Chapter 2

In the woods, Estel had ended his run by slumping against a tree and sliding down the trunk. Gone was the well-groomed man-boy of the morning. Tears had mixed with the dust of the plain to make dirty snail tracks down his cheeks. He had torn his tunic and his leggings on brush as he crashed to the center of the wood. His hair, sternly combed into submission earlier, had once again found its natural state. His sobs died away, leaving him with a grief that seemed much deeper than that usually felt by a disappointed boy. "Maybe I am now a man," he thought dully, "for surely only a man's heart can hurt so much. A boy's is not big enough." He would normally, after such tempestuous feelings were spent, heave himself off the ground and head home for comfort. But this time his grief was too deep for a quick return to hugs, a bath, and a tuck into bed. Something inside seemed broken beyond repair.

Much later a sudden noise made him look up alertly. He might be miserable but he was not raised by warriors for nothing. He slowly reached for his boot dagger. He had ended up in a small clearing, and across from him was a large bush. At that moment a head thrust itself through the leafy branches – a long black head, topped with two small, prick ears, a dished profile and a dainty muzzle. The little horse that ran away! Estel looked up toward the sky with annoyance. "Thank you. It is not enough to be rejected by the entire herd of Unchosen, now I am going to be rejected by the rejected!" (He had not forgotten Elladan's scornful words about the little horse.) "Go away! Go on!" The head disappeared, and Estel felt, if anything, worse than before.

There was another rustling and the head appeared again, closer. Estel stood, and the horse shied off. But then his head appeared yet again, and he snorted, twice. Without stopping to think about what he was doing, Estel slowly sank onto his heels, and stretched out his hand.

"Come, my beauty. Come, my own. Come, and I will love you. Come, and we will fly together." The little horse pranced nervously. He took one step forward, then two back. Estel began to sing.

"Come, little black one. Come, fiery heart. Come, wild one; I will not tame you. Come, disdained one; I will cherish you." The horse stared at Estel. He raised, then lowered his head, as the boy continued his blandishments. He then walked carefully, as though solemnly, until he placed his muzzle in the outstretched hand. Estel slowly, so very slowly, rose to his feet. The little black horse placed his nose right against Estel's face. In a flash, the boy remembered Legolas' description. We shared breath and I was Chosen.

Estel drew a long, slow breath and then exhaled, through parted lips, a soft, sighing, "Ah." The horse breathed in deeply and then himself exhaled against Estel's mouth. Estel drew in the sweet breath, redolent of meadows. For long moments they stood as statues, tasting each other's life. Estel was struck through with awe and wonder. He was Chosen.

The spell was broken when the little horse drew away from Estel's face and began to nudge his chest. "Oh! The cake! That is supposed to be next, is it not?" The horse nudged again and he dug it out and crumbled it on his palm. The black muzzle quickly whuffled it away. Estel's hand caressed the neck of his new companion. "Shhhh, steady now, here we go…" He clambered up onto his new steed's back and was instantly bucked off.

"Ai!" Estel rubbed his backside as he slowly got to his feet. The horse stood, blinking mildly, making no move to get away. Estel moved cautiously to the horse's side again. "Did I do something wrong?" The horse rubbed his head against the boy's arm. "Well, let us try it again, then." Whish! Thump! "Ow!"

"We have a problem. How am I to ride you home in triumph when I cannot ride you at all?" Estel got to his feet again and circled the glade, thinking hard. Right behind him followed his new, albeit unrideable, friend.

The boy came to a conclusion. "All the Unchosen are supposed to be trained, but if no one thought you would be a warrior's horse, maybe you were not. Hmmmm." The circling and thinking continued. The horse gave up after a while and stood in the middle of Estel's circle, hipshot and dozing to the monologue.

"Well, I could just lead him home, but they might take him away, either to get me a different one or to train him – either way I will not allow that. Or I could…no, it is impossible to keep anything from…but if I…no, I already tried that when I was nine, they will not have forgotten…" Estel froze. "What was that?" He ran protectively to the horse that now stood with raised head and pricked ears flicking forward and back.

A figure stepped into the dark clearing. "Who comes? I am armed, I warn you!" Estel pulled his boot dagger again and prepared to defend himself and his steed.

"Peace! Oh mighty warrior, do not kill me!"

"Legolas!" Estel hurtled across the clearing and engulfed the newcomer in an unusually ardent embrace. "Well come! Oh, you are most well come of anyone on Arda!"

The elf held him off and inspected him, seeing signs of joy and sorrow on the young face. "Your family is worried about you, and I, too, when I heard what had happened this day. I came at once to find you. But, I am confused," he said, pushing a small black horse away from his shoulder. "I thought you were not Chosen."

"I was not. Then I was. It was wonderful – just like you told me it was for you. But, Legolas, there is a little problem," he pulled Legolas closer until he could whisper in his ear. The elf choked and had a short, unaccountable coughing fit.

"I – I see… that could make riding home somewhat problematical."

"Do not laugh at me! What am I going to do? I do not want anyone else to know. In fact, I want them to…but I do not know how…Wait! YOU can help me – you have had many horses, trained them yourself, you told me so!"

