Minas Tirith, Faramir POV

Faramir breathes in deeply, enjoying the freshness in the air. He feels Éowyn taking a deep breath in his arms. She leans back and rests her head on his chest. He leans a bit forward breathing in the scent of roses which clings to her hair. He closes his eyes and listens to the birds singing in the garden.

"This is so nice."

"Yes, it is, Éowyn. I never thought we would be able to experience this."

"I know what you mean. Things certainly did not look good until a few days ago."

"Yes, and thus I want to enjoy the peace because it will be gone once the host or my father returns."

"Yes, indeed."

He smiles and looks up to the sky but does not respond any further. His eyes take in the bright blue sky which is now visible. Before, nothing could pierce the dark clouds hanging in the sky. This blue sky is much better than those dark clouds. They clung more so over Mordor's sky than here. Still, the dark clouds made for dark days and moods in the city. The moods darkened severely the longer they had to wait for news of the host. He still remembers what it all felt like; like walking on eggshells. It became deeply grim when the eruption in Mordor became visible. He knows what everyone thought it would finally be over for them.

However, since it became clear they won the days became bright once more. The sun brought back the warmth everyone had been longing for so long. He takes a deep breath. He can still feel the harsh wind blowing over the city not long after the mountain erupted. It brought much-needed fresh air to their lungs. The air became fresher than it has been in a long time but he is not sure what he smelled at that time. It did not take long before they saw signs of Mordor collapsing. It told them Sauron is no more. And ever since, the mood was one of feasting. The feasts only stopped yesterday.

Looking down, he sees the peaceful look on Éowyn's face. It is a great improvement. He rests his head on her and closes his eyes. Now the feasts are over, they are taking the opportunity to relax. Something only possible now the war is over. And he is away from the staff who keep asking him questions. He is convinced of the good times coming for them as is everyone else despite the lack of notice from the host. This brings a thought to his mind.

"How do you think the host is doing?"

"I do not know. I suspect there will be many injured and most likely many deaths."

"I suspect the same. They will not be able to return until all the wounded can make the long trip back to the city. I suspect they will wait until the wounded have sufficiently recovered that they won't need a stay in the Houses once they arrive."

"I know I just hope Éomer is doing fine. I find it annoying the host has not sent any messengers yet. Surely they could have had time to send them, right?"

"I am not so sure as I do not know their current location. They could be close to Mordor still or have moved somewhere else. Regardless, the messengers might be needed for other tasks at the camp."

"I know that but is it truly so difficult to send a messenger out? They could bring fresh troops to the camp."

"I do not know. I understand you wish to know how your brother is doing. I too wish to know how my father is doing. We just cannot be certain until they finally decide to send a messenger."

"I know we have to wait. It is just…I find the wait to be so dreadful."

"I completely agree."

Footsteps sound in the distance. They become steadily louder. He glances in the direction of the sound and sees Bergil walking toward him. In Bergil's hands is a very recognizable mantel. So they did manage to find it. He was not certain it could be found in time. He smiles at Bergil and motions for him to wait. It is too early. He has something to do before Éowyn is allowed to see it. He loosens his grip on her and turns her around. He keeps his hands on her shoulders. Éowyn looks up with a frown. He smiles before speaking up.

"May I ask you something, your highness?"

"Why so formal all of a sudden, Faramir. I told you before to call me by my name, didn't I?"

"I know you did but I have something important to ask you. That is why I am so formal with you at this time."

"And that is?'

Now, he motions with his hands for Bergil to step forward. He waits until Bergil is close enough to them. Then he takes the mantel out of Bergil's hands and removes his hands from Éowyn's shoulders. He holds out the cloak in front of her. Éowyn looks at the cloak before turning her eyes towards him. One eyebrow is raised and he feels his face heating up. It takes a bit before he can speak once more.

"I have become quite fond of you, princess, and was wondering if you would honor me by becoming my wife."

"Oh, Faramir, of course, I accept it. I would gladly be your wife. I am fond of you too."

He smiles and places the cloak around her shoulders. Éowyn moves her hands over the cloak as an unknown look crosses her face. He cannot tell what it is but it remains in his thoughts for a while. Once the cloak is securely around her, he pulls her close once more. He leans into her just as she does the same. Their lips meet and he slowly deepens the kiss.

