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Gondolin
by Elizabeth Zuckerman (fantasygroupie@yahoo.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy   User Review: **1/2
A tale of Middle-earth. Idril is the daughter of Turgon, lord of Gondolin, the last great Elven city. Tuor is a Man, descended from heroes. When Morgoth, the Enemy, turns his eyes on Gondolin, Idril and Tuor may be Elvendom's last hope for survival.


This screenplay is property of the author. The characters and settings are, obviously, not.



FADE IN:

EXT. ECHORIATH - DAY
                                                            
The camera pans along the mountain range of the Echoriath,
softly drifting in and out among them, displaying
breathtaking vistas - but searching as well, cautiously, as
if for a pathway through.
                                                            
It pauses as it finds a tiny tunnel, all but invisible among
the folds of the mountains - and then rushes through like
lightning, passing through darkness.
                                                            
But then it emerges onto a wide green plain and drifts
upward. And we see Gondolin in the center of the plain, a
great white city, shining in the sunlight, more beautiful
than anything we could imagine.
                                                            
ZOOM TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY STREETS - DAY
                                                            
The camera narrows over the walls of the city until it
penetrates to the streets, where AREDHEL is sitting by a
fountain. She is quite a beauty, dark-haired and pale, but
her face is drawn and sad. She dips her fingers in the
fountain and swirls them around.
                                                            
TURGON approaches from behind her - she does not see him.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (calls softly)
Aredhel!
                                                            
Aredhel turns quickly in surprise, and her eyes light upon
seeing Turgon - but her demeanor is still wan and sad.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Brother!
                                                            
She rises and embraces him.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
What brings you here? I thought
you were closeted with your
advisors.
                                                            

2.

                       TURGON
I was. We had no need to speak
long. Everything in Gondolin seems
to be running smoothly.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Then what can worry you, Turgon?
For you do not fool me. You are
worried.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (wincing)
Is it so obvious?
                                                            
She smiles, and we catch in her smile a hint of the happy
nature she once had.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
I am your sister, and I have known
your moods all my life! You ought
to tell me everything now, before
I have to coax it out of you.
                                                            
Turgon's expression becomes very serious.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Can you not take your own advice,
Aredhel? Can you not tell your own
brother what is wrong?
                                                            
Aredhel steps back from him and sits on the fountain's rim
again.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
All Gondolin flourishes, except
for you. Morgoth has not found us
yet, and probably never will, yet
you sit here and withdraw from us
all. Sister, I love you, and it
kills me not to know the cause of
your sadness.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Turgon...
                                                            
She turns to him and raises her hands helplessly.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
I wish that I could tell you. But
I can't.
                                                            

3.

                       TURGON
You have nothing to fear from me,
Aredhel! I will keep any secret of
yours, you know that.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (quickly)
Oh, no, it's nothing like that!
                                                            
Turgon relaxes somewhat.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
It's...it's...oh, I can't name it.
I don't know why this shadow has
come over me. All I know is that
it has, and that I have pleasure
in few things now.
                                                            
She looks at Turgon with sudden fear in her eyes.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
Turgon...you do believe me, don't
you?
                                                            
                       TURGON
Yes.
                                                            
Aredhel exhales in a rush of relief.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
Would a change of scenery help?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
What do you mean?
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (smiling)
Why not take a horse and go
riding? You've been in close
quarters here. You might find that
you feel better if you can get out
of Gondolin.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
But isn't it too dangerous?
                                                            
But her eyes have sparked into life, and her pale face is
somewhat less pale at the suggestion.
                                                            

4.

                       TURGON
Morgoth's creatures have not come
near us for years, and nothing
else would harm you. And I think
it would do you good.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Then...all right.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
 
EXT. TUMLADEN - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel, mounted, gallops out of Gondolin. The wind whips
her hair back from her face, and we can see that already she
has regained a little color. Her eyes are dancing, and she
is smiling.
                                                            
Camera tracks her as she rides through the Hidden Way into
Gondolin and emerges among the mountain forest.
                                                            
 
EXT. MONTAGE - DAY
                                                            
1. Aredhel riding through the forest.

2. Aredhel emerges from the forest and dismounts, leading
her horse after her.

3. Aredhel rides the horse slowly along through another
forest, a more foreboding one.

4. Eol in his forge, hammering the blade of Anguirel, his
sword, on an anvil. He is dark, and handsome in a strange
and eerie way - the sort of man who no one would trust, but
who would intrigue everyone he meets.

5. Aredhel's horse, hearing the noise, rears and bolts,
leaving Aredhel stranded in the forest.

6. Eol strikes the blade again. It's shaping up now into
something resembling a finely crafted sword.

7. Aredhel, getting to her feet, hears the noise and starts
to follow it.

8. Eol strikes the blade again.

9. Aredhel stumbles along, tattered, hungry, and exhausted,
following the noise.
                                                            
 

5.

INT. EOL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Eol withdraws the sword and dunks it into a bucket of water.
Steam hisses up from the blade, and he wipes his sweating
face on his arm. He banks his forge fire and starts cleaning
up his work.
                                                            
 
EXT. EOL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Utterly bedraggled, Aredhel arrives at Eol's door. With what
is almost the last of her strength, she knocks.
                                                            
 
INT. EOL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
His forge tidy, Eol stops as he hears the knock. He quickly
pats himself into presentability and goes to his door.
                                                            
 
EXT. EOL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
The door opens on Eol. He looks surprised to see Aredhel,
but she is too weary to be anything but grateful that
someone was there after all.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (surprised)
Valar!
                                                            
Aredhel stumbles as she takes a step toward him - Eol
catches her, and as he does, attraction sparks between them.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
I'm so sorry -
                                                            
                       EOL
Nonsense. Don't apologize.
                                                            
He sets her back on her feet, but keeps a hand on her
shoulder to support her. She leans into it gratefully.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (cont'd)
Here, come in. You need to rest.
                                                            
He helps her inside and closes the door.
                                                            
 
INT. EOL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Eol helps Aredhel to a chair. She tries to support herself
as best she can, but it's clear that she'd fall down if he

6.

wasn't there to prop her up. She sinks bonelessly into the
chair.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Thank you. I'm so sorry to be
bursting in on you like this.
                                                            
                       EOL
It's no trouble.
                                                            
Neither one of them moves an inch. He cannot tear his eyes
away from her, and she too keeps glancing up at him.
                                                            
She suddenly starts to shiver uncontrollably. With a start,
Eol grabs a blanket off his bed and brings it over to her,
wrapping it around her shoulders. She accepts it, and her
hand lingers on his when he settles the blanket around her.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
What's your name?
                                                            
                       EOL
Eol. And you?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Aredhel. My name is Aredhel.
                                                            
                       EOL
Aredhel...
                                                            
They are gazing into each other's eyes now, unable to look
away.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Thank you for your kindness. My
horse ran away, and I am far from
my home.
                                                            
With an effort, she looks down from him - but looks back up
quickly.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd; hasty)
If I could rest for a few minutes,
I'll be on my way as soon as I
can. I don't want to hinder you -
                                                            
                       EOL
Don't be ridiculous. You're in no
state to walk back to wherever you
come from.
                                                            
He moves away.
                                                            

7.

                       EOL
      (cont'd)
You should stay the night, at
least.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
I don't want to impose -
                                                            
                       EOL
Impose. Please.
                                                            
She looks at him in surprise, with hope sparking in her
eyes. He comes toward her again, and they kiss.
                                                            
 
INT. MONTAGE - DAY
                                                            
1. Aredhel and Eol are walking through the forest. She is
happy as we have never seen her before, and he looks at her
as though she is the entire world.
                                                            
2. A worried Turgon dispatches riders to find Aredhel.
                                                            
3. Aredhel, lying in bed, cradles an infant boy, Maeglin, to
her chest. Eol bends over and touches his son's head, wonder
in his eyes - and possessiveness, too.
                                                            
4. The riders return without Aredhel.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Turgon, his face tormented, is on the battlements, staring
down at the plain. Behind him, his daughter Idril, a
beautiful young girl who looks as though she is barely
fourteen, comes up, watching him with concern.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Ada?
                                                            
Turgon turns around, and the weight on him is lessened
somewhat when he sees Idril.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Idril.
                                                            
He smiles at her, but he turns back and stares out at the
plain. Idril comes up and puts her hand on his shoulder.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Ada - I'm sure she's not dead.
                                                            

8.

                       TURGON
Idril, what other answer can there
be?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I don't know. But you would know
if my aunt was dead.
                                                            
                       TURGON
It feels as though I would. But to
vanish so completely, so that even
my most skilled scouts couldn't
find a trace of her - Idril, what
am I supposed to think?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Oh, Ada.
                                                            
She hugs him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
I don't believe it. I don't
believe we'll never see Aredhel
again.
                                                            
She pulls back from him slightly.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Can't you believe it too?
                                                            
Turgon's eyes are very bright. He kisses Idril on the
forehead, and she takes his hand and leads him away from the
battlements.
                                                            
 
INT. EOL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Maeglin, now a young boy, plays with Eol's sword Anguirel.
Eol enters, sees, and snatches the sword away, both
protective and possessive.
                                                            
                       EOL
Maeglin! No!
                                                            
Eol is darker than we have seen him before, more brooding
and even less trustworthy-looking. Maeglin, who has more
than a passing resemblance to his father, hangs his head and
leaves.
                                                            
Eol watches him go...almost greedily...
                                                            
 

9.

INT. EOL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel sits by the fire, sewing a shirt for Maeglin. The
happiness we saw in her earlier seems sapped somehow. She
looks like she did in Gondolin. Maeglin enters and goes over
to her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Mother?
                                                            
Aredhel puts down the shirt and picks up Maeglin. Again her
eyes light with life, but again it's as it was in Gondolin -
the sadness is still there.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
What has my son done today?
                                                            
She kisses him gently on the cheek.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Nothing. Could you tell me a
story, Mother?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (thoughtfully)
A story...
                                                            
She rocks him on her lap, stroking his black hair, and he
cuddles up to her.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
Very well. There was once, and
still is today, a great lord of
the Elves named Turgon.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Can't it be a real story, Mother?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Oh, but it is real, Maeglin.
Turgon's my brother.
                                                            
She looks off into the distance for a moment.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
Turgon's my brother...
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Mother?
                                                            

10.

                       AREDHEL
      (coming back to
       herself)
Oh, yes! The story. Turgon had
come with his kin to Middle-earth,
but the great Enemy of Elvenkind,
Morgoth, pursued him relentlessly.
                                                            
Unseen to either of them, Eol enters and watches, his arms
crossed, a scowl growing on his face.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
So Turgon built a city, and hid it
from all in a ring of mountains,
and he called it Gondolin -
                                                            
                       EOL
Aredhel.
                                                            
She and Maeglin both whirl around, identical looks of fright
and nervousness on their faces.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (her voice is
       shaking)
Maeglin, go play outside,
sweetheart.
                                                            
With a last worried look in his mother's direction, Maeglin
leaves.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (trying to be calm)
I was only telling him a story,
Eol -
                                                            
                       EOL
Oh, yes, a story of the great
Turgon and his mighty city!
Aredhel, I told you I never want
to hear that name in this house!
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Am I not allowed to speak my own
brother's name? Not even to his
nephew?
                                                            
                       EOL
His name, that city's name -
anything about that place! Not as
long as you live here, Aredhel!
Not as long as you are my wife!
                                                            

11.

                       AREDHEL
Your wife? You would make me your
slave with this condition!
                                                            
                       EOL
Wife or slave or whatever you
please, YOU ARE MINE!
                                                            
 
EXT. EOL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Maeglin hears the last shouted words of his father. In
sudden fury he picks up a stone and hurls it against a tree
trunk.
                                                            
The stone shatters.
                                                            
 
INT. MONTAGE - DAY
                                                            
1. Eol and Aredhel argue, Eol shouting, Aredhel attempting
to hold her ground but shrinking from her husband.
                                                            
2. Maeglin, alone in his room, hears the sounds and
violently punches his pillow.
                                                            
3. Aredhel, sporting a bruise on her cheek, sews doggedly in
front of the fire, her tears falling unchecked onto the
shirt she's making.
                                                            
4. In his forge, Eol hammers fiercely on a
sword-in-the-making, his face closed off and forbidding.
                                                            
5. Maeglin sneaks into his father's room and finds Anguirel
stashed behind the bed. He draws it and taps the point with
his finger. It draws blood. He sucks the blood off and
stares, his face as closed as Eol's, at the sword with new
determination.
                                                            
 
INT. AREDHEL AND EOL'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Aredhel lies in bed beside Eol. He is asleep - she is awake
and very tense. She glances over at him once, in fear, and
then slides smoothly out of bed.
                                                            
She is dressed for traveling.
                                                            
She quickly pulls a large bundle from under the bed, tucks
it under her arm, and leaves the room on silent feet.
                                                            
 

12.

INT. MAEGLIN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Aredhel creeps into Maeglin's room. He too is awake and
dressed, a bundle of his own on his lap and Anguirel in his
hand. Silently she holds out her hand - he takes it, tucking
his bundle and Anguirel under his arm.
                                                            
 
EXT. EOL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin mount a horse, the reins of which are
being held by a Dwarf. Aredhel secures their bundles and her
son, then leans down to press the Dwarf's hand.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
May the Valar keep you, Varin son
of Virdin.
                                                            
                       VARIN
And you, Lady Aredhel.
                                                            
He releases the reins, and Aredhel and Maeglin ride quickly
off into the night.
                                                            
 
INT. AREDHEL AND EOL'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Eol wakes as sunlight hits him in the face. He rolls over,
reaches across for Aredhel - and finds nothing.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (mumbling)
Aredhel.
                                                            
No answer. Eol pushes himself upright and rubs his eyes,
still not looking at Aredhel's empty side of the bed. He
finally turns - and sees that the bed is empty except for
him. His face starts to darken.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (calling)
Aredhel!
                                                            
No answer. He gets to his feet and goes to the door.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (getting angry as
       the truth starts
       to dawn on him)
Aredhel!
                                                            
He storms out of the room.
                                                            
 

13.

INT. MAEGLIN'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Eol comes into the room - and sees that Maeglin is gone too.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (now really angry)
Aredhel!
                                                            
 
EXT. EOL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Eol staggers out of the door and stares through the trees as
though he could see his fleeing wife and child.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (livid with fury)
AREDHEL!
                                                            
His voice carries menacingly through the forest.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin, riding through the forest, both hear
Eol's shout.
                                                            
                       EOL (V.O.)
      (echoing)
AREDHEL!
                                                            
Her face pale, Aredhel urges their horse into a gallop.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Idril is walking barefoot on the battlements, the picture of
adolescent loveliness. But she too pauses sometimes to look
intently out at the plains, as though she could see Aredhel
there if she looks long enough.
                                                            
 
INT. EOL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Eol throws his clothes on, so quickly and so angrily that he
tears his shirt. Once he's dressed, he grabs up a quiver of
darts, throws it onto his back, and pounds outside.
                                                            
 
EXT. EOL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Eol dashes outside, where Varin is very slowly tacking up a
horse.
                                                            

14.

                       EOL
Faster, you fool!
                                                            
Varin speeds up, though very unwillingly.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin are still riding through the forest.
Their horse is moving slowly, regaining its strength.
Maeglin clings to Aredhel.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Are we going to make it, Mother?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Yes, beloved. We're going to make
it back to Gondolin.
                                                            
She squeezes his hand.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
We're GOING to make it to
Gondolin.
                                                            
 
EXT. EOL'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Eol's horse is ready. He vaults into the saddle and kicks it
off into the forest, almost trampling Varin.
                                                            
The Dwarf picks himself up and stares after Eol.
                                                            
                       VARIN
      (murmuring)
May the Valar keep you, Lady.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin are still moving at only a trot. They
emerge from the woods, and Aredhel pulls the horse to a
halt.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Look, Maeglin. Just over those
mountains. Gondolin's just beyond
those mountains.
                                                            
Maeglin stares at the mountains with raw desire in his eyes.
                                                            
 

15.

EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
Eol rides his horse at breakneck speed through the forest,
snarling and kicking it onward when it flags.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin move forward into the mountain forest.
Aredhel glances once behind her, uneasy for some reason.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Is something wrong?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (distractedly)
No...no...
                                                            
She stares for one moment more, then shakes her head firmly.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (decisively)
We just need to keep moving.
                                                            
She nudges the horse forward. Maeglin, himself uneasy now,
turns around for one glance before they move into the
mountain forest.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
Eol, his horse uttterly spent, pulls up at the edge of the
mountain forest. He narrows his eyes toward it.
                                                            
P.O.V. EOL:
                                                            
A horse and two small figures moving briskly into the trees.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (roaring)
AREDHEL!
                                                            
He kicks his horse forward.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin both turn, and they both freeze in
horror as they hear and see Eol thundering toward them.
                                                            
Then Aredhel revives.
                                                            

16.

                       AREDHEL
Maeglin, hold on to me!
                                                            
She pushes the horse into a gallop. Maeglin clutches her
waist as they ride recklessly into the forest.
                                                            
From not too far away, Eol screams in fury and pushes his
horse even faster.
                                                            
CLOSE UP on Aredhel. She is gripping the reins so hard that
her knuckles turn white, and her eyes are frantic and
trained entirely on the path ahead.
                                                            
Maeglin, clinging for dear life to Aredhel, throws a
frightened glance over his shoulder.
                                                            
P.O.V. MAEGLIN:
                                                            
Eol's tired horse has somehow found the strength to
continue. Atop it, Eol is glaring at Aredhel and Maeglin
with what borders on insanity.
                                                            
Maeglin, with a cry of fright, whirls around and buries his
face in Aredhel's back.
                                                            
Eol reaches behind him into the quiver and yanks out one of
the darts. Cocking his arm, he throws it, but his horse
swerves as it leaves his hand. The dart flies past Aredhel's
cheek. She cries out, but doesn't slacken her grip.
                                                            
PULL BACK TO REVEAL only a short expanse of forest left
before Aredhel and Maeglin arrive at the Hidden Way.
                                                            
Aredhel realizes that they're close - she clenches her hands
around the reins and hauls the horse abruptly left,
careening toward the Hidden Way.
                                                            
Eol swears as Aredhel veers left. He wrenches his horse's
head that way too - but the exhausted horse collapses with a
final groan, dead on the forest floor. Eol jumps clear as it
falls. With a curse and a kick at the body of the horse, he
races on foot after Aredhel and Maeglin.
                                                            
Aredhel, with Maeglin clinging to her, urges the horse
through the Hidden Way.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Idril is still on the battlements. An Elf, Camegil, runs up
to her.
                                                            

17.

                       CAMEGIL
      (out of breath)
Lady Idril! My lady, someone's
broken through the Hidden Way!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (horrified)
WHAT?
                                                            
She whirls around to look down at the plain.
                                                            
P.O.V. IDRIL:
                                                            
A horse with two people streaks out of the Echoriath, making
straight for Gondolin - followed by an Elf on foot, running
tirelessly after them.
                                                            
Idril narrows her eyes - and recoils in shock. She whirls to
Camegil and grabs him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Camegil, open the gates! Let the
riders in, but keep the runner
out! And send my father up here.
                                                            
Camegil stares at her in confusion.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Hurry! Can't you see, it's
Aredhel!
                                                            
Camegil's eyes widen, and he whirls around and races off the
battlements.
                                                            
Idril rushes to the edge and grips the wall, staring eagerly
at the plain below.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - DAY
                                                            
Camegil races down to the gate, where some Elves are
thronged, some with bows drawn and trained on Aredhel, some
bracing the gate.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
Hold fire! Open the gates! Lady
Aredhel's come back!
                                                            
The archers need only one closer look before they put up
their bows. Camegil and the others haul the gates open.
                                                            

18.

Aredhel is shaking with adrenaline. She pushes the horse
onward, and catches her breath as the gates creak open.
Maeglin peers around her, his eyes wide.
                                                            
Eol runs even faster, but Aredhel has the horse and the head
start, and the gates are opening to admit her. He knows he
will not be able to catch her. His face contorts in fury,
despair, and hatred.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Idril is all but falling onto the plain in eagerness,
stretching out to watch. Turgon, running up to the
battlements, grabs her and pulls her back.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Idril! Be careful!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Oh, Ada, what did I tell you?
She's alive, she's come back!
                                                            
They both lean out, watching intently.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin race through the gates. Camegil and the
others slam them hastily in Eol's face.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Idril squeals in joy and hugs Turgon. He grabs her hand, and
they run down from the battlements.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - COURTYARD - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel pulls the horse to a stop and collapses across its
neck, worn out. Maeglin pulls nervously at her sleeve as
Camegil and the others rush to help them both dismount.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
      (reverently)
Lady.
                                                            
He gently lifts Aredhel down from the horse, as another Elf
does the same for Maeglin.
                                                            

19.

                       CAMEGIL
      (cont'd)
Welcome home.
                                                            
Aredhel revives somewhat, and recognizes who has helped her
down.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (exhausted)
Thank you, Camegil.
                                                            
She looks around for Maeglin. Her son looks at her for one
moment, and then runs to her, throwing his arms around her
waist. She crushes him to her in a ferociously loving
embrace, kissing the top of his head again and again. Then
she lifts her head, her eyes overbright, and turns to the
Elves while still embracing Maeglin.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
Where is my brother?
                                                            
At that moment, Turgon and Idril come running into the
courtyard.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Aredhel!
                                                            
She takes a step toward him, but he's already there,
clasping her in his arms as though he'll never let go.
Aredhel releases Maeglin to cling to her brother. Her tears
come at last, and she sobs unashamedly into Turgon's
shoulder.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (murmuring, etc.)
Aredhel, oh, Valar, you're back...
                                                            
They finally release each other, and Idril comes up somewhat
shyly. Aredhel recognizes her right away.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Idril!
                                                            
She embraces Idril, who hugs her back, shyness gone. All
three of them are crying now, and their tears turn to joyful
laughter when Aredhel releases Idril. They all three hug
each other then, sandwiching Maeglin between them.
                                                            
 

20.

EXT. GONDOLIN - DAY
                                                            
Eol, spent and defeated, drops to his knees in weariness in
front of the gate.
                                                            
Then he looks up at the battlements. We see his face.
                                                            
He is far from defeated.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (shouts)
TURGON!
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - COURTYARD - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel and Maeglin both start away when they hear Eol's
shout.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Aredhel, who is that?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (whispering)
My husband.
                                                            
She looks at Turgon with a naked plea in her eyes.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Has he hurt you?
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Yes. Turgon, please...
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (fiercely)
Aredhel, you will stay here for as
long as you wish. Do you
understand me? I would never make
you return to him.
                                                            
Aredhel sags in relief, and Idril and Maeglin both move to
catch her. Idril smiles at her cousin. It is a smile of, to
Maeglin, incredible beauty and kindness.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Hello. I'm Idril. Your cousin.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (breathlessly)
I'm Maeglin.
                                                            

21.

Idril cannot see it because she does not expect it, but we
see it - Maeglin is in love with her already.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Turgon comes onto the battlements and looks down at Eol with
utter contempt.
                                                            
                       TURGON
I am Turgon, king of Gondolin.
What do you want?
                                                            
                       EOL
My wife.
                                                            
                       TURGON
You will not touch my sister
again!
                                                            
                       EOL
Can you prevent it, King? She
chose me - she loves me!
                                                            
                       TURGON
Perhaps she loved you once, but
you destroyed that love yourself!
She does not wish to see you
again. Begone from Gondolin!
                                                            
                       EOL
Not until she's returned to me!
                                                            
                       TURGON
Archers!
                                                            
A few guards draw their bows and level them at Eol.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
Now get out of here. I am being
merciful. If you come anywhere
near my sister again, I will not
be so kind.
                                                            
Eol, staring up at Turgon, starts to laugh. It's incredibly
unsettling - the laugh of a madman with nothing to lose.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - COURTYARD - DAY
                                                            
Aredhel rouses at the sound of Eol's laughter. She pales,
and she clings to Idril and Maeglin.
                                                            

22.

                       AREDHEL
What does he want? What does he
say?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Don't ask.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Idril, please, tell me. What did
he say?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (unwillingly)
That he will not go until you are
returned to him.
                                                            
Aredhel looks as though she might faint - but then she
gathers herself and stands straight. She takes Maeglin's
hand and draws herself up, tall and proud and, for all the
sadness weighing upon her, beautiful.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Then I must tell him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Aredhel, no! If you let him see
you again, the Valar only know
what he might do! Just stay here,
I'll go see what's happening -
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
He'll never believe it unless I
tell him. I have to turn him away,
Idril. He'll never leave
otherwise.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Aredhel, please - he's dangerous -
you know that -
                                                            
But Aredhel is already making for the stairs to the
battlements. Idril follows her quickly, concern and
foreboding written all over her face.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Eol is laughed out. He collapses again on the ground.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (to archers)
Put your bows up.
                                                            

23.

They do, but they leave them strung.
                                                            
Aredhel comes onto the battlements, Maeglin and Idril in
tow.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Turgon.
                                                            
Turgon turns, and fear strikes his face as he sees Aredhel,
the same fear on Idril's face.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Aredhel! No, go back down -
                                                            
Eol looks up at the sound of her name.
                                                            
                       EOL
      (calling)
Aredhel! Aredhel!
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Brother. I know what I do.
                                                            
Turgon steps unwillingly aside, and Aredhel draws Maeglin
with her to the battlements. She looks down at Eol.
                                                            
                       EOL
Aredhel! Come back!
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
No. Never.
                                                            
Eol freezes, shocked.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
We are not coming back to you. We
will never come back to you again.
                                                            
Eol is shattered. He seems to shrink as she speaks, and we
remember that, beneath the madness and the rage, he does
love her.
                                                            
And we see that, in spite of her desire to never see him
again, although she knows she did the only thing that was
right to do, Aredhel still loves him.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
      (cont'd)
Go home, Eol. Leave us. Leave us.
                                                            

24.

Eol staggers to his feet, staring up at Aredhel as though he
cannot truly believe what he is hearing. He cries out in
rage and loss.
                                                            
                       EOL
No! You're mine! You're always
mine!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (exploding in rage)
She's NOT yours! She doesn't
belong to anyone! Now leave us
alone!
                                                            
Eol's face darkens in instantaneous fury. He rips a dart
from the quiver, and throws it like lightning at Maeglin's
face.
                                                            
Idril cries out and starts to move toward Maeglin. Turgon
roars, and his archers put their arrows back on their bows
and aim to shoot. Maeglin himself is frozen in shock and
disbelief.
                                                            
And Aredhel, with a cry of defiance, throws herself directly
in front of Maeglin.
                                                            
The dart strikes - in Aredhel's heart.
                                                            
                       TURGON (EOL)
      (at the same time)
NO!
                                                            
Aredhel falls, and Maeglin catches her, staring in horror at
the dart in her chest.
                                                            
The archers fire their arrows instantly. On the ground, Eol
is motionless, staring in disbelief at where Aredhel had
been standing. The arrows punch into him one by one, and he
barely registers their presence.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Mother...Mother...no...
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
I love you, sweetheart.
                                                            
She kisses him gently.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (roughly)
Then don't go! Stay with me!
                                                            

25.

Aredhel smiles sadly at him. Her eyes are starting to cloud
over.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
Turgon...brother...
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (kneeling beside
       her)
I'm here, Aredhel, I'm here.
                                                            
                       AREDHEL
It's so good to be home...
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (weeping openly)
Aredhel, please...
                                                            
Tears are streaming down all of their faces. Idril too
weeps, although she kneels a bit farther off, holding
Aredhel's hand.
                                                            
Aredhel smiles sadly, draws a funny little caught-breath,
and then...doesn't let it back out. Her eyes are glazed over
and unseeing.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (a cry of grief)
Aredhel!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (staring
       hopelessly)
But...we made it...we made it
here...to Gondolin...like you said
we would...
                                                            
The camera spirals up and away from the scene around
Aredhel's body.
                                                            
                       IDRIL (V.O.)
And so it was...
                                                            
FADE TO WHITE.
                                                            
                       IDRIL (V.O.)
      (cont'd)
...that Aredhel, daughter of
Fingolfin of the Noldor, died,
slain by her own husband in
defence of her son.
                                                            

26.

FADE UP:
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - LIBRARY - DAY
                                                            
Idril is writing in a large and official-looking tome. She
has matured now from a beautiful "teenager" to a
breathtaking woman.
                                                            
                       IDRIL (V.O.)
      (as she writes)
Eol, her husband, was thrown from
the city walls, and Aredhel was
buried with rites and tears in
Gondolin, her city. Maeglin, her
son, remained in the city, under
the fosterage of Turgon the king.
                                                            
Idril sets down her pen and blows on the ink to dry it. She
gets up and walks slowly out of the room, lost in her
memories.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY STREETS - DAY
                                                            
Idril emerges from the library and walks along the street.
People greet her as she passes, and she smiles and greets
them in return, by name.
                                                            
PULL BACK TO REVEAL Maeglin, who now appears to be a young
man about the same age as Idril, with an unnerving
resemblance to his father. He is hidden in an alley,
watching Idril. Love is painful in his eyes.
                                                            
Idril, who does not see Maeglin, passes the alley. He leaps
out and catches her hand. She turns and smiles to see him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Maeglin! Valar, you gave me a
fright!
                                                            
Maeglin laughs, and she laughs with him.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Idril, come with me.
                                                            
He tugs on her arm.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Maeglin, I should get back to the
library - I'm nowhere near
bringing the account of Gondolin
up to date.
                                                            

27.

                       MAEGLIN
Just for a moment, Idril. Please?
                                                            
He smiles winsomely at her, and she gives in.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
All right. One moment.
                                                            
Maeglin pulls her into the alley. No one notices.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - ALLEY - DAY
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Why all this secrecy, Maeglin?
What have you done now?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Nothing. But I have something
important to tell you.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Well, tell away. I'm listening.
                                                            
Maeglin swalllows hard to boost his courage and takes hold
of both her hands. Idril notices, and suddenly she is very
uncomfortable.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Idril - I came here when I was
very young.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Yes...
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
But from the first day I came to
Gondolin, something happened to me
that has never changed. Not in all
this time.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Maeglin - I know -
                                                            
Hope leaps in his eyes.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
We all loved Aredhel -
                                                            
The hope dies. But he continues anyway.
                                                            

28.

                       MAEGLIN
No, not that. Something -
something much happier. Something
I hope will make you happy, Idril.
                                                            
Idril is trying her hardest to not understand. She attempts
to free her hands - Maeglin holds them tighter.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
Idril - I love you.
                                                            
Idril recoils. She wrenches her hands from his and backs up,
dismay on her face.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Maeglin - Maeglin, please tell me
you didn't -
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I did! What is so wrong with
loving you?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
We are cousins, Maeglin! You could
not marry me, even if I did love
you.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Well, don't you? Don't you?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
No.
                                                            
Maeglin is crushed.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
I mean - I love you as my cousin,
but I cannot - I could never - no.
Maeglin, I am sorry. I can't.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Can't you try?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Maeglin, please!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I can make you love me, Idril!
                                                            

29.

