Elrond smiled at the sight and turned motioning at Elrohir; the two silently left the room to allow father and daughter some much-needed privacy. After all, they had nineteen years of catching up to do. When they had walked some way down the hall, Elrond groaned in annoyance, catching the attention of his younger son.

Looking puzzled, Elrohir stopped in his tracks. "What is it?"

Elrond looked at his son, flustered. "I just realized Thranduil and Legolas are probably worried to death about Estella. Knowing Thranduil, he will have all Mirkwood looking for her. I need to send a messenger at once telling him Estella is safe here in Rivendell."

"How are you going to get a message to King Thranduil quick enough? It takes at least two weeks for someone to travel by horse."

Smiling, Elrond quickly started off towards his study to write the letter. "There is more than one way to deliver messages, ion-nín. We still have pigeon carriers," he called over his shoulder.

Elrohir laughed and went to find Glorfindel. Perhaps he was up to sparring.

Sitting down in his large chair, Elrond grabbed a clean sheet of paper and a fresh quill. He frowned when he realized he was using his last one, making a mental note to ask Erestor for some more. Sighing, Elrond began to write a letter to Thranduil.

Greetings King Thranduil,

I hope this letter finds you and your son well. I am writing to inform you while on patrol in the High Pass, my Elves found Lady Estella on the side of the road barely alive and under attack by a small group of Orcs. Fortunately, they were able to bring her here safe, and she is now recovering from her ordeal.

Best regards,

Lord Elrond

Sealing the letter, he got up to find Erestor. Elrond had considered mentioning Estella's parentage but thought perhaps it would be best if his son were to break the news when he felt it was time. He knew it would have to be soon though for both Thranduil and Legolas would want to bring her back to Mirkwood. He was aware they had grown fond of the young elleth.

Arriving at Erestor's office, Elrond knocked softly on the door. He knew his Chief Advisor was probably waist deep in paperwork and he would not be thrilled at being interrupted.

"Enter," Elrond heard a disgruntled voice announce, and he slowly entered the room

Noticing it was Elrond, Erestor set his quill down. "My Lord Elrond, what brings you here? I hope not more paperwork," he shuddered, looking down at the mounds of paperwork he was overwhelmed with and made a mental note to ask Elrond for an assistant.

"Actually, no. It is nothing like that at all. I need you to take this letter and have a pigeon carrier deliver this to King Thranduil. I would do it myself, but I must get back to my son and Estella." Elrond could not help but smile as he thought about his son and newly found granddaughter.

Erestor raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Elladan and Estella?" he asked intrigued. "I take it Estella is the young elleth who was brought here several days ago?"

"Yes, she is." Elrond knew it would not be long until the truth came out, so he decided to tell Erestor now. "Erestor, this is not to leave this room, but you are going to find out eventually so I might as well tell you now," taking a breath, he continued, "Estella is Elladan's daughter. Apparently, Luiniel was pregnant when she vanished. It is a very long tale, and I will fill you in on the details later, but please, Thranduil must get this letter."

If he had not already been sitting, Erestor would have had to sit down as he absorbed that revelation. "Daughter…does that mean Luiniel has returned as well?" he asked his head still reeling from the news.

Elrond frowned. "No, I am afraid Luiniel died from a broken heart about a year ago. Estella is the only reminder of her Elladan has left."

Erestor felt his heart sink at the news. He and Luiniel had been close friends, in fact, Luiniel had been well loved by just about everyone in Imladris. "I see. My deepest condolences Elrond. I will make sure this gets out immediately," Erestor replied, getting to his feet and taking the letter.

"Thank you, Erestor, and remember, no one is to know."

"You have my word; not a single word shall slip."

Later on that day, the whole of Rivendell was buzzing with the news that Elladan's long lost wife had a daughter and she had been found. Apparently, one of the servants had overheard one of the conversations and had begun to tell others, so, soon everyone knew. They were all eager to meet Estella, but Elrond had strictly forbidden anyone to bother her for she was still frail from her ordeal. He assured his people that in time they would get to see her, but for now, the only ones allowed to see her were her family.

Elrond told Elladan to stay with Estella that day, and he would have all their meals sent to them. Estella was well enough to be able to tolerate food, but she was still not strong enough to be walking the halls. Breakfast and lunch had been spent with just father and daughter, but upon Estella's request, Elrond and Elrohir joined them for supper.

