Author's Note: Disclaimer same as last. Thanks to those who are actually reading this… your thoughts help a lot!!! *Emma the NazgulQueen* P.S. I'm not sure if it ever said that women could rule, but I'm kinda making this up as I go. Oh, and plus her name is Italian, so it isn't too Middle-earthish, but I liked it and its meaning. Thanks!
As the years passed, Venitia grew more beautiful, if it was possible. Now a woman of 20, she continued to reject every suitor that tried to woo her. Aragorn was becoming very impatient.
"My dear, I understand that you are insecure about marriage. But if you would just give one of them a chance, maybe you will realize it is not all bad," he said. "Besides, I have to give the crown to someone," he finished, agitatedly.
Venny was struck by a thought. "Why cannot I rule? You could give the crown to me!" she exclaimed.
"What?! No, Venitia, I could not give the crown to you," Aragorn said surprised.
"Aragorn? Why can she not rule? She is wise and intelligent. Remember, husband, her name means mercy," Arwen said.
But…" Aragorn racked his brain for another reason. "Rulers do not just sit on a throne. They fight, also. I cannot let our daughter fight battles," Aragorn said.
"I could fight if someone taught me how!" Venny cried.
Aragorn sighed. "I will think on it. This is not a light matter," he said seeing Venitia's mouth open in protest. With that, he left the room.
"Venitia! I hope you realize you have given us many sleepless nights. But I have faith, so should you," Arwen said, calming Ven down.
Venitia nodded and went to her clearing in the woods to mull things over. She was still surprised at herself…a woman ruler? How could she suggest such a thing? Yet…in her heart, Venitia knew she could rule. With the exception of being a soldier, she had all the qualities of a ruler. She was kind yet firm, wise yet light-hearted. So what if she didn't marry? All men do is break your heart, Venitia thought. She did not need that.
For days she went back to her clearing. Her father had said nothing yet, and she had not dared to question him. He went about his business as usual, as so did she.
On the fourth day of her thinking in the forest, a twig snapped. Venny turned quick to see her father.
"I know I have not thought long, yet I know that I have thought hard. Venitia, you are an intelligent, kind, and warm person. You would be the perfect ruler to succeed me. Although I would like to see you happily settled, I will never force you to marry. I will declare you as my successor, and that from now on women have the right to rule," he finished.
Full of joy, Venitia jumped up and ran to her father.
"I will not disappoint you," she whispered.
"I know," he smiled and broke the hug. "But I will sleep better knowing you can defend yourself. I have decided to hire someone to train you in the ways of a soldier.
She nodded. It was a small price to pay, right?
***
"Good morning!" a voice boomed.
Venitia woke suddenly to find strange man standing over her.
"Well? What are you doing? Get up!" he boomed again.
"What? Who are you? It is not even dawn!" Venitia yawned.
"Name of Donovan, your highness. Hired by the king," he bowed here, "to train you for battle. Today is the day we start! Now get up, put these on, and I will be back in five minutes!" He marched out of the room leaving clothes on her bed.
Venitia groaned and got out of bed.
