BURIED
By: Cheryl W
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings or anything in conjunction with the Lord of the Rings nor am I making a profit from this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 16
Standing just outside the tent he had been appointed, Elrond, lord of Rivendell, drew in a deep breath of unfettered air and tilted his head up to look upon the stars that shone through the canopy of the forest. It had been too long since he had ventured from the palace into the wilds, into the world that was beyond the protected borders of Rivendell. His sharp hearing picked up the almost imperceptible movements of the rangers as they patrolled the camp's perimeter and the quiet conversations held beside the campfires. There was purpose here among these men as well as loyalty and bravery. These men had taken an oath to stand against evil...no matter what horrible form it assumed. Not long ago, Elrond had even heard a rumor that this very band of men had dared to engage in battle against Sauron's deadliest minions, the Nazgul.
A shiver of fear tingled through the elf, not at the thought of the Nazguls but instead at the very real possibility that his son had been among the rangers' numbers. If Aragorn had fought the Nazgul, he had risked more than his life...he had endangered his very soul. When Elrond had first heard the tale, he had wanted to immediately seek out his son and be assured that he was unharmed and that the enemy had not learned of his true lineage. It was only the winter weather that kept him from that desire and then as the snow melted, he had received a letter from his son, though it made no mention of any danger he had faced, it did set the elf's heart to ease to know the man was well. And so he had tried to patiently wait for a time when his son would return to him. Never in all his nightmarish visions had he foreseen that their reunion would be such an agonizingly bitter affair.
Clenching his jaw, Elrond fought hard to contain his emotions as he recalled Aragorn's words to him that day and the sight of his dirt covered son being restrained by Elladan. Valar, 'he' had not tried to stop Estel from leaving...he had just stood rooted to the spot, numb with pain and shame and watched his son walk away from him, maybe forever! 'If Elladan had not stopped Estel from leaving...' a tear slipped down Elrond's cheek as he knew only too well what the outcome would have been. He forced himself to finish his thought. He did not deserve to be spared the painful knowledge. 'Estel would have died, alone and believing that he never had my love.'
Another tear tracked down his cheek at the thought of what had almost been. How many times had he almost let Estel slip from his life?! Even before he had entered it?! 'Bless the Valar for having pity on a fool,' Elrond self de-appreciatively thought, his relief mingling in the sentiment too strong to be dismissed. 'I will not let him slip from my life...not now, not yet. Nor will I let him be in doubt of my love. I will not allow Barion to inflict pain upon Estel tomorrow by brandishing any more wounding lies. No, tonight there will only be truth between my son and I,' Elrond vowed as his eyes again took up their vigil of the dark forest, waiting for the reappearance of Aragorn.
As if his thoughts conjured up the one he sought, Elrond watched as Aragorn stepped from the forest into the soft light emanating from the campfires. Elrond's breath caught as his sharp eyes saw the paleness of his son's features and the dark hued stain on the ranger's shirt. Intent upon going to his son's side, Elrond had taken but two steps before reason forced him to stop his headlong rush. Here, among the rangers, Estel was Strider, a man whose strength and will must seem unwavering, especially in the eyes of those he led. Wrapping his hand around the tent's awning pole, Elrond fought hard to stand fast as his eyes feverishly focused upon his son's every motion.
He saw Aragorn's barely discernible shake of his head and watched as Halbarad, having almost risen to join his chieftain, sat back down on the log by the fire, a frown marring his handsome face a mere moment before his mask was again in place. Elrond's eyes tracked Aragorn as the man skittered from the glow of the firelight and tread the shadowy edges of the camp, his progress slow but determined with an arm braced against his aggravated wounds. Still, Elrond restrained himself from going to Aragorn, his grip upon the pole turning white knuckled as he saw his son halt at the outside of a tent. If Aragorn decided to enter that tent and sought to deny the blood that seeped from his wounds, Elrond would not let that decision stand unchallenged...regardless if it shattered the rangers' invulnerable image of Aragorn. Strider may be the chieftain of the rangers but first he was Estel, son of Elrond.
Without warning, Aragorn unerringly met Elrond's eyes across the camp as if he had been aware of the other's scrutiny all along.
In truth, Aragorn, as soon as he had stepped into the firelight, had the uneasy notion of being closely watched. Immediately he sought out the location of the most likely suspect: Halbarad. Knowing the ranger would not have gone far from him, he first looked at the closest campfire and was rewarded with the sight of a rising Halbarad. With a shake of his head and a small reassuring smile, Aragorn told his kinsman that he was well and did not require his presence at his side. Ignoring the disappointment in the other's eyes at his denial, Aragorn began to walk toward his tent. Halbarad did not yet understand that being at his chieftain's side was not an honor ...instead it was most often a place of extreme danger...as it would be tomorrow.
Feeling exposed and vulnerable in the glow of the campfires, Aragorn retreated into the dark fringes of the camp. Even immersed again in darkness, he could not conceal his uncertainty from himself. He had thought he was capable of being the self-assured Strider again ...until he saw his men seated around the campfires, readying their weapons for the morrow, noticed that a light still flickered in the healing tent and heard the virtually undetectable movements of a patrol guarding the perimeters of the camp. Every ranger knew his place, his duty. 'So why do I not?' Aragorn's heart demanded in shame. He had thought he had been blessed with the privilege of finding kinship among men, elves, and the Dunedain but now he felt segregated from all three races, as if his allegiance had been spread too thin to withstand this test. How long could he bear the weight of being Strider, Aragorn and Estel?! Especially when each name required so much of his soul! 'Do not let these matters wear upon you, not now! Concentrate on tomorrow's battle!' he sternly ordered of himself. But that only sprang more worries to his mind. Who would meet Barion on the morrow? Strider, Aragorn or Estel? Who was the strongest, the wisest, the bravest, the greatest figher? Who could achieve victory against Barion and yet dare to face death if it be his fate? Who had he been when Barion had defeated him and condemned him into the depths of the tomb?
A shiver trembled through Aragorn, his memories too sharp and clear. 'You must banish these thoughts or Barion will use them against you, you know this. The man has cruel insight into your weaknesses and he will exploit them with every word you give him chance to utter,' Aragorn sternly rebuked himself. Setting his jaw with determination, Aragorn straightened up further as he walked to his tent.
Yes, he had promised Legolas that he would let his father restitch his wounds but he could not face Elrond. Not now when he knew his emotions were so visible even to the most unobservant ...and Lord Elrond had never been accused of being unobservant ...especially when it concerned his children. No, instead he would lie down and compose himself before seeking out the elf lord's healing aid. But he could not keep his thoughts silent, 'You are a coward, Estel! You do not face your father because you have begun to realize what a fool you have been.' A flinch that had nothing to do with physical pain flickered over Aragorn's face.
'Will you find courage tomorrow when you have none tonight?!' Aragorn challenged sourly. Drawing in a deep breath, he turned from his tent and began to make his way slowly to the tent the rangers always offered to wayward travelers. He almost came to a stop when he saw Elrond standing tautly at the tent's entrance, his hand tightly gripping one of the outer tent poles and his sharp eyes fixed upon his youngest son. With quick comprehension, Aragorn knew the elf's eyes had tracked him the moment he had reentered the camp. It was also obvious to Aragorn that the elf had barely restrained himself from coming to his side.
Valiantly attempting to wipe the emotions from his features, Aragorn stepped under the tent's small canopy and came to a stop facing his father. To his surprise, Elrond said nothing. However, Aragorn did not miss the tense set of the elf's jaw or the dark emotions swirling in the eyes he knew so well.
There was much to be said between them but the words would not come easily...for either of them.
"Where are Elladan and Elrohir?" Aragorn asked, breaking the silence with his rough voice. "Are they well?" true worry hued his words for he had seen his brother's join Elrond in the forest but, having found himself surrounded by the rangers, Aragorn had not been able to give them the assessing look that would satisfy his concerned heart.
Elrond was quick to reassure his son. "Have no worry. They did not sustain any injuries. Elrohir is helping to tend to the remaining wounded and Elladan joined a perimeter patrol."
Remembering all too well the danger his father had faced in the skirmish, Aragorn questioned, his words low and thick, "Are you well?" as his eyes scanned the elven lord for any signs of harm.
"I am unhurt," Elrond replied, his heart lightened at his son's obvious concern.
Aragorn nodded in relief and silence fell upon them again. It felt like they were two strangers ...too uncomfortable strangers conversing. Causally he broke the silence, "I am surprised that you are not also tending to the wounded with Elrohir," his eyes turning the statement into a question.
A false but cautious excuse came upon Elrond's lips...but he did not utter it. He had sworn to never offer up a lie to his son again...and this was one vow he meant to keep. His voice was quiet as his eyes unwaveringly met Aragorn's. "I wanted to be available to aid you...if you wished it."
Surprise stirred within Aragorn at his father's words. Assessing the elf's demeanor, Aragorn sought to know how truthful the elf's words were. Warmth spread over Aragorn's heart. He detected no deception in the other...only love.
Interpreting Aragorn's long silence and intense stare as a denial of his offer, Elrond stammered, his heart breaking at the continued rejection. "Of course if you prefer to be tended by one of your men, I will seek out the healer and tell him you are in need of his ..."
