Ada. Maedhros heard so many echoes between this Child and Elrond and Elros. And he'd heard of such a Ranger, though only now did he put a name to the nameless.
"Your fear is what drives you out to fight, to help however you can," he softly observed. "As I would expect from any of your heritage. As with most, it has it's good and bad. Do you not have good ground upon which to stand?" Elrond. "Trust in those who love you. I expect you will leave when you realize it is time for you to do so.
"My ills are inconsequential." And self-inflicted.
"A - Lord Elrond is convinced I could be a good King; that I should reclaim the throne." Aragorn shifted uncomfortably, clearly weighing the possibility heavily. He was not the sort to grab the opportunity and use it for his sole gain. Truthfully, he was content if his family was safe.
But the more he thought about it, didn't others deserve that sort of contentment? Everyone deserved peace.
So he fought for it where he could, learning along the way.
"He will Sail one day." and there was a further complication with Arwen, "They will all Sail." even her, "I cannot say how I will react. Will I be myself? Will I be strong enough to support a kingdom of people who have been torn apart by the Enemy for far too long?"
His lips twitched and he gave Maedhros an intense stare. "Not to Lord Elrond and...not to me by extension."
"Lord Elrond has grown wise and knows the heart of those under his care. Do you not trust his opinion?" Maedhros was content to stay still, watching Aragorn. "You would not take your subjects for granted, I think." Just as Elros hadn't.
"Most will, yes." Did he dare offer? A sigh. How could he not? When this Man claimed his ills weren't unimportant, with a stare that looked into his very heart.
"I will fight and stand at your side, if you ask it of me. I would not think less of you if you decide having one such as I is too dangerous." Then he would continue as he had been. Fighting where he was needed, leaving no name and little stain.
"I trust him with all my heart. It is myself I do not wholly trust. Or, rather, my blood." he fought to find the right words, "Some of Isildur lives on in me. Sauron's Ring will resurface - it is only a matter of time. If I were to succumb to it..." a shudder ran down his spine, "Sauron would rejoice to have me as his thrall, I do not doubt."
Ruling did not frighten as much as that.
Aragorn blinked in shock, color rising high on his cheeks. "That... I do not fear the danger." he was touched by the offer and he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, "Shall I ask Lord Elrond why you would be willing to do that for me or will you tell me?"
Maedhros answered with a wry little smile. "Good. Keep testing yourself. Only remember that while the blood of Isildur lives on in you, so to does the blood of Elros. And he was a very fine Elf before he was a very good Man." Fire glittered in pale eyes. "Sauron will have to go through me to get you." Whether he stood at Aragorn's side or not.
The barest of snorts, not something one would expect from an Elf. He didn't try to sit up, though he didn't protest Aragorn sitting down on the bed. There was no physical discomfort. Memory cast his gaze into the past, and he thought carefully. "Because of the wrong I did Elrond and Elros. Because of the love I bear them." He focused on Aragorn. "And because I can see you are one who is worthy of loyalty. I would fight for you regardless," he admitted with a faint smile. "It is your choice whether I do so openly or out of sight, as I have been fighting these many years."
"If he was like Lord Elrond - and he must have been - he was an excellent King." he looked thoughtful, choosing his words with care, "He has told me I take more after Elendil, Isildur's father. The people of Gondor loved Elendil and he brought them peace before Sauron struck him down. I would be honored to follow in his footsteps."
He saw the fire and he smiled faintly. "I will not go to Sauron willingly or in one piece if I have my way."
Aragorn knew he would fight to the death if he felt that Darkness. He had no desire for the power the Ring had to offer.
At least no conscious desire. It was his subconscious that concerned him.
The snort made his smile grow and he was careful not to jostle Maedhros as he sat down.
"I am honored beyond words." he met the gaze that felt so wise, so knowledgeable and so intense, wondering what Maedhros saw in him to make him so certain, "Fight with me in the light and in the dark. I am not ashamed of your company."
"Lord Elrond is the wise, quiet one. Elros...was a force in himself." Maedhros didn't regret being at Elros' bedside in the end. When no one else had been around to see, he had paid the younger twin one last visit. "He is loved even now, by those who remember him." The number didn't matter. Even if he was the last who had known Elros, he would be content to know that memory hadn't died.
"Then you will not be alone. You will not need to ever fight against Shadow by yourself." Perhaps he was condemning himself and many others. But he'd set his course with his offer and would stick to it till the end.
