Gondor's King
folder
-Multi-Age › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
17
Views:
2,470
Reviews:
3
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
17
Views:
2,470
Reviews:
3
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
“Are you sure you will not stay another night Aragorn, we still have not discussed the trade alliance we talked briefly of yesterday.” I shake my head with determination at Gimli who stands with his arms folded in defiance at the entrance of the stable. After angry conversations with my councillors last night we are all now excessively determined to return to Minas Tirith to attend court.
“No I fear I have urgent business at home master dwarf. I merely intended to deliver my invitation to the King of Mirkwood and having done so wish to return home as soon as may be.” I tighten the saddle upon my horse before leading it past Gimli and into the courtyard. My councillors and guards are already mounted upon their steeds as I come to a stop in front of them and mount up. From the training paddocks Legolas and several armed guards appear also upon their horses. With respect for Legolas position I lower my head in greeting. I sent word of our hasty departure via my councillors to him this morning and am not surprised by the cool guarded expression he shows towards me now.
“Your departure from Mirkwood is indeed swift Elessar, I pray the urgent business you speak of is not too grievous.” I catch my councillor’s glancing nervously at me but I ignore the looks and shake my head easily.
“No indeed, it is not grievous enough as to dampen the celebrations I have planned.” Legolas smiles cautiously and nods in understanding. “I will send word with the arrangements as soon as I arrive back in Minas Tirith, and I beg that you would bring master Gimli with you as well, so we may talk for a little longer.” Gimli grunts his acceptance of my extended invitation still a little put out that I am leaving so quickly.
“I bid you farewell then King Elessar. May the Valar see you a safe journey home and be assured your company in Mirkwood will be missed until we next meet.” Confidently I take the gloved offered hand of Legolas and we grasp each other in a warriors embrace. His eyes are of the most beautiful sapphire blue I have ever seen and I force myself to tear my gaze away from his as I turn my steed towards the woods.
“Thank-you for your hospitality Greenleaf it was most welcome. Farewell.” With that I dig my heels into my horses underside and begin a steady trot into the woods with my party, aware that we are closely followed by the elven-armed guards. I do not brave a glance back at the king of Mirkwood for fear of guilt or something much worse so instead I concentrate on what actions I will take when I first arrive back at home.
**************
We approach the Western Gate of Minas Tirith at pace, I wish to create as less fuss as possible upon my arrive home so that I may get straight to work discovering the treachery among my court. As predicted the watchers have seen our approach and the gates are opened without question to allow me to ride unstopped through towards the palace. It has been a long journey from Mirkwood and we have only stopped a few times to replenish our strength and rest our horses. My body is fatigued but I show no weaknesses as I dismount in the courtyard and stride towards where several of my courtiers as waiting for me at the entrance to my private quarters.
“King Elessar your home coming is quite unexpected we had not planned on your arrival for another few days yet.” I ignore my head courtier and hand my coat and weaponry to the house maidens who are in quite a disorder at having my unexpected arrival home. My two sons’ and my daughter greet me at the entrance to my study and I embrace each of them and gift upon them a small trinket Legolas has sent them from his home. My councillors and courtiers follow me into the study and all of them fall silent as I pour myself a glass of fey wine and sit stiffly down into my favourite leather chair in front of them. “I pray your visit to Mirkwood was as enjoyable as you predicted my lord, and your court is exceedingly joyous to hear of Rivendell’s recovery from their sickness.” My head courtier shifts uneasily as he tries to make polite conversation but I am having none of it tonight. The house maidens rally around me lighting some candles and fluffing the cushions and such like. I stare stone faced at my head courtier and gesture to the scroll that my faithful councillor has brought with us from Mirkwood. It is a document outlining the various attacks on the elves from the men of Arnor that Legolas had scribed for me, less it helps me find those responsible in both Arnor and my own city.
“No it was not as pleasing as I would have liked.” I pause meaningfully glaring at the chancellery who is fidgeting nervously. “I wish for a full court attendance tomorrow morn chancellery, you will see to it that it is so with no exceptions. Anyone found to be absent will be charged with treason and punished by the full weight of the law, do you understand?” I watch as everyone bows low in understanding as I stand and drain what remains of the wine in my glass.
“May I inquire my lord what events have taken place to bring about this action from you?” My chancellery looks up at me cautiously as I move to stand in front of him and stare down at him with contempt. He has had full power over the court in my absence and I believe him already to be the most serious offender in the events, which have happened.
