Estel closed the door to his rooms slowly, making sure it was locked, even though it would make no difference to Lenwe if he wanted to get in. The tutor had stolen Estel's only key to his rooms, making the boy vulnerable at any time.

Estel's mind was fogged; so much had happened in the past few hours. Legolas had found out his terrible secret, and said he would help protect him. He felt a feeling of gratitude toward the elf, who was beginning to gain his trust. Legolas seemed like a gentle, kind creature, and Estel was starting to feel safe around him.

The walk that they had taken had been comforting and relaxing, and Estel had enjoyed himself. For that short time he had felt free, free of his troubles and worries.

Estel shook his head, and then went to lie down. To his dismay, he saw his sheets were covered with his own blood from the night before. Tomorrow was the day when a maid would collect his bedclothes...what would he say to them?

His concern for Legolas' safety grew. The elf had showed him kindness and compassion and he was beginning to care for him more.

His thoughts and fears raged inside his head, and Estel found no sleep that night. He would lie back down, but if he heard a small noise, he would sit up and stare at the door fearfully. Yet, no one came.

The night went on like that, until just an hour before dawn, exhaustion took over the broken boy, and he was allowed to rest for some time.
Legolas felt troubled that night as well. A nagging suspicion in his head told him something was amiss, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Estel. That was what was wrong.

He felt strong feelings of protection and friendship toward the young man, and he wanted to be near him. Estel was a wonderful person to be around, even if he was reserved and timid. He was by no means cold.

As Legolas tossed and turned for awhile, listening to the brook outside below his window, he fell asleep, thinking of the garden and the beautiful boy happy.
As Legolas entered the breakfast hall, several questioning looks were shot at him. He could tell Elrond wanted to speak to him, and braced himself for questions later that day. Nonetheless, Elrond smiled warmly at him and bid him good morning.

Legolas sat down and began to eat a warm, creamy cereal when Estel appeared. The boy looked dreadful; he was pale and he had dark circles under his eyes. Legolas grew concerned, and wondered briefly if Lenwe had gotten to Estel again. Guilt and shame filled him; that was what had been bothering him! What if Lenwe had broken into Estel's rooms or something?

Estel sat down beside him and smiled. "Good morning, Legolas," he said softly, and Legolas was relieved to hear that his voice wasn't pained or nervous.

"Good morning, Estel. Did you sleep well?" Legolas asked apprehensively.

Estel at first hesitated, but then shook his head. "Nay, I did not rest well last night. My head was full of thoughts, and it kept me distracted." It was true; he had just left out the part about watching the door. Elrohir sat by him this morning and he didn't want him to overhear.

Legolad frowned sadly. "I am sorry to hear that, Estel." He couldn't help but wonder if Legolas was telling the truth.

"Well, I am going to inform Lord Elrond of our preposition. I was hoping we could get started tomorrow," Legolas whispered, and Estel nodded.

The prince stood, and walked slowly to Elrond. The lord looked at him with kind eyes. "May I help you with something, Legolas?"

"Aye, my lord. Estel and I spoke last night, and he commented on my archery. I would like to know if I have your permission to train him to become an established archer. I know it would take up the time for his normal lessons with...with Lenwe," Elrond's eyes sparked oddly at the mention of the tutor's name, but Legolas didn't notice. "But Estel and I would like to get to know eachother better as well."

Elrond looked to Estel, who was smiling at them, looking hopeful. Seeing that peaceful expression on his son's face, Elrond had no choice but to accept.

"I would be honored if you taught Estel archery, Legolas. You may start tomorrow, and Estel may break from his lessons today. Perhaps you two could spend time together today as well," Elrond said regally. He could tell Legolas and Estel wanted to do this, and he had no problem with it.

Legolas bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, my lord," he said, and walked back to his seat.

The Prince of Mriwkood informed Estel of what was going to happen, and Legolas was sure he saw a burden lift off of Estel's very face.

Breakfast ended quickly, much too quickly in Legolas' opinion. He didn't want to seem like he was clinging to Estel, so he didn't ask questions of what the boy was doing after breakfast.

