AN: I still don't own anything Tolkien or Lord of the Rings. I just own my characters and storyline.


First of all: Happy 2021, everybody! Let's hope this year will be a lot better than the previous one!

Anyway, bit of good news and bad news in this Author's Note:

The bad news (sort of): I wanted to start off by apologizing for not updating sooner. I know I used to update a lot more frequently, but life at home has been rough (I won't go into details), and getting any inspiration to write has been extremely difficult for me. So, unfortunately, this means that future postings will be fewer and far between, at least for a while, until things calm down and I can get my life stuff sorted out.

The good news: I'm not giving up on this story! Like I said, I will be updating, just less frequently. I haven't yet left a story unfinished, and I don't intend on doing it now.

On another note: Things will start edging a little bit towards The Lord of the Rings storyline in this chapter, though the whole Fellowship forming is a very long way off.

Enjoy, and please don't forget to review. Thanks!


Chapter 47: Estel/Aragorn:

For nearly a year, life was good.

Estel continued his travels in the wild forests, but returned often to Rivendell, staying two or three weeks each time he did. I think he noticed how lonely his mother had been when the two of us had been gone for so long, so he decided to come home as often as he could.

When he was here, the three of us went off riding and picnicking together as a family. Estel once again showed off his Ranger training, bringing a bit of uncooked food and cooking utensils along in a saddlebag, so that he could make a soup or quick stew for us from what he could find in the forest.

Gilraen, of course, was beyond proud of her son. I think she was thrilled that he could do so many things most men looked down on, like cooking, doing dishes, and washing and mending his own clothes, without thinking these tasks 'beneath' him and whining about having to do it himself.

He also made an effort to spend some time alone with us individually.

With Gilraen, he would take her on a walk through the gardens, or go to her rooms, to sit by the fire and enjoy the pleasant quiet. Gilraen was happy to have him sit at her feet, holding her yarn as she knitted, reading aloud to her, or helping her choose a color of thread for her to use in a piece she was embroidering.

My time with Estel wasn't always so quiet. The two of us occasionally spent our time sparring together in the practice yards, with Glorfindel watching closely, or racing off down a trail through the valley on horseback for the thrill of it. But during our evenings together, my little brother would ask me about the places I had traveled to, and the people I had met. He would ask about the meals I had eaten, how foods that were familiar to him were served in such different ways, even about the plates and utensils used.

Lord Elrond was happier, too. His foster son was home, spending time with those who loved him best, and there was rich, joyful laughter filling the halls whenever we were together, telling each other new or old stories.

But as Estel's birthday drew closer, I could see a sort of fear and sadness in Gilraen's eyes whenever she looked at her son. Lord Elrond seemed more subdued, too, though both of them tried to hide it.

Finally, Lord Elrond pulled me into a private meeting wanting to know more about his charge's future.

I had no intention of telling him much, though it was hard, holding back. But in the end, I told him Estel would not take the news of his birthright well, and that he would flee the valley in a youthful attempt to outrun it.

"Will he ever return?" Lord Elrond pressed me, his tone urgent. "He is the last of that bloodline, until he weds and produces an heir of his own."

I carefully avoided commenting on Estel's marital future. He hadn't even met Arwen yet, though I had a feeling it would happen very soon. "His path is a long one," I warily admitted, "He will return, but rarely. There is much he must see and do and experience in the world."

Elrond crossed his arms. "I do not like cryptic answers, little one. I receive enough of those from Mithrandir and Lady Galadriel. Can you not answer me plainly?"

Sighing, I began rubbing my forehead. "No, I can't. There is much that I know, but there is so much more that I don't. All I can say is that Estel will leave Rivendell to see and experience the world beyond it. Please trust me when I say it is for the best."

Thankfully, he did not press me further, and eventually indicated that I could leave. But I could tell he was disappointed and frustrated. I briefly wondered if his powers of foresight weren't helping him when he wanted them to, but decided it wasn't my business to pry into what Elven magic could and couldn't do.

'Maybe he'll send off a message to Gandalf or Lady Galadriel, and ask them for advice.'