“No you may not. I shall address the court in the morn and not earlier.” I sneer at the chancellery in contempt before glancing over to where my three children are now standing quietly at the doorway into the study. It is long since I spent some time with them and I do not wish to dally on what shall take place tomorrow when I have time to spend with them. “I will retir my my room, Aratula, Breachtian, Kahual you will come with me. I am not to be disturbed under any circumstances.” Obediently my offspring follow me from the room as I purposefully ignore all of those behind me, who bow in respect of my authority as I leave. Already from the hushed silence behind me I can tell my children are aware of my mood and all three of them obediently follow me along the silent hallways to my separate chambers. Once away from the prying eyes of my court I allow myself to relax, my weariness showing as my daughter helps me with my outer coat and helps me over to my favourite chair by the window.
“You have ridden hard father to arrive this day. From your messages we believed you to be staying in Mirkwood for a little while in the King of Mirkwood’s company. May you tell me what has troubled you as much to return with such haste?” I sigh quietly as I watch my beloved only daughter lovingly unlacing my boots while my middle son fetches me another glass of wine. Closing my eyes I allow the flawless image of Legolas, which is burned into my memory to ease my internal rage. My children do not deserve to be on the receiving end of my anger, especially Aratula; she is much in the image of Arwen and has the sweetest disposition. I would not want to burden her with my troubles for her smile brings warmth to my heart in the darkest of places and I do not want to see it wane.
“The king of Mirkwood’s good company has been jeopardised by my court. I should have liked to stay longer in the wood, as it is beautiful like it’s people but in the interest of future alliances it was be ret return home so that I might stem this treachery that risks the bonds our forefathers struggled to obtain.” Aratula nods understandingly and moves away from me before disappearing into my bedchamber no doubt to ready my bed and run a bath for my aching body. I have prohibited her to have any dealings in politics of any kind. As much as I believe that a woman in a place of power is at times needed, it is enough for me that I must thrust my two sons into the icy world of power without burdening my daughter with that duty as well. When she has gone Kahual brings me my wine before sitting down next to Breachtian who is watching me with avid curiosity. While he is only a few months from his right of passage into his majority he is far more mature than any of his own age. He seeks knowledge where he can and considers everything in detail but he is good with a sword and a vigilantly for Gondor’s people, he will make a fine king some day.
“Do you know the cause of this upset between our realm and that of the woodland realm?” Breachtian inquires softly still carefully aware that my temper takes time to cool.
”Aye, there are some among us that have taken liberties and presumed themselves above the law of the free peoples. They have taken elven warriors from their posts in Mirkwood, for trade in slavery.” Kahual gasps with horror and shakes his head in repute. My youngest son is quite accustomed with elves, his tutor is of elvish decent as are many of his friends. I notice quite acutely that Breachtian’s reaction is quite unnervingly passive for my liking. I do not make comment however but watch carefully as Breachtian shifts uncomfortably under my gaze, quite uncharacteristic of his usually confident manner.
“That is terrible father, elves are pure free creatures, they mean no one any harm.” I avert my gaze from watching my eldest son to gently place a consoling hand upon the knee of my youngest.
“Yes it is disturbing more that these traders are from my own court.” Breachtian’s reacting is immediate as he stands from the chair and paces hastily over to the balcony doors. His back is rigid and his face holds an unsettling rage I have not seen in him before. I watch as he wrings his hands together at the front of his tunic almost in nervousness.
“Are you sure? Could it be that the elves are mistaken? The men from Arnor are deceptive; they may have attempted to hide their shameful acts by implicating us?” I raise a curious eyebrow at Breachtian’s comments. For a boy who has been tutored by elves he is irrationally critical of the elves of Mirkwood but I stay my thoughts for the time being and merely move to stand next to him. I place a soothing but firm hand upon his shoulder as he continues to stare out to the stars, which are now high in the sky.
“You have made valid points my son, but we will be none the wiser until I take court tomorrow morning. If it is so that the elves are mistaken then my court need not worry but if they are not then the treachery in my court will be found and all those apart of it will pay for the elven lives taken, with loss of their own.” My words seem to sting my eldest son and he lowers his head almost in disgrace of himself. I am worried that in my absence Breachtian has questioned himself too many times and I berate myself for the extended leave. Softening my expression I gently steer both my sons towards the door to my chambers and embrace both of them in warm hugs of affection. “Do not worry yourself with matters of court tonight my sons, all will reveal itself with the new day. Now get away with you both I am tired and need rest.” Both of them bow respectful of my wishes before disappearing from my sight down the corridor leading away from my chambers. I sigh heavily and move back into my room the sweet fragrance of a warm bath is calling me and my feather pillow beckons my weary head. There will be time enough to consider the problems of my house, tonight I wish only to be left alone with the images of the blonde beauty that is The King of Mirkwood.