Once they break apart, he breathes quickly. He hears labored breathing close to him. He turns his eyes to her and looks at her with a smile. He cannot believe his luck by having her accept his offer. He had expected to meet some resistance especially once he saw her look. He hopes the resistance does not come at a later time. As he thinks about this another thought crosses his mind.

"I am so glad you accepted. Now, we just have to wait for my father and king Éomer to give their approval."

"Would it not have been better to ask for their approval before you asked me?"

"Maybe but I could not wait any longer."

He snickers and hears Éowyn doing the same. They look at each other once their snickering dies down. As they do that, they begin to snicker once more. He shakes his head and takes a deep breath. He needs to calm down. It is then Éowyn speaks up.

"If you say so, Faramir, if you say so. But why is their permission needed, my brother I could understand but your father? Not that I need his permission."

"As the heir to the steward, I always need the permission of the ruling steward to marry or the king had we had still one. And for women here in Gondor, it is necessary to have their father or brother approve of a suit."

"Well at home, it is not really necessary except for the most important women but not for me. And maybe you will have a king in the future. Then it would be his permission which we would need."

"Yes, indeed. Does it bother you considering you had feelings for him?"

"No, not at all. Those feelings are nothing compared to what I feel for you."

He smiles at her despite having heard something in her voice. Whether it is fear or reluctance, he is not sure. And at this time, it is also not important. Enjoying the current moment is more important. He rests his head on her head just as she speaks up once more.

"Faramir, is there anyone you expect might give us problems?"

"Why do you ask?"

He pulls back and looks her in her eyes. Fear is visible but also something else. Something, he cannot identify. Tilting his head, he waits for an explanation. Anything to make sense of why she would suddenly ask this of him.

Anything at all.

"Please just answer me, I need to know."

"Well, my father might need some time to be convinced but I am certain I will succeed in the end. As for your brother, you know best what our chances are that he will approve."

"And Lord Aragorn?"

"You mean the future king?"

"Yes, him."

"Well, I do not know him personally. I have only the stories others tell me about him to go by. However, it is my hope that with my father's approval, we can convince the king to give his as well."

"Then we should not have so much hope."

Èowyn moves around while unfastening the cloak. Then she removes it from her shoulders and hands it to him. He looks at her with wide eyes. Why would she do this? Does she now reject his suit? Why now? His hands clench around the cloak and he keeps it close to his chest.

"Why, Éowyn? Why?"

"Well? I think he would want to see you marry a Gondorian lady and not one from Rohan."

"Why do you say that? You think he is upset you had an interest in him and would punish you thusly?"

"I do not think he is like that."

"Then why?"

"Just a feeling."

What feeling? Her words do not make any sense to him. It is not as if he expected Lord Aragorn to be petty and react as he said. He just wanted to see if it was something Éowyn got in her mind. And as for her words regarding Rohirrim ladies; he is certain such a marriage would be a good thing. It would be something for their match rather than against it. All her words indicate are doubts but not where they come from. Shaking his head, he decides on the words to give her.

"Éowyn, do not let your doubts lead you."

"Easy for you to say."

"Oh, but I have doubts about certain things myself but do not let it lead my actions. I do what I can to prevent my doubts from becoming a reality."

"You think we could marry? Really?"

"I would not have asked you if I did not have the confidence."

"Then I apologize for my words and repeat my earlier words; I accept it. Now we just hope our suit will be accepted by them."

He returns Éowyn's smile in kind and hands her back the cloak. Éowyn's smile grows as she takes the cloak. She throws it around her shoulders and struggles to close the ties. Smiling to himself, he helps her with it.

"Thank you for accepting and you did not have to apologize."

"I had to. And your welcome."

Taking her hand in his, he kisses the back of her hand. Éowyn blushes and laughs. Something which sounds all too nervous to him. Then he slowly walks away from the parapet. A comfortable silence falls out between them as they slowly walk around the garden. During this, Faramir's thoughts turn toward the upcoming conversation with his father. He considers all the arguments he can make as well as how to convince his father to aid him in potentially convincing the king. Once and if Lord Aragorn is crowned. Nearing the breakfast table, he turns his head towards Éowyn who has a contemplative look on her face.

"What are you thinking about now, Éowyn?"

