As the first of the tribe of Telganan came over through the hard north-eastern mountains they caught sight of the Valley in the glory of Spring, and the hearts of those men were ever drawn to it. In that season the Valley flourished with meadows of strange and fragrant flowers, of the likes that those men had never beheld before. They named them after the women of their tongue, being beautiful in presence, eilenar, malyalin, and eimilyalan.

The hobbit women of Tolkien's Middle-earth are lovingly named after flowers. men of Telganan's tribe name the flowers after their women. This very romantic gesture is an admirable one, placing women in an exalted air. It also speaks of how highly man holds his wife and the role of women in the tribe.

Others uncounted grew within the forest, which at first the tribe of Telganan liked not, for it was dark. Some that wandered in became lost within its bounds, being borne with little knowledge of the law of the woods. So it was that the most skilled hunter of the tribe, Feldred, took upon the task of settling a camp for the weary travelers. They had grown bitter upon their harsh roads, walking ever in fear of the shadows that followed, for they came forth from an evil past (of which none will willingly tell). So Feldred entered the borders of the woods with his two most loyal-hearted men, and thus he spoke, 'Stay, demons of an unkind wood! We come not to hew bow and leaf, but to dwell, and have peace. Long have we traveled, and only rest do we require.' And with that some have said that the woods relented, and let the travelers rest under their boughs.

Here we may wonder and question where were these people born, what law are they familiar with if not the wood? They are a tribe on the move, migrating from the north over hard mountains, and seeing a valley in Spring bloom is quite a sight. Their origins are what is curious and mysterious. Depending upon how long they have been traveling could also depend on what they are familiar with. Perhaps like Moses leading the Israelites through the wilderness, going from desert to wood can be confusing if one has not learned it previously.
Feldred seemingly knows the woods to some degree as he addresses them. He is making a deal with the wood not the harm them for permission to rest. Though Feldred is a hunter and traveled with the tribe over the mountains, is he truly a part of them? The rest were unfamiliar with the law of the wood, but he stepped forth and spoke directly to the wood. Yet, as Tolkien explored, why should a forest not defend itself? However, in earth magic it is polite and shows proper wisdom to ask a tree, herb, flower, etc. permission before taking a cutting from it. We are also told the people fear the "shadows that followed, for they came forth from an evil past (of which none will willingly tell)." Were the events prior to their travel tainted by a certain act committed by them? Were they haunted by a sense of guilt? Were they hunted? Was it something Feldred did? Were the people evil? Maybe not, perhaps the trees are as unfamiliar with men as the men are of this forest.

Thus Feldred and his hunters took up the dead wood from the forest floor and built fires, and it seemed to all that the once-dark woods now seemed fair. When the hunters had gathered food, of the many fruits and beasts, they made up a great circle for the tribe to sit at and eat. In the centre of the circle was the great fire, which was called the Ianar, for in its flames were foreseen events and tales of valour and woe. All sat around the circle of blankets and pelts (for no table could be erected from the deadwood) and held up their cups, filled with deep red wine. At a sign from Telganan, they turned their backs to the north, in sign that they were henceforth bereaved of their past. All then drank of their wine and cried aloud, teilanin a falfien, forth unto prosperity.

Now that the forest has relented Feldred is free to continue his settling a camp for the tribe. It perhaps is curious here that the tribe of Telganan were not knowledgable of the law of the wood, and Feldred was able to calm it by announcing their purpose. He appears right away either a more learned member of the tribe, in ways unfamiliar even to Telganan and an outsider, was it by defying the law of the wood that caused their fall? The great circle of fire, the Ianar, depicts events and tales forseen, of valor and woe. This sets the stage and foreshadows the course of the later tales. What is curious is that Telganan’s first act in the tale as leader is a sign for them all to turn their backs to the north. By doing this rite with cup in hand they are bereaved of their past. Bereaved is defined as "grieving over the death of a friend or relative." This can answer some of the earlier questions brought up, but who are they mourning? A whole set of theories can be also thought of, but without a definitive lead at this point we can only speculate. Perhaps by ennabling this act of bereavement at this point in their journey they were able to stop and contemplate, at least Telganan did, upon whatever had occurred. Telganan’s first act then is to heal his people from their past by recognizing their woe.

