#the epic of eryn galen

Chapter VII: Darkness Falls (Pt. III)

I said nothing to Oropher about my vision. If he suspected anything, he said nothing. I put it out of my mind and life became routine once more. We heard little of the world beyond Doriath for a time that seemed longer than it was—when we returned to the realities of the world.

I was in the throne room with Orowen and Mîrwen early one morning before I was to meet Iarûr in the library.

“This younger generation of elves are so ambitious,” Orowen said to Mîrwen.

“Why do they wish to wait to start a family? Amdir wishes to follow Oropher’s example.”

“I do not know, Nana,” Mîrwen answered. “But I know Nimeithel agrees with her husband.”

“I have heard nothing from Anadriel,” Orowen said. “She keeps busy with Nimloth and Ëarmîr.”

“From what I understand, Nimeithel has her own hands full keeping up with Lúthien,” I added. “I do not know when she would find the time to start a family.”

“Have you not heard,” Orowen began. “Lúthien will have new accommodations soon.”

“New accommodations,” I asked curiously.

“On uncle’s orders,” Mîrwen said. “For her safety.”

“What could be safer than Menegroth,” I asked. “Are you sure you heard correctly?”

They nodded as Oropher approached with Celeborn.

“Good morning, Ada,” he said cheerfully.

“Have you heard of new accommodations for the Princess Lúthien,” I asked.

Celeborn looked down as Oropher sighed.

“I think you should come with us,” Oropher said.

I left with them for a short journey to a place where builders were constructing something around a tree. Overseeing the workers were Thingol, Elmo and both Galathils.

“This should keep my daughter secured and well-placed to have her ladies attend to her every whim,” I heard Thingol say. 

As he turned to leave, we bowed to him. 

“This should make things easier for Nimeithel,” he said to Oropher.

With that, he left with Elmo and his son.

“Galathil,” Celeborn said to his brother. “How are things?”

“Father was instructed to have me ensure things are done quickly and to the liking of the king.”

“May I ask what endangers the king’s daughter for him to go to such measures,” I asked.

“Love, I am afraid,” Galathil said. “What else is there?”

Oropher rolled his eyes.

“What is on your mind, son?”

“Nothing, Ada,” he said.

“Amdir and I overheard Saeros speaking to Iarûr,” Celeborn began. “Before you say it, Brother, I know it was bad form but they were in the hall in which we were walking.”

“You grow more like your wife every day,” Galathil said.

“As I was saying,” Celeborn continued. “Daeron informed the king of his daughter’s plans. I know not what they were, but I am quite sure it was her desire to follow the mortal on his quest.”

“Beren,” I asked. “How would anyone know where he is or if he lives?”

“There is no better way to know than to search,” Galathil said.

“So Thingol wishes Hírilorn turned into her gilded cage for her safety,” Celeborn added.

“That is rather extreme,” I whispered.

“These are dangerous times,” Galathil said.

“Made all the more dangerous by such a monstrosity,” Oropher added. “If she can get out of Menegroth, she will get out of this.”

“It is my duty to make sure that does not happen,” Galathil said sternly. “Our dear cousin is a bit unruly, as you well know.”

Oropher left abruptly and I went after him.

“Oropher,” I said as I caught up to him. “What is bothering you?”

“I can assure you, Father,” he began as he stopped walking. “Lúthien will not remain in that place for long.”

“How are you so sure,” I asked.

“There is nothing in this world that can keep the heart from what it will do for love, no matter how foolish.”

“It can be said to apply to a father for his daughter,” I answered. “We will do many foolish things for love.”

“Perhaps,” Oropher said more calmly. “But of two loves, only one will break its chains and change this world forever.”

He left me alone in shock at his words. Who was this man I called son and where were these profound revelations coming from?–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 9-22-2019

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.