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A/N I am so sorry for the delay. I have been super busy. I promise not to take so long in the next chapters though. Forgive me? *sad look*
Estel watched as Umor, Nomarl, Dornar, Elladan, and Elrohir walked into the woods looking for him. Estel was in so much pain, he hated to hurt his brothers but it was impossible to go back with them. He couldn't think of Rivendell as his home anymore, he knew if he did he would still feel sad.
"Coror?" Taniay's voice broke into his thoughts. "Coror are you alright? You've got a sad look on yer face." Taniay's voice was full of concern, Estel almost felt badly for scaring her so much.
"I miss my dad." He said softly.
"Aw sweet heart!" Taniay and Marta both said before Taniay enveloped Estel in a hug.
Estel pushed his tears away, he wouldn't cry. If he cried he would feel worse.
"You're such a baby. Only babies cry when they feel upset." Salnwen told Estel while he cried.
"No wonder Lord Elrond feels so bad for you! You're still a baby!" Salndir yelled at him.
"No!" Estel's body shook with sobs...
"Aw baby it's alrigh' it'll be alrigh'." Marta soothed
"I'm alright...I just miss my father." Estel said quietly.
A cry was heard and Larka started to turn red from screaming so much.
"Oh she must be scared." Marta shuffled back over to where she had laid her baby down to sleep and held her close.
Estel looked at Marta and Larka with a hungry look in his eyes. He wanted to be loved that way! He wanted to be held like that again! He wanted his father to look at him with such love and affection!
He does look at you that way. The voice in the back of his mind whispered. Lord Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir have always looked at you that way. Salnwen and Salndir said they didn't...
"May I go for a walk?" Estel asked Taniay.
She nodded, "Of course ya can." She told him, eyeing him with affection. "You really are the sweetest little boy I've ever met."
He beamed at her and walked into the woods he had grown up in.
It felt so good to walk through these woods. Since they were in Rivendell, Estel knew almost every twist and turn; he also knew how to avoid his brothers. Elladan and Elrohir had taught him a little tracking, he wasn't very good, but he knew enough to see which direction they had gone off in with the three men. If he could find them, maybe he could find out what they really thought. Elladan and Elrohir were sure to be speaking elvish amongst themselves, so that they could hide the conversation from Umor, Dornar, and Nomarl. Surely they would be speaking of Estel. Looking at the floor, he began to follow the tracks hoping to spy on his brothers.
Elladan and Elrohir had separated from Dornar, Umor, and Nomarl. The three human men had broken away from the twins at a fork in the road. Since Elladan and Elrohir had nearly grown up in these woods, they knew every twist, turn, and fork in the woods.
They had sent the three off on a long winding road that would loop several times but would be easy to follow back. Elladan and Elrohir had wanted time to get to Estel and maybe talk to him. They knew he was upset, but running away was a little drastic. If they went home and told their father what had happened, Elrond would probably come talk to Estel himself; that wouldn't be good. The humans would be angry and Estel would probably run away again.
Elladan turned his head up and looked at the sky. "Night will fall soon. We left the men at the fork nearly two hours ago. If we don't head back to the camp they will probably be suspicious."
Elrohir nodded, "I know, we should head back." Elrohir stomped his foot on the ground making Elladan stare at him. "I don't like this! It isn't fair!"
Elladan was stunned at his twin's outburst but he soon got over it. He lightly touched Elrohir's arm. "I know Elrohir. I know, but we have to do this. We cannot just go grab Aragorn!"
Elrohir shushed him, "No, do not use his name. Ada has not told him yet, you should know better Elladan!" Elrohir nearly snapped.
Elladan sighed, "I understand the secrecy, but I do not always feel right about calling Arathorn's son by a name we gave him."
Elrohir nodded, "I agree, but now is not the time to slip up. Estel isn't allowed to know!"
Elladan nodded and turned around, "Well, we might as well head back to the human camp and say our good byes."
Elrohir nodded, and the twins walked back the way in which they had come.
Estel had been watching his brothers in the bushes for the past hour and a half. Most of the conversations had just been about how they needed to find him. Estel nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard what Elladan said.
"I know Elrohir. I know, but we have to do this. We cannot just go grab Aragorn!"
Who? Who was this Aragorn? Estel was so confused.
"No, do not use his name! Ada has not told him yet, you should know better Elladan!" Estel could hear the tenseness in Elrohir's voice. He didn't understand! This confirmed what he had thought, Elrond kept things from him.
"I understand the secrecy, but I do not always feel right about calling Arathorn's son by a name we gave him."
