Flashbacks are in Italic.

Citadel, Minas Tirith, Denethor POV

Sunlight streams into his eyes. He turns his head to the side and clenches his eyes. Is it morning already? It does not feel like it. It feels as if he just went to bed not a few minutes ago. The sun remains visible behind his eyelids. He sighs and opens his eyes. Footsteps echo through the room. He shuffles a bit before sitting up with his back against the headboard. This way he has a clear overview of the room. His eyes immediately land on Buioril. He stays silent for he knows he only has a few moments before all peace disappears. His feelings appear to be prophetic when Buioril turns around and their eyes meet.

"Good morning, my lord. I have prepared a bath for you. Lord Faramir has let given word that he will join you for breakfast. May I ask which robes you would like to have laid out for today?"

"I would prefer to have my formal robes laid out for the coronation. For our breakfast, I would like my daily robes to be laid out."

"Of course, my lord."

He does not wait for Buioril to act as he slips out of his bed and goes to the bathroom. He sheds his nightclothes before he slips into the bath. The warm water soaks into his muscles and he sighs. He rests a bit to enjoy the bath before he cleans himself. Before long, he steps out of the bath and dries himself off.

He looks around for something to wear. It does not take him long to find clothing laid out on a bench near the window. As he collects them, he notices they're his everyday robes. Once dressed, he leaves the bathroom. Buioril has laid out his formal clothing on his bed. Where Buioril is, he does not know. Nor does he care. He looks out of the window. He has time before he's to meet Faramir to break their fasts together. As such, he needs to do something in the meantime. His eyes land on the side table and the paperwork which lies there.

As such, Denethor spends some time on the paperwork he brought with him to his bed last night. He is in no hurry because he has ample time before Faramir expects him for their breakfast. Before long, Buioril returns and tends to the bathroom while he remains focused on his paperwork.

A door closing softly has him looking up. The bathroom door is closed and Buioril is walking to the door with an armload of dirty towels. His eyes turn to the window. He sees he still has some time before breakfast. He smiles. He may be able to finish all the paperwork before he needs to meet Faramir. As such, he spends some more time on the paperwork before leaving the room to meet up with Faramir for breakfast. He remembers clearly how Faramir reacted when he made the offer to break their fast together yesterday. It seemed as if he confused his son. Nevertheless, Faramir agreed to his offer and the location he had in mind. It is to this location that he walks to right now.

Before long, he reaches the dining room and steps inside. He sees the servants are still putting food on the table as well as putting plates right. Faramir is not yet present. He shrugs before sitting down at the table. The servants continue with their work without paying any attention to him. When Faramir finally arrives the servants have just finished their work and hurry out of the room. Faramir greets him which he returns.

Once Faramir sits, silence falls between them as they begin to eat. He looks at Faramir from time to time but does not speak up. And neither does Faramir when their eyes meet. However, once their breakfast is nearly finished he has had enough.

"Faramir, what are your plans for today?"

"My plans? What do you mean? Uhm… Well, I will be preparing myself for the coronation later today. It is not like I can refrain from attending the coronation."

"No, you cannot. However, is there not something besides attending the coronation that you intend to do today?"

"There are a few things. I need to oversee some final preparation for example. It is adar nothing you need to concern yourself with. However, may I ask why you ask?"

"Can I not be interested in your day?"

Faramir narrows his eyes. It is in stark contrast to his earlier frowning. He raises an eyebrow not at all impressed by this. They stare at each other for a while until Faramir sighs, looks back at his plate, and returns to eating in silence. He follows Faramir's lead while wondering if he should explain his reasoning. He considers the reason for and against. In the end, he does explain things because he cannot stand the silence between them.

"Mhh, thank you for explaining that. May I ask what are your plans, adar?"

"I will see to it that the final preparations are finished before attending the coronation later today. Afterward, I will attend the feast."

"So is there something I can aid you with?"

"Maybe - if you're able to - you can oversee some preparations down in the city. But tell me what has Lady Éowyn planned for today?"

"Lady Éowyn? Why do you think I would know about her plans for today?"

"Because I know how you two feel. Because I know you two plan to marry so it stands to reason that you would share your plans. Especially for today."

Faramir sighs and looks away. This just confirms what he already believes. All he has to do now is wait for Faramir to answer.

