{ The Original Version }
“Beneath that evening star dome, lead
Lord Elrond with his people shed
the woes of a war torn land
healed by a fulfilled king’s hand.
5 Aboard their swan-carved ships
with praises high on ruby lips;
one - with Halflings dressed in vests
rewarded for a legendary quest.
Yet some later said by folly of pride
10 those brothers fought and lied
their bonds they broke and took
all loyalties of oaths forsook.
Shelda`Mar pleaded for we few to come
aboard Valithnor’s ship, Cirdan’s drum;
15 unto those undying lands of hope and grace,
yet outraged, Vendu`Mar abandon his place.
On faded docks did Vendu`Mar argue
against his brother’s command he drew
harsh words like a bitter sword that bites,
20 though Shelda`Mar in sorrow took flight
The wizard Gan`Mereith admonished us
to be wary against our growing lust;
Sal`Gilvan and Veth`Dema barked back
with their own words of black.
25 We stayed like an anointed remnant,
who saw it our goal to rule as imminent,
teaching a new lore to lesser men
with a diverse tongue, Sinenya I penned.
[click to enlarge original Elven Script]
Like unto Sindar was Sinenya made
30 with new characters and words I laid;
letters designed for new purposes crafted
for initiated secretes were they drafted.
For the greed of some soon railed apparent
as our original cravings became too variant;
35 instead of being counselors to students in need
many wayward misguidings did breed.
Celegreth of the elven Crystal Caves,
and Kwandol the dwarven mason, made;
a Great Hall like greeting hands
40 domed six hundred years, still stands.
Close to the bay a watchtower stood
with a bell’s tolling alarm it would;
chime forth the hours of the Great Hall
for secret Brothers to heed its call.
45 In that kingdom’s darkened hall we met
among fireside rituals fussed and fret;
knowing inwardly we hoped against hope,
preaching failed expectations, we groped.
High in that Watchtower’s nest
50 its bell replaced we thought best;
with a pyre set eternally aflame,
for others to return without shame.
On the day the oil-soaked wood was lit,
by Fay`Symodare’s death all were hit;
55 the shadow that fulfilled Mereith’s woe,
the bane of mortal man became our snow.
From his ashes we gathered a portion
entombed in an urn with grave distinction;
the rest we scattered upon the sea
60 and swore our own would mix free.
