Jaynaé Marie

Chapter VIII: Winds of War (Part IV)

“Elranduil and me were given the task of tending to Amroth his first day in Eryn Galen. By nightfall, the three of us walked through the gardens. There was a full moon illuminating the night—so bright the stars were barely seen save the farthest from the light. Three elven princes walked together beneath the sky, under the canopy of a path lined with trees and came to rest beside a waterfall and a pool. It was where all the elven children would play in the heat of summer.

“I am surprised you come with me,” Amroth said. “Should you not be spending these last moments with your wives?”

“Ardúin is with child,” Elranduil said. “She spends much of her time with Nimeithel and Valdúril.”

“What of Êlúriel,” Amroth asked me. “Where is she tonight?”

“With them of course,” I said. “They spend a good deal of time together.”

Amroth sat upon a rock looking into the water. He seemed lost in thought.

“I envy you, Thranduil,” he said without changing his glance. “Your friends spoke to me of your great love affair while you were away from us. When you return from this horrible war, you will have someone for which to return. I will return alone.”

Elranduil looked at me. I did not know what melancholy this was nor how to ask. We both stood quietly hoping for something to say.

“What is her name,” Elranduil finally asked.

“Nimrodel,” he sighed. “My every thought belongs to her, but my father is disapproving of course. She is a Silvan. If my mother were with us, I know she would be quite fond of her.”

I remembered how my father was disapproving of Êlúriel. But unlike Amroth, my mother was accepting of my love for her. Amroth had more than this war to fight to be with the love of his life.

“I know well how you feel,” I said. “Father did not approve of Êlúriel at first, either. I hope time is with you, my friend, and that your father’s heart is changed.”

“He may, though the elves of Lórien may not be so easily persuaded,” Amroth laughed. “They have their ways and thoughts on everything.“

“Ardúin is a Noldor,” Elranduil said smiling. "I know well the elves of Lórien. Uncle speaks of them often, though I will admit, not pleasantly, save any of the Sindar. My father tolerates them.”

“I do not blame them,” Amroth said lifting his gaze. “They are off-putting, to say the least. Tied to Imladris and to line of Arnor and Gondor through Elrond’s twin Elros of Númenor. That was all you heard for the longest time. Yet, now it would seem this war harbors things beyond my knowledge and there is talk of darker things coming. I will not pretend to know what Lady Galadriel sees.”

“It has not been too long since Rúmil came to us speaking of this war,” Elranduil said. “He said he was sent by Lord Celeborn.”

Amroth’s gaze turned darker as he stood up and came to us.

“That was my father’s doing,” he said quietly. “The vision no less came from Galadriel, but to bring it to Eryn Galen was the doing of my father. Rúmil was told by his brother, Haldir, to say as much to you. Father did not want you to know that he was coming this way and he kept it from all of Lórien. He did so upon news that Sauron had arisen in Mordor, for he knew that Gil-galad would ride this way with what was left of the Noldor.”

“That would mean he knew Elendil would ride with him and his sons,” I said, curiously.

“Of course,” Amroth said. “He was well aware of the uncertainty in Arnor and Gondor as Isildur was with his father while Anárion was left to his own while the shadows rose in Mordor. They are drawn to that evil for many reasons and have many reasons to defeat it and father knew with Oropher he could find trust.”

“What is it then,” Elranduil asked. “What could make King Amdir do such things in secret?”

“Gil-galad has the Vilya and Círdan of the Falas comes bearing the Narya,” Amroth said. “This is far more than a war. This is a death trap. Eryn Galen is impervious to this evil, do not think Sauron does not know that. The others are not. That is why Lady Galadriel is far from this and as well she should for she has the Nenya and knows its purpose all too well.”

“I do not understand,” I said. “Are you speaking about the rings forged by Celebrimbor?”

“Sadly, yes.”

“I thought the elven rings were not spoiled,” Elranduil said. “It has been told that was the reason his death by Sauron.”

“Where there is evil, all things are spoiled,” Amroth said quietly. “It is the bearer any ring that either bows to its will or not. But one holds power over the rest. I mîn côr o Sauron magant min naurim od Orodruin. There are nine souls that have answered its call. The Uláiri.“

We all stood quietly in the moonlight. The words spoken to us in confidence by Amroth began to bring fear into my heart.

“We have the largest army in Arda,” Elranduil said looking at the ground. “We have more Silvan than Sindar. What is left of the Noldor would be slaughtered if not for us.”