Aragorn laid a hand upon the elf's shoulder. Instantly, Elrond's words faded away as he reveled in Aragorn's touch, the first touch initiated by his son for so very long.
"I wish you to tend to me," Aragorn softly requested. Then to Elrond's surprise, a hint of a mischievously embarrassed smile came upon his son's face. "I may have torn a few of your stitches in the course of the battle."
"May have?" Elrond challenged, his tone too light to be a true reprimand, while his eyes did not stray from his son's.
Aragorn could not help hold back a full-fledged smile. "Why do I feel I am telling you something you already know?"
Not answering his son, Elrond merely shook his head in sarcastic disapproval. "Come. Let us see how many stitches remain intact," he gently bade as his hand indicated that his son should enter his tent.
Finding that he did not now dread the approaching solitude with his father, Aragorn intended to enter the tent without hesitation. However, his body had other ideas. He had taken but one step before a lightheadedness made the world tilt around him.
Seeing his son falter, Elrond, instantly crossing the distance that separated them, wrapped his hands around the man's arms. Worriedly he watched as Aragorn shut his eyes and took in a deep breath. Instinctively Elrond drew closer to his son until the man was unconsciously leaning against his chest. It took all of Elrond's will to not gather his son into his arms and carry him into the tent but he refused to damage the respect his son had earned among the rangers.
Thinking of that very reputation, Aragorn opened his eyes and pulled back from his father but did not try to escape the other's grasp. "Thank you. I almost disgraced myself among my men," Aragorn tried to make light of his near collapse.
Elrond, however, found no levity in the situation as he heard how weak Aragorn's voice was and saw that his son's face lacked all color. "Your men do not know the true extent of your injuries, if they did they would not judge you your weakness," Elrond quietly replied.
Aragorn's eyes held Elrond's. "A leader can know no weakness....unless he wishes to no longer "be" a leader."
"Do you think these men follow you for only your physical strength, Estel?" Elrond softly questioned with gentle reprove. "Many rangers are strong yet they do not garner the respect of the men. Your men respect you and love you for your strength of character and your unrivaled strength of heart."
His father's insight went straight to Aragorn's soul. How could the elf be here so little time and yet unravel all the mysteries of Aragorn's life among the rangers?
Seeing the look of wonder in his son's eyes, Elrond smirked, "You forget, I once was a warrior like you. I know what I admired most in the ones that lead me into battle and they taught me well how to be a leader in my own rights."
"I had a good teacher as well," Aragorn softly said, his gratitude shining in his eyes.
Elrond nearly blushed at his son's compliment, instead he ruffled his son's hair like his elven sons were so fond of doing.
"Ada!" Aragorn protested like he always did when his brothers treated him to such affection and started to raise a hand to put his locks back into place. Before he could do so, Elrond gently ran his hand through his son's hair and settled the dark strands back into place.
"There, nothing is amiss," Elrond proclaimed giving Aragorn's hair a last inspection before he looked pointedly to his son's eyes, "except for the fact that you stand here bleeding."
"Good thing I know a very capable healer," Aragorn replied, joy spreading through him at the loving banter he thought never to share with his father again.
"Indeed," Elrond smirked with a raised eyebrow even as he stepped to his son's side and, with a firm hand upon the man's upper arm, began to usher Aragorn into his tent. It did not take his heightened elven senses to detect the trembling in his youngest son as the strain of walking taxed the man's waning strength. Having maneuvered into the tent's depths, leaving any observant ranger eyes behind, Elrond immediately wrapped his arm around his son's waist and pulled the man against him to better support his weight as the twosome made their way to the nearest cot.
Gently Elrond eased his son upon the cot and with deft fingers, undid his son's sword belt and leaned Aragorn's sword respectfully against the cot, within easy reach of the ranger. Without earning any protests, Elrond pushed his son to lay down upon the bed but when he picked up his son's legs and began to swing them unto the cot, Aragorn put a restraining hand upon his father's arm to halt his progress. "My boots.... they are muddy."
"Am I to be surprised at that?" Elrond quirked and firmly settled his son's legs onto the cot, muddy boots and all. It may have been ages since he had been a warrior but he knew that a ranger could not be caught unawares in the middle of the night, and that meant many times going to bed with their boots on, ready to deal with any threats that may arise at a moment's notice.
"Now your bed is muddy," Aragorn sighed in displeasure as his father leaned over him and pressed his back into the contours of the bedding.
Elrond smiled mischievously, "My bed? Nah, Elladan's bed is now muddy."
Aragorn could not hold back a gentle laugh. "And you wonder where your sons get their roguish streaks."
Love and memories flittered through the elven eyes that stared down at Aragorn. "But each of you have outdone me ten fold on that character trait!"
Sobered by being numbered among Elrond's sons, Aragorn did not reply but fell silent, his eyes studying every detail of the one he had grown to love as a father.
Feeling uncomfortable under his son's scrutiny, Elrond knelt on the ground beside Aragorn and began his task. Tenderly moving Aragorn's arm from the wounds and placing it upon the bed, Elrond drew in a sharp breath at the amount of the blood staining his son's white shirt. Suddenly he leaned over and retrieved a cloth from a bowl of water that rested on the floor.
After squeezing out the excess water from the cloth, Elrond lifted Aragorn's shirt and with careful strokes began to wash away the blood that painted his son's skin.
"You had that bowl of water prepared and I smell Athelas," Aragorn surmised his eyes still fixed upon Elrond's worried features. "How did I ever think I could keep torn stitches from you?"
Elrond's eyes flickered up to Aragorn's before returning to the mentioned stitches, "Or your pain," Elrond softly added to Aragorn's question. Now having cleaned the area enough to see the wounds, he almost sighed. Nearly all the stitches in the wound to his son's right side were torn...no surprise considering that his son welded his sword in his right hand. Running his fingers lightly over the other wound he was relieved to only find a few stitches broken but he did not miss his son's sharp intake of breath even at his merest of touches. Then, remembering his son's newest injury, Elrond ripped the left sleeve of his son's shirt to reveal the cut the arrow had inflicted upon the man's flesh. Washing the wound he noted it was not deep enough to need stitches.
Looking to his son's placid face, Elrond broke the bad news. "I will have to restitch the entire length of the wound to your right side. The other sword wound only requires a few new stitches and your arm needs only to be cleaned and wrapped."
A light still sparked in the man's pained eyes, "Do not dare tell Legolas how many stitches you have to put in again. He will lecture me unending."
"Do you think you are undeserving of such a lecture?" Elrond quirked, a smile turning up his lips but Aragorn could tell the elf would have gladly given him the lecture if he felt more firm of his place in his son's life at the moment.
"Most likely not but it seems less humiliating to have you lecture me rather than him...he tends to do it most loudly and always among a most receptive audience."
Elrond chuckled, fighting the urge to embrace his son for surely the barriers that had stood between them were crumbling. "Alright, I will protect you from Legolas's lecture...but I make no promises about sparing you my own lecture...when all is well."
Aragorn knew the elf did not speak of the outcome of the battle only. The elf wanted things to be well between them, for things to be as they once were. For the first time, so did Aragorn. But wanting it and achieving it seemed like vastly different objectives.
Picking up a cup from the ground, Elrond prompted, "Drink some of this for the pain," as he slid his hand behind Aragorn's head and put the cup to the man's lips. After the man had taken a few swallows of the liquid, Elrond pulled the cup away and eased the man's head back upon the bed. Then the elf picked up a metal clamp off of the small makeshift nightstand in the room and gave his son an assessing look.
"I am ready," Aragorn announced though he did not welcome the coming pain.
Nodding, Elrond began to remove his son's torn stitches. Under his healer hands he felt Aragorn's body taunt with agony and he spared a look to his son's face and was not heartened to see the man had his eyes closed and his jaw was clenched tightly. Knowing there was nothing more to be done to ease his son's pain, Elrond determinedly continued with his task until each torn stitch was removed.
Soaking another cloth in the bowl, Elrond wiped his son's sweat drenched face. Pained eyes watched him in silence. "Do you remember when I let you first stitch up a wound?"
Aragorn nodded marginally. "Yes...on you," his voice rough with exhaustion and pain. A small smile graced his bone white face, "I thought you were going to pass out when I said I lost the needle in your arm."
Elrond ran a hand lightly through Aragorn's hair as he smiled and nodded his head. "I nearly did. Your sick sense of humor started at an early age."
"Maybe early for an elf but.."
"You are no elf," Elrond finished his son's often phrased excuse for his outrageous actions. But seeing his son's eyes darken with uncertainty, he knew the old words now had a more bitter meaning for the man. Softly he clarified as his hand continued to stroke his son's forehead, "I have not forgotten you are human...I have never forgotten that, Estel. But if possible, it made me love you more...knowing that we were different, that our time together would not last forever," his voice thick with emotions. Then getting himself back under control, he sighed dramatically, "Well, I have much work to do yet before I can rest this night so I will stop stalling."
Focusing again upon the wound, Elrond began to painstakingly restitch his son's wounds.
