AN: Thanks to my beta readers this chapter !!
Chapter 30
In your heart you wonder
Which of these is true
Sunlight splotched golden patches into his graying yet still dark hair as Aragorn ambled down the road towards Bree. He came to a crossroad and looked at the mountains in the distance, squinting in the glare of the harsh sun. A wind ruffled his limp hair and he closed his eyes with a smile, remembering Imladris' beauty. He sighed, a longing tugging on his heart.
*Gandalf did not know how long I would be in Bree. Surely, I could return home for a couple of days…
The longing pulled all the more fiercely , this time with a knowing presence.
*Arwen.
~*~
Elrond knocked on his daughter's door. Arwen opened it, an angry shadow settling in her eyes when she saw her father.
" Arwen."
She slammed the door in his face. Elrond sighed and then knocked again.
" Arwen, please open the door."
Elrohir peeked a head around his door, watching his father lean against the wall beside the door and run a hand over his weary face with an audible sigh.
" I am not leaving until you let me in, Arwen."
" Then you shall be there a very long time, Master Elrond."
Elrond visibly winced at her cold tone.
" You sound exactly like your mother with that tone, Undómiel."
It was silent in Arwen's room. Elrond shifted against the wall, the distant look on his face revealing he was far away in his memories.
" She always wanted a daughter. One that she could dress and primp, but you ever wanted to be just like your brothers. You were such a tomboy, and she loved every minute of it. While the twins were my main pride and joy during your young years, for they were accomplishing such great things, you were hers. She knew you would become a great lady. Once…once…" Elrond swallowed, " She said she knew you would be a queen, and that she knew she would never see it."
Arwen opened her door. Elrond looked over at her, and Elrohir felt as if he was intruding upon their special moment. He then glanced over his shoulder, to see Elladan doing the same as he.
" I am sorry, Undómiel." Elrond said in a soft tone, trying to keep his surfacing emotions in check. "I had no right to punish you for your likeness to your mother."
Tears trickled down her cheeks as she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder. Elrond kissed her hair, a couple rare tears forming by his eyes.
" Garch meleth-nin, Ada (You have my love)."
Elrond hugged her close. Elladan touched his brother's shoulder and the two of them left their father and sister alone.
~*~
" Master Elladan," a guard ran up, " We have already alerted Lord Glorfindel, but we have a trespasser upon our boarders. We know not if it is friend or foe, but we think it might be a ranger."
The twins shared an uneasy glance before both grabbed their bows lying nearby and followed the guard.
~*~
Elladan and Elrohir fell on their stomachs on either side of the motionless Glorfindel whose eyes never strayed from the intruder.
" You two sounded like a herd of cattle coming," Glorfindel muttered.
" Excuse us. Blame our father for our Edain blood," Elrohir shot back.
Glorfindel chose to ignore that, having no intentions of saying any of that to Elrond.
" I do not think he is a Black Rider," Glorfindel whispered, " My soul does not quake at his steps."
Elladan glanced over at the blonde Elf.
" Let me greet him."
Glorfindel nodded.
"Be careful. I will not have your father chastising me if you are injured."
~*~
Aragorn glanced around warily. The trees were eerily silent. He had tried humming, but it was as if millions of little eyes were staring at him so his tune had died off. His horse suddenly reared. Thankfully he landed on his feet, whipping around to see a dark blur. In a second, Aragorn had the Elf by the throat.
" Why do you mean to harm me?" he hissed.
The Elf only struggled more all the more to be free. On cue, roughly three dozen archers appeared, bows bent, aimed at his vital parts. Glorfindel materialized, followed by Elrohir. Both wore formidable expressions upon their faces. For a second, Aragorn believed Elrond was beside Glorfindel instead of his foster brother.
" Leithio le ion ned Elrond (Release the son of Elrond)."
Aragorn looked down at the face and sure enough, it was Elladan. He released the Elf and took a step back.
" For-"
An arrow was at his throat cutting short his already brief apology.
" Who are you?" Elladan hissed, " No ranger would dare usurp me like that."
