Author's note: Heyheyhey everyone! For those of you who know me from my Inuyasha Fics, I'm Pua Lahi Lahi. Estel fics are what got me into fanfiction.net and The Lord of The Rings in the first place, so I really feel humbled to be joining the ranks of Estel writers. Thanks for reading my fic, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for all the fun times to my friend, LE, by the way! See ya!


Disclaimer: I sure as hell don't have the privilege of owning LOTR. But I thank god every day that someone does!


Quickie: All speech is in elvish, unless indicated otherwise.


Childhood Curiosity

Ch. 1: Secret midnight lessons



The skies seemed drowsy as the lazy, pastel blue of the heavens began to fall slowly into what would later promise to be a vibrantly beautiful sunset. As the fading yellow sun cast it's light upon the ivory carved buildings of Rivendell, the valley of the elves seemed at peace. At least, all of the elves did. Sitting in a room with a grand window facing the sunset, a young boy could be seen staring absentmindedly into space with a slight frown across his young features. Though his eyes seemed vacant, the nervous fidgeting of Estel's hands gave some insight into the turmoil his mind was in. His small form took up little of the large, down feather bed that he was sitting on as he was only a boy of six. Estel's youthful features included a sinewy , but short body that was currently clothed in a dirty, sweat-soaked tunic. His grimy hands held the stature of his age, but the marks and scars of a warrior as they restlessly twisted within his bed sheets. The roundness of his face was somewhat faded, and now tanned and tired looking from his day's training. His ebony dark eyes glittered, burning with nerve and will that seemed unfit for a child of six. To top all of it off, an unruly mop of black, unwashed hair hung shaggily from his head. In Estel's mind, he replaying the events of his day thus far, and fighting the strong urge to cry. As he shifted his position slightly, the scream of protest from his aching muscles broke his thoughts and caused him to narrow his eyes slightly. Glorfindel, the elven lord who was his teacher in the ways of weapons and fighting, had worked him particularly hard in today's training. It was so unfair, why did Glorfindel still treat him like a child! Estel wondered angrily, turning back to his thoughts. Letting a frustrated sigh escape his lips, Estel fought back the unwanted tears blurring his vision to stand gingerly, and swing his small legs down to the warm stone floors of his room. As he padded silently to his carved wooden dresser, Estel's mind once again flew to the angering memory of his training earlier that day.........



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Panting slightly, Estel strained his eyes against the brilliant sunlight that was streaming through the leafy tree tops. As birds chirped happily about him, he tried to block out their cheery songs to focus on what he was listening for. Allowing his vision to swim out of focus, Estel struggled to shut down everything else within him. ( Which was no easy feat for a seven year old.. ) And then, he heard it. It was the sound of a slow, carefully silenced breathing. As it became clearer and louder to him, it even seemed to strangely drown out the forest noises around Estel. I've found Him! He thought happily, starting forward to find the cleverly hidden elven lord Glorfindel, who was currently training him on stealth and tracking. Though they had been training hard from almost sunup this morning, Estel could still feel excitement coarse through him as he followed the breathing to his target. He had never before found Glorfindel in this stealth exercise, and the thought of finally reaching his goal was enough to banish his tiredness. Until he saw caught sight of what was hanging overhead, of course. Passing underneath a large tree, Estel froze as the smell of freshly ripened apples reached his nose. Looking up, he quite forgot about his goal as he stared hungrily at the shining red orbs that hung out of his reach.


