Chapter 9

As Glorfindel and his elves approached the humans, it soon became obvious that they had been seen. Yet before he could greet them or even rightfully knew what was happening the humans uttered angry shouts and charged towards them. The small group of men posed little actual danger, but anger or hatred was lending strength to their attacks and Glorfindel was hard pressed to defend himself without hurting the man who had attacked him. The rest of his elves fared little better, and he could see Berandir draw blood from one of the blond men that was trying to skewer him.

-o0o-

The angry shouts of humans mingled with the sudden clashing of swords and the nervous neighing of horses was enough of a sign for Elrond that something had gone terribly wrong. He never should have taken Glorfindel's word for being courteous.

He spurred his horse forward, reaching the clearing in moments and was shocked to see the fighting and the blood that had already been spilled. It was obvious that the humans stood no chance against his warriors and surely they must be aware of it, so why would they attack? Such a one-sided fight was helping no one, least of all him if these men truly had information about Estel's condition or his whereabouts. He had to stop this fight and get to the bottom of the whole situation.

The elven lord halted his horse and stood up in his stirrups before roaring in his most commanding voice: "Enough! Stop this senseless fight at once. No one wants to harm you."

The humans were so shocked by the imposing figure of Elrond that they actually did stop and lower their weapons uncertainly. Silence fell. Elrond looked into the men's startled faces and continued in a more soothing voice: "I do not know why you attack us, but we have done nothing to you and mean you no harm." The humans seemed calmer now, but uncertainty still stood in their eyes, mingled with the possibility of another attack if only to avoid being taken prisoner. So, after a pause Elrond added coolly: "However, if you insist on continuing this fight, we will destroy you."

Suddenly, as if the words had opened their eyes and the humans just now saw that they were outnumbered they dropped their weapons. The men glanced at each other and after a moment the one closest to Elrond replied: "Not done any harm? It looks different from where I'm standin'!" he pointed to his wounded comrades.

"You attacked us without reason; all we did was defend ourselves."

"No reason?" the human replied: "One of you elves snuck into our camp in the middle of the night and kidnapped a sick child!"

Elrond thought his heart would stop as his mind instantly jumped to Estel, his own missing child. But could it be him? Was he sick? And who would have taken him? His mind was swirling with possibilities and questions but he did not voice any of them and the man continued: "The tracks led straight to one of ya elves. He admitted that his brother had went and taken the bairn, too. Prob'aly would'a escaped us like his brother did if he had'na been so injured. But before we could get 'im to return the boy or tell us where his brother would'a taken 'im, another elf attacked us an' took the wounded one with 'im. And now a whole group of ya approaches our camp without no warning." The man looked around at all the eves surrounding him and his friends, before making a last plea: "Why don't ya give that boy back so we can take 'im to a healer like he needs? He's been running a fever ever since we found 'im in the forest."

There could be no more doubt. These men had found and cared for Estel until someone had entered their camp to take him away. Elrond had a good idea about who that was, too and he did not like any of the news surrounding sickness and injury. He fought for calmness as he asked the most pressing question: "The boy needed a healer? How sick was he?"

"He had a high fever as I said and a bump t' his head. He would'na wake up properly neither. That's why we have ta find 'im. So, where is he?" the human demanded.

"We do not know," Elrond replied: "we have come here looking for him ourselves." The elven lord could see the genuine concern on the man's face, running deeper even than the distrust with which he mustered the elves and he decided to be honest. The truth might serve them where persuasion could not.

He got off his horse and approached the human with his hands raised in a sign of peace: "I assure you, this all has only been a misunderstanding. The boy's name is Estel and he is my son. He left his home to look for his missing brothers and we have been looking for him ever since. The two elves you spoke of are his brothers, if they entered your camp then only to protect their little brother and bring him home."

"But the boy is human," one of the men interrupted, his voice doubtful.

"Yes, Estel is human. I adopted him after his parents died. But I assure you, he is my son as surely as his elder brothers and I will do anything to protect him. I thank you for taking care of him." Elrond turned and pointed to his warriors: "My elves will heal your wounds and help you in any way they can. Please, just tell me which way my sons went so I may find them and make sure that they are healthy and safe."

The edain stared at him with a mixture of disbelief and suspicion but after what seemed like an eternity the human in front nodded and pointed east.

"Thank you," Elrond said as he jumped on his horse and together with Glorfindel, he rode back into the forest as fast as his horse would carry him.

