Same disclaimer, different chapter!
SNOW
All was quiet during the early hours of the morning in Imladris. The sun had yet to rise, but that did not stop the snow from falling thickly. It was the first major snow of the year, and it was sticking to everything. There were elves already out and about, brushing snow from the walkways and paths. Gazing out from the balcony of his study, Elrond of Imladris smiled as he congratulated himself on remembering to have extra firewood brought in for Estel's fireplace earlier in the week.
Thinking of Estel brought a smile to the elf lord's face. The child would be beside himself with joy as soon as he awoke. Estel had been sick and confined indoors for much of last years snow, so the boy would surely be excited and ready to tumble headfirst into the fluffy white cold. No doubt Estel would stay outside until his lips turned blue, if he was given the chance.
Shaking his head, Elrond stood to go find his twin sons, for they were going to enjoy this snow just as much as the small boy.
Just as the sun broke over the horizon, a pair of sleepy gray eyes opened slowly. Bringing a hand up, Estel rubbed the last bit of sleep from his eyes and rolled over, stretching his small limbs. The boy snuggled down into his blankets, savoring the warmth from both the fireplace and the blankets surrounding him. Looking towards his window, his eyes grew wide, all traces of sleep forgotten.
Scrambling as gracefully as a three year old could, Estel tumbled off the side of his bed and ran to the balcony window. Snow fell thickly from the sky, making it difficult to see far. Squealing with delight Estel stumbled to the door, intent on informing his ada and gwadors of the amazing surprise that waited them outside. Pulling his door open, Estel headed out into the hallway, intent on finding his family quickly.
In the room beneath Estel's, twin smiles appeared on identical faces as the footsteps of a small child headed towards the balcony doors could be heard. Their father was right, it had taken Estel no time at all to realize the falling snow outside.
Sharing a glance, the twins put away the maps and books they were focusing on and swiftly headed towards the door. Glorfinfel smiled at the pair, shaking his head as he put his own book away, heading out to prepare Estel's winter clothing.
Walking towards the stairs, the twins both had excited smiles on their faces. A single glance between them was all that was needed, for both elves knew that their little brother was awake and it was time to play.
"ADA!" a voice rang out as Estel ran through the hall towards his father's study. Realizing too late what he had just done, Estel stopped suddenly and clapped both hands over his mouth. He was not supposed to shout inside, especially in the early morning. Estel waited, hoping he had not been heard. After a few moments he declared himself safe, but before he could continue his trek onwards he was swept up.
"My my Estel, what has gotten you so loud this early in the morning?" Elladan questioned the boy, hugging him tight before tossing him across to his twin.
Elrohir laughed, catching the boy with ease before settling him on his hip. "Yes Estel, do tell us why you decided to wake up all of Imladris so early," he teased the boy.
"Sorry Dan, sorry Ro." Estel giggled, hugging the younger twin. Remembering why he was on such a mission, Estel rocked back suddenly, almost causing the elf to drop the boy.
Elladan moved to catch the boy, but Elrohir got a firm hold at the last second and steadied the excited boy.
"There is white all over outside, Ro! Is it snow?" Estel exclaimed loudly, clapping his hands together and bouncing in his brothers' arms. The twins laughed at his antics, and Estel began to squirm. Elrohir put the boy down, frowning as he noticed the boy was barefoot. Before he could comment on this, Estel had taken both twins by the hand and was dragging them down the hall.
"We must go find Ada, surely he will let us go outside and play." Estel turned wide, innocent eyes upon his brothers, giving them a look of pure hope and excitement.
Laughing, Elladan scooped the boy up into his arms, heading towards his ada's study. Elrohir laughed alongside the two, reaching over to tickle the boy.
"I'm sure we will be able to go play outside," Elladan smiled brightly at the boy.
"But after breakfast, I'm sure," Elrohir chimed in, laughing at his brother's groan as he reached over to poke the boy in the stomach. Estel's groan turned to giggles, as he squirmed away from the younger twin.
"And we must find you some socks!" Elrohir exclaimed, tickling the boy's feet, sending Estel into another fit of laughter.
"I'm finished Ada, may I please go play outside with Dan and Ro?" Estel questioned the elf lord, quickly shoving the last of his toast into his mouth. Catching the sight, the twins snickered, watching the scene unfold.
"You may, tithen pen, but not before you are dressed in adequate outdoor clothing." Elrond smiled at the boy as he tumbled out of his chair and made his way towards the twins.
"Dan, Ro, will you help me get dressed in ad…ade...adecat-"
"Adequate, Estel?" Elladan tried not to laugh.
"Yes! Adequate clothing!" Estel beamed. The twins smiled, standing and asking to be excused. Elrond waved them off, smiling as Estel was hoisted off his feet and into the arms of the elder twin.
"Let us go find you some adequate snow clothing, Estel," Elladan chuckled, placing the boy on his shoulders and holding his legs to steady him.
"And let us start with socks!" Elrond heard right before the door shut. Sighing at the antics of his children, Elrond stood, heading into the kitchen to have the cook warm up some cider.
"Estel, daro, hold still!" Elladan laughed, trying to tie the boy's boots while his twin tried to get the child's hat to stay on his head.