It came to be that after the meat, that hollow in the forest was afterwards their camp, and no tree was felled in the making of fire or house. Indeed, many were content with living under the stars, with the scent of the pines under their noses. Food was plentiful, and Feldred taught the young the ways of the hunt, so very soon there was no shortage of provisions. Nearby the camp there was a lake of silver, or so it seemed to the travelers, for the water shined under the sky with a radiance not unlike to a perfect mirror. But as they stepped in, ripples were sent from end to end, sending rumour of their coming to all beasts of the lake. The men heard many noises, like to the sounds of animals in distraught, and they were afraid. After that no man stepped near to the waters of the Arbedil, the Unquiet Water.

Now "bereaved of their past" the people seem content enough to stay and settle where they have set camp. This presents a problem, for it is said "no tree was felled in the making of fire or house." Did they build a type of shelter? From grass and straw prior to this? Feldred did tell the wood they were there only to rest. Indeed now with the weight of their past supposedly lifted they grow content with "living under the stars." The Arbedil, Unquiet Water is reminiscent of the water outside Tolkien's Doors of Moria, unquiet and fell it looked when the stones and feet broke its surface as well. Here it is said there are "beasts of the lake" as opposed to a Cthulu-like Watcher in the Water with lots of tentacles. The elves of Mirkwood appeared to have no shelter to the dwarves and Bilbo. Water and the sea to hobbits is a symbol of death. These minute connections to Middle-earth allow room for its spirit to be a part of this tale, allowing the reader to feel as if their feet never left it.

It soon came to pass that Telganan, their leader, stepped forth and said, 'Behold, people of Telganan, our wood runs short, and we must venture far now to find fuel for our fire. Are not the seasons of rain and snow approaching quickly? Are we to sit in the mud for the span of our short lives, while the Elves sit in their mighty halls of gold? The forest has been good to us, but now we must choose between the building of houses or retreating from this place forever.'

Being called the 1st Tribe of Telganan implies that Telganan is their leader. A slow intro of his character and station amongst the people though hinted at when the people are referred to as the tribe of Telganan, and his giving of the sign of bereavement. This is in opposition to Feldred having been introduced first. Perhaps this is a reflection of the two characters, Feldred is quick with decision or action, whether for good or ill. Telganan appears more subtle and decisive, and slower to action.
It appears now that Telganan is definitely seeking to settle where they set camp. It would only make sense for them to decide what to do next. They all do feel the weight and burden of travel and are weary of it. We are also given our first insight into the Elves of the tale. The tribe apparently has knowledge of both the immortals and their halls, since the tribe migrated from the northeast and the elves have a city far to the north.

'And many were quailed by these words, fearing the forest but also fearing the slow death of a cold winter. Feldred the hunter stood up as well, crying, 'We hear these words, Telganan, but I also say this: that we dwell here only by the permission of the trees, and loth are they to the felling of their kin. Do not touch these woods! We will find other lodging, perhaps where we can build shelter for the seasons.'At this the people felt less afraid, but some murmured against Feldred's words, wondering why they must make ready to move again in so little time.

The people are torn at what to do and Feldred knowing what this means, which is probably why he cries as he defends the wood demonstrating he knows its laws. Telganan is not polite and breaks the etiquette set forth by Feldred not to fell trees but to take only what the forest freely gave to them. Does this prove he is an outsider of Telganan’s tribe? Most understood Feldred's fears and warnings for he has told the wood they would not harm it. He is giving "bad council" in the eyes of Telganan – but not for the people. If he was seeking to give "bad council" he may be using reverse psychology to get the answer he seeks knowing how Telganan would reply. Yet even if his intentions are honorable, here the people appear at this point to content to move on. This makes great social commentary on our own world, that society generally clears away woods to make room for housing and over-development. The general population would rather stay and not do much to save beautiful lands as long as their immediate needs are met. This could be a part of the tribe's "evil past." The use of "again" is curious, it can denote many things, notably the length of their migratory trip.

Telganan saw this, and said, 'See, Feldred, you are a noble hunter, but a worse judge of deeds. How shall we make ready to move by the winter's coming? And if we do so, to what success will we find such a place suitable for your worries? Nay, we shall remain here and build such lodgings as that would make for song in the halls of the Elven kings.' And Feldred spoke no more, being but a hunter.

