The Littlest Warrior

Estel’s daily nap time was almost over, and although he loved the new change of sleeping with his father, he’d allowed poor Elrond to get precious little in the way of napping done. Estel had spent almost the entire time fussing and fidgeting about, ‘taking care’ of his father. Each time the ancient healer began to dose off he would find himself shocked back to wakefulness by the application of an icy cold cloth upon his forehead, and tiny fingers stretching his eyes completely open to make sure he was all right. Nestron Estel was in attendance, and he was taking no chances that his father might slip away from this otherwise mortal veil.

Every few minutes the little one was checking, poking, prodding, and pulling his long-suffering father further and further away from the sleep he so desperately craved. Since sleep was not to be had, Elrond relinquished Estel’s care to Rúmil and slowly made his way to the healing wing. His stomach was still a bit queasy from the lunch Estel had prepared two days earlier, but he could not help but laugh at the unintentional mischief his little one seemed to always find himself a part of.

“Imagine that,” he thought, “Estel, so worried about me that he would try and cook my meal.” “The El’s are right; I really must not be taking very good care of myself if even the laes (baby) can see it.”

As he made his way to the infirmary his thoughts continued along these lines right up until he reached the entrance. Pushing the door open he was startled to a stop as Golros, one of the house sentries, wheeled, and blocked his path, sword drawn. “Forgive me my Lord,” the elf bowed apologetically as he quickly re-sheathed his weapon. “Reflexes – I did not realize it was you…Lord Glorfindel told me to…”

“No apologies are needed Golros, it is good to know that everyone is taking this threat seriously, and following Lord Glorfindel’s directions to the letter.”

“Aye Milord, I have armed my hervess (wife) as well; she has only had limited training, but I have taught her the basics of defending herself…she is surprisingly good at hand-to-hand,” the younger elf beamed proudly. “She has not quite mastered the balance required to handle a sword…but still she is an apt pupil and quite willing to learn, I thought it best that she be prepared for anything.”

Elrond moved to place his hand affectionately on Golros’ back. Every elf in Imladris was to him, one of his own, and his memories of their births or arrivals in Imladris were as fresh in his mind as if it had occurred only yesterday.

“Excellent Golros…you set a good example for the others. This whole situation as made me very keenly aware of just how vulnerable we are. The more I think of it the more I realize that such training is necessary for all who live here, not just our warriors.”

“I think that I will have the Lord Glorfindel address the matter aggressively once this crisis is over. It does not sit well with me that not all the ellith of Imladris are capable of defending themselves in the event of an attack. Do you think that you would be interested in assisting him? Or perhaps supervising such classes yourself?”

“My Lord I would be honored!” Golros exclaimed excitedly. “Adril says that I am a good teacher…granted she is probably a little prejudiced on my behalf,” he said smiling, “but she does say that I am patient,” the attentive sentry replied as he stepped aside allowing his lord to pass.

“Good, then that is what I will suggest to Lord Glorfindel, that he take the more experienced ellith into training and that you will take those with less experience under your protective wing. When they have progressed to your satisfaction they will then graduate to Lord Glorfindel’s advanced class. As you know, their initial training will be very important, they will not be able to keep up with Glorfindel if you do not instill in them solid basics of technique and protocol.”

Golros’ face radiated with pride, that Lord Elrond himself had placed such an important task in his hands was quite a boon. It was, for all intent and purpose, a promotion. It meant that not only would he now be included in all the meetings that the instructors held, but also that he would now sit at table with all the warriors of rank. Braneth and Ecthíras the Captains for the patrols and gates; Moldórë the Armorer; Illarion the Bow Master; Maeraen the Hatholdan (weapons expert); Cilinwë the Master of Swords and Captain of Elrond’s personal guard, and last but not least his idol and mentor Glorfindel, Commander of the Host.

“Thank you Lord Elrond,” the elf effused “I will not let you down milord,” he bubbled, large smile in place.

