Estel peeked around the corner into the bedroom. He didn't see
anyone at first; then, as his eyes grew accustomed to the dark of
the room, he could a lump in the bed. He thought, "Now we have at
least one of them. He debated whether or not to get Elrond. He
decided that Elrond needed some leisure time. After all, Elladan, at
least, appeared to be sleeping. He would check the other bedrooms.
He really did not trust any of them.
As he turned to go, Elladan turned in bed. Immediately, Estel's head
snapped around. However, there was no more movement, so he decided
to check the rest of the bedrooms..
He opened the door to Legolas' room, and saw the elf in bed. He went
over to make sure it really was Legolas. It was, and he, too,
appeared to be sleeping. He then went to check Elrohir's room.
Again, his brother appeared to be sleeping. Estel reported to his
father that, indeed, all three elves were sleeping. Glorfindel was
there as well.
Suddenly, Estel had a most evil look on his face.
Glorfindel took one look, and said, "You wouldn't dare do that!"
Elrond whirled around and said, "Don't even think of doing that!"
"Why Ada! Don't you trust me? I'm deeply hurt that you would even
think I would do anything. At least, not without you and Glorfindel
helping me!"
Glorfindel and Elrond looked at each other for a long moment.
Suddenly, they started to laugh rather evilly. "Now, we must think
this out and make plans so that it is done quickly, and we can
escape easily," said Elrond. "Estel, keep an eye on those three. Let
us know if they move."
Estel replied, "I believe I can do that. I would appreciate it,
though, if I am in on this."
"Why Estel, I believe it is possible for you to assist us," replied
Glorfindel. With that, Estel went to watch the sleepers, and
Glorfindel and Elrond started plotting, er, planning.
Later that evening, Elrond called Estel into his study. "I've
given some thought as to how to get back at those three. At first, I
was thinking of just getting back at them all at the same time.
However, I believe it might be better if all three of us got revenge-
one at a time."
Glorfindel looked at Elrond and saw something he hadn't seen for
some time-an Elrond who had put aside the cares and worries he
habitually carried with him. This was the Elrond he had missed. He
mentally gave himself a shake, and said, "I like that idea. Who goes
first?"
Estel replied, "Why don't you go first, Ada? I would like to be
last." .
Elrond bowed to Glorfindel and Estel, and with a twinkle said, "I
had better get busy, then. Oh, if you two don't mind, I am including
you both in this."
Both Glorfindel and Estel bowed to Elrond. "Of course, you may count
on us, O Lord of Imladris," intoned Estel in his most officious
voice. Both Glorfindel and Elrond were just taking a sip of ale, and
started to choke and laugh at the same time.
After they caught their breath, Elrond told them his plan.
"Do you want me to tell anyone else about this? I'm sure there are
others that love to participate," said Estel.
"I never thought of that," responded Elrond. "Yes, it would work
better. Let everyone know they don't have to do it, but if they
wish, they would be most welcome. I think it will be done at
dinner." All three left to go their separate ways.
The bell rang for dinner. As the elves filed into the hall, Elrond
sent Estel to bring the twins and Legolas to dinner. At first, none
of the three wanted to get out of bed. "I wouldn't try Ada's
patience any more than you've done already," warned Estel as he woke
his brothers. He made sure they were up, and then went to wake
Legolas. Estel didn't have any problem waking the Mirkwood Prince,
as he was hungry. "I'll meet you in the dining hall," said Estel.
He watched as the three elves made their way to the hall.