I had travelled north, past the tall ranges of the Blue Mountains and into the rolling and lush forestlands of Harlond. It had been many days since I beheld any other being, and part of me was glad for that. Being driven from my home had left me with such bitterness and anger in my heart that the world seemed dimmed and my eyes grew so that they could not see the good in any man. For a time, while I still held the hope of my father's in my heart, I had lent my sword to those who needed aid and sang the songs of Beleriand to those who cared to listen; but now even that had been darkened and stilled.
It was on the fourth day after I had passed the foothills that wolves attacked. It was a large pack that had come down from the slopes behind me. I killed as many as I could until they gave up and ran off...there was easier prey at less cost, and the cries of their pack-mates as they died on my sword stabbed their hearts with fear. I ran as well, wounds and rends bleeding, my strength ebbing as I limped away from their hunting ground and toward the sweet breeze that blew from the West. It was not long before weakness took me and the world faded from my sight, but before the dark took me I thought I beheld a tower against the sky, with birds circling above it; then I knew nothing more.
I awoke in a sun filled room, soft blankets warming me, and my wounds cleansed and bound. A large window opened out into a blue sky, and at the far end of the room I made out a figure gazing outward towards blue water below. He appeared to be a beardless youth, no more than twenty, tall and slender with brown hair that fell in braids past his shoulders. When he saw that I was awake he approached me and spoke in the Old Tongue: " Na vedui...gi nathlam hí. Im Gildurfin." My eyes must have widened, for he smiled slightly and took a breath to speak again, but before he could I answered: "Im Lindovor o Gondor. Le fael, lo hannon...Uin edhel." It was all the strength I had, and I lay back on the pillows. I did not see the laughter that tugged at the side of his mouth as he answered: "Iston...". He paused, then continued in the Common Speech, "But you have suffered many wounds, and you must rest. You are safe in the Havens and may heal here. Sleep now and when you wake we will bring food ." And for the first time in many, many days, I slept.
My recovery was slow, but sure. And when I felt strong enough to venture forth I found myself in a shipyard. Each day was a wonder to me, for I had heard many tales of the Elves and and learned somewhat of their speech from the scholars of Minas Tirith. My mother sang me songs of how they marched with their king, Gil-Galad, at Elendil's side. I had never before seen any of the First Ones, and for the most part it was as though I walked as a wraith among them...they spoke little, but would acknowledge me with their eyes. Gildurfin, whom I had first spoken with, was one of their masters of healing lore and was more forthcoming with conversation of the day's activities as well as the histories and songs that arose from that place. It was he that suggested I help the woodsmen to gather lumber for the shipwrights; knowing that fear of a wound with oft mar the spirit, he could see that I was far from whole in my heart...though my wounds did not all come from the rending teeth of wolves. I came to love that work, and even to this day if I see a fallen branch that can be made into a thing of use and beauty I will gather it up. I grew in friendship with those that worked by my side and slowly the ice of bitterness around my heart began to melt. I conversed and grew somewhat stronger in elvish speech, losing the accent that my friends later told me was terrible, and I gloried in working to the point of weariness, though it seemed I could never match the strength and endurance of those toiling beside me.
After one day of good work, I sank onto a bench by the docks and sat gazing at the reflections made by the setting sun upon the water. An elf I had not before met came and sat next to me. He said nothing for a long while but reached into a purse tied to his belt and took out two pieces of exquisitely dried fish. Giving me one, he began to nibble the other, his beard dancing a little as he chewed. After a while, he spoke: "Your fathers came from that place," he motioned with his head towards the setting sun, and looked at me, his eyes deep pools of time and wisdom. "yet we know you only as Lindovor. Did they shame you that you do not speak their name to us?" I drew in breath, and a blade of bitterness that had been sleeping woke and rent me from my inmost parts to my heart. "No...," I choked, tears coming unbidden to my eyes. I wiped my face hastily. "Shame was placed upon me, though I strove to act with honour. Still, I would not have my father's name touched by dishonour. I have no name but Lindovor." I sat silent and studied the piece of fish in my hands. My companion looked at me calmly, "If you have been made to bear the shame of another, that is indeed unjust but it may not be without purpose. I see the pain it has caused you, but I also see the truth of your heart. If you cannot bear the name of the father you left behind you, you are nonetheless Sedrynion... a son of the Faithful Ones...and there is honour in that which will never be taken from you. You have sought to serve as a warrior, and late as labourer, but I have heard you sing the songs of the Blessed Realm. And there truly lies your honour...for in that the light of the One can be revealed. Put aside the darkness, and hold to the light. There is coming a time when this world will need all its light-bearers. However one begins, it is what we do now that shows both our past and future." He fell silent a moment, then offered me another piece of fish. As I sat with him in silence, pondering his words, there came upon me unbidden a healing fire which washed over me taking with it the last pangs of bitterness. He continued "It is time for you to go back into the world; go with our blessing and know that you will always be welcome in this place as long as it stands." He stood, and I stood with him. "Give me your name, man," he said. I looked into his eyes and said with a firm voice, "Lindovor Sedrynion". In his eyes the deep pools of time were lit by a blinding flash of mischief. "I am Nowë", he said with a smile.
