TIME: Fourth Age – Year 37
PLACE: The Personal Study of King Aragorn Elessar Telcontar, Royal Residence, Minas Tirith, Gondor, ME

Aragorn was in his study just resting from the duties of the citadel, when his son Eldarion, age five, entered with an odd look upon his face. “Ada, may I ask you a question?”

“Certainly. What is it?” Aragorn answered.

“All the other children receive gifts or visits from their grandparents. Some of them even go see them. Why don’t mine ever come see us? Don’t they love us?

Aragorn felt a flood of longing and grief sear through his soul. He missed both sets of his parents deeply. There were times when he would see the children do something silly and think how much Gilraen would have loved it. When Eldarion’s studies had to be advanced because of his swift hunger for knowledge, how it would have pleased Elrond and how he would have enjoyed being his grandson’s tutor in the study of lore. Oh how they were missed. Thank the Valar Eldarion asked him this question instead of his mother.

Taking his son upon his lap Aragorn gently explained. “Eldarion, you are from a very special family. I am descended from the kings of Numenor. As a king, I could not have become so until my father died, just as you will not become king till I pass from this world. Gilraen, my mother died many years ago.”

“Are my mother’s parents dead too?” Eldarion asked.

“No. Your mother’s parents are of the race of the Firstborn. Do you know what that means?”

“Yes sir. They’re elves.”

Nodding Aragorn continued, “Do you remember the places on your map? Do you remember Imladris?”

“Yes sir.”

“Your mother’s father was the Lord of Imladris. Then he journeyed to the Blessed Realm about 35 years ago. His wife had journeyed there many years before that. Your mother was a young maiden when your grandmother left.”

“Can’t they come and visit or maybe I can go visit them?” Eldarion asked innocently.

Aragorn answered, “No. Elves cannot leave Valinor once they enter it. Long ago they were allowed to, but not any more. Mortals cannot enter there, except by special permission of the Valar themselves. Once there, they cannot come back here either.”

“Ada why did they go to Valinor? Didn’t they want to see us?” Eldarion questioned.

“Your grandparents would have loved to have seen you. But they had lived many years here and had seen many wars and much evil. They were very tired and wanted rest. They no longer could find it here-not even with us.”

Remembering Eldarion’s favorite lore story, Aragorn said, “Did you know that your grandfather was one of the captains of the Firstborn at the Battle of the Last Alliance and it was he who tried to get Isildur to destroy the ring?”

Eldarion’s eyes got as big as saucers. “That Elrond is my grandfather?”

“Yes he is.”

A puzzled look came upon Eldarion’s face and he exclaimed. “Wow! He is old and does need a rest.”

At this Aragorn laughed outright and enveloped his son in a bear hug.

“What does my grandfather look like? Mother says I look like him.”

Aragorn smiled, remembering a day in Imladris long ago when he had asked Elrond a very similar question.

Aragorn stroked his son’s dark hair. Eldarion was indeed very much like Elrond, and not just in his looks. He had the smooth straight hair so common among male members of the Firstborn, but the gray eyes of his father. He was usually quiet and thoughtful and he had an insatiable hunger for the written word. He loved books-especially lore. Elrond would have enjoyed being his tutor.

In answering Eldarion’s question, Aragorn stood up and walked over to a portrait hanging on the wall opposite his desk. It was a portrait of Elrond seated with Aragorn standing at his side with his hand on the back of Elrond’s chair; both were dressed in the formal robes of the House of Imladris.

“I was about twenty when your grandfather gave me this. It is a portrait of the two of us in his study at Imladris.”

Eldarion had seen the portrait many times but had never realized who it was of. “That is my grandfather with you?”

“Yes.”

“Why does he have long hair?”

“Elves never cut their hair,” Aragorn explained. “Not even the elven men. Remember how long Ada-Celeborn and your Ada-Mellon’s hair are? It is their custom to wear their hair long, just as it is of the men here to wear beards.”

“Ada, since I am part elf, may I wear my hair long like my grandfather’s?”

Aragorn smiled, remembering the battles Eldarion’s valet had been having with him each time he needed his hair cut.

Aragorn saw Arwen standing in the doorway. He looked at her questioning whether or not to allow it.

Arwen entered the room and answered Eldarion herself. “Of course you may my son. I believe your grandfather would like that very much. But elven men are very careful to keep their hair clean and brushed. If you will keep yours clean and brushed, you may wear it long.”

Eldarion looked at his father for conformation who nodded his head in consent.

Eldarion jumped down and shouted “Yes” as he ran from the room.

Arwen went and stood beside the portrait of her father and husband. “I remember the problems I gave Ada about my hair when I was young. I always wanted to cut it. Ada threw up his hands one day and told me he hoped I would have a child that gave me as much trouble about hair as I did him.”

