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Chapter XXV: (EXT) Battle in the North (Pt I)
âAt first light, Celeborn, Haldir, RĂșmil and Orophin left for LothlĂłrien with the escorts chosen for them. FĂ«aluin stood with me as we watched them disappear beneath the forest brush before us.
âI grow tired of war, FĂ«aluin,â I said. âI do not think I can fight another battle.â
âYou can and you will,â he said. âThis war is unlike any we have seen or will see again. There is not a creature in this world that must bear arms against this evil.â
âIt seems I lost my father and Melros not more than a day ago,â I said. âNow Legolas is out there somewhere doing what I must do once more. If I can fall in his place, then at least I will find some peace.â
âYou will not fall,â he said. âYou are not destined to fall.â
âHow do you know this, FĂ«aluin,â I asked.
âMy father told me that when you were born, Oropher said that his son would be the last great elven king in all of Arda.â
âFather said many things,â I answered. âMost of which while he had a bit too much miruvor to drink.â
âYou are still here, are you not?â
âBut for how long, FĂ«aluin,â I asked.
Soon Aranduil approached me and lifted his arms to me. I picked him up. He had just awoken and still in his nightclothes.
âYes, Aranduil,â I asked. âWhat can I do for you?â
âHold me, please,â he yawned.
FĂ«aluin laughed.
âYour great grandson seems to take after his other great grandfather.â
âWhich one,â I asked. âElranduil or Nimlos?â
âMust you ask, Thranduil,â he asked smiling.
We made our way into the palace just as AradĂșlin came to me. I handed Aranduil to her.
âHe seemed to have wandered away from the others this morning,â she said.Â
âHe is rather anxious this morning with all this talk of war.â
âHow would he know of such things,â I asked.
âHe wanders everywhere with NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. Where you go they will follow.â
This news disturbed me for I did not wish them to worry more than I knew they already had.
âWhere are they now, AradĂșlin,â I asked.
âI believe Linurial said they were in your chambers,â she answered.
âYes,â Aranduil said. âThey are in there. Nana, I am hungry.â
âOf course,â she said. She bowed and went her way with her son.
âI need to have a word with NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said.
âPlenty, I would say,â FĂ«aluin said. He took his leave to my study and I went to my chambers.
I found NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« resting in my bedâjust waking for the morning. I sat beside NenduĂźl on the bed as he slowly sat upright. âNenduĂźl, have you been listening when you should not,â I asked as TĂĄrimĂ« sat up.
âYes, Ada,â he said. âI want to know why you are leaving.â
âI am not leaving,â I said. âNot for some time. You should not listen on others without permission.â
âWhy are you going away,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked. âAre you going away forever?â
âNo, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said. âI will return. But I must protect you, your sisters and everyone in Mirkwood from danger. You must not worry about such things.â
âWhy not,â NenduĂźl asked. âWhat if you die and never come back?â
âI do not know this nor do you,â I said. âYou cannot worry about such things. I am here now.â
âYou have to come back,â NenduĂźl said. âWho will take care of us if you are gone?â
âI will take care of you,â I said. âI will return to you.â
âYou promise you will, Ada,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked, crawling across the bed to embrace me.
âI once made a promise to return a long time ago and I kept it,â I said. âSo I will make the same promise to you. I will return to you.â
âThen you will,â NenduĂźl said. âYou always keep your promises.â
âI try to keep them as I can,â I said.
As he embraced me, I thought as far as I could remember on all things I had promised to do. Each time I had kept my word and I wondered how I was able to do so. Then I realized how much I loved every one of them and would have done anything for them. Love had kept me from despair through many tragedies to keep my word. I knew I would again return home.
âYou two must promise me something in return,â I said.
âYes,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked.
âYou must stop listening on whatever I say to others,â I said. âIt is not for you to hear.â
âThen why do you say it so loud,â NenduĂźl asked. âSometimes we can hear you in the hall.â
I heard soft laugh come from no where.
âI will try better to speak softly if you promise to keep your ear from the door.â
âYes, Ada,â they said sadly.
I heard the soft laughter once more and it was hard not to laugh in return.
âNow, it is time for you to eat,â I said. Go on. Aranduil is already in the dining hall I am sure.â
They quickly jumped off the bed and ran out the door.
âĂlĂșriel, you may come out now.â
She walked from behind her dividerâa wide smile upon her face.
âI told you were loud,â she said as Elranduil peeked in. She kissed my cheek before walking out as he came in.
âI am not loud,â I shouted at her as her laughter reverberated through the hall.
âI hear Aranduil came to you this morning,â Elranduil said sitting beside me.Â
âWhat did he say to you?â
âHold me, please,â I answered.
âOh,â he answered. âYou realize he gets that from you. You were always doing that.â
âI beg your pardon,â I asked. âI never did such a thing.â
âYou would always have to be held by Nimeithel every chance you could findâeven in audience. But you eventually grew out of it once you were married.â
I looked at him crossly for a time before taking a pillow to his head.
âWell it is true,â he said, taking a pillow and hitting me back.
As we were partaking in a childish game, we hardly noticed EldĂŽr and FĂ«aluin standing inside the doorframe watching us.
âI was just having a word with Thranduil, Father,â Elranduil said hitting me one last time.
âI can see that, son,â EldĂŽr said. âHave you finished or would you care to continue your conversation?â
âNo,â he said. âI have said all that was needed to be said.â
I hit him once more before putting down the pillow.
âMirkwoodâs greatest king,â FĂ«aluin said smiling.
