Title: Chiaro Scuro
Author: Elladan
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Estel is constantly being teased and bullied for being adan. One day the teasing goes too far, but Estel is convinced that he can find a solution for the treatment without the help of his family. The only problem is that his solution does everything but make his life simpler.
Disclaimer: I am not making any money off this and I am only borrowing Tolkien's characters for a little fun.
A/N: *peeks out from hiding* Is it safe? How many of you are waving pointy objects at me? Just let me explain first before you kill me why it has taken me so long to update. I know this sounds unbelievable, but I broke my leg and between doctors, make up work, ect. I have just not gotten a chance to put this up. I now finally have some more sympathy for Estel and all we authors put him through. Anyway, I am very sorry and I'll try to be better about updating. Thank you all so much for the reviews and here's the next chapter.
ThE iNsAnE oNe- Thank you very much and I am glad you like it so far. It is amazing that you can bounce so early in the morning. Please write more soon, I can't wait for you to post again.
Xsilcax- Thanks for the review; I bet you'll be surprised and fear not Estel will not be harmed further.yet.
Arabella thorne- Not to worry, Estel will have a little more time to recover before.well you'll find out soon enough.
Aralondwen- Well, that was defiantly the longest review I have ever gotten and it was strangely creative and extremely frightening. Thanks for your review and please spare my life a little longer because if you kill me now you shall not find out what happens.
Kawaii BlueBear- Yes, I finally am getting some revenge! *grins wickedly*
Emmithar- Thank you so much for your suggestions. I went back and tried to fix the last chapter some after reading it through. I defiantly agree that I overused the entire Aye/Nay thing. I need to find a good dictionary because this is my third one and I can never find what I want in it, any suggestions on a good one?
Concrete Angel- Thank you very much and I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Chapter 3
*****
"If you remain quiet, I will not harm you." A strange voice whispered in his ear. The voice did not speak in Elvish, but instead used the common tongue. Estel nodded his head in understanding and ceased his pointless struggling.
"I am going to release you now, but I warn you that if you shout or attempt to flee, I will strike you down." the voice hissed. As soon as the attacker's grip loosened, Estel spun around and looked directly into a pair of sharp brown eyes.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Estel demanded, taking a few steps backward.
"Oh, so you're a hasty little one are you? You are lucky that I am in a generous mood today, for if I were angry, you would already be dead. As for a name, you may call me Kelvakanta and all I want is to help you." the man said. He was over six feet tall, with long greasy black hair, a craggy face, and was clad in shades of dark green.
"Why?" Estel shot back curtly. The dark man's laugh sounded like two rocks rubbing together as he took an apple from his pocket and began to remove a slice from it with a dagger.
"I have been watching you for a while now, Estel. Those others boys have not been nice to you, have they? I can see that you desire revenge. I can give you that, Estel. I can give you revenge. You would like that wouldn't you?" the man spoke ignoring Estel's question completely.
'Yes, I want to get back at them. and make them respect me, but there is something wrong about this man.' he thought to himself.
"Here, have some apple. I'm sure you must be hungry." Kelvakanta offered the piece he had cut away from the fruit. There was something about the way the man said it that made Estel feel compelled to eat it. He quickly snatched it from the outstretched hand and ate it in one bite. The flavor seemed a bit off, 'maybe a little too tangy for my taste' Estel thought.
"Would you like any more?" he asked waving the apple in his right hand. Estel shook his head. Kelvakanta merely blinked and threw the rest of the apple into the forest.
"Now, Estel, would you like me to help you?" he asked again. For some reason, the uneasiness Estel had felt earlier had disappeared and he eagerly nodded his head.
"Good, I thought you might. Now meet me here tomorrow after the midday meal and we shall came up with a plan." As soon as he finished, the man vanished into the trees. When he was gone Estel stood still for a moment blinking his eyes. He felt slightly weird as if he had just woken from a daydream. With a shrug of his shoulders, Estel turned around and made his way back home.
*****
The cool water felt good on his face as he washed off the layer of dirt he had collected throughout the day. Estel was already in his dinner cloths so he was careful not to splash water on anything but his face. Once clean he quickly dried, tossed the towel next to the wash bin, and raced out his bedroom door. He had less than two minutes to get to dinner and tonight was not a night to be late. If luck was with him, he might just make it and avoid a lecture by Lord Elrond on punctuality. Estel probably would have been on time if Elrohir had not chosen to exit his room at a full sprint just as he was passing by. The two collided and ended up in a pile on the floor.
