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Now I'm not an expert with Middle-Earth nor English, so please forgive me for any obvious mistakes I may make! Well enough of me talking and on to the story! Oh and don't forget to Review. Please! ^_^

True to Ones Heart

~*Chapter Five*~

Estel's eyes fluttered open. It took him a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the morning's light. He moved slightly and looked up over his shoulder to see Legolas sleeping soundly. Estel could not take his eyes off the fair creature. Legolas looked so peaceful. Sighing, he curled against Legolas' side and fell into a light sleep.

Just as soon as Estel closed his eyes, Legolas stirred and blinked a few times as he became aware of his surroundings. He lightly shook Estel, who shot up with a started look on his face. Legolas chucked at the human's reaction. "Sorry, I did not mean to startle you." Estel smiled shyly. "Sleep well?"

"Yes thank you."

Legolas rose to his feet and went over to his pack. "We need to head towards Rivendell soon. We can not waste any time." Estel nodded as Legolas passed him something to eat and drink.

The two ate in silence and moved about quickly once they were done. Legolas helped Estel get onto Nenar's back. "How long until we get to Rivendell?" Estel asked questioningly. Legolas hoisted himself up behind Estel and took the reins. "We may be able to reach Rivendell before the night falls, but we must be quick."

"How is your arm feeling?"

Estel placed his better hand on the sling that Legolas had made. "The pain has died down, it only throbs from time to time. It is a bit stiff when I move it." Legolas smiled and returned his attention to the road ahead. Estel relaxed his body against Legolas. Finally he was going to be home with his father and brothers'. He had to admit he did enjoy the time that he was spending with Legolas. Since he always stayed in Rivendell he never really got a chance to meet anyone from outside.

He was very lucky that Legolas came when he did or let out a silent gulp. He did not want to think of what might have happened , he told himself. He was safe and that was all that mattered.

Estel heard a faint noise; a humming sound. Estel remained still and silent as he tried to determine where the noise was coming from. He was surprised to discover that the soothing hum was coming from Legolas. Soon Legolas' humming turned into a soft singing. Estel listened and let the beautiful song lull him into a peaceful sleep.

Nenar stumbled slightly on a small rock and Estel jolted awake. "How long have I been sleeping?" Legolas shrugged. "Not long; a few hours. You body needs the rest, it has been through a lot."

Estel frowned. A few hours? Was he really that tired? He heard a small sigh from behind and he turned to stare at the weary face of Legolas.

"Have you had any sleep Legolas? You look more tired than I." Legolas chuckled at Estel's concern for him. "I am not tired. I have a much higher tolerance, remember I am an Elf. And we are making good timing." Taking in a deep breath Estel relaxed again.

"Will you sing again?"

"You enjoyed my singing?" He felt Estel nod his head against his chest. "You have a lovely voice." Legolas felt himself blush at the compliment. "Why thank you Estel. And for you I will be glad to sing." Legolas started to sing another elvish song.

The day passed by slowly. They only stopped a few times to give Nenar a rest and to have something to eat. Estel did not mind. He was enjoying telling Legolas all about his brother and how much they liked to get themselves into trouble.

"Elladan was concentrating so hard on shooting his arrow that he did not notice me sneaking up on him. I was getting him back for what he did to me. I scared him good! He was so startled that he let his arrow go, in the wrong direction. He accidentally hit Elrohir in the leg!" Trying to conceal the grin on his face Legolas urged the energetic boy to continue.

"Elladan was not happy with me at all. I had to avoid him for the rest of the week! I was afraid of what either one of them might do to me. I was lucky that they both forgave me."

"And then there was the time at my father's dinner party. They were going to play a small joke on Arwen, since she had returned to Rivendell for a visit, when they got into another argument. The both of them ended up in the pond. Father was not pleased at all! As punishment they had to clean the entire palace, from top to bottom!"

