I was born in the largest city in Gondor, to parents that were as strange a pair as ever were seen in those parts: an Elf father and a Lossenarch maiden (although she was of pure Numenorean blood, from the remnant of Caroldan); they were both Healers and met while plying their craft in the Houses of Healing. As an only child, and Perdihil at that, I was often mocked for being different, as there were no other of the Kindred except my father and I. And though my mother was of pure blood of Westernese undiluted, she did not marry until late in her own life span, and bearing me hastened her departure from Middle Earth, beyond the circles of Arda; I was but 10 mortal years at the time and my father, to bury his grief, worked ever to bring healing to as many as possible, he who was helpless to stay the death of his beloved wife. Because he had great skill in lore and healing, but little in the ways of child rearing, he sent for my aged Grandmama, my mother’s mother, who was more than equal to the task, and for whom he has the greatest affection and respect. So we lived, and even before my mother died, it was obvious that I showed great promise in the mastery of all types of Lore; nearly every branch of arcane knowledge came easily to me. But a single reading, and the information stored therein was mine forever. I was and am always happiest with a book in my hands. Moreover, I also had a gift for languages; I now know: Sindarin, Westron, Adunadic, the language of the Rohirrim, and some Quenya, (with a working understanding of the Dwarf tongue, although I cannot speak it).

Given that my Elven ancestry gave me fair passage, I knew that I must travel to the Undying Lands to seek out my birth-right, for self knowledge, for me, was not to be found on these shores. So, when the great Ciridan (who came to see my shipboard companions off) spotted me and asked if I understood that this would be a "trip without returning", I solemnly nodded my head, and made a small space for myself in the prow, so I might be the first to see Elvenhome. When I arrived, I hardly knew where to begin. However, I loved (and love) the mountains best of all, so I traveled there first. There I met the companions of Yavanna, who welcomed me and had me in their care, teaching me all manner of woodcraft and plant lore; I even met Yavanna herself, with Aule at her side. She laughed when she saw me; I had twigs entangled in my long hair, dirt on my nose and hands, and leaf mold on my knees where I’d been kneeling, planting a small grass called, "Sweet Spring". "So, do you like my trees? said the Lady. "Most certainly, gracious Yavanna, and I would willingly spend all my days here, except that..." "Except?" "Except that I know that I am ignorant, and wish to learn as much as I possibly can about everything, for all things in Arda are one, and to understand one thing truly, one must strive to understand all things together." "Well said", chuckled Aule, "And what would you learn of me and my craft if you would?" "I would learn to make a sword." "A sword?", Aule frowned, "Why is that?" "Some day, Valinor will once again under attack, perhaps by Men or Elves or others of the Peoples of Middle Earth, perhaps by Morgoth’s Last Emissary. When that happens, I wish to be able and ready to defend Valinor and all of Arda, as once you all did." "Child," Yavanna whispered, "who told you this?" "No one, Noble Lady, but having studied long and deeply into the old prophesies, I am all but certain that I have read the signs aright, and thus I know this for truth." The two Vala looked at each other, and I saw not two great and terrible god beings, but merely two frightened people, husband and wife, seeking both solace and strength to face hard times. Yavanna bowed her head, kissing my forehead in the process, and drew her people away, speaking softly as she went. Aule looked up and off into the distance, and speaking kindly, but softly, as if even he feared to be overheard, "Daughter of Two Kindreds, you are right, but I bid you speak no more of this now. For I foresee that your time among us will be short, and you have much to learn in the time given. You will have your sword, and I will fashion it myself. And Yavanna will gift you with a staff that will give you strength and support. I would gladly take you as an apprentice, for your heart and head would serve me well, but as it is, we will scarcely have time enough to teach you the use of sword, staff and bow, before you must leave." "Sir, have I done wrong..." "Daughter, you have done no wrong, but have only given timely warning of the storm; yet you have said that you wished to defend Valinor and all Arda; this wish will be granted, but for you to do so, every moment here must count, and then you must leave us." Then he looked me full in the face and smiled, "A pebble may cause a landslide and a twig may stem a flood, but to do so, the pebble and the twig must be well placed."

