Parth Nelui ~ Volume III
Pennas Gwaeron ~ March Issue

Note: The following magic symbol returns you to the top of the scroll: 

Announcement

Remembering Ellitarë Silverleaf

For this purposes of this article, I cannot be writing as the editor of the Herald, or even as Kel. I am writing as a friend.

Elli and I were closer than I would have expected to be. As a friend whom I have never seen before in this life, it came as a surprise to me that I would be able to share laughs and fun with her, because I never expected to be able to fully communicate with anyone who I have never seen before. Yet, she managed to somehow make her presence felt on the Plaza, where people come and go everyday, and new friendships are forged. I first requested to do this article on her when I first heard of the news of her passing from Janowyn, and I thought I had so much to say, but it seems like now, as I put my fingers to writing this piece, that there is nothing for me to say.

Yes, the news of Elli’s passing shook me for days after I heard it as it would shake many of you now. She was a great artist, a great elf, and a wonderful friend to whomever who could reach her on the Plaza. She was a star in the face of her illness, and I really am proud to call her my friend.

The Herald dedicates this issue to Ellitarë. May she, wherever she is now, find peace and happiness for the rest of eternity.

~ Keleos Nenharma

Lady Galadriel by Ellitarë

Dancer in the stars…

She rises and falls in starlight
Dancing and dazzling
Unbound from the chains
Free and sparkling
She flies and floats
In the deep night
Past the celestial glow.

The Moon delights in her face
Whirling and spinning
Above earthly strife
Lightly turning
She leaps on high
And twirls on past
The heavenly star-strewn path.

All pain gone she dances on
Grey eyes glittering
Dark hair flaring wild
Twining, swirling
Her grace goes on
In bliss so high
With the stars - her dance lives on.

(By Janowyn in fondest memory of Ellitarë Silverleaf, friend and Co-Curator of the EAA
March - October 2006) ]

Suil vain Ellitarë

There is a memorial thread for Ellitarë Silverleaf now open on the Imladris forum to honour the passing of one of our finest. It is open to all who wish to join us in remembering Elli, whether or not you may have known her personally, as her work and spirit can be found all over the plaza and in its various communities. Contributions are warmly invited by all who wish to post their memories and anecdotes of Elli’s time amongst us, as friend, colleague and artist in imagery be that through her words or the visual arts.
Please > CLICK HERE < to visit Elli’s memorial thread that has been made by some of the people who knew her and her work best. Contributions are welcome from everyone who wishes to post, but especially from those who knew her.

 

The racing season, always short, this time has managed to fly by at the speed of a well-shafted arrow. Already the final race was in its last legs, and soon nothing was left but the Derby and the ever-coveted Race of Champions. The cheetahs had done their best this time. Not only had they undergone many trials – trekking across desolate lava flows to arrive with paw pads cut and bleeding for the race in Mordor, braving the dark eerie rock of Orthanc and the wide empty plains of Rohan, or nervously making their way into the deep recesses of Khazad-dûm (had Durin's Bane truly been vanquished?) – they had worked their way up through the ranks to an honored and respectable fourth or fifth place.

This season had finally shown an increase in team numbers. Although still squeaking by some races with the bare minimum, at least the team had found some new racers. Furthermore, eight whole racers – eight! – had raced in at least four out of the nine competitions. Some might not find this extraordinary, but for a team that merely a season earlier had been running itself ragged for lack of competitors, it was a step in the right direction. Particularly since almost half of the meets involved a long journey beforehand, more racers could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Nor has it been an uneventful couple of months. Most notable for all who had been there that day was the race against Lothlorien when they had looked up to the scoreboard to see that... ecaps, the great ruler of the Golden Wood, was racing on both teams! Two foxes had somehow hopped aboard his horse on the ride over, and those in charge had graciously allowed each to compete. Renioux, the fox running for Imladris, came in second and ran nearly twice as far as ecaps' other racer Enjolas (clearly a sign that it was time for ecaps to lay down his rule and hop over to Rivendell, although he had yet to follow the sign). The next most thrilling moment was the tie between Imladris and Isengard, coming down to the very last second and still with no actual winner. Or perhaps the near tie with the Shire; the Imladris cheetahs had pulled ahead to win by a single point (and yet without eating a single coney).

Now came the best time of the year, the one that the cheetahs looked forward to for months. It was time for the last two season races, and then.... vacation! They settled in for a nice long rest before the next training.

