Ch 18 Gotcha!

Estel and Thranduil knew their trick of bouncing a heavy knotted rope against the wall then dragging it back would not bring Elrohir out. However, they knew it would make the youngest elf curious.

Silence fell. Elrohir realized he could hear nothing,

A soft scurrying noise was coming from just outside the door. “Elrondion, I am coming for you.” The voice was that of Thranduil.

Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, you will not capture me!” He meant to speak authoritatively, but what came out was a whisper. He turned to the balcony to see a shadow. Someone was out there! Hope sprang anew, for if he could ‘capture’ whoever it was, there would only be one left. As he sprang towards the shadow, it withdrew. He looked around, but saw no one. Perplexed, he stepped back into the room. He could now see two shadows. Both Estel and Thranduil were on the balcony! Now was his chance to escape.

Without thinking, he ran towards the door and jerked it open - only to have the bucket of water drench him. He felt a chill run down his spine as he heard the voice of the elven king.

“What do we have here, mellon nin? It appears that a son of Elrond is somewhat waterlogged at the minute. The ‘old elf’ now claims his reward.” With that, King Thranduil drew a red ribbon and pinned it on Elrohir. He laughed as Estel also pinned his blue ribbon, as well as a green one for Legolas onto Elrohir’s tunic.

Elrohir stood dripping, then suddenly began to laugh as well. “Aye, you have bested me, muindor nin. I apologize for my remark, Your Majesty. I hope you will not hold it against me.”

Thranduil merely laughed, and said “I accept your apology, ion nin. I, too, have said things I have later regretted. It is both forgiven and forgotten.” He turned to Estel and said “To the library and our tarts!”

Elrohir started back into his room to change, but Estel turned him around. “Nay, you will have to go as you are,” laughingly said the human.

“What! I am wet! I need dry clothes!” spluttered Elrohir.

“No one else was allowed to change. Besides, it was your own trap that bested you.” Estel was adamant, and Elrohir knew how stubborn his foster brother could be. He shrugged and all three left the hall.

As they entered the library, the cheering started. Legolas stood there, laughing as he heard Elrond ask, “May I inquire as to why you are dripping on my floor?”

Elrohir stood mute for a little while, then admitted he had been a victim of his own trap. Elladan gave him a disgusted look. Legolas was laughing so hard he had to use the table for support to stand upright. The other elves were enjoying Elrohir’s discomfort, especially since most of them had been victims of the twins’ pranks.

Just then, the dinner bell rang. “How fortunate that we are done just in time to eat,” said Thranduil with a smile at Estel.

Estel laughed, then spoke to Elrond. “After dinner, Adar, I will show you how we got into Rivendell. I think you might be surprised.”

As dinner was eaten and the dishes cleared, three elves entered with trays of blackberry tarts. The trays were set down in front of Thranduil, Estel, and Legolas. The three smiled, then looked at each other. They called the elves over, whispered to them, then proceeded to share the sticky treats with all.

Elrond and Thranduil trailed after Legolas, Estel and the twins as they headed for the library. Legolas and Estel headed for the couch, leaving no room for the twins. Elladan glowered at his human brother. He took out the taunting letter that Estel had written to the twins. “What have you to say?” He looked at Estel, noting that the human merely stared back. He realized Estel was not backing down nor was he trying to escape.

Estel said, “It did precisely what it was intended to do. I knew exactly how you and Elrohir would react.” He smiled at his brothers. There was nothing the twins could say to that as they knew he was correct.

Later, Estel took Elrond, Glorfindel, Erestor and the twins down to the storeroom.

Glorfindel and the twins went back through the tunnel to where the burrow was, and made note of it. They then reentered the storeroom in time to hear Elrond give orders the tunnel and burrow was to be sealed.

Glorfindel said, “It will probably take about a week for the tunnel to be completely sealed. The entrance in the forest is being sealed now.”

Elrond nodded. “Estel, Hannon le for the entertainment. I have not enjoyed myself so much for some time.”

Estel smiled, and said, “I enjoyed myself as well.” He turned to Thranduil and Legolas and said, “Hannon le. It has been a pleasure.” he bowed to both.

Estel turned to Elrond saying, “I will be leaving tomorrow, Adar. Halbarad has news of Orcs raiding towns and taking women and children as slaves. Rangers will be tracking them, and he has asked me to accompany them.”

Elrond nodded, then hugged Estel. “Be safe, ion nin. Return when you can.”

Thranduil and Legolas silently added their prayers to Illuvator for the safety of the future King of Gondor.