#first age
An excerpt from the upcoming excerpt that premieres at midnight . @tkwrtrilogy3
Middle-earth March - Day 14
“She was (and knew she was) my Lúthien. I will say no more now.” Ronald Tolkien loved his wife Edith more than anything. The epic love story of Beren and Lúthien is inspired by Tolkien’s own love. He had to endure his own adventures until he was able to marry Edith. When she danced for him in the woods during his convalescence in 1917, that scene sparked the first meeting of the mortal Beren with the Elbe Lúthien.
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What a bliss to spend the Weekend at home, reading on the balcony and enjoying the sunny Spring weather! Reading Tolkien’s “The Lay of Leithian” featured in “Beren and Lúthien”, edited and published by Tolkien’s son Christopher.
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Middle-earth March - Day 27
“Unfinshed Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth” is a collection of Tolkien texts posthumously compiled, revised, annotated and published by his son Christopher in 1980. They are not coherent stories, but more of a collection of fragments.
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TRANHUNG Couture 2018
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DORIATH
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Gem Palace. Beautifully carved Moonstones.
THE SKY: Tilion was so delighted by Arien’s splendor that he burnt himself when he sought to be near her. Arien was baffled by this, for it happened more than once— though he knew well the consequences.
She tried to persuade him to stay back, to stay safe, for she missed the silver glow of the moon when he was blackened. Tilion obeyed her for a little while, but he could not be kept away for long.
The next time he came close to her, she gave him earrings of moonstone, so that he might always have a glow about him. He smiled.
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Venny Soldan-Brofeldt (Finnish, 1863 - 1945): A girl on the cliffs in Hanko (viaBukowskis)
#(a hadorian girl in sirion) (tag via @kareenvorbarra)
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“Stellarscapes” by Oriol Angrill Jordà
CUIVIÉNEN: She came to them in dreams, never summoned yet ever desired, and the elves loved her for her beauty and her light.
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THE SEA: The Music of the Ainur filled Salmar with something beyond his own imagining. He served Ulmo in caring for the sea, and with his horns, he brought the sea to life.
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J Spring 2015
VALINOR: When Ossë turned from Ulmo, she left the water. The currents were in turmoil, and she was sickened.
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Mikhail Vrubel
ELDAMAR: Elwing’s home was peaceful. She was often alone– which she didn’t mind– and the Teleri visited to keep her company.
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WILD WOOD: All they knew of the Powers from the West were vague, frightening rumors. When they heard that most of their kin had left to follow the Hunter, the Unwilling mourned.
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VALINOR: The destruction of the trees left Vána feeling older than she ever had before. She was silent, and flowers shied from her. The birds still sang, but they were mournful.
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DORIATH: There was something different about the woods today. The flowers that sprang about her feet seemed almost wary, and Lúthien was wary, too. So when a Man reached out to her from the shadows, she slipped away.
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Nida Azwer’s “The Ghalib Collection”
HAVENS OF SIRION: Elwing and Eärendil knew a safe future was no sure thing, but they would seek it out together.
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TANIQUETIL: The Vanyar have a special love for gold. It only stood to reason that gold would be one of the most precious of all metals in Middle-earth.
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he still has both hands in this one
Chapter VIII: The Rise of the Fall (Pt. II)
It was much later after Eöl had left that I learned why he ventured into Doriath. He was repaying a debt known only to him and King Things. Only a few days later would I learn more.
Iarûr had sent me on an errand to the armory to give a scroll to Finëar. Once I had arrived, I saw a familiar face.
“Ónarr,” I said, surprised. “I have not seen you since the dreaded war of the Dark Year.”
“Good to see you again, Orothôn,” he said as he took my hand. “Even one life spared among many lost is a blessing.”
“Finëar,” I said, handing him the scroll. “From Iarûr.”
“Thank you,” he said taking it and began reading.
“How have you been,” Ónarr continued. “My condolences to Eldôr on the loss of his father.”
“I will send word to him,” I answered. “It will lighten his heart to know.”
