WOW!!! Over 100 reviews! You guys are the best! I'm so sorry I haven't updated sooner.
Estel stretched luxuriously in his bed, a smile on his face. He felt refreshed and well rested, a feeling he hadn't experienced for years.
The boy opened his eyes, and was greeted by hazy sunlight. It was early in the morning, and Estel noticed the windows were open. Sounds of songbirds floated to his ears, along with the sound of bubbling water. A feeling of peace and relaxation filled his soul, spreading throughout his entire body.
Estel then turned to look for Legolas. The elf was his reason for sleeping so well, and he felt eternal gratitude toward the blonde.
Legolas was asleep on the small couch next to Estel's bed. His golden hair was sprawled out around his form, and his chest moved up and down rhythmically. Sapphire eyes were glazed and unfocused.
Estel smiled softly. He had never noticed Legolas' true beauty before now, when he was asleep and unguarded. The rays from the morning sun made his form glow softly, and he seemed ethereal.
The young man felt his cheeks flush. He didn't even know Legolas that well; he shouldn't feel attracted to him! Estel thought he would never have impure thoughts about anyone because of Lenwe, but now, as he gazed at the handsome creature so near to his bed, he had proved himself wrong.
Estel's thoughts were pushed away from him when Legolas stretched and his blue eyes refocused. The elf yawned slightly, and then turned to look at him. His lips turned up in a kind smile.
"Good morning, Estel," he said softly. "Did you sleep well?"
The boy nodded and grinned. "Aye, I did. Thank you for staying with me."
Legolas nodded. "Anytime, Estel." He turned toward the window, and then continued. "It is a beautiful day for archery. We should probably head for the breakfast hall. After the meal, we can get started."
Estel reluctantly agreed. He would much rather stay in his chambers then go to breakfast, but he knew it would be suspicious.
"I'll see you in the hall, Estel. I have to go change," Legolas said, and then left the boy's chambers, leaving the boy to his puzzled thoughts.
Legolas smiled when Estel entered the hall just moments after he had. The boy looked good; the silk tunic and leggings hugged his shapely form and his eyes were bright. It was amazing what one good night of sleep did for him.
They spoke little during the meal; the twins were still out on a lengthy patrol with Glorfindel, and interestingly enough Elrond was not present. Legolas had considered asking Erestor about this, who was reading a book while eating, but thought better of it. After all, it wasn't his concern where the Lord of Imladris was at all times.
Elves began to leave the hall one by one, and when Erestor closed his book and bid them good morning, Legolas turned to Estel and asked, "Should we get started?" The elf was eager to get out into the clear morning sunshine and spend more time with Estel.
Estel smiled and nodded. To his great surprise, Legolas saw a faint blush spread over Estel's cheeks. He wondered if he had just imagined it as they stepped out into the courtyard.
Elrond walked swiftly down the halls to Glorfindel's rooms. He wanted to discuss the border patrol and looked forward to seeing the blonde. He hoped that is would get his mind off of Lenwe's words about Legolas and his son.
Their conversation had been bothering him for the entire night.
He was about to go around a corner when he heard hushed voices. He was certain he heard Estel's name mentioned, and he couldn't stop his infamous streak of curiosity from rearing it's head. He stayed behind the corner and listened carefully
"...doesn't make any sense. Why would a large blood stain be on Estel's bedcovers?" he heard a tall, young maid say. Concern colored her voice as she listened intently to another maid's advice.
Elrond strained his ears harder. Blood? On Estel's sheets? What where they speaking off?
"I know. I've never questioned anyone about it, but Estel is troubled. I've often wondered about him."
The taller she elf nodded. "He was such a sweet young boy when he got here, but as the years went by he began to talk less and less."
The other servant shook her head and clucked sadly. "Well, all we can do is hope. It is not our place to question Lord Elrond about it."
The two she elves picked up the large baskets of laundry they had sat down and headed down the corridor.
Elrond leaned back against the wall of the hallway, confused by what he had heard. Could it have been a mistake? Was it just hearsay? He made up his mind to ask Estel about it the next morning. The boy was currently with Legolas, and Elrond didn't want to do anything to hurt their friendship.
Still, he couldn't shake the nagging thoughts of the concerned she elves and Estel's troubled gray blue eyes.
Legolas tried not to stare as Estel pulled back the bowstring, his firm muscles rippling under the thin silk fabric of his undershirt. The day was warmer than they had expected and they had taken off their tunics. Legolas felt almost self conscious with the boy, a fact that surprised him. Elves weren't embarrassed by their bodies, but somehow this felt different.
They had been practicing for a while, and Estel kept improving with each shot. Legolas was impressed with the boy's determination. He never gave up and always tried to do his best.
Estel narrowed his eyes and concentrated on the target that was set up on a wooden decoy of a deer. His long fingers let go of the bowstring and the arrow ht the ring just outside of the center.
"That was excellent, Estel!" Legolas praised, and laid a hand on Estel's shoulder. Estel flinched slightly, but he didn't seem upset at all by this affectionate touch.
"Thank you, Legolas. I have never been very good at archery and I'm glad I get a chance to practice it with you," Estel said softly, looking up at Legolas. He brought up a hand and swept away a stray strand of golden hair that had become loose from the braids. Legolas leaned into the caress slightly. Estel looked up into the kind dark blue eyes and smiled. "Thank you," he began, taking his hand from Legolas' soft cheek. "You have saved me from much pain."
Legolas gazed back into the grey blue orbs. "I am only sorry I didn't leave Mirkwood earlier. I am happy that I could help you this much."
With that, the two grabbed their tunics and dressed again. Legolas bid Estel farewell until lunch, when they would meet again. Estel smiled and set off swiftly, leaving Legolas to calm his rapid breathing from being that close to the boy.
Legolas eyes narrowed as the doors opened to the Hall of Fire and Lenwe swept in gracefully. Lunch and breakfast were only family affairs, or at least Legolas had thought. He felt Estel tense once more next, and he again gently grasped the cold hand. "You're safe, Estel," he whispered soothingly.
Lenwe nodded to Erestor and Glorfindel and then again sat to Elrond's right. Elrond greeted the tutor personally, and Lenwe smiled softly. Legolas would have thought him attractive at that moment if he didn't know the poisonous heart and soul within. He brushed Estel's slender hand with his thumb and began to start on the light soup. He met Lenwe's eyes once more, stunned by the ice in the blue green irises.
Elrond was squinting his eyes to get a better look at his foster son and Legolas. The two were talking quietly, and were leaning in toward the other.
Lenwe noticed where Elrond's stare was directed and smirked briefly. "They seem to have gotten awfully close, don't you think, my lord?" he asked smoothly, and pretended to sound interested.
Elrond nodded absentmindedly, whispering, "Yes, they have." He knew that Estel was skittish and even afraid around strangers, a fact that puzzled him. Now he and Legolas were good friends, something he was happy about, but also slightly curious. His thoughts drifted to the conversation he had heard earlier.
Lenwe now leaned in toward him. "My lord...have you noticed the faint bruises on Estel's neck the past few days?" Lenwe's tone was whispering and silky, and one could say suggestive. It nearly resembled a purr.
Elrond's brow furrowed. "I did notice. I didn't ask, because I didn't want to pry. He never wants to talk to me or anyone else anymore. I was concerned I would frighten him."
Lenwe's warm breath brushed against Elrond's neck. "It's nearly coincidential, my lord, that Estel seems to have acquired these bruises right after Prince Legolas has arrived."
Sorry so short, but I had to post something. I have been so busy with school. Please review.