What?! Estel was so confused! He knew he had been adopted but who was Arathorn? Estel figured it was his birthfather, but why hadn't he been told?
"You aren't loved! They lie to you! They don't want you around so they make up stories for you." The words of Salndir rang clearer than ever.
Slowly, Estel turned and ran back to camp the way he had come, being careful not to get too close to Elladan and Elrohir. He was full of hate for the twins and Elrond right then. He was so angry they hadn't told him everything he should know.
When Elladan and Elrohir got back to the human camp they were immediately questioned by Umor and Nomarl.
"Where is he?" Nomarl demanded.
"Excuse me?" Elrohir asked politely.
"Coror, where is he?"
"We were looking for him. Is he missing?" Elladan's heart skipped a beat, if Estel was missing...
"He walked off about three hours ago. It is dark now, where is he?" Taniay asked; her voice slightly less demanding than those of Nomarl and Umor.
"Hush Taniay," Umor snapped at his wife, "we've got it."
Elrohir saw Taniay stiffen at being spoken to in that tone, but it wasn't his place to say anything.
"We didn't see him." Elrohir said.
"We looked for about two hours after we left you on the path, then we returned. If the boy is missing we will help you find him." Elladan offered.
"No need, the boy is right here." Came a cool voice from behind them.
Elladan and Elrohir turned to see Estel walking towards them with a look of loathing and anger in his eyes.
Taniay wrapped her arms around Estel who hugged her back tightly, shooting a look at the twins over her shoulder.
"I am alright mother." Estel said
Elladan and Elrohir bother stiffened visibly and it gave Estel a triumphant feeling.
Umor also hugged the boy and Estel hugged him tightly as well.
"I am fine father." He said breaking the embrace. Quietly he added so only the twins could hear him. "I am alright ada."
Elrohir had to grab Elladan so he didn't jump on Estel. What had gotten into Estel? Elrohir thought Elladan was insane for getting so jumpy. Elrohir didn't feel exactly pleased about Estel calling Taniay "mother" and Umor "father", but he wasn't about to maul the little boy.
"We had better be going." Elrohir told them, "Thank you for trying to help us find out little brother Estel. If you do see him, tell him we love him very much and that we need to talk to him."
"I doubt he feels the same." Estel snapped, "Elves lied and kept secrets. They cannot love him."
Elladan was about to ask what in Mordor Estel was talking about when Marta spoke.
Marta nodded, "We will tell him, have a good night."
The twins left quickly, Elrohir had to practically drag Elladan away.
As soon as the twins had left the group of people settled down and had dinner. They didn't bother worrying about the twin elves. There was no reason to, they had left and were out of sight.
"Pass the bread please mother." Estel said.
As soon as Elladan and Elrohir were far enough from the camp Elladan launched into a rant.
"What was that all about!?" He nearly yelled
"Elladan, calm down." Elrohir said in a calm enough voice.
"No! I will not calm down! Our brother just referred to those two people as his mother and father! How could he?" Elladan's voice was choked and cracking.
Elrohir tried to pull Elladan into an embrace but Elladan pushed him away.
"'Dan..." Elrohir started.
"Do not try to calm me down 'Ro. I cannot believe what that...that boy just said!" Tears had formed in Elladan's eyes and were beginning to stream down his face.
Elrohir pulled his brother into a tight embrace and whispered soothing words into his ear. This time, Elladan didn't pull away.
"Come on 'Dan. We need to get home." Elrohir's voice had a more dejected tone in it this time. He agreed with Elladan, Estel had been awful to them.
When the twins got back home the moon was in the sky and the stars were shining brightly. It wasn't too late, but they had missed dinner and had probably worried their father. They both knew Lord Elrond wasn't going to be pleased when he saw Elladan and Elrohir didn't bring Estel back with them.
"Are you two alright?" It was Lord Elrond's voice. He could see the looks on his son's faces and the way they were carrying themselves. He was quite worried about them. When he noticed Estel wasn't there, his worry deepened.
Elladan shook his head, "No father, we are not. That boy..." Elladan was shaking and Lord Elrond was almost ready to panic. "That boy...I am going to kill him!"
Lord Elrond decided he wasn't going to get a sane word out of Elladan since he was so angry, he turned to Elrohir. "Where is 'that boy'?" he asked
"Estel is fine." Elrohir replied shortly. "He's been adopted by a new family because he doesn't like us any more. He told everyone elves have lied and kept things from him. He said we cannot love him."
