The Life of a Ranger.
Chapter 10.
Sorry it took so long to update. First I went away for a long weekend to the Lake District, then I was stuck, then I went to visit family in Devon and Sussex (and I got sunburnt).
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel had been away from Rivendell for half a year to try and clear his head after his mothers death and he was finally ready to head home.
He felt spots of rain land on him so he urged his horse on. He could see a forest in the distance and he desperately wanted to get there before nightfall so he could have a good nights sleep without having to worry so much about being found.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Just as the sun was setting Estel reached the shelter of the forest. He got off his horse and led it along the path.
Suddenly he was surrounded by elves all holding a bow and arrow pointing at him.
One elf stepped forward and said, "Who are you and what are you doing in the woods of my people?"
"I am Estel, son of Lord Elrond of Rivendell, and I am seeking shelter for the night," Estel replied.
"Do not lie to me. Lord Elrond has no human for a son," the elf sneered. "I shall ask you again, who are you?"
"I do not lie to you. I am Estel, son of Elrond," Estel said.
"If you will not tell me the truth I shall take you to our Lord and Lady, maybe they can get the truth out of you," the elf said coldly. "Rumil, bind his hands. Haldir blindfold him."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Half an hour later Estel felt someone untie the cloth that was covering his eyes. As soon as it fell away Estel's eyes also fell to the ground.
He listened as the elf that had given all the commands spoke in front of him.
"My Lord," he said. "We came across a human at the edge of the woods. He would not tell us who he was." Here the elf moved aside so his Lord and Lady could see Estel.
They thought he looked familiar, but they turned back to the elf, who Estel had just found out was called Orophin, when he started talking.
"He lied to us when we asked who he was. He said he was Estel, son of Elrond-"
"Estel," shouted two familiar voices. Estel looked up and saw Celeborn and Galadriel looking very angry at the elves surrounding him.
"Orophin, untie him at once. He is telling the truth. He is Estel, son of Elrond," Galadriel said angrily. "Haldir, I would have thought you might recognize him, it wasn't that long that you accompanied myself and Celeborn to Rivendell for his twentieth birthday."
"I am sorry Estel," Haldir said, guiltily.
"It's alright," Estel said, quietly.
"Estel, please come and sit down. The rest of you may go now," Celeborn said.
"What are you doing so far from Rivendell," Galadriel asked, sitting back down again.
"Well not long after my mothers funeral I went out into the wild. I decided it was time to start training to become a ranger. I promised Ada and the twins I would not be longer then a year but I decided it was time to go home now," Estel said.
"Well you're not leaving here until you've had a nice long rest," Galadriel said kindly.
"Thank you my lady," Estel said.
"What ever happened to Daernaneth and Daeradar?" Galadriel asked, smiling slightly at him.
"I didn't think it was right to call you that here," replied Estel.
"Well as far as we're concerned you are family so you can call us Daernaneth and Daeradar if you want," Celeborn said.
"Thank you Daeradar," Estel said tiredly.
"Come, you look tired," Galadriel said. "Let me show you to one of our guest rooms."
She laid a hand on his back but pulled it back when she felt him flinch.
"Is there anything wrong?" she asked.
"No, my back is just a bit sore," Estel said, not looking at her.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was just getting into bed when he heard a knock on the door so he got up to open it.
Galadriel was standing there.
"Is there anything wrong Daernaneth?" he asked.
"No, I was just thinking about what you said earlier about your back being sore. Could I have a look and see if there is anything I can do help?" she asked.
"Ok," Estel said, then he turned around and pulled his nightshirt up a bit so Galadriel could see most of his back.
He heard a sharp intake of breath and then Galadriel said, "Estel how did this happen?"
"Orcs."
"Orcs. Do you mean. Where you.." Galadriel couldn't finish.
"Yes, I was captured for two weeks and I only managed to escape this morning," Estel said quietly.
"Do you have any other injuries," she asked.
"Mainly just cuts and bruises that will heal but they put some liquid in this cut," he said lifting his trouser leg to show Galadriel a very red, inflamed cut from his knee to his ankle.
"I'll be back in a minute," Galadriel said.
Shortly Galadriel returned with a bowl of water, a cloth and a tub of salve.
"Do you want to lie on your bed while I clean your back?" Galadriel suggested.
Estel pulled his top up and lay back down.
Galadriel dipped the cloth into the water and stirred it around a bit. Estel caught a whiff of athelas.
Then Galadriel started cleaning the many cuts and welts on his back.
After she dried them gently she started spreading the lotion over them, which took away the sting.
"Can I have another look at your leg?"
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was walking in the woods when he heard someone singing. He was about to turn back when he recognised the singer.
