Chapter 30
Over the next few weeks, the Elves were surprised to see the sons of Elrond walking around with pink hair. And the ones who were closest to them noticed more the dirty looks that Haldir kept sending their way. Galadriel's potion had indeed taken the awful color out of his hair, but he was still upset. He felt that they had gone too far this time. Haldir had known Elladan and Elrohir since they were but elflings, but never knew them to stoop so low. He had even somewhat lowered his opinion of Estel for a short time, but then quickly realized that his brothers had put him up to part of it. Haldir was surprised one afternoon after his lessons with Estel to find a note from Lord Elrond requesting his presence immediately.
Haldir wondered what he had done or hadn't done all the way to where Elrond had told him to meet. "Mae Govannen Haldir. I have enjoyed hearing how well Estel's training is coming along, but I wanted to talk to you about what happened with him and the twins. Lady Galadriel told me that you would like to increase the intensity of his training because of this incident. Normally, I would be all for that, but not this time. Estel is not an Elven guard nor is training to be one. You know as well as I that he is training to fulfill a destiny. He is to learn what he needs to know for the time being and that will be satisfactory. The twins and I had a very long talk and they told me their reasoning for making you the target for their plan. I do not wish to tell you myself as I think that you should ask them for yourself, but I will anyway."
"They said that they missed some of the things that the three of you used to do together. Part of their reason for coming along with me was so that they could see their old friend, Haldir. But as Elladan put it to me, they think that you have become a little too big for your britches, if I may be so bold to say so. So all I am suggesting is that you tone down the attitude. Can you do that at least until we leave?"
"Yes, my lord. I can," Haldir replied quietly. This had given him a lot to think about. He had been told as much before from his brothers, but for some reason, hearing it from friends made it truer. He reverently bowed and went to walk in the gardens where he could think.
Yes, it made sense now. They wanted to let some of his air out while having fun doing it. He saw that now, he had let his pride get in the way of his friends. With a sigh, he rose and went to find the brothers and beg an apology. Haldir had a pretty good idea where to find them. On his days off, Estel was either by the river or in the tops of one of the mallorns.
He tried the river first and was instantly rewarded. The trio was out having a picnic. Haldir took a deep breath and tentatively approached them. "May I join you as well?" Elladan looked at his brother then replied, "Go ahead we have room." For a few moments, the air around them was tense, none of them wanted to look the others in the eye. Finally, Estel broke the silence by straight out asking Haldir why he had come to join them. "I came to…apologize to all of you."
Haldir took a deep breath and silently laughed. This was all so silly and so was the brothers' hair as it was still a slight shade of pink. "Lord Elrond told me what your reasoning behind the prank was. I have been told that before and that one-day it would get me into trouble. I just never believed it and still in some ways can't believe that it took something so stupid to be my wakeup call. I am sorry for my actions towards you and I sincerely hope that we can remain friends. Though I am sure that Estel has not yet been initiated into our circle."
Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other with a knowing look, their plan had work. "Yea, we accept your apology and no we have not had the time yet to show our brother our hideout."