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Erestor

I am Erestor, the nervous, grumpy, stuffy, emotionally unstable, misunderstood, paranoid Chief Advisor of Imladris.

Or, was the advisor, until I was abused, bullied, usurped, banned from entering Imladris, and forced to live in the Wild for a whole week due to 'behavioral issues'.

My tale starts with a certain evil, conniving (even more so than the twins), usurping, Balrog-slaying, unnaturally tall Vanya, with straw-colored (he says it's 'golden') hair.

Ever since he was rebirthed, he has been treated like a king by the inhabitants of Imladris, while I was shoved to the side and ignored (I was Chief Advisor, if you remember) as if I had gotten my position for nothing. He teased me relentlessly about how small I am, how stern I am, how 'boring' I am, how plain I am, and most of all how paranoid I am, etc., etc.

Pretty much, if he found anything abnormal about me, he would tease me.

He thinks he is so perfect. Everyone loves him, he's so beautiful, he slew a balrog, his life is perfect, his hair is perfect, he's so powerful, he's seen the light of the Two Trees, he's so ancient, he's so wise.

I am sure that is his normal thought process.

Glorfindel

There are many advantages to being me.

I am a balrog slayer. I am gorgeous. I have maidens swooning at my feet, begging me to allow them to braid my hair for me. I have mortal and immortal kind offering me pounds of gold for a strand of my glorious hair. And just about everyone loves me.

There are also many dis advantages to being me.

Some people think that because I am loved and famous, my life is perfect. Some people think that because I am loved and famous, I think I'm perfect, and therefore hate me.

Actually, these some people I am referring to would be a certain Chief Advisor, with very dark black hair, and very small proportions, whose name is Erestor.

I don't hate Erestor. In fact, the first time I saw him, I wanted to be friends (I want to be friends with everyone) until I heard him asking Lord Elrond why it was Glorfindel who was reborn, and not Ecthelion.

To which Lord Elrond replied very angrily that if Eru had appointed Ecthelion to come back, then it would be Ecthelion here and not Glorfindel, and not to question an omniscient being.

Erestor and I never got along. He gave me cold stares, stalked past me, and cringed every time I spoke up at a council meeting. He complained to Lord Elrond that I had 'stolen his position', merely because if I ever opposed him at councils, people wanted to listen to me, which I really can't help.

It was rather disconcerting, then, when I woke up, keenly aware of a threat hovering somewhere above me, and found Erestor raising a dagger (the one King Turgon gave me, mind you!) above my heart.

I jerked up, grabbed him, and effortlessly pinned him to the wall. He was all in a panic and a frenzy, claiming it wasn't what it looked like and that he would 'never murder' me. He actually started crying, the nerve on that little fiend!

I marched him to Lord Elrond, and by then he was completely in shock, because I had apparently terrified him by my rough treatment, as if he wasn't planning on murdering me!

He was so worked up that he had to have medical treatment from Lord Elrond before I could tell my tale.

"I was only trying to scare him!" He cried out.

"Right, because you knew I would wake up?"

He nodded vigorously. "I waited there for several minutes! You don't actually think I'd kill you, do you?" He started sobbing again.

I didn't think he would. But Lord Elrond did. He excused me, and decided to lecture Erestor like he would an elfling, which later resulted in Erestor being banned from Imladris.

I felt very horrible for him as I watched him pack his belongings, take a last, forlorn look at his books and library, and stalk past me, his face paler than usual.

He certainly didn't look like a murderer. He was so weak-minded and frail too!

Erestor

I couldn't believe the nerve on that Elrond! After I had advised him for all those hundreds of years, I play a minor trick on my colleague and I get booted?!

Well I would show them! I wouldn't stand being bullied and kicked out! I ought to ring their wicked, scheming, conniving, plotting, conspiring, contriving, usurping little necks!

All these thoughts of rage were running through my head when I bumped into Estel on my way out. Me, being the nervous, jumpy elf that I am, thought that perhaps I had been speaking my mind aloud and Glorfindel was here to kill me. I screamed and backed up, tripping over a rock, my papers and various other possessions flying everywhere.

"Erestor!" I heard someone say, just then realizing who it was.

Estel grabbed me and hauled me up (kind soul), and helped me dust off and gather my possessions. "Whatever are you doing with all your bags packed?! And Valar you look pale!"

I fumbled around for an explanation for a few minutes as to why I was getting kicked out of my lifelong home, and finally realized that all I could tell him was the truth.

I of course told the story in a way that made the listener feel great pity on my misunderstood self, and was greatly rewarded with Estel's shimmering, tear filled eyes as I reached the end, and was almost defiled with a hug.

"Oh, my dear Erestor," he said with a tremor in his voice. "How could Ada do this to you? Simply awful! By the Valar that Glorfindel is a horrid soul!"

I was greatly surprised to learn that I was, in fact, not alone in my hatred for Glorfindel. Apparently he had injured the boy while they were sparring years ago, and had laughed at him when he cried and told him to 'man up'.

Estel was an adult now, and didn't cry when he twisted his ankle, but he was still very bitter apparently.

"Do you really want him dead?" He asked curiously. I shook my head vehemently, but I wasn't sure I was being entirely truthful.

"Erestor," he said all of a sudden, lowering his voice and leaning in closer to me. "Can you keep a very big secret? If you do, it may lead to a very well paying job for you, and perhaps- other things you may be looking for. If you can't keep a secret, then I just shan't tell you."

My curiosity piqued, although I could not say what he meant by 'other things I may be looking for'.

"Of course I can keep a secret," I whispered back, "It's not like I have any friends."

Estel looked at me glumly, as if to say 'am I not your friend?'.

"Well, other than you of course." That was a lie.

"Good!" He said, brightening up. "Now, on with the secret."

For the next few minutes, I sat in a daze as I listened to him tell me about a how he worked as a messenger for an assassin and that if I got hired, I would never have to worry about financial problems, or Glorfindel (which sounded rather ominous) again.

"W-why would they hire me though? W-wouldn't they want proof that I am not a- a spy?" I asked rather nervously, biting my nails and glancing around to make sure we weren't being spied upon ourselves.

Mortals have such loose tongues.

"I know the 'assistant' leader, and you may know him as well. He will trust my judgement, though of course he will want some kind of proof that I have not erred this time."

"Oh," I said in a small voice, feeling somewhat terrified at the prospect of facing a leader of assassins and asking for a job.

He'll murder me for even thinking I have the right to ask such a thing. Then he'll come back and murder Estel for sending me. Then- then-

"Erestor!" Estel suddenly shouted, interrupting my thoughts once more. I screamed and jumped up from where I was sitting, and then remembered I was not talking to an assassin (or was I?), and sat back down, breathing shakily.

Apparently he had been talking to me, and had said my name a few times, although I was too busy hyperventilating to hear him.

"As I was saying," he began again, "I hate this place. My foster father hates me because I said I thought his daughter was cute, my brothers hate me because they're humanist morons (a trait they inherited from their father, no doubt), Arwen hates me because she's mad I'm obssessed with her, Glorfindel hates me because..."

He went on like this for some time, and I soon realized that Arien was showing herself over the horizon, and that I was supposed to have left hours ago.

"Estel! Please, tell me where I must go and I will be off. I have stayed longer than I should have."

He broke off his pitiful speech. "Oh! Right!"

Grabbing a pen out of my bag, he started writing frantically on a piece of paper that looked like it had already been written on, and throwing instructions to me at the same time, such as: Make sure you're not followed, bring a résumé, don't act like a nervous wreck (aka, my normal self), blah blah blah.

I nodded, grabbed the note as soon as he was done writing, yelled goodbye over my shoulder and took off at full speed.

I was well on my way before I realized I had failed to take a horse.

Legolas

I glanced down at the papers scattered in front of me, rather crumpled and dirty, and looking as if they had been laid against a tree and written on. They had been.

Was Chief Advisor of Imladris for one-thousand years until that cursed Vanya, Glorfindel the Usurping Balrog-slayer was rebirthed by the equally cursed Valar, and my position was stolen.

That sentence caught my attention more than the other useless jabber, which seemed to be there merely so his résumé could look longer. I hadn't even read ninety percent of it.

I also tutored Elladan and Elrohir Elrondion until they put a snake in my boot. I have never tutored since.

I snickered. I was never particularly fond of Erestor, as he had dragged Estel away for lessons multiple times several years ago, when the two of us had been spending quality time together, and I had been corrupting him into our ring of assassins. But if there was one thing I hated, it was the twins. They made me cringe every time I saw them, and just want to drive a stake-

I cleared my throat, getting my thoughts back down to business.

I finally reached the end of the résumé, and rested my piercing gaze on the bedraggled elf in front of my desk. According to him, he had been traveling (more like fleeing) for a week on foot.

"How do I know you're not a spy?" I asked in a most stern voice.

He jerked in his seat when he heard my voice. He had fallen asleep.

"What? A spy? Who's a spy?" He dove under the desk and covered his head. Apparently he was suffering greatly from the effects of sleep deprivation.

I waited patiently (I am quite a noble elf) for him to realize his mistake and slowly creep out from under the desk and place himself back in his chair.

"How do I know you're not a spy?" I asked again, my patience coming back into play.

"Me? A spy?" He burst into miserable tears, babbling incoherently or pausing to scream about how 'everyone was against him' 'blah blah blah'.

I did catch amidst his mumblings though, that he apparently had encountered a wolf on his first night and had fled (hence the sleep deprivation), leaving behind all his belongings, except for the letter and résumé.

He was pitifully pathetic, so I took pity, because I too am pathetic at times.

"I think you should have some proper sleep now." I said rather nobly, standing and dragging him from his chair.

He jerked away, rubbing his arm. "That's where your father's cursed butler grabbed my arm and bruised it!" He sniffed, holding the arm close to his chest.

It was quite some time before I got him settled into a bed and sleeping, and after wrestling the surprisingly stubborn and puny being into bed (he was quite sure he would be murdered in his sleep), I was feeling rather exhausted myself.

"Galion!" I shouted, dropping back into my office chair.

Galion ran in, bowing and clumsily banging into the door. "Yes, my lord?"

"Bring me some Dorwinion!" I demanded, not feeling very noble anymore after being so noble to Erestor.

He bowed again and rushed out of the room, rushing back in a moment later with a goblet and a flask.

I waited for him to set it down on my desk and then waved him out, settling comfortably in my chair.

"What an odd thing that Erestor is!" I speculated, wondering what in Arda he could possibly want from me.

I realized then that in the confusion that was Eretor and his résumé, I had completely forgotten about Estel's letter.

I picked it up off the desk and began reading it.

My Dearest, most best friend Legolas, it began. I inwardly cringed. He began every letter to me like that, and had since he was four years old. I suppose it should be endearing, but we have more of a frienemy (emphasis on the enemy part) relationship, so to speak.

It has recently come to my attention that I have not seen you for almost a whole month! How odd! I suppose I shall visit you soon enough (although it would not hurt you to come visit me), and when I do, I shall bring some of Ada's most favored wine. I believe he stole it from your father last year at the Feast of Starlight! Were you aware of this strange new advancement in his hobbies?

I scanned through the letter for a bit, wondering if there was actually any point to it, and why he kept referring to beautiful elf maidens. I suppose he thinks I should be wedded by now.

Ah! There was a point!

I have sent Master Erestor to you as there was an, er, incident back here in Imladris, and he was 'permanently removed' from both position and home (which I find most unfair). I find it hard to believe that Ada will truly make him stay gone forever, but in the instance that this should occur, you may find that a certain Glorfindel is at the bottom of it. Erestor is looking for revenge, and I have no doubt that you will be payed well (like you need any more money!). Some weapons-training may also come in useful, as he is not skilled in anything but the quill-pen, which I have no doubt will not serve well in defense of his life.

Hmmm.. very.. interesting.

Why was Erestor here? I never really thought about it. But then, he had only been here for about an hour.

I raised the glass of wine to my lips. I would ask him later. Being the assistant-master was an exhausting thing sometimes.

"At last," I said aloud, leaning back in my chair. "Peace and quiet!"

I should have known, but as soon as the words were out of my mouth I was interrupted by a shrill scream from somewhere down the hall.

"Ai Elbereth!" I cursed, slamming my fist down on the table.

Erestor

Legolas had just forced me into bed and slammed the door, muttering curses under his breath and complaining about how 'feisty' I was.

I had only been laying down a few minutes, my paranoia keeping me from falling asleep, when I heard singing coming down the hall. There wasn't technically any reason to be scared, but I am Erestor, so I dove under my covers, hoping against hopes that whoever it was wouldn't turn the door handle.

Sadly, because I am apparently cursed, my wish was not granted, and the singer (who was now whistling), entered my room.

I sat there shaking pathetically, not daring to peek out, and wondering who in Arda it was and why I was so scared.

"Lindir?" Said a feminine voice, very oddly familiar although I could not place it in my state of near-shock.

No one answered so I assumed she thought whoever was under the covers was Lindir.

Wait. Lindir… the head minstrel?

I started panicking even more, wondering if everyone but me was involved in crime (it was quite a shock to my system when I discovered Legolas was the second-in-command to an insane group of murderers), and I pulled the covers tighter just in case whoever was in the room decided to pull them off, discover I wasn't Lindir, and kill me.

Whoever it was continued humming, and sounded like they were leaving the room. Curiosity (they don't say it killed the cat for no reason) overcame fear, and I risked a peep.

At first, all I saw was long, wavy, silver hair against a dark red and brown tunic and boots, strangely similar to that worn by Galion. I was about to crawl back under the covers when the person turned around.

For a moment I froze, not daring to believe what I was seeing was actually true, but then she smiled and said, "You're not Lindir!"

I shrieked, throwing the covers off and backing up against the headboard.

She looked rather alarmed, and I wondered if it was because I had shrieked or because she had just realized who I was.

"Erestor?" She asked, with a note of confusion in her voice.

" WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ?!" I shrieked again, my eyes following her every move.

"I could ask you the same!" she huffed.

At that moment, Legolas rushed in looking rather frazzled and holding a flask of wine to his mouth.

He ran to my bedside and decided it would be a good idea to dump the wine in my mouth, which I just started choking on.