Clenching his teeth to prevent a cry of pain to erupt from him, Aragorn watched Elrond, fascinated by the elf..as he has always been. When the elf's hands stilled, Aragorn drew in a shaky breath. The worst of it was over.
Elrond wiped the cloth over Aragorn's face again but said nothing as he cleaned and wrapped his son's arm. Finishing that task, he looked to Aragorn and found the man's intense gaze seemingly piercing his soul. "Lay here and regain your strength. I will wrap your stomach wounds when you rise," he advised as he pulled a blanket over his son and then began to step away from the cot.
Aragorn's hand shot out and latched onto Elrond's arm, cutting off the elf's escape. Surprised elven eyes met his own. Steeling his nerves, Aragorn forced the words from his throat. "Today, you did not risk your life to save the Heir of Isildur," his quiet words in the tone of a statement but Elrond knew the question that lurked in his son's heart.
"No. I did it to save my son ...whom I love more dearly than my own life," Elrond confessed.
"Your letters..."
Desperately, Elrond arrested the words his son would say, "If I could unmake that heartless decision from those years past I would Aragorn." His hand clenched into a fist as he continued with bitter guilt, "I would have spared you Barion's "guardianship"."
How Aragorn wanted to believe his father's words but he could not ...not yet. "Fate undid your decision ...but are you truly glad that it did...that I came into your life?"
Elrond's eyes filled with tears and he put a hand to his son's cheek. "Only every day, every time I think of you and every time I look upon you. You are my son, Estel. And I have never once regretted letting you into my heart."
"Ada...I am sorry.." Aragorn brokenly apologized as all his barriers crumbled under the weight of his father's love. Instantly he was engulfed in his father's embrace.
"Shhhh..." Elrond quieted his son's unneeded apology as he held his son in his arms and placed a kiss in the man's hair. "I was at fault." But he could feel his son's head shaking against his shoulder in denial. "Just tell me that you are still my son...that I still retain the honor of being your father."
Aragorn pulled back slightly to look into his father's eyes, "I am your son, Ada, as I forever will be."
Elrond's hands framed Aragorn's face as peace washed over him. "And I am your father, forever, Estel."
Aragorn smiled and for the first time, the speck of darkness that Barion had ignited in his soul faded away. "Does this mean I have opened myself up to that lecture you have been dying to give me?"
Elrond eased his son back upon the bed and tenderly swept stray locks from Aragorn's brow, "Definitely...but it can wait awhile...when we have some privacy and I have no need to keep my tone low."
Aragorn smirked, "I think I should thank you for that consideration but I just can not find it in me to do so. Maybe I would prefer the lecture from Legolas!"
"Too late," Elrond sallied back but frowned as he saw a matching expression overtake his son's features. "More weighs upon you that you have not spoken of."
Sighing, Aragorn confessed, "I fear for tomorrow. Barion has already defeated me once...and then I was not sporting three wounds. How can I win victory? And do not say that I should not face him for that is not an option," Aragorn warned.
Solemnly, Elrond shook his head, "No, I know I can not sway your decision."
"I feel conflicted ...I do not know who I should be tomorrow. Strider, Aragorn or Estel?"
Elrond claimed a seat on the edge of his son's cot. "You must be all of them, Estel. Each name represents another strength you possess, another set of experiences that have molded you to be the honorable man you are."
"I...I do not know how to be them all. Everyone expects me to be someone different...even you. It is Estel that you reared to value your elven heritage. You would not like the blood that stains Strider's soul and you despise the cowardice of Aragorn as he runs from his desti...."
Elrond's fingers fell upon Aragorn's lips, stopping the words the man would say. "No!" Elrond denied, his very heart in his throat. "I love you ...all of you. Do you think I do not wish to remove the burden that rests upon you as Aragorn?! That I do not understand the cost of peace, that Strider must shed blood to save it? I understand your decisions well, my son, and I respect you for them. I offer you no condemnation and I have never despised you or your "strength" to walk your own path. You can show me all of you, Estel...I will not love you less. And tomorrow, Barion will face the man I know you to be, the man whose strength of heart upholds all that walk this life with him."
"But will it be enough...will my strength be enough?"
"Do not doubt yourself. This time Barion has to face Estel, Aragorn and Strider."
Aragorn raised an eyebrow in question. "You just said I was all three of these personalities."
"Yes, but you were not when you last battled Barion...he made sure that you buried Estel too deeply to aid you in your fight."
Aragorn couldn't help but to tease his father, "Please do not say "buried."
Hatred flared in the elf's eyes instead of humor but Aragorn snagged his father's hand. "It is a joke, Ada."
"Not a good one, my son."
Aragorn sobered, "Thank you...you have always been there for me...even when I ruthlessly push you away."
"That is what a father does, Aragorn. He is there for his child...no matter what. Now get some sleep," Elrond ordered and with satisfaction he watched as Aragorn's eyes slid shut. When the man's breathing evened out into sleep, Elrond lightly stroked his son's pale cheek before he claimed a seat on the closest cot. Contently he watched his son sleep, determined that his worry for the morrow would not ruin this moment of happiness.
TBC
Replies to Reviews:T.A. Hagen: Thank you so much for breaking your silence and giving me such a wonderful review! I laughed when you said you printed out the story and it took quite a lot of paper...I agree! I can't believe how long this story has turned out to be..the longest I've ever written but it's been so much fun to write that I don't want to cheat in any scene. I was very very very touched that you printed the story out so you could savor it!!! (I tend to do that myself with Cassia's stories.) Your review was the first one I read and I felt so relieved that you said I didn't disappoint you with the chapter! I am always nervous about posting and hoping I didn't miss the mark with the emotions or the plot. And as you know this chapter was dedicated to Elrond and Aragorn's reconciliation and that comfort/mothering you asked for. I hope it meets with your approval...it was hard to know what they would say to one another to patch these up. I, too, feel like Aragorn needs a sanctuary against the harshness that is his life and Elrond provides that for him. I'm relieved that you were not disappointed with my version of Elrond saving Aragorn and I'm hoping it came across clear. It was kinda tricky to write and I tried different points of view before I settled on the version you read. I hope you drop me your thoughts again...they were much appreciated.
Joslin: Thank you for your wonderful compliment! Yes, you are right Elrond and Aragorn last chapter were "almost back on track!" But I didn't want it to come too easily for them...I don't think if I were Aragorn I'ld simply forget the letters and the hurt they delivered. Glad I didn't offend you with my delayed reply to you! Looking forward to reading your review on this chapter!
MoonFire1: You do not sound like a broken record! You sound like someone's opinion I have come to appreciate! And I relate to your emotions, hurrah for Aragorn and Elrond's pending reconciliation and reprimands go to Aragorn for his total disregard for his own well being! I was pleased that you liked Elrond's rescue of his son and Legolas' loyalty to his friend. Good thing you liked the chapter enough to forgive my "utterly evil cliffhanger" the chapter before! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter!
Sielge: Thank you so much for your awesome compliments! You had me smiling! I really try to make everything seem real so I was very happy that you appreciated my descriptions! Looking forward to your next review!
Claudette: I really was touched that you took the time to send me that email!! And that you recommended my story to someone...you are just wonderful! Thank you for all that fantastic information on LOTR/Tolkien! I'll try to keep it all in mind as I write! And yes, Elrond is starting to see his son in the eyes of others and I think he's even more proud of Aragorn. I think we all have those insecurities about our place in the lives of those we hold dear...even elves like Legolas. I hope you enjoyed Elrond's "mothering" scenes and that you felt they were tastefully done as well as believable. Boy did I struggle with the words those two would say to each other!!! It took me many tried to come up with their conversations. Hope you like the end results. Thanks again and I hope you drop me your thoughts on this chapter!
Nefhiriel: Thanks for appreciating all my hard work in writing last chapter!! I'm pleased that I can provide you your "daily dose" of LOTR....you sound so like me! Glad you pointed out that I still have my anonymity. I'm not feeling so exposed anymore! I know you were looking for "lots of father/son mush". I hope I did it well and that you enjoyed this chapter. As for Halbarad, I really pleased that you liked him...even though you just met him. I just always picked him as being this very loyal friend to Aragorn with some of the same twinkle in the eye that Aragorn has. And your review was beautiful to me...no need to worry about such things as spelling...it's your sentiments that matter! (If you don't believe that you better stop reading my story because as you've noticed, I'm a mess with grammar, spelling and tenses...anything that is correct is due to the spellcheck and my wonderful beta). Waiting impatiently to hear if you liked the Aragorn and Elrond reconciliation!
Lenneth: I too love angst and can't seem to get enough of it! I appreciate that you told me what chapters you liked! I've only read the lotr books once and therefore am a sad novice in the Tolkien worlds so I really didn't know a lot about Halbarad. You said he was one of your favorite characters. What should I read to learn more about him? Glad you liked his inclusion in this story! Thank you for wonderful review!
