Hmm, an interesting story this. I don't think that the policy that you have Imrahil propose would be adopted in Tolkien canon. After all it's clearly stated that all the lands of Gondor were reclaimed save only Rohan. That would probably be a very sensible option as well, as a border on the Poros river would be too close to Gondor's heartland for comfort, the Harnen would be much safer. Also Umbar has an extrmemly long history of piracy and antagonising the Haradrim against Gondor and it would be much safer for the coastlands if Umbar were once again part of Gondor. Past these points then Harad could be every bit as free as it wanted. I don't think Imrahil would have any love for Umbar either, especially as he spent most of his life fighting them. Also you refer to Harad as a realm, I don't believe that this was ever indicated in published works. Judging from descriptions I'd say they are more of a Confederacy of tribes and Kingdoms that occassionally unite against a common enemy. Otherwise though an interesting interpretation of post Ring War politics in Gondor.

Such a shame, only 4 reviews for this wonderful story. So I add mine!

I missed Hethlin too, but I like to think, that between the lines she is there, included in Imrahil's family.

Yet another wibbly review from me- oh, the intertwining of your stories will be the death of me! It was great to see Brand again, but if truly all of these are in the same continuity, Heth and Imrahil...aren't. Which is confusing and saddening and maddening and good god, I'm rambling like a mindless pairing-oriented fangirl from Harry Potter fandom or the like. But either way, consider my heartstrings tugged! Imrahil in the twilight of his life is one thing, but above all, your characterization of him is my favourite among all authors.

Right, fangirl rambling over- it's now past 4 AM and I really must sound incoherent. I adore your writing, though.

yay! isabeau is writing again...i dont really need to tell you about the quality, i hope it goes without saying that i consider you as one f the most professional writers on fanfiction, it's just lovely to see another piece of the epic timeline that you have created around lord of the rings, and imrahil...although it's quite sad to see that andra died..and i noticed there was no indication of what eventually happened to heth...update soon and let us all know!

Brandmir at the Kings counsel! Great!

I dont know if you know much about german history between the First World War and 1933. During that time Germany was forced to pay reparations for the damage done to the winners. So far, so good. But the reparations were put to a level much too high, so that the german people were not able to pay and hold up their own trade and industry. What followed was unemployment, hunger, political uprisings - and a man named Hitler. The reparations were not the only reason why he got political power in his hands. But I think this is a good example from history for what could happen from a case you described in this story.

Well, Imri always knew how to make a dramatic entrance; nice to see that age hasn't lessened the impact.

Oh, and grown-up Brand from Noble Jewel and Lost - wonderful! Especially that he's a Swan Knight and a formidable warrior.

I like the concept of Aragorn, Faramir and Imrahil as Gondor's ruling triumverate. Though I would think that Faramir could, after 25 years, have become enough of a statesman to have helped Aragorn pull off the lessening of the tariffs by himself. Still, family is family; it's good to have such alliances.

Loved the ending! Could we please see a story about how Faramir met and mentored Raksandhar?