Elladan hugged Estel fiercely. His little brother, now 25, was leaving with the rangers. Ever since the first time he had laid eyes on them 15 years ago, Estel had been obsessed with becoming a ranger.

Though he had wanted nothing more than to keep Estel in Rivendell forever, Elladan knew that he would one day leave them and had done all he could to prepare Estel for life in the wilderness. His riding, archery and swordsmanship were excellent and he had developed an almost prodigious talent for tracking. He had even tracked and found Elladan on occasion.

Now the time had come for Estel to leave and go with them as Taragor had once said he could. Taragor himself was no longer with the company, old age forcing him to give up the life of a ranger some four years previously. The rangers were now lead by Eregol, who had been Taragor’s third when Estel first met them in Rivendell.
Elladan longed to go with them and protect Estel but Elrond had talked him out of it, saying that the young man had to stand on his own two feet. Even though deep down, he understood Elladan’s feelings and shared them.

“Please, be careful.” He whispered into his brother’s ear. Estel nodded. Though Elladan’s over-protectiveness sometimes irritated him, he understood why he was like that and accepted it.

“I will be.” He replied. “I love you brother.”

“I love you too.” Elladan whispered hoarsely. “Come home whenever you can.”

“I promise.” He said and then slowly pulled away from his brother’s embrace. He had already bid his father and the others goodbye, now he moved to his horse and swiftly mounted. Tears filled Elladan’s eyes, but he pushed them away. It would not do to show weakness here.

Eregol however, saw the sadness in the elf’s eyes. His gaze met Elladan’s and he gave him a reassuring glance. “Fear not my friend. I shall take good care of him.” The ranger vowed.

Estel smiled at Elladan one last time as he rode away. He wanted this, had wanted it for years, but he felt guilty at leaving his brother who had already lost so much.
“I’ll come back.” He promised silently. “Just as often as I can.”

Once the rangers and his brother were out of sight, Elladan could no longer hold back the tears. He fled from the courtyard to the weeping willow and there he spent the rest of the day.

Some hours later, Elrond came to the tree seeking his son. “Elladan?” He asked softly. Elladan didn’t answer so Elrond slipped under the boughs to where Elladan was curled up against the trunk. He wrapped his arms around his son and held him close.

“I miss him.” Elladan whispered and Elrond knew he did not mean Estel.

“I know ion nin.” He murmured. “I know.”

“Now Estel has left I know not what to do.” He said brokenly. “The wilds are dangerous and I fear for him. It – it is too much Ada!” He clung to his father who soothed him with hugs and gentle words, until Elladan finally fell asleep.

Not until the stars rose did Elrond wake his son and guide him back to the house.

“You will find your path Elladan.” He said as they stood outside the younger elf’s rooms.

“But you must have faith.”

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

The clash of swords echoed throughout the glen. Estel growled and sliced at another orc. There were dozens of the foul beasts, easily outnumbering the sixteen rangers. But the rangers fought on and slowly began to turn the odds to their favour.

Estel had only been with the rangers for three years, but had already established a reputation as a fierce fighter. The rangers had nicknamed him ‘Strider’ for the way he strode almost effortlessly through his enemies.

As yet another orc came at him, he brought his sword up and came down in an arc, taking the creature’s head from its shoulders. Blood spattered everywhere, covering the ranger’s coat and dripping from the beautiful elven sword that had been a leaving present from Elladan.

On and on the battle went until eventually all the orcs were slain. Only then did the rangers stop, two or three finally collapsing from wounds sustained during the battle.

Estel stood breathing heavily. Slowly he moved his hand to his ribs. There was a long thin gash where an orc sword had sliced him. It was not serious and would quickly heal, but if it had been any deeper it could have killed him.

“Too close.” He muttered. He did not fear his own death, but he feared what would happen to his brother should he fall. Elladan could take no more death. Estel tried not to think about what would happen when he did one day go the way of all mortal things. In his heart, he hoped Elladan would sail to Valinor before that happened, though he would miss him greatly. However if it meant that Elladan didn’t have to suffer anymore, he would welcome it.

“Strider!” The other ranger called his name, beckoning him to where he knelt by a still form. He had been trained in the healing arts by his father and brother and had been the rangers’ official healer since the old one was killed in battle six months after Estel had joined them.

Hurrying over to the fallen ranger, a young man named Calendil, Estel knelt and checked him over. He had many wounds, the most serious of which was a nasty gash across his chest. The gash was bleeding heavily and showed no sign of stopping. The man was semi-conscious and groaning in pain.

