"Father oh father
You give me just a little hope
I feel something out there reaching for me
Well here i am
Won't you take me with you
Out of this maze
And away from this place
Because it gets so cold and lonely here I'll do anything To sit on a little rock with you Talk about the scheme of things On a small rock with you
Show me show me show me the way Before they grind me down And bleach me grey Send me power not to be afraid And when i close my eyes Let me see you once in the light
Father oh father Heal me if you can Is it true what they say That life is a dream"- Father, Cat Stevens
This song just sounded like such a future song about Elrond and Estel, I had to post it:
"it's not time to make a change just relax, take it easy you're still young, that's your fault there's so much you have to know find a girl, settle down if you want you can marry look at me, i am old but i'm happy
i was once like you are now and i know that it's not easy to be calm when you've found something going on but take your time, think a lot think of everything you've got for you will still be here tomorrow but your dreams may not
how can i try to explain when i do he turns away again and it's always been the same, same old story from the moment i could talk i was ordered to listen
now there's a way and i know that i have to go away i know i have to go
it's not time to make a change just sit down and take it slowly you're still young that's your fault there's so much you have to go through find a girl, settle down if you want you can marry look at me, i am old but i'm happy
all the times that i've cried keeping all the things i know inside and it's hard, but it's harder to ignore it if they were right i'd agree but it's them they know not me now there's a way and i know that i have to go away i know i have to go"- Father And Son, Boyzone
**********
Elrond stopped his horse before they entered the borders of Lothlorien. Galadriel slowed down and turned around, facing him.
"Elrond?"
"I dare not enter," he whispered, his eyes set ahead.
"It has only been four days," Elladan replied gently, squeezing his father's hand. "You found what ailed him-"
"What if I was too late?" Elrond asked quietly, his voice betraying his distress. "What if his condition changed, and the healers had not the knowledge to heal him? I should have stayed-"
"You couldn't stay," Elrohir reminded him, bringing his horse near to his father and brother's. "You did all you could in the time you had."
"Stop talking about him as if he is dead," Elladan said harshly. "He is NOT dead, if he.... We would have known!" Elladan almost yelled desperately. "He is alright- he is probably getting himself in trouble as we speak and laughing at how worried we are."
Elrond tried to smile, but it was useless. "He has to be well, if anything happened to him, I'd-I'd...." Elrohir and Elladan both embraced their father fiercely, clinging to each other for support.
"My Lords!" Haldir came to greet them, once he was told they were not entering Lorien. "Mae Govannen." [Welcome]
"It is good to return, Haldir," Celeborn replied in kind. "Is all well?"
"Please, Haldir," Elrond spoke finally. "Tell me- how is my son?"
"He..." Haldir paused for the shortest of moments, trying best to phrase it and immediately everyone assumed the worse. A single tear sled down Elrond cheek and he buried his face in his hands. Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other speechless, a chilling numbness taking over them. Celeborn and Galadriel remained quiet, allowing the child's family some time for themselves. Glorfindell shook his head stubbornly.
"No," Glorfindel said angrily. "It cannot be!"
"What cannot be?"
All heads turned and stared at the curious young boy who came bouncing by and frowning at them.
"Estel!" Elrond said, relief washing over his grief, as he jumped down from his horse.
Estel grinned. "Ada!" He said joyously and ran into his father's open arms. "I missed you so much!" They both remained that way for a while, both content to simply hug each other, before Elladan cleared his throat.
"Adar, if you embrace him any harder you will choke him to death!"
Elrond laughed and released his youngest, breathing in his features like a fresh spring breeze. "Oh Hen nin- I was so worried!" He said and hugged his son once again, before finally allowing his son to reunite with his brothers. [My Child]
"Elladan, Elrohir!" Estel cried and threw his arms around their necks. "I have so much to tell you! You wouldn't believe what happened to me: I was caught in a fire up on a tree, and I flew on the back of the King of the Eagles (we simply MUST convince father to let us have one as a pet!), there were goblins and Wargs, I met Beorn- who is a really large bear-man and I killed goblins and tracked and-"
Elrohir placed the back of his palm across his brother's forehead. "He does not seem to have a fever."
"It is true!" Estel insisted. "Ask Gandalf!" He looked around for a moment. "Where IS he?"
