Title: Diary of Elrond

Summary: Elrond's diary from his years with Estel

Disclaimer: I do not own them

A/N: This is merely a parody, and AU Any reviews are welcome, flames are amusing. This is also unbetaed

Chapter 9

Month 1 of Year 3029

The snows have settled in Imaldris and I am happy. The children have spent the day out playing in the snows, and I have gotten much work done. Perhaps this year will be prosperous and finally the pranks will come to an end.

It is now well past five and I have sent Glorfindel to find Erestor, neither have returned. I must now go and search them out for I need their advice on matters of importance.

When I stepped into the courtyard I found that Estel had made a snowman, something that I had done when I was but an elfling. It was rather tall and I wondered how he had gotten to scarf around its neck, but I questioned him not as he beamed up at me.

I took Estel by the hand and led him inside, not wanting him to catch a cold. I did not find either of my advisors and went back to the paperwork that was almost complete.

Dinner time rolled around and I strolled down to the dining hall. As I passed the view of the courtyard I saw that the perfect snowman from earlier in the day was now quite haggard looking and it appeared yellow in color. Before I went out to dinner I scolded the dogs lying nearby and walked over to the snowman, packing more ice on it so that it would keep for the rest of the night.

Dinner over and reading in the Hall of Fire also over my worry for my two trusted friends grew. Elladan assured me they were probably out and had lost track of the time, as often elves do.

It was not until I went to tuck in Estel that I found the answer to my questions. "Is there something bothering you Ada."

I smiled down at my son who was getting older. "I cannot seem to find Glorfindel or Erestor. I have searched them out, but they have not turned up."

"They will be back tomorrow, after the noonday sun," Estel supplied.

Immediately I was on alert. "How do you know this Estel?" I stupidly asked.

"Because I made a snowman around Glorfy and Erestor I buried in the big snowbank next to the woodshed. I told Glorfindel he could last longer than Erestor but Erestor said he would not be outdone by Glorfy, so I buried them both. Although I do wonder how they will eat and go to the bathroom." Estel then laid down, closing his eyes in sleep.

I ran for the courtyard and the snowman I had packed more snow on earlier that day. Again it was covered in yellow spots, courtesy of the dogs, and I began shoveling the snow away with my hands. I called for the twins and told them to start digging in the snow by the woodshed and they did though they looked at me oddly for asking.

Ten minutes later I recovered both of my trusted friends. They had lost all dignity as they were quite stained from the dogs, and yet they still could mutter death curses through their chattering teeth.

I was wrong in my assumption that Estel had outgrown things such as this, so wrong.

Mont 2 of Year 3029

Why do I fear this month? It could be because of all the past times I have found myself tainted until I had to drink many bottles of wine to douse the memories of them.

This months however I have sent Estel to Lorien with his brothers. Galadriel is very fond of Estel, but I know she will show him a firm hand should he find himself into mischief. I shall now write down the story as it was related to me.

Estel arrived safely with the escort I sent him with, and the first night went by without incident. The next morning however it seems that the she elves of Lorien thought Estel simply too cute not to dress up, braiding his hair and all. This in turn made Estel furious and he was hell bent on revenge.

The entire of Lorien awoke the next morning to find their clothing drifting in the river. None had anything more than their boots, and or shoes. It seems Galadriel was highly upset when Estel used her mirror to wash Haldir's socks in, and was not amused when her entire realm had to run for the river naked to retrieve their clothes.

Estel is now home, forbidden to return to Lorien for at least a year. I am glad he was there and not here, but now he has asked me many questions about the opposite sex that I do not care to answer.

Month 3 of Year 3029

Ten summers, and already his room is compiled with more stuff than all of Imladris. For this very reason I have sent Estel to clean his room, to include his closet. He of course grumbled, but I informed him that I would be checking behind him, and if it were not done, that he would not be going out to play.

It has now been two hours, and still I have not seen Estel. Something tells me to check on him, and now I wish I hadn't. When I opened the door I stumbled over a mound of clothing at least a foot high, none of which was clean. I wonder how Estel amassed such a pile.

If that was not enough I stepped over the pile of clothing and my foot landed on something green, with hair on it. My stomach churned at the sight of what had been at one time a sandwich, or perhaps it was a piece of fruit, regardless it was now on the bottom of my shoe.

"Estel!" I called to him, and a small head peered from the closet. "What are you doing in there?" I stupidly asked.

"Cleaning Ada. You said I had to clean up or I couldn't go outside," Estel said matter of factly.