“I have not seen many of your kind for some time,” he said. “Not since the arrival of those new creatures.”
“You refer to the Atani,” I asked.
“If that is what you call them,” he laughed. “They are a cunning lot. They are quick-witted if I may add.”
“I am afraid my time with their kind is limited at best. I have not seen one in quite awhile.”
Finëar cleared his throat—I could tell he was bothered by our conversation.
“It says that the king wishes to place that gift for safe keeping in the armory,” Finëar said. “Has he gone mad?”
“I beg your pardon,” I asked.
“That sword Eöl gave to the king,” he answered. “Did he not tell you why you were sent?”
“I am afraid not, Finëar,” I said.
“You speak of Gurthang,” Ónarr asked.
“Come again,” Finëar asked him.
“The sword,” Ónarr answered. “The Elf-Smith Eöl forged it himself. I saw him do it with my own two eyes.”
“I am to assume you helped to create it,” Finëar asked glaring at the dwarf in disdain.
“My duties lie elsewhere,” Ónarr said. “Though I know my way around the fires, I am a master of stone. Mîm might have a notion.”
“There is a name I have not heard in a time,” Finëar said, calming down. “Was its creation ordered by Azaghâl?”
“If His Majesty requested such a thing be made, I have not heard of it.”
“I suppose you would not, Ónarr,” Finëar said. “I know much your time is sacrosanct these days. How is Finrod, if I may inquire?”
“Quite well,” Ónarr said. “He sends his greetings to you.
I sensed something unusual in his voice as it grew softer. I felt he knew something but wished to keep it from us.
“Orothôn,” Finëar said to me. “Tell Iarûr I shall harbor this sword for now. When I find a place for it, let he be the only one to bring it to me. I have little doubt that such a weapon in the wrong hands could be catastrophic. Especially one so forged by Eöl. Who knows what machinations go through his mind.”
I nodded. I looked again at Ónarr.
“It was a pleasure to see you again,” I said.
“For me as well,” he answered.
I turned and left. In the hall, I nearly ran into Saeros.
“Many pardons,” he said. “Has Ónarr left?”
“No,” I answered curiously. “He is with Finëar now.”
“Thank you,” he said hurriedly as he went into the armory. Something piqued my curiosity. I leaned against the wall in the darkness to listen.
“What word have you from Telchar,” Saeros asked. “Has he not forged many weapons of late?”
“Aye, he has,” Ónarr said. “Most of which I am not privy to though one such weapon is in the hands of one they call Beren.”
“Have you seen this Beren,” Finëar asked. “Where is he?”
“I would not know that,” Ónarr answered. “It has been a long time since I laid eyes on him. Where he was going he will not return.”
“I suppose not,” Saeros said.
“You wish to know about the King’s daughter,” Ónarr asked.
“You know where she is,” Finëar asked excitedly.
“I saw her once, but no more,” he answered. “She took to the wind you might well say.”
“Even the wind has direction,” Saeros snapped.
“So it does,” Ónarr quipped. “And neither she nor the wind were going in mine.”
“What are you doing,” a voice said. I turned to see Êlengolas. I put my finger to my mouth.
“Well,” Finëar continued. “Should either one find their way anywhere near you, I suggest you send word to King Thingol as quickly as possible.”
“I will gladly do as you command,” Ónarr said.
I quickly led Êlengolas down the hall into darkness as I heard footsteps heading toward the door. The three left the armory together without suspicion.
“You realize it is unseemly to listen to the private business of others,” Êlengolas said.
“When you stop doing it, then tell me again how unseemly it is,” I answered.
“Was that Ónarr of Nogrod,” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. “He has seen Lúthien.”
“When?”
“He did not say.”
“Orothôn, the whole point of secretly overhearing private business is to actually glean some useful information.”
“I believe she has followed Beren on his quest.”
Êlengolas looked at me, his brow raised.
“Could you be more specific,” he asked.
“Êlengolas.”
“Where else would she have gone,” he asked. “If such an event had happened, then she will return upon the news of his death.”
