Elrond gazed at the sleeping child in his arms. It was funny he thought, that an Edain could be as beautiful as the fairest young elf. Although only two years old, Estel, as Elrond has named him, showed signs that he would grow to be a powerful leader. He was strong, having survived the attacks by the Orcs. Elrond looked back at the previous night when Elladan and Elrohir rode up, worn from battle. They had met Gandalf along the edge of the Misty Mountains during one of their missions, and had decided to escort him back to Rivendell, when they ran into a band of Orcs. Mithrandir had arrived just behind them with the little bundle in his arms.

“This is Isildur’s heir?!”

“He is, Lord Elrond. Arathorn was slain by an arrow through the eye, I’m afraid. The lady Gilraen fell shortly after, but not before requesting we bring the child to you, in Rivendell. He is the only living heir to the throne of Gondor.”

“He is but a toddler, Gandalf!”

“I know this. I ask that he remains in Imladris with you. It is the only place where his heritage will remain hidden until he is grown enough to reclaim the throne. Gilrean knew this, Elrond. It was her dying wish that you protect him.”

Elrond sighed. He had agreed. He knew it was the only way for the race of man to prevail. Now he sat cradling the child after he had awoken from a nightmare. It had been hundreds of years since he had done this. He fondly recalled nights of sitting up with his twins Elladan and Elrohir. And even his little Arwen. He had forgotten how much he missed this. Even though the son of Arathorn was not his blood child, Elrond already felt a deep sense of protection and love toward him.

The years passed quickly. Estel grew, but was still much smaller than most of the elven children. This did not stop him from learning the ways of the elves. He adored climbing the trees of Rivendell, and nearly scaring his foster father into an untimely grave.

However, due to his un-acceptance by the other elven children, Estel remained shy, and spent most of his time with the Elven Lord of whom he adored.

When Estel had turned four, he was told that he was not of the Elven race. Although he had not been told of his true parentage, by age six Estel knew he had not been born to Lord Elrond. But he, as well as Elrond and his family insisted that this did not change things. Lord Elrond was Ada, and no one would ever change that. The fact that Estel was really Aragorn, son of Arathorn, king of Gondor would remain a secret for many more years, if Elrond could help it.

“Ada?”

Elrond looked up from his journal to see the dark haired child kneeling in the chair in front of his desk, smiling at him.

“Yes child?”

“What are you doing?”

Elrond smiled.

“I am recounting my thoughts into this journal so as to look back on them in the future.”

Estel looked at him confused. “Why?”

“They may be of use.”

“Why?”

“Because I remember a lot of things.”

“How?”

Elrond sighed. “Wouldn’t you like to go bother Elrohir for a while, Estel?”

“No. He doesn’t like it when I talk while he’s shooting at the trees.”

“I don’t think he means to shoot at the trees Estel. That just happens when he misses his target”.

“He misses a lot then”, Estel replied, popping his thumb into his mouth.

Elrond chuckled and ruffled the six year old’s hair.

“I’m bored Ada.”

“Well, why don’t we find something for you to do then?”, the Elven Lord laughed, pulling Estel onto his lap.

“Do you see this drawing?”

“It’s a pretty flower Ada.”

“Yes it is. It is a weed called Athelas. Can you say that?”

“Etelas.”

“Very good. Now, how about this? I will give you this picture, and you can go outside by the fountain and try to find me some. I need it for some of my healing potions. It is very difficult to find.”

“Yes!”

Estel giggled as he snatched the picture and ran out the door.

“Stay in the garden where I can see you from the window!” Lord Elrond called after him.

Elrond chuckled. He knew Estel would never find the plant. It was nearly nonexistent in the forests of Rivendell. They had collected it so often over the many years that now Elrond had to travel into the wild to gather more.

Elrond was afforded 20 minutes of peace before Estel wandered back in.

“I can’t find it Ada.”

“Ah well, we’ll just have to do something more productive then, won’t we?”

Estel grinned. He knew that meant Lord Elrond was going to teach him something.

