Sorry for the long wait! I tried to make it extra long just for you guys! Thanks to everyone who reviewed and favorited and followed, every notice i get fills me with joy :P the beginning is a bit drabbley but i think it was necessary just to show how he settles in with the elves :)
Many weeks passed and Natsume began to grow comfortable in Rivendell, although he was still wary of the other elves he did not fear being alone in their presence. When he was with either of the twins or with Estel he felt as if he could be carefree, he was still gentle, calm and polite but he allowed a bit of his childish side to shine through as well. All were kind to him, and seemed to even light up in his presence, they enjoyed having him nearby which was something he was could not get used to, he felt welcome. Every small act of kindness still sent a thrill of exhilaration through him, a small biscuit given to him as a treat with a wink, or a scarf wrapped snugly around his neck on a colder day or even a smudge of dirt carefully rubbed of his nose by warm hands. It was something he could never grow tired of. Something he had learned to appreciate as he had never been given such careful attention before, it felt a lot like what he imagined love to be like.
One particular day was memorable in when Estel had carefully pulled him aside and gave him a small hand-crafted sword. It was eerily beautiful and very, very sharp, and was given to him with his promise of only using it with permission or in case of emergency, and he would receive lessons at least once a day from either Estel or if he was unavailable one of the twins. He was allowed to practice as long as he had supervision, and he worked on it long and hard wanting to make those who worked so hard with him, proud. One day Lord Elrond himself came to watch and give a tip or two, Natsume blushed bright red when the Lord praised his work. He believed he had at least mastered the very basics and he was determined that he would one day be as good as Estel.
He had gained a long but shallow cut along his arm when practicing swordsmanship with Elladan. It was a simple accident. The elf had been teaching him a simple defensive movement and Natsume had tripped over Elladan's long legs grazing himself with his own sword. The porcelain skin on the elf grew to be even more pale and he looked horrified as he stared at the crimson trail steadily trickling down Natsume's arm like a stream. The wound bled sluggishly and Natsume wasn't too worried about it but before he could even blink he was wrapped in the arms of the elf and rushed to the halls of healing. Elladan painstakingly wrapped the wound as gentle as could be and apologized profusely, almost frantic with his need to be forgiven. "I have had much worse before Elladan, you silly elf, no need to be such a mother hen," he had said as light-heartedly as possible hoping the small quip would distract the elf, but the dark look that crossed his face instead shot small shivers down the little elfling's spine. "Never again," Elladan replied with such fierce conviction, eyes gleaming, that Natsume actually believed him and was filled with warmth.
He also received riding lessons from the twins, he was lent a little pony and they spent many days exploring the winding trails of the nearby forests. Sometime and elf named Erestor would join them on their short trips, he was chief counselor to Lord Elrond and had many stories both serious and funny about the entire family and he rode a large dark gelding who's mane was like satin with his care. He began to love the little pony he rode, which had been bought in a small village and was named Filifeet for what reason he did not know and made sure to visit often with gifts of soft apples or crunchy carrots. Every day was filled with peace and lazy sunshine in Rivendell.
He rode high on the shoulders of Elrohir laughing joyously as the elf ran around making ridiculous sounds and jumping high, sounding like a demented horse. Elladan was sitting on the grass nearby, almost in tears with how hard he was laughing at his usually graceful twin. Whenever another elf walked by they also stopped to playfully smile at their antics, the air was filled with the sound of their musical laughter. "Faster! Higher!" He cried, and the elf easily obliged bringing more giggles of delight from the young child.
The room that he had first stayed in officially became his and now held some extra clothes and little trinkets he had found while in Rivendell, a shiny stone, a sleek blue feather, an arrowhead and an acorn cap amongst many other similar baubles. The little meaningless objects were never taken away from him, and he treasured each new trinket he acquired. He had even been gifted a couple of gently used children books which lined small shelves and had now been read several times each. He never imagined that days like these would come.
Natsume was sitting with Estel in the garden listening to the tales of old. Estel often told him great stories of elven histories and tales of kings, of men and fierce battles that ended in victory and left years and years of peace. Natsume held his breathe in excitement for it was now the climax of the story when the sound of a horn echoed off the stone of the mountain, the man immediately quit his storytelling and got up excitedly, straining to hear or see what was coming from a distance. He looked at Estel confused and concerned for he had no clue what the sound of the horn signaled. He could not know that it was the sound of the Mirkwood and Lothlorien elves finally arriving, hopefully with news.
"Estel, Estel," it seemed with great effort that the man's attention returned to him, "What was that sound? What does it mean?" I finally asked, for it took quite a bit for the man to be so distracted.
"It is the sound of many friends arriving at last, there will be a great counsel and then a feast for it has been many years since the elves have gathered. The Lothlorien elves led by the Lady Galadriel and the elves of Mirkwood led by King Thranduil are here!" he cried excitedly, and then he collected himself, "I must go and greet our guests at once for they have traveled far to come to council with us, you should go to your chambers and bathe for they will be glad to meet you and I am sure you want to make a good first impression. I shall send someone to come fetch you whenever you are ready."