I realized then that he was yelling at me to calm down, and that I was apparently hyperventilating.

"There, there Erestor," he said awkwardly, once my breathing had finally evened out. He patted me on the back.

I think I was about to start hyperventilating again when I remembered why I had in the first place, but Legolas just clamped a hand over my mouth.

"Celebrían!" He reproached the woman. "Whatever did you go and scare poor Erestor for like that?"

Celebrían shrugged innocently. "I did not know he was here. Why are you here Erestor?"

Clearly I couldn't speak with Legolas' hand covering my mouth, so he released his hold, giving me a look that said 'don't hyperventilate'.

I sat there for a moment gathering my wits, and wondering if I was dreaming, or if I had finally cracked, or if this was just another effect of sleep deprivation.

"Celebrían?" I whispered, my eyes wide. I suspected I rather looked like a fish.

"I suppose you're wondering why I'm not.. in Valinor?"

I considered for a moment. Did I really want to know? I had learned so many shocking things in the past week. I wasn't sure I could handle another shock, but then, perhaps all those other shocks would mellow this one.

I nodded slowly and suspiciously.

She sat down on the edge of the bed, looking me over for a bit, probably to see if I was mentally fit for what she was about to tell me.

"It was all a setup. I never sailed." She said. Blunt and to-the-point. I had always liked that about her, but now was not the time to use such a tactic.

"What in Arda is that supposed to mean?" I hissed.

"I am sure this is all too overwhelming for you at the moment. You should get some sleep. But by Círdan's beard it's good to see you again!"

I glowered and glared and scowled, but in my current state, it must not have come off as such because Legolas started laughing.

"Honestly, Erestor, the Lady is right."

"I WANT AN EXPLANATION AND I WANT IT NOW!" I screamed suddenly, crossing my arms over my chest and feeling rather infantile.

Celebrían looked sideways at Legolas, who sighed and nodded his approval. "Alright, but please do not hyperventilate again." she said.

In short, this is what I learned.

Celebrían

I was young and eager when I 'fell in love' with Elrond. Nana greatly advised that I not marry him due to his descent, but I foolishly did not heed her, and wedded the Peredhel soon after we met.

For a while I was happy. I had the twins, which kept me busy for about one hundred years until I had Arwen. Her and I used to go off on 'adventures' together, but never far from home, because Elrond was always worried for our safety.

It wasn't until she had reached her majority that I decided I had had enough of the stuffy old Peredhel.

I missed going on adventures with my own mother- real adventures, roaming all of Middle-earth- and decided I wanted the same experience for my daughter.

One day, on my way to Lothlórien, I arranged with the former Mouth of Sauron to 'kidnap' me and have me tortured. He was a bit too eager for my liking, but I made sure that he knew that he would only get my husband's ring, Vilya, if he kept me alive.

Fool! To think I would ever endanger Middle-earth by betraying my husband thusly!

Once I had been tortured a good bit- it was no small feat, you know- I had word sent to Imladris that I had been kidnapped.

My sons came to rescue me, and everything was going according to plan. But then it dawned on me!

I had told The Mouth that Elrond had Vilya!

I panicked, because I knew it was only a matter of time before he told Sauron. I was amazed at my own stupidity.

I had to speed up my process of 'fading', so every day, I had Arwen come in and help me rub white powder on my face. I would suck my cheeks in and Elrond thought I was starving. I would stagger about whenever I tried to walk, and act like my vision was blurring. I told him it hurt my ears whenever anyone spoke, and that I could always hear the voices of the orcs in my head. I 'worsened' every day.

Finally the day came, and I told him I needed to sail. He was all in a fit, but he knew it was the best for me.

Arwen, of course, was in on my plans (although she greatly disapproved of the torturing part), and knew what I was doing all along.

So, I set sail. And when I thought I was quite out of sight, I turned from my course and came back to shore, settling in Far Harad for a bit.

Then I knew I had to get rid of The Mouth. I searched ceaselessly for a way to do so, and ended up in Mirkwood, where I was employed in the service of Prince Legolas.

He trained me for a while, and together we hunted down The Mouth. Rumor has it he has been replaced.

Erestor

I was wrong. The shock was not mellowed.

"You!" I sputtered. "You despicable excuse for a mother!"

I could still remember the day she sailed. Elrond had held her, trying and failing to hold back his tears. The twins had clung to each other, crying openly. However much I disliked them, no one deserved to go through that. But now that I thought about it, Arwen had seemed oddly- relaxed. Yes, she had shed some tears, but that could easily be faked.

I now wondered if she hadn't actually been going to Lothlórien for 'peace' afterwards, and if she had been meeting her mother instead.

Celebrían crossed her arms. "You have no idea what it's like to be constantly stuck at home, relying on everyone but yourself to keep you safe!"

"Actually I am quite experienced in that area, my lady!" I yelled. In fact I missed those days, which were only about a week ago.

"Well you were never the adventurous type, were you? Always staying in your library with your precious books!"

"Why are you two fighting?" Legolas suddenly interrupted, looking genuinely confused.

Celebrían stopped yelling and turned to glare at him.

"All I am saying, my Lady, is that Master Erestor is rather exhausted, and would very likely appreciate some sleep." Legolas continued, giving me a pointed look which I pointedly ignored.

"No! I will not go to bed!" I screamed. Who knew what would happen when I actually fell asleep.

Glorfindel

I felt horrible. Estel told me that Erestor forgot a horse, and I imagined he was wandering the Wild's on foot now. I decided I should go find him, but was unsure what Lord Elrond would think.

I decided not to tell him, and that I would begin my search for him on the morrow. Hopefully he had not been ripped to pieces already by orcs/wild animals/anything else that might be hungry for some Chief Advisor.

Glorfindel

I had been tracking Erestor for no more than an hour when I came across what looked like a rough and hurried camp. I then found a pack that was very obviously Erestor's.

That was strange, especially since it contained a few old books that Erestor considered rather priceless.

There was only one possibility then. Erestor had been attacked and fled.

I scouted around for a few more minutes, feeling weirdly anxious for someone I didn't even like, until I found paw prints.

"Hmm, I believe that is a wolf." I said to myself, wishing Estel were with me. I then realized that if they were wolf prints, then Erestor was very likely inside of a wolf's belly. I didn't think he could have run fast enough to escape it.

I came across tracks made by running feet and hope was aroused once more. I whistled for my trusty steed Asfoloth and together we set out to find our Chief Advisor.

Erestor

I had drained two bottles of wine before I felt stable enough to have intelligent conversation with the two elves before me.

"Erestor?" Legolas asked, equal parts impatient and worried. "Are you alright?"

I pushed my hair back from my face, noting with annoyance that my hands were still shaking slightly. "No, not really." I reached for a third bottle but Legolas quickly pulled it away.

"You have had quite enough, my dear Erestor, and everyone knows how bad you are at holding your wine."

"Everyone?" I asked despairingly.

"No," Celebrían reassured, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Just most everyone."

"Oh,"

"Now, let us get down to business, shall we?" Legolas asked, pulling a chair up beside my bed.

I nodded for him to get down to said business.

"First of all, I would like to know what in Arda you think you are doing here?"

I gulped. "Did you not receive Estel's letter?"

"I did, but he was much too vague. He said there was an 'incident' that resulted in you being kicked out."

I shifted and began twiddling my hair between my fingers, which Celebrían seemed to find very annoying as she slapped my hand.

I was getting tired of telling this story, not that I had told it more than once, but that had been quite enough.

"Well?" Celebrían said impatiently. "I told you my story, I think we deserve yours."

I sighed. "Alright, but please, don't kill me."

They looked at me quizzically but said nothing, so I began to unfold my engrossing tale, leaving them wide-eyed and speechless.

"You tried to kill.. Glorfindel?" Celebrían gulped.

"Is that so hard to believe?!" I snapped. "You kill people don't you?"

Much to my discomfort, Legolas began to laugh. "You are right, Master Erestor, it is just... not something we expected to hear."

"Well, you know now! What other questions?"

Legolas stopped laughing and looked me straight in the eye. "What do you want from us?"

I sat there a moment and pondered this. "Well," I began slowly. "I am in need of a job- but not where I will be killing people!"

"Hmm," Legolas said, furrowing his brows. "I will have to think on what I can do for you there. This is no small organization you know."

I did not know. I did not know anything. I did not know why I was here, why Celebrían was here, why Legolas was here, why Estel sent me here, why I had tried to kill Glorfindel in the first place, resulting in this huge mess. Oh Valar, I've ruined everything-!

"Erestor!" Legolas yelled, thumping the tip of my ear. I glared at him. Apparently I have a thing for spacing out.

"Y-yes?" I asked cautiously, rubbing my ear.

"Go to sleep!"

"No, I will not-" I attempted to stifle a yawn (and thus made the author of this story yawn).

"Did you drug me?!" I panicked, the edges of my vision blurring.

"No," Legolas said calmly. "It is quite normal to start falling asleep when you have been awake for as many days as you have."

"Oh," I said, my paranoia calming down a bit for the moment.

I fell back onto my pillow with a thud.

Legolas

I smiled as Erestor fell backwards, finally sleeping peacefully (or so I hoped. I was in no mood to have him interrupt my day with shrieking again).

Yes, Erestor, I did drug you.

Patting the vial in my pocket, I motioned for Celebrían to follow me and we exited the room.

"My lady," I began, pulling a paper from inside my pocket and unfolding it. "The Master has a letter for you. And a task. He says it is most important."

"Thank you, my Lord." She smiled and took the paper, rolling it up and making her way towards her own rooms.

I sat back down in my office, expecting some sort of interruption at any given moment. I was well rewarded for my patience, for just as I sat down Galion burst in.

"My Lord!" He gasped, rather out of breath.

"Yes, Galion?" I asked patiently, taking a slow sip of my wine.

"The Lord Glorfindel is here! He says he has tracked an, er, Elf and demands to see him!"

"Send him in," I said as though it didn't bother me.

"Yes, My Lord!"

A moment later, Galion came in, leading an irate Glorfindel behind him.

"Is there a problem, Glorfindel?" I asked calmly.

"Problem? Well I think dragging Erestor down here may be a bit of a problem!" He sneered, placing his hands on my desk and looking me in the eyes.

"Erestor came of his own free will- for safety." I added. "And now I can see why, as you seem very intent on hurting him. But I say this, within these walls, you will harm no one unless they make the first move."

Glorfindel took a step back and I inwardly congratulated myself, thinking I had intimidated him.

"Hurt- hurt Erestor?" He stuttered most ungracefully. "I would never! I merely came to see if he was safe!"

I smirked. What a fib. And not even a convincing one.

"Master Erestor is resting." I folded my hands on the desk. "I will tell him you dropped by to check on him after you leave." I'm sure he'll be very touched.

Glorfindel crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh will you indeed, Thranduilion?"

Glorfindel

There was something shady going on. That much I could tell by Legolas' refusal to let me see Erestor. It's not like I had been the one to try and kill him.

"I will 'indeed', Glorfindel." Legolas spat.

"I prefer to wait. After all, I have all the time in the world."

Legolas glared, his cool composure slipping. "No, there is really no need. Galion, please escort the Lord out."

I turned to see Galion shifting nervously by the door.

"I am perfectly capable of escorting myself, thank you." I said, tossing my hair and heading for the door.

I knew Legolas sent Galion to make sure I actually left, so as soon as we were out of hearing range I turned to him and waited for him to catch up.

"I have forgotten," I said, smiling wryly. "Which passage way do I take? The left or right?"

"Er, the left, My Lord." He said, fumbling with his hands and looking at the ground. I seized my chance and grabbed him, clamping a hand over his mouth before he could make a noise.

"What have you done to Erestor?" I hissed in his ear, dragging him down the left passage.

He whimpered, but I did not let go of him until I had found an empty room and closed the door behind us. Even then I was still very careful to stay close to him.

"I do not know My Lord!" He squeaked, eyes wide. "I am merely a humble butler!"

I considered for a moment. "What do you know?"

He glanced around the room nervously, clearly wondering if it made him a traitor to disclose such private information.

"All I want to know is that Erestor has not been harmed." I said, softening my voice just enough to make him feel comfortable with telling me the truth. "I should feel very guilty if he were harmed."

Galion swallowed and scratched the back of his neck. "I only know that Prince Legolas brought him in for questioning when I found him wandering about our headquarters, which you seemingly found."

I raised my eyebrows at his intelligence.

"As far as I know he sent him to bed after that, and a few minutes later I heard, er, screaming, and then the Prince ran out of his office."

Screaming? That couldn't be good. I gulped. "Is that all?"

He nodded fiercely.

"Well, I can't let you go yet, so just stay here for now." I said, grabbing a ring of keys from his belt.

"Please don't lock me in here."

"I am sorry, but I will let you out later if you do not make too much noise."

I went out and locked the door behind me, wondering how I was supposed to navigate these winding halls. I should have asked Galion.

Celebrían

I finally came to the end of the twelfth stairwell, and walked down the long passage that led to the Master's office. I was rather nervous about why he had summoned me so urgently on so short a notice, but I shoved my feelings down most bravely as I knocked on the door.

I heard the harp inside stop. "Enter."

I bowed as I stepped in. "I got your letter from Lord Thranduilion, I have come as quick as may be."

He smiled and pushed a strand of dark hair behind his ear.

"And do you wish to follow through?" He said, his voice silky soft.

"I do, My Lord."

"Good. Then here is your mission," I waited tensely as he strummed a few harp strings absentmindly.

"I want you to kill Elrond Peredhel."

Erestor

I awoke to the most terrifying sight that seemed possible to me right then.

Glorfindel was hovering above me, two fingers pressed to my throat. I didn't know what he was doing, but I did know I didn't want him doing anything that involved being near me, so I bolted upright and screamed.

My throat hurt horribly. I assumed it was from all the screaming I had been doing lately.

"Erestor! Shut up!" Glorfindel hissed, clamping a hand over my mouth. His eyes were rather wide.

I screamed under his hand, but it came out muffled.

"Erestor! I'm not here to kill you!" He insisted. "Just calm down, you're hyperventilating."

