#amdir and anadriel

[tkwrtrilogy3]

Chapter IV: Darkness and Light (Pt. IV)

It did not take long for the whole of Menegroth to learn of the news. Êlengolas gave his blessing before Oropher could finish his proposal. As with all princes of the realm, the only approval that mattered was that of King Thingol. Remembering the time I was brought before him was still fresh in my mind; the anxiety lost to the joy of being with my beloved.

Before the moment could arrive, the realities of the world beyond our walls of stone had started to threaten more than our happiness. The presence of the naugrim began to become commonplace. Though the ladies of the court shown displeasure with them, they said very little except in whispers.

King Thingol had ordered guards to protect us; no corner inside or out went empty.  The last I would ever see Denethor was as he was leaving for Ossiriand for the last time. As he was walking away, he looked behind and waved at me with a quiet smile across his face.

As I was to take my leave, Elmo approached me.

Orothôn,” he began. “I wished to inquire about Oropher.”

“He is well,” I answered. “He is eager to marry Nimeithel."

“So he is,” Elmo said. “We should all share in his optimism.”

“I do not understand,” I said.

“These are perilous times,” he said. “I wish my grandsons did not have to see such times. Neither should their children. I blame myself.”

“Whatever evil lies in this world is not your doing.”

“No, but had I continued on the path, we would not be here.”

“We will face this evil and defeat it,” I said. “It is fate that put us here in this place; in this hour.”

Elmo nodded and walked away—his head lowered. I worried for him. I went to find Mîrwen. As I passed Oropher’s room, I noticed Eldôr leaving.

“I heard you asked for Valdúril’s hand,” I said to him. “Congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you,” he said smiling. “I wished the same to Oropher. He has little to worry about as always.”

He waved at Oropher and went on his way.

Oropher was putting on a crisp white shirt sewn with silver thread.

“Hello, Ada,” he said. “Are you looking for Nana? She is attending to Queen Melian.”

“I know,” I said. “It was you I wanted to see.”

“Is something the matter,” he asked.

“No.”

“What is it, then?”

I sat on his bed thinking about Elmo’s words.

“You will go before King Thingol for  his blessing.”

“I know,” he said, leaning against the post of his bed. “Eäros told me how it was for him. I am not afraid but I cannot speak for Eldôr.”

“I remember going before him,” I said without thinking. “For you, it will be different.”

“How different,” he asked curiously. “I am intrigued. Should I worry for Nimeithel?”

“No,” I answered. “But you are the son of the daughter of the King’s brother.”

“That means nothing to me,” he said softly. “I am nothing more than your son. It is all I know how to be.”

“That may be,” I began. “But that does not change what you are.”

“I am a subject of this realm,” he said. “I will inherit nothing nor do  I wish to. I desire nothing more than what I have.”

I knew my son did not care to hear any more. I remembered the words of Orowen before we came into Doriath and ones spoken before. I stood up and looked at my son.

“Your humility is your crown,” I said. “Your courage is your mantle. They will serve you far greater than any title.”

I embraced him tightly. I wondered how I had raised a son such as this.

I let him go.

“I will be waiting for you in the Great Hall with your mother. Do not be late.”

“I will not,” he said. “You have my word.”

**** **** **** ****

The Great hall was filled with elves. All around it was decorated with reminders of nature. The colors once lit by the stars were vivid and bright. The faces I traveled beside were more alive than I remembered. Mîrwen approached me; she was more beautiful than ever.

"How is our son,” she asked, a broad smile crossing her face. “Is he as handsome as his father?”

“Far more,” I declared. “But your flattery will not go unrewarded.”

I gently kissed her as the ceremony began. King Thingol and Queen Melian entered with Elmo and Orowen close behind. Once they took their places, Oropher, Amdir, and Eldôr escorted Nimeithel, Anadriel, and Valdúril down the aisle to stand before the king.

“Amdir, son of Galathil,” Thingol began. “You have chosen Anadriel?”

“I have,” he said.

“And Anadriel, you have chosen Amdir?”

“I have,” she said.

“Oropher, son of Orothôn,” Thingol continued. “You have chosen Nimeithel?”

