Minas Tirith
Passing over the bridge of Osgiliath, Denethor looks ahead. The white stones of Minas Tirith glitter in the distance. It causes stars to appear in front of his eyes if he looks too long at the city. He smiles; he is almost home. He glances at the group accompanying him. His guards, at least a dozen walking wounded, and a handful of rangers. Both from Ithilien and Arnor. Everyone has their eyes on the city and no one notices his attention is on them. They all cannot wait until they are back in the city. Even the Dúnedain from Arnor who want to be with their wounded. Those who could not travel with the host.
He is sure there are more who cannot wait to return to the city. Like Gil's guards who stayed behind but it is not as if they cannot leave. He ordered them to continue guarding Gil until he returns to the city. Captain Tirron seemed to be highly annoyed with it but did not fight him. Captain Tirron knew it would be of no use. Still, he had expected some resistance so he appreciated the peace.
This thought turns his mind to the preparations. He wonders in what state they are. Are they nearly finished? Have they already started? They must have been started. It cannot be anything else. He shakes his head. He cannot dwell on those thoughts. He will learn about it soon enough and he has to trust Faramir. Whatever still has to be done, he can take care of it himself. But only once he is back in the city. And not at any other time.
"Uncle, are you alright?"
"Yes, Erchirion. I was just thinking."
"Mhh, about what if I may ask?"
"My upcoming work."
"Oh, you mean everything which has to be done to prepare for the return of the king? I am sure Faramir has already started with it. He will have heard about it, I am sure."
"I know that."
"If you say so. Do you want me to check up on the prisoners?"
"Yes, do so. Ensure they are properly taken care of. Not that I doubt the Rohirrim do not have everything under control."
"Of course, they have everything under control."
"Mhh."
He gives Erchirion a hard look. Erchirion looks at him apolitical and moves away. He is not sure what his nephew wants but he has more than enough to consider to waste on a useless conversation. If his nephew needs something then he should have voiced it right away. Focusing in front of him, he sees the Pelennor fields taking shape before him. His eyes trail over the entirety of the fields as he takes in the state of the clean-up.
It looks to be well underway. The prisoners are still cleaning up parts of the fields but the majority has been cleaned up. A few Rohirrim walk among them keeping an eye on them. Or at least they are supposed to. They seem to be more concerned with whatever they are talking about than keeping an eye on the prisoners. And those prisoners either do not notice or are too afraid to take advantage of it.
He smiles. By the state of it, they will have it cleaned before his planned date for the coronation. If he can stop the Council from blocking it. At the same time, he is not sure the fields will be able to sustain crops this year. He keeps an eye on the prisoners and Rohirrim as he rides back to the city. The closer he gets to the city, the more he sees repairs being conducted. Slowly sheds and other buildings grow as well as fields being plowed.
"This looks good, does it not, uncle?"
"What do you mean?"
"The repairs and the cleanup. Both are well underway. How long do you think it takes before the fields are completely clean?"
"No more than a few weeks. A month at most."
"Mhh, and the city?"
"Much longer."
"Any exact time?"
"I am afraid I need to see more of the city to make a calculated guess."
"Alright then. They are doing a fine job, are they not?"
"From what I can see, yes they are. Like the fields, they have made a lot of progress."
"But as you said, you need to see more to make a better judgment about it, am I right?"
"Yes."
Erchirion nods and falls silent. He did not mind this conversation as it helped him clear a few things up for himself. Clarity, he did not realize he had before. Soon they will be entering the city as the gate, or what is left of it, grows in size before him. A heavy silence falls over the group as he notices the men have fallen silent.
Within a short time, they enter the city. Their path appears clear even if the stones beneath them are still a bit stained. The rubble along the roads has been cleared away. As he rides further, he sees where it has ended up and stops to take a closer look. A marketplace has been used as impromptu storage. He knows why. So they can use the rubble to rebuild. Whether by reusing or remaking. It will ensure the repairs are done faster than when they had to wait for new materials to arrive. It could have taken weeks if not longer before it was to arrive.
Clicking his tongue once, he urges his horse forward. Slowly, ever so slowly, they move through the first level towards the second and beyond. He keeps his eyes on everything he sees. All the repairs are underway. All the rubble is being cleared away as well as where it is stored. The war machines are being moved and/or repaired. All in all, too much is happening for him to make much sense of it at this time.
