The afternoon was warm as the sun shone upon the house of Elrond. The day had been quiet for the Elven Lord, he had spent most of his time with Caycayal. The young Elf had refused to let him alone until he had eaten and relaxed. The two had walked through the gardens and had gone riding for some time before returning. He bade Caycayal farewell for the evening then, but the youth had no intentions of leaving. He claimed the Elven Lord needed company, since no one else was about.
"Besides, you stated your house was always open," Caycayal pointed out to him as plucked an apple from the fruit bowl.
"Really?" Elrond inquired with light smile, raising an eyebrow. "For some reason I cannot remember saying that."
Caycayal glared at him, but did not respond. It was then the door opened and the house was filled with the common bickering of the household residents.
"Tis nothing more than a scratch! Now put me down!"
"What do you mean it's only a scratch! You can't even walk."
Caycayal smiled as Elrond rolled his eyes. "Three guesses to who that might be," he muttered under his breath before taking his leave.
As he entered the foyer, Elladan was lowering his brother on the couch. A makeshift splint and bandage wrapped about Elrohir's leg was stained deep red, and he shoved his elder brother away when he tried to adjust the pillows about his head.
"Stop mothering me, I'm fine," he growled.
"You have never been fine my brother," Elladan teased quietly.
"Both of you are going to be the end of me yet," Elrond said, finally announcing his presence.
"Well met father," Elrohir said lightly, smiling sheepishly.
Elladan nodded in greeting as well when his father walked past. He knelt down next to his son, untying the bandages to see the extent of the damage.
"So tell me, what foolish stunt did you participate in this time?" he asked, not looking up.
"Nothing of the sort Ada, I mer-"
"Elrohir tried to fly," Elladan chimed in, grinning.
"Oh did he know? Did he succeed?" Elrond asked looking up at the both of them.
"Very funny," Elrohir growled before softening his voice, "I slipped while climbing up a tree. The soot from the fire had coated the branches and I lost my footing."
Elrond nodded as he examined the wound, touching it softly. Elrohir stiffened at the touch, letting out a sigh of relief when his father finished.
"Tis a clean break, and a few cuts, but nothing more. You're lucky you didn't break your head open. Any sign of your brother and Legolas?" he asked, his voice changing.
Elladan shook his head. "None Ada. Though I don't know if that is a good thing or not."
Elrond nodded, "There is always hope. Come now, let us see to your wounds." He helped his son up and into his den where he kept all of his medicine and supplies. Elladan followed shortly behind.
They did not hear the door open as they made their way upstairs as Legolas and Aragorn pressed their way inside, closing the door behind them. Only Caycayal saw them enter from the kitchen and smiled as both occupants collapsed on opposite couches. With a smile he began to heat some water in order to make some tea for the two.
With a sigh Aragorn closed his eyes, realizing how good it felt to be home. Through silted eyes it seemed like Legolas was already asleep, and called his name out to be certain. Legolas opened his eyes glancing over at the human, giving him a questioning glance. The two had seen Elrond and the twins go upstairs and he had figured Estel would follow.
"How are your hands?" Aragorn asked him. Legolas shrugged.
"Fine," he stated quietly, turning to look at the human.
"I figured you would follow," he said plainly, stating his thoughts.
Aragorn sighed. "I would but I am weary, and my brothers are in good hands, despite what ridiculous stunts they pulled and who ended up harmed this time," he finished sarcastically, but with a small smile.
Legolas nodded, and closed his eyes once more. He had spoken lightly about the pain he was in, but in truth his hands hurt a great deal, but Legolas was too weary to complain. He had them resting lightly on top of one another on his chest. He also had a headache, more in likely from the fall he took in the cave. The thought of the dark place sent a shiver through his spine.
"What are you doing?" Aragorn questioned him, interrupting his thoughts.
"Trying to rest," he said flatly, opening one eye to glare at the human.
"With your eyes closed?"
"What's wrong with closing my eyes?" the Elf queried, sitting up slowly.
"Elves sleep with their eyes open unless they are hurting or close to death," Aragorn pointed out.
"But I wasn't sleeping, I was resting, there is a difference," Legolas said shortly.
"Not really," Aragorn continued.
"Enough you two! There has been enough bickering in this house already we don't need it from you as well."
Aragorn smiled to himself, "Welcome back Caycayal," he said softly, turning to greet the other Elf.
Caycayal pressed a mug into his hand and made his way across the room to give one to Legolas' as well, faltering when he saw the Prince's hands. "They hurt do they not?" he questioned.
"A bit," Legolas lied, taking the mug carefully. He pressed it to his lips, drinking the warm sweet flavor.
