By the Light of the Two Trees

by blue-eyed-shuichi

Long before he was known as Gandalf, Olorin the Maia walked among the elves in Valinor unseen. But a troubling vision leads to taking the physical form of an elf. Will he find the answers he seeks or was it all just a bad dream? Story takes place around events in Silmarillion,Hobbit,and LOTR books and movies. Gandalf and Galadriel pairing.

1. Chapter 1

Greetings! This is my first foray into the massive and complex world of Tolkien. I do not claim to be a master of all of the lore, but I have done my best to study the information pertaining to the world I want to write about. If you have clicked onto this story it is because, like me, you were intrigued by the scenes between Gandalf and Galadriel in the Hobbit movies and felt there was a very deep connection between the pair. Possibly of a romantic nature and that is what I want to explore in this story. How they first meet, how they become friends and bond and the later trials and tribulations as the story goes from the Tree Years on Valinor until the end of the Third age and the beginning of the Fourth. It is a lot of ground to cover and will be several chapters long. Of course, this story falls under the category of AU since there is little to go on prior to the third age between Gandalf and Galadriel.

However, even though this story is AU in nature there will be parts that are book compliant. For those who know only of the movies, why have you not read the books? They're awesome! Ahem, anyway, some notes will be provided at the end of this first chapter for those who may be confused about certain characters or places within Valinor, or the Undying lands as it is often called in the movies. Anyway, onto the story!

Title: By the Light of the Two Trees

Rating: Teen. Violence and dark themes. Some romance.

Type: AU Adventure/Romance

Pairing: Gandalf and Galadriel

Disclaimer: I own no part or parcel of Tolkien's books nor the movies. This is merely for fun.

Chapter 1- Maranwe

Darkness pressed around him. Each step brought more pain. The hatred and the anger hit like blows from a hammer, slamming into him, driving him down to his knees. Voices hissed in the sea of black, mocking him in a language he did not quite understand and he covered his ears to block the sounds out. But the void was too strong to overcome and he curled into a ball, the pain nearly unbearable, his strength fading, when his ears picked up a different voice calling out to him.

"Feangol …"

The voice was soft and feminine and his brow furrowed in confusion. The name was unknown to him and he thought it a trick, so he shut the voice out, still writhing in pain.

"Feangol …" The voice called out again, stronger this time and he felt compelled to listen.

"Feangol … Don't be afraid … Look at me …"

Despite the uncertainty, he opened his eyes, blinking as a light flared in his line of vision, illuminating the void, drawing his attention, even as the dark voice hissed it's displeasure and pressed down harder upon him. "Rehta!" He screamed, his voice unrecognizable as he was tormented by the darkness, the fear threatening to overtake him.

"Feangol!" The light cried, concern and love weaved within it's words. "Come back to me! Do not give in! Come back to me! Come back to the light!"

Despite the pain and the fear, he drew strength from the light and shifted onto his stomach, clawing his way forward, trying to escape the darkness, gasping as the void hissed and grabbed at his legs, tugging violently in an attempt to drag him back into the sea of black.

But the light would not be denied and it exploded, washing over his suffering form, caressing the pain away as he fell into the arms of a tall, beautiful elf-maiden. Silver sparkled in her hair, weaved within the tresses of gold and he found her azure eyes searching his own.

"Feangol …" She whispered lovingly, leaning down to kiss his crown.

He felt strength return to him, his heart filled with joy upon being in her presence. "Melda heri …" He murmured reverently, drawing a smile from the elf-maiden.

"It is alright … He cannot harm you here … Not as long as the light of the trees remain …"

He felt warmth then, his gaze shifting to follow hers, fixated upon the glow that illuminated the twilight, finding comfort there, only to widen his eyes as a monstrous shape took form, blocking the light of the trees. Massively long legs ripped into the bark, piercing the light, absorbing it's power, throwing Valinor into darkness. Evil eyes darted about, focusing on the shocked pair and the form leapt, jaws open wide, twin fangs glistening, ready to devour them and with a burst of strength, he turned in the maiden's arms, shielding her as the form slammed into them.

Pain flared in his back, his body broken, the light fading from his eyes, the terror and grief visible on the elf-maiden's face, as she reached up to clutch his face. "No … Feangol, no, no, no!"