Elvingirl13737: Yum...I'm here enjoying my candy coated Legolas! I sure am glad you liked the chapter! I thought a little sacrifice on Elrond's part couldn't help but show his son that he loves him! Thank you so much for saying my story telling was "amazing" and my plot was better than many movies!!!! I'm blushing over that one...and doing that happy dance you were doing! I'm always afraid the plot suffers when I get too wrapped up in the angst! But here I thought to "use" the angst to solve the angst...scary logic huh?! I guess I just try to put myself in the emotional state the characters are in and decide what would snap me outta my slump. I really appreciated this review and can't wait for your next one!
Et-spiritus-sancti: I really DO listen to what you have to say and totally appreciate your every review! Since this is a work in progress, your comments help to shape the story so keep them coming! I'm very proud of myself for writing a chapter that you label as your favorite! I think things are most clear when you are forced to put yourself in the other person's position...as Aragorn found himself. I too enjoy seeing Aragorn as the chieftain of the rangers. So many times I feel like he's not appreciated as he should be for his leadership abilities with the rangers. I mean these guys have chosen a very harsh life ..all for public service! Glad you liked and thought my "cutsy" Elrond and Legolas scene seem plausible. I've got a crazy sense of humor and it's a hoot to write funny things for the characters, who I believe, like you do, have wicked sense of humors as well. Sorry the showdown didn't kick into action this chapter like I hoped but definitely it'll be there in next chapter! Like I said, I love hearing your thoughts so please tell me what you thought of this chapter!
Bill the Pony2: Thanks for teaching this poor internet illiterate girl how to read your cool keystrokes! I'm very touched that you look forward to my updates and you know what? I look forward to your reviews as well!
Koriaena: I'm hoping since you didn't think last chapter's forgiveness was coming too soon that you don't object to the reconciliation this chapter?! But you are right, it would be crazy to allow two letters to wipe out years of caring! Aragorn's not that blind to what a good thing he has in his elven family. Thanks for your review!
Marbienl: I love the way you review as you read the story! I was so pleased that immediately saw the correlation between Aragorn's relationship with Thangril and Elrond's relationship with Aragorn! You go girl! As for the other plot bunny you suggested about the ill Aragorn...sounds great! YOU should write it because you have the whole plot down! Let me know what you think! Glad you liked all the interactions last chapter and I'm hoping I pulled off the Elrond and Aragorn reconciliation off well this chapter. Thanks for all your encouragement about my other stories and this story. I owe this story to your prodding...I might have never even attempted to finish it let alone post it without your interest in my writing!! I'm looking VERY forward to your review!!
No Big Deal: I'm still floating over your wonderful review!! I'm really glad you liked the flow of the scenes and liked my usage of Thangril to have Aragorn better understand his own father's position. I knew one of the rangers would get killed by Barion and then I thought it should have good come out of it...like working the reconciliation between the father and son. I think that's the wonder of life...good things coming out of bad things. I love focusing on the details of each character's thoughts and I'm so happy that you don't find that a terrible bore but instead find it makes an enjoyable story. I'm just overwhelmed by that. Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter!
Tailspin: I was so thrilled that you guessed I was a Christian and that my values come through in the story! Sometimes I feel guilty writing these stories because I don't think they are putting my writing talents to the use of God's will. Your words made me realize that I don't have to write a "Christian" story to share my beliefs with others or to give others joy. Thank you. And it's a wonderful compliment to me that you "want" to read my replies to my reviewers! It's just me rambling...not even coherently sometimes. I know I wanted Elrond to rescue Aragorn but the sword throwing idea came to me out of the blue! I'm so glad you could relate to Legolas' uncertainty ...I guess I don't' have to tell you that I've written that scene out of my own experiences. I hate feeling like I don't even belong with the people I've come to depend upon! Life is a tricky thing to master. It was great that you understood that leaders can not be open with their subordinates...sorry though that it comes from real experience! Sometimes I wish I could break all the rules in this life...you know, look people in the eyes, trust strangers, be friends with everyone...ah there I'm showing my naiveté again. I love you for saying I "write the best buddy stories"! Awesome!!! I laugh when you said that I left Aragorn bleeding away!!! See now he's all better. Thanks so much for your wonderful support and I'm looking forward to reading your next review!
Viggomaniac: Now you've got me digging out my dictionary! Praise it is that you give me and I am so loving it. I have to admit to write and rewriting the "Aragorn gets saved" section of the chapter. I just didn't know how to write the action and then I came up with the idea of revealing the whole truth to you the reader and Aragorn in the same manner...kinda backwards. It seemed to work though I was skeptic that I could pull it off. I just thought that as a warrior, Elrond would face battle unflinchingly, but like you said, as a parent there is different fears that can shake your very soul. I love writing the comforting scenes but I'm always hoping I don't make the characters seem weak...I guess that's why I have to take them to such low points to justify such gestures of comfort. As for how Aragorn's going to be able to fight well injured as he is...sorry I didn't get that far in this chapter (nor have I written that part). Guess we'll both find out Aragorn's true strength in the upcoming chapters. Waiting impatiently for your review to show up!
Anon: Thank you for dropping me that wonderful review! Glad you liked how Aragorn's relationship with Thangril opened his eyes to his own father's decision years prior. And you are right, Legolas is a great friend as to how far he will go to protect Aragorn....hey, even I don't know yet. (But I'm working on knowing I promise!) Hope to hear from you again!
Grumpy: I always enjoy reading your reviews and this was no exception! I have to say I loved to envision Aragorn "scolding" his father and then feeling shamefaced! That Legolas is one smart elf isn't he?! And loyal to a fault! Really...destroying evidence of a crime (even if it was just a broken teapot it was still destroying personal property). Looking forward to your next review!
Lindahoyland: Thanks for your wonderful compliments and for giving the chapter your full attention! I'm pleased that the emotions are coming across well because they can be very hard to write! You are right about NOT watching the XFiles at night...too spooky. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds it easy (even fun) to put their characters in dire straits but getting them free of them...well that's a real pickle some times. Looking forward to reading your review for this chapter!
Someone Reading: Your reviews ALWAYS make me smile!! Thank you!!!! So glad you liked the way in which Aragorn was saved! It took me some late night thinking to come up with scenario and then how to write it was another task...a harder one. It makes all my efforts worthwhile when I know I have someone like you who's really invested serious thought into the story and is not disappointed by my solutions to the characters' problems. And I agree, Halbarad must have heard some great stories from Aragorn...I wouldn't mind sitting around their campfires listening to them talk! Sadly enough, I got kinda choked up when I wrote about Thangril...and I killed him! But I thought I would make something good come out of his death...Aragorn finally understanding his father's position and realizing that he truly could have regretted his decision...like Aragorn would have. You are always supportive of my sappy conversations so I'm hoping I did a good job this chapter! Love to hear your thoughts on this chapter!
Tychen:Your insightful thoughts about what Aragorn will need to battle Barion helped me shape this chapter! Thank you!!!! I was very happy that you liked the "interplay" between the characters. I always love finding myself a fly on the wall of complicated relationships...as long as they aren't MY relationships. Please keep those wonderful reviews coming because they really make a difference not only to me but also to the story!
Beling: I loved hearing that you are a Christian!!! I "knew" I felt very safe in your company and now it makes sense! We're on the same track in life! I am so glad you believe I'm not disrespecting my faith in what I write..even in the replies I make to my reviewers! I really worry about that...sometimes you only get one chance to affect someone I certainly don't want to blow it! Now onto your wonderful review of my chapter...what can I say but a huge THANK YOU! You didn't let any of my hard work go to waste! I had to work and rework the battle scenes so your compliments were wonderful to hear! And I couldn't help but believe Aragorn would love the chance to scold his father for "his" recklessness for a change! I know I've got very intelligent readers (which by the way makes me want to pack up my toys and go home where they accept me for being slightly slow) so I try not to write things too simply and yet I always hope they are still clear...like Aragorn understanding Elrond's sacrifice. I too like to envision Elrond as the overprotective parent, fighting for all he is worth to protect the ones he loves. It gives him such a softer feel than he received in the movie versions. I was afraid you would find more angst boring but I'm glad you could side with Legolas's feelings of insecurity... a feeling I know too well. And I had to throw in some humor or I might start crying! Halbarad is fun to write because I know so little of him so I feel I can make him in my own version. As for another story with him in it...I've never actually penned one but I'll keep it in mind. Poor Aragorn...just when he starts to feel like he's going to get a grip on life I go and kill one of his rangers. I'm so incredibly cruel but Thangril's death works some good right?! Yes, that Legolas is wise even beyond "his" years! I think he was wracking his brain all this time trying to find a way to make things right in his best friend's world and when they situation came up...the lightbulb came on! Sorry that the threat of Barion was not faced this chapter...Aragorn's reconciliation with Elrond took longer than I anticipated but I hope you it was well done. Love to know if you thought I handled the emotions well this chapter! And by your beautifully written reviews, you don't need any help from a thesaurus! Your reviews are what keep me writing!
Elven Kitten: Thanks for your compliment! Now remember to NOT cling too tightly to Aragorn cause he's in a little pain right now. Poor ranger.
Thanks for everyone who's taken the time to read this chapter and a big old hug to those who review! For all those wondering if I'm EVER going to wrap this story up...I'm getting there! A few more chapters should see this story to its happy conclusion. So hang in there!
Cheryl W.
