A/N;
Because very little is known about Eldarion, it means that I have a lot more freedom writing this than I did with Princess in the Fellowship. If there is anything which you want me to add let me know and I will try my best to incorporate it into the tale. If anyone does know of any important events which happened in Eldarion's life time please let me know.
CHAPTER TWO
"I will say this only once," stated Aragorn standing in front of the three boys. Elboron and Eldarion had the decency to look slightly ashamed though neither boy was prepared to apologise for their actions. They had been loyal to Kalya while she was alive and even more so now she was dead.
Halhigil however looked defiant. He was determined that both Princes were going to get punished. After all, he had only spoken to them while they had physically attack him.
Faramir stood behind his son and looked as though he didn't know whether to congratulate Elboron or given him the third degree. Kalya had been like a mother to him when he was a child and the Steward was loyal to her memory as well. Truth be told, Aragorn felt the same way but the actions of the boys, however justified, could not go unpunished.
Halhigil's father, Lord Pilimór, narrowed his eyes at all three boys while Haldir lingered in the background. He knew what he would like to do to the boy who had slandered his beloved charge but he also knew that Kalya would not approve and it would not set a good example for Eldarion.
"The display on the training field was an absolute disgrace! All three of you are supposed to be models of behaviour for the rest of Gondor, especially you Eldarion! As of now, all three of you are banned from all pleasure pursuits for the next two weeks. After that I will review your behaviour and if I find it satisfactory I will return your privileges. Understood?"
Eldarion and Elboron nodded, accepting the punishment with a mumbled "Yes, Sire." Halhigil on the other hand was outraged.
"Why?" he demanded. His father visibly cringed whilst Aragorn stared at the teenager.
"Your pardon?" he asked in a calm tone that would have made anyone else rethink what they were about to say. Halhigil was feeling to indignant to notice.
"Why am I being punished? Those brats attacked me not the other way around!"
"Those brats were defending the honour and integrity of Princess Aurél," replied Aragorn. "They are being punished for their actions and your are being punished for yours. I do not take slander kindly, no matter whether the person is alive or dead or who that person may be. That is why you are being punished."
Pilimór laid a hand on Halhigil's shoulder and glanced at his King; "Sire, excuse my son for his rudeness. Believe me, it will not go unpunished." Aragorn inclined his head and after a swift bow, Pilimór left his study, dragging a fuming Halhigil with him.
The King sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk and stretched out his arms to Eldarion and Elboron who were standing looking at the floor, waiting to be dismissed.
"Ion nîns, telo hí," he said gently, reaching forward and taking hold of their hands. my sons, come here
"Ada, nin geheno," murmured Eldarion. forgive me
"U-moe edared, Eldarion," replied Aragorn, wrapping both boys tightly in his embrace. The two Princes looked at him in surprise. there is nothing to forgive, Eldarion
"I wish to thank you both," stated Aragorn. "While you didn't go the right way about doing so, you proved to me that my sister is still remembered in Gondor. Le hannon." thank you
Just before he released them, he placed a kiss on their foreheads. "Go to your room Eldarion. No, on second thoughts, go and find Nana and Faerveren. You too Elboron. I will see you both at evening meal."
Giving their King a quick hug and a final disbelieving glance, both Princes scampered out off the room while Aragorn dropped his head into his hands, imbedding his fingers in his hair.
"You handled that rather well," remarked Faramir. "I wouldn't know what do to in that sort of situation."
"And I hope you never have to, mellon nîn," replied Aragorn. "I'm glad he is so protective of Kalya's memory but at the same time he can't go starting fights with everyone who makes a comment about her. That's not the first time, though he has never been so physical before." my friend
"Might I make a suggestion?" enquired Haldir. Aragorn indicated he could.
"After their punishment is over, why don't I take Eldarion and, with Lord Faramir's permission, Elboron back with me to Lòrien? It will give both boys a break and I am sure Rúmil will help me calm their aggressive tendencies."
"Are you sure that won't be seen as a reward?" asked Faramir.
"Which is why I offered for after the fortnight," replied Haldir.
"Might I make a suggestion of my own?" asked Aragorn. "Why don't we make it a family trip? We are heading to Imladris for the spring festival anyway, why not extend the trip by a few weeks?"
"You can break that to the council," remarked Faramir.
"It shouldn't be a problem," replied Aragorn. "We have at least two weeks to tell them what needs done and it will be interesting to see how they cope without their King."
"You've planned this for a while haven't you?" smiled Faramir. Aragorn smiled and nodded.