"I am warm enough, I promise!" Estel said, bouncing up and down, tired of the delay it takes to don warm clothes.
"Okay, okay, let us go outside!" Elladan conceded, picking up the energetic bundle as they made their way down the hall to the front doors. Pausing at the own rooms, Elrohir quickly grabbed the twins' heavier jackets as they made their way outside. Carrying Estel down the frozen steps, Elladan set him down, shrugging his own jacket on.
Estel stood in awe at the fluffy white snow. Imladris was almost completely covered, the snow now falling lightly. Estel eyes widened as he took it all in, never before seeing the snow like this. After walking along the outdoor paths, Estel stopped to scoop up a handful of snow and throw it into the air. Grabbing more, he turned to the twins.
"Its so cold!" he exclaimed, throwing the snow into the air and watching as it settled around them.
The twins watched their little brother explore, making sure to keep a close eye on the boy incase he were to slip. Walking further out into the yard where the snow had banked, Estel stumbled off the path and into deeper snow. Estel popped up laughing as the twins picked him up and brushed the snow off. Once he realized the snow banks, Estel's eyes widened as he realized something else.
"Dan! Ro! How do you do that?" Estel wondered aloud, gazing at his brothers in awe. Elrohir and Elladan looked at each other and then to the small boy, not understanding.
Estel stood straighter and took a deliberate step off the path, only to fall right into the deeper snow.
Tithen gwador, what are you trying to do, freeze?" Elrohir asked, lifting the boy into his arms as Elladan brushed the snow off of Estel's clothes.
Estel squirmed, trying to get back down. "I want to walk on top of the snow, like you do!"
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a look as Estel tried to figure out how the twins were staying on top of the snow. They had never had Estel question his differences before, and they were not sure how their ada wanted to address it.
"Well Estel, we shall help you!" Elladan said quickly, taking one of Estel's hands as he saw his twin do the same. With each of Estel's hands firmly in their grasp, the twins lifted the child slightly, causing his feet to graze the top of the snow.
Estel laughed freely, watching as all three sets of feet were upon the snow. Making their way back up towards the front doors, Estel spotted his ada standing at the top of the stairs.
"Ada look! I am walking on the snow!" Estel shouted, his eyes shining in happiness.
Elrond smiled, trying to read the faces of the twins to see how they had avoided that particular conversation. Elladan nodded at his father, a silent promise to tell him once Estel was tucked away in bed. Elrohir grabbed both of Estel's hands as he helped the boy hop up the steps and into Elrond's warm arms.
"Very good, ion nin. Did you enjoy the snow?" He questioned, pulling the boy's hat down more firmly over his ears.
"Yes Ada, but must we go in already? Estel asked, reaching up to catch the falling snowflakes on his gloved hands.
"I'm afraid so, Estel, since you seem to be getting a little too cold for my liking," he said as he and the twins watched the boy catch snowflakes on his tongue. The elves smiled at the boy, loving his carefree innocence.
The doors behind them suddenly opened, Glorfindel coming through them with a grin on his face.
"Lord Elrond, riders have been spotted at the border," he said quietly, going unnoticed by the small child.
"Riders?" The twins chorused, giving the Balrog slayer a questioning look.
"Glorfy!" Estel said excitedly, finally noticing the blonde elf. "I walkeded on the snow!"
"Did you now," Glorfindel said, reaching to take the boy from Elrond. Estel began telling his tale of falling into the snow to the blonde warrior, who smiled as he listened to the excited child.
"Glorfindel, the riders?" Elrond questioned, raising an eyebrow at the blonde elf.
"Ah yes," Glorfindel said, hiking the child up more securely into his arms. "The riders bear the banner of Mirkwood."
The twins broke out into identical smiles.
"Yes!" Elrohir said, pumping his fist into the air.
Elladan mirrored his brother's excitement. "It has been far too long!"
"What is Mirkwood, Glorfy?" Estel wondered, turning inquisitive eyes to the elves. Elladan gave his baby brother a big smile as he plucked him from Glorfindel's arms.
"Mirkwood, my dear brother, is where our good friend Legolas is from."
Estel smiled, not really understanding who Legolas but happy that his brothers were so happy. Laying his head on Elladan's shoulder, Elrond took notice and opened the doors to head inside.
"Alright, time for some warm cider," Elrond said as he led the others into the kitchen. Taking Estel from Elladan, the twins helped their father to rid the boy of the heavy winter clothing. Glorfindel took Estel's wet clothing and headed to the laundry as Elrond pulled the boy into his lap, nodding to the twins.
"Go and welcome him, and try not to cause too much trouble," he warned. Smiling mischievously, the twins both gave Estel a kiss on his cheek before departing just as the warm cider was being brought out.
Sitting on his father's lap, Estel watched the twins make their way out of the kitchen as he sipped his cider.
"Is it good, ion nin? Elrond asked the boy, rubbing his back. Estel nodded, handing his cup to the elf lord and laying back against his strong chest.
"Ada, who is Leg'las?"
"Legolas is a dear friend of the twins.' Elrond answered the boy, taking a drink of his own cider. Estel was silent for so long that the dark haired elf thought they boy had fallen asleep.
"Do you think he will be my friend, too?" Estel wondered softly, turning his gaze to his father.
"I am most certain he will, Estel."