The Littlest Warrior

As Elrond’s musings came to a conclusion he was thankful that those days were behind them, Estel had not had a nightmare for almost eight moons, Elrond was cautiously breathing a sigh of relief, and hoping that the child would never experience anything like that again. ‘No,’ he thought, ‘…do not dwell on it, those times are gone forever’.

Turning back to Estel, he found the child staring at him, an anxious, perplexed look on his face. Elrond did not know how many minutes had passed as he stood there steeped in his memories, but he could see that Estel’s knuckles were white from holding on to him so tightly. He immediately swept the child up from his seat and bounced him in his arms in an attempt to cheer him, “Estel I think the promise of visitors calls for a celebration. What say you accompany me to the kitchens and we pay a visit to Lady Nénilya and ask her to make all our favorite things for supper tonight?”

The child responded as he had hoped, excitedly, clapping his little hands together, “Aye Ada! We should have a ‘bration,” he said as he nodded enthusiastically. Elrond threw back his head in laughter as he corrected the child “That is cel-e-bra-tion Estel…celebration.” Estel looked at him quizzically and gave the old elf something else to laugh about,”Right! We should have a party.”

Laughing, Elrond responded, “Then a party it shall be! Come, let us find Lady Nilya and tell her of our plans, perhaps we can persuade her to bake us some of her wonderful pies.”

“Oooh Ada, can we have booberry? I love booberry Ada…Westor and me found new booberries in da patch, but he said we could not pick ‘em yet cause dey not ready…but dat was a long time ago Ada, I bet dey ready now,” he said nodding his surety.

Passing through the door from the dining room to the kitchen wing carrying his best gift in his arms, Elrond answered, “And I will wager that you are right ion nín, but we must hurry; if we are to have pies and guests at table tonight we must let Lady Nilya know straight away.”

Estel wrapped his arms around his father’s neck and planted a sloppy wet kiss firmly on his cheek, once again reassured that all was well in Imladris and he was indeed safe – in his father’s arms.

~~~

Seven bold elves rode out from Imladris heading for the narrow passage trail that led to their valley sanctuary. Imril, Gwaenir, and the brothers Brithil and Lethros accompanied Elladan, Elrohir, and Braneth. As they passed the front gate, they intercepted a messenger and learned that it was indeed their fellow elves from Lórien on the trail. Not wanting to take any chances with their safety, Braneth insisted that they continue on their mission and rendezvous with the traveling party as quickly as possible. Although they had seen no activity from orcs in several days, one could still not be too careful when lives were at stake, better safe than sorry. There was no telling who was traveling, it could be Arwen coming home for an unexpected visit, and the Captain of Patrols was determined that nothing untoward would happen on his watch.

As the party rounded a bend and slowly came into view, Elrohir immediately recognized Haldir riding point with his brother Rúmil at his side. A slight smile crossed his face as he saw that Orophin was also in the party. “The Lórien Three,” he said in a voice just above a whisper, “it has been almost sixty years since I have seen my old friends, we have a lot of catching up to do.”

As the traveling party caught sight of the warriors, Haldir raised his fist in the air and brought the convoy to a halt and Braneth and Elladan rode forward to greet them.

Mae govannen Haldir O’ Lórien, it has been many years old friend since you have graced us with your presence, what brings you to our fair valley?”

Haldir bowed his head slightly and touched his hand to his heart in acknowledgement of the greeting, and in deference to the young Lord at Braneth’s side. “Mae govannen Braneth, Elladan.” Having never been one to waste time or beat around the bush, the March Warden continued, directing his response to Imladris’ heir.

“We are on an urgent mission seeking your father’s aid; Andras Daenirion has been gravely injured and is in great need of Lord Elrond’s expertise as a healer.”

“Andras? The ostler’s son?”

“Yes, I will explain later my friend, but right now we need to get Andras to your father as quickly as possible, his injury is severe and he is in great pain.”

“Follow us” Braneth said, then turned his horse and issued his orders, “Elladan, Brithil, move to the side of the trail and bring up the rear as they pass, Elrohir, you and Lethros – with the cart, Gwaenir and Imril…with me.”

Haldir gave Elladan a questioning look, having never known a reception party from Imladris to be this ‘formal’ or as he noted, this well armed. His bewildered expression was met with a one-word explanation, “Orcs.”

Haldir nodded his understanding and passed the information on to his party as he and Rúmil fell in behind Braneth, Gwaenir and Imril and made their way down the trail towards the hidden valley. As their formation took shape, Haldir made an unusual suggestion. “I think it might be best if Rúmil rode ahead and told Lord Elrond of our arrival, there are things he needs to know that…”

“That what?” Braneth interrupted, curiosity getting the better of him.

“That are better left unsaid in front of his patient. Things have happened on the trail that he should be aware of before the lad arrives, things best said privately.”

“I see…very well then; Rúmil you will no doubt find my Lord in the family wing with Estel.” The Warden nodded and took off at a full gallop heading for Lord Elrond. As the rest of the party moved out, Haldir held back a bit waiting for the cart, as Elrohir approached, he questioned his companion,

“Elrohir, who is Estel?”

“My youngest brother.”

Haldir was completely taken aback. The warden was reasonably certain that an elf of Lord Elrond’s ilk, one who was married to Lord Celeborn’s very own daughter, would never engage in an illicit romantic entanglement, thus his next question was quite understandable.

“Your what? Have you completely lost your wits meldir, what do you mean your brother?”

Elrohir just smiled, “It is a long story my friend, and you and your brothers are in for quite a treat. You think you had your hands full raising Rúmil and Orophin? Wait until you meet Estel.”