86. My Weapon's Name

"But every mighty sword has a name!" Pippin exclaimed as he watched Legolas clean and oil his blade carefully.

"Aye Pippin," the elf replied with a smile. "That is true, but this is neither a sword, nor is it mighty."

They were seated on the hard, stone floor of a cave that Aragorn had said was often used by rangers and was safe enough to light a small fire for cooking purposes which Sam was tending carefully.

"It seems a mighty sword to me," The small hobbit said eyeing the long blade that he had witnessed in action what seemed like mere moments before as they had run into a very surprised, now deceased, pack of orcs.

"I could barely lift it, never mind wield it with such great skill as you." He paused to nod towards the two men seated opposite occupied in the same manner as the elf.

"Their swords both have names." He said loudly, then continuing swiftly as Aragorn and Boromir glared in his direction. "As of course they should being very mighty weapons indeed as is onlyfittingfor suchgreatwarriors…" His words petered out under the combined pressure from two pairs of steely eyes.

"They are that indeed Pippin." Agreed Legolas with a sly twinkle. "Men such as they are assuredly well adaped to mighty swords, whereas I find my long knife far more suited to my inconsiderable needs."

Pippin frowned then smiled uncertainly at the elf as he tried to work if Legolas had insulted Aragorn and Boromir or not.

"Well," the hobbit blustered. "I still think it only right for it to have a name. It does the same job after all."

"Very well, Master Pippin," the elf smiled sweetly. "If you think it should be so then I will name my knife Meldanna." He gave the blade a long, loving wipe with the oiled rag he kept purely for that purpose, a sudden far-away look in his eyes.

"That, that sounds like a lovely name." Pippin said cautiously, wondering if the elf's lady friend, to whom the name obviously belonged, minded having such a thing named after her and adding "She must be very, erm special."

"Indeed it is." Legolas answered absently, his mind now far away and long ago. "Indeed it is."


A/N

If you have read my story, 'A Celebration in the Greenwood' you will understand exactly why Legolas gives this name to his white handled knife. If not then why not go and take a look ;) *Blatant plugging of own work*

Anna = Gift

Melda =beloved

Meldanna = Beloved Gift

Quenya translation = www . elfdict . com