Jaynaé Marie

MIDDLE-EARTH + Scenery [PartXIII] THE HOBBIT/THE LORD OF THE RINGS

Behold, my world 🗺.

Chapter X: The King Under the Mountain (Pt. II)

“Once I knew Eryn Galen was long behind, I glanced back. It had disappeared behind the forest as we made our way Southward. There was a haunting silence as we walked through the forest—not a word was spoken for some time. I rode alongside my father, Elranduil, Eldôr, Amdir and Amroth.

“Thranduil,” my father finally said. “Ride ahead with me.”

We parted from the army short distance so to have our privacy.

“Yes, Father,” I asked.

“It has been some time since we have taken a ride together,” he began. “Though it had always been under fairer circumstances. I am sworn by duty to protect you.”

“Mother told you to do so.”

“Yes, but also, you are my only son. I would not hesitate to protect you even if she had not asked this of me. This will be unlike anything you will ever come against in battle. And if not defeated, you will find yourself fighting this evil in one form or another.”

“What is it this thing,” I asked. “I only remember what I was told in my youth and it frightened me.”

“It is far worse than what you were told then,” he said. “Far worse. We spoke of it hoping that it had been put away for good and had become a distant memory. It breeds upon the  worst of us. It survives on the darkest thoughts and desires. It feeds upon the weak minded. On those who desire power. Morgoth gives to them what they want but takes their soul in return. Death is their only recourse. Some of us will not return to Eryn Galen.”

We rode on in silence. I suddenly felt ill. I wanted to return home but I had become disoriented. I hear a small tap within my armor. It was then I remembered Êlúriel had given me her wedding ring. I realized that I had left mine with her unintentionally, but I was glad for I knew she would carry it with her all the time once she found it.

Time seemed to move slower as the sun moved across the sky from dawn to midday—eventually finding the western horizon. We were barely out of the Rhovanion, but at the borders of Eryn Galen were long since past.

“We rest here tonight,” Father said. “Rest. We march again at first light.” Soon, the long silence was broken and elves began speaking with each other and camps were being set up. As if it were joyful atmosphere, lanterns began to light throughout the forest as night fell and soldiers look as themselves. I felt better once I was able to remove my armor. I felt myself again.

I shared a tent with those I spent my childhood: Elranduil, Melros, Fëaluin and Fínduin. With us was Elmîr, Nimlos and Amroth. I had made that request of Father and he indulged me, though his tent not more than three or four paces behind.

“I miss Arandil already,” Melros said. “She promised not to give birth until I returned from war. She is not too far along, but I expect to be a father upon my return.”

“So will I,” Elranduil said as he leaned against a post looking into the darkness. “I hope this does not last long.“

“Fëaluin and Fínduin are most fortunate,” Nimlos said. “They had their children before we left. Must you do everything together?”

“Not everything,” Fínduin said. “Just most things. That was pure coincidence, my friend. But I am glad that Sinomë has her brothers with her. Protecting her and the kingdom.”

“Well I will return a father as you, Melros,” Nimlos said quietly. “Sildúriel did not wish for me to know, but Nenloth told me not long before we left.”

“You never told us,” Elmîr said. “That is wonderful news, Nimlos.”

“I did not say as much for my sister had just given birth,” he answered. “We left far too soon for me to say much of anything of it. But now, what I am most curious about are these Men we join in battle. I have never seen one before.”

“I have met them,” Amroth said as he rested on his bed. “Often in Imladris. You know that Lord Elrond is a peredhel as was his twin brother. Elros. I know of Isildur, the one that rides from the West with Gil-galad and his father Elendil. I am not fond of him, but his brother Anárion I find honorable as his father.”

“I believe I saw a man once,” Nimlos said. “I dare not approach him. My mother once warned me of them. She had a fear of them I did not understand.“

“They age differently,” Fínduin said. “But they die with age, unlike us. They can only live so long before they die.”

“Everyone knows that, Fínduin,” Fëaluin said. “They are men. Though their maidens are more bearable. At least by sight.”

“How would you know,” Elranduil asked. “You have never left Eryn Galen until this day! How would you know what they look like?”

“I know how they look,” Nimlos said. “For the brother of my uncle’s wife married one. Sirurial, was her name. She left us before we came into Eryn Galen. She was quite beautiful from what I remember.”