"Estel! You must learn to be more careful." Elrohir scolded.
"Me more careful? I think tis you who should be more cautious, dear brother." Estel threw back as the two rose from the floor. He straightened his tunic, keeping most of his weight on his good ankle. When his elven brother did not respond to his teasing, Estel looked up in surprise and met Elrohir's worried eyes.
"Oh Elrohir, it is fine. You are always mothering me." he said with exasperation, answering his brother's unspoken question concerning his injury. Seemingly assured, Elrohir laughed.
"Now, titta onooro, we shall both be late to dinner, but at least Ada's wraith will be divided between us." With that the two hurried down the hall.
When they finally arrived at dinner they attempted to sneak in unnoticed. They had about the same amount of success as a pair of orcs masquerading as hobbits. All conversation ceased and Lord Elrond's icy glare rested on his youngest sons for a few moments before he spoke.
"Elrohir, Estel, how kind of you to grace us with your presence." he said coolly. Elladan tried unsuccessfully to hold in a snicker that was quickly quieted by a single glance from the elven lord.
"Take your seats. Fraylik, I apologize on behalf of my sons for their disrespect." Elrond said, directing his attention to a stout red-haired dwarf.
"Ha! No apologies, my good friend, I'm sure they meant no harm." He replied warmly.
Estel sat down immediately and took in the guests surrounding the table. He knew not why the six dwarves had come, only that it was a matter of great importance and urgency. As dinner progressed, Estel's thoughts drifted to Kelvakanta and his promise of help. Thankfully with all the guests no one noticed his silence and apparent lack of interest in the meal. 'If I could just make the other elves realize that I am not just a stupid adan than my problem would be solved and Ada would be so proud.' he thought with resolve. He would trust the man and finally become an equal to the others. Now that a solution had presented itself, Estel's mind finally moved on to more immediate issues like those of desert.
*****
"Where is he?" a frustrated Estel muttered to himself. He had followed the man's instructions and had been waiting for half an hour.
"I am here." Kelvakanta said, leaping out of a tree and causing Estel to jump.
"How long have you been up there?" Estel questioned with annoyance and awe.
"That does not matter. What does matter is that we are here to design a plan to get revenge on the others, right? Here, I am sorry for startling you and making you wait, have an apple." the dark man replied evenly. Estel nodded in thanks and even though he wasn't hungry, he took a bite. It was the same kind from the day before that tasted slightly strange, but yet was so desirable.
"Now, child, we shall plan. You must lead them into the woods, maybe around here. Once here, I shall pretend to be an attacker and shall attempt to capture them. You shall then fight me, I shall let you win of course, and then you will save them. After, you have saved them, they will see you as an equal, just like you want them to." Kelvakanta said in his gravely voice. Estel excitedly nodded in agreement for this seemed to him a perfect plan.
"Just tell me what I need to do!" he cried eagerly.
Something appeared on the man's face as a reaction to the eleven-year-old's words. Estel decided that it must be Kelvakanta's version of a smile. Strangely, instead of conveying amusement, it seemed more like the symbol of satisfaction a hunter would display after killing a hart. But, that did not matter right now for Estel was focused on revenge. It seemed that luck had finally taken interest in him after avoiding him for so many years. The two began to formulate a solid plan. They would have to wait another week so Estel's ankle would be fully healed and they would have time to make the necessary arrangements. It was not until the sun began to set that Estel realized how late it was. There was little chance that he would make it home before dark, thus breaking one of Ada's most sacred rules.
As if he read Estel's mind, Kelvakanta bent down and severed one of the straps holding the splint to his leg. He then took Estel by the shoulders, pushed him to the ground, and began to roll him in the leaves and mud.
"There," Kelvakanta said when he deemed him dirty enough, "now you can return home and tell your family you fell in the woods. It will not be a lie for just now you are on the ground after falling over." Estel smiled and pushed himself to his feet.
"Hanta, mellon, I will see you in one week." With those words, Estel turned and left the little clearing knowing that Kelvakanta had already disappeared.
*****
Elrond sat by the fire in his study with stacks of books surrounding his chair and one lying open in his lap. On the table next to him rested a cup of energizing tea, for it was very late and sleep still remained a distant hope. He was desperately searching for the answer to the dwarves' crisis. His problem was that he did not know exactly what he was searching for. The information he had was either constantly contradicting or so obscure that Elrond was left only to guess. The single thing that was present in all accounts was that the thing was evil, pure evil. This evil was loose and roaming throughout middle earth leaving death and pain but never a witness. Elrond sighed in irritation as he once again busied himself in uncovering the truth.
