Author's Note: I hope the characters are staying true to themselves…. Whatever self they choose-fanfiction, movie, book…
Characters: Your favorite elves and human of course!
Plot: "But when Estel was only twenty years of age, it chanced that he returned to Rivendell after great deeds in the company of the sons of Elrond…" (Appendix A) A simple hunting trip with Legolas and his brothers results in more than Estel thought was possible…
THE BEGINNINGS OF HOPE (Chapter Two)
Master Elrond was sorely displeased at this display of childish behavior. "King Thurandil and I have finally agreed to let you take Estel on a month long hunting trip, and allow Legolas to stay over Yuletide season, and yet the first thing you do upon seeing each other is proceed to give the human a cold." They were all standing, sopping wet, in Elrond's study, after Estel had sneezed so violently that Legolas had immediately climbed a tree, looking for the threat. Estel supposed that was what happened when you lived under the Shadow in the East for so long, but it had still caused a fair amount of laughter. Elrond was brewing tea in the corner of the study, in order to treat the cold. "I trust Elladan and Elrohir as two of the best orc- fighters I have, and I trust Legolas and his skills as an archer completely, but it seems as though when the four of you meet, you insist on acting as young as possible."
"But Ada," Estel said reasonably. "Surely you realize that when it is important, we will not act in such a way. We have all been trained as warriors, but even fighters must take a break." Elrond smiled at the boy who had become a third son to him. "Yes, I trust you Estel, I just worry." Estel smiled.
Legolas stepped forward, most likely to soothe the worried father. "We have been on many such trips before, just never in the winter. And despite his human frailties, Estel is just as strong and sure as the rest of us, though a good deal younger." He could not resist making the last jab at Estel, who had always complained of his age when his was younger and 'Dan' and 'Ro' got to do all the fun things. Elrond sighed. "You are dismissed." The four left, the door closing behind them, but Elrond could still hear the sounds of a scuffle coming from the hallway.
Yuletide passed quickly, with the elven celebrations making the time speed up. Spring came, bright and clear, and all the animals began to emerge from their warm winter habitats. When the morning of the hunt dawned, Estel awoke with an excitement that reminded Elrond of the bouncing toddler who had arrived at his house a short eighteen years ago. He pushed away the surge of sadness that accompanied this memory—humans were so short lived. It had taken Elladan and Elrohir nearly a century of training before they were allowed out by themselves, but Elrond was forced to admit that Estel was and adult in the world of men. Upon seeing Elrond, Estel's expression changed from boyish excitement to the countenance of a seasoned warrior. Elrond smiled to himself at the change. His son, though a formidable warrior, was still not quite the adult he wanted to be, and Elrond hoped he would keep that elven light in his eyes.
On the other hand, it seemed his twin children still needed to grow up, considering they were still arguing over whose idea it was to throw mud at Estel as they skipped lightly down the stairs. Legolas entered from his guest room, and strapped his bow and arrow to his back. He rolled his eyes as the twins came in. "Truthfully, if you do not stop arguing I will throw you both off the nearest cliff I see!" he said with irritation in his voice. The twins both turned and glared haughtily at the prince. Estel stepped forward brightly. "I believe it is time to leave," he said. Both Legolas and the twins turned their glares towards him. Estel merely gazed back calmly—he had endured much worse from Elrond. Within the next few minutes, they were all mounted on their horses, and their saddlebags were all filled. Elrond was standing in the stable in order to see them off. "Make sure you are careful—I do not think there will be orcs this far into middle earth, but you never know what dangers there may be. "
"Come Ada," Elladan said cheerfully, his earlier irritation forgotten. "We have always been careful before."
"And yet every time you arrive back in Rivendell, I must heal you from your injuries, which happen to be numerous."
Legolas simply laughed. "We just have bad luck."