By: Cheryl W
Disclaimer: I don't own The Lord of the Rings or anything in conjunction with the Lord of the Rings nor am I making a profit from this story. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 16
Standing just outside the tent he had been appointed, Elrond, lord of Rivendell, drew in a deep breath of unfettered air and tilted his head up to look upon the stars that shone through the canopy of the forest. It had been too long since he had ventured from the palace into the wilds, into the world that was beyond the protected borders of Rivendell. His sharp hearing picked up the almost imperceptible movements of the rangers as they patrolled the camp's perimeter and the quiet conversations held beside the campfires. There was purpose here among these men as well as loyalty and bravery. These men had taken an oath to stand against evil...no matter what horrible form it assumed. Not long ago, Elrond had even heard a rumor that this very band of men had dared to engage in battle against Sauron's deadliest minions, the Nazgul.
A shiver of fear tingled through the elf, not at the thought of the Nazguls but instead at the very real possibility that his son had been among the rangers' numbers. If Aragorn had fought the Nazgul, he had risked more than his life...he had endangered his very soul. When Elrond had first heard the tale, he had wanted to immediately seek out his son and be assured that he was unharmed and that the enemy had not learned of his true lineage. It was only the winter weather that kept him from that desire and then as the snow melted, he had received a letter from his son, though it made no mention of any danger he had faced, it did set the elf's heart to ease to know the man was well. And so he had tried to patiently wait for a time when his son would return to him. Never in all his nightmarish visions had he foreseen that their reunion would be such an agonizingly bitter affair.
Clenching his jaw, Elrond fought hard to contain his emotions as he recalled Aragorn's words to him that day and the sight of his dirt covered son being restrained by Elladan. Valar, 'he' had not tried to stop Estel from leaving...he had just stood rooted to the spot, numb with pain and shame and watched his son walk away from him, maybe forever! 'If Elladan had not stopped Estel from leaving...' a tear slipped down Elrond's cheek as he knew only too well what the outcome would have been. He forced himself to finish his thought. He did not deserve to be spared the painful knowledge. 'Estel would have died, alone and believing that he never had my love.'
Another tear tracked down his cheek at the thought of what had almost been. How many times had he almost let Estel slip from his life?! Even before he had entered it?! 'Bless the Valar for having pity on a fool,' Elrond self de-appreciatively thought, his relief mingling in the sentiment too strong to be dismissed. 'I will not let him slip from my life...not now, not yet. Nor will I let him be in doubt of my love. I will not allow Barion to inflict pain upon Estel tomorrow by brandishing any more wounding lies. No, tonight there will only be truth between my son and I,' Elrond vowed as his eyes again took up their vigil of the dark forest, waiting for the reappearance of Aragorn.
As if his thoughts conjured up the one he sought, Elrond watched as Aragorn stepped from the forest into the soft light emanating from the campfires. Elrond's breath caught as his sharp eyes saw the paleness of his son's features and the dark hued stain on the ranger's shirt. Intent upon going to his son's side, Elrond had taken but two steps before reason forced him to stop his headlong rush. Here, among the rangers, Estel was Strider, a man whose strength and will must seem unwavering, especially in the eyes of those he led. Wrapping his hand around the tent's awning pole, Elrond fought hard to stand fast as his eyes feverishly focused upon his son's every motion.
He saw Aragorn's barely discernible shake of his head and watched as Halbarad, having almost risen to join his chieftain, sat back down on the log by the fire, a frown marring his handsome face a mere moment before his mask was again in place. Elrond's eyes tracked Aragorn as the man skittered from the glow of the firelight and tread the shadowy edges of the camp, his progress slow but determined with an arm braced against his aggravated wounds. Still, Elrond restrained himself from going to Aragorn, his grip upon the pole turning white knuckled as he saw his son halt at the outside of a tent. If Aragorn decided to enter that tent and sought to deny the blood that seeped from his wounds, Elrond would not let that decision stand unchallenged...regardless if it shattered the rangers' invulnerable image of Aragorn. Strider may be the chieftain of the rangers but first he was Estel, son of Elrond.
Without warning, Aragorn unerringly met Elrond's eyes across the camp as if he had been aware of the other's scrutiny all along.
In truth, Aragorn, as soon as he had stepped into the firelight, had the uneasy notion of being closely watched. Immediately he sought out the location of the most likely suspect: Halbarad. Knowing the ranger would not have gone far from him, he first looked at the closest campfire and was rewarded with the sight of a rising Halbarad. With a shake of his head and a small reassuring smile, Aragorn told his kinsman that he was well and did not require his presence at his side. Ignoring the disappointment in the other's eyes at his denial, Aragorn began to walk toward his tent. Halbarad did not yet understand that being at his chieftain's side was not an honor ...instead it was most often a place of extreme danger...as it would be tomorrow.
Feeling exposed and vulnerable in the glow of the campfires, Aragorn retreated into the dark fringes of the camp. Even immersed again in darkness, he could not conceal his uncertainty from himself. He had thought he was capable of being the self-assured Strider again ...until he saw his men seated around the campfires, readying their weapons for the morrow, noticed that a light still flickered in the healing tent and heard the virtually undetectable movements of a patrol guarding the perimeters of the camp. Every ranger knew his place, his duty. 'So why do I not?' Aragorn's heart demanded in shame. He had thought he had been blessed with the privilege of finding kinship among men, elves, and the Dunedain but now he felt segregated from all three races, as if his allegiance had been spread too thin to withstand this test. How long could he bear the weight of being Strider, Aragorn and Estel?! Especially when each name required so much of his soul! 'Do not let these matters wear upon you, not now! Concentrate on tomorrow's battle!' he sternly ordered of himself. But that only sprang more worries to his mind. Who would meet Barion on the morrow? Strider, Aragorn or Estel? Who was the strongest, the wisest, the bravest, the greatest figher? Who could achieve victory against Barion and yet dare to face death if it be his fate? Who had he been when Barion had defeated him and condemned him into the depths of the tomb?
A shiver trembled through Aragorn, his memories too sharp and clear. 'You must banish these thoughts or Barion will use them against you, you know this. The man has cruel insight into your weaknesses and he will exploit them with every word you give him chance to utter,' Aragorn sternly rebuked himself. Setting his jaw with determination, Aragorn straightened up further as he walked to his tent.
Yes, he had promised Legolas that he would let his father restitch his wounds but he could not face Elrond. Not now when he knew his emotions were so visible even to the most unobservant ...and Lord Elrond had never been accused of being unobservant ...especially when it concerned his children. No, instead he would lie down and compose himself before seeking out the elf lord's healing aid. But he could not keep his thoughts silent, 'You are a coward, Estel! You do not face your father because you have begun to realize what a fool you have been.' A flinch that had nothing to do with physical pain flickered over Aragorn's face.
'Will you find courage tomorrow when you have none tonight?!' Aragorn challenged sourly. Drawing in a deep breath, he turned from his tent and began to make his way slowly to the tent the rangers always offered to wayward travelers. He almost came to a stop when he saw Elrond standing tautly at the tent's entrance, his hand tightly gripping one of the outer tent poles and his sharp eyes fixed upon his youngest son. With quick comprehension, Aragorn knew the elf's eyes had tracked him the moment he had reentered the camp. It was also obvious to Aragorn that the elf had barely restrained himself from coming to his side.
Valiantly attempting to wipe the emotions from his features, Aragorn stepped under the tent's small canopy and came to a stop facing his father. To his surprise, Elrond said nothing. However, Aragorn did not miss the tense set of the elf's jaw or the dark emotions swirling in the eyes he knew so well.
There was much to be said between them but the words would not come easily...for either of them.
"Where are Elladan and Elrohir?" Aragorn asked, breaking the silence with his rough voice. "Are they well?" true worry hued his words for he had seen his brother's join Elrond in the forest but, having found himself surrounded by the rangers, Aragorn had not been able to give them the assessing look that would satisfy his concerned heart.
Elrond was quick to reassure his son. "Have no worry. They did not sustain any injuries. Elrohir is helping to tend to the remaining wounded and Elladan joined a perimeter patrol."
Remembering all too well the danger his father had faced in the skirmish, Aragorn questioned, his words low and thick, "Are you well?" as his eyes scanned the elven lord for any signs of harm.
"I am unhurt," Elrond replied, his heart lightened at his son's obvious concern.
Aragorn nodded in relief and silence fell upon them again. It felt like they were two strangers ...too uncomfortable strangers conversing. Causally he broke the silence, "I am surprised that you are not also tending to the wounded with Elrohir," his eyes turning the statement into a question.
A false but cautious excuse came upon Elrond's lips...but he did not utter it. He had sworn to never offer up a lie to his son again...and this was one vow he meant to keep. His voice was quiet as his eyes unwaveringly met Aragorn's. "I wanted to be available to aid you...if you wished it."
Surprise stirred within Aragorn at his father's words. Assessing the elf's demeanor, Aragorn sought to know how truthful the elf's words were. Warmth spread over Aragorn's heart. He detected no deception in the other...only love.
Interpreting Aragorn's long silence and intense stare as a denial of his offer, Elrond stammered, his heart breaking at the continued rejection. "Of course if you prefer to be tended by one of your men, I will seek out the healer and tell him you are in need of his ..."
