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Tâd Edhel a Firion   by Fiondil

Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris

The journey through the Woodland Realm back to the Annon-e-Daur proved uneventful and it was not long before Elrond, Glorfindel and Estel were waving goodbye to Legolas, Laslaerion, Galadhor and the rest of the escort as they left the forest eaves to head down the Vale of Anduin towards Beorn’s farmstead, for they were essentially retracing their route. Beorn welcomed them when they arrived on the evening of their fifth day from Mirkwood and this time they stayed for three days. Estel got to see the beehives and learned much about the care and feeding of bees and the harvesting of honey. The three travelers even helped Beorn turn the garden over for the spring planting.

"Anduin is running high still," he said on their last night together. "You may want to delay your crossing until it’s slowed some. Radagast will know when it will be safe to cross. It should be peaking anytime now, so I don’t think you will be overly delayed."

Elrond thanked him for the advice and when they reached Rhosgobel, where Radagast and the Woodsmen gave them a warm welcome, the brown Wizard said much the same.

"The river peaked yesterday," he said as he showed them their quarters, the same ones they had had before. "My guess is that you’ll have a week of waiting before you can cross safely."

"That’s all right," Elrond said. "It will give us time to wash clothes and rest the horses."

So they stayed in Rhosgobel for a week. During the day, Estel explored the settlement, as Radagast insisted on calling it, and joined in the spring planting along with everyone else. In the evenings he and the elves spent their time with Radagast telling him all that had happened with Thranduil and Legolas. Estel had to bring out the bone chess set for the Wizard to admire and they ended up playing a game most nights.

At last the river slowed enough to venture a crossing and so even as Gwirith was waning, the three travelers set out again. This part of the journey was new for Estel for he had been unconscious and being flown by an Eagle over much of the territory they were now traversing, so he observed the landscape with interest. The river crossing proved to be a large ferry manned by Woodsmen. They got the travelers over quickly enough and refused to allow them to pay, saying they had been given instructions by Radagast not to accept any money from them.

In the end, Elrond insisted that they be allowed to share some of their food with the ferrymen, claiming they had been given too much and it would relieve some of the load from the packhorse. It was an easy fiction to accept and both groups parted on a happier note.

As they slowly made their way across the vale towards the distant mountains, Estel began to feel more and more uneasy. He wasn’t sure why, for there was no sign of danger anywhere. The elves noticed him unconsciously rubbing a hand across his abdomen from time to time, as if trying to ease the memory of a distant pain, but neither commented on it, content to let the mortal speak first, if at all.

The evening of the fourth day from the river found them not far from the mounds where they had been attacked, but Estel resolutely refused to look in their direction and spoke little if at all the entire time they were there. The elves respected his silence; even Glorfindel did not press him with teasing words, much to Estel’s relief.

The next day Estel became more himself the further west they rode and when the mounds were no longer in sight he even broke out in a song the Woodsmen children had taught him, a silly little ditty about the forest animals. The elves grinned when they heard Estel singing and even joined in at the chorus.

Eagles kept them company now, flying high above them as they approached the mountains. Estel knew that with the Eagles on watch, no orc or goblin would threaten them. Nevertheless, as they came to the defile leading to the pass where the first orc attack had occurred, he found himself hesitating before following Elrond through. Glorfindel, coming from behind, did not pressure him but allowed him time to gather his courage and nodded in satisfaction when the young Man took a deep breath, then whispered a quick word to Mithfaron. With an answering snort, the horse made its way through the defile. If Glorfindel noticed Estel’s hand on his sword hilt the entire time they traversed the narrow way, he made no mention of it.

They ended up camping for three nights in the dell where they had found the firewood. The weather had turned sour the day before and a light sprinkle became an incessant downpour before too long. The dell was protected enough so they were generally dry, but there was no attempting the climb up the pass until it stopped raining.

"Even so," Elrond said as they huddled around the campfire, "the way will be treacherous and there may even be mudslides."

But late on the second day the rain came to an end and in the morning the sun burned hot and bright, almost as if trying to make up for the last two days. Elrond decided to give the sun time to do her work.