“I have,” my son said.

“And Nimeithel, you have chosen Oropher?”

“I have,” she said.

“Eldôr, son of Valdôr,” Thingol said once more. “You have chosen Valdúril?”

“I have,” he said.

“And Valdúril, you have chosen Eldôr?”

“I have,” she said.

“Well,” Thingol said. “I say to you all, you have my blessing.”

No sooner had he said those words when an elf burst into the hall. He was disheveled and weary. Anadriel recognized him instantly.

“Eäros,” she cried.

Níndi ran to her husband as the room filled with gasps.

“What is this,” Thingol asked the breathless elf on the floor.

“I come from the Falas,” Eäros said. “I bring word from Círdan. It has been attacked.”

Queen Melian stood up slowly.

“It has begun,” she said.

“Beleg! Mablung,” Thingol called to two elves nearby. “Call to arms!”

They nodded quickly and left. I turned to Mîrwen—her eyes already filled with tears. I kissed her quickly and went with the rest of the elven men from court to take my place in battle.--TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 3-23-2019

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.

[tkwrtrilogy3]

Chapter VII: Darkness Falls (Pt. III)

I said nothing to Oropher about my vision. If he suspected anything, he said nothing. I put it out of my mind and life became routine once more. We heard little of the world beyond Doriath for a time that seemed longer than it was—when we returned to the realities of the world.

I was in the throne room with Orowen and Mîrwen early one morning before I was to meet Iarûr in the library.

“This younger generation of elves are so ambitious,” Orowen said to Mîrwen.

“Why do they wish to wait to start a family? Amdir wishes to follow Oropher’s example.”

“I do not know, Nana,” Mîrwen answered. “But I know Nimeithel agrees with her husband.”

“I have heard nothing from Anadriel,” Orowen said. “She keeps busy with Nimloth and Ëarmîr.”

“From what I understand, Nimeithel has her own hands full keeping up with Lúthien,” I added. “I do not know when she would find the time to start a family.”

“Have you not heard,” Orowen began. “Lúthien will have new accommodations soon.”

“New accommodations,” I asked curiously.

“On uncle’s orders,” Mîrwen said. “For her safety.”

“What could be safer than Menegroth,” I asked. “Are you sure you heard correctly?”

They nodded as Oropher approached with Celeborn.

“Good morning, Ada,” he said cheerfully.

“Have you heard of new accommodations for the Princess Lúthien,” I asked.

Celeborn looked down as Oropher sighed.

“I think you should come with us,” Oropher said.

I left with them for a short journey to a place where builders were constructing something around a tree. Overseeing the workers were Thingol, Elmo and both Galathils.

“This should keep my daughter secured and well-placed to have her ladies attend to her every whim,” I heard Thingol say. 

As he turned to leave, we bowed to him. 

“This should make things easier for Nimeithel,” he said to Oropher.

With that, he left with Elmo and his son.

“Galathil,” Celeborn said to his brother. “How are things?”

“Father was instructed to have me ensure things are done quickly and to the liking of the king.”

“May I ask what endangers the king’s daughter for him to go to such measures,” I asked.

“Love, I am afraid,” Galathil said. “What else is there?”

Oropher rolled his eyes.

“What is on your mind, son?”

“Nothing, Ada,” he said.

“Amdir and I overheard Saeros speaking to Iarûr,” Celeborn began. “Before you say it, Brother, I know it was bad form but they were in the hall in which we were walking.”

“You grow more like your wife every day,” Galathil said.

“As I was saying,” Celeborn continued. “Daeron informed the king of his daughter’s plans. I know not what they were, but I am quite sure it was her desire to follow the mortal on his quest.”

“Beren,” I asked. “How would anyone know where he is or if he lives?”

“There is no better way to know than to search,” Galathil said.

“So Thingol wishes Hírilorn turned into her gilded cage for her safety,” Celeborn added.

“That is rather extreme,” I whispered.

“These are dangerous times,” Galathil said.

“Made all the more dangerous by such a monstrosity,” Oropher added. “If she can get out of Menegroth, she will get out of this.”

