The last cloud of winter gracefully passed over the bright crescent moon and faded into the silver star lit sky. The air was cool and clear as the birds began to sing their morning melodies. High above the city of Gondolin, Erucolindo stood upon his balcony watching the peaceful beauty of the first morning of spring. His dark waist length hair flowed in the slight breeze and the moonlight accentuated his masculine yet slender elven face. His green eyes gleamed as he gazed upon the endless leagues of the sky. He exhaled and smiled thinking of the day ahead. His white robes gave him an almost angelic presence as he stood tall and proud awaiting the first rays of dawn.

With this coming dawn Erucolindo would pass into his two hundredth year and the day was to see the beginning of a festival for the birth of spring. Life in Gondolin was good and the coming months offered much promise to the young elven warrior. Attached to the house of Hammer and Wrath, Erucolindo was a smith by trade, but no love in his heart could be given to the forging of fine weapons or to the creation of grand armor. His passion was in the fields and forests of Gondolin where he could behold the peace of the trees and the animals. A fine hunter even in the tradition of the Noldor, Erucolindo would only be truly content with the feel of a bow in his hands and the free air on his skin.

The night sky and the stars began to fade as the horizon announced the coming of dawn.

The sun cast its rays across the mountain tops and down into the city like flames of welcome warmth. A bell sounded far below in the city and the elf leaned over the balcony to watch the early motions of the merchants and workers below; eagerly getting busy with the festival preparations. Taking one last glance at the rising of the sun he turned and headed into his chamber. Within a few moments he was leaving the hall he resided in and heading downward through the now busy streets. As much as he was looking forward to the festivities he did not wish for any part of the preparations and so had resolved to head out of the city and spend the day hunting in his favorite wood.

This would also give him a good day’s training with bow and sword. For on the second day of the festival there was to be a tournament and Erucolindo was determined to win to prove himself a champion. But with the mighty Glorfindel, Galdor, Maeglin and the leader of his house Rog competing in the tournament his chance of any glory was small.

But still his heart and spirit was mighty and he was swift and powerful. His skill to foresee an opponents mind and will was fast becoming well known amongst his house. But as a young warrior in elven terms his reputation was not one of renown.

The white walls of the city were glistening now in the morning sun and the sounds of the Gondolindrim were rising as the day was opening. At the center of the glorious realm in the tallest peak of the city King Turgon paced back and forth in his magnificent tower. Glorfindel lord of the House of Golden Flower; stood silently watching the wise king awaiting a command that would both grieve him and bring him joy. Turgon knew that this day was the day on which he had to reveal a long hidden secret, yet still his heart forbade haste and he hesitated as if yearning for the Valar to make his decision for him.

Turgon appeared wise and aged yet noble and kind. Long had he carried the cares of this sorrowful secret and he knew that he had to reveal his knowledge else a prophecy long since received would not possibly be realized. Frowning he turned to Glorfindel.

The Lord looked upon the King with a smile of understanding and of patience. Glorfindel was as grand and majestic as the regal King before him. He bore a mantle rich with threads of gold and his long silver white hair gave him an air of mystical power as if starlight rained upon him. Silently and slowly King Turgon looked up at Glorfindel and nodded his head. The elven lord knew that he had been given the answer.

Glorfindel was to find Erucolindo and he was to tell him of his true heritage. That he was the nephew of the king, son of Aredhel and Eol and brother to Maeglin. He was to reveal to Erucolindo the prophecy handed down by Orome the Valar to Turgon many years before.

Nearing the eaves of the vast wood Erucolindo quickened his pace. He was keen to smell the leaves of the trees and hear the sound of the earth around him. Unleashing his bow from his back he began to run into the forest. He was young and vibrant and he had all the hope in the world. No vision or foresight granted Erucolindo any knowledge that he was being sought this very moment by Lord Glorfindel and that today he would receive words that would teach him of his history and of his royal kin but also sow his doom.

As he felt the whisper of the leaves within the forest and the roar of the rivers out in the yonder valley he was also unaware that today he would break the laws of his kingdom and leave the hidden world of Gondolin for the first time.

To be continued……

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