Koni Lanzius
Sadronniel Alma're, elf maiden and ranger of the First Age, was a student of the great Orome. As all of the Vanyar, Sadronniel is tall and graceful, with long blond hair and fair complexion. She is strong and agile, fleet of foot and quick of mind. Well she remember the journey to the Shining Lands. The great Lord of the Forest, Orome, kept a watchful eye on the forests of Middle Earth. Vanyar families traveled through these forests and only had a vague knowledge of the sinister intent of Melkor, which Orome knew all too well. Seeking to ensure their safety, Oromë accompanied the Elves from Cuiviénen to Beleriand
Sadronniel sometimes heard his great horn off in the distance and sensed his great power in it. One day he appeared in her encampment on his white steed, Nahar. He spoke to the elves and assured them that they would be watched over as they made their way through the forests, and that no harm would befall them. She was fascinated by this mighty Ainur, of which she had heard wonderful tales. She knew that he was a great hunter and tracker, and she wanted to learn from him.
He visited the Vanyar often, and Sadronniel watched him; his great horn on his belt, his keen eyes calmly surveying the forest as he spoke. "I wonder if he would teach me!" she thought. One night, when he rose to leave she decided to track him into the forest out of curiosity. She summoned up all her best cunning tracking techniques, as he rode into the woods. She ran slightly to keep up with the walking horse, keeping out of view and making no sound. She was satisfied that her presence was unknown. She smiled a prideful smile to herself.
She came upon a clearing where Orome had just been and looked about in wonder. Was he not just here merely a second ago, she thought in a slightly surprised manner. Her eyes darted around the forest looking for a sign or a sound, a snapping twig, and heard nothing. How can that be, she thought. She stepped out into the clearing to look for Nahar's tracks. She bent down to examine a hoof print and suddenly heard his great booming voice. "Do ye seek something?" he spoke in a jovial tone from behind her. Sadronniel leapt like a startled cat, nearly falling over. "My Lord!", she stammered, "Forgive me!"
Orome laughed a deep and ancient laugh. Sadronniel blushed deeply, her sense of pride slipping away. "You did a fine job of tracking me, young elf . What is your name?" He spoke kindly.
"I am Sadronniel, Lord Orome, forgive me... I meant only to....." she quickly explained, hoping for mercy.
Orome cut her off. "Sadronniel, is it? Well, Sadronniel, would you like to sharpen your tracking skills?"
She looked at the ground. "Yes, yes, my Lord, I would like that!" she replied. "Very well then, I will teach you," Orome said. "So be it."
He allowed her, and several other young elves, to shadow him, and much was learned. After a time, Sadronniel was one of his best students and could track through any conditions. She was deadly accurate with a bow and could stealthily approach an enemy from behind with knife or sword.
She seemed to have a knack for understanding the creatures and flora of the forest. She listened intently to the stories that Orome and the other rangers would tell at fireside and could recount them in great detail.
She had a deep respect for the spiritual aspects of the forest and studied long under Orome's tutelage, discovering the medicinal nature of the plants found therein, such as the bloodroot to treat flesh wounds. In quiet moments she would climb to the top of a sturdy oak and enjoy the sights, sounds and fragrance of the forest at sunset, her favorite time of day. She often slung a hammock in the branches to rest for the night. While she enjoyed communing with the forest, which she regarded as a entity in and of itself, she found herself a bit lonely at times. Years past as she grew very skilled as a ranger and helped guide many families, along with Orome, to Beleriand. She would see them to their destination and track back into the forest to join her fellow rangers and the Lord of the Forest, Orome.
One day, Sadronniel agreed with Orome that she was ready to move on and join her people in the Undying Lands, to learn the ways they had adopted there. She agreed when Orome suggested that she rejoin her kin and seek service in the House of Ingwe. She was glad to think of a new environment and of going home to rejoin her people.
Sadronniel began her journey through the forest to Aman and her new life. Orome would appear and disappear along the forest trail, until they reached the sea. Sadronniel knew he would travel there in his own mysterious way as she traveled by ship and meet her there in Valimar, a major Ainur city and crossroads for all of Aman. Indeed, she met him there, and they continued their journey.
They arrived at the house of Ingwe on a fine spring morning. They stood in the garden of the grounds of Lord Ingwe. The architecture was elegant and garden lovely and carefully groomed. She felt a pang of sadness at leaving the great Orome's company. He had been a father figure to her. They were discussing how she would visit him from time to time as she looked up and caught the gaze of a tall majestic figure with serene grey eyes. Sadronniel was rendered momentarily speechless, and found her gaze locked into his.
"Greetings, Lord Orome! I greet thee with joy and respect!" Ingwe spoke sincerely. "Is this the maiden you have spoken of?"
"Greetings, King Ingwe of the Vanyar. It is good to see you!" Orome boomed gladly. "She is indeed. Sadronniel, this is Lord Ingwe, and he invites you into his palace."
