Author's Note: Hey everybody! *ducks hesitantly* Ok.....now I know I haven't updated in a while....but I have a good excuse! Really! *Watches as reviewers get rotten vegetables ready to throw* Ok, here it goes. I was really busy in school!! *Runs away as reviewers don't buy her excuse and throw stuff at her anyway.* Hope you like the chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own LOTR. Duh.
Reviewers to thank: The reviews are so encouraging you guys, really. Thank you so so much, I love you all!! Sorry, no personal thank you's this time, but I still wanna thank Grumpy, Happy Molecule, Lutris, TrustingFriendship, and LE. Thanks again you guys!
Quickie: All conversations are in elvish unless noted otherwise.
Childhood Curiosity
Ch. 7: The Imladres Falls
As a shrill giggling filled the calm of the Imladres forest, a small blur of black and peach went flying through the trees. Sending the leaves underfoot flying onto the air to dance gracefully back down to the ground, little Estel panted and giggled as he ran as fast as his six-year-old legs would carry him. He was running pel-mel towards the roaring falls, hoping with every fiber of his now exhausted being that he had beaten his brothers. I just know I've beat them this time, they didn't even see it coming! He thought gleefully as he hurtled towards the trees. He was getting close, and he knew it, pushing his body ever faster. Hearing the roar of the white, foaming water up ahead, and smelling the damp, fresh scent that only water gives off, Estel ignored the blur of greenery around him to focus on his race. Remembering the surprised look upon the twins' faces as he had shouted, "last one to the falls is a balrog!" He burst into the clearing of the falls, and stopped in his tracks, as he doubled over trying to catch his breath and look around. The area of the falls were indeed beautiful, with sheer rock walls that seemed to contain every color within their surface rising high above Estel's vision. Gently swaying trees, vibrant wild flowers, and colorful mosses littered the area, making this junction of four spiraling waterfalls seem like a paradise. The water falls themselves were indeed a marvel, as the turbulent white water flowed off the heights above, twisting into the air like fine lace. It fell quickly to the ground with a musical splash, as the noise of the rest of the rushing water added up to a pleasant roar. The mists from the falls were visible for miles, floating into the air and glinting as they formed rainbows. But what was most beautiful of all, was the fact that as Estel's limpid silver eyes searched the clearing, he found not a trace of his brother. Not a single trace. Letting his lips break into a huge, victorious grin, Estel gave a shout of "HA!" And flopped down on the ground. Finally, he had beaten his brothers at racing, and it felt pretty damn good. At least, it did for those few seconds.
"Honestly little brother, we really must work on your hearing skills!" Rang out a jesting voice from above and behind him. Starting, Estel jumped up and immediately began looking around to find the source of two identical laughs that were ringing above the falls. Suddenly catching some movement above him in the high up canopies, he frowned to find two dark haired elves clutching onto one another for support as they shook with laughter. "How long have you been here?" He cried angrily, feeling his victory fade away.
The twins didn't answer for a minute as their laughter died away, and finally Elledan spoke with a still merry voice. "Oh, long enough to see you dash into the clearing, looking about yourself like a madman!"
Estel stamped his foot angrily, "Am I ever gonna beat you two?" He whined up at the two pairs of mischievous eyes. With that, the twins sprang from their leafy seat among the sturdy tree boughs, and landed noiselessly upon the ground below. Walking until the two stood just before Estel, they eyed each other warily as the young child threatened to burst into tears.
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Elrohir surveyed his young, foster brother with a slightly pained heart. The beaming afternoon shone down upon them, seeming to somehow be absorbed into Estel's eternally greasy locks of black hair. Traces of scratches turned scars were still visible upon his youthful appearance from his almost fatal fall about three weeks back. Although his young ribs had been cracked, the skills of their Ada had mended them and bound them in no time, and the boy seemed as sprite as ever. Although he still wore the tight bandages about his chest, you could not see them underneath his very loose shirt. He often complained that they were itchy and uncomfortable, but others would just smile and gently remind him that is was his fault in the first place. Estel's expressive silver eyes were now very large, still looking tired and aggravated from his intense training earlier in the day. Ada had been working him hard lately. Allowing a smile to tug at the corners of his mouth, Elrohir quickly ruffled the boy's messy locks and gave him a winning smile. "Of course you'll beat us someday, little one! But for now, I do believe that YOU are the Balrog!" He said in a happy voice, watching as Estel's frown melted into a toothy grin.
"Nuh-uh!!" He cried with a giggle, giving the elf's legs a slight shove, "You're still the Balrog!!" The three of them laughed, engaging one another in a slight wrestling match before standing back up and looking to the roaring falls at their side.
"Come Estel, would you like to watch Elrohir and myself dive off the summit?" Elledan asked with a smile, motioning to the cliff high above the swirling water. Smiling even bigger as the young boy nodded enthusiastically, Elledan nudged his brother. Together they neatly removed their clothes until the were only in their under-shorts, (A/N: Picture like simple cotton boxers. Hey, I'm just a boring person! Heh heh....) And told Estel to sit tight as they began to take the short, winding forest path to the top of the falls.
