We Reap What We Sow

Kuramagal

Authors Notes: This is my attempt at a multi chapter story that I will actually finish. Please bear with me since the updates will be slightly irregular. Thanks as always to my Beta Kalisona, who besides being an amazing writer herself, is also a great beta!

Summary: An ordinary day in Rivendell turns to pandemonium when the twins seek to avenge an old grudge. How will everyone survive their wrath? And what is lurking beyond the safety of the Last Homely House?

Warning: None really. This story does contain OC's, however none of them have any romantic relations with the main characters, nor are any of them Mary-Sues.

Genre: Drama/Action & Adventure

Chapter One: Returning Pranks

Yesterday had been a long day. A day he hadn't really planned for; but to his surprise and unfortunate luck, he had been sent out with a unit of twelve or so equally unlucky guards to patrol the valley with as much dignity as they could. Patrolling the valley was usually a miserable task, but it was especially so during this round.

The guards, who normally obeyed and agreed with his every command, were not only irritable but weary as well. As would any who had just been out on duty for two weeks, he thought. They had come home from a venture, expecting a warm and food-filled welcome with bed at the end. And what did they get? A quick hello and an order that sent them back out into the cold to patrol once more. How was that for a welcome!

The reason behind this cruel madness had been because "they were the only ones ready and able to do it." Apparently, while they'd been gone, Lord Glorfindel, whose troops were suppose to be on patrol, had been attacked. The result had sent the military advisor, as well as most of the troop, to the healing ward in Rivendell.

As for his weary troops, well they had been sent back out again. And for the final kicker, as if such as thing was needed, it had been raining. Not just any rain either, but cold, icy rain. Rain that made you want to kill yourself right there and then, and indeed he would know, for he had wanted to do just that.

But all that was behind him now. He was secure, cozy and pleasantly dry, and the soft luxurious bed the lay beneath him was more than welcome. He had awoken for the second time this morning and was about to curl up once again in to the blissful quiet of early morning, when three loud voices could be heard. So much for quiet…

"Come on now, he'll kill us if we wake him," a melodious voice, one that he recognized, said. He noted that the voice sounded only half-heartily sorry.

"But that's the whole point, he's been in there for long enough," another voice argued, not bothering to keep its volume low.

"Besides," said a voice that sounded extremely like the previous, "What will he say if we don't welcome him home in proper fashion?"

He tried to brace himself for their attack as he heard the door swing open. He listened for the faint sounds of lightly shoed feet on the stone floors. Upon hearing them, he grabbed the blankets with one hand and firmly held the pillow down with the other. Oh, please let Legolas make them leave, he prayed desperately.

"Oh look," a voice at the foot of his bed said. So much wishing, he thought savagely. "He's almost awake, but dear brother," the voice said, taking on a concerned tone. "Isn't it unhealthy for him to only be half-asleep?"

"Yes, I must agree brother," the other said fervently. "For his own health we really should wake him," it affirmed.

Oh no, was all he was able to think, seconds later two elven bodies crashed against his. When the bodies made impact, his grip loosened on the pillow and blankets that he had been clutching like a lifeline and they were soon whisked from his groping hands. He made a valiant grab for both but they were pulled further away from his fingers, and he was left to stare owlishly at the two beaming elves on his bed.

When he first looked it seemed to him that he was seeing double. But, after living with them for twenty plus years, he knew better. The two elves he saw were not because of fatigue or hallucinations, but actually were two separate beings. However, giving the early morning hour and his state of grogginess, it was impossible for him to tell just exactly who was who.

"You have been sleeping for long enough brother," one said, who he was pretty sure was Elladan. "It is time to get up."

"Yes," the other agreed, as he pulled back the covers from Estel's legs, "We can't possible allow you to continue in this unhealthy manner any longer."

"I hate you both," Estel mumbled as he snatched his pillow back and crashed once more into his bed. Why couldn't the rain have just killed him?

His brothers would have nothing of it. "Now, Estel," Elladan said, speaking to his brother like one would a small child. "You wound us deeply by saying such things," he said as he tried to pry the pillow away from his youngest brother, while his twin held the floundering human. "Besides it is unhealthy for anyone to sleep as much as you do," he finished, smiling as his elvish strength prevailed and the human's hands relinquished the pillow.

"Yes," an identical voice from behind Estel agreed, "We thought only hibernating animals slept as much as you do, and they only do it in the winter."

Estel squirmed away and then fell facedown on to his mattress. "Animals do it at other times too," Estel mumbled, though because he was indeed face down the only thing they heard was 'do it.'

The twins looked at one another and then snickered evilly as they heaved their brother up. "Yes, Estel," Elrohir sniggered, "Animals do, 'do it,' but why don't you take that subject up with Ada. He is must more qualified to talk about such things than we are."

"I'm not exactly sure about that," a voice by the door said. Three sets of grey eyes rounded on a smiling Legolas, who had, until this time, managed to remain quiet. "I think you two know more about those kinds of things than any of us here." Both twins look at one another, black eyebrows raised.