“It is my duty to make sure that does not happen,” Galathil said sternly. “Our dear cousin is a bit unruly, as you well know.”

Oropher left abruptly and I went after him.

“Oropher,” I said as I caught up to him. “What is bothering you?”

“I can assure you, Father,” he began as he stopped walking. “Lúthien will not remain in that place for long.”

“How are you so sure,” I asked.

“There is nothing in this world that can keep the heart from what it will do for love, no matter how foolish.”

“It can be said to apply to a father for his daughter,” I answered. “We will do many foolish things for love.”

“Perhaps,” Oropher said more calmly. “But of two loves, only one will break its chains and change this world forever.”

He left me alone in shock at his words. Who was this man I called son and where were these profound revelations coming from?--TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 9-22-2019

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.

[tkwrtrilogy3]

Chapter V: The Coming of Time (Pt. II)

The walk to Menegroth was one of mourning—our heads bowed in silent procession. My thoughts were many; blurred by tears and heartache. How could I face Lothluin? What would I say to Valdôr’s son?

“How did he fall,” I whispered to Êlengolas. “How did Valdôr fall?”

“Bravely,” he whispered back. “That is all anyone needs to know.”

“What do I say to Lothluin,” I asked.

“Why is it your burden to bear, Orothôn,” he asked. “Let those that witnessed his death tell his wife and son.”

“You,” I asked. “Were you there?”

Êlengolas sighed deeply.

“I was,” he started. “It is my burden to bear. My daughter wed his son. Even now, I do not know if this ware will make either of my daughters widows but I have seen it make many—not the least of those, Lothluin. But I will do what I must. Valdôr was one of my dearest friends.”

I could hear him trying to hold back tears as spoke. I could not imagine what he had seen and I dared not ask him. We walked the rest of the way to Menegroth in silence. As we made our way toward the bridge, the distant sounds of howls and screams seemed to further destroy any hope we had left.

Galathil started to lead the few survivors of Ossiriand found alive—a small mingling of a few strong men, maidens and several elflings—toward the gates. We prepared to cross behind when a light illuminated the darkness from out of the West. King Thingol and Elmo ran through the soldiers to see. It was a flickering light with plumes as dark as a starless night rising into the Heavens.

“What is this,” Elmos asked his brother.

“It is the end of all of us,” King Things said. “Into Menegroth!”

We made our way across the bridge and through the gates as quickly as we could. Once inside, the ladies came to us frantically. In the confusion, Mîrwen found and embraced me.

“You returned,” she said.

“Yes, I said, dropping my sword. “I am one of the few.”

She looked at me—her eyes filling with tears as she followed my gaze to Êlengolas speaking with Lothluin. She fell into the arms of Valdúmîr. Mîrwen turned away.

“Is there word from the borders,” I asked.

“None,” she said. “I cannot bear the silence.”

I said nothing as my concern turned to Oropher. I knew we would both die of despair at the loss of our son.

“Go to Lothluin,” I said. “I will see you in our chambers after a while.”

Mîrwen nodded. I kissed her forehead and made my way down to the armory with the others. As I took off my armor, I somehow began to want to return to it. I sat down beside it on the wooden bench the length of the room. I felt a sensation foreign to me—a weakness ran through me and I desired to sleep as a newborn elfling. Êlengolas sat beside me looking as weary as I felt.

“How is Lothluin,” I asked. Even my voice felt tired.

“I know not her thoughts but her heart is broken,” he answered. “She waits for word of Eldôr with Valdúril. His return will give her hope.”

“It will give me some hope as well,” I said. “I know where he is, Oropher is not far. They are closer than brothers.”

“I believe they will return,” Êlengolas said. “They are too headstrong to die. Especially Oropher.”

I laughed—it seemed a lifetime since I had.

“True,” I said. “Oropher can be stubborn.”

“That is why I allowed him to marry Nimeithel. I knew with him she would always be safe.”

I smiled at Êlengolas. I put my hand on his shoulder.

“They will return.”