"No!" Olórin cried, bolting awake, disorientated as his eyes darted around, the beat of his heart erratic as he tried to focus his will. This was the fourth time since his travel near the land of Avathar that the Maia had such a troubling vision. Or was it merely a bad dream? His own power to give dreams of hope and to give comfort to those in need had done little good for his own worries and doubts.

So he had sought to find rest within the Gardens of Lórien, home of the Vala Irmo, whom Olórin had learned much from in the realm of dreams and hope. "Lórien …" The Maia murmured, his ears picking up the gentle gurgling sounds of a nearby fountain, confirming he was indeed upon the grounds of his original home. The lovely song of nightingales and the soft red glow of the Fumellar brought some comfort to him. A light breeze danced within the boughs of the silver willows that lined around the fountain, the leaves shivering with joy at the wind's touch and the Maia tilted his head back, the glory of Varda's stars visible, the pinpoints of light bringing a smile to his face and for a moment he lost himself in Lórien's beauty and splendor.

Still, Olórin could not shake the feeling of doom that plagued his dreams of late and he shifted, moving towards the fountain and peered down, troubled blue eyes reflecting back up at him. Long blond hair framed his handsome face and he reached up, touching his smooth jaw, confirming that he was indeed still Olórin and not the silver-haired elf, Feangol.

But who was Feangol? Why had the Maia dreamt that he was a wounded eldar? What was this darkness that had tried to consume him? His thoughts shifted to the elf-maiden who had rescued him. Who was she? Why did he continue to dream of her? Why did he feel compelled to seek her out? A odd pang erupted in his chest and the Maia lifted his hand, resting it above his heart and his brow furrowed. Why did the thought of not finding her hurt his heart so?

Olórin felt the presence of a great power and a fair face appeared in the pool beside his own and he turned, bowing his head, his voice soft and apologetic. "My lord, Irmo. I am sorry for not acknowledging you sooner. I hope I have not disturbed your gardens in any way."

Irmo smiled, his voice soothing and friendly. "Do not worry, old friend, I am not offended. But your dream came to my mind and I sensed your distress. When I could not reach you through thought, I felt something was wrong so I came personally to make sure you had awakened and nothing terrible had occurred to your spirit or form."

"Terrible?" Olórin murmured, studying the Ainu in concern. "So this recurring dream is more than a simple nightmare?"

Irmo met his Maia's gaze, nodding. "It was much more than a dream as it came not from me but from something or someone outside my sphere of influence. Therefore the meaning of it is unknown to me, though the vision is not entirely of a darker nature. The elf-maiden that rescued you in your dream. I feel she is more than symbolic. There is some connection you have or will have with her that will overcome whatever darkness that is troubling you."

Olórin's brow furrowed. In his lifetime upon Arda, the Maia had spent ages among the eldar, unseen, giving visions of comfort and hope to the first born of Ilúvatar. He had a special fondness for the elves, learning of their customs and rituals, sharing bits of his own knowledge with them but never had he felt as strong of a connection as he did for an elf-maiden he had never met. "Then do you know of her?" He asked, hoping the Master of Desires and Dreams could guide him on the correct path. "Does she exist in Valinor?"

Irmo tilted his head. "I cannot say with certainty that your she-elf is in the same form as the one in your dream. It is possible she roams within this land, but it is also possible that she has yet to enter this world."

Disappointment filled the blond Maia and the Ainu sensed it, focusing his gaze on the younger being. "She has affected you greatly, though you do not even know of her."

Olórin looked away. "I don't know how to explain it. I feel connected to her. As if I was this Feangol and she …" His voice trailed off, hesitant to admit to such personal emotions.

"Loved you?" Irmo finished for him.

"But that cannot be." Olórin said with a shake of his head. "I am no elf and even when I use a fanar, it is only a veil. I have never been allowed to become incarnate and I have never desired to become a truly physical being."

"Yet now you feel compelled to ask for such a rare gift?"

The Maia frowned, peering back down to the water, the stars reflecting on it's calm surface. "It is strange I know. But there is something plaguing my mind. Some darkness that lingers that I feel I must try and stop. That this recurring nightmare is a warning sign of some impending doom and I must take physical form to better understand it's nature."