The elves looked from one to the other. "Gandalf..." Elrond said hesitantly. "Gandalf had pressing business to attend to."
Estel nearly groaned, wondering why the adults seem to say that a lot lately. A sudden shudder ran through his body. "He went to fight in the battle, didn't he?" He didn't wait for an answer, simply sighed heavily. "At least I warned him, he knows to be careful..."
"What are you talking about?" Elrond asked confused.
"I'm afraid I am not at liberty to say," Estel replied cheekily, smiling toothily at his father. Let's see how they like a taste of their own medicine.
Elrond cuffed him on the head. "You are growing too impertinent for your own good."
"Ouch!" Estel cried in mock pain. "Have you no mercy for your youngest -and very sick- child?"
"You seem well enough," Elrond commented, though he did look Estel over with a critical eye. "But you are right, you shouldn't be running around so much, at least for a few more days."
"Thank the Valar!" Haldir said under his breath, drawing the tight family's attention to the fact they were not alone.
"Forgive me, I seem to have misplaced my manners," Elrond said embarrassed. "Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, this is my youngest son, Estel."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Galadriel smiled kindly. "We have heard so much about you."
Estel was very impolitely gaping at Galadriel. "It is an honor to meet you... I saw you in my dream- Gandalf was right, you do shine."
"Thank you," Galadriel said stunned. "You saw me in a dream of yours?"
Estel nodded. "I was thirsty and I went to drink from this water basin in my dream, at least I think it was a dream. And I saw people in the water! You were there, and I recognized Lord Celeborn, Ada, Gandalf, Glorfindel. There were other elves as well and a really mean old man... You were discussing an attack and a ring..." Estel failed to notice the look that passed between the elves.
"You saw all this..." Galadriel said slowly. "In a water basin?"
Estel yawned tiredly and nodded his head. Elrond noticed this and said: "I believe we should all go and rest." He looked up at the sky and smirked. "And perhaps it would be best to enter Lorien BEFORE nightfall."
The others chuckled and entered the woods, their spirits lighter than they have been for quite some time. Elrond turned to Haldir. "Why did you pause, earlier, when I asked you how my son fares?"
Haldir glanced at Estel, before answering. "Your son, Lord Elrond, is... Quite a handful. I was merely trying to express it in words- he is... Very unique," Haldir grimaced slightly.
"I hope he hasn't been too much trouble," Elrond glanced down meaningfully at his son. Estel smiled his most innocent smile.
"No, not at all," Haldir smiled cynically. "And I am sure Rumil's hair will grow back... Eventually."
* Elrond tucked Estel in to bed and checked him over once more. Estel was, thankfully, on the way to a full recovery. However, due to the fact that his illness was so severe and prolonged, he would need several days to return to his full strength. Elrond brushed several strands of hair from his son's face and smirked to himself: Estel's hair was very difficult to tame...
"I thought I would find you here," Galadriel said amiably, as she joined Elrond. Elrond immediately drew back a bit, as though ashamed he was caught off guard.
"Galadriel," he nodded his head. There was a moment of awkward silence between them, as they simply watched over the sleeping child. Galadriel studied him carefully, since he was one of the few Edain she ever met. His face was so young, peaceful and innocent that it hurt her heart to look at him. His little fingers were curled and grasped the blanket tighter. His nails were dirty, as was his hair- that tangled mane that demanded a comb. And those eyes! Such deep and emotional grey eyes that seemed to both search your soul as well as reveal his own.
"What a beautiful child," Galadriel mused to herself. "If Celebrian were here, she would love him as her own."
"He already has a mother," Elrond countered, finally tearing his gaze from his son. "He cannot have two mothers." The mere mention of his wife's name sent him into a torrid of emotions that he did not want to address. Was taking Estel into his heart and home dishonoring his wife's memory? It was a ridiculous thought, and yet he could not seem to look at Estel at the moment.
""There is no reason or logic in love. Love is not a matter of the mind, but of the heart," Galadriel replied. "You cannot control who you love, any more than you can control the seasons' changes." She studied Elrond with that piercing gaze of hers.
