Chapter 2: Trouble
Estel knocked lightly on the door to his father's study and peered around the door to look in. "Ada?" he ventured, nervously.
Elrond looked up, his eyes flashing with anger. "Where have you been?" he demanded crisply. "Did I not tell you to stay in the house for the rest of the week?"
Estel bowed his head in shame. "Yes, Ada."
Elrond place on cool finger under the boy's chin so that they could look into each other's eyes. "Where were you?" he asked again.
"I headed toward the lake so that I would be able to cool off. I know you do not agree with me, Ada, but it is rather warm." At this, Elrond smiled at his son. Estel continued, "I got lost and I found myself out of Imladris' borders. I met a girl by the name of Fernia. She was terribly scared, Ada, and I could not leave her!" Estel looked into his father's eyes with compassion. "It would have been wrong of me to leave her when she was so terrified."
Elrond smiled at his son. "You are right, Estel. It would have been very wrong of you indeed. Continue." He was overjoyed that his son had such a kind and loving nature. It was wonderful to know that Estel had felt the need to help a girl even though he would be in trouble for disobedience back home.
"It took us hours to find his path with my meager tracking skills," Estel admitted.
Elrond ruffled Estel's hair affectionately. It was always so hard for him to remain angry at his youngest. Especially since the boy was so honest and open with him. "I will have your brothers help you so that you may improve them."
Estel nodded and continued with the story. "After we had checked everywhere, we found ourselves in Imladris' borders. There, we met up with Elladan and soon we found Elrohir. Apparently, Elrohir had found Fernia's brother in a hollowed-out tree, and was trying to help him."
"Where are the children now?" Elrond asked, concerned about their well-being.
"Elrohir is walking them home to Poln," Estel assured his father.
Elrond nodded. "That was very good of him." He eyed Estel. "As proud of you as I am, I am afraid you will be punished."
Estel sighed. He had known that was coming and he didn't bother to argue. "What is my punishment?"
"You are not allowed to accompany your brothers to Mirkwood next week," Elrond declared.
Estel looked horror-struck. "But, Ada!" he began protesting.
"No, Estel. I know you were looking forward to going there, but I think you will have to wait a while longer. What you did was a good thing, but you still disobeyed me." Elrond looked at Estel's sad face and lightly touched his son's cheek.
Estel looked up at his father, tears brimming in his eyes. He had so been looking forward to going to Mirkwood. He had never visited another Elven realm before, and he had been so excited about the trip. "I understand," he muttered sadly.
Elrond nodded. He felt horrible about punishing his son, but he also knew that Estel had to learn. "Perhaps you could go with them next time."
"Next time might be in ten years!" Estel snapped.
Elrond frowned at his son's tone. "Estel, do not take that tone of voice with me," he reprimanded.
Estel winced and hugged his father tightly. "I do apologize, Ada. I should not have spoken that way to you."
Elrond planted a kiss on Estel's brow. "Off to bed, Estel. You have lessons in Westron tomorrow."
Estel groaned. "Ada," he whined.
Elrond chuckled. "Go to bed."
Estel sighed dramatically and walked from the room, quietly closing the door behind him.
Elrond chuckled to himself, and returned to his scrolls.
Estel walked towards his bedroom but reversed directions when he realized how hungry he was. He walked towards the kitchens, hoping that there would be something for him to eat.
- - - -
Elrohir rejoined his twin at their post. As soon as Elladan looked at his twin's face, he knew that his sweet-tempered brother was angry. "Elrohir, is something the matter?"
Elrohir looked furious, but he did his best to calm himself. "I will never cease to be amazed by the ignorance of humans," he said coldly. "What do they teach their children?"
Elladan squeezed Elrohir's shoulder. "Why? What happened, 'Ro?"
Elrohir shot a nasty look over his shoulder in the direction of the human village. "Those two children talked of nothing but the wickedness of elves whilst I walked them home. Of course, I could not let the see that I was offended." An angry shadow passed over Elrohir's handsome face and he looked angrily at his brother. "Not only are they extremely ignorant, but they are not very perceptive either! I have nothing up to cover my ears, yet they did not notice I am an elf!" Elrohir's voice was getting louder with every word.