                       IDRIL
No! Even if you could, you cannot
hope to marry me.
                                                            
She starts toward the end of the alley and the street again
- Maeglin blocks her path.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I love you, Idril.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Let me go. Maeglin, let me go.
                                                            
He grabs her and kisses her. She wrenches away, flushing in
anger, and stares at him for a moment. Her eyes are
accusing, and almost despising.
                                                            
Then Idril pushes past him and all but runs back into the
street. Maeglin watches her go. His eyes are full of longing
- and determination.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY STREETS - DAY
                                                            
Idril runs up the street, keeping her head down. Tears are
spilling out of her eyes. This time she does not bother to
greet people as they pass. She blinks the tears fiercely
away.
                                                            
 
EXT. EASTERLING CAMP - NIGHT
                                                            
Tents are set up in a protective circle, and guards slumber
outside a few of them. A few guards are awake, but they do
not watch too intently.
                                                            
PAN TO:
                                                            
The smallest tent, dilapidated and rickety.
                                                            
ZOOM INSIDE TO:
                                                            
 
INT. EASTERLING CAMP - PRISONERS' TENT - NIGHT
                                                            
The tent is a holding-pen for prisoners. At the moment there
is only one prisoner, Tuor, a Man, young and very handsome,
but with steel underneath. He is shackled to the tent by his
wrists. He is quietly filing through the shackles.
                                                            
The shackles fall off, and Tuor chafes his wrists for a
moment. Then he gets to his feet and creeps to the opening
of the tent.
                                                            

30.

P.O.V. TUOR:
                                                            
Darkness, a few watchful guards, the rest asleep - including
the one closest to the prisoners' tent.
                                                            
Tuor grins and slips out of the tent.
                                                            
 
EXT. EASTERLING CAMP - NIGHT
                                                            
Tuor drops to the ground and crawls along it until he comes
to the guard he's targeted. The guard snores loudly. Tuor
slowly rises upright until he has a hand on the guard's
sword. He slides it quietly out of the sheath.
                                                            
Now armed, Tuor drops back to the ground and crabs invisibly
across the soil. He passes the notice of several guards -
but there is one at the very edge of the camp who has eagle
eyes.
                                                            
P.O.V. GUARD:
                                                            
Tuor, almost blending in with the ground, crawling slowly
forward.
                                                            
Tuor inches along, alert and watchful.
                                                            
The guard starts moving toward Tuor, as silent as his
quarry.
                                                            
Tuor spots the guard - as a shadow against the stars,
nothing more - and freezes.
                                                            
The guard keeps moving in the same direction, toward Tuor.
                                                            
Tuor slowly raises himself into a crouch, gripping the
sword.
                                                            
The guard moves forward more boldly now - he can see Tuor as
another shadow against the stars.
                                                            
Still low to the ground, Tuor glances quickly to his right.
                                                            
P.O.V. TUOR:
                                                            
A few picketed horses graze contentedly not too far off.
                                                            
Tuor gauges the distance quickly, then looks back to find
the guard on him, sword swinging down!
                                                            
Tuor ducks and rolls toward the horses, away from the sword.
He comes up on his feet and starts running flat-out for the
horses.
                                                            

31.

The guard's sword thuds into the earth. He yanks it out and
shouts.
                                                            
                       GUARD
The prisoner! The prisoner's
escaping!
                                                            
The other awake guards grab for their swords and look around
in confusion.
                                                            
Tuor reaches the horses. Without even breaking his stride,
he vaults onto one and slashes through its tethers.
Expertly, he backs it away from the picket, and then kicks
it into a run. It leaps over the picket, and Tuor plows
through the Easterling camp, sword through his belt and
clutching the reins.
                                                            
The guards catch on when they see the runaway horse, and
they give chase, but Tuor's got a head start on them all -
except for the original guard, who rears up out of the night
and stabs for Tuor's heart.
                                                            
Tuor draws his stolen sword, and they fight. Tuor is clearly
the better swordsman, but the Easterling has the night on
his side. Tuor glances behind him once.
                                                            
P.O.V. TUOR:
                                                            
The camp is being roused by all the noise.
                                                            
                       GUARD
You will die, Tuor son of Huor!
                                                            
The sound gives Tuor the clue he needs. He thrusts his sword
deep into the guard's chest and pulls it out.
                                                            
                       TUOR
All Men die.
                                                            
He kicks his horse and rides off, away from the groggy
pursuit.
                                                            
 
EXT. VINYAMAR - DAY
                                                            
Camera pans up and around the ruins of Turgon's first city,
Vinyamar. It is a beautiful city, not as grand as Gondolin,
but with its own grace and loveliness. The sea can be heard
rolling gently in the distance. Now, however, it is in
elegant ruins. Trees grow between the columns, and moss
covers the paved streets. It is a bower of green and white,
of nature and architecture existing side-by-side in harmony.
                                                            

32.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL a weary but free Tuor and his horse
trotting into view. Tuor pulls the horse up as he notices
his surroundings and looks around in admiration.
                                                            
P.O.V. TUOR:
                                                            
The city.
                                                            
Tuor swings down a bit stiffly from his horse and walks into
the ruins.
                                                            
He wanders through the city, first impressed, then gradually
awed as he marvels at the beauty of the architecture.
                                                            
Finally he spots a berry bush and sits down for lunch. The
horse whickers and peacefully crops grass. Tuor laughs.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (to horse)
What do you think? Will we be safe
here?
                                                            
The horse neighs.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
I'm glad we agree.
                                                            
He eats a berry and looks around.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
I feel safe here. At peace.
                                                            
He eats another berry. The camera pulls up and away to
reveal Tuor and the horse amid the ruined beauty of
Vinyamar.
                                                            
FADE TO WHITE. SOUND OF THE OCEAN.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEVRAST - SEASHORE - DAY
                                                            
FADE UP:
                                                            
Tuor riding slowly along the seashore. His head is thrown
back, and the sea air is blowing his hair around. He is
smiling, relishing both his freedom and the beauty of
nature. He has clearly found equipment in Vinyamar - he
wears clean and non-tattered clothes, and the sword that
hangs at his side is of graceful Elven-make. Tuor looks out
at the ocean, breathing in a lungful of air.
                                                            

33.

Then suddenly the ocean starts to quake and the waters begin
trembling. Tuor backs his horse up carefully, watching the
sea intently, one hand on his sword hilt.
                                                            
The trembling gets worse. The waves start to toss as though
there is a storm. The sky darkens. Tuor's horse fidgets - he
keeps it firmly under control.
                                                            
Then suddenly the waves rear up and split down the middle.
Out of the crack rises Ulmo, the Vala, towering over Tuor
and the horse. The horse rears and screams - Tuor, in little
better shape, somehow manages to keep it from bolting. Ulmo
steps onto the sand, towards Tuor.
                                                            
                       ULMO
Do you know me, Tuor son of Huor?
                                                            
                       TUOR
I do not, but I could venture a
guess.
                                                            
                       ULMO
Who am I, then?
                                                            
                       TUOR
You are Ulmo, Lord of the Waters -
or my mother's bedtime stories
were sadly mistaken.
                                                            
                       ULMO
      (laughing)
Well said, Tuor, and boldly. I am
indeed Ulmo, and I have a task for
you.
                                                            
                       TUOR
For me, Lord?
                                                            
                       ULMO
You passed through the city of
Vinyamar not two days ago. The
ruined city of the Elves.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I - yes, I did.
                                                            
                       ULMO
Know this, Tuor. That was once the
city of Turgon, who now rules in
Gondolin, the hidden city. I
charge you to go to Gondolin - for
the way in can be found if a man
is bold enough.
                                                            

34.

                       TUOR
And what will I do there?
                                                            
                       ULMO
You will say to Turgon that Ulmo
brings him warning of Morgoth. The
Enemy is watching Gondolin, and
will soon find the Hidden Way.
Tell him to beware also of
treachery within his city.
                                                            
                       TUOR
The king will receive me?
                                                            
                       ULMO
Huor your father was a friend of
Turgon. And the deeds of Tuor his
son are not unknown to the peoples
of Middle-earth. Yes, he will
receive you.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Where is Gondolin?
                                                            
                       ULMO
Ride east, but not as far as the
Black Lands. Go to the Echoriath,
the high mountains. Look for the
Hidden Way there.
                                                            
He begins to sink back into the ocean.
                                                            
                       ULMO
      (cont'd)
Farewell, Tuor son of Huor. Do not
fail me.
                                                            
He sinks fully into the ocean.
                                                            
There is a moment where the only sound is the rolling of the
waves. Then Tuor looks down at his horse.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Ready for a trip?
                                                            
The horse whinnies, sounding beleaguered. Tuor turns and
looks to the east.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd; murmuring)
Gondolin...
                                                            
 

35.

EXT. MONTAGE - DAY
                                                            
1. Tuor riding across a plain.
                                                            
2. Tuor camping at night.
                                                            
3. Tuor foraging for food.
                                                            
4. Tuor fighting off orcs.
                                                            
5. Tuor riding at night over hilly ground.
                                                            
6. The horse gives out.
                                                            
7. Tuor sells the horse in a town marketplace.
                                                            
8. Tuor walking over mountains.
                                                            
 
EXT. ECHORIATH - DAY
                                                            
A bedraggled, footsore, and bone-weary Tuor hauls himself to
a mountain peak and looks down. The vista is magnificent,
but he is in no mood to appreciate it. He scans the
mountains.
                                                            
P.O.V. TUOR:
                                                            
Pan across the mountains - and pause at a small green plain.
                                                            
Tuor stares at it, squinting, shading his eyes from the snow
glare. Hope lights his eyes, and he stumbles toward it. At
one point he trips and tears a rip in his sleeve, scoring a
line of blood down one arm. He hisses in pain and covers the
scratch with his other hand, and continues forward.
                                                            
Finally he stands before the encircling ring of mountains -
and it is impassable. There is no visible way to get in.
Tuor sinks to his knees in despair.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Ulmo...where is it? Where is the
way in?
                                                            
There is no answer. Tuor wearily stumbles forward, toward a
tiny, almost invisible overhang of rock, shivering. He makes
it to the overhang - and discovers that it is a bit deeper
than he thought. Trembling with cold, he goes into it, to
get away from the mountain wind - and it's still deeper. He
begins to get excited, and his steps have more life in them
as he pursues the cave farther and farther in. We recognize
it now as the Hidden Way.
                                                            
 

36.

EXT. TUMLADEN - DAY
                                                            
Tuor staggers out of the Hidden Way and onto the plain
surrounding Gondolin. Unable to stand any longer, he
collapses bonelessly to the ground.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
Idril is up on the walls again. She looks out across the
plain - and narrows her eyes to the horizon, concern
springing up on her face.
                                                            
P.O.V. IDRIL:
                                                            
The shape of a man, crumpled at the foot of the Hidden Way.
                                                            
Idril turns around. Camegil is on patrol on the battlements.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Camegil, come with me.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
What is it, Princess?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (pointing)
There's someone out there. He must
have gotten through the Hidden
Way.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
A spy of Morgoth, most likely!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
We would know if Morgoth had found
the Hidden Way, Camegil. Be
sensible. He needs help - he's not
even standing!
                                                            
She snatches up her skirts and runs lightly down from the
walls. Camegil jumps after her.
                                                            
 
EXT. TUMLADEN - DAY
                                                            
Idril and Camegil reach the unconscious Tuor. Idril drops to
her knees beside him and feels his forehead.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
Princess, I wish you'd be careful.
                                                            

37.

                       IDRIL
      (not paying
       attention)
He's burning with fever! Quick,
Camegil, your cloak!
                                                            
Camegil grudgingly takes off his cloak and hands it to
Idril, who gently wraps it around Tuor. She brushes his hair
away from his face to see it better, and her hand lingers
perhaps a moment more than necessary.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
You'll need to carry him, Camegil.
I'm not strong enough.
                                                            
Camegil stoops down and scoops Tuor into his arms.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
Lead the way, Princess.
                                                            
They start back to the city.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HOUSE OF HEALING - DAY
                                                            
CLOSE UP on Tuor's face. He blinks his eyes open.
                                                            
P.O.V. TUOR:
                                                            
The wood ceiling of a room.
                                                            
Tuor looks around.
                                                            
P.O.V. TUOR:
                                                            
The House of Healing in Gondolin. Its walls are natural
wood, and there are shelves lined with jars and bunches of
herbs and salves. Tuor notices that he's lying on a bed and
starts to sit up.
                                                            
Idril enters with a cup. She sees that he's awake.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Oh, thank the Valar.
                                                            
She comes over and sits beside the bed.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Who are you?
                                                            

38.

                       IDRIL
Lie down. My name is Idril, and
you have a fever. Can you drink
some of this?
                                                            
She shows him the cup.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
It's just an herbal tea. It'll
help soothe the fever.
                                                            
Tuor takes the cup, but he barely looks away from Idril. We
can see it in his fever-bright eyes - he is entranced.
                                                            
                       TUOR
How did I get here?
                                                            
He drinks some of the tea.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
You collapsed after you got
through the Hidden Way. My friend
and I brought you here.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Thank you.
                                                            
Idril blushes and stands quickly.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
It's no trouble. You'll be well in
a few days.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I have a message for the king.
It's urgent. When can I speak with
him?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (smiling)
When you're well. Drink your tea.
                                                            
She leaves. Tuor gazes after her for a moment before
thoughtfully drinking some more tea.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HOUSE OF HEALING - NIGHT
                                                            
Tuor sleeps peacefully, wrapped in blankets. Moonlight
shines through the window and bathes his face in silver.
Idril tiptoes silently into the room, picking her way to the

39.

table by Tuor's bed. She picks up a book she left there and
turns to go - and her eye is caught by the sight of Tuor.
                                                            
Very softly, she walks over to him. She stands before his
bed and looks at him for a moment. Then she reaches out and
brushes his hair off his face. Her hand lingers again,
tracing the shape of his face with a finger light as a
feather. Her eyes are soft and gentle.
                                                            
Tuor murmurs something in his sleep and shifts toward
Idril's finger. Startled back into reality, she pulls her
hand away and backs out of the room - but she turns at the
doorway to look back at him before she ducks out of the
room.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY STREETS - DAY
                                                            
Idril is walking arm in arm with Mithien down the street.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Idril! You're not telling me any
of the good parts!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I think I know what you mean by
"good parts," and there are no
such things! I found him and I'm
nursing him back to health. That's
all.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Oh, all right. Just tell me if
he's handsome.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Very.
                                                            
She and Mithien giggle.
                                                            
Maeglin comes up from behind and falls into step with them.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Idril!
                                                            
Idril tenses, but is civil and cousinly.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
I'm hearing the strangest rumors.
Is it true that you brought a Man
into Gondolin?
                                                            

40.

                       IDRIL
He got through the Hidden Way.
He's sick with fever, and I could
hardly just leave him on the plain
to die. So yes, it is true.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Who is he? He must be a great hero
if he got through to Gondolin.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
In truth, I don't know his name. I
haven't asked it.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
But he knows yours.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Yes.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Idril, I never thought that I of
all people would be reminding you
about being cautious! It's bad
enough that you just brought him
in here, but you still don't know
who he is! He could be a spy for
Morgoth!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Thank you, Maeglin. I'm perfectly
aware of the risk. I'm also a
decent judge of character, and if
he does not arouse my suspicions,
I see no reason for you to involve
yourself.
                                                            
Maeglin falls silent, but he throws a smoldering look at
Idril, which she steadfastly pretends not to have seen.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HOUSE OF HEALING - DAY
                                                            
Tuor is sitting up in bed, looking much better already.
Idril sits by the window, putting the finishing touches on a
flower garland. Finished with it, she gets up and drapes it
over the headboard of Tuor's bed.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Do they serve a purpose?
                                                            

41.