With that Estel stood and hurried in the direction he knew the front gates to be, he was a little disappointed and a little nervous. Estel had been so busy lately, it had been the first time in a while that he had sat down with him, but he knew not to be selfish for Estel and the other elves had given him far much more than he had ever received before. So with a sigh he stood and wiped his suddenly clammy palms on his tunic and set out for his room. He would give the best first impression possible, and make those who had given him such kindness proud.
Switch The Elven council
"An elfling, this cannot be!" Legolas, Son of Thranduil exclaimed passionately his outcry the first of many more to come. All of the Eldar were shocked, normally faces set into perfection and tightly controlled where contorted in various different expressions. Shock, disbelief, even rage were seen on the many elves gathered; only one was silent.
"I have heard no news of an elfling, surely you jest Lord Elrond?" Lady Galadriel asked calmly, the only one who had not risen from her seat and had not allowed expression of any sort to cross her features. Her hair shone like gold, a sunlit waterfall as tangible as moonbeams and in her eye was a look of untold knowledge, if she with all her wisdom had not even heard whispers of the existence of the elfling, then there was no hope for news from any other.
Lord Elrond sighed, "Yes, it is true. When my sons were hunting orcs who had tread too near Rivendell's borders they came across mysterious tracks. The tracks led them to the lost child, who they at first believed to be mannish, he was sick and alone and due to his nature we believe he had been sorely mistreated before being abandoned deep in the woodlands. Although he has grown to be much more comfortable here with the elves he is still unsure and is startled quite easily…How the elfling came to be is a mystery for he claims to have been raised by relatives, his parents dead long ago, he has no knowledge of even their names. He spoke truthfully, if unsure, so he must have been lied to himself."
All the elves were captivated by this speech, it was unbelievable that once again there was an elfling in their midst, but to come at such a price. An elfling untrusting of elves was simply unheard of, they were the purest of creatures, and it was a devastating blow to hear of one treated so harshly. The council went on for a long time, other news and tales shared before the topic once again turned to the elfling.
"It is great news to hear the child is becoming cheerful in the presence of elves, and I know I speak for us all when I say I am very grateful that he arrived at Rivendell unharmed and looked after. But I must confess it is unfair that he should go to you simply because you found him first, Lord Elrond, begging your pardon. With no family surely he should spend a period of time with all elven-kind before he makes such a choice?" King Thranduil finally spoke, he seemed to have been debating himself over asking the question but now his eyes were gleaming with excitement at the prospect of an elfling once more in the halls of Mirkwood.
"Normally I would agree with you, but the child is still so unsure, if separated from Elladan, Elrohir and Estel I am afraid he would once again grow fearful and untrusting, he is so attached. He has been passed around so much and believes himself unwanted; surely sending the child off with strangers would only reaffirm that fact in his heart?" Lord Elrond countered his voice smooth and confident with his argument.
The Lady Galadriel spoke next "Maybe at first he would not understand but surely he would soon realize that all the elves love him as he is and the only reason for him to be moved is that no one can bear the idea of not knowing him? He would realize he is loved more than any other with the attention of so many elves." Her eyes shone as well, excitement clouding her normally perfect vision.
Elrond shook his head in dismay, they were not listening to his words, "It is not simple attention the child longs for, but a sturdy family a place to call home. He simply wishes to be loved and to have a constant friendship to rely on, if we kept moving him from place to place he would gain no reliable friend. It would be like repeatedly uprooting a young sapling, it would soon wither and die no matter the care you put into it." His sons nodded in agreement to his wise words, but the elves of the other communities did not see it so simply. Jealous of the chance to once again have a child in their home, they did not see sense.
After much arguing it was decided, Natsume was to be given a chance with all the elven communities, several years in the care of each before he would be allowed to decide which he would like to stay in. Elrond shook his head in dismay for this would destroy the child, and he could only hope they would change their minds once they met him for the only other option was to declare war or let the elfling go.
He called Estel over to his side, he would be the one to inform Natsume about the decision if it wasn't revoked after they met the child. The child had grown the most attached to Estel, maybe because he was so different from the elves or maybe because he was the first the elfling laid eyes on, and it would be easier coming from him.
Outside P.o.V The elven guests
It was joy to finally meet the young elfling, his voice was soft like a whisper of a wind-chime on a breeze, his silver/gold hair and honey colored eyes made him unique to look at, for no other elf had the same coloring and he was well mannered and well dressed. Although quiet he had a gentle kindness in his eyes and when in the presence of Elrond's family his smiles came more easily and lifted the hearts of all who saw them. He did not seem uncertain or damaged in any way, maybe less outgoing then other elflings but not the fearful unsure creature that had been described. Surely Lord Elrond was wrong, this beautiful, merry child would not suffer from visiting the other elves, and he had only said so to keep the elfling close.
He was shy but not painfully so and interacted with all the elves at least once, with polite hellos and introductions; he worked his way through the entire room. He seemed to be determined and would occasionally look back at Estel, who would smile proudly back, although his smile was tinged with sadness at the oncoming departure of the young elf.
