A/N: The moment most of you have been waiting for: The mysterious figure
will finally be revealed! Yay!
Leggy-stinks - Now that a think about it DOES sound like a Gandalf thing to do, but it wasn't Gandalf who did it. Oops, I just crossed out a possibility!
JKB - Not ALL the characters have been guessed, not all the obvious ones at least. ///_^ You're right; Estel's childhood will be the death of him, especially after what I plan to put him through!
Elanor - The moment you've been waiting for has arrived! No more cruelty from me, at least not now. ///_^
Phantom Ranger Fay - Hope this was fast enough for ya. ///_^
Lina Skye - Give 'em a slap for me! LoL.
ThE iNsAnE oNe - Of course that's right!
Puck - I know, I know, bad Kawaii for making poor Estel climb the tree. *steals him from puck, hugs him, and gives him back*
Carrie - You MUST have ESP. You do, don't you?
Cele or Celest - Sorry, it's not Leggy either. Oh hard drive crashes!! I just checked off another possibility! All you writers are in this together somehow! j/k ///_^
HaloGatomon - RONDIE!!!! *hugs Rondie plushie* Let's see Leggy for Legolas, Hally for Haldir, this is fun!! ///_^
Please See Ch.1 for Disclaimer & Summary
Forgive and Forget
By: Kawaii BlueBear
*blah, blah* equals italics
[Chapter 4]
"This tree will be the death of me." Estel thought. Currently, he was only five feet from the base and trying to reach a nearby branch, but wasn't having the best of luck. After a while he gave up and tried searching for a better choice of branch. Not finding any, he tried again in vain to reach his first pick.
"Having trouble, Lost Hope?" Elvynd shouted from below. He had noticed Estel's predicament and it gave him the perfect opportunity to distract him enough so Horfil and Celondir could get ready for their 'introduction'.
"As a matter of fact, yes I am having a little hindrance." replied Estel, not at all aware of the plot against him.
"You know, it isn't that big of a task; any *elf* could climb that tree."
"Then why don't you come and climb it yourself!" Estel shouted in frustration. During all of the time he was up here, Elvynd had taunted and teased him. He had grown sick of it.
Success! He finally grabbed the branch. ~*~
Nearby, the mysterious figure observed everyone's movement, but Estel's in particularly. Every even brought a show of emotion on his face. A frown for the trouble with the brach, a smirk for the comeback, a grin for the triumph, everything had a reaction.
"Be careful, my little Aragorn."
~*~
While Estel climbed higher and higher up the tree, Celondir and Horfil patiently waited for their cue from Elvynd. Both of them couldn't wait for their performance.
"Estel will surely applaud when he sees us, don't you agree Fil?" Celondir asked in a hushed tone so Estel wouldn't hear them.
"He certainly will Cel, he *certainly* will." Horfil replied.
Not too far from the two elves' current position, the young human boy had just succeeded in getting on another branch. By that time, his arms and legs started aching. "Two more branches and I'll take a break." Estel decided. Not soon enough, two branches were up, and Horfil and Celondir's performance was next. All they needed was the cue.
"Hey, Hope-Without-Hope, getting a little tired?" Elvynd said. Horfil and Celondir grinned wickedly; all they needed now was.
"No, I just happen to be searching for the best possible route to the top." .Estel's reply.
Both in-the-tree elves' notched their bows, aiming for the perfect target; not intending to kill, but just spook him enough so.
Horfil released his first. When Estel heard the noise, he spun around. But when he proceeded to do so, he got a little out of balance. That was all Celondir needed. He released his arrow, sending it right below Estel's foot, making him jump and slip.
Down, down, Estel plunged until while the three elves watched, until he finally made contact with the ground.
Smack!
At first, Estel was too in shock to make something of what had just happened. But the view he had of the tree top while on his back told him one thing: he had fallen out. Realization hit the boy with more force than an earthquake, causing tears to spring into his eyes. No, he wouldn't cry; he couldn't show them weakness.
"You see Estel?" Horfil asked sarcastically. "Humans are clumsy; one bad trait proved, two to go!" All the elves giggled evilly.
