5. Dawn under Stone

The cavern opened to endless expanses
Unseen, silent, dripping, dark
Yet fragrant, fresh, perfumed and pure.
So sweet that air
- but how could flowers -
- blossom there? -

A ghostly glimmer spread and shimmered.
On soaring ceilings grey light glanced.
The glimmer grew. Pink and pale
It spread and shone
- for dawn had come -
- beneath the stone. -

A mountain mass with crystalline crown
Reflects, refracts the dawning day.
The liquid light comes pouring slow,
Its radiance streaming
- translucent down -
- like roses gleaming. -

And safe under stone lie tree-clad slopes,
Graceful gardens, fruitful fields.
And high on a hill white Gonnmar glows,
All walls and spires,
- a pastel picture drawn -
- in glittering fire. -

Up stairs and steps, on winding ways
They climbed and came to high-roofed hall
Where Lord and Lady sat in state:
Its eight walls strewn
- with emblems radiant -
- of sun and stars and crescent moon. -

The king and queen enthroned, uncrowned
And bare of brow sat side by side.
His grey eyes gleamed, hers glinted green.
As wild as wind she seemed, he still as sea
Until they smiled.
- Then wind and water joined -
- As sea-surge reconciled. -

'Cordil the King, and Fèhaglin the Fair
'Hail you as hosts, grant haven here.'
'Daeron of Doriath: welcome once more.'
'Name now our guests,'
- 'welcome to sustenance -
- shelter and rest.' -

And so they stood and were known by name:
Corùwen whose skill was once well-known,
Whose gardens grew, who healed deep hurts
While Hollin's towers endured:
- Her voice was soft and low, -
- Her hands were swift and sure. -

Nèhaléni next, as fluid as a flame:
Dream-dancer, song-smith,
Stone-setter, ring-wright
While Hollin stood entire
- But fleeing strife she'd staked her life -
- On a wager with desire. -

'Welcome! Well met,' declared the king.
'Here gardens grow, and hurt is healed.'
'The child shall be cherished,' Fèhaglin foretold
With outstretched hand.
- 'Remain, find joy,' -
- 'Lend beauty to our land.' -