The Lord of the Rings: Lords of Middle-earth.

Chapter 871 Aragorn's Choice
"Why do I have a feeling that this Aragorn is coming for us?" Adolf Heinrich was surprised to find after drawing a route on the sand table map that this guy was heading straight for the Kingdom of Lagrange!
"Hmm!" Roland nodded nonchalantly. It wouldn't be surprising if Aragorn came; it would be strange if he didn't! After learning his true identity in history, this kid made a thorough trip to the two southern kingdoms, serving under the Regent of Gondor and the King of Rohan respectively. The kid was smart enough not to immediately raise his banner and return to inherit the throne, but wisely went to the two kingdoms to gain experience and hone his previously lacking ruling skills and military experience!
It was the experience accumulated in both countries and decades of training that shaped Aragon's resilient character and so-called personal charisma. Keep in mind, this old man was already 87 years old when he entered the fray! But for Aragon, a Dúnedanite, he had only lived a third of his life. Well, 87 years old is the perfect age to venture out and explore!
At this time, Aragorn was very young, with little life experience. On March 1, 2931, in the Third Age, Aragorn, son of Arason II, chieftain of the Dúnedan, was born. Legend has it that the wizard Gandalf brought a elven gem from Valinor. He gave this gem, called "Elethar," to Lady Galadriel, and prophesied that she would one day give it to someone also called "Elethar." This "Elethar" would be a healer and restorer. This was Aragorn, who later became king and was thus known as King Elethar.

Then, tragically, when Aragorn was two years old, his father, Arason, was killed by an Ork arrow that pierced his eye. According to the traditions of the Dúnedan, Aragorn was sent to the Valley to be raised by Lord Elrond. Fearing that Aragorn would suffer the same fate as his father and grandfather, Elrond commanded that his identity be kept secret. Aragorn was named Estelle, meaning "hope" in Elvish.

In his early years in the Valley, he often traveled with Elrond's twin sons, Elrohir and Elradan. In the year 2951 of the Third Age, Estelle turned twenty. When he returned victorious from a journey, Elrond revealed his true name and lineage to him. He entrusted Aragorn with the ancestral relics of House Elendil: the Ring of Balathil and the fragments of the sword Nasir. At that moment, Elrond's daughter, Arwen, returned from her grandmother Lady Galadriel's abode in Lothlorion. Aragorn and Arwen met in the woods of Imradith. Like Beren and Lúthion in the First Age, Aragorn fell in love with Arwen at first sight.

Then comes the familiar plot... Aragorn and Legolas set off on a journey together, and the year 2953 of the Third Age was the last meeting of the White Order. It was because of this journey to the East that Aragorn missed the opportunity to befriend Gandalf. Hmm... in a sense, Gandalf, the troublemaker of Middle-earth, was actually a good choice. After all, what kind of good person could a wizard who could drag Bilber out of Bag End for an expedition be? Hehe!

"Don't worry about him, let him do as he pleases! He'll come looking for us on his own!" Roland waved his hand confidently, perhaps even suggesting that Aragorn recommend himself to Roland and use Roland as a stepping stone to showcase his talents.

Roland was also considering whether he should accept Aragorn's allegiance if Aragorn actually came to him voluntarily. The advantage was having a free henchman for ten years or so, but the disadvantage was that it might be difficult to plot against Aragorn later! Moreover, there were many things about the kingdom that Aragorn couldn't know, and for the sake of secrecy, it seemed unrealistic for Aragorn to work for Roland. However, it was also uncertain whether Aragorn would bow down to Roland as he had to the King of Gondor and Rohan!
……

"Shall we cross the river?" Legolas opened the window and stretched out his hand, but Aragorn instinctively took a step back.

"..." Legolas shook his head speechlessly.

“The snow is too heavy! The Swift River won’t freeze, but the various ice floes will affect the ferry crossing. Let’s wait for spring!” Aragorn shook his head and turned to tidy up the scraps of paper on the table. These records were information he had inadvertently collected from the local residents.

"Why are you collecting these?" Legolas asked curiously, looking at the papyrus filled with information Aragorn had gathered from the streets and alleys and overheard by chance.

“Hmm, let’s analyze this! I heard that the Kingdom of Lagrange is interested in the griffins of the Grey Mountains!” Aragorn rubbed his chin, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

"???" Legolas frowned.

"They've been eyeing those griffins for a long time! They have dragon knights; taking them down shouldn't be a problem!" Legolas shook his head. The Kingdom of Lagrang had been interested in those griffins for a while now, having set their sights on them years ago. The reason they hadn't acted was because the Kingdom's strategic focus had shifted eastward, and their dragon knights were scattered, making it impossible to encircle the griffins. After all, those griffins were a complete herd! If it really came down to a fight, even a third-tier dragon knight could easily be wiped out on the spot! Hunting a dragon was a bit of an exaggeration, but taking down one or two dragon knights was still possible!
"What do you think about me gaining experience by serving under King Roland?" Aragorn didn't hide his thoughts, revealing his intention to use King Roland's platform as a stepping stone for training. "You're serious?" Legolas exclaimed in shock, not expecting Aragorn to genuinely intend to work for King Roland!
"Hmm, this platform is quite good, I'd like to give it a try!" As the leader of Dúnedan, and having spent so many years with the Valley Elves, Aragorn had honed his noble manners and theoretical knowledge under the tutelage of Elrond's two sons! All he needed was a platform to showcase his talents!
“Then let’s wait until spring; winter is too dangerous!” Legolas nodded in agreement with Aragorn.

"This winter is going to be a bit boring!" Legolas tapped the table listlessly, his gaze drifting towards the distant castle.

“It’s alright. If you get bored, just go sit in the tavern downstairs and listen to the locals brag and chat. It’s not bad!” Aragorn chuckled.

“Sigh…” Legolas sighed.

……

"Hasn't that Aragorn crossed the river yet?" Nyx looked down at the Hidden Guard member kneeling below, a slight smile playing on his lips. Clearly, this man, who was being closely watched by Roland, had piqued Nyx's interest.

"Yes, we haven't seen him at the ferry for days!" the hidden guard whispered.

“Strange, why is he staying in the port? Doesn’t he plan to come over?” Nyx rubbed the gold ring on his finger, pondering. After all, there was no reason for a Gondor heir to a kingdom as poor and remote as Akvia to stay there!
"What if the snow is too heavy in winter?" the hidden guard reminded him.

"Forget it, never mind! Let Roland worry about it! I'd better not bother with these dirty political games!" Nyx said, feeling annoyed. She just wanted to be an innocent and carefree queen.

"Go find Yunfeng and Lord Joelsteria! Do as they decide and as Roland orders!" Nyx waved his hand and turned to leave.

(End of this chapter)