TBC……………………
“Are you sure you will not stay another night Aragorn, we still have not discussed the trade alliance we talked briefly of yesterday.” I shake my head with determination at Gimli who stands with his arms folded in defiance at the entrance of the stable. After angry conversations with my councillors last night we are all now excessively determined to return to Minas Tirith to attend court.
“No I fear I have urgent business at home master dwarf. I merely intended to deliver my invitation to the King of Mirkwood and having done so wish to return home as soon as may be.” I tighten the saddle upon my horse before leading it past Gimli and into the courtyard. My councillors and guards are already mounted upon their steeds as I come to a stop in front of them and mount up. From the training paddocks Legolas and several armed guards appear also upon their horses. With respect for Legolas position I lower my head in greeting. I sent word of our hasty departure via my councillors to him this morning and am not surprised by the cool guarded expression he shows towards me now.
“Your departure from Mirkwood is indeed swift Elessar, I pray the urgent business you speak of is not too grievous.” I catch my councillor’s glancing nervously at me but I ignore the looks and shake my head easily.
“No indeed, it is not grievous enough as to dampen the celebrations I have planned.” Legolas smiles cautiously and nods in understanding. “I will send word with the arrangements as soon as I arrive back in Minas Tirith, and I beg that you would bring master Gimli with you as well, so we may talk for a little longer.” Gimli grunts his acceptance of my extended invitation still a little put out that I am leaving so quickly.
“I bid you farewell then King Elessar. May the Valar see you a safe journey home and be assured your company in Mirkwood will be missed until we next meet.” Confidently I take the gloved offered hand of Legolas and we grasp each other in a warriors embrace. His eyes are of the most beautiful sapphire blue I have ever seen and I force myself to tear my gaze away from his as I turn my steed towards the woods.
“Thank-you for your hospitality Greenleaf it was most welcome. Farewell.” With that I dig my heels into my horses underside and begin a steady trot into the woods with my party, aware that we are closely followed by the elven-armed guards. I do not brave a glance back at the king of Mirkwood for fear of guilt or something much worse so instead I concentrate on what actions I will take when I first arrive back at home.
**************
We approach the Western Gate of Minas Tirith at pace, I wish to create as less fuss as possible upon my arrive home so that I may get straight to work discovering the treachery among my court. As predicted the watchers have seen our approach and the gates are opened without question to allow me to ride unstopped through towards the palace. It has been a long journey from Mirkwood and we have only stopped a few times to replenish our strength and rest our horses. My body is fatigued but I show no weaknesses as I dismount in the courtyard and stride towards where several of my courtiers as waiting for me at the entrance to my private quarters.
“King Elessar your home coming is quite unexpected we had not planned on your arrival for another few days yet.” I ignore my head courtier and hand my coat and weaponry to the house maidens who are in quite a disorder at having my unexpected arrival home. My two sons’ and my daughter greet me at the entrance to my study and I embrace each of them and gift upon them a small trinket Legolas has sent them from his home. My councillors and courtiers follow me into the study and all of them fall silent as I pour myself a glass of fey wine and sit stiffly down into my favourite leather chair in front of them. “I pray your visit to Mirkwood was as enjoyable as you predicted my lord, and your court is exceedingly joyous to hear of Rivendell’s recovery from their sickness.” My head courtier shifts uneasily as he tries to make polite conversation but I am having none of it tonight. The house maidens rally around me lighting some candles and fluffing the cushions and such like. I stare stone faced at my head courtier and gesture to the scroll that my faithful councillor has brought with us from Mirkwood. It is a document outlining the various attacks on the elves from the men of Arnor that Legolas had scribed for me, less it helps me find those responsible in both Arnor and my own city.
“No it was not as pleasing as I would have liked.” I pause meaningfully glaring at the chancellery who is fidgeting nervously. “I wish for a full court attendance tomorrow morn chancellery, you will see to it that it is so with no exceptions. Anyone found to be absent will be charged with treason and punished by the full weight of the law, do you understand?” I watch as everyone bows low in understanding as I stand and drain what remains of the wine in my glass.
“May I inquire my lord what events have taken place to bring about this action from you?” My chancellery looks up at me cautiously as I move to stand in front of him and stare down at him with contempt. He has had full power over the court in my absence and I believe him already to be the most serious offender in the events, which have happened.