I was suddenly very annoyed with myself. When was I not hyperventilating?

He kept his hand there until my breathing had evened out, and then removed it with a warning look.

"What are you doing here?" I asked shakily, prepared to scream again if the need to arose.

"I came to make sure you weren't dead!" He whisper-yelled, sitting down on the bed. I cringed and moved towards the other side.

"Why would you come to see if I was alright?" I asked. Maybe it was so he could kill me himself. That thought seemed reasonable so I moved a bit further away.

"Because I'm not as evil and conniving as you think." He said simply.

"But- but, we hate each other!"

Glorfindel smirked. "That still doesn't mean I'm as evil and conniving as you think."

Well, he hadn't denied still hating me, so despite what he said, that didn't put him out of my suspicions of murder.

I crossed my arms and frowned. "Well, you see me and I'm alright. Goodbye! How did you find me anyways?"

"I tracked you." He said.

"Was I that obvious?"

He nodded and patted my shoulder sympathetically.

We heard footsteps stomping down the hall. They sounded angry.

Glorfindel and I looked at each other with wide eyes. Glorfindel dove under the bed just as the door swung open and slammed against the wall.

"Well Erestor!" Legolas growled, looking around the room and seeing nothing wrong. "What is it this time?"

I internally debated wether or not I should tell him Glorfindel was under my bed, but something inside of me that did not feel like my own mind was telling me not to.

"N-nothing is wrong, my lord. It was only a- nightmare."

Legolas glared daggers. "If I hear you scream again, I will personally rip out every hair on your head and throw you outside to be eaten by wolves!"

I was rather taken aback by the change in his temper, but I brushed it off as stress. I jumped as he slammed the door shut.

"Alright," I said, feeling moody and annoyed with Glorfindel. "You may come out now."

He crawled out, smiling and looking a bit embarrassed. He picked dust out of his hair.

"Thank you." He said.

"For what?" I asked, feeling very sour.

"For not telling."

"Oh," I said. I hoped he would leave now, because I still didn't trust him, and I still wanted to kill him.

"Are you leaving now?"

"I can't. Not until it's safer."

Galion

I screamed and pounded on the door.

"LEGOLAS!" No answer. "LADY CELEBRÍAN!"

I sank to the floor, putting my head in my hands. I would probably die in here. I didn't expect Glorfindel would ever let me out. He had no reason to.

I suddenly realized I had never been in this room before. I had been with Legolas and his group for years, but most of the rooms remained locked all the time, and although I kept the keys to most rooms, I was only permitted to enter very specific ones. Indeed, I had never desired to open others.

Why was this one unlocked?

I glanced around, trying to figure out who it belonged to. It was a boring room, with no wall decor, and papers scattered on the top of the desk.

I walked over to the desk and picked up a paper, staring down at the writing. It was addressed from 'the Master'.

We shall meet in my quarters at sunrise on the morrow. Then shall this new position be awarded unto thee.

I smirked. Who even talked like that anymore? I had always wondered about this 'master'. It was all very weird how everything was kept so secret to someone as (hopefully) trusted as me. I would never betray Legolas. I was with him to the bitter end. Loyal and admiring. My prince.

The next one I picked up was from Eleren, Legolas' mother. This must have been Legolas' old office, before he became second-in-command. I wondered why he hadn't moved his belongings out.

To my darling little leaf,

I cannot write long now, I merely wanted to tell you that we are well, and to inquire of your own well-being. How is Imladris? Does the Lord Elrond treat you well? I wish to hear all about your adventures as soon as you are back, so make sure to remember them all!

From your loving Nana.

I heard a key turning in the door. I hastily replaced the papers and went back to the door, ready to explain myself and deny snooping if it was Legolas.

It was Glorfindel.

"Glorfindel?!" I hadn't thought he would come back.

"How observant you are- Galion, is it?- well, I've come to let you out, so come along." He held the door opened and I walked out, staring at him in shock.

"If you tell anyone of our little 'encounter', I will come for you." He said. "And I want you to deliver something to Erestor for me," he held out a letter. "Tell him 'Glorfindel sends his regards'."

I took the paper and continued to stare. He raised an eyebrow.

"I am sorry my lord!" I blurted. "Were you able to find Erestor?"

He nodded. "Indeed I was."

I nodded back and hurried away.

Glorfindel

I swung onto Asfoloth's back and scratched my head. Erestor had seemed, well, safe, but he could be being held under threats.

Legolas knew that I knew about their little 'operation', so I didn't think he would do something to Erestor, but one could never be to careful. I would keep an eye on the place.

For now though, I was starving. I had no idea where I could find food though, unless I went hunting. I didn't feel like hunting.

Celebrían

I gazed down at the letter in my hands, shocked, anxious, terrified, and lamenting. I had no idea why the Master wanted me to kill my husband.

Sure, I didn't love him like I once thought I had. But I also didn't hate him, and I would never want to kill him. I kept my business strictly for people I didn't know and had no connection to.

Not only this, but killing Elrond would not be an easy task. He was guarded fiercely, although considered safe for the most part in Imladris, and I had no way of getting through without being noticed.

If I was spotted, all of Imladris would be in an uproar. There was no way.

I could forfeit my task, but that meant forfeiting a task the Master trusted me with. I had no idea what he would do to me then.

Estel

I swung out of my saddle and whistled happily. Elladan, Elrohir and I had just hunted down and obliterated a pack of filthy orcs. There was nothing quite as satisfying.

The twins had gone ahead of me to inform Ada of our great deeds. I decided to go to the kitchen and find something to eat.

"Hello!" I said brightly to everyone I passed. I was in such a wonderful mood! I dug through the pantries and grabbed some biscuits and tea. What I really wanted was meat, but I was in such a good mood that I decided it didn't matter! I would just wait for dinner to be served, and snack on these biscuits now.

Elladan came into the kitchen. "Hello, er, Estel." He said, sounding suspiciously nervous. I wondered if he was planning something evil for me with Elrohir.

I smiled cheerily. "Hello brother! Did you need me?"

The look on his face could not be mistaken for anything but guilt. "Elladan?"

"Ada wants you to come and see him. We're having a little family meeting." He said.

"Well, alright." I said, putting a few biscuits in my pocket to eat along the way.

Elladan and I walked up a winding staircase to Elrond's study. I smiled at him when I walked in.

"It's so good to see you Ada!" I said, plopping down into a seat beside Elrohir.

His smile was also somewhat guilty. I started to worry.

"Estel," he began, lacing his fingers together. "I need to tell you something."

"Of course, anything Ada!"

He cleared his throat. Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another expectantly.

"You're name is not Estel."

I furrowed my brows. "What?"

"You're name is Aragorn. I want you to grow up and become the King of Gondor. You will defeat a great enemy, and lead armies and perilous, hopeless quests. You are Isildur's heir. You are of the fallen kingdom of Númenor. You will be mighty among men. You will do great things."

Legolas

"I can't believe he would keep this from me for so long!" Estel wailed. He was sitting cross-legged on my desk, and had been doing so for the last three hours, ranting about his new name. "Does this mean I'm not really 'hope' for anyone?" He asked, viciously stabbing a piece of chicken on his plate and bringing it to his mouth with a curse.

"Well," I said, more gracefully taking a bite of my spinach. "You're my Estel."

Estel sniffled and turned his head away.

"It's your move." I said. He turned back, looking angry again. Savagely shuffling through his Uno cards, he slammed a wildcard onto the desk. "Red."

I pushed a few strands of hair behind my ear. I had not had time to do any braids, as I had awoken and found a distraught Estel sitting in my office and waiting for me, a pack sitting beside him. It was then that he had declared rather loudly that he was moving in with me.

"You know," I began, looking through my cards and wondering how I had accumulated so many. "It's not really that bad. You are going to be a great Man one day."

"Says Elrond !" He sniffed, crossing his arms. "I'm not calling him 'Ada' any more."

I finally found a matching Uno and placed it neatly in the pile, absently straightening the edges with my fingers. "You already knew you weren't his birth child, so don't be ridiculous." I said wisely.

Estel snorted. "Well he wasn't supposed to keep such vital information from me for so long! Shouldn't I have been training? Or preparing my mind for the fact that I might be a king someday?!"

I sighed. He was being far too dramatic. "He had to keep such 'vital' information from you so the Enemy wouldn't discover you."

Estel considered, but decided to remain angry. "I don't care. He could have told me years ago, since I wouldn't be stupid enough to blather about it to everyone,"

"Uno," I said. He scowled fiercely as I handed him two cards.

"I hate Uno," he growled. "I hate all card games. I hate everything. How did you trick me into this?" He looked down at the cards in his hand for a moment and suddenly threw them across the room with extreme force. He then proceeded to grab the cards from my hand and rip them into shreds, and then sweep the rest of the deck off of my desk with his foot.

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you quite alright?"

He grabbed his plate of chicken and threw it across the room to join the Uno cards. "DOES IT LOOK LIKE I'M ALRIGHT?!" He fumed. I hastily hid my salad in my lap before he could get his hands on it.

"You- broke a plate." I observed.

"YES! I DID!" He gave me a rather feral look and pushed my chair back, grabbing my salad and dumping it's contents (which were thankfully only lettuce and spinach) onto my head, and jumping off of the desk, started trampling the poor bowl into smithereens. I wondered what it had done to merit such treatment.

"Calm yourself, Estel." I finally said, tiring of seeing him trample something that was naught but dust anymore.

"THAT'S NOT MY NAME!" He howled, and after tiring of smashing dust, turned to the plate by the wall.

His excessive vociferating and all-but-dissipating of inanimate objects was grating on my nerves.

"ENOUGH!" I shrieked, standing and kicking my chair against the wall. "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER SOUND FROM YOU!"

He stopped, his leg poised to strike the helpless plate again, eyes wide. Few knew that I had it within me to exercise my vocals so. He was now one of those few.

I attempted to calm my breathing down. Both of us were shaking with rage, and I really didn't know why.

"Estel," I said, narrowing my eyes dangerously. "I know you may never have had the liberty to vent about such things while you were in Imladris, and while I do not deny you that privilege here, you will not take it out on my tableware, and my Uno cards. And you will not do so at such immoderate volumes again."

We stared at each other for another long moment until he finally lowered his eyes, scanning the destruction he had wrought about him.

He cleared his throat. "My apologies, Legolas. I may have gotten, er, carried away."

I breathed out in relief, sure that his diatribe was over now. "I have just had a horrible few days," I finally admitted. "That little Elf Erestor has been screaming incessantly, and, well, you weren't helping." I put a hand to my forehead. "Do you even know how stressful it is to be the Master's most trusted?"

Estel started to look extremely guilty. "No, I do not know." He sighed and slung an arm over my shoulders. "Do you want to get out and do something?"

I smiled. This was the Estel I knew. "Yes!"

"Climb a tree?"

"Maybe,"

He laughed. "You know I can still beat you in a race."

I huffed. "Oh can you, you malapert brat?!"

He laughed again, a maniacal glint in his eyes. "I suppose we shall see now!"

I had forgotten how much fun he was to have around.

Celebrían

I mounted Mellie, my ebony horse, named in honor of Melian of Doriath. I had decided on a plan of action. One that need not involve me killing my husband, or (as I hoped) would not agitate the Master. I would abduct Elrond.

If he were safely abducted, I could claim to the Master that my job was finished, and we could all continue to live our lives happily and peacefully.

I had sent out a message to Arwen by way of Galion, informing her to meet me at Loeg Ningloron. There I would inform her of my plans.

I rode for almost three days before reaching the designated spot. I set up camp and began some more planning. It was what I was famous for.

Arwen didn't arrive for three more days, as her ride was considerably longer. She looked harassed, which I assumed was a result of my evil twin sons.

"Hello dearest!" I exclaimed, flinging my arms about her and hugging her tightly. It had been quite a while since we had seen each other.

"Hello Nana!" She said, sounding rather weary.

After a warm, lengthy hug, I pulled away, looking her in the eyes for a moment. "Are you ready for a daring escapade?"

She laughed softly. "Perhaps after some tea, and rest."

"I almost forgot!" I said, leading her over to my little fire where I had a kettle of mint tea brewing.

I poured it's contents into two mugs, and for a few moments we just leaned against a fallen tree, using our packs as cushions for our heads, and looking out as Tilion waxed almost full above us.

Arwen sighed. "I suppose we need to talk about whatever it is now. I told Ada I would only be gone two weeks, and you know how long it takes to get here and back."

I nodded. Still, I remained silent for a while.

"Elrond is not safe." I said at length, gazing into my mug of tea. I heard Arwen shift beside me.

"What do you mean?"

"You do not need to worry- yet," I said. "For some reason though, some secret purpose of his, I suppose, the Master wants me to kill Elrond."

Arwen gasped. "What?!"

"The thing is, he trusts me with this. Which is good."

"How is that good?"

"Because he does not suspect that I wouldn't do it. But I won't, of course. In this though, I will need your help."

Arwen sat up and put an arm around me. "Of corse! Anything!"

It was simple. All she had to do was drag Elrond close to the borders of Imladris, and from there, Galion and I would take over. We would bring him to safety, perhaps in Harad, and I would go back to Legolas.

"But you will be revealed to him?" Arwen asked.

"Yes, but that cannot be helped. Not unless his death is worth it."

Arwen shook her head furiously. "No! Whatever it takes to save him, and you, we will do it."

I smiled and kissed her cheek. How did I get such a wonderful daughter?

Erestor

I gazed intently at the papers before me, carefully reading every line three times over before moving on. No way in Utumno was I about to sign any papers without being absolutely sure of what I was signing up for.

"Well?" Legolas asked impatiently, tapping his fingers on the desk. Estel looked almost as impatient, but also rather amused.

I sighed, long and drawn out, and took the pen Legolas offered me.

I signed my name at the bottom of the papers. I couldn't believe I was demoted to such a petty job as checking in agents as they came back from different jobs- not all of which involved killing, apparently.

Estel clapped as I handed the papers back to Legolas. Legolas rolled his eyes.

"Well," Estel said. "Things aren't going so bad, are they Erestor? Aren't you glad you took my advice and came here?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Not really. I would much prefer to be in my beautiful, dusty, organized library right now. But I cannot go back in time."