During the evening meal, Elrond had mentioned all of Rivendell was very excited to meet her, and with the permission of Elladan, he would like to throw a feast celebrating the new revelation. Estella tensed up at that. She was in no hurry to be the center of attention again, particularly in a feast. The memories of her last experience were still too fresh.

Noticing his daughter's discomfort, Elladan placed a hand on hers. "Are you well, Estella?"

Smiling, Estella nodded at her father. "Yes, Adar, I am fine. Just a little tired I guess."

Elladan was not entirely sure he believed her, but he decided to let it go for now. "Does that sound all right with you? Throwing a celebration in your honor?"

Estella wanted to say no, but seeing the excited looks on their faces, she found she could not. Besides, she could not hide forever. She was home now; she had a chance to start a new life with her family. Was that not what she always wanted? "I guess it is okay. Yes, if you want."

Elrohir frowned slightly at his niece's statement. "Pen dithen, it is not about what we want. But what do you want? Do you want a feast celebrating your return home or do you not? If you would rather not have one, we will not be upset."

Estella could not help but smile at her uncle. When he told her, it was not about what they wanted, but what she wanted, she felt relieved. Instead of forcing her to do something against her wishes they were asking her if she wanted to do it. "Well, when you word it like that...Yes, I would like that very much."

Elrond laughed at hearing his granddaughter sound confident, even if he knew she was acting more than anything. She was so much like her father, disguising her real feelings as to not upset people. But she was also so much like her mother, caring more about what others wanted instead of what she wanted. "Very well then. We will throw a feast welcoming you home in four days' time. That will give you plenty of time to rest and regain your strength, and it will also give us time to plan it. Speaking of rest, I think you have exerted yourself enough for today. After you finish your supper, I will have a maid help you bathe and then you will sleep."

Usually, Estella would protest at having help but she was far too tired to argue, and her grandfather knew it. Nodding she quietly finished her meal while Elrond went to find someone to help her. Elladan watched his daughter slowly eat. He was aware her stomach had shrunk after not eating for so long, and it would take her time to be able to eat regularly again. "Estella, do not force yourself to eat. If you cannot eat all your food that is all right. I do not want you making yourself ill."

Estella knew her father was right so placing the fork down she laid back in her bed until the servant arrived to help with her bath. "Ada?"

Elladan looked up at his daughter smiling; he loved hearing that word. "Yes, iell-nín?"

"What will I do for dresses? And will this be my room?" she asked feeling a tad awkward. She had not even bothered packing fresh clothes when she left Mirkwood, and now she felt naïve.

Elladan chuckled. "No, Estella, this will not be your room. Your room will be in the family quarters, and you will be next to my brother and me. As for dresses, I still have your mother's gowns stashed away, and I think you are about her size. You may use those until we can get you fitted for others."

Estella's heart fluttered at the mention of her mother. All she had of hers was the necklace and the pendant, and now she would get to wear her dresses. Estella's eyes sparkled, and she hugged her father. "Thank you."

"You are welcome, Estella," he said as he hugged her back. Looking up he noticed a maid silently hovering by the door. "I see your bath is ready. This is Celairel, she is one of our personal handmaids, and she will take good care of you. I will be back to help you to bed and say good night." Kissing his daughter's forehead, he left the room.

"Welcome to Rivendell, Lady Estella, if you will allow me, I will help you to the bathing chamber," Celairel said, holding out her hand to help Estella up.

Smiling at Celairel, Estella liked her at once. She could tell she was the type of person always to smile and be willing to befriend anyone and lend a helping hand if needed. "Thank you; I would greatly appreciate it."

The bathing room was not far, and Estella could not help but sigh in relief as she stepped into the steaming hot water which had a smell of lavender. Celairel sat on the outside, close enough to rush to Estella if she needed help. Estella soaked for a while until the water began to cool. She washed her body quickly, not wanting the water to get too cold, and then allowed Celairel to wash her hair. Afterward, she helped Estella out of the bath and dried her off.

Returning to her bed, Estella noticed her sheets had been changed, and a new nightgown procured, resting on the pillow. Celairel assisted Estella in changing into her new robe, removing the old and the dirty towel as Estella gingerly climbed into bed. "I will go and fetch your father now," Celairel said with a warm smile. "Can I do anything else for you, my lady, before I leave?"

"No, you have helped me greatly already." Estella smiled stifling a yawn. Celairel smiled gently and nodded leaving the room to get Elladan. During her wait, she could not help but think of Legolas and Thranduil. Were they even worried about her, were they even looking for her? They had probably forgotten she had even been there now she was not hanging around, earning their pity. Estella shook her head to rid herself of those thoughts. She did not want to dwell on them and worry her family.

