Chapter II: A Son is Born (Part IV)“It was not until later I would have a moment to speak with

Chapter II: A Son is Born (Part IV)

“It was not until later I would have a moment to speak with Mîrwen. My mind lingered on what Valdôr and Êlengolas had said and I had questions she could answer. As I entered our home, Mîrwen and another elleth were trying to dry Oropher after his bath. When he saw me, their task proved futile.

“Ada,” he said running to me. “We saw a wilwarin!”

“You did,” I asked as he leapt into my arms.

“Yes, and it went up,” he said pointing upward barely missing my nose.

“Amareth,” Mîrwen sighed. “Please.”

The golden-haired maiden rose up and came to retrieve my wet son from my arms. I sat in the corner watching them prepare Oropher for the night—with great trouble. I tried to keep my amusement to myself but was given a sharp glare from Mîrwen.  When Oropher was in his nightclothes, Mîrwen stood up and motioned for me to follow her outside as Amareth put our son down.

“I see my struggles amuse you, Orothôn,” she said beneath her breath.

“On the contrary,” I said trying not to laugh. “I found our son’s exuberance entertaining.”

Mîrwen gave me such a look, I could feel the point of a blade run through me.

“What have you done save wonder about with Valdôr and Êlengolas.”

My mood began to turn as dark as hers.

“What I did was learn what you failed to tell me, Mîrwen.”

“What have I failed to to tell you,” she asked. “You are my husband. I tell you everything.”

“Except that we are not leaving this world.”

She looked puzzled as she sat down on a seat I made for us.

“ I do not understand.”

“You did not know Círdan had left seeking Elwë?”

“No,” she said. I could tell she was telling the truth—she looked worried.

“Valdôr told me that Elwë lingers in this world and your father knows where he resides.”

He has said nothing to me nor a word to Mother.”

“Nothing to Galadhon or Galathil,” I asked as I sat down beside her.

“I would not know, but they do not seem to know any more than I do.”

“Forgive me,” I whispered. “I am sorry I doubted you.”

She smiled.

“You are not sorry about my trouble with our son.”

“How could you think I would find that amusing?”

“Orothôn.”

“Perhaps a little,” I said. I kissed her. “Very little.”

Just then, Amareth emerged from our home.

“Oropher is sleeping, My Lady,” she said.

“You are dismissed for now,” Mîrwen said. I will call upon you at his rising.”

She bowed to us and left swiftly.

“Might I inquire about his maiden?”

“You might,” Mîrwen began as she rose and took my hand. “For now, I wish to spend some time with my husband.”

I followed her inside. Behind a divider, she paused to kiss Oropher’s forehead as I prepared for bed. Shortly, she appeared on the opposite side of the divider and joined me. I took her in my arms.

“I am afraid, Orothôn,” she whispered.

“What frightens you?”

“I fear what comes,” she answered. “What will become of us should we linger in this world?”

“Tell me what you see,” I said . Her eyes were filling with tears and her lips quivered.

“Darkness and death,” she said crying softly. “I do not want to live in this world without you.”

“I would never leave you and Oropher,” I said wiping her tears away. “I could never leave you, Mîrwen.”

“Not on your own,” she sobbed. “Someone will take you from me.”

I held her closer—desperately trying to console her.

“Mîrwen,” I whispered. “Please.”

She looked into my eyes as she tried to smile for me. Our lips met between wisps of anticipation.

“Orothôn, take these thoughts from me.”–TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller 7-12-2018

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.