That was the first time I had said it, and now that I had, I knew it was true. Fantasizing about everything that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't done this or that was useless. Maybe I was changing. I shoved that thought quickly to the side. Why would I want to change?

Legolas clapped me on the shoulder and promptly left my room, Estel following.

I sighed in frustration and plopped onto my bed, laying there comfortably. I had just started to drift off when a hand clapped over my mouth. I jerked awake, and, to my complete, utter, and eternal astonishment, I did not attempt to scream or hyperventilate, I merely grabbed the nearest book, titled On Potatoes, by Hobson Gamgee , and swung it behind my head. I heard it connect, but I obviously didn't hit hard enough, for I heard an 'ow' and whoever-it-was just grabbed my arms and pinned me down.

Only then did I start to panic, especially when I heard a familiar voice by my ear. Glorfindel. He had finally come to kill me. It was over. I might as well say my goodbyes.

"Erestor," he whispered. I cringed. "I'm not going to hurt you. Just please, be quiet." He removed his hand.

"I had to do that so you wouldn't scream." He said.

I wasn't even going to ask how he got in, so I went with the next most obvious question. "What do you want?" I inwardly cursed at my shaky voice.

"You're the only one I can trust who might know something about this." He said. How bold of him to assume he could trust me.

"About what? And why do you trust me?"

"About Elrond." He said, moving from behind me and into my line of sight. "He has been missing from Imladris for three days."

I gasped. "What? What happened?"

"I don't know. No one does. He and Arwen went out for a picnic, and she came back alone."

"Has she told you anything?"

"No, apparently she's 'too traumatized'. That's what our 'professional healers' say anyway. I suspect that there is more to this than it seems though."

I nodded slowly. "I believe I must agree with you there, my lord."

"Why?"

"I will tell you later. So what do you want me to do?"

"Keep an eye out. Keep your ears open."

"Spy?"

Glorfindel chuckled. "Is that below you, Master Erestor?"

I scowled. "Not at all. If something has happened to Lord Elrond, we must investigate."

"So you're not mad at him, for, er, kicking you out?"

I glared fiercely. "Well I did try to kill you, which may have been a bit hasty on my part."

"Was that an apology?" Glorfindel asked brazenly.

I smirked. "Not even close. And if you do not get out this instant, I shall not try this time."

Glorfindel flashed me a smile and getting to his feet, bowed. "Meet me on the borders tomorrow?"

I nodded cautiously. "Yes. Now get out."

Glorfindel got out.

Elrond

Oh Eru! Oh Eru! Oh Eru! I'm going to die!

It's all I can think as I am galloped away from the safety of Imladris, bumping and jostling along the road.

I hear a masculine voice above me, but whoever is on the other horse is not speaking loud enough for my ears.

I wonder what's become of Arwen. Perhaps they let her go. I send a quick prayer to Eru Ilúvatar, and another to the Valar, hoping I will be spared whatever my captors are planning to do to me.

Glorfindel

I pushed through the crowds that had gathered in the halls of Imladris, shouting, wailing, and sobbing filling my ears.

"MOVE!" I finally bellowed as loud as was Elfly possible. The noise quieted down somewhat and a path was parted for me. I made my way quickly down the corridor, searching for Arwen and the twins.

I found them in Elrond's library, where Arwen was clutching his favorite (empty) wine bottle, and sobbing twins were trying in vain to comfort her and quiet her down.

"Elladan, Elrohir," I said, putting a hand on each of their shoulders. "Will you excuse the two of us? I must speak with Arwen alone."

"Of course my lord!" They said in sync. In fact, everything they did was in sync. It was creepy watching them both give Arwen a final pat on the shoulder, stand and sigh, and walk out the door. In sync.

I bent down to Arwen's level, and tipped her chin up with my finger. "Arwen," I said gently. She certainly looked traumatized.

She sobbed even more.

"I need you to tell me what happened by the Bruinen."

I handed her a tissue, and she wiped her nose. She didn't seem to be able to stop sobbing. It was an interesting thing to watch.

"I- we were-" she stopped and hiccuped. "-talking about mother," sniffle. "He said how much he missed her," sob. "And I told him he would see her again-" she wiped her nose. "-soon."

I rubbed her back soothingly and handed her another tissue. "And then?"

"T-two people came up-" she started to sob again. I rolled my eyes.

"Now Arwen dear, you can tell me anything."

She nodded. "I know. I know it's just-" uncontrollable sobbing. "I miss him so much!"

I sighed. I still hadn't gotten anymore out of her than the twins or Lindir had. "Arwen, you need to tell me so we can track them down, and so we can know what we're up against. Now I have already sent out scouts, but we will need to do more. Please tell me."

Arwen shook her head. "I can't! I can't!" She broke down again. I stood up. This was ridiculous!

After exiting the room (I was sure it would be flooded soon), I went straight to Erestor's study where I gathered up paper, quills, and ink pots. I then went to his room and fished about for some robes, and an extra pair of boots. The poor advisor (my spy) had lost almost everything he took when he was chased by the wolf.

I decided a nice book for him was probably in order, as he had had quite a few shocks lately, and I'm sure On Potatoes, by Hobson Gamgee wasn't the most interesting book in Arda.

I whistled as I carefully folded the clothes and put them in a pack, along with the book, ink, quills, paper, and boots. I was surprised it all fit. I threw in a brush, some hair ties, and hair clasps for good measure.

"There!" I said proudly. "Surely Erestor will forgive me my iniquities now!"

Erestor

I sighed as I handed my pen to another agent, allowing them to sign their name and mission on the book in front of me. I never bothered looking at the 'missions', not wanting to know who they had been out antagonizing/killing.

They didn't seem to like the new 'sign-in policy', devised by Legolas for my help. Many of them threw the pen back at me when they had finished signing, or attempted to slam the book on my hand. Dirty glares were numerous.

"You think you belong here?" One grumpy female Elf griped testily to me, throwing the pen at my face.

I patiently removed the pen from where it had lodged itself in my hair. "No," I said, putting itback in it's proper place and gracefully removing my hand as she slammed the book down. "I am merely in need of a job, and Prince Legolas has been kind enough to provide one for me."

She hmph ed and raised an eyebrow, shoving a dagger into the sheath on her leg. "Don't be surprised if you land in trouble to big for you!" She called over her shoulder as she stalked away.

That sounded ominous, but I didn't pay any heed. She was only an agent, after all.

I sighed as I heard the heavy doors in the next room being swung open. Pushing my hair back, I cursed at the unruliness, wishing I had brought a hair clasp. I prepared myself for another pen attack as someone approached my desk. I didn't look up.

"Sign your name here." I said, holding out the pen, and keeping my eyes turned to On Potatoes, by Hobson Gamgee , that I was hiding in my lap. It was the only book there was to read, but I had learned many interesting things.

Apparently, if you peeled a potato and boiled it, you could strain something similar to milk from it. It was a very strange thing, but was said-

"That's no way to greet a friend, Erestor." An annoyingly familiar voice broke into my thoughts.

I looked up and rolled my eyes. "Glorfindel," I said. He smiled dazzlingly.

"I am glad you remember my name."

"What are you doing here?" I asked crossly.

"Well, I came to see what progress you have made in your, er, gathering of information." He said, seating himself (most uncouthly) on my desk. "And, I brought you some things."

He triumphantly held up a large bag. "Clothes, paper, pens, ink, boots- and even a book!"

My eyes widened hopefully. "A book?"

He nodded and grinned, pulling out the Fall ofGondolin: and Other Tales and Stories from the Hidden City .

I rolled my eyes. "You are vain," was all I said, but grabbed the book eagerly nonetheless.

"Oh, don't be such a bore! There are more stories in it than mine."

"Well, I have read this book. But I will just read it again!" I set it down beside me, trying not to look too grateful.

"What were you reading when I came in?" He suddenly asked, peering over the desk.

I rolled my eyes and held up On Potatoes . He chuckled. I glared at him fiercely.

"Alright," he said, holding up his hands as a sign of peace. "Have you learned much about potatoes?"

"I have, actually." I said, my tone clipped. He never failed to annoy me."Where are the rest of my belongings?"

Glorfindel put the bag on the desk. "It's all in here, and," he held up a small leather bag. "Hair clasps."

"Hair clasps?!" I gasped. "Sweet blessed Eru!" I grabbed the bag from his hands. "Do you even know how enraging it is to have hair hanging in my face day in and day out?" I looked at his loose hair. "Well, I suppose it doesn't bother you."

I started to pull my hair back, only to be interrupted by two other agents who had approached my desk.

"What is he doing on your desk?" Said one Elf, who looked particularly bedraggled.

Glorfindel slid off. "Why nothing at all, my good Elf!" He winked. I rolled my eyes.

"If you would sign here, please" I pointed for the billionth time to the book.

Elrond

"Clebreberian?" I sputtered. No, that didn't sound right. "Clbríana?" I shook my head. I must be dreaming. Yes! That was it. If I had been awake, I would be able to get her name right.

I breathed out in relief, almost convincing myself it was just a dream.

"Celebrían." The woman said. I cursed. Now I couldn't convince myself it was a dream.

"No," I said, inwardly congratulating myself on how steady and calm I sounded. "No. Celebrían is in Valinor. So whoever you are, stop pretending ."

She smiled. "Oh Elrond," it felt very condescending, so I frowned.

"Don't 'Oh Elrond' me. I am the Lord of Imladris! And by rights the High King of the Noldor!"

She smiled again. "I have missed you, do you know?"

Celebrían

"Why are you doing this?" Elrond asked for the three-hundred and seventy-fifth time that morning.

I sighed. "Because, dear, I want you to remain safe."

"And Arwen?"

"She is safe in Imladris."

"I still don't believe you're Celebrían." He said for the five-hundred and ninety-sixth time.

"That's nice dear." I said absently, restringing my bow.

"Where are you taking me?" Seven-hundred and twelfth time.

"Far Harad. The Haradrim are not so mean as people make them out to be. Oh, have you ever ridden a Mûmak?"

Elrond shook his head.

"Well, I'll let you ride one then. You will really enjoy it, I think."

"Stop pretending to be nice!" He said. He sounded so childish lately. Perhaps he had gone crazy without me.

"Elrond, this is real. So why don't you accept it?" I finally said, perhaps too harshly. I imagine it was quite shocking to learn what had really not happened to me.

"You want me to accept that my wife doesn't love me?" He whispered.

Ah, the root of the problem.

I sat down beside him. "Do you remember how we used to look up at the Star of Eärendil, your father, together every night after we put the Twins to bed?"

He nodded. "I remember doing that with Celebrían ."

"I am Celebrían."

He huffed. "You keep saying that. What I really want to know, is who this 'Master' is, and why he wants me dead."

"The first question, I cannot answer, as disclosing such private information would be traitorous." I said. "As to your second one, he did not tell me."

"So it is a 'he'." Elrond mused for a few moments. "All you had to do was tell me about this. I could have taken care of myself. Do you seriously think I am going to allow you to drag me all the way to Harad, away from my children, home, and people, because some petty master wants my head on a plate? If that is what you think, dear 'Celebrían', you know no more about me than the Celebrían I married knew before we met."

"I do not think you will allow it," I replied calmly. "That is why you are tied up still. Or didn't you notice?"

He looked down at his wrists. He hadn't noticed.

Erestor

"You do know you wanted to kill him, only two weeks ago, right?" The voice of Legolas asked from somewhere behind me. I turned around to see him leaning against my doorframe, a smirk on his face.

I looked into the adjoining washroom, where Glorfindel was neatly arranging my hair supplies and singing softly to himself. I sighed. "Yes, and- I still do," I said hesitantly. He was becoming annoyingly endearing, and it made me hate him more. It was probably some façade, meant to trap me just when I felt comfortable around him.

"Well, allowing him to hang your clothes, warm your bath water, and clean your washroom is not any way to start," Legolas said. "He is only groveling."

"I have been needing a bath for over two weeks!" I said defensively. "And, he may have, er, helped me carry in the bucket that was- a bit.. heavy."

Legolas raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he left the room. Glorfindel came out, drying his hands on his leggings and smiling.

"Well, Erestor, you're washroom is clean! I know you told me once I wasn't capable of organizing, but I have done my best!"

I winced. "Thank you." He flopped down onto the bed beside where I was sitting.

"This isn't a very comfortable bed," he remarked. "Is that a spring?"

I nodded. I had felt it every night for the past twelve nights of my stay.

"You could try to put a pillow there," he suggested, always the problem solver.

"I suppose I could,"

"Erestor-"

I interrupted him, "Why are you being nice to me, all of a sudden?"

Glorfindel's smile dropped from his face, and he pushed himself up on his elbows. "Because I hate having enemies- other than Orcs, which I am sure you are not one of."

"Well it's your fault we were enemies in the first place!" I huffed indignantly. "So don't even try and make me look like the bad guy here!"

"I'm not! Don't you see? I am trying to make it up to you!"

"By what? Cleaning my room? Bringing me a book to read, which just so happens to feature you as the main hero?"

"Erestor, that is not why I brought you that book. You told Lord Elrond yourself that you were interested in the history of Gondolin!"

"Well that still does not explain why you suddenly don't want to be 'enemies'!" I countered, my voice raising.

" You never told me not to tease you! If you had told me just once I would have stopped, but instead you threw dirty glares at me and tried to kill me in my sleep!"

I stood up and pointed at the door. "Get out." I said quietly. He sat and fumed for a few more seconds. " Get. Out !"

I heard a slow clapping as he exited the room in a huff, followed by slow laughter. "Thus ends the friendship of Erestor and Glorfindel. Rest in peace."

I glared as Legolas strolled into my room. "I wondered how long it would last. At least we can get back to business now."

"Leave me alone," I groaned, burying my face in a pillow. No wonder nobody wanted to be my friend.

Legolas rolled his eyes. "Do you want to kill him, or not?"

I nodded into my pillow. "But we have to make it quick."

I felt the bed move as Legolas sat down. "You're pathetic, you know that?"

"W-what?"