This is where we see the difference and split between these two men. Where Telganan wishes to settle his tribe alleviating the pains of travel. Telganan does not appear afraid of the wood. The people, after Feldred spoke against settling in the wood permanently, were more afraid of dying in a cold winter than the wood itself. It was Feldred who first approached the wood asking permission to rest. Was it this that was his "bad council?" It appears only logical for him to do so if others are ignorant of it. Should Telganan have come forth and respected the wood?
Telganan is ignorant of the law of the wood, and is capable of seeing the immediate needs of the tribe, but they have been traveling a while now, why not move onward? This is Telganan's 2nd mention of the elves. He has faith in his people and their abilities to build grand halls worthy of song and elven standards, which he may hold in high regard. 'Being but a hunter' is Feldred's task at this point amongst the tribe, for he shows them things they are ignorant of, the hunt and law of the wood.

Quickly as the winter approached the houses of the people were built, many houses and close together they were, being of one homestead. Indeed they were of wondrous craft, strong and dark were their walls, but beauty was held in their structure, for many skills did the tribe bring from the north. One large tower was built at the center of the homestead, above the Ianar, and it was called the Annamin. From there one could perceive sights afar, to the south, west, and east. To the north there was a great grove of trees that no eyes could pierce. Feldred aided not in the building, but was ever abroad in the woods with his hunters, and Telganan was content. 'Fair chance is this,' he thought, 'that Feldred is oft astray.' For he insights disquiet in my people and is afraid of his own shadow.' Even so he climbed ever to the Annamin to try to descry the hunters' position, for he knew not where they abode.

As the winter approaches the tribe sets to building and settling into their new homes within the Valley. Similar to the ancient Icelanders and Norse, who first migrated and settled into Europe, the tribe of Telganan possesses many skills. Here their skill proves fruitful in their wondrous craft and building of beautiful structures. The author(s) of this tale through their skill and the craft of the tribe rebuild the once lost ancient tower of saga and myth. Atop Tolkien's allegorical tower (Parma Nole #9 "Discovering Rammoth") referring to the poem Beowulf one could see sights far beyond. The sights beyond are a readers' look into forgotten literature, seeing the world's forgotten ancient past. The past of this tribe and the direction they traveled from is conveniently obstructed by a "great grove of trees to the north." If tribe was truly bereaved of their past, would references to the north be as blurred as it appears? Episodes such as this one help the reader connect to the story to facets of our own world, and we realize it is not just a fantastical far off place. The similarities of the tribe of Telganan to the migrant tribes of ancient Europe in the Rammoth tales, whose tales helped formulate poems like Beowulf, are worthy of further study and investigation.
Telganan comments on Feldred being afraid of his own shadow, yet Feldred is abroad in the woods, an obvious reference to his knowledge of them. Telganan believes Feldred incites disquiet, is this from poor council or differences of opinion between the men?

Winter descended upon the Valley, which Telganan called the Rammoth. The houses were proved strong, and they endured the harsh colds. Chill winds came from the tall northern mountains, along with the dull frosts, driven east from the sea. Never did the men of the Rammoth see the wondrous blooms of the eilenar, malyalin, and eimilyalan, save in their memories. And of the hunters none, knew of their whereabouts.

With winter the blooms of eilenar, malyalin and eimilyalan are not seen. As it is written this could indicate the tribe no longer saw them, perhaps a sign against the people or Telganan, that the tribe has lost their connectedness to the earth and the wood.

It came to pass that one dim morning, amid the flurry of snow, Telganan awoke from his troubled sleep to hear the winds rushing against his walls. He lived in the topmost floor of the main house, where the heats of the fires came up to warm it. As he opened his eyes he thought he could perceive a strange noise, not unlike the creaking of a great opening door. Rising, he went to draw back his window, and he gave forth a cry.
The mountain-winds and snows had dislodged a mighty tree, from the northern tree-grove, and it was bearing down on the house with terrible speed. Telganan ran from the window and, in his cowardice, flung himself under his pelts, awaiting the doom that the forest had decided for him.

