Saeros of Doriath, The Proud Counsellor of Thingol

I was once considered among the proud Sindar of Doriath, A counsellor in the court of Thingol. Thingol was the king of Doriath, a hidden elven kingdom beneath the shimmering light of Menegroths thousand lamps. My name is Saeros, though I fear it will forever be spoken not with honour, but with contempt.

In my youth, I was a voice of wisdom, or so I believed. I took pride in my closeness to Thingol, the mightiest of the Sindarin kings, and I cherished the peace of Doriath which was guarded by Melians enchantments. I harboured hate in my heart for Beren and his descendants as they called in harm towards our dear Doriath.

When Turin, the son of Hurin, came to Thingols court, I saw him first as a curiosity questioning how a mortal can mingle freely among the immortal. He showed pride as if he were kin to the Eldar. He took advantage of the mercy of King Thingol and made himself renowned in court. He was favoured by Thingol, respected by Beleg and loved by many. His bravery, his dark and noble bearing the sorrow that shadowed his eyes drew others towards him. But I found him a mirror to all that I lacked. 

I mocked him first out of jest, or so I told myself. His rough ways, his silence, his grief made him strange to me. I could not contain my jealousy anymore. As days went by envy and hatred festered in my heart, waiting to be thrown at him. Every smile the king gave him was like a spear pierced through my heart. It was a painful reminder to me that I, who had served the king faithfully for years, was being overshadowed by a mere mortal. 

That day in the hall, I let the bitterness in my heart speak aloud. I shamed him before all, mocking his mother, mocking his kind and his birth. I knew I was being cruel but I had to wound him, make him feel as small as I felt. He struck me back in fury and my pride could not bear that. The laughter of others burned like fire in my ears.

Blinded by rage and and humiliation, I sought revenge. I ambushed him at dawn as he walked alone. Oh what a fool i was. I thought myself powerful but Turin was mightier. And fate had already set its dark hands on both of us. He stripped me and drove me forth naked through the woods. I ran while stumbling through thorns and stones, as I was driven by terror and my mind was unravelling.

And so I met my end. Not by Turins sword but by my own folly. While fleeing my humiliation, I leapt across the stream and fell upon rocks. Thus ended Saeros, counsellor of Doriath. I met my doom, not by an enemy but due to my envy and pride.

If any still speak my name, let them speak in warning
, that pride and jealousy can corrupt even the wise, and kindness withheld may return as tragedy.