Disclaimer: don't own them, I just really wish that I
did. Sigh… They belong to J.R.R Tolkien.
A/N: thank you so much for all your reviews, you won't believe the big smile I
wore when I had read them. I think I even scared some of my colleagues…
'Replies' are at the bottom. Hope you enjoy this one!
A big thank you for Cat for reading these two chapters beforehand and letting
me know what she thought – I really appreciated it! :)
~~~
Chapter 2
~~~
It was late in the night when the twins quickly popped into the room to check
on their little brother. Their father had not joined them in the Halls of Fire
after dinner and neither had Halbarad. The twins had spent some time there –
watching the warm, dancing flames for a while and listening to the singing of
the other elves. Legolas had joined them as well – knowing Elrond wanted to be
alone with Estel right now and that he would only make his friend feel more
uncomfortable. The prince had smiled as he remembered happy evenings when the
twins, Estel or he himself sang in these halls. The young human could sing
remarkably well – moving the listener as if feeling the story themselves. Yet
when the moon was high up in the sky the Mirkwood elf had retired to his
chambers, leaving the twins behind.
When the two Noldor elves snapped out of their trance like state some time
after their friend's departure, they realized they hadn't seen Elrond ever
after Estel's hasty flight. Knowing their father would still be with Estel, the
twins decided to fetch him from their brother's room.
And indeed, as soon as they opened the door they could see Elrond sitting next
to the bed, looking at Estel. No light burned in the room, but their elven eyes
were sensitive enough to see the quiet forms. The elf lord's eyes were slightly
unfocused and the twins knew he was asleep. Elrond too had a hard time with
what had happened to his youngest and he still blamed himself for allowing Nemo
refuge in Imladris. Every night the elf looked up to the stars – finding
comfort in the star of his father. It reminded him that eventually, all would
be well again, no matter how bad things were at the moment.
"Ada?" Elrohir whispered – careful not
to wake the sleeping human. He walked closer to the older elf and gently shook
him. "Ada?"
Grey eyes slowly focused and took in the darkness of the room. Many hours had
passed since he had sat down to watch his youngest. He looked at Estel and
seeing that he was resting comfortably turned to Elrohir.
"What happened, Ada?" Elrohir asked. He looked back to
Elladan who had moved to light the fireplace – more for the comfort of the
light should Estel waken in the dark than for the warmth it would bring.
Elrond closed his eyes, still angry at himself. "It is too soon…" he quietly
spoke.
"It was not your fault, Ada," Elladan spoke up – his eyes fixed on the rise and
fall of Estel's chest, mesmerized by the motion, "You are right in thinking it
is time for Estel to meet humans. And Halbarad is a good choice…"
"How did he react to…?" Elrond asked, wondering how the ranger had responded to
the, for him, awkward episode.
Elrohir snorted. "He is not a dense boy, Ada. He suspected something
and asked questions."
Elladan finished, "He had the right to know why he has been summoned and
Legolas told him the barest details."
Elrohir took it up again, "He understands more than what was said and may even
be able to relate slightly to Estel."
Elrond muttered, "Both were hurt by Men, indeed…"
"So what happened to Estel, Ada? I have never seen him
react like he did tonight!" Elrohir asked again.
The ancient elf sighed, "I think the fear he felt at meeting Halbarad, at
meeting another human, overwhelmed him…"
"A panic attack?" Elladan asked.
Elrohir slowly nodded, thinking it through. "Halbarad appeared without any
warning – he was unprepared for it…"
At this, Elrond wondered if perhaps he should have informed Estel about his
decision to summon the other human. If he had, Estel could have prepared
himself for the meeting. Or he would have
hidden himself away either in his room or elsewhere the entire time until
Halbarad had left…
"Ada, it was the right decision. You know as well as I do that Estel would
have done everything in his power to avoid Halbarad if he had known of his
coming," Elladan confirmed as if reading his father's thoughts.
"Well, it is too late to change anything. Let Estel get used to the boy –
Halbarad is not going anywhere for a while yet."
The twins nodded and each held a hand out to their father. "Come, Ada. You need to get some
real rest," Elrohir implored.
But Elrond shook his head, nodding towards Estel, "He will not be pleased if he
learned that we left him all alone while he was unable to defend himself should
danger be near. That would be a step back in his recovery. No – I will stay
with him this night. Go to sleep, Elladan… Elrohir. Tomorrow is a new day."