"I am thinking about how we will act in public now."

"You mean now that we pledged ourselves?"

"Yes, exactly. What else?"

"Ah well, we could hide it or act like we have the permission even though we do not have it."

"I do not think I could hide it, Faramir. This cloak would raise far too many questions and thus I would say we have to act as if we have permission. It is not like I can hide this cloak at all."

Faramir hears the reluctance in her voice and laughs silently while shaking his head. He knows she is right about both things. People know this cloak, especially the nobility who still reside in the city as well as some older servants. They would question them about it. And hiding it, well the servants are good at finding things one hides. Or so he has learned. Looking her in her eyes, he decides to tell her.

"No, you cannot hide it. I know the servants and assistants too well. They would find it if the rumors are not already spreading. As such, I have to agree with you."

"You do not mind? Could it not give you problems if we, in the end, do not get permission?"

"And what did I say earlier?"

"I know what you said! But is it not something which we need to take into account."

"I know we need to. I just thought your doubts were returning"

He guides her to the table and pulls out the chair for her. Once she sits down, he pushes the chair to the table before moving to the other side. There, he sits down and looks at Éowyn who still has her to answer his question. She smiles at him before she speaks up.

"They were not."

"I am glad to hear that. As for your question, I would say that there might be problems but none which my father or I could handle. It is nothing to concern yourself with."

He waves his hand dismissively and watches as a frown appears on Éowyn's face. She tilts her head while her eyes remain on his face. He follows her example and raises an eyebrow.

"Well…to get back to my brother, I admit that he might need some convincing but he will agree in the end. I will make certain of it. And should I fail then I won't let it stop us so long as your father agrees too."

"I am glad to hear that. And as I said before; my father needs some convincing but he will also agree in the end."

He smiles at her and turns his attention to the breakfast before him. Éowyn follows his example. Soon they are eating their breakfast. And while eating, they talk about their plans for the day. It leads to a good time which prevents them from noticing the passing of time until Éowyn speaks up.

"Faramir, I think we already have spent more time here than we should. You said you had a few meetings you need to attend."

"What time is it?"

"Take a look for yourself."

He turns his head towards the sky and peers through the trees. Sunlight strikes his eyes. He moves his eyes around trying to find a better spot. It takes him a bit before he finds one. And there he can see where the sun stands in the sky. His eyes widen at the sight. Is it already so late? He did not at all notice the passing of time. He turns back to Éowyn and gives her a wry smile.

"Thank you for reminding me. I am afraid I enjoyed our breakfast so much that I failed to keep track of time."

"I could tell."

Éowyn laughs silently while he laughs nervously. It had never happened to him before so he had no idea how to handle this. His mind just seems to be unable to keep track of time when enjoying his breakfast with Éowyn. And well, he was late for a meeting once or twice when he was in charge of the rangers. It did not matter then as they should wait for him to arrive. Just as those who attend his meetings now should be able to do. Once the laughter dies down, he speaks up.

"Well, in that case, Éowyn. I bid you a good day."

"You too. I hope your meetings will go alright."

"I hope so too. Not that I expect any problems."

"That is good to hear."

He smiles at her and watches her struggle to determine what to do. After some time, Éowyn stands up. He follows her example and also stands up. Walking towards her, he kisses the back of her hand before smiling at her. A blush forms on her face. She smiles before taking her hand back. Nodding in return, he watches her turn around. No more words are said because none are needed. He turns around himself and walks away. Out of the corner of his eyes, he sees servants already moving around the table.

As he walks, he thinks about the upcoming meetings. They are still a few hours away but he needs to prepare himself and also finish some other work beforehand. With the time he lost, he is already desperately short of time to finish all. As such, he walks out of the garden at a fast pace towards the entrance of the Houses. He needs to go to his father's office.

And right now.

Everything he needs to do he can find right there. Also, he needs to know what the progress is with the repairs and if there has been word from the host yet. Furthermore, he needs to know what the state of the King's house is. As he thinks about the king, his mind moves back to Éowyn's words. She was dismissive about the need for her brother to give permission.