“We come with only Silvan,” Amroth said. “There dwells not an elf in Lórien. When we depart Eryn Galen, what awaits us is what comes with Gil-galad, Elrond and Círdan. And Moria. The dwarves answer to no one but themselves for their will is stronger than any ring. What men will come either west with Isildur or South with Anárion and I do not see how there can be anyone left so close to the Black Gates of Mordor on their eastern borders.”

“I do not like this,” I said. “I do not like this at all. If you will excuse me.”

I began to leave. I had to find Êlúriel. I was going to die.

“Do not speak a word,” Elranduil yelled to me.

“Of this, I have no intention.”

I began to run and I could not get to the palace quick enough. When I was in the gardens, I fell on my knees. I was not alone. I looked to find Melros with Arandil.

“Are you hurt,” he asked helping to my feet.

“Where is Êlúriel,” I asked desperately. “Where is my wife?”

“She awaits you in your chambers, Thranduil,” Arandil said.

I did not wait for an answer, I started running again. I seemed to take an eternity but when I made it to the doors of my chambers they were opened and I ran inside. Êlúriel was lying on the window seat, looking into the night. She sat up when I went to her.

“Êlúriel,” I said. “Tell me what you know and do not keep it from me.”

“I do not know anything,” she said. “Are you ill, Thranduil?”

“Do not lie to me, Êlúriel,” I yelled. “Tell me what you know. Now.”

She stood up and when we had our eyes on each other I could tell she knew what I wanted to know.

“You want to know what I have seen,” she began. “I know what lies within the shadows. It is about to come out of the darkness and with it take the whole of Arda. It is amazing that something so small can carry so much evil and yet cast a spell on the noblest of creatures. Men they are, but men they are no more.  How would you know to ask me of such things, Thranduil?”

I looked at her and took her in my arms.

“Because, I know you,” I said. “You are far beyond ordinary.”

“Your heart knows me,” she said smiling. “I am your wife and that is all I want to be, Thranduil.”

I kissed her and held her, thinking about all I heard. I looked out of the windows and found that dark clouds had begun to obscure the moon. This would be no ordinary war. It would change the whole of Arda and all that dwelled within.

*** *** ***

By morning, I had Êlúriel in my arms and all I learned the night before seemed a distant memory.

“Thranduil,” she said quietly. “I know what you are thinking.”

“I am thinking about you, my love,” I said.

She rolled over and looked at me with a grimace.

“I love you very much,” she said. “More than anything in this world. What are you really thinking?”

I held her as close to me as possible. I knew any moment there would come a knock on the doors and my day would begin.

“What you said to me, Êlúriel,” I said, kissing her. “I was hoping you could do something to rid me of those thoughts.”

“Perhaps,” she said. “That depends.”

I looked at her smiling. I kissed her.  She kissed me in return.

“Depends on what exactly?“

She laughed as she moved closer to me

“How long before someone arrives and takes you away from me.”

No sooner had we began to get swept way than the familiar knock came.

“Either we start earlier or elsewhere,” I said reluctantly as she laughed. “Stay covered. Enter.”

The doors flew open and into the room came more visitors than usual. Along with the servants, Finëar entered. No sooner had I had risen from my bed was I accosted by dressers.

“Thranduil, you shall spend the day with the council,” Finëar began. As for the Princess Êlúriel, a surprise.”

By now, Êlúriel was in her robe as my mother, Nenduriel and Ardúin entered with a hooded figure. I was now fully clothed when the figure bowed to me. Êlúriel had come to my side as the figure removed her hood, revealing the face of a very beautiful elven maiden. Deep eyes the color of the sea with long dark hair of cascading brown tendrils against a flawless complexion.

“I am Nimrodel,” she said. “I have come to see Amroth before he leaves for war.”

Êlúriel looked at me in wonderment and my mother smiled.

“This is my son, Thranduil and his wife, Êlúriel,” Nimeithel said.

“It is an honor to meet you both.”

I remembered Amroth’s words of his love and I could see it was reciprocated in her eyes. She carried with her a story I would could never fathom for years to come. I just knew I would never take for granted true love.

“Well, let us go, Thranduil,” Finëar said motioning toward the door. “Before Oropher’s temper rises with his anticipation.”

As I began to leave, I was called upon.

“Please, tell Amroth I have come, Your Highness,” Nimrodel said, pleading.

“Yes, of course,” I said. “I will.”

As I left with Finëar, before the doors closed, it would be the last I would ever see of Nimrodel but not the last I would hear of her and her Amroth.

“When I reached my father’s study, all to be in attendance were already there save my father and Amdir. I made my way to where Amroth stood with Elranduil and Nimlos.

“Amroth, I need a word,” I said. He nodded and I took him away from the others.

“Why do you need to speak with me, Thranduil,” he asked. “Has someone learned of what I told you evening last?”

