The Life of a Ranger
Chapter 11
Estel and Glorfindel ran across the shallow part of the ford towards Asfaloth who was standing guard over Frodo.
"I'll ride ahead with Frodo," Glorfindel said. "Will you be alright leading the other three hobbits?"
Estel nodded and watched as Glorfindel rode of with Frodo.
"Mr Strider, sir. Where is that elf taking Mr Frodo?" Sam asked timidly.
"To Rivendell and that is where we are heading. Come, and Sam you need not call me 'Mr', Strider will be just fine," Estel replied, smiling down at the hobbit.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
There were two female elves standing in the grounds and when they saw Estel and the hobbits approaching they came over to greet them.
"I'll show the hobbits to their rooms," one of the elves said. "Follow me."
"How are you Estel?" Arwen asked, watching the retreating figures of the hobbits and the elf.
"Tired," Estel replied, with a slight smile.
"Of course, I'll let you go to your room and have a rest," Arwen said, giving him a quick kiss.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After Estel had had a wash and a rest he went down the corridor to Arwen's room and knocked on the door.
After a couple of seconds Arwen opened it and said, "Come in."
He went in and closed the door behind him.
"I was wondering if you remember that night in Lorien nigh on 70 years ago?" Estel said.
"How could I forget it? Why? Is there something you want to ask about it?" Arwen asked.
"Yes. Do you feel the same way towards me as you did then? Estel asked.
"Of course I do, why? Have you changed your mind?" Arwen asked quietly.
"Of course I haven't, it's just."
"I know what happened when you returned here and it hasn't made me change my mind at all," Arwen said.
"Good. I must go now. I'll see you at dinner."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel heard a knock at the door so he opened it. Standing there were Elladan and Elrohir.
"Can I help you my lords?" he asked not looking at them.
They both flinched when Estel called them 'my lords'.
"Can we come in please Estel?" Elladan asked.
"Of course, come in. What can I do for you?" Estel asked.
"We wanted to talk to you about the last time you were here," Elrohir said.
"I know I said in the letter that I would not come back but Gandalf asked me to lead the hobbits here. I'm sorry," Estel said, still not looking at the twins.
"Estel. Stop this right now," Elladan shouted, grabbing Estel by the shoulders and shaking him. "We're not angry with you now and we weren't when we found out about you and Arwen."
"Elladan's right," Elrohir said. "You can't help it who you fall in love. And if our little sister has to be in love with anyone we're glad it's you."
"Thanks 'Ro. But I don't know if Ada will be quite so forgiving. I said some very harsh things to him," Estel said.
"Just give him a chance Estel. He was very angry with himself when we found the letter. Just talk to him," Elladan said.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was sitting in the Hall of Fire listening to the relaxing music he had not heard for so long when Erestor walked over to him.
"Lord Elrond would like a word with you Estel. He's in his study."
Just as Erestor was about to leave he said, "Oh and Estel, it's good to have you home."
"Thank you."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel stood outside Elrond's study for a moment trying to calm the nerves that were rattling inside him wondering how Elrond would react when he saw him. Then, he knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"You wanted to see me, Lord Elrond," Estel said sitting down.
"Has that much changed since you lived here?" Elrond asked sadly.
"What do you mean?"
"I knew you might be a bit distant because of what happened the last time you were here but I didn't imagine it would be quite this bad," Elrond replied, sitting down opposite Estel.
"It's just. I didn't know how you'd be with me because of how I left," Estel admitted quietly.
"I've told you this before but you have obviously forgotten so I'll tell you again. No matter what happens you will always be my son," Elrond said.
"Thank you Ada. It's just I didn't know how things would be between us because of what happened last time," Estel said.
"I owe you an apology. When I spoke to you about Arwen I acted very selfishly and I said some things I shouldn't have. I'm sorry," Elrond said.
"I'm sorry too Ada," Estel said. "I should have thought more about how you were feeling and I also said some things that I shouldn't." Estel went and knelt in front of Elrond and said, "Please forgive me Ada."
"There's nothing to forgive nin ion," Elrond replied, pulling Estel to his feet and embracing him. "I've missed you my son."
"I've missed you too Ada."
They sat talking for many hours just glad to be in each other's company again. Then Estel had a thought.
"How's Frodo?"
"He's going to be fine now. There was a shard of the Nazgul Blade left in the wound that I only just got out in time but it's now destroyed. He should wake sometime tomorrow," Elrond replied.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
A few days later Elrond called Estel and Arwen to him.
