Disclaimer: None of the places or characters belongs to me.
Prologue
She never failed to be mesmerized by the beauty of the elven city of Alqualonde, swan haven of Valinor.
The waters in the bay sparkled under fiery Arien, beautiful white boats fashioned after the likeness of swans were docked in the harbor, manned by skillful mariners. The boats were fashioned by craftsmen, built by the loving hands of her people, who put their soul into the making.
Alqualonde was situated near the shores, for though the Teleri were in awe of the glory and majesty of the Valar, they refused to be sundered from the sea. For their love of the music of waves upon the shores was great.
The Teleri were great minstrels, and oft hath harps at hand, playing lilting and sweet tunes, which blended with their voices, further woven into the music of the sea. And the beautiful, delightful notes portrayed the perfect harmony of it all.
She silently took in all these.
Two majestic swans settled beside her, their beaks of gold glittered, their eyes sharp and of gold and jet. One was male and the other, female. They were her protectors, and shared a bond with her that could never be broken till the end of Time itself. Osse, the Maia gave the swans, along with many others to Olwe. It was a gift shared by all the people, with the exception of the two specially given to her.
Nay, they were not given to her, they chose her from the moment she cared for them. And henceforth refused to be separated from her. Malta the male was called, meaning gold. Miril was the name of the female, meaning jewel.
"Fly, my young ones. There is no danger for me here. Find comfort in the home both of you will build together. And when the years lengthen, you may fly back to me, and I shall behold a family of little wee ones."
And so saying this the swans took flight, spreading their great wings. Two patches of white against the clear blue heavens. She gazed up at them as they disappeared, no doubt looking for a nest. And she silently bade them farewell. Yea, she would miss them sorely, but they needed to have a life of their own too, not always protecting her.
It was noontide. In her lonely mansion of pearl, she felt abandoned. Her father was oft away, attending to other matters, or brooding in silence about the sundering from their kin.
She wanted to seek company from the other groups of CalaQuendi. Of the Noldorin she yearned to know them better, for they took delight not only in music, but in craft, knowledge and the discovery of new things.
It was not as if she thought her people dull. But one could wish for a little more excitement here. To say she was content would be an outright lie. Why could'nt she be like the rest of her friends. Why was she so restless in this place which was beginning to feel more like a prison, than a home?
Her father forbade her to leave the city, though she desired much to see the rest of Valinor. All she heard of was a holy mountain called Taniquetil, and other cities, which she envisioned more splendid than Alqualonde.
One day, she vowed. One day she would leave this place and explore the rest of the Blessed Realm. And mayhap, if possible, meet the Noldorin.
She was Earwen Alquavende, swan maiden of the Teleri.
Prologue
She never failed to be mesmerized by the beauty of the elven city of Alqualonde, swan haven of Valinor.
The waters in the bay sparkled under fiery Arien, beautiful white boats fashioned after the likeness of swans were docked in the harbor, manned by skillful mariners. The boats were fashioned by craftsmen, built by the loving hands of her people, who put their soul into the making.
Alqualonde was situated near the shores, for though the Teleri were in awe of the glory and majesty of the Valar, they refused to be sundered from the sea. For their love of the music of waves upon the shores was great.
The Teleri were great minstrels, and oft hath harps at hand, playing lilting and sweet tunes, which blended with their voices, further woven into the music of the sea. And the beautiful, delightful notes portrayed the perfect harmony of it all.
She silently took in all these.
Two majestic swans settled beside her, their beaks of gold glittered, their eyes sharp and of gold and jet. One was male and the other, female. They were her protectors, and shared a bond with her that could never be broken till the end of Time itself. Osse, the Maia gave the swans, along with many others to Olwe. It was a gift shared by all the people, with the exception of the two specially given to her.
Nay, they were not given to her, they chose her from the moment she cared for them. And henceforth refused to be separated from her. Malta the male was called, meaning gold. Miril was the name of the female, meaning jewel.
"Fly, my young ones. There is no danger for me here. Find comfort in the home both of you will build together. And when the years lengthen, you may fly back to me, and I shall behold a family of little wee ones."
And so saying this the swans took flight, spreading their great wings. Two patches of white against the clear blue heavens. She gazed up at them as they disappeared, no doubt looking for a nest. And she silently bade them farewell. Yea, she would miss them sorely, but they needed to have a life of their own too, not always protecting her.
It was noontide. In her lonely mansion of pearl, she felt abandoned. Her father was oft away, attending to other matters, or brooding in silence about the sundering from their kin.
She wanted to seek company from the other groups of CalaQuendi. Of the Noldorin she yearned to know them better, for they took delight not only in music, but in craft, knowledge and the discovery of new things.
It was not as if she thought her people dull. But one could wish for a little more excitement here. To say she was content would be an outright lie. Why could'nt she be like the rest of her friends. Why was she so restless in this place which was beginning to feel more like a prison, than a home?
Her father forbade her to leave the city, though she desired much to see the rest of Valinor. All she heard of was a holy mountain called Taniquetil, and other cities, which she envisioned more splendid than Alqualonde.
One day, she vowed. One day she would leave this place and explore the rest of the Blessed Realm. And mayhap, if possible, meet the Noldorin.
She was Earwen Alquavende, swan maiden of the Teleri.