I went to join him by the closet door, and found the missing kitchen supplies. Two bowls, four spoons, and a cup with something congealed in it. "Did we not speak about no eating in your room?"

"This is my closet Ada, not my room. I wouldn't dare eat in my room."

I rolled my eyes, sorry I had not been more literal with the boy. "From now on no more eating in your room or your closet." I went to leave the mess when my eyes spotted something else in the corner of the room.

Toy soldiers, four pieces of parchment with dogs drawn on them, three shoes with no match to the other, and a very large pair of undergarments, not of which were male.

"Estel, how ... why?" I stuttered as I pointed at the things. His answer was one I had not expected.

"Those are my toys Ada, and the pictures I drew of the dog. I can't seem to find the other shoes to match these yet, but I know I will, except for one because we buried the hamster in it."

"Who's undergarment is that?" I said, trying to control the anxiety I felt suddenly.

"Those are Erestor's. Me and Elladan took them out of his room and used them for a slingshot to try and see who could get the rock the further."

"Discard them immediately!" I yelled without meaning too. There would be a conversation on whom they belonged to.

It was only then that I realized Estel had mentioned a dog, and that is when I saw the various piles left by said animal. Before I could say anything else I told Estel to have it cleaned up before dinner or else. I thought this would encourage him to hurry along in his task. How silly of me to think this.

I returned promptly at six and opened the door. The floor was now clean and free from any clothing or other disgusting things. I commended Estel on finishing his task and took him down to dinner.

Everyone was there but I could not for some reason bring myself to look at Erestor as we still had not spoken about he undergarments. Dinner was pleasant and after that I told Estel he could go out and play. He thanked me and left with his brothers, and I went up to his room.

Again when I opened the door I found nothing but what appeared to be a clean room. I stepped inside and found Estel's bed made, but it looked funny somehow. At a closer glance, I saw where the toy soldiers had been shoved underneath his mattress, and the shoes now with their matches, lined up underneath it.

The closet was next, and as I opened the door, I was bombarded with objects falling on me. I slung them away, finding the aroma of said closet not to be pleasing. I was now furious and went to the balcony to yell for Estel to return, and had to step back as I leaned over.

There hanging from a branch on the tree was the undergarment. I would have though it had been flung from the balcony until I noticed the half eaten sandwich laid into the crotch are of it, as it was tied to the branch of the tree. My stomach churned again and I called for my son.

Estel came into the room looking rather upset. "What is the meaning of this?" I asked, pointing at the thing in the tree.

"It is so the birds won't get hungry Ada. You said not to waste food, so I figured they would eat it."

"Should any bird dare to land here, and partake of this food it would surely be in the Halls of Mandos within seconds. Secondly, I thought I said clean the room, not shove everything underneath something else."

Estel folded his arms then. "I did clean it up Ada."

"Just what did you clean?"

"I picked up all the clothes and put them in the closet, even the pair of leggings stuck to the floor. I picked up the soldiers, but I started playing with them and got tired so we took a nap, and I left them in the bed. I found all my shoes even."

"Did you actually clean anything Estel, using soap and water?"

Estel shook his head yes. "I cleaned the mess the dog made over in the corner with soap and water, but it still wouldn't come up. I even tried scrubbing it with one of the shoes but it still wouldn't come up."

"And then?"

"Well, you said to think about a problem and solve it so I used this," Estel said picking up the knife I had seen carving the roast at lunch. "It came right off the floor when I used it Ada. All I had to do was scrape a little bit, and it was like magic."

Elrond's stomach then did churn, his nausea almost overwhelming him. "Is that not the knife we used at lunch Estel, and here you have been scrapping up the dropping of a dog with it."

Estel rolled his eyes then. "I did rinse it off Ada. I knew you would want me to clean it." Estel left back out of the room as Elrond ran to heave into the loo. There will be a long lecture tomorrow about all of this, but after I remove Erestor's undergarments from the tree, as a bird has already be unlucky enough to eat what was within.

Month 4 of Year 3029

Tis again the month of fools, and I do not intend to be the unsuspecting person this year. I have asked that my meals be first tasted, and I shall not be roaming the halls tonight no matter what happens.

The entire day and night I was indeed safe. I cannot however say the same for Mithrandir. It is often that he comes to visit us here in Imladris, always bringing fireworks. Today he came carrying no less than twenty of the things.

Estel of course was delighted to see him, I on the other hand knew that the old wizard should be leery of any and all today of all days.

I tried to tell him of Estel's unusual pranks, but he waved me off, telling me that Estel could be no worse than some of the hobbits he had encountered. How wrong he was.

