Author's Note: Thank you so much for everyone who ever read this story, it was a pleasure! This chapter is dedicated to (everyone) and magsluvsestel who wrote a review that just made me want to hug her!

grumpy- I always smiled after reading your reviews, you seemed to like every little bit I wrote! You are definitely my #1 reviewer and I thank you!

magsluvsestel- It got updated! LOL. I loved your review and I'm humbled I had such a strong effect on your with this story and with my Estel. I haven't read that book, but I'll be looking out for it now! I love Aragorn and was quite disappointed that the film didn't explore so many aspects of him that could have been! Like I said, I'm flattered you thought it was so good, but as the title suggested, this was achieved through hard labor and work, and considering I have the army in less than a year and my finals in a bit over a month, I'm not sure how much writing and research I'll be able to do. But I will try!

leggylover03- Here's the last chapter! Another dedicated reviewer that means the world to me, thanks a bunch!

aknightofni- Technically it wasn't finished yet. NOW it's finished, lol. How many greats were in that sentence? LOL. Got the message loud and clear and glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the compliments!

Ivy

** "Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together."

- Woodrow Wilson

** "Ada, may I ask you a question?" Estel asked his father curiously one day, as they sat together in Elrond's study. It was a beautiful day outside, but Estel could not enjoy it, since he had his daily lessons. He didn't mind his lessons with his father, on the contrary, most of the times he enjoyed them immensely, but he had an itching for the outdoors today.

He kept moving restlessly in his chair, trying to focus on his father's words, but finding himself losing interest rapidly. It wasn't even something interesting like battles and heroes, but discussing herbs and medicines. Yuck. Most of them smelt bad and tasted horrible and it wasn't like he wanted to be a healer like his father- he wanted to be a hunter like his brother and to go on adventures and to fight dragons and goblins and orcs!

"Of course," Elrond said, his eyebrows raised slightly. This timid approach was not characteristic of Estel, especially not lately. They were beginning to spend more time with one another, to take walks and enjoy nature and share stories together. He cherished the sound of Estel's laughter when he told an amusing story and like always, wondered what he ever did to deserve this child.

Despite the great joy he received from loving his son truly and fully, he could not help but notice how Gilraen seemed to be more reclusive. She preferred her room and would rarely grace the halls with her presence. She would try and pretend and wear a large smile whenever Estel was around, but it did not reach her eyes. She seemed hollow and her skin was wrapped so tightly her bones were protruding.

Elrond could not begin to guess what was wrong and in a way he was afraid of the answer. He knew how she felt, the loneliness and grief and the burden of raising children on her own. Only his children knew their mother, and although you could not guess it from their behavior, they were all actually adults. It was different with Estel, and he knew it was slowly killing her. But there was nothing he could do about it and so they both tried to hide it from Estel.

"Where do babies come from?" Estel asked curiously, not noticing the heavy mood his father suddenly dived into.

"What?" Elrond asked. Shock could not even begin to describe how he felt at the moment, completely at a loss for words. "What- how did this come about?"

"Well, Elladan was kissing this elf maiden out behind the trees, and I asked Elrohir what they were doing-"

"And he told you they were making babies?" Elrond asked, not believing his own ears. Elrohir knew better than to say something of the sorts.

"No!" Estel rolled his eyes impatiently. "He said they were kissing and I asked why, and he said it was because they liked each other. Then I overheard two elves saying that even though they are just playing around, if they're not careful-"

""I think I understand," Elrond interrupted, feeling a headache coming. He caressed his temple between his fingers and wondered: why me?

"Are you well?" Estel asked, not entirely concerned. He noticed that whenever grownups were asked about this subject they had headaches and seemed petrified- if it was so painful and scary, why did Elladan laugh so much and seem to be having fun? It was all so confusing. "You know," Estel tried to keep a straight face. "If you are not feeling well, perhaps you should take a tab of that flower over there."

"The poisonous one used to heal infections?" Elrond asked with an equally serious face. Estel obviously did not listen today, not that he could blame him of course. It was a beautiful day...

"Yes, that one," Estel replied bashfully, as he glanced out the window and back at his father. "Well? Where do babies come from? They can't come from kissing; otherwise I'd be an uncle of a whole herd of babies. And don't tell me that they come from the Valar, because I don't believe that anymore, I'm not a child."

Elrond smiled at that proud statement and thought how much of a child Estel was in those moments of youth and innocence.

"Well..." Elrond cleared his voice and peered at the door, wishing strongly that Gilraen were here answering these questions instead of him. He was startled when he heard a light tap on the door and wondered if his wish came true. "Yes?"