"You mean you want to know whether or not she will be joining us? I will have to disappoint you, adar; she explained to me that she'll be joining those of her people who reside in the city."

"Mhh, that is good to know and not really surprising at the same time."

Faramir looks at him with surprise before guiding their conversation in another direction. For the remainder of their breakfast, they have easy conversations. He finds it peaceful but doubts Faramir will fully agree with him. No matter their conversation, he sees some unease in him. Most likely due to their previous conversations. At this time, it is futile for him to try and ease his concern - whatever they may truly be. Gil will be the best person to ease them. The peace breaks once Faramir mentions something.

"I think the king will be pleased to know his steward, and cousin, is recovering well."

"The northern steward, you mean? I was unaware he was here."

"Aye, he is. I was unaware of it initially until someone mentioned him by happenstance."

He narrows his eyes. He does not like the impression it gives. Someone should have informed him; master Nestor was an obvious candidate to do so. However, no one thought about it. That is for sure else he would have known.

"And you did not think to inform me about it in a letter, Faramir?"

"No, for I wished to discuss it with you in private."

"Something which you clearly did not do. Not was it necessary to do so. You should have informed me about his presence and your desire to discuss it in a letter."

"I apologize, adar. It just never came up."

"Well, you should have made sure you did. Tell me, did you at least meet with him?"

"I am afraid not because master Nestor kept people away. I did however meet with some of his fellow men. It has taught me quite a lot."

He presses his lips together. He should have been informed. It would have allowed him to meet the steward. Something he would have made sure he would do. Then he would have known what to expect. Nevertheless, he is pleased with the steward's presence. It shows the importance Gondor has for the North if both the king and steward come to Gondor's defense.

"Adar? Would you be willing to tell me what you have been thinking about?"

"Nothing of importance. Just those matters I would have liked to discuss with lord Halabrad."

Faramir frowns as if he caught his lie. Nevertheless, Faramir does not call him out on it. And he refuses to admit what he was truly thinking about. The hope which grew in him is due to lord Halabrad's presence. Hope that Gondor will keep his family as stewards. He knows full well which kind of people Gil will choose. Prince Imrahil will be an obvious candidate just like a few more. As for himself, he feels he will not have much of a chance. He belongs to the old rule. And the old rule rarely remains in some kind of powerful position after a chance of rule. Gil, he knows would like him close but he knows the council and the lords. They will want to have a chance to gain influence or they will cause trouble for them both. Despite everything, he refuses to share his concerns with Faramir. He does not need to know. And who knows, maybe Gil will keep him as steward and suitably unnerve the council not to cause much trouble. He would not be surprised if Gil would unnerve the council anyway.

He takes a deep breath and pushes his worry away. They have no place in his mind today. There are more important things for him to think about right now. Like the coronation which is set to occur in a few hours. His eyes widen. A few hours? They no longer have time to linger here.

"Faramir, how much time do you need to prepare?"

"Not much, adar. Why do you ask?"

"Because I think it is time for us to prepare ourselves for the coronation. And ensure the last preparations are completed."

"You are right."

He nods and walks to the door. The anger he felt earlier has simmered down. It is still there but no longer burning brightly. Together, they leave the room and make their way to their rooms to prepare.

Pelennor field, Aragorn POV

"My lord, it is time to prepare for your coronation."

"I know, Halon. I know."

"Then why are you stalling?"

Halon walks to the stand on the side of his tent. There the stand with his coronation clothing stands. He follows Halon without answering his question. He does not know the answer himself. He allows Halon to aid him in these formal robes. He smiles grimly. They belonged to Boromir. His robes are in Imladris because he did not need them during his journey. And no one had the time or opportunity to bring them. Upon hearing Halon's voice, he is pulled out of his thoughts.

"It was kind of lord Denethor to have brought these robes, right?"

"Aye, it was but also an assurance that the coronation will have the appropriate dignity to it. But not only that, it ensures I have decent clothing to wear just like Éomer."

"Aye, they brought him clothing as well. I just wish more of us had gotten such fine clothing after this battle."

"Oh, but you only needed to say something, Halon. I am sure a solution would have been found."

"I am not so sure. They did not seem interested in anyone but you, my lord."

He frowns because he does not believe it. His mind turns back to the moment these robes were brought to him hoping they will provide him with an answer.

"Estel!"