*****
Estel had managed to convince both Ada and his brothers that he had simply tripped on the way home and was greatly slowed by his hurt ankle. For the next week, he had remained indoors protected from the elven children. He had spent all his free time preparing for The Day. It was his last full day as a weak, stupid adan. He was to meet Kelvakanta in a few minutes to finalize all their plans. He carried a small pack on his shoulders as he trekked through the forest to the clearing, at last free of the cumbersome splint. As soon as he reached his destination, Estel sat down on a log and placed his pack at his feet. All he had to do was wait for Kelvakanta to show.
Fifteen minutes later, the man materialized from between two trees and strode over to him.
"So, young one, are you ready to taste the sweet flavor of revenge? Do you remember the plan?" he growled as he approached Estel. Estel nodded and easily smiled.
"Aye, I know the plan by heart and I can not wait to be an equal. I am to lead my friends here at just after midday. Then you will jump from the trees and throw a net over them while I am sure to separate myself so as not to be trapped also. You will then attack me and we will fight. Sometime during the fight I will free my friends and soon after you will let me win." he recited with growing excitement.
"Good, my little friend, I will help you and then you will be happy. Are you not glad that I am here?" Kelvakanta said pulling another apple from his pocket.
"Yes, very glad and most thankful." Estel replied taking the offered apple.
"Until tomorrow." Kelvakanta said as he seemed to dissolve back into the forest.
Estel stuffed the apple into his pack and began to whistle. That afternoon when he had returned home, he tossed his pack into the corner of his room and ran to go annoy his brothers. In his excitement, he failed to notice the eyes watching him from the tree outside his window.
*****
The next morning he woke early and realized that it was finally the day he had been waiting for. It was today that he would finally get revenge. It was today that he would finally be considered an equal. After he had dressed and made his bed, Estel left his room ready for vengeance. Again the unnoticed eyes followed his movements, except today they knew something Estel would not discover until it was too late. What they knew was something so precious, so important that would change Estel's life in more ways then he could ever imagine.
*****
A/N: I know not a lot happened in this chapter, but it is all necessary set up for the next chapter. Hey, At least it was a pretty good length.
Author: Elladan
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Estel is constantly being teased and bullied for being adan. One day the teasing goes too far, but Estel is convinced that he can find a solution for the treatment without the help of his family. The only problem is that his solution does everything but make his life simpler.
Disclaimer: I am not making any money off this and I am only borrowing Tolkien's characters for a little fun.
A/N: *peeks out from hiding* Is it safe? How many of you are waving pointy objects at me? Just let me explain first before you kill me why it has taken me so long to update. I know this sounds unbelievable, but I broke my leg and between doctors, make up work, ect. I have just not gotten a chance to put this up. I now finally have some more sympathy for Estel and all we authors put him through. Anyway, I am very sorry and I'll try to be better about updating. Thank you all so much for the reviews and here's the next chapter.
ThE iNsAnE oNe- Thank you very much and I am glad you like it so far. It is amazing that you can bounce so early in the morning. Please write more soon, I can't wait for you to post again.
Xsilcax- Thanks for the review; I bet you'll be surprised and fear not Estel will not be harmed further.yet.
Arabella thorne- Not to worry, Estel will have a little more time to recover before.well you'll find out soon enough.
Aralondwen- Well, that was defiantly the longest review I have ever gotten and it was strangely creative and extremely frightening. Thanks for your review and please spare my life a little longer because if you kill me now you shall not find out what happens.
Kawaii BlueBear- Yes, I finally am getting some revenge! *grins wickedly*
Emmithar- Thank you so much for your suggestions. I went back and tried to fix the last chapter some after reading it through. I defiantly agree that I overused the entire Aye/Nay thing. I need to find a good dictionary because this is my third one and I can never find what I want in it, any suggestions on a good one?
Concrete Angel- Thank you very much and I hope you continue to enjoy it.
Chapter 3
*****
"If you remain quiet, I will not harm you." A strange voice whispered in his ear. The voice did not speak in Elvish, but instead used the common tongue. Estel nodded his head in understanding and ceased his pointless struggling.
"I am going to release you now, but I warn you that if you shout or attempt to flee, I will strike you down." the voice hissed. As soon as the attacker's grip loosened, Estel spun around and looked directly into a pair of sharp brown eyes.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Estel demanded, taking a few steps backward.
