Aragorn's changed character

[Gwaihir the Windlord]

Maybe the ties between Aragorn and Arwen were deepened, although I certainly missed that Arwen took the sword to Helm's Deep to be forged. What I am stressing is that instead of having prepared all his life to take up the kingship (as Estel and Thorongil etc.), aided by Elrond, who recgonises him to be the one who would save the Numenorean Kingdoms from utter downfall... Aragorn 'has chosen a life of exile'. Elrond seems to dismiss him as soon as Gandalf suggests that he should go along with the Company. It is only after a bit of persuading that he lets Aragorn go, and Aragorn himself decides at the last moment. Really, Aragorn would have been a definate first choice to accompany Frodo.<P>Just before the Fellowship left (in the book), Aragorn is said to be stooped, withdrawn and silent: 'Of all those that stood there, only Elrond knew fully what this hour meant to him.' For the full ninety or so years of his life, he had <I>prepared</I>. In the movie he had apparently decided at the last minute.<P><BR>By the way,<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Accidental post.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>See the little hammer and chisel above your post? Click on that to edit or delete it.