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 my reviewers!
A. NuEvil: Thanks! Welcome to the fic!
Aranna Undomiel: yes Thedored, he is a diificult one to write
crazyAZNkid: Glad you like it, and thanks!
Elven Kitten: he will be somewhat nicer ahem
Catmint: Thanks! The interaction shall continue
Slayer3: they so haven't
Shadowfax2931: Welcome to the fic!
HarryEstel: Thanks now update your own!
Ceyxa: Estel is around 70 or so, but of cours ehe acts like a child at home
theo darkstar: Here is some Legolas for you!
Now thanks to you all and for the reviewer get .org. SNORT your idiocy makes me laugh Now to the fic!
Chapter 6
As the lull of sleep faded from its inhabitants, all inside the elven realm awoke. One by one the guests arrived in the courtyard, where tea was being served. By the time Estel had woken and made it downstairs, it was already noon. He had not meant to sleep so late, but the warmth of his bed and the dreams of Arwen had kept him there longer than he thought.
Giving a quick apology for his lateness, Estel sat down next to Elladan, but he noticed the stares from the others. Yes, he was a human with elves for brothers, a father, and a best friend, but Estel did not readily trust men. Too often men were won over by greed or power, the weakness of their minds sending them into utter devastation. When Estel looked up from his tea, he could see Lord Denethor staring at him with distaste, and he was glad when the cook came to announce the arrival of more guests.
Everyone in the courtyard stood when the Lady Galadriel walked out, even Denethor stood, mouth open. When she had taken her seat, the talk turned to Lothlorien and what things she had seen. Both Denethor and Theoden seemed in awe at her knowledge and her beauty. When tea was over, all sat around and watched the young ones at play.
The twins and Legolas had brought out the targets for an archery contest. As a friendly gesture, they tried to split the teams into equal participants, but in the end the boys asked for humans versus elves. Estel chuckled when Legolas said even Faramir's points would count if he hit the target.
Estel walked over to stand with the boys, but he halted when Theodred looked at him oddly.
"Are you not competing with the elves?" he asked, his face full of wonder.
Estel shook his head no in reply, but Faramir stamped his foot. "You are a man just like us, come on, Estel." Estel smiled at the determined face of Faramir and stepped beside him.
As the first arrows from the twins sailed to hit their mark, the groans from Theodred could be heard. "Do not despair, little one, there is still hope." Theodred held his head up high and let loose his own arrow. It sailed straight to its mark, and everyone around applauded. The competition ended with a very upset Boromir and a disappointed Theodred. Being only thirteen and the eldest sons, they were not used to being bested.
All day long the celebration lasted. Cakes and food galore and games for everyone, even Faramir had won a ribbon for being the best in reciting. They were all walking back inside when heated shouts were heard. "How is it, then, you can raise a man, but not send out aid when needed to Gondor?"
"Estel, will not ever be open for discussion in this manner," the voice of Elrond rang clear.
"He is not an elf, Lord Elrond, and he will bring you and all of your people to death and destruction one day, mark my words."
This was too much for the twins to hear, and they were on the way in the door to maim someone. They had only made it four feet inside the door when a whirl of blond hair whizzed past them. Knowing this did not bode well for Lord Denethor, they took off running.
When they burst into the room, Legolas had Denethor cornered, his gaze one of loathing. "You have a swift need to speak; yet all you utter are lies. Neither Estel nor Lord Elrond need to validate their worth to you. Estel is my friend and my brother in all but blood. You would do well to silence yourself."
Denethor was a wise man in the ways of war, but all common sense failed him for a brief moment. "Here he is raised with elves, yet he does not belong, and he hides behind them rather than fight for his own race."
Estel did not want to hear anymore, he fled past his brothers, past the guards with arrows notched, and went straight to his room. As he flung open the door, the bitter words of Denethor sunk in. Was he a coward? Had he lived his whole life sheltered while others were in battle? As his thoughts plagued his mind, he heard angry footsteps, followed by the slamming of a door. His own door opened soon after, and his father walked in.
Seeing the pained expression on his son's face, Elrond sat down upon the bed. Taking a second to gather his thoughts, he turned to face his son. "Denethor spoke harshly about you, but he does not know the truth."
Estel's balled his hands into a fist. "I know it is wrong, Ada, but I wished to throttle him. I fought with his father, and yet he is too young to remember. It is bad enough I am but a child in Imladris, but my own kinsmen see me as nothing more than a boy. He will not see the truth, Ada, for we cannot speak of it."
"Estel, Denethor is a bitter man, and he vented it out on you. Do not think he does not know the error of his ways. Your grandfather himself had to pry Legolas' fingers from around his neck. Your destiny awaits you, but now is not the time. For now, just be who you are."
"Who am I, Ada?" Estel asked.
Elrond pulled him close. "For now you are my only decent son, for your brothers are being lectured by Glorfindel about how drawing your weapon and using dwarvish curses on guests is frowned upon. One day I fear you will leave me, but for now, just be Estel, my son."
Estel nodded his head and watched as his father left the room. An hour later, standing on is balcony, he watched Denethor and Theoden leave. When he could see no more, he returned to his room and packed a bag. He had to get away for a few days, had to think things through