And yes, Elrond, he saw you peek in before ducking back out.
He bowed his head. "I give you my life, to do with as you wish." There was a strange sense of relief with the words.
"I should like to know more about him." Aragorn knew memories were precious and if Maedhros chose to share his, he was eager to listen, "By you. By Lord Elrond." he did not think that such a bad fate at all, "No life leaves the world unchanged even if there is no one to recall their presence or their passing."
His heart skipped a beat and he felt...a strange ache. Perhaps Elros was speaking through him?
"Neither will you." his voice was tight with emotions he could not explain, "I want you to live; I want us to fight together and, if we are so blessed, to see the future together too." he laid a hand on Maedhros's shoulder, "But first, I want you to heal."
It wouldn't surprise Maedhros if he heard Elrond had spoken little of Elros. He knew that pain couldn't be easy for Elrond. "I will tell you about him in time." A nod. "I will not forget him. Neither will his brother." There were some memories he would keep to himself, most of the darker days.
He tensed, then let out a quiet breath. "Ever perceptive." Approving, for that would help keep Aragorn alive. He nodded, quelling the unease any touch brings. "I will heal. Your ada has seen to that. And when you feel we should go, we will." Life was never dull around the sons and descendants of Eärendil.
Aragorn would not ask Elrond to recount tales of his brother; it felt wrong to push his Ada so, but Maedhros was...different, though perhaps not by much. He had a suspicion that this Elf called Elrond and Elros family.
"I will not press you." he felt the tensing and lifted his hand, brow furrowing, "The Ring will show itself sooner rather than later. I will not let others risk their lives alone to destroy it. It...seems like I should go too." but he hesitated to ask Maedhros to follow, "The journey will not be easy."
Aragorn would learn quickly that touch was not an easy thing for Maedhros to bear. For a time it had been easier, when Elrond and Elros had been under his immediate care. But since the Silmaril had scorched his remaining hand, it was harder than ever. Elrond's touch was one of healing and love. Aragorn's was still unknown. He didn't apologize.
"It will not be long before I am well enough to travel and fight with you." He healed quickly, and trusted the pace was quickened by Elrond's skill. "The Ring will be found and destroyed." There was no other option that he would allow while there was breath in his body. And this Man would not fall in the doing.
His lips quirked and a touch of almost affection touched his gaze. Aragorn hardly knew him and didn't want him to follow blindly into danger. "My life has not been easy since before the Sun and Moon rose. There is no reason that should change now, only that I have more reason than ever to go out on the beaten and unbeaten path.
"Lord Elrond is having my clothing and armor mended as we speak." Quite possibly himself. "They will be ready when we are."
There was far too much he didn't know. The years before he was born - before his parents or grandparents or great-great-great grandparents were born - spanned such a vast amount of time that he would need years and years to catch up. He might not even be fully caught up on his death bed.
"It must go to Mount Doom in Mordor." he stood up and paced a little, "No other weapon can destroy it."
Oh he pitied whoever came across it accidentally. Even now, some poor soul could have it and be affected by it. He crossed his arms over his chest, doing all he could to calm himself.
"If we can travel to Mordor unnoticed, our path will be far less dangerous." he turned to gaze at Maedhros, feeling guilty, "I do not wish for you to feel obligated. I have done nothing for you. If you wish to honor the bond you share with Lord Elrond, I would suggest you defend Imladris and see to the safety, especially, of his daughter, Arwen."
What Aragorn did not know, Maedhros probably did. He would give his knowledge to Aragorn as they went, helping steer him true. It could be helpful to have an Elf as old as Maedhros at one's side!
He watched the pacing, understanding the need and wishing he could do the same. It would make Elrond fuss, and Aragorn as well. So he stayed still in his sickbed, willing his body to settle.
"There are paths few know into Mordor. When the time comes, we will find them." He raised a brow. "I will not stay here, for if I stay too long, there is no doubt in my mind Sauron will find me and lay waste to all that is beautiful and serene about this Valley."
His gaze hardened and he shook his head. "No. I will leave these borders soon. They are already defended, and the Lord of this Valley knows it. My bond was closer to Elros, Aragorn, though I love Elrond dearly." More than he could say. "I ask nothing of you except to let me keep you as safe as is possible while doing what is needed."