Sadronniel looked shyly at the handsome king and whispered, "It is an honor, my lord".
"She is a gifted hunter and tracker, Ingwe, but she is eager to learn the fine arts that your house is renowned for. " Orome continued. "She has been too long in the forest." She looked at him and smiled.
Sadronniel bade Orome farewell, and her new life began. She learned quickly the fine arts of dance, song, and storytelling, and she soon stood out among her peers. She found herself eager to please the somewhat solemn king. He seemed to harbor a sadness, which she later discovered was due to the loss of his wife.
She encountered Lord Ingwe alone on occasion when he strolled in his gardens, when all was peaceful and calm. They had discussed the best wood for making bows and other such things. Her day was brightened if she could gain a small measure of amusement from his expression. She found herself looking forward to such encounters, finding herself more attracted to this great king as each day passed. Her feelings for him caused in her a shyness that prevented her from expressing her growing fondness for the handsome Ingwe, and yet she found herself keenly aware of his presence. She would measure her movements about the grounds of the castle so as to "just happen" to encounter him whenever she could, as he went about his day. He encouraged her to share her ranger stories with him and listened intently as she would lose herself in the telling of them. She would forget her shyness then, only remembering herself once the tale was told, retreating back into her quietness and excusing herself from his company.
It was the telling of these tales of the mysteries of the deep forest and the botany of the plants that seemed to intrigue Lord Ingwe, and he encouraged her to speak all she could recall of them. And time passed this way, in peace and tranquility, until, one day during a visit to the palace tailor, she heard the sad tales of the beautiful Linhroa - a very renowned dancer. Linhroa had been a customer to this tailor, who told Sadronniel with tears in her eyes of how Linhroa had fallen to the mornalöte nuruhuine. The tailor had even remarked that Sadronniel reminded her of the tragic Linhroa in her features and graceful movement.
Sadronniel was deeply troubled by this menacing plant that had taken elven lives, and wondered what unnatural evil had shadowed there. She had no knowledge of such a species occurring naturally. She was keenly interested in studying this aberration of nature. She wanted very much to ask Lord Orome what he thought of this cursed plant, if he had any knowledge of it. She was certain that if she was asked, she could discover what evil was afoot. She had heard that there were guards at the site and that even at a distance they felt the effect of the evil plant. Her mind strained to remember if there was ever any mention of such things during her training and could not summon any memory.
Impatiently, Sadronniel waited anxiously to learn what the King's response would be to this threat, and she slowly began to review in her mind all that mighty Orome taught her. She had not been a ranger in some time, and hoped that her skills would return easily. But, not trusting to hope alone, she uncovered her bow, her arrows and donned the garb she once wore when she rode in Orome's company and resumed, quietly, her training...
Waiting.
Sadronniel sometimes heard his great horn off in the distance and sensed his great power in it. One day he appeared in her encampment on his white steed, Nahar. He spoke to the elves and assured them that they would be watched over as they made their way through the forests, and that no harm would befall them. She was fascinated by this mighty Ainur, of which she had heard wonderful tales. She knew that he was a great hunter and tracker, and she wanted to learn from him.
He visited the Vanyar often, and Sadronniel watched him; his great horn on his belt, his keen eyes calmly surveying the forest as he spoke. "I wonder if he would teach me!" she thought. One night, when he rose to leave she decided to track him into the forest out of curiosity. She summoned up all her best cunning tracking techniques, as he rode into the woods. She ran slightly to keep up with the walking horse, keeping out of view and making no sound. She was satisfied that her presence was unknown. She smiled a prideful smile to herself.
She came upon a clearing where Orome had just been and looked about in wonder. Was he not just here merely a second ago, she thought in a slightly surprised manner. Her eyes darted around the forest looking for a sign or a sound, a snapping twig, and heard nothing. How can that be, she thought. She stepped out into the clearing to look for Nahar's tracks. She bent down to examine a hoof print and suddenly heard his great booming voice. "Do ye seek something?" he spoke in a jovial tone from behind her. Sadronniel leapt like a startled cat, nearly falling over. "My Lord!", she stammered, "Forgive me!"
Orome laughed a deep and ancient laugh. Sadronniel blushed deeply, her sense of pride slipping away. "You did a fine job of tracking me, young elf . What is your name?" He spoke kindly.
"I am Sadronniel, Lord Orome, forgive me... I meant only to....." she quickly explained, hoping for mercy.
Orome cut her off. "Sadronniel, is it? Well, Sadronniel, would you like to sharpen your tracking skills?"
She looked at the ground. "Yes, yes, my Lord, I would like that!" she replied. "Very well then, I will teach you," Orome said. "So be it."
He allowed her, and several other young elves, to shadow him, and much was learned. After a time, Sadronniel was one of his best students and could track through any conditions. She was deadly accurate with a bow and could stealthily approach an enemy from behind with knife or sword.