"Yes, well if we did we wouldn't tell you about it, now would we little prince?" Elladan scoffed nastily, while Legolas' eyes narrowed at the nickname.

"Yes, wouldn't want to dirty your innocent ears," Elrohir agreed, "Mind you, I think it is you who should be talking. I distinctly remember an incident with a certain she-elf … oh, what was her name brother?" Elrohir asked his twin coyly.

"Hmm," Elladan said, faking confusion that fooled nobody. "I not quite sure but I do believe the name Linnadhiel rings a bell," Elladan said with a smirk. Legolas glared at them; however, not even Estel in his sleepy state would have missed the faint tinge of red that appeared on the prince's cheeks and ears.

"That was once," Legolas said, his fair face taking on the color of a rose, "You walked in on that once."

"Sure it was," the equal sounding voices snickered. Estel, seeing the opportunity, fell back against his covers. However, his attempt to fall asleep was thwarted by his brothers.

"Don't think we've forgot about you," Elrohir said as he leaned over his human brother.

"Yes, little hibernating animal, it's spring. You can't go to sleep now!" Elladan said in an annoying tone.

"Yes," Elrohir agreed and then in a sing song voice added, "You must now frolic and play!" Both twins took an arm of their human brother and heaved him once more to a sitting position on the bed.

"Argh," Estel moaned. "I concede, you win; I'm awake," he grumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Excellent!" Elrohir said; he and Elladan jumped off their brother's bed. Estel followed them, though in much slower fashion. "You're just in time to help us with a little fun we have been planning," Elrohir added a beaming smile mangling his features.

"Fun?" Estel questioned, as he looked at the clothing that had been laid out for him with a grimace. When the twins normally mentioned fun, it meaning differed greatly from the traditionally meaning. In fact it had two meanings, one: a humorous prank done to either a poor unsuspecting sap or one of two prestigious and rather easily offended advisors, or two: a humiliating ordeal done solely to cause one of previously mentioned persons to flee from Imladris and to the sea as fast as was technically possible. (The latter had been their father's definition.) Yes, Estel was very familiar with the twin's pranks, having been a number two on many previous occasions. But since the twins had mentioned their plan to him meant only one thing.

"Who are we going after this time, Glorfindel or Erestor?" he asked wearily as he put on his leggings.

"How kind of you to cut to the chase Estel," Elladan commended, "We were wondering when you'd ask about that."

"After all," Elrohir added, "Would there be any other reason for us to wake you at precisely nine o' seven?"

"Or really, would we even want to associate with our mere mortal brother, who has been gone for so long," Elladan said his grey eyes twinkling.

"And?" Estel asked as he reached for his tunic, his voice slightly exasperated.

"Well," Elrohir began, "We had planned this for a couple days previous, but because of recent developments we decided to wait."

"Developments? You never wait on a prank. I remember when I was five, you were so full of arrow holes that you looked like Swiss cheese and Elladan could barely move because he had nearly been cleaved in half, yet you still managed to steal all of Glorfindel's robes, save a lurid neon pink one. Why did you wait this time?" Estel asked.

The twins didn't answer him outright. "Such a fond memory," Elladan sighed, with a dreamily gleam in his eyes. Then he nudged his twin, "You remember? He was found by that she-elf he fancied."

"Yes, couldn't look her in the face for weeks," Elrohir agreed.

"Turn almost the color of the robes every time he saw her," Elladan finished, a wicked smile finding its way onto his face.

"I hate to bring your reminiscing to a halt, but I still would like to know why you waited for this prank," Estel said folding his arms over his chest.

Both twin's smiles melted from their faces, and when Elrohir turned back to Estel there was less mirth in his eyes. "Because we need an opportune moment and the feast tonight is perfect," Elrohir said, the look was gone from his face, but his eyes were still frosty. "You will enjoy this prank brother. It will make up for all of the boring lessons you had to deal with during you childhood years."

"Who?" Estel asked wearily. The twins were right in one respect, lessons with Glorfindel and Erestor had been bad.

"Erestor and Glorfindel," Elladan responded proudly.

"Both?" Estel choked. He from one twin to the next, wondering if they'd taken a complete leave of their senses; only someone of that level of lunacy would go after the both twin's targets. Lord Glorfindel was the most feared warrior in all of the elvish realms. He was exceedingly tall and strong and ever since Estel had been little, he had looked up to the warrior who had chased away orcs, as well as the occasional nightmare. As for Erestor, though he wasn't tall, as the twins and Legolas were both a good head taller than him; he could still be incredibly dangerous. Estel remembered the time he had accidentally spilled ink over a few rather important documents. It had taken him weeks to actually walk around without holding on to his father.

"It wouldn't be complete without both of them," the elder twin responded. Estel sighed.

"What does it involve?" Estel asked trying to sound weary, however he was growing more entranced than he meant to.

