9 Wear your Hope like a Crown

After the events in the Hall of Fire and the bewildering memories I had acquired from Mairon's past, I spent most of my time wandering around Rivendell, exploring all its hidden corners, and occasionally visiting the kitchens – where I had developed a newfound fondness for elven sweets. If Smaug cherished gold as much as I cherished these delicacies, it was no wonder he stole the dwarves' home to hoard all the gold for himself. It must have felt absolutely splendid for him.

On a different note, I had noticed that Bilbo seemed to be worried about me, which perplexed me because there really was no reason for concern. After all, I had merely experienced a flashback of Mairon's past when I shouldn't have, and I had remembered a lesson with Yavanna herself, one of the Valier, which let me invoke a freaking Song of Power that transformed the Hall of Fire into the Hall of the Forest.

Alright, perhaps there was something to be worried about. Still, Bilbo had no way of knowing all that. So I just smiled at him whenever he happened to spot me, and it seemed to reassure him, even if only slightly.

Elrond informed Gandalf and me that Galadriel and Saruman would arrive in the evening of the sixth day of our stay here, which meant that nearly a week would have passed since we reached Rivendell. I dearly hoped Thorin wouldn't do anything too drastic due to the long wait. We had crossed paths a couple of times, and each time he looked more incensed than before.

Oh dear.

Meanwhile, Bilbo and I were thoroughly enjoying Rivendell. My dear hobbit friend practically skipped all around the place, appearing half his age as he joyously chattered with the elves he encountered, one after another. Not that they minded. I couldn't tell if it was because Bilbo was a hobbit and therefore a rarity for an elf, or it was simply Bilbo being Bilbo. It was probably a combination of both that endeared him to everyone he met.

Anyway, I discreetly grabbed one of the freshly baked cupcakes – there was an elven maiden who was always happy to share treats with me whenever I asked. I thanked her and swiftly left the kitchen before the chef could discover me there again. He wasn't necessarily unpleasant, but sometimes he looked at me as if he wanted to throttle me for stealing food and distracting the other cooks. It was actually refreshing to encounter someone who treated me normally and not like an angel descended from the heavens, so I didn't mind.

I hummed contentedly, munching on the treat, as I made my way to one of my newfound favorite spots in Rivendell. During one of my previous explorations of the Last Homely House, I had stumbled upon a beautiful garden nestled within a courtyard. Considering the immense size of Elrond's house – which was more of a mansion, really – it wasn't surprising that he also had his own private garden. Then again, Elrond wasn't the only resident. His sons and Arwen also lived here, as did Glorfindel – somewhat surprisingly. However, it made sense given his important status; the golden-haired elf even had his own wing all to himself!

My intention was to head to the garden and sit on one of the benches amidst the lush foliage while I contemplated my existence. However, my plans were abruptly disrupted.

Well, it was more like someone disrupted my plans.

At the top of one of the tallest trees in the garden, there was a dark-haired boy who appeared to be hiding from someone. He didn't seem frightened or anything, so I wasn't alarmed. In fact, he was barely able to contain his giggles.

I gazed at him in utter bewilderment for a moment, attempting to comprehend where this literal child had come from and what he was doing there. Then, it suddenly dawned on me.

Holy shit. It was Aragorn. A young Aragorn, to be precise. I had completely forgotten that Aragorn had grown up in Rivendell since he was a very young child. Of course, I would encounter him here!

And just as that same child shifted in my direction, no doubt having heard my approach, he jumped in surprise, only he evidently forgot he was perched in a tree and promptly began to fall toward the hard ground.

I cursed and reached out to catch him before his head could hit the ground. Yet, it wasn't just me who did this. Well, not exactly. Following my prior hand gesture, a sturdy tree branch swiftly coiled around his legs, preventing him from falling further and eliciting startled squawks from both of us.

Aragorn remained there, swinging from the tree's unexpected grip while he gaped at me in disbelief, and I gaped at the situation in general.

"Could you please let me down, mister?" the freaking future king of Gondor asked me while hanging upside down, his face likely reddening from the blood rushing to his head. I promptly righted him and lifted him into my arms, and the tree branch released its hold after I had a secure grip on him.

"Whoa! You are so tall, mister!"

"So I have been told," I replied faintly, gently placing him on the ground.

This situation was jarring. I was used to seeing Aragorn as a grown-ass man, and now he was so small that I could probably lift him with a single hand without any trouble. Heck, he probably hadn't even met Arwen yet!

The dark-haired boy tilted his head, peering at me with sharp eyes – seriously, what was it with the people here? Were they all annoyingly perceptive or something? – and smiled.

"Who are you? I am Estel!"

I blinked, taken aback that Aragorn would be so at ease talking to a stranger. Then again, he was just a child. He probably didn't know any better, or maybe he did and simply didn't care.

