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Mastermind
by Aranel Laerien
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Chapter XI – Understanding
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"This is too awkward!" Legolas whispered to Elladan.
"You're the one who said you ought to apologise. So, do it, Estel's right there!" Elladan replied.
Legolas drew in a deep breath, looked pleadingly at Elladan, and seeing no sign of relenting, he stepped into the garden.
Estel saw him and nodded briefly. They had not spoken together since their heated exchange.
"Is there anything?" Estel asked.
Legolas began hesitantly. "Uh, I wished to say…"
Estel looked at him intently.
"Uh, how's the weather?"
"Oh, fine, yes," Estel replied. "Last night's rain has indeed cleared the air."
Legolas nodded. "Uh…"
"Legolas, what is it you wish to say?"
"Uh, what's this you're reading?"
Estel shrugged. "From ada's library. It's a story about twins and their antics."
"Sounds familiar."
Estel smiled. "I'm sure you need not read it to know half its contents. My brothers have sure acted it out well."
Legolas chuckled lightly at the thought.
"Would you like some drink?" Estel offered his glass of juice.
"No, I'm not thirsty," Legolas replied automatically.
Estel raised an eyebrow. "Your lips are rather cracked. Here, have it." He passed the glass over.
Legolas raised a hand awkwardly to receive it. How was he supposed to apologise to Estel? Elladan had sure made it sound easy. Then his fingers jerked when Estel let go of the glass and the juice sloshed out.
"I'm sorry! Did I dirty your…"
Estel was laughing madly by then.
Legolas walked back after what felt like ages to Elladan.
"How'd it go?" Elladan asked excitedly.
"Well, I did apologise somewhat," Legolas' face was flushed.