A/N; Due to the length of this story already and the time that I still have to cover on Eldarion's life (I am by the way ending this tale when Arwen dies) we are not going to see the make-up scene between Túnír, Eldarion and Elboron. Just assume that is happened.
As for the next few chapters, they will seem like I am skipping ahead and missing out huge chunks of time but please bare with it while we stumble towards another big event in Eldarion's life.
WARNING – LONG CHAPTER (over 3,300 words! the imagination sprinted away with me again!)
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
The next year and a half passed relatively peacefully, with surprising news arriving from Rohan of another son being born to Éomer and Lothíriel, in the April of 18. Elfwine was currently enjoying playing big brother to Eledher. Then in late June of 19, a missive arrived from Gondor.
Faramir was asking Aragorn's advice on a trade agreement with the inhabitants of Umbar. They had sent an emissary to Minas Tirith during the winter but the talks had fallen through, mainly because neither side where enthusiastic about the requests made by the other. Aragorn's decision was to send Eldarion back to the South, the Prince having long shown that he was capable of representing his people and latterly that he was a capable leader. Eldarion's reaction was surprising however.
Annúminas, July, FA19
"Adar, if you send me back to Gondor, I will not wish to return to Annúminas for any more than visits. I will be unable to give Gondor up again," he stated firmly when Aragorn put this proposal to him.
"What if I told you, you didn't have to?" asked Aragorn. Eldarion stared at him.
"But how? You are not coming back, neither is Naneth. Who would take care of me?"
"Faramir," replied Aragorn. "You would act as Prince Regent, my main representative in Gondor. Faramir would still be living in Minas Tirith in case you need help."
"Adar I….." began Eldarion, taking a seat rather quickly as he legs decided that they were not going to support his weight. "I don't know what to say?"
"I think you do but your heart and mind are in conflict," said Aragorn gently. "It took you a while but you have managed to build friendships as steadfast as the ones you had in Gondor. You and Túnír really are suited to each other and the boys see you as a hero of some form."
"I have to speak to them. I will return to Gondor, but they have to understand that I will not be return to Annúminas," said Eldarion firmly. Aragorn nodded.
"Why?" was Túnír's question. He sat with Alam, Faerveren, Imlosiel and Hinluin in the gardens, watching as the four younger children played with the wooden soldiers Hinluin had been given for his Birth Day. Hinluin and Imlosiel continued to play with the toys but Alam and Faerveren had turned their attention to Eldarion when he had approached.
"Adar has asked that I help negotiate a trade agreement with Umbar," replied Eldarion, sitting down.
"But why can't someone else do that?" asked Túnír.
"They've tried. Apparently I have displayed the qualities it will take to arrange the agreement," said Eldarion.
(You are leaving?) asked Alam.
"Yes. My people in the South need me," replied Eldarion.
"Is Ada going with you?" asked Faerveren. Eldarion shook his head.
"Both Ada and Nana will be staying in Annúminas. You will be staying here with them," explained Eldarion. Faerveren crawled into Eldarion's lap and hugged him tightly.
"When do you leave?" she asked.
"The day after tomorrow," replied Eldarion, returning in the embrace.
(Will you come back?) asked Alam.
"No. Once I leave, I will be unable to return to Annúminas, other than to visit. I will not be able to live here again," said Eldarion. Upon hearing that piece of news, Túnír had leapt to his feet and sprinted away from the group.
"Túnír wait!" yelled Eldarion as he lifted Faerveren off his lap. "You two stay here and look after your siblings. I will be back shortly."
Standing up, Eldarion dashed after Túnír, cursing Fate for her ill timed plan to send him back to Gondor.
"Túnír!" yelled Eldarion as the younger youth sprinted away from him. Túnír gave no indication that he had heard Eldarion though would have been hard not to hear the Prince. Growling, Eldarion ran faster and threw himself at Túnír in a way akin to a lioness bringing down her prey.
"Get off!" spat Túnír, shoving Eldarion's shoulders.
"No. Why did you run?" responded Eldarion, moving to sit on Túnír's legs and thus preventing him moving away.
"Do the last three years mean nothing to you?" asked Túnír, glaring up at Eldarion from the flat of his back. "Do the simple rangers of the north mean so little to you that you will abandon us?"
