Title: The Price of Being King
Rating: PG13 (just to be on the safe side)
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings nor am I profiting from this story. Any similarity between this story and other fan fiction pieces is purely coincidental.
Summary: Life is a series of choices, but every choice has a consequence. The newly crowned king of Gondor must make a choice, the consequence of which will affect Middle Earth for eternity.
Reviewer Reponses:
Mysterious Jedi- I'm glad you were able to find the chapter. I hope you are enjoying the story.
Katquest – A hunter, me? Lol, no it couldn't be any further from the truth. I'm funny in that I won't eat anything that was raised to be food. However, I lived in Michigan for a couple of years and was forced to listen to more than my fair share of hunting stories. Yes, chub and cisco are real fish but I choose those names because I didn't think anyone would notice. On a sad note the deep water cisco used to swim in the waters of Lake Michigan but has been extinct in that water body for quiet some time.
Everyone else reading I hope you are enjoying the story. The Epilogue will be posted on Monday.
Chapter 3
Sadaraszar saw the king approach and called, "Sire, with your leave we're ready to get started."
The king looked at the men solemnly, "No."
The men appeared utterly confused and Sadaraszar inquired, "Excuse me my lord, what did you say?"
"I said no, we're not going to hunt them." The king replied.
"What are you going to let us starve?!" one of the hunters yelled.
"No, but when the food is scarce we must eat a different type of food." The king replied coolly.
"There isn't any other food!" the man raged.
Ignoring the man Aragorn turned to his steward, "Faramir how long would it take to get livestock here from Minus Tirith?"
The steward considered for a few moments then responded, "A month, if the message is sent by hawk otherwise six weeks."
The king nodded his head thoughtfully while the man continued to rant, "We have nothing to eat! We'll starve before the livestock arrive"
The king walked up to face the angry man, "Have you so little faith in your king?" he asked sadly. Than he turned back to his steward "Faramir how much meat would it take to feed Poros until the aid from Minus Tirith arrives?"
The steward concentrated for a few moments, "I believe 1400 lbs would do sire."
The king nodded, "That's what I thought as well." He then addressed the enraged man, "Sometimes you have to look for solutions in the most unexpected places." He closed his eyes for a moment then looked to his captain, "When we get back to Poros slaughter the horses and send a message to Minus Tirith by hawk requesting food, livestock and soldiers be sent to Poros immediately". The king turned back to those standing around him, "I'll not let a type of creature be destroyed while there is an alternative. This place will be set aside as a sanctuary for the Harad deer, none will be hunted until the herd grows so plentiful that they again run the plains of southern Ithilien."
After this announcement the men prepared themselves for the return to Poros and the king moved to gaze into the river. "Heavy thoughts mellon nín?" Legolas asked as he came up behind his friend.
Aragorn didn't answer his friend's question but instead countered with one of his own, "What do you think he would have done?"
The elf narrowed his eyes at his friends back, "who?"
"Ada, what would ada have done had he been here?"
The elf sat down next to his friend, "I don't know what your adar would have done." The rangers eyes came up to meet the elf's, "what I do know is that he would be very proud of you"
"Are you sure of that?" Aragorn asked warily, "I am letting people eat the horse he gave me."
Legolas gave his friend a sad smile, "Yes I'm sure he'd be proud of you". The ranger nodded but remained quiet so the elf continued, "Are you all right mellon nín?"
Aragorn sighed, "I will be" he assured his friend.
Legolas stood and slapped his friend on the back, "I knew you would", he offered a hand to the king, "the men are ready, let us head back to Poros."
One month later
Legolas ran to catch up with the king of Gondor who was heading to the royal quarters, "Are things finished here?"
Aragorn hadn't heard the quiet approach of his friend and so he jumped at the sudden question. Scowling the former ranger replied, "Yes, the livestock are all in pens or pastures, the preserve for the Harad deer has been established, and troops are patrolling the region." Aragorn closed his eyes and let out a tired sigh before continuing, "I'm weary mellon nín and I miss the white city and my wife, its time to go home."
The elf smiled and slapped his human friend on the back, "Then let us go, the horses are ready as is the guard. If we leave immediately and ride hard I think we can reduce the seven day trip to four days and have us home in time for your birthday."
Aragorn smiled and looked sidelong at his friend, "mellon nín I don't think my guards can keep that sort of pace."
Legolas walked past his friend into the stable and returned momentarily with two horses. He gave the reigns of one horse to his friend and mounted the other, "so they don't keep up." He answered with a twinkle in his eye.
The king smiled widely and mounted his own horse. Just then Jauran, the head guard hurried toward the two friends, "It is important we all stay together. The roads are guarded but it never hurts to be careful my lord."
