Gandalf had lost track of time. Remaining in the bowels of a creepy, dark cave surrounded by carnage had a way of easily doing that to a person. He'd refused to leave Vlad alone in the cave once he'd found him, afraid the vampire prince would disappear forever deeper into the mountain. Vlad had begged him to leave. "Gandalf, my old friend," He panted, "I do not want to hurt you. Please go."

The stubborn wizard shook his head. "Not until you agree to come with me!" He scolded, puffing away on his long pipe. Vlad turned on his heel, angry. How could he possibly return to Ingeras? After what he'd become?


As Ingeras's birthday approached, it was anticipated with both hope and dread. The elves and Aragorn wanted to make it as pleasant as possible but they understood that this would be the boy's first birthday without his parents, and they were not sure how he was going to respond to it. Elrond had assured Ingeras that he could stay in Rivendell as long as he wanted to. While this comforted Ingeras, since he'd become very close to the elves in Imladris, it still hurt as an acute reminder that he was an orphan now. He'd began calling Elrond, 'Uncle Elrond' now. Elrond was very touched and found it very pleasing to his ears. Ingeras looked up to him and trusted him, as a father-like figure. But even then, for all his kindness and wisdom, Elrond would never be his true father. He would never be Vlad! Not even Aragorn could do that. No one would ever fill Vlad's shoes in Ingeras's heart.


Vlad was huddled in the shadows, away from the bright, burning light of Gandalf's staff. He was sweating. Gandalf sat there, pondering deeply and smoking...when suddenly, he straightened up and curiously walked toward the mouth of th cave. "Ahh." He sighed happily with a nod, a large smile on his face.

"Whatever your good news is, keep it to yourself. Nothing good has ever entered this tomb and left it...alive." Vlad muttered. Gandalf huffed, throwing on his hat, and shining his staff right in front of Vlad so that it revealed his features. Vlad had to block the light from his face as it started to scour his skin. Gandalf blew on the flame so that it transformed into a dimmer but clear, bright blue. Gandalf extended his hand out. "What are you doing?" Vlad asked incredulously.

"Come, my friend." Gandalf smiled softly. "It is time."


The elves let Ingeras sleep in on his birthday. They were planning a celebration for him. He was sweetly dreaming of Vlad and Mirena, of being back home: riding and sword fighting with Vlad; Vlad tossing him in the air and chasing him; them both razzing Dimitru; Mirena's songs and bedtime stories; her precious kisses; her long hair…It was a wonderful dream. Ingeras smiled happily. His subconscious told him that today was his birthday. He hadn't woke up yet, but he thought his dream was real. Until...he opened his eyes.

Ingeras opened his eyes to find himself in a beautiful bedroom. But it was not his, not his bed chamber back at the castle! "Momma?" He whimpered. The reality hit him like a punch to the gut. He clutched his abdomen as his belly ached painfully, and a painful lump rose in his throat. He couldn't see in front of him, blinded with tears. He buried his nose back into the pillows and wept.

"Good morning, Ingeras. Happy birthday, mellon!" Legolas greeted cheerily as he walked into the room. His face fell when he saw the boy crying. Legolas rushed to the bed and sat down. "Ingeras?" He gently shook his shoulder. Ingeras looked up at him pitifully.

"Oh, Legolas!" He cried.

"I'm here, mellon nin. What's wrong? You miss your parents, don't you?" Legolas asked soothingly, running his hands through the boy's curls.

"Mmm-hmm." Ingeras nodded.

"Oh. Come here, penneth." Legolas murmured. Ingeras crawled into his lap and cried into Legolas's arms. Legolas rubbed his shoulder and rocked him back and forth. "Shh. It's alright. Just let it out." He kissed the boy's head. "You're not alone, Ingeras."

"It's my birthday, and they're not here!" Ingeras wailed. Tears filled Legolas's eyes.

"I know, little one. I know." He whispered tenderly. "I'm so sorry."

"We should be together. How could everything turn out so wrong?" Ingeras clutched his silver Christian cross necklace, running his fingers over it.

"I do not know." Legolas shook his head. Ingeras clutched Legolas's shirt as he wet the tunic with his salty tears. "It's not fair. I do not understand why these things have to happen."

"I miss them so much! I wish Papa would come." Ingeras sobbed.

"Maybe he will, my friend. Don't lose hope. There is still a chance." Legolas smiled.

"Then why hasn't he?" Ingeras looked up at the elf prince.

"I don't know. Maybe he doesn't know how to enter Middle Earth." Legolas suggested.

"Well, Legolas, how is our birthday boy?" Elrond asked as he entered the bed chamber. Legolas looked up at him frowning. Elrond grimaced. Ai, this was going to be a difficult day. He approached the bed and sat down across from the two boys. "Did you have another dream, Ingeras?" He asked softly.

