Title:
Taking Root
Author Name: Linda Hoyland
Prompt: “Write
or create art in which a character plants something. (What she or he
plants can be literal or metaphorical!)”
Mortality, change,
growth are key elements to define the different race in Middle-earth.
Write a story or create art where these topics play a central
role.
Summary: Aragorn plants the new White Tree.
Rating:
G
Warnings: none
Beta: none
Author's Notes: A
prequel to my story "The White Tree."
Aragorn
carried the sapling as carefully as one might carry a new- born babe.
In his heart, it indeed represented his future hopes of children, as
well as the land he yearned to see blossom under his rule.
The
guards in the Court of the Fountain at first looked aghast when he
ordered them to uproot the withered tree and bear it to the Rath
Dinen. Their grim expressions relaxed into smiles, though, when they
beheld the new sapling.
They
looked even more horrified when he requested a spade be brought and
he rolled up his sleeves and began to turn over the earth with it in
preparation for planting the sapling. Nothing could spoil the joyous
mood Aragorn was in that day. He grinned at them and said, “I
engaged in far more arduous labours during my long years as a Ranger.
Becoming King has not rendered me entirely helpless!”
A
small crowd had gathered to see what was happening in the usually
serene Court of the Fountain. Aragorn ignored them and concentrated
on his labours. Although the old tree had withered and died many
years ago, the soil had been as lovingly tended as if it were yet
alive. It was rich and fertile. Any weeds that had dared to grow
there had swiftly been uprooted. The precious sapling should thrive
and flourish in such a spot. Aragorn hoped. Maybe, though he should
have asked Samwise Gamgee to help him plant it? Unlike the Hobbit,
Aragorn was not renowned for his gardening skills. But no, this tree
was the symbol of Elendil’s line- his line. It was fitting that his
should be the hands that planted it here just as Isildur’s hands
had planted its forebear.
Aragorn
knelt and placed the sapling tenderly in the ground then arranged the
soil around the roots with his bare hands. Around him, the crowd
murmured and gasped. He could hear Gandalf chuckling softly beside
him
Once
satisfied with his handiwork, Aragorn stood up and turned to address
the crowd, “Behold your new White Tree!” he said. “Long it lay
hidden in a secret Hallow. Now may it flourish and blossom in the
sight of all!”
The
crowd cheered.
Aragorn
stepped back and turned around again to contemplate the freshly
planted tree. It was wondrous fair to behold. The leaves sparkled
like pure mithril, reflected in the droplets from the fountain.
For
the first time that day, Aragorn felt a pang of regret for his
impulsiveness. Maybe he should have asked the other members of the
Fellowship to watch him plant the tree, not to mention his Steward.
Instead, apart from Gandalf, only a handful of guards and passers-by
had seen what he hoped would be a turning point in Gondor’s
history. No matter, though, he would be able to surprise them with
the new sapling.
Aragorn
continued to gaze at the tree. In his mind’s eye, he saw it covered
with blossom, miraculously adorned to greet the coming of his
bride.