Disclaimer: Unfortunately I don't own any part of LotR. It's all the property of Tolkin. Too bad =P

*Dragongirl22-Hey it's not my fault Estel gets himself into trouble, and he's just too cute to not have some fun with!

*Andmetwen-Have no fear…sooner of later our favorite elf will drop in and rescue our dear friend.

*Lady Elessar- *smacks self on forehead* how could I forget to mention Estel's age! Silly me….well he's young…so probably around 10 or 11…I haven't really decided yet.

*Alice- I'll try to make this story seem less modern…and if you see any more of my mistakes; please don't hesitate to correct me. I'd appreciate the help =D

*And to everyone else who reviewed *big hugs* and thanks a lot! Okay I'll shut and get to the story…enjoy ^_^

True to Ones Heart

~*Chapter Two*~

Elladan's shoulders slumped as he sat himself down against a nearby tree, looking rather disheveled. He had a look of defeat on his unusually pale face. It was still morning, for several hours the search for Estel had continued long into the night. They had to call it quits, but had been up quiet early to begin the searching once again.

They had searched high and low yet not a trace of the young human could be found, which only increased Elladan's fear of ever seeing his brother alive again. Elrohir had stayed behind keeping their distressed father some company.

Sighing loudly, Elladan picked himself of the ground and stretched his limbs. There was still light, so there was plenty of time to search for Estel, so far they had only covered one part of the forest, so there was still hope. The Elf had been most surprised when they hadn't found any trace of Estel's whereabouts, especially since the child could not walk 10 leagues without complaining about his feet being sore, but so far this search had taken them thirty leagues from the gates of Rivendell. Thinking about that worried Elladan.

What if…? No. Elladan shook his head as he tried to clear those horrible thoughts from his mind. Besides there was still half of the woods they had not checked…Estel could be anywhere, more then likely hiding up in a tree. If Estel did not want to be found, then he would not be found. Elladan chuckled softly to himself, but then another thought pushed its self into his mind…Orcs.

What if Estel had been captured by a group of orcs? They had been making their way into the forests of Rivendell. Pushing the idea of Estel being in the hands of the orcs out of his mind; he continued his search. Estel had always seemed to surprise Elladan with his abilities. One day he knew Estel would make a fine Ranger, that is if he make it to twenty. Estel had never been the one to not get into trouble! He was the adventurous one.

"Elladan! We have found something!" Stopping in his tracks, he spun on his heels and sprinted as fast as his legs could take him towards the voice that called to him. His heart raced in anticipation. He did not know what to expect, but prepared for the worst, closing his eyes, he could see the image of Estel's broken and bloody body in his mind and cringed.

"Elladan!" Hearing his name being called, this time closer, the elf came to a halt, where he came face to face with his friend, and one of the royal guards, Tralyin.

In the elf's arms he held a dark and muddy pack. Elladan sucked in his breath as he eased the pack out of the other elf's arms and carefully examined it. This pack was indeed Estel's, there was no mistaking it. But to his relief, the pack was undamaged. There were no signs of bite marks from the attack of an animal, which meant that the young child had dropped it and had forgotten about it. Elladan let out a breath of relief, before turning to Tralyin.

"Where did you find this, my friend?" He waited eagerly for a response. Tralyin pointed behind him, "Over there, a few leagues back, nearing the forest clearing." Elladan's eyes widened. The edge of the forest! By Valar! How did Estel venture so far? "It was by the edge of a steep hill, near…" Tralyin trailed off, and licked his lips.

Elladan snapped from his thoughts when the elven guard's voice died down, he narrowed his eyes at Tralyin. "Near what?" "We believe that it was in an orcs' camp. T'was not even a day old." Elladan felt his heart stop. Estel. He was alive, he had to be.

"Tralyin, return to my brother; tell him of your findings. And make sure my father does not hear of it!" he warned. Tralyin nodded and headed back towards the palace, while Elladan headed in the direction of the orc camp. A few more hours, he thought, and he would be forced to return and end the search for yet another day.

"May Earendil shine down upon you Estel." He whispered to himself as he continued his search.

Estel groaned, his head pounded, and his muscles felt like they were on fire. What had happened? All he remembered was running away from home, getting lost, and he tripped falling and then nothing.