"All you have been doing since you 'resolved' to kill Glorfindel is having nervous breakdowns, anxiety attacks, hyperventilating, sobbing hysterically, screaming, and then making friends with your greatest enemy, only to scream him out too!"

I mistakenly looked up from my pillow, forgetting momentarily why I had been hiding my face in the first place.

"Are you- crying?" Legolas asked. "Oh Eru have mercy!"

I shook my head. "I can't help it. I'm just- so- so miserable!"

Legolas looked on at me with a flabbergasted expression as I suddenly started to sob uncontrollably into my sleeve.

"I want to go home!" I wailed. "I don't want to kill Glorfindel! I just want to go home!"

Legolas sighed. "There, there, Erestor," he patted my shoulder and reached over to my nightstand, where he had conveniently placed a handkerchief for my assistance the other day.

I blew my nose. "Can't I go home?"

"No, don't you remember? Elrond kicked you out!"

I was about to start crying again, but then I remembered. Elrond was not there anymore!

I jumped up and ran out the door, searching for Glorfindel. I ran into his chest a moment later, where he had been standing in the hall.

"Erestor-" he caught me before I fell backwards to the ground, holding me at arms length and gazing down at my tearstained face, taking in my highly unstable condition. "Ai Ilúvatar! Are you well?"

I shook my head furiously. "No! I want to go home!" I sniffled and wiped my nose with my sleeve.

Glorfindel's eyes filled with pity. "Oh Erestor..."

Did I ever mention I hate looks of pity? Oh well, I suppose that when you work yourself into such a state as myself, you can expect no less.

"Please?" I added in, just for good measure.

"Erestor, you know what Elrond said- oh" he said softly, realizing what I meant. If possible, his eyes filled with even more pity. "I would take you back, but I need you here! You're my spy, remember?"

I inwardly rolled my eyes, while outwardly I hid my face in my hands and burst into another stream of helpless tears. He sounded like he was talking to an Elfling.

"I don't want to be a spy! I want to go home!" I sobbed into my hands.

Glorfindel

I had never known someone could cry as much as Arwen had a few days ago, until now.

I stood in the hallway, my hands on Erestor's (uncannily thin) arms, trying to figure out what in Aman I was supposed to do!

"Perhaps, when you help me rescue Elrond, he will let you return," I tried again. "But to do that you have to stay here and keep an eye on things."

"No!" he wailed, shaking my hands off. "I want to go now !"

I was getting rather desperate. "Erestor, please, don't make this harder than it already is."

I am sure he was thinking something along the lines of like-you-really-care .

Legolas walked up to us then. "Uh, Glorfindel, do you have this- under control?"

I nodded. He breathed out audibly and went back down the hall.

"Erestor, you really need to calm down." I said, searching my mind for a cure to sobbing. His handkerchief was soaked.

I finally had had enough. Grabbing his elbow, I hauled him back to his room and sat him down on the bed.

"Erestor," I said, gently but firmly. "Stop. Crying."

He shook his head. His sleeves were soaked too.

"Do you really want to go home?" I asked. He suddenly did stop crying and looked up at me. His eyes were extremely red.

"Yes! I will never ever try to kill anyone again!" He was nodding fiercely.

I don't know why I felt so bad for him. All he ever wanted to do was yell at me.

"Do you really, really want to go back?" Curse my stupid, easily-moved-to-pity, heart.

He nodded again. "Yes! I do! Just please, please get me out of here!"

I sighed. "Alright,"

Estel

I wandered about the halls, feeling extremely bored and lonely. Legolas was lecturing some witless Elves on why telling someone you were about to kill them was, well, not a bright idea (to put it mildly).

I walked down a few flights of steps, hoping I would stumble upon a pantry. I knew Elves ate, since I had grown up with them, so why I could not find a stupid pantry was beyond me.

I came to the end of a hall, where I found a narrow door. Maybe it's a pantry. I thought, without much hope. I tried the door. Locked.

I felt relieved in a sense, but I was also extremely curious. I put my ear against the door. For a moment I heard nothing, but then as I listened I thought I could make out sounds of a harp... and singing.

... the red blood flowing... white ships...

I furrowed my brows, but just then I heard Legolas calling my name. Hastily pulling myself away from the door, I started up the stairs again.

The Master

I stared down at the letter in my hands, half amused, half furious. Did Celebrían really think I was born yesterday?

I am one of the oldest beings alive, and she thinks she can fool me by saying she killed Elrond?

Puny fool! I asked for his head on a platter, and she says she set him on fire? Ah, Celebrían, be more convincing in your lies!

It seems I really can trust no one. I put her to the ultimate test and she failed me. I know that if I asked Thranduil's son to raise even a pinky against his lowly mortal friend he would run the other direction before I could say 'Estel'.

Now I know, if I want anything done I must do it myself. But no one can know.

Glorfindel

I slid off of Asfoloth's back, glad to be finished with such a long ride. Erestor had slept almost the whole way, and having someone leaning against you while you are already sore is very annoying.

I held out a hand to help him down (Asfoloth is rather large, Erestor is rather small), but he just slapped it away. I was about to say 'apologies, I mistook you for an Elf-maid', but then I remembered I wasn't supposed to tease him.

"Are you hungry?" I asked, removing his bags from Asfoloth's back.

He shook his head.

"Are you tired?"

"A little,"

"I suggest you get some sleep then. You really don't want to see the loads of paperwork that has been gathering while you were away."

Erestor suddenly laughed, and I was quite sure he was about to burst into more tears.

"Paperwork?" he shook his head. "Do you even know how much I would pay to fill out ordinary paperwork right now?"

I furrowed my brows. "No, I was never one for paperwork myself." I replied, inwardly imagining the look of shock on his face when he saw how much paperwork there actually was. Assistant advisors are not much for paperwork either, it appeared.

"Right now though, before I begin my loads of ordinary paperwork, I want to sleep for three days, in my own, comfortable, feather bed." He continued, sighing nostalgically.

"And I assume you would like some peppermint tea?"

He nodded fiercely. We finally approached the entrance to the Halls. We had gotten a few looks of surprise along the way, but here there was a very extremely large congregation of Elves gathered in the entranceway and beyond.

"Wait here," I commanded Erestor, placing his bags on the floor. As I went forward to see what all the commotion was, I saw people turning and exclaiming as they saw their Chief Advisor standing in the doorway, an alarmingly grumpy ill-tempered look on his face.

"What is he doing here? Isn't he banished?" I heard one annoying Elf comment.

"I heard he tried to kill someone." That was Gildor Inglorion. He's such a haughty Elf.

I finally found the Twins, who were at the front and facing the crowd. "Elrodan!" I shouted above the noise.

Both Twins simultaneously turned to me. I could only tell which was Elladan by the red he wore, and Elrohir by the blue.

"What is going on?" I asked, scanning the room for any signs of oddity.

Elladan smirked. "What is going on, is that our dear sister has stopped crying."

Elrohir chuckled, and it was then I noticed that both Twins sounded slightly insane. "She has admitted that her and Ada were not, in fact, by the Bruinen, as she relayed in her former tale,"

Elladan finished his sentence. "They were picnicking by the Ettenmoors."

"The abandoned troll shaws?"

Elladan and Elrohir both laughed rather unnervingly.

"Either Muinthel has cracked, or we have." Elrohir said.

"You understand, right?" Elladan said. "We have been tracking Ada from the Bruinen!"

I gulped. "The opposite direction."

The Twins nodded, and Elrohir put his head in his hands. "A whole week. A whole. Week."

"How did she even get him out of Imladris?!"

"Apparently, she promised she would choose the life of the Eldar." Elrohir said.

"Oh dear…"

I went back to the entranceway, where Erestor was nervously fiddling with his hair as Elves stared and whispered at him.

Picking up his bags, I motioned for him to follow me.

"Well?" He asked.

"Apparently," I said, running a hand through my hair. "Arwen seems to be in on something."

"'In on something'? What does that mean?"

I explained what the Twins had told me.

"So you think Arwen had something to do with Elrond's abduction?"

I nodded. "Exactly! I don't know why, but it's the only explanation for why she would give us false information."

We walked up several staircases until we came to the library, which Erestor insisted on visiting first.

He almost broke the door down in his excitement to get in.

"My books! My beautiful, dusty, beloved, ancient books!"

I watched curiously as he had a rather touching reunion with his library: running his fingers along the binding of some old volume, hugging some genealogies paper to his chest. It was a strange thing to watch.

When he had finally finished whatever that was, we went to his room.

I had never seen Erestor face plant onto a bed before. I have now seen Erestor face plant onto a bed.

"Erestor?" I asked, when he just laid there for what seemed like eternity.

I heard a muffled 'hmm?'

"Do you want to go to sleep?"

"I am asleep."

Legolas

I nervously approached the throne room, stopping when I saw my father lounging (yes, lounging) in his throne.

I cleared my throat. "Hello Ada."

Thranduil raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you must be Legolas. Can I help you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Well, er, I was wondering-"

"If you can go off somewhere else with Estel? I don't care. Your mother and I see you rarely enough as it is. What will a few more months make?"

"Actually," I said, crossing my arms. "I was wondering if you and Nana would care to accompany me to the Feast of Starlight in Imladris."

Thranduil raised his eyebrows. "You want- us to come with you?"

"Yes. I would be around here more often, it's just, I've been helping Estel take care of some family issues. If you know what I mean."

He shook his head, but I knew he didn't.

"Your mother has been very worried."

"I'm terribly sorry. I hope you aren't to angry."

Ada actually smiled a bit.

"So," I said, shifting a little. "Do you want to do the hugging thing?"

He sat there for a moment, and I wasn't sure at first if he would come down, but a moment later I was swept into a hug, his wide robes nearly suffocating me.

"Of course we will attend with you."

Lindir

"Now there Arwen. Your evil brothers never have to know what you've done." I assured Elrond's lovely daughter.

Arwen sighed. "Do you even know how suspicious my story sounded? Both of them. Someone is going to suspect."

Arwen adjusted her position on my lap, and put her head in her hands. "I wish this had never happened. It's all Nana's fault."

"But if she hadn't been the one assigned to the job, the Master might have had someone else do it. Someone that actually would. We still don't know the Master's motives for wanting him dead."

"Perhaps I should speak with him,"

I gasped. "Over my dead body! No way are you speaking to such an insane Elf!"

Arwen looked mildly annoyed. "I am touched by your concern, Lindir, but my father's life is at stake here."

"And if you do this then so is yours! I won't let you!"

Arwen narrowed her eyes. "Lindir, I haven't even said I would do it yet. But whatever my choice, I expect you will respect it?"

"Well, perhaps, I mean I suppose I will. But I will just have to come with you."

She laughed and kissed my cheek. "I assumed you would say as much." She slid off my lap and exited the room.

I touched my cheek where she had kissed me. She insisted that we were nothing more than good friends, but I hoped someday it would be more.

Elrond

Glorfindel, I am writing to you as you are the only one I trust anymore (and my sons).
I think I am in Near Harad now. Please rescue me. I have quite a tale to tell (if I am still sane by then).

I pocketed my letter, a look of satisfaction on my face. I wasn't sure how I would get the letter to Imladris, and I hoped Glorfindel could read it as my hands had been tied when I wrote it, but I would find a way.

Not only would I find a way to get the letter to Imladris, I would also find a way to get some serious revenge. On Arwen and Celebrían.

Not that I would do anything so drastic as murder, but I wasn't letting them get off as easy as they hoped.

I would also get to the bottom of this 'organization' and find out who this 'master' was.

No one would stop me, Elrond Eärendilion Peredhel. After all, I was fostered by a Fëanorian, and no one messes with a Fëanorian.

Elrond

I faked a smile as a young man of Harad shoved a plate of macaroni noodles topped with spaghetti sauce to me, and a rather chewy looking piece of garlic toast deluged in the juice from the sauce on the side of the plate.

Celebrían sat across the table from me, an expectant look on her face.

"I know you're hungry, Elrond. You've barely eaten since we, er, picked you up."

I inwardly huffed. 'Picked me up' indeed. "Yes, I am rather hungry." I concluded, attempting to wrap the noodles around my fork only to remember they were macaroni noodles, and they couldn't be wrapped.

I tentatively placed the fork in my mouth, grimacing as the noodles burst in my mouth. Apparently whoever had cooked this didn't know the difference between boiling until cooked, and drowning.

"So," I said, attempting to start a conversation. "How long have you been working for Prince Legolas." Did I ever mention the torture I was going to put that evil Elfling through when I got back home?

Celebrían sighed. "Can we not talk about something else dear?"

"I am not your 'dear', so if you would stop referring to me as such?"

Celebrían sighed and pushed back her plate. "Alright, that is fair enough. But we can still talk about something else, right?"

I nodded slowly. "I would like to deliver a letter to Glorfindel."

"About?"

I scowled at her. "What it is about is none of your business, but if you must know, I want them to know I am safe as I do not want them worrying themselves sick. And do you really want them on your tail? Remember how easily my sons found you when you were captured by Orcs?"

"I am sorry, Elrond, but I cannot allow you to send a letter unless I see it myself."

She was shaking her head, not really paying attention to me, so I crept my hand along the table until it found her bread knife.

"Well, alright then." I said, shrugging my shoulders. "When they hunt you down, it will not be in my power to stop them from whatever they plan on doing to you."

Celebrían gasped. "Was that a threat?"

I shrugged again. "Take it as whatever you will," I had sawed halfway through the ropes on my wrist. "But I, for one, will get my letter to Glorfindel. No matter what." Grabbing my plate of macaroni-spaghetti-soup, I chucked it squarely in her face and took off. The Southron cook yelled something in a foreign language, and three other Men came from different rooms and joined in the chase.

I grabbed the letter from my pocket and shoved the back door open. Throwing it into the air, I yelled in the ancient Elven-tongue. "Birds of Manwë! Take this to Imladris!"

At that moment I was overtaken by the Haradrim and dragged back inside. I shoved them off of me and looked around for Celebrían. I did not know my wife was capable of looking so ridiculous, furious, and beautiful all at once, covered in macaroni-spaghetti-soup.

I doubled over in laughter. Celebrían stood there a moment longer, her spaghetti locks dangling in her face, but all of a sudden, she also doubled over in laughter.

