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Augustus stood straight at attention. Stoic, perfect, knightly— Denethor sat in his black chair, clutching the broken Horn of Gondor. Word of Gandalf— Alongside an Halfling — arriving at Minas Tirith had quickly traveled up to the Citadel and Augustus' conversation with Faramir had abruptly been ended as he was called to stand like a statue, once again, at a respectful distance to the side.
Augustus didn't love his occupation, but it was a generational gift — even if his father was not his by blood, it was a family title. He had, by now, mastered the art of absolute quiet; quiet breaths, remaining motionless for an extended period of time. It made his legs ache, but atleast his bed always felt tenfold more comfortable than usual after spending so much time standing completely upright.
It was chilly and silent, up until the heavy doors were opened by outer attendants; Gandalf alongside a Hobbit walked in. Gandalf wasn't much of a surprise to Augustus, really. It's not that he constantly visited, the Wizard was just all about, back and forth around Middle-earth. The most shocking part was the Halfling he had beside him.
The Wizard and The Halfling walked down the long aisle, Augustus remained motionless like a statue; eyes forward, spine straight, whilst the Halfling was completely and utterly entranced by halls he had never seen before. His gaze was exceptionally captured by the statues, the pillars and such. They silently made their way forward without a word before they slowed and eventually stopped, with The Halfling a far bit behind Gandalf; "Hail Denethor, son of Ecthelion, lordand steward of Gondor," The Wizard exclaimed, then bowed the slightest bit.
Denethor barely looked up, his eyes set on the Horn of Gondor that had belonged to Boromir. He didn't answer; kept quiet. Situations like these were a tad bit awkward, yet Augustus paid no mind to it as Gandalf continued; "I come with tidings in this dark hour, and with counsel." Denethor finally spoke up with a moderately shaky voice, shifting slightly to sit up properly as he showcased the broken Horn. "Perhaps you come to explain this." The Halfling's eyes widened slightly as he set his gaze on the Horn. Denethor finally looked up properly, holding strong eye contact. "Perhaps you have come to tell me why my son is dead."
Augustus didn't move, didn't shift, didn't even blink. The death of Boromir was still a fresh wound for friends and family alike— including August. He had been close to both Boromir and Faramir, having been discovered by Faramir when he was a mere newborn near an Orc-camp in a forest near Minas Tirith. They'd basically watched him grow up. August learned a many things from both Boromir and Faramir. They all kept quit for a second. The Halfling's shoulders heaved slightly, as if he'd remembered something; something painful— and then, really, the audacity of this Halfling— spoke up without being spoken to or asked to speak. "Boromir died to save us."
Denethor's gaze cast from Gandalf to the hobbit. Gandalf glanced down, almost annoyed at the boy, but the Halfling simply continued without a beat, though clearly horrified. "My kinsmen and me. He fell defending us from many foes." The Halfling stepped forward, "Pippin!" Gandalf scolded. The Halfling — Pippin — then bowed down onto one knee. Denethor stared wordlessly. Augustus could barely believe it. It was times like these he was both grateful and embarrassed for his own job.
Pippin gazed up by the slightest bit as he ignored the Wizard's warning tone and continued speaking; "I offer you my service, such as it is," Gandalf, clearly annoyed, closed his eyes slightly, seemingly not having accounted for this. Augustus' back muscles tensed slightly; the tiniest action, yet August knew it likely didn't fly past Denethor's Perceptive gaze. Augustus had a amazing amount of control over his facial expressions, so it yet remained utterly unchanged and stoic. "...In payment of this debt." Pippin finished his sentence.
Augustus' eyes shifted just the slightest bit, almost condescendingly, staring at the Hobbit out of the corner of his eye. A glare, moreso than a simple stare. It was quiet again for a second, before Gandalf moved and lightly hit Pippin with his staff, "Get up." And the Hobbit did, quickly and swiftly getting back up on his feet properly, standing beside the Wizard. "My lord, there will be a time to grieve for Boromir, but it is not now. War is coming." Denethor's gaze once again cast back down. "The enemy is on your doorstep." And with that, The Lord looked up once more as Gandalf continued to speak. "As steward, you are charged with the defense of this city. Where are Gondor's armies? You still have friends. You are not alone in this fight."
