~The Rescue~
Estel stared in horror at the bow that was guarding him. The man who had captured him was now sitting only feet away prepared to shoot if anything happened. Another man, the man Estel had seen at the meeting had come in once. Estel had known when the man was staring at him, it wasn't out of any liking.
"Father was a damn fool for taking you in!" bit the man angrily.
"My Ada loves me!" Yelled Estel, feeling a hand connect with the side of his cheek.
"You'll keep your tongue human or you'll find yourself over my knees!" bit the elf. Estel tried to sink closer to the pole which was holding up the small bar.
"What do you want? What are you going to do with me?"
"Rid your father of his burden!" Stated the man he pulled the bow back and aimed it right at Estel's head. Estel gasped in terror, when suddenly the man dropped the bow further and let it go, the arrow landing between Estel's now spread legs. Embedding into the ground.
"That would be too easy, and too fun. No, you humans are far to frail, I can't torture you without death. You shall die child, it shall be a slow death," stated the evil elf and then he walked away.
"Can I have some water?" inquired Estel quietly to the guard. The elf looked at him uncertainly.
"I suppose, I'll be right back," with that the guard walked out.
~*~
Elladan stood a top the highest peak in Mirkwood watching, when suddenly he spotted something odd, one of the kings' most trusted guards walking out of a small barn, and back in with water.
"That is odd, since the horses have plenty of water and are rarely stalled in that barn," with that in mind Elladan hurried down the side of the peak and followed the elf. He was getting closer to the barn when suddenly he spotted Admin, with a look of distaste on his face. Drawing his bow silently Elladan rounded on the older elf.
"Freeze Admin, where are you going today?" Elladan asked. The elf, frozen in his spot, and caught unaware swore under his breath.
"You wouldn't have any idea where my dear little brother would be; do you?" inquired Elladan.
"No," stated the elf.
"If you're lying to me...I will not hesitate to kill you! If one hair on my little brother's head is harmed I will take personal vengeance with ease!"
"He's a human, how can you care for anything such as him!?" Elladan gave a cruel growl and hit the man over the head with his fist.
"You disgust me, I will deal with you later!" with that Elladan hurried into the barn, and tried to hold his gasp back at the sight of his bruised brother tied to a post. Pulling his bow back again Elladan allowed the guard to hear it. The guard's entire body tensed as he heard the stretching of the bow string.
"You are in big trouble Elf," stated Elladan.
"It was not my idea," Elladan put the bow down and whirled the elf around, punching him square in the face. The elf dropped to the floor unconscious. Sighing Elladan turned to his baby brother. The child, unfortunately was wet, having probably never made it to the bathroom as he had been attempting.
"Hey there little one, come here," whispered Elladan untying the now sobbing child. However, Estel pushed him away instantly.
"No, I'm wet, you'll get your special clothes wet," whimpered the boy. Elladan, ignoring the protests picked the boy up into his arms and held him close.
"That does not matter young one, all that matters is getting you safely out of here," with that Elladan crept past the two bodies and towards the barn door.
When Elladan arrived in the castle he was surprised to see Gandalf, his wizard friend and the King standing there.
"Is your brother all right?" Inquired King Thranduil.
"He will be, there are two elves..."
"We know child, they have already been taken and will be locked up soon, go help your brother," explained Gandalf. Looking at the grey wizard Elladan nodded and headed off to his brother's room.
His brother had not spoken since gathering him, and Elladan was worried about the boy. Sighing he quickly grabbed some clothes for the small child, as well as himself, and smiled softly as he began the water.
"I'm going to put you down now, okay?"
"El...why did that elf take me?" whimpered the child. Elladan sighed he placed his brother into the warm water. Elladan stripped himself of his own shirt and began to wash his chest, hips and stomach where the child had firmly attached himself.
"Estel, some elves..." Elladan stopped, he would save this conversation for the moment. Leaning down he began to wash the boy's hair as his brother washed himself. Rinsing off the child he reached down scooped him up and wrapped a towel around him.
"Get your pants on, and this shirt, then we'll have dinner sent here, I doubt you'll like sitting with a bunch of strangers this evening. I'll be right out," Elladan said softly.