“Many apologies,” Amroth said. “If our words have offended, Nimlos.”

He smiled and nodded. He looked toward me.

“Thranduil,” Nimlos said. “You are quiet tonight. Are you well?”

“I miss Êlúriel,” I said quietly. “No more.”

I waited for laughter or a jest at my expense, but there was silence.

"I do not want to fight,” Melros said angrily. "I have not the heart to fight the battles of my forefathers.”

“You will fight and with honor,” Galdúmîr said as he walked into our tent. “Fínduin. Fëaluin. Come with me. Your Highnesses,” he said bowing. His sons hurried away with their father into the darkness.

“He is right,” Elranduil began, “But I am not forced to do so joyously.”

“Galdúmîr loves nothing more than a good fight,” Melros said. “He cares not where it is. He is a born warrior. As my father. I cannot say as much for his sons. Fëaluin and Fínduin is far more diplomatic. I think they inherited that from Eleniâth.”

“There will be no negotiating with this evil,” Nimlos said. “I have seen its power. Ravaging land after land, destroying all in its path. Those fortunate to survive are left with little to nothing. It was this same evil that took my mother and my father. I fight against it for them.”

Everyone looked at the ground. I knew well Melros was ashamed of his words. Elranduil was as his father, Eldôr—thinking about what strategic position we would take. I was thinking about Êlúriel and if I would keep my promise to her.

Fëaluin returned alone not long after. He sat down at the end of his cot without saying a word.

“What is the matter,” I asked.

“We will meet with those that come from the West two days hence,” he said. “Not long from Moria where we will join the armies of Durin. I heard it from Eldôr as he was speaking with King Oropher and Father. It does not feel right to me. Not that the dwarves have joined this battle but their entry into it means this no longer is a fight that comes before elves and men. It affects the whole of Arda. I do not like this, Thranduil.”

“I do not like wars,” Amroth said quietly. “I have heard too many things of them to find any valor in them. But there are times they are needed. This is one of those times. But that does not take me farther away from the fear of fighting against such evil.”

“Rest, everyone,” Nimlos said. “We need as much as we can get.”

I walked out of the tent and looked around. Things had begun to quiet down as a full moon shone from above between several lingering clouds. Fínduin walked toward me.

“Thinking of Êlúriel,” he said. “I would not think any less of you if you were.”

“Yes,” I said. “I have not stopped thinking of her since the day I met her. I just want make it home to see her again.”

“I know,” he said. “I miss Sinomë. After Nimlúin was born, she told me that upon my return she wanted to give me a son. A son. I love my daughter. Should I return, all I want is to be there for what I already have. There would be plenty of time for sons, but if victory does not come for us any sons I had would be sent to slaughter.”

He looked at me sadly and went inside the tent. It would not be until I was king and had a son of my own that his words had meaning. I pulled from beneath my shirt Êlúriel’s ring. I thought of her face, her silken hair and her eyes. There was no greater desire for me than to live to see her again. I would fight just for that reason alone.”–Excerpt from TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil by J.M.Miller 3-5-16

War is on the horizon. Away from home, boys will become men but only one will return as King.🕸 That should be an obvious clue.

Chapter VI: Son of the King (Part IV)

“I spend the morning in audience with my father. The events of the day before were on his mind. Time and again he would give me a glance and half a smile as to laugh. I was wondering when I would see Êlúriel again. I began to worry something might be wrong.

Eldôr whispered something in father’s ear and his face lost its color. His eyes began to flicker.

“Everyone leave us. You as well, Thranduil,” father said. “I will call upon you again. Do not be late.”

“Yes, Father,” I said, bowing.

Eldôr motioned to Elranduil and I left the court alone into the gardens. They were empty—unusual even for the season.  I went to sit beside a tree near the trickling brook. As a child, it seemed as a river to me. But as winter fell, the waters moved slowly. As with the forest, it was preparing to sleep.

I was thinking about many things, but every one of them included Êlúriel. I wondered had my father have a change of heart and send the Nandor away into the wilds where they would surely perish? I felt a tug on my sleeve and turned to see her. Êlúriel. I felt such a wave of relief, I think she noticed. She was smiling at me—the most perfect smile in all of Eryn Galen, if not Arda.