Lunch went by without so much as a peep from Estel, but I knew this could only be an omen of what was to come later.

I was rushing back to my room when I passed Mithrandir's room. Stupidly I opened the door, and found it empty. How I wish I hadn't done that. As the Lord of Imladris I am to make sure no harm comes to my guests, be they ignorant of my warnings or not.

I stormed down the hall, almost knocking down Erestor in my path. He questioned my mood and I informed him that Mithrandir was missing. This sent my fearless advisor running to his room, slamming the door behind him. Sometimes he can be such a coward.

I searched everywhere even enlisting the help of the twins but I did not find either the wizard or Estel. It wasn't until I smelt the rancid odor that I knew something was up.

I took off running towards the smell, my senses leading me to the courtyard. There I spotted Mithrandir tied to one of his own fireworks, Estel standing there match in hand. I screamed, but alas I was too late, and the rocket was lit.

To say that a wizard on fire is a horrid sight is an understatement. If Mithrandir had only been on fire that is. The fire quickly made it way to the fuse, setting off the firework; however it did not take off as planned.

Mithrandir saw the doom that awaited him, and closed his eyes seconds before the burning fuse sent his underpants a flame. The rocket fizzled out, not even leaving his back where it had been strapped, but the fire had found a new outlet in his leggings. He dance about the courtyard, screaming and ranting, as the twins and I doused the flames.

Estel was not at all happy, as I lectured him for may hours about not using matches every again, to which he told me that I would then have to light his candle each night and each trip to the loo. I think it is a small price to pay considering. Now I must leave for I have to go and check Mithrandir's burns.

He better not ask me again when his hair will be growing back.

Month 5 of Year 3029

Erestor and Glorfindel have volunteered to go on the hunt this month. The twins and I found this to be very amusing for the twins are the ones who hunt here in Imladris. I personally think that they just wish to get away from Estel who seems to be coming down with spring fever.

I have found that when Estel has less to do he finds himself in more trouble so I have decided to give him a much needed break. Today he and I will go out into the forest surrounding Imladris and collect herbs, having a picnic while we are there.

We spent the morning finding several different herbs, Estel's knowledge of the plants amazing me at times. I often thought he was not paying attention during our lessons but it seems he was.

As a reward I called a halt to the search and laid out the blanket for the picnic. Estel and I shared our meal and I noticed for the first time that he wasn't the baby I thought him to be. His legs are growing longer, his hair almost as long as Elladan's.

As we headed back I was lost in thoughts of how soon he would be grown and my eyes misted up with tears. Estel must have noticed for a small hand reached up and grabbed mine. All the illusions of him being grown melted in that second as he tugged me onward to run with him back home.

Month 6 of Year 3029

We set off for Mirkwood on a much needed trip. All has been well in Imladris, and I felt Estel needed some time away. He has often spoke of missing Legolas, and this would give them time to catch up.

The trip seemed to take forever, Estel's questions never ceasing. He had worn himself out by the next to the last day, circles under his eyes, as he claimed he could not sleep because of being so excited. I tried to drug him, but it seems Estel grew wise to that last year, and tossed the tea out. I found him staring at me around three that morning, still awake.

We arrived without any problems at all, and King Thranduil greeted us. Alongside him was Legolas who ran to meet Estel and the twins even before we dismounted. The four of them ran off to get into Valar knows what trouble, while Thranduil introduced me to one of his new advisors.

The advisor was an adan, which surprised me. Although the man did not live in Mirkwood he often stayed for a week at a time or more when business kept him there. Thranduil and I didn't see any of the children until dinner that night, and that is when I noticed that Legolas too had dark circles under his eyes.

The elven prince had never been seen looking anything but in perfect health unless injured and I saw no sign of that. I inquired about his lack of sleep, to which he mumbled that the new advisor snored louder than a herd of wargs.

I must admit I laughed when I heard him say it, that is till dawn the next day when I too had spent the night waiting for the advisor to shut up. Legolas and Estel both seemed very irritated, and I was a bit cranky myself. We spent the day away from the palace and their moods seemed to be a bit better for awhile.

We spent the next few day in Mirkwood, each one bringing about many very irate people. The advisor of course swore that he did not snore that loud, though we all told him he did. Thranduil would have sent him back home had they not needed his opinions.

I have found that Estel and Legolas both without sleep, are worse than the minions of Sauron. They have both been sent to bed early in hopes that they would get some sleep. I shall now relate the events that led up to a very disturbing discovery.