"I hope to see you soon, Estel," Legolas murmured.

Estel nodded. "And I you, Legolas," he replied, and he then left the hall. Legolas nearly slapped himself, but the twins were still in the hall along with Glorfindel. He instead left as well, and headed for the secluded stream below the balcony in his guest rooms. Elladan and Elrohir had to go on patrol that day, so he intended to bathe and ponder his feelings.
Legolas sighed blissfully as he lay out in the warm sun, inhaling the sweet scents of flowers and fruits. His bath had been refreshing and very enjoyable, and he felt content.

His thoughts kept drifting the Lenwe and his whereabouts; was he plotting against him and Estel? Was he still lurking in the halls?

At least Estel was free to do whatever he pleased today.

Legolas stood up finally and stretched. He then dressed quickly and knowing that this was his second home and he didn't need to use braids to show his rank, he twisted all of his long hair into a thick braid. It was an uncommon hairstyle among elves, and it set the prince apart from everyone else, a factor that Legolas liked.

Wondering what Estel was doing and if he was happy, Legolas headed back for the Last Homely House.
Legolas walked slowly through the corridors, pausing to look at some of the magnificent paintings that lined the walls. He was walking down the hall that led to the library, and before he reached it, an alluring sound floated to his ears.

He turned the corner and walked into the library. Before him was a choir of about 15 male elves. Lovely sounds and lyrics came from their lips, a song about the beauty of the earth. The mix of high, clear voices blended well with the deeper, richer voices.

But then Legolas saw that there were not only elves.

Estel stood with the elves, and was singing along with them. His face was bright and had a healthy flush upon it, and his eyes were sparkling.

A particularly lovely portion came, and everyone fell silent except for Estel. He raised his voice in a pure, beautiful sound that rivaled a nightingale. His voice was that of an elf's; heartfelt, utterly gorgeous.

Legolas stood dumbfounded; he would have never guessed that Estel could sing so well, or that he enjoyed it. He was sure he had heard no sound as radiant and angelic as Estel's voice.

Estel noticed him then, and met his eyes. The twinkling gray blue eyes gazed at him, and while he sung, Estel's lips upturned into a smile.

It was at that moment that Legolas knew he had lost his heart to the boy.
Hours passed. Legolas was still transfixed with Estel's voice; that peaceful, beauteous melody invading his thoughts.

He asked Elrond if he could be excused from lunch, as he wasn't feeling hungry. Elrond thought nothing of it, and granted him permission. He still didn't ask Legolas about dinner the night before, and Legolas decided to explain.

"Lord Elrond, please forgive my absence yesterday at dinner. I was feeling unusually tired, and I went to see if I could you before dinner in the library. Instead, I found Estel in the library. We started to talk, and we lost track of time. I hope you didn't take it as a sign of disrespect," Legolas said, and stared at Elrond with big, pleading eyes. Elrond was close to him and he hoped he hadn't offended him.

Elrond grinned. The large eye trick had often been used with him when Legolas was a child, and it had always worked. "Of course I forgive you, Legolas. I understand getting lost in conversation with Estel; he is a delight to be around."

Legolas smiled back. "Aye, indeed he is. Thank you, my lord." He then left Elrond's study, heading for his rooms to rest and change before dinner.
After changing into a dark, midnight blue tunic and black leggings, Legolas hurried to the Hall of Fire. Dinner was a more public event that breakfast and lunch and most elves of the household would he present.

Legolas found Estel was already seated. He went to sit down, and greeted the young boy.

"I heard you sing today, Estel. You're...you sounded beautiful. Your voice is like that of liquid silk; smooth and flowing," Legolas said softly, and blushed a bit. Estel's eyes were surprised at receiving such a compliment, but were also pleased.

"Thank you for your kind words, Legolas. I love to sing; I feel most at peace when doing so." Estel felt secret pleasure at being praised by the prince, who was rumored to have a voice of beauty.

Suddenly, the large doors opened to the hall, and Legolas looked quickly to the door. To his utter horror, he saw Lenwe walking swiftly towards them, looking dangerously beautiful in robes of deep green. His long, dark red hair was braided yet again in detailed, elaborate braids and twists.