Legolas let out the laugh that he had been holding in; he could just picture his old friends cleaning the large palace. "I would have loved to see that!" Estel burst out laughing joining with Legolas' harmonious one. "Ah yes that does sound like your brothers."

Estel stopped laughing to look at Legolas, confused. "Do you know them?"

Legolas could not help but chuckle as he remembered his first meeting with Elrond's two sons. Estel cocked his head as he wondered what Legolas found so amusing.

"Shall I tell you of my first encounter with your brothers'?" Estel's smile widened. "Yes!" Estel had a feeling that Elladan and Elrohir had caused some kind of trouble, and wanted to hear about it. All the more things to blackmail them with, he thought grinning to himself slyly.

"They came to visit the King of Mirkwood with your father, and they made quite an impression. The two are quite the practical jokers." Legolas closed his eyes and continued, "The royal advisor could not wait to get his hands around their necks."

"What exactly did they do?"

"Well they did like to scare everyone they came across; there were many broken dishes. They would run around playing every practical joke possible, and would hide and watch their pray fall victim. And every morning as I would enter out of my room, I was greeted with a cold bucket of water on my head." Estel snickered softly under his breath.

"Did they get away with it?"

"One morning the King and Lord Elrond entered my chambers, and the bucket fell right on top of King Thranduil. Elrond was furious with them and so they spent the remainder of their time cleaning the stables." Estel laughed at his brothers' misfortunes. "Serves them right! I can not believe they did that, and to the King!"

After another few hours Estel squirmed in his seat impatiently. "Are we almost there yet?" Estel sighed and gazed up at the treetops. "Have patients child. We are almost there."

Legolas' ears perked up as he heard a faint neighing in the distance. Nenar slowed to a stop. Feeling the horse stop Estel was about to question Legolas when a slender hand was clasped over his mouth. Estel was started to panic, but stopped when he felt Legolas lean over and whispered to him. " are not alone."

Not alone? Estel listened intently, but he did not hear anything. He heard Legolas speak. "I know you are here. Show yourselves!" Three figures appeared from the shadows, surrounding the horse, their bows drawn. Estel's eyes widened as he recognized that the figures were elves from Rivendell.

Legolas let his hand fall away from Estel's mouth. "Tralyin!" Estel cried out as he noticed the familiar elf. The elf in front of the horse looked over at Estel shocked. "Estel? You are alive!" Tralyin started at the pale human. "Estel, you are hurt."

Tralyin turned to the elf on his right. "Go get Elladan." The elf nodded and sped off. Tralyin came up beside the horse and Legolas gripped his shoulder. "I must speak to Lord Elrond immediately." Tralyin nodded, "It had been a long time since you have visited us." "Yes. I have missed-"

Elladan suddenly appeared. "Estel!" With Legolas' help Estel managed to hop off of Nenar's back and into Elladan's waiting arms. "O thank the Valar you are all right!" Estel could hardly breath as he was crushed against Elladan's chest. He could not believe he was home.

Elladan did not want to let go of the young human in his arms. He swore that he would never forgive himself it something had happened to Estel. He felt a huge burden lift from his shoulders. "Elladan. not breathe." Elladan let go of Estel and flushed slightly in embarrassment. For the first time he noticed Estel's arm in the sling.

"What did you." Elladan trailed off as he raised his head and watched as the fair haired elf on the horse get off and patted the horse affectionately. Elladan squinted; the elf looked familiar.

"Legolas?" Legolas turned to face his old friend. "Hello my friend." Elladan could hardly believe his eyes, and went to embrace his friend. "It has been too long my friend, too long." Legolas shook his head sadly. "I am sorry. I have been busy." Elladan chuckled. "Yes so I have heard."

Elladan gripped his friend's arm tightly and his eyes traveled up his arm to the dark stain on his tunic. Elladan narrowed his eyes at the elf. "You saved Estel's life. We own you one Legolas. Thank you."

