Aragorn: 17 years old

"Absolutely not," Elrond said simply.

"Why?" Aragorn asked not wanting to give up yet, "I can handle it. You know I am a good climber,"

"Estel, Lagorion is going with Lyki and all is settled. It's nothing big anyway. They are only going up to the mountain to destroy the crystal that is producing the Estayn fog," Elrond explained, "It will be a quick venture, nothing to worry about,"

"Exactly, quick!" Aragorn pressed.

"The answer is no," Elrond said.

Elrond turned to Lagorion and Lyki who were trying to be invisible and not watch the argument.

"You two will be going alone,"

Then Elrond turned away before anybody could say anything. Aragorn sighed and turned to Lagorion and Lyki.

"Sorry, Estel. Just not this time," Lagorion said gently.

"Okay," Aragorn said disappointed, "I will be waiting for you when you get back,"

The two Elves smiled and Lagorion patted Aragorn on the shoulder.

"Good luck,"

"Len hannon," both Elves said at the same time and bowed to Aragorn.

Then they headed for the mountain and Aragorn ran off to catch up to Elrond.

-----

The night soon came and Elrond was watching the sky towards the mountain with Elladan and Elrohir. The king sat on his back-porch area on a chair with Elrohir sitting in the neighboring chair. Elladan leaned on the doorframe watching the sky as his father and twin did. The twins sensed Elrond's uncertainty and voiced their concern.

It was also raining and fierce bolts of lightning shot through the sky. They crashed in various places and threatened to start a fire if it hit metal or trees. The air however was very crisp, but moist. The Elves could feel it in the air. They all sensed that the storm would go through the night and end sometime the next morning.

"They should be back by know," Elrond said worried.

"Yes, and the fog is getting closer," Elladan stated.

"It will be upon us no later than tomorrow night," Elrohir continued.

"We have one day," Elladan added.

Elrond nodded and his ears pricked to his left. Elladan and Elrohir did the same and they all turned to their left. Not to their surprise, Aragorn stood there watching them. He looked untouched by the rain as if he had been watching his family and the fog for quite some time. Since the fog had moved a lot closer now, Aragorn could see it barely making its way towards Rivendell.

"Nice night, it is?" Aragorn said cunningly.

"What are you doing up?" Elladan asked.

"You should be asleep," Elrohir said and stood up to stand next to his twin.

Aragorn put up his hands in a defense and explained,

"I promised Lagorion and Lyki that I would be waiting for them,"

"Why do you make such promises, Estel?" Elrond broke in and shook his head.

"Because it is possible," Aragorn answered with a proud smile.

The twins laughed at the father's lack of thought. Elrond grinned at the twins and looked away; his face turning red in embarrassment. He always hated it when Aragorn would say something wiser than he.

"All we need is patience, father," Aragorn whispered and smiled a hopeful smile.

"Did you eat tonight?" Elrond changed the subject.

Aragorn frowned.

"That means no," Elrond continued as his spirits lifted, "You need to eat,"

Elrond had brought back his sense of being in charge. Aragorn didn't much like it, but he guessed they both had a win and loss that night. They both smiled at one another and what broke the moment was movement from afar. All four family members turned their heads and looked to see Lagorion and Lyki coming their way. They did not look happy and the fog was still in the air.

Elrond stood up as his three sons made their way closer to Lagorion and Lyki. Aragorn got to them first as he jumped off the balcony platform separating the Elves. Elrond was about to say something, but stayed quiet.

"What happened up there?" Aragorn asked.

Lagorion and Lyki shook their heads and went straight for Elrond.

"My, Lord we wish to speak with you alone," Lyki explained.

Elrond shot Aragorn a look that said to please leave. Elladan and Elrohir left as well probably going to go guard or practice their skills. Aragorn didn't want to go, but he obeyed Elrond anyway. The last thing he saw was Lagorion and Lyki sitting down and talking to Elrond, although he could not hear what they were saying.

He figured he would just have to find out what the problem was the next morning. But if his brothers were right about the fog, it would arrive in Rivendell the next night. The only thing that they were missing was time.

A/N: I made up this whole fog idea and cave in the mountain with crystals. There was no cave acually in a mountain in Rivendell, I just made it up. :)