Disclaimer: I own nothing but the OC's and the plot, everything else belongs to Tolkien and those who currently own the rights to his work.

Chapter 8– Reluctant Teachers – Part One

Third Age 2553

Erestor sat in his usual corner of the library quietly rereading a book of ancient Numenorian legends; a book that he himself had compiled many ages past. The copy he now held was perhaps the fifth text meticulously copied by one of the house's many scribes. It was quite a task, maintaining the wisdom of the past, and it fell to Erestor to keep the library's collection in order.

Today, however, the old counselor was not in the library on business. Elrond had forced him to take the day for himself, something Erestor was loath to do. Unfortunately, Elrond had ordered it and as the Lord of Imladris was the only ellon in the realm with any authority over him, Erestor had no choice but to comply. And so, the counselor found his way to the library, sat himself in his favorite chair, and whiled away the afternoon immersed in his favorite and most often overlooked pastime.

It was in the late afternoon that Erestor's quiet was disturbed by the sound of footsteps echoing down the hall. He recognized them immediately as those of Arwen's young charge. The counselor was not surprised when Eruanna entered the library and took a seat near the large open window. The elf had often seen the child curled up in that chair, surrounded by piles of books; an elleth after his own heart. He'd given her aide this past year, pulling books down from the high shelves she was unable to reach.

Erestor acknowledged the young one with a nod, a gesture she returned, before returning to his own reading. It was several hours later when Erestor lifted his head to find the child surrounded by an enormous pile of books. She wore a curious expression on her face as she turned through a lengthy tome, ignoring the words, but stopping to study every detail of the illustrations contained within.

Erestor's gaze moved past the child to the open window. The reddening sky signaled the lateness of the hour. It was true that his Lord had given him the day off, but even so, Erestor felt obliged to check on the kitchen staff to ensure that dinner was under way. He stood and placed the book he'd been reading back in its place on the high shelf. As he did so, his sensitive ears picked up the quiet sigh that escaped the child as she turned yet another page. His keen eyes identified the book she held and the image she studied as one of Fëanor forging the silmarils.

In the months since Eruanna's arrival in Imladris, Erestor had found little need to speak with the young one and had, in truth, avoided her whenever possible. Her present, gloomy expression while studying the book gave him pause and impelled him to investigate further. He wondered what aspect of the story had her looking so sad, as she appeared to have not yet arrived at the downfall of the Noldo. "Are you enjoying the Quenta Silmarillion?" His voice startled the child. It seemed Eruanna had been as oblivious to his presence these many hours as he'd been to hers.

Eruanna was so entranced by the book she'd spent the past hour studying that she'd forgotten Lord Erestor's presence and jumped at the sound of his voice. The attention Lord Erestor paid her was surprising as well. The old counselor had rarely spoken to her beyond the normal greetings members of the house exchanged in passing. It took her a moment to respond to the ellon's words as she did not quite understand his question. Her confusion must have shown, for Lord Erestor shifted his gaze briefly to her lap and the book that lay there. Eruanna looked down at the book, carefully choosing her answer. "I like the drawings," came her wistful reply.

Erestor's mouth curled in a genuinely humble smile. "Thank you, my Lady; it took much time to complete them."

Eruanna blushed at being called a Lady but her embarrassment soon faded at the meaning behind his words. "You drew these?" Her eyes widened at the nod of Erestor's head. "They are wonderful! I was not aware you were an artist, Lord Erestor."

The counselor laughed lightly at the young elleth's compliment. "I am hardly an artist, child, merely a scribe who finds creative inspiration in the great deeds of the past."

Eruanna looked back down at the beautiful drawing and smiled. She'd learned something unexpected about the mysterious Lord Erestor. She knew so little about most of the elves in this land and even less about Lord Elrond's high counselor. What she did know was that all in the house respected and obeyed Erestor, and his authority was second only to Lord Elrond himself. Eruanna's musings were interrupted by the counselor's next question.

"And what of the tale?" Erestor asked the child, but she made no answer. He watched her wring her hands in a nervous fashion and feared he had upset her in some way. He took a few steps closer to her before repeating the question. "Do you like the story, child?" Erestor watched the young one's face return to its former, troubled state.