“I remember him having to hold me still long enough to cut mine,” Aragorn chuckled. “I wanted mine to be long and straight like the other boys in Imladris and I was constantly getting into trouble trying to straighten it.”

Arwen giggled. “Glorfindel has told me about some of your attempts.”

She and Aragorn both started laughing.

TIME: Fourth Age – Fall of the Year 123
PLACE: The Personal Study of Elrond, Lord of Imladris, At his home in Tol-Eressea of the Blessed Realm

Elrond was in his study resting from a busy morning of exploration with his wife Celebrian and her mother Galadriel. They had been scouting out the best location for a new home for Galadriel and her husband Celeborn when he finally made his journey west to the Blessed Realm.

Elrond was resting on a settee looking at a picture on the wall opposite his desk. It was of all four of his children surrounding him as he sat on the chair in his study in Imladris.

Elrond knew though that Celeborn would not leave the Sundered Lands until all was over finally with Arwen, Celeborn’s grandchild and Elrond’s only daughter.

Celeborn had come to Elrond at Minas Tirith just after the wedding of Arwen and Aragorn, and had discussed her future with him. It was then that Celeborn said he would stay until Arwen died and not go with Galadriel to the Blessed Realm right then.

Elrond thought about that day and calculated that time must be drawing near for Arwen to experience the most difficult time of her choice. Aragorn had his 210th birthday this past March. It had been many years since any mortal had lived so long.

Celeborn understood that Elrond would not have been able to have withstand the grief if he had stayed, and Celeborn also knew Elrond would never leave Arwen alone without someone there beside her when Aragorn died. Celeborn had volunteered to take Elrond’s place.

The last message Elrond had received from Gondor was now more than a decade ago.

(Unknown to Elrond, Galadriel had seen Arwen’s death as well as Aragorn’s in her mirror. She had also foreseen the depth of Elrond’s grief as he watched his daughter die. She spoke of this to Celeborn and it was privately agreed between them that all power should be employed to get Elrond to sail with Mithrandir and herself. Thus they came up with the idea of the Ringbearers sailing together and Celeborn remaining with Arwen.)

Someone knocked on his door.

“Enter and welcome,” Elrond said as he stood and straightened his tunic.

The door opened and in walked Prince Legolas of Mirkwood…and Celeborn.

Elrond looked at them and slowly bowed his head and sat down, placing his head on his arms. It had happened. Aragorn and Arwen were dead.

Celeborn walked over and placed an arm about his son-in-law’s shoulders as Elrond silently wept.

Legolas placed the packages he was carrying on the floor next to an empty chair and sat down to quietly weep deep in his own grief. He had lost two people whom he too had loved deeply.

A few minutes later, Elrond raised his head and stood to embrace his wife’s father. “Thank you for doing that which I could not. I know it was not an easy task for you either.”

“No, my son, it was not,” Celeborn quietly said.

Elrond then remembering the prince looked over at Legolas sitting with his head bowed and tears running down his face unchecked. Quickly he crossed over to the prince, and placing a hand upon Legolas’ shoulder. “Forgive me. I had forgotten that more than I loved them deeply.”

Legolas stood up and wiped the tears away with his hands. He looked Elrond in the eye and said “Yes, my lord. I loved both of them.”

Startled by the unspoken message in the prince’s words, both Elrond and Celeborn looked in awe at Legolas. Celeborn came and stood beside Elrond and asked “You were in love with her? Why did you not say something before she and Aragorn wed?”

Legolas walked over to a window and looked out at the beautiful wooded garden and waterfall beyond. “I did not meet her until after her heart was won by Aragorn.

Aragorn and I met many years before when he accompanied Mithrandir to Mirkwood in order to speak with my father. We became best of friends as we rode together. He would often speak of the elven lady of his dreams. He never mentioned her name, but always called her ‘my beloved’.

I first saw Arwen at the feast following the great council when the Fellowship was formed and the ring-bearer was chosen. I knew the moment I saw her that I loved her.

Then Aragorn came in from the door opposite to where I was standing and I saw him look at her and knew she was his ‘beloved’. I watched as he took her hand and kissed it. I saw the look of deep love in her eyes as she looked at him. I knew my cause was a lost one.”

Turning and retracing his steps to stand beside Elrond once again, Legolas continued. “I also knew then my place and purpose was to be there for the two of them as they attempted to accomplish the great task placed before them. I knew the best way I could show my love to each of them was to stand as a barrier to anyone who would attempt to keep them from accomplishing their mission of wresting Middle Earth from the evils inflicted upon it by Sauron.

Both of them worked tirelessly and without any regard to their own well being. They accomplished their dream and Middle Earth is now blessed because of it. They were the Edain’s greatest king and queen. I was honored to be of service to them.”