Concern flashed upon the dark haired Vala's features at the implication of the Maia's words. "You think the darkness that affected your dream is connected to Valinor itself?"

"I do not know." Olórin answered, confusion and doubt filling him. "Melkor is serving his sentence but will be released soon. Manwë believes he can be reformed but what if it's untrue?"

Irmo quirked an eyebrow at his old pupil's words, surprised at how like minded Olórin was to Oromë, Ulmo, and Tulkas given the Maia's tutelage under Nienna, the Ainu of Mercy and Grief. True Melkor had committed dark deeds, but he was serving his just punishment. Who was Irmo to disagree with the will of Manwë? Still, something dark was affecting the Maia. Something that Irmo could not fathom or understand. "Perhaps this dream of darkness is related to your concern over Melkor's release?"

"Perhaps." Olórin conceded, though his heart felt it was more than that.

The Ainu's features turned thoughtful. "This recurring nightmare has truly affected you, Olórin. I believe there is something at work here that no amount of my council will solve. It is, however, something that Manwë and Varda might be able to decipher." He paused, tilting his head back, his eyes upon the starlight within his realm. "I will petition on your behalf and together we will go to Taniquetil and in the halls of Ilmarin we should find the answers you seek."

Olórin felt worry grow in his heart. "I do not wish to cause any upset among the Valar with my concerns and distress."

"This could be a prophetic message meant for you alone, Olórin. If it is the will of Eru to bring you before the council of the lord and lady of the Valar, you cannot ignore it. If that means you take physical form to stop whatever might occur than it will be so."

The Maia gave a bow of his head, trepidation filling him, even as he spoke in a calm tone. "I will go with you even though I fear it will all come to naught."

Irmo nodded then vanished, leaving the Maia alone to his thoughts, Olórin wondering how his vision would be interpreted by the Valar.

And so when the time came for Olórin to depart with Irmo, the pair gathered on the edge of the Garden of Lórien and journeyed East, near the city of Valmar, the musical ringing of the bells drawing a smile from the Maia's more somber expression. The Light of the Two Trees grew brightest as they edged closer to the hill of Ezellohar and Olórin gazed up in awe that was Telperion the silver and Laurelin the gold. The Maia was well versed in the origins of the Two Trees. It was his tutor, Nienna, that had cried the tears that watered Ezellohar, assisting the Vala Yavanna, she that is queen of earth, and whose song brought Telperion and Laurelin's into existence. So he had special fondness for the towering trees of silver and gold. His joy at being so close to the Two Trees brought back the reason for his journey and he frowned, the image of the monstrous being devouring the light was jolting and he stopped, craning his head back further to study the massive boughs that twined above the trunks of silver and gold.

Irmo sensed the Maia's concern and he paused, turning to walk back to the younger being. "There is great worry in your heart over the trees, Olórin. But we should not linger. Manwë and Varda await us in Ilmarin."

Olórin nodded, bringing his gaze downward, following the Ainu along the path that led to the base of Taniquetil. Here lived many of the Vanyar, elves of fair hair, and the Maia studied many of the female faces, searching for the elf-maiden from his vision, for she would have to come from such a bloodline to have the golden hair witnessed in his dream. Alas, none matched what he knew and the Maia continued on, just behind Irmo, making themselves visible to the eldar, singing out greetings as they were welcomed.

It was a long winding road that led up to the top of the great mountain, trees giving way to stone where newly fallen snow dusted the pathway and more than once, Olórin thought he would slip and fall. But the notion was met with irritation from within his own mind. He was a Maia and could not be killed by a mere fall. Silver light illuminated the snow capped peak where Ilmarin, hall of Manwë and Varda, lay and they waited before the gate, entering as the doors opened, stars lighting their way as they stepped forward and down the hallway, coming to a stop before the throne of the Lord and Lady of Valinor.

Blue was their raiment, matching the pair of eyes that watched them approach and the Maia came to a stop beside Irmo, his head bowed in reverence as the Master of Dreams spoke.

"Greetings Lord Manwë and Lady Varda. I trust all is well with you?"

