Diary of a recruit – part 4

Entry 8 - 'Onnad Lyth'

The beautiful season of ethuil is upon us, trees are in full bloom, green meadows around Duillond are covered with many colourful flowers, sweet fragrance fills the air and freshness of spring touches every weary heart willing to be healed. Such beauty is meant to be celebrated. And we have done so during this year's spring festival of Onnad Lyth!

It had all started a few weeks ago when Falathlorn became a buzz of bustle, all being busy with preparations for the feast wishing it would be a success. Hirgonui appointed Hîr Galvathalion responsible for the arrangement of the event. I hadn't had much opportunity to meet Indur before and so the festivities brought a chance to learn more about him. I hold all the scholars of Calarind in high regard most likely due to the lack of my own education feeling often bashful in their presence. And every time I met the Master of Lore there seemed to be an aura of ancient days of the Eldar present around him too. Now I was really surprised to witness he was truly like one of us watching him rush from one task to another busy with arrangement of the feast but always kind and patient to all he talked with despite his growing fatigue.

All of the Herth took part in the preparations offering their skills, talent, knowledge or simply their time. Hallothel, a fellow recruit training to become a scout of the Ethiriath wished to partake in the boar hunt. Myself being overexerted after recent martial training rather decided to take part in more delicate collecting of flowers on the meadows around Duillond which proved to be a good choice for I was introduced to Hiril Isilmewen who had just arrived from Imladris! Engaged deeply in conversation with her while weaving wreaths of flowers I enjoyed myself immensely. I am always so excited when I have a chance to speak with a resident of Rivendell. How I wish to see the beauty of the hidden Valley with my own eyes some day! Hallothel returned soon with success sharing the thrilling tale of the hunt with us. She is a remarkable elleth greatly skilled with a bow and I have been enlightened by the thought that I have found an ally against hardship our training brings.

Everything seemed ready for the ceremony planned for the next day: garlands of flowers decorated both Duillond and Celondim, wreaths for the procession were resting in water, shining white robes embroidered with golden thread lay neatly folded on the shelves, vintage wine was ready to be served, large variety of delicious food were prepared as well...

Clad in white robes with wreaths made of flowers adorning our heads we joined the solemn procession from Duillond to the pavilion overlooking the River Lhun. Hîr Galvathalion gave a beautiful speech compairing our lives and efforts to the seeds he gave us and which we returned back to nature in a symbolic way by letting them fall into the water of the river so they could grow again. Hope was rekindled in my heart for even a tiny seed could bear fruit some day.

Now it was time for revelry and Celondim pavilion offered an ideal place for all kinds of merrymaking. Listening to the beautiful tunes the musicians were playing I helped myself to all kinds of treats imaginable. Then Hiril Lhethril appeared suddenly beside me offering some wine, I was very glad to see her here and we talked a while for there was so much to tell since our last meeting. After some time I found the Herth already dancing nearby inviting me to dance with them. Perhaps somewhat reluctant at first but unable to resist for long I gladly joined them. We enjoyed ourselves so much and it was a pleasure to see Curugirion so relaxed while dancing with us. Aearandir savouring his wine seemed to be in high spirits too and when my eyes finally found Galvathalion there was no sign of fatigue either. I was so happy wishing the festivities would never end.

Falathlorn truly knows how to celebrate for the festivities were impressive! During these moments of bliss I have some forgotten hardship of drill routine of a recruit. My heart rejoiced in celebration of spring and my desire to offer myself in service has been strengthened.

My mind keeps returning to my small hometown on the coast for Brithillond has always been celebrating the season of ethuil as well. Perhaps our festivals are not so spectacular but they are prepared with dedication and love. I wish I were aboard one of those festive ships sailing to the open sea where the ocean would embrace flower petals after being thrown from the decks. Then Belegaer would be miraculously transformed into a fair meadow...

Nay, I dare not dream any longer lest I would feel homesick...