Chapter 4
TA 2991 May 2
Elrond and Glorfindel stood at the window of Elrond's study watching the twins play with Farothen.
They were playing the boy's favorite game, 'ranger of the north'. Farothen was the valiant Strider, captain of the Dunedain, of course. The twins were doing a great impression of two hulking orcs.
The 2 Elven lords chuckled when Elrohir fell to the ground 'dead' as Farothen slayed him with his wooden sword before spinning to face Elladan. The older twin sat in a crouch, brandishing a wooden sword much like Farothen's, so as not to be at an advantage, and mock snarled at the younger half-elf.
Farothen straightened his practice bow on his back, like a true warrior, and dived into battle with the 'orc'. Elladan was hard pressed to block the attack.
Glorfindel hummed in approval, "For a boy of barely 9 he is amazingly talented with a blade. He is definitely Estel's son."
Elrond nodded, "Elladan said he's doing well with his bow as well. So who gives him that talent? Does he remind you of anyone, Glorfindel?"
Glorfindel studied Farothen as he defeated Elladan and punched the air with his sword in triumph, a small smug grin on his face. Glorfindel narrowed his gaze. That grin was familiar, but it wasn't from Estel. Nor were the cerulean blue eyes that were now lit up with smug pride.
Glorfindel met Elrond's gaze, knowing they were thinking of the same elf, "Prince Legolas of Mirkwood?"
Elrond nodded, "I believe so. He looks just like Legolas as a child, only with dark hair."
"How is it possible? We've not had dealings with Mirkwood for over a thousand years." Glorfindel said.
Elrond smiled, "Estel is a Dunadan, mellon nin, a ranger. He's traveled all over Middle Earth. I'm sure he's met many people we do not know about."
Glorfindel couldn't help his grin, "If Farothen is anything to go by, Estel did more than meet Prince Legolas."
"Aye," Elrond said, chuckling as the twins tackled Farothen to the ground and began tickling him, "I guess he did."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas walked through the forest outside his father's palace, but well within the boundaries of the realm. Stopping by a small stream he sat down, running his fingers over the surface of the water and watching the ripples. His other hand instinctively sought out the ring that hung over his heart.
It had been nearly 10 years since he had lost his beloved Estel. He still experienced echoes of sadness from the human through their emotional bond. He also felt an abundance of unconditional love aimed at another. Another that wasn't Legolas.
"You brood, ion nin."
Sighing, Legolas stood up and faced his father, "Aye Ada. I fear I have lost Estel. I believe he loves another."
Thranduil released a breath, "You can feel his love for another?"
Legolas shrugged, "Nay, not exactly. But I sense another that Estel gives his love to … along the same bond I have with Estel."
Thranduil reached up to wipe a tear off his son's face, only for it to be replaced by another. Not knowing what else to say, the King of Mirkwood pulled his son into a hug, letting the younger elf cry on his shoulder.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TA 2998 September 4
As Farothen grew from a boy to a teenager, Elladan and Elrohir developed a certain routine. While Elrohir would train Farothen in sword fighting, Elladan trained him on the use of a bow.
Which is what Elladan was doing at that moment.
"Good Farothen," Elladan praised him as the young man (although Elladan would always think of him as a boy) hit the dead center of the target yet again.
"Thanks Uncle," Farothen replied. "Can we try some targets a little further away?"
Elladan gave Farothen an amused grin. "You're a fast learner, Farothen," Elladan said, "and now it appears that you wish to go even faster."
Farothen flashed him a boyish grin. "But I can hit targets further away Uncle. I know I can."
"Can you?" Elladan said, humoring his nephew. "Alright then. Let's see you hit …" Elladan's voice trailed off as he searched for a target for Farothen," … that dead branch up there."
The dead branch was thin and high up. An impossible target for Farothen.
Truth be told, Elladan didn't actually expect Farothen to even try to hit the dead branch. But his nephew surprised him by shooting the arrow off mere seconds after Elladan had declared it a target.
Farothen not only his the dead branch, he cut it clean off. And then turned around to face his uncle with a smug grin on his face.
Elladan stood there stunned.
He had only seen that skill with a bow and that smug grin on one other. And it wasn't Estel.
No one could remember the exact reason for the tensions between Mirkwood and Rivendell, but Lorien remained a neutral ground for elves from both realms. It was there that Elladan had met the Prince of Mirkwood, Legolas Greenleaf. No one had the skill with a bow that Legolas had.
Until Farothen.
