The Littlest Warrior

Estel, with his best manners in place, marched proudly over to the table where the warriors were seated. Climbing up on the long bench, he positioned himself directly between Glorfindel and Cilinwë. With Glorfindel to his left and Cilinwë to his right, he sat up as tall as he could, and found that his nose just barely cleared the tabletop. Cilinwë quickly motioned one of the servants over and whispered in his ear; within moments two plump feather pillows were brought to the table…

“Let me give you a hand tithen maethor ,” (little warrior) he said as he lifted Estel from the bench while the servant positioned the pillows under his little bottom.

“There we are, that is better, is it not?”

Estel nodded enthusiastically while scanning the tabletop searching for his favorite morning delicacy - soft-boiled eggs. The table began to fill quickly, as more warriors entered the room and seated themselves along the benches on either side. Morning greetings were exchanged along with the various platters, as the elves began to fill their plates. Glorfindel looked down at Estel and gave him a wink as a plate of cold sliced chicken was passed to him. Estel tried his best to wink back, but all he could muster was an off cadenced two-eyed grimace and a wrinkled nose. Cilinwë drew his napkin from the table and placed it across his lap, Estel, who was watching his every move, mimicked his hero and positioned his oversized napkin as best he could; draping it over his lap and his knees almost to his ankles. Normally his father would have tucked the napkin into his collar protecting his tunic from spills, but Estel decided that kind of thing was for babies, not warriors, and this morning he was one of the warriors.

Seeing his little friend was now properly ‘attired’ for the table, Glorfindel deposited a thick slab of meat onto his own plate and then two smaller slices of chicken onto the child’s dish. As the platter with the eggs approached Estel’s eyes widened with anticipation, but unfortunately, the plate was passed over his head to Cilinwë who placed an eggcup on his plate and then handed it off to Ecthíras who was seated across the table. Cilinwë then retrieved the dish holding the fruit, and spooned several large helpings onto his plate then turned and added fresh strawberries to Estel’s meal. When the hot buttered rolls were brought to the table Gwaenir placed two on his side dish, and handed the basket over to Glorfindel. Taking two rolls for himself, he then offered the bread to Estel who carefully removed one roll from the basket. Glancing over at the family table Estel found that his father’s eyes were indeed upon him. Noticing his Ada’s slightly raised eyebrow, he quickly turned saying

“T’sank you Glorfy,” then looked back and received his father’s approving nod. Now that he was off to a good start Estel had no intention of doing anything that would have him removed from this illustrious company. He knew that good manners were important to his father, and he was glad now that he had practiced so hard with Erestor. Thinking of Erestor, and only now remembering that he’d said he would break his fast with his tutor, Estel stole a glance in his direction and found that Erestor too was observing him. Never one who liked broken promises he gave his tutor a forlorn look that said, ‘Sorry Westor – I forgot’; then watched as his teacher made an exaggerated motion of smoothing down the front of his robe and straightening his shoulders, and Estel promptly sat up straight at the table. Erestor nodded subtly, acknowledging Estel’s apology and continued with his meal, while Estel grinned widely, knowing that he had once again ‘gotten it right’.

His attention was drawn back to the meal when he heard Gwaenir ask someone to ‘pass him the last of the eggs’. Estel sat crestfallen as he watched his much prized boiled egg being handed to the sentry. As the warriors began to eat, Elladan noticed the sudden and decided slump in the little one’s shoulders, and the sad little look on his face was hard to miss. The eldest Elrondion made a bit of a show rising from the table, ostensibly to retrieve another pitcher of apple nectar, and in the process, caught Cilinwë’s eye. Motioning with his head in Estel’s direction he quietly made it known that his brother needed attention.

Leaning over, the Master of Swords whispered in the child’s ear…

“Is something amiss Estel? You have not touched your meal little one.”

Estel hesitated, he was unsure of what to do. He knew his father was serious with his warning, and he did not want to cause trouble and be made to leave the table. Glancing at Elrond he could see that his father was momentarily distracted in conversation. He wanted to say something, but did not wish to show himself ill-mannered, he might not be invited back again if he did. Sheepishly, he peeked at his teacher and hoped that Erestor was still looking his way. Erestor was of course, doing what he always did…looking out for his pupil. Closing his eyes and subtly nodding his head he gave Estel permission to say what was on his mind.

“Dere are no more eggs ‘Linwë,” he whispered forlornly, “I wanted an egg.”