The king nodded solemnly to his captain, "Of course Jauran". As soon as the guards were mounted the group set off at an easy pace. When they passed the gates of Poros the king and prince exchanged a covert look then spurred their horses into a gallop.
"Slow down your majesty," Jauran yelled to his king.
"Sorry Jauran these horses have minds of their own" the king called back.
The return trip went by quickly and late into the night of the fourth day the elf and human entered the gates of the seventh circle and slowly made their way to the citadel. Aragorn quietly assured the guards that all was well as the pair crept toward the living quarters. They were almost to their respective quarters when a light appeared followed shortly by a voice, "What is this, an elfling and a child creeping in after curfew?"
Both elf and man turned to face the greatest terror in the palace. Legolas recovered first and bowed low, "My lady Arwen, how are you this fine evening?"
Aragorn reacted slower but finally managed to get his body to follow his commands and walked to his wife. He took her hands in his and kissed her passionately, "Arwen, I've missed you. We didn't want to wake you so we were being as quiet as possible."
"You didn't need to be so careful, Hithgoroth woke me saying that two figures, which much resembled my husband and a wayward elven prince had just entered the city. Where is your guard, Estel?" Arwen inquired coolly.
"About two days behind us." The king answered quietly as he lowered himself onto the settee.
Legolas stole a look at his friend and approached Arwen, "I know you're angry we left the guard but Estel really did want to get home. This trip has been difficult for him and he needs reassurance right now".
Arwen took a glance at her beloved then nodded to Legolas. Walking to the king she held out her hand, "Come, you're in need of rest. Since you're home safely it matters little how you got here, tomorrow you'll relax and we'll have a quiet celebration for your birthday."
The next morning broke bright and sunny and the king of Gondor awoke with new appreciation for his home. The trip around his kingdom had made him realize that there were challenges everywhere but they were easier to deal with when he had the love and support of his wife. By the time he had awoken Arwen was already up so Aragorn dressed quickly and went to find his beloved. When he pushed open the door to the private dinning room he was greeted by some unexpected guests.
"Good morning, Estel." Elrohir called.
"Decided to finally grace us with your presence, I thought we were going to have to get you up.' Elladan taunted with a gleam in his eye.
Aragorn looked between his brothers and his wife as his tired mind tried to make sense of what he was seeing, "Why are you here?" he finally asked.
"What you don't want us here?" Elrohir asked with mock indignation.
"No!" the human shouted as he shook his head desperately trying to clear the cobwebs, "That's not what I meant, I just didn't expect you here".
Legolas laughed and walked to the hapless humans' side, "Don't tease him first thing in the morning, you know that when they first wake up human brains work as fast as honey flows in winter."
Aragorn lunged at his friend but Legolas easily dodged. The twins approached their human brother and Elladan put his hands on the human's shoulders, "We came because it's your birthday and because Arwen said you've been through a difficult time".
Aragorn grabbed both twins and brought them in for a tight embrace, "I'm so glad you're here."
"Arwen told us about the preserve, we'd like to see it while we're here." Elrohir mumbled into his brother's hair.
Aragorn pulled back and looked at his brothers sadly, "I suppose but I have to find a new mount first."
"I think we may be able to help with that," Elladan said cryptically. Aragorn looked at his eldest brother with hopeful eyes, "after you've eaten something young one". Aragorn stuck his tongue out at his brother but sat down and made quick work of his breakfast.
Wiping his mouth the human addressed his brothers, "Now can you tell me what you brought me?"
The twins burst out laughing at the puppy-dog face of their younger brother, "still up to the same tricks I see." Elrohir laughed, "Elladan didn't he look exactly the same when he was five and we had returned from Lorien with a gift for him."
"Yes, brother he did, I guess young ones never grow up." Elladan agreed with a smirk.
"Okay, okay I'll never grow up. Can I see what you brought me now?" Aragorn pleaded.
"All right little brother we'll take you to your present" Elrohir conceded. The entire party rose and followed the twins through the city. The journey ended at the stables, which they entered and moved to a stall which housed a beautiful buckskin stallion.
Aragorn gently stroked the stallion's nose then looked at his bothers, "This is ada's horse" he said sadly.
Elladan reached forward to stroke the horse's flank, "yes it was. We want you to have him." Aragorn started to protest but was stopped by a signal from the eldest twin, "Please take him, ada would want you to have him."
Elrohir came up beside his twin, "We are so proud of you Estel and we know that ada will be as well please accept him and may he keep you well."
