Sorry for the delay … Lots of stuff has been happening, lets just leave it at that. I was distracted writing two other stories that I am half-heartedly considering posting, though I am unsure whether they will attract any interest haha!

Anyway, here is the next part. Hope you enjoy:

"Daddy! Daddy! Look Daddy!" Aragorn turned in the direction of the shrill voice calling to him from across the clearing. Smiling brightly, he caught sight of the little elfling running as fast as her legs could carry her. Long dark hair streamed behind her as she ran, holding something carefully in her loosely cupped hands. Aragorn chuckled to himself as Annari stumbled slightly, falling onto her elbows on ground to avoid crushing her small burden, and succeeded in getting mud on her tunic. Unfazed, she righted herself quickly and fearfully opened her hands to peer at what she carried. Smiling wildly again, the young girl began to shout to her father with renewed energy. Eventually, Annari made it to the man, who obligingly knelt down beside her.

"What is it, Anna?" Aragorn asked, peering intently at what his daughter clutched.

"Look, Daddy," Anna whispered, gently unfurling her fingers to reveal a tiny bird resting on her palm. "It was on the ground. It came and sat on my hand."

"Amazing, dearest," Aragorn replied, wondering not for the first time about his daughter's way with animals. Looking closer, Aragorn could see that the bird was very young, too young to survive in the wild without a nana. He told this to Annari, who frowned thoughtfully, then turned to the little bird.

"Where is your nana, Ireth?" she asked the bird, causing her father to smile softly. Already the elfling had named the bird, who peered widely up at Aragorn from her seat on Annari's palm. "Daddy, I don't think Ireth knows," Annari inferred.

Recalling that he had seen (and hidden from his daughter's sight) the small body of an older bird on the trek to the clearing, Aragorn supposed that perhaps Ireth's nana was deceased. "Well, then I suppose she will have to stay with us, hmm?"

"Really? Thank you, Daddy!" Annari cried, throwing her arms around her father, mindful of the little bird, Ireth.

"Would you like to go show Ireth to your grandfather? Perhaps he will be able to tell us how to care for her." The little elfling nodded enthusiastically, clutching Aragorn's hand and pulled him towards the home. She started to talk endlessly, though Aragorn couldn't decipher portions that were said as everything was spoken in, seemingly, one breath.

"Anna, can you hear that?" Aragorn whispered suddenly, pulling the little girl against the wall. She cocked her head and listened, then nodded hurriedly. "I think it is Uncle Elladan and Uncle Elrohir," he said conspiringly. "You should give them a fright."

Annari giggled loudly, then covered her mouth with her free hand. She nodded.

"I'll hold Ireth, hmm?" Aragorn asked. He took the tiny creature carefully in his hand. She hopped along until she was perched on his finger. "Be very quiet, dearest."

Annari crept along the wall silently. She halted just before the corner and was just about to jump around when-

"Arghhh!" Elladan and Elrohir cried as they hurtled themselves around the corner, startling the child before she could frighten them. Annari shrieked as she was caught by Elladan, who held her firmly in his arms as Elrohir began to tickle her mercilessly.

"Stop, no! Uncle Elrohir!" she giggled, struggling ineffectually. "Uncle Elladan, make him stooooop!"

"You thought you could frighten us, did you little one?" Elrohir said, his voice sing-song. He abandoned his physical torment when Elladan lifted her into the air and spun her around.

"Brother, please be care with my daughter," Aragorn said in amused exasperation. "I'd prefer to have her in one piece.

"Aragorn, you fret too much sometimes," Elladan said with a hearty laugh. Aragorn knew his words to be true, as the twins would die before they would let any harm befall the young girl. Ignoring Annari's pleas of 'again, again!' he took a small step back, quirking his eyebrows as though studying her. "It appears to me … but no, it couldn't be …"

"Are you thinking what I am thinking, brother of mine?" Elrohir asked.

"I think I may be," Elladan replied seriously. He peered closer at Annari, who giggled.

"What is it, Uncles?" she asked in excitement.

"When was the last time we lay our eyes on you, little one?" Elrohir asked.

"Just this morning, at breakfast," Annari exclaimed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Are you sure?"

"That couldn't possible be right!" Annari nodded her head frantically.

"It is! What is wrong?"

"Is it just me or –" Elrohir began, only to be cut off by his twin.

"- or have you become even more beautiful than the last time we saw you?" Elladan finished gravely. Annari giggled.

"You are so silly!" she cried. Aragorn came to her side and ruffled her hair affectionately.