The Haradrim looked at us like we had lost our minds, but resumed their work, going back to their respective stations.

Erestor

I rolled my eyes as I heard Glorfindel shouting my name from somewhere down the hall. I waited patiently, not bothering to yell back, and a moment later he burst into my library, waving a paper in his hands.

"Erestor!" He said again breathlessly. "You will never believe this!"

He walked up to my desk and shoved the paper in my face.

"Believe what?" I snapped, irritatedly snatching the paper. He didn't answer, but stood there with a smile on his face.

My eyes widened considerably. "Elrond is in.. Near Harad?!"

Glorfindel nodded his head furiously. "An Eagle brought it to me (you know how much they like Lord Elrond) this morning!"

"Well aren't you going to ride out there?" I asked, handing the letter back to him.

"Of course! But it is a very long journey, and we are making preparations. I have no idea how they even got there in such a short amount of time!"

I hmm ed. "Who is going to watch over Imladris if you are gone?"

I waited in long and awkward silence, until he finally said. "You."

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"Me?"

"You! Now shut up! If you do this, you will have to come see us off so I can announce who will 'rule' in mine and Lord Elrond's absence."

I gasped. "What? No! A riot will break out, are you insane?"

Glorfindel crossed his arms. "If I tell them that you are watching over the House, they will listen. If they give you trouble, you may tell me when I get back."

I nodded slowly, uncertain if leaving me in charge was a good idea.

"Are you sure you shouldn't choose Gildor?" I asked.

Glorfindel gasped. "Gildor! Imladris would surely fall to ruin! He cares more about his hair than the inhabitants. Outrageous that you would even suggest such a thing!"

I winced and pushed my hair behind my ear, feeling rather foolish.

Glorfindel turned towards the door. "Come see us off. We will be leaving soon."

A half hour later, about twelve warriors, including Glorfindel, were gathered in the courtyard, ready to ride out. I stood beside Glorfindel's horse timidly as he named me the temporary leader.

A few people started whispering, but no one would dare openly defy Glorfindel, so there was no riot.

When my position had been established, Glorfindel yelled out a command and the horses turned and started to ride out.

Glorfindel turned and winked. "You'll do fine Erestor. Just keep the House in one piece, alright?"

As the last of the riders rode out, I suddenly felt very small and dejected. Probably just another phase of self-pity, but still, I had never singlehandedly run anything in my whole life.

"Erestor?" Someone from behind me asked.

I turned around and rolled my eyes at the smug face of Gildor Inglorion. "What?"

Gildor twirled an eerily-shining curl around his finger for a moment. "I was just wondering, do you want me to teach you the harp?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Not particularly, no. Why do you ask?"

"Well," he ran a hand through his hair. "You look like, really lonely."

Like he cared. I swallowed and crossed my arms. "I am not lonely. I just like being alone."

"Well, if you ever want to play the harp, or learn how to braid your hair, I'm here."

"Huh?" I furrowed my brow and shook my head bemusedly. "I know how to braid hair, and why in Arda would you care anyways?"

Gildor stuck out his lower lip. "I'm just trying to be nice! Glorfindel told me to be nice to you, but apparently you don't care about my effort."

I really didn't. I was also miffed that Glorfindel had commanded him to be nice to me.

I simply huffed at him and turned on my heel, really hating him more than ever. Of course no one would ever want to be nice to me unless commanded. Glorfindel had only succeeded in making me feel more pathetic than ever.

Legolas

I fell backwards into my bed with a sigh, glad the week was finally over, and Erestor finally gone.

I was about to call for a servant when I realized Estel was sitting in my chair.

"Holy-! Estel! What are you doing in here? You scared me!"

Estel swiveled the chair around. "Oh, I just wanted to talk about some things."

"Oh indeed? About what, in particular?" I furrowed my brows and stepped back as he stood and was annoyingly taller than me.

"Well, Legolas, do you trust me?"

I raised an eyebrow. "You know I do, so what exactly is the point of the question?"

Estel ran his fingers through a tangle in his dark hair. "If you trust me, can I ask you to tell me who 'the Master' is?"

I opened my mouth and huffed. "Are you insane? You know I am sworn to an oath of secrecy!"

"But I'm your best friend! You know I'll never tell a soul! Please, just tell me?"

I cursed as he widened his eyes pathetically and stuck out his lower lip. "Estel," I said, clearing my throat. "You are not eight anymore, so that face will not work." That was obviously a lie, but I wanted him to stop.

He stomped his foot, rather childishly in my opinion. "Oh come on Legolas! You and your secrets! I thought we were friends, but I see that we are not!"

I rolled my eyes. "You were not cut out for dramatics, my dear Estel. But tell me, would you have my head cut off, simply to satisfy your curiosity?"

"He would never have to know that you told me. I won't tell anyone."

"So you wouldn't mind my head being cut off?"

"Of course I would mind! I just want to know!"

"Why do you care so much?"

"How can I not care? I am curious!"

"Estel, your curiosity (if I told you), could cost my life! You never know who could be listening!"

"Why do you work for him?" He suddenly asked, rather randomly.

I started. "What?"

"You heard me! What do you have here? There is absolutely no way in Arda that you're happy doing... this!"

"Estel, why are you asking me this?"

He threw his hands up and sighed exasperatedly. "If you must know, I am perhaps a little bit worried that you are working for a murderer !"

"I do not want to talk about this right now. I am tired."

"We will talk about it tomorrow." He said obstinately.

"As you wish, Aragorn."

He made a face. "Don't call me that."

"You will have to accept it sooner or later."

"Goodnight, Legolas."

I grimaced as he walked past me and opened the door. "Before we talk tomorrow, if you are really so insistent upon it, would you at least bathe?"

Estel narrowed his eyes. "Shut up."

I shrugged and flopped backwards onto my bed. "Just pointing out facts."

"Facts are you're stupid."

Erestor

I jerked awake as a loud crash resounded through the Halls, bringing me back to oh-so painful reality.

I stretched and rubbed my eyes, taking my time as I stood and made for the door, not eager in the least to discover the source of the disruption.

Reaching for the door handle, I was nearly run over as my very (least) favorite Elf slammed the door open, thus causing me to stumble back onto my desk before I was killed.

"What was that all about Gildor you fiend?" I yelled, glaring at him as I stood again and smoothed my robes down.

His eyes went wide as he realized what he had almost done. "Apologies, Master Erestor," he said. "But an incident has occurred."

I felt my insides begin to boil as soon as the words were out. If I had a quill pen for every time an 'incident occurred', I would have thirty-seven hundred-thousand quill pens. I think.

The first day after Glorfindel had left, Lindir's golden harp had somehow disappeared, only to be found in the Hall of Fire, where he had left it the night before. The problem wasn't losing his harp. The problem was him falling to pieces and threatening Gildor with a knife to the throat if he (and I quote) "does not return my beautiful harp to me this *foul language* instant. You gold grubbing *foul language* spawn of Morgoth *more foul language ensues*."

Everyone knows that Gildor has a passion for gold. It is hard not to know, when he wears five gold rings (two on his left hand, three on his right), a circlet of gold in his (golden) hair, gold earrings (the numbers vary from one to five, it really depends on his mood), gold bracelets (a grand total of ten. He claims they're from kindred, but no one believes him), and a gold necklace. Oh, and of course, there is a small (or large, I don't know) amount of gold embroidered into almost every outfit of his (all of this is worn on the daily). Pretty much, if it's gold, Gildor wants it (I shan't even tell you what he looks like at a celebration). So it was no surprise that Lindir would suspect him, although his reaction may have been a bit excessive.

I do not have time to tell you of all the other incidents, but let it suffice to know, that under my hand, Imladris had gone bonkers.

Gildor raised an eyebrow quizzically, wondering if I had a heard a word that he had (apparently) just said. I had not.

"Yes, yes. Just take me down there." I said, waving a hand towards the exit, terrified of what new and evil sight would meet my eyes this lovely morning.

Gildor led me to the kitchen, which seemed strange, but before opening the door he turned and said "brace yourself".

I started to panic. The door opened. The shelves along the wall had been thrown down, and a pot of soup was overturned on the marble floor: half-cooked meat, carrots, tomatoes, onions, cabbage, beans, and noodles were sitting in various heaps, while pools of broth broke off into many different channels, running merrily along their courses.

"I-" I gasped and lifted the hem of my robe as a stream of soup danced up to meet me.

Gildor proceeded to close the door and turn back to me. "This would be the doing of Lothaes, our lovely head-cook."

My eyes went wide. "She- destroyed the kitchen?" I stuttered, not quite sure what to think. She didn't seem like someone strong enough to topple the very tall, heavy shelves of dishes, but clearly I had underestimated her. I was not sure I would even have had the strength.

Gildor nodded, a slight smirk on his face.

"What happened?" I groaned, hiding my face in my hands. I dreaded the answer.

"I shall take you to her." He had that disgustingly smug expression that he was famous for, wearing it whenever he thought something was funny (usually in the case of something not funny. Such as this).

We walked through several passages, until the sound of yelling met my ears. I shuddered.

"Follow the noise." Gildor suddenly said.

"What?"

He patted my shoulder (condescendingly). "From here I go no further. What doom awaits you is not in my hands."

I gasped at him, my fists clenching beside me. "You coward!" I yelled at his retreating back.

"As are you!" He threw back, sending an evil smile my way.

Following the noise as instructed, I was led to the Hall of Fire: a normally peaceful place, but now filled with yelling and what sounded like fighting.

"Valar save me." I breathed, opening the door.

Glorfindel

I think the whole of our conversation during the journey to Harad was a constant stream of "Eru help me, but if Elrond is not there.." or "if Elrond was there, he could have moved on by now."

I myself had sent at least a hundred prayers to Eru, hoping against all hopes that Elrond was indeed, still there.

We had arrived in Near Harad two days ago, and I had sent out ten of my companions to find tidings. It was rather a trying thing, as the Haradrim are not exactly friendly (to say the least) with Elves.

I ended up plastering facial hair (taken from there own heads) on most of them, and they kept their hoods up and hair hidden (this because most said their hair was 'too glorious' to be mistaken for Edain).

I, on the other hand, was camping with the two who had not gone, Elladan and Elrohir, and discussing plans.

Elladan was, at the moment, trying to calm his brother who was furiously declaring that "as soon as we locate them, we storm the place!"

"That would not be wise, Elrohir." I finally said to the younger of the two, giving him a stern look.

"Well what are we supposed to do?" He huffed. "If they have Ada we aren't going to stand by and let them get away with it! Getting him home isn't good enough. We have to murder them all!"

Elladan gasped. I gasped. Elrohir had always been the 'softer' of the two, so to hear him speak like this was.. unsettling. I suspected it had something to do with his mother's capture though.

At this thought, I grimaced. Erestor had already told me about Celebrían, and the twins had yet to find out.

"Elrohir," I said, putting a hand on his arm. "Before we find out who exactly has him, we need to know how many there are. We can barely storm a place with only thirteen, yes?"

Elrohir nodded, scowling and muttering.

"Now, when the others get back, we will form an actual plan. For now though, we need to remain out of sight, and make sure our weapons are sharp."

Elladan nodded and gave his twin a sidelong glance, handing him a whetting-stone.

Estel

I ran my comb through my hair for the final time, gazing in the mirror before me. I didnt usually look this neat, but Legolas was getting tired of seeing me look like a barbarian.

"That looks much nicer Estel." Legolas said as he walked into my room. "You should clean yourself up more often."

I smirked and tossed the comb at him, plopping onto my bed. "I want to go back to Imladris for a while, to check on everyone."

"Aw, you still care about them?"

"Shut up Legolas. You know I do."

Legolas quirked his mouth in a slight smile, making a face at the comb in his hand. "Well, I might let you if you behave yourself around here."

"Would you like to come along?" I asked, ignoring his remark. "The twins woukd be glad to see you- I'm sure."

Legolas burst out in a very loud laugh. "I really don't think they will be, but I want to see Arwen, so I will come with you."

"Hmm," I said, looking at him strangely. Why was everyone in love with Arwen? I would never have a chance with her.

"Do not worry, Estel. We are only friends." Legolas guessed my thoughts.

"What? I wasn't worrying." I lied, grinning up at him.

He hmph ed. "So, when are we going?"

A journey to Imladris ensued, of which there was nothing to tell. When we arrived, I found, much to my utter astonishment and horror, that Ada had been kidnapped, and Glorfindel and the twins were out hunting for him and his captors.

I found a note pinned to my bed.

Dearest Estel,

I hope you are doing well, as we have all been worried about you, and that you come home soon. If you do, and we are not here, then I am sure you will be filled in on the situation. Please assist Erestor in whatever he needs. I worry that he may lose his mind trying to handle everything.

Please know that we all love you, especially Ada.

-Elladan.

I suddenly felt very guilty and slightly rebellious. The other note, glued to my dresser, was from Glorfindel.

Estel, if you are not home soon I will skin you. I didn't tell Erestor, but I am terrified of what will happen in his reign. Stop acting like a stuck up prig and get home.

-Regards, Glorfindel.

That was embarrassing, so I didn't show it to Legolas.

I came across a rather terrified looking Erestor in the Hall of Fire, with a furious Lothaes pinning him to the wall and screaming in his face.

"Er, Lothy dear, whatever is the matter?" I asked, cautiously approaching the two.

"She's trying to kill me!" Erestor shrieked, earning himself a shove from Lothaes.

"Don't call me 'Lothy' you fiendish child!" She screamed, turning to face me. She released Erestor, who collapsed against the floor, seemingly traumatized. Legolas rushed over to try and assist him.

Apparently, according to Lothaes, the Feast of Starlight was rapidly approaching (it had slipped my mind entirely), and Círdan had randomly decided to send a bunch of Mithlond residents. Meaning there would be more cooking, and more everything, and no one had even started the planning thanks to Erestor's banishment, and Elrond's capture. Erestor and Elrond were the only ones who ever planned anything.

Her screaming tirade ended something like "I QUIT!"

After she left the room, I looked at Legolas, who was busy trying to calm Erestor.

"Did you remember the Feast?"

He nodded. "I have already made my own preparations."

