#elengolas

[tkwrtrilogy3]

Chapter IX: The Reckoning (Pt. IV)

I was not in my chambers long before Mîrwen entered. She had a look of dread upon her face. I knew better than to inquire. She had spent much of her time with the Queen this day. With the departure of Thingol, I knew too well the fear in Melian’s heart. What she said to the court with her eyes, she spoke to her most trusted ladies.

“What is on your mind, Orothôn,” she asked as she walked by without a glance. “I could hear your thoughts in the hall.”

“I have nothing on my mind other than my concern for you.”

“As you well should,” she said. “But I would worry more for the fate of the Eldalië.”

“Why is that,” I began. “Do not speak to me in riddles, Mîrwen. Between you and Galadriel, on can hardly dismiss the look of puzzlement upon my face.”

“There is talk of war,” she said angrily. “Or do menfolk not speak of it anymore?”

“We speak of it,” I answered. “But why would ladies concern themselves with war?”

“We are far from immune by the affects of war,” she said. “We are wives and mothers of warriors.”

“Yes, you are,” I said. “And as such, it would be helpful if you would tell your warrior husband what you are trying to say.”

“Mother wishes to sail west.”

I looked at Mîrwen. From her expression, I could tell she knew I was stunned.

“What are you saying, Mîrwen?”

“Dark times are coming to us,” she began. “There will be death among us. Mother wishes for us to go where we should have gone a long time ago.”

I did not know what to say. Before I could think of something, there came a knock at the door.

“Enter,” I said without a backwards glance.

“Ada,” I heard Oropher say. I turned to see my son standing beside Amdir. 

“Yes, Oropher,” I asked.

“You are wanted,” he said. “By Elmo.”

I nodded.

“See to your mother,” I whispered.

“Yes, Ada,” he answered.

“Elmo is with Iarûr in the library,” Amdir added.

I nodded, and made my way down the hall. As I turned down the corridor leading to the library, I met Êlengolas and Finëar.

“Have you two been summoned,” I asked.

“If by summoned you mean intentionally eavesdropping, then yes,” Êlengolas said with a smile. Finëar sighed in annoyance.

“Yes, he was called upon,” he said. “Êlengolas is one of our best warriors, if not our most trying. Angband rumbles again for that creature brought with it more than eyes.”

As we entered the library, several elves busied themselves with putting scrolls into trunks. Iarûr and Elmo stood in the farthest corner speaking quietly as Súlwë sat nearby. When they saw us approaching, we were greeted warmly.

“Orothôn,” Iarûr said. “Good of you to come.”

“I was told Elmo wished to see me,” I answered.

“Yes,” Elmo said. “Have you spoken to Mîrwen?”

“I have only briefly.”

“So, she has told you of Orowen’s desire to sail west.”

“Yes,” I answered. “I am afraid I do not understand.”

“I believe you do, Orothôn,” Elmo said. “It was you, after all, that heard my promise to my wife many years ago on our way to Doriath.”

Everything became clear to me in that moment. My mind returned to the forest beneath the stars.

“You have called me here to tell me we are to leave Doriath?”

“No,” he said softly. “Not just yet, but it is on the minds of many.”

“I find it difficult to fathom King Thingol leaving this world,” I said. “And if my memory serves, you said you would leave if you failed to convince your brother.”

“You memory serves you well,” he answered.

“The King will not leave Doriath,” Êlengolas said. “So long as his daughter remains, he is tethered forever to this land.”

“His daughter has given her love to a mortal,” Finëar added. “Now Elven blood will one day flow together with Atani for many generations.”

“Yes,” Elmo said softly. “I made a promise to my beloved, but I owe my allegiance to my brother.”

“So you wish to stay,” I asked.

“No,” Elmo answered. “I want to leave with my family before more Elven blood is shed.”

“Well, do it quickly,” Iarûr said. “That time will be upon us soon. More than elven blood will flow through this land.”

“Are you planning to leave as well,” I asked Iarûr.

“No,” he said. “I must stay. My fate is tied to another. But I will make my way home when it is is my time to do so.”

“When are you leaving, Elmo,” I asked.

“As soon as my brother returns, I shall tell him my plans so that I may prepare for our journey. You will be coming with us, yes?”