Slowly but steadily, Estel stood up. Now it wasn't just his arms and legs that ached; everywhere did! Well, everywhere but his hair and eyelashes ached; he was spared that much relief.
Before he would be ridiculed beyond belief, Estel slowly made his way back home. But before he could escape, Celondir spoke:
"Before you prove yourself with the other two tasks, there's something I would like to know."
In a pitiful voice, Estel asked softly, "What is it you wish to know?" Faster than the human eye, an arrow was inches from his right foot.
"I wish to know how fast your reflexes are, Wandering Hope."
It was then that Horfil and Elvynd both notched their bows and fired at Estel, not directly at him, but close enough to give him a good fright. One by his foot, one past his arm, two above his head.
"Stop!" Estel pleaded while dodging the arrows. But the elves were too intent on continuing out their 'mission'. Unfortunately, an arrow that by Estel's foot made him jump, and another arrow that flew past his torso made him jump to the wrong thing: the edge of the cliff.
For a moment Estel tried to balance on the ridge, but it proved to be no use, for he fell off the cliff.
The three elf-children were shocked; they hadn't meant for that to occur. "Estel!!!!" They all called out simultaneously. Down...down.down Estel fell, until halfway down he was caught in the arms of a person. He opened his eyes and saw someone he thought he recognized, but didn't have a chance to ask the stranger's name for he feel into blissful unconsciousness.
~*~
When Estel awoke, the first thing he was aware of was his body no longer hurt anywhere! It was amazing! He couldn't believe it! After his eyes focused a bit, Estel finally saw the man sitting not too far from him.
"Hello, Estel." The stranger said with a smile.
"Hello." Estel calmly replied. Strange he should feel no wariness toward this savior; he felt absolutely at peace. He knew he had felt like this before-several, in fact-but he couldn't place where.
"Are you feeling better?" asked the stranger.
"Yes, very much so." replied Estel. He sat up and got a better look at the man. He was human-that was for sure-had black hair, was wearing a strange type of clothing he had never seen before, and was carrying."A sword!"
"You like it?" the ranger unsheathed it, revealing the beautiful luminance caught in the moonlight upon the metal blade. When the man swung it, the iridescent sparkle left an after-glow in the air. Estel was awe-struck at the beauty.
"May I hold it?" he asked. Though he had seen many swords on display at home, he had never actually held one, and desired it at this moment more than anything.
The stranger re-sheathed the sword. "Tisk, tisk young one, I want to clear up some things that you might be asking."
Confused by what the stranger knew, Estel nodded, not wanting to refuse the man.
"I heard everything that occurred up there" the man pointed to the cliff, "and there." He pointed behind himself. "First I would like to say: Estel, you are not a coward, worthless, weak, or any negative quality you may think you are. You are a very good and kind boy."
But Estel wasn't so easily swayed. "But, I am! Didn't you see the tree incident and how I fell, look how I got down here! What Horfil, Celondir, and Elvynd speak is true: I am Lost Hope."
"Do you think your Ada would name you 'Estel' had what you said been true?"
Estel thought for a moment, and then shook his head. "No, I guess not."
"Do you still think you are Lost Hope?" Estel nodded.
"Well we'll have to find a way to cancel out that fact then won't we?" The stranger unsheathed his sword again and held it out hilt first to Estel. "I was saving this part for later, but the present is as good as any!"
Estel took the sword. It wasn't that heavy, quite honestly it was pretty light. "What am I supposed to do with it?" he innocently asked.
"Try to hit me."
Estel was shocked. "H-hit you?! But won't you get hurt?"
"I will, if you can hit me. Come on! Show me your best moves!"
"Okay, here goes!" Estel gripped the blade in both hands and charged at the figure. He slashed to arm, but missed. He stroke at the other arm, but missed. It kept on going like this for a long time, yet not weariness laid eyes upon Estel; he was full of energy. Finally, a hit; a slight slash through the man's long-sleeved shirt, but a hit nonetheless.
Clapping was what the stranger did next. "Congratulations, Estel! See you are not hopeless. In fact you," he got down on one knee and placed both arms on Estel's shoulders, "are hope to many, and soon you will find out why."