Both twins looked at each other, "We can't tell you unless you promise to help us."

"Why?" Estel asked suspiciously, "Did Legolas agree?"

All three dark heads turned once again to the only blond in the room. Legolas met their gazes evenly. "It's a good prank, and for recent events they do deserve it," Legolas said. He had the same dark, dangerous look in his eyes as the twins did and Estel thought look out of place on the normally benevolent prince's face.

It made him wonder what exactly these "recent events" were, but he held his tongue. "Okay, I agree. Now tell me what you are going to do." Both of the twins grinned evilly and began to unveil their plan which fitted all of the rules. It was sheer brilliance and when it was complete the two elf lords would surely be considering taking the fastest boat to the Undying Lands.


He would kill Glorfindel, Erestor decided rather morbidly as he walked down the hallway, an innumerable number of books balanced precariously in his arms. Painfully and slowly, that's how he would do it. Probably with one of the books that the stupid, reborn elf had left in the council room and that he now had to carry back to the library. No, he thought again, that would be an insult to the poor book.

Erestor had just gotten out of council with Elrond and the previously mentioned elf. 'Gotten out' had been the key word in that sentence. Erestor, being a poised and controlled elf lord, had never completely lost his cool in front of his lord during any formal meeting or at any other time. But that damn blond elf was pushing it.

It wasn't that he completely disliked Glorfindel, in fact the two had formed a rather close friendship over the past couple centuries. Save a couple or so mishaps, where they had been vying for each others blood, and they got along remarkably well; except during one time, council.

Glorfindel was completely infuriating and disagreeable during council meetings. On most normal days Erestor was able to brush off the annoyance and anger that rose up in him. However, today Erestor had to control himself, on more than one occasion, he had seriously contemplated reaching across the table and throttling the other advisor.

Erestor blamed it all on stress and lack of sleep. He was Lord Elrond's chief advisor and he was very busy…or at least that was his reasoning. And it wasn't far from the truth. He had to make sure that deadlines were met, that trade and business dealing went well, and that their envoys didn't offend anyone important or get killed. And he had to do it all on a small amount of rest. Because all of the previously mentioned things, plus the nights he had spent with Glorfindel, coming up with a decent prank to play on the twins, the advisor had probably only gotten about two hours of sleep in the past week and relished the time he would make it up.

But right now he had letters to write, laws to consider and people to find; the first of which being Elrond's sons. The said mentioned elves had avoided him rather cunningly all morning. He knew that they were up to something for the only time they weren't was when they were near death or bedridden, and even then they were still lethal little fiends. It was to be expected, after what he and Glorfindel had done to them and the Prince of Mirkwood. Well, he thought to himself, the best place to find them was in Estel's room. The boy had just gotten home the night before, and he knew the twins and prince wouldn't miss a chance to involve their brother and friend in on the plans. Erestor had just turned the corner where Estel's room was when he heard a very familiar voice.

"So we're set," he heard Elladan say. Suddenly the door in front of him opened and four being's exited Estel's room. Set? He wondered silently, What do they mean by set!? His next comment, however he voiced.

"'Set?'" he questioned. His eyebrow quirking as he watched as the four pivoted towards him. When they saw him, two raised their chins, one averted his eyes and another paled.

Erestor shifted the books in his arms. Yes, he was sure that the twins and Legolas had told Estel about the incident or at least gotten him involved in a plan to bring about his doom. Erestor raised himself to his full height and allowed his appearance, crisp black robes and all, to command attention.

"Good morning Lord Erestor," Elladan said, giving a little flourishing with his hand. "Where have you been this fine morning?"

"Good morning Elladan," Erestor greeted, looking around in a rather paranoid fashion for anything that could prove hazardous. "I have been in a meeting with your father. And what have you been doing?"

"Waking our dear brother of course, then we had all planned to go and get some breakfast," Elrohir said as he placed a hand on Estel's shoulder.

"Oh, is that so Estel?" Erestor said, directing his most penetrating glare at the mortal boy.

Estel visibly paled and Erestor's eyes narrowed. Even though the boy had about twenty years experience of his glare, Estel had never got completely used to it. "Yes, we were getting 'set' to go get breakfast," Estel finished though his face still lacked color.

Erestor smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Well then, I won't keep you." He side stepped them and allowed them to pass.

"A pleasant rest of your morning, Lord Erestor," the Prince of Mirkwood said.

Erestor eyed at the quartet suspiciously as they left. They were being good, too good. He shuddered slightly, and then continued down the hallway, trying to shake the feeling he was getting.

It wasn't like he was paranoid or anything; Erestor found that 'cautious' was a much better word. Ever since Elrond's sons had been born, he had always had to be on his toes, literally. He'd learned early on that any already opened door was hazardous and any gift from the twins should be thought to contain a sleeping potion, an itching powder, or both. Yes, Erestor had adapted well, and he could usually read the events that would take place. And this day there had been a guilty look on Estel's face. If there was one thing Erestor had learned from teaching Estel, it was that the boy couldn't lie for the life of him. Something was going on, and Erestor was going to figure it out.

