Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Chapter 17

Elrond pulled Estel onto his lap as he lounged back into the hay. Estel snuggled into his father’s arms as Elrond began his story.

“Many many years ago, when I was only a few centuries older than the twins, I was engaged to marry your Daernana and Daerada’s daughter. We were to be wed here in Lothlorien, under the mallorn trees. Elves from everywhere were in attendance, including Lord Cirdan of the Grey Havens.”

Estel giggled. “He was the one you shot with the arrow!”

Elrond visibly blushed and continued with his story. “Yes, he was. Anyway, the guests were all gathered around, waiting. I was in my chambers getting dressed, and your grandfather paid me a visit. He proceeded to lecture me about how deeply he cared for his daughter, and listed all the things he would do to me if I ever made her unhappy.”

“Didn’t he like you, Ada?” Estel asked curiously.

“Oh aye, he liked me. He was just protective of his daughter, just as I am of you and your brothers and Arwen. Of course at the time he intimidated me to no end, and I respected him greatly for it. And so, the wedding began, and my wife was as beautiful as her mother. We said our vows, all the while under your grandfather’s watchful gaze.”

“Did Daernana look at you like that?” Estel interrupted.

Elrond smiled. “Nay, she didn’t need to. I knew she was just as protective, but I also knew she loved me as a son. At a wedding, Estel, it is tradition for the father of the bride, and the father of the groom to give a speech. It is a way of celebrating the union of two families. Lord Cirdan spoke on my behalf, as he knew me as well as anyone. He gave a very touching speech and made Celebrian feel quite welcome.”

Estel giggled. “Uh oh, what did Daerada say?”

Elrond raised an eyebrow at his youngest son, and reached down to tickle his ribs. “He welcomed me to the family and told a very touching story about my parents. He offered to act as a father to me, should I ever need one. Most of the party was near tears by the time he finished, myself included. I was seated at the time, and he bent to embrace me, and then it happened!”

Estel’s eyes widened. “What happened, Ada?!” he asked, bouncing on his father’s lap excitedly.

Elrond smirked. “Your Daerada’s leggings tore, right down the center of his backside, with a very audible rrrrrip!” he laughed.

Estel gasped and started giggling.

“I was the only one to notice, as his backside was facing the wall behind me, away from everyone else. I heard the loud tear, and burst out laughing. Tears were falling down my cheeks from laughing so hard, and to everyone else, it appeared as though I was merely moved by your Daerada’s speech! But both he and I knew the real reason for my tears!”

“He must have been so embarrassed!” Estel giggled.

“Oh he was! He very discreetly placed his hand behind my neck and squeezed rather hard, ordering me to assist him. You see, he had already removed his cloak and robe which were draped over a chair on the other side of the room. His formal tunic was rather short, and if he walked, the rip was quite visible. So, I unclasped my formal cloak and gave it to him. He put it on, and strode out of the hall with as much grace and dignity as he could muster. People must have known something was amiss because the cloak did not match his attire, and was much too short for him. But since then we have always shared a special bond. He held true to his word and acted as a father when I needed one. And until now I kept his secret about his rather embarrassing tear. That being said, I ask that you share this story with no one, for your Daerada would most certainly be humiliated if anyone else knew.”

Estel nodded. “I won’t tell anyone, I promise.”

Elrond ruffled his son’s hair and smiled. “Thank you. Do you feel any better, ion nin?”

Estel sighed and played with the cuff of his father’s tunic. “Yes, I feel better now. That was a funny story, Ada.”

“I am glad you thought so!”

The two were giggling to themselves when Haldir entered and looked at them with a questioning stare.

“Oh…hello, Lord Elrond. I have actually been looking for Estel. I have a surprise for him.”

Estel’s eyes widened and he jumped up, grabbing Elrond’s hand and pulling his father to his feet.

“What is it, Haldir?!” he asked excitedly.

The blond Marchwarden smiled, and gestured the little boy over to the very end of the stable. He lifted the latch on one of the stall doors, and pointed inside.

“Right there” he said with a smile.

Estel peeked in and gasped in surprise. “NIENINQUE! Ada, it’s Nieninque!”

TBC……..

Once again my apologies for taking so long. Real life is very busy! THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL THE REVIEWS!!

Daerada: Grandfather

Daernana: Grandmother

Ion nin: My son

Ada: Daddy