After hearing these words Estel felt happiness from the full impact of his triumph, and more confusion from the words. Hope to many? But before he could have a chance to ask the man to clarify that, he heard, "Sleep." And he fell asleep."
~*~
"So, this is whom I have missed after my death." said the man. Before he could muse any longer, the twins jumped through the shrubs and notched their bows at the stranger. They had seen Estel fall, and feared the worst. But now that they saw their baby brother unharmed before the stranger's they felt relieved.
"Move away from the human and you won't get hurt." ordered Elladan. Because the man's back was towards them they couldn't see the smile upon his haggard-looking face.
"Sons of Elrond, how do you fair upon this day?"
Both elves thought they recognized that voice, one they heard a long time ago. When the stranger turned around, they immediate put down their weapons in extreme shock. "Nice to see you too, Elladan, Elrohir. Don't you recognize me?"
No one spoke. "It doesn't matter now, I'm sure you'll remember eventually." He looked at Estel "Please protect him while he is still young. I know he will experience much in his life, but let him enjoy his innocence while he still can." He looked to the twins for replies. They both nodded.
At once the man smiled. "I knew I could put my trust once again in you two." He looked back at Estel, kneeled down, and kissed him softly on his forehead. "Goodbye, my little Aragorn, we shall meet again." He then got up and started to walk away, but the turned back around to Elladan. "Elladan," Elladan paid full attention, "I do not blame you for what happened on that fateful day; you did everything you could. Please do not hold yourself for something you did not control." He turned back around and walked away. "Oh, and tell Elrond he's doing great with raising Aragorn, better than I could've done myself." After that he vanished.
"Elrohir," Elladan said after recovering from the shock, "gather Estel." Elrohir swiftly knelt down and carefully picked up Estel so he wouldn't awake. As soon as he felt his brother's hands, Estel murmured, "'Ro." and smiled.
During the way back to Imladris nobody said anything to each other. Why? Well anybody would be silent if you had just seen the ghost of Arathorn II, the father of Aragorn.
Alright, I've finally stopped being cruel and have revealed the figure's identity. Yay! Remember, R&R equals a happy Kawaii!
Leggy-stinks - Now that a think about it DOES sound like a Gandalf thing to do, but it wasn't Gandalf who did it. Oops, I just crossed out a possibility!
JKB - Not ALL the characters have been guessed, not all the obvious ones at least. ///_^ You're right; Estel's childhood will be the death of him, especially after what I plan to put him through!
Elanor - The moment you've been waiting for has arrived! No more cruelty from me, at least not now. ///_^
Phantom Ranger Fay - Hope this was fast enough for ya. ///_^
Lina Skye - Give 'em a slap for me! LoL.
ThE iNsAnE oNe - Of course that's right!
Puck - I know, I know, bad Kawaii for making poor Estel climb the tree. *steals him from puck, hugs him, and gives him back*
Carrie - You MUST have ESP. You do, don't you?
Cele or Celest - Sorry, it's not Leggy either. Oh hard drive crashes!! I just checked off another possibility! All you writers are in this together somehow! j/k ///_^
HaloGatomon - RONDIE!!!! *hugs Rondie plushie* Let's see Leggy for Legolas, Hally for Haldir, this is fun!! ///_^
Please See Ch.1 for Disclaimer & Summary
Forgive and Forget
By: Kawaii BlueBear
*blah, blah* equals italics
[Chapter 4]
"This tree will be the death of me." Estel thought. Currently, he was only five feet from the base and trying to reach a nearby branch, but wasn't having the best of luck. After a while he gave up and tried searching for a better choice of branch. Not finding any, he tried again in vain to reach his first pick.
"Having trouble, Lost Hope?" Elvynd shouted from below. He had noticed Estel's predicament and it gave him the perfect opportunity to distract him enough so Horfil and Celondir could get ready for their 'introduction'.
"As a matter of fact, yes I am having a little hindrance." replied Estel, not at all aware of the plot against him.
"You know, it isn't that big of a task; any *elf* could climb that tree."
"Then why don't you come and climb it yourself!" Estel shouted in frustration. During all of the time he was up here, Elvynd had taunted and teased him. He had grown sick of it.
