#for my father
Newsfeed #111 February 28, 2019 (28 Nénimë)
The Day Is Finally HERE: The Final Re-Release of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil.
For now. After this 24-hour release, it will disappear to go into final editing. It is a book, after all. Writing the book for me was the easy part; going through over 1000+ pages to cross my ‘t’s’ and dot my ‘i’s’ is the hard part. Granted, doing the Elvish parts makes me pretty much insane. I did choose to do this so I’ll go on somehow.
This is for my father on what would have been his 88th birthday. He called The Saga of Thranduil his book. At that moment, I never felt so much pride in my life. It would be less than two weeks later he would die.
One Last Time
24-hours ONLY. In memory of my father.
Post link
Newsfeed #109 December 15, 2018 (15 Ringarë)
THELAST RELEASE–FOR 365 DAYS, ANYWAY.
I can’t say 2018 was a bad year. True, I lost my father in October but, aside from that, it was a very good year. Things have changed but not drastically–something expected after the death of a close family member. I have it on good authority that I must focus on doing this for myself or not at all. Those were my father’s last words of wisdom about Book II: The Saga of Thranduil; spoken two months before he died. He knew he was going to die. He knew I wrote my first book for him. He wanted this story to go on; to be shared with the world. Rather than wallow in sadness (like my family actually let me mourn–they were trying to kick me out of my house a day after he was buried), I will continue to write The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy until it is done.
Yes, after this release of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil (that will be available for one week), there will be no more until December 22, 2019. I would like to complete the extended version and make the final changes on this one. I also have two other volumes in this trilogy I would like to finish (on top of two standalone books). I am working with another writer on another series–for all I know, this thing will grow larger and perhaps other writers may come. One book opened up endless possibilities.
Anyway, this 3rd Anniversary Edition will have some changes:
- No Appendix: It requires extensive work now that there are additions from Book I (and it grows). However, I look forward to making changes and completing all online versions of it.
- The Table of Contents: It will be in the back of the book this time. As with the Appendix, it is a work in progress so it is possible the numbers will change before the final version.
I am fully aware that I may lose some followers due to the new Tumblr guidelines. I will hate to see you go–do what you have to do. I know that my heart will go on. ❤️ Besides, I’m also on WordPress if you wish to go there and read it. https://officialwptkwrt.wordpress.com
Now, for the moment everyone’s been waiting for (especially that high schooler that wanted to have something to read when they ran out of books):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1twuhNjKPNp8pX2kUBqG8vom0CU1O36S6
(you can also find the link here: https://tkwrtrilogy.wordpress.com).
Since there are more additions to both versions of Book II, at this juncture, I do not know when the extended version will be available in its next draft but I’m sure it will be in 2019*.
I don’ t know what 2019 will have in store for Thranduil and the Woodland Elves. It will feel strange to go into my first New Year without my father. But much like The Elvenking, I will survive.
*To be announced.
Images: © 2002. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. All Rights Reserved. © 2014. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. All Rights Reserved.
Post link
Newsfeed #107 October 29, 2018 (29 Narquelië)
NO: THAT ISN’T JUST A PRETTY PHOTO OF BARD; IT’S A NEW BOOK.
It has been a while–my father died on October 6 of this year so I was gathering myself together and of course getting myself into more trouble. I’m going to be tackling a lot of Middle-Earth History as you can see.
It is part of what has become the TKWR Trilogy Franchise (or so I’m told that’s what I am; go figure) because if you’ve been reading the actual TKWR Trilogy (Particularly Book II: The Saga of Thranduil), then you know on tiny line of the Bardings (descendants of Bard) are related by marriage to TheElvenking (via his wife Êlúriel)…yeah, it’s as complicated as it is straightforward.
You will be able to find that tale (that I’ve just begun) here: @oflordsandkingstkwrtbook
Yeah, with over 3000 views in 3 months for the Official TKWR Trilogy on WordPress (https://officialwptkwrt.wordpress.com) I believe the best way to honor my father now is to keep going. The Flagship Book (dedicated to my father) has spawned a revolution (and I’ve added another writer) that will be the legacy I leave behind as I am the legacy my father left behind.
(Yeah: For those just tuning in, this book is done–except for the last chapter “Thranduil Everlasting” which is in the epilogue of “Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen”)
Yes, I am looking forward to this and all other things I will bring to the world for my father and always in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien.
**Sneak Preview Coming 2019**
Post link
Chapter III: Doriath (Pt. III)
After dinner, Mîrwen decided to return to our quarters to see about Oropher. I decided to wander the halls of our new home. Its long labyrinthian passages seemed to have no end to them until another corner appeared to lead me elsewhere. At one particular turn, my journey was interrupted by Daeron.
