T.A. 2463

The two men came in out of the storm, brushing epaulets of snow from their shoulders.  The tavern was quiet.  Few would venture out in such weather. 

The older traveler nodded towards a corner alcove where an old man in a grey cloak sipped on an ale.  He was expecting them.

They picked up two tankards at the bar and made their way over. 

“Not a fit night out for man nor beast” The old man in the grey cloak said by way of greeting.

“They say the weather has changed since my grandfather’s time.” the older traveler replied, easing into a seat at the table.

“It was indeed a more benign time for your grandfather Aragorn in more ways than one” the man in grey replied

“You knew them both?”  the younger traveler inquired.

“Yes, Aragost, and their fathers and grandfathers before them, chieftains of the Dunedain as you will be one day.  They and your father Arahad have been guardians of these lands during the Watchful Peace.  It appears that time is ending.”

“Ending?” Arahad said quietly

“Sauron has returned to Dol Guldur.  Far to the east, beyond the sea of Rhun, it is said that men may be gathering in numbers.  There are signs of stirrings in Mordor.”

“It does not bode well, Gandalf” Arahad replied

“It does not.  As such, I, and another of my order have met with Elrond and others.  Word is going out to Thranduil in the north of Mirkwood, and to the dwarves where they may be found.  Arrangements will be made to inform Gondor.  And I am here to share these tidings with you.  We must now be on guard.”

“What do you expect?”  Aragost inquired

“He will test where things are strongest and that is Gondor.  As to what other mischief he will stir, it remains to be seen.  You are the eyes and ears of what transpires along the Misty Mountains, west to the Shire and south to Dunland.  It would behoove us to meet here once yearly”

“Agreed.  Provided it is not in mid-winter.”  Arahad let a smile soften his weather hardened mien.

“When the leaves turn then.”

The two men nodded in agreement.  It was done then. 

The innkeeper took that moment to arrive with a tray heavily laden with bread, cheeses and smoked ham.  It was on the house.  He knew well that these two travel weary men with serious faces kept Bree and its outlands safe.  A generous meal and his best overnight room was the least he could do.