“I knew I would find you here,” she said. “Thinking, of course.”

“You were looking for me,” I asked, trying not to let her see how happy I was. “What can I do for you, Êlúriel?”

She watched the stream, fascinated by the waters. She looked at me, still smiling with a playful look in her eyes and sat down beside me.

“Let me think on it, Thranduil,” she said.

She looked at me with a very serious look and moved closer. Whatever she was thinking began to frighten me a little. Then she leaned toward me; I could feel her breath in my face.

“You could kiss me,” she said. I leaned in and when our lips met, I forgot myself. I embraced her and we continued our moment of love. When it had ended she seemed different. “I never expected anything like that,” she said. “It was wonderful.”

“I am glad to be of service, Êlúriel,” I said jokingly. “How was your day?”

“It was just as it is always,” she began. “I helped Nenloth with Elenlúin, Elarían and Randúmîr. They are quite restless these days, but I have never seen them so happy. They feel safe here. Then, I asked Melros where I could find you and here I am. And what are you doing so far away from court, if I may ask?”

“Thinking,” I said. “Thinking about many things. Father dismissed me for a time. I am waiting to return.”

“What things would you have need to think about? You have everything.”

I looked at her. I had memorized her face the very first moment I saw her and it had not lost any of its impeccable beauty or charm.

“I do not want everything, Êlúriel,” I said. “I want to be free some days. From being the son of the great Oropher. Do not think ill of me, for I love my father very much, but there are times I do not want to inherit the throne of Eryn Galen. Why can I not be just Thranduil?”

“I thought you were just Thranduil,” she said. “You are who you are. It is part of you. I will say there are days it seems to take from you a great many things.”

“I know,” I answered. “I am expected to be able to do what my father does. May that day never come for it is enough just being a prince. It is more than a title. It is expectation. I am expected to prepare to be something I may never become.”

She gave me a look of sympathy. I could see that she was genuinely listening to me. She seemed to understand my feelings. I found great comfort in her.

“I know nothing of being an heir,” she began sitting closer to me. “There is great responsibility there. But I know you will make a great king. You are strong, compassionate and quite headstrong. Perfect for a king, I would say.”

I smiled and laughed. Mother thought of me as such. As a child I would try to be like my father, walking around with my nose in the air, getting teased by Elranduil most of the time. As I grew older, I would do anything for my Father’s approval. Every lesson I tried to perfect. Those were the days I was the son of Oropher. Now I belonged to Êlúriel. I had no desire to be anything but hers. I saw nothing but her face every hour of every day.

“Have you spoken with my mother,” I asked.

“Yes. She is most beautiful,” she said. “She is wonderful and speaks so eloquently. Especially of her son.”

“I do not think I want to hear this,” I said, knowing well my mother could make me seem like the most perfect creatures in all of Arda. Ever since I was born, she would hardly leave my side until it was time for me to learn the ways of a warrior.

“She said very little, though she did mention how handsome her son had become. His eyes and the most beautiful gold hair of any elf to ever live.”

I began to laugh.

“She did not say that, Êlúriel,” I answered. She was teasing me. I loved it when she would do it. “Though, knowing my mother, that is what she was thinking.”

“No, she did not say those things,” she said. “If your mother was thinking such things then she must have read my mind.”

How does one answer such flattery? I just leaned toward her and kissed her again. I never wanted to leave this paradise. As we were getting more intimate, an interruption stole away our moment.

“Your Highness,” a voice said. It was Aramoth. As a warden in the south of Eryn Galen, he was rather far from his post.

“Yes, Aramoth,” I said, sighing to myself. “Am I needed somewhere?”

“His Majesty King Oropher wishes to speak with you right away. He says it is of great importance.”

I rose from the ground. I took Êlúriel’s hand and helped her to her feet.

“I apologize, Êlúriel,” I said with a strong hint of disappointment. “I must leave you. I fear that I will miss you greatly.”

“I understand,” she said. She kissed my cheek and smiled and began my return to court.

“Come, Your Highness,” Aramoth said and we began to walk away toward the palace. I looked back and saw Êlúriel sitting down again by the stream. I longed to be with her, but I had to be a Prince of Eryn Galen. Son of Oropher.