The twins quietly did their father's bidding, hoping that the next day would be
better. Before leaving the room, they quickly moved over to Estel and, seeing
that he slept soundly, touched their hands to his cheek in a sign of brotherly
affection.
Elrond watched his sons leave and turned back to watching Estel – determined
not to fall asleep again this night…
~~~
Elrond didn't ask Estel to meet Halbarad again after that – opting instead for
his youngest to get used to the idea of having another human walking around in
his home. In time, the young human would understand that Halbarad wasn't like
Nemo. Elrond had had his own doubts for a while – was it a good idea to invite
the young ranger, or would he turn out to be someone else as well? The elf lord
had taken his chance and so far had not regretted it. It was unfair to compare
all humans to the old Man – he had come to that decision long ago and in time,
Estel would see it as well.
A strained week passed in which Estel tried to avoid the ranger, something
which put a great strain on his nerves. He couldn't believe that he had had a
panic attack that evening at the dining table. I am stupid. He reprimanded himself. Weakness is already in my blood, I need not prove my family of this. I
need to be strong… I need to get over it!
The night his father had drugged him was the only time he had been able to
sleep peacefully. He refused to be drugged again – fearing Halbarad might enter
his room and try something. Estel knew that Legolas was secretly following the
other human when he was not with him and felt somewhat comforted that his best
friend kept an eye on the ranger. It was a foolish thing actually, having the
blonde elf spy on the human, but it did
make him feel better.
Usually when Halbarad was in the company of the twins would Legolas leave him
be and return to Estel, telling him what the human had been up to. The youngest
human listened intently to everything Legolas told him, trying to figure out
what the ranger was up to. And as Estel avoided the other human, the Mirkwood
elf didn't speak with Halbarad unless it were a few polite words spoken during
meals.
The twins could roll their eyes at the distrust they could still feel emanating
from Legolas – it was diminishing, indeed, but it was still present. When would
their friend finally accept that Halbarad posed no threat? Sometimes, at night,
the brothers would seek out the Mirkwood elf and talk with him and bit by bit,
Legolas started to believe in the other human… telling Estel so during their
talks.
With the knowledge Estel had gained from reports day after day, he dared to
venture out of his room again without fear of encountering the ranger. Or
rather, without fearing that during such an encounter something bad would
happen. If it did, the other elves – Legolas in specific – would be nearby. And
eventually it did happen that the two humans met each other when they were
walking through the halls.
The first time it happened, Estel looked long and hard at the human, determined
not to run away like he had done twice already. Halbarad had nodded at him,
hesitantly – not wanting to upset the boy by taking things too fast, before
going on his way again. Estel quickly turned around and watched as the ranger
moved around the corner. He waited a little while longer to be sure the human
would not return the minute he turned his back.
Heaving a relieved sigh, Estel also continued his path…
~~~
Legolas had been following Halbarad around for several days now and was
convinced that the young Man was a man of honour – he could feel that trait
radiating from the ranger now that he had freed himself of the bias that had
lain in his heart before. The words they exchanged during meals became more and
friendlier. Yes, his opinion was formed, the fair prince noted – now it was
time to convince Estel that the other human was trustworthy.
It was when the other elves had retreated to the Hall of Fire and taken the
ranger with them that the two friends moved to Elrond's study where at this
time they were assured of some privacy.
"You cannot keep avoiding Halbarad for ever, Estel. It is not healthy and I
think that if you gave him a chance, he would turn out to be a faithful
friend," Legolas said as soon as the doors were closed.
Estel, sensing this specific conversation had been coming, walked to the window
– waiting for the elf to continue.
"I followed him this past week and my senses tell me he is a good man. I sense
no tricks in his behaviour – he does not pretend to be someone he is not. You
know Elladan and Elrohir trust him and they too sense no deceit – they would
tell you more if you but asked."
Estel sighed, not turning to look his friend in the eyes. "I am afraid…" he
whispered, not caring that he admitted this perceived weakness to his best
friend. He wanted to trust again, but why should he dare to trust a complete
stranger? He still had trouble allowing his brothers and Legolas to be near him,
always slightly moving away when they came too close. If he couldn't deal with
them – the ones he trusted more than anyone else in Middle Earth, how could he
ever deal with other people?
