Oh hear my song and I shall tell
Of darkest days when shadow fell,
When Noldor learned they'd been deceived
By Sauron's guise, and now perceived
Eregion's fall, and so they fled,
And followed where Half-elven led.
The remnant northward quickly drew,
In skirmishes their foes they slew;
But still they knew not where to go,
Where they could hide from greatest foe;
At last their scouts a valley found
Both fair, defensible, and sound.
With all speed now they hastened there
And hoped to find the dale fair
Before by forces they were caught;
They knew by what cost time is bought
And warriors' lives refused to pay
To safe-guard those now on their way.
In council a young captain brave
Had spoken not; he wished to save
The remnant of his people left,
And if of life he was bereft
He did not care so long as they
Would reach the haven by his pay.
He told his soldiers what he planned
And offered they to join his band,
For all their lives they'd gladly give
That others may have time to live;
In dead of night they stole away
To follow Captain Gilnor's way.
They earlier that day had crossed
A narrow pass where time they'd lost;
At this steep point the warriors stood
To foes delay there all they could:
These thirty soldiers gleaming led
By Gilnor Fire-star at their head.
That evening did their foes appear,
They stood their ground, they showed no fear
Though orcs and trolls came bearing down
To slaughter knights and buy renown;
But though they strove with all their might
They could not break through elven light.
For three days fought the elves alone;
For three days sword and shield shone,
There spear was thrust and bow-string rang,
And through the battle long they sang
Of Valinor the fair and bright
And long-enduring songs of light.
But now at dusk on final day
But one was left, their captain fey,
And stood he till the sun's last light
In shadow fell and came the night;
Now thirty knights in elven-grey
There dead mid starry fields lay.
By freely given blood was bought
The elves' safe-passage, thus was wrought
The saving of the light for all
Those spared from elven-kingdoms' fall;
Thus as you sit here on this day
Remember who the price did pay.
A/N: Thanks to LadyOfAnfalas for the idea of doing (as you may have recognized) the three hundred Spartans at Thermopylae. The story is changed, as always seems to happen, but I hope you liked it! Please drop a review, and more suggestions. Blessings!