Olórin silently observed the small band of metal that lay upon the flaxen crown of Manwë, noting how he shifted the sapphire staff in his right hand to his left, motioning out with his arm in greeting, his voice warm and deep. "Lord Irmo, it has been some time since our last meeting. All is well here, but it seems the Maia has been troubled as of late."

Olórin felt the stare of the Lord of the Valar a bit unnerving but still, he lifted his gaze to meet it, his own voice as humble as he felt. "Forgive me, my lord. I did not mean to cause you worry over my affairs. But I am indeed troubled and in need of answers."

"So my wife has told me, Olórin." Manwë replied, turning his gaze to Varda who spoke.

"Irmo relayed your recurring nightmare." The Lady of Stars began, the light of Ilúvatar giving radiance to her beauty as she studied the Maia she herself had named. "I believe it is right of you to worry about the meaning of your vision. It is full of a darkness that is unknown to us as I have never seen or heard of such a creature capable of destroying the Two trees. The action may be symbolic of the concern you have over the pending release of Melkor. However, that does not mean that such a being doesn't exist. Perhaps we could consult Oromë on the matter of the fell creature. As to the other question of who Feangol and the elf-maiden were, the answers you seek cannot be found here, but I sense you already know what it is you must do."

"You see much, my lady." Olórin replied, his blue eyes meeting her own. "And you know my mind and my heart. It is true that I have lingering doubts about the release of Melkor from his bondage, but that is due to his destructive nature. Perhaps I am worrying too much, but I cannot ignore what I have seen. Something terrible will happen and I know not of any other than Melkor that carries that darkness within him."

"My brother has done many great and terrible things," Manwë began, coming to the defense of Melkor, though his voice was soft and sincere. "And for that he is serving his just punishment. When he is released, he will have learned the error of his ways. He will be changed and we will all be the better for it."

The Maia did not protest, understanding Manwë's reasoning, for his tutor, Nienna, also believed Melkor should be allowed to roam free once his sentence was completed. "It is as you say, my lord."

Manwë tapped his fingers upon the armrest of his throne, features thoughtful. "As to your dark vision, perhaps that has more to do with Mairon. I seemed to recall the two of you did not get along so well."

Olórin's jaw flexed a bit at the mention of Mairon, remembering the time when the former student of Aulë "accidentally" let go of the hammer he was using to forge a weapon for Eönwë, Lord of the Maia, sending it rocketing backwards, nearly hitting Olórin in the process. The dark haired Maia had apologized but the gleam of malice in his eyes told Olórin that Mairon relished the aggressive action. A spark of fear ignited within Olórin's heart and from that point on, the blond Maia had avoided Mairon whenever possible. So it came as no surprise when his fellow Maia fell from greatness, following the corrupting call of Melkor, becoming Sauron, fleeing to Middle Earth, never to be seen upon the shores of Valinor again.

Still, it bothered Olórin to have his thoughts and his vision questioned. "I cannot say with certainty my vision truly means. I only know that I feel …" He paused, trying to find the right words to express what he desired to explain. "I feel that I must do something and I do not believe that I can achieve the solution as I currently am."

Manwë frowned. "As you currently are? So is it true that you wish to become incarnate? Do you really believe you can find the answers you seek as an elf?"

The Maia opened his mouth to speak but the Lord of the Valar lifted his hand in a silent motion and the younger being obeyed, allowing Manwë to continue. "Valinor is a peaceful realm. I do not think any harm will befall it's children. At least nothing to necessitate you taking physical form at this time."

Sadness welled in the heart of Olórin and he lowered his gaze to hide the pain that was upon his face.

Varda felt the Maia's grief and the loss he felt, knowing the compelling nature of his dream and desire to find the one who had rescued him from darkness. So she sent up a prayer to Eru, finding the answer she knew he would give and with a soft touch, the Lady of Stars reached out to still her husband's tapping fingers, her eyes warm and her tone gentle. "Olórin?"

The blond Maia raised his head, noting the look of compassion upon the female Ainu's glowing features and he found his voice, though it was nearly child-like in quality. "Yes, my lady?"

