#elven princes
Chapter IV: Darkness and Light (Pt. III)
I walked into my chambers to find Mîrwen with Valdúmîr and Lothluin chatting among themselves on the stone-carved benches.
“Orothôn,” Mîrwen said excitedly. “Have you heard? Eldôr has asked Valdúril for her hand.”
“That is wonderful news,” I said. “And Êlengolas has given his blessing?”
“You know Êlengolas,” Valdúmîr began. “He cannot help himself. He frightened the poor lad nearly to death.”
“My son wondered if he was worthy of his daughter,” Lothluin said.
“Well, then,” I started. “I know what to expect.”
“What are you saying,” Mîrwen asked, her eyes growing larger in anticipation.
“Your son wishes to marry Nimeithel.”
They stared at me—their mouths agape, frozen
“I thought you would be delighted, Mîrwen,” I said, perplexed.
“I am,” she said glancing at Valdúmîr. “We are.”
“Êlengolas is quite fond of Oropher,” Lothluin said smiling. “He speaks highly of him in court quite often.”
“He does,” I asked curiously.
“Valdôr says as much to me,” she said.
“Will you give your blessing, Mîrwen,” I asked.
“You know I will.”
“What
She rose from her seat and stood before me.
“You will have our blessing,” she began reverently. “Mine and my husband’s.”
Without another word, she left our chambers in a graceful trance. I was bewildered by her actions. Quickly, Lothluin rose.
“I must attend to my duties,” she said. “I will see you again.”
Once she was gone, I looked at Mîrwen.
“Valdúmîr has always been fond of our son, Orothôn,” she said. “Nimeithel is a perfect match for Oropher. Mother has told me King Thingol and Queen Melian will give their blessing as well.”
I had almost forgotten my son was born a prince in the household of the King’s brother.
“Of course,” I said sitting beside Mîrwen. Of
“You think so little of your friend to suggest his motives are not honorable?”
“No,” I began. It is not Êlengolas I question. It is you.”
“I beg your pardon,” Mîrwen yelled. “You question me?”
“Have you told Oropher what he is?”
“I am quite sure he knows.”
“Are you,” I asked.
She thought for a moment then nodded.
“He does not know, does he?”
She shook her head. I leaned back against the wall, the sound reverberated in my ears. I knew Oropher to be wise—perhaps he had discovered his position in the court. I decided to say nothing for the time being.
**** **** **** ****
Not long thereafter, as I was preparing for battle alongside Élengolas and Valdôr, I made my thoughts known.
“I understand you have given your blessing to Eldôr to wed Valdúril.”
Valdôr stopped advancing, allowing his sparring opponent to fall. Êlengolas continued on.
“I have,” he said. “What
“You have not frightened him as you have Eldôr,” Valdôr asked.
“I am waiting for my chance,” Êlengolas answered as he put down his opponent. “Unless Oropher is afraid. It is understandable.”
“I hear you speak quite highly of him in court in my absence.”
“I do,” Êlengolas said coming over to us. “Why would I not? He is quite the warrior.”
“He is the grandson of the King’s brother,” I said.
He gave me a menacing look.
“So he is,” he said. “That is not the reason I speak highly of him, Orothôn. His skills for battle are formidable. As your friend, I would be greatly disappointed if you thought his rank was the reason I would give my blessing for my daughter to marry your son.”
I began to regret my words—I could see Valdôr with his head looking at the ground.
“Forgive me,” I said softly. “I would never accuse you of dishonor.”
“You want to know if Oropher knows he wishes to wed a commoner?”
“Êlengolas,” I began.
He started laughing—much to my surprise. Valdôr lifted his head; his face relieved.
“I would never say an unkind word about Nimeithel,” I said, feeling foolish. “There are not to be said.”
Êlengolas put his arm around my shoulder as he tried to contain his laughter.
“Êlengolas, you are horrible,” Valdôr said.
“I could not be so horrible,” he answered. “I am allowing your son to marry Valdúril. Orothôn, rank or no, it would be an honor and a privilege to have your son marry my daughter.”
“I feel the same about Nimeithel,” I agreed. “They are a wonderful match.”
“So I have heard for centuries,” he quipped. “But my daughter knows her heart and I know my daughter. You have raised a noble son that will and protect her. That is all that matters to me.”
I embraced my friend. I felt all fear and doubt leave my body. When I released Êlengolas, he was smiling.
“Both of my daughters are happy and I am happy for them.”
As we were preparing to return to the palace, there came a rumbling beneath the earth stronger and louder than it had ever been.
“The time for battle grows ever closer,” Valdôr said.
We continued on our way. I could not help but look around at all the elves following us into Menegroth. I was searching for Oropher. My heart
“She said ‘yes’, Ada,” he whispered.–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.
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