"My name is Mairon," I told Aragorn – or rather, Estel. I had better get used to that name before I slipped up. "May I ask what you were doing up in that tree?"

"Oh, that?" Estel asked, shrugging. "I was hiding from Elladan and Elrohir. We were playing hide-and-seek, and they were supposed to find me. But I have been waiting for half an hour already, and they have yet to find me!"

My eyebrows lifted. "Half an hour? I see."

I couldn't bring myself to tell Estel that the twins were likely playing a prank on him. Being elves, they could easily locate a young human like Estel, especially since he didn't possess the same physical capabilities as an elven child and therefore wasn't as fast or as strong as them. Moreover, elves had a deep connection with nature, so finding someone hiding in a tree, of all things, was the easiest thing you could ask them to do.

Hence, it made sense that they were amusing themselves at Estel's expense, and I found it quite rude. Who did that to a child? Sure, perhaps Estel was used to their mischievous ways, but it was different when the target of such jokes was himself and not someone else!

"Well, Estel," I began, reluctant to leave him to wait for the twins in vain, "I must say, I am quite impressed by your hiding skills." (I was quite impressed by the twins' ability to not give a damn about tricking a child, sure.) "So while we await Elladan and Elrohir, how about we play another game?"

Estel's face instantly lit up. "Really?" he asked, but then deflated slightly. "But if we play, they will not be able to find me…"

"They will if we stay in one place, right? We can just remain here in the garden, so they will locate us easily as long as we do not move."

"I suppose…," Estel said, smiling. "Okay! What should we do, though? There are only flowers and plants around here."

I pondered for a moment, surveying the garden.

"Well," I began, a budding idea taking shape in my mind, "since we have all these lovely flowers and plants around, how about we play a game of 'Nature's Treasures'? We can take turns finding the most interesting and beautiful things in the garden and share them with each other."

Estel's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement at my suggestion. "That sounds like fun! Alright, then. You go first, Mairon!"

I smiled and began to scan the garden for something that would captivate Estel. I had no doubt that he had never played this game before, especially considering the absence of other children in Rivendell, aside from the twins – who may as well have been children by the way they acted sometimes – who didn't strike me as the type to play such a game. Similarly, Glorfindel was usually occupied with his duties, Erestor rarely left his study – I hadn't even met the elf yet – and Elrond was also quite busy. While Estel's mother undoubtedly had her own ways of entertaining him, judging by his reaction to my little game, he had never heard of it before.

After a moment, I knelt down and gently brushed a vibrant red rose with my finger. "Here, Estel," I called to the child, who quickly approached me.

"This is the most beautiful rose I have ever seen," I told Estel, who marveled as the flower opened its petals slightly at my touch. "Where I come from, it is a symbol of love. Its creation is associated with Venus, the Goddess of Love, and the brightest star in the sky. That is why Venus is often referred to as the Evening Star."

"I know that story! But it is different," Estel mused. "Lord Elrond told me in one of our lessons, but he said the Evening Star is the Star of Eärendil, a light created by one of the Silmarils when it was carried into the sky by Eärendil the Mariner."

"That is correct," I nodded, "just because there are different versions of a story does not make the one you know any less true."

Estel grinned. "Now it is my turn, right?"

I nodded, and he eagerly scoured the garden, scanning attentively. Finally, he leaned down and picked up a tiny, iridescent beetle that sparkled in the sunlight.

"I found this beetle!" he announced excitedly, cradling it gently in his palm. "It is like a little jewel."

I leaned down and admired the insect; it did indeed resemble a precious gem. I gently prodded it with my finger and smiled. It was cool to the touch, but in a pleasant way, much like the sensation of eating ice cream on a hot summer day.

"You have a very keen eye, Estel. It is so small that most people would have overlooked it. Well done!"

Estel blushed and returned the beetle to its previous place after we had examined it. "I never thought finding things in nature would be so much fun. I do not really know much about nature to begin with. But I did help a squirrel once!" he exclaimed, pointing at a tree. "In fact, I found him right there, on the ground next to the tree I was hiding in. The squirrel had a broken tail, so I brought him to Lord Elrond, and he managed to heal him. I took care of him until he was ready to return to his home."

I ruffled Estel's hair, and he squeaked. "That was very kind of you, Estel. I am sure the squirrel was grateful for your help. He must have been very appreciative."

Estel giggled. "Well, he did bring me lots of fruits afterward. I tried to give them back because I was worried he would be hungry otherwise, but he was very insistent. He almost bit me too, until I accepted them. Lord Elrond was quite puzzled!"

I snickered, imagining Elrond's baffled expression. "No wonder. He must not have met many squirrels, then. They can be quite ferocious when they want to be."

Estel's laughter was infectious, and I found myself chuckling along with him.

