"I still don't see how we can trust a nation that wanted to destroy us!"
King Aragorn sighed, fighting the urge to cradle his head in his hands. He had thought he would've been able to relax today but this petty meeting had been called. It had started out harmless, just smoothing over some trading problems with Harad, when a few prejudice council members proclaimed that they should stop trade with the country all together. But it had been years since the War and the nation of Harad had become much more peaceful. The realm had been taken over by a sensible king, named Samad, who the people loved. He had quickly established a peace treaty with Gondor as well as other northern countries. Afterwards a trading route between the lands was made and had been working out quiet well. Transportation was still being worked on, hence the meeting, but Aragorn and Harad's king hoped in a year or two all would be running swimmingly. But these council men just couldn't get over the fact that Harad was once an evil place.
"Gentlemen, listen to me, Harad and its king no longer seek to destroy us and take our city. You know this. Gondor will continue its trade and relations with Harad end of story. Now is there any other business we must attend to?" he asked rather irked.
The council men exchanged glances, and mumbled among themselves. Finally most of them shook their heads, and Aragorn immediately adjourned the meeting. Quickly, he walked out of the room, rubbing his eyes. Aragorn just wanted to go somewhere quiet to relax. As he strolled down the hall he was met by one of the head palace guards.
"Sir, there are two criminals down in the throne room that need your attention as soon as possible. We need you to judge them as you see fit."
Aragorn nodded dejectedly, saying he would come now.
The King sat on his cold throne, listening to the two men's stories as well as witnesses to their crimes. The problem was one of the criminals was younger and seemed to be led by the older, who obviously dominated his friend. The younger didn't really want to do the crimes he had. The boy was an orphan who thought, at first, that his older friend would take care of him. Instead he coaxed him into a life of crime, thinking it was the only thing he could do to survive. The older was just being selfish, having his young friend do the dirty work to get what he wanted.
Aragorn thought for a long time on what to do with the pair. The boy had still done unlawful things, even though he was ignorant. For now the King sentenced the two to nights in the dungeons, but during the day they would do labor. The younger, if he behaved, would probably be set free sooner than the other.
After some paper work with sealing their sentence, Aragorn slowly began to walk to his chambers. As he came upon his study, not only was he met by a messenger but one of his council men was also waiting for him. The messenger had letters and reports from both Ithilien and Rohan, while the council man had suggestion letters from advisors as well as other documents and reports that needed the King's attention and signature.
Aragorn took the stacks of papers into his study, though he was very tempted to throw them into the fire. Sitting at his desk, he started with the papers from Ithilien. Couple hours later, the King's eyes were sore and he was forming a headache. He longed to go outside and breathe the fresh air instead of the dusty. Running a hand over his hair, he picked up another report. Suddenly, Aragorn heard the door creak open. Looking up he saw no one in the ajar door until …
"Papa," came a voice closer to the ground.
The King of Gondor rose slightly and leaned forward to see his four-year-old daughter staring at him with her mother's eyes.
"Elwing?" his eyebrow raised as the little princess looked unsure if she could enter. Aragorn quickly gestured for her to come in, and she soon took a few steps forward before proclaiming.
"I drew a picture for you."
Aragorn then realized a piece of parchment was behind her back. He stood and came around the desk to kneel in front of it. Holding out his arms to her invitingly, Elwing swiftly came to him, her golden hair, a gift from her grandmother, flying every which-way. She proudly held out her drawing of the family. For a four-year-old, it wasn't too bad. They all had heads, legs, arms, and faces, along with colorful clothes and crowns. Aragorn was the tallest and had the largest crown on. Next to him was a smiling Arwen in purple, then Eldarion, then Ivorwen, Elwing, and finally, the smallest, Gilraen. Aragorn stared at it for quiet awhile with a smile on his features.
"What do you think?" asked Elwing nervously.
"I love it! I absolutely love it! You have quite a talent," he praised making her giggle, "Why, I'm going to have this framed and placed right here on my desk so I can see it everyday!"
After placing the masterpiece on his desk, picked his daughter up and swung her around, enjoying the sound of her laughter. It was a moment of bliss in his dreary day.
A smile slipped onto the Queen's lips as she watched her husband and daughter play from the crack in the door. She knew Aragorn was having a bad day and needed some cheering up. Arwen had come upon her daughter drawing and suggested that perhaps Papa would like it. The girl immediately agreed to the idea, though was slightly nervous about giving it to him. Arwen easily concurred with her daughter's feelings. Papa was quite intimidating, and it wasn't everyday that your picture was judged by the King of Gondor. But the Evenstar knew her sweet ranger would love whatever she gave him, and even appreciate it.
"Mama said you would like it," Arwen suddenly heard.
Peeking in again, she saw Elwing on Aragorn's lap in his desk chair. The King and her eyes met and Arwen tried not to laugh.
"I think Mama's outside spying on us!" Aragorn whispered loudly to Elwing.
The princess turned to the door and yelled.
"Mama are you spying on us?"
The Queen finally laughed as she walked in, coming to stand behind her husband.
"Only a little, I wanted to make sure all was well," she motherly stroked her daughter's wild hair.
Aragorn looked up at her, mouthing a thank you, and she mouthed a you're welcome as well as giving him a sweet kiss.
"Now come long dear, Papa, unfortunately, needs to get back to work."
Aragorn gently placed the little girl back on the ground, and she scurried after her mother. Before walking out the door Elwing turned to her father and smiled.
"I love you Papa," she said sweetly.
"I love you too," replied the King.
Author's Note: Oh the fluffiness! Thanks for your patience!
