Chapter Eleven-Don't Get Me Started…
Walking into Erestor's study, I noticed his head buried in a book. He looked up and smiled at me.
"Good morning Lady Karyn. I presume that your business with Lady Arwen has concluded?"
"Yes, thank you my lord. Shall we begin?" I sat down in the same chair as the day before.
"Actually I wanted to ask you a few questions before we begin. Is that all right?" He looked at me in hope.
"Sure Lord Erestor. What's on your mind?" I settled into my chair.
"It is my understanding that you have been extensively educated in your home realm. May I ask what type of education you received?" He had leaned forward with interest.
"Oh, well there is primary and secondary school that all children attend from the ages of 5 through 17 or 18. It entails basic skills, such as reading, writing, mathematics; and specific skills such as social studies, sciences, physical fitness and life skills. When one graduates from the last grade offered in this type of system, they have the option to continue their studies in College, University or Trade Schools. I completed kindergarten through grade 12 and then went on to a local college, with a university transfer to the University of British Columbia. In University you are required to choose a major field of study in which to complete your degree. I chose Philosophy, which is the study of thought and analysis. It is also known as the School of Reason. I enjoyed quite a bit of study in Eastern Philosophies, such as Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. As for Western Philosophy, I resonate with John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant; and I align myself with soft determinism and a nod towards free will. I'm also a situational ethicist, which is apparently a rare stance to take." I looked over at Erestor, he seemed a bit overwhelmed. "I've lost you haven't I? I'm sorry. I just get on a tear and forget that people might not get me."
"Oh no, that is quite all right. I must admit, I have never heard of many of those things you have mentioned. A school of reason. How innovative. And the Men of the East developing schools of thought. Very interesting. One would think that they are not capable of elevated thought." He stroked his chin.
"The Men of the East that came up with those ideas weren't men from your East; they come from an entirely different place. Think India, China and Japan. I don't think these places are even close to where you're thinking," I explained.
"Oh. Where are these places?" Erestor was curious.
"I've explained it to Lord Elrond. You might want to ask him." I wasn't going into that long ass explanation again. "Are there any other questions you wanted to ask? Because I kinda wanted to get onto the lesson for today." I felt bad, but time was wasting and I had other things I needed to see about today.
"No, that will be all. Let us begin, shall we?" He handed me the language reader we had used the day before and got down to business.
The ninety minute session flew by, and I noticed that I had made gains in my pronunciation and ability to remember basic words. As we concluded the lesson Erestor remarked on my improvement and gave me some work to do in preparation for the next lesson.
"Lord Erestor, forgive my boldness, but I was wondering…uh well Lady Arwen told me how long you had been in Imladris and well…I was wondering why you had not married?" Man, I was totally pushing it, but I was fishing for confirmation on the secret courtship.
"If you mean 'bonded', then no I have not. My heart has lain with my work and I have had few opportunities to engage an elleth's attention." He looked unperturbed at my question.
He wasn't going to spill about Melima. Not surprising really. This was a guy who could keep national security secrets safe from terrorists who engaged in serious torture. I'm sure he wouldn't crack even if they stuck bamboo shoots under his nails and lit them. Water torture? He'd laugh it off. I knew I wasn't going to get anything out of him, so I decided to change tack.
"Umm, another question, and forgive me if I'm being presumptuous. I know I'm out of the loop here," Erestor raised an eyebrow, "but I'm a little confused about this Sauron guy and exactly why we're in dark times. I mean, where I come from wars are pretty common, and humans have the choice to behave badly or not; but it's a choice. I've gotten the impression that this Sauron is something entirely different."
"Sauron was a Maia who was corrupted by Melkor, the Dark Ainur who turned away from Eru, or the One. Sauron became the Dark Lord when Melkor was expelled from Arda. He was the most feared lieutenant of Melkor, and was his most trusted servant. He is the embodiment of evil, and he will not stop until he has conquered all of Arda and has destroyed the Race of Men." Erestor looked very sombre.
"But he's just a guy, right? Totally killable, right? Not all hell-godish?" I couldn't fathom an unstoppable evil. That would just suck waaay too much.
"He may be able to be stopped, but that solution has not presented itself as yet."
"Oh. Okay. Good for the nightmares." I really wanted out of this hallucination ASAP.
"While you are under the protection of Lord Elrond, you will remain safe." Erestor was giving off a vibe that said he wasn't entirely convinced. I wasn't going to press the issue.
"Okay, thanks Lord Erestor. See you tomorrow then." I made a move to leave.
"You are dismissed Lady Karyn, have a good day." He got up and moved behind his desk.
As I left his study, he motioned for me to close the door and I complied.
I wandered down to the seamstresses' area to see if the leggings and loose tunics were ready. They had made me three pairs of leggings that settled on my waist and fell loose to the floor. They were like yoga pants, but less cozy. There were also three tunics, with three-quarter length sleeves and were made to fit loosely. I tried all of them on to ensure fit. Then I thanked the seamstresses so much with my newly learned phrases, I think I sounded like an exchange student; all hannon le, hannon le!
Arwen caught up with me before lunch and showed me some of the things I could help out with around the premises. I told Arwen about my experiences with horses and how if I was going to be here for a bit, I should probably get reacquainted with riding, and learn to do it properly. She whole-heartedly agreed and took me to the stables to introduce me to Rochonduron, who was in charge of the stables. He agreed to teach me to ride, and they had saddles, so I wasn't going to fall and break my neck for at least a few weeks.
By the end of the day I had worked out a schedule of working on my lessons with Erestor after breakfast, then having riding lessons. After lunch I would help out in the gardens and assist in the kitchen. I do know how to cook. My twin brother likes to act all surprised when I show up with some culinary dish he never thought me capable of, but I didn't get an 'A' in Foods and Nutrition three years in a row in High School for nothing. After supper, I would workout in a quiet garden Arwen showed me, not too far from the main house. I could practice my yoga, kickboxing and do a modified version of Tae Bo. I had no exercise ball to work with, nor a good set of weights, but I improvised my workout routine enough that I was able to still feel like I was getting a decent workout and keeping in shape.
My routine had been in effect for over a week and a half when a gentleman dressed all in grey entered Imladris and was granted immediate audience with Elrond. My curiosity was getting the better of me, as I tried to get a good look at him before he retreated into Elrond's study, and I was required to get to my riding lesson. When I got to the stables I asked Rochonduron who the strange man was.
"That isn't a man Lady Karyn," Rochonduron said gravely, "That is Mithrandir, a powerful Maia. He brings news of the outside."
"Okay, so what's a Maia?" I was totally curious.
"He is a wizard sent by the Valar," came the cryptic reply.
Okay, so I wasn't gonna get much there. I figured I'd ask Arwen if I ran into her. She was much more understanding of my inherent curiosity, and would be patient with my questions.
Little did I know that I wouldn't need Arwen. Elrond would be requiring my presence before lunch for an interesting talk.
Hannon le- I thank you.