Title: Toy Soldiers
Summary: see chapter one
Disclaimer: see chapter one
A/N: Sorry RL and the flu kicked my butt Forgive any mistakes All reviews are welcome and I think I said Legolas is the equivalent of a 13-14 yr old in this fic which is AU. Now on to the levely reviewers!
Kate the Tigress: Here is another update for you!
Someone Reading: I thank you for your sweet review! and yes I tried to make them sweet :D
Starlit Hope: Heehee yes!
Hobbitsrfun: YOU reviewed! YAY! and the twins are older than Legolas so I leave it to your imagination.
Estelle1: Ummm it is coming LOL
Lalaithofthebruinen: Update for you!
Catmint: Thanks yeah I thought it was sweet too!
Pippin's Lover: Here is the next chapter for you!
Elven Kitten: Awww I know ff can be an ass but thanks for the review!
Kaorethein: Yes Elrond IS a mother hen kinda LOL and yes angst for you here!
Irish QT: You shall see what is up with Estel and OF COURSE there will be Legolas angst :D
Snuffles2: YESSSSSSs fuzzy cuteness turned to evil mwhahahahaha
astalder27: update update update for you!
Amlee: Thanks update is HERE!
Finiswin: Yes sweet but what awaits them!
Velvet12: Yes it will become interesting mwhahahahahah
Ymmas Sirron: Here is sweetness for you and the beginning of the EVILNESS heehee
Vicki Turner: Next chappie for you!
silvertoekee: Gladyou like the story here is more for you!
Hiei-Rulez: Thanks for adding this fic to your favs and for enjoying it too enough to review! :D
YAY!! thanks to alll of you for reviewing! I hope you will continue to read and enjoy!
Chapter 3
Estel awoke the next morning and stretched. He was starving and since he had slept in his clothes all he had to do was slip in his boots. Hurriedly he scrambled on his boots, and slung open the door. Taking the stairs two at a time, he was running so hard he did not see his father ,until it was too late. Estel scrambled back to his feet; a look of horror on his face as he saw his father, robes rumpled, on the floor.
"I'm sorry Ada. I should not have been running."
What happened next shocked the child. It started softly, but soon turned into loud peals of laughter coming from his father.
"Ada" Estel said wondering if his father was alright.
Elrond looked at his son. "Do not think your father so old he does not remember how it is to be young Estel."
Estel smiled and held his little hand out to help his father up. Now hand in hand they walked into the diningroom.
The conversation at the table was buzzing with excitement about the festivities of the day. A light breakfast of only fruits and bread was being served; for later there would be a glorious feast. Estel chose only two slices of melon, and a single slice of bread. He was waiting to fill up later on the cooks variety of cakes and pies.
"Estel is that all you are eating?" his brother said in amazement. They had seen Estel eat. For such a small boy he could eat like a full grown man, starved for a week.
"I am saving room for later" Estel said. Eyebrows raised, Elrond looked at his son.
"Be sure not all the food you eat today, are sweets."
"Of course Ada, I want some of the cooks stew also." All around the table laughter broke out, as Estel sat wondering why since he had only spoken the truth. As the last dish was cleared Elrond stood up and spoke to them all.
"Everyone let this be a day of joy and happiness for our fellow elf or man. Now come let us adjourn to our rooms and get ready."
In an hours time everyone met back downstairs. Elrond looked up to see four smiling faces staring back. "My aren't we a handsome bunch" he replied. This brought groans from the group. "Alright very well, come let us go and join the celebration."
As he pushed open the front door the noon day sun beamed down on all of Imladris. It was as if it were magically transformed before their eyes. There were tables filled with every food imaginable, jesters juggling brightly covered objects, and all kinds of games going on. As they stepped out a hush came over the crowd. Elrond raised his hands. "People of Imladris, guests please enjoy yourselves. Let us celebrate life and friendship."
The crowd cheered and the Lord's family smiled. Estel nudged Legolas "I have never seen so many people, elves, men and even a few dwarves."
"Come Estel, let us not waste a moment of this day" and pulling him along they ran off to enjoy the nearest game. For hours they admired the jugglers and entered the games. Legolas had won the archery game much too many Noldor elves dismay. When he was presented with a golden arrow, the prize he looked and saw his friends beaming with pride. As Estel was about to enter the foot race they noticed a she elf staring at them.
"She has been watching us all day. It makes me feel uneasy at times." Legolas whispered to Estel. Estel glanced at the elf.
"That is Ataria, her sons were slain on an outing just a couple months ago. Ada says she has not gotten over it yet and that we should be kind to her."
Legolas shook off his doubts and returned his attention back to the race, which was about to start. He was going to enter but saw the elves were much younger. "You can win this Estel" he said patting him on the back.
