For Aragorn, this news was earth-shattering—mainly the latter revelation.
The title of Dúnedain Chieftain he could accept. Over the years, his mother had told him many things and hinted that his identity was not ordinary.
Actually, even if Elrond had not said it, he had already guessed some truths.
But that second part...
Arnor, the fallen Northern Kingdom—its survivors were the current Rangers. The Dúnedain Chieftain was actually a descendant of Arnor's royal line.
At the same time, because the last king of Arthedain—one of three Dúnedain kingdoms split from Arnor—had married into Gondor's royal family, his descendants all possessed Gondor's royal blood.
In other words, every generation of Dúnedain Chieftains actually had the right to claim Gondor's throne.
But for various reasons, from when Gondor lost its last king in the year 2050 until now in 2952, these nine hundred years, they had never pursued Gondor's throne. Instead, they remained in the north, constantly fighting evil forces on this land.
When Aragorn's identity was officially revealed, the hall fell into brief silence.
Aragorn bowed his head in thought for a long moment.
Ultimately, he chose to accept this truth.
"I swear by my name that from now on I will think wholeheartedly of my people and fight for all free peoples."
"Well spoken."
Elrond smiled warmly. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also nodded behind him, clearly gratified.
Levi also looked approving, which gave Aragorn considerable confidence.
"I am ready to depart."
The world lay before him, vast and waiting.
"Before departure, there are some things to give you."
Elrond produced a golden apple, its surface gleaming like captured sunlight.
"This is the gift Levi gave you ten years ago. Now it is time to hand it to you."
Aragorn's gaze was drawn to the radiant fruit.
Elrond continued, "The golden apple possesses protective and healing power. It can pull life back from death's very edge."
"Thank you, Uncle Levi."
Aragorn accepted the golden apple with reverence.
"Do not rush your thanks, Aragorn," Elrond said, glancing at Levi. "Your Uncle Levi still has something else to give you."
"You can look forward to it, because I do not know what he is giving you either."
Under their curious gazes, Levi stepped forward.
He produced a white elven gem that shone like captured starlight.
Brilliant light reflected in every pupil present.
"This is..."
Aragorn was still somewhat dazed, but his mother Gilraen stepped forward first, pulling him down to bow solemnly to Levi together.
"The Star of Elendil," Elrond breathed, his voice carrying awe. "The Dúnedain's hereditary treasure and symbol of Arnor's royal authority."
He stepped closer to examine it. "It has been lost for thousands of years. Who would have thought it could be found today?"
"Yes, who could have thought this gem was privately hidden by a shameless fellow? I also spent considerable effort to retrieve it," Levi said without mercy.
"That must have been difficult for you."
"All Dúnedain will thank you for this," Gilraen said, her voice thick with emotion.
Actually, after the Star of Elendil was lost, Isildur's son Valandil had commissioned elves to forge a second gem to replace it. But though the second Star was also beautiful, both its historical significance and magical power were inferior to the first—merely an exquisite substitute. Pretty, but lacking true function.
The genuine article emitted light sufficient to make dark creatures fear approaching. Wearing it, orcs dared not come close, only daring to attack from a distance.
Now it had returned.
A tremor would ripple through the Dúnedain population.
"I have a request," Levi spoke again.
"Uncle Levi, please speak."
Aragorn's attitude was deeply respectful.
"When you return to your people with it, I hope you can find a Dúnadan called Falodan. You have met him—ten years ago I visited Rivendell with him."
"It was precisely he and the Rangers in his company who mentioned the Star of Elendil, which allowed me to notice its absence and search for it."
"I am afraid they might miss this news otherwise."
"I will find him."
Aragorn immediately agreed.
His mother lightly tapped his shoulder from behind, as if reminding him of something.
Aragorn immediately understood. "I will remember this debt forever."
After Aragorn's origins were revealed by Elrond and the heirlooms delivered, Levi and Elrond temporarily departed, giving Aragorn time to digest everything.
The two came to a terrace overlooking the valley, sitting on opposite sides of a stone table to speak privately.
"I am somewhat curious—in whose hands was this gem hidden so long?" Elrond brought up the matter that clearly troubled him.
"You really want to know?"
Hearing Levi's tone, Elrond suddenly felt uncertain.
"Is it someone who cannot be mentioned?"
"No, no. I just feel once some things are known, there is no way to maintain their previous appearance. Your view of someone might change dramatically."
"Even so, do you still want to know?" Levi confirmed again.
Elrond said seriously, "I do not understand what is worth concealing, Levi. No matter what happens, I can guarantee I will stand on the side of justice."
"Very well then."
"Actually, the Star of Elendil was found by Saruman and privately hidden away. I fought... I negotiated with him extensively before he would hand it over."
"Of course, it was a fair trade. I also gave him some things he wanted."
"Oh." Elrond nodded slowly, processing this revelation.
It sounded like the process should have been quite intense.
"I understand."
He did not comment further on the matter. The result was good, at least.
"Let us talk about something else," Levi changed the topic. "Regarding Aragorn's training, do you have any thoughts?"
"I plan to guide him to walk the great wilderness east of the Misty Mountains. There are still matters worth noting there."
As for western Eriador, all lands west of the Misty Mountains... this had become Levi's domain. Even if neither said it aloud, even if Levi himself had not fully recognized this fact, in this region many decisions were already his to make.
"How about having him serve as an apprentice Ranger for a while first?" Levi suggested.
"Eriador's Rangers still combat enemies that could emerge any day. They have never relaxed for a moment."
Elrond thought briefly. "That would work well. I will ask him later."
First serving this legendary lord for a time could count as valuable training and would make for impressive credentials.
Elrond began considering Aragorn's future path.
"Then it is settled. Just have him go directly to Roadside Keep."
"Agreed."
After matters were settled, Levi did not linger. The next day, he returned home.
That same night, Aragorn stood before the garden fountain, staring at the tranquil flowing water, lost in thought.
Light footsteps came from behind. Aragorn's heart stirred as he immediately turned but encountered a face neither old nor young.
Elrond.
Aragorn was slightly disappointed but quickly adjusted his expression.
But before he could speak, Elrond stated bluntly, "I know your feelings for Arwen."
A pause, heavy with meaning.
"But I will not allow this."
The words came too suddenly, without the slightest warning.
Young Aragorn froze. For the first time, he felt his kind foster father was merciless.
Yet Elrond's authority, like that of a true father, did not allow him to protest this decree.
"Unless..."
Just as despair began to grip Aragorn's heart, a turn appeared in Elrond's words.
"Unless you can become King of both Gondor and Arnor. Only then will I permit you two to be together."
Aragorn fell silent, the weight of this condition settling on his shoulders.
King... this burden was immense beyond measure.
"You already possess the Star of Elendil. Now I hand over another item to you."
Elrond gestured, and Aragorn followed with heavy steps.
Before long, they reached a statue in an alcove. The stone figure's hands held a platform bearing a broken blade, the shards still gleaming despite their age.
This was precisely Elendil's sword—Narsil, the blade that cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand.
The Star of Elendil and Elendil's sword, Narsil—these two relics left by the High King of Men were sufficient to represent the royal authority of both Arnor and Gondor.
Aragorn realized the full weight of what was being offered.
He did not sleep all night, pacing his chambers as dawn approached.
Early the next morning, Aragorn bid farewell to Elrond and his mother, heading west with his new burdens.
He would serve his apprenticeship at Roadside Keep.
And perhaps, in time, he would become worthy of all that had been placed upon him.