Brightly the stars are shining tonight and I urge you to let them light up your heart as I am sure they are more than willing to do. I offer you now the third part of the tale.

-ooo-

Imladris III 2944, Hrívë 15

Part Three, in which there is too much snow and a fire does not melt the… meal.

Estel was sure the Snow Gods were against him. He was not entirely sure they existed, but if they did they were certainly against him. Because, it was most definitely not he who had decided that all the snow the heavens owned should drown the world this very day. Drown Imladris' courtyard. Where Estel was currently standing. And had been, for nearly twenty minutes.

It was not funny.

The only thing that made it bearable at all was that Legolas was standing right beside him.

Stamping his feet in the snow for the hundredth time that afternoon, Estel tried to warm himself; his gloves were close to giving up and letting the wetness inside. Grumbling, he brushed away the next heaps of snow that had landed on his shoulders. He glanced over at ada who was speaking to Glorfindel as usual. His sister was there as well, draped in a white woollen cloak that almost made her disappear in the snow. The entire Mirkwood Company was present, as was Elladan and Elrohir who both had an incredibly hard time standing still.

A particularly large snowflake settled on Estel's nose and his only comfort was that eventually he would win as the snowflake would melt. Stamping his feet once again and rubbing his hands together, he decided that this was one of those afternoons that had begun brilliantly but soon became quite bad… and very, very wearisome.

Breaking his stance, Legolas turned to him with a puzzled look. "What are you doing?"

"I am trying to stay warm."

Legolas' eyes widened. "You are cold?"

Estel stopped his movements and gave the prince a severe glare as he figured that was actually his right. "There is a lot of snow here."

"And you are human…" said Legolas slowly.

Really, it was stating the obvious, but Estel was quite content that the elf had paid enough attention to him to notice.

"You must be freezing!"

Shrugging, the human put on a brave face. "No," he said, trying to sound unconcerned, "I am just a tad bit chilled."

Legolas, however, would not let him get away with this. "You should be waiting indoors."

Oh no he would not. Granted, he was upset with the snow, but no way was he going to leave now – during one of the few times when Legolas was right beside him.

"But–" The prince closed his mouth and then a smirk replaced his concern. "Or…" he said and slipped off the woollen mitten he wore on his right hand.

More watching than feeling, Estel saw how Legolas reached for his hand and pulled off the left glove. Then his hand was encased in the warmth of a soft grasp and finally the woollen mitten was slipped over the whole arrangement.

"You are cold," said Legolas with a hint of wonder to his voice, but the smirk was still there. "Lucky I am warm, then."

If it had not been so undignified, Estel would have squealed out of sheer joy at their joined hands. "Thank you," he said instead, feeling – feeling! – the elf give his hand a small squeeze.

Maybe he could do a little squealing later, when Legolas was not around to hear him.

"It is much better this way, do you not agree?" said Legolas with twinkling eyes.

"It is beautiful," said Estel breathlessly.

That was when the first cheerful singing of small silver bells was heard through the snowfall and around the bend suddenly a large party of elves led by two proud horses, one brown and one white, could be sighted. At least it looked like only elves, but when the party drew nearer Estel thought that the figure atop the brown horse looked strangely familiar.

They kept up a good speed despite the weather and they were singing and laughing as they rode. It was soon obvious that it was the two leaders that were responsible for most of the din. Estel looked over at ada who was wearing a peculiar, wry smile as he turned to Glorfindel and said something. The elf-lord shook his head and smiled, he too. The silver bells chimed and rang out among the heavy snow-covered trees.

A booming laughter suddenly pierced the air and managed to drown out the rest of the noise. Then Estel knew.

"It is Mithrandir!" he beamed excitedly at Legolas. "I was hoping he would come here for the Solstice – and now he has!"

Oh, this would be a terrific Solstice! When Mithrandir was around, one never knew what to expect and it was great!

Legolas was nodding. "Yes, ada said he might travel with him to Imladris."

Estel turned back to the swiftly approaching party from Mirkwood. "That is your ada?" He peered through the snow at what allegedly was King Thranduil, but he could not make out very much. "What is he like?"

"You will see," smiled Legolas mysteriously.