Heaving another sigh, I went to find Gilraen. Estel had traveled away again, and I knew she would want a bit of company right now.


For Estel's 20th birthday, Gilraen decided to make it a special event. He had already promised to be here for it, and now she set to planning with a determination I had not seen in quite some time.

Upon my return from Erebor, I had tried returning to a quiet schedule of study, practice fighting, riding Shan, and dance lessons. However, Estel's constant visits had often interrupted it, so I decided to simply do whatever I wanted, though I did my best not to disrupt anyone else's day. Erestor said I was welcome to join him in the library whenever I wished, and Ethelwen was much the same. Both were willing to rearrange their daily tasks to help me with mine.

Glorfindel did his best to accommodate me, but he was busy with training the realm's professional warriors. In order to keep myself in somewhat decent fighting condition, he was the only one I had to create an actual schedule with.

Then, all of my personal time went out the window, because Gilraen decided she needed my help with planning Estel's birthday celebration. On the very day she decided that, she practically dragged me from the library door just as I was about to go in. Even though I tried explaining I was probably not going to be of much use, she didn't listen to me. She didn't even release my arm until we arrived at her rooms, and she plopped me into a chair at a work table covered in paper and writing instruments.

"We must have his favorite foods and drinks," she said, getting straight to it without hesitation. "And the halls must be decorated simply but elegantly, with his favorite colors."

I was clearly meant to help with her to-do list, mainly writing and updating it, but in all honesty, Gilraen didn't have me do much in regards to the party itself. I think she merely wanted someone to throw ideas at, and get feedback on whether Estel would like certain things or not.

I was more than happy to help her, but I felt it was also my duty to ensure the party wasn't blown too far out of proportion. I had to run to Lord Elrond several times, asking that he not serve certain food combinations because they wouldn't be good for Estel's stomach. I also asked that only light wines and ales be served, as Estel wasn't much of a drinker of alcohol –he typically only had one glass of wine at dinner, and a mug of ale whenever he had trouble sleeping or wanted to relax his first night back from a training trip.

At last came the day when Estel was due to return, and all of Rivendell prepared to celebrate.


Even in the Elven Realms, the one thing you cannot control is the weather. (Though Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel could make 'adjustments' with their Rings of Power.)

Two days before his birthday, Estel had returned while a terrible rainstorm crashed overhead, and even though the rain had stopped, the clouds still lingered overhead. I could not help but think it was a sign of what was to come.

In spite of the clouds, the weather was pleasant, and everyone was in a festive mood as all of Rivendell looked forward to the event. Perhaps, after a time, Elves stopped celebrating every single birthday, and instead focused on the more important ones, such as every decade or century. In all my time here, the only birthday celebrations that we had held were for us humans.

But this one was extra special, since it was a coming-of-age party, so we all wanted to look our best, for Estel's sake.

Breakfast was to be consumed in our own quarters, while luncheon would be a small family gathering. This was so Estel could rest and recover from his travels, while Gilraen did her best to administer the final touches to the decorations, food, evening meal and entertainment.

Ethelwen insisted I wear two different outfits today: a simple one to lunch, and a fancier gown to dinner and the evening celebrations. So, promptly at noon, as I took a seat at the table, I was clad in a soft teal gown, crafted from fabric I had brought back from Dale, a simple headdress of silver atop by head as my only adornment.

As we ate our way through the soup course, Estel told us all about his most recent trip with the Twins, who added their own details to their 'younger brother's' tales. Most surprisingly, Estel mentioned how they had wandered close to a small village, and the Twins had introduced Estel to a group of travelers called Rangers.

Gilraen seemed to tense up at the mention of Rangers, but Estel was looking at me and not her as he described them, so he did not notice. I decided to spare her any awkwardness if he should see her, and asked him to describe them to me, while Elrond subtly attempted to calm her down.

"In shape they are the same," Estel said eagerly. "They are slim, fit, and soft-footed, almost like the Eldar, though the Twins could hear them easy enough. They asked what we were doing there, and Elladan said I was training to be a warrior. When I showed them some of what I could do, they said they admired what I had learned. They even gave me a second name; Strider, for they said my stride was long, sure and swift!"

