WDF pt3 aka the lotr fannish post
Jun. 5th, 2003 11:44 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
eliabrithTypical I agree to try a ficlet for the matrix and the LOTR muses decide they want to play (some more than others *glares*)
Anyway on to the waffle. I had hoped to get the Council session all done and dusted in one chapter cos I hate writing converstions. But I decided to break it when I reached 6000 wrds and the end was not in sight. Theres was more I was going to babble but lj is pissing me about again and i've forgotten it.
damn the chapter bounce form one of the lists. guess i'll either just send them a link or try sending it as plain text from the mac.
Anyway
notes at the bottom)
When Darkness Falls
Part 3
The Lords and their entourages as well as members of the court where already in the Great Hall when the Royal family arrived for breakfast. They all rose to their feet when the trumpet sounded to herald the arrival of the King and Queen.
Privately Eldarion despised the strict formality that dictated most of their daily activities. He knew his father agreed with him but his Mother and sisters enjoyed the attention and sided with the advisors who insisted they follow the ancient traditions laid down over the centuries. As they reached the top table indicted the Hall should be seated. Breakfast was served quickly, for once most of the inane chattering that usually accompanied any meals attended by the court was absent and an unusual tension permeated the air.
Eldarion glanced down the table at his sisters and their companions, they were silent, staring wide eyed around the room at the assembled nobles obviously picking up on the atmosphere. The silence of his sisters unnerved him more than he would ever acknowledge, normally they would be whispering and weighing up the good and bad points of the young sons of noblemen trying to pick out prospective husbands or on a few embarrassing occasions discussing prospective wives for him.
He looked back to his plate, he wasn’t hungry the general atmosphere had robbed him of what appetite he’d had that morning. His thoughts turned again to the reason of this Lord’s Council, he had seen some of the report scrolls that had been filtering in sitting on his fathers desk and read a couple of them. The contents had been disturbing, hunting parties going missing without trace, people being burned out of villages, the men and old folk slaughtered, women and children used as sport before being killed or eaten, mentions of rape and other cruelties had filled pages of scrolls. One report in particular had made a lasting impression, it had been written on a sheet of cured hide as opposed to paper, not unusual as many of the out lying villages often used spare hide which was plentiful rather than press paper, but this roll had an unusual and unpleasant scent clinging to it faintly. He’d been unable to identify the smell at first knowing only that he’d smell it somewhere before. The report detailed the attack of a traders caravan that had been unfortunate to cross the path of an Orc hoard, the caravans had been left untouched but there where no survivors just a large bonfire full of bones. As he’d read he remembered where he’d smelt the bitter aroma before. One of the palace cats had climbed into an unused oven to sleep, guests where expected in the palace and the cook had ordered all ovens lit to warm over night, the palace had awoke the next morning to a foul stench from the kitchens of burnt meat, hair and singed bones. It had taken days to rid the lower levels of the palace of the stink. It had been the same smell that clung to the cured hide in his hands.
After the realisation he’d dropped the scroll and bolted from the study, running past his father and Denethor in the hallway. His stomach roiled at the memory and swallowing dryly he fought to keep the meagre amount of food he’d managed to force down from escaping.
Raising his head to seek a distraction he met his fathers concerned gaze, flushing slightly in shame that his weakness should be so apparent. He looked down again at his plate wishing fervently that anything other than sausage had been served this morning. Feeling a light touch to his elbow he turned to his father to protest his lack of appetite only to be handed a basket of sliced fresh baked Seed and Honey Loaf.
“You will need something in your stomach this morning. I doubt you’ll feel like eating much at lunch either. This might be more palatable for you.” Aragorn gave him a strained smile and for the first time Eldarion notice the shadows around and in his eyes.
Setting the bread on the table he noticed the mostly untouched breakfast in front of his father. The uneaten crust of a slice of the Seed Loaf on the edge of the plate was the only sign the King had eaten anything himself. Grabbing a slice and the dish of butter Eldarion turned to thank his father only for the words to die on his tongue at the worried frown on Aragorn’s face as he studied the assembled Lords. Glancing further down the table he noticed his mother speaking to one of her handmaids unaware of the pained expression on her husbands face. Lifting and buttering a second slice he elbowed his father in the ribs. Aragorn started and glanced at his son in askance. Eldarion handed him the bread and echoed his fathers warning.
“You’ll need something in your stomach.”
Aragorn blinked and took the slice with a small smile and a nod. An almost silent clapping noise sounded behind them and Aragorn made a face, which was betrayed by the the brief sparkle of laughter in his eyes, and heaved a long suffering sigh before returning to his contemplation of the tables while chewing the bread. Eldarion, seeing Arwen was still occupied and unaware of the exchange, risked a glance behind to the once again silent Legolas who smiled briefly to him in thanks then and pointedly folded his hands behind himself again, falling back into the roll of inscrutable bodyguard. Eldarion turned back to finish his bread just before his mother glanced his way.
“Really Eldarion, bread and butter is not a proper breakfast for you.” She glanced to Aragorn for support but was ignored. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at her husband, who jumped slightly and looked towards her with a puzzled expression.
“Did you just kick...”
“Really Aragorn, I would expect you to be more attentive to your children’s health.” She interrupted.
Aragorn frowned and glanced at his three children.
“They look fine to me.”
“Eldarion has had no breakfast!”
“He has eaten some breakfast and besides he’s old enough to look after himself without you fussing at him.”
That was obviously the wrong thing to say as Arwen’s lips thinned and her gaze became icy. Eldarion seeking to prevent a public spectacle leaned forward.
“Mother, I am fine. I just don’t have much appetite this morning and all I will be doing today is sitting in council.”
Arwen’s attention switched from husband to son and after a few moment her expression softened very slightly.
“Of course my dear, it is just my place as a parent to worry about you.” She gave him a rather bitter smile which, as she turned away turned into a sneer due to Aragorn's lack of reaction to her not so subtle dig.
Eldarion put down the slice of bread he’d been eating losing what appetite he had recovered at his mother’s attempt to get a rise out of her husband. Looking up he met his fathers gaze.
Leaning down slightly so as not to be overheard Aragorn whispered. “Finished?”
At Eldarion's confirming nod Aragorn glanced at the rest of the table then drained his goblet and rose, the Hall silenced immediately when he rapped the table with the goblet.
"Council will convene in half an hour in the Council Chamber as usual."
With that Aragorn lead the way out of the Great Hall. The court rising to their feet to acknowledge the King's departure, Eldarion and the rest of the family following.
As the doors closed behind them the Hall’s sparse conversation picked up again.
“Aragorn.”
“Arwen, I need to go over some things with Eldarion before the council convenes. We’ll speak later.”
Arwen scowled unhappy at being interrupted and brushed aside.
“As you wish. Come along girls.” With that she swept along the hall towards the drawing room the twins hurrying to keep up.
Aragorn watched them leave with a weary expression before turning to his son.
“Come on, there’s a few things we need to discuss.” He motioned for Eldarion to follow him and they headed upstairs to the large official study rather that the small private one normally favoured by the King.
Once inside with the doors shut Aragorn waved his son to a chair in front of the fireplace and sat on the foot stool in front of him.
“Eldarion... this council... odds are it will not be pleasant. I know you have seen and heard some of the reports that have been coming in recently.” Eldarion inwardly cringed waiting for a rebuke. Looking up again when he didn’t detect any censure in his fathers tone. “I know you are curious as to what is going on, and you do deserve to know. But the fact remains that no-one knows what is happening at least not for sure and that’s what this council is about. Each of the Lords are getting information form their own lands we are each looking at parts of a puzzle but hopefully with everyone here, with more information available we may be able to see more of the picture and then begin to help.”
“Father. What will happen if we cannot contain these attacks?”
Aragorn studied his son for a few moments reflecting on how much he’d matured in the past few months from a gangly youth to a young man.
“I don’t know.” he replied softly leaning forward to look Eldarion straight in the eye. “We just have to hope a solution will present itself before the situation gets much worse.”
A quiet knock broke the silence that followed.
“Yes?”
Legolas poked his head into the room, then opened the door fully and bowed “The Lords are assembled in the Council Chambers.”
