Summary: Another 'How Aragorn and Legolas meet' story. Not Slash.
Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine… The story idea is not original… I just hope you like it
A/N 1) Sorry I didn't update when I normally would have. I'm in my exam period and had an exam during the time when I would normally write this… and since then it's been hard to actually find a chance to write this.
A/N 2) I am using '…' to show thoughts.
~*~
Chapter 9
As the winter months drew to a close the Dunedain took their leave of Elrond's house and home. The loss of their leader had been hard upon them yet the tranquility of Imladris had helped soothe the pain. Halbarad, the new leader, had invited the twins to ride with the rangers but they had declined the offer.
Estel had lessons each day until the midday meal and the twins, with Legolas helping them, used the privacy of the time to plan Estel's surprise birthday journey. Elrond had asked for a precise itinerary not even trying to pretend he was unafraid of his youngest son's safety. The three had decided on a journey to the north-eastern part of the valley of Imladris, a beautiful place they had discovered as elflings though had not had the excuse to visit any time recently.
…
March the first dawned bright and clear and Estel woke up with a smile. It was a rare occasion for him to awake so early and he decided he would go and wake his brothers with a prank before they could pull another on him. Walking as quietly as he could, he made his way to the bedroom that they shared. A pitcher of water with two goblets sat on a table between the beds, but as he began to fill the first Estel saw the packs lying at the foot of the twins' beds. 'They are going away', he thought, 'and they didn't tell me.' Suddenly his pranks didn't seem as funny and he set down the pitcher and left the room.
After Estel had left the room Elladan and Elrohir looked across at each other puzzled. They had been woken when Estel opened the door but had agreed the night before that should their little brother wake first they would pretend he had caught them out with a prank. After all it was his birthday. "What do you think made him stop?" asked Elrohir. "Did he somehow know we were awake?"
Elladan had got up from his bed and begun preparing for the day ahead at the same time as thinking about clues that might have alerted Estel. "I don't think he knew we were awake," he concluded after failing to think of any evidence that might suggest to the contrary. As very young elflings the twins had learnt how to pretend to be asleep. It made it easier to sneak out of your rooms if one's parents thought you were fast asleep.
"What then?" asked Elrohir, mumbling a few curses as he tripped over one of the packs. 'Oh no' "El? Do you think he might have seen the packs?" he asked unsure of what it might have meant to his brother if indeed this had been what had caused Estel to leave before finishing the prank.
Elladan thought about it and nodded. It was as good a reason as any for Estel's actions, the twins didn't need to speak further. A look between them confirmed they would not mention it between them or to Estel until after lunch when they had planned to leave.
…
The breakfast hall was only beginning to fill when Estel reached it, even though he had spent a large amount of time in the baths. He saw the twins talking to Legolas, and saw them all stop then watch him as he entered the room. Not just his brothers, but his friend as well, were they all to leave today? He made his way to the head table wearing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Good morning Estel," he was greeted by Legolas, "and happy returns on your birthday." Estel felt his smile become a little more forced, how was he supposed to be happy if all they were all going to abandon him. Legolas pretended not to notice this and stepped back to allow the twins to embrace their brother.
"Happy birthday Estel," they said in unison. "We have a present for you. But Ada did not want us to give it to you over breakfast. Can you wait until lunch?" Estel nodded. He was happy that they would be around until lunch. Perhaps he might be able to convince them to put off their journey until the following day. A small squeeze of his shoulder made Estel turn around.
"Adar," he greeted his father formally.
"Ion nin," said Elrond looking at the one standing before him. "Whilst I know you are another year older do not mark the occasion by becoming more serious. Your calling me Adar only makes me feel my age all the more. I would much prefer you to continue calling me ada," he admonished gently then gave his youngest a slight hug. Whilst Estel couldn't see it was obvious to those watching just how much he loved and wanted to protect his adopted son. As the elf lord let go he looked at his adopted son again. "I have a present for you Estel. I think you are old enough for it now, though you must still be careful with it. Come by my study before you go to Glorfindel for your lessons."
There was a moment of silence before Elrond spoke again. "Please forgive me for asking your brothers in holding back from giving their present immediately." Estel simply nodded and followed as the family, and Legolas, made their way to the head table.
…
After the breakfast meal passed, in a surprisingly quiet manner, Estel followed his father to his study. The twins and Legolas followed too. Elrond had been unusually secretive over what he was giving Estel this year and the twins couldn't help but feel curious.
The four youngest sat as Elrond went to his desk and lifted a simply wrapped object from under a pile of papers. A small, yet wistful, smile sat on the Elf lord's lips as he came back to them handing the object to Estel. "Happy Birthday ion nin, estel nin," he said.