Aragorn let down his hood, but Elladan just shook his head.
" This Edain is no ranger. A Dúnedain would know better than to fear these woods. Take him to Imladris to await his judgment by my father."
Aragorn was not allowed the chance to say anything else. A sword hilt struck the back of his head and everything went black.
~*~
Elrond greeted the group, glancing curiously at their unconscious prisoner.
" Why did you bring the Edain here?"
Elladan shrugged dismissively.
" He was trespassing and he had ill will in store for us." Elladan revealed the dark bruises, " He attacked me."
Elrond's face darkened considerably.
Arwen appeared at the door. A smile lit her face.
" You brought him?"
Eyebrows shot up around the courtyard as she ran down. Her smile faded when she noted he was unconscious.
" What have you done?" she demanded, running her hands over his rough hair and wincing at the goose-egg sized knot she found amidst the strands.
" Arwen Undómiel," Elrond gently pulled her back, " Do you wish to explain yourself?"
Her eyes widened when she realized they did not recognize him. Her lips lifted a little in a slight smirk.
" I can bet you my life that if you shave that beard from his face, you will find that you have just imprisoned the heir to the throne of Gondor."
" Boromir? He has never been here," Elrond replied, quite confused at his daughter's statement.
Arwen tapped her foot impatiently, arching both brows as if she could not believe their stupidity.
" Isildur's heir?"
Eyes widened all around the group. Elladan put a hand to his head as if in great pain.
" That was why he moved quicker than I."
Elrond lifted up the Edain's limp head, studying it closer, and then nodded.
" I see it now. He looks plenty like Elros. Take him up to his room. I will be up there in a moment to undo what damage you have done."
Elladan winced under his father's sharp reprimand. Elrohir touched his brother's shoulder.
*We had no idea it was him. He should not have come to us like an agent of the enemy.
Elladan nodded, still feeling guilt for his actions.
*I will be chastised greatly for this still; by both Adar and Estel.
~*~
" So how did you know, Arwen?" Elrond asked as he tended to the large knot on Aragorn's head.
" Nana's palantír. I have been watching him for many years."
Elrond shook his head.
" Go find your brothers, please, and Glorfindel also. I want to hear their excuses for this."
Arwen kissed his cheek.
" Please do not be harsh, Ada."
Elrond looked up at her.
" Maybe just a bit."
Arwen laughed as she left.
*Finally, Ada is rid of his moods. He has forgiven himself for Nana's departure.
~*~
Aragorn had expected to awake in a cold damp dungeon, but instead, he found silk sheets lying over him coolly. A warm body was snuggled beside him, gently brushing his hair. His eyes flew open and he moved away quickly. He put a hand to his head as it began to swim.
" Do not move so quickly, Estel," a soft voice whispered.
His eyes darted up and he beheld her celestial face. She smiled softly, gently touching his face.
" I do not like the beard."
Aragorn shrugged before wincing as pain darted through his head. He sent her a weak smile.
" There is no time to ever shave it."
Arwen leaned against him caressing a bristled cheek.
" Ada wishes for you to shave it now since you are home."
Aragorn laid his throbbing head back at her leading.
" I cannot stay long. Mithrandir wishes me in Bree before the end of the week."
Her face fell.
" I wish I-"
Aragorn shook his head, placing a finger over her soft lips.
" It is far too perilous for you, Nightingale."
He tilted his head, hearing raised voices. He sent her a questioning glance.
" Ada is chastising Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel for their mistake," Arwen explained, " They have been arguing for the last hour."
Aragorn slowly rose and closed his eyes, waiting for the room to stop spinning. Arwen stood beside him, watching worriedly. He opened his eyes again, and reaching to pull on the soft outer tunic provided. Arwen smiled. If not for the beard, he would look just as he had all those years ago.
" Would you shave it first?" she asked softly.
Aragorn sighed dramatically and sent her a grin, but went towards the basin. Arwen leaned back against the bed, closing her eyes. Almost too quickly, he was finished, and pressing a kiss to her cheek.
