#galathil and galadhon

Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. V)

“I love you,” Mîrwen whispered to me at long last.  

I had found myself staring at her face while she rested for a time.

“I am glad,” I said. “I love you, too.”

“Are you as happy as me,” she asked.

“I am not sure,” I said. “I do not know how happy you are.”

She kissed me tenderly and I felt a quaking run through my body.

“I am extraordinarily happy, Orothôn,” she said quietly.

“Then I am afraid I am far happier than you, Mîrwen.”

She smiled—her eyes seemed to sing to mine a love song only I could hear. Our gaze seems to take us away to a paradise beyond what was promised until it was disrupted by an elven maiden I did not recognize coming into our sanctuary. 

“Many pardons,” she said. “I was set by the Lady Orowen.”

“Nárwen,” Mîrwen said. “You have not yet met Orothôn. Nárwen is the wife of Galathil.”

I nodded uncomfortably as I had not risen to cover myself properly.

“I was present at your joining,” she began. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I said softly as I tried to keep myself covered.

“What does mother want,” Mîrwen asked.

“She only said to send for you and your husband,” Nárwen said. “There are whispers among the Eldalië. I do not know what they are saying but it must be of great importance if it concerns Elwë.”

“Tell my mother and father we will come shortly, Nárwen,” she said, her voice trembling.

Nárwen bowed and left quickly.

“You are worried,” I said.

“Yes,” she whispered. “I know what is on the lips of the Eldalië.”

“Do you wish to tell me,” I asked.

“You have seen one whose sadness lingers in your mind even now,” she answered, as her gaze on me felt chilling. I did remember the maiden with pain in her eyes.

“The one that walked with your mother,” I said.

“She is Taurëa, wife of Lenwë,” she said. “Their son is Denethor. He is close to my brothers. Not all is as it seems, Orothôn. Not all of the Eldalië wish to go beyond the mountains.”.“Êlengolas spoke of that,” I remembered. “Long before we left the shores of Cuiviénen.”

“Many of us did leave,” she said. “There are some that remained. Something has hardened the heart of Lenwë causing discord between father and son.”

“I can see how that would pain Taurëa,” I said thinking.

Mîrwen took my hand and kissed it. She looked at me; her eyes full of tears.

“What will become of us, Orothôn,” she asked.

“Whatever comes, we will face it together,” I whispered as I kissed her forehead.

**** **** **** ****

Once we were ready to leave our sanctuary, we emerged to an eerie calm. Nothing seemed out of place. Couplings surrounded the trees as we made our way to a sparsely occupied place where my new household held audience. When we were noticed, Galadhon approached us with another elf close behind.

“Orothôn,” he began. “I do not believe you have met Denethor, son of Lenwë.”

“No,” I answered, bowing to him. “It is an honor.”

“For me as well,” he said gleefully, turning to wife. “Lady Mîrwen, you are looking more beautiful than before. Love agrees with you.”

“And with you,” she answered. “May I inquire about Arethuil?”

“She is with Mother,” he said, his demeanor changing. “Both are with Orowen.”

“Then I shall join them,” Mîrwen said. “I will leave you to your ways.”

Galadhon and Denethor bowed as she left my side. I felt lonely—even with Galadhon standing beside me.

“Come, Orothôn,” he said. “As one of us, it is your right and obligation to attend council.”

We made our way toward a clearing the forest where I could see Elwë, Elmo and Lenwë sitting with other elves—Galathil among them. As we grew closer, we heard discussions.

“We must leave as quickly as we can,” Elmo said. “Beyond these mountains above us lies our path to Eldamar.”

“I do not understand why we must hasten westward on hope alone,” Lenwë argued. “If it was of urgency, we would have followed Ingwë, Finwë and your brother Olwë beyond this wood.”

“Our minds are our own, Lenwë,” Elwë answered. “This much is true. But we are not alone. As the chosen of our people, it is to them our thoughts must belong.”

“Whatever is decided,” Galadhon said. “May it be soon as Celebriel is quick with child.”

“That is wonderful, brother,” Galathil said upon our approach. “I am proud for you.”

“This is cause for celebration,“ Elwë said smiling. “My dear brother has started a legacy. May it last the ages.”

As we gave our blessing to Galadhon, I could see Lenwë fuming to himself. 

“Enough,” he finally said. “I will give you my decision upon our audience next.”

He stormed away, het his son did not follow. After moment of silence, a voice broke through the tension.

“So, my first born son is to become a father,”

It was Orowen with Taurëa, Nárwen, Mîrwen and two other maidens with whom I was not familiar.

