Legolas had been uneasy now for more than a month. Something wasn’t right but he couldn’t place where or with whom the disturbance was.

He was in Ithilien overseeing the building of the new elven settlement there. Everything and everyone there was well and healthy.

He had received a letter from his father just yesterday stating that the transformation of Mirkwood back into Eryn Lasgalen was going well and that, other than missing his son, he was doing better than he had in a great many years.

That meant that the trouble must be in Minas Tirith. However, Prince Faramir had just arrived in Ithilien, that evening, from there and said everything was fine. The king was well. He had a slight cold and was tired but nothing serious.

So, what was wrong?

The week continued and so did the uneasiness within the blond elf’s soul. Each day that passed, it seemed to grow more and more.

Finally, Faramir started to get worried himself and rode back to the white city with a promise to send word as soon as he got back if anything was amiss.

That was on the last day of the workweek and a party was to be held that night to celebrate the accomplishments that had been made so far in the building of the settlement.

Legolas went to the party but the uneasiness was growing unbearable. His chief advisor sensed that something was wrong and has made silent arrangements to have the prince’s horse and travel gear ready in a moments notice from him.

It came that night at the party. In the middle of a lay he was singing, Legolas stopped and starred straight into the fire. He jumped up and shouted “Estel”. He dropped the harp he was playing and raced for the door.

At the door was an elf with his cloak and weapons. The elf had run and got them the second Legolas has stopped singing.

Legolas’ horse was saddled and ready to go when he reached the entrance to the stables. Legolas looked at his advisor and gave the elf a look of deep gratitude before mounting and racing towards Minas Tirith and its king.

*****************************************
The day was beautiful and Imladris was glorious in its late summer/early autumn best. The birds were singing and the wind was blowing just right as Elrond walked in the gardens of his home with his best friends, Glorfindel and Erestor.

Glorfindel had persuaded Elrond and his co-seneschal to stop work and to come outside for a little bit. These times were rare as the Noldor king, and his chief advisors made the preparations necessary for Elrond and the majority of the elves of Imladris to take ship to Valinor come next fall.

Suddenly, Glorfindel stopped and looked hard up at the balcony window of Elrond’s study.

“My lord, did you give anyone permission to be in your office and going through your desk?” Glorfindel asked.

“No. No one goes through my desk but me. You know this,” Elrond stated letting his eyes go to where his advisor’s eyes were locked.

In his office, was a dark-haired elf that Elrond recognized immediately. The elf had no business in his house let alone in his office or desk.

“Glorfindel.”

The Lord of Imladris did not have to say more. The chief of security was already halfway up the steps and into the house.

A struggle ensued. But the dark elf was no match for the blond Balrog slayer and protector of the realm and royal person of Lord Elrond.

Elrond, Erestor and half of the security force of Imladris surrounded the two elves as the one was brought under the subjection of the other.

“What is the meaning of this intrusion of my private office?” the elven king demanded. “Who gave you authority to go through my personal papers? What is this you have done and why?”

The dark elf looked at Elrond with hatred written all over him. “You would not grant me the right to court Arwen and now she is married a filthy mortal and will die like him.

The day she left Imladris for him, I swore I’d get even with you. And I have. I was just returning a little trinket I had borrowed.”

With this, he threw a small gold ring at Elrond who grabbed it and recognized it as his
personal seal for his private letters. It had come up missing about two weeks ago, but Elrond had thought nothing of it. He figured that it was buried somewhere on his desk under all the paperwork.
“What have you done?” the elf lord asked seething and doing all in his power to keep from ripping the young elf’s head off.

“I sent a lovely little letter from you to your precious human son and told him a few things…that’s all.” The elf snickered. “By now your letter to him is in Gondor and will soon be in his hands. And when he reads it, he will hate you.”

“What did you put in that letter? Elrond demanded advancing on the elf.

The elf kicked out attempting to attack Elrond who stopped instantly.

Looking at Glorfindel, Elrond stated flatly “Take him and find out.”

The Chief of Security nodded his head in obeisance and dragged the struggling elf with him out of the house to security headquarters. Behind them, followed every warrior of Imladris who wasn’t on active duty. Every single one of them wanted to know how an elf of Imladris could do such an act of treason as this.

Later that evening another person came into Imladris. Mithrandir sensed the uneasiness immediately and went straight to the Lord of the realm’s private study.
It was barricaded by two elven warriors.

“What is happening here, Elrond?”

Elrond, who was busy with Erestor going through, checking and clearing all of the papers and files on his desk in order to verify whether the thief had taken anything else or not, looked up and came to welcome the wizard.

