These two drabbles are meant to be read together.  They are the same topic from two different points of view.  The challenge was to write a drabble beginning with "3... 2... 1."

 Drabble #1-A: The Game - - Estel

“3… 2… 1!  Be on your guard!  I come!”  A child of eight, Estel bounded off into the trees.  What a marvelous new game!  Count backwards from one hundred, find Elrohir’s footprints in the wet soil, and track him to his hiding place.

Without searching too long, Estel studied the bare ground.  There!  Just like they’d taught him, the slight ridges in the mud clearly pointed toward his target.  He couldn’t run without loosing the trail, but within minutes, Estel leapt over a fallen tree.

“Ha!  I found you!  But can’t you make it harder next time?”  Elrohir only smiled.

Drabble # 1-B: The Game - - Elrohir

“3… 2… 1… Be on your guard!  I come!” was all Elrohir heard as he crouched down behind a fallen tree.  Estel never wanted to do his studies, but making something a game guaranteed participation.  Since his mother declared him too young to hunt, this tracking game on Rivendell’s grounds was a perfect way to develop the child’s skills!

Destined to unite the world and reclaim his throne, Elrohir knew a day would come when the boy must put games aside, but as Estel jumped into view, he could only smile.  For now, this child’s world would be a game.

Drabble #2: Storms - - Elladan and Estel

Elladan snapped awake as the door to his chambers silently opened.  For the last three months, he and Elrohir had been traveling with the Rangers where noises in the dark could mean trouble.  The instinct to spring awake would always remain even when he was safe in his own bed.

“Elladan…?” a voice called softly.  “I’m scared of the thunder.  Can I stay with you?”

Sitting up, Elladan pulled the boy into his bed.  “Of course, Estel.  The storm is many miles away yet, but we’ll be ready for it.”

“Like warriors?” Estel asked eagerly.

“We will be warriors together.”