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
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Chapter 3
Estel bit back the throbbing pain in his ankle and relished the thought of getting into bed and resting it. Each step had become more and more painful and, as he pushed his bedroom door closed, he sighed in relief. Estel saw his bed, and what a glorious sight it was. Hobbling over to it, he sat down and pulled off his right boot. Then taking his left one in his hand, he hissed as he slowly pulled it off. His ankle, now out of the boot, looked more swollen than before and a purple bruise had begun to form. Thinking back Estel realized how foolish it had been to go over the bridge, but it was too late now, the damage was done. He lay down, the soft feather pillow feeling wonderful, when he heard something move in the room. His senses kicking in, Estel drew his dagger.
"Surely you would not strike down your father, Estel." Elrond said stepping in from the doorway.
"I am sorry, Ada, I did not hear you knock," Estel replied, re-sheathing his dagger.
"Aye, but I did not knock. It is good to see your skills have improved to almost an elven quality. It is unfortunate they did not keep you from injury."
Estel's mouth fell open. "Ada, how did you know?"
"Estel, when will you learn you cannot hide things from me? Now show me the ankle that pains you." Estel pulled his swollen ankle from under the covers and showed his father. "Estel, this could have been much worse. I will wrap it and apply something for the swelling. Is there anything else that I should know of?
Estel bit his lip. Should he tell his father about hitting his head, or should he hide it? Estel looked at his father's face and his breath hitched in his throat when he saw the look his father was giving him.
"Estel, you might as well tell me before I have to be summoned in the middle of the night."
"I hit my head, also, and now it is making everything blurry."
Elrond looked on the back of Estel's head and found the nice lump that had formed. "Estel, do you enjoy seeing me worry? You have a concussion, and if you had fallen asleep, you may never have woken."
" I am sorry, Ada," Estel whispered. Even though he was grown now, Elrond could still make him feel six years old again. It did not help matters that Elrond still saw him as his child, either.
Elrond instructed Estel to not fall asleep and said that he would be back in a few minutes. When he returned, he held a jar of salve and a roll of bandages. He set about rubbing the salve on Estel's swollen ankle and then bandaged it up tight.
"Thank you, Ada. It feels much better now," Estel said, wanting more than anything to close his eyes and sleep. Elrond sat down in the chair beside the bed and told Estel he would wake him in a couple of hours.
"Sleep well, my son," Elrond had said, but all he got in return were the sounds of light snoring coming from the bed. Estel did not usually snore, which meant only one thing -- that he had gotten a cold from his plunge into the water. Standing up from his chair, Elrond left the room, closing the door behind him. Walking back in a few minutes later with his own bed pillow, the Lord of Imladris sat back down in the chair by Estel's bed, but now he was a little more comfortable.
The next morning, as the sun filtered in through the windows, Elrond awoke, craning his neck. "Oh no, I've fallen asleep," he thought, but when he looked over, Estel seemed to be sleeping peacefully. He knew the guests would be arriving this afternoon, and he hoped to speak to Erestor about them. Finally resolving that he would ask the twins to sit with Estel until he awoke, Elrond went to the door. As he opened it, two identical elves almost ran him over.
Elrohir blushed at the look his father gave him. "Sorry Ada, we just wanted to see if Estel was awake."
Elrond's eyebrows quirked even higher. "I wonder why you would have such concern. Perhaps it is because you knew about your brother's tumble into the river." Elrohir and Elladan put on their most innocent faces. "That look will not fool me. Now I hope you will watch your brother for a few minutes while I step out."
"Of course, Ada," came the reply in unison. As soon as the door closed Elladan and Elrohir began to bicker.
"Ada knows we let Estel jump from the bridge," Elladan whispered
"That is ridiculous," Elrohir scoffed. "If you think so you will not be upset if I tell him you were there alone." Before Elladan could come back with his reply, Estel sat up in bed.
"Could you two be quiet? I am trying to sleep."
Elladan and Elrohir forgetting their argument ran to their brother's bedside.
"Estel, How do you feel?" Elladan asked, placing his hand on Estel's forehead. Estel swatted his hand playfully.
"I feel fine, but I could have done without Ada hovering over me all night."
Elrohir sat down on the edge of the bed. "Estel, you know Ada was only concerned and, besides, we can't pull off anything he doesn't know about."
"Are you sure about that?" Estel smiled, a hint of something devious in his eye.
Elladan snorted. "No one can fool Ada, Estel. Trust me, we have tried for centuries."
"I bet you a new dagger Ada can be fooled."
Elladan looked at Estel. "This is one bet you will lose little brother."
Estel motioned them both over. "Let me tell you of a little thing Legolas showed me. It seems it got him out of a formal dinner once, and I guarantee it will fool Ada. You two, however, will have to play along." Elrohir and Elladan listened intently as Estel told them the plan.
"It is evil and cruel, but it just might work," Elrohir exclaimed. Then walking out onto the balcony, they both waited for their father's return to the room.
True to his nature, Elrond came back into the room within a couple minutes. "Elrohir, Elladan, I thought I told you to watch your brother."
Elladan turned to Elrohir. "Ro, perhaps it is too cruel a prank."
Elrohir looked at his brother, his eyes gleaming. "Elladan, when have you ever backed out of a chance to do a prank? Besides, it is not as if we won't tell him afterwards."
"Yes, but he will be upset. He will be furious."
Elrohir hid the smile creeping across his face. "Only because he was fooled, Dan."
Elladan finally agreed and both walked into the room to see their father glaring at them. "I told you to watch your brother and tell me if he woke."
Elladan put on a mock look of hurt. "We did, Ada. Estel has not moved an inch. We only stepped out for a breath of fresh air." Elrond turned his gaze from his elder sons and went over to place his hand on Estel's head. It was cool, no fever at all, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Elrond was about to tuck the covers up around Estel when he stopped. Looking at Estel's face, something struck him as not quite all right.