A/N Character for you, Lauren.
Chapter 3: SorryA week had passed and Estel woke when the sun was high in the sky. He headed towards the kitchens in hope for a late breakfast. He had overslept, and he knew it. His brothers wouldn't be pleased and his father would be frustrated. They were all tired of Estel being late to such things as lessons and meals.
When he walked into the kitchen the cook smiled at him and handed Estel a plate of food that he had already prepared. "I thought you might oversleep. You got to bed quite late last night, tithen-pen," the cook said fondly. He enjoyed having the boy around and watching him grow.
Estel grinned sheepishly. "Ada's mad at me for it too, Diylen."
Diylen smiled at the boy. "I'm sure it was mostly worry. When my children are as late as you were, my wife and I both become upset with worry. Now, hurry and eat before we both catch it!"
Estel quickly finished his food and handed the plate to Diylen. "Thank you!" he called over his shoulder as he rushed from the kitchens and sprinted up the stairs.
Estel didn't remember to watch where he was going, and collided with someone who was walking down the stairs. When he saw the elf maiden he had knocked down he quickly offered a hand. "I am so sorry, Lauwen," he quickly apologized.
Lauwen grinned at him and got to her feet. "It's alright, Estel, no damage done. Watch where you're going next time."
Estel nodded. "I'm really sorry that I can't stay and talk, but Ada will have my hide if I'm one second later than I already am!"
She nodded and stepped aside. She had become good friends with the human boy in the last two years, and enjoyed talking with him. He was always so nice to her, and they were good friends. "Come visit me later; my brother and I love the company when our father is on patrol."
Estel nodded. "I'll come by when I am off punishment or receive permission. Sorry, Lauwen!" He quickly ran up the stairs and towards his father's study. He burst through the door and managed to smack Glorfindel directly in the head and knock Erestor to the floor.
The horrified look that crossed Estel's face and all the stammering of apologies made the twins howl with laughter. They had been seated and speaking to their father while Glorfindel and Erestor stood near the door.
Erestor picked himself up off of the floor and tried to soothe the horrified human boy that seemed to think he had mortally wounded Glorfindel.
The twins didn't help.
Neither did Glorfindel.
Lord Elrond put his head in his hands before he gracefully stood from his chair and went to his youngest son's side. "Estel, I believe you have done enough damage and I would like for you to take a seat next to your brothers."
Estel nodded and hung his head as he clumsily plopped himself into a chair between Elladan and Elrohir.
Erestor and Elrond were both trying to settle Glorfindel, who seemed to be incredibly dazed. He had a rather large lump growing on his head and his eyes were unfocused.
"Erestor, would you mind helping him to his rooms?" Elrond asked. He was sure that no permanent damage had been done to his friend and decided that a nap would be best for him. "He may need a little rest and some ice on his head."
Erestor nodded and helped Glorfindel out of the room as the blond elf muttered incoherently to him.
The twins tried their best not to explode with laughter a second time and managed to calm themselves slightly.
"I'm so sorry, Ada!" Estel said apologetically. He felt terrible for hurting Glorfindel and knocking Erestor to the floor.
Elrond nodded. "What have I told you about being cautious?" he asked, exasperated.
"I know, and I'm sorry," Estel mumbled quietly.
"You got Glorfindel so much better than Elladan and I ever have!" Elrohir erupted into fits of laughter and was soon joined by his twin.
"Elrohir, we don't need that," Elrond reprimanded sternly. He could see how distraught Estel was and decided a further reprimand for his youngest was unneeded.
Estel hid his face. He was thoroughly embarrassed and upset about hurting Glorfindel and Erestor, waking late, and being late to a lesson.
The twins had stopped laughing and both had their arms around their younger brother.
"We're leaving today," Elladan informed Estel.
"We're sorry you cannot come with us," Elrohir added.
Estel nodded miserably. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have disobeyed."
The twins nodded and stood from their chairs. They both hugged their father and told him that they would keep their mischief down to a minimum when they were in Mirkwood.
"I do not wish to receive a letter from King Thranduil informing me that my sons have wreaked havoc in his home," Elrond informed them. "Nor do I wish to hear that you are whispering things in Prince Legolas' ear about the best way to play tricks on the servants."
The twins sighed dramatically.
"We won't, Ada, I promise," Elladan said. "We won't do either of those things."
"I do not want you to do anything that will make me look like a bad father," Elrond retorted.
The twins chuckled and gave their father a swift kiss on the cheek.
"Is Prince Legolas allowed to accompany us back?" Elrohir asked. "He is constantly asking about Estel."
"Yes, he wonders how a human can put up with us," Elladan scoffed, "as if we are terrors, or something of the sort."
"Most of all he wants to meet our little brother," Elrohir put in. He winked at Estel and the teen grinned at him.
Elrond sighed wearily. "I have no choice in the matter, do I?"
Elladan laughed, non-too comfortingly. "Of course not; we just wanted to be polite and ask our father."
Elrond swatted at his eldest and nodded. "It would be wonderful to see the prince. He has not visited since Estel was a toddler. I doubt Estel remembers him."
Estel shook his head. "No, I don't." He had often been told about the prince and how his brothers had taken the younger elf under their wing when they had met as elflings.
"It would be nice if Arwen visited," Elrohir commented. He missed his younger sister and rarely saw her. She never visited and he was rarely in Lothlórien.
