The Teacher

By the time they reached the house Penda had dinner going. A small assortment of fruits, cheese and bread were already on a table that she had set up near the pit fire. She watched as her uncle and the Elves washed their hands. When they were finished she told them to sit down and she would bring out the stew. Stepping back inside the house, she put a jacket on, as it had become cool outside. When she turned to get the heavy pot of stew she saw Elrond standing by the cook fire, reaching for the stew. She jumped back in surprise. “Milord, you frightened me” she sputtered.

“I am sorry, Penda; I thought I would come in and see if you needed any help”

“There is no need, sir, I can get it.” She said as she took the pot off the hook it was hanging from.

“But, I insist,” Elrond said, taking the pot from her. Without another word he turned and walked out the door. Picking up a large tray of bowls, mugs and eating utensils, Penda followed him out. Elladan took the mugs and set them out while Elrohir followed behind him with some wine, filling each mug. Penda showed Elrond where to set the pot of stew, and, taking the bowls, she started filling them up for everyone. Once that was done they all sat down to a quiet meal.

Later, after dinner, everyone went back inside. Penda sat on the floor next to her uncle and listened as he and Elrond talked of old times. Glorfindel, Amros and Aerandir went outside to patrol the area and the twins were relegated to cleaning the dish’s. Penda objected, but Elrond said that after such a fine home cooked meal, it was the least they could do.

When Elladan and Elrohir were done they excused themselves, saying they were going to help Glorfindel then they would check on the horses. Penda got up to help with the horses, but Will told her to stay; the Elves would see to it. She sat back down, not happy about it; she preferred taking care of Celahir herself.

Elrond got up and followed them out, stopping Elladan as he stepped outside. “Elladan, I want all of you to stay out here for the time being. Position yourselves so that if she runs, we will not lose her.”

“Yes, Ada,” Elladan responded. Elladan turned to join his brother where he waited near the barn, then stopped and turned back to his father. “Ada?” he said in a low voice.

“What is it, Elladan?” Elrond answered.

“Elrohir and I were wondering if….” He stopped in mid sentence.

“What were you wondering?” asked Elrond.

“Oh, nothing; never mind,” turning, Elladan walked over to the barn to join his brother.

Penda watched as Elrond stepped back inside. She had been watching him off and on during the evening, admiring his smooth movements. Listening to him talk to her uncle, she had been surprised. When they had met earlier, his voice had been somewhat loud and authoritative, but now it was soft and gentle. She almost wished they had gotten off to a better start. Almost, but not quite.

“Penda” her uncle’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

“Yes, Uncle?”

“We must talk.”

Penda watched as Elrond sat back down in the chair across from Will. She was amazed at how quietly the Elf Lord had moved. Turning back to her uncle she saw the worried look in his eyes.

“Penda, you know that I have loved you like a daughter since you first came here. I was reluctant to have you here, me being an old man.”

“You’re not old Uncle Will, just well worn” Penda said, causing both Will and Elrond to chuckle.

Will continued, “But you brought such joy into my life. A joy like I have never known. It pains me to say this. My life here is coming to an end, and the thought of leaving you behind, alone, is unbearable. When Elrond returns to Rivendell, you will go with him.”

Penda looked at Will, then Elrond, then back at Will again. “I don’t understand, Uncle Will.”

“When Elrond leaves, you will be leaving with him,” Will said again.

“But uncle, your health, you won’t be able to make the long ride.”

“You misunderstand me, dear. You will be going back with him but I will stay here.”

“But who will take care of you? Who will cook for you? Who will…”

“Stop, Penda!” he said, “Please, don’t make this any harder than it already is. It has already been setteled.”

“And he has agreed to this?” she asked.

“Yes, he has. Please try to understand Penda. After I am gone, you would be alone here. In Rivendell you will meet other Elves, perhaps even someone who will want to take you as his wife. Elrond has agreed to teach you of your Elven heritage. I would not trust anyone else but him to do this.”

“But uncle, why can’t I stay? After you are gone I can go to Rivendell.”