"I happen to think they are telling the truth, my precious daughter," he told her honestly. The girl blushed deeply and buried her face into Elladan's robe. "Would you like to introduce Ireth to your uncles?"

"Oh yes!" Annari replied. She held her finger out to the baby bird, who immediately jumped onto it. "Ireth, these are my very silly uncles." She said matter-of-factly. "We found her in the garden. She doesn't have a naneth."

"I supposed that Elrond wouldn't mind greatly if she were to foster with us," Aragorn added.

"Nay, I'm sure it will be fine," Elladan agreed. "Well, I suppose that we should be on our way. The delegate from Lothlorien is due to arrive shortly and father has placed Elrohir and I diplomatic duty." Both twins pulled an identical face of distaste.

Once both parties had said their goodbyes, Aragorn and Annari continued to make their way to Elrond's study. As they passed through the corridors many elves greeted them enthusiastically, from guards to servants. Annari smiled brightly and acknowledged each of them by name.

"Come in," Elrond called when Aragorn knocked on his study door, "it is unlocked."

"Greetings, Elrond."

"Good morning, grandfather!" Annari cried as she bounded into the room. Elrond smiled warmly and gestured for them to be seated.

"How are the both of you?"

"We are well, aren't we Anna?" Aragorn replied. The young girl clambered rather awkwardly into the ornate chair before Elrond's desk, still carefully holding the bird.

"Look, grandfather!" she said, lowering her voice notably, mindful of the quiet of the elder elf's study and not wanting to startle Ireth. She held out her hands carefully, allowing Elrond to peer at the baby bird.

"She is very young, child," he said seriously.

"Ireth doesn't have a naneth," Aragorn told him gravely.

"That is no good at all," Elrond replied. "We shall have to care for her then." He gracefully stood and lifted a beautiful, ornate jewellery box from a high bookshelf. He emptied out the contents and gently encouraged Annari to place Ireth onto the softly pillowed inside. "Hopefully, Ireth will feel as though she is in her nest still," he explained. "We must keep her somewhere warm, dry and quiet."

"Perhaps Anna's room is an excellent place?" Aragorn suggested, glancing meaningfully at Elrond.

"Of course," the elf-lord agreed. "You will have to feed her regularly, Anna." The young girl nodded in understanding, her face determined. "Will you be a naneth for Ireth?"

Annari looked up in shock. "Me?" she asked, surprise evident in her voice. "I cannot!"

"Why ever not, child?" Elrond asked. Her eyes were wide.

"I don't know how to be a naneth," she cried. "I don't have a naneth."

"No, dearest, you don't have a naneth," Aragorn explained softly. "But you will be a good naneth for Ireth, I am sure."

"Aye, Daddy," the girl nodded solemnly. "I will try my best." She watched the little bird settle into her makeshift nest for a moment, missing the glance Aragorn exchanged with Elrond over her head. Once assured Ireth was content, Annari clambered awkwardly into Aragorn' lap and snuggled against his vast chest. She was really growing too big for such a position but Aragorn didn't berate her. Annari had always been a rather affectionate child, enjoying cuddles and contact with those she loved from a very young age. "Daddy, the children from the village asked me why I do not have a naneth."

As there were no elflings her age in Rivendell, Aragorn had made sure that Annari regularly visited the human children in a nearby village. She had developed a close friendship with many of the younger girls and boys. Aragorn had surmised, though, that this conversation would eventually come up between the children.

"Did they, beautiful?" Aragorn asked her. "And what did you tell them?"

"That I had two fathers, rather than a father and a mother," Annari replied. "That is what you told me, isn't it, daddy?"

"Aye, you know that two ellons (or in our case, an ellon and a human) can have a child as well," Aragorn clarified. Annari's eyes were wide, her head nodding slowly. "You are my precious little miracle."

"I told that to the other children but they still wanted to know why I only live with you and Grandfather Elrond, and my uncles," Annari continued, smiling brightly at Elrond. "They said my adar must have died." Her small face fell in sadness.

"He is not dead, child," Elrond explained gently. "When you are older, your daddy and I will explain why he does not live with us. But for now, you must know that for reasons beyond his or our control, your adar cannot be in your life."

"Your adar and I both wish he could live with us but it is … difficult," Aragorn said wearily. "You must know that he loves you with all his heart."

"But why can my adar not come home?" Annari asked in confusion. "I do not understand."

"I promise, dearest, that we will explain everything to you once you are older," Aragorn assured the child. "But right now, it is much too complicated for you to understand." He softened the blow of his words by kissing her fondly on the forehead.