He always felt like such a youngling when she searched his eyes, but over time he managed to hold her gaze and not let his discomfort show. He knew she somehow blamed him for her daughter's departure, though she would never admit to it. It was only fitting that his own daughter decided to live in Lorien now, in a way taking her mother's place. After this short vigil he needs to go and visit with Arwen, at least for a short time, he hadn't seen her for some time now...
"For example," Galadriel cut into his musings. "I have only known this child for a few hours, and yet already I am drawn to him and feel I must protect him." She stroke Estel's hair gently and smiled warmly down at him. "And I love him as well, as my own kin, I dare say as a grandson." She smiled benignly at Elrond's surprised visage, before her smile thinned. "Besides, a child can never have TOO much love in his life, and I foresee this child will have a long and hard one, he should at least have boundless love."
"Why do I have the feeling you are trying to imply something?" Elrond sighed, knowing when Galadriel was about to lecture him.
"Why did you draw back from the child, when I arrived?" She asked pointedly, gliding away from the bed and towards Elrond. However, she did not give him long to reply. "Are you ashamed of him, Lord Elrond?"
"Of course not," Elrond said quickly. He risked a gaze at his sleeping son, before returning his attention to Galadriel. "I will never feel anything but pride towards Estel, never." He said emphatically.
"Then are you ashamed of your love for him?"
Elrond mouth went dry as he hesitated, before replying: "No." He downcast his eyes and went about going through his herbs and medicines and checking which ones he would need for Estel.
"SHE would have wanted you to open your heart again," Galadriel said knowingly, not needing to say her name. "You feel you must be punished by depriving yourself of his love and loving him, but you do not realize you are harming him as well." She was standing right in front of him, her eyes leveled with his, silently begging him to see that which is obvious to her.
"I DO love him," Elrond argued, not quite feeling comfortable being analyzed by his wife's mother. "I have loved him since the moment he was brought to Imladris."
"But you stop yourself from loving him completely," Galadriel countered gravely. "Why is that, Elrond?"
Elrond could not answer her, nor was he inclined to do so, and so he simply dropped his gaze and finished with his medicines. "I think I shall go see Arwen now," he excused himself quietly, before a half smirk appeared on his weatherworn face. "Before she and the twins terrorize Lorien."
Galadriel watched his receding back worriedly. She knew Elrond would not admit it to himself, nor to others, but he was distancing himself from Estel. If she could tell that much from seeing him tend to his son for a few minutes, she did not want to guess what it must really be like for Estel, as well as for Elrond. She walked over to the sleeping child in question, so unaware of any pain or sadness and her heart went out for him. She made up her mind that while he was in her borders she would try and make up for Elrond's lack of love, by loving and caring and spoiling this child rotten. He deserved that much and more.
*
"Estel! Elladan! Elrohir!" Elrond yelled out for his juvenile sons. Last he heard of them, they were off playing pranks on Haldir and his brothers. He was not sure he heard correctly, but recent rumor suggested something involving toads and other reptiles shoved into one's bed. Elrond shook his head, wondering if the twins would never grow up, and it seemed they were an equally bad influence on Estel as well.
He thanked the Valar Arwen (for the most part) did not come out as rebellious, and seemed quite obedient and respectful. When she was away from her brothers' influence, of course. Perhaps living in Lorien was indeed for her own good, since it was not for his. His heart tore inside every time they parted, and he couldn't help but feel she left because she could not stand his presence. Had he managed to heal Celebrian's both body and soul...
"Yes, Adar- you bellowed?" Elladan asked smiling amiably, as he materialized in front of his father. Elrohir was soon to follow and Estel was close behind panting slightly.
"Where have you been, I've been searching for you for well over an hour." Elrond admonished and was more than a little concerned over his Estel's sudden quickness of breath. "Are you alright, Ion Nin?"
"Yes, Ada." Estel managed, while he worked on slowing his heart race. "We were simply racing."
"Oh?" Elrond asked confused. Elladan and Elrohir don't tend to race with Estel, since elves are much faster and lighter on their feet than men. "WHY exactly WERE you racing?" He asked suspiciously. All three bowed their heads and Elrond's suspicion was confirmed. "WHAT did you do THIS time?"
"We didn't do anything!" Elladan said, a little too indignantly.
Elrond nodded and stared at Elrohir with one of his famous glares, that could make great and noble elves quiver.