"I've been thinking about this since I first found out about the two of you and seeing you together has made up my mind. I will not let my daughter diminish for any mortal-"
Arwen grabbed Estel's hand and held it tightly while staring at Elrond with a look of distress.
"Unless," Elrond continued. "He is king of both Gondor and Arnor."
"Really Ada?" Arwen asked hopefully.
"As much as my heart grieves me to say it, yes. Yes I do. I've seen how much you both love each other. Beside I know you two. Even if I forbid you to get married you'll do it anyway. And I know for a fact that when I leave Middle Earth you-" he looked at Estel- "Will look after my daughter in every way you can."
"Thank you Ada," Arwen said, wrapping her arms around him.
"Yes, thank you Ada. It's much easier to think about Arwen and myself being together if we have your blessings," Estel said.
Elrond just smiled sadly at them both. Then he said, "Will you be at the council on the morrow?"
"Yes."
"Good. I think it would probably be better if you are known as Strider or Estel though. I've told the people who know your real identity already," Elrond said.
"Ok," Estel replied.
"Shall we go downstairs now then?" Elrond suggested standing up.
Estel and Arwen stood up and followed Elrond to the Hall of Fire hand in hand.
When they reached the entrance hall they saw a figure that they all recognised coming down a flight of stairs from one of the guests quarters.
"Legolas," Estel shouted running towards him.
Legolas turned round and when he saw the human running towards him he started grinning.
"Estel, it's good to see you've finally come home," Legolas said teasingly, when the human reached him.
Estel went slightly red at this but that soon faded when Legolas wrapped his arms round his friend that he had not seen for so long.
"It's good to see you mellon nin," Estel said.
"I agree. It's been to long," Legolas said.
"I was wondering do you think you two could stay out of trouble while we have all these guests?" Elrond said.
"Very funny Ada but I've told you before trouble always finds us, it's not our fault," Estel said laughing.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The morning of the Council dawned clear and bright. Everyone got up and got dressed and by 11 o clock everyone that was attending the council were all assembled on a porch overlooking the valley.
The moment Elrond arrived followed by the twins and Arwen everyone fell silent.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo," Elrond said in a strong, clear voice.
Frodo stood up and slowly walked towards the pedestal in the middle of the group of people. He laid the ring on it and went back to his seat.
Suddenly the silence was gone and everyone was whispering to each other then a man that Estel recognised as the Steward of Gondor's son, stood up and said, "So it is true. It is a gift, a gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of my people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him."
Estel stood up and said, "You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Boromir asked disdainfully.
Elrond was about to say something when Arwen jumped up and went and stood next to Estel and said, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance," her eyes burning with anger at this man.
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir said, shocked.
That's what I said didn't I? Arwen thought angrily.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Elrond said, anger burning in his eyes also, his hand on Estel's shoulder.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king," Boromir said, sitting back down.
Estel could sense that Arwen and Elrond were getting angry and then Elladan and Elrohir were next to him staring daggers at Boromir, they were about to say something so, smiling, Estel said, "Baw! Fael. havo dad. (Don't! Just. sit down{I think})"
"Aragorn is right," Gandalf said as Estel, Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond all sat down. "We cannot use it."
"You have only one choice," Elrond said, looking at everyone. His gaze landed on Boromir. "The ring must be destroyed."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Gimli said, picking up his axe and hitting the ring. His axe shattered and Gimli fell to the floor.
"The ring cannot be destroyed Gimli, son of Glóin by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this," Elrond said.
Nobody spoke.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep, and the great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly," Boromir said.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed," Legolas said, jumping up.
Gimli jumped up. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it."
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir shouted.
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf. No one trust an elf," Gimli spat.
Everyone started arguing except Frodo, Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen.
Suddenly Elrond heard a voice, "I will take it. I will take the Ring to Mordor."
Everyone else heard as well because everyone was looking at him.
"I will take the ring to Mordor. Though I do not know the way," Frodo said.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," Gandalf said.
"If by my life or death I can protect you I will," Estel said, standing up. He knelt in front of Frodo and said, "You have my sword."
"And my bow."
"And my axe." Estel grinned at Legolas when he saw him roll his eyes in irritation at the fact that a dwarf would be joining them.
"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done." This time it was Legolas' time to grin when he saw Estel roll his eyes.
"Hey. Mr Frodo's not goin anywhere without me," Sam said, running in.
