Title: Looking to the Future

Author: Amber - Lackam@aol.com

Rating: PG

Characters: Elrond, Glorfindel, Elrohir

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Tolkien, I am just borrowing them.

Summary: Elrohir gives his Ada a letter before he sails.

As the ship sailed west, Elrond watched Middle-earth recede until he could see it no more. Then he turned and made his way to his cabin. There were many who felt a sense of relief and gaiety aboard the ship, but he would not be one of them. Many tried to draw him into their groups and celebrate, but he would have none of it. He politely refused and continued on. While he did not become angry with the others for their attitude he wished they would understand that he did not share their feelings. For him this was a time of sorrow.

As he entered his small cabin, he realized that Cirdan understood him better than most. Space was limited on this journey and even Galadriel was sharing a space with one of her ladies-in-waiting’s family. Everyone shared, except for him. Cirdan had perceived correctly that for him, this was a time of mourning and he would need the time alone.

As he set his cloak on the back of the chair, he glanced at the letter lying on the bunk. He desperately wanted to read it but was afraid. He had seen Elrohir dash from his room to the dock trying to remain unseen. Elrohir had refused to meet his eyes after that while his brother hurriedly said goodbye so he could turn and start his new life. His second born had also been clingy for the last few days which left him feeling uneasy. He feared what was written in that letter.

There was a light knock on the door before it opened.

“Do you wish for me to stay while you read it?” Glorfindel asked as he leaned on the door jam. “It would be better to be done with it.”

Elrond hesitated before nodding his head in acknowledgement that he was right. He took the letter and sat on the bunk while Glorfindel poured them both a glass of wine. When they were both settled, he took a deep breath and opened the letter.

“Ada,”

“I was not going to write you a letter but found that I must. You will understand afterwards that it is not only your heart that is breaking. My heart is also breaking.”

“You can stop worrying for Arwen. She is happy with her choice and has been looking forward to this for many centuries. You were too busy to notice but she has been looking towards the second born for her fate for almost a millennium. It was like she had some inner knowledge that that was where she belonged. We will stay with her so she never feels alone in her choice.”

“I believe that you realize by now that Elladan will follow the same path. He is more comfortable with the Dunedin than with elves now and has embraced that life. I also believe that he is too tied to Arwen and Aragorn. He will not be parted from them for long. He has already stated on several occasions that when it is Arwen’s time to pass, it will be his also. Do not be upset with him for he is also truly happy with his course.”

“And that brings us to my path. Elladan and I always swore that we would make the same choice and not be parted like you and your twin were. You also always told us that it was your wish that we remain together despite the outcome, and we promised. I fear I must now tell you that I can not honor those vows.”

“I have known for quite some time that, like you, I am an elf not a man. I will never be comfortable being one of the second born. I will stay with Elladan till the end for I do not have the courage to do otherwise. We will make our choices the day Arwen dies and I will watch as my brother is shocked when I do not follow he and our sister’s path. He will be hurt and angered but I have no choice.”

“You see, Ada, I am in love. I am in love with an elf and would like the chance to pursue this love. I have waited all these years for I now tell you that I love a male. That was not a path I could follow while in Middle-earth for it was forbidden there. From stories I have heard and books I have read, I have learned that while uncommon this path is not forbidden in Aman. While it will not be an easy life, it is the one I chose to live. You sail with the one who holds my heart and I will follow with grandfather once we have seen to the final resting of my brother and sister.”

“Do not hate me for my choice. I love you and want your approval. Please understand.”

“Your loving son,”

“Elrohir”

Elrond stood and walked to the porthole looking out as he thought about his son’s letter. He grieved deep in his heart for he knew that his son’s words were true. He would loose two of his precious three children and his third had chosen a hard path. But, he understood for he also had given up much to follow his love. Making a choice he turned and handed the letter to Glorfindel.

“He returns your feelings,” Elrond said as he returned to the bunk and sat down. He watched the emotions play across Glorfindel’s face as he read the letter. While his heart ached, Elrond now knew that he would have at least one of his children in Aman with him. He would also be keeping at least one friend close. It would be an adjustment, but life would go on.

When Glorfindel set the letter down, they turned to one another. Putting his hand out, Elrond decided that maybe they both had a reason to join the others on deck now.