“No,” I began. “My mother brought to me a visitor before I came. Someone of interest to you who seems to have travelled a great distance to see you.”

“I do not know anyone who knows I am here,” he said curiously.

“It is Nimrodel.” His eyes grew larger and a smile crossed his face.

“Nimrodel? Here? My Nimrodel? It cannot be.”

“She told me to say she had come,” I said.

He looked over my shoulder and his expression changed to fear. I turned to see that Amdir and my father had entered.

“Where is she,” he asked. “I need to know.”

“She was in my chambers before I left, but I am sure she is with my mother and my wife.”

“Tell no one,” he said. “We will speak of this after.”

I nodded and we walked back to where the rest had taken position.

“What was that, Thranduil,” Elranduil whispered.

“Nothing,” I said.

“Oh,” he said. “Then you were not speaking of Nimrodel whom arrived last night. She happened to have been greeted by Ardúin and my mother upon my return to the palace.”

“Elranduil,” I began. “For someone with child, your wife moves surprisingly quick and seems to be everywhere at once.”

“Perhaps it is because she is a Noldor,” he quipped. “I have been sworn to secrecy. I will not say a word.”

“Tomorrow I will see the army in full regalia in preparation for our departure,” Father began. “Nînuir and Sildúr have their orders to lead those to be our front line into two legions. They will be lead by me ultimately, with Galdúmîr and Eldûmír.”

He motioned.

Aradin approached my father as he bowed to him and Amdir.

“Aradin shall command the archers with me,” Amdir said proudly.

“I am humbled and honored, Your Majesties,” Aradin said. I have full confidence in my archers.”

“How many legions have we,” Nînuir asked. “Are there enough to cover our frontline?”

“You worry when you needn’t, Nînuir,” Aradin said. “Your soldiers will be well covered. I have four legions. Two for you and Sildúr. Two more for the legions led by Eldôr and Nimlos behind Oropher.”

“You are dismissed to prepare then,” Finëar said. “Aradin, Nînuir, Sildúr and Nimlos.”

They all bowed and took their leave quickly, followed by Melros, Fëaluin, and Fínduin.

“As for the Princes, your position will be behind me. Amroth as well,” father said. “I will hear no objections for it has be decided. Thranduil, see to Meláze today if you would.”

Amdir nodded at his son. He returned his father’s decision.

“Yes, Father,” I answered.

“You are dismissed, then” Eldôr said. “Elranduil, I will speak with you later.”

We bowed and walked out of the room as quickly as we could. Outside the door, Amroth had only one thing on his mind, for his eyes seemed to search the halls eagerly.

“If it is Nimrodel that you seek, you will not find her in the court,” Elranduil said.

“How do you know she is here,” Amroth asked excitedly.

“His wife was the one that found her,” I said. “I would not worry. She is with our mothers.”

“I must see her, please,” he said desperately. Elranduil motioned to Tínandril, the wife of Aramír and daughter of Sildúr. With long hair as red as sunset and eyes of moss, she approached almost in anticipation.

“Yes, Elranduil,” she said.

“Tell me, is Ardúin with my mother,” he asked.

“Of course,” she said. “And with Êlúriel.”

He slipped to her a small scroll and smiled.

“I know you know where they dwell. I trust you will take this to Ardúin, if you will.”

“Of course, Elranduil. Your Highnesses.” She bowed and left calmly. As she walked away she was joined by Linurial and Sinomë.

“I do believe elven maidens travel as wolves,” I said.

“They are a mystery to me,” Elranduil added laughing. “You will see your love soon enough, Amroth. But now, I am rather in need of something to eat. Come. We have plenty of time.”

We made our way down the hall and through the courtroom. This day, I noticed more of it—like all the days before it I took the imposing position of my parents’ thrones for granted and all the members of the court. Time was slipping away from me. It was slipping from us all.”–Excerpt from TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil by J.M.Miller

Yes, over 140 characters. Charming, sad romantic and a bit historical as I discuss some rings, a mountain (Orodruin is Mount Doom or so is Amon Amarth, but that would be knowing stuff), Amroth is about to have a run-in with his love Nimrodel. Something about the Niña, Pinta and the Santa Maria--my bad--the Narya, Vilya and the Nenya. Some kind of rings forged by guy who went to Jared's on a bender. No, that dude that went bad and turned nine dudes into reapers called Uláiri, Nazgûl. Something. Then there's all these elves and what not. Something about Elrond, his brother, Elros, first King of Númenor. Something. Whatever. Take your time I'll be over in Chapter 9 (IX) doing something with some guy named Thranduil.🙄🖐🏽🏹⚔🗡