An Elfling's Tale
by TariElfLady
Chapter 4
Finally morning had arrived. Once again, the sun was shining in all her
glory, as a cool breeze filled the air, softly rustling through the
leaves above their heads. It would be a good day to start his lessons.
There was no need to wake Haldir, he was awake before the first light
began climbing across the sky and the sun showed her face, fully
rested, though he slept not one bit. He had been too excited; he was
finally going to learn to ride. Rising quietly, so as not to disturb
anyone, he crept quietly toward the campfire only to find that the
other Elves were already waking up. Glorfindel allowed them a longer
rest than usual, which they deserved, having fought so hard the
previous day. Now that all were up and about, a more substantial
breakfast was prepared than what they had had the last few mornings.
The Elves at the outpost had been good enough to share what they could,
replenishing empty knapsacks with whatever food could be spared, and
filling water pouches with fresh water for the long journey ahead.
Haldir found his horse grazing near a large group of rocks. ‘How
perfect,’ he thought to himself. ‘I can climb up the rocks, and jump
onto Sinda’s back.’ He circled around to the back of the rocks so as
not to disturb the horse. Quickly and quietly, he climbed to the
largest that would allow him to jump on. Sinda appeared to be unaware
of Haldir, contentedly grazing on the sweet grass. However, when he
tried to jump on, the horse moved to the side, causing Haldir to fall.
Picking himself up, he walked back around, climbed the rocks, and tried
once again. This time Sinda stepped forward, causing Haldir to catch
part of his tail as he fell, tickling his nose. After sneezing a couple
of times, Haldir brushed himself off, and circled the rocks to try
again. There were several more attempts and misses; he was becoming
quite upset. He brushed grass and leaves off his clothes, fighting the
tears threatening to fill his eyes and trickle down his cheeks, and
walked slowly toward the rocks, this time keeping his eyes on the
horse. Sinda was ready. However, Haldir didn't wait to get to the
tallest rock. As soon as he reached one high enough, he jumped on,
grabbing a hand full of mane, but fell once again. He picked himself up
and looking at the horse, thought of the time Lord Elrond’s mount had
been a bit too frisky. He would not come when called, so Lord Elrond
extended his hand, on which rested a juicy, sweet apple. It worked.
‘That is what I must do,’ thought Haldir. He ran to the knapsacks
containing their store of food, and searched through them until he
found an apple. It was not as nice as Lord Elrond’s had been, but it
just might work. He walked slowly toward Sinda, with his hand extended
and opened, his fingers flat out, and the apple nestled in his palm.
This got the horse’s attention. He gently sniffed the apple, then
carefully took it in his mouth and proceeded to eat it. Haldir rubbed
his soft nose while he ate, enjoying the velvety feel of it. When Sinda
was done, Haldir once again walked to the pile of rocks. This time he
saw his horse following him, and turning to the rocks so Haldir was
finally able to jump onto his back, with a jubilant look on his little
face. Sinda turned his head toward Haldir, sniffing, with a hungry look
in his eyes.
“That is all you get for now,” Haldir said. “If you want more, you
will have to behave and let me ride you.” He smiled, knowing that he
had finally found a way to gentle and train his horse.
All this time, the Elves had been watching the scene playing out
before them. Some had to leave; they were laughing, and didn’t want
Haldir to see them. Elves were not supposed laugh. It was not proper
behavior, but they could not help themselves; they had never seen
anything so funny. Others merely hid their smiles behind their hands.
Glorfindel removed himself as far away from the sight as possible.
Finding a place to sit, he did so and promptly burst into laughter. He
laughed so hard, tears ran down his face and his sides hurt. His face
hurt. ‘We should do this more often. Somehow, it makes me feel better
inside,’ Glofindel thought to himself. The Elves so needed this bit of
humor in the face of what they had just been through; however,
Glorfindel hated it to be at Haldir’s expense. Fortunately, the Elves
made sure the Elfling did not know. They would not spoil the look of
triumph in the little Elf’s eyes, as he sat upon his mount.
At a sign from their leader, the Elves gathered their belongings
together, and mounted their horses, ready for the day’s journey. They
would patrol a little further before heading back to Rivendell. The
border Elves, returning with them, were most anxious to begin their
leave.
The day passed quietly enough. The song of birds filled the air.
The trees whispered gently in the breeze, speaking only of peace. No
evil was near and for that they were most glad. But still, they
remained on constant alert, always ready to nock their arrows if need
be. Haldir rode in front next to Glorfindel, his little legs sticking
out from the sides of Sinda. It would be a few more years before he
could ride properly, but the determined Elfling would never quit
trying. After a half hour or so, Glorfindel thought it time the little
one rode with him. While Haldir smiled jubilantly, and sat proudly upon
his horse, Glorfindel could see, deep in his eyes, tiredness setting
in, and rightly so.
“Come Haldir, ride with me for a while, and give Sinda a rest. He
is not used to having anything, or anyone on his back,” said
Glorfindel. He knew that was the only way to get Haldir off his horse.
The little one would never admit to being tired.
Surprisingly, Haldir did not object. He was more tired than
Glorfindel first thought. All that had happened the last two days and
the lack of proper sleep had sapped his energy. Glorfindel scooped him
gently from Sinda’s back and placed him in front, so he could wrap his
arms around the Elfling. One of the other Elves caught Sinda to make
sure he did not wander off. As Glorfindel knew, the gentle swaying of
his horse soon lulled Haldir to sleep, a deep and peaceful sleep which
would help in his healing.
They stopped much later for lunch than was their want, in order to
allow Haldir to sleep. After a leisurely meal, they proceeded along the
border until they found a safe place to rest for the night. A quick
meal was prepared, and the night watch was set up. Haldir wanted his
turn at watch. Glorfindel, knowing how much it meant to the young one,
and that he wouldn’t last long, gave him first watch with one of the
other Elves. It was important that the Elfling get to know and trust
other Elves. He would not always have Glorfindel or Lord Elrond to
watch over him. He would have to learn whom he could count on and who
was unreliable.
And so, the night passed peacefully. No Orcs or other fell
creatures appeared. All were able to get a good rest, restoring their
strength for whatever may lay ahead. It was that thought which troubled
Glorfindel the most. He wished to Arda they would arrive home safely.