Aragorn laid a hand upon the elf's shoulder. Instantly, Elrond's words faded away as he reveled in Aragorn's touch, the first touch initiated by his son for so very long.
"I wish you to tend to me," Aragorn softly requested. Then to Elrond's surprise, a hint of a mischievously embarrassed smile came upon his son's face. "I may have torn a few of your stitches in the course of the battle."
"May have?" Elrond challenged, his tone too light to be a true reprimand, while his eyes did not stray from his son's.
Aragorn could not help hold back a full-fledged smile. "Why do I feel I am telling you something you already know?"
Not answering his son, Elrond merely shook his head in sarcastic disapproval. "Come. Let us see how many stitches remain intact," he gently bade as his hand indicated that his son should enter his tent.
Finding that he did not now dread the approaching solitude with his father, Aragorn intended to enter the tent without hesitation. However, his body had other ideas. He had taken but one step before a lightheadedness made the world tilt around him.
Seeing his son falter, Elrond, instantly crossing the distance that separated them, wrapped his hands around the man's arms. Worriedly he watched as Aragorn shut his eyes and took in a deep breath. Instinctively Elrond drew closer to his son until the man was unconsciously leaning against his chest. It took all of Elrond's will to not gather his son into his arms and carry him into the tent but he refused to damage the respect his son had earned among the rangers.
Thinking of that very reputation, Aragorn opened his eyes and pulled back from his father but did not try to escape the other's grasp. "Thank you. I almost disgraced myself among my men," Aragorn tried to make light of his near collapse.
Elrond, however, found no levity in the situation as he heard how weak Aragorn's voice was and saw that his son's face lacked all color. "Your men do not know the true extent of your injuries, if they did they would not judge you your weakness," Elrond quietly replied.
Aragorn's eyes held Elrond's. "A leader can know no weakness....unless he wishes to no longer "be" a leader."
"Do you think these men follow you for only your physical strength, Estel?" Elrond softly questioned with gentle reprove. "Many rangers are strong yet they do not garner the respect of the men. Your men respect you and love you for your strength of character and your unrivaled strength of heart."
His father's insight went straight to Aragorn's soul. How could the elf be here so little time and yet unravel all the mysteries of Aragorn's life among the rangers?
Seeing the look of wonder in his son's eyes, Elrond smirked, "You forget, I once was a warrior like you. I know what I admired most in the ones that lead me into battle and they taught me well how to be a leader in my own rights."
"I had a good teacher as well," Aragorn softly said, his gratitude shining in his eyes.
Elrond nearly blushed at his son's compliment, instead he ruffled his son's hair like his elven sons were so fond of doing.
"Ada!" Aragorn protested like he always did when his brothers treated him to such affection and started to raise a hand to put his locks back into place. Before he could do so, Elrond gently ran his hand through his son's hair and settled the dark strands back into place.
"There, nothing is amiss," Elrond proclaimed giving Aragorn's hair a last inspection before he looked pointedly to his son's eyes, "except for the fact that you stand here bleeding."
"Good thing I know a very capable healer," Aragorn replied, joy spreading through him at the loving banter he thought never to share with his father again.
"Indeed," Elrond smirked with a raised eyebrow even as he stepped to his son's side and, with a firm hand upon the man's upper arm, began to usher Aragorn into his tent. It did not take his heightened elven senses to detect the trembling in his youngest son as the strain of walking taxed the man's waning strength. Having maneuvered into the tent's depths, leaving any observant ranger eyes behind, Elrond immediately wrapped his arm around his son's waist and pulled the man against him to better support his weight as the twosome made their way to the nearest cot.
Gently Elrond eased his son upon the cot and with deft fingers, undid his son's sword belt and leaned Aragorn's sword respectfully against the cot, within easy reach of the ranger. Without earning any protests, Elrond pushed his son to lay down upon the bed but when he picked up his son's legs and began to swing them unto the cot, Aragorn put a restraining hand upon his father's arm to halt his progress. "My boots.... they are muddy."
"Am I to be surprised at that?" Elrond quirked and firmly settled his son's legs onto the cot, muddy boots and all. It may have been ages since he had been a warrior but he knew that a ranger could not be caught unawares in the middle of the night, and that meant many times going to bed with their boots on, ready to deal with any threats that may arise at a moment's notice.
"Now your bed is muddy," Aragorn sighed in displeasure as his father leaned over him and pressed his back into the contours of the bedding.
Elrond smiled mischievously, "My bed? Nah, Elladan's bed is now muddy."
Aragorn could not hold back a gentle laugh. "And you wonder where your sons get their roguish streaks."
Love and memories flittered through the elven eyes that stared down at Aragorn. "But each of you have outdone me ten fold on that character trait!"
Sobered by being numbered among Elrond's sons, Aragorn did not reply but fell silent, his eyes studying every detail of the one he had grown to love as a father.
Feeling uncomfortable under his son's scrutiny, Elrond knelt on the ground beside Aragorn and began his task. Tenderly moving Aragorn's arm from the wounds and placing it upon the bed, Elrond drew in a sharp breath at the amount of the blood staining his son's white shirt. Suddenly he leaned over and retrieved a cloth from a bowl of water that rested on the floor.
After squeezing out the excess water from the cloth, Elrond lifted Aragorn's shirt and with careful strokes began to wash away the blood that painted his son's skin.
"You had that bowl of water prepared and I smell Athelas," Aragorn surmised his eyes still fixed upon Elrond's worried features. "How did I ever think I could keep torn stitches from you?"
Elrond's eyes flickered up to Aragorn's before returning to the mentioned stitches, "Or your pain," Elrond softly added to Aragorn's question. Now having cleaned the area enough to see the wounds, he almost sighed. Nearly all the stitches in the wound to his son's right side were torn...no surprise considering that his son welded his sword in his right hand. Running his fingers lightly over the other wound he was relieved to only find a few stitches broken but he did not miss his son's sharp intake of breath even at his merest of touches. Then, remembering his son's newest injury, Elrond ripped the left sleeve of his son's shirt to reveal the cut the arrow had inflicted upon the man's flesh. Washing the wound he noted it was not deep enough to need stitches.
Looking to his son's placid face, Elrond broke the bad news. "I will have to restitch the entire length of the wound to your right side. The other sword wound only requires a few new stitches and your arm needs only to be cleaned and wrapped."
A light still sparked in the man's pained eyes, "Do not dare tell Legolas how many stitches you have to put in again. He will lecture me unending."
"Do you think you are undeserving of such a lecture?" Elrond quirked, a smile turning up his lips but Aragorn could tell the elf would have gladly given him the lecture if he felt more firm of his place in his son's life at the moment.
"Most likely not but it seems less humiliating to have you lecture me rather than him...he tends to do it most loudly and always among a most receptive audience."
Elrond chuckled, fighting the urge to embrace his son for surely the barriers that had stood between them were crumbling. "Alright, I will protect you from Legolas's lecture...but I make no promises about sparing you my own lecture...when all is well."
Aragorn knew the elf did not speak of the outcome of the battle only. The elf wanted things to be well between them, for things to be as they once were. For the first time, so did Aragorn. But wanting it and achieving it seemed like vastly different objectives.
Picking up a cup from the ground, Elrond prompted, "Drink some of this for the pain," as he slid his hand behind Aragorn's head and put the cup to the man's lips. After the man had taken a few swallows of the liquid, Elrond pulled the cup away and eased the man's head back upon the bed. Then the elf picked up a metal clamp off of the small makeshift nightstand in the room and gave his son an assessing look.
"I am ready," Aragorn announced though he did not welcome the coming pain.
Nodding, Elrond began to remove his son's torn stitches. Under his healer hands he felt Aragorn's body taunt with agony and he spared a look to his son's face and was not heartened to see the man had his eyes closed and his jaw was clenched tightly. Knowing there was nothing more to be done to ease his son's pain, Elrond determinedly continued with his task until each torn stitch was removed.
Soaking another cloth in the bowl, Elrond wiped his son's sweat drenched face. Pained eyes watched him in silence. "Do you remember when I let you first stitch up a wound?"
Aragorn nodded marginally. "Yes...on you," his voice rough with exhaustion and pain. A small smile graced his bone white face, "I thought you were going to pass out when I said I lost the needle in your arm."
Elrond ran a hand lightly through Aragorn's hair as he smiled and nodded his head. "I nearly did. Your sick sense of humor started at an early age."
"Maybe early for an elf but.."
"You are no elf," Elrond finished his son's often phrased excuse for his outrageous actions. But seeing his son's eyes darken with uncertainty, he knew the old words now had a more bitter meaning for the man. Softly he clarified as his hand continued to stroke his son's forehead, "I have not forgotten you are human...I have never forgotten that, Estel. But if possible, it made me love you more...knowing that we were different, that our time together would not last forever," his voice thick with emotions. Then getting himself back under control, he sighed dramatically, "Well, I have much work to do yet before I can rest this night so I will stop stalling."
Focusing again upon the wound, Elrond began to painstakingly restitch his son's wounds.
