Summary: Estel and Legolas go off in search of the simple things.
Disclaimer: I do not own them, lest they be covered in drool
A/N: This fic would take place in 2991 of the third age, other than the ages in the fic, it is AU. Any reviews are welcome, flames shall keep me warm
Chapter 1
It was another gorgeous day in Imladris. Elrond Peredhil, the Lord of Imladris, stood on his balcony and watched the sun rise over the valley. He basked in what he thought of as pure bliss, that being the rare silent moments. There was no one hounding him for a signature or asking his advice on a neighboring town.
It would not be long, he realized, before his sons returned, and the golden silence he was treasuring would die away with their endless pranks. It would be a good festival, though, for he had written to all the elven realms and even to Gondor and Rohan. They would all be joining them. Elrond did not always agree with the choices that Denethor and Theoden made, but he was willing to put that side for a couple days so that Estel could enjoy the company of men.
Elrond had to chuckle at himself, for he still thought of Estel as a child even though he was sixty human years. Where had the years gone? How had his little Estel grown so quickly? It seemed only yesterday that he was chasing after the twins, who would climb trees to get away. This was no longer any hindrance to Estel, as he could climb a tree as if he were an elf. Elrond had to shake his head before he came lost again in his memories. There was work to be done and rooms to prepare. His sons would arrive by nightfall, no doubt one or all of them bleeding.
Elladan and his brothers rode through the pass and were nearly home. They had been out hunting for the feasts, and now their horses were laden down with many deer. Estel had even received rare praise from Elladan for his archery skills. Many times the twins had joked that Estel would be a great swordsman, but not so great with a bow. There, he was better than the average man, being raised by elves, but his brothers' speed firing off one after another arrow, Estel could not match.
"I am ready to be home." Elrohir said, trying to work the kinks out of his back. "I wish to see Ada, as well, and let us not forget we shall have decent food for a change."
"It is not my fault the rabbit burned last night. If you two hadn't jumped from behind the tree trying to scare me, I would not have knocked it into the fire!" Estel yelled back at them.
"Peace, Estel. I was merely saying dinner was a bit overcooked and that I haven't heard a yelp like that since Arwen found the snake in her bed."
"I do not sound like a she elf, and you will pay for that, Ro."
Taking off, Elrohir dodged the swipe Estel tried. Sending his horse into a full gallop, Elrohir looked back to see a very determined Estel hot on his heels. As Elrohir went around the bend, he had to pull up hard on the reins to avoid the blond elf standing on the bridge. Estel, however, was not so lucky, and he only had the chance to yell out "Legolas!" before he went tumbling over the horse and into the water below.
Elladan, who had been riding behind them both, took off in a run down the hill to the water. Scanning all around he finally spotted Estel trying to stand, but falling back down each time. Elladan ran towards his brother to help him up, but Legolas reached him first.
"Estel, mellon nin, are you all right?"
Estel tried to answer, be he had swallowed a great deal of water. Choking and sputtering he finally spoke. "Legolas, so good to see you again."
Legolas laughed despite himself. "What a grand gesture of greeting you gave me. Now if you will excuse me, I must retrieve my heart which seems to have crawled into my throat." Estel chuckled at his friends' words, and then began to shiver from cold. Noticing right away, Elladan and Elrohir started feeling his head, and checking for any signs of injury.
Estel swatted their hands away. "I am fine, except for my ankle." This brought immediate attempts to look at it, at which Estel sneered. "Dan, Ro, Stop hovering over me like vultures. I am fine, and speak nothing of this to Ada."
"Estel, what about your ankle? What if you catch a cold from this?" Elrohir said, his voice laced with worry.
"The festival is in two days, and I shall not spend it cooped up in bed. I will be dry by the time we get home, and you will speak nothing of this to Ada!"
"Very well, Estel, now stop giving me that look. You know I relent every time you use it," Elladan exclaimed. Estel grinned, and let Elladan help him to his horse. Legolas, who had watched the whole discussion, laughed and told them of Mirkwood. It seemed Estel was right, because his hair and shirt were beginning to dry, and they still had another half mile to go before reaching the courtyard.
As they rode in they saw Elrond waiting for them. As they dismounted and their horses were led away, Elrond welcomed his sons back home. "Welcome, my sons, and it seems you, as well Legolas. Did you leave your father somewhere in the wilds surrounding Imladris?"
Legolas smiled. "Nay, Father saw my impatience and let me leave a day earlier. He sends his regards, and he will arrive tomorrow."
"This is good news and calls for a special dinner." Lord Elrond turned to head in.
Elladan had been about to give away Estel's little tumble, but he quickly changed his mind when Estel stomped on his foot. Sending his brother a glare, Elladan pulled him close. "I will not tell Ada unless you fall ill or your ankle troubles you more."
This satisfied Estel, and all went into the house to prepare for dinner.
