Disclaimer: Chapter One.
*
Estel felt elated and a steady humm of happiness coursed through his veins, pulsing within him and giving him a feeling of warmth and fulfilment that had long been absent from his life. Swinging Elrohir's hand back and forth, the three brothers conversed on how they were going to cook the small hoard of fish that they had managed to ensnare from the Bruinen. Elladan's opinion was favouring baking, whilst Elrohir preferred the steamed approach. Estel wanted it grilled. Elrond smiled as he carried the line of fish, leading the way back to the Last Homely House east of the Sea.
*
As Estel was just about to voice his opinion on just how bad a steamed fish would taste, his voice died in his throat. The Imladris that he had left was definitely not the Imladris that was before him right then. Estel's room had been decorated in all different forms of adornment, from the finest, most delicate trinkets to bold streams of coloured stars that flapped on cloth streamers hanging from the ceiling. Elrond led his stunned foster-son into the room which was filled with the Household's closest friends as the boy finally realized what the date was as Lindir broke into a traditional birthday song, aided by Erestor and Glorfindel. The boy knew in that instant as his foster father leant down to him that this was where he belonged. Elrond whispered quietly into his ear,
'Happy birthday, Estel.'
*
The room was alight with merriment as the cake was dished out amongst the seven there. The party was a small, private one, but lacked nothing in terms of joy. Elladan and Elrohir had thought it amusing to smash Glorfindel in the face with his piece of cake as a repayment for all the homework they had to do when they were elflings, causing the golden haired eldar's face to be smeared with cream. Lindir had unwisely laughed aloud, causing an napkin to be stuffed into his mouth by an irate balrog killer. Finally the gift giving came. From Elrond came a book of elvish children's tales, converted partially into the common tongue. It would couple as a textbook to help teach Estel both the language of the Elves and Common Speech, as well as provide entertainment. From Lindir came a set of pipes, with sounds clearer than crystal bells, and the promise to teach Estel how to play them. Erestor gave him set of coloured leads and parchments for drawing. The twins presented their full battle-set, which delighted the mortal boy to no end, and finally Glorfindel gave him a well crafted silver-gold brooch, knowing that Estel regularly went through less well-made cloak clasps quite quickly. The insignia was one of a golden flower. Estel would never know of its age until much later, when the wears of the world would bring him more sorrow than the happy child could then contemplate. For now, though, the moment was all that existed to him.