Moral Monarch

Summary: Just a little conversation about what the king of men should be like. It is set in Hollin. Features Merry, Aragorn Boromir, and a very foot-in-mouth Pippin. For Marigold’s Challenge #15

Based on Tolkien’s work, with some inspiration from Shirebound, Dreamflower, and all the other authors who have dealt with similar topics

A/N: In the books, Pippin seems fairly clueless about Aragorn’s position as king until he gets to Gondor.

Merry and Pippin were very bored that night in Hollin. Bored enough, in fact, to be playing a long, drawn out “twenty questions” tournament.

“That’s cheating, Pip! You can only ask yes or no questions.”

“Well, it’s not like I thought you would actually answer, Merry. Besides, I don’t cheat. I’m not a man.”

Boromir and Aragorn glanced his way.

“I mean, not all men cheat. My father says it’s mainly men who are in government positions who lie.”

The two continued staring until Pippin realized he had not at all lessened the insult.

“Except on military campaigns and dangerous quests.” He hastily amended.

“What about a king? Would he cheat, do you think?” Aragorn asked.

“Oh, don’t be absurd. If the king were to come back, he’d be about as honorable as a man can get. Not that men are any less honorable than hobbits, but what I meant is that he’d be about as honorable as any person can get.”

“So you think the position of being king in itself makes a man honorable?” Aragorn asked.

“Well, no, but I just like to think the king would be a good man. I could be wrong, I suppose.”

“Gondor would never allow a dishonorable man to be king. Anyway, the Stewards have been ruling Gondor for many years.” Boromir was looking at Aragorn, not Pippin.

Aragorn was relieved that he had not actually said that Gondor would not accept any king. He thought he might win the man over yet.

“That’s good. Don’t you think it would be grand if we could have a good king like Aragorn?”

Boromir and Aragorn exchanged startled glances.
“What makes you think I would be a good king?” Aragorn asked, genuinely curious.

“Well, you’re a lot older than most men---but that’s not an insult, since your people don’t age as fast---- and so you have a lot more experience. You’ve been around elves, dwarves, wizards and men. You’re good at solving disputes, like when Merry and I argue over who has to wash the dishes. You’re tactful, but not afraid to speak your mind. Mostly, just because you are honorable.”

Boromir looked thoughtful. “There may be a slight chance that Gondor could benefit from a king, after all.”

The End <><