Written by Laiceala of Gondolin
In the days of the Long Peace, Nargothrond was founded by Finrod Felagund, who came to reside there with his host. In a great fortress of caves did they reside, delved with the aid of dwarves. Ever at Finrod's side were his most trusted generals, of which Nurto was not the least. And it came to pass one winter, that Nurto was hunting in the Fens of Sirion to find food for the people of Nargothrond. Thus he chased a deer, and in chasing it came to the river Sirion, which flowed out of Doriath from the north. Bathing in the steam beneath the stars was a Sindarin woman named Gwainith. By circumstance, the deer leapt across the stream, and Nurto leapt after it, falling into the stream beside her. There was much laughter, for no sooner had Nurto emerged from beneath the water than he did apologize for the intrusion. Nurto averted his gaze, and looked not upon Gwainith. But Gwainith bade him join her, and rising from the water, he shed his clothes to dry, and bathed with her. And there was passion within her embrace of him, and Nurto, finding that his heart longed for her, made her his wife. There was much celebration, and the folk of Nargothrond welcomed her. And so passed most of the year. And soon Gwainith bore to Nurto a daughter, and they named her Faenial. Faenial was much akin to Gwainith in appearance, being of fair complexion, but with hair the color of straw, like her father's. And her heart was ever closer to that of her father. She ever yearned to lead armies, and studied the art of the battlefield fiercely under her father. It was not long before Nurto gave into her charge a company of his own men, led by the fierce defender Malthralion.
Towards the end of this time, it came to pass that a Man entered into the halls of Nargothrond, and he was Beren son of Barahir. Long were his counsels with King Finrod Felagund, and finally was it decided that he should depart with Beren in search of a Silmaril. For the oath of Fëanor was upon him, and would not be denied. And in that hour Nurto came to his daughter Faenial, and said his farewell. And Faenial was sorrowful at his parting, for she knew in her heart that she would not see her father again. For Finrod and all of his companions were fated to perish in the dungeons of Tol-in-Gaurhoth. And Finrod passed the crown of Nargothrond to his brother Orodreth ere his departure, to rule in his stead. In the hour of Nurto's passing a great spell of sadness came upon his household. And Gwainith, in her grief, ran from the halls of Nargothrond. Never again was she seen in the lands of Beleriand, or elsewhere in Arda. And Faenial departed as well, having no more ties to Nargothrond. For in that time the brothers Celegorm and Curufin had seized the throne of Nargothrond, and the hearts of the people were with them. But Faenial was set against them, for they were cruel and unkind rulers, with no right to their holdings. And with Faenial went her host of eight hundred men, and her lieutenants, Malthralion and Calendir. For seven years did they wander through Beleriand, calling no place home. But in that time Maedhros son of Fëanor desired to muster a great host against the gates of Angband. And his messengers went forth across the land. And thus Faenial and her company harkened to his call at the battle of Nirnaeth Arnoediad.
