We have come now to the last part of this tale. Together we await the turning of the year and the new light that shall shine down upon us. Be sure to let it into your life and your heart.

Imladris III 2944, Hrívë 20-21

Part Four, in which there is scheming and friction. Hopefully enough.

What truly was going on in the hearts and minds of all dwellers in Imladris, both permanent and temporary, was a matter known only to the Valar themselves. And I daresay, rather amused they were.

The Lord himself, who had seen both great joy and great sorrow throughout his many years, was gladdened by the loving bond that was slowly – but not as discreetly as the younglings might have wished – developing between his human ward and the youngest of Mirkwood's princes. To him it seemed that the power of the inevitable future, whatever grief and hardship it might bring, was now somehow mingled with renewed hope and joy. For this, he was utterly and profoundly grateful.

Where he was standing now, in the storage room that lay next to Estel's bedroom, he ran a hand over the smooth surface of a wooden wall panel, meaning to sigh and say something philosophical about said future. Instead, he abruptly pulled away his hand and regarded it with a look that carried what could only be described as displeasure.

"I see my youngest has been neglecting his duties," he ascertained.

Glorfindel looked up from where he was sitting atop one of the chests that had been stored away as Estel grew and so consequently needed more space for his clothes.

"Everyone knows that dusting is a quite tedious business, Elrond."

The Lord of Imladris sent his friend a reproachful glance. "Of course it is," he said. "But I have no desire to see Estel grow up a spoiled man."

"Very wise of you," nodded Glorfindel and went back to examining the yellow item he was holding. Another one, identical to the first, was lying in his lap. "Do you really eat these? Are you sure? Or are you secretly trying to kill me?"

"If I had wanted to kill you, I would have done so a long time ago." Elrond walked over to one of the closets that had for some reason remained hidden from view for many years. "This is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship… I ought to have it cleaned and brought to my chambers."

"You 'ought to have it cleaned'? Cannot you do it yourself?" teased the blond elf-lord. "Hmm…" he continued, "I suppose you are right. So you peel off the skin? It is all terribly suspicious." He set to work, tearing the skin away from the fruit. "I have never seen anything like it before, and I am ancient!"

Elrond scooped up some of the dust that was resting on top of the closet. "I pride myself in not being spoiled. But I just might force Estel to do it… since he really should have done it already." He cast a glance over his shoulder. "Yes, peel it off. The fruit is rather sweet actually. It is rarely seen in these parts but I was fortunate to be sent a load from the western lands."

Glorfindel looked like he highly doubted his words, but continued his assault on the fruit. When he had managed clear away all of the thick, bright yellow peel, he held his reward up before him tentatively.

Elrond did not fight the urge to roll his eyes. "It will not attack you."

"One never knows," said Glorfindel, eyeing the fruit distrustfully. "One never knows." Carefully he bit into it and chewed just as warily.

"So? You verdict?" said Elrond as he watched the chewing and the swallowing.

To even his own surprise, Glorfindel brightened visibly and smiled cheerfully. "I like it. I do like it!" He took a second bite and nodded vigorously. "Not bad at all," he said when he had swallowed this one too. "Hah! Wait until I present one of these to Thranduil – he will not know how to react!"

"Because you have known about the existence of these fruits for so long..?"

"King Thranduil does not know that," protested Glorfindel as he lovingly regarded the fruit. "It shall be great fun, indeed."

Elrond turned to face him fully. "How old did you say you were?"

Glorfindel winked at him from atop the chest. "One is never too old to have some fun."

Smiling a wry smile, the Lord shook his head. "We should–"

He got no further as a cry erupted in the hallway and the sound of two pairs of feet running wildly interrupted him.

"My sons…" This time he actually did sigh. "Come on Glorfindel, let us find out what they are up to before they have time to involve Mithrandir and the whole of Imladris is set aflame."

"Coming, coming…" grunted Glorfindel as he reluctantly slipped down from the chest, oblivious to the other yellow, unpeeled fruit that fell to the floor with a faint thump.

-ooo-

Estel was wandering about, mindless of anything else but the bliss in his heart and the sparkling mist that was now a constant resident in his head. He was so happy! He was so happy it was hard not to smile all the time. He probably smiled in his sleep too, but naturally he could not know that. But he liked the idea.

He was even happy when Legolas was spending time with Thranduil, like he was now. It somehow made Estel even happier to see him when they met up afterwards. Together – Estel and Legolas that was, not Legolas and his ada – they had built a high tower of snow outside in the courtyard. Together, they had helped with the decorating, and together they had roasted loads and loads of pumpkin seeds in the kitchens. As Legolas had never done that before, Estel had showed him how to, and then they had gotten all slimy and then Legolas had thrown some slime at him… and they had been chased out of the kitchens… and… it was beautiful!

