After reading a discussion in an AO3 forum on Facebook, I decided to make a change in how I write conversations. What was discussed there, including an example, made it clear to me that I needed to change the way I write conversations. Hopefully, with the way I've written conversations now, it is clearer who's speaking and what their feelings and/or emotions are.
Flashbacks are in Italic.
Aragorn POV
Over the next few weeks, life turns into a bit of a haze. Court sessions merge from one to the next. Especially, when one of the lords arrives to pay their respect to him. They all do it with the same purpose; to get their position confirmed. Most seem quite certain everything will go smoothly. This feeling leaves some of them quickly. He proved his ascension to the throne is different from when Thor took over from Ecthelion. No position is secure except those of Denethor and Imrahil. One is appointed by him and the other is subject to him. Besides, he has fought alongside them so he knows they will do their duty.
As for those who seek to be confirmed, Thor appointed them after Ecthelion's and their father's death. Through this, he knows who he needs to keep a closer eye on. Especially those on whom Thor has had his sight for some time now for some slight. He'd like to learn all he can about it before he passes his judgment. It will prevent surprises from cropping up later. This also means some lords are simply confirmed as there is no question about their loyalty or the execution of their duty. They all fought bravely during the war or sent men to aid in the defense.
Others are not confirmed until they turn over the documents he requests. He makes it clear which documents he wants to see. All to expedite the process and to be able to inspect the documents in short order. Only after this is done will he give his judgment and consider whether or not to confirm them. All because of a discussion with Thor. One that stays in the front of his mind.
"Gil, can I speak with you?"
He looks up from the paper he's been reading. Thor stands in the room with his usual calm and confident air though there seems to be some tension in his body. He frowns unsure what this is about.
"Aye, what is it?"
"We need to speak about some of the lords. I've been having trouble with them for some time and planned to handle them but then…well."
Thor shrugs at this. He nods, aware of what he is going at.
"The War happened and I ascended the throne. Aye, I know what you mean. So tell me what issues they have been creating."
Thor takes a deep breath before he explains to him the trouble they've been causing during the meeting of the council which agreed to accept his claim. The more he hears about this alone, the more he starts to get what this meeting is about. This information feels to be merely a prelude to more.
Thirty minutes later, his suspicion proves to be true when Thor finishes his tale. These lords have done a lot more. Things which range from smuggling goods to Harad, forging paperwork, illegally increasing taxes, keeping the excess money for themselves to charging tolls on roads which have none.
"I believe you know the importance of dealing with these troublemakers."
Thor stares at him as he interlocks his fingers and leans back in the chair.
"Aye, I agree with you on that but I doubt these are all the things they've done."
He tilts his head while still staring at Thor. He knows these kinds of men so knows what he can expect. Thor takes a deep breath before he responds.
"I am aware of that but until I have proof of more I will refrain from mentioning it."
"To avoid having them clean up whatever proof they've left behind," he nods with a small smile.
"Aye, indeed. What I just told you about I have more than enough proof of."
Thor raises his head confidently at this. He nods and shares a smile with him. This is good to know. He just has to see the evidence to deal with them and maybe have some investigations started into their other questionable dealings. However, there is one thing when he needs to clear up yet. As such he leans forward.
"May I ask if there is a reason why you bring it up now?"
"Aye, you may, sire. I inform you now as the first troublemaker will appear in court later today," Thor explains with a calm voice. All the tension he saw before has disappeared.
"Mhh, and what can you tell me specifically about his actions? And can you show me the proof you've gathered?"
Meeting that lord was highly interesting if only for the lord's stupidity. How he managed to avoid scrutiny before he has no idea. He stammered over many things he should have kept hidden (he'll have someone looking into them soon enough) and gave such outrageous explanations that no one would believe him. He narrows his eyes at the lord.
"My lord, I will not be confirming your appointment today for I feel it is not the right time. No, you will return home and bring me the following ledgers; taxes, harvest yield, military expenses, and toll revenue. I expect you here within one month's time for us to go over them. Only if these ledgers satisfy me will I confirm you."
The lord nods calmly while he glares daggers into his head. It's so contradictory. He mentions for the lord to leave with his hand without addressing the insolence he was just shown. The lord moves away muttering under his breath. Almost the same thing happened with a few other lords he holds under scrutiny.