Elrond wore an expression full of shock and confusion. "Why did he say that?"
Elladan shrugged, "We do not know father. We do not know." Elladan shrugged Elrohir's arm off his shoulder and walked into the house.
"Get your rest Elrohir, tomorrow we will figure out what to do with Estel." Elrond told his son.
Elrohir nodded, "Yes father." Elrohir walked inside then turned around. "Father?"
"Yes Elrohir?" Elrond asked
"I'm sorry we failed to bring Estel back. If it helps, he is safe with the people he is with right now." Elrohir's voice was strangled and choked.
Elrond smiled weakly, "You tried, both of you tried. I really do hope Estel is safe right now, I really do."
"He is." Elrohir assured him
"That is good. Get to bed Elrohir."
"Yes father."
Elrohir left, leaving Elrond to stare at the stars alone.
Elrond felt a presence behind him, but he didn't turn around to see who it was.
"Are you alright my friend?" It was Glorfindel
Elrond turned around. "It's been two days since I last saw my youngest."
Glorfindel nodded gently, "Where is he? Did the twins locate him?"
Elrond nodded to his friend. "Yes, but Estel will not return. He thinks we cannot love him."
Glorfindel looked horrified, "How could he think that? You love Estel with all your heart, he is your son!"
Elrond nodded, "I know that, but Estel does not. How am I to tell him this? How do you tell a child what you feel in your heart when they will not come to you?"
Glorfindel shrugged, "That is a question to ponder, but I do not have an answer."
Elrond sighed, "He is safe, with human travelers; that is all I know."
Glorfindel nodded, "You should rest. The sun is nearly rising; you've been out here all night."
Elrond nodded and walked inside of his home, Glorfindel followed him.
Glorfindel followed Elrond to his room.
"You can go to sleep if you like." Elrond told his friend.
Glorfindel shrugged, "I wanted to make sure you got to your room."
Elrond smiled slightly, "I am not my sons; I know when to go to sleep."
Glorfindel smiled but said nothing. "Pleasant dreams my friend."
Elrond nodded, "Good night." He shut the door and went to bed.
How did you like it? I am sorry, it is 11:24 pm and I need to go to bed. I don't have time to respond to reviewers. I will definitely include the responses in the next chapter which will be out tomorrow. Please review!
A/N I am so sorry for the delay. I have been super busy. I promise not to take so long in the next chapters though. Forgive me? *sad look*
Estel watched as Umor, Nomarl, Dornar, Elladan, and Elrohir walked into the woods looking for him. Estel was in so much pain, he hated to hurt his brothers but it was impossible to go back with them. He couldn't think of Rivendell as his home anymore, he knew if he did he would still feel sad.
"Coror?" Taniay's voice broke into his thoughts. "Coror are you alright? You've got a sad look on yer face." Taniay's voice was full of concern, Estel almost felt badly for scaring her so much.
"I miss my dad." He said softly.
"Aw sweet heart!" Taniay and Marta both said before Taniay enveloped Estel in a hug.
Estel pushed his tears away, he wouldn't cry. If he cried he would feel worse.
"You're such a baby. Only babies cry when they feel upset." Salnwen told Estel while he cried.
"No wonder Lord Elrond feels so bad for you! You're still a baby!" Salndir yelled at him.
"No!" Estel's body shook with sobs...
"Aw baby it's alrigh' it'll be alrigh'." Marta soothed
"I'm alright...I just miss my father." Estel said quietly.
A cry was heard and Larka started to turn red from screaming so much.
"Oh she must be scared." Marta shuffled back over to where she had laid her baby down to sleep and held her close.
Estel looked at Marta and Larka with a hungry look in his eyes. He wanted to be loved that way! He wanted to be held like that again! He wanted his father to look at him with such love and affection!
He does look at you that way. The voice in the back of his mind whispered. Lord Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir have always looked at you that way. Salnwen and Salndir said they didn't...
"May I go for a walk?" Estel asked Taniay.
She nodded, "Of course ya can." She told him, eyeing him with affection. "You really are the sweetest little boy I've ever met."
He beamed at her and walked into the woods he had grown up in.
It felt so good to walk through these woods. Since they were in Rivendell, Estel knew almost every twist and turn; he also knew how to avoid his brothers. Elladan and Elrohir had taught him a little tracking, he wasn't very good, but he knew enough to see which direction they had gone off in with the three men. If he could find them, maybe he could find out what they really thought. Elladan and Elrohir were sure to be speaking elvish amongst themselves, so that they could hide the conversation from Umor, Dornar, and Nomarl. Surely they would be speaking of Estel. Looking at the floor, he began to follow the tracks hoping to spy on his brothers.
