went over her plan one last time in her head. 'First, remind him of the armor. Second, it's a favor to me, not the crown. Finally, play off his love of adventure and hope he takes pity on those who have seen none.'

She took a deep breath, swept back her hair, and went to work. "Hello Captain! How would you like a chance to put that armor to use?"

Thorongil looked at her with considerable suspicion. "What do you want, Amdirien?"

"The situation in Umbar is deteriorating rapidly. My parents need someone to go restore order and prevent a revolt. They say that can be me… but only if you come as well."

"I've made it clear to your father…"

"It was my idea, not his," said Amdirien. "He thinks you won't do it."

"What does Elerína think?"

"I haven't asked her."

"Really?" asked Thorongil. "You thought I would be easier to convince? Or when I say no, you''ll go ask her..."

The Princess smiled. "To quote the greatest general in history: always have a contingency plan!"

Thorongil rolled his eyes. "You sound more and more like my wife every day."

"Please? I don't usually get to go on exciting missions like this."

"If Elerína approves, fine," sighed Thorongil. Who was he to stand in the way of her adventure?

Walking with Thorongil to find his wife, Amdirien felt very pleased with herself. A little strategy and flattery went a long way. The maiar were not half as mysterious as they liked to believe.

Elerína wasn't happy about her husband leaving for an extended period, but she didn't want to stand between Amdirien and this task. What was the point of teaching her if she never got to put her talent to the test?

A few weeks later Thorongil and Amdirien were boarding the Tar-Minyatur in the harbor at Pelargir. Arwen bid her daughter farewell on the pier.

"Bring my daughter home safely!" she said to Thorongil. "And be careful. I am not sending her because it is safe, I am sending her because I do not think anyone else will succeed."