Just An Innocent Child

Chapter 10

Only Time Will Tell



Deollyn was sentenced to a life-time in prison. Mardil had not been saved. By the time Marihel had reached his brother Mardil had been on his death-bed. He had bled to death. Marihel had not been charged with imprisonment but he had to give a service to Rivendell for a year.

Sîrfalas and Glorfindel spent most of their time trying to question Deollyn about his elf-friend but he did not yield or tell them what they wanted.

In the meantime Elrond had taken Estel back to Rivendell. Estel had fallen asleep, but was constantly shivering. Elrond pulled the boy closer throughout the journey hoping to warm him up and let him know that all was well.

When they came to Rivendell Elrond took Estel to the healing wing and laid him gently in the bed with a hot water bottle to ease the suffering boy.

Elladan looked at his brother. "What's wrong with him? He should be warm?"

"I do not think he knows what has happened, or that he's gone into shock. He's young; he will not fully understand. I do not think it will be a quick recovery. We will have to keep an eye on him."

"Is there any hope?" Elrohir questioned.

"Only if he responds to our attempts to heal him. As I say only time will tell whether Estel will recover."

The twins nodded their fear for their younger brother increasing by the minute. "Father, what will happen if we can't heal him?" Elladan asked.

"I do not want to think of it. He may hate his own kind. He is young for that hatred to grow in his heart." Elrond explained, fear filling his eyes.

His sons noticed this.

Elrohir asked: "We can't let that happen! If it does how can we make him understand how important he is to his own kind?"

"I do not know. I hope it does not come to that. If it does we must help him through it. Whatever happens we will endeavor him." Elrond said as he laid a palm on his human sons forehead, pushing back the stray dark brown hairs that fell into his eyes.

Elladan elbowed his twin whispering: "Come let us leave."



*****



It was some time till Estel woke from his sleep and when he did his eyes came to rest on his father who sat next to him gently caressing his brow. He blinked several times in succession, but his face did not break into a smile like it did when he saw his father.

The elven lord felt concerned for this. Estel was normally a happy, carefree child who had no cares in the world. Here the boys shoulders seemed laden with it and Elrond knew he had been touched by the evil in the world and it tore at his now shredded innocence.

Estel couldn't come to terms with this.

Elrond bowed his head as he realised how hard it would be for Estel when he was told of his true name and ancestry. That would harm the boy even further, but only time would tell if Estel would truly feel anger towards his own kind. Elrond could not bear the thought of Estel hating his own kind for something one man did to him. But it was possible.

Estel glanced into Elrond's eyes and saw pity there. He did not move or speak instead he curled himself in the elf's arms and wept silent tears.

Elrond pulled the boy closer and let him listen to the elf's steady heart beat. Estel's sobs subsided but he continued shivering. The elf pulled a blanket round both of them and sat there rocking the boy. He said: "Sleep Estel. Do not let your fears get the better of you. Let them go."

The boy's shivering stopped.

Elrond placed a hand on the boy's head and gently stroked. "Oh Estel, why has this been done to you? You shouldn't have to face this. All I wanted was for you to grow up in a nice, loving environment and keep you away from the evils of this world, but it seems that even the Valar will not permit a small child to grow up peacefully." The elf said gazing out of the healing room's door. "Someone here in Rivendell knows what is going on, and I will find out. I promise you, Estel. I promise I'll do anything to keep you safe for as long as I am able."

In response to his words Estel gently tugged at Elrond's robes. Estel's eyes were tear-stained, but the colour in them were turning to normal, but he had not spoken.

Hope bloom in Elrond's heart. Perhaps there was hope for Estel. Perhaps.

They would help him, aid him in his recovery.

Perhaps the boy would hate his own kind, but understand why some men are evil and only keep his anger towards people that hurt him.

Perhaps knowing who he is would aid him in his recovery.

Perhaps......

Only time would tell.......







The End - actually it isn't.



Below is a preview of 'Recovery' which is the sequel to Just An Innocent Child:





Summary: After Estel's ordeal at the hand's of Deollyn, the elves are attempting to find the elf responsible for this whole escapade, but when there is no tracks to follow how will they find the one responsible? And what of Estel? Neglecting his family; he finds no solitude in Rivendell, except memories of bad times. Even in these turbulent times - with dark tidings from Mirkwood and the situation with the dragon - can Estel find the peace and quiet he needs to save his spirit from falling into darkness and misery for the rest of his life?





This will be about three chapters long.

I'm hoping to start posting this sometime next week. Look out for it! If you have an e-mail address on your bio I may e-mail you and alert you to when I put up 'Recovery'. I hope you don't mind.

I want to thank you all who have reviewed this story and thank you for all the kind remarks. THANK YOU!

I hope you join me for the sequel!