                       IDRIL
Only to decorate. You can't go out
and see the flowers - you might as
well have them brought to you.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Thank you, but I have seen plenty
of flowers since you brought me
here.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Oh? How have you managed that when
you are confined to your bed?
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (grinning)
The prettiest flowers of Gondolin
have been coming to see me on a
regular basis.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (blushing;
       embarrassed)
Oh, I should have known. Mithien
is a dear friend of mine, but she
can't keep a secret to save her
life. If they bother you -
                                                            
                       TUOR
In fact, it would be nice to have
peace and quiet for a while.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Consider it done.
                                                            
She suddenly becomes self-conscious and gets up to go.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Peace and quiet can start now.
Just try to sleep -
                                                            
As she passes him, Tuor reaches out and catches her hand
gently. She turns back to him. He has set his heart out on
his sleeve for all the world to see.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Don't go.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
But you should rest -
                                                            

42.

                       TUOR
There is one flower whose presence
I don't mind at all.
                                                            
She gazes back at him. She's not even trying to hide her
feelings.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
All right.
                                                            
She goes to the shelves of jars and herbs and begins mixing
up another healing drink. Tuor lies carefully back and
watches her. She turns around once to check on him, and
blushes and looks away when she meets his eyes. He smiles
gently.
                                                            
CLOSE UP on Idril. She's smiling too.
                                                            
PAN over to the window. Maeglin is peering in at them, a
look of utter hatred on his face.
                                                            
FADE UP:
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
FADE UP Maeglin's face again, still scowling in hate, over
Maeglin's face at the window.
                                                            
PULL BACK TO REVEAL Turgon's throne room. Maeglin sits in a
chair at Turgon's right, and Idril in a chair at his left.
Turgon himself sits slightly higher than the two of them in
a grand throne. Courtiers and nobles line the walls of the
room. The whole thing is a grand spectacle of power and
elegance.
                                                            
PAN OVER to Tuor, fully healed, walking down the center of
the throne room to Turgon. He kneels before the throne.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Rise, mortal.
                                                            
Tuor stands. Idril shoots him a smile of encouragement -
Maeglin sneers elegantly.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
What is your business in Gondolin?
                                                            
                       TUOR
My lord, my name is Tuor, and I am
the son of Huor, which is not so
unfamiliar a name to your ears.
                                                            

43.

Turgon's face brightens instantly.
                                                            
                       TURGON
No, not so unfamiliar... By the
Valar, I see him in your face!
                                                            
He rises and, to the shock of Maeglin and some of the
courtiers, embraces Tuor like a son.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
You are welcome in his name, Tuor
son of Huor! I could never forget
his friendship.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Thank you, my lord.
                                                            
He bows his head, but we can see that he is truly touched.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
However, the news I bear is not so
happy. I have been sent by the
Vala Ulmo to warn you that Morgoth
turns his eyes on Gondolin. Ulmo
tells you that soon he will find a
way in. And he also warns you of
treachery from within.
                                                            
General hubbub as all the Elves react to this. Most are
frightened, and look to Turgon, waiting expectantly - but a
few, Maeglin included, look at Tuor with narrowed,
suspicious eyes.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Did Ulmo say anything else?
                                                            
                       TUOR
No. That was all.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Can you confirm this, son of Huor?
                                                            
All look to Maeglin. Idril glares at him furiously, Tuor
goes instantly on guard, and even Turgon is uneasy. The
suspicious nobles, however, start to smirk.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
Do you have proof that you come
from Ulmo? How are we to believe
you?
                                                            

44.

                       TUOR
      (to Turgon)
My lord, I have no proof except my
word, and I swear that every word
I have spoken is the truth.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
An easy vow to make when you
cannot be contradicted.
                                                            
                       TUOR
If you doubt me -
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (interrupting)
Can you even confirm that you are
the son of Huor? Have you proof
for any scrap of your tale?
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (sternly)
He is Huor's son, Maeglin. Of that
I have no doubt.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You must understand, mortal, that
your story is ludicrous. Morgoth
has been searching for us for
hundreds, thousands of years, and
he has not found us yet. Why
should we be suddenly fearful when
you can offer us no proof of
Ulmo's warning?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Will you ignore me and risk
angering a Vala? Lay yourselves
open to attack from the Enemy?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
It would be wise to listen to Tuor
and hold your tongue!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Can you prove that you are not
Morgoth's spy, come here with this
wild tale to deliver our city to
him?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (angry)
Now who is spouting a wild tale,
Maeglin?
                                                            

45.

                       MAEGLIN
Cousin, I am only trying to
protect our city.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Then listen to him! Ulmo has given
us a warning - what further proof
do we need? Morgoth has not found
us yet - that does not mean he
never will!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (angry himself)
And he may find us all the sooner
if we take his spies to our
hearts! What else could "treachery
within" mean but this spy?
                                                            
                       TURGON
Enough!
                                                            
Both Idril and Maeglin fall silent.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
There is indeed risk here, as you
say, Maeglin. But I would rather
believe Tuor than be caught
unawares.
                                                            
He stands. Maeglin seethes and glares at Tuor.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
Tuor son of Huor, be welcome to
Gondolin. In thanks for giving us
Ulmo's warning, we extend our
hands to you in friendship, and we
offer you the hospitality of
Gondolin.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (overwhelmed with
       relief)
I thank you, my lord.
                                                            
He accepts the hand Turgon offers him and clasps it in
friendship - and throws a lightning-fast look at Idril that
she catches and returns. Maeglin sees it too, and his face
grows darker.
                                                            
 

46.

INT. GONDOLIN - IDRIL'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Idril enters, returned from the scene in the throne room.
Scarcely has she taken off her tiara and sat down than
Mithien bursts into the room and closes the door behind her.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Mithien?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
You are going to tell me all the
good parts now!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (embarrassed)
Mithien, I told you, there aren't
any -
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Oh, who are you fooling? You
expect me to believe that after
you argue with Maeglin in front of
the court on behalf of this Man
that there aren't any good parts?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Well...
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
I knew it!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Perhaps he likes me a little more
than he should for having only
known me a few days -
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Which means he likes you very
much. And you're hedging, which
means you like him just as much.
                                                            
Realization hits. Mithien sinks into a chair, suddenly
serious.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (cont'd)
Idril, you aren't thinking of
marrying him, are you?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Mithien, please! I've only known
him a few days! Give me credit for
a little sense!
                                                            

47.

But she is blushing.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Idril, there's no way that could
ever happen. Luthien was the only
other Elf to marry a mortal, and
you know what happened to her.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I'm not thinking of marrying him!
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Anyway, she was a special case.
You could never become a mortal
like her.
                                                            
Mithien takes Idril's hands.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (cont'd)
Idril, I want you to be happy.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I'm not going to marry him, so you
can stop worrying.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Truly?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Truly.
                                                            
There is a knock on the door.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Come in!
                                                            
She and Mithien sit back as the door opens to reveal Tuor.
Idril blushes immediately, and Mithien gives her a warning
look.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Yes?
                                                            
                       TUOR
I just wanted to thank you for
speaking for me today.
                                                            
He steps into the room.
                                                            

48.

                       IDRIL
Oh! Well, it was the least I could
do.
                                                            
She gets up and picks up her tiara to put it away. Tuor
glances awkwardly at Mithien, but she stares back at him and
stays where she is. He tries to ignore her presence and
closes the door behind him.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Not really. The least you could
have done would be to have left me
outside the city.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I could hardly do that. You needed
help.
                                                            
She is trying her hardest to neither blush nor look at him.
                                                            
                       TUOR
And I thank you for that as well.
It seems that I owe everything I
now have to you.
                                                            
Idril finally looks at him. He holds her gaze for a moment,
and then she makes her decision.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Mithien, I think I left my book in
the healing room. Could you go get
it for me?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (pointedly)
Not right now.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (very obvious)
Mithien, please, I need it for my
work.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (grudgingly)
All right.
                                                            
She gets slowly to her feet and heads toward the door.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (cont'd)
I'm going to be RIGHT BACK, all
right?
                                                            

49.

                       IDRIL
All right, just get it for me?
                                                            
With a last warning look, Mithien leaves.
                                                            
                       TUOR
You have a dragon guarding you,
Princess!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (laughing)
Oh, yes. Mithien takes vigorous
care of me.
                                                            
                       TUOR
As well she should.
                                                            
Idril swallows hard and becomes very busy with the tiara.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
Princess...Idril...can I say
something?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I can't stop you.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (concerned)
Idril - do you want me to be
silent?
                                                            
She turns and looks him straight in the eyes - and she
doesn't look away.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
No.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Mithien is walking very quickly down the hall. Maeglin
rounds a corner and bumps directly into her. While
surprised, Mithien is not displeased with this event.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Mithien! Oh, I'm sorry...
                                                            
He helps her up, and she leans against him a little.
                                                            

50.

                       MITHIEN
      (smiling)
That's all right. Just don't make
a habit of this!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Have you seen Idril?
                                                            
Mithien's face falls.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
She's in her room. With Tuor.
                                                            
Maeglin grabs her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You left her alone with him?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (both wry and
       defensive)
She didn't really give me a
choice!
                                                            
Maeglin releases her and takes off running down the hall,
toward Idril's room. Mithien, abandoned, stares after him,
confused, but not yet understanding.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - IDRIL'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Tuor reaches out and takes Idril's hand very gently.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Don't think me stupid, that I
don't know what I'm doing.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Never.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I did have plenty of time to think
about it while I was recovering.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
You thought about - me - even
then?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Yes.
                                                            

51.

                       IDRIL
But you barely know me! I barely
know you!
                                                            
Tuor laughs a little helplessly.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I know. That's what confused me at
first. But - Idril, I feel as
though I already know you - as
though I've always known you.
                                                            
The door of Idril's room slams open to reveal Maeglin,
panting for breath, on the threshold.
                                                            
P.O.V. MAEGLIN:
                                                            
Idril and Tuor, who are very close together, jerk away from
each other.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Maeglin!
                                                            
She tries to get hold of herself and her composure. Tuor
looks balefully at Maeglin, who glares at both of them.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Did you ever hear of knocking?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Sometimes it's better not to.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Yes, well, you've given us both a
scare. Would you leave now,
please?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (to Tuor)
You may have my cousin fooled, but
I do not believe you are harmless.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (not blinking)
And you're right. I can be very
dangerous. When I'm angry.
                                                            
In spite of his anger, Maeglin retreats a little from Tuor.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Maeglin, please!
                                                            

52.

He wavers, torn between jealousy and desire to obey Idril -
and finally bows to the fact that he loves her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (threateningly)
I'll be just outside this door,
son of Huor.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (coldly sarcastic)
Thank you for the warning.
                                                            
Maeglin steps out reluctantly and closes the door.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - OUTSIDE IDRIL'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Maeglin slumps against a wall, his face drained of color as
he grasps the full implications of this. He presses his ear
against the crack between the door and the wall, torment on
his face - but he cannot help wanting to overhear.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - IDRIL'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I'm sorry. Maeglin is
overprotective.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Indeed.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
He can't - it's not wholly his
fault. He came here when he was
young, and I was one of the only
people he trusted - he didn't have
the happiest of childhoods -
                                                            
                       TUOR
And he loves you, doesn't he?
                                                            
Idril stares at him in shock.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
How did you know?
                                                            
                       TUOR
He looked at you the same way I
did.
      (softly)
But you haven't asked me to go
away.
                                                            

53.

                       IDRIL
No...
                                                            
She catches his hand.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Tuor - don't go. Don't ever go.
                                                            
                       TUOR
No. I don't think I will.
                                                            
He touches her face almost reverently. She covers his hand
with hers. Very slowly, hardly daring to breathe, Tuor leans
forward and kisses Idril, the lightest, most tentative kiss
in history.
                                                            
She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him back. They
are smiling when they break the kiss.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - OUTSIDE IDRIL'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Maeglin moves away from the door in a daze, staring with
hollow, betrayed eyes at it.
                                                            
And now a new emotion clouds his face, one that reminds us
unsettlingly of his father - the desire for vengeance.
                                                            
 
EXT. MONTAGE - DAY
                                                            
1. Idril and Tuor walking hand in hand through a garden.
                                                            
2. Seated at a feast, Idril smiles down the table at Tuor,
who grins back.
                                                            
3. In the library, Tuor helps Idril write the chronicle of
Gondolin, both laughing as they write and look up books on
the shelves.
                                                            
4. On a target practice field, Tuor shows Idril the proper
stance for archery. She shoots an arrow, and it thuds into
the target. Laughing for joy, she drops the bow and throws
her arms around Tuor.
                                                            
5. Maeglin tries to persuade Turgon that Idril and Tuor's
relationship is not good. Angrily, Turgon silences Maeglin
with a sweep of his hand.
                                                            
6. Idril convinces Mithien that she is happy, and that
Mithien does not need to worry.
                                                            

54.

7. In the garden under a moon, Idril and Tuor kiss.
                                                            
8. The two of them come hand in hand before Turgon, who just
smiles and embraces them both.
                                                            
9. At a festive wedding, Turgon joins the hands of Idril and
Tuor, and the Elves of Gondolin cheer and throw flower
petals at them.
                                                            
10. Idril and Tuor are back on the practice court - but this
time Idril's belly is large and round, and she lays a hand
on it when she makes a successful shot.
                                                            
11. Idril sits in bed, cradling her newborn son. Tuor sits
beside her and kisses first her, then their son, then her
again, his face full of wonder.
                                                            
12. Mithien comes up to Maeglin and tries to start a
conversation. He brushes her aside without any pretense at
politeness.
                                                            
13. Maeglin stalks, glowering, into the stables, selects a
horse, and rides it out of the city.
                                                            
 
EXT. TUMLADEN - DAY
                                                            
Maeglin gets out of Gondolin and onto the plain. He looks
around, his face spoiled and twisted with sick hate, and
spurs his horse on toward the Hidden Way.
                                                            
 
EXT. ECHORIATH - DAY
                                                            
Maeglin emerges from the Hidden Way and starts to ride
fiercely through the forest.
                                                            
Succession of fast, sharp shots of the forest, of the horse,
and of him in both far-off and close-up shots.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
There is another feast for dinner. Maeglin's place beside
Turgon is conspicuously empty.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (to Idril)
Have you seen Maeglin today?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
No.
                                                            

55.

Turgon frowns, concerned.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Camegil, go and see if Maeglin is
in his room.
                                                            
Camegil bows and leaves. Idril looks at Maeglin's empty
place, worried. Tuor takes her hand under the table. She
smiles at him, but the worry does not leave her eyes.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
                                                            
MAEGLIN is still riding, barely aware that it's night, when
his horse pulls up, neighing in fear.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Go on.
                                                            
He kicks it hard in the ribs. The horse stumbles forward a
step, but rears back its head, neighing again and glancing
around fearfully.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
Go ON!
                                                            
He kicks it again - and out of the darkness leap distorted
figures from all sides, straight at MAEGLIN. He panics and
grabs for his sword - and then realizes he doesn't have it
with him.

Weaponless, he resorts to hand-to-hand fighting, but the
creatures, whose shapes suggest them to be Orcs, are all
armed. One lashes at his hand as MAEGLIN aims a punch, and
MAEGLIN pulls his hand back with a cry, a livid red scar
across the back of his hand.

