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The moon-cradle's rocking and rocking
Where a cloud and a cloud go by
Silently rocking and rocking
The moon-cradle out in the sky [1]
Sometimes, she walks the path of her son's dreams. His world is small as he is, bounded by milk and swaddling and nestle of loving arms. Yet his dreamscapes are grand; in his sleep, he wanders among the stars.
She steals on soundless feet, flush from dancing and eager to go to her bed and her mate. But first, she will see that all is well; she will gaze upon his face, in love and awe of this jewel that is her child.
Quiet is the nursery, lullabies hours ago sung and baby laid to sleep content. In a circle of moonlight, the cradle rocks without hand to guide it. His blue eyes look to the window and his tiny features crinkle with delight. He laughs.
"Mercy me," the nurse whispers, "if the hand of Tilion himself does not move this cradle."
His mother has sat at the very knee of Manwë and still she catches her breath. Ardamírë, she names her son, a name of apacen, a name of great destiny for one so small and helpless. In his dreams, Ardamírë sails the firmament, and all its host watches over him, for they know him as kin. [2,3]
[1] The moon-cradle's rocking and rocking…
Lyrics: 'Moon Cradle' by Padraic Colum
[2] Ardamírë
'Jewel of the World' (Q). Eärendil's mother-name.
[3] apacen
foresight (Q)