The Hobbit Imagines

Ranger (Aragorn)

October 13, 2016: This is an imagine for Aragorn. Hope you guys enjoy!

You run into the notorious ranger himself.

You hung up your worn cloak as you entered the Prancing Pony, attracting unwanted attention from the people of Bree. Ignoring their harsh stares, you approached Barliman Butterbur. The pleasant man smiled at you. You smiled back. "Barliman, could you get me an ale?" 

He nodded, "I sure can. I'll bring it to you when it's ready." 

"Great. Thank you." You then turned to find a seat in the crowded inn. 

Taking care to avoid unfriendly guests, you took a seat at a table in the back of the room.

You sat there in silence, waiting for Butterbur. As you were waiting, you took this time to observe the people around you. There were loud people who came here to simply have a good time, and then there were the quiet ones, like yourself. Some of the quiet folk seemed nice, while others seem a bit intimidating. That didn't matter to you. You were here for one reason only: to ensure Strider arrived safely. 

You didn't know this ranger, but you were tasked with this job because you were told it was crucial he arrive at the Prancing Pony. If he didn't, you were told to wait for four hobbits to arrive and protect them yourself.

You gazed briefly upon a man who was chugging his beer, slightly smiling. When you looked away from him, you saw a tall figure walk pass you. He didn't walk quickly, as if trying to avoid attention, but he didn't walk slowly either. He simply walked with purpose. That's when you knew he must be the ranger. After all, all rangers had that purposeful way about them.

You waited to approach him and observed him for a while. He wore a dark cloak with a hood pulled over his head. In the dark of the tavern, you couldn't see his face at all. The only thing that briefly illuminated his face was the pipe he was smoking.

Barliman then sat down your ale. "I hope you enjoy." 

You nodded to thank him. But instead of enjoying your drink, you left it at your table to go talk to Strider. 

Even though you sat down in the back of the room, you still felt hostile eyes gaze upon you, so you walked over to Strider cautiously. 

You sat down across from Strider because you didn't want to attract more attention by standing up. Even though his hood still covered his face, you could tell that he was confused by his mannerisms. 

"Do I know you?" he asked quickly. 

"No, but I need to speak to you," you calmly stated. "I was tasked with making sure you arrive at the Prancing Pony and protect four hobbits at all costs." 

He leaned forward. "What do you know of this situation?" 

"That's all I know. That's all I was assigned to know."

"Assigned? You must be a ranger yourself," he said.

You smirked. "Ah, you figured it out."

"So I have, and you can tell your superior that I would willingly lay down my life for those hobbits. They hold a lot of importance for all of us." 

"I should believe you, but we only just met. How do I know you're being sincere?" you pressed, wanting to make sure he was being honest.

"I swear on the throne of Gondor I will protect those hobbits with my life," he whispered. 

"The throne? Gondor hasn't had a king in-" 

Then it made sense. He wasn't a mere ranger. "There have been rumors about an heir to the throne, but I didn't think I he would be sitting in front of me."

You cut your conversation short and stood up to leave, as your task had been completed. "Well, Strider, it was nice to meet you."

"Don't you want proof that I'm the heir to the throne?" he questioned, since you almost didn't believe him before. 

"No, I have all the proof I need," you said. "Maybe I'll see you again some day, Strider. I wish you the best on your journey." 

He smiled. "Thank you." 

You then exited the Prancing Pony and left Strider sitting at his table. Even though you could have been skeptical about Strider's claim, you had a feeling about him that you couldn't explain. After all, he was a man who decided to live the humble life of a ranger and wait patiently for the right opportunity to claim his throne. It was admirable, and you knew those hobbits would be alright with someone like him around. 

It was an odd thought to have for only talking to him once, but you knew Strider was destined to be more than a ranger.