“You think a messenger from Angband is going to send her word to Menegroth saying, ‘We regret to inform you we have killed the beloved of the King’s daughter.’”
“It is Angband,” Êlengolas began. “They would not be so inclined to be courteous.”
“It is also a place no one returns from,” I said. “All I am saying is that she is still with us.”
“Not if she followed Beren on his quest,” Êlengolas said. “Do not tell anyone—especially your wife. She will tell half the ladies in the court and create a false sense of hope.”
“False sense of hope,” I asked.
“Yes,” he began. “If she indeed has followed him anywhere, there is little hope she will return. Not without him. Come, it is almost time for dinner.”
I sighed and reluctantly followed him toward the Great Hall. I could not help wondering what Ónarr did not say and how much he knew.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 11-28-2019
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.
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Chapter VI: The Second Awakening (Pt. I)
It did not take long for Súlwë to become accustomed to life in Menegroth. He was introduced at court under Nimernil though whenever he was with Oropher, he was called Súlwë.
The peace of the next few years gave way to the creation of the Elven Realms from the West to the Havens of Círdan to the East where Ossiriand for the fruit of life again. The darkness in the North seemed to have been silenced; as was told to us by Angrod. In the time of peace, I wondered if Oropher would start a family, but he remained more determined to wait. He knew better than I that this peace would not last.
When the sons of Fënor, Fingolfin, and Finarfin invited King Thingol to join them in the Feast of Reuniting, he decided against it even as the remaining elves of Ossiriand quickly accepted. He sent Daeron with Mablung in his stead. Iarûr told Êlengolas that it was to without complaint. Daeron did not wish to go but he was bound by duty to the king.
When they returned, Daeron spoke to no one but Thingol and the Queen. The court did not think on it long and the routine of daily life went on. On one occasion, I was with Oropher, Eldôr, Amdir, and Súlwë outside the palace. It was a crisp day—with endless blue skies; the sun beamed upon us with a subtle warmth over a gentle breeze. The waters fo the Esgalduin sparkled as the aquatic creatures created ripples made golden by the sun.
“What was it like in Alqualondë,” Amdir asked Súlwë.
“Before the battle, it was unlike anything you have ever seen,” Súlwë said. “It seems a lifetime since then. I wonder about my family. They must think I perished.”
“Did you know well the sons of Finarfin?”
“Yes, of course,” he smiled. “Their father married my sister Eärwen. There is a maiden among them. Her name is Altáriel. She was most beloved by my sister. Like her, she is the only girl of brothers.”
“She was left behind, then,” Oropher asked.
“Not her,” he answered. “She is quite headstrong. She is here with her brothers.”
“I wonder if we will ever see them,” Eldôr wondered aloud.
“Perhaps,” Súlwë said. “If only to visit their kin. Olwë, Elwë, and Elmo remain very close if only in spirit. I heard many tales of the journey even though like my sister I was born in Eldamar.”
“You did not miss much,” I said as I remembered Cuiviénen.
“I would like to see our home across the sea one day,” Eldôr said. “Father spoke of nothing of it all my life as if he had been there. I want to know if it is real.”
Amdir hit him in the arm.
“How can it not be real,” he asked. “Súlwë just came from there.”
“Is there more than Alqualondë,” Eldôr asked Súlwë.
“Yes, of course,” he said.
“Then I wish to see if the rest of it is real.”
We continued along the way when Súlwë suddenly stopped—his face frozen in a cold stare. We looked to see a group of elves walking toward us. As they came closer, I realized I had never seen them before. Most of them were fair-haired. Among them was the most lovely of elven maidens.
“Who are you,” Eldôr asked, taking a defensive stand with Amdir. “You are in the kingdom of King Thingol.”
One of the elves came forward to protect the most regal of them.
“It is alright, Legolas,” he said to his guard, motioning him to stand down.
“Many apologies for my companion. My cousin thought it best to send us with protection. I am Finrod, son of Finarfin. These are my brothers Orodreth, Aegnor, and our sister.”