"I know what it is you desire to do. Long you have been a faithful and humble servant to all who have asked of your assistance. Nienna has taught you well," She paused, her features a bit more somber as she continued. "But Olórin, you must realize that it is no simple thing, becoming a truly physical being. If you decide to become the elf Feangol that was in your vision, your power will diminish. You will age as an elf, feel what an elf feels, and you may even suffer a physical death. It is possible your memories will fade and you will no longer be able to become a true Maia again."

Her words struck a chord with his doubt and for a moment he hesitated to speak but at last he found his voice and the strength of his conviction was mighty as he replied. "I understand the risks. Believe me when I say I do not make such a decision lightly, but nor can I ignore my heart and my will to follow through with this. I will do whatever is required to find the answers I seek. If that means I must become incarnate, then so will it be."

Varda smiled, sharing the answer to her prayer to Ilúvatar with her husband silently, the Lord of the Valar nodding, though he felt the need to ask one last question.

"So you truly do wish to go through with this?"

Olórin straightened his frame at the sound of Manwë's voice. "Yes, my lord."

"Very well." Manwë replied. "Your request has been granted. Eru Ilúvatar has answered Varda's prayer for you. You will be given a physical form. The form of the elf in your vision. You will become Feangol. Good luck, Olórin. Know that the wishes of your lord and lady go with you."

Olórin bowed his head in honor and gratitude as a wave of power washed over him, altering his shape. Silver replaced gold, his ears more pointed as solid mass took over his spiritual form. The light of his own power dimmed, though flecks of it remained in the vibrancy of his blue eyes. He felt sleep overtake him then and he went into a deep trance, straying out of thought and time.

Why am I wet? He wondered some time later, his body unmoving and unresponsive. His brow furrowed, the cry of seagulls above insistent, as if to prod him to awaken and he felt the sudden touch of a warm hand upon his shoulder and a voice, child-like and full of concern, spoke in his ear.

"Are you all right?"

His eyelids fluttered open, blinking slowly as his vision cleared, finding a girl with blond hair and curious blue eyes looking down at him.

"Hello." She said with a smile.

The language was Elvish, Noldorin for the most part with a few Telerin inflections and he was pleased he could understand her words, though a small bit of him wondered why he would not. "Hello." He replied, asking, "Where am I?"

The girl tilted her head as she studied the elf before her. His hair was silver, like her mother's and she knew he was a Teleri elf. But it was not his hair that drew her attention but the strength of his blue eyes. They sparkled like sapphires, deep blue in hue and full of mystery. There was power in this strange boy but she indulged his question. "You are on the shores of Valinor." She answered, eyes and voice a bit concerned as she asked, "Did you fall on your head?"

Groaning, he shifting to a sitting position, wincing at the pain that flared in his head. Reaching up he grabbed his forehead. "I.. I do not think so." The sound of waves met his ears then, the sensation of water lapping at his bare feet drew his attention and he frowned at how small they looked. Memories returned to him as he recalled a different form. "I am a child." He grumbled, blinking at the soft laugh of the girl beside him.

"You're very astute for one so young." She teased, her laughter deepening at his pout.

"You look no older than me."

The girl's laughter subsided, though there was a twinkle in her eye. "Because I am not." She took a seat beside him, turning to face him as she spoke. "I am Artanis. Daughter of Finarfin and Eärwen." She introduced herself, making a motion with her hand from her heart towards him, the customary first greeting of elves and he panicked a bit, for he was not what he seemed and had no father or mother name to draw on. His eyes darted quickly down to the sand, spying a seashell and he mimicked her arm motion, voice soft. "I am Halvon and my family is far away."

"Halvon, hmm?" She said with a soft smile.

He nodded, though another name came to him and as he remembered more and more of the eldar's customs. "But I prefer to go by my chosen name of Feangol."

"Soul wise?" She replied, liking the meaning of his name. "I can see why you prefer such a name. It's strong and true."

He felt heat in his cheeks and he reached up in wonderment, blinking at her laugh and he looked back towards the sea, voice soft. "Your words honor me, my lady."

"You said your family was far away," Artanis said, voice soft as her brow furrowed. "Does that mean you are alone?"

