Entry 2
The dawn is a long way off but it seems I cannot find rest this night. I decided to take a walk under the stars in the peaceful gardens of Thamas Lorn. I lay on the soft grass watching silent guardian Ithil and her kinsfolk stars floating gracefully in the dark sky... beauty immeasurable... and so is joy in my heart.
I wish I could share my happiness with my dear ones, I wish they were here with me to witness all of this. Perhaps then naneth you would be able to understand how much it means to me. So I will try and write to you about all that happened to me yesterday...
Dear father and mother,
I hope you are all well at home. I have wonderful news to share with you though I know it will bring little joy to you: I have been accepted as a recruit among the Flower! I cannot express my happiness and excitement! But you both know how much I desired to join them.
Hirgonui sends his regards to you, ada! He spoke highly of you and my heart rejoiced. Do not fear for me, naneth, for I have found only kindness here in Thamas Lorn. It is a place of peace
and beauty, it serves more like a safe haven for members of the Herth who come here not only for orders and news but rather to share their joys and sorrows like we do in our family.
After initial questioning and proving my determination to become a warden Hirgonui put my name on the Roster of the Flower. My heart trembled knowing I had to give up my former carefree life and was about to embrace hardship of training. But thankfully there was little time for useless brooding and I was introduced to the other members of the Herth: Aearandir, the Caun and the drillmaster, then Faelach, a young guardian in training and two members of the Calarind, an order of scholars and healers who recently joined the Flower, Hîr Galvathalion and his student Elvea. After a delicious dinner we continued our conversation only to find out Faelach was a pearl diver too! So I suggested a swimming contest to prove our skills and he immediately accepted! So we moved to the banks of the River Lhun accompanied by Caun Aearandir, our referee for the contest. We were swimming down the river to the docks of Celondim where Lords Curugirion and Galvathalion welcomed us. Guess who the winner was! I did not fail Brithillond, Haven of Pearls! Faelach is an excellent swimmer too and I cannot wait for another contest!
Do not worry, ada, I know how to behave if I have to. And I have a feeling my adventurous spirit is welcome here even by the superiors. But many days of hard training are ahead and I do not want to fail. I am very grateful for the chance that was given to me.
Please take care and give regards to all!
May Elbereth shine upon you and mighty Ulmo protect our haven!
Yours,
Alfiriel, the happiest recruit in Arda.
I hope this letter will carry joyous tidings to its recipients swiftly.
I cannot help but smile recalling back the swimming contest. I am sure Faelach would like to have a rematch soon! Caun Aearandir is responsible for the training of the recruits, I still do not know what to make of him. He seemed very relaxed while chatting with others after the dinner but Faelach made several remarks about his training so I do not expect him to be soft. I was really surprised when he joined us in the swimming contest. He could have been watching us from the bank, barking at us, but he was swimming with us, dressed in the same clothes. I will find about him soon when the training begins.
I wonder what coming days will bring?