After that, it's easy for the Orcs to kill the horse and
drag MAEGLIN off it. He complies, unwilling to be killed or
wounded. Screeching triumphantly, the Orcs haul him off,
deeper into the woods.
                                                            
 
INT. IDRIL AND TUOR'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
IDRIL and TUOR have returned from the feast in the hall, and
with them is EARENDIL, their young son. IDRIL takes off her
tiara and starts to unbraid her hair.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I don't like it.
                                                            

56.

                       TUOR
Neither do I, but there's nothing
we can do about it.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
It doesn't feel right. Why would
he have left without a single
word?
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Maybe Uncle Maeglin didn't want
anyone to know where he was going.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
And why wouldn't he?
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (softly)
There it is, Idril. WHY wouldn't
he?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
You're not a foolish man, Tuor.
It's much too late to start being
one now.
                                                            
                       TUOR
No, I'm not foolish, which is why
you should listen to me.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Why in the name of all the Valar -
                                                            
                       TUOR
Don't ask me. I don't know why. I
don't even know for certain.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Exactly. You don't know. I wish
you and Maeglin could trust each
other.
                                                            
                       TUOR
It's hard to do that when we're
both in love with the same woman.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Is Uncle Maeglin in love with you,
Amme?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
He was, but he's not anymore.
      (kisses EARENDIL
       on the forehead)
            (MORE)

57.

                       IDRIL (cont'd)
Why don't you get ready for bed,
sweetheart. I'll come sing you a
lullaby in a minute.
                                                            
EARENDIL leaves, but we can see on his face that he's not
satisfied with the explanation he got.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril...
                                                            
                       IDRIL
He can't be. I can't count how
long it's been since... It's not
possible.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Beloved, it is, and you know it.
                                                            
IDRIL is close to tears, but she holds them back valiantly.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I never wanted him to.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I know. HE knows.
                                                            
TUOR takes IDRIL in his arms, and she holds him very
tightly.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
Idril, I know you love him. But
think of what Ulmo said.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
"Treachery within."
                                                            
                       TUOR
I think it's him. Or it will be.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Oh, Valar, no.
                                                            
TUOR strokes her hair.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
He's my cousin. I've known him
since he was a child. He loves
Gondolin. We saved his life. He
would never betray us. He
couldn't.
                                                            

58.

                       EARENDIL
      (off camera)
Amme, I'm waiting for my lullaby.
                                                            
IDRIL wipes a stray tear off her cheeks. TUOR kisses her
gently, and she goes into EARENDIL's room. TUOR watches her
go, then goes into his closet.

P.O.V. TUOR:

Folded clothes.

He rummages past them and lifts out a dagger and sword, both
sheathed. He draws the sword out of the sheath a little ways
and tests the blade on the ball of his finger. A bright drop
of blood wells up. TUOR wipes the blood off the sword and
sheaths it, replacing it in the closet.
                                                            
 
EXT. ANGBAND - NIGHT
                                                            
Out of the night, the fortress of Angband rises before us -
a terror in black, piercing the belly of the sky. Its
drawbridge is rickety and hangs over a deep chasm. From off
camera, we hear the screeching of the Orcs. They enter,
making for the drawbridge, dragging MAEGLIN behind them.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Where are we?
                                                            
An ORC hears him and cuffs him smartly.

The procession crosses the drawbridge. MAEGLIN stares in
terror at his surroundings, trying very hard not to
understand where they are.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
P.O.V. MAEGLIN: A towering pair of black double doors. The
Orcs, coming in a screeching rush toward them, shove the
doors open.

They drag MAEGLIN down a long hallway utterly untouched by
sunlight, with scant torches burning in wall sconces. The
Orcs mass in front of him, so that he cannot see what or who
they are dragging him towards.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Let me see him.
                                                            
The Orcs part.


59.

P.O.V. MAEGLIN: An immense throne, twisted and dark. Upon it
sits a massive being in the shape of a man - but a man so
foul that MAEGLIN can scarcely look at him. He is powerful
and deadly, and MAEGLIN knows instinctively who he is -
MORGOTH, the Black Enemy of Elvenkind.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
      (cont'd)
Do you know me?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I know you.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Say my name.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Morgoth. The Enemy.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Say your name.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
No.
                                                            
MORGOTH glances at an Orc, who comes forward and strikes
MAEGLIN across the mouth. MAEGLIN cries out in pain and
crumples to the floor.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Your name is of less matter to me
than your home. I will forgive you
the one if you give me the other.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Then my name is Maeglin.
                                                            
MORGOTH rises in anger and takes MAEGLIN by the throat. He
doesn't look as though he puts any pressure on MAEGLIN at
all, but MAEGLIN is instantly gasping for breath and clawing
at MORGOTH's hand. When MAEGLIN truly is near death, MORGOTH
lets him go with a casual cruelty. MAEGLIN collapses on the
floor, choking, and MORGOTH resumes his throne.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
So you come from Gondolin.
                                                            
MAEGLIN looks up at MORGOTH in horror.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
      (cont'd)
It is wise to know the enemy.
                                                            

60.

                       MAEGLIN
Not from me.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Not now, perhaps. But in time.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Never.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Your devotion is commendable. Do
you truly love Gondolin so much?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Yes.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
And your own life so little?
                                                            
MAEGLIN opens his mouth - but he cannot supply an answer.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
      (cont'd)
Think on it.
                                                            
He nods to the Orcs, who grab MAEGLIN again and drag him out
of the throne room.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - PRISONS - NIGHT
                                                            
The Orcs arrive in the dim prisons of Angband. There is an
empty cell crusted with blood and marked with nail
scratches. One Orc opens the cell door, and another one
throws MAEGLIN into it. Laughing, they slam and lock the
cell door in his face.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
TURGON and some of his advisors are in a meeting. TUOR
enters.
                                                            
                       TURGON
What is it?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Maeglin has been missing for two
weeks now.
                                                            
                       TURGON
I know!
                                                            

61.

                       TUOR
I ask permission to take a small
force out of Gondolin to find him.
                                                            
TURGON's advisors' reactions are mixed - some are horrified,
some are grateful, and some are resigned. TURGON himself
seems only weary. He closes his eyes briefly before
answering.
                                                            
                       TURGON
You may go.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Thank you.
                                                            
He bows and leaves.
                                                            
 
INT. IDRIL AND TUOR'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
IDRIL and EARENDIL are sitting on the floor, playing with
toy warriors. IDRIL plays well, but distractedly, and
EARENDIL notices.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
And what does he do now?
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
He leaps the walls, kills the Orcs
guarding the chamber, forces the
door, runs into the room with his
sword drawn, and says, "Amme,
what's wrong?"
                                                            
                       IDRIL
What?
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (seriously)
Amme, what's wrong?
                                                            
He puts down his warrior and scoots over to her - she takes
him in her lap.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (cont'd)
Please tell me. I'm old enough to
know.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I'm worried about my cousin
Maeglin.
                                                            

62.

                       EARENDIL
Ada will fix it.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I hope so. But I don't know.
Maeglin and your Ada don't like
each other very much.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Why?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
You're not yet old enough to know
that.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Will you tell me when I am?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Yes, sweetheart.
                                                            
The door opens, and TUOR enters. IDRIL, still with EARENDIL
on her lap, looks up at him.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I'm going to find him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
What?
                                                            
                       TUOR
I'm leaving tonight with a few
Elves. We're going to find
Maeglin.
                                                            
IDRIL is thunderstruck, but EARENDIL bounces happily on her
lap.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
See? Didn't I tell you Ada would
fix it?
                                                            
IDRIL scoots EARENDIL off her lap, dropping a quick kiss on
his forehead, and throws her arms very tightly around TUOR.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (whispering)
Thank you.
                                                            
 

63.

EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
From the walls, IDRIL, TURGON, and EARENDIL watch as TUOR,
CAMEGIL, and a few other guards ride out of Gondolin. Before
they leave the plain, TUOR turns to wave at IDRIL. She waves
back, but her hand is trembling.
                                                            
                       TURGON
They'll be back, Idril.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I know.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
And they'll bring Maeglin with
them.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I hope.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - TORTURE CHAMBERS - DAY
                                                            
In the depths of Angband, MAEGLIN, tied to a post, is being
lashed with an iron-tipped rope. He screams in pain as the
lash descends again. The Orc whipping him grins savagely and
applies the lash more fiercely.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - PRISONS - DAY
                                                            
Limping and bloodspattered, MAEGLIN stumbles back into his
cell. He curls up in the filth on the floor, unresponsive
and insensitive to the jeers of the Orcs around him. Curled
up on the floor, he stares blankly at the slimy walls.

CLOSE ON his eyes. They are empty of everything but pain. He
is broken, suffering, and ready to be manipulated.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
TUOR's band is riding through the woods, searching for
MAEGLIN. TUOR himself is on foot, leading his horse in
front, examining the ground. Suddenly he pulls sharply to a
halt, staring down at the dirt in front of him.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
Sir, what is it?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Tracks.
                                                            

64.

He kneels. CAMEGIL dismounts and crouches beside him.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
Battle tracks. See here, where the
horse shied and reared? Here,
where it fell?
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
And here...
                                                            
                       TUOR
Where a body was dragged.
                                                            
He stands. The faces of his party are grim, but determined -
as is TUOR's own.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
We follow these tracks.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
MORGOTH sits on his throne. An all-but-shattered MAEGLIN is
dragged before him. MAEGLIN crumples before the throne.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
You have suffered much.
                                                            
MAEGLIN makes a whimpering, assenting sound of pain.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
      (cont'd)
But this is not a quarter of the
pain that could befall you. Elves
live long lives. You could pass
the rest of yours in here, in
endless, ceaseless pain much worse
than this.
                                                            
MAEGLIN cries out and presses his face into the stone floor.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
      (cont'd)
Or...you could help me. Do that,
and the pain will stop. Do that,
and I will give you whatever you
ask for. Whatever you most want.
Do that, and you will not suffer
again.
                                                            
MAEGLIN lifts his head.
                                                            

65.

                       MAEGLIN
      (barely audible)
Please...
                                                            
MORGOTH smiles, satisfied.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Then take me to Gondolin.
                                                            
MAEGLIN's face pales with horror, but MORGOTH continues,
undisturbed.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
It has been an annoyance to me
long enough. It is time that the
Elves learn who their master is.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
No...please...
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
What good is it to resist, little
Elfling? I will have Gondolin in
the end. You will tell me in time.
The choice of time is entirely
yours. It can be now, consciously
done...or it can be later, in my
prisons, when the pain you feel
now is as nothing compared to what
you will feel then. In time you
will give the city to me. You will
spare yourself if you do it now
rather than later.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
What would you do to it?
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Raze it to the ground. Destroy it
so utterly that future generations
will never find it. Kill all the
people within its walls.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (an agonized
       whisper)
Idril!
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Idril? Who is she?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
No one.
                                                            

66.

                       MORGOTH
You love her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
No!
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
You seek to protect her. You even
lie to me to save her. You must
love her very much.
                                                            
The light comes.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
      (cont'd)
But she does not love you, does
she?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
No.
                                                            
MORGOTH rises from his throne and pulls MAEGLIN to his feet.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Listen to me. Give me Gondolin,
and I will give you Idril. She
will be yours, and yours alone,
for nothing but a few words. Tell
me the place where the city lies,
and I will spare your love out of
all the people of Gondolin and
give her to you.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I shouldn't believe you.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
You have no choice.
                                                            
For one more instant, MAEGLIN wavers on the brink, torn
between his duty and his desire - and then he falls.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (softly)
In the Echoriath. The mountains.
Approach from the north and you
can cross them without being
seen...
                                                            
 

67.

EXT. WOODS NEAR ANGBAND - DAY
                                                            
TUOR and his men come across the remnants of an Orc camp.
TUOR follows with his eyes the tracks...which lead to the
fortress of Angband, barely visible in the distance. His
face pales, but it's set. He kicks his horse forward.
                                                            
                       TUOR
We ride!
                                                            
The Elves fall into line behind him, riding fast toward
Angband.
                                                            
 
EXT. ANGBAND - DAY
                                                            
The gates open, and MAEGLIN stumbles out, hunched over and
clutching a parcel to his chest. He is still broken, still a
shadow of his former self - but his eyes are burning with
eagerness...and an unexamined self-hatred. He makes for the
woods nearby.

He is not followed.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS NEAR ANGBAND - DAY
                                                            
Riding hard, TUOR and his men nearly plow into the stumbling
MAEGLIN. TUOR reins in fast and turns his horse to one side
to avoid riding MAEGLIN down. MAEGLIN looks up in shock and
no small amount of fear.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Maeglin!
                                                            
He extends a hand to pull MAEGLIN behind him onto the horse.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (coldly)
Tuor.
                                                            
TUOR freezes, his genuine smile of relief fading at the icy
greeting. MAEGLIN turns to CAMEGIL, who quickly and
embarrassedly pulls MAEGLIN behind him onto his horse.
Accepting, but not happy, TUOR turns his horse around to
start back.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Are they following you?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (truthfully)
They wouldn't dare.
                                                            

68.

TUOR glances quickly behind him, just in case, before he
starts back for Gondolin.

Behind CAMEGIL, MAEGLIN rummages through his parcel and
throws away scraps of food. He slips a black iron ring from
the parcel and thrusts it into his pocket before pitching
the rest behind him.

He glances up at TUOR, at the head of the small party - and
his eyes are filled with deepest hate.
                                                            
 
EXT. WOODS - DAY
                                                            
TUOR and his men are making camp. MAEGLIN sits apart,
playing with the black ring. TUOR approaches him, and
MAEGLIN stuffs the ring back into his pocket and turns away
from TUOR.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Did they hurt you? Beleg can look
at any wounds -
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I'm fine.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Are you sure they're not following
us?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Have you heard them?
                                                            
                       TUOR
No.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Then they're not following us.
                                                            
Pause. TUOR opens his mouth as if to say something, then
closes it and gets to his feet.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
Would you have asked that of
anyone else?
                                                            
                       TUOR
It's common sense to make sure
that the enemy isn't tracking you.
                                                            

69.

                       MAEGLIN
You would have believed anyone
else implicitly.
                                                            
                       TUOR
You haven't given me much reason
to believe you.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You're no one, do you know that?
You don't matter. It would have
been better if you'd never been
born.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril still wouldn't have had you.
                                                            
MAEGLIN rears back in outrage and hatred, but TUOR has
already turned and is walking away.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
We shouldn't stay here too long.
We're not out of danger yet.
                                                            
At this, MAEGLIN smiles tightly and fingers the black ring.
                                                            
 
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
                                                            
IDRIL sits at a table, going through some books. At her
feet, EARENDIL plays with a carved wooden ship. He looks up
at IDRIL and gets to his feet, tugging on her arm.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Amme, I think I need a ship.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I think it's going to be quite
some time before you can have one.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
But I know what I'd do. I'd find
the Teleri and learn from them,
and then I'd set sail and travel
all over the sea.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Then remember that for when you're
old enough to have a ship of your
own.
                                                            

70.