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Clapping excitedly as a sopping Elrohir prepared to dive once again, Estel focused his eyes upon the high up figure in his graceful pose. Watching as the elf bent his knees slightly and launched himself off the cliff, Estel squealed. Falling and mixing with the plummeting flurry of shining water, Elrohir twisted his lithe body into many flips and spins until finally tucking into a tight line, and plunging into the rapid water below with only a light splash. (A/N: Olympians eat your heart out! That means you too, LE!!)
Bursting into a vigorous round of clapping and laughing, Estel found himself wanting more and more to try this himself. It looks so easy! He though surely as his brother popped above the water and began swimming towards shore. Scooting from his seat upon the ground not too far from the water's edge, Estel grinned at his now dripping brother. Elrohir pulled himself cleanly from the foaming waves lapping about him, and smiled at Estel's bouncing form. "How was that one?" Elrohir said with a laugh.
"That was really good Elrohir, I liked your back flip!" Estel replied quickly, letting his excitement spill forth. The elf smiled at him, sitting upon the ground and pointing up to the summit as Elledan prepared to dive. "Watch, this should be good." Said Elrohir.
Elledan leaped from the ledge and into the air, doing a routine almost exactly like Elrohir's. Ignoring Estel excited squeal, Elrohir scowled at his brothers now approaching form in the water. "You copied me, you look-alike!" He said in a mock anger voice. Elledan ignored him, and turned to Estel as he pulled himself out of the rushing water. "Did you like that one, Estel?" He asked hopefully. Upon hearing the young boy's approval, he grinned and began to bicker with his brother.
"It was NOT like your dive!"
"Yes it was! Almost exactly!"
"I think you are spending too much time with Glorfindel, brother. He is rubbing off on you!"
"What? I am not insane!!"
"I didn't say that..."
"You did too!"
"Hey, can you guys let me dive now?"
"I did no........what?"
Estel smiled as his brothers stopped arguing, their fair faces showing surprise at his request. I just know they'll teach me, he thought confidently. After all, his brothers always did everything for him, why should now be any different? Waiting a few moments during the rather uncomfortable silence, (that he simply ignored), he felt a beaming smile slide onto his face. At first, his dripping brothers could do no more than glance at each other in silence, a worried look showing upon both of them until finally Elledan spoke softly, forcing a smile onto his face.
"I am sorry, little one. But this is one thing that is just to dangerous for Hu..." Catching himself before he said 'humans', and upset Estel, he added, "You. It is much too high, you really are much to young to take the kind of impact that diving has upon the body." He finished in a gentle tone, hoping that Estel would not get angry. Even though he knew he was hoping in vain.
"But you taught me how to climb trees! Why not this too?" Estel immediately cried unhappily, his beaming smile melting quickly from his young face. He found himself feeling suddenly being treated very unfairly. Did they not remember how huge that tree he had just climbed was?
The twins smiled at each other silently, this time Elrohir speaking with his own forced smile. "Yes Estel, but we knew you could handle that, this really is much too difficult for someone of your size." He said with a smile, feeling the protectiveness for the young human well up inside of him. If he tried to dive from these heights, his small body would surely crumple under the force. Humans, after all, really were much more fragile beings. There was simply nothing else to it.
"But!" Estel exclaimed, beginning to protest when Elrohir held up a hand to silence him. "No, Estel. We simply will not teach you. Perhaps.........when you are older." He said sternly, mentally whispering to himself, 'MUCH older.'
For a moment, there was a very loaded silence between the two elves and the young human, who's expressive eyes were now slowly welling up with glittering tears. The twins, as if sensing each other's plans at the exact same moment, stood up suddenly, and noted that the sun had already dried them sufficiently. Putting their clothes back on quickly, each adopted a happy smile and stooped to pick up the pouting young boy. (A/N: Hey, he's 6 after all....) Swinging Estel into the air, then back into his waiting arms, Elledan sighed in relief as the boy suddenly gasped and giggled.
"Hey!" Estel squealed. "No fair Elledan!" Grinning genuinely at his twin, the two began to walk back to Imladres for dinner, which would be ready very soon. After a hard day, they both knew Estel was tired, and the twins could both sense in each other that some dinner and sleep might not be such a bad idea.
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Frowning at the uncomfortable squirming of his stomach, Estel tried his best to ignore the burning hot guilt that was threatening to devour him alive. Laying silently in his room, he didn't deem to feel the soft sheets that were surrounding him. All he could feel was tense and guilty as he planned out what he was about to do. Taking one last look around his room with wary silver eyes, Estel slipped out of bed, and flitted silently about his dark room as he dressed himself in day clothes. Pulling on his new, soft boots, a pair of black leggings (or pants), and a light, velvety black tunic, Estel stood and surveyed his appearance in a mirror quickly. What stared back at him slightly surprised the young boy. There he stood, a shadow in black as he dressed according to Elrohir's stealth lessons. Always blend into your environment.........he thought slowly. Turning his eyes toward his window, Estel steeled his will. This time, he would not get caught. Padding softly towards the ledge that shone with moonlight, Estel only paused to put on his long cloak and grab his tiny twin daggers. He didn't know why, he just felt he should be ready for anything. Even in Imladres. Finally reaching the window sill, Estel swung himself out smoothly, smiling slightly as he realized that all his extra training was paying off indeed.
