A Race Through the Forest
Summary: During Legolas's visit, Estel wants to horse-race Legolas through the woods of Rivendell. But as usual, the two friends run into trouble, realizing that nothing could ever break their friendship.
Disclaimer: Am I John Ronald Reuel Tolkien? Didn't think so.
Chapter 1- Arrival
"Legolas!"exclaimed the seventeen-year-old boy as his friend entered through the gates of Rivendell. Legolas smiled when he saw Estel running to meet him. Estel stood beside Legolas's horse, petting the stallion's neck.
"It is so good to see you! You have not been here since your father sent you to discuss what to do about the spiders near Mirkwood."
Legolas leapt gracefully down to the ground to stand beside his friend. "Aye, five years has been too long," Legolas replied. He then scanned the boy from head to toe, taking in his features.
"My Estel, you have grown quite a bit since last time! Why, you are nearly a tall as I am. Your hair has grown as well, and is that the makings of a beard you have there?" asked Legolas, pointing to Estel's face. Estel blushed slightly and ran a hand over his beard.
"Yes. But you must realize, my friend, that you have changed as well," replied Estel.
Legolas lifted an eyebrow and inquired, "Oh? And in what ways?" Estel took a step back to allow his friend's whole form into view.
"Well," Estel began, but could not seem to find any difference in Legolas, "well, I cannot point out anything specific, but you have changed in some way, because you do not look the same."
Legolas looked slightly confused at hearing this. "Maybe it is my garb?"
"Perhaps," answered Estel. "I am used to you wearing your green tunic. Maybe you look different because the blue tunic you are wearing now brings out the brightness of your blue orbs."
Legolas chuckled. "Well, my horse is tired from the journey, so may I show him to the stables?"
"I will take him. You can carry your things up to your chambers. Elladan and Elrohir will show you where they are," Estel said as he grasped the stallion's reins. Before they departed, Estel said, "Legolas, I think we should go on a ride through the surrounding forest tomorrow, don't you?"
"Yes, I would like that very much. If it is all right with Lord Elrond, of course," Legolas replied.
"I will ask him later," said Estel as he began to walk towards the stables. Legolas picked up his pack and was met by Elladan and Elrohir while Estel tended to Legolas's horse.
Legolas plopped down on his bed and sighed. He was weary from the ride to Rivendell all the way from Mirkwood. He was about to drift off into a peaceful rest when there came a knock at the door. "Come in," he said, still in a lying position. The door opened to reveal Elrond, Lord of Imaldris. Legolas rose quickly and bowed, "Lord Elrond."
Elrond nodded and then went and stood out on the balcony. "Estel tells me that you two wish to ride in the forest tomorrow," Elrond said, looking at the scenery he saw from the balcony.
"Yes," said Legolas as he stood up and stretched. He walked out to where Elrond was standing. "I told him that we would go, if you allowed us, that is."
Elrond then met Legolas's gaze, his eyes turning dark. "Legolas, I will allow you to go with Estel for a ride if you promise me one thing: that you will do your best to protect him if danger comes near. Estel is the the heir to the throne of Gondor, and he must face that fact someday. But in order to do so, he must live to actually see the day."
Legolas kept his blue eyes locked on Lord Elrond's brown ones. "I swear to you Lord Elrond, that I will protect him from any harm that crosses our path."
For a moment, the two Elves just looked at each other, but then Elrond broke the silence. "Well, get some rest Legolas Thranduillion. For tomorrow will be a long day." And with that, Elrond left the room.
Legolas sighed again, this time actually getting under the covers of his bed. He didn't bother to change out of his riding clothes, for sleep was all he was focused on. The son of Thranduil remembered an incident with the twins and Estel on a hunting trip five summers ago before sleep claimed him.
The smell of blood was in the air. Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas, and Estel were fighting bravely against many orcs. The orcs outnumbered the three Elves and human, but they fought valiantly nonetheless. By the looks of things, it seemed as though the Elves and human might win the small battle, but they were proved wrong when a pain-filled cry echoed though the forest.
Estel crumpled to the ground, knocked unconscious by the blow the foul creature had given him. The twins gave a war cry and felled any beast that came near them, but they did not realize that an orc was about to give Estel a death blow with his club.
Legolas ran at the creature, knocking them both to the ground. The raged orc staggered to his feet, but not quickly enough. Legolas quickly unsheathed his twin knives and drove both knives into the stomach of the orc, killing him instantly.
As the twins killed the remaining orcs, Legolas knelt at Estel's side. "Estel? Estel, can you hear me?" he asked, but there was no answer.
"I am sorry this happened. It is my fault, I should have been protecting you, for you are only twelve years of age. You will be all right," Legolas whispered to the unconscious boy in his arms.
"I will not let that happen again," Legolas told himself, the image of the unconscious boy still embedded in his mind. "I will not let him get so much as even a single scratch on his hand. I will not back down on my word to Lord Elrond; I will protect the King of Gondor with my life." And then Legolas fell into a deep sleep.
Well, what did you think? Good? Okay? Awful? Please review! And as for those of you who don't... (pulls out bow and arrow aiming at non-reviewers' heads)... well, you get the point.
