The Life of a Ranger
Chapter 8
There were two weeks until Estel's 20th birthday and everyone was busy preparing for it. There was something that Elrond had to do before it that he was not looking forward to doing.
"Are you sure you don't want me to tell him?" Gilraen asked.
"I'm sure thank you. It was my idea to keep it from him so I'll tell him. We don't know he will react. He may be angry with us for keeping it from him and I would not have his anger directed towards you," Elrond replied.
"Do you want me to go and get him now?"
"Yes please."
Elrond was looking out the open window when he heard a voice from the doorway.
"Naneth said you wanted to talk to me," Estel said.
"Come in. Can you close the door please? Thank you," he said, walking towards Estel.
Estel noticed that their was a certain. almost sadness about him, so he said, "Is there anything wrong Ada?"
Elrond smiled at the boy's no young man's, he reminded himself, perception.
"Sit down," Estel sat down. "What do you know about your father, your real father?" Elrond asked.
"He was a ranger of the north and he died protecting his people," Estel replied, rather confused.
"Do you know what his name was?"
"No, Naneth has never told me."
"His name was Arathorn."
"Arathorn," Estel said, trying to work out why it sounded familiar. Then it dawned on him. "The heir of Isildur Arathorn."
"Yes. And you are Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur," Elrond said, sitting down opposite him.
"Aragorn. Me. Why have I only been told about this now?"
"It was for your own safety. If the enemy found out that you were the heir of Isildur you would have been hunted," Elrond explained. "Also I didn't want your childhood to be heavy with the burdens of who you are. But Aragorn if you're going to be angry with anyone be angry with me not your mother."
"I'm not angry don't worry. It's just." Estel didn't know how to carry on.
"It will take a while to get used to," Elrond said.
"Who else knows?"
"Only Gilraen, Elladan and Elrohir. It's up to you if you tell people or if you want me or anyone else to."
"Can you tell everyone? Except Legolas. I'd prefer to tell him, Ad- um Lord Elrond," he said, looking down.
"Aragorn, you will always be my son and if you want me to be, I will always be your Ada," Elrond said kindly.
"Hannon le, Ada," Estel said, looking up.
"Your welcome," he replied, smiling.
"But Ada," Estel said. "Do you think everyone could still call me Estel?"
"Of course, if that's what you want. Oh yes, Legolas will be arriving in a week."
"How long will he be staying for?" Estel asked.
"I'm not sure. Thranduil said they'll see how things go."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"Are you alright, Estel?" Elladan asked. He knew that Elrond was planning to tell him everything.
"Ok thanks. Ada told me today."
"Told you what?" Elrohir asked, just in case they were thinking about different things.
"About me. I know you know," he said.
"So should we call you Aragorn now?" Elladan asked.
"No," Estel shouted. "Oh I'm sorry 'Dan," he said, putting his head in his hands. It's just I'd prefer to be called Estel."
"That's fine with us," Elrohir said, sitting next to him and putting a hand on his back. "How are you with it all?"
"Well I don't know. It hasn't really sunk in yet. It does feel a bit strange knowing who I really am and who my father was," Estel explained. "Part of me wishes I could of just stayed Estel, son of Elrond rather than Aragorn, son of Arathorn."
"Well whenever you are with us you will be Estel, son of Elrond, brother of Elladan and Elrohir," Elrohir said.
"Thanks 'Ro."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After lunch Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond left Gilraen and Estel alone.
"How do you feel about what Elrond told you?" she asked.
"It feels strange to know that everything I thought I knew about myself is a lie," he said, quietly.
"I'm sorry but it was for your own safety," she said, sitting next to him.
"I know. It's just I've lived nearly 18 years thinking I was Estel, son of Elrond and then I find out that I'm actually Aragorn, son of Arathorn."
"I understand," Gilraen said.
"Naneth, do you mind if I'm still called Estel. At least just for now while I'm getting used to it all."
"Of course not," she replied, although she would like to be able to call him by his birth name.
"Tell me about him. My father I mean," he said.
Gilraen happily obliged but stopped when Estel said worriedly, "Naneth what's wrong you're crying?"
"Don't worry," she replied, wiping her eyes. "It's just that this is the first time I've really spoken about your father since he died. I'm always thinking about him but it's just this reminds me more of what I've lost," she said, more tears rolling down her face.
"I don't mind if you want to talk about something else."
"No, I like talking about him," she replied, pulling him gently into her embrace.
They sat like this for many hours while Gilraen told Estel everything she could remember about Arathorn.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Elrond, Glorfindel and Gilraen were all sitting around talking when Gilraen asked, "Do you two know what you're going to give Estel?"
"I had been thinking about a box with herbs and creams and things that he might need when he goes hunting but I'm not sure," Elrond replied.