The young girl frowned but didn't continue asking questions about her elven father. She, Elrond and Aragorn began discussing the small bird, determining how to care for her properly. Annari payed close attention to the simple instructions Elrond gave her for looking after Ireth.

Suddenly she piped up again. "Daddy, my birthday is soon."

"I wouldn't say it was soon, dearest," Aragorn chuckled lightly. "It is many months away."

"Aye, but I have realised what I will ask for as a present," Annari declared. "Daddy, I would like my adar to come home."

-

Legolas had woken early, which was expected of him, and open all the windows, shutters and curtains. Next, he'd lit the various fires around the house, most importantly the one beneath the large oven, cleared away the ashes and cleaned the hearths. He'd then proceeded to make two trips to the river to bring water to the house. While waiting for the oven to heat up enough, he'd gone into the dining-room to get it in order for breakfast. He'd swept the floor, dusted, set the table and changed the table-cloth.

Now, hands covered in flour, he was kneading a third loaf of bread.

"'Las?" A small voice questioned from the doorway. A small child, little more than two years old was peeking around the doorway, shyly biting her lip.

She was the only daughter of his latest master and her name was Earane. The couple, Sara and Ralioin, also had a six year old son, Ralius, and an infant son, Salem.

Legolas had served the family for six years. Ralioin had purchased him from Braeon just after his wife birthed their eldest child as a means to relax the strain on Sara. They were a wealthy family with a large home and power within the village they lived in.

"What are you doing out of bed this early, little one?" Legolas asked Earane softly. He wiped his hands on a tea towel and came over the small child, who was smiling coyly and hiding behind the door. Legolas squatted to her level and pushed the dark hair out of her eyes.

He had been an integral part of her and Ralius' care and childhood and thus felt much love and affection for the both of them, as well as the baby Salem. But Earane was especially dear to his heart and she adored him as well.

"Not sleepy," she replied. Legolas laughed and picked her up, settling her comfortably on his hip. "I stay with you, 'Las?"

"Are you sure, Earane? Would you like me to take you back to your room?" Earane shook her head. Legolas smiled and tucked his hair behind his ear, shifting her into a more comfortable position on his hip.

"Not sleepy," Earane repeated, rubbing her eyes.

"Of course you aren't, child. How about you just lie down on the couch for a while?" Legolas suggested, walking into the living area and settling the child onto the couch. Earane nodded drowsily and closed her eyes. He stroked her hair for a moment then shook a blanket over her. Closing the door behind him, he headed back to the kitchen and placed the three loaves of bread in the oven.

Bread done, he headed to the cupboard, removed the broom and began to sweep the halls. He sung softly under his breath. Once the halls were swept, the mats shaken out and the front door-step cleaned, Legolas went back to the kitchen and removed the warm loaves of bed from the oven and cracked several eggs onto the hot stone.

The rooster crowed out in the backyard and Legolas heard movements above. He washed his face and hands and waited in the dining room for the family to come downstairs.

"Breakfast, now," Ralioin said, striding into the room. He didn't look at Legolas as he sat down. Following him was his wife, Sara, and their oldest child. In Sara's arms was the baby, only six months old. Legolas placed two loaves of bread in the centre of the table and an egg on each plate.

"Lady Earane is asleep on the couch. Would you like me to wake her?" Legolas asked when he was done.

Ralioin stood and advanced on him and smiled coldly. "Humour me, Elf. Why is my daughter sleeping on the couch?"

"She woke early this morning, My Lord," Legolas replied, looking at his hands, which wrung nervously. "I was going to take her back to her room but she insisted she did not want to. I suggested she rest on the couch where she promptly fell asleep." Silence had fallen across the room, all its occupants watching the exchange nervously.

"I see. And you did not take her back to her room then?" Ralioin asked callously. "It is not fitting for someone of her stature to sleep on the couch, even as young as she is." Legolas flinched when Ralioin raised a hand and slapped him, hard, across the cheek. He was stunned by the force of the blow, stumbling back and blinking several times to clear his black-spotted vision. His ears rang.

"Go get her then, Elf," Braeon said, sitting back down. Legolas had begun to turn waveringly towards the door when a timid voice broke the silence.

"'Las?" Everyone is the room turned to look towards the door were Earane stood, clutching the blanket tightly. No one had noticed her standing there, watching all the events unfold. "You all right, Las?" she asked, taking a hesitant step forward and holding onto the elf's leg. Legolas reached down and lifted her up.

"Are you all right," he corrected gently, avoiding answering her.

