Ch 5 The caravan

It had been a week since the twins and Estel had made their wager. It appeared that the young Ranger was in no haste to leave Rivendell. He did go out with Legolas several times during the days, but returned each evening.

One day, Halbarad rode into Rivendell with a message for Estel. There was need for the Rangers to look into reports of banditry near one of the towns in the North. It would be a week’s ride to the site of the attacks. Estel reported to Elrond. “It seems I am needed sooner than I thought. Please let the twins know our wager is still on. It might be longer than I originally planned.”

Elrond responded, “They will understand, ion nin. I shall pass your message on.” With that, he hugged Estel and watched as they rode out.

Later that evening, in his study, he told the twins and Legolas of Estel having to ride out with the Rangers. All were disappointed, but were concerned that Estel had recovered enough to go.

Elrond smiled, and said, “He has, indeed, recovered completely. Do not worry about his health.”

Three days later, the twins were patrolling the eastern border. As they rode along the trail, they came upon a caravan of traders and their families.

One young man appeared to be simple minded. He stood, staring at the elves as they held counsel with the leaders.

Elladan noticed the attention from the young man, and nodded his head at him. As he did so, an aged woman called out.  "'Ere, Toby, don't ye go botherin' them elves.  They got more  'potant things to do."  She handed Toby a bucket.  "'Ere, boy!  Go get me water 'n try not to spill any.  Try 'n get back afore noon."  She turned, and went back into her wagon, grumbling and mumbling to herself.

Elrohir thought the old woman seemed familiar. Perhaps Estel….? He shook his head. Impossible, as Estel was headed north. He shrugged his shoulders, and followed Elladan into the leading wagon.

“Do ye know if the trail be clear ahead? Since we have family traveling with us, we be concerned. We intend to go to the North, to some of the towns there.”

Elladan spoke, saying, “Rangers brought news of banditry along the Northern borders. I believe it will be perhaps two weeks wait before it would be safe to venture there. If you wish, you may travel with us to Rivendell. I know you would be able to sell your wares, master weaver. The cloth you weave is of extremely fine linen. Our father, Lord Elrond, would especially like to see the linen for bandaging wounds.”

The master agreed. He told the elves, “We will leave after we have eaten. You may join us, if you wish. We have fresh bread, and stew.”

Just then, Toby came around the corner, stumbling with his bucket of water. As he neared the elven twins, he managed to spill water all over Elladan’s feet. Tears sprang to Toby’s eyes as he saw what had happened. He started to whimper, and curled up as awaiting a blow. The old woman came running out, yelling and cursing at the boy.

Elladan merely smiled, and laid a hand on Toby’s shoulder. “Do not worry, young one. It was an accident. It matters not.” With that, he pulled a linen square from the front of his tunic and wiped Toby’s tears.

“Here, keep it if you wish,” said Elladan as Elrohir walked up. Toby, face shining as the sun, stared at the square, then back to the elf. He nodded so hard; Elrohir had a mental image of the boy’s head flying off his neck. Tears were again streaming down his face, so Elrohir handed his own square to Toby, who held them as if they were made of the most precious metal.