I did not answer. I had not given it much thought. Even after facing the evil of Morgoth, I had come to call Doriath my home.--TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 12-11-2021

[iamjaynaemarie]

As the Elves awaken on the shores of Lake Cuiviénen, they begin to wonder about where to go. Orothôn meets Iarûr (future chronicler of the history of the Woodland elves) and his beloved Nimríel (future parents of Súriar, chronicler under Thranduil). With him and Mîrwen is Êlengolas (future father of Nimeithel, wife of Oropher). 

[tkwrtrilogy3]

Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. IV)

“It was not long thereafter our kindred began our march westward—leaving the shores of the lake by which we had awakened. I walked beside Mîrwen and her brothers not far behind her father. I had yet to lay my eyes upon him or his brother they called Elwë, but I was in no hurry to do so.

Under the light of stars, nothing told the passing of days or nights. From the moment of our departure from Lake Cuiviénen, I would find myself looking back until it was out of view and lost to us forever. It was soon that we had entered into a great forest. Beneath the stars, its true colors remained hidden waiting for the coming of the sun.

“They call this place Eryn Galen,” Iarûr said. “And we shall rest here before we continue westward.”

“For how long,” I asked as Valdôr and Lothluin prepared to rest beneath one of the many mighty trees that had arisen from the soft ground under foot. Mîrwen left me with a word and I began to feel alone as couples were finding a place to be together. Êlengolas and Valdúmîr stood with Finëar and Nenduriel speaking with Galadhon. When they looked toward me, I knew he was searching for me.

“Orothôn,” he said approaching. “Mîrwen sent me to bring you to her.” “Where has she gone,” I asked concerned.

“She went to find our father so he might learn of you. Come.”

I obeyed the request thought not without trepidation. Of the chosen, I would be nothing in their presence. Even though as I was awakened as they, I was far less noble. We walked through the wood and past many elves that congregated together. There were far more than I had realized—each as unique as they were beautiful.

We arrived at our destination were Mîrwen stood beside an elven maiden of astounding beauty. Her hair of white gold flowed behind her—her eyes of gray reflected all she looked upon; telling everyone the story of our kin with every gaze. Her complexion was fair and seemed to have a light of its own.

“Mother,” Galadhon said. “I have found him.”

“So I see,” she said, her voice a song unto itself. “Your father wishes a word with you and Galathil. Do not keep him waiting.”

Galadhon nodded and took his leave as his mother looked me over. I could not feel my breath nor hear my heart beating.

“You are Orothôn,” she finally said. “The one that has the heart of my daughter.” “I am,” I said, my voice shaking. “I am Orothôn.”

“I am Orowen, wife of Elmo,” she said. “I do not know what you have been told of either of us, but I know a great deal of you for my daughter has not stopped speaking. May I ask your intention?”

“I love no other but Mîrwen,” I heard myself say. I had little knowledge of where those words came from but I meant them.

“You ask for her hand, then,” Orowen said, her face softening into a smile.

“With your blessing and the blessing of her father.”

Orowen gave a gentle laugh as she took my hand.

“Elmo will give his blessing, I am sure,” she said. “For whosoever makes his daughter happy will give him joy. I can see you are a noble elf and I can see the love you have for Mîrwen in your eyes.”

“When will father come, Nana,” Mîrwen asked desperately. “I can hardly wait for him to meet Orothôn.”

“In time, daughter,” Orowen said. “He speaks with Elwë and Lenwë just now. Go your way—both of you. Await word from me until then.”

She nodded toward several elven maiden waiting her as Mîrwen pulled me away.

“Your mother is as gracious as she is beautiful.” I said as we went our way.

“She has a way with my father that no one has. Not even his brothers are as close, though he loves them no less.”

“You have a way with me as well,” I said looking into her eyes. “No one will ever have me as you do.”

“I feel the same, Orothôn,” she answered. “Come, I found a place for us.”

Mîrwen led me to a quaint thicket nearby with a canopy of small trees covering it. We sat together for a time—her hand in mine—listening to the sounds of nature blended with the whispers of elves. I noticed she was watching my expression with fascination. I turned to her and caressed her face. Something inside me drew me to her lips. I allowed me to touch hers. She was not afraid of this and our first kiss was filled a natural desire that would never die. For a moment, our lips parted and Mîrwen met my eyes.

“I love you, Orothôn,” she whispered. “I cannot wait to be with you as your wife.”

“I cannot wait either,” I said kissing her again. “For now, this will suffice, my love.”