The king raised by elves stroked the horse's nose once more than turned to his brothers with tears in his eyes, "Thank you". The sentiment of which caused both twins to immediately envelop their little brother in hugs.
Elrohir stroked his brother's hair and replied, "Your very welcome little one".
"Now will you take us to see your preserve?" Elladan asked.
"Yes, of course. Let's gather some supplies and then we'll be off." The king replied and turned to walk to the palace when a hand on his arm stopped him.
"Not yet" Arwen insisted, 'this is the first year the people can celebrate your birthday Estel, don't ruin their party by disappearing. After the party you may go and I won't even insist you take the guard."
So it was settled and the day after the party three elves and the king of Gondor set out for new formed refuge. After several days of riding the party reached the refuge and the first sight which met their eyes was a small herd of Harad deer drinking out of the river. The king and his eldest brother were mesmerized by the sight when suddenly an un-elven shriek was heard behind them followed by uncontrollable laughter, the combination of which caused the herd to bolt across the plain.
"Legolas that wasn't funny" Elrohir hissed as he tucked wet hair behind his ear.
"It wasn't my fault the tree dumped its dew all over you," Legolas replied innocently.
"It wasn't?" Elrohir asked sarcastically, "Then what exactly were you talking to the tree about?"
"Let it go Ro, you needed a bath anyway" Elladan commented nonchalantly.
Elrohir lifted his head to make a rebuttal but was speechless as soon as he saw the beauty which surrounded them. His eyes took in the chartreuse and dark green of the trees, the variety of flowers, the various types of birds and mammals then looked at his younger brother. "You've done well Estel, Ada would be proud".
"He certainly would" Elladan chimed as he dismounted.
Aragorn followed his elder brother's lead and got off his horse. He buried his head in the horse's coat and thought "Yes, the reward was well worth the sacrifice."
A/N: First of all before all the angry messages start flowing in, I'm not advocating eating horses but in certain countries (France) horse meat is considered a delicacy plus in the situation Aragorn really didn't have a choice. As a horse owner I don't think I could ever eat horse meat but for those of you who do, as long as the slaughter is humane I don't have a problem with it. Urban sprawl has become a worldwide problem as the more cities grow the less space there is for wildlife. Preserves and natural areas are important because they set aside some land for the displaced animals. These spaces allow the animals to survive human encroachment for many generations so that those in the future can also enjoy the animals.
Rating: PG13 (just to be on the safe side)
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings nor am I profiting from this story. Any similarity between this story and other fan fiction pieces is purely coincidental.
Summary: Life is a series of choices, but every choice has a consequence. The newly crowned king of Gondor must make a choice, the consequence of which will affect Middle Earth for eternity.
Reviewer Reponses:
Mysterious Jedi- I'm glad you were able to find the chapter. I hope you are enjoying the story.
Katquest – A hunter, me? Lol, no it couldn't be any further from the truth. I'm funny in that I won't eat anything that was raised to be food. However, I lived in Michigan for a couple of years and was forced to listen to more than my fair share of hunting stories. Yes, chub and cisco are real fish but I choose those names because I didn't think anyone would notice. On a sad note the deep water cisco used to swim in the waters of Lake Michigan but has been extinct in that water body for quiet some time.
Everyone else reading I hope you are enjoying the story. The Epilogue will be posted on Monday.
Chapter 3
Sadaraszar saw the king approach and called, "Sire, with your leave we're ready to get started."
The king looked at the men solemnly, "No."
The men appeared utterly confused and Sadaraszar inquired, "Excuse me my lord, what did you say?"
"I said no, we're not going to hunt them." The king replied.
"What are you going to let us starve?!" one of the hunters yelled.
"No, but when the food is scarce we must eat a different type of food." The king replied coolly.
"There isn't any other food!" the man raged.
Ignoring the man Aragorn turned to his steward, "Faramir how long would it take to get livestock here from Minus Tirith?"
The steward considered for a few moments then responded, "A month, if the message is sent by hawk otherwise six weeks."
The king nodded his head thoughtfully while the man continued to rant, "We have nothing to eat! We'll starve before the livestock arrive"
The king walked up to face the angry man, "Have you so little faith in your king?" he asked sadly. Than he turned back to his steward "Faramir how much meat would it take to feed Poros until the aid from Minus Tirith arrives?"
The steward concentrated for a few moments, "I believe 1400 lbs would do sire."