"Arwen. Is that you?" he asked.
"Yes. Who are you?" she asked, then, "Estel. What are you doing here?"
"After my mothers funeral I went out into the wild and on my way home I saw a wood and was going to shelter in it when I was caught by some of the elves here. Daeradar and Daernaneth said I could stay here for a while," Estel said, sitting down next to Arwen.
"Oh right. And I'm sorry for not coming to your mothers funeral but it was around the time that my mother left Middle Earth and I always feel upset at that time," Arwen said.
"It's quite alright," Estel said.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
For just over a month Estel stayed in Lothlorien and every day he would meet Arwen and they would walk through the fair woods.
One day on one of those walks Estel said, "I am leaving the day after tomorrow."
"It will sadden my heart when you leave. And before you do go I would have you know that I love you," Arwen said, looking into Estel's eyes.
"I also love you and I have done for as long as I can remember but it would not work Arwen. You are elf-kind where as I am mortal. When the time comes you and all the other elves will depart from Middle Earth," Estel replied sadly.
"Like Ada and his brother Elros the twins and myself will be given a choice. To be counted as a mortal and stay in Middle Earth or to sail to the Grey Havens with the elves. And I would rather spend one lifetime with you then face all the other ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life," Arwen said.
"Arwen I'm honoured that you want to give up your immortality for me but don't you want to think about it a bit longer," Estel said amazed at what Arwen had just said.
"I have thought about it properly. In fact I've hardly thought about anything else since you've been here," Arwen replied.
"But what will Ada say, and the twins?" Estel asked.
"I don't care if they're not happy with my choice. It's my choice and no one can make it for me so I don't want you to think you've persuaded me. Even knowing that I will never see my mother again cannot change my mind," Arwen said.
"If you're sure that's what you want," Estel said smiling. Then he pulled her into an embrace.
"Where are you heading when you leave?" Arwen asked.
"Back home," Estel replied.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Daernaneth knows about what we have said and she will probably let Ada know. He won't be very happy you know," Arwen said.
"I know," Estel replied with a sigh.
"Well you must remember what I said. It's my decision and you didn't force me to make it. Whatever he says remember that because knowing Ada he will try and make you feel guilty about it," Arwen said before Estel leant towards her and kissed her.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel passed through the gates of Rivendell and saw three elves waiting to greet him because Galadriel had sent them a letter when he had first arrived saying how long it would be before he returned home.
He jumped of the horse and almost toppled over when Elladan and Elrohir ran forward to give him a hug.
"Welcome home Estel, we were wondering when you'd get back," Elrohir said.
"Where's Ada?" Estel asked when he noticed the elf lord was not there.
"He's in his study," Glorfindel said. "He wanted me to tell you to go and see him as soon as you get here." Glorfindel took the reins of Estel's horse and led it to the stable.
"Oh right," Estel said. "Do you know what it's about?" he asked the twins.
"No. Ada hasn't spoken to us much since he got a letter from Lothlorien last week," Elladan replied.
Estel's heart fell. Elrond knew what had happened then.
He slowly followed the twins to the door before they went their separate ways.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
He knocked on the door of Elrond's study and entered when he heard Elrond say, "Come in Estel."
Elrond was sitting at his desk, a piece of parchment in front of him.
"Is this true," he asked, handing Estel the parchment.
Estel read. It was the letter that Elladan spoke of. It was from Galadriel and it explained what had happened between himself and Arwen.
He looked up and nodded.
"Did you not think about myself and the rest of Arwen's family when you persuaded her to make this decision?" Elrond asked coldly.
"First of all I didn't persuade Arwen to make this decision. It was her own decision and she made it herself. And we did think about you and everyone else but we also thought about ourselves and about how much we love each other. And we decided that it was up to us if we wanted to be with each other for the rest of our lives not anyone else. Not you the, not the twins, not anyone," Estel said.
"So you think it is not up to me if my daughter lives or dies?" Elrond said in a deadly calm voice.
"Arwen even said herself that if she was forced to leave Middle Earth, forced to leave me she would most likely fade away from grief. "If that's what you want then by all means force her to depart with you when the time comes," Estel replied.
"Did Arwen realise that it would mean that she would never see her mother again?" Elrond asked, his voice shaking slightly.
"Yes she did, but she said that not even that thought could change her mind. I'm sorry if our decision displeases you in any way Lord Elrond but I'm afraid you will just have to get used to it because I know that Arwen will not change her mind," Estel said, his voice also shaking slightly.
The thing that hurt Elrond the most then was the fact the Estel had called him Lord Elrond rather then Ada.
"Is there anything else hir nin (my lord)?" Estel asked.
