Author's Note - Please, please, please reread the Prologue!! (Unless you
remember the silver rings then you have read the new prologue!) I am
begging you as I have changed some rather important things in it! For that
I apologize. I am in Good - Writer - Doing- Research mode now and am
rectifying a few things! As the prologue was indeed short it shouldn't
take you long to peruse it once again. Again my most heartfelt apologies,
but this story will be better for my changes!
Thoughts in : :
Chapter 1 - The Gift
Small golden bells chimed merrily as the seven horses trotted down the beaten path that ran through the northern part of the forest. Great oaks and silvery beech trees lined their way, shafts of sunlight danced through the interlacing branches. Butterflies darted in the stands of wild daisies and celandine; the air was alive with birdsong and the droning of bees. Deeper in the forest pale mushrooms rose amidst the dark glistening ferns. No longer was this place called Taur-e-Ndaedelos, the Forest of Great Fear; nor Taur-nu-Fuin, the Forest Under Night. Mirkwood had indeed become Eryn Lasgalen, the Wood of Greenleaves.
The Elves had ridden in silence for a time, admiring the beauty about them, a beauty quite different from their home in Imladris. It was even different from Lorien. Each of the Elven realms held diverse beauties, each reflecting the hearts of the Elves that inhabited them. It was the sense of pervading peace that made them truly akin to one another.
Elrond, Lord of Imladris, rode at the head of the procession. His long dark hair spilled down the back of his maroon riding tunic, held in place by a silver circlet. The light grey-green traveling cloaks they had worn were packed away as the sun rose high in the summer sky. Elrond's dark blue eyes surveyed his surroundings with pleasure. A great work had been done here during and after the War of the Ring.
After fending off assaults on Lorien by Sauron's minions from Dol Guldur, Celeborn and Galadriel crossed Anduin with their people and cleansed southern Mirkwood, long a stronghold of the Dark Lord. They chased and slaughtered his evil creatures and Galadriel tore down the walls of the vile fortress and cleansed the foul pits below it.
Thranduil had fought his own battles in the north. After much destruction and a great ruin of fire he managed to gain the victory for his own realm. On the Elven New Years Day Celeborn and Thranduil met in the midst of the forest, which would no longer be known as Mirkwood. The northern area of Eryn Lasgalen stayed Thranduil's realm, the mountains being his southern border. Celeborn took the southern region below the Narrows. Between the two Elven realms the land was given to the Beornings and the Woodsmen.
The path they traveled on now was once the road trod by Thorin and Company as they passed east on their way to the Erebor to reclaim what the Dragon Smaug had taken from them. But the path was much changed. No spider webs hemmed it in and sunlight sparkled along the ground. It was a pleasant ride to the realm of the Wood Elf king now.
Glorfindel sat straight in the saddle, his own blue riding tunic falling gracefully about him. His handsome face was peaceful, his blue eyes serenely fixed on the road ahead of him. He could feel the gazes of the twins on his back as they talked quietly to one another, speaking now of the hunting to be had here. They hoped to ride out with Prince Legolas and the Dwarf Gimli to explore the forest more fully after they arrived at Thranduil's palace. Though their words spoke of game and bows and adventures to be had, he knew they were wondering what he was thinking.
A slight smile touched his lips and he leaned forward to stroke Asfaloth's snowy neck. The twins fell silent and then the inevitable question came.
"Lord Glorfindel, why are you taking Princess Laerlend a bush?" Blue eyes moved to the packhorse that carried large baskets on either side of its flanks. One bore the things they needed for the trip: food, cookware, small bundles of kindling and water flasks; and their "fancy" clothes as the twins called the outfits they would all don for their arrival at Thranduil's palace. The other held only a small bush with silvery green leaves, small sprays of delicate silver-blue flowers dripping from the slender branches.
Glorfindel's dark gold brows rose. This was not what he had anticipated.
"I have told you the history of the bush, Elladan, have I not?"
Elladan suppressed a sigh and turned to his brother, who smiled and shrugged, his look clearly stating : You had to ask, didn't you. :
"Yes." And knowing that one simple word would not prove a sufficient answer he drew a breath, feeling that he was once again forced to recite history before an exacting audience. It was all he could do to resist pulling on his long ebony hair, as was his wont when giving an oration.
Curon and Tellenlagor, the last two members of the party, grinned at one another. They too had studied under the ancient Elf's tutelage.