"I think that will be perfect. What about you Glorfindel? Have you got any ideas?"
"Not really," he replied.
"What are you giving him Gilraen?" Elrond asked.
"I want Estel to be the first to find out what it is," she replied.
"How do you think he's been since I told him?" Elrond asked.
"He has been a little bit distant with me sometimes, but it's a lot to come to terms with," Gilraen replied.
"He hasn't been very different with me," Glorfindel said. "But that's probably because I didn't know about it."
"What he needs is a friend that he can talk to," Gilraen said.
"Legolas should be arriving on Thursday," Elrond said.
"I thought he wouldn't be arriving till the weekend."
"Thranduil and I decided to give Estel a surprise be having them arrive earlier then he expected," Elrond replied, with a laugh.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
On Thursday morning Estel was sitting in the courtyard reading when a party of elves rode in. He recognised one of them.
"King Thranduil, we weren't expecting you for at least another two days."
"Estel please go and get your father. We were attacked by orcs and Legolas was shot," Thranduil said.
Estel ran through the many corridors until he reached Elrond's study. He threw the door open and raced in.
"Estel I thought I told you not to disturb me this morning because I've got to much paperwork," Elrond said, angrily.
"I'm sorry Ada but King Thranduil has arrived and-"
"Well you can show him and the other elves to the guest rooms and give them my apologises but I'm very busy this morning," Elrond said, getting back to the letter that he had been reading.
"They were attacked by orcs and Legolas has been shot," Estel said.
When Elrond heard this he rushed out of the room followed by the twins and Glorfindel but Elrohir stayed behind when he saw Estel sink to the floor, worried about his friend.
Meanwhile Elrond had made his way outside quickly. He took Legolas from Thranduil's shaking arms and carried him gently inside.
After hearing what had happened he finally managed to persuade Thranduil to go and get some rest while he saw to the prince.
A few hours later he emerged from the room. He found Thranduil sitting in one of the guest rooms.
"How is he?" he asked, walking quickly over to Elrond.
"He's fine now, just sleeping. Hopefully he will wake today or tomorrow but he may not wake for quite a few days yet."
"Can I go and see him?" Thranduil asked.
"Of course. Have you had anything to eat yet?" Elrond asked, leading him to Legolas's room.
"No."
"Would you like me to bring you something up?"
"No thank you. I'm not hungry at the moment," Thranduil said, sitting down next to the bed.
"If you want anything just ask someone ok. Also when he wakes could you ask someone to find me?" Elrond asked.
"I will. Thank you Elrond."
As he was closing the door Elrond decided he had better go and see how Estel was. Just as he was about to knock the door opened and Estel walked out. When he saw Elrond he asked, "How's Legolas?"
"He's fine. He's sleeping. He'll hopefully wake today or tomorrow but we might have to wait for quite a few days," Elrond explained.
"Can I go and see him?" Estel asked.
"Maybe later. Thranduil's with him at the moment. I'm sorry I wouldn't listen to you this morning."
"It's alright," Estel replied.
"No it's not. I should have known that you would only interrupt me if it was something important," Elrond said. "Have you had any lunch today?"
"No, I was waiting to see how Legolas was."
"Well shall we go and get something to eat?"
"Ok."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Early the next morning Estel got dressed and went to find Elrond. He was in his study.
"Ada please can I go and sit with Legolas?"
"Of course. If he wakes while you're with him can you come and get me please?" Elrond asked.
"I will," Estel said, heading for the door.
"Oh and Estel." Estel turned round. "Promise me you'll get some breakfast."
"I will."
Estel sat down next to Legolas's bed and started talking to him even though he knew Legolas couldn't hear him.
"Oh Legolas I'm sorry you got hurt. It's all my fault and I'm sorry," he stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Thranduil looking kindly down at him.
"It was not your fault Legolas got injured," Thranduil said, sitting down on the other side of the bed.
"Yes it was. He came here because it was my birthday. If it wasn't my birthday he would be safely at home," Estel replied.
"He wanted to come and see you and your brothers soon anyway. I do not blame you for what happened and I know that when Legolas wakes up he will not blame you either so don't blame yourself," Thranduil said gently.
Estel was thinking over Thranduil's words when he heard a noise from the bed. He looked down and saw that Legolas was waking up.
"I'll go and get Ada," he said, running out the door.
Thranduil took one of Legolas's hands in his own and waited till he was completely awake.
"Ada," Legolas said, when his eyes focused on the person above him.
"So you've decided to wake up at last have you my little Greenleaf," Thranduil said, smiling gently down at him.
"Where are we?" Legolas asked looking around the room they were in.
"Rivendell, we arrived yesterday morning," Thranduil replied. When he saw Legolas frown slightly he asked, "Are you alright?"
"I can't remember leaving home," Legolas replied, his frown deepening.
