Post by Rhonda on May 22, 2014 21:38:23 GMT -5
Chapter 5 – Lessons Taught, Lessons Learned
Elrond paced anxiously around his study. The situation with Erestor and Glorfindel weighed heavily on his heart. So much so, that he’d sent a message to Glorfindel to meet with him just as soon as he returned from patrol. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to say or how he would handle the situation if Glorfindel resisted his input. He didn’t’ know what or how, but he knew he had to do something, the personal lives of two of his dearest friends was on the line and someone had to intervene. He tried to consider the feelings of all the parties concerned, and if Timagol in truth cared for Glorfindel he was loathe to interfere.
However, Erestor was more than just his chief advisor, more than just a friend, he was a brother, and he would not stand idly by and allow him to be hurt. If need be he would send Timagol back to Lórien; he was reluctant to do it for he knew that to be sent home in this manner would be sending him home in disgrace. He did not wish to do that to anyone, nevertheless, if Timagol could not be reasoned with, if he did not respect the relationship between Erestor and Glorfindel, he would send him packing and the warden’s fate would be on his own head.
With these thoughts swirling around in his mind, he strolled out on to the balcony to get some fresh air. He was leaning against the railing when he saw them. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but even from this distance, he recognized that walk. Two of the three warriors he was watching were his sons and the third…the third was Erestor, his counselor, in full battle gear. “Oh this cannot be good,” he said aloud, “this cannot be good at all.”
~~~
The practice field was filled with elves, most of them warriors who were not scheduled for patrol. Word had spread quickly that Haldir would be sparring today and knowing the Marchwarden’s reputation, many of the Imladrian elves wanted to be there to see it. So far, ten were present; Círfin, Haldir’s brother Rúmil, along with Braneth, Ecthíras, and Cilinwë who were respectively, the Captains for patrols, the gate, and Elrond’s personal guard. In addition, there was Brithil and Lethros the assigned bodyguards for Elladan and Elrohir and last but not least Malrin, Ingorn and Timagol. As they milled around the field waiting for Haldir to arrive, Timagol and Ingorn both took up swords for a little light exercise with the brothers Brithil and Lethros. While they waited, the three Captains sat on the sidelines and exchanged information regarding their various security details and Rúmil occasionally interrupted Cilinwë to work out a basic schedule for guarding Estel’s room. After a few minutes they saw Haldir enter the gate of the practice ring with Estel merrily skipping by his side, all decked out in his sparring gear with his little handmade sword strapped to his waist.
“Ah, here they come,” Timagol said to Ingorn, “I was beginning to think he had forgotten all about this.”
“No chance of that” Ingorn remarked, “When Haldir tells you to meet him somewhere believe me there will be a meeting.” The two elves laughed as they moved towards the sidelines with their sparring partners. Upon entering the ring, Estel ran ahead of Haldir squealing Cilinwë’s name as he went. “Linwë!” he called out as he flung himself into the sword master’s lap. “I didna know you would be here” the child commented, “Did you come to see me get my lesson?”
“I certainly did little one, I would not miss your first real sword lesson for anything.”
“I gonna use the sword you made for me,” he said as he pridefully patted the sword at his hip. “Will you help me if I make a mess up?”
“Oh I do not think that you will mess up Estel, that is what lessons are for, to learn a little at a time.”
As Haldir greeted everyone and updated them on the condition of his arm, Ingorn approached him and asked “Would you like to get started now Marchwarden? Timagol and I have drawn straws and I won, I get to spar with you first.” the elf said with a happy grin on his face. Haldir smiled back saying, “We can get started in a minute or two, I am waiting for someone who has promised me a good joust.” “Ah,” he said as he turned around “here he comes now.”
All eyes turned to the gate and the three elves who were purposefully striding towards them. “Who is that with the twins?” Timagol asked.
“That,” Cilinwë answered “is Lord Erestor.”
‘What is he doing here?” Timagol asked confused “he is just a counselor.”
“He is my sparring partner for the day” Haldir responded, “I told you I was waiting on someone to give me a good joust.”
“You meant him?” Timagol said incredulously. “Would you not get a better workout from one of us…or if not us from one of the twins or the other warriors?”
