#writing high fantasy
Chapter VI: The Second Awakening (Pt. V)
I took my place beside Mîrwen—I marveled at how she radiated when she smiled at me. We stood with Elmo and Orowen, Galadhon and Celebriel, Galathil and Nárwen on either side of King Thingol and Queen Melian. Oropher, Amdir, Galathil, and Eäros stood with their wives beside Celeborn and Galadriel as they stood before the court to take their vows.
“Celeborn, son of Galadhon,” Daeron began. “You have chosen Galadriel?”
“I have,” Celeborn said proudly.
“And you, Galadriel, daughter of Finarfin,” another elf said to her. “You have chosen Celeborn?”
“I have,” Galadriel said gazing into Celeborn’s eyes.
Daeron and the elf bowed to Things as he stood to address the couple.
“I say to you both, you have my blessing.”
They shared a kiss and the Great Hall erupted with cheers. Servants cleared the hall to prepare for evening celebrations as we left with the family into an adjacent room beyond the thrones. Once there, I noticed King Thingol speaking to his queen quietly across from us. The door opened.
“Saeros,” Thingol said to the elf that entered. “Come.”
I recognized him as the other officiant. Unlike most elves in the service of the king, he was a Nandor. Today was his first official duty as a member of the council. Graceful and fair, his demeanor reminded me of Denethor.
“That was a beautiful ceremony,” Orowen began. “It was indeed the respite from the goings-on beyond these walls we needed.”
“If you are referring to the sundering of the lands around Beleriand by the sons of Fëanor, Fingolfin, and Finarfin, then yes, it was,” Galadhon said quietly.
“It is your son’s wedding day,” Elmo began sternly. “There will be none of that.”
“Where has Celeborn gone to,” Mîrwen asked, looking around.
“He is probably with his brother and his cousins,” I said. “His bride was last seen with Lúthien and her ladies.”
“I am rather looking forward to this evening,” Galathil said. “How long has it been since we have found cause to celebrate?”
“Too long,” I said.
Shortly, we found ourselves summoned to the Great Hall again for feast and merriment into the night. When I was not dancing with Mîrwen, I spent my time observing my kin enjoying themselves. Even Súlwë found a measure of happiness as he danced with Galadriel. For a moment, it seemed the past was forgiven.
**** **** **** ****
One morning not long after, I lay in bed—my eyes shut with my mind drifting peacefully in tranquil darkness. I felt Mîrwen move closer to me, her lips touching mine. I opened my eyes to find her looking at me. We kissed again and soon we were lost in each other’s arms.
“How is my wife this morning,” I asked.
“She is very happy,” she said.
She kissed me again, but I did not respond.
“What is the matter?”
“It is too quiet,” I answered. “Something is about to happen.”
“Do not be silly,” Mîrwen said, kissing me again.
There was a knock at the door. Mîrwen frowned at me as I smiled at her.
“I told you so,” I whispered. “One moment, if you will,” I said to the door.
Mîrwen rose from our bed and covered herself with her robe.
“Enter,” she said.
When the door opened, several ladies entered. I recognized two of them.
“Good morning, Nimeithel; Valdúril.”
“Orothôn,” Nimeithel said as she turned to Mîrwen. “Wonderful news! Níndi is with child and Galathil has asked Meriel for her hand.”
“That is wonderful news,” Mîrwen cried gleefully.
“Yes,” I began. “Wonderful.”
They all turned and looked at me for what seemed a lifetime.
“Apologies, my love,” Mîrwen finally said.
She motioned for the ladies to follow her to her dressing corner so I could properly cover myself in my robe. It was then another knock came. I sighed deeply.
“Enter,” I said as I sat down on the bed. It was Êlengolas and Finëar.
“You are not in bed,” Finëar said.
I pointed behind me.
“Oh,” he said again.
More dressers entered as Mîrwen emerged dressed for the day. She came to me and whispered into my ear.
“Until later,” she said as she kissed my cheek.
I nodded and she disappeared into the hall with the ladies.
“I do not wish to know,” Êlengolas began. “Please keep that to yourself.”
I let out a weak laugh as the dressers got to work.
“Any word from court other than Galathil’s engagement?”
“Lady Galadriel has left Beleriand,” Finëar said.
“Why,” I asked.
“It is nothing,” Êlengolas added. “She went to see her brother.”
