Author: Lady Sandry
Summary: When Gilraen wishes to leave Rivendell, a teenaged Estel (Aragorn) must make the heart rendering choice between the Elf Lord he loves as a father and the only home he has ever known…and the woman who gave him life.
Disclaimer: I do not own any recognizable characters or places…those belong to the almighty Prof. JRR Tolkien and his estate. This fanfiction is written solely for entertainment and I am making no money off it (unfortunately). Please do not sue me, as I'm a poor High School student and you won't get much.
A/N: This story is slightly AU, for Tolkien tells us that Gilraen left Rivendell to return to her kin in Eriador AFTER Aragorn had learned his true name and had been abroad for many years. I have simply moved up the timeline on that decision. Also please note that I, like many fanfic writers have taken the liberty of assuming Elrond and Estel were as father and son, and that Estel had a brother's relationship with Elrond's twin sons. Also, when this fic takes place, Estel is around 16 and has not learned his true heritage, nor has he met Arwen.
Another A/N: This chpter, esp. the first paragraphs are very slow moving…sorry, this will definitly pick up, but I had to establish Gilraen's state of mind, which took a lot of her thoughts…k?
And now the story! I bet you were thinking all that was long enough to BE the story! *g*
Chapter 1: The Decision of Gilraen
Rivendell, home of Lord Elrond Peredhil was a most beautiful place. Trees swayed softly in the wind and the sun made the waters of the Bruinen sparkle. But, as the dark haired woman stood at her window and looked out on her surroundings, it was not the peaceful beauty of nature she saw, for she was lost in her thoughts. Gilraen, daughter of Dirhael, widow of Arathorn, and mother of Aragorn II was becoming deeply disturbed.
She watched her son as he grew from a boy to a young man, and for the most part was very proud of him. She watched as he learned the history of Middle Earth, and began to truly understand the lessons he was taught. She watched as his fighting skills grew proficient, and was glad, knowing that in his life he would need them. This was not what disturbed her. With every day that passed, her child became more like the elves around him. He spoke Sindarin fluently, and more often than the common tongue. He moved more with the grace of the elves than the man he was. But these things were fine, good and useful even. It was his heart, and to who it belonged that pained her. Estel was forgetting who he was.
He no longer asked for stories of his father, no longer wished to hear of the Rangers and his mother's life before Rivendell. He called Lord Elrond "Ada" and loved Elladan and Elrohir as brothers. Gilraen worried now, as she looked out over the beautiful gardens of Rivendell. He was pulling away from her; from all men…she was quite sure that if he had one wish, he'd choose to be an elf. How could he ever be a leader of men when he knew nothing of them? It was time to end this, Gilraen decided as she heard Estel coming down the hall, laughing with the twins. It was time to go home.
Sorry so short, but the second chapter is already mostly done. I wanted to get this up before I leave for the long weekend, and chapter 2 is not quite ready. It'll be up really soon…if I get some reviews! *grins as she threatens the poor readers*
Really guys, see that purpely blue button? Please push it, and take a moment to review. I have this plotted in my head, but I want feedback on if you think this is a good story topic. If I get some reviews, I'll continue. Thanks!