Thanks to my reviewers, you are all grand!! Just for you all here is another chapter but first as in the tradition of every writer…

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the elves, they only two people I own are those two messengers in the last chapter…. Pathetic, but if any one knows a way to get them… *gets glared at by the lawyers, one makes a slash towards his throat. * Um okay, I do not have a death wish, so I will gladly return these lovely people as soon as I can. *Looks over at the lawyers, who still don't look happy. Smiles nervously then turns back to the readers* Okay on with the chapter… and hopefully my life.

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"Hello Estel." The family had caught up with Estel in Rohan four days later, due to the message the messengers had carried to Estel.

"Ada!" Estel cried out with a sunny smile, "How are you?"

"Oh fine, although I did have some heart trouble a few weeks ago." Elrond said casually to his youngest.

Estel paled greatly, "I...I am sorry Ada." He voice was so very soft and frightened all Elrond wanted to do was cradle his Estel in his arms. Without out even thinking Elrond did just that.

"Oh my son you scared your brothers and I almost to Mandos. We had thought we had lost you ninion. We didn't think we would ever see you again."

"I did not mean to scare you Ada. I scared myself, I thought I was dead, Ada." Estel whispered his voice filled with fear. "Everything was so black and.... but all of you saved me from it. Legolas, the twins, Arwen, and you, Ada, pulled me out of it."

Elrond wished his youngest would never have to go through that, oh how he prayed. But you can't stop the enviable.

"Oh ninion." Elrond whispered, pulling his youngest closer to his chest then he had been before. Oh how he wished he could protect Estel. "Estel-nin, it'll be all right. It's all right, its over now. You're safe."

Never before had Elrond really realized or felt the gravity of the fact that his youngest was going to one-day die. His heart clutched with pain and fear. He didn't want to lose his son forever. With all of his wisdom, He had no idea where humans went after death. And even if he missed seeing his son die by going over the sea, the separation would still be painful. They would never be together again, while he still had the possibility of seeing his daughter again. Actually, he knew he would see her again, he had foreseen it. But Estel, he would never see Estel.... The people of his race would tomb him up, making him a sight to see for all those who came after. An image frozen in time, but it would be so far away from the trees, streams, and the home Estel loved above all else. The tomb would be small and Estel didn't like closed in spaces. Elrond was sure the castle in Minas Tirith would be enough to drive Estel mad.

"Ada?" Estel said swiping his hand in font of the half-elven lord's face to get his attention. "Ada? Arda to Ada, do you hear me Ada?" Elrond blinked out of his reverie.

"That was very cute little one."

Estel looked sheepish. "Sorry Ada, but you were not responding to anything we said or did. We were worried."

"Aye, it was like you were not there in your body. Elladan punched Estel in the shoulder and you did not react." Elrohir said.

"And Elrohir tried to tell you how all the healers here do not know enough to survive a small fight, let alone a battle."

"We were truly worried Lord Elrond." Legolas said softly, who stood very close to his best friend. Estel probably would have thought that he had managed to kill his father if he had been any younger or any less experienced then his eighty-seven years, his silly human friend.

"I was just thinking." Elrond replied in a similar soft voice.

"I won the bet!" Estel exclaimed excitedly to his brothers and best friend. All of them rolled their eyes, grumbling.

Elrond looked at his youngest strangely, raising the dreaded eyebrow. "Do I want to know what this bet you made is about?"

Estel smiled innocently, "Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas thought you had fallen asleep, I thought you were just thinking. So we betted on it to keep ourselves from worrying about you."

Elrond could not help smiling. Turning to his elder sons and their friend, "Estel was able to tell and yet you could not?"

Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas all muttered under their breath. Estel was just grinning like a mad man, so proud that he had been right. Elrond smiled upon seeing his family all together (well almost) again.

'Lord Aragorn, who are your guests?' Came the voice of King Theoden of Rohan as he and his family approached Estel and his family.

'This is my father Lord Elrond of Rivendell and my brothers Elladan and Elrohir.' All three mentioned bowed. 'Ada, Elladan, Elrohir, This is King Theoden of Rohan, his nephew Eomer, the Leader of the third Mark, and Eowyn, his niece'

The two groups said their pleasantries, although the Rohan group was giving Estel's family side-glances. Elrond decided to take control of the situation.