"You are my people," replied Eldarion. "But so are those in Minas Tirith and I cannot deny that the White City is my home. Just as the Elves hear the call of the Sea, I hear my city calling to me."
"You will go," said Túnír. "You will return to Gondor and soon forget all about those who dwell in the north. Your kin will hold no sway over you."
"Túnír," whispered Eldarion, stretching himself out beside his friend and cupping his cheek so as to turn his face. Eldarion held his weight on his free arm and gazed down at Túnír.
"My kin will always hold sway," murmured Eldarion. "I will return one day but I must do this."
"The call of duty is stronger than the call of your heart," replied Túnír just as quietly.
"No, but it shouts louder," said Eldarion. "I will not forget you. I will return."
Túnír nodded and pulled Eldarion into a tight embrace. "I will miss you. You have been a good friend and as close as a brother these past three years. Namárië, hír nîn," he whispered. Eldarion drew back in surprise. farewell my lord
"Who taught you that?" he asked. Túnír had never expressed any interest in learning Elvish and Eldarion had not hounded him into doing so, knowing that he wouldn't learn through force.
"Glorfindel," replied Túnír with a smug smile. "The last time he was here, I got him to teach me some basic phrases so that I could understand at least some of what you say."
"Wonders will never cease," laughed Eldarion as he sat up.
"Hey!" protested Túnír, thumping Eldarion's arms as he too sat up. Eldarion continued to laugh.
Two mornings later, Eldarion was standing in the courtyard, saying farewell to the people who had made his life bearable over the past three years. Arahael stood with Túnír at his side, the younger still looking devastated that his friend was leaving.
"I will return, Túnír," he promised, hugging Túnír tightly. Túnír took a deep breath and nodded. Eldarion and Arahael then shook hands at the wrist.
"Do not forget us," said the ranger. Eldarion smiled.
"I could never forget the ones supported me in my darkest hour," he said. Arahael inclined his head.
Eldarion bid farewell to Óliel before turned to the children. Faerveren stood holding Imlosiel's hand, while Alam stood with his hands on Hinluin's shoulders. He signalled for Faerveren and Alam to come forward.
"I have a special task for you two," said Eldarion. "Keep an eye on Túnír. He will be miserable for the next few days. Make sure he smiles at least once a day. Can you do that for me?" Alam and Faerveren nodded.
(You will come back,) signed Alam. (This is not forever.) Eldarion smiled and stooping, pressed a kiss to first Alam's and then Faerveren's crowns. He then went to his knees in front of Imlosiel and Hinluin. He dug out two small items from his pocket.
"These are for you," he said, holding out the objects. Each was a small painting, held within a wooden frame. Imlosiel's was a picture of her horse, the mare's frame stretched out in full gallop by the shore of Lake Evendim. Hinluin's was a painting of a wild jungle cat, crouched low ready to pounce. Both youngsters grinned at Eldarion before wrapping their arms tightly around his neck. Eldarion returned the embrace and gently kissed their temples before turning to his parents.
No words passed between them, for nothing seemed to explain the pain at this separation. Both adults knew that there had to be a day when they would have to release their son and allow him to be his own man, and Eldarion understood that a day would come when he would be released from the protective leash to which he had previously been attached, but it was still hard to actually say goodbye. Eldarion wrapped his arms around their necks simultaneously and together Arwen and Aragorn completed the embrace.
After a couple of minutes, Eldarion pulled away completely and handed a piece of folded parchment to Aragorn. "Read this once I am gone," he requested before mounting Suldal. The guards who would be accompanying Eldarion on the road back to Minas Tirith were already waiting for their lord's command to move out. As Eldarion turned Suldal to face the Gate, a hand settled on his shin. Looking down he saw Alam standing beside him.
"We…..will…..miss you," he said, taking Eldarion completely by surprise.
"Pen dithen," he breathed, stooping in his saddle and wrapping an arm around Alam's shoulders. Alam rubbed his head against Eldarion's thigh before all contact was broken and Eldarion was cantering out of the City. little one
Túnír abandoned his father's side and sprinted up the battlements, watching as Eldarion rapidly moved into the distance and out of his life. "May the Valar keep you safe, my friend," he whispered, biting his lip in order to maintain control over his emotions. Aragorn appeared at his side and handed the note to the young ranger. Túnír looked at his King before reading the note.