" I need to interrupt them before they break out into war."
Arwen rose to join him.
~*~
Elrond was busily trying not to become any more angered than he already was. Glorfindel was silent, letting the twins make all the excuses. Glorfindel knew better than to try to excuse anything in front of Elrond. The door opened and for a moment, it seemed even Elrond was stunned. Aragorn looked far different than before. Once again it seemed as if he had grown again in height and strength. His face bore no smile lines and his gold eyes were un-varnished.
Then eyes turned to Arwen and though it pained each heart to admit it, she looked as if she belonged by his side. Elrond was the first to break out of his stupor.
" Welcome home, Estel."
His face seemed to lighten, and a smile appeared.
" I have never received such hospitality before, Elrond."
Elrond paused a bit, almost confused by his foster son's use of his name.
" I am sorry for that," Elladan jumped in, " I should have known."
Aragorn held up a hand.
" It is forgotten. I am not sitting in a dungeon cell again, so I am happy. All is well."
A collective sigh went through his three captors. Elrond sent them a sharp glance.
" Just because you escaped his wrath, does not mean mine is forgotten also."
The three groaned. Aragorn chuckled a little.
" Be not hard, Elrond."
Elrond just nodded before turning out.
~*~
Aragorn found himself alone for a small portion of the night after dinner. He aimlessly walked in the woods outside until, by some strange chance, he came upon the graves of those passed. He caught sight of a figure bent beside one and moved towards it silently. Above the grave was the statue of Nienna, with her arms outstretched and eyes compassionate. Aragorn bent beside Elrond.
" Who lies here?"
Elrond only shook his head, motioning for Aragorn to read it himself. Aragorn shook his head at the words, blinking back a sudden onslaught of tears at the vision of his mother's smiling face.
" Why here?"
Elrond shrugged, running a gentle hand over the stone.
" She was a great lady. She deserved a place among the great."
" Did she die happy?" Aragorn asked.
" She died in her sleep. There was no pain, no drawn out drama. She went peacefully, but I cannot say if she was happy or not."
" Elrond-"
" Why is it Elrond now?" Elrond asked softly. " What have I done to lose my place as a father figure in your life?"
Aragorn shrugged.
" It just seemed fitting over the years. No one would understand if I called the great lord of Imladris, my father. It is habit now."
Elrond rose.
" Then so be it."
The lord began to walk away.
" I am grown, Elrond. Did you think I would remain a boy forever? That I would always think of you as my father?"
Elrond looked back at him, sadness tinging every feature on his ageless face.
" I had always hoped you would at least call me by that name. My other children seem just as hesitant to do it."
Aragorn rose from his crouched position and approached Elrond.
" I am not your son. I will never be. If I was your son, I would have accepted the throne."
" What are you saying, Estel?" Elrond asked.
" I relinquish my title as Aragorn, son of Arathorn."
Elrond could not conjour any words. He stood motionless, just staring for a moment before snapping up his jaw.
" You cannot give up your heritage."
Aragorn shook his head, turning his back.
" My heritage gave up on me. I will never be king."
" Have you told Arwen?" Elrond asked.
An awkward silence fell. Elrond stepped forward, circling the ranger to look straight into his eyes and repeated:
" Have you told Arwen?"
Aragorn shook his head, pain etching his features.
" No and I do not intend to. I will leave tonight and never return here."
~*~
" Where is Estel, Ada?" Arwen asked softly at the dinner table.
Elrond shrugged, not daring to look up at his perceptive daughter. His sons already knew something was wrong for they had seen it as bright as the Gil-Estel's shimmering flame in his eyes.
" He is not at the dinner table, Arwen, so I do not know."
" What did you say?" Arwen asked angrily.
Elrond looked up surprised.
" I said nothing. He is the one that will refuse the crown and you just for his own selfish reasons. Take up your complaints with him."
~*~
Aragorn entered the town of Bree just as a bloody sun was slinking under the dark horizon. He found the nearest tavern and sat himself down with the largest drink he could find. He needed to forget...
