(no subject)

[avon7.livejournal.com]

Title: The Task of my Kindred.
By: Avon
Characters: Aragorn
Rating/Warnings: G
Disclaimer: Characters and universe belong to Tolkien - I'm just borrowing.
This has been previously published elsewhere on the 'net, but not on lj.

The road is long and dark and the wind blows cold. He wraps his ragged cloak around him as he trudges past candle-lit windows and smoke-drifting chimneys. Now and then, a dog barks uneasily at his presence or a horse whickers restlessly. In fitful patches of moonlight, he catches glimpses of a sturdily built henhouse or a neat vegetable garden and remembers another scattering of small cottages, far up in the north - a place of his kin where he is welcomed at gate and door. With grim smile he rests his hand on a broken sword and strides on.

Comments

[just-ann-now.livejournal.com]

Not only a lovely Ranger moment, but also a salute to those (even in our Age) who perform dangerous duties as gifts of loving service while other rest peacefully.

[avon7.livejournal.com]

One of my very favourite moments in LOTR is at Elrond's council when Aragorn speaks about what the Rangers do. Your phrase - 'gifts of loving service'- describes it perfectly.