She seemed to have a knack for understanding the creatures and flora of the forest. She listened intently to the stories that Orome and the other rangers would tell at fireside and could recount them in great detail.
She had a deep respect for the spiritual aspects of the forest and studied long under Orome's tutelage, discovering the medicinal nature of the plants found therein, such as the bloodroot to treat flesh wounds. In quiet moments she would climb to the top of a sturdy oak and enjoy the sights, sounds and fragrance of the forest at sunset, her favorite time of day. She often slung a hammock in the branches to rest for the night. While she enjoyed communing with the forest, which she regarded as a entity in and of itself, she found herself a bit lonely at times. Years past as she grew very skilled as a ranger and helped guide many families, along with Orome, to Beleriand. She would see them to their destination and track back into the forest to join her fellow rangers and the Lord of the Forest, Orome.
One day, Sadronniel agreed with Orome that she was ready to move on and join her people in the Undying Lands, to learn the ways they had adopted there. She agreed when Orome suggested that she rejoin her kin and seek service in the House of Ingwe. She was glad to think of a new environment and of going home to rejoin her people.
Sadronniel began her journey through the forest to Aman and her new life. Orome would appear and disappear along the forest trail, until they reached the sea. Sadronniel knew he would travel there in his own mysterious way as she traveled by ship and meet her there in Valimar, a major Ainur city and crossroads for all of Aman. Indeed, she met him there, and they continued their journey.
They arrived at the house of Ingwe on a fine spring morning. They stood in the garden of the grounds of Lord Ingwe. The architecture was elegant and garden lovely and carefully groomed. She felt a pang of sadness at leaving the great Orome's company. He had been a father figure to her. They were discussing how she would visit him from time to time as she looked up and caught the gaze of a tall majestic figure with serene grey eyes. Sadronniel was rendered momentarily speechless, and found her gaze locked into his.
"Greetings, Lord Orome! I greet thee with joy and respect!" Ingwe spoke sincerely. "Is this the maiden you have spoken of?"
"Greetings, King Ingwe of the Vanyar. It is good to see you!" Orome boomed gladly. "She is indeed. Sadronniel, this is Lord Ingwe, and he invites you into his palace."
Sadronniel looked shyly at the handsome king and whispered, "It is an honor, my lord".
"She is a gifted hunter and tracker, Ingwe, but she is eager to learn the fine arts that your house is renowned for. " Orome continued. "She has been too long in the forest." She looked at him and smiled.
Sadronniel bade Orome farewell, and her new life began. She learned quickly the fine arts of dance, song, and storytelling, and she soon stood out among her peers. She found herself eager to please the somewhat solemn king. He seemed to harbor a sadness, which she later discovered was due to the loss of his wife.
She encountered Lord Ingwe alone on occasion when he strolled in his gardens, when all was peaceful and calm. They had discussed the best wood for making bows and other such things. Her day was brightened if she could gain a small measure of amusement from his expression. She found herself looking forward to such encounters, finding herself more attracted to this great king as each day passed. Her feelings for him caused in her a shyness that prevented her from expressing her growing fondness for the handsome Ingwe, and yet she found herself keenly aware of his presence. She would measure her movements about the grounds of the castle so as to "just happen" to encounter him whenever she could, as he went about his day. He encouraged her to share her ranger stories with him and listened intently as she would lose herself in the telling of them. She would forget her shyness then, only remembering herself once the tale was told, retreating back into her quietness and excusing herself from his company.
It was the telling of these tales of the mysteries of the deep forest and the botany of the plants that seemed to intrigue Lord Ingwe, and he encouraged her to speak all she could recall of them. And time passed this way, in peace and tranquility, until, one day during a visit to the palace tailor, she heard the sad tales of the beautiful Linhroa - a very renowned dancer. Linhroa had been a customer to this tailor, who told Sadronniel with tears in her eyes of how Linhroa had fallen to the mornalöte nuruhuine. The tailor had even remarked that Sadronniel reminded her of the tragic Linhroa in her features and graceful movement.
Sadronniel was deeply troubled by this menacing plant that had taken elven lives, and wondered what unnatural evil had shadowed there. She had no knowledge of such a species occurring naturally. She was keenly interested in studying this aberration of nature. She wanted very much to ask Lord Orome what he thought of this cursed plant, if he had any knowledge of it. She was certain that if she was asked, she could discover what evil was afoot. She had heard that there were guards at the site and that even at a distance they felt the effect of the evil plant. Her mind strained to remember if there was ever any mention of such things during her training and could not summon any memory.
Impatiently, Sadronniel waited anxiously to learn what the King's response would be to this threat, and she slowly began to review in her mind all that mighty Orome taught her. She had not been a ranger in some time, and hoped that her skills would return easily. But, not trusting to hope alone, she uncovered her bow, her arrows and donned the garb she once wore when she rode in Orome's company and resumed, quietly, her training...
Waiting.