Valinor, the Second Age of Middle-earth, 3440

Lord Manwë has announced that the war with the Dark Lord Sauron in the Outer Lands is coming to its end. The news both delights and worries me. It lightens my heart with the knowledge that yet another war against a dark lord is nearly over, and that the people of the land will be free from tyranny, oppression and fear. And yet, at the same time, I am saddened by the knowledge.

I know what it is like having lived in Gondolin during Morgoth's reign of terror. I know the fear, the uncertainty that comes with each waking morning. Even the children knew the fear that their parents held. It was an awful time, one I do not wish to repeat twice. Yet there are those that live now on Middle-earth who must endure that uncertainty and fear. They fight for their freedom just as their ancestors had. They fight together alongside the various races the Lord Ilúvatar has created and allowed to live on the land. My lover fights with them, and for him I worry.

Glorfindel, my golden love. If I had been reborn but just a little earlier I might have joined you in the battle you fight now. You of all people know how much I loathe taking up arms; music is more to my liking. Yet, when duty calls, I do not hesitate to take up my sword and spear. I would do so with you now if I was but allowed. But, I am not.

And there is the problem that you do not know I have been reborn. Your mother told me of all the nights you spent in quiet council with your father after your rebirth. You told Glorion that you wished I would return and be with you, but that you dared not ask Lord Mandos when, or even if, my fëa shall return to the world. By the wish of the Valar, you left Valinor with the Istari to lend your aid to those opposing Sauron, not knowing that once you left I would return.

Do you lie awake in your bed in Middle-earth wondering if I am still far from your reach? If only I could come to you and tell you otherwise. But I am not permitted. The Valar have forbidden me to sail to you much to my heart's discontent. I dare no disobey them; we both already know what becomes of us when we go against the rule of the Valar. They are merciful, but I dare not incur their wrath a second time. Fear not, malthener. Your parents are taking good care of me. I am thankful for their help, especially now that my parents are not here.

Ada, Nana, I miss you. In all your years, you never had the chance to met my lover's parents, and for that I regret the past. Glorion and Estelien are beautiful people; I would have thought you blind if you could not see them in Glorfindel. They treat me as their own, welcomed me into their home and offered their comfort and support when the memories of my past were recalled too vividly. It was Glorion who found me on the shores when my fëa returned to my body, intact thanks to Lord Ulmo, Lady Uinen and Lady Arien.

The cold of Mandos still pulled at me then despite the warmth of the sun, the sand and the surf. Glorion said my eyes were vacant as if I were asleep but that my face shown like a star fallen on the ground. Though the situation surrounding such a scene was pitiful, Glorion said he had wished you both could have seen me then. But I am at least thankful that you were not there to see my end in Gondolin, for that is a memory that haunts me.

Anor sets; I must be off for I promised Eärendil I would accompany him to the shores this evening before his journey. He tells me about you, malthener, what you say and what you see each night. I wish he could come to tell you that I am well, but that would be his undoing. For now, I shall content myself with his tales and dream of the day I shall see you again.

Tirion [Return] Entry 2