#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy

Newsfeed #120 March 29, 2020 (29 Súlimë)

COVID-19 IMMEDIATE STATEMENT: IT HIT US HARD.

Not to spend more time than is necessary on what has taken so long to work on The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm TrilogyandThe House of Durin, but it was Coronavirus Related.

My writing partner and author of The House of Durin is in the Italian Epicenter. Just recently, my world has experienced rapid growth of this deadly virus. At this moment in time, neither one of us has coronavirus nor have we tested positive*.

The decision to continue work, at first, was a matter of despair until today when one of my readers tested positive and said goodbye in preparation for imminent death. It was heartbreaking but heartfelt as they ask that I would continue my work on TKWRT as well as the new book due to begin in May of this year—The Secret of the House of Bourbon.

Please read my entire statement here and I look forward to the continuing adventures of The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy.—Jaynaé Marie Miller.

*Subject to change (though we are both in quarantine).

Newsfeed #119 December 26, 2019 (26 Ringarë)

THE SAGA OF THRANDUIL–EXTENDED VERSION

First of all, there are a few things about this 3rd Draft of the Extended Version. It is not complete (as it should have been). Why? Because this October, my old laptop died and though it did retrieve nearly all my work, it lost all my notes on The Extended Version. Note to you (and self): Apple Stickies don’t retrieve anything if you lose something. Use Post-It by 3M if you have a tablet (and I’m doing that now). This means you may actually get another lookatThe Extended Version and this is not the last time you get to read it with the additions.

Secondly, when you get to the Appendix, you’ll probably see the additions that got lost while my old laptop died during the Catalina Software Download (and the laptop wasn’t that old, I might add)–there are “new people” not in the story (yet). You can either ignore them or start rumors of their origins (though some are self-explanatory). Some characters will be in Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen (and that extended version) and/or in Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen (currently on-going).

There is a scene that was about to be put into this book (while I was promoting The House of Durin) that is on Instagram right now about Thranduil dealing with his future “son-in-law” (future husband of his daughter Isílriel). It is located  to the right of a bright photo titled “End of Summer: LAIRË METTA”. I hope to post the scene the event takes place eventually (along with others) either there or in the complete version at a later date TBA.

Also, I just learned today, my new Spell-Check hasn’t learned Elvish. Though, Erestor is blessedly not Crestor, some things in Elvish might look weird (and my laptop froze while I was working and I freaked out because I didn’t want the trauma of losing anything again), some things are still a weird mix of Apple’s inability to recognize another language (oh, Black Speech they know–makes you wonder), Sindarin and Quenya. That’ll be fixed in post.

Please Enjoy this version of the book () knowing eventually there will be way more than 567 pages (including the Appendix) and way more adventures (most being told again in the extended version of The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen).–Jaynaé Marie Miller, author. 

Available Here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=13z0iO0Y-qHUs8yZWIrVJZy_jtGzx–hk

or, if you like: https://tkwrtrilogy.wordpress.com/2019/12/26/the-saga-of-thranduil-the-extended-version-is-here/

Newsfeed #115 August 17, 2019 (17 Úrimë)

English & Italian: One Fine Day

I’m “fortunate” to have such a great friend who is also angelic and happens to be Italian to create titles for me (Okay, I lost a bet; moving on). 

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.

Newsfeed #110 December 30, 2018 (30 Ringarë)

THANK YOU FOR READING–MORE TO COME IN 2019.

I was initially prepared to post an excerpt for Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen when I came upon some horrific human food that put me down for some time this evening. I’ve finally evolved into an elf so Lembas, it is then. Water, Lettuce and Lembas will be my new diet. I hope that will be enough to sustain me for when I resume sword fighting again.

Anyway, it has been quite the year–in spite of losing my father in October. He’d be proud to know his little gift from me has garnered 6700+ views on WordPress in less than six months. I credit much of that to my father–when I announced his death, my stats jumped up like the rock star he was. That, children, is how you get a mountain named after you in Antarctica (that’s true, my father has one of those for his work in the field of Chemistry). I have some very large shoes to fill on my journey through the rest of my life. Perhaps I’ll make my mark in writing. I think I’m getting good at it. ☺️ Better, anyway.

I wanted everyone to that I’m going to start posting the Character Appendix again. I think it’s time now; there are an awful lot of new characters to get you lost–just like a Tolkien book.

You’ll thank me later: https://officialwptkwrt.wordpress.com/characters/

Also, great news! Someone taught me how to work this Tumblr thing. I’m only good for writing–I am horrible with all that technical stuff. They had to do a pictorial. As soon as I figure it out, The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy will have a Table of Contents just like on WordPress. It will make it so much easier to read. I’m gathering @fortunatelyclevercandy is going to do the same with The House of Durin: @thehouseofdurin . It will help you get through the (now) over 1000 pages of The Elvenking and his wonderful world.