"Lord Elrond," Glorfindel said, as he entered the room. "King Thranduil of Mirkwood is here to see you." He glanced at the situation before him and tried his best not to smirk- it was obvious young Estel put his father in a tight spot, and Elrond seemed relieved for the interruption.

"Ah, yes I was expecting him. You may bring him to here" Elrond smiled, jumping quickly to his feet. After seeing firsthand the evil that crept onto Mirkwood, Elrond and Thranduil both reached the conclusion that it must be stopped once and for all, and that an agreement must be made between both Rivendell and Mirkwood in order to keep evil at bay. "Estel- I am terribly sorry, but I have a pressing engagement... We will have to postpone this discussion."

Estel sighed and got up from his seat. THEY always did that! Every time he asked grownups a question they didn't like, they would sweat and suddenly have more important things to do, other than speak with him. He left the room and sat outside in the hall, pouting. Glorfindel came around the corner accompanied by two elves Estel had never seen before. He looked at them half curiously, but still very much in his sour mood.

"Lord Elrond will see you now," Glorfindel said politely, as he indicated the study and then he left. The older elf nodded curtly and entered the room, but not before ordering his companion: "Wait for me outside."

The other elf did not seem to take it well, but he bit his lip and said nothing, as the door closed and he was left in the hallway. Estel's heart went out to the elf that was kept out of important meetings like he was. His curiosity suddenly awoke and he decided it would be rude to continue to sit outside and sulk quietly, when he had guests. He took a deep breath, put on a brave, cheerful smile and said:

"Hi."

The elf didn't even turn his head; he merely allowed his eyes to travel to the strange little man-child in front of him, threatening to become a nuisance. He did not even notice him until now; he was too deeply engrossed in his anger towards his father for treating him like a child and disregarding him entirely. Thanduil wouldn't even allow him to fight in the Battle of the Five Armies, he had to sneak out and cover his face. He was one of the best archers in all of Mirkwood, and yet his father wouldn't have any of it.

Now his father made a point of reminding him where his place was, and this little creature in front of him that seemed so out of place, with those shining gray eyes was looking at him as if expecting some sort of answer. Legolas huffed and turned his head away, deciding that was all this Thing deserved. Sure, they may appear sweet and harmless at a younger age, but the years pass by quickly and suddenly they are vicious and greedy and completely evil. This one's fate would be no different; it was the curse of his species.

Estel bit his bottom lip in anger and tried to remain respectful. The last thing he wanted was to dishonor his father's name by hitting a guest, but this particular one certainly merited such actions. He had seen that look the elf gave him often enough to know what it meant: Contempt. No, that was too strong a word, it was more like disregard and it made Estel feel lower than dirt. He hated that feeling. But still, he swallowed his pride and decided to put on a fake smile and try again.

"My father never lets me hear anything- was that your father? My father always sends me out into the hall or to my room..." Estel shrugged casually and dug his toe into the floor, looking curiously at the guest.

"And who is your father?" The elf asked disinterest, but something seemed odd. Elrond was known for his hospitality, to all races, but to have them actually LIVE in Rivendell? Absurd!

"Elrond of course," Estel rolled his eyes as though it were obvious. He was used to the elves of Rivendell knowing about his family and since he never really interacted much with guests, save Gandalf and Bilbo, it came as a shock to him that people did not know. Or rather that his father forgot to mention it, or wanted to hide it. 'No!' Estel chastised himself sternly. 'No more doubting Ada's love. He is not ashamed of you, he told you so, perhaps he does not feel it necessary to announce the fact, but that doesn't mean.... Does it?'

The elf actually barked a short laugh at those three small words that were simply impossible. "No he's not." He laughed at the silly little creature in front of him that decided to spun lies. It was glaringly obvious that those two were not related, for how can an Edain be related to one of the Eldar?

"Is too!" Estel lost his temper and stomped his foot. This elf was being rude and hurtful and calling him a liar! He wished his brothers were here, he doubted he could take on this elf all by himself. The elf shook his head and Estel jumped at him, ready to strangle him-

""LEGOLAS!" "ESTEL!"

Both looked innocently at their fathers, though the downcast of their eyes spoke volumes of their guilt.

"What is going on here?" Thranduil asked his son angrily. When Legolas did not answer he walked over and towered over him menacingly. "Well?"

"I apologize, father." Legolas merely said, not glancing at the young Edain. He was not sure if trying to explain the situation would enrage his father further, so he chose to remain silent.