Drink after drink. Finally the pain began to dull. For the first time in a very long time, he was light-hearted. Vaguely he remembered being pulled up to a room by pleasurable hands, then it all went black.
~*~
Aragorn awoke, blinking as the sun pierced his eyes like a sharp sword to the brain. He put up a hand, cursing the thin curtains in the shabby room. He suddenly registered a warmth beside him and slowly glanced down by his side… Aragorn nearly jumped away, staring at the pretty young lady lying beside him with a blissful smile upon her face. He sat up softly as to not disturb her, though he wished to bolt from the room. His gold eyes were as wide as a full moon as he searched the room for his clothes.
*Blessed Eru, what did I do in my drunken stupor?
Moving with a speed he never knew he possessed, he pulled back on his clothes and disappeared out the door. He put a hand to his head, the bright sun stinging his eyes and making his headache worse. He managed to somehow find the Inn of the Prancing Pony. The owner quickly steadied Aragorn, seeing the man about to collapse.
" I am a friend of Gandalf the Gray's," Aragorn whispered.
The man nodded and helped him up to a room.
~*~
Aragorn awoke later again, praying it had all been just a dream. He sighed, his memories beginning to resurface and telling him otherwise.
*I am the largest fool of this age. I became drunk, had…relations with that woman and now, I just feel sick.
He wished he were like a hobbit that could burrow into hole and never leave it. The kindly faced owner entered.
" How you feeling, lad?"
Aragorn just nodded.
" Better. Thank you."
The owner just shrugged.
" Tis not the first time a man has come in like that. If you indeed a friend of Gandalf's, then I have a message for you that he left while going through."
Aragorn nodded. He gingerly sat up, wincing slightly as he stretched his stiff neck. The innkeeper rummaged through his many pockets, finally giving a short exclamation of pride when he found it. The man peered over at Aragorn, trying to read the writing.
" It's for a Strider?"
Aragorn nodded again.
" That is me."
The innkeeper handed it to him. Aragorn ripped into it, seeming to devour the words. All it said was: If I do not arrive when hobbits do, then take them to Elrond. Aragorn sighed. He rose, pulling out a change purse and greatly tipping the owner.
" Let us keep my presence here unnoticed, shall we? You never saw me," Aragorn said.
He slipped out to his horse and then rode to the countryside just outside Bree. He would be able to see all comings and goings from there.
~*~
He entered the city silently in the bright daylight, looking for provisions. No hobbits had arrived yet and he was running out of food.
" You left rather quickly, stranger," a voice purred by his ear.
Aragorn looked down at the woman. She was wearing clothes this time.
" Forgive my actions. I was drunk and I never should have done that with you."
" Do you have a girl somewhere, sir?"
He looked down.
" I did."
" So that was why you were so drunk? Tis fine. You have no child to worry about, if you are worried about that."
Aragorn faced her. He handed her a few coins.
" You deserve much better than having to surrender your body to drunk men. Get out of here and find a better life."
The woman pocketed the coins. She squeezed his arm as she passed.
"You should also get out of this place and find a better life. By your looks you are a ranger. Go back to them. This ain't fit for nobody unless they are willing to crawl on their hands and knees to the darkness that creeps through."
" Darkness? Tell me," Aragorn pulled her off to the side.
Maybe his blunder could prove some good. The woman tapped her lips.
" His name is Bill Ferny. He comes in to the Prancing Pony most times just to listen to gossip and see any visitors," she lowered her voice, eyes darting around, " I have seen some queer folk coming and going to and from his house. He's an odd fellow. Doesn't take no bedmates, unlike-"
" Please," Aragorn said softly.
She smiled up at him.
" I don't know how you came to me, but I would be glad to see what I can find for you regarding this fellow."
Aragorn nodded his thanks.
" What do you wish in payment?"
She shrugged tilting her head around and watching a couple people walk by before answering.
" A horse, so I may ride away from here."
Aragorn extended a hand, which she took. They shook on it.
" It is a done deal then."