Smiling affectionately at the little one Cilinwë responded, “Say no more tithen maethor nín, if it is an egg you want, an egg you shall have.” Calling one of the servants to the table he asked that another bowl of eggs be brought, then carefully cracked open the shell on his egg and passed it to Estel.

“Here you are tithen maethor, start on this while I get you another…we cannot have it said that the warriors of Imladris are underfed and malnourished,” he said aloud, and received agreeing nods from the others.

“Aye,” chimed in Glorfindel, “pass me that tureen of porridge Ecthíras…and the honey if you will.” “And a small bowl,” added Cilinwë. Glorfindel then proceeded to spoon two heaping ladles of porridge into the bowl, and Cilinwë practically drowned the hot cereal with honey, topping it with three wedges of sliced peaches from his own plate and set it in front of Estel.

Estel’s smile seemed to beam across the entire table. Slowly he pulled his roll apart and dipped it into the golden liquid of the egg. Mouth full, and smiling brightly he took the edge of his napkin and dabbed at the corners of his mouth savoring the precious treat. Following his hero’s lead he carefully pulled his cup forward and took a small sip, gingerly putting the cup back in its place when he finished. Looking again at Erestor he found him sitting with an exceptionally ‘pleased’ expression on his face, his father too seemed to be smiling in his direction. Glancing up first at Glorfindel and then at Cilinwë Estel gave the two a toothy grin and decided then and there that this was where he belonged…he would be a warrior some day, he was sure of it.

The Lord of Imladris sat comfortably at the dining table enjoying both his breakfast and the conversation coming from the company at the table. Occasionally he would sneak a glance at the table of boisterous warriors, and at his little Estel. He looked so small sitting there between Glorfindel and Cilinwë. Elrond knew how much this meant to the boy, and he hoped the child didn’t feel overwhelmed. He also had his fingers crossed that Estel would behave himself and he would not have to make him leave the table. It was a lot to expect from one so little, all he could do was pray that Erestor’s lessons had taken hold, and that Estel would remember the basics; things like ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘you are welcome’. If he could remember those small things and somehow manage not to fidget he would probably be all right.

Estel was a bright child, and already Elrond could see him mimicking the older elves. From the day he arrived in Imladris there had been and instant chemistry between the child and Glorfindel, although when Elladan brought the child into the house there had been a few disconcerting minutes when they could not get him to stop crying.



‘Flashback’

Seemingly terrified of the stranger who now held him, and calling out for his mother, Aragorn was not to be consoled. Even with all of Elrond’s many years of experience raising children he could not quiet the boy. Roused from his sleep by the noise, it was Glorfindel who finally managed to calm the child. Elrond bounced the babe in his arms while gently rubbing circles on the child’s back, and the boy seemed to scream even louder. Glorfindel, whose curiosity was piqued beyond measure, quietly came striding down the hall towards Elrond and the twins, with Erestor following close behind. As Elladan and Elrohir began to retell the reason for the now screaming child in Elrond’s arms, Glorfindel assessed the situation, reached over, and took the boy from Imladris’ Lord. As he turned the child around and held him to his chest Aragorn seemed to instantly quiet. Big fat tears still ran down his cheeks, but the terror and apprehension in the child ceased. As little Aragorn gazed through wet lashes at the Balrog slayer he grabbed a handful of golden hair and pressed it to his now severely running nose.

Timidly he questioned “Mama…mama?” then lowered his little head to Glorfindel’s shoulder as he wrapped the golden locks around his hand and calmed…slowly drifting off to sleep. Glorfindel soothingly stroked the child from his head down his back to his little bottom and gently whispered in his ear “Îdh tithen pen.” (Rest little one)

The assembled elves were flabbergasted.

“How did you do that Glor?” queried Elrohir.

“Aye Glorfindel…I did not think I would ever get him to stop crying,” Elrond lamented as he dabbed at his brow with a linen handkerchief. “How did you do that?”

“It is simple my Lord…the boy’s agitated condition made you nervous, with all due respect my lord it has been long since you have held one so small…you were shaking…you are still shaking. The child sensed your fear…he was already upset, and the combination of you bouncing him up and down and your trembling made him think that you were going to drop him. Children, be they elf or human have a fear of being dropped, it is why they protest when strangers pick them up. I merely held him strongly…and it seems,” the slayer said with a chuckle, “…he is attracted to my hair.”

“Aye…” Elladan added as he bowed his head, “he would be…his mother was blonde, he no doubt connects blonde hair with a feeling of security.”

“Aye, where would you like me to take him my lord? The room next to yours mayhaps?”