Eruanna traced the figures of the elegant script that covered the page opposite the illustration. "The words are strange. I can't read them." She looked back at the counselor, sadness pouring from her eyes.

Erestor moved to the elleth's side. He looked down at the page over which her fingers glided and answered her unspoken question. "It is written in Quenya, the High Elven tongue."

Eruanna returned her attention to the open page. "I don't know that one," she admitted, shamed by her own ignorance.

Erestor looked down into Eruanna face and momentarily found it difficult to believe she was less than a century old. Her troubled eyes seemed more aged than any ellith ten times her age. It had been a long time since he'd seen such expression in one so young. Erestor pushed those thoughts away and continued the conversation at hand. "Many of the books in this library are written in Quenya and in the adjoining room, in Westron. You will need to learn those languages if you are to read them."

If possible, the young one's expression grew darker. Erestor was not sure why his words should upset her, seeing as how she had all of the time in Arda to learn them. He seated himself in the chair beside her and spoke softly to the strange elleth. "Would you like to be able to read them, child?"

"Yes!" Eruanna cried out forcefully. She composed herself and took a deep, calming breath before continuing, her voice just above a whisper, "But who will teach me? Arwen tried to show me how, but I think she has not the patience."

Erestor raised a brow at Eruanna's solemn admission. He knew that Arwen had a great deal of patience in caring for the young peredhel, but he also knew that the Lady Undómiel was no teacher. "I see." The elf Lord nodded, "Well then, we will have to find another to instruct you."

Eruanna's head shot up at the counselor's unexpected response. She'd thought that Lord Erestor would blame her for her inability to receive instruction, but instead- he'd offered to find someone else to teach her. "You can do that?"

Erestor nodded, "I will speak with Lord Elrond tonight, after the evening meal."

Eruanna's eyes shined brighter than they had in weeks. She would no longer be forced to merely study paintings of the great tales; she would be able to read them like everyone else. Eruanna prayed that Lord Erestor would find a teacher with patience enough to instruct her. "Thank you, Lord Erestor."

"I think you are the perfect choice, Erestor." Lord Elrond looked into the stunned face of his friend and trusted advisor. The normally reserved counselor looked downright appalled by the suggestion that he take charge of the elleth's education.

Erestor sat across from his Lord and close friend, his thoughts running in circles. What have I gotten myself into? He promised the child he'd find her a new teacher but he'd not intended to be taking the job himself. Erestor shook his head, "I have many duties as it is - you know that. I do not have time to tutor a child in language and history."

Elrond studied his friend carefully. The elf Lord found it strange that Erestor would refuse such a rare assignment. There were fewer and fewer elflings born in the waning years of the elves and therefore fewer students for the lore masters. The old counselor was one of the greatest lore masters this side of Belegear and had never before turned away a willing pupil. Elrond knew there was more to his reticence than an overloaded work schedule.

Erestor grew uncomfortable under his friend's scrutiny and was fully aware his excuse sounded pathetic- even to his own ears. Elrond would, no doubt, lighten his current workload if he were to take on an apprentice.

Why am I so reluctant to take on this task?

If Erestor was to be completely honest with himself he would have to admit- the child made him uncomfortable. Erestor had served Lord Elrond for an age and prior to that, High King Gil-galad. The counselor remembered the first time Ereinion introduced him to his cousin. Erestor had not welcomed Elrond with open arms. Indeed, it was long years before Erestor came to trust the half-elf and even longer for friendship to grow between them. The counselor regretted it now, but at the time, he could not erase the suspicion Elrond's strangeness stirred within him.

Erestor looked into the finely lined face of his oldest friend. The Lord of Imladris looked older than when first they'd met. It was not something Erestor dwelled on, but there was a time when the fine lines spreading from the corner of Elrond's eyes would have caused him unease. Something in Erestor's expression as he studied his companion must have betrayed his conflicted thoughts.

"You dissemble, Erestor." Elrond gave his companion a gentle smile, hoping to reassure the other ellon. "Anything you wish to say will stay in this room, mellon nin."