“Nenloth told me you asked for her hand, Thranduil,” Aramoth asked almost laughing. “She is quite beautiful, if I may say.”

“Aramoth, why are you this far away from your post,” I said sharply. He did not change his demeanor.

“Because me and Aramír were called to court by your father. All four of the head of the border guard. Sildôr and Findôl as well. He wanted you to be there when he spoke with us. There comes something upon the horizon that is not good, Thranduil. Haldir of Lórien sent to us a messenger with word from Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. It must be important. He sent his brother Rúmil.”

“I do not like the sound of it,” I answered. “Why would Haldir send a warden in place of a messenger?“

We continued walking toward the palace. I did not care much of what was to come for I was still thinking of Êlúriel. But the tone of Aramoth’s voice sounded urgent and even I could not help but wonder what I would expect to hear.

As I entered the throne room with Aramoth, I saw before me everyone of which I was told. Elranduil was already at in his place. With my father was Finëar, Sírnên, Eldôr, Eldûmír, and Galdúmîr. Rúmil of Lórien stood before them between Sildôr and Findôl—behind him stood Aradin, Nînuir and Eldúir.

Golden haired, fair with gleaming blue eyes, Rúmil looked out of place next to earthen brown haired Sildôr and the golden scarlett haired Findôl. On my way to take my place, I could feel Rúmil’s eyes upon me the entire time. I felt a chill as winter run through me. This would not be pleasant.

“Pedo,” Eldôr demanded. Rúmil stepped forward and bowed reverently.

"I come to warn you the shadow returns. Mordor. Lady Galadriel has foreseen grave danger in Arda.”

King Oropher rose from his throne and gave the messenger horrifying look I had never seen cross his face. He walked toward Rúmil, with Eldôr and Finëar close behind.

“There has been nothing to suggest danger at our southern borders. Aramoth,” Galdúmîr demanded.

"None that I have seen of recent,” he answered timidly, looking over at Aramír.

“Have you come all this way on false rumor,” Father began. “For I have no time for this. Why would Lórien send one of its finest wardens to Eryn Galen for such a task?”

There was silence. Everyone seemed to look for an answer from anyone.

“I thank thee for thy praise, but It was not the Lady Galadriel that sent me to you, Your Majesty,” Rúmil began. “It was a task given to be by my brother Haldir upon the request of Lord Celeborn.”

Father seemed to calm down at that name.

“Yes, Celeborn. Of course. There is a name I have not heard for some time. Perhaps I choose not to think to things so long ago. Horrors seen; I need no reminding. Well, then. If it come from Celeborn, I will send back with you a message for him at the rising of dawn. For now, you are my guest in my realm.”

He gestured to his own wardens and they left with Rúmil.

“You do realize what this means, Oropher,” Eldôr said when they were out of sight. “The last time was not the last.”

“I knew that then, Eldôr,” he said looking worried. “Oh did we not lose enough elven blood then and to the evils of Morgoth. Please, spare me remembrances. Orothôn. Êlengolas. Valdôr. Eternity is not long enough to forget nor short enough to end this.”

“They will call upon an Alliance,” Finëar said softly as he motioned to a servant to bring my father his wine. “And there will be the last of many.”

“As if there were not the least of us now,” he said taking his goblet and sitting upon his throne. As Elranduil, I remained so quiet, I could not hear myself breathing. “I do not like this. How it comes from Lórien upon the return of Gilgalad, I suspect there is more to this to come out of Imladris.”

“We have plenty of strong elven warriors to take into battle, Oropher,” Galdúmîr said proudly. “There are more than enough to end this.”

“Numbers matter nothing to anyone save evil, for it is their only victory in how many they slay. The more they see, the more they will kill, for bloodlust is the only fuel needed to feed their cruelty.”

“So we will fight, then,” I asked. I had no idea why that question crossed my lips at that moment and I feared my father would chastise me for sounding naive.

“Yes, Thranduil,” he said calmly, to my surprise. “Not because it is right or wrong. We fight because we have no choice. We never had a choice, dare I say for when there is shadow, all fall upon their knees and search in vain for a light to crawl towards. Hoping is nothing more than dreaming these days and I find both to be in short supply as short as my patience on this subject. I would not worry yourself just now. You have plenty on your mind as well you should. Go. You and Elranduil. The rest will stay in council. And no one will speak a word to Nimeithel. I shall tell her myself.”