'My foster son tells me that you found our troops to be helpful.' Estel glanced over at his father for a moment, eyebrow raised. Elrond looked into his eyes trying to get him to understand by tilting his head in the direction of the human king and his family. The light of understanding reached Estel's face. Legolas elbowed his friend and gave him a smile.

' Aye, as Lord Aragorn has told you, we are extremely grateful.' Theodon said without noticing everything was going on around him. 'Especially for him, he fought so bravely, never giving up hope as he directed the troops.'

'I would not expect any thing less from my son.' Elrond said proudly, to which Estel blushed. He had always wanted to direct the troops like his father had, and that was well known to Elrond. He knew his praise meant everything to Estel. 'Estel is one that is always hopeful. It is practically his name." The entire family had to try hard not to laugh at the joke; Legolas now had his friend in an embrace.

Estel was whispering teasingly in grey tongue to Legolas that he thought he had done nothing and that his friend had done everything with that bow of his. Legolas used his other hand to hit his son in the side teasingly. "You compliment me to much my friend. You did a great deal." He whispered in the same tongue, so the other humans would not understand what they were saying.

'I am just wondering Lord Elrond, not to be rude, but how did you come to have Aragorn in Rivendell?"

Elrond had to bit his lip to keep from grinning and scaring the poor human king. It did not help his youngest was currently making faces with his coconspirator in crime, Legolas, while trying not to laugh as his brothers elbowed him. They had all expected this question for a long time. The only thing was the way Theodon had asked it, like it was a horrible and curious thing. It now seemed to the family that Estel had always been part of the family and how could anyone not love Estel and want to take him in?

'His birth father was slain when my eldest sons were hunting with Aragorn family. Elladan and Elrohir brought Gilrean and Aragorn back to Rivendell, where Gilrean died of injuries she had sustained. So I took him in as my own. I named him Estel, for his protection and for that is what he is hope." The humans didn't catch on to the Elven Lord's hint.

'But why, he isn't an elf.'

At that comment, the half elf heard his son's best friend mutter, "He practically is." And his older sons looking appalled. "He is our little brother." They said in unison, as their brother just shook his head. Legolas tightened his embrace and he hugged the elf back reassuringly.

'He is my nephew, however distant, by blood. He is a part of my family no matter what in my mind. But in my heart, he is my son.' Elrond said softly, 'And I love him and will never turn him away. Therefore I never allowed the evil to touch him in his youth.'

At the Rohirrim still curious glances, Estel widened his eyes; looking from his father to his brothers and his best friend in bewilderment. Then he glanced at Rohirrim, and Elrond could almost see the wheels turning in his youngest's mind. He was wondering just who these people were to question his family's love.

'That is a bold claim...' Eowyn whispered started softly but Legolas who had had enough of the Rohan's foolishness interrupted her. Releasing his best friend from his embrace, he stepped towards Eowyn.

'If you love someone, you are willing to do a lot to protect that person. Any father would do that for his child and Est.. Aragorn is Lord Elrond's child.' Legolas' voice was firm in this statement.

'He is just as protective as I am of him. It is not a bold claim as you state it to be Lady of Rohan. He is my ad.. father no matter the race. That matters naught to my father, my brothers, my best friend or myself. Love is a stronger bond then blood is, so there a claim of father son love is never bold.' Aragorn said softly, stepping up next Legolas.

Elrond smiled at his youngest, Theoden looked puzzled. Elladan and Elrohir were smiling at their brother while trying to ignore the love lost looks of Eowyn. They, plus Legolas gave a collective Aye to Estel's statements; Even though Legolas was currently grinning a grin that said 'You are a sap Estel.' Estel replied with a grin that told his friend, if he was a sap so was Legolas. Elrond, Elrohir, and Elladan caught the look on Legolas face and had to bit their cheeks to keep from laughing. Estel rolled his eyes, but his eyes could not contain his mirth.

Turning towards the Rohan group, Estel managed a polite smile, 'You must forgive my family and I for our humor, we have not seen one another for a long time.'

King Theoden nodded, 'That is quite understandable Lord Aragorn.'

