Chapter 3
Aragorn had begun to lose patience when Roagan finally arrived back to Gondor.
"Have you a reason that will suffice for keeping your King waiting?" Aragorn said seriously with a comical glint in his eye. It was a comical scene indeed. It was in Aragorn's lavish throne room that a muddy and disheveled Roagan had burst into unexpectedly and out of breath.
"I…apologize…your Majesty." Roagan inhaled, " I was asked to stay for a feast for two nights, Sir. I rode home as quickly as I could."
"Roagan, you need no such formalities with me." Aragorn scolded; "So the King's hospitality has no bound I see?" he eyed the boy's muddied face and ripped clothing. Waiting for an answer, he returned to his maps, missing the confused look that had appeared on Roagan's features.
"King? Nay Aragorn, Queen Aurora has not yet been wed. There is no speaking of a suitor either. Though I cannot imagine why someone so fair should be unwed." Roagan explained.
Aragorn looked up at Roagan, not letting him know his dismay.
"I do not know what I has come over me," he smiled, "you're right, it must be that it is hard to imagine such a beautiful and wise queen without a husband." However, secretly thought "What distress Aura must be going through! What possibly could have happened to leave her alone, on the throne? Could my dear friend be dead?"
"Oh yes, milord. She is indeed beautiful. She is what plagues my desires. She is fairer than Galadriel herself. An angel sent from heaven; she is what dreams are made of." Roagan sighed as he starred at where the cosmos would be if the vaulted stone ceiling had not existed.
"My, my, Roagan. It seems that you have become quite infatuated by Aura." Aragorn teased.
"Aura? Only her closest friends call her Aura, I was told. And yes, I am. If you had seen her as well, you would have been as love-struck as I." Roagan defended himself.
"Yes, she is quite charming, I'll admit, although she was only twelve years old when I saw her last. I do believe I have a right, however, to call her Aura, as her godfather." Said Aragorn his clear blue eyes dancing with laughter. "I do miss her." He sighed under her breath, wishing to see the girl he had once considered his daughter. "What news does she send?"
Roagan, recovering from shock and embarrassment answered, "Only that she will send someone to represent her people."
"Alright," Aragorn smiled to his young companion. "You must be tired after your journey. Mayhap you should bed now."
"I do not believe I would enjoy anything better." Roagan smiled back thinking already of Queen Aurora who would almost definitely infiltrate his dreams. He departed with a lovesick gaze in his eyes, leaving Aragorn to contemplate the fate of his goddaughter and his best friend, her father.