“The king allowed this,” I asked.
“He cannot deny her such a request even as he and his brothers are exiled.”
“Did Celeborn leave with her?”
“No, he remains,” Finëar answered. “He has duties to attend to here.”
“He is the grandson of the king’s brother. Let no grudge go unheld,” Êlengolas said as the dressers finished and left.
The three of us made our way toward the Great Hall.
“Where does Finrod make his home,” I asked.
“Not far from our southwest borders,” Finëar said. “The sons of Fëanor are our north and east.”
“Do not forget Fingolfin and his sons,” Êlengolas said. “They occupy territory in the Northwest regions. All is right with the world.”
“For now,” I said to myself as we continued on our way.
**** **** **** ****
As the years went on, our world began to grow. There were noticeably more elves and naugrim walking the hills and valleys of Arda. After the birth of Eäros and Níndi’s son Ëarmîr, Galathil wed Meriel. Not long thereafter, their daughter Nimloth was born.
In the days following, my visions became more frequent and vivid. I told no one of the darkness and the despair I saw but Oropher seemed to understand whenever I became distant from friends and family.
There were rumors out of Ossiriand from the remnants of the Laiquendi still residing there. A new creature had appeared. Unlike the naugrim, it was said to be far more pleasant to look upon, yet their presence was unwelcome. Saeros would scoff at the stories of his lost people as fantasy as their plight of living under the eyes of two sons of Fëanor was less than ideal.
Queen Melian, however, took these rumors to heart. She said very little on the matter except to tell us not to dismiss these tales out of hand for creation continues under the Heavens. After a while, the rumors would be put aside and we went on with our lives—until the night when the rumors came within the borders of Doriath.
For elves, the night brought us comfort. We awoke beneath the stars so it was not uncommon for any of us to find ourselves outside on cloudless nights lost in thought. On nights such as this, Lúthien would wander out of the palace. It was unclear why—for it had started to become routine. Upon her return each time, her behavior seemed changed. Her cousin Galathil fell suspicious first—telling Oropher she was almost tolerable. Still, no one said a word. It was in her nature, we told ourselves.
One moonlit night, I went to find my son. He was on watch in the keep. When I arrived, he was lost in thought, gazing into the sky.
“What is on your mind, son,” I asked.
“Not a thing,” he said, turning his gaze toward me. “I was enjoying the view.”
I went to join him at the window. It was one of the most beautiful nights I had seen.
“What a view it is,” I said. “It is breathtaking.”
“Perhaps if we were outside,” he began. “I would love to take Nimeithel for a walk.”
“There will be other nights,” I said. “How is Nimeithel?”
“She has been tasked to look after Lúthien,” he answered. “To see where she wanders on the orders of grandmother. She thinks Lúthien has found a new place to wander but she wants to make sure it is not too far from Menegroth.”
“Has she returned,” I asked.
“She never left,” Oropher laughed. “Lúthien escaped before she could follow.”
We look out the window and saw Daeron leaving—crossing the bridge swiftly.
“Where is Daeron going,” I asked.
Oropher looked for himself.
“I do not know, but he has been often wandering out of Menegroth as of late searching for Lúthien.”
“Perhaps he goes for the king,” I said.
“The king does not know,” he answered.
“How is that possible?”
“I cannot say,” Oropher began. “But he does not know Daeron is in love with his daughter.”
“I beg your pardon,” I cried.
“It is true, Ada,” he said. “I do not know how no one has noticed how he looks upon her.”
“Everyone looks upon Lúthien with high regard,” I said.
Oropher laughed.
“He looks upon her as I look upon Nimeithel or Eldôr looks upon Valdúril. He is in love but it is unrequited.”
I looked out again to see Daeron returning from his outing. Even at a distance, I could see he was infuriated.
“He is not happy,” I said.
“How can you tell,” Oropher asked. “He always looks that way.”
“Something has him overwrought,” I said. “Perhaps I should go after him.”
“There is no need to,” Oropher said pointing into the night.
I saw Lúthien coming across the bridge and into the gates. We looked at each other perplexed. I would not be long before the answer to our questions would come walking into the court of King Thingol.––TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 8-03-2019
Note to @staff : This is Liv Tyler as Arwen. Duh.
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. 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
“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
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. 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.
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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. 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 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
“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.–TKWRT
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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