“I’ll show you what we do with the Athelas plant, Estel. It is used to heal the most grievous injuries. But only if used correctly.”

Lord Elrond proceeded to explain to Estel the procedure for preparing the Athelas plant, and how to combine it with other herbs to suit the nature of the injury. He also explained the dangers of mixing the wrong herbs. Estel just watched on in quiet admiration.

Estel wandered ahead of Elladan. He was spending the afternoon with him as Lord Elrond was called to a private council with some dwarves and a funny creature called a hobbit. Estel knew Mithrandir would be arriving as well, and looked forward to visiting with the old wizard.

“Estel! Slow down!”, Elladan hollered impatiently.

“Elladan! Come quick!”

Elladan hurried down the grassy path at the sound of his foster brother’s cry. He arrived in a clearing to see Estel cradling a large white dove.

“She’s hurt Elladan! Please make her better!”

Sure enough, the twin noticed a small amount of blood on the bird’s left wing. It had apparently been attacked by another animal. The injury had nearly proven fatal.

“Estel, there is little hope I’m afraid. I cannot heal her. She is too far gone”, Elladan said sadly, putting his arm around Estel’s shoulder.

“Ada will help her! We must find him!”

~*~

Estel ran back down the path, cradling the dove against his chest. He ran to his bedroom and laid her down on the satin down blanket on the bed, before setting out in pursuit of the elven lord.

“Ada! Ada!”

Lord Elrond turned as the door to the main council hall burst open.

“Estel!”

“Please come! I must show you something!”, the Edain child exclaimed, tugging on his foster father’s robe.

“Estel, you must not be in here. We are discussing important matters. I’m sorry child. I cannot play right now”, Elrond explained to him.

Gandalf smiled at the insistence in Estel’s voice.

“Please Ada! I have to show you!”

Elladan entered the hall abruptly, out of breath.

“Forgive the intrusion, father.”

“Elladan you are supposed to keep him out of here! This is a very important council!”, Elrond said sternly.

“I’m sorry. He won’t bother you again.”

Elladan picked Estel up and carried him from the room.

“No Elladan! He has to help her!”

“There is no hope for the dove Estel. I already told you. I know how much you love the animals here in Rivendell. But it is the way of life for them. I’m sorry you have to see it, especially in an animal as beautiful as a dove. I would help if I could. But you cannot bother Ada. He is very busy.”

“But-!”

“No buts. Run along and get ready for dinner. I need to change my clothes, and you look like you could use a bath. I’ll come get you after I have taken one as well.”

Estel pouted and returned to his bedroom. He changed into his dinner clothes before sitting beside the stricken bird.

“I will help you little dove. I will not let you die. I promise.”

~*~

Estel made a small nest out of some linen and cradled his dove inside. He tucked it under his arm and crept down the hall toward Lord Elrond’s healing room. He walked in and set the dove on the desk before lighting the wall sconces. Pulling the picture of the Athelas plant from his pocket, he examined all the medicinal herbs in the jars on the shelf until he found one that matched the picture. He stuffed the drawing back into his pocket and pulled the jar from the shelf before squinting his eyes in the dim light to find another herb with which Elrond had mixed the Athelas.

“I think it was this one”, he said softly to his cooing dove. He ground up the leaves into a paste, adding his own saliva, and then mixed them together.

“I think this is it, little birdy.”

Estel dabbed some of the paste onto the dove’s wing with his finger. The dove shrieked loudly and began flapping her wings wildly.

“What’s wrong?!”, Estel asked, alarmed.

He tried to restrain the flailing bird, only to have it flap harder, hopping about the table.

“No birdy! NO!”, Estel wailed as the bird crashed into the glass jars holding the medicinal herbs.

 The Athelas plant trimmings as well as the jars to three other herbs crashed to the floor, shattering and combining. Estel jumped back, crashing into the shelves as the bird flapped in his face. Jars fell from everywhere, shattering on the stone floor, emptying their contents. Estel finally subdued the bird and wrapped her back in her linen nest. He stood and stared at the condition of the room, horrified. Glass, liquid, dirt, and herbs covered the floor. He jumped, startled when he heard footsteps, and saw the doorknob start turn.