Legolas walked up behind him, his hand hovering over Estel's shoulder but
afraid to touch him. Then something happened which the prince had not expected.
Estel looked at him calculatingly after having sensed the hand before smiling
gently. Then he slightly nodded – giving his friend permission for the first
time to rest his hand on his shoulder again.
Slowly, Legolas lowered his hand, his eyes never leaving Estel's face. His blue
eyes twinkled at the trust the young human placed in him while he still felt
vulnerable. "Ask them…" the elf implored, "you will be happy that you did."
A silence fell in which Estel thought about it. The twins knew more about
Halbarad and he would like to know their opinion of the human. Indeed Estel
knew that his brothers thought the Man to be trustworthy, but it was difficult
to accept it. Questions nagged him that would not be quieted now: how had they
met each other? Why had they become friends? "All right… I will," he replied,
curious to the story behind the ranger. Upon seeing the doubting look, his
smile grew a little, "I promise."
A small silence fell in which neither friend moved. "Uhm, Legolas?"
"Hmm?"
"Would you do me a favour?"
"You know I will."
Steeling himself for what he was about to do, Estel decided to get it out
before he changed his mind, "Would you fetch the twins for me? I am sure they
are still in the Hall of Fire."
"Of course," Legolas replied and went to do his bidding. Estel was finally
showing more improvement and he was sure that once his friend had talked to his
brothers, things would begin to work themselves out. If all he had to do for
this to begin was to fetch the twins, he would happily oblige to his friend's
request.
~~~
Legolas quickly moved to the Hall of Fire, his eyes roaming the crowded hall
until he spotted the twins. They were sitting next to the blazing fire, more
enjoying the comfort of its warmth and light than needing it. Halbarad sat next
to them and seemed to enjoy the heat. The human's eyes blinked as the meal
before and the pleasant heat combined with the beautiful singing were trying to
lull him into sleep.
Elrohir noticed the efforts of the human to stay awake and didn't even bother
to hide his smile, "Halbarad! If you are that tired you should go to sleep!"
"I am not tired," the ranger tried to convince the twins.
"He is just as stubborn as Estel sometimes!" Elladan said, a big smile
appearing on his face as well.
Legolas stepped up to the three, "It must be a human trait I am beginning to
suspect."
Immediately, Halbarad stood up and bowed slightly, "Good evening, prince
Legolas. Please join us this fair night in our conversations."
Legolas shook his head at the human, "No Master Halbarad, Elrohir is right. You
seem to be asleep on your feet! Besides, I am afraid that I must steal your
companions."
Elladan frowned, "What is wrong?"
Legolas held up his hands, "Nothing is wrong, there is just someone who would
really like to speak with you right now."
Halbarad tried to hide a yawn behind his hand before quickly excusing himself,
"I am terribly sorry, my Lords, but I fear my mind has finally decided to agree
with you. I will take my leave of you after all. I bid you all a good night."
The elves nodded at the human and watched as he slowly walked from the room.
Legolas continued, "Estel would like to speak with you two. He is finally
opening up to the idea of having Halbarad around, but has questions…"
The twins could see there was something more – there was a strange sparkle in
Legolas eyes as if the fair elf was terribly proud of something, besides of
what he had just told them.
"There is something more," Elladan said, prying for more information.
Legolas flushed as he realized his excitement was obvious and he felt a little
silly for it. "I am afraid that I am making it more than it really is, but, it
is just… Estel is improving… He even accepted my touch without glaring daggers
at me!" Now he felt really silly for saying it out loud; it must only seem a
small thing to others, but the twins didn't deny him his pleasure.
Both Elrohir and Elladan smiled, "That is great to hear!" the older twin said.
"That is indeed improvement," the younger twin agreed.
Legolas smiled as well, "You should not keep him waiting for too long. He has
just rediscovered his courage and it needs to be boosted before it wanes
forever… He is waiting for you in Elrond's study."
The twins nodded and stood up, expecting Legolas to come with them. Seeing that
the prince was seating himself next to the fire, they raised questioning
eyebrows at him.
"He needs to speak with you two now. I will speak to him again tomorrow."
