Title: The Lost Elfling

Title: The Lost Elfling
Author: Ravenclaw-Girl28
Summary: The Final Battle has come and gone and only Harry is left. A mysterious mist takes Harry to a new world where no one has heard of him and a place where he can heal. HP/LOTR Elfling-Harry.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Brothers. Inc, and also created and owned by J.R.R Tolkien and various publishers including but not limited to Tolkien Enterprises and the Saul Zaentz Company. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 9

Tegalad slid down the rocky slope in his way-too-large disguise. Frodo and Sam were coming down behind him, which he thought was a bad choice on his own part because the rocks that the hobbits dislodged kept hitting him. He stumbled when one particularly large rock hit him but a subtle shift in the air prevented him from tumbling head first down the rest of the slope. Tegalad smiled happily. Even though things looked bleak from his perspective, having Shadow back, at least for a while, made everything seem easier to bear.

Flashback

Tegalad was dragged up the stairs ruthlessly. He was glad that he'd left everything with the two hobbits. His belongings wouldn't have survived very long.

"Where should we take him?" one orc asked. Tegalad kept his head down but strained his ears to catch the reply.

"He's trespassing isn't he?" the other replied in an obvious tone. "We'll put him in the tower to question him." The two orcs laughed loudly but Tegalad felt a growing sense of dread. He figured being questioned by orcs wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

Tegalad kept his head down as he was pulled past groups of orcs. He prayed that his ears would remain hidden. He didn't want to find out what orcs would do to elven children. With his hair covering his eyes he did his best to estimate the number of orcs around him. He wasn't sure why he did, but it seemed like a good thing to do.

Once he reached the tower he stored the number, 121, in the back of his mind and began counting the number of orcs inside. They led him all the way to the top and passed several groups of orcs along the way. There were only 64 orcs that they passed but the number made Tegalad's heart sink. The more there were the harder it would be to escape.

At the top of the tower was a circular room with various equipment on the walls and a rack in the middle. Tegalad recoiled from the rack, causing the orcs holding him to laugh. He was lifted off the ground easily enough and forced onto the rack, his back facing away from the rack. The orcs quickly tied his wrists to prevent him from moving and looped ropes across his ankles. Tegalad struggled fearfully. He was in a situation that he had often found himself in while under Voldemort's 'care'.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw one orc pull what appeared to be a spiked whip off the wall. The whip looked normal, but along the length of the whip were jagged spikes, not too long but long enough to cause considerable damage. The orc holding it was smiling in anticipation.

Tegalad closed his eyes tightly and tensed his body in preparation. He heard the ship whistle through the air and the resounding crack it made as it connected with his unprotected back. He whimpered but refused to scream. The whip fell again. His shirt was not holding up well as his skin was ripped to pieces. Warm blood dripped down his back. The whip fell several more times. Each time it failed to get a response from the boy.

"Would you like to tell us what you're doing in Mordor?" the torturer asked conversationally. "What's a boy like you doing away from his parents?" Tegalad clenched his jaw tightly. The orc sighed in mock-distress. The whip whistled through the air and dug deep into his shoulder. Tegalad gasped but other than that no sound escaped past his lips.

More orcs had appeared to watch the show. One held a jar in his hands. The torturer grabbed the jar and pulled out some of the white powder inside it.

"Maybe this will loosen your tongue," he said before throwing the powder onto his cuts. Through sheer willpower alone did Tegalad refrain from screaming. The salt, for that was what the powder was, burned worse than anything he had ever encountered. The pain lingered for much longer than the Cruciatus Curse did.

I'm glad Voldemort never thought of using salt, Tegalad thought through the haze of pain.

"Feel up to talking yet?" the orc asked as he laughed. Tegalad shook his head firmly, eyes closed tightly. He felt the orc approach and lean against his bloody back. The pain worsened but Tegalad didn't cry out. The orc appeared to think for a moment before untying his hands and slipping the ropes off his ankles.

Tegalad considered running but the orc was too quick and had turned him around and tied his wrists before the elfling had moved. The rack irritated his salted wounds.

"Keep your eyes open now," the torturer ordered. "I want you to see it come at you. Maybe then you'll talk." Tegalad clenched his jaw and stared as the whip fell. He moved his head to the side to protect his face but could do very little for the rest of his body.