"No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate the two of you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not," Elrond replied, smiling slightly.
"Wait. We're coming too," Merry said as he and Pippin ran in. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission. quest. thing," Pippin said.
"Well that rules you out Pip," Merry said quietly.
"Nine companions," Elrond said thoughtfully. "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
"Great. Where're we going?" Pippin asked looking around at everyone.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The morning that the Fellowship had planned to depart dawned crisp and cold.
Estel and Arwen were saying their goodbyes in a small glade just off the courtyard.
"Please be careful Estel," Arwen said tearfully.
"I will melamin (my love)," Estel replied, hugging her close. "Don't worry. I promise I'll come back."
They just stood like that for quite a while until Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir entered the glade.
"The Fellowship's just about ready to leave," Elrond said gently.
After one last kiss Arwen moved towards the twins.
Before he knew what he was doing Estel ran to the twins and gave them both a hug.
"Amin mela lle (I love you)," Estel said quietly.
"We love you too. You'd better hurry up and come home," Elladan said.
"I'll try," Estel replied.
He watched as the twins and Arwen walked back to the courtyard then he turned to face Elrond. He could see tears welling up in his eyes.
They both walked towards each other and threw their arms around the other.
Estel knew that this good bye was the hardest Elrond had ever experienced with him because everyone knew there was a chance that no one would survive.
"I wish you didn't have to go. I'll miss you nin ion."
"I'll miss you too. If I hadn't been so stupid we would have seen much more of each other over the last how ever many years," Estel said quietly.
"It's not your fault. I'm sure you know just how dangerous this journey will be so please be extra careful," Elrond said, a tear trickling own his cheek.
"I will."
"Come we should not keep them waiting any longer," Elrond said, leading him to the courtyard.
Estel took his place next to Legolas and listened as Elrond spoke.
"The Ringbearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you," he said.
Estel stayed behind as everyone else headed out the gates. He took one last look at the woods that he grew up in then his gaze fell on the four people he considered his only family and then he also walked out the gate.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Please review.
I've decided not to finish this story just yet. I'm not going to let the story go all the way through the War of the Ring but I will do some bits.
Chapter 11
Estel and Glorfindel ran across the shallow part of the ford towards Asfaloth who was standing guard over Frodo.
"I'll ride ahead with Frodo," Glorfindel said. "Will you be alright leading the other three hobbits?"
Estel nodded and watched as Glorfindel rode of with Frodo.
"Mr Strider, sir. Where is that elf taking Mr Frodo?" Sam asked timidly.
"To Rivendell and that is where we are heading. Come, and Sam you need not call me 'Mr', Strider will be just fine," Estel replied, smiling down at the hobbit.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
There were two female elves standing in the grounds and when they saw Estel and the hobbits approaching they came over to greet them.
"I'll show the hobbits to their rooms," one of the elves said. "Follow me."
"How are you Estel?" Arwen asked, watching the retreating figures of the hobbits and the elf.
"Tired," Estel replied, with a slight smile.
"Of course, I'll let you go to your room and have a rest," Arwen said, giving him a quick kiss.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After Estel had had a wash and a rest he went down the corridor to Arwen's room and knocked on the door.
After a couple of seconds Arwen opened it and said, "Come in."
He went in and closed the door behind him.
"I was wondering if you remember that night in Lorien nigh on 70 years ago?" Estel said.
"How could I forget it? Why? Is there something you want to ask about it?" Arwen asked.
"Yes. Do you feel the same way towards me as you did then? Estel asked.
"Of course I do, why? Have you changed your mind?" Arwen asked quietly.
"Of course I haven't, it's just."
"I know what happened when you returned here and it hasn't made me change my mind at all," Arwen said.
"Good. I must go now. I'll see you at dinner."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel heard a knock at the door so he opened it. Standing there were Elladan and Elrohir.
"Can I help you my lords?" he asked not looking at them.
They both flinched when Estel called them 'my lords'.
"Can we come in please Estel?" Elladan asked.
"Of course, come in. What can I do for you?" Estel asked.
"We wanted to talk to you about the last time you were here," Elrohir said.
"I know I said in the letter that I would not come back but Gandalf asked me to lead the hobbits here. I'm sorry," Estel said, still not looking at the twins.
"Estel. Stop this right now," Elladan shouted, grabbing Estel by the shoulders and shaking him. "We're not angry with you now and we weren't when we found out about you and Arwen."