-o0o-

With the morning light guiding their way and Legolas' horse carrying them along the forest paths, it took Elladan mere minutes to guide them back to where he had left Legolas and Estel. The blond wood elf was sitting down, gently cradling his precious burden to his chest, as he murmured soft encouragements to the child. Elladan brought the horse to a stop right in front of his friend and brother.

"How is he?" he asked without preamble. "Has he woken?"

"Yes, briefly." Lifting the young boy effortlessly up with him, Legolas rose to meet Elladan, who was dismounting slowly, carefully making sure that Elrohir had a safe enough grip on the saddle and would not fall without his support.

"Elrohir!" Legolas' voice was alarmed when his eyes fell on Elladan's younger twin. In the soft light of morning, his twin looked even worse, Elladan had to admit; His face was desperately pale in contrast to his dark hair and the bandage around his head dirty and blood-stained.

"It looks worse than it is," Elrohir insisted regardless.

Elladan, who had reached out to take Estel from Legolas snorted: "See?" he asked, turning back to his twin: "I knew you would lie." Elrohir had the good grace to look away and remain silent. Addressing Legolas next, he continued: "Could you help Elrohir? Then, I promise, I will explain everything."

Elladan laid a hand on Estel's forehead, both to gauge his temperature and to take some comfort from the contact. Their little brother, alone and injured in the forest at night and he and Elrohir had not been there to look out for him. The mere thought of it haunted him. Elladan held Estel closer, pressing a gentle kiss to the overheated skin of his tiny brother's forehead.

"How is he?" Elrohir's voice was soft as he broke Elladan out of his thoughts. His gaze was entirely on their younger brother's flushed features. Legolas had one of Elrohir's arms draped over his shoulder and even though it appeared as if that was the only thing holding him upright, Elrohir seemed to focus only on his little brother's wellbeing. His lips were set in a tight line as he doubtlessly clenched his teeth against pain and vertigo and Legolas seemed to be taking most of the younger twins' weight but somehow they shuffled closer to Elladan and Estel. "The humans were very concerned about his condition."

Elladan looked up and at his twin for a long moment, conveying the promise that they would talk about what happened between Elrohir and the men from Rohan once they had a chance. The image of the man's sword mere inches from his brother's face had scared Elladan more than he would like to admit. Still, Elrohir was safe now and that was what mattered.

He looked back down at Estel, smoothing one of the boy's sweat-slicked curls out of his face. "His fever is still high," he admitted, "and he has hit his head at some point. There is a bump right here." He gently parted Estel's curls and indicated the back of his head.

"He has a few cuts and bruises as well," Legolas interjected, nodding towards Estel's arm, where white linen poked out from beneath the boy's sleeves. "I rebandaged his cuts, but whoever took care of them first did good work."

"No sign of infection?" Elrohir asked.

"No." Legolas' words caused a sigh of relief from both twins. The frailty of their human brother and his susceptibility to disease was a constant worry. Too often had they seen Dunadan friends succumb to the after-effect of an otherwise simple wound. They could not lose Estel that way.

"We will have to lower his fever," Elrohir declared. He let Legolas help him over to a flat-topped stone and, once seated, reached out to take Estel from his twin. Elladan, however, did not budge, still holding Estel firmly against his own chest. He knew what Elrohir was planning and would have none of it. His twin had inherited their father's gift for healing, but utilizing it now would drain Elrohir of energy that he could not afford to lose. The idea of taking the pain and suffering from Estel with a simple touch was tantalizing and it broke Elladan's heart to have to deny it. But he could barely make out his twin's fëa in the pale light of the morning sun. Attempting a healing would be both dangerous and most likely ineffective.

Elladan looked hard at his twin, his steely gaze uncompromising. Elrohir in turn was defiant, but in the end it was the younger twin that gave in. Breaking eye contact he turned to their friend: "Legolas. I will need your healing supplies."

The prince nodded and brought over a small satchel that was already lying open and ready on the ground. While Elrohir started to look through the bag's contents, removing different vials of dried herbs, Elladan finally sat down as well. Adjusting Estel in his arms to make him as comfortable as possible, he settled back to wait for Elrohir to prepare the herbs he needed. His twin was squinting at the herbs in his hands, a clear indication of the headache, Elladan knew he was trying to hide. Still it was for the best to allow his stubborn twin this small victory.

"Dan?" Estel's voice was quiet and hoarse from disuse and dehydration, but when Elladan looked down to see his baby brother's silver eyes looking up at him, it was the most wonderful sight imaginable. He reached out to brush his fingertips against Estel's cheek.