I took her into my arms and lay her down—all the while losing myself in her eyes. We kissed again—deeper and more urgently. I had a wanting for her I did not understand. I felt a warmth fill my body for the first time that I didn’t want to end. We held each other; our lips seldom parting except for the occasional lament that  fueled our love for one another. I did not want this to end, but we both wanted more. We seemed impatient yet satisfied being next to each other.

**** **** **** ****

Emerging from our sanctuary, there seemed a flurry of excitement as elves wandered around the forest. When we caught the eye of Iarûr and Nimríel. We went to them to ask.

“Iarûr,” I siad as a few elves swiftly passed between us. “What is amiss?”

“Not a thing,” he answered.

“Elwë comes forth,” Nimríel said, motioning aside.

We looked to see three majestic elves standing higher than all others.

“Father,” Mîrwen said excitedly. “He is with Elwë, his brother.”

“Yes,” Iarûr said curiously. And with them is Lenwë.”

Elwë stood between the others—his presence indescribable. Shoulders broad, sharpened eyes of endless depth set upon a strong yet delicate faces as a wave of golden hair that even in starlight there could be little doubt of its for or of the importance of he elf it had the privilege to originate. 

His brother was no less magnificent though his countenance seems more sanguine in the moment. Elmo shared his bothers looks save his eyes were quiet and fare less restless. Lenwë seem overwrought by his companions—with hair darker than the others but gold nonetheless. He seemed distant from his equals; his eyes darting here and there with little purpose.

“Where is Mîrwen,” Elwë asked, his voice reverberating around us. It was then I noticed the mountains rising above us in the North.

“I am here, Uncle,” she yelled happily, pulling me with her toward the greatest of our kin. 

I noticed Galathil and Galadhon nearby with another elf trying to hide their amusement. When we were before them, I felt a fear I never had before—one stronger than when the Earth shook. Elwë and his bother looked at us—their faces stoic and frightening.

“Daughter,” Elmo said smiling. “Is this the one you have chosen?”

“Yes, Ada,” she said proudly. “This is Orothôn.”

“You have chosen Mîrwen,” Elwë asked me.

“I have,” I said. “I loved her the moment I saw her.”

“Elmo,” he said to his brother. “What say you?”

Elmo came closer to us, a look of happiness was in his eyes. He embraced me—something I never expected but found soothing.

“I say to you both, I give my blessing,” he said. “This is truly glorious.”

“If Elmo has your blessing,” Elwë began. “Then you have mine.”

There was a rise of cheers among the elves as Elwë nodded toward us then disappeared with Elmo and Lenwë. Galathil and Galadhon nodded with their companion and quickly went away with the others. I did not understand what had happened until Orowen came to us.

“You have been joined, my daughter, my son,” she said kissing us both on the cheek. “I am pleased for you both.”

She took her leave beside another elven maiden of her stature and beauty with earthen hair; her eyes carried a sadness that was out of place among others.

“I am pleased for you,” I heard Êlengolas said.

“As am I,” Valdúmîr said embracing Mirwen. “I know you are happy and so you will remain.”

I was overcome with every emotion that resided within me. Valdôr and Lothluin, Iarûr and Nimríel, and Finëar and Nenduriel came with their words of praise until the crowds had subsided. Mîrwen made her way back to our sanctuary. I took my time—wondering what would happen, if anything.

Once I was with her, I heard a rustling at our entrance. It had been covered—the world outside shut out of view. I looked at Mîrwen and noticed her white gown for the first time. It was different now as it revealed her figure to me. I began to feel that desire for her but feared it had grown too strong.

“Orothôn,” she began. “Are you afraid?”

“Yes,” I said quickly. “Very much afraid.”

“So am I,” she said almost relieved.

She walked around our sanctuary, moving gracefully around. She placed her hand on the trunk of a tree whose tops were well above us.

“I had a vision,” she started. “I saw many things that frightened me. There were battles and a great suffering that would last far beyond this age we come upon. But I also saw joy and happiness. From our love will come great kinds and one that will bring peace to this world. All will come form our union and from this land we stand upon.”

“When did you see this, Mîrwen,” I asked.

“While I was with mother,” she answered. “She said this was a gift; to see things to come.”

“Then it must be as she has said.”

Mîrwen looked at me, her face troubled. She turned away then back to me. She placed her hands upon her sleeves and slowly pushed them from her shoulders and to her waist. She let it fall from her waist to the ground baring to me her body and soul. I went to her cautiously. I touched her face and kissed her lips. I felt her undress me until I felt the coolness of the air on my skin.

