I counted the hours and minutes to the moment we would sail along the coast on board of the transport ship. There an officer and a small number of mariners, a few other passengers, my father, my mother and I, beside the crew. It was the month of Ringarë, and the sea was rough. All the passengers were sea-sick, I was not. This was the year 476 F.A. and I was ten years of age.
We sailed right into a storm and were taken into a gale, but rode it out. Next morning we awoke to find the whole beach along the coast was covered in upturned fishing boats and debris, and local people clearing away. My father embraced this opportunity to warn me against being a mariner; he is kind but a strict parent, and I usually dare not disobey him.
The storm had made little impression on my mind, not enough to alter my determination; my young mind could not separate the adventurous life of a mariner and storms, so I looked upon them as an interesting part of an adventure at sea. I had been on deck all the time, and was fully occupied in planning how to become a mariner after all.
I enjoyed this small sea voyage to Alqualondë so much, and was so anxious to learn every thing, and I became a great favorite with the captain and crew. As we finally approached the the harbor after sunset, the stars were shining, the wind was light and fair, and Alqualondë was lit and glistening against the dark blue of the sky.
Moored in the harbor, floating gently like in a dance, the fabled great swan ship swaying in the calm waters of the bay. I had never seen such beauty or perfection in my young life. The Haven of the Swans, lit with many lamps. For that was the city of my people, and the haven of their ships made in the likeness of swans, with beaks of gold and eyes of gold and jet, and sails as soft as silk of white, blue and silver.
As we touched land and began our life in Alqualondë my father reminded me of our heritage. We are Teleri Elves of the Falmari clan , those that in ancient times were called Lindar (Singers) , because of our fair voices. We are the Sea-Elves, and to the sea and our Lord Ulmo we dedicate our lives. Despite the passing of centuries, these events and words left a great imprint in my heart and mind.
