Aragorn fiddled with the ring of Barahir. This ring had caused much problem in the past. But it was still an heirloom of his house. And it was beautiful… in it's own way. Beautiful and needed to stay safe and hidden. Just like himself.

He jolted out of the trance and looked out the window. Of course he would remember that, he was bored out of his mind! Elrond and his brothers had left hours ago to help escort the soldiers of Mirkwood into the land. Rivendell had been under siege for weeks now, but one soldier managed to slip across the lines of orcs to tell Thranduil they needed help. In return, the elven king sent troops commanded under his son, Legolas.

Aragorn remembered the elf prince from his younger days. He was maybe about… six or seven when Legolas had last visited Rivendell. Immediately the two had bonded by playing the prank on Elladan. It took weeks for his hair to return to its natural shade of raven black.

But now Aragorn was forbidden to leave the kitchen until Elrond had returned, so was unable to meet his friend once again. A glance outside the windows would not reveal the turmoil and unease everybody in Rivendell was experiencing. No, but outside the boarders a large army of orcs waited for… something. Aragorn didn't know what but he and Elrond shared a suspicion.

But both prayed to the Valar it wasn't that.

Suddenly the door burst open and Aragorn stood up, expecting the worst. But it was only his father, brothers, and a familiar blonde elf came in. Elrond and his sons looked very upset about something. What had happened?

"Estel!" cried Legolas. "How you have grown!"

Aragorn smiled, but was shocked. "Yes. It has been… thirteen years? How did you recognize me?"

"Well… considering you are the only man in Rivendell…" started Legolas.

"And the only one in the house…" continued Elladan.

Aragorn turned to his older brother. "That is not my fault that I was forbidden to join you! I wanted to."

Elladan smiled. "Weak human."

"Blondie," retorted Aragorn.

Elladan's eyes widened and Legolas laughed out loud. "So you do remember that prank, Estel!"

Aragorn turned and smiled at Legolas. "How could I forget? Elladan looked hilarious as a blonde!"

"Come on…" said Elrohir, smiling for the first time he entered the room.

Aragorn continued to laugh but turned to look at Elrond. The elf lord was sitting in a chair resting his forehead on his fist.

"Elrond?" asked Aragorn. "What is wrong?"

Elrond suddenly broke from the trance, shocking Aragorn. "Nothing, my son," he said, giving an attempt of a smile.

But Aragorn was not fooled. "Elrohir?" he asked, turning to his brother. The elf immediately looked down. "Elladan?" Elladan did the same.

"What is going on?" demanded Aragorn, looking at all three of them. "It doesn't have to do with the… siege, does it?"

Elrond looked up, and Elrohir spoke. "He should know, ada."

"I'm not…."

"I agree," said Elladan. "This is something he… we all… need to know."

Elrond stood up and looked out the window that had Aragorn's gaze minutes ago. "Our worst fears have been confirmed, Estel. He is here."

Aragorn felt the blood drain from his face and his knees buckle. "He he? The one we were discussing earlier?" he asked.

Elrond could only nod.

"Who? What?" asked Legolas.

"He recognized Elladan and Elrohir when they were rescuing you," Elrond said.

"What are you talking about? What has Estel been doing?"

Aragorn looked to his father for permission. When Elrond nodded, he spoke. "Legolas, it's a long story…."