“I am Altáriel,” she said. “You may call me Galadriel.”
They bowed to us.
“You are the one that sent Angrod,” I said.
“I did,” Finrod said. “He told us great things about His Majesty’s generosity.”
“How is Angrod,” I asked.
“He is well,” he answered. “He is attending to his uncle Fingolfin just now.”
“Come,” Oropher said. “I am sure His Majesty King Thingol will welcome you at Menegroth.”
Finrod smiled at us. We turned back toward Menegroth.
“It is good to see you again, Nimernil,” Galadriel whispered to Súlwë. “So far from home. My mother must miss her favorite brother.”
Súlwë said nothing. As we approached the bridge, we were met by Mablung and Beleg. Mablung greeted us.
“Finrod,” he said. “Good to see you again.”
“You as well,” Finrod answered.
“Legolas Greenleaf,” Mablung began. “What brings you so far away from your lord?”
“Turgon wished his cousins to have safe passage into Doriath,” Legolas answered.
There seemed an uneasy tension between them. Nonetheless, the remained cordial.
“You have done well,” Beleg said. “Shall we?”
We followed them across the bridge and into the gates of Menegroth.–TKWRT
Note to
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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Chapter V: The Coming of Time (Pt. III)
I do not know how long we stood watching this new light that outshined the stars rise higher and higher. It was hard to step away but I longed to tell Mîrwen our son had returned. I turned around and nearly knocked her over.
“Mîrwen,” I said, startled. She kissed me tenderly then smiled.
“Our son is home,” she began.
“I was on my way to tell you,” I said as I looked around. Oropher was nowhere to be seen.
“He has gone in search of Nimeithel,” Mîrwen said. “She will be most pleased.”
“Of course. As will Valdúril. Have you come to see what has risen?”
“I have come for you, Orothôn,” she began. “Though this new marvel beckons to us all. It is comforting.”
“It is,” I said, taking her hand. “But you are more so to me.”
I kissed her like the first time. Everything seemed as it was before we had come into Doriath. We made our way into Menegroth toward our chambers for what would be known as the first night
As we lay together not long thereafter, our moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Shall we let them enter,” I asked Mîrwen.
“What would you say,” she asked. “Would you send them away? It could be a matter of grave importance.”
“It also could be nothing at all,” I answered.
The knocking continued. Mîrwen rose quickly and put on her robe. She looked at me. I sighed and got up and did the same.
“Enter,” I said.
When the doors opened, Iarûr entered with Finëar.
“You must come to the court quickly,” Finëar said. “It is a matter of grave importance.”
Mîrwen laughed at me as two ladies entered and took her behind our dressing screen.
“How grave,” I asked.
“It is nothing,” Iarûr began.
“Then why are you here,” I asked, glaring at Finëar.
“Why are you not dressed for court,” Finëar asked.
“Because it is most inconvenient to go to bed fully clothed.”
Two elven courtiers entered and began to dress me.
“Has King Things called an audience,” I asked.
“He is with Queen Melian,” Iarûr began as Mîrwen emerged impeccably dressed.
“Is Mother and Father with them,” she asked.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Finëar said, bowing. “Your brothers as well.”
“They are in the Great Hall,” she asked.
“No,” Iarûr answered. “They are outside. Your son Oropher and his wife are already there.”
The sound of my son’s name piqued my curiosity.
“Oropher,” I asked as my dressers finished and left with the ladies.
“Shall we,” Iarûr said as he motioned to the door. Mîrwen took my hand and we followed Finëar and Iarûr out of our room and toward the front gates. I noticed how silent things were, save for the echo of our footsteps. I started to fear something was amiss.
“Something must be wrong,” I whispered to Mîrwen. She said nothing as we continued on our way. Once we reached the gates, the guards opened them. A flood of bright light rolled into the hall. I was afraid to go further.
“It is alright,” Finëar said. “It is only the light of the Daystar.”