Wincing at the loud growl of protest that rippled across his stomach, Estel took a quick survey about him just to make sure Glorfindel wasn't watching. Seeing that the elven lord was no where in sight, Estel cautiously approached the tree trunk next to him. I've never climbed a tree before, he thought gingerly as he frowned at the smooth bark before. But I suppose now is as good a time as ever to try, he mused silently, taking a step forward. Placing one foot onto a large knot that protruded to his right, Estel prepared to hoist himself into the tree. Unluckily, at that very moment, a light, musical voice cut boldly into the air. "Estel, what do you think you are doing?" Came Glorfindel's voice. Feeling himself turn cold, Estel lowered his hands and foot to turn reluctantly to the stern lord that he was sure to find behind him. I'm in for it now, he thought with a mental gulp. Sure enough, directly behind him he came face to face with the fair Glorfindel, who's bright blue eyes were currently narrowed in slight irritation. Hitching what he hoped was an innocent smile onto his face, Estel timidly pointed above him. "I was hungry........and those apples looked so good that I was going to ...........climb up and get one." He finished sheepishly. Watching Glorfindel intently, Estel followed his blue eyes as they flicked upwards, and then swiftly back down to Estel's face.


With a stern sigh, Glorfindel began a "small" lecture to Estel about how he should focus on the task designated, and not let distractions hinder him. Estel himself sighed, letting his smile fade as the scent of the ripe fruits above tortured his senses. After ten minutes of Glorfindel's lecture, the elf seemed to slow down to look harshly at Estel's vacant eyes that were focused on the ground. "Estel!" Glorfindel snapped. Whipping his head up, he quickly fixed another innocent expression on his face before saying "I was listening!" Glorfindel sighed again, and continued speaking. "As I was saying, Estel, you are simply too young to learn how to climb Imladres' mighty trees with respect yet." With that, Estel's eyes went wide as the statement rang in his mind. "I am not to young!" He protested immediately. "Elledan and Elrohir were only six when they learned!"


Glorfindel watched the child with growing impatience. " Yes, however, they are elves, and their bodies were not as fragile as yours' is right now, young mortal." He said gently, adding quickly, " just as well, Lord Elrond does not wish for you to learn the skill of climbing trees until you are at least eight." Feeling the injustice of the entire situation well up within him, Estel could feel the prickling of tears beginning in his eyes. "But I am nearly six and a half!" He cried. "And I...." Glorfindel held up a hand to stem Estel's words, speaking sternly to end the matter. " It is not my place to ignore your father's orders, Estel, nor yours. This discussion is over, as well as our training for the day. You may return to your room to wash before dinner."


Feeling as though he might explode, Estel let out a shaky sob as the tears began to run down his face. Turning on a heel, he ran with all his might towards Imladres..


*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Pulling his dresser drawer shut, he felt the same injustice well up within him again. Gripping onto the black tunic in his hands, Estel sniffed and plopped back down onto his bed, feeling himself sink lightly into the silk sheets and squishy feather mattress. Fighting the tears that were blurring his vision, he finally let out a shaky sob. "It's just not fair!" He exclaimed to the empty room.


"What's not fair, now?"


Jumping in surprise, Estel quickly began trying to dry his eyes against his dirty tunic sleeve as he searched for the source of the laughing voice. Focusing his slightly swimming vision, Estel watched as two elves hung themselves upsidown from outside Estel's room to look inside. With their long, dark brown hair hanging wildly and their equally dark eyes shining with amusement and concern, Elledan and Elrohir hung easily from Estel's window to watch the young human. Taking in a shaky breath, Estel spoke uncertainly at first. " Elledan, Elrohir.......I didn't s-see you there." He said meekly, suddenly very aware of his still streaming eyes. With a joyful laugh, the two elves swung themselves down and forward into the room with fluid grace. " We know, but we've been hanging there for about five minutes now." Elledan said happily, smoothing out his tunic. "Yes, you're supposed to be the tracker here, Estel!" Added Elrohir with a laugh. "You're slipping, little one!" Despite his mood, Estel couldn't help the smile that was tugging at his lips. "I am not! I was just distracted!" He argued. " And I'm not little anymore! I'm nearly SEVEN!" Estel added with emphasis. The twins of Elrond exchanged amused glances before walking forward to sit side by side with the young human.


Lightly sitting upon the bed, Elledan looked down at his young human brother who was sitting silently next to him, his eyes still slightly puffy and red. He couldn't help but smile even bigger. For all of his strength, Estel was still just a young child. "So what's making you so upset, Estel? Are you alright?" He asked quietly, still watching the child's face intently.


