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!
Ithil-valon: hehehehehe, ahem Estel will need his own lecture soon
Elven Kitten: Thanks!
theo darkstar: wait and see
HarryEstel: Woohoo! thanks, and yes Denethor needed much more
apsenniel: snicker, I liked that line as well
Aranna Undomiel: LOL! ahem Denethor did leave, prolly with Legolas' fingerprints around his neck.
Slayer3: thanks!
Ceyxa: thanks! I try to imagine what would have happened as well, and I like fatherly Elrond
Catmint: It is not good, and yet not all bad
Estelle1: who those two no... LOL
Thank you to all of the reviewers you make my day
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
When Estel told his father, the twins threatened him.
"Come home injured and you shall be sorry," Elrohir said, his face stern.
"You need not worry, Elrohir, for I am going with him," Legolas said, stepping into the room, his own bag packed. "Before you put up a protest, Estel, let me inform you of your choices. We can go together, or I can stalk behind you."
Estel put up his hands and let out a deep sigh. Within the hour both were well packed and severely chastized by Lord Elrond and all his advisors. " If he looks even the slightest bit ill along your journey turn straight back here," Legolas was informed by Elrond.
All were there to see the two off, including the Lady Galadriel. When Estel went up to her, she reached her arms out and pulled him into a hug. "Be safe, for I fear you will have a few minor setbacks, but heed Legolas' words." When Estel's face showed confusion, the Lady Galadriel whispered to him. "Your journey holds peril and yet much is to be learned from it. Arwen will be most displeased if you return in poor condition."
When she let go, Estel's face was a shade redder, but he smiled at his grandmother. Many more warnings and several good-byes later, Estel and Legolas took off out the gates of Imladris. They were to return in a month's time, much to the argument of Estel.
Legolas was recalling the look on Elrond's face as he bade him to watch out for Estel when he noticed Estel's horse had stopped. "Estel, what is wrong?" he asked, bringing his horse around.
"I care not to travel east. My ears have heard enough of Gondor and Rohan. I wish not for my eyes to fall upon them."
Legolas saw the look of pain flicker across Estel's face as he recalled their words. The elf knew that men were unjustly cruel at times, but it enraged him to see the pain in Estel's eyes. "We shall go this way, far from Gondor and its realm."
Estel smiled at Legolas. "I can always count on you, my friend. Now let us hurry before Ada sends out someone to check on us."
Legolas burst out laughing, "Yes, just how did you manage to convince your father you were ill?"
Estel seemed to think, rubbing his chin. "Ada must have been tired, for I have never been able to fool him before."
As their horses trotted off, Legolas turned to Estel. "Could it be you have never tried to make him think you were dead? My own heart was in my throat, and I know your father was frantic."
Estel saw the stern gaze his friend gave him. "I know not to do that again, even if I did learn it from you." Estel was not quick enough to duck the slap to the back of his head.
"See that you do not. How dare you try to frighten me to death' door, I am in my prime."
Estel's face broke into a sinister grin. "Yes, we can't have you dying. The she elves in Mirkwood would be devastated."
Legolas looked at Estel with a glare to rival King Thranduil. "Estel, you are asking for it. Your father made me promise to bring you back if even you got a scratch."
"Stop worrying all the time. We will be fine."
Legolas and Estel rode on until they came upon the Trollshaws mid-afternoon. It was decided that they would have their dinner there and then ride until sunset. Estel pulled the fruits and sandwiches from his pack, and he and Legolas sat beneath the shade of the trees and ate. Estel had eaten one sandwich and was reaching into the pack to get another when his fingers felt something. Pulling out the note, he glanced down at the familiar writing on the strip of paper.
Estel
Be careful on your journey out and return at the first sign of trouble. There are extra bandages rolled up in your clothes.
Ada
Legolas looked up from his own meal as the sound of hysterical laughter reached his ears. "Estel, what is so funny?"
Estel wiped the tears from his eyes as he handed over the note to Legolas. It did not take long to scan the note, and soon both of them were clutching theirs sides in laughter. It was a much-needed distraction from the dark thoughts Estel had earlier. Finishing up his meal, Legolas returned the packs to the horses. Sure enough, when he peered inside, Lord Elrond had carefully placed six extra rolls of bandages in Estel's clothes. Thinking six was a bit much, Legolas rolled his eyes. "We are not that bad," he thought to himself.
When Legolas sat back down next to the fire, he could see Estel was clearly lost in thought. "What has your mind so swept up you would not notice a warg standing beside you?" he joked playfully.
Estel shook his head as if waking up. "Do you think their words are true?"
Legolas hesitantly answered. "What are you referring to?"
"The others, Theoden, Denethor, even the children. They all think I am not worthy to be human, much less king, and they say I will never fit in with the elves."
When Legolas looked at Estel's face. It held no joy, only sorrow and hurt.
Estel was not prepared for the sharp smack to the back of his head again. "What was that for?"
"Estel Elrondion, How many men do you know who can wield a sword as well as you, that can climb a tree, or that speaks elvish as if he were an elf himself? You are no mere human, Estel. You are of the Numenorean bloodline. Never think these thoughts again, Estel. You are as much an elf as anyone I know, and yet you are a king of men. You belong in Imladris as much as I do."
Sometime during the conversation Estel's mouth had fell open, and now he was gaping as Legolas finished his rant.
Legolas saw his friend and tried to look stern. "That look is not becoming for a son of Lord Elrond, or a king to be." His laughter could be contained no longer when Estel turned two shades of red.
"I thank you, my friend, as I will cherish those words and keep them dear to me." The bedrolls were laid out as the fire began to burn down, the thoughts of riding on long ago forgotten. Soon Estel drifted off to sleep, and Legolas sat by the fire ever alert for anything.