Elladan and Elrohir had separated from Dornar, Umor, and Nomarl. The three human men had broken away from the twins at a fork in the road. Since Elladan and Elrohir had nearly grown up in these woods, they knew every twist, turn, and fork in the woods.
They had sent the three off on a long winding road that would loop several times but would be easy to follow back. Elladan and Elrohir had wanted time to get to Estel and maybe talk to him. They knew he was upset, but running away was a little drastic. If they went home and told their father what had happened, Elrond would probably come talk to Estel himself; that wouldn't be good. The humans would be angry and Estel would probably run away again.
Elladan turned his head up and looked at the sky. "Night will fall soon. We left the men at the fork nearly two hours ago. If we don't head back to the camp they will probably be suspicious."
Elrohir nodded, "I know, we should head back." Elrohir stomped his foot on the ground making Elladan stare at him. "I don't like this! It isn't fair!"
Elladan was stunned at his twin's outburst but he soon got over it. He lightly touched Elrohir's arm. "I know Elrohir. I know, but we have to do this. We cannot just go grab Aragorn!"
Elrohir shushed him, "No, do not use his name. Ada has not told him yet, you should know better Elladan!" Elrohir nearly snapped.
Elladan sighed, "I understand the secrecy, but I do not always feel right about calling Arathorn's son by a name we gave him."
Elrohir nodded, "I agree, but now is not the time to slip up. Estel isn't allowed to know!"
Elladan nodded and turned around, "Well, we might as well head back to the human camp and say our good byes."
Elrohir nodded, and the twins walked back the way in which they had come.
Estel had been watching his brothers in the bushes for the past hour and a half. Most of the conversations had just been about how they needed to find him. Estel nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard what Elladan said.
"I know Elrohir. I know, but we have to do this. We cannot just go grab Aragorn!"
Who? Who was this Aragorn? Estel was so confused.
"No, do not use his name! Ada has not told him yet, you should know better Elladan!" Estel could hear the tenseness in Elrohir's voice. He didn't understand! This confirmed what he had thought, Elrond kept things from him.
"I understand the secrecy, but I do not always feel right about calling Arathorn's son by a name we gave him."
What?! Estel was so confused! He knew he had been adopted but who was Arathorn? Estel figured it was his birthfather, but why hadn't he been told?
"You aren't loved! They lie to you! They don't want you around so they make up stories for you." The words of Salndir rang clearer than ever.
Slowly, Estel turned and ran back to camp the way he had come, being careful not to get too close to Elladan and Elrohir. He was full of hate for the twins and Elrond right then. He was so angry they hadn't told him everything he should know.
When Elladan and Elrohir got back to the human camp they were immediately questioned by Umor and Nomarl.
"Where is he?" Nomarl demanded.
"Excuse me?" Elrohir asked politely.
"Coror, where is he?"
"We were looking for him. Is he missing?" Elladan's heart skipped a beat, if Estel was missing...
"He walked off about three hours ago. It is dark now, where is he?" Taniay asked; her voice slightly less demanding than those of Nomarl and Umor.
"Hush Taniay," Umor snapped at his wife, "we've got it."
Elrohir saw Taniay stiffen at being spoken to in that tone, but it wasn't his place to say anything.
"We didn't see him." Elrohir said.
"We looked for about two hours after we left you on the path, then we returned. If the boy is missing we will help you find him." Elladan offered.
"No need, the boy is right here." Came a cool voice from behind them.
Elladan and Elrohir turned to see Estel walking towards them with a look of loathing and anger in his eyes.
Taniay wrapped her arms around Estel who hugged her back tightly, shooting a look at the twins over her shoulder.
"I am alright mother." Estel said
Elladan and Elrohir bother stiffened visibly and it gave Estel a triumphant feeling.
Umor also hugged the boy and Estel hugged him tightly as well.
"I am fine father." He said breaking the embrace. Quietly he added so only the twins could hear him. "I am alright ada."
Elrohir had to grab Elladan so he didn't jump on Estel. What had gotten into Estel? Elrohir thought Elladan was insane for getting so jumpy. Elrohir didn't feel exactly pleased about Estel calling Taniay "mother" and Umor "father", but he wasn't about to maul the little boy.
"We had better be going." Elrohir told them, "Thank you for trying to help us find out little brother Estel. If you do see him, tell him we love him very much and that we need to talk to him."
