Discaimer: See Chapter 1.

A/N: Thank you, QueenofFlarmphgal and Viggomaniac, for you wonderful, inspiring reviews. Thank you also for those reading this story. I'm sorry about the wait, but as I said, school started and I have four AP classes one being physics. I hope to update sooner, but we'll see how it goes. Hope you enjoy!

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Morning brought with it a terrible rain storm. Angry, gray clouds loomed over the elves' haven bringing with it pouring rain and growing thunder that seemed to echo forever. Lightning struck every once in a while illuminating the dark, overcast sky for a few seconds before returning to its shadowed state. The gray and gloomy day paralleled the mood that enveloped the old elf lord's house for this was the day for many important discussions…and many awkward conversations.

Elrond awoke early that morning for reasons why he could not tell. He rested peacefully, more so than he had in a long time. Yet something gnawed at him, a foreboding of sorts. He couldn't quite decipher what he was feeling, but he knew unequivocally that something truly was out of place in the Last Homely House.

He shook his head to shake the strange feeling and what it implied from his thoughts, as he made his way silently down the hall toward the healing ward. Elladan and Elrohir had not awoken as of yet, and Glorfindel was in the stables with the horses as he usually was during stormy mornings. Elrond did not wish to awaken his sons because he wished them to have as much sleep as possible for they had not had much of it in the past week. Their worry for their brother and Legolas kept them up many a night in a constant vigil over their health. He could not fault them for their care. Elrond took great pride in his sons for they were willing to face his wrath just so that they could find their brother again. He smiled to himself as he remembered many long years past when their family was whole, and Elladan, Elrohir, and Estel would pull pranks on each other, go out hunting, laugh together, and sometimes all three at once. 'Those were the happy times,' Elrond admitted sadly to himself.

He had lost all track of time and was surprised when he almost walked past the healing rooms. Time always seemed to pass too quickly, much to Elrond's dismay. He had to admit that ever since Estel had come into his life, he learned to appreciate every second for whatever it had to offer. Holding onto this thought so that he could tell his son, Elrond softly opened the door to the room.

The rain pounded harshly against the doors that led to the balcony as the overcast sky gave no light to the already darkened room though the constant sounds did nothing to disturb its occupant. It was peacefully silent in the room and Elrond couldn't help but smile when his eyes met Legolas sleeping serenely on his bed. The elder elf was glad to see the young one finally rest and heal after his experience. Maybe a rainy day was all that the household really needed for it meant that everyone was trapped inside to rest and recover. There was something about stormy days that allowed a sort of peace to settle over the occupants. The rain just made one want to curl up in a study and begin reading until there was no book left untouched. More memories resurfaced of Aragorn, causing Elrond to focus back on his son.

The elf lord's eyes drifted over to the bed that was supposed to be occupied by Aragorn. To his utter shock and surprise the bed was empty. Swearing under his breath, Elrond darted to the adjoining wash room, only to find it unoccupied. Slight panic rose in his heart as he finally came to understand the reason for his feelings of apprehension that morning. He quickly left the room, and ran to his son's room hoping against hope that maybe he went there to rest wanting the comfort of his own bed. When he arrived, he pushed open the door to find that his son's cloak, traveling clothes, and weapons were gone. Elrond swore even more at the stubbornness and impulsiveness of his son.

He was about to leave, when he noticed that a piece of folded paper was sitting upright against the ink holder displaying the words, "My family" on the front. Elrond's heart broke even more in his chest, as he realized that his son truly had left Rivendell. It was no use searching the rest of the house. Aragorn would never have written a note if he was planning on staying. This was goodbye. Elrond swallowed the lump in his throat as he picked up the note from the desk. He closed his eyes to keep the tears at bay as he held the letter to his heart. When Elrond opened his eyes again, he noticed that his hands were shaking. Ignoring the feeling, the elf lord took the note without opening it, and made his way back to the healing ward. He couldn't read it now, especially since the note was addressed to everyone. No, he would save the letter for all to hear when everyone awoke. With a final glimpse at the room, Elrond walked back to the healing ward.

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Legolas awoke to the sounds of rain beating against the balcony doors. He almost forgot what had happened during the night because he was lost in the comfort of lying on the soft bed beneath him. It was rainy days like these that made him never want to leave his room. He just wanted to be lazy and sleep all day long. If it wasn't for the nagging voice in his mind that reminded him of Aragorn's troubles, Legolas would have done just that. After all, Elrond could never argue that he was not resting enough.

Pulling himself out of his daydream, Legolas forced his eyes open only to come face to face with none other than Lord Elrond. The elder elf smiled, though his eyes betrayed his sorrow. Legolas quickly moved into a sitting position, careful not to aggravate his injuries while Elrond was in the room, and then looked questioningly at the older elf.

Elrond continued forcing the smile for he did not truly wish to break down in cry in front of the prince. Now was not the time to reveal the letter for his sons were not there yet. The elder elf was silently thanking the Valar for small blessings for he really did not wish to share the letter at the moment in fear of betraying what he felt was his weakness: his emotions. He was not unlike Aragorn in many ways. That thought made Elrond focus his attention back onto the present situation. He looked up to see Legolas staring worriedly at him.

"Where is Estel?" Legolas asked his voice full of fear and slight panic. Only he knew what transpired last night, and hoped that Aragorn had not gone and done anything foolish. Elrond refused to meet his gaze.