He looks up from the papers he is reading at Dan's call. It is mere moments before Dan storms into his tent. Hot on his heels are two servants from the citadel. They carry a chest between them. What is inside it, he cannot see. He looks at Dan intrigued.

"Yes, Dan. What's wrong?"

"There are a few servants here with clothing for the coronation tomorrow."

"Mhh, I can see them and the chest. Thank you so much for informing me what they bring me. But tell me, what's so interesting about this that you need to be here?"

"Just wanting to see what my little brother will be dressed in for his important day."

"Right? Well, I say we release these servants from their burdens."

Dan nods and mentions for the servants to put the clothing away. They put the chest down in his tent before stepping out. He shares a look with Dan. This is not what he expected from these servants. Before either of them can speak up, the servants enter again with a stand. He raises an eyebrow because he is unsure why they would bring this in. He looks at Dan once more who shares his confusion. The servants open the chest and put a shirt on the stand without saying so much as a word to him. He does not know why and what they think of him. He could question them but refrains from doing so. He waits to say something until they leave. Once the servants finish, they turn to him. They study him for a while before they finally speak up.

"Is there anything else we can do for you, my lord?"

"No, you may leave."

The servants nod and bow before they leave. His eyes move to Dan when is rummaging through the chest. He raises an eyebrow and shakes his head. He has no idea where this comes from. Or? Well, he has some ideas but would like an explanation. As such, he scrapes his throat. It causes Dan to immediately turn to him.

"Look at these clothes, Estel. They're all decorated with the White Tree and appear to fit you perfectly. How did they manage to make this in such a short time?"

"They did not. These belonged to Boromir. Lord Denethor split all of Boromir's clothing between Éomer and me. He got all the clothes without emblems while I got all those with the White Tree. Actually, that might explain the chest they brought in but …"

"But that does not explain why they brought them here considering the coronation is today."

"Aye, exactly what I mean."

Dan shrugs and resumes his rummaging. Dan pulls a multitude of clothes out of the chest. Dan piles everything up on one side of the chest. The frown (which disappeared before) returns in full force.

"Dan, what are you doing?"

"You know we can see what they brought you. Look! Boots and some other underclothes."

"Well, that explains it, I think. They brought me all I would need for the coronation."

"And that needed this chest? I do not think so. There is something else."

"And that is?"

"Mhh, maybe…"

Once his mind returns to the moment, he realizes Halon was right about one thing. Those servants seemed highly interested in him but not in Dan. He suspects if others were in his tent that they would not have been interested in them. He shakes his head with closed eyes. Once he opens them, he meets Halon's confused eyes head-on. A short while later, Halon moves back to the clothing. It gives him a chance to see how far they have come. They have managed to put on everything but the outer robes. Halon turns and is about to bring him the outer robe when he stops him. There is something else he wants to know. Something he asked Halon to look into.

"Halon, tell me. How is Halbarad doing?"

"Adar? As fine as can be expected. He is healing or so master Nestor said."

He struggles to keep the tension from his face at these words. He worries about Halbarad's state of health. Especially since he knows the extent of his injuries and the problems they may cause during his recovery. As such, he wants to know how his cousin is recovering. What problems have arisen in his healing? How long do the healers expect Halbarad to need for his recovery? And much more.

"What else did he say?"

"Well, I have to admit I did not understand most of what he said but I will try to explain it to you, …"

As Halon says this, Halon scratches his head. At his nod, Halon continues and explains what master Nestor has told him. Those words are more simple than what master Nestor would have used. Nevertheless, he understands what Halon tries to say. At the same time, he narrows his eyes. Halon is leaving something out.

"What are you hiding, Halon?"

"Nothing important, my lord. I was just injured during the battle but the healers in the city have already looked at it."

"In the battle? That means you have been walking around with it for quite some time, am I right?"

Halon looks at the ground and refuses to meet his eyes. It tells him enough. It also tells him what he will do now.

"Let me see the wound you have hidden so carefully until now."

"There is no need, my lord. As I said, the healers in the House have already treated it. And we need to ensure you will be ready in time for the coronation."

"I disagree. I do not doubt their skill but I want to assure you have not done something reckless. You know full well that you need to have your wounds treated. As for reading me, we can do that after we have this discussion."

"I had them treated. I did it myself."

"You know I mean treated by a healer. If you do not want me to treat your wounds then you should have had another healer look at it. There were plenty available."