Haldir’s reply was short and to the point, “Who do you think taught the twins?”
Timagol was truly confused. “Well, I never really thought about it, I guess I always just assumed that it was Lord Elrond or perhaps Cilinwë.”
It was then that the sword master sought to clarify things, “Lord Elrond wanted his sons trained by the best, and Erestor is a better swordsman than Elrond. In fact, if Erestor did not have such an affinity for business he probably would have beaten me out for the position of Captain of Elrond’s personal guard. Luckily for me I did not have to compete against him for the position.”
“Erestor…a better swordsman than Elrond?” Tima asked disbelievingly.
“Yes, Haldir added as he gave the novice warden his most stern look, “and a better archer than you.” “Oh…and Tima…”
“Yes Haldir?”
“That is ‘Lord’ Erestor…do not forget it again” he said as he walked away to greet his friends.
Estel looked up to see his brothers approaching and he was off and running again. “Dan! Roh!” At the last moment he realized who his brothers’ companion was and he stood there with his mouth open in surprise. “Westor…iss dat you Westor? Oh my….. Westor you look bootiful.” As the seneschal picked him up, Estel’s hand automatically went to Erestor’s braids. “Westor you got you warrior braids on.”
“Indeed I do melyanna.”
“And you got you swords on, da ones the El’s gave you.”
“You are right again little one.”
“You gonna give da lesson today Westor?” the child asked hopefully as he bounced excitedly in Erestor’s arms.
Erestor stared Tima down, eye to eye, as he replied, “One can only hope.”
Timagol began to feel uneasy. If looks could kill he would have been on his way to Mandos’ Halls. And was it just his imagination, or were the twins shooting daggers at him as well?
“Well,” Haldir said, “now that we are all arrived…let us begin.”
~~~~~~~~~
For the next two and a half hours Erestor took on all comers, giving what was, for all intent and purpose, a ‘how to’ seminar for sword play. The only breaks he took were those he used to instruct Estel on his stance, his turns and the proper way to grip his sword. At one point the adroit little counselor took on both Haldir and Rúmil giving his friend the workout he’d requested; and then switched and took on Elladan, Elrohir, and Braneth at the same time, ruling the practice ring with both short and long swords. After about fifteen minutes spent trying to bring the agile seneschal down, Braneth finally called out “I yield!” “I cannot keep up with you Erestor, from where do you draw your energy?”
“It is useless to inquire Braneth, Elladan and I have been trying to figure that out for years, to no avail. All he ever says is its mind over matter.”
“Come Erestor tell us how you maintain that level of energy and swiftness.”
The lithe little counselor smiled and replied, “It is simply mind over matter Braneth...concentration, focus, and years of practice. I resolve not to be beaten, and then I make it so.” Without skipping a beat he quite pointedly looked at Timagol and asked…”Is there anyone else who wishes to test my resolve?” Timagol’s face flushed red and he looked down at his feet, unwilling to challenge the exotic seneschal.
“Perhaps you Timagol?
The warden finally found his voice, “No Eres…I mean Lord Erestor, I have not the skill with a blade to challenge you. The practice ring is yours,” he said with a nod of his head and a contemptuous smirk. Erestor took two steps forward and stood face to face with the belligerent guardian, “A wise choice warden, for I am not one who is known for giving up that which belongs to me.”
The elves stood motionless, and silent. Timagol’s jaw was set, his nostrils flared and his face red as the fringed carpet that covered the floor of his guest quarters. He appeared as if he would explode with anger at any moment. Malrin leaned over and whispered in Braneth’s ear, “What is that about?”
“I am not sure but it looks serious.”
“Has there been some conflict between Tima and Lord Erestor?
“I do not know,” Braneth whispered “but obviously there is some dispute, Tima would be wise to be careful…Lord Erestor will not take his life, but he can certainly make the one he has not worth living.”
“Very well then,” Haldir interrupted, “my friends it has been an exhilarating morning, I thank you for your participation.” Stepping between the two elves, and again looking directly at Tima he added, “I really needed that workout…I was starting to get a little rusty. Erestor will you join me for luncheon, I visited with the Lady Nilya this morning and she has promised me a special meal.”
