Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters and/or places
thereof
Eledhwen: I know that the dialogue isn't perfect, and I don't mean to be unkind, but if you expect it to be I'm not the author whose stories you'd like reading. When I'm writing, I don't go over everything with a fine- toothed comb, if you understand. The speech is imperfect, I know, but truth be told I don't really know how to make it all that better and keep it sounding real. Lysander and Oswald were characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream and King Lear, and Sierra was, of course, named for my local mountain range--but I did not want to call her Nevada. Just kidding. Estel knows that he is Hope, foster son of Elrond of Rivendell, brother to Elladan and Elrohir, and, in his own mind, someone, though he knows not who. He does not know that his father was Arathorn, and I suppose that's what you meant.
Trinity Black: Well, either way, hearing that really made me feel much better about this story. Thanks so much!
Lady Laughing Owl: Are we thinking of the same "Chanukah, Chanukah"? As in, "Chanukah oh Chanukah come light the menorah, let's have a party we'll all dance the hora. . ."? If not, then I don't know what song you mean. And your words to "Athelas, Athelas" don't match up so well. No offense. You have to sing it for me some time, because I want to know how that song goes.
Leggylover03: He will, but not for a few more chapters.
*****
Estel panted, his sword hanging loosely from one hand as he sprinted across the open field. Elladan had looked uncertain when Estel had said he would follow last, but had not protested: there had been not the time. True to Elladan's foresight, there had been something of a battle for the Elves to leave the city. Their numbers were no more intact as they crossed the open area and headed for the trees. Again, Estel had noticed that the intentions of the Men were to subdue, not to kill. Why? "We make for the trees!" Estel called. "There we will regroup, and return to the city in stealth to recover those lost to our ranks."
The others had stopped, and Estel with them. "No," Elladan said. "We will make for the trees, then return to Imladris. A proper party can be deployed, not a group of students. Glorfindel, or--"
"Elladan, look at yourself. A matter of days in their hands and you are bruised all over. You would leave the others there for weeks, maybe? No," Estel countered, shaking his head. "No one gets left behind."
"Estel," Elrohir said in a condescending tone. Legolas shot him a warning look, but he did not see it. What was Elrohir doing? Estel was no child! "In our absence you lead the group, and as we have heard you did a fine job of it. But with our return, you are no longer required to lead. We will be taking that job from here on out."
Estel could hardly believe his ears. Elrohir had never treated him that way before! For a moment his mouth hung open, disbelieving, then he slowly shook his head. "No," he whispered.
"Estel," Elrohir warned.
"No!" the boy said loudly. He looked around him, and saw Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas, Lysander and Wilwarindi. Where were Naarie and Elemmiire? They must have been taken back in the city. "We followed your original plan, and this is where it got us. Circumstance forced me to become a leader all to quickly, and you cannot instruct me to lose the skills necessity taught. I will return to the city. All of you make these choices for yourself. As have I."
For a moment there was silence, and it seemed as though the others would choose to return to Imladris. What would Estel do, in those circumstances? Would he return with them, or would he seek to save his comrades? Would returning to the city alone be his doom? It mattered not; he had spoken, and would do as he had said, regardless. He straightened his posture with certainty. And then, as if by some strange miracle, Lysander took one faltering step forwards, and knelt before Estel. "Where you lead me, I will follow you," Lysander stated. "I should never have doubted you."
"Thank you," Estel replied, his voice choked by tears as Lysander stood behind him.
Wilwarindi seemed even more uncertain, and he fidgeted, his face showing his torn emotions. For a moment Estel believed he and Lysander would be going on alone, and while he feared for Lysander's safety, he accepted that Lysander continued with him of his own free will, knowing the risks of his actions. To everyone's great surprise, it was Legolas that next strode forward and, clapping Estel on the shoulder, said, "You have proven your worth, young one. May the Valar guide you, that we may be following them."
The twins glanced at each other. Now they realized that their brother would truly follow through, and for the first time experienced that they were not only his brothers but also his protectors. The Hope of Men rested in their hands, and now he risked his life and fate for others, that had so gravely mistreated him. If Estel did not return, they would not only blame themselves and mourn for the loss of a brother, but of what might be the last great King. As one they moved, and stood behind their mortal brother.
And Wilwarindi? He would not be left behind.
*****
TBC (sorry for the shortness of this chapter. Good readers review!)