Elladan stood silently staring at his reflection in the mirror. He had been standing there for five minutes, trying to figure out how he had allowed something so horrible to happen to his little brother. He had failed, not just once, but twice while on this trip. He hadn't gotten the treaty signed, and almost lost his brother.
With a soft sigh he pulled his shirt over his head and then headed out into the bedroom, where Estel sat on the bed, looking sadly at him.
"Come here tithen pen," whispered Elladan as he lifted his brother up and placed Estel on his hip. Sighing, Elladan sat down in a chair and seated the boy facing him on his lap.
"I'm sorry Estel, I'm truly sorry," whispered Elladan, taking a deep breath he went on, "Estel, not all elves are like Ada, Elrohir, Glorfindel or me. Not all elves like humans."
"Why? Are humans bad?"
"Well, some of them are, other's are very nice. Like you, and your parents were; however, some make mistakes."
"Was I a mistake?"
"Heavens no Estel; you were a miracle," Elladan stated softly as his brother cried softly. Pulling him close he sighed as the child laid his head against his chest.
"You were my miracle, and Ada's miracle, and Ro's. We needed you little buddy," Elladan placed a kiss on the child's dark damp hair and felt tears clouding his own vision.
"I'm so sorry tithen pen," Elladan gently rocked his brother to sleep soon. Gandalf entered the room silently with a tray of food and placed it on the desk. Elladan nodded a thanks and went back to loving his baby brother.
"Why did that man take me?" whispered Estel a little later, Elladan looked down at the child, awed by how small and young he seemed. Elladan could still remember him being Aragorn, only four years ago. Had it really happened that fast? It seemed like just yesterday he had picked the child into his arms to protect him and brought him home.
"He was angry Estel, angry at Ada and me."
"Why?" Elladan sighed as he touched the child's cheek gently, looking at the bruise that now lay there.
"We killed his father, not physically, but he claims we destroyed his family, and caused them all heart ache. It's a long story young one, and I'm not the one to tell you it all. Come let us eat dinner then I shall put you to bed."
"I'm not hungry."
"Just drink something at least, then you may sleep child," Estel gripped the cup in his hands and sipped at the hot tea. Elladan smiled as he watched the boy's eyes grow heavy. Lifting the cup from Estel's hands and placed it on the table. Lifting the boy up into his arms and against his chest, Elladan moved over to the bed and pulled back the covers. Setting his little brother down Elladan sighed as he looked upon the now sleeping human.
"Thank Ilvuitar you're safe young one," whispered Elladan as he placed a kiss on Estel's brow.
~*~
Elladan awoke early the next morning to see that his young brother was still fast asleep. Getting up slowly, he changed clothes and washed up a little, then headed out of the room.
After a few moments he came upon the study, where he found King Thranduil sitting quietly looking down at something on the desk. Walking in very quietly he was not surprised when the King looked up at him, and smiled slightly.
"Good morning Elladan, how fares your brother?"
"He is...faring, we shall leave after breakfast, it would be in his best interest to get home to father."
"As well as yours. Do not deny it elfling, you are hurting as well, I will not try to make you speak, however, I urge you to speak to your Ada as soon as you get home."
"Aye, that I will milord, however..."
"Do not fret over the treaty, everyone from the council other than Admin signed it late last night. When they found out what he attempted to do to your brother, they felt they had to bring an end to the anger between elves and humans."
"Oh, Thank you milord, um, could we have breakfast in the room perhaps. I'd like to depart shortly there after."
"Certainly, however, Legolas is due home quiet soon."
"I cannot stay milord, it would not benefit my little brother."
"ELLADAN!" Came the sudden cry of terror. Elladan's head snapped around to watch his brother come running in. Elladan swooped the child up into his arms and held the now sobbing boy in his arms.
"What happened child?"
"I had a bad dream...and...when I woke up, you weren't there! I was scared, I'm sorry," whimpered the child. Elladan sighed.
"King Thranduil if you could possibly pack us something to eat for the next few weeks, I think we should leave right now."
"Ay, you go get yourselves ready to leave, I will have your horses ready as well as food."
"Thank you milord."
~*~
For the first few days on the trail Estel was silent, or very quiet, mostly sleeping or listing to his brother tell stories about Elrohir and his pranks when they were elflings.
"How much further?" Estel asked quietly.
"Hour, at most, no worries young one, you'll be home before you know it."
