A/N; Please note that I am taking HUGE liberties with the involvement of Lórien in this tale. His presence is stemming from my own beliefs of guardian angels. If I cause some discord among my readers, I apologies, but please, bear with it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

When Rúmil found out about the blood oath that Eldarion and Elboron had taken, he was unsure what to do. He knew that there was little opportunity of severing the bond between Eldarion and Elboron when he found out that they could feel each other's emotions and had resigned himself to the fact, but now that a blood oath had been taken, the bond was more or less permanent. He was puzzled as to who had suggested the move, however, because it was unlikely to have been something to have crossed the minds of either Prince without some form of nudging.

'Glorfindel suggested it,' said Eldarion when Rúmil confronted him on the third night after they left Minas Tirith.

'Glorfindel?' asked Rúmil in disbelief. Eldarion nodded. Rúmil immediately hollered to the golden-Elf across the campsite to join them.

'What were you thinking when you suggested them forming a blood oath?' he hissed. Glorfindel cocked his head.

'You performed the ritual?' he asked Eldarion. In response, Eldarion extended his right arm showing the healing wounds on his palm and forearm.

'Is it helping?' Eldarion shrugged.

'We are both fairly emotional at the moment,' replied the teenager. 'I still need to figure out which emotions are mine and which are Elboron's.'

'That did not answer my question Glorfindel,' pointed out Rúmil.

'I was thinking of a way that would help them both through this!' replied Glorfindel. 'They are both going through something that neither you and Orophin, nor myself and Ecthelion went through. We both stayed within a day's journey of our companion while Eldarion and Elboron are going to be at least three weeks travel apart. Their bond has also matured a lot faster than either yours or mine.'

Rúmil refrained from asking the next question that was dancing on his tongue which was do you know what it is like to have the bond severed? Of course Glorfindel knew what that was like, having also seen his companion killed before his eyes.

'They should have waited,' muttered Rúmil. 'They are only children!'

Eldarion did not like the fact that Glorfindel and Rúmil were arguing about something that one could not be reversed and two, was none of their business in the first place.

'What is the problem with me and Elboron having bonded in such a manner?' he asked, stopping the comment Glorfindel was about to utter.

'The point is, you have made your bond deeper and more permanent than it should be after five years,' replied Rúmil. 'It is too immature, and so are you, to force such a commitment.'

'You make it sound like marriage,' smiled Eldarion. 'And even if we hadn't taken the oath, the bond would not have weakened.'

'What are the three of you arguing about?' asked Haldir as he approached. 'The horses are becoming restless with the tension between you.'

'Your charge has effectively made his bond with the Ithilien heir permanent!' replied Rúmil.

'Blood oath?' asked Haldir. Eldarion nodded.

'That is a very serious oath you have under taken Eldarion. Do you understand its full commitment?' said Haldir, crouching down in front of the Adan. Eldarion nodded.

'I have bound myself to Elboron in spirit. The only way it can be broken is by death or if we forget the love we hold for each other,' he replied. Haldir nodded, a solemn look on his face.

'Do you understand what will happen when one of you dies?' A campsite in the foothills of the White Mountains was hardly the most suitable place for this discussion but Haldir had to know that Eldarion understood fully what he had undertaken. Again Eldarion nodded his head.

'The remaining companion will begin to fade,' he said, after taking a shaking breath. Having to think of Elboron dying was not something that Eldarion wished to entertain for any great length of time. 'Unless they can release their companion's spirit into the next world, they will lose their own grip on this reality. It is slow and painful. However, if the remaining companion has a strong enough reason to survive, then they will not fade as rapidly or as painfully.'

Haldir nodded, before looking up at Rúmil. 'He knows what he has let himself in for. You saw them as children and then at Elboron's celebration. They have always been close. With or without the blood oath, the same course of events would place. Now I wish to discuss something with you, away from immature ears.'

Eldarion took the hint and stood up; 'Garo bost vaer, Haldir. Rúmil, Glorfindel,' he said, bestowing a hug on Haldir, before moving off to join Aragorn and the twins. Haldir grabbed his brother's arm and dragged him closer to the mountains.

'What did Estel tell you about offering him support?' hissed Haldir as soon as Eldarion was out of earshot of the whisper.

'I do not want him to be hurt!' replied Rúmil.

'He is hurting already Rúmil. He does not need you to condescend what he has done, of his own volition, in an attempt to find comfort,' chastised Haldir.

'He is thirteen!' replied Rúmil. 'He cannot possibly understand what he has undertaken. The response he gave you sounded as though he had memorised it from a book.'

'Be that as it may, but he still understands what he has done. Rúmil, we cannot change the past, all we can do is accept what has happened and move on. Eldarion and Elboron need our love and support, now more than ever, as they struggle along this path which has been set out before them.'