Suddenly the situation disturbed Estel a little. He had never before met King Thranduil of whom he had not heard a lot. It was also possible that he had not listened very intently when he was told about him, but nevertheless the result was the same. Now, how was Estel going to impress the King enough so that he might see why Legolas should spend as much time with him as possible? What did Kings like? He knew what his own ada liked (books) but Elrond was a Lord and not a King.

Troubled and slightly nervous by now, Estel wondered if there was a great difference between a Lord and a King, and why not everyone could be called 'Lords' or 'Kings' to make it much simpler. Maybe he ought to ask Glorfindel about this before he undertook any mission to make Thranduil like him. The problem being though, that Glorfindel – if he had indeed already told Estel about this – would then understand he had not listened attentively. Darn it.

During his ponderings the party had come to a halt in the courtyard and was now sliding off their horses and unloadening them. The tall, broad-shouldered King who was already on his feet shrugged the snow out of his wide, dark green cloak and pulled back the hood, revealing thick blond hair and a piercing, bright blue gaze, much like his youngest son's. His jaw line was sharp and his forehead high; his demeanour was altogether impressive and Estel swallowed. Then, the King of Mirkwood's face broke into a wide grin and he spread his arms wide.

"Elrond, mellon nin. Suilad!"

"Blessings of the season," Elrond replied with an amused look. "I hope your journey hither was not too hard upon you."

"The snow was no match for us," said Thranduil. "Or what say you, Mithrandir?"

The elderly wizard was shaking the snow out of his beard and off his hat – to no avail as more was constantly attacking him. "Hah! I have seen worse!"

Elrond came down the steps to greet them properly, followed by Glorfindel. Absentmindedly, Estel wondered if it would not be simpler for his ada and the famous elf-lord to tie their arms together with a cord. They were almost always together anyway. But of course, that may not be very comfortable. Estel himself doubted that he would enjoy being tied to anyone.

Maybe to Legolas.

After the initial greetings were over and done with (and Arwen had blushed appropriately at being called 'stunning' several times) Thranduil spun around as if in search for something, sending new whirls of snow playing in the air.

"What have you then Elrond, done with my son– Ah! Legolas!"

Grinning, Legolas waved at his father with his free hand and Thranduil returned his smile. They met halfway, the King taking a few steps towards them with his long legs, and Legolas running fast atop the snow. Estel distantly saw the prince being enveloped in a huge embrace that nearly swept him off the ground, but all he really could think about himself was how cold his hand was without Legolas keeping it warm for him.

The mitten lay in the snow beside him, and slowly he bent down to pick it up. It was all snowy and a little wet. He had not noticed that before. He felt very lonely all of a sudden, standing in a white swirling sea as everyone was talking amongst themselves. The horses were being led away one by one, and the Mirkwood party was ushered inside to where the fires were.

King Thranduil had a hand on his son's shoulder and was speaking with Glorfindel. Elrond and Mithrandir were laughing and Arwen was admired by everyone who had not met her before. Elladan and Elrohir were nowhere to be seen. Sighing, Estel tightened his grip on the mitten and kicked at the stupid snow. On top of it all, he was hungry.

Cloaked figures were passing him by without taking any notice of him. It was just as well. They could have their fun if they wished. He paid no attention to them.

Not until a hand landed on his shoulder and urged him to turn around. He did it extraordinarily reluctantly just to make a point out of his misery. When he saw who it was, he immediately regretted it.

"Estel?" Legolas' eyes were large and worried and beautiful. "Is something the matter?"

"No," he said.

The prince was not convinced.

"Are you upset because I left you on the stairs? I did not mean to do it so abruptly, but I have not seen ada in two weeks…" He trailed off and watched Estel uncertainly.

Pouting just a little, Estel cradled his bare hand in his gloved one. "I know…"

"I am sorry," said Legolas urgently, "but it is not very often I am away from home like this… on my own, you know."

No, Estel did not really know as he had not left Imladris and Lord Elrond – ever. Since he came here for the first time that was, but that did not count because he was not leaving then and had not known Elrond before and so… It was actually rather confusing. Truly thinking about it, he supposed Legolas had had every right to run to greet his father.

"I know," he repeated but was not able to erase all of the gloom from his voice. "I should be sorry. I had no right to be sulky." He figured that he could at least own up to it. "Oh, here is your mitten," he added, holding out the woollen item.