Of course he would need help, so instead of taking the hallway to the library he took the staircase down to Glorfindel's rooms. If something was going to happen, it was better to have two heads rather than one. And though Glorfindel made a poor advisor, he was a skilled prankster. After all, the first of the twin's pranks had been his 'brilliant' ideas. Erestor burst through the door, completely forgetting or purposely not knocking, he didn't know which.

Glorfindel was sitting at his desk, and looked rather perplexed to see the normally poised advisor so disgruntled. "May I help you, Erestor?" Glorfindel asked in a confused, but dignified way. Erestor noted how the roles had suddenly reversed.

"I want you to know that this is your fault," Erestor announced angrily, slamming the large stack of books down on the other advisors' desk, suddenly feeling the need to get very angry with the blond in front of him.

Glorfindel looked at him as though he had taken a complete leave of his senses, "My fault?" he asked, and then he spotted the extensive pile of books that had been slammed rather forcefully onto his desk. "Oh, the books! I am sorry about those. I completely forgot them," Glorfindel apologized, hoping to placate the rage that was building inside the smaller advisor. "…I'll put them back…" he offered in a way that would seem timid had their not been a sparkle of defiance in his eyes. He had no idea why the other elf was angry, after all they were only a few books. Regardless, he was finding the whole situation rather amusing.

Erestor thankfully took no notice of Glorfindel's defiance. "Not the books!" Erestor fumed throwing his hands up. "Though," he added as though Glorfindel's words had given him an idea, "I still have half a mind to clobber you over the head with one!" Erestor threatened, holding a large book, Predicting the Rise of Men, in his hand, as though to prove that he had truly been considering it. Glorfindel nodded, wide-eyed… it had apparently been a bad idea to mention the books…

"Then what is my fault? What did I do?" Glorfindel asked, trying once more to mollify the other advisor. The situation was going from amusing to mild panic a little faster than he would have liked.

"Oh!" Erestor seethed, "It was you who taught them all of those stupid childhood pranks. Like putting cans of paint on top of doors. I want you know that it was annoying and created chaos. It was also expensive and caused me a great deal of trouble. That paint, which you so kindly stole from the painters who were painting Lady Arwen's bedroom, took hours to mix and then when we mixed more it wasn't the right color and we had to do it two more times to the get the right coloring. Then, the artists accused me of cheating them out of money, and …you'd better not start laughing!" Erestor said pointing a shaking finger at his friend.

"Erestor," Glorfindel began, looking like he was trying very hard not to laugh. "Don't you think you're overreacting?" Glorfindel soon learned that those had been the wrong words to use.

Erestor shoved the books off the table. They hit the floor with a lot of loud thumps and that sound was followed by Erestor, who slammed his hands on Glorfindel's desk. "No! I AM NOT OVERREACTING! The twins and Legolas are planning something and now they have brought Estel in with them! I have a feast to plan tonight and now I am going to have to watch my every step because you swayed me into that stupid prank on the twins and Legolas! And I'm going to die an early death! And it's all your fault!"

"If I remember correctly," Glorfindel said, getting to his feet and raising his voice slightly so he could be heard, "You wholeheartedly agreed with me. I believe your exact words were, and I quote, 'I think it is time to show them their place.'"

Erestor wasn't intimidated by Glorfindel's gargantuan height or his raised voice. It seemed the small advisor's temper won out over the logic that his head barely came to Glorfindel's chin. "That was before! And now I say that we are going to have to watch our steps very carefully, because they're planning something to get back at us…to get back at you!" Erestor shouted, pointing a finger at Glorfindel's chest.

Glorfindel looked down at the offending appendage and then sat back down and brought his hands to his head. "How do you know that?" Glorfindel asked, a hand reaching up to massage his temples. "It's not like them to tell someone that they are going prank another."

"Because they've shown the symptoms; they're acting far too good-"

"-Maybe, but tonight's the feast. I doubt they're going to do anything to disturb that," Glorfindel reasoned. Erestor shook his hand, As if that would stop them, he thought savagely. Here he had been so busy with the plans and those little monsters were going to ruin it all!

Glorfindel looked at him, "I understand your anger, my friend. But I can't help but feel happy that they are finally returning to their old selves. And," the blond added, "I distinctly remember a time a century or two ago when you mentioned that you wished they would pull a prank on us."

Erestor glared at the other and was about to argue that fact, when he realized Glorfindel was right. He sighed and let some of his anger melting away, although he liked these times much better, he wished he had enjoyed the silence while it had lasted.

Erestor remembered when feasting and pranks had been halted. How could he forget that time? All of Rivendell had mourned. About a century or so ago, Elrond and his house had had faced the greatest tragedy they ever had and ever would. It began when Elrond's wife, Celebrian, had been captured and tortured by orcs, and was finalized when she had set sail to the Undying Lands.