Suddenly Elladan was postive who Farothen's 'other' father was.
"Show off," Elladan said, trying to cover up his shock. Farothen just smirked.
"With you as an uncle, Elladan, would you really expect him to be anything else," a voice said from behind them.
"Ada!" Farothen yelled, dropping his bow and running up to Estel.
"How long are you back for this time, Estel?" Elladan asked as Estel and Farothen hugged, "he misses you."
Estel kept his arms around Farothen as he said, "That's why I'm taking him with me this time."
"Really?!" Farothen asked.
"Yes. I think you're ready to travel with me," Estel answered.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Have you seen the ring before Lady Galadriel?" Legolas asked nervously.
Legolas had always assumed that Galadriel and Celeborn's connection to Rivendell (after all, Elrond was their son-in-law) would keep them from helping him in finding Estel.
Thranduil and Elrond weren't enemies, but they weren't the best of friends either.
However, it was clear when Legolas got to Lorien that Galadriel and Celeborn let Elrond fight his own battles.
Now Legolas was nervous as he waited for Galadriel's answer. He needed to find Estel.
"Legolas I'm not sure how you came into possession of this ring," Galadriel started, "but this is the Ring of Barahir."
Legolas paused. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
Galadriel smiled. "It is an heirloom of the line of Luthien and Beren."
Legolas suppressed a groan. "So, … it's an heirloom of the house of Elrond?"
"Actually," Galadriel replied, "the Ring of Barahir was passed down through Elro's line. The owner of this ring is the last surviving heir of Isildur."
Legolas looked surprised. "But … that's not possible. The human I got this from was called Estel …"
Galadriel held up a hand to interrupt. She couldn't tell Legolas everything without betraying her foster grandson, but she could tell Legolas something.
"Estel is what he was called when brought to Rivendell to conceal his ancestry. His real name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. The heir to the throne of Gondor."
Legolas was amazed. Estel had been of a higher lineage than he had originally thought. But then Legolas' thoughts did a complete turn around. Estel was Elrond's foster son. But more than that, Estel … Aragorn, was descended from Elrond's brother.
Galadriel watched Legolas' sad face and came to the realization that whatever hurtful comment he had said to Estel years earlier, had been said because of the elf's impulsive temper.
Estel had then taken off because of a broken heart, but it had the human's pride that had widened the gulf between the two lovers.
Galadriel wanted to help, but the tension between the two realms, the tensions coming from Mordor which kept her busy, and the two stubborn lovers in question would prevent her from becoming involved.
Galadriel silently prayed to the Valar to help Legolas and Aragorn work things out between them. Because those two belonged to each other and Galadriel believed that they deserved a second chance.
They just had to come to that realization on their own.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TA 3007 June 13
Farothen looked back at the horse and rider a full 2 lengths behind his horse, "Come on, Ada. We're almost home. Roheryn is faster than that."
Aragorn sighed, "Farothen, we have well over half the day to …"
"Aw, come on, Ada," Farothen said with a touch of a whine that bellied his 25 years come tomorrow.
Aragorn shook his head and rolled his eyes. A second later the ranger spurred his stallion into a run, passing his son with a shouted, "Race you!"
Farothen gaped at his father for one stunned moment before giving a whoop and urging his own stallion after Aragorn, "Noro lim, Roch. Noro lim."
Laughter blended with the pounding of hooves as the 2 men raced toward Rivendell, Farothen slowly pulling into the lead.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrohir saw the 2 riders coming and easily identified them due to the far-sightedness of elves. He grinned when Farothen's horse passed Aragorn's.
When Farothen threw a smug smile back at Aragorn, something in the way the younger man moved made Elrohir stop and look closer. Farothen looked forward again and Elrohir gasped.
Farothen may have gotten his dark hair from Aragorn, but his face had a striking resemblance to …
Without finishing that thought, Elrohir spun on his heel and ran to his horse. He had to reach his father before his foster brother and nephew.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrond, followed by Elladan and Glorfindel, walked outside to greet Aragorn and Farothen just as Elrohir reined his horse to a sudden stop and slid to the ground before running up to his family.
"Ada, I just saw Estel and Farothen riding toward us. And Farothen … I think I may know who his other ada is!"
Elrond hid his grin (a tough thing to do since both Elladan and Glorfindel were both less successful at hiding their smirks) and nodded to the younger twin, "And who would that be, ion nin?"