The whip fell several more times. Tegalad was beginning to feel weak from blood loss and as such didn't see the whip freeze in midair as if it had hit a wall. A low growl forced him to look up.

At first he thought he was delusional but the shocked looks on the other orcs' faces rid him of that thought almost immediately. Standing before him in all his glory was a spectral image of Shadow.

"What the-?" the torturer muttered as he dropped the whip. Shadow growled again. The orcs tried to leave the room but it appeared as if the very air was refusing to let them go. The lot of them began to have trouble breathing, as if they weren't getting enough air. Tegalad watched weakly as they all dropped to the ground dead. Shadow turned around and looked sadly at the elfling tied to the rack.

"Shadow?" Tegalad asked hopefully. The ghost wolf nodded.

I can't stay like this for long young one, echoed a voice in his mind.

"Why?" Tegalad asked aloud. Shadow hung his head.

I'm only allowed to guide you, until the end of the war, Shadow walked forward. I will be in the very air to help you.

"Thank you," Tegalad muttered.

Set your bindings on fire young one, the two hobbits are waiting for you outside, Shadow ordered. The elfling nodded and obeyed. He fell to the ground instantly but the air caught him. Tegalad smiled in appreciation.

"You'll say goodbye this time, won't you?" Shadow nodded again and faded into the air. Tegalad didn't feel alone though as he could still sense the wolf nearby. He stood up with a deep breath and looked at the door before him.

"Let's get out of here." A sword made of pure fire formed in his hand and he felt the wolf's approval. Tegalad left the room with a confident walk, defeating any orc that tried to stop him.

He paused briefly before going outside to regain his breath and remove the evidence of the sword. Shadow defeat the guards outside while he rested before encouraging the boy to continue. He saw Sam running towards him looking worried and amazed.

With one last look behind him, Tegalad followed the two hobbits as they made their way to Mount Doom.

End Flashback

Tegalad reached the foot of the slope as the memory faded away. He was touched that the two hobbits had even considered trying to rescue him, much less actually going through with it. His sword was now once again at his side, a comforting weight. He looked up at the two hobbits as his helmet fell across his eyes. He scowled.

"There's not much else we can do to make that helmet fit Tegalad," Frodo said in amusement. Tegalad pulled the helmet off and glared. The helmets Frodo and Sam wore were a much better fit and thereby not under threat of losing their sight when it was most needed.

"Look!" Sam said pointing suddenly. The other two looked to where he was indicating and were delighted to see the army of Mordor moving out of their way.

"Good luck at last!" Frodo announced happily. Tegalad dropped his helmet on the ground. There was no way he'd put it back on. Sam began walking forward, Frodo and Tegalad following readily enough.

"We need to stay out of the Eye's gaze," Frodo whispered to the elfling. Tegalad looked to the tower, saw the Eye, and shivered. There was so much malice contained in that one eye that it burned. Its gaze swept the emptying plains easily.

They were halfway across the campground when they were spotted. Sam fell to the ground, instantly hidden from view. Frodo, however, froze and stared at the Eye in fear. Tegalad tackled the hobbit to the ground and stayed there until the Eye's gaze moved on. Tegalad followed where it was looking and noticed that the gates were open.

"Something is happening at the gate," he pointed out as he and Sam helped Frodo to his feet. The two hobbits looked as well before continuing their quest towards the peak of Mount Doom.

The two hobbits collapsed shortly after beginning the ascent. Tegalad felt like copying them but realised that he wouldn't achieve anything. Instead he pulled out his water skin from his bag and dribbled water into the hobbits' mouths.

"We are almost at the end," he said firmly. "Don't give up now!" Sam sat up and nodded. With renewed strength he hoisted Frodo onto his back, with Tegalad there to help him, and continued climbing.

Tegalad was about to follow when he felt Shadow's presence in the air. He turned around and saw a…creature…coming towards him. Its skin was pale and clung to its body tightly. Its eyes were large in its small face. The creature looked like it hadn't seen sunlight for many years, nor eaten proper food. Tegalad recalled Sam growling about someone named Gollum. He assumed that this being was him.

Tegalad turned and saw the two hobbits already a fair distance away; neither had noticed that he wasn't with them. 'He turned back to Gollum, and the two of them stared at each other curiously.