“Are you lost,” he asked.
“I am not quite sure,” I answered.
“Well, let me be of service and help you find your way,” he said sharply. “These corridors can lead to places you do not want to go.”
“Of course,” I said, my curiosity growing. “I would not want to go where I am not welcome.”
“It is not that you are not welcome,” Daeron answered. “It is dangerous to roam Menegroth alone. One can easily disappear never to be seen again.”
We began walking toward a familiar hallway.
“If I may ask, what is it that you do for King Thingol?”
“Whatever his majesty wishes,” he said. “My main function is the keeper of lore.”
When we came to my quarters, we stopped.
“Is there anything else you care to ask me,” Daeron asked.
“No,” I answered. “Not at the moment. You will forgive me if I have offended you in any way. It was not my intention.”
“You have not offended me,” he answered. “If I may, I will take my leave.”
I nodded and he walked away swiftly. I wanted to return to discovering other caverns but I knew I needed to speak with Mîrwen. She had become more distant and it concerned me greatly. The guards opened our chamber doors. When I entered, Mîrwen was sitting by one of the vaulted windows I walked over to her and looked out. There were gigantic waterfalls flowing into a dark abyss—their roaring waters were a lullaby. Mîrwen looked at me. I could not find the words to say.
“How is Oropher,” I asked.
“He is sleeping peacefully,” she said.
“Very well,” I said. It was all I could think to say.
“Uncle is entranced,” she said.
“I beg your pardon?”
“He has fallen completely under the spell of his wife and queen.”
“Yes,” I said perplexed. “They seem quite enamored with each other.”
She glared at me.
“Why does this not bother you?”
“Why does this bother you,” I asked. “You will excuse me if I find no fault with it.”
“Of course you would find no fault with it. Why would you?”
“That is the very question I should ask of you,” I answered.
“You only see what you want to see, Orothôn,” she growled. “Can you for once see what I see?”
“No,” I yelled. “I cannot see why you see! I am quite thankful for that! What is wrong with your uncle being in love with his wife, Mîrwen?”
“She is not one of us,” she said.
“What does that mean,” I asked. “What does that have to do with love?”
“Queen Melian is a maiar,” she said.
I looked at my beloved and wondered what she was talking about.
“Oh,” I said. “That changes everything.”
“You do not know what I am saying.”
“Mîrwen, you are my wife,” I began. “Of course I do not know what you are saying.”
“I never thought they existed,” she said. “I thought they were tales told by my mother to explain the creation of the world.”
“So they exist,” I said, “We can move on to other matters.”
“What would their children be,” she asked ignoring me.
“I would think they would be small at first, then grow as any other child. What does it matter?”
She stood up and came to me.
“Why does this not bother you, Orothôn?”
I looked at the wonder in her eyes.
“You want to know why it does not bother me,” I asked.
“Yes,” she answered.
“Because I do not care.”
She frowned at me and I smiled at her.
“Be happy for him,” I said. “The nature of being has little to do with how we love; much less with whom.”
“I suppose you are right,” she whispered.
“Of course I am right,” I answered, embracing her.
“There is always a first time for everything,” she said.
**** **** **** ****
We were alone together—lying in our bed holding one another for the first time within the walls fo a palace. Oropher was no longer sleeping at the end of our bed to hear his parents wisher their love to one another.
As we lay, our chamber doors flew open startling us. It was Êlengolas and Valdôr.
“Orothôn! Mîrwen!”
“Valdôr, what is this madness,” I asked.
“Celebriel is about to give birth,” he answered.
“If you would be so kind,” Mîrwen said.
“Oh,” Êlengolas said. “Of course.”
They stepped out of the room. She turned to me and kissed me.
“I will see you later,” she said. “We have much to talk about.”
She got out of bed and covers herself with her robe and rang for the servants. They came quick and left
“You could have spared me the lurid details,” he said ringing the servants. He grabbed my robe and threw it over my shoulders.
“I apologize, but you do realize this is my bedchamber?”
“We are expected in an audience with King Thingol.”
Suddenly, several elves entered and dressed me in white and silver chain. When they were done, they dispersed.
“What is this,” I asked.
“That is what will protect you in battle if it comes to it. Come, now.”
I started to feel afraid for the first time in my life. By the time we reached the throne room, it was filled with elves. Among them were Valdôr, Fineär, Galadhon, Galathil, and Denethor. Elmo stood by the side of the throne awaiting the king. When he arrived, all fell quiet.
