A soft wind blew through the tress, wrapping the last homely house in its gentle embrace. Through the green lands it breezed, rustling the branches of the trees and the dark hair of a lone figure.

Elladan knelt by the small plaque that sat beneath the weeping willow tree in the corner of the most peaceful of Imladaris’ many gardens. The wording on the plaque was simple yet clear:

‘Elrohir Elrondion, beloved twin, son, brother and friend, may your spirit always live in our hearts. You are eternally loved and missed.’

It was not a grave, for Elrohir’s body had never been recovered after the cave-in of an old shelter near the misty mountains. The small memorial under Elrohir’s favourite tree was the only place Elladan had to go to mourn his twin.

Today was the 937th anniversary of his brother’s death. Elladan had been here most of the day, always he spent this day of each year as close to his twin as he could get. He missed Elrohir desperately and longed to follow him, but his father had begged him not to fade. With Elrond’s help and empathy, Elladan had beaten the overwhelming grief and remained on Middle-Earth. Still, there still remained an ache deep in his heart, an empty space that had once been his twin. He had felt their bond sever as the rocks fell, had known at that moment that he would never be whole again.

Elladan ran his fingers over the plaque. He wondered if it would have been easier if they had been able to give his brother a proper burial, but deep down he knew that the sight of his twin’s lifeless body would probably have pushed him over the edge.

Usually he tried not to dwell on his pain and remember the happy times they’d shared; but on this day it was impossible. On this day only he allowed himself to cry, gave up the pretence of being strong.

He closed his eyes and knelt lower, resting his head against the trunk of the tree. Elrohir had loved this tree; often he had sat under its wispy branches, lost in thought. He’d come here the day before he died with Elladan. They’d sat and talked for hours about their upcoming trip to Mirkwood. Neither had any inkling of the tragedy that would strike a little more than 24 hours later.

He clenched his fists, scraping his knuckles against the bark. It still hurt so much. When his mother had left it had been bad, but it had been nothing compared to the pain of losing Elrohir. He felt so weak sometimes, as if the emptiness was eating him away inside. But he rarely let it show, it was his duty as his father’s heir to put his people first. This single day was all he had to himself.

Deep in memory, he did not hear the approach of another.
“Elladan?” The elf asked softly. Elladan sighed, could he not even have this day? He turned to face the newcomer.

“What is it Erestor?” He asked, irritation clear in his voice.
“Forgive me.” The advisor said softly. “I have no wish to disturb you, but your father has requested your presence immediately.” Elladan looked sharply at Erestor and stood up. It must be urgent indeed; he knew his father would never disturb him on this day unless he had no choice.

“Very well Erestor. I will come.” Erestor nodded and they walked back to the house in silence, Elladan silently apologising to his twin.

The moment Elladan laid eyes on his father he was glad he had been summoned. Elrond looked awful, His clothes torn and bloodied, his face filthy from the grime of battle. A blanket-wrapped bundle was held tightly against his chest.

“Ada!” Cried Elladan in horror. “What happened?”

“There was an attack.” Elrond said wearily. “We tried to help, but we were too late.” He looked sadly at his son. “Arathorn and Gilraen were slain.” Elladan sucked in a sharp breath.

“No.” He whispered. He could hardly bear it. More friends dead – and on this of all days!
The bundle in Elrond’s arms whimpered, drawing Elladan’s attention to it.
“Ada?” He questioned. Elrond shifted the blankets, revealing the young human boy within.

“This is their son, Aragorn. We were able to save his life, but he is now an orphan. Elladan, he needs a family, I would have him become a part of ours.”

Just for a moment, irrational anger flared in Elladan. How dare his father try to replace his twin? Then he looked at the child’s bright blue eyes and his anger melted. They were not so different, the child had lost his parents and he had lost his twin and his mother. Perhaps they could help one another.

“Elladan?” Elrond asked softly. “What do you think?” Elladan reached out and took Aragorn from his father’s arms. Bright blue eyes met his stormy grey ones.