“I know you will not Golros,” Elrond smiled, “you have done wonderful work with protecting the house, and I think it time for you to move up to something with more responsibility and I cannot think of anything more important than undertaking the teaching of our ellith.”

“Aye milord, Adril was at first a little reluctant, but then came to see the importance and necessity of being able to defend herself should the need occur. Now she chastises me greatly if I even suggest that we skip a lesson in lieu of other pursuits. To know that I will now be teaching a formal class will motivate her immensely.”

Elrond smiled handsomely, the energy and enthusiasm of youth never failed to invigorate him. “It is done then. I will have Glorfindel set up a meeting with you to go over his expectations and the actual class content. Del will be most pleased to see how you have come along.” Elrond then leaned in and whispered so that only Golros could hear, “…you have always been a favorite of his, to know that you will now be teaching…well, it will make his day.”

“Thank you milord, I will do my best, I promise you!”

Golros bowed his head and backed away as Elrond turned and headed towards the private healing chambers; the thought in his head that Golros would ‘do just fine…’ now, ‘…if only the same could be said of Andras…’

~~~~~~

Estel sat joyfully playing with Rúmil on the floor of his room. When the knock on the door came the child was so engaged in his play that he didn’t even hear it. Rúmil slowly rose and crossed to the door; with his hand on his dagger, he braced himself behind the door and opened it just a crack to view who was on the other side. Smiling at who he saw, he looked back and called out to Estel.

“Ahhh, little one you have a visitor…look who is here!”

As the boy looked up, his mouth fairly fell open. Slowly entering the room was the most commanding figure of an elf Estel had ever seen. Taller than Rúmil with long silver blonde hair that draped like silk around his neck, and an almost regal bearing; his broad shoulders and trim physique made him seem all the more imposing.

“Come here little one I would like to introduce you to my brother.”

Estel sat awe-struck as his ever-widening eyes took in the sight before him. Standing there wearing a soft tan tunic, brown leggings and supple brown suede boots was the renowned elf of whom Estel had heard so many stories. As the child stood and slowly crossed the room to the door, the elf in front of him seemed to become even taller.

“Estel Elrondion may I introduce my brother, Haldir Hesonion, March Warden of Lothlórien, Haldir this is Estel.”

Haldir bowed his head, placed his hand across his heart, and greeted the awestruck youngster.

“Mae Govannen Lord Estel.”

Estel, usually a fount of questions and words could only muster a feeble “Oh-my-goo-ness,” in response.

“My brother, it seems as if you have been able to accomplish what no other before you has ever done.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, you have rendered our loquacious little Estel speechless!”

As Rúmil and Haldir stood there smiling at the boy, Estel finally found his voice…

“Are you weally Hal-deer?”

“I am.”

“You da MarchWa’den?”

Nodding his head in the affirmative Haldir replied smiling, “I see my reputation has preceded me.”

“Are you weally Wú’s big brudder?”

“Wú?”

“Yes Halli, that is what he calls me – he has…adopted me!” Rúmil said sticking out his chest and grinning proudly. Whispering now he confided, “When he likes you he shortens your name – easier for him to say.”

“I see. Then yes little one, I am Wú’s big brother.”

The duly impressed little boy could only breathlessly mutter “Oh my…” which left his guardians close to laughter. Finally remembering his manners the little adan assumed his much-practiced position placing an arm at his waist and one behind his back and bowed to the legendary warden.

“Mae Gov-an-nen, I bery pweased to make you…,” thinking now of what the right word should be he continued, “…to make you a-quain-tance.”

The warden’s eyebrow rose slightly as he took in this unexpected little treasure. When he was informed by Glorfindel that he and his brother would be guardians for the child he felt honored at being entrusted with the welfare of Lord Elrond’s son; however, he held out no particular hope that this child, being mortal, would be even the least bit tolerable. Now here he was, face to knee with what appeared, at least for the moment, to be a well-mannered respectful child. Glancing at his brother he could not miss the “proud papa” look upon his face. Smiling, the thought crossed his mind that one day Rúmil would make a great father. He hoped that it would be one day soon for he genuinely looked forward to becoming an uncle.