Success! He finally grabbed the branch. ~*~
Nearby, the mysterious figure observed everyone's movement, but Estel's in particularly. Every even brought a show of emotion on his face. A frown for the trouble with the brach, a smirk for the comeback, a grin for the triumph, everything had a reaction.
"Be careful, my little Aragorn."
~*~
While Estel climbed higher and higher up the tree, Celondir and Horfil patiently waited for their cue from Elvynd. Both of them couldn't wait for their performance.
"Estel will surely applaud when he sees us, don't you agree Fil?" Celondir asked in a hushed tone so Estel wouldn't hear them.
"He certainly will Cel, he *certainly* will." Horfil replied.
Not too far from the two elves' current position, the young human boy had just succeeded in getting on another branch. By that time, his arms and legs started aching. "Two more branches and I'll take a break." Estel decided. Not soon enough, two branches were up, and Horfil and Celondir's performance was next. All they needed was the cue.
"Hey, Hope-Without-Hope, getting a little tired?" Elvynd said. Horfil and Celondir grinned wickedly; all they needed now was.
"No, I just happen to be searching for the best possible route to the top." .Estel's reply.
Both in-the-tree elves' notched their bows, aiming for the perfect target; not intending to kill, but just spook him enough so.
Horfil released his first. When Estel heard the noise, he spun around. But when he proceeded to do so, he got a little out of balance. That was all Celondir needed. He released his arrow, sending it right below Estel's foot, making him jump and slip.
Down, down, Estel plunged until while the three elves watched, until he finally made contact with the ground.
Smack!
At first, Estel was too in shock to make something of what had just happened. But the view he had of the tree top while on his back told him one thing: he had fallen out. Realization hit the boy with more force than an earthquake, causing tears to spring into his eyes. No, he wouldn't cry; he couldn't show them weakness.
"You see Estel?" Horfil asked sarcastically. "Humans are clumsy; one bad trait proved, two to go!" All the elves giggled evilly.
Slowly but steadily, Estel stood up. Now it wasn't just his arms and legs that ached; everywhere did! Well, everywhere but his hair and eyelashes ached; he was spared that much relief.
Before he would be ridiculed beyond belief, Estel slowly made his way back home. But before he could escape, Celondir spoke:
"Before you prove yourself with the other two tasks, there's something I would like to know."
In a pitiful voice, Estel asked softly, "What is it you wish to know?" Faster than the human eye, an arrow was inches from his right foot.
"I wish to know how fast your reflexes are, Wandering Hope."
It was then that Horfil and Elvynd both notched their bows and fired at Estel, not directly at him, but close enough to give him a good fright. One by his foot, one past his arm, two above his head.
"Stop!" Estel pleaded while dodging the arrows. But the elves were too intent on continuing out their 'mission'. Unfortunately, an arrow that by Estel's foot made him jump, and another arrow that flew past his torso made him jump to the wrong thing: the edge of the cliff.
For a moment Estel tried to balance on the ridge, but it proved to be no use, for he fell off the cliff.
The three elf-children were shocked; they hadn't meant for that to occur. "Estel!!!!" They all called out simultaneously. Down...down.down Estel fell, until halfway down he was caught in the arms of a person. He opened his eyes and saw someone he thought he recognized, but didn't have a chance to ask the stranger's name for he feel into blissful unconsciousness.
~*~
When Estel awoke, the first thing he was aware of was his body no longer hurt anywhere! It was amazing! He couldn't believe it! After his eyes focused a bit, Estel finally saw the man sitting not too far from him.
"Hello, Estel." The stranger said with a smile.
"Hello." Estel calmly replied. Strange he should feel no wariness toward this savior; he felt absolutely at peace. He knew he had felt like this before-several, in fact-but he couldn't place where.
"Are you feeling better?" asked the stranger.
"Yes, very much so." replied Estel. He sat up and got a better look at the man. He was human-that was for sure-had black hair, was wearing a strange type of clothing he had never seen before, and was carrying."A sword!"
"You like it?" the ranger unsheathed it, revealing the beautiful luminance caught in the moonlight upon the metal blade. When the man swung it, the iridescent sparkle left an after-glow in the air. Estel was awe-struck at the beauty.