"Life is full of choice, both easy and difficult. To leave you, my family, is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but I will not despair. Instead, I will rejoice in the memories of the good times we have shared together, and ask that you do the same. I also take heart that love knows no limit of time or distance and that one day we will meet again. I may be several hundred miles away but I carry you with me, always.
Eldarion."
Beneath the text was a sketch of the Star of the Rangers and White Tree, the Tree of Gondor superimposed over the celestial sign. Túnír ran a finger over the inked image with reverence.
I count the days till you return, though Túnír, glancing back over the road, bolstering his resolve to remain strong during Eldarion's absence. He could not wish any ill towards Eldarion, he knew how much this meant to the Prince. After three years of longing, Eldarion was finally returning to his beloved city.
Umbar, August, FA20
Eldarion had to fight not to jump for joy when his Haradrim liaison, Pilinél, announced that they had reached an accord. Instead he let out a relieved sigh and stood up. After a year of delegation, Gondor and Umbar had finally come to a trade agreement that was satisfactory to both sides. He held out a hand to Pilinél who shook it.
"If you'll excuse me, I must inform my people of our successful negotiation," Eldarion said, with a bow to the head of the table and another incline of the head to the rest of the group. He left the Hall, accompanied by his aide (and unofficial bodyguard as appointed by Faramir) Díorn. As soon as they were out of the Hall, Eldarion leant against the wall and rested his head against it, a wide grin spreading across his features.
"It's done," he said and dropped his chin forward to his chest, letting out a small laugh. "We're going home."
Díorn smiled. "Don't you think you should sit down? You look like you are about to fall." Eldarion shook his head and the teenager held out his arms to his elder companion.
"Come here." Díorn shook his head with a sigh and embraced the Prince.
"We're going home," whispered Eldarion, now using Díorn for support.
"Yes we are. If we leave tomorrow morning, and nothing goes wrong on the journey, we should be home by Elboron's coming of age."
"I need to find Faerlain. I have to tell them I'm coming home," said Eldarion. He seemed intoxicated though he hadn't touched the pitcher of wine which had been in front of him earlier.
"Of course," Díorn smiled and wrapped an arm around his companion's shoulder and the headed in the direction of their rooms.
The following morning, Eldarion was up at the crack of dawn, as was usual. What wasn't usual was his hyperactivity, much to Díorn's disgruntlement. "'Darion, would you go back to bed!" muttered the sleepy aide, burrowing his own head in his arms and trying his best to block out the noise that Eldarion was making.
"Can't sleep," replied Eldarion as he pulled on his riding tunic. Díorn muttered something about Elven blood and incorrigible heirs, which resulted in him having his pillow dragged roughly from under his head.
"Eldarion!" exclaimed the older man, now wide awake, much to his annoyance. "Not everyone is up at this time in the morning. We can't leave until after breakfast anyway so why don't you just give me back my pillow and go for a walk! Suldal isn't going to want to carry you if you are this spirited!"
"Yes, Díorn," mumbled Eldarion, handing back the pillow and after pulling on his boots, the Prince naught but sprinted outside.
After about an hour, Eldarion, who was slightly calmer than he had been when he had awoken, made his way back to the main house. Once in their room, he found Díorn still asleep and decided that it was time for some drastic action if his companion was going to be up and prepared in time for their leaving. Grabbing the corner of Díorn's pillow he yanked it out from under his head, causing Díorn to wake up, spouting a series of impressive curses.
"Díorn! There are innocent ears listening," said Eldarion.
"Rubbish! You and Elboron swear as impressively as though you were raised in the barracks," muttered Díorn. "And I thought I told you to go for a walk."
"And I went for one. We have two and a half hours before we leave and you still have to pack." Díorn grumbled as he stretched under the cover.
"Yes mother!"
Eldarion grinned and deposited the pillow in Díorn's chest. "I'll be back in ten minutes so don't even think about going back to sleep!" He ducked as the pillow was thrown back in his direction.
Ithilien, September 15th, FA20
Their ship docked at Pelargir in the late afternoon and Eldarion managed to maintain his composure enough to bid thanks to the mates and pay them their way, before he led Suldal down the gangplank. As soon as the stallion's feet hit dry land, Eldarion was off. He trotted through the streets leading to the port, before stretching out into a gallop as soon as he reached the open expanses Elboron's homeland. Díorn was on his tail, and as much as he pretended otherwise, he too was glad to be nearing hearth and home once again.