"I want Ada," whispered Estel again as he leaned in against his brother's chest.
"Shh, I know young one, Ada is hopefully home already, and just waiting to see you."
Just over an hour later, Elladan pulled the horse to a stop in front of Rivendell. Standing at the top of the stairs was Elrond, looking pleased to see them both home, happy and safe. Estel smiled as he also spotted his father. The elder elf made his way down the stairs, reaching up he scooped the child into his arms.
"Hello tithen pen, I have missed you," Elrond said kissing his son's cheek. Elrond, while pleased to see both his son's home, he caught one look at eldest twin's eyes and knew something had happened. Elrond had been a father for many years, and knew something was causing heartache for both his eldest and youngest.
"Come seldo, let us get you bathed and ready for dinner," the child nodded as he gripped closely to his father.
It was shortly after dinner, that Elrohir was playing elven chess with the human, while Elladan read quietly, and they're father worked on some final papers.
"Estel, I believe perhaps it is time for bed tithen pen."
"But ada..."
"No arguments young one, off with you," Elrond said smiling as the boy came over to him and gave him a hug.
"I missed you Ada," the child said. Elrohir stood up.
"I'll tuck him in," volunteered the elf. Elrond smiled and watched as Elrohir and Estel disappeared through the large doors.
"Want to talk about it?" Elrond asked after a few moments. Elladan did not look up.
"Not really," stated Elladan.
"Allow me to rephrase such question, what went wrong?" Elladan chuckled ruefully.
"What went right? God, Ada I'm so sorry, I failed you, and him. I was so busy arguing with such people as Admin Fedel, that I didn't even notice my baby brother was kidnapped by Admin's brother and friends. The only reason your treaty was signed is because they felt bad for me!"
"Ion, let go of your guilt, 'twas not your fault such a man took your brother. You brought him back alive and in good health. He shall recover here, and has learned something important out of this."
"Never trust your brother," whispered Elladan. Elrond caught the elf's face between his thumb and index finger. Sighing Elrond smiled softly.
"This child is not just your responsibility. He is our responsibility. You cannot and will not destroy yourself over bad things. You cannot protect him from the world, nor can I. He will face many things in his life, he is destined to live through heart ache, but you must keep hope, you must keep Estel!"
"Would you have done the same?"
"Probably, Elladan, I trust your judgment, and I trust you with Estel as much as I trust Elrohir, and many of our friends."
"I love you Ada," whispered Elladan. Elrond smiled and hugged his son close, kissing his forehead.
"Ay, and I love you Elladan, son of Elrond. Now go get some sleep, I will care for your brother if he awakens tonight."
"Goodnight Ada," whispered Elladan as he headed out of the room, a small smile on his face.
A/N: Sorry for the delay. Well folks, until next time, stay tuned for Living in Fear:
Preview:
"I'm sorry to have to break this to you Mellon nin, but there is no other way, we have tried everything possible," stated Gandalf sadly as they walked slowly in the gardens.
When faced with an unacceptable truth, what do you do?
"What else, that boy is the most stubborn...Well, anyway, he gives me more headaches than he's worth sometimes,"
When faced with horrible pain of an impossible truth, where do you run?
Jumping down from his spot he looked around, for somewhere to hide so he could cry. Instead he raced up the stairs into his house and towards his room, where he threw himself onto the bed. His Ada was dying, and soon. No matter how hard the child tried, he could not get past that idea.
"Estel is driving everyone insane, my Ada told me the human threw a fit when his brothers said he couldn't go hunting! Imagine that, a seven year old human hunting! Who does he think he is? An elf!" "My Ada said that Lord Elrond is starting to regret his decision, Ada says the human will probably kill Elrond before he ever makes it to the Grey Havens. His brothers probably didn't want him to go so they could get away from him!"
"Please don't leave me daddy,"
"I...I can't...Daddy, what would happen to me...if you ever died?"
If Tomorrow you were faced with the death of someone you loved, how would you cope
"Our brother seems to have gone missing."
"Does it feel like he's gone?"
Would you ever be able to face your family again? Would you be able to return?
"I want to die," he sobbed. She took the child into her arms, trying to comfort him.
"Why do you want to die?"
"Because I'm killing my family, I'm a hassle for them."
Could your Ada's Love over come all the odds?