The next two lords who come forward for confirmation are also questioned. A few things in their land have raised suspicions. They question them intensely. Something which does not bother the lords at all as they easily respond to the questions. They explain everything they know so far and admit it when they do not know something. From what he can see, they appear to be honest. There is no deception or anger in their hearts despite the scrutiny they face. Both lords have started their investigations into those things and are more than willing to turn the investigation over to the Crown. This and a few more things make up his mind.
He confirms these two with the condition that the investigation the Crown will be taking over will not be implicating them. Neither of the lords appear to be bothered by it. Another thing which speaks in their favor.
A few weeks later, Gil sits in his office as he works on damage reports. His mind is not truly with it but with the upcoming meeting with Thor and Faramir. They agreed to work their way through some of the papers they've received. They need to make some decisions before the court session later today. And until they have arrived, he will be working on something else. Who knows maybe it will give him more time to relax later today.
As he is writing a response to one damage report, a knock sounds on the door. He does not look up as he speaks up.
"Enter!"
He continues writing as footsteps echo through the room. From the sound of it, there are two sets of footsteps. The echoes stop a short distance away from his desk. At this, he puts the quill down and looks up. He immediately recognizes the two men before him. The men bow before he can address them.
"Captain-general Faramir, Prince Denethor, it is good to see you."
"Indeed, sire. I beg your pardon if we made you wait but I'm afraid I was kept away because of some urgent business and I lost track of time. I know it's no good excuse so I…," Faramir apologizes with a nervous look in his eyes.
"It is alright, these things can happen."
"Nevertheless, it is not for us to make you wait," Faramir retorts.
He raises an eyebrow. Faramir ducks his head a bit. He can see a bit of blush growing on his face. Thor's just looking at them with an amused look on his face. He looks questionably at him and receives a shrug. Well, once they're alone he'll get the full story out of him. He's in no rush.
"Mhh, shall we turn our attention to the reason behind this meeting then?"
Two voices speak up at the same time in acknowledgment of his question. And thus for the next hour, until court starts, they determine how to handle each and every lord. Who is innocent, who only needs temporary supervision, and who needs to be punished. For this last group, they determine what punishment they will face after they have been removed from their post. As it turns out only the crooked lords will end up being punished.
As they want to present a unified picture, he and Thor work out the punishments. It is a slow process as they repeatedly clash over which punishment is appropriate. Each time, it turns into an argument which gives him the same feeling as they've had in the past during strategy meetings. At times, it even becomes heated but never hostile. Nevertheless, he does not miss how uncomfortable Faramir becomes each time. It is something to address at a later time. Right now, they are concluding their last argument. And just in time because the court will start soon based on how the light streams into his office. It is time to end their discussion.
"Are we in agreement then?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Thor acknowledges while ducking his head.
He looks at Thor with confusion. He has been highly formal with him and has no idea why. They are alone so protocol does not need to be followed so rigidly. Or could it be because of Faramir's presence? It cannot be, right? Thor looks him straight in the eyes. He nods before deciding to end this meeting.
"Shall we leave, my lord Denethor, captain-general Faramir?"
"Of course, sire. I imagine it is time for us to inform those in limbo about their faith," Thor says with glee in his voice.
"Certainly," he acknowledges as a smile tugs on his lips. He looks forward to this as much as Thor does.
Thirty minutes later, he steps into the courtroom in full regalia benefitting the high king of Gondor. He nods to the lords in attendance as he makes his way to his throne. Once he sits down, the court starts with the first lord called forward. He knows the first five lords are those who will be confirmed due to their innocence in the troubles their lands face.
Each time, one of these five lords expresses immense gratitude. Some even explain in detail before the court what they did to uncover the crimes committed in their land. As well as, who they have under suspicion. It is good information to have for the person who will have to pick up the investigation again.
The next group are those lords who need supervision. He knows he and Thor failed to discuss who will be supervising. At the same time, he is certain Thor will agree with those he has in mind as supervisors. He waits until the first lord is in front of him before he questions him. Once all his and Thor's questions are answered, he decides it is time to give his verdict.
"Now hear my verdict; you will be removed from your position as lord of the white Valley of Lamedon for the duration of one year. Until then, you will work as an aid to lord Erchirion of Dol Amroth who will take over your duties. If you prove to have learned all you need by the end, you will regain your post. If you fail, you will be forced to find employment elsewhere."
Wide eyes greet him. He can see what goes on in the lord's heart.
His wondering.
His surprise.
He obviously didn't expect this judgment.