“As I am pleased to make yours young Estel,” he said bowing gracefully. “Rúmil I have come to visit with Estel so that you may get some rest.”

“I am not that tired muindor, Estel actually has me quite relaxed.”

The March Warden’s voice took on a slightly more authoritive tone “Be that as it may, it is time for you to take some rest, it was a long journey and ever since we received this assignment you have refused to be relieved. You have slept very little; at first I thought it was just your enthusiasm to be of service, but now I question that. You came straight here from our meeting with Lord Elrond and…”

Rúmil, not wishing to be separated from the child cut in before he could finish the sentence. “You have not rested sufficiently either, I know that you could use at least a week of sleep, yet you are here…I feel fine Haldir I really do not need to rest.”

As the two Galadhel went back and forth Estel stood quietly watching. When the debate seemed to be going nowhere the boy finally spoke up. In a fair imitation of his tutor he shook his head back and forth as he began to “tsk, tsk” the two adults. Slightly taken aback by the young lord’s obvious disapproval Rúmil inquired, “What is the matter Estel?”

Leaning in towards Rúmil the child answered, “You are ‘pu-ting.”

The two looked at each other confused, “Pu-ting Estel?”

“Yeth, you are pu-ting you brudder, das not nice.”

“I do not understand what you mean Estel,” Rúmil replied.

“I do,” Haldir answered confidently. “He said you are disputing me.”

“Yeth, dat…das not nice. You s’posed to do what you brudder tells you,” he said nodding assuredly.

“Well…, I like this child already,” Haldir said aloud.

“You s’pose to always do wha you big brudders tell you…das what Roh and Dan said,” the child repeated confidently.

“I see.” Rúmil, now properly chastised, responded. “I apologize Halli, Estel is quite right when he points out that I should be more…”

“’Spec-ful! You not s’posed to be naughty…you a BIG boy.”

Rúmil was squirming now. Haldir was wearing a look of complete satisfaction; and at any moment Rúmil expected his elder sibling to blurt out, ‘I have been telling you this for years’, but instead he just smiled that annoying ‘know it-all’ smile of his.

As much as he hated to admit it, the child was right, he should not be standing there going word for word with Haldir. Aside from setting a bad example for the boy, he owed Haldir his life; his very existence was in part to Haldir’s loving care, and his commitment to protecting him and Orophin when they found themselves alone in the world.

Haldir was owed much, the least of which was Rúmil’s respect. It finally dawned on him that Estel, having just met the March Warden, did not know Haldir’s character, and that by standing there arguing, he made Haldir look mean, worse he made him look like a bully, two things that he definitely was not.

“I beg pardon brother, you are right, I probably do need rest. The trail was hard and I have not given myself enough time to recuperate.”

Haldir inclined his head and nodded curtly in acknowledgment of Rúmil’s admission, The younger elf then knelt down to say good-bye to Estel, as much as he wanted to stay with the child, he knew his brother to be right; the thing most needed now was rest.

“Estel, thank you for reminding me that I should be more respectful with my brother, I love him very much…,” he said has he looked up at Haldir, “…and I should not argue with him. Will I see you later at evening meal?”

“Yeth!” the child exclaimed excitedly, “I will ask ada if I can sit with da warriors again…I t’ink he will let me cause I was good last time, I dinna spill or make noise or wiggle, or nuthin’…I was a good boy.”

“Very well little one, until then…you will be a good boy for Halli?”

The boy nodded vigorously, “Oh yeth, I pwamice Wú, I be no twouble at all.”

“Until later then.”

As Haldir moved forward into the room he extended his hand to Estel. The child eagerly placed his hand into Haldir’s, graced him with a toothy grin and the questions began at once. “Hal-deer why does Wú call you Halli?”