It seems according to Legolas that they did try to sleep, but again the snoring kept them awake. The two of them met in the hallway, faces glaring in anger, eyes swollen from lack of sleep. They entered the room of the advisor and stepped closer to the bed.

The first attempt at a quiet night was having Estel pinch the man's nose shut, this failed after only three seconds, where Estel claims he almost sucked his whole hand down his throat.

Legolas was next to try when he rolled the advisor over on his side. This seemed to work until they walked to the door, and that is when the advisor rolled back over onto his back, and the snores grew louder.

Estel was frustrated now, and swore under his breath it seems. Legolas too was angry and snatched the pillow from underneath the man's head. His head hit the bed, but the snoring continued. Legolas was growing more and more angry, and this is when I stirred in my bed.

Estel frustrated beyond belief grabbed the pillow and placed it over the advisor's face. This alone was not enough to cease the noise, so Estel climbed atop the bed and sat down on the pillow. This is the moment Thranduil and I walked in.

Legolas was standing beside the bed, a look of satisfaction on his face, and Estel was still perched atop the pillow. The advisor soon began to struggle, his arms flailing sending Estel toppling over at last onto the bed.

"What is the meaning of this!" he yelled, having been woken in such a matter.

"You snore like a drunken mule, and I wanted to go to sleep. I tried to be nice about it, but I figured if you couldn't breathe you couldn't snore," Estel said, matter of factly. Legolas nodded his head in approval.

The advisor looked first to them and then to King Thranduil. The king seemed as if he were going to excuse Legolas and Estel from the room for a stern lecture, but Legolas did not budge.

"I swear to all of Arda that if he snores once more tonight I will be back here to fill his nostrils with salt while he sleeps."

Estel cheered Legolas on, adding his own thoughts. "I too will help Legolas, by thrashing him over the head with the heaviest object I can find."

My eyebrows rose but before I could speak to Estel he spoke again. "You told me sleep was good for a growing boy Ada. If I don't sleep soon I will begin to shrink. I can't take it anymore. If he sleeps here tonight so help me I will smother him where he lays."

The lectures were not forthcoming fast enough. The advisor gathered his clothing as he ran past, giving his regards as he rushed to the stables. He did not in fact sleep there another night, in fear of his life I do believe.

All is now peaceful in Mirkwood, and now I must go mark he calendar for I do not think I have ever said that.

Month 7 of Year 3029

The day started out well, though Estel claimed it was too hot. We were entertaining a few of the men of Dale that were passing through, and a picnic by the lake sounded wonderful.

The twins and Estel played in the water, while the men and I sat and watched. Just after the noon day sun the twins and Estel returned to have a bite to eat. The men from Dale looked rather uncomfortable in their leggings and tunics.

After much pleading by Estel they were persuaded to join the children in a quick swim too cool off. As they undressed however I have to admit I was a bit shocked. The older of the three men could have been mistaken for a dwarf he was so hairy. I quickly averted my eyes so that he would not know I had been staring in horror, but I was too late.

"I know I am quite the sight to see," he laughed. "Elves are very lucky not to feel the elements nor having to be born as hairy as a bear. I would give anything to be free from this all."

How he would regret those words later.

We all enjoyed the rest of the day and then we returned to the palace to discuss a few more things before dinner. The men were to leave the following day so I had the cooks make a very large dinner, full of things they could take with them the next morning in their packs. We sat in the Hall of Fire and listened to songs. This is when I noticed Estel staring at the man.

I should have thought it odd then, but I didn't. Everyone left to go upstairs for bed, and I sat on my bed debating whether I should check on the children. I decided against it since all was quiet and laid my head down to sleep. Sometime during the night I thought I heard whimpering noises coming from down the hall, but the sound soon ended, and I regretfully did not go and investigate it.

The next morning I awoke to birds singing at my window, and I stretched feeling refreshed. Today, I thought was going to be a good day. I first went to wake the twins, but they were not in their room. This was not uncommon so I went instead to wake Estel. What I saw when I opened the door shocked me. Tied to a chair was the hairy man, though now his body was void of any hair, and Estel was standing beside him smiling.

"Look Ada! I have gotten rid of all the hair!" he exclaimed.

I rushed to the man's side and removed the gag in his mouth. This is when his rant began. "Your sons tied me to this chair, and then left me here with this maniac! He said he would make me elven, that I would be free from my curse. When I asked him what curse he plucked out the very first hair, holding it up to me as he smiled. When I tried to scream he stuffed a sock in my mouth, saying it was impolite to wake everyone up!"