"Yes, but –"

"Except, I want you to help me, but I want to do the training myself. He must be all mine, in every way. Also, not everyone may think he is a good horse; well, maybe not anyone, really, but if we can prove that he –"

"Enough! Stop! My head is spinning – tell me slowly, from the beginning, everything that has happened."

"Then come and sit down by me and I will. But you must promise to help me."

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Not long after midnight, an elf and a young human walked from the small wood and found Elladan impatiently waiting, hoping that Legolas would have eased the heart of his brother.

Elladan smiled at Legolas but went down on one knee before his little brother. He took one grimy hand in both of his. "Estel, I am sorry for what I said. Anyone, elf or man, adult or child, would be sorely grieved by what happened today. Will you forgive me?"

Estel hugged his brother tightly. "Of course I will. I know how much you and Elrohir wanted this to be a happy day for me. I will be fine."

"You will?" Elladan looked to Legolas questioningly. The other elf shrugged.

"Can we go home now, I am very tired."

"Indeed, little brother, you have had a long, hard day. Let us go. Will you….will you ride up behind me? I would not ask, after today, but it is a long way and if you are tired…"

The boy sighed artistically. "Very well."

Legolas handed him up behind Elladan and then mounted his own horse. They started for the valley and Estel wrapped his arms around his brother's waist, snuggling against his warm body.

Estel's heavy eyelids began to close, but not before shooting a flashing, laughing glance to the other elf by his side. Legolas winked back.

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The next day, in the library of the Last Homely House…

"I am amazed at how well he is taking it. I thought, after what you told us, Elrohir, that we would have a rougher time of it."

"I know, Ada, so did I - if you could have seen him…I nearly cried all the way home!"

Glorfindel spoke up from where he leaned on the balcony. "We should offer thanks to the Valar, Illuvatar, and anyone else we can think of that Legolas chose now to visit us again. That is what is saving us."

Elrond nodded. "Yes. Estel adores him; we should encourage them to spend a great deal of time together. Can you do without Legolas on the archery field, Glorfindel? I know you like to take advantage of his skills when he is here."

"Anything for a quiet life!"

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In the hall outside the library….

The figure pressed against the door suppressed a chuckle and then tore off through the corridors to a certain guest room.

"You will not believe it! It could not be better! They said," He put on a somber, concerned expression, "We should encourage them to spend a great deal of time together."

Legolas laughed, but then questioned, "Are you sure you do not want to tell them?"

Estel grasped the other's arm tightly. "No! It must be a surprise! You promised you would help me!"

"As I will. I just wanted to make sure you had not changed your mind. (Estel shook his head vigorously) Very well. I have been thinking and this is what we will need to begin with: some thin rope, some metal rings, a bridle, and a girth that they use for the pack animals. That should do for now. Oh, and a little honey! Can you get those things and hide them close to the path?"

"It is as good as done! And I have been thinking too; I have thought what it is that you must tell the others. Listen…."

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Later that night, in the Hall of Fire, when young men have long been sent to bed….

Elrond smiled and gave a relieved sigh.

"That is a wonderful idea, Legolas, and a matter of great condescension on your part. I would not normally so impose on your good nature, but needs must."

"I protest; it will be my pleasure! A week or two out and away from Imladris will be good for Estel just now. And you know I like his company well."

Elrohir spoke up, "He tells you things, mellon nin. Perhaps he will speak his pain to you and lessen it. You are not so impatient with him as we sometimes are, nor do you get as annoyed at his high spirits."

Erestor snorted. "Huh! Anyone can deal with being shot with his own arrows, nearly drowned, or accidentally poisoned on an occasional basis."

Laughing, Legolas spoke again, "Well, perhaps year-round would test my stamina beyond its limits, but I think I will survive a se'enight or two. It is settled, then." He smiled into his wine glass and only Glorfindel saw and wondered.

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The next day – the plateau above Rivendell

As soon as they rode onto the plateau, Estel saw his little black horse, grazing on the plain. He let out a breath he did not even know he had been holding. He was still there. Waiting. Estel and Legolas dismounted and walked toward Estel's horse.

"Call him and let me take a good look at him."

Estel turned wide eyes to his friend. "I can not!"

"Why?"

"I have not given him a name!" He looked at Legolas apprehensively. Surely he would never hear the end of this, not if he lived as long as an elf. But Legolas was not laughing.

"That is well. Naming is not lightly done. You must choose as well as he did. You will find the right name soon. And look, he is not waiting to be called – here he comes."

The horse trotted up to Estel and put his muzzle in the hand outstretched for him. Estel caressed the satin cheek and pulled the long forelock. Then he took a deep breath and turned to the elf.

"Now, please, tell me about my horse. Why Elladan said he should be culled. He is mine, and I love him, but I would know the truth."

