b2mem | To Rule No More by Jenni

B2MEM Challenge: o68. Ficlet - Artifacts and Weapons - Sceptre of Elros - Tar-Minyatur (Sceptre of Numenor)
Format: Gen
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Characters: Elros and Vardamir
Summary: Elros feels it is time to step down as ruler of Numenor and summons his son to take the Sceptre...

Elros was growing weary. He did not wish to rule longer in Numenor, yet his time as King had been long. He paced the spacious halls of the Castle of the King in Armenelos, gazing upon the beauty and majesty before him. Perhaps it would be the last time he strolled through this palace, which had been his home for almost 400 years.

His feet seemed to have their own purpose, though his mind drifted here and there like the sailing of his ships upon the sea. Ships that could go neither to the fair isle in the West, nor beyond it. But his silver-shod feet led him to the throne room, where lay his sceptre. The Sceptre of Tar-Minyatur, fashioned by the Eldar who had taught the Numenoreans their craft well. Though these Kings of Men were themselves great craftsmen, eagerly learning the skills of their Elvish masters, the Sceptre was a glorious work of art, a glowing artifact to be passed down to the next ruler and the one after him, at a time when the present King wished to rule no more.

As Elros wished. He sat upon the throne for many hours, passing into days, holding on his lap the Sceptre of Tar-Minyatur, the name he was known by in the language of the Dunedain. When at last he had made up his mind that this should be the time to step down, he called for his son Vardamir to be brought to him.

Now Vardamir loved his father, but he did not wish to rule. His interests lay elsewhere, in music and in poetry, and he did not want to give up these things that he loved in order to take the Sceptre, sit upon the throne, and begin the daily rounds of administrative chores that the King must perform. Even the thought of doing so was distasteful to him.

Father and son began to argue. The argument became heated.

"Father," Vardamir shouted in desperation. "Why was it that you gave me this name?"

"Your mother and I thought it suited you well."

"If I am named for Varda of the Valar, then there must have been a purpose," Vardamir insisted. "Though she is a Queen of the Valar, she concerns herself with the same interests I wish to pursue, and leaves the running of the Kingdom of Valinor to her husband, Manwe."

"The Valar do not die," Elros countered. "Therefore there is no Sceptre to pass on, no throne to vacate. But I feel that my time of passing is near, and someone must rule in my place. It is our destiny as men to die. And the Sceptre of Minyatur must be handed down to my heir."

"Very well, then," Vardamir resolved. "It can pass to Amandil. My son is old enough to carry it and he is much more ambitious than I am. He will be a better ruler than I."

Becoming wearied of fighting with his son, Elros lay a hand upon his shoulder. He squeezed it with affection.

"Though I am saddened by your refusal, Vardamir, I will accept your decision. I do understand your feelings, and I have now come to believe that you would not be a fit nor happy ruler of Numenor.

Bring Amandil to me."