"Thank you, sire, for your mercy. I will endeavor to meet your expectations in one year hence," the lord says with a small voice.
He nods and dismisses the lord so the next one can be called forward. This lord is also questioned. However, the questioning becomes more intense than planned because of the answers they receive. In the end, he places him under the supervision of Halon before dismissing him. This rotation continues until the last lord subject to supervision has received his verdict.
The next lord called forward is the first of the last list they've made; those who will be punished for the crimes they've committed. They start similarly as with the last group; by questioning them. Lord Lathron tries violently to defend himself and blame others. Others? Well, he tries to blame nearly everyone he can think of. Up to and including Thor and himself. Something neither of them fall for nor does the public by the murmuring and name-calling which starts. He has to call the public to order a few times when it gets disruptive but leaves them alone otherwise. When this fails, lord Lathron tries to downplay things until he has had enough.
"Lord Lathron, are you truly suggesting these discrepancies in your tax records are mistakes?"
"Yes, sire. I am sure of it. What else could it be? I only use records I know to be true."
"Then how can it be that those discrepancies are all over the place and increase by a little each year? Especially, as we have received the corresponding records. Kindly explain that to the court," Thor pressed with a stiff posture still visible despite him sitting in his chair.
"I do not know, my lord Denethor. I have no idea. As I said before you will need to talk to my clerks about it. I am sure they know why they made these mistakes."
Lord Lathron's voice sounds mocking. As if he is not taking this seriously. He narrows his eyes at this.
"They made mistakes, you say? We talked to a few of your clerks; those who work here in the city. They each have a similar story to tell; you or your senechal checked the records and gave them new ones or changed ones back. In a few cases, you also instructed them to falsify the records, and when they refused you dismissed them."
"They are lying, sire. We would never do that," Lord Lathron says with a slightly panicked voice.
Aragorn tilts his head as he considers how to move forward. With this direction, he is sure they will not get more about this topic so there is only one thing left to do.
"Mhh, let us talk about something else then for I have heard enough of your excuses regarding the tax discrepancies as I have heard something else about you. Traders have been complaining about brigands roaming your land and pillaging them. Each time, they complain you dismiss them. More than one of them has seen fit to inform other lords. Some even found their wares in the markets in your city; something they informed you off. Again, you dismissed them and even accused them of making false accusations or trying to steal."
Lord Lathron looks at them with wide eyes. He can see the panic increasing and slowly creeping into his heart. As well as the anger. Aragorn tilts his head. He has seen enough but will give him an opportunity to explain himself. He is not surprised when lord Lathron responds without any emotions whatsoever in his voice even though he can read his emotions in his heart.
"I do not know, sire. It is not as if I can keep an eye on every one of my people. And those merchants; they have been trying to get me to pay a lot more for their wares. So excuse me, if I did not believe their accounts."
"You did more than not believe them. I have not yet heard you explaining yourself."
"I have, sire. I do not know what rumors they have been spreading but they are false," Lord Lathron says as he shrugs while still not giving the answer he asked for.
"Are they? I have sent some of my soldiers as merchants into your land multiple times over the years and guess what they tell me," Thor says with a steel voice.
"My lord Denethor. I do not know…"
"I would be careful with what you say next because they have confirmed all the rumors," Thor warns.
He notices as Lord Lathron takes it all in. Slowly the anger he saw earlier increases. He breathes calmly aware they will see the true face of Lord Lathron soon. His intuition does not fail as a few moments later, Lord Lathron explodes.
"You are all crazy if you do not want to use an opportunity to make some money of people who commit crimes. Who cares if I send them to harass merchants when they can easily regain their money? These criminals can repay their debts that way."
"I do for you took away their opportunity to make amends by forcing them to comply. What would happen if they refused your generous offer?" he asks.
"They will go to prison and their families will be left in ruin. Caring for those families is not my concern," Lord Lathron says carelessly.
"Are they not people under your care? Do you not have an obligation to care for all your people?"
"What would you know? You are not worthy of the throne if you only use it to take away my business," Lord Lathron says accusingly and with a bitter voice.
"His Majesty Elessar only takes it away, you say?" Thor questions.
"Yes, he's not even interested in honest lords trying to do something good," Lord Lathrons says with a straight back and arrogant face.
"What you did is not good, it is abhorrent. As for our king, he did not start this investigation into your crimes, I did. Long before the war started. You are lucky the war started when it did or you would have experienced it in a prison cell at the very least," Thor says enraged.
