Forgotten Refugee

Somewhere on the road to Eregion, the Noldorin settlement of the “Gwaith-i-Mirdain” (people of the jewel smiths). Year 1677 S.A.





Dark storm clouds gathered in the sky above as rain threatened to spill forth in torrents from the heavens. A rider in a dark green woollen cloak galloped on in a desperate attempt to try and beat the rain. The hoof beats of his jet black stallion could just be heard over the increasingly frequent rumble of thunder.



Just then a cry of panic rent the air from beneath the folds of the rider’s cloak.



“Shhh, little one, we are nearly there. It’s alright, I am here.” The rider spoke to the bundle cradled beneath his cloak which was in reality a male elfling of two weeks.



Things had gone less than well that day. The babe’s mother had died that morning, a combination of exhaustion, exposure and weakness from childbirth had caused her to succumb. The child’s food supply had died with her and he had been forced to rush the last part of the journey.



The rider was making for Ost-in-Edhil, the capital of Eregion he had hoped to make it before the storm broke but clearly it was not to be.



His resolve re-affirming itself he fixed a determined look on his face and spurred his steed on to greater efforts as another, much louder roar of thunder sounded overhead.



* * * * * * * * *



Some time later and after a long and difficult journey the rider arrived in Ost-in-Edhil. Everyone was obviously inside due to the storm as none of the elven population was visible. After several long minutes of searching, the rider found the house that he had been searching for.



Dismounting as gently as possible, so that he did not disturb his charge, the rider knocked on the door to the house.



Within seconds a dark-haired male elf answered the door. He was tall and thin, extremely pale, with dark blue eyes, eyes which mirrored distrust of the stranger at the door.



“Mae Govannen, randir*, whom do you seek?”



“Maer Aduial mellon!** I seek Sadron, late of the Havens, now a member of your guild.



The guild referred to was the “Gwaith-i-Mirdain” led by Celebrimbor, Curufin’s son, who had discovered the rich reserves of jewels and mithril that were in abundance at the western side of the Misty Mountains. The elves had founded the realm of Eregion, and quickly established a very profitable and friendly trade relationship with the Dwarves of Moria. Dwarves seldom associate with elf-kind, they hold a deep contempt and dislike for the firstborn.



“Come in mellon, I will show you to a waiting room.”







Translations:



*Welcome, wanderer.



**Good evening friend!