Augustus' jaw tightened slightly, but he kept himself under control. Not in displeasure, annoyance or agitation toward what Denethor probably considered disrespect, but at slight amusement as Gandalf stated the obvious and the Hobbit's idiotic and seemingly unsuccessful attempt at becoming a Guard; Though his need for laughter quickly faded as, again, Augustus had a considerable amount of restraint and self-control. "Send word to Theoden of Rohan. Light the beacons." Gandalf continued. Denethor almost glared at the Wizard at the considerably intelligent and arguably good advice. "You think you are wise, Mithrandir." His lips quivered. "Yet for all your subtleties, you have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind? I have seen more than you know."
Gandalf lifted his chin slightly. "With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor. And with your right, you'd seek to supplant me. I know who rides with Theoden of Rohan." Denethor became quieter. "Oh, yes," Augustus kept quiet and utterly still. God, how he hated this part of his job. "Word has reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn. And i tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North," Denethor raised his voice as he quickly became rather enraged. "Last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship." "Authority is not given to you to deny the return of the king, steward." Denethor stood up from his chair in the blink if an eye, clearly utterly enraged as he spoke, "The rule of Gondor is mine," He yelled. "and no other's."
Pippin simply stated until he turned his head to the taller Wizard, whom simply turned around and signaling the Hobbit to come along with a command; "Come." Gandalf simply stormed off as Pippin strayed not too far behind, looking back once before he'd finally caught up with the Wizard. Denethor simply slowly sat back down and with a flick of his wrist, wordlessly signaled Augustus to leave the throne room stat.
The Retainer bowed curtly and exited the hall just a few paces behind Gandalf— He wouldn't wanna deal with Denethor's attitude today. Attendees once again opened the heavy door for the ones leaving— and closing it afterwards, too. Augustus hurried down slightly down the stairs before he was abruptly intercepted, stopping him halfway down the stairs. "Augustus." The young Retainer stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder at the Wizard, whom was towering over him.
The Halfling was already half a foot away, lingering nearby like a rather lost child. Gandalf took a step forward, leaning down slightly; "There are matters that require my attention," He explained, before his gaze cast back to the Hobbit and Augustus followed the Wizard's gaze. "Important ones." He emphasised. "I am leaving him to you." Augustus' head spun almost harshly back to the Wizard.
In his head, he was already arguing with this favor; look after a lost Halfling? Burden himself with some lost little thing? Him? He's a Retainer— not just any Retainer! His family had been serving the rulers — or, well, caretakers — of Gondor for generations long! They had a high status, they were highly ranked. Known! Respected! Well... Augustus wasn't exactly famous, either. People still focused more on his Foster father than the one currently holding the title of a Retainer. Augustus choked his complaints back, simply turning his head once more back to Pippin.
"...Why is he with you?" Augustus asked quietly, loud enough for Gandalf to hear— not loud enough for Pippin's ears, however. Gandalf did not answer, simply continued walking— "You will thank me for this eventually." Augustus stood there for a second, almost bewildered as the Wizard passed by Pippin, who then called out in slight confusion; "Where are you going?"
"To tend to Important matters," Gandalf huffed. "Keep close to the Retainer!" Augustus hurried forward in a slight jog, but stopped dead in his tracks right next to Pippin. He wanted to chase after the Wise Wizard, but he also knew better than to question orders, especially from a man like Gandalf.
Augustus' eyebrows furrowed, lips parted slightly in bewilderment, before he'd schooled back to a pensive expression; Lips tightly closed in a straight line, brows relaxed. He clenched his fists slightly in repressed anger— 'Giving me a defenseless Hobbit? Is this an insult? Do I not have important matters to tend to, too? How is HE important? Why is he important? This...is both a compliment and an insult to my honor.' Is what Augustus thought before he turned on his heel to escort the Halfling to his quarters... wordlessly.
Pippin looked between Gandalf and Augustus, before he simply followed August as per the Wizard's orders, even if he was slightly confused and thoroughly bewildered.