"Yes, but it was a good one! Of Momma and Papa and me being together, like we used to! But when I woke up they were gone! On my birthday! Why did this have to happen?" Ingeras asked Elrond imploringly. He knew the old elf was very wise, and he craved answers.

"If I knew, I would certainly tell you, child." Elrond sighed dejectedly. "I have pondered that question many times myself." Elrond and Legolas let Ingeras have his cry. "Listen, son, I do not know what has become of your father, but if he shall return for you, we shall have another birthday celebration for you! Only this time it will be with your father." Ingeras's eyes lit up with hope at that idea.

"Really? We can?" He asked.

"Of course, penneth." Elrond grinned, patting his hands.

"Do you think he could still be alive?" Ingeras asked seriously.

"I believe that you should hold onto that hope, until we hear different." Elrond said confidently. "And until that day comes, you may stay here with us."

"I'd like that...I guess." Ingeras nodded.

"Well then," Legolas readjusted Ingeras so he was sitting on his knee, "what do you say we wash up then join the others?" He brushed the boy's tears away. "They're all eagerly waiting for you. I happen to know they have some surprises for you."

"Oh. Tell them thank you, but I don't want any presents." Ingeras said solemnly.

"Now, Ingeras." Elrond said sternly. "I know you're very sad, but your friends really want to bless you, especially today. And they've gone to much trouble to make things nice for you. I think they deserve some attention for all their efforts. Don't you?"

"Yes." Ingeras sighed. "I would hate that they did it all for nothing."

"Good boy." Elrond approved. "Well, I'm afraid you've missed breakfast. But the cooks have whipped up some treats to make up for that. I doubt you'd want to miss that." Elrond grinned as he stood up, patting Ingeras on the head. "Don't take too long." He passed through the door into the hall.

"Thank you, Legolas." Ingeras sighed.

"You're welcome, Ingeras. I don't entirely understand exactly how you feel. But I have had my share of it, so I can relate on a few levels." Legolas said quietly.

"I'm hungry." Ingeras announced.

"Ahh, well then, get dressed, you slow poke!" Legolas teased, standing up and ruffling Ingeras's messy bed curls.

"Stop that!" Ingeras huffed, shoving his arm away. "Only Arwen can do that. I already told you."

"Oh! Gonna be touchy, are we?" Legolas grinned evilly.

"Oh, don't even think-aahh!" Ingeras squeaked and scurried in circles around the room, trying to escape the wood elf's clutches before Legolas caught up to him from behind and started tickling him. "Oh, Legolas! Don't!" Ingeras giggled.


The twins were waiting for Ingeras when he emerged, dressed and his hair tamed. "Happy birthday, Tithen pen!" They clapped when he smiled."You certainly took long enough."

"I had to make myself presentable, you know." Ingeras said.

"Come. Food's getting cold." Elrohir said. Ingeras hurried in front of them. He was quite hungry and brunch smelled enticing. Ingeras nearly reached the stairs when Elladan grabbed him back by his shirt collar.

"Hey!" Ingeras protested. "I'm hungry!"

"Not so fast, little one." Elladan grinned.

"Let go of me, will you?" Ingeras glared.

"Not until we achieve the Elrondion birthday tradition." Elrohir smirked evilly, sharing a knowing look with his brother.

"What is that? I think the word harassment would suffice." Ingeras rolled his eyes.

So much like Estel at that age! The twins thought together. "Tickle torture!" Elrohir announced, digging his fingers into the boy's sides. Ingeras yelped and jumped, trying to get away, but Elladan held him by his shoulder sleeve.

"Aww, come on, fellas!" Ingeras laughed under playful duress. "Stop! This isn't..." He could not contain his giggles.

"It's not official till the whole family has each given you a proper tickle." Elladan said 'seriously'.

"Oh no!" Ingeras begged dizzily. "Not that!" He laughed so hard his stomach ached.

"And Ada is the worst!" Elrohir threw in. The twins flipped Ingeras over and carried him to the dining room.


Erestor sighed. The tranquil peace of the dining room was brutally interrupted by shouts and high-pitched squeals as the twins lurked closer to the doors. When they entered, Elrohir had Ingeras hanging suspended with his arm around his waist, and the boy was frantically reaching out to grab Elladan by the hair to make him stop tickling. "Now, my sons, that's quite enough." Elrond chuckled. Ingeras froze with dread on his face, as he gazed at the entire family and Legolas in the room.

"Happy birthday, Ingeras." Arwen smiled sweetly.

"I'm a goner!" Ingeras blurted out dramatically. "Hey, put me down, you goons!"

"Alright. Let's dump him in his cake, shall we, gwuindor?" Elrohir smirked.

"There will be no cake dumping, except on both of your heads." Elrond declared.

"Really?" Ingeras, Legolas, and Aragorn all gleamed.

"No, no! We surrender, Ada." Elladan said and his brother let the little prince go. Arwen approached Ingeras to kiss his head, but he regarded her with a wary face.