Elrohir hesitated a moment before saying, "I believe the Prince of Mirkwood is Farothen's other father. Farothen is Prince Legolas' spitting image … only with dark hair."
Elladan stepped toward his twin, "It's about time you figured it our, muindor."
"You knew?!" Elrohir asked, scowling at his twin, "Why did you not tell me, um muindor?"
Before Elladan came up with even a semi-intelligent reply he was forced to remain silent as Farothen entered the courtyard at a gallop with Aragorn close behind. Both were laughing.
Behind Elrond, Glorfindel sighed, "I had hoped fatherhood would mature Estel. It seems to have done the opposite."
Elrond chuckled and glanced back at his seneschal, "Aye, mellon nin. But sometimes, with sons, you have to be a little immature yourself."
Even after knowing who Farothen's sire was for almost 20 years and Elrohir's warning, Elrond was still shocked to see how much the young man looked like Legolas.
Except for the light dusting of facial hair on his chin and under his nose, and the shoulder-length, chocolate brown hair he could have been the Prince of Mirkwood's double.
Farothen had been borne by a mortal, but because of his abundance of Elvish blood he would have the choice when he was 100 if he wanted to be elf or mortal.
But even if he made the choice to stay mortal, he would still have the pointy ears and he would be regarded as one of the fairest of the race of men, Elrond thought to himself.
And right now that fair young lad was greeting his uncles.
"It's hard to believe that this young man standing before us is Estel's son," Elrond stated, "it seems like just yesterday you were born and now you're turning 25."
Farothen smiled and walked up to hug Elrond in greeting. "Yes, where does the time go," Farothen said, "it just seems to slip away."
As Elrond hugged his grandson he saw Aragorn's smile fade to be replaced by a forlorn expression at his son's words.
Elrond's heart ached for his son, because the years had been anything but fast for Aragorn.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Muindor/um muindor – Brother/evil brother
Hey, that's the update. The next chapter will start in Rivendell during 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. These first 4 chapters have kind of been a lead up to the actual story.
Legolas and Aragorn trying to work out their own relationship, and in the meantime Farothen finds his own chance for love. (Although that might be a little while)
Thanks to all the reviewers, and for the few flamers: thanks for giving up the inspiration to keep going.
Since we're not getting paid we write for ourselves and we don't have to do what the purists tell us to.
TA 2991 May 2
Elrond and Glorfindel stood at the window of Elrond's study watching the twins play with Farothen.
They were playing the boy's favorite game, 'ranger of the north'. Farothen was the valiant Strider, captain of the Dunedain, of course. The twins were doing a great impression of two hulking orcs.
The 2 Elven lords chuckled when Elrohir fell to the ground 'dead' as Farothen slayed him with his wooden sword before spinning to face Elladan. The older twin sat in a crouch, brandishing a wooden sword much like Farothen's, so as not to be at an advantage, and mock snarled at the younger half-elf.
Farothen straightened his practice bow on his back, like a true warrior, and dived into battle with the 'orc'. Elladan was hard pressed to block the attack.
Glorfindel hummed in approval, "For a boy of barely 9 he is amazingly talented with a blade. He is definitely Estel's son."
Elrond nodded, "Elladan said he's doing well with his bow as well. So who gives him that talent? Does he remind you of anyone, Glorfindel?"
Glorfindel studied Farothen as he defeated Elladan and punched the air with his sword in triumph, a small smug grin on his face. Glorfindel narrowed his gaze. That grin was familiar, but it wasn't from Estel. Nor were the cerulean blue eyes that were now lit up with smug pride.
Glorfindel met Elrond's gaze, knowing they were thinking of the same elf, "Prince Legolas of Mirkwood?"
Elrond nodded, "I believe so. He looks just like Legolas as a child, only with dark hair."
"How is it possible? We've not had dealings with Mirkwood for over a thousand years." Glorfindel said.
Elrond smiled, "Estel is a Dunadan, mellon nin, a ranger. He's traveled all over Middle Earth. I'm sure he's met many people we do not know about."
Glorfindel couldn't help his grin, "If Farothen is anything to go by, Estel did more than meet Prince Legolas."
"Aye," Elrond said, chuckling as the twins tackled Farothen to the ground and began tickling him, "I guess he did."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas walked through the forest outside his father's palace, but well within the boundaries of the realm. Stopping by a small stream he sat down, running his fingers over the surface of the water and watching the ripples. His other hand instinctively sought out the ring that hung over his heart.