"Celebnellath the Silver Bell bushes were grown in Gondolin, the Hidden City and none were more beautiful than those grown in the garden of Lady Idril, daughter of Turgon and Elenwe; wife of Tuor, son of Huor and Rian. The delicate scent of their flowers ever filled the summer air and their gentle chiming was as enchanting as birdsong."
Glorfindel smiled as Elrond turned to look at him with laughter dancing in his eyes. Then his gaze passed to his son.
"You should have become a bard, Elladan. You have quite a golden tongue," Imladris' lord said. "I am certain that a place could be gotten for you at any court you chose. I know that your sister and Estel would welcome you any time."
Elladan said nothing, merely rolling his eyes eloquently skyward as he continued.
"When the Lady Idril perceived that the doom of their fair city was drawing nigh she gathered seeds from her beloved Celebnellath and kept them always with her near to her heart, wishing to keep something of the beauty of her beloved city with her after its vanishing. 'Ere the first assault she could be seen in her garden, weeping silently, her slim fingers bidding them farewell."
Glorfindel's eyes grew distant. That was not a time that he often dwelt on, his first life in Arda. But now he found himself recalling the splendor that was Gondolin, his home. The music of its many falls and fountains sang in his ears and his vision filled with the white towers skillfully carved, so slender and delicate like trees themselves; the fair houses and courts filled with a profusion of flowers; the towering trees filled with the sound of birds; the wide, stone paved streets kerbed with marble. And rising amidst this magnificence was the king's palace, its tower rising above the rest of the city. Before its doors a great fountain shot sprays of water twenty fathoms and seven into the clear air, the glistening droplets cascading back into the water making a music all their own. Two trees flanked the doors of Turgon's palace, one bearing blossoms of gold and the other of silver. These trees' glory never faded for they were shoots of the Trees of Valinor: Laurelin the Golden and White Telperion. The Gondolindrim named their trees Glingol and Bansil. White birds inhabited the branches filling the air about the palace with the sweetest of songs.
But of all the glories of Gondolin, Glorfindel treasured the Celebnellath best. They reminded him of the Lady Idril: beautiful, graceful, and rare. She had been as glorious to behold as the dawn, or the night sky studded with stars. Her courage and bravery adorned her as a crown. She was called Idril Talceleb - Idril Silver Feet - as she went barefooted more oft than not and her long hair always hung freely about her, like a cloak of sunlight. Gracing the golden locks were her Silver Bells.
Glorfindel shook his head slightly, suddenly aware of the eyes fastened on him. How long he had been lost in his reverie he knew not.
"'Tis a fitting gift," he said after a moment. "A rare treasure of Gondolin given to my bride to be." The words felt strange on his tongue. He had never contemplated marriage before this, he was content with what his life was. His position in Imladris had not allowed for a visit to Eryn Lasgalen ere now, and to find himself about to be betrothed was rather disconcerting.. "It shows that I hold her in highest esteem." He finished quietly, his fingers twining absently in Asfaloth's mane.
Elrond studied his old friend, knowing well the misgivings he must harbor. It was an unusual thing to marry two that hadn't chosen one another in love. But by doing this the three Elven Realms of Middle Earth would be more truly united to one another. Lorien and Imladris had been joined by blood in the marriage of Celeborn and Galadriel's daughter Celebrian to Elrond. And now Thranduil's realm would be united to Imladris by the marriage of the Wood Elf King's daughter to Lord Glorfindel, second in power only to Elrond himself.
: Perhaps I should not have asked this of him. He has never refused me anything and mayhap I took advantage of that, : he thought, his dark brows knitting slightly. But then Glorfindel looked at him and smiled gently, reassuring Imladris' lord that all was well. Elrond smiled tightly and turned his attention back to the road. : He is trying to give me comfort in this. Just once I wish he would gainsay me on something. :
"You did very well, Elladan," Glorfindel said, studying the twining branches overhead. "I thought of asking you to give the seven names of Gondolin and name Seven Gates, but I thought better of it. I am your teacher no longer. The student has surpassed me."
Elladan grinned and looked at Elrohir who laughed slightly and slapped his brother on the arm.
"It appears you have passed the test, Elladan," he said.
"But you, Elrohir, have passed no test as it were." Glorfindel continued. "What are the seven names of Gondolin and the Seven Gates?"
Elrohir suppressed a groan and began to his own recitation.
Author's Notes
First if you want to know about the city of Gondolin, then you really should read "The Fall of Gondolin" which can be found in The Book of Lost Tales 2. It is a fascinating read. And if, like myself, you worship a certain golden Elf named Glorfindel, then you should definitely read it. But be warned - it is not a happy story. Much information that I am using came from this source.
