3 The Time has Come
I followed Grandfather to the library that he often used as his place to lecture me. Perhaps he thought it would intimidate a wild girl like myself, to be surrounded by such civilized things, like books. If it was so, he was wrong. Reading was one of my biggest hobbies, as long as Gwen did not give the book to me. She was obsessed with my studies, and I think it had become an obsession of hers to nag me about them. Whether it was an obsession or not, she was definitely eccentric.
Grandfather sat me down at the usual spot. I waited for it to start so I could begin to zone off.
"So," started Grandfather. I started to tune him out until he faced me. He had a look in his eyes that I could not ignore, and decided to listen for once, "You know that you are dear to me, and I do not wish to lose you. Yet, you always run off, and ignore my constant pleads. I have but just one question: why?"
I decided to think on this carefully before I answered. If I told him I wished for adventure, to be free with nature, to live the life of a ranger even, I know he would have locked me in my room and added iron bars to the windows. Then, after a minute of pondering, I answered, "I- I wish to have an adventure, Grandfather. I knew you would never approve, so I just wanted to explore. You explored when you were young, and now know the land around Rivendell like the back of your hand, I suppose. I wish have that experience, too."
To my surprise, he smiled, "Yes, but Rren, you must remember that now are troubling times, and when I was young they were not," he paused, "but you are right, I see the thirst of adventure in your eyes. Perhaps the time has come-" he stopped and shook his head, "No, never mind. You are but 15 and I will not ask nor tell you of what I had in mind, for you would agree, and run into mortal danger. I can not tell you until you are older, I was wrong."
"But, Grandfather, please! What possible danger could there be! The one ring has been destroyed by a hobbit, I think a simple quest can be done by an elf!" I cried out despite myself, "Or, eh, whatever I am..."
He looked at me, "How do you know of-"
"I read more than you will ever realize, Grandfather," I smiled, "and besides, with all the songs and poems, I was bound to find out some time, was I not?"
He nodded, "You are right, but I do not deny I wish you would have asked me about it than find it out on your own."
"Then is it not possible that if you do not tell me what you would have told me before I could find that out on my own, too?"
His eyes narrowed. I had pressed my luck far enough, "You will not look into this. I forbid you to. When you are older perhaps I will tell you of what I had mentioned. As of now, however, I forbid you to look for any mischief. Avoid it at all costs. Tend to your studies and keep your head out of the clouds!"
I looked down at my feet, "Yes Grandfather."
"Now, it has become late in the day already, go to dinner, and ask you're cousin for forgiveness."
I looked up, confused, "Forgiveness of what?"
"For taunting her and bringing her into a fight. That is not acceptable."
"But I didn't taunt her she-"
"GO."
I walked out of the library frowning. That was usually how things worked. I was blamed for all of Gwen's faults; mainly because I was such a wild child myself.
I sighed as I approached the dinner room. I would apologize to Gwen, though it would sound forced. Hopefully, I decided, that would make up for all the research I would be making during the night in the library.