Legolas' brooding did not last long. He heard someone coming through the woods, so he shrunk against the trunk of the tree, waiting and watching the forest floor. A moment later Estel came into the small clearing. He scanned the ground before looking up in the tree. Their eyes met and Legolas knew he had been seen. "What do you want?"
"I want to talk to you. Would you mind if I came up?"
"You will never make it up here."
"If I do, will you talk with me?"
"I suppose." Why not, thought Legolas. No stupid human could climb this high in a tree. Suddenly he was staring at Estel, sitting on a tree limb across from him.
"How did you do that?" Legolas asked surprised.
Estel shrugged. "I have been living with elves."
Legolas nodded. That was a reasonable explanation. Maybe the boy would not be so bad; after all, Elladan and Elrohir liked him.
"I am sorry about before, you getting yelled at."
Legolas shrugged. "I guess I should not have said that like I did."
"I do not mind," Estel said. "You were surprised. I know you were used to the twins coming alone."
"So how long are you staying with Lord Elrond?" Legolas asked.
Estel looked puzzled. "I am not just staying with Lord Elrond. I live with him; he is my adar."
"But… he cannot be your real adar."
"My father's dead," Estel said shortly.
"Oh. I am sorry."
Estel shrugged. "It happened when I was two. I do not remember much about before. Most images; smells too. And it is strange, I think… never mind, it is crazy."
"What?" Legolas asked.
"You promise you will not think I am crazy?"
Legolas nodded.
"Well, I think I used to have a different name," Estel said.
"A different name?"
"Yeah. I do not remember what it is, but I have a sense that I was not always called Estel."
"But why would Lord Elrond change your name?"
"I think it may have to do with my parents. I overheard adar talking once. I think maybe my parents-"
"Estel, there you are." Legolas and Estel looked down to see Elrond at the bottom of the tree looking up at them. "What are you doing up there? That is too high for you, get down."
"But adar, Elladan and Elrohir have been in trees higher that this and you do not make them come down."
"They are elves Estel. Elves are meant to be in trees. And as much as you are like an elf, you are not one. It is dangerous for you to be that high. Now come down." Estel scowled, but began to climb down.
"He does not trust me to do anything," Estel muttered to Legolas before descending.
"You come down as well Legolas. Your father wishes to speak with you."
Now it was Legolas' turn to scowl. He had made up with Estel, but he was still mad at his father for yelling at him in front of his friends. He sighed, but climbed down.
Legolas walked with Estel and Elrond back to the clearing in front of the palace. Thranduil was waiting for him. "I found them a ways over there in a tree," Elrond told Thranduil.
Thranduil nodded. "Why don't you go ahead inside and get settled. We will be in shortly." He waited them to enter the dwelling before speaking. "Legolas," he began. Legolas stared at the ground, expecting another lecture. "I want to apologize for speaking sharply to you earlier." Legolas looked up. His father was apologizing? "I realize you had no way of knowing who you were speaking to."
"I was talking to Estel," Legolas said, confused.
"That is what a need to speak with you about. First, however, you must swear that you will tell no one what we speak of. Not Elladan or Elrohir, and especially not Estel. Do you swear?"
"But I do not understand."
"Swear it to me Legolas. Then I will explain everything."
"I swear it adar."
"Good. Has Estel told you anything about his past? How he came to live with Lord Elrond?"
"He said his parents died. He said he does not remember much."
Thranduil nodded. "Estel was brought to Elrond to ensure his safety. It is vitally important to Middle Earth that Estel grow up safely."
"Why?"
"You know the history of Gondor and its king's, going back to Isildur?"
"Of course."
"Tell me."
"Well, only Isildur's heirs can be the true king of Gondor. The last known heir was Arathorn son of Arador. But he was killed. He had a son, but he is missing. What does this have to do with Estel?"
"Estel is not his true name. His true name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn."
"But… Estel is heir to the throne of Gondor?"
"Aragorn is, yes. But you must not tell him. Elrond believes it is best if his past remains hidden, for the moment at least. He will tell Estel when he is ready. I am telling you this because I want you to watch out for him. Guard him, whenever you are with him. Will you do that for me Legolas?"
"Of course father. I swear I will protect him with my life."
"Good. Thank you Legolas." Thranduil gave Legolas one of his rare smiles, and Legolas grinned back. For once a talk with his father had gone well. "Go ahead and play with your friends," Thranduil said. Needing no second bidding, Legolas ran off.