A/N Sorry guys, I was in Paris all week and I haven't had time to update or use a computer. I hope I don't have any angry readers. I am really sorry! Oh, my friend jacquelinestel is really really good. I suggest you check her out if you want a really good twin and young Estel story. SO GOOD! The link is on my favorite stories list.

Chapter 6: Nightmares

When Elladan and Elrohir brought Estel into the house all three of them were filthy. They all had cheerful grins on their faces and were laughing. Elladan and Elrohir had removed their shoes and had helped Estel take his off as well.

Elrohir was holding the muddy child because Estel kept sitting down he was so tired. They had missed lunch but they weren't hungry anyway. They had fed Estel some berries when they were on the trail and now he was falling asleep.

"Mummy?" He looked around for his mother. Whenever it was time for him to fall asleep his mother was near him. The elves continued to tell him she was gone but he wasn't sure what that meant. She normally was gone for short periods of time, so he figured she was out in the woods. He wanted her now and he kept squirming around to look for her.

"Estel, she is gone. She will not come when you call," Elrohir told him in Elvish.

Elladan looked at his brother, confused. "Should you not be speaking Common?"

Elrohir shook his head. "Ada said only Elvish."

Estel seemed to understand some of what Elrohir told him and tears welled up in his eyes. "Daddy here?"

Elrohir shook his head sadly. They were back where they had been the night before. "He is gone too tithen-pen."

Estel started to cry; the tears leaving tracks on his dirty cheeks. "Want Mummy; sleepy."

"We need to give him a bath," Elladan commented.

"You two need to take a bath as well," The twins turned around to see their father along with Glorfindel and Erestor. "What have you been doing that made you so dirty?"

Estel looked up at the sound of the voice and tried to get out of Elrohir's hold. He stretched his arms out towards Elrond. "Hold you!" he shrieked.

Glorfindel smiled at his friend. "Estel is giving you an order my lord." He snickered.

Erestor smiled at the two old friends and shook his head at their bantering.

Elrond looked at the muddy child in Elrohir's arms and took him. He didn't mind getting his robe dirty or the rest of his clothes. He held the child close to him. He stroked the muddy hair and turned back to his sons. "I would expect for Estel to become this filthy, but pray tell why you two fared no better."

"We were having fun and did not notice how dirty we had become," Elrohir mumbled.

Elladan blushed crimson. "Sorry Ada, we got caught up in playing with Estel."

Elrond smiled. He hadn't seen his sons looked so happy and playful in years; other than the pranks they played on Glorfindel, of course. "It is fine ionath-nin. Go clean up and be down for supper in three hours."

The twins nodded and walked to their separate rooms to take a bath.

Erestor looked at Elrond. "I must go find those scrolls, if you will excuse me."

Elrond nodded to his advisor. "Of course, of course, go ahead."

Erestor nodded and walked to the library to work on the scrolls.

Glorfindel looked at Elrond. "Would you like me to have someone fill up a bathing tub for Estel?"

Elrond nodded. "Thank you."

Glorfindel smiled "No problem. You might want to change your robe when you finish bathing Estel, it looks slightly unclean." That was one of the biggest understatements Glorfindel had ever made.

Elrond's once pale green robe now had mud coating it where Estel was cuddled up to him. Elrond chuckled. "I will change my clothes when I finish with Estel. I am going to get wet after bathing him I do not want to change now."

Glorfindel just smiled. "He is already your son."

Elrond had a happy look on his face and his eyes were full of love for the little boy he held in his arms. "That he is. I will never take the place of his parents though."

Glorfindel nodded. "I know, but you will be his father. He will not remember his birth parents Elrond; he will love you like your other children do."

Elrond smiled slightly. "I must write to Arwen this evening. I must tell her about Estel."

Glorfindel agreed. "Yes, I am sure she will be happy to know."

Elrond sighed. "She will not come to visit though. She refuses to come to Imladris since Celebrian sailed."

Glorfindel squeezed Elrond's shoulder. "She still loves her family dearly, just give her time."

Elrond nodded and hugged Estel who was drifting off into sleep. "Please ask one of the servants to bring hot water for Estel's bath."

"I will," Glorfindel walked down the hall and stopped the first servant he saw.

Elrond held Estel to his chest and walked towards Estel's room. He needed to get clothes for the boy. Estel had his hands wrapped inside of Elrond's robes and the elf lord just cuddled the boy closer. What Glorfindel said what correct; he would be the father to this child. Elrond kissed the muddy, sweaty head. Elrond walked into Estel's room and picked up a tunic and some breeches. The seamstresses had managed to sew three new tunics and four new breeches for Estel that day. Elrond was incredibly grateful to them for what they had done and for working so quickly. "Estel? Are you awake, tithen-pen?"

Estel lifted his head to gaze sleepily at Elrond. He then tucked his head over Elrond's shoulder and smiled. "Nice."

