Chapter 16

Legolas had been busy most of the day, having to help his father with various tasks and was glad to be able to spend some time with his friends; he headed straight to Estel's room, where he knew they would most likely be.

He was not prepared however to the sight that greeted him.

Estel was barely visible on the bed with a twin protectively stationed either side of him, three different heads of dark hair ruffled and mixed together, it was impossible to tell which twin was which; the three were asleep and looked at peace, causing Legolas to let out a smile. He pulled up a chair and picked up a book that had been left on the side and started to read, waiting for them to wake up.

A low moan from the bed caused him to look up, Legolas saw Estel shifting restlessly in his sleep. A smile touched his lips seeing his brothers move closer to him, the young Human quietened almost immediately as if sensing the twins' comforting presence.

Not long after that one of the twins woke up, but it was impossible to tell which, for the very messy hair, he guessed it was Elrohir, but to be sure he had to ask.

"Which one are you?"

"Elrohir," he confirmed smiling. His smile widened seeing his brothers together, "he cares so much for us; ever since what happened to mother he has always been that much more protective, over everyone. Every time something happens Elladan always blames himself, believing he should be able to control the universe," he let out a little laugh and brushed a stray strand of hair from his twin's face, "then when we found Arathorn...originally we were going to set off early but he wanted to wait a while because of the weather, by the time we got there they were all dead, he was so hard on himself, just because he had no control over the weather...then every time you drag each other home he mentally draws up a list of things he could have done...he just won't listen. So stubborn. So much like father..." he trailed off meeting Legolas' gaze.

"Imladris is in good hands." Legolas smiled.

"Try telling him that, he has no faith in himself, or his abilities. We lost father and were so close to loosing Estel...if we had I don't think Elladan would have survived," he admitted softly.

"That is in the past Ro, he will need you now, having to take on so much responsibility; it can't be easy for him."

"I know, I just don't want to loose anymore family..."

"Is that what you're afraid Ro?" Elladan spoke up from behind; Elrohir did not meet his gaze and walked out, his twin was close behind, "Ro? Do you think you will loose us?"

"It has crossed my mind," he admitted.

"What makes you think that? Talk to me brother."

"I don't know...it's just Estel is mortal and all mortals...die..."

"Not for a long time yet brother, he is still young..."

"We were so close to loosing him Dan...I have never been so afraid...I couldn't bear to loose him..."

"And me?" he asked softly, "why do you think you will loose me?"

"No...I...forget it..." he started to walk off but a strong hand caught his arm.

"I cannot forget it Ro, please talk to me brother...I want to know."

"It's just...you enjoy going off killing Orcs...it scares me...I'm afraid, after what they did to Estel you will go off and...get killed...or when it comes to leaving...we will choose differently...I don't want to loose you Dan...you mean more to me than anything. I don't want anything to happen to you..."

"Oh Ro, I had no idea. Well those days are not for a long time yet and we will have plenty of time to think about them, and I think no matter how much I want to there will be no time for hunting, leaving Erestor in control for as long as we have, we'll be lucky to have a home left," he joked, trying to ease the youngers fears and it seemed to work judging by the little laugh Elrohir let out. "Don't worry Ro; I'll never let anything else happen to you and Estel, gweston Gwanur nîn, come on, lets go back and see how little brother fares." Elladan gave the younger a light squeeze on the shoulder and went back into the room.