Hidden Secrets

Disclaimer: I don't own anything or any of the characters, locations, etc. from The Lord of the Rings nor do I claim too. I only own the creation of Wanderer.

Chapter Four: Aragorn's Secret

T.A. 3018

Aragorn was surprised when Elrond came to see him. Aragorn had been relaxing in one of Rivendell's many gardens, a book opened in his hand. It was wonderful to be back in Rivendell where he could truly relax for the first time in nineteen years. But that all ended when he looked up and met the Elf Lord's somber eyes.

"Aragorn," Elrond said softly, his worry creeping into his voice.

"My lord Elrond, what seems to be the problem?" asked Aragorn, immediately concerned.

"This seems to be the problem," Elrond hissed in disgust as dropped the Ring of Barahir and its silver chain into Aragorn's palm.

Aragorn looked down at the ring, and then he looked up at Elrond. "Where did you get this?" the Man demanded.

"From a Ranger, oddly enough. As a matter of fact, he girl Ranger that you brought here had it around her neck."

"Why did she--?" Aragorn began, only to be cut off by Elrond.

"She claims that her mother gave it to her. And when my daughter came in to check on her, she saw the ring and collapsed."

"Arwen? Is she alright?" Aragorn asked, jumping out of his seat, his fear for Arwen showing.

"She will be fine. But I have a question for you—what are you not telling me, Aragorn, son of Arathorn?"

"About what?"

"That ring, among many other things. Tell me about it," Elrond said, sitting down.

Aragorn sighed as he too sat. "Well I gave the ring to Arwen, many years ago. I haven't seen nor heard from her in a long time, so I do not know how the girl came across it."

"When did you give the ring to my daughter?" Elrond demanded.

"Many years ago. When we were in the Wild…" said Aragorn, quickly becoming lost in his memories of Arwen.

T.A. 2998

"Estel!" called the soft voice, waking a weary Ranger.

Aragorn rapidly jumped to his feet and placed his right hand on the hilt of his trusty sword. There were many dangers in Wild, he was not about to be caught unawares.

"Estel!" the soft voice called once more, more urgently this time.

Aragorn shook his head. He must be hearing voices. Surely, she couldn't be out here!

"Estel! Help me, Estel!"

Aragorn knew in that instant, that he was not hearing voices. His beloved Arwen was in trouble! He had to help her! He took off, following her voice. The urgency of the voice speared the weary Ranger onward, even though he was close to collapsing. He had to help her!

"Arwen!" he cried out, hoping that she would respond and that she would recognize his voice in her despair.

Suddenly, Aragorn stopped and he knew the reason for her cries. Arwen was surrounded by a group of Orcs, all who were ready to kill the Elven maiden. Her gray-blue eyes were wide with fright and she had a death grip upon her trusty blade. Aragorn drew his long sword and with a cry of "Elendil!" he charged into the group of Orcs, cutting his way to her side.

Back to back, the Ranger and Elf fought against the group of Orcs. The Orcs were somewhat intimidated by the pair, but they still put up a fight. Finally, all the Orcs were either dead or had fled. Exhausted, both the Ranger and Elf collapsed on the ground in each other's arms and fell into a state of unconsciousness.

A few days later, Aragorn awoke and he was shocked to find himself inside a tent. On a cot near him, lay Arwen Undomiel, the Evenstar of her people. Arwen's long dark hair covered her face and rose and fell with each new breath that she took. Aragorn sighed and relaxed. She was safe.

A Healer came to his side, and Aragorn asked, "How many days have passed?"

"Three days since you were brought to my care," said the Healer.

"Is she going to be okay? She wasn't badly injured, was she?" Aragorn, questioned, concerned for Arwen.

"She will be fine. As long as she wakes soon, she should be fine," the Healer said and he left Aragorn.

As soon as the Healer was out of sight, Aragorn moved to Arwen's side. Holding her cold, pale hand in his warm hand, he stared into her closed eyes. She looked like an angel, when she was sleeping. He softly brushed her hair from her face.

"Arwen, please leave your dreams… Please return for me… It is I, your Estel…" Aragorn called to her softly.

There was no change in Arwen. Aragorn bit his lip and bowed his head. She wasn't responded to his call.

Aragorn softly began to sing a song of old. It was a pretty sounding song in Elvish, even though it wasn't so pretty in the common tongue. "Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta," he sang.

Arwen stirred every so slightly and Aragorn knew that she was becoming closer and closer to waking. And patiently he waited for her to wake. Finally, Arwen opened her eyes and focused them immediately on Aragorn who smiled. She smiled back.
"Estel, you saved me," Arwen said.

"Of course I did. I love you, Arwen," he said slipping the Ring of Barahir off of his finger.

"And I love you, Estel," she replied and unhooked the Evenstar from her neck.

Aragorn put his ring in Arwen's hand and she put the Evenstar in his. These were nothing more than trinkets or symbols of their love for each other. But it was their gifts to each other. And from that day forward, Aragorn always wore the Evenstar, which reminded him of Arwen. But what became of his ring? How did the Ranger girl come across it?

T.A. 3018

"You must really love my daughter then," Elrond said softly.

Aragorn nodded and said, "Yes my Lord Elrond, I love Arwen more than life itself. I would gladly give my life in exchange for hers."

"Hopefully that will not come to pass," Elrond said and he wandered away.

Author's Notes:

This is only the first part of Aragorn's secret. He's got a couple other secrets, but those will come into play in another chapter. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter! Expect another update around Monday, April 25th!