Maedhros's company could only aid any expedition. If Aragorn were being selfish and greedy, he would jump at the chance of working and fighting side by side with such an Elf, but that wasn't...him. He knew somewhat of Maedhros's trials with Morgoth and how he lost his hand. To ask him to do more - especially if the Elf felt an obligation - left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Eventually he returned to his chair, sitting in it with a small exhale.
"I know of several, but not all of them." he longed for his pipe to settle his nerves. Later. Later.
"If he seeks you, he must go through me." though Maedhros had a fair point about Imladris, "Then I am sorry you have lost him." he closed his eyes and nodded faintly, "I consider it a great honor and I will watch your back to the best of my ability. I will not abandon you."
Aragorn was not the sort of Man to act on such a wish. He was a Good Man, which Maedhros could see already. He didn't see fighting at Aragorn's side as an obligation. He wanted to be there, knowing that with Aragorn's Light, good things could only happen. Aragorn was estel.
"I may know more," he allowed. "Not many, I am sure." How better to spy on one's enemy than to find ways unseen into that stronghold?
A hint of a flush touched the Elf's ears. "I believe it to be the other way around. You inspire hope without expecting it or keeping any for yourself." There was much he could discern from the Man by even a short conversation, and just how well he'd once known Elrond and Elros.
"He made his choice," he answered simply. "I am glad to have had the chance to bid him farewell.
"I am certain you do." he knew he would journey to that Dark land far faster with Maedhros's aid and leave it far quicker, yet this Darkness was, in part, thanks to his family. It was up to him to see it extinguished; whoever followed him, he would defend with his life if need be, but they would be in constant peril for an unknown period of time.
"I have no right to keep it for myself." Aragorn laid another blanket at the foot of the bed in case Maedhros felt a chill, "Do you truly think he left you completely?" his smile was shy, but warm, "My father, Arathorn, has not left my mother or myself. Our bodies are indeed mortal; that is not so for our spirits."
He bowed his head, removing a pendant from his shirt. It was one he had made. The craftsmanship was not up to Elven standards, yet he liked the shape of it - a silver feathered arrow set with a white stone. He laid it on Maedhros's chest.
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"Your fear is what drives you out to fight, to help however you can," he softly observed. "As I would expect from any of your heritage. As with most, it has it's good and bad. Do you not have good ground upon which to stand?" Elrond. "Trust in those who love you. I expect you will leave when you realize it is time for you to do so.
"My ills are inconsequential." And self-inflicted.
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But the more he thought about it, didn't others deserve that sort of contentment? Everyone deserved peace.
So he fought for it where he could, learning along the way.
"He will Sail one day." and there was a further complication with Arwen, "They will all Sail." even her, "I cannot say how I will react. Will I be myself? Will I be strong enough to support a kingdom of people who have been torn apart by the Enemy for far too long?"
His lips twitched and he gave Maedhros an intense stare. "Not to Lord Elrond and...not to me by extension."
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"Most will, yes." Did he dare offer? A sigh. How could he not? When this Man claimed his ills weren't unimportant, with a stare that looked into his very heart.
"I will fight and stand at your side, if you ask it of me. I would not think less of you if you decide having one such as I is too dangerous." Then he would continue as he had been. Fighting where he was needed, leaving no name and little stain.
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Ruling did not frighten as much as that.
Aragorn blinked in shock, color rising high on his cheeks. "That... I do not fear the danger." he was touched by the offer and he moved to sit on the edge of the bed, "Shall I ask Lord Elrond why you would be willing to do that for me or will you tell me?"
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The barest of snorts, not something one would expect from an Elf. He didn't try to sit up, though he didn't protest Aragorn sitting down on the bed. There was no physical discomfort. Memory cast his gaze into the past, and he thought carefully. "Because of the wrong I did Elrond and Elros. Because of the love I bear them." He focused on Aragorn. "And because I can see you are one who is worthy of loyalty. I would fight for you regardless," he admitted with a faint smile. "It is your choice whether I do so openly or out of sight, as I have been fighting these many years."
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He saw the fire and he smiled faintly. "I will not go to Sauron willingly or in one piece if I have my way."
Aragorn knew he would fight to the death if he felt that Darkness. He had no desire for the power the Ring had to offer.
At least no conscious desire. It was his subconscious that concerned him.
The snort made his smile grow and he was careful not to jostle Maedhros as he sat down.
"I am honored beyond words." he met the gaze that felt so wise, so knowledgeable and so intense, wondering what Maedhros saw in him to make him so certain, "Fight with me in the light and in the dark. I am not ashamed of your company."
