"Father! Father! Father!" Elrond turned to see a blur racing into the room. It stopped just in time to keep from slamming into his legs. Looking down he saw Estel now still before him. Those bright grey eyes peered up at him. "There is a Ranger here."

Elrond raised an eyebrow and took the boy's hand. "All right, Estel, let us go see him."

They stepped into the courtyard where stood in the center a tall man clad in black, his dark hair pulled back from his face, a long sword on his belt. In his arms he held a bundle. He bowed his head in greeting. "Lord Elrond."

"Welcome, Holmentha. What news do you bear?" Elrond said.

"I bear no news, my lord, but rather my new son. I had thought that Estel would wish to meet his youngest cousin." He knelt as Estel scurried over and examined his bundle. "His name is Halbarad."

The baby was stirring. He opened his eyes and turned them to Estel. "Hello, Halbarad," Estel said. He thought that the baby smiled at him.

Holmentha also smiled and said, "You will become fast friends I see, and that is good. Much will darken in the time to come, but your friendship will shine through it." Then he laughed and stood. "For now he is not yet grown and must return to his family. Farewell, young one. Farewell, my lord." With those words the Ranger turned and vanished.

Estel returned to Elrond and they went inside. "Master Elrond, will I ever be a Ranger?"

"Yes, Estel," he answered, "you will be a very great Ranger. You will do many great deeds and face many dangers, and Halbarad will be at your side."