Because of that instance, both the twins and Elrond had take turns for the worst. The twins, who had been the laughter and life of Rivendell, became older and the mischievous sparkle left their eyes. They sought to deal out their anger on the foe that had taken their mother from them: orcs. Erestor remembered when he could no longer count the number of times the twins had set out on some crusade in an attempt to slay every orc that they found; nor could he count the number of times they had returned home, emotionally as well as physically destroyed from travel and failure to attain their goal.

Erestor recalled one previous incident, it had been snowing heavily, and the twins had been gone for nearly a week. Elrond, as well as the rest of Rivendell, had begun to grow worried especially when word reached him that the twins had missed their stopping point. So to calm his, as well as Elrond's nerves, Glorfindel offered to go and find them, or really bring them home. The blond advisor left early in the morning, and the valley waited for his return. He didn't come back.

Elrond then sent out two parties to find both his sons and advisor. They came back at dusk two days later. At their lead stood Glorfindel, drenched in blood with his golden hair disheveled and mussed. Though his advisor's appearance scared Elrond, nothing came close to his fear when he found out that none of the blood belonged to the blond. It belonged, he found, to the two beings that were draped over Glorfindel's horses back like old robes.

That incident had served as a shocking realization of just how foolish the twin's attempts at revenge were. For the next year, while they recovered, Elrond had refused to let them leave the grounds of Rivendell. For awhile they were not even permitted to go outside of the home. But being the young and foolish elves they were, these rules were broken. The twins set out once again, though they went less often.

As for Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor had been worried that the incident would cause their friend and lord to prematurely sail to the Undying Lands. Elrond love for his wife had been the material of legend and myth, and her sailing brought a dark haze of pain and sorrow over the beautiful sanctuary of Rivendell. With his sons risking their lives on a daily basis, and his daughter too grieved to return home, the inhabitants of Rivendell thought that it would be the end of their lord. But Elrond was apparently made of stronger stuff, because after grieving for only a short time, he once more threw himself into his work. Only this time, he delved farther in. He set up new defenses and perimeters. He focused solely on his work, not allowing himself to feel or think.

Erestor and Glorfindel soon forgot their old friend, the one who laughed and joked, who was merry and so filled with mirth that it infected all around him. However, one stormy and dreary night that had all changed.

The twins had left earlier that day on yet another of their escapades. These orc hunts had become less frequent but the twins were gone longer. That was why all of Rivendell was very surprised when they returned that night, Elladan holding a half-dead women and Elrohir a small child. It was soon found that the woman was Gilraen who was wife of Arathorn, Chieftain of the Dúnedain, and the small child was his only heir, their child Aragorn.

It had been Elrond who had given him his name, 'Estel': hope. The hope of men, and hope for Elrond and his family. The Last Homely House had not experience the life of a child in many years, especially one as young as Estel was. This child was what drug Elrond away from his tyrannical work and the twins from suicidal missions. It was Estel that brought Rivendell back to being a place of laughter and life. He had brought Elrond and his sons back from the brink of their despair.

Of course, it wasn't only those three who were affected by Estel; everyone took a part in the young one's life. Glorfindel and Erestor taught him everything he would need to know when he became king; truthfully, he was raised by elves to be an elf. Estel had been treated by Elrond like a son. As Elrond had put it, Estel was his son in everyway that mattered and to the twins he was their little brother.

But when he got older, he realized he was not the same as he brothers. As a child, he'd thought the only reason he could keep up with them was because they were much larger and older. But when he was full-grown, and nearly as tall as the twins, it puzzled him why he wasn't as strong as his brothers.

It had been then that Elrond had told him of his true heritage and his destiny as the King of Men. Erestor remembered that incident as well for Estel, so confused and hurt by the recollection, had runaway. Elrond as well as his sons and Legolas, who had been visiting, had wanted to go after him. However, a terrible snow storm confined them to the house. The three days they were holed up inside the warm haven reminded Erestor very much of the time when they had waited for news of Celebrian.

When the roads had cleared enough for them to travel it only took them a day to find Estel. They found him weakened and ill from the storm. Upon first glance, Elrond had been sure the human had frozen to death. Erestor shook his head mentally; the young one's recklessness had nearly killed his father and brothers. After, that day Elrond had shown Estel a family tree which showed Elrond's family and Elros' family. He had proven to his foster son that they were indeed family and that no matter what, Estel would always been his son.

"Perhaps," Erestor said slowly, looking at his friend. "You might be right, mellon-nin."

"I am usually right, Erestor," Glorfindel reminded him cheekily.

Erestor glared at the other advisor, "Put the damn books back, stupid Vanya," he said and without another word he turned and left Glorfindel standing in a pile of books.


Elrond was absolutely swamped with work. Where was Erestor when he needed him? He shook his head and stared in dismay at the papers on his desk. They reminded him of rabbits; they kept multiplying. Perhaps that's why there's no such thing as rabbit season, he pondered. Looking back on that previous thought, Elrond decided he would tell no one about it. After all, there were very few sane elf-lords who made analogies between paperwork and rabbits.