“An intruder, an elven intruder has stolen my private seal and has sent a forged letter to Estel with the intention of destroying our relationship.” Elrond then related all that had happened to Mithrandir.

The wizard immediately left and went to the place where the elf was still being interrogated.

A short time later, the wizard and Glorfindel came back to the house.

The wizard gave Elrond a sheet of parchment on which was what looked like a rough draft of a piece of correspondence.

It stated…

To the King of Gondor,

I have tried to make sense and accept this that lies between us. But I cannot and never will. You have succeeded in taking from me that which no mortal had ever before even dared to look at. You have stolen my daughter.

Never again will I know the joy of having her in my arms. Never again can I dream and plan for her future.

You have taken from me the one thing that made this world worth struggling for. So I am leaving.

By the time this reaches you, I will already be on a ship to Valinor. Maybe there I can find some happiness for there is none now here because of you.

I shall never forgive you. I cannot forgive you.

Your one-time father,
Elrond

“By the Valar, this is blasphemous!” Elrond exclaimed. “Surely Estel will recognize this is not from me.”

“Ordinarily, yes, but this one has your personal seal and wax on your own paper . They are unique and cannot be duplicated without your knowledge. Aragorn knows this.”

Glorfindel spoke up, “My lord, you must get to Gondor. If Estel even half believes this came from you, it will devastate him.”

Elrond nodded. “Find the twins and have them prepare. We will leave as soon as things are ready. I want you to stay here and help Erestor handle this mess.”

“My lord you and your sons cannot go by yourselves,” the blond elf protested.

“Calm yourself Glorfindel, I will be going with them and we will not need the horses. Gwaihir, the wing-lord, sensed trouble and told me that he and his sons would be standing by if we needed them.

One hour later, the wizard, Elrond and the twin sons of Elrond were born skyward towards the capital of Men.

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

At that same moment, in a beautiful study of his own, Aragorn opened the letter he had just received from his father.

The king had been suffering from one of his twice-yearly colds and could use a cheerful letter from home. The cold had hit him harder than normal and he was having trouble shaking it off. Oh how he wished his father were here now.

With Legolas gone for the summer and fall to Ithilien, he was lonely and feeling a bit depressed. He missed them both so much.

Maybe the letter sent by special messenger no less, states Elrond is coming for a visit soon…

Aragorn dropped into the chair next to him and stared at the letter in his hand. “This can not be real,” he thought and quickly examined it.

Holding the paper up to the light and seeing the watermark, he knew the paper to be that from Elrond’s personal supply. Next, he checked the seal. It too was his fathers. “It’s real…He’s gone…He hates me…”

The king leaned back into the chair in utter shock and disbelief.

Later that day, Arwen came to get her husband for lunch. She noticed a look of sadness in his eyes but didn’t inquire as to the reason.

After lunch, Aragorn went and saw Faramir off. He was going to Ithilien to check on the progress there and to give Prince Legolas some messages from the king and queen. He then told the queen he had a lot of work to do and would be working late. He would not be available for dinner and asked her to have some soup and sandwiches sent to him later.

He them went to his office and told the guards outside he was not to be disturbed by anyone except Princes Legolas or Faramir. He then went inside and shut the door.

The servant who came later that evening, with the soup and sandwiches, was told to take them away. The servant sent a message to Arwen who immediately sensed something was wrong.

All the next day Aragorn remained secluded in his office. And the next.

Arwen had gone to her husband’s office each day and night but was told he was busy. The king had kissed her and each evening had sent her to bed without him.

On the evening of the third day, she went into her room and immediately wrote a letter to Prince Legolas in Ithilien asking him to come to Minas Tirith as soon as possible.

In his study, Aragorn was feeling tired and worthless. “How could I have done this to my father, to Arwen…” Would Legolas leave too once he found out Elrond had left? If he did…he would be alone…alone…with no one.

Just around midnight, Aragorn looked out his window towards Ithilien and cried out for the one immortal who might care whether he lived or died…”Legolas…where are you…I need you!” He then collapsed on the floor where the servants found him the next morning.

Faramir arrived in Minas Tirith just as the queen’s messenger was about to leave. The Prince of Ithilien halted him and bade him wait until he could send a message to Prince Legolas also.

Just as Faramir was entering the royal residence, he heard the cry that the king had collapsed and raced to him.

After calling the healers and assisting with getting Aragorn to his bedchamber and in bed, he hurriedly wrote a message to Prince Legolas.

The prince was only a few leagues away from the city by the time the messenger left and he intercepted him quickly afterwards.

Legolas rode straight from the gate to the seventh tier, stopped in front of the white tree and ran towards the king’s chamber.

The healers had just arrived and were examining Aragorn when Legolas reached his friends room. He started towards the bed when Faramir grabbed him and pulled him aside.