"We will start the climb a couple of hours before dawn, as we did before. Further up we will encounter snow even in the lower reaches but it should not be too difficult to traverse. Just keep your eyes and ears out for avalanches. Even now, they can be a danger."

They set out in the dark, their way illuminated only by starlight and torches, for the moon had long set. Still, it was not a difficult climb and by the time the sun rose behind them, they had gotten a third of the way up. They encountered little difficulty and Glorfindel was even able to point out where Estel had fallen off the cliff. Estel grew warm with embarrassment at the memory, but the two elves merely smiled at him.

"If nothing else, it’s a good story to tell your brothers when you see them," Glorfindel said with a grin, "though I might refrain from giving your naneth too many details."

Estel heartily agreed.

They reached the crest of the pass by noon and were down the other side before dark. Six days later, as evening was falling, the three travelers crossed the border into Imladris, being softly greeted by one of the border guards.

"Mae govannen, hîr nîn," the guard said with a bow. "Welcome back to Imladris."

"Thank you, Ivorhael," Elrond returned the guard’s bow with a grave nod, though his eyes were bright with humor. "I trust that Erestor has not moved Imladris during my absence or otherwise made too many changes in the decor."

Ivorhael grinned. "Not since the last time I was there my lord, a week gone, though you never know. There was a rumor going around that Erestor was planning something special for Lord Glorfindel, but as to the truth of that, I cannot say."

"Hmph, he better not have," Glorfindel snorted, not looking at all pleased. "I’ve had too many surprises on this trip already, I don’t need one now that I’m finally back home."

Ivorhael only grinned. "Well, it’s only a rumor, my lord."

The traveler’s took their leave of the guard and soon the Hidden Valley came into view, the lights of lanterns illuminating their way. Erestor, Elladan, Elrohir and Gilraen were on hand to greet them. Estel was surprised, though pleased, to see his Uncle Halberen standing alongside Gilraen, with Halbarad and Belegond flanking her on the other side.

Halberen was nearly as tall as Aragorn, though broader, a seasoned warrior, with sharp features that had seen much sorrow and pain, but also much joy. His dark hair was not yet tinged with silver, his grey eyes were clear and piercing and a light shone from them. Belegond was a grizzled old warrior who now spent his days training recruits. He was Halberen’s second and Aragorn trusted him implicitly. He was several decades older than Halberen and his hair was now completely white, yet his eyes, a deep blue, were unclouded and he was as hale as any other Man of middle years. Halbarad was his father’s son, save he was not as broad and his features were less harsh, reflecting his mother’s heritage. He was only three years older than Estel and they could have passed as brothers.

"This is a pleasant surprise," he said after greeting his uncle. They had since removed to the dining hall where a small informal dinner was waiting for them. "Am I to assume that all is well with our people?"

Halberen laughed as he sat down on Aragorn’s right at a table just below the high table. Belegond was on his left and Halbarad, who had said little, was seated across from him. Elrond, Estel noticed, had escorted Gilraen to the high table and he and Glorfindel were filling Estel’s mother in on what her son had been up to the past six months while they ate.

"Aye, nephew, all is well. Word came to us from Imladris that you were on your way back and so we thought to give you a proper greeting."

"I am glad you are here, uncle, and you too Belegond, for I have come to some decisions that will affect us all. I would have sent for you at any rate. The elves have saved me time."

His uncle turned grave, as did the others. "This sounds ominous, my lord."

Estel shrugged. "I think it best we speak of it in private. It is late now and I am weary. We will speak on the morrow, say at the third hour?"

The two older Men nodded to their Chieftain and the conversation turned to other, less grave, matters. Estel reluctantly gave them a sketchy report of the trip, glossing over much of it, though neither Halberen nor Belegond were fooled. Even Halbarad realized his cousin was leaving much unsaid and resolved to get the rest of the tale out of him soon. Before long though the meal ended and the three travelers pleaded fatigue and soon Estel was falling gratefully into his own bed to the sound of elves singing beneath his window.