"I am pleased to have meet Estel. He is a fine boy." Legolas glanced down at Estel who stood by Elladan's side. Estel's grin widened as he listened to the two older elves conversation. Elladan turned Legolas back to the attention of his wounded shoulder

"Legolas you are hurt. We should return to my father, he will tend to yours and Estel's wounds." "I must speak with you father." Legolas told Elladan everything that had happened and the other elf was shocked. Elladan turned to Tralyin. "Gather the horses. We head back now."

Legolas walked over to Nenar and was about to get on him when he heard Estel call his name. "Legolas may I ride with you?" Smiling, Legolas reached out and hoisted Estel up and then himself.

Elladan watched the two carefully as he got onto his horse. Estel had quickly attached himself the Elf prince. The friendship between the two could prove to work well for the small human. Legolas seemed quite fond of Estel.

"Shall we be off?" Elladan waited to see of they were all ready before taking off to take Estel home.

Elrohir walked out onto his father's balcony. The sun felt blissful against his skin. He closed his eyes as he basked in the sunlight. Hearing a few shouts called, he opened his eyes and cautiously looked over the edge of the railing. A group of five riders entered through Rivendell's gates.

The hunting party, he observed. Elrohir waved to his brother, who returned the gesture excitedly. Suddenly Elrohir's eyes flickered to the light coloured horse with its fair rider. His eyes widened as they settled upon the riders companion, which looked a lot ! They had found him.

Elrohir spun on his heels and ran into the room and narrowly missed his father who had gotten up to meet with his son. "Elrohir calm down." Elrohir glanced up to meet with Elrond's sad brown eyes.

"Ada, Elladan's Estel is with him! He's alive!" Elrond was speechless as the new hit him full force. He felt his heart soar.

"Ada?"

Elrohir shook his father's shoulder. Elrond quickly found himself. "Is he all right?" Elrohir nodded as the two rushed through the marble hallways towards the gardens. "He looked fine from where I was standing. He was riding with a blond elf. I think Legolas has also arrived!"

Elladan greeted Elrohir and Elrond. " 's alive and well. Legolas found him and brought him back. We met up with them a few leagues away from here."

Elrond peered over Elladan's shoulder and watched as Legolas slipped off of the beasts back and turned to help Estel down. The two were laughing softly at one another. The elf lord frowned at their appearance. Both were unnaturally pale and disheveled. He noticed that Estel's arm was in a sling, and Legolas winced as he helped Estel down off of the horse.

Estel turned to see his father and sprinted to him. "Ada!" Elrond knelt down and caught Estel in his arms, which wrapped protectively around him. "Oh Estel. O thank Valar. I thought I lost you." Estel looked at his father who had tears forming in his eyes. Estel felt horrible for making everyone worry about him so. "I am sorry Ada. I did not mean to-"

Placing a hand on Estel's chin, Elrond smiled. "Estel do not be sorry. Twas no one's fault. I am just glad to see you alive. But you arm, it is broken?" Estel looked away sheepishly. "I was captured by a group of orcs." Elrond paled, "Orcs."

"Yes and Legolas saved me. It was amazing Ada! Legolas single handedly killed them all! He had a better aim then Elladan!" Elladan shot an annoyed glare at Estel. Elrohir clapped him on the back. "We already knew that." Elrohir grinned at Legolas who was leaning against Nenar tiredly.

Elrond stood up with Estel still in his arms. He was relieved that his son was back home where he belonged. He walked to the three young elves. "I owe you a great deal Legolas. You have saved my son's life. I-" Legolas held up his hand slowly. "It was the least I could do my lord." Elrond nodded still concerned with the prince's pale face; there was no elf that had ever come back from a run in with the orcs without any scratches.

Elrond eyes Legolas' left shoulder. It had appeared that Legolas had been hit with an orc arrow. "Come inside I need to tend to Estel's arm, and I would like to look at that shoulder of yours."

As soon as Legolas stepped away from Nenar he swayed on his feet slightly. Instantly Elladan and Elrohir were by his side helping to steady him. Estel struggled lightly against his father's arms as he watched Legolas' leg failed him.

