"What do you mean he already arrived?" Legolas asked in vexation.

The guard who had reported to him shifted uncomfortably. Elves flattened themselves against the palace walls as Legolas flew past them, eager to see his friend for the first time in almost a year. Ever since Aragorn had joined the rangers, and Legolas had taken on more responsibility under Thranduil, their visits had become few and far between. This meant that any poor soul trapped between the two was likely to be run over as Legolas ran to the reception hall. When he arrived, however, there was no sign of his human companion. Immediately, Legolas zeroed in on one of the guards, who looked back in fear as the prince approached him.

"My Lord Estel has made his way down the hall," the guard reported. "To your father's wine cellar."

"He's not a Lord, and don't let him hear you call him that," Legolas dismissed instantly, before the words truly registered. "He's in the wine cellar? Oh, no…"

And once again a Mirkwood guard was left behind as the prince took off towards the king's private reserves. Legolas knew that Aragorn wouldn't avoid seeing him without good reason, especially after so long apart. Visions of injury, loss, and tragedy flew through his mind as Legolas descended the stairs to the cellar. When he finally burst into the cave that housed the wine, he came upon a very uninjured, very drunk human.

"Las!" Aragorn exclaimed from where he sat on the floor, raising a bottle as if in a toast. "It's so good to see you, mellon-nin!"

"Oh valar."

"Legolas," Aragorn said, suddenly serious. "I must tell you a secret, gwador. It is something that weighs heavily on my heart, and I hope that you can help me."

"Of course!" Legolas replied instantly, crouching down next to the human and leaning in intently. "Anything."

"I think," the man said slowly. "That I might be in love with Arwen."

"Oh valar."

"I'm serious!" Aragorn insisted, looking hurt. "She's the kindest, most beautiful, most wonderful person in all of arda. Why, she's more radiant than Galadriel, and she's the light lady!"

"Aragorn…" Legolas warned, from where his hand was plastered against his face.

"I know father doesn't approve," the man continued, looking at the wine bottle sadly. "And he doesn't even know that we love each other."

"It likely reminds him of his own parents," Legolas pointed out gently. "It brings up bad memories, especially considering what happened to his mother – and brother, for that matter."

"I don't want her to give up her immortality for me," Aragorn frowned. "She's too good for that. I just…" He groaned, covering his face with both hands, clunking the bottle against his forehead as he did so. "She's just so beautiful!"

"Estel," Legolas said solemnly. "You are my brother and I love you, and I love Arwen like a sister, and more than anything I want the both of you to be happy," He paused, frowning. "But also Arwen is your sister, more so than she is mine, and I must admit it is a little awkward to see you pursuing her."

Aragorn sighed deeply and looked down forlornly. "I know."

Legolas sat down beside his friend, slinging an arm around the man's shoulders. "I mean, she is your father's daughter. I'm simply saying it's a little weird, even if she was away in Lothlórien for most of your childhood."

"She's just so beautiful, Las," Aragorn moaned, hiding his face in his brother's shirt.

"I know, Estel, I know." A pause. "Still a little odd to hear you say that, though."

"You're just jealous."

"Are you saying she's prettier than me?"

"…No."

XXX

It was a beautiful summer's day, and guests from all over arda had come to Lord Elrond's banquet. Estel stood at the main entrance, welcoming each person as they arrived. It was the first year that he was old enough to help host, and the young human took his responsibility very seriously. He was dressed in his finest robes, had washed and combed his hair, and had even worn the strange perfume that Erestor had given to him on his last birthday. It smelled like spice and flowers, but Estel figured that was better than dirt. Speaking of which, one elf in particular had been trying harder than usual to distract him from his duty.

"The feast doesn't start until noon, Estel," said a grumpy Legolas from where he lounged against the wall. "It's barely past dawn. Do you truly want to stay and greet travellers until then?"

"They are my father's guests," Estel replied calmly. "And I fully intend to make them feel as welcome as possible."