Rúmil inhaled deeply and nodded his head. 'Cerithon iest gîn.' I will do as you wish

When the company reached the shores of the Entwash, Haldir and Rúmil parted from their midst, making their way north across Rohan, back to the Golden Wood. The rest of them continued on through the Gap of Rohan, accompanied by the Éored of the Westfold, and slowly began to wind their way west and north, heading first for Imladris where they rested for a week, before Aragorn's family took up the last stage of their journey to Annúminas.

They were met by Pippin, Merry and Sam in their respective capacities of 'Thrain of the Shire', 'Master of Buckland' and 'Mayor of Michel Delving'. All three were also Councillors of the North Kingdom. Upon their meeting at the Brandywine Bridge, Aragorn presented Sam with the a mithril brooch – The Star of the Dúnedain. When Eldarion informed the Hobbit that it was his father's badge he had been presented with, Sam blushed a spectacular crimson, stuttered his thanks and fainted.

The three Hobbits accompanied the family of five to Annúminas which had been rebuilt over the past seventeen years by a combination of Men and Dwarves. The Hobbits of Michel Derving had leant their aid by feeding the workers and by designing the spectacular gardens of the City. Eldarion was immediately off Súldál's back and exploring the grounds. Aragorn let him, deciding that Eldarion would be better off starting in a place he felt most comfortable and the grounds around the Palace offered the perfect solution.

"You must be Prince Eldarion," said a young man as he appeared beside Eldarion. The youth had been sitting on one of the walls surrounding Annúminas, gazing absently out into the south-east, running his finger over the scar that crossed his palm, allowing his thoughts to wander back to Minas Tirith and Elboron.

"Depends on who is asking," replied Eldarion, glancing round at the newcomer.

"I am Arahael, son of Halbarad," the man introduced. "Aragorn is my kinsman."

"Then, yes. I am Eldarion, son of Aragorn," replied Eldarion, gazing back out over the lands.

"Forgive me for saying so, sire, but you do not seem happy in this place," said Arahael, taking a few paces forward and sitting down. Eldarion shifted, keeping the distance between himself and Arahael the same.

"Do not address me as such," he said firmly. "And no, I am not happy here."

"You sound like Shadow. Can I ask why you are not happy?" inquired Arahael.

"Everything I know and love I left in Gondor. This place is foreign and unwelcome," replied Eldarion. "Who's Shadow?"

"You will probably know her as Kalya or Aúrel. Shadow was the name she used as a ranger. And your words are harsh for one so young. But you have been travelling for almost a month and have not stepped inside this day to refresh. Perhaps once you have explored the Palace and slept in a bed once more, you will look more favourably upon your new home," said Arahael.

"No," said Eldarion. "Annúminas is a dwelling place. Minas Tirith is my home. After all, is it not told that home is where the heart is?"

"So the minstrels say, but give it time young one. One day you may come to love this place and gladly call it home. For now, I bid that you come inside. The weather is not as kind here as it is in Gondor, the nights can be cold and harsh, particularly on the young."

Ignoring the term 'young' and deciding that it was probably be best to heed the ranger's words, Eldarion slipped from his perch and allowed Arahael to direct him to the House.

That night, Eldarion lay curled tightly in his bed, his eyes gazing unblinkingly out at the stars outside his window. He knew it was silly, of course the stars were the same ones that he could see from Minas Tirith, but here in the north they seemed different, out of place. Just like him. Unable to look upon the foreign heavens any longer, Eldarion rolled over to stare at the blank wall on the other side of his chamber. He moved his head slightly on his pillow and as he did so, his hand nudged against something which had been placed beside his pillow. Frowning, not recalling placing anything on his bed before he got into it, he sat and picked up the object.

It was small and wrapped in a cornflower blue and silver sash. Eldarion ran his hand over the material, a pained smile drawing across his features. The material was the same colour as that of Elboron's House. Gently unwrapping the parcel, a small, delicately carved object fell out along with a note. Picking up the object, Eldarion turned it over in his hand. It was a roughly wrought model strung on a length of soft leather – a model of the White Tree. Unfolding the accompanying note, Eldarion discovered a sketch of the two of them.

"Elboron," whispered Eldarion, blinking away tears as he brushed a finger lightly over the inked sketch. He clasped the carving in one hand and fisted the sash in the other, falling back on to his pillows.

That night Eldarion sobbed himself to sleep, his father standing just outside the door hearing the heart-wrenching sound. He sent a silent prayer to Estë, the Goddess of Healing, that she grant Eldarion rest that night.

As it was Lórien was trying his hardest to get Eldarion to settle. Millennia ago, each of the Valar had been given a line of descendants to care for. Lórien had been given care of the line of Eärendil, which included Elrond's line and that of Elros. If the Vala had had a physical heart, it would have broken in two with the pain that was emanating from Eldarion's soul. Not caring that anyone could see him if they decided to pay the teenager a night time visit, Lórien materialised into Eldarion's room and he crossed to the bed. He knelt beside Eldarion and raised a hand to gently trace the tracks of still drying tears. The Valar being nothing but spirit when on earth, the touch was no more than a soft breeze, yet Eldarion moved towards it.