"Lord Elrond, what is wrong? Did something happen to Estel?" Legolas asked hurriedly fearing the worst. Before Elrond could answer, Elladan and Elrohir came barreling through the door, guilty smiles on their faces. No doubt they had come from the scene of yet another prank, and one could tell that they were hiding for they pressed their backs against the door and stayed silent, yet the smiles never left. That is, they didn't leave until they looked over to see Legolas' anxious expression and Elrond's deep sadness that seemed to highlight their features.

"Ada? Is something wrong?" Elladan asked his eyes drifting over to Aragorn's bed. Seeing no one present, he naturally feared the worst. "Is Estel--? He didn't--?" Elrohir could scarcely breathe as he brother was voicing what both he and probably Legolas were feeling. Elrond smiled and shook his head.

"No, ion nin, Estel is fine." 'At least I hope,' Elrond added mentally. The tension seemed to have left the room, but only a little. Everyone was relieved, but something still felt wrong.

"Where is he?" Elrohir asked fearing the answer. He knew Aragorn well enough to know that when he felt overwhelmed he tended to do something unexpected.

"He left," Elrond stated simply, keeping up his emotionless mask.

"What do you mean, 'he left'!" Legolas exclaimed, rising up in his bed quickly forgetting his broken ribs, which though almost fully healed, still ached when he moved too fast. Elrond moved to the younger elf's side and forced him down into his bed.

"I mean exactly what I have said. Estel has left." Elrond gently helped the elf into a comfortable sitting position. "I came in early this morning to find him…to apologize again…but when I came in, he was gone. I thought maybe he had gone back to his own room. Therefore, I went down to his room only to find that his traveling clothes were gone as well as his weapons. The only thing there was…" Elrond trailed off remember what was said on the letter.

"Was what, ada?" Elrohir asked innocently. He was so full of shock from his father's explanation that he did not catch the look of pain that crossed the older elf's features. Elladan, however, did catch the look and became increasingly concerned. He walked over to the chair and knelt down in front of it, staring his father right in the eyes.

"What is wrong, ada?" Elladan asked leaving no room for argument. Even he had learned how to be stern and get answers from his father. Elrond turned his head, and handed him the envelope that no one had realized he was holding. Elladan picked it up and read the address on the cover: "My Family". Elladan opened the letter, and began to read aloud.

To my dearest family,

I know that this is sudden and you probably will never forgive me for it, but by the time you read this I will have left Imladris…forever. I cannot expect you to understand why, but there is nothing left for me here. I could not bear it if I should be the cause of heartache and pain in the future.

So this is goodbye. I know that it is not much, but I do not think my heart could bear to tell you this in person. And if I am correct, neither could you. I never intended to come home in the first place for I did not wish something like this to happen. But it has, and so I must deal with this as best I can.

Elladan, my rock, my protector, I never told you how much you meant to me. You gave me strength when I was weak whether physically or emotionally. You were there for me when the younger elflings mocked me for my humanity. I came to you that day and asked you to make me an elf because it was the one thing that I wanted most of all. You used to tell me that I was a better elf in heart than they could ever be. I thank you for that, as it gave me faith that dreams always come true if you believe enough.

Elrohir, you always had a love for the simple things in life. Though you are so much like Elladan in so many ways, there is one aspect about you that I always treasured: your calm intuition. Whenever things became worse than anyone could imagine, you were always thing to bring peace to the family and fix what was broken. You were always able to see the good in terrible times. Never lose that. I learned from you to look for small blessings.

Legolas, mellon nin, what do I say to you? There are no words that could describe what I feel about you. Our friendship runs deeper than anyone could comprehend. You have seen me laugh until it hurt and cry until I fell to pieces. No matter the situation, you never asked questions. You were always there regardless of circumstance. I cannot picture my life had I never met you. They say that everyone needs a friend because no one can go through life alone. I believe that with everything I am. Hannon le, mellon nin. Thank you for everything.

Elrond…ada, I'm sorry for anything I have ever done to make you think that I was ungrateful at your graciousness to invite me into your home. I remember many times when I would come to you in the middle of the night because of some nightmare, and the I ended up curling up beside you in bed. But memories are just memories though, right? Maybe…I know that in the past few weeks, things have been even more tenuous than ever between us, and I just wanted to let you know that I will always be grateful to you for everything you have ever done to make me feel welcome in your home. I know that when you read this you will feel frustrated, but, ada, sometimes wounds cannot be healed, and sometimes time heals all wounds. I'd like to believe the latter. I am beginning to understand what you were feeling when you banished me from your home. Despite the hurt and heartache, I still love you and I leave you with my undying respect.

I'm sorry everyone for what I am doing. I am deciding to end our relationships without your consent. Please…I would not blame you if you hate me forever. At least it would make this more bearable…I have to go now before dawn comes and ada comes to check on Legolas and me only to find that I am not there. Tell Glorfindel to smile every once in awhile because I think he has forgotten. After all, who wouldn't when they have to try to hold this insane family together? Elladan, never stop mothering, and Elrohir, help Elladan to relax a little. Legolas, don't worry about brushing your hair so much because you'll learn that there are more important things in life. Ada…never lose your compassion. I will miss you all, but it is for the best.

I love you,

Estel

P.S. I had a dream last night and maybe it will make you understand. Legolas knows the first part. I'm sorry for not telling you.

Attached to the letter was the riddle he had dreamed the night before. However, no one bothered to look. Silence enveloped the room. No one could speak. It seemed that Aragorn was saying goodbye...forever, though no one could comprehend it. Everyone retreated into themselves as they allowed the tears to fall from their faces, and for once, no one was ashamed.

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A/N: Well that just brightened my day! I hope you all enjoyed it. Please review; )