He frowns. It makes no sense. From what he knows family needs to approve of a match in Rohan just like here. Brothers, fathers, or uncles. And especially among the nobility. Just like she told him. So, why was she so dismissive? It makes no sense. He also did not expect it. Nevertheless, he thinks about the reasons. There must be at least one. As he thinks a few reasons come back to the front of his mind repeatedly.

"My lord! How are you doing?"

He turns in the direction of the voice and sees Tegeldir moving toward him. Tegeldir's hands are filled with scrolls and books. He raises an eyebrow. He was not aware Tegeldir was near the houses. Tegeldir should have been in his office. There is more than enough work for him there. Once Tegeldir reaches him, he finally decides to respond.

"I am alright. May I ask why you are here?"

"Of course, you may ask. I was just gathering some information about coronations and previous kings. As well as the records of Arvedui's rejected claim. All to prepare in case a claim is made and accepted."

"A good thing to do. But may I ask why? No claim has been made yet."

"And that is exactly the problem, my lord. Not yet. We all saw the standard which leads the host. That person will make a claim soon. I am certain of it."

"As am I but we have to wait for the claim to be made."

"Of course."

Tegeldir turns his head away. He tilts his head. Tegeldir does not agree with his words. He just does not know why. And before he can think about it, Tegeldir turns his head back. Almost immediately, he speaks up once more.

"My lord? I could not fail to see that something is bothering you. May I ask what it is?"

"Did my father set you up to this?"

It would not be the first time his father used servants to keep an eye on him. It was never bad in the past but in the last few years, it did get annoying. Tegeldir's voice breaks him from his thoughts.

"No, forgive my insolence if I offended you. Lord Denethor did not as you say 'set me up to this'. I was just wondering. Forget I asked."

"Mhhh. I was just thinking about some Rohirrim customs."

"Like what?"

"If a lady of noble birth needs permission from her male kin to marry."

Tegeldir frowns and stares at him. He can see the questions going through Tegeldir's mind. Tegeldir suddenly looks away and scratches his head. At this time, he begins to hope no word of this will reach his father. At least before he has had a chance to talk to him. It takes a while before Tegeldir finally speaks up.

"Well, I admit I am no expert on Rohirrim culture but I do believe it is considered a preferable act but not as necessary as here. Why do you ask? Has it anything to do with Princess Éowyn?"

He presses his lips together to stop himself from responding. So word of his interactions with Éowyn has reached the court. It means soon his father will learn about it. He grinds his teeth. He forces his mind to move back to the answer he got. It is different from what he remembers but moves him towards deeming it a cultural difference. Éowyn might know her brother well enough to predict his reaction but also it might not be as necessary for noblewomen and women in general as it is here in Gondor. Just as she said. Or Tegildir could be speaking the truth.

He shakes his head just thinking about it. His uncle has been trying to arrange matches for Lothíriel for a while now. Initially, he had some success but with this war, most of her dowry has been spent on the soldiers. It will make finding a suitable match for her more difficult but also more necessary than before. And his cousin cannot marry if her father disagrees. From Éowyn's words, she does not need this permission. Considering both situations, it makes it more obvious it is a matter of cultural difference. Most likely.

Thinking about it has him wondering what the difference is. He has never interacted with Rohirrim women before so all he knows comes from those few men who visited. And who spoke Westron. The last was often more an issue than men coming. And what he has barely tells him anything. All he can do is ask king Éomer once he returns to the city. He nods to himself. Yes, he will do this.

"My lord?"

"Yes?"

"What were you thinking about? Is there anything I can aid you with?"

"No, there is nothing you need to concern yourself with."

"If you say so."

He does not turn towards Tegeldir as he thinks the doubt will be all over Tegeldir's face. Nevertheless, Tegeldir's voice was drenched in doubt. It will be difficult to stop his father's secretary from prying into those matters now. Not something he looks forward to. It is why he increases his speed in an effort to shake Tegeldir off.

Field of Cormallen, Denethor POV

Denethor sighs. Once more, he is in the same situation. Once more. He moves his hand through his hair. Why?

Why does Gil always seem to hide from him all the time? It is as if Gil does not want to see him. And no one is aiding him in finding Gil. It is more annoying than Gil disappearing if he is honest with himself. He looks around and everyone turns away from him. He frowns. Now, this is suspicious. What are they even hiding? It is not as if they are busy with something. They were too busy staring at him.

