An Elfling's Tale
by TariElfLady
Chapter 7
The morning mist was dispelling as the sun rose above the trees
spreading her warm glow over the land. Haldir had been up before the
moon had begun his descent. He sat close to the fire with his knees
drawn up to his chest and his arms wrapped around them as he rested his
chin resting on top. A pensive look covered his face. Many thoughts
flitted through his mind. The trip from Rivendell, the battle with the
Orcs, the death of many of his friends, but the one that would not
leave told him he would be sent home. He did not want to leave. If he
went back, he would feel like a failure. But, how could he stay? He
could try to run away but knew that would not work. They would just
search until they found him. He was not fast enough to outrun them and
he could not ride yet. No one said anything to him, but he knew.
The camp came alive with Elves waking up to resume their duties. A fire
was banked and new logs added. Someone went thru the trees to a place
where a small stream carrying fresh, cool water flowed by. The two pots
he carried would be filled and placed over the now crackling fire to be
used for tea and porridge. The cook for the day was preparing the
porridge to be added to one of the pots. Tea leaves were pulled out of
their bag to be added to the water in the other pot once it was hot
enough. Each day the duties of cooking and cleaning up were given to
different members of the patrol. Even Lord Glorfindel had been known to
prepare the morning meal. Sharing responsibility gave them a feeling of
closeness such as a family would have. They watched out for each other
especially in battle, which had saved many a life in the past.
Through all the activity, Haldir remained still, sitting as he had been
when the others woke up. A bowl of the hot porridge along with a cup of
tea were brought to him, but he saw nothing. He was as still as the
rocks surrounding their campfire. A hand was laid gently on his
shoulder, arousing him from his dark thoughts.
“Haldir, you must eat. You have a long day ahead of you. Please.
Eat.” It was Lord Glorfindel who spoke, concern etched between his
eyes.
Silently, Haldir reached out to take the bowl and cup. He did not think
he could swallow a bit, but he would try. Eating had been very
difficult for him lately, unlike the Elfling who in the past could
never seem to get enough to eat. It was amazing what a difference one
day in your life could make. He felt much older than his years.
One of the sentries came through the trees toward them at a quick
trot. Approaching Glorfindel he advised that riders approached. They
were from Rivendell.
“So, the time has come,” thought both Glorfindel and Haldir, each to
himself.
The approaching Elves rode to the outskirts of the campsite and
dismounted, taking charge of their captain’s horse as they waited for
permission to eat. The captain approached Glorfindel, saluting him.
“Mae Govannen, my Lord. I bring you a message from Lord Elrond and
replacements for those who are due for a leave, “he said as he handed
the missive to Glorfindel.
“Mae Govannen, Arminas. It has been a long time, my friend, since
last we met. You and the rest of your warriors are most welcome.
Please, join us as we break the fast. We do not have much, but I am
sure it will suffice.”
“We brought more supplies with us, my Lord, enough to feed everyone for
a few more weeks.”
“Thank you, Arminas. Now go and tend to your men and horses while I
read Elrond’s instructions. Although I must confess, I think I know
what they are,” he said as a great sadness filled him.
Dismay and sorrow filled Glorfindel as he read. He knew Haldir
would have to go back to Rivendell, but he thought he would be the one
to return with him. Arminas was quite competent, but the little one did
not know him which would make his return even more difficult. There was
no easy way to tell the child. Today his training would begin. He must
learn to trust other Elves. Glorfindel would not always be there to
protect him.
After finishing his meal, Arminas slowly approached Glorfindel, who sat
with his head bowed.
“What troubles you, my Lord?
“I am to remain with the patrol. I thought I would be returning. Haldir
needs me.
He is still having bad dreams, waking up in a cold sweat. He
constantly looks over his shoulder as if expecting Orcs to appear at
any time. Returning will be bad enough for him. I do not know how he
will handle going with a stranger.”
“I am not a stranger, my Lord. He has seen me many times. He has even
played with my children.”
“I know, Arminas. Still, I cannot help worrying.”
“My Lord, you know I would give my life to save Haldir. I will keep
a close watch on him. Perhaps Lord Elrond will allow him to stay with
me for awhile. I know my children will keep his mind quite occupied.
They are always finding some kind of mischief to get into.”
“Thank you, Arminas. I know you will take good care of him. It is
just very hard for me to let go,” Glorfindel said as he turned to watch
Haldir.
He stood up slowly. The cool morning air washed over him, caressing
him with it’s gentle touch as if to comfort him. Sadly, it did not. The
task appointed to him was too difficult. He would rather face a host of
Orcs than cause Haldir further pain. Turning to Arminas, he laid his
hand on that one’s shoulder with a gentle squeeze.
“Go now and prepare to return to Rivendell while I talk to Haldir.”
That being said, he began walking toward the campfire praying to
the Valar for the right words. He would need all the help he could get.