Lord Lathron looks terrified despite the scowl on his face. It is a strange combination. Nevertheless, he pronounces the verdict for lord Lathron's crimes. He is banished from Gondor and has to move to Arnor where he needs to find new employment, unable to work in a position of power ever again. Lord Lathron starts to argue with his verdict only for two guards to put their hands on his shoulders. This silences him so they can remove him from the court without further incident.
After lord Lathron is escorted out by guards, the next lord is called forward. He is also thoroughly questioned until they are satisfied with his answers. In the end, he gives the verdict to send him to serve in the army for ten years at least and bans him from holding public office or a position of power ever again. This lord doesn't react much except for shaking. The last lord he banishes after his questions are sufficiently answered. This one argues and insults him until the guards forcefully remove him from court.
He puts the report down and leans back in his chair. Thor remains focused on the paper he is reading. It gives him a chance to look out of the window without being noticed. He cannot wait until Dan and Ro return. It's been quite sometime now. How long does it take them, He sighs and shakes his head.
"Gil, is something the matter?"
He turns his head to find Thor looking at him attentively. How long has Thor been doing this? He has no idea but it is not important right now. As such, he smiles reassuringly at Thor before he responds.
"Nothing important. I am just anxious for my brothers' return."
"The sons of Elrond?"
"Yes, but let us not focus on this right now. I need to focus on something else than my worries."
Thor looks at him with narrow eyes for a second before he nods. He knows they will be speaking about it later. Nevertheless, their attention returns to the work they've been doing before the short break. From time to time, they discuss a matter brought before him. Or they talk about some other matter if they want a break. Time passes quickly as they work.
Before long, a servant enters with refreshments. It forces them to take a break as they enjoy the refreshments. Initially, they spend their time in silence until Thor speaks up.
"How does ruling find you, Gil? Different from what you are used to or imagined?"
"Yes, it is quite different because I have to deal with a lot more paperwork than I have been used to. Court sessions and the meetings with the military and the lords are not too different from what I have been doing in Arnor till now if only they are more formal."
"And the household you have now. How do you find that?"
"It is an adjustment. I admit I know how a household works from my time in Imladris and here as Thorongil but this…this is something else entirely. Especially some of the servants you have assigned to me," he chuckles as he says this.
Thor looks at him with a strange look. Strange? It is not like one he recognizes instantly but knows he does not want to see.
"You do not like them? I selected them specifically for you."
"Specifically? Should I be worried about something?" he asks even if he has an idea of the answer he will receive.
"Oh, I doubt it. I just…"
"You just selected those you thought I would get along with, you want to say?"
"Yes, exactly," Thor acknowledges but falls silent immediately afterward.
"Mhh, I do not know you as one with a loss of words. Besides, your words are not entirely true, are they? Remember my body servant?"
"Yes, what is with him? Maybe I selected a few with the thought that you would not bully them out of their duties," Thor fires back. He does not miss the smile on Thor's face. Looking at it causes a smile to grow on his face.
"Duties? I do not need a body servant to remind me of my duties. I am more than capable of looking after myself."
"So you have said before and again I disagree. As king or high noble you need one." Thor reminds him. He glares at him for a moment but sees (as also feels) that he will be unable to change his mind. It would be a useless fight. He sighs before admitting his defeat.
"Fine, I will leave this for now. Let us return to our work then."
Thor nods and they return to their previous work. They are only able to work for a few minutes. He looks up sharply upon hearing the sound of boots hitting the stones in quick succession. As if someone is running. Thor notices it too for he also looks up sharply. Within seconds, someone knocks on his door. He shares a look with Thor who is equally confused before calling the person into the room.
"Enter!"
The door opens and a guard stands in the door with a panting young man behind him. He tilts his head. The young man is dressed like a runner. His face seems familiar as if he has seen him before; he just cannot put a name to his face. The runner's presence also causes him to raise his eyebrows. His mind goes over all the reasons for this runner to seek him in such haste.
"Sire, this runner has important information to share with you. Shall I let him in?" the guard asks.
"Please do so. I wish to hear what he has to share."
The guard, whose name he still does not know for the guard refused to share it when he asked only a few hours ago, nods and steps to the side. The runner steps into the room. He is still panting but less so than before. The runner bows and speaks up before either of them can ask him for his name or to do so.
"Sire, Your Highness, a scout has spotted a group of Rohirrim coming our way."