"No go and rest. You must be weary from travelling. I trust you remember where your room is?" Elrond replied.
Estel nodded and made his way to the door. When he reached it he turned round and saw that Elrond was not looking at him but he had his eyes fixed on the desk.
Estel whispered just loud enough for Elrond to hear, "I'm sorry, Ada," before heading to his room.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Later that evening Elrond called the twins to his study. He showed them the letter. They both went slightly pale and then Elladan said, "Do you mind if we go and talk to him?"
"No but I don't know how he'll be. I could have been kinder to him," Elrond replied, sadly.
The twins nodded before leaving.
Elrond had just started on some paperwork when he heard someone shouting he was just about to go and find the source of the commotion when Elladan and Elrohir burst through the door.
"Boys, what is going on?" he asked.
"It's Estel. He's not in his room and neither is any of his travelling gear that he arrived with. We did find this though," Elladan handed him an envelope. "It was on his bed."
Elrond looked at the envelope.
Dear Lords Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir.
He opened it and read aloud.
Dear Lord Elrond, Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir.
I am sorry for all the pain I have caused the three of you over the years. I know I will never be able to make up for it all but I can at least try to
make up for some of it.
By the time you read this I shall be many miles away and I expect you shall want me to stay there. I hope you don't mind me taking my horse and a few
provisions with me.
Although I have caused you much pain it was not my mother's fault so please
don't let my behaviour alter your memories of her.
Next time you see Lady Arwen please apologise to her from me. I know for a fact that she will be much happy in the Grey Havens with all her family and
friends then she could ever be with me.
Once again I am sorry,
Yours Sincerely
Strider, Ranger of the North
"It's all my fault," Elrond said angrily. "If I hadn't been so damn caught up in my own feelings I might have realised just how hurt he was by my words."
"Do you want us to go looking for him?" Elrohir asked.
"No. We don't know where he's going or how long a head start he has had," Elrond replied. "We should let Legolas know though because Estel may head to Mirkwood."
"Ok. We'll head of tomorrow and tell Legolas. You never know we might meet Estel on the way," Elladan said.
"Well if you're going to head of tomorrow then you aught to go and get some rest now, I'll get some supplies ready for you," said Elrond.
"Thank you Ada. Night," the twins said together.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Please review.
I'm thinking about finishing this story after the next chapter.
Chapter 10.
Sorry it took so long to update. First I went away for a long weekend to the Lake District, then I was stuck, then I went to visit family in Devon and Sussex (and I got sunburnt).
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel had been away from Rivendell for half a year to try and clear his head after his mothers death and he was finally ready to head home.
He felt spots of rain land on him so he urged his horse on. He could see a forest in the distance and he desperately wanted to get there before nightfall so he could have a good nights sleep without having to worry so much about being found.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Just as the sun was setting Estel reached the shelter of the forest. He got off his horse and led it along the path.
Suddenly he was surrounded by elves all holding a bow and arrow pointing at him.
One elf stepped forward and said, "Who are you and what are you doing in the woods of my people?"
"I am Estel, son of Lord Elrond of Rivendell, and I am seeking shelter for the night," Estel replied.
"Do not lie to me. Lord Elrond has no human for a son," the elf sneered. "I shall ask you again, who are you?"
"I do not lie to you. I am Estel, son of Elrond," Estel said.
"If you will not tell me the truth I shall take you to our Lord and Lady, maybe they can get the truth out of you," the elf said coldly. "Rumil, bind his hands. Haldir blindfold him."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Half an hour later Estel felt someone untie the cloth that was covering his eyes. As soon as it fell away Estel's eyes also fell to the ground.
He listened as the elf that had given all the commands spoke in front of him.
"My Lord," he said. "We came across a human at the edge of the woods. He would not tell us who he was." Here the elf moved aside so his Lord and Lady could see Estel.
They thought he looked familiar, but they turned back to the elf, who Estel had just found out was called Orophin, when he started talking.
"He lied to us when we asked who he was. He said he was Estel, son of Elrond-"
"Estel," shouted two familiar voices. Estel looked up and saw Celeborn and Galadriel looking very angry at the elves surrounding him.
"Orophin, untie him at once. He is telling the truth. He is Estel, son of Elrond," Galadriel said angrily. "Haldir, I would have thought you might recognize him, it wasn't that long that you accompanied myself and Celeborn to Rivendell for his twentieth birthday."
"I am sorry Estel," Haldir said, guiltily.
"It's alright," Estel said, quietly.
"Estel, please come and sit down. The rest of you may go now," Celeborn said.
"What are you doing so far from Rivendell," Galadriel asked, sitting back down again.