Legolas grumbled and walked off, finding the nearest tree and swinging himself into its branches. As a prince, he was always tied with royal duties, public presentations, and appearing as proper as possible. Even at the feast, he would be expected to represent Greenwood proudly, especially since his father would not be in attendance. Legolas detested the politics of royalty, preferring to live a warrior's life, and his visits with Estel were one of the few times he was able to do so. But no, his human had decided to grow a set of manners. What next?

Estel watched his friend go regretfully, but stayed true to his task nonetheless. He would be able to see Legolas at the feast, after all, and for nearly a week after that as the festivities continued. It was a beautiful day, with not a cloud in the sky, and the sun casting a warm glow over Imladris. Setting his shoulders back, Estel bowed deeply and greeted the latest guests from the outskirts of Rivendell.

A few hours later and Estel was significantly less impressed with his hosting duties. He had been standing at his post for almost half the day, which had to be some kind of record for him, and had greeted every single person who'd arrived. He'd answered questions over and over, confirming that yes, he was Elrond's human son – for many, this was the first time they had seen him, and apparently he was quite fascinating. Estel was stiff, hot, and bored out of his mind. There was also a strange fuzzy feeling building behind his eyes, and his stomach was stirring uneasily. He must be nervous about the feast, he rationalized, and straightened his posture even more as the next convoy arrived, the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien. Estel knelt before them respectfully.

"My Lord Celeborn, my Lady Galadriel, I welcome you to the house of my father, Lord Elrond."

"Oh, you look so handsome," cooed Galadriel, wrapping her arms around her husband's shoulder and smiling at Estel. "And so grown up. Your father must be very proud."

Estel blushed deeply at the words from his grandmother, even as Celeborn quirked his eyebrow at his wife. The two had only ever visited once before in his lifetime, and they were barely more than strangers to him. The same could be said of the elves following him, only a few of whom he knew by name. Haldir was one, though the elf didn't spare him a glance, and the other was Arwen, who Estel knew to be his older sister. She smiled at him as she passed, and he tentatively smiled back. The procession entered the reception hall, leaving Estel to his vigil. He seriously considered leaving for a moment to have some water or perhaps sit down, when a lone figure appeared in the distance. Estel's face broke into a broad grin, and though he didn't leave his post, the boy bounced slightly as he waited.

"My good lad," Mithrandir greeted warmly when he finally arrived, clapping a hand on Estel's shoulder. "I see your father has finally let you join in the fun."

"Ever so much fun," Estel agreed ruefully, wiping some of the gathering sweat from his brow.

"How long have you been standing out here?" the old wizard asked, eyeing the human with some concern.

"Since first light," the boy reported proudly. "It's a very important duty."

"I'm sure it is, but even so, why don't you help an old man inside so we can both get out of this heat?"

"I'd love to, Mithrandir, but it's only a couple more hours until the feast, and I have to make sure that any last-minute guests find their way safely."

"Well," harrumphed the wizard. "You're devoted to your role, I'll give you that. Try and have a bit of a rest before the feast, though. It's going to be a long day."

As it turned out, there was no chance for Estel to catch even a breath, as from the moment the last of the guests arrived, he was whisked off to the balcony where the feast was to be held, and placed next to the twins, who stood to the right of Lord Elrond. To his left was Arwen, followed by Erestor and Glorfindel, and a large oval table packed full of guests. Estel immediately spotted Legolas, standing amongst the other Greenwood elves, who had changed from his travel clothes into proper ceremonial garb. His friend looked markedly unhappy with the events of the day, though to the untrained eye his face was a perfect mask of neutral interest. Estel knew that he would have to try and make it up to Legolas once the feast was done, as he himself was more than willing to be done for the day. Unfortunately, the celebrations had only just begun.

"Welcome," Elrond said regally, raising his hands in greeting. "Friends and allies, distinguished guests, and people of arda. I am happy to have you all here in this most joyous occasion. For today, my sons and daughter are all home for what will doubtlessly be a celebration worthy of the Valar."