Olórin, now Feangol, smiled. "I am never truly alone." He answered softly, tilting his head back, eyes twinkling with happiness as he began to understand truly how an elf felt and spoke. "The stars alight the night, the sea sings to me of adventure and the land welcomes me with it's warmth. I go where the wind goes and dance to the sound of it's voice."

Artanis studied the boy, fascinated by his words. There was something different about him. Something that made her want to get to know him better. "You say it well, Feangol of the sea and stars."

Heat flared across his pale cheeks once again at her gentle laugh and wondered what this emotion was that he felt. A shy smile tugged at his lips and he found her voice and laughter pleasing. "I'm just Feangol. No title is necessary."

The girl's smile remained. "So what else do you know of the world, Feangol? What whispers of the wind and the stars do you hear with your Elvish ears?"

Olórin closed his eyes, focusing his power, becoming in tune with the elements, voice musical as he began to sing:

Long I have searched for the maiden fair

Eyes of azure and golden of hair

The glow of the Two Trees cannot compare

To the towering lady of light and air

Her voice calls to me

Deeper and more powerful than the sea

Though I am far from royalty

I vow to serve her loyally

But now she is far away

So I beg and I pray

Soon will come a day

When she will always stay

I make a place for her in my heart

So that we will never be apart

Oh, I want to go back to the start

Before she had to depart

To the world beyond the shore

To a darkness I abhor

The light of her I implore

To return for evermore

Come back to me, my lady

Stay with me for eternity

And I will love you faithfully

Under the stars and the sea

His voice trailed off, his eyelids slowly opening, finding the intense gaze of Artanis studying him.

"I have not heard that song before. Where did you learn of it?"

Feangol's brow furrowed. "I cannot say. Perhaps it was the wind that whispered it to me."

"I think not." Artanis replied, for she found the song sad and beautiful, the emotion of Feangol in his words and his expression were palpable to her and it affected her heart, though she could not say why. "That came from you, Feangol. The Teleri have the sweetest and most beautiful voices. Why should yours not also be sweet and beautiful?"

Feangol favored her with a smile. "Your words honor me, my lady."

Artanis crooked an eyebrow at the formal usage of his words. "Are you sure you're not from royalty? You talk like a prince."

"I am no one of consequence." The Maia, now elf, replied. "I am just Feangol."

Artanis doubted that but she said nothing, a playful smile on her lips. "Well, just Feangol. Since my mother is visiting my grandfather in Alqualondë, I am free to explore the shore. Would you care to join me?"

Feangol found himself rising to stand before her, finding her smile infectious. She was taller than him and her intricately detailed white dress was unmarred by the sand. The girl seemed not to care that he was dressed in simple brown pants with no shoes or shirt and he chased after her when she tagged him and took off running, forgetting his cares for the moment, content in the learning the joys of childhood.

And there is the first chapter, longer than the next ones shall be but I hope you enjoyed it. Do leave a few lines if it pleases you. It certainly would please me as reviews motivate me to write faster and this story has helped to ease some of my depression. The poem contained within is indeed my own and I hope it wasn't too corny. Thank you for reading! Now onto notes in order of appearance in the chapter!

Maranwe-Destiny in Quenya

Feangol- The name of the elf Gandalf was in his dark dream and the name he chose to use when granted the physical form of an elf.

Rehta!- Help in Quenya, language of the High Elves

Melda heri- Beloved Lady in Quenya

Two Trees-The trees that lit the world of Valinor. The silver tree was called Telperion and was male. The golden tree was called Laurelin and was female. I kind of think of Gandalf and Galadriel in this way.. Silver and Gold..

Olórin- Gandalf's true name. Given to him by the Lady Varda. Close to the word dreamer in meaning as he had the ability to give hope and comfort to those in dreams or in his presence alone.

Valinor-The undying lands. Home of the Valar, Maiar, and the Eldar.

Eldar-Race of elves.

Garden of Lorien-Place of rest and home of Irmo, Master of Desires and Dreams.

Avathar- A land in shadow and darkness on the southeast coast of Valinor.

Maia- A being of a lesser degree than a Vala but still very powerful. Vassals, pupils, and servants for their perspective Vala. Gandalf is a Maia. Spirits that can be seen or unseen and are humanoid in appearance, though they can take other shapes as well.