'I am glad that you are willing to indulge in my family's behavior Theodon King, for they are a little wild at the moment.' Elrond said kindly. He noticed Estel's pendent was tangled in his cloak. Quickly without thinking he reached out and untangled it. Estel smiled at the Elven Lord's act, Elrond just shook his head and tried not to laugh.

The Rohirrim noticed the pendant for the first time, swearing that it had not been there before the battle of Helm's Deep. It had a strange script on it, causing curiosity among the Rohirrim Royal family. 'Lord Aragorn, just what does that pendant you wear mean?'

Estel looked down at his pendant and then looked up again. 'It mean Estel son of Elrond in elvish.' Estel said softly.

'We have been meaning to ask for some time, but why is it that you can read and speak this language so well.'

'It is my first language. I knew and understood it long before I understood the common tongue.'

That garnered a surprised look from the Edorians, they never would have expected that answer for the sound of Aragorn's voice. He spoke their language perfectly, yet it was not his first language.

As if sensing their question, Aragorn replied. 'I am eighty seven years of age. I have had a long time to lose any accent that I would have had.'

But even with this calm collected answer, it was easy for the elves to tell that Estel was uncomfortable under the stares of the Rohirrim. Suddenly he felt his brother's hands on his shoulders, supporting him. He felt his best friend grasp his hand and lastly he felt his father's hand in his left hand. This half elf meant the world to him. Estel was scared but the strength that his friend and family gave him pushed away the troubled thoughts in his mind. For them he accepted his destiny, along with Arwen. But only his friend, brothers and father understood the pain folding to destiny caused him. Elrond could not help thinking to himself, his daughter might have had great wisdom but she would never truly know or understand how much this hurt Estel.

King Theodon cleared his throat, 'Well, come, come. It is time to dine.' Then he turned and walked away. Elrond had a feeling the king didn't understand and now felt uncomfortable around his child. Why he did not, Elrond did not know. Estel was Estel, it was not like he was a different person from the man Theodon had first met.

Eomer was the one who gave his son a reassuring smile of understanding, to which Estel smiled back. That made the elven Lord happy that Estel had one friend. Eowyn was the one that stared at Estel in confusion, Estel just met her gaze calmly.

'Is there something you want to ask Eowyn?' Estel asked in his soft yet commanding voice.

'Nay Lord Aragorn. I just do not understand.' She stood perfectly still as she said this, like she was transfixed there.

'Understand what Lady of Rohan?' Elrohir asked with his hand still on his younger brother's shoulder. Elrond watched in interest as how this would play out.

But Eowyn did not answer she just turned around and went after her King. Eomer watched as his younger sister in surprise as she stormed away, then turned back to the group.

'I apologize for my sister's actions. She has a crush on you Aragorn...' Then he trailed off, "I will see all of you in the camp?" The family nodded.

Gimli who had been standing not too far away, came up to Estel. 'I am sorry laddie, that that did not go as you had planned.'

'It is not your fault Gimli." Estel sighed and shook his head. 'Thank you though my friend.'

Gimli could tell it was not all right. 'I am going to go talk to Lady Eowyn and see if I can not make her see that she has done you a wrong.'

Legolas' could not help to laugh, 'Master Dwarf, you are more perceptive then I thought if you picked up on Estel's hidden emotions. Thank you friend I am sure that that would ease Estel's mind.'

Estel was going to protest until she saw the faces of his brothers and father saying that if he if he even tried to deny it, we will prove it. What had he done to deserve this kind of treatment?

'Fine.' Estel said quietly to Gimli. 'Thank you again my friend for speaking to her, for I do not seem to be able to get through her thick skull.'

Gimli chuckled, 'Aye laddie, she does have a thick skull. And you are welcome. Now just enjoy your time with your family. They must really care for you if they risked a war zone to come here.'

Estel, the twins, Legolas and even Elrond laughed at that. 'So true, so Gimli. Though sometimes I wonder for my brothers sanity.' There were indigent looks from that and promises of war when this was all over.

Gimli just chuckled again, then turned to go; but before he could do just that, Elrond called to him. 'Thank you again master dwarf for being so supportive of my son. Few people would do that.'

Gimli just gave a little bow and smiled. 'It is nothing Lord Elrond, Aragorn is a good friend. He deserves as much support as anyone can give him.' With that he turned and went to camp.

"Suddenly I see why grandmother likes him so much.' Elladan said as he shook his head.

