Sorry it took so long for me to update, honestly. Life has been hectic like you wouldn't believe. I haven't had time to write anything, let alone this chapter. I apologize though! Thank you for being patient!

Once again, the characters and setting are not mine…blah blah blah…Sad as it is.

Golden Haired God

By: BabeyRachey

Chapter 2

Legolas sent a wave and a grin as he passed a group of sentries, some of whom he recognized form previous visits. They were well disguised, but the elven archer could easily pick them out.

'Ah, here we are.' He thought, feeling anxious to arrive. His father always said he was rather impatient for an elf of his stature, and Legolas knew it was true. This time excitement pushed at him when he saw the welcoming gates of Rivendell come into view.

He nodded at the guards by the gate, who quickly opened them for the Mirkwood prince. Sitting up straighter, he smiled when he realized that Lord Elrond and the Twins were waiting there for him.

Along with, he noted, who he assumed to be Estel. The small human stood between Elrond and Elladan, one hand on the elf lord's arm with his wide eyes fixed of the prince. Odd, the prince thought suddenly, that he was wearing long sleeves when it was quite warm and comfortable outside.

The thought quickly passed out of his head as Legolas pulled to a stop before the royal family. Dismounting gracefully, he didn't notice Estel's mouth drop open in awe.

"Mae Govannen, Hir nin." He said, giving the formal greeting and bow. It was just for show, and seconds afterward he found himself being viciously hugged by both Elladan and Elrohir.

"Mae Govannen, Prince Legolas." Elrond said with a grin at his son's antics. Formalities were never an issue when it came to Legolas. "It is good to see you again."

Legolas just nodded in return as he playfully shoved the two, clingy Noldor elves off of him.

"You two," He stated, "Are impossible." Elladan just sent his twin a look.

"I am wounded! The first words to us in years, and he mocks us!" Elrohir shook his head solemnly at these words.

"Perhaps he needs a bath to wash out that filthy mouth of his. I believe there is at least a fountain near by we could use." He raised his eyebrows and they broke out in identical mischievous grins.

Legolas just shook his head at their behavior and finally turned to the smallest of the group, who had been watching the interaction with wide, wondering eyes. Legolas smiled gently at him, squatting down to his level.

"Mae govannen, tithen pen." He said, with a slight nod. "I don't believe we have been introduced. My name is Legolas."

Estel simply stared, and Legolas struggled not to laugh at the look on his face. Elrond finally nudged him, and he jumped as if startled.

"M-Mae Govannen, Prince Legolas. My name is Estel." He said is a burst, flushing horribly at the realization that he had been staring. He looked at his feet and bit his lip. Legolas sent a questioning look to the twins, obviously confused, but they just shrugged.

"It is good to finally meet you Estel. Elladan and Elrohir have told me much about you." He said as he rose. Estel simply nodded without looking up, his face still a bright beet-red.

"I am slightly weary from my travels. I must ask a reprieve so I may rest before supper tonight, if I may." Legolas looked to Elrond, who nodded in acquiescence. Grabbing his packs off his horse, he handed his loyal steed to the stable hands. The twins each grabbed one from him, and the three started talking animatedly as they walked inside.

Elrond stood beside Estel, watching him as the boy watched the three walk off. "Are you ready to go inside, Estel?" The elf lord questioned when Estel made no sign of movement.

Looking around to make sure the elf prince was out of sight, Estel nodded. Elrond sighed as they headed in slowly, Estel biting his lip with the effort of walking so far. He was hoping Legolas' visit would help Estel get more comfortable around visitors, even with his…condition.

The elf lord wordlessly lifted the boy into his arms when they reached the steps, and simply continued to hold him as he made his way to the boy's room.

"You've tired yourself out again, Ion nin." Elrond rebuked softly, but there was no sting in his words, only concern. Estel nodded against his father's chest. He was rather tired, and his leg was sore.

"I'd let you skip your therapy tonight, but since you already missed it this morning…" The elf lord trailed off, and Estel sighed resignedly. He knew he wouldn't be able to get out of it tonight now.

"What if he doesn't like me, Ada?" Estel asked suddenly, as though he had been chewing over this question for a while. Elrond's brow furrowed.

"Who, Legolas?" Elrond gave out a small laugh. ""Need not worry, Estel. Legolas is the most friendly of sorts, and I'm sure you will get along famously. He has no reason not to like you, and he isn't one to judge quickly."

Estel relaxed slightly at this, but still worried his lower lip between his teeth. Elrond tightened his hold as they entered Estel's room.

"Do not fret so, Estel. You may talk to him more at supper. However, you must rest until then. I'll come in time to fetch you for dinner." Placing Estel on the bed and peeling off his boots, Elrond headed towards the door.

"Ada..." Estel called, making him stop and turn.

"Yes, ion nin?" Elrond asked, curious when the boy before him squirmed a bit.

"Could you come and get me early? Saes?" He turned wide eyes to his father, and Elrond could detect nerves.

"Estel, Legolas will not care that you walk slowly or with a hindrance. You should not be ashamed of you injuries, tithen pen." Elrond said sadly, guessing the reasoning of the child's question correctly.

"I know." Estel whispered, picking at his quilt. "But Legolas is the best archer in the world and I…" Tears pricked at his eyes but he refused to let them fall. "I can't even hold a fork."

Elrond sighed and walked back over to the downtrodden boy. Pulling him back into his arms, he rocked slightly as he did his best to soothe.

"You will get better than you are now, Estel. And you are one of the smartest little boys I know. Even if you can't run and climb trees right now, you make up for it in so many ways."