“Yes, Nana,” Galadhon said as he took the hand of one of the three.

Celebriel was an elf of great beauty—her flawless skin was kissed by golden tendrils that fell effortlessly to her waist. The one Denethor went to was Arethuil—equally as beautiful with long golden hair and eyes clear as water. They seemed lost in each other; as they were the only ones in the world. Mîrwen approached me with a smile on her face.

“Arethuil, have you met Orothôn,” she asked. “I know Celebriel has yet to do so.”

They bowed reverently as Taurëa came to me.

“You are Orothôn,” she asked.

“Yes, My Lady,” I answered nervously.

“I see many great things that will come from you. A great many things.”

I had no words to say—her presence was overwhelming as Elwë’s.

“It is good to see you, Taurëa,” Elwë said.

“You are too kind, Elwë,” she said bowing.

“Where has Lenwë gone off to,” Orowen asked. “Was he not with you? Elwë? Elmo?”

“He was,” Elmo said. “He has taken his leave for a time.”

“You must go the way of the Eldalië,” Taurëa said. “No matter what may come of us.”

“What are you saying, Mother,” Denethor asked concerned.

“Your father has made his decision,” she said. “I will remain with him as his wife.” 

“You know these things to be true,” Elwë asked her.

“I know my husband, Elwë. I have made peace with the part of him that will not be moved. For better or for worse.” 

“Then I shall stay with my parents,” Denethor said angrily.

“No,” Taurëa answered, “You will go forth beyond the mountains as it is your destiny.”

Taurëa looked around—as to remember something long lost.

“When you leave,” she began. “Do not return to look for me.”

She turned away and left briskly in the direction of her husband. The she was gone, everyone seemed like they were searching for words to say.

“Go your way for now,” Elwë said. “Soon we shall depart for Eldamar."––TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by J.Marie Miller 2-1-2018

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.

Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. IV)

“It was not long thereafter our kindred began our march westward—leaving the shores of the lake by which we had awakened. I walked beside Mîrwen and her brothers not far behind her father. I had yet to lay my eyes upon him or his brother they called Elwë, but I was in no hurry to do so.

Under the light of stars, nothing told the passing of days or nights. From the moment of our departure from Lake Cuiviénen, I would find myself looking back until it was out of view and lost to us forever. It was soon that we had entered into a great forest. Beneath the stars, its true colors remained hidden waiting for the coming of the sun.

“They call this place Eryn Galen,” Iarûr said. “And we shall rest here before we continue westward.”

“For how long,” I asked as Valdôr and Lothluin prepared to rest beneath one of the many mighty trees that had arisen from the soft ground under foot.
Mîrwen left me with a word and I began to feel alone as couples were finding a place to be together. Êlengolas and Valdúmîr stood with Finëar and Nenduriel speaking with Galadhon. When they looked toward me, I knew he was searching for me.

“Orothôn,” he said approaching. “Mîrwen sent me to bring you to her.”
“Where has she gone,” I asked concerned.

“She went to find our father so he might learn of you. Come.”

I obeyed the request thought not without trepidation. Of the chosen, I would be nothing in their presence. Even though as I was awakened as they, I was far less noble. We walked through the wood and past many elves that congregated together. There were far more than I had realized—each as unique as they were beautiful.

We arrived at our destination were Mîrwen stood beside an elven maiden of astounding beauty. Her hair of white gold flowed behind her—her eyes of gray reflected all she looked upon; telling everyone the story of our kin with every gaze. Her complexion was fair and seemed to have a light of its own.

“Mother,” Galadhon said. “I have found him.”

“So I see,” she said, her voice a song unto itself. “Your father wishes a word with you and Galathil. Do not keep him waiting.”

Galadhon nodded and took his leave as his mother looked me over. I could not feel my breath nor hear my heart beating.

“You are Orothôn,” she finally said. “The one that has the heart of my daughter.”
“I am,” I said, my voice shaking. “I am Orothôn.”

“I am Orowen, wife of Elmo,” she said. “I do not know what you have been told of either of us, but I know a great deal of you for my daughter has not stopped speaking. May I ask your intention?”

“I love no other but Mîrwen,” I heard myself say. I had little knowledge of where those words came from but I meant them.

“You ask for her hand, then,” Orowen said, her face softening into a smile.

“With your blessing and the blessing of her father.”

Orowen gave a gentle laugh as she took my hand.

“Elmo will give his blessing, I am sure,” she said. “For whosoever makes his daughter happy will give him joy. I can see you are a noble elf and I can see the love you have for Mîrwen in your eyes.”