The race started and as fast as his legs could go, Estel ran. If he had looked he would have seen he was keeping up with the elflings; a feat not many men could boast of. With his tongue sticking out he gave it all he had, and half ran, half stumbled over the finish line. Laying there on the ground he looked up to see his friend and brothers.
"Estel they can not congradulate you unless you get up" Elladan scoffed.
"You mean I won? No kidding, I won"
"Aye gwador nin you did just that" Elrohir said pulling him to his feet.
Estel was estatic as the ribbon was given to him. "May we show Ada?"
"Of course we can" and the three others trailed behind the excited child.
Elrond was standing with a group of elves as Estel ran up.
"Ada, did you see. I won the race!" Elrond turned to see the smiling face of his son and held his arms open.
"You beat the other elflings little one?" he said looking surprised..
"Aye father he did" Elladan spoke.
"Estel I am so proud of you" The other elves all agreed that it was a feat.
"Look Ada I won a ribbon" Estel said showing his father the prized thing.
"What a lovely ribbon it is, you should keep it safe."
"Ada I want you to have it"
"Why Estel, you raced hard for this. Why do you wish me to have it?"
"Because Ada it says You are the Best and you are" the child said seriously.
Tears brimmed in the elf lord's eyes and some even in the the elves behind him. "I will treasure it my son as one of my greatest gifts. I believe your victory warrants something though. How about all the cakes and pies within reason."
Estel's eyes grew big "Oh Ada, yes that would be great! Legolas come on let's go get some of the raspberry tarts."
Legolas bowed to Lord Elrond and then he and Estel took off in a run but Estel stopped and started to run back. "Ada I forgot something" he yelled.
Elrond turned again to his son "What Estel, what have you forgotten?"
"This" Estel said and kissed his father on the cheek and then took off running back to join Legolas.
"A fine son you have there, one to make any father proud" one of the elves behind Elrond said.
"This I know" the elf lord said smiling as he watched his son run off with Legolas.
"Elladan will you and Ro join us" Estel called out as he ran by.
"We will be there in a few moments little one."
Estel rolled his eyes as he saw they were talking to two she elves. They ran up to the table and looked in amazement. "Which one first Estel?" Legolas said his mouth watering.
"The raspberry tarts, let's eat those first."
"Good choice mellon nin" he said already filling his plate
"My what hungry little ones you are" someone said, and as they turned they saw Ataria smiling at them.
Legolas nudged Estel who stood staring at the elf. Estel did not know what to say so he stammered "Yes but they would be even better with some ice cream."
"I have some just back at my house if you would care to go."
Legolas was leery of Ataria; something didn't seem right and he pulled Estel to the side and told him. "Should we go without telling someone?"
"She only lives just outside the gates; we would be back before anyone noticed. I do still feel strange though it is sad that both her sons are gone and she is alone; but Ada said to be kind to her."
"Very well then but let us hurry I do not wish to miss the fireworks later or the archery contest between the adults."
Estel turned back to Ataria "We will come with you my lady, but we must be back quickly."
"Very well come with me Lothen, I mean Estel" She took Estel's hand in hers and wrapped her arm around Legolas and they waked to her house; away from the celebration and watchful eyes of family.
Once inside the little house she ask them to sit and she would get their ice cream. She returned moments later with two heaping bowls and gave each one. "Here you go, will this be enough?"
"Hannon le Ataria" Legolas said remembering his manners as Estel seemed to have forgotten his at the moment. "We should be going now Estel, your father will be worried."
Estel snapped his head around. "You are right he will wonder where we have gotten off to."
"Come now eat quickly, then you can be on your way" Ataria said hovering over Estel.
Legolas had become a tad bit leery now, but as he saw Estel shoving the second big spoonful in, his uneasiness lessened. He raised the spoon to his mouth and tasted the ice cream. It was cool and sweet and he smiled. "This is some of the best ice cream ever Ataria" he said carefully, and alot more gracefully taking a second bite. When he looked over he saw Estel had finished his bowl and was eyeing his. Legolas laughed and shoved the bowl between them. "Here you can help me eat mine"
Estel thanked Legolas but truthfully he was beginning to get quite sleepy. He yawned in spite of himself. Legolas too felt very tired and did not know why. It was not long before Estel could not keep his eyes open any longer, and laid his head down on the table. Legolas went to rise but the room spun in circles, and before he could reach Estel's chair he was on the floor, fast asleep.
Ataria swept the elf up in her arms and laid him on the bed in the next room. She then collected the sleeping child from the table and placed him beside Legolas. She tucked them both in and smiled. She stepped over the toys on the floor as she made her way to the door. There lingering in the doorway with tears in her eyes, she turned to glance at them. "Welcome home Lothen and Dernen."
Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
I will update again soon!
Summary: see chapter one
Disclaimer: see chapter one
A/N: Sorry RL and the flu kicked my butt Forgive any mistakes All reviews are welcome and I think I said Legolas is the equivalent of a 13-14 yr old in this fic which is AU. Now on to the levely reviewers!
Kate the Tigress: Here is another update for you!
Someone Reading: I thank you for your sweet review! and yes I tried to make them sweet :D
Starlit Hope: Heehee yes!
Hobbitsrfun: YOU reviewed! YAY! and the twins are older than Legolas so I leave it to your imagination.
Estelle1: Ummm it is coming LOL
Lalaithofthebruinen: Update for you!
Catmint: Thanks yeah I thought it was sweet too!
Pippin's Lover: Here is the next chapter for you!
Elven Kitten: Awww I know ff can be an ass but thanks for the review!
Kaorethein: Yes Elrond IS a mother hen kinda LOL and yes angst for you here!
Irish QT: You shall see what is up with Estel and OF COURSE there will be Legolas angst :D
Snuffles2: YESSSSSSs fuzzy cuteness turned to evil mwhahahahaha
astalder27: update update update for you!
Amlee: Thanks update is HERE!
Finiswin: Yes sweet but what awaits them!
Velvet12: Yes it will become interesting mwhahahahahah
Ymmas Sirron: Here is sweetness for you and the beginning of the EVILNESS heehee
Vicki Turner: Next chappie for you!
silvertoekee: Gladyou like the story here is more for you!
Hiei-Rulez: Thanks for adding this fic to your favs and for enjoying it too enough to review! :D
YAY!! thanks to alll of you for reviewing! I hope you will continue to read and enjoy!
Chapter 3
Estel awoke the next morning and stretched. He was starving and since he had slept in his clothes all he had to do was slip in his boots. Hurriedly he scrambled on his boots, and slung open the door. Taking the stairs two at a time, he was running so hard he did not see his father ,until it was too late. Estel scrambled back to his feet; a look of horror on his face as he saw his father, robes rumpled, on the floor.
"I'm sorry Ada. I should not have been running."
What happened next shocked the child. It started softly, but soon turned into loud peals of laughter coming from his father.
"Ada" Estel said wondering if his father was alright.
Elrond looked at his son. "Do not think your father so old he does not remember how it is to be young Estel."
Estel smiled and held his little hand out to help his father up. Now hand in hand they walked into the diningroom.
The conversation at the table was buzzing with excitement about the festivities of the day. A light breakfast of only fruits and bread was being served; for later there would be a glorious feast. Estel chose only two slices of melon, and a single slice of bread. He was waiting to fill up later on the cooks variety of cakes and pies.
"Estel is that all you are eating?" his brother said in amazement. They had seen Estel eat. For such a small boy he could eat like a full grown man, starved for a week.
"I am saving room for later" Estel said. Eyebrows raised, Elrond looked at his son.
"Be sure not all the food you eat today, are sweets."
"Of course Ada, I want some of the cooks stew also." All around the table laughter broke out, as Estel sat wondering why since he had only spoken the truth. As the last dish was cleared Elrond stood up and spoke to them all.
"Everyone let this be a day of joy and happiness for our fellow elf or man. Now come let us adjourn to our rooms and get ready."
In an hours time everyone met back downstairs. Elrond looked up to see four smiling faces staring back. "My aren't we a handsome bunch" he replied. This brought groans from the group. "Alright very well, come let us go and join the celebration."
As he pushed open the front door the noon day sun beamed down on all of Imladris. It was as if it were magically transformed before their eyes. There were tables filled with every food imaginable, jesters juggling brightly covered objects, and all kinds of games going on. As they stepped out a hush came over the crowd. Elrond raised his hands. "People of Imladris, guests please enjoy yourselves. Let us celebrate life and friendship."
The crowd cheered and the Lord's family smiled. Estel nudged Legolas "I have never seen so many people, elves, men and even a few dwarves."
"Come Estel, let us not waste a moment of this day" and pulling him along they ran off to enjoy the nearest game. For hours they admired the jugglers and entered the games. Legolas had won the archery game much too many Noldor elves dismay. When he was presented with a golden arrow, the prize he looked and saw his friends beaming with pride. As Estel was about to enter the foot race they noticed a she elf staring at them.
"She has been watching us all day. It makes me feel uneasy at times." Legolas whispered to Estel. Estel glanced at the elf.
"That is Ataria, her sons were slain on an outing just a couple months ago. Ada says she has not gotten over it yet and that we should be kind to her."
Legolas shook off his doubts and returned his attention back to the race, which was about to start. He was going to enter but saw the elves were much younger. "You can win this Estel" he said patting him on the back.