Upon entering the third level, his mind moves toward the other repairs which need to be done. So far, a lot of progress has been made but he would have liked for it to be further along. Even though he knows it is impossible. The men have done more than should be expected of them. Especially as most of them are not craftsmen. Nevertheless, he is overall pleased with what he sees. Everything is well under the control of whichever captain is overseeing it. They are ahead of schedule. Not by much but by enough to determine it.
All of it makes it also clear what yet has to be done. In terms of repairs but also housing. Especially, as once the host returns they need a place to stay. And the citizens will also be returning soon. Everyone wants a place to stay which will give conflict. Both matters, he intends to look to as soon as he has the time.
"…ord? Uncle?"
He turns around. Erchirion is next to him looking at him in confusion. He narrows his eyes wondering what he wants now. He grinds his teeth before speaking up. The words are almost pulled from behind his teeth.
"Yes, Erchirion?"
"We have reached the sixth level, my lord. The stable hands want to take our horses to the stables."
"Already?"
"Yes, is everything alright. You seemed to be lost in your thoughts as we went through the city."
"Everything is fine."
"Mhh."
Erchirion looks at him with furrowed eyebrows. He is not convinced but Denethor just does not care. He refuses to share more. Let his nephew think what he wants. Denethor's eyes turn to the front. The stables are becoming larger with each step his horse takes.
Soon, they are in front of the stables and the stable hands move forwards. He dismounts and hands the reins over. Before he can look around, Erchirion is next to him once more with an anxious expression on his face. Denethor's eyes narrow. Erchirion's arms twitch for a second but it is the only reaction he gives before speaking up.
"My lord, what do you need from me?"
"At this time, nothing. You should take some rest before looking for something to do. If you cannot find anything then I am sure I can find something for you."
"Yes, my lord. I will take some rest."
Erchirion bows his head before walking away. He turns his head around to hide his smile. Imrahil had asked him to take his middle son back to the city so one of them could look after their wounded. One of them being Amrothos. It brings his thoughts back to his son. How Faramir is doing. Last he heard, Faramir was doing alright. He is certain Faramir is doing alright but Faramir should be out of the Houses by now.
A wry smile covers his face. Faramir would only recently have been released if he has not yet pushed against it. Depending on how much master Neston wanted to play along, it could have happened anywhere from a few days earlier to longer. So how to figure it out? Of course, master Neston or one of his assistants will know. He will have to ask one of them. Master Neston though can tell him everything he wants to know about Faramir's recovery. More so than an assistant could. And especially regarding those things Faramir will not be talking about at all.
Houses of healing, Minas Tirith
Directing his eyes to what it is in front of him, he sees multiple houses and the outline of the Houses of Healing. That is where he will go. He slowly makes his way to the houses of healing while keeping an eye on his surroundings. He watches the men bustling around. They are moving mostly towards the lower levels as well as a handful moving to the citadel. Some are talking with each other. He pays too little attention to them to hear what they are talking about?
Soon, he finds himself in front of the houses. Assistants and healers are moving in and out of the building. At first, none pay him any attention until one of them notices him with wide eyes. This young man immediately moves towards him with nervous steps.
"My lord, are you alright? Should I get Master Neston for you?"
"I am fine but yes do find Master Neston for me. I have an urgent need to speak with him."
"Are you sure you are alright?"
"Yes, my conversation with master Neston does not concern my health."
"Of course, my lord. Where shall I send him towards?"
"To the gardens."
"Of course."
He nods and clenches his teeth. The young man looked at him as if he still did not believe him. Did he suspect he was not telling him everything? Certainly. He just hopes not too much. And besides, he will make his way to the gardens while still looking for the master himself. Hopefully, this will ensure he gets the information as soon as possible and any delays will be avoided as much as possible.
He waits for the young man to be completely out of his sight before walking into the Houses. He moves through the hallways and looks at everyone he passes. Many faces are unfamiliar to him. Some faces he recognizes and as such talks with them for a bit. Mostly about their recovery as well as their thoughts for the future. It allows him to get valuable insights regarding the return of the king. Something few are negative about but also few are positive about. Most are indifferent as they voice their confusion about what change it will mean for them.