“Do not be afraid, my love,” I whispered. “I will protect you with my life and love you with all my heart and all my soul forever and longer.”

“I am never afraid when I am with you, Orothôn, my love, my husband,” she whispered. “I give to you all my love with all my heart and all my soul forever and longer.”

We moved closer together and began to kiss. As we felt our love rise to the surface, Mîrwen pulled away. Looking into my eyes, she led me to our marital bed and lay down. I joined her and it was in that moment our love would bring forth our greatest treasure—Oropher.”––TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by J.Marie Miller 8-19-2017

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.

[iamjaynaemarie]

Lots of stuff...grab your Silmarillion. Elwë leaves before anyone knows—except Iarûr—and the mention of the Avari, dark elves seems to somehow explain Lenwë’s manner. Soon Elmo and Denethor’s elves leave the forest that will some day be known by many names (Mirkwood is one of them).

Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. VI)

“Saying no more, we turned away. I felt Mîrwen take my hand and I could felt her fear.

“Have you spoken with you mother,” I asked after some time.

“Yes,” she began. “She knows.”

“Pardon,” I asked. “What does she know?”

“That I carry our son, Orothôn.”

I stopped walking as I felt my breath get caught inside my chest.

“Our son.”

She smiled at me.

“I saw it,” she answered. “I have been him many times.”

“That is not all you have seen to be sure,” I said thinking out loud.

“No, it is not,” Mîrwen said, her face crestfallen. “And I do not wish to speak of those things. I must rest now—alone.”

She walked away toward our sanctuary. Before I could follow her, Iarûr, Êlengolas and Valdôr were standing before me.

“There are whispers among the elves,” Êlengolas said. “None of them are good.”

“What have you heard, Orothôn,” Valdôr asked sternly. “You are close to the leaders. You are part of their circle, are you not?”

“I am,” I said. “But not a great one.”

“You can speak,” Iarûr said. “I woke beside all the leaders, Orothôn. If you speak truth, then you have nothing to fear.”

“Lenwë will pass no further beyond this wood,” I said abruptly.

“So it is true,” Êlengolas said. “And his son will remain behind as well?”

“No. His mother wishes for him to continue on.”

“He will,” Iarûr answered. “He is close to Taurëa. I cannot say the same for his father.” 

“Finëar wishes to journey with us,” Êlengolas said. “He has great doubts in his heart about Lenwë and I as well.”

“What concerns you, Êlengolas,” I asked. I knew him to keep a close eye on the world around us.

“He seemed all too willing to remain by Nen Echui where some have made their home.”

“Elves left behind,” I asked.

“Oh, yes,” Iarûr added. “The Avari, they are forever known. Theirs will become a fate most unpleasant. Their will, as ours, is their own but destiny is written in starlight. What direction we choose will determine our path toward it.” 

“I think all paths taken are difficult,” Valdôr said. “Much depends on who is walking with me.”

Where is Finëar,” I asked looking around. “I do not see him nor Nenduriel.”

“They will be along shortly,” Êlengolas said. “I do not presume to know their whereabouts, but something tells me they are attempting to persuade other to come with us.”

“Something tells me you know exactly where they are, Êlengolas,” Iarûr said. “Let no one doubt your knowledge of anything.”

“Or his uncanny ability to hear everything,” Valdôr said smiling.

“It is curiosity, my friend,” he said. “As it is, Iarûr, you know far more than any of us. You saw the great Orowë.”

“You have seen Orowë,” I asked in awe.

“I am called Iarûr for a reason, Orothôn,” he said smiling. “If you will pardon me. I must see about Nimríel.”

We nodded as he went his way.

“What does his name have to do with anything,” Êlengolas asked.

Valdôr and I could not help but laugh.

“I must tend Mîrwen,” I said. “Perhaps your curiosity will lead you to the answer.”

I made my way to our sanctuary hoping Mîrwen was no longer angry with me. As I stood before the entrance, I took a deep breath and drew the cover. Once inside, I could see  Mîrwen resting.

“Forgive me,” I said quietly. “I should not have said those things to you.”

“You have said nothing that to be forgiven for,” she said as she looked up at me.

“I would never hurt you,” I began as I sat down beside her. “Please tell me if I have done so.”

She smiled at me and I felt calm.

“I give you my. Word that should you ever say or do anything to bring me displeasure, I will not hesitate to let you know so you may ask for forgiveness.”

“Thank you, Mîrwen,” I said smiling back at her. “Why were you angry?”

