The Teacher

Chap25

Penda and Elrond stepped from the woods just as Elladan and Elrohir were setting the food out for lunch. Nearby, Aerandir and Amros were busy tending to the horses.

They ate a quick meal, and then while the horses were made ready Elrond cleaned Penda’s hand. When he finished he wrapped a clean bandage around it.

“Aerandir,” Elrond said as he watched the guard step from the woods behind Penda.

“Yes, milord?” Aerandir replied, as he walked up and stood behind Penda.

“See that Celahir’s saddle is on right. Penda will be riding him this afternoon, and I don’t want any mishaps.”

“Yes, milord,” Aerandir replied, and left to do as Elrond had said.

A short time later the horses were ready. Elrond walked Penda to where Celahir stood. Putting his hands on her waist he lifted her up onto the stallion’s .
.

“Hold the reins the way you normally do,” he told her as he handed them to her; “make sure they feel comfortable in your hands.” She did as she was told. Satisfied that her hand would be alright, he turned and walked over to where Glorfindel stood waiting with their horses.

“Do you think it wise to let her ride alone?” he asked as Elrond walked up.

“Her hand may be sore this evening, but she should be fine,” Elrond replied.

“It is not her hand that I am concerned with, mellon,” Glorfindel said as he handed Lölinder’s reins to his friend, “I was referring to the unease you felt this morning.”

“The feeling is still there, don’t get me wrong. But it is not as strong as it was this morning,” Elrond said as he pulled himself up onto his horse, “I want her riding between us though. “I will feel better when we reach Imladris.” He turned his horse and headed towards the road. “Penda,” he said, “you will ride between Glorfindel and me.”

As they started out, Elladan and Amros moved out ahead of the group, once again scouting for trouble.

“Elrond,” Penda said as they rode along, “tell me about Rivendell.”

Elrond was silent for a moment, and then said, “It sits in a valley, deep in the foothills of the Misty Mountains. The river Bruinen borders it to the west.”

“The River Bruinen?”

”Men call it the River Loudwater. The buildings of Imladris, as we call it, are very open, not closed y way walls. Most of the rooms have balconies that overlook one of the many gardens or waterfalls. Some of the rooms have a view of both.”

“Yes,” Glorfindel said, “but there are only a few of those, and they are in great demand.”

“Well, I am sure that no matter where my roo, it, it will have a beautiful view,” Penda replied.

“There are many terraces that one can sit out on,” Elrond continued. “In the evening those that desire to gather in the main dining hall for dinner. We also have a great room, called the Hall of Fire, where a fire burns in a massive fireplace, all day and all night. There, people gather to talk, sing and dance.”

”It sounds like a beautiful place,” Penda said, “I can’t wait to see it.”

“There is also a large library that anyone can use. It has books in many different languages. While there, Penda, you will meet people of different races. Everyone is welcome there.”

Elladan and Amros returned a short time later, and Elrohir and Aerandir rode out to scout.

They continued talking for about an hour. Penda was asking so many questions that the four elves took turns answering her.

When they had been quiet for a few moments, Penda took the opportunity to ask when her lessons would start.

“A week, possibly two,” Elrond replied, “after we arrive. That will give you time to rest from the trip and to learn your way around. I will also need the time to catch up on some of the affairs that can only be handled by me. And I must devise a lesson plan.” He turned to look at her. “Will that be soon enough?”

“Of course Elrond, it’s fine. I was just wondering, because I am not used to sitting around idly,” she replied.

“Penda,” Glorfindel said drawing her attention from Elrond, “while Elrond is busy, I can help you with the bows and arrows.”

“I’d like that Glorfindel,” she replied, “but I’m afraid I don’t have mine with me.”

“Don’t worry Penda,” Elrond said, “we have plenty. I’m sure there’s one that will suit you.”

“Yes,” added Glorfindel, “and while we are doing that, we can have a set of long knives made for you.”

“Penda,” Elladan said, “If you’d like, Elrohir and I can show you around our lands, and introduce you to some of our friends.”

“I’d like that Elladan,” Penda replied. “I…”

“You will be careful as to which of your friends you introduce her to,” Elrond said as he looked at his son. “You know what I am referring to.”

“Yes, Ada, I know,” Elladan replied.

Some time later Penda saw something looming on the horizon. “Elrond, is that Amon Sûl?”

“Yes it is, Penda,” he replied. “We should be there in an hour or two.”

”I hope we get there before sunset,” she said as she looked up at the sky, “I’d like to take a bath if there is enough light.”

“I am sure there will be,” Elrond replied. “It is not late yet.” Then, with a nudge of his heels he urged Lölinder into a faster pace, with the others following behind.

As predicted, they arrived at the base of Amon Sûl an hour later. There they met up with Elladan and Amros, who had relieved Elrohir and Aerandir earlier. “Ada,” Elladan said as they rode up, “we located a small clearing in the woods where we can set up camp. We also found a pond about two hundred yards fur inr into the woods, there’s also plenty of grass for the horses.”

Elrond looked at Penda. She opened her mouth to speak, but he spoke first, knowing what she was going to.
.

“Son, does the pond appear to be deep enough for someone to bathe in?”

“Yes, Ada, it does,” Elladan replied.

“Penda,” Elrond said as he turned to look at her, “after we have set up camp, and eaten, one of us will escort you down to the pond.”

“Thank you, Elrond,” she replied, “but I won’t need an escort. I am sure I will be safe.”

“You do will take an escort Penda,” Elrond said, “or there will be no bathing.”

“Yes, milord,” she said with no further argument.

After dismounting, she took Celahir’s tack off him and allowed Elladan to lead him down to a small stream that ran from the pond, through the campsite then back into the woods.

Going over to where the packs had been set after they were taken off Fallon, she began to pull food out for dinner. Elrond and Glorfindel went about building a fire, while the others took care of the horses.

Once they were done with the horses, the four younger elves went to the pond to see if they could catch some fish and to clean up. An hour later Penda was busy cooking the fish that had been caught while Elrond and Glorfindel went down to bathe. Elladan had offered to cook, but, even though he tried to cook, his cooking was not very good.

By the time the two older elves returned, the fish were ready and everything was set out. They all sat down and ate a quiet dinner of fish, cheese, fruit and bread, washing it down with fresh water drawn from the spring.

Afterwards, Penda broke up the carrots she had brought from Bree, and fed them to the horses. When she was finished she went to her pack and pulled out a change of clothing and various items she would need for her bath. Elrond watched her. He wanted to go with her, to stand guard, but he knew it would not be wise.

“Elladan,” he said, turning to his son, who had been talking to Glorfindel, “go with Penda; stay with her while she bathes.” He watched as she approached. “Elladan will be going with you,” he said.

“Elrond, it’s really not…”

“It is necessary Penda, and I won’t hear any more about it.”

“Penda,” Glorfindel called out as he lay on his blankets, “If you need any help with your hair, or anything else, I am available.” Then he winked at her, giving her a big smile.

“I’ll keep that in mind, milord,” she replied, smiling down at him. By now she knew that he was just flirting witr, ar, and did not mean anything by what he said.

“Are you ready, Penda?” Elladan asked as he picked up his bow and quiver of arrows. Penda nodded her head and together they walked down to the pond.