With two hours, Eldarion rode up the causeway to the House in Ithilien, the official residence of Faramir and his family. He was desperate to begin his search for Elboron and hastily removed the tack from Suldal before the old stable hand batted his hands away and telling him to go and find Elboron before he caused Suldal any harm. Grinning in appreciation, Eldarion sprinted towards the House. On his way up the steps, he collided with a solid body.
"My apologies," said Eldarion and made to step around the figure. The person he had collided with had other ideas and took hold of his arm.
"Do you have an invitation?" he asked. Eldarion was puzzled. He had never had to have an invitation to enter Elboron's house.
"Invitation?"
"To the feasting," clarified the owner of the hand on Eldarion's arm.
"I have never needed an invitation to enter this house," said Eldarion as he tried to pull his arm from the grip of the guard.
"Sorry sir, but my orders are that only those who are here by invitation are allowed into the house on this night," said the guard, not relenting his grip.
"You have no idea who I am do you?" asked Eldarion, cocking his head to one side. A gentle smile played on his lips as the guard processed Eldarion's appearance.
"No sir, I am afraid I do not," he said after a couple minutes.
"I am Eldarion, Regent of Gondor," Eldarion introduced. The guard snorted. Evidentially he deemed Eldarion too young to be Regent.
"Yes sir, and I am the Captain of the Guard."
"That's odd," said Elfwine as Díorn joined Eldarion. "I was sure I had just seen him in the hall."
The guard spun on his heel so that he was facing Elfwine, fighting down the flush that was spreading across his cheeks. "My Lord," he began. "This man was claiming to the Regent of Gondor,"
"And what title would you have him claim?" asked Elfwine. "That is indeed the Prince and you are causing an obstruction. Let him past."
"My Lord," muttered the guard and released Eldarion's arm. Eldarion stepped forward and greeted Elfwine in the way of a brother, even as the guard moved away.
"You took your time!" exclaimed Elfwine as he released Eldarion. "Elboron had been depressed for the past week."
Eldarion looked slightly guilty. Under normal circumstances he would have felt Elboron's depression but he had been to excited over the idea of finally going home that he hadn't felt anything but his own feelings of elation.
"Where is he?" asked Eldarion.
"In the main hall last time I saw him. Rosruin was trying his hardest to make him enjoy the celebrations but even a blind man could tell that his heart was elsewhere," replied Elfwine.
"I will go to him," said Eldarion and moved to walk through the door leading to the Hall. Elfwine caught his arm and turned him.
"First, you are going to have a bath. You stink of sweat and horse," he said.
"It is 'odour-of-the-countryside'," retorted Eldarion but he agreed with Elfwine's assessment that he was long overdue a bath. He changed direction and naught but sprinted up the stairs leading to his customary chamber when he dwelt in Ithilien. Díorn was on his heels, leaving Elfwine standing in the entrance hall shaking his head as he watched the pair disappear around a corner.
One hasty bath and change of clothing a piece later saw Eldarion and Díorn looking at least presentable to appear at the coming of age celebration of the Ithilien heir. Eldarion was dressed in a royal blue tunic, the collar and cuffs lined with bronze stitching, and navy blue leggings. His raven-hair, which was just above his shoulders thanks to a year of growth was held back in two braids, revealing and accentuating the slight point to the tips of his ears. Díorn, who was borrowing from Eldarion, had a rather limited choice of clothing due to his hair and skin colouring. Anything to dark would cast a stark contract with his white hair, instantly dismissing black, navy blue and deep maroon. He refused to wear blue due to the fact that Eldarion was wearing that. In the end, he decided upon the silver, black stitched tunic and liquorice black leggings. His shoulder length hair was left unbound.
Now they stood at the doorway to the Hall and Eldarion felt as though he was about to steal the attention away from Elboron. Biting his lip in resignation, he opened the door and entered the large room. The pair were immediately pounced upon by the nearby herald and despite their protestations that their arrival did not need to be announced to the general populace of the hall, the herald collected his trumpet and marched purposefully down the stairs. Eldarion groaned as the guests fell silent to the ring emitted from the instrument. Inhaling deeply, Prince and Adjutant walked down the steps under the gaze of the entire Hall.