Clenching his teeth to prevent a cry of pain to erupt from him, Aragorn watched Elrond, fascinated by the elf..as he has always been. When the elf's hands stilled, Aragorn drew in a shaky breath. The worst of it was over.
Elrond wiped the cloth over Aragorn's face again but said nothing as he cleaned and wrapped his son's arm. Finishing that task, he looked to Aragorn and found the man's intense gaze seemingly piercing his soul. "Lay here and regain your strength. I will wrap your stomach wounds when you rise," he advised as he pulled a blanket over his son and then began to step away from the cot.
Aragorn's hand shot out and latched onto Elrond's arm, cutting off the elf's escape. Surprised elven eyes met his own. Steeling his nerves, Aragorn forced the words from his throat. "Today, you did not risk your life to save the Heir of Isildur," his quiet words in the tone of a statement but Elrond knew the question that lurked in his son's heart.
"No. I did it to save my son ...whom I love more dearly than my own life," Elrond confessed.
"Your letters..."
Desperately, Elrond arrested the words his son would say, "If I could unmake that heartless decision from those years past I would Aragorn." His hand clenched into a fist as he continued with bitter guilt, "I would have spared you Barion's "guardianship"."
How Aragorn wanted to believe his father's words but he could not ...not yet. "Fate undid your decision ...but are you truly glad that it did...that I came into your life?"
Elrond's eyes filled with tears and he put a hand to his son's cheek. "Only every day, every time I think of you and every time I look upon you. You are my son, Estel. And I have never once regretted letting you into my heart."
"Ada...I am sorry.." Aragorn brokenly apologized as all his barriers crumbled under the weight of his father's love. Instantly he was engulfed in his father's embrace.
"Shhhh..." Elrond quieted his son's unneeded apology as he held his son in his arms and placed a kiss in the man's hair. "I was at fault." But he could feel his son's head shaking against his shoulder in denial. "Just tell me that you are still my son...that I still retain the honor of being your father."
Aragorn pulled back slightly to look into his father's eyes, "I am your son, Ada, as I forever will be."
Elrond's hands framed Aragorn's face as peace washed over him. "And I am your father, forever, Estel."
Aragorn smiled and for the first time, the speck of darkness that Barion had ignited in his soul faded away. "Does this mean I have opened myself up to that lecture you have been dying to give me?"
Elrond eased his son back upon the bed and tenderly swept stray locks from Aragorn's brow, "Definitely...but it can wait awhile...when we have some privacy and I have no need to keep my tone low."
Aragorn smirked, "I think I should thank you for that consideration but I just can not find it in me to do so. Maybe I would prefer the lecture from Legolas!"
"Too late," Elrond sallied back but frowned as he saw a matching expression overtake his son's features. "More weighs upon you that you have not spoken of."
Sighing, Aragorn confessed, "I fear for tomorrow. Barion has already defeated me once...and then I was not sporting three wounds. How can I win victory? And do not say that I should not face him for that is not an option," Aragorn warned.
Solemnly, Elrond shook his head, "No, I know I can not sway your decision."
"I feel conflicted ...I do not know who I should be tomorrow. Strider, Aragorn or Estel?"
Elrond claimed a seat on the edge of his son's cot. "You must be all of them, Estel. Each name represents another strength you possess, another set of experiences that have molded you to be the honorable man you are."
"I...I do not know how to be them all. Everyone expects me to be someone different...even you. It is Estel that you reared to value your elven heritage. You would not like the blood that stains Strider's soul and you despise the cowardice of Aragorn as he runs from his desti...."
Elrond's fingers fell upon Aragorn's lips, stopping the words the man would say. "No!" Elrond denied, his very heart in his throat. "I love you ...all of you. Do you think I do not wish to remove the burden that rests upon you as Aragorn?! That I do not understand the cost of peace, that Strider must shed blood to save it? I understand your decisions well, my son, and I respect you for them. I offer you no condemnation and I have never despised you or your "strength" to walk your own path. You can show me all of you, Estel...I will not love you less. And tomorrow, Barion will face the man I know you to be, the man whose strength of heart upholds all that walk this life with him."
"But will it be enough...will my strength be enough?"
"Do not doubt yourself. This time Barion has to face Estel, Aragorn and Strider."
Aragorn raised an eyebrow in question. "You just said I was all three of these personalities."
"Yes, but you were not when you last battled Barion...he made sure that you buried Estel too deeply to aid you in your fight."
Aragorn couldn't help but to tease his father, "Please do not say "buried."
Hatred flared in the elf's eyes instead of humor but Aragorn snagged his father's hand. "It is a joke, Ada."
"Not a good one, my son."
Aragorn sobered, "Thank you...you have always been there for me...even when I ruthlessly push you away."
"That is what a father does, Aragorn. He is there for his child...no matter what. Now get some sleep," Elrond ordered and with satisfaction he watched as Aragorn's eyes slid shut. When the man's breathing evened out into sleep, Elrond lightly stroked his son's pale cheek before he claimed a seat on the closest cot. Contently he watched his son sleep, determined that his worry for the morrow would not ruin this moment of happiness.
TBC
Replies to Reviews:T.A. Hagen: Thank you so much for breaking your silence and giving me such a wonderful review! I laughed when you said you printed out the story and it took quite a lot of paper...I agree! I can't believe how long this story has turned out to be..the longest I've ever written but it's been so much fun to write that I don't want to cheat in any scene. I was very very very touched that you printed the story out so you could savor it!!! (I tend to do that myself with Cassia's stories.) Your review was the first one I read and I felt so relieved that you said I didn't disappoint you with the chapter! I am always nervous about posting and hoping I didn't miss the mark with the emotions or the plot. And as you know this chapter was dedicated to Elrond and Aragorn's reconciliation and that comfort/mothering you asked for. I hope it meets with your approval...it was hard to know what they would say to one another to patch these up. I, too, feel like Aragorn needs a sanctuary against the harshness that is his life and Elrond provides that for him. I'm relieved that you were not disappointed with my version of Elrond saving Aragorn and I'm hoping it came across clear. It was kinda tricky to write and I tried different points of view before I settled on the version you read. I hope you drop me your thoughts again...they were much appreciated.
Joslin: Thank you for your wonderful compliment! Yes, you are right Elrond and Aragorn last chapter were "almost back on track!" But I didn't want it to come too easily for them...I don't think if I were Aragorn I'ld simply forget the letters and the hurt they delivered. Glad I didn't offend you with my delayed reply to you! Looking forward to reading your review on this chapter!
MoonFire1: You do not sound like a broken record! You sound like someone's opinion I have come to appreciate! And I relate to your emotions, hurrah for Aragorn and Elrond's pending reconciliation and reprimands go to Aragorn for his total disregard for his own well being! I was pleased that you liked Elrond's rescue of his son and Legolas' loyalty to his friend. Good thing you liked the chapter enough to forgive my "utterly evil cliffhanger" the chapter before! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter!
Sielge: Thank you so much for your awesome compliments! You had me smiling! I really try to make everything seem real so I was very happy that you appreciated my descriptions! Looking forward to your next review!
Claudette: I really was touched that you took the time to send me that email!! And that you recommended my story to someone...you are just wonderful! Thank you for all that fantastic information on LOTR/Tolkien! I'll try to keep it all in mind as I write! And yes, Elrond is starting to see his son in the eyes of others and I think he's even more proud of Aragorn. I think we all have those insecurities about our place in the lives of those we hold dear...even elves like Legolas. I hope you enjoyed Elrond's "mothering" scenes and that you felt they were tastefully done as well as believable. Boy did I struggle with the words those two would say to each other!!! It took me many tried to come up with their conversations. Hope you like the end results. Thanks again and I hope you drop me your thoughts on this chapter!
Nefhiriel: Thanks for appreciating all my hard work in writing last chapter!! I'm pleased that I can provide you your "daily dose" of LOTR....you sound so like me! Glad you pointed out that I still have my anonymity. I'm not feeling so exposed anymore! I know you were looking for "lots of father/son mush". I hope I did it well and that you enjoyed this chapter. As for Halbarad, I really pleased that you liked him...even though you just met him. I just always picked him as being this very loyal friend to Aragorn with some of the same twinkle in the eye that Aragorn has. And your review was beautiful to me...no need to worry about such things as spelling...it's your sentiments that matter! (If you don't believe that you better stop reading my story because as you've noticed, I'm a mess with grammar, spelling and tenses...anything that is correct is due to the spellcheck and my wonderful beta). Waiting impatiently to hear if you liked the Aragorn and Elrond reconciliation!
Lenneth: I too love angst and can't seem to get enough of it! I appreciate that you told me what chapters you liked! I've only read the lotr books once and therefore am a sad novice in the Tolkien worlds so I really didn't know a lot about Halbarad. You said he was one of your favorite characters. What should I read to learn more about him? Glad you liked his inclusion in this story! Thank you for wonderful review!