"Are you Gollum?" Tegalad asked politely. Gollum neither confirmed nor denied it. He didn't seem to be in his right mind. It was like listening to someone with a multiple personality disorder and hearing two separate personalities. One personality seemed to be a leader and was justifying his actions to the other personality, who seemed to be dependent on the other and a certain "precious".

"I will not allow you to hurt them," Tegalad said sternly catching the predator-like stares Gollum was sending the hobbits. Gollum stared directly at him in anger.

"Yous can't stops us," the dominating personality snapped before leaping at him, long fingers stretched out and aimed at his throat.

Shadow solidified the air in front of him like a shield and sent Gollum rolling backwards. Tegalad pulled out his sword reluctantly. Enraged, Gollum tried to attack the shield again, but this time there was no shield. Tegalad raised his sword and watched in horror as the pitiful creature impaled himself. Gollum's eyes went wide as he stared at the sword jutting out of his chest. He didn't seem to understand what was happening.

Tegalad pulled the sword free and Gollum collapsed on the ground in a heap. The elfling felt bad and knelt down to put his hand on the dying creature's head.

"I hope you find peace," he whispered in elvish. Gollum's eyes went wide in shock. He remained staring at the elfling, even into death. His eyes remained wide open, but now they were fixed and blank.

Similar to Shadow's eyes, Tegalad thought sadly. He picked up his sword and cleaned it on his ragged clothes. Without looking back he ran to where the hobbits were still climbing, oblivious to his delay.

Frodo was walking on his own again, finding the strength to complete the last part of the journey on his own feet. Tegalad followed at a short distance and managed to catch up when they stopped to stare at the door in the side of the mountain. Frodo led the way in, Tegalad and Sam on either side of him.

The heat from the volcano washed over them in waves. Tegalad smiled at the increase in heat and couldn't help but move closer to the edge to stare at the boiling lava churning far below them. Sam pulled him back before he could fall and the two caught up to Frodo who hadn't stopped when they did.

"Throw it into the fire!" Sam said suddenly. Tegalad walked faster and saw that Frodo had the ring dangling over the fire. He seemed torn between dropping it and saving it. Tegalad stared at the ring also and shivered as its darkness pulsed, determined to take over Frodo's will. Seeing the conflict, the elfling walked closer and put a small hand on Frodo's shoulder. The bubbling of the lava seemed to become muted, and the overall sound dimmed.

"Do not let him win," Tegalad said calmly. "Think of your home. What will happen if he wins?"

"He'll destroy it," Frodo groaned.

"Throw it away," Tegalad continued, his hand still on the hobbit's shoulder. "Protect those you love and do the right thing." Frodo held onto the ring a little bit longer but Tegalad was patient. Frodo eventually gasped as the ring slipped from his fingers. He tried to dive after it but Tegalad wouldn't let him. Sam assisted in pulling him back and the three sat on the ground, breathing heavily.

Looking over the side he saw that the ring hadn't been covered by the molten rock yet. Pulling off his bag he handed it to Sam who took it with a curious look.

"Give it to Aragorn," he ordered. Sam nodded, still confused. Tegalad looked over the side again and came to a decision.

"You and Frodo have to run outside," he began. "Move out of the way of the door and wait until someone comes for you."

"What about you?" Frodo asked. Tegalad looked at him and put his hand on the hobbit's head.

"You did your job, now let me do mine." The two hobbits nodded and left the volcano. Tegalad waited until they were at the door before lying on his stomach and watching the ring. It was sitting on a raft of solidified lava, preventing it from being covered.

Do what you have to do, Shadow whispered on the wind. Tegalad smiled. Having Shadow with him gave him the courage to do what he was about to.

He reached deep into the lava and pulled it up. A giant spire of lava shot up into the air before falling back onto the ring, effectively destroying it. The mountain seemed to scream in pain and anger, thrusting the molten rock higher. Eyes wide, Tegalad realised that the volcano was seconds away from erupting. He stood up and began running as fast as his small legs would allow him to. He saw Sam and Frodo out of the way of the door and turned towards them. He was almost clear of the door when he tripped and crashed to the ground painfully.

Time seemed to slow down. Tegalad knew he wouldn't be able to summon the much needed energy to get up and out of the way, and the hobbits looked like they knew it too. He could hear the rush of lava from behind him but it didn't matter to him. He smiled sadly at Frodo and Sam. Their horrified faces ingrained in his mind. Tegalad closed his eyes, and then he was overcome.