"I doubt he feels the same." Estel snapped, "Elves lied and kept secrets. They cannot love him."
Elladan was about to ask what in Mordor Estel was talking about when Marta spoke.
Marta nodded, "We will tell him, have a good night."
The twins left quickly, Elrohir had to practically drag Elladan away.
As soon as the twins had left the group of people settled down and had dinner. They didn't bother worrying about the twin elves. There was no reason to, they had left and were out of sight.
"Pass the bread please mother." Estel said.
As soon as Elladan and Elrohir were far enough from the camp Elladan launched into a rant.
"What was that all about!?" He nearly yelled
"Elladan, calm down." Elrohir said in a calm enough voice.
"No! I will not calm down! Our brother just referred to those two people as his mother and father! How could he?" Elladan's voice was choked and cracking.
Elrohir tried to pull Elladan into an embrace but Elladan pushed him away.
"'Dan..." Elrohir started.
"Do not try to calm me down 'Ro. I cannot believe what that...that boy just said!" Tears had formed in Elladan's eyes and were beginning to stream down his face.
Elrohir pulled his brother into a tight embrace and whispered soothing words into his ear. This time, Elladan didn't pull away.
"Come on 'Dan. We need to get home." Elrohir's voice had a more dejected tone in it this time. He agreed with Elladan, Estel had been awful to them.
When the twins got back home the moon was in the sky and the stars were shining brightly. It wasn't too late, but they had missed dinner and had probably worried their father. They both knew Lord Elrond wasn't going to be pleased when he saw Elladan and Elrohir didn't bring Estel back with them.
"Are you two alright?" It was Lord Elrond's voice. He could see the looks on his son's faces and the way they were carrying themselves. He was quite worried about them. When he noticed Estel wasn't there, his worry deepened.
Elladan shook his head, "No father, we are not. That boy..." Elladan was shaking and Lord Elrond was almost ready to panic. "That boy...I am going to kill him!"
Lord Elrond decided he wasn't going to get a sane word out of Elladan since he was so angry, he turned to Elrohir. "Where is 'that boy'?" he asked
"Estel is fine." Elrohir replied shortly. "He's been adopted by a new family because he doesn't like us any more. He told everyone elves have lied and kept things from him. He said we cannot love him."
Elrond wore an expression full of shock and confusion. "Why did he say that?"
Elladan shrugged, "We do not know father. We do not know." Elladan shrugged Elrohir's arm off his shoulder and walked into the house.
"Get your rest Elrohir, tomorrow we will figure out what to do with Estel." Elrond told his son.
Elrohir nodded, "Yes father." Elrohir walked inside then turned around. "Father?"
"Yes Elrohir?" Elrond asked
"I'm sorry we failed to bring Estel back. If it helps, he is safe with the people he is with right now." Elrohir's voice was strangled and choked.
Elrond smiled weakly, "You tried, both of you tried. I really do hope Estel is safe right now, I really do."
"He is." Elrohir assured him
"That is good. Get to bed Elrohir."
"Yes father."
Elrohir left, leaving Elrond to stare at the stars alone.
Elrond felt a presence behind him, but he didn't turn around to see who it was.
"Are you alright my friend?" It was Glorfindel
Elrond turned around. "It's been two days since I last saw my youngest."
Glorfindel nodded gently, "Where is he? Did the twins locate him?"
Elrond nodded to his friend. "Yes, but Estel will not return. He thinks we cannot love him."
Glorfindel looked horrified, "How could he think that? You love Estel with all your heart, he is your son!"
Elrond nodded, "I know that, but Estel does not. How am I to tell him this? How do you tell a child what you feel in your heart when they will not come to you?"
Glorfindel shrugged, "That is a question to ponder, but I do not have an answer."
Elrond sighed, "He is safe, with human travelers; that is all I know."
Glorfindel nodded, "You should rest. The sun is nearly rising; you've been out here all night."
Elrond nodded and walked inside of his home, Glorfindel followed him.
Glorfindel followed Elrond to his room.
"You can go to sleep if you like." Elrond told his friend.
Glorfindel shrugged, "I wanted to make sure you got to your room."
Elrond smiled slightly, "I am not my sons; I know when to go to sleep."
Glorfindel smiled but said nothing. "Pleasant dreams my friend."
Elrond nodded, "Good night." He shut the door and went to bed.
How did you like it? I am sorry, it is 11:24 pm and I need to go to bed. I don't have time to respond to reviewers. I will definitely include the responses in the next chapter which will be out tomorrow. Please review!