Elladan's grip on Legolas tightened as he felt the elf sag further. "Legolas are you all right?" Legolas groaned as he steadied himself with the help of his friends. Elladan and Elrohir exchanged worried glances with one another as they watched as Legolas wrapped an arm tightly around his chest. It was more then just an injured shoulder.

"Elladan take Legolas into my chambers, I will tend to him after I see to Estel's arm. Elrohir come with me." Estel desperately wanted to be by Legolas' side, but all he could do was wait and go with his father.

Estel sat down on his bed and pouted. "I want to see ." Elrohir came into the room with a tray. Elrond went treated Estel's arm as Elrohir made some tea to help ease the pain. After placing some ointment onto Estel's swollen arm, he wrapped it back up.

Elrohir handed Estel the steaming cup. "Here drink this." Taking a sniff of the liquid, Estel crinkled his nose. "What is this stuff?" Elrond grinned. "It will help lessen the pain in you arm and will quicken the healing process."

Obediently Estel took a small sip. Surprisingly the mixture did not taste as bad as it smelled. Elrond stood up and grabbed a blanket at the end of the bed.

"After some rest you may see Legolas. "Good night my son." Elrond draped the blanket over Estel as the child laid back down on the soft pillows. He struggled to stay awake. But slowly he lost the battle, and his heavy eyelids fluttered shut and he saw no more.

Elladan half dragged, half carried the now unconscious Legolas into Elrond's empty room. With help from Tralyin he was able to place the prince comfortably on the bed. As soon as they did, Elrond and Elrohir entered the room and made their way towards the bed.

Elrond gazed at Legolas' smooth pale features. Legolas had defiantly grown up from the tiny elf he had once known. King Thranduil had often complained of his son's ways. Too adventurous and outgoing. Not ready to take on the responsibility. Impossible to deal with. Those were just some of the things Thranduil used to describe Legolas.

Beads of sweat were forming on Legolas' brow and Elladan placed a cool hand on the elf's forehead. "He has a fever." Elrond frowned and turned to tell Elrohir to get some supplies for him. Elrohir and Tralyin both left to get everything that Elrond required.

The Elf lord returned his attention back to Elladan. "I need help with his tunic." Silently Elladan made his way over to the other side of the bed and carefully lifted Legolas' torn and bloody tunic up and over his head. Elladan let out a tiny gasp of dismay as he got a close look at the prince's chest and shoulder.

Elrond pressed his hands probingly over his bruised ribs. A small moan escaped the lips of the injured elf, confirming Elrond's fears. He faced his son and shook his head in dismay. "He has broken a few ribs." Elrond moved his hand towards Legolas' wounded shoulder; the flesh around it was red and hot to the touch, showing the signs of infection setting in.

"His wounds are not serious, but I must tend to them quickly before infection sets in any further." Elladan was about to reply when Elrohir entered the room with a small tray, setting it down next to his father, he stared at his friend before him sadly. "Will he , Ada?"

Elrond smiled as he looked up to his son standing next to him. He placed a hand on Elrohir's arm. "Legolas is strong, he will be fine. Just give him time to heal."

Wetting a cloth, Elladan draped it over Legolas' forehead. He walked back over and sat in his chair adjacent to the bed. Reaching down he took a hold of Legolas' hand and squeezed lightly, frowning at how cold the prince's hand felt.

Elrond wrapped the bandages that Elrohir had given him, securely around Legolas' chest, careful not to cause any more pain to the young elf. Legolas stirred slightly, but did not wake from his unconscious state.

Tralyin managed to drag Elladan and Elrohir out of the room, giving the Elf lord some space. Elrond sent the guard a quick smile of appreciation. Taking one more sorrowful glace at the unconscious prince before him, Elrond settled down and began tending to his shoulder.