"Elladan's right," Elrohir said. "You can't help it who you fall in love. And if our little sister has to be in love with anyone we're glad it's you."
"Thanks 'Ro. But I don't know if Ada will be quite so forgiving. I said some very harsh things to him," Estel said.
"Just give him a chance Estel. He was very angry with himself when we found the letter. Just talk to him," Elladan said.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel was sitting in the Hall of Fire listening to the relaxing music he had not heard for so long when Erestor walked over to him.
"Lord Elrond would like a word with you Estel. He's in his study."
Just as Erestor was about to leave he said, "Oh and Estel, it's good to have you home."
"Thank you."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Estel stood outside Elrond's study for a moment trying to calm the nerves that were rattling inside him wondering how Elrond would react when he saw him. Then, he knocked on the door.
"Come in."
"You wanted to see me, Lord Elrond," Estel said sitting down.
"Has that much changed since you lived here?" Elrond asked sadly.
"What do you mean?"
"I knew you might be a bit distant because of what happened the last time you were here but I didn't imagine it would be quite this bad," Elrond replied, sitting down opposite Estel.
"It's just. I didn't know how you'd be with me because of how I left," Estel admitted quietly.
"I've told you this before but you have obviously forgotten so I'll tell you again. No matter what happens you will always be my son," Elrond said.
"Thank you Ada. It's just I didn't know how things would be between us because of what happened last time," Estel said.
"I owe you an apology. When I spoke to you about Arwen I acted very selfishly and I said some things I shouldn't have. I'm sorry," Elrond said.
"I'm sorry too Ada," Estel said. "I should have thought more about how you were feeling and I also said some things that I shouldn't." Estel went and knelt in front of Elrond and said, "Please forgive me Ada."
"There's nothing to forgive nin ion," Elrond replied, pulling Estel to his feet and embracing him. "I've missed you my son."
"I've missed you too Ada."
They sat talking for many hours just glad to be in each other's company again. Then Estel had a thought.
"How's Frodo?"
"He's going to be fine now. There was a shard of the Nazgul Blade left in the wound that I only just got out in time but it's now destroyed. He should wake sometime tomorrow," Elrond replied.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
A few days later Elrond called Estel and Arwen to him.
"I've been thinking about this since I first found out about the two of you and seeing you together has made up my mind. I will not let my daughter diminish for any mortal-"
Arwen grabbed Estel's hand and held it tightly while staring at Elrond with a look of distress.
"Unless," Elrond continued. "He is king of both Gondor and Arnor."
"Really Ada?" Arwen asked hopefully.
"As much as my heart grieves me to say it, yes. Yes I do. I've seen how much you both love each other. Beside I know you two. Even if I forbid you to get married you'll do it anyway. And I know for a fact that when I leave Middle Earth you-" he looked at Estel- "Will look after my daughter in every way you can."
"Thank you Ada," Arwen said, wrapping her arms around him.
"Yes, thank you Ada. It's much easier to think about Arwen and myself being together if we have your blessings," Estel said.
Elrond just smiled sadly at them both. Then he said, "Will you be at the council on the morrow?"
"Yes."
"Good. I think it would probably be better if you are known as Strider or Estel though. I've told the people who know your real identity already," Elrond said.
"Ok," Estel replied.
"Shall we go downstairs now then?" Elrond suggested standing up.
Estel and Arwen stood up and followed Elrond to the Hall of Fire hand in hand.
When they reached the entrance hall they saw a figure that they all recognised coming down a flight of stairs from one of the guests quarters.
"Legolas," Estel shouted running towards him.
Legolas turned round and when he saw the human running towards him he started grinning.
"Estel, it's good to see you've finally come home," Legolas said teasingly, when the human reached him.
Estel went slightly red at this but that soon faded when Legolas wrapped his arms round his friend that he had not seen for so long.
"It's good to see you mellon nin," Estel said.
"I agree. It's been to long," Legolas said.
"I was wondering do you think you two could stay out of trouble while we have all these guests?" Elrond said.
"Very funny Ada but I've told you before trouble always finds us, it's not our fault," Estel said laughing.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The morning of the Council dawned clear and bright. Everyone got up and got dressed and by 11 o clock everyone that was attending the council were all assembled on a porch overlooking the valley.
The moment Elrond arrived followed by the twins and Arwen everyone fell silent.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You've been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo," Elrond said in a strong, clear voice.
