Ch 12 Departure

Elrond made his way to his foster son, cradling Aragorn's head in his lap. "Estel, ion nin. Tolo dan nan galad." There was no movement from Aragorn. Gil-galad slowly crawled to Elrond's side. He laid a comforting hand on the elf-lord's shoulder. "He is as stubborn as a certain King's Herald I used to know," smiled the King.

Elrond gave a slight smile, then let his tears fall. He did not care who saw that he grieved for Estel. Elladan and Elrohir also were grieving, as was Legolas, silver tears falling from their eyes.

All who were in that chamber knew Aragorn had sacrificed himself so they might live. There were no words to say, just sadness, and darkness as if Anar had stopped shining.

Suddenly, a great light filled the chamber. There was a being in the light, fair of face, dressed in a flowing gown.

Glorfindel looked at her in awe. "Estë," he breathed.

"Yes, Gondolinion. I have come to aid the one who aided in ridding Mandros' Halls of evil."

Estë turned to Elrond, saying "You have done well, mellon nin. Between us, we will recall the spirit of the Dunedain, and your heart will be mended."

She walked over, and laid her hands atop Elrond's. Together they called to Aragorn, "Tolo dan nan galad."

Slowly, Aragorn opened his eyes, fighting the pain and the darkness, which tried to hold him. He looked into Elrond's eyes, seeing the tears falling. "Ada, do not weep. I am here. I heard you calling, and I came back." He caught his breath as pain assailed him.

"Be at ease, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Your pain will lessen shortly. Look at me, Taur'ohtar."

As Estë spoke, she laid her hands on Aragorn's forehead, slipping into a healing trance. Elrond watched the pain lines disappear from the young human's face. "It is done," she murmured.

Elrond bowed his head, then looked at the luminous being. "Diola lle for giving my son back to us."

She smiled and said, "No thanks are needed, Hir Nin. We owe Isildur's heir much more than ever can be repaid. Namaarie, take care of your Estel. He is well-named." With that, the light faded, and the being was gone.

Elros spoke first. "Muindor nin, it must be farewell again. Fear not, for we shall meet again. Remember me always."

Next to speak was Arathorn. "I thank you, sons of Elrond. I have seen the love you have given my son. Lord Elrond, I will never be able to express my gratitude for taking in my wife and my son. Farewell for a while, Aragorn. We, too, will meet again."

Last came Gil-galad. He gave Elrond a hug and said, "You have surpassed everything I had hoped you would do and be. Glorfindel, take care of Elrond. Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir, it has been an honor to fight by your side. Aragorn, you have brought great honor to your fathers, both of them. It is only "Namaarie" for now. We will meet again, but not for a time. Let your hearts be free of sadness, for we will be watching over you." Gil-galad saluted the living beings, then disappeared.

Legolas assisted Aragorn to rise, being careful so as to not cause any more pain. Aragorn's face was pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes, betraying his exhaustion.

"We must get Estel back home. There, he can rest and recuperate," stated Elrond. He knew everyone was exhausted, wearied, wounded. The elven lord hoped to at least reach their camp, and perhaps get some rest.

In his mind, he heard the voice of his king - "Remember to tell the young ones the story of rúdh." Silently, he replied, "Aye, my lord, I will." He heard the soft sounds of laughter and then all was quiet.

Translations:

Tolo dan nan galad: Come back to the light

Taur'ohtar - Ranger

Hir Nin - My Lord