Not part of chainlinks.

-ICOIP

Chapter 1:

Estel slipped out a side door of the last homely house and into the woods. There wasn't any point in sneaking into the woods unnoticed, but he wanted some fresh air. He assumed that no one had seen him slip out, because there were no people running after him. Estel was 9, and to his, Elladan's, and Elrohir's annoyance, he was only allowed in the woods during the day time. That ruled out game hunting, orc hunting, patrols, and fresh air, yet that had been a rule to disregard. Estel was very worried. There were often guests in Imladris, yet not many came merely for pleasure. Elladan and Elrohir had asked Elrond last month if Legolas, a good friend of theirs and the prince of Mirkwood, could come visit. Elrond had agreed, and a letter had been dispatched to Legolas to see if he could visit. He had agreed, and was due to arrive any day now. Estel was nervous. Obviously, Elladan and Elrohir would want to spend time with Legolas, not him. He quietly slipped up a tree overhanging the forest patch and sat down on a straight portion of the branch. Estel had only been sat there for a few minutes when a white horse galloped into view and stopped in front of him. The golden haired elf riding dismounted and looked up at Estel.

"Mae govannen, mellon nin. Na cin est?" (Well met my friend. What is your name?) The elf asked, looking up at Estel.

"I'm Estel. I'm Lord Elrond's foster son. I am assuming that you are Legolas, son of Thranduil?"

"I am. I am here to see Elladan and Elrohir, as you probably know. I think I may be early, Aeglos was quite keen to come back."

"I think they're asleep. I'll go get them if you want."

"That would be great. I'll take Aeglos to the stables and ask the stable master if there's a spare stall. Alert them of my arrival, will you?"

"Ok."

"Thank you, Estel."

"You're welcome." Estel turned to go. Legolas put a hand on his shoulder and spun him back around.

"Just a second. You're a human."

"You mean you've only noticed now?" Legolas disregarded this and tightened his grip on Estel's shoulder.

"You are truly Lord Elrond's foster son?"

"Yes." Estel was bewildered. Surely 'Dan and 'Ro had told Legolas about him . . . Hadn't they?

"Either you are, or you're very good at making assumptions." Legolas went on.

"Assumptions?" Estel was even more confused. The preposterous elf did not seem to trust him.

"I was speaking Elvish earlier."

"Obviously. You said 'Mae govannen, mellon nin. Na cin est.' which means; Well met, my friend, what is your name."

"You have a good memory. Treneri- hain hi saes, Estel." (Tell them now, please, Estel). Asked Legolas.

"All -o i pennas?" (the whole story?)

"Yes."

"Alright."

Estel ran back along the path towards the last homely house, into the twins' room and leapt on top of Elrohir. A mistake. Elrohir, taken by surprise, shoved Estel off him.

"What time is it? Did Glorfindel and Jaiz eat all the muffins?" Asked Elladan, awoken by the commotion.

"No!" Said Estel, "Legolas just got here. He's probably still in the stables."

"Legolas is here already?" Asked Elrohir.

"Yes! And tell him that I'm your brother. I don't think he believed me when I told him."

"We will!" Hollered Elladan, running out of the room.

"Thanks, tithen gwador!" (Little brother!) Yelled Elrohir, running after his twin.