Chapter 16 "A ruler does as he judges best…"

The trio was quiet as they followed the path that would take them out of Rivendell. As they stopped to rest their horses, Elrond broke the silence.

"Legolas, we have not thanked you for saving Elrohir. Even though you did not speak of it, I am sure you endangered yourself in order to reach him."

"I did no more for him than he would have done for me. I am only sorry he was injured."

"As are we all, but it was not your doing. Indeed, you and my sons have often taken such chances to rescue each other; too often for a father's heart. But as always, I am extremely grateful they have your friendship."

Estel joined the conversation with a smile at his friend. "As am I."

They remained in silence, each appreciating the presence and support of the others. Only after they mounted again did Estel gather the courage to ask his father a question that had troubled him since they departed Rivendell.

"Ada, about what Elladan said…"

Elrond's expression softened. "Estel-"

"Please, Ada, let me finish. I know Elladan regrets speaking to me as he did. But I have to wonder if what he said was true. I have never known you to wear a sword in all my years with you. Are you here because you think I am a danger to Legolas? Do you feel you have to come along to make sure he is not injured by some act of folly on my part?" The thought hurt, but Estel simply could not adjust to this new Elrond. The father he knew was a healer, not a warrior. "I need to know the truth."

Legolas was so shocked, the reins slid from his hands. As he opened his mouth to protest, Elrond motioned him to silence and pulled his own mount to a halt, forcing his companions to stop as well. Elrond moved his animal as closely as possible to the human's and reached across to lift his face so their eyes met.

"The truth, melliôn nîn/my beloved son (A/N as close as I could find)/ is that as much as I wish to deny it, you are going to be an excellent ranger someday. I hold you back because you are my youngest, not because I do not trust you. You lack the experience that your brothers and Legolas have, but you do not lack the heart or honor or integrity or devotion to those you care about. You are a fine young man and long have I been proud of you. You would die before endangering another, a thought that frightens me more than I can say, but it is true. I am here because it is right, Estel, because I was the probable target, because I am your father and will not allow you to take a risk that is mine to take." Elrond smiled sadly and released his son's chin. "I love you, iôn nîn. I trust you with my life as Legolas trusts you with his." Both dark haired beings looked to the Woodland Prince, who nodded in confirmation; hesitant to speak during this moment between father and son.

Estel touched his father's arm, causing the elf lord to look at him. "Hannon le, Ada. I love you."

Elrond simply smiled and urged his horse to move on. Legolas motioned the human ahead of him, so Estel and the elf lord could ride side by side. The young man nodded his gratitude and pulled alongside his father. After a few minutes, Elrond spoke again.

"There is something else I have been considering. With so many injured and neither of your brothers available I have been contemplating serving on an occasional patrol."

The human was speechless. Legolas spoke while Estel gathered himself. "My father speaks of your skill as a warrior, Lord Elrond."

"I am honored, Legolas. Your father and I have not always agreed on everything, but I have a great deal of respect for him as a King and as a father. He has raised you well."

"I would like to continue to ride with the warriors, Lord Elrond. I wish to help and as I have no other responsibilities Rivendell, I can easily assume a soldier's full shift."

"I am afraid I took your desire to aid us for granted, young prince. I hope you are not offended." The elf lord's smile belied his suggestion that the prince would take offense.

Legolas returned the smile. "Hannon le." It gave him great pleasure when the Lord of Rivendell treated him as family.

"I could ride with a patrol, Ada. I realize you could command it where I could only serve, but it is still something to consider."

"I will indeed consider it, my son. Perhaps until Elrohir is better, we can divide this duty between us."

"Hannon le, Ada." The human chewed on his lip as he considered his next question. "Ada, is it proper for the Lord of a realm to be on patrol? What about your other duties?"

"A ruler does as he judges best for his people, Estel. If I judge it best to ride with Rivendell's warriors, then that is my duty. As for my other responsibilities, if you and I divide the time on patrol that should allow me time enough to deal with those. I will likely not be the only old' elf who returns to duty for a time. As others approach me with their requests I will suggest they share a watch in the same way we will."

They continued their journey, working out the details of Lord Elrond's plans. Such talk was distracting to the human and Elrond wanted his son's thoughts on something other than their upcoming meeting with the Shaman.

tbc

A/N I tried to post this last night, but it kept timing out!