“Then we’d best not keep them waiting.” Aragorn rose and pulled Eldarion to his feet and looked him over from head to toe. “You’ll do. Just try not to fall asleep, or don’t snore too loudly if you do, some of the Lords might take offence.”
Aragorn grinned quickly and swept out the door before Eldarion could think of anything to say. Wordlessly he followed.
Eldarion trailed after his father on the way to the Council Chamber lost in thought. He privately had hoped to avoid official duties like this for a few more years at least, one of the advantages to being immortal and having immortal parents. It wasn’t though he’d thought he’d never have to take up official duties, after all most of his life had been spent in training for them, but he hadn't planned on doing so just yet and certainly nothing so serious. After 3000 years of peace with only the occasional trade dispute and border skirmish with Haradwaith most people become complacent with the feeling that Middle Earth was safe from war, a feeling that Eldarion realise he had shared though it had never been encouraged by his Tutors or his father. He had studied the old battles, knew all the legends such as the War of the Ring, been trained to ride and fight like all the boys in the Palace and barracks but like them had never though to have any opportunity for the skills to be necessary except perhaps in the annual games.
As they grew closer to the Chambers he could hear the noise of the Lords as they argued amongst themselves, the large doors stood open and through them Eldarion could see glimpses of colour moving in bright sunlight.
The little procession halted for a moment just outside the doors to allow the Speaker to call the Lords to order and introduce the King. Eldarion peered between his father and Legolas for his first sight of the Chambers in use. Often when younger he would sneak into the huge, dark empty hall with a few friends and a couple of candles take his fathers seat at the head table and pretend to have his own councils. Normally they would reach an abrupt end when one of the house keeping staff threw them out with a severe tongue-lashing, they never did work out how anyone ever knew they where there. The dark silent hall of his youthful excursions was dramatically different when seen in use. The shutters where thrown open to reveal windows almost the full height of the hall letting the morning light stream in. The tables and chairs that had only been tripping hazards in the gloom where revealed to be long tables in two ‘U’ shaped formations one inside the other, the inner one being smaller in size and, Eldarion noted shorter in height as well in deference to the Dwarf Lords that currently stood around it. There where two tables at the open end of the ‘U’ one raised to see over the one in front where the Speaker, his aides and the Istari where standing. As the Speaker finished announcing the arrival of the High king and Crown Prince of Middle Earth the Royal party moved onto the room to the raised table at the head of the Chamber and took their seats. Aragorn in the centre with Eldarion to his left beside Faramir and Denethor and Boromir on his right, Legolas and three other members of the royal bodyguard stood directly behind the table near the wall unarmed. It was a rule that no one carry weapons of war into a council, to do so was a sign of disrespect towards the other attendees. The doors where shut and this acted as a signal to the Lords to take their own seats. While the hall was quieting Eldarion glanced about himself and noted the ornate ceiling design and banners that hung from the walls. The banners represented all the countries in Middle Earth and parts of their designs where echoed in the gold and jewel encrusted emblems that decorated the ceiling.
Eldarion shifted his attention forward again as the Speaker banged his gavel once for silence.
“The Council is now in session. Is there any other business to be considered before we address the issues that have necessitated the calling of this Council?” The Lords remained silent several shaking their heads. “Then let us address the issue proposed, these attacks on our lands.”
Several of the human Lords leapt to their feet demanding men and supplies to defend their lands each of them insisting their need was the greatest. A young dwarf also rose to refute the men's claims saying that his people where more at risk since the provinces of Arnor had been little troubled by the Orcs. Faramir leaned closer to Eldarion and whispered. “Duin from the Grey Mountains his father, the previous Lord was killed in one of the first attacks along with his four elder siblings leaving Duin in charge. The men he is opposing are local provincial governors from Arnor, every half year or so a new one is elected so we rarely see the same ones, they report to Lord Halbarad. I don’t think he likes their approach.”
Eldarion focused on Halbarad as he tried to unobtrusively get his governors to retake their seats and follow procedure amid increasing grumbling from the other Lords. Just as Eldarion saw the Speaker reach for his gavel a new voice broke in.
“Friends of old and recent acquaintance.” Everyone looked towards the back of the Chamber where the Elven Counsellors sat, the fact that they never joined in with the general arguments and only rarely attended Councils often caused several of the other Lords to forget their presence. Everyone focused on the tall dark figure speaking.
Elrond glared around the hall. “You have been summoned to answer a threat of great importance. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall.”
Silence fell over the hall as the Elf Lord reclaimed his seat.
Aragorn let the weight of the words sink in before standing to address his Lords. “Lord Elrond is right, we will only be able to unearth the reasons for these attacks and formulate a plan against them by working together. Fighting amongst ourselves aids no-one except perhaps our enemies. We each have been receiving reports from armed patrols detailing the movements of the Orcs. what we need now is to combine our efforts and devise a way of stopping these incursions into our lands.”
A murmur of agreement ran through the hall and King Theoden of Rohan rose to his feet.
"Aragorn, we have been trying our best but we are beginning to take heavy casualties. My son was wounded day before last in a raid in the Westfold whilst leading a scout group tracking some Orcs heading north."
"Badly?"
"Severely I am told, the news reached us as we were travelling here, but there is perhaps some hope of his recovering. My niece Eowyn is looking after him and she has some considerable skill as a healer.”
“If I may speak, my Lords?” Saruman the White, head of the Istari order rose. At the speakers nod he continued. “There has been no evidence of reason for these attacks, there has always been minor skirmishes through out history with these creatures admittedly around the borders of out lands. Recently our population has been growing and moving into new areas that had previously been left to the wild. Is it not possible that these more frequent attacks could be caused by the very heavy winter and bad summer last year. Many of our crops failed and the Orcs inhabit a much harsher environ than we do. It is possible that they are simply searching for food and our new settlements are now occupying where they have previously hunted forcing them to forage further into our land. If this is so then it would seem likely that the attacks will stop soon and any action such as scout groups or armed patrol will only endanger our men by making it more likely for them to meet thus provoking the situation.”
Once again murmurings broke out as the Lords considered this idea, most shaking their heads.
“Saruman, I fear I must disagree with you assessment.” Aragorn leaned forward to look at the Wizard. “For centuries records have been kept by the Dwarfs and the Rangers of the movements of Orcs that cross the borders, where they forage, how they are armed, the patterns in which they move. No new settlements have been created in the areas where this activity is highest in an effort to prevent such problems as you suggest. In fact they have almost entirely avoided their previous haunts and moved into the heart of Middle Earth, where their behaviour is inconsistent with foraging. If they where simply hunting they would stay in familiar plains or avoid large groups of people. Instead they seem to be seeking the villages out or so I have been informed. Does anyone have any evidence to the contrary of this?”
The Lords shook their heads as one.
“It seems then I am wrong. i had forgotten how zealous your scribes are at keeping records Aragorn.” Saruman inclined his head and sat.
“Aragorn,” Theoden stood again, “while our records are not as extensive as the ones here, we too have noticed this disturbing trend, rarely since the War of the Ring have Orcs penetrated as far as Rohan so on the few occasions they have detailed records where taken of all activity. As you said this time they are not following any of the previous patterns. My nephew Eomer here," he indicated the young man to his right who unfolded a large map of Rohan spreading it on the table in front of his uncle. “has been drawing up maps of all the attacks in Rohan and there does appear to be a pattern to the movements, a rather disturbing pattern. While there are small bands freely roaming the countryside they seem to be retracing the same routes, these route are some of our main roads. While other larger groups are concentrating on attacking farms and villages, this has resulted in many people moving to the larger towns leaving wide corridors of uninhabited land around those roads.”
Boromir and Faramir left the head table to see the map joined by several of the other Lords as Theoden continued his explanation. “We have also marked where the main Orc camps are located.” Theoden paused. “They are generally on high ground over looking the land they have cleared, there are even several in our old defensive positions from when Rohan was a separate country. They been unused for centuries but are easily defended and difficult to attack. I fear the Orcs mean to stay.”