"Did Father hurt you?" she questioned, reaching out and touching the angry red mark on his cheek.

Braeon stepped forward and took her out of Legolas' arms. "Yes I hurt the slave, but that was because he deserved it, Earane. Now eat up. Leave us, Elf."

Legolas bowed and left the room quickly, berating himself for his audacity. He was such a fool for growing so attached to the small girl, who eased the constant pain the absence of his own daughter left. Not a day went by that he didn't think of the child he'd lost hours after her birth. He lamented that he'd only had the chance to hold her, feed her and sing to her once. Oh, how he wished he could have seen her first smile, been there for her first step and nursed her hurts.

But he could never. And he knew it was folly to become so attached to Earane, not only as she could never fix the whole in his heart, wrought when he was forced to give up Annari, but because she was the daughter of his master.

Ralioin was not a particularly evil man by any account. In all honesty, he treated Legolas better than any previous master had and for that Legolas was grateful. He was provided with clothing, food and bedding regularly, and his position was strictly as a house-slave. He had never been forced into Ralioin's bed, only required to clean and cook and assist the family.

But despite this, Ralioin did have a malicious streak. He was quick to anger at any slights, real or perceived, and his anger would manifest physically. He did not tolerate any behaviour considered disrespectful and was fiercely protective of his possessions, including his elf-slave. Legolas appreciated that he was not assaulted sexually by his master, but never before had he felt like he was constantly walking on eggshells. The smallest, simplest things would send Ralioin into a rage and, thus, Legolas had to always check his words and behaviour, lest he face a beating. But such were Ralioin's rights as his master to punish him when and how he would see fit.

Legolas shook his head to banish all his undesirable thoughts and traversed upstairs to clean the family's bedrooms while they were finishing breakfast.

-

Aragorn paced back and forth across his living area.

"For goodness sake, Aragorn, please sit down," Elrond exclaimed finally in irritation. He was seated comfortably on the settee, a wineglass in his grasp, filled with a rich, red liquid. "You are going to make a ditch in the ground with that infernal pacing."

Aragorn sighed wearily and slumped beside Elrond. He accepted the second flute of wine and took a sip. He rubbed his face with his hand, dragging his fingers through his hair, then glanced into the adjoining room. Annari lay fast asleep on her bed, curled peacefully with her stuffed horse under her arm. Her silver eyes were vacant and distant, aware of the discontent she had caused her father.

"What am I to do?" Aragorn asked Elrond simply. "She wants her adar but you and I both know that it will be close to impossible to find him."

"Close to but not completely impossible," Elrond replied absently.

"What are you saying?" Aragorn asked suspiciously. The elf-lord's face remained impassive.

"What do you infer I am saying?" he replied enigmatically. Aragorn sighed in frustration. He lent his head on the back of his seat, gazing up at the stars.

"Ask an elf a question …" he groused with a huff. "I suppose you are suggesting I should go look for the elf-slave, hmm?"

"Perhaps," Elrond replied. He glanced into the adjoining room, at the peacefully sleeping child. "Annari is old enough now to understand if you were to leave Rivendell for a while, especially if you explained that you were looking for her father. She will be content with myself and your brothers."

"Aye," Aragorn conceded half-heartedly. Elrond smiled kindly.

"And, as a human, you would have a much greater chance of finding him," Elrond pointed out truthfully.

"Aye, I would," Aragorn replied. He took a long drink from his glass, swirling the liquid slowly. "It would make her so happy if I were to find him and bring him home. And, of course, I would free the elf from his wretched life."

"This elven-slave would benefit more from this plot than any other, of course," Elrond agreed compassionately. "But that said, you would do well to have a companion. Not only to help care for Anna and act as a parental figure."

"What is that suppose to mean?" Aragorn questioned, confusion colouring his voice.

"You are lonely, child," Elrond pointed out honestly. "You were obviously attracted to this elf all those years ago if you … how to put this delicately? … created a child together." Aragorn averted his gaze in embarrassment and was glad that his cheeks had not gone red. "Perhaps you will find that this attraction will extend beyond sexual limits."

"Dear Valar, I understand," Aragorn said in a strangled voice. The room was silent for a moment, while Aragorn digested and considered all that he and Elrond had said. "Very well," he finally declared. "You are right. I know that this is what I must do – it is the correct path, finding and freeing Annari's adar. I will leave tomorrow, right after I have explained to her why I am leaving."

So Aragorn is on his way to find Legolas …of course I had to make the elf not with Braeon now, as that will make it harder ;)

Reviews?