A quick story I thought up today. Sorry I have been gone so long, but I've got a bunch of new ideas so hopefully I can write more frequently! Sorry for any mistakes, I'm a little rusty.

Disclaimer: Middle Earth and everyone and everything in it belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien.

Bedtime

A soft breeze swept through Imladris, trees swaying as it continued through the valley. Summer was on the verge of ending, though nights still held a comfortable warmth. Curtains fluttered softly out open windows, and all was calm.

Lanterns were being lit along the pathways as the sun set, casting a warm glow among the dwellings. This glow held another significance to certain inhabitants of Imladris, for it was one of the well-known signs of 'bedtime' for children.

Curley brown locks blew in the breeze, and a small hand reached up to brush them from a set of wide gray eyes. Though he had only seen three winters, the youngest son of Elrond knew very well that the lighting of evening lamps meant it would soon be time for bed. And for the past few weeks, Estel had been perfecting the avoidance of his bedtime.

Carefully crawling through the bushes of the outdoor gardens of the Last Homely House, Estel halted abruptly and held his breath as he heard voices heading his way.

"Nay, my Lords. I have not seen him," a voice floated on the breeze. Estel almost let loose a giggle, but clapped his small hands over his mouth before it sprang forth.

Sitting as quietly as a three year old could, Estel watched through the bushes as the dark haired elf continued lighting the lanterns in the garden, moving to stand right in front of Estel's hiding place. Estel heard twin sighs as two sets of footsteps headed further into the garden to continue their search.

Smiling at his small victory, Estel did let out a small giggle, forgetting about the elf standing right in front of the bush. He squeaked as the elf crouched down, peering into the bushes at the small boy. The elf smiled, bringing his finger up to his lips to signal Estel to be silent. As soon as the elf was certain the twins were out of earshot, the looked to Estel and whispered.

"You are getting better at hiding, Estel." With a wink at the boy, the elf stood and started walking down the path, lighting the few remaining lamps.

Estel grinned, checking to see if anyone else was on the path before standing up and slowly creeping out onto the path. Once he was sure no one else was coming, the boy dashed as fast as his little legs could carry him towards a bench across the path. Climbing up, Estel laid on his back and gazed upon the stars beginning to appear in the sky. The breeze picked up, and Estel's hair swayed softly as the boy began humming a familiar tune. His humming was interrupted by a large yawn, his eyes becoming heavy. He closed his eyes, listening to the leaves rustle as the breeze continued through the garden.

The next thing he knew, Estel stirred as he was being lifted into strong arms. Turning his face into the familiar scent of his brother, Estel opened drowsy eyes as he snuggled further into the warm embrace.

"You almost couldn't find me, right Dan?" Estel whispered.

A chuckle to his left directed Estel's attention to his other brother's presence, though Estel knew the twins rarely searched for him without the other. He caught Elrohir's grin, and gave the elf a sleepy smile of his own.

"Yes, Estel, you almost had to sleep out in the gardens tonight." Elladan replied, running his hand up and down the boys' back in a comforting manner.

"Think of what we would have to tell Ada, had we not found you," Elrohir chimed in, trying unsuccessfully masking his mirth.

Estel's giggles subsided into another yawn as Elladan headed into the Last Homely House, moving swiftly towards Estel's bedroom.

Upon entering the room, Elladan headed into Estel's bathroom, while Elrohir went about gathering sleeping clothes for the boy. Elladan quickly undressed his youngest brother, settling him into his warm bathwater. Rubbing his eyes, Estel, who was too tired to even put up a fuss about his evening bath, sat quietly as his brother began washing him.

Elrohir chuckled upon entering the bathroom, setting the boys sleep clothes on the counter as he grabbed a large towel from the shelf.

"He is almost asleep in the tub!" Elrohir exclaimed as he moved close to help get the boy out of the bath safely.

Estel turned tired eyes to the younger twin, holding his arms out as Elrohir leaned down to wrap him in the towel and lift him from the tub. Drying the boy, Elrohir helped him into his sleeping clothes and scooped the boy up, heading back into the bedroom. Laying the boy in bed, Elladan found his stuffed rabbit and handed it to Estel, who hugged it close to his chest.

"Goodnight, tithen gwador," Elladanspoke quietly, knowing Estel was already on the verge of sleep.

"Sleep soundly, Estel." Elrohir whispered, kissing Estel's damp curls.

"Night Dan, night Ro," Estel whispered sleepily, turning to his side and snuggling into his blankets.

Both twins shared an identical smile, silently leaving the boy to his dreams. Closing the door almost fully, a small strip of light was left in the room, incase Estel woke in the night and had to get out of bed.

"He is getting so big," Elladan mused as they made their way towards their father's study.

"Aye, he'll be growing a beard before we know it!" Both twins laughed, though the thought also sparked a seriousness in the elves.

"He is to face too many trials ahead," Elladan spoke, his face darkening. Elrohir stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"We will do everything in our power to help him in any way we can, Elladan. Estel will not take that journey alone," Elrohir fiercely declared, his eyes shining with the same intensity as his brother's.

Elladan nodded, his somber face cracking into a sly grin.

"Until then, we will have to teach Estel everything we know." Elrohir's grin mirrored his twin's, as they pushed the doors open to Elrond's study, matching grins still in place.