Estel stared in horror at the bow that was guarding him. The man who had captured him was now sitting only feet away prepared to shoot if anything happened. Another man, the man Estel had seen at the meeting had come in once. Estel had known when the man was staring at him, it wasn't out of any liking.
"Father was a damn fool for taking you in!" bit the man angrily.
"My Ada loves me!" Yelled Estel, feeling a hand connect with the side of his cheek.
"You'll keep your tongue human or you'll find yourself over my knees!" bit the elf. Estel tried to sink closer to the pole which was holding up the small bar.
"What do you want? What are you going to do with me?"
"Rid your father of his burden!" Stated the man he pulled the bow back and aimed it right at Estel's head. Estel gasped in terror, when suddenly the man dropped the bow further and let it go, the arrow landing between Estel's now spread legs. Embedding into the ground.
"That would be too easy, and too fun. No, you humans are far to frail, I can't torture you without death. You shall die child, it shall be a slow death," stated the evil elf and then he walked away.
"Can I have some water?" inquired Estel quietly to the guard. The elf looked at him uncertainly.
"I suppose, I'll be right back," with that the guard walked out.
~*~
Elladan stood a top the highest peak in Mirkwood watching, when suddenly he spotted something odd, one of the kings' most trusted guards walking out of a small barn, and back in with water.
"That is odd, since the horses have plenty of water and are rarely stalled in that barn," with that in mind Elladan hurried down the side of the peak and followed the elf. He was getting closer to the barn when suddenly he spotted Admin, with a look of distaste on his face. Drawing his bow silently Elladan rounded on the older elf.
"Freeze Admin, where are you going today?" Elladan asked. The elf, frozen in his spot, and caught unaware swore under his breath.
"You wouldn't have any idea where my dear little brother would be; do you?" inquired Elladan.
"No," stated the elf.
"If you're lying to me...I will not hesitate to kill you! If one hair on my little brother's head is harmed I will take personal vengeance with ease!"
"He's a human, how can you care for anything such as him!?" Elladan gave a cruel growl and hit the man over the head with his fist.
"You disgust me, I will deal with you later!" with that Elladan hurried into the barn, and tried to hold his gasp back at the sight of his bruised brother tied to a post. Pulling his bow back again Elladan allowed the guard to hear it. The guard's entire body tensed as he heard the stretching of the bow string.
"You are in big trouble Elf," stated Elladan.
"It was not my idea," Elladan put the bow down and whirled the elf around, punching him square in the face. The elf dropped to the floor unconscious. Sighing Elladan turned to his baby brother. The child, unfortunately was wet, having probably never made it to the bathroom as he had been attempting.
"Hey there little one, come here," whispered Elladan untying the now sobbing child. However, Estel pushed him away instantly.
"No, I'm wet, you'll get your special clothes wet," whimpered the boy. Elladan, ignoring the protests picked the boy up into his arms and held him close.
"That does not matter young one, all that matters is getting you safely out of here," with that Elladan crept past the two bodies and towards the barn door.
When Elladan arrived in the castle he was surprised to see Gandalf, his wizard friend and the King standing there.
"Is your brother all right?" Inquired King Thranduil.
"He will be, there are two elves..."
"We know child, they have already been taken and will be locked up soon, go help your brother," explained Gandalf. Looking at the grey wizard Elladan nodded and headed off to his brother's room.
His brother had not spoken since gathering him, and Elladan was worried about the boy. Sighing he quickly grabbed some clothes for the small child, as well as himself, and smiled softly as he began the water.
"I'm going to put you down now, okay?"
"El...why did that elf take me?" whimpered the child. Elladan sighed he placed his brother into the warm water. Elladan stripped himself of his own shirt and began to wash his chest, hips and stomach where the child had firmly attached himself.
"Estel, some elves..." Elladan stopped, he would save this conversation for the moment. Leaning down he began to wash the boy's hair as his brother washed himself. Rinsing off the child he reached down scooped him up and wrapped a towel around him.
"Get your pants on, and this shirt, then we'll have dinner sent here, I doubt you'll like sitting with a bunch of strangers this evening. I'll be right out," Elladan said softly.
