Okay, you asked for it!

Ch 15 Cats & Dogs, Oh, My!

Finally, all the elves of Rivendell had been ‘captured’. The three that were still loose were Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir.

Estel knew his father would be working in his study. He was also aware that the twins had set some kind of trap on the second level.

As the three made their way to the staircase, they were alert to the least sound. The top of the staircase was reached. Estel rolled his eyes. He signaled Thranduil and Legolas to take a look.

The twins had tied very thin pieces of silk to each door. They then had placed filled containers on top of the doors. Estel had to give them credit. The pieces of silk were almost invisible. Estel only noticed them because the afternoon sun highlighted them.

“We should trip them all at one time,” said Legolas. “If we do that, however, they will see us. Any suggestions?”

Thranduil asked “Is it possible to hide in an empty room?”

Estel answered, “No, they have all of the doors tied together.” Suddenly he got a gleam in his eyes that boded ill for the twins. He signaled for Thranduil and Legolas to retreat to the lower level.

“Stay here. I have an idea.”

Estel went to the stables and brought one of the dogs and a cat back with him. He knocked quietly on the door, and Legolas peeked out. He motioned for his father.

Both elves were almost doubled over as they what Estel had with them. This they just had to see!

Estel handed the cat to Legolas who went ahead. As they reached the top of the staircase, Legolas sat the cat down. Estel then let the dog loose. The three retreated as quickly as possible.

There was hissing, spitting, caterwauling, barking. Then came a cacophony of sounds as the dog chased the cat, tripping the silk, which in turn started the containers falling.

Estel, Legolas and Thranduil were trying to laugh without betraying where they were hiding. Tears of mirth were falling from their eyes, and they were holding their sides. Elrond’s voice was very clearly heard. “By the Valar, what is going on? Is this your idea of a trap? GET THIS CLEANED! NOW!”

“ELLADAN! ELROHIR!”

As Elrond descended the stairs, Estel could hear him muttering to himself. “Of all the idiotic traps, water, flour, dirt, tied to ropes! How ridiculous!”

As he passed into the dining hall, Estel tapped him from behind. With a smile, Estel gave him his ribbon.

Elrond looked at Estel, then with a sigh, asked, “Did you bring in that cat and dog?”

Estel merely nodded. Elrond’s mouth quirked into a grin. “Good.” With that, he turned around and went to the library.

Now only the twins were loose. Thranduil growled, “I want those two.”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” laughed Estel with a bow. “I believe the best way would be to try and separate them. It is easier to get one at a time.”

Thranduil agreed. “How do we do that?”

Legolas answered, “I believe I know how.”

Legolas then told Estel and Thranduil of his plan. After hearing it, they agreed. They moved to put it in to action.