He shakes his head. A matter for another time. He needs to find Gil. He wants an answer from Gil about whether or not a claim will be made. He does not want to wait any longer because it takes time to prepare everything. Especially as he will have to deal with the council. Some members, if not most, will give him problems as they are not used to the idea of a king. They will fear for his future. And well, some will want things to stay as they are. Well, he has no assurances but is confident Gil will not want him anywhere far away from him.

He shakes his head. He has no idea how Gil looks at it but he expects Gil to make a claim. It makes no sense to have shown his standard if he did not intend to make a claim in the long run. Yes, it gives people hope but also expectations. Like the return of the King at long last. He walks around the camp while looking for Gil. As he does this, he thinks about all the possible views Gil might have. It might be something he deems unavoidable, something he dreads, something he looks forward to, or - and he hopes he is wrong - something he rejects.

Soon, he sees some Dúnedain sitting next to a campfire while eating. Laughter is audible from a far distance. He makes his way toward them. As he nears them, the sound becomes even louder. Soon, he can see how some men are more involved with speaking than with eating. He smiles. Now, this is a comfortable atmosphere. All the stress from the recent time will be leaving them. They have found something to forget the dreadful events with. If only for a short while. He nods to himself before walking toward the group. Maybe they can give him the answer he seeks so he can finally question Gil. Once he reaches them, he speaks up.

"Do you have a moment?"

The men jump up and turn around. Some of the bowls of food fly through the air only to land on the ground. He raises an eyebrow. Have they gotten so comfortable here that they forgot to pay attention to the people around them? Tapping his foot on the ground, he waits for an answer. Slowly all eyes turn towards him. Uncertain looks cross the men's faces and some even refuse to look him in his eyes. It takes a while longer before someone finally speaks up.

"Of course, Lord Denethor. What can we do for you?"

"I would like to know where I can find your chieftain?"

"Oh, you mean Lord Aragorn who is called Sire or king by most of your people?"

He narrows his eyes at the grinning man. He knows word of Aragorn has gone around the camp but it does not explain the amusement. It is something he would expect from Halon but not from this stranger. He does not understand where this comes from. Crossing his arms, he responds.

"Do you have any other chieftain?"

"No. I last saw him on the outskirts of the camp but that was hours ago."

"So, he will not be there anymore?"

"I doubt it."

"Then where will he be?"

"Well? Maybe with the healers."

"Yes, I did hear Aragorn talking about it."

The voice comes from behind him. He turns around towards the voice. Behind him, he finds Halon who seems to be glaring at the man. He suppresses a grin and only nods. Halon smiles at him for a second before resuming his glaring at the other man. He hears the man laughing nervously. Glancing back at him, he sees the man scratching the back of his head. Taking a deep breath, he finally speaks up.

"That is good to know, Halon."

"Of course, it is good to know. I always keep track of where Aragorn is. My father would expect that of me."

He nods once more even though he is confused about why Halon's father would expect it from him. And still, who is Halon's father? So far, it has become obvious Halon's father is someone important among the Dúnedain. However, he does not know how important. There are many possibilities which cross his mind but none fit. He only knows one thing; Halon being allowed to be the standard-bearer just confirms his father is someone of high ranking. Whether by blood or friendship needs to yet be determined.

He shakes his head and turns around. Now he knows where Gil is, he can seek him out. This is what he will do and thus he walks away from the group of Dúnedain. In the background, he can hear the men talking with each other. About what, he cannot understand. And with his recent thoughts, their conversation will no longer be just about the potential claim. It will also be about Halon. It is a topic which has waited long enough to be breached. He wants answers.

Before long, he reaches the healers and he can hear them talking. So far, he is too far away to identify the voices or what they are talking about. Slowly walking forward, he keeps his ears focused on the voices. As he nears the healers more he can finally identify the individual voices. It allows him to hear Gil talking to another healer. He smiles, pleased he has found Gil at last. He quickens his pace and makes his way toward him.

Nearing Gil, he sees him talking to a senior assistant. So, he was not talking to a healer. He can hear them talking about some sort of treatment. But frankly, most of it goes way over his head. He has never been interested in matters concerning healing. Stopping near them, he waits for one of them to notice him. Once both men turn towards him, he is faced with a frowning Gil and speaks up.