"And here is your glove," said Legolas, brightening. "I never gave it back."

Looking up from the exchange, Estel found they were alone. "Everyone has gone inside. We should too."

Legolas looked as if he was about to agree but then changed his mind. "If you are not very cold," he said, "maybe we could stay out here for a little longer?"

He took Estel by the hand and led him behind a nearby shrubbery that was almost hidden by masses of snow. Frowning, the human was about to ask him what they were doing here, but he was given no chance. For as soon as Legolas faced him, his mouth was covered by a pair – a warm pair – of lips.

Startled, but deliriously happy, Estel kissed the prince back. He moved his lips in whichever way he fancied, hoping that he did at least something right. He closed his eyes when he remembered that to have helped the last time. Legolas' hands were resting on his shoulders.

Into Estel's mind flooded that mist he had come to understand had something to do with being close to the golden elf. It almost toppled him over, but Legolas' hands grounded him effectively in reality – and what a beautiful reality it was! Sliding his lips over Legolas' mouth, he heard a small sigh coming from the prince. From what he could tell, it did not seem to be a sigh of boredom.

Suddenly recalling a brilliant moment from the kiss in the library, Estel – with a tiny tingle in his breast – opened up his mouth a little. Legolas must have felt a similar tingle because he responded by parting his lips to let Estel's tongue dart forth and explore a small space of the warmth. The tip of Legolas' tongue met his, and the spark in Estel's breast grew almost into a flame before he had to break the kiss to breathe.

Legolas' eyes were glazed and glittering at the same time. His pale cheeks matched the snow very well, but his lips were as red as holly berries. He smiled when a second snowflake landed on Estel's nose, and before the human knew what was happening, Legolas leaned forward and kissed the snowflake away.

Stunned, Estel only knew that this was the most wonderful afternoon of his life.

"Do you know," said Legolas in a shy voice. "I think we should change again."

He slipped one of Estel's gloves off his hand and removed one of his own mittens. Then, he handed it over to Estel and slid his hand into the glove he had just claimed. Estel was left with one glove that was his own and one mitten that only a second before had belonged to Legolas. He slipped on the glove and regarded his mismatching garments.

"It is beautiful," he said reverently.

-ooo-

The same booming laughter met Estel as he, a half-hour later, stepped into the dining hall. Mithrandir was sitting by the fire-place, apparently telling a tale of some sorts, and around him were assembled all who would listen. A great crowd, in other words.

Now dressed in a dry and warm set of clothes, Estel trod forwards and stepped up to Glorfindel who was listening to the wizard with only half an ear. His attention was divided between Mithrandir and Elrond, currently in conversation with Thranduil several feet away.

"Glorfindel?"

A smile crossed the elf-lord's face. "What can I do for you Estel?"

Wavering, Estel was again not sure if he wanted to ask his tutor about the question regarding elven ruler's titles. Shrugging, he sank down on the armrest of Glorfindel's chair.

"I just wondered about Thranduil, 'tis all…"

It was not the most eloquent way in which to word a question. In fact, it was rather vague.

"And what is it you wish to know?"

"Only, I have never met him before…"

Giving a small laugh, Glorfindel winked at him. "He can be quite overwhelming at first meeting, would you not say?" When Estel nodded, he continued, but now with a more serious tone in his voice. "In the company of family and friends, the King of Mirkwood is easy to speak with and laughs much. When faced with political issues and enemies… Let us say he is an interesting acquaintance."

"He and ada are good friends?"

Glorfindel sighed. "Yes, and no. Well, yes. Their opinions differ at times and they do not always agree on the proper way to govern the lands. Mirkwood – once Greenwood the Great – is a darkened realm these days, but it is not Thranduil's fault. Elrond knows, though, that it is wiser to be his friend than his foe."

Estel frowned at this piece of information. "But they seemed happy to see each other today?"

The ancient elf-lord placed a hand on his arm and smiled. "They were – and are – happy to see one another. Disagreeing does not mean fighting, Estel. They know each other well by now, and Elrond was a good and supportive friend when Thranduil's wife, Legolas' naneth, passed away some years ago."

"She is dead?" Estel asked, wide-eyed. "That is awful!"