I was staring now open mouthed I am afraid, and yet he went on. "I thought the week I spent captured and imprisoned by orcs was bad, but this was far worse. Each time your child pulled a hair free he smiled in satisfaction. I have spent the entire night at the mercy of a ten year old!"

The twins entered just then, and tried to slink away, but I was faster. They admitted helping to tie the man up, but had afterward gone to bed. I must say now that the man left in quite a huff, cursing Estel and the House of Elrond as he left. I lectured Estel for over an hour, but he yet does not seem remorseful enough for his deed, claiming he did the man a favor.

I am now in my room pondering fatherhood, and my human son, as Erestor chuckles in the corner. He has commented that at least Estel was diligent in his efforts. Erestor is now lying on the floor as the book I was holding has accidentally hit him in the back of the head. I shall leave before he awakens.

Month 8 of Year 3029

Today I shall speak of the smell of humans. I have never had the displeasure of coming across one that was not too my liking, for I love all races, but my son and the things he does, sigh.

We had just come back from a trip into the valley. Usually we didn't run across many people while there, but it seemed a group of men had come to settle at the bottom. I had gone down to welcome them to the area when the pungent odor hit me.

We spent the next hour testing the ability to hold our breath against the smell of their bodies. Estel however did not seem phased by the smell and even went so far as to sit beside the man, sharing his meal. Being an elf I am not prone to feeling the heat enough to sweat, my son however was dripping wet with sweat.

I had hoped Estel would take a bath upon arrival back home, but since he was asleep already I did not press the issue.

Two days later though Valar forgive me, I could not stand the smell of my child. Of course this is when Estel felt like being near me. I have since cursed elvish senses, and demanded he go and bathe.

It is now much later, and Estel is clean but the smell still lingers in my robes, and in my nostrils.

Month 9 of Year 3029

I was having a very peaceful day when suddenly my ears caught the sound of a child crying. I checked in Estel's room, and he was fine. I followed the noise down to the courtyard and there I found a woman, carrying a babe in her arms.

She asked if she could stay the night, as she was on her way to meet her husband. I of course said yes and ushered them inside. The baby continued to wail even after it was bathed, and fed. The woman asked me to hold him, so that she could prepare his bed. The child instantly calmed for some unknown reason once put into my arms.

I now can admit that the feeling was wonderful, but at the time I did not noticed Estel's behavior. It wasn't till later that night that I realized his insecurities. I awoke to find him standing at the foot of my bed, trying to crawl atop it.

"Estel, you are far too old to sleep with me," I had told him, but he suddenly began to wail. I did not understand, and thought something terribly wrong. I checked him over for cuts or scrapes for he had not sobbed like that in many years, and found nothing.

It was the mother who told me what I did not know. She told me that Estel was merely feeling left out, and he wanted to make sure his father loved him more than the babe he had rocked to sleep. We waved goodbye to her and the baby, and I took Estel out to spend the day with him.

Month 10 of Year 3029

Well, Hallows Eve was fast approaching, and with it a sense of dread. I took Estel aside yesterday and laid down the law. I told him no strangers brought into the house. No burying Glorfindel, no trying to sacrifice my advisor as a virgin, and under no circumstance is he to ever come into my room and dangle from the ceiling in a sheet.

I advised Estel to make something for the occasion, to show us the meaning of the night. I thought this would keep him occupied. I thought there was no way the child could possibly do anything wrong. I checked on him, he looked innocent.

We gathered later that night for cider, and the lighting of the candles. I gave Estel the candy I had bought, and he laid it to the side. He told me then that he and his brothers had made something for me, and went to fetch it.

Now, I thought it was odd that Erestor was not there, but considering past events on this day I thought him to be hiding in his room. This is when my heart was overjoyed. Estel and the twins rolled something over to me, and then pulled the sheet from it.

Beneath the sheet was a statue of Erestor, a balrog at his back, ready to attack. I gasped in amazement at the detail they had put in and praised them for such wonderful art. Estel beamed up at me, and the twins faces turned an alarming shade of red. I did not wish to embarrass them further so I brought them to the fire and we gathered around for scary stories.

The night grew late and I told the boys it was time for bed. I treasured the statue so much that I decided to take it inside with me. True, it was a bit odd how it kept looking at me, but it was the product of what must have been hours of work. After it was safe inside the foyer Glorfindel came to bid me goodnight.

