fluff alert!
Ch. 3 - Erestor Has an Idea
At the same time that Estel and his escort left the Mirkwood palace, three of their number had ridden ahead with messages for the twins and Erestor. A few days later, Elladan entered the dining hall and saw his brother was already at breakfast, reading a parchment. He recognized the broken seal.
"More word from Adar? Is Estel still recovering well?"
"So it seems. They left Mirkwood at the same time as the messengers but are taking their time. He is still not as strong as father would like, but Ada feels he might recover faster once away from Mirkwood."
Elladan laughed. "Anyone would recover faster away from Mirkwood! What else does he say?"
"'When we arrive home, it is important that no one press Estel for details of his illness. He has been through a very difficult time, emotionally as well as physically. We must ensure that he knows that we love him.'"
"May I see?" His brother handed him the parchment. After a few moments, Elladan gave a low whistle. "Whatever happened to him—it was perilous."
"I fear so, 'Dan."
Suddenly the slightly older elf looked up, smiling. "You know, Elrohir, nothing says love like a really good prank."
Elrohir was shocked. "'He has been ill! And you want to prank him the minute he arrives?"
"It will be a nice prank; a loving prank."
"A loving prank?"
"Oh yes! Listen…you know how we have been saying he needs…" He continued to describe his plan.
At first Elrohir was a little upset. Elladan spoke persuasively. Finally, the younger twin nodded. "Time moves on and it is long past time to turn it to another use. We will not forget because we give it to another. What about Ada?"
"He will be pleased, you will see."
"They will be here in a very few days. We have not much time."
"Erestor will help us; he will assign others to do some of the work."
Erestor did indeed help them. In fact, he had an idea of his own.
"You two have inspired me. I think I will also prepare a prank for Estel; or rather, a gift for Estel and a prank for Glorfindel. He needs to learn that the adjectives 'fusty', 'musty', and 'dusty' can be overused. Now, how may I help you with your project?"
Thus it was that at one end of the family wing, a special room, left inviolate for many years, was suddenly turned out and cleaned from top to bottom. But first two somber elves lovingly packed away personal belongings,keeping only a few to take to their own quarters. Before they let the small army of cleaners and decorators into the room, they took one last look around and cried a little on each other's shoulders. They did not return until the room had been completely stripped and had lost its former owner's ambiance and faintest, lingering fragrance.
Three days later they resolutely entered with armloads of new linens, rugs, plants, and oil lamps. They were followed by grunting elves dragging a large carved bed, a wardrobe, bookshelves, chairs, and several small tables. The wall farthest from the door was unusual in the house as, although it looked out upon the valley and the rapids and falls of the Bruinen, it had solid walls with windows. It was one of the reasons they wanted it for their brother. Its former owner had done very delicate needlework there, repairing rare tapestries and other artifacts that were part of the histories kept in Imladris. The room by necessity had needed more protection from the elements than most occupied by elves. It had been Celebrian's study. Now it was Estel's study/bedroom. It would keep him warmer in the winter than the other adult rooms, as well as give him space for books, maps and other tools of both the warrior and the healer. The twins had decided it was time that he had an adult's quarters and they could offer no greater gift of the heart than the room that had belonged to their naneth.
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Meanwhile, Erestor, wearing an old robe, spent one afternoon sitting on the floor of the library balcony, working on something in his lap. He had with him knives with very small and sharp blades, strong thread, needles, rags, and jewelry polish. From time to time there came a soft tinkling and chiming as he worked. He hummed contentedly as he gradually made a pile of small bells next to him on the floor. He set aside Glorfindel's now bell-less bridle and began to polish the bells. They were Ages old, moved from bridle to bridle through the long years. There was no one in Arda who could make their like in these troubled times.
A knock on the library door produced an elf with a bundle in his arms. He handed it to Erestor who looked on it admiringly.
"Does it please you? Is it what you desired?"
Erestor smiled brilliantly. "It is marvelously made! Your craftsmanship is superb! He will cherish it, I promise you."
"There is no one in Imladris who was not grieved to hear the young son of the House was ill. I am pleased to help with his homecoming." The elf bowed himself out of the room.
Before placing the new object in his lap, Erestor held it up in the sunlight. The bridle, of narrow yet strong leather, was carved with leaves and vines and stained a deep garnet red. It would set off the black head of Estel's horse perfectly. Especially when decorated with the little golden bells that had been taken from the bridle of the Seneschal of Imladris. Erestor sewed the beautiful, melodic bells onto the new bridle.
Two hours later he admired his handiwork. He held it up at arm's length, gave it a gentle shake, and smiled at the musical chiming. Finally, he attached a carefully lettered tag: "To Estel with love, from Glorfindel and Erestor."
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A/N In the book FotR, Glorfindel can be heard before he is seen because of the bells on his bridle. As a lifelong rider, I can assure you Erestor has just committed a hanging offense.
End Chapter 3