"Hurry up, Estel!"

The little boy looked up and grinned.

"Sure thing, Legolas. Race you!" he cried, racing past the small elf towards the building a few feet away.

"Hey, no fair!"

Legolas ran quickly forward, and in a minute, had outrun Estel and reached the building.

"Legolas! Estel!"

The two friends turned their heads and saw an elf running towards them.

"Oh, hi Dan." Said Estel, while Legolas waved at him cheerfully.

I…… I can't tell them…… Elladan thought, looking at his brother then at Legolas. I…… really can't.

"Elladan!" a voice came from a window high above them. "Tell them and bring them up here!"

It was Elrond.

"Tell us what?" asked little Legolas, staring up at him curiously.

"Yeah, Dan. Tell us what?" piped up Estel.

Elladan sighed.

"Well, you see, Legolas, your father is here,-" he began gently, but with a cry, the two had already run up to the building and were probably racing to see who saw Thranduil first.

Estel smiled and pulled back Legolas's golden hair so he could be in the lead.

Legolas didn't do anything but continued running, and at this Estel was puzzled. Then with a start, he realized Legolas was probably eager to see his father.

After all, he hadn't seen his father for three years.

In his heart, he was happy for his friend; but a voice in his mind was screaming. What if Thranduil wanted to take Legolas back to Mirkwood? Would it mean he could never see Legolas again?

Estel reached the hall, his brain reeling.

Then Legolas knocked on the door.

And a deep voice answered.

"Come in."