~~~
The twins entered the study and looked for their little brother. They could see
him standing before the window, gazing out towards the horizon. Upon hearing
the door opening, Estel spun around. He had to be strong now and make the next
step.
"Legolas said you wanted to speak with us," Elrohir hesitantly spoke, hoping
his little brother hadn't changed his mind.
Sighing deeply, Estel nodded and raised his eyes to meet first Elrohir's, then
Elladan's. "You trust Halbarad…" he stated, waiting if the twins would deny
this.
Both his brothers nodded, waiting for what would come next.
"You sense no deceit in him…"
Elladan frowned, "He is a trustworthy man, Estel. We have known him for several
years now and he has proven to be a good friend. We trust him with our lives…"
"We would even trust him with your
life." Elrohir stated, getting through to his little brother just how much they
trusted the other human. The twins were very protective of the youngest member
of their family and they only trusted very good friends with safeguarding
Estel.
"Tell me what you know about him," Estel asked.
Elladan shook his head, "We are really not the ones to tell you about Halbarad,
Estel."
"Please, Elladan… Elrohir. I need to hear it from you. I… it is… please?"
How could the twins refuse their little brother?
"We will not tell you everything," Elladan said.
Elrohir finished his sentence, "You will need to speak with Halbarad if you
want to know all the details…"
"… but we can tell you this: when Halbarad was eighteen years old, he was very
badly hurt by a group of Men…"
"… marauders. He lost his family that day…"
"… his friends…"
"… and did not trust anyone after that. We found him and brought him here and
after a real long time…"
"… we got him to trust others again. He ended up with the rangers because of us
and has stayed there ever since."
"There is more to this story and things happened in between, but this is all
you need to know for now: Halbarad was hurt by humans."
Estel frowned upon hearing this. The ranger he had met had been hurt by humans?
Then why did he set out to protect them? How was he hurt? What had happened
exactly to his family? "Like me?" His voice was hardly a whisper and the twins
had trouble hearing it, but they did and a sad look appeared on their faces.
Elrohir moved closer to his little brother, hoping that his presence would rid
Estel of the memories he was sure had come to the forefront of his mind again.
"To this day he still has not told us all that has happened, but he tells us he
was not hurt in that way. I believe him…"
"As do I…"
Elrohir, thinking that his brother was ready, but fearing how Estel would take
his suggestion, braced himself for rejection, "Estel? How about you two talk
with each other? Get to know each other a little better?"
"You might even decide for yourself that Halbarad could be your friend."
"You could talk to him in here and we would be close enough to hear you if you
call for us…"
The twins held their breath as they waited for their brother to answer them.
They could see that a lot of emotions warred inside him, but in the end, a fire
blazed in his eyes. Hearing that this ranger had a weak spot as well, Estel
didn't fear the human as much anymore.
Looking at his brothers, he slowly nodded.
~~~
The next day passed without any events. Estel finally slept more peacefully
then he had in a while and when he woke up next, it was nearly afternoon.
Surprised that no one had woken him he quickly got up and dressed. Picking up
his sword and attaching it to his belt, the young human first walked to his
friend's room, but upon finding it empty, figured the Mirkwood elf to be in the
gardens.
After learning a little more about the other human last night, Estel decided to
no longer actively avoid the ranger; Legolas was right – avoiding him was of no
use, but neither would he seek his company. Not yet. As he was on his way to
the garden where Legolas usually practiced his archery, he passed Halbarad who
was enjoying a quiet stroll through the halls again. Both humans stood still
for a moment, judging the other and trying to look deeply into the other's
eyes.
Estel, deciding that he would not fear this human anymore in his own home,
greeted the ranger, "Good morning, Master Halbarad."
The other human actually looked surprised that Estel had greeted him, but
quickly recovering he returned the greeting, "Good morning indeed, Master
Estel."
Not knowing what to say to each other after that, an uncomfortable silence
fell. Estel nodded before quickly continuing his path. Halbarad by now had
learned to take it slowly with Estel – conversations with the twins helping him
understand their little brother better. This was the first time the younger man
had spoken to him after their first meeting and though a hand had been covertly
resting on the hilt of his sword, it was a start. No indeed; the small
encounters would be enough for now. Once Estel had grown more comfortable with
him they would talk. But what had changed the boy's mind?
