Suilad. I am Glorfindel of Gondolin. The loremasters say that I died after killing a Balrog when my white city fell. They teach that I was reborn to protect the line of Turgon; but they do not know the truth. I want the truth to be known, 'ere I return to Valinor at the beginning of the Fourth Age, The Age of Man. As I prepare to board the great white ship, I reflect upon my life, death, rebirth, and both my life and purpose in Arda.
My story begins as I leave Valinor and cross the Helcarax. I am not a kinslayer, but I must suffer their punishment, indeed, their exile because I chose to follow my cousin in loyalty. I can not say exactly why I chose to follow him, except that I felt deep within my fea that he had noble purpose. As we crossed the ice, Manwe warned us of the exile that would be imposed should we go further; but what is not known is that he mind-spoke with me and urged me to follow this path. If I was loyal to the truth and followed the will of the Valar, I would be held blameless in the great circle. My destiny was committed by this private knowledge and I followed Turgon over the frozen wasteland. We both lost much as we crossed the bleak ice – he, his wife, and me, my family in Valinor. The queen waits in Mandos' halls for such a time as Turgon is forgiven, but for me, my family was lost the moment I chose to leave. Someday, they would learn the truth of my sacrifice, and we would be reunited.
Author's Note: This story should be published in entirety within the next two days. For those readers that are following Corpsman, Up!, this story offers a back fill to Glorfindel's character. I appreciate any and all reviews and am researching through Encyclopedia of Arda.