Estel sniffed and looked hopefully up at his father's face. "Like what?"

Elrond smiled gently. "You are courageous, brave, and strong. You have a kind heart that is more sensitive than you would like. Your gentle, and very smart. Wasn't it just a few days ago I heard you correct your brother about that healing technique?"

Like Elrond had wanted, Estel gave a small smile. "Uh-huh. He said to move it left and right, but I knew it was supposed to be up and down."

"See?" Elrond said, pressing a kiss to the boy's messy hair. "Very smart."

Estel giggled and allowed himself to be tucked in. "Now, take a nap." His father said with a stern look on his face. "I'll wake you up early, I promise."

Estel sighed in relief. "Thank you, Ada." He murmured, already drifting off to sleep. Elrond sat beside him for a few moments, contemplating what the boy had said.

He was obviously self conscious, and embarrassed of his injuries. It should have been expected that a healthy, talented elf such as Legolas would both impress and intimidate him.

"Sleep well, my son." Elrond whispered, before turning and heading out quietly.


Legolas sighed with contentment as he pulled on the rich, velvety tunic that would be proper for tonight's festivities. It was good to be back here, with what he saw as his second family. It felt more like coming home than being away for a visit.

'A good long visit.' The blonde elf thought with delight. "Maybe a few years even, if Father doesn't need me at home."

Bending over to tie his bootlaces, Legolas contemplated the meetings earlier that day. The twins were the same as ever, causing trouble everywhere, and it had taken him a while to shake them off so he could rest.

It was Estel who kept plaguing his thoughts. While he was used to the occasion awed look or stare, it was the fear in the boy's eyes that had thrown him off.

'What was the boy scared of? Me?' Legolas shook his head at the thought. 'Surely not. But then, what was it?'

Several things didn't add up for him. Why didn't he greet with a bow, or a handshake, as most greetings call for? Surely proper etiquette had been taught to him as part of the royal family. And why was he wearing such strange clothing for the summertime?

'You are being entirely too suspicious of things!' He scolded himself, and was relieved when he heard a knock on the door.

"Are you ready yet, your highness?" The mocking voice of Elrohir came through the door.

"I am." Legolas replied, pulling it open and stepping out hastily. Both of the twins stood there, in almost identical outfits, except for the color. Looking around quickly, Legolas noticed that their younger brother was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is Estel?" He asked, curious. Elladan shrugged, but his eyes warmed at the mention of his younger sibling.

"Ada was going to get him ready tonight, so we came to fetch you instead. He'll be at the feast tonight, at least for the first part of it." He explained. "Ada insists he go to bed on time, though it makes Estel rather indignant."

The twins laughed, but Legolas just raised his brows. "How old is Estel, in human terms?"

"He just turned eight years old a month or so ago, I'd say. Why?"

"Just curious…" Legolas said, grinning. "Remember when you were, say, about 500 years of age, and you tried to ride my father's stallion…"

"Legolas!" Elladan hissed, eyes widening in alarm. "We agreed never to speak of that again!" Legolas just raised his brows, before frowning slightly.

"Well, yes, I guess we did… but we could always discuss that time you stole Glorfindle's bow to go hunting…"

"We're here!" Elladan said quickly as they arrived at the large dining room used only for special occasions or visiting guests. Legolas entered the room ahead of them, and was relieved when a few elves nodded in his direction but there was no silence or awkward moments.

'I love this place.' He thought with a smile, before heading to his usual seat. To his surprise, it was already taken. Seated upon an extra cushion was the same human he had been fretting about for the entire afternoon.

"Hello, Estel." He said to the boy who had yet to notice his appearance. Estel jumped and turned his head sharply. "H-hello," He stammered with a nod, his eyes widening slightly. The boy swallowed roughly.

"Ada told me to tell you that you should sit here now," He pointed to the seat beside him, "and that he would explain later."

Legolas gave the boy an encouraging smile. It was obvious he was terribly nervous. "Did you have a good afternoon?" He asked, going for a safe topic discuss. The twins had seated themselves on the other side of where Lord Elrond was to sit, and out of conversation range.

Estel shrugged, unable to completely hide the surprise that the Prince was talking to him of all people.

"I-I guess so. I took a nap and Ada said I would've slept through dinner if he hadn't wakened me." Estel risked giving the prince a small smile. He seemed very nice, but he was still afraid of somehow annoying Legolas.

Legolas nodded. "One time, when your brother's were visiting, they drank so much wine one night they slept through the entire morning meal. Also, we had to postpone the delegation meeting they were to be at as well." He laughed softly at the memory.

Estel gaped at him. "They did? Was your father angry?"

Legolas laughed out loud. "Oh, he was rather put out but it wasn't the worst they had done by any means."

"What did they do?" Estel asked eagerly. Other than a few select stories, he had heard very little about the trouble the twins got into as elflings. Legolas probably had more stories than he had time to hear.

Legolas opened his mouth to answer when the door opened and Lord Elrond entered. The elf lord quickly scanned the room and was relieved to see all his sons there and Estel in relatively good spirits.

In the respectful silence, Elrond strolled to his seat and sat gracefully before picking up his glass. The feast had begun.


Next chapter: The Feast…and a few other surprises thrown in.

Again, I'm sorry for the lateness of this chapter. I have legitimate reasons, but no time to type them all out. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, though. Please, please Read and Review!

Oh, Thanks to all my reviewers! I love you, honestly I do. Thanks for those who encouraged me to get my butt moving on this story again. Keep up the good work!

Hugs,

BabeyRachey