The Little Hunter by Pippin's Sunshine

The Little Hunter

Chapter 11: Recovery

The next morning, Estel woke up early. His body was telling him that it was time to wake up. Then, he realized that it was really his mother trying to shoo him out of his bed. “Estel, come on honey. Time to get up. Aglarmir and the others are eager to get an early start. They say we should reach the city by late afternoon.”

Estel quickly descended the ladder; he had been so overcome with weariness and grief that he had almost forgotten about Melian. He ran to where the horses were being kept to see if she was okay. Estel began to brush her coat while she ate her breakfast out of a side-bag.

“Soon all of this will be a distant memory, my love. We are to reach the Golden City later today. I have a feeling that after this trip everything will be a lot different, if it isn’t already. I miss Elladan and Elrohir. And I know you miss Asfolath.”

He said this last part with a wink and a smile. He knew that Melian loved to roam the Elven countryside with her friend. Melian could sense that something was not quite right with the young human, so she tried in every possible way to cheer him up.

Estel was kicked out of his thoughts when Melian began gently licking his face, causing him to giggle until he was rolling on the ground from her caresses. Estel was very ticklish and Melian always took full advantage of it whenever she could. She knew he needed the laugh right now. It warmed her heart to see her young friend and master smiling again.

Estel could see Aglarmir descending the ladder, so he tried to regain some composure and get Melian ready for the day’s ride. Aglarmir came over to him as he was putting the saddle on. “Good morning, nenth min. We are all very happy to hear you laughing. I take it Melian had something to do with that?”

“Yes, she enjoys torturing me by tickling me with her tongue.”

At this, Aglarmir and the other Elves laughed. “You have a way with the animals. Lord Elrond has taught you well. Always remember that as long as you are friendly to them, they will be the same to you. Never lose sight of that love for Eru’s creatures, they may save you one day.”
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As they reached the city, Estel looked up in wonder. He had never seen such huge trees. As they continued on through the heart of the city, Estel noticed it growing darker until all that could be seen were the tiny lights that the Galadhrim used to illuminate the paths. They looked like tiny stars to Estel.

Aglarmir led the Rangers to the small stables where the horses would be kept. While they were preparing their horses for the night, a messenger came and spoke with Aglarmir. When all was ready to continue, he announced that the Lord and Lady were ready to see them.
The party slowly climbed the circular stair that led to the Royal Flet. At the top, Estel had to shield his eyes. It was so bright up here. Then, he looked in wonder as he realized the light was coming from the two figures coming down the dais.

Chapter 12

Galadriel looked down at the Rangers. Her eyes penetrating their very hearts. Each moment was very brief, except for the young son of Arathorn. Estel was frightened at first, but quickly regained his composure when he felt Aglarmir’s reassuring grip on his shoulder. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to meet Galadriel’s.

“Your grief is heavy, Estel. Do not worry about the words that were spoken out of jealousy. You know in your heart that they are not true. One day, you will become a great leader, but there will be many things that happen that will shape what type of leader you will be. Learn their lessons well and do not forget them. Jealousy will drive a person mad. Do not let something blind you so much that you loose sight of the things that really matter.”

Estel did not realize at the time that no one else had heard these words that Galadriel had spoken. They were meant solely for him.

“Welcome to the city of the Galadhrim. We hope that your accommodations will be fitting. The journey has been long and grievous, but now it has ended. Food and drink have been made ready. Go now and take your rest.”

With that, the Lord and Lady dismissed them. But Celeborn pulled Estel and his mother aside.

“We are truly sorry to hear about the misfortunes that befell you on your way here. Know that you are safe now and have no further need to worry. Estel, you shall begin your training in a few weeks. The Warden has been away with a scouting party, but will be informed that you have arrived. We will also send word to Lord Elrond and his sons that you have arrived safe. Come, I will show you to your tents.”