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Chapter 11- Reluctant Teachers –Part 2

Third Age 2617

Elrond listened while Glorfindel recounted the previous night's events. The tale ended, and Glorfindel waited long for his Lord's response.

Elrond raised a hand to his face, fingers dancing absently over his chin. Guilt rose to the surface of his thoughts. Why did I leave the party so early?

Elrond knew, of course, that it was foolish to think things would have happened any differently had he remained in the hall. He'd had no way of knowing Feredir's intentions, and, like Erestor, could just as easily have turned his back on him.

"Where is the ellon now?" Elrond asked, anger clearly written on his face.

"I informed him he was not welcome in Rivendell. He left at first light." Glorfindel hoped that would be all his Lord asked him. He was not so lucky.

Elrond shifted his gaze to his friend's broken knuckles. "Is that all?"

Glorfindel examined his mangled hands guiltily. "I informed him of my displeasure at his behavior."

"With a closed fist, I see." Elrond noted without humor.

Glorfindel glanced at Erestor, who stood at Elrond's side, a sly smile on his face. Turning his attention back to Elrond, the Seneschal chose his words carefully. "I may have been slightly…overzealous."

Glorfindel waited expectantly for a reprimand but to his great surprise, none came. Glorfindel knew how dear Eruanna had become to the members of this house, to Arwen and Elrond in particular, but he never imagined he'd get off without so much as a 'try to control your temper, Glorfindel'.

Elrond shifted his attention to the ellon who stood at his side. "Is she alright?" He could not keep the concern from his voice.

Erestor nodded. He heard the concern in his friend's question and was quick to allay his fears. "She was a bit shaken, but by the time I left her side, she appeared fine."

Erestor watched as the tension drained from Elrond's face before continuing. "I woke her grandparents when we arrived back at the house. Haldor informed me that the ellon who attacked her, Feredir, had been assigned as escort to the Gray Havens. He'd been unaware of the ellon's assignment until he and his wife arrived at the party's departure site. Haldor did not believe the warden would bother Eruanna here, in your house. It upset him greatly to find he was mistaken."

Elrond shook his head. It upset him greatly that anyone would threaten a member of his house, and under his own roof, no less. "Make a note, Erestor, that Feredir of Mirkwood is not welcome within these borders."

Not if he lay bleeding at the gates, Glorfindel found himself adding silently.

"I think it is about time someone began her field training." Glorfindel suggested; angered that none had done so sooner. That pathetic warden should never have been able to pull Eruanna out of the hall. One good palm strike to the nose and he would have left her alone. "Eruanna was lucky last night. She will not always have others nearby to protect her."

Elrond considered his advisor's words. It was not unusual for an elf younger than a century to begin studying the arts of war, but in the waning years of the elves such studies were often delayed until the child was grown. Eruanna had long been a full grown elleth. He should have considered starting her training earlier. Not only would such knowledge have helped rebuild Eruanna's confidence, but it would have provided her with the ability to defend herself against Feredir. A tired sigh escaped the elven Lord. It is no use thinking of what might have been. "You are right, of course, Glorfindel. Perhaps she has focused too much on her books."

Erestor looked as though he would take affront to Elrond's comment, but the counselor remained silent.

Elrond gave the ellon at his side a gentle smile, knowing what it was that went through his head at that particular comment. "I did not mean to imply that this is your fault Erestor, merely that there are other, equally important things for her to learn."

Erestor nodded, "I agree."

Elrond rested his chin on steepled fingers. He thought back to his first meeting with Eruanna and more recent encounters in the gardens. He always knew when she was near by the fresh footprints she left behind. "She requires training in stealth as well, should she ever desire to travel abroad. Even the most inexperienced orc could track her movements now."

Glorfindel's own thoughts echoed Elrond's. He recalled the many times these past few decades that he'd come across Eruanna's tracks, perfect imprints clearly visible in Rivendell's pliant soil.

"So," Elrond sat back in his chair, addressing the ellon before him, "when do you wish to begin?"

"Me?" Glorfindel could not keep from exclaiming. He looked back and forth between the amused faces of his two closest friends.

Erestor smiled at Glorfindel. The poor ellon hadn't even realized the trap had been set.

Glorfindel collected himself and began again. "I did not mean to suggest that I should train her."

"And why not?" Elrond gave him a quizzical look. "You are the most skillful field instructor in the realm. I don't see why this task should go to anyone else."

Glorfindel knew this game well. After all, he'd been playing it for the better part of three thousand years. You flatterer, don't try it, it won't work. "I only meant, I think she would prefer being instructed by a female warden. She may be uncomfortable being trained by an ellon."

"That is why it must be you." Elrond stated firmly. He knew that Eruanna might be uncomfortable at first, being asked to fight an ellon, but if she was to learn to protect herself, that fear must be overcome. "Should she need such skills against an ellon or a man, I do not want her to hesitate to use them."

Glorfindel conceded the wisdom of Elrond's words, but still, he had his misgivings. It had taken many years for him to earn the child's trust and he worried that this was not the best way to maintain it.