"Lord Elrond will see to it, don't you worry," he told Legolas with a smile before returning to the human. "You have grown Estel, no longer are you a boy, but a man," he told him bringing him into an embrace.
Estel smiled, returning the hug with one arm as he held the mug in the other. "I wish my father could see that as easily as you do."
Caycayal pulled back, laughing. "He does young one, he just loves as good father should. He does not wish to loose you."
"I know," Estel replied. "It has been long since you have been here. Where have you gone?"
"Many places. No where overly exciting. Are you two hungry?"
Aragorn nodded, "Aye, both of us are."
Caycayal nodded, straitening up. "Then I will make supper, for the family. I am sure you all have much to speak about."
"Wait," Aragorn cried after him, "Why are you cooking?"
"Rohden injured himself and is recovering," he stated simply before disappearing into the kitchen.
Aragorn shook his head with a sigh, leaning back onto the pile of soft pillows. He checked on Legolas, smiling as he realized the Elf was already asleep, his eyes half lidded. He hadn't realized how much strength the journey through the cave had taken from the Elf. He was just glad it was over. Closing his eyes he let out another sigh as his thoughts drifted away.
~*~*~*
Elrond wrapped the final bandage securing it in place before pulling the covers over his son. The medicine he had given Elrohir was already taking effect, his son's eyes were beginning to fade as the draught pulled him into a restful slumber. He had half a mind to give a dosage to his eldest, both of them needed their rest. But Elladan had already seated himself sideways in the chair in the corner, and was busying himself with his arrows, adjusting the feathers and making sure the heads were in line. Or so he seemed to be. Elrond's sharp eyes did not miss that it was in fact the same arrow he had began several minutes ago, and was doing nothing more than fiddling with it now.
"Go, take your rest my son," Elrond told him gently, causing him to jerk suddenly. He let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his head with one free hand.
"I'm fine Ada," he stated, dropping the arrow back into his fully loaded quiver.
Elrond shook his head, "Not from what I see. Go, Estel and Legolas will be fine. Your brother will return, just give him time."
Elladan raised an eyebrow, "Has Caycayal been teaching you again?"
"Humor Elladan," Elrond responded, "Is not what I am looking for."
Elladan rolled his eyes, "Aye, I know, Yes Father, I know I am tired and that I need my rest, even as an Elf I am not invincible to the world around me and I must listen to and grant my body's wishes," he said as if it were a practiced saying.
The Elf Lord did not laugh at his son's droning voice. "As I said, humor is not what I am looking for, now up."
Elladan growled, "But Ada, someone needs to keep Elrohir company."
Half-asleep, Elrohir laughed, "You mean to torture me," he said through slurred lips.
"The only way both of you will get to rest is if you retire to your own rooms. Elladan?" Elrond stated, standing up and showing his eldest the door. Fuming the young Elf left the room, but not before launching a pillow at his twin who caught it, even though his reflexes were dulled.
"Ha, missed me," Elrohir shouted, throwing the pillow at the retreating form. Elrond caught it in mid air, ending the small banter. Placing it on the end table the Elf Lord laughed heartily. "Get your rest Elrohir."
"Aye Father, I will," Elrohir said quietly, leaning back against the feathered pillows.
*~*~*~*
After seeing his eldest son to bed Elrond made his way down the stairs with a heavy heart. The news that they had found no sign of Estel weighed heavily upon his soul. He wanted nothing more than to have the human back in his house. He knew that Estel was growing up, and in doing so would wish for more freedom than the Elf Lord would allow. But if he only knew that his son was well, that is what he only prayed for. Word of his safety, and the weight on his heart would lessen.
He let his hand trail along the banister, the mahogany smooth under his fair fingers except for here. A chip of wood was missing halfway up the railing and Elrond smiled as he remembered what had happened. It was the boy's 5th birthday, normally Elves did not count the years nor did they celebrate such a passing for they pass so many of them. But for the young human, Elrond knew, time passed quickly as it passed slowly. Estel would soon grow weary of the years as he grew older.
Rohden had baked a honey pie, one of Estel's favorite dishes since arriving at the House of Elrond and they had a feast during the day in which gifts were presented to the youth. Elrond had decided then that the boy was old enough to begin training in weaponry, and so had crafted a fine blade, small enough to fit the human's small hand.
However, he had failed to explain to Estel the importance of respect and responsibility when handling a weapon, the dangers it could represent. That night, eager to use his blade, he had raced down the stairs, tripping over his own growing feet. Luckily no grave harm came to him, and ended up with only bruises, but the blade had caught the railing, chipping away the smooth wood, leaving a thumb sized hole in its place.
