Homeless, though that's nothing new for Aragorn. Also, very VERY pre-canon.

[elfstone]

It is not a journey to a distant land that troubles me. My travels have taken me far from the North before; it will not be unguarded in my absence. Though our numbers are diminished, the Dúnedain are yet valiant. They shall not fall to the creatures of the Enemy before my return.

Nay, it is the matter of place. If I am to be sent to a realm far removed from Middle-Earth, I would not have it be a land of idleness where the sword of a Ranger is not needed. I have walked long on many hard roads, and though a restful place calls to my weary limbs, I say to you: not yet! My heart tells me that my greatest tasks still lie ahead, and I would not meet them with the weakness of a mind and body that had fallen into disuse. I have been given great gifts, in strength of arms, woodcraft and wisdom, and I would put them to work for good, whether in Middle-Earth or other lands far stranger.

You would also do well not to neglect the half-wolf who lies in your keeping. Little is asked of you in the realm of Einmal: can you not give it?

Comments

[dammitmother]

[Well, she's got the pointy ears and the oddly beautiful quality, but this fae might look at you funny if you call her an elf.]

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about disuse, if she finds the right--or, rather, very, very wrong--place.

[elfstone]

...like you are to an Elf, and yet unlike. If you are one of the Eldar, I have never encountered such a one before.

[And he's met a LOT of Elves.]

[dammitmother]

Um. Somewhat like, sure. More like half-Elf, really, but I guess if that's what you're familiar with.

[elfstone]

[Well, Tolkien did conflate elves and fairies a lot. Borrowed a bunch of tropes from both, stuck them together, and bam! Eldar.]

A Half-Elf! Those are rare indeed.

[He feels he would have heard about it if there had been any more unions between Elves and Men. They're a big deal where he's from.]

You must hail from a realm far removed from mine. Such a thing has not happened in Middle-Earth for an Age, not since the fall of Númenor and the dwindling of both kindreds.

[dammitmother]

Pretty far. Place called San Francisco, land of hills, fog, and hidden fae--elves, you would say.. [And lots of Tolkein fans and hippies this conversation is not that weird rn for her.]

[darklordofrings]

And what if the enemy you so greatly fear is here as well, his might restored to it's prime with full knowledge of who you are and the danger you pose to him? What then, Last of the Númenóreans?

[elfstone]

[HOLY FUCKING VARDA

OH SHIT

OH SHIT

For a moment, Aragorn can do nothing but stare, and breathe a prayer.]

Elbereth Gilthoniel!

[But it's barely a moment before he pulls himself together, his expression grim. Sauron's own words are heartening: few men indeed are acknowledged as a danger to Sauron the Great.]

Then I would do battle with him, even unto death. And gladly so; for as long as the Enemy is here, he does not work evil in Middle-Earth.

[ladyofrivendell]

Such words you speak. Such honestly and lacking the disdain normally given to their kind from those here.

Sadly, my mundane and I can make no suggestions for anywhere you might be sent though she wishes you were present in a game she has sent the Son of Thranduil to.

[elfstone]

Lady Celebrían. Well do I know you, for none other could so resemble the Lady Galadriel and Arwen Evenstar. You honor me with your presence.

[He makes a deep bow, truly glad to have the chance to meet her. There is sadness in his eyes, for he knows her tale. He hopes she found peace over the Sea.]

Prince Legolas would be a worthy companion indeed, no matter the venture. I would be glad to have him by my side.

[ladyofrivendell]

I know of you as well. Tis a shame that we can only meet like this but I am glad to meet the on whom my daughter loves so much.

[She inclines her head ever so slightly, smiling kindly.

Her own story is known to her as well though she is, thankfully, from a point before such sadness came to pass.]

He finds himself in a place called "Tower of Animus" and there are many horrors there.

[elfstone]

[He smiles back, kind of shyly. Herp derp Arwen. It makes his face look much less grim for just a moment.

It doesn't last long, though, before his usual serious look comes back.]

That tower is not known to me, but the mundane to whom I answer has heard tell of it before. There is another who was nearly sent to that place, long ago.

How fares the prince of the greenwood?

[ladyofrivendell]

[There's a soft laugh from the woman. What she wouldn't give to have the chance to know him in Middle Earth.]

It's a place my own mundane has grown fond of despite the countless terrors inflicted upon those there.

[She gives her own mun a disapproving glance.]

He has survived though he suffers now as new floors appear. A cemetery with the names of friends that disappeared.

[elfstone]

[He shuts his eyes and places a hand over his heart.]

Most grievous would that sight be to one of the fair folk! Do their remains truly lie buried there, or is it but a vision brought forth by a foe?

[ladyofrivendell]

No, there are none buried there. And he has Haldir and Idrial for now, to console him should he need it.

Your name is among them.