“Darkness surrounds us,” Thingol began. “It wishes to destroy this world and all within it. We must protect all that is good and pure; as the first-born of Eru Ilúvatar, we must prevail. Go and make ready for that day—for it will come.”
At the command of the guard, we followed our masters out of the palace, across the bridge and upon the training field. As we learned many techniques, I came to prefer the bow to the sword. Êlengolas would master everything and seem to delight in being a quick study.
Valdôr seemed overwhelmed though he managed to form a more strategic way to fight; one that depended more on his wits and less on hand-to-hand combat. After our first lesson, I looked forward to the next.
Upon our return to the palace, there was excitement in the air. Mîrwen came to me. She looked at me in horror.
“What is the matter,” I asked.
“You are dressed for war,” she answered.
“Not yet,” I assured her. “Tell me, what has everyone running about?”
“Celebriel has given birth to a son,” she said flatly.
“That is wonderful. What is he called?”
“Celeborn,” she said. “His name is Celeborn.”
With that, she turned and walked away. I knew the thought of me going to fight in a war had stolen from her any joy she might have had. As the hall emptied, I noted Oropher with Eldôr, Nimeithel and another elfling. She was an unusually beautiful child with the fairest of skin and the darkest of hair.
“Orothôn,” I heard Denethor say. “Did you hear of Galadhon’s son?”
“Yes,” I said. “Who is that elfling with Oropher?”
“That is the daughter of Thingol and Melian. Her name is Lúthien. Come. Time to get out of this chain.”
I followed him away but I could not get that name out of my mind—Lúthien.–TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller 11-11-2018.
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.
Post link
Chapter III: Doriath (Pt. II)
As we walked toward the distant tree line, I noticed the world around us. It seemed to change before my eyes. The colors were more vivid than ever before as the starlight burned brighter. Shapes became shadows as we passed by figures of nature. I felt things unknown lingering in the darkness. I felt a tug on my robe.
“Ada,” Oropher chimed as he struggled to keep up. “I am afraid.”
I picked him up and he put his arms around and buried his face into chest. Mîrwen looked at me—her eyes filled with fear. She took hold of my other hand tightly as the low hum of voices began their familiar tune. The closer to our destination we came, the louder the voices.
We walked together slowly—every step anticipating a remarkable moment that would reveal paradise or send our souls into darkness. I could feel my heart rising into my throat and my thoughts failed me when our march ended abruptly at the edge of the forest.
“Aúrion,” Eäros called as he came forward with another of his kin. They stood quietly before us looking or listening for someone. Suddenly several elves came out of the trees armed with strange accoutrements I would come to learn were weapons of war.
They whispered among themselves briefly before one elf emerged. He was nearly ethereal—his long golden hair framed a shocking face as strong as it was delicate. He bowed to Elmo and Orowen.
“We have been expecting you,” the elf began. “Your brother the king awaits you. I am Daeron. If you will, follow me.”
Elmo nodded and we followed him into the forest. In an instant of crossing the threshold, there was an overwhelming feeling of calm. There was an enchanting beauty far different from when we came. I wondered if we had finally come into Eldamar. There were creatures I had never seen wandering beneath a canopy of mystical treetops. Higher still, the Heavens seem to shine brighter for the light of the stars were as countless lanterns of endless light.
Beneath our feet the ground was soft; we walked on air. Our journey seemed worth the years of unknowing. Before long, I noticed a familiar face.
“Greetings, my friend,” he said joining me. “It has been quite some time.”
“Denethor,” I said. “You are here?”
“I am,” he answered. “I wished to see you to King Thingol.”
I was happy to see him again but I felt there was something he was hiding. I said nothing—I did not want to alarm my family.
“How is Arethuil,” I asked.
“She is well,” he began. “We have little ones of our own. Who do you call your son, if I may inquire?”
“He is Oropher,” I said proudly.
Oropher looked at Denethor—inspecting him carefully. When he approved, he nodded.
“Oropher. What a noble name,” Denethor said. “Fit for a king.”
I smiled as we continued on our way. Mîrwen said nothing—her mind elsewhere. When we came upon a long stone bridge over a powerful raging river, two guards stood ready to lead us across to the magnificent gates that secured all that lived within.
Slowly we mad our way across—a band of wanderers hardly prepared to meet anyone, much less a mighty king. As we moved closer to the gates they were opened to us. The halls were dim—lit by lanterns throughout save the Great Hall of Thingol. It bore the light of lanterns with the natural light of the stars high above. The breath-taking elegance was made greater by the appearance of Elwë known as King Thingol.
