The Beginning

Morenwenna was born under the name of Dunnedel. Her begetting was in the spring of TA 516 in Caras Tilion upon Emyn-nu-fuin. Morenwenna is the youngest child and only daughter of Maechenebiel of Lórien and Calendir of Greenwood the Great, who took part in the battle of the Last Alliance in SA 3434. In addition she has two older brothers: Mâlchon and Cevendaer. She grew up in a family of warriors, musicians, artists and healers.

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Youth

In her first stage of life, Dunnedel was an outgoing and curious elfling. Her interests at those times were flower-picking and crafting figurines out of twigs and leaves which often represented an elf-sire and an elf-maiden; fantasizing of her future betrothed one, as any young maiden would do. Her brothers would often mock and taunt her for it. Little Dunnedel loved to braid her hair and would find sticks, flowers, twines and gems and would array them onto her raven locks. Even though she didn't have a plethora of long-time friends, she spent most days with her mother by going on forest walks, listening to music and house maintenance. Her father had little time to spend with his dear wife and children because of his duties as a warden.

 Once every few years, Dunnedel would travel with her family to visit relatives in the Vales of Anduin, Lórien, Dorwinion, and even Belfalas. She does recall seeing many wonders of Middle-Earth and the lands she has been to.

Growing up, Dunnedel learned that her mother had a high distrust and hatred for High Elves, especially the Noldor and Feanorians (worst of all). On a few occasions, she has witnessed her mother's prejudice towards those who aren't Teleri for most of her youth and though thankfully, has not shared any personality traits with Maechenebiel.

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Maturity

 As Dunnedel reached her second stage in life (100 years) and was considered a full adult, she chose the name 'Morenwenna', a Sindarized version of her birth name, but with a Silvan influence on it.

Morenwenna had to know how to handle a weapon, as it was important for the ways of the Tawarwaith. She wanted to learn how to shoot from a bow because archery was the most common defence practice in her kin. On the training grounds, accompanied by her father, Calendír, Morenwenna tried archery but the bowstring was difficult to pull and her target was significantly weaker than average; almost causing serious injury to another elf. Out of hope, her father suggested to try out for a warden instead.

Surprisingly, Morenwenna learned how to aim a javelin and fight with a spear and shield in a matter of days. The relationship between Morenwenna and Calendir grew more, however, she was the closest to her mother as they shared similar interests, such as music. The two Ellyth would often duet in courts and parties, bringing much attention and praise. As the years progressed, Morenwenna got better at lute-playing, though it had not outmatched her's mother's skill, whose skill was so beautiful that could meeken hard hearts. 

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Duties, Feasts, & Migration

Soon, Morenwenna was skilled enough to join the King's Guard. In certain parts of a year, she would take part in annual sparring events with fellow elves. However, it was nothing but a simple task and always bested her opponents. She won several titles, such as "The Sharp Spear" and "The Shieldmaiden" but did not take them personally. Alongside her successes came a downfall. The jury of the events told her to take a break from taking part in the tournaments to let others get a chance. Morenwenna understood and accepted it with slight disappointment. Her success began to fade away over the years as more champions came in her place.

Additionally, she made acquaintances and friends in the guard. Like most of her fellow guard friends, during feasts they would drink a lot of wine, especially Dorwinion Red, which became Morenwenna's favourite vintage. Although, she was known to dilute the vintage to avoid being tipsy and drunken. For the most part, she drank responsibly because she knows that it would be reckless behaviour for her to conduct herself in a drunk manner. As a member of the King's guard, if something bad happened, she would get the blame for anything misfortunate.

On TA 1050, a shadow had fallen upon Greenwood. Morenwenna noticed the woods being dull and eerie, as if all life has been sapped out of the trees. Even the birds, they did not sing their usual songs, nor the swans danced in their lakes, and wildlife became rampant and more bewildered. Countless spawns of Ungwetari have come; gargantuan, imposing and wicked. Most of all, she sensed dread like never before. Thranduil and his people have been forced to flee up north, including Morenwenna and her family. Taking the final glimpse of her birth-home, she only saw the shadow of unexplained sorcery.

Soon Felegoth, a series of caverns which was similar to Menegroth, was established with the help of the Naugrim (Dwarves). The Silvan elves being more protective than ever, have become fiercer of their land, or what was left of it... Morenwenna has been selected as a recruitment officer and began recruiting more members to the King's Guard and helped in training the basics. Since the migration of her people northward, she rarely took time off because the woods were more dangerous than ever. Morenwenna missed Caras Tilion too much that it drove her to tears and misery, even though it's been covered in darkness and shadow and left to crumble for good. Morenwenna had no taste for music after that saddening event. 