Pausing there for a moment, little Estel sat down on the sill precariously to look around the empty courtyard below. He had seen it before, hundreds of times, so of course he was not really looking at it, but more focusing on what would happen if he got caught sneaking out again. Unconsciously, rubbed at the bandages on his ribs. Letting a slightly chilly breeze play about his face, Estel blinked, and pulled himself out of the sullen mood he was falling into. I won't get caught, he thought happily as he slid himself down onto the trellis below. There's no way! Feeling a slight moment of panic as he dropped to reach the vine-woven trellis, he quickly felt better as he shimmed his way down and onto the ground below. Looking around quickly, and listening for a moment, Estel took off softly towards the path to the falls. Soft and silent, the little six year old future king of men was, like a thief in the night.
*_~*_~*_~*_~
Estel's heart pounded painfully in his chest as he crept through the Imladres forest on a barely visible trail. Darkness was all around him, the swaying of the trees throwing shadows everywhere. The only patches of moonlight from above were slightly dimmed as a thin veil of the clouds misted the night sky. It was, after all, heading into September soon, so the weather was beginning to chill over ever so slightly. The only thing to calm his nerves after almost getting caught by guards twice, was the gentle scent of the forest all around him. Traveling swiftly, little Estel breathed in the scent of the forest as his eyes darted this way and that, their fear showing through even though Estel tried to hold it in. Up ahead, the rumbling of the falls was becoming louder and louder. Taking in a deep breath, he suddenly smelled the fresh moisture of the falls, and he knew he was there.
Sure enough, after two more minutes of walking, he found himself at a huge stream that ended abruptly to his right. Frowning slightly, Estel watched as the glittering rush of water seemed to be swallowed up by the night sky itself. Following the bank to it's end, he assured himself that below was the forest clearing and pool that he had been to earlier in the day. Letting out a small sigh of relief, Estel looked into the water for a moment to calm his nerves. It seemed a lot higher that he remembered............. The swirling of the silver water twisted with unparalleled grace, brushing off rocks in the stream and lapping at it's banks with relentless force. It seemed that some driving force compelled this strange water, commanding it to rush with all speed over the cliff, awaiting the deep pool below. Still, with the image of his twin brothers twisting through the air with fluid style locked into his mind, Estel was determined to try it. "How hard can it be?" He murmured to himself quietly.
Shaking his dark locks of hair back, Estel began walking towards the edge of the water, looking for the ledge that Elledan and Elrohir looked to be standing on earlier. Spotting a trail of slippery rocks that were slightly submerged leading to a large, flat rock, just above the falls, Estel carefully stepped upon the first rock, wincing at the feeling of the cool water rushing into his dry, warm boots. Putting his full weight gingerly on the rock, he stepped to the next, putting his tongue between his teeth in the effort. After about a minute of this, Estel reached the large platform rock. Standing up tall and proud, Estel looked around and gasped. It looked as if all of the forest had been laid around this rock.. He could see everything! *But now is not the time for admiring the sights*....... Estel's subconscious reminded him sternly. Snapping out of his reverie, he licked his lips in anticipation. The spray of the falls was misting upon his face, the moonlight was his spotlight, and the whole forest was watching. Not bothering to remove his clothes, Estel forgot all sense as he stood just as his brothers had, graceful like a dancer, bent his knees, and sprang forward into the night air with all his might.
As Estel flew forward into the weightless night air, he closed his eyes, and smiled, but was not prepared for what happened next. Suddenly he began to fall, feeling sick as if some horrible force were pulling him towards the silver blur that as the water below. Estel's whole body began to panic, as he tried desperately to comprehend why he was falling like this. His brothers seemed to float down, but not he. He was plummeting towards the ground like a rock.
That night, no one heard the silent prayer of the small boy that fell towards the rushing water. Or the splash that swallowed a small body cloaked in black underneath the rushing silver waves. And no elf nor man saw a small black form tumbling along, underneath the waves of the Brunien, and out of Imladres.
But somewhere, thousands of miles away, an elven woman clad all in white, woke up from her tree top bedroom with a very un-elven like scream.
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Author's Note: Tee Hee Hee.............don't kill me please!!!!!! Oh man, I'm evil, taking forever to update and then leaving you with a cliffe!! What will happen to Estel? Who is this woman from far away? ( Three guesses who......) You'll find out in the next chapter! I really hoped you liked this, please let me know! Review review review, pretty please? Thanks so much and I'll see every one soon! Bye!