Post by Glorfindel on Dec 22, 2014 23:22:43 GMT
It had almost been an entire century now since the golden-haired Elf-lord had landed in Mithlond now. Yet in all that time he was still a stranger to the lands that he fought for and defended, the Great Elven realms he had known and dwelt in had all but fallen and he dared not think of what was now left of his Noldorin kin nor what had befallen them. It was only in this past year, after the fall and capture of Mairon, that Glorfindel's days were no longer divided between spending his time on the battlefield and discussing warfare and he was finally given the opportunity to travel.
He had travelled to the Eastern realms and met with Galadriel and Celeborn in Lothlorien and to Eryn Galen where he had met with Oropher and his son. Though whilst there was much to marvel at within each of the Elven realms, making new acquaintances within each of the realms and having proper conversations had been a slow and often trying process as it had been a long while since Glorfindel had spoken Sindarin, never mind trying to keep up with what was being said through the thick accent of the Wood Elves. Though by the end of his stay, he had gained much from his journey East... including a fair portion of bottled wine gifted to him from the Elves of Amon Lanc.
On his journey back to Eriador, Glorfindel spent several months more than he had planned on his route, for he found himself fascinated by the race of Men and what they had learnt and achieved since their awakening. He had never given the mortals much thought, for when they had crossed into Beleriand, Glorfindel and many of the Noldo had far more pressing issues to deal with than spend their hours meeting with the wandering nomads that the Atani had descended from. But the more time he had spent with Men, from the nobles to the farmers, he found them to be a very pleasant race. Full of life and spirit were they, free from the burdens that came with an immortal life and their curiosity even rivalled that of the Noldo.
Though as the letters he received from the city of Imladris began to pile up, Glorfindel decided that it was time he made his way to Elrond's refuge in the valley and so he bid the Men a fond farewell and travelled West over the Misty Mountains. He had in fact only just left the High Pass through the Mountains and he had already made up his mind that he would be enjoying his stay immensely.
Not only had he grown very fond of Idril's grandson but the Elves of Imladris seemed like a very friendly and enthusiastic group. His escort, who Elrond had kindly sent to meet with him at the borders of the woodlands, had turned up about a single league into his travel through the mountains and in the form of around forty very excited Elves who were all very keen to meet him. And so the last leg of his journey had been spent being showered with praise of young scholars who had read about his deeds in Valinor and in the First Age and answering thousands of questions about himself and his experiences throughout the Ages. He had to say this was the warmest welcome he had received thus far and it was definitely appealed to the Elf to be held so highly.
And despite their best efforts, the young Elves failed miserably in their attempt to keep the feast being held in his honour a secret and they were all ever so keen to share with Glorfindel how many hours they had spent making garlands and where they had found the nice flower patches around the city, the hunts on which they went to gather enough food for the occasion and the gifts they had made. And even as they rode up to the city of Imladris, they did not stop babbling on excitedly about plans for that night. And now only half-listening, Glorfindel took in his surroundings.
Imladris was far from complete having only been established two years ago, but what a fair city it was nonetheless. Having seen cities like Tirion, Aqualondë, Doriath and Gondolin, it was often hard to compare the revered cities of this Age but Glorfindel was certain that Imladris would be counted among the fairer cities of Arda.
Unlike the realms of Galadriel and Oropher, Imladris was not at the heart of a great and ancient forest filled with trees so tall and so densely packed that it was almost a challenge to see where Arien was carrying the Sun and whilst they were both grand in their own right, it was beyond refreshing to be able to feel the cool breeze on his skin, have the opportunity to see the stars shine at night and even feel the spray of water as they passed several waterfalls. The calm river below the steep drop reflected the pale pastel colours of the of the sky overhead and made the white city appear even more beautiful.
It was only as the Elf-lord was being led to the city that his escorts fell silent as they proudly saw him into a large courtyard filled with Elves of all origins and age awaiting his arrival in the city. At their head stood several of the only familiar faces to Glorfindel; Elrond, his wife Celebrian and Gildor Inglorion. Several others he had met with before and recognised from War councils and those who fought beside him on the battlefields.
"Elrond, Celebrian" He smiled as he bowed his head respectfully to the Lord and Lady of Imladris "It is a pleasure to meet with you again, and may I thank you all kindly for all receiving me so warmly." Glorfindel addressed all of the Elves now.