"What do you mean?" Thranduil asked.
Legolas was about to reply when he heard a voice behind him.
"It's good to see you awake Prince Legolas."
Legolas turned over and saw Elrond looking down at him.
"Lord Elrond," Legolas said, bowing his head slightly.
"How do you feel?" he asked, sitting in the chair that Estel had been in.
"I've got a pounding headache," Legolas replied.
"Tell him what you just told me," Thranduil said.
Legolas turned over slightly so he could see his father and then looked at Elrond again.
"I can't remember leaving home. The last thing I remember was leaving the palace but I don't remember getting out of Mirkwood," Legolas said, frustrated with the fact that he couldn't remember anything from the last week or so.
"So you don't remember any part of the journey or getting wounded?" Elrond asked.
"No. Nothing," Legolas said, a tear of frustration running down his cheek, which he tried to hide from Elrond, but he saw it anyway.
Wiping it away gently Elrond said, "Don't worry. Drink this and then I'll explain what happened," holding up a beaker.
Legolas managed to sit up with some help from Thranduil who kept one hand on the young elf's back to steady him. After drinking the mixture Elrond gave him he laid back down with some more help from Thranduil.
"On the way here your party was attacked by orcs and you were shot. On the arrow, and probably on their blades to, there was a poison that makes you forget the last week or two. If the wound is left untreated the person can forget for two maybe three weeks but because I've treated your wound you should remember everything in a week. That potion also speeds it up," Elrond explained kindly. "If the orcs can infect whole parties of travellers it makes it much more easy for them to be captured. You should be out of bed today or tomorrow."
When Legolas heard this it made him much more relaxed.
"But there's one thing you can't do until the poison has worn of and that is use a weapon. Sometimes the poison makes you forget what you can do," Elrond said.
"Ok Legolas. No archery," Thranduil said firmly.
"Yes Ada."
"Would you like something to eat Legolas?" Elrond asked.
"No thank you."
"What about you Thranduil? It's almost time for lunch."
"I'll stay with Legolas for now thank you," Thranduil said.
"Ada, go and have some lunch. I'll be fine on my own," Legolas said.
"Are you sure?" Thranduil asked.
"Yes. I think I'll have another sleep," he replied.
"Typical," Thranduil muttered, raising a laugh from Legolas.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After lunch Elrond woke Legolas up and gave him another dose of the medicine and then let him get up. He found Estel's room easily and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Estel asked from inside.
"It's just me, Legolas."
The door opened and Estel let Legolas in.
"How are you?" Estel asked.
"I'm fine thanks. Did your father tell you about the poison?" Legolas asked.
"No," Estel said. "What poison?"
"There was a poison on the arrow that makes the person that's been infected with it forget the last week or two. Thanks to your father I should remember the journey here in a few days."
"Oh right. There's something I need to tell you," Estel said.
"Go on then."
"Well shall we go outside?" Estel suggested.
Once they got into Estel's favourite garden he started, "You remember when you saved me from the orcs when I first came here."
"Yes."
"What did Ada and the twins tell you about me?" Estel asked, sitting down on the bench.
"That your father was a ranger and a friend of the twins. He had died so Elrond let you and Gilraen live here, why?" he asked.
"Well there's more to me then you know. I am. I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur," Estel said, looking at Legolas's reaction.
"You're Aragorn," Legolas said, amazed. "Wow."
"You can say that again," Estel muttered.
"But you're still being called Estel," Legolas said more then asked.
"Yes."
"How are you with it all?" Legolas asked, sitting down next to him.
"It's just all to much to take in," Estel said, putting his face in his hands. And Ada said that he named me Estel because I am the hope of my people but I don't know if I can take the throne of Gondor."
"I have faith that you can take the throne of Gondor if you want it and I know that if you do take it you will be a fantastic king," Legolas said.
"Really," Estel asked, looking up.
"Really. And if I can I shall help you all the way," Legolas said sincerely.
"Thank you Legolas."
Just as they were about to go in Estel picked up a sprig of lavender, remembering what Gilraen had said about how his father used to pick it for her.
Once inside Estel found Gilraen and gave her the lavender.
"What's this for?" she asked.
"You said it's your favourite because my father used to pick some for you," Estel said.
"Thank you," Gilraen said, embracing him.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was walking through the woods of Rivendell when he saw a figure up ahead. Although he hadn't seen her for over 17 years he still recognised her.
"Arwen," he cried, running over to her.
Arwen, hearing her name turned round and saw someone running towards her. When the man reached her she said, "I'm sorry but I don't think I know you."
"Don't you remember me? It's me Estel or at least that's what I am called but my real name is Aragorn and I am the son of Arathorn," he said proudly.
"Estel, you've changed," Arwen said, realising whom the man was.