The seneschal never took his eyes off Tima as he responded, “I would be delighted Haldir, I seem to have worked up quite an appetite, but I ate a big meal at breakfast, and I do not wish to overeat. If you do not mind, I will ask Glorfindel to join us, he has a way of… sating my hunger when I chose to overdo.”
“The more the merrier.”
“Can I come too?” Estel piped up as he tugged on Erestor’s belt.
“Of course you may melyanna, warriors are always welcomed at my table,” he said as he gave Tima a dismissive look, and then turned to pick up the child. “Let us go and change our clothes little one, we are quite dusty from practice.”
“Did I do a good job Westor?”
“You did a wonderful job my love,” he said as they walked away “any time a warrior steps in the ring he shows his mettle. I am very proud that you did not fear it.” Estel smiled and nuzzled Erestor’s neck planting a kiss on his tutor’s cheek. They exited the practice ring with Rúmil, and the El’s following them. Just as they approached the gate, Glorfindel rode up with Rilloth beside him. The golden one smiled down at Erestor saying, “Well well seron vell, it looks as though Rilloth and I have missed the festivities. What have you lot been up to today?”
Estel was the first to speak, “Glorfy you missed it. Westor showed ev’vabody how to use a sword, he gave me my lessons and he sparred wit’ Haldir, and Wú and the El’s and Braneth and ev’vabody…’cept Tima…Tima didna wanna fight.”
“I will just wager he did not” the golden one said as he eyed Erestor appreciatively. “There are very few in Arda who can stand with my beloved when he has a sword in his hand,” he said proudly.
“There are very few who can stand with Erestor on any matter,” Elladan said protectively.
“Well spoken Elladan, touché”
“Glorfy we gonna go to have noon meal you comin’ wit’ us? Halli says Lady Nilya iss makin’ him somethin’ special. You comin’ right Glorfy?”
“Of course little one, just let me freshen up a bit and I will be right there, then you can tell me all about the lessons.”
“You comin’ too right Rilloth? Westor says warriors are always welcome at his table, right Westor?”
“Absolutely my love.”
“So you gotta hurry up and get clean cause you know Lady Nilya don’ like her food to get cold, mm’kay?”
“We will be right there Estel.”
“Iss too bad Ada does not let horses in da house den you could bring affaloff, he iss a warrior too.”
“I think this time we must leave Asfaloth to his grain, perhaps later you can bring him an apple for dessert.” The great war horse shook his head in the affirmative ringing the silver bells that were attached to his headstall.
“Ah, it appears he agrees,” he said as he stroked the horse’s neck, “Just let us get settled, and I have to stop and see your Ada for a minute and then we will join you.”
As the elves dispersed, Malrin approached Timagol and inquired, “What was that about?”
The young warden feigned ignorance, “What do you mean?”
“You know exactly what I mean,” the stern guardian replied, “and apparently so does Haldir.” “Has there been some conflict between you and Lord Erestor, for he does not seem particularly pleased with you at the moment.”
“I have not had words with Erestor or anyone else for that matter,” he said curtly.
“Well if you keep speaking like that it will not be long before you do.”
“What do you mean, what did I say wrong?”
“You seem to be having some difficulty remembering that we are guests here, sent not only to escort Andras but to represent Lord Celeborn.”
“What are you talking about Malrin?”
“I am talking about the fact that you keep forgetting that you are neither of age or station that would allow you to continue to refer to Lord Elrond’s seneschal without using his title…it is Lord Erestor, Lord of Lindon, Chief Counselor and Seneschal for the House of Elrond. Moreover, I can guarantee you if the Marchwarden hears you refer to him without his title again you will be on your way home. For that matter if I hear it again I will be helping you pack…are we clear on this warden?”
Timagol lowered his head and answered sheepishly, “We are clear Malrin, I understand completely.”
“Very well, go now and get about your duties.”
“Yes sir…” as Timagol and Ingorn turned to leave the young warden sought to minimize his affront. “Malrin, I meant no disrespect.” However, Malrin had been a warden too long to be deceived by declarations of innocence from novice wardens.
