In the beginning of the First Age of Middle Earth, as it would come to be called, the Noldorin clans departed the Lands of Valinor. For the fell forces of Melkor had destroyed the light of the Two Trees, and wrathful were the house of Feanor. And Turgon was in heart set against the house of Feanor, but departed nonetheless according to the will of his kindred. And with him across the Helcaraxë went his wife, Elenwë of the Vanyar, and her sister Elenhína. For Elenhína was unwed and loved her sister greatly, and could not bear to part from her. But Elenwë and Idril stumbled and were cast into the sea. And Turgon did struggle to rescue both, but alas only rescued Idril. And Turgon and Elenhína mourned the loss of Elenwë, swearing themselves against the quest of Feanor. And in coming to the city of Vinyamar they did settle there for a time.
And there amongst the shores of Arda did Elenhína oft stare back across the sea towards the place where she had lost her beloved sister. Twas there she met the stonewright Kementen, who looked upon her often in her sorrow and sought to comfort her.
And it would come to pass that Turgon sought to move his family to a safe haven and asked to bring Elenhína with him. But she and Kementen had been wed, and she was with child. And so Laicëala was born in Vinyamar ere the relocation of Turgon’s house to the Vale of Tumladen.
And so Kementen, after the birth of Laicëala, went ahead with Turgon to the Vale, and there wrought in secret a great stronghold, which would be named Gondolin. And thus completing it, sent for Elenhína and Laicëala to venture forth and dwell within. But along the way, Laicëala saw for the first time the trees of Doriath and the forests of Beleriand, and ever her heart was filled with wonder and love.
And in the days of the Long Peace, Laicëala matured, but ever fixed within her heart was the image of the forests. For though Turgon had wrought Glingal and Belthil in the image of the two trees of Valinor, Laicëala ever longed to dance amongst the many trees and to dwell beneath their canopies. And as her heart yearned, she grew pale and sickly, spending her days upon the walls, dwelling upon what lay beyond, or before Glingal and Belthil to find succor under their branches. And there at the center of the city also played the songstress Lothuialien, whose sweet voice would warm her heart. But despite this she still dreamed to dwell amongst the trees. And so one day, fearing for his daughter, Kementen lead her through a hidden passage he had wrought and bid her farewell. And Turgon, seeing her plight and caring for the kindred of his wife, did not stop him. And so Laicëala departed from Gondolin, never to return.
