First of all I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who reviewed! I was so happy to see your kind words and thoughts, it was just the motivation I needed!

Sometimes when I'm writing I find myself thinking, 'I shouldn't have wrote that, because now I can't write this new story with this! Hopefully the jump-around nature of these short stories isn't that confusing..haha!

One more thing-I'd like to thank the ticking clock for the great prompts! I have some good ideas that came from your prompts, so
thank you!

I have ideas for about 4 stories, so look for a new chapter on Thursday night.

See disclaimer in earlier chapters


When Estel awoke, sunlight was streaming in through his windows, all traces of last night's storm gone, except for the white snow that blanketed the valley. Estel yawned, sitting up and looking for the blonde elf that was with him last night. Noticing his absence Estel frowned, but brightened when he saw Erestor making his way towards the bed from near the fireplace.

"Good morning, tithen pen!" The elf said brightly, reaching over to lift the boy from the bed. "Legolas left your side not moments before you awoke," he told the boy, noticing his small frown. Seeing the child's shoulders fall, the dark haired elf tickled Estel's stomach, causing him to burst into giggles.

"Now that you are awake, why don't we go meet him and your family for breakfast. Does that sound good?"

Estel beamed at the elf, wiggling down and running to his dresser, already lifting his sleeping shirt over his head. Erestor laughed at the boy's impatience, walking over to help the boy properly dress. Once fully clothed and ready for the day, Erestor led the Estel into the hallway and down to the Great Hall. Estel paused hesitantly by the window he's seen break last night, noticing it now held new glass. Erestor noticed the hesitation and leaned down to take the boy into his arms.

"Look Estel, see how fast the window was repaired? That is the work of elves!" He laughed lightly, drawing the boy's attention away from his fear. Estel giggled and began bouncing in Erestor's arms. As the pair made their way down the hallway, an elf stepped out from the kitchens and intercepted them.

"Lord Erestor, your presence is needed in the kitchen." He informed the older elf. "Ah, good morning Estel," he greeted the boy, tousling his hair and earning a smile.

"Morning Nendir," Estel greeted the younger elf brightly, noticing the flour all over his tunic. "Did you spill the flour, Nendir?"

"Ah well, yes I did." The elf admitted sheepishly, ducking his head. Estel laughed, reaching over to pat Nendir's shoulder.

"It is alright, I wont tell Ada. You won't either, will you 'Restor?" He turned bright eyes to the elf holding him.

"Nay Estel, I will not," Erestor promised as he set the boy down on his own two feet. "I take it you can make it to breakfast without me?"

Estel nodded, giving both elves a hug before slipping in the door across from the kitchens. Spotting the familiar faces of his brothers among those of the Mirkwood elves, Estel ducked under the table and carefully made his way towards his brothers.

While his twin and father were deep in conversation with Legolas and his guards, Elrohir noticed the small boy slip into the room almost unnoticed. He waited quietly, trying to pay attention to the conversations going on around him.

Estel caught sight of Elrohir's light gray boots and crawled his way around the other legs towards his brother. Elrohir glanced down when he felt the small hand on his boots. Smiling, he reached down under the table and pulled Estel into his lap. Noticing the other elves were oblivious, he grabbed a warm blueberry muffin from the table and handed it to Estel.

The child's eyes let up as he munched happily on his muffin. Estel leaned back into Elrohir's lap, looking at the unfamiliar faces of the Mirkwood elves that surrounded them. Finally taking notice of his twin's silence, Elladan looked over, only to find two pairs of silver eyes watching him. The older twin smiled, reaching over to ruffle Estel's hair, causing the boy to giggle and lean back to avoid his brother's reach.

Now aware that the twins' attention was elsewhere, Legolas turned to see the small child in Elrohir's lap. He smiled, leaning forward slightly as he watched them interact, his own actions catching Lord Elrond's eye. The elf lord followed the blonde's gaze and smiled at his sons, surprised to see the happiness reflected in the Mirkwood prince's eyes as well.

Once finished with his muffin, Estel turned his attention from the brothers and looked up. Seeing a familiar face across the table, Estel returned the smile the blonde was giving him. Elrohir leant down to whisper something to the boy, whose eyes lit up. Legolas turned to reply distractedly to a question directed at himself and was surprised to find the boy missing from Elrohir's lap. Looking up at Elrohir he sent the dark-haired elf a questioning glance, only to get twin smiles in return.

Right when he was about to ask where the boy had gone he felt small hands grab a hold of his legs as Estel lifted himself into a standing position. Leaning back to peer under the table, Legolas saw Estel grinning up at him.

Legolas chuckled, reaching down to lift the boy into his lap as Elrohir had done. Sitting up in the blonde elf's lap, Estel smiled brightly at his brothers. It was then the boy noticed that all conversation had ended and it was oddly quiet.

Aware that all eyes were on him, Estel shrunk back into Legolas' embrace, his eyes finding his Ada's. Elrond smiled encouragingly, and Estel began to take notice of those around him. The blonde elves around him were staring at him with looks ranging from shock and awe to unease, making the boy fidget nervously. Noticing this, Legolas grabbed a blueberry muffin, splitting it in half and handing part to Estel.

"Would you like to share a muffin, Estel," Legolas asked. "Blueberry is my favorite."

"Mine too!" Estel said excitedly, biting into his muffin and smiling at the elves that watched him. Noticing the stares, Legolas cleared his throat giving the elves a pointed look, which caused the conversation to start back up quickly.

The twins snickered, and Legolas sent them a look. Giving identical grins to the prince, Legolas laughed as he shook his head. He would never understand those two.

"Now that you are awake, ion nin, maybe Legolas would like to accompany you and your brothers outside for a bit." Elrond said, catching the boy's attention. Estel's face lit up in the biggest smile Legolas had seen, and the boy was already squirming to get down from the prince's lap. Laughing, Legolas helped him get down safely, only to have his hand be tugged on by the small boy.

"Please Legolas, will you come outside with us?" Estel pleaded with the elf.

"Of course, Estel! I would love to go outside with you." Legolas assured the boy, allowing himself to be led around the table and towards the twins. Elladan laughed at the boy's eagerness, lifting him up into his arms and taking him towards their Ada.

"Only for a while, Estel. You do not want to be in bed sick while Legolas is here, do you?" Elrond asked the boy, who shook his head vigorously.

"It will be only a little bit, I promise Ada!" Estel said as he gave his father a hug. Walking back towards Elrohir and Legolas, Elladan passed the boy to the blonde. Estel bounced excitedly in the Legolas' arms as they made their way out of the hall, much to the amusement of all the elves in the room.

Elrond sighed as he excused himself from his company. Though he knew the twins would properly dress the boy for the cold, Estel would no doubt be chilled when he came back inside. 'An ada's work is never done,' he thought to himself as he headed in the kitchens to have Estel's favorite apple cider warmed.