The next morning when I awoke, I didn't want to leave my bed. It was so warm and comfy, but I saw that both Tuor and Voronwë were up and looking well-rested. I sat up in bed and Voronwë informed me "we will leave soon. There is a river past the gates of silver where we can bathe and get ready to meet our escorts. It will take an hour to reach the end of the gates, but it is a half of a day's ride from the gates to the city."

"Alright, I'm packed already so we can leave quickly." I swung my legs out of the beds and tied up my boots. I didn't unpack anything from the night before so I was ready to leave. Voronwë led us out into the square courtyard from the day before. Elemmakil is there speaking to a few other elves.

When we reach him, the other elves leave and we start our journey to the next gate. It doesn't take us long to reach the next one. This one is a lower gate with a tree growing on the top. There were archers on the top dressed in white. The walls were made from silver and a white stone. We passed through and I gave a small wave to the elves who waved back. I was trying to keep my spirits up and I wanted to enjoy the day.

We walked a short distance and the cliff walls became smaller and smaller. We reached a wide-open area that let in a lot of sunlight. The large hills on each side were covered with wildflowers and trees. Farther off were high cliff walls. This seemed almost like a small valley in the mountains. A large gold gate lay ahead with a large golden tree on the top. There were also elves stationed on the top of this one as well who were dressed in gold.

Once we passed the doorway. There were numerous elves here training and laying in the grass. There was a line of archers on one side of the walkway and further up the path a great stone house lay next to a river and a bridge. The water was rushing down from a waterfall and the house seemed to be built around it.

We walked to the house and Elemmakil led us into the building. The rushing water was louder inside. We approached a hallway with doors and he said "there are a few different bathing pools for privacy. The stream runs off the cliff edge here to the main pool. We separate areas for bathing and then the water flows down the river. The water is usually quite warm as it comes from atop the cliff tops and the sun warms it up for most of the year."

He led me to the first door and told me to take my time and to meet them in the main hall. I opened and closed the door and saw a bench area with towels hanging. Further past it was wooden screens that stretched across the stream, blocking the view from others. The wooden screens went all the way to the other side of the cliff wall. I could hear the rushing waterfall in the background.

I dropped my pack on the bench and pulled out my clothes. I picked out a pair of leggings, a shirt, and a sweater that smells alright. My bra and underwear have seen better days, but at least they are clean. I stripped my old clothes and grabbed a towel and my soaps and walked towards the stream.

There are stone steps carved into the side and I walk down into the water. It was more of a lukewarm but I was happy it wasn't freezing. I took my time to wash my body and soak in the water. I took some extra time to let my shampoo sit in my hair to get all the grease out. I used up the remainder of my soaps and washed them a few times to get all the dirt off. After I finished, my skin was starting to prune and I climbed out of the stream.

The towels were as soft as the bed and soaked up the water really well. I toweled my hair and got dressed. I packed everything back up except my brush. I spent some time brushing out my tangled hair. I wrapped the strands in the towel to soak up the water as best as I could, but the towel-dried it well. Within a few minutes, my hair was only slightly damp.

I hung up the towel and pocketed my brush then left the room. I beat the boys out to the main hall which surprised me. I saw Elemmakil waiting by himself and walked over.

As I approached I said "thank you for letting us bathe. I really needed a good bath. The whole place is beautifully designed and the gates are extraordinary. Seeing as we are alone now, perhaps you could tell me what you said the other day?"

He smirked at me, but it was a pleasant one. "We can't have you in front of the king stinking all the way to Valinor. Thank you for your kind words. We Noldor take pride in our craftsmanship. I hope you will be given time to see the city, it is a beautiful place."

"As for what I said to Voronwë, I suggested that he could marry you before you got to the city. I offered my quarters for the evening, for you and Voronwë. He is a romantic though and wouldn't want your bonding to be in a guard's quarters," he said as he chuckled.

I blushed at his words. He saw and his eyes lit up with mirth. "I see that you are also affected by my words. What your companion Tuor told me is true then. Alas, I told Voronwë this morning that he should have taken my offer. It would have been better for you both to have enjoyed each other's company and spent the night exploring each other. At least for a little bit of pleasure so you don't go in front of the king proclaiming love but blushing like maidens at the mere thought."

