Jaynaé Marie

Chapter VI: From Mirkwood to Eryn Lasgalen: Legolas’ Return (Pt. IV)

“The day was more beautiful than I could remember—crisp and clear. I was dressed in my finest spring regalia to go before my people. I stood in the hall quietly awaiting my children. Soon, Nenduîl and Tárimë came before me. Nenduîl looked uncomfortable in his little robes which were as mine and I tried not to laugh.

“Shall we go,” I asked.

They nodded and we made our way down the hall toward the front gate. Before we were to exit, we awaited the rest of the family. Soon, Eldôr, Elranduil, Ardôr, Ninyáre, Tarthôn, Ëariâth, Orisil, Arlúin, Elendôr, Aradúlin, Tatháron, Aranduil, Êleneth, Aramoth, Nenloth, Nimlos, Sildúriel, Aruilos, Nimlúin, Aradûial, Fëaluin and Linurial. When all were assembled, the doors were opened and we walked out into the sun. 

Before us stood every elf in the kingdom standing side by side with elven warriors of Lothlórien. On the bridge awaited Celeborn, Galadriel, Galathil, Ëarmîr, Isílion, Tárion, Haldir, Rúmil and Orophin. As I took my place beside Celeborn and Galathil, I nodded—a smile across my face I felt for what seemed an eternity.

“Elves of Mirkwood,” Celeborn began. “The curse of Sauron that kept your people in shadow is no more. Your kin in the West need not fear any longer the darkness their kin in the East have endured alone. The name of your king shall once again be on the lips of all creatures in Arda as it was always meant to be. Forevermore shall he be known as King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen.”

There rose from the elves cheers that could be heard for miles around. I turned to Celeborn as he smiled at me. I had no words to express the happiness I felt. “You need not say a word, Thranduil,” he said. “It was my pleasure. We never should have let you suffer such evil alone. You are one of us—our kin. Forgive me such indignity.”

“There is nothing you have done that needs forgiving,” I said. “It was not your doing that our kingdom fell to Sauron. I know now you did what you felt you had to do. You are here now. That is all that matters.”

“Until tomorrow,” he said. “I am sure Elrond is waiting for us to return to prepare for a wedding.”

“Arwen and Aragorn,” I said.

“Galadriel can hardly contain herself,” he mused. “I find it refreshing she has lent her wisdom elsewhere rather than on me.”

“Seems Nenduîl would agree with you.”

“She told me about him,” he added. “A rather precocious stripling you have there. Galadriel need more rest than we did coming from battle, I dare say.”

“I am afraid he gets it from my cousin, Elranduil,” I said laughing. “He was much like Nenduîl in his youth.”

“I remember you having an rather inquisitive penchant for trouble,” he said. “As it were, Elranduil told me as much. Still have an inkling of it.”

“Elranduil says many things,” I said glancing at him as he spoke with Galathil. “Most of which are exaggeration.”

He laughed and went to Galadriel as Aranduil, Nenduîl and Tárimë ran by followed by several other elven children nearly knocking over Ëarmîr.

“Must I stay, Uncle,” I heard him ask Galathil.

“I beg your pardon,” I asked walking over to them. “What is this about?”

“Ëarmîr will remain with you when we leave,” Galathil said. “He knows his place. Not a word until the day comes.”

“I do not understand,” I began before Elranduil interrupted.

“Enough for now,” he said. “We have things to attend to. If we may, Galathil?” He nodded and walked away with Ëarmîr.

“Why is Ëarmîr staying with us,” I asked again. “Which of my council is he replacing?”

“No one is leaving,” he said escorting me into the palace. “He is staying with us for a brief time. I would not worry yourself about it just now. You have to decide what to do with the extended borders of Eryn Lasgalen.”

I stopped short of the main gates as the guards opened the door.

“I could have sworn I am the King of the realm,” I said angrily. “Yet, somehow I have no knowledge of what goes on within it. I demand that you tell me what is going on this instant.”

“I cannot tell you for it is not for me to tell,” he said. “Just know it is all for the best. Now, Fëaluin awaits us in your study.”

We continued on into the palace and into the study. I was prepared to protest when I stopped in my tracks. In my presence was Ardôr talking to his son Elendôr as Fëaluin spoke with Eldôr. They turned and bowed to me.

“You wished a word, Fëaluin,” I asked. “Perhaps you can tell me what no one else will.”

“I gather you learned of Ëarmîr,” he said. “He will be staying in Eryn Lasgalen.”

“I am aware of that,” I said sharply. “Why is what I seem to find difficult to ascertain.”

“He is here for me,” he said. “I require additional assistance.”

“Oh, well,” I answered. “That tells me absolutely nothing.”

“I shall explain to you later, if I may, Thranduil,” he said reading a scroll. “My time is sacrosanct just now. Must prepare for tonight.”

“Tonight,” I asked perplexed. “What is tonight?”

“Dinner,” Eldôr said, patting my shoulder as he and Fëaluin walked past me and out of the study.

“Worry not, Thranduil,” Ardôr said quietly. “All is well in your kingdom.”

He left with Elendôr, leaving me and Elranduil to ourselves. I had a feeling of suspicion within that something was going to happen.

“Elranduil, what do you know,” I asked. “Please, tell me.”

“You are the King of Eryn Lasgalen,” he said. “If you wish to know more than that, I am afraid I will be of little help. I am just as confounded as you are, cousin.”

I knew then I was in for another revelation that would be more spectacular than the last.”––Excerpt from TKWR Book III: To Eryn Lasgalen by J.M.Miller 05-8-17.

It's official--Thranduil is now King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgalen. Now he has a new court member, a larger kingdom, and one more night of Lothlórien elves. Now there is another revelation he doesn't know about and no one is saying what. Poor King Thranduil. 😏 Find out tomorrow--this will be an all-week event to the end.