~Nenuphar

In addition to declaring Tinw, Ronaya and Tinessael as joint Artists of the Month for February Tolotos made an announcement on the kingdom threads. The Imladris art threads are closed for the next few months as the curators, Fuin Elda and Tolotos work on some changes with the EAA thread formats.
Currently the curators hope to get the EAA back up for the 1 st of May, but news of the loss of former curator Ellitarë and other commitments have set work back a little so the target date may have to slip back. As always the Herald will keep readers up to date on the progress of the developmental work and avidly looks forward to the return of one of our favourite thread activities in the Valley.

 

From the Abode of the very learned Drill Team

Now that I have blown off the dust and closed the books for a brief minute, let me tell you how our drill team is faring lately. I guess in the absence of news you might have forgotten about our existence. But lo! This year Imladris Senior Drill team has progressed to the playoffs, having fought hard in a last match of the regular season against the minions of Mordor for the place in the semi-final. Ah the clash of minds! But for one mistake on the part of the evil, it would have surely gone into the tie-breakers. But everything is easier at home and luck was with Rivendell team that day.

After a brief rest the elves packed their books and set out on a journey to the Mines of Moria, to play against the proud team from the White City of Minas Tirith. Immersed in the books as they are, the elves would appreciate any form of cheering, so if you do not have any urgent business in the Valley, do travel across Eriador to the Misty Mountains where, in one of the Drill halls of the Dwarven realm you will find the Imladris team, bent over the books, anxious to find the correct answer.

Rivendell is abundant in loremasters, it seems, for not only senior drill team can be found in the Valley, but also the junior one, that topped the league last season. This year the elves continue their successful spree and at the start of the last match of the regular season they are the top team in the standings.

And now, I bid you farewell, for I have to get back to my team…

 

We waved farewell to the sea-faring Vanya, Aikináto (Lady Aikári’s NPC twin brother) at the beginning of this month with some regret as he had been fascinating us with his presence and conversation and some very fine verse too. With his departure our thoughts all turned to other times and places in the long history of the Eldar. Saranna told of her youth’s journeying perhaps to the very shores of Lake Cuiviénen only to return home to find her beloved Greenwood wracked with war and devastation, her family torn apart. Soronúmë told of many things he had encountered in his long life in Doriath, Beleriand, and after in Eregion, of people he had known and fought or loved only to lose them. The muddled Fate of the Eldar – as a much younger elf I hardly knew if it were better to remember such ancient hurts and glories with honour, or try to forget them, leave them behind lest they sink the spirit in despair and sorrow, not having had to live through such grievous times.

Then another came and joined our company who convinced me that our way must be to remember and bear witness to all we have wrought upon Arda, the good or ill, the beauty or travesty. Lord Nurbor of the Noldor, who had seen or lived through all that Saranna and Soronúmë had delved from their memories and more. He spoke of the Great Theft, the consequences of Fëanor’s Oath, of Helcaraxë and of the folly of Númenor and the ill-conceived fate of the old kings of the Secondborn that has in part shaped my own life so indelibly.

We were joined in fellowship and fitting words by Tinessael and Feowen on the terraces of Govannas in Glirdain, watching the Sun bidding the winter farewell and ushering in the spring, It was good to remember what we were and what we are and, perhaps, what we may yet become? The way behind us may be set in history and its memory, but who is to say the road ahead must contain sorrow? We may be children of fate as are all other races, but we are Eldar and we endure in light and in will – always.

 

Kingdom Events

Looming large this month in Rivendell is the news of the departure into the West of VardaElbereth, friend of many and honoured herald to Master Elrond. This came as something of a surprise to many in the Valley as VardaElbereth left quite suddenly. However, brief as her tenure as herald to our ruler was, much praise for her tireless dedication to, and work in, the Valley was raised in our farewells and all good wishes followed her to a new future away from Middle Earth. Suil vain VardaElbereth. Fair winds and may you find happiness wherever this life takes you, especially if it brings you back to us some day.

And as one herald departs another must come in their place to attend our dearest Lord. The excellent and capable Captain Rilómë of the Host was chosen for this high duty in service to Rivendell. So early in her new calling, her appointment was met with much approval by friends and colleagues within and beyond the kingdom, along with many congratulations naturally.