Erestor's mind drifted back over the millennia. One thought surfaced, drowning out all others, demanding to be shared aloud. "She reminds me of you, long ago, when first we met."

"I see," the Elrond's smile broadened. "So you think her a spy as well?"

Erestor's head shot up, shock clear on his face. The expression faded as he noted the humor in his Lord's eyes. Erestor was forced to smile as well, "No, I know she is no spy."

"Ah, that is good then." Elrond knew it was difficult for Erestor to speak of the time before they'd earned each other's trust. It had been a long struggle, but both ellyn had found their lives better for it. Erestor was not the only elf to find Elrond strange when he first arrived among the elves of Lindon. As the ages passed, the years granted Elrond the air of an elf, and they would do the same for Eruanna. It was now, in her early years, that the difference between edhil and peredhil was greatest.

"It is…disturbing. She is a child and yet, she is not. When I spoke to her today it was like speaking to one much older but also one so very young…. I have not felt such discomfort in the presence of another being since…." Erestor was unable to finish that sentence but there was no need. Elrond completed it for him.

"Since we first met?" Elrond finished the sentence for his friend who seemed loath to complete that thought aloud.

"Yes." Erestor admitted.

Elrond stood and moved to pour him and his friend a drink. He handed Erestor a goblet and sat himself on the edge of his desk. Elrond studied his own glass thinking over how best to help his friend overcome his discomfort.

"I understand, Erestor. You are far from the only elf to find Eruanna's peculiarities disturbing." He paused, "I, too, am not guiltless in this matter."

Erestor was startled by his Lord's confession. He'd not expected Elrond to feel the same way about the peredhel.

Elrond took in the curious expression that crossed his friend's face. He realized that his declaration came as something of a surprise to the counselor. Truthfully, it came as a surprise to Elrond as well.

"Seeing as I have never before met one such as myself…I did not expect to find her so…puzzling." Puzzled, Elrond could think of no other word to describe his present thoughts surrounding Eruanna. He'd not spoken of it to anyone before tonight but it seemed appropriate given the circumstances. What confused the elf Lord most was how much he'd come to enjoy the young one's presence in his house, the sound of her voice, her laughter. In a few short months Eruanna managed to pull Arwen out of her gloom and had begun to work the same magic on Elrond. Why should she have such a marked effect on them?

Ilúvatar works in mysterious ways.

Elrond moved to the seat beside his friend. "I understand now, why you found it difficult to accept me." He gave the ellon's arm a firm squeeze. "But you did accept me, eventually. It will be the same with Eruanna."

Erestor nodded. It was true, it would take time, but one day the child's differences would pass unnoticed by the elves of Imladris just the same as Elrond's.

"I will not order you to take on this task, mellon nin. I will, however, ask you to consider it, for the child's sake. You are an extraordinary teacher, Erestor." He paused, thinking back to days long since past. "I still have no idea how you were able to keep my sons in their seats for more than five minutes."

Erestor could not contain his laughter at the memory of the two elfling Lords he'd instructed. Somehow he did not think Eruanna would give him a fraction of the trouble which the twins were capable of. Still, it had been many years since he'd taken on a pupil. He spoke that thought aloud. "It has been a long time since I've taught a young one."

Elrond's response was halted by a knock at the door. Elrond had sent word for Arwen to bring Eruanna to his study. Elrond opened the door and found Arwen awaiting him, Eruanna at her side. He smiled at the pair, "Good evening," he turned his attention to Eruanna. "I'd like to have a word with Arwen in private. Would you please wait for us outside a moment?" The child nodded, a nervous expression on her face which the elf Lord attempted to sooth with a smile. Elrond motioned his daughter inside, closing the door behind her.

"Lord Erestor has informed me that Eruanna wishes to be instructed in language and history. I have asked him to take on this duty but he has some reservations about doing so." Elrond explained to his daughter as they both made their way across the room.

Arwen took the seat beside Erestor and placed a hand on his arm. She was utterly relieved by the news. Arwen had tried her best to aide the child in her studies, but had discovered teaching required a set of skills that she did not possess. "Please Erestor. Eruanna needs someone with patience, one who knows the art of the word. I am a poor substitute for your wisdom and skill."

