They were of the first born, immortal Elves, gifted with beauty and wisdom but tiny with a variation of delight from Ilúvatar’s eyes. Colter Elves, they called themselves although all other races of Elves may object to the later part since they are so different. For they are small, unshod and merry like Hobbits; though they did not have large furry feet and kept a slimmer shape.

They began among the Teleri, the Halladur as they called the tall Elves, by the waters of Cuivienen. Their size made them extremely shy around the Halladur, feeling intimidated and unimportant. But they did not leave, for the dark mist of Morgoth had already shadowed the land and they were afraid; hiding much of the time. And it was said that in this time, Ilúvatar’s heart was filled with empathy so he gifted them with the powers and skills to be stealthy and furtive and they were called Dolenedhil, (the Hidden Elves) but Colter they called themselves.

Now there came a time when Orome, the Vala came upon the first born and great friendship was bonded even with the Colters. And as is told in other tales the Elves followed Orome, seeking safety in the west on the pilgrimage to reach Aman. But the journey was difficult and fear and weariness of travel stayed the Colters early, for in their small stature, it was difficult to keep up and tragedy had come to a few of them in crossing the great river. They left the march of the Teleri east of the Misty’s and settled in a land they came to love; safe and content in the shadow of the mountains, sustained by the abundance of the river. Soon they were forgotten by all who knew of them.

They built a home naming it Carasdolen, (the Hidden City) where they were to remain for many a long age governed by a council of Elders who maintained their position according to age. History and stories were passed down, from generation to generation but they didn’t keep any concept of time other than to prepare for the seasons and they recorded nothing on scrolls or in books. They dwelt in their city southwest of the forest of Mirkwood near the western banks of the Great River between the Gladden Fields and Lorien. And for a long time, they lived in peace and safety for Morgoth had abandoned these lands for a time to bring his grief upon other races in Beleriand as is told in other tales.

But with memory of the terror that held them and with foresight of evil to come, they practiced their skills of stealth in readiness. Using the powers with which they were endowed, they placed protection about the city, in a circle of trees for the austere days to come. Outsiders simply could not stumble into Carasdolen, or even find it if they tried for it was built with such care that all creatures even the animals of the region would go far around and never through, never seeing or hearing the life that went on inside. For that was their only defense, to be stealthy, quiet and unnoticed and some may say there was an air of mystery and majesty about the city.

Then came the time when in the changing of the world, evil fled to these lands and the terror returned. Many years of fear and wariness blew upon them. The wild land became full of evil men with creatures such as Easterlings, Orcs, Trolls and wolves; the Colter Elves were not immune to tragedy and at times they faltered. Some were lost and their numbers dwindled, but the city remained hidden and they held their luck. Then hope was kindled as a massive movement of troops marched down the great river to the blackish skies of the Southeast. Men there were and Elves. Glorious they looked in their valiant armor with mighty weapons in hand and in scabbard, their faces grim and determined. And as they marched, their footsteps fell as thunder. The Colters watched from hiding some longing to join them. But peace did not come quickly and their hope faltered as four seasons later a Colter hunter reported seeing the fall of a great King as he was ambushed on the banks of the mighty river. Their fear continued, though in time it lessened until finally all was quiet for many a season.