Vala-A Power of the will of Eru Ilúvatar . God-like but not Gods themselves. Those who descended from the heavens and into Arda or Earth. Very powerful but not omnipotent. Spiritual in form that can be seen or unseen and are humanoid in appearance in accordance to their personalities but can take other shapes as well. Also called Ainur or Ainu.

Irmo-Master of Desires and Dreams. His gardens are the most beautiful of Valinor an spirits and elves come there to rest and find peace. Gandalf originally worked under Irmo before being tutored by Nienna in the understanding of humility, pity, and patience. His wife is Este and she sleeps on an island in the middle of lake Lorien by which Irmo is also known.

Fumellar- Poppies that emit a soft red light in the Garden of Lorien.

Varda- Lady of all the Valar and Manwë's wife. Created the stars for the elves and is loved most of all by the eldar. She hears the prayers and lamentations of the children of Ilúvatar.

Eru Ilúvatar - God. The creator of all. Who brought the Valar and Maiar into existence with his thought and sent the Valar out to create the world of Arda through music.

Arda- Earth.

Melkor- He who arises in Might. The first and strongest of all Ainur or Valar. Sought to corrupt the world and claimed it as his birthright, thinking himself equal to Eru. Serving a sentence for his dark deeds while in Middle Earth.

Orome- Vala of the Hunt, great in his anger and does not trust Melkor.

Ulmo- The Vala of the Sea who despises Melkor and loves the elves.

Tulkas- Vala of strength. Physically the strongest of all Valar. Laughs in the face of war or sport and fights with his bare hands. Does not trust Melkor.

Nienna- A Vala and the Lady of Sadness and Grief. Her tears helped the two trees come into being. Teacher of Gandalf's. She has no mate.

Fanar-Veil or disguise, not a true physical form

Incarnate- To take on a physical form

Manwë- Melkor's younger brother. Lord of all Valar and he who understands Eru's will most of all. He does not, however, understand the nature of evil and pardons his brother after his imprisonment with dire consequences to follow.

Tanquetil- The highest mountain in Valinor and the world. The home of the Vanyar and the Lord and Lady of the Valar.

Ilmarin-The hall of Manwë and Varda where they can see and hear the entirety of the world.

Valmar-City of Bells and home to the Vanyar, the first and highest of elves. They are the only elves to sport golden blond hair and are closest to the Valar.

Ezellohar-Mound from which the two trees sprung up and grew. Near the city of Valmar.

Yavanna- Vala and Lady of Earth. Brought the two trees into existence with her song and Nienna's tears.

Mairon- Maia who was a student of Aule before he fell into the corrupting force of Melkor, and became a spy for the dark lord, fleeing to Middle Earth before he was discovered and became Sauron, the lieutenant to Melkor, or Morgoth as he would become known.

Aule- Valar of smithing. A great craftsman and he who brought the Dwarves into being. The Dwarves were not created by Eru but he allowed them to live, though they would not awaken until after the elves and close to when Man would awaken in Middle Earth.

Eonwe-Lord of the Maia and bearer of arms.

Noldor-Dark haired elves and great craftsmen. The first of the elves to make armor and swords in Valinor. Galadriel's father, Finarfin, is half Noldor.

Teleri- Singers, seafarers, and ship builders. The most numerous of all elves. Hair colors range from pale blond, white, silver, to dark in hue.

Finarfin-Son of Finwe, Who was king of the Noldor. His mother was Indis, a Vanyar, and through her, he and his children sported the only golden haired Noldor in existence.

Earwen-Wife of Finarfin and mother of Galadriel. A Teleri Princess and only daughter to Olwe, King of the Teleri.

Artanis- Noble woman. Galadriel's father name.

Father name- The first name given to an elven child.

Mother name-The name given to an elven child by the mother once she had learned of their temperament and personality.

Chosen name- The name an elf chooses to call themselves when they have a mastery of Quenya. Usually around 10-12 years old and up.

Halvon- Seashell. Gandalf's quickly created father name.

Alqualondë-City of the Teleri. Made in a natural rock harbor. Olwe rules his people from here and many ships are moored in it's bay.

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