We Were as in a Dream by Zdenka

We Were as in a Dream

Lalwen has known the bliss of the Blessed Realm under the gold and silver light of the Trees: a double choir of the Vanyar singing hymns in ethereal harmony, Elemmírë’s face lit up and ecstatic with the music; the statue of Yavanna so lifelike that the stone seemed to breathe, a pomegranate held in one hand and an olive branch in the other; feasts in her father’s palace, their cups ever-flowing with sweet wine.

But she thinks this is true bliss: taking her first unsteady steps out from the gates of Mandos, to be caught and held in Elemmírë’s arms.