Estel woke with to the familiar feeling of warmth and snuggled deeper into the security of his blankets. He sat up started when he remember the events that had happened earlier before. Kicking the warm sheets away from his rested body, he scrambled out of bed and quickly got dressed. Spotting a small glass of water by his bed, he took a large gulp, emptying the glass.

Opening the door just a crack, he peaked trying to see if there was anybody in the hallway. Seeing that it was deserted Estel slipped out quietly, closing the door behind him.

Estel headed straight for the room at the end of the hallway; his father's chambers. He remembered that Legolas was resting there and Estel was eager to see how his friend was faring. Estel walked into the silent room and spotted Legolas lying deathly still on the bed.

Quietly he slowly made his way over to the Legolas' bed. Legolas' face was pale, but any sign of the fever he had was all but gone.

He listened to the soft even breathing coming from Legolas and sighed in relief. Estel did not like the fact that Legolas was injured while rescuing him from the orcs.

Taking a seat beside the slumbering elf he settled down and took Legolas' slender hand into his own. Estel slowly felt his head droop and finally gave into his weariness and let his head fall on top of Legolas' chest. Hearing the soft beating of the elf's heart comforted Estel somewhat. Closing his eyes Estel quickly fell into a light slumber.

Elrond entered his room. He had wanted to check on Estel, and when he discovered that the room was empty he immediately came to the only other place Estel would he was right. A small grin tugged at Elrond's lips as he watched the small child sleeping on Legolas. The gentle rise and fall of his chest and relaxed features displayed the peacefulness of his slumber and Elrond could not help but smile. This is what Estel needed, a true friend. And Legolas was just the one to be that friend.

He walked over to Estel and draped a blanket over him. Placing a small kiss upon the boy's forehead he took one quick glace at his other patient and smiled. Legolas was still pale, but his fever had broken, and his ribs and shoulder were healing nicely.

Blowing out the small candle, he headed towards the door. He took another long look at the darkened room and at the two figures fast asleep.

Closing the door behind him, he turned to see Elladan standing right in front of him. "How-" Elrond held a finger to his lips and they begun to walk down the lit hallway. "They are resting, as you should be. Where is your brother?" "Elrohir is sleeping. I.I could not sleep. Today has been."

"Exhausting." Elrond finished the sentence for the younger elf. Elladan nodded and avoided eye contact with his father. He had felt that what happened to Estel was somehow his fault, and poor Legolas had gotten himself caught up in it all.

The two stopped outside of Elladan's room. "Elladan?" Elrond grabbed Elladan's shoulder firmly. "What happened was no ones know that?"

Elladan shifted uncomfortably under Elrond's piercing gaze. "I...I know that Ada. But if Elrohir and I just let him come with us-" Elrond cut him off. "No. Elladan remember it is I who did not agree with letting Estel go. It was too dangerous for him to go. He was not ready." The elf lord pulled his son into his arms and held him there for several minutes.

"We have truly been blessed. We are very lucky that Legolas came along when he did." Elrond nodded, "Yes my son we have, but you need to rest. It is very late, and I suspect that you will want to be awake for when our guest awakens. I can not remember the last time he was here." Elladan suppressed a yawn as he said goodnight to his father and headed into his room.

Estel awoke to the feeling of someone stroking his hair. Lifting his head from the 'hard pillow' his head laid upon. His hazy eyes came into focus and saw that Legolas was sitting up in his bed smiling down at Estel. "Good morning. Are you well rested?"

"Legolas!" Estel wrapped his short arms around Legolas, squeezing tightly. He had feared that the elf was not going to make it, and was over come with happiness to see Legolas awake. "You're alive!"

Legolas raised an eyebrow at the young one and returned the embrace. "You thought different?" Estel moved away from Legolas to stare at him and his face flushed with embarrassment. "Well. were ill and I thought that." Legolas chuckled as he listened to the flustered child try to explain his earlier outburst.

"Tis quite all right Estel. I myself am most glad to see you well." Estel smiled at his friend. "How long was I asleep?" Legolas shrugged, "I do not know, but I did awaken a few hours ago. You were quite exhausted."