“I was not angry,” she said. “I was remembering.”

“What did you remember,” I asked.

“While I was with mother,” she began. “Taurëa was unusually silent. She and mother have always been close. They have no secrets between them.”

“She has much on her mind,” I said. “Perhaps you mistake silence for thought.”

“She was not thinking about her circumstance, Orothôn,” she said. “She was thinking about you.”

“Me,” I asked nervously. “Why would Taurëa think of me? Have I somehow offended her?” 

“You have nothing to worry about,” she said. “She is rather fond of you.”

I sighed in relief, but concern turned to curiosity. I remembered what she had said to me earlier and wondered what they meant and what she had seen.

“I am grateful for it,” I said. “Even if I do not understand her reasons.”

“I do not know her reasons, either,” Mîrwen said. “But before we came to you, she told me never to forget the land upon which I stand. In time we would return and lead the last of our kin home.”

“She is very wise,” I said reaching over to caress her face. “I know I shall remember this land fondly.”

I leaned over and kissed her—never would I feel so wonderful as when our lips came together. I lay beside her and we were soon lost in one another’s arms. After a long while, I rose quietly while Mîrwen rested. In the cool, damp still of twilight, I noticed a bloom of the tree upon the earth. A small round cupule lay undisturbed clinging to a small yet sturdy branch. I picked it up and observed what I could beneath the dim starlight. I decided to take it on our journey west—something to remind me to keep our word to Taurëa.

While I dressed, I heard the sound of voices outside grow louder and more frantic.

“What is happening,” Mîrwen asked as she sat up. “Orothôn?” 

“Stay inside,” I said. “I will see.”

I stepped out—nearly running into Iarûr and Galadhon.

“What is the matter,” I asked watching elves rushing around with looks of terror on their faces.

“Uncle has left,” Galadhon said calmly. “Nothing to fear.”

“How can you say such a thing,” I said. “It is madness out here.”

“Oh, them,” Iarûr said just as calm. “They are with us. We are to leave shortly.”

I stood in wonderment attempting to understand the calm of my companions amidst such chaos. I saw Valdôr, Êlengolas, Finëar and Galathil approach as Mîrwen peeked out.

“Do not tell me you have not noticed this chaos, Êlengolas,” I said to him.

He glanced around for a moment.

“So it is,” he said. “Has Valdúmîr passed this way?”

“I saw her last with Lothluin and Nenduriel,” Valdôr answered.

I remained perplexed at how they seemed unaware of the activity surrounding us. Then, as quickly as it had begun, the chaos ended.

“It stopped,” I said to myself.

“What stopped,” Galathil asked handing something to Iarûr.

“The…never mind.”

“You mean the elves running about,” Mîrwen asked. “They are with us.”

“So I was told,” I answered.

“They are some of Lenwë’s kin coming with us,” Iarûr said. “Rather spritely they are.”

“I see,” I said, relieved calm had resumed. “When do we leave?”

“When father gives his word,” Galadhon said. “It should be soon.”  

“Why has Elwë gone before us,” I asked.

“No one can say,” Galadhon answered. “He left soon after speaking with Lenwë.”

“It was not civil, I can say,” Iarûr added. “There was much anger in Lenwë. He is not of the Avari, but he has been touched greatly by their presence.”

“I fear for Taurëa,” Mîrwen said. “I cannot bear to leave her behind.”

“But you will, dear sister,” Galadhon scolded. “It is the command of your elders. You will not disobey.”

“I had no intention of it, Galadhon,” Mîrwen hissed, her voice darker than I had ever heard it. “But even you should show some sympathy for her plight, dear brother.”

She stormed away from us in the direction of her mother’s quarters leaving us looking at one another. Before we could say anything, Elmo and Denethor appeared to us upon a mound above us.

“The time has come,” Elmo said. “Prepare to journey westward.”

As he and Denethor descended, things seemed to fall into place. Galathil and Galadhon moved me toward my place as the others followed. By the time I was beside Mîrwen, everyone I had come to now were in line ready to begin our march.  I noticed what Iarûr was holding—it appeared to be a hollow form.

“What is that,” I asked him.

“Our story,” he said smiling. “I will tell it for generations to come."––TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by J.Marie Miller 2-17-2018

Images: ©2001, 2002, 2003. Warner Brothers Pictures. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. All Rights Reserved.