****

The next morning Estel spoke briefly with Elrond before going to breakfast and then at the third hour he and Halberen and Belegond met on the porch where councils were often held among the elves. They had the place to themselves.

"You did not invite Halbarad to this meeting," his uncle said, speaking in Adûnaic, and looking puzzled.

Aragorn shook his head, replying in the same language. "What I have to say is for your ears only for now. Even Lord Elrond does not know of this."

Both men raised their eyebrows at that.

"Halbarad was a bit put out when you told him to remain with Lady Gilraen," Belegond said after a brief pause.

Aragorn shrugged. "He’ll get over it. He knows that there are some things I will not discuss with him as his Chieftain."

Halberen nodded. "So I have told him. You and he have become close, almost like brothers, yet he must never forget that your destiny is different from his and that you are as much his king as you are his cousin."

Aragorn put up a protesting hand. "I am no king, uncle."

The Steward of the North gave his nephew a shrewd look. "Perhaps not in actuality, but you are the king of both Arnor and Gondor by right of inheritance, whether you wear the winged crown and carry the sceptre of Annúminas or not."

Aragorn bowed his head in acknowledgment of his uncle’s words. "Well, as your king, I have decided on a course of action that will be little welcomed by you or our people, I fear, but it is something that I believe must be done."

"Say on, my lord," Halberen said when Aragorn paused to collect his thoughts.

"During my visit to the Woodland Realm I met the Wizard, Mithrandir."

Both Men started at the name and Aragorn gave them an appraising look.

"I take it you’ve met him?"

Halberen nodded. "Indeed, yes, nephew, though I have not laid eyes on him these many years now. I remember when your father was first courting your mother that Mithrandir was in Imladris and often came out to speak with your grandfather." He paused and smiled at his nephew. "Both your grandfathers."

Aragorn smiled back with a nod. "I see."

"Perhaps more than I do," admitted the Steward, "though in hindsight I think that the Wizard might have had a hand in encouraging the relationship between Arathorn and Gilraen."

Aragorn looked thoughtful. "He did not specifically say he knew either of my parents, yet from what he did say, I gathered that he at least knew of them."

"I take it that that was the reason for the trip in the first place, then," inquired Belegond, "for you two to meet?"

Aragorn nodded. "One of the reasons. King Thranduil wished Lord Elrond to attend a trade conference between the Woodland Realm, Dale and Erebor while we were there."

"Let me guess," grinned the old warrior. "Some of those Dwarves do not have fond memories of Thranduil’s hospitality."

"Apparently," Aragorn gave a short laugh. "I finally heard the whole story of what happened from Mithrandir, though Thranduil and Legolas offered their own versions as well."

The three men laughed. When they had calmed down, Halberen said, "You were saying, my lord."

"Mithrandir gave me some things to think on, things I had not considered since taking up the office of Chieftain. I had not really thought things through, it seems." Aragorn paused and looked at Halberen. "You were correct, uncle, I am king of Arnor and Gondor, but while I know much now of my people here in the North, I know little enough of those in the South, or their allies."

"The Rohirrim," Halberen stated, nodding his head.

"Yes, and so, I have decided that I must learn of these people first hand. I cannot do so patrolling the lands between the Bruinen and the Baranduin. I must leave and make my way in disguise to Gondor."

"Disguise?" Belegond asked in surprise.

"Yes. I will leave behind the name of Aragorn son of Arathorn and travel as... as Thorongil, a Ranger from the North looking for employment elsewhere."

Both older men looked grave and Aragorn found himself holding his breath. He half expected and half feared an outburst from one or both of them, but he was determined to do this. He had thought about it during the entire trip back. He had even taken a few private moments with Bard of Dale, asking his opinion. The King of Dale had looked thoughtfully at the young man who might someday be king of two kingdoms and told him that he should do it only if he knew in his heart that it was the right thing for him to do.

"Such decisions can never be made with absolute certainty," Bard had told him. "Only in hindsight do we see that our decisions are right or wrong, but in the end, who is to say that any decision we make is either right or wrong, but merely the choice we have made? Yet whatever you decide, my lord, be prepared to accept the consequences of your decision."