"We may have pushed Orophin into the River," Elrohir gulped at last. Elladan shot him a glare. "You try standing down one of those looks!" Elrohir defended himself.
"Estel? Do you have anything to add?" Elrond crossed his arms, trying to look as authorities as possible. Estel shuffled his feet.
"We may have also stolen his clothes, when he was about to wash in the River," Estel admitted, studying the ground with great interest. Any lecture he was about to make was cut short, when Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel arrived, shooting amused looks at the brothers.
"I hear Orophin's clothes have suddenly vanished." Celeborn said in mock seriousness. "I suppose you wouldn't know anything about that, now would you?"
"No," all three said in unison, looking as innocent as possible.
"That is what I thought," Celeborn chuckled.
"It is not a matter for levity," Elrond warned sternly. "And you are merely encouraging them to continue with such folly."
"I dare say they will continue with this folly whether I encourage it or not," Celeborn smiled.
"Be that as it may, they will be out of your way soon." Elrond said and turned to his sons. "Go and pack your things, we will leave within the hour."
"I think Haldir will sleep more peacefully tonight." Galadriel laughed. Elladan and Elrohir couldn't help the small smile that tugged at their lips.
"Must we go?" Estel whined. He was only there for a total of five days, not a long enough time to spend in such a place. He was having so much fun with Elladan and Elrohir and he loved Lady Galadriel and Celeborn- they were so kind to him... The other Elves in Rivendell weren't as kind and he was in no hurry to return to them and their scorn.
"I'm afraid we must," Elrond nodded, wondering why Estel looked so crestfallen. Elladan and Elrohir quickly said goodbye to their grandparents and promised to visit soon, before hurrying off to pack. Estel looked nervously as Galadriel and Celeborn, not knowing what to say or do. Galadriel, noting his discomfort, walked towards him and crouched down in front of his until their eyes were eye level.
"I shall miss you dearly, Little One," Galadriel smiled at him brilliantly.
"I'll miss you too, my Lady," Estel replied politely, trying to keep his voice from quivering.
"If it is alright with you, I would prefer it if you called me 'grandmother'," Galadriel offered boldly.
Estel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really?"
"Really," Galadriel laughed and Estel threw his arms around her neck affectionately. Elrond watched with quiet fascination the scene that unfolded in front of his very eyes, not understanding what reason Galadriel had to make such a statement. 'There is no reason in love', isn't that what Galadriel told him several nights ago?
"I love you... Grandmother," Estel smiled at the foreign term, deeming it appropriate. He glanced at Celeborn, who nodded his consent. "And you too, Grandfather."
"We love you as well, Estel," Galadriel stated firmly, though her eyes now were set on Elrond. "With all my heart."
Elrond cringed inside at that criticism, but remained cold and impassive on the outside. He said goodbye to his in-laws, and went with Estel to pack for their long ride home.
*END PART 13*
Author's note:
Sorry this came out so short, the next two will probably be short as well. I think there are about two more chapters to go. What's in store: Estel telling Elrond he knows the truth, Gandalf confronting Elrond, Bilbo's visit (prepare for a little angst ahead) and Legolas' visit.
leggylover03- one of my favorite three reviewers (who all three reviewed this chapter! LOL). You don't know what it means to me to hear that someone loves the story and specific chapters! We had a taste of Elrond angst, prepare for some more Elrond/Estel father/son angst coming up!
HobbitsRFun- *Grins* I feel so much love for this story and Estel that it is heartwarming! Elrond unfortunately HAD to leave, there was great evil that needed to be driven away and compared to one human's life, the decision seems obvious. But it wasn't easy for him and he probably cursed himself every second and thought about Estel all the time! Oh yeah, lots of angst, guilt and tearful reunions!
grumpy- This story is one of your favorites? I'm humbled. I should be so lucky to have snow, here we get snow once every two years or so, and it's never that deep! But we do miss school when it happens, so yay! How can one hate snow? I'd have to say Estel's insecurities are probably from both being adopted and being the only humans among elves, that is why he is such an interesting character to explore.(REALLY wish the movies would have had the twins, or at least some father/son moment between Elrond and Aragorn- and why weren't Aragorn and Arwen there to say goodbye? It IS her father!) Oh yes, Estel is a cute boy, otherwise he'd be annoying, and the image of Elrond singing the bath song is now firmly imprinted in my mind! LOL.