Estel looked at the present that he held in his hands. Something about this present seemed familiar, even before he drew away the cloth wrapping it, he wasn't sure he liked the feeling, yet even so he carefully unwrapped it curious to see what his ada had given him. Eventually finished unwrapping Estel looked down. It was a dagger, smaller than most, and its handle seemed to suggest it had owners before him. Removing the blade from it scabbard he saw it was sharp and marvelled at the workmanship that had gone into its creation.
"Hannon le Ada," said Estel looking up eventually.
Elrond nodded. "It is designed small so as to fit in places where others might not think to check for blades. Its first owner would wear it on the inside of his shoe." Looking down at the blade again Estel saw how this could work and was pleased. He handed the blade to Elladan, and embraced his father for a long moment. Elladan, showed the blade to Legolas and Elrohir impressed by how perfectly the weight was distributed. After a few more moments Elrond sighed "Estel, you should go. Glorfindel will be waiting for you I am sure and whilst it is your birthday I do not think that will make him much more lenient on you arriving late. Your brothers, Legolas and I will see you at the midday meal."
Retrieving the blade from Elladan, and then placing it in his shoe, Estel smiled softly then left the room. He was glad his brothers would wait until lunch, and the present from his father felt natural and comfortable where he had placed it, as if it was meant to be there.
…
After Estel had left Elrond found himself being watched by three pairs of sharp eyes. "Whose was it Adar?" asked Elladan for the three of them.
"It has had many owners," replied Elrond not yet ready to answer their questions.
"Ada," said Elrohir standing and moving closer to his father. "We did not ask its history. Only who owned it. At least tell us who owned it first." Elrond shook his head and did not answer.
Sensing they would get no satisfactory answer for the time the three moved to leave. They were going to go and pack for Estel, to make sure when they left he would not have left anything important behind. As Elladan left, he turned back to watch his father moving towards the balcony. Seeming to realise he was being watched Elrond turned to looked at his eldest. "Tell the other two," he said softly, "It belonged to Elros." Elladan nodded his head and left the elf lord to his thoughts.
~*~
A/N 3) Elvish used in the chapter
Ada- dad, daddy
Adar- father
Ion nin – my son
estel nin- my hope
Hannon le- thank you
A/N 4) Guess what… I've worked out how this is going to end… I don't know where this is going to go in the mean time but I know how the story will end… My family and I are going away late next week… so whilst I am going to try and find an internet café or something to update on there may only be an update on Monday then nothing for a few weeks. Sorry… I will do my best to get it up though. Please review in the mean time – and tell me what you like/loath/otherwise feel about this story.
Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine… The story idea is not original… I just hope you like it
A/N 1) Sorry I didn't update when I normally would have. I'm in my exam period and had an exam during the time when I would normally write this… and since then it's been hard to actually find a chance to write this.
A/N 2) I am using '…' to show thoughts.
~*~
Chapter 9
As the winter months drew to a close the Dunedain took their leave of Elrond's house and home. The loss of their leader had been hard upon them yet the tranquility of Imladris had helped soothe the pain. Halbarad, the new leader, had invited the twins to ride with the rangers but they had declined the offer.
Estel had lessons each day until the midday meal and the twins, with Legolas helping them, used the privacy of the time to plan Estel's surprise birthday journey. Elrond had asked for a precise itinerary not even trying to pretend he was unafraid of his youngest son's safety. The three had decided on a journey to the north-eastern part of the valley of Imladris, a beautiful place they had discovered as elflings though had not had the excuse to visit any time recently.
…
March the first dawned bright and clear and Estel woke up with a smile. It was a rare occasion for him to awake so early and he decided he would go and wake his brothers with a prank before they could pull another on him. Walking as quietly as he could, he made his way to the bedroom that they shared. A pitcher of water with two goblets sat on a table between the beds, but as he began to fill the first Estel saw the packs lying at the foot of the twins' beds. 'They are going away', he thought, 'and they didn't tell me.' Suddenly his pranks didn't seem as funny and he set down the pitcher and left the room.
After Estel had left the room Elladan and Elrohir looked across at each other puzzled. They had been woken when Estel opened the door but had agreed the night before that should their little brother wake first they would pretend he had caught them out with a prank. After all it was his birthday. "What do you think made him stop?" asked Elrohir. "Did he somehow know we were awake?"
Elladan had got up from his bed and begun preparing for the day ahead at the same time as thinking about clues that might have alerted Estel. "I don't think he knew we were awake," he concluded after failing to think of any evidence that might suggest to the contrary. As very young elflings the twins had learnt how to pretend to be asleep. It made it easier to sneak out of your rooms if one's parents thought you were fast asleep.
"What then?" asked Elrohir, mumbling a few curses as he tripped over one of the packs. 'Oh no' "El? Do you think he might have seen the packs?" he asked unsure of what it might have meant to his brother if indeed this had been what had caused Estel to leave before finishing the prank.