This is what I do now–full time. I’m so busy with it, I’m going to need a new assistant. I can be hard to deal with but I’m reasonably adorable. Such is the life of The Elvenking of the Woodland Realm. 

Thank you for reading my little story. I’m glad it’s an interesting read. I put my little heart into it for over three years now. Just celebrated my 3rd Anniversary on Tumblr (December 22). I love writing this story (and all of them; one book down, four to go).

You helped to make my father’s dream come true–you helped make his youngest child an author. He’s somewhere smiling now–with Professor Tolkien, I hope. I’m looking forward to 2019. You have a year to go for the next release of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil. I think you’re going to like it.

You haven’t seen anything yet. I can’t wait for you to find out what Thranduil is like when his only daughter (Isílriel) introduces her father to her chosen soulmate. And wait until you meet Elranduil’s daughter. (Yeah, the cousins have to do everything together). Happy Holidays!

Newsfeed #101 June 17, 2018 (17 Nárië)

THE ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY RELEASE IS HERE!

The moment has arrived–and for some reason this year is more anticipated than before. Thranduil has been busy this summer (and it isn’t officially here until June 21). But enough about me–you’re here for the link that rules them all–until midnight on June 22).

The book is FREEandvirus-free as it is on Google Drive.

Newsfeed #97 March 8, 2018 (8 Súlimë)

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: THE STAND-ALONE SAGA

First of all, I’m not dropping everything to write this particular book (I don’t know why people fear that). The “new” book is not as “new” as I am implying. The story (like the trilogy) is a long and winding one.

When I began outlining the Elves of Mirkwood, naturally people wonder “where are all these elves coming from. For example, it is no secret Thranduil’s cousin Elranduil married a Noldorin (Ardúin) and Thranduil’s wife is a Nandor (Danwaith)–the last of the remaining ones. Nearly all of the main characters have a back story (and after stories), so I had written part of those around the time I began The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy. They were going to go into the Appendix (which at the time included Legolas’ Journals). When I changed the format of the book–having the story told by the four generation of elves–two being rulers and one being an heir to the Woodland Realm–I was free to do with the back stories what I wished–especially the one about the origins of Êlúriel.

It doesn’t have a title yet; it is not put together as well as the other books in the trilogy–even Legolas’ story is already planned from beginning to end. This new book will be part of the Appendix, unless it’s longer than 200 pages. There is a reason for that:

515 pages of Book II: The Saga of Thranduil (original version) is already a ream; its extended version will be at least 600pages in its final form and Book I and Book III are currently estimated to be 500-600pages each–then there’s the extended version of Book III which will more than likely be around 500-600pages long. When I put the trilogies together, that’s a lot of paper to add something 200+ pages long. I’m already over 1100 with Book I/Book II (both versions) not including Book III.

Tolkien’sThe Lord of the RingsTrilogy* in one volume is 1178 pages (including the Appendix; 1031w/o).So you can see I have a doorstop in the making. And even though this new “volume” will mesh with the trilogy (not unlike the STARZshowThe White Queen–based on three books by Philippa Gregory that tell three different sides of the same history; only in this case there’s several sides talking when you add Iarûr (Prologue of Book I) to the stories of Orothôn,Oropher,ThranduilandLegolas), I still have to decide at some point how long will it need to be to fit into the appendix or if it should just stand-alone.

I am still trying to decide whether to cut Book I in half as itself will contain two stories told by two elves–both crossing over at a pivotal event from one POV to another (hard to do especially I will have to eventually make that transition for all three of the original books). I do that, TKWRT won’t stand for TKWR TrilogybutTKWR Tetralogy. That won’t be decided until all three books are complete, though.

You are watching a novel in progress–I like to call it a reality show since readers are literally reading TKWR Trilogy in evolution. There’s is always something new coming around the corner and editing something like this requires someone that has flown over the Cuckoo’s Nest a few times and is literate in Tolkien Languages–especially Adûnaic. That hasn’t been added yet–nor has all of the Quenya. (Quenya is the hardest of the two Elven Languages known; That is why no one is out there selling “Learn Quenya” (even though Sindarin is Quendi for “Grey-Elven Language”). All the languages change with each new age/generation (as all languages do) which makes it impossible to say which “literary” version you are reading–and it gets worse with Tengwar where there’s far more to it than what most people think. 

Adûnaic is harder still, even though Akallabêth is “The Down Fallen” in Adûnaic in The Silmarillion. What you get to read now is my “short-hand” for some things in Sindarin that may be translated eventually into Quenya–especially in Eryn Galen. Oropher didn’t like Sindarin at all (hence why it was unknown whether Thranduil spoke it). There is a reason Oropher didn’t like it and unless you adore reading thousands of pages of Tolkien’s notes in the form of 12+ volumes of Middle Earth History and his other works, you won’t find that reason (mostly because Oropher is in only one book of all books dealing with ME Histories by Tolkien and he’s somewhere else altogether)–hence the reason my book will have a very large bibliography. Yeah, this is an in-depth book I’m writing. I’m a glutton for punishment.

