Light filtered through the trees along our path, illuminating the beauty of the famed valley that surrounded me. A glorious profusion of colour, mixed with golden sunshine and sweet scents, surrounded the flawless arches of Noldor buildings just right ahead. In all, Imladris appeared to be every bit as perfect as it was reputed to be, a veritable elven haven.

I was completely terrified.

The entire trip here had been long and lonely; hostile, suspicious Mirwood elves guarding my every move. Ai Yavanna! The Moriquendi[1] and wood elves have never been friends, and I believe my silently fuming escort would be overjoyed to abandon me at any sign that this was a mistake.

In my opinion, this was a mistake. A complete violation of my family's privacy and my personal history. The elders had mentioned "things" to the Calaquendi[2] and the rest of my community that would not be forgotten; for the rest of our immortal lives, my poor mother and I would suffer the taunting.

The Elders had said it was for the best; for the forbidden part of my illegitimate heritage, for training my "healing" gifts and mind..and for avenging my twin. I can feel my face burning with suppressed tears; I refuse to cry. This mistake is for my mother, for my twin; for my only family. I refuse to cry. I refuse to show any weakness to them, of all elves. I believe I can do this.

There is silence all around me. One of them is glaring, visually forcing down bile; we have reached the gate.

This is all a mistake, and I am terrified.

----------------------- [1] Moriquendi refers to the Nandor and Sindar who never reached Valinor as well as the Avari (those who refused to go to Valinor) [2] Calaquendi refers to the Vanyar, Noldor, and some Teleri (all the elves who did reach Valinor)