"King Elessar thought you might appreciate a friendly face,"

The following morning, as Anberenien was dressing in her room, she heard her father speaking with a man whose voice she did not recognise. Elrond asked what business he had with the princess. "We bring tidings from King Elessar. He requests that his royal sister returns with us to Minas Tirith ahead of the wedding party." replied the man.

Faelnith excitedly entered the room. "A group of Gondorian Knights have arrived from Minas Tirith. Their captain is seeking an audience with you."

Anberenien finished dressing and went to join her father. Elrond was seated in his chair while speaking with a young captain. He was wearing silver armour with the black livery of Gondor and was holding his winged helm under his arm. They both turned as she approached and Anberenien suddenly realized who the Captain was.

On seeing Anberenien, he kneeled before her. "Princess Anberenien of the House of Telcontar. Royal Sister of King Elessar of Gondor. Princess of Arnor. King Elessar requests your presence in Minas Tirith ahead of the wedding party and sends us as your honour guard to escort you to the city."

"Borion? Surely it cannot be you. I thought you were dead!"

The Captain looked up at her. "Aye, er, yes, my Lady Princess, I am Borion." 

Anberenien asked him to rise and called for a chair for him. They spoke of Duincar and how he had escaped with a handful of boys while their parents had fought off the Orcs to give them time. How he had become a ranger and even become close friends with Rodon before he was killed. Borion had been among the thirty rangers who had gone to assist their King with Halbarad.

"We were called the grey company. Halbarad was our leader."

"And how is dear Halbarad? I assume he is with my Royal Brother in Minas Tirith?" asked Anberenien.

"Alas, my Lady Princess. I hate to be the one to pass these tidings, but we lost him in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. He fought bravely and now rests in Rath Dinen in a place of Honour." Anberenien was in shock. Halbarad was gone. She thought of his hearty laugh and bear hugs on those rare visits to Duincar with her father. She thought if anyone survived the war, it would be him.

Anberenien thanked Borion for informing her of Halbarad's passing and asked for a little time to prepare before they left for Minas Tirith. "We have plenty of vittles in our mess tents." Borion thanked her, then took his leave.

Elrond gave Anberenien an enquiring look. "How old were you when you gave him that bloody nose?"

"Six, I believe Ada."

Elrond nodded slowly. "Six, hmmm, it seems not to have done him too much harm."

Anberenien then prepared for her journey to Minas Tirith. She dressed in her grey silk gown, now cleansed of Calenamath's blood. Her hair was styled into a crown braid with the small silver crown resting on top. Between her shoulders and bust, Anberenien wore her mother's brooches with their string of beads. She put on her cloak and took her leave of her Elven family, before leaving the Pavillion to meet the honour guard. She met with Borion, who introduced her to the other six Knights who had arrived with him. All had been part of the Grey Company.

As Anberenien went to mount Calithiliel, Elrond and Celeborn approached her.

"Anberenien, you are missing something," said Celeborn. He was holding her blade belt. "I have sent your armour to the Woodland Realm, but I think you should keep these with you."

"They have a noble history. They were given to the female bodyguard of Princess Silmariën of Númenor in recognition of her faithful service, then passed from mother to daughter through to Gruinith, your mortal grandmother," said Elrond.

"But how do you know that, Ada?"

"I have always known it, but you were not of an age to understand their provenance, and by the time you were, you were no longer in my care. Now iell nin, go and pay homage to your Royal Brother and your King."

Anberenien fixed the blades around her waist and mounted Calithiliel, riding alongside Thurindaer with her ladies behind and the honour guard leading the way. In the distance, Anberenien could see the city jutting out of the mountain like a great white beacon. As Gondorian guards waved them through badly damaged gates, charred remains littered the landscape before them, Orc heads, helmets and armour either hanging on spikes or for sale as souvenirs to passing travellers.

