Ch 7 A surprise guest

As the four friends sat in the study, Elladan turned to Estel and said, “How did you make it appear as though you were Toby?”

Estel replied simply, “I remembered Glorfindel’s lessons.”

“My lessons?” queried the golden-haired elf. “I do not understand. Which lessons?”

“It was one of the first on tactics. You said ‘always look beyond the obvious. Never take anything as truth until it has been thoroughly checked.’ I knew Elladan and Elrohir would not look beyond the obvious - ‘Toby’ was a simple-minded man, and that was all anyone noticed. It then was easy for my ‘old woman’ act. The person who is ‘odd’ is the one noticed. I merely took advantage of this,” was Estel’s reply.

“You still have two more times. We will be on our guard, you will not slip past us again,” laughed Elladan.

Estel said with a touch of sarcasm and mirth, “I did not slip past you, dear brother. If memory serves, you brought me into Rivendell.”

Elrohir laughed as Elladan stuck his tongue out at Estel. Elladan told his twin, “Do not laugh. You were with me. I did not hear you say anything.”

Legolas laughed, and said “Have you an idea as to how you will enter Rivendell again, mellon nin?”

“Aye, I do, indeed, have a plan. Do you have to leave yet, or will you be able to stay awhile?” asked Estel as he walked to the desk.

“I have written to King Thranduil asking him for a leave for Legolas,” replied Elrond. “I knew you would very much like to see if Estel is able to fool his brothers again.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door and a messenger appeared. “Enter,” said Glorfindel.

The messenger entered, as well as a second person.

“Adar!” said a surprised Legolas. He went to his father and gave him a hug, which his father returned with a smile.

“Mae govennan, Your Majesty,” said Estel.

Elrond greeted Thranduil with a bow, as did the twins. Thranduil returned their bows.

“I missed you, ion nin. As I entered the gates, I heard the guards telling the tale of Estel being escorted into Rivendell without his brothers knowing it was he. I would hear the whole tale, if possible, mellon nin,” said Thranduil to Elrond, who started to laugh.

“It will be my pleasure. Seas, have a glass of wine, and I will tell you.” With that, Elrond told the tale - the wager, and the outcome so far.

Thranduil laughed until tears sprang from his eyes. “Now you have to do this two more times?” the elven king said, disbelievingly.

“Aye, that is correct, Your Majesty. I believe I will be able to fool them again.”

Thranduil shook his head, and said, “I would not wager against you, Taur’ohtar.” He then turned to Elrond. “With your permission, I will tarry here, to see the outcome. May I?”

Elrond was agreeable, and the rooms were made ready.

After dinner, they retired to the Halls of Fire, listening to the songs and stories, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. Thranduil and Legolas were persuaded to sing a duet, their voices entwining like vines around each other. As they finished, there was a moment of quiet, then the elves gave the two singers a rousing ovation of praise. The two bowed, then returned to their seats. It was then they noticed Estel was no longer in his usual seat, and they smiled, knowing the young ranger was putting his plan into effect.

Translation:

Taur’ohtar - Ranger

Seas - please