Again, taken from Appendix A
Chapter 51 Conversations
In the weeks and months that followed his encounter with Arwen, Aragorn became increasingly quiet. Only those closest to him noticed the change. One day his mother cornered him.
"Aragorn, tell me what has changed you so much in the last few days that you hardly talk to anyone or just sit and stare into nothingness."
But he refused to answer her questions or even acknowledge that he had heard.
"I know we have all given you a lot to think about in the last few months, but that is no reason to cut yourself off from everyone." From that moment, Gilrean realized what was troubling her son when she looked in his eyes and he figured out her guesses.
"Alright, I will tell you, but please don't tell anyone else," Aragorn pleaded.
"Okay, I won't tell. Now you have me even more curious so out with it. Who is she?"
"I met Lord Elrond's daughter, Arwen, in the forest after he told me my true name." Aragorn let out a deep sigh. He felt some small relief that he had gotten it off his chest, but yet, at the same time had a feeling his troubles were only just beginning.
"My son, your aim is high, even for the descendant of many kings. For this lady is the noblest and fairest that now walks this earth. And it is not fit that a mortal should wed with the Elf-kin."
"Yet, we have some part in that kinship," Aragorn answered, "If the tale of my forefathers is true that I have learned."
"It is true," said Gilrean, "but it was long ago and in another age of this world, before our race was diminished. I am afraid; for without the good will of Master Elrond, the Heirs of Isildur would have ended long ago for Elrond fostered Isildur's own son as well. But I do not think you will have his goodwill in this matter."
"Then, my days will be bitter and I will walk in the wild alone."
"That will indeed be your fate. Don't take my words too seriously. Though, she may be the greatest treasure to Elrond, I do think you could possibly hold more sway over him than you realize. A child can hold on to a parent's heart for forever and Elven Lords are no exception to that. Elladan and Elrohir still get by with a lot. But, I gave you my promise and I give it again to tell no one of what we have spoken. Now go with my blessing and do what you must."
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Several days later, Aragorn was called into Elrond's study. As he seated himself, he asked, "You wished to see me, Ada?"
"Ah, yes, Aragorn. I have the ability to see many things and to read people's unspoken intentions and I have perceived some of your thoughts as well in the past few weeks. And I say this to you, many years of trial lie before you. You shall neither have wife, nor bind any woman to you in troth, until your time comes and you are found worthy of it."
Upon hearing this, Aragorn became angry. "Has my mother spoken to you of this?"
"Calm yourself, my child. No, she spoke nothing to me, but your eyes have betrayed you. I saw the moment I told you of your history the light that was kindled in them and it burns ever brighter since you have laid eyes on my chief treasure. But, I do not speak of my daughter alone. You shall be betrothed to no man's child as yet. But as for Arwen, she is of greater lineage than you and she has lived in the world already so long that to her, you are a yearling shoot beside a young birch of many summers. She is too far above you. And so, I think, it may well seem to her. But even if it were not so, and her heart were turned towards you, I should still be grieved for the doom of choice that is laid upon us. For as long as I live here, she lives with the youth of the Eldar, and when I depart these shores, so shall she, if she so chooses."
"So I see. Indeed, I have chosen no less treasure than what Beren desired of Thingol. Such is my fate. But, Ada, the years of your staying are running short and the choice must soon be laid on your children," Aragon became flushed as he spoke, but he knew he had hit the mark.
"That may be. But I say, there will be no choice before Arwen unless you come between us and bring one of us, you or me, to a bitter parting beyond the end of the world. You still do not know what you desire of my heart."
After a while, Elrond sighed and said, "The years will bring what they will. We will speak no more of this until many have passed. The days darken and much evil is to come."
As Aragorn rose to leave, he replied, "Sadly, that may be true that one day all that is beautiful will be laid to ruin. My heart is as grieved as yours in this matter. I feel that it is a bird being kept in a cage, but I will respect your wishes and say no more. I have spoken with my mother about this and she agrees. In the morning, I will take my leave of this house for a time to seek out our Northern kin. I ask only for your blessing and whatever provisions you can spare." With this, he quietly closed the door behind him and headed to gather what he would need to take with him into the wilds.
Elrond was not as surprised at these words as he thought he would be. Aragorn had already grown into a wonderful man and had many great deeds before him still.