From previous chapter of TPL

"…I do not wish to lose you at all, but I especially do not wish to lose you over this. I am not sure that Elladan and Elrohir could ever really forgive me. And that would be too much to endure." The human's voice caught on a sob and he held his breath in an attempt to restrain himself.

"They love you as I do. They know as I do that this was not your fault and if I were to sail, they would hold you blameless. I know you dread the day we will leave Middle Earth, iôn nîn, but have you ever thought that we dread your loss as much as you dread ours? My heart would break to leave you so soon, little one."

Estel turned fully into his father's embrace and settled his face into the elf lord's hair. His father's touch calmed him and he gave the Valar a heart felt thanks that this was not lost to him as he had feared it would be. Nowhere was as safe as his father's arms.

Chapter 11 Valar-sent

After their initial outburst of joy at seeing Legolas, the twins had been unusually quiet, especially after hearing their father was with their brother in the garden. Legolas' concern mounted and he was at the same time both anxious and filled with dread to know what had happened to his friends. Surely if it were some sort of natural disaster or other widespread problem he would have heard of it before reaching the peaceful valley.

When the elf lord and his youngest joined them, it was apparent that Estel had been crying. He gave them all a sheepish grin as he took his seat by Legolas. Elrond settled into his chair at the head of the table and surveyed the four young ones. "I hope you have not found our hospitality overly diminished, Prince Legolas. I would not want word to reach King Thranduil that we allowed his son to go hungry."

Legolas smiled widely at this, knowing it was the response the older elf desired. "I doubt there is any risk in that, Lord Elrond. After all, I have continued to return no matter what the twins subject me to, so it is unlikely I will be easily driven away."

"Hey!"

"Some friend you are!"

The twins' protests were instinctive. These arguments had gone on among the three young elves for centuries. Everyone at the table joined in the laughter, including Estel, which resulted in everyone relaxing even more. The rest of the meal continued with much bantering. The elf lord gave the young ones free reign, simply enjoying the fact that for once since Estel returned, mealtime was not tension-filled. His sons had needed this. Shrugging mentally, he acknowledged that he had needed it as well. Legolas was Valar-sent and he would make sure to let the fair elf know it at the earliest opportunity. However, as the meal came to a close, Elrond sensed a tension from the twins as they exchanged glances and an almost imperceptible nod before Elladan spoke.

"Ada, do you have a few minutes? Elrohir and I have something we need to discuss with you."

Elrond suppressed a sigh. He seemed to be doing that a lot of late. Perhaps he should begin a study on it. "Of course. If you would wait for me in my study, I will be there in a moment."

"Thank you, Ada. You will pardon us, Legolas, Estel?"

"Of course. I will help Legolas get settled into his room and you can join us later." Estel strove to speak naturally. Undoubtedly, the twins were going to speak to the elf lord about their recent decision. At least this would give him time to tell Legolas everything. While it was not a brief story to tell, no doubt the conversation between his father and his brothers would take at least as much time.

Elrond waited until the twins left the room before placing a hand on Estel's shoulder. "Remember what we talked about, Estel, and do not distress yourself. I assume you have much to tell Legolas?"

"Yes, Ada."

"I believe I can delay the twins for a time." The elder elf smiled and placed a hand briefly on Legolas' back. "He has not been well, Legolas. Do not hesitate to call me if he over extends himself."

"Perhaps he should rest for a time. I am perfectly capable of entertaining myself."

"And I am perfectly capable of speaking for myself! I trust you both recall I am here?"

The blond elf smiled and pretended surprise. "Oh, Estel, there you are! I wondered where you had gone."

Elrond chuckled while the human glared.

"Very funny, mellon nin." Estel's voice softened as he turned and spoke to the dark haired elf. "Worry not, Ada. I will not overdo." Estel gave his father a fierce embrace and whispered softly in his ear. "I love you."

The elf lord returned the embrace and turned to leave the room before the human could see the moisture in his eyes. "I will be up to check on you when the twins and I have finished."

The two watched the elf lord until he disappeared into his study, then the Prince of Mirkwood turned an inquisitive glance on his friend.

Estel's smile was sad. "Come, my friend, there is a great deal I wish you to hear."

tbc

A/N I am sorry I am late in posting this chapter. I wish it was because I was getting some work done on the sequel. I replaced this chapter because the title didnt work right the first time. (It isn't my favorite chapter title even when it does work.)