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Chameleon
Chapter One - Many Goodbyes
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"Keep each other safe." The tall, dark haired elf said softly as he hugged each of his sons.
"Always ada." The youngest of the three replied. The small group were collected in the safety of the elven lord's office, away from the prying eyes of the crowd that had gathered to see them off.
"My lord Elrond, you have my word that no harm will come to them." An elegant, grey eyed elf reassured, stepping forwards to grip the forearm of his master in a traditional, warrior salutation. He was dressed in the Imladris colours of bronze and blue and his long, golden hair tumbled down his back in curls, almost touching the floor. It was swept back from his face by two small warrior braids, situated behind his pointed ears. His eyes were steely and reassuring and they held the knowledge of a soul that had seen more than one lifetime.
"As long as you are with them mellon-nín, I have no doubt." Elrond replied. He looked down at his three sons and a great sadness filled his heart. The reason for the gathering was not a happy one. It was a final goodbye before the four elves would set off on a pilgrimage to honour one of their closest friends.
Even after the many years had passed and the grief had lessened somewhat, the amount of hope that the trio held, for the lost prince's return had never dwindled. It is to say that with the receding of the grief had come the burning flame of hope.
"Estel." The lord whispered, again to his youngest son. "Whatever you find, whatever the outcome of this quest, promise me something."
"Anything ada." The youngling replied.
"Promise me that you will come home."
"Oh ada." Estel breathed, rushing forwards to wrap his arms around the elven lord. "I will always come back to you. You have my word in the name of Yavanna, I will return home."
"Thank you Estel." Elrond said, pulling back and nodding at his youngest child.
"We will make sure he returns ada." His eldest son spoke, stepping forwards. Elrond turned to gaze upon the pair of twins, who made up the other half of the group. So alike they were in looks; that to any stranger they could have each been mistaken for the other. The elven lord could see their mother's features in their lips and nose, but their hair; straight and dark, and their piercing grey eyes were mirrored in his own looks.
"I know ion-nín. I just wanted to be sure that Estel knew he was to return. Leave now and have safe passage through the mountains. I will be watching over you." The group glanced at the lord's right hand, where they knew one of the three elven rings of power rested upon his forefinger. "You must leave now if you are to make the mountains before sundown." Elrond urged, stepping forwards to open his office door.
"I will ready the horses." The blonde elf sighed, trooping out of the safety of the room, nodding to Elrond as he went.
"See you soon ada." Estel said, hugging his father and rushing off down the hallway to help with the preparations.
"Keep him safe." The elven lord whispered to the twins. "Bring him back to me. I fear what you may find upon this outing. If the Thranduilion did survive, there is no telling what may have become of him since. Be cautious."
"You have our word ada." The youngest of the twins said. "We have already talked about the possibilities that may have befallen the prince. We are ready to do this."
"Hannon le." Elrond replied with a nod. The twins, each gripped one of his shoulders and nodded to him, before following their brother's footsteps, and out into the courtyard.