"Estella?" She heard a voice ask and looked up to see her father enter the room with a mug of something hot to drink. "How are you feeling?"

"I am feeling better, still tired though and I have a small headache as well."

"I thought you would be tired and your grandfather said you would still have some aches, so he had this made for you. It is a tea infused with a slight sedative and pain relieving herbs." Elladan handed his daughter the mug and watched her smell the drink and could not help but laugh. How many times did he and his brother do the same thing?

As Estella took a sip, she grimaced at the bitter tasting drink and nearly spat it all over her father. "Ugh! What is this stuff made from? The berries I ate tasted better than this."

Elladan barely had time to dodge the mouthful of tea and shook his head laughing. "Trust me, iell; you are better off not knowing. The best thing you can do is plug your nose and just drink it as fast as you can. Believe me, my brother and I have been through this more times than I care to remember."

Estella laughed at the look of disgust on her father's face as he relived those moments. Knowing if she did not drink this now, she never would, so Estella plugged her nose and downed the foul-tasting tea as fast as she could, shuddering when she handed Elladan the empty mug. "Oh, that is so nasty, please tell me I do not have to drink this again."

"Well, that all depends on how fast you recover," Elladan said with a shrug. A few minutes later his daughter's eyes began to droop as the sedative started taking effect. He smiled and kissed her goodnight and turned to leave. As he began walking towards the door, he heard a small voice call out to him.

"Ada, please stay with me until I am asleep? I do not want to be alone."

Smiling softly, Elladan sat on the edge of her bed taking her small hand in his. Then softly humming a tune his mother used to hum to him and his brother when they were younger, he watched as Estella drifted off into the land of dreams.

The day of the celebration arrived, and the whole of Rivendell was bustling with excitement. Everyone was getting things ready for the grand feast which was to take place in honor of Elladan's daughter. The cooks were rushing to get the meal ready, not to mention all the hors d'oeuvres and desserts for later. Other Elves were busy making sure everything was in order and that the decorations and music were in place.

The feast was just about to commence. Any moment now, Elladan would arrive to escort Estella to Elrond's Hall where the reunion would be taking place. Inside her room reliving a familiar moment was Estella. Celairel had been assigned to help prepare her for the occasion. As promised, Elladan brought several of her mother's gowns for her to wear until she had clothes made for her. She was also given most her mother's possessions such as jewelry, a hairbrush, and her silver circlet. Estella tried to tell her father she did not need these things but he insisted she take them, that her mother would want her to use them.

Estella had gone through each dress and came upon a dark blue dress with gold trimming woven throughout. The material was soft as silk and shimmered like glass when it caught the light. Her hair was left down except for a simple half braid in the back, and she wore the circlet which had belonged to her mother years ago. Around her neck, she wore the pendant that held her mother's picture inside. She sighed nervously. If it was even possible, she was more nervous than she was during the feast back in Mirkwood. At least then she had had more time to prepare herself and Legolas had been there to help her get over her nerves. Legolas: the very thought of him made her cringe. She had no idea if he even cared if she was missing or not. Perhaps the ellith were right, and he was just using her. Despair and self-doubt began to crowd out her nerves.

Behind her she heard a knock and turned to see her father enter the room, her dark thoughts banished. At the sight of his daughter, he was momentarily caught off guard for it looked as if his Luiniel was standing right there in front of him. It had taken him a moment or two to realize this was his daughter. She looks so much like her mother, he thought to himself. "Am I interrupting you?" he asked when he noticed the look on her face.

Estella smiled and went to hug her father. "Nay, Adar, I was just lost in thought. I was remembering Naneth, and how much I missed her."

Hugging Estella back, Elladan sighed sadly. "I miss her too pen neth, but she would not want us to be sad now that we are together." As he held his daughter, Elladan tried to think of a way to cheer her up. Smiling as an idea came to him, he looked down at her. "I was wondering if tomorrow you would like to go on a tour around Rivendell?"

Estella looked up at her father grinning. "Really? I would love too!"

"Then it is settled, first thing after breakfast we will go for a walk and I will show you around. Now, the feast is about to start, shall we go?" Elladan asked holding out his hand.

Estella smiled nervously and took his hand, and he started to lead her to the door when she stopped suddenly. "I almost forgot." Estella let go and went to her vanity and picked up the blue sapphire necklace which had belonged to her mother. Walking back, she handed it to her father. "I think you should have this."