Finally it was time for the young child to go to bed and he bid the entire room goodnight before leaving with Estel, hand in hand they disappeared down the winding halls.
Estel P.o.V
Natsume babbled on and on about how he had talked to each and every elf, that he made sure to be polite in his greetings like he had been taught and how much he enjoyed the evening (a surprised look entered his face as he explained this.) My heart filled with dread for the child was so obviously cheerful that it would break my heart to give him such bad news. The door to his room loomed ever closer and I gulped, he was now looking at me concernedly. I tried to smile at him, but he was an intuitive child and could almost always tell what I was feeling.
"What is wrong Estel? What is it that worries you so?" he asked his high voice pinched with concern. I closed my eyes and took a shuddering breath, I had to be honest with the little elf. He would not thank me for meaningless platitudes or empty promises.
"Natsume…" I started slowly before I hardened my resolve and soldiered on, "There was a council of elves today and they had many discussions at length. One of them concerning you…It has been decided that you shall spend a couple of years in the forests of Mirkwood with King Thranduil before going to Lothlorien and doing the same there with the Lady Galadriel. Lord Elrond was reluctant for you to leave but it is for the best that you spend time with all of our communities before making a rash decision and choosing were you want to live. I am hesitant to part ways with you as well, and it fills my heart with grief to see you leave…I want what is best for you child do you understand?"
Natsume's face, which had first been filled with concern and love, slowly nodded and his expression became curiously blank. He nodded again woodenly and then suddenly bid me goodnight and explained he was tired and needed to rest. Reluctantly I left, softly shutting the door behind me, not a single tear watered his eyes but my cheeks were damp and I cursed softly the foolishness of elves, scrubbing my cheeks mercilessly before I began to head to my own room.
Quick Natsume P.o.V
The flower of hope he had so carefully tended here in Rivendell and which had bloomed and flowered quickly under his care, now withered as if coated in a deep frost. There was no reason to hope any more, no reason to live, the last people he could bring himself to trust were done with him, had left him once again. They had seemed to love him so but were obviously just better at hiding their disdain. He washed his hands of it, even without his powers that creeped everyone out, he was unlovable, and he quickly succumbed to sleep.
Switch pov
The day had come at last, Natsume was packed and ready to go, the faithful pony Filifeet was gifted to him for his journey and he stood by the little horse stroking its velvet neck. At least he would have one familiar companion. He had not spoken much since hearing of the decision and felt strangely empty, hollow as if a gentle wind could pick him up and carry him away. The elves of Rivendell had yet to arrive to bid them goodbye and they would not depart until they had done so. He looked toward the direction of Elrond's house which they would be arriving from and finally spotted them coming towards the gates. He saw Estel and the twins arrive and look at him sadly and his heart twinged, it was the first spark of feeling in a couple of days. Finally Estel was hugging him goodbye and something in him just snapped and he would not let go. He began to sob.
"Do not make me leave Estel please…I love you! I love Rivendell, and the gardens, I love my room with its dark shelves and large windows, the kindness you have all given me. I love the twins and Elrond and even the elves who I have not gotten to know half as well, Glorfindel and Erestor! Please do not make me go! You said…You said that I would never have to leave unless I chose myself to do so! I do not want to go, please, what did I do wrong?! Please?!" I cried, Estel was crying as well, and it was not a single tear but large droplets that landed with pitter patter sounds on the grass, he let them fall without shame.
"You have done nothing wrong child! I love you deeply as well, as do the other elves. I do not want you to go either, but it is not my decision to make. After you spend your time with the other elves you can come back, it is your choice, but you must give the other elves a chance! They love you as well" he said amidst his tears, the other strange elves were watching, looking heartbroken at my grief but their resolve stayed firm, they had not changed their minds at my display and I knew they did not love me but the idea of me. I let the strange numbness of before come over me; for it was easier than the pain, I felt like a wispy cloud struggling to hold shape under sunlight but I mounted my pony and urged it on to follow the others with a strength I did not know I still possessed. But they had not moved from where they had stopped, waiting for me. I quickly caught up to them but still they did not move I could not even muster up curiosity for such an effort of emotion was beyond me.
Suddenly Lady Galadriel spoke, "We cannot take the child away from Rivendell." She said suddenly, looking horrified. King Thranduil looked insulted as did his princeling son.
"Why not?!" he exclaimed almost rudely, staring at the Lady of Lothlorien angrily for he had been filled with much joy, he was to have the elfling first, but his eyes softened at her heartbroken expression. It was full of grief and dismay, of a painful regret that no one understood, for she had simply began to look like that seemingly without reason. Her face which had been filled with joy had just seemed to crumple in on itself.
She paused, unsure "…He has begun to fade," and with her words the entire clearing went silent, all trying and failing to comprehend her terrifying words.
"I fully realize my lack of power but I often heedlessly forget it for example, how long am I going to keep making wishes that can never be granted?" Natsume ch 16.
Haha i hope it was worth the wait! Also i know there are many more elvish leaders but i have not read the books in quite a while and those are the more prominent ones from the movies. Fortunately i am rereading the books as i write this for inspiration and can hopefully expand more and more as i go along. Thanks for reading!