“I think Elrohir would have loved him.” He whispered.
His father smiled sadly.

“I know he will never replace Elrohir, nor do I intend him to. But this house needs new life. Too long have we dwelt with death. This child – he brings hope.”

*******************************************

“Estel!” Elladan chased after the laughing five-year-old who was clutching his diary with no intention of handing it over. The human child was surprisingly fast and agile, but Elladan eventually grabbed the book from Estel’s hands. Placing it on a bench he chased Estel again and grabbing him, began to tickle him mercilessly, grinning as the child squirmed.

Elrond watched from a distance, a smile playing about his face. It was so good to see Elladan smile again. It had been much too long.

***************************************

Elladan flopped down on his bed, exhausted. He’d spent the day teaching Estel to ride, an activity that had involved a lot of running around on his part. He’d also promised to continue the lessons tomorrow. “I’m a fool.” He groaned as he rolled over. “Where does that child get his energy?” Still, he did not regret his decision. Since Estel had come into his life almost two years ago, he’d been happier than he had been for a long time. Since Elrohir had died. He had thought the void in his heart could never be filled and while that was still true, there was less of it than there had been. It didn’t hurt quite so much anymore. Estel had been well named, for since his arrival, Elladan could see a brighter more hopeful future for them all. He smiled as he drifted into sleep. “You’d have loved him ‘Ro.”

“’Dan! ‘Dan wake up!” At the insistent voice in his ear, Elladan blinked and refocused his eyes, pulling himself from slumber. Estel stood by his bed, his big blue eyes looking pleadingly at Elladan. The elf sighed.

“Estel, the sun has barely risen. What is wrong?” A further glace at the child showed that Estel had also tried, rather unsuccessfully, to dress himself. His shirt was buttoned wrong, his leggings were poorly tied and his tunic was on backwards.

“You said we’d go riding again today!” The boy said enthusiastically. Elladan groaned and sat up.

“Very well Estel,” he sighed, knowing he was getting no more sleep that morning. “But first let’s get you properly dressed.” He picked Estel up and carried him to his room down the hall; thankful he was already semi-dressed in leggings.

Once he had the boy suitably dressed, he washed and dressed himself, then he took Estel’s hand and led him down to the dining room for breakfast.

Elrond and Glorfindel looked up as the two entered. Elrond raised an eyebrow in surprise; it was very unusual to see Elladan up this early.

“Ada!” Squealed Estel and flung himself at the elf-lord. Elladan smiled faintly and sat down. He helped himself to fruit and bread as Estel eagerly told his Ada about the day’s plans.

When Estel had finally finished, Elrond put him down and told him to take his seat for breakfast. The little human tried to get onto his chair at Elladan’s left, but could not quite manage it. In an instant, Elladan had swept him up and placed him on the chair, causing the two elf-lords to smile at Elladan’s doting actions.

There were two perpetually empty chairs in the dining room. The one to Elrond’s right had been Celebrian’s; the other to Elladan’s right had been Elrohir’s. Estel had once tried to sit in Elrohir’s chair; it had been the only time Elladan had almost lost his temper with the little one. Luckily Elrond had intervened and gently explained that the empty chairs were for people who weren’t there right now, but who wouldn’t be pleased if others had sat in them. He had not mentioned death, it had only been a few months at that time since his parents were slain.

Elladan had felt guilty for shouting at the boy, but Estel was forgiving by nature and the incident was soon forgotten. However, he never tried to sit in the empty chairs again.

After breakfast Elladan took Estel out to continue his riding lessons. He had obtained a small soft-natured pony for the boy’s first mount and Estel was already in love with the animal. It was heart-warming to watch the child as he petted and fussed the pony. Elladan knew Estel had a way with animals unusual for humans. He had a feeling it would serve him well in years to come.

A week later found Elladan in a mood far different than the one he’d been in recently. Today marked two years since Estel had come to them, it also marked the 939th year without Elrohir. The previous year he’d been able to avoid Estel, but this year it was not to be. He skipped breakfast and was on his way to the weeping willow when he heard Estel run up behind him. “Where are you going?” He asked cheerfully. “Can I come?”
“Not today Estel.” He replied. “I’m too busy.” Estel looked crushed, too young to interpret Elladan’s mood.

