Voila! Here it is! The Next Chapter! :-P Hehe. Thank you all so much for your reviews. Though, I am slightly disappointed that I only got what, 16 reviews?! Ô.O I went from having over twenty to 16? Hmm… We can't have this… Now, am I going to have to threaten these reviews out of you? ;) You never know… I could go to drastic measures! Hehe. Anyways, PLEASE review! I need to know that my work is appreciated and up to par. Thank you all who have reviewed! Toodles!

Two Left Feet

By: BabeyRachey

Chapter 8

Elrond sat dutifully at his son's bedside, his hand still clasped tightly around Estel's small one. It as just going into afternoon, and the bright sunlight shone through the boy's window onto his pale, bandaged features. But Elrond kept his eyes fixed on Estel's face, still peaceful in sleep, seemingly perfect if it wasn't for ugly bruise that graced his cheek.

Sighing softly, Elrond reached out and ran a hand over Estel's tangled locks. No matter what Elladan or Elrohir said to him, he couldn't shake the deep sensation he felt every time he looked at Estel's battered body. If only he had listened, if only he had thought, if only he hadn't let his temper get the better of him.

Leaning back slightly in his chair, Elrond let his mind wander to previous times when his son had been hurt. To his surprise, the first memory that popped into his head was one of emotion pain, instead of physical. One that had happened only a few weeks prior…

(flashback)

Elrond walked silently down the surprisingly peaceful hallways near the private chambers. Usually, when all three of his sons were home, peace was the last thing you could find.

Smiling slightly at the thought of his sons, Elrond passed by Estel's door. He paused, startled, when he heard a noise from inside. Stepping closer to the door, he listened carefully. Yes, there it was. Someone was… crying?

"Estel?" He called softly, knocking. Everything went silent for a moment before he received a muffled "Go away!" Far from deterred, Elrond simply opened the door himself. To his surprise, he saw Estel curled up on his bed, back towards the door, and the small shoulders heaving with silenced sobs.

"Thithen pen?" He inquired gently, walking over to the bed. He sat beside the miserable figure, placing one hand on the trembling shoulder. "What ails you? Aren't you supposed to be having archery lessons with Elladan and Elrohir?"

Far from comforting, this comment seemed to make Estel even more upset. "Aye." Estel finally choked out, still not facing his father. "But since I am not very good at anything, I thought I would save them the pain of trying to teach me."

Shocked, Elrond turned Estel over to face him. His heart broke at the look on the seven-year-old's face, which was covered in tears.

"What foolishness is this?" He said soothingly, pulling the distressed boy into his arms. Estel struggled for a second before relaxing into the reassuring hold. "S'not f-foolishness." Estel continued, voice laced with hurt. "'Dan said so."

Even more shocked, Elrond placed a hand underneath Estel's chin and made him look at him. "What did Elladan say?" He could tell Estel was trying to keep from crying again, but was unsuccessful. "H-he said t-that I couldn't do a-anything right. I always m-miss the target."

Not sure how to continue, Elrond simply continued to rock him. Slowly but surely he felt the boy's breaths even out as he fell gently into sleep. No more than a few moments had passed when he heard a soft knock on the door.

"Enter." He said softly, not wanting to wake Estel up. He wasn't surprised when Elladan and Elrohir both stepped into the room. His face immediately taking one of disapproval, Elrond sent his sons a steady look that had them gulping.

"Is he ok, Ada?" Elrohir said softly, noticing the tearstains. Elrond raised one eyebrow, but nodded. "Physically, he is fine, yes. But emotionally, that is another matter." He sent a pointed look at Elladan who flushed, guilt laying heavily on his shoulders.

"I am sorry, Ada. I did not mean what I said. I was frustrated and took it out on him. It was wrong." Elladan confessed softly. Elrond nodded but didn't smile.

"You two must be careful what you say to him. He is very insecure, and any damage to his self esteem only pushes him farther." Elladan and Elrohir both nodded, looking guiltily at the small boy in their father's arms.

"When he wakes," Elrond continued, "I suggest you apologize and make it up to him." "How?" Elrohir asked, unsure of what to do. "Oh, I'm sure you two can think of something. I know from experience that you two are very…creative."

Elladan and Elrohir both grinned, which Elrond had been hoping. He didn't like seeing any of his sons in turmoil. "Now you two stay here until he wakes. I'm afraid I have work to do."