Gilraen struggled to keep a calm expression, and even downed half her wine in two gulps to soothe her nerves. To keep Estel focused on me, I reached out and patted him on the cheek, the affection and joy I had for him showing in my eyes and my smile.

"I am proud of you," I said, earning a bright grin from him in return. "You have worked long and hard. I am glad your efforts were well-rewarded."

"Indeed," Lord Elrond agreed, his voice carrying throughout the dining courtyard. "Let us raise a toast to Estel, in celebration of his work and his journeys."

"And to the Twins and Lord Glorfindel, who helped train him," I added, looking at the beaming Elladan and Elrohir, while Glorfindel simply gave a small, regal nod.

We drank deeply, then continued with our meal. Gilraen had managed to compose herself, and happily began chatting about the evening's dinner and entertainments. The Twins expressed their enthusiasm for it all, while Estel seemed beyond embarrassed with being the guest of honor. My younger brother had never been comfortable being the center of attention, and his blushing cheeks attested to that.

I smiled at his discomfort –it would serve him well when he became King. 'It's never a good thing when a King loves and lives off the attention and worship of his subjects. It's much better when they are humble.'

"I had hoped Mother would not make such a spectacle of me," Estel whispered to me as the meat course was served. "I asked her not to!"

Waiting until the server had moved on to Gilraen, I gently patted his arm. "She did it because she loves you," I whispered back. "Besides, she has seen you so rarely of late, and I think she wishes to create as many good memories as she can, for you are gone so much more often now than you were before."

He blushed again, though it was clearly from shame this time. "I know, and I am sorry. I will try and enjoy it, for her sake."

Unable to help myself, I chuckled a little. "Oh, Estel," I said smiling fondly at him. "There is no 'trying' when it comes to parties. You will either enjoy yourself, or you won't."

He laughed, agreed that I was right, and took a bite of his meal. The tension in his shoulders eased, and he relaxed while joining in on the conversations around us. I truly did hope that he enjoyed today, for I knew that Gilraen intended to tell him about his family line tomorrow after luncheon.


Everyone in Rivendell was given the afternoon off, so that they could prepare for the evening's festivities, including those who served others.

Ethelwen, of course, refused to let me prepare myself for the night –nor did she trust anyone else to tend to me. It was her clever fingers that styled my hair, laced up my clothes, and settled an elegant headpiece into place, so that I was fully attired less than an hour before tonight's feast.

"I feel so guilty, leaving you with so little time to dress and prepare," I said, trying to usher her out of the room quickly. "If you are late to the dinner, I will feel even worse. Truly, my friend, I did ask you to have the day to yourself for once!"

She laughed and gently patted my cheek with her usual affection. "Dear one, I will be fine. You are Lord Elrond's daughter, and Estel's sister; how could I not help in preparing you for the night?"

Again, she laughed, a light sound that told me she was truly amused at my worry. "Do not worry. Everything I am going to wear has already been chosen; I only need to don it. Now, sit and relax, for I believe one of the Sons of Elrond will be here soon to escort you to your father."

Lord Elrond was to lead us into the hall in a formal display of his family, from his twin sons, to me, Gilraen and Estel. I had a feeling that Estel would lead his mother, but I had to wonder who would be escorting me to the meal.

After Ethelwen left, I did manage to have a bit of quiet time to myself, reading a little before a knock sounded on my door. I opened it to reveal Elrohir, who looked every inch an Elf Lord in deep brown and gold, with silver embroidery.

"You look lovely, little sister," he teased, offering an arm to me. "Purple suits you."

I blushed and accepted his arm, thanking him for his compliment before offering one of my own. He chuckled and led me from the room, the two of us carefully avoiding others who were heading the same direction.

"I am very excited for the evening, Meluir," Elrohir said, nodding at a group of Elves who bowed to him. "It has been quite some time since we have had a birthday celebration, and Estel certainly deserves it. Besides, it is a significant birthday, is it not?"