"You're not going to tickle me, are you?" He asked suspiciously, bracing himself.

"No, Ingeras." Arwen smiled. "Why would I do that?"

"'Dan and 'Ro said that..."

"Just a little birthday humor." Elladan spoke up.

"What did you tell him?" Aragorn narrowed his eyes at his brothers.

"That everyone in the family was going to have their turn at tickling me! That it's a birthday tradition." Ingeras explained, slightly backing away as if he was about to make a break for the door. He looked up shyly at Elrond. "And that you were the best at it!" He hugged himself already, trying to protect his middle. Elrond arched his eyebrows.

"Indeed? Perhaps I am." He threatened his sons with a look. "But they were only teasing you, penneth. I assure you, that is not a tradition here, except where these two Rovan dols are concerned!"

"You're not putting me on, are you?" Ingeras asked, making everyone laugh.

"No." Aragorn chuckled, patting his shoulder. "You don't have anything to worry about." Elrond squinted at the twins.

"What?" Elrohir gaped innocently. "I'm not good at this! We only ever celebrated birthdays for Estel. Cut me some slack!"

"When can we eat?" Ingeras groaned.

"Good idea." Glorfindel nodded. Ingeras sat at his usual spot between Legolas and Aragorn, making sure to stay far away from the twins!

"Thank you, everyone. For doing this. I...I miss Momma and Papa something awful! But, thank you for remembering my birthday." Ingeras said politely.

"You're welcome, child. We were happy to do it." Glorfindel smiled.

"Gave us something to look forward to." Elrond patted Ingeras on the shoulder.

"We do have gifts." Arwen mentioned.

"Oh, you didn't have to do that. It's not the same...without..." Ingeras bit his lip hard. "Oh, but thank you very much. I...wasn't really expecting anything." All I want is to be with Papa!

"That's alright. It was no trouble at all." Arwen said.

"Aww, look at that. Looks like it's going to rain." Legolas pointed out.

"I believe Legolas is right." Erestor said.

"Oh no. I was hoping to go riding today." Ingeras moaned.


After breakfast, the family asked Ingeras to wait in the living room while they gathered his gifts. He sat down on a bench, staring forlornly at the dripping rain outside. Why did it have to rain of all things? He really wanted to go outside.

He gazed dully out the window...until he saw two figures approaching, crossing the stone bridge. Ingeras sat up and blinked several times, his heart pounding excitedly. Could it be? NO! It wasn't possible! Was it? "It...it...it is!" Ingeras cried out for joy and dashed for the foyer.

Ingeras gasped loudly and raced out of the sitting room. "Ingeras?" Erestor turned curiously but didn't see the little boy. "Where'd he go?"

"Ingeras, where are you going in such a hurry?" Arwen asked as he ran into her. Ingeras ignored her and kept running. "Hey! Ingeras!"

Ingeras merely darted over Elrond's trailing robe as he anxiously made his way to the front doors. "Ingeras? Is that you?" Elrond looked down. He saw a blur with messy curls fling the front doors open. "Ingeras, no! Come back here!" Elrond shouted after him. "Where are you going? Get back here! It's raining! You'll make yourself ill!"

"I'll get him." Glorfindel assured his friend.

"We've got this." Legolas and Aragorn said as they hurried out the foyer door.


The paved sidewalks, bridges, and stairwells were wet and slick from the light rain, but Ingeras did not notice any of it. He tripped a few times as he dashed crazily around the outer buildings of the Homely House.

The two tall figures approached the Homely House with a sense of awe and reverence almost. Even though the sun did not shine down on Rivendell at the moment, even under the gloomy rain clouds, Vlad could see what a beautiful city it was. He felt out of place. This valley was undeniably blessed by purity and serenity. Vlad's heart burned within him as he cringed at the wretched, tainted being he was now. He halted, not wanting to take one step further, sure that his soul would corrupt this dazzling place.

"Gandalf..." Vlad spoke up nervously.

"There is no turning back now, my boy." Gandalf said sternly. "I have gotten you this far, and you shall follow through with it."

"Gandalf, this is...I cannot do this. I cannot condemn my son to a life of fear, darkness, and isolation." Vlad murmured sadly.

"Why don't we let him be the judge of that?" Gandalf glowered. "Exactly the kind of life he would be in now if Mehmed still had him in his clutches. Confound it, Vlad! You are nearly as stubborn and pig-headed as the most strong-willed dwarf!" Vlad glared sadly at the wizard. Gandalf slightly turned.

"Ahh, and who is that?" He grinned. Vlad slowly looked. Up ahead, dashing down the stairs at breakneck speed was a boy of about twelve, with bobbing, watered down curls and ocean blue eyes. Vlad would know that small child anywhere!

"Papa!" Ingeras yelled as loudly as he could. "Papa?"

