Of My Becoming a Nandor Elf

 Dear Diary,

Today, during the 1115th year of the trees, I take it upon myself to document my journeys through Middle-Earth. However, I feel as though I should introduce myself before all else. My name is Dûriel; I have assumed this name due to recent circumstances - us Teleri elves who did not complete the journey to the Blessed Realm have come to be called the “Moriquendi”, or “Dark Elves”. From that I derived the name Dûriel (“dûr” meaning dark and “iell” meaning girl). As for a physical description, I possess a tall frame adorned with long, dark brown hair and deep grey eyes. As of writing this, I am clothed in a flowing, olive dress layered with a brown leather corset. My personality is somewhat tranquil, at least in times of peace and harmony. Akin to the other Teleri elves, my love for the sea is immense, and my knowledge of its wonders may never cease expanding. That being said, I have been told by my sister Lóneth that I have a slightly obsessive behavior, sacrificing opportunities in favor of pursuing my wants. This fault has led me to my current situation. Some 10 Y.T. ago, the Vala Oromë approached the Quendi calling upon our people to embark on a Great Journey to Valinor to behold the light of the Trees and gather at the knees of the Powers. Naturally, our people were hesitant, as, ere our encounters with Oromë, we had heard tales of the Eldar who had strayed too far in their explorations and been captured by the Hunter or devoured by the dark Rider. Even I, with my curious mind, did not care to fulfill the summon requested of us by the Valar, too cowardly to risk eternal torment at the hands of an unfamiliar evil. Nonetheless, three High Elves were sent to Valinor and returned with stories of splendor, changing the minds of many elves, including myself, and we all set forth on the Great Journey to witness the Trees. Beginning the journey, I was terrified. Lóneth and I became part of the Teleri elves, following the lead of Olwë. We stayed close in the first few years, watching over one another and protecting each other from the shadows that roamed Arda. As time passed, we became more comfortable in our journey, and we came to realize that we would not be subject to harm by the terrors we once sang of. Eventually, we had traveled to the end of Eriador and were faced with the daunting sight of the Hithaeglir mountains crowned in a thick haze. There, we Teleri elves halted along Anduin the Great, contemplating our willingness to continue the journey. I was reminded of my initial reluctance to embark on the passage into the Blessed Realm, and as I did so, the Elf I now know as Lenwë spoke of his trepidation towards the passage through the Towers of Mist. Here is an image for reference:

His words were alarmingly persuasive, and I found myself turning away from the west, much to Lóneth’s dismay. I attempted to convince my sister to come with this new group, now known as the Nandor, yet she denied. I understand her sentiments - the tales spread among the elves of the Trees were magnificent, but the journey ahead appeared to be perilous, and Lenwë was so certain in his word, and I was drawn to him and his ideology. We have been trekking south down the Vale of Anduin, and I am in awe of all the new creatures we have encountered, both in the river and hidden in the surrounding forests. Lenwë has proven to be promising, and I have faith in his leadership. I await this new life among the Nandor along the Great River.

Signed,

Dûriel