It was my turn to blush a beat red but I was also confused. I thought the bonding ceremony was special for elves. "I thought the bonding was special? I thought you married only once for life but you're suggesting that we rush into it for the sake of our story?"

Now Elemmakil really laughed and informed me "elves that are courting or are planning to court spend private time together. A full bonding experience is saved for marriage, but elves are encouraged to explore each other and bring each other pleasure through other means. I had assumed humans were similar if not, that they had looser morals than elves. At least from the few men I have met have told me. Perhaps it is different for human women. I am not sure."

I got it now and filled that information for later. "Well that is nice to know, I guess. I can't speak for other humans but I have no desire to jump into bed with anyone. I prefer to get to know them and be committed to them before I do anything physical. Voronwë is my friend first, anything after will come with time and I won't rush it. If nothing happens between us, I don't want to lose him as a friend."

Elemmakil smiles at me now and gives me a large pat on the back. "Well said, my friend. He said something similar last night after you had fallen asleep. Voronwë has been my friend since we were children, I like to tease him from time to time. He never courted anyone when he was here, and I doubt on his travels he did either. I was surprised to see him so taken with you, but my heart is glad for him. You seem to care for him a lot so I won't tease him or you for it."

My heart is warm at his words and I ask "so any good stories from when you were kids?"

Before he can answer me Tuor walks out into the room. I hardly recognized him. His blonde hair was cleaned and combed and he was wearing his borrowed tunic. He was missing his armor and shield, but he walked over to the corner where he had dropped my tent bag and his things. While he was putting on his armor and packing up the bags Voronwë approached. I noticed Voronwë was wearing a new set of breeches and a tunic. He must have gotten some new clothes from the elves, maybe Elemmakil seeing as they are friends.

We are all packed and Voronwë is still carrying my day pack. Elemmakai led us out of the house and back down the path. We followed in comfortable silence as we crossed the bridge and walked out of the small valley.

The sun is shining on us as we reach the last gate. There are two large pillars on the cliff sides and strung in between it looks like a large metal fence. The closer we get I can see that it is made from large round pipes of steel. At the top in the center looks like a large golden helmet.

The fence opens with a call from Elemmakil and we walkthrough. I couldn't see any elves around so they must be hidden. A short distance away from the door we see a cliff edge. As we reach the edge of the cliff, I finally get the first look at Gondolin. High above I can see the large white city built upon a rocky shelf. A large white tower lies in the center of the city and high white walls surround it. Spread out below are plains of wildflowers and crops growing. There is also a large lake and fountain area in the plains. It is truly a breathtaking sight.

I am in awe of it and so is Tuor. We stare at it for a few minutes as we take it all in. It is a feat of architecture. While I'm staring at the city, I don't notice a horse and rider coming up the path.

I hear the clopping of a horse behind me and turn to see a large white and grey stallion coming towards us. An elf clad in silver and blue armor is riding the horse. He approaches us and steps down. He takes off his helmet and it sparkles in the sunlight, like a thousand glittering crystals.

When I finally look back at his face, I'm speechless. While I didn't think any of the elves could get any more attractive, I was wrong. This elf made Voronwë and Elemmakil seem dull if that was even possible. He glowed even in the sunlight and his long black hair was shiny and braided away from his face. In his hair were diamonds and jewels strung between the braids.

His face was finely sculpted, but his eyes are what really set him apart. They were a deep blue and shown with light around the iris. This must be what Voronwë was talking about before. He was quite tall and stood over my 5'8 frame easily and was even a little taller than Voronwë and Elemmakil. While those two were lean and willowy, this elf was muscular and broad.

I must have looked like a moron with my mouth hanging open and staring but this elf seemed unworldly and I couldn't look away. While I was staring he handed his helmet and shield to another elf and they both sparkled in the sunlight. When he turned to face us he gave the boys a quick once over. When his eyes met mine, a warm feeling spread around me and I fainted.