"Rohirrim? Who is amongst them?" Thor asks.
"I was not told, Your Highness."
"Not told? Did those scouts not gossip as I am aware they like to do," Thor fires back at the guard.
His eyes turn towards Thor as he wonders what Thor is doing. Nevertheless, he does not miss how the runner shuffles his feet and fiddles with his tunic. The runner bites his lip when Thor leans towards him. He is about to intervene before Thor goes too far when the runner answers.
"Maybe, but I have not paid much attention to gossip most of the time."
"A mistake on your part, boy. Gossip is often a valuable insight though not always truthful. So there is not anything you can tell us; the size of the group, their makeup, anything at all?" Thor asks coldly.
"Well…maybe, umh…," the runner stutters.
He can see the runner shuffling his feet and looking around. He did not miss how long it took the runner to answer. It is as if he is looking for a way out. Out of this room or this conversation; he does not know. He turns to Thor who does not notice him. Taking pity on the runner, he smiles calmly at him before speaking up.
"Take a few breaths, young man, to calm your rising heart down. Can you tell me your name?"
"Sire, …? I…"
"You do not have to share it if you do not want to do so. In that case, please share your thoughts with us, young man."
"I know Rohirrim are coming but they also said something which made no sense to me. Who would the Rohirrim be escorting?" the runner asks with a voice tinged with confusion.
"I can think of a few. Do you perhaps know if they're visible from the city walls?"
"I believe they will be soon, sire, even if you can not see much."
"Then I will go down into the city to see them for myself," he declares happily as he leans back in his chair.
In front of him, the runner smiles brightly at him. He turns to Thor to invite him along only to stiffen at the look he receives. He wants to ask Thor for the reason behind it but he does not do so because he knows Thor well enough. He will learn about it soon enough. His feelings prove to be right when Thor explodes moments later.
"You cannot be serious, Aragorn. You cannot just decide to do something like that on a whim."
"Thank you for informing us about the Rohirrim's approach. You can leave now," he tells the runner while ignoring Thor's objection for now.
The runner bows and silently retreats from the room. He is sure the rumors about a fight between them will be spreading quickly. He can live with it. He frowns. He still does not know his name despite asking for it. He shakes his head. Now it is time to address Thor's objection.
He turns to Thor who is still glaring at him. He sighs before he responds.
"And why can I not just decide that? I want to see who is coming."
"Because as the king, you cannot do this," Thor objects.
"I cannot? I assure you, Thor, I am more than capable of defending myself."
"I know that but as king, you need to keep your image up," Thor declares.
He sighs. Again this argument. Again.
"Then I will take some guards with me. And if you want, Thor, you can also join me," he offers, hoping to quell Thor's objection.
"Oh, I will," Thor declares, "I get the feeling you know who is coming?'
"Not so much knowing as I suspect to know. There are some people I am expecting."
He smiles as he thinks about Arwen. He cannot wait to show her where they will be living. He is thankful all the construction work was finished a few days ago. Ever since he has been living there which he has enjoyed so far. He knows he will do so even more once Arwen arrives. She will be happy with what she will find though she will put her touch to it; He is certain of it. He would be surprised if it were different. His eyes turn to Thor as his mind turns back to the present.
"Shall we go?"
"If you are ready, yes. Do make sure the guards join us," Thor says.
He laughs as he shakes his head at the reminder. Together, they step out of the room. He turns to one of the guards stationed there who straightens as their eyes meet.
"Please inform the captain that I wish to visit the walls on the first level," he tells the guard who nods and walks away but not before he shares a look with the other guard. Whatever is shared between them he is unable to figure out. He glances at Thor who just looks annoyed. His eyes go to the guard to see if there is anything he can notice.
Nothing.
Aware of this, he just walks out of the House and into the courtyard. He wants to go down into the city but knows better than to do so. So, he moves to the parapet and looks over the Fields of Cormallen.
Small buildings stand all over the field with more being built.
People and animals travel over the fields.
He smiles. All in all, the fields are slowly returning to their previous state. Nevertheless, he is well aware it will be some time before they will be fruitful once more. It is a good promise for the future. Also, in the distance he can see the Rammas Echor slowly returning to its previous state as the construction progresses. He narrows his eyes. Even further away, he can see a group of riders riding to the city. Are they already this close?
"Is that the group the runner told us about?" Thor asks. It sounds as if he is near him.