The day was drawing to a close. Anor had, during the past days, had a hard time shining through the heavy clouds and now she was preparing to leave the skies for Ithil to take over. It was the day before the Solstice and Estel would have preferred to spend it thinking about the golden prince and maybe admiring the cookie he still kept by his bed. As it was though, things took a little unexpected turn…

"Little brother!"

"Wait up!"

Turning around, Estel saw his brothers hurrying down the corridor towards him. Alike in both appearance and body language, the twin sons of Elrond slowed their pace and smiled simultaneously.

"What are you doing here all alone, Estel?" inquired Elrohir with a distinctive twinkle in his grey eyes.

"We expected to find you with that blond prince of yours," said Elladan, causing Estel to blush furiously and, very much, involuntarily.

"He is not 'my prince'," he tried, hearing himself how he stuttered.

"Oh no?"

"We are quite sure he is," said Elrohir. "As we are also quite sure that you, little brother, is very much in love."

"I–" Estel bit his lip, not wanting to lie and yet greatly confused. Yes, he wanted to spend all of his waking hours in Legolas' company, and yes, he felt that tingle in his breast when the elf came closer and…

… they had sort of kissed.

"I really like him," he said with a shrug, hoping he came across as indifferent.

This seemed to satisfy his brothers for Elladan placed a hand on his shoulder and gave an affectionate pat. "Of course you do," he said as Elrohir nodded understandingly. "Everybody likes Legolas."

They resumed their stroll down the hallway and walked in silence until Elrohir frowned and stopped. "Brother," he said, "were we not supposed to deliver a message to Estel?"

"Ah!" exclaimed Elladan in a most dramatic way. "We were indeed!" He turned to Estel and looked down upon him. "Ada wishes you to clean that old closet of his. You know, the one in the storage room next to yours. Only the gods know why he wants it now, but maybe he desires to give it to Glorfindel?" He shot his twin brother a playful glance.

Estel frowned. "Why would Glorfindel want a closet?"

"That, little brother, is unknown to us," said Elrohir. "Anyhow, you have been chosen to clean all specks of dust from it, and we suggest you do it as soon as possible since the Solstice celebration is just around the corner."

"But… I have better things to do!" This did not seem fair at all to Estel. If ada wanted to give Glorfindel a dusty closet for the Solstice, why could he not clean it himself? Grumbling, the small human kicked at the floor. "Why should I have to do it?" he complained.

Sinking down to his knees, Elladan surveyed him. "The quicker you do it, the quicker it will be done," he said. "It cannot be that bad. Is it not your duty to regularly wipe off the furniture in that room?"

Estel felt another wave of heat wash over him, but of a different kind this time. He squirmed only a little in front of his brother. So he had been neglecting his duties for a couple of weeks… More precisely since Legolas had arrived in Imladris, but that was understandable! At least to him.

"Off you go, little brother," said Elladan. "Maybe work proves to be more rewarding than you believe at present?"

-ooo-

Still grumbling, Estel balanced a large bowl of lukewarm water in his hands. He had hung a soft wash cloth on his arm. The storage room lay in semi-darkness even after he had lit a handful of candles and now, as he placed the bowl on the floor, he heaved a long sigh. The closet loomed before him, looking like an enormous mountain of carved wood. It would take him most of the night cleaning it if he did not ignore the intricate designs that seemed to attract dust like honey attracted flies.

He worked for some time, wiping and washing, cleaning and swabbing. He wondered what Legolas was doing and if he missed him… His father had most certainly let him go by now and maybe he was looking for Estel? Thinking about Thranduil sent a sinking feeling through his stomach. Estel had very neatly avoided the King of Mirkwood since they were properly introduced by ada but he was constantly worried that Thranduil might not approve of him for some reason. Which reason, he did not know, but surely there could be one?

Opening the closet door, he peered inside. In the poor lighting he spotted two rather large cobwebs and undoubtedly there were more. Estel was not afraid of spiders but that did not mean he wanted to spend an evening with them.

He unwillingly stepped inside and continued his work. He was so absorbed in his task, even though he did not like it, that he completely missed the low voices that drew nearer. And then, before he knew what was happening, a soft body crashed unceremoniously against his own, accompanied by a squeal of protest.

"What–"

"No!"

"You–"

"Stop it!"

Two identical laughs rang out and then the door to the closet closed and the lock clicked ominously.

"Ouch!"

"Estel?"

"Why did you poke me?"

