Honoring Dúnedain Tradition
As the child's third birthday approached, there became a noticeable change in mood in his mother. So many of the Dúnedain traditions had been swept aside in the trauma and rush for adjustments over the past seasons since their arrival. Yet, for her son and who he was destined to be, there was a very special third birthday gift she was not about to have him miss. This was the year that the father gives the son his first sword. Not a sharpened one nor a heavy one, but a sword none the less. These swords had a habit of eventually being refashioned later, into the long dagger that would sit on the Ranger's hip opposite the sword in later life.
Seeing to this responsibility was frustrating. Elrond was deep in trade negotiations. Erestor was not only assisting but also planning the party. The twins were out on their traditional winter patrols with the Rangers and while they assured her they would be home for the feast, they would not be in much before. It was a man's thing so she did not even consider contacting the female elves.
One day, when there was a break in the weather, she found herself wandering beyond the gardens towards the practice fields with a particularly energetic Estel. As he ran back and forth enjoying the wide open spaces, Gilraen focused on the sword training on the field. Suddenly, it came to her. Glorfindel was the perfect assistant for the task.
After carefully waiting for the class to finish, Gilraen approached the Balrog Slayer.
"My Lord, you have been so kind to us during our stay, I am almost embarrassed to approach you for a favor."
"My Lady, if there is anything I can do for you simply let me know. I know this has been an extremely difficult transition. Please, how may I be of assistance?"
With that, little Estel came running over at full tilt grabbing Glorfindel around the knee with one arm and pulled on the end of his scabbard with the other announcing "Mine, Glorfy, mine!"
"No, Estel, that belongs to Lord Glorfindel. It is too big and too sharp for you to use right now."
"Mine."
At this point, Glordindel picked the boy up and headed for a bench at the side of the field. Removing the sword belt, he laid it at his feet making sure the frog was engaged so there would be no chance of the little one unsheathing the sword.
"Now, while Estel is occupied, perhaps we can continue our discussion, My Lady."
"You are so good at that. He will not hurt himself?"
"Lord Elrond's twin boys were Estel's age once. Now, you had a favor to ask of me?"
"Yes. As you may know, Estel's third birthday is fast approaching. While he is no longer living with the Dúnedain, there is a tradition I would like to continue. Boys of that age receive their first sword from their fathers as a present at that time. We are a people of many widows, My Lord. It is not unusual for children to be without fathers during childhood."
A mist clouded her eyes and Glorfindel took her hands gently and asked "What can I do for you?"
Collecting herself, Gilraen continued "Lord Elrond is very busy right now and I do not know how to arrange a sword for Estel. It is important not only for the tradition but because it will eventually be refashioned into the long dagger he will carry at his side as a Ranger. I do hope you have the time to help."
"I would consider it an honor, My Lady. I will also alert Lord Elrond to the situation so that Estel may receive the gift from both of us. Does the tradition include continuing replacements on birthdays?"
"Yes, but the first is the most important."
"I understand. However, rest assured that we will be with you in this responsibility to the end."
And so it was that on Estel's first birthday at Imladris, along with ever more wooden horses and toy soldiers, he received, from the Balrog Slayer and Gil-Galad's Herald a sword to last a lifetime with the inscription 'From Elrond and Glorfindel'.
As the years progressed and Estel grew, new swords arrived as needed but the first one was tucked away against the day of its remaking into the Ranger's dagger.