The Fortune Teller

Title: The Fortune Teller
Rating: PG
Summary: Aragorn is confronted by a mysterious stranger, and learns his potential future.
Warnings: None.

The Fortune Teller

The night was unusually cold for spring. The full moon was occasionally hidden by clouds that moved swiftly past it. Aragorn could sense a change in the weather as dark clouds were gathering in the North. Soon the storm would arrive, and likely bring rain and lightening. He would likely be unable to return to Lothlórien this night. The Ranger had left to speak with a comrade who sought Captain Thorongil. But now that the meeting was over, Aragorn would return to seek peace and self reflection.

Aragorn spotted a thin plume of smoke in the distance. It was unusual to find others in this area. But the idea of being caught outside in torrential rain, when the possibility of shelter was so near, seemed unnecessary to the Ranger, so he continued towards the source of the smoke. The scent of incense reached Aragorn’s nostrils; an even more unusual occurrence upon this trail. The Ranger came to a clearing and saw a fire burning near a tent. A heavily cloaked figure sat near the flames in silence, seemingly unaware of Aragorn’s presence. Maybe it would be wise not to disturb the quiet scene. Aragorn turned on his heels to leave when he bumped into something, or someone, standing right in his path.

Strong hands grabbed Aragorn’s wrists before he could reach for a weapon. “Our lady has been expecting you.”

The voice was more melodic than the Ranger expected. But in his shock, Aragorn failed to notice the similarities between it and another he knew. A moment later the second figure that sat by the fire joined the two others. Together the mysterious strangers guided Aragorn to the tent. The Ranger preferred not to go, but the hands upon his arms were unyielding and surprisingly strong. But even so, they did not handle the Ranger with cruelty. Aragorn was placed inside the tent, though, before he had a chance to contemplate the meaning behind such treatment.

Aragorn looked up to see a heavily cloaked woman standing in front of him. Her face was obscured by a deep hood. The dim lighting within the tent made it even more difficult to see the stranger clearly.

“Greetings Ranger of the North, I have been expecting you.”

The woman motioned towards a round table with two chairs. She took a seat in as she gestured for Aragorn to take the other.

“You carry many questions in your eyes, my lord. There are ways to find the answers to such quandaries.”

“I thank you mistress, but I do not hold much faith in the reading of palms or the shuffling of cards.”

“As a wise man should not. “ The woman said plainly. “But would you be so lacking in courtesy as to deny the hospitality of an old woman?”

Aragorn watched as the woman poured a fragrant beverage into two separate cups. He narrowed his eyes at the gesture. It was not often in this world that someone gave food and drink to a stranger without some sort of hidden motive. The Ranger sat down slowly upon the free chair. He watched as the woman drank from her cup and appeared unaffected by any sort of drug or potion that could possibly be harbored within the tea. Aragorn lifted the cup and sniffed the contents. He could not smell any traces of anything other than tea. He took a careful sip. It was actually quite good.

The woman removed a velvet bag from underneath her cloak. She opened it to reveal a deck of cards and began to shuffle them.

“Really mistress, there’s no need to do such.” Aragorn started, but was interrupted by the woman.

“I aim not to rob you of your coins, Ranger. I only aim to help when guided to do so by the Valar, and the Higher Powers have much to say to you this night.”

The woman’s voice was raspy yet stern. Aragorn watched her while she seemed to be engrossed in concentration. He could not sense any ill intent from her, and so he would tolerate this for the time being. At last the shuffling came to a stop. The woman placed the cards down with a dull thud before she spread them out between them.

“Now you must choose the cards, Master Ranger, for it is you who must decide your own destiny.”

Aragorn felt goose bumps develop upon his arms upon hearing the woman’s words. Normally they would not have affected him so. But with everything Aragorn had been contemplating lately, they seemed to resonate deep into his core. Aragorn felt a strange hum of energy as he carefully selected the cards one by one. The woman watched in silence until the Ranger finally withdrew his hands from the finely gilded cards. Their gold backs reflected and shone in the light of the candle that sat upon the table.

Aragorn swallowed his nerves as the woman withdrew the stack of cards from the table. Before he had a chance to change his mind, they were gone. Had he made the right choice? Aragorn shook his head. Maybe the incense was starting to get to his head. Why did he care at all whether he chose the correct cards or not. He was simply doing this to humor this strange old woman.

“It seems that destiny has much in store for you, Master Ranger. Long has your journey been, and long will your journey be.” The woman spoke as she turned over the first card. The card depicted a man, more a young buy, lost in the woods.

“The first card is that of The Fool. He speaks of taking chances. It would seem your life is about to take on a new direction. See, Master Ranger how he stands at a crossroad. But alas, he holds a scroll of knowledge. It would seem even The Fool knows what to do. He has only to decide the path.”