"I did not mean to, it is my toothbrush."

Estel blinked in the darkness but could not at all make out the form of Legolas that lay sprawled at his feet. "Legolas?" he asked just to make sure.

"Yes?"

Not wanting to come off as uninviting or such, he worded his amazement carefully. "What, ehm, are you doing in here?"

"'Twas your brothers' fault," grumbled the elf as he tried to sit up properly, judging by the copious amount of shuffling carried out in the darkness. "I was brushing my teeth… I still am, actually," continued Legolas with a hint of wonder in his voice.

"Brushing your teeth?" echoed Estel, still slightly puzzled by the recent events.

"Yes, and I am sorry I poked you."

"No problem… Ouch!"

"Oh!"

Estel heard the sound of something landing on the bottom of the closet as he fiercely rubbed his shank. Then, their positions were somewhat revised as Legolas grabbed hold of his tunic but only managed to pull Estel down as well. He landed more or less in Legolas' lap, with his arms trapped beneath his chest.

"The walls are slippery," stated the elf.

"I have been cleaning them," grunted Estel into Legolas' tunic.

"I see," he said before his voice took on a worried tone. "Are you hurt?"

"Nah," said Estel bravely, "only a bit sore."

He untangled his arms and tried to push himself off Legolas. It did not prove to be very easy as he saw nothing of what he was doing, and nor did it become easier when Legolas caught his shoulders and stilled his movements.

"Wait," he whispered.

Abruptly the atmosphere changed and into the darkness crept the full understanding of the situation. Estel felt his breathing become shallow as he realised that he was entirely alone with the golden prince in the closet. The prince that maybe… maybe… he was, oh gods, that maybe he was… in love with.

Despite the darkness he blushed.

Oh, what was he to do?!

Feeling inexplicably uncomfortable, Estel twisted in Legolas' grip. Now he would destroy everything and Legolas would hate him and he would finally receive that scolding.

"What is it?" asked the prince anxiously as he let his hands fall to give Estel the space he suddenly needed.

"I…" began the human but found he had managed not to continue. "I am sorry."

"About what?"

"Well… you know…"

"No..?"

Right now, the darkness was not a bad thing. Nevertheless it would have been nice to see Legolas' expression in this so very important moment.

"Well," Estel took the deepest breath he had ever taken. "I am really sorry and I do not mean to offend you, but you already know that I like you very much, and these past weeks have been so brilliant." He took another breath, feeling his cheeks burning up. "They have been the best weeks of my life, and I know I am only thirteen, but even so. And now I think I am in love with you."

He refused to exhale.

"You are in love with me?"

Legolas' voice was like a whisper and he did not sound like he believed the words he had just been told.

Estel nodded even though he knew Legolas could not see it. "I think so," he added quietly.

The elf was silent for a while and Estel forced himself to breathe. It would not do to faint, not now.

"Why would I be offended?" Legolas finally asked.

"I do not know," said Estel. And it was true – if he were to consider it. "Because you are a prince?"

"That is silly. I am not offended. Estel…"

A tentative finger trailed down his cheek, a little uncertainly, but at least it did not poke him in the eye.

"Yes?" he breathed.

"I think I love you too."

With eyes widening, Estel stared into the darkness while his heart jumped for joy. "Really?"

"Really."

His courage returned in an instant and without hesitating he threw himself at Legolas and pressed his lips against the elf's. At least he hoped that he caught his lips and he seemed do have done alright because Legolas pulled him close and kissed him back.

Things had just turned interesting, which meant that Legolas' lips had gotten a bit moist, when the elf gave a small shriek and a shove. He caught hold of Estel and together they bumped against the door which unexpectedly gave way and so they both tumbled out upon the floor.

"What was that?!"

Confused, and rather disappointed for the kiss was really good, Estel glanced towards the closet. Then he smiled.

"Only my wash cloth," he said. "Nothing dangerous."

"Oh," said Legolas a bit sheepishly. "It was all damp and cold." He pointed at the closet door. "Looks like the lock is old and rusty."

Estel was getting to his feet and was trying to brush all the dust from his clothes. "Ada shall have to change the lock then, before he gives the closet to Glorfindel."

"Why would Glorfindel want a closet?" said Legolas incredulously.

Shrugging, Estel looked about the room. "No idea."

Then his eyes landed on something else, lying innocently on the floor. "Look! It is one of those yellow, squash-things!"

Legolas scrambled over to where he was standing and in the dim candlelight he bent down and picked up the fruit. "We seem to discover new things all the time, you and I," he said. "Do you think this is Mithrandir's doing as well?"

Estel eyed the strange-looking item. "Do you think one eats this one too?"