Taking the blanket that Elrond had draped over his the previous night, Estel moved onto the bed next to Legolas and snuggled against his chest. "I am so glad that it was you who saved me. I am glad to have you as my friend." With that Estel let his eyes close and fell asleep, leaving Legolas to muse over the child's last thought.

He was flattered by what Estel had said to him, and he truly considered him to be a friend. He had a feeling that this was going to be the start of a true friendship. Legolas snickered to himself wondering what his father would say knowing that his son had befriended a human child.

Letting out a small sigh he listened as the door to Elrond's chambers opened and Elf lord entered the room. "Legolas, tis good to see you awake." He moved over to the bed and sat in the chair Estel had once occupied. "Are you hungry?" Legolas shook his head, "Perhaps in a little while, when Estel has awakened."

Elrond nodded towards the sleeping child. "Estel is quite taken with you." Elrond eyed the young boy sleeping against Legolas and smiled, "You know you will never be able to get rid of him now, he's stuck with you." Legolas laughed, "Yes, but I am glad to have met him, he had changed my outlook on humans." "That is good."

Elrond rose and took a hold of the tray on the night table. "Get some rest Legolas, when you feel up to it, there are some eager elves who wish to see you." "I must thank you Lord Elrond, you have saved my life, yet again." Elrond lifted his hand and shook his head in disagreement. "No Prince Legolas. Tis I who is greatly in your debt, for you have saved my son." "We shall call it even then." Elrond nodded and left the room.

Legolas let out a tired yawn, although he did not want to admit it, Elrond was right, he was not completely healed, and he was still exhausted. With some hesitance, Legolas slipped into a healing sleep.

The week had gone by fast. Both Estel and Legolas had made full recoveries. The two had developed a strong bond since they had met, and were usually never found apart from one another.

Today Legolas was giving Estel an archery lesson, followed by some skills to improve his fighting. Estel took a hold of the bow that Legolas had handed him. "Okay be careful." Forgetting that the bow was loaded, with an arrow, Estel swung around to face Legolas; the bow aiming at his chest.

"I am being careful!" He protested softly. The unsuspecting elf let out a small cry. Legolas moved quickly behind Estel and gripped his shoulders and pulled his body to face the target once more. " ." Estel felt himself flushing.

Legolas smiled as he squeezed Estel shoulders. "Concentrate on the target before you. Relax, take a few deep breaths." Earlier when Legolas had invited Estel to practice with him, he was thrilled. He could not wait to spend more time with Legolas. Elladan had taught Estel how to use a bow, but never spent enough time with him to practice, and make sure that he was doing a good job of it.

"Keep steady. And when you feel like you have the target in go of the arrow." Estel closed his eyes and took in a few deep breaths of air, as Legolas instructed him to do. For a few minutes Estel focused hard on the target just a few yard away, and with some hesitance let loose his arrow.

He watched in utter amazement as the arrow hit the second outer most ring of the target. That had been the closest he had ever gotten to the center! Jumping into the air he let out a joyful cry.

"I did it!"

Estel spun on his heels to face the elf that had helped him. "Legolas! I cannot believe it!" The amused elf gazed at the child bouncing about excitedly. When from the corner of his eye, Legolas spotted Elrond standing on one of the balcony's watching proudly. Elrond noticed Legolas' eyes on him and gave the younger elf a grin.

"Congratulations Estel. You will make a fine Ranger one day." Estel beamed at Legolas' praise. Estel dropped the bow and ran over to where he had placed his sword, and brought it over to the puzzled elf. "I am bored of archery. I want action."

Legolas shook his head, but got out a sword of his own. "Humans, so impatient. Scowling at the comment Estel readied himself into a fighting stance. "You will not be saying that after I beat you." Circling the mouthy child, Legolas grinned slyly, "So you think you can beat an elf?"