"These are the Pellinor Fields, also known as the Town Lands. This is where we lost Halbarad and many others defending Minas Tirith from the forces of the Dark Lord," said Borion. Already the people of the Town Lands were rebuilding their homes and farms. They smiled and cheered as the company passed by. By late afternoon, they had reached the Gatehouse of Minas Tirith. The walls were scorched and its great gates lay in pieces. Through the city, they went. Higher and higher as the people watched, some cheered and threw flowers. But others stood staring and whispered. At last, they came to the sixth tier and royal stables. As Anberenien dismounted, some familiar faces greeted her.

"Legolas! Mithrandir! What a wonderful surprise! Mithrandir, you are much changed."

"As are you, Princess," replied Gandalf.

Legolas embraced her, noting with concern how much her hair had changed since he last saw her. Anberenien explained that much had happened in the forest since their last meeting and expressed her condolences regarding Calenamath. "Alas, my poor uncle. We received word of his passing when the Galadhrim brought those monsters to Minas Tirith. This war has seen the passing of many a noble soul."

He then introduced a tall, dark-haired, handsome man who stood next to Gandalf. "Princess Anberenien, may I introduce Faramir Prince of Ithilien, the King's Steward. Do you remember Boromir who came with us to the Woodland Realm? Faramir is his younger brother. Sadly Boromir was slain on our journey south, defending others in our fellowship." News of Boromir's death did not come as a surprise to Anberenien, she had known his fate when he drew with her as they played chess together as Calenamath had done.

Faramir came forth and they exchanged pleasantries. "I am sorry about your brother. He was very charming when he visited."

"Thank you, Princess, my brother died as he lived, with bravery and honour. I'm glad to hear you saw a side of Boromir rarely seen. Whilst he was a warrior at heart, he could be very charming. I often think had he lived to be Steward, no bride would have been wed to a better husband."

Legolas frowned as he saw Anberenien's retinue dismounting. "Who is that strange hooded Elf with Faelnith and Merenthel?"

"Oh, that is Thurindaer. Your father sent him to serve as my bodyguard," replied Anberenien dismissively.

"I've never heard of a Thurindaer in Father's service?"

"It was your father who sent him."

Thurindaer bowed low. "My Lord Prince," he whispered.

Legolas frowned at Gandalf. "There is something strange about that...... bodyguard. Why has he not removed his hood?"

Gandalf smiled but did not reply.

The Knights formed an honour guard as Faramir ushered the party up a grand flight of stairs to the top tier of the citadel. Faramir then pointed out a great white tower to Anberenien. "That is the great tower of Ecthelion. The King's wedding will take place on its steps."

Anberenien shuddered as she remembered Nuta's words. "The Great Master intends to wed you upon the steps of the Tower of Minas Tirith for all to see."

"Princess, are you well?"

"Yes, Prince Faramir, but I am weary from the long journey."

"Of course, the King's house is not far." Anberenien looked about her as they walked. It was still light, as the sun had not yet set, but the air was much warmer than she was used to. Shortly they arrived at an extensive palace complex. There on the steps was the King's household and at the fore stood Aragorn, now the newly crowned King Elessar. The Honour guard stood aside as the King came down the steps. Now dressed in fine garments, the crown of Gondor upon his neatly groomed hair. He no longer looked like the scruffy ranger she had known all her life.

"Anberenien of the House of Telcontar, Daughter of Beren, Adopted Daughter of Lord Elrond of Rivendell, Princess of Arnor, Royal Sister of King Elessar, comes to pay homage to her Royal Brother King Elessar of the House of Telcontar," announced Faramir as Anberenien stood nervously, then bowed low.

Elessar smiled, his eyes filled with joyful tears. "Welcome home Anberenien, Your father would be very proud at this moment," he whispered. He kissed her forehead. "My Royal sister is returned to me at last!" Most of the Gondorians clapped and cheered but some eyed her strangely.

