7 "First Impressions"

The next morning, Gilrean woke her son up earlier than normal. "Good morning my little one. Time to get up! We'll reach Rivendell this afternoon." When he heard that, Aragorn jumped up immediately.

"Slow down Aragorn! You want to be AWAKE when we get there right?" she asked him with a smile. With that, he slowed down a little.

"Momma, I miss Daddy."

"I know. I miss him too. But today is going to be a happy day. Let's go for a walk." Aragorn took his mother's hand and off they went. "Aragorn, I want you to be on your best behavior when we reach Rivendell. OK?"

"OK."

"Well, I happen to know Reneal and the others are already on their way there to let Lord Elrond know we're coming."

"Why?"

Gilrean laughed. "I wanted to spend some extra time with you. And to tell you happy birthday!" And with that, she scooped him up and showered him with hugs and kisses. What ensued was a small-scale tickle fight.

When he had calmed down Aragorn told Gilrean, "I love you momma."

"And I love you too, my little hunter."

"Momma, what sound that?" Aragorn asked suddenly.

"I believe that's the River Bruinen. We're almost to Rivendell."

--Later that afternoon--

"Aragorn, this is Lord Elrond."

Aragorn bowed as his mother had told him to, but he stayed close to his mother. Lord Elrond was a bit scary to one so small.

"I hope you enjoy your time here in Rivendell. And I hear that you would like to learn Elvish, well my sons and I will teach you that and so much more, if you like."

Aragorn's eyes grew wide, "REALLY?" Turning around Aragorn told Gilrean, "Momma I going to learn Elvish! Thank you Lord Elwond."

"Elladan and Elrohir will show you to your suite and give you a tour Aragorn. I need to have a talk with your momma."

Aragorn gave his mom a hug and she whispered in his ear, "Be good and don't get into too much trouble. We have a surprise for you later tonight."

After thanking Elrond and promising his mother he would be good, he and the twins ran off.

"Gilrean it's good to see you again. I'm so sorry to hear about Arathorn. But I hope you can be comfortable here. We will give your son every opportunity and then some. But I'm afraid we MUST conceal his true identity till his time comes. I have already given this much thought, all you have to do is agree. Here in Imladris, he will be known as Estel, which means, "Hope." I pray to Eru that he will be your people's hope so many seem to believe already."

"Oh, Lord Elrond I don't know what to say. But thank you for letting us stay with you and your family. I hate to do it, but I agree it would probably be best to not let it be known to many who he really is. I love the name. Is everything ready for tonight?" she asked with a sly smile.

"Yes it is. I am so glad to have you here. This will be a wonderful party."

Gilrean noticed a blonde-haired elf standing a ways behind Elrond.

"This is my assistant, Glorfindel. Sometimes, he is left in charge if I must be away. He also assists in some aspects of training. He will now show you to your rooms."

"Thank you again, I need to find my son soon so he doesn't get into too much trouble."