"May I hold it?" he asked. Though he had seen many swords on display at home, he had never actually held one, and desired it at this moment more than anything.
The stranger re-sheathed the sword. "Tisk, tisk young one, I want to clear up some things that you might be asking."
Confused by what the stranger knew, Estel nodded, not wanting to refuse the man.
"I heard everything that occurred up there" the man pointed to the cliff, "and there." He pointed behind himself. "First I would like to say: Estel, you are not a coward, worthless, weak, or any negative quality you may think you are. You are a very good and kind boy."
But Estel wasn't so easily swayed. "But, I am! Didn't you see the tree incident and how I fell, look how I got down here! What Horfil, Celondir, and Elvynd speak is true: I am Lost Hope."
"Do you think your Ada would name you 'Estel' had what you said been true?"
Estel thought for a moment, and then shook his head. "No, I guess not."
"Do you still think you are Lost Hope?" Estel nodded.
"Well we'll have to find a way to cancel out that fact then won't we?" The stranger unsheathed his sword again and held it out hilt first to Estel. "I was saving this part for later, but the present is as good as any!"
Estel took the sword. It wasn't that heavy, quite honestly it was pretty light. "What am I supposed to do with it?" he innocently asked.
"Try to hit me."
Estel was shocked. "H-hit you?! But won't you get hurt?"
"I will, if you can hit me. Come on! Show me your best moves!"
"Okay, here goes!" Estel gripped the blade in both hands and charged at the figure. He slashed to arm, but missed. He stroke at the other arm, but missed. It kept on going like this for a long time, yet not weariness laid eyes upon Estel; he was full of energy. Finally, a hit; a slight slash through the man's long-sleeved shirt, but a hit nonetheless.
Clapping was what the stranger did next. "Congratulations, Estel! See you are not hopeless. In fact you," he got down on one knee and placed both arms on Estel's shoulders, "are hope to many, and soon you will find out why."
After hearing these words Estel felt happiness from the full impact of his triumph, and more confusion from the words. Hope to many? But before he could have a chance to ask the man to clarify that, he heard, "Sleep." And he fell asleep."
~*~
"So, this is whom I have missed after my death." said the man. Before he could muse any longer, the twins jumped through the shrubs and notched their bows at the stranger. They had seen Estel fall, and feared the worst. But now that they saw their baby brother unharmed before the stranger's they felt relieved.
"Move away from the human and you won't get hurt." ordered Elladan. Because the man's back was towards them they couldn't see the smile upon his haggard-looking face.
"Sons of Elrond, how do you fair upon this day?"
Both elves thought they recognized that voice, one they heard a long time ago. When the stranger turned around, they immediate put down their weapons in extreme shock. "Nice to see you too, Elladan, Elrohir. Don't you recognize me?"
No one spoke. "It doesn't matter now, I'm sure you'll remember eventually." He looked at Estel "Please protect him while he is still young. I know he will experience much in his life, but let him enjoy his innocence while he still can." He looked to the twins for replies. They both nodded.
At once the man smiled. "I knew I could put my trust once again in you two." He looked back at Estel, kneeled down, and kissed him softly on his forehead. "Goodbye, my little Aragorn, we shall meet again." He then got up and started to walk away, but the turned back around to Elladan. "Elladan," Elladan paid full attention, "I do not blame you for what happened on that fateful day; you did everything you could. Please do not hold yourself for something you did not control." He turned back around and walked away. "Oh, and tell Elrond he's doing great with raising Aragorn, better than I could've done myself." After that he vanished.
"Elrohir," Elladan said after recovering from the shock, "gather Estel." Elrohir swiftly knelt down and carefully picked up Estel so he wouldn't awake. As soon as he felt his brother's hands, Estel murmured, "'Ro." and smiled.
During the way back to Imladris nobody said anything to each other. Why? Well anybody would be silent if you had just seen the ghost of Arathorn II, the father of Aragorn.
Alright, I've finally stopped being cruel and have revealed the figure's identity. Yay! Remember, R&R equals a happy Kawaii!