**** **** **** ****

Once I was bathed and dressed properly for court, I made my way towards my chambers. I thought of all the things I had seen in battle and wondered if there would come a time when such things would become only memory. When I reached the main hall, things were much quieter—only a few elves lingered near the gates. I turned to go to my chambers when I saw Iarûr and his wife Nimríel outside Finëar’s chambers.

“Is something the matter,” I asked. It had been some time since I heard from Finëar or his wife Nenduriel.

“You have nothing to fear, Orothôn,” Iarûr said. “Finëar is fine if but a bit rattled.���

“He was appointed to assist Iarûr in chronicling the war,” Nimríel said. “He has just returned from the western borders of Doriath.”

“Is that not where Oropher was sent,” I asked.

“I do not know,” Iarûr answered. “But I have not heard from my other chroniclers of yet. I suspect they will return soon.”

“We can only hope,” I said quietly. I continued on my way.

When I came to my chambers, I entered to find Mîrwen with Nimeithel.

“How are you, Nimeithel,” I asked her. She looked frightened though I knew the reason why.

“I was with Lothluin and my sister,” she began. “I cannot imagine how it must be to lose a husband.”

“And you will not know,” I said. “Nor will Valdúril. I know they will return.”

“Why are you so sure,” Mîrwen asked. “Is there word?”

“I know Oropher,” I said attempting to sound hopeful. “He is a strong and formidable warrior.”

“What evil did you see,” Nimeithel asked. “What evil will Oropher face?”

I did not want to tell her in fear of frightening both of them.

“They are strong, but he is stronger,” I said.

They stared at me—their eyes cutting through me like a sword through an orc. I could see my answer was less than acceptable.

“Orothôn, tell us what you have seen,” Mîrwen demanded sternly.

“What I saw I cannot describe in words you would understand,” I answered. “These creatures are beyond explanation.”

Nimeithel began to cry as Mîrwen comforted her. I felt guilty for saying anything at all. I sat down on the bed and watched them from across the room. The true horrors of Ossiriand were still fresh in my mind. I began to doubt my son would return. A knock came to our door.

“Enter,” I said, still deep in thought. It was Galathil.

“Orothôn, come,” he said.

I rose from the bed, looked at my wife and Nimeithel and feared the worst. We left quickly without a word. Once in the hall, we began walking swiftly toward the Great Hall.

“My son,” I began. “Is he dead?”

“I do not know,” Galathil began. “No one knows where he is.”

I stopped abruptly. Galathil motioned to me.

“What do you mean no one knows where he is?”

“He left his post,” he said. “Or that is what I was told.”

“What you were told,” I said angrily. “Who told you this?”

Galathil came to me.

“Amdir was with him and Eldôr at the start. Come with me, Orothôn. You may ask him yourself.”

I nodded and we continued on. Once we reached the hall, I realized a few elves had started to return from the borders. We found Amdir among them with his wife Anadriel.

“Go to my mother,” Amdir whispered to her. “I must speak with Father.”

She nodded and left us.

“What do you know of Oropher,” I asked.

“He left us not long after we were attacked,” he began. “He and Eldôr followed Aúrion to the southern borders.”

“Aúrion,” Galathil asked puzzled. “Was he not with Círdan in Eglarest?”

“No,” Amdir answered. “He came with Eäros. He collapsed by the gates.”

“What was he doing in battle then,” I asked.

“It was not fighting,” he said. “He was looking for anyone to go with him back to Eglarest.”

“With the blessing of Thingol,” Galathil asked.

“I do not know,” Amdir answered. “I only saw Oropher and Eldôr leave with him. Whether they were able to pass beyond the border I cannot say.”

I felt fear and anger—fear for Oropher’s well-being and angry at his actions.

“I need to find my son,” I said to myself.

“Where would you begin to look,” Galathil asked. “You have barely ventured anywhere save Ossiriand as it is. The Queen will not allow you to pass for such a journey. Not while those creatures remain anywhere near.”

“Then how would Aúrion get into Doriath or lead anyone out,” I asked, my voice growing louder. Before I could say another word, Celeborn entered excitedly.

“Ada,” he yelled, looking for Galadhon. He saw us and ran over. “Uncle, where is Father?”

“I have not seen him for some time,” Galathil told him. “Perhaps he is with your mother. What is wrong?”

