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! Who I hope will not turn in the fic for replies to reviews.
Slayer3: Thanks! here is more!
Inuyashaloverfan: Welcome to the fic!
Ceyxa: Yes, I do so love Pippin
A. NuEvil: He shall not find out hehehehe
HarryEstel: OF course Pippin is a troublemaker
CKLovesme2040: Yes, rest and relaxation ahhh
Elven Kitten: Thanks, and yes Elrond is getting anxious
Jazzcat: Estel will have to leve the peace behind soon, for his destiny sniff
Ithil-valon: Thanks! I am glad it was moving enough!
Thanks again to all who reviewed it made me smile!
Chapter 14
Estel awoke early, even before Legolas, whose eyes were still glazed over in sleep, and walked outside. When he stepped out, he breathed in the fresh smell of the hay in the fields and the smell of the flowers growing just below the window. All was quiet in The Shire, for hobbits did not wake early.
His mind was at peace here. As he smoked his pipe and watched the sun rise, he heard stirring within. Not bothering to look over his shoulder when the door opened, he spoke. "Legolas, is it not a fine morning?"
"You, Estel, have spent far too much time with the elves. How did you know it was me?"
"Legolas, someone stirred inside, but no footsteps followed to alert me of your coming. Who else could it have been?"
Legolas nodded his head and sat down beside Estel, for the moment ignoring the pipe smoke blowing in his face. "Estel, we were due back a week ago. Do you have any idea when you would like to head back?"
Estel's eyes seemed to cloud over, his thoughts written on his face.
"Estel, we cannot stay here. The problems of Arda still await all who would defend it. The evil grows everyday, from orcs to wargs and even to the foul things that reside in the darkest corners of Mordor."
Estel sighed. Blowing the smoke from his pipe and laying it down, he stared at Legolas. "Here is freedom from all that I must become, all that my destiny foretells. I wish only to love Arwen, to live in happiness in Imladris, and to keep my friends close to me. Why must I rule Gondor? Why must I fight the darkness of the world?"
Legolas did not say anything, only staring off into the fields in front of him. Placing his hand on Estel's arm, he finally found the words. "Estel, it is not for us to decide the fate of Arda. You have been chosen, but fear not, you will not be alone. I will stand by your side. I will fight the foes of Mordor, or give my life to defend yours. Can you not see that neither you nor I can fight the destiny laid out before us? Let us keep The Shire they way it is, beautiful and untainted by the blackness of Sauron."
"You are right as usual my friend, and thank you for helping me to see it. We will leave by week's end, and I will take Ada's wrath for us both."
Legolas burst out laughing at this. "Do you honestly think Lord Elrond will not have me locked away in some room with you. He will not let me free from his wrath, and I assume we will not be seeing daylight anytime soon, after his lecture, of course."
Legolas took out his knife then and picked up the bow he had brought outside. "I must finish this today, for I want to give it to Pippin. He needs it so he will not touch mine, for if he does again, even one wee finger, you will find him hanging by his hairy little feet from the mill."
"It will make a fine gift and one I am sure he will treasure." This produced a very odd sounding snort from Legolas. "As if the bow will survive long in his possession as he drags in through the hayfield."
"Well, do not forget, you promised to show them how to properly hold and fire a bow today."
"I have not forgotten, nor have I forgotten your promise to teach them some skill with a blade. Who shall you choose as your opponent?"
"I think a very regal elfling would do nicely," Estel said, before fleeing from the swat directed at his head.
Legolas watched as Estel ran, hands in the air, straight through the hay field and dived headfirst into the water surrounding the mill. Legolas watched his friend with amusement, until he heard the lyrics of the little song Estel was singing. It was something about the merry girl from Bree, but when he got to the second verse even Legolas' ears turned red in embarrasment. Gathering up his finished bow, he called for Estel to come and have breakfast and both walked into Bag End to wake the hobbits.
"Elrond, do not fret, we shall arrive soon," Gandalf smirked, obviously enjoying the worried, wrinkled brow of the elf lord.
"You speak as if you know something, Mithrandir. I should like to hear just where we are heading."
"I think he has gone where I myself would go, if time and my travels permitted more often," the Istari said, a faraway look in his eyes.
"I would hate to break my solemn vow to myself and send you flying from your horse by a whirlwind of air, but I will if you do not stop with these riddles."
Gandalf choked on his own spit as he stared back to see Elrond staring at him. He knew that he had pushed too far. "I do believe Estel and Legolas have headed for The Shire. What better place to lose yourself, if not in the placid ways of the hobbits?"
Elrond had only seen one hobbit and that was Bilbo years ago. He, himself, had never ventured to The Shire and had only heard tales of it. He wondered what Gandalf meant by a placid place.
"Estel, please show Sam how to hold the sword proper before he flays you alive," Legolas quipped.
Estel had snorted at this, but did instruct Sam how to hold the wooden sword Legolas had carved him. Estel was amazed that the elf had been so diligent in his work. He was still watching Pippin toddle about with his new bow and Legolas, who was ever watchful of his own. The elf had slept with the bow last night and when Estel had tried to slip it away, he was rewarded with a slap to the hand.
Estel's gaze had been so distracted that he was startled when Sam brought the wee sword down on his hand. It was not the pain which had alerted him first, it was the brazen laughter by Frodo.
"Master Estel, you have been bested by a child, a hobbit child, at that."
This called an end to the days training and, with the growl of Merry's stomach, they all went inside for dinner --freshly steamed taters, chicken, and fruits of the sweetest kind. Legolas did not know how the hobbit managed to raise strawberries that melted in your mouth, but he wanted to find out. He noticed the hobbits took pride in their chores. True, they stopped often for ale and a smoke, but they would till the land morning and night and speak of their harvest to any who would listen.
All settled in for the night, dreaming of quieter things after silencing the snores of Estel. Little did any of them know that tomorrow would be the last day for the elf and ranger. Estel, himself, fell asleep that night at peace, content with his life here and yet missing his family. He was torn, for here there was no destiny, no call to defend against evil, only solitude.