Chapter Two
The Call of Duty


It wasn't that Eldarion didn't want to see his father; on the contrary, he loved any excuse to spend time with him. But he felt this conversation would divuldge merely the tactics of conduct to be executed the next day when the party form Dol Amroth arrived, or some other such dry discussion. His mind was still floating with intoxicating happiness from speaking with Theodwyn, and he hesitated to use the part of his brain which was drilled in military and lordly behavior. Love hates distractions.

He expected to find his father in the throne room, but as he passed through the halls he saw him looking intently at a tapestry. It depicted Elendil and his sons sailing through storm and caos to reach the sanctuary of Middle-earth. King Elessar had always liked this scene best.

"Ada?" Eldarion asked.

Aragorn turned. "Ah. I'm glad you could come. I did not disturb you, I hope?"

Eldarion shook his head.

"How is Theodwyn?" Aragorn asked playfully.

"Lovely, as always," Eldarion replied.

"Good, good." Aragorn looked at his son with his keen eyes, proud of him and happy for him; youth has a vivacity that is so pleasing to behold. Love does as well, and the combination of them forms an irresistible charm.

Then Aragorn's mood turned serious, and the lines of his face seemed graver and more aged than Eldarion had ever seen them.

"I have things which I must speak with you about."

"Yes?" he asked, still expecting a mundane report of the condition of the army or the correspondence with another dignitary.

Aragorn began walking and Eldarion fell in at his side.

"You know it is given to the heirs of Elendil the blessing of long life, far longer than other men. I have told you this many times, yes? Good."

He paused, seeming timid to continue. Then he sighed.

"I am grown old, my son. The weight of all these years hangs on me like a cloak of fulfillment; I have lived long and have lived a fruitful life. Many battles, many struggles, many obstacles I have overcome. And rewards, too, have been great. How many days have I lived here since the destruction of the Ring? Countless thousands. More than a century I have stood before these people, they have been born and passed away during my reign. And now, now I grow not weary of my post, but I feel I have had my fair share of it."

"Ada! You cannot mean you are thinking of -- of leaving! Of death..."

"But you put it so harshly, Eldarion! Death is not to be feared, it is not a hardship. It is a gift to men, do you not remember?"

Eldarion was silent.

"It is selfish for me not to think of it. Would that I stayed yet longer I would deprive the country of my full leadership, for I will grow feeble. Even now I feel the strain of time begin to pull on me. How can I govern these people without my full capabilities? And you, my son, how can I keep the crown from you? It would be selfish of me."

"I am not ready to govern a people so vast as your own. They love you; they will not follow me the same way. They respect you; I have no renown."

"Is there no renown in being the son of Evenstar and a descendant of Isildur? Is there no renown in lineage?"

"In lineage, yes. But it means naught if I have not inherited the gifts you and Naneth are known for."

"Indeed, you have, though you cannot see them. Many gifts you possess and more. You were born to be a king and it is in your blood to rule, and to rule justly and well. I must allow you the honor and position you deserve."

Aragorn waited for an response, but none came.

"I have decided to leave this life and pass beyond the sea."

"But Ada --"

"Why should I stay?" Aragorn asked gently.

"I don't want to loose you. I need you. We all need you. And Naneth --"

"She knew of my fate before she married me. She can bear it, as can you. I am not of value so great that your life will not be worthwhile without me."

Eldarion's face was grave. "When do you plan to do this?"

"Soon. I will tell you more tomorrow. Now go, sleep; you look weary."

"Only because your words grieve me."

"Grieve then, but not overmuch. Let these last days together be less sorrowful than if otherwise I waited for the decay of time. And also, Theodwyn would not like to see you so cast down."

"She cares not for me."

"Do not be so hasty to delcare what a woman does not feel. That is often the most difficult emotion to judge."

Eldarion smiled, the thought was mildly pleasing. That was just like his father: bringing forward a point of view not readily seen by everyone, often for their comfort or enjoyment.

"Oh, Ada? What will we do without you?"

"You will live. That is all any of us can do. Greatness does not come by searching for it, and neither does happiness. You will find both on the road of duty."