"Well I'm not an elf like you. I do change. I didn't know you were here yet."
For quite a while they walked through the woods talking about different things when they came to a small stream. They sat down by it and for a while just got lost in their own thoughts.
Before he knew what he was doing Estel leaned forward and kissed Arwen on the lips. He quickly pulled back.
"I'm sorry Arwen. I don't know what came over me," he mumbled, going very red.
"Estel, you have nothing to apologise for. We should be heading home. It's getting dark," Arwen replied, standing up.
The made their way back silently, Estel's eyes never leaving the ground.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
On the morning of Estel's birthday Gilraen picked up his present and carried it into Estel's room. Seeing that he was fast asleep she sat down on the chair and waited for him to wake up.
When Estel's eyes had cleared he noticed Gilraen.
"Morning Naneth," he said, sitting up.
"Good morning. Happy birthday," she replied moving to sit on the bed.
"Thanks. I thought I was going to have all my presents downstairs later," he said when he saw what was in her hands.
"All except this one," she said, handing him the present.
Estel opened it and saw that it was a sword in a scabbard.
"Look above the hilt."
Estel looked and saw the words
Arathorn
"It was your father's," Gilraen said.
"Thank you, Naneth," Estel replied, giving her a quick hug.
"Your welcome."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Half an hour later Estel was washed and dressed. Just as he was leaving his room his eye fell on the sword that Gilraen had given him. He buckled it onto his belt and made his way downstairs for breakfast.
"Happy birthday Estel," the twins and Legolas said, when he entered the room.
"Thanks," Estel replied, grinning.
"Happy birthday, nin ion," Elrond said, walking up to him.
"Thank you Ada."
Only Gilraen noticed the sword hanging from his side and she decided not to say anything about it.
"Happy birthday," Thranduil said, when Estel was seated.
"Thank you."
After breakfast Estel went into Elrond's study where all his presents had been put the night before. Elrond picked up one square parcel and took it over to where Estel was sitting.
"Happy birthday," he said again while handing it to Estel and sitting down beside him.
Estel ripped the paper and saw that it was a brown wooden box he opened it and saw that it was full of different bottles of medicine, on the label there was the name and what it could be used for.
"You're learning the skill of healing very well so I thought this might be useful for you," Elrond said.
"Thank you, Ada," Estel said, closing the box, putting it down carefully and giving him a quick hug.
"We're next," Elladan and Elrohir said, picking up two long boxes.
They handed them to Estel. When he opened them he saw two gleaming knives.
"We know how you're always moaning about your knives so we got you these," Elrohir said.
"The one from me is obviously better," Elladan joked.
"Thanks."
Legolas came forward next with his present. It was a nice thick cloak.
"I know you're always ruining your cloaks so the more you have the better. And I did help ruin your last one so this is to make up for that," he said.
"Thanks Legolas," he said, while Gilraen, who was sitting on one side of Estel had a look at the cloak.
Arwen stood up, picked her present up and handed it to Estel with a smile. He opened it and saw a large gold and midnight blue brooch in the shape of a star.
"Thank you," he said, slightly embarrassed remembering what had happened the day before.
"Your welcome," she said, still smiling at him.
"I'm sorry it's not wrapped but it's a bit of an awkward shape," Galadriel said, holding a bow and quiver full of arrows.
"Thank you, Daernaneth, and you Daeradar," he said, taking the bow and quiver of her.
"I'm afraid mine isn't wrapped either," Glorfindel said stepping forward. "I know you're always moaning about-"
"Estel's always moaning about everything," Elrohir said, making everyone laugh.
"Shut up 'Ro," Estel said. "Besides it's my birthday today, you're not aloud to be mean to me."
"Fine I'll save it till tomorrow."
"Whatever. Sorry Glorfindel," Estel said, pulling a face at Elrohir.
"Well as you're always moaning about how old Arthalion the .." Glorfindel stopped.
"4th."
"The 4th so you can have Edlothia," Glorfindel said.
"But Glorfindel isn't that Asfaloth's foal?"
"Yes and I'm giving her to you," he replied, smiling at the man.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome."
"What about Gilraen's present?" Elrohir asked when he noticed there were no more gifts on the floor where not long ago there had been a big pile.
"Naneth already gave it to me," Estel said, standing up and showing them the sword that was hanging from his side. He drew it and handed it to Legolas. He then handed it to Elrohir who said, "It says Arathorn on it. Was this your father's?"
Estel nodded.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Legolas and Thranduil stayed for two weeks longer and in those two weeks the twins, Legolas and Estel managed to get injured on a hunting trip.
Arwen and the elves from Lothlorien only stayed for a week longer.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Please review.
Thank you everyone that has reviewed previous chapters.
me my theory is that the Halbarad that appears in LotR is named after a member of the family called Halbarad.
