As the early rays of the sun gently kissed the earth, illuminating the world with a soft golden hue, a sense of tranquility filled the air. The sky above was a canvas painted in hues of blue, adorned with wisps of cotton-like clouds that seemed to dance effortlessly.
In the silence of the morning, the crispness of the air could be felt with every breath. Nature was tightly wrapped in winter's embrace, with frost clinging to blades of grass and delicate icicles forming on pinecones and tree branches of Echoriath's forests. Despite the cold, there was a certain beauty in the delicate glistening of the ice, turning the forest into a glittering wonderland.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the stillness, crunching against the frozen ground. The cold air seemed to awaken the senses, invigorating each step with a sharp clarity. Two solitary figures, wrapped in warm coats and scarves, walked briskly leaving behind a trail of footprints in the frost-covered landscape. It was a secluded patch of pine trees where the scent of evergreen filled the air; the figures, two elves named Sinilatamo and Angamir were debating the purpose of their trek: to find the rare and delicate edelweiss flower, a symbol of purity and undying love, to present as a gift to Sinilatamo's beloved. At least that is what the silver haired elf told his friend, who always thought him to be an insufferable romantic.
"Losse lá mára nin...* I hope you realize, Sinilatamo, that I agreed to wake up at the break of dawn and get my hair covered in frost only because I'm sure you'd fall into a chasm as your mind is prone to wandering on its own" Angamir began, his voice as ringing as the arctic wind. "Therefore you need someone to keep you from straying too far"
Sinilatamo shook his head, used to his friend's prickly humour. His eyes though were scanning the ground with determination. "I AM grateful for the company, Angamir. Despite your jabs, I am awfully serious about this. The edelweiss, with its deilcate petals and pure white hue, is perfect to represent my feelings for her. It is a flower as rare and precious as the love I hold for my Vanimelde... and it is her favorite bloom."
"Ugh... you keep talking like that and all this snow will turn to sugar" quipped the brown haired elf, smirking as the other one laughed. They bantered a lot, but always in good spirits and never with malice.
"You see, the reason why there are so many flowers in this world is because each bloom tells a story, and every quest undertaken to find them is a testament to the power of love."
"Ai, 'Tamo please keep quiet, I've heard enough sappy words to last me an entire week"
He laughed loudly. "Alright, alright... but you have to admit I am a better wordsmith than Salakanto"**
"Like that is a high bar to raise! I thought you had better standards... bah. Come on, let us keep searching"
They ventured deeper into the forest, their eyes scanning every nook and cranny for signs of the elusive flower. Winters in the Encircling Mountain were harsh, yet even the tiniest things clinged stubbornly to life. Sinilatamo paused for a moment, his gaze lost in the faint rays of sunlight that filtered through the canopy. Then, finally he saw it: a solitary bloom growing between the cracks of a rock. He sprinted to pick it "Look, there! We are at journey's end, overcame frost and obstacles in the pursuit of our quest, here lies our prize--"
"Your quest and your prize" interrupted Angamir "I'm so happy for you, now can we please return to Ondolinde? I yearn for the warmth of my forge and to melt the ice off my hair"
"I owe you a favor, my stalwart companion"
Angamir made an undeciphered sound and grabbed his friend by the shoulders, descending from the mountain side back to the Hidden City.
That evening, a winter feast organized at the royal palace saw many elves enjoying music, dance and the flowery prose of Lord Salakanto of the Harp. Sinilatamo too danced with his Vanimelde; scanning the hall, he saw Angamir near the refreshments table and discreetly signed a victory sign to him, who in turn rolled his eyes and sighed. The edelweiss bloom worn in the elleth's elaborate hairdo. Aye, Sinilatamo thought. It was worth it.
translation:
* Losse lá mára nin... I don't like the snow in quenya
** Salakanto: Salgant in quenya