                       EARENDIL
I could ask Ada when he comes
home.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Your Ada would say the same thing
that I did. Although it's a good
plan.
                                                            
She kisses EARENDIL on the forehead. He picks up his ship
and pushes it across the pages of IDRIL's book. At first she
pushes him away, but he looks very perceptively at her and
comes back, making wave sounds and lifting the boat up and
down. IDRIL turns to tell him to go away, but instead she
picks up the book and starts flipping the pages back and
forth, making choppy waves for the ship. They continue
playing until they're both laughing, and EARENDIL climbs
into IDRIL's lap. She wraps her arms around him and holds
him very tightly.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
I miss Ada.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I do, too.
                                                            
A door slams open, and IDRIL whips her head around. MITHIEN
runs toward her.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
He's back! Idril, he's back!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Tuor?
                                                            
Without waiting for an answer, she sets EARENDIL down and
rushes toward the door. MITHIEN has her mouth open to reply,
but she says nothing and closes it. EARENDIL gives her a
look, before he scoops up his ship and hurries out after
IDRIL.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - DAY
                                                            
TURGON is already up on the walls when IDRIL and EARENDIL
run up to join him. He smiles at them.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Where are they?
                                                            
TURGON points. IDRIL dashes to the wall and leans out over
it.


71.

P.O.V. IDRIL: TUOR, his party, and MAEGLIN riding quickly
across the plains, toward Gondolin.

She laughs in joy and lifts EARENDIL up to the wall so he
too can look out.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (calling and
       waving)
Ada!
                                                            
From down below, TUOR sees them and waves back. MAEGLIN
looks up at IDRIL and EARENDIL with longing, but they don't
see this - they're too focused on TUOR.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (calling down)
Open the gates!
                                                            
IDRIL lifts EARENDIL down from the wall.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Can we go meet Ada?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Of course!
                                                            
They run down from the walls.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - COURTYARD - DAY
                                                            
The gates swing open, and TUOR, MAEGLIN, and the search
party ride into the city. No sooner has TUOR dismounted than
IDRIL and EARENDIL come running into the courtyard. He
catches them both, kisses IDRIL soundly, and swings EARENDIL
up onto his shoulders.

MAEGLIN jumps off CAMEGIL's horse, his eyes consumed for an
instant with jealousy. Then he schools his features and
approaches them.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (to IDRIL)
Cousin.
                                                            
IDRIL, her arms around TUOR as though she'll never let him
go, turns to MAEGLIN with a sincere but distracted smile.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Welcome back.
                                                            
She kisses him quickly on the cheek.
                                                            

72.

                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
You're all right?
                                                            
It's unclear who she's directing this question to. Both TUOR
and MAEGLIN start to answer it.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Oh, yes -
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Hardly -
                                                            
They both stop awkwardly, then TUOR clears his throat and
motions for MAEGLIN to continue. Unnoticed, MITHIEN comes
into the courtyard.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Hardly touched. I just got lost.
Has my horse come back? She threw
me and went back in the direction
of the city.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (confused)
No - no, we had no idea where you
were. The horse never came back.
                                                            
TURGON comes down from the walls.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I'm sorry to hear that. She was a
good horse.
                                                            
                       TURGON
We have more.
      (embraces MAEGLIN)
But we have no more of you. It is
good to have you back.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
It's good to be home.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (to TUOR)
Are you all right?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Fine. I'll tell you later.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Ada, I want a ship.
                                                            

73.

                       TUOR
      (laughing)
A ship? I think your Amme and I
need to talk about that.
                                                            
EARENDIL gives a long-suffering sigh, and he, TUOR, and
IDRIL start off toward the palace. TURGON stays, moving
among the Elves of the search party, thanking them for
finding MAEGLIN, and MAEGLIN himself moves after IDRIL - but
he stumbles, and the motion pulls at his untreated back.
From her hiding place, MITHIEN sees and intercepts him.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Hello.
                                                            
MAEGLIN looks up, startled, and not a little irritated that
he has to conceal his pain.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Hello. If you could excuse me -
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Not yet.
      (catches his arm)
You may not want anyone to know,
but I can see that you're hurt.
You need tending.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
It's nothing. I can see to it -
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Let me. Please.
                                                            
MAEGLIN wavers - but he really is in pain.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Say nothing, no matter what you
see.
                                                            
MITHIEN swallows, nervous now, but her eyes are concerned,
and you can see that, by now, she is truly in love with
MAEGLIN.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
I promise.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HOUSE OF HEALING - DAY
                                                            
MAEGLIN lies face down on a bed. His shirt and tunic are
off, and MITHIEN is unwrapping a crude bandage around his
chest. It's dirty and stained rust-red. She lifts it off -

74.

he winces as it pulls his scars, and she gasps.

P.O.V. MITHIEN: MAEGLIN's back is crisscrossed with livid
red slashes.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Valar, Maeglin, what happened?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Nothing -
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Don't lie to me! You can tell
Idril all the pretty lies you
like, but don't tell them to me.
What happened?
                                                            
MAEGLIN is stunned. He turns his head, wincing at the
stiffness in his neck and back, to face her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I was captured. Morgoth.
                                                            
MITHIEN covers her mouth with her hands, horrified.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
They did that to me in Angband.
                                                            
MITHIEN still has nothing to say.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
Would you prefer the pretty lies
now?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
No...no... Maeglin, you didn't
tell them anything, did you?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
No.
                                                            
MITHIEN reaches out toward his face, as though she wants to
touch him, but checks her hand and instead goes for some
water and a clean cloth. She sponges the dried and fresh
blood from his back, wipes it dry, and fetches a fresh roll
of bandaging.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
You'll need to sit up.
                                                            

75.

MAEGLIN pushes himself to a sitting position. MITHIEN begins
to wind the bandage around his chest, folding in steeped
herbs, her hands trembling slightly. MAEGLIN watches her
face as she works.

When she's done, she doesn't really move backward. Her eyes
are painful with love. He meets her gaze, and we see that
although he might be flattered by her attentions, he really
doesn't love her. But she is so clearly his, and he is so
clearly not going to win IDRIL from TUOR, that he gives in
and smiles at her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Thank you, Mithien.
                                                            
He places a hand around her neck and draws her close to him.
She all but falls into his arms, and he kisses her.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - MAEGLIN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
MAEGLIN lies alone in his bed, wide awake. He has the black
ring between his fingers and plays with it, rolling it
uneasily around in his hand. Finally he makes the decision
and slips it on.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
MORGOTH, alone, is instantly aware of the fact that
MAEGLIN's put on the ring. He smiles and closes his eyes.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH (V.O.)
Are you ready to talk to me now?
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - MAEGLIN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (pale but resolute)
Yes.
                                                            
 
INT. IDRIL AND TUOR'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
TUOR seems to be asleep. IDRIL, lying next to him, cannot
sleep, and finally rises, throws on a robe, and goes to the
balcony.

P.O.V. IDRIL: Gondolin, bathed in moonlight, looking like a
glowing pearl in the darkness. It is beautiful, precious,
something to die for.

76.


Behind her, TUOR opens his eyes, wide awake.
                                                            
                       TUOR
What is it?
                                                            
Startled, IDRIL whirls around, relaxing when she sees TUOR.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
You scared me.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I'm sorry.
                                                            
He gets up and comes toward her. He holds out his arms, and
she goes into them.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
What is it?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Why didn't Maeglin tell me the
truth? Why didn't he say he'd been
taken to Angband?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Maybe he wasn't taken. Maybe he
went.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
No! He would never.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Just like he would never lie to
you?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I trust him.
                                                            
                       TUOR
I wish I could.
                                                            
Pause.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Tuor, I love you. You. Maeglin is
my cousin, and I care for him
deeply, but I love you.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril, that's not -
                                                            

77.

                       IDRIL
No?
      (pause)
It may not be your main reason for
disliking him, but it's one of
them. I want you to know you have
nothing to fear.
                                                            
TUOR is at a loss for words. He pulls IDRIL closer to him
and holds her tightly. She kisses him gently.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Hush, love. Hush.
                                                            
Through a crack in the door, safely out of eyesight,
EARENDIL peers at his parents, embracing in the moonlight.
He smiles to himself and tiptoes away.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - CAVERNS - DAY
                                                            
MORGOTH personally supervises the assembling of a vast army
of Orcs, trolls, and dragons, along with siege machines and
vicious-looking weapons.

SAURON approaches him.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
How goes it?
                                                            
                       SAURON
Well. But they will not be ready
soon.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Make them ready.
                                                            
He leaves. SAURON watches him go. A sneer twists his lips
when MORGOTH is gone.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - MAEGLIN'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Alone, MAEGLIN lies in bed, considerably weaker than when we
last saw him. The black ring still circles his finger, and
he clutches at it with his eyes shut.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (under his breath)
We are not prepared... No one
imagines an assault... The gates
will repel Orcs, perhaps even
trolls... Come from the north, no
            (MORE)

78.

                       MAEGLIN (cont'd)
one will see you...
                                                            
The door opens without warning, and MITHIEN slips into the
room, carrying a tray of hot food. MAEGLIN, absorbed in his
communication with MORGOTH, doesn't hear or see her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
We are defenseless... Dragons...
                                                            
MITHIEN, hearing MAEGLIN's words, puts the tray down and
hurries over to him, shaking his shoulder. He rouses with a
violent start and stuffs the hand with the ring under his
blanket.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (suddenly
       frightened)
You were muttering - I thought -
you might be - I'm sorry.
                                                            
MAEGLIN nods without explaining.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (cont'd)
I brought you some food.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Let me have it.
                                                            
She brings him the tray, and he eats as best he can with one
hand.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Were you dreaming?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Dreaming of what?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Of...Angband.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Yes. Yes.
                                                            
He says nothing else, leaving MITHIEN standing, rather
useless, beside his bed. Uncomfortably, she waits for a
little while, then turns and walks out without a word.

79.


The moment she's gone, MAEGLIN touches his ring again.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
They'll be easy to kill...very
easy...
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
TURGON sits on his throne, with IDRIL on his right. TUOR
talks with CAMEGIL and some others of the guards - MAEGLIN
is conspicuously absent. The court mills around the room. At
TURGON's feet, EARENDIL plays with wooden soldiers.

MITHIEN enters, looking pale and drawn. IDRIL gets up
quickly and goes to her.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
What's wrong?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Nothing.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Mithien, I'm not blind. Your color
is gone. You don't eat. You don't
speak. I'm your friend. Tell me
the truth.
                                                            
MITHIEN ducks past IDRIL, not meeting her eyes.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
I'm fine.
                                                            
EARENDIL looks up and catches this last exchange. His eyes
follow MITHIEN as she weaves unevenly through the crowds.

IDRIL returns to her seat beside TURGON, who turns toward
her and puts a hand on her arm.
                                                            
                       TURGON
What happened?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I don't know, but I need to find
out.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Is Mithien not entitled to her
secrets?
                                                            

80.

                       IDRIL
Not when they're killing her.
                                                            
At their feet, EARENDIL gives no sign that he heard - but he
did.

TUOR is engaged in an animated discussion of security with
the Elves.
                                                            
                       TUOR
...no way of knowing how much
Morgoth knows about us now. We
should double our guards on the
walls at the very least.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
Should we send patrols out?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Not too far out - the last thing
we want is to draw his attention.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
      (with a smile)
I think you forget sometimes that
the Eldar are not as noisy and
reckless as you Men.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Hardly. If you were Men, I would
not even consider patrols. The
Eldar are the only ones who could
be trusted to do that properly.
                                                            
                       GUARD
      (laugh)
And quietly!
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (agreeing)
And quietly.
                                                            
Sharp-eyed EARENDIL turns back to his soldiers, pulling his
eyes away from his father.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (whispering to
       soldiers)
Quietly.
                                                            
Then he looks up, because MITHIEN is making her unsteady way
out of the throne room. Quick as a flash, EARENDIL gathers
up his soldiers.
                                                            

81.

                       EARENDIL
      (cont'd)
Amme, may I go back to my room?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
If you wish, although you're
welcome to stay, sweetheart.
      (kisses EARENDIL)
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (solemnly)
Good day, Amme. Good day, my lord.
                                                            
He bows to TURGON and leaves, inobtrusively following
MITHIEN.
                                                            
                       TURGON
He is a good boy, Idril. You did
well with him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
You mean Tuor and I did well with
him.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Yes.
      (pause)
A good boy, if a little
unsettling.
                                                            
IDRIL laughs softly and kisses her father's cheek. Unseen by
MITHIEN, EARENDIL follows her out of the throne room.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
MITHIEN walks in the direction of MAEGLIN's room, trailed
silently by EARENDIL. Halfway there, she suddenly stops. Her
eyes are tearing up, and her lip is quivering. EARENDIL
ducks behind a pillar just in time as she spins on her heel
and heads in the opposite direction. EARENDIL follows her
still, but he marks the way she would have gone.
                                                            
 
INT. MITHIEN'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
MITHIEN opens the door, slams it, and throws herself onto
her bed, sobbing bitterly. She pounds her pillow in
frustration.

EARENDIL softly opens the door and enters.
                                                            

82.

                       EARENDIL
Lady Mithien?
                                                            
MITHIEN starts up in shock and wipes in panic at her face,
but she cannot conceal her tears.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
What do you want?
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (holds out
       soldiers)
Would you play with me?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Your mother can do that.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Amme's busy. I want to play with
you.
                                                            
He is wide-eyed and innocent, for all his observations and
silent conclusions, and MITHIEN gives in and scoots over on
her bed.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Come play then.
                                                            
EARENDIL hops up onto her bed and drops all the soldiers but
one onto the cover.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
We have to play with this one
first.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Why?
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Because he's very helpful with
crying ladies.
                                                            
EARENDIL makes the soldier wipe away a tear falling down
MITHIEN's face.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (cont'd)
See? He wants to help.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (touched)
What's his name?
                                                            

83.

                       EARENDIL
Earendil.
                                                            
MITHIEN stares in surprise, but her face starts to freeze,
and EARENDIL grabs his chance.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (cont'd)
And Idril, and Tuor, and Turgon,
and everyone who knows you. We
want to help.
                                                            
Another tear rolls down MITHIEN's cheek.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (cont'd; earnestly)
Will you let us?
                                                            
Long pause. EARENDIL holds his breath.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
I can't.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Why not?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Because I don't know what's wrong
with me any more than you do. And
if I don't know what's wrong, how
can anyone help?
                                                            
EARENDIL thinks for a moment. Then he puts the soldier down
and puts his arms around MITHIEN's neck. Automatically, she
hugs him back. After a short time, he lets go and looks up
at her.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
That helps, doesn't it?
                                                            
MITHIEN is crying again, without sound or sob.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (whisper)
Yes.
                                                            
EARENDIL's eyes soften even further in sympathy, and he hugs
her again. She clings to him much more tightly this time,
and a small sob escapes her. EARENDIL cuddles in closer.
                                                            
 

84.

INT. IDRIL AND TUOR'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
IDRIL, in a light bed robe, sits perfectly still on the bed,
face turned toward the door. It opens, and TUOR enters,
weary but satisfied. He stops when he sees IDRIL, who looks
at him very steadily, and closes the door behind him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
What is the danger?
                                                            
                       TUOR
We don't know for certain.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Tell me your best guess, then.
                                                            
                       TUOR
We fear an attack from Angband.
                                                            
IDRIL closes her eyes briefly, and her hands clench into
fists as she struggles to control her feelings.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Why do you not trust Maeglin?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Why do you?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
He's my cousin, and I love him!
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril, I am not saying he betrayed
us on purpose. But we cannot
afford to ignore the possibility.
Remember Ulmo's warning - a
traitor from within.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Is there danger? Is there real
danger to all of us?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Yes.
                                                            
Silence. IDRIL bows her head and closes her eyes tightly.
Neither TUOR nor IDRIL move for a long moment.

Then IDRIL raises her head, and her eyes are bright, but the
tears do not escape her.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Then there needs to be an escape.
                                                            

85.