I agreed it was, and echoed his excitement with my own. Truth be told, Elves didn't show excitement the way humans or Dwarves did, with clapping hands or squeals of delight. Their lovely eyes did dance, though, and their smiles were like beams of sunshine, all warm and glowing when they were happy.

Our father was waiting for us in the special antechamber that connected to the dining hall. Gilraen practically glowed in her gown of deep gold and green, while Estel looked very dignified in his own outfit of pine needle green velvet. Elladan was in dark grey with pale grey embroidery, and to my surprise, Glorfindel stood there beside him, in bright blue and silver, which contrasted Lord Elrond's gold and copper.

"Ah, Meluir!" Lord Elrond said, offering me a hand. "You are lovely. Come, stand beside me, for I am to escort you tonight."

I felt my heart sink to the floor, my throat closing in nervousness. I could count on one hand the number of times Lord Elrond had escorted me into the dining hall on special occasions, and just like Estel, I was very uncomfortable being the center of Elvish attention. Dwarves and Men I could handle; Elves had a way of looking at a human that made even the hardiest start sweating like mad.

Still, I could not refuse him.

Placing my hand in my father's, I held my head high as we stepped into the room.


The meal was spectacular, served on tables decorated with blossoms collected from all furthest corners of Gilraen's personal gardens.

Everything served consisted of Estel's favorites. He had a particular fondness for roasted fowl of any kind, so there was goose, quail, and duck, all prepared in various ways, with potatoes, greens, and other vegetables, fresh from the gardens just this morning.

An herbed broth cleansed the pallet, followed by a fine dish of venison, also one of his favorites. Gilraen had wanted to serve beef as well, but none could be found and delivered in time.

Still, it was a glorious meal, ending in individual plates decorated with slices or pieces of candied fruits: apples, apricots, pears, grapes and cherries artfully arranged on small dishes, and as deliciously sweet as they looked.

Finally, there was a cake, 3 tiers high, and just big enough so that everyone got a small slice.

In my fading memories, I remembered having leftover birthday treats, stored away for future consumption. Here, however, the cooks made sure to make just enough to satisfy everyone, with little waste. Anything that remained was either taken to the kitchen for the next day's lunch (if possible), or put onto a compost pile that was used in the vegetable or flower gardens.

'It would figure that the Elves would be the very first people to 'go green,'' I thought, hiding my amusement by taking a sip of water.

When it was clear that no one was going to take another bite, Lord Elrond rose to his feet, silencing the room entirely. He raised his wine glass, and turned an affectionate look towards Estel, causing everyone else to do so.

"Estel," the Lord of Rivendell said, "Today you are of age. I have seen you work hard in all you do, and watched you grow into a good man, tall and strong and clever. I could not be more proud of you."

Raising his cup, he called out, "To Estel!"

"To Estel!" came the answering cry from all.

My brother blushed a bright pink and raised his own glass, drinking deeply as we did. I, meanwhile, highly suspected he was ecstatic that he was not required to give a speech in return.

When we had finished our drink, Lord Elrond clapped his hands. "And now, to the Hall of Fire!"


As soon as Estel entered the Hall, with Gilraen on his arm, the musicians began to play. Ever the gentleman, Estel bowed to his mother and asked for the first dance.

As couples took to the floor, Lord Elrond began to lead me to a chair beside his, but I was quickly asked by Lindir to be his partner. Since it was a slower, less complicated dance, I accepted.

The evening was filled with music, dancing, delicious little finger foods and wine. I had numerous dance partners, including the Twins and Glorfindel. Estel was also a popular partner, but of course, it was his birthday.

Through it all, Gilraen smiled, her eyes never leaving the form of her son as she talked and mingled with the crowd. It was a glorious night, one that I knew would not be forgotten for many years to come.


It was very late when I went to bed, with more than a fair share of wine in my belly. That, coupled with the dancing and rich food, had me falling into a deep slumber as soon as my head hit the pillow.

I was awoken by someone gently shaking my shoulder, and a male voice calling my name. My fog-filled brain struggled towards wakefulness and activity, but it was a hard climb. Still, I somehow managed to open my eyes and look directly into a familiar pair of blue orbs. It took a moment, but I eventually realized it was Estel.