Elsewhere other Rivendwellers have been adding to the Valley’ growing reputation and regard as a centre for excellence. As Beren Camlost reports from Minas Tirith in this issue, the ARPYs awards have been focusing on the very best of kingdom RPGs across the plaza and upon the individuals who help to bring them into being or to life by playing in them. With nominations in nearly every category to be awarded, Imladris has had some success against stiff competition from the other kingdoms. As we go to press Anárië Dröttning has won the awards for the Best Opening Post and Best Male Character categories and there are strong contenders who hail from Imladris still vying for success in the remaining awards (for GM’s and for the three types of RPG – Original, Historical and The Best.).
Praise too for the concept and execution of this celebration of RP talent has also been heaped upon our own Fuin Elda, whose tireless efforts in planning and organising the event and the selection process, as well as spearheading the presentation of awards and for running the thread, has deservedly attracted great interest and enthusiasm for the ceremonies. Well done Fuin!

As we leave March behind us, we see the start of the Festival of Edenidhrin which promises a lot of fun and excitement in Rivendell as we welcome spring into the Valley. Special games and contests abound for artists, writers, lore experts and language fanatics – there is even an amazing Maze, so we are told, that sounds like a really great way to while away a lovely warm spring day in Imladris. Well Kel and I are both looking forward to this festival after being cooped up with all these presses and the smell of ink for days on end… See you all at the Festival!

 

SCRs of the month!

There was the sound of bells pealing with joy through the silent morning of the valley. It sounded through, disturbed the rests of some, but no one seemed to mind. The bells were sounded in times of danger and celebration, but the Elves of Rivendell all knew that this peal resonated with joy and peace that could only be tied to that of the honour of some of their very own Elven friends.

"Friends," Glorfindel says, "Today it is time to honor two Elves of our fair home, both of whom have long served with dedication in quiet or very public ways." The wise and lordly Galen Aranor of the Bards and Writers Guild and the Drill and Racing Teams was fittingly honoured in the presence of Lord Erestor, whose own learned counsel is so valued by Master Elrond. Meanwhile the lovely Lady Celebrian sailed the Sea back into the beloved valley to honour the deeds of Merl Moriestiel, who has been with us it seems almost forever and has always represented our Valley so well.

Indeed, as the Lords would say, we should praise them with grat praise. Eglerio hym!

~ Keleos Nenharma

IK Poetry Report Overview (Round 2 Season 2)

As many of you know, the Interkingdom Poetry Matches are now into their second season which is turning out to be a rather good showing. The teams all working really well together; the Council are getting to know each other much better as well; and rules, changes and the like are working out as we know. Quill, Fury and myself, are teaming up with some really great ideas for the interims. We're hoping this season proves to be bigger and better than the first. Never can we ever thank those who made it all possible though - their names are always in the forefront of our minds. Setting up the time frames for this season having been done not long after the first was complete, the only challenges that have been coming across are for the Judges. Most times that seems to work out, though, in saying this, perhaps people should think about coming and watching, supporting your own Kingdom's skills. Spectators are acceptable at any time. Cheering can be done before forms and theme are set in, and up again after poems are set in. Why not come out and support your team? Many of you love poetry I'm sure, and for those who don't, perhaps you've just wanted to see what it’s all about. This is a good place to do so. Now with that all said, lets move on to Round 2 of Season 2 in which the themes for these matches were as follows:

Theme for Round 2 of Interkingdom Poetry was Arwen Evenstar. That in and of itself made for some beautiful poems to be written, done, and worked on. The 2 Forms uses were also interesting. A variation of the one, Rondeau, could be seen. The Rondeau is a French form, 15 lines long, consisting of three stanzas: a quintet, a quatrain, and a sestet with a rhyme scheme as follows:
aabba aabR aabbaR . Lines 9 and 15 are short - a refrain (R) consisting of a phrase taken from line one. The other lines are longer (but all of the same metrical length).

The other Form was the La'Tuin. The La’Tuin, a poetic form created by Laura Lamarca, consists of 4-line stanzas with an ' abca, abca' rhyme scheme that is consistent throughout each stanza. Stanzas 2, 3 etc. must all follow the same rhyme sounds as the first stanza. With the first stanza being repeated again at the end of the piece. It contains a minimum of 4 stanzas, with no maximum length limit.
A strict syllable count of 9/8/9/8 is required per stanza.

Now for the setting up of the Matches. In Match 1, in Fangorn, we had Lothlorien, Isengard, The Shire, Mordor, and Minas Tirith. Each carrying in their own banner and teams sitting down ready to write, this is how the match results ended.