Legolas then turned to Estel, who had tensed. The boy actually started to shake very, very slightly.

Legolas was angered at seeing how badly Lenwe distressed Estel, and took no notice of where Lenwe sat, to Elrond's right.

Legolas clasped Estel's hand, and rubbed the skin gently under the table. "Shh, be strong, Estel. He will not hurt you while I am here. I will protect you, my friend." To his relief, he felt Estel squeeze his hand weakly. The boy's quickened breathing slowed, and he looked at Legolas gratefully.

Elladan, who sat next to Estel this time, looked puzzled. "Are you alright, brother?"

Estel nodded his head shakily. "Aye, it was just a chill. I'm fine, Elladan."

Elladan still looked slightly suspicious, but then turned back to his plate of salad and spoke with Erestor.

Estel let out a sigh and then looked to Legolas once again. There was a strong trust in those eyes, and Legolas felt fluttery and warm from the gaze.

His feelings of love were growing stronger, but he knew that he couldn't frighten or intimidate Estel, who had become his most treasured friend.
The rest of the evening passed by quickly. Estel and Legolas had again walked in the gardens for sometime, enjoying the silence and tranquility.

"Thank you for earlier, Legolas. You really helped me," Estel uttered earnestly, and had met Legolas' eyes. The elf had nodded, and smiled. To Estel, it always seemed that Legolas was smiling.

"Of course, Estel. I hate to see you uncomfortable."

The time came for them to go inside, and when Legolas was about to bid Estel goodbye, the boy spoke.

"Legolas...I, I was wondering if...if you would mind staying in my rooms tonight. The truth is, Lenwe gets into my rooms quite often at night. He stole my key years ago. I would...I would feel better if someone were there to...protect me," Estel said in a rushed voice. He was blushing from slight embarrassment.

Legolas' face softened, touched that Estel rusted him enough to ask him for his help.

" I will stay with you tonight, Estel. I will do anything to make you feel safer or comfortable."

Estel smiled. "Thank you," he muttered, and beckoned Legolas to follow him to his chambers.
Minutes later, Legolas was settled comfortably in a soft chair in Estel's rooms, reading. Estel was brushing the tangles out of his hair, and the two talked softly.

A lovely sound of pure beauty floated through the windows, almost like Estel's lovely voice. Legolas walked toward the balcony and peered out, and saw that the balcony next to theirs was occupied.

"Glorfindel is playing his flute for Erestor," Estel's gentle voice reached Legolas' ears. "He does it often."

Yes, on the balcony sat Glorfindel, playing a silver flute, and Erestor sat on his lap, reclining into him. Glorfindel's cerulean eyes were closed, and he skillfully moved his long fingers over the instrument. Both of their faces showed tranquility and peace.

"He is amazing."

"Aye, he has lots of talent. In Gondolin, the flute was a primary instrument. It...it helps me fall asleep."

At first Legolas was about to ask why Estel had trouble sleeping, but then he realized why as he remembered the bloody sheets. He felt immense sadness once again.

Erestor whispered something, and Glorfindel laid down his flute. He wrapped his strong arms around Erestor's slender form and gathered him up. He planted a kiss on Erestor's smooth forehead, and then they gently sealed their lips together.

"Their love is so pure, and so strong, " Legolas mused as he watched the couple.

Estel nodded almost sadly. "Yes. I've never seen two people in love as such as they are. They are always so gentle with the other....."

The two shared a look.

Estel yawned slightly, and lay down. "Their love is beautiful..." and then he closed his eyes.

Moments later, Estel's breathing became deeper and more relaxed. Legolas smiled gently, and tenderly fingered a lock of Estel's silky chestnut hair.

"I want to make you feel beautiful," he whispered passionately.

Little did he know, Estel had heard him slightly, not knowing if it was a dream or a reality. Whatever it was, it made his mind fill with peace, and he then fell into a deep sleep.
Hope you like. Yep, the line 'I want to make you feel beautiful," is a line that is in Maroon 5's song, She Will be Loved. I do not own the song.

Thank you so much, reviewers. Please keep reviewing!