"Well not long after my mothers funeral I went out into the wild. I decided it was time to start training to become a ranger. I promised Ada and the twins I would not be longer then a year but I decided it was time to go home now," Estel said.
"Well you're not leaving here until you've had a nice long rest," Galadriel said kindly.
"Thank you my lady," Estel said.
"What ever happened to Daernaneth and Daeradar?" Galadriel asked, smiling slightly at him.
"I didn't think it was right to call you that here," replied Estel.
"Well as far as we're concerned you are family so you can call us Daernaneth and Daeradar if you want," Celeborn said.
"Thank you Daeradar," Estel said tiredly.
"Come, you look tired," Galadriel said. "Let me show you to one of our guest rooms."
She laid a hand on his back but pulled it back when she felt him flinch.
"Is there anything wrong?" she asked.
"No, my back is just a bit sore," Estel said, not looking at her.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was just getting into bed when he heard a knock on the door so he got up to open it.
Galadriel was standing there.
"Is there anything wrong Daernaneth?" he asked.
"No, I was just thinking about what you said earlier about your back being sore. Could I have a look and see if there is anything I can do help?" she asked.
"Ok," Estel said, then he turned around and pulled his nightshirt up a bit so Galadriel could see most of his back.
He heard a sharp intake of breath and then Galadriel said, "Estel how did this happen?"
"Orcs."
"Orcs. Do you mean. Where you.." Galadriel couldn't finish.
"Yes, I was captured for two weeks and I only managed to escape this morning," Estel said quietly.
"Do you have any other injuries," she asked.
"Mainly just cuts and bruises that will heal but they put some liquid in this cut," he said lifting his trouser leg to show Galadriel a very red, inflamed cut from his knee to his ankle.
"I'll be back in a minute," Galadriel said.
Shortly Galadriel returned with a bowl of water, a cloth and a tub of salve.
"Do you want to lie on your bed while I clean your back?" Galadriel suggested.
Estel pulled his top up and lay back down.
Galadriel dipped the cloth into the water and stirred it around a bit. Estel caught a whiff of athelas.
Then Galadriel started cleaning the many cuts and welts on his back.
After she dried them gently she started spreading the lotion over them, which took away the sting.
"Can I have another look at your leg?"
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was walking in the woods when he heard someone singing. He was about to turn back when he recognised the singer.
"Arwen. Is that you?" he asked.
"Yes. Who are you?" she asked, then, "Estel. What are you doing here?"
"After my mothers funeral I went out into the wild and on my way home I saw a wood and was going to shelter in it when I was caught by some of the elves here. Daeradar and Daernaneth said I could stay here for a while," Estel said, sitting down next to Arwen.
"Oh right. And I'm sorry for not coming to your mothers funeral but it was around the time that my mother left Middle Earth and I always feel upset at that time," Arwen said.
"It's quite alright," Estel said.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
For just over a month Estel stayed in Lothlorien and every day he would meet Arwen and they would walk through the fair woods.
One day on one of those walks Estel said, "I am leaving the day after tomorrow."
"It will sadden my heart when you leave. And before you do go I would have you know that I love you," Arwen said, looking into Estel's eyes.
"I also love you and I have done for as long as I can remember but it would not work Arwen. You are elf-kind where as I am mortal. When the time comes you and all the other elves will depart from Middle Earth," Estel replied sadly.
"Like Ada and his brother Elros the twins and myself will be given a choice. To be counted as a mortal and stay in Middle Earth or to sail to the Grey Havens with the elves. And I would rather spend one lifetime with you then face all the other ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life," Arwen said.
"Arwen I'm honoured that you want to give up your immortality for me but don't you want to think about it a bit longer," Estel said amazed at what Arwen had just said.
"I have thought about it properly. In fact I've hardly thought about anything else since you've been here," Arwen replied.
"But what will Ada say, and the twins?" Estel asked.
"I don't care if they're not happy with my choice. It's my choice and no one can make it for me so I don't want you to think you've persuaded me. Even knowing that I will never see my mother again cannot change my mind," Arwen said.
"If you're sure that's what you want," Estel said smiling. Then he pulled her into an embrace.
"Where are you heading when you leave?" Arwen asked.
"Back home," Estel replied.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Daernaneth knows about what we have said and she will probably let Ada know. He won't be very happy you know," Arwen said.
"I know," Estel replied with a sigh.
"Well you must remember what I said. It's my decision and you didn't force me to make it. Whatever he says remember that because knowing Ada he will try and make you feel guilty about it," Arwen said before Estel leant towards her and kissed her.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel passed through the gates of Rivendell and saw three elves waiting to greet him because Galadriel had sent them a letter when he had first arrived saying how long it would be before he returned home.
