Aragorn rushed to his aid, seeking to assuage his turmoil. Only when the boy clung to him did he find respite. He gazed incredulously at his own hands clutching the Gondor king's tunic, breath caught in his throat. Then his eyes met Aragorn's, and moisture welled within them, finally spilling as tears. Aragorn enfolded the boy in his embrace, holding him tight as if he were his own child.