Eledhwen: I know that the dialogue isn't perfect, and I don't mean to be unkind, but if you expect it to be I'm not the author whose stories you'd like reading. When I'm writing, I don't go over everything with a fine- toothed comb, if you understand. The speech is imperfect, I know, but truth be told I don't really know how to make it all that better and keep it sounding real. Lysander and Oswald were characters in A Midsummer Night's Dream and King Lear, and Sierra was, of course, named for my local mountain range--but I did not want to call her Nevada. Just kidding. Estel knows that he is Hope, foster son of Elrond of Rivendell, brother to Elladan and Elrohir, and, in his own mind, someone, though he knows not who. He does not know that his father was Arathorn, and I suppose that's what you meant.
Trinity Black: Well, either way, hearing that really made me feel much better about this story. Thanks so much!
Lady Laughing Owl: Are we thinking of the same "Chanukah, Chanukah"? As in, "Chanukah oh Chanukah come light the menorah, let's have a party we'll all dance the hora. . ."? If not, then I don't know what song you mean. And your words to "Athelas, Athelas" don't match up so well. No offense. You have to sing it for me some time, because I want to know how that song goes.
Leggylover03: He will, but not for a few more chapters.
*****
Estel panted, his sword hanging loosely from one hand as he sprinted across the open field. Elladan had looked uncertain when Estel had said he would follow last, but had not protested: there had been not the time. True to Elladan's foresight, there had been something of a battle for the Elves to leave the city. Their numbers were no more intact as they crossed the open area and headed for the trees. Again, Estel had noticed that the intentions of the Men were to subdue, not to kill. Why? "We make for the trees!" Estel called. "There we will regroup, and return to the city in stealth to recover those lost to our ranks."
The others had stopped, and Estel with them. "No," Elladan said. "We will make for the trees, then return to Imladris. A proper party can be deployed, not a group of students. Glorfindel, or--"
"Elladan, look at yourself. A matter of days in their hands and you are bruised all over. You would leave the others there for weeks, maybe? No," Estel countered, shaking his head. "No one gets left behind."
"Estel," Elrohir said in a condescending tone. Legolas shot him a warning look, but he did not see it. What was Elrohir doing? Estel was no child! "In our absence you lead the group, and as we have heard you did a fine job of it. But with our return, you are no longer required to lead. We will be taking that job from here on out."
Estel could hardly believe his ears. Elrohir had never treated him that way before! For a moment his mouth hung open, disbelieving, then he slowly shook his head. "No," he whispered.
"Estel," Elrohir warned.
"No!" the boy said loudly. He looked around him, and saw Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas, Lysander and Wilwarindi. Where were Naarie and Elemmiire? They must have been taken back in the city. "We followed your original plan, and this is where it got us. Circumstance forced me to become a leader all to quickly, and you cannot instruct me to lose the skills necessity taught. I will return to the city. All of you make these choices for yourself. As have I."
For a moment there was silence, and it seemed as though the others would choose to return to Imladris. What would Estel do, in those circumstances? Would he return with them, or would he seek to save his comrades? Would returning to the city alone be his doom? It mattered not; he had spoken, and would do as he had said, regardless. He straightened his posture with certainty. And then, as if by some strange miracle, Lysander took one faltering step forwards, and knelt before Estel. "Where you lead me, I will follow you," Lysander stated. "I should never have doubted you."
"Thank you," Estel replied, his voice choked by tears as Lysander stood behind him.
Wilwarindi seemed even more uncertain, and he fidgeted, his face showing his torn emotions. For a moment Estel believed he and Lysander would be going on alone, and while he feared for Lysander's safety, he accepted that Lysander continued with him of his own free will, knowing the risks of his actions. To everyone's great surprise, it was Legolas that next strode forward and, clapping Estel on the shoulder, said, "You have proven your worth, young one. May the Valar guide you, that we may be following them."
The twins glanced at each other. Now they realized that their brother would truly follow through, and for the first time experienced that they were not only his brothers but also his protectors. The Hope of Men rested in their hands, and now he risked his life and fate for others, that had so gravely mistreated him. If Estel did not return, they would not only blame themselves and mourn for the loss of a brother, but of what might be the last great King. As one they moved, and stood behind their mortal brother.
And Wilwarindi? He would not be left behind.
*****
TBC (sorry for the shortness of this chapter. Good readers review!)