"Oh,"

Erestor was visibly panicking. "If they are not home by then I shall never know what to do!" He wailed.

"Don't start this again now, Erestor." Legolas said, giving his shoulder a pat. "I am sure everything will be just fine."

I was not so sure.

Estel

"Erestor, can you pass me the red ink?" Legolas asked, sitting atop Elrond's desk while scribbling away on a paper. He and I had officially taken over management of Imladris, and were currently writing invitations as quickly (and neatly) as possible. Legolas and I did not have the best of handwriting, but we were doing what we could.

Erestor, on the other hand, was taking his sweet time, making sure each invitation was perfect. There had been several times where he had attempted to throw one away if he had made a mistake, but Legolas would just grab it and finish it for him.

Legolas scratched a signature in red ink onto the envelope of the one he had just finished, and threw it into the basket sitting beside the desk.

"Well, that's three hundred." He said, sighing and stretching his legs.

I sealed my invitation and threw it on top of his. "Three hundred-and-one."

Erestor set down his pen. "I really do not know what I would have done without the two of you," he said, giving us the faintest of smiles.

I also did not know what he would do without us, seeing as he had only just finished his twentieth, while Legolas and I had done over a hundred each.

"It was our pleasure, Erestor." I said, thumping Legolas on the leg when he tried to say otherwise.

"Do you really think Lothaes was going to kill you?" Legolas asked suddenly, crossing his legs and resting his chin in his hands. He looked very much like a nosy Elfling.

Erestor scowled, apparently feeling somewhat humiliated (and perhaps traumatized), at the memory.

"There is no telling with that insane lady," he said, flicking a piece of paper across the desk. "I have heard tell of her sudden outbursts, but yesterday was the first time I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing it before."

I looked at the invitation Erestor had flicked across. "Oh no,"

"Hm?"

"Please don't tell me Galdor is going to be at the Feast."

Erestor checked the name on his paper. "He is. Why?"

I groaned. Legolas groaned. "We hate Galdor."

Erestor furrowed his brows.

"Once, we got into a fight about who was more powerful: Elrond or Círdan, and when we had given him irrefutable evidence that it was Elrond, and age that age does not always mean power, he pushed me into the river and tried to drown me. Legolas had to rescue me, and we sent him back to Mithlond with a black eye, but we've never gotten along since then." I recounted the ridiculous incident to Erestor with a deep frown.

"And he's best friends with Gildor." Legolas added in. "We hate Gildor almost as much as Galdor."

Erestor folded his hands on the desk. "I understand," he said with deep conviction. His whole life seemed to be one of not getting along with someone or other.

"So, I'm really hungry." Legolas interrupted.

I thought about this for a moment. "I am too, what about you Erestor?"

He shook his head pitifully, and something like raw terror flashed in his eyes for a split second (the painful memory of Lothaes' recent stew incident, I believe).

"No, I- think I will stay right here and work on these invitations."

I shrugged, and decided not to point out the fact that we were done with all of the invitations.

Glorfindel

As Arien fell beneath the horizon and the stars of the Valacira began to come out one by one, I pointed and gave hushed directions to surround the small shack where Elrond was suspected to be held prisoner in.

Reports had come back earlier in the week that a trio of Elves had passed northeast, and appeared to be making for for the borders of Harad. Using the twins expert tracking skills, we had ridden for four days, almost nonstop. Our only pauses were to bargain with the (most unfair) Haradrim to get fresh horses.

Elladan and Elrohir were on either side of the main entrance, waiting for my word to burst in. I peered through the curtained windows, hoping that perhaps I could find a small opening. There was a slight crack between the window ledge and the wall, through which I was able to see, if only narrowly.

I squinted my eyes, not seeing anyone at first, but after a moment someone walked by. The form was masculine, but I could not tell who it was until they sat beside the fire.

I gasped. It was Galion! What in Arda is Galion doing in Harad? I asked myself.

Quickly turning away, I went back around to the front where the twins were waiting.

I mouthed the word 'ready?', and both of them nodded. I let out a low whistle, hoping it sounded something like a bird, and the twins burst in through the front. I could hear other Elves entering with equal amounts of force from the back.

There were sounds of a scuffle, but it was only a few seconds before Elladan yelled "it's all clear Glorfindel!"

I ran a hand through my hair, preparing for my entrance. I was at the doorway when I heard a feminine voice yell something, and several Haradrim came out of a door that nobody had noticed.

Elladan gasped and yelled as one of them kicked Elrohir to the floor, but thanks to my late appearance, I pulled a dagger out of my boot before anyone could even take thought to me, and threw it into the filthy man's leg.

Elladan, meanwhile, was wrestling with his own Southron as Elrohir kicked and bit a pair from his uncomfortable looking position on the ground, now devoid of weapons.

It was nothing, really, to actually take care of them all. It only took a bit of teamwork on the part of Elladan, Elrohir, and I. Most of the others just looked on with awe, and two kept a hold on Galion.

Elrohir jumped up as I drove a sword through the last one, thus saving the unlucky twin for the second time that night.

"Well, that's done! Now to find Ada!" He said heatedly, annoyed at having been victimized as many times as he had (only two).

Elladan shook his head in agreement, and Elves started spreading around the shack. I nodded for Galion to be released, but went to question him myself.

I made sure to glare at him in a properly-menacing way before actually saying anything, enjoying the way he squirmed and kept on dropping his eyes to the ground.

"So, Galion," I began, putting my hands on his shoulders and smiling down at him condescendingly. "Care to explain what you're doing all the way in Harad, away from your precious prince?"

His eyes were wide and scared, but he shook his head furiously, brown locks flying.

I tightened my grip on his shoulders. "What are you doing here , Galion?"

He nervously glanced around the room, apparently hoping there was a way out. Finally he looked up at me and gave me the most pathetic look I had ever seen.

"I am only helping the lady-" he suddenly stopped and gulped, beginning to twist a strand of hair around his finger.

"Yes, you were going to say 'the lady'? 'The lady' who?"

Galion shook his head. "No, I was not going to say the lady. You mistake me. You see, sometimes a brain can get so confused that-"

I twisted his ear, feeling rather impatient. "Galion, I don't want to hurt you, but if you don't tell me what you're doing here, and why you are here, I shall have to take extreme measures."

"Please my lord, I have done nothing. I am merely-"

"A humble butler, I know." I suddenly shook him, my calm collectedness giving way to wrath. " Where is Elrond?! " I yelled.

"Alright, alright !" He grabbed at my fingers which were digging into his ridiculously bony shoulders. "Alright, I will tell you, just please don't hurt me."

At that moment, the twins came running back into the room. "He's not here!" Elrohir yelled, kicking at a fireside chair.

I turned back to Galion, and for a moment considered driving a sword through him, but quickly shoved that thought aside. He could be useful.

"Elladan," I said, attempting to remain at least outwardly calm. "I'll round everybody up and get the horses. We can catch up to them if we're quick. Elrohir, tie Galion up." I looked at the twins, both radiating fury. "And question him in whatever fashion pleases you." I added, shoving Galion against the wall and stalking out.

Galion

I swallowed as the one I believed to be Elrohir approached me with slow steps, instinctively reaching for the dagger strapped to my leg. I was relieved of that by Elladan though, who had come up from behind me.

"I would not try that if I were you, butler ." He whispered into my ear. His breathing was shaky, like he was just barely restraining himself from ripping my throat out.

Elrohir glared at me fiercely. "We have never resorted to torture before, Galion. Not even on an Orc. But I think it is best that you tell us what part you had to play in this, and where our father is being taken. Right. now ."

I looked at him skittishly, before realizing that they were deadly serious.

"I don't know, I don't know !" I clenched my fists. "All I know is that the Men were sent out as distractions, and so was I. I can only guess that they are heading to South Gondor though."

"And who took our father?" Elladan asked.

I shrugged. "I can't tell you."

"You will tell us."

At that moment Glorfindel came back inside. "Elladan, Elrohir, we need to leave now."

I heard Elladan curse behind me. "Who has our father?"

"You really don't want to know." I said brazenly.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Elrohir asked sharply.

Elrond

"Celebrían!" I yelled at my wife as she rode furiously before me, her horse stumbling occasionally as she was made to go increasingly faster.

"Celebrían, you will kill her!" I gasped, spurring my own horse in an attempt to match Mellie's pace.

"We cannot slow!" She yelled back, eyes wild.

"Then I'm stopping!" I let my horse slow down before he stopped, and by the time we had come to a halt, Celebrían was well ahead.

"Come back!" I called, sliding from my horse. Both of us were breathing hard.

Celebrían wheeled around angrily, but slowed till she had reached us. Mellie was panting and steaming at the nostrils.

"Elrond, we cannot stop! They will be upon us soon!"

I glared at her, my feet planted stubbornly in the ground. "And who says I would be opposed to that?"

She remained silent, dropping to the ground and ruffling Mellie's mane.

"I will not stand by and let you run the horses into the ground. I agreed to come with you, but that is all."

Celebrían nodded and looked slightly guilty.

"We will let the horses rest." I turned away from her, starting to rub my horse down.

"You heard them too," she suddenly said.

I turned and looked at her. "Who?"

She fumbled with her hair. "The twins. That is why you came with me, is it not?"

My hands stilled. "It is," an awkward silence lingered in the air. "I do not want them to see you. Otherwise I could and would have gotten away."

After a slight pause she spoke again. "I miss them, more than anything. But you are right. They should not see me."

Both of us could easily imagine the shock on their faces if they saw her, and the heartbreak.

"They have been through enough already." I whispered. I felt a sudden and hot anger at my wife, but restrained myself from all the choice words that came to mind.

Legolas

"Very good, Erestor!" I applauded the advisor as he nearly tripped over his robes trying to get off the chair he had been standing on, hanging decorations. Estel ran over and grabbed him before he could do any real damage to himself.

"This is coming along- nicely." He observed in a pathetic attempt at positivity while dusting himself off and slapping Estel's hands away.

I nodded. It wasn't, but I found it rather fun to be the Lord of Imladris along with Estel. The decorations were ugly in my opinion, so it didn't really matter how they were hung.

"Who usually hangs these things up anyways?" I asked, flicking a petal off of one of the wax roses.

Erestor shrugged. "Not me. I never get involved in this stuff any deeper than planning."

"Oh,"

"I help sometimes." Estel said, bending over and picking up the petal. "I just didn't feel like it today."

Erestor narrowed his eyes. "Are you serious? You made me get up there because you were too lazy?"

Estel shrugged. "Sorry, I just forget how old you're getting sometimes."

"I'm not old!"

"Yes you are! When were you born? Year of the Trees?" Estel laughed at his own joke, but Erestor didn't find it so funny.

"I was born in the Second Age, thank you very much."

Estel hmph ed. "Well, in either case, you're far older than me."

"So is Legolas."

I rolled my eyes. I hated getting dragged into their arguments. "I was only born this age. So you're older than both of us." I said, chewing on a piece of loose fingernail.

Erestor glared at me. "Sometimes I think you two just like annoying me." He paused for a moment. "Actually, I know you do."

With that, he turned and left the room, grumbling and muttering under his breath.

Estel laughed. "He's so easy to tease!"

I shrugged. "I suppose so. Maybe we should be nicer though: we're not being much better than Glorfindel."

"Since when did you care about being nice?"

"Well, I just think if anyone has a chance to not be like Glorfindel, they should take it."

Estel looked like he was considering this for a moment. "You're probably right. I see that you are getting wise in your old age."

"Please don't start this. I'm not as easy to tease as Erestor anyways."

"Pfft, you so are."

"Do you want me to shoot you? I'm very tempted."

Estel elbowed me. "Everyone is so boring!"

Glorfindel

I rode alongside Galion, both to keep an eye on him and to speak with him. We had been riding steadily for most of the night now, and we could see tracks ahead still.

"You we're going to tell me who had Elrond, but you never did." I said quietly, hoping he would at least tell me now that I was cooled down a bit.

Galion waited for a few seconds before speaking. "I am sure Erestor told you about Celebrían?"

I nodded slowly, unsure of how that was relevant.

"Well, she has him."

My eyes widened. "Celebrían.. has Elrond?"

Galion nodded. "I probably shouldn't tell you why, but apparently the Master told her to kill him. I assume it was supposed to be a show of her loyalty, but it could be for other reasons."

I let this knowledge sink in. "So she's going to try and kill him? Why hasn't she already?"

Galion rolled his eyes. "No. No, she kidnapped him to protect him."

"Why didn't she just tell us and we could have kept him safe?!"

"I do not know. I have already said enough though."

I looked behind me where the twins were riding, their faces stern and backs straight.

"Is Elrond alright?" I asked, wondering how he had taken the Big Reveal.

Galion shrugged. "I think he thought he was going crazy at first, but eventually he had to accept it. What else could he do?"

I sighed. This was truly a ridiculous situation. "When the twins find out.." I trailed off, remembering the absolute misery of the first few years after Celebrían had left, and how furious they had been when Arwen declared she was going to Lothlórien. They hadn't let her leave until she had agreed to go with thirty guards (including her brothers). Nightmares were plentiful, and even after all these years they had not forgotten. Not like anyone expected them to.

Arwen

The halls were quiet for the most part as I rose from my bed, hair tousled with sleep, and makeup smeared on my pillow. I stretched, trying to remember what had happened the night before, and why I would have gone to bed without removing my makeup.

There had been- Lindir, and wine. And Legolas?

I suddenly remembered! We had been drinking the night before. I jumped up and threw on my clothes, rushing over to the window and throwing the shutters open. Sunlight streamed in, illuminating the dust in the air and casting a bright glow over my white furniture.

I blinked and squinted, stifling a yawn. It must have been nearly twelve in the afternoon!

Fixing my hair in a loose braid over my shoulder, I hastily wiped the rest of the makeup from my face before applying a new coat of foundation, and finally running down the stairs.

I found Legolas and Estel in the kitchen as usual, digging through the pantries.

"Legolas!" I said, smiling and wondering how tired I looked. Him and Estel spun around and gasped as they took in my messy appearance.

"Wow, Arwen," Estel said, looking at me closely. "You look really cute with messy hair, but your dress is- on backwards."