He turns a corner after finishing another conversation and looks ahead. In the distance, Master Neston is talking to someone. He cannot tell who it is because of the distance between them. Nevertheless, he makes out a person in a white gown with most likely long hair. He makes his way toward them while ignoring the people who hurriedly try to catch his attention. As if they do not want him to reach them which is ridiculous.
Once he is close enough, he sees the person is one of the Rohirrim. A woman. This must be Princess Éowyn who he has heard so much about from her brother. Her conversation with Master Neston stops almost immediately after he nears them. Master Neston turns towards him almost immediately.
"My lord, it is good to see you returned to the city. What can I do for you?"
"Could we speak in private for a moment? If I am not interrupting anything."
"Not at all, my lord. Master Neston and I can finish this later. It has no urgency."
"Of course, your highness."
Master Neston nods to the princess. He now knows his earlier thought was right. Princess Éowyn smiles to master Neston before moving toward him. As she reaches him, he takes her wrist in his hand and kisses the back. Looking up, he sees a blush coming over her face.
"I bid you a good day, my lord."
"You too, your highness."
He watches her leave while his eyes track her every movement. She moves easily but also a bit nervously along the hallway. She turns the corner in the opposite direction he came from. He frowns not sure where she is going. That is not the way to the gardens or the noble wing. A scraping throat has him turning around.
"I see she caught your attention, my lord. I am not surprised. Your son seems quite fond of her."
He narrows his eyes. There is something behind those words he cannot identify. There is more than a fondness for her on Faramir's side, something could already be ongoing, or something different. He shakes his head. Later. He will figure it out later.
"I see."
"So what did you wish to talk to me about?"
"I am wondering how Faramir is doing at this time."
"Captain Faramir is recovering well though I wished he had decided to stay longer in the Houses. His wounds are healing nicely but it will take some time before he can use his arm freely once more."
"Do you know how long that will be?"
"A few months at least. May I know why you ask? Does he need to ride out once more? In that case, I would need to look at some other ways to ensure he recovers well."
"I am not sure but please look into it. I suspect he will have to check up on some areas so he needs to be able to ride."
"Well, that will be no problem, my lord. He can ride with the state of his recovery. I will not need to change my treatment of his wounds."
"Alright, that is good to know. What was it about Faramir trying to leave early?"
He crosses his arms over his chest and taps his fingers on his arms. It is not something he failed to hear and he is highly interested in knowing more about it. He wants an explanation. Master Neston smiles wryly and shakes his head.
"Not so much as trying as he succeeded. Captain Faramir insisted on doing the duty you put on him and refused to do it any longer from here. I could not stop him so we made a compromise which we were both happy with."
"And that was?"
"My lord!"
He groans and turns around. He knows the voice so suspects already what he will see. A suspicion which proves to be true soon after. Captain Mithon walks toward him at a brisk pace. He clenches his fists as a hundred different things go through his mind. All things which could have gone wrong or have come to the attention of his guards.
"Yes, Captain?"
"Forgive my impertinence but I need to speak with you."
"About what?"
"Maybe somewhere private?"
"As you have interrupted my conversation with master Neston, I do not think so."
"Alright, I heard the king might return and am wondering what I should do to prepare for his arrival."
"Where did you hear about this?"
"During our journey. Some of the men were quite insistent on it. So it is true?"
He glances around and sees the hallway is deserted. It is safe to speak about it then. Hopefully, there are no listening ears around. But as he cannot determine it, he will Jane to accept the risk. He turns his attention back to captain Mithon who is frowning and also glancing around. He scrapes his throat and waits for the captain's attention to be back on him before answering.
"Yes, it is true. Keep it quiet but you could begin to prepare the men and their equipment."
"Of course, my lord. Should we aid in preparing the city?"
"Once you are done with what I just told you, yes. We will need everything to be prepared in time. But for now, focus on your task."
"Yes, my lord. By your leave."
He nods but does not say anything else. He waits for captain Mithon to leave. He follows captain Mithon with his eyes as he walks away unwilling to restart his conversation with master Neston just yet. Once he is far enough away Denethor glances around. People are bustling around but do not pay them any attention. Good.