So with these words, Aule brought me to his smithy, took my measurements and found out what weight I could comfortably carry, and fashioned my sword. It is plain and unadorned, but extremely beautiful in that it is simple and perfect in balance and proportion. The scabbard too is simple, with a curving tracery of leaves and small blossoms of "Sweet Spring" etched into it. "I have kept it simple, for you are not yet adept enough to use a mighty weapon of spells or lineage. However, this sword will grow as you grow, it will gain in knowledge and wisdom as you do, and as you accomplish the many and varied tasks in your life to come, a rune of lore and knowledge will appear upon the blade. Someday, you will have nothing to envy Narsil that was or Andruil that is. Meanwhile, a plain simple sword that is too small for most men to wield comfortably will discourage thieves. It has no name yet; you yourself will christen it when the time is ripe." And while he worked he explained to me why he did what he did, the mining, the grading, the smelting, the artistry, and the science and mathematics of the entire process. Then, when the sword was ready, he brought me to some of the finest warriors ever, both Tuor and Elrond Half-Elven were my tutors in sword, staff and bow (they were both curious to see this Perihil girl who wanted to be a warrior). I’m no master, but I can defend myself, and often surprise my opponents, who do not expect much from a female. My staff, too, is simple, made of hard maple, held by a leather thong from which hangs an eagle’s feather, shaped only slightly, in that a bird’s beak was carved out and an eye of adamant (my birth stone) set in. The bow is elven crafted, also to match in simplicity and perfection the other weapons. All are set with simple, yet cunning charms against loss, breakage, theft, and the gift of finding and returning. From there I went to Mandos and Nienna, to learn how to dream and heal (I asked Mandos if I could see my mother once more, and he quietly said that she was beyond his walls, but if I did my tasks well, I would surely see her again). At last, after three mortal years of intense study, I was summoned to the Hall of Mandos himself, where he and Varda sat in splendor. Mandos gravely asked if I would be truly willing to leave Valinor, perhaps forever, to do whatever I could to defend Arda. As I had no voice for the answer, I only nodded. Varda smiled softly, and reminded me that I had already "made history" in that no mortal had ever returned from the Undying Lands, not even Earendil. "Fore though you shall have a long long life, much like your sire, in the end you will die; the age of the Elves is passing away, and only one of the Younger race is fit for the task ahead." Thus, I am human (but with the powers of the Elves and Istari and proud of it). So, I returned to these shores, knowing only that I must fight for the Free Folk. However, I am not yet finished with my tale. After arriving at the Havens, I traveled the Great East Road, and stopped for a night in Bree. There, I met a simple farmer from Achet named Harry Appledore. Now, mind you, I was used to being ridiculed for my elven appearance by the city lads, but Harry thought me beautiful and said so. We talked long in the common room at the Prancing Pony, danced a few measures, and by the end of the evening, Harry was determined to make me his wife. I wished to stay at the Pony as many peoples from all over were settling near Bree and I felt that it would be good to understand the fears and hopes of the Northlands to best prepare for the storm to come. So I stayed in Bree for three years, while Harry courted me. In the end, I agreed, and we married. But it has not been easy, I know Harry loves me, but he finds it hard to understand that I must work long hard hours in research, study, training, so that I many soon resume my travels, travels without him (and there will be battles too, in which he cannot fight), so we quarrel a great deal. We have two wonderful children, the eldest, a budding warrior, and the youngest, a scholar, so there at least, my sword has grown, and three runes there are; love, laughter, and patience. We have moved to a farm in the Westfold, near Isengard, and I hope that my husband’s crops will come in well this year (the harvest is good so far), because we have had several lean years. I even sold the stone from my staff to pay for our home one year.