We bowed and took our leave, heading toward the gardens. I hoped to find Êlúriel once more.

“I have never seen a war, Thranduil,” Elranduil said softly. “And I do not want to go.”

“We must,” I said. “You heard what father said.”

“Aramoth did not speak of it, but he has seen glamhoth on the borders.”

“And he said nothing,” I asked stopping and staring at him. “Do you realize what Father would do if he knew what he did?”

“Galdúmîr had him keep quiet for they were few and all were killed. It was not until Rúmil came was it known how grave it was. I am sure Galdúmîr will speak of it now.”

“I wish not to speak of it at all. For now.” We continued away in silence. There was an emptiness in sky as night fell—and the stars seemed to hold far less light to them as they kept their secrets from us knowing what was coming.

“Neither do I,” Elranduil said. “He will send Rúmil away by dawn. There came with him warriors from Lórien. It grows dangerous out there.”

I wish I had not heard anything—not a word. I wanted nothing more than to be with Êlúriel.

“As it is,” Elranduil continued in a whisper. “You have a visitor.“

I turned to see Nendúril approaching—the father of my beloved Êlúriel. He bowed to me and Elranduil.

“You Highness, if I may, have a word with you?” Elranduil nodded and left.

“Yes,” I said. Though by my station, I was superior to this elf I was far more afraid of him than I could see he was afraid of me. “What can I do for you, Nendúril?”

“I spoke with King Oropher and Queen Nimeithel, I am sure you are aware,” he said looking at the floor as he spoke.

“I am,” I said. “Can you not look at me, Nendúril?”

He slowly raised his head and his eyes held the sadness that Êlúriel had spoken.

“I feel I must apologize to you, Your Highness.”

“What reason would you have to apologize to me, Nendúril? You only spoke your heart, though it came from a different time—one to which I am not privy.”

“Your father told me what you said for my daughter,” he said softly.  “It reminded me of her mother, Aranúril and when I was young and in love. I had not said her name until now and it awakens in me many good things but also that day I lost her. From that day, I have been very protective of Êlúriel.”

“Yes, of course,” I answered. “I can see that you have raised your daughter well.”

“I knew when she first saw you the day we came into these borders that she had found her heart. A father knows as much even if he attempts to deny such things,” he said. “As her mother, Êlúriel is quite headstrong.” I smiled, thinking of every argument I ever had with Êlúriel.

“I can attest to that, Nendúril,” I answered. He gave me a genuine smile.

“Êlúriel gets it from her mother,” he said. “Her mother could have my head spinning saying some of the most unusual things. But her beauty often distracted me from her whimsy. I often wondered what she was thinking when she spoke to me.”

I smiled. I felt his love and felt guilty for his loss for I was about to take from him the last remnant of their love.

“I know that I am not your choice for Êlúriel,” I began. He shook his head.

“The heart does what it will and goes where it must. You make Êlúriel happy and that is all that matters. But after I learned what you said, I could not have asked for a more noble and honorable mate for my only child. If her mother were here, she would think the same. For that I am humbled.”

“Thank you, Nendúril. That means so much to me. I do however, have to make a request of you, if I may,” I said sternly.

“Anything, Your Highness,” he said bowing. “I am indebted to you.”

“If it is not too much to ask you to address me as Thranduil, if you will.”

“If it pleases, you, Thranduil,” he said.

“It pleases me, very much.” He embraced me to which I returned. Now, I felt my world was complete and nothing could change it.

This would not last long, I have learned over many millennia as time has a way of making joy last shorter than all the pains we endure.”–Excerpt from TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil by J.M.Miller 2-7-16

Girls: Romance. Guys: words of war as Eryn Galen begins speaking with those some you may remember. Today, it is Rúmil, brother of Haldir of Lórien. Sent by Celeborn to deliver a message from Galadriel. Seems you are about to reenter a world you thought gone. Welcome back to Middle Earth. For now, happier times. Time for Chapter VII. Wow, time is moving fast. You are going to need a cheat sheet.🏹⚔❤️