-Seeking Hope-

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: As much as I want to I don't own any LOTR characters, places, monsters or anything else created by Tolkien, but I do own the characters and places, which I have invented or will invent or introduce. If you wish to use any of my characters or places, email me first.

Read the first chapter for additional notes and other information.

The wild wilderness had never look so beautiful then today. Then again, neither had the idea of walking for a while. Estel's backside was killing him, and his head was dizzy from riding Vorimaer for six hours. The pie was half gone and his water skin was empty, but Estel kept going. If he could he'd ride non-stop to Mirkwood, but Vorimaer had other ideas. He suddenly stopped, almost sending Estel flying over the top of him.

"Come on boy, not now." Estel pleaded, but the horse was as stubborn as he was. Vorimaer was tried, hungry and thirsty, and wasn't going to gallop another metre without the offer of rest. Estel saw this, and made an offer to the horse. "Loyal friend, there is a stream half a mile south. Once we get there you can fill your belly and rest till morning. Do we have a deal?"

Vorimaer neighed in agreement. He'd been there before, and knew the there was always lush grass and clean water there. He bolted off, making Estel hold on for dear life, and didn't stop until he'd reached the stream.

The clearing was beautiful this time of year. Estel had last come here with his brothers and Legolas for a picnic, but he didn't want to remember that, or anything else about Rivendell or his brothers. Vorimaer whinnied impatiently and pawed the ground, waiting for his master to get off his back. Estel quickly dismounted, knowing his stallion had quite a temper.

As soon as his feet touched the ground Vorimaer bolted towards the stream to quench his thirst. Estel wasn't feeling as good. A dozen dwarves were mining his head and his backside throbbed and ached painfully, and he was tired. Very tired. Nothing would be better than a quick nap, he thought. Taking off his cloak he rapped it into a ball and, placing it under his head, fell into the land of dreams.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Lord Elrond searched Estel's room for the seventh time that day for any clue for the boy. Estel's room had to be the only untidy room in the whole of Rivendell, aside from his study. Clothes littered the floor, making a soft carpet that covered the wood. The bed wasn't made and the homework he'd been given by Glorfindel on Rhun lay in the far corner, lost and forgotten. No matter how many times the servants had cleaned that room, it was back to normal in a day or two. Eventually they just left it be. Elrond smiled, remembering his adopted son's face every time he was told to clean his room.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by two identical faces appearing at the door. "The last person to see him was a servant near the kitchens. He was stealing a pie." Dan panted, having run all over Rivendell looking for his father. The twins had returned shortly after leaving because they wanted to apologise to Estel.

Ro also had something to say, "His horse is missing from the stables. I fear he's run off somewhere." That was the last thing Elrond wanted to hear, but the one thing he'd expected. The woods around Rivendell were no place for someone as young as Estel.

Just then Glorfindel arrived, bearing more bad news, "My lord, the patrols have returned but found no sign of the boy. However, wargs have been sighted nearby, and I fear that if we don't find him..." He didn't finish, not wanting to say those words.

Ro spoke up, "Does anyone have any good news today?" He said, trying to bring some humour to the situation. It failed miserably. No one bothered to answer his question, all lost in thought about Estel.

They were woken from this dream by an eagle landing on the windowsill, a letter in its pointed beak. Elrond moved over to the bird and carefully removed the letter. Its task done, the eagle spread its feather and flew off as suddenly and as quickly as it had appeared.

Dan spoke first, "None of our patrols use eagles, and neither does Mirkwood or Lorien." Ro finished the sentence; "The rangers use them, but why would a ranger contact us? Unless it's about-"

Lord Elrond cut him off. "It's not from the rangers, rather and old friend." He said, scanning over the note.

Dan and Ro both answered hopefully "Legolas?"

Elrond shook his head. "No, read it for yourself." And thrust the note into Dan's hand. The note was written in common tongue yet the writer was elvish. It read:

Dear Elrond.

