The Long Way Home

by Sorsha711

How do you leave the only home you have ever known? Erestor reflects on his life and loves as he completes his final duties as Imladris’ Chief Counsellor. a prequel to In the Garden

1. Chapter 1 Beginning at the End

Title: The Long Way Home, Chapter 1

Author: Sorsha711
Fandom/Pairing: Erestor/OFC, others implied
Rating: R
Warning: AU (Story set in Imladris 133 years after ROTK); Het.
Feedback: Constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive: AFF; FF
Acknowledgements: Thanks to Lady Victoria for betaing this fic.

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to Prof. Tolkien. Just because they come alive in my imagination doesn't make them mine. Sigh!
Summary: Erestor reflects on his life and loves as he completes his final duties as Imladris' Chief Counsellor --- a prequel to In the Garden

A/N --- OK, EC… you asked for stories about the other elves to go with the storyline of In the Garden. Here is the first. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 1 --- Beginning at the End

Imladris, FA 133

Erestor stood in the doorway of his office as the last of the boxes were carried out to join the rest in the huge caravan of wagons and carts that would soon depart for the Grey Havens. The time for the final sailing of elves had come and the thought of leaving the only home he had ever known tore gapping holes in his heart, the pain of which came close to drowning out the call of the sea. Blinking through his tears, he was stunned to note that the study was now empty, ready to house the chief advisor to the new Lord of Rivendell, the second son of the Gondorian King Eldarion.

Walking slowly though the empty room, he looked into each bookcase, cabinet, and closet, anxious to be sure he had not forgotten anything. Pulling up a step ladder, he stretched his fingers into the corners of the upper shelves, determined to overlook nothing. /It is not as if I can send a message asking that an item be forwarded to me in Aman. If I leaves something behind I meant to bring, I just know it will bother me until the end of time/

Stepping back down, he felt a wave of sadness swamp him. /How did the time go by so fast? It seems it was only yesterday when the twins, Glory, and I returned from Lorien, having fulfilled our last promise to Elrond. It is even harder to believe Arwen has been gone for over eleven years. Still, we have all agreed; tis time./

Walking over to enjoy the view from the study's balcony one last time, he mused/it does not seem possible that I will never again stand in this place and see Imladris spread before me. While I am looking forward to seeing my parents and Elrond again, I wish this were not the end of our time in our valley. Except for brief journeys and the years I served in the Army of the Last Alliance, I have never been far from this place. Imladris was still emerging from the valley walls when I was born… these ancient gardens as new to the world as I was./

Flashback

Imladris, SA 1733

Like all elflings, the tiny newborn came into the world profoundly aware of his surroundings. At the moment, he was curiously studying the strange beings hovering over his cradle. He recognised the sounds these beings made even if he did not yet know what they were saying. Two in particular sounded very familiar to his sensitive hearing and he focused on the one with white hair and a lyrical voice as he bent to lift him into his arms.

"I am your Ada, ion nin and this beautiful lady is your Naneth. The tall elf by the bed is your sworn brother, Elrond." Walking through an open door onto roughly packed ground that would eventually become a broad patio to serve his parents chambers, his Ada turned so that he could see the sweeping vistas and tumbling waterfalls spread out before them. "This is Imladris… it is our home. When you are a little older, you will help your brother with its care. We are creating a sanctuary for all in need in our troubled world, most especially, our people… the Eldar." (my son)

The tiny elfling studied the wild beauty of his new home and, in his heart, understood this place was special. Father and son strolled slowly into the young gardens surrounding a small cluster of buildings, the white-haired elf explaining each new sight that came before them. "We still have much to do, ion nin. We have only finished a small part of the main house. Elrond has many plans and he will need you to help him complete them. You will bring great joy and good counsel to us all, for you have a great intellect and a pure heart… I can tell already." (my son)

Neither took note of the fond smile the healer shared with his patient as he gave her a draught to help ease the ache of childbirth. It gave the tall elf great joy to know his dear friends' child was the first to be born in his new realm, just as the parents had been the first couple to marry when they made this valley their home. He had no doubts their child would make great contributions to Imladris in the centuries to come… indeed, to all Middle-earth, and it filled his heart with pride to be named his brother.

The new mother watched her husband introduce their son to the world and spoke aloud prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of her son, his father, and the new home they had found in the realm of her smiling companion. It did not surprise her when his voice joined hers in the singing. Life had been hard for so long, the pleasure and joy of this day swamped all other thoughts.

Through the open doorway, a snippet of conversation drifted to their ears. "You will do many things in you life, penneth, but never forget that love is the greatest gift our creator gave us. Treasure it when you find it… cherish your family and friends, my son, and know you are blessed to be granted their company, as we are to have been to be gifted you as our son. Welcome home, Erestor. Welcome home." (young one)

End Flashback

Startled back to the present by the voices of several elves packing boxes onto a wagon drawn up to the patio under his balcony, he forced himself to smile in response to their greetings before turning away from the view. Spotting a small scroll lying on the floor in the shadow of a large cabinet, he bent to retrieve it. Noting it was a letter from Elrond written the night before he left for Aman, Erestor tucked it carefully into an inner pocket of his robes for safe-keeping.

Satisfied they had left nothing else behind, he moved to the door that led out into the main hallway of the great house. Pausing, he looked back once more as he dashed tears from his cheeks. It still felt wrong to be leaving. His Ada's words echoed in his thoughts… in his heart. This was his home. /How am I to leave it/

Sighing, he stepped out and closed the door behind him. He had other rooms to check before they could leave… and a final promise to fulfil. He was still the chief counsellor of Imladris and he would see to his duties until he handed them over to his successor. Relieved to still have tasks to complete, Erestor turned and disappeared down the hall.