                       TUOR
From the city?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
We think we cannot be found, that
the Echoriath is our defense. But
if you're right and the mountains
are breached, then we are trapped.
There must be a safe way out of
Gondolin if we are attacked.
                                                            
                       TUOR
What are you thinking of?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
A tunnel. A tunnel below the city,
below the mountains, that leads to
a safe place.
                                                            
                       TUOR
It will take time to build this
tunnel.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Do we have the time?
                                                            
                       TUOR
We may. If we start now.
                                                            
IDRIL nods stoically, but the tears finally get the better
of her, and she covers her face with her hands and sobs.
TUOR moves at last to her side and wraps his arms around
her, and she clings to him.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (through her tears)
I wish you were wrong about this.
I wish I could believe you were
wrong.
                                                            
                       TUOR
So do I.
                                                            
 
INT. MAEGLIN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
MAEGLIN paces his room unsteadily, still clutching his ring.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
We are defenseless...get past the
mountains and over the walls, and
you will have the city...
                                                            

86.

A soft knock on his door startles MAEGLIN out of his
distraction. He glares at the door, walks over to it, and
turns the key in the lock.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
The best defense we have are
archers...
                                                            
 
INT. OUTSIDE MAEGLIN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
EARENDIL, alone outside the door, puts his ear to the crack
and listens gravely.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - REAR GATE - DAY
                                                            
IDRIL and a group of Elves, all armed with spades, are
gathered at the rear gate of the city.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
This is the place?
                                                            
                       GUARD
Yes.
                                                            
The Elves, IDRIL included, start digging.
                                                            
 
INT. EXT. MONTAGE - DAY
                                                            
1. The Elves and IDRIL digging the tunnel.

2. TUOR inspecting the city's defenses.

3. A scouting party riding out of Gondolin.

4. TURGON on his throne, reading the scouting party's
dispatch, new lines etched into his forehead.

5. More digging of the tunnel.

6. IDRIL directing the placement of food, blankets, etc. in
the tunnel.

7. MITHIEN walking through the streets, head down, tear
tracks on her face.

8. MAEGLIN curled up in his bed, looking truly ill,
clutching his ring and muttering.

9. MORGOTH supervising the organization of his armies.

87.


10. EARENDIL, hovering on a threshold, watching something we
can't see, looking into the distance.
                                                            
 
INT. ANGBAND - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
MORGOTH is seated. SAURON approaches, bows.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
What news?
                                                            
                       SAURON
Your army is ready, my lord.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Then let them march.
                                                            
 
EXT. ANGBAND - NIGHT
                                                            
The gates of Angband open - and out pours a massive army of
Orcs and trolls, all armored and armed to the teeth,
grimacing in delight. Above them, from behind the fortress,
fly four dragons. One of them rears back its head and spits
flame into the night sky before taking off after the army.

PAN UP to MORGOTH, watching from a window, his face twisted
in a smile.
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
      (to himself)
Now let Gondolin stand against
this.
      (to MAEGLIN)
Do you see this? Do you see what
is coming for your city? If you
have played me false, this is but
a taste of what you will suffer.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN (V.O.)
No...no, my lord...I did not play
you false...
                                                            
                       MORGOTH
Good. Now rest...and watch
Gondolin fall.
                                                            
 
INT. MAEGLIN'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
MAEGLIN sits bolt-upright in bed, his ring hand clenched so
tightly that his knuckles are white, his eyes wide with

88.

horror.

Very slowly, his face crumbles, and he begins to sob.
                                                            
 
INT. IDRIL AND TUOR'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
IDRIL and TUOR lie in bed, asleep - but IDRIL's eyes fly
open, and she gasps instinctively. TUOR is awake in an
instant, and he puts his arms around her.
                                                            
                       TUOR
What is it?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I don't think we have any more
time.
                                                            
He swallows hard and pulls her closer to him. She buries her
face in his shoulder and fights back her tears.
                                                            
 
INT. EARENDIL'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Early morning light comes through the windows and falls on
EARENDIL's face. His eyes are already open. He throws back
the covers of his bed - he's already dressed. He tiptoes
silently to his door and creeps out.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
EARENDIL is alone on the hallway leading to MAEGLIN's room.
He is just about to reach the door when it opens by itself.
Taken by surprise, EARENDIL recoils.

MAEGLIN, looking pale but somehow rejuvenated, stands in the
doorway.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Maeglin!
                                                            
MAEGLIN spares one single, scornful glance at EARENDIL
before he steps out into the hallway, closes the door behind
him, and walks away.

Left behind, EARENDIL watches MAEGLIN go, the confusion on
his face slowly turning into caution and mistrust.
                                                            
 

89.

INT. GONDOLIN - THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
The court is assembled for the morning meal, with TURGON on
his throne, and IDRIL and TUOR on either side, both looking
pale and worried. EARENDIL sits beside IDRIL. The doors
open, and MAEGLIN enters unannounced, to murmurs of
astonishment from the court. EARENDIL notices MITHIEN going
pale and ducking her head to avoid catching MAEGLIN's eye.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (to TURGON)
Good morning, uncle.
      (to IDRIL)
Cousin.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (a bit
       shell-shocked)
Are you quite well, Maeglin?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Quite.
                                                            
He goes over to TURGON's table and takes the seat beside
IDRIL in a proprietary manner. TUOR's eyes flash; IDRIL
turns away from him; EARENDIL watches him warily. MAEGLIN
takes no notice, except to smirk.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
Is this all the welcome I am to
receive after my long illness?
Come, let my cousin give me a
kiss.
                                                            
TUOR nearly jumps to his feet in outrage. Even TURGON is ill
at ease. MAEGLIN watches, still smirking.

IDRIL rises slowly, an ice princess come to frozen life.
Coolly, she turns toward MAEGLIN and gives him a cousinly,
meaningless peck on his cheek. Her gaze does not waver as
she meets his stare.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Welcome back, cousin.
                                                            
The smirk at last wiped off his face, MAEGLIN sits down.
TUOR catches IDRIL's eyes, and she gives him a tight,
nervous smile before she sits down with her frozen mask back
on.

EARENDIL scoots closer to her - beneath the table, IDRIL
catches his hand and holds it tightly.
                                                            
 

90.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
                                                            
MORGOTH's Orc army is camped beneath the shadow of a forest.
One Orc leader dares a look outside the trees.
                                                            
                       SHARGUL
It's night, my lord.
                                                            
A hooded figure rises from an improvised chair and crosses
to SHARGUL. When the figure draws his hood back, we can see
that it is SAURON.
                                                            
                       SAURON
Then march.
                                                            
SHARGUL smiles in anticipation and turns to rouse his army
with a few shouts. SAURON mounts a horse and rides as the
army marches, his hood back up and an equally sinister smile
on his own face.
                                                            
 
INT. GONDOLIN - HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
MITHIEN walks blindly down the hallway. She doesn't notice
MAEGLIN coming from the opposite end until she bumps into
him.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Take care that you don't hurt
yourself.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
I haven't done very well at that,
have I?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Not at the moment, no.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Never. Not now, not once in all my
life, and never with you.
                                                            
She moves to go past him - he catches her hands, and she
rips free of him, her eyes blazing with wounded fury.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Mithien -
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Stop it! I told you once not to
tell me any pretty lies, and I
haven't changed my mind!
      (starts to cry)
Did you want to laugh at me? Is
            (MORE)

91.

                       MITHIEN (cont'd)
that why? And don't you dare try
to say that you loved me once -
don't you dare lie to me again!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You're overwrought.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
I have every right to be
overwrought!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Go lie down.
                                                            
He moves carelessly past MITHIEN, and in a reckless rage she
lashes out at him.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
She's never going to love you,
Maeglin! She's given her heart
already, and she was smart enough
not to give it to you!
                                                            
MAEGLIN freezes for an instant, with his back to MITHIEN.
When he turns around, his face is stiff with fury. He stalks
back to MITHIEN and slaps her across the face, knocking her
to the floor. Stunned, she lifts her head. A line of blood
trickles out of her mouth.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You will keep your silence.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
I will not.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You will keep your silence or you
will keep your grave!
                                                            
MITHIEN is shocked dumb.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
You choose.
                                                            
He turns on his heel and leaves MITHIEN lying on the floor,
too stunned even to weep.
                                                            
 

92.

EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - NIGHT
                                                            
TURGON walks along the walls, with only a single guard
behind him carrying a torch.
                                                            
                       GUARD
My lord, you should retire.
                                                            
                       TURGON
I should.
                                                            
But he doesn't leave the walls.
                                                            
                       GUARD
You will need your rest -
                                                            
TURGON leans over the walls, motioning for the torch.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Come here.
                                                            
The guard obeys. TURGON takes the torch and lifts it,
squinting into the night.

P.O.V. TURGON: The forest to the north seems to move with
undefined shapes.
                                                            
                       GUARD
My lord, what is it?
                                                            
TURGON's face pales, and he whirls back from the wall,
thrusting the torch into the guard's hand.
                                                            
                       TURGON
We're under attack. Sound the
alarm!
                                                            
He all but runs for the stairs down from the wall. The guard
calls after him.
                                                            
                       GUARD
What are you doing, my lord?
                                                            
                       TURGON
You wake the soldiers. I'll wake
the city.
                                                            
The guard smiles briefly at TURGON, relieved that his king
isn't going to run and hide. Then they both turn to their
business. TURGON vanishes inside the city, and the guard
runs to a large bell and rings it hard.
                                                            
 

93.

INT. IDRIL AND TUOR'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
The ringing of the bell wakes both IDRIL and TUOR at the
same time, sending them both out of bed. She is frightened
but determined - he is stubbornly focused only on defense.
They dress quickly.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Is the tunnel ready?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Yes. I'll start getting people
into it right away. And the
defenses?
                                                            
                       TUOR
As good as I can make them.
                                                            
They both move for the door - but on the threshold, at the
same time, they both fall into each other's arms for a
too-quick, shaky kiss.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril, if I don't come back -
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Then I don't go into the tunnel.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril...!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I'm not afraid. Not of dying, and
not that you won't come back. When
you get to the tunnel, Earendil
and I will be waiting for you.
                                                            
TUOR's eyes are very bright, and he kisses IDRIL again. Then
he tears himself away and leaves the room - only to bump
into EARENDIL, who's just come out of his own room.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Is this the attack?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Yes. You're going to be brave for
me now, aren't you? You're going
to help your Amme and make sure
neither of you gets hurt?
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Yes, Ada.
                                                            

94.

                       TUOR
Good. Thank you.
                                                            
EARENDIL suddenly flies at TUOR, belying his facade of
control, and TUOR picks him up and hugs him.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
I could not have asked for a
better son.
      (looks at IDRIL
       over EARENDIL's
       head)
Or a better wife. I love you both.
      (beat)
I will come back to you.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (softly)
I know you will.
                                                            
TUOR puts EARENDIL down and leaves. EARENDIL goes to IDRIL
and clings tightly to her hand.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
What do we do now?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Now we try to save everyone,
sweetheart.
      (kisses EARENDIL
       on the forehead)
Come with me.
                                                            
Hand in hand, they leave the room.
                                                            
 
INT. EXT. MONTAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
1. TURGON, armed, going through the city, waking people up.

2. An Elf reaches for his bow.

3. Two Elven women, one clutching a baby, huddle together in
fear.

4. Guards coming up onto the city walls, bows drawn and
ready.

5. The army of MORGOTH coming into sight on the plain.

6. MAEGLIN watches from a window, smirking - but sweat is
beading on his forehead.
                                                            
 

95.

INT. MITHIEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
MITHIEN, still clad in a nightgown, sits motionless with
fear on her bed, clutching her blankets around her. The door
bursts open, and she cries out in horror - but it's only
IDRIL and EARENDIL.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Mithien! Come with us.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Where?
                                                            
                       IDRIL
We dug a tunnel. It leads out of
Gondolin. We must leave the city
if we want to survive.
                                                            
MITHIEN clambers out of bed and throws a cloak around
herself. With her free hand, IDRIL grabs MITHIEN by the
hand, and they run out of the room.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - NIGHT
                                                            
TUOR, sword in hand, runs up onto the city walls. TURGON is
already there. TUOR joins him, staring down onto the plain,
where the army is massing.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Morgoth's Orcs.
                                                            
                       TUOR
My lord, I was not the traitor
Ulmo spoke of.
                                                            
                       TURGON
I know it. I know it...my son.
                                                            
TUOR looks in astonishment and pleasure at TURGON, who
offers him a small smile in return.
                                                            
                       TUOR
We should attack them now.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Now?
                                                            
                       TUOR
While they're still getting ready.
When they don't expect it. When
arrows can do the greatest harm.
                                                            

96.

                       TURGON
Give the order.
                                                            
                       TUOR
You are the city's lord -
                                                            
                       TURGON
And you are the Man who can save
her, if anyone can. The command is
yours.
      (faint smile)
I was proud to fight beside your
father. I am even prouder to fight
beside his son.
                                                            
TUOR's eyes are overbright, but he blinks his tears fiercely
away.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (call to the
       archers)
Arrows!
                                                            
The archers draw back their bowstrings and take aim.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
Fire!
                                                            
The archers release. The arrows fly into the disorganized
Orc army, and nearly all find their marks. The archers
reload.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
Fire!
                                                            
 
EXT. TUMLADEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
SAURON swears viciously and whirls on SHARGUL.
                                                            
                       SAURON
Make them move faster!
                                                            
                       SHARGUL
Armies are slow.
                                                            
                       SAURON
      (don't mess with
       me)
FASTER!
                                                            

97.

SHARGUL snarls, but turns and roars at his army.
                                                            
                       SHARGUL
Bows!
                                                            
Some Orcs pull out crude bows and begin firing.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
Orc arrows are finding their marks.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Keep firing!
                                                            
Next to TURGON, CAMEGIL is hit. He cries out and drops to
his knees, and TURGON catches him.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (shouts)
Way! Way!
                                                            
TURGON half-carries CAMEGIL to the bottom of the stairs.
There, he breaks the arrow off, pulls it out, and binds the
wound with a piece of his own cloak, all over CAMEGIL's
protests.
                                                            
                       TURGON
      (cont'd)
Find Idril. She will get you out
of here.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
My lord, I must stay and fight.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Aredhel would have had you live.
You opened the gates for my
sister, and I would repay you for
her life.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
That counts for nothing. I saved
her only to let her kill herself.
                                                            
                       TURGON
You saved her. That is what
matters. Go.
      (pause)
That's an order.
                                                            
Unwillingly, CAMEGIL gets to his feet and goes back into the
city.
                                                            
 

98.

EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
IDRIL and EARENDIL lead a horde of women and children
through the streets. IDRIL carries a torch in one hand, and
holds EARENDIL's hand in the other.

From the opposite end of the street, CAMEGIL sees IDRIL and
calls to her.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
My lady Idril!
                                                            
IDRIL stops and waits for him to catch up.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
      (cont'd)
Your father...wishes me to come
with you. As an escort.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Thank you, Camegil. We will tend
to your wound as soon as we are
safe.
                                                            
He draws his sword, and they start off again.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd; in a
       whisper)
It is good to have you here.
                                                            
 
INT. MAEGLIN'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
From his window, MAEGLIN sees IDRIL and her party pass
through the streets. His eyes flare with longing, and he
grabs a cloak and a sword as he runs out of his room after
her.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - NIGHT
                                                            
TURGON rejoins TUOR on the walls. There are scattered bodies
on the walls, but the Orc army below is in much greater
disarray.
                                                            
                       TUOR
We may be able to hold them, my
lord! If this is all Morgoth has,
then we may yet win!
                                                            
                       TURGON
Morgoth always has something more.
                                                            
 

99.