I rubbed my hands over my face, trying to banish the sleep from my head. "What is it?" I managed to croak. "What's wrong?"

Something most definitely had to be wrong; Estel hadn't entered my room and woken me like this since he was a child, afraid of monsters under his bed. Whatever was bothering him had to be dire, to wake me in this manner.

The pain, anger, and disbelief in his eyes said it all. Gilraen had finally told him the truth, without me there as emotional support for either of them.

For weeks I had pleaded with her to let me be there when she talked to him, but Gilraen had insisted she tell him with only Lord Elrond present. She felt the Elf Lord's strong, authoritative air would be enough to hold Estel's anger in place until things could be thoroughly explained to him.

Clearly, it hadn't worked out the way she had expected.

"Allie," Estel said, his voice strained with a multitude of emotions, "Please, help me!"

Now I was worried. My brother almost never asked me for help.

"What is it?" I whispered, reaching out to take his hands in mine. "What's wrong?"

He swallowed hard. "Mother and…Lord Elrond…they just told me something…I don't know what to think!"

I didn't need to say anything, for Estel sat himself on my bed and blurted out the whole thing. I already knew what he was talking about, but what he needed right now was someone to listen, not talk. I was more than happy to sit silently by him, to offer sympathetic ears and hugs when needed.

For a long time he talked, about what his mother and foster father had told him, and how he felt about the whole thing. There was anger at having those secrets kept from him, for he felt his whole life had been a lie.

"I feel as though they have directed my path from the beginning!" he cried, getting to his feet and pacing my room before returning to sit on my bed. "What would have happened if the Twins hadn't tried to make training exercises in the Wild so exciting, and encouraged interest in it? Would I have turned into a clerk, like Erestor, or a steward, like Lindir? Would that have been so terrible?"

There was also frustration, as he felt he had been forced to follow the paths of the Rangers, as his ancestors had done for centuries. "For that's who my birth father was, and his father before him," Estel said in exasperation. "It's expected of me!"

And then there was fear, the one emotion I knew would follow him far into the future, right up until he was King of Gondor –and possibly beyond.

"Allie," Estel said, his voice tightening to the point of breaking, "That means Isildur was my ancestor! The weakness he showed when he should have been strong runs within my veins! What if I am the same as he is?"

I couldn't bear seeing him like this. Seeing the fear wash over him like a tsunami that threatened to tow him out to sea brought out my protective instincts. I could not let him suffer alone like this.

"Listen to me," I sharply told him, grasping his hands to force him to look at me. "Estel, you are not Isildur; you are your own self. You are good, and you are strong, stronger than I could ever be, in so many ways. I have great faith in you, and if you ever doubt yourself, I know you will find a way to rise up and defeat it, because that is who you are."

The forlorn look in his eyes did not disappear, but it did fade a little. "You've always believed in me, Allie," he whispered, eying me closely. "Did you know?"

I sighed. "Only a little," I admitted. "I knew of your bloodline, and that your mother had brought you here for your safety. She had told me of your father's death, and that she wanted you away from those who might seek to kill you, to end your family's line."

Squeezing his hands, I looked deep into his eyes. "And no, I could not tell you. Your mother and Lord Elrond insisted they be the ones to do so, when the time was right. And that time is now. You are a man, grown and well-taught by some of the greatest Elves in Middle Earth. You are skilled in fighting and survival, and you have been educated in things most Men could only dream of learning."

Smiling a little, I said, "You are also mature enough to know that what I say is true."

"But that doesn't mean I shouldn't be angry," he retorted, fingers clenching my own.

"You're right," I replied, startling him. "You are angry, and you are frightened. Both of those things are enough to make anyone's head spin. Perhaps you should clear it a little, and think more about what you have just learned."

He breathed deeply and nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Occasionally, when I need it most, you say the wisest things, Allie. I will go and clear my head, but I promise that I will always return to you, sister of my heart."

After one final, loving hug, Aragorn, son of Arathorn, left my rooms.

And for some time after, he did not return, to my quarters or to Rivendell.


AN: Please review. Thanks.