Vlad froze. He couldn't breathe. Indeed, it was his beautiful son! Ingeras's excited voice filled his heart with pain and love all at the same time. Tears fell from his eyes. He'd never, ever expected to hear that precious voice again, not for all eternity!

Gandalf smiled warmly and laughed heartily as he watched the boy race to them like a little rabbit. "Papa! Papa! Papa! Papa!" Ingeras cried out for joy. He jumped from the ground and sprang into his father's arms. Vlad hugged him so tightly he was afraid he'd crush every bone in his son's body. "Papa! It's you! Is it really you?! I missed you sssoooo much!" Ingeras sobbed happily, nearly choking Vlad, his arms tightly wound around his neck.

"I missed you too." Vlad wept. "Oh, my precious son!" Gandalf stood there beaming proudly, leaning on his staff as he watched father and son cry and laugh together.

"You came back! You came back for me!" Ingeras wailed joyously. "You did come back!"

"Ai, Ingeras. I'm here! I'm here, son." Vlad breathed.

"Don't ever let me go! Never leave me again, Papa!" Ingeras begged.

"Never. I will never leave you again, my son. Not ever!" Vlad promised with all of his heart. He wasn't sure what life they would have after this, but all his previous doubts and fears were completely evaporated now. All he knew was that he wanted to keep his son close to him forever.

"Gandalf!" Ingeras smiled. "You're here too."

"That I am, lad." Gandalf nodded cheerfully.

"But, why didn't you come back? Why didn't you come see me?" Ingeras frowned. Gandalf's face fell.

"I am sorry, Ingeras. I was struck by those foul spiders. And after I recovered, I wanted to come see you, and make sure you were safe." Gandalf said sorrowfully. "But I felt it was best to first find your father and then bring him to you. Forgive me, child."

"Forgive you? You brought Papa back to me!" Ingeras glowed. "Ohh, Papa. I missed you ssssoooooo badly!"

"And I you." Vlad murmured, their foreheads nuzzled together.

The trio had not noticed the elves or human standing there from a distance, watching in awe. The rain had stopped. They were smiling, happy for Ingeras. He'd been blessed with one of the parents he thought he'd lost. "Well now, Ingeras. Are you going to introduce us to your surprise guest?" Elrond smiled. Ingeras turned back to them and laughed.

"Oh, yes! I'm sorry." He smiled. Vlad carried him as he and Gandalf walk to their greeting party. "Aragorn, Legolas! Arwen! Everyone, this is Papa!"

"Welcome to Rivendell, Vlad Tepes." Elrond smiled warmly. He nodded a greeting to Gandalf who was more than happy to just remain in the background at this point.

"Lord Elrond." Vlad choked down a sob. "I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for my son! I do not know how to repay you!"

"Do not worry about such trifles, man." Elrond smiled proudly. "Seeing Ingeras restored and so full of joy is payment enough."

"Lord Elrond, I...I am not worthy to walk through your borders." Vlad hung his head.

"You are Ingeras's father, and for that you will be welcome here." Elrond said soothingly, with a kind smile.

"Thank you."

"Papa, this is Aragorn!" Ingeras piped up. "He is my best friend here." Vlad nodded.

"I am honored to meet you, my lord," Aragorn smiled, shaking his hand.

"No. I am a scourge, a miserable wretch in this place. But I am grateful for everything you have done." Vlad said quietly."

"Papa, this is Legolas." Ingeras interrupted. "He is a prince like me!"

"It's good to finally meet you, my good sir." Legolas said. "Ingeras has spoken of nothing else but you and your late wife. I am deeply sorry for your great loss."

"Thank...thank you." Vlad swallowed.

"Papa, these are Elladan and Elrohir. They're hard to tell apart, I know. And they can be real trouble." Ingeras smirked.

"Oh, thank you." Elladan huffed playfully.

"Thank you, Ingeras for slandering our reputation to the first other person we've met from your world." Elrohir added.

"But they grow on you." Ingeras snickered with a cheeky grin. "And, ohh, Papa! This...this is Arwen." Ingeras said in a much more serious, gentle tone as Vlad set him on his feet and Ingeras took his hand.

"Prince Vlad, welcome. We are glad to see you here." Arwen said in a musical voice. Vlad stood there, entranced. She was positively beautiful, like a night sky filled with stars. But those eyes! Those ocean blue eyes...they were just like Mirena's! Vlad nearly lost himself, and didn't realize how loudly his heart was beating.

"Isn't she beautiful, Papa?" Ingeras asked softly.

"Are you alright, Sir?" Arwen asked with concern when Vlad didn't respond. He didn't realize that tears were filling his eyes.

"What? Oh. I'm sorry." He grunted. "I beg your pardon for staring so, my lady. It's just that, you...you..."

"Not again!" Elrohir groaned.

"I know. Ingeras has told me, save for my hair, I resemble your wife." Arwen spoke gently. "Forgive me. I did not mean to cause you disturbance."

