This story is focused upon Estel's relationship with the elves in Rivendell - focuses more on Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir. This story is no way A SLASH. I do not like that stuff.
This story is part of a series that I intend to write based on Estel's individual feelings to elves and men. And remember I accept positive and negative reviews. Enjoy this little story!
Just An Innocent Child
Author: Heather (known as Strider's Girl here, but you may call me Heather if you wish)
Rating: PG-13 for violence and torture
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Aragorn, Legolas, Elrond etc but I do own the characters of Dilir and Deollyn.
Summary: When one of Estel's human friends is killed, the boy's father seeks revenge, wanting to know which elf is behind the murder of his son. But the elves do not know who is behind this deadly deed and in retaliation of the elves silence, the boy's father kidnaps little Estel in order to manipulate Elrond. Character angst and torture.
Just an Innocent Child
Chapter 1: A New Friend
A loud scream echoed over the tree-tops near to the vale of Rivendell. Elladan looked up, startled at the sudden sound. "What was that?"
"It sounded like a child." Estel, Elladan's adopted human brother murmured. "It cam from over there!" He pointed further into the forest in which they stood. "I'm going to find out who it is." With that the small human ran away from his protectors and into the forest.
Elrohir clenched his twin's forearm. "Are you sure it's a good idea in letting Estel go alone?"
Elladan nodded. "Yes. He needs to learn to protect himself without our help. But to lighten your heart we will follow him and if he is in need of help then we'll give it to him."
"Good."
*****
Estel emerged into a clearing that was surrounded by tall ferns. His grey eyes scanned the surrounding area, searching. They rested on a group of teenaged boys; one of them held a younger boy against a tree, with a knife pressed against his neck. Even from afar Estel could hear the taunts the boys were saying to the boy.
"Just because your father's rich it doesn't mean that he cares for you! Just because he gives you everything you want, does it mean he loves you? Well if he loves you then where is your precious Father now?"
Spurred on Estel walked forward and spoke in an angry voice. "His father may not be here, but I am and my brothers are not far off!"
The teenagers turned and the leader let go of the boy he was holding and stepped forward, chuckling. "Brothers! Those elves are your brothers! Those elves do not care a whim for you! Just because you are the adopted child of Elrond of Rivendell does it mean that his sons actually love you?"
"Then why do they take me out if they have not a care in the world about my welfare?" Estel questioned.
The boy was thrown by this and he stammered uncertainly: "Because you're there! They have to!"
Estel grinned. He'd heard this dozens of times. "You don't see it do you? They do care for me and though I am but a human they see in me the elfishness that they have. I may have been born a human but they see more to me then you realise!"
The leader of the group - Asen - stepped closer, shoving Estel to the ground as his courage returned. It suddenly dawned on him that this child was all alone without his elven brothers! They were no where in sight. This was the perfect opportunity!
"Then if they love you, then why are they not here to protect you from me and my friends?" Asen taunted.
As he advanced on Estel with the knife held clenched in his hand, he heard a rustle of leaves and he looked up and into the eyes of two angry elves.
Elrohir stepped forward. "We are."
Asen jumped back - his cocky face suddenly going pale.
Elrohir stepped forward and said: "Whether you believe it or not, Estel is a brother to me as Elladan is my twin. If I catch you taunting my little brother just because he is human and we elves...." he drew a deep breath and continued. "I will not be held responsible for my actions."
This sentence had a profound effect on the teenagers and Asen backed down and then he ran from the clearing along with his friends.
Estel got to his feet and looking around found the bullied boy still leaning against the tree. He tan over to him and held out his hand. The boy shrank back.
"Don't harm me." the boy pleaded.
Estel shook his head. "I'm not going to harm you. Come let me and my brothers help you."
Elladan knelt down beside the frightened child and said: "You have no need to fear from us. Only people who dare hurt Estel will need to fear us. It is better to have our friendship."
Gradually the boy held out his hand and Estel hauled him to his feet. Then the elves escorted the boys back to Rivendell.
*****
Deollyn hugged his son. He had been alerted by one of the sons of Elrond that his son had been bullied, but Estel had intervened, turning the attention to himself. In return for Estel in helping his son, Deollyn offered the boy anything he wanted.
He had replied: "I only wish for the companionship of your son, Dilir."
The boy - Dilir - had agreed; for he enjoyed the company and naive essence of Estel. And so began the friendship of Estel and Dilir.
TBC....
Sorry its so short but it's needed to set up the scene.
Next chapter: A Little Lesson in Innocence.