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
To the reviewers!
Shadowfax2931: Glad you like it!
Ceyxa: It was evil, and he did it just to prove he could fool his Ada
Estelle1: Yes! I shall spank him err drool on him
theo darkstar: Here they are introduced, and trust me when I say MORE Legolas is coming soon
Aranna Undomiel: thankie! update for you
Angel of Imladris: well, here it is!
Catmint: Thanks, and of course there will be more evilness
HarryEstel: yesss it was mean
Slayer3: snicker
Elven Kitten: Mean yep!
Thanks to all of you!
Chapter 5
Two hours and four bitter medicines later, Estel was allowed up. He was under strict orders from his father not to strain his ankle, and he was still going to maim Legolas sometime today for laughing at him when he was carried up the stairs. Estel made his way to the formal dining hall where everyone was sure to be waiting. This did not set his mind at ease. Sure enough, when he entered, his father looked up, along with a lot of new faces Estel had not seen. He did enjoy the curious looks the children were giving him, though.
Looking away from his father, who was tasting his food for him, Estel took the time to glare at his brothers and Legolas. He was brought from his glares only when Elrond cleared his throat.
"You will have to excuse my son's late entry. He was feeling ill earlier," he said, as Estel tried to hide his embarrassment. "Estel, I would like to introduce Denethor, Steward of Gondor, and his sons, and King Theoden and his son."
Estel bowed his head at the fathers. He had served as Throngil to Theoden's father years before. He then looked to the three children. All three were quiet at their father's side, but Estel knew that inside they were probably just as mischievous as he had been at that age.
The adults talked of the oncoming dangers, and Elrond soon noticed the young ones becoming listless. "Why do we not let my sons escort the children into the garden for a breath of fresh air. I think this talk has become quite boring for young minds."
The twins, Estel, and Legolas excused themselves and took the three boys outside.
Once they were out of earshot, Estel railed on his brothers, slipping into elvish as not to have the children hear his curses. Ten minutes later, Elrohir had explained that their father always knew, no matter how hard they tried to convince him. Six dwarvish curses later, Estel finally forgave Legolas for laughing at him, though Estel did speak of revenge that would be sweet.
They then watched as the boys began to climb the tree in the garden. Boromir had challenged Theodred to a race to the top. He started out strong, but halfway up Theodred had caught up to him, laughing about how Boromir had been living in the stone city too long.
Faramir, being much younger, refused to be left behind and trailed behind his brother. He had only made it about ten feet off the ground, though, when his grip on the branch slipped. Estel, having noticed, an elven-like skill honed by years with his family, caught the boy before he fell to the ground. Faramir was beside himself. He had fallen, but now he was being fawned over, something he was not used to.
From the moment he saw his brother lose his grip, Boromir had been making his way down the tree. He was supposed to protect his brother, not this Estel. To say Boromir was upset was to put it mildly. When he got to the bottom of the tree, he saw Faramir being talked to in elvish, but not by the elves, by Estel.
Theodred was standing there, his mouth open in shock still, but he came to find his tongue and said, "How did you move so swiftly, and how is it a human speaks the elvish tongue?"
Boromir snidely walked over and picked Faramir up out of Estel's hands, rolling his eyes at Theodred. "Of course someone raised in the wilds of Rohan would not know. He is no longer a man like father, but he surely doesn't fit in with them," he said, pointing at the twins.
"Do you not think that is a little harsh?" Theodred said.
Boromir only shrugged and took Faramir back inside. He could be heard chattering about how the strange man who lived with elves was odd. Denethor pulled his sons inside their room. This was a relief to Estel, as he was heartbroken to hear even one so young say that he did not belong.
The day wore on without another incident, but all in the house had seemed distant. Estel spent the rest of the day in his room. He had taken the huge tome from his father's study and reread about Isildur and his fate. He had been reading for so long that he jumped when Elladan opened the door. Estel quickly covered up his surprise by feigning sleepiness.
"I am not Ada. You cannot fool me so easily, Estel." Estel smiled sheepishly and crawled into the bed. Elladan walked over and sat down on the edge, smiling as he playfully pulled the covers up. "Do not dwell on the past, little brother. Tomorrow we shall celebrate the future, and what is to come."
Estel was about to comment but noticed Elladan stepping aside as his father walked in. Knowing he was here to check up on him, Estel rolled his eyes.
"Ada, I am fine, and I do not need any special tea."
"I will be the judge of what you do not need," Elrond said, coming over and placing his hand upon Estel's brow. After a few more minutes of having to be under his father's scrutiny, Estel was relieved when he stood as if to leave. "You will be careful tomorrow, no roughing around with your brothers, and do not do anything foolish."
Estel faked a yawn and Elrond got up to leave. At the door, he paused. "Too soon you shall have many burdens upon you, enjoy what time you have left."
Estel knew his destiny and it had gnawed away at him for the last decade. He also knew Denethor would not willingly step down.
Down the hall, Faramir still could not sleep. Restless, he poked Boromir again. "I like it here."
"That's nice," Boromir said, trying to go back to sleep, but Faramir would not be ignored.
"Do you like Estel? I like Estel. Did you see him move so fast? Is he an elf?"
Boromir sat up in his bed looking very tired. "Little brother, I do not know how you come up with so many questions." At the hurt look in Faramir's eyes, Boromir's tone softened. "Listen, Estel is just somebody the elves took in. He is not royalty, or noble, he is a ranger who the elves let live here. You would do well to avoid him, for I think he displeases father."
Faramir grew quiet. His brother knew more than he did. Boromir had even been allowed out with the guards on patrol. With a heavy heart Faramir climbed into his own bed. He did not like to displease his father. Just last week his father had made him his own armor and sword. He had seemed proud when Faramir had shown an interest in learning to fight like his brother. "Good night, Boromir," he called before rolling over.
"Goodnight, little brother." Boromir replied back.
Across the hall, similar thoughts ran through Theodred's head, but he decided to test Estel himself. He was not going to wait around for someone to answer his questions.