Time returned to normal speed.

--

Aragorn returned to Gondor with the survivors grinning happily. Gandalf had flown ahead with the eagles to go after the hobbits and return them. They'd be waiting in the healer's wing for him.

Frodo was asleep when he entered but Sam was sitting up on his bed talking with Gandalf. The old wizard appeared to be immensely sad. When Aragorn entered they both fell silent and looked at him think pity. Aragorn frowned in confusion.

"Did I do something?" he asked. Gandalf shook his head and reached down next to Sam's bed and pulled out a familiar bag. Aragorn felt the blood freeze in his veins as he accepted the bag from the wizard.

"Now we know where Tegalad disappeared to," he said. Aragorn looked at him and then Sam, hoping for an explanation.

"Tegalad was with us, at the end," Sam began softly. "He gave me the bag to give to you, I don't know why. He told us to get out while he stayed behind to do something. We figured he'd be right behind us and we waited on that rock outcropping you found us on, Mr. Gandalf. We saw him running out of the door but he tripped before he could get to safety. He looked at us and smiled sadly before the volcano erupted. He stood no chance at the rush of lava." Aragorn bowed his head and was unsurprised to find himself crying.

"He didn't have much energy to begin with, but we would have died without him," Sam mumbled.

"How do you mean?" Aragorn asked, clutching the small bag tightly.

"The orcs captured him after he saved Mr. Frodo from that giant spider. I think they tortured him. He didn't look too good after he walked out. I wonder how he did that…" Sam trailed off and adopted a thoughtful expression.

The healer's wing was silent. Gandalf sat slumped tiredly in his chair. Sam was alternating between thoughtful and sad. Aragorn though, he was beyond distraught. He clutched Tegalad's bag as if his life depended on it as silent tears coursed down his cheeks.

"I shouldn't have turned my back," he mumbled. Gandalf and Sam looked at his curiously. "I should have taken him with me. That way at least I'd know he was safe."

"You did what you thought was right," Gandalf said comfortingly. "Do not hold yourself responsible for what has happened."

Aragorn nodded, unconvinced. He straightened his shoulders and turned to walk out of the door.

"Thank you for giving me this Sam," he said. "I will be by the white tree, I need some time alone." Gandalf nodded silently and watched as the soon-to-be King of Gondor left to come to terms with Tegalad's death.

Aragorn found himself alone on the seat beneath the White Tree of Gondor. His eyes were closed as he tried to accept the story Sam had given him. Tegalad had been tortured by orcs and still managed to see the hobbits to the end of the journey. His bravery was honorable, but he'd never be able to hear it. Aragorn felt more tears fall down his cheeks as he remembered the last time he'd seen the elfling, face stricken with betrayal and tears in his overly green eyes.

"How could he have seen me as a father?" Aragorn asked aloud.

"Because you loved him maybe?" Aragorn opened his eyes and saw Legolas and Gimli sitting in front of him. He hadn't heard the two approach.

"Or it could be because he needed someone to cling to," Gimli added to Legolas' statement.

"But why not you Legolas, you are an elf, one of his own kind?" Aragorn asked. Legolas smiled sadly.

"Tegalad didn't trust me, remember, he trusted you." Legolas replied and Aragorn closed his eyes once again as more tears fell.

"I betrayed him," he whispered.

"No!" the other two protested vehemently.

"Tegalad would have understood your need to protect him," Legolas stated firmly. "He may not have at first but he would have understood it."

"The lad was smart," Gimli added. "He wouldn't have stopped loving you over that." The three sat silently for several long minutes.

"I was going to ask Arwen if she would like to adopt him with me, after all this was over," Aragorn admitted.

"Tegalad would have liked that," Legolas said smiling. Gimli nodded in agreement, subtly brushing away a tear. Aragorn stared down at the bag again. He had yet to open it, afraid of what he would see. Taking a deep breath to gather his courage he opened it.

Inside was his bow and set of arrows. The arrows had been used at some point as some were missing. Aragorn cradled the bow in his hands and tried to imagine the boy using it. His smile was sad as he set it aside and pulled out Tegalad's cloak from the bottom of the bag. It was the same cloak that had been originally from Lothlórien. Aragorn unfolded it and saw a lock of Tegalad's hair tied together with a bit of string. Aragorn put the hair in his pocket before setting aside the cloak. The rest of the bag was empty save for a water skin that had been drained dry.