Now in that time they planned their journey to the havens, but it was a long trek and the memory of their first journey faded under their desire to stay, for their love of home and the river was great. They were content to remain within their own realm for all of life only to go outside for food and supplies as needed. The children of the Colter Elves were kept inside Carasdolen for most of their childhood. They spent much time being taught crafts, but the skills of being unseen were the main focus although much of it came naturally. It wasn’t until they were of an age of responsibility that they were slowly allowed to journey outside beginning with the hunters who were entirely male and then those that fished and gathered, both male and female. This was their way of life and their stealthy manner enabled them to remain unknown for so long. For the most part, this was their accepted lifestyle and in spite of it all, they were a happy people. But change was certain to come, and with it good and evil.

~~~~~

Meli stepped out from the trees and saw for the first time the great river her father had spoken of all her childhood. The water was clear but deep and had been partially blocked in this spot creating a great pool with several falls coming and going. The trees were very thick in this area on the banks, but they left a small bit of grassy shore making the place seem to her like a paradise. If one looked closely and deeply enough one could see the Mafer fish that her father often brought home to the table. She could taste the sweet smoky flavor just by the thought of their name. How she had yearned to come to this place for so long, since she had that dream when she was very young. It was short, just of swimming in a great pool. Not much was seen of the surroundings, just the water. But it lit a fire in her for the love of water, and she longed for the day she came of age when she would be at last permitted to leave her hidden home and go with her Father to the river.

She was Melanna, named for ‘love’s gift’ but they called her Meli. She was the daughter of Geren and Linanna, who were not high Elves, but held a respectable position among the elders. They were a simple family who worked hard and enjoyed life and each other. Linanna, who held exceptional beauty, had been offered marriage to the highest Elder. But she followed her heart and married for love, and soon came Melanna, the delight of their eyes.

Geren was an adoring father, but a stern teacher with a quiet manner. It was his patience that was tested most often with Meli, for she had an unquenchable desire to learn the history of her people, which of course no one really cared for or could recall. She was most like her Mother in looks, favoring her almost identically, but not as beautifully for she had more of an earthly air about her. Still she was pleasant to look upon with long, dark brown curly hair. Each strand had a mind of its own and her Mother constantly tried to put it back into place. Her eyes were large and round with deep hues in their color of brown and when she smiled there was a cute sweetness within their depths. And she had won from her father the deepest dimples, one in each cheek. As an only child, they gave much attention to Meli, but it only spoiled her a little for her nature was sweet and kind.

There weren’t many Elves of Meli’s age, and not any that she was ever close to, for she had always been painfully shy with the others, more than was natural for even a Colter Elf. Although her sweetness won her some attention, she was uncomfortable with it and sought the loneliness of solitude and it eventually became familiar and comfortable. The other Elves thought highly of her with great respect of her shyness, but all held a bit of frustration for they wanted to know her better. Especially young Giliath. He had visions of marrying her someday. His eye had been on her all their lives and his love for her was even deeper than he knew himself. He was the son of the highest Elder of the Colter Elves, an especially gifted Elf in hunting, proud, strong and very handsome, but with one fault. He was haughty and unruly and this greatly annoyed and even frightened Meli. But when he would approach her, she was quietly gracious and polite, for deep within her heart a small fire burned for him that even she was not aware of.

Almost immediately she dove into the water. Her Father called to her, quite startled, but there was no stopping her. He ran to the waters edge, calling her name. When he saw that she was all right he just shook his head, watched her for a while amazed at her natural ability and let her be. The feel of the cool green water made her shudder with delight. Swimming, which was unusual for Colter Elves was as natural to her as walking and breathing. She dove under and came close to see the beautiful pink colors of the Mafer fish shimmer in the sun light that was piercing the water from above. The plants at the bottom tickled her feet and made her giggle with delight and on the farther shore she discovered a rock shelf that she could sit on with the water just up to her chin.

After this day, there was no stopping her and she came to fish every time, but it was never enough. On days they did not come, she would feel almost melancholy, but was careful not to let it show. She worked harder than ever on her crafts and chores for reward of these trips to the river and it made her Mother and Father very proud. But they were even prouder of her when she began to help catch the fish that fed their people. She was careful to only choose the larger older fish as she slipped the net under their fat bellies and brought them up to shore to the astonished smiles of her Father and the others.

How she loved those times, when she could be at the river. When she wasn’t swimming and catching fish, she would be soaking up the sunshine and daydreaming. The other Elves her age did not understand her love for the water and viewed the trips to the river as a chore. One day after swimming most the morning, and enjoying a delightful meal her Mother had packed she fell asleep in the warm sunshine on a soft green patch of grass and a dream came.

Like her dream of swimming, it also was short, but as intoxicating as a young maid’s first kiss, for that is what it was. On the deck of a white ship, all she could see was the outline of him, his face a soft blue blur but the kiss was as real as if it was now happening and the softness of his lips made her heart warm. This dream was so delicious she fell into the habit of taking a little nap on the grass each time they went to the river hoping it would recur. Of course no one complained since she always caught her share of the fish, and to her delight the dream came again and again.

