The Littlest Warrior

Elladan Elrondion probably would have slept for at least another eight hours, but the noise and laughter coming from Estel’s room put an end to any thought of sleeping late. Dan had promised himself that he would get some much-deserved rest after this week’s long and tedious patrol, and to that end had even locked the door to his room, something he almost never did, to keep both of his brothers at bay. But sleep was not to be had this morning. Since his room was two doors away from Estel’s, he had hoped that exhaustion and sound sleep would spare him from his little brother’s noisy morning antics, but it was not to be.

He was reasonably sure that Elrohir would have the good sense not to wake him since he was aware that Dan had spent the last week on the perimeter watch tour. The thought of those long nights on the borders once again reminded him not to ever again wager against Glorfindel when it came to a game of Heads or Ships. The Commander of Imladris’ military forces had an uncanny way of making a tossed coin land in whatever fashion he wanted, and he had unwisely bet against the balrog slayer. Glorfindel had, not so magnanimously, claimed the spoils of the wager sending him to the borders for the week in his stead. He could only imagine how warm and comfy the slayer had spent his nights, wrapped snuggly in the heavy furs that adorned his and Erestor’s bed. Erestor was sure to be pleased with this development, as he was, of late, wont to complain that he found it hard to sleep at night without his beloved at his side.

So, after seven nights of torturous watch duty, trying everything he knew to stay awake and alert, he was finally home in his own bed, but unfortunately the rays of Anor streaming through the windows proved yet again that he would get no sleep. Pulling the pillows over his head he prayed that Estel, whom he loved dearly, would bypass his room and not visit him this morning, for it was just too early, and he was just too tired for ‘bouncing’ today. Little did he know that it would not be Estel who would postpone his reverie, but the call to arms. The call for all warriors to report to Glorfindel, as an unidentified group was headed towards the borders of Imladris, and all would be required to ‘stand to’.

Elladan turned onto his side, pulling the blankets up to his chin. The early morning chill had settled in his room as the fire had long ago died in the hearth, and he did not wish to leave the warm comfort his large bed provided. He found the perfect position, and his eyes were slowly glazing over, ushering him into the peaceful world of supreme relaxation when the knock on his door came.

Knock, knock, knock.

He remained silent, hoping that perhaps if he did not answer, whoever it was might go away, but the sound continued, this time more urgently.

Knock!, Knock!, Knock!

“Go Away! I am still sleeping!” But the voice on the other side of the door was adamant.

“Not any more my young Lord. The Call has been raised, an unidentified party is approaching the border, Glorfindel has ordered all available warriors to the courtyard for duty assignments.”

Elladan cursed the unusual Orc activity they’d been experiencing of late near their borders. ‘If it were not for them none of these extra patrols would be necessary,’ he thought. As he threw back the warm covers, his mind set in motion a plan. ‘After Estel’s birthday, Elrohir and I shall ride out and rid our borders of these foul beasts once and for all!’ As his feet touched the cold stone floor he almost winced, ‘True,’ he thought, ‘…we elves are not as susceptible to cold as others, but even with that advantage the house is unusually cold this morning’. ‘I hope Roh remembered to re-light the fire in Estel’s room while they were doing all that bouncing…it is much too cold for the little one, and he will be too occupied with playing to notice the chill’.

“ELLADAN!?”

“I AM COMING ERESTOR! There is no need to shout.” Quickly pulling on his braises and his leggings Elladan crossed to the door and unlocked it in one swift motion, then he turned and headed back to his bed, dark hair flowing behind him cascading down his well-muscled back.

Slowly the door opened, and Erestor peeked in…“I am sorry Elladan I know that you have only just returned and have had no rest, but the others are assembling in the courtyard as we speak.”

“How many?” the beleaguered elf asked as he perched on the edge of his bed pulling on his boots.

“In the courtyard?”

“No, how many spotted? How many approach?” he said sleepily.

“As best I know, the sentry counted at least five, but they were traveling with a wagon, so there could be more.”

“A wagon? It does not sound like Orcs to me…could they not just be travelers?”

“Glorfindel says they are probably just merchants, but until they get closer and we get a better look…he just wants to be safe.” Retrieving Elladan’s sword from its place against the wall the elder elf crossed the room and strapped the sword around the young one’s waist as Elladan finished fastening his tunic.

“Thank you my friend,” he said as headed towards the door.

“Wait!” Erestor called as he rushed after the harried elf. “Here…you have forgotten your dagger.”

“What would I do without you Erestor? Sometimes I think this place would fall apart without you to keep things running smoothly. After mother left, well, you know what I mean," he said as he leaned over and gently kissed the seneschal's forehead.

The nervous counselor responded, “I will pray to the Valar that you never have to find out what life is like without me. Now go, off with you, the others are waiting.”

Grabbing the sheathed dagger and securing it in his belt, Elladan hurried through the door and rushed almost headlong into his twin. “Oh, there you are…I was just coming to get you.”

Elrohir smiled, “You will have to get up a lot earlier than this my brother to be up and about before me.”

Falling into stride beside each other they headed for the staircase and the main door. Hair the color of ebony streaming behind them they strode purposefully down the corridor, checking their weapons as they went. Grit and determination written on their faces, they turned simultaneously giving each other a much-practiced look, the single glance that said that they would be of one mind, one body, one thought. That they would protect what was theirs, and more importantly, that they would protect each other.

Erestor stood in the doorway of Elladan’s chamber watching as they departed. “I have seen that look before,” he said under his breath. A saddened countenance covered him as he recalled the many times the twins had ridden out in search of orc blood and vengeance. Shaking his head he turned and headed in the opposite direction, and he prayed now as he had then…”May Elbereth have mercy on any who try to cross these borders without leave…the Elrondions are coming…and you shall receive no quarter from them.”