From the diary of Denebrian - August 22, 310 FA
I have finally come into my adult age and feel I should record some of my life, to share later with any children I might one day have. Though I know not where to start or how detailed I should be in my writing. I will let my mind and my hand flow freely and may they convey what needs to be said and in a way that is easily understood. As a start to this diary I will speak of the years that have brought me to this day, my one-hundredth year under the sun.
The year of my birth marked the two-hundred tenth year that the Eldar walked under the sun. I was born to a most noble father, Denathalin of the Thlim Gothodrum [House of the Hammer of Wrath] and a most beautiful maiden, Briaconlir of the Thlim Ith Mindon [House of the Tower of Snow]. Our fair city of Gondolin had just celebrated its ninety-fourth year. Much of my youth was spent learning the trades and secrets of my father's house.
During my training in metalwork I would sometimes sneak away when my master had to run errands. My love was to watch the young soldier's of the house practice with the weapons and armor our finest crafters had created and dreaming of one day doing the same. I would always hurry home daily to have a little time before my father would return, donning his weapons and some of his lighter armor and pretending I was going into battle. My sneaking around, however, would finally catch up to me when my father returned a day earlier than I had expected.
After much discussion and pleading on my part, my father was convinced that I should learn the arts of being a soldier. He chose to train me personally before allowing me to approach Lord Rog and applying for the house's army.
To this day I have yet to master the use of a simple shield and light sword. It may be that I am too small in frame to do this sort of thing. My heart is not so small and I will put forth even more effort to master the simplest equipment of a soldier.
My hope is that you not partake of me as a soldier-type only. I am fond of many things found within this fair city. The fields outside of the city are most always in bloom, their flowers blowing gently from the breezes flowing over the mountains. The music from the Thlim Salum [House of the Harp] moves my spirit daily, even when my mind dwells elsewhere. Watching as King Turgon and his court present us the annual Summer festivals. How I so love my home, my city, my people.
I will end this entry with rumour from the city of Nargothrond, ruled by Finrod. There seems to be a new people within the lands of Beleriand; they call themselves Edain. I know not what they look like or what tongue they speak. I also wonder what King Turgon thinks of this and what it means for these lands.
End (for now)
[Note: Each diary entry will cover 100 years of Denebrian's life. Cannot say when part 2 will be written]
