Jaynaé Marie

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

Lúthien escapes her guided cage and the princes of the Realm must go find her.

Chapter VI: The Second Awakening (Pt. IV)

Little else was said thereafter as the court was preparing for the wedding of Celeborn and Galadriel. The proposal did not come as a surprise to anyone—they made little attempt to hide their affection for one another. The ladies thought it would be a wonderful respite from thoughts of things that still weighed heavily on King Thingol.

We had seasons now that showed the passage of time in Doriath. Leaves began to change colors and fall from tree branches to blanket the forest floor beneath as nature’s quilt. There came autumn rains and winter snow with the cooling air that chilled our breath when we spoke. The elflings enjoyed the seasons; finding new things to do outside to entertain themselves. I would catch Oropher and Eldôr building elves of snow when they caught a chance from their duties.

When all was green once more, the Great Hall was filled with flowers and adorned with drapes of matching colors in preparation for the matrimonial celebration. Celeborn spent most of his time with his brother, Galathil, Oropher, and Amdir when he was not with his father.

The day began calmly enough—I was lying in bed alone as Mîrwen had left at daybreak to attend to Galadriel. I knew the day would not be interrupted by war. We were living in a time of great peace. Even Círdan had returned to Doriath for the occasion from Eglarest. As I lay looking up at the elaborately carved stone ceiling, I found my mind drift into thoughts unknown. The room seemed to change as it morphed into the forest of my past.

There were vines twisted around the trunks of trees and creatures with several legs sprouting of their smaller bodies. They spewed a silken cord that ensnarled the treetops. Even as the sun seemed to shine, there was a darkness that fought against its light. I suddenly realized I was walking through this world—searching for someone.

Soon I found her; a maiden in a green cloak standing in a clearing where the only ray of sun beamed down. Her back to me, she remains motionless as I moved toward her slowly. When I was upon her, I spoke.

“Do I know you, my lady,” I asked.

She turned toward me. Her face was beautiful save for her eyes—only large black holes looked back at me.

“Taur-e-Ndeadelos,” she said in a raspy voice that echoed through the forest. “Taur-e-Ndeadelos.”

I screamed. I looked around and realized I was in my chambers and sitting upward on my bed. A knock came to the door.

“Enter,” I said. I was still shocked at what I had seen. Oropher entered.

“Ada,” he began. “Are you well? You look shaken.”

“I am fine, son,” I answered. “Am I late for the ceremony?”

“No,” he said sitting at the end of the bed. “It does not begin for some time. I came to see after you.”

“Did your mother send you,” I asked.

“No,” he answered. “I heard you speaking to someone. Who were you speaking to?”

“You heard me speaking to no one,” I said. “I am the only one here as you can see. Perhaps you heard someone in the hall.”

“I heard you ask someone if you knew them.”

My blood ran cold. How could he hear my thoughts?

“It was not me,” I lied. I wanted to know if he believed me.

“You said, ‘do I know you, my lady’.”

“It was nothing,” I answered.

“You were having a vision,” Oropher said. “I know because I have had the same one many times. The lady with death in her eyes.”

I nodded. I wanted to know more yet feared anything else my son would reveal. Instead, he nodded in agreement.

“We will keep such things to ourselves,” he finally said. “For now, today is for Celeborn.”

I sighed deeply. I was relieved he decided to speak of something new.

“How is he,” I asked.

“Terrified,” he answered with a laugh. “Though much of his fear comes from what Eldôr has said to him.”

“Like father, like son,” I said to myself thinking about Valdôr. “Be grateful it was not Êlengolas that spoke with him.”

“It is not too late,” he said rising. “The day has only begun. Do you wish me to stay with you while you prepare?”

“That is not necessary, Oropher,” I answered. “I thank you for your concern. I will be fine.”

Oropher smiled as he headed for the door. He paused then turned around.

“I have great hope for the future,” he said. “Even if It is filled with darkness. For every night, there is a day.”

I knew what he meant—our vision was a foretelling. I smiled at him and the was gone. I decided it was time to rise. I did not wish to have any more visions. I rang for the servants and waited impatiently for their arrival. When they arrived, I was never happier for their annoyance. When I was dressed, I left quickly for the Grand Hall.––TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 7-22-2019

Note to @staff : This is an elf playing the harp. 