Elrond walked into the room and gasped. He looked around at the now empty shelves and scanned the room. He bent down, picking up the flattened remains of one of his rarest herbs.

“Estel!”

Estel cringed from behind the burgundy drapes that hung down the windows.

“Estel are you in here?!”

Elrond went over to the bureau and pulled out a large bowl. He began gathering what herbs could still be salvaged.

Estel waited for him to turn his back before quietly tip toeing to the door. Elrond saw the small blur out of the corner of his eye and used his elven speed to head him off.

“Estel did you do this?”

Estel stared at him fearfully. He had never seen his foster father angry before.

Elrond knelt down and grasped the six year-old by the shoulders. “Answer me!”

Estel cringed. “Yes, Ada” he said, on the verge of tears.

“How many times have I told you not to touch these plants, without my direct supervision?” the Elven Lord asked sternly.

Estel bowed his head. “Lots of times, Ada.”

Elrond sighed tiredly. “Come with me.”

Estel started trembling as Elrond led him over to one of the benches by the window.  The Elven Lord sat down and pulled Estel over his knee. The six year-old yelped as his foster father’s hand connected soundly with his bottom.

“I have told you time and time again how dangerous these herbs are Estel!” Lord Elrond lectured as he continued to discipline his wailing child.

"Do you have any idea how long it will take me to replace these medicines?! I will have to travel all the way to Lothlorien! Don’t you ever step foot in this room again! Do you understand me?!”

Just when Estel thought he could take no more, his punishment ceased and Elrond stood him on his feet. The Elven Lord moved to pull Estel into a hug, but the six year-old sniffled, and took off at a run as soon as his feet touched the floor.

Elladan came in moments later to find his father sitting on the window bench, rubbing his forehead tiredly with his fingers. He looked around the room shocked.

“Ada! What happened?!”

“Where were you Elladan?! You were supposed to be watching him!” the Elven Lord snapped.

“Estel? I was. I sent him to get ready for dinner. That is where I was.”

“He destroyed it all. Thousands of years of gathering the rarest of medicinal herbs! I gathered many of those herbs with Gil-Galad! They are imperative if we engage in battle, and there is little hope that I can find more.”

“Surely it is not that bad father. Some can be salvaged!”

Elrond sighed. “Perhaps. But now, we have guests to attend to. Let us go to dinner.”

~*~

Gandalf sat at the table with the dwarves and his hobbit friend. He eyed Lord Elrond suspiciously when he entered the dining room. He couldn’t help noticing the elven lord looked distressed. Gandalf patiently waited for little Estel to take his seat beside him. Usually Estel greeted him at the gates to Imladris, waving excitedly. It was understandable that he hadn’t yet seen him as they had much business to discuss with Lord Elrond upon their arrival late this afternoon. But as the meal wore on, there was no sign of the little heir. Gandalf had considered asking Elrond, but decided against it when he saw the elven lord glance at the empty chair with worry.

“Elrohir, would you be so kind as to check on Estel and find out what is delaying him?”

“Of course Ada.”

Elrohir left and returned moments later. “He is asleep, father. Do you wish me to wake him?”

“No Elrohir. That is fine. He has had an eventful day.”

After the meal, Elrond dismissed himself to his chambers and bid goodnight to his guests. Gandalf pulled him aside before he could leave.

“Is all well with Estel, Lord Elrond?”

“Why do you ask, Gandalf?”

“He is the heir to the throne of Gondor, that is why. And because he is usually at my heels during my entire stay.”

“He is well enough. We had a bit of an incident before dinner, but he is sleeping now.”

“An incident?”

“I really am very tired Gandalf. Could we possibly discuss this in the morn?”

“Of course. Goodnight.”