So, that’s it for now; back to work. I have a bunch of elves stuck in Ossiriand for a moment waiting for a few baby elves to be old enough to continue the journey into the West (by “west” I mean some will get lazy somewhere around Beleriand and hang out in Doriath with King Thingol and his Queen Melian). Also, I’ve been advised to use my real name in order to get the accounts for this book and myself verified ✅. Thranduil has come a long, long way from where he started.–JMM (Jaynaé Marie Miller).

*The Lord of the Rings is actually not a trilogy. It was originally supposed to be six books–a hexalogy, so to speak. In fact, in the table of contents, you’ll notice that each of the “books” has “two books” within them.

Images: ©2013. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter VII: Darkness Falls (Pt. IV)

Building continued for what seemed an eternity. Whenever I was in the library, Iarûr would tell me what the princess Lúthien thought of her new chambers. Nothing and no one could persuade Thingol’s mind to reconsider—not even his Queen. Oropher said very little other than Nimeithel’s own displeasure with the future arrangement. Rather than spending their time with Lúthien together, her ladies were split to cater to her by night or by day. Nimeithel and her sister Valdúril were assigned the day while, surprisingly, Galadriel was given the evening alongside Níndi.

When construction was completed, there was little fanfare made as Lúthien entered with her mother, Orowen and all their ladies. We wondered how all of them could fit into what appeared to be a rather small space. When Mîrwen returned one evening, she told me the chambers were quite spacious. Hírilorn was a mighty tree with high branches nearly as thick as its 3 trunks. There were guards to protect them all—though I knew better.

Things returned to again to order. One evening, when Lúthien was at dinner, I could not help to notice how forlorn she seemed. She barely ate a thing even as she would engage with her parents solemnly. After dinner, while in our room, Mîrwen seemed agitated.

“Is something on your mind,” I asked, removing my coat.

“Did you see the princess,” she said from behind her dressing screen. “She was completely miserable.”

“Her father sent her beloved on what can only be called a death sentence then locked her away inside the elaborate chamber of a great tree to keep her from chasing after him,” I said. “How happy could she possibly be?”

She came out from behind her screen and sat on the bed.

“I feel just horrible for her,” she continued as she was watched me remove my shirt. “I wish Uncle would listen to reason.”

“His daughter is his greatest treasure,” I said sitting beside her. “He only wishes to protect her.”

“Would you do such a thing to your daughter?”

“I have a son,” I said.

“If he were your daughter, then?”

“Mîrwen, we have a very handsome son but I could never imagine him a daughter—not without laughing hysterically.”

Mîrwen glared at me.

“I am being serious, Orothôn,” she said.

“So am I,” I answered.

“I know nothing of mortals, but I hope he returns for Lúthien’s sake,” she said.

“Hope is all anyone can have for now,” I whispered as I kissed her lips gently.

Before we could become swept away, there came a knock on our doors.

“Enter,” I said, furiously, My anger cooled when Eldôr, Amdir, and Oropher entered.

“What is it,” I asked, standing before them.

“She is gone,” Oropher said.

“Who is gone,” Mîrwen asked.

“Lúthien,” Amdir answered. “She slipped away into the night.”

Just then, dressers appeared with my clothes.

“How does ones slip away from an impenetrable fortress,” I asked.

“Apparently, quite easily,” Eldôr said softly.

When I was dressed, I turned to Mîrwen.

“I will return,” I said.

“I know,” she said, kissing me.

We left quickly for the throne room. By the time we reached the main vestibule, there were soldiers on their way out of the main gates. We continued into the main hall where Elmo spoke with the king as he sat on his throne in despair. Galathil and Galadhon met us.

“How did this happen,” I asked Galadhon.

“No one saw a thing,” he answered. “One moment she was there and the next she was gone.”

“Love will find a way,” Galathil said softly.

“Love,” Thingol shouted from across the room as he rose from his throne. “What do you know of love? What do any of you know of love? I love my daughter—my only child who has left me for a mere mortal she has barely known a tenth of her lifetime! You, all of you, you will find her and bring her to me. I do not care how long it takes.”

Broken, he left the room leaving Elmo in his stead. He approached us, his face stoic.

“I do not expect anyone to spend a lifetime searching for Lúthien,” he began. “Just do what you can and return him when you need rest. We have plenty of soldiers to go beyond these borders if need be.”

“What will we do if she cannot be found,” Galathil asked.

“Find her,” Elmo said and left us to our task. We searched everywhere to the borders of Doriath with no sign of Lúthien. The princes of the realm returned empty-handed. Other soldiers journeyed beyond Doriath—some would return while others were lost to time.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 10-5-2019

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.