Now Aragorn awaited the outburst he was sure was to come, but Halberen merely asked in a quiet tone, "How long do you plan to stay away?"

Aragorn breathed an inner sigh of relief. He knew that if he could convince Halberen, the rest of the Dúnedain would follow his uncle’s lead. "I do not know for certain, but I suspect it will be many years. Yet, I will not be completely out of contact. I will always let you know where I am so if necessary you may reach me."

"Where do you plan to go first?" Belegond asked next. "Gondor?"

Aragorn shook his head. "King Bard, when I asked him, advised that I begin in Rohan and enter the service of Thengel King. Thengel is a kindly man and a good warrior. If I do well in his service he will give me a good report to Ecthelion of Gondor. The Steward will be harder to convince to take on a nameless warrior than Thengel."

Both men nodded, for they were well aware of the political realities of the southern lands, more so than their Chieftain, though, Halberen reflected wryly to himself, that would likely change.

"You are correct, my lord. I little like it and I fear our people will like it even less," Halberen finally said, "but I see you are set on this course and I have known you long enough to know you will not be persuaded from it. Is this why you have not mentioned your plans to Lord Elrond?" Halberen cast a shrewd glance at his young Chieftain, but Aragorn merely smiled and shook his head.

"I have not spoken to Lord Elrond about this because it is not within his purview to say either yea or nay to any decision I make as Chieftain. I will seek his advice, for he is wise, but I will not seek his approval. That is no longer his to give or withhold save where it concerns Imladris and its people, and this does not."

Both men now gave their Chieftain appraising and even approving looks. "I think that this trip has proven beneficial to you, my lord," Belegond finally said.

"When do you plan on leaving?" Halberen asked, his expression worried. If Aragorn left so soon after being away for six months, it might cause some resentment among the Dúnedain.

Aragorn smiled, knowing what his uncle was thinking. "Rest assured, Uncle. I have no plans on leaving until next spring at the very earliest. The past summer was drier than usual and we lost some of our crops. I would not have left when I did if I had not had Lord Elrond’s assurances that Imladris would help our people through the winter. We must also spend some little time planning strategy and defense, as well as by what means and how often we will remain in contact while I am away. No, Uncle, I think you will be having me underfoot for the next year or so, never fear."

Belegond snorted in amusement at Aragorn’s tone. "Something tells me, Lord Halberen, that before that year is over we will both be happy to see this young scamp on his way."

The Steward laughed in agreement, then sobered at a thought. "There is one thing, Aragorn. If you do this, you do not do it alone. Someone must go with you."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow at his uncle’s words but did not dispute the wisdom of them. "Not Halbarad," he said flatly and the two older men gave him surprised looks. Aragorn smiled thinly. "He’s too young."

Halbarad’s father snorted and Belegond, who had trained both Halberen and Halbarad grinned.

"Aye, he is too young, my lord Aragorn," Belegond agreed, "though I would be loath to tell him so to his face."

"As would I," Aragorn said with a smile. "Nevertheless, I will not take him with me."

"One of the other cousins, then," Halberen said, obviously thinking things through. "Gilhael or even Dírvrand," naming two cousins on Aragorn’s father’s side who were several years older than Halbarad and both seasoned warriors.

"Gilhael will do if he is willing," Aragorn said after thinking about it. "Isn’t Dírvrand betrothed to your sister’s daughter, Belegond?"

Belegond smiled. "Aye, that he is, my lord. They are due to wed come Midwinter."

"Then I will not willingly force him to leave his bride so soon after. Gilhael is unattached still and his leaving will not be so hard."

"Will you ask him then, or shall I?" Halberen asked, already knowing the answer.

Aragorn shook his head. "If you will send word to him to come to Imladris, I will speak to him."

Halberen nodded and said, "Then we are settled on this? Next spring or thereabouts you and Gilhael will travel south to Rohan to take service with Thengel King?" Aragorn and Belegond nodded. Halberen looked at his Chieftain and there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I imagine that this was the easy part, wasn’t it, nephew?"