Elrond had resigned himself to spending much of the next day cleaning the mess that was his healing room. But he decided to sort through the herbs to see what could be salvaged before he went to bed. He walked in and was amazed at what he saw before him. The room was immaculate. The herbs had been picked up and placed on the desk. The glass had been swept up and the dirt scrubbed from the floor. Elrond looked down and saw a wad of cloth on the floor. He picked it up and was surprised to find a dove nestled inside. It had green paste smeared across it’s left wing.

“How did you get cast aside, little thing?”, he asked it. He believed the bird to be dead, but felt a feint heartbeat.

“Let’s see if we can fix you up, eh my sweet?”

Elrond set to administering the proper healing potion from what he had left of usable herbs. Elladan arrived shortly after.

“How is she, father?”

“She will live. Where did she come from?”

“Estel. He found her in the garden and refused to leave her. He tried to heal her, didn’t he?”

“It looks as such”, Elrond said softly.

“That is why he called for you during the council. He did not wish for her to die. I thought it was hopeless anyway.”

Elrond sighed. “I did not know that was why he called me.”

“Ada, are you all right?”

“Yes, I am just very tired. I think I will retire for the evening.”

“Goodnight father.”

Lord Elrond walked down the hall and decided to stop and check on Estel. He walked in and saw the little boy asleep on the bed. He was still completely clothed in his dinner attire. Upon further inspection, Elrond noticed the knees of Estel’s leggings were worn through. He saw small traces of blood, as well as on his hands, due to tiny cuts and abrasions.

“Ah, so it was you who cleaned my floor”, Elrond said, brushing some hair out of Estel’s eyes.

Elrond envisioned Estel on his hands and knees amidst the shards of glass, scrubbing the floor. It saddened him deeply. He sat down beside him on the bed and wiped away the nearly dry tears on Estel’s cheeks. It was quite obvious he’d cried himself to sleep.

“It pained me to discipline you so, my child. I hope some day you will realize it was because I love you. You carry the fate of all men, little Aragorn. I must ensure you are around to bear that burden.”

Elrond leaned down and brushed a kiss to Estel’s forehead. He gently removed Estel’s shirt and leggings and tended to his cuts and bruises. He then dressed him in a long nightshirt and tucked him in to bed.

“Goodnight child of Gondor.”

The next morning, Estel awoke and was confused by the bandages around his hands and one of his knees. He unwrapped them and went to the washroom to clean up, then put on clean leggings and a fresh shirt. He brushed his dark hair out of his eyes, then made his way toward the dining room. When he entered, Elrohir, Elladan and Gandalf were already seated at the table, along with 12 dwarves and a hobbit. Gandalf patted the chair beside him and grinned. Estel gave him half a smile and made his way toward the chair. Gandalf frowned when Estel seated himself in the chair without even making eye contact with him.

“Good morning Estel. It is good to see you.”

“Hello Gandalf”, Estel said softly.

“Do you have a hug for an old wizard?”

Estel smiled slightly and got up, disappearing into Gandalf’s strong embrace.

“I have missed you, child.”

“I missed you too.”

Gandalf was surprised when Estel did not pull away after a few moments.

“Are you alright, little one?” Gandalf asked worriedly.

Estel finally pulled away and looked up at Gandalf with tear filled eyes, nodding.

“Uh huh, I just really wanted a hug”, he replied sadly, his voice shaking.

“Well you can have one anytime from this old sorcerer!” Gandalf said happily, ruffling Estel’s hair.

Gandalf did not seem convinced that all was well with Isildur’s pint sized heir, but let the matter drop. Elrond arrived shortly after breakfast was served.

“Good morning, everyone. I trust you all slept well?”

“No bed compares to that of a bed in Rivendell!” Bilbo the hobbit declared.

Elrond smiled. He glanced over at Estel, who sat quietly picking at his biscuits. Ordinarily Estel chatted up a storm at meal time. He often needed to be reminded not to talk with his mouth full. But today he did not say a word, nor did he make eye contact with the Elven Lord. Making a mental note to speak with Estel after breakfast, Lord Elrond turned to his breakfast.

