A Description of Imladris

The visitor or elf came over a last low rise, where the trail bent around to hug the cliff, then the path plunged down a series of switchbacks to the river, spanning it via a graceful stone bridge. Here the valley opened out, but its walls were even higher. Beyond the bridge was a wide flat lawn, parts of it paved, to form a sort of courtyard. Around it, many tall buildings rose level upon level like the cliffs themselves, glimmering with shapely white columns, tiled roofs and spires , joined together by open balconies and winding pathways so that it was hard to tell where outdoors ended and indoors began. Groves of ancient trees hugged Elrond’s halls, exquisite statues and fountains and forest paths were scattered among them, and small nooks, stone benches, grottoes and gardens gave one something new to see at every turn. A light breeze was blowing, carrying with it the sound of the waterfall cascading down the cliff face in glittering white ribbons; closer at hand were the rustling of leaves and the ringing sounds of Elven voices coming from the grounds and open windows. Yet there was a sort of hush over the hidden valley, a feeling of peace, ancient secrets, memories, and mountain solitude.

© Tinw