[iamjaynaemarie]

Yep, we’re back. In this episode, there is talk of elves sailing West as their world grows darker. While Thingol and Beren go after the wolf Carcharoth, there is chatter of what may be coming.

Chapter IX: The Reckoning (Pt. IV)

I was not in my chambers long before Mîrwen entered. She had a look of dread upon her face. I knew better than to inquire. She had spent much of her time with the Queen this day. With the departure of Thingol, I knew too well the fear in Melian’s heart. What she said to the court with her eyes, she spoke to her most trusted ladies.

“What is on your mind, Orothôn,” she asked as she walked by without a glance. “I could hear your thoughts in the hall.”

“I have nothing on my mind other than my concern for you.”

“As you well should,” she said. “But I would worry more for the fate of the Eldalië.”

“Why is that,” I began. “Do not speak to me in riddles, Mîrwen. Between you and Galadriel, on can hardly dismiss the look of puzzlement upon my face.”

“There is talk of war,” she said angrily. “Or do menfolk not speak of it anymore?”

“We speak of it,” I answered. “But why would ladies concern themselves with war?”

“We are far from immune by the affects of war,” she said. “We are wives and mothers of warriors.”

“Yes, you are,” I said. “And as such, it would be helpful if you would tell your warrior husband what you are trying to say.”

“Mother wishes to sail west.”

I looked at Mîrwen. From her expression, I could tell she knew I was stunned.

“What are you saying, Mîrwen?”

“Dark times are coming to us,” she began. “There will be death among us. Mother wishes for us to go where we should have gone a long time ago.”

I did not know what to say. Before I could think of something, there came a knock at the door.

“Enter,” I said without a backwards glance.

“Ada,” I heard Oropher say. I turned to see my son standing beside Amdir. 

“Yes, Oropher,” I asked.

“You are wanted,” he said. “By Elmo.”

I nodded.

“See to your mother,” I whispered.

“Yes, Ada,” he answered.

“Elmo is with Iarûr in the library,” Amdir added.

I nodded, and made my way down the hall. As I turned down the corridor leading to the library, I met Êlengolas and Finëar.

“Have you two been summoned,” I asked.

“If by summoned you mean intentionally eavesdropping, then yes,” Êlengolas said with a smile. Finëar sighed in annoyance.

“Yes, he was called upon,” he said. “Êlengolas is one of our best warriors, if not our most trying. Angband rumbles again for that creature brought with it more than eyes.”

As we entered the library, several elves busied themselves with putting scrolls into trunks. Iarûr and Elmo stood in the farthest corner speaking quietly as Súlwë sat nearby. When they saw us approaching, we were greeted warmly.

“Orothôn,” Iarûr said. “Good of you to come.”

“I was told Elmo wished to see me,” I answered.

“Yes,” Elmo said. “Have you spoken to Mîrwen?”

“I have only briefly.”

“So, she has told you of Orowen’s desire to sail west.”

“Yes,” I answered. “I am afraid I do not understand.”

“I believe you do, Orothôn,” Elmo said. “It was you, after all, that heard my promise to my wife many years ago on our way to Doriath.”

Everything became clear to me in that moment. My mind returned to the forest beneath the stars.

“You have called me here to tell me we are to leave Doriath?”

“No,” he said softly. “Not just yet, but it is on the minds of many.”

“I find it difficult to fathom King Thingol leaving this world,” I said. “And if my memory serves, you said you would leave if you failed to convince your brother.”

“You memory serves you well,” he answered.

“The King will not leave Doriath,” Êlengolas said. “So long as his daughter remains, he is tethered forever to this land.”

“His daughter has given her love to a mortal,” Finëar added. “Now Elven blood will one day flow together with Atani for many generations.”

“Yes,” Elmo said softly. “I made a promise to my beloved, but I owe my allegiance to my brother.”

“So you wish to stay,” I asked.

“No,” Elmo answered. “I want to leave with my family before more Elven blood is shed.”

“Well, do it quickly,” Iarûr said. “That time will be upon us soon. More than elven blood will flow through this land.”

“Are you planning to leave as well,” I asked Iarûr.

“No,” he said. “I must stay. My fate is tied to another. But I will make my way home when it is is my time to do so.”

“When are you leaving, Elmo,” I asked.

“As soon as my brother returns, I shall tell him my plans so that I may prepare for our journey. You will be coming with us, yes?”

I did not answer. I had not given it much thought. Even after facing the evil of Morgoth, I had come to call Doriath my home.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 12-11-2021