Placing a kiss on the young boy's head, Elrond stood and exited. He looked back at the door and couldn't help but smile. One twin on each side of the bed, one hand wrapped around each of Estel's.

(end flashback)

Elrond smiled sadly as he thought back on it. Everything had been alright by the end of the day, Estel and the twins back to their usually routine of mischief. Bringing his attention back to the future, Elrond was alarmed at what he saw.

Estel was no longer peaceful, his face now set in a look of fear and he was tossing his head from side and side. Still sleeping, he was whimpering and mumbling. Hoping to calm him, Elrond immediately sat on the bed and pulled him gently into his arms.

"Shh, Estel. It's ok. It's just a dream. Just a dream." Now that he was closer, Elrond could hear what he was mumbling. "No… go away! Ada!... No…. don't… I didn't do it….Dan! Ro!"

Sure that his heart was breaking, Elrond whispered soothing elvish into Estel's ear, and was relieved when the boy relaxed. He should have expected nightmares. Estel had been through a lot of trauma for a small child, and it surely would have left its mark on his mind as well.

Settling Estel back on the bed, Elrond kept Estel's good left hand in his while he started humming a soothing elvish lullaby. It had been one Celebrian had always sung to the twins when they were frightened. He hoped it reached Estel, in whatever dark place he was.

Estel felt himself returning to consciousness, and wished that he could stay in the warmth of sleep for a just a little bit longer. He didn't want to feel the pain, he just wanted to rest. He had almost convinced himself to stay asleep when the sound of someone singing reached his ears.

Who was that? Who was singing? It was nice, soothing. Curious now, Estel allowed himself to wake up. Blinking against the harsh afternoon light, Estel stared up at his ceiling for a moment. It wasn't one of the twins, their voice being a little higher tenor than the one singing to him.

Turning his head, despite the headache that seemed to suddenly come to life, Estel was shocked to see his father holding his hand. Elrond had his eyes closed and was singing softly. Unsure of how to feel, Estel tried to tug his hand out of his father's.

Startled, Elrond immediately opened his eyes and saw that Estel was awake. "Estel, ion nin." He breathed in relief. It was good to see those silver eyes again. He ached though, when he saw they were full of hurt and uncertainty.

"It is good to see you awake, tithen pen." He said gently, his eyes pleading that Estel believe his words. Estel nodded softly, holding back his tears. His Ada had called him son, and said it was good to see him. Did he mean it?

Elrond took a deep breath and expelled it, feeling oddly nervous. "I am so sorry Estel." He started, making the boy's eyes widen. "I punished you wrongly, I know that now. There is no way I can apologize enough. I should have listened to you. I'm sorry that I made you feel unloved."

Estel stared at his father as he saw a single tear roll down the elf lord's cheek. Never, in all his seven years, had he seen his father cry. "I do love you, Estel. You are my son, I will always love you. No matter what you do."

Estel felt relief well up in him and smiled even as he started to cry himself. Reaching out his good hand, he grabbed his fathers. "I love you too Ada. I'm sorry I ran away."

Elrond once again pulled the boy into his embrace, and wrapped his arms tightly around him. Relief swept through Elrond, and he clung to the small boy, not wanting to let go. "I love you so much." Elrond said softly, kissing Estel on the top of his head. Estel giggled, giving his father a hug the best he could.

The two stayed like that, Estel enjoying the feel of his father's arms around him once again. Elrond, sensing that Estel was growing tired again, shifted him slightly and began rocking him.

"Sing to me again, Ada?" Estel asked, burrowing his face sleepily into his father's robes. Unable to keep the smile off his face, Elrond began to sing the now familiar lullaby.

Soon, the only sounds that filled the room was the soft sing and the even breaths of a sleeping child, finally at peace.

Voila! One of my longer chapters! :-P I hope you guys liked it! Lol. Please review!!! I really do use and enjoy the feedback! Anyways, the next chapter should be up in not too long. :-D I love you all, my beautiful reviewers! Keep it up! Toodles!

- BabeyRachey

Oh yes, if the reunion between Estel and Elrond was too short, I am very sorry! I couldn't think of anything else to put in there :-/ Anyways, the next chapter will have more angst and wonderful stuff. Toodles!