Legolas smirked brilliantly. "Only one way to find out."

And so it was that when morning came, and Elrond and Thranduil who had been worried ever since breakfast when neither Estel nor Legolas had showed up, opened the door to the storage room. What they found in there was not only a half-cleaned closet and a bowl of dirty, cold water, but also their sons, contentedly sleeping with their arms wrapped securely around each other. What remained out of sight, though, was a discarded banana peel resting on the floor in the shadows.

-ooo-

The Great Hall seemed to be gleaming all by itself as if the walls were on fire in the most discreet of ways. (Mithrandir was looking very pleased.) Food and drink upon various plates and trays, and in many bowls and glasses, covered an entire table and as one of the heavy curtains had been pulled away from the window-opening it normally shielded, the blazing fires roared freely in their places.

The night was growing and singing and laughter filled the room as Estel made his way forward. He was a bit shaky since he had bumped into Arwen in the hallway and disturbed her and some Mirkwood-elf in a kissing moment. He shuddered, not at all wanting to think about his sister kissing someone! Lucky for him, she had shared his sentiments and with blushing cheeks she had rather urgently shooed him away. It was all a bit scary, to be honest.

"You are looking very handsome, little brother!"

Elladan and Elrohir appeared out of nowhere and joined him.

"Is that the robe Arwen made for you?"

"Yes," Estel nodded, glancing down at the silvery grey material. "It took her ages, but now it is finished."

"Very handsome indeed," said Elrohir. "And I am sure Legolas will agree."

"Did you have a nice time in the closet?" Elladan smirked.

Somehow knowing that he had a choice here, Estel lifted his chin a little. "Perhaps," he said. "But you ought to know that was a most impolite way of handling the prince."

"Ah, a thousand pardons."

"We are very sorry," said Elrohir, putting on a mask of sincere regret Estel did not know how to interpret. "We only did what had to be done."

"Did it… lead, shall we say, to anything constructive?" asked Elladan innocently.

"Perhaps," repeated Estel, "if professing our love for each other is anything to go by."

With that, he sauntered off, leaving his elder brothers with their brows knitted. He was not sure if what he had said strengthened their case, but the words felt comfortable on his tongue, and that was all that really mattered.

Ada and Glorfindel were standing by the open window looking very dressed-up and neat. They were undoubtedly discussing something important for the space between them was almost none. Estel chose another direction and almost choked on his breath when he saw Legolas leaning against the wall and looking positively astoundingly beautiful.

Dressed in a tunic of shimmering green and dark, dark brown leggings, Legolas nonchalantly bit into an apple that helped the vision along by wetting the prince's lips in a delightful way. The firelight caught his golden hair and toyed with it idly.

Estel felt the floor dissolve beneath his feet and he was once more floating in that haze. Moving as gracefully as possible, he came up to Legolas who greeted him with a glorious smile.

"Apple?" he asked.

"Maybe later," said Estel.

As the night gradually reached its peak, all of the assembled elves drew nearer to the window that only Lord Elrond and Glorfindel had previously occupied. Estel tugged at Legolas' arm and together they wound their way towards it too, just as the darkest moment of the night covered Imladris, and the rest of Middle-earth.

They did not stop until they stood only inches away from the Lord himself and had nothing before them to hide the darkness outside. Legolas slipped his hand into Estel's. The human smiled shyly and was about to say something when a heavy hand landed upon his shoulder and spun him around.

Immediately loosing contact with Legolas, Estel stared straight into the stern and penetrating gaze of King Thranduil of Mirkwood.

"So," the King said, his eyes narrowing, "you are what keeps my son so distracted these days."

It was not a question but even if it had been, Estel would not have been able to answer it.

"I noticed not at first, but then, as the days followed one by one, it dawned on me that Legolas had found something here in Imladris that inspired him more than my company could ever do." Thranduil's mouth made an odd grimace. "You are not what I had expected."

Licking his lips, Estel really wanted to explain but how was he supposed to do that? How could he describe the tingle within? Or the happy song that was in his heart? Or the wonderful sensation of harmony when he kissed Legolas? Thranduil most probably did not want to hear about that.

Thranduil kept on staring. "I confess I am surprised."

"I am sorry," whispered Estel with despair hovering on the edge of his words.

"You are sorry?" The King's eyes narrowed even more. "For what are you sorry?"

"For… taking so much of you son's interest away from you?" he tried.

Thranduil stood frozen in his posture before him for a handful of terribly long seconds, almost a whole minute. Then, he laughed.

Estel blinked at him.