Chapter VI: The Second Awakening (Pt. III)

They remained with us longer than expected with Finrod’s brothers leaving only to return with Angrod. I assumed Things wished to see all the brothers of Finarfin. Life at court became routine again. Mîrwen was determined to see Oropher and Nimeithel start a family, but Oropher remained steadfast in his resolve to wait. I spent most of my days with Galadhon, Galathil, Iarûr, and Finëar learning about the histories and traditions of our people. It was long and laborious but necessary. Even as my earliest memories of Lake Cuiviénen were starting to fade, I realized their importance. Súlwë proved quite valuable in this endeavor—sharing the many tales his father Olwë with us. Whenever Daeron was with us, we said nothing of Súlwë and he never asked about “Nimernil” while he was in the library.

One evening, I was with Iarûr putting away the scrolls when I noticed how much we had done so far.

“There are more here than I realized,” I said as I began to roll them up. “I find it hard to believe so much time has passed.”

“So true,” he began as he finished writing. “Yet time is the only thing we have so much and so little of all at once.”

“What do you remember, if I may ask?”

“I remember very little,” Iarûr said. “I think that was by design. If we knew everything, then what would we have to learn?”

“You make a very good point,” I began. “So we are learning what we already know.”

“What do we know,” he asked. “We are here. We were born and perhaps we will die—or not. All we know is what we have seen and little else. We speculate on the unknown hoping one day, somehow, the mystery will be solved. Perhaps there are some things meant to be unknown for a reason.”

“Are you looking to know everything,” I asked.

“I do not believe I want to know everything, Orothôn,” he said laughing. “Some things should remain a mystery forever.”

“True,” I agreed. “Just do not tell that to my wife.”

“The fairer of us know too much already,” Iarûr said. “That must be by design because it is inexplicable.”

As we laughed at ourselves, Finëar entered—his face flushed.

“What is it, Finëar,” Iarûr asked him.

“It is King Thingol,” he said. “He is angry. The court is in chaos.”

“What happened,” I asked approaching him.

“The sons of Finarfin revealed to him all that brought them into Arda,” he said groaning. “It was devastating.”

“Calm yourself,” Iarûr said. “What did you hear?”

“I do not know where to begin,” Finëar said as he sat on a bench. “There were jewels and fire and Morgoth…”

“What,” Iarûr interrupted sternly. “Did you say Morgoth?”

“Morgoth,” I asked.

“I did, Iarûr,” he answered.
Iarûr’s face began to lose its color. He looked at Finëar again.

“Are you sure you heard correctly,” Iarûr asked him.

“Yes,” Finëar answered. “I overheard the Lady Galadriel speaking with the Queen not long ago. I was sworn to secrecy when I was discovered. But tonight, all was revealed to the king. His anger was palpable. He cast them out of Doriath.”

“Galadriel as well,” I asked him thinking of Celeborn.

“No,” Finëar answered. “For she has found favor with the queen. But her brothers have gone.”

“Morgoth remains,” Iarûr whispered to himself. “Then this is not over.”

Iarûr looked across the room to see Súlwë standing by the entrance doors.

“They attacked my family for jewels,” he said—his face stoic.

Finëar nodded slowly, barely looking at him.

“I am sorry,” Finëar whispered.

Iarûr was dumbfounded. For the first time, he seemed at a loss for words.

“This is not the end of it,” I asked.

“No, Orothôn,” Iarûr said. “This is the beginning.”

Quickly, I made my way out of the library and toward the Great Hall. There were courtiers milling within the corridors whispering among themselves along the way. I saw little in their faces of the tales that were told as they all seemed to have heard something different.

“I see you have heard what has happened,” Êlengolas said as he approached me. “So Súlwë was right.”

“What did Thingol say,” I asked.

“To the court, very little,” he answered. “I am not privy to the king’s discussions beyond those four walls but whatever he said to his kin was not taken as well as they expected.”

“What little did he say, then,” I asked.

“We are not to speak of them in his presence,” Êlengolas answered. “Then he left us. He was angrier than I have ever seen him.”

“I am sure he was.”

“The Queen was none too happy, either.”

“Of course,” I said. “Why would she be?”

“She is a Maiar,” he whispered. “She knows far more than even the stars in the sky.“–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 7-9-2019

Note to @staff: If you naked people, you are looking at a weird Rorschach test. There are no people in the photo.

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.

Chapter VI: The Second Awakening (Pt. II)

As we entered the gates, the court ceased its duties as they looked upon us—especially the elegant beauty of Galadriel. Amdir had gone ahead to send word to King Thingol of their guests. We approached the throne just as Amdir returned with the king with Daeron at his side.

“Finrod, son of Finarfin,” King Thingol said. “Welcome to Doriath.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Finrod answered. “Your generosity has preceded you.”

King Thingol smiled. He motioned to Finrod and his family to follow him away. When they had left, Mîrwen and Nimeithel approached us.

“Who were they,” Mîrwen asked.

“They come to us from Mithrim,” I said.

