Ch 6 Return to Rivendell

It took almost a week for the caravan to reach Rivendell. This was mostly due to Toby, who would get a vacant smile on his face and wander off into the forest, which meant someone would have to go after him. The old woman he was traveling with would berate him. “Ye have the sense of a newborn. You were told at stay wit’ us, not goin’ after some animal. Now lookee what ye ‘ve done. Them elves got enough ta do witout ye makin’ em more work.” She turned to Elladan, and said “I be sorry my Toby hared off agin. I try to give em some sense, but it does no good.”

Elladan merely patted her hand, saying, “Nay, do not worry yourself, grandmother. Toby’s good at heart. We will be at Rivendell within the day.”

“Thankee for bein’ so kind. Most everyone else would rather see ’im go.”

Elrohir silently thought Toby was deliberately being somewhat thickheaded at times, but would never say it out loud.

Later that afternoon, all could see Rivendell. Toby stood and stared as if he could not believe what he saw. He looked at the elves, then pointed at Rivendell then back at the twins.

“Yes, that is our home,” replied Elrohir, smiling as Toby danced around.

Elladan led the caravan into the courtyard, where his Adar was waiting. The gaily-painted wagons were admired by the elves.

Elrohir, then Elladan embraced their father. Elrohir said, “Adar, I promised the leader you would look at his linen. He is a master weaver, and also has a master sword maker with him as well. He has special linen he has woven for bandages. With Estel and Legolas around, you know how many times it is needed. It has a fine weave, and he says that it will not stick to wounds.”

“Ah, master weaver, my son tells me you have a special linen for wounds. I very much desire to see it.” Elrond met the leader as he was walking over to the group.

Glorfindel and Erestor had joined the group as well.

Toby gaped at the Lord of Imladris. “TOBY!” hissed the old woman, trying to get his attention. She looked askance at Elrond. “Please, do not be angry at ’im, your Lordship, ’e means no ’arm.”

Elrond smiled, and said “I am not angry, grandmother. I know he means no harm.”

Just then, Erestor smiled, and said, “Estel, welcome home.” Both Elladan and Elrohir spun around. Where was Estel? Suddenly, both twins knew - they had, indeed, escorted their brother unknowingly to Rivendell.

Elrond laughed and said, “Which one is Estel? Elladan, which do you say?”

Elladan was sure he knew. “Toby.” Elrohir agreed.

You are positive of this?” queried Elrond. Both nodded.

Legolas had also joined the group. He said nothing, but merely smiled as the choices were made.

Erestor smiled, and asked, “May I have the pleasure of unmasking Estel? I believe I know.”

Glorfindel and Elrond bowed, saying, “Please do so.”

“Very well.” The advisor went over to where the old woman and Toby were standing.

He put his hand on Toby’s shoulder. “Halbarad, welcome back.” Turning to the old woman, he smiled and said, “Really, Aragorn. Stand up straight; your back will not be so sore."

 Aragorn straightened up, laughing. “You are quite right, Erestor. My back feels better now.”

Legolas looked at his friend, then laughed so hard, he had to sit down.

The twins conceded defeat. “What did you take from us? Toby, er, Halbarad has our handkerchiefs, what do you have?” laughed Elrohir.

“I believe these belong to you,” said Estel with a smirk, as he handed back the twins’ combs.

Elladan had a surprised look on his face. “I thought Elrohir had taken mine.” Elrohir said “And I thought Elladan had taken mine.”
Estel laughed until tears started to run, “I know. I could hear you two arguing the whole trip back. You see, I took them when Halbarad ‘accidentally’ spilled water on you the first day.”

Glorfindel spoke, saying, “That is the first time. There are two more times.”

Estel gleefully rubbed his hands together. “I can hardly wait.”

Elrond merely shook his head, and said to Estel, “Do you intend to wear that dress to dinner? I would rather you wear something more appropriate.”

“I will, indeed, change, Adar. I will see you all shortly.”

Legolas said, snickering, “Estel looked very cute in that dress, did he not?”

All started to laugh as Estel’s voice echoed down the hall. “I heard that, mellon nin.”

Translation

Adar - Father

Mellon nin - My friend