"Oh, do not apologize, fair one." Vlad shook his head. "You just cut me off guard for a moment."

"Arwen has a way of doing that, apparently, to the unfortunate males of your earth when they come to this place." Elrohir teased. Elrond shot him a glare. "What? It's true."

"Papa?" Ingeras tugged on his father's arm. "This is Glorfindel, the captain of Rivendell. And this is Erestor, the librarian, and Lindir the minstrel. And they are all my friends."

"I thank you all, for taking in my son, and all you have done to help him." Vlad bowed. "Accept my humble gratitude."

"It has been a pleasure, Prince Vlad." Glorfindel said. "It has been refreshing having a young one in the house again."

"Papa, you're going to stay, right? You have to!" Ingeras begged.

"Of course I will." Vlad smiled sadly.

"Well, Gandalf, my friend? It seems that you have brought Ingeras the best birthday gift he could ask for." Elrond praised the wizard.

"Yes, you did. Thank you, Gandalf." Ingeras cried, hugging the wizard.

"You're most welcome, my boy." Gandalf chuckled. Ingeras tugged on Vlad's hand.

"Come, Papa. It's almost time for cake!"

"You kept your promise, my friend. I thank you." Vlad whispered to Gandalf, who patted him on the shoulder.

Ingeras had the best birthday ever. The only sorrow was Mirena's absence, which they both felt keenly. But he was so filled with joy being reunited with his father that he couldn't stop smiling. Even when opening his gifts, and playing with the twins and Legolas, Ingeras was never far from Vlad's side.


Ingeras refused to let Vlad go for a moment when it was bedtime. He clung to his father like there was no tomorrow. Ingeras talked until his head dropped and he fell asleep, absolutely exhausted. Vlad held him as he slept, with soft tears in his eyes. Elrond quietly knocked. "I hope I'm not disturbing you." He said.

"No at all, Lord Elrond. Please come!" Vlad nearly begged. Elrond entered and smiled fondly when he saw Ingeras dozing.

"He has had quite a birthday. Finally caught up to him, I see." He grinned.

"Aye." Vlad whispered.

"Something troubles you deeply. Your mind is beyond hard pressed if I am not mistaken." Elrond observed. Vlad didn't dare gaze into the lord's kind eyes. He was too ashamed.

"Aye." He whispered again. Elrond grabbed a chair and sat beside the bed, keenly observing the broken man.

"He has missed you painfully." Elrond said. "We wanted to make efforts to find you, but with our separate universes' dynamics, we were not sure how to even begin."

"Don't trouble yourself over it. I didn't want to be found." Vlad moaned.

"Not even to be with your only son, while he is alive?" Elrond pressed.

"Of course I wanted to be with him." Vlad's face contorted in grief, tears pooling at the back of his eyelids. "But I did not want him to be living out through a nightmare just to be with me. You do not know who I truly am, my lord Elrond. If you were aware of my true identity, you would never have allowed me into your valley!" Vlad embraced Ingeras even closer.

"Just who are you?" Elrond asked in a curious tone.

"For Ingeras's sake, it is best if you do not know."

"Prince Vlad Tepes, became Vlad the Impaler, Son of the Dragon..." Elrond spoke quietly, gazing thoughtfully out onto the terrace. Vlad's face paled. "A former child slave to the Turkish sultan, became a warrior so fierce that entire armies retreated in terror at the mention of his name..."

"Please..." Vlad shook his head, wincing.

"...Sickened by his monstrous acts, buried his past with the dead..." Elrond continued. "And returned to Transylvania to rule in peace." Elrond smiled.

"How do you know this?" Vlad asked anxiously.

"I believe our mutual friend Gandalf the Grey enjoys keeping me up to date on everything that happens in the worlds around us."

"I do not deserve to live." Vlad wept. "My wife..." He sobbed. "I...she is gone, because of me! I did not...want to...I will never be cleansed of...oh, Lord Elrond, help me! Oh God, someone please help me!" Vlad wailed. He did not know why he was so desperately begging this stranger to set him free. Surely Elrond would hate him for what he'd done. But he didn't know where else to turn. And Elrond had been nothing but kind to his son.

Elrond let the man weep. When Vlad finally struggled to catch his breath, Elrond touched his shoulder. "My good man, we can help you." Elrond spoke quietly.

"I do not know how that is possible! Without killing me." Vlad shook his head.

"Just trust me, Prince Vlad. Things work differently in this world. I am not sure just how, but I know of a few who just might be able to help you."

"I'm not worth helping."

"You are that boy's father. And he loves you more than anything. He deserves to have his only living parent back. If not for yourself, do it for him." Elrond said. Vlad gazed up at him, stunned. Was it possible? He didn't dare hope!


Elrond gradually left Ingeras's room and was met outside in the hall by Gandalf. "You did right by them, Gandalf." Elrond told him. "Though I wish you had at least let us know a little sooner! The boy was nearly inconsolable, feeling that he was abandoned."