EXT. TUMLADEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
                       SAURON
      (to SHARGUL; in
       disgust)
Get them into lines.
                                                            
                       SHARGUL
      (roaring, to Orcs)
LINES!
                                                            
SAURON whistles, a thin, high sound, unmistakably imperious
- and in response, the dragons come soaring out of the
forest, accompanied by the trolls.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
The dragons rear up, clearly visible to the Elven defenders.
                                                            
                       TURGON
May the Valar defend us.
                                                            
TUOR is white with fright, but he recovers first.
                                                            
                       TUOR
May WE defend us! Archers, shoot
the trolls! Everyone get under
cover!
                                                            
His orders are quickly obeyed.
                                                            
                       TURGON
How are we to fight dragons?
                                                            
                       TUOR
As best we can.
                                                            
One dragon rears back and spits a gout of flame over the
defenders. The Elves retreat behind stone barricades, but
the stone is scorched by the flames. The archers are still
firing at the Orcs and trolls, but some of the trolls have
brought up a massive tree trunk and are using it as a
battering ram.
                                                            
 
EXT. TUMLADEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
SHARGUL urges the trolls on.
                                                            
                       SHARGUL
Go, you sluggards! Go!
                                                            

100.

A short ways away from him, SAURON looks up at the dragons
and whistles again. All of them wheel around and fly
straight for the wall.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY WALLS - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (roaring)
BACK!
                                                            
The Elves retreat back from the walls, just before the
dragons crash headlong into them. One dragon falls limply to
the ground, dead from the impact, but the purpose has been
served - the high wall of Gondolin is now rubble. The three
remaining dragons scream their triumph and spit fire at the
defenders.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
Get behind the barricades!
                                                            
The Elves scramble behind the scorched barricades, but the
dragons concentrate all their firepower on it, and the
stones explode. The Elves and TUOR recoil - and then they
hear the shuddering of the main gate under the battering
ram.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (cont'd)
To the gate!
                                                            
Swords drawn, the defenders flee from the dragons and race
down to defend the gate.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
IDRIL, CAMEGIL, EARENDIL, and the whole party are coming
toward the site of the tunnel. From the far end of the
street, MAEGLIN sees them and runs toward them.

MITHIEN also sees him. She pushes through the crowd to
IDRIL's side.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Idril! Idril!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
What?
                                                            

101.

                       MITHIEN
Maeglin's coming. He's here, he's
right behind us!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Not fighting on the wall?
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Idril, listen to me. How could
this army have come here? How
could it have avoided Tuor's
scouts? Why has Morgoth found us
at last? Who could have told him?
                                                            
And now IDRIL finally has to accept the fact that her cousin
is the traitor. It's painful - she clenches her teeth, and a
tear falls from her eyes - but it's not entirely a surprise.

And when she opens her eyes, her mind is made up. She
thrusts the torch into CAMEGIL's hand.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
The tunnel's not far. Get everyone
inside, but don't seal it up.
There's medicine in there - make
sure someone tends your wound.
                                                            
She puts EARENDIL's hand in MITHIEN's.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Earendil, love, go to the tunnel
with Mithien. Get inside and don't
wait for me.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
Idril, you can't!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Who else can keep him away from
the tunnel? Morgoth has the city,
but I won't give him its people!
Now go!
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Amme, let me come.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (painfully)
No, sweetheart. No, I can't let
you come.
      (to CAMEGIL)
Tell Tuor I'm sorry.
                                                            

102.

She tears herself away and hurries down the street to
intercept MAEGLIN.

CAMEGIL turns to the others.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
We obey the Lady Idril!
                                                            
They follow him toward the tunnel. EARENDIL drags his feet,
and in the press of people he pulls his hand out of
MITHIEN's and darts into one of the side alleys, out of
sight.
                                                            
                       MITHIEN
      (panicked)
Earendil! EARENDIL!
                                                            
From his hiding place, EARENDIL winces at her voice and at
his betrayal, but he doesn't come out.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - COURTYARD - NIGHT
                                                            
TUOR, TURGON and the Elvish army are assembled, ready to
fight the Orcs as soon as they come through the gate. The
battering ram makes it rattle, and more than one face
blanches in fear - but no one turns and runs.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (somewhat
       desperately)
If we keep them fighting until
dawn, they must withdraw. They
cannot bear the sun.
                                                            
                       TURGON
Gondolin will not last until dawn.
                                                            
                       TUOR
It must!
                                                            
                       TURGON
It cannot. Gondolin will fall, but
Morgoth need not win.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (bitterly)
This city is the crown of
Elvendom, the fairest jewel of
Middle-earth. When Gondolin falls,
the great line of the Eldar falls
with her. How then has Morgoth not
won?
                                                            

103.

                       TURGON
The city is fair, but it is the
people who make her live.
      (grips TUOR's
       shoulder)
You must swear this to me, and you
must keep your word. Idril will
get the people out. You must
protect them from Morgoth. You
must keep them safe, and you must
help them build a new Gondolin.
      (ruefully)
I was a fool to think we could
stay hidden forever. The point is
not to hide, Tuor. The point is to
live - and one cannot live in
hiding. Help them to see that.
Swear it.
                                                            
                       TUOR
      (moved)
I swear.
                                                            
TURGON lets out his breath then, as though he has been
waiting for this answer all his life.

And then the gate shudders and splinters, and the defenders
brace themselves - but through the gate come, not Orcs and
trolls, but the three dragons, blazing fire straight onto
the Elves. The defenders dive for cover, but most are caught
directly in the flames. TUOR is one of the lucky ones - he
throws himself out of the fire's range and rolls even
farther away, springing back to his feet, sword in hand.

P.O.V. TUOR: The dragons are inside the city. Charred
corpses litter the front of the gate. Orcs and trolls are
pouring in. Elves are fleeing. The city is lost. TURGON is
nowhere to be seen.

TUOR closes his eyes hard against the tears, but now his
decision is made for him. To stay would be folly - he must
find the refugees and protect them.

Sword at the ready, TUOR darts into a side street and races
along it, looking for IDRIL.
                                                            
 
EXT. TUMLADEN - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
                       SAURON
Send them in, Shargul.
                                                            
The Orcs and trolls go charging through the gates.
                                                            
 

104.

EXT. GONDOLIN - COURTYARD - CONTINUOUS - NIGHT
                                                            
MORGOTH's army is dispensing of all the burned Elven bodies.
But one of them stirs faintly, watching, waiting for his
chance. It is TURGON - burned and near death, but still
Gondolin's lord.

SHARGUL comes through the gate - and TURGON lurches to his
feet and drives his sword directly through SHARGUL's heart.
The Orc chokes and crumples, and TURGON has just pulled free
his sword and turned to face SAURON when he freezes. SAURON
has buried his own blade in TURGON's gut.

TURGON crumples and dies.
                                                            
 
EXT. GONDOLIN - CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
IDRIL catches MAEGLIN at the end of a high street, close to
one of the walls of the city.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
I have been searching the city for
you.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Instead of fighting to save the
city.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Gondolin is doomed. She dies as we
speak.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Thanks to you.
                                                            
MAEGLIN is struck dumb by her knowledge.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (cont'd)
Gondolin saved your life, Maeglin
- how could you betray her?
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Idril, this is pointless -
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Answer my question.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (as if it's
       obvious)
For you. For you, Idril. Gondolin
didn't save my life, you saved it.
            (MORE)

105.

                       MAEGLIN (cont'd)
When my mother was killed, you
were the reason I lived. Morgoth
has promised me that you will be
mine once Gondolin is his.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Tuor knew. Tuor mistrusted you
from the start, and I should have
listened to him. And I didn't,
because I still believed in you -
you traitor!
                                                            
She slaps him across the face. MAEGLIN catches her hand and
twists cruelly.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Don't say his name. He has no
right to come between us.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
He has every right! He is my
husband, and I love him!
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Not as I love you!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Thank the Valar, no! I hope he
never loves as you love, Maeglin.
I hope no creature in this land
will ever love as you love!
                                                            
MAEGLIN's face darkens, and he draws back his hand to strike
IDRIL, but EARENDIL comes flying out of the darkness and
catches MAEGLIN's hand. Snarling, MAEGLIN grabs EARENDIL by
his shoulders and throws him hard against the stones.
EARENDIL goes down and doesn't come up.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Earendil!
                                                            
She runs toward him, but MAEGLIN catches her and spins her
around to face him. His eyes are wide, desperate.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You lied. You love me. You must
love me.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I hate you.
                                                            

106.

                       MAEGLIN
NO!
                                                            
He grabs IDRIL, pulls her to him, and kisses her so fiercely
that when he leans back, her lips are bloody. She breaks
free of him and slaps him again, twice, backhanding the
second one. MAEGLIN takes the blows in shock, staring numbly
at her.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
Idril, you must...how can you not
love me...you must love me...
                                                            
IDRIL crouches beside EARENDIL, tears falling freely from
her face onto his. She shakes his shoulders, whispers his
name, brushes hair away from his forehead - and his eyes
flutter open, unfocused but alive.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
Amme...
                                                            
IDRIL gasps and gathers him swiftly into an embrace,
crushing him to her, raining kisses on his cheeks and head.
Her back is to MAEGLIN, and so EARENDIL is the one who
slowly sees MAEGLIN's face twisting into a grimace of
hatred, moving toward them, dagger in hand.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
      (cont'd)
Amme!
                                                            
IDRIL turns and starts to move, but she will not be fast
enough to save EARENDIL.

P.O.V. IDRIL: The dagger descends, when suddenly another
blade flashes into view and strikes it aside. TUOR has
arrived.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Tuor!
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril, go!
                                                            
She scrambles to her feet, still clinging to EARENDIL, and
backs away - but she cannot leave TUOR. She stays pressed
against a nearby building, facing the city wall bordering
the street, watching.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
Go back and die!
                                                            

107.

TUOR says nothing. MAEGLIN draws Anguirel, the sword EOL
made long ago, and brandishes it with a half-insane smile.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
      (cont'd)
You can't kill me. You cannot win.
She belongs to me.
                                                            
                       TUOR
You belong to death.
                                                            
And they fight.

MAEGLIN is erratic, keeping up an unsteady guard, but with
flashes of brilliance and an utter confidence in his
father's sword. TUOR fights defensively, taking
opportunities when MAEGLIN presents them, so that MAEGLIN is
soon flecked with spots of blood all over - but he makes no
move of his own.

In the distance, there come the sounds of looting, killing
Orcs, and IDRIL pales - but she still cannot move, cannot
leave without TUOR.
                                                            
                       MAEGLIN
You see? They are coming to help
me.
                                                            
                       TUOR
Idril, GO!
                                                            
In the moment of TUOR's distraction, MAEGLIN lunges.
Anguirel scores a line of blood down the length of TUOR's
sword arm. IDRIL stifles her cry with her hand, and EARENDIL
gasps and presses closer to her.

TUOR drops his sword. His face is white. MAEGLIN laughs and
raises his sword for the killing blow - and TUOR comes up
underneath him, catching him in the chest with a blow that
sends MAEGLIN sprawling. TUOR kicks Anguirel from MAEGLIN's
hand, and hauls MAEGLIN to his feet. Bleeding freely from
his arm, he hurls MAEGLIN down from the walls, sending him
falling to his death on the plain below.

TUOR turns back to IDRIL and EARENDIL. IDRIL moves
instantly. She grabs his sword and sheathes it, leaving it
attached to TUOR's belt, and catches his uninjured hand.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
The tunnel isn't far off.
                                                            
Staggering, TUOR follows her.
                                                            
 

108.

EXT. GONDOLIN - OVERHEAD - NIGHT
                                                            
The city is in flames. MORGOTH's armies run wildly through
it, burning, slashing - but finding no people.

SAURON comes upon MAEGLIN's body. With a sneer, he kicks it
away from him.
                                                            
 
INT. TUNNEL - NIGHT
                                                            
IDRIL, TUOR, and EARENDIL come to the tunnel. CAMEGIL is
waiting there, torch in hand.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I thought I told you to go without
me.
                                                            
                       CAMEGIL
You did.
                                                            
Touched at his loyalty, IDRIL hurries TUOR and EARENDIL
inside. She and EARENDIL help CAMEGIL seal off the tunnel.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
      (re: TUOR)
He's hurt.
                                                            
CAMEGIL passes her some ointment, but TUOR has pushed
himself to his feet.
                                                            
                       TUOR
We need to get some distance
between us and the Orcs. Then we
can tend to my wound.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Tuor -
                                                            
                       TUOR
Beloved, will you listen to me for
once?
                                                            
IDRIL flushes and tucks away the ointment.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Then let me help you.
                                                            
TUOR nods, and IDRIL puts his arm around her shoulder,
taking some of his weight. EARENDIL falls behind with
CAMEGIL.


109.

After a few steps, TUOR reaches for IDRIL's hand, and she
catches it in her own.
                                                            
 
EXT. MOUTHS OF SIRION - DAY
                                                            
The refugees from Gondolin emerge, weary but relieved, into
the light of day, by the river Sirion. TUOR and IDRIL are at
the front of the column, arms still around each other.

ELWING, an Elven girl not much older than EARENDIL,
approaches them and bows shortly.
                                                            
                       ELWING
Do you come from Gondolin?
                                                            
                       TUOR
We are what is left of her.
                                                            
                       ELWING
Who leads you?
                                                            
                       TUOR
My lady wife and I do. I am Tuor,
son of Huor, and she is Idril of
Gondolin, daughter of Turgon.
                                                            
An expression of unmistakeable relief crosses ELWING's face.
She instantly drops to her knees before IDRIL and TUOR -
IDRIL lifts her gently.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
There is no need for that. Who are
you?
                                                            
                       ELWING
Elwing, daughter of Dior,
granddaughter of Beren and
Luthien. Menegroth has fallen as
well, and I am here with the
remains of that city.
                                                            
                       EARENDIL
You are their leader?
                                                            
                       ELWING
      (a bit archly)
Yes, and no one has questioned my
right to lead them!
                                                            
                       IDRIL
No one shall. I apologize for our
son, Earendil.
                                                            

110.

                       TUOR
Morgoth's reach is far if he can
take both Gondolin and Menegroth.
                                                            
                       ELWING
We are doing our best, but we
cannot survive on the run for much
longer. I am - I am too young to
be their leader. I want us to
survive, but I don't know how to
make it happen.
      (a plea)
Will you help me?
                                                            
                       TUOR
Take us to your camp, Elwing.
                                                            
Again, ELWING looks unspeakably relieved, and she bows low.
                                                            
                       ELWING
Thank you.
                                                            
They start off, following ELWING. IDRIL catches up with
TUOR, and they speak in hushed voices.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
So we build a new Gondolin?
                                                            
                       TUOR
No. Your father told me that it is
the people, not the cities, that
matter. Gondolin is lost, but
Elvendom is not.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
Then not a new Gondolin, but a new
world.
                                                            
TUOR nods. She takes his hand gently.
                                                            
                       TUOR
We can do it.
                                                            
                       IDRIL
I know.
                                                            
They pause on a hilltop, where ELWING stops and encompasses
with a wave of her hand a group of ragged but determined
Elves below.
                                                            
                       ELWING
There we are.
                                                            

111.

                       IDRIL
And here we are.
                                                            
She puts a hand on ELWING's shoulder.

The four of them - IDRIL, TUOR, EARENDIL, and ELWING - stand
on the hilltop, looking down at the makings of their new
world.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From Brad Smith Date 8/9/2006 *
Didn't mean to give it four stars.

From Brad Smith Date 8/9/2006 ****
Once again, I stopped reading because the dialogue seems so familiar...Oh yeah! It's been done 2,350,873,098 times (I'm keeping a running total). Make your own, original dialogue and story.


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