He turns to see Thor has joined him on the parapet. In the distance, he can see a group of guards moving in their direction. He follows them for a short moment before turning back to Thor.
"Maybe, they certainly come from the right direction."
"Then it is good the guards have already been called. You would certainly be expected to greet them."
"Yes, I will be in time to greet them upon their arrival in the city," he acknowledges.
"You do not plan to go down to the gate, do you?"
"I do. What is the problem with that?" he asks.
Thor glares at him. He looks at him confused. Really, what is the problem with it? He is well within his right to…Ah, he already gets it. As king, he greets people in the throne room. He needs to keep his image up and thus follow the protocol. He nods.
"I see you got my point," Thor says.
"Aye, Thor, I do. I assume as king I will be expected to greet visitors in the throne room."
"Aye, this is how the court works. The king or me when I was the ruling steward only ever greeted people there. They are expected to come to me and not the other way around with a few exceptions."
"Like people who can't enter the city for one reason or the other," he speculates.
"Indeed," Thor confirms.
He hums. This means he has something to work with. Something Thor cannot find fault with. Knowing this, he responds.
"But then I would not be greeting this group as king but as kin if they are who I expect them to be."
Thor looks at him with narrowed eyes for a second before shaking his head. Thor opens his mouth to respond. However, before Thor can say anything, the sound of approaching footsteps reaches his ears. Thor must have heard it too because they both look sharply to the side. A group of guards approaches. Once they are near the steps to the parapet, they stop except for one who walks up to them.
"Sire, you called for us to escort you. May I ask where you plan on traveling?"
"I want to go to the first level to see the group of travelers making their way to us, captain Tirron."
Captain Tirron steps onto the parapet and looks down onto the city. As silence falls, he gets the feeling he seems to be looking for something. Before long, captain Tirron turns back to him.
"Sire, if you want to do it then we need to make haste. You will be in time to see them nearing the Rammas Echor."
"Then let us go," he declares.
An hour later, he stands in the throne room at the bottom of the steps. He had just enough time to go down to the first level, see the group arriving at the Rammas Echor (what he saw confirmed his belief about who this group was), return to the citadel, dress in his court robes, and take his place at the bottom of the stairs. It was a hectic time. He does not intend to do something like this any time soon.
As he waits, he looks over the room once more. All the lords in attendance stand around the room vividly gossiping. Some of them, he can overhear. Others are just too far away. Nevertheless, he knows what they are talking about.
The great doors open in the background for he can hear the sounds of the city more loudly. He turns his eyes to them. In the distance, he sees a group entering. He smiles and waits for them to get closer. From what he can already see, he gets the confirmation of his earlier belief. It does not take long before he sees Arwen walking next to adar. He wants to go to her but knows he cannot. Thor's harsh glare tells him such. So, his smile widens while he suppresses a sigh. It's all he can do.
Before long, the group stands in front of him. His eyes remain trained on Arwen. Just as he's about to step forward to greet her, adar steps forward. In his hand is a very recognizable scepter; the Scepter of Annúminas.
He steps off the dias towards his adar and ignores the stares and murmuring around him. He does it fail to hear as silence falls over the room. He meets his adar in the middle where he kneels. Adar holds out the scepter as he speaks up.
"I return the scepter of Annúminas to its rightful owner now that you have reunited both kingdoms."
"Thank you for keeping it safe for me and my kind, my lord Elrond."
He says gratefully this as he takes the scepter in his hands. With this, he holds the equivalent of the Crown of Gondor in his hands. It means he is now officially the king of Arnor and is breaking with ages of traditions. He nods to adar who steps aside as Arwen steps forward.
"As I said before, you need to prove your worth for my daughter's hand in marriage. By reuniting the kingdoms, you have proven yourself worthy. Thus I will give you my daughter's hand in marriage."
"Thank you, my lord," he responds gratefully while he bows his head. Lord Elrond smiles at him. Then he turns to Arwen.
"My lady, it is my honor to show you around the city where you will be living now."
He takes Arwen's hand in his and kisses the back. As he looks up at her, he smiles happily. Something which is returned in kind. He straightens and turns to the lords present in the room.
"Are these your lords, sire?" Arwen asks as she looks around the throne room.
He smiles as he sees the lords looking at her with wide eyes. Oh, how he would have liked to know their thoughts. He turns back to Arwen who is smiling at him.
"Aye, indeed they are, my lady," he confirms.
