The Son of Anorieth of Ossiriand and Cairdir of Mithlond, Gilandros was born TA1829 in the Grey Havens of Lindon. The final Kingdom of the North was in its last days as the forces of Angmar cut a swath of destruction through the region. Angmar itself would fall in the last throws of conquest, but the Witch Kings purpose was fulfilled.

Beyond the walls of Mithlond the world had become a darker place, but in its shelter the young Gilandros was taught the tales of elder years in stories, song and poems. Anorieth, his mother, would sing and laugh and reveal a world of wonder; and Cairdir his father would joke and whisper tales of wisdom.

As one of the few children born so late in the age there were few other children to play with, but the youth was seldom with out companions. Residence of Mithlond were more than willing to give him their time, and to answer the questions of an inquisitive mind. It was a pleasure to once again pass on their knowledge to the young. To him the world was full of puzzles and conundrums; to them he was a reminder of a time long ago, a happier time. When the world sent as many woes, as the rain in the storm, the child of Anorieth and Cairdir was as a bright star in the darkness, and so he got his name; Gilandros, sindarin for the Star of the long rain.

 As he became full grown in mind and body he decided to follow in the footsteps of his mother’s vocation and entered service in the houses of healing. For the greater part of his life, Gilandros worked there daily tending the sick and injured; though he was never as skilled in the arts of healing physical wounds like his colleagues or his mother. His talent was his ability to take away the shadow of despair, and renew hope when hope seemed but a fanciful idea. The stories and tales, and the flame of youth were fresh to those about him and he was willing to share all that he could. He was unburdened by the long years and the toll of ages that others were beginning to feel; and his nature was of the mirth and laughter of Anorieth and Cairdir his parents.

Through out his long service in the houses of healing he saw much of death and suffering, and the stories of the glory in battle soon lost any appeal for him; but his resolute faith and belief in hope were only strengthened. Many that were deemed to be beyond aid would enter the houses of healing only to recover; it was a miracle that Gilandros witnessed many times… there was hope in all things.

As the years progressed the inquisitive mind took hold once more and was coupled with a need to practice a craft of hand. His first thoughts were to ask his father Cairdir to teach him the arts of working wood and ship building, but Cairdir remarkably refused.

‘You have mind full of questions Gilandros, and your inquisitive nature will not be long sated by learning things that are well known to the ship builders of Mithlond. I see wisdom and cunning in you, the questions of how and why are ever foremost in your mind,’ as he said this he put a reassuring hand on his sons shoulder and began to walk with him along the water front of Mithlond.

‘You are my son Gilandros, and I am proud of all you do, but you are not me and I would not have you always compared with me. A son may walk in his father’s footsteps and, no mater what talent he shows, he will always be stepping in his shadow,’ and with that comment he smiled and looked down at their feet. Gilandros’ eyes followed and sure enough he stood in the shadow of Cairdir.

‘Everything we do and say in life will cast its shadow; you need to seek out something that challenges you that will engage that mind of yours. I have now idea what that will be, but these things have a tendency to reveal themselves in time.’

Father and son walked along the waterside in silence for a while as their shadows stretched out behind them

As the years of the third age lengthened and with the continuing dwindling of their people Anorieth and Cairdir took the ship long prepared for them and sailed into the uttermost west. The parting of Gilandros and his parents was one of mixed feelings of joy and sadness. In the west they would always have joy and happiness with each other and protection; but the loss of their guidance and wisdom would be slow to leave him. It would be a long tale of years before he would see them again, and as if reading his mind Anorieth said, ‘Do not fret Gilandros, fore you shall never really be alone. We both shall carry you in our hearts. In times of doubt, look to the sky and know that the same sun shines on me as it does on you and it is the same stars that I will sing to.’

            With those words they both embraced their son one final time before stepping onto the ship and passed out of the havens. Gilandros watched until they were beyond his vision, his heart felt heavy and loneliness took hold for perhaps the first time. However that night as he sat under the stars he found himself smiling full in the knowledge that the Anorieth was singing and Cairdir was laughing whist casting his shadows under the same stars....