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!
Aranna Undomiel: YAY! I have calmed your torture self, but then again I also love angst!
Slayer3: heheheh thanks!
Estelle1: yes stress free is good
Catmint: ah isn't a bit of fluff just what we all need from time to time
A NuEvil: I have started in the little Estel fic, and will be trying to write the others as well
Jazzcat: Hm if Gandalf dropped in?... you never know.
Elven Kitten: thanks!
Ithil-valon: I hope you liked the fic Revenge I posted about Elrond falling victim to Gandalf!
HarryEstel: Yes SAM who can cry at the drop of a hat, now you gimme JUSTICE! in your fic!
Thank a million for the reviews,they make my day! Now on with the fic
Chapter 13
While Elrond had known his son was well protected while with Legolas, it did not deter the worry he felt. Estel and Legolas were supposed to be back within a fortnight, and yet they had not returned yet. He had questioned any and every ranger or scout that had arrived in Imladris within the last week, and none had seen them. Pacing the floor, the elf lord did not notice the Istari walk in.
"Elrond, I do believe you will wear a rut in that floor yet. Why do you pace like a father expecting his first child?"
"Estel has yet to return, and I for one am worried. He has been gone too long, and his mind was not well when he left."
"Estel is fine. He is with Legolas. Do not tell me you still are as overprotective of him as you once were."
Elrond turned sharply and glared daggers at Gandalf. "What do you mean by that exactly?"
Gandalf placed his hand on Elrond's shoulder. "If I am not mistaken, that was you following in the trees on his first outing with the twins. He was all right then, even if you came back with those vicious squirrel bites, and he will be fine now."
"I cannot take that chance. He is the future of all of Arda, and he is my son. I must go and find him. If you are not coming with me, then go and inform Erestor of my departure."
Gandalf walked to the door. "I will go with you, for I have a fair idea of where they may have ended up."
Elrond, after leaving a distraught Erestor with a pile of unfinished letters to answer, was headed off south when Gandalf caught up with him.
"I think the road west would suit us better, if you wish to find your son."
Elrond's eyebrows rose as he asked, "How would you know this?"
"Let us just say that I, too, can be stealthy when the need arises, and I happened to overhear a certain elf and adan speaking."
"You never cease to amaze me, Mithrandir. Now humor me and let us hurry. I wish to ride swiftly and find them," Elrond said, resorting back to the wizard's elven name. Elrond knew he would not rest again until all his sons were back home, where they belonged.
Estel awoke to find the birds singing, but upon waking fully, he found it was not birds, but Frodo who was singing. He listened to the melody coming from the hobbit and noticed Legolas listening as well.
"Good morning, mellon nin," Estel said softly.
"It is a good morning, Estel, and one where I see you got much rest. It is past the noon hour, and yet you slept so peacefully, I had not the heart to wake you."
"Past the noon hour! Legolas, why did you let me sleep so long? The day is half gone already."
Legolas got a far away look and did not readily answer Estel. "I could not tear myself away from the scenery here. I almost wish to not leave here."
"What do you mean, Legolas?"
"Just look outside, Estel. Here, the grass is green; the flowers in bloom. The trees are alive and speaking as they once did in Mirkwood. Here, I can be one with nature as I was when I was a child. This place is untainted by Sauron's evil, and I will hate to leave it."
Estel knew what Legolas spoke of. He, too, felt at ease here. No answering to his destiny; nothing to give him worry. Stretching the last remnants of sleep off, he clasped Legolas on the shoulder. "Come, my friend. Let us go and enjoy the rest of the day. I know of at least one hobbit that wishes to see you."
Legolas groaned. "It took me an hour to pry his fingers off of my bow. Even the threat of his death did nothing to deter him. How can something only a year into this world have such a vise-like grip?"
Estel laughed out loud. "Those are questions you shall get to ask over and over again today. Come outside with me and enjoy a swim. This time I shall look before I leap."
The day went by far too quickly, with Estel and Legolas sharing stories of Mirkwood and Imladris with the hobbits. Merry and Sam sat in awe at the description, but Frodo seemed far away, lost in some deep thought.
"Frodo, where does your mind wander away to?" asked Estel.
Frodo did not reply at first, until he saw the many sets of eyes gazing at him. "I am sorry. I was thinking of Bilbo, and how he has not returned from his latest adventure. I miss him, and your tales remind me of him."
"Do not fret, for Bilbo is stout of heart and his mind is strong. He will find his way home soon, little one," Legolas said, placing his hand on Frodo's arm.
Frodo shook his head and began to laugh. "I think, my dear friend Legolas, that you have much more immediate things to worry your hours away with."
"What are you referring to, Master hobbit?" Legolas asked, before he turned to see a wee hobbit running away dragging the elf's bow through the grassy field behind him. "Peregrin Took! Stop at once!" Legolas shouted, but all he heard in reply were giggles as Pippin dragged the bow through the grass.
"I will throttle him, Estel, wee babe or not, if he damages my bow."
"Come, Legolas, you know you cannot harm someone so small."
"Did I not hang a certain adan from the tree in the courtyard for touching the same bow?"
Estel gulped, remembering the very incident. "Point taken, my friend. Pippin, stop running, on orders of pain of death!"
Frodo laughed and laughed until his sides hurt at the sight of Pippin trying to bash Estel with the bow, while Legolas tried to pry it from his hands. Legolas had taken a chance and grabbed for the bow, right before Pippin tried to slobber on the strings.
Several hours Later...
"Legolas, stop whittling with that dagger and come over and eat," Estel pleaded. At the sound of a dwarvish curse uttered by the elf, Estel inquired further. "What is so important about this thing you are carving that you would miss the roast beef we have prepared?"
Legolas glared at Estel. "This thing I am carving is for Pippin, so he will leave my bow alone. My bow is still dripping with some sticky substance from his mouth." Legolas saw Estel's face burst into the widest grin ever.
"It is not amusing, Estel! That child is truly evil."
"He is not evil, Legolas, he simply adores you is all. Why not show him how to hold a bow properly tomorrow and then maybe he will respect your things more. Now come, leave that till later, the roast is growing cold."
Legolas laid down the bow he was carving and sat down at the table. The scent of the roast was most appetizing. "Estel, you could not possibly have helped make this, as it looks and smells delicious."
Frodo looked between the two and chuckled, "Estel was a fine helper. He cut all the vegetables for me."
The rest of the meal was spent reliving the day -- of how Legolas looked chasing Pippin and of how in awe the hobbits were of someone swimming in the lake. Many of the older hobbits scoffed at such antics, and some even feared the water. Estel had vowed to teach Frodo -- and Sam and Merry, if they wished -- how to swim. What they did not know was that Elrond and Gandalf were but two days ride away, and their arrival would mean the end of all things.
A/N: Only 2 chapters left, but do not fret I have another fic completed.