His foster father smiled warmly. "You are leaving, my son."

Aragorn embraced him tightly, then stepped back, his hands clasping Elrond's arms. "Atarinya, for your care of me, your love, I thank you. It may be that I will not return."

"I pray that you will achieve the destiny for which you were born, and all that I have hoped for you," said Elrond.

Aragorn bowed his head. "If I do not, do not let her grieve," he murmured. "Take her across the Sea."

With one last grip of Elrond's hands, he went to join the rest of the Fellowship.