"Gil, can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Of course, my lord. Shall we go to my tent?"

"As it is the closest, that would be best."

Gil nods and smiles at him before turning back to the assistant. They talk a bit longer before Gil excuses himself and turns towards him. Nodding, Gil moves towards him and they begin their track towards Gil's tent. Along the way, Gil repeatedly shoots glances at him. He keeps his face impassive to hide what is going on. Internally, he is snickering at Gil's barely contained curiosity. Nevertheless, it is better to discuss everything in private than here where everyone can listen to them. Some things should be kept between them for as long as possible.

Reaching the tent, they step inside. Gil immediately moves towards one of the chests standing next to the canvas and sits down. He shakes his head and follows Gil's example. However, he sits down on the chest next to Gil's. Smiling at Gil, he waits for the questions he knows will come.

"So Thor, what do you want to talk about?"

"Oh, a few things. One is more important than the other."

"And what is the important matter?"

"Oh, well. You know how people have been treating you as if you're the king, right?"

"Oh yes, how can I even forget."

He frowns at Gil's tone of voice. It is sarcasm which he has not heard Gil use often. And also some dread is in it. He has no idea where this comes from. It is as if Gil does not enjoy it. Were he to become king then he would always be treated like this. It makes it seem like he does not want to make a claim. He tilts his head before he speaks up.

"You do not enjoy it?"

"It's not that I do not enjoy it but I just…I do not know how to say it."

"Just say what you wanted to say."

"Alright then. I do not want to create any confusion among the men. Nothing has been decided yet. So, I do not want to get ahead of things."

"Understandable. That is also part of what I was attempting to point out. I would like to know what you intend to do with the claim."

"What claim? I have not made one."

Gil looks at him in confusion. His brows furrowed and his mouth grimacing. Denethor lifts an eyebrow before responding.

"I know. That is why I asked."

"Well, it is not really the time yet to make any clear decision about it, in my opinion."

"As you have said, you don't want to create confusion. Thus it is important to discuss it."

"And if I have not decided yet?"

"Oh, I think you have done so already. Why else would you proclaim your heritage so proudly."

He smiles wryly. It is just as he thought earlier. It makes no sense to show the standard if he had not made a decision yet. Gil shakes his head and smiles. He grins waiting for the answer he is now certain he will receive. Gil shrugs before he responds.

"Yes, well, I wanted to give the people hope."

"And you have given them that. Now, the people would like to know if you will be their king or not."

"The people or you? If I have to be honest then I would make it in time. Just not right now."

"And why not?"

"Because everything is still uncertain and …"

"Nothing is uncertain. You know that, Gil. Why are you so reluctant to talk about it? What has happened to you?"

"Nothing has happened to me. I know we are just getting to rebuilding our relationship and do not want to endanger it so soon."

"And you think our conversation will endanger our rebuilding relationship?"

He looks Gil in the eyes to see his response. Gil averts his eyes. Clenching his hands, Denethor waits for Gil to speak up. Once it becomes clear, Gil will not speak up, he shakes his head before speaking up himself.

"So you would have waited until we were completely comfortable around each other before making a claim? Do you know how long that could have taken? It would not have helped at all. The council would have had too much time to build a case against you."

"And that is not what you want?"

"No, I would like to see the king being restored to the throne."

He looks at Gil with disbelief. How could he have thought that? Gil tilts his head. Gil's eyes study his face. He smiles at Gil and after some time receives a smile in return.

"Then know that I will make the claim right now. You can tell the people I have done so."

"I am glad to hear that. I will make all the preparations we need to formally handle your claim."

"Of course. And Thor, what else did you want to talk about?"

He frowns. There was some suspicion in Gil's voice when he agreed to make the claim. It disappeared quickly when he continued speaking only to return later. He is not sure where it came from. He could question Gil about it or leave it as is. Considering he wants their old friendship back as much as he can he is unable to do so.

"Gil, why the suspicion? What is wrong?"

"I am just not sure how well the claim will be accepted by some."

Smiling, he stands up and walks towards Gil. Gil watches him carefully. Nevertheless, he does not stop until he is before Gil. Then he places his hands on Gil's shoulders and squeezes tightly.

"Who do you worry about? We can handle everyone who might make the acceptance of the claim more difficult."

