"A bit." he admitted, glancing at his hands in his lap, "He hid it from me so that the Orcs thought I fell with my father." and little boys did not have the ability to keep secrets for long. Besides, by allowing Aragorn to remain Estel until he came of age, Elrond had given him a solid basis; a family he could rely upon in times of strife.

"I feel silly for assuming it, though." and it hurt to know he was different now - no matter how many times Elrohir or Elladan tried to cheer him up.

"I've seen them making swords at the Forge. Nothing like that..." he murmured, glancing at the blade, "He must have been skilled."