I know it's a miracle – I'm actually posting something! Rest assured, I am working on several things – very slowly :-)

A/N: You know, I really like setting myself little challenges, it makes writing so much fun! This time I opened a dictionary at random and had to write a LOTR story inspired by the first word I saw – with no cheating! I did seven of them, and some turned into quite amusing little one-shots – and some went completely off topic but sure that's the way. Well, I hope you enjoy them, I'll be posting one every day (I'll try not to forget!) And do review!

Disclaimer: Nope, not mine.

Manage

Aragorn sighed, running his hand through his already on-end hair. Around him lay piles and piles of documents, all, supposedly, in urgent need of the new king's attention. Not for the first time Aragorn found himself wishing for the informality of the Ranger camps. The only paperwork to ever cross his path there was the occasional list of healing supplies for him to bring from Rivendell. The council of Gondor, however, appeared to be trying to drown him in lists, trade agreements and repair plans. Everyone of which he was supposed to read. He sighed again, moving his hand and causing a small paper landslide. He cursed.

Soft laughter filled the room, causing the former ranger to turn swiftly towards the door. There stood his Steward, leaning casually against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest. Faramir only laughed more at the annoyed expression on his liege-lord's face, "Not going well, Sire?"

Aragorn gave up frowning, as it obviously had no effect on Faramir, and just nodded, giving a wry smile, "Valar only knows how I ever came to be crowned, if the council attached this much paper work to that as well!"

Faramir chuckled again, sliding his back off the door post and entering the room, settling into the chair on the other side of the fine oak desk. He made an arch with his fingers and surveyed Aragorn over them. "They tried to, you know. But your crowning was my responsibility, and I would have none of it"

"That would explain it then" muttered the older man, squinting at the next piece of parchment, another trade agreement. Faramir leaned forward and, in one swift movement, snatched the document from his hand. The Steward perused it. Then he frowned.

"You need to put your foot down, Sire" he said, tossing the document away, "There is no need for half of these papers, I'm sure. That one" he indicated the one he had discarded, "Alludes to an agreement with Rohan which Eomer has already signed. The paper work is done. This one" he had picked up another, glancing at it quickly, "Discusses the rebuilding of the damaged Sun Gate, which is already being rebuilt"

Aragorn merely stared at him, "If those things are already under way, then why, in all the Valars' names, are they making me read about them?"

Faramir shrugged, "Paper is all they know. Everything must go down on paper, and they would all like to think that everything they write is necessary of your attention. Just tell them that from now on you will only be looking at up to date, and truly important documents. Say that if anyone hands you one that only wastes your time, then you will deal with them. They do not know you yet" he gave a rather evil grin, "They don't know what you'll do. I think you'll find your work load much lessened. If you don't, you'll never manage"

Aragorn smiled at the younger man, leaning back in his chair, "Without you I will never manage, my friend"

A/N: So? What do you guys think? This is one that turned into a little story – there's one coming up that went completely of topic and ended up with Aragorn and Eomer having a chat – I won't tell you want the word was ;-)

Tomorrow's word is Soft, and it is a short one.