Disclaimer: Has anyone actually claimed any of Tolkien's characters on this site?

The cold, wintry sun had just risen when the man reached the crest of the hill. It was nearing the end of winter and the ground was still wet from the recent rain. The man shivered and wrapped his cloak around himself tighter. He had been travelling for almost twelve days. On the eighth day, he had been attacked by three wargs. During the battle he had received a few injuries; his right arm and back had been clawed by a warg as he killed it. Another one had pounced onto his chest, appearing to have cracked a few of his ribs. Most of his supplies had been lost in the battle and Aragorn had been travelling with little rest to reach the elven realm of Imladris, his home.

Aragorn looked up at the sky. It had rained for the past two days but it seemed to be clearing. His dark ranger leather's were soaking wet and muddy and his cloak was in no better condition. His damp shirt stuck to his healing wounds on his back. He was within a day's ride from Imladris now. He had refrained from riding his faithful horse before, knowing that the horse's movement would cause no small amount of pain to his ribs.

'Should I ride home?' he thought. 'After all I can bear the pain if I can reach the house by sunset.' He sighed, turning to his horse.

"Are you ready to ride my friend?" His mare whickered in agreement. Opening a pouch at his belt, he pulled out the last food he had: a few pieces of dried fruit. Eating quickly, he prepared himself for the pain ahead. Slowly, ribs protesting, he mounted his horse and began to slowly ride towards Imladris and home.


It was a beautiful dawn in Imladris. Lord Elrond, Master of Imladris sat on a balcony, rereading a letter from his youngest son Estel.

Dear Ada,

I have been travelling with the rangers across most of Eriador. We have been keeping a discreet patrol over the Shire. The hobbits (pherianneth) are such a peaceful folk and we are glad to shield from (as they call it) the outside world. I am hoping to come back soon, by the end of winter probably. Send my love to my brothers; I miss you all very much.



Elrond sighed, his gaze staying towards the pass that Estel would be coming from. The letter had been sent a month ago, and Elrond was expecting his son home any day now.

"Brooding is unbecoming of any elf lord, especially one like yourself Elrond," said a voice from behind him. Glorfindel, Elrond's advisor and friend, walked out onto the balcony to join him.

"I am worried for him mellon nin, he has not come home for three years," said Elrond

"He will return Elrond, how could he not being an Elrondion. They all return, they always do," assured Glorfindel. Elrond's face softened as he thought about his son.

"Come home soon ion nin" he whispered.


Aragorn had just entered to woods that were part of Imladris. As he breathed in the familiar scents of his home, some of the tension in him disappeared. His finely tuned senses relaxed a little. Here, in his father's domain, elven patrols kept the woods safer than anywhere he had been in the past three years. He dismounted carefully, gritting his teeth at the pain the movement produced. Leading his horse to a small stream, he checked the gash on his arm. Unwinding the temporary bandage, he found that the wound was free from infection but it would need to be stitched soon. Luckily he was only about five hours from the house. He wrapped the cloth around the wound and remounted his horse, weariness in every part of his body. Slumping in the saddle, he continued his slow journey towards the house.

Above him in the trees, an elven patrol observed his painful progress. One of the elves reported to his captain.

"It's definitely Estel, Talethion."

Talethion turned to two young warriors.

"You go and warn the other patrol groups ahead. The rest of you, resume patrol"

As the elves scattered to obey his orders, Talethion remained, a hint of a smile on his face. Estel had been his friend as a child, he was finally returning home. He resisted the temptation to jump down to greet him; the problem was solved when Estel looked up into the trees.

"Mae govannen Talethion."

Jumping down from his perch, Talethion greeted his friend. Looking at his friend's appearance he added "You seem to have had some trouble recently Estel. Should our patrol worry about it?"

"No, just a few wargs that I took care of, don't trouble yourself about it. I won't keep you from patrol any longer. See you later tonight," replied Estel

"Welcome home Estel" said Talethion and with that, he disappeared into the trees once more.

Smiling slightly, the ranger resumed his journey.


So, what do you think? Please be constructive with comments as this is my first try at writing fanfiction