“You must come outside,” he said. “There is something in the sky.”

“In the sky,” Amdir asked. “Are you mad, cousin?”

“Galathil saw it, too,” he answered.

“What is going on,” Elmo asked coming to us. “Celeborn, what are you going on about?”

“It is in the sky,” a familiar voice said. We looked to see Oropher standing with Eldôr.

“Oropher,” Amdir said smiling as he went to him. “Where have you been?”

I just stood there in disbelief.

“I told you they would return,” Êlengolas said as he passed on his way outside.

Oropher walked over to me and embraced me.

“You came home,” he whispered. “I knew you would. Come, see.”

I was too relieved to scold my only child. Out of curiosity, I made my way into the darkness. The world had changed. A faint light illuminated the earth with an ethereal glow. Without a thought, we walked beyond the gates and westwardly until we could see the light from what we would call the moon—rising slowly at the farthest point beyond where we had awakened. The faint sound of horns was heard and the rumblings that once shook us in tear seemed nothing compared to what would come to us not long after.

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.

[tkwrtrilogy3]

Chapter II: A Son is Born (Pt. II)

What seemed a moment showed itself to be greater; before long things changed even as the twilight lingered. Life beneath the starlight flourished. We had ventured only a short distance when we stopped again for our generation was giving birth to another. Oropher had no sooner been born when he had begun to crawl and then walk—spending time with Mîrwen and Orowen; oft with his new friend Eldôr.

I was speaking to Iarûr when Eäros approached us—behind him wandered Níndi. She had been enamored since she first laid eyes upon him.

“What word do you have for us, Eäros,” Iarûr said almost gleeful in anticipation.

“The Lady Nárwen has given birth, my Lords. To a son they call Amdir.”

“That is indeed good news,” I said.

“What news of Valdúmîr,” Iarûr asked. “Has she been blessed with a son as well?”

“No,” Níndi said shaking her head. “Girl.”

I remembered what Êlengolas once said and nearly laughed.

“Why Princess Níndi,” Iarûr continued. “You have grown quite a bit since I saw you last.”

She smiled shyly, hiding behind Eäros.

“A daughter,” I finally said. “How are mother and child?”

“They are as to be expected,” Êlengolas said as he approached with Valdôr. “Eäros, your sister seeks your company.”

“Where is Anadriel,” he asked.

“With Celebriel, of course.”

He bowed and hurried away with Níndi close behind.

“There is a coupling if I have ever seen one,” Valdôr said as he watched them leave.

“I am more concerned with whom Êlengolas’ daughter will wed,” I said mockingly.

“You heard,” he asked—a wide grin on his face. “She is the most beautiful elfling I have ever seen.”

“And what do you call this beautiful elfling,” Iarûr asked.

“Her name is Nimeithel,” he said proudly.

“Have you gone mad,” Valdôr asked.

“You amuse me, Valdôr,” Êlengolas answered. “It is a wonder seeing as you are hardly witty. If you must know, my daughter is well behaved and blessedly quiet.”

Iarûr, Valdôr and I burst into laughter. Êlengolas shook his head.

“Iarûr, Elmo wishes a word,” a voice said. It was Galadhon. Iarûr nodded and went on his way.

“Something the matter,” I asked him. His expression was pensive.

“Father is worried,” he confided. “He will not say why. We should have come upon uncle by now.”

“Does he think he has gone from this world,” Êlengolas asked.

“Perhaps he is in Eldamar,” Valdôr chimed in.

“He is hidden,” Galadhon said. “That is what mother says. Bewitched, perhaps. It is no matter. We shall remain here for now.”

We stood in silence awaiting a respite. It came in the form of three of the elves that had been with Eäros. They were at play with one another. Of their party there were three elven boys and two elven maidens.

“Have they told you nothing,” I asked. “For they saw Elwë last.”

“See that lad there,” Galadhon motioned, pointing to the taller of the boys. “He is Círdan. He said before uncle left them, there seemed a changed around them—like the air was no more. After a moment, they were alone.”

“Surely he remembers where,” Valdôr said. “How far away can we be from where he once was?”