The race started and as fast as his legs could go, Estel ran. If he had looked he would have seen he was keeping up with the elflings; a feat not many men could boast of. With his tongue sticking out he gave it all he had, and half ran, half stumbled over the finish line. Laying there on the ground he looked up to see his friend and brothers.
"Estel they can not congradulate you unless you get up" Elladan scoffed.
"You mean I won? No kidding, I won"
"Aye gwador nin you did just that" Elrohir said pulling him to his feet.
Estel was estatic as the ribbon was given to him. "May we show Ada?"
"Of course we can" and the three others trailed behind the excited child.
Elrond was standing with a group of elves as Estel ran up.
"Ada, did you see. I won the race!" Elrond turned to see the smiling face of his son and held his arms open.
"You beat the other elflings little one?" he said looking surprised..
"Aye father he did" Elladan spoke.
"Estel I am so proud of you" The other elves all agreed that it was a feat.
"Look Ada I won a ribbon" Estel said showing his father the prized thing.
"What a lovely ribbon it is, you should keep it safe."
"Ada I want you to have it"
"Why Estel, you raced hard for this. Why do you wish me to have it?"
"Because Ada it says You are the Best and you are" the child said seriously.
Tears brimmed in the elf lord's eyes and some even in the the elves behind him. "I will treasure it my son as one of my greatest gifts. I believe your victory warrants something though. How about all the cakes and pies within reason."
Estel's eyes grew big "Oh Ada, yes that would be great! Legolas come on let's go get some of the raspberry tarts."
Legolas bowed to Lord Elrond and then he and Estel took off in a run but Estel stopped and started to run back. "Ada I forgot something" he yelled.
Elrond turned again to his son "What Estel, what have you forgotten?"
"This" Estel said and kissed his father on the cheek and then took off running back to join Legolas.
"A fine son you have there, one to make any father proud" one of the elves behind Elrond said.
"This I know" the elf lord said smiling as he watched his son run off with Legolas.
"Elladan will you and Ro join us" Estel called out as he ran by.
"We will be there in a few moments little one."
Estel rolled his eyes as he saw they were talking to two she elves. They ran up to the table and looked in amazement. "Which one first Estel?" Legolas said his mouth watering.
"The raspberry tarts, let's eat those first."
"Good choice mellon nin" he said already filling his plate
"My what hungry little ones you are" someone said, and as they turned they saw Ataria smiling at them.
Legolas nudged Estel who stood staring at the elf. Estel did not know what to say so he stammered "Yes but they would be even better with some ice cream."
"I have some just back at my house if you would care to go."
Legolas was leery of Ataria; something didn't seem right and he pulled Estel to the side and told him. "Should we go without telling someone?"
"She only lives just outside the gates; we would be back before anyone noticed. I do still feel strange though it is sad that both her sons are gone and she is alone; but Ada said to be kind to her."
"Very well then but let us hurry I do not wish to miss the fireworks later or the archery contest between the adults."
Estel turned back to Ataria "We will come with you my lady, but we must be back quickly."
"Very well come with me Lothen, I mean Estel" She took Estel's hand in hers and wrapped her arm around Legolas and they waked to her house; away from the celebration and watchful eyes of family.
Once inside the little house she ask them to sit and she would get their ice cream. She returned moments later with two heaping bowls and gave each one. "Here you go, will this be enough?"
"Hannon le Ataria" Legolas said remembering his manners as Estel seemed to have forgotten his at the moment. "We should be going now Estel, your father will be worried."
Estel snapped his head around. "You are right he will wonder where we have gotten off to."
"Come now eat quickly, then you can be on your way" Ataria said hovering over Estel.
Legolas had become a tad bit leery now, but as he saw Estel shoving the second big spoonful in, his uneasiness lessened. He raised the spoon to his mouth and tasted the ice cream. It was cool and sweet and he smiled. "This is some of the best ice cream ever Ataria" he said carefully, and alot more gracefully taking a second bite. When he looked over he saw Estel had finished his bowl and was eyeing his. Legolas laughed and shoved the bowl between them. "Here you can help me eat mine"
Estel thanked Legolas but truthfully he was beginning to get quite sleepy. He yawned in spite of himself. Legolas too felt very tired and did not know why. It was not long before Estel could not keep his eyes open any longer, and laid his head down on the table. Legolas went to rise but the room spun in circles, and before he could reach Estel's chair he was on the floor, fast asleep.
Ataria swept the elf up in her arms and laid him on the bed in the next room. She then collected the sleeping child from the table and placed him beside Legolas. She tucked them both in and smiled. She stepped over the toys on the floor as she made her way to the door. There lingering in the doorway with tears in her eyes, she turned to glance at them. "Welcome home Lothen and Dernen."
Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
I will update again soon!