“They are the siblings of Angrod,” Oropher added. “I trust they all remain with us for a time.”

“The lady is quite lovely,” Nimeithel said.

“Quite,” I answered. “Lovely but peculiar.”

“Let us be on our way, Nimeithel,” Mîrwen said. “We must help prepare the Queen for tonight.”

Mîrwen kissed me and they were on their way. Súlwë looked on—his face tense.

“I need to find Êlengolas,” I said. “I shall leave you to your duties.”

Oropher, Súlwë, Eldôr, and Amdir nodded. I left them knowing where I would find Êlengolas. He was with Mablung and Beleg learning about Legolas.

“You are from Valinor,” I heard Êlengolas ask as I entered the hall outside the throne room.

“I am,” Legolas answered. His confidence was as crisp as his striking gray eyes and long golden hair.

“Are there others as you,” Êlengolas queried again.

“There is,” Legolas said. “He is called Glorfindel. From the House of the Golden Flower.”

I could see by Êlengolas’ expression I needed to interrupt.

“I am Orothôn,” I said quickly, greeting our new guest. “We met earlier.”

“It is a pleasure,” Legolas answered.

“How long will you be with us,” I asked.

“For as long as we are welcomed,” he said. “No longer.”

I thought his answer sounded unusual but I said nothing.

“Êlengolas, may I have a word?”

He followed me around a corner.

“The House of the Golden Flower,” he finally said laughing.

“You know our visitors are kin to the King,” I asked.

“Are they from the House of the Golden Flower?”

I hit his arm hard.

“What?”

“The ones he guards are kin to the King. They come from Mithrim.”

“They came from Valinor,” he said. “Why are these elves leaving the home we should be living in?”

“It is a long story,” I began. “I will speak of it later. Meanwhile, I expect you to mind your manners.”

Êlengolas glared at me.

“Orothôn, please,” he started. “I am not a child. Your royal duties do not require that you play nursemaid to me.”

“Only when Iarûr is absent,” I said, smiling.

“You know something,” he said.

“I do, but as I said before, I will speak of it later.”

“After dinner,” he said. He took his leave. I stood there thinking to myself as an uneasy feeling came over me. I went to my chambers to prepare for the evening.

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

When we were in the Great Hall awaiting the entrance of the King and Queen, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Everyone was in their place—some were quietly chatting amongst themselves. Soon, the sound of music filled the hall and King Thingol, Queen Melian, their daughter Lúthien entered with Finrod, Orodreth, Aegnor, and Galadriel. It was then that Celeborn became enamored. It was hard not to notice as his face was glowing brighter than the lanterns in the room.

When everyone was seated, dinner was served. On this night, there were more delights than usual and everyone took advantage. Things were going well and my mind was put at ease. The celebration went on late into the night.

As promised, after dinner, I found Êlengolas and under the light of the moon. I told him all that I knew—from Nimernil to the coming of Finrod.

“Well,” he said when I finished. “That is quite a tale. Why did you not tell me this before?”

“I was sworn to secrecy.”

“Orothôn.“

“I did not know where to begin,” I said. “It was not until Finrod came that everything Súlwë said made sense.”

“When King Thingol learns of this, it will not go well.”

“You will say nothing,” I said.

“I do not have to say anything,” Êlengolas said. “I trust someone will say it to him.”

“Who would dare tell the King of such slaughter upon his brother’s house?”

“My guess would be someone from his brother’s house.”

“I do not think Súlwë will be the one to tell him,” I said. “He does not want to risk his identity to be revealed.”

“I do not believe he will be the one,” Êlengolas said pensively. “Love will make anyone tell secrets and truths.”

“Love,” I asked. “What has love to do with this?”

“I know you saw Celeborn as he looked upon the Lady Galadriel,” he began. “Did you notice how she looked upon him?”

“No,” I answered.

“It is for no one to say but her,” he said. “She will speak when her heart is ready. I do worry, though.”

“Worry?”

“What a burden to bear for ambition. Olwë is her mother’s father. What could be worth more than the life of your own kin?”

I said nothing. When he was wise, Êlengolas could make me think deeper on things. I could not imagine the guilt these elves would carry for eternity. On our way back to the palace, we happened upon Celeborn with Galadriel. They were very much in love. I knew Êlengolas was right—it would not be long before all would be revealed.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 6-24-2019

Note to @staff: This is a book. The photo–from a movie: See copyright information. Galadriel and Celeborn are fully-clothed. 

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.

Chapter V: The Coming of Time (Pt. IV)

We entered the Great Hall to see a group of elves—all simply dressed in white. They kept their heads bowed in silence. The court around them speaking in whispers.

“When did they arrive,” I whispered to Amdir.

“Not long ago,” he answered. “They have yet to meet the king. He was made aware just as we came for you.”

At that moment, Mablung and Beleg entered with King Thingol, Queen Melian; Elmo and Orowen not far behind. 