“This needs stitching.” He said to the other ranger. “Help me move him away from here.” He scooped up the man under the arms while his companion took the man’s legs. They carried him as gently as they could to a small space outside the glade where a few of the uninjured rangers were setting up an emergency camp. Quickly he pulled some athelas from his pack and mixed it into a paste. Next to him an older man with a little healing experience was mixing up a tea under Estel’s instructions. Once the tea was administered and the injured ranger was in painless slumber, He began the painstaking task of cleaning the gash to eliminate the risk of poison and then stitching the nasty wound. As he worked he let the smell of the athelas calm him from the battle and remind him of home.

“I want to see Elladan. I’m worried about him. It has been three years now and I have not visited at all. But how can I go back without offending my friends? These men have been in the wilds for years, I know not how they would react to my wish to see my home.” He knew of course, that the rangers liked Rivendell and it’s people, but it was not the way of the rangers to serve their own desires. Still, three years was a long time for the young human.

He finished repairing Calendil’s wound as best he could. Still he was worried for him, the young ranger had lost a lot of blood. But there was nothing more he could do for now except make him comfortable.

Luckily, Calendil was the worst injured of the group, miraculously there had been no fatalities. Having tended to the others he cleaned his own wound before settling down next to Calendil. He would get no rest that night; the injured ranger would need constant attention. He sighed.

The next day saw Estel over-tired and Calendil no better. Estel simply didn’t have the facilities to properly care for the young man’s injuries. That was when he got his answer. “Ada could take care of him!” He thought. That would also be a wonderful opportunity to go home. He felt a little guilty using another’s misfortune to get his wish, but the situation had not been of his making and his father was considered to be the best healer on Arda.

“How is he Strider?” Eregol asked as he walked over. Estel shook his head.

“He is not good. The blood loss has left him very weak.” He looked up at the older ranger. “I would like to take him to my father in Rivendell. I am sure he can help him. Eregol thought for a moment and then nodded.

“Very well. Rivendell is only a few days travel from here and I would hate to lose Calendil.” He smiled. “I’m sure you’d also love to see your father and brother again.” Estel blushed slightly as his own wishes were revealed. Eregol laughed.

“There is no shame in wanting to see your family Strider! True, you have more attachments than most rangers, but many of us have those we miss when in the wilds. We will set out for Rivendell this very morn.” Estel smiled, his heart lighter at the very thought of going home. They had come close to Imladris a couple of times over the past three years, but they had always been on their way to another destination and had not been able to stop.

“Thank you.” He said to Eregol. The ranger smiled back.

“You are welcome. Now come, help me make ready to leave.”

They travelled for five days on horseback, Estel riding while holding Calendil in front of him. The young ranger lived yet, but he was no better and Estel would be glad when he could relinquish him into his father’s care.

He worried about Calendil, the young man had only been a ranger for a year longer than he and they were similar in age. It was Calendil who had befriended him when he had first joined the rangers, it would be a terrible blow to Estel if he died.

It was the evening of the sixth day. With luck, they would reach Rivendell the next afternoon. Estel was glad, Calendil had taken a turn for the worse the previous day and he could do no more for him.

He gently lowered the ranger onto a bedroll he’d prepared. Small whimpers of pain came from the injured man. Unfortunately, Estel had now run out of the pain-killing herbs and had yet to find more. “I am sorry.” He whispered as he made his friend as comfortable as he could. “It is just one more day my friend. Hold on.” Calendil whimpered in response, furthering Estel’s guilt though it was not his fault. Making a decision he stood up. “I am going to look for herbs to relieve his pain.” He said to Eregol. “I will return soon.” The ranger nodded.

“Be careful Strider.” He said as his youngest ranger walked away. He wasn’t really worried though. Strider knew these woods better than most of them.

Estel moved through the woods with almost as much stealth as an elf. He was sure the plants he wanted were here, but it was already dark and finding them was difficult. He glared at the cloudy sky, cursing the lack of moonlight. He went to turn back, hoping he could find another way to get Calendil through the night, when a movement at the edge of a tall tree caught his eye. He stiffened and slowly moved his hand to his sword. Whoever the newcomer was, they would not catch him unawares. "Who goes there?" He called out, his hand on the hilt of his sword; ready to fight at a moment's notice. The answer he got though was not a fight, but a cry from a familiar and overjoyed voice. "ESTEL!" He gasped.

"Elladan?" Grinning broadly the elf rushed up to the ranger and pulled him into a crushing hug that Estel was only too happy to return. Suddenly Elladan went still and buried his face in the human's shoulder.