Secondly, for the cleansing of Mirkwood in the Third Age read LOTR Appendix B. Woodsmen dwelt in northern Mirkwood prior to its cleansing.
Gondolindrim are the people of Gondolin.
Celebnellath are something that I made up.
And last, I am sorry this has taken me so long to update. Research takes a while and I have been busy with a group of spiders that won't leave me alone!
Special Huge Thanks to alliwantisanelfforchristmas otherwise known as Legolas, which is much easier to type, for beta reading this. She keeps my commas and colons in line for they are rather boisterous! (grin) She also gave me the chapter title!
Response to Reviewers
JastaElf - I knew I could count on you to read this, nin mellon! And never fear your favorite Elf will be in here somewhere. I can't write a story without him!
KT Welsh - I hope you enjoy this one as much as my Hobbit AU. No spiders in this one, I promise.
Artanis - Well, here is your first chapter, nin mellon! Sorry it has taken me so long to get it together. Happy continued birthday!
Nancing Elf - You know I don't like to write angst, but it looks like I will have to write some in this one. And Glory is definitely worth grabbing! So I hope Laerlend listens to you, if not I will have to grab him myself!
Elarin - That was a short prologue. Sorry about that. I wanted it up by Artanis birthday, so it was rather brief. But it was just the set up. The real story is finally going to unfold.
Karina -We shall see about my knack for romance, my Most Excellent Friend. And Glorfindel is quite bodacious himself, don't you think??
Lakergurl13 - I am glad you have a soft spot in your heart for Glorfindel, too. As I told JastaElf, your favorite Elf will be in this, too!
Angaloth - This one will be slower in coming than In the Hall.since that one seems to take up all my time lately. But once that one is finished, I hope this one will come along a little faster than it has.
Aduial - Don't worry about my other stories, I am just glad you reviewed this one! I question my own sanity when I am writing In the Hall.spontaneous fits of laughter and talking to myself do make me wonder. Legolas will be in this one, too. He seems to be attached to my right hip and I can't seem to shake him!
Annabell - You are not confused, but I will not tell you the entire story, because her - hopefully - change of heart will unfold in this tale. Let me just say she likes her freedom and fears that marriage may take that away from her.
Jessica - Glory is the coolest Elf ever, after a certain Mirkwood prince. ( At least in my book. I hope you enjoy this.
Thoughts in : :
Chapter 1 - The Gift
Small golden bells chimed merrily as the seven horses trotted down the beaten path that ran through the northern part of the forest. Great oaks and silvery beech trees lined their way, shafts of sunlight danced through the interlacing branches. Butterflies darted in the stands of wild daisies and celandine; the air was alive with birdsong and the droning of bees. Deeper in the forest pale mushrooms rose amidst the dark glistening ferns. No longer was this place called Taur-e-Ndaedelos, the Forest of Great Fear; nor Taur-nu-Fuin, the Forest Under Night. Mirkwood had indeed become Eryn Lasgalen, the Wood of Greenleaves.
The Elves had ridden in silence for a time, admiring the beauty about them, a beauty quite different from their home in Imladris. It was even different from Lorien. Each of the Elven realms held diverse beauties, each reflecting the hearts of the Elves that inhabited them. It was the sense of pervading peace that made them truly akin to one another.
Elrond, Lord of Imladris, rode at the head of the procession. His long dark hair spilled down the back of his maroon riding tunic, held in place by a silver circlet. The light grey-green traveling cloaks they had worn were packed away as the sun rose high in the summer sky. Elrond's dark blue eyes surveyed his surroundings with pleasure. A great work had been done here during and after the War of the Ring.
After fending off assaults on Lorien by Sauron's minions from Dol Guldur, Celeborn and Galadriel crossed Anduin with their people and cleansed southern Mirkwood, long a stronghold of the Dark Lord. They chased and slaughtered his evil creatures and Galadriel tore down the walls of the vile fortress and cleansed the foul pits below it.
Thranduil had fought his own battles in the north. After much destruction and a great ruin of fire he managed to gain the victory for his own realm. On the Elven New Years Day Celeborn and Thranduil met in the midst of the forest, which would no longer be known as Mirkwood. The northern area of Eryn Lasgalen stayed Thranduil's realm, the mountains being his southern border. Celeborn took the southern region below the Narrows. Between the two Elven realms the land was given to the Beornings and the Woodsmen.