Taking a seat on the cushy sofa Haldir placed the child on his knee, and Estel sat enraptured as Haldir began to explain.

“Well, when Rúmil was a little smaller than you he had a very difficult time trying to pronounce my name. No matter how hard he tried, it just did not seem to come out right. Sometimes it sounded like Hal-dee, sometimes Haa-dee, he just could not get it right. Well I was very young and very stubborn back then…”

“Not like now,” Estel said shaking his head in the negative.

“Right, not like now, and I told him if he did not say my name the right way I would not speak to him ever again. Well this made Rúmil very upset, and he started to cry, well I knew if my Naneth came back from the laundress and heard him crying I would be in big trouble.”

“Big twouble!”

“Huge trouble. So I tried to calm him down, but nothing would work. So I thought maybe if I got him something to eat he would stop, so I went to the stove…”

“You got to use da stove?” the child asked incredulously.

“Only for very basic things – I was quite a responsible little ellon in those days…”

“Like now, yeth?” Estel said nodding enthusiastically.

“Yes, like now, and from time to time my Naneth would let me cook. So I went to the stove to make Rúmil his favorite porridge – the whole time he was crying and wailing and sputtering, trying his best to say my name.”

“Aww…poor Wú,” the tiny child added while shaking his head sympathetically.

“Yes, well, in the midst of all this I looked out the window and saw my Naneth at the end of the path…”

“Uh-oh…you in twouble!” Estel responded as he pointed at the warden.

“Uh-oh indeed. So as I was saying…Rúmil was crying non-stop, I was trying to get his porridge into a bowl to hush him up, and my Naneth was on her way down the path. He was crying, and crying and crying and getting louder by the moment, and I was getting more and more frustrated…”

“Fus-tated, right!”

“Then all of a sudden he hiccupped and then he just kind of ‘burped’ out ‘HALLI’ at the top of his lungs. Well, I was so annoyed with him and it took me so by surprise that I wheeled around and yelled, ‘What Do You Want?!’ And lo and behold he immediately stopped crying. He looked at me, smiled, and said in this very sing-song voice ‘Hal-li talk to Me-el’. He tricked me! The little devil tricked me into talking to him, and as soon as I did he stopped crying, and just sat there with this silly grin on his face.”

“Well, I was tempted to pour the whole bowl of porridge on his head, but just then our Naneth came in the door, complemented him on what a good little ellon he had been while she was gone, and asked me to fetch the laundry basket in from the bottom of the stairs. As I started for the door I looked back and he waved at me and said “Bye-Bye Halli” – and then he stuck his tongue out at me. He has been calling me Halli ever since.”

Estel’s giggles filled the room. “He got you Hal-deer! I know cause my brudders get me alll da time.”

Haldir sat entranced, totally captivated by this little human with the engaging personality and the huge smile. Tickling the child on his lap he replied, “Yes, I suppose he did.” As Estel fought off the tickling fingers, Haldir asked. “So Estel…how shall we spend our time today?”

Never one to miss an opportunity to do something new, Estel didn’t skip a beat. “Will you teach me how to track? Aphrod said he would but he has been on patrol.”

“Tracking ‘eh?”

“Yup!”

“Tracking it is then; we shall go out into the garden and see if we can pick up any sign.”

“Dere is a bunny who lives in da garden, can we track her?” the child asked excitedly. “Westor said it is an elleth an he t’inks she has a fam-lie…can we track her?”

“If she has left so much as one paw print we will track her right to the door of her den.”

“Yipee!” the boy exclaimed as he jumped down from his guardian’s lap, “I goin’ bunny huntin’!”

Slowly Haldir rose from the sofa and Estel placed his tiny fingers in the Warden’s well-worn hand and led him out the terrace doors. As they approached the winding flight of stairs that led down to the garden, Estel looked up adoringly at the golden warrior…”Hal-deer?” he asked, “May I call you Halli?”

Thoughts of all the opportunities he’d missed to become a husband and a father flooded Haldir’s mind. As he looked down at this angel of a child, the tough March Warden blinked back tears and had to clear his throat.

”Yes,” he said, “….you certainly may.”