I Believe

V.

Like the Tears Were Never Cried

Aragorn tied the last knot of the leather strap upon his bedroll then proceeded to re-check the gear upon his saddle.

"I wish you a safe return, my king."

Elessar did not need to turn around to know who the voice belonged to. He smiled to himself. His fellow Ranger still possessed great skills of stealth to have approached him so silently. He turned to face Faramir. "Thank you, Faramir. May your rule be peaceful in my absence." He regarded the quiet man for a moment. "I am sorry to place such a burden upon you, my friend."

"'Tis no more burden than my duty always is. I am happy to be of service to you, Elessar." He patted the horse's face. "I feel that this is a journey that you must take."

The king sighed and leaned slightly against his steed. He was quiet a moment. "Let us hope it is not fruitless."

"Nay, Aragorn. Such things are never so."

He offered the steward a weak smile. "Thank you, Faramir. For all you've done. I shall return within a fortnight if all goes well."

The Ranger grinned. "Fear not. I would not worry for you if you were late. We Rangers are not used to living on such schedules."

Aragorn actually laughed. "Yes, but as kings we must! What a fine pair we make, Faramir. Both more accustomed to the woods than to palaces, and yet look where our paths have led us."

"It seems to be something that was meant to be," he placed his hand upon Aragorn's shoulder. "Fate has placed us in each other's way."

Aragorn placed his hand on the shoulder of his fellow Ranger in turn.

"Be well, Elessar."

The king bowed his head.

Faramir backed away and as Aragorn prepared to lead his mare out of the gates he caught sight of Arwen. Time seemed to slow as the two of them locked gazes. They had already said their goodbyes. The Evenstar understood his reasons for leaving, yet he could not help but feel that he was abandoning her in her time of need, for the time that she was to give birth drew ever nearer. After a curt nod to his queen he left the grounds and set off on a south eastern path knowing full well that the road ahead would be long and unsure.

By the morning of his second day upon the road Aragorn had easily fallen back into his routine of travel. His days as a Ranger seemed to envelop him and many a time he forgot that he had fought in the War of the Ring at all. It seemed almost as if he had never left the woods and become king.

He hadn't realized that a smirk had formed on his face at this thought until it quickly vanished. His horse had perked her ears and slowed, gazing intently into the distance. Aragorn's muscles tensed. He readied his sword hand. A sudden gust of wind caused the trees to roar and his hair to whip back as autumn leaves fluttered about. As there had been only the gentlest of breezes earlier, this sudden force of wind had the Ranger's eyes darting wildly to and fro. He scanned the swaying branches of the trees, feeling eyes boring into his body…

A moment later his horse visibly relaxed and began to rub her itching face on her leg, the bridle annoying her. Aragorn let his shoulders sag. He had been so sure that someone was there a moment ago, yet now he felt utterly alone. Unbidden, a memory of a voice played in his mind. Whenever you need me, just listen to the trees. That is where I shall be.

The Ranger's face became hard. He could reach the nearest hamlet before nightfall if he kept a steady pace. Tugging on her reigns, he led Daetogon.

The inn was stuffy and putrid. Aragorn was happy he'd already found where he was going to set up camp for the night. He'd only stepped in here to inquire about the Spirit Talker. A week into his trip and he was beginning to feel that it was a waste of time. Arwen needed him and here he was chasing ghosts…

"Spirit Talker?"

Aragorn tried not to look embarrassed as the barkeep loudly repeated his question.

"You must mean Garlin's daughter, Lethara."

At a name Aragorn jerked his gaze up. He was finally making some headway. "Does she live nearby?"

"She's on her own, now. Garlin up and died last winter. She lives out on the edge of town on the South Forest Road. Doesn't much like visitors. If you're planning on seeing 'er best bring 'er something'. Food or the like."

"Thank you. I appreciate your service."

He was able to leave the inn without a second glance. He smiled once outside again. The people would never imagine that this scruffy man was their king…

Laying his head on his saddle he pulled the blanket up over his frame. Daetog was grazing nearby, tethered to a bush. She wouldn't wander far anyhow.

The hissing and gurgling of the river they had crossed to reach this clearing began to lull him. He sighed deeply, thinking of how far he had come and where he had yet to go. He lost his worries as he imagined the child Arwen was soon to give birth to…

A stick broke. He sat upright, reaching for his sword. There was a flash of a cloak in the trees. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Something was calling to him. The figure paused just within the veil of trees. With an unconscious shuddering breath, the king of Gondor rose.

Author's Note:

While the names Garlin and Lethara are of my creation, I chose Daetog specifically because it was my horridly conjugated merge of the Sindarin Elvish words for "shadow" and "guide." As you may have noticed, I've had a lot of fun echoing the hero's quest through this tale. ;o)

Review Responses:

Dreamality: Thank you so much for your lovely review, mellon. And I'm so glad that you enjoyed that "flashback/dream" scene. I was hoping someone would and had you in mind when I posted it, lol. :o) Take care mellon!

Merrylad: Awww hugs Aragorn as well But now what's gonna happen to the poor guy??? I hope you liked this chapter! Be well brumbie lass!

LegolasLover2003: LOL- I'm glad that what I wrote to you last time (though long ago it was!) made sense! Awww- I'm glad you liked the scene with Legolas. But what will happen now? We'll all just have to wait and see... or read, rather, lol. :o) Hannon le, mellon-nïn!

Elenor Edhelen: Thank you very much for the compliments, mellon! I am so glad that you have begun reading this story and hope that you enjoy it! Bless you!