That's how we spent the day together, discovering hidden and wondrous things in the garden, from charming blooms and vibrant flowers to the tiniest insect and the mesmerizing patterns on butterfly wings. We also got some snacks from the kitchen – Estel was having so much fun that he even forgot Elladan and Elrohir were supposedly searching for him and didn't complain when we left the garden for a short time to eat. Afterward, we returned to the garden, at young Estel's insistence, to fashion a flower crown. He had observed some elves making them some time ago and wanted to try it himself.

Estel quickly got the hang of it after I demonstrated how to weave and braid the flowers into intricate patterns – that was actually something I already knew how to do before I ended up here. My new affinity with plants also proved quite useful – something that fascinated Estel, and he spent more time observing how I made the crown than gathering the flowers needed for it.

His sincere efforts were charming, though, and he was truly adorable. I actually preferred this version of Aragorn to the noble king, simply because children possessed an inherent innocence and love for the world that couldn't be found elsewhere.

As the golden rays of the setting sun bathed us in a warm glow, we completed the flower crown. I had instructed Estel on which flowers to pick, which he had done diligently and with all the enthusiasm of a young child. I softly brushed Estel's hair and gently placed the crown on his head. His eyes lit up with delight.

Chrysanthemums and sunflowers.

"For you, Estel," I smiled. "May you always find hope and long-lasting happiness, even in the darkest of times. Never lose sight of what truly matters in this world, Estel. Follow your heart, and it will never lead you astray."

Estel nodded, his serious expression giving way to a bright smile. We lingered there, gazing at the sky until nightfall.

"I am really glad I met you today, Mairon. I had so much fun! Do you think we could do it again sometime?"

"Of course, Estel. Whenever you'd like."

Hand in hand, under the watchful gaze of the ancient stars illuminating our path and with a beautiful flower crown proudly adorning the head of the future king of Gondor, we, a young human child, and a mortal angel, shared a timeless evening filled with the hope of a bright tomorrow.

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It was two days later when I saw Elladan and Elrohir in the dining room. Elves were scattered about, having breakfast, and Glorfindel waved me over to the high table as soon as he spotted me entering. The twins, seated next to Elrond, were casting apprehensive glances at Estel, whom I noticed sitting in a corner with a woman who must have been his mother, Gilraen.

Bilbo, positioned between Gandalf and Thorin – the latter of whom appeared as though he'd rather be anywhere else – cast perplexed glances at Estel when he wasn't looking in his direction – probably bewildered by the presence of a non-elf child in Rivendell.

Estel was animatedly chatting with his mother, who nodded and smiled indulgently. He still sported the flower crown we had made together. The flowers showed no sign of withering anytime soon, and I couldn't help but wonder whether it was due to the magic permeating the place or if it was something I had unconsciously done. Did I also possess the ability to enhance the durability of plants or something?

When Estel noticed me, he momentarily stopped his conversation with his mother and greeted me with an enthusiastic wave and a broad smile. "Good morning, Mairon!"

I returned his smile and gently patted his head as I passed by him. "Hello, Estel. Will you not introduce me?" I inquired, offering a pleasant smile to Gilraen, who blushed and cast an exasperated yet affectionate look at Estel.

"Oh, right!" Estel exclaimed. "This is Gilraen, my mother. Mom, this is Mairon. He is the one I told you about. He helped me make the flower crown, and he knows a lot of stories too!"

I smiled at the woman. "Well met. Estel has told me wonderful things about you, my lady."

Gilraen promptly rose from her seat and bowed deeply while Estel looked at her with confusion. "It is truly an honor, Lord Mairon. Estel has spoken highly of you as well, my Lord. I must thank you for the joy you have brought him."

I smiled sheepishly and resisted the urge to rub my neck in embarrassment. Being so formal all the time was exhausting. How did these people manage it?

"The pleasure is all mine. Your son has been a delightful companion."

Estel beamed with pride at our exchange. "See, Mom! I told you he was nice!"

Gilraen chuckled. "Indeed, Estel, you were right. I am glad you have made a new friend."

While I absorbed the revelation that yes, I was now considered Aragorn's friend, I smiled at Estel and offered a slight nod of acknowledgment to Gilraen, who responded with a deeper bow.

"Enjoy your breakfast, Estel," I chuckled and waved at the child, who returned the wave with enthusiasm.

Once I reached the seat beside Glorfindel and Gandalf, I noticed that half the table had been observing my interaction with Estel and Gilraen.

"What?" I wondered, bemused, and Elrond arched an inquisitive eyebrow, his eyes filled with barely concealed curiosity.

"I was not aware that young Estel and you were acquainted, Mairon," the elf lord remarked.

"Well, we met two days ago," I recounted, surveying the dishes before me as I debated which to pick. "It was entirely coincidental, really. I intended to spend some time in your magnificent garden when I happened upon Estel hiding in a tree. He explained that he was hiding from the twins, who were supposed to find him, but they failed to do so. We played together throughout the day, and when they did not come to retrieve him, I accompanied Estel to his room at bedtime."