This went on for a time, but as good things sometimes end; it became more and more dangerous for the Colter Elves to leave their home in search for food. The year was 2941 of the third age. Activity in the Forest of Mirkwood, at the stronghold of Dol Guldur, intensified as the evil spirit that dwelt there grew stronger and began breeding Orcs again. They could be seen time and again roaming the countryside near Carasdolen. Some of the hunter Elves claimed that word was heard of a dragon, although one was never seen in these parts. But the very thought chilled their hearts and the Elders warned all to stay within the confines of their home except the few hunters and fishermen that were older and had more experience in stealth. This greatly upset Meli as her love of the water had grown and her dream only came to her there. She never spoke of it to anyone, not even her Mother with whom she was very close. She felt that she could be just as careful and furtive as any of them. Besides she always brought home more fish than they did. She would often beg her father to let her go with him, but he rarely relented. Therefore, she had no choice but to pass much of her days crafting with the other Elves of her age, a task she now found to be very uncomfortable. She craved her familiar solitude and very soon melancholy began to set in.

Gradually she began wandering off walking the small woods within the confines that circled the small city. She came upon a spot at the southernmost edge where there was a small clearing of green moss around a felled tree and a very small stream. There she would sit soaking her feet in the water and singing soft songs as she daydreamed about the white ship. It became her favorite place, her very own special place to indulge in her solitude and privacy. Occasionally she would fall asleep but the dream did not come again.

Worried by her disappearances, her Mother once asked her where she had been. She had answered honestly, though omitting the part about the dream. After a while, her Mother accepted her desire to be alone and stopped questioning her. In possession of her Mother’s blessing the time she was gone gradually grew from a little while to hours.

But this did not satisfy Meli and her longing for the river drove her to risk sneaking out to the river alone. She was gone only a few hours and was never missed. Her skills at being quiet and unseen were keen. Even in the water she was quite successful and managed to enjoy the time with confidence, savoring every moment and every inch of her paradise. She feared to risk sleep though so she did not get to her dream and it left her feeling incomplete. But the short time in the water gave her renewed vigor for life.

Later that same night, the Colters had a dinner celebration for the abundant success from hunting that day. Giliath, being the most successful, claimed the attentions of all. It filled him to overflowing with pride and he decided the time had come to approach Meli regarding their future. It was the season they were to come of age and he was very anxious and very self assured. He knew she would get up to leave seeking solitude as usual and he followed her as she made her way to her favorite place to sit and gaze at the stars. He had followed her before on more than one occasion; though she never knew, for he was very good at being unheard and unseen. He would watch her, listen to her songs and dream of this day playing it out in his mind over and over until he felt it was right.

She began a soft song to her favorite star, high up in the heavens. It was the brightest of all, watching her and giving her, his attention. Giliath listened; inhaling the beauty of her notes, but soon became impatient. She stopped short when Giliath softly slipped through the brush, and stood before her. His black hair was glistening as the moonlight silhouetted his strong body and his smile was warm. “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “it’s only me, Giliath. I was just wondering my Lady, if I could sit with you for awhile? It’s very nice out and I would like your company.”

Meli felt a little annoyed at his formality and intrusion, but answered politely although nervously, “Well, I guess I don’t mind.” They sat for a long while looking up and about, neither one really knowing what to say. Finally feeling confident, Giliath leaned closer and began whispering his desires to her. Meli could not help noticing how smooth and golden his skin was. His soft brown, eyes almost made her heart melt as his long black lashes folded over a sweet smile. Gently and romantically he told her of his feelings and his plans. His sweet manner of delivery would make any female swoon; but not Meli. Never had she felt so frightened and uncomfortable. Old thoughts began running in her mind; why he would want her? She had known all along his feelings for her, but she did not understand, for her shyness kept her at bay and she was never encouraging, never giving him the chance to know her. Often she asked herself, what would life be like with him, but she could not see it. It was as if it was void, and could not exist.

And she could not deny that she cared not for his ways; his complacency, boisterousness and bragging. Yet deep inside she felt there resided a sweet loving soul and once or twice she even fantasized about him in that way. But of late the only thing on her mind was the ship; the wondrous kiss, the passion it stirred in her. She was confused.

It seemed to Giliath it was taking her way too long to respond and he was becoming nervous and impatient. She smiled politely not knowing what to do or say and it gave him the wrong impression. He gently leaned in to kiss her, hesitating for just a moment to savor the sight of her lips and she faltered for just that moment, as desire surprised her. And just as he continued on he missed, for she pulled away, crying “no,” and as a frightened deer she ran back to the hall with Giliath running after her calling “Melanna! Melanna!” But she did not stop.

There were two Elves singing a beautiful duet of flowers as Meli entered the hall. Out of breath, she took a moment to compose herself. Seeing her Mother and Father she at once ran to their side, pretending with a smile to be enchanted by the song. Giliath thought it was only her shyness. He had picked up on her moment of weakness, feeling the passion that radiated from her for that very short instant. It gave him confidence and he ran in behind her; determination driving him, as he sat down next to her and took her hand. Her Father looked on and smiled. Now she was caught like a fly in a web! She could not struggle without bringing more trouble upon herself. Her Father had spoken of this many times, telling her that she should marry him, but she would only blush and change the subject. There weren’t any other choices really and her marrying well would make him proud.

So for a long while she sat there, her hand in his, not looking at him. And as he held it, she felt his warmth flow through her and for another moment she faltered. Then the thought crossed her mind. “Could he be the one on the ship? The beautiful kiss?” Her shyness began to overwhelm her as she felt her cheeks grow hot and now, even more she had the desire to run but she was no longer sure what it was she wanted to run from. Confusion boiled inside her but frightened as she was, all she could do was listen to the music, and wait for the first opportunity to excuse her self for the night and find the safety of her room.

But Giliath would not let her get away so easily. When the opportunity came and she begged leave of her Parents, he followed her out the door and all the way to her room. It was too much for her and without answering his many pleas she softly closed the door behind her, leaving poor Giliath on her doorstep bewildered and frustrated.