"I know what you are thinking." Erestor spoke up, for the first time addressing Glorfindel. "She trusts you, Glorfindel. She told me last night she wished she had your skills, so to protect herself. You can give her that, mellon nin."

"And when she misses a block and I land a blow on her?" Glorfindel asked, his voice full of nervous concern.

Erestor understood his friend's concern but knew it unnecessary. "You are a better teacher than that, and besides, taking a hit on a training field is not the same as being knocked about by strangers. She will not lose her trust in you for that."

Elrond added comfort to Erestor's words. "I'm not asking you to work alone. Arwen will assist you if she requires a sparring partner, but sooner or later, she will have to become comfortable fighting ellyn."

"I…," Glorfindel began to protest, though he knew in his heart Elrond had already won. It was indeed a trap, perfectly laid.

"Don't even try it, my friend; you know there is no escape." Erestor smiled at his companion, amused by the knowledge that he, too, had now been drafted.

"I suppose not." Glorfindel shook his head, admitting defeat. He gave Erestor a mock threatening look and huffed, "Well, let us hope she picks up the arts of war as quickly as she did Quenya."

Erestor let out a heartfelt laugh, "I can make no guarantees of that."

Elrond was relieved by his Seneschal's easy assent. He'd had no desire to go to battle with the Balrog Slayer. Elrond had been certain Glorfindel would not turn his back on the child. He was glad to see his confidence in Glorfindel's decision had not been unfounded. "I will inform Arwen. Thank you, Glorfindel."

"Of course, what else does the most skillful warrior in the realm have to do, but pass on his knowledge to the young?" He mocked Elrond with his Lord's own words. "I must get to the training fields before the wardens decide to take the day off."

"We can't have that, can we?" Elrond chuckled as the blond ellon made for the door.

Erestor waited for the door to close behind Glorfindel before offering up an additional suggestion. "Perhaps Haldor should be consulted on Eruanna's training. He may wish to work with her for a few weeks before Glorfindel takes over."

Elrond's well humored expression grew somber. He shook his head, sadness reaching his eyes. "I don't think that will be possible."

Erestor's brow rose at his Lord's cryptic response. "I don't understand. I was under the impression Haldor and Ithilwen were visiting for some time."

Elrond looked to his friend's concerned eyes and made to speak, hoping this knowledge would not darken the old counselor's mood. "They are departing with the Mirkwood party in a week. They are leaving Middle Earth."

A flurry of thoughts raced through Erestor's mind but one shot to the fore. "Does Eruanna know?"

A cheerless sigh escaped Elrond before he answered, "They wished to wait until after her begetting day celebration. Haldor informed me when they arrived that they would be sailing."

Erestor did not wish to ask this question, but he needed to know. "Will Eruanna be going with them?" The Lore Master's heart ached at the thought of losing his newest pupil, his newest friend, so soon.

Elrond felt an equal measure of sadness and uncertainty and his answer offered Erestor little comfort.

"I don't know."

"You're leaving." The words came out of her mouth, dull and lifeless.

Ithilwen sat on Eruanna's bed and took the young elleth's hand in hers. Tears sprang from Ithilwen's eyes, but only a blank expression issued from her granddaughter's. "After you were gone, the call of the sea became so strong." Ithilwen paused, but Eruanna said nothing. "So many await us in Aman; our parents, your mother. We cannot stay any longer." Ithilwen's eyes pleaded with her beloved granddaughter to understand.

Haldor, who'd been standing nearby, took a seat on the opposite side of Eruanna. He touched his granddaughter's cheek, drawing her face to his. "Come with us, Eruanna. Your mother awaits you."

Eruanna's formerly impassive aspect came to life. Go with them? She shook her head. She did not wish to leave Rivendell, or Middle Earth. Eruanna had found peace here and more…she thought of Erestor and Arwen, Lord Elrond and even Lord Glorfindel…her friends, her family. No, she could not leave them yet.

Eruanna looked into her grandfather's eyes, misty with unshed tears. She loved him too, and her grandmother. How could they ask her to choose? She did not understand why they had to leave. She did not understand this 'call of the sea'.

"I don't feel it," she stated flatly.

"What, child?" Haldor took one of her hands from Ithilwen and held it tight.

"The call of the sea." Eruanna studied her hands, wrapped tightly in those of her grandparents. She found herself unable to meet her grandfather's eyes. She loved them so much, but she could not go with them. "I'm not ready to leave." It was a strong statement, though the words were spoken softly.

Haldor heard Eruanna's quiet answer and wrapped her in a warm embrace. He looked over at his wife. Tears rolled down her fair cheeks. He kissed Eruanna's head and rocked her gently as he had many times before. "It's alright sweetheart. It is your decision- when you would sail. The ships will still be there when you're ready."

Haldor released his granddaughter to his wife, who embraced her as though she'd never see the young elleth again. "We will miss you."

Tears finally surfaced in Eruanna's eyes. Her grandfather brushed her hair back over her shoulder as she cried. "Shush child," he whispered, "I have spoken to Lord Elrond. He welcomes you to stay in Imladris, until his house sails. You will not be alone."

"I know." Eruanna choked out the words, but Haldor heard in them a strength and surety that he'd once feared had abandoned his sweet child forever.

