Chapter 20 The Birds

Haldir led Estel further down the forest path. "Again, I imagine that some of our exercises will seem a little out of place at the moment, but I hope you remember their lessons and use them. Most of these will help you in hunting, tracking or even life. They will help you survive if you ever find yourself away from help. Just as you can learn from the trees and the water, the animals can teach us many things."

While they were walking, they had come to a ring of trees that had an opening at the top. Haldir was hoping his friend would remember his appointment.

Suddenly, Estel heard an eagle or a hawk screech far above them and the sound scared him so bad, Haldir turned around when he jumped about a foot in the air. Haldir laughed, "It's okay Estel."

"Ai, there he is. Estel, this is Ramalintë," Haldir motioned at the bird that was now circling above them until he perched on one of the lower limbs right above Estel. When the bird had stopped, Estel noticed that it was an eagle, a very big eagle.

"His name means 'strong-heart' and he is one of the eagle protectors of the mountains. I am sure you have heard their cries as they circle the skies looking for food. The birds are given the extraordinary sense of sight so that they can see the smallest mouse running across the largest field. You have to train your eyes to be able to spot a deer running in the wild. But the other unique quality that a bird has is the ability to sit and just follow an animal with its eyes and then swoop down when the time is right. Right when they can take advantage of another animal putting its guard down."

Estel looked at the bird as he lighted on the ground. He had always been taught to revere all of the animals, whether of the sky, land or sea. Cautiously, he asked Haldir if it was okay to approach Ramalintë, to which Haldir agreed. He was amazed at the young human's complete lack of fear, or if it was there, he was able to push it aside. Very slowly, Estel made his way towards the bird, inching his way forward with his hand held out as his brothers had taught him. Ramalintë let Estel touch his silky feathers.

"Haldir, have you ever ridden an eagle? " Estel asked suddenly. "I would love to see the sky from so high."

Haldir stood there with his mouth open, this boy really did have no fear. When he regained his composure, Haldir answered, "No, I have not. But your Ada got to take a reluctant trip with Gwahir…"

"Lord Elrond had been up in the mountain passes with Glorfindel when they were attacked by trolls and some of their orc minions. The two had been out camping in the cool fall weather. Naturally, they were very much out numbered, but they fought and killed as many as they could. Somehow the orcs came between the two. Glorfindel was able to escape, and he managed to get close enough to the eagle's Eyre to ask them for their help. "My lords, a friend is down there. Please help him." And with that, Glorfindel passed out."

"The eagles had been watching the two elves fighting their foes and were greatly impressed, but now with the news that there was still one down there, the eagles decided to help. Gwahir called his two brothers to join him. Swiftly, they descended to where Elrond lay motionless. He had been knocked unconscious by the orcs. Gwahir swooped down and gently scooped up Elrond in his talons. Elrond was startled by the sudden movement as the eagles ascended back to the eeyries."

"Could you imagine being lifted off the ground like that? It absolutely terrified Elrond. The eagles laid him and Glorfindel in their nest and let them stay there until they were recovered from their injuries. Then the eagles took them back to the gates of Imladris."

"Why was Ada so terrified to ride with the eagle? I think it would be fascinating," Estel asked innocently enough.

Haldir replied with a laugh, "I guess even the Lords of Imladris have their secrets. He was terrified not because of the eagle itself. I am sure you have heard from him as well how much you should respect the animals. No, not because of that…"

Haldir wondered if he should really be telling Elrond's foster son about this. This was about a one second debate in his head. Of course he should give fuel for humiliating his friend, was he crazy? Haldir bent down and whispered in Estel's ear,

"This may shock you, but your Ada is afraid of heights."

Estel looked up at Haldir in surprise. This was definitely one thing that he had never known about his Ada. "If he is so afraid of heights, why do they always go up into the mountains? The mountains are the highest places I know of and he goes there all the time," Estel said this with a confused look on his face.

"I know, but to some there is a difference between being in the mountains, where it is not necessary to look down as opposed to a high cliff where they are forced to look down. From what I heard about this experience from Glorfindel was that your Ada got very sick when the Eagles lifted him up. Of course they came and rescued him and took care of him, but the dizzying height of the empty air took its toll on him. Now I am quite sure, especially after your tree-climbing demonstration, that you do not share this same fear. Am I correct in that assumption?"

"Of course you are! But I still can't believe that he is afraid of heights!" Both elf and human were grinning. Haldir finally had his revenge. He knew the sons of Elrond to be quite ruthless with their jokes on their father and hopefully Estel would not forget this little bit of information. Estel of course had lodged it into his memory to save for a boring, rainy day back in Imladris.

Suddenly, Estel asked Haldir a very brave question. "Haldir, if it is okay with Ramalintë, could I go for a ride on his back? I would love to see the Woods and the River from his perspective."

Haldir looked at Estel in shock; this was not part of the training. He did not really feel like telling Gilrean or Elrond if anything should happen to him. But he trusted the bird and went up to him and whispered in his ear what Estel had asked. The bird too looked at Estel in surprise but quickly gave Haldir his consent. Haldir helped Estel climb up onto his back. "Hold on tight Estel. Your mother will probably kill me for this anyway. But this will actually help in part of today's lesson. While you are up there, focus your eyes on the fields and see if you see anything distinct."

With that, Ramalintë took off. At first Estel held on tight, then as the eagle stopped climbing, he relaxed his grip a little. He was a little bit afraid, he had never been so high, but that eventually passed and he got brave enough to look down. When he did, the sights below him took his breath away. The valley and woods were absolutely stunning from above, even more so from the inside.

Ramalintë glided for a while above the field, and then gradually began his descent. About halfway to the ground, Estel realized that he could see animals moving the grass below him. He was beginning to understand that all creatures have their own unique ability: for the eagle it is their ability to see far below from the skies and the fish that are able to swim upstream to survive a long winter. The eagle landed softly beside where Haldir had been waiting.

"Well, what did you see?"

"I saw animals moving in the grass below us. I never knew that being above something gave you such a better view of what is really going on."

Haldir nodded. "Always be sure you keep your eyes. To lose them would be a disaster. You must keep them trained so that you notice the slightest movement to the right or left. This also goes along with training your ears to hear noise, no matter how small. The best advice that I can give you in that regard is to not look for the animal itself, but its outline or shape, and then you will be able to see them. But always remember the true secret to success in hunting is stealth. You may hear a sound or see a movement, but your patience in waiting may be wasted if you make a hasty movement. All of your movements must glide together so that you are not seen and can remain hidden until you are ready to show yourself to an enemy or animal." Estel took everything in greedily; he was always ready to learn.

"Ok, that is all for today. And you have deserved a small break, as I have been informed that I must go out on patrols for about a week or so. Then we will resume, ok?"

Estel nodded and headed back to his tent.