Long time so see. Don't worry, I'm fine. Been hunting wargs and I should tell you the forest around Rivendell is crawling with the filthy dogs. The strange thing is that they hunt alone. I haven't heard of wargs doing that, have you? Anyway, just informing you that I'll be here in a day or two. If Legolas is there, tell him I'm on his side this year. Ro and Dan need to taste their own medicine. Why the change? Last time I was here they painted by bow blue and my arrows yellow, not to mention being soaked on numerous occasions. The orcs almost laughed themselves to death next time I came across them. I'll get them back, oh yes. Drive you mad soon,

Dae uin I rhun sul. (-Shadow of the East wind-)

Dan and Ro's faces lit up reading the signature. "Finally, It's been ages." Dan said excitingly, not taking the threat seriously.

Ro was also thrilled, "Ten years isn't that long. Mind you, we didn't finish our archery competition. I'll be able to win now!"

Glorfindel, hearing the bell signalling dinner turned and added, "As I recall, you were losing by quite some margin, young Elrohir."

Elrohir followed him, insisting it was only two points when it had been twenty-five. Elladan trailed behind, shaking his head at their bickering.

Elrond followed his sons and friend down to the hall of fire, glad that their minds had been distracted from the situation at hand. He quietly muttered a silent prayer to the Valar to keep his youngest son safe.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

When Estel woke the sun was setting, making the gathering clouds dance in shades of pink and red. Living with elves, the human had learnt to admire and appreciate the beauty in this sunset. On cold winter nights he'd sit in Elrond's lap, drinking warm chocolate and watching the sun depart and the moon rise. Shaking such thoughts from his head, he quickly set about making a fire.

Soon a warm fire lite the clearing, its flames flickering brightly. Looking around, Estel noticed that Vorimaer had wandered off somewhere, but he'd be back. He always explored the area nearby, just like Legolas. Making himself comfortable, he ate the rest of the blueberry pie. He silently hoped Mirkwood made ones this good.

Lying back against a tree, Estel fiddled with the broach he always wore. It depicted two snakes, and was beautifully carved. Elrond had said it belonged to his father. Estel didn't know much about his parents, only that his father was killed by hill trolls and his mother brought him to Rivendell before dying later of her wounds. Estel wished he could see them, if only for a moment.

Lost in thought he didn't notice Vorimaer had returned until he nudged his arm. The fire was burning low, and a chilly breeze was beginning to stir from the East. Rapping his cloak around him, Estel thought to himself that being by yourself wasn't that bad. Then, the sky opened up, and it began to rain.

Rain, can't it be annoying? Personally, I love it when it rains. It gives me an excuse to be inside all day on the computer writing fanfiction! I'm not sure about Estel's father being killed by hill trolls. I think I read it somewhere, but I'm not 100 sure. Also, I like introducing new characters, so watch out for some. There are two main reasons why I like new characters: 1) I can add new faces and personalities to stories and 2) I can kill them later. (Evil Grin.) Ok, responses:

BabeyRachey: Glad you like it. Hopefully you won't be disappointed.

castra13: So you finally decided to read my story? (I know castra13, she's a friend) Thanks, but yours is better. Hope your parents renew the Internet connection soon. I would of died by now. Cya on Monday.

grumpy: Not very positive are we? I guess Estel would of seen maps of Middle earth and talked to Legolas, so he'd have a rough idea where Mirkwood is. As for 'how all is Estel', I'm guessing you meant to say 'how old is Estel'. He's seven; at least that's what my calculations tell me.

HarryEstel: Yea! Another person who likes my story so far. Hard time would be an understatement. But I'm pretty sure he'll realise they love him before the end. Weather it ends happily is another matter.

silvertears630: Yea, poor little Estel. I added the bullies just before I posted. Reading over it, I needed something to make Estel feel really low. Being bullied myself, I can relate to how low it feels. :( But they're just stupid so I don't care. I am doing at least three other stories featuring a young Estel, but will eventually go on and tell of his adventures as an adult. As for Legolas, don't get you hopes up just yet. He is my favourite character but I like writing about the twins and Estel, but I'll defiantly include him in my next story.

Miss anyone. (Looks around at the small group.) No, oh well. Five's a start. Once you've read this, just take thirty seconds to review, please?

I have nothing more to say, so goodbye.