Elladan stood silently staring at his reflection in the mirror. He had been standing there for five minutes, trying to figure out how he had allowed something so horrible to happen to his little brother. He had failed, not just once, but twice while on this trip. He hadn't gotten the treaty signed, and almost lost his brother.
With a soft sigh he pulled his shirt over his head and then headed out into the bedroom, where Estel sat on the bed, looking sadly at him.
"Come here tithen pen," whispered Elladan as he lifted his brother up and placed Estel on his hip. Sighing, Elladan sat down in a chair and seated the boy facing him on his lap.
"I'm sorry Estel, I'm truly sorry," whispered Elladan, taking a deep breath he went on, "Estel, not all elves are like Ada, Elrohir, Glorfindel or me. Not all elves like humans."
"Why? Are humans bad?"
"Well, some of them are, other's are very nice. Like you, and your parents were; however, some make mistakes."
"Was I a mistake?"
"Heavens no Estel; you were a miracle," Elladan stated softly as his brother cried softly. Pulling him close he sighed as the child laid his head against his chest.
"You were my miracle, and Ada's miracle, and Ro's. We needed you little buddy," Elladan placed a kiss on the child's dark damp hair and felt tears clouding his own vision.
"I'm so sorry tithen pen," Elladan gently rocked his brother to sleep soon. Gandalf entered the room silently with a tray of food and placed it on the desk. Elladan nodded a thanks and went back to loving his baby brother.
"Why did that man take me?" whispered Estel a little later, Elladan looked down at the child, awed by how small and young he seemed. Elladan could still remember him being Aragorn, only four years ago. Had it really happened that fast? It seemed like just yesterday he had picked the child into his arms to protect him and brought him home.
"He was angry Estel, angry at Ada and me."
"Why?" Elladan sighed as he touched the child's cheek gently, looking at the bruise that now lay there.
"We killed his father, not physically, but he claims we destroyed his family, and caused them all heart ache. It's a long story young one, and I'm not the one to tell you it all. Come let us eat dinner then I shall put you to bed."
"I'm not hungry."
"Just drink something at least, then you may sleep child," Estel gripped the cup in his hands and sipped at the hot tea. Elladan smiled as he watched the boy's eyes grow heavy. Lifting the cup from Estel's hands and placed it on the table. Lifting the boy up into his arms and against his chest, Elladan moved over to the bed and pulled back the covers. Setting his little brother down Elladan sighed as he looked upon the now sleeping human.
"Thank Ilvuitar you're safe young one," whispered Elladan as he placed a kiss on Estel's brow.
~*~
Elladan awoke early the next morning to see that his young brother was still fast asleep. Getting up slowly, he changed clothes and washed up a little, then headed out of the room.
After a few moments he came upon the study, where he found King Thranduil sitting quietly looking down at something on the desk. Walking in very quietly he was not surprised when the King looked up at him, and smiled slightly.
"Good morning Elladan, how fares your brother?"
"He is...faring, we shall leave after breakfast, it would be in his best interest to get home to father."
"As well as yours. Do not deny it elfling, you are hurting as well, I will not try to make you speak, however, I urge you to speak to your Ada as soon as you get home."
"Aye, that I will milord, however..."
"Do not fret over the treaty, everyone from the council other than Admin signed it late last night. When they found out what he attempted to do to your brother, they felt they had to bring an end to the anger between elves and humans."
"Oh, Thank you milord, um, could we have breakfast in the room perhaps. I'd like to depart shortly there after."
"Certainly, however, Legolas is due home quiet soon."
"I cannot stay milord, it would not benefit my little brother."
"ELLADAN!" Came the sudden cry of terror. Elladan's head snapped around to watch his brother come running in. Elladan swooped the child up into his arms and held the now sobbing boy in his arms.
"What happened child?"
"I had a bad dream...and...when I woke up, you weren't there! I was scared, I'm sorry," whimpered the child. Elladan sighed.
"King Thranduil if you could possibly pack us something to eat for the next few weeks, I think we should leave right now."
"Ay, you go get yourselves ready to leave, I will have your horses ready as well as food."
"Thank you milord."
~*~
For the first few days on the trail Estel was silent, or very quiet, mostly sleeping or listing to his brother tell stories about Elrohir and his pranks when they were elflings.
"How much further?" Estel asked quietly.
"Hour, at most, no worries young one, you'll be home before you know it."
