A week had passed and there had been no change in Estel's behavior. He went through his daily routine as he always had – but without any joy. He spoke when spoken to, occasionally forced a smile and watched his manners to the point Elrond grew weary of hearing "please" and "thank you". Watching the boy move made his father think of an elf trying to push a boulder up a mountain. It seemed that every movement took effort…too much effort. The human's studies were also suffering, but no one – his instructors or Elrond - had the heart to call the boy to task. Cook prepared his favorite meals, he smiled and ate the food politely. The twins tried to spend extra time with him when the human would agree to it.. Too often, he would simply smile and say "no, thank you." And he continued to refuse bedtime stories from a heartbroken Elrond.
After yet another sleepless night, the elf lord could bear it no longer. Something had to be done. He awakened Elladan and Elrohir very early to discuss his decision with them. They were both actually rendered speechless. After long moments of staring at their father, they exchanged a long look and simply nodded their agreement. The meeting ended with both Elrond's elven sons in his arms.
xxx
As the lord of Rivendell sat at the head of his table, he thought he had not seen such a sad group at breakfast since his wife had sailed – long before Estel had come to the House of Elrond. He mentally shook himself as he realized he was comparing the losses of his parents, twin and wife to his impending losses. This was not the same, he reminded himself firmly. These loved ones would still be on Middle Earth, even if they would no longer live with him. If Estel could only regain his joy by living with humans, then that is what must be done. It was time to sit his plan in motion.
"Estel, would you like a break from your studies?"
"A break?"
"Yes, I thought you might enjoy a few days" Elrond grasped his control tightly to prevent his voice form breaking. "with Lainon and his family. The twins have some free time and will be journeying there to help Broryl with any work he has. You may go with them and spend some time with Lainon. Would you like that?"
"Shall I pack now?"
"You have barely touched your food, ion nin." At the familiar term of endearment, Elrond felt the press of tears against his eyes. This was his child, even if the child no longer wanted to live with him.
"I am not hungry. May I be excused, please?"
"Of course, Estel. Perhaps Cook will make something you can eat on the road."
"Thank you."
As Elrond watched his youngest leave the room, he thanked the Valar the child's departure was swift for he could hold the tears at bay no longer. In spite of his best efforts, the words slipped from his lips. "He did not call me Ada."
Elladan, seated on his father's right reached to grasp the older elf's hand. "He loves you, Ada. We all love you."
Elrohir left his chair to kneel beside their father. "He did not seem excited to go. Perhaps we are mistaken."
Elrond viewed the situation differently. "He was anxious enough to pack."
"Still, it is not the reaction I would expect if we had been right about his wanting to live with them."
"We have not told him you will be asking Broryl's permission for him to stay. I said only a few days. Perhaps that is why he did not respond as you expected."
"Perhaps." It was obvious Elrohir still had doubts, but had decided to say no more on the subject.
Elladan rejoined the conversation. "Ada, are you sure you will be alright? I do not like leaving you like this."
"I will be fine, ion nin. It is important that Estel be kept safe. The journey would be too dangerous were only one of you to accompany him."
"I suppose you are right, but I will only stay a day or two before I return. Hear me out, Ada. Estel will be safe with Elrohir and Broryl. I need to know you are well." Elladan hesitated, then forged ahead. "Do you wish to postpone hearing of Broryl's decision and Estel's reaction to it?"
"No. I am only thinking of Estel's safety…and of yours. I am not attempting to delay the inevitable. I do not plan on either you or Elrohir making the journey alone on a regular basis. We have discussed this. If Estel is not to reside inside the boundaries of Rivendell, then you must serve as his constant protectors. I will not have you put him or yourselves at risk to check on an old elf." Elrond's smile, while sad, was filled with affection. "You must promise me you will be careful."
"We promise, Ada. But I am sure all 3 of us will be coming back for visits."
Elrohir tried to lighten the mood as much as possible before their departure. "Yes, I doubt Broryl's wife will be able to prepare Estel's favorite dishes the way Cook can!" The younger twin destroyed his own efforts at levity by drawing his father into a fierce hug and whispering "I love you, Ada."
"And I love you, my sons. Now go. You do not wish to keep your brother waiting."
xxx
This trip was slower than their last, as this time Estel was riding his pony instead of sharing a horse with one of his brothers. The elves weren't sure if Estel having a pony when Lainon did not would offend the family, but in the end, Elrond could not bear the thought of separating the child from the animal he adored. The twins had been assigned the task of discussing the importance of sharing before reaching Broryl's. Thus far, however, the elves thoughts had been of their parting from their father and their home and the look on their father's face as they took a final glance back. Now they were nearing the border of Rivendell, Elladan tried to decide the best way to broach the subject of Gwanunig with Lainon, and eventually his little sister. Just as Elladan prepared to speak, Estel spoke softly…so softly Elladan could barely hear the words.
"Why does Ada no longer want me?"