The path they traveled on now was once the road trod by Thorin and Company as they passed east on their way to the Erebor to reclaim what the Dragon Smaug had taken from them. But the path was much changed. No spider webs hemmed it in and sunlight sparkled along the ground. It was a pleasant ride to the realm of the Wood Elf king now.
Glorfindel sat straight in the saddle, his own blue riding tunic falling gracefully about him. His handsome face was peaceful, his blue eyes serenely fixed on the road ahead of him. He could feel the gazes of the twins on his back as they talked quietly to one another, speaking now of the hunting to be had here. They hoped to ride out with Prince Legolas and the Dwarf Gimli to explore the forest more fully after they arrived at Thranduil's palace. Though their words spoke of game and bows and adventures to be had, he knew they were wondering what he was thinking.
A slight smile touched his lips and he leaned forward to stroke Asfaloth's snowy neck. The twins fell silent and then the inevitable question came.
"Lord Glorfindel, why are you taking Princess Laerlend a bush?" Blue eyes moved to the packhorse that carried large baskets on either side of its flanks. One bore the things they needed for the trip: food, cookware, small bundles of kindling and water flasks; and their "fancy" clothes as the twins called the outfits they would all don for their arrival at Thranduil's palace. The other held only a small bush with silvery green leaves, small sprays of delicate silver-blue flowers dripping from the slender branches.
Glorfindel's dark gold brows rose. This was not what he had anticipated.
"I have told you the history of the bush, Elladan, have I not?"
Elladan suppressed a sigh and turned to his brother, who smiled and shrugged, his look clearly stating : You had to ask, didn't you. :
"Yes." And knowing that one simple word would not prove a sufficient answer he drew a breath, feeling that he was once again forced to recite history before an exacting audience. It was all he could do to resist pulling on his long ebony hair, as was his wont when giving an oration.
Curon and Tellenlagor, the last two members of the party, grinned at one another. They too had studied under the ancient Elf's tutelage.
"Celebnellath the Silver Bell bushes were grown in Gondolin, the Hidden City and none were more beautiful than those grown in the garden of Lady Idril, daughter of Turgon and Elenwe; wife of Tuor, son of Huor and Rian. The delicate scent of their flowers ever filled the summer air and their gentle chiming was as enchanting as birdsong."
Glorfindel smiled as Elrond turned to look at him with laughter dancing in his eyes. Then his gaze passed to his son.
"You should have become a bard, Elladan. You have quite a golden tongue," Imladris' lord said. "I am certain that a place could be gotten for you at any court you chose. I know that your sister and Estel would welcome you any time."
Elladan said nothing, merely rolling his eyes eloquently skyward as he continued.
"When the Lady Idril perceived that the doom of their fair city was drawing nigh she gathered seeds from her beloved Celebnellath and kept them always with her near to her heart, wishing to keep something of the beauty of her beloved city with her after its vanishing. 'Ere the first assault she could be seen in her garden, weeping silently, her slim fingers bidding them farewell."
Glorfindel's eyes grew distant. That was not a time that he often dwelt on, his first life in Arda. But now he found himself recalling the splendor that was Gondolin, his home. The music of its many falls and fountains sang in his ears and his vision filled with the white towers skillfully carved, so slender and delicate like trees themselves; the fair houses and courts filled with a profusion of flowers; the towering trees filled with the sound of birds; the wide, stone paved streets kerbed with marble. And rising amidst this magnificence was the king's palace, its tower rising above the rest of the city. Before its doors a great fountain shot sprays of water twenty fathoms and seven into the clear air, the glistening droplets cascading back into the water making a music all their own. Two trees flanked the doors of Turgon's palace, one bearing blossoms of gold and the other of silver. These trees' glory never faded for they were shoots of the Trees of Valinor: Laurelin the Golden and White Telperion. The Gondolindrim named their trees Glingol and Bansil. White birds inhabited the branches filling the air about the palace with the sweetest of songs.
But of all the glories of Gondolin, Glorfindel treasured the Celebnellath best. They reminded him of the Lady Idril: beautiful, graceful, and rare. She had been as glorious to behold as the dawn, or the night sky studded with stars. Her courage and bravery adorned her as a crown. She was called Idril Talceleb - Idril Silver Feet - as she went barefooted more oft than not and her long hair always hung freely about her, like a cloak of sunlight. Gracing the golden locks were her Silver Bells.
Glorfindel shook his head slightly, suddenly aware of the eyes fastened on him. How long he had been lost in his reverie he knew not.