Elladan thought about it and nodded. It was as good a reason as any for Estel's actions, the twins didn't need to speak further. A look between them confirmed they would not mention it between them or to Estel until after lunch when they had planned to leave.
…
The breakfast hall was only beginning to fill when Estel reached it, even though he had spent a large amount of time in the baths. He saw the twins talking to Legolas, and saw them all stop then watch him as he entered the room. Not just his brothers, but his friend as well, were they all to leave today? He made his way to the head table wearing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Good morning Estel," he was greeted by Legolas, "and happy returns on your birthday." Estel felt his smile become a little more forced, how was he supposed to be happy if all they were all going to abandon him. Legolas pretended not to notice this and stepped back to allow the twins to embrace their brother.
"Happy birthday Estel," they said in unison. "We have a present for you. But Ada did not want us to give it to you over breakfast. Can you wait until lunch?" Estel nodded. He was happy that they would be around until lunch. Perhaps he might be able to convince them to put off their journey until the following day. A small squeeze of his shoulder made Estel turn around.
"Adar," he greeted his father formally.
"Ion nin," said Elrond looking at the one standing before him. "Whilst I know you are another year older do not mark the occasion by becoming more serious. Your calling me Adar only makes me feel my age all the more. I would much prefer you to continue calling me ada," he admonished gently then gave his youngest a slight hug. Whilst Estel couldn't see it was obvious to those watching just how much he loved and wanted to protect his adopted son. As the elf lord let go he looked at his adopted son again. "I have a present for you Estel. I think you are old enough for it now, though you must still be careful with it. Come by my study before you go to Glorfindel for your lessons."
There was a moment of silence before Elrond spoke again. "Please forgive me for asking your brothers in holding back from giving their present immediately." Estel simply nodded and followed as the family, and Legolas, made their way to the head table.
…
After the breakfast meal passed, in a surprisingly quiet manner, Estel followed his father to his study. The twins and Legolas followed too. Elrond had been unusually secretive over what he was giving Estel this year and the twins couldn't help but feel curious.
The four youngest sat as Elrond went to his desk and lifted a simply wrapped object from under a pile of papers. A small, yet wistful, smile sat on the Elf lord's lips as he came back to them handing the object to Estel. "Happy Birthday ion nin, estel nin," he said.
Estel looked at the present that he held in his hands. Something about this present seemed familiar, even before he drew away the cloth wrapping it, he wasn't sure he liked the feeling, yet even so he carefully unwrapped it curious to see what his ada had given him. Eventually finished unwrapping Estel looked down. It was a dagger, smaller than most, and its handle seemed to suggest it had owners before him. Removing the blade from it scabbard he saw it was sharp and marvelled at the workmanship that had gone into its creation.
"Hannon le Ada," said Estel looking up eventually.
Elrond nodded. "It is designed small so as to fit in places where others might not think to check for blades. Its first owner would wear it on the inside of his shoe." Looking down at the blade again Estel saw how this could work and was pleased. He handed the blade to Elladan, and embraced his father for a long moment. Elladan, showed the blade to Legolas and Elrohir impressed by how perfectly the weight was distributed. After a few more moments Elrond sighed "Estel, you should go. Glorfindel will be waiting for you I am sure and whilst it is your birthday I do not think that will make him much more lenient on you arriving late. Your brothers, Legolas and I will see you at the midday meal."
Retrieving the blade from Elladan, and then placing it in his shoe, Estel smiled softly then left the room. He was glad his brothers would wait until lunch, and the present from his father felt natural and comfortable where he had placed it, as if it was meant to be there.
…
After Estel had left Elrond found himself being watched by three pairs of sharp eyes. "Whose was it Adar?" asked Elladan for the three of them.
"It has had many owners," replied Elrond not yet ready to answer their questions.
"Ada," said Elrohir standing and moving closer to his father. "We did not ask its history. Only who owned it. At least tell us who owned it first." Elrond shook his head and did not answer.
Sensing they would get no satisfactory answer for the time the three moved to leave. They were going to go and pack for Estel, to make sure when they left he would not have left anything important behind. As Elladan left, he turned back to watch his father moving towards the balcony. Seeming to realise he was being watched Elrond turned to looked at his eldest. "Tell the other two," he said softly, "It belonged to Elros." Elladan nodded his head and left the elf lord to his thoughts.
~*~
A/N 3) Elvish used in the chapter
Ada- dad, daddy
Adar- father
Ion nin – my son
estel nin- my hope
Hannon le- thank you
A/N 4) Guess what… I've worked out how this is going to end… I don't know where this is going to go in the mean time but I know how the story will end… My family and I are going away late next week… so whilst I am going to try and find an internet café or something to update on there may only be an update on Monday then nothing for a few weeks. Sorry… I will do my best to get it up though. Please review in the mean time – and tell me what you like/loath/otherwise feel about this story.