Chapter 2

A few days away, both brothers reached Imladris safely. As soon as they dismounted, a small blur attached itself to Elrohir's legs.

"Elrohir!" a small voice shouted. "You are back. I told Ada that you would be back soon. He did not believe me."

"Elrohir easily scooped up little Estel. "Did you , tithen pen? Where is Ada anyways? He is always here to greet us."

"Maybe he was watching from inside to see that mischief you have led yourself into," came a deep musical voice from the doorway.

"Ada!"cried Elrohir.

"Are you well, ion nîn? No injuries?" asked Elrond, his eyes raking over the twins in concern.

"No Ada, n-nothing," stammered Elrohir, his face reddening as his arms moved subconsciously to hide his injuries. "We are fine. Not injured…. anywhere…. at all."

"Ada, we are in need of your advice." interrupted Elladan before Elrohir could blab all their numerous injuries out loud. He moved aside to show the small bundle of clothes in his arms in which the baby was fast asleep.

"What is this, Elladan?" asked Elrond. Estel looked on curiously.

"We found him in the forest, Ada," put in Elrohir. "He was surrounded by orcs and his parents were nowhere in sight, so we could not leave him to such a fate."

By then, a myriad of elves had surrounded them, some looking on curiously.

"We will continue this discussion in my study," ordered Elrond, as he saw their conversation was no longer private. "Bring the child too."

The three elves slowly made their way towards Elrond's study. Estel already distracted with something, had run off. After entering the study, Elrond closed the door and turned around to face the twins.

"Explain, ion nîn." He asked.

Elladan launched himself into the story. By the end of it, Elrond was looking quite flummoxed. "You say that his parents were not there? Not even their remains?"

"No Ada," replied Elrohir. "Elladan scouted the surrounding area and found nothing."

Elrond sat behind his large desk, which was filled with numerous scrolls and letters. "Then it is a good thing you brought him away from there. Edain have been known to leave their offspring away in woods for the nature to take her course, if they are not able to afford taking care of them."

By then the baby had opened his eyes and was looking at them curiously, his mouth forming a tiny yawn. The child tilted its head looking at Lord Elrond, his big blue eyes blinking innocently.

"May I hold him?" asked Elrond hesitantly, stretching out his arms for the child. Elladan transferred the baby over to Elrond. However, as soon as the child was settled in Elrond's arms, Lord Elrond jerked suddenly, his eyes glazing over.

"Ada?" asked Elladan nervously. He had known his father to act so when he had a vision of the future. He had acted exactly like so when he held Aragorn in his arms, knowing that the child was destined to be king, thus naming his Estel.

"He….This child is important," whispered Elrond, his eyes still glazed over, though now in shock. "With the foresight gifted to me, I feel that this child will bring about change into Arda. I know that without him, Middle Earth will fall."

Elrohis and Elladan stared at their father and the child of edan cradled in his arms, in astonishment. To have such a great destiny ahead of him, the child must indeed be someone important. Their father's foresight was never wrong.

"Ada, what are you going to do?" asked Elladan, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.

"I have made my decision," declared Lord Elrond, straightening up in all his glory. "This child shall hence be named Elaer and he shall be brought up as a son to me and a brother to Estel. His name shall carry the weight of his future, for he shall bring about a great change for Arda."

Elladan and Elrohir were astonished. Another human fosterling? Truly, if this babe was destined to change the world, then there was no safer place for him to be brought up that Imladris. That was why Estel was here after all.

And so, another human child was adopted by Lord Elrond, much to the curiosity of the other elves in the Hidden Valley. One human fosterling, most could understand, but two? It remained the talk of all when Lord Elrond announced his decision.

Lord Elrond had not made this decision without much careful thought. He knew that this young boy was important for the future of Middle Earth. Moreover, Estel would now have a younger human brother near his own age to play with. He would not be lonely as the only edan amongst elves. Elrond, during the few moments he had held the child, had given his heart to him because of his beautiful blue eyes and the intelligence he saw in the child's face. This child might not be from the line of kings, but Elrond somehow knew that he had nobility in his blood. Even so young, it showed in his countenance and Elrond could not give up this child to be fostered any other.

Translations

Tithen pen = little one

Ada = Father (Dad)

Ion nîn = my son

Edain = men

Edan = man

Elear = Visionary