"Oh, so you're a hasty little one are you? You are lucky that I am in a generous mood today, for if I were angry, you would already be dead. As for a name, you may call me Kelvakanta and all I want is to help you." the man said. He was over six feet tall, with long greasy black hair, a craggy face, and was clad in shades of dark green.
"Why?" Estel shot back curtly. The dark man's laugh sounded like two rocks rubbing together as he took an apple from his pocket and began to remove a slice from it with a dagger.
"I have been watching you for a while now, Estel. Those others boys have not been nice to you, have they? I can see that you desire revenge. I can give you that, Estel. I can give you revenge. You would like that wouldn't you?" the man spoke ignoring Estel's question completely.
'Yes, I want to get back at them. and make them respect me, but there is something wrong about this man.' he thought to himself.
"Here, have some apple. I'm sure you must be hungry." Kelvakanta offered the piece he had cut away from the fruit. There was something about the way the man said it that made Estel feel compelled to eat it. He quickly snatched it from the outstretched hand and ate it in one bite. The flavor seemed a bit off, 'maybe a little too tangy for my taste' Estel thought.
"Would you like any more?" he asked waving the apple in his right hand. Estel shook his head. Kelvakanta merely blinked and threw the rest of the apple into the forest.
"Now, Estel, would you like me to help you?" he asked again. For some reason, the uneasiness Estel had felt earlier had disappeared and he eagerly nodded his head.
"Good, I thought you might. Now meet me here tomorrow after the midday meal and we shall came up with a plan." As soon as he finished, the man vanished into the trees. When he was gone Estel stood still for a moment blinking his eyes. He felt slightly weird as if he had just woken from a daydream. With a shrug of his shoulders, Estel turned around and made his way back home.
*****
The cool water felt good on his face as he washed off the layer of dirt he had collected throughout the day. Estel was already in his dinner cloths so he was careful not to splash water on anything but his face. Once clean he quickly dried, tossed the towel next to the wash bin, and raced out his bedroom door. He had less than two minutes to get to dinner and tonight was not a night to be late. If luck was with him, he might just make it and avoid a lecture by Lord Elrond on punctuality. Estel probably would have been on time if Elrohir had not chosen to exit his room at a full sprint just as he was passing by. The two collided and ended up in a pile on the floor.
"Estel! You must learn to be more careful." Elrohir scolded.
"Me more careful? I think tis you who should be more cautious, dear brother." Estel threw back as the two rose from the floor. He straightened his tunic, keeping most of his weight on his good ankle. When his elven brother did not respond to his teasing, Estel looked up in surprise and met Elrohir's worried eyes.
"Oh Elrohir, it is fine. You are always mothering me." he said with exasperation, answering his brother's unspoken question concerning his injury. Seemingly assured, Elrohir laughed.
"Now, titta onooro, we shall both be late to dinner, but at least Ada's wraith will be divided between us." With that the two hurried down the hall.
When they finally arrived at dinner they attempted to sneak in unnoticed. They had about the same amount of success as a pair of orcs masquerading as hobbits. All conversation ceased and Lord Elrond's icy glare rested on his youngest sons for a few moments before he spoke.
"Elrohir, Estel, how kind of you to grace us with your presence." he said coolly. Elladan tried unsuccessfully to hold in a snicker that was quickly quieted by a single glance from the elven lord.
"Take your seats. Fraylik, I apologize on behalf of my sons for their disrespect." Elrond said, directing his attention to a stout red-haired dwarf.
"Ha! No apologies, my good friend, I'm sure they meant no harm." He replied warmly.
Estel sat down immediately and took in the guests surrounding the table. He knew not why the six dwarves had come, only that it was a matter of great importance and urgency. As dinner progressed, Estel's thoughts drifted to Kelvakanta and his promise of help. Thankfully with all the guests no one noticed his silence and apparent lack of interest in the meal. 'If I could just make the other elves realize that I am not just a stupid adan than my problem would be solved and Ada would be so proud.' he thought with resolve. He would trust the man and finally become an equal to the others. Now that a solution had presented itself, Estel's mind finally moved on to more immediate issues like those of desert.
*****
"Where is he?" a frustrated Estel muttered to himself. He had followed the man's instructions and had been waiting for half an hour.
"I am here." Kelvakanta said, leaping out of a tree and causing Estel to jump.
"How long have you been up there?" Estel questioned with annoyance and awe.