During my narrative, Elrond's right eyebrow joined the left, and he exchanged glances with his sons, who appeared intent on avoiding his gaze. Meanwhile, I hummed contentedly, plucking some meat and eggs from one of the trays closest to me.

"Elladan? Elrohir? Care to clarify?"

"Oh, Ada, you see –"

"We truly did not mean anything by it –"

"That is, what happened was –"

"Nothing to be concerned about, really –"

"It was merely a little, harmless prank," the twins chimed in simultaneously once it became evident that Elrond's patience was waning.

Elrond regarded his sons with a stern expression. "A 'harmless prank,' you say?" he asked, clearly not entirely convinced by their explanation.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a quick, guilty glance before Elladan cleared his throat and spoke. "We thought it would amuse Estel to search for us once it became apparent that we could not locate him. But we never expected it would last for so long!"

Elrohir quickly nodded in agreement. "That is right, Ada! It was meant to be a simple game of hide-and-seek. But, well, Estel did not come to find us, and we may have gotten sidetracked with other matters. When we finally remembered to search for him, it was already nightfall!"

At this point, both Glorfindel and Gilraen were directing disappointed and reproachful glances at the twins, respectively. Bilbo and Thorin, on the other hand, appeared baffled by the entire situation, while Gandalf seemed entertained by the spectacle. It was likely not his first time witnessing such family drama.

Estel, who had remained silent thus far, lowered his gaze to his plate sadly. "I am sorry. I did not mean to make everyone worry. But Mairon was so kind, and we had such a wonderful time in the garden that I lost track of everything."

Elrond's stern expression softened as he regarded his youngest son. "I am relieved to hear that you had a good time, Estel, but Elrohir and Elladan should not have left you all alone in the first place. They were supposed to spend the day with you."

"We apologize, Ada, Estel!" Elladan exclaimed, with Elrohir quickly echoing him. "We will not do it again!"

"I have heard that excuse one too many times…," Elrond practically huffed, "but you are forgiven. Just remember that you are responsible for your youngest brother's safety when he is under your care. And Estel, while I am happy that you have made a new friend, please inform me or your mother of your whereabouts if we do not know where you are."

Estel nodded earnestly. "I will, Ada, I promise."

With that, the atmosphere lightened, and the remainder of the meal progressed in a more cheerful manner. Bilbo distracted Thorin from his foul mood with some of his tales, while Gandalf occasionally interjected with his dry humor and sarcasm, which never failed to amuse some of us.

As the evening unfolded, Glorfindel, who had been relatively quiet throughout the meal, leaned closer to me and whispered, "Estel looks very happy. I have never seen him so excited about meeting someone before."

I shrugged and smiled. "Children seem to enjoy my company. Perhaps they find me approachable."

Bilbo, having overheard our conversation, looked at the happy boy, who was once again deep in conversation with his mother. "Oh, do not be so modest, Mairon. All the young fauntlings in the Shire are always following you around like little ducklings. They all adore you. It is quite endearing."

While I experienced a mental whiplash from the fact that Bilbo had called me Mairon for the first time in three years, Glorfindel chuckled warmly and took a sip from his cup.

After a brief silence, he inquired, "Are you aware of who Estel is?"

His keen eyes observed me as I gazed at the boy, his flower crown practically glowing in the sunlight. He looked so happy and innocent in that moment, free from the burden of worrying about his future or what he would one day become. Who he would become.

But, to be honest…

"It does not matter," I told Glorfindel, shifting my gaze away from Estel to smile at Elrond, who, along with his sons and Gandalf, were listening to our conversation.

"It does not matter….?" Glorfindel trailed off, appearing fondly exasperated, as if he had expected me to say something of the sort all along. Was I truly that transparent?

I shrugged. "Regardless of who he may eventually become, whatever name he may adopt, he will always remain who and what he is now."

"And what is that, if I may ask?" Gandalf inquired after a moment.

"A kind-hearted, loving and joyful person," I replied, and I realized that I meant it.

Whether he was Estel, Aragorn or Elessar…

Whether he was a child or a king…

He was still himself, and he would always be.

"So no, Goldilocks," I reiterated to Glorfindel, who now regarded me with a warm smile tinged with a hint of pride in his eyes, "it truly does not matter."

We are who we are.

And no one can change that except ourselves.

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On that same night, just after Thorin had finally shown Elrond the map to the Lonely Mountain, Galadriel and Saruman arrived at Rivendell. It was time for the White Council to convene.

The wheels of fate began turning once more, leading to a destination I could never have imagined, not even in my wildest dreams. 

But I wouldn't be aware of this for what felt like a long, long time.