Winners by Scores:

Minas Tirith 122.5
Lothlorien 119.5
The Shire 118.5
Mordor 115.5
Isengard 111.5

In Match 2 in Khazad-dûm, the Match set up with The Riddermark, Khazad-dûm, Imladris and Fangorn all carrying their banners and sitting down with their team mates ready to write. The final tallies for them were as such -

Winners by Scores:

Khazad-dûm 114
Riddermark 113
Imladris 108
Fangorn 102

A great big congratulations to Minas Tirith Blossoms, as well as The Beards of Khazad-dûm for their fine wins. A close second to Lorien and The Riddermark also. And there you have this round all done and complete. Round 3 already finished and awaiting the Judges’ results, I'll make sure to keep you all informed each month on your own IK Kingdoms Poetry results.

Till next time, may the Valar bless you and keep you safe. Take and have a nice happy day!

~ Goldmoon Dunami

Artist interview ~ Sidra-LadyLock

GD: Where were you born, how long lived there, what type of things would you say are good about where you live, your special likes there, etc?
SL: I was born in Suwon Ciry, South Korea, and was adopted when I was 5 months old and came to MD, USA. Some things that I would say are good about MD are that you get to experience each season and see its beauty. One of the things that I like to do in MD is go to the MD Renn Fest!

GD: When did you start doing the type art, whether pictures, drawings or others that you do now, and why?
SL: I did drawing ever since I was little...though I have to say that they have really improved over the years. It wasn't until about 6 years ago that I started to draw portraits well. I have taken several art classes in the last 6 years and have really enjoyed them. I really didn't get into photography until about 3 years ago. That's when my family got a digital camera and I was able to take lots of different pictures. I loved capturing those beautiful moments!

GD: What things do you like to see in your art, as in scenes, views?
SL: I love sunrises and sunsets! I also love to just capture nature. Landscapes make awesome photos. And for drawing I love doing portraits! I love to see that person appear!

GD: Where did you learn how to use programs if any you use, and which do you use?
SL: I don't use any programs for my drawings and photos...mainly because I don't know how! LOL!

GD: What sort of hobbies do you enjoy?Activities you like doing in spare time, real life and plaza wise?
SL: RL hobbies I enjoy are reading, writing short stories and poetry, doing art (whether drawing, painting, or taking pictures), singing. On the plaza I love to RP, and post in the poetry and art threads!

GD: Are you forever expanding your art, wanting to create new and exciting things? If yes, what kind? Expanding?
SL: Sort of. I don't want to create new and exciting things as much as I want to capture those regular beautiful things. Works of art that people might overlook or forget. Simple scenes, really.

GD: Are you in school? If yes what are you studying for, going for later on?
SL: Yes, I am in school. I am in my second semester of College right now. Right now my major is English...but that might change...I'm thinking about getting a minor in art.

GD: Do you plan on going further with your art, and how did you get into your art?
SL: Oh yes! I will definitely go further with my art. Right now I am taking another drawing class at college. I got into my art (drawing) by wanting to learn to draw portraits, and have continued ever since!

GD: What of all things on the plaza that are you a member of, are the funnest things you like there?
SL: All the things on the plaza that I'm a member of? Gosh, that's hard. I am a member of H.O.M.E.- Horses of middle-earth, Celts of Middle-Earth, I post a lot in the poetry and art threads (or at least I try to), and I RP quite a bit in Lorien. I also am a helper in Inter-Kingdom Pen-pals, and I am about to open an adoption thread!
Funnest things I like there? I'm really not sure...there are so many fun and awesome things on the plaza!

GD: What would you tell someone about you to draw them in to see your thread about yourself?
SL: Hmmm....another hard question! I would tell someone that my thread is not just one medium...there's drawings, painting, and photos there. I would like the viewer to see the beauty that is in everyday life. The Gifts from God, that people tend to overlook because they are too busy. I want them to see the Simple beauty that is often missed. ....LOL....I don't know...something along those lines. *smile*

Aragorn

~ Interview by Goldmoon Dunami with Sidra LadyLock

Newbie Perspective

It was a not so cold winter day, not very long ago, when I stumbled upon beautiful Imladris. Like many people when they arrive somewhere new I was alone and nervous. As I observed my surroundings and its inhabitants I noticed warmth and friendship everywhere as I quietly made my way through the valley. I only observed at first, making sure that it was the right place for me, but the more I saw, the more I became sure that I could call this place my home. I slowly tried to assimilate myself with the residents of this beautiful kingdom, making my presence known. What I found were many kind people eager to talk to a new face and help them along their way. Slowly my nervousness melted away as I was surrounded by the warmth of friends.