Faramir ran back to the head table and whispered to Aragorn who nodded and rose banging a goblet on the table for attention while Faramir slipped quietly out the door. “If we provide you with the maps could you all do as Theoden and Eomer have done? Mark all that you can, attacks, camps, routes travelled and anything else you can think of whether it seems insignificant or not. There’s a couple of hours before dinner, do what you can and then give the maps to Faramir, we’ll reconvene this afternoon and see what the maps can tell us.”
Faramir slipped back in the door a pile of rolled maps under one arm and a small message tube in his other hand, he dropped the rolls on the Speakers table for the aides to distribute and walked over to the group of Lords still pouring over the Rohan map.
“Theoden?”
The Rohan king excused himself from the centre of the group and followed Faramir away from the table a bit.
“Eomer had already prepared a copy of the map for you to keep.” He held the folded hide towards the tactician who stared at him silently before rousing himself and accepting the map. “Is something wrong?”
“While I was getting the maps I ran into Hama, he gave me a message for you from Edoras. It arrived via messenger bird just after the Council was convened this morning so he couldn’t pass it along before now.” He handed the king the small leather tube in Rohan colours and stepped back to afford the king some privacy.
By now the knot of Lords had mostly dispersed back to their own seats with maps of their own lands to mark. Faramir noticed his brother and father arguing about something on their own map. Beside them, he noticed Aragorn, watching Theoden closely before rising and coming down the hall waving Eldarion back when he made to follow. Faramir turned to look at the Rohan king again, he had turned pale and moved back to his seat as if daze, dropping the message in front of Eomer. Eomer snatched the paper up then dropped it as if burnt.
“Theoden?” Aragorn arrived at Faramir’s side.
“Theodred.. My son is dead. Alas, that these evil days shall be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house. Please excuse me.”
“Of course.” Aragorn clasped his shoulder for a brief moment as Theoden passed him. “I’m sorry.”
Theoden nodded in acknowledgement and hurried from the room. Eomer made as if to follow but stopped when Aragorn shook his head before turning back to the head table. Faramir sat down on Theoden’s chair and motioned to the map still spread out in front of Eomer.
“I was hoping you’d help me with the maps when the Lords are finished marking them? It would be quicker with two of us working together.” Eomer glanced towards the door Theoden had used. “Hama and Gamling were waiting in the corridor.”
Eomer nodded. “Then you shall have my help with the maps.”
Aragorn returned to the head table slowly, deep in thought, under close scrutiny from his lover and his son. As he sat he turned to look at Eldarion who met his searching gaze in confusion.
“Father?”
Aragorn watched him a moment longer then turned his head and stared out over rest of the Chamber. Eldarion glanced behind his father to Legolas who was intently studying Aragorn with his head on one side, a slight furrow in his brow. The sound of a goblet being knocked against wood jerked his attention back to his father, now standing again.
“Dinner will be served in the Great hall at the usual time.” He paused. “We have just been informed that Theodred son of Theoden has died. This Council will be recessed until this afternoon to give you time to work on the maps here, when you finish please give them to Faramir.”
The Speaker rose and banged the gavel once. “Council in recess.”
Aragorn nodded to the hall then spun and headed for the door leaving Eldarion and some of the guards scrambling to catch up with him. Legolas fell in behind Aragorn smoothly, then as Aragorn twisted to speak to him peeled off and made his way up the hall towards the Elven Lords. Eldarion seeing his father wait in the corridor with the other three guards paused too and peered back in the doorway watching Legolas, as he had the night before Thranduil ignore his son’s presence entirely except for a brief glance as he approached. Legolas bowed to the other Elves and bent down to speak to Elrond. Whatever was said made Elrond glance towards the doorway and Eldarion flinched back instinctively at being caught spying. He moved forward again chiding himself for being over-reacting. His grandfather was speaking to Celeborn and Glorfindel, they nodded in reply and Elrond turned back to Legolas. A moment later Legolas broke away heading back towards the doors and Eldarion stepped back further into the corridor to find his father watching him again.
Aragorn opened his mouth as though to speak then shook his head and motioned for them to continue down the corridor as Legolas rejoined the group. They continued swiftly back to the main part of the palace and up the stairs towards the family apartments. In the main anteroom before the corridor where the Royal family where generally housed the guards split off heading into the guards mess room to the right of the chamber while Aragorn, Eldarion and Legolas continued on to the private apartments alone. The six guards that lined the corridor snapped to attention upon seeing the king. Aragorn simply ignored them and headed towards his suite of rooms. As the trio approached the doors opened and Thesdil came out and bowed.
“King Aragorn, Queen Arwen is waiting in your study to speak with you.”
Aragorn froze momentarily as remembered dismissing his wife that morning and promising to talk later. “How long has the Queen been waiting?”
“Since the Council session started, my lord.”
Aragorn winced, Arwen would be furious about the earlier brush off and had been stewing on it all morning, whatever awaited him would not be pleasant.
“Thank you Thesdil please have some refreshments sent up.”
“Of course, my lord.” Thesdil bowed and practically scurried down the corridor. Clearly Arwen had been taking out her displeasure at being kept waiting on him. Aragorn glanced at the open door and stepped forward just as Eldarion stepped back.
“Umm.. I’ll go and wait in my rooms until dinner..” He trailed off catching his fathers look.
“It’s probably about your going to to live in Imladris so you can just follow me in. You complained when Arwen insisted you stayed here rather than going two years ago that you had no say in the decision, now’s your chance.” Aragorn motioned for Eldarion to precede him into the suite. Eldarion walked into the large sitting room thinking there were times he didn’t like either of his parents.
Legolas pulled the doors closed before moving off into the small room reserved for the kings personal body guard, though in Legolas’ case it was normally used as a separate study for and a place to store excess belongings, and shutting the door. Long ago it had been decided by Legolas not to flaunt his relationship with Aragorn in front of Arwen so generally he tried to stay out of her way and she avoided their chambers, and when she did have occasion to visit he remained out of sight in the guard room.
The door to the study was slightly ajar and Aragorn steeled himself before pushing it fully open and walking in, Eldarion following.
“Aragorn.” Arwen didn’t even look up as her husband entered and her tone was chilly.
“Arwen” Aragorn strived for polite neutrality, seeing his wife seated at his desk looking through some reports.
“I really must insist that Eldarion remain here with us, where it is safe.”
Eldarion’s head snapped round to stare at his mother from where he had seated himself next to the fire.
“Actually I think he would be safer in Imladris with your father,if we are invaded I am the principle target the further he is from me the better chance of survival. Besides Imladris is protected by the Elvish spells and guarded by excellent fighters, better soldiers than any we have here in fact.”
“I know that! If he reaches Imladris he will be perfectly safe it is the journey that I see as dangerous and thus unnecessary!” She snapped looking up for the first time and seeing Eldarion also in the room. “Eldarion, dear surely you see this decision is for the best, you can always go next year can’t you?” she smiled sweetly at her son.
“I.. I suppose so but..”
“There, that's settled them. Eldarion will stay and I will tell Ada..”
“No Arwen. Eldarion will be leaving with Elrond when the Council is finished. He will be perfectly safe travelling with your father, brothers and Glorfindel. I will be sending bodyguards with him and they will be travelling with Celeborn and Galadriel as far a Lothlorien. they are coming up to discuss travelling arrangements as soon as they are done in the Council Chamber!”
“I’m only asking that our son be kept safe and he’s happy to stay here.”
“No Arwen you’re not, you are demanding as usual, let Eldarion make his own choices. Eldarion do you want to go to Imladris now or next year?”
Eldarion glanced between his feuding parents either choice had consequences.
“I could go to Imladris next year b..”
“There you see at least someone round here can see sense.” Arwen broke in triumphantly smiling nastily at her husband.
“But.” Arwen’s head snapped right to focus on her son. “But I would rather go this year, if it is possible.”
“I see. Clearly I and my wishes mean nothing to either of you. Good day.” Arwen rose and swept out of the room.
“Arwen..”
“Mother..”
The sound of crockery crashing to the floor and Thesdil’s startled “Your Majesty” was the only reply. Eldarion slumped in his chair and stared into the fire, his mother would now be in a foul mood until he left and probably beyond that but at least then he wouldn’t have to suffer it. Aragorn leaned round the study door to see Thesdil picking up the remains of a plate and its contents from the floor. he must have been about to come in the door when Arwen stormed out.