Gingerly he opened his eyes, but shut them quickly as he was not quiet use to the bright sunlight shining through the trees. He waited a few moments before trying again, he squinted at his surrounding. He bit back a cry of surprise as he realized his was in what looked to be an orc camp! And all the memories of the previous night flooded back to his mind.

Estel tried to sit up, but realized that his hands were bound tightly behind his back. He shifted slightly trying to get as comfortable as you could possibly get laying on the hard dirty ground.

The image of his father filled his mind, and he was over come with sadness. Had they discovered he was missing, were they even looking for him? He closed his eyes again, wishing that his was home with his family.

He listened to the orcs whispering amongst themselves, trying to figure out what to do with their new guest. Footsteps. Slowly Estel's eyes opened to find an orc leaning towards him.

"You will make a fine new slave."

The creature snarled, baring its sharp, jagged teeth, making Estel shrink away.

"Get up slave!" The orc dragged the boy roughly to his feet, causing Estel to whimper softly as his aching muscles were stretched. The orc quickly untied his hands. Estel rubbed his hands numbly, trying to get the feelings back in them. Taking in a deep breath, he began to walk. Where were they taking him? He knew where ever it was, he was not going to like it. Estel stumbled slightly, and an orc from behind pushed him forward.

"Keep moving!" It growled.

Estel let out a small hiss, his sore muscles could not take much more of this strain. And his headache had not left him since he had first awakened. Dimly, he recognized the part of the forest they were traveling though. It was a summer ago, his father had to travel to Mirkwood on some business, and he allowed Estel to travel part way with him, but when they had reached the edge of Rivendell's boundary, he was escorted back by his brothers' friend, Tralyin.

His father had promised him that some day he too would be allowed to travel to Mirkwood. Estel could not wait until that day came; he desperately wanted to meet the woodland elves. For he had heard many great tales of how beautiful and graceful these elves were.

How long had they been traveling? His feet were sore and blistered.

Still deep in thought, and not paying any attention, Estel accidentally bumped into the orc ahead of him, who had suddenly stopped. Before he could move, the angry orc swiftly backhanded Estel, with such a force his was thrown to the ground only to be picked up by another orc behind him.

"Pay attention, human, or you will be punished." The orcs sinister laugh did not settle Estel's nerves, but he nodded silently and continued to walk. Estel had to get away. Who knew what terrible things awaited him.

Just run, he thought, climb a tree. They would not be able to follow him if he were high above them in a tree branch. And if he caught them off guard. Inside Estel's heart filled with hope, he could almost taste freedom.

Many times had he escaped the hands of his brothers, he would run and climb the trees, but unfortunately his brothers' were exceptional climbers.

Closing his eyes he took a few deep breaths, as he tried to calm his nerves. Just go. He opened his eyes, his heart raced, and he bolted. He ran as fast as his legs would go, not taking another look to see the shocked faces of the orcs he had escaped.

He could hear the orcs yelling, and cursing as they followed behind him. Running to the closest tree that looked suitable for climbing, and he slowly painstakingly tried to heave himself up onto tree's branches. As he pulled himself up he felt a strong grip around his ankle. Looking down he gazed into the cold, black eyes of one of the orcs. Desperately Estel tried to shake the hand off of him, but Estel's strength was all but gone. He was getting weaker as he continued to struggle free.

With one quick pull, Estel found himself hit the ground forcefully, where he landed with a thud. He groaned as the orc who pulled him around by the arm to face him.

"Nice try boy, but you will soon learn that your disobedience will not go unpunished." Estel cringed away from the orc, as he let out a cold, and hard laugh. The orcs grip tightened around Estel's thin arm and brought it behind the boy's back fiercely, and then twisted it upwards; hard and fast. Estel cried out in pain as he heard the sickening crunch of bones breaking. The other orcs watched in amusement, this was a sick game to them.

Tiny black dots danced in Estel's vision. His arm dangled lifelessly to his side. The pain was almost unbearable, never before had he felt such a pain. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to push down the nausea that threatened to take over. He shook his head, and quickly regretted it as he was rewarded with a sense of dizziness.

Exhausted and injured, Estel's world turned into darkness and he crumbled to the ground, consciousness fleeing him.

TBC…