His smile slowly faded as he reached the bottom of the stairs. What if Estel were to not come back? What then? Estel was a part of the family, even if his heritage was that of human. He knew the twins were fond of him, and loved him as dearly as he did. These were the first dark thoughts that had really entered the Elf's mind. Had he made a mistake by not searching his son out? Had he been a fool for heeding Caycayal's calm words of Estel's safe return?
He let out a sigh, pushing such thoughts aside as he continued toward the kitchen, coming to a stop suddenly. At first he thought it was a dream, but there in front of him both Legolas and Estel lay on the couches. The Elven prince lay on his stomach, eyes slightly closed, his lacerated hands hanging over the arm rest. His blond hair covered half of a bruise on his brow. Wounds that would need tending to.
His attention turned then to his son, his Estel. The human lay asleep on his side, a mug clutched lightly in one hand. Dirt clung to his clothes and face, as well as some bruises, but seemed to fair better than his companion. Caycayal had come to stand beside him, Elrond knew this without turning.
"How long?" he asked quietly.
"Not long," Caycayal responded. "They are weary, and famished. Though the have said nothing else."
Elrond nodded, moving to sit besides his youngest son, careful not to wake him even though he wished to speak with him. He took the mug from his hand, placing it next to the lamp. The gentle motion woke Aragorn up, and he squinted through half opened eyes questioningly.
"Ada?" he wondered.
Elrond smiled, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "Welcome home Estel," the Elf Lord told his son, pulling him into a warm embrace. Aragorn returned the hug smiling.
"You aren't angry at me?"
Elrond let go of his son, laughing inwardly. "There will be plenty of time for that later, as well as talking."
"You mean lecturing don't you?" Aragorn asked, laughing this time.
"Perchance some, but most of it will be talking." Elrond responded, returning the laugh as well. "For now, just take your rest."
Aragorn nodded, allowing his father to press him back down, leaving to fetch spare blankets for he and Legolas. Yawning he watched as his father covered Legolas, taking a moment to get a closer look at the Elf's cut hands. Elrond sighed, striating up.
"Go to sleep Estel," Elrond chided him quietly.
"I am asleep," Aragorn replied blandly.
"Don't tell me Legolas has taught you to sleep with your eyes open."
"Nay father, it is just…I was wrong for leaving, I shouldn't have gone. I just…" Aragorn faltered, unsure of what to say. Just what? Hated being treated like a infant? A child? In his eyes that was all he was to the Elves, a youth who would never match them in wisdom, age, experience, nor stealth, or anything. Aragorn had faced this many of times in past years, and he knew that his family loved him no matter his origin. But then why did he feel so horrible?
Seeing his dilemma, Elrond once again sat down next to his foster son. "Nay my son, do not think such thoughts. You are growing, and it is I who is afraid to let you do so. But no more talk, rest. Recover your strength. We will discuss this later." He finished, kissing him on the forehead before drawing the covers under his chin.
Aragorn nodded wearily, closing his eyes, and sleep he did.
THE ENDAh no, don't panic, all those who wished to see the conversation between Elrond and Aragorn will be able to in the next story. Unfortunately it will take a bit longer for it to start posting because I will not post until it is finished, so that you guys don't have to wait so long between chapters.
R2R
Balthasar-
Which makes it all the more real. But some of his problem is that he believes that he is over, and yet he cannot admit that he needs help to overcome his fears. LOL, don't worry bout the twins, I'll have more of that coming in the next story. The light I should have explained more on, but the fact that bits of light was coming through and gradulally increasing as they came closer to the exit helped some.
I've noticed a change in my writing as well. I'll go back and reread some of my stuff and compare it to recent stuff I have written and sometimes I can't believe the change. You look up to me in writing? You wouldn't be the first. I have some people who come to me to do editing on their story drafts and essays for school. You have also improved as well, I noticed that when I read Brave.
Carrie5-
OMG! SHE LIVES!!!!!!!!!!
LOL, kidding. And yes anything compared to elves is indeed filthy, but compared to nearly everything, Aragorn is filthy. Note that I said nearly everything, so Orcs, wargs and dwarves and all thoes others are far worse than your ranger.
And I still say that I am responisble for your insanity!
And when can I expect that chapter you keep telling me you will get it done?
Change your name to….I don't know, silver carrie or something, or carson? Almost your full name.
I'll E-mail you later.
Sara & Bec
Legolas was older than Rasiel. I may have messed that up earlier, but they were really close in age. Glad you guys enjoy my stories.
And much thanks to everyone else who reviewed, here is a short summary of my next story! Laer Aares, Hrivë IsilesWhen a young Elf is found wounded among the borders of Rivendell, questions arise to who he is and where he comes from. Soon Aragorn and Legolas learn that he has been a slave from birth and knows very little of the outside world. Now it is up to the two to convince the young Elf that he can no live a life on his own.