Reaching down and picking up the packages he had sat beside the chair. Legolas handed the four small ones to Elrond. “These are yours my lord from Her Majesty Queen Evenstar. She asked me to say…” with this Legolas grinned. “…With love to Grandfather from his grandchildren.”

Elrond took them to the table standing closest to the chair and lovingly opened them. He smiled as there before him were four portraits of Arwen with her children. In the first one she was seated with an infant girl upon her lap. In the second, she was holding a set of twin girls and a small girl was standing with her hand upon the arm of Arwen’s chair. In the third portrait Arwen is holding an infant son with her three daughters beside her. Arwen and Aragorn are seated together in the final one with all four children, about ten years older than in the last one, standing about them.

Legolas then handed Elrond a larger package and a sealed letter. “These are from your grandson King Eldarion Telcontar.”

Elrond took them and opened the letter first. It read:

“Grandfather,

Many years ago you gave Ada a portrait of the two of you. It hangs today in my study, across from my desk-where my father placed it the day of he took up residence here.

I have looked and studied the individuals in it many times during my life. I have always tried to become the kind of son both of you would be proud of claiming as his own. My one regret has been not being able to be taught by you as my father and his father were.

On my 21st birthday, my father took me to a place in the palace which I had been forbidden to enter. Only certain cleaning servants and my mother had been allowed to enter there.

I saw that it was a large bedchamber and a library combined into one with a window overlooking a garden and a beautiful waterfall.

Ada said this retreat was a gift from the two of you. He said the two of you had designed the layout and that the contents had come from your library and bedchamber in Imladris when you made your final journey.

It was there, with the help of my beloved “Ada-mellon”, I painted this for you.

I have asked Prince Legolas to give it to you when he makes his final journey.

Thank you, Grandfather. I will try to make you proud of me.

Namarie,
Eldarion

Elrond then un-wrapped the package and gasped when he saw it.

There was a portrait of Aragorn, seated, with joy shinning in his face. His hair was grayer, but in his being Elrond could indeed see the glory and majesty of the kings of old. Standing next to him, with his hand on the back of Aragorn’s chair, was a young man who looked identical to his brother Elros. He was tall, with the long straight dark brown hair of the Noldor. It was braided elven-fashion and he was beardless.

Aragorn was wearing the royal robes and crown of the King of Gondor, and Eldarion was wearing the robes of the Prince Royal. The Star of the North was upon his brow but around his shoulders was an elven cloak fastened with the clasp of the Galadhrim.

Celeborn looked at Elrond and smiled. “He is Aragorn’s son, but he is also your grandson and my great-grandson. All three of us are bound in him.”

“Yes, he is mortal but he is also elven.”

Legolas, looking at Elrond and Celeborn quietly said, with hope unlooked for in his eyes, “Peredhil.”

Startled Elrond and Celeborn looked again at the portrait and again at Legolas. “Could it be possible? Could he have the gift of choice? Now that I think back on it, he has never been ill. Temperature changes do not bother him, and he looks not much older now than he did here in this portrait.”

“And…” Legolas continued, “…he absorbs knowledge like an elf. Remember, when Prince Faramir died, he gave the white rod to his son but he gave the keys to the ancient library vaults to Eldarion. Within five years he had read and memorized almost everything there. The only thing truly mortal about him is his appetite. He loved to eat everything…except fish. He hates fish.”

“I must ask Manwe,” Celeborn exclaimed and left quickly to find Galadriel.

Looking again at the portrait, Legolas whispered as he stroked Eldarion’s image, “My son that could have been.”

Elrond looked at Legolas-puzzled. “Son? ‘Ada-mellon…father-friend. He was speaking of you.”

“Yes.” Legolas smiled wistfully. “On the day Eldarion was dedicated to the service of the Valar, Aragorn took him from his cradle and asked me to follow him into his study. We went and stood before the portrait of the two of you. He looked at me and told me that he knew of my secret love for Arwen. He thanked me for our friendship and for my sacrifice on behalf of his and Arwen’s happiness.”

“He then asked me if anything happened to him if I would be willing to raise Eldarion as my own, just as you had raised him when his own father died. I felt incredibly honored by his request and gave him my oath willingly. He then placed his son in my arms and it was Aragorn who first then called me Eldarion’s Ada-mellon.”

“No wonder he is so Elven,” Elrond said.

Legolas looked at Elrond and said, “No, he was born that way. He has always been more Elven than Edain. Since he was very small and started wearing his hair elven-fashion, he has become more and more Elven. Much like his father who was not like other mortals in his way of speaking and doing.

“Aragorn looked mortal but had elven ways. Eldarion not only walks, talks, and thinks like an elf, but he looks like one too.”