"The pleasure is all ours Lord Glorfindel," Elrond replied and embraced the Elf-lord whilst many of the other Elves bowed in respect before Glorfindel.
Imladris was definitely his favourite city in Middle Earth...
He had travelled to the Eastern realms and met with Galadriel and Celeborn in Lothlorien and to Eryn Galen where he had met with Oropher and his son. Though whilst there was much to marvel at within each of the Elven realms, making new acquaintances within each of the realms and having proper conversations had been a slow and often trying process as it had been a long while since Glorfindel had spoken Sindarin, never mind trying to keep up with what was being said through the thick accent of the Wood Elves. Though by the end of his stay, he had gained much from his journey East... including a fair portion of bottled wine gifted to him from the Elves of Amon Lanc.
On his journey back to Eriador, Glorfindel spent several months more than he had planned on his route, for he found himself fascinated by the race of Men and what they had learnt and achieved since their awakening. He had never given the mortals much thought, for when they had crossed into Beleriand, Glorfindel and many of the Noldo had far more pressing issues to deal with than spend their hours meeting with the wandering nomads that the Atani had descended from. But the more time he had spent with Men, from the nobles to the farmers, he found them to be a very pleasant race. Full of life and spirit were they, free from the burdens that came with an immortal life and their curiosity even rivalled that of the Noldo.
Though as the letters he received from the city of Imladris began to pile up, Glorfindel decided that it was time he made his way to Elrond's refuge in the valley and so he bid the Men a fond farewell and travelled West over the Misty Mountains. He had in fact only just left the High Pass through the Mountains and he had already made up his mind that he would be enjoying his stay immensely.
Not only had he grown very fond of Idril's grandson but the Elves of Imladris seemed like a very friendly and enthusiastic group. His escort, who Elrond had kindly sent to meet with him at the borders of the woodlands, had turned up about a single league into his travel through the mountains and in the form of around forty very excited Elves who were all very keen to meet him. And so the last leg of his journey had been spent being showered with praise of young scholars who had read about his deeds in Valinor and in the First Age and answering thousands of questions about himself and his experiences throughout the Ages. He had to say this was the warmest welcome he had received thus far and it was definitely appealed to the Elf to be held so highly.
And despite their best efforts, the young Elves failed miserably in their attempt to keep the feast being held in his honour a secret and they were all ever so keen to share with Glorfindel how many hours they had spent making garlands and where they had found the nice flower patches around the city, the hunts on which they went to gather enough food for the occasion and the gifts they had made. And even as they rode up to the city of Imladris, they did not stop babbling on excitedly about plans for that night. And now only half-listening, Glorfindel took in his surroundings.
Imladris was far from complete having only been established two years ago, but what a fair city it was nonetheless. Having seen cities like Tirion, Aqualondë, Doriath and Gondolin, it was often hard to compare the revered cities of this Age but Glorfindel was certain that Imladris would be counted among the fairer cities of Arda.
Unlike the realms of Galadriel and Oropher, Imladris was not at the heart of a great and ancient forest filled with trees so tall and so densely packed that it was almost a challenge to see where Arien was carrying the Sun and whilst they were both grand in their own right, it was beyond refreshing to be able to feel the cool breeze on his skin, have the opportunity to see the stars shine at night and even feel the spray of water as they passed several waterfalls. The calm river below the steep drop reflected the pale pastel colours of the of the sky overhead and made the white city appear even more beautiful.
It was only as the Elf-lord was being led to the city that his escorts fell silent as they proudly saw him into a large courtyard filled with Elves of all origins and age awaiting his arrival in the city. At their head stood several of the only familiar faces to Glorfindel; Elrond, his wife Celebrian and Gildor Inglorion. Several others he had met with before and recognised from War councils and those who fought beside him on the battlefields.
"Elrond, Celebrian" He smiled as he bowed his head respectfully to the Lord and Lady of Imladris "It is a pleasure to meet with you again, and may I thank you all kindly for all receiving me so warmly." Glorfindel addressed all of the Elves now.
"The pleasure is all ours Lord Glorfindel," Elrond replied and embraced the Elf-lord whilst many of the other Elves bowed in respect before Glorfindel.
Imladris was definitely his favourite city in Middle Earth...