Your heart is heavy this night, little one, whispered Lórien. Let your fëa take flight and forget the pain you feel. May you find your rest in the realm of dreams.

As Lórien felt Eldarion spirit settle, he faded back to his own plain of existence and met the youth.

"Lórien?" blinked Eldarion, and then looked round at his soundings. He was back in Minas Tirith, more specifically, the courtyard to the Citadel. Lórien inclined his head in greeting.

There is someone who wishes to see you, said the Vala. Eldarion cocked his head only to swing round when he heard his name being hollered his name. Sprinting towards him was Elboron, accompanied by a shrouded figure. Completely forgetting about the mithril Vala, Eldarion ran towards him and launched himself into Elboron's arms.

"I am so glad to see you," whispered Eldarion, wrapping both arms tightly around Elboron's neck. Elboron returned the embrace with equal ferocity.

"I miss you too," replied Elboron. "I never thought it would be this hard, we've been apart before."

"But not this far apart," said Eldarion pulling away.

Eldarion, this is not the place to dwell on such saddening thoughts. Enjoy the time you have with Elboron for it will not be long, said Lórien. Eldarion turned to the Vala, alarm registering in his eyes.

"What do you mean?"

When you sleep, I will permit you meet on occasion but only if something is troubling the other.

"Why not every night?" asked Eldarion.

Because you will never learn to let go. Your paths in life flow in tandem and many times are interlinked but there are occasions when you will be separated. You must learn now how to cope without the continual presence of the other, explained Lórien. Go, your time is short.

Eldarion nodded and grabbing Elboron's arm, ran with his spirit-brother in the directions of the gardens.

"So what is Annúminas like?" was the first question out of Elboron's mouth once they had scrambled up the dream rendition of their beech and were sitting comfortably in an embrace, Elboron's arms wrapped around Eldarion's torso as he leant against Elboron's chest.

"Spacious," replied Eldarion. He couldn't really form an opinion of the actual building since he had spent most of the day in the gardens. "The gardens are still being planted though, mainly under Sam's direction."

"How is the old Halfling?" asked Elboron.

"He is a father nine times over by this time. Bilbo was born the day before we arrived," reported Eldarion. "And he is only three years older than your father!"

"Old," shrugged Elboron. "So what about the Palace? I heard that it was in the process of being rebuilt over the past seventeen years."

"I haven't seen anything but the Main Hall and my bedroom," replied Eldarion.

"You mean to say that you spent all day in the garden?" chuckled Elboron. Eldarion nodded.

"I would probably have fallen asleep outside as well if Arahael hadn't found me and persuaded me to go inside."

"Arahael?"

"One of the rangers and a kinsman," replied Eldarion. "He said he was Halbarad's son."

"I think I've met him," said Elboron. "It was the Yule the year before Kalya was killed and some of the rangers had come to Minas Tirith."

"You remember that long ago?" asked Eldarion turning to look at Elboron, his eyes wide in surprise.

"I may be old and feeble, young man, but my memory is as good as it ever was!" said Elboron, in a startling imitation of Nemír, a retired healer in Gondor, whilst playfully shoving Eldarion with his shoulder. Eldarion laughed.

"Why do I not recognise him?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You fell asleep," replied Elboron with a grin. Eldarion cocked his head.

"And that helps you remember Arahael how?" he asked.

"You fell asleep with your head resting on his knee," replied Elboron. "He was most put out because he was in the middle of telling us a story about a Yule party he witnessed in The Shire."

"I hope he doesn't remember that," said Eldarion with a grimace.

"If he is anything like your father then yes he will remember. Probably with crystal clear clarity as well," grinned Elboron. Eldarion groaned and Elboron suddenly sobered.

"We will get through this, gwador nîn," whispered Elboron, twisting his neck so that he could kiss Eldarion's temple. my brother

"I know. But it is still hard," murmured Eldarion stretching up and returning the kiss.

It will get easier, said Lórien as he appeared beside them. You must leave this place now. Elboron and Eldarion had half a mind to fight with the Vala but knew they would not change his mind. Instead they gripped each other tightly as the dreamscape faded.

"Le melin, Elboron," whispered Eldarion, though he was no longer visible and his voice was little more than an echo in Elboron's mind.

"And I love you, Eldarion," came the distant reply.

Lórien followed Eldarion's fëa back to earth while Námo (who had been given charge of Elboron's ancestors and descendants) ensured Elboron's made its way back safely. We will keep him safe, pen dithen, whispered Lórien as he crouched beside the teenager's bed once again. I promise you that you will meet on this earth again ere one cycle of Anor has passed.