Elrond had been working for the past three weeks straight, yet he never seemed to make a dent in his work. He sighed and tiredly reached into the mass of white and pulled out a report. It was written by the patrol for the valley; he recognized his mortal son's hasty handwriting and began to read the report.

"It rained today. It rained yesterday, and it will probably rain tomorrow, just to spite us …" Elrond shook his head, a small smile creeping onto his face. So very much was it like Estel not to write down what they did or who they encountered, but to talk about the bad weather. "…I don't know what I did to deserve this; I always thought I was the good son. But apparently I was wrong." Elrond actually laughed aloud as he read that passage.

"My, my, Estel it's seems that all you did on this trip was complain or question my love for you," he said to no one in particular. He continued to read the report which consisted of many more description of the weather (which he noted, grew steadily worse) and finally ended with a brief description that said they had encountered no one. Elrond smiled broadly, leave it to his son to write a lovely long letter of which only a sentence would be of interest to him. Elrond sighed, and then wrote down what Estel's final statement had said in his patrol log. He had only just finished, when there was a knock on the door.

"Enter," he said as he put down the log book. He smiled as Captain Ainion entered the room, "Ah yes captain, Glorfindel said you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, my lord," the captain said, "I have received information from our western boundaries that a small band of orcs has been sighted. I want to request permission to take a troop and go investigate this."

Elrond nodded to the captain, "You have my permission. Though I am confused why Glorfindel sent you to ask me this. I was under the impression he is suppose to be in control of our forces," Elrond asked, his eyebrow quirking slightly.

"I do not know, my lord," the captain said, "I did originally go to Lord Glorfindel, but he told me to ask you."

Elrond pondered this for a moment. "I am not sure, captain. I shall talk with him later. Is there anything else you need?"

"No, my lord."

"Very well then," Elrond said, nodding his head to the captain, who swept him a bow and then exited his office.

Elrond stood up, stretching out. This recent event puzzled him. Why would Glorfindel send the captain to ask this of him? Elrond sighed, and stored the question in the back of his mind. He would ask the military advisor later, perhaps at the feast. Elrond smiled at the thought of the upcoming celebrations. When his children had been younger, they had enjoyed this feast tremendously. It used to give him joy to watch their faces become lit with smiles and laughs as they watched the hallways and the great hall be decked and decorated with leaves and flowers. Their favorite, however, has always been when the candles were lit and sent in little boats on the river. He remembered the one time that Elladan had tried to swim after them.

The little one had been very young at the time, and he had somehow managed to get away from Celebrian and him. When they had finally found him again, he had been struggling in the water. Glorfindel had had to jump into the water and retrieved the little one.

Elrond smiled, at the memory of Glorfindel, drenched in water, his normally perfectly groomed hair mussed and dripping, and his elegant robes saturated with water. Glorfindel had deposited the child in his arms, and then after making sure he would be alright, had hastily dashed off to find another suitable garment.

Elrond had always remembered that memory fondly. Elladan and Elrohir had always been curious little ones and Estel seemed to carry that trait as well. It must have something to do with Rivendell, Elrond reasoned. Speaking of his sons ... Elrond moved for the door and then exited his study.

He needed to speak with his sons. It had been something that Erestor had mentioned to him earlier, something about "certain death and humiliation." Elrond sighed, if there was one thing he knew, it was that when anyone mentioned a prank, especially when he sons were the perpetrators of such a prank, it would be a messy ordeal … and would most likely involve his three sons, perhaps the Prince of Mirkwood, and his two advisors. Then of course there would be blood, death, mass destruction and … oh yes, humiliation.

Elrond counted himself among the blessed rulers of Arda. If he had had any other advisors other that Erestor and Glorfindel, he was sure that he would go through them by the day. But Erestor and Glorfindel were different. When they were pranked, they tended to react in a way that most other advisors would find atrocious; they pranked back.

There was currently was a war going on between the two groups, with Elrond, as usual, stuck in the middle; his least favorite place to be.

Elrond had just crossed the gardens and was about to climb the stone steps when he saw three flashes of black and one of gold. Finally, Elrond thought to himself hurrying to catch up with his sons. It was then that he noticed the furtive way they were moving. Oh no…his mind said, not today! Elrond rushed quickly to catch up with them. When he did he found them standing near many of the floral decorations. They were all in deep conversation when Elrond approached them. "Good morning," Elrond called, deciding to wait and see how they reacted to his appearance. As expected the four jumped rather noticeably.

After the gathered four realized their mistake, a chorus of, "Good morning, Ada" and one "Good morning, Lord Elrond," resounded from the guilt party. Elrond smiled at them, and then notice a box hidden behind Elladan's back.

"Are you hiding something?" he asked his eldest in a playful way, but really he dreaded what it could be. He distinctly remembered an incident when the Estel had been only a couple years old. (X)

Elladan looked innocently at his father, "No father," he said, the box suddenly seemed to disappear. "What ever made you think that?"