“I’m sorry my lord. There was a slight accident with the refreshments.”
“It is fine Thesdil, in fact I have decided I will have my dinner served in my rooms rather than the Great Hall.” Avoiding Arwen for a few hours seemed like a good idea.
“Yes my lord.” Thesdil finished picking up the food, bowed and backed out pulling the door closed.
“You can come out now the coast is clear.” Aragorn called across the room, softly closing the door to his study.
“So I heard.” Legolas said dryly emerging from his haven. “Tell me, oh great king, have you ever heard of diplomacy?”
“She won’t listen and you know it.”
“And baiting her is a good idea?”
“Noooo, but I’m just too tired to try and outthink her at the minute.” Aragorn pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. Long cool fingers rubbed gentle circles at his temples and he leaned into the caress.
“You worry too much.”
“I’m king of a very large country its my job to worry.”
“No you’re king so you can have people to deal with the little things you let pile up. You have advisors and workers to handle the day to day stuff such and the drains there is no need for you to do everything yourself. You’ll make yourself ill fretting one of these days”
Aragorn opened his eyes to meet the concerned blue eyes only inches away. “All work and no play?”
“Something like that.” Legolas smirked and slowed the circles. Aragorn caught his wrists before he could remove them and pressed a kiss to each palm.
“So I should play more often then?”
“Perhaps.” Legolas smiled and tilted his head. Aragorn leaned forward for a kiss but Legolas leaned back just out of range. “Though probably not with your son in the study and what sounds like the full complement of your in-laws just outside the door along with miscellaneous companions.”
Aragorn groaned and dropped his head on to Legolas’ shoulder. “Good point.” he muttered into his lovers neck.
Legolas laughed and pressed a kiss to the side of Aragorn’s head before pushing him back and turning him to face the door ignoring the mock pout. For added measure he gave him a shove towards it.
“You were the one that invited them.” he hissed and pointed towards the door as someone knocked.
“Come.”
Elrond pushed the door opened and entered followed by Glorfindel, Celeborn, Galadriel, Cirdan, Gandalf and bringing up the rear Elrond’s twin sons Elladan and Elrohir. Legolas had been right Aragorn mused, all the in-laws and a few spares. Aragorn moved to open the study door and motioned them to enter. The twins held back letting everyone enter before them before smirking at Aragorn.
“Not interrupting anything we hope?” Elladan whispered, while his twin grinned across at Legolas who glared back silently.
“I’m not even going to answer that.” Aragorn growled. The pair glanced at each other and sighed.
“You’re no fun anymore.” Elrohir pouted. “You used to turn all different shades of red.” They sniggered and dashed into the study.
Aragorn glanced at Legolas as he approached. Legolas rolled his eyes and pulled a face, while they were glad that the twins had no problems with their relationship, much to their sister’s displeasure, their attempts to continually embarrass Aragorn could still be tiresome.
Entering the study and pulling the doors shut behind him Aragorn looked at Eldarion who currently looked like a trapped rabbit with his uncles perched on either arm of his chair.
“Aragorn, I was given the impression that Eldarion would be staying here and yet you wish to discuss the travelling arrangements?” Elrond sounded mildly confused.
“Let me guess. Arwen said he was staying?” At Elrond’s nod Aragorn groaned and sank into his chair resting his elbows on the desk in front of him. “The plans never changed in the first place Eldarion still wants to go with you, and I’m still happy for him to do so. Arwen decided this morning that Eldarion didn’t want to go. She has just left here in a temper because he said he did want to go I said he could do what he wanted.”
Elrond sighed. “My apologies Aragorn, my daughter can be quick tempered at times. We have been discussing our own travelling arrangements, on our way here we found signs of Orcs in many places. So we plan to return to Imladris a different route, Celeborn and Galadriel shall return up the Anduin to the Falls of Rauros with the Rohirrim then having bypassed the Falls continue up The Anduin as it is by far the swiftest route to Lothlorien taking Balin’s Moria group with them. Cirdan has mentioned there is room on his ships and would happily take us to Mithlond where from there the journey to Imladris is quite swift. We should be back in Imladris by the end of next week.”
Aragorn looked at the Lord of Mithlond in askance. Cirdan nodded.
“There is plenty of room with only myself, Galdor and the crew on board we can easily house Lord Elrond's group, Eldarion and anyone you need accompany the prince.”
“Thank-you Cirdan, it is a solution that I had not thought of. It would only be a small group to accompany Eldarion, two bodyguards and Gandalf perhaps?”
The wizard looked up at his name. “I see no reason not to, I have business in the North and this would save my old bones from rattling about on a horse and I can keep an eye on these too and make sure they don’t cause too much trouble.”
Elladan and Elrohir whipped their heads up identical wide eyed innocent expressions in place. Aragorn noticed that Eldarion had gone rather pale and glared at the twins, who attempted to look hurt that people would think ill of them.
“We were just talking about the last time he was in a boat.”
“That was an ancient pleasure boat meant for a calm lake not out on the river or seas.”
Cirdan smiled at the Eldarion. “I assure you young prince my ships are strong and fast, and the seas are calm. You will barely be aware of any movement.”
“Thank you Lord Cirdan. That is good to know.” He glared up at the twins who had developed a sudden fascination with the ceiling.
“We will not delay you any longer Aragorn, I am sure you have things to do before dinner. We plan to leave as soon as the Council is adjourned to take advantage of the evening tide so we need to finalise some details assuming all goes well this afternoon.” Elrond rose and lead the way to the door. Celeborn paused in front of Aragorn. “ We have planned to leave at first light tomorrow with Theoden, he is anxious to get back to Edoras.”
“I understand, we will try finish this business this afternoon.” Celeborn nodded and followed the other elves out insisting the twins preceded him, much to their disappointment.
Aragorn glanced between his remaining companions. Eldarion came to stand in front of him while Legolas perched beside him on the corner of the desk.
“I should probably finish packing if I’m to leave tonight. Who is to accompany me as my body guards?”
Aragorn leaned back to look at Legolas who as Commander of the Royal Guards was in a better position to choose suitable guards.
“The brothers Duilin and Derufin from Morthond they are good sensible young men, not much older that you Eldarion so they’ll be some company for you. Plus they are good archers and swordsmen their father Duinhir taught them well before they joined the Guard. If you should need extra body guards I’m sure Lord Elrond will be only too happy to provide them.”
Eldarion nodded bouncing on the balls of his feet. “I’ve met them before, we got on well enough, thanks Legolas. I’d better go.” He turned and dashed out the door grinning allowing it to slam shut in his haste.
Aragorn laughed at his son’s excitement. “I think he’s happy.”
“Looks that way.” Legolas frowned as Aragorn began leafing through the papers on his desk. “I thought we discussed this.” he pointed to the papers in Aragorn’s hand.
“Arwen had some of them and they’re all out of place.” Aragorn replied distractedly scanning one of the sheets.
Legolas sighed, then grinned mischievously and snatched the papers from Aragorn’s grasp.
“Legolas!” Aragorn bolted upright giving Legolas enough room to slide from the desk into Aragorn’s lap. He set the papers back on the desk just out of easy reach.
“Yes Aragorn?” Polite curiosity radiated from the elf.
“Ah.. n n nothing.” Aragorn stuttered as Legolas shifted against him slightly. “Ah.. Thesdil is bringing our dinner here.”
“I heard.” Legolas buttoned the collar of Aragorn’s tunic and started on the small silver hooks that fastened the front. “There is still some time before dinner. And besides,” he looked up from his hands. “The door is shut. No-one will disturb us.” he shifted slightly to unbuckle the belt still holding the tunic closed and started to undo the shirt in the same manner. “Anymore objections?”
Aragorn swallowed dryly unable to speak shook his head frantically. The grin he received in return was almost predatory.
“Good.” Legolas practically purred before sealing their mouths together.
tbc...
Notes:
1) Sorry this took so long. Un-beta’d and UK spelling. Hopefully the next part won’t take so long.
