The Teacher

Chap 21

After the food was put out they all settled down for a lunch of fruit, cheese and bread, with water to wash it down.

"Elrond," Penda said as she nibbled on a piece of cheese, "how long will it take to get to Rivendell?"

"Five, six days at the most," Elrond replied. "Why do you ask?"

"No particular reason. The other night you said the road is dangerous. Why is that?"

"Late tomorrow we will pass close to the Midgewater Marshes, and orcs have been known to frequent the area. There's also the Trollshaws, a densely wooded area that we will have to travel through. One could get lost in them, if they aren't familiar with the woods. Don't worry, though; all of us know our way."

"You seem awfully curious Penda," Glorfindel said. "You aren't thinking of leaving us, are you? After all, you did mention that there was no reason for you to go to Imladris since Will had passed on."

"No, Glorfindel, I have no intention of leaving. I have every intention of going through with my uncle's wishes. It's as you said, I am just curious," Penda replied, her temper starting to flare at the accusation. "I want to learn as much as I can about my surroundings and where I am going. The way to do that is to ask questions. If I am wrong, then please, tell me."

Glorfindel was about to reply, but Elrond put his hand up to silence him. "No, Penda, you are not wrong. Asking questions is the best way. I am sure that Glorfindel did not mean anything by what he said." Then turning to Glorfindel he said, "Did you, mellon?"

"No, Penda, I didn't," Glorfindel replied. "Please accept my apology."

"Apology accepted," Penda replied, then turning to Elrond she asked "What does the word 'mellon' mean?"

"It means 'friend,' Penda," Elrond replied. "You will learn to speak Elvish as well as read it."

They continued talking for a few more minutes, Elrond explaining what he intended on teaching her. Then noticing that everyone was about done eating, Penda opened that package that Millie had given her. Inside sev several sweet rolls, the same kind that Penda had made a few days earlier.

"Penda," Elladan said when he saw what she had, "those aren't...?"

"Yes, Elladan, they are. Millie made them this morning; she thought we would enjoy them," Penda replied as she offered one to Elrond first, then Glorfindel, then slowly made her way around to the others, going to Elladan last. Once everyone had theirs, she settled back down to eat hers.

When Millie had made them, she had drizzled icing on them, then had packed them in a rush, before the icing was completely dried. While some had stayed on the rolls, some had also rolled off and down to the roll on the bottom. Penda was now eating that roll, getting icing all over her fingers.

Once the roll was gone, she calmly started to lick her fingers clean of the icing, at one point putting two fingers into her mouth and sucking the dried icing off of them. This was something she normally did, so it did not occur to her what effect her actions would cause on at least two of the members of the group.

Elrond sat across from her and watched as she licked her fingers clean. In all his long life he had never seen anyone take such enjoyment in eating something. He continued to watch her until she began to suck on her fingers. As he watched her, he felt his body stirring. Suddenly he stood, and walked over to her horse. "We have spent enough time here, we shouldon oon our way," he said harshly as he tightened the saddle on his horse. "Penda, wash your hands in the pond, if you must, but hurry."

Penda didn't understand why he was suddenly so irritable or why he seemed to be directing it towards her. Standing, she walked over to the pond and slowly started to wash her hands. If he was going to be angry with her, then she would give him a good reason to be.

After washing for several minutes, she heard Elrond say, "Penda, we must leave, now." But she continued to wash until she heard him dismount. He crossed the space between them in five long strides. Just as he reached her, she stood and turned. Looking directly at him, she said, "I'm finished." Then, flipping the water off her hands, she stepped around him and walked over to where Celahir stood patiently waiting.

Taking his rein, she was about to pull herself up into the saddle when she felt Elrond's strong hands around her waist. Lifting her up, he put her on Celahir's back. "Just in case you found it difficult to mount," he said, then turned and walked back to his horse. Mounting, he gave his horse a gentle nudge and he was off, the others following close behind him.

Penda was livid. He had no cause to be angry with her in the first place, and then to insinuate that she would have trouble mounting was unacceptable. Yes, she admitted to herself, she may have pushed him a little when she took her time washing, but that was no reason for the remark that he had made.

A short time later they slowed their pace. Elrond and Glorfindel were once again riding in front. Aerandir and Amros were scouting ahead and Elladan and Elrohir rode behind their father and his friend. Penda rode beside Elladan and listened as the two brothers talked of a festival that was coming up. Elladan explained to her that it was a fall festival that was held to coincide with the harvest. It would last for several days. People from some of the smaller villages near Imladris would come and good times would be shared with the elves. The trading of goods and clothing would also take place. "When will it take place?” Penda asked, hoping that perhaps Millie and Tom would be able to attend. "In one month's time," Elladan replied.

They continued their conversation for several more minutes then became quiet. A short time later they met up with Aerandir and Amros. Then Elladan and Elrohir left to take their turn. The rest of the afternoon was spent in silence. Penda was enjoying the sceneryd shd she was still upset about Elrond's behavior from earlier in the day. They met up with the twins, and once again Aerandir and Amros left. While they scouted ahead, they would also look for a safe place for the company to spend the night.