Gondolin, First Age: 436
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The small child gripped tightly to the older elf's hand, scared among the grand partying and festivities.
"Nana..." He whispers.
The long, silver hair was pulled back into many elaborate braids, ribbons of gold and blue weaved throughout. Upon the child's brow, a thin band of gold sat, light from the sun making it look like a halo around his head. His garments were made of the lightest of blue and white silks, and the buttons were made of carved bronze.On his feet were a pair of new, black leather boots.
"Yes Little Moon?" She bends down to whisper to him.
Glittering marble buildings stood tall, imposing but beautiful in the later summer sun that was beginning to set. The streets were filled with revelers wearing their finest garments and jewelry. Flower petals fell from above as if flowers were raining upon the stone streets and those gathered for the festival. Dancers moved merrily upon the sides of the streets, grinning at each other and moving with grace and joy.
"People.... too many people." He mutters, looking around the streets in fear.
The sound of flutes and harps permeated the air and laughs and cheers resounded as the festival continued. A bright sounding horn announced the arrival of the soldiers. The crowds muttered in excitement and awe as the sound of the soldiers and horses approached.
"Hush, darling. I am here and won't let you get lost."
Ithilwe squeezed his mothers hand tighter at the sounds, and she gently squeezes back, pulling him to the side of the road with the other citizens. The small elf shoves his finger into his mouth, nervously watching the proceedings.
"Promise?" He looks up to her with a pout and wide eyes.
"Promise." She replies with a kind smile, leaning down to press a kiss on his forehead.
The crowd hushes as the parade of soldiers comes closer, all bowing in respect for the lords of the houses as they pass. Ithilwe follows his mothers lead in bowing deeply as the soldiers of their own house pass. The swordsmen came first with their shining, bright blue shields, decorated with the gems of the house. The light of the sun cast rainbows off the gems, surrounding the area in colorful lights. Set in their helms, large glittering opals proudly showed off the pride of the house.
Mother and son watched in awe as the archers follow. The younger bounced excitedly upon his toes as he catches sight of his father, the male elf sending a wink over the two. Ithilwe flushes as his father raises the stained and sticky bow in a slight greeting before he snaps it back into position along with the other archers. The child hides his face in his mother's gown with embarassment., though she only chuckles.
"See Little Moon? See how proudly your father carries your hard work?"
He continues to pout but turns to watch the parade of soldiers continue. The soldiers continue their forward march, till the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower began his approach. Many of the younger ladies in the crowd muttered among themselves and swooned as the elf passed, his golden hair flowing in the wind.
Ithilwe looked around confused at the commotion and shrugged, eyes flitting from soldier to soldier.
"Why are the girls getting all flustered Nana?" He asks curiously.
The woman laughs with mirth. "They might find Hir Glorfindel handsome."
Ithilwe tilts his head in confusion. "But Ada is more handsome."
"That he is, Little Moon, that he is." She replies. "Now turn back and watch the rest of the soldiers, hmmm?"
Ithilwe nods and his eyes return to the soldiers.
The child watches with what could be considered boredom as the soldier march on, until one figure in the lineup catches his eyes. A handsome elf who stood tall and proud among the other warriors.
His shining red hair flowed freely from underneath the golden helm and his strong features held a kind, but intimidating look. His golden regalia only complimented his hair and features for the better. He watches in awe as the soldier comes closer, seemingly like a giant compared to the small child. The finger slips from his mouth as his jaw drops open in amazement at the shining soldier and the golden aura that seemed to surround him. Ithilwe pulls on his mother's hand to get her attention.
"Nana...nana!" He whispers in excitement.
"Yes, Little Moon?" She asks, eyebrow raised at his sudden change in attitude.
The silver haired boy points wildly as the handsome soldier passes them.
"Him!" He says, a smile on his face.
"What about him?" She asks curiously.
"*He* is handsome." He whispers, still staring at the red haired soldiers back as the troops move on.
His mother chuckles and bends down to pick him up and rest him on her hip. "You think he is handsome Little Moon? Do you want to be like him when you grow up? A strong, handsome soldier?"
Ithilwe shakes his head defiantly. "No! I do not want to be a soldier. I want to read books and spend time with my family by the fire when I grow. With someone I could love. Someone handsome, like him." He says with as much certainty as a young child could have.
"You can be and love whomever you wish, Little Moon. Your life is yours to command, not anyone else."
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