"My lord?"
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes, I was just waiting for us to be alone."
"Shall we then continue in my office?"
He shakes his head and waves his hand dismissively.
"You mentioned a compromise earlier. What was it?"
"Oh, I agreed with captain Faramir's request to leave the houses. Only I insisted he returns for the night for a while. During the day he was free to do what he wanted. And only recently, I no longer require him here anymore."
"But?"
"But he always returns for his breakfast with Princess Éowyn."
"Why?"
"Because he enjoys his time with her. And most likely the peace also as no one bothers him here."
"Someone he is quite fond of then."
"Yes, exactly."
"Mhh."
He knows exactly what it means or can suspect it at least. Something is already going on as Faramir breaks his fast with her. He has never done so before so Faramir is most likely in love. He hopes there is nothing more because it could complicate things a lot. And is something he cannot use at this time. But later, this love could be used to their advantage. Even after the king's return. It would secure their alliance with Rohan more securely than just Gil's and Éomer's friendship ever could. And maybe they can secure it with more than one marriage.
"How long will it be before he fully recovers?"
A wry smile crosses the warden's face before he shakes his head. He narrows his eyes while waiting for an answer. He wonders what is going through master Neston's mind. There must be a reason for the wry smile. And he wants to know. Master Neston smiles uneasily at him before speaking up.
"I expect it to be no more than a month. The captain is not to return to the field for another three weeks which he has been following so far."
"So Faramir knows about these conditions?"
"Yes, he was informed and gave his word he would abide by them. I would ask for you to abide by it as well."
As he steps out of the Houses, he looks up at the sky as the sun strikes his face. He feels the heat coming off it and closes his eyes. A cold wind strikes his body causing him to shiver. The summer has not yet arrived but it is close. It will not be long now before the heat returns once more.
He shakes his head and walks on. He cannot dwell on it as he has a lot more to do. More important than thinking about the weather. His feet take him in the direction of the citadel and he smiles. In the distance, a figure is running towards him. He stops and waits for the person to arrive. He frowns, wondering what happened. What is the reason behind the urgency? And if this person needs to inform him.
"My lord!"
"Tegeldir, what are you doing here?"
"I heard you had arrived and came to greet you."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, I am glad the battle went alright. Are you aware of what is to come?"
"As I had a hand in it, I am sure I do."
"Of course, of course. My lord, …"
"I will not discuss it here nor with you unless it is necessary. Tell me where my son is."
"Last I saw him, he was in your office working on some ancient documents. It is so strange for him to read about coro…"
"Thank you for telling me. I hope I do not need to remind you to keep this quiet."
"No, my lord. Lord Faramir was adamant about it."
"Good."
He walks on and refuses to talk anymore to Tegeldir. He knows how he gossips with the staff. Or more like how the entire staff gossips as if it is drinking to them. They do not need this at this time which Faramir also knows. But as for Faramir, he is pleased with the words of Master Neston. He is recovering alright though he doubts all conditions are as carefully followed as alluded to knowing his son. No, Faramir will not be resting sufficiently considering all the work needed to be done and which he feels responsible for.
A wry smile grows over his face. This thought causes him to wonder about the amount of work which would have been done had Faramir followed the advice of the healers. He knows it is not right for Faramir to ignore the healer's advice. But he just cannot do anything about it and also appreciates Faramir's dedication. The schedule he set would not have been endangered if the advice of the healers was followed. It just would have taken much longer and more stress to ensure everything is ready on time. The current situation ensures they will have time to handle complications and whatnot. Not that he would have been dissatisfied with that situation.
He glances to the side where Tegeldir still walks next to him with frowned eyebrows. He bites back a sigh and stops himself from shaking his head. Tegeldir does not need to know what is going through his mind. His gossiping does not need more fuel. Tegeldir opens and closes his mouth from time to time but thankfully no words come forth. It is one reassurance. He would have had him replaced were he not so good at his job.
All this does not stop his mind from returning to Faramir. He knows what he needs to do; he needs to talk to his son about resting as well as his working habits. Faramir needs to rest more in the future. As he is back in the city, Faramir has no excuses to rest insufficiently.