“Perhaps,” Galadhon began. “If he knows he has yet to say.”

“I would give him time,” Êlengolas said. “They are young and came to us in fear.”

“May their memories come to them soon,” Galadhon said quietly. “This world is not long for a time of true darkness.”

**** **** **** ****

Returning home, I was shaken by Galadhon’s words. I looked at the stars—unnumbered points of light shining down on us, each one twinkling as they hung onto the shadow of Heaven that was the sky. I imagined each one fading away; to leave us in darkness.

I sat down beside a large tree and continued to stare into the sky. Before long, I found myself drifting into a familiar place I had never been before. There were scenes of joy and terror; love and hate—light and dark. Each moment in time as a thread that was woven together into a tapestry of hope and despair. As the scenes grew more vivid, I felt a tug on my arm that jolted me out of my visions. I turned to see Oropher standing beside me.

“Oropher,” I began happily. “Where did you come from?”

“From Nana,” he said. I looked up to see Mîrwen smiling at me. My worries faded at the sight of them. She joined me as Oropher became fascinated with a flower nearby.

“What has your mind wandering,” Mîrwen asked. “You seem lost.”

“It is nothing,” I lied knowing she knew better. “Just thoughts.”

“Galadhon told you of Elwë,” she said.

“Yes,” I conceded.

“He saw the coming of darker days,” she said.

“You know everything,” I said.

“I do not know everything,” she said. “I know my brothers. Galadhon’s wife is quick with child again. He worries for Celebriel. He very much wants to reach Eldamar soon, but it will not happen.”

“What do you mean,” I asked. Her face had become stoic and her voice low.

“Many shall never leave this world,” she began. “Not as they should. The lure of this world is too great.”

“What could be in this world anyone would want? I see very little to desire.”

“What lies beneath the earth can grown things that are sweeter than nectar. One taste can claim the should of anyone.”

I took her hand and kissed it.

“I am quite contend with what is above the ground. I have little desire for anything more.”

She smiled—her face becoming gentle once more. Our lips met and the world disappeared.

“Nana,” Oropher said, toddling over and falling into her arms. “Now, please.”

“Very well,” she said, cradling him in her arms. He curled up close as she began to feed him.

“Do you worry, Mîrwen,” I asked returning my gaze to the stars.

“I worry about many things,” she said. “But I fear nothing for the sake of our child.”

We sat together quietly until Oropher fell asleep. I rose and helped Mîrwen to her feet. Together we entered our home. Mîrwen placed Oropher in his cradle. When she turned to me, she kissed me. Together we sat down on our bed.

“You know I will protect you both with my life,” I whispered.

“I know, Orothôn,” she answered. “And I will protect you both with my life.”

We kissed again. When our lips parted, she looked at me knowing my every nee, want and desire. With great care, she leaned against the bed board as I lay my head on her lap. She stroked my hair until our son woke from his long rest.”--TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller 4-8-2018

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.

[iamjaynaemarie]

No sooner has Orothôn witnessed the joining of his son to his future daughter-in-law, does word come out of The Falas (aka The Grey Havens) of an attack. The longest war in all of Middle-Earth has begun.

Chapter IV: Darkness and Light (Pt. IV)

It did not take long for the whole of Menegroth to learn of the news. Êlengolas gave his blessing before Oropher could finish his proposal. As with all princes of the realm, the only approval that mattered was that of King Thingol. Remembering the time I was brought before him was still fresh in my mind; the anxiety lost to the joy of being with my beloved.

Before the moment could arrive, the realities of the world beyond our walls of stone had started to threaten more than our happiness. The presence of the naugrim began to become commonplace. Though the ladies of the court shown displeasure with them, they said very little except in whispers.

King Thingol had ordered guards to protect us; no corner inside or out went empty.  The last I would ever see Denethor was as he was leaving for Ossiriand for the last time. As he was walking away, he looked behind and waved at me with a quiet smile across his face.

As I was to take my leave, Elmo approached me.

Orothôn,” he began. “I wished to inquire about Oropher.”

“He is well,” I answered. “He is eager to marry Nimeithel.“

“So he is,” Elmo said. “We should all share in his optimism.”