Because it gets so cold and lonely here I'll do anything To sit on a little rock with you Talk about the scheme of things On a small rock with you
Show me show me show me the way Before they grind me down And bleach me grey Send me power not to be afraid And when i close my eyes Let me see you once in the light
Father oh father Heal me if you can Is it true what they say That life is a dream"- Father, Cat Stevens
This song just sounded like such a future song about Elrond and Estel, I had to post it:
"it's not time to make a change just relax, take it easy you're still young, that's your fault there's so much you have to know find a girl, settle down if you want you can marry look at me, i am old but i'm happy
i was once like you are now and i know that it's not easy to be calm when you've found something going on but take your time, think a lot think of everything you've got for you will still be here tomorrow but your dreams may not
how can i try to explain when i do he turns away again and it's always been the same, same old story from the moment i could talk i was ordered to listen
now there's a way and i know that i have to go away i know i have to go
it's not time to make a change just sit down and take it slowly you're still young that's your fault there's so much you have to go through find a girl, settle down if you want you can marry look at me, i am old but i'm happy
all the times that i've cried keeping all the things i know inside and it's hard, but it's harder to ignore it if they were right i'd agree but it's them they know not me now there's a way and i know that i have to go away i know i have to go"- Father And Son, Boyzone
**********
Elrond stopped his horse before they entered the borders of Lothlorien. Galadriel slowed down and turned around, facing him.
"Elrond?"
"I dare not enter," he whispered, his eyes set ahead.
"It has only been four days," Elladan replied gently, squeezing his father's hand. "You found what ailed him-"
"What if I was too late?" Elrond asked quietly, his voice betraying his distress. "What if his condition changed, and the healers had not the knowledge to heal him? I should have stayed-"
"You couldn't stay," Elrohir reminded him, bringing his horse near to his father and brother's. "You did all you could in the time you had."
"Stop talking about him as if he is dead," Elladan said harshly. "He is NOT dead, if he.... We would have known!" Elladan almost yelled desperately. "He is alright- he is probably getting himself in trouble as we speak and laughing at how worried we are."
Elrond tried to smile, but it was useless. "He has to be well, if anything happened to him, I'd-I'd...." Elrohir and Elladan both embraced their father fiercely, clinging to each other for support.
"My Lords!" Haldir came to greet them, once he was told they were not entering Lorien. "Mae Govannen." [Welcome]
"It is good to return, Haldir," Celeborn replied in kind. "Is all well?"
"Please, Haldir," Elrond spoke finally. "Tell me- how is my son?"
"He..." Haldir paused for the shortest of moments, trying best to phrase it and immediately everyone assumed the worse. A single tear sled down Elrond cheek and he buried his face in his hands. Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other speechless, a chilling numbness taking over them. Celeborn and Galadriel remained quiet, allowing the child's family some time for themselves. Glorfindell shook his head stubbornly.
"No," Glorfindel said angrily. "It cannot be!"
"What cannot be?"
All heads turned and stared at the curious young boy who came bouncing by and frowning at them.
"Estel!" Elrond said, relief washing over his grief, as he jumped down from his horse.
Estel grinned. "Ada!" He said joyously and ran into his father's open arms. "I missed you so much!" They both remained that way for a while, both content to simply hug each other, before Elladan cleared his throat.
"Adar, if you embrace him any harder you will choke him to death!"
Elrond laughed and released his youngest, breathing in his features like a fresh spring breeze. "Oh Hen nin- I was so worried!" He said and hugged his son once again, before finally allowing his son to reunite with his brothers. [My Child]
"Elladan, Elrohir!" Estel cried and threw his arms around their necks. "I have so much to tell you! You wouldn't believe what happened to me: I was caught in a fire up on a tree, and I flew on the back of the King of the Eagles (we simply MUST convince father to let us have one as a pet!), there were goblins and Wargs, I met Beorn- who is a really large bear-man and I killed goblins and tracked and-"
Elrohir placed the back of his palm across his brother's forehead. "He does not seem to have a fever."
"It is true!" Estel insisted. "Ask Gandalf!" He looked around for a moment. "Where IS he?"
The elves looked from one to the other. "Gandalf..." Elrond said hesitantly. "Gandalf had pressing business to attend to."