"And Prince Imrahil has agreed to step in as Steward if anything happens while we are away."
At this Faramir looked more than a little put out. "Am I not capable enough to run Gondor on my own?" he demanded.
"Mellon nîn, you are perfectly capable but you will find it difficult to do so from Imladris," replied Aragorn and he smiled broadly at the childish delight which flitted across Faramir's face. my friend
"My Lord!" he exclaimed in delight. Aragorn and Haldir laughed.
Queen Arwen Undomial and her two-year-old daughter, Faerveren, were in the small lounge off the side of the main hall, along with Éowyn. The two women were adding the finishing touches to a banner for the following day's celebration, while Faerveren played with a set of wooden animals by the fire.
Éowyn was regaling Arwen with a story about her nephew, Elfwine, when Eldarion and Elboron entered. They both bowed in respect and settled themselves in the floor beside Faerveren.
"Shouldn't you two still be at your lessons?" asked Arwen, rethreading her needle.
"Finished," replied Eldarion, glancing up at his mother.
"It was sword practice today, was it not?" questioned Arwen. The boys nodded. "Don't you usually stay longer?"
"Not allowed to. Ada banned us from pleasure pursuits for a fortnight," replied the Prince.
"Why?" asked Éowyn, hissing as she pricked her finger.
"Got into a fight," replied Elboron with a dismissive air.
"Boys," murmured Arwen, setting aside her needlework and motioning them to come closer. Taking hold of their hands the same way Aragorn had done, she looked directly at them.
"Who did you get into a fight with? And why?"
"Halhigil," spat Eldarion, his eyes blazing as he thought of the teenager. "He slandered Kalya!"
Arwen and Éowyn both winced, hoping that Aragorn hadn't heard what was said about his twin. He wasn't prone to allowing such comments go.
"What caused him to make any comment about her?" enquired Éowyn.
"He saw my ring," replied Eldarion. Seeing that his mother was going to want the whole story, the young Prince sighed and began to explain.
Once he had finished, Éowyn was praying that Faramir hadn't heard the comments. She was well aware of the fact that her husband had hero worshipped Kalya and when she had been killed by the same creatures who had taken his brother, he had been distraught from days, though somehow he had managed to keep a brave face when in public.
"You do realise Kalya would not be impressed by your actions," commented Arwen. "She may have been a warrior but she did not condone violence."
"You would allow people like Halhigil to disrespect her?" exclaimed Elboron.
"Pen dithen, you are misunderstanding me," replied his Queen, still speaking calmly. "Kalya hated what fighting did to people. She only fought when the needs of the majority outweighed the needs of the few. However, she held loyalty, courage, love and honesty in very high regard. To her, this was what made up a person's honour, not how many people you had slain in battle. She would be proud that you wish to preserve her name but do not raise a fist every time someone says something you disagree with." little one
Somehow, Arwen's gently tone had a greater effect of increasing Eldarion's and Elboron's guilt than any amount of shouting Aragorn or Faramir could have done.
"I'm sorry, Naneth," whispered Eldarion, casting his eyes to the ground. mother
"You do not owe me an apology but remember what I have said," answered Arwen, tipping her son's head so that their eyes met. "You will be great leader one day but a great leader looks to council rather than the sword."
"Yes, mamma," replied Eldarion, reverting back to the name he hadn't used in four years.
"Right," said Éowyn and she was smiling in such a way that both boys instantly became worried. "Since you are not allowed to pursue your usual riotous behaviour, you can help me and Lady Arwen with this banner."
Response to reviewers;
IwishChan; Yes they do, and quite rightly too!
Angel of the Night Watchers; (grins) I am glad to be of service. And to be honest, if you hadn't suggested the idea, I don't know if I would have written this sequel. Now, it is competing for attention with my Uni coursework. Guess which one I'd rather be doing!
CapriceAnn Hadican-Kocur; Interesting name. I'm glad you think so and don't worry Haldir will be having a bigger part in this story
Haldir's Heart and Soul; More as requested. And yes, I hate bullying as well. Not sure is it will happen again.
The Lady of Light; Thanks! Update as requested.
Chevalliata; Halhigil means "hidden dagger". In case you are interested, Faerveren (Eldarion's little sister) means "joyous spirit" and Pilimór (Halhigil's father) means "dark arrow"
As I said, this story is competing with Uni at the moment (the last one was written completely before I began posting) so I don't know how long it will be between updates. Shouldn't be any longer than a week though, probably every Friday.
Happy St Patrick's Day
KC