Elrond smiled to himself and walked from the room and towards the bathing chamber. He held a tunic and breeches in one arm, and the sleeping boy in the other. Estel needed a nap, bath, and food. He had to bathe the child now; he would not let him get in bed when he was caked in mud.

Glorfindel walked towards Elrond. "I had them fill the bathing tub in your room. It should be full by now," he eyed the semi-awake boy. "I hope you do not come out too wet, Elrond. I think those twin terrors of yours proved how horrible tired children are in a bath."

Elrond chuckled. "Aye, the twins were a handful."

Glorfindel looked at Elrond with disbelief. "Were a handful? They still are a handful mellon-nin. Or have you forgotten all of their 'little harmless pranks'?"

Elrond laughed. "Well, perhaps Estel will be different." He knew in his heart that Estel would more than likely become like Elladan and Elrohir.

Glorfindel looked wickedly at Elrond. "Sweet Eru, Elrond." He shook his head. "All children are corrupted when they meet the twins."

Elrond was laughing openly now but he stopped so that he could attempt a glare. "Stop, you are going to make me drop Estel."

Estel was eyeing the two adult elves with a look that said clearly 'you two are odd'. He decided he wanted Glorfindel to hold him now; he liked the look of the blond elf. He fidgeted in Elrond's hold until he could stick his arms out to Glorfindel. "Hold you!"

Elrond grinned wickedly at his friend. "I think Estel is giving you an order now, Lord Glorfindel."

Glorfindel shook his head and took the muddy child from Elrond. He jiggled the child a little and walked down the hall with Elrond. "You tired of having your adar hold you?"

Estel looked confused. He had understood most of what Glorfindel had said to him, but he didn't understand 'adar'. "Adar?" he asked.

Elrond shook his head at Glorfindel. "I doubt he will know that word. He seems to be understanding most Elvish words though."

Estel kicked Glorfindel's side. "Adar?" he pressed. He wanted the meaning of the word.

"Ow! You little monster," Glorfindel chuckled. "Adar means father."

Estel's eyes watered, he wanted his father. "Daddy," he whimpered.

Glorfindel bit his lip and looked at Elrond. "I am sorry."

Elrond shook his head and took Estel from Glorfindel. "You go help Erestor with those scrolls. I will help Estel."

Normally Glorfindel would have protested against paperwork, but right now he wanted to avoid a tantrum. "I will see you later."

Elrond watched as his friend walked briskly down the hall. He returned his gaze to the whimpering child in his arms. "Estel, child your father will not return."

Estel looked up at Elrond, tears spilling down his filthy cheeks. "Why?" he asked in Elvish.

Elrond noticed that Estel was using Elvish and he smiled. It was good that the child could learn languages to quickly. He decided that when Estel was fluent enough they would continue with his Westron. "Estel, your father has gone. He will not be coming back."

"Why?" Estel pressed.

Elrond didn't know if he could tell a two-year-old what had happened to his parents. "Estel, your father died; your mother too. They loved you, but they are gone."

Estel didn't know the full concept of death. His parents hard tried to explain it to him but he didn't get it. He was too young to understand. He did grasp most of the concept, though. He started to cry even harder because he did know that when someone died they didn't come back to play. "I want them!"

Elrond nodded. "I know, but they are gone." He kept his voice soft and light. He didn't want to scare the child any more. "Estel," he said seriously. "Do you want to stay here?"

Estel said nothing but simply nodded his head. He didn't know these people, but he liked them. They had been nice to him so he wanted to stay. "Yes."

Elrond hugged the toddler close to his chest and walked into the bathing room. He knew Estel would not longer ask for his parents. The look that had crossed the child's face when he had heard that his parents were dead had been horrific. The child knew what death was. Elrond doubted he knew exactly what it meant, but Estel seemed to understand that it meant the person wasn't coming back. He knew that there would be nightmares, though. All children had nightmares after something horrific.

Inside of the bathing room Elrond placed the tunic and breeches on a stool that was farthest away from the tub. He doubted that Estel would splash too much since he was so tired, but he wanted to be sure.

Estel looked at the water and then up at Elrond. "Please, no bath." He begged. He was too tired to actually fight, but he hoped…

Elrond shook his head. "You must be clean, Estel."

Estel sighed and allowed Elrond to remove his clothes. "Bubbles?" he asked hopefully.

Elrond chuckled and nodded. "Yes, Estel."

Estel smiled at Elrond. He lifted his arms up, waiting for Elrond to put him in the bathtub.

Elrond lifted the little boy and placed him in the tub. Estel's face was covered in dirt, and you could see where the tears had rolled down his cheeks. Elrond took one of his small oil bottles and poured a little less than a third of it into the tub. It was lavender oil and it would make the water bubbly.

Estel splashed slightly, managing to get foam in Elrond's hair. Estel beamed at the Elf who looked down at him fondly. "No more bath," Estel declared. He stood up and tried to climb out.

Elrond quickly picked up the slippery child and put him back in the tub. "No, Estel. Do not get out. You are not clean yet."

Estel folded his arms across his chest and pouted while Elrond finished washing the incredibly dirty boy. "Now out!"

