Elrond couldn't leave Imladris, it was his home, but the responsibility felt so much more without Celebrían by his side. But when he looked he found a single strand of silver hair on the pillow and he knew that Celebrían would always be beside him.

But once he'd done all that what would he do? Teach others, he supposed, as Elrond did, but it sounded boring. As much as he wanted to be an Elf, Estel thought that it would be more fun to do everything in a the span of a Man's life. Estel smiled, finally at peace with his race.

While he waited at her door, hope and nervousness made him impatient. In the end he didn't need words. The single rose was enough to make her smile. She said, "Yes," before he could even ask. Falling in love with Celebrían had been the death of him and he was glad.

Elrond shook his head. "If you look closer you will see the truth."

Estel was still new at this game, but was beginning to lose the green pallor he got from reading descriptions of dead bodies, complete with illustrations. There was no way to guarantee real ones with the right injuries, so Elrond made them up. This one had a cleverly hidden secret within the text. Elrond could see the moment Estel discovered it when his frown turned to a smile.

"He hit his head!"

"Why did this happen?" Elladan asked.

Elrond started to explain about the drought that turned crops brown so there was no food when Elladan stopped him. "I mean, how can the Valar let this happen? They could just bring him food from the West."

Elrond shook his head. "We cannot expect them to step in just for one man. They have only ever intervened when the threat is dire and affects all of Middle-earth."

"But it affects him." It was a distinction Elladan was too young to understand yet.

"They want all the people of Middle-earth to help before they do."

"Then they might come when it's too late."

"Sometimes they do," Elrond agreed, his expression serious.

Elladan wandered off looking thoughtful. Elrond would wait until he had thought it through and returned with more questions.

"Why do you stay with him?" Elrohir asked, standing in the open doorway so the wind blew parchment around the room and Elrond had to keep hold of the top blanket, lest it should fly away too.

Elrond motioned him over, and when Elrohir had shut the door and sat down Elrond explained. "He has no family that love him and no friends nearby that we could find. No one should have to die alone if it can be helped."

"Does it make a difference?" Elrohir asked.

Elrond nodded. "Men don't know what will happen to them when they die so they are afraid to face the unknown. Fear is always lessened when you have company."

Elrohir nodded. "I'll stay too. Then he will be twice as unafraid."

Elrond smiled at his son and the simple attitude of the young that could understand such things so clearly.

He'd almost thought twice about leaving, but once he was on the road he knew he was doing the right thing. The sea was calling for him. When at last he reached the Grey Havens and saw Círdan and the blue-green sea he smiled. He made the right choice.

Finally, he reached his destination and stammered out his message with a dry throat. He'd been forced to abandon his water when he was nearly discovered and had forgotten he was mortal, unlike the Elves he was headed for. The water he was given spilt when he collapsed and died from its lack.

~*~

Estel listened to the men as they spoke of their friend with love. "Was he brave?" he asked Elrond, who had stepped onto the balcony behind him.

"He was," Elrond confirmed. "He stepped in front of another and took the spear aimed at him. He died so his friend could live. That is why they do not grieve as they would another."

"He must be very brave," Estel said, awe in his voice.

Elrond put a hand on his shoulder. "One day someone may do the same for you. Then you must celebrate the bravery and not mourn the loss."

But she couldn't show Aragorn what she felt: she didn't want him to stay just for her. So she smiled and reassured him that the end to his weariness was what they both wanted. She was sure they would see each other again after.

"How do you know?" Elanor asked.

"The Elves told me."

"Were the Elves there, then?"

Sam chuckled. "Not even the Elves were around that long ago, whatever they might say." He sat down and pulled his daughter into his lap. "I will tell you the whole story." He regretted not paying attention when he'd been told it, but he'd had other things on his mind in Rivendell and fortunately Elanor wouldn't notice which parts he made up.

Aragorn looked up at the grey clouds that threatened rain.

Halbarad followed his gaze and sighed. "As blue as the sky is when it is cloudless."

Aragorn laughed and, after a moment, Halbarad joined in.

None who were with them that day would let him forget it. Anything grey they saw was said to be a particularly pleasing shade of sky blue. Halbarad would sigh good-naturedly or not, depending on the number of times it had happened that day. Since it relieved the tension Aragorn never bade anyone to stop and often joined in himself.

Delighting in the sounds, Elrond was careful not to let him see them, lest his presence remind his sons of their adult status. They had grown to be dependable Elves that he relied on a great deal, yet they could often be too serious, much like him. Arwen was good for all the family.

His thoughts were of his sons, out hunting orcs to avenge their mother's death. In time they would learn it was a vain hope, which would not bring her back. In the meantime he worried whenever they left and wondered each time, if both sons would return.

When at last they were in sight, unhurt, he felt the weight of the air lift around him.

Inside it was calm, the scent of lavender helping to relax the occupants of the small room, save for Arwen as she protested her entry into the cold world, her cries barely louder than the wind. Elrond smiled at his new daughter, knowing that although the conditions were far from perfect, she was and that was all he needed.

Elrond, alerted by no Man, rode out to meet the group. By the time he reached them the weather had cleared and the land was drying beneath the sun. However, it was too late and Elrond found that not one of them were alive. The exhaustion from their long trip had taken its toll.

Brandor shook his head and Arador saw the snow turning red beneath him. "I know you will be a great chieftain, with or without my help."

"But you've always been here by my side. We have achieved so much together."

His words were in vain for Brandor had lost too much blood and the weather made their rescuers too late.