~~~
Estel indeed found Legolas practising archery and from the concentrated look on
the fair elf's face, he was using this time for thinking – his eyes not really
seeing the target before him.
"Just how long have you been out here, my friend?" Estel asked.
Legolas released his last arrow – once more hitting the centre, or rather,
splicing the arrows already shot into the centre. "Not too long, Estel. The sun
has hardly moved positions from when I fired my first shot."
"The twins told me some very interesting things yesterday." Estel breached the
subject that had been last between them.
"I suspect I know what they told you. What do you think now?"
Estel frowned, not really sure how he felt about it, "I think I am happy that I
spoke to the twins. At least now I do not fear Halbarad anymore," Well, less anyway, "knowing that he has
a weak spot…" If worse came to worse, he would exploit this weak spot as much
as he could. Who ever said that 'words could not hurt a person' had no idea how
wrong that statement was.
"Do you plan on joining us at the table this night, Estel?" Legolas asked his
friend. All the elves had seen the gradual improvement in the young human and
after last night the prince hoped that soon things would be well again.
Estel gazed at the fair elf who was patiently waiting until he had reached his
decision. Every night after Halbarad's arrival, Estel had dined either alone if
he was in no mood for company, or together with his best friend in either his
or Legolas' chambers. This time the prince could see a change in his friend;
the grey eyes looked determined about something.
"Yes," the human replied, "I do not want to be afraid anymore, Legolas. It is
time to face my fear… You and the twins tell me I can trust Halbarad, I think
it is time for me to get to know him."
Inwardly, Legolas beamed that his friend was ready to take the last step. He
realized it took a lot of courage for his friend to speak with the other Man.
"Indeed I think he is a man of valour and compassion. He would be a loyal
friend if you decide him worthy."
Estel grimaced – though he had set his mind about this, he still wondered if
this was the right course of action. A small voice inside his head told him
that it was foolish to trust the other human – foolish to trust any other human
ever again. But there was another voice now that countered the first, dark
voice and it was encouraging him to get to know Halbarad; if this human proved
to be good, surely there must be others?
~~~
Estel and Legolas stayed out for some time after – taking advantage of the good
weather to improve their skills with both bow and arrow and the sword. It was
only when the shadows were lengthening that the two returned inside.
The young human steeled himself for the dinner. He was determined not to react
to the other human like he had done last time. Last time, he had been taken by
surprise, but this time, he would be stronger! With that thought running
through his mind, Estel quickly dressed for dinner before picking up Legolas.
The Mirkwood elf was already waiting for him and they slowly made their way to
the dining room. Every step that he took felt like he was dragged down by
something heavy, but Estel was determined to do this.
Then they neared the doors and the pair halted. Estel drew in a deep breath and
closed his eyes. He was glad Legolas and the others would be with him the
entire time, or else he feared he would not be able to take this step…
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Legolas quietly asked, giving his friend a
chance to back out – letting him know that is was not too late to change his
mind.
Estel opened his eyes and grey eyes fixed on blue, "I am sure. It is time,
Legolas."
Nodding, the prince waited for Estel to open the doors and enter.
Elrond, the twins and Halbarad were already seated at the table – just like
they had been last time. Estel looked everyone in the eye and nodded, "Good
evening, Ada, brothers… Master Halbarad," before taking a seat across from the
human.
"And to you, Master Estel."
As the food was served, Estel slowly ate a couple of mouthfuls – the unpleasant
feeling of before was not as strong, but it had not disappeared entirely. He
watched the human before him quietly, his gaze nearly unnerving the other.
"You have been here quite some time now, Master Halbarad," Estel began, silently
ordering his voice to remain steady, "How do you like Imladris?"
"Please, call me Halbarad, Master Estel… As to answer your question – Rivendell
is a very beautiful place. The peace and quiet of this haven really soothe my
mind. It has been quite some time since I last was here."
Elrond interrupted, "I hope the rangers will not mind your absence for a while,
young Halbarad. I would like you to stay for some time…"
The twins looked each other in the eyes and smiled. "I remember the first time
he visited us," Elrohir said teasingly.
"Surely you will not leave us as soon as you did back then, will you?" Eladan
asked, knowing the response this would elicit from the ranger.