After the meal was through, each dwarf stood to thank Lord Elrond personally. Elrond tried to hurry them along to get to Estel before he left the room. But Gloin was insistent on holding his attention, and Estel quietly made his way from the room.

                                                           ~~**~~

Elrond pulled several bowls from the bureau and set them on the desk. He planned to have Estel assist him with sorting out the spilled herbs to dispose of those that were unusable. After setting everything up, he sat down and waited. Estel always came down to the healing room after breakfast. It had been that way since he was three years old. These were the times Elrond taught Estel to read and write, as well as extra lessons in subjects Estel was interested in. Elrond waited for 15 minutes. Estel was not usually much longer. They never had a set time, but Estel usually did not want to be separated from his foster father for much longer.

“Would you like to come with us Estel?”

Elrond glanced out the window and saw Elrohir down below in the garden. Estel sat quietly by the fountain. Elrond watched as Estel nodded and took Elrohir’s hand, following him toward the meadow. The Elven Lord sat in his chair and stared sadly at the supplies he had readied. He sat pondering how he’d gone wrong.

“I had to punish him. Surely he knows that. Why is he acting so strangely? I wish he hadn’t run off last night before I could make things right with him”, he thought sadly.

Elrohir returned later that afternoon as the weather began to decline. Storm clouds moved in and the elves were forced to light the wall sconces in the dining hall.

“Estel has opted not to eat lunch, father. I let him eat a few too many wild raspberries I’m afraid”, Elrohir said as he sat down. After the meal, Elrond pulled him aside.

“Did Estel say anything to you Elrohir?”

“About what, Ada?”

“I don’t know. About last night perhaps?”

“No. He did not say much. He has been acting strangely, perhaps he is ill?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

Elrond walked down the hall toward Estel’s bedroom. He walked in and scanned the room.

“Estel? Come out, we need to talk."

When there was no reply, Elrond pulled back the drapes to see if he was hiding again.

“Estel, please. I am not angry, child.”

There was still no reply. Elrond opened the wardrobe door and noticed Estel’s cloak and satchel were missing.

“Oh dear Elbereth, no!”

The storm grew worse, but Elrond refused to wait until morning to search for his beloved foster child. Gandalf also saddled up his horse and aided in the search.

Estel knelt on the ground in the forest. The rain poured down as he searched through the weeds. He held up the picture of the Athelas plant and continued searching. It soon became dark and Estel was having a harder time seeing. He sneezed a few times from the cold, but continued his search through the dense plants.

Elrond pushed plants aside with his walking staff and called to his missing child. “Please come back Estel. Where are you?”

Gandalf lit his staff and rode slowly through the thick brush. He did not understand a bit of what was going on, and it was beginning to anger him. Something very strange was happening with his favorite little heir. He rode forward, holding his staff out to light the way. He stopped suddenly when he heard a small sneeze.

“Estel? Are you out there?”

Gandalf wiped the rain form his eyes and dismounted.

“Estel?”

“Gandalf? Is that you?”

Gandalf pushed through the brush and found Estel kneeling on the ground.

“Thank Elbereth! Estel! What are you doing?! We have been searching everywhere!”

“I have to find it Gandalf!” 

“Find what?”

“The Etelas plant. I have to find it for Ada.”

“Etelas? Estel you need to come back with me.”

“Please Gandalf! I have to!”

Gandalf then noticed that it was not all rain on Estel’s cheeks, it was also his tears.

“We will search tomorrow, child, when it has stopped raining.”

Estel sniffled and nodded, defeated. Gandalf wrapped him in his cloak and led him to his pony. The rain had slowed to a drizzle, making it easier to see and hear. Gandalf lifted Estel up onto the pony, then climbed up and sat behind him.

“It has been quite a busy day and I have not spoken with Lord Elrond at great length. Would you care to enlighten me as to why you are out here in the middle of a storm, looking for a weed? And why I had to ASK you for a hug this morning?” Gandalf asked as they rode along.