“When will father come, Nana,” Mîrwen asked desperately. “I can hardly wait for him to meet Orothôn.”

“In time, daughter,” Orowen said. “He speaks with Elwë and Lenwë just now. Go your way—both of you. Await word from me until then.”

She nodded toward several elven maiden waiting her as Mîrwen pulled me away.

“Your mother is as gracious as she is beautiful.” I said as we went our way.

“She has a way with my father that no one has. Not even his brothers are as close, though he loves them no less.”

“You have a way with me as well,” I said looking into her eyes. “No one will ever have me as you do.”

“I feel the same, Orothôn,” she answered. “Come, I found a place for us.”

Mîrwen led me to a quaint thicket nearby with a canopy of small trees covering it. We sat together for a time—her hand in mine—listening to the sounds of nature blended with the whispers of elves. I noticed she was watching my expression with fascination. I turned to her and caressed her face. Something inside me drew me to her lips. I allowed me to touch hers. She was not afraid of this and our first kiss was filled a natural desire that would never die. For a moment, our lips parted and Mîrwen met my eyes.

“I love you, Orothôn,” she whispered. “I cannot wait to be with you as your wife.”

“I cannot wait either,” I said kissing her again. “For now, this will suffice, my love.”

I took her into my arms and lay her down—all the while losing myself in her eyes. We kissed again—deeper and more urgently. I had a wanting for her I did not understand. I felt a warmth fill my body for the first time that I didn’t want to end. We held each other; our lips seldom parting except for the occasional lament that  fueled our love for one another. I did not want this to end, but we both wanted more. We seemed impatient yet satisfied being next to each other.

**** **** **** ****

Emerging from our sanctuary, there seemed a flurry of excitement as elves wandered around the forest. When we caught the eye of Iarûr and Nimríel. We went to them to ask.

“Iarûr,” I siad as a few elves swiftly passed between us. “What is amiss?”

“Not a thing,” he answered.

“Elwë comes forth,” Nimríel said, motioning aside.

We looked to see three majestic elves standing higher than all others.

“Father,” Mîrwen said excitedly. “He is with Elwë, his brother.”

“Yes,” Iarûr said curiously. And with them is Lenwë.”

Elwë stood between the others—his presence indescribable. Shoulders broad, sharpened eyes of endless depth set upon a strong yet delicate faces as a wave of golden hair that even in starlight there could be little doubt of its for or of the importance of he elf it had the privilege to originate. 

His brother was no less magnificent though his countenance seems more sanguine in the moment. Elmo shared his bothers looks save his eyes were quiet and fare less restless. Lenwë seem overwrought by his companions—with hair darker than the others but gold nonetheless. He seemed distant from his equals; his eyes darting here and there with little purpose.

“Where is Mîrwen,” Elwë asked, his voice reverberating around us. It was then I noticed the mountains rising above us in the North.

“I am here, Uncle,” she yelled happily, pulling me with her toward the greatest of our kin. 

I noticed Galathil and Galadhon nearby with another elf trying to hide their amusement. When we were before them, I felt a fear I never had before—one stronger than when the Earth shook. Elwë and his bother looked at us—their faces stoic and frightening.

“Daughter,” Elmo said smiling. “Is this the one you have chosen?”

“Yes, Ada,” she said proudly. “This is Orothôn.”

“You have chosen Mîrwen,” Elwë asked me.

“I have,” I said. “I loved her the moment I saw her.”

“Elmo,” he said to his brother. “What say you?”

Elmo came closer to us, a look of happiness was in his eyes. He embraced me—something I never expected but found soothing.

“I say to you both, I give my blessing,” he said. “This is truly glorious.”

“If Elmo has your blessing,” Elwë began. “Then you have mine.”

There was a rise of cheers among the elves as Elwë nodded toward us then disappeared with Elmo and Lenwë. Galathil and Galadhon nodded with their companion and quickly went away with the others. I did not understand what had happened until Orowen came to us.

“You have been joined, my daughter, my son,” she said kissing us both on the cheek. “I am pleased for you both.”

She took her leave beside another elven maiden of her stature and beauty with earthen hair; her eyes carried a sadness that was out of place among others.

“I am pleased for you,” I heard Êlengolas said.

“As am I,” Valdúmîr said embracing Mirwen. “I know you are happy and so you will remain.”

I was overcome with every emotion that resided within me. Valdôr and Lothluin, Iarûr and Nimríel, and Finëar and Nenduriel came with their words of praise until the crowds had subsided. Mîrwen made her way back to our sanctuary. I took my time—wondering what would happen, if anything.

