A Break
It was noon in Minas Tirith, and Aragorn was hungry. He had been in his study doing paper-work all morning. He hated paper-work. There was no escaping it! Someone was always bringing him more. Aragorn couldn't even see his desk anymore! It had only been 2 days since the coronation. That morning's paper-work had been mostly trading agreements and other documents that needed his signature. The newly crowned King's trip to the kitchens did not take long, for his study was gratefully close to them.
"May I please have a bite to eat?" He asked one of the younger kitchen maids, who was staring at him in awe. His request snapped her out of her reverie and she blushed as she curtsied to him.
"Yes, of course, My Lord! Right away, My Lord!" and she hurried off to get a fresh pastry. While the girl was gone, he looked around. There were many tables with chairs of wood set around. Most were occupied with off-duty maids and cooks, but one was occupied by five others. As soon as Aragorn saw them, he went to join them. One of them, a Dwarf, looked up, and said to Aragorn in a gruff voice:
"So you have finally escaped the paper-work?"
"Yes." He replied in a weary voice. I suppose you would like to know who the Dwarf and others are, if you haven't guessed already. Well, they were Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf, Merry and Pippin. Aragorn pulled up a chair and sank down into it.
"What happened to you?" said Pippin looking at him.
"My heritage." was the reply.
"What about it," asked Legolas, "the paperwork?"
"Don't forget the councils." reminded Merry. Aragorn groaned. Gandalf said something quietly to him.
"I have no hope left." said The King to The Wizard.
"Did I just hear Strider give up?" Pippin asked Gimli.
"Yes…"
"Well that makes no sense at all. The Ring is destroyed! Sauron is dead! Why give up now?" While he had been talking, Aragorn's food had been brought to him. He munched on his bagel thoughtfully.
"He's right, you know." Legolas told Elessar. Still, he remained silent. Merry waved a hand in front of his face. Aragorn looked at him and Merry drew it back quickly and flashed a smile.
"You know, I should go check on Frodo, Sam, Faramir, Eowyn and everyone else in the Houses of Healing!" the king said, standing up.
"You're trying to get out of paperwork." accused Pippin.
"I am King and I order myself to take a break." Aragorn said defiantly, and marched out of the room, half-eaten bagel in hand.
"Aragorn will be Aragorn." said Legolas.
End