After the remaining details had been discussed, Boromir pulled Miriel away for a word in private. She knew what he would say, and why, but allowed herself to be led to a secluded area of the valley, deciding she would speak to Aragorn later. As soon as they entered, and Boromir had made certain that no one was about, he rounded angrily on his sister.

"What do you think you're doing?" Instead of an angry or harsh response he expected based on usual arguments, she remained calm and collected.

"What I believe to be right." That was how he knew she was certain about her choice. "Believe me, Boromir, had I any confidence that the ring could be used to help in this war by having it brought to Gondor, I would have agreed with you and fought for it in the council. But that ring holds the will of Sauron. Any act we commit, even if it be for good, would be twisted and used to his goal. If it was taken to Gondor and Father attempted to use it, he could destroy Minas Tirith and topple the throne. He would destroy all we have fought for." Boromir huffed.

"You may be right, nethig, but that throne will never be filled, though you wish it." Miriel frowned.

"Why do you speak so, muindor? I know you have long believed the line of Isildur broken, but it is not! Aragorn is the heir to the throne, whether you like it or not, and he will make a great king." Boromir shook his head.

"Your hope blinds you, sister. Aragorn does not want the throne. He will not take back the White City because he is afraid of the responsibility of being the king. He turned from that path." Unbeknownst to the siblings, Aragorn was just outside the room, having come looking for Miriel, and had heard Boromir's last words. The words were true, though Boromir knew not Aragorn's reasoning. He knew his fear, and was ashamed of it. Miriel spoke again, and the hope she held in her voice was strange to him, unused to hearing it.

"No, brother, your bitterness has clouded your mind and will not allow you to see any other outcome than the one you fear. Aragorn may fear the throne, but he has his own reasons to, and we cannot act as though we truly understand his position. Neither you nor I have ever had to carry the burden that has been placed upon him simply because of who he was born to. You do not know him as I do. Aragorn is a good man, and a loyal one. However it may seem to you, he will not let Gondor fall to Sauron. As for hope, do not discredit its power. In such times as these, hope is often all we have." They spoke to no longer in this vein, as Boromir was called away to speak with the advisors who had come with him. Aragorn then entered, as though he had only just arrived, and they spoke a little, but Miriel knew what was bothering him, and pushed the conversation that way until he finally relented and asked his question.

"How can you believe in me when all others doubt me, including myself?" She smiled slightly, looking out from the balcony they stood by, gazing over the ageless valley.

"You fear the throne because of Isildur. You believe that his weakness regarding the ring is in you." He nodded, sighing as he joined her at the railing.

"The same blood flows in my veins."

"Perhaps, but your fear runs deeper than that." He looked at her in astonishment and genuine curiosity.

"Where does it go? What then is my fear?" She turned to him and, once again, her eyes seemed to strip away every wall and barrier he had ever erected in his mind. It was a freeing feeling, having someone see him for who he was without judgement. Every mask, disguise, and fabricated identity seemed to flee before her sight until only Aragorn remained. She smiled softly at him.

"You fear letting your people down. You fear failing them. I may not carry the same burden you do, but I understand the responsibility, and how terrifying it can be." Aragorn bowed his head.

"Then how can you believe that I can do this?" She looked at him, though he could only see it from the corner of his eye as he stared at his hands as they rested on the carved railing.

"Because you are not Isildur. You are Aragorn, and you can fight whatever weakness may hide inside of you. You are no coward, and you are not weak. You will face the same evil as he did, but you will not fall to it. Do not fear the past, for that gives it strength and power over you. Let the past remain in the past, and I know you will not fail." Aragorn breathed deeply, the conviction in her words reawakening a flicker of hope within him.

"I cannot do this on my own, Miriel. I know nothing of ruling." Her strong hands took both of his into their grip, making him raise his eyes to hers, the steady blue calming the storm that whirled within his grey ones.

"You are not alone, Aragorn. As long as I am alive, I will stand by you. As for ruling the people, I must admit that I think it impossible for you to make things any worse than they already are. Our situation can only improve." The pair chuckled, and Aragorn embraced her, an action she returned without hesitation. They stood there a few moments longer before parting to ready themselves for the journey, and a flame of determination blazed within both as they exited the valley of Imladris not many hours later. The fire seemed to be contagious, and courage ignited within all ten members of the Fellowship as they headed down the path leading into the shadow of Mordor.