Aragorn winced as the hairs upon the back of his neck stood on end. Maybe this was a bit too close for comfort. How could the woman know this? How did he know to pick that card and put it first? Part of Aragorn wished to run far away from this. Did he really want to know what the cards had to say? Yet even though the urge to flee was strong, the desire for answers was even greater. Aragorn had so many questions, and the harder he tried to answer them the more questions arose. He watched as the woman turned over the second card. Aragorn’s heart swelled with hope and anxiety as she read the title underneath the picture.

“Ah yes, the lovers, another choice is ahead for you, Master Ranger. Look how they are so different, and yet they belong together. They encourage you to listen to your heart. But their road is not an easy one.”

Aragorn’s thoughts were instantly upon Arwen’s breathtaking face. He could see it now, just he saw it when he last beheld her in Caras Galadhon. She seemed even more beautiful to him than ever before. Yet the look in her eyes created so many questions. How did she feel about him, now that he had been away for so long? Was there still a connection between them? Aragorn’s spirit was in turmoil, yet he could not help but hope. Yes, the couple upon the lovers’ card was a perfect representation of the two of them. The lord dressed in back, and the lady in white. Her hair was even dark, long, and flowing like Arwen’s. They were opposites in so many ways. Would a love between them ever work?

“I’m afraid, mistress, that that card only raises more questions than answers.”

The woman nodded to Aragorn’s statement. “Do not be hasty to despair, Master Ranger, for there are more things the cards have to say.”

With that she overturned the third card to reveal a woman upon it who was similar in appearance the one upon the prior card. Except this time she wore a circlet of flowers upon her head. Her hands were pressed upon her swollen belly as she smiled broadly.

“Maybe The Empress shall be able to assist you in finding the answer to those questions.”

Aragorn dared to reach out and touch the card. His touch was gentle; as if he was afraid it was a dream that would be quickly shattered upon contact. The Empress obviously carried a child. Once more Aragorn saw Arwen’s face within his mind. Was it his child, or someone else’s? Did he even really want the answer to that question? No! It was too soon to shatter the dream now! He had to believe, just as he had all this time. Was it even possible for them to have a child, even though she was of Elven kind, and he was but a mere mortal? Yes, there had to be a chance. Luthien and Beren's union had produced a son. Yes, they surely had to have the same chance. Despite all the questions in Arwen’s eyes, Aragorn was sure he saw hope too. He knew he needed to know, and there was only one way to find out. Aragorn knew what he needed to do.

But Aragorn’s jubilation was short lived, as was his confidence. The fourth card was turned over to reveal a dark tower. Fire burned around its base while a black dragon curled around the structure. Aragorn closed his eyes against the images from his nightmares that threatened to surface.

“Do not despair, Master Ranger. For trouble and inevitable change comes to us all in these times.”

Aragorn shook his head against the dark thoughts. He knew all too well what was coming and did not wish to dwell upon it. The memories of the battle with The Corsairs were still too near.

“But hope still walks among us, Master Ranger. Behold! The Strength card! There are still allies upon our side. With willpower, courage, and inner strength you shall see through these difficulties ahead.”

Aragorn examined the card with curiosity. A blonde haired woman dressed in full armor stood over a fallen beast. Her sword was raised high in victory. Such a strange image indeed, yet it gave Aragorn hope. Maybe the card was right; their victory would come about in strange manners, and from unexpected people.

“You do not fight this battle alone, Master Ranger.” The woman’s voice was barely above a whisper. For a split second the raspy quality disappeared a bit. Aragorn looked at the woman curiously for a moment. But before he could question the matter further, she revealed another card.

“The Wheel is a most powerful card to find within a reading, Master Ranger. It should not be taken lightly, for it speaks off great things. Luck and fates are in your favor, and the doors are opening to let new things come in. But they cannot come if you do not make the necessary changes. Just like a wheel that has been set into motion, it must have one to drive it. Only you can chose whether it takes you forwards or backwards. The wheel is a symbol of fate, Master Ranger.”

Aragorn nodded slowly. There was much contemplate in regards to the weighty message the card heralded. He watched as the woman turned over the next to the last card.

“The Emperor…” Aragorn whispered briefly. Alas, the card did not bring him the comfort he so longed for. Even if the battle was won, and Sauron was defeated, Aragorn would still have a great burden to bear.

“Aye, indeed it is The Emperor, Master Ranger. He speaks of the wisdom of cultivating leadership and stability in order to progress in life. Need I speak further?”

Aragorn shook his head. “No, madam, I think I understand.” He was careful not to reveal too much about his identity in his eyes or his voice. Maybe she knew already if this woman was as far seeing and potent as her cards were?

“And what does the last card have to say?” Aragorn asked the question in a hesitant tone as if he were afraid of what it might say. The card was revealed and a grinning skull stared up at the ranger. Its empty eyes bore deep into Aragorn’s spirit.