Suddenly patting his shoulder rather forcefully (as he was quite strong), the King of Mirkwood kept on laughing. "That day was bound to come at some point," he said when he had regained his breath. "I was simply not prepared for it just yet."

"Oh," said Estel.

"My son is happy when he is around you, I can see that. I allow you to spend time with him."

"Thank you," breathed the human as that was, funnily enough, all that he had desired in the beginning.

"Just make sure he does not sleep on the floor too often," the King added with a wink.

"I promise."

"Good," said Thranduil, fixing his gaze on Legolas instead. "Ion nin… You are happy here, are you not?"

"Yes, ada."

To Estel's delight, Legolas recaptured his hand and held it firmly.

"I love Estel."

The fog threatened to overwhelm him, but Estel fought it knowing that he would not impress Thranduil if he passed out now. Life sure was full of these important moments!

"Very well, very well…" said the King thoughtfully – and not without a hint of sadness to him, but recognisable only to elder eyes. "Then I am happy too," he concluded and Estel felt a long breath he apparently had been holding finally escape him. This caused Thranduil to laugh heartily once more. "Nervous were you?" he boomed, causing every eye that was not already trained upon them to settle there. "Ah, it is good to know I have not lost my capacity to insert fear in people!"

Legolas tugged at Estel's hand and the human drew his eyes away from the King. The elf was smiling a smile of relief. "You alright?"

"I think so," said Estel a bit faintly.

"Thranduil!" A second booming rang out nearby. "If you have solved you family issues then maybe you would like to try some of that cider?"

A very competitive Mithrandir was regarding the King with an eyebrow raised. "Or perhaps you dare not challenge me?"

"Hah!" exclaimed Thranduil. "I shall show you how it is done!" He cast a final glance upon Estel and Legolas. "You have fun, younglings! Do not sleep on the floor Legolas, and," he bent down and said in a conspiratorial whisper, "stay off that yellow, squash like fruit over there. Glorfindel said they might be poisonous. "

Estel and Legolas watched him take Mithrandir by the arm and walk off with him towards the table.

"I should tell him they are not dangerous," Legolas said. "But right now I have better things to do."

He clasped Estel's hand to his chest and in a floating motion turned them back to face the sky outside.

The night was slowly giving way and a faint light could be seen far off on the horizon. The silver stars shone brightly down upon the hidden valley and smiled as they took in the sight of the small human boy who one day would become a great Man, and the young elfling who was the love of his heart and would follow him on his path through life.

Elrond snaked an arm around Glorfindel's waist as he saw the dark blue of the sky gently turned into a pure golden shimmer.

"Truly I am blessed."

"And so am I." The elf-lord smiled at him. "Did you see how Thranduil avoided the bananas?" He mouthed the word carefully.

"Is that all you can think of?"

Warding off the mock-slap that was aimed in his direction, Glorfindel grinned. "I like their shape."

"Hah!" said Elrond, much like Thranduil himself only moments before. "I should have known."

At his father's exclamation Estel glanced over at him. Elrond had an arm around Glorfindel's waist and the human decided he was happy that ada had such a good friend.

Elrond must have felt his eyes upon him, for he abandoned his discussion with Glorfindel and sent his youngest a loving smile. "Blessed Solstice, Estel nin."

"Blessed Solstice, ada," he grinned.

Then Anor's golden rays truly captured the sky and only in the West did the stars shine for some time longer. Legolas caught both of his hands and when facing him, Estel saw the same brilliant light reflected in his eyes.

"I am really glad I came here."

"So am I."

"I really, really like you."

Leaning forwards, Estel placed a kiss on his cheek. "Me too."

Legolas arched an eyebrow. "You mean you really, really like you?"

"No," said Estel, blushing a tiny bit. "I mean I really, really like you back."

"You should like you," smiled Legolas. "You are really, really likeable."

And so, in the midst of the cheers at the new day dawning, Legolas Thranduilion kissed Estel Elrondion full on the lips, much to the pleasure of the Valar who were watching.

-ooo-

Here ends the fourth, and the last, part of the tale. From my heart, I thank you all for reading and I wish you all a wonderful Solstice and Christmas, in whatever way you choose to celebrate it. And as we say over here: God Jul.

-ooo-

Imladris Library is stunned by all of the reactions we have received since the publication of the first part of this tale. We admit that it was not what we had initially expected, but we are pleased to note that we did nothing wrong in choosing to publish this text. Because of this, we have come to the conclusion that it is not entirely impossible for us to print something more, in some distant future. We make no promises, but most likely it will happen. Just like we said we would not open any letters post this publication, something which obviously was a lie. We apologise for this and wish you a good day. Good day!