The king nodded, "That's what I thought as well." He then addressed the enraged man, "Sometimes you have to look for solutions in the most unexpected places." He closed his eyes for a moment then looked to his captain, "When we get back to Poros slaughter the horses and send a message to Minus Tirith by hawk requesting food, livestock and soldiers be sent to Poros immediately". The king turned back to those standing around him, "I'll not let a type of creature be destroyed while there is an alternative. This place will be set aside as a sanctuary for the Harad deer, none will be hunted until the herd grows so plentiful that they again run the plains of southern Ithilien."
After this announcement the men prepared themselves for the return to Poros and the king moved to gaze into the river. "Heavy thoughts mellon nín?" Legolas asked as he came up behind his friend.
Aragorn didn't answer his friend's question but instead countered with one of his own, "What do you think he would have done?"
The elf narrowed his eyes at his friends back, "who?"
"Ada, what would ada have done had he been here?"
The elf sat down next to his friend, "I don't know what your adar would have done." The rangers eyes came up to meet the elf's, "what I do know is that he would be very proud of you"
"Are you sure of that?" Aragorn asked warily, "I am letting people eat the horse he gave me."
Legolas gave his friend a sad smile, "Yes I'm sure he'd be proud of you". The ranger nodded but remained quiet so the elf continued, "Are you all right mellon nín?"
Aragorn sighed, "I will be" he assured his friend.
Legolas stood and slapped his friend on the back, "I knew you would", he offered a hand to the king, "the men are ready, let us head back to Poros."
One month later
Legolas ran to catch up with the king of Gondor who was heading to the royal quarters, "Are things finished here?"
Aragorn hadn't heard the quiet approach of his friend and so he jumped at the sudden question. Scowling the former ranger replied, "Yes, the livestock are all in pens or pastures, the preserve for the Harad deer has been established, and troops are patrolling the region." Aragorn closed his eyes and let out a tired sigh before continuing, "I'm weary mellon nín and I miss the white city and my wife, its time to go home."
The elf smiled and slapped his human friend on the back, "Then let us go, the horses are ready as is the guard. If we leave immediately and ride hard I think we can reduce the seven day trip to four days and have us home in time for your birthday."
Aragorn smiled and looked sidelong at his friend, "mellon nín I don't think my guards can keep that sort of pace."
Legolas walked past his friend into the stable and returned momentarily with two horses. He gave the reigns of one horse to his friend and mounted the other, "so they don't keep up." He answered with a twinkle in his eye.
The king smiled widely and mounted his own horse. Just then Jauran, the head guard hurried toward the two friends, "It is important we all stay together. The roads are guarded but it never hurts to be careful my lord."
The king nodded solemnly to his captain, "Of course Jauran". As soon as the guards were mounted the group set off at an easy pace. When they passed the gates of Poros the king and prince exchanged a covert look then spurred their horses into a gallop.
"Slow down your majesty," Jauran yelled to his king.
"Sorry Jauran these horses have minds of their own" the king called back.
The return trip went by quickly and late into the night of the fourth day the elf and human entered the gates of the seventh circle and slowly made their way to the citadel. Aragorn quietly assured the guards that all was well as the pair crept toward the living quarters. They were almost to their respective quarters when a light appeared followed shortly by a voice, "What is this, an elfling and a child creeping in after curfew?"
Both elf and man turned to face the greatest terror in the palace. Legolas recovered first and bowed low, "My lady Arwen, how are you this fine evening?"
Aragorn reacted slower but finally managed to get his body to follow his commands and walked to his wife. He took her hands in his and kissed her passionately, "Arwen, I've missed you. We didn't want to wake you so we were being as quiet as possible."
"You didn't need to be so careful, Hithgoroth woke me saying that two figures, which much resembled my husband and a wayward elven prince had just entered the city. Where is your guard, Estel?" Arwen inquired coolly.
"About two days behind us." The king answered quietly as he lowered himself onto the settee.
Legolas stole a look at his friend and approached Arwen, "I know you're angry we left the guard but Estel really did want to get home. This trip has been difficult for him and he needs reassurance right now".
Arwen took a glance at her beloved then nodded to Legolas. Walking to the king she held out her hand, "Come, you're in need of rest. Since you're home safely it matters little how you got here, tomorrow you'll relax and we'll have a quiet celebration for your birthday."
The next morning broke bright and sunny and the king of Gondor awoke with new appreciation for his home. The trip around his kingdom had made him realize that there were challenges everywhere but they were easier to deal with when he had the love and support of his wife. By the time he had awoken Arwen was already up so Aragorn dressed quickly and went to find his beloved. When he pushed open the door to the private dinning room he was greeted by some unexpected guests.
"Good morning, Estel." Elrohir called.
"Decided to finally grace us with your presence, I thought we were going to have to get you up.' Elladan taunted with a gleam in his eye.
