It was a beautiful early summer day in Imladris. Five-old Estel spun in circles, laughing as he did so. It was good to be alive, and his exuberance was such that a few of the elves joined in his dance, spinning and laughing as they became rather dizzy.

“Hannon le for the dance, Estel,” said Megilindir, captain of the Imladris guard. He bowed to the young edain, smiling as Estel returned the greeting, eyes sparkling. “Is it not a beautiful day?” said Estel, as he sat down rather suddenly, giggling as the dizziness caught up with him.

“Aye, tis indeed, ion nin,” came the voice of Elrond as he neared the small group. “I believe it is time for some refreshments. Please join us, Megilindir. Estel, would you like bread and jam?” he asked with a smile.

“Aye! I most certainly would, Ada!” exclaimed Estel as the three drifted toward Elrond’s study.

After the adults were served, Estel was handed his bread and jam. Looking out the window, Estel turned to Elrond and asked, “Ada, may I go outside and eat?”

“You must first finish your bread, then you may go. The bees will notice the sweet jam and may decide it is something they might want. You would not want to get stung, would you?”

Estel shook his head and sat down to eat. But he did so want to go out and wander the gardens. Elrond and Megilindir were busy with the report that the Captain was giving and so did not see Estel take his bread and jam and leave.

Estel ate as he wandered, listening to the buzzing bees as they gathered nectar. He heard the trills and warbles of the birds as they sang their thanks for being alive.

As Estel chewed the bread, he did not see the large fat bumblebee as it landed in the middle of the jam. Suddenly, as he bit down, he heard the angry buzz and felt a fiery sting on the inside of his cheek.

He spit out the bread and saw the bee. He knew then that he had been stung. He went in search of Elrond, finding him in the healing rooms. Crying, he told his foster father what happened.

Elrond told him, “Come, let me look.” He then picked up Estel and looked at his cheek. He was able to remove the stinger and showed it to Estel. “Did I not tell you to eat inside?” he asked quietly. “That is why. Your cheek will be sore for a bit.” The Lord of Imladris reached over and took some ice and put it in a small bowl. “Here, ion nin. Take a piece of ice and let it melt in your mouth. This will help take the pain away.”

Estel leaned back in the strong arms of his Ada and said, “Hannon le, Ada. I will never go outside with bread and jam again!”