“Oh but of course you did Timagol; you just did not expect anyone to call you on it.
TBC…
Elrond paced anxiously around his study. The situation with Erestor and Glorfindel weighed heavily on his heart. So much so, that he’d sent a message to Glorfindel to meet with him just as soon as he returned from patrol. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to say or how he would handle the situation if Glorfindel resisted his input. He didn’t’ know what or how, but he knew he had to do something, the personal lives of two of his dearest friends was on the line and someone had to intervene. He tried to consider the feelings of all the parties concerned, and if Timagol in truth cared for Glorfindel he was loathe to interfere.
However, Erestor was more than just his chief advisor, more than just a friend, he was a brother, and he would not stand idly by and allow him to be hurt. If need be he would send Timagol back to Lórien; he was reluctant to do it for he knew that to be sent home in this manner would be sending him home in disgrace. He did not wish to do that to anyone, nevertheless, if Timagol could not be reasoned with, if he did not respect the relationship between Erestor and Glorfindel, he would send him packing and the warden’s fate would be on his own head.
With these thoughts swirling around in his mind, he strolled out on to the balcony to get some fresh air. He was leaning against the railing when he saw them. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but even from this distance, he recognized that walk. Two of the three warriors he was watching were his sons and the third…the third was Erestor, his counselor, in full battle gear. “Oh this cannot be good,” he said aloud, “this cannot be good at all.”
~~~
The practice field was filled with elves, most of them warriors who were not scheduled for patrol. Word had spread quickly that Haldir would be sparring today and knowing the Marchwarden’s reputation, many of the Imladrian elves wanted to be there to see it. So far, ten were present; Círfin, Haldir’s brother Rúmil, along with Braneth, Ecthíras, and Cilinwë who were respectively, the Captains for patrols, the gate, and Elrond’s personal guard. In addition, there was Brithil and Lethros the assigned bodyguards for Elladan and Elrohir and last but not least Malrin, Ingorn and Timagol. As they milled around the field waiting for Haldir to arrive, Timagol and Ingorn both took up swords for a little light exercise with the brothers Brithil and Lethros. While they waited, the three Captains sat on the sidelines and exchanged information regarding their various security details and Rúmil occasionally interrupted Cilinwë to work out a basic schedule for guarding Estel’s room. After a few minutes they saw Haldir enter the gate of the practice ring with Estel merrily skipping by his side, all decked out in his sparring gear with his little handmade sword strapped to his waist.
“Ah, here they come,” Timagol said to Ingorn, “I was beginning to think he had forgotten all about this.”
“No chance of that” Ingorn remarked, “When Haldir tells you to meet him somewhere believe me there will be a meeting.” The two elves laughed as they moved towards the sidelines with their sparring partners. Upon entering the ring, Estel ran ahead of Haldir squealing Cilinwë’s name as he went. “Linwë!” he called out as he flung himself into the sword master’s lap. “I didna know you would be here” the child commented, “Did you come to see me get my lesson?”
“I certainly did little one, I would not miss your first real sword lesson for anything.”
“I gonna use the sword you made for me,” he said as he pridefully patted the sword at his hip. “Will you help me if I make a mess up?”
“Oh I do not think that you will mess up Estel, that is what lessons are for, to learn a little at a time.”
As Haldir greeted everyone and updated them on the condition of his arm, Ingorn approached him and asked “Would you like to get started now Marchwarden? Timagol and I have drawn straws and I won, I get to spar with you first.” the elf said with a happy grin on his face. Haldir smiled back saying, “We can get started in a minute or two, I am waiting for someone who has promised me a good joust.” “Ah,” he said as he turned around “here he comes now.”
All eyes turned to the gate and the three elves who were purposefully striding towards them. “Who is that with the twins?” Timagol asked.
“That,” Cilinwë answered “is Lord Erestor.”
‘What is he doing here?” Timagol asked confused “he is just a counselor.”
“He is my sparring partner for the day” Haldir responded, “I told you I was waiting on someone to give me a good joust.”
“You meant him?” Timagol said incredulously. “Would you not get a better workout from one of us…or if not us from one of the twins or the other warriors?”