"Elladan," Elrond began a bit of a warning in his voice. "May I see that box, please?"

Elladan sighed, and then produced a box. Elrond took the box from his sons' hands and opened it. It was a vial, and with one sniff of the contents he knew exactly what it was. "Clever," he articulated, trying to suppress a sneezing as the vials contents affected him. "And while this would have been amusing to see some poor unsuspecting advisor receive this, I quite glad it was me instead." Elrond turned a reproachful, and watering, eye on his sons and their friend.

All of the boys had the decency to look ashamed of themselves, even though Elrond knew it was all for show. "Really, aren't you all getting a little old for this?" Elrond asked, shaking the box slightly.

"You're absolutely right, Ada," Elladan affirmed. Elrond nearly fell over when he heard that. What had his eldest just said? "We definitely need to up our game, pepper was an elfling prank. We need better tricks."

So much for thinking he had grown up… "Elladan you know what I mean. And I expect all of you to be on your best behavior tonight. We have a group visiting from Lorien and the last thing I need them to tell your grandparents is that you pulled some prank on my advisors…again. Do I make myself clear," Elrond inquired sternly giving them all a look that would have frozen an iceberg.

"Yes, Ada. And we won't pull any pranks during the feast," Elrohir said. Finally, Elrond sighed, One of them is growing up. "But," the twin added, an impish smile on his face, "After is fair game."

"Oh!" Elrond said, throwing his hands up and leaving them. They would never, ever grow up!


"Is he out of sight?" Elrohir asked Legolas, the dark haired elf still had the fiendish smile on his face. The blond craned his head slightly, listening for the Lord of Rivendell.

"Yes," the blond answered finally, "He's out of hearing distance, and these trees will protect us from his eyes."

Elladan looked at his brothers and friend, "That was close," he said, they all nodded, fervently agreeing.

"Thank the gods that Legolas heard him approaching, and you had enough time to switch it," Estel agreed, as Elladan pulled another box out of his sleeve.

"Yes," the twin agreed reverently.

Estel looked at his brother. "What was the powder for anyway?"

Both twins smiled broadly. "It was for you," Elrohir replied, "If you, little brother, had decided not to help us," the twin said with a wink.

"Lucky me," Estel said gloomily.

"Enough," Elladan said, "We can be thankful that's all Ada found. Imagine if he found this. After the time it took make the damn stuff, it would have been a pity if it had been confiscated." The 'stuff' he was referring to was a vial very similar to the other. It will filled with a dark blue, nearly black liquid.

"Are you sure this is safe? I mean Lord Erestor is known to be…" Legolas seemed lost for words.

"Insane?" both twins supplied at once. "No," Elladan continued, "It's not safe, but it's going to be worth the risk."

The quartet laughed merrily. "Well, we now have half of our prank; we just need the other half," Elrohir said, "Into the forest!" With that the group began to march towards the woods. When they were about halfway there, Legolas spoke up.

"Elladan, when will we set this up?" Legolas asked.

"During the feast of course," Elladan replied, "It will have to be then because that's the only time we can be sure they won't be in their rooms."

"Who, then, will set it up, surely someone will notice if we leave early?" Legolas asked.

"It will be Estel who sets it up, for he is the only one who wouldn't be suspected when he leaves the feast earlier," Elrohir replied.

"Aha!" Elladan said, dropping down and grabbing a handful of a certain weed, he pulled it up to reveal a root. "Here it is!" The other's crowded around and all gazed at the stubby little plant.

"Careful!" Elrohir warned, as Estel reached out for the root with a rag.

"Yes," Elladan agreed. "We're going to need it all to pull this off!"

The quartet made their way back to the main house, and they had almost sneaked inside when a familiar voice caught their ears.

"My lords," all four turned to see a young she-elf standing there. She was beautiful, as were all elves. She has hair like copper and eyes like rain. She was dressed in a loose fitting gown of pale blue which was stretched tight in the front, showing were a babe was growing.

"Alassiel!" Elladan said, he and Elrohir rushed forward like two little elflings and embraced the she-elf. "How are you mellon-nin?"

"Well, good, and yourselves?" she asked gently, and then a sparkle came to her eyes. "Why are you acting so furtive, are you planning something?"

"Never could fool you," Elladan agreed, "And this little one?" he asked, placing a hand on her front.

"Due in a few short months," Alassiel said, "Maeron and I think he will be a boy."

"What about two?" Elrohir asked playfully.

"Nay! I'm no fool. I would never wish two of you on anyone, much less myself!" Alassiel said laughing. The twins joined her laughter, they had just ceased when Legolas and Estel joined them.

Elladan introduced them. "Estel, Legolas this is a dear friend of our sister's and of ours. Alassiel, this is our friend Legolas Greenleaf, and our younger brother Estel," Alassiel eyes widened slightly when Estel was mentioned.