Aragorn blushed slightly, knowing what his uncle meant. "Aye, Uncle. Convincing you and Belegond was the easy part. Now I have to convince my mother."

Both Halberen and Belegond laughed and Aragorn blushed even more.

****

Gilraen heard her son out later that afternoon, her expression neutral. After he had outlined his plans she sat there in silence, then asked to be left alone to reflect on his words. Aragorn was reluctant to leave it like that but decided he had no choice and with a respectful bow, left.

Five minutes later, Gilraen was standing before the door of Elrond’s library about to do the one thing she had vowed never to do — ask Elrond to intercede on her behalf to her son.

"Do you know what Estel plans?" she asked after Elrond opened the door to her knock and led her to a seat.

The elf-lord said nothing at first. He and Glorfindel had noticed that Estel had been somewhat preoccupied during the journey back but when he had inquired about it to his foster son Estel had merely stated that Mithrandir had given him something to think about, but would not elaborate.

Elrond did not mind that Estel had not confided in him about what he and Mithrandir had spoken about. It was after all the primary, indeed the only real reason for the entire trip in the first place. Attending the trade conference had been a nice legal fiction. Now he sat across his desk from Estel’s mother, whose posture reflected disbelief and anger.

"Tell me," Elrond finally commanded quietly and Gilraen did.

When she was finished, the elf-lord sat back in contemplation. "It is a bold plan, and a worthy endeavor," he said at last, much to Gilraen’s displeasure. "No lady," Elrond held up a hand to forestall Gilraen’s protest. "I understand your concern, but we both gave up any right to dictate Aragorn’s actions the day I told him of his heritage. And it is not as if he does this alone. Gilhael is an excellent warrior and totally devoted to Aragorn. He will protect our son."

And that last was the catch. Gilraen had allowed the Lord of Imladris to raise Estel as his own son, though he was always careful to ask Gilraen’s permission before making any major decision concerning the boy’s upbringing and education. She knew how much Elrond loved her son, no less than he loved his own.

She sighed and nodded her head. "Forgive me, Elrond, I fear I’ve allowed a mother’s concern to cloud my judgment."

"There is naught to forgive, Gilraen," Elrond rose from his chair and came around the table to lay a comforting hand on Gilraen’s shoulder. "I would be disappointed if you did not express such concerns and I am glad that you came to me with them. I am afraid that I cannot give you the answer you seek, but I can give you my promise that I will do what I can to ensure our son’s well being, wherever he is."

Gilraen smiled tremulously, tears welling in her eyes. "Thank you, my lord, your kindness towards me and my son is more than we deserve."

"No lady, I only regret that what I can give is little enough."

**** 

Later that evening Elrond asked Aragorn to join him in Elrond’s study.

"Your naneth was most upset, iôn nîn," Elrond said without preamble.

"I know, Adar, and I regret that it was so, but..."

Elrond held up a hand. "It is well, Aragorn. Gilraen understands why you do this, little though she likes it. She has several months to get used to the idea."

Aragorn gave his foster father a shrewd look. "You do not seem upset that I did not consult with you first."

Elrond smiled and placed his arm around Aragorn’s shoulders. "You are my son, it is true, but you are also Chieftain of the Dúnedain. My wisdom I will always give you should you ask, but I will never interfere with any decision you make concerning your own people. I trust you to make wise choices. It is what you’ve been trained for."

He leaned over and gave Aragorn a kiss on his forehead and squeezed his shoulder. "Now why don’t you tell me what you have planned."

It was late when they parted and Aragorn went to bed with many things to think about for Elrond had had much wisdom to impart to his foster son.

****

Halbarad was feeling hurt and confused.

His cousin had virtually ignored him since returning to Imladris. First he had refused to allow Halbarad to attend the meeting he held with Halbard’s father and old Belegond, then after luncheon Aragorn told him that he wanted Halbarad to go with his brothers and Lord Glorfindel to the training field and have the elves check on his progress with sword and bow. Halbarad wanted to refuse, but the look on Aragorn’s face told him it would be better if he didn’t.