"'Tis a fitting gift," he said after a moment. "A rare treasure of Gondolin given to my bride to be." The words felt strange on his tongue. He had never contemplated marriage before this, he was content with what his life was. His position in Imladris had not allowed for a visit to Eryn Lasgalen ere now, and to find himself about to be betrothed was rather disconcerting.. "It shows that I hold her in highest esteem." He finished quietly, his fingers twining absently in Asfaloth's mane.
Elrond studied his old friend, knowing well the misgivings he must harbor. It was an unusual thing to marry two that hadn't chosen one another in love. But by doing this the three Elven Realms of Middle Earth would be more truly united to one another. Lorien and Imladris had been joined by blood in the marriage of Celeborn and Galadriel's daughter Celebrian to Elrond. And now Thranduil's realm would be united to Imladris by the marriage of the Wood Elf King's daughter to Lord Glorfindel, second in power only to Elrond himself.
: Perhaps I should not have asked this of him. He has never refused me anything and mayhap I took advantage of that, : he thought, his dark brows knitting slightly. But then Glorfindel looked at him and smiled gently, reassuring Imladris' lord that all was well. Elrond smiled tightly and turned his attention back to the road. : He is trying to give me comfort in this. Just once I wish he would gainsay me on something. :
"You did very well, Elladan," Glorfindel said, studying the twining branches overhead. "I thought of asking you to give the seven names of Gondolin and name Seven Gates, but I thought better of it. I am your teacher no longer. The student has surpassed me."
Elladan grinned and looked at Elrohir who laughed slightly and slapped his brother on the arm.
"It appears you have passed the test, Elladan," he said.
"But you, Elrohir, have passed no test as it were." Glorfindel continued. "What are the seven names of Gondolin and the Seven Gates?"
Elrohir suppressed a groan and began to his own recitation.
Author's Notes
First if you want to know about the city of Gondolin, then you really should read "The Fall of Gondolin" which can be found in The Book of Lost Tales 2. It is a fascinating read. And if, like myself, you worship a certain golden Elf named Glorfindel, then you should definitely read it. But be warned - it is not a happy story. Much information that I am using came from this source.
Secondly, for the cleansing of Mirkwood in the Third Age read LOTR Appendix B. Woodsmen dwelt in northern Mirkwood prior to its cleansing.
Gondolindrim are the people of Gondolin.
Celebnellath are something that I made up.
And last, I am sorry this has taken me so long to update. Research takes a while and I have been busy with a group of spiders that won't leave me alone!
Special Huge Thanks to alliwantisanelfforchristmas otherwise known as Legolas, which is much easier to type, for beta reading this. She keeps my commas and colons in line for they are rather boisterous! (grin) She also gave me the chapter title!
Response to Reviewers
JastaElf - I knew I could count on you to read this, nin mellon! And never fear your favorite Elf will be in here somewhere. I can't write a story without him!
KT Welsh - I hope you enjoy this one as much as my Hobbit AU. No spiders in this one, I promise.
Artanis - Well, here is your first chapter, nin mellon! Sorry it has taken me so long to get it together. Happy continued birthday!
Nancing Elf - You know I don't like to write angst, but it looks like I will have to write some in this one. And Glory is definitely worth grabbing! So I hope Laerlend listens to you, if not I will have to grab him myself!
Elarin - That was a short prologue. Sorry about that. I wanted it up by Artanis birthday, so it was rather brief. But it was just the set up. The real story is finally going to unfold.
Karina -We shall see about my knack for romance, my Most Excellent Friend. And Glorfindel is quite bodacious himself, don't you think??
Lakergurl13 - I am glad you have a soft spot in your heart for Glorfindel, too. As I told JastaElf, your favorite Elf will be in this, too!
Angaloth - This one will be slower in coming than In the Hall.since that one seems to take up all my time lately. But once that one is finished, I hope this one will come along a little faster than it has.
Aduial - Don't worry about my other stories, I am just glad you reviewed this one! I question my own sanity when I am writing In the Hall.spontaneous fits of laughter and talking to myself do make me wonder. Legolas will be in this one, too. He seems to be attached to my right hip and I can't seem to shake him!
Annabell - You are not confused, but I will not tell you the entire story, because her - hopefully - change of heart will unfold in this tale. Let me just say she likes her freedom and fears that marriage may take that away from her.
Jessica - Glory is the coolest Elf ever, after a certain Mirkwood prince. ( At least in my book. I hope you enjoy this.