Legolas and Estel retraced their way to the entrance. The torches were put out, and set to the side for their return. They knew they would be back.

The glade was as they left it, firewood was still plentiful, and the peaceful feeling was not diminished. The horses had returned and Estel brushed them while Legolas did the cooking.

After they had eaten and cleaned the site, the two friends simply sat, each lost in their thoughts.

Finally, Legolas spoke. “Estel, you spoke of messages. Of what were you speaking? I heard but one - from naneth. It was an endearment that I had not heard for many years.”

“I had a message that appeared to be from my father - Arathorn. He told me how much he appreciated Elrond raising me as a son, and that he was very proud. There were also messages for both Elrond and Glorfindel to be delivered. I would have you stand with me as they are delivered. Seas?” Estel looked at Legolas with a smile.

“Certainly, I will stand with you. I feel it is a thing that must be done.” As Idril’s silvery rays bathed the land, the two beings rested, finally becoming lost in their dreams.

Morning came, with the sweet sounds of birds singing a hymn of praise to Illuvator.

“Must those birds be so noisy?” grumbled Estel as he sat up.

Legolas just laughed and told him “It is time you woke. Do you intend to be back in Rivendell today?” He received a laugh in response to his question.

That evening, they reached the gates of Rivendell. They handed the reins over to the stable hands with a murmured “Diola lle. Please make sure they get some apples.” With a nod and a smile, the horses were taken to the stables.

As they entered the hall, Elrond saw them. He greeted them both with an embrace. “As usual, you have arrived just in time to wash and join us for dinner. I really do not understand how you two manage to time it so conveniently,” the lord of Imladris said with a twinkle in his eyes.

“We will be there shortly,” smiled Estel. “Ada, we wish to have a meeting with you and Glorfindel, if possible, tonight.”

Elrond looked at Estel with a raised eyebrow. It was unusual for such a request to come from his son. “Very well, ions nin. If it is important, then we will be there. Do you wish for Elladan and Elrohir be there as well?”

“Of course, they would be most welcome to attend,” replied Estel.

Legolas spoke. “It is important. There are questions, and perhaps you will have answers.”

Later that evening, the four met in Elrond’s study. Legolas and Estel sat on the bench in front of the fireplace, while Elrond and Glorfindel each sat in their respective chairs and the twins sat on cushions on the floor.

Estel and Legolas looked at each other, then Estel motioned for the Prince to begin.

“It all began two nights ago…” Legolas told of being unable to sleep, meeting Estel in the hall, of the ride through the forest, the camp, and the feeling of peace. He recounted finding the cave, and of the song they could faintly hear.

Legolas then turned to Estel. “Mellon nin, it is now your turn.”

Estel considered how to get the two elf lords to see the cave as he and Legolas had. He realized he knew the answer. He sat slightly forward, and started to speak in a low voice. Legolas did not realize what Estel was doing at first, then it came to him. ‘Very clever, mellon nin,’ was his thought as he listened.