I yawned. "Really?"

He nodded and handed me a mug. "There's coffee on the stove. Don't expect anything good though. Legolas is the Manager of the Kitchen now."

Legolas scowled. "I'm a great cook, and my coffee tastes amazing."

I raised an eyebrow as I went to the stove and poured myself some coffee. "Where's Lindir?"

Estel looked away and grumbled something.

"I think he went to the library with Erestor. They were looking for new music sheets." Legolas said, turning back to the pantry and pulling out a carton of eggs.

"So, what's for breakfast?" I asked, taking a sip of my coffee before immediately spitting it out. "This is the worst coffee ever Legolas!" I yelled, hurriedly dumping the rest down the sink.

"Well I've never made coffee before! You're just spoiled."

"Says the Elfling who's 'never made coffee before'! It tastes like wash water!"

"Well why don't you make it yourself then, princess?"

I turned to the stove and grabbed the pot, spilling its contents down the drain to join the rest. "I will you insolent brat. And you will watch."

I picked up a measuring spoon. "Now, take two tablespoons and fill it with coffee grounds." I demonstrated by shoving the spoon into the can and sticking it in his face. "Then fill the pot with about six ounces of water."

Legolas folded his arms. "Maybe I like weak coffee."

I paused. "I suppose that is fitting. Weak coffee for a weak little boy."

"Excuse me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Just shut up and make breakfast please."

Estel was laughing hysterically at us, much to my annoyance, so I just pushed past him and grabbed a glass of water.

Legolas slammed the pan onto the stove. "Do you like your eggs poached, scrambled, or fried your highness?"

"Poached." I said, taking a seat on the edge of the counter. "Any news on Ada?"

Estel shook his head. "No, I'm sure everything will be alright though. You know my brothers."

I raised an eyebrow. "To be completely fair, they're my brothers. But if you want to lay some claim on those fiends I can't say I really care."

We sat in silence for a few moments, until said silence was broken by a scream from Legolas and something like a hiss.

" Shit !" He grabbed a towel and started smothering a flame that had come up from the pan.

"I really wouldn't mind some help!" He yelled, sticking a burned finger in his mouth.

Estel grumbled as he grabbed the coffee I had put on and dumped it on the fire.

"Are you kidding me?!" I yelled, jumping off the counter. "I just started that!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Next time I'll just let the kitchen burn down." Estel said sourly, tossing the pot to me.

Legolas kicked the counter and let out a string of curse words, his finger still in his mouth. "Estel I would appreciate some ice!"

Estel ran off to the cellar, and I went to inspect the eggs, which had been burnt to a crisp.

"I thought I said poached, not fried." I laughed a little as I started another pot of coffee.

Legolas thwacked my ear. "You make them this time. I don't think I was cut out to be a cook."

"You don't say," I said, leaning over the water pump and filling my pot with water again.

"I do say. I miss Lothy so much."

I sighed. "She'll come around. After the Feast of Starlight more than likely. I suppose we'll have to hire a new cook for that though."

"Hopefully Elrond will get back before then and talk some sense into her."

I snorted. "Lothy doesn't have any sense. All she can do is cook."

We chuckled about this for a moment until Estel ran back with a towel he had filled with ice.

"Here, give me your finger." He said breathlessly, grabbing Legolas' finger and shoving it into the ice.

"Ow! What in Eru's name was that for?!" Legolas yelled jerking his arm back. "It's only my finger!"

Estel narrowed his eyes. "I'm just trying to find my inner-healer!"

"Well you don't do that by doing- that !"

"Oh really? What do you think you're supposed to do Master Healer?"

Legolas grabbed a piece of ice and wrapped it in a cloth. "Now I put it on the burn ."

"You're stupid." Estel said, throwing the towel and ice into the sink.

"You're only saying that because you know I'm right."

"No I'm not!"

I interrupted before they could continue fighting like idiots. "Can you two stop it? I'm still tired, and I'm slightly hungover, and I have to go out with Lindir later in the evening."

"WHAT?!" Estel yelled, forgetting all about Legolas and their argument.

"I promised him I would. He's been begging me to for over a hundred years." I decided not to point out the fact that me and Estel weren't even dating, and probably never would.

Estel glared at me before stomping out of the kitchen.

"Well, er, that didn't go so well I suppose." Legolas said helpfully before turning and following Estel.

Arwen

I pulled out my compact mirror one last time before entering the spot where Lindir and I were to meet, and checked my hair and eyeliner. After assuring that all was perfect and not a hair out of place, I hid the mirror in a discreet pocket in my new dress (I never wear the same one twice). Sighing, I walked towards the waterfall where Lindir was supposed to be waiting and sat down, wondering why he wasn't there yet. That is, until I heard singing from somewhere in the near distance.

" Again she fled, but swift he came. Tinúviel, Tinúviel! " 

"Oh you've got to be kidding me!" I muttered under my breath. Lindir was such a cheese ball.

Following the singing, I came upon Lindir sitting by a little stream, harp in hand, and singing very concentratedly. I knew he knew I was there though.

"Lindir?" I said, approaching him and touching his shoulder.

"Oh, Arwen!" He looked up and smiled cornily. "I've been waiting here for- oh never mind how long! I'm just glad you're here."

I looked at him suspiciously so he would know I wasn't totally clueless.

"I was just singing about Tinúviel-"

"Yes, Lindir, I've heard it all. I walk in her likeness blah blah blah." I smiled quickly when I realized how rude that sounded. I knew a smile from me would quell any fears on his part.

"Oh, I'm so sorry my lady. It is true though. Indeed, if I may make such a bold statement as to say you are even more beautiful than her?"

I had heard that one too. I was tempted to say, "you've never even seen Tinúviel before." Instead though, I settled for "there is no need for such formalities, Lindir. We have been friends for almost our whole lives."

"Oh, why you are indeed right... Arwen." Lindir gazed at me, clearly awestruck at my absolutely stunning and flawless beauty. I hoped he was admiring my winged eyeliner since I had taken extra time to do it that afternoon.

"So, I guess we're going to just- talk?" I finally asked after several awkward seconds of making eye contact.

"Anything you want."

"Yes.." I trailed off, but clearly he wasn't going to start a conversation. "So, last night with you and the others was really fun. Ada never lets me indulge in drinking."

I suddenly felt very guilty for taking advantage of his absence like this.

"Yes, it was. Although Legolas' and Estel's presence somewhat soured the environment."

"Actually, I quite enjoyed their company." I said, taking a seat on a large rock opposite of Lindir.

"Of course. As did I. I was only jesting." Lindir laughed, but it sounded rather forced, which was no surprise since I knew he was lying.

I nodded and smiled politely.

"Forgive me. I know we usually are more open with each other, but we've never spent time like- this together before."

He was right. Everything felt awkward now that we weren't just being friends. It wasn't natural in the least.

"No," I laughed. "You're forgiven. Just-" I furrowed my brows. "Will you teach me to play the harp?"

Lindir's eyes lit up, and I suddenly felt very bad for him. "Of course I will!"

Legolas

"HA!" Estel shrieked and threw a pawn at my head. "Checkmate you peasant!"

I grunted and flicked a knight across the board, feeling a little tipsy. "Chess is stupid. There's absolutely no strategy involved!"

"The whole game is about strategy you idiot!" He sighed happily and plopped his chin into his hands. "Has anyone ever even taught you to play before?"

I shook my head. "No, Ada's more into drinking wine and kissing Nana under the stars." I made a face. "Have you ever kissed anyone?"

"No. The last time I asked Ada what it was like he told me to 'find out when you're older'. That was eight years ago."

"Do you think you're old enough now?"

Estel shrugged. "Maybe, but I'm not interested in kissing anyone. Well, other than-"

I gulped. Somehow Arwen had come into the conversation when the whole point of us being here tonight was to keep Estel's mind off of her, and the fact that she was out with Lindir.

"Sorry," I said, mirroring his position and sighing. "You know I liked some girl once too."

" You did?" Estel chuckled..

I scowled. "I didn't think it was so funny then!"

"Oh, sorry. Wait, what happened?"

I snorted. "She was a jerk. Fell in love with a-" I swallowed before I could puke. " Dwarf ."

Estel gasped and then laughed hysterically. "That's weird! An Elf fell in love with a Dwarf? Are you sure?"

I was about to start being moody when I realized I actually didn't care about her anymore. "Yes, I swear!"

I suddenly started to laugh hysterically as well. "Well, to be completely honest, it was more like an infatuation." I laughed harder when I said this.

"Tell me more!" Estel cackled.

"Well she met him when we took him prisoner, and-" I pounded the table and threw back my head. "And she was staring at him the whole time!"

Both of us had tears streaming down our faces. I looked over at the seven empty wine bottles beside us, but didn't pay any attention as I reached for another.

"Anyways," I wiped my eyes and took a swig. "She found him again later after they had escaped the prison, and stuck Athelas in his leg where he had gotten shot with a poisoned arrow. He was so delirious he thought she was shining!"

"Shining?" Estel's eyes were wide as he grabbed the bottle from me and took a long gulp.

"That's what she told me." I sighed and started dragging a chess-piece around the board. "And he was so ugly too!"

Estel shook his head. "I don't mean to hate on Dwarves, but that's hilarious."

I nodded my agreement. "Anyways, ever since then I've never gotten close with maidens. I don't see the point in love." I wondered why I had just said that. "Not like I'm traumatized over Tauriel or anything." I shook my head, feeling a little dizzy.

I wasn't sure if my current condition was making me see Estel with a frown on his face, or if he was actually frowning. Why should he be?

I swallowed some more wine. "All I'm saying," I slurred, pointing a finger in his face. "Don't get-" yes, that was definitely a frown. I took another sip of wine to clear my senses. Wait, that's not what wine did? Was it? I couldn't remember. "Don't get involved with- women."

Estel suddenly looked very angry. "How can you say that? Because you've had bad experience with them? Well, I'm sorry, Legolas, but what I have for Arwen isn't an 'infatuation'."

"Ugh," I said, putting a hand to my head. Nothing ever came out right when I was drunk. "They'll just-" I hiccuped, and considered leaving it at that. Whatever I said next probably wouldn't sound right, but I continued anyways, "they'll only break your heart."

Estel grabbed the bottle from my hand and threw it to the ground. Both of us listened as it shattered into a million little pieces. "You know nothing about love! And you can take your stupid advice and drop it into the Void, along with yourself!"

I watched him as he stormed out of the library and slammed the door behind him. Clearly I hadn't helped him much in forgetting about Arwen.

Celebrían

"Celebrían?" I turned over when I heard Elrond whisper my name.

"What is it?" I asked, rubbing my eyes and yawning. "What time is it?"

Elrond sat down beside me. "It's almost midnight. But I wanted to talk."

"Yes, talk about what?"

"Us."

I sat up and looked at him bemusedly, scratching my head. "Well, I suppose if that's what you want to talk about."

For a moment we just sat there and looked at the ground, and Elrond fiddled with his hair. A chill breeze blew around us, causing me to pull my blanket tighter around me.

"Why?" He suddenly said, looking up at me with tears in his eyes. "Why did you do it?"

I swallowed. "Do what?" I whispered, although I was quite sure I knew what he was talking about.

"Why would you abandon your sons? Why would you allow them to think you had been tortured for sport? Why would you allow them to become vengeful and bitter when they should have stayed peacefully at Imladris? Leaving me is one thing, but your sons?"

"Oh Elrond," I looked at my boots and bit my lip. "You don't even know how-"

"Do not say how guilty you have felt, or how much you missed them. I want to know why. "

I shook my head. "Because," I said, taking his hands and looking him in the eyes. "Because I could not stay. There is no reason for why I did it."

He nodded. "That is what I thought."

We stood there for a few moments until he finally pulled his hands away. "I am leaving tomorrow," he said. "You cannot protect me any more than I can, and you cannot keep me here. I will not leave my sons."

"Wait," I stood and grabbed his arm. "I know- I know I have no right to ask this, but will you at least let me see them?"

Elrond laughed. "And let them see how cruel their mother really is? I think not."

I gasped and drew back, although I had expected no less. It had still stung.

Glorfindel

As dawn broke, my companions and I had already begun the days ride and were nearing the Harad Road. The air was cool and dry, as if the land had not had a decent rain for months, and not a single animal could be seen or heard. The Elves behind me talked quietly, seeming afraid to stir the air with their voices too much.

I was getting ready to split all of us up when away in the distance, no more than three leagues, I saw a rider coming towards us. His hair was dark, as was his horse, but I could not tell who it was.

"Elladan," I said, motioning him up to ride beside me. "Can you tell who that is?"

Elladan put a hand over his eyes to shade him from the sun, and stared at the rider fixedly for a moment. "I can't really tell," he paused and squinted. "No, wait. It looks like- it looks like Ada!"

Yelling excitedly for Elrohir, the two were about to spur their horses on when I grabbed their arms and stopped them.

"Hold on! Both of you! This could be a trap. What if there are people waiting nearby?"

The twins looked at me like my ears had turned round. "Are you kidding me?" Elrohir said. "There's nothing but empty desert for miles! I think we could see them if there was anyone stupid enough to try that."

I realized he was right and shrugged, smiling wryly. "Well go on then!"

The two rode ahead swiftly, and I followed at a more reasonable pace. Our horses were no doubt rather tired from the long ride over the past two days.

When I caught up to them, they had dismounted and were all hugging each other tearily, and telling their father how worried they had been, and how much they missed him.

When they finally pulled away, Elrond looked at me and bowed his head. "Glorfindel."

I tipped my head and smiled. "I do not know what to say. We came here to rescue you, but it seems you had no need for it."

Elrond chuckled and threw an arm around each of his sons. "Nonsense! I get to be reunited earlier than if you had stayed at home, do I not?"

I laughed. "I suppose so. What happened anyways though?"

"Ah, I shall tell you later." He said, looking strangely at the twins and then me. I knew why he wouldn't talk about it now, so I kept my mouth shut, like any wise Elf would do.

"Well, this is certainly an interesting turn of events." I said after a few moments of silence.

Elrond nodded. "Indeed it is. I am only ready to go back home though."