"I have missed you so Estel." He whispered, his voice dangerously close to breaking. Estel smiled softly and held the elf closer.

"I have missed you too." He said. "But I am here now." Reluctantly Elladan pulled back and looked at Estel carefully.

“But how are you?” he asked, grasping his brother’s shoulders. “Are you well? The wilds are dangerous, I have been so worried.”

“I am fine.” Estel reassured him. “But one of our party, Calendil, was injured in a fight with an orc patrol last week. I have done all I can for him, but it is not enough. We were heading to Imladris to place him in Ada’s care. I ran out of herbs to help him, I was looking for more.” He smiled. “But what of you? Why are you out here alone? It is folly!” Elladan looked away.

“I know this.” He admitted quietly. “But, since you left I….” He trailed off.

“Elladan?” Estel gently prodded. The elf sighed softly.

“There are so many memories in Imladris. It was too much. I couldn’t settle, so I took to wandering.” He shrugged. “I’m fine.” He didn’t meet Estel’s eyes, suggesting he was not fine, but Estel was accustomed to his brother’s strange moods. It wasn’t really his fault; Elladan had simply never recovered from losing Elrohir.

He’d heard stories from Glorfindel, about how the twins used to terrorize the inhabitants of Imladris with their practical jokes.

“We told them off so much.” Glorfindel had said. “If only we had known. I would give anything to have those days back.” Ever since then, Estel had wished he’d been able to see Elladan with his twin.

Now he turned to the elf and placing his hand on his chin, gently forced Elladan to look at him.

“Come. Help me find the herbs I need, then we shall return to the camp and talk.” Elladan smiled slightly.

“No need. I have plenty.” He patted his travelling pack. Estel grinned.

“Wonderful! Come brother, let us get back!” Taking Elladan’s hand in his, he lead him back to the rangers camp.

At the camp Elladan was given an enthusiastic reception, for all of the rangers knew the son of Elrond. Once the painkilling tea had been made and administered to Calendil, Estel settled down by the ranger, with Elladan at his side. The brothers talked through the night, exchanging stories of adventures and encounters that had occurred over the past three years. When the sun began to rise, they stared to make preparations for the final leg of the journey to Imladris.

They were almost ready to go when a magnificent hawk swept into the clearing. Eregol held out his arm and the great bird alighted on it. Carefully the ranger removed a small roll of parchment from around the bird’s leg. His face darkened as he read the message. “A village two days from here is being besieged by orcs. The townspeople have held them off thus far, but they will not last much longer. Only two of our people are currently in that area, if we do not go, the village will fall.

“But what of Calendil?!” Estel cried. He knew his friend would never survive such a journey.

Elladan saw pain and fear in his brother’s eyes. He came quickly to a decision. Reaching out and placing his hand on the human’s shoulder he spoke. “Go Estel. I will take Calendil to Ada. Estel’s eyes opened wide.

“Are you sure Elladan?” He asked incredulously. The elf nodded.

“Aye.” The ranger took his brother’s hand in his and held it tightly for a moment. Only he knew what a great sacrifice the elf was making by taking Calendil to Rivendell and not following his brother into battle.

“Thank you.” He whispered. Elladan nodded.

“It is well. After all, you will have to come back for him will you not?” He said quietly. Estel smiled.

“Aye, I will.” He said as he placed Calendil in Elladan’s arms.

As the rangers took off to defend the village, Elladan on Calendil’s horse took the injured ranger in the opposite direction, to Imladris.

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

“We are in your debt, Haldir O Lorien.” Strider bowed to the elf before him. What could have been a long and bloody battle had been averted by the timely arrival of a party of a dozen Lorien elves. The usually reclusive elves had intervened without being asked, slaughtering them with their typical hatred for the beasts.

“It was no problem.” Haldir replied. “Always we seek to rid the world of orcs wherever we may.”

“You are fortunate that we travel in such a large group.” Haldir’s brother Rumil said. “Time was that we would only travel in two’s or threes.”

“But these are dangerous times.” Orophin interjected. “For our own safety we must travel in large groups.” The three brothers spoke as if taking part in a well-rehearsed act, their voices effortlessly complementing each other. They were obviously close and Estel found himself wondering if Elladan and Elrohir had complemented each other so.

But now was not the time for such musings. Instead he turned his attention to more pressing matters.

“We are glad indeed for your assistance.” He said. “But if I might ask, what are you doing so far away from your homeland?”

