Aragorn could hear his brothers arguing as he wearily mounted the steps to the halls of Rivendell. He was exhausted, weary from patrolling the places of Middle-Earth. His patrol with the rangers did not go easy this time. Orcs and wargs had almost wiped out the patrol.

He was hoping he could simply fall into a warm cozy bed, and sleep uninterrupted for perhaps a week, then rouse, and sleep another week. Elrond was there to greet him, and help him as he stumbled up the stairs. Elrond’s heart grieved to see his adopted son so weary. He was hoping the twins would leave Aragorn be, but alas, it was not to be.

Elladan was the first to see his human brother as he entered the hall. “Estel! What trouble did you get into now? Where are you injured? Will you be staying for a while? Where is Legolas?” He bombarded the ranger with questions, not letting anyone else speak.

Aragorn gave a small smile, and replied, “Patrol wiped out by Orcs and wargs, no injuries, and yes, I’ll be staying for perhaps a fortnight, and Legolas should be arriving soon. Right now, all I want is a hot bath, and a bed.”

All could see the ranger was barely holding on. Aragorn could see his room directly ahead, and that is where he headed. “I had the staff fetch hot water, ion nin. It is ready. Enjoy. Try not to fall asleep in the tub, if possible. I would not like to report you drowned taking a bath!” laughed Elrond.

“I will do my best, Adar. However, if you would stop in and check, it would be appreciated,” responded Aragorn.

“Very well, I will do so. As for you two,” said Elrond, turning to the twins, “leave your brother to his rest. DO NOT bother him. Is that clear?” He stared at the two.

“Yes, Adar,” they both said.

As Elrond turned to leave, he saw Legolas coming down the hall. “Lord Elrond. Did Estel arrive yet? He sent a message he was headed home.”

Elrond smiled and said, “Aye. He has just arrived, weary in heart and mind. He will be glad to see you. Would you see him now?”

“Nay, let him rest. I have time to see him later,” replied the elf.

Elrond nodded. “I am to check to make sure he made it from his bath to his bed.” With that, the Lord of Imladris took his leave of the three younger elves. He knocked at Estel’s door, and received no answer, which was what he expected. As he entered, he noticed the bed was empty. He shook his head, and with a slight smile entered the bathing chamber. There he saw his foster son sound asleep in the empty tub. He could see the water had been drained.

He made noise so that he would not startle Estel, as he did not want to be impaled with a knife. He was aware Estel never went unarmed even in Rivendell.

Estel slowly became aware that someone was in the room, but knew there was no alarm, as the person was not attempting to be silent. He managed to get his eyes open enough to realize it was Elrond.

“Adar. Thank you for checking on me. I must have been even more tired than even I realized.”

Elrond merely smiled, holding a robe for Estel as he exited the tub. “Legolas has arrived, ion nin. As for now, you need rest. I will have him bring supper for you, and the two of you can eat together. Is that satisfactory?”

“Aye, it will be good to see mellon nin. For now, however, I need sleep.” As the ranger spoke, he laid down, and fell asleep instantly. Elrond smiled, and covered him with a blanket. He then leaned over Estel, and kissed his forehead. It was good to have him home.