He wore a robe of sliver and white. It was in this light I could see the beauty of my kin around me. He came to us joyously.
“Elmo,” he said embracing him. “How I have missed you. Orowen.”
She smiled and paid obeisance as the rest of us did obediently.
“It is good to you again,” Elmo said. “If not in Eldamar where our brother resides. I must ask what reason have you found to stay?”
Thingol motioned to Daeron. He left us as Thingol’s smile grew wider. He turned a glance to his left as Daeron returned escorting the most beautiful creature anyone had ever seen.
“This is my wife and queen, Melian,” Thingol said taking her hand and kissing it.
“Welcome to Menegroth,” she said. Her voice had a sound from eternity that rang from a knowledge of time. She had long dark hair and eyes of a color that could not be described as they defied all things earthbound.
“You must be tired and hungry,” Thingol continued. Daeron, show my brother and his court to their living quarters. Once you all have rested, we shall feast.”
Daeron once again led us away. The few of the court—made up of Iarûr, Êlengolas, Valdôr and their households—came with us. In that, I felt better about making this my new home. After traversing through endless stone paths, we were shown our quarters. Guarded by two elves, they opened the doors and we entered. The ceilings were vaulted—carve with such detail I wondered how the artisans found the time. There was a very large hearth and fireplace beside a wardrobe. To our delight, a door beside our bed let to another room for Oropher.
“Shall I take Oropher to bed,” I heard Amareth say.
I looked to see that Oropher had fallen asleep. In all the enchantments I hardly felt him in my arms.
“Thank you, Amareth,” I said handing him to her. When they were gone, I turned to Mîrwen. She was sitting at the end of the bed looking into the hollow fireplace.
“Talk to me, Mîrwen,” I said joining her.
“She is quite beautiful,” she began softly.
“Queen Melian,” I said. “She is.”
“She is not one of us,” she said.
I did not say a word to her. I touched her face gently. She looked at me. I could see she wanted to speak but I shook my head. I kissed her lips.
“We will speak after dinner,” I whispered. She nodded and put her head on my shoulder. Before long, servants arrived and dressed us for dinner. When we were ready, we left our room and made our way through the winding paths to the banquet hall that was even more magnificent than the throne room.
The table was the length of the room and elegantly dressed with plates and utensils of the finest craftsmanship. Everyone was present—including Denethor and Arethuil. We sat near them as well as Galadhon and Celebriel who was visibly with child.
“When are you due,” Arethuil asked her.
“Quite possibly after dinner,” Galadhon teased.
“That would be far too much to wish for,” Celebriel said as she sat down. “But I know he will come into this work inside the safety of this palace and for this I am grateful.”
Before another word could be said, Thingol and Melian entered the hall with Elmo and Orowen. We stood for them. Once they were seated we sat down to be served. Galathil and Nárwen found themselves near us.
“Where is Níndi,” Mîrwen asked Galadhon. “I have not see her since we came into Doriath.”
“I suspect she is with Eäros,” Galadhon answered. “She thinks her father is unaware of her love for him.”
“So you approve of him,” I asked as Êlengolas, Valdôr, Finëar and their wives joined us.
“Do I have a choice,” Galadhon asked. “I have little control over the heart. I think her too young to marry but her mother thinks otherwise. I am not fool enough to disagree with my wife. I must live with her for eternity.”
“You are wise,” Celebriel said smiling.
“Tell me, Denethor,” I began. “You have children, you say?”
“Yes,” he said. “A boy and a girl. They are young; not quite old enough to be betrothed.”
“Be thankful,” Êlengolas said. “I have girls and I wish nothing more than for them to stay as they—repelled by boys. Though I believe my Nimeithel has found a friend in Orothôn’s son Oropher.”
Mîrwen laughed for the first time in a long while. That made me smile.
“I am curious as to why you are so far from where we last saw you,” Galathil asked Denethor. “What brings you into Beleriand?”
“Something lingers in darkness,” he said softly. “I cannot say what it is but for the safety of my people I asked for refuge and King Thingol gave it willingly. For that, I am indebted to him.”
“What darkness,” Valdôr asked curiously. “What else is out there but elves?”
“Not just elves,” Thingol said from end of the table. I wonder how he heard us. “There are many things out there beyond these caverns. Some are harmless and some wish to do harm. The world is changing and it grows darker. But for better or for worse I remain here for there are some things in this world greater than fear.”
He took his wife’s hand and kissed it. I turned to Mîrwen—she was no longer smiling. Everyone at in silence.–TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller 10-27-2018.
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.
Post link