2) Mithlond = the Grey Havens in Elvish
3) I am assuming like many rivers the Anduin is tidal and while the water level as far up river as Minas Tirith would not be greatly affected the estuary would be.
Anyway on to the waffle. I had hoped to get the Council session all done and dusted in one chapter cos I hate writing converstions. But I decided to break it when I reached 6000 wrds and the end was not in sight. Theres was more I was going to babble but lj is pissing me about again and i've forgotten it.
damn the chapter bounce form one of the lists. guess i'll either just send them a link or try sending it as plain text from the mac.
Anyway
notes at the bottom)
When Darkness Falls
Part 3
The Lords and their entourages as well as members of the court where already in the Great Hall when the Royal family arrived for breakfast. They all rose to their feet when the trumpet sounded to herald the arrival of the King and Queen.
Privately Eldarion despised the strict formality that dictated most of their daily activities. He knew his father agreed with him but his Mother and sisters enjoyed the attention and sided with the advisors who insisted they follow the ancient traditions laid down over the centuries. As they reached the top table indicted the Hall should be seated. Breakfast was served quickly, for once most of the inane chattering that usually accompanied any meals attended by the court was absent and an unusual tension permeated the air.
Eldarion glanced down the table at his sisters and their companions, they were silent, staring wide eyed around the room at the assembled nobles obviously picking up on the atmosphere. The silence of his sisters unnerved him more than he would ever acknowledge, normally they would be whispering and weighing up the good and bad points of the young sons of noblemen trying to pick out prospective husbands or on a few embarrassing occasions discussing prospective wives for him.
He looked back to his plate, he wasn’t hungry the general atmosphere had robbed him of what appetite he’d had that morning. His thoughts turned again to the reason of this Lord’s Council, he had seen some of the report scrolls that had been filtering in sitting on his fathers desk and read a couple of them. The contents had been disturbing, hunting parties going missing without trace, people being burned out of villages, the men and old folk slaughtered, women and children used as sport before being killed or eaten, mentions of rape and other cruelties had filled pages of scrolls. One report in particular had made a lasting impression, it had been written on a sheet of cured hide as opposed to paper, not unusual as many of the out lying villages often used spare hide which was plentiful rather than press paper, but this roll had an unusual and unpleasant scent clinging to it faintly. He’d been unable to identify the smell at first knowing only that he’d smell it somewhere before. The report detailed the attack of a traders caravan that had been unfortunate to cross the path of an Orc hoard, the caravans had been left untouched but there where no survivors just a large bonfire full of bones. As he’d read he remembered where he’d smelt the bitter aroma before. One of the palace cats had climbed into an unused oven to sleep, guests where expected in the palace and the cook had ordered all ovens lit to warm over night, the palace had awoke the next morning to a foul stench from the kitchens of burnt meat, hair and singed bones. It had taken days to rid the lower levels of the palace of the stink. It had been the same smell that clung to the cured hide in his hands.
After the realisation he’d dropped the scroll and bolted from the study, running past his father and Denethor in the hallway. His stomach roiled at the memory and swallowing dryly he fought to keep the meagre amount of food he’d managed to force down from escaping.
Raising his head to seek a distraction he met his fathers concerned gaze, flushing slightly in shame that his weakness should be so apparent. He looked down again at his plate wishing fervently that anything other than sausage had been served this morning. Feeling a light touch to his elbow he turned to his father to protest his lack of appetite only to be handed a basket of sliced fresh baked Seed and Honey Loaf.
“You will need something in your stomach this morning. I doubt you’ll feel like eating much at lunch either. This might be more palatable for you.” Aragorn gave him a strained smile and for the first time Eldarion notice the shadows around and in his eyes.
Setting the bread on the table he noticed the mostly untouched breakfast in front of his father. The uneaten crust of a slice of the Seed Loaf on the edge of the plate was the only sign the King had eaten anything himself. Grabbing a slice and the dish of butter Eldarion turned to thank his father only for the words to die on his tongue at the worried frown on Aragorn’s face as he studied the assembled Lords. Glancing further down the table he noticed his mother speaking to one of her handmaids unaware of the pained expression on her husbands face. Lifting and buttering a second slice he elbowed his father in the ribs. Aragorn started and glanced at his son in askance. Eldarion handed him the bread and echoed his fathers warning.
“You’ll need something in your stomach.”
Aragorn blinked and took the slice with a small smile and a nod. An almost silent clapping noise sounded behind them and Aragorn made a face, which was betrayed by the the brief sparkle of laughter in his eyes, and heaved a long suffering sigh before returning to his contemplation of the tables while chewing the bread. Eldarion, seeing Arwen was still occupied and unaware of the exchange, risked a glance behind to the once again silent Legolas who smiled briefly to him in thanks then and pointedly folded his hands behind himself again, falling back into the roll of inscrutable bodyguard. Eldarion turned back to finish his bread just before his mother glanced his way.
“Really Eldarion, bread and butter is not a proper breakfast for you.” She glanced to Aragorn for support but was ignored. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at her husband, who jumped slightly and looked towards her with a puzzled expression.
“Did you just kick...”
“Really Aragorn, I would expect you to be more attentive to your children’s health.” She interrupted.
Aragorn frowned and glanced at his three children.
“They look fine to me.”
“Eldarion has had no breakfast!”
“He has eaten some breakfast and besides he’s old enough to look after himself without you fussing at him.”
That was obviously the wrong thing to say as Arwen’s lips thinned and her gaze became icy. Eldarion seeking to prevent a public spectacle leaned forward.
“Mother, I am fine. I just don’t have much appetite this morning and all I will be doing today is sitting in council.”
Arwen’s attention switched from husband to son and after a few moment her expression softened very slightly.
“Of course my dear, it is just my place as a parent to worry about you.” She gave him a rather bitter smile which, as she turned away turned into a sneer due to Aragorn's lack of reaction to her not so subtle dig.
Eldarion put down the slice of bread he’d been eating losing what appetite he had recovered at his mother’s attempt to get a rise out of her husband. Looking up he met his fathers gaze.
Leaning down slightly so as not to be overheard Aragorn whispered. “Finished?”
At Eldarion's confirming nod Aragorn glanced at the rest of the table then drained his goblet and rose, the Hall silenced immediately when he rapped the table with the goblet.
"Council will convene in half an hour in the Council Chamber as usual."
With that Aragorn lead the way out of the Great Hall. The court rising to their feet to acknowledge the King's departure, Eldarion and the rest of the family following.
As the doors closed behind them the Hall’s sparse conversation picked up again.
“Aragorn.”
“Arwen, I need to go over some things with Eldarion before the council convenes. We’ll speak later.”
Arwen scowled unhappy at being interrupted and brushed aside.
“As you wish. Come along girls.” With that she swept along the hall towards the drawing room the twins hurrying to keep up.
Aragorn watched them leave with a weary expression before turning to his son.
“Come on, there’s a few things we need to discuss.” He motioned for Eldarion to follow him and they headed upstairs to the large official study rather that the small private one normally favoured by the King.
Once inside with the doors shut Aragorn waved his son to a chair in front of the fireplace and sat on the foot stool in front of him.
“Eldarion... this council... odds are it will not be pleasant. I know you have seen and heard some of the reports that have been coming in recently.” Eldarion inwardly cringed waiting for a rebuke. Looking up again when he didn’t detect any censure in his fathers tone. “I know you are curious as to what is going on, and you do deserve to know. But the fact remains that no-one knows what is happening at least not for sure and that’s what this council is about. Each of the Lords are getting information form their own lands we are each looking at parts of a puzzle but hopefully with everyone here, with more information available we may be able to see more of the picture and then begin to help.”
“Father. What will happen if we cannot contain these attacks?”
Aragorn studied his son for a few moments reflecting on how much he’d matured in the past few months from a gangly youth to a young man.
“I don’t know.” he replied softly leaning forward to look Eldarion straight in the eye. “We just have to hope a solution will present itself before the situation gets much worse.”
A quiet knock broke the silence that followed.
“Yes?”
Legolas poked his head into the room, then opened the door fully and bowed “The Lords are assembled in the Council Chambers.”