Inspecting the bag itself, Aragorn was dismayed to see blood stains on the straps and the back of the bag from where it had bounced against Tegalad's wounds. Burn marks littered across the front from where he had been hit while inside Mount Doom.

"Why'd he have to die?" Aragorn asked as he dropped the bag. Legolas put a hand on his shoulder comfortingly.

"Everyone must die at some time," he said.

"But Tegalad was just a child!" Aragorn protested. "It's not fair!"

"No, it's not," Legolas agreed. "But will Tegalad want you to beat yourself up about all this?" Aragorn shook his head in defeat.

"I just miss him," he murmured.

"We all do," Gimli agreed. The three sat in silence as they grieved for the small elfling that had captured all of their hearts.

--

Many miles away, in the barren land of Mordor, atop the most recently erupted Mount Doom, a small elfling lay naked and shivering on the now cooled rocks. Wisps of steam would occasionally spurt out but it didn't affect the naked child.

His black hair stuck to his head in sweaty clumps while his green eyes flickered underneath his eyelids. His skin was torn and bloody, especially on his back and chest. Bruises stood out against his pale skin.

Lying next to him was an elvish sword, untouched by the searing lava. Along the blade appeared to be veins of fire, glowing red against the pale silver of the metal. The hilt was also red but had blue veins running through it like air currents. Where the coat of arms would have been was the figure of a black wolf, eyes glowing bright blue.

The elfling gripped the sword protectively. He was cold and hurt and no one knew he was alive. The wind stirred around him in comfort but could do nothing else. The elfling had to wake on his own.

Several hours later the elfling woke up. He pulled the sword closer and sat up. He looked around at the deserted landscape and whimpered. There was no way that anyone would find him before he succumbed to death.

"Shadow?" he croaked. The ghost wolf materialized in front of him. The wolf looked so sad as he gazed at the injured child in front of him.

"Can you get Aragorn? Please?" Shadow nodded and brushed against the child before disappearing completely. The child lay back down and curled up in a small ball. He could only wait now.

--

Aragorn was still in the courtyard beneath the tree several hours later. Legolas and Gimli had gone back inside as it became darker to see the others. They had encouraged the former ranger to visit Frodo, who had woken up, and he had for a while before returning to his spot under the tree. Frodo had been terribly upset about Tegalad, as had Merry and Pippin, who had been in the room when Frodo had asked the question of Tegalad's whereabouts.

It had been shortly after that whenn Aragorn had left, allowing the others to answer the question. He had since been underneath the White Tree. He was numb inside, first Arwen was leaving him, and now Tegalad. His quest for a family was either pushing his friends away or killing them.

He was surprised when the apparition of Shadow materialized in front of him and an eagle landed on the wall. Shadow appeared worried.

"Shadow?" Aragorn asked, moving for the first time in a few hours. He saw Legolas and Gimli coming towards him but ignored them in favor of Shadow.

You must help Tegalad, Shadow ordered.

"Tegalad is dead," Aragorn stated, his voice breaking. Shadow shook his head.

No! He needs you, my eagle friend will take you to him. Aragorn turned to face Legolas and Gimli who had reached his side.

"I'll be back shortly," he said and began walking to where the large eagle was waiting. Legolas and Gimli both protested but once they saw Shadow they fell silent. Aragorn didn't waste any more time and flew off on the back of the eagle, heading in the direction of Mordor.

--

Tegalad shivered again as darkness cast a blanket over Mordor. Shadow hadn't returned and that worried him. If Shadow couldn't find Aragorn then it meant that either the man was dead or unwilling to come for him. He survived in hope that Aragorn was alive and merely delayed.

His clothing had been incinerated by the lava, but being a fire elemental, he hadn't been affected. His sword had also survived, but it had been made by elves and therefore it could be expected to survive.

Tegalad was floating near unconsciousness when he felt someone call his name and cover him in a cloak. He struggled to open his eyes to see who held him, just to confirm what his heart had already told him.

"Tegalad, please answer me," the distant voice of Aragorn pleaded. Tegalad moved his hand and felt it being grasped instantly.

"Dad," he muttered. The grip on his hand tightened.

"I'm here son, I'm here." Tegalad smiled and leant into Aragorn's protective hold. He sank further into unconsciousness as he was taken away from the mountain, back with the man he could trust to protect him.