It had been nearly 10 years since he had lost his beloved Estel. He still experienced echoes of sadness from the human through their emotional bond. He also felt an abundance of unconditional love aimed at another. Another that wasn't Legolas.
"You brood, ion nin."
Sighing, Legolas stood up and faced his father, "Aye Ada. I fear I have lost Estel. I believe he loves another."
Thranduil released a breath, "You can feel his love for another?"
Legolas shrugged, "Nay, not exactly. But I sense another that Estel gives his love to … along the same bond I have with Estel."
Thranduil reached up to wipe a tear off his son's face, only for it to be replaced by another. Not knowing what else to say, the King of Mirkwood pulled his son into a hug, letting the younger elf cry on his shoulder.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TA 2998 September 4
As Farothen grew from a boy to a teenager, Elladan and Elrohir developed a certain routine. While Elrohir would train Farothen in sword fighting, Elladan trained him on the use of a bow.
Which is what Elladan was doing at that moment.
"Good Farothen," Elladan praised him as the young man (although Elladan would always think of him as a boy) hit the dead center of the target yet again.
"Thanks Uncle," Farothen replied. "Can we try some targets a little further away?"
Elladan gave Farothen an amused grin. "You're a fast learner, Farothen," Elladan said, "and now it appears that you wish to go even faster."
Farothen flashed him a boyish grin. "But I can hit targets further away Uncle. I know I can."
"Can you?" Elladan said, humoring his nephew. "Alright then. Let's see you hit …" Elladan's voice trailed off as he searched for a target for Farothen," … that dead branch up there."
The dead branch was thin and high up. An impossible target for Farothen.
Truth be told, Elladan didn't actually expect Farothen to even try to hit the dead branch. But his nephew surprised him by shooting the arrow off mere seconds after Elladan had declared it a target.
Farothen not only his the dead branch, he cut it clean off. And then turned around to face his uncle with a smug grin on his face.
Elladan stood there stunned.
He had only seen that skill with a bow and that smug grin on one other. And it wasn't Estel.
No one could remember the exact reason for the tensions between Mirkwood and Rivendell, but Lorien remained a neutral ground for elves from both realms. It was there that Elladan had met the Prince of Mirkwood, Legolas Greenleaf. No one had the skill with a bow that Legolas had.
Until Farothen.
Suddenly Elladan was postive who Farothen's 'other' father was.
"Show off," Elladan said, trying to cover up his shock. Farothen just smirked.
"With you as an uncle, Elladan, would you really expect him to be anything else," a voice said from behind them.
"Ada!" Farothen yelled, dropping his bow and running up to Estel.
"How long are you back for this time, Estel?" Elladan asked as Estel and Farothen hugged, "he misses you."
Estel kept his arms around Farothen as he said, "That's why I'm taking him with me this time."
"Really?!" Farothen asked.
"Yes. I think you're ready to travel with me," Estel answered.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Have you seen the ring before Lady Galadriel?" Legolas asked nervously.
Legolas had always assumed that Galadriel and Celeborn's connection to Rivendell (after all, Elrond was their son-in-law) would keep them from helping him in finding Estel.
Thranduil and Elrond weren't enemies, but they weren't the best of friends either.
However, it was clear when Legolas got to Lorien that Galadriel and Celeborn let Elrond fight his own battles.
Now Legolas was nervous as he waited for Galadriel's answer. He needed to find Estel.
"Legolas I'm not sure how you came into possession of this ring," Galadriel started, "but this is the Ring of Barahir."
Legolas paused. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
Galadriel smiled. "It is an heirloom of the line of Luthien and Beren."
Legolas suppressed a groan. "So, … it's an heirloom of the house of Elrond?"
"Actually," Galadriel replied, "the Ring of Barahir was passed down through Elro's line. The owner of this ring is the last surviving heir of Isildur."
Legolas looked surprised. "But … that's not possible. The human I got this from was called Estel …"
Galadriel held up a hand to interrupt. She couldn't tell Legolas everything without betraying her foster grandson, but she could tell Legolas something.
"Estel is what he was called when brought to Rivendell to conceal his ancestry. His real name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. The heir to the throne of Gondor."
Legolas was amazed. Estel had been of a higher lineage than he had originally thought. But then Legolas' thoughts did a complete turn around. Estel was Elrond's foster son. But more than that, Estel … Aragorn, was descended from Elrond's brother.
Galadriel watched Legolas' sad face and came to the realization that whatever hurtful comment he had said to Estel years earlier, had been said because of the elf's impulsive temper.