“But I want to come!” He complained. “I want to go riding and...”

“Enough!” Elladan snapped. His emotions were running high today and he could not cope with Estel’s whining. “Please,” he grated. “Just go away. Go and see Ada.” Then he turned and walked away too fast for Estel to follow.

He sat as usual by the plaque, saying nothing, simply remembering. All his words had long been said. He ignored the tears streaming down his cheeks. Here, they were as natural as breathing. He relaxed against the tree, touching the trunk Elrohir had so often sat against.

It was several hours later when he became aware of the soft sound of crying that was not his own. Peering out between the bows he found the source of the noise – Estel curled up by a wild rose bush sobbing miserably. Elladan hung his head; he knew it was his fault.

“Estel.” He called softly. The child blinked and shifted to look at him. “Come here.” said Elladan, opening his arms. Slowly Estel got up and made his way to Elladan, pushing aside a few branches that got in his way. He reached the elf and Elladan pulled Estel into his lap. “I am sorry Estel.” He whispered. “I should not have shouted at you. I was in a bad mood.” Estel looked up at him, his blue eyes full of confusion.

“Why?” He asked simply. Elladan took a deep breath; he had known this day would come.

“I was thinking about my brother.” He said. Estel frowned.

“About me?” Elladan shook his head.

“No Estel. My other brother. Elrohir.” Estel’s eyes opened wide.

“We have another brother?” He asked amazed. “Where is he?” Elladan could not keep the pain out of his voice as he answered the innocent question.

“He is in the Halls of Mandos. He died, 939 years ago today.” Estel gasped as he heard Elladan’s words. He wrapped his little arms around his older brother’s neck and hugged him.

“I am sorry.” He said.

Elladan returned the hug, touched by the innocent affection. “It was not your doing.” He whispered. “He would have loved you, I am sure.” Estel looked up at the elf.

“Do you miss him?” Elladan nodded.

“Every day. We were very close, I lost a part of me when he died.” He glanced at Estel, not sure the young human would understand. But Estel only nodded. Though he had been very young when his parents were slain, he had never forgotten.

“Will you tell me about him?” Estel asked timidly, not sure his brother would want to speak of Elrohir. Elladan graced Estel with a small smile.

“Of course I will.” He said. Estel beamed.

“What did he look like, did he look anything like you?” He questioned. Elladan couldn’t help the small bitter laugh that escaped from his lips.

“Aye Estel. He looked exactly like me – we were twins.” Then he pulled Estel closer and under the boughs of his brother’s tree, told Estel the story of the elf-knight’s life.

When they returned to the house late that evening, they found Elrond almost sick with worry. “Estel! Where have you been?” He asked, frowning at the child. Estel didn’t know what to say, but Elladan stepped in.

“He was with me Ada.” He said softly. Elrond looked sharply at his eldest. Elladan never allowed anyone near him on this day. Had Estel really touched his heart so much? With such a revelation, he could not find it in him to be angry.

“Very well.” He replied. “But do not go off like that again Estel.” The child nodded. “Now come, you must eat something before bed.” Elrond took Estel by the hand then most unexpectedly reached for Elladan’s hand too. Elladan was surprised, but allowed the affectionate gesture. Hand-in-hand the little family went inside.

******************************************

“Who are they?” Estel asked in wonder as the ragged group of mounted men rode into the courtyard.

“Rangers.” Elladan told the 10-year-old.

“What are rangers?” Came the next question. Elladan crouched, bringing himself to eye-level with Estel. He knew he had to be careful as he was on dangerous ground with the child’s true heritage.

“They are guardians, sons of great but forgotten kings who have devoted themselves to protecting the innocent from evil. There are only a few left, most of whom you see before you. Judge them not by their appearance, for they are as brave and skilled as any elf warrior.” Estel’s eyes opened wide, clearly he was impressed.

