Jaynaé Marie

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

“As I walked through the main gates, I was met by Elranduil and Elmîr.

“How did you spend your day, cousin,” Elranduil smiled. “I trust it was fulfilling.”

“If you must know, Elranduil,” I began quietly. “It was, thank you for inquiring.”

“What did you discuss with the fair Êlúriel,” Elmîr asked. “I gather it was most tantalizing as you were gone all day.”

I stopped walking and looked at my friends who had gathered a following of Melros, Fëaluin and Fínduin—each one looking rather sheepish.

“If it is all the same to you, I would rather keep my activities to myself where they belong,” I said as I continued on my way.

“By the way,” Elranduil said. “I was asked to tell you that your mother requests an audience with you about what activities her son would like to keep to himself.” The began laughing and walked toward the banquet hall for dinner. I slowly made my way to the court where my mother was sitting up on her throne. Her ladies, Arasílmë, Aralómë, Nenduriel and her sister Valdúril stood at her side.

“Mother,” I bowed. “You wanted a word with me.”

“Ladies, take your leave,” she commanded. “Valdúril, tell my husband I will join him later.” They walked gracefully from their places, down the stairs and pass me with glances of suspicion. When they had gone, mother stood up and came down to me, stopping at the last stair remaining above me with all the reverence of my father in audience.

“What is this I hear of my son, heir to throne of Eryn Galen finding himself rather taken with a young Nandorin maiden?”

I was afraid to say anything. Mother could be far more frightening than her husband and was often more feared by the court if her anger was raised.

“Thranduil, look at me and tell me the truth. Do not lie to me.” I looked up at my mother in a horrible attempt to stand straight. Her face bore no expression, but her eyes bore into my soul.

“I spent the day with the maiden called Êlúriel from Ossiriand,” I said quietly. “She is quite lovely.”

“I know as much and I am quite sure Eldôr told you I made the arrangement,” she said sternly. “I am also quite aware how lovely she is, but that is not what I asked of you. Are you taken by this maiden or no?”

“I may,” I said. “I do not know what you wish to hear, mother,” I said. It was all I could say. I feared anything else might give myself away.

“Thranduil, I have seen you with her. Do not think your friends are the only ones with eyes. I saw you with her one evening. I know what I saw and I want you to tell me the truth. You fear your answer for the wrong reason, I am afraid. Now, tell me the truth.”

“Yes, Mother,” I said forcefully. “I am taken with Êlúriel. I feel too much to know what exactly you would like me to say at this time, but I know I think of her often, even now. And there is a very good chance I may love her.”

There was a silence that seemed as thick as fog hanging over the hall as we looked at one another.

“There is not a very good change you may love her, Thranduil,” she said. “You do love her. If I did not know this, you think I would have let you spend a day with her? I am not as your father. I care not who finds your heart so long as she loves you and I know she does. However, it is not me for which you should worry. I am Queen of this realm, but Oropher’s blessing is the final word. Now is not the time to bring this to him and I will not. He has his suspicions and when he learns of this, there is nothing I can do when you ask for her hand. And you will, for you would be foolish not to do so.”

“I beg your pardon,” I asked. “You like Êlúriel?”

She smiled and laughed. She was my mother again.

“Son, whomever you choose must sit by your side on my throne when the time comes,” she said. “If your heart chose her, that is all that matters. However, speaking as the Queen, she possesses noble qualities that I find to be as regal as any royal in Arda. Speaking as your mother, I find that my son has found someone I believe to be his perfect mate. I also find the two of you make a handsome paring.”

“Mother,” I began. “You are not going to begin telling her about my childhood are you?”

“Thranduil, stop being silly. That will come after you propose. Not a moment sooner. That will come when it is time. For now, get to know her and stay far away from your father.”

She stepped down and kissed me.

“Thank you, Nana,” I said. “I love you.”

“I know,” she said. “I love you, too, Isilya. Now, go your way. I have things I must do. Plan a nursery, perhaps.”

She smiled and went down the hall. Alone, I sat on the stair she had stood and thought about the day. I should have known my mother would love Êlúriel.

“Thranduil,” I heard a voice say. I looked but could not see anyone. Then Êlúriel stepped into the light of the moon shining down through one of the towering windows. “Why are you here alone in the dark?”

I stood up as she walked over to me.

“I am not alone,” I said “Not anymore.”

I kissed her and hand held her close. I was not alone anymore.”–Excerpt from TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil by J.M.Miller (1-22-16)

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.

Somewhat short, but Queen Nimeithel is far less verbose than her husband and direct. So she questions her son with the grace and precision of a true ruler. She does however, disclose a little secret: her nickname for her son. What does she think of her son’s love interest.

With that, it is off to Chapter V. I may be done before you catch up.