Estel sighed. “I broke Ada’s plants. He was busy, so I could not ask him to help my dove. I tried to help her myself, but I did it wrong and I hurt her. She flew into Ada’s jars and broke them”, Estel said sadly.

“Ahh, I see. I’ll bet your Ada was a little angry then, eh?”

Estel sniffled and nodded. “He spanked me.”

Gandalf pulled Estel close and held him against him.

“Why were you looking for Athelas?”

“So Ada would not have to go away. He said he would have to go far away to find it. And-.”

Estel stopped, wiping the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand.

“And what child?”

“He is not my real father.”

Gandalf frowned. “Estel!”

“I know this. He told me.”

“Why are you telling me this now, Estel?”

“Because, what if Ada- what if I’m very bad and he wants me to go away?”

Gandalf was horrified. “No Estel! That would not happen!”

“It could! You should have seen how angry he was! I broke all his plants!”

“Oh Estel! Your father would never be so angry as to send you away! He loves you!”

Estel cried silently.

“Shh, everything will be well, child.”

“Gandalf? D-does Ada know I am gone?”, Estel hiccupped.

“Yes. He is out looking for you. He is very worried.

“He will be angry when we get back” Estel said, sniffling.

Gandalf wrapped his cloak tightly around Estel to keep him warm.

“Try not to worry about that, child. Your father loves you. He would not be unjustly angry with you.”

                                             ~~**~~

Lord Elrond returned and was saddened to see that no one had yet found Estel. He went to his chambers and changed into some dry clothes, then sat on his bed with his face in his hands.

“Oh Elbereth what have I done? Please let him be found”, he cried.

“Ada! Ada!” Elrohir hollered, entering the room. “Mithrandir is back! He has Estel!”

Elrond looked toward the ceiling and smiled, before following his son out the door.

Elrond and his sons walked down the main hall. They soon saw Gandalf enter holding Estel’s hand. Elrond ran forward and knelt down to embrace his child, but Estel stepped behind Gandalf and whimpered.

“Estel? What is it?”, Elrond asked worriedly.

Estel merely clung to Gandalf’s robes and shivered.

“Lord Elrond, may I escort Estel to his bedroom and then have a word with you in private, please?”

Elrond stood, confused. “Yes of course. If that is what he wants.”

Gandalf nodded and gave the Elven Lord a reassuring smile, before bending down and scooping Estel up into his arms. He then headed down the hall to Estel’s bedroom.

“I will get a bath ready for you child. You are covered in filth and I do not think Lord Elrond would want you to get it everywhere.”

“Thank you.”

“I will also put out some clean clothes for you. It is nearly time for bed, so I will lay out your bed clothes, yes?”

Estel nodded and set to removing his shoes and cloak. After Estel was settled in the bathtub, and was a full shade cleaner, Gandalf headed off toward Elrond’s healing room. He found the Elven Lord standing by the window with a glass of wine.

“Lord Elrond?”

“Gandalf! Please explain to me what is wrong with my son. Did he say anything to you? He has been so distant!”

“Yes. He has told me all that is troubling him.”

“He recoiled from me Gandalf! He is afraid!”

“Yes, he is skittish. He is worried he will be punished for wandering off tonight.”

“Wandering off? Then he did not run away?”, Elrond asked hopefully.

“Good heavens no! He loves it here in Rivendell. Estel merely wanted to be in your good graces again. I found him holding this.” Gandalf handed him the crumpled up drawing of the Athelas plant that Estel had been carrying.

“Athelas?”

“He was trying to find it for you, because he destroyed all that you have. He did not want you to have to go far away to get more. He is also afraid that since he is not your real child, you will send him away if he behaves badly. He had hoped that finding this plant would make you happy with him. I am assuming that you have not had to address this type of behavior with Estel before, as he has most definitely taken your reaction to heart.”

Elrond sat down in his chair and sighed. “I should not have told him so young. But Gandalf I have never said or done anything to make him believe I would send him away! I have not treated him any differently than I have my own children!”

