Summary: Estel and Legolas go off in search of the simple things.
Disclaimer: I do not own them, lest they be covered in drool
A/N: This fic would take place in 2991 of the third age, other than the ages in the fic, it is AU. Any reviews are welcome, flames shall keep me warm
Now to you lovely reviewers!
HarryEstel: I hope you got some sleep, and i HOPE you update soon!
Kestral of Valinor: Thanks! I hope you enjoy the update!
Elven Kitten: hehehehehe ahem
Ceyxa: Thanks a lot, I like to make the believable
Elf771: Woo hoo! no flame!
melz: All children young and old at immature at times LOL
Anon: Thanks! And Estel is not sick, just the sniffles
Well on with the fic! and thanks for taking the time to review
Chapter 2
The twins both went to their rooms to wash up and change clothes. Estel and Legolas walked out of their rooms at the same time and met up in the hall. Estel smiled, for it was not often that he was ready before his brothers, and he had done it today on a bad ankle. When Elladan opened his door, two smiling faces met him.
"We did not need you to pretty yourself up on our account," Legolas snickered.
Elladan was about to retort when Elrohir stepped out of his room. "Are we going to spend all day talking, or are we going to go eat?"
As if on cue Estel's stomach rumbled. "It seems we have decided. Dinner first, then you shall pay for laughing."
All four walked into the dining hall, took a seat, and wondered where Lord Elrond and the others were. The silence was becoming awkward, until they heard Lord Elrond's voice in the hall. Estel, however, had bigger issues as he felt a sneeze trying to get out. Soon a very loud sneeze echoed through the room. At the same time, Lord Elrond walked through the door.
He scanned the four faces at the table, but all looked guilty. "Which one of you was it? I knew it was too good to be true that you could all come back safe and healthy." Once again he scanned their faces, but no one seemed willing to reveal who it was.
Estel's heart beat loudly in his chest, but his face was a mask of confusion. He was pleased to see that his brothers had not told their Ada.
"Very well, keep your secrets, but I shall find out," Elrond said as he pulled his chair out and sat down to eat. After the four had cowered several times from the look, Elrohir decided to change the subject.
"Ada, who is coming to the festival?"
Elrond looked around at all four faces and could see they were all awaiting his answer. "It will be a festival as never before. We have invited the elven realms, as well as Gondor and Rohan, and we even invited the dwarves." Legolas choked on his mouthful of potato upon hearing this information. Elrond laughed, despite the look of horror on Legolas' face. "Have no fear, young Thranduilion, they declined the offer to join us." He then turned to Estel. "This will be a chance for you to get to know your fellow Men, but be aware, they are not as understanding or as wise in Elvish ways as you are. I trust you will carry yourself in a manner befitting the House of Elrond."
"Yes, Ada," Estel said, turning beet red at the snickers from the others. "That goes for all of you. Theoden has a young son. It would be cordial of you all to include him in your activities. Denethor, also, has two sons, but if either is like their father, they may not wish to accompany you."
All four nodded, as they had heard stories of Denethor and how, even though he was a great leader, he lacked a softer side since his wife had died. As for the four of them, none had stepped foot in Minias Tirith since he had become Steward. Estel knew one day he would rule Gondor, but that was not today, and if he could manage it, never. Tonight he would be sitting in the Hall of Fire, listening to the beautiful elven voices in song and plotting out new pranks.
Estel did not notice how tired he was until after the third song, but Elrond had seen it and called for an early evening. After many protests, Elrond held his hands up. "We should all get plenty of rest. Our guests will be arriving and the festival will need four alert young ones."
Grumbling, the twins got up and, as soon as their father stepped out of the room, Elrohir held out his hand toward Estel.
"Hannon le, how did you know?" Estel said, wincing as he stood.
"You are not the only one to have hurt himself foolishly and then hide it from Ada."
Estel chuckled, and he and Legolas left the twins. Estel had let Legolas help him all the way to the door, but there he stopped and placed his throbbing foot on the floor. Estel wiped traces of pain from his face and, to the wonder of them all, walked away.
Legolas was about to do the same when he saw Elladan smack Elrohir with one of the pillows. "Why did you not tell him?"
Elrohir smirked, "If Estel does not know by now, it is not my fault."
"What are you both talking about?" Legolas asked his curiosity peaked.
"Ro told Estel that we have all been foolish and injured ourself."
"Elladan, I do not see the point you are trying to make."
Rolling his eyes, Elrohir spoke up. "What I failed to tell Estel was that no matter how hard we tried to hide injuries, Ada always found out."
"So you mean to tell me all that we did to hide it was in vain?" Legolas huffed.
Elladan chuckled. "Don't get me wrong, Legolas. There are a couple times he has not found out, but I wager my new bow that Ada knows about Estel."
"Your father is a mystery still to me. I do know he has the gift of foresight, but I thought we hid it pretty well."
"Not much escapes Ada," Elrohir said, walking toward the door to his room. "I am going to bed so that I might be awake when our guests arrive."