Nor did he have any luck cornering Aragorn after the welcoming feast that evening, for etiquette demanded that Aragorn sit at the high table with his elvish family and afterwards there was singing and story telling in the Hall of Fire. Even then, Aragorn attended only for about an hour before Lord Elrond beckoned him away and neither was seen again for the rest of the evening.

All in all, it had been a frustrating day for the young Ranger, so he was rather surprised when the next morning as he sat down for breakfast Aragorn approached him.

"Ride with me after breakfast, Cousin," Aragorn said quietly then went to greet his mother before Halbarad even had time to respond. Halbarad looked at his father sitting across from him who merely smiled and gave a small shrug. The young Ranger sighed as he went back to his porridge.

An hour later, he and Aragorn were riding out of Imladris, each armed with bow and arrows as well as swords, for it never occurred to them not to go so armed even within the Hidden Valley. As usual, Aragorn was riding saddleless, which, even after all these years, still unnerved Halbarad for some reason. In the years since joining the Dúnedain, Aragorn had divested himself of much of his elvish ways, but he never stopped riding elvish style and it was a subtle reminder that mortal though he may be, Aragorn son of Arathorn was a nearly pure-blooded Númenórean and a direct descendent of Lord Elrond’s twin brother, Elros.

The two cousins wended their way towards the upper reaches of the valley, riding in companionable silence for most of the time. It wasn’t until they reached a certain meadow that Aragorn stopped and suggested they rest for a bit, climbing down from Mithfaron even as he spoke. Halbarad followed suit and soon they were seated on a fallen log watching a doe and her twin fawns crossing the meadow, nibbling on wildflowers as they went, while the two horses munched placidly on meadow grass nearby.

"I am sorry for seemingly ignoring you, Halbarad," Aragorn said without preamble, "but that was not my intent."

Now that it came to it, Halbarad was at a loss as to what to say. He knew that there were aspects of Aragorn’s life to which he was not privy, especially in Aragorn’s role as Chieftain, but it still hurt when he was left out of things. He was after all older than Aragorn, even if only by three years, and he had hoped that in the last five years he had gained his Chieftain’s trust.

"Nor is it a matter of not trusting you enough," Aragorn added and smiled thinly as his cousin started, looking at him in surprise before blushing and turning away.

"I needed to discuss certain matters with your father and with Elrond first before I was ready to speak to you about them."

"What matters?"

So Aragorn told him. Halbarad was not pleased at the thought that Aragorn was going to leave him behind — again.

"Why can I not go with you? Gilhael is old and much too serious for his own good. I thought we were brothers."

Aragorn smiled sympathetically. "Gilhael is only forty and a far more seasoned warrior than either you or I. Halberen and Belegond both insisted that whoever accompanied me had to be older and hopefully wiser in order to curb any youthful exuberance I might suddenly display. And we are brothers." He placed his arm around his cousin’s shoulder, giving him a quick hug. "But your father needs you by his side. He’s going to need your help while I am gone."

"What help can I give him that Belegond doesn’t already give?" Halbarad asked with a skeptical look.

"The help that any heir gives to his sire," Aragorn replied gravely. "Halbarad, in case it has escaped your notice, you are Halberen’s heir and as such you will succeed him as my Steward here in the North someday. I need you to start learning what that means and you can’t learn it if you are trailing after me."

Halbarad stared at his younger cousin in surprise. It had never occurred to him when Aragorn had appointed Halberen as his Steward that the office might be hereditary. "Do you really mean that?"

Aragorn nodded. Halbarad stared out across the meadow in thought and Aragorn sat there patiently, willing to let his cousin take as much time as he needed to accept what he had just learned.

Finally, after several minutes of contemplation, Halbarad turned to Aragorn with a smile. "Well I still think Gilhael is an old stick-in-the-mud, but I guess as long as you have to put up with him, that’s all right."

Aragorn laughed and grabbed his cousin in a bear hug. "Just for that, I’ll make sure you spar with Erestor tomorrow."

"Ai, you wouldn’t dare!" Halbarad laughed, struggling futilely.

