Hearken to me as I tell a tale, a tale of days of ages past. Nowhere else shall you hear such a song for it is the song of my life. I have gone many places and heard many songs since then, but my story begins more than three ages ago in the land of bliss, fair Valinor…
I was born long ago in the city of Tirion under the Light of the Two Trees. My father was a skilled woodworker and my mother helped him run the shop. My father crafted my first flute when I was still a young elfling. Music for me was a way to express my joy in the beauty of life. I was a happy child and wanted for nothing. Once I got older I went with my father throughout Valinor selling his wares.
One of my favorite places to go was the city of Valmar, where the Valar dwell. The first time I saw the Two Trees, Laurelin and Telperion I was so mesmerized by their beauty that I stared, as if in a trance, for nearly an hour of their Light (Close to ten hours of current time). What, you find it unlikely that one could be so enraptured by a mere tree. Let me tell you these were no mere trees.
Imagine a tall cherry tree perfect in form in every way, leaves of deep green, smooth bark of dark gray-brown, covered in blossoms. Now instead of shadows in the depths of its branches there is light. Silvery-white light. Its Light was akin to the light of the moon when it reflects off pristine white snow on a winter's night. That was Telperion, eldest of the two Trees. Laurelin was like a slender beech, with bark of soft gray and leaves of a pale green. Its boughs drooped heavily toward the ground, dripping with a golden light. A light purer than the Sun on a Spring day. Its Light was softer, less harsh than that of Anor now, but exceedingly beautiful. At the base of each Tree were large pools of Light that shone in themselves, yet did not detract from the glory that was the Trees. When one gazed upon the Trees you felt your inner light growing, overflowing, shining out through your eyes. By this light were the Elves of Valinor known from their kin in Beleriand. I have never ceased to make music celebrating the splendor of the Trees.
One day, shortly after I came of age, I was playing my flute under the eaves of the Trees.
"You are quite skilled." A voice said, startling me.
I looked to my right and saw that the voice belonged to a being with the exquisite beauty of the Ainur. He was tall with long black hair and a fair face. His voice was beautiful in a way that made me feel strange.
I shrugged nonchalantly, "Not really, but I don't mind. I'm sorry, but I don't recognize you. Which of the Valar do you serve?" A fire flashed in his eyes for but a moment that filled me with fear. Then it was gone in an instant and I doubted that I had ever seen it.
"It is no matter, child. I am Melkor, brother of Manwe and I have but lately come to Valmar." He crooned. "I see great potential in you, child. The potential to be the greatest bard in all of Valinor, with my tutelage. You can become greater than Maglor and Elemmire, perhaps even combined. I can teach you how to make music so powerful it will make Elves everywhere, and even the Valar, cry."
I frowned at him. "Why would I want that? I don't want people to cry when they hear my music. I want them to smile, and laugh, and dance. I want my music to bring joy." I stood up. "Thank you for your offer Sir, but I have to pass. Maybe you should ask someone else." With this I turned and walked away. Reflecting back I marvel that I was able to reject him as I did, given who he became. He offered things I had no desire for and I was still young enough to say what I thought instead of delaying.
The next day I decided to wander some of the gardens of Valmar. I was trying to order my thoughts after my distressing conversation with Melkor. I entered one glade to find it occupied. I stopped, for before me was the Vala Lady Vana. She had flowers in her hair and was wearing a fresh, green dress. I didn't want to be rude, and I certainly didn't want another confusing conversation like the day before.
I started to leave, but she stopped me, took my hand, smiled, and said, "Dance with me, Lirullin." We danced and we danced. As I danced I felt my confusion and distress from my conversation with Melkor float away like a butterfly.
When we stopped I was breathing heavily with exhilaration. "My lady, I don't understand, why me?"
"Walk with me." She said and gestured down a path. "We're a lot alike you and I." I stared at her wide-eyed. She chuckled, "We see life the same way, full of joy and beauty. We want to share this delight in life with others." After that Vana and I became close, dare I say even friends.
The other Valar also took interest in me whenever I visited Valmar. I was surprised that they did not care that I was merely a merchant's daughter. They only cared that I was willing to learn. I was taught the songs of growing things and the animals. I learned how to listen to the echo of the Great Music in the sea and how to draw on the Music to give me courage and strength. Even Lord Namo and Lady Nienna taught me about pity and mercy and sorrow, although I would not understand their teachings until much later.
Other than Vana, the Valar I spent the most time with were Irmo and Este in their gardens of Lorien. There they taught me, along with their Maiar, how to channel my music into Songs of Power. They taught me how, through music, to turn my light and joy into echoes of healing power that can soothe the body and soul.
Thus it was for several hundred years. I continued to play at parties and used my songs to bring joy and peace. I was happy to be invited to play at the begetting day celebration of Prince Finrod. But, as I would soon learn, all good things come to an end.
