Here is a little sequel of sorts to Ion Nin. Thank you to everyone who reviewed the first story! Hope ya'll like this one. Please read and review :)

Ion Nin 2

(My Son)

Elrond approached the Hall of Fire. It had been a long day, and he was looking forward to some peace and quiet before retiring for the night. But it was not to be had. Passing through the door he came upon a pitiful site. In the dim firelight, Elrond easily made out the form of Estel. The child was curled up in a chair weeping.

"Estel?"

The four year old all but fell out of his chair in surprise. He scrambled to his feet and wiped vigorously at his eyes. "Ad...Hir nin." Estel was intent on checking himself every time he call Elrond father. The Elf Lord was at a loss of what to do about it. He secretly treasured the moments Estel called him so.

"I did not mean to wake you." Estel apologized,

"You did not wake me." Elrond kneeled in front of the boy. "Are you hurt, Estel?"

"No...Yes." The boy stammered, and a few tears work their way down his cheeks.

Elrond was alarmed and instantly worried, "Where are you hurt?" But the boy backed away from him. "Please let me help you, Estel?" Elrond was confused at the boy's behavior.

"Not on the outside, in here." Estel tapped his chest. Elrond stared at the boy. It never ceased to amaze him how one so young could understand so much. "Elrohir said that sometimes that happens." Estel explained.

Elrond took the boy's hand and lead him to the chair he had just vacated. "Elrohir was right. Sometimes it does hurt in here." Elrond motioned to his own heart. "But, Estel, usually something happens first that makes you feel that way. Did something happen?"

The boy was silent.

"Estel?"

"Am... am I a disgrace?"

Elrond was so stunned it took him a moment to answer. "What?"

Estel looked down and would not meet the Elf's Eyes.

"Who told you that? Estel?" Elrond hooked his finger under the boy's chin and tilted his head up. "Whoever said that was very very wrong."

"I heard some of the other children talking. They said I was a disgrace to you because I am not an Elf. I cannot climb trees like them, and I am always loud and clumsy. They said you only took me in because no one else wanted me," The story spilled out. Elrond's heart burned, and he suddenly had a great urge to talk to a number of parents.

"What those children said is not true. Illuvatar made you human for a reason. You are younger than they are now, but when you are a man they will still be children. Do you understand?"

"I think so."

"Oh, Estel, I did not take you in because no one else would. But because I could not let you go. I wanted you to stay here with me. You are part of this family."

Estel thought about that for a moment. "I feel better now."

Elrond smile then turned serious as he spoke again.

"And do not even think about climbing trees until you are older. Do not tell him I told you so, but when Elladan was seventy-two he broke his leg falling out of a tree. I wish not to repeat the experience with you."

Estel nodded grinning at the idea that an elf had fallen from a tree.

"Now I think it is your bed time."

Estel smiled sheepishly, His bedtime had been several hours ago. "Yes, Hir nin." He made to go when, on impulse, Elrond pulled him back.

"And Estel? 'Ada' will do,"

Estel beamed and then threw his arms around Elrond. Hannon le...Ada."

Elrond scooped his son up and carried him to bed.

Finis