The Littlest Warrior

Chapter 6 - The Breakfast of Champions - “I gonna be a warrior”



The bell for morning meal had rung some time ago, and most everyone had made their way to the huge dining hall. Trays and platters filled with fresh baked bread, sliced fruit and cheese were making their way to the various tables carried by a small army of servers. Pitchers of fresh squeezed juices and trays of cold sliced chicken were also brought to the tables, as bowls of soft-boiled eggs were uncovered along with grapes and various berries. As those gathered began to seat themselves a slight murmur of concern was voiced by some in the room. Eyes were slowly drawn to the head table, where was the family? Where was their Lord? As always, Erestor took charge, quelling all undo concern, telling everyone that Lord Elrond would be “a little late this morn,” and they should all just go ahead and get started with their meal.



As he spoke, a small group of latecomers was entering the hall. Glorfindel, full of laughter and good cheer as ever, led the way into the room followed closely by Ecthíras and Gwaenir, two of the overnight sentries for the front gate; along with Maeraen the Smith, and Cilinwë, Elrond’s friend for almost an age, the quiet and unflappable Sword Master of Imladris, Captain of Elrond’s personal guard. The five were just about to take their seats at one of the front tables next to Elrond’s, when an uncontrollable, bouncing bundle of energy broke free from his father’s hand and came bounding into the room.



“Linwë!” Estel squealed.



A smile bloomed across the face of the staid, reserved Sword Master as Estel propelled himself across the room and lovingly wrapped himself around Cilinwë’s knees.



The warrior scooped Estel up, and much to the child’s delight, dangled him in the air high over head.



“Good morn to you tithen maethor nín.” (My little warrior)



As Cilinwë brought the child safely back down into his arms Estel could do nothing but giggle.



“I have not seen you in a while tithen pen, where have you been hiding? Do not tell me that you have grown tired of my company so quickly.”



“Oh no” Estel exclaimed as he enviously fingered one of the warrior’s braids, “I had to do lessons, an stories an…an…an I had to eat cab-bage!”



The nectar that Glorfindel was drinking was fairly spit from his mouth. He almost choked trying to keep himself from laughing.



“I beg you Cilinwë,” he gasped through fits of coughing, “please do not get him started on that again…trust me it is a long story…and perilous in its making!”



Those who knew the tale laughed heartily as Estel gave them his best scowl.



“Well then…” the warrior said laughingly as he set Estel back upon his feet, “you will definitely have to tell me about it later…for anything that could make you spill your cups is surely a tale that I wish to hear.”



Elrond simply shook his head, seated himself, and motioned Estel to join him, "Come along Estel, take your place at the table so that we can begin our meal.”



The child ran to his father and nestled his head in Elrond’s side. Looking up at his father he gave him the most forlorn look Elrond had seen quite a while.



“Ada,” he said pleadingly, “can I eat with ‘Linwë this morning…pwese?”



“Now Estel,” Elrond admonished, “Cilinwë and the other warriors have been up all night guarding our gates, they are tired little one, I do not want you to bother them. Let them break their fast in peace and quiet this morn.”



Estel threw the warriors a longing look, and it was all that the child-loving elves needed to see to break any resolve they might have had about a peaceful morning.



“My Lord,” Cilinwë started, “he is no bother…if it suits you my Lord we would enjoy the little one’s company.”



“Aye my Lord,” said Ecthíras “the little one has a way of brightening even the most sour disposition.”



“Yes Elrond,” Quipped Glorfindel, “I dare say it is the only time when we can get so much as a smile from our solemn faced master of swords.”



Estel looked up at Elrond beaming hopefully, if ‘Linwë said it was all right, and Ecthíras and Glorfindel agreed, his Ada was sure to say yes.



Elrond looked at his child and weighed his decision.



“Promise me that you will not be a bother…that you will eat, and you will let the others eat in peace.”



“I pwamice Ada,” Estel said as he bounced on his toes, “I pwamice!” “I be a good boy youl see…I pwamice!”



“All right then,” Elrond said as he shook his finger at Estel “but one sign of trouble out of you and back you come.”



“T’sank you Ada…I be no twouble at all…youl see,” and off he went to live his dream…to eat with the warriors, to be, one of them.