By the time the healers had finished their basic exam, Faramir had informed Legolas of everything that had happened and showed him the letter Aragorn had been clutching when he was found. Legolas could not believe it and was heartsick. He went and knelt by his friend’s side and stroked his dark brown mane. “It is wrong, mellon nin. I don’t know how but your father didn’t write this.”

Legolas then lifted Aragorn into his arms and rocked him.

At that moment, the sound of wings could be heard above the city.

The Wing-lord and his family sat down in the courtyard beyond the white tree as the guards of the citadel stared in awe at the mighty war birds.

Elrond, on Gwaihir landed first and thanked the mighty eagle who quickly said, “Thanks later-no time-go quickly.”

With that, Elrond ran into the house and instinctively went to his son’s room.

He entered the room to find a group of men huddled in a corner talking. Upon seeing the Elven Lord, they bowed and left. Faramir had his arm around Arwen and Legolas was holding an unconscious Aragorn.

He ran and grabbed Aragorn from Legolas and immediately sensed that Aragorn’s life was hanging by a thread. The elven healer clutched his son to his breast and sent a huge wave of reassuring love into him.

Aragorn stirred but didn’t regain consciousness.

The twin sons of Elrond came through the door just then and went to their father. Elrond motioned for the twins to help him.

Elrond also called Legolas back to the bed. “Aragorn had withdrawn and it will take all of us to bring him back.”

Elrond placed Legolas at Aragorn’s side close to himself and both of his sons at his back and told them to concentrate and send as much love and strength into Aragorn as they could.

Arwen reached to include herself in the effort but her father stayed her hands. “Nay daughter, it is not your love he needs to be reassured of.”

All four of the elven men closed their eyes, took a deep cleansing breath, placed their hands on their loved one and sent a massive surge of hope into him.

Aragorn inhaled deeply and held it for an instant before releasing it and moaning softly.

All was quiet in the room.

Just then, Elrond and all three of the younger elves gasped and smiled. The twins were the first to break the link, then Legolas. Elrond continued to cradle his son in his arms and now wept quietly into Aragorn’s brown waves.

Just at that moment, Mithrandir came in.

Elrond looked up at the wizard and smiling said, “He’s Peredhel!

Arwen gasped!

“Of course he’s Peredhel. Have you never wondered how Aragorn could be so elven and still be mortal”, Mithrandir exclaimed. “Of all the Men of the West, he is the only one who bloodlines are not mingled with those of lesser beings. The lines that are not Royal Numenorean are high elven and, as you know, the progenitor of the royal line himself was half-elven.

Beren, Tuor and Earendil were not the only mortals to wed elven wives. Elros himself married an elven maiden, as did many of the early Kings of Numenor who loved the Valar and gladly welcomed visits by the Firstborn from Valinor and Middle Earth both.”

“I had thought it was due to his being reared in Imladris,” Elrond said while he looked on the face of his son in amazement.

“Nay, my lord, the Valar guided him to you so he could be taught the ways of his people in full. In him, all the elven blood and traits of his forebears are amalgamated. Through his courage and deeds, he has won the approval of the Valar to set sail and enter Valinor when his life’s work is done, even as you will. He was born a mortal. However, he has chosen to be numbered amongst the Firstborn, for there is where his heart has always been.

He is the greatest king of his people and never again shall a mortal king rise as high as he is in the esteem of the Valar. Galadriel saw this in her mirror and thus did not hinder his relationship with Arwen.”

Legolas, Faramir and the twins listened with wonder as the full majesty of Aragorn’s being was brought to light at last. They knew Aragorn was special because he was Numenorean but, like Lord Elrond, they just assumed his love of all things elven was due to his upbringing.

The wizard continued, “How many times have you witnessed him healing with just the touch of his hands? The hands of the king are the hands of a healer…So shall the rightful king be known. Only elven or maian hands may heal with just a touch. Aragorn, as all the descendants of Luthien, has not only elven but also Maian blood in their veins.

In time, his skills will be as great as yours are. They are very formidable even now. Are they not Faramir?”

Faramir looked at the wizard and smiled remembering that powerful voice that called him back from the brink of death a year earlier. “Yes, though I heard many whisperings, his was the only voice to rise above the darkness and guide me back to the light. I owe him everything and more. If his majesty is Peredhel, will he too soon forsake the world of men?”

“Not until my time is finished many years from now,” a weak voice answered from the inside the arms of the elven king.

Everyone looked at Aragorn who continued weakly. “Being Numenorean and a descendant of Elros Minyatur, I have the gift of knowing when my time is done. I will hand over my crown to my heir at that time even as Elros did to his son Vardamir. Then I and Arwen will take ship with Legolas if he will allow us to travel with him.” The king looked smiling at his friend.