"I did not want to bother anyone."

He raises an eyebrow but refuses to say anything about it. He points to the chest. Halon looks at him sheepishly for a short moment before he sighs. Halon walks to the chest and closes it before sitting down. Halon looks at him pleadingly but still removes his shirt workout too much fuss. It allows him to see the bandages beneath it. Once the undershirt is also removed, he sees them clearly. Halon moves to remove them but he grabs his hands and shakes his head. He quickly checks the wound. He presses his lips together at what he discovers. Halon should have sought someone out long before. He is just glad the healers in the houses looked at it. He does not want to think how the wound would have developed had they not been treated or… He frowns. There is a way to this treatment which he recognizes.

"Tell me, Halon, who treated this."

"The warden, my lord."

"How come he treated you?"

"Well, Aphadon practically dragged me out of the rooms to a healer."

"And he dragged you to master Nestor? Do you know why he did that? I would not be surprised if he were to do it with your adar but with you?"

Halon shuffles his feet and looks at the ground. He narrows his eyes. There is more to it than has been shown till now. Knowing Aphadon, he can imagine a few things. Nevertheless, he waits for Halon to speak up.

"Adar discovered my injuries and got upset. He berated me already, my lord. So you need not do it. Had he been more recovered I am sure he would have dragged me to the healers and not Aphadon."

He smiles and shakes his head. He should have expected it. At the same time, he does not miss the smile which grows on Halon's face. It is a sign Halbarad is recovering. It is a good thing compared to what Halon informed him that he learned from master Nestor. Those words sadden him. Though at the same time, he is not surprised by the infection. He would have been more surprised if there was none. He is just glad it is being treated properly. When Halbarad suffered the wound, he was unable to do so due to the raging battle. Just by thinking about it, his mind is pulled back to the moment when Halbarad was injured.

He keeps pushing his horse forward and killing those orcs who come too close to him until a groan sounds close to him. Far too close for his comfort. He glances to his right side. His standard goes down as a body loudly falls on the ground. His eyes widen.

"Halbarad!"

He jumps out of the saddle and rushes to Halbarad's side without paying any attention to his surroundings. He doesn't want to lose his oldest friend among his people; his cousin. He growls as an orc moves towards Halbarad. He quickly kills the orc before turning his attention to Halbarad's wounds. He feels the blood soaking into his trousers. He feels around for the wound. It does not take him long before he finds it. It is a deep cut which bleeds profoundly. This explains the blood which soaks his trousers.

A bandage comes in front of his eyes. He turns to his side. Dan is kneeling with him. His rangers stand around him in a protective circle. He nods to them before turning his attention back to Halbarad. As he does this, his hands are pushed away.

"…El! …El! Estel! You need to let go. I will take care of Halbarad but your people need you now to lead them to victory."

He glances up while biting his lips. He wants to help Halbarad. He wants to but he knows he has a duty to do. He shakes his head and picks his sword up from the ground. He must have dropped it when he went to aid Halbarad.

He is pulled from his thoughts when a hand touches his arm. He runs and sees Halon looking at him questionably. He shakes his head as he does not want to talk about it. At least, right now. His mind is just too distracted by his actions. Especially after the battle; he should have seen to Halbarad in the Houses after he had seen to all those who urgently needed his aid. Or at least, he should have sent someone to do it in his stead like Dan or Ro.

"My lord, are you alright?"

"Yes, Halon, I am fine. I was just thinking about your adar."

"Adar? Do you mean his recovery? Why? If I may ask."

He sighs. The look Halon gives him is reminiscent of Halbarad whenever he's about to berate him for something.

"I just worry I have not done enough to aid him."

"Well, the healers in the Houses seem to have it handled. And besides, my lord, there is nothing you could have done more to aid adar than you have already done. During the fight, you had a duty, and afterward too. By the time you were able to look at adar, you needed to rest. So…"

"I carry no fault for his current state of health, you mean?"

"Yes."

He laughs and shakes his head. Halon looks around a bit nervous. The look which was previously on his face has completely left him.

"Thank you. You know you remind me about your adar, right?"

"Why?"

"He would also have made sure I did not blame myself for something I could do nothing about."

Halon smiles brightly. He smiles calmly in return. Afterward, they make sure to prepare him for the coronation. And once they are finished, they finally step out of the tent where his friends and family are awaiting him.