Estel stayed silent for a minute, before taking in a shaky breath. Without pause, he launched into the fastest story that either of the twins had ever heard. He seemed about to burst at the seams as he flew through his tale that seemed to involve something about a tree, and Lord Glorfindel. "And I'm not to young to climb that tree! I'm really not!" Finished Estel, finally drawing in a breath.


For Elrohir, it took little more than two seconds to burst into laughter, followed closely by his twin. They fell back onto the bed, shaking in mirth, much to the dismay of Estel. " It's not funny, guys!" He accused angrily. Watching them with rising impatience, Estel leapt off the bed and repeated, " It's NOT funny!" He turned on his heel, and began to march away to his bath chambers while sniffling. How could his own brothers laugh at him?!


" Wait Estel!" Rang out Elrohir's still laughing voice. Continuing to march angrily towards the door to his left Estel called out irritably, "Why?" "Because!" Said Elledan, finally coming slowly out of his laughter, " We wish to help you!"


Hardly daring to believe what he had just heard, Estel turned as quick as he dared to face the red face twins. They were grinning largely, with eyes that shone with mischief. He stood fo r a moment, staring at them in disbelief. "You.....want to help me?" He said quietly. These were his brothers, the mighty elven warriors that hunted down orcs and goblins in their spare time! That advised and aided Ada on matters of great importance! Surely, they didn't have time for Estel's troubles........did they? "How?" He asked, walking quickly to sit back down onto his bed. The twins turned to face him, looking at one another with shining eyes. "Because, like you, we were never of the mind to take such things laying down." Elledan said first. "And we still aren't." His twin added quickly.


"But how does this help me?" Estel said, feeling still a bit confused. The twins seemed to grin even more. With a light spring, Elrohir leapt off the bed to put his hands on his hips and stare at Estel with mock seriousness. "We do not agree with Ada's thinking in this matter," He said carefully. "Besides, you're getting to be HUGE! You should be able to climb Rivendell's trees easily!" Darting forward playfully, the elf closed his arms about Estel, and slung him over his shoulder easily. The twins began to laugh loudly as Estel let out a squeal of protest.


Squirming and giggling in his brother's grasp, Estel began trying to wriggle out furiously. Elrohir laughed even harder at this, and began to prance about the room very un-elvishly with Estel still over his shoulder. After a few more moments of this, Elrohir deposited the still giggling human on the bed again and sat down on the bed as well.


Clearing his throat seriously, Elledan caught Estel's attention immediately. "Now listen Estel," He said quietly. "We shall teach you how to climb trees if you wish it." "When?" Estel questioned excitedly in the same whispered tone. "Tonight, after the moon has risen, wait up for us, and we shall come get you." Elledan whispered, shooting a meaningful look to his twin, who nodded. "Really?" Estel said, letting his disbelief sink into his voice. "Yes, but you must never speak of this. Especially not to Ada, Lord Glorfindel, or Lord Erestor." Elledan answered importantly. "Yes, especially not Lord Erestor!" Elrohir said with a quiet laugh.


As the three grinned, Elledan reminded Estel again, and then stood to leave. "We must also get ready for dinner," He explained. As they left, Elrohir added casually, "Oh, Estel, you might want to bathe. You know how Ada hates it when you do not after training."


Throwing a pillow at the retreating elf, Estel snatched up his forgotten clean tunic off the floor. Feeling happy enough to burst, he headed off to his bathroom with a huge smile spread across his young features. Stepping into his spacious wash room, a sudden thought struck Estel. He began to frown slightly, biting his lip nervously. Ada was a very powerful elven lord, and could easily tell when people were lying to him. What if he couldn't keep this secret during dinner!




=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Author's note: Well, that's the first chapter on my very first Estel fic! There will be more to come, rest assured! Please, click that little review button below and tell me what you thought. I'm open to comments and critisizim! Please, though, no flames! Thanks for reading, and I'll see you all again soon in the next chapter! With even more mayhem from Estel and the twins! Bye!