Elrond nodded. "Yes, it would be nice. I am afraid that will not be happening for some time. Perhaps we could arrange for the three of you to go visit her. Estel would be able to meet his sister for the first time in his life."
Estel nodded his approval and the twins' faces lit up.
"When Estel is eighteen I will send you to Lothlórien," Elrond replied.
The twins nodded, that wasn't too long.
Estel looked at his father as though he were crazy. "That's three years!"
Elrond nodded. "Yes."
"Ada, why did you mention it if we won't be going for three years?" Estel asked, bewildered.
Elrond closed his eyes. "Oh Estel, I'm sorry. I forgot that three years is a long time for you."
Estel nodded, feeling slightly put out. He shrugged it off after a few seconds. At least he would get to meet Legolas. "It's alright, Ada."
Elladan and Elrohir both smiled fondly at their little brother.
"Are you going to see us off?" Elrohir teased Estel.
Estel grinned and nodded. "Of course!"
"Well, we'd better head down to the stables, then," Elladan replied. He put his hand on Estel's shoulder and steered his little brother out of the room.
"Come back up to speak with me when your brothers have left, Estel. You have lessons to attend to," Elrond called as the door clicked shut.
Elrohir and Elladan teased their brother mercilessly about what he had done to Glorfindel and Erestor until Estel began laughing.
"You know, Estel," Elladan began. "The only reason you can't come is because you scared Ada. He is afraid something will happen to you in Mirkwood. It wouldn't be safe for anyone to stray from the path."
"Those spiders would get you," Elrohir put in, laughing.
Estel nodded. "I know. It's all right, though. I'll see you all when you get back."
The twins grinned at their little brother. He was growing up right in front of them.
"You'd better mount your horses," Estel told them when they reached the stables.
Elladan and Elrohir nodded.
"Be good for Ada," Elladan chided as he hugged his littlest brother tightly and gave him a kiss on the brow.
"Don't worry about us, either. We'll be fine. I promise to send you letters while we are absent," Elrohir informed him.
Estel grinned. "I'll miss you both. Like Ada says, it'll be quiet with you two gone."
Elrohir ruffled Estel's hair affectionately before he pulled the human into a tight embrace. "We'll miss you too, tithen-pen. Do be good for Ada."
"We'll bring Legolas back with us. You'll like him, Estel. He'll make you laugh," Elladan said.
Estel nodded. "I look forward to meeting your friend. Safe travels," he said as his brothers mounted their horses. He stepped back so that they could easily ride out and not worry about him.
They both waved to Estel until he was out of sight, and began their five-day journey to Mirkwood.
Reviewer Responses:
Shadowfaxgal7: It's ok; you don't have to leave a long review. It just makes me feel good to know that you took the time to leave one at all! Thank you! I am really happy you love it. It makes me feel wonderful. Thank you for adding me to your favorites on your bio! (Well, thank you in advance!) Hm…well I think you should pack…it might help. ::grin:: You don't want to get to camp and see that you have nothing! Good luck finding the stuff you need!
Someone Reading: Thank you for the compliments. I am happy you liked the father/son moments. I try hard! : ( Poor Estel! He really had his heart set on that Mirkwood trip! Thank you! I am sooo happy you liked the scene between the twins. I hope you really like this chapter. Heehee! You are right about the angst and frustration! I know you'll enjoy it! I am relieved to hear that your baby is better. That poor guy was just too hot, like you said. I hope the heat cools down and he won't react so badly again!
Estel Elven Enchantress: Howdy! Heehee, can be a pain. Chapter 2 does exist. (Well, obviously since this is chapter 3 and…Oh never mind!) I hope you really like this chapter and the ones to come! Thank you, Estel!
Crying Phoenix: Thank you so much! I am happy to know you like my stories. Heehee, it's ok. I really love hearing from my lurkers. It's nice to know you guys are out there! ::huggles:: I am happy to meet you! I really hope you continue to review. I love hearing from people!
DreaminofLorien: Oh hello! I loved your review! It made me laugh until my eyes watered. Thank you so much! I liked your little bit. 'Elladan turned over, squinting. It was still the middle of the night but something disturbed his sensitive eyes. "Ro..." He groaned in his sleep.
The twin, still sleeping was oblivious. "Ro!"
This time he was louder, but still to no avail. "RO!" The twin sat up this time, and Muttered groggily
"Wha-" stopped mid-word as a cushion collided with his head.
"Would you dim youself... please... You're waking me up.."
"Mphhmm" Elrohir lay down, turning over and going back to sleep.
"Ro!" Elladan hissed, annoyed.
"Ok..ok..." Elladan smilied slighty, and lay his head back, the room once again dark enough for him.
"Thanks..." He murmered, fading back into his dreams..' It made me laugh! Thank you for that! I hope you continue to leave me little tidbits. That was great!
Coolio02: Thank you for the compliments. Please review again! I hope you like this chapter!
Leggylover03: Heehee! I hope you like the rest of the chapters as much as you did the first two!
Catmint: Thank you! I am sooooo happy you liked the chapter! Thank you for betaing! It makes me happy! Heehee, you must be laughing at the other people who have not gotten to read the greatness of this fic! Heehee, j/k. I am really happy you like the fic (as far as you have read) and I hope you continue to give me good advice. Thank you!