"I want Ada," whispered Estel again as he leaned in against his brother's chest.
"Shh, I know young one, Ada is hopefully home already, and just waiting to see you."
Just over an hour later, Elladan pulled the horse to a stop in front of Rivendell. Standing at the top of the stairs was Elrond, looking pleased to see them both home, happy and safe. Estel smiled as he also spotted his father. The elder elf made his way down the stairs, reaching up he scooped the child into his arms.
"Hello tithen pen, I have missed you," Elrond said kissing his son's cheek. Elrond, while pleased to see both his son's home, he caught one look at eldest twin's eyes and knew something had happened. Elrond had been a father for many years, and knew something was causing heartache for both his eldest and youngest.
"Come seldo, let us get you bathed and ready for dinner," the child nodded as he gripped closely to his father.
It was shortly after dinner, that Elrohir was playing elven chess with the human, while Elladan read quietly, and they're father worked on some final papers.
"Estel, I believe perhaps it is time for bed tithen pen."
"But ada..."
"No arguments young one, off with you," Elrond said smiling as the boy came over to him and gave him a hug.
"I missed you Ada," the child said. Elrohir stood up.
"I'll tuck him in," volunteered the elf. Elrond smiled and watched as Elrohir and Estel disappeared through the large doors.
"Want to talk about it?" Elrond asked after a few moments. Elladan did not look up.
"Not really," stated Elladan.
"Allow me to rephrase such question, what went wrong?" Elladan chuckled ruefully.
"What went right? God, Ada I'm so sorry, I failed you, and him. I was so busy arguing with such people as Admin Fedel, that I didn't even notice my baby brother was kidnapped by Admin's brother and friends. The only reason your treaty was signed is because they felt bad for me!"
"Ion, let go of your guilt, 'twas not your fault such a man took your brother. You brought him back alive and in good health. He shall recover here, and has learned something important out of this."
"Never trust your brother," whispered Elladan. Elrond caught the elf's face between his thumb and index finger. Sighing Elrond smiled softly.
"This child is not just your responsibility. He is our responsibility. You cannot and will not destroy yourself over bad things. You cannot protect him from the world, nor can I. He will face many things in his life, he is destined to live through heart ache, but you must keep hope, you must keep Estel!"
"Would you have done the same?"
"Probably, Elladan, I trust your judgment, and I trust you with Estel as much as I trust Elrohir, and many of our friends."
"I love you Ada," whispered Elladan. Elrond smiled and hugged his son close, kissing his forehead.
"Ay, and I love you Elladan, son of Elrond. Now go get some sleep, I will care for your brother if he awakens tonight."
"Goodnight Ada," whispered Elladan as he headed out of the room, a small smile on his face.
A/N: Sorry for the delay. Well folks, until next time, stay tuned for Living in Fear:
Preview:
"I'm sorry to have to break this to you Mellon nin, but there is no other way, we have tried everything possible," stated Gandalf sadly as they walked slowly in the gardens.
When faced with an unacceptable truth, what do you do?
"What else, that boy is the most stubborn...Well, anyway, he gives me more headaches than he's worth sometimes,"
When faced with horrible pain of an impossible truth, where do you run?
Jumping down from his spot he looked around, for somewhere to hide so he could cry. Instead he raced up the stairs into his house and towards his room, where he threw himself onto the bed. His Ada was dying, and soon. No matter how hard the child tried, he could not get past that idea.
"Estel is driving everyone insane, my Ada told me the human threw a fit when his brothers said he couldn't go hunting! Imagine that, a seven year old human hunting! Who does he think he is? An elf!" "My Ada said that Lord Elrond is starting to regret his decision, Ada says the human will probably kill Elrond before he ever makes it to the Grey Havens. His brothers probably didn't want him to go so they could get away from him!"
"Please don't leave me daddy,"
"I...I can't...Daddy, what would happen to me...if you ever died?"
If Tomorrow you were faced with the death of someone you loved, how would you cope
"Our brother seems to have gone missing."
"Does it feel like he's gone?"
Would you ever be able to face your family again? Would you be able to return?
"I want to die," he sobbed. She took the child into her arms, trying to comfort him.
"Why do you want to die?"
"Because I'm killing my family, I'm a hassle for them."
Could your Ada's Love over come all the odds?