Chapter 8
There were two weeks until Estel's 20th birthday and everyone was busy preparing for it. There was something that Elrond had to do before it that he was not looking forward to doing.
"Are you sure you don't want me to tell him?" Gilraen asked.
"I'm sure thank you. It was my idea to keep it from him so I'll tell him. We don't know he will react. He may be angry with us for keeping it from him and I would not have his anger directed towards you," Elrond replied.
"Do you want me to go and get him now?"
"Yes please."
Elrond was looking out the open window when he heard a voice from the doorway.
"Naneth said you wanted to talk to me," Estel said.
"Come in. Can you close the door please? Thank you," he said, walking towards Estel.
Estel noticed that their was a certain. almost sadness about him, so he said, "Is there anything wrong Ada?"
Elrond smiled at the boy's no young man's, he reminded himself, perception.
"Sit down," Estel sat down. "What do you know about your father, your real father?" Elrond asked.
"He was a ranger of the north and he died protecting his people," Estel replied, rather confused.
"Do you know what his name was?"
"No, Naneth has never told me."
"His name was Arathorn."
"Arathorn," Estel said, trying to work out why it sounded familiar. Then it dawned on him. "The heir of Isildur Arathorn."
"Yes. And you are Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur," Elrond said, sitting down opposite him.
"Aragorn. Me. Why have I only been told about this now?"
"It was for your own safety. If the enemy found out that you were the heir of Isildur you would have been hunted," Elrond explained. "Also I didn't want your childhood to be heavy with the burdens of who you are. But Aragorn if you're going to be angry with anyone be angry with me not your mother."
"I'm not angry don't worry. It's just." Estel didn't know how to carry on.
"It will take a while to get used to," Elrond said.
"Who else knows?"
"Only Gilraen, Elladan and Elrohir. It's up to you if you tell people or if you want me or anyone else to."
"Can you tell everyone? Except Legolas. I'd prefer to tell him, Ad- um Lord Elrond," he said, looking down.
"Aragorn, you will always be my son and if you want me to be, I will always be your Ada," Elrond said kindly.
"Hannon le, Ada," Estel said, looking up.
"Your welcome," he replied, smiling.
"But Ada," Estel said. "Do you think everyone could still call me Estel?"
"Of course, if that's what you want. Oh yes, Legolas will be arriving in a week."
"How long will he be staying for?" Estel asked.
"I'm not sure. Thranduil said they'll see how things go."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"Are you alright, Estel?" Elladan asked. He knew that Elrond was planning to tell him everything.
"Ok thanks. Ada told me today."
"Told you what?" Elrohir asked, just in case they were thinking about different things.
"About me. I know you know," he said.
"So should we call you Aragorn now?" Elladan asked.
"No," Estel shouted. "Oh I'm sorry 'Dan," he said, putting his head in his hands. It's just I'd prefer to be called Estel."
"That's fine with us," Elrohir said, sitting next to him and putting a hand on his back. "How are you with it all?"
"Well I don't know. It hasn't really sunk in yet. It does feel a bit strange knowing who I really am and who my father was," Estel explained. "Part of me wishes I could of just stayed Estel, son of Elrond rather than Aragorn, son of Arathorn."
"Well whenever you are with us you will be Estel, son of Elrond, brother of Elladan and Elrohir," Elrohir said.
"Thanks 'Ro."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After lunch Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond left Gilraen and Estel alone.
"How do you feel about what Elrond told you?" she asked.
"It feels strange to know that everything I thought I knew about myself is a lie," he said, quietly.
"I'm sorry but it was for your own safety," she said, sitting next to him.
"I know. It's just I've lived nearly 18 years thinking I was Estel, son of Elrond and then I find out that I'm actually Aragorn, son of Arathorn."
"I understand," Gilraen said.
"Naneth, do you mind if I'm still called Estel. At least just for now while I'm getting used to it all."
"Of course not," she replied, although she would like to be able to call him by his birth name.
"Tell me about him. My father I mean," he said.
Gilraen happily obliged but stopped when Estel said worriedly, "Naneth what's wrong you're crying?"
"Don't worry," she replied, wiping her eyes. "It's just that this is the first time I've really spoken about your father since he died. I'm always thinking about him but it's just this reminds me more of what I've lost," she said, more tears rolling down her face.
"I don't mind if you want to talk about something else."
"No, I like talking about him," she replied, pulling him gently into her embrace.
They sat like this for many hours while Gilraen told Estel everything she could remember about Arathorn.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Elrond, Glorfindel and Gilraen were all sitting around talking when Gilraen asked, "Do you two know what you're going to give Estel?"
"I had been thinking about a box with herbs and creams and things that he might need when he goes hunting but I'm not sure," Elrond replied.