“You come from Eldamar,” King Thingol asked as he sat on his throne beside his queen. One brave elf raised his head and stepped forward. 

“Originally,” the elf said. “I am Angrod, son of Finarfin. I come at the request of my brother Finrod in Mithrim.”

King Thingol’s expression turned pensive. After a brief silence, he spoke again.

“Son of Finarfin,” he began. “What brings you into my kingdom on this day?”

“I am quite sure as sovereign, you have long known of the deeds done in this world under darkness.“

“I am,” he nodded.

“The battles endured in the North could hardly go unnoticed by anyone, for the Noldo has triumphed against the demons come forth from Angband.”

“You numbers must be great if you if you were able to send those creatures back to whence they came.”

“Of our numbers, they account for much of your kin, King Thingol,” Angrod said. “Your dear brother is our grandfather after all.”

King Thingol nodded.

“How is he,” Queen Melian inquired.

“I have not seen him, Your Majesty,” he answered. “Not for some time.”

She nodded—her expression hiding secrets I would never know.

“We have come to dwell in Arda for now,” Angrod continued. “The sons of Fëanor and the children of his brothers find solace here despite the dangers that linger here.”

As King Thingol brought down his decree, I noticed Elmo watching a particular elf that stood behind Angrod.  His gaze was uncomfortable as the elf tried to avert his stare.

“So it shall be,” I heard Angrod say at last. “I shall tell the lords what you have told me. As a guest in your land, may it be one day, you are a guest in ours.”

King Thingol nodded and the elves bowed.

“As our guests,” King Thingol began. “Please, stay with us for now. You may leave in the morning for Mithrim.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Angrod answered.

“Iarûr, show our guest to their quarters.”

Iarûr motioned to the elves to follow him. I saw Elmo whisper to Galadhon. His son followed the elves as King Thingol and Queen Melian took their leave. As the court dispersed I could not help but wonder who the elf was the held Elmo’s fascination.

“Father,” Oropher began, breaking my thoughts. “I am going to attend to my wife. I will see you and mother for dinner.”

“Of course,” I said smiling.

He walked away and I found my mind wandering again. I decided I should find Mîrwen and went straight to our room. When I entered, I found Mîrwen already prepared for dinner.

“I did not see you at court,” I said.

“I was not there,” she said. “I was attending to other duties.”

“So you already knew about the elves from Mithrim?”

“Yes,” she said cheerfully. “You need to prepare for dinner. I shall call for the servants.”

As she walked toward the chamber bell, I stopped her.

“Who is the elf that your father was staring at?”

“I do not know,” she said. “I was not at court.”

“Mîrwen,” I began.

“What,” she asked.

I looked at her sternly.

“He is a son of Olwë,” she said. “His name is Nimernil.”

Olwë—a name I had not heard in a lifetime. I found myself confused.

“I do not understand,” I said. “Why would he be here?

“That, dear husband, I do not know.”

She went to ring the bell.

“Say not a word to anyone.”

Before I could ask another question, the dressers were upon me. I tried to put the events of the day behind me. We dined with little concern about anything. Nothing was amiss–save for the presence of the mysterious Nimernil. Angrod sat with King Thingol and Elmo—their conversation appeared as reminiscing. When dinner was done, I prepared to retire with Mîrwen when Orowen came to us.

“Orothôn,” she began. “Elmo seeks your company.”

“Where is he,” I asked.

“I do not know, but Galathil will take you to him.”

I looked to see him standing with Galadhon. Immediately, I knew it was about Nimernil. I went to them quickly.

“Take me to Elmo,” I said.

“This is why you should never tell our sister anything,” Galadhon teased. “She tells her husband.”

Galathil cut his eye at him and motioned for us to follow. When we reached an empty room below the Throne Room beside the armory, I noticed Elmo waiting with Eäros. He was looking far better than he had before the wars had begun. When we were alone, out of the darkness stepped the elf from before. He was as tall as elves are—his golden hair flowing past his shoulders. He looked at us—his grey eyes far less restless than they were in court.

“Are you whom they call Nimernil,” I asked.

For the first time, this elf smiled and laughed softly.

“That is what they call me, but it is not my name,” he answered. “I am Súlwë, the youngest son of Olwë.”

‘Why are you here,” Galadhon asked.

“I took leave from Alqualondë without my father’s knowledge. I had to know what was so precious in this world that would cause such destruction in the other.”

“Destruction,” Galadhon asked.

“There was an uprising,” he said, solemnly. “Let by Fëanor, son of Finwë. I know nothing of the circumstances. I just know our kin in Alqualondë suffered greatly.”

“My brother,” Elmo gasped. “Is he…?”

“No,” Súlwë answered. “He lives. But the price we paid was indeed enormous. I followed the elves out of our homeland. Those that did not take our ships from the Havens came across the Helcaraxë. It was these I followed from Araman.”

Elmo slowly took a seat on a bench in shock.