"Ai." Gandalf nodded solemnly. "It was never my intention to leave Ingeras all alone like that! When I found myself in Lorien, the Lady Galadriel told me that Ingeras was safe and that he had been brought here. I wanted to see him, to let him know I was still around. But I have known Vlad for a long time, and I felt obligated to try and talk some sense into him while Ingeras was under your care. Perhaps that was not the wisest move."

"He did not want to see his son?"

"Of course he did, my friend. But he felt it would be better for his son if they did not. I told him that was nonsense. You know, I had a most trying time trying to lure him out of that cave!"

"His wife..." Elrond pressed.

"Ahh." Gandalf grimaced sadly. "They ran out of time. The enemy fooled them and took advantage of the situation. He was losing Mirena. There was only one other way to stop the Turks and save his son once he had been captured. Mirena..." Gandalf winced. "She knew his secret, and had tried to keep him on track. But there was no time left. The dear lady..."

"She told him to feed on her!" Elrond gaped, horrified but it was all clear to him now. "So, that is what he was saying, about his wife. He did not specify, and Ingeras did not say how his father became a vampire. What in Eru's name?" Though Elrond could see the hopeless situation the Tepes' had been put in, he still could not fathom how someone who loved his wife as deeply as Vlad obviously had could still find it in himself to...to do such...an unthinkable thing! He could never imagine even considering hurting one of his family or friends like that!

"The Lady Galadriel told me that we must help Vlad." Gandalf said.

"She told me as well." Elrond sighed. This new revelation still disturbed him. "And it is obvious that he is tormented by his monstrous acts."

"For Ingeras's sake, we must try!" Gandalf exclaimed.


Vlad had not slept all night, but had held Ingeras the entire time and watched him sleep peacefully. At dawn, Ingeras stirred and rubbed his eyes. "Good morning, my big soldier." Vlad murmured tenderly.

"Papa! You're here?!" Ingeras cried in delight and surprise. He'd thought he'd only dreamed it.

"Yes, son. I'm here." Vlad smiled sadly and kissed his son's head as he held him close.

"Oh, Papa. I thought I was only dreaming." Ingeras snuggled in his arms.

"I know." Vlad agreed, running his hands through his hair.

"I wish Momma was here too."

"So do I." Vlad bit his lip.


Breakfast was lively that morning. Ingeras was the happiest the House of Elrond had ever seen him before. His father was a bit subdued, but it was clear to everyone that he was overjoyed to lay eyes on his son again.

"Lord Elrond?" Ingeras spoke up.

"Ai, penneth?" Elrond looked at him.

"It's cloudy out. I was hoping I could show Papa around Rivendell. May we?"

"Of course. You do not need to ask, Tithen pen." Elrond smiled warmly.

"I believe I shall tag along." Gandalf said and Ingeras gave him a longing look. "At a respectable distance, of course."

"Don't get lost." Aragorn said. He shared a conspiratorial smile with Legolas. They also would follow at a 'respectable distance'.


Vlad, Ingeras, and Gandalf had not been gone for more than half an hour when Elrond furrowed his brows and felt urgently drawn to check out the window. Yes, it was overcast and very possibly looked like more rain was on the way, but that was not what was troubling him. He began to feel uneasy and stared at his magic ring. Glorfindel just happened to enter the room at that moment. "Can you also feel it?" He asked the elf lord.

"So, I am not imagining things." Elrond glared.

"Nay, my friend. Something is at work within our borders." Glorfindel said seriously.

"Some great and evil force." Elrond agreed. "Ingeras!"


"Papa? Can't we stay here in Rivendell?" Ingeras asked Vlad as they ventured near the Hidden Pass.

"There is nothing I would like better, Ingeras." Vlad sighed. "Our people will not receive me, for what I've become, and you must take your place as the new prince. Yet I fear what reception you will be welcomed with."

"Then we should stay here." Ingeras said happily, holding tightly to Vlad's hand.

"This place...is heavenly, to say the least. I am so glad to know that you have found refuge and peace here, son."

"You can too, Papa." Ingeras said encouragingly. "Papa?" Vlad was staring into the distance. With his vampire vision, he saw evil figures descending into the peaceful valley.

"Ingeras, I think it's time we head back." Vlad said, turning to head back to Rivendell.

"What's wrong, Papa?"

"Just come." Vlad said. They started to run when an unearthly cry rang out over the valley and large, hideous figures charged toward them riding huge, ugly wargs. Orcs!

"Papa!" Ingeras screamed, clinging to Vlad from behind. Vlad stood his ground, his eyes turning to red. As the wargs raced at him, he knocked them off their feet with one a single right jab with his elbow. The wargs moaned and flipped over. Orcs appeared from every direction.