"Such are the circles of this world. But without death there would be no life." Glorfindel nodded towards the cloth-covered window-openings. "If the winter did not make sure that nature might repose and rest, spring would be bleak and weary indeed."

Chewing on his lower lip, the small human tried to grasp it all. One death became such a great concept when put in perspective. Finally nodding, he rose from the armrest, just in time to notice that Mithrandir was done with his tale.

Now it was that the eyes and the hearts of Eru, the great gods and goddesses, desired for things to take a new turn.

Just as Mithrandir was straightening in his very comfortable chair, his eyes landed on the human ward that Lord Elrond of Imladris had taken into his house, and to his heart. Estel was constantly present in the wizard's thoughts as he knew more about the boy than the boy did himself. What he saw though, when his gaze settled upon him, was another youngling coming up to greet him.

The youngest leaf among Thranduil's children, the fair and clever Legolas, was shuffling his feet beside Estel, and if the wizard's old eyes did not deceive him, there was a faint blush glowing in his cheeks. Narrowing those eyes of his, Mithrandir thought he saw something not even he had predicted.

'Manwë, this you did not tell me,' he mused.

Intently he watched as Estel grinned and shrugged one shoulder with a light about him that was completely new.

Ai, Elbereth…

And to himself, and to those who were even wiser than he, he smiled.

-ooo-

Supper was a most tiresome affair. Estel was seated with his family and his family was seated with the most prominent members of the Mirkwood party, but to his dismay he and Legolas were separated by far too many chairs. Picking at his food, he listened to Thranduil complaining about the dwarves and his father speaking of the orchards. Who cared about orchards anyway? It was winter!

Impatiently he fidgeted in his seat and more than once dropped his napkin to the floor. Arwen elegantly fished it up for him twice before she pointedly refused to do it again as he would not learn his lesson and sit still. All of this she told him with but one glance. It was actually quite remarkable, but Estel had been far more amused had it been someone else she had glared at.

In the end he was saved by Mithrandir who had scarcely spoken two words to him since his arrival.

"Estel?" The really, really old wizard leaned forwards and caught his attention. He was smiling funnily behind the bushy white beard. "Why do you not run off to the library and see if there is something in there that you might like? And why do you not take Legolas with you?"

Estel glanced over at ada uncertainly.

"Oh," said Mithrandir. "I am sure your father could spare you." Raising his voice a little, he asked, "Elrond?"

The Lord of Imladris was listening keenly to what Thranduil was saying about something else that did not interest Estel, and he only nodded vaguely without taking his eyes from the King. "Hmm?"

"See?" beamed Mithrandir. "He approves."

Judging that it probably was alright – after all he had been good and sat through a Meal of Eternity – Estel rose from his chair and surprised saw Legolas do the same. And then swiftly they slipped out of the dining hall.

Once in the hallway, Estel shot a puzzled glance at Legolas who grinned.

"I overheard you," he explained.

"But were speaking very low."

Shrugging, Legolas looked unconcerned. "I have good hearing."

They trod down the hallway in companionable silence and only shoved each other a bit upon entering the dimly lit library.

"I like it so much in here," said Legolas after they had made it through the doorway without too much trouble. "Your ada must truly like books."

But Estel found it hard to look at anything else but the glass bowl that stood upon the floor in front of the low-burning fire.

"What is that?"

In utter bewilderment he fell to his knees beside the bowl. Legolas dropped down opposite of him.

The bowl was filled with some of the strangest contents Estel had ever seen. In the bottom there was something white and glistening. It looked like snowballs made of milk or cream… and sort of covered in water. Running across the white stuff there were several strands of a honey like substance, but much darker. Crossing those, were others of an even darker colour… nearly black in the poor lightening. In the very base of the bowl, some of the milky white stuff had collected in a pool, and it was leisurely mixing with the brownish honey-thing.

But this was not all. There was something resembling a long, thin cookie stuck into the whole creation, and a bright red cherry lay on the very top of the small mound. There were bits and pieces of something dark too, randomly sprinkled atop the whole thing. These… flakes had the same colour as the darker… sauce?

Legolas' eyes narrowed as he cast a suspicious look at the construction.

"So, what do you presume this is?" he finally asked.