Estel nearly groaned, wondering why the adults seem to say that a lot lately. A sudden shudder ran through his body. "He went to fight in the battle, didn't he?" He didn't wait for an answer, simply sighed heavily. "At least I warned him, he knows to be careful..."
"What are you talking about?" Elrond asked confused.
"I'm afraid I am not at liberty to say," Estel replied cheekily, smiling toothily at his father. Let's see how they like a taste of their own medicine.
Elrond cuffed him on the head. "You are growing too impertinent for your own good."
"Ouch!" Estel cried in mock pain. "Have you no mercy for your youngest -and very sick- child?"
"You seem well enough," Elrond commented, though he did look Estel over with a critical eye. "But you are right, you shouldn't be running around so much, at least for a few more days."
"Thank the Valar!" Haldir said under his breath, drawing the tight family's attention to the fact they were not alone.
"Forgive me, I seem to have misplaced my manners," Elrond said embarrassed. "Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, this is my youngest son, Estel."
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Galadriel smiled kindly. "We have heard so much about you."
Estel was very impolitely gaping at Galadriel. "It is an honor to meet you... I saw you in my dream- Gandalf was right, you do shine."
"Thank you," Galadriel said stunned. "You saw me in a dream of yours?"
Estel nodded. "I was thirsty and I went to drink from this water basin in my dream, at least I think it was a dream. And I saw people in the water! You were there, and I recognized Lord Celeborn, Ada, Gandalf, Glorfindel. There were other elves as well and a really mean old man... You were discussing an attack and a ring..." Estel failed to notice the look that passed between the elves.
"You saw all this..." Galadriel said slowly. "In a water basin?"
Estel yawned tiredly and nodded his head. Elrond noticed this and said: "I believe we should all go and rest." He looked up at the sky and smirked. "And perhaps it would be best to enter Lorien BEFORE nightfall."
The others chuckled and entered the woods, their spirits lighter than they have been for quite some time. Elrond turned to Haldir. "Why did you pause, earlier, when I asked you how my son fares?"
Haldir glanced at Estel, before answering. "Your son, Lord Elrond, is... Quite a handful. I was merely trying to express it in words- he is... Very unique," Haldir grimaced slightly.
"I hope he hasn't been too much trouble," Elrond glanced down meaningfully at his son. Estel smiled his most innocent smile.
"No, not at all," Haldir smiled cynically. "And I am sure Rumil's hair will grow back... Eventually."
* Elrond tucked Estel in to bed and checked him over once more. Estel was, thankfully, on the way to a full recovery. However, due to the fact that his illness was so severe and prolonged, he would need several days to return to his full strength. Elrond brushed several strands of hair from his son's face and smirked to himself: Estel's hair was very difficult to tame...
"I thought I would find you here," Galadriel said amiably, as she joined Elrond. Elrond immediately drew back a bit, as though ashamed he was caught off guard.
"Galadriel," he nodded his head. There was a moment of awkward silence between them, as they simply watched over the sleeping child. Galadriel studied him carefully, since he was one of the few Edain she ever met. His face was so young, peaceful and innocent that it hurt her heart to look at him. His little fingers were curled and grasped the blanket tighter. His nails were dirty, as was his hair- that tangled mane that demanded a comb. And those eyes! Such deep and emotional grey eyes that seemed to both search your soul as well as reveal his own.
"What a beautiful child," Galadriel mused to herself. "If Celebrian were here, she would love him as her own."
"He already has a mother," Elrond countered, finally tearing his gaze from his son. "He cannot have two mothers." The mere mention of his wife's name sent him into a torrid of emotions that he did not want to address. Was taking Estel into his heart and home dishonoring his wife's memory? It was a ridiculous thought, and yet he could not seem to look at Estel at the moment.
""There is no reason or logic in love. Love is not a matter of the mind, but of the heart," Galadriel replied. "You cannot control who you love, any more than you can control the seasons' changes." She studied Elrond with that piercing gaze of hers.
He always felt like such a youngling when she searched his eyes, but over time he managed to hold her gaze and not let his discomfort show. He knew she somehow blamed him for her daughter's departure, though she would never admit to it. It was only fitting that his own daughter decided to live in Lorien now, in a way taking her mother's place. After this short vigil he needs to go and visit with Arwen, at least for a short time, he hadn't seen her for some time now...