"Ingeras, hang onto me, son." Vlad said urgently. Ingeras climbed up Vlad's chest and hung on with all his might. His eyes becoming red again, Vlad ran and bashed the Orcs around that dared to come near him, his vampire super speed catching them off guard. "Don't let go of me, Ingeras!" Vlad told him, though his voice sounded different, in an eerie way. It didn't even sound like Vlad.

Aragorn, Glorfindel, Legolas, and Gandalf were rushing to aid the prince and his son. All three of them save Gandalf, were stunned and halted in their tracks as they watched Vlad tear through the Orcs faster than the speed of light, flinging them like twigs. Not only that, but in certain moments, he transformed into a swarm of bats! Glorfindel, Legolas, and Aragorn had never seen anything like it! "Move, you fools!" Gandalf scolded them. "Find the boy!"

Vlad was moving so fast that the others did not know where Ingeras was because they couldn't see him. And even though Vlad was more than capable of fending off these monsters, more Orcs and wargs dropped into the valley. Seeing their opponents being felled so easily by a black blur, the Orcs tried to avoid Vlad and instead turned their attention on the elves and the humans. Legolas was shooting off his arrows with an expert hand, never missing of course. Gandalf was fighting with both sword and staff. In the midst of this chaos, they kept frantically looking for Ingeras.

Ingeras, jostled hard by Vlad's unbelievable speed, lost his grip with his small hands and fell roughly to the ground. "There!" Legolas pointed out. He and Aragorn raced toward the boy as fast as they could.

"Ingeras!" Aragorn called. Ingeras was on his side, and slowly lifted his head up, dazed and the wind knocked out of him. He heard heavy, low growling and he paled with pure terror when he found himself on his back, face to face with the biggest, most menacing looking wolf he'd ever seen! It was a nightmare come true. Ingeras froze, too stunned and too scared to move! The Orc sitting on top of the warg sneered with a terrifying gleam in his eyes. He purred to the animal in the Black Speech. The warg licked its lips.

"H-h-h-elp me!" Ingeras could barely scream, icy fear taking his voice.

"Nooo!" Aragorn screeched, running even faster. Legolas shot at the warg but that only made the animal more angry. Even with his elvish speed, neither he nor Aragorn would reach the boy in time!

Ingeras was crying, pinned under the paw of the beast. It opened its massive, slobbering jaws. Ingeras screamed. But as the warg's neck was arched for the kill, a swarm of bats rammed into it and the Orc, knocking them both through the air and then killing them. Ingeras was too scared to move. Then he felt a pair of familiar hands and a dear voice speaking to him. "Ingeras? Ingeras, it's me! I'm here." Vlad panted worriedly, bending over his son, the murderous gleam from his eyes gone. "Ingeras, speak to me, son!" He cupped Ingeras's face with his hands.

"Papa?" Ingeras looked up at him.

"Oh, thank God!" Vlad breathed, cradling him. "Are you hurt, son?"

"Ingeras!" Aragorn and Legolas came to his side.

"P-p-p-Papa saved m-m-me." Ingeras trembled, clinging to Vlad.

"Are you alright?" Aragorn asked.

"Aragorn, Master Elf, get my son out of here! There are still more enemies." Vlad urged them. "Please, take Ingeras back to Rivendell, and get him safely to Master Elrond!" Aragorn nodded and scooped Ingeras up into his arms.

"Papa, what about you?" Ingeras cried, petrified at the thought of being separated from his father again.

"Don't worry about me. Go with them, Ingeras. I love you, son." Vlad smiled sadly.

"No, Papa! Please!" Ingeras wailed, reaching out for Vlad, but Aragorn turned to carry him away while Legolas stood behind, ready to defend. He watched the exchange grimly. It couldn't have been easy for Vlad to do that. The look of anguish on the prince's face was almost too much for the elf to take in. And Ingeras's pleas…

"Estel! Look out!" Glorfindel shouted. Aragorn ducked as an Orc swung his club at him. Glorfindel finished it off.


Gandalf was panting from fighting so hard, when some powerful force made him halt in the battle and look behind him. Up on the horizon, a lone figure calmly approached. He was clad in a dark cloak, his complexion pale. And his facial expression: conniving. Gandalf narrowed his eyes. The evil on the field was letting out its strength from somewhere. This newcomer was no ordinary being, Gandalf could feel a force of power pulsing off of him. Checking back over his shoulder to make sure Aragorn and the others were safe, and that Ingeras was out of harm's way, the wizard boldly marched toward the figure.

The Master Vampire curled his lips in a satisfied sneer, walking slowly toward Vlad who was still fending off the Orcs and wargs, as a herd of bats, encircling Ingeras, Aragorn, Legolas, and Glorfindel in a ring of protection. The Master Vampire licked his lips. This weak servant who had been evading him all this time would be indentured to serve him and do his dirty work now. It was time for Vlad to pay up. "Let the games begin." The Master Vampire slurred.