Elladan took the necklace and smiled before handing it back to her. "I want you to keep it. I think she would have wanted you to."

Estella gasped and held the necklace close to her heart. "Thank you; I promise I will take good care of it." Estella went to put it on when she felt the pendant around her neck. Remembering the look on her father's face when he looked at her mother and how much relief it gave him to see her she unclasped the pendant and gave it to her father. "I want you to take this, and do not tell me no. I know how much she meant to you and how much you miss her."

As Elladan took the silver pendant in his hands, a tear slid down his cheek. "Thank you. I will treasure this forever." Elladan then clasped the chain around his neck, tucking the heart shaped pendant under his tunic before taking the necklace from his daughter and hooking it around her neck. "Now, you are ready. Shall we?" Estella smiled and took her father by the hand, making their way to the feast.

When Elladan opened the doors and guided her into the feasting hall, Estella felt her heart drop into her stomach. Every inch of the room was lined with long tables, heaving with food, seating too many Elves to count. Above their expectant expressions, large arches vaulted into the ceiling, each one carved with infinite detail. Fireplaces lined the room, burning merrily, casting light into every corner and crevice. And it was all for her.

It took only a second for every eye to turn towards them and Estella wanted to melt into the floor under the inquisitive gazes. Then the many gasps and murmurs of the Elves began. Among the whispers, she was able to hear several say how much she looked like her mother. Estella did not know whether the comments made her happy or sad to be always compared to her mother, but she tried to smile and make small talk with those who rose to introduce themselves but inside she wished they would just return to their feasting and leave her alone. She felt tired and embarrassed, and suddenly, she wished she had said no to the feast.

Estella felt her father squeeze her hand as he led her to where her grandfather and uncle were sitting. On Elrond's other side she noticed another Elf sitting, one she was sure she had not met while she was recovering. This one was beautiful beyond any other being alive. She had long black hair and gray eyes that shone like the stars. She must have noticed Estella gaping like a fish because she laughed sweetly before introducing herself. " Suilad, you must be Elladan's daughter. Everyone has been talking about you. My name is Arwen; I am your Aunt." Her last comment came with a smile and a chuckle as if she was still getting used to the notion.

Estella was shocked. This was her aunt?! "It is a pleasure to meet you," she replied feeling slightly intimidated by this impossibly beautiful being?

Elrond motioned for Estella to sit in the empty chair next to him on the opposite side to Arwen. After she had seated herself, her grandfather stood to make an announcement, tapping a glass with a spoon sending a clear ringing throughout the room, cutting through all conversation. "Thank you. I am overjoyed to announce all that you have heard is true. My eldest son's daughter, Estella, has been found." He paused for a moment as a chorus of celebration resounded throughout the room, smiling at his granddaughter. Then his smile turned sorrowful, and he continued with a sigh. "But while we have been blessed with her return we also mourn the loss of her mother, Lady Luiniel who passed into the care of Lord Mandos last year. But tonight, I know she would want us to be merry and so without any more delay, let us eat!"

As Elrond sat again everyone around helped themselves to the delicious array of meat, vegetables, fruits, bread and cheeses, the hall filling with chatter. Estella thought that Thranduil served a wide variety of food, but when she saw the feast in front of her, she knew she had been mistaken. Many people were asking her questions about her past, where she had lived, what it was like in Mirkwood and how she found herself here in Rivendell. Estella was not in the mood to answer all these questions, and Elladan seeming to sense his daughter was becoming overwhelmed, came to her rescue. "I know you all are eager to learn more, but I think my daughter is getting rather hungry." Estella mouthed thank you and returned to her meal as her hordes of admirers melted away, apologizing for disturbing her.

After they had eaten dessert, everyone left their tables, congregating in small groups and Estella found herself talking to the famed Balrog Slayer and her grandfather's Chief Advisor Erestor. She quickly became friendly with both, warmed by their understanding of her situation, talking more about her family than grilling her about her past. Glorfindel offered to train her in hand to hand combat if she wished and Erestor offered to tutor her privately. Estella was quick to accept both propositions, seeing the value of both.

Estella had no idea how long the feast had been in progress, but she was quickly finding herself becoming exhausted. Elrond, who was always quick to catch onto these things, came up to her. "My dear, if you are tired you may retire to your chambers. I am sure your father or uncle will escort you."

