Jaynaé Marie

Chapter IX: The Reckoning (Pt. IV)

I was not in my chambers long before Mîrwen entered. She had a look of dread upon her face. I knew better than to inquire. She had spent much of her time with the Queen this day. With the departure of Thingol, I knew too well the fear in Melian’s heart. What she said to the court with her eyes, she spoke to her most trusted ladies.

“What is on your mind, Orothôn,” she asked as she walked by without a glance. “I could hear your thoughts in the hall.”

“I have nothing on my mind other than my concern for you.”

“As you well should,” she said. “But I would worry more for the fate of the Eldalië.”

“Why is that,” I began. “Do not speak to me in riddles, Mîrwen. Between you and Galadriel, on can hardly dismiss the look of puzzlement upon my face.”

“There is talk of war,” she said angrily. “Or do menfolk not speak of it anymore?”

“We speak of it,” I answered. “But why would ladies concern themselves with war?”

“We are far from immune by the affects of war,” she said. “We are wives and mothers of warriors.”

“Yes, you are,” I said. “And as such, it would be helpful if you would tell your warrior husband what you are trying to say.”

“Mother wishes to sail west.”

I looked at Mîrwen. From her expression, I could tell she knew I was stunned.

“What are you saying, Mîrwen?”

“Dark times are coming to us,” she began. “There will be death among us. Mother wishes for us to go where we should have gone a long time ago.”

I did not know what to say. Before I could think of something, there came a knock at the door.

“Enter,” I said without a backwards glance.

“Ada,” I heard Oropher say. I turned to see my son standing beside Amdir. 

“Yes, Oropher,” I asked.

“You are wanted,” he said. “By Elmo.”

I nodded.

“See to your mother,” I whispered.

“Yes, Ada,” he answered.

“Elmo is with Iarûr in the library,” Amdir added.

I nodded, and made my way down the hall. As I turned down the corridor leading to the library, I met Êlengolas and Finëar.

“Have you two been summoned,” I asked.

“If by summoned you mean intentionally eavesdropping, then yes,” Êlengolas said with a smile. Finëar sighed in annoyance.

“Yes, he was called upon,” he said. “Êlengolas is one of our best warriors, if not our most trying. Angband rumbles again for that creature brought with it more than eyes.”

As we entered the library, several elves busied themselves with putting scrolls into trunks. Iarûr and Elmo stood in the farthest corner speaking quietly as Súlwë sat nearby. When they saw us approaching, we were greeted warmly.

“Orothôn,” Iarûr said. “Good of you to come.”

“I was told Elmo wished to see me,” I answered.

“Yes,” Elmo said. “Have you spoken to Mîrwen?”

“I have only briefly.”

“So, she has told you of Orowen’s desire to sail west.”

“Yes,” I answered. “I am afraid I do not understand.”

“I believe you do, Orothôn,” Elmo said. “It was you, after all, that heard my promise to my wife many years ago on our way to Doriath.”

Everything became clear to me in that moment. My mind returned to the forest beneath the stars.

“You have called me here to tell me we are to leave Doriath?”

“No,” he said softly. “Not just yet, but it is on the minds of many.”

“I find it difficult to fathom King Thingol leaving this world,” I said. “And if my memory serves, you said you would leave if you failed to convince your brother.”

“You memory serves you well,” he answered.

“The King will not leave Doriath,” Êlengolas said. “So long as his daughter remains, he is tethered forever to this land.”

“His daughter has given her love to a mortal,” Finëar added. “Now Elven blood will one day flow together with Atani for many generations.”

“Yes,” Elmo said softly. “I made a promise to my beloved, but I owe my allegiance to my brother.”

“So you wish to stay,” I asked.

“No,” Elmo answered. “I want to leave with my family before more Elven blood is shed.”

“Well, do it quickly,” Iarûr said. “That time will be upon us soon. More than elven blood will flow through this land.”

“Are you planning to leave as well,” I asked Iarûr.

“No,” he said. “I must stay. My fate is tied to another. But I will make my way home when it is is my time to do so.”

“When are you leaving, Elmo,” I asked.

“As soon as my brother returns, I shall tell him my plans so that I may prepare for our journey. You will be coming with us, yes?”

I did not answer. I had not given it much thought. Even after facing the evil of Morgoth, I had come to call Doriath my home.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 12-11-2021

Yep, we’re back. In this episode, there is talk of elves sailing West as their world grows darker. While Thingol and Beren go after the wolf Carcharoth, there is chatter of what may be coming.

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

King Thingol plans on putting his daughter into a gilded tree (Hírilorn) to keep her from going after Beren. Even Oropher knows that is a fool’s idea.

Chapter II: A Son is Born (Pt. III)

“I was resting in bed alone—Mîrwen left to attend her mother as she often would. I was lost in thought of nothing in particular when I heard quiet chatter nearby.

“This is my room,” a voice said. “I sleep here. They sleep there.”

“Mine, too,” another voice said. “Your ada is still in here.”

I slowly turned my head toward the voices. I saw two little heads coming towards me.