Aragorn looked between his brothers and his wife as his tired mind tried to make sense of what he was seeing, "Why are you here?" he finally asked.
"What you don't want us here?" Elrohir asked with mock indignation.
"No!" the human shouted as he shook his head desperately trying to clear the cobwebs, "That's not what I meant, I just didn't expect you here".
Legolas laughed and walked to the hapless humans' side, "Don't tease him first thing in the morning, you know that when they first wake up human brains work as fast as honey flows in winter."
Aragorn lunged at his friend but Legolas easily dodged. The twins approached their human brother and Elladan put his hands on the human's shoulders, "We came because it's your birthday and because Arwen said you've been through a difficult time".
Aragorn grabbed both twins and brought them in for a tight embrace, "I'm so glad you're here."
"Arwen told us about the preserve, we'd like to see it while we're here." Elrohir mumbled into his brother's hair.
Aragorn pulled back and looked at his brothers sadly, "I suppose but I have to find a new mount first."
"I think we may be able to help with that," Elladan said cryptically. Aragorn looked at his eldest brother with hopeful eyes, "after you've eaten something young one". Aragorn stuck his tongue out at his brother but sat down and made quick work of his breakfast.
Wiping his mouth the human addressed his brothers, "Now can you tell me what you brought me?"
The twins burst out laughing at the puppy-dog face of their younger brother, "still up to the same tricks I see." Elrohir laughed, "Elladan didn't he look exactly the same when he was five and we had returned from Lorien with a gift for him."
"Yes, brother he did, I guess young ones never grow up." Elladan agreed with a smirk.
"Okay, okay I'll never grow up. Can I see what you brought me now?" Aragorn pleaded.
"All right little brother we'll take you to your present" Elrohir conceded. The entire party rose and followed the twins through the city. The journey ended at the stables, which they entered and moved to a stall which housed a beautiful buckskin stallion.
Aragorn gently stroked the stallion's nose then looked at his bothers, "This is ada's horse" he said sadly.
Elladan reached forward to stroke the horse's flank, "yes it was. We want you to have him." Aragorn started to protest but was stopped by a signal from the eldest twin, "Please take him, ada would want you to have him."
Elrohir came up beside his twin, "We are so proud of you Estel and we know that ada will be as well please accept him and may he keep you well."
The king raised by elves stroked the horse's nose once more than turned to his brothers with tears in his eyes, "Thank you". The sentiment of which caused both twins to immediately envelop their little brother in hugs.
Elrohir stroked his brother's hair and replied, "Your very welcome little one".
"Now will you take us to see your preserve?" Elladan asked.
"Yes, of course. Let's gather some supplies and then we'll be off." The king replied and turned to walk to the palace when a hand on his arm stopped him.
"Not yet" Arwen insisted, 'this is the first year the people can celebrate your birthday Estel, don't ruin their party by disappearing. After the party you may go and I won't even insist you take the guard."
So it was settled and the day after the party three elves and the king of Gondor set out for new formed refuge. After several days of riding the party reached the refuge and the first sight which met their eyes was a small herd of Harad deer drinking out of the river. The king and his eldest brother were mesmerized by the sight when suddenly an un-elven shriek was heard behind them followed by uncontrollable laughter, the combination of which caused the herd to bolt across the plain.
"Legolas that wasn't funny" Elrohir hissed as he tucked wet hair behind his ear.
"It wasn't my fault the tree dumped its dew all over you," Legolas replied innocently.
"It wasn't?" Elrohir asked sarcastically, "Then what exactly were you talking to the tree about?"
"Let it go Ro, you needed a bath anyway" Elladan commented nonchalantly.
Elrohir lifted his head to make a rebuttal but was speechless as soon as he saw the beauty which surrounded them. His eyes took in the chartreuse and dark green of the trees, the variety of flowers, the various types of birds and mammals then looked at his younger brother. "You've done well Estel, Ada would be proud".
"He certainly would" Elladan chimed as he dismounted.
Aragorn followed his elder brother's lead and got off his horse. He buried his head in the horse's coat and thought "Yes, the reward was well worth the sacrifice."
A/N: First of all before all the angry messages start flowing in, I'm not advocating eating horses but in certain countries (France) horse meat is considered a delicacy plus in the situation Aragorn really didn't have a choice. As a horse owner I don't think I could ever eat horse meat but for those of you who do, as long as the slaughter is humane I don't have a problem with it. Urban sprawl has become a worldwide problem as the more cities grow the less space there is for wildlife. Preserves and natural areas are important because they set aside some land for the displaced animals. These spaces allow the animals to survive human encroachment for many generations so that those in the future can also enjoy the animals.