Thank you! Thank you! Thank you a million times and more! You guys are so great! I got a lot of reviews for my last chapter, and am enjoying every one of them. Once again, there are too many people to respond to. But, I appreciate all of you, I really do. And special thanks to those who take the time and attention to email me with ideas and opinions. I'm glad you guys are liking my story, and hope you like this chapter as well. Toodles and enjoy!

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Two Left Feet

By: BabeyRachey

Chapter 5

Estel, who had been transfixed in horror, jumped as the wolf took a step closer. Suddenly spurred into action, he backed into the tree, and turned to climb it.

The wolf, instigated by the movement, jumped toward the small boy even as he started to pull himself up on a low branch.

Estel let out a cry of shock and pain as he felt claws digging into his calf. In his sudden wave of surprising pain, he let go of the branch and fell heavily to the ground. Before he even knew what was happening something was on top of him, clawing wildly at his back.

He cried out as the claws now ripped at the sensitive flesh on his back. He vainly tried to throw the wolf off of him and got his arm bitten for the deed.

Estel screamed again as he felt his arm shatter in the strong jaws of the wolf.

For a moment the wolf's weight left him and Estel used the moment to flip himself over, trying to get into a safer position. This proved unwise, however, when the wolf was suddenly on top of him again, it's large paws pinning the terrified boy to the ground.

"Help me…" He sobbed, clawing desperately at the dirt beneath him. "Somebody…"

The wolf's rotten breath made him gag as it breathed into his face. It's long fangs stained with blood, fresh and old, hovered inches away from Estel's throat. Estel let out yet another scream as those fangs suddenly dug into his shoulder and collarbone.

Beyond pain now, he sobbed as the wolf continued its assault. 'Somebody…please…help me…'

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The hairs on the back of Elladan's stood on end as another scream echoed through the woods. Glimpsing at his twin, the elf picked up his speed slightly. The two ran, dodging in and out of trees, trying to find the source of the scream.

It was obviously Estel; they knew that voice too well. Only it was usually full of laughter and delight.

Elrohir felt tears prick his eyes as the next cry came, this time fainter and full of pain. His little brother was in pain, alone, during a thunderstorm. It was almost more than he could take. Didn't they swear, when they first brought Estel in, that they would always watch out for him? Now who knew what was happening…

Elladan was thinking similar thoughts as they suddenly burst into a small clearing.

Both froze in horror at what they saw.

The largest wolf they had ever seen was savaging something, something little wearing an elven cloak…

"Estel!" Elladan cried loudly, drawing the wolf's attention. Faster than someone could blink, they had their bows out and two arrows were imbedded in the wolves chest.

The clearing was silent for a moment, except for Estel's ragged breathing. Breathing heavily from fury more than exertion, Elladan ran over to the boy's side, Elrohir right next to him. For a split second, neither of them knew what to do.

Blood seemed to be everywhere, covering the child from head to toe; his eyes glassy and glazed with pain. His right arm was at an odd angle and his left leg was folded up beneath him.

"Oh, Valar." Elrohir exclaimed, taking it all in. Tears filled his eyes once again and one spilled over before he could control them. He pulled off his pack and immediately began searching for the bandages and herbs he had brought with him.

Elladan took Estel hand and placed one hand on the boy's cheek. "Estel… it's us. We're here, you're safe." He soothed, and watched the boy relax ever so slightly.

"D-Dan?" Estel croak out, turning bleary eyes to the twin's face.  

"I'm here, Estel. So is 'Ro." Estel started to turn his head but gasped as pain radiated seemingly from everywhere. "It's ok, tithen pen. Don't move. We'll take care of you and take you home to Ada."

Instead of being comforted, this seemed to make the boy more upset.

"A-Ada is angry w-with me." Estel said, tears intermingling with the rain. "H-he thinks I broke his statue. He doesn't l-love me any m-more."

Elrohir stopped his rummaging and met his twin's saddened gaze. How could Estel ever think such a thing?

"Of course he loves you. He knows you didn't do it now, and he wants you to come home." Elladan said at last, stroking a hand down the boy's pale cheek.

Estel seemed to be trying to say something, but the pain became overwhelming and he just whimpered.  "Just a little longer, gwador nin." Elrohir spoke this time, handing his twin half of the bandages.  "Then we'll be home."

The two began the painstaking task of wrapping the worst of the wounds. Elrohir felt his stomach curl as he bandaged the broken arm. Estel had passed out soon after they had started, and he was grateful. He didn't want him to have to bear such agony.

They both suddenly stopped and met each other's worried eyes.

"We are out of bandages, and we have yet to see to his back or chest." Elrohir said softly, looking pained. Elladan was speechless for a moment before gently picking the seven-year-old up into his arms.

"Then we must hurry with all haste back home, where Ada can see to him." He said, starting at once for the way they had come.

Elrohir picked up his pack, pulled the arrows out of the wolf's body in disgust, and hurried after them.

Elladan held the boy tightly to his chest as he hurried back. He could feel the blood seeipng through his clothing, the blood that the small human couldn't afford to loose.

"Hold on, Estel. By Valar, hold on."

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Elrond paced his study, worry and guilt consuming his thoughts as he replayed the last several hours in his head.

How could he have been so stupid, so idiotic? He had misplaced blame and now his little boy was out there, alone, probably terrified, maybe even in pain…

Tears welled up unwillingly in his eyes, and he blinked them back furiously. Now was not the time for tears, not when his youngest son was missing. Elladan and Elrohir would find him, bring him home, and everything would be just like it always was.

'Unless he doesn't forgive you…' a little voice whispered harshly in his head.

'No! He has to, he has to…" Elrond tried to assure himself, but he felt doubt claw at his throat. 'Oh, Elbereth. Please bring Estel home safe."

As if an answer, he heard some shouts at the gates. Hurrying to his balcony, he was greeted with the sight of the twins running into the courts yard, fending off helping hands. The elf lord immediately picked out the bundle in Elladan's arm and felt his heart stop.

"Oh, Valar, no."

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There ya go! Faster than usual, if I do say so myself! J Still, it's a cliffhanger. Hehehe. I know; I'm evil. *grins madly* You just have to wait a little bit longer to see what happens to poor little Estel… Anyway, please review! I love them and really appreciate them. For those who haven't read it yet, this story will be the beginning of a series. Please tell me what you think! The next chapter will be here in not too long, I promise! Thanks again! Toodles!

~BabeyRachey