“Gladly, gwador-nin. I would have you travel with no other,” Legolas beamed.

“My son, why did you never tell me,” Elrond questioned.

“I only found out and instant before you that my most favorite dream wasn’t a dream but was the Valar trying to send a message into this thick head of mine.”

Everyone chuckled at this.

Elrond just hugged his son tighter.

Aragorn looked at Faramir. “You and I have a bit of planning to do. The people must never know that I will sail to Valinor. They must be led to believe that I, and the queen, have died.

There are many here and in Dol Amroth who have elven blood in their veins though not enough to grant them the choice that I, and my family, have. There might even be some who would attempt another stunt like the one Ar-Pharazon and his servants attempted in Numenor.”

“Your majesty is very wise. Indeed some would look upon the king’s family with envy and bitterness. My own father would not have been one to have trusted with this news,” Faramir spoke gravely. “I have elven blood in me but my wife does not. Even if I could choose, I would not-for her sake.”

“I have had dealings with both the sons of Denethor. Boromir was ever the warrior and protector. Had he lived, he too, would have been one not to trust with this knowledge. However, the younger son if very different, for in you, Faramir, the elven blood runs most true. Now I understand why everything happened in your family and why you, the youngest of all was spared.

You have the elven wisdom needed to help an elven king rule this world of men, for though Aragorn appears mortal and suffers, as a mortal. He is, in fact, immortal.

You on the other hand are mortal-but you have the heart and soul of an elf.

Together, Minas Tirith could not be in better hands.” Mithrandir reached over and squeezed the noble steward’s shoulder.

Faramir bowed to the wizard.

“Faramir, my good steward, will you do me a favor?” Aragorn asked.

“Name it, my king and it will be done.”

“Will you arrange my schedule so that I and my family may have some time together? I believe there is a certain letter that needs examined most carefully by us.”

“It is already done, sire.”

“How? My father and brothers just arrived.”

“Sire, I always make two schedules for you-one with other immortals around and one without. I learned last year that it is hard for Your Grace to concentrate on business when another immortal is around.”

Aragorn studied his steward’s words and then asked, “You knew I was immortal. How?”

“Only an immortal could have drawn me back from the brink of death, sire,” Faramir said. “And I, also, knew you were when I witnessed the deep bond between yourself and Prince Legolas. Only members of the Firstborn have the ability to love another so deeply as to become part of each other’s soul.

Such is the love bond that is between you and His Grace. His mad ride to Minas Tirith from Ithilien last night speaks enough of that. You are more than brothers to one another. Both of you, instinctively, know when the other is in need. No matter how far apart you are or what else may be happening around you, each of you knows the instant the other is not well physically or mentally. It is as if the two of you were twins. Lords Elladan and Elrohir understand what I’m saying.”

The twin sons of Elrond nodded in agreement. “You are like two halves of the same whole. Inseparable,” Faramir continued. “Tis a beautiful thing to see. I know that as long as Prince Legolas is with you, Sire…I do not have to worry about you.”

Legolas had reached down to place a hand on the king’s shoulder when Faramir spoke of his ride to the white city. Now Aragorn reached and grasped the blond elf’s hand and held it fast in his own.

“You should have been in my shoes when Aragorn was a fledgling ranger. You would have thought very differently about that last comment, my young friend. Whenever Legolas and Aragorn would leave on a scouting mission, the houses of healing would immediately go into crisis preparation. Healers would be out collecting every herb known to exist for every wound and poison they could think of,” Elrond stated looking down at his son still in his arms.

Everyone laughed at this and nodded their heads in agreement.

“I remember the helpers going through the linen chests for old sheets to make into bandages. They would watch as the two of them left and then would look at one another and make a mad dash for the storage rooms,” Elladan exclaimed.

Legolas and Aragorn both blushed profusely.

Mithrandir, seeing the uneasiness of the pair, added quickly…”Yes and when the two of you went with them, all of Imladris lit candles and started praying for the Valar’s protection over them.”

With this remark, Elrond could no longer keep a straight face and burst out laughing as did everyone-except the twin brothers.

Aragorn looked up at his father and touched his cheek. The elf lord looked down into the eyes of his son and tenderly brushed a stray curl from out of his son’s eye. “I love you Ada,” Aragorn said still gently touching his father.

“My son. My beloved son. Know this. There is NOTHING that can cause me to stop loving you. You are a gift to me from the Valar themselves. You are as important to me as any one of my other three children are…and always have been,” Elrond exclaimed as he drew his son close yet again.

THE END