Shortly before the wedding of Celeborn and Galadriel, Orothôn has a vision—one he’ll learn he shares with his son Oropher.

Chapter IV: Love in Eryn Galen (Pt. I)

“I sat at my father’s table in his study nervously writing a note for Êlúriel. Fëaluin waited patiently as he would deliver it to her.

 Once I signed my name, I rolled the small scroll tightly and handed it to Fëaluin.

“Do not let Father know of it,” I whispered.

He nodded and left. As he was leaving, he bowed to my father. I rose quickly and stood by side the table anxiously.

“Why have you not left for the day, Thranduil,” he said walking toward me reading something. “Was there something you needed to discuss with me?”

“No, Father,” I said. “I was on my to the barracks.” 

He looked at me suspiciously.

“Did I instruct you to go there for a reason,” he asked sitting down in his chair. “I do not recall there being a need for you to be there.”

“I was going to train, Father,” I said smiling. I bowed and began to leave.

“Thranduil, what is it that you are hiding from me?” I stopped and turned around slowly.

“What could I possibly hide from my own father,” I asked. “I am with you nearly every day.”

“There are days when you are so much like your mother,” he began. “You both are the worst liars I have ever known. Now what has you acting so oddly? You have been this way for some time. If I did not know better, it had something to do with that young lady that arrived here from Ossiriand not long ago. That surely cannot possibly be the reason for such deception.”

Just as I was about to answer him, Eldôr, Eldúir and Finëar entered followed by Galdúmîr, Nînuir and Sildúr.

“Your Majesty,” Eldôr said bowing with the others. “A word if we may.” 

“Very well,” father answered. “Take your leave for now, Thranduil. We will finish our discussion later.”

I bowed as a feeling of relief came over me. I made my way swiftly out of the study into the hall. As the doors closed, I noted Elranduil speaking with Nimlos. When they saw me, Elranduil motioned to me to join them.

“What do you require,” I asked. “I have things I must attend to before evening.”

“By things, I will assume this,” Nimlos said, handing me a small scroll. I feared it was mine—uncle having discovered it. I opened it to see the most beautiful handwriting.

“I gather she would like to see you again, Thranduil,” Elranduil said. “I have not the slightest idea why. I find you rather dull.”

“I will ask you kindly not to read what was intended for my eyes, cousin.”

“Everyone has read it, Your Highness,” Nimlos said. “I am afraid my sister could not contain herself as she has become smitten with Aramoth.”

“Please, address me as Thranduil,” I said. “And when did this thing happen? It has been barely a week and I have never seen them together.” 

“Stranger things have happened,” Elranduil said smiling.

“What shall I tell Êlúriel, Thranduil,” Nimlos said smiling at my cousin. “She awaits an answer. I know her well. I would not keep her waiting long.”

“Please tell her I will meet her at the most convenient time her duties will allow her.”

“That was well said,” Elranduil laughed. “Very princely.”

“Just send word to her, if you will. Where is Fëaluin? I sent him with my message.”

“He gave it to Nenloth,” Nimlos said. “She was with Aramoth I am afraid when her curiosity took over her and she read it. That did not go well with Êlúriel.”

“I cannot blame her,” I said sadly. I feared she would be angry with me for such indiscretion.

“She is in the garden, Thranduil,” Elranduil said kindly. She is with Ardúin.”

“Thank you,” I said as I ran from them quickly. I could tell by the colors of the sky, night would fall within only a few hours. When I was outside over looking the gardens, I saw Êlúriel with Ardúin, Sinomë, Linurial, Arandil and Nínorë. As I made my way down the stars, all their eyes fell on me.

“Thranduil, we were just speaking of you,” Ardúin said. “Pleasant things, of course.”

“I am flattered, Ardúin,” I said. “You all look lovely today, I must say.”

They all laughed except Êlúriel. She seemed to watch me with fascination. I started to feel uncomfortable.

“It was wonderful to have met you, Êlúriel,” Nínorë said sweetly. “I hope to see you again.”

“As with me,” Êlúriel said. “It has been a pleasure. I will see you again, I am quite sure.”

The ladies walked away, softly laughing as they made their way into the palace leaving me with Êlúriel. When were alone, she looked at me as she had before, her eyes pulling me to her as the tide to the shore. 