"Tonight we shall feast in your honour. There are many good friends and acquaintances I would have you meet. But first I must acquaint you with my household." Elessar took Anberenien's hand and introduced her to the important members of his household. An older woman then came forth and bowed low. She was tall, thin, wore a simple pale blue Kyrtle and her grey hair in a braided bun. She looked down her nose at Anberenien and gave off an air of superiority. "This is Elweth. She will be in charge of your household and has been preparing your apartment of rooms. The feast will begin shortly. Elweth will escort you to your apartment to prepare." 

------------------------------------------------

Elweth led Anberenien and her retinue into the house of the King. She explained how she already had a guest waiting for her. The King had granted permission for Lady Lothíriel of Dol Amroth to meet her in Anberenien's apartment. Anberenien stared in wonder at the huge white and black marble entrance Hall. The floor looked like a large chessboard with great columns that appeared to grow out of the floor, the black and white marble twisting around each other. Two grand staircases in white Marble went up either side to a balcony that led to the upper rooms. Guards saluted as Elweth led them up one of the staircases and along a white marble corridor until they came to a large wooden door guarded by two guards. It had wrought iron hinges designed to look like tree branches, with a large iron tree sigil in the centre, all painted white.

Inside was a large lamplit solar. Its windows gave wide views of the landscape and mountain ranges. It was decorated sumptuously in a soft blue colour. Drapes at the windows, with couches and armchairs to match and a large writing desk in the corner. To the left and right of the room, doorways led to other rooms. Sitting on one couch was a young maiden. She had long dark hair, laughing grey eyes and was dressed in a bright blue gown with no sleeves and a low-cut neckline. Swans were embroidered at intervals on the skirt.

On seeing Anberenien, she jumped up smiling and curtseyed. The two of them shook hands and exchanged greetings. Anberenien was most surprised to see a maiden wearing blue, but soon realised it was the colour of her family's house. "King Elessar thought you might appreciate a friendly face," said Lothíriel.

Elweth cleared her throat. "Princess, let me show you around your apartment." She then led Anberenien from room to room, explaining their functions as if she were a child. The rooms to the right were an elegant dining room and kitchen for her servants to use. To the left was a bathing spa with a large square pool in its centre, a garderobe for her privy functions, servants' bedrooms, a box room for storage and a large, lavish bedroom with a dressing room attached all in the same soft blue. "The King has thought of your every comfort. He wants you to be happy here. I assume your Elven servants will return home after the King's wedding."

Anberenien was taken aback at Elweth's remark."I will not be sending my attendants away, why should I?"  

Elweth stiffened. "As you wish, Princess, they are welcome to stay for the time being. But your male groom will have to lodge in the men's dormitories upstairs."

"He is not a male groom. He is my bodyguard and must remain at close quarters!"

"We have no way of accommodating him here except for the box room. There is a bed in there, but it's too small for an Elf, especially one of his height."

Anberenien glanced at Thurindaer, who nodded slightly. "The box room will be fine. Elves sleep very little anyway!"

Elweth sniffed. "Very well, my Lady Princess. I shall leave you to prepare for the feast unless you have any further need of me. I have laid fresh clothing out for you in your dressing room. But you must hurry, the King does not like to be kept waiting."

"Thank you, Elweth, that will be all," replied Anberenien. Elweth looked Anberenien up and down and left the apartment. Faelnith and Merenthel scurried off to the dressing room while Thurindaer stood by the window, arms folded, staring out into the dusk.

Lothíriel stifled a giggle."Thank goodness that old bat has gone. Now we can get to know each other properly."

"Lady Lothíriel, you cannot call her that," replied Anberenien in surprise.

"Why not? It is the truth, she is a miserable old bat, always has been." Lothíriel explained that Elweth used to serve in her household in Dol Amroth but had moved to Minas Tirith to be closer to her kinfolk after her husband's passing. 

"She is a bit of an old bat really, all that talk of sending my attendants away." Then both of them fell about laughing.