"I think that will be perfect. What about you Glorfindel? Have you got any ideas?"
"Not really," he replied.
"What are you giving him Gilraen?" Elrond asked.
"I want Estel to be the first to find out what it is," she replied.
"How do you think he's been since I told him?" Elrond asked.
"He has been a little bit distant with me sometimes, but it's a lot to come to terms with," Gilraen replied.
"He hasn't been very different with me," Glorfindel said. "But that's probably because I didn't know about it."
"What he needs is a friend that he can talk to," Gilraen said.
"Legolas should be arriving on Thursday," Elrond said.
"I thought he wouldn't be arriving till the weekend."
"Thranduil and I decided to give Estel a surprise be having them arrive earlier then he expected," Elrond replied, with a laugh.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
On Thursday morning Estel was sitting in the courtyard reading when a party of elves rode in. He recognised one of them.
"King Thranduil, we weren't expecting you for at least another two days."
"Estel please go and get your father. We were attacked by orcs and Legolas was shot," Thranduil said.
Estel ran through the many corridors until he reached Elrond's study. He threw the door open and raced in.
"Estel I thought I told you not to disturb me this morning because I've got to much paperwork," Elrond said, angrily.
"I'm sorry Ada but King Thranduil has arrived and-"
"Well you can show him and the other elves to the guest rooms and give them my apologises but I'm very busy this morning," Elrond said, getting back to the letter that he had been reading.
"They were attacked by orcs and Legolas has been shot," Estel said.
When Elrond heard this he rushed out of the room followed by the twins and Glorfindel but Elrohir stayed behind when he saw Estel sink to the floor, worried about his friend.
Meanwhile Elrond had made his way outside quickly. He took Legolas from Thranduil's shaking arms and carried him gently inside.
After hearing what had happened he finally managed to persuade Thranduil to go and get some rest while he saw to the prince.
A few hours later he emerged from the room. He found Thranduil sitting in one of the guest rooms.
"How is he?" he asked, walking quickly over to Elrond.
"He's fine now, just sleeping. Hopefully he will wake today or tomorrow but he may not wake for quite a few days yet."
"Can I go and see him?" Thranduil asked.
"Of course. Have you had anything to eat yet?" Elrond asked, leading him to Legolas's room.
"No."
"Would you like me to bring you something up?"
"No thank you. I'm not hungry at the moment," Thranduil said, sitting down next to the bed.
"If you want anything just ask someone ok. Also when he wakes could you ask someone to find me?" Elrond asked.
"I will. Thank you Elrond."
As he was closing the door Elrond decided he had better go and see how Estel was. Just as he was about to knock the door opened and Estel walked out. When he saw Elrond he asked, "How's Legolas?"
"He's fine. He's sleeping. He'll hopefully wake today or tomorrow but we might have to wait for quite a few days," Elrond explained.
"Can I go and see him?" Estel asked.
"Maybe later. Thranduil's with him at the moment. I'm sorry I wouldn't listen to you this morning."
"It's alright," Estel replied.
"No it's not. I should have known that you would only interrupt me if it was something important," Elrond said. "Have you had any lunch today?"
"No, I was waiting to see how Legolas was."
"Well shall we go and get something to eat?"
"Ok."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Early the next morning Estel got dressed and went to find Elrond. He was in his study.
"Ada please can I go and sit with Legolas?"
"Of course. If he wakes while you're with him can you come and get me please?" Elrond asked.
"I will," Estel said, heading for the door.
"Oh and Estel." Estel turned round. "Promise me you'll get some breakfast."
"I will."
Estel sat down next to Legolas's bed and started talking to him even though he knew Legolas couldn't hear him.
"Oh Legolas I'm sorry you got hurt. It's all my fault and I'm sorry," he stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Thranduil looking kindly down at him.
"It was not your fault Legolas got injured," Thranduil said, sitting down on the other side of the bed.
"Yes it was. He came here because it was my birthday. If it wasn't my birthday he would be safely at home," Estel replied.
"He wanted to come and see you and your brothers soon anyway. I do not blame you for what happened and I know that when Legolas wakes up he will not blame you either so don't blame yourself," Thranduil said gently.
Estel was thinking over Thranduil's words when he heard a noise from the bed. He looked down and saw that Legolas was waking up.
"I'll go and get Ada," he said, running out the door.
Thranduil took one of Legolas's hands in his own and waited till he was completely awake.
"Ada," Legolas said, when his eyes focused on the person above him.
"So you've decided to wake up at last have you my little Greenleaf," Thranduil said, smiling gently down at him.
"Where are we?" Legolas asked looking around the room they were in.
"Rivendell, we arrived yesterday morning," Thranduil replied. When he saw Legolas frown slightly he asked, "Are you alright?"
"I can't remember leaving home," Legolas replied, his frown deepening.
