Erkaliel
The mists lessened as they descended the pass. What once had been a wide, clear path leading down along the shoulder of Caradhras was now a narrow, rock strewn track – a misstep in certain stretches and one could find oneself plummeting down the slope. A few stars peeked through the ragged clouds lending the Elves’ eyes enough light to keep sure their footing, despite the quickened pace of Tanroth.
From the pouch at her belt, Erkaliel took out a fair-sized piece of Elven way-bread. She pinched off a small mouthful and handed the lembas to the Elf in front of her, indicating that he should take some and pass it on. The nourishing energy of the way-bread revived her body almost immediately, and the sweet flavor revived her spirit as it spread through her. Her steps felt lighter, her temperament less burdened with worry.
An old song came unbidden to her lips, and she hummed the tune, then softly sang the words.
. . . Kotirion, Queen of Elms . . .
This season best befits your ancient town
With echoing voices sad that slowly pass,
Winding with waning music faintly down
The paths of stranded mist. O fading time
When morning rises late all hoar with rime,
And early shadows veil the distant woods!
Unseen the Elves go by, their shining hair
They cloak in twilight under secret hoods
Of grey, their dusk blue mantles gird with bands
Of frosted starlight sewn by silver hands . . .
Far below and to the south a thin band of silver caught the moon’s light for a moment and winked into existence, glimmering against the darkness of the land below. Erkaliel paused for a moment drinking in the momentary beauty of the Sirannon as it flowed westward, beckoning.
The moon slid silently behind a wandering cloud and the river disappeared. Having slowed a bit to take in the fleeting view, Erkaliel now picked up her pace, falling close into line behind her companions.
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Poem is a fragment from The Trees of Kortirion; The Book of Lost Tales 1; J.R.R.Tolkien. Kortirion is a city on Tol Eressëa.
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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