Slowly we walked into the world that once existed under the light of many stars. It was now a world filled with vivid color. Above us, the sky was a light blue as the light of the Daystar blinded anyone that tried to look upon it. I looked around—I should see other elves anew—their features distinct and even more beautiful. There were elflings playing in the crisp green grass beneath the canopy of tall trees; their branches covered in all forms of leaves of many colors.
“Nana,” I heard Oropher say as he embraced Mîrwen. Beside him was Nimeithel—breathtaking as ever in her new role.
“How is my son,” Mîrwen asked.
“I could not be happier,” he said.
“What about you, Nimeithel,” I asked.
“I feel the same as my husband,” she answered.
“How is Eldôr,” I inquired. In the joy of the moment, I found myself thinking of Valdôr.
“As to be expected,” Oropher said solemnly. “He learned of his father’s passing before the rising of the Daystar. I cannot imagine what he or Lothluin must be feeling.”
We fell quiet for a time—our own vigil to our beloved friend. He died beneath starlight—his life given so others could see this day.
It was the first day and it was received with a bittersweet reflection of our existence in a world we were never meant to live. I thought of the stories of Eldamar. I wondered if it existed—did this light steal from it eternal life? Every one of us remained in the light of day until it made its descent beneath the horizon. It was then the familiarity of our first life returned as the stars began to peek out of the coming of night. The moon began another journey across the sky as we made our way into the palace.
A grand banquet was held in celebration of the coming of time. Now we would know the journey of our lives by the passing of day into night.
It was not long before we became accustomed to the day. The warmth of the Daystar we now called ’the Sun’ was a welcoming comfort from the coolness of the night. We learned to tell time with the passing of days. With the Sun and the Moon came seasons and weather.
One day, I was outside walking with Oropher—speaking of things in the early afternoon.
“Have you given any thought to starting a family,” I asked.
“I have,” he said smiling. “But I am hesitant of it.”
“May I ask why?”
“If you admit that Nana put you up to asking such a question.”
I laughed.
“Do you think I would have acted on my own volition?”
“No,” he answered.
“Then tell me, what keeps you from starting a family?”
Oropher sighed. I could see something weighed heavily on his mind.
“I had a vision,” he began. “I saw many things I do not comprehend.”
“What things,” I asked. I wondered if he had inherited his mother’s gift of foresight.
“I saw war,” he began. “Far worse than we have ever seen. There was death everywhere with the coming of another creature.”
“Creature,” I asked. I thought of the Orcs that I fought Ossiriand. “Such as the evil horde that came out of the North?”
“They looked like us but they did not live as long. Then I saw a wood far from here in the East. It was cursed.”
“A cursed wood,” I asked perplexed. “These visions are frightening but why would that keep you from starting a family?”
“That is what Nimeithel asked,” Oropher said.
“And what was your answer?”
Oropher looked at me—his face stoic.
“I told her I was told to wait.”
“Told by whom,” I asked.
“That is what I do not know,” he started. “All I know is they were adamant about and unwavering in their request.”
“It was just a vision, Oropher,” I said. “Do not let it determine how you will live your life.”
“Who is Taurëa,” he asked.
I stopped abruptly as a child rant through me. I had not heard her name for so long.
“Where did you hear her name,” I asked.
“In my visions,” he said. “Who was she? Did you not know of her?”
“I knew here,” I said. “She was the mother of Denethor.”
Oropher’s face lit up with curiosity.
“She was close to Grandmother, was she not?”
“Yes, she was,” I said. “What did she say to you?”
“She said only that great things will come of me. Then she walked into the wood.”
“The cursed wood,” I asked.
“Yes,” he said. “You know of what I speak?”
I nodded. I did not wish to tell him no more. I could see he wanted to know more but my rescue came in the form of Amdir and Eldôr.
“We were looking everywhere for you,” Amdir said as they approached.
“Yes,” I asked, relieved. “What is it?”
“We have guests in the court,” Eldôr said. “They have come a great distance.”
“From where have they come,” Oropher asked.
“From Eldamar,” Amdir said.
We stood there in shock for a time. We followed them back to Menegroth to greet the Eldar that had seen the home we never knew.
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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