The River

In a place far away in his mind, a faint undetectable music began to flow into the surrounding environment. Quiet and subtle. A steady beat sounding and promising strings being struck. Somehow, this music interrupted his thoughts.

A soft breeze caressed against the cheeks of Aragorn, son of Arathorn. He paddled down the great river absent-mindedly, struggling to hear the melody in his mind.

~You know, a dream is like a river,~

~Ever changing as it flows.~

~And the dreamer's just a vessel,~

~That must follow where is goes.~

Aragorn sighed. I am a king, he thought, and yet something holds me back. I am not a leader and I do not know all about everything. I can't wield a sword like my forefather. I am not the brave and noble like many assume me to be. I have run more then I have fought. I do not deserve Gondor.

~Trying to learn from what's behind you,~

~And never knowing what's in store,~

~Makes each day a constant battle,~

~Just to stay between the shore.~

Why am I here? To protect the free peoples of Middle-Earth. Perhaps that is what I am meant to do. Perhaps I am to die in this battle and not live to have children or return to my lady fair.

~And I will sail my vessel,~

~'Till the river runs dry.~

~Like a bird upon the wind,~

~These waters are my sky.~

~I'll never reach my destination,~

~If I never try.~

~So I will sail my vessel,~

~'Till the river runs dry.~

I have a chance, but I shall not take it. There are other men out there who deserve it more then I ever will. I have killed shamefully in my past and I am bound to do it again.

~Too many times we've stand aside,~

~And let the water slip away.~

~What we put off till tomorrow,~

~Has now become today.~

I do not want to be king of Gondor. I do not deserve to rule any land.

~So don't you sit upon the shoreline,~

~And say your satisfied,~

~Choose to chance the rapids,~

~And dare to dance the tide.~

All I deserve is the status I hold now. A ranger.

~Yes, I will sail my vessel,~

~'Till the river runs dry.~

~Like a bird upon the wind,~

~These waters are my sky.~

~I'll never reach my destination,~

~If I never try.~

~So I will sail my vessel,~

~'Till the river runs dry.~

Yet, rangers are the last blood of Numenor. Yet, I may be the last chance.

~There's bound to be rebel waters,~

~And I know I'll take some falls.~

But the ring. The corruptive little band that killed Isilduir could lead to my doom; and the doom of my kingdom.

~But with the good lord as my captain,~

~I will make it through them all.~

You have resisted this far.

~Yes, I will sail my vessel.~

I can continue. I have the will.

~'Till the river runs dry.~

I will follow through.

~Like a bird upon the wind,~

I will stand by my people.

~These waters are my sky.~

Gondor will triumph.

~I'll never reach my destination,~

~If I never try.~

~So I will sail my vessel,~

~'Till the river runs dry.~

Not even a ring could stop the confidence of that ranger.

~Yes, I will sail my vessel,~

~'Till the river runs dry.~