* With a sharp tap of staff and a skip and a jump, Gandalf and Bethberry burst through the cabin door with the remaining meals. Midnight would have followed them inside, and neighed mightily against the indignity of being forcibly held back and left outside again. The horse scratched his back against the protruding logs of the cabin, snorting for good measure, but at last grew calm and fell to clipping grass. *
* Aurecale and Aragorn and all jumped up with shouts of hurrah to claim their dinners, it being good-naturedly explained to Arcon the terms of the shell game, and that the Elf would find his meal waiting on his return to the Trade Inn. *
* After the rangers had finished their feast, Aragorn stood. (Gandalf had pointed him out to Bethberry, being careful to advise her that inside the cabin he could be referred to as Aragorn, but outside the cabin, he was best called Strider.) Motioning with his hands for quiet, Aragon spoke: *
We are honored to have among us tonight an unsung hero, whose own singing voice, it is told, would rival that of sweet Luthien of old. A worthy wayfarer, who gains nothing yet gives all, to provide for our lack of food in our need. And more besides, one who braves danger on a perilous road not her own ... for strangers, and for friends.
Therefore, it is my duty and privilege at this time, to bestow on the fair Bethberry the rank and title of Honorary Ranger.
* Bethberry stood at the ranger’s bidding. * Good Sir, accept this honor I will, and gladly, if you allow such rangers as carry no weapons but those of the spirit.
Then, you are most fitting indeed. * Aragorn replied. He held up his hands. Hanging from a stout sinew cord was a pendant made of wood: On one side, eleven runes, each rune etched by one of the Rangers present at the Council to serve as a signature. The other side was covered with black linen cloth onto which had been sewn a single five-pointed white star representing Numenor. Placing this pendant around Bethberry’s neck, the ranger then bowed and presented her one pouchful of the finest, most potent athelas, in a soft leather drawstring bag. *
* Gandalf stood and with a cheer, led the applause. * I propose a toast, to the Merry Light that is Bethberry, daughter of Goldberry and Tom! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
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