“And of course it all ends with death.” Aragorn spoke bitterly.

“Aye, but the Death Card does not always mean a literal death of the body. Death can also symbolize change, Master Ranger, and such is often the case when the Death Card makes its appearance. It often heralds a significant transformation. Death strips away all illusions.”

“Indeed it does.” Aragorn murmured. The card symbolized so much for him. The life he knew would have to die so the sundered kingdoms would be reunited and once again have their King. He also knew it spoke of the immense choice that lay ahead for so many. Arwen once again came to his mind’s eye. Could he really allow her to stay with him, if it meant she had to give up her immortal life? Would their love ever be right? But even as Aragorn asked the question, his eyes fell upon the Empress Card. She was still smiling at him, and her hands still cradled her belly protectively. Yes, a future with his beloved was worth every bit of the pain and the trials. Giving the people hope was worth it.

But even so, Aragorn could not entirely erase the fears he held within himself. Not even a wise fortune teller could give him all the answers. He stood up from his seat and placed a few coins upon the table.

“I thank you for your time, mistress. I must be on my way.”

The woman looked towards the shiny coins and shook her hooded head. “I do not require payment, Master Ranger.”

Aragorn smirked in response to the woman’s remark. “Very well then, mistress, if our paths should cross once more, you may return the payment to me I you still wish to do so. But until then, keep the coins. I bid you farewell.”

The ranger disappeared from the tent without another word. Neither of the other two cloaked strangers tried to stop him as he departed this time. Aragorn was eager to return to Lothlórien, and to see his Arwen once more. He had so much to say to her.

-----------------------------------------

The Dark Lord was defeated.  For many years Aragorn had reigned as King Elessar for years. Arwen did indeed look like the empress upon the card when she carried their son, Eldarion. But now Eldarion was becoming a young man, eager to walk upon his own path in life. Yes, many things had changed. The world was not quite the same as it was that night in the fortune teller’s tent.

Aragorn was on his way to his chambers to retire for the evening. At first he did not notice the gilded card resting upon his pillow. The reflection of a candle shimmered in the golden design and caught the King’s attention. Aragorn’s mouth opened wide once the memories returned to him. He had nearly forgotten that night amidst the multitude of events between now and then. With a shaking hand, Aragorn reached out to turn over the card. But instead of one, Aragorn found it to be one card on top of another.

Once more the empress smiled up at him along with her mate, the emperor. The two carried a knowing glance upon their painted faces. But how did either of them come to be in this place?

“You said if we ever met again, I could return your payment if I so wished.”

Aragorn looked over his shoulder to see his wife standing behind him. She held out the same shiny coins Aragorn offered to the fortune teller all those years ago. A shocked expression crossed his face.

“That was you the whole time?”

Arwen nodded as a wide smile came to her face. “Did I fool you entirely, my dear Estel?”

Aragorn laughed as he stood to embrace his beloved. “But how? And why?....”

“I wanted to give you hope. When I saw you in Caras Galadhon, I knew my choice, but I did not yet know yours. Well, I feared it might have changed over the years.” Arwen pulled back from the embrace as she gazed into her King’s eyes.

“I came across a woman on my journey to Lothlórien. She was in need of healing and food, which I freely gave to her. She gave me the cards as a gift to show her gratitude. She showed me how to use them. She said they would help me one day, and they did. I wanted to find a way to see if you still felt the same, and to encourage you to stay strong even though the darkness was so close in those days. I came up with the plan, and the rest is history, meleth nín.”

Aragorn laughed again. “I should have known! But how did you ever learn to disguise yourself in such a manner?”

Now it was Arwen’s turn to laugh. Mirth sparkled in the Queen’s eyes. “You forget how many centuries I have had to occupy my time, Estel. There were many years to practice various disguises. Sometimes they became necessary to use on the journey between Rivendell and Lothlórien. After what happened to my mother, it would not have been wise to parade myself as the daughter of Elrond, especially in the more treacherous places of this world.”

“It seems every day I learn more about how deep your wisdom runs, meleth nín. But how did you know I would pick those cards?”

Arwen’s expression became as perplexed as her husband’s. “I did not know. I was as surprised as you were! But I still believe to this day that it was fate. That message we were given that evening was certainly not a ruse. And tonight is the anniversary of the night we received that message. I thought it would be the perfect evening to reveal the secret.”

A small smile spread across Aragorn’s face as he leaned forward to place a tender kiss upon his beloved’s lips. “Indeed it must have been fate. I am glad to have met my fortune teller again.”

The couple embraced each other as they shared a longer, more impassioned kiss. The two cards Aragorn held finally fell from his hand and dropped to the ground. Both the emperor and empress smiled at the King and Queen from their place upon the floor. The knowing expression etched forever upon their faces.