Elrond shook his head. He knew better than to let the child boss people around. "Estel, stop it."

Estel stuck out his tongue and splashed Elrond, but he didn't ask to be taken out of the water again.

Elrond sighed; he had forgotten how bratty tired children acted. He quickly finished washing Estel and took him out of the bath to dry him. He wrapped a towel around Estel and rubbed him down gently.

Estel cuddled Elrond when he dried him off. "Ahh, nice."

Elrond looked fondly at the little boy and kissed his head. "Are you sleepy?"

Estel looked up at Elrond through his long, dark lashes. Water droplets hung from them, giving his eyes a very wet look. "Sleepy."

Elrond smiled and picked up the tunic from the other side of the room. He grabbed the other clothes and dressed Estel quickly. Elrond removed his filthy robe; underneath it was a clean tunic. "Are you ready to go rest?"

Estel nodded and raised his hands to be carried. "Hold you," he whispered sleepily.

Elrond complied. He wasn't going to carry the boy everywhere, but when Estel was tired, he didn't mind.

Estel rested his head against Elrond's shoulder and fell asleep quickly.

Elrond walked from the room carrying the sleeping child. He knew Estel would only sleep for a few hours before he was up and bursting with energy. Elrond was happy to have a child in the house again. It was going to be good for everyone to have the happy spirits of a child around.

He entered Estel's room and placed the little boy on the bed. Estel was so tired he didn't move when Elrond put him down. "Sleep, tithen-pen. I will be waiting for you to wake." Elrond whispered to the sleeping boy.

Reviewer Responses:

Shadowfaxgal27: I wish I could have Estel as a little brother too! I think he is the sweetest little thing and I would love to have him around my house as well. Sorry I couldn't update when I was in Paris! Thanks for reading!

Chloe Amethyst: Heehee, yes I have noticed that children have a knack for getting into things they shouldn't. I've been picking my mom's brain trying to find out useful things for my story. She has been very helpful! Heehee the creek. Oh how I loved the creek when I was little…or rather the ocean. I grew up on an island so water was a place I loved to play in. (I still love it, it is so much fun!) I'm really happy you are enjoying this. Sorry about taking so long to update! Thanks for reading!

Sangfroid: Heehee thank you for the compliment! blushes those always make me feel good. I know, I am taking a break from most of my usual angst and attempting to write a sweet fic…not that angst won't be thrown in! Oh kids are amazing with languages. The thing is they also lose them fast. Everyone does. Ok, I will have to start checking the MC yahoo group for reviews. I try to avoid the insanity as best I can, hence the reason I am on mellon-fic mailing list to my direct e-mail! I really hope you like this chapter! Thanks for reading!

Leggylover03: Heehee I am happy you like the fluff! I enjoy writing it so you will see much more in future chapters. I want people to have something fluffy to read before I begin to post my new angsty fic. insane cackle Thanks for reading!

Chibi noin: Yes…the amusement part. I liked writing that. it made me smile. sighs yes I wish I was as quick as a little kid. Aw well, age does bring a bunch of troubles. Thanks for reading!

Jacquelinestel: I know! Little kids learning so fast are really amazing. His older sister (she's nine) is having a harder time learning the language but she is getting good. I feel bad for my aunt and uncle who barely speak it. Little more than 'hola' 'gracias' and 'bien'. I hope you don't mind that I put your thing above; I want people to know how good you are! One of the reasons your fic is on my favorites list. Thanks for reading!

Beling: Heehee, glad you are enjoying it so much. I hope you continue to like it! Thanks for reading!

Haldir's Heart and Soul: Yes, Elrohir is a sweetie. He is the patient one. - I hope you continue to enjoy my story; I always love to read your reviews! Thanks for reading!

Catmint: Sorry for the quibbles! My friend is the one who is helping me look this over but I am trying. Sorry! I hope you like this chapter; I will send you the chapters to be beta read to my next fic soon! Thanks for reading!

Lady Jaina: Aw thank you for the compliment! I am really enjoying this fic too. I hope you continue to like it, I love having such wonderful readers! Thanks for reading!

A Sly Fan: Thanks, I am happy you think it's cute! Thanks for reading!

Someone Reading: Oh I love writing the scenes between the brothers. It is fun to write about Elrohir and Estel playing together. I really do enjoy it. I can see them having brotherly love for one another (who wouldn't love the kid?) Heehee puddles and Hide-and-go-seek. (I hated that game when I was little! I preferred stuck in the mud) Thanks for reading!

BabeyRachey: Thank you! I am so happy you like this fic. I am trying really hard to update fast, I just got back in the country two hours ago so I am trying to get this posted as fast as possible so I don't feel guilty! I hope you like it! Thanks for reading!

Alariel: Oh yes, he was an imp. Oh I know, he is so adorable! I would like to have a little brother like him just to play with until it was time for his nap. sighs Yes, a light heart is something he will keep. I hope you continue to enjoy, thanks for reading!