Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters and/or places thereof
"Estel," Elladan said, "shall we race?" It was an indulgent question, for Elladan could of course have been three times home and back by the time Estel reach the door, but when dealing with a small child, Elladan knew better than to do his best. Letting Estel win, so Elladan hoped, would at the very least give the boy some momentary glee, at the most buoy his sense of self-confidence.
Estel grinned. "Yes!" he cried, and began trotting ahead.
"Cheater!" Elladan teased. "Leaving me in the dust." He half-jogged after Estel. As he chased his brother, Elladan wondered if it was because he was the eldest that he had this patience. Elrohir had been with them off and on that day, but Elladan had not left Estel's side. With quite a bit of help from Elladan, Estel read nearly three pages of a relatively simply written history before losing patience. They visited the 'horsies', as Estel called them, then raced down to a small stream, no more than a few inches deep, where Estel could safely splash about. Mostly he stood on the bank, wriggled his toes in the mud and giggled like mad.
In such a manner they day had passed rather quickly. It was Elladan's first plan: tuckering Estel out in the day might make him sleep more deeply at night.
Estel tripped on his own feet, but before he hit the ground Elladan caught him and swooped him into the air. Elladan had always been protective: of Estel, and Arwen before him, and Elrohir before her. It was in his nature. He might tease some, for he did like to laugh, but when it came to his younger siblings, Elladan was an absolute bear to any who wished them harm.
With a squeal of delight Estel flew through the air, still locked safely in Elladan's grasp. "All right, little screamer," Elladan said. The sky was purple behind them. "Let's put you to bed."
Estel was suddenly solemn, and turned grey puppy-dog eyes on Elladan. "Want Ada," he said, pouting.
Elladan smiled to himself, wondering if Estel knew just how manipulative that look was. "Then we shall find Ada," he said, and they set off to do just that.
As Elrond went through the ritual of answering Estel's questions, hugging and kissing him, then sitting by his side until he fell asleep, Glorfindel, Erestor, Elrohir and Elladan stood across the corridor, watching through the open door. "Do you ever think he is overindulgent?" Erestor asked. "Estel has learned by now that he can get what he wants by crying. Is that the best lesson to teach him?"
"Erestor!" Elladan exclaimed, scandalized by the mere suggestion. "I do not believe Estel capable of understanding such a concept. He is just a child. He's frightened, Erestor." Erestor smiled a mocking smile, for Elladan would never think ill of any of his siblings. He exchanged a look with Glorfindel, and mutual knowledge was silently communicated. Recognizing this, Elladan asked, "Do you not remember Legolas of Mirkwood, after the death of his mother?"
The memory came to Glorfindel sooner than to Erestor: "He slept in your bed for nearly a month."
"And Estel's situation is much the same, but because he is so young..." Elladan shook his head. "Imagine having two memories. One is of your father. You do not know he is your father as such, only that he loves you and cuddles you and holds you when you are frightened. Imagine this person is not one but two, and one you have seen bloodied and hurt, then never seen again. Would you not fear awfully losing the second?"
Elrohir slipped his arms around his brother's shoulders and hugged him tightly. Elladan grasped Elrohir's hands. "Love you, Elladan," Elrohir muttered.
"Love you, too, Elrohir."
Elladan's recount of Estel's childhood, his explanation of that terror, brought the twins closer together. They had to be certain, for just a moment, that the other was safe and all right. Then they drew away as though nothing had happened.
Elrond faced the quartet, then shook his head. "What is your horrid scheme this night?" he asked.
"Elrond!" exclaimed Erestor. "Ghastly Peredhil, how dare you make such allegations?"
The others laughed. "Oh," said Elrond in a conspiratal tone, "I see. Good luck."
"Say rather, good night, ye of little faith," Glorfindel reproved.
Again Elrond shook his head. "You are far too jolly. It is most unnerving. But good night." There were many echoes of this sentiment, and the half-elven lord disappeared. The four stood in silence and stillness for a few moments, then Erestor said, "Well then. Who wishes to take first watch over the vile child?"
To be continued
Erestor is based on a friend of mine who is really quite a nice person
I've been on holiday for the past month or so, but in the words of Samwise Gamgee, I'm back. This story is first on my list of stories to complete.
Reviews are always appreciated!