Rest
Altril Narmolanya
Disclaimer: This is just an expansion of Tolkien's work. None of it belongs to me.
NaughtyNat- I am so glad that you enjoyed it. The twins are my favorite characters and Aragorn is next so I can't stay away from them.
Silvertoekee- You will just have to read and find out. I have the first three chapters written. I am planning on updating once a week on Fridays. This is going to be interesting. Believe me.
Jaimi- More is coming soon. Thank you!
Coolio02- Anytime you are at school think of this story. I have it all written in a note book so that I can go back and do proofing. I am so glad you like my story.
Jibade- I am so glad that you could coherently follow my story. I had some of my friends at school read it and they didn't get it. Thank you for giving me hope.
A/N: If anyone wants to be a beta reader for me I would love to have the extra help and stuff like that. It really keeps you on your toes to have someone else keeping you responsible. So if you want to do it for me drop me an e-mail. Thank you everyone who read and didn't review! On with the story.
Chapter Two
Under those soft eyes Gilrain felt her stern resolve crumble. As she looked back into those ageless eyes Gilrain read a story of love, passion, and deep sorrow. "Thank you, milord," it was so soft that even with his Elvish hearing Elrond could hear her thankfulness.
Elrond raised his eyebrow in Lindir's direction. "Oh!" Lindir had forgotten the introductions that were expected. "Lord Elrond, this is the Lady Gilrain, wife of the late Lord Arathorn; this is their son, Aragorn," quickly Lindir backed out of the room, bowing.
"Please, take a seat, Lady Gilrain," Elrond motioned for her to take the chair in front of his desk, "I am grieved to hear of your husband's fall-"But Elrond was interrupted by a loud clang. Young Aragorn had spotted a nice shiny object on Elrond's desk. Being attracted to the paperweight, which indeed it was, Aragorn lunged for it. Lo, the child had miscalculated and instead knocked over a medicinal vile, right onto Elrond's beautiful purple robe.
The wise Elven Lord blinked. It had been a long time since his own children had been this young. Gilrain was apologizing over and over again, but Elrond was lost in his memories. Finally he snapped out of his revelry. "Milord, I am so sorry. My son knows be-"
"Gilrain, do not apologize, for I too had young sons. I don't think that little Aragorn will be half the trouble that the twins were." Even though Elrond did not smile, Gilrain caught a glimpse of humor in his eye.
Aragorn had managed to squirm out of his mother's hold. Seeing that the door was closed Aragorn started to pout. A deep crease ran across his forehead as his frown grew into a scowl. Then he realized that there was just as much exploring to be done in the room. Just as Aragorn was about to run past Elrond, the graceful Elven lord caught the child by the waist. Now sitting on Elrond's lap Aragorn had a better chance to observe him. "Ello," it was a bit muffled since Aragorn had his thumb in his mouth. "Are you my new papa?"
Elrond looked up at Gilrain. How could she refuse him? If it is at all possible for a distinguished Elven Lord of beg, Elrond was doing just that. The look he was giving her was impossible to refuse. "Well, I don't know Aragorn. You will have to ask your mother." Gilrain knew she would never be able to refuse her son this. Aragorn knew the perfect way to look at his mama if he wanted something.
"Well, I don't know-" she stopped letting the words take affect. Aragorn and Elrond both leaned forwards, "but…" she paused again, "I think it will work out."
Both Elrond and Aragorn let out the breath they had been holding, "If Aragorn is going to stay here his name must be changed." Gilrain tried her best to keep her face impassive, but her heart skipped a beat at Elrond's mentioning changing her son's name. As of now Aragorn was her only living reminder of Arathorn. A deep flicker in Gilrain's eyes and the tell-tale crease in her forehead were the only signs that gave away the depth of her decision. Elrond did not want to stress her so he gave her an easy way out. "I will give you some time to decide. This week has been hard for you. Come, "Elrond stood, still holding Aragorn, "I will show you to your room."
Without a sound Elrond guided them down long, dark corridors. It was obviously a part of the house that was off limits to the general public. The silence was broken by an "Oomph!" that echoed off the walls and ceiling. Gilrain had been carrying Aragorn, who had grown sleepy, but during their long walk he had become rather heavy for Gilrain to continue to carry. So Gilrain had let the child walk. While walking Aragorn had tripped over his feet and fallen on the floor. "I want Papa!" Aragorn screamed and kicked as his mother tried to pick him up. "No! 'Raragorn want Papa," squirming Aragorn fought off his mother, "Don't touch me! Stop it."