Elladan tried to comfort his brother with a gentle hug, but Elrohir turned away from him.
"I did not even dim my glow, Elladan!" Elrohir shrieked. He had experienced racism before, but not when it was being tossed around like a normal conversation between children. "Never have I been more offended." He locked eyes with Elladan. "I do not think it a wise idea to allow our little brother the chance to mingle with those children."
"They invited him," Elladan reminded him. He could only imagine what the two children had said to upset his good-natured twin. Elrohir normally stayed calm and it was he who lost his temper.
Elrohir nodded. "I know. I just do not want Estel to take them up on that offer."
Elladan sighed. "That is out of our control. If Estel decides that he will visit, we will not stop him."
"I know," Elrohir replied and walked into the forest.
Elladan sighed softly before following his twin into the woods.
- - - -
Estel finished the sweet roll he had managed to beg from the cook, and walked back to his room. He was going over the idea of visiting with Fernia and Fialoh. Since he couldn't go to Mirkwood with his brothers, he might as well go visit them. He thought it was nice of them to invite him. He'd rarely been to the human village before, and he had never mingled with the children.
"Estel!"
Estel turned around to see an elf that looked about his age coming towards him. "Good evening, Salndir," Estel greeted graciously. He didn't particularly like the elfling, but he put up with him.
"Have you seen my mother?" Salndir asked. He looked at the human boy with distaste, but he didn't dare say anything.
Estel shook his head. "No, I am sorry. I have not seen her this evening. You might check your house. She is normally home before this time." He had rarely spoken with Salndir ever since he had his sister had teased Estel. Estel made a point to avoid the two. Even though he was mentally and physically older, the elflings would pick on him whenever they got the chance.
Salndir nodded. "Thank you," he replied before skulking off. He didn't like Estel, and he never would. He had tried to rid Rivendell of the boy years before with no avail. He had been punished severely, as had his sister. They both vowed to get Estel back for what he had done.
Estel shrugged and walked to his bedroom. He was still thinking about visiting the two human children and decided it would be a good idea. When his brothers left the next week, he would go to the human village for a few hours every day.
Response to Reviewers:
Isil: Thanks Isil. I'm happy you like my new fic. Yup, I love Elladan when he's anxious. He's hilarious.
Linuvial Greenleaf: Heehee, I hope you like this chapter as much as the one before it. ::shakes head:: You smeejee. Forgetting how to spell your own name. Enjoy and good luck with the tree!
Seeing-spots: Thank you so much for the compliments. I really do hope you continue to enjoy the fic. I agree with you, a sixteen-year-old would have more freedoms, but we have to remember who Estel really is. I also know that a parent would worry about their child being gone all night. (My parents would murder me!) I'm happy you like the fic! Please review again!
DreaminofLorien: I love Estel as well. He is my favorite character! Heehee. Oh Elladan. How I love that Elf as well. He is my favorite of the twins; of course I love them both. You will be seeing more of Elladan. I promise!
Shaman-queen89: Ooo you're new! (At least I don't remember you reviewing before!) I am happy you like how I have made Estel. I don't know how often I will be able to update, but I will try to make it often. Review again please!
Someone Reading: Heehee, I like the beginning as well. I love all of your compliments. I try really hard to keep the characters in character. I don't want them to become Mary-Sues! Yay to Elladan! How I love that Elfy! Here you go! I told you I would update tonight! Thank you, it's good to be back!
Nietta: YAY! Another chapter for you! I hope you like it! Thanks for reading!
Shadowfaxgal7: Oh don't worry about the review! I love hearing from you! I am so happy that you loved the first chapter. I hope you continue to love the upcoming ones! Thank you for your lovely compliments. Have loads of fun at camp. Thank you for adding my to your favorite fic list on your bio! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