"Aye, thithen pen, it is."

"You are safe. Ro…?" Estel licked his lips to try and moisten them, but despite his discomfort he would not be deterred from speaking.

"Elrohir is here, too. Hush now, little one, and let us take care of you."

Legolas came over and silently handed Elladan his water skin.

"Drink this Estel." The boy obediently drank a few sips of the cool liquid. Once he had quenched his thirst, he fixed his silver eyes once more on his oldest brother: "You and Ro were missing," he declared, "but I found you." There was an exhausted smile on his face. "Now you are safe."

Elladan had to fight back tears in the face of Estel's innocent joy and the depth of his love for his elven brothers. Estel had left the safety of their home to search for him and Elrohir. A hitched breath behind him told him that Elrohir had heard Estel's words as well. Gently, Elladan lifted Estel higher to press a kiss to his forehead, hiding his tear-filled eyes from his little brother so as not to alarm him. "Yes you have, tithen gwador." He whispered into his brother's soft curls.

"He is your brother?" Elladan's eyes snapped open to Legolas, who had returned once more, holding a cup in his outstretched hand. Taking the cup from his friend, Elladan guiltily realized that he still had not given Legolas the explanation he had promised.

But Legolas did not press. Indicating the cup he had delivered he explained: "Elrohir steeped the herbs in water and diluted wine. It will not be as effective as tea, he said but it will help until we get back to Rivendell and your father." Lowering his voice, so that only Elladan could hear him, he added: "You should have a look at Elrohir next. He would not let me check his injuries while he prepared the herbs for the bo- your brother, but I think you better hurry." Elladan turned to look behind Legolas and take in his twin's form. At some point during the last few minutes, Elrohir had moved off his previous perch. He was now sitting in front of the stone, leaning back against it, his eyes closed.

"Stubborn fool," Elladan murmured, silently berating himself for not insisting more strongly that Elrohir rest. But he could do nothing now.

"Estel," he coaxed his baby brother, lifting the cup to the boy's lips: "Ro made you something to drink."

Estel reopened sleepy eyes and took a sip of the prepared drink. He drew back instantly, face wrinkled in disgust: "Ro forgot the honey," he complained.

"He must have left it in Imladris." Elladan agreed. "We will have to chide him later. Drink now." Estel made one last face, but obediently drained the cup. Waiting for a few moments to make sure Estel settled back into sleep, he handed the boy to Legolas. "Can you hold him, while I take care of Elrohir?"

"Of course."

As Elladan raised himself off the ground, he added: "And then I will give you that explanation I promised."

With Estel safely ensconced in Legolas' arms, Elladan walked the short distance to where his twin was resting. Before he reached him, Elrohir opened his eyes: "Estel?" he asked, predictably.

"Asleep. He drank the tincture; and now you are out of excuses: Time to look at your injuries."

A smile pulled at Elrohir's lips and for once he let Elladan fuss about him without complaint. And while he re-bandaged his twin's head and checked his leg again, Elladan finally took the time to tell Legolas about Estel, the events of the last two days and how they had come to meet him in the forest.

Legolas gazed at the little boy in his arms in wonder as Elladan's story unfolded. And it seemed to Elladan that somehow these two, his little human brother and the blond elven prince, already shared a connection that would shape the course of the future.

-o0o-

The Lord of Imladris rode through the forest with as much speed as possible, his trusted seneschal hot on his heels. Finally he knew which direction to go and he was certain he would find his missing sons soon. But the knowledge he had gathered from the trader that at least two of his sons were injured had him deeply worried. Especially about his young human son. He urged his horse to run even faster, needing to get to his sons as soon as possible. Thankfully, he did not have to wait much longer.

A few minutes later he literally stumbled across his sons, although he was surprised to see that they were not alone. Elladan was kneeling next to the injured Elrohir, looking after him, but it was the prince of Mirkwood that held his youngest son safely in his arms.

Legolas seemed just as surprised at Elrond's sudden appearance, but Elrond quickly decided that all questions and explanations could wait till later. He jumped off his horse and hurried to Estel's side. "How is he?" Elrond asked as he carefully lifted Estel into his arms.

"He hit his head, but has woken twice in our presence. He has several deep scratches and suffers from a fever that we have been unable to bring down so far." Legolas replied.

"And Elrohir?" Elrond turned towards Elladan.