Elvingirl13737: Yum...I'm here enjoying my candy coated Legolas! I sure am glad you liked the chapter! I thought a little sacrifice on Elrond's part couldn't help but show his son that he loves him! Thank you so much for saying my story telling was "amazing" and my plot was better than many movies!!!! I'm blushing over that one...and doing that happy dance you were doing! I'm always afraid the plot suffers when I get too wrapped up in the angst! But here I thought to "use" the angst to solve the angst...scary logic huh?! I guess I just try to put myself in the emotional state the characters are in and decide what would snap me outta my slump. I really appreciated this review and can't wait for your next one!
Et-spiritus-sancti: I really DO listen to what you have to say and totally appreciate your every review! Since this is a work in progress, your comments help to shape the story so keep them coming! I'm very proud of myself for writing a chapter that you label as your favorite! I think things are most clear when you are forced to put yourself in the other person's position...as Aragorn found himself. I too enjoy seeing Aragorn as the chieftain of the rangers. So many times I feel like he's not appreciated as he should be for his leadership abilities with the rangers. I mean these guys have chosen a very harsh life ..all for public service! Glad you liked and thought my "cutsy" Elrond and Legolas scene seem plausible. I've got a crazy sense of humor and it's a hoot to write funny things for the characters, who I believe, like you do, have wicked sense of humors as well. Sorry the showdown didn't kick into action this chapter like I hoped but definitely it'll be there in next chapter! Like I said, I love hearing your thoughts so please tell me what you thought of this chapter!
Bill the Pony2: Thanks for teaching this poor internet illiterate girl how to read your cool keystrokes! I'm very touched that you look forward to my updates and you know what? I look forward to your reviews as well!
Koriaena: I'm hoping since you didn't think last chapter's forgiveness was coming too soon that you don't object to the reconciliation this chapter?! But you are right, it would be crazy to allow two letters to wipe out years of caring! Aragorn's not that blind to what a good thing he has in his elven family. Thanks for your review!
Marbienl: I love the way you review as you read the story! I was so pleased that immediately saw the correlation between Aragorn's relationship with Thangril and Elrond's relationship with Aragorn! You go girl! As for the other plot bunny you suggested about the ill Aragorn...sounds great! YOU should write it because you have the whole plot down! Let me know what you think! Glad you liked all the interactions last chapter and I'm hoping I pulled off the Elrond and Aragorn reconciliation off well this chapter. Thanks for all your encouragement about my other stories and this story. I owe this story to your prodding...I might have never even attempted to finish it let alone post it without your interest in my writing!! I'm looking VERY forward to your review!!
No Big Deal: I'm still floating over your wonderful review!! I'm really glad you liked the flow of the scenes and liked my usage of Thangril to have Aragorn better understand his own father's position. I knew one of the rangers would get killed by Barion and then I thought it should have good come out of it...like working the reconciliation between the father and son. I think that's the wonder of life...good things coming out of bad things. I love focusing on the details of each character's thoughts and I'm so happy that you don't find that a terrible bore but instead find it makes an enjoyable story. I'm just overwhelmed by that. Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter!
Tailspin: I was so thrilled that you guessed I was a Christian and that my values come through in the story! Sometimes I feel guilty writing these stories because I don't think they are putting my writing talents to the use of God's will. Your words made me realize that I don't have to write a "Christian" story to share my beliefs with others or to give others joy. Thank you. And it's a wonderful compliment to me that you "want" to read my replies to my reviewers! It's just me rambling...not even coherently sometimes. I know I wanted Elrond to rescue Aragorn but the sword throwing idea came to me out of the blue! I'm so glad you could relate to Legolas' uncertainty ...I guess I don't' have to tell you that I've written that scene out of my own experiences. I hate feeling like I don't even belong with the people I've come to depend upon! Life is a tricky thing to master. It was great that you understood that leaders can not be open with their subordinates...sorry though that it comes from real experience! Sometimes I wish I could break all the rules in this life...you know, look people in the eyes, trust strangers, be friends with everyone...ah there I'm showing my naiveté again. I love you for saying I "write the best buddy stories"! Awesome!!! I laugh when you said that I left Aragorn bleeding away!!! See now he's all better. Thanks so much for your wonderful support and I'm looking forward to reading your next review!
Viggomaniac: Now you've got me digging out my dictionary! Praise it is that you give me and I am so loving it. I have to admit to write and rewriting the "Aragorn gets saved" section of the chapter. I just didn't know how to write the action and then I came up with the idea of revealing the whole truth to you the reader and Aragorn in the same manner...kinda backwards. It seemed to work though I was skeptic that I could pull it off. I just thought that as a warrior, Elrond would face battle unflinchingly, but like you said, as a parent there is different fears that can shake your very soul. I love writing the comforting scenes but I'm always hoping I don't make the characters seem weak...I guess that's why I have to take them to such low points to justify such gestures of comfort. As for how Aragorn's going to be able to fight well injured as he is...sorry I didn't get that far in this chapter (nor have I written that part). Guess we'll both find out Aragorn's true strength in the upcoming chapters. Waiting impatiently for your review to show up!
Anon: Thank you for dropping me that wonderful review! Glad you liked how Aragorn's relationship with Thangril opened his eyes to his own father's decision years prior. And you are right, Legolas is a great friend as to how far he will go to protect Aragorn....hey, even I don't know yet. (But I'm working on knowing I promise!) Hope to hear from you again!
Grumpy: I always enjoy reading your reviews and this was no exception! I have to say I loved to envision Aragorn "scolding" his father and then feeling shamefaced! That Legolas is one smart elf isn't he?! And loyal to a fault! Really...destroying evidence of a crime (even if it was just a broken teapot it was still destroying personal property). Looking forward to your next review!
Lindahoyland: Thanks for your wonderful compliments and for giving the chapter your full attention! I'm pleased that the emotions are coming across well because they can be very hard to write! You are right about NOT watching the XFiles at night...too spooky. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds it easy (even fun) to put their characters in dire straits but getting them free of them...well that's a real pickle some times. Looking forward to reading your review for this chapter!
Someone Reading: Your reviews ALWAYS make me smile!! Thank you!!!! So glad you liked the way in which Aragorn was saved! It took me some late night thinking to come up with scenario and then how to write it was another task...a harder one. It makes all my efforts worthwhile when I know I have someone like you who's really invested serious thought into the story and is not disappointed by my solutions to the characters' problems. And I agree, Halbarad must have heard some great stories from Aragorn...I wouldn't mind sitting around their campfires listening to them talk! Sadly enough, I got kinda choked up when I wrote about Thangril...and I killed him! But I thought I would make something good come out of his death...Aragorn finally understanding his father's position and realizing that he truly could have regretted his decision...like Aragorn would have. You are always supportive of my sappy conversations so I'm hoping I did a good job this chapter! Love to hear your thoughts on this chapter!
Tychen:Your insightful thoughts about what Aragorn will need to battle Barion helped me shape this chapter! Thank you!!!! I was very happy that you liked the "interplay" between the characters. I always love finding myself a fly on the wall of complicated relationships...as long as they aren't MY relationships. Please keep those wonderful reviews coming because they really make a difference not only to me but also to the story!
Beling: I loved hearing that you are a Christian!!! I "knew" I felt very safe in your company and now it makes sense! We're on the same track in life! I am so glad you believe I'm not disrespecting my faith in what I write..even in the replies I make to my reviewers! I really worry about that...sometimes you only get one chance to affect someone I certainly don't want to blow it! Now onto your wonderful review of my chapter...what can I say but a huge THANK YOU! You didn't let any of my hard work go to waste! I had to work and rework the battle scenes so your compliments were wonderful to hear! And I couldn't help but believe Aragorn would love the chance to scold his father for "his" recklessness for a change! I know I've got very intelligent readers (which by the way makes me want to pack up my toys and go home where they accept me for being slightly slow) so I try not to write things too simply and yet I always hope they are still clear...like Aragorn understanding Elrond's sacrifice. I too like to envision Elrond as the overprotective parent, fighting for all he is worth to protect the ones he loves. It gives him such a softer feel than he received in the movie versions. I was afraid you would find more angst boring but I'm glad you could side with Legolas's feelings of insecurity... a feeling I know too well. And I had to throw in some humor or I might start crying! Halbarad is fun to write because I know so little of him so I feel I can make him in my own version. As for another story with him in it...I've never actually penned one but I'll keep it in mind. Poor Aragorn...just when he starts to feel like he's going to get a grip on life I go and kill one of his rangers. I'm so incredibly cruel but Thangril's death works some good right?! Yes, that Legolas is wise even beyond "his" years! I think he was wracking his brain all this time trying to find a way to make things right in his best friend's world and when they situation came up...the lightbulb came on! Sorry that the threat of Barion was not faced this chapter...Aragorn's reconciliation with Elrond took longer than I anticipated but I hope you it was well done. Love to know if you thought I handled the emotions well this chapter! And by your beautifully written reviews, you don't need any help from a thesaurus! Your reviews are what keep me writing!
Elven Kitten: Thanks for your compliment! Now remember to NOT cling too tightly to Aragorn cause he's in a little pain right now. Poor ranger.
Thanks for everyone who's taken the time to read this chapter and a big old hug to those who review! For all those wondering if I'm EVER going to wrap this story up...I'm getting there! A few more chapters should see this story to its happy conclusion. So hang in there!
Cheryl W.