Estel had then taken off because of a broken heart, but it had the human's pride that had widened the gulf between the two lovers.
Galadriel wanted to help, but the tension between the two realms, the tensions coming from Mordor which kept her busy, and the two stubborn lovers in question would prevent her from becoming involved.
Galadriel silently prayed to the Valar to help Legolas and Aragorn work things out between them. Because those two belonged to each other and Galadriel believed that they deserved a second chance.
They just had to come to that realization on their own.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TA 3007 June 13
Farothen looked back at the horse and rider a full 2 lengths behind his horse, "Come on, Ada. We're almost home. Roheryn is faster than that."
Aragorn sighed, "Farothen, we have well over half the day to …"
"Aw, come on, Ada," Farothen said with a touch of a whine that bellied his 25 years come tomorrow.
Aragorn shook his head and rolled his eyes. A second later the ranger spurred his stallion into a run, passing his son with a shouted, "Race you!"
Farothen gaped at his father for one stunned moment before giving a whoop and urging his own stallion after Aragorn, "Noro lim, Roch. Noro lim."
Laughter blended with the pounding of hooves as the 2 men raced toward Rivendell, Farothen slowly pulling into the lead.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrohir saw the 2 riders coming and easily identified them due to the far-sightedness of elves. He grinned when Farothen's horse passed Aragorn's.
When Farothen threw a smug smile back at Aragorn, something in the way the younger man moved made Elrohir stop and look closer. Farothen looked forward again and Elrohir gasped.
Farothen may have gotten his dark hair from Aragorn, but his face had a striking resemblance to …
Without finishing that thought, Elrohir spun on his heel and ran to his horse. He had to reach his father before his foster brother and nephew.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Elrond, followed by Elladan and Glorfindel, walked outside to greet Aragorn and Farothen just as Elrohir reined his horse to a sudden stop and slid to the ground before running up to his family.
"Ada, I just saw Estel and Farothen riding toward us. And Farothen … I think I may know who his other ada is!"
Elrond hid his grin (a tough thing to do since both Elladan and Glorfindel were both less successful at hiding their smirks) and nodded to the younger twin, "And who would that be, ion nin?"
Elrohir hesitated a moment before saying, "I believe the Prince of Mirkwood is Farothen's other father. Farothen is Prince Legolas' spitting image … only with dark hair."
Elladan stepped toward his twin, "It's about time you figured it our, muindor."
"You knew?!" Elrohir asked, scowling at his twin, "Why did you not tell me, um muindor?"
Before Elladan came up with even a semi-intelligent reply he was forced to remain silent as Farothen entered the courtyard at a gallop with Aragorn close behind. Both were laughing.
Behind Elrond, Glorfindel sighed, "I had hoped fatherhood would mature Estel. It seems to have done the opposite."
Elrond chuckled and glanced back at his seneschal, "Aye, mellon nin. But sometimes, with sons, you have to be a little immature yourself."
Even after knowing who Farothen's sire was for almost 20 years and Elrohir's warning, Elrond was still shocked to see how much the young man looked like Legolas.
Except for the light dusting of facial hair on his chin and under his nose, and the shoulder-length, chocolate brown hair he could have been the Prince of Mirkwood's double.
Farothen had been borne by a mortal, but because of his abundance of Elvish blood he would have the choice when he was 100 if he wanted to be elf or mortal.
But even if he made the choice to stay mortal, he would still have the pointy ears and he would be regarded as one of the fairest of the race of men, Elrond thought to himself.
And right now that fair young lad was greeting his uncles.
"It's hard to believe that this young man standing before us is Estel's son," Elrond stated, "it seems like just yesterday you were born and now you're turning 25."
Farothen smiled and walked up to hug Elrond in greeting. "Yes, where does the time go," Farothen said, "it just seems to slip away."
As Elrond hugged his grandson he saw Aragorn's smile fade to be replaced by a forlorn expression at his son's words.
Elrond's heart ached for his son, because the years had been anything but fast for Aragorn.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Muindor/um muindor – Brother/evil brother
Hey, that's the update. The next chapter will start in Rivendell during 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. These first 4 chapters have kind of been a lead up to the actual story.
Legolas and Aragorn trying to work out their own relationship, and in the meantime Farothen finds his own chance for love. (Although that might be a little while)
Thanks to all the reviewers, and for the few flamers: thanks for giving up the inspiration to keep going.
Since we're not getting paid we write for ourselves and we don't have to do what the purists tell us to.