“Can I meet them?” Elladan laughed.

“I am sure you can! Let them get settled in first though.” He smiled. “They are gentle with their friends and would love to meet you.”

“Do you know them?” Was the next in Estel’s stream of questions. Elladan nodded.

“Aye, I know them and many of their ancestors.” A look of pain crossed his face. “Elrohir and I, we often rode with them. We knew them so well; eventually they even learned to tell us apart. They have always been a good people.” Estel smiled and hugged his brother. He had quickly learned that speaking of Elrohir was hard for Elladan and that a little comfort helped him through the pain. He grinned and changed the subject.
“Are they always that dirty?”

Estel was so excited he was literally bouncing. The rangers had been given quarters and were now in one of the large sitting rooms. They had eaten and were relaxing and drinking the warm spiced wine that was a speciality of Rivendell.

Elladan pushed open the door and entered hand-in-hand with Estel.

Estel stopped and looked into the room of surprisingly clean rangers. Apparently they had taken advantage of Rivendell’s excellent baths. He was awed by the fearsome looking men, so unlike the graceful elves he had grown up with. His courage gone, he clung to Elladan’s hand, unsure of what to do or say. One of the rangers turned and saw the newcomers.

“Hail, Elladan!” He called cheerfully.

“Hail, Taragor!” The elf replied and walked over to the man, dragging Estel with him. Taragor grinned and turned his attention to the small human with the elf.

“Who’s your friend Elladan?” Taragor asked. Elladan gently pushed Estel forwards. The child took in the huge man with wide eyes.

“This is Estel.” Elladan said. “Father adopted him seven years ago.” He turned to Estel. “Estel, this is Taragor, the leader of the rangers.”

“Hello.” Said Estel quietly. The man beamed at him.

“Hello young one!” He said. “So you’re Elladan’s little brother huh? You don’t look like an elf!” Estel shot the man the look all children use when an adult has just stated the blindingly obvious.

“I am human.” He replied. “But I am as good at climbing as any elf!”

“Oh really?” Taragor grinned. “What about riding?” Estel nodded.

“That too!”

“Archery then?” He asked.

“ELLADAN taught me.” Estel replied, as if that said it all, and indeed it did, for Elladan was one of the best archers in Imladris. In truth, Elrohir had been slightly better, but that was never mentioned.

Taragor laughed at the child’s self-confidence. “You sound highly skilled young man! It sounds to me like you should be a ranger!”

“Really?” Estel said excitedly, his fear gone in the face of this revelation. “I could be a ranger? Elladan said you’re all sons of kings!” The ranger winked and whispered, “Oh, I’m sure we could make an exception for you!” Estel grinned and let go of any remaining fear as he hugged the ranger who returned the gesture.

“But it wouldn’t be an exception.” Elladan thought slightly sadly. For he knew that by birth, Estel could one day lead these men. He shook the thought aside though, as he became aware of Estel tugging on his tunic.

“Did you hear? I can be a ranger!” He said enthusiastically.

“That is wonderful Estel!” He replied, smiling at the boy.

Taragor looked at Elladan. The elf seemed different than he remembered. He seemed – happier somehow. He knew the story of Elladan’s lost twin; all the rangers did, for the brothers had been popular amongst the rangers of that time. Long had the elf grieved for his brother. It pleased Taragor that the little human had brought some light back into the elf’s life.

Estel glared at Taragor. “WHY do you have to go?” He said sulkily. The rangers had been in Rivendell for a week and Estel had come to like them a lot, especially Taragor, who had spent most of the last week telling Estel about the life of a ranger. Taragor smiled at the indignant boy.

“Well, I wouldn’t be a very good ranger if I stayed here, would I? But fear not, we will most likely be back again in a few years! Then if you are ready we shall all go hunting!” This suggestion was met with much approval from Estel, who immediately stopped sulking.

As Elladan watched Estel bid the men goodbye, he found himself wondering just what impact the rangers were going to have on his human brother’s life.

END CHAPTER 1

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