Estel let out a sharp battle cry as he raised his sword high above his head and charged toward the much taller elf. Legolas easily deflected the blow, and spun on his heels to face Estel once again.

The two swords clashed against one another. Estel quickly dodged the light blow from Legolas and with surprising speed knocked the elven prince's feet from underneath him.

Losing his balance Legolas fell to the ground. That was the last time that he would let Estel get a clear shot at him. Legolas scrambled to his feet and saw Estel laughing at his misfortunate fall. Raising his brow, he saw his chance at the distracted boy.

Estel's laughter immediately stopped when he noticed the sword coming straight for his head. At the last moment possible, he bailed to the ground and rolled away. Now it was Legolas' turn to laugh at Estel who was still dazed trying to piece together what had just happened.

"Estel, it is very important that you do not lose focus of the ongoing battle. It could cost you your life." Giving the amused elf a threatening growl, Estel was up on his own two feet lunging at Legolas again. The two fought back and forth neither letting the other get a clear shot, which continued for several minutes.

Legolas sidestepped as Estel went in for another kill. Blocking another hit from the young child, Legolas could see the determination in Estel's eyes. Estel was not about to give in. He was slightly annoyed when he could not catch Legolas off guard. It seemed like the elf was always one step ahead. Estel knew that Legolas was going easy on his, which only increased his frustration.

Estel's sword narrowly missed Legolas' midsection, as he jumped backwards, out of harms way. That was a bit too close for Legolas' comfort. Legolas' sword came down swiftly towards Estel, and he barely had time to move away. He whirled around to Legolas' side, and went for the unprotected side of the elf.

Again Legolas deflected his shot; he was too fast. Estel was lucky that Legolas was taking it easy on him, he would be afraid to face the fierce elf in battle. The speed and skills of Legolas still amazed Estel.

Panting hard, Estel found himself tiring quickly. All the dodging from his opponent's attacks were taking toll on him. Seeing Estel struggling to catch his breath, Legolas lay his sword down.

"Perhaps we shall continue this another time?"

Estel's eyes gleamed in the sunlight as he saw his chance. Suddenly he jumped forward, catching Legolas by surprise and taking the two tumbling to the ground. The steel tip of Estel's sword lay a few inches from Legolas' exposed throat. Having the wind knocked out of him, Legolas breathed for air. Estel sat upon Legolas' chest comfortable, and quite satisfied at having defeated the elf.

"One should never let one's guard down." Estel said in a mocking tone. Legolas frowned, but was quickly replaced by an amused grin. He was outsmarted by a human child, Legolas was sure that he would never live that down.

A laugh from behind caused the two to turn their attention to their side, walking towards them were Elrond and his two sons. Elladan and Elrohir desperately tried to keep themselves from bursting with the laughter that they so poorly hid. "Beaten by a mere child, Legolas?" Elladan struggled with the words. Elrohir nearly collapsed onto the ground, not being able to hold in his laughter any longer.

"Come now Legolas. And here I thought you were a brave and fierce warrior of Mirkwood." Elladan barely made out the words, before collapsing alongside his brother. Tears were streaming down his cheeks. Elrond sent his sons a disapproving look, which only caused more amusement from the elven twins.

Estel giggled, and quickly got off of Legolas' chest before holding his hand out for assistance. Shoving Estel's hand from his face, Legolas managed to stand and brushed the grass stains from his leggings. Elrond shook his head at Elladan and Elrohir, who were still laughing at the poor prince.

Trying to ignore the mockery of the two, Legolas turned his attention back to Elrond and the serious face that he wore. "Ah Legolas, tis good to see you completely healed; a rider from Mirkwood just arrive." Hearing the words 'rider' and 'Mirkwood' in the same sentence had surprised Legolas.

He knew that his father would be sending for him, but he did not expect it to be so soon. "My father wishes for me to return? So soon?" Elrond smiled sadly as he detected the disappointed tone that Legolas had taken. "Your father made it quite clear that you would leave almost immediately."