"What do you mean?" Thranduil asked.
Legolas was about to reply when he heard a voice behind him.
"It's good to see you awake Prince Legolas."
Legolas turned over and saw Elrond looking down at him.
"Lord Elrond," Legolas said, bowing his head slightly.
"How do you feel?" he asked, sitting in the chair that Estel had been in.
"I've got a pounding headache," Legolas replied.
"Tell him what you just told me," Thranduil said.
Legolas turned over slightly so he could see his father and then looked at Elrond again.
"I can't remember leaving home. The last thing I remember was leaving the palace but I don't remember getting out of Mirkwood," Legolas said, frustrated with the fact that he couldn't remember anything from the last week or so.
"So you don't remember any part of the journey or getting wounded?" Elrond asked.
"No. Nothing," Legolas said, a tear of frustration running down his cheek, which he tried to hide from Elrond, but he saw it anyway.
Wiping it away gently Elrond said, "Don't worry. Drink this and then I'll explain what happened," holding up a beaker.
Legolas managed to sit up with some help from Thranduil who kept one hand on the young elf's back to steady him. After drinking the mixture Elrond gave him he laid back down with some more help from Thranduil.
"On the way here your party was attacked by orcs and you were shot. On the arrow, and probably on their blades to, there was a poison that makes you forget the last week or two. If the wound is left untreated the person can forget for two maybe three weeks but because I've treated your wound you should remember everything in a week. That potion also speeds it up," Elrond explained kindly. "If the orcs can infect whole parties of travellers it makes it much more easy for them to be captured. You should be out of bed today or tomorrow."
When Legolas heard this it made him much more relaxed.
"But there's one thing you can't do until the poison has worn of and that is use a weapon. Sometimes the poison makes you forget what you can do," Elrond said.
"Ok Legolas. No archery," Thranduil said firmly.
"Yes Ada."
"Would you like something to eat Legolas?" Elrond asked.
"No thank you."
"What about you Thranduil? It's almost time for lunch."
"I'll stay with Legolas for now thank you," Thranduil said.
"Ada, go and have some lunch. I'll be fine on my own," Legolas said.
"Are you sure?" Thranduil asked.
"Yes. I think I'll have another sleep," he replied.
"Typical," Thranduil muttered, raising a laugh from Legolas.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After lunch Elrond woke Legolas up and gave him another dose of the medicine and then let him get up. He found Estel's room easily and knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Estel asked from inside.
"It's just me, Legolas."
The door opened and Estel let Legolas in.
"How are you?" Estel asked.
"I'm fine thanks. Did your father tell you about the poison?" Legolas asked.
"No," Estel said. "What poison?"
"There was a poison on the arrow that makes the person that's been infected with it forget the last week or two. Thanks to your father I should remember the journey here in a few days."
"Oh right. There's something I need to tell you," Estel said.
"Go on then."
"Well shall we go outside?" Estel suggested.
Once they got into Estel's favourite garden he started, "You remember when you saved me from the orcs when I first came here."
"Yes."
"What did Ada and the twins tell you about me?" Estel asked, sitting down on the bench.
"That your father was a ranger and a friend of the twins. He had died so Elrond let you and Gilraen live here, why?" he asked.
"Well there's more to me then you know. I am. I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur," Estel said, looking at Legolas's reaction.
"You're Aragorn," Legolas said, amazed. "Wow."
"You can say that again," Estel muttered.
"But you're still being called Estel," Legolas said more then asked.
"Yes."
"How are you with it all?" Legolas asked, sitting down next to him.
"It's just all to much to take in," Estel said, putting his face in his hands. And Ada said that he named me Estel because I am the hope of my people but I don't know if I can take the throne of Gondor."
"I have faith that you can take the throne of Gondor if you want it and I know that if you do take it you will be a fantastic king," Legolas said.
"Really," Estel asked, looking up.
"Really. And if I can I shall help you all the way," Legolas said sincerely.
"Thank you Legolas."
Just as they were about to go in Estel picked up a sprig of lavender, remembering what Gilraen had said about how his father used to pick it for her.
Once inside Estel found Gilraen and gave her the lavender.
"What's this for?" she asked.
"You said it's your favourite because my father used to pick some for you," Estel said.
"Thank you," Gilraen said, embracing him.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was walking through the woods of Rivendell when he saw a figure up ahead. Although he hadn't seen her for over 17 years he still recognised her.
"Arwen," he cried, running over to her.
Arwen, hearing her name turned round and saw someone running towards her. When the man reached her she said, "I'm sorry but I don't think I know you."
"Don't you remember me? It's me Estel or at least that's what I am called but my real name is Aragorn and I am the son of Arathorn," he said proudly.
"Estel, you've changed," Arwen said, realising whom the man was.
