The Little Hunter

"In her heart, your mother knew you would be hunted the rest of your life. The skill of the Elves can reforge the sword of kings, only you have the power to wield it."

Good-byes are Hard

April- 2 weeks after Estel's ninth birthday

Springtime in Rivendell was always lovely. The smells of rain and roses filled the air. The snows in the mountains were just beginning to melt with the spring sun, so the River was at its loudest. The water came crashing down the mountainside to the valley where it slowed, then ran back out again.

This was the day that Estel and his mother were to take the trip to Lórien with the Dùnedain. Elrond had given the Rangers instructions on which passes to take. He informed them that the best way was to go to the South of Rivendell to the Hollin Ridge where it met the Ninglor River, and then follow it out of the mountains to the Gladden Fields. The region would be safe enough as no one had inhabited it since the time of the forging of the Rings of power. The Elves that lived there had been friendly with the Dwarves and even helped in the construction of Khazad-Dùm. But their knowledge of lore and of artisan crafts became their downfall. Sauron tricked them into making the Rings of Power, thus causing them to become slaves to his will.

--------------------------------------------------

They would be safe and on track as long as the Anduin stayed on the left. He told them they should reach Lórien by the end of June or the beginning of July. The trip would take at least two months, as they would be traveling slowly. Estel was thrilled that he would finally be able to take Melian riding in the wild.

That morning, Estel's stomach was full of butterflies. This would be the first time he would be leaving his home. They would be back within a year, but it was hard for him to leave. He really hated that his brothers would not even be there to say goodbye. He knew he would miss them and his Ada.

While the Rangers were getting the final supplies together, Estel went to find Glorfindel and his Ada. He had wanted to say a private goodbye to them.

"Thank you for letting me go Ada. I'll be sure to write to let you know I'm not causing too much trouble, " he said with a grin. He ran to give Glorfindel a hug, "I'll miss you as well."

"I guess I'll miss you, but I don't feel at all sorry for the Warden. Estel, please, just don't get hurt. We all want you to come back safe."

A messenger came to tell the three that the party was ready to leave. The two Elves escorted Estel back down stairs to where the horses were.

"Goodbye Elrond and Glorfindel. Tell Elladan and Elrohir we're sorry we missed them and to stay out of trouble," Gilrean called from her horse.

After Estel had mounted, they turned their horses and headed out of the valley…

"Oh, Eru, keep them both safe."