Chapter IV: Darkness and Light (Pt. I)It was not long after that the world around us seemed to chang
Chapter IV: Darkness and Light (Pt. I)
It was not long after that the world around us seemed to change. Though we remained under the protection of the Girdle of Melian, the sense of foreboding grew like thorns in our hearts and minds.
As I emerged from my chambers, I nearly ran into Êlengolas.
“Êlengolas,” I said. His face was stoic. “What brings you here?”
“You do not know,” he asked. “Surely you have some idea.”
“I am afraid I am quite unaware. Has battle come to us?”
Êlengolas smirked.
“You honestly have no idea,” he began. “Have you not noticed your son has started to come of age?”
“I have,” I answered, feeling at ease. “So has Eldôr as well as your daughters.”
Êlengolas smiled, then laughed.
“Yes, they have,” he said. “They are quite lovely. It would appear their loveliness has not gone unnoticed.”
“What are you saying,” I asked.
“I am saying that your son has taken a liking to my daughter, Nimeithel.”
I stared at him for a moment.
“I am afraid Oropher has not said a word to me or his mother.”
“And why would he,” Êlengolas said. “He has yet to make his intentions known. He is much like you, Orothôn. Thoughtful and profoundly naïve.”
“I beg your pardon,” I asked, growing angry.
“You, my friend, see only the flowers, never the thorns. Eternally optimistic.”
“You say that like it was a flaw.”
“It is, but one that is tolerable,” he answered smiling. “For now, I would have a word with Oropher. My Nimeithel speaks of nothing but him.”
Êlengolas began to walk away.
“Where are you off to,” I asked.
“Off to find Valdôr,” he answered. “The trouble with daughters is that others have sons.”
I smiled to myself. It was true—I had not spent as much time with my son as I should or would like. I walked to his door and knocked.
“Enter,” my son said.
I walked in—it was much like my chambers in detail. I saw Oropher swinging a sword.
“What is this,” I asked.
He stopped and looked at me. He was far more a man than the child I remembered. He was strong in stature—his golden hair falling over his shoulders like a waterfall.
“What are you doing,” I asked.
“I am practicing,” he said. “Nothing more.”
“You are not going to war,” I said angrily. “I will not allow it!”
“Ada,” he began.
“Your mother will not forgive me if I lost you.”
“Stop,” he said, his voice deeper than it once was. “There are not enough elves to defend this land.”
“How would you know,” I asked. “Who said this to you?”
“We are no longer children,” he said. “Hard as you try, you cannot keep us protected from what evil will come. We have been training for some time now.”
“Who is ‘we’,” I asked, my voice ringing in my own head as it echoed throughout the room.
“Me and Eldôr,” he said softly. “Some others as well. Upon my request.”
“I did not give you permission.”
“I know. You would never allow it. I asked grandfather to ask his brother, King Thingol, and he said yes.”
I stared at my son. He was unrecognizable.
“Please, do not be angry with me, Ada. I did it for you.”
“For me,” I asked—my eyes filling with tears.
“I want to be there to protect you,” he said. “I know Nana would die without you. I could not forgive myself if I did nothing to save you and her.”
I walked over to him and embraced him. I never loved Oropher more if that were possible.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“I know,” he answered. “I love you, too.”
When I let him go, I thought of Mîrwen.
“Do not tell your mother,” I said. “Now is not the time.”
“No,” he agreed. “Not now. She has her mind on other things.”
“What things?”
“She has her mind on Nimeithel. I am quite sure.”
My mind returned to my meeting with Êlengolas.
“I just met Nimeithel’s father in the hall. He says she speaks of nothing but you.”
Oropher smiled, his face flushed.
“She does,” he asked.
“How do you feel about her, Oropher?”
He sat down on his bed.
“I am quite fond of Nimeithel.”
“I have known that for some time,” I said sitting beside him. “Since you were very young.”
“What should I do,” he asked. He was my son again.
“What does your heart tell you?”
“My heart wants to marry her but I know I must wait. Eldôr is in love with her sister Valdúril. I cannot imagine what their father must think of this.”
I laughed.
“I do not think you have anything to worry about.”
“So you will give your blessing,” he asked eagerly.
“Are you asking for my blessing?”
“I do not know,” he said.
When you know, then your mother and I will give you our blessing.”
“Thank you, father,” he said.
He lept from the bed and ran out of the room. I looked around. My world was changing—for the better and the worst.–TKWRT
Images: ©2012, 2013, 2014. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Hobbit: The Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies. All Rights Reserved
Sat, 16 Feb 2019 20:58:04