"Aye, I did not understand why until now, why she gave him the gift, she did." Elrohir said. "Although grandfather was suspicious of him."

"As I understand it, gwador it he has always been that way. Has not Grandfather always not been suspicious of dwarfs?" Estel asked gently as he turned to face them. "So of course he would be suspicious of Gimli, even if he fell to Grandmother's charms."

Elrond could not help but to smile at that comment from his youngest. Leave it to Estel to remember all the oddities of his family members.

"Is this problem Eowyn has with you about Arwen?" Elrond asked his youngest quietly once Gimli was far enough away from the small group. Estel nodded ever so slightly.

"She asked me were the Undomiel jewel came from, I told her it cam from the maid I love, who is in the safely of the havens. She has been like this towards me ever since then." Estel said quietly. "Now she does not understand why I love my family."

Elrond nodded in understanding. He had been on the other side of this conversation when Elros first married the human woman, Tesia, and that had been after his choice. He had eventually accepted it, but the woman's family had never understood why Elros' children loved Gil-Galad and him, especially Tindomiel and Manwendil who spent every other second talking to either of them when they met; Or their friendship with Legolas' father. Yes, sadly he understood Eowyn and her family's side.

The elven lord gave the young human a small smile Estel just grinned. "Plus she thinks that I am this extremely serious person." There were snorts of laughter from the twins and Legolas burst out laughing. Estel just continued to grin, Elrond let out a small chuckle.

"You lied to those poor people Estel. You should be ashamed." Elrond said with mirth in his eyes.

"You told me to make a good impression Ada." Estel said in mock shame, "I am sorry the twins antics caused me to fail."

"Ai sure blame us for you inabilities. If there is anyone you should blame, it would be your best friend. They probably saw the trouble you two cause and fear for their lives."

"This has nothing to do with me." Legolas replied, "Estel and I were doing fine until you two came along."

"Aye we were doing just fine. We almost had them captured until you brought these two troublemakers Ada."

"You are just jealous the fair lady of Rohan likes us better." Elladan said teasingly to his little brother.

"Good." Estel replied. Turning to his father with mirth within his features. "See Ada I did not do that badly. I got Imladris an alliance with Rohan..." Elrond laughed at his twins' expressions.

"Aye you did, now I just have figure out which twin to use in this alliance."

"How about both of them." Legolas supplied, as he joined in the marry making. The twins were now glaring and pouting.

Elrond pretended to consider it. But the twins' attention had now turned to their poor younger brother.

Trying to change the subject Elladan began to tease Estel about his hair. "Well Estel it looks like you forgot your brush again. Are you not glad we brought it?" Estel looked very stoic as he tried hard to ignore his brothers. Maybe they would go away.

"I have a theory that your hair is longer then it was in Imladris and that it is just matted and knotted from not brushing it. So guess what brother?" Elrohir asked with a smirk on his face. No they were still there bothering him.

"I will cut your I swear. I will if you try that again. It is still to short." Estel threatened, hoping his brothers would silence themselves. That seemed to be too much to ask as everyone but Estel laughed.

This had been a running joke since Estel had came back from Bree with the hobbits. It had for some reason upset Elladan and Elrohir that Estel had cut his hair on one of his missions and kept it that way. Elrond had laughed when he had seen the tiny braids the terrible twosome had made in Estel's hair while he had slept the night before the council because his hair was too short to put in traditional braids. When Estel had awoken and found the braids, he had threatened to cut Elladan and Elrohir's hair short. Estel had managed to get the tiny braids out of his hair before the council only with the help of Legolas. And from the look on Legolas' face, Elrond knew he did not want a repeat performance of the day. Neither did Estel.

"Ada what is the best way to get to Minas Tirith? In your letters you mentioned the roads of the dead." Estel's change of subject was quick and brought the attention where attention was needed.

Elrond nodded, "It will take us by the sea." He glanced at Legolas with a knowing glance. He caught Legolas' confusion and Estel's saddened one. How could his son know of his friend's message from his grandmother meant was beyond Elrond.

"Then that is our path." Estel said softly as he prepared to meet the Rohirrim head on. He knew there was going to be a fight about his wanting to use the Roads of the Dead. Both father and son knew they would put up one hell of a fight....

TBC….