Chapter 4

Elrond was almost tearing his hair out. Several of his best scouts had been scouring the keep and surrounding fields for hours and so far, no sign of the little Dúnadan boy. All the worst case scenarios rushed through his head and his panic grew. He prayed to the Valar, begging them to protect the boy and bring him home. Elladan and Elrohir were in similar states. Elladan was inconsolable because he was convinced it was by his negligence that Estel was missing. Why in Arda had he suggested hide and seek? If only he'd kept chasing him, or played a different game. Estel would be with them now, safe and sound. In all the years that they had fostered Dúnadan boys here, none of them had been quite like Estel. Estel, who had won their hearts so quickly and easily. Estel, who was cheeky, naughty and spoilt but yet kind and gentle, loving and good. Estel, who they might never see again. Estel who might be dead.

"Have you ever been on a horse, Estel?" Legolas asked as the two of them bounced along.

Estel thought for a moment "Ada tooked me on one once. We walk-ded 'round the garden. But he wouldn't go fast"

Legolas's eyes sparkled mischievously "Do you want to go fast?"

Estel looked back at him "Oh yes!"

Legolas smirked and urged his horse from a walk to a trot. Dutifully the mare picked up speed, bouncing the little boy a bit more. He giggled gleefully and clapped his hands "Faster! Faster!"

Legolas laughed and urged his horse into a canter. The pair surged forward, the mare's hooves thumping on the grass path. Estel held tight to the edge of the saddle as he was jounced up and down. He shrieked in glee. The company of elves watched in fascinated shock as the pair hurtled past them. Legolas whooped happily and pushed his mare into a gallop. Glad for the opportunity to blow off steam after hours of plodding along, his horse complied. The boys were thrown back in the saddle, the wind whooshing in their hair. Thranduil watched dumbfounded as his "quiet" son whooped again in delight and rocketed past him down the path. He was shocked. He had never seen Legolas so silly, so unthinking, so reckless, so… happy. He held his scolding inside him, content just to watch his son play happily. Even when the boys fell from the horse he did not go to them, once he knew they were okay of course. Legolas knew how to fall from a horse and he held Estel as they fell, cushioning him from the impact. They both rolled and tumbled for a little way before flailing to a halt. Both boys lay splayed out on the grass, winded but happy. Thranduil called out to Legolas reminding him that they had a journey to complete. Legolas got obediently to his feet and retrieved his horse. They both clambered back on to the horse and set out again. Thranduil kept an eye on their antics but the rest of the journey passed quite uneventfully. The boys sat on the horse and whispered and giggled the rest of the way there.

A scout came in through the door, a sombre look on his face. Elrond leapt to his feet "Anything?"

The scout shook his head. As one everyone in the room gave a defeated sigh. But Elrond refused to give up hope. He was about to order the scouts to begin searching outside Rivendell's boundaries when a messenger from his gates barrelled.

"A message my Lord"

"What is it Idhrenion?" Elrond asked grudgingly.

"The visiting party from Mirkwood are at your gates"

Elrond gave a cry of frustration. He'd completely forgotten about Thranduil's visit. He had half a mind to send them away but reluctantly ordered the messenger to allow them in. He called his sons to his side and slowly, unhappily they came. Together they went out to greet their visitors.

As they drew near the gates to Rivendell, Estel stared at the gates, as if transfixed. Legolas saw his look and followed his eyes.

"What are you looking at Estel?"

Estel didn't answer just inclined his head. Legolas wrapt him in his cloak and held him close. The gates opened and the company was ushered in. They trotted up the path for a while. Estel strained to see everything, making a face as if he wanted to say something but couldn't quite remember it.

"Home" he said quietly to himself, as if unsure.

"What was that?" Legolas inquired. Estel gave no reply but continued to stare around at his surroundings.

Part way up the path they were met by the Rivendell welcoming party. Their faces were grave, disconcerting the Mirkwood elves. They looked to one another in confusion. The Rivendell party parted allowing Lord Elrond and his two sons to present themselves.

"Welcome, my kin to the keep of Imaldris. We regret that you find us at an unhappy time. We have lost someone dear to us, a young boy by the name of …."

"Ada!" Estel screeched, breaking free of Legolas and leaping from the horse. Legolas's cry of dismay was drowned out by Elrond and his son's cries of joy. As one they abandoned decorum and rushed forward to receive the little boy. He jumped into their arms and they held him close, smothering him in kisses, words of affection and chastisement. All the Mirkwood elves were set atwitter by the display, confused at what was happening.

"Apologies for this display my friends" Elrond said happily as he stood, Estel clasped to his hip. The Mirkwood Company fell quiet, waiting for an explanation. "This is the son we had lost and now he is found"

"This is your son, Elrond? How could that be?" Thranduil asked, voicing the question on all the Mirkwood elves' minds.

Elrond grinned "He is my foster son. Come inside and I will explain everything. You must celebrate with us!"

Thranduil smiled back in reply. "We would be honoured to share your joy mellon nin. Wouldn't we Legolas?" he asked turning to his son. Legolas did not reply, he had not heard his father speak. He was staring wistfully at the twins, who were laughing with Estel. A moment ago that had been him. The twins did not know how lucky they had it.

Elrond followed the young elfling's gaze and discerned his feelings. Had not Thranduil often told him how Legolas had longed for a brother? He cleared his throat pointedly. "Legolas?"

The young Greenleaf reluctantly shifted his gaze to behold the Elven lord. "Yes, Heru en amin?"

"Today I have learnt that my son is quite a mischievous boy and requires constant attention. I do not think it fair that my sons should have to shoulder the burden of his care all the time, and he tires of my servants. Would you like to baby sit him for me sometime?"

Legolas's eyes widened and his mouth stretched from a sullen line to a wide beam. "I certainly would!"

Elrond chuckled. "Why don't you start now?" He said and settled Estel in Legolas's arms "I have a celebration to prepare and would not be helped by a two year old under foot"

Legolas needed no more prompting. He set Estel on the ground, took his hand and set off at a sprint to the nearest lawn. Both fathers watched them go, hearts warmed by the evident delight on their son's faces.