Just when Figwit thinks things cannot get worse for Rivendell, they play host to 3 Dunedain boys.
Boys be Boys
Imladris, Laire, T.A. 2375
Dear Journal
After ranger-ing about the North for many cycles of the sun with nary a visit, Araglas finally remembered to bring his son here to be fostered at the age of 10. Hopefully, the lad will be a little more mature. The Chieftain cooked up some tale about his nana being reluctant to let him go live with strangers and not wanting to leave her parents. What rot. He is far safer here in Imladris than running about whatever hidden village the Dunedain are currently holed up in. Lord Elrond not exactly thrilled by the oversight, given the large amount of knowledge and skills to be imparted to the lad before he comes of age.
Arahad takes after his adar- quiet and bookish. Perhaps he might master Quenya despite his late start in the subject. More worrisome is his lack of enthusiasm for the training field. Boy is griping about missing his nana and siblings. Araglas had the foresight to send along a pair of twin cousins (Hador and Huor) to keep him company. Three Mannish boys… Is it too late to volunteer for a trip to Lothlorien?
Imladris, Yavie, T.A. 2377
Dear Journal
We have no lack of mischief coming from the boys, and plenty of chances for Arahad to test out his healing skills on his cousins, under Elrond's guidance of course. Arahad seems to have a knack of mixing up the herbs and doses. He gave Erestor a headache remedy which had his tutor stuck in the privy with the runs. At least I think that was an honest mistake on Arahad's part and nothing to do with that essay on Numenorean history Erestor set as an assignment for the lads.
Thankfully, yours truly seems to be overlooked by the imps, apart from the occasional prank. After Arwen, vinegared wine and the old bucket of water are a cakewalk. The boys even went so far as to indulge in a bit of arson this summer – setting fire to the pig sty. The twins swore it was an accident. The bacon was quite overdone when the fire was finally put out. Lord Elrond had the trio sentenced to clean out the gunk from the common baths – before they started a flood in the cellars. Now Glorfindel has the dubious honour of drilling them in the training yard without supper.
Imladris, Laire, T.A. 2378
Dear Journal
His cousins are bad influence on Arahad, period. Today he has earned the ire of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn with his misguided attempt to steal a lock of her hair at the urging of his companions. The Lord and Lady of Lothlorien have made a visit to Imladris with their entourage. You must admit that Galadriel's hair is unlike anything in Middle-earth. So our little Chieftain-in-training takes it upon himself to take some of that hair for his cousins.
Tried sneaking up on her before dinner but the Lady is no easy prey. Just as he was about shear off a lock, she suddenly takes off over the lawn like a deer leaving Arahad in the dust. Then he thought to creep up on her in the baths but was caught by Lady Arwen. Lord Elrond is utterly embarrassed by the behaviour of his ward. Celeborn is not amused by the fact some mere stripling thought to shear his wife's precious tresses from her while she is in the bath. Does Araglas have another son we can use to preserve the bloodline and all? I do not fancy his chances with Lady Galadriel's loyal wood-elf escorts.
Imladris, Hrive, T.A. 2380
Dear Journal
Mithrandir strolled into the valley with the Feanorion after many years away, just in time for Yule. As usual Mithrandir has his fancy fireworks to wow everyone and Maglor entertained with a good many songs both old and new. He has been regaling the boys with his tales and the lads are chafing to be allowed to go ranger-ing with their fathers.
Seems the Feanorion got tired of living the good life in Mirkwood. The Silvans adored their minstrel so much they did not dare risk sending him on patrols. The Feanorion got bored without Spiders and orcs to slay and joined Gildor's band the next time they were in the vicinity. After a meandering path through Gondor and a stint in the Gondorian navy fighting off Corsair slavers, Maglor fell in with Mithrandir and was persuaded to drop by Imladris.
Outside the Elven realms, we are a dwindling race and few in Gondor speak of us as fact. In short, we have become lore to most save the Council and the Ruling Stewards. The Feanorion was not too keen on meeting with the current Steward after someone in the navy recognized his pointy ears as being a sign he is of the Eldar.
Araglas and the twin lords have also ridden in after dealing with some complaints of trolls in the Trollshaws and wargs about Bree. Lady Celebrian is pleased with the additional supplies they brought, even the ale. We will all be snug and comfy this winter season.
Imladris, Hrive, T.A. 2380
Dear Journal
I pick up this narrative the day after my last entry. Maglor's tales inspired the Dunedain lads to re-enact one of his battles with the Corsairs. This time, they took the Peredhil's swords instead of their wooden toys. Boys be boys, even among Men. I recall Elladan and Elrohir once simultaneously pranked each other with itching powder in their pants…
There is blood on the carpet that needs to be scrubbed out and Elrond is stitching Arahad's face up. Look on the bright side. He kept his eye and I believe Dunedain chicks love scars if they come attached to a hot bod. Start training in earnest, laddie. The cousins are very apologetic and swore to be Arahad's personal bodyguard from henceforth. Me? I bet Maglor a bottle of miruvor they would get Arahad killed before he comes of age.
Author's Notes:
Spoiler - Maglor will get that bottle of miruvor from Figwit. Arahad will live to be Chieftain and father the next heir of his line.
I let the earlier boys be sent to Rivendell at a far younger age with their mothers or alone.