Bedtime Stories
The week in Lothlorien started out calm and collective, by the end of the week, everyone was being driven mad by one little human child, and three grown elves. As Arwen showed around Estel, and the twins joined they wreaked havoc among those that were closest.
T'was the final night before heading back home to Rivendell, Elrond sat upon the bed of his youngest son, smiling widely.
"Ada, can we not wait until Saturday to leave?" asked Estel as he climbed into bed.
"Nay young seldo, we must return tomorrow, we have been gone nearly two weeks, it shall take another week to get home. I rarely leave Rivendell for such a length of time. I understand your wish to stay here young one, but we must return home."
"Ada, can I visit here?" just then Celeborn entered the room chuckling.
"If your father approves, you are welcome to visit any time young one. Do not feel Lothlorien cannot be a second home to you. You shall be welcomed by the king of every elfin home in Middle-earth."
"Really? Ada, please?"
"As you wish child, if you feel you wish to return here, you may as often as you want."
"Oh thank you Ada," Estel said hugging his father tightly about the neck. Elrond chuckled and nodded.
"What story would you like to hear tonight young one?"
"Celeborn, would you and Ada tell me a story of you and Amme?" Celeborn smiled as he sat down on the left side of Estel, Elrond on the boy's right side.
"Celebrian was the most beautiful woman, her skin like porcelain, smooth as silk..."
----
It was a beautiful morning, Elrond smiled as he rolled over to see his beautiful laying next to him, looking at him in love and adoration.
"Good morning," she said.
"Morning, how long have you been awake?"
"Not far too long my love, however I believe your children could very well be awake," she stated.
"Ay, do I want to know how you know such a thing?"
"I heard them talking a little while ago. I believe the twins are indeed awake, Arwen hasn't cried, so I do not believe she is awake."
"ADA!" Came the scream as the two twins ran into the room diving onto the bed. Elrond smiled and lifted them into his arms.
"Ay, my two rambunctious elves, how do I get so lucky," he stated kissing the two elf heads.
"Ada, ada, we made you a picture," explained Elladan holding up the parchment to his father who smiled, he could hear his wife trying to hold back a snicker.
"My this is a picture, who has even beheld such a beautiful picture. Do you wish to explain it to me?" He asked smiling.
"That's me, that's 'Ro, that's Amme, and that's you Ada."
"Well my little one, this is beautiful, however where is your sister?" Elrond asked. Elladan looked over at his brother.
"Told you we shoulda put her in," murmured Elrohir.
"We left her out Ada."
"What for my little ones?" He asked holding them closer. No matter how bad they got sometimes, moments like this always made up for their mistakes and problems.
"She cries to loud Ada, and we were mad at her," whispered Elladan.
"Well what for my young one?" There was silence from them, Celebrian shook her head.
"Well go on, tell your Ada what she did yesterday and how you responded to her."
"She knocked over out paints Ada, we were so angry...."
"What did you do?" Elrond asked slightly.
"We yelled at her Ada, we're sorry," whispered Elrohir. Elrond shook his head and lifted the boys so they were facing him.
"Boys, your sister is still young and learning, give her time, she did not mean to knock over what you were playing with, she is but an elfling."
"We know Ada, but she can be so annoying," whispered Elladan. Just then the door opened, revealing a small brown haired child peaking around the corner. Celebrian smiled at the beautiful face which met their gaze. Elrond smiled at the small child.
"Come child, it is all right," Elrond called gently. Celebrian, just like the small child she was, Arwen went straight to her father, who easily lifted her into his arms and cuddled her close.
"My tithen Evenstar," he said smiling as she lay her head against his shoulder. She looked over at Elladan and Elrohir, who were now in their mother's arms.
"We're sorry for yelling at you yesterday Arwen," explained Elladan gently. The elf child smiled and reached out for her brother. Elladan scooped her up and hugged her for a moment, followed by Elrohir, moments later they were all sitting in their parent's arms.
----
"Ada, did 'Dan or 'Ro ever feel like I was a nuisance?" Elrond chuckled as his son looked up at him.
"Ay, child there were many times, I cannot choose one time."
"Please Ada, tell me of one," Elrond nodded.
----
"ESTEL!" Hollered Elladan as he ran after the two year old human, the boy had only been there for six weeks, and already Elladan was feeling his patience being tried. Elrond was busy in Rivendell with a meeting, leaving Estel to be watched by his brothers.Elrohir rolled his eyes as the child seemed to wreak havoc on all that surrounded him. It was quickly driving them to distraction.
"Estel, if you do not come back here, I will spank you!" yelled Elladan.
"You will do no such thing!" Came the strong voice of Glorfindel. Estel looked up and giggled clapping his hands as he ran towards the elf who always protected him. Glorfindel felt his heart soften as the boy came running towards him. He easily lifted the boy into his arms and hugged him close.
"He is but a two year old Elladan, your father would not approve of such threats or ministrations. You shall behave, as shall he. If he is bothering you or misbehaving you shall send him to his room. Yelling at him will not improve the situation, and it will only cause tears."
"Spoiled little brat!" yelled Elrohir, suddenly clapping his hands over his mouth. Estel watched his brother, he obviously knew what those words mean, as his eyes quickly began to tear.
"That is not the words of an elf, but that of man. Elrohir, you will watch your tongue around this child. For he deserves to be spoiled at the moment. What he has lived through you shall never experience, or at least I certainly hope you shall not. For you may have lost a mother to the Grey Havens, but he has lost a mother and a father whom he shall never see again." Both elves looked at the floor. Estel clutched at Glorfindel's tunic.
"He...he's just so hard to manage sometimes," whispered Elrohir.
"He is but a small child, only older than infancy, we must treat him the age he is."
"We are sorry Glorfindel."
"I am not the one you should apologize to young ones. For it is your foster brother who deserves the apology, tis his feelings you hurt."
----
Elrond looked down and chuckled when he saw his son leaning into Elrond's waist. The child fast asleep. Shaking his head, he got up and situated the boy under the covers, placing a kiss on his head."Goodnight ion nin,"