“Then we’d best not keep them waiting.” Aragorn rose and pulled Eldarion to his feet and looked him over from head to toe. “You’ll do. Just try not to fall asleep, or don’t snore too loudly if you do, some of the Lords might take offence.”
Aragorn grinned quickly and swept out the door before Eldarion could think of anything to say. Wordlessly he followed.
Eldarion trailed after his father on the way to the Council Chamber lost in thought. He privately had hoped to avoid official duties like this for a few more years at least, one of the advantages to being immortal and having immortal parents. It wasn’t though he’d thought he’d never have to take up official duties, after all most of his life had been spent in training for them, but he hadn't planned on doing so just yet and certainly nothing so serious. After 3000 years of peace with only the occasional trade dispute and border skirmish with Haradwaith most people become complacent with the feeling that Middle Earth was safe from war, a feeling that Eldarion realise he had shared though it had never been encouraged by his Tutors or his father. He had studied the old battles, knew all the legends such as the War of the Ring, been trained to ride and fight like all the boys in the Palace and barracks but like them had never though to have any opportunity for the skills to be necessary except perhaps in the annual games.
As they grew closer to the Chambers he could hear the noise of the Lords as they argued amongst themselves, the large doors stood open and through them Eldarion could see glimpses of colour moving in bright sunlight.
The little procession halted for a moment just outside the doors to allow the Speaker to call the Lords to order and introduce the King. Eldarion peered between his father and Legolas for his first sight of the Chambers in use. Often when younger he would sneak into the huge, dark empty hall with a few friends and a couple of candles take his fathers seat at the head table and pretend to have his own councils. Normally they would reach an abrupt end when one of the house keeping staff threw them out with a severe tongue-lashing, they never did work out how anyone ever knew they where there. The dark silent hall of his youthful excursions was dramatically different when seen in use. The shutters where thrown open to reveal windows almost the full height of the hall letting the morning light stream in. The tables and chairs that had only been tripping hazards in the gloom where revealed to be long tables in two ‘U’ shaped formations one inside the other, the inner one being smaller in size and, Eldarion noted shorter in height as well in deference to the Dwarf Lords that currently stood around it. There where two tables at the open end of the ‘U’ one raised to see over the one in front where the Speaker, his aides and the Istari where standing. As the Speaker finished announcing the arrival of the High king and Crown Prince of Middle Earth the Royal party moved onto the room to the raised table at the head of the Chamber and took their seats. Aragorn in the centre with Eldarion to his left beside Faramir and Denethor and Boromir on his right, Legolas and three other members of the royal bodyguard stood directly behind the table near the wall unarmed. It was a rule that no one carry weapons of war into a council, to do so was a sign of disrespect towards the other attendees. The doors where shut and this acted as a signal to the Lords to take their own seats. While the hall was quieting Eldarion glanced about himself and noted the ornate ceiling design and banners that hung from the walls. The banners represented all the countries in Middle Earth and parts of their designs where echoed in the gold and jewel encrusted emblems that decorated the ceiling.
Eldarion shifted his attention forward again as the Speaker banged his gavel once for silence.
“The Council is now in session. Is there any other business to be considered before we address the issues that have necessitated the calling of this Council?” The Lords remained silent several shaking their heads. “Then let us address the issue proposed, these attacks on our lands.”
Several of the human Lords leapt to their feet demanding men and supplies to defend their lands each of them insisting their need was the greatest. A young dwarf also rose to refute the men's claims saying that his people where more at risk since the provinces of Arnor had been little troubled by the Orcs. Faramir leaned closer to Eldarion and whispered. “Duin from the Grey Mountains his father, the previous Lord was killed in one of the first attacks along with his four elder siblings leaving Duin in charge. The men he is opposing are local provincial governors from Arnor, every half year or so a new one is elected so we rarely see the same ones, they report to Lord Halbarad. I don’t think he likes their approach.”
Eldarion focused on Halbarad as he tried to unobtrusively get his governors to retake their seats and follow procedure amid increasing grumbling from the other Lords. Just as Eldarion saw the Speaker reach for his gavel a new voice broke in.
“Friends of old and recent acquaintance.” Everyone looked towards the back of the Chamber where the Elven Counsellors sat, the fact that they never joined in with the general arguments and only rarely attended Councils often caused several of the other Lords to forget their presence. Everyone focused on the tall dark figure speaking.
Elrond glared around the hall. “You have been summoned to answer a threat of great importance. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall.”
Silence fell over the hall as the Elf Lord reclaimed his seat.
Aragorn let the weight of the words sink in before standing to address his Lords. “Lord Elrond is right, we will only be able to unearth the reasons for these attacks and formulate a plan against them by working together. Fighting amongst ourselves aids no-one except perhaps our enemies. We each have been receiving reports from armed patrols detailing the movements of the Orcs. what we need now is to combine our efforts and devise a way of stopping these incursions into our lands.”
A murmur of agreement ran through the hall and King Theoden of Rohan rose to his feet.
"Aragorn, we have been trying our best but we are beginning to take heavy casualties. My son was wounded day before last in a raid in the Westfold whilst leading a scout group tracking some Orcs heading north."
"Badly?"
"Severely I am told, the news reached us as we were travelling here, but there is perhaps some hope of his recovering. My niece Eowyn is looking after him and she has some considerable skill as a healer.”
“If I may speak, my Lords?” Saruman the White, head of the Istari order rose. At the speakers nod he continued. “There has been no evidence of reason for these attacks, there has always been minor skirmishes through out history with these creatures admittedly around the borders of out lands. Recently our population has been growing and moving into new areas that had previously been left to the wild. Is it not possible that these more frequent attacks could be caused by the very heavy winter and bad summer last year. Many of our crops failed and the Orcs inhabit a much harsher environ than we do. It is possible that they are simply searching for food and our new settlements are now occupying where they have previously hunted forcing them to forage further into our land. If this is so then it would seem likely that the attacks will stop soon and any action such as scout groups or armed patrol will only endanger our men by making it more likely for them to meet thus provoking the situation.”
Once again murmurings broke out as the Lords considered this idea, most shaking their heads.
“Saruman, I fear I must disagree with you assessment.” Aragorn leaned forward to look at the Wizard. “For centuries records have been kept by the Dwarfs and the Rangers of the movements of Orcs that cross the borders, where they forage, how they are armed, the patterns in which they move. No new settlements have been created in the areas where this activity is highest in an effort to prevent such problems as you suggest. In fact they have almost entirely avoided their previous haunts and moved into the heart of Middle Earth, where their behaviour is inconsistent with foraging. If they where simply hunting they would stay in familiar plains or avoid large groups of people. Instead they seem to be seeking the villages out or so I have been informed. Does anyone have any evidence to the contrary of this?”
The Lords shook their heads as one.
“It seems then I am wrong. i had forgotten how zealous your scribes are at keeping records Aragorn.” Saruman inclined his head and sat.
“Aragorn,” Theoden stood again, “while our records are not as extensive as the ones here, we too have noticed this disturbing trend, rarely since the War of the Ring have Orcs penetrated as far as Rohan so on the few occasions they have detailed records where taken of all activity. As you said this time they are not following any of the previous patterns. My nephew Eomer here," he indicated the young man to his right who unfolded a large map of Rohan spreading it on the table in front of his uncle. “has been drawing up maps of all the attacks in Rohan and there does appear to be a pattern to the movements, a rather disturbing pattern. While there are small bands freely roaming the countryside they seem to be retracing the same routes, these route are some of our main roads. While other larger groups are concentrating on attacking farms and villages, this has resulted in many people moving to the larger towns leaving wide corridors of uninhabited land around those roads.”
Boromir and Faramir left the head table to see the map joined by several of the other Lords as Theoden continued his explanation. “We have also marked where the main Orc camps are located.” Theoden paused. “They are generally on high ground over looking the land they have cleared, there are even several in our old defensive positions from when Rohan was a separate country. They been unused for centuries but are easily defended and difficult to attack. I fear the Orcs mean to stay.”
Faramir ran back to the head table and whispered to Aragorn who nodded and rose banging a goblet on the table for attention while Faramir slipped quietly out the door. “If we provide you with the maps could you all do as Theoden and Eomer have done? Mark all that you can, attacks, camps, routes travelled and anything else you can think of whether it seems insignificant or not. There’s a couple of hours before dinner, do what you can and then give the maps to Faramir, we’ll reconvene this afternoon and see what the maps can tell us.”