As a result, I’m no longer the young pupil of the Valar that I was. I’m of middling height due in part to my slouching, and I’ve become down-right portly. My hair is still long and brown, with a few gray threads. Because my children come first and I’m not much concerned with my looks, my clothes are faded and patched, tatterdemalion fits the best description. But give me a few minutes among the books that I love, then I grow taller (from 5’4" to 5’6" or 5’7"), slimmer (down to a fit 120 lbs), my hair regains its gold and burnished copper highlights, and my light olive, half elven, complexion takes on a healthy glow. As for the robes, I have just discovered the kindness of our wizardly kingdom, and find that I can have some new robes made without cost, so though I’ll keep my old things to work around the house, I’ll wear my new robes with pride and gratitude. Soon, my little ones will be grown, and I will have completed my training here in Orthanc, and have more time to travel and battle, and become the defender of the Light, as I was meant to be.

Additions:

1) I wish to credit one of the quotes in my tale as a paraphrase of a quote from Llyod Alexander, in his series about Pyridan, the final book, "The High King", when Coll tells Taran, "A pebble may stop an avalanche, and a twig may stem a flood, but to do so, it must be well placed." That quote seemed so perfect for my situation as posted above.

2) Loremisstressre’s name is Rhea Gilamir, daughter of Windir and Cicily, her eyes are black, hair below her waist (worn free or in a pony tail), hands shapely, legs long and feet small for her height. She loves to read and will most likely be found everywhere with a book in her hand. She also sings constantly, especially when preoccupied, driving the family cart, or when no one else is around. She has no sense of humor (just ask her kids), but she likes to laugh and is a good listener. She tries very hard at everything she does, and is a perfectionist. She has an excellent memory for things long past, but she can’t remember if she locked the door three minutes ago. She thinks and reads fast, but writes slow. Finally, her love for Middle Earth is only surpassed by her love for her family and friends.

(as described by Seamstress Istari Trillian)The color of your robes is a light purple with gray undertones. Light purple shows a feminine nature and is sedate and energetic at the same time - a color of contrast. You are an active person and yet you also know the importance of inner reflection. I have embroidered designs in thin pink thread around the waist of the robes including books, musical notes, roses, and Sweet Spring. These designs will inspire your natural creativity and thoughtfulness. These robes, being a more neutral color, will allow you to blend in with the mountains and forests on your travels and in your excursions into enemy territory. The robes are a Bastice material, which is a soft cotton blend that washes wonderfully. The skirt of the robe is full allowing you to keep any weapons you wish to carry well-hidden.

Loremisstressre, walks in, goes to Trillian, who then tells her that her robes are ready. As the lovely seamstress shows the robes and explains the design, her jaw drops, and she is speechless with emotion..."It’s...it’s....my kids....Harry....they’ll never recognize me....it’s too beautiful to wear..." Shaking slightly with excitement, she gently takes the robes from Trillian and tries them on in the back room. She comes out, looking years younger, with tears in her eyes and radiantly happy. "Thank you, thank you, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. If ever I can repay your care and kindness, please please let me know." With that, Loremisstressre impulsively hugs and kisses Trillian, and she softly walks out, smiling at every one, saying to all, "Can you believe what a wonderful job she’s done?"

I really do have a staff, it was a Christmas gift many years ago from a friend. It is taller than I, approximately six foot long, two inches in diameter. I am only guessing that it’s made from maple, and the stone eye of the bird was a simple quartz type stone (I think it was a light color, but I can’t really remember, as it was long since lost), The feather is unlikely to be eagle, but it is long and shapely, perhaps a turkey feather. Otherwise, it is much like I discribed it in my wizard description, which I repeat here.

"My staff, too, is simple, made of hard maple, held by a leather thong from which hangs an eagle’s feather, shaped only slightly, in that a bird’s beak was carved out and an eye of adamant (my birth stone) set in." It was a gift from Yavanna herself, and greatly treasured. As for its abilities and uses? My wizard’s staff is tool and weapon both: thusly, I may play the quaterstaff bouts well enough to disarm an opponent, and I will lean upon it in rough trails. Like lebethron staves, it has the virtue of finding and returning, and in addition wards against loss or theft. As a tool of wizardry, I find that my staff is best used as a focus for my power, but not the source. Should I become disarmed or separated from my staff, I will therefore not be helpless. Still it aids and amplifies my powers, and requires less concentration. Without my staff, I often use music (song, chant, rhyme, prayer, etc.) to focus power.