For reasons Estel couldn't fathom, the human's face flushed a bright red. "I
would stay for some time if I may, Lord Elrond," Halbarad spoke softly, "I wish
to walk around these grounds and enjoy the peace." He didn't say anything about
helping Estel, knowing that if he did, it would only be taken the wrong way by
Elrond's youngest.
"Do you regret it?" Estel asked him all of a sudden, but upon seeing the
confused look, elucidated, "Do you regret becoming a ranger – not being able to
enjoy peace but in a few places?"
Halbarad smiled gently at that, "No, I do not regret my decision, Master Estel.
Being a ranger may be dangerous and we may not be rewarded by those we protect,
but it gives an inner peace and sense of satisfaction to give other people the
chance to live their lives as we cannot."
Estel snorted at that. It didn't make sense to him how the rangers could be so
selfless, that Men could be so
selfless.
Elrond was quite pleased to see Estel speaking with the other human. To him it
was a sign that his youngest was taking the final step towards healing. The
doubt of the younger human was understandable – even when he had been a young
child Estel had not been able to believe many things unless he had seen it with
his own eyes. "One day you will meet other rangers and witness their actions
for yourself, Estel," the elf lord said sensing his son's thoughts, "Then you
will see…"
~~~
Several days passed after that in which the two humans would talk more and more
during dinner, keeping to light and meaningless conversation, but conversation
none the less. The two were probing each other – as if detecting where the
boundaries lay. Now it is time, Estel
thought, tonight I will speak to
Halbarad. He had already asked the twins if they would keep an ear out this
night for him.
The twins had immediately agreed – knowing how important this upcoming
conversation would be. Only then had Estel asked the ranger if they could
speak. Halbarad had been surprised at this request, but had agreed.
And so it was, that after the Sun had laid herself to rest and the Moon was
climbing into the sky that two humans were walking through the Halls of
Imladris towards the library. Estel opened the door and waited until the ranger
had passed, quickly looking behind him and whispering silently to his brothers,
"Thank you for doing this for me…" before entering himself and closing the door
behind him.
~
"It must have been a terrible thing to experience – your first meeting with one
of your own kind and then he turns out to be a monster!" Halbarad said once
they had entered the study and sat down. He was wondering what effect this
direct approach would have on Estel, but unless they wanted to talk about inane
things or uncomfortable silences forming, this was what he had to say…
Estel bristled, angry that his family had told a stranger what had happened to
him – no matter that they had told him about Halbarad as well. "They had no
right to tell you!"
Halbarad raised his hands, warding off the verbal attack, "Peace, my friend.
The only thing I learned from your family and prince Legolas is that you were
hurt by a man. They refused to tell me any more and they did not need to."
Softening his voice, the ranger continued, "I could tell by the way you moved
away from everyone… by the look in your eyes… I remember seeing a similar look
in the eyes of my own reflection six years ago."
"You were hurt as well they told me," Estel said, secretly hoping that this
would irk the ranger.
Instead, Halbarad smiled gently and shook his head, "I realize the twins would
have told you this – it is only fair. Do not judge a race by the actions of
one, Master Estel – that is something which took me a long time accept."
Genuinely curious, Estel asked, "How did you? What made you accept?"
The smile grew bitter as Halbarad remembered other times. "Your brothers and
later – the rangers…" Seeing that the other still had questions, but was
hesitant to ask them, he decided to tell Estel the entire story. They were
standing on the edge of friendship and if they wanted to cross it, there should
be no secrets between them. Maybe telling this would help the boy in speaking
about his own experience.
"It happened when I was eighteen… My parents and I were visiting their friends
in one of the villages up north… Some days later, a group of raiders attacked
the village – killing everyone they encountered and taking everything of
value," Halbarad closed his eyes as the pain of remembering returned, "I was
seriously wounded trying to protect myself and a friend, but he and my parents
were killed… I knew that not all men were good, but I became convinced that my
previous life had all been a lie. I refused to remember my parents, our
friends… They were dead, what did they matter?"
The ranger stopped a moment, looking at Estel and seeing that the boy was
listening – seeming to recognize some of it. "Your brothers arrived with the
Dunédain and killed the marauders, but it was too late – the damage had already
been done. Some survived, but my world had collapsed. If it had not been for
your brothers, I would have given up and died – I was already on my way, but…"
Estel frowned, "They have a way of convincing people…"
Halbarad smiled wryly, "Indeed they do. My memory of that time is hazy, but I
remember wanting to die. They would not let me though… even took me to
Rivendell where Lord Elrond helped in my recovery."