The troubled sleep of Telganan maybe a sign that he sleeps with guilt or worry. Is it that the tree came from the North - this area of past connotations, fear, mystery? An omen? Or that the tree fell? The points of the compass have many definitions, the North indicating death. Could it be the fear of the unknown? Of death – a primitive fear and not the supposition of guilt or knowledge of some law beyond Telganan's own. He hides"awaiting the doom the forest had decided for him." Telganan apparently now knowledgeable of the law of the wood cannot ignore its wrath. His cowardice could be the fear he is experiencing from an ill decision, a decision to stay in the wood and set against the council of Feldred.

The servants and other folk of the house ran outside to discover where the loud noise had come from. To their dismay, they beheld the north-side of the house cloven in two from the mighty tree, resting quietly now between the stone and rafters. A faint cry they heard from within, up in the top-most room.
'It is Telganan!' they cried, descrying his voice from afar, 'The woods have sent forth their doom!' But before they could run in panic and fear, another voice halted them. Feldred stood among them, his hunters beside, clad in the skins of beasts unknown.
Fell they looked, and grimly had the months touched them, for it seemed to the people of the Rammoth that years had been etched upon their brows and under their eyes. But with a kindly smile Feldred raised his hand. 'Thither dost thou see the errors of the house of Telganan, and the fruits of your labour.'But he was not without mercy, and climbed himself up the tree and pulled Telganan from his tomb.

He may not have shown fear of the wood as his people had, but Telganan believes now the wood has passed judgement and sent "forth their doom." As leader and decision maker it was his choice for the people to stay. Feldred returns clad in the skins of beasts unknown. The word "fell" is used first to describe the hunters. The errors of Telganan's people Feldred speaks of is perhaps referencing their past or more recently the decision to build and use wood now suffering its wrath.

Upon the ground Telganan wept, losing his pride under the hard eyes of his people. Feldred stood above him, mighty, much like to a forgotten lord out of song. And thus, seeing his position, Telganan gave forth the ruling of his people to Feldred, if he would have it. Feldred looked down upon him, saying, 'For your ill-gotten goods, you have been punished. But stay, leader, for you can yet learn the ways of the wood and profit from them. Have I not lived well with my folk even in the dead of winter? There is wood to find, if you would look for it, wood to build mighty houses that even the kings of Elves would make into song.' And with that, Telganan smiled, and stood up beside the hunter. 'What would you have me do,' he asked. And Feldred answered, 'To lead these people still, and abide by the laws of the forest Valley. For of it you may yet live long and prosperous, as may all.' And with that the people raised their voices in praise, for they still believed Telganan a good leader, and with Feldred beside him they foresaw an age of peace and profit.
Thus the years passed, with Telganan as the leader of the Rammoth and Feldred overseeing the laws of the forest and crop. Together they brought forth providence, and as the people foresaw they came upon an age where grain and corn were plentiful, their houses rich, and their children grew to be powerful and fair. Thus began the Ennar Addinae, the Years of Earnings.

They praise Telganan and retain him as leader. He sees that perhaps Feldred's council not to interfere in the law of the wood was not entirely bad and his decision to stay causes his "punishment." Feldred speaks of living well with his folk, apparently the other hunters who are separate from the rest of the tribe. It may not necessarily be true that Feldred is a bad or evil person, nor his council, but the definition of his name was rather confusing at first. Though in Old English his name means "wicked council," the council may not necessarily be bad or harmful, but how Telganan utilizes it, hence the "friendly" tone of his forgiving gesture and extension of his helpful hand. For if Telganan had listened to the council he may not have been as fearful of doom bestowed upon him by the wood for there would have been no "punishment."
The 'F' in Feldred's name is a noble, sacred letter in Reamilyan, its shaped is that of a crown. This may foreshadow the closing event of Chapter 1 where he shares in leadership with Telganan. It appears they may be opposite sides of the same coin, yet beneficial for all when they work together. Telganan appears to be the ignorant diplomat, not really familiar with the wide world, a leader with great knowledge yet little experience. Despite Telganan's show of cowardice, his people still consider him a good leader. Feldred is more of a seasoned hunter-gather/warrior type. They both can only be better for the people by helping one another, learning of each other's ways, and abiding by the laws of the wood and learning of its ways. Feldred does explore for other avenues of wood usage, and tells Telganan "There is wood to find, if you would look for it," essentially telling him to get off his arse and find it rather than defying the law set down earlier. It is by working together that the rest can only profit .