Years, decades, centuries and a millenia went on, and once every century or so, Morenwenna took a bit of time off from her normal duties and with her brothers and a few other elf scouts, she would travel to enemy points and sabotage their camps within Eryn Galen's border, or it was now known to men, 'Mirkwood's' border. 

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The Battle of Five Armies

In T.A. 2770, King Thranduil and several of his army, including Morenwenna, went to Erebor to retrieve the White Gems of Lasgalen. However, upon arrival,  Smaug the terrible, a fire-drake from the north had burned down the city of Dale and invaded Erebor, bringing flame and fire. Watching at the top of the Raven hill as the dwarves fled in panic, she felt the dragon's breath from a distance.

In T.A. 2941, Smaug was slain and once again, Thranduil's army once more tried to reclaim the White Gems. Unexpectedly, she took part in the Battle of Five Armies and survived. It was at the moment when the enemy broke through the remains of Dale and attacked the survivors of Lake-town, a Gundabad orc struck its club at her left knee; practically smashing the bones and leaving her in crucial pain. Out of a slim hope, she managed to slay even more wretched orcs with her spear whilst trotting on her right leg

After the battle concluded, she had learned of what had become of the rest of the elves that didn't survive; many of them childhood friends and fellow guard members. She helped bury their bodies and wished them peace in the West. Unable to walk with one leg, she was assisted into Loeglond, where she was going to recover for an extensive period. Morenwenna spent weeks laying on the bed with her heart shaking of grief. She refused to eat or drink and often had anxieties when it came to the thought of battle.

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Recovery and Lutenist

Herbalists have advised Morenwenna not to participate in any combat or activities that required mobility. She couldn't help but wait until her knee was healed. In Loeglond, she would've been seen near the docks helping out with fishing and filling supply carts set for distant lands. However, that did not help overcome her constant dread upon the battlefield. The burdens of what happened at the Battle of Five Armies left Morenwenna scarred, and upon her return to Felegoth, she resigned from the guard and quit her position. After many years of training she sacrificed, she became afraid of combat. 

In the brief years of her return to Felegoth, she spent time in her family chambers; tucked within the narrow halls. She helped out in daily tasks and taking interests such as cooking, cleaning, washing, and of course, music. Her sense was gradually getting back to normal every day.

Also, Morenwenna took back her old profession of lute-playing and to her surprise, her knowledge was not all lost. Every midday, she let out melodies on the lute and flocks of Edhil would rush in from far corners of the stronghold and listen to her music. Of course, being shy, she was hesitant to perform in the main court of Felegoth.

However, one day Morenwenna was brave enough to get to the busy main court and perform a song that her mother taught. Many applauded her in awe and pleaded for more. Soon after, guards, civilians, traders, jewellers, and smiths alike gathered around her as she enchanted them with the melody of immense beauty. 

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Departure 

A couple of years later, Morenwenna had a strong will to explore the outside world and bid farewell to the whole of Eryn Galen to become an explorer. She wanted to seek out shelter in other lands for she felt a calling. At the bridge of Felegoth, Calendir and Maechenebiel gave their daughter a formal farewell, alongside a sapphire pendant and a brooch as a reminder of home. Morenwenna promised that she will return when Mirkwood is no more and the roads are open freely.

Going with a group of other elves who wished to travel, she had escorted them safely through the Misty Mountains near the road to Imladris. As for Morenwenna herself, she continued southwest alone. From time to time, she travelled through the remains of Eregion for a brief while in secrecy and learned its history within hidden camps. Upon that, she learned of the Noldor, the Gwaith-i-Mirdain, and the eventual sacking. After studying the ancient Noldor region, and questing in many different regions of Eriador, she came to Rivendell and made her stay there. Finally, after finding a place of escapism from her burdens, Morenwenna made Rivendell her second home.

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Where now?

Currently, Morenwenna is seen in Imladris (Rivendell) doing her daily tasks or playing songs on her lute. If you happen to see her, she'll be happy to have a conversation and a glass of wine with you. Perhaps play you a couple of songs?

The end... or is it?

"Things are still yet to come... Patience is needed. My Adventures have not come to an end."

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Updated since: 28/06/2024