Chapter Text
~Caliel~
"Is that not a bit young?" Elrond asks, staring at me calmly, but with eyebrows raised. We are in his private library in his quarters. He summoned me here half an hour ago, after he learned that Pedir and I were returning to Sarn Ford and taking Elenion with us. For the last thirty minutes he's been trying to convince me to leave my son in Rivendell with him. "Your son is no more than ten years old."
"I realize this. But it isn't as though there's a great war going on and he'll be in grave danger. Mordor is far, far to the south. The orcs have not become too confident here in the North. Sarn Ford is a peaceful place. Besides, Elenion is good with a sword and bow, thanks to your sons. He can handle himself."
"I am not concerned that he won't be able to defend himself," Elrond says. "I'm concerned that one so young would be forced to see the horrors of battle."
"Your concern is unfounded, Lord Elrond," I say. "There is no battle at Sarn Ford, and there won't be. We live in relative peace."
"For how long? If Sauron keeps growing stronger in Mordor, we will all suffer for it."
"By the time he emerges, if he emerges, my son will more than likely have already come of age."
"You think the peace will last so long."
"I do. Regardless, I'm taking my son to Sarn Ford. I don't need your blessing."
Elrond sighs. "No, you do not need my blessing. Though it might be wise to heed my warnings."
"I'm not leaving my son again, Elrond. That's the end of it."
Elrond sighs again, and then places his hands on my shoulders, leaning forward so his forehead touches mine. "You are not mine, Caliel, but I have watched you grow from your youth and I love you dearly. Be safe. Gerog i chun nin.
"I love you too." I give him a hug, and then leave the room. I find my husband and my son in our own apartments, finishing up packing.
"Are we ready?" I ask as I enter.
"What did Lord Elrond want?" Elenion asks with curiosity. My son is nearly as tall as his father now, and his dark curly hair falls to his shoulders. His eyes are bright and twinkling.
"He wanted you to stay in Rivendell."
"Did you say yes?" Elenion asks, horrfied.
"No, I did not."
"Hurray!" Elenion grins, swinging his pack onto his back. "Can we go then?"
Pedir picks up his own bag and puts a hand on Elenion's shoulder. "What do you say, meleth nin?"
"Yes, we can go," I laugh, grabbing my own bag. "Elladan went to get our horses ready before Elrond summoned me."
We make our way outside to the courtyard and sure enough, Elladan is waiting there with three horses. Elrohir is present also, as well as my mother.
"Be safe, Caliel," My mother hugs me. She is old and grey these days, and I worry that she won't live much longer.
"You too, mother."
My mother laughs. "What is there to fear here in Rivendell?"
The twins hug each of us in turn, and then we are on our way.
Elenion is beyond excited. He's never been outside of Rivendell yet. Everything he sees is glorious to his eyes, and I can't help but laugh. He reminds of myself at that age.
~Harunir~
"Move your feet," I instruct Elenion as I flick my wrist and my sword cuts through the air toward his chest.
Elenion dutifully sidesteps the blade and swings his own sword. I easily block it. "You are doing better," I say as I quickly take another swing at him.
Elenion blocks with confidence and grins at me. "Uncle Harunir, how long do you think it will be before I can disarm you?"
"I don't think you'll win a sparring match with me until you are quite a bit older, Elenion," I laugh.
Elenion has living at Sarn Ford with us for over a year now. He was already very good with weapons. How could he not be, with Elrohir to teach him? I myself was taught by Elrohir and I know how good a teacher he is. Still, Elenion has far to go before he can beat me. He's only eleven, after all.
Caliel comes to the open doorway of the lodge and leans against the doorframe, watching. "You better watch yourself, brother. My son is very talented. He'll best you before the year is over."
"I doubt that," I reply.
"I don't doubt it," Elenion laughs.
"We shall see, nephew. We shall see."
~Caliel~
Pedir wraps his arm around my shoulder and I lean my head back against his chest. We're sitting before the fire in the lodge at Sarn Ford. Winter is upon us once more. Harunir and Elenion are bantering as they clean their swords on the other side of the lodge. It's a cold night, but with the warmth of family, I scarcely feel it. I love my life here at Sarn Ford. My husband, my son, my beloved brother. It is wonderful here. I am truly happy.
"What are you thinking about?" Pedir asks.
"How blessed I am," I reply. "Our lives are perfect, Harunir."
"Yes, they are indeed."