"His knee is badly sprained and he has lost a lot of blood from a head wound, but I have treated both as best as I could."

Elrond nodded: "I know you did, Elladan. I will still look at what I can do for them here, before we go home."

"Estel first, ada." Elrohir immediately requested. Elrond was glad to hear him speak and knew that as long as he displayed his over-protective, brotherly behavior, he would be fine.

"Naturally," Elrond agreed before adding with a small smile: "I will just leave you in your brother's care a little while longer." He heard Elrohir groan and saw Elladan grin, before turning his attention towards the precious bundle in his arms.

Elrond checked over his youngest son and made sure the dressings were still tight. He felt Estel's forehead and was concerned to feel that Estel was still running a high fever. Drowning out the whispering voices and the sounds of movement behind him, Elrond settled down with Estel in his arms and called upon his healing strength. He felt his energy flow into the little human and after a few moments, he felt his son respond. "Ada," he heard and when he looked down he saw that Estel had woken.

"Hush, Estel. Do not try to speak. You are safe now. Let me take care of you," Elrond reassured his youngest son. "Close your eyes and try to sleep. We will be home before you know it." Estel smiled and for once did as he was told.

Elrond continued to heal Estel, while the others around him looked after Elrohir and made preparations for the journey back to Rivendell. He was not entirely sure how much time had passed, but after he had done what he could for Estel out in the wild, he returned to awareness to see that the other elves had readied everything for a quick departure. He nodded to himself and turned towards Legolas: "Can you take him for a moment?"

He handed the small human over and gave some of his strength to his other son. Soon he was helping Elrohir onto a horse behind Elladan. He took Estel from Legolas and mounted his own horse with Legolas and Glorfindel following suit.

"Let us ride swiftly," Elrond suggested: "Estel still has a slight fever and the sooner he and Elrohir both rest in a comfortable bed, the better."

None of the other elves objected and soon they were all riding towards the Last Homely House as fast as possible.

-o0o-

Elrond was enjoying a glass of miruvor with Glorfindel on his private balcony. After the long, stressful days they had had, he was glad to relax and enjoy the sunshine with his old friend. That he was able to see all of his sons from his viewpoint above the garden of course greatly helped him relax. This was the first time both Estel and Elrohir had been allowed out of the healing wing since they had all returned and from the sounds of laughter and excitement drifting up to the two older elves it seemed that everyone was making the most of the little outing.

Glorfindel appeared to be reading Elrond's mind as he casually pointed out: "It appears that your sons have almost fully recovered from their ordeal."

Both elves watched as Estel rode his pony around the garden followed by three smiling elves trotting leisurely after him on foot. "It certainly is a relief to see them this happy after the last few days. It felt like an eternity until Estel's fever finally broke."

"But break it did. He is stronger than he looks - and look at how happy he is now."

Elrond and Glorfindel continued to watch the scene in the garden. His human son appeared to have no lasting fear of his pony after it threw him off. He was right back in the saddle and looked mischievously at his brothers when his pony stopped and began to munch on Erestor's favorite flowers.

The older elves smiled at each other: "It seems Estel already devised a clever punishment for Erestor, but have you?" Glorfindel asked.

Elrond's smile grew even bigger: "Indeed I have." Elrond responded: "It seems to me that Erestor might need more experience in handling Estel's more mischievous streaks. I have these finger paints that I was saving to give to Estel. But now I think it is high time for Estel to explore his talent in art."

Since Glorfindel looked a bit confused, Elrond added: "I think Erestor's office would be the perfect place for him to try them."

Chuckling, Glorfindel agreed: "I always have said that Erestor's office needed a bit more color. An excellent idea, my lord; I'm looking forward to seeing Erestor's face already." Both elves laughed and turned their attention back to the young ones below.

"I am sure his brothers will gladly assist Estel," Glorfindel added a few moments later, "as will a certain prince."

"Yes, it does seem like Legolas fits right in with our troublesome three. He certainly appears to be quite fond of Estel already."

"That is good. Just wait until Thranduil hears about the fearsome four."

"I can hardly wait." Elrond grinned as he continued to watch his sons.

THE END

A/N: And this concludes the first story in our series of Estel's childhood years. We started this ages ago and it was definitely a labor of love to get it finished, but it also sparked enough joy to spawn a series all its own. And that means more stories for you all to enjoy in the future. We do hope you enjoyed this little tale and would love to hear your thoughts and comments. A big, heartfelt Thank you to everyone who has reviewed.