“No you may not. I shall address the court in the morn and not earlier.” I sneer at the chancellery in contempt before glancing over to where my three children are now standing quietly at the doorway into the study. It is long since I spent some time with them and I do not wish to dally on what shall take place tomorrow when I have time to spend with them. “I will retir my my room, Aratula, Breachtian, Kahual you will come with me. I am not to be disturbed under any circumstances.” Obediently my offspring follow me from the room as I purposefully ignore all of those behind me, who bow in respect of my authority as I leave. Already from the hushed silence behind me I can tell my children are aware of my mood and all three of them obediently follow me along the silent hallways to my separate chambers. Once away from the prying eyes of my court I allow myself to relax, my weariness showing as my daughter helps me with my outer coat and helps me over to my favourite chair by the window.
“You have ridden hard father to arrive this day. From your messages we believed you to be staying in Mirkwood for a little while in the King of Mirkwood’s company. May you tell me what has troubled you as much to return with such haste?” I sigh quietly as I watch my beloved only daughter lovingly unlacing my boots while my middle son fetches me another glass of wine. Closing my eyes I allow the flawless image of Legolas, which is burned into my memory to ease my internal rage. My children do not deserve to be on the receiving end of my anger, especially Aratula; she is much in the image of Arwen and has the sweetest disposition. I would not want to burden her with my troubles for her smile brings warmth to my heart in the darkest of places and I do not want to see it wane.
“The king of Mirkwood’s good company has been jeopardised by my court. I should have liked to stay longer in the wood, as it is beautiful like it’s people but in the interest of future alliances it was be ret return home so that I might stem this treachery that risks the bonds our forefathers struggled to obtain.” Aratula nods understandingly and moves away from me before disappearing into my bedchamber no doubt to ready my bed and run a bath for my aching body. I have prohibited her to have any dealings in politics of any kind. As much as I believe that a woman in a place of power is at times needed, it is enough for me that I must thrust my two sons into the icy world of power without burdening my daughter with that duty as well. When she has gone Kahual brings me my wine before sitting down next to Breachtian who is watching me with avid curiosity. While he is only a few months from his right of passage into his majority he is far more mature than any of his own age. He seeks knowledge where he can and considers everything in detail but he is good with a sword and a vigilantly for Gondor’s people, he will make a fine king some day.
“Do you know the cause of this upset between our realm and that of the woodland realm?” Breachtian inquires softly still carefully aware that my temper takes time to cool.
”Aye, there are some among us that have taken liberties and presumed themselves above the law of the free peoples. They have taken elven warriors from their posts in Mirkwood, for trade in slavery.” Kahual gasps with horror and shakes his head in repute. My youngest son is quite accustomed with elves, his tutor is of elvish decent as are many of his friends. I notice quite acutely that Breachtian’s reaction is quite unnervingly passive for my liking. I do not make comment however but watch carefully as Breachtian shifts uncomfortably under my gaze, quite uncharacteristic of his usually confident manner.
“That is terrible father, elves are pure free creatures, they mean no one any harm.” I avert my gaze from watching my eldest son to gently place a consoling hand upon the knee of my youngest.
“Yes it is disturbing more that these traders are from my own court.” Breachtian’s reacting is immediate as he stands from the chair and paces hastily over to the balcony doors. His back is rigid and his face holds an unsettling rage I have not seen in him before. I watch as he wrings his hands together at the front of his tunic almost in nervousness.
“Are you sure? Could it be that the elves are mistaken? The men from Arnor are deceptive; they may have attempted to hide their shameful acts by implicating us?” I raise a curious eyebrow at Breachtian’s comments. For a boy who has been tutored by elves he is irrationally critical of the elves of Mirkwood but I stay my thoughts for the time being and merely move to stand next to him. I place a soothing but firm hand upon his shoulder as he continues to stare out to the stars, which are now high in the sky.
“You have made valid points my son, but we will be none the wiser until I take court tomorrow morning. If it is so that the elves are mistaken then my court need not worry but if they are not then the treachery in my court will be found and all those apart of it will pay for the elven lives taken, with loss of their own.” My words seem to sting my eldest son and he lowers his head almost in disgrace of himself. I am worried that in my absence Breachtian has questioned himself too many times and I berate myself for the extended leave. Softening my expression I gently steer both my sons towards the door to my chambers and embrace both of them in warm hugs of affection. “Do not worry yourself with matters of court tonight my sons, all will reveal itself with the new day. Now get away with you both I am tired and need rest.” Both of them bow respectful of my wishes before disappearing from my sight down the corridor leading away from my chambers. I sigh heavily and move back into my room the sweet fragrance of a warm bath is calling me and my feather pillow beckons my weary head. There will be time enough to consider the problems of my house, tonight I wish only to be left alone with the images of the blonde beauty that is The King of Mirkwood.
TBC……………………