Faramir slipped back in the door a pile of rolled maps under one arm and a small message tube in his other hand, he dropped the rolls on the Speakers table for the aides to distribute and walked over to the group of Lords still pouring over the Rohan map.
“Theoden?”
The Rohan king excused himself from the centre of the group and followed Faramir away from the table a bit.
“Eomer had already prepared a copy of the map for you to keep.” He held the folded hide towards the tactician who stared at him silently before rousing himself and accepting the map. “Is something wrong?”
“While I was getting the maps I ran into Hama, he gave me a message for you from Edoras. It arrived via messenger bird just after the Council was convened this morning so he couldn’t pass it along before now.” He handed the king the small leather tube in Rohan colours and stepped back to afford the king some privacy.
By now the knot of Lords had mostly dispersed back to their own seats with maps of their own lands to mark. Faramir noticed his brother and father arguing about something on their own map. Beside them, he noticed Aragorn, watching Theoden closely before rising and coming down the hall waving Eldarion back when he made to follow. Faramir turned to look at the Rohan king again, he had turned pale and moved back to his seat as if daze, dropping the message in front of Eomer. Eomer snatched the paper up then dropped it as if burnt.
“Theoden?” Aragorn arrived at Faramir’s side.
“Theodred.. My son is dead. Alas, that these evil days shall be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house. Please excuse me.”
“Of course.” Aragorn clasped his shoulder for a brief moment as Theoden passed him. “I’m sorry.”
Theoden nodded in acknowledgement and hurried from the room. Eomer made as if to follow but stopped when Aragorn shook his head before turning back to the head table. Faramir sat down on Theoden’s chair and motioned to the map still spread out in front of Eomer.
“I was hoping you’d help me with the maps when the Lords are finished marking them? It would be quicker with two of us working together.” Eomer glanced towards the door Theoden had used. “Hama and Gamling were waiting in the corridor.”
Eomer nodded. “Then you shall have my help with the maps.”
Aragorn returned to the head table slowly, deep in thought, under close scrutiny from his lover and his son. As he sat he turned to look at Eldarion who met his searching gaze in confusion.
“Father?”
Aragorn watched him a moment longer then turned his head and stared out over rest of the Chamber. Eldarion glanced behind his father to Legolas who was intently studying Aragorn with his head on one side, a slight furrow in his brow. The sound of a goblet being knocked against wood jerked his attention back to his father, now standing again.
“Dinner will be served in the Great hall at the usual time.” He paused. “We have just been informed that Theodred son of Theoden has died. This Council will be recessed until this afternoon to give you time to work on the maps here, when you finish please give them to Faramir.”
The Speaker rose and banged the gavel once. “Council in recess.”
Aragorn nodded to the hall then spun and headed for the door leaving Eldarion and some of the guards scrambling to catch up with him. Legolas fell in behind Aragorn smoothly, then as Aragorn twisted to speak to him peeled off and made his way up the hall towards the Elven Lords. Eldarion seeing his father wait in the corridor with the other three guards paused too and peered back in the doorway watching Legolas, as he had the night before Thranduil ignore his son’s presence entirely except for a brief glance as he approached. Legolas bowed to the other Elves and bent down to speak to Elrond. Whatever was said made Elrond glance towards the doorway and Eldarion flinched back instinctively at being caught spying. He moved forward again chiding himself for being over-reacting. His grandfather was speaking to Celeborn and Glorfindel, they nodded in reply and Elrond turned back to Legolas. A moment later Legolas broke away heading back towards the doors and Eldarion stepped back further into the corridor to find his father watching him again.
Aragorn opened his mouth as though to speak then shook his head and motioned for them to continue down the corridor as Legolas rejoined the group. They continued swiftly back to the main part of the palace and up the stairs towards the family apartments. In the main anteroom before the corridor where the Royal family where generally housed the guards split off heading into the guards mess room to the right of the chamber while Aragorn, Eldarion and Legolas continued on to the private apartments alone. The six guards that lined the corridor snapped to attention upon seeing the king. Aragorn simply ignored them and headed towards his suite of rooms. As the trio approached the doors opened and Thesdil came out and bowed.
“King Aragorn, Queen Arwen is waiting in your study to speak with you.”
Aragorn froze momentarily as remembered dismissing his wife that morning and promising to talk later. “How long has the Queen been waiting?”
“Since the Council session started, my lord.”
Aragorn winced, Arwen would be furious about the earlier brush off and had been stewing on it all morning, whatever awaited him would not be pleasant.
“Thank you Thesdil please have some refreshments sent up.”
“Of course, my lord.” Thesdil bowed and practically scurried down the corridor. Clearly Arwen had been taking out her displeasure at being kept waiting on him. Aragorn glanced at the open door and stepped forward just as Eldarion stepped back.
“Umm.. I’ll go and wait in my rooms until dinner..” He trailed off catching his fathers look.
“It’s probably about your going to to live in Imladris so you can just follow me in. You complained when Arwen insisted you stayed here rather than going two years ago that you had no say in the decision, now’s your chance.” Aragorn motioned for Eldarion to precede him into the suite. Eldarion walked into the large sitting room thinking there were times he didn’t like either of his parents.
Legolas pulled the doors closed before moving off into the small room reserved for the kings personal body guard, though in Legolas’ case it was normally used as a separate study for and a place to store excess belongings, and shutting the door. Long ago it had been decided by Legolas not to flaunt his relationship with Aragorn in front of Arwen so generally he tried to stay out of her way and she avoided their chambers, and when she did have occasion to visit he remained out of sight in the guard room.
The door to the study was slightly ajar and Aragorn steeled himself before pushing it fully open and walking in, Eldarion following.
“Aragorn.” Arwen didn’t even look up as her husband entered and her tone was chilly.
“Arwen” Aragorn strived for polite neutrality, seeing his wife seated at his desk looking through some reports.
“I really must insist that Eldarion remain here with us, where it is safe.”
Eldarion’s head snapped round to stare at his mother from where he had seated himself next to the fire.
“Actually I think he would be safer in Imladris with your father,if we are invaded I am the principle target the further he is from me the better chance of survival. Besides Imladris is protected by the Elvish spells and guarded by excellent fighters, better soldiers than any we have here in fact.”
“I know that! If he reaches Imladris he will be perfectly safe it is the journey that I see as dangerous and thus unnecessary!” She snapped looking up for the first time and seeing Eldarion also in the room. “Eldarion, dear surely you see this decision is for the best, you can always go next year can’t you?” she smiled sweetly at her son.
“I.. I suppose so but..”
“There, that's settled them. Eldarion will stay and I will tell Ada..”
“No Arwen. Eldarion will be leaving with Elrond when the Council is finished. He will be perfectly safe travelling with your father, brothers and Glorfindel. I will be sending bodyguards with him and they will be travelling with Celeborn and Galadriel as far a Lothlorien. they are coming up to discuss travelling arrangements as soon as they are done in the Council Chamber!”
“I’m only asking that our son be kept safe and he’s happy to stay here.”
“No Arwen you’re not, you are demanding as usual, let Eldarion make his own choices. Eldarion do you want to go to Imladris now or next year?”
Eldarion glanced between his feuding parents either choice had consequences.
“I could go to Imladris next year b..”
“There you see at least someone round here can see sense.” Arwen broke in triumphantly smiling nastily at her husband.
“But.” Arwen’s head snapped right to focus on her son. “But I would rather go this year, if it is possible.”
“I see. Clearly I and my wishes mean nothing to either of you. Good day.” Arwen rose and swept out of the room.
“Arwen..”
“Mother..”
The sound of crockery crashing to the floor and Thesdil’s startled “Your Majesty” was the only reply. Eldarion slumped in his chair and stared into the fire, his mother would now be in a foul mood until he left and probably beyond that but at least then he wouldn’t have to suffer it. Aragorn leaned round the study door to see Thesdil picking up the remains of a plate and its contents from the floor. he must have been about to come in the door when Arwen stormed out.