“He is six years old Lord Elrond. That is how the mind of a six year old thinks. It is nothing you have done.”

“I have to make amends.”

“You have not done any wrong, Elrond. Estel deserved to be punished for destroying your herbs. But he needs to understand that all is well between the two of you.”

“I know. I will go speak with him now. Thank you Gandalf.”

                                                                               ~~**~~

Estel got out of the bathtub and dressed in his night clothes. His stomach grumbled as he had not eaten lunch or dinner. He was startled as the door creaked open. He saw that it was Elrond and jumped up on the bed, pulling the covers over his head. Elrond smiled at the covered form that was his son. He slowly made his way over and sat beside him.

“Hello Estel.”

Estel didn’t answer.

“Would you like to come out from under there so we can talk?”

Elrond could tell by the motion of the blankets that Estel had shaken his head. He smiled and sighed.

“What if I was to tell you that I am not angry and I do not intend to punish you?”

Estel’s head slowly emerged from under the blanket.

“Y-you don’t?”

“No, I do not.”

Elrond frowned at the still sad expression on Estel’s face.

“I spoke with Gandalf. He told me why you wandered off.”

“Oh.”

“Estel, have I ever treated you any differently than Elladen, Elrohir or Arwen?”

Estel looked at him confused.

“What I mean is, have I ever told you I love you differently because you were not born into this family?”

“No Ada.”

“Then why would you think that would change if you misbehave?”

“I don’t know.”

“Let me tell you a story Estel. Many years ago when Elladan and Elrohir were about your age, they enjoyed watching my healing powers. They enjoyed it so much, they decided to try it out themselves. They had attempted to heal the scratches they had received from playing in the rose garden where they were forbidden. I entered the room and found both of them lying on the floor unconscious. They had used too much of the wrong herb, and it knocked them out.”

Estel’s eyes widened.

“Fortunately it was not too serious and I was able to counteract it. But, as soon as the pair of them were up and about again, they were both over my knee receiving exactly what you received last night.”

Estel looked at him in awe. “Really?”

“Really! You see Estel, I would never unjustly punish you. You could have injured yourself and you knew you were not allowed to handle those herbs on your own. You deserved to be punished. Do you agree?”

Estel nodded. “Yes Ada”, he replied softly.

“Good. Now, I believe we did not finish the last part of your punishment last night, and this is a matter I mean to tend to right now.”

Estel looked at him fearfully. “But you said-!”

Before Estel could finish, Elrond pulled him into a big hug. “All is forgiven, my child.”

Estel heard the words and broke down crying. “I am so sorry Ada! I will never touch those plants again!”

“I know you won’t. Because now you know what will happen, don’t you?”

Estel pulled back and smiled. “Yes Ada.”

“I love you Estel. And there is nothing in this world that you could do that would ever make me want to send you away! Never doubt that.”

“I love you too Ada”, Estel sniffled.

Estel climbed out of his foster father’s arms and went over to his rain drenched cloak.

“I could not find the Etelas plant Ada. But I found these. Does this make things all better?”

Elrond smiled fondly as Estel presented him with a fistful of squashed daisies.

“Of course child. This makes everything perfect!”, Elrond said, pulling him back onto his lap for another hug.

“Ada! Ada!”

Elrond looked up as one of twins ran into Estel’s bedroom.

“What is it Elladan?”

“Arwen is home!”

“Now? What is she doing back so soon?”

“She has come to collect some books and documents to take back to Lothlorien.”

Elrond smiled happily.

“Well, let us go see her, shall we?” he asked Estel.

Estel frowned and halted when Elrond took him by the hand.

“What is it, child?”

“Ada, does Arwen have to know about what happened?”

Elrond knew Estel held a lot of respect for Arwen, almost resembling a crush. He knew Estel would be embarrassed if Arwen knew he had been in trouble.

“No Estel. There is no reason why she would be told. We will not speak of the incident again.”

Estel beamed. “Thank you Ada!”

“You are welcome. But let us get you changed into more appropriate attire to attend dinner. Bedtime will come soon enough.”