“Oropher and Eldôr,” I said softly. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

“I am showing Eldôr my room, Ada,” he said looking up at me.

“It looks like mine,” Eldôr added.

“I can imagine,” I answered. I felt myself trying not to laugh at their curiosity. They were starting to grow quickly in this world under starlight—yet they seemed oblivious to the skies under which I awakened.

“May I ask why you are not with your mothers?”

“Nana is away,” Oropher answered. “She is with the others.”

“They are with the elfling,” Eldôr added.

I thought myself for moment. I could count on my fingers the newborns.

“Do you speak of Nimeithel,” I asked.

“No,” Oropher said teasing me.  "The new one.”

“There are two,” Eldôr said. “Remember?”

“Yes,” Oropher nodded. “Two elflings.”

“Might I enter,” asked a voice from outside.

“Enter, Valdôr,” I said.

“I see you have visitors,” he said as he entered. “Eldôr, you mother has been looking everywhere for you.”

“I am in here,” he answered.

“I had not noticed,” his father said. “Off with you.”

“And you as well,” I said to Oropher.

They ran out quickly.

“Were you looking for me?”

“Really, Orothôn,” Valdôr began sitting nearby. “There are two elves I can find at any moment if need by and neither one of them is my wife and son.”

“I hear there are newborns,” I said sitting up.

“Yes, Celebriel has had a son,” he said. “Valdúmîr a daughter.”

“Oh,” I said with a smile.

“Not a word,” Valdôr scolded. “Êlengolas cares not he now has two daughters; only that they are the most beautiful elflings he has ever seen.”

“Of course,” I answered. “Have you see either one?”

“I have Galathil,” he said.

“Galathil?”

“Yes, Galadhon named him after his brother at the behest of his wife.”

“They are close,” I said. “None closer I have seen.”

“Nor I,” Valdôr said.

I could tell something was on his mind.

“What are you to telling me,” I asked.

“Iarûr has said our time is nigh,” he whispered. “We are not long to leave this land.”

“And this displeases you, Valdôr?”

“That is not my concern,” he answered. “What concerns me was how he said it. As to say peril was upon us.”

He turned away as I rose to dress. When I was done he turned back.

“You know Iarûr has known things we will never comprehend, Valdôr. He would never lead us astray.”

“I know,” he added. “But that brings little comfort. Not since we long left Denethor behind.”

“Come, let us find Êlengolas,” I said.

He rose and we walked outside making our way toward where Êlengolas resided with his family. He was outside holding his newborn daughter while his first born pulled on his leg.

“I want to see,” Nimeithel said.

She was beautiful—her hair nearly white and her complexion just as fair.

“Quiet,” Êlengolas said. “You will wake your sister.”

“Might we have a look,” I asked

He proudly showed us a tiny bundle—barely a feature to behold waiting for time to reveal it.

“She is beautiful,” I whispered.

“I want to see,” Nimeithel cried. I bent down and picked her up. She gazed in wonder at her new sister.

“What do you call her,” Valdôr asked.

“Valdúril,” Êlengolas said. She takes after her mother as Nimeithel takes after me.”

Nimríel came out of Êlengolas’ dwelling.

“Give her to me,” she said.

Êlengolas carefully handed over his daughter to her as I put down the other. They went inside as we walked away.

“You told Orothôn of Galathil,” he asked Valdôr.

“I have,” he answered.

“He told me what Iarûr said,” I added.

He stopped abruptly and looked at me. His eyes seemed locked on me—his face stoic.

“So you have heard we will leave this place soon?”

“Yes.”

“Did Valdôr tell you why?”

I looked at Valdôr.

“I thought it wise for you to tell him, Êlengolas.”

“Tell me what,” I asked. I started to fear the answer.

“Círdan has moved on from here,” he began. “He left alone—the others remain with us.”

“He left without a word,” I asked.

“Yes, but not without direction.”

“Elmo believes he will lead us to Elwë,” Valdôr said.

“Do you know for certain,” I asked.

“Eäros said he is very close with Elwë,” Êlengolas answered. “If anyone would know where Elwë can be found, it would be Círdan.”

“But if he has gone, how will we find either of them,” I asked.

They looked at one another as to know the answer would frighten me.

“Elmo knows where his brother resides,” Êlengolas said. “He remains tethered to this world.”

“He waits for us, then,” I  asked.

“No,” Valdôr said. “He waits for no one.”

“I do not understand,” I said.

Êlengolas looked toward the west.

“We are about to come into his kingdom.”

He looked at me and I knew we would never see Eldamar.”–TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller 4-20-2018

Oropher is talking. Sadly, so is Eldôr. Valdôr enters the scene to tell good and bad news. First, Êlengolas and his wife Valdúmîr have had a second daughter, Valdúril. Second, they will leave where they are soon. They go see her only to run into an eager older sister Nimeithel wanting to see her sister. Afterwards, bad news. They find out Círdan has left, but his direction has led Elmo to figure out where his brother Elwë resides. Orothôn realizes they will never see Eldamar.