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 the reviewers!
Elven Kitten: Thanks!
Catmint: hehehe Estel always getting caught unawares
Ceyxa: They do meet some hobbits snicker
A NuEvil: LOL yes the stories about him will be amusing
HarryEstel: thanks as always, and update too
QueenofFlarmphgal: The angst is coming!
Aranna Undomiel: snicker
Thank you all you have made my day!
Chapter 11
Legolas and Estel were amazed that they could indeed stand upright, as from the outside both were sure they would be leaning over all night. Bell, Hamfast's wife, came out of the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron.
"I was not expecting guests, but there should be plenty. You may take your horses and tie them up out back. Supper will be served in a few minutes."
Legolas left to tie the horses up and left Estel to stand awkwardly in the house. "Well, sit down. We do not bite," Bell said.
Estel spied a chair he thought would be big enough for him and took a seat in silence. When something brushed his arm, Estel's hand immediately reached for his sword. Estel looked down to see two of the biggest eyes, he had ever seen staring back at him from the corner. He did not have time to ask what he assumed was a child, as Bell was coming back into the room, carrying a rather large pot.
"Don't mind, Samwise. He is a good boy, but very quiet, keeps to himself a lot. Now let me see those hands of yours. I have some salve that should heal those right up." Estel held out his hands to Bell and found that indeed the salve did make his hands feel much better. After Bell put the last of the salve on, she told Estel and Legolas, who was coming through the door, that supper would be ready by the time they were seated.
Where at least five of these small people would have sat on one side now was barely made room for Estel and Legolas to sit comfortably. The three hobbits sat across from them, as Bell sat down the last of the dishes.
Legolas could not imagine what these people ate as he stared at over fifteen different dishes of food placed all about the table. He and Estel watched as the hobbits tore into the food with vigor and, shrugging, each one put a small amount on their plate. After nibbling on their food, they watched not only Hamfast, but his wife as well, eat enough food for two grown men. Legolas nearly fell out of his seat when Hamfast let loose the tremendous belch, and he watched in horror as he picked up yet another plate.
"So, tell me again how you came across The Shire? We do not often have big people here, except for one."
"We come from a great distance, and we were simply exploring new places," Legolas told them.
"I wish to know where is a great distance, and why are your ears so strange?" Hamfast asked, another belch escaping his lips.
"He is an elf, dad," the child named Samwise whispered.
Legolas wondered how the child knew, but he did not have to wonder long. "Just how do you know he is an elf, Samwise?"
Sam seemed to grow even smaller, if that were possible, beneath his father's glare. "Mr. Frodo told me about them. He has a book with tales in it that Mr. Bilbo wrote."
"Frodo Baggins is barely past his tweens himself and has no business filling your head with tales of places you will never see," Bell said from where she sat.
Sam's face grew red as he tried to fight back a retort and then through gritted teeth he told his mother. "Bilbo says the elves are all-knowing, and their home is the safest in all of the whole world. I will go to see the elves one day, when I am big."
Before any more outbursts could happen, Estel stood from his seat. "Your son speaks only the truth and should he venture east one day, he shall be welcomed into my home." Sam smiled as he saw his parent's mouths fall open, but Estel was not finished. "Sam, be respectful of your parents, for they have many things to teach you. Childhood is too short, and all too soon you will be on your own. Remember these things that I have said, and you will grow to be a fine hobbit one day." Estel bowed to all of them and excused himself to step outside.
Legolas, as stunned as the others, stood up and followed. He saw Estel standing, staring at the stars, and placed a hand upon his shoulder. "When did you become so wise, Estel?"
"I have long been grown and schooled in the ways of the world, but sometimes I wish..." Estel said, his voice trailing off.
"What do you wish, mellon nin?"
Estel turned to face Legolas, and Legolas saw the years of worry etched into his face. "Sometimes I wish I were but a child again, where my only worry was not getting caught by Ada."
Legolas was silent for a while, taking in what Estel had said. "Estel, your heart has become heavy as of late with burdens that are not yet to pass. Leave the cruelness of your fellow man behind for a while and remember a time when you were carefree, delighted in the simplest of things. What better place than this to attain that."
When Estel still seemed doubtful, Legolas placed both hands on Estel's shoulders. "Estel Elrondion, you have earned my respect and my friendship. I will stand by you through all that you are and all that you shall be."
Estel fought back the tears forming and returned a wary smile. "You are a gift from either the Valar or Morgoth, I do not know which, but it brings my mind peace to know you are with me, Legolas. To the ends of Arda I will go for you."
Legolas' eyes misted over, and he swiped at them before Estel could see. Clearing the lump from his throat, he stared intently at Estel. "My brother, my friend. All your life I shall stand by your side. I shall rejoice in your life and triumphs, and shall weep at your passing, but never shall you stray from my heart."
Estel could find no words to speak, so he instead smiled his first true smile in some time. "Let us not speak anymore tonight. I have seen the strawberry pie that the hobbit brought out, and my mouth waters for it even now."
Both went back inside to find the hobbits sitting by the fire smoking their pipes. Legolas was stunned that Bell was smoking, as it was unheard of for such a thing in elven cultures.
"Well, sit down. Bell has saved you both some dessert, and by the looks of you both, I daresay you need fattening up. Skin and bones you are."
After a slice of pie and a few puffs from his own pipe, Estel's eyes began to droop. The aches in his knee and hands could not even render him awake, and soon his eyes were closing, even as he sat next to the fire.
Legolas noticed his friend and placed Estel's cloak around him. He, too, was tired, but could not quite fall asleep. His thoughts were on Estel's earlier words. He vowed to himself to help Estel regain the laughter and some speck of innocence. Lying down beside Estel, he too soon found he could not fight the pull of sleep, and his eyes glazed over in much needed rest.