Disclaimer: I own naught. It is all owned by the genius of JRR Tolkien.

A/N: Sorry about the hiatus. Things have been hectic with university and various other things in life. Anyway, without further ado here is the next chapter.

CHAPTER TEN

"Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love."

Age: 9.

"But why can't we take Felan with us?" Elrond couldn't keep track of how many times in the past two days Estel had asked that same question. If he was a less patient elf, the Lord of Rivendell would have probably lost his marbles (i.e. what was left of them anyway) a very long time ago. However it was much too early in the morning, in fact some of the last stars of the night sky were still shining, and he was tired. They all were. Elves did not necessarily need sleep in the way that humans did but they did like to rest every so often and sometimes they did fall into a slumber. Elrond had found that life with a small and very energetic human child required more rest than he had previously needed even back when the twins had been young and the Valar knew how much of a handful they'd been.

"Estel, I rather doubt Thranduil will be quite as happy to have a dog in Mirkwood as we are." said Elrond, admittedly the thought of the look on Thranduil's face did quite amuse him. "I think it is best that Felan stays here."

"Not to mention if he's here at least we'll know for sure he will be alive when we get back." Elrohir whispered to Elladan but was met by a less than impressed glare from their father.

Estel had been looking forward to the trip to Rivendell for days and hadn't been able to shut up about how much he was looking forward to seeing Legolas again (much to the twins' annoyance). It was a big milestone in the sense that it was the child's first time traveling beyond the borders of the hidden valley. Elrond and the other elves had always been very careful about protecting him, knowing who he was and what some would pay to get their hands on him. The road to Mirkwood however was safe and a change of scenery would do him good. Admittedly Thranduil wasn't necessarily pleased on the idea of having Estel in his home but all the same Thranduil also knew he didn't really have much of a choice in the matter.

"But ada, he will be lonely here on his own. And I want to show him to Legolas!"

"Here we go…." Elladan muttered. It wasn't that they didn't like Legolas, he was indeed their friend but with how Estel had been going on about him for the past few days they couldn't help but to feel a little bit replaced, just like wen when Legolas had visited Rivendell nearly two years earlier.

"I'm sure Legolas will understand. Besides, Felan will be well looked after by Glorfindel and Erestor, won't he?"

Glorfindel nudged Erestor in his sides. "Ahem. Yes, certainly my Lord. He will be well looked after indeed." Erestor bent down to ruffle Felan's fur but the puppy ran to hide behind Estel instead.

"But ada, Felan will be miserable. Erestor and Glorfindel won't play with him. They're boring!"

"Estel!" Estel quickly fell silent. Elrond was using his most serious tone voice and he knew that meant he was in big trouble. "That is very rude and not a nice way to speak about Erestor and Glorfindel. You should be grateful aier. It is very selfless and kind of them to look after Felan for you while we are away and you know how busy they are. Now apologise."

Estel sighed but finally admitted defeated. He might be a stubborn child but he knew better than to argue with his father when he was in that kind of mood. So he did as he had been told and turn around to Glorfindel and Erestor whom both stood with their arms crossed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said. Thank you for looking after Felan.

"That's quite alright Estel. We will make sure he's well looked after until you come back." said Glorfindel with usual honey-smooth voice.

"And might I also add, we will play with him. I might be old but the Valar knows I haven't lost my sense of youth just yet." Erestor added

"Come now son," Elrond told Estel "Say goodbye to Felan, we're already a little bit late. Thranduil is expecting us for supper."

Elladan couldn't decide who looked sadder, the nine year old boy or the dog. It was rare to ever see the two of them apart. Even when Estel was doing his studies Felan was usually sleeping under his desks during a history lesson. Estel hugged Felan and buried his face in the dog's fur. Felan clearly looked upset but it was as though he understood what was happening even though Estel hadn't told him yet. He licked Estel's cheek and obediently went and sat next to Erestor. Eventually they all mounted their horses, Estel didn't have a pony of his own yet so he was sat behind Elrond whose horse was a beautiful grey mare named Thinel and after all the goodbyes they were on their way to Mirkwood.

To be continued…

I know this was a fairly short chapter but then again it is a ficlet. I hope you liked it either way. Please R&R.