A/N: This chapter and the chapters which follow will vary in time period; this is not a story of a particular event but rather a look through time to see the affects of the change which occurred in chapter one. The chapters will also vary greatly in length, that was unavoidable and I ask that you bear with me. Enjoy the story and please tell me what you thought of it. Please be sure to sign in as I will be using the fanfiction review reply system and cannot respond if you don't sign in or leave an email address.

Chapter Two: The Tracker

Years had passed since the twins told their father Aragorn would not live in Imladris, yet Elrohir could still see the haunted look in the elder elf's eyes each time he and his brother left the valley. Elrohir felt the hole in his own heart grow each time he saw his father's sorrowed eyes, yet he continued joining the rangers because Aragorn needed him. Elrohir smiled at the thought of the young one, all of eight years old now and practically inseparable from he and his brother.

As if his thoughts had somehow summoned the child, Aragorn appeared by the younger twin's side. "Elrohir, will you teach me tracking like you promised?"

The twin smiled, the young one was so eager to learn the ways of the Dúnedain, "Of course little one, your ada and Elladan left to check the perimeter a few hours ago: why do we not try to find them?"

The little boy practically jumped up and down at the prospect of catching his father and Elladan unaware, "Yea, hurry Elrohir we must be quick if we want to find them!"

Elrohir smiled at the child's enthusiasm, "Then go get your cloak and tell your mamma where we are going." The boy opened his mouth to complain but the elf cut him off, "No, all good rangers tell their superior where they are going to be, right now your mother is your superior. Now off with you young one before I change my mind."

A moment later the boy ran back to the elf's side, "Mamma said it was okay as long as I stayed with you. Now come on Elrohir, papa and Elladan are getting further and further away!"

Elrohir smiled and ruffled the boy's hair as he stood, "All right, lets go." That simple statement was enough to get Aragorn running down the path with Elrohir having to run to catch up with the zealous child. Two hours had passed since the elf and boy left the ranger camp and yet, Elrohir noticed, the boy had yet to become edgy. He was staying on task with the focus of a first borne, which made the elf smile. The boy's mother did not want him to interact with elves for fear he would forget his people but yet, here was the boy's elven heritage showing up despite the lack of nurturing. A sudden sound brought the twin from his thoughts and Elrohir hurried to catch up with his young protégé. Reaching the boy, the elf bent down and whispered in his ear, "Well mighty hunter, what do you see?"

Aragorn looked up, "Someone approaches."

Elrohir smiled at the perceptiveness, "You are correct and I do believe it is one of our prey: can you tell me which one?"

Young Aragorn closed his eyes and concentrated on the woods just as Elrohir had taught him, finally the boy opened his eyes and quietly suggested, "father?"

Elrohir did not confirm or deny his answer but instead asked another question, "Why do you think so?"

The boy looked up and smiled, "Because he sounds like an oliphaunt heading for the water hole while you and Elladan do not make any sound."

Elrohir smirked, "Unless Elladan has had too much wine, then he stumbles and stomps as much as a dwarf!"

Suddenly Elrohir's head snapped backwards and a sharp blade appeared at his throat, "I heard that!"

The younger twin carefully put one of his hands on top of the one holding the knife and commented, "Elladan – I did not know you were there." This comment got no response from the elder twin so Elrohir tried again, "Come on Elladan – what kind of example are you setting for Aragorn?"

The elder twin removed his blade and pushed Elrohir to the ground, "and what kind of example are you setting for him? You can not even hear your own brother coming."

Elrohir sat up and smiled at his twin, "I think, my dear brother, that has more to do with your improved skills at being stealthy and less with my skills at tracking."

The elder twin glared at his younger sibling and was about to retort when he was cut off by the boy who whispered, "Come on you two, I just saw my father and I want to catch him."

The two elves exchanged an amused glance before following their small charge. The twins allowed the boy to lead them through the forest but stopped when they reached the edge of the glade Arathorn was resting in, signaling the boy to continue without them. Coming up behind the Dúnedain chieftain the small boy crouched and pounced – knocking his father off his feet.

Arathorn blinked a few times then gently sat up and brought his son into his lap. "So you are the one who managed to catch me off guard, I thought it had to be an elf – you were so quiet."

Aragorn smiled at his father then turned and looked at the opening in the forest through which, the twins were emerging, "They helped – they have taught me everything I know. Their real smart."

Arathorn smiled, "Yes they are, more than you can realize. Be sure to remember that and trust them always."

The little boy looked between adults and smiled, "I will father, I promise."

Arathorn asked no more of his young son and instead brought him in close for a hug. As he was clutching the child he looked at the twins and mouthed, "thank you."

TBC

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