Elrond followed his daughter's encouraging words with his own reassurances. "And as for your duties, I will see to it that you will not be overburdened. There are others in this house that can take on the more routine responsibilities," he raised a hand to halt Erestor's protest, "at least for the next few years. After that, I assure you; you may return to organizing the dinner menu and staff schedules, but for now, allow another to do so. You have gifts that are better suited to this task."

Arwen nodded in agreement. "Yes," she laughed, turning smiling eyes on Erestor, "and I will finally be able to request my favorite meal without enduring your disapproving glare." Arwen smiled at the face the counselor made.

"Indeed." Erestor frowned at the thought of having to eat honey cakes and plum wine for dinner. It was no kind of meal for grown edhil, and yet, the Lady Arwen insisted on requesting the meal at least once every few years. Erestor had kept her requests to a minimum these last two millennia but now he feared that Arwen would take advantage of the kitchen staff if he was not there to monitor the meal schedule.

Looking back and forth between the smiling faces of his Lord and Lady, he admitted defeat. After all, Erestor loved teaching and the scholar in him was curious to compare the different learning styles of full elves, half elves and quarter elves. I may even be able to write a treatise on the subject. "I will agree to this only on a trial basis. If she is not a serious student I will not waste my energies on tutoring her. She will have to put forth an effort."

"Of course, Erestor." Lord Elrond nodded in agreement. "If she decides she is not willing to follow your instruction, you will not be forced to continue lessons."

"Very well." Erestor nodded.

"Shall I call her in, ada?" Arwen stood, motioning to the doorway to the antechamber where Eruanna waited.

Elrond nodded his assent, "Please."

Arwen walked to the door and called the elleth in, "Eruanna, please come in."

Eruanna entered Lord Elrond's private study. She struggled to control her anxiety and suppress the nervous ringing of her hands. She did not meet Arwen's eyes in fear the Lady would be angered by Lord Erestor's suggestion that another take over her lessons.

Lord Elrond smiled at the nervous elleth. "Take a seat, Eruanna."

Eruanna followed the Lord's instruction and took the empty chair at Lord Erestor's side. She turned briefly to the counselor who gave her a tiny encouraging smile. Elrond's voice drew her attention.

"Lord Erestor has brought it to my attention that you wish some instruction on languages." Elrond studied the young one's reaction to his words. She glanced, hesitantly at Arwen who gave the young elleth a kind, understanding smile.

Arwen's smile comforted Eruanna. She had feared the Lady would be upset for having told Lord Erestor she needed a new instructor. "Yes, Lord Elrond. I want to be able to read all of the books in the library."

Elrond saw hope sparkle in the young one's eyes, causing the corners of his mouth to turn up in an unguarded smile. The child had found her way under the elf Lord's skin this past year. Her smiling face brought a joy to his heart he'd not felt for some time.

"I am glad to hear it." He leaned back in his chair and looked to the ellon sitting to her right. "I have appointed Erestor as your teacher. He has instructed many in this house including Arwen and her brothers. He's agreed to take you on as his student, but only on the condition that you take seriously this opportunity given to you. If you decide you do not wish to continue with lessons or if you do not follow Erestor's instruction, the lessons will cease."

Eruanna sat forward in her chair, her voice emphatic. "I want to learn. I will work hard, Lord Elrond, I promise."

The determination in her voice reminded Elrond of a pair of young elflings he'd once known- when he first gave them permission to study archery. "Good. Then perhaps we should arrange a time." Elrond looked at the counselor knowing full well the old ellon already had a plan of study mapped out in his head for the child.

"I believe afternoons would be best." Erestor addressed Eruanna directly. "You will meet me in the library each day after lunch during the weekdays. I will not require you to meet with me on weekends, though I may give you assignments to be completed during that time."

A broad smile formed on Eruanna's face. She could barely contain her elation that the great lore master had agreed to tutor her. "Do we begin tomorrow?" Her voice held much excitement.

Erestor's worries faded with the joy emanating from the tiny elleth and the light that lit her eyes at the thought of learning. It had been a long time since Erestor had seen such passion in a student and the scholar and teacher in him hoped it would last. "Tomorrow, we will begin."