"Well met," Alassiel said inclining her head to both. Her eye fell on Legolas for a few moments before she tentatively asked, "Prince Legolas?"

"I am he," Legolas replied.

"Again I say, well met. And you Estel," Alassiel said smiling at the mortal, "Have your brothers been good to you these past years? Knowing them they will have taught you many things, though not all for the better," Alassiel said looking at the twins with a knowing smile.

"I have learned much from them," Estel said ambiguously, then he added. "Sometimes more than I wanted to know."

Alassiel laughed cheerfully. "Perhaps I should wait 'till my little one is older to bring him back. I'd never get any rest if they taught him any of their little tricks!" Alassiel laughed and while she did so she patted her round belly.

"That is true lady," Legolas said, both of Lord Elrond's sons glared at him. "Instead come to Mirkwood. The child will learn more there than here."
"I'd watch it Greenleaf," Elrohir challenged. "Or I might have to hurt you, and imagine the mess that would cause between our lands!"

"It would be more than even the Lady of the Golden Wood could handle," a sixth voice said, joining the others. The others turned to see a tall and powerfully built elf. He was dressed in the outfit of the guard of Lorien and his hair was a dark brown and his eyes an intelligent grey.

"Captain Maeron!" Elladan exclaimed, and then he embraced the other. "Well met! We were just speaking with your wife, reminiscing about old times."

"Then perhaps you can convince her to stay here another couple of nights," Maeron began, he paused to look at his wife. The pause was soon filled by Elrohir's voice.

"Stay?" Elrohir questioned looking at Alassiel questioningly.

"I am returning to Lorien in a tomorrow," Alassiel confirmed. "Don't look so put out Elladan," she said, a gentle smile gracing her face.

"You aren't staying?" Elladan asked dumbfound, "Surely you didn't come all this way just to stay a day!"

"I'm afraid I did," Alassiel stated, "Maeron has been away for a long time and when I heard he would stop here I wanted to see him," Alassiel explained. "I had no idea that tonight was a feast, but your father invited me to stay anyway."

"Well of course he did! You're practically family and anyway he'd never send a woman in your condition away without feeding and medically testing her for ever known ailment," Elrohir agreed.

"True. Anyway, it was generous of him," Alassiel agreed. "Do thank him again for me?"

"Of course," Elladan acquiesced. "Maeron, what about you? How long is your stay?"

"I also leave tomorrow, though I'm not heading back to Lorien. I have one more mission to go on before I can take my leave for the baby," Maeron said.

"Yes, Alassiel said he was due in a couple months," Elladan agreed.

Maeron eyes brightened by Elladan mentioned the baby's sex. "Ah, have you finally agreed the baby was a he?" Maeron asked triumphantly.

"Yes," Alassiel said, "Because a found the perfect name for him! Faeron; it means spirit, do you like it?" Alassiel asked eagerly.

Maeron's expression was one of complete astonishment and it took him awhile to find his voice. "It's … lovely dear," he finally managed. Alassiel smiled, and while her back was turned Maeron looked at Elrohir and said very quietly. "She's been picking out some of the strangest names. When she thought it was a girl she wanted to name her Anariel!"

Elrohir smiled and nodded. "I don't know, I rather like it," he said teasingly

"Like what?" Alassiel asked.

"The…name you've chosen…it's very lovely…in a male sense," Elrohir said as he stumbled over his own tongue.

"I think so too," Alassiel approved. "It's one of the first names that Maeron has finally agreed on."

Maeron finally seemed to find his voice. "Now dear, I said I liked it, but I don't know if it's right," he began. "What I mean is we'll have to see the baby first," He said hastily as his wife's face began to crumble.

"That is true," Alassiel agreed. "Well anyway, I suppose we should let you go, you looked rather busy when I stumbled upon you," Alassiel said with a wink. "I'll see you at the feast tonight." Then with Maeron's arm around her shoulders, the pair headed back into the gardens.

The group watched them walk off for a few seconds. "Now," Elladan said rubbing his hands, "Where were we?"

"The present," Estel said slyly.

"Ah yes!" Elladan exclaimed and then he pressed a hand to his forehead. "How could I have forgotten?"

"So who wants to distract him?" the other twins asked casually as if this was completely normal.

"That's my job," Estel smirked, a fiendish smiles lighting up his face.

"Well, let's go we really must deliver Erestor 'present' early," Legolas said with a taunting smile, "After all it's unfair to keep him waiting." And with that the quartet set off towards the Last Homely Home, identical grins on each of their faces.


What are they going to do to Erestor and Glorfindel? Will somebody stop them? Will Erestor go mad? You're going to have to review to find out!

BTW my interpretation of Erestor in this chapter is him on zero hours of sleep and completely neurotic. So if you think I've completely misjudged him, I promise he will not be like this once he gets sleeps, he's told me so. nods head insistently

(X) This is in my other story Of Warriors Long Ago

Kuramagal