He jumped of the horse and almost toppled over when Elladan and Elrohir ran forward to give him a hug.
"Welcome home Estel, we were wondering when you'd get back," Elrohir said.
"Where's Ada?" Estel asked when he noticed the elf lord was not there.
"He's in his study," Glorfindel said. "He wanted me to tell you to go and see him as soon as you get here." Glorfindel took the reins of Estel's horse and led it to the stable.
"Oh right," Estel said. "Do you know what it's about?" he asked the twins.
"No. Ada hasn't spoken to us much since he got a letter from Lothlorien last week," Elladan replied.
Estel's heart fell. Elrond knew what had happened then.
He slowly followed the twins to the door before they went their separate ways.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
He knocked on the door of Elrond's study and entered when he heard Elrond say, "Come in Estel."
Elrond was sitting at his desk, a piece of parchment in front of him.
"Is this true," he asked, handing Estel the parchment.
Estel read. It was the letter that Elladan spoke of. It was from Galadriel and it explained what had happened between himself and Arwen.
He looked up and nodded.
"Did you not think about myself and the rest of Arwen's family when you persuaded her to make this decision?" Elrond asked coldly.
"First of all I didn't persuade Arwen to make this decision. It was her own decision and she made it herself. And we did think about you and everyone else but we also thought about ourselves and about how much we love each other. And we decided that it was up to us if we wanted to be with each other for the rest of our lives not anyone else. Not you the, not the twins, not anyone," Estel said.
"So you think it is not up to me if my daughter lives or dies?" Elrond said in a deadly calm voice.
"Arwen even said herself that if she was forced to leave Middle Earth, forced to leave me she would most likely fade away from grief. "If that's what you want then by all means force her to depart with you when the time comes," Estel replied.
"Did Arwen realise that it would mean that she would never see her mother again?" Elrond asked, his voice shaking slightly.
"Yes she did, but she said that not even that thought could change her mind. I'm sorry if our decision displeases you in any way Lord Elrond but I'm afraid you will just have to get used to it because I know that Arwen will not change her mind," Estel said, his voice also shaking slightly.
The thing that hurt Elrond the most then was the fact the Estel had called him Lord Elrond rather then Ada.
"Is there anything else hir nin (my lord)?" Estel asked.
"No go and rest. You must be weary from travelling. I trust you remember where your room is?" Elrond replied.
Estel nodded and made his way to the door. When he reached it he turned round and saw that Elrond was not looking at him but he had his eyes fixed on the desk.
Estel whispered just loud enough for Elrond to hear, "I'm sorry, Ada," before heading to his room.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Later that evening Elrond called the twins to his study. He showed them the letter. They both went slightly pale and then Elladan said, "Do you mind if we go and talk to him?"
"No but I don't know how he'll be. I could have been kinder to him," Elrond replied, sadly.
The twins nodded before leaving.
Elrond had just started on some paperwork when he heard someone shouting he was just about to go and find the source of the commotion when Elladan and Elrohir burst through the door.
"Boys, what is going on?" he asked.
"It's Estel. He's not in his room and neither is any of his travelling gear that he arrived with. We did find this though," Elladan handed him an envelope. "It was on his bed."
Elrond looked at the envelope.
Dear Lords Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir.
He opened it and read aloud.
Dear Lord Elrond, Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir.
I am sorry for all the pain I have caused the three of you over the years. I know I will never be able to make up for it all but I can at least try to
make up for some of it.
By the time you read this I shall be many miles away and I expect you shall want me to stay there. I hope you don't mind me taking my horse and a few
provisions with me.
Although I have caused you much pain it was not my mother's fault so please
don't let my behaviour alter your memories of her.
Next time you see Lady Arwen please apologise to her from me. I know for a fact that she will be much happy in the Grey Havens with all her family and
friends then she could ever be with me.
Once again I am sorry,
Yours Sincerely
Strider, Ranger of the North
"It's all my fault," Elrond said angrily. "If I hadn't been so damn caught up in my own feelings I might have realised just how hurt he was by my words."
"Do you want us to go looking for him?" Elrohir asked.
"No. We don't know where he's going or how long a head start he has had," Elrond replied. "We should let Legolas know though because Estel may head to Mirkwood."
"Ok. We'll head of tomorrow and tell Legolas. You never know we might meet Estel on the way," Elladan said.
"Well if you're going to head of tomorrow then you aught to go and get some rest now, I'll get some supplies ready for you," said Elrond.
"Thank you Ada. Night," the twins said together.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Please review.
I'm thinking about finishing this story after the next chapter.