Excerpts from Erestor's Journal
3019 February 11
Well, Glorfindel and I are alone at last. Just us and the horses and an escort
of outriders. Elrond is taking no chances. I am not sure what he expects.
The journey is expected to last no more than a week. We shall remain at Thranduil's court for a minimum of another week. Lord Elrond believes that the mission should take no longer than that. Let us hope he is wrong. King Thranduil is notoriously stubborn.
3019 February 12
Glorfindel had informed me that I am the clumsiest elf in all of Middle Earth.
Can you imagine?
I tripped over a log and nearly landed in the fire. Fortunately, one of the outriders caught me before I did more than get ash on my robes.
Glorfindel has taken himself off in a huff.
3019 February 13
Orcs attacked this afternoon. There were about a dozen of them. I am terrified,
I must admit. I never entertained the notion that we would actually be attacked.
I am beginning to wish I'd never come. My horse was killed and I've sustained
a few cuts and scratches. I reek of Orc.
We lost a pack animal and one of the outriders was so badly injured that he is being sent back to Imladris with another rider. Glorfindel says otherwise, the elf will die. The departure of the two outriders leaves us with three guards and Glorfindel.
The attack has cost us a day's travel. We may face further delays since I have no horse.
3019 February 14
Rode behind Glorfindel on his horse. Normally I would have been thrilled at
the close contact, but I was too nervous. I kept hearing danger in every leaf
rustle.
We have made camp for the evening and the outriders have set up watch. When I offered to take a watch, Glorfindel laughed at me.
He thinks I'm a joke. He avoids me whenever possible or polite. He has made sure, ever since I almost stumbled in to the fire, that someone remains with me at all times. He treats me as an Elfling. I could say that, given present circumstance and past actions, he is correct. However, assumptions are nonetheless painful for their correctness.
I wish I knew of a way to improve my standing with him. At this time, I feel any action on my part would only acerbate the growing tension. Besides, I would most likely end up dumping us both in a giant spider web or something equally ridiculous.
I will be glad when we reach Thranduil's hall. I want to get this mission over with and get back to my duties at Imladris.
3019 February 16
We are one day away from Thranduil's home. I am grateful. The sooner we get
done, the better. My bruises and cuts from the Orc attack are almost fully healed.
My pride is also slowly recovering. In some respects, I can see his point. My
recent rash of disasters has left much to be desired. I can only assume that
my clumsiness is in part to my nerves. He never looks at me with fondness, and,
in fact, since his return after the departure of the Fellowship has done just
about everything to avoid me. Even on this journey he has kept himself aloof.
I can only surmise he is not interested and react accordingly.
Thranduil's guards have picked up our trail and have given us escort, as it is illegal to wander through Mirkwood without King Thranduil's permission. Somehow, I believe Glorfindel and Lord Elrond were aware of this. I wish they had let me in on the secret before I put my foot in my mouth, proverbially speaking, and informed the guards that I was an important person from Lord Elrond's court and would not be treated as a common thief.
Glorfindel was not amused.
3019 February 17
I wish someone would kindly point me to one of the giant spiders lurking in
Mirkwood so that I may throw myself at it.
Arrived at Thranduil's court. While clambering off of Asfaloth, I split my robes and was presented to King Thranduil with my seams open to the top of my leggings.
Glorfindel, on the other hand, gave me an 'I told you so look' and remained
looking remarkably immaculate in his breeches and tunic.
He did warn me not to wear my State Robes, but I couldn't bring myself to be presented at Thranduil's court dressed like a warrior.
Excerpts from Glorfindel's Journal
11 February 3019
Have departed Rivendell with five outriders and Erestor. I hope to complete
this mission as soon as possible. I cannot imagine what has come over the seneschal.
12 February 3019
I would almost welcome an Orc attack. Then I'd have an excuse to draw my sword.
In retrospect, we shall probably perish in Mirkwood, long before we reach Thranduil's
hall. The greatest danger we face is Erestor himself.
The clumsy fool tripped over a log and almost landed in the fire. I have no idea what he was doing, dancing around the fire like an Elfling.
He singed his clothes. One of the outriders, Alinan caught him before he landed on his bottom in the center of the blaze.
13 February 3019
E and I have always told the Twins that you should be careful what you wish
for. A pity I did not take my own advice. Last evening's wish turned into the
afternoon's nightmare. Orcs attacked just after midday.
Poor Erestor was unseated in the first wave. He wielded his knife valiantly, I will give him that. His horse fared worse than he and we were forced to put the hapless beast down. We also lost a pack animal. There was nothing of value in the animal's packs, merely rations and some clothing. Those can be easily distributed or left behind.
L'suil, one of my best riders, received a tremendous injury to his shoulder that will require all of E's healing skills if he is to recover. I am sending Anlyla with him back to Rivendell at first light. I pray they will make it safely.
Erestor has become unnaturally quiet. I believe this has shaken him far more than he admits.
14 February 3019
Erestor rode pinion upon Asfaloth. He jumped and twitched at every turn. If
I hadn't felt so sorry for him, I would have dumped him in the mud and left
him for spider bait.
When we established watches for the night, Erestor graciously offered to take a turn. Perhaps I should not have laughed? He is, after all, the seneschal. I should have treated him with more respect. But really, the idea of him sitting with a sword across his knees watching for Orcs was ludicrous. Or would have been, I suppose, if it wasn't so frightening.
He has retreated into himself in a sulk. I am enjoying the peace and quiet.
15 February 3019
E remains quiet. Perhaps I was mistaken and he isn't sulking? I almost asked
him if he wished to talk, but changed my mind. His peculiar behavior has left
me at a loss and I am torn between trying to comfort him and staying as far
away as possible.
16 February 3019
I have managed to offend the royal seneschal once again. We were approached
by the King's guards and ordered to stand down for a search. I am used to such
dealings in Mirkwood. Apparently, no one bothered to enlighten Erestor. He puffed
himself up like a peacock and announced he was Lord Elrond's emissary. Of course,
this had no effect save to make him look arrogant and foolish.
He hasn't said a word since.
16 February 3019
Erestor the Clumsy has struck again. I did warn him not to dress in his State
Robes until after we met with King Thranduil but he refused to heed my advice.
Not only did he look silly sitting astride my steed with his robes hiked up
around his thighs, but when he went to dismount in Thranduil's courtyard, he
managed to tear his robes the length of the left seam.
I am sure King Thranduil is wondering what kind of court E runs. We have retired to prepare for dinner. Hopefully we can begin discussion of pressing business tonight and conclude tomorrow.
I wonder if Erestor contains any private messages concerning L's activities at Imladris?
I hope not. Or, if he does, I hope he has enough sense to wait until we are gone from the hall.
16 February 3019
I have been privileged to receive Lord Elrond's emissaries. Glorfindel and I
have met on many previous occasions and I have always enjoyed both his company
and his council. I have heard, of course, of the legendary Erestor but had never
before made his introduction. I am wondering now why he is such a legend.
He ripped his robes climbing off Glorfindel's great beast. He seemed nervous and distracted. I hope that he has not brought ill news concerning Legolas.
Thranduil.