Legolas nodded and briefly touched the boy's face. "You are growing up indeed. So. Let me see this horse that chose so wisely. Here, you stay at his head so that he does not move as I walk about him." Legolas stepped back to get an overview and narrowed his eyes. He came forward again and ran his hands down the slender legs, testing tendons and joints. He worked his way around the animal, feeling every limb for strength and soundness. Estel murmured into one dainty ear whenever the horse shifted uneasily during the examination. At last Legolas stepped back.

"Well?"

"Run."

"What?"

"Run. Off that way." He motioned with his arm. "Go on; he will follow, and I will be able to watch his gaits and bearing."

Estel nodded and dashed away, calling, "Come, little black one!" and the horse trotted after him.

"Faster! Run. In a big circle around me. Larger than that! Faster!"

Legolas watched closely and felt a stirring of excitement. What exactly did Estel have here?

The stride was long and elegant, ground-covering yet with a higher action than seen in elven horses. The body was short, close-coupled, with long legs. He seemed to float along with a very high tail carriage and his tail streaming like a flag behind him. He was very nimble, and perhaps faster than his size would suggest. His nostrils were very large and his neck extremely arched. In motion or still he was perfectly proportioned.

Estel suddenly collapsed to the ground and the horse slid smoothly to a halt and pushed at him with his nose. "I…can…not…run…anymore!" gasped out Estel.

"I have seen enough. Do you want to know my thoughts?"

Heaving air into starved lungs, Estel just nodded.

"He is beautiful. I think his sire or dam came from Harad, though how that should be I can not imagine. We will look into it perhaps, when we have time. I have seen drawings of horses like him, drawings done by those who have traveled far and kept diaries of their adventures. He is small, but not by so very much. Glorfindel started a fashion for tall horses in Imladris, but ours in Mirkwood are often not that big; mine is a hand shorter than those of the twins. That dished face and small ears are exactly like those portrayed in the book I saw. If I am right, he will have great stamina and speed, little though he is. Estel, have you lounged about enough? I thought you were in a hurry to train your horse?"

Estel scrambled to his feet, still panting. "What do we do first?"

Over the next two weeks, Legolas helped Estel train his little black horse. They moved farther from Imladris for more privacy and to be near a stream for convenience sake. For the most part everything went smoothly, as noted in a little journal Estel kept of his new adventure.

Day 2

We put the bridle on today. The Black (I am calling him that until I find the right name) did not mind it at all. Legolas had me rub honey over the bit before we put it in his mouth and he liked it very much. I accidentally got some honey on Legolas' sleeve and the Black spent the rest of the day trying to lick and bite it off. I did not know Legolas could become so cross!

Day 4

We put the girth on him today to get him used to tight things around his belly. He did not like it. Legolas was cross again. After dinner, I rubbed the place where the Black kicked him with liniment since he could not reach it very well. I kept giggling (it was his backside!) and he said the Black and I should both have been culled. I put on my best 'hurt feelings' face so he sang for me. I have never been happier in my whole life.

Day 5

I have driven the Black all over this little valley with the long lines that Legolas made. They run from his bridle through some rings on the girth (see Day 4) and back to me where I am walking behind him. This way he can learn to respond to the bit without the distraction of my weight added, as well. He learns quickly and Legolas says I may try to sit on him in another day or two.

Day 8

Today was so wonderful that I do not have words to express it. I rode him.

Since the first day, Legolas has been draping an arm across his back, gradually pressing down more each day (I am not tall enough to do that). That was to get him used to feeling weight on his back. This morning we put on his bridle and Legolas said that it was now or never. I stroked the neck and back of my beautiful horse and lifted my foot for Legolas to throw me up. I landed as lightly as I could but the Black jumped a little. Then Legolas began to lead him around. At first he walked stiffly and sometimes gave a little hop, but soon he seemed to be used to me on top instead of on the ground! Legolas finally let go and I was really riding the Black for the first time. Legolas said I could not canter or gallop yet, but soon we were trotting all around the valley. I think I might have cried just a little, from happiness. After supper, I tried to tell Legolas how grateful I was to him, but he would not listen and said I was a tiresome bore sometimes. I love him so much. When I was little, I asked him if he would be my friend. He did not answer for a long time and I was afraid he would say no. Then he said, "It is a hard thing for an elf to be friends with a man, but I will be your friend, little one." I still do not understand why he said it would be hard to be my friend, but I want us to be friends forever.

Day 13

Today Legolas and I rode together. We galloped and even raced a little. My heart is so full I can not write it. I am so thankful for such a friend as Legolas and for my little black horse.

Day 14

We moved camp back to the cliff edge today. Tomorrow we return to Imladris. Once we reach the foot of the cliff Legolas will go ahead and make sure everyone is there for my grand entrance. I do not think I can sleep. Legolas said he will give me something to make me sleep. I said I do not like potions and will not drink it. He grinned and said that I will surely drink it. I like him better cross than when he smiles at me in such a way.

End Chapt. 2

A/N
Estel's horse is patterned after the Egyptian-type Arabian horse, which I naturally decided existed in Harad.This story is an homage to Andre Norton (the "Chosen"; although hers and mine are different) and Walter Farley (if you don't know why, you've never been a horse-crazy 13 year-old).