"Estel?" Elrond asked his son gently, but with a strong undertone. "What went on just now?"

"I don't know," Estel sighed, knowing he was in for some more punishment. "I was trying to be friendly, because you always say to be kind to guests, but he looked at me with... And then he said you weren't my Ada." Estel sniffed and swallowed a sob. He was not a crying baby; he stopped crying from mean elves years ago.

"Is that true?" Thranduil asked his son, his anger increasing. "You are a guest in this house and yet you insulted Lord Elrond's son???"

Estel wasn't sure if he wanted to smirk or feel sorry for Legolas, but it appeared he was not out of the woods yet. Elrond looked at him seriously and said slowly: "It does not matter what he said to provoke you, you should know better than to try and strike anyone. You are not a child entitled to fits of rage, we cannot have you getting into fights every time someone says something to you that you find offensive."

"Yes, Ada." Estel hung his head.

"I'm deeply disappointed in you, Estel." Elrond turned to Thranduil. "My deepest apologies for my son's actions."

"And my sincerest apologies for my son's. It appears that he started this whole mess, and I assure you he will be dealt with when we return home." He sent a meaningful glance towards Legolas who tried to hide a shudder. "I hope this will not effect our business."

"Not at all," Elrond said. "I believe we have worked out most of our issues, if you will step back inside the study...?" Thranduil nodded and said to Legolas:

"You will stay put until we are finished and if I hear you have misbehaved one more time..." He left the warning in the air as he entered. Elrond walked in and said to Estel before closing the door:

"Behave yourself, Estel."

Both sons were left dispirited and ashamed in the halfway, sending glances at each other's direction. It took several moments before Estel worked up to courage to say: "I'm sorry for nearly hitting you."

Legolas nodded his acceptance and said quietly: "I am sorry for provoking you. I had no right to make assumption and insult one of my hosts. It's just-"

"He treats you like a child," Estel said, a smile tugging at his lip. "And he does not see that you have grownup a lot."

Legolas looked sharply at this youth, no older than a dozen years and yet with such insight. "Yes."

"Ada does the same with me," Estel smiled a small bitter smile. "I have already killed and hunted and gone on adventures- but he refuses to allow me-"

"-To breathe, to do the things I love." Legolas said, suddenly realizing how much alike they were. A thin silence stretched between them, before Legolas broke it. "Elladan and Elrohir failed to mention they had a younger brother."

"Perhaps you haven't spoken for a while." Estel shrugged, though it stung to hear even his brothers 'forgot' to mention him to people. "Are you friends with them?"

Legolas smiled a radiant smile and chuckled. "Friends, or bitter enemies. It seems that every time we meet we get into some sort of trouble and spend the entire time playing pranks on one another."

Estel perked up at the mention of 'pranks'. "You know, they put a dead spider in my food last night and I still haven't had a chance to return the favor." He looked at Legolas expectantly, eager to extract his revenge.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Legolas laughed as the two left the hallway. "By the way, we haven't been properly introduced yet, I'm Legolas Green-Leaf."

"Estel." Estel smiled as they clasped hands, sealing a life long bond of friendship and mischief.

*

"Estel?" Elrond peered his head into his son's room, fully expecting to see it vacant, as was his custom at nights. However, he saw his son's tiny frame breathing evenly, sound asleep. He frowned and wondered if he was sick and made up his mind to check on him in the morning. He quietly left the room and closed the door.

Several hours later, Estel awoke. He yawned tiredly and rubbed his eyes, before jumping out of bed with a bounce. Somehow he managed to set some internal clock to wake him up at around the same time, day after day- a trait that would serve him well later on in his life as a ranger. But right now Estel left his window and climbed from tree to tree, until he reached the tree at the edge of the border of Rivendell, just on time. He remembered a time not too long ago when he would sneak out and watch the sun set, dreaming and wishing for adventure, the same as Her.

He must have changed since then, for here he was, waiting to welcome the Sun back into his world. It was a new habit of his, watching the Sun rise. He watched the thin line of crimson and orange slowly rise and grow, as more hues and colors added to this beauty. He still longed for adventure, but this was about an entirely different matter. The Sun left for adventures every evening, but she came back to light their path and world- and THAT was what mattered. Seeing the sun rise every morning and not taking it for granted gave him hope. Every time the Sun went for some adventure and left the earth cold and dark, she still promised to return, giving them hope for tomorrow, for a better day.

*THE END*

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning" - Winston Churchill (November 10, 1942)