Estel shook his head, as befuddled as before. "Never seen one like it…" He glanced up at the prince. "Do you think it is dangerous?"

"Mithrandir told us to come here. I do not suppose he would endanger us by presenting us to… this."

Legolas looked not as sure as might have liked, but Estel had already decided for himself that if he was about to die, he was happy to know that at least he had spent his final moments with the golden prince.

"Wait!" said Legolas suddenly, reaching for something that lay almost hidden by a pile of books. "Here are two…" Holding up his hand, he looked even more confused. "…spoons."

Estel's jaw nearly fell open. "You eat it?"

"Apparently so," said the elf.

Accepting one of the spoons, Estel once more eyed the bowl and its contents. Some more of the white stuff had turned into sauce too and joined the pool. If the mere thought had not seemed so totally absurd, he would have said that it, whatever it was, was melting.

Swallowing, he lowered his spoon as Legolas did the same, an expression of deep concentration in his features. Scooping up a mouthful, he noticed that the white-brownish mess was soft. He exchanged one last, strengthening glance with Legolas and then he warily brought the spoon to his mouth and ate.

It was cold. And it did melt – in his mouth – as if he were eating snow! But there was undoubtedly more substance to this than there was to snow. And it was sweet. And Estel found it absolutely delicious.

By the look on Legolas face, he was sharing Estel's opinion and soon they were both grinning wildly.

"This is so much better than carrots!" Legolas stated.

"And squash!" countered Estel immediately. "But then," he added thoughtfully, "there is a lot that is better than squash."

Legolas made a face – a brilliant one – and then tried a second bite.

Estel was not sure it could actually be called a 'bite', but one could not very well say 'sip' or 'drink' either. It sure was confusing.

As it turned out, it did not matter much; it was soon established that even if this was going to kill them, they had no intention of leaving for Mandos before all of it was eaten.

Legolas broke a piece of the thin cookie and scooped up some of the dark brown sauce with it. "Try this," he said and held it up for Estel to see.

Now, this was a tricky situation. Since the end of the cookie that was directed at Estel was soaked in sauce, there was no way for the human to touch it with his fingers and not getting all sticky. And the dry part was held by Legolas. He hesitated, thinking he might balance it on his spoon when Legolas winked at him.

"Open your mouth."

Estel did as he bade. He had no other option really, and in any case – who was he to refuse?

Feeling the small tingle from before awaken in his breast, he held his breath as Legolas leaned closer, over the bowl, and carefully popped the cookie into his mouth. He closed his lips reflexively (he was certainly not chewing with his mouth open!) but was rewarded with another gift as Legolas placed a quick kiss upon them.

With growing warmth in his cheeks Estel tried to chew gracefully, but it did not seem to matter to Legolas whose gaze had fallen to the floor and who was smiling the most endearing smile ever.

-ooo-

"Do you want the cherry?"

Estel gave the last piece of this strange meal a small nudge with his spoon.

"No, you take it," said Legolas.

"I think you should have it," prompted Estel. "Remember how you gave me your cookie two weeks ago?"

The prince bit his lip. "Are you sure?"

Nodding decisively, Estel fished up the cherry for Legolas to eat. The elf picked it up between his thumb and his forefinger and bit into it. He removed the pip and let it fall into the bowl with a short, sharp clank and then ate the rest of the berry.

Estel was watching him dazedly and altogether floating in a wonderful mist of happiness. Therefore he did not notice the door opening and two figures stopping short at the sight of them, until… well, until the door was open and ada and Glorfindel were staring.

"Estel?" Elrond asked.

"Prince Legolas?" said Glorfindel. "What in the name of Ilúvatar himself are you doing?"

"Are you eating in the library?" Elrond demanded, looking rather angry. Then his demeanour changed again as he spotted the bowl in which the last of a sorry sea of light brown, thick liquid showed. "What is that?!"

Legolas turned around to face them. "Not carrots," he smiled.

"And it is not squash!" Estel said triumphantly.

-ooo-

Here ends the third part of the tale. In one week you shall have the fourth, and the last part.

As for the elvish, it is all Sindarin and translations are as follows:

ada – dad/daddy

mellon nin – my friend

suilad! – greetings!

naneth – mother

Until next week, remember to cherish yourselves and your loved ones. And the cookies.