Now, everyday I look forward to the activities I can participate in and the people I will talk to. There is so much to do and so many people to do these things with that there is never a dull moment. Mistakes are kindly corrected and achievements are always praised. I arrived in this beautiful valley alone but now I am surrounded by friends.

~ Uruva

 

The month of March has been very peaceful in a way for the Galadhrim. The leaves turn a brighter gold in the woods as the woodland elves go about their daily chores. Laughter drifts through the enchanted air, and one does get the feeling of a great deal of activity for wherever one looks there are halls opened for some competition or another. This is no surprise as the various Inter-kingdom tournaments are taking place throughout Arda. But the elves participating seem rather scarce, especially in the lore events. Nevertheless, they're holding their own, and are quite determined not to give up.

Very recently Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel decided it was time to honour some of Lorien's loyal citizens. As a result Imfalas was awarded the Crown of Lorien, Nurbor with the Armour of Amroth, Tari Elsen was the lucky one that received the most coveted lock of the Lady's hair, and Celebrian Green with a badge of the fellowship. Princess Gia and Nenedhel were given a phial each.

The newest activity to hit the Golden realm is that of fireside story telling. Headed by Merillind Green the campfire is a newbie activity that encourages all new folk of the various kingdoms to come and have fun building their past in story telling. As always the realm of the Galadhrim is always welcoming.

~ Shadowheart

Minas Tirith Report

Greetings from the White City, elf friends of Rivendell! Again, I am glad to bring news from Minas Tirith. For the last two months, Gondor has enjoyed being host to The ARPYS, an award ceremony for the kingdom RPG’s of last year and their players. Many Rivendell RPGs were nominated for certain categories of awards including Best Dramatic Post and Best Original RPG; one well-known and admired elleth of Imladris, Anárië Dröttning, was the winner of the Best OP and the Best Male Character Award for her role as legendary elf-king Orodreth in the RPG The Fall of Nargothrond in Mordor. The ARPYS Ceremony is still going on and will probably finish by the end of the month, so if you want to attend then do it soon!

In January, the King reclaimed the throne of Gondor. His name? Jevesh… but more popularly known on the Plaza as Arteris. In the first month of this new year, a co-ruling Steward – the well-known and beloved Finduilas Faelivrin - joined Minas Tirith’s king in the rulership of Gondor much to everyone’s delight! SCR’s were awarded again in Minas Tirith for those Gondorians who display great involvement within the walls of the White City; Tia Galanodel was awarded the Strider icon for her notable activity in the kingdom after being absent for so long and the Prince Imrahil SCR was awarded to Halorn for his superb work in the Royal Library.

An annual boar hunt has now concluded in Gondor, north of Osgiliath across the Anduin; out of those who attended the hunt for the tusked creature, it was Ranger Rochir Mumakdacil who had speared the catch. Also on the subject of fun activities, in Minas Tirith two name games can now be played: Gandalf the Grey’s Anatomy and Minas Tirith Pop Idol. In Gandalf the Grey’s Anatomy, the player must perform one of several operations, perform one of several treatments, and with one of several medical instruments on Gandalf in the Houses of Healing, to show their worth in becoming a volunteer to help out in the healing wards; rolls of dice will determine if they’re successful or not and to what degree…or if at all because Gandalf could die but being a Maia of Illuvatar that is not much of a problem to the Istari but it will surely cause the player to lose points. Contestants in Minas Tirith Pop Idol have their go at singing and their flare while doing so to impress the five judges of the game to become Minas Tirith’s number one pop star; points will be awarded based on originality, ME association, humour, post quality, and timing with the cadence of the original music. The Houses of Healing are once more able to be visited in Minas Tirith, a new Mermaid’s Embrace thread is open, and there’s still much for a visitor to do in the City of Kings so come all ye elves and partake in whatever the kingdom of Men has to offer in the way of fun for all!

~ Beren Camlost

 

Rohan Report

Suilad mellyn nín, Westu Hal! from the great land of the Horse Lords. I bid you good tidings this month as I begin this report. Many exciting things were happening around the Mark with the oncoming springtime. So much so, that in my amble wanderings, it would appear they are still setting up many as I speak.

The biggest thing to hit the lands of Rohan through this month was the wonderful and ever beautiful wedding between two whom have loved and waited a full year to do this, Eleowyn and Aodh Hammerhelm. That’s right, and in actuality, you can still come to the Aedsel Innand watch as they are just beginning to make their way up to the podium. With the Cavalry having showed up outside, with a dressed up carriage and all the fixings, even the bride and groom’s horses dolled up, it will be a exciting and memorable day to say the least. I've seen some
of the people from Imladris there also and some from Fangorn, so don't be shy, come celebrate this illustrious day with us all. The bride is just dressed so beautifully that even the groom had this unique look on his face on seeing her for the first time. What a grand day!