Haldir’s reply was short and to the point, “Who do you think taught the twins?”
Timagol was truly confused. “Well, I never really thought about it, I guess I always just assumed that it was Lord Elrond or perhaps Cilinwë.”
It was then that the sword master sought to clarify things, “Lord Elrond wanted his sons trained by the best, and Erestor is a better swordsman than Elrond. In fact, if Erestor did not have such an affinity for business he probably would have beaten me out for the position of Captain of Elrond’s personal guard. Luckily for me I did not have to compete against him for the position.”
“Erestor…a better swordsman than Elrond?” Tima asked disbelievingly.
“Yes, Haldir added as he gave the novice warden his most stern look, “and a better archer than you.” “Oh…and Tima…”
“Yes Haldir?”
“That is ‘Lord’ Erestor…do not forget it again” he said as he walked away to greet his friends.
Estel looked up to see his brothers approaching and he was off and running again. “Dan! Roh!” At the last moment he realized who his brothers’ companion was and he stood there with his mouth open in surprise. “Westor…iss dat you Westor? Oh my….. Westor you look bootiful.” As the seneschal picked him up, Estel’s hand automatically went to Erestor’s braids. “Westor you got you warrior braids on.”
“Indeed I do melyanna.”
“And you got you swords on, da ones the El’s gave you.”
“You are right again little one.”
“You gonna give da lesson today Westor?” the child asked hopefully as he bounced excitedly in Erestor’s arms.
Erestor stared Tima down, eye to eye, as he replied, “One can only hope.”
Timagol began to feel uneasy. If looks could kill he would have been on his way to Mandos’ Halls. And was it just his imagination, or were the twins shooting daggers at him as well?
“Well,” Haldir said, “now that we are all arrived…let us begin.”
~~~~~~~~~
For the next two and a half hours Erestor took on all comers, giving what was, for all intent and purpose, a ‘how to’ seminar for sword play. The only breaks he took were those he used to instruct Estel on his stance, his turns and the proper way to grip his sword. At one point the adroit little counselor took on both Haldir and Rúmil giving his friend the workout he’d requested; and then switched and took on Elladan, Elrohir, and Braneth at the same time, ruling the practice ring with both short and long swords. After about fifteen minutes spent trying to bring the agile seneschal down, Braneth finally called out “I yield!” “I cannot keep up with you Erestor, from where do you draw your energy?”
“It is useless to inquire Braneth, Elladan and I have been trying to figure that out for years, to no avail. All he ever says is its mind over matter.”
“Come Erestor tell us how you maintain that level of energy and swiftness.”
The lithe little counselor smiled and replied, “It is simply mind over matter Braneth...concentration, focus, and years of practice. I resolve not to be beaten, and then I make it so.” Without skipping a beat he quite pointedly looked at Timagol and asked…”Is there anyone else who wishes to test my resolve?” Timagol’s face flushed red and he looked down at his feet, unwilling to challenge the exotic seneschal.
“Perhaps you Timagol?
The warden finally found his voice, “No Eres…I mean Lord Erestor, I have not the skill with a blade to challenge you. The practice ring is yours,” he said with a nod of his head and a contemptuous smirk. Erestor took two steps forward and stood face to face with the belligerent guardian, “A wise choice warden, for I am not one who is known for giving up that which belongs to me.”
The elves stood motionless, and silent. Timagol’s jaw was set, his nostrils flared and his face red as the fringed carpet that covered the floor of his guest quarters. He appeared as if he would explode with anger at any moment. Malrin leaned over and whispered in Braneth’s ear, “What is that about?”
“I am not sure but it looks serious.”
“Has there been some conflict between Tima and Lord Erestor?
“I do not know,” Braneth whispered “but obviously there is some dispute, Tima would be wise to be careful…Lord Erestor will not take his life, but he can certainly make the one he has not worth living.”
“Very well then,” Haldir interrupted, “my friends it has been an exhilarating morning, I thank you for your participation.” Stepping between the two elves, and again looking directly at Tima he added, “I really needed that workout…I was starting to get a little rusty. Erestor will you join me for luncheon, I visited with the Lady Nilya this morning and she has promised me a special meal.”