Estel looked alarmed, immediately suspicious, "If that was only six years ago,
how come I did not see you?"
The ranger shrugged, "I do not know, but the only thing I clearly remember is
the room in which I lay. Lord Elrond refused to let me out of the room for the
longest time and when I decided I had recovered enough, I –" he finished with
muttering something unintelligible.
"What?"
"I sneaked out of Rivendell." Halbarad quickly whispered, his cheeks flushing.
"Elladan and Elrohir followed me when they found out and scolded me for leaving
so soon. I refused to return to your father – not seeing why he would help me
and wondering what was in it for him, so they took care of me and ensured that
I would heal completely – working on both physically and mentally. They ended
up travelling with me for several months since they refused to leave me alone.
In that time they talked to me and told me stories, finally getting me so far
that I would meet the rangers. And they stayed until I felt comfortable enough
with them. The rangers also were very patient and took the time to learn me
their ways. I became a ranger once I realized they really were good people and have remained with them ever since… giving
help to those in need."
Estel shook his head, confused. "Why would you protect other people? I have
heard how grateful they are towards
rangers – even going so far as to treat them as villains!"
"It was not always like this, Estel, but the people have forgotten who we
really are. They fear what they do not know and we are unknown to them. But
they live their life like they always have – unaware of the dangers that lurk
around the corner every day. That is the reason why we do what we do," Halbarad
replied. Then thinking of something, the ranger's face lightened, "Please
follow me, my friend."
Uncertainty appeared in Estel's gaze, but upon seeing this, Halbarad reassured,
"I want to give you something – it is in my room. Do not worry – I am sure the
twins would still hear you if you call for them."
Now it was the younger human's turn to blush – indeed Halbarad was not dense.
This made Estel wonder whether the other human had known about Legolas
following him around as well.
"It is all right, I think it is very courageous of you to speak with me in the
first place after…"
"… after Nemo." Estel finished, surprising himself that he spoke of it so
openly to someone he was only newly befriending.
Halbarad nodded, "Like I told you, it took me a very long time before I started
trusting other people again, so I can understand your caution." The ranger
rose, asking with a hand gesture if Estel would follow.
Estel once again forced himself to stand up and follow the other Man, comforted
by the idea that he had three elves watching out for him…
~~~
Once in Halbarad's room, the young ranger walked to his bedside table and
grabbed the small book he had been reading this past week. Holding it out
towards Estel so the younger one could see it, Halbarad waited until the other
accepted it.
"Rangers make it possible for people to live their lives, unaware of the
dangers that lurk… unaware of the ever growing shadow. Halflings do not even
know we exist or protect their borders and no gratitude is ever given from any
side, yet the Dunédain are happy to have it remain that way. It is something we
can never have for ourselves anymore, this blessed bliss, but that makes it all
the more precious if we can give it to others…"
Slowly, Estel's hand reached towards the book. Quickly reading the title, the
boy saw it was the book he had dropped what seemed so long ago. This time, his
hand closed around the small book and he hugged it to his chest – remembering
old times.
"I hope you do not mind, but I read some of it. The author is a Halfling, is he
not? The style is so different from what I know – so merry as well…"
Estel smiled slightly, in all of their conversation he had sensed no deceit and
after hearing what had happened to the young ranger – being trusted with that
sensitive information – he even felt he could relate somewhat to the other man.
"He is – he passed through here several years ago when I was only ten years
old," Estel shook his head, "You would not believe the company he kept!"
Curious, Halbarad raised an eyebrow.
"Dwarves…" Estel answered the unspoken question, "he was in the company of
dwarves."
It was hardly possible that Halbarad's eyebrows climbed up any higher to his
hairline, but they did. "Elladan and Elrohir never told me this!"
Both humans were glad that this final step had been taken. Estel finally
started to realize that Halbarad could be trusted and the light-hearted
conversation worked to break the ice that was slowly melting between them.
Estel inclined his head, "They were not in Imladris at the time and the party
left within the month, but when they came back and I told them, they would not
believe it. They would not believe that Ada allowed dwarves of all creatures to
enter our home!"