Frodo stood up and slowly walked towards the pedestal in the middle of the group of people. He laid the ring on it and went back to his seat.
Suddenly the silence was gone and everyone was whispering to each other then a man that Estel recognised as the Steward of Gondor's son, stood up and said, "So it is true. It is a gift, a gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of my people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him."
Estel stood up and said, "You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" Boromir asked disdainfully.
Elrond was about to say something when Arwen jumped up and went and stood next to Estel and said, "This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance," her eyes burning with anger at this man.
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" Boromir said, shocked.
That's what I said didn't I? Arwen thought angrily.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," Elrond said, anger burning in his eyes also, his hand on Estel's shoulder.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king," Boromir said, sitting back down.
Estel could sense that Arwen and Elrond were getting angry and then Elladan and Elrohir were next to him staring daggers at Boromir, they were about to say something so, smiling, Estel said, "Baw! Fael. havo dad. (Don't! Just. sit down{I think})"
"Aragorn is right," Gandalf said as Estel, Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond all sat down. "We cannot use it."
"You have only one choice," Elrond said, looking at everyone. His gaze landed on Boromir. "The ring must be destroyed."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Gimli said, picking up his axe and hitting the ring. His axe shattered and Gimli fell to the floor.
"The ring cannot be destroyed Gimli, son of Glóin by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this," Elrond said.
Nobody spoke.
"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep, and the great eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly," Boromir said.
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed," Legolas said, jumping up.
Gimli jumped up. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it."
"And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir shouted.
"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf. No one trust an elf," Gimli spat.
Everyone started arguing except Frodo, Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen.
Suddenly Elrond heard a voice, "I will take it. I will take the Ring to Mordor."
Everyone else heard as well because everyone was looking at him.
"I will take the ring to Mordor. Though I do not know the way," Frodo said.
"I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear," Gandalf said.
"If by my life or death I can protect you I will," Estel said, standing up. He knelt in front of Frodo and said, "You have my sword."
"And my bow."
"And my axe." Estel grinned at Legolas when he saw him roll his eyes in irritation at the fact that a dwarf would be joining them.
"You carry the fate of us all little one. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done." This time it was Legolas' time to grin when he saw Estel roll his eyes.
"Hey. Mr Frodo's not goin anywhere without me," Sam said, running in.
"No, indeed, it is hardly possible to separate the two of you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not," Elrond replied, smiling slightly.
"Wait. We're coming too," Merry said as he and Pippin ran in. "You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission. quest. thing," Pippin said.
"Well that rules you out Pip," Merry said quietly.
"Nine companions," Elrond said thoughtfully. "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
"Great. Where're we going?" Pippin asked looking around at everyone.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The morning that the Fellowship had planned to depart dawned crisp and cold.
Estel and Arwen were saying their goodbyes in a small glade just off the courtyard.
"Please be careful Estel," Arwen said tearfully.
"I will melamin (my love)," Estel replied, hugging her close. "Don't worry. I promise I'll come back."
They just stood like that for quite a while until Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir entered the glade.
"The Fellowship's just about ready to leave," Elrond said gently.
After one last kiss Arwen moved towards the twins.
Before he knew what he was doing Estel ran to the twins and gave them both a hug.
"Amin mela lle (I love you)," Estel said quietly.
"We love you too. You'd better hurry up and come home," Elladan said.
"I'll try," Estel replied.
He watched as the twins and Arwen walked back to the courtyard then he turned to face Elrond. He could see tears welling up in his eyes.
They both walked towards each other and threw their arms around the other.
Estel knew that this good bye was the hardest Elrond had ever experienced with him because everyone knew there was a chance that no one would survive.
"I wish you didn't have to go. I'll miss you nin ion."
"I'll miss you too. If I hadn't been so stupid we would have seen much more of each other over the last how ever many years," Estel said quietly.
"It's not your fault. I'm sure you know just how dangerous this journey will be so please be extra careful," Elrond said, a tear trickling own his cheek.
"I will."
"Come we should not keep them waiting any longer," Elrond said, leading him to the courtyard.
Estel took his place next to Legolas and listened as Elrond spoke.
"The Ringbearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you," he said.
Estel stayed behind as everyone else headed out the gates. He took one last look at the woods that he grew up in then his gaze fell on the four people he considered his only family and then he also walked out the gate.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Please review.
I've decided not to finish this story just yet. I'm not going to let the story go all the way through the War of the Ring but I will do some bits.