"Mhh."

His frown deepens and he waits for an answer. However, it becomes clear Gil will not respond. He does not even react. Denethor sighs and sits down next to Gil. Nothing will come out of Gil at this time. And in this case, it is useless to pressure Gil to answer. All he can do now is answer the question Gil asked earlier. Hopefully, this will renew their conversation.

"Well, I would like to know who Halon and his father are to you."

"Oh, you want to know that. Why does this not surprise me?"

"I do not know."

"I do, I know you too well. So, are you aware there is a steward in the north?"

"In the past there were. Are you saying you still have a steward there?"

"Of, course we do. The position was never abolished. Were you unaware of this?"

"Yes, but why do you ask? Is Halon's father your steward in the north?"

"Yes, he is. And besides being the heir to the Northern steward both Halon and his father, Halbarad, are my kin."

"Your kin?"

All those of pure Númenorean blood are in some way kin to each other. It is nothing strange. Just, there is something more to it. He is certain of it. It is nothing like distant relatives Gil is telling him about. But what it truly is, he just cannot place it at this time.

"Yes, Halbarad is my cousin as well as my steward."

"And where is Halbarad right now?"

He suspects Halbarad to be in the North. But at the same time, someone would have been the standard-bearer before Halon. It is the only explanation for the standard going down only to have risen again within moments. And as Halon currently holds the honor, he does not suspect the previous standard-bearer to be someone who is not close to Gil. So who was it? Hopefully, Gil will tell him this.

"Halbarad currently resides in the Houses of Healing to recover from the injuries he sustained during the battle of Pelennor Fields."

His eyes widen. It cannot be. A steward and the king should never leave the land at the same time. It is not acceptable. Someone needs to stay behind to rule the lands. And with the king gone, it falls to the steward. So why did they even leave at the same time? A thought comes to his mind.

"Was Halbarad your first standard-bearer then?"

"Yes, he was."

"Do you and Lord Halbarad ever leave the north together?"

He looks at Gil in disbelief. He cannot believe the questions he is asking or the answers he received. It is just like he thought but why? It makes no sense to him. He shakes his head determined to listen to Gil. Hopefully, this will give him the clarification he needs.

"No, we rarely do as he is more needed there."

"To rule the lands, I am sure?"

"Yes, to rule our people in my absence but also to protect the lands and the Shire."

"He rides to battle?"

"Not true battles. More like patrols. And of course, one faces altercations with wolves or bandits but rarely anything more. That is what we do most of the time in the north. I mean patrolling the lands."

"Mhh, then why did he come here to Gondor's aid. Not that I am not grateful. It is just why now? He surely would have been needed in the north."

"Needed, maybe. We knew we needed to keep Gondor safe because there would be no life in Middle Earth should Gondor have fallen. And the men who remained behind are more than capable of handling whatever occurs in the north."

"Then who actually rules there now?"

"Annel, his wife. She has done so before and the elders will assist her."

He shakes his head. A woman rules the land in the absence of the kings. It would never have happened here in Gondor. The rule would have been given to a steward while the wife stays in control of the household management. But never rule over the lands. Why could the elders not handle it and why would they assist. He bites his lips to pull him from these thoughts. It is of no use to him at this time. He turns towards Gil who looks at him with a frown. He smiles before speaking up.

"Alright, thank you for answering my questions."

"I gladly did so. May I ask why you even asked them?"

"Well, I was just wondering. Halon seemed close to you but I could not figure out why and how close."

"You mean he has been involving himself in matters which do not concern him?"

"Yes, it does not surprise you?"

"No, not at all. It was to be expected."

"So you know why?"

He wonders if this is a common occurrence in the North. Based on Gil's words, it might be. Or at least it has happened before. But here in Gondor, he cannot imagine anyone even daring to do so. To him or Gil once he is crowned. The men would be too afraid to anger either of them. Besides, the staff and officers would have interfered long before it got too far. He shakes his head just as Gil laughs.

"Oh, I do not know for certain but I have my suspicions."

"And they are?"

"I think Halon is just doing his father a favor by keeping an eye on me."

"He needs to? You cannot look after yourself?"

"Oh, I surely can but Halbarad always keeps an eye on me. He says I am too reckless with my own health."