"For example," Galadriel cut into his musings. "I have only known this child for a few hours, and yet already I am drawn to him and feel I must protect him." She stroke Estel's hair gently and smiled warmly down at him. "And I love him as well, as my own kin, I dare say as a grandson." She smiled benignly at Elrond's surprised visage, before her smile thinned. "Besides, a child can never have TOO much love in his life, and I foresee this child will have a long and hard one, he should at least have boundless love."
"Why do I have the feeling you are trying to imply something?" Elrond sighed, knowing when Galadriel was about to lecture him.
"Why did you draw back from the child, when I arrived?" She asked pointedly, gliding away from the bed and towards Elrond. However, she did not give him long to reply. "Are you ashamed of him, Lord Elrond?"
"Of course not," Elrond said quickly. He risked a gaze at his sleeping son, before returning his attention to Galadriel. "I will never feel anything but pride towards Estel, never." He said emphatically.
"Then are you ashamed of your love for him?"
Elrond mouth went dry as he hesitated, before replying: "No." He downcast his eyes and went about going through his herbs and medicines and checking which ones he would need for Estel.
"SHE would have wanted you to open your heart again," Galadriel said knowingly, not needing to say her name. "You feel you must be punished by depriving yourself of his love and loving him, but you do not realize you are harming him as well." She was standing right in front of him, her eyes leveled with his, silently begging him to see that which is obvious to her.
"I DO love him," Elrond argued, not quite feeling comfortable being analyzed by his wife's mother. "I have loved him since the moment he was brought to Imladris."
"But you stop yourself from loving him completely," Galadriel countered gravely. "Why is that, Elrond?"
Elrond could not answer her, nor was he inclined to do so, and so he simply dropped his gaze and finished with his medicines. "I think I shall go see Arwen now," he excused himself quietly, before a half smirk appeared on his weatherworn face. "Before she and the twins terrorize Lorien."
Galadriel watched his receding back worriedly. She knew Elrond would not admit it to himself, nor to others, but he was distancing himself from Estel. If she could tell that much from seeing him tend to his son for a few minutes, she did not want to guess what it must really be like for Estel, as well as for Elrond. She walked over to the sleeping child in question, so unaware of any pain or sadness and her heart went out for him. She made up her mind that while he was in her borders she would try and make up for Elrond's lack of love, by loving and caring and spoiling this child rotten. He deserved that much and more.
*
"Estel! Elladan! Elrohir!" Elrond yelled out for his juvenile sons. Last he heard of them, they were off playing pranks on Haldir and his brothers. He was not sure he heard correctly, but recent rumor suggested something involving toads and other reptiles shoved into one's bed. Elrond shook his head, wondering if the twins would never grow up, and it seemed they were an equally bad influence on Estel as well.
He thanked the Valar Arwen (for the most part) did not come out as rebellious, and seemed quite obedient and respectful. When she was away from her brothers' influence, of course. Perhaps living in Lorien was indeed for her own good, since it was not for his. His heart tore inside every time they parted, and he couldn't help but feel she left because she could not stand his presence. Had he managed to heal Celebrian's both body and soul...
"Yes, Adar- you bellowed?" Elladan asked smiling amiably, as he materialized in front of his father. Elrohir was soon to follow and Estel was close behind panting slightly.
"Where have you been, I've been searching for you for well over an hour." Elrond admonished and was more than a little concerned over his Estel's sudden quickness of breath. "Are you alright, Ion Nin?"
"Yes, Ada." Estel managed, while he worked on slowing his heart race. "We were simply racing."
"Oh?" Elrond asked confused. Elladan and Elrohir don't tend to race with Estel, since elves are much faster and lighter on their feet than men. "WHY exactly WERE you racing?" He asked suspiciously. All three bowed their heads and Elrond's suspicion was confirmed. "WHAT did you do THIS time?"
"We didn't do anything!" Elladan said, a little too indignantly.
Elrond nodded and stared at Elrohir with one of his famous glares, that could make great and noble elves quiver.
"We may have pushed Orophin into the River," Elrohir gulped at last. Elladan shot him a glare. "You try standing down one of those looks!" Elrohir defended himself.
