Hiding from Chocolate

The snow was falling thickly now. Big, fluffy flakes that would likely cover the grass and the paths around the Last Homely House East of the Sea in a matter of minutes. They danced in the wind that fell from the peaks of the Misty Mountains into the Hidden Valley, a sharp, cold breeze that tore at his braids, inviting them to play along.

Legolas did not mind. The howling of the wind covered what little sound he made as he crossed the wide yard, passed the rose garden of Celebrian and made for the large oak at the edge of the forest. It was an old friend, a silent companion, and a perfect hiding place from his overbearing guards.

He sighed in joy as he rested his hand at last against the rough, cold bark, connecting to the tree to share in its song, its slow and peaceful spirit. It was a welcome, momentary reprieve from the bustle inside Imladris' halls as the Hidden Valley prepared for winter and it was a blissful moment of solitude, without his ever-present guards watching his every move.

Logically, Legolas knew that they were merely following orders. He had heard his father's words himself and knew how unforgiving he could be if they were not followed to the letter. But what danger could befall him here in Imladris? The borders of Elrond's realm were well protected, the very air filled with a blessed peace unlike anything east of the mountains - except perhaps Lothlorien. All he wanted was to embrace that peace, the freedom to lay down his burdens but for a little while.

A sudden rustle of leaves startled him, and he looked up, instantly on guard. It seemed he had not been quite as alone as he had thought. Large, silver eyes looked down at him from a perch a few meters up, the gaze filled with curiosity and an edge of suspicion.

"Legolas?" Estel asked, his voice a whisper that was almost swallowed by the wind. "Did Adar send you?"

Legolas almost laughed at the note of affront and trepidation. Clearly, Estel did not wish to be found. The boy had come to the old oak for the same reason as he had. "Fear not, tithen pen," he said even as he scaled the branches of the tree himself, securing a seat close to Estel, "I am also on the run."

He winked conspiratorially at the little boy and was rewarded with a relieved grin. "Good," Estel sighed, his breath forming a tiny cloud in front of his face. He shuffled closer into his jacket, seeking warmth in the thick material. His cheeks were already a deep red and Legolas absently wondered just how long the boy had been hiding out here.

As the silence stretched, he let his gaze wander over the fields and gardens below. There was little activity outside as most everyone was searching for the warmth and companionship indoors. He spotted Elrohir, a thick woolen blanket draped over one arm, walking into his mother's garden. Their eyes met over the distance and through the falling snow and Legolas gave a subtle nod. Elrohir looked relieved. But Estel must have caught the gesture and misinterpreted it.

"Who are you hiding from?" Estel asked him, his voice still a whisper. "Are they coming?" He sounded anxious - clearly, he was taking not being found very seriously and Legolas decided not to mention Elrohir for the moment.

Instead, he winced overdramatically, and said with a long suffering sigh: "Thalion. He can be a bit … overbearing."

Estel gave a grave nod that was endearing on a face so young, looking for all intents as if he had seen all the hardships of this world already. "As can Elrohir," he agreed, then elaborated with dramatic affront: "He wanted me to come inside to warm up and get hot chocolate."

"Do you not like hot chocolate?"

Estel looked sheepish at that. "I do," he admitted, squirming a bit, "and Ro's chocolate is the best, he always adds extra honey just for me." The boy shuddered as a cold breeze blew past and snuggled deeper into his clothes, rubbing his hands. His gaze drifted back towards the main building with clear longing, but he caught himself swiftly, scowling instead. "But I am old enough that I do not need to be coddled all the time." He said the word as if it was something distasteful and Legolas suppressed a smile.

"Indeed you are," he said placatingly, "you have grown much since last I visited."

Estel swelled with pride and Legolas continued while he had the little boy's ear. "But it seems to me that the grown-up thing to do would be to ask for the things you need before someone comes to give them to you. That way you will not be coddled but will still be warm - and in possession of hot chocolate."

He smiled at Estel encouragingly as the boy considered his words. The wind still rushed through the leaves of the ancient oak tree, bringing snowflakes that dusted Estel's hair. And on the yard below them, Legolas had spotted Thalion, slowly but determinedly walking towards them. It seemed his own moment of peace was about to come to an end as well.

"Being grown up, also means to know when the patience of your guards will run out." Legolas said to Estel, winking and pointing out both Elrohir and the approaching Thalion. "What say you, we return to them before they come to fetch us?"

Estel's answer was a determined, joyful nod. "And then we can all have chocolate together!"

-o0o-

The End

A/N: I have had this short piece finished for a while, but haven't had the chance to post it because I was busy posting 24 days of ficlets and then Attack on Umbar ever since. But now that I find myself feeling bad to not be updating AoU and in need of some hot chocolate, I thought this would be a great little offering. Alas I couldn't even drink hot chocolate right now, my tonsils are so swollen I can barely get any food or drink down and my feverish brain is what has prevented me from editing AoU these last one(... two?) weeks. As soon as I am better and trust myself to edit without mixing up the twins I will post the next update - promise. Until then I hope you enjoy this small, sweet, and chocolatey offering :)