THE LONELY STAR (Contd. from BD birthday party)

[piosenniel]

The sun rose bright and promising on the day. Throughout the house, people had risen early in preparation for the feast of Tarnin Austa, the Gates of Summer, celebrating the start of that season in Gondolin.

For years without number had the coming of summer been greeted with just such a great and solemn ceremony. At midnight of that day, all voices would be hushed, until the break of day when ancient songs would rise up to fill the air. That night would silver lamps be lit in the city, while in the groves would hang lights of jeweled colors, and the low music of various instruments would fill the ways. Then, at the sun's first rising, would the coming of summer be greeted by the music of choirs standing upon the gleaming eastern wall.

All in Gondolin looked forward each year with joy to this celebration, and this year was to be no different in their minds.

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Pio went downstairs to break her fast with some fruit and a cup of chilled wine. She took them into the atrium, and sat on a bench in the sun, letting the wine and the sun's warmth drive the chill from her body. She listened to the music of the water on the rocks in the fountain, hoping to find some small comfort in it. But the sound seemed discordant today, and no comfort came.

Her food and drink done, she thought to stretch her legs a little. Exiting the house, with a nod to the guards, she strode down into the city.

[ August 08, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]