Elrond then noticed a shadow fall over Legolas’ face as he gently reached over and began tracing the out line of Aragorn. He continued speaking, “A few months ago, Aragorn and Eldarion called me into Aragorn’s private chambers and closed the door. Aragorn took my arm and told me that the time was soon approaching for him to hand over his crown and enter Rath Dinen. He asked me to see Eldarion safely crowned before I sailed west. This I readily agreed to for I had already decided to do just that. Aragorn then placed a hand upon Eldarion’s arm, a knowing look passed between them, and he asked Eldarion then to leave us alone.

When Eldarion had left and closed the door, Aragorn asked me to also stand by Arwen after his passing. He asked me to not leave her. And to go with her as far as I could.” Tears began to form in Legolas’ eyes and spill down his cheeks. “He asked me, after his death, if it became her wish, we had his blessing to wed and live out our lives together as husband and wife.” The tears flowed freely now. “After Eldarion’s coronation, Lord Celeborn took her to Lothlorien, as she wanted. She told me not to follow. I told her I loved her and would wait for her. But she said her heart would always belong only to Aragorn. I could do nothing but stand by and watch her go.”

Elrond, weeping again now himself, pulled the prince into his arms and together they stood there in their mutual grief and love until all tears were spent and both felt peace descend again. Then they placed the portrait of Eldarion and his father next to the one of Arwen, her brothers and Aragorn with Elrond that he had painted for himself when Aragorn was a small lad.

They then took the smaller paintings to Celebrian for her to hang in her private quarters.

Legolas took up the position in Elrond’s household that Glorfindel has vacated upon coming to the Blessed Realm and resuming his identity as the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower.

When Elrond’s sons came west and brought word of King Thranduil’s decision to remain in the Sundered Lands and to not heed the call to Valinor, Legolas was formally adopted by Elrond as his son and became Lord Legolas of Imladris.

About 200 years later the last ship to ever sail from the Mortal Lands, as they were now called, dropped its anchor in harbor at Tol-Eressea. Down the gangway came the last of the elves of Middle Earth to ever come west.

On the pier stood, Celeborn and Galadriel, Elrond and Celebrian and, in front of them stood Legolas, but it was not the last comers they were here to meet.

The last person off came slowly down the ramp. Tall, with long dark hair, he smiled as he recognized Legolas, and came to him with open arms. “Ada-mellon!”

He embraced Legolas and then, upon seeing Elrond, tears formed in his eyes, he released Legolas, and reached out for his grandfather, who forgot all protocol and bear-hugged his grandson.

They stood there in each others arms for what seemed an age. Then Elrond spoke and said, “Now my sorrow is eased for I have my daughter, my son, and my brother all back in my arms. For, in you, I can see all three of them.”

Galadriel and Celebrian then came and took hold of Eldarion’s hands.

Eldarion looked, and then knelt in front of his grandmothers, kissing their hands. “Grandmother Celebrian and Grandmother Galadriel, now I know where my mother’s beauty came from.” They both encircled him in their arms. Celeborn then came and drawing his great-grandson up embraced him “Welcome home, my son. Let’s go and find something to eat. Maybe some fish…hmm?”

“Ada Cel…!!”

Celeborn and all of them burst out laughing.

Eldarion reached back for his two grandmothers, offering each an arm and called to Legolas and Elrond. “Come, Ada-mellon…come Grandfather. If I know the two of you there is a library here somewhere and I have a lot of questions that need answering.”

Legolas and Elrond looked at one another and smiled. They placed an arm about one another as they walked up the way and into Elrond’s house.

The next day Elrond and Legolas went with Eldarion into the study. Eldarion looked at the painting on the wall of his father and himself. Elrond said, “Your gift has brought me much joy since I received it. Your ‘Ada-mellon’ and I have had discussions concerning whose study it would look best in. Haven’t we Legolas?”

Grinning, Legolas bowed. “Yes, my lord, but you have always won the discussion.”

Eldarion then snapped his fingers and stepping out into the hall called to an elf there and whispered something in his ear. The elf looked at Elrond and Legolas nodded and left quickly. He returned shortly carrying a package. Eldarion thanked the elf and took the package.

Not a word had passed in the room since Eldarion’s finger snap. Eldarion brought the package over and handed it to Legolas. “For you Ada-mellon. Now there is no need for you to have discussions.”

Legolas opened it and…there was Aragorn in his royal robes seated in a chair, sitting next to him in another identical chair was Legolas in his royal robes as Prince of Mirkwood and standing between them was Eldarion, behind him on the wall was painted a replica of the painting of Elrond and Aragorn.

The painting was encased in a gilded frame and etched in mithril was the title.

FATHERS AND SONS.