The seneschal never took his eyes off Tima as he responded, “I would be delighted Haldir, I seem to have worked up quite an appetite, but I ate a big meal at breakfast, and I do not wish to overeat. If you do not mind, I will ask Glorfindel to join us, he has a way of… sating my hunger when I chose to overdo.”
“The more the merrier.”
“Can I come too?” Estel piped up as he tugged on Erestor’s belt.
“Of course you may melyanna, warriors are always welcomed at my table,” he said as he gave Tima a dismissive look, and then turned to pick up the child. “Let us go and change our clothes little one, we are quite dusty from practice.”
“Did I do a good job Westor?”
“You did a wonderful job my love,” he said as they walked away “any time a warrior steps in the ring he shows his mettle. I am very proud that you did not fear it.” Estel smiled and nuzzled Erestor’s neck planting a kiss on his tutor’s cheek. They exited the practice ring with Rúmil, and the El’s following them. Just as they approached the gate, Glorfindel rode up with Rilloth beside him. The golden one smiled down at Erestor saying, “Well well seron vell, it looks as though Rilloth and I have missed the festivities. What have you lot been up to today?”
Estel was the first to speak, “Glorfy you missed it. Westor showed ev’vabody how to use a sword, he gave me my lessons and he sparred wit’ Haldir, and Wú and the El’s and Braneth and ev’vabody…’cept Tima…Tima didna wanna fight.”
“I will just wager he did not” the golden one said as he eyed Erestor appreciatively. “There are very few in Arda who can stand with my beloved when he has a sword in his hand,” he said proudly.
“There are very few who can stand with Erestor on any matter,” Elladan said protectively.
“Well spoken Elladan, touché”
“Glorfy we gonna go to have noon meal you comin’ wit’ us? Halli says Lady Nilya iss makin’ him somethin’ special. You comin’ right Glorfy?”
“Of course little one, just let me freshen up a bit and I will be right there, then you can tell me all about the lessons.”
“You comin’ too right Rilloth? Westor says warriors are always welcome at his table, right Westor?”
“Absolutely my love.”
“So you gotta hurry up and get clean cause you know Lady Nilya don’ like her food to get cold, mm’kay?”
“We will be right there Estel.”
“Iss too bad Ada does not let horses in da house den you could bring affaloff, he iss a warrior too.”
“I think this time we must leave Asfaloth to his grain, perhaps later you can bring him an apple for dessert.” The great war horse shook his head in the affirmative ringing the silver bells that were attached to his headstall.
“Ah, it appears he agrees,” he said as he stroked the horse’s neck, “Just let us get settled, and I have to stop and see your Ada for a minute and then we will join you.”
As the elves dispersed, Malrin approached Timagol and inquired, “What was that about?”
The young warden feigned ignorance, “What do you mean?”
“You know exactly what I mean,” the stern guardian replied, “and apparently so does Haldir.” “Has there been some conflict between you and Lord Erestor, for he does not seem particularly pleased with you at the moment.”
“I have not had words with Erestor or anyone else for that matter,” he said curtly.
“Well if you keep speaking like that it will not be long before you do.”
“What do you mean, what did I say wrong?”
“You seem to be having some difficulty remembering that we are guests here, sent not only to escort Andras but to represent Lord Celeborn.”
“What are you talking about Malrin?”
“I am talking about the fact that you keep forgetting that you are neither of age or station that would allow you to continue to refer to Lord Elrond’s seneschal without using his title…it is Lord Erestor, Lord of Lindon, Chief Counselor and Seneschal for the House of Elrond. Moreover, I can guarantee you if the Marchwarden hears you refer to him without his title again you will be on your way home. For that matter if I hear it again I will be helping you pack…are we clear on this warden?”
Timagol lowered his head and answered sheepishly, “We are clear Malrin, I understand completely.”
“Very well, go now and get about your duties.”
“Yes sir…” as Timagol and Ingorn turned to leave the young warden sought to minimize his affront. “Malrin, I meant no disrespect.” However, Malrin had been a warden too long to be deceived by declarations of innocence from novice wardens.
“Oh but of course you did Timagol; you just did not expect anyone to call you on it.
TBC…