“That must have been horrible,” Galathil said.

“There were many that died on the way,” Súlwë said, his voice cracking as he tried to hide his sadness. “For those who made it, not even the rising of the Daystar could bring them light.”

We stood in silence; our voices could not find the words.

“You must go back,” I said finally.

“Impossible,” Súlwë said curtly. “Those who left are in exile. Though my hands are clean, I am afraid I am as well. What is left of home for me was lain to waste.”

“Stay with us,” Eäros said.

“Who knows of your true identity,” Elmo asked, distraught.

“No one,” Súlwë answered.

“Very well,” Elmo said calmly. “You may stay in my household but when a way is made, you will return to Olwë. Am I understood?”

“Yes, Uncle,” Súlwë answered.

Elmo nodded as he looked at me.  

“He will stay with you, Orothôn. Oropher is the only I know that can keep a secret.”

“I beg your pardon, Father,” Galadhon said. “I am offended.”

“Do not be,” Elmo said. “Whatever you say to Celebriel she will keep from your mother. Same for Nárwen and Níndi. I take my leave.”

Elmo left with his sons close behind. I looked as Súlwë.
“Welcome to Menegroth,” I said.–TKWRTBook I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 6-11-2019

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.

Note to @staff: This is a book. The photo–from a movie: See copyright information. Duh.

Chapter V: The Coming of Time (Pt. II)

The walk to Menegroth was one of mourning—our heads bowed in silent procession. My thoughts were many; blurred by tears and heartache. How could I face Lothluin? What would I say to Valdôr’s son?

“How did he fall,” I whispered to Êlengolas. “How did Valdôr fall?”

“Bravely,” he whispered back. “That is all anyone needs to know.”

“What do I say to Lothluin,” I asked.

“Why is it your burden to bear, Orothôn,” he asked. “Let those that witnessed his death tell his wife and son.”

“You,” I asked. “Were you there?”

Êlengolas sighed deeply.

“I was,” he started. “It is my burden to bear. My daughter wed his son. Even now, I do not know if this ware will make either of my daughters widows but I have seen it make many—not the least of those, Lothluin. But I will do what I must. Valdôr was one of my dearest friends.”

I could hear him trying to hold back tears as spoke. I could not imagine what he had seen and I dared not ask him. We walked the rest of the way to Menegroth in silence. As we made our way toward the bridge, the distant sounds of howls and screams seemed to further destroy any hope we had left.

Galathil started to lead the few survivors of Ossiriand found alive—a small mingling of a few strong men, maidens and several elflings—toward the gates. We prepared to cross behind when a light illuminated the darkness from out of the West. King Thingol and Elmo ran through the soldiers to see. It was a flickering light with plumes as dark as a starless night rising into the Heavens.

“What is this,” Elmos asked his brother.

“It is the end of all of us,” King Things said. “Into Menegroth!”

We made our way across the bridge and through the gates as quickly as we could. Once inside, the ladies came to us frantically. In the confusion, Mîrwen found and embraced me.

“You returned,” she said.

“Yes, I said, dropping my sword. “I am one of the few.”

She looked at me—her eyes filling with tears as she followed my gaze to Êlengolas speaking with Lothluin. She fell into the arms of Valdúmîr. Mîrwen turned away.

“Is there word from the borders,” I asked.

“None,” she said. “I cannot bear the silence.”

I said nothing as my concern turned to Oropher. I knew we would both die of despair at the loss of our son.

“Go to Lothluin,” I said. “I will see you in our chambers after a while.”

Mîrwen nodded. I kissed her forehead and made my way down to the armory with the others. As I took off my armor, I somehow began to want to return to it. I sat down beside it on the wooden bench the length of the room. I felt a sensation foreign to me—a weakness ran through me and I desired to sleep as a newborn elfling. Êlengolas sat beside me looking as weary as I felt.

“How is Lothluin,” I asked. Even my voice felt tired.

“I know not her thoughts but her heart is broken,” he answered. “She waits for word of Eldôr with Valdúril. His return will give her hope.”

“It will give me some hope as well,” I said. “I know where he is, Oropher is not far. They are closer than brothers.”

“I believe they will return,” Êlengolas said. “They are too headstrong to die. Especially Oropher.”

I laughed—it seemed a lifetime since I had.

“True,” I said. “Oropher can be stubborn.”

“That is why I allowed him to marry Nimeithel. I knew with him she would always be safe.”

I smiled at Êlengolas. I put my hand on his shoulder.

“They will return.”

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

Once I was bathed and dressed properly for court, I made my way towards my chambers. I thought of all the things I had seen in battle and wondered if there would come a time when such things would become only memory. When I reached the main hall, things were much quieter—only a few elves lingered near the gates. I turned to go to my chambers when I saw Iarûr and his wife Nimríel outside Finëar’s chambers.

“Is something the matter,” I asked. It had been some time since I heard from Finëar or his wife Nenduriel.