Not meaning to eavesdrop on his father's conversation, but as soon as he heard them talking about Legolas returning to Mirkwood, it could not be helped. "What do you mean?" Estel's voice came out squeaky and was filled with worry over the fact that he might never see his new found friend again. Turning to face the worried child, Legolas gave him a reassuring smile.

"I cannot stay here forever, my friend."

Elladan and Elrohir had recovered from their 'situation' and had moved silently behind Estel. "You stay away too long Legolas." Laughing softly, Legolas agreed. "I suppose you are right." Sighing heavily he returned his attention to Estel. "I must return home, to my duties." Estel folded his arms and pouted. He knew he was acting childish, but he did not want Legolas leave so suddenly.

His heart was filled with the utmost distress as he turned away from the four elves and surprised them all by running. He did not know where he was running to, but he did not want to face the fact that Legolas was truly leaving.

"Estel!"

Legolas' voice sounded in the distance, but Estel continued to run. Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over. His vision was blurry as he stumbled along the coble pathway of the garden.

Suddenly Legolas bolted after Estel. Elladan and Elrohir were about to follow their fair friend when Elrond held out his arm to stop them. As they looked to their father questionly, Elrond shook his head and watched as Legolas disappeared from their sight. "Let them be. Legolas will work this out." This was something that Legolas and Estel needed to sort out.

Legolas spotted Estel sitting next to a small pond, and walked up slowly and sat himself down next to the upset child. "Estel.I am sorry that I must leave so soon. I myself thought that I would be staying longer."

Estel's huge, innocent gray eyes looked up at Legolas. "But can you not tell your father that you would like to stay longer? What kind of duties must you go back to?"

Legolas held his breath; he did not want the boy to know of his royal title just yet. It pleased him greatly that the child treated him like a person and not formally like everyone else except for Elrond and his family. Even his close friends had always referred him to his title, which displeased him.

Not knowing how to really comfort the teary eyed child, Legolas placed his hand on boy's arm. "Please Estel, do not be sad." Estel took his sleeved arm and rubbed his eyes gently. "But what if I never see you again?"

Legolas let out a melodic laugh, "Is that all? Ah Estel, you are quite amusing." Not knowing what the elf thought was so funny and cocked his head to the left of his side.

"We will meet once again Estel. Friends never part for long."

"So you will come visit? When? Soon?" The eager boy caused Legolas to chuckle. "Patience, young one, patience. It might not be for some years." Estel's shoulder's slumped. "Okay, I will miss you." Legolas wrapped his arm around Estel's shoulder. "And I you, my friend."

Legolas stood up, and offered his hand to Estel. "Come. I am sure we are missed."

Later that afternoon Legolas stood in front of Elrond and his three sons. "I thank you for your hospitality, Lord Elrond." Elrond smiled at the younger elf's formality as he embraced Legolas in his arms. "It was my pleasure. Do tell you father that he must take time away from his busy life and join me. I have not seen him in years."

"No one can drag him away from his duties. He is more stubborn than Legolas and Estel, put together." Legolas sent Elrohir a sharp glare, which was returned by a fit of laughter. "I wait for the day you two return to Mirkwood." Legolas said, turning to the two twins giving each a friendly smile.

Last of all Legolas knelt down next to Estel. "And you Estel, try to stay away from any orcs you may come across. I know it may be several years since I may see you. But I look forward to the day we shall cross paths again."

Estel buried himself in Legolas' toned chest, and hugged him tightly as if he would never let go. "I already miss you Legolas, please stay!"

"I promise you, I will return. Who knows you might even travel to Mirkwood."

Taking one last look at the happy family before him, Legolas hoisted himself up onto Nenar's back. He gave his horse a quick pat on its long neck before taking off along side his companion.

"Goodbye Legolas Thandrilion."

Elrond's voice was barely a whisper, and had gone unheard by his three sons watching as Legolas departed Rivendell for a long travel back to him home.

THE END