That night, Elrond went to look in on Estel before he went to sleep. He motioned for his other sons to leave and sat down on the bed. "How are you feeling, son?" He asked with a smile.
"Actually...an't wait...to have...operation!" Estel told him excitedly, between grimacing.
"Well, at least I am glad you are no longer terrified of me to let me help you!" Elrond tried to stay positive.
"Not you...Ada..." Estel shook his head. "Know...ou...won't...urt….me. Just scared...of operation."
"Well, as I said, you won't even know what is happening." Elrond assured him.
"Can't wait...or...desserts..." Estel tried to smile. Elrond could not hold back his snicker this time.
"Well, let's get the surgery done first, alright?" He chuckled.
"Right." Estel sighed. Elrond kissed his head.
"Rest well tonight, ion nin. I'll see you in the morning." He said. Estel nodded and buried his face deep into his pillow. Elrond sat with him until he was sure his son was asleep then he made his way to his study and tried to sort his thoughts for tomorrow's procedure.
The next day, Estel was not allowed to have breakfast. His brothers carried him to the healing ward, to one of the hospital beds and set him down. "Come, Estel. You need to change." Elladan said, bringing a hospital gown for his little brother. Estel's throat hurt so badly that he didn't argue. He just wanted this all to be over with! His brothers quickly changed him then settled him comfortably in the bed. Elrond stepped over, smiling.
"There's my brave little boy." He said proudly.
"Not...little." Estel growled in a gravelly voice.
"Are you ready, Estel?" Elrond asked slowly. Estel gazed up at him, worried then looked past him to Glorfindel who was leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed.
"Glor...you stop him...if...hurts me?" Estel whimpered.
"As promised." Glorfindel nodded.
"Still get...desserts?"
"Yes, my son. Yes. It will be your medicine for a while." Elrond answered. He hoped Estel wouldn't come to expect that every time he got hurt or sick, but right now he was willing to make any promises if it would keep Estel from backing out.
"Ready." Estel sighed.
"Okay then." Elrond nodded and leaned down toward him. "Drink this." He handed him a cup filled with pain-killing potion and sleep-inducing herbs. Estel wrinkled his nose at the taste but surprisingly, he drank it all. His father and brothers frowned sadly at that, realizing just how sick Estel really felt. "Very good, Estel. Now just relax and close your eyes. I'm going to send you into a good sleep, and when you wake up, the operation will be over."
"Okay." Estel whispered. Elrond placed his hand over Estel's face and chanted a sleeping spell over him. Within moments, the little boy was completely out.
"Alright, let's get this over with. Elrohir, please bring him to the operating table. Elladan, get my instruments." Elrond instructed his sons. They both obeyed. Elrohir gently carried Estel in his arms and placed him on the work table. Then he covered him up to the neck with a white sheet while Elladan brought a tray of bandages, gauze, and surgical instruments. Elrond heated the scalpel over the flame in the fireplace then came back to the table. "Elrohir, you monitor his vitals. Elladan, I will need you to assist me."
"Yes, Ada." Elladan nodded.
"How is he doing?" Elrond asked.
"Pulse is steady, Ada." Elrohir smiled. Elrond took a deep breath and then began.
It had been a simple procedure, and had taken less than two hours. The tonsils were removed, and Estel was back on the hospital bed, sleeping peacefully. Elrond kept checking for a return fever, but it did not come. He was so relieved. At least now his human son could start recovering and get back to his old self. He had a glass of cool water, and some pain-reducing herbs on hand for when it was time. Now, all he had to do was wait for Estel to wake up.