"Well I'm not an elf like you. I do change. I didn't know you were here yet."
For quite a while they walked through the woods talking about different things when they came to a small stream. They sat down by it and for a while just got lost in their own thoughts.
Before he knew what he was doing Estel leaned forward and kissed Arwen on the lips. He quickly pulled back.
"I'm sorry Arwen. I don't know what came over me," he mumbled, going very red.
"Estel, you have nothing to apologise for. We should be heading home. It's getting dark," Arwen replied, standing up.
The made their way back silently, Estel's eyes never leaving the ground.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
On the morning of Estel's birthday Gilraen picked up his present and carried it into Estel's room. Seeing that he was fast asleep she sat down on the chair and waited for him to wake up.
When Estel's eyes had cleared he noticed Gilraen.
"Morning Naneth," he said, sitting up.
"Good morning. Happy birthday," she replied moving to sit on the bed.
"Thanks. I thought I was going to have all my presents downstairs later," he said when he saw what was in her hands.
"All except this one," she said, handing him the present.
Estel opened it and saw that it was a sword in a scabbard.
"Look above the hilt."
Estel looked and saw the words
Arathorn
"It was your father's," Gilraen said.
"Thank you, Naneth," Estel replied, giving her a quick hug.
"Your welcome."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Half an hour later Estel was washed and dressed. Just as he was leaving his room his eye fell on the sword that Gilraen had given him. He buckled it onto his belt and made his way downstairs for breakfast.
"Happy birthday Estel," the twins and Legolas said, when he entered the room.
"Thanks," Estel replied, grinning.
"Happy birthday, nin ion," Elrond said, walking up to him.
"Thank you Ada."
Only Gilraen noticed the sword hanging from his side and she decided not to say anything about it.
"Happy birthday," Thranduil said, when Estel was seated.
"Thank you."
After breakfast Estel went into Elrond's study where all his presents had been put the night before. Elrond picked up one square parcel and took it over to where Estel was sitting.
"Happy birthday," he said again while handing it to Estel and sitting down beside him.
Estel ripped the paper and saw that it was a brown wooden box he opened it and saw that it was full of different bottles of medicine, on the label there was the name and what it could be used for.
"You're learning the skill of healing very well so I thought this might be useful for you," Elrond said.
"Thank you, Ada," Estel said, closing the box, putting it down carefully and giving him a quick hug.
"We're next," Elladan and Elrohir said, picking up two long boxes.
They handed them to Estel. When he opened them he saw two gleaming knives.
"We know how you're always moaning about your knives so we got you these," Elrohir said.
"The one from me is obviously better," Elladan joked.
"Thanks."
Legolas came forward next with his present. It was a nice thick cloak.
"I know you're always ruining your cloaks so the more you have the better. And I did help ruin your last one so this is to make up for that," he said.
"Thanks Legolas," he said, while Gilraen, who was sitting on one side of Estel had a look at the cloak.
Arwen stood up, picked her present up and handed it to Estel with a smile. He opened it and saw a large gold and midnight blue brooch in the shape of a star.
"Thank you," he said, slightly embarrassed remembering what had happened the day before.
"Your welcome," she said, still smiling at him.
"I'm sorry it's not wrapped but it's a bit of an awkward shape," Galadriel said, holding a bow and quiver full of arrows.
"Thank you, Daernaneth, and you Daeradar," he said, taking the bow and quiver of her.
"I'm afraid mine isn't wrapped either," Glorfindel said stepping forward. "I know you're always moaning about-"
"Estel's always moaning about everything," Elrohir said, making everyone laugh.
"Shut up 'Ro," Estel said. "Besides it's my birthday today, you're not aloud to be mean to me."
"Fine I'll save it till tomorrow."
"Whatever. Sorry Glorfindel," Estel said, pulling a face at Elrohir.
"Well as you're always moaning about how old Arthalion the .." Glorfindel stopped.
"4th."
"The 4th so you can have Edlothia," Glorfindel said.
"But Glorfindel isn't that Asfaloth's foal?"
"Yes and I'm giving her to you," he replied, smiling at the man.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome."
"What about Gilraen's present?" Elrohir asked when he noticed there were no more gifts on the floor where not long ago there had been a big pile.
"Naneth already gave it to me," Estel said, standing up and showing them the sword that was hanging from his side. He drew it and handed it to Legolas. He then handed it to Elrohir who said, "It says Arathorn on it. Was this your father's?"
Estel nodded.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Legolas and Thranduil stayed for two weeks longer and in those two weeks the twins, Legolas and Estel managed to get injured on a hunting trip.
Arwen and the elves from Lothlorien only stayed for a week longer.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Please review.
Thank you everyone that has reviewed previous chapters.
me my theory is that the Halbarad that appears in LotR is named after a member of the family called Halbarad.