A/N: The last few chapters are taken from Appendix A of Return of the King

Chapter 48 Destiny Revealed

Over the years that followed, the Elves were amazed at the changes that had come over Estel. He had grown taller and much stronger. Those who were around him the most began to notice the light that had been kindled in his eyes. The time had finally come when he was no longer required to study history or lore. He even began to win renown on the hunts he went on. Gradually, he was gone for longer and further away from the boundaries of Imladris.

In his twentieth year, Estel had been out hunting orcs with Elladan and Elrohir near the mountain passes. They returned victorious for many of the foul creatures had been slain or driven from their holes.

Upon their return, Elrond called Estel to his chambers. Elrond had seen the great deeds of Estel along with those of his sons in the last few years and was pleased. Estel had become fair and noble. Manhood had come on him early, yet he could still be greater. Thus it was that Elrond revealed to him his true name and explained more about the great line of kings he had been born into.

"After your father was slain, upon your arrival here your mother and I thought it best to hide all of this from you for your protection and you may still have to hide it, but this seems to be the hour that has been appointed for you to know. I rename you Aragorn son of Arathorn and surrender some of the heirlooms of your house to you."

Elrond rose from his seat and went to his desk where he took a box out of one of the drawers.

"This is the Ring of Barahir and with it also comes the name of Elessar, for it was made by the elves and given to Barahir and then passed to his son upon his death."

Aragorn opened the box and gasped at the ring. It had two serpents with emerald eyes; one devouring and the other crowned with golden flowers.

"I also surrender the Shards of Narsil to you. The house of the king can only wield its power. I will return in a moment."

Aragorn sat quietly, trying to digest what Elrond had told him. Aragorn jumped with a start when Elrond came back in the room carrying a small, silver rod.

"This is the sceptre of Annuminas. There are many who believe that it is actually the oldest artifact in Middle Earth. When Numenor sank, most thought it was lost, but it was recovered and brought to Middle Earth by Elendil. When Arnor was destroyed, the artifacts of the house of Elendil came to me by the Dunedain."

"It is named after the Northern capital city of Annuminas for the scepter was the symbol of royalty of the Northern Kingdom. I freely give you the heirlooms of your house as a Dunedain, but I do not feel like you have earned the Sceptre, for it represents the reunion of the Kingdom of men and the reclamation of the throne in Gondor. I only wished to show it to you, I no longer want secrets."

Aragorn put the box for the ring in his pocket, but slid the ring on his finger. It fit perfect. Rising, he excused himself. Elrond noticed that there were tears in Aragorn's eyes as he said quietly, "Thank you Ada."

Quickly he hugged his Ada and ran off to find his brothers.