Gilrain looked over at Elrond, what would he think of her now? Desperately Gilrain tried to calm her son down. Aragorn had never thrown a temper tantrum like that before, or at least when Arathorn had been around. Inwardly Elrond cringed. How in the name of the Valar did Arathorn let his son get away with such horrid behavior? Gilrain grabbed Aragorn's arms. "Listen to me, you must stop." But the child still thrashed wildly.
With one fell swoop Elrond scooped the boy up. Immediately Aragorn stopped. "You will not treat your mother in such a shameful manner. As of now I shall be your father. Do you understand?" Meekly Aragorn nodded. "Any questions?"
"What can I call you?" It was barely a whisper. Fumbling with the buttons on Elrond's tunic, Aragorn would not raise his eyes.
The crack of a smile softened Elrond's face; the child was not purposely trying to misbehave. "If you wish, you may call me 'Ada'. In Elvish it means father. Does that suit you ionn-nin?"
A sleepy smile crept onto Aragorn's angelic face. "'Raragorn would like that Pa-Ada." He snuggled closer to Elrond's warm body. "Time for be-" a huge yawn interrupted the tired toddler.
Elrond opened a door, "Here is the room you and Aragorn can share, Gilrain. Tomorrow I shall find a more suitable room for you, but this on will do for right now." Gently Elrond laid Aragorn in the middle of a huge bed. So tenderly was the deed done that Gilrain just about burst into tears. "Good night, ionn-nin," whispered the Elven Lord as he pressed a soft kiss to the small edain's forehead.
A heartfelt sigh passed Gilrain's lips. Hearing her weariness, Elrond bowed and bid her goodnight, then left her to herself. Gilrain was filled with awe. It was the first time she had ever been in something more luxurious than a drippy inn, cabin, or the sod house Arathorn had built. The bed was actually filled with real goose down instead of straw, it was also at least five times bigger than any bed she had ever slept in. As you have probably realized Gilrain did not have an extra pair of clothes, but I doubt you could have handled the situation as well as she did. Now it finally hit Gilrain with full force that Arathorn was never going to come back. Gilrain cast herself upon the bed and cried herself to sleep.
Back in his office Elrond was hard at work. Somehow he had to get a message to the new leader of the Dúnadain. At the moment Elrond could not figure out who would take Arathorn's place. Of course when Aragorn was old enough he would be the rightful heir, but as of now… The beginning of a migraine was starting to plague Elrond. He knew that he should give up and head off to his bed, but work came first. In the door stood a golden haired Teleri. Once he had live in Gondolin during the times of peace, then he had slayed a balrog of Morgoth. As Glorfindel observed his friend he could not help but shake his head. "Mellon-nin, you are working to hard. That letter will still he here tomorrow."
"I have procrastinated long enough. This must go out to the Dúnadain very soon. Since Arathorn is no longer al-"
Glorfindel interrupted, "Elrond, the edain already know. They can handle it by themselves. Your sons are there helping." Elrond looked up and raised an eyebrow in question. "You were not away that the gwanneth were attacked by a band of Orc's this morning?" Pausing for the idea to manifest its self in Elrond's mind. "Elladan brought Gilrain and Aragorn with him, then rode off again with some of the Imladris Guard."
"Why didn't he come to me? I am his father," said Elrond, a deep fire burning in his eyes.
Sighing, Glorfindel continued, "Since your wife passed to the havens," he held up his hand, "let me finish. Ever since Celebrían left, your family has fallen apart. You're a shell, no longer do you act like a father to your children."
Elrond leaned back in his chair taking in all Glorfindel spoke of. "Get out." That voice froze Glorfindel. There was a silent anger that was more deadly than out right yelling. "Get out now." Quickly and quietly Glorfindel slipped out of the room. He knew better than to try and reason with Elrond at a time like this.
Right now Elrond did not want to face reality. Even though he knew every word Glorfindel had spoken was true, he did not want to accept it. "Eru, no. Why?" Unaware he was speaking out loud he poured his heart out. Elrond had never cried since his beloved wife's departure from Middle Earth. How could I neglect my own children? I have treated them more like a part of my staff instead of family. No wonder Arwen lives in Lothlorien. A thought suddenly occurred to Elrond. It seems the Valar have given me a second chance at being a father. I am thankful that Gilrain is going to let me be a father to Aragorn. He needs a father just as much as I need to son to be a father too. I just hope he isn't like the twins were, he sighed. The morning was steadily approaching. After a few minutes of recollection Elrond got up and blew out the lamp. He headed off towards his quarters. For the first time in over a century Elrond lay down his head with a peace-filled mind. Right before he fell asleep he made a mental note to thank Glorfindel, but then again it was Glorfindel's fault he had met Celebrían. Slowly Elrond's eyes unfocused as he slipped into the world of Elvish dreams.