**** **** **** ****
I stared at my armor for what seemed a lifetime as I sat alone in the familiar workshop of the smiths. It was my third and my last suit I would wear into battle. I could see years of wars in its reflection. I remembered the fallen and the blood-soaked fields where they fell.Â
All things tragic and all things beautiful seemed to happen the day before no matter how long it had been. When you remember them, they are more than memoryâthey are reminders of why we continue to live. They are the hopes we hold onto for better days before us. They keep us from dying even when that is all we want to do.
âHow do you like it,â I heard TathĂĄron ask. âIt should fit you well.â
âIt resembles my fatherâs,â I answered. âThe one he died in during the War of the Last Alliance.â
âIt was commissioned by your father for you when you became king,â he said. âMy father created it. After Oropher was killed he made me and my mother swear never to allow you to see it. But it was EldĂŽr that asked me to bring it forward for you after Celeborn left.â
âWhy,â I asked.
âYour mother asked him to do so if there came another great battle,â he said.
âWell, should I die, I should fall as my father, then.â
âYou will not fall,â he said. âYou are a great warrior.â
âGreat warriors fall, TathĂĄron,â I said. âI have seen it happen time and again.â
âTrue, but not you,â he said.
He went from the room and returned with a mail of mithril.
âNo,â I said. âGive it to TarthĂŽn.â
âHe already has his own,â he said smiling. âAll the princes have their own. I wish for my grandson to return as well.â
âOf course,â I smiled. âElendĂŽr.â
âTĂĄrwen held me to my word to watch over NinyĂĄre and her sons before she left with MĂźrĂĄre for Aman. At least one of them has gone to them.â
I could not tell him that Ălenuil was in Mithlond so I smiled and nodded.
âI will not ask how you came by so much mithril,â I said. âKnow that I am grateful for it.â
I rose to leave to return to my study.
âWhen you return from battle,â TathĂĄron began, âWhat will you do?â
âI will not leave this world,â I said. âNot until I know what has become of Legolas. Only then will I decide.â
I walked out of the foundry into the falling night. It was cool but the warmth of spring begun to emerge. It was night such as this long ago that after emerging from the caves, I met with ĂlĂșriel before going to battle.
As I thought about herâwandering through the gardens in her flowing white dress her hair carrying the breeze gently beneath the night sky, I made my way toward my palace. It was quiet except for the creatures of the night lamenting the stars. From a distance I could see someone waiting at the gates.
When I grew closer, I realized it was Nimlos sitting upon the stone railing looking down into the river waters.
âWhy are you out this evening,â I asked as I approached him. âI would think you would be with SildĂșriel.â
âShe is with Aruilos,â he said. âThis will be his first battle. I cannot blame her concern. I worry as well. Perhaps even more. He is my only son.â
âI know how you must feel,â I said. âOne son is out in the world and the other will join yours in battle.â
âMy daughter would join him if it were not for Aranduil,â he said. âWe both know how difficult ĂariĂąth can be.â
âShe loves TarthĂŽn,â I said. âI could not ask for a better wife for my son.â
âI know you are thinking about more than your sons,â he said.
âYes,â I said. âI am worried about IsĂlriel. She is as stubborn as her mother. That is not a secret easily kept.â
âTrue, Thranduil,â Â he answered. âShe is reminds me of ĂlĂșrielâs mother Annariel. Born fighters, this clan.â
I laughed remembering my little Isilya eagerly watching her brothers practicing with their bows and always wanting to join them. Then my thoughts drifted to ĂlĂșriel.
âBefore we went to Dagorlad, I promised ĂlĂșriel I would return to her,â I said. âI kept my word but I what if I cannot keep my word this time?â
âYou always keep your word,â Nimlos said. âI have always liked that about you.â I smiled remembering when we first met.
âBesides,â I said. âIf I did not keep my word ĂlĂșriel would scold me for it and would never allow me to forget.â
Nimlos laughed.
âShe inherited that from her mother, I am afraid. Poor Uncle. Whenever he had words with his wife, everyone could tell by the look on his face. I find it rather amusing to see that same look on Aramothâs face after he has words with my sister.â
âIt must run in your family,â I said laughing. âShe may be young, but TĂĄrimĂ« is quite adept at it as well.â
We laughed together for a moment. I began to feel like myself for a moment. âAda,â a voice said.
We turned to see NenduĂźl running toward us. He leapt into my arms and embraced me.
âWhy are you out this late,â I asked âIs your sister sleeping?â
âYes, Ada,â he said. âI was looking for you.â
âYou have found me, NenduĂźl,â I said. âShall I take you to bed?â
âLook, Thranduil,â Nimlos said.
I looked to see Arawë and Aldåros coming toward us frantically. Still winded, they bowed before me.
âYour Majesty,â ArawĂ« began. âRandumĂźr sent word that a horde of glamhoth march this way and will arrive by morning.â
âWhat else did he say,â I asked.
âOne horde attacked the borders of LothlĂłrien not long after Lord Celeborn returned,â AldĂĄros said. Another attack they will endure tomorrow.â
Nimlos and I looked at one another concerned.
âFollow Nimlos into the palace,â I commanded. âI must do something first.
Nimlos, call after FĂ«aluin and will come to you in my study.â
They bowed and all of them made their way into the palace.
âWill you fight tomorrow, Ada,â NenduĂźl asked.
âYes, NenduĂźl,â I said carrying him toward the main gates. âI will fight tomorrow.â
âWill you win,â he asked as I entered the palace and walked toward his chambers.
âYes,â I said. âI would not worry but you and your sister must stay inside the palace. Give me your word.â
He nodded as his chamber doors were opened and I tucked him into bed. I looked upon him for a moment then kissed his forehead.Â
âSleep,â I said