Now before I ramble on more about that, of which I surely could, let’s get to some more goings on within the Mark.

Our SCR Awardees were:

Gemætancwén as Freda
Calenaldawen as Éothain

Then for Rider of the Month, the award went to Berutiel, whom is a Duguth in Campian, in the Elite Cavalry, a member of the Drill Team and so much more she does, its just hard to keep up with her.
Then as our Newbie of the Month, Calenaldawen also took this award for her ambitious writings, getting so involved so fast in almost everything around, and for just inspiring so many with her helping hand.

On further goings on, the Cavalry itself is seeing many new riders joining in as well as some from long ago coming back. This is always exciting to see. With the Eastmark, Westmark and Meduseld now filling once more, we here in Rohan will be all the better ready for whatever enemy that comes our way for whatever reason.

With springtime just around the corner, many new things are coming up. There will be a Spring Festival soon, of which all riders and those from other lands are now voting on. In the Riddermarket shop owners are setting up their wares for this event as well as the warmer days.
Our IK Racers did well in week 8 by winning but in this week 9 against your fair selves, the results haven't been given yet, but it was indeed a fun and great race. We've had to say farewell to a few riders, sadly, but as they always say, when one leaves, two more show up. Which in and of itself, is very true. The newcomers not only to Rohan but all of Middle Earth on the rise, that only goes to show you how much this place is loved. I for one enjoy each and every day.

And that’s it for this month. I'm hoping to give a much deeper report next month with any luck, but until then, Namarie. May the winds always be at your back, the calm seas beneath your feet.

~ Goldmoon Dunami

Lore: Argonath

The Argonath were the great statues on the river Anduin, between Emyn Muil, just before lake Nen Hithoel. They stood on each shore of the river, deep in the water on stony foundations. These two represented the sons of Elendil, Anárion and Isildur, founders of Gondor and Arnor, the mighty kingdoms of Men in Third Age. The massive sculptures were built by the command of Romendacil II, fourth king of Gondor, around 1240 (or 1250), and they stood on the northernmost border of Gondor in earlier ages. The statues were made of grey stone, faces turned north. The left hands of both figures were lifted up, with their palms facing outwards as a sign of defiance towards the many enemies of that kingdom. On their heads were placed crowns and helmets, and in their right hands axes.

No stranger could pass south without permission. But as time passed by and dark shadows began to crawl again on Arda, so it happened that this pass was no longer being watched by the Gondorians, and soon everyone could cross it. Yet, by all accounts, everyone who saw them felt awe and respect towards them. They were also known as The Gates of Argonath, The Pillars of the Kings.

~ Númellótë

Language: Dual numbers in Quenya

Dual numbers address/denote a couple of things (pair of shoes, of earrings….). In Quenya, respective endings for this are ''T'' and ''U''. Which of these will be used, depends on a chosen word. Of course, like everything considering this language, here too we have few exceptions.

Ending ''u'' should go to the end of a word that already have letters ''d'' or ''t'', replacing the final vowel.

For example: alda = ''tree'', its plural form is aldar = ''trees''. But if we are talking about a couple of trees (mostly we are referring to ''Two Trees of Valinor''), then dual form/number is aldu. Why not aldat or, aldau?
Answer is first:
because of ''d'' already in it, a simple matter of euphony. Second, ''u'' takes place of ''a'' (vowel).

Another example:
gate = ando, dual = andu – a couple of gates (not andot, andou)

In the case of ''t'', it follows like this:
ship = cirya, dual = ciryat – a couple of ships ( not ciryu)
feather = quesse, dual = quesset - a couple of feathers ( not quessu)
horn = rasse, dual = rasset – a couple of horns (this usage applies if we are referring to mountains peaks, but if we are talking about a horn of an animal, then we must presumably use rassu- a couple of horns)*
*It may be that words that denote body parts have ending ''u'' in the end, rather than ''t''.

Exceptions

**peu = pair of lips, singular = pé
veru = married pair (husband and wife), no singular for ''spouse'' unless we are mentioning one person at a time (verno = husband, vesse = wife)

**that word comes from Primitive Elvish ''peńe'' , and its dual form (peu) comes from peńu, and in that case ''e'' in the end of peu was not last letter in the word.

With the help of Ardalambion

~ Númellótë