Three days later Tegalad woke up. He was in a white room, on a soft bed and dressed in soft clothes. He had bandages across his chest and back, but he'd expected that. He sat up slowly and looked around. Sleeping on the edge of his bed was Aragorn, and he looked uncomfortable.

Tegalad lifted his hand and put it on the man's shoulder. Aragorn woke up instantly and grinned broadly when he saw Tegalad awake.

"Good morning," the man said, stretching.

"Morning," Tegalad replied. Aragorn stood up suddenly which caused Tegalad to frown, thinking that the man would be leaving. Aragorn saw the frown and sat on the edge of the bed. Tegalad crawled forward to wrap his arms around the man's waist, who responded by lifting him into his lap and returning the hug.

"You had me worried there little one," Aragorn murmured. "I thought you had returned to Edoras. When I was told that you hadn't, and then to hear from Sam that you had died…I've never been so scared in my life." Tegalad tightened his grip.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "But I wanted to help. I'm not defenseless."

"I sincerely doubt that anyone will be thinking that you're defenseless after this," Aragorn stated grinning. "Now, how hungry are you?" Tegalad grinned happily and allowed Aragorn to send for some breakfast.

Throughout the morning he received visits from many people. Legolas and Gimli had been with the first, as well as Gandalf, and all were thrilled to see him awake. They were even more thrilled to see Aragorn smiling like a school boy. The four hobbits, reunited at last, also visited and praised him for his bravery. When they left Tegalad was blushing furiously.

Many others also visited to pay their respects but Tegalad was feeling tired and what they were saying went completely over his head. Aragorn noticed his sleepiness and ordered him to sleep. Tegalad obeyed, feeling for the first time in his life content with what he had.

--

The coronation ceremony was a wonderful affair that Tegalad was thrilled to be present at. Everyone in Gondor and many from Rohan had grouped together in the courtyard to witness Aragorn's crowning. Tegalad wasn't worried about anything as Aragorn had pulled him aside earlier and said he had a surprise for him.

Tegalad stood up behind Gandalf, away from the main crush of the crowd and watched as the new King of Gondor walked amongst his people. They all seemed happy for him, which Tegalad was glad about. A popular ruler would do what was best for his people.

After everything formal was completed and the people had returned to their homes, Aragorn had introduced Tegalad to the most beautiful elven lady he'd ever seen. Her name was Arwen and Aragorn was intending to marry her. This made Tegalad happy as he could see that they loved each other equally and would sacrifice the world for each other. What they had asked next though had surprised him completely. Arwen had knelt down in front of him and cupped his cheek in her hand.

"How would you like us to adopt you?" she asked. Tegalad looked at Aragorn, eyes wide and hopeful. The man had nodded, smiling eagerly.

"Yes!" Tegalad had said happily and thrown his arms around Arwen before doing the same to Aragorn, who kept him in his arms instead of putting him down.

"I think we're in agreement then," he said. Arwen and Tegalad had just laughed. They were a family and that was all that mattered.

--

Later that night Tegalad snuck out to the now empty courtyard to greet Shadow. The two stood together in silence, Shadow glowing softly in the darkness.

"I suppose you have to go then," Tegalad murmured.

I must, Shadow answered. You are happy now, you have the family you've always wanted. I am no longer needed.

"I'll miss you," Tegalad said kneeling down beside the wolf.

I'll always be with you, Shadow said, his nose brushing against where Tegalad's heart was. I'll be on the wind, and in your heart. Goodbye, Prince Tegalad. Tegalad felt warm tears fall down his cheeks as Shadow turned and ran off.

"Goodbye, my friend," he whispered. Strong arms lifted him off the ground and he buried his head in his father's neck.

"He isn't truly gone, little one," Aragorn murmured. "He'll always be with you."

"I know," Tegalad replied. "And so will you and mum." Aragorn smiled in delight.

"Yes my son, we'll always be with you too." Father and son stared at the night sky together. They were perfectly happy.

FIN

--

A/N There you have it... The Lost Elfling

I will consider adding an epilogue later but at the moment I have another story rattling around in my head that I'd like to get out first.

I'd also like to thank Bella Harper who has been a wonderful beta... without her this story would be full of grammatical errors and rushed scenes. Thank-you Bella!

I hope you were all happy with my ending...let me know through a review! :)