Summary: Estel feels he must prove himself worthy to many, one in particular
Disclaimer: I do not own any of them, lest they be covered in drool
A/N: Of course it is AU!
Reviewers!
Aranna Undomiel: Celeborn can be funny if he wishes hehe
Elven Kitten: thankies!
Darkloverfan: here is your update!
Catmint: I do so love your reviews, as they mean a lot
Ymmas Sirron: LOL, I do not think Estel knows but he will
Slayer3: Estel tied to a pole hmmmmm LOL
Coolio02: of course he does, he is Estel
HarryEstel: hehehehehe
KerowynGreenleaf: yes I too love Estel, he is my fav.
Well sad to say but here is the last chapter, and typing away on my new one
Chapter 7
The morning sun woke Estel early, and he flung his feet over the side of the bed. Knowing they were not to depart for several hours, he decided he would walk amongst The Golden Wood one last time. He did not know when he would get the chance to return, and he wished to bask in the beauty that not even Imladris held.
He had not made it very far when he heard the laughter of elves. Wanting to know what could cause such merriment at this hour, he followed the sound. It led him right to Haldir and his brothers, along with many other of the Marchwardens of Lorien, all gathered around a fire.
"You are to be praised regardless, Orophin, for you traversed outside Lothlorien - with an adan no less - and lived to tell the tale. It is a wonder he was not the one to shoot you."
Estel was about to turn when he heard all laughter stop. Knowing it was impolite to eavesdrop, but wanting to know what would be said he eased closer to the group. What he did not hear was the arrow being notched, and pointed at his throat.
"Look what we have here," the elf said, pushing Estel into the gathering of other elves.
"It seems the adan wishes to know how you feel," Valandil said pushing Estel so hard he hit the ground.
The elf who had been talking began to laugh as Estel stood and brushed off his tunic.
"Seems the sayings are true, adans are as clumsy as dwarves, although a little less hairy."
Haldir was furious, and the elf never knew the slap was coming until he felt the sting of it.
"How dare you speak to Estel in this manner. He is the son of Lord Elrond and you will speak to him in a manner befitting his title."
The other elves glared at Haldir, but did not retaliate back.
"I will not mock his name from this point henceforth, but do not expect me to respect an adan. What is his worth, other than being the son of Lord Elrond?"
Haldir walked directly over to Gwindor and pulled him close. "He has proved his worth to me, in battle and in name. You would do well not to speak to me again about it."
Gwindor was shocked, and he was to preoccupied to notice the arrow coming towards him until it struck the tree beside his head. The entire gathering of elves were on their feet, bows drawn in an instant, and all saw Estel walking toward Gwindor. Pulling his arrow out of the tree, he turned to speak.
"That is the difference between you and I. Your arrow would have slain me without first knowing who I am. I, on the other hand, would never judge someone by their race or lack of title. I would judge them on their character and loyalty."
Estel did not want to be near Gwindor any longer, and he walked off to prepare to leave The Golden Wood. He was saddened to know his last memory of the place would one of harsh spoken words.
"Estel, hurry up!" Elladan shouted to his brother.
Estel was cheered by his brothers' words, and he raced down the flet. His injuries were almost healed, and he was eager to see his Ada again.
All three of the sons of Elrond stood at the gates to Caras Galadhon. Galadriel and Celeborn and many warriors had come to see them safely off.
"You will come again soon and visit," Galadriel said, wrapping her arms around Elrohir.
"It will not be more than a few years, I promise."
When she had finished hugging the twins, she turned to Estel, who had been standing off to the side. Amongst a gasp, she then hugged him, bringing him close to her.
"You, Elessar, are welcome anytime. Do not keep yourself from our borders too long, and know that you are welcome here."
Estel returned the hug and smiled. "I will hurry back soon, for I owe Lord Celeborn a favor."
This had Galadriel's eyebrows raised in confusion, but Lord Celeborn acted as if he knew nothing. Estel knew he had not spoken to the healers about when he had escaped from the healing flet, and that was a feat anywhere, Estel knew, because for years he had escaped his father's healing ward, only to be dragged back by Erestor or Glorfindel.
Elladan and Elrohir mounted their horses and Estel was about to mount his when Haldir stepped from his post.
"Estel, a moment, if you would," he called out to him.
Estel looked to Elladan and Elrohir, having told them of the earlier confrontation, and both nodded their heads. When Haldir neared Estel, he visibly flinched, not knowing what was going to be said, but knowing it would not be too harsh in front of his Grandmother and Grandfather.
Haldir stopped only inches from Estel and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Estel Elrondion, to you I pledge my friendship. It was an honor to fight alongside you, and if I have the chance in the future, it will be an honor to fight with you again. You are not adan from this moment on, you are a brother in arms and in heart."
Estel smiled, a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. He then did something that shocked everyone, he engulfed Haldir in a hug. The Marchwarden's face of shock was enough to send the twins into snickers behind him, but Estel cared not.
Gwindor, not knowing a bit of decorum if it hit him directly in the head, stepped forward.
"You accept, Estel in battle, in brothership?" he asked, clearly not understanding.
"Aye, it was Estel who carried me when I was felled. It was he who offered his horse for me to ride, while he walked, and it was he who killed many that tried to take me down in my weakened state,"
"I understand that, but would not any of us have done the same?"
"Yes, Gwindor, you would have, but Estel did all of this and yet he was injured as well. He did this not out of duty, but out of friendship and compassion for his fellow brother; therefore, he has my trust and my loyalty."
Gwindor looked at Estel through new eyes and then, knowing how foolish his earlier words had been, he bowed in front of Estel, his hand going to his heart in a gesture of penance.
This marked the first day of a lifelong friendship. Haldir knew not what the adan's fate in Arda would be, but he would stand by his side until the end.