“I must apologize for what I sent to you,” I began.

“Why, Your Highness,” she interjected quickly. “It is not your fault our friends want to know what is between us, though I must say, they are quite intrusive. I suppose it is because of you that such things have caught their interest. You are heir to the throne. And yet, you want to see me, a wandering elf from Ossiriand that has hardly anything that a Prince would want.”

“What are you saying,” I asked. “What would my station have to do with wanting to see you?”

“It is rumored that you are courting many maidens in the kingdom.”

“I am not courting many maidens anywhere,” I said. “I spend my days with my father learning how to be a king one day. Who has told you such things?”

“No one,” she said quietly. “I thought that is what you should be doing. Or, rather what you would be doing.” 

“I am doing what I want to do,” I said. “Which is to see you. Does this displease you? Your message said otherwise.”

She smiled. Her delicate features were flushed a bit as she looked at me.

“I am pleased you wished to see me. And that you thought of me at all.”

“How can I not think of you,” I said. “I find it almost impossible.”

“His Highness is too kind,” she said looking away “You must not say such things.”

“Thranduil,” I said. “Please, call me Thranduil. And why can I not say what is true? Do my words offend you?”

She looked at me, her eyes glowing in the onset of twilight. I wondered what she was thinking as she came closer to me.

“You wish for me to call you by your name,” she asked. “Am I allowed to do such a thing?”

“It is my name,” I said. “You are allowed to say my name if I so wish. And I wish you would unless you do not want to call me by my name.”

“I want very much to say your name,” she said as we began to get lost in each other’s eyes again. “Thranduil.”

I forgot everything. I did not remember what happened that day after she said my name. She made my name sound poetic and melodic. No one would ever say my name as Êlúriel. We stood there looking at each other—into the soul of the other. We seemed lost and did not want to be found.

“I must leave, Thranduil,” she said as if waking from a dream. “I must see about my father.”

“Must you leave or is it that you want to leave,” I asked almost tearfully.

“Neither,” she said. “I am afraid.”

“Of what.”

“You know all too well what I fear,” she said. “You know it because you feel it as well.”

“What is it I feel,” I said. “What is it that frightens you so much whenever you are near me?”

She moved so close to me I could feel her breathlessness, a pulsating rhythm of pure sweetness.

“I have no fear of your person,” she began. “I have fear of your passion.”

“My passion?”

“Yes,” she said in a whisper. “It is very strong, Thranduil. And it is the flame that is drawing me to you as a moth.”

“I fear it is the other way around, Êlúriel,” I said. “I am drawn to you. I think you fear your own passion, not mine.”

“Yes, I do,” she said. “It is as strong as yours. If it were not, we would not be here right now.”

“You know what I want to do, but I cannot,” I said. “It is not time.”

“I know,” she said. “I want you to do what it is you want. I have no desire to keep you from it for I want nothing more than to feel your lips upon mine. But no, it is not time.”

“I do not know what to, Êlúriel,” I said. I could feel our lips so close I wondered how we got there. “Tell me what to do, please.”

She looked deep into my eyes. I saw myself in them but I was no longer the same as I had been before she came into my life. She gently let our lips touch briefly and whispered to them.

“Say you will see me again, Thranduil, she said. “When you can and as soon as you can.”

“I cannot say that,” I said, feeling our lips getting closer. “I am going to do that. Nothing can keep me from you.”

“Thranduil,” she asked. “If I do not leave now, we will do what we should not. Let me take my leave before I let you kiss me.”

“Every time you leave me, I want you more,” I said without thinking.

“Please, Thranduil,” she begged. “You make it impossible to leave. I do not want to but I must. I want you more than you want me.”

“That is impossible,” I said. “You may take your leave. But I will find you.”

“I will not be hard to find.”

She moved away from me, still looking at me. She did not want to leave me. I did not want her to go. She turned away and ran from me. I fell down right where I stood. The stars were out. They were witness to a love that would never die. I knew there was no love such as ours in all of Arda.”–Excerpt from KWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil by J.M.Miller 1-16-16

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.

Had to reblog: It’s a Nicholas Sparks Novel Cover.

Thranduil and Êlúriel—the more they are together, the more intense it gets. But they will obey the laws of etiquette of the time. Barely.