However, he had not been counting on the wizard, one of the Istari, to block his path. Gandalf glared him down, lighting his staff. "You will leave them alone. Be gone!" Gandalf ordered.

"I am here to claim my disciple of the darkness, bearded one." The Master Vampire replied casually.

"You brought evil and destruction to this valley." Gandalf retorted, his rage burning through his veins. "No more! Vlad does not belong to you. You can't have him!"

"He serves darkness now, ignorant wizard. He is darkness. It is all that he is now."

"You cannot have him!" Gandalf bellowed, raising his staff which gleamed brightly. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot have him. The dark abyss will not avail you, master of devilry. Go back to your cave! You cannot have him!" And with that, Gandalf plunged his staff into the earth, making the ground quake violently. A blinding light flashed over the land, blowing away the Orcs and wargs. The pure gleam was too much for the Master Vampire. It seared his skin into flakes and lapped in a scorching pulse at his cells. His entire being dissipated to nothing.


Vlad was staggering back to his feet, drenched in sweat, dizzy, panting. "Papa!" Ingeras jumped from Glorfindel's arms and ran to help his father stand. "Papa?"

"I'm alright, son." Vlad tried to catch his breath. The light from Gandalf's staff had incredibly purged him and he was trying to shake it off. The rest of the Orcs were shot down and slain in no time by Elrond and his sons. "Thank you." Vlad said meekly to the elves and the ranger. They merely nodded, eyeing him thoughtfully.

"Is everyone alright?" Gandalf asked as he came back to them.

"I believe so." Legolas replied softly.

"Your pure light singed me, but it did not do away with me, my friend." Vlad tried to smile at the wizard.

"I am sorry, lad. I am afraid it was unavoidable." Gandalf frowned. Suddenly, Vlad flinched with a gasp. His eyes nearly bugged out as he'd felt a horribly acute pain zap straight through his body. He looked down. A wooden stake had been thrust into his chest from behind! Vlad's body slunk to the ground.

"PAPA!" Ingeras screamed at the top of his lungs.

Legolas scowled and quickly shot down the Orc that had stabbed Ingeras's father from his perch on a ledge on the hill. "Help! Help please!" Ingeras wailed. The elves, Aragorn, and Gandalf hurried to his side. Vlad was flat on his back, his face growing pale as death and his breathing in strangled wheezing. His chest was completely covered in blood with a stake in the middle of it.

"Papa..." Ingeras sobbed helplessly. "No, Papa..."

Gandalf hovered over Vlad's head. Aragorn was at his right while Elrond dropped to the other side next to Ingeras. Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas, and Glorfindel were all standing and watching with horror. "Papa! Oh, Papa! No!" Ingeras wailed. He looked up terrified at Elrond. "Save him, Sir! Please, please save him! You have to save him! Please!"

"Let me take a look, Ingeras." Elrond told him. Vlad's body was thrashing as he could not get oxygen into his lungs, and blood kept pouring from his body. Vlad roughly gripped Gandalf's arm and jerked him to his level.

"Gandalf...my g-g-g-ood friend...take...y-y-you take c-c-care of my son." Vlad pleaded breathlessly. "M-m-make sure he's s-s-s-safe." Gandalf nodded sadly, tears filling the old man's eyes. Elrond started barking orders to his sons. He knew he couldn't save Vlad, but maybe his soul could be spared. He prayed so for Ingeras's sake! Nevertheless, he pressed a bandage firmly to Vlad's breast. Vlad was fading fast. He started to close his eyes.

"No, no, Papa!" Ingeras shook him.

"Ingeras..." Vlad tried to smile bravely. "My big, brave soldier."

"Papa, don't leave!" Ingeras pleaded. "Stay with me! Master Elrond can save you! He can! Just hold on!"

"It's alright, s-son." Vlad smiled weakly, feebly reaching out his hand to stroke his son's wet face. "I'm...p-p-p-proud of y-y-you, Ingeras."

"Papa, don't go! Stay! You've got to stay!" Ingeras cried painfully. "I've got you! Just...don't go!"

"I'll give y-y-your mother a k-k-kiss for you." Vlad murmured, slowly starting to go still.

"Nooo! Papa! Come back! Papa, come back! Please..." Ingeras choked. Legolas, Aragorn, Glorfindel, Gandalf, Elrond, and the twins all watched sadly. Ingeras lay across his father's chest. "You said you would never leave me again..." Ingeras sobbed, his heart broken in two.

Legolas's breath hitched when he heard that. He couldn't bear to see the little boy in such pain. He knelt down next to him and clasped his shoulders. Ingeras refused to let go of Vlad. Legolas rubbed the boy's back, tears filling his own eyes, and he kissed his hair. Aragorn did the same. "Ingeras..." He tried to speak.

"No! He can't be gone! Papa! Stay with me!" Ingeras begged desperately. "Please! Y-y-you s-s-said you would n-n-n-never leave me a-a-again!"