“I’m sorry my lord. There was a slight accident with the refreshments.”
“It is fine Thesdil, in fact I have decided I will have my dinner served in my rooms rather than the Great Hall.” Avoiding Arwen for a few hours seemed like a good idea.
“Yes my lord.” Thesdil finished picking up the food, bowed and backed out pulling the door closed.
“You can come out now the coast is clear.” Aragorn called across the room, softly closing the door to his study.
“So I heard.” Legolas said dryly emerging from his haven. “Tell me, oh great king, have you ever heard of diplomacy?”
“She won’t listen and you know it.”
“And baiting her is a good idea?”
“Noooo, but I’m just too tired to try and outthink her at the minute.” Aragorn pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. Long cool fingers rubbed gentle circles at his temples and he leaned into the caress.
“You worry too much.”
“I’m king of a very large country its my job to worry.”
“No you’re king so you can have people to deal with the little things you let pile up. You have advisors and workers to handle the day to day stuff such and the drains there is no need for you to do everything yourself. You’ll make yourself ill fretting one of these days”
Aragorn opened his eyes to meet the concerned blue eyes only inches away. “All work and no play?”
“Something like that.” Legolas smirked and slowed the circles. Aragorn caught his wrists before he could remove them and pressed a kiss to each palm.
“So I should play more often then?”
“Perhaps.” Legolas smiled and tilted his head. Aragorn leaned forward for a kiss but Legolas leaned back just out of range. “Though probably not with your son in the study and what sounds like the full complement of your in-laws just outside the door along with miscellaneous companions.”
Aragorn groaned and dropped his head on to Legolas’ shoulder. “Good point.” he muttered into his lovers neck.
Legolas laughed and pressed a kiss to the side of Aragorn’s head before pushing him back and turning him to face the door ignoring the mock pout. For added measure he gave him a shove towards it.
“You were the one that invited them.” he hissed and pointed towards the door as someone knocked.
“Come.”
Elrond pushed the door opened and entered followed by Glorfindel, Celeborn, Galadriel, Cirdan, Gandalf and bringing up the rear Elrond’s twin sons Elladan and Elrohir. Legolas had been right Aragorn mused, all the in-laws and a few spares. Aragorn moved to open the study door and motioned them to enter. The twins held back letting everyone enter before them before smirking at Aragorn.
“Not interrupting anything we hope?” Elladan whispered, while his twin grinned across at Legolas who glared back silently.
“I’m not even going to answer that.” Aragorn growled. The pair glanced at each other and sighed.
“You’re no fun anymore.” Elrohir pouted. “You used to turn all different shades of red.” They sniggered and dashed into the study.
Aragorn glanced at Legolas as he approached. Legolas rolled his eyes and pulled a face, while they were glad that the twins had no problems with their relationship, much to their sister’s displeasure, their attempts to continually embarrass Aragorn could still be tiresome.
Entering the study and pulling the doors shut behind him Aragorn looked at Eldarion who currently looked like a trapped rabbit with his uncles perched on either arm of his chair.
“Aragorn, I was given the impression that Eldarion would be staying here and yet you wish to discuss the travelling arrangements?” Elrond sounded mildly confused.
“Let me guess. Arwen said he was staying?” At Elrond’s nod Aragorn groaned and sank into his chair resting his elbows on the desk in front of him. “The plans never changed in the first place Eldarion still wants to go with you, and I’m still happy for him to do so. Arwen decided this morning that Eldarion didn’t want to go. She has just left here in a temper because he said he did want to go I said he could do what he wanted.”
Elrond sighed. “My apologies Aragorn, my daughter can be quick tempered at times. We have been discussing our own travelling arrangements, on our way here we found signs of Orcs in many places. So we plan to return to Imladris a different route, Celeborn and Galadriel shall return up the Anduin to the Falls of Rauros with the Rohirrim then having bypassed the Falls continue up The Anduin as it is by far the swiftest route to Lothlorien taking Balin’s Moria group with them. Cirdan has mentioned there is room on his ships and would happily take us to Mithlond where from there the journey to Imladris is quite swift. We should be back in Imladris by the end of next week.”
Aragorn looked at the Lord of Mithlond in askance. Cirdan nodded.
“There is plenty of room with only myself, Galdor and the crew on board we can easily house Lord Elrond's group, Eldarion and anyone you need accompany the prince.”
“Thank-you Cirdan, it is a solution that I had not thought of. It would only be a small group to accompany Eldarion, two bodyguards and Gandalf perhaps?”
The wizard looked up at his name. “I see no reason not to, I have business in the North and this would save my old bones from rattling about on a horse and I can keep an eye on these too and make sure they don’t cause too much trouble.”
Elladan and Elrohir whipped their heads up identical wide eyed innocent expressions in place. Aragorn noticed that Eldarion had gone rather pale and glared at the twins, who attempted to look hurt that people would think ill of them.
“We were just talking about the last time he was in a boat.”
“That was an ancient pleasure boat meant for a calm lake not out on the river or seas.”
Cirdan smiled at the Eldarion. “I assure you young prince my ships are strong and fast, and the seas are calm. You will barely be aware of any movement.”
“Thank you Lord Cirdan. That is good to know.” He glared up at the twins who had developed a sudden fascination with the ceiling.
“We will not delay you any longer Aragorn, I am sure you have things to do before dinner. We plan to leave as soon as the Council is adjourned to take advantage of the evening tide so we need to finalise some details assuming all goes well this afternoon.” Elrond rose and lead the way to the door. Celeborn paused in front of Aragorn. “ We have planned to leave at first light tomorrow with Theoden, he is anxious to get back to Edoras.”
“I understand, we will try finish this business this afternoon.” Celeborn nodded and followed the other elves out insisting the twins preceded him, much to their disappointment.
Aragorn glanced between his remaining companions. Eldarion came to stand in front of him while Legolas perched beside him on the corner of the desk.
“I should probably finish packing if I’m to leave tonight. Who is to accompany me as my body guards?”
Aragorn leaned back to look at Legolas who as Commander of the Royal Guards was in a better position to choose suitable guards.
“The brothers Duilin and Derufin from Morthond they are good sensible young men, not much older that you Eldarion so they’ll be some company for you. Plus they are good archers and swordsmen their father Duinhir taught them well before they joined the Guard. If you should need extra body guards I’m sure Lord Elrond will be only too happy to provide them.”
Eldarion nodded bouncing on the balls of his feet. “I’ve met them before, we got on well enough, thanks Legolas. I’d better go.” He turned and dashed out the door grinning allowing it to slam shut in his haste.
Aragorn laughed at his son’s excitement. “I think he’s happy.”
“Looks that way.” Legolas frowned as Aragorn began leafing through the papers on his desk. “I thought we discussed this.” he pointed to the papers in Aragorn’s hand.
“Arwen had some of them and they’re all out of place.” Aragorn replied distractedly scanning one of the sheets.
Legolas sighed, then grinned mischievously and snatched the papers from Aragorn’s grasp.
“Legolas!” Aragorn bolted upright giving Legolas enough room to slide from the desk into Aragorn’s lap. He set the papers back on the desk just out of easy reach.
“Yes Aragorn?” Polite curiosity radiated from the elf.
“Ah.. n n nothing.” Aragorn stuttered as Legolas shifted against him slightly. “Ah.. Thesdil is bringing our dinner here.”
“I heard.” Legolas buttoned the collar of Aragorn’s tunic and started on the small silver hooks that fastened the front. “There is still some time before dinner. And besides,” he looked up from his hands. “The door is shut. No-one will disturb us.” he shifted slightly to unbuckle the belt still holding the tunic closed and started to undo the shirt in the same manner. “Anymore objections?”
Aragorn swallowed dryly unable to speak shook his head frantically. The grin he received in return was almost predatory.
“Good.” Legolas practically purred before sealing their mouths together.
tbc...
Notes:
1) Sorry this took so long. Un-beta’d and UK spelling. Hopefully the next part won’t take so long.
2) Mithlond = the Grey Havens in Elvish
3) I am assuming like many rivers the Anduin is tidal and while the water level as far up river as Minas Tirith would not be greatly affected the estuary would be.
