The Littlest Warrior

Earlier in that same day, Estel was on his way to his afternoon class. After having tea with Erestor, the little boy had dutifully accompanied his tutor to ‘story time’. Story time was actually history lessons, but Elrond had dubbed it with the more ‘Estel acceptable’ name so as not to off put the boy; who was not one for sitting still to listen to long, as he put it, ‘sweepy’ stories about old people. Lore Master Canúmion Imladris’ Pennathron, (historian) had devotedly and patiently taught the children of Imladris the history of the people of Arda for almost 3000 years, and never had he ever had a student like the little adan child. Estel, as far as he could remember, had started and ended each lesson the same way, with a question, and today was no different. Still unable to master some of the longer Elven names, Estel did as he always did, and shortened Canúmion’s name to something he could pronounce.

“Good noon day to you Master Ca nú,” he said bowing, as Erestor led him into the classroom.

“Ahhh…and good day to you as well Master Elrondion,” the dignified teacher of legend and lore replied as he pushed his chair away from his desk. Respectful pleasantries over, ‘Master’ Elrondion became Estel, and launched himself giggling into the waiting lap of the ancient elf and the questions began anew at breakneck speed.

“Ca nú did you see me break fast dis morning? I got to sit with da warriors, didin I ‘Westor? An…an…‘Linwë gave me his egg cause dere were no more an, an I wanted one, so ‘Linwë gave me his, didin he ‘Westor? An, Gwaenir said I was a pleasure right ‘Westor? An Glorfy made me porridge an... an... gave me some of his cold chicken that Lady Nilya makes special for him, an I had a roll and Glorfy said I can come back any time cause my manners are better than Maeraen’s, an…an “Linwë said I did ‘Westor proud…right ‘Westor? Will you tell me the story about great Naneth and how she flew like a birdie?”

“My, my, little one, slow down…you have so much to tell…I do believe that is a record even for you, I do not think you even took a breath,” he laughed. “I tell you Erestor the child has the makings of a Lore Master…yes indeed; he certainly knows how to tell a story.”

Erestor just smiled politely, all the while thinking, ‘Lore Master…well I never! Anyone with eyes can see the boy will be a Counselor…it is in his blood,’ then said politely, “Yes he does have a way with words, I am sure he will put it to good use some day.”

The counselor was tactful as always, but Canúmion still managed to detect a hint of sarcasm in his tone and thought…‘He is probably thinking the boy will be a Counselor…Hummp! A born Lore Master if there ever was one…there is not a doubt in my mind’.

Estel was finally the one to put this silent battle of wills to rest when he quickly added his tuppence to the conversation…

The little one determinedly shook his head no, saying, “Nope…gonna be a warrior, like ‘Linwë an Glorfy an Dan an Roh an…an…”

“All right little one, all right. Suppose we table this discussion for a later date and get to today’s story?”

“Mm’kay…the little one replied, then asked, “Canú whas table the ‘cussion? Whas dat mean?”

“I will explain it to you later pen neth, now let us get on with our story.”

And so it went for rest of the hour, Canúmion telling the story of Eärendil and Elwing and Estel asking question after question driving both his ever-patient tutors to distraction. When at long last the tale was complete, Estel was fast asleep on his teacher’s lap. Rising slowly the Lore Master carefully transferred the child to the waiting arms of Erestor. The counselor positioned the child on his shoulder, graciously thanked Canúmion for the day’s lesson, and quietly exited the room to put the child down for his nap. As he walked away from the door Canúmion said under his breath…”Lore Master…definitely a Lore Master.” Erestor, who even without his superior Elven hearing, was used to picking up the sometimes not so subtle comments of others in counsel meetings, heard the comment and thought …”Hummp!…only if Arda freezes over,” and continued on his way to the little one’s room, lovingly holding Imladris’ next ‘Counselor’ in his arms.