“I do not understand,” I said.

“These are perilous times,” he said. “I wish my grandsons did not have to see such times. Neither should their children. I blame myself.”

“Whatever evil lies in this world is not your doing.”

“No, but had I continued on the path, we would not be here.”

“We will face this evil and defeat it,” I said. “It is fate that put us here in this place; in this hour.”

Elmo nodded and walked away—his head lowered. I worried for him. I went to find Mîrwen. As I passed Oropher’s room, I noticed Eldôr leaving.

“I heard you asked for Valdúril’s hand,” I said to him. “Congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you,” he said smiling. “I wished the same to Oropher. He has little to worry about as always.”

He waved at Oropher and went on his way.

Oropher was putting on a crisp white shirt sewn with silver thread.

“Hello, Ada,” he said. “Are you looking for Nana? She is attending to Queen Melian.”

“I know,” I said. “It was you I wanted to see.”

“Is something the matter,” he asked.

“No.”

“What is it, then?”

I sat on his bed thinking about Elmo’s words.

“You will go before King Thingol for  his blessing.”

“I know,” he said, leaning against the post of his bed. “Eäros told me how it was for him. I am not afraid but I cannot speak for Eldôr.”

“I remember going before him,” I said without thinking. “For you, it will be different.”

“How different,” he asked curiously. “I am intrigued. Should I worry for Nimeithel?”

“No,” I answered. “But you are the son of the daughter of the King’s brother.”

“That means nothing to me,” he said softly. “I am nothing more than your son. It is all I know how to be.”

“That may be,” I began. “But that does not change what you are.”

“I am a subject of this realm,” he said. “I will inherit nothing nor do  I wish to. I desire nothing more than what I have.”

I knew my son did not care to hear any more. I remembered the words of Orowen before we came into Doriath and ones spoken before. I stood up and looked at my son.

“Your humility is your crown,” I said. “Your courage is your mantle. They will serve you far greater than any title.”

I embraced him tightly. I wondered how I had raised a son such as this.

I let him go.

“I will be waiting for you in the Great Hall with your mother. Do not be late.”

“I will not,” he said. “You have my word.”

**** **** **** ****

The Great hall was filled with elves. All around it was decorated with reminders of nature. The colors once lit by the stars were vivid and bright. The faces I traveled beside were more alive than I remembered. Mîrwen approached me; she was more beautiful than ever.

"How is our son,” she asked, a broad smile crossing her face. “Is he as handsome as his father?”

“Far more,” I declared. “But your flattery will not go unrewarded.”

I gently kissed her as the ceremony began. King Thingol and Queen Melian entered with Elmo and Orowen close behind. Once they took their places, Oropher, Amdir, and Eldôr escorted Nimeithel, Anadriel, and Valdúril down the aisle to stand before the king.

“Amdir, son of Galathil,” Thingol began. “You have chosen Anadriel?”

“I have,” he said.

“And Anadriel, you have chosen Amdir?”

“I have,” she said.

“Oropher, son of Orothôn,” Thingol continued. “You have chosen Nimeithel?”

“I have,” my son said.

“And Nimeithel, you have chosen Oropher?”

“I have,” she said.

“Eldôr, son of Valdôr,” Thingol said once more. “You have chosen Valdúril?”

“I have,” he said.

“And Valdúril, you have chosen Eldôr?”

“I have,” she said.

“Well,” Thingol said. “I say to you all, you have my blessing.”

No sooner had he said those words when an elf burst into the hall. He was disheveled and weary. Anadriel recognized him instantly.

“Eäros,” she cried.

Níndi ran to her husband as the room filled with gasps.

“What is this,” Thingol asked the breathless elf on the floor.

“I come from the Falas,” Eäros said. “I bring word from Círdan. It has been attacked.”

Queen Melian stood up slowly.

“It has begun,” she said.

“Beleg! Mablug,” Thingol called to two elves nearby. “Call to arms!”

They nodded quickly and left. I turned to Mîrwen—her eyes already filled with tears. I kissed her quickly and went with the rest of the elven men from court to take my place in battle.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 3-23-2019

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.