"Estel? Do you have anything to add?" Elrond crossed his arms, trying to look as authorities as possible. Estel shuffled his feet.
"We may have also stolen his clothes, when he was about to wash in the River," Estel admitted, studying the ground with great interest. Any lecture he was about to make was cut short, when Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel arrived, shooting amused looks at the brothers.
"I hear Orophin's clothes have suddenly vanished." Celeborn said in mock seriousness. "I suppose you wouldn't know anything about that, now would you?"
"No," all three said in unison, looking as innocent as possible.
"That is what I thought," Celeborn chuckled.
"It is not a matter for levity," Elrond warned sternly. "And you are merely encouraging them to continue with such folly."
"I dare say they will continue with this folly whether I encourage it or not," Celeborn smiled.
"Be that as it may, they will be out of your way soon." Elrond said and turned to his sons. "Go and pack your things, we will leave within the hour."
"I think Haldir will sleep more peacefully tonight." Galadriel laughed. Elladan and Elrohir couldn't help the small smile that tugged at their lips.
"Must we go?" Estel whined. He was only there for a total of five days, not a long enough time to spend in such a place. He was having so much fun with Elladan and Elrohir and he loved Lady Galadriel and Celeborn- they were so kind to him... The other Elves in Rivendell weren't as kind and he was in no hurry to return to them and their scorn.
"I'm afraid we must," Elrond nodded, wondering why Estel looked so crestfallen. Elladan and Elrohir quickly said goodbye to their grandparents and promised to visit soon, before hurrying off to pack. Estel looked nervously as Galadriel and Celeborn, not knowing what to say or do. Galadriel, noting his discomfort, walked towards him and crouched down in front of his until their eyes were eye level.
"I shall miss you dearly, Little One," Galadriel smiled at him brilliantly.
"I'll miss you too, my Lady," Estel replied politely, trying to keep his voice from quivering.
"If it is alright with you, I would prefer it if you called me 'grandmother'," Galadriel offered boldly.
Estel's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really?"
"Really," Galadriel laughed and Estel threw his arms around her neck affectionately. Elrond watched with quiet fascination the scene that unfolded in front of his very eyes, not understanding what reason Galadriel had to make such a statement. 'There is no reason in love', isn't that what Galadriel told him several nights ago?
"I love you... Grandmother," Estel smiled at the foreign term, deeming it appropriate. He glanced at Celeborn, who nodded his consent. "And you too, Grandfather."
"We love you as well, Estel," Galadriel stated firmly, though her eyes now were set on Elrond. "With all my heart."
Elrond cringed inside at that criticism, but remained cold and impassive on the outside. He said goodbye to his in-laws, and went with Estel to pack for their long ride home.
*END PART 13*
Author's note:
Sorry this came out so short, the next two will probably be short as well. I think there are about two more chapters to go. What's in store: Estel telling Elrond he knows the truth, Gandalf confronting Elrond, Bilbo's visit (prepare for a little angst ahead) and Legolas' visit.
leggylover03- one of my favorite three reviewers (who all three reviewed this chapter! LOL). You don't know what it means to me to hear that someone loves the story and specific chapters! We had a taste of Elrond angst, prepare for some more Elrond/Estel father/son angst coming up!
HobbitsRFun- *Grins* I feel so much love for this story and Estel that it is heartwarming! Elrond unfortunately HAD to leave, there was great evil that needed to be driven away and compared to one human's life, the decision seems obvious. But it wasn't easy for him and he probably cursed himself every second and thought about Estel all the time! Oh yeah, lots of angst, guilt and tearful reunions!
grumpy- This story is one of your favorites? I'm humbled. I should be so lucky to have snow, here we get snow once every two years or so, and it's never that deep! But we do miss school when it happens, so yay! How can one hate snow? I'd have to say Estel's insecurities are probably from both being adopted and being the only humans among elves, that is why he is such an interesting character to explore.(REALLY wish the movies would have had the twins, or at least some father/son moment between Elrond and Aragorn- and why weren't Aragorn and Arwen there to say goodbye? It IS her father!) Oh yes, Estel is a cute boy, otherwise he'd be annoying, and the image of Elrond singing the bath song is now firmly imprinted in my mind! LOL.
