Many a long year ago I lived in Valinor and studied under the tutelage of Yavanna, though I was also good friends to Aule. They are the ones that formed my staff for me, Yavanna creating the actual staff itself and Aule setting a special stone in the top for me. But as I grew in the lore of Yavanna and her power, I became enamored of (one might say jealous of) Manwe and his eagles. I loved the eagles, and wished to make them my creatures. I would have loved and been tender toward them. But Manwe denied me. I turned my thoughts next to the swans of Osse, but Ulmo would not allow me. Frustrated, I grew heated and angry. Manwe finally ended the debate by exiling me to Middle Earth until I could control my temper. Before I left, however, Ulmo pulled me aside. "You are being justly punished, but as a comfort in Middle Earth, I will give you a gift. You will have your own birds." He then turned and gestured across the sky. There, flying towards me in the sunset, were birds the identity of which you can no doubt guess: ducks. These birds have ever since been at my request and my will, and I have developed a special bond with them. With them, I plan to redeem myself and do the best I can in Middle Earth to earn my way back to Valinor one day.

The ones he came with originally to Middle Earth, anyway, were a purple approximately this colour, long and flowing. You know, the whole "healthy breeze" thing. It is actually two pieces, a tunic style thing and an overcloak which is draped over the shoulders securely. That, along with his hat make a slightly bizarre impression at first glance, but one soon gets used to his style.

Well, it’s quite tall, taller than I am, made out of a dark elm with a small ebony stone set in the top. Aule gave it to me when I was sent out to ME, for I had recently begun learning from him and he was sorry to see me go. Yavanna helped him craft it from the wood, and he set the stone in the top.