“The road is long and dangerous, Penda” Elrond interrupted them; “it is not a trip to be made alone.”

Penda stood and looked at them. “I am sorry, Uncle Will, but I will not go willingly. I will fight Lord Elrond all the way.”

With that she ran out the door. She managed to make her way into the woods behind the house without anyone catching her. Or so she thought. Looking back to see if she was being followed yet, she stumbled over a tree root. As she fell, a pair of strong arms caught her.

“Going somewhere?’ It was Glorfindel. Pulling her up, he grabbed her wrists and pulled her to him. “You know it is dangerous to run in the woods at night. You never know what or who you will run into.”

“Let me go,” Penda pleaded, struggling to free herself.

“I don’t think so” he said as he turned her in his arms, crossing his arms in front of her. “Yes, I think I like this much better, don’t you?” he said. “If you calm yourself down we may be able to have a few moments alone,” he whispered in her ear.

Penda fought harder to break his grip. Putting her head down she bit one of his hands, causing him to let her go. As she ran from him she heard him laughing. She ran out of the woods and into another set of arms.

“I have her, Ada!” It was Elladan or Elrohir, she couldn’t tell.

“Let me go, please,” she begged.

“I think not,” the Elf said as he dragged her back to the house, pushing her inside to where her uncle, Elrond, and the others waited, Glorfindel following behind them. Will stood and walked over to her. Nodding his head to Elladan, her hands were released.

“Penda, I want to know that you are in a safe place when I am gone, please, try to understand.”

“Uncle Will…”

“Silence!” Will yelled. “I had hoped you would be more reasonable, but I can see that is not going to happen. What I am about to say I say because of my love for you.” Turning to Elrond he continued. “Elrond, I give you permission to use whatever means you feel necessary to get her to Rivendell and to keep her there. If you must tie her to her horse or lock her in her room, then do it.”

“I will run, Uncle Will”

“Then I will come after you, Penda” said Elrond, “And if I have to do that, you will not like the consequences.”

“You would not dare strike me!” Penda snapped.

“Try me, Penda. Even now my patience is wearing thin. Apologize to your uncle for your behavior, or I will give you the spanking that you deserve,” Elrond said, bringing gasps from his sons. They knew what she was in for if he took her over his knee’s.

"Don't think you can scare me with your idle threats, Milord!" Penda shouted back at him as she turned to leave. Elladan and Elrohir gasped; they knew their father would not tolerate being talked to like this. They watched as Penda headed for the door. Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind. With his arm around her waist, Elrond pulled her, kicking and screaming, down across his knees as he sat down on a stool. Penda could not believe what was happening. She was about to be spanked like a small child.

With one hand pressing into her back to hold her on his lap, Elrond brought his other hand up. Before she could fight her way off his lap, he brought his hand down, hard across her bottom. Penda jumped. The room became silent. Penda stopped struggling but not before Elrond's hand came down three more times. After a few moments she was released and she fell to the floor.

Elladan walked over, and, kneeling down in front of her, offered her his hand. "Penda," he said quietly, "please, let me help you up." He and Elrohir had both been on the receiving end of one of their father’s spankings when they were much younger. He hoped it would not happen again.

Penda ignored the offered hand. Standing up, she turned to her uncle, fighting the tears. "I am sorry, Uncle Will," she whispered, and then she turned and ran out the door. Elladan and Elrohir started to follow her, but Will stopped them. "Leave her," he said; "she won't go far."

"Are you sure, William?" Elrond asked.

"Yes, I am sure. She will go to the barn to be with Celahir. She will not try to leave again,” Will told them.

Elrond turned to look at his son. Elladan knew what was coming. He should not have approached Penda after the spanking but he could not help himself. He knew she was scared, and he wanted to comfort her.
"Do not do that again. Do I make myself clear?" Elrond said. "Yes Ada, I understand,” Elladan replied.

Elrond and Will sat back down and talked quietly about their impending departure and preparations that would need to be made.