"And still cannot!" A muffled voice
sounded from behind the closed door.
Smiling, the two humans silently walked over to the door before opening it
without warning.
Estel raised one eyebrow, eerily imitating their father when the young ones had
been caught doing something they shouldn't do.
Three elves stood near the door, trying to look innocent but not succeeding.
Apparently the elves had been too eager to find out how the conversation
between the two humans would go to wait for Estel's call – instead deciding to
eavesdrop next to the door!
Legolas stammered, "Uhm… I was just – passing by!"
Elrohir scowled at him – so much for sticking together! "And we were just –"
Estel held up his hand, forestalling any excuses that would roll from their
mouths. "It is all right, brothers," he said, including Legolas into this
statement with a look to the fair haired elf. "I appreciate your concern." Yes,
his family would always be there for him. He looked at the other human and
though it would still take some time, he was starting to trust the Man. Perhaps
they could speak some more about all kinds of things – humans, being a ranger…
friends…
A big smile appeared on the young human's face as he could see it now: all
would be well again.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
~~~ ~~~
Epilogue
Many talks took place after that in which Estel opened up more and more to
his family and his new friend. The young human improved remarkably well and
everyone could see that the haunted look in his grey eyes diminished as time
passed. Conversation became less forced and slowly, the bantering of old
started again.
Halbarad and Estel, seeing in the other the possibility of a life-long friend,
took time to get to know each other better. Many a night they could be found
sitting near the warmth of the blazing flames in the Halls of Fire and speaking
to each other of things in the past – both good… and bad. Estel listened to the
stories Halbarad had to tell about the rangers and – not blinded by his hate
and fear for men anymore – became fascinated with them. Light conversation
replaced the dark thoughts that threatened to take over and finally, complete
trust was given and received from both parties. Estel vowed that when he had
come of age, he would join his new friend and become a ranger himself. A
friendship had been created which would last for as long as they both lived…
~~~
THE END
~~~
A/N2: As you see, I sort of 'skipped over' certain things
because I didn't think them necessary in this story. I hope it didn't come
across as too hasty…?
Replies
Purplefluffychainsaw: Nice name by the way…
Thank you for you lovely reviews – you don't suck at them, honestly! *blushes
at the compliments, a huge smile on my face* Well, I hope you enjoyed this
chapter as well!
Strider's Girl: Thank you, thank
you! I must say, I am hoarding you stories for when I have time to read them,
so when I have I will leave a review for each of them. (I sneak read a few
lines and I must say they looked very promising) Don't hold your breath however
– bad for your health, not breathing; I couldn't be hold responsible to deprive
others who are 'in the boat' with reviewing to be stuck on a cliffie forever!
:D
Sr: Sorry to have kept you waiting
for so long before I posted the first part; I was just swamped with work… I
hope sincerely that you don't think this second part to be 'too fast' if you
get what I mean. I tried not rush it…
grumpy: *Blushes at the compliment…*
'wonderful'huh? *turns even redder* Yeah, I just thought there was something
missing and I know myself how I hate it when I am left with a 'sucky feeling'.
Great you liked the book thingie, read and you will (have) see(n)…
Elven kitten: Thanks for the review
– let's see if I brought a happy ending this time, huh?
Elf Girl: Great you liked the
previous chapter – I hope you are happy with how this one has turned out to be…
Coolio02: Hi there! Thank you so
much for the reviews you sent me… Hope I didn't make you wait too long for this
one!
Kathleen LaCorneille: Ah, le francais il y a
un tres long temp après pour moi… Sorry for butchering your language, I've only
had it for about 2 years and that was about 6 years ago! I'm glad you like my
stories and are able to understand them. I know I wouldn't be able to read
French, so… You're doing it the right way to learn English, you know – read
what you like and you will get better yourself. That's what happened in my case
as well…
Charina: Hello there! Wow – so you just keep
reading IBS again and again huh? Great that you like it so much – I just read
it again to remind myself what it was all about and I tell you – I grimace at
my writing there at some pieces. *shivers* Thank you so much for the very nice
compliments – they make me feel great. And I'm glad to know that I can move
people to tears with my fics. Hope you like what has become of this!
~~~
Would you please touch this little button below again so that I can
frighten the people at work with my huge smile?
:D Thank you!