After this, he introduces Arwen and the lords to each other. He enjoys watching her talk with them. He is certain she will have them captivated before long. Maybe even by the end of this meeting. As he looks around the room, he sees Thor's pained look. It is as if he is seeing a ghost. He tilts his head and tries to catch Thor's eye to no avail. After the end of this meeting, he shows Arwen around the city to the dislike of his guards.
Denethor POV
His heart beats loudly in his chest as he storms to his office. He needs to get there before everything becomes too much. He sees the door appearing in the distance and quickens his steps. It feels as if he's walking for a long time before she reaches the door. His hands fumble with the door handle for a while until he finally manages to open the door. He doesn't so much as step into the room as fall into it. The door clicks close behind him.
He leans back against the door as he feels his fast breathing. He takes a few deep breaths to calm down. It works slightly. He notices how his heart is racing in his chest. He presses his hand to his chest as he takes another few breaths. Finally, his breathing calms down.
With his breathing calmed down, he has time to consider everything. Especially the future Queen. Just thinking about it causes his heart to race in his chest once more. She looks just like her. The resemblance is uncanny. Too uncanny. They are so similar it is just disconcerting. He finally understands Gil's interest in Finduilas when Gil served his father and Finduilas words during one of their last conversations.
He's in front of his desk before he knows it. He frowns and looks for…was he seeking something? He must have been. Why else would he be behind his desk? His eyes fall on a picture of Finduilas. She's smiling at him. Happy. Relaxed. A soft smile grows on his face. She would have loved the time ever since Gil returned and would have sought out the future queen quickly. He's sure they would be fast friends but one never knows. She deserved to see this; Gondor at peace with the king returned. And she would have stopped him from making some of his recent mistakes. She was always able to guide him. Just thinking about her reopens the wound in his heart. The absence she left behind. How much he misses her presence at his side.
"Denethor, do you know where Thorongil has gone to?" Finduilas asks as she struggles to get up from the bed in which she has been resting.
"Fin, you need to take it easy."
"Love, I need to know."
"Why?" he asks. This makes no sense. Why would she need to know now? Years after Gil has left them.
"Because I wonder what happened to him. I know he belongs here in Gondor," Finduilas declares.
"He does not. He made his choice."
"So you know who he truly is?"
"And what if I do?" he sneers as he crosses his arms. He does not want to talk about this.
Finduilas looks at him intently and raises an eyebrow. He keeps his mouth closed despite the look he receives. In the end, Finduilas sighs.
"Then you know the implications of his presence here even if only a few knew about it. You know what he is meant to do."
He clenches his fists. He knows what he is meant to do but doesn't want to be reminded of it. Finduilas' stare intensifies until she takes his hand in her without breaking the stare. She strokes the back of his hand as she addresses him.
"Stop doing that, Denethor. I know you've fought and can guess about what. Despite this, you know your duty. Besides, I would love to see him as our King with his queen beside him. It would allow Gondor to prosper once more."
"Queen? What are you talking about, meleth? He was highly interested in you."
"Are you jealous?"
Finduilas looks at him. A twinkle is visible in her eyes. He feels his eyes narrowing. The twinkle increases. He just looks away. It's the easiest thing to do and doesn't give her a response. Finduilas snickers and he clenches his fists.
"You are. Oh, Valar. Denethor, you do not have a reason to be jealous. At all. All he was interested in was the similarity between me and his beloved. It is her I would have liked to meet."
"Mhh."
"Just promise me you will not fight against Gil once he returns to claim his rightful place. Gondor will prosper under his rule. I am sure of it."
He smiles at the memory. She was right and she knew it. He just did not want to acknowledge it because of their fight. Still, one thing bothers him; did she remember when he did not? It certainly seems like she remembered some of their trip. Enough to give him advice. Advice which he disregarded.
He leans back and feels how the backrest resists him. When did he sit down? He frowns for a second before he dismisses the thought; it is not important. What would he not give to have Finduilas around right now? He knows; a lot. She would be able to show the queen around. Even show her some of the secret paths. However, he's certain Gil will show her those paths.
Yet, do not mistake his sorrow for jealousy. No, he is more than happy for his friend. He will now have the happy life (or so he hopes) he so long deserved to have. And there is one thing he can do; seek out one of the ladies present in the city to show the queen around the places Gil does not know about. Who knows, maybe they will even become friends.
But who will be seeking out? His mind goes over all the present ladies and considers how well they will get along with the queen. In the end, he finds two who he deems appropriate.