Eruanna sat beneath her favorite tree pulling blades of grass from the cracks of its roots. She did not hear Glorfindel's approach and started at the sound of him clearing his throat.

Glorfindel attempted to get the elleth's attention without startling her. She looked so lost, staring at the ruined blades of grass as she was that he was forced to take a detour on his way to the training fields. "Are you well, child?"

Eruanna shrugged, pulling out a small white flower, drawing her knees to her chest. She looked up at Lord Glorfindel. "They wish me to go with them to Valinor."

Glorfindel was unable to contain his surprise. He'd had no indication from Elrond that Haldor and his wife were sailing. Glorfindel took a seat across from the elleth, watching as she rolled a flower stem between her fingers. "And have you come to a decision?"

Eruanna laid the flower gently on the ground. "I am not ready to go."

Glorfindel was relieved. If there was one thing this house could not take, it was the departure of another loved one. He looked at Eruanna's sad face and determined to cheer the child up, "Then Erestor will be quite relieved, I'm sure. It would take him another millennium to find an apprentice as adequate as you." He stressed the word, mimicking Erestor's tone and accent.

Eruanna could not suppress a small laugh. "Is that what he called me, adequate?"

Glorfindel was pleased he'd managed to make the young one smile. "You know how he despises giving out compliments. He thinks they weaken an edhel's character." Glorfindel snorted. Erestor was a strange old ellon but when he gave his friendship to another, it was a bond not easily broken. "Still, I know he is not ready to give you up. I think he wishes you were his child, so that he could claim all of your talent as having been bestowed by him alone."

Eruanna turned wide eyes on the elf Lord. "I doubt such, Lord Glorfindel."

Glorfindel studied Eruanna carefully. Was she truly unaware of how highly Erestor thought of her? "Which part?" he asked, "That your skill in lore is great or that he wishes you were his child?"

Eruanna thought long before answering. "Both, I suppose."

Glorfindel smiled at the young one's disbelief. Erestor really should be more open with others. "Ask him," he told her. "If there is one thing Erestor is incapable of…it's lying."

Eruanna hid her smile in the crook of her arm. "Perhaps, some day."

Glorfindel did not know what else to say to the child and so he made to stand. He was halted by an unexpected question.

"Do you have loved ones waiting for you across the sea?" Eruanna was not sure if the Lord would answer such a personal question, but she wished to know his thoughts on Valinor.

Glorfindel settled himself back down. He knew the child needed comfort but he was not sure he was the proper one to provide it. This was, however, a question he was capable of answering. "Yes. My parents and brothers, and many friends who fell in Gondolin await me."

"Then why did you come back?" Puzzlement was etched across Eruanna's face. She'd heard tell of Lord Glorfindel's return to Middle Earth. He was the only edhel that she'd ever heard of having done so, after the Noldor's return, that is.

Glorfindel wasn't sure he was capable of explaining. The reasons were many and long in the telling. He settled on the most concise answer he could find. "I was needed here."

Eruanna looked at the ellon before her. Glorfindel glowed with a light far brighter than any other elf she'd ever known. Arwen told her it was the grace of the Valar that made Glorfindel shine as he did. "What is Valinor like?"

Glorfindel noted the child's curious expression. He knew she'd read much about the history of the Eldar, including their time in Valinor, but he was also keenly aware that no count of words could come close to describing its splendor.

"It is beyond description… its grace, its beauty, beyond words. It is a place where all hurts are washed away. I look forward to the day when I will once again walk upon its shores." He reached out his hand, laying it carefully over Eruanna's. "When you are ready, you will hear it calling to you."

Eruanna wiped a tear from her face and smiled at the elven Lord. "Thank you, Lord Glorfindel."

Glorfindel returned the smile she gave him. "Of course, my Lady."

Eruanna laughed as Glorfindel kissed her hand before rising.

"Don't forget what I said about our good friend Erestor. Just don't let him know I told you." The ellon threw Eruanna a wink. "Good day to you, Eruanna."

"Good day, Lord Glorfindel."

Eruanna hugged Ithilwen tightly, tears running freely down her face. "I love you."

"Oh child, we love you too, more than anything in this world." Ithilwen kissed her granddaughter on both tear stained cheeks. "I will tell your mother what a beautiful elleth you've become."

Eruanna's gaze shifted to the ground; thinking of her mother always made her feel guilty. "Tell her," her voice wavered, "tell her I'm sorry."

Ithilwen lifted her granddaughter's chin so she could look the young one in the eye. "Sorry, child?" Ithilwen saw guilt in her granddaughter's eyes and it took a moment to understand from whence it came. "Oh Eruanna, it is not your fault your mother faded. You are not to blame." The elleth hugged her granddaughter tightly. It was the first time Ithilwen had ever spoken these words to Eruanna. She should have said them long ago. "She loved you, Eruanna. She loved your grandfather and me as well, but it was not enough."

Ithilwen brushed Eruanna's long brown hair back away from her face. "She awaits us all." Ithilwen wiped the tears from Eruanna's eyes, "and when it is your time to sail, the three of us will stand on the shore to welcome you."