"I can see where he gets the idea but does it mean he's got to involve himself in everything?"

"Oh, yes I can imagine and they need to do so in their opinion. Besides, have you ever wondered why I became so good at hiding my injuries?"

"What's got that to do with it?"

"Everything. Halbarad is a true nursemaid whenever I am injured."

"And that is why he calls you reckless and you hide your injuries. But it does not make any sense why he would have to stick his nose into everything. Besides, some might call you reckless but I know you know your limits and never push yourself beyond them if you do not have to do so."

"You are one of a handful who sees it that way."

He shakes his head but says no more. He will not understand those Northern Dúnedain. What he does know is they are way more relaxed in their treatment of nobles and rulers. At least among themselves. That has become clear to him so far. He also has many more questions to ask but also needs to attend to his duties now. They will have to wait for now.

"Thank you for answering all my questions, Gil."

"My pleasure. Are you already leaving?"

"Yes, we both have duties which we need to attend to."

"That we do. Still, I had hoped we could have talked for a bit longer but maybe another time."

"Indeed."

He stands up, nods to Gil, and leaves the tent. As he walks, his mind moves back to the answers he received. He is glad Gil had agreed to make the claim. He knows there will be some opposition but it is unavoidable. Not everyone wants this change as they know him. Everyone knows what they can do with him ruling the land. But with Gil? It will be a great unknown to the people which they do not like. Additionally, if Gil did not do it then there would also be some discord. It would then lie in the wrongful hope people got and the deceiving people will deem it as. Either way, people will be unhappy. As for himself, he already gave signals to the lords there might be a change in leadership coming. Now, he knows it will, it will not make him look bad. On the contrary, the opposition will seek him out to change his mind. It makes it easy for him to deal with them. And lastly, he wants Gil on the throne. It should have happened a long time ago.

As for now, he needs to make the preparations for the coronation. The as of yet unknown opinion of the Council is not something he has to pay attention to at this time. They will not have the necessary preparations ready on time if he does it as planned. It also means the entire King's house needs to be cleaned, repaired, and prepared for its new resident. Something necessary because the house has not been used in a very long time. The crown will need to be inspected and if needed repaired. He does not know in what state it is in. He bites his lips and hopes all the repairs can be finished on time.

He needs to send Faramir a letter to officially begin the preparations. All preparations he alluded to before the host left Minas Tirith. It would be great if they are already started but he is not certain about it. Also, preparations need to be made for the next meeting of the Council of Gondor. He smiles amused as he wonders how Faramir will react to it. He has no illusions of Faramir not desiring the king to return. Considering this, he expects a happy response which can be taken over with concern. Faramir knows the Council better than Boromir ever did. He does not like it but Faramir was always better at state matters than his firstborn who preferred the blade. All this just confirms his need to write the letter. And soon.

Walking back to his tent, he ignores everything going on around him. As well as people trying to talk to him. He stoically walks on because he only has his tent and the letter in his mind. Everything else gets shut out. The walk takes much longer than he likes as he has to push people away from him. He reaches his tent just as a few lords show up pestering him with questions. Questions, he only answers for as much as he is needed to. He wants them gone.

Finally, after a long time, he manages to shake them off and he steps into the tent. He takes a deep breath before he walks to his desk. He sits down and looks out of the tent. He knows when he left Gil and sees the current time. He nearly groans. At least two hours have been wasted. He shakes his head before he places a paper in front of him and picks up his quill. He begins to write his letter when he suddenly stops and places the quill in its holder. How is he to tell Faramir without sharing everything? He knows a few brave but foolish people who dare to read his letter. As such, it is better to not give them any information they should not have.

He sighs. This means he has to hide the meaning of his words in such a way Faramir will understand it but they will not. There are two reasons for it. For one, he is unwilling to share everything yet with Faramir. And two, it would be bad for the wrong people to learn all the details about what he is planning to do. They could have time to prepare their arguments and conspire together. It could make his task more difficult than it needs to be. He grins already looking forward to making their lives difficult. If they thought he could be difficult before then they have not yet seen anything.

Picking up the quill again, he quickly finishes the letter. This way, Faramir knows he needs to start the preparations he alluded to. If Faramir has not done it already. Once he is back in the city, he will determine what has been done and what he needs to pay attention to.