It was one of those perfect days of early summer. The birds were singing and the bees were busy flitting from flower to flower.

 The Lord of Imladris sat in his study, reading and rereading a scroll and not understanding what he had read. He shed his robes, and felt more comfortable in a tunic and breeches.

His mind kept straying, following the songs and sounds of the gardens and woods. He tried to go back to his reading, he really did. But it was no use. He sighed, setting aside the scroll. He noticed Estel kneeling on a chair, attempting to look out the window.

“Ada, may I go outside? I will stay in the garden, I promise. Please?” he pleaded, looking up at his foster father.

Elrond smiled and replied, “Let us both go outside and go for a walk Perhaps we will slip by Glorfindel, and get something to eat from the kitchen.”

Estel brightened. He did not often have Elrond to himself. His smile was all the answer that was needed.

“First, we have to check to see if anyone is in the hall,” whispered Elrond. “We must make sure we are not seen or heard. The balrog would not let us go, else.”

Estel was ecstatic! He did not often see this side of the elven lord, and he wanted to have it last as long as possible. “Oh, yes, Ada. I do not hear anything, so everyone must be busy.”

The two poked their heads out of the study and checked the hall. No balrog was seen. Neither did they see Glorfindel. Elrond put his finger on his lips, and Estel nodded.

Quietly, they walked down the hall to the kitchens. There, they raided the cupboard, taking blackberry tarts and some cheese with them.

Entering the garden, they sat under the tree, eating their food. After finishing, they shook out the crumbs for the birds and insects to share.

Elrond walked under the trees, his hands clasped behind his back. He did not notice that Estel had also clasped his hands behind his back, imitating the older elf.

Two other figures did see it though, and smiled at the sight. The twins were on the balcony overlooking the garden. They had heard what Elrond had said to Estel. They were determined that no one or nothing would interfere with their outing.

Neither Elrond nor Estel were aware of the scrutiny of the two.

Elrond lie down on the velvet grass, enjoying the softness. Estel lay next to him, crossing his legs as he chewed on a piece of grass.

“Ada! Look! A flutterby! Oh, it landed on my nose!” said Estel with  giggle, as it did indeed land on the tip of his nose. He tried looking at it, crossing his eyes.

Elrond started laughing as he saw Estel trying to see the insect.

“Do not touch it, it is very delicate. It is a very pretty gwilwileth.”

The two then lay back, closing their eyes, letting the warmth of Anar lull them into drowsiness.

Glorfindel came down the path, and stopped when he saw them. Estel kept his eyes closed, but asked Elrond with a smile, “If we keep our eyes closed so we cannot see Glorfindel, will he go away?”

Elrond, too, kept his eyes closed and answered Estel “I am not sure but we will try it and see if he does go.”

Glorfindel smiled, and left. After all, he could take a hint.

Finally, as Anar sought her bed, father and son headed back to the halls of Imladris, with Estel again imitating Elrond as they entered the door.

 Later, in his travels throughout Middle-earth, Aragorn would remember that perfect day, and would smile at the memory.