“Gwador…I know this is much to ask, but if you and Erestor would not mind…perhaps you could take the boy into your rooms tonight? He seems to have taken a shine to you, and if he should wake again in the night I would not want a repeat of this distress…it would not be good for the boy, already he has gone through much this night, if he wakes again…”

“Say no more my Lord, we will watch over the little one.”

“Aye my lord,” Erestor said as he moved to head down the hallway, “it is no trouble at all…Glorfindel, you take him back to our rooms while I look through the linen press for something he can sleep in…”

Glorfindel grinned proudly, all elves had an affinity for children, but his Erestor was particularly vulnerable when it came to the wee ones. “See if you can find something we can use for nappies (diapers) Erestor…I think he needs changing,” Glorfindel whispered as he patted the boy’s bottom.

“I will, I will,” Erestor said excitedly, “oh, and he will need playthings…something soft he can cuddle with…and a blanket of his own, I believe there is a lovely yellow one that Arwen used to use…”

“Erestor! Calm yourself Melyanna…he is only spending the night, not moving in.” Glorfindel chuckled.

But his admonishment fell on deaf ears; as Erestor swept down the corridor he was already mentally checking off all the things the baby would need. “I believe the trunk in the attic holds the twins’ elfling clothes…their little moccasins…and he will need a cradle eventually…”

Turning slowly to Elrond, Glorfindel laughed and shook his head as he began following Erestor down the hall saying, “I fear for what we have started this night gwador…we may never wrest the child away from him.”

Glorfindel’s words proved to be most prophetic. Erestor took to the babe like a duck to water. Knowing that his relationship with Glorfindel would forever deprive them of children, the secret longing in Erestor’s heart had finally found an outlet. Aragorn was his child…as much his as anyone’s. He would teach him, and care for him. He would help to raise him, he would protect him, and love him…love him as if he was his own. As Erestor gently tucked the little one under the covers, he placed a little white stuffed rabbit in the babe’s arms then closed his eyes sending a silent prayer of thanks to the Valar for the great gift that had been brought to their door this night.

‘End Flashback’

That was almost 2 years ago, and now here they sat at breakfast, Estel firmly entrenched between the affable blond who had soothed him so easily and the raven-haired sword master who he idolized. Watching the little one explore this new world of warriors both pleased and frightened Elrond. The time would come soon enough when a heavy weight would be placed upon his son’s shoulders. But that day was not today, and the elf Lord was content just to sit and watch his son’s joy.

As the morning meal began to wind down Erestor pushed his chair back and rose from his seat. Approaching the table where Glorfindel and company sat he addressed the child…

“Estel…have you finished your meal little one?”

The boy wiggled down from his perch and headed, grinning, for his tutor. In mid-stride he had second thoughts, and stopped, heading back towards the table. Looking at the assembled warriors he placed one hand behind his back and the other at his waist and bowed as Erestor had taught him.

“T’sank you for,” he looked to his teacher for the right word, and Erestor mouthed the prompt.

“T’sank you for…in–vit-ing me to break fast with you,” he said as he straightened up, then eyed Erestor for approval of his form. The Chief Counselor smiled as the elves responded to the boy’s very proper thank you.

“You are most welcome Master Elrondion,” said Ecthíras.

“Aye, little one it was our pleasure,” said Gwaenir as he snapped to attention and returned Estel’s bow.

“You may join us any time Estel,” said Glorfindel “I dare say your manners at table are a sight better than Maeraen’s.”

“Or yours,” Maeraen countered laughing.

Cilinwë rose and knelt beside Estel, “You did your teacher proud today Estel, your company this morning was a great pleasure.” “Now remember,” he continued, “do not be a stranger, get your gwedeir to bring you to the training grounds and come and visit me.”

“I will,” the child said excitedly. With that Cilinwë ruffled the boy’s hair then stood and followed the other warriors from the dining hall.

Estel, with his little hands clasped together close to his chest, was fairly bouncing as he watched them leave, turning to Erestor his enthusiasm finally bubbled over, words spilling from him like the fast moving torrent of the falls of the Bruinen…

“Did you see ‘Westor? Did you see? I did evathin’ just like you showed me…did you see?”

“Yes Melyanna, I saw, I am very proud of the way you carried yourself this morning.”

“Just like a warrior, right ‘Westor?”

“Yes pen neth, the seneschal replied. He stood quickly as his eyes began to tear over, he did not want the child to see him become emotional, but he was proud – could not have been prouder if the child had been his own. He offered Estel his hand and began to lead him from the dining hall to his classroom…"Just like a warrior,” he said under his breath…"just like a warrior.”