Once I was with her, I heard a rustling at our entrance. It had been covered—the world outside shut out of view. I looked at Mîrwen and noticed her white gown for the first time. It was different now as it revealed her figure to me. I began to feel that desire for her but feared it had grown too strong.

“Orothôn,” she began. “Are you afraid?”

“Yes,” I said quickly. “Very much afraid.”

“So am I,” she said almost relieved.

She walked around our sanctuary, moving gracefully around. She placed her hand on the trunk of a tree whose tops were well above us.

“I had a vision,” she started. “I saw many things that frightened me. There were battles and a great suffering that would last far beyond this age we come upon. But I also saw joy and happiness. From our love will come great kinds and one that will bring peace to this world. All will come form our union and from this land we stand upon.”

“When did you see this, Mîrwen,” I asked.

“While I was with mother,” she answered. “She said this was a gift; to see things to come.”

“Then it must be as she has said.”

Mîrwen looked at me, her face troubled. She turned away then back to me. She placed her hands upon her sleeves and slowly pushed them from her shoulders and to her waist. She let it fall from her waist to the ground baring to me her body and soul. I went to her cautiously. I touched her face and kissed her lips. I felt her undress me until I felt the coolness of the air on my skin.

“Do not be afraid, my love,” I whispered. “I will protect you with my life and love you with all my heart and all my soul forever and longer.”

“I am never afraid when I am with you, Orothôn, my love, my husband,” she whispered. “I give to you all my love with all my heart and all my soul forever and longer.”

We moved closer together and began to kiss. As we felt our love rise to the surface, Mîrwen pulled away. Looking into my eyes, she led me to our marital bed and lay down. I joined her and it was in that moment our love would bring forth our greatest treasure—Oropher.”––TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by J.Marie Miller 8-19-2017

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.

Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. III)

“There came not long after a rumbling and a deep howl as the ground beneath us began to shake and the skies were filled with flickering lights that changed the starlight from white to fearsome hues of angry colors.

“I am frightened, Orothôn,” Mîrwen said, embracing me tight. “What is happening?”

“I do not know,” I answered. It was true—I did not know. None of us knew then. We had yet to grow accustomed to this world we had little understanding. This peril seemed to last a lifetime beneath the skies that told us nothing of time passing from one moment to another. As it continued, we accepted it as part of our existence.

“You are Orothôn,” a strong voice said to me from behind.

“Galathil,” Mîrwen said smiling, kissing his cheek. He gave me a cold stare—his eyes flickering wildly under a halo of flowing nearly white hair.

“Yes,” I answered curiously. “I am Orothôn.”

“This is Galathil,” Mîrwen said. “One of my dear brothers.”

“This is whom you have chosen,” he asked raising a brow as he gave me a once over.

“Yes, brother,” she said gleefully.

“I suppose he is suitable,” Galathil said, his face falling into a smile.

“I am glad,” I said. “I was afraid I was not to your liking.”

“I would not worry for what I think,” he said. “Our father is the one you should be concerned about. For now, worry not. He is with his brothers and not to be disturbed.”

“Where is Galadhon,” Mîrwen asked looking around. “Was he not with you?”

Two forms walked toward us—one was Êlengolas; the other I did not recognize. His golden hair was as long as mine but his features were soft—with gentle pale eyes of blue.

“I see you have met my brother,” he said to me. “You must be Orothôn. I would know you anywhere. Mîrwen has yet to stop speaking of you.”

“You are Galadhon,” I said. “It is an honor.”

“For me as well,” he said. “Êlengolas spoke only good things of you. I pray my brother was not too harsh. He can be rather unrelenting.”

“He was quite pleasant, I assure you, Galadhon,” I said looking at Galathil.

“Have you seen Valdôr,” Êlengolas asked concerned. “I have not seen him since the shaking of the earth ended.”

I noticed that things had become calm and the stars were white again above us. I saw elves come from behind trees of the forest behind. It was then I noticed Valdôr, Iarûr and Finëar step forward.

“There,” I gestured.

They came to us; with them their wives. All seemed shaken but unharmed.

“The sons of Elmo,” Iarûr said reverently to Mîrwen’s brothers. “You are highly favored among your kin.”

“Not as much as our uncles, Iarûr,“ Galathil said. “Though your generous praise is no less humbling.”

“Even then, no one is as great as Ingwë or Finwë,” Galadhon said. “For they have gone beyond the Mountains into the West. With them went Olwë. It is our time to march further westward.”––TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by J.Marie Miller 7-29-2017

Galathil (I), brother of Galadhon, father of Celeborn and Galathil (II). Addition by Tolkien (The History of Middle Earth Index, 350).

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.