“We are on our way to visit Lord Elrond in Rivendell, at the request of Lord Celeborn. We need to speak with him on a number of matters on our Lord’s behalf.” Estel smiled.

“We are also bound for Rivendell. One of our people was injured in an earlier fight and he is now in Lord Elrond’s care. I am called Estel, Lord Elrond is my father.” This comment got him a sharp glance from Haldir and his brothers before Haldir nodded.

“Then we shall travel together, if you are willing.” He said.

“We are willing.” Estel confirmed. “Though we will be staying here a few more days to assist the villagers. If you would give it, we would welcome your assistance.” Haldir turned and had a brief conversation with his brothers. They spoke too quietly for Estel to be able to hear what was being said.

It was at this point that Eregol came up to him. “What is going on?” He asked. Until now the entire conversation had been in Elvish and Eregol, who only knew a little, had not been able to follow the complex conversation. Strider quickly explained what he had asked of Haldir. No sooner had he done so than Haldir faced him again, ready with his answer.

“We will assist you.” The Lorien elf said. “Lord Celeborn is not expecting us back immediately and I am sure he would approve.”

The elves and rangers worked for the rest of the day, helping the many injured villagers and assisting in cleaning up the village. Not until the sun set did they finally retire and set up camp just outside the village borders.

After a meal of meat and dried fruit both parties relaxed around the fire. Haldir stood and came to sit by Estel.

“You say you are Lord Elrond’s son?” He enquired.

“Yes.” Strider responded. “Though obviously adopted!”

“Indeed!” Said Haldir with a smile. Then he grew serious. “How fares Elladan? I was friends with he and his brother in their youth, I worry for him.”

“He grieves still.” Estel admitted. “I think he always will. But he survives, though he has been wandering alone through the wilds of late. I fear he will get hurt. He cares so little for his own safety.”

“This I know.” Haldir said. “But I can almost understand his pain. My own brothers and I are very close; I know I would grieve so if I lost either of them. When Elrohir died, everyone thought he would fade. He surprised us all by living, but much of what made him such a joy to know has gone. The Elladan you know is but a shadow of his former self.”

“Do you think he will ever find peace?” Estel asked softly. Haldir looked up to the stars.

“Yes.” He said. “When he is in Valinor and Elrohir is at last released from the halls of Mandos, he will find peace. But until then, he will continue to suffer and that saddens me.”

“Aye.” Estel replied sadly. “It saddens me too.”

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

It was almost a week later when the elves and rangers finally left the village and continued their journey to Rivendell. They talked as they rode, Estel coming to greatly enjoy the company of Haldir and his brothers. The two days went quickly and before Estel knew it, they had passed into Imladris’ borders.

Elladan rushed out to greet them, his grey eyes registering surprise at the presence of the Lorien elves. He hugged Estel tightly for a moment before turning his attention to them.

“Haldir! Welcome back to Rivendell. It has been a long time mellon nin.”

“Aye it has.” Haldir acknowledged. He looked over the dark-haired elf and was delighted to find that he actually looked better than the last time Haldir had seen him. As he watched Elladan and Estel, it became obvious that the ranger was the reason for Elladan’s improvement.

Estel smiled at his brother, though there was worry in his eyes. “Tell me Elladan, how is Calendil?”

Elladan smiled. “He is doing well. Ada says he should make a full recovery.” The human breathed a deep sigh of relief.

“Thank the Valar. I was so worried! Can I see him?”

“Of course.” Elladan said. “Come, I will take you to him.”

Elladan lead the way to the room Calendil had been given near the healers’ quarters. When they went in the ranger was sitting up in bed, looking much better than he had when Estel had last seen him.

“Strider!” Said the ranger in delight. Estel grinned and carefully embraced his friend.
“You look well. How do you feel?” He asked.

“Much better.” Calendil said. “Though I wish I could get out of this bed!”

“Indeed.” Said a voice behind them. “He is a terrible patient, as bad as you or Elladan!” Estel grinned, spinning round to face a familiar figure.

“Ada!” He embraced the elf-lord warmly.

“Welcome home Estel.” Elrond said. “Forgive me for not coming to see you sooner, I was taking a walk in the gardens and was not aware you had returned.”

“It is well Ada.” Estel replied. “It is good to be home.”

Elladan smiled softly as he watched his father and brother. He knew that the rangers would stay in Rivendell for at least a few weeks, until Calendil had fully recovered. He was glad that he would have Estel’s company once more. His smile grew slightly as he realised he was, at least for the moment, content.

END CHAPTER 2