Aragorn released him and stood up. "Come on, let’s ride for real."

"But only if you tell me what really happened on that trip. I tried to get Glorfindel to tell me yesterday but he just grinned in that infuriating way elves have and said naught."

Aragorn relented as he jumped onto Mithfaron’s back. "Very well," he said and proceeded to tell his cousin about the events of the last six months as they rode. They were heading back to Imladris by the time Aragorn had finished, not sparing himself in the telling, much to Halbarad’s surprise and amusement. The thought of his Chieftain falling off a cliff was hilarious, but he managed not to laugh too loud at that. It was the boar hunt that impressed him the most, though, and he looked admiringly at the quiver depicting the scene when Aragorn showed it to him.

When Aragorn at last finished his tale he gave his cousin a stern look. "Adar and I have agreed that Gilraen will never learn from us the full story of what happened to me, so if you ever tell my naneth what I just told you, you’ll regret it."

"Valar forbid, Aragorn!" Halbarad said in a shocked voice, "I won’t even tell my naneth!" and Aragorn had to laugh at that because Lady Barawen was perhaps the most unflappable woman he had ever met, and unlikely to be shocked by anything anyone told her.

**** 

A week later Gilhael rode into Imladris and for several hours he, Aragorn, Halberen and Elrond were closeted together in Elrond’s study. When he came out he had a rather bemused look on his face, but otherwise responded cheerfully enough to the greetings offered by the elves as he walked through the halls of the Last Homely House. He spoke briefly with Gilraen, though none heard what was said. Afterwards, though, many remarked how the Lady Gilraen appeared calmer than she had been in the last week since her son’s return and wondered.

As Midsummer neared, Imladris was visited by several Dúnedain leaders, village heads and Ranger captains alike. They gathered on the council porch and awaited their young Chieftain. None knew why the meeting had been called nor what it might mean. At last Aragorn appeared, flanked by Halberen and Belegond and preceded by Gilhael, acting as guard. Surprisingly, Lord Elrond, his sons, and even Lord Glorfindel, joined them.

Aragorn greeted them gravely, speaking in Adûnaic, for the elves who attended the meeting were all familiar with the language. For many of them, the village heads especially, this was their first trip to Imladris and the fact that these four elf-lords spoke their language so well greatly impressed them. Their Chieftain explained the reason for the meeting and outlined his plans for the future. Many were shocked at first, especially the captains who looked upon Aragorn as one of their own and resented the fact that they would lose not only his expertise and leadership skills but also those of Gilhael, who was widely respected among the Rangers.

It took several hours of arguing back and forth, but in the end, the Dúnedain were forced to acquiesce to Aragorn’s plan. Their only consolation was that in their Chieftain’s absence Lord Glorfindel and the sons of Elrond had agreed to join the patrols of the Rangers on a more regular basis, thus adding to their strength.

As the meeting at last broke up and the Dúnedain were being escorted by Erestor to the Feasting Hall for the evening meal, Aragorn sat back in his chair and breathed a sigh of relief, then glanced up at Gilhael, who was standing behind him, with a questioning look. Gilhael’s expression was grave and unrelenting, as befitted the Chieftain’s guard. His older cousin looked down at him, saying nothing, and then, slowly, he winked.

****

From the diary of Gilraen hervess Arathorn:

Ormenel, 1 Norui, T.A. 2957:

Today my Estel left to take service with Thengel King of Rohan. With him went his cousin, Gilhael. I do not know when next I will see him, but I fear it will be many years as Men account them. Halberen suggested that I might return to the Angle to live, now that the need for secrecy is no longer necessary, but I hesitate to do so. Perhaps I will visit, for I have missed my family these long years, but Imladris is my home now and I wish to be here when my son returns.

A silly notion, for he could just as easily find me among our kin as here, but I think that in his heart Estel will always consider Imladris his home and it will not be ‘home’ unless his adar and I are both here to greet him.

I pray the Valar will protect him and Gilhael, especially from blind cliffs and raging boars....

****

Hervess Arathorn: Wife of Arathorn.

Ormenel: Wednesday.

Norui: June.





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