“You have nothing to fear, Orothôn,” Iarûr said. “Finëar is fine if but a bit rattled.”

“He was appointed to assist Iarûr in chronicling the war,” Nimríel said. “He has just returned from the western borders of Doriath.”

“Is that not where Oropher was sent,” I asked.

“I do not know,” Iarûr answered. “But I have not heard from my other chroniclers of yet. I suspect they will return soon.”

“We can only hope,” I said quietly. I continued on my way.

When I came to my chambers, I entered to find Mîrwen with Nimeithel.

“How are you, Nimeithel,” I asked her. She looked frightened though I knew the reason why.

“I was with Lothluin and my sister,” she began. “I cannot imagine how it must be to lose a husband.”

“And you will not know,” I said. “Nor will Valdúril. I know they will return.”

“Why are you so sure,” Mîrwen asked. “Is there word?”

“I know Oropher,” I said attempting to sound hopeful. “He is a strong and formidable warrior.”

“What evil did you see,” Nimeithel asked. “What evil will Oropher face?”

I did not want to tell her in fear of frightening both of them.

“They are strong, but he is stronger,” I said.

They stared at me—their eyes cutting through me like a sword through an orc. I could see my answer was less than acceptable.

“Orothôn, tell us what you have seen,” Mîrwen demanded sternly.

“What I saw I cannot describe in words you would understand,” I answered. “These creatures are beyond explanation.”

Nimeithel began to cry as Mîrwen comforted her. I felt guilty for saying anything at all. I sat down on the bed and watched them from across the room. The true horrors of Ossiriand were still fresh in my mind. I began to doubt my son would return. A knock came to our door.

“Enter,” I said, still deep in thought. It was Galathil.

“Orothôn, come,” he said.

I rose from the bed, looked at my wife and Nimeithel and feared the worst. We left quickly without a word. Once in the hall, we began walking swiftly toward the Great Hall.

“My son,” I began. “Is he dead?”

“I do not know,” Galathil began. “No one knows where he is.”

I stopped abruptly. Galathil motioned to me.

“What do you mean no one knows where he is?”

“He left his post,” he said. “Or that is what I was told.”

“What you were told,” I said angrily. “Who told you this?”

Galathil came to me.

“Amdir was with him and Eldôr at the start. Come with me, Orothôn. You may ask him yourself.”

I nodded and we continued on. Once we reached the hall, I realized a few elves had started to return from the borders. We found Amdir among them with his wife Anadriel.

“Go to my mother,” Amdir whispered to her. “I must speak with Father.”

She nodded and left us.

“What do you know of Oropher,” I asked.

“He left us not long after we were attacked,” he began. “He and Eldôr followed Aúrion to the southern borders.”

“Aúrion,” Galathil asked puzzled. “Was he not with Círdan in Eglarest?”

“No,” Amdir answered. “He came with Eäros. He collapsed by the gates.”

“What was he doing in battle then,” I asked.

“It was not fighting,” he said. “He was looking for anyone to go with him back to Eglarest.”

“With the blessing of Thingol,” Galathil asked.

“I do not know,” Amdir answered. “I only saw Oropher and Eldôr leave with him. Whether they were able to pass beyond the border I cannot say.”

I felt fear and anger—fear for Oropher’s well-being and angry at his actions.

“I need to find my son,” I said to myself.

“Where would you begin to look,” Galathil asked. “You have barely ventured anywhere save Ossiriand as it is. The Queen will not allow you to pass for such a journey. Not while those creatures remain anywhere near.”

“Then how would Aúrion get into Doriath or lead anyone out,” I asked, my voice growing louder. Before I could say another word, Celeborn entered excitedly.

“Ada,” he yelled, looking for Galadhon. He saw us and ran over. “Uncle, where is Father?”

“I have not seen him for some time,” Galathil told him. “Perhaps he is with your mother. What is wrong?”

“You must come outside,” he said. “There is something in the sky.”

“In the sky,” Amdir asked. “Are you mad, cousin?”

“Galathil saw it, too,” he answered.

“What is going on,” Elmo asked coming to us. “Celeborn, what are you going on about?”

“It is in the sky,” a familiar voice said. We looked to see Oropher standing with Eldôr.

“Oropher,” Amdir said smiling as he went to him. “Where have you been?”

I just stood there in disbelief.

“I told you they would return,” Êlengolas said as he passed on his way outside.

Oropher walked over to me and embraced me.

“You came home,” he whispered. “I knew you would. Come, see.”

I was too relieved to scold my only child. Out of curiosity, I made my way into the darkness. The world had changed. A faint light illuminated the earth with an ethereal glow. Without a thought, we walked beyond the gates and westwardly until we could see the light from what we would call the moon—rising slowly at the farthest point beyond where we had awakened. The faint sound of horns was heard and the rumblings that once shook us in tear seemed nothing compared to what would come to us not long after.

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.