Estel tried to look interested, he really did, but his head had truly started pounding, and as his father went on and on, it was all he could do to stay upright. He clasped his hands firmly behind his back, mirroring the posture of his brothers, and waiting impatiently for his father to let them eat – and, more importantly, sit. The balcony was bathed in sunlight, a beauty to behold, and as hot as a balrog's balls. Out of the corner of his eye, Estel saw Legolas looking at him worriedly, then exchanging a glance with Mithrandir. Estel watched in fascination as his friend's posture slowly shifted forward in his seat, gripping the arms of his chair. Speaking of chairs, Estel decided that he really would like one right about then, as the world had taken on a funny sort of hazy appearance. He shook his head, trying to clear his vision, and immediately regretted it. He could feel the sweat running down his back, and his body was simultaneously hot and cold. Estel opened his mouth, probably to excuse himself, and promptly fell over onto Elrohir.

Legolas was one of a number of people to jump to his feet when the human fell, but he was very definitely the only one to leap onto the table and launch himself at the hosting family. Elrohir, who had suddenly acquired an armful of baby brother, looked unsure of what to do, while Elrond tossed aside all pretenses of lordliness in favour of frantically checking his youngest son for a pulse – and wondering how by the Valar his child had managed to court death at a party. Erestor had thankfully stepped in to assure the guests that all was well, while Elrond excused himself with whatever grace he could manage, and carried Estel out into the hall, dragging three older brothers in his wake.

When the world refocused, Estel was lying on a cool bed with a damp cloth on his forehead. His stomach was rolling and his head felt stuffy, and he wanted to curl up and die. The feeling only increased when bits and pieces of the day began coming back to him. Elladan was sitting beside him, looking amused. "I'll wager you feel amazing."

Estel let out a long moan and closed his eyes. "What hit me?"

"The sun, over the course of several hours. By the way, father told me to tell you that you're an idiot."

Estel creaked an eye open to look at his brother. "The feast?"

"Still going, don't worry. The good Lord Elrond had to continue with his toast, lest arda fall into chaos, and he dragged Legolas with him so he could accept father's hospitality on Greenwood's behalf. He'll be stopping by in a few hours, once they actually get around to eating. 'Ro, too, though I doubt he'll make it through all of it. I think he's still angry that I claimed your bedside first."

"But why wouldn't you want to be at the feast?" Estel asked in confusion. "It's an honour to be a part of it."

"The food's good, I'll give you that," 'Dan said thoughtfully. "And there's good company, so long as no one gets too drunk and pulls out their weapons. But overall, the proper ceremonial banquets like this are far too pompous for my taste."

"But you and 'Ro were always going on about how grand the feasts were, and how important you felt to be there and uphold the family honour."

"Ah, yes." His brother grinned and leaned back in his chair. "We lied to make you jealous."

It was a few hours later, and Estel was still confined to his bed. Elladan had been forcefully evicted by Elrohir, who had then been collected by Erestor some time later. Elrond had come to check on him once, and assured him that no one thought ill of him for leaving the feast, and if he did something so foolish as neglect his health again, he would be tossed into a fiery pit for his troubles. With that pleasant imagery in mind, Estel had been left to his own devices. So, it was even more of a relief than normal for him to see Legolas sneaking into his room, carrying two plates piled high with food.

"I figured," the elf said with a small smile. "That since you did such a good job of greeting everyone today, you should at least have some of the feast."

"Las you were right," Estel moaned dramatically as his friend sat on the side of the bed. "Feasts are awful and I never want to be a part of one again."

"Oh, I wouldn't say they're awful. They're actually quite a bit of fun, especially once the singing and dancing starts. Oh, and you've never seen anything like Glorfindel getting well and truly drunk and recounting his tale of the balrog for the hundred-thousandth time."

Estel hid his face in his hands in despair, and Legolas put a comforting hand on his friend's shoulders. "Don't worry, mellon-nin. There will be many more days of feasting and celebration to come – and besides," he grinned evilly. "There's more than one way to be a good host."

Well, there you have it. Because I am amazing, you get two chapters in the same week. I figure that's about as many as you'd have if I'd continued uploading semi-regularly. (Sorry). In any case, I need your help to continue coming up with this stuff, because I don't want it to feel like the same thing over and over again. Please, if you have any ideas for what you want to see, send me a review or a PM and I'll definitely try to squeeze it in here!