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"Then you will not be alone. You will not need to ever fight against Shadow by yourself." Perhaps he was condemning himself and many others. But he'd set his course with his offer and would stick to it till the end.
And yes, Elrond, he saw you peek in before ducking back out.
He bowed his head. "I give you my life, to do with as you wish." There was a strange sense of relief with the words.
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His heart skipped a beat and he felt...a strange ache. Perhaps Elros was speaking through him?
"Neither will you." his voice was tight with emotions he could not explain, "I want you to live; I want us to fight together and, if we are so blessed, to see the future together too." he laid a hand on Maedhros's shoulder, "But first, I want you to heal."
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He tensed, then let out a quiet breath. "Ever perceptive." Approving, for that would help keep Aragorn alive. He nodded, quelling the unease any touch brings. "I will heal. Your ada has seen to that. And when you feel we should go, we will." Life was never dull around the sons and descendants of Eärendil.
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"I will not press you." he felt the tensing and lifted his hand, brow furrowing, "The Ring will show itself sooner rather than later. I will not let others risk their lives alone to destroy it. It...seems like I should go too." but he hesitated to ask Maedhros to follow, "The journey will not be easy."
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"It will not be long before I am well enough to travel and fight with you." He healed quickly, and trusted the pace was quickened by Elrond's skill. "The Ring will be found and destroyed." There was no other option that he would allow while there was breath in his body. And this Man would not fall in the doing.
His lips quirked and a touch of almost affection touched his gaze. Aragorn hardly knew him and didn't want him to follow blindly into danger. "My life has not been easy since before the Sun and Moon rose. There is no reason that should change now, only that I have more reason than ever to go out on the beaten and unbeaten path.
"Lord Elrond is having my clothing and armor mended as we speak." Quite possibly himself. "They will be ready when we are."
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"It must go to Mount Doom in Mordor." he stood up and paced a little, "No other weapon can destroy it."
Oh he pitied whoever came across it accidentally. Even now, some poor soul could have it and be affected by it. He crossed his arms over his chest, doing all he could to calm himself.
"If we can travel to Mordor unnoticed, our path will be far less dangerous." he turned to gaze at Maedhros, feeling guilty, "I do not wish for you to feel obligated. I have done nothing for you. If you wish to honor the bond you share with Lord Elrond, I would suggest you defend Imladris and see to the safety, especially, of his daughter, Arwen."
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He watched the pacing, understanding the need and wishing he could do the same. It would make Elrond fuss, and Aragorn as well. So he stayed still in his sickbed, willing his body to settle.
"There are paths few know into Mordor. When the time comes, we will find them." He raised a brow. "I will not stay here, for if I stay too long, there is no doubt in my mind Sauron will find me and lay waste to all that is beautiful and serene about this Valley."
His gaze hardened and he shook his head. "No. I will leave these borders soon. They are already defended, and the Lord of this Valley knows it. My bond was closer to Elros, Aragorn, though I love Elrond dearly." More than he could say. "I ask nothing of you except to let me keep you as safe as is possible while doing what is needed."
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Eventually he returned to his chair, sitting in it with a small exhale.
"I know of several, but not all of them." he longed for his pipe to settle his nerves. Later. Later.
"If he seeks you, he must go through me." though Maedhros had a fair point about Imladris, "Then I am sorry you have lost him." he closed his eyes and nodded faintly, "I consider it a great honor and I will watch your back to the best of my ability. I will not abandon you."
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"I may know more," he allowed. "Not many, I am sure." How better to spy on one's enemy than to find ways unseen into that stronghold?
A hint of a flush touched the Elf's ears. "I believe it to be the other way around. You inspire hope without expecting it or keeping any for yourself." There was much he could discern from the Man by even a short conversation, and just how well he'd once known Elrond and Elros.
"He made his choice," he answered simply. "I am glad to have had the chance to bid him farewell.
"Nor will I abandon you."
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"I have no right to keep it for myself." Aragorn laid another blanket at the foot of the bed in case Maedhros felt a chill, "Do you truly think he left you completely?" his smile was shy, but warm, "My father, Arathorn, has not left my mother or myself. Our bodies are indeed mortal; that is not so for our spirits."
He bowed his head, removing a pendant from his shirt. It was one he had made. The craftsmanship was not up to Elven standards, yet he liked the shape of it - a silver feathered arrow set with a white stone. He laid it on Maedhros's chest.