Not wanting to be rude to her guests she started to protest but Elrond, sensing her thoughts, quickly interrupted. "I think your guests will understand if you leave. You are still recovering from your ordeal." Estella, grateful, accepted the offer to retire for the night. Elrond called Elrohir over as Elladan was not in sight at the moment, mingling with old friends. "Elrohir, Estella wishes to retire, will you please escort her to her rooms."

"Of course, Adar." Smiling at his niece, he offered her his arm. "Shall I take you to your chambers, my lady?" There was a twinkle in his eye and a smirk on his lips.

Estella laughed. Was her uncle always this cheerful and mischievous? "I would be ever grateful, my lord."

Elrond chuckled and kissed his granddaughter good night and told her he would send Elladan up when he saw him. When she arrived at her room and changed into her nightgown, she got into bed, falling asleep before her head hit the pillow. She was so deep in sleep she did not even feel her father pull the covers over her or kiss her good night.

Later the next morning after she had eaten breakfast and cleaned up, Estella met up with her father who was to take her on the tour of Rivendell. The tour had been better than anything she could have imagined. Rivendell was so different than Mirkwood. Instead of being gated in and surrounded by a dark forest, they were surrounded by lush trees, flowers, and raging waterfalls that pooled out into crystal clear pools to swim in. The more she walked on, the more she did not wish to return to Mirkwood. She felt totally at peace and home here.

At the end of the tour, Elladan had taken her to her grandmother's garden, and Estella closed her eyes taking in the many smells of flowers and feeling the cool breeze. Elladan smiled at his daughter. He loved seeing her so happy and content. During his walk, they had bonded significantly and had learned a great deal of one another. Elladan told her about her mother and his life growing up here and even told her about his mother.

Estella told her father about her life in the other world––at least the good memories. She was not sure she was ready to tell him of her pain of being bullied as she had tried for so long to put it behind her. Elladan sensed she was keeping something from him, so while they were sitting on the bench, he turned toward her, picking up her hands in his, stroking the tops with his thumbs reassuringly. "Estella, I cannot help but feel as if you are keeping something from me. Did something happen to you in that other world?"

Estella cringed, she was not sure she wanted to relive the painful memories once more. Telling Legolas what happened was painful enough. But when she looked at her father and saw the deep concern in his eyes, she felt as if she could talk to him about anything. So, Estella told him everything. She told him how she knew she was different from a young age; how she tried to get her mother to tell her about him but she refused to talk about it; how she was bullied for being different, beaten up, considered an outcast; how she suffered from severe depression because of it. She even told her father about how she had gone to check on her mother and found her dead.

As Elladan listened to his daughter tell him about her life and all the pain she had experienced as a child, he felt his heart break for his little girl. He felt as if he let her down not being there for her and her mother when they needed him the most. He could tell she was still suffering from the emotional trauma and swore to himself he would help her through this and he would never leave her again.

When Estella finished talking, she felt a sense of peace wash over her which had not been there with Legolas. It was not as if telling Legolas had not helped, but this was different somehow.

Elladan looked deep into his daughter's eyes. "I will always be here for you, no matter what. You will never be alone again." For the first time since arriving here in Middle-earth, Estella felt at home and like she belonged somewhere.

"There is one last place I would like to show you before we head back." Elladan smiled and helped his daughter to her feet.

Estella was very curious as to what her father wanted to show her and tried to get him to talk, but he just laughed and told her she would have to wait. After about a ten-minute walk they came to the training grounds just in time to see the warriors practicing their archery and sparring. Expecting to see Estella grin and become excited, he was surprised to find that she was crying. "Estella, what is the matter? I thought you would be happy to see this as this is where you will be training with Lord Glorfindel."

Estella wiped her eyes and took a few deep breaths. "It isn't that Ada; it is just that…this just brings back memories of the times Legolas and I spent in the training yards."

Elladan nodded and leaned his back against the fence. "You were close to him, weren't you?"

"Yes, we were. He was the first person I trusted and turned to. In fact, when I wanted to learn how to fire a bow and arrow, he was the one to teach me. My first bow was his mother's that he gave to me as a gift. He also taught me how to fight with short blades, which I can say is not my best trait. He was also the one to teach me how to forage for food…"

Elladan listened intently as his daughter talked about his best friend. He smiled as he saw her eyes light up as she told him about all their times together. It almost reminded him of how he spoke about her mother when he realized he was in love with her. It was then Elladan began to suspect his daughter was hiding her true feelings about Legolas. Only time would tell.