He inquired about Erestor as he had checked his room and he was not there. I waved him off and went to get a cup of tea from the kitchen. The tea was hot and soothing, washing away the slightly bitter taste of the cider from my tongue. The cook chose that moment to come inside rolling pin in hand and bash me upon my head.

"What in Valar's name was that for!" I yelled at her.

The cook apologized over and over but then told me of how she had come into her kitchen earlier to find the boys making cement in her sink. She had scolded them for it, and they had gone. She then told me how she had found robes in the basement, and leggings in the pantry. She told me the final straw had been when she found the under garments in the potato bin.

I thought the cook mental and was going over in my head how best to sedate her, and then it hit me. Erestor was missing, the boys had been very courteous, and under garments had been found in the potato bin. As swiftly as possible I ran for the armor room and grabbed a few hammers, one rather large one, and one very tiny one.

When I got back to the foyer I heaved the hammer high and then with a thunderous blow I brought the hammer down atop of it. The plaster cracked right down the middle, and out fell Erestor, naked and still covered in plaster here and there.

I have to admit now that the rest of the night was no joy either. It seems plaster will not merely come off with water, but instead must be chiseled away. To say a man's dignity is fragile is one thing, to say that you do not wish for him to bend over and spread his cheeks so that you may remove the last bit of plaster from there is another.

I am out of wine and yet I cannot remove the image from my mind. I am thinking I never will.

Month 11 of Year 3029

The day of thanks has arrived once more. This is a special day for me, as I have many things to be thankful for. My health, the children, the lingering smell of fresh baking pies coming from the kitchen.

Since the thought of eating turkey has forever been tainted by Estel, tonight we shall have chicken. I have sent Estel out to play in the gardens with the twins, and Erestor to watch over them to make sure they do not cause any mischief.

I felt safe and secure knowing that Estel could not place anything living in the food. I informed the cooks that we would be eating around six and that they should have the meal ready by then if they could, and went to soak in the tub.

Estel and the twins were playing a game of tag in the gardens when the cook came out to retrieve our dinner. The chickens were caught, and with a swift blow of the axe, their heads removed. Estel did not see this, and I was glad, but of course fate was not kind at all.

The chickens took off in a run straight towards Estel, scattering as they did, no sense of direction. This is the moment Glorfindel came out of the door.

Estel stopped mid-step in the game of tag as the first chicken with no head ran past him, and by the time the third did he was just short of fainting. I believe he would have had Glorfindel not then shouted.

The words, "Catch them before they reach the woods, will forever be burned into both mine and Estel's brain. As the twins chased down the headless chickens Estel stared on in horror, his mouth open, lips moving but no sound coming out. When he did finally speak it was incoherent mumblings, "Chicken ... no head ... chicken ... gone." Nothing says we are having no meat tonight like a headless chicken running across your foot.

Month 12 of Year 3029

The month of Yule is here and the festive colors are all about Imladris. Yule was a fine a dandy occasion, the giving of gifts, the hugs shared, the memories recalled. I enjoyed it so much I went to bed content and at peace. The next morning though was not so peaceful.

What I did not know then, but do now is that Estel has an aversion to peanuts. The discovery was made at breakfast. The table was set with an array of fresh fruits left over from the night before. Estel who is usually ravenous at meal time was eating slowly, his eyes not daring to look up.

"Estel?" I had called to him, but he told me nothing was wrong, other than he thought he was still full from the night before.

The reason behind this hit me and everyone at the table around the same time. I thought I had stepped into some droppings of the horses, and it seems so did everyone else, as there was a scramble to check boots. It was Estel's red face that gave him away. He excused himself, but the smell lingered like an unwanted houseguest.

Knowing he felt embarrassed I followed him up to his room. I sent him to soak in the tub hoping it would ease his stomach ache, and went to check on him. The smell told me straight away that it was not solved. I then gave him a mild herb to soothe him and told him to get some sleep.

It was late in the night when I felt my mattress sag as Estel crawled into my bed. He looked tired, his eyes puffy from lack of sleep. My heart went out to him, and I pulled the covers over him, kissing the top of his head and went back to sleep. Error on my part. I went to roll over in the bed, pulling the sheets up to cover myself when the foul odor hit me.

It was like death, like the rotting matter beneath a rock that had assaulted my senses, and it had come from my child. I slowly crawled from my bed, and in so lifted the covers even more. I am not ashamed to say my eyes watered, the full force of his condition hitting me, and that is when I am sad to say I tiptoed out of the room and went to sleep in his.

A lesson has been learned, my sheets washed, the room aired, and Estel forbidden to eat anymore peanuts whilst he lives in Imladris.