                                                                      ~~**~~

“Father!”

“Arwen! How fair you my Undomiel?”

Arwen dismounted from her horse and was immediately embraced by her father.

“I have missed you Ada!”

“You are home early this season”, Elrond commented as he broke the embrace.

“I needed some of your books, if I may. I am studying the constellations with Haldir. I wish to see my other grandparents.”

“You may help yourself to my library, Evenstar. But Haldir! Could I be foreseeing a son in law in the future?” the Peredhel joked.

“Yes father. But in the very far future. Haldir and I are merely acquaintances.”

“We are about to join for dinner. Are you hungry?”

“I am very. But at this hour, Ada?”

Elrond glanced at Estel, who looked at the ground.

“Yes, we were delayed. Allow your brothers to carry your things and then join us.”

“Thank you.”

Arwen started off in the direction of her room, but spotted Estel standing off to the side.

“Estel! How much you have grown in two seasons! I almost did not recognize you!”

Estel smiled happily as Arwen picked him up in a huge hug.

“Come, you can sit by me and tell me of your studies with father.”

Estel gladly took Arwen’s hand as they walked toward the dining hall.

**

“It has been quite some time since we had so many guests in Imladris. How fair you Gandalf?”

“I am well, thank you Lady Arwen. But we will be departing in the morn I’m afraid.”

“How long will you be with us, my child?”, Elrond asked his daughter.

“Three days, then I must return. I wish to return to my studies before the change of season.”

“But you still plan to spend the spring here with us I hope?”

“Of course Ada.”

Elrond sighed, relieved.

The meal pressed on and Gandalf spoke of the quest they were to set out upon in the morning.

“Excuse me Lord Elrond, but it appears your youngest has lost interest”, Bilbo pointed out.

Elrond looked over and smiled fondly.  Estel was asleep with his head on his arms on the table, his thumb in his mouth.

“Would you like me to take him to bed, father?”, Elrohir offered.

“No, that is alright. I will tend to it.”

The Elven Lord stood up and scooped the sleeping six year old into his arms. “I wanna listen to Gandalf’s stories”, Estel mumbled into his foster father’s shoulder.

“There will be another time for that, little one. It is past your bedtime.”

Elrond’s eldest children watched on in fascination. Their father was so much happier now that Estel was in their lives. And it was comforting to see that their father hadn’t lost his paternal instincts.

“I’ll be back”, Elrond said, dismissing himself.

He carried Estel down to his bedroom and changed him into his night shirt, before tucking him in to bed.

The next morning, Gandalf and his party bid farewell to Rivendell. Elrond returned to the healing room and once again arranged several bowls on the table. Once again he sat and waited for Estel, and once again Estel did not come. Elrond waited a bit before going down to his youngest child’s room.

“Estel?”

Estel looked up form the picture he was coloring on his bed, and smiled.

“Hello Ada!”

“Aren’t you planning to come to my study? I have lessons planned for you today.”

Estel frowned. “But you said I was not allowed to go there anymore, Ada.”

Elrond sighed. “That is right. I did say that, didn’t I?”

Estel nodded.

“You may enter the room in the presence of myself, all right?”

Estel smiled. “All right.” He jumped up and took his foster father’s hand.

“I need you to assist me with sorting the herbs. This way we will know what we need when we travel to Lothlorien with Arwen in three days.”

Estel looked up hopefully. “We, Ada?”

“Yes, we. You and I.”

“It will be a long journey, but I believe you and I could use the time together on the way back. It has been a long time since we have spent any leisure time together.”

“Just us? Not Elladan or Elrohir?”

“Just us”, Elrond laughed.

When they got to the room, Estel walked over to the desk. His eyes widened when he saw his dove nestled in the cloth nest.

“My bird, she is alive! You fixed her! Thank you Ada, thank you so much!” Estel said happily, turning back to give his father a hug.

Elrond chuckled. “You are very welcome, child.”

After the herbs were sorted, Elrond dismissed Estel outside to play.