"That does not matter. What does matter is that we are here to design a plan to get revenge on the others, right? Here, I am sorry for startling you and making you wait, have an apple." the dark man replied evenly. Estel nodded in thanks and even though he wasn't hungry, he took a bite. It was the same kind from the day before that tasted slightly strange, but yet was so desirable.
"Now, child, we shall plan. You must lead them into the woods, maybe around here. Once here, I shall pretend to be an attacker and shall attempt to capture them. You shall then fight me, I shall let you win of course, and then you will save them. After, you have saved them, they will see you as an equal, just like you want them to." Kelvakanta said in his gravely voice. Estel excitedly nodded in agreement for this seemed to him a perfect plan.
"Just tell me what I need to do!" he cried eagerly.
Something appeared on the man's face as a reaction to the eleven-year-old's words. Estel decided that it must be Kelvakanta's version of a smile. Strangely, instead of conveying amusement, it seemed more like the symbol of satisfaction a hunter would display after killing a hart. But, that did not matter right now for Estel was focused on revenge. It seemed that luck had finally taken interest in him after avoiding him for so many years. The two began to formulate a solid plan. They would have to wait another week so Estel's ankle would be fully healed and they would have time to make the necessary arrangements. It was not until the sun began to set that Estel realized how late it was. There was little chance that he would make it home before dark, thus breaking one of Ada's most sacred rules.
As if he read Estel's mind, Kelvakanta bent down and severed one of the straps holding the splint to his leg. He then took Estel by the shoulders, pushed him to the ground, and began to roll him in the leaves and mud.
"There," Kelvakanta said when he deemed him dirty enough, "now you can return home and tell your family you fell in the woods. It will not be a lie for just now you are on the ground after falling over." Estel smiled and pushed himself to his feet.
"Hanta, mellon, I will see you in one week." With those words, Estel turned and left the little clearing knowing that Kelvakanta had already disappeared.
*****
Elrond sat by the fire in his study with stacks of books surrounding his chair and one lying open in his lap. On the table next to him rested a cup of energizing tea, for it was very late and sleep still remained a distant hope. He was desperately searching for the answer to the dwarves' crisis. His problem was that he did not know exactly what he was searching for. The information he had was either constantly contradicting or so obscure that Elrond was left only to guess. The single thing that was present in all accounts was that the thing was evil, pure evil. This evil was loose and roaming throughout middle earth leaving death and pain but never a witness. Elrond sighed in irritation as he once again busied himself in uncovering the truth.
*****
Estel had managed to convince both Ada and his brothers that he had simply tripped on the way home and was greatly slowed by his hurt ankle. For the next week, he had remained indoors protected from the elven children. He had spent all his free time preparing for The Day. It was his last full day as a weak, stupid adan. He was to meet Kelvakanta in a few minutes to finalize all their plans. He carried a small pack on his shoulders as he trekked through the forest to the clearing, at last free of the cumbersome splint. As soon as he reached his destination, Estel sat down on a log and placed his pack at his feet. All he had to do was wait for Kelvakanta to show.
Fifteen minutes later, the man materialized from between two trees and strode over to him.
"So, young one, are you ready to taste the sweet flavor of revenge? Do you remember the plan?" he growled as he approached Estel. Estel nodded and easily smiled.
"Aye, I know the plan by heart and I can not wait to be an equal. I am to lead my friends here at just after midday. Then you will jump from the trees and throw a net over them while I am sure to separate myself so as not to be trapped also. You will then attack me and we will fight. Sometime during the fight I will free my friends and soon after you will let me win." he recited with growing excitement.
"Good, my little friend, I will help you and then you will be happy. Are you not glad that I am here?" Kelvakanta said pulling another apple from his pocket.
"Yes, very glad and most thankful." Estel replied taking the offered apple.
"Until tomorrow." Kelvakanta said as he seemed to dissolve back into the forest.
Estel stuffed the apple into his pack and began to whistle. That afternoon when he had returned home, he tossed his pack into the corner of his room and ran to go annoy his brothers. In his excitement, he failed to notice the eyes watching him from the tree outside his window.
*****
The next morning he woke early and realized that it was finally the day he had been waiting for. It was today that he would finally get revenge. It was today that he would finally be considered an equal. After he had dressed and made his bed, Estel left his room ready for vengeance. Again the unnoticed eyes followed his movements, except today they knew something Estel would not discover until it was too late. What they knew was something so precious, so important that would change Estel's life in more ways then he could ever imagine.
*****
A/N: I know not a lot happened in this chapter, but it is all necessary set up for the next chapter. Hey, At least it was a pretty good length.
