a bit shorter than usual, but I promise the next one will be longer. For those who are looking for the romance, it is beginning soon, just to let you know. Please review!

MiaraElerina: thanks! I loved your squeal. XD I'm so glad you like Yavien. It's certainly not bad. That you like it when he gets hurt... Or wait, maybe it is... Maybe not... Oh well. You get the point. Thanks for liking my Morningstar! Looking for that next chapter... Here's the next update!

Chapter 13

I jerked awake and sat up, hands grasping for anything, only to clutch my head as it whirled from getting up too fast. I shook my head and then finally managed to focus on the sight of Estel on my bed, and I on a chair next to the bed.

Then I remembered. I had asked to have Estel moved to my room so that I could keep an eye on him. So they had agreed and I had probably fallen asleep.

Running my eyes over his still form, I was relieved to see that his wounds were all healed and that he seemed to be in a restful sleep. I ran my fingers over his forehead softly and then pulled back, but his hand subconsciously grabbed mine and held tight. I let it lie in his fingers and hummed under my breath, looking out the window.

Then I heard the sound of stirring and a yawn. My head whipped back to Estel to see his eyes slowly crack open like they usually did and slowly clear and focus on me. Once I was sure he was awake, I grabbed him and pulled him to myself, hugging him tightly.

"Don't ever do that to us again." I demanded, stroking his hair. His voice was muffled in my hair.

"What happened? All I remember is being scared and then a knife- oh." He suddenly began to shake slightly and clutched me tight.

"Shhhh. You're okay, you're safe. We're all here and safe." I soothed, rocking him gently. The front of my shirt grew wet.

"Why didn't I die?" He asked, voice cracking.

I sighed. "Because I managed to heal you, Estel."

He looked up, eyes red and puffy. "How?"

I explained, and his fingers flew up to his ears. "Wow! Cool! I'm an elf now!" His woes forgotten, he grinned up at me excitedly. "Like you!" I smiled at him softly.

"Yes, Estel, little brother. Like me." He hugged me tightly, then looked up with a solemn face.

"Thank you, Ren."

I smiled back. "Your welcome, dear one. Now, let me change my dress- you've made a nice puddle in it." I teased. He blushed furiously.

"Promise not to tell anyone?" He begged in embarrassment. I rolled my eyes and shook my head exasperatedly.

"Yes. Men. I will never understand why..." I went to change while Estel proceeded to pounce on Saph to make her wake up. Her howls made Toron wake up too, and I came out laughing at the mixture of annoyed shouts, laughter, and howls mingled on the air.

Needless to say, everyone was quite relieved to see Estel well- despite that now he was doubly hyperactive. I face palmed and sighed helplessly.

...

"Eruaaanaaaa! Where are you?" Called Yavien. I jumped as I slammed my book shut and tucked it under my arm, leaping up as she ran in.

"Oh good, there you are! Are you coming to the lake with us or not?"

I grinned and hurried over to her in the doorway. "Just let me put this away and I will!" I called over my shoulder as I sprinted down the hallway- only to suddenly rush around the corner and bump into a figure. I made an inglorious tumble onto the floor with an "oomph" and looked up with a wince.

My eyes slowly trailed from the black boots to the dark trousers, then up to the red shirt with silver swirls, to an olive tanned face with eyes of molten lava and jet black hair with red streaks. He was smiling amusedly, fangs peeking from under his lips.

My face lit up like a lamp in a dark room and I leaped up to throw my arms around him. "Father!" I shrieked happily, crushing his torso. He chuckled and hugged me back, face burying as usual into my hair. A contented sigh blew into my hair as I smiled into his tunic.

"I missed you, my little flame. Therefore I have decided to visit you." He rumbled into my hair. I pulled away and grinned up at him.

"I missed you too Father! I'm glad you're here! Come on, I wanna show you around!" I exclaimed, picking up my book and dragging him off. His chuckle was drowned out by my chattering as I dragged him around the halls.

...

After a grand tour of Rivendell, introducing Father to Lord Elrond, and dropping my book off and changing my dress, I finally dragged him off to the lake to meet my friends.

"Father, so do I have to look out for a possible mother yet?" I asked cheekily, grinning up at him. He glared at me and I giggled. "Okay, okay, maybe not."

I had changed to a dress in which I could swim in. Father had been given a room not far from mine and Toron's, and he had also changed into swimming clothes. At my insistence, he had finally given in.

I led him to the lake and arrived with at cheery, "Hi! I'm finally here! Sorry I took so long." Heads and water whipped towards me and I shrieked as I was covered by an enormous wave. "You just so didn't!" I yelped, with the kicked-dog look. They all broke into laughter.

I rolled my eyes at Father and grinned. He raised his eyebrows in return. "Guys, I wanna introduce you to my Father, Smaug." They all immediately looked up at me.

"Father, this is Elladan and Elrohir, twins and sons of Lord Elrond; Yavien, daughter of Lord Elrond; and Estel, adopted son of Lord Elrond. "Guys, this is my Father, Smaug the Stupendous, Smaullegant, Smaug the Unaccessably Wealthy, and whatever other title you've heard." I pointed to each person and then finally after finishing, waving my hand dismissively.

They all gazed at Father curiously after greetings, and I backed up. Then I ran forwards. They scrambled to get out of my way, but I was a tad too fast. There was a few shrieks and a splash- and a large wave.

I swear that that was the first time I saw Father come close to face palming as I emerged with a wicked grin on my face. Good times.