In Gondolin, the City of Singing Stone, there are hearts filled with doubt for the future of the Flower of the Plain. Idril, mother of Eärendil the fair, plots with her husband Tuor to protect their child and their beloved people from the Fate which Ulmo spoke through Tuor. They decide to enlist a friend in their scheme...

Chapter Two, Service To Love

With a barely perceptible nod from Idril, Tuor and Glorfindel picked up their harps, and Voronwë raised a flute to his lips. A music they wrought then that seemed to drown out the sounds of the city beyond. Eärendil laughed and clapped his hands.

Idril sat next to me close, and her words were for my ears only; we sat as if together in a room of private thought. She said to me, "What mother does not wish to defend her child? We dwell in the heart of a fortress of strength, safe from all of Morgoth's dark thought. The king will not hear of the possibilities of its ruin. And when I look upon it, my own mind rejects the thought.

"Yet my heart is darkened. So I have persisted in encouraging the construction of a secret delving of escape, against the word of my father and Maeglin. When the time comes, there shall be a way out for my people.

"Glorfindel upon his returning from Doriath, had brought news that the Naugrim, clever always in the working of earth and ore, had discovered a rare metal in their delving in Hadhodrond. A fair substance that is stronger than steel, but can be wrought into a garment as light as linen. Of this precious material I have commissioned a shirt be made for Eärendil. Far I had to reach to find ways to bring this request to Hadhodrond, and at last we contacted Celebrimbor who did bring the order to completion, having many friends among the Naugrim in Hollin. But he cannot bear it hither, nor can it be delivered, nor will Turgon my father permit anyone to leave on an undisclosed errand, now that enemies have been sighted beyond our hills.

"Glorfindel we had planned would do this task, when he next went forth on an errand for Turgon. But now he would be missed if he left, and no other who has leave to depart Gondolin is privy to our secret. I am in need of a swift and fearless hunter to take on this task, and I know of none I trust more than thee, Morlothiel."

Eärendil comes to me and lifts a biscuit to my mouth, wanting to share his sweet treat. He takes from me my knife; in his small hands it becomes a sword. Carefully he strikes the guard positions his father has taught him. Silver gleams off of the sharp curves of the blade's leaf. The music continues unfaltering.

"I would speak plainly with you, gwaithiel. You see my son, dancing to his father's music? What would you do to see him safe from harm?"

"I would give my life to protect him, Idril." I am surprised and stung that she would even utter this as if she doubted my loyalty.

"That I knew before I spoke, Morlothiel. Do not think that I misdoubt you. I would ask this great favour of you, and it is a dangerous thing I would ask. Would you to forth from Gondolin in secret, and return unseen, keeping your council as you have always done, even from the ears of the King?"

Though great indeed was this asking, I agreed solemnly that I would do as much, for I knew well the risk of speaking freely to the king when dark ears listened. "My lady, say no more. All that I have is my life and my freedom. Both I would give for the sake of your son."

Idril raised her hands then, and the music played aloud again, for the men changed their tune, and I heard again the birds singing in the city and the play of the many fountains. Voices drifted down again from over the walls.

Tea we took, then, and the menfolk served us as is the gentle custom of Gondolin in peace, and we laughed as Eärendil brought a tray of sweets from the kitchen, walking carefully so as not to tumble.

After tea, the little lord Eärendil climbed upon my lap, and from his blue eyes arrows did fly into my heart, piercing it with love. "Teach me the ways of your hunting, 'Lothiel," he said.

I laughed and let him lead me to the open garden. "You would learn the way of the hunt, my lord? You must discard your thoughts of victory, and think only of your hunger."

"But I just ate four scones! I am no longer hungry," said the child, and from his twinkling eyes I knew he heard me, but jested only.

I crouched and became as still as stoneshadow. "You have my knife. What would you do with it, if I attacked you."

"I would strike into the path of your movement," he answered correctly demonstrating the drill his father had taught.

"Excellent, Eärendil. But if I am within your stroke, you cannot turn your blade on me," and I leaped forward, bending beyond the arc of the sword as he swung, the flat blade shining in my eyes. I lunged forward inside of his guard, and wrapped him in a hug.

"You would teach me to embrace my enemy?" laughed Eärendil, as I tickled him. He dropped my sword and wriggled.

"Yes, but not affection shall you rain on him then, hunter. As the creatures of the woods shall you fight, with tooth and claw. When your enemy closes on you, let him know your hunger thus!" And I nibbled then on his rosy cheek, and then released him with a bow.

'My life and my freedom, I would give for thee, little lord,' my thought did say to me. 'That is not too great a price. But I will not spend that coin yet.'

She sent me away then; I went with Glorfindel out of the city. Once beyond the fair buildings and on the road, he spoke to me of plans laid, whispering in his soft voice so that none could hear. I listened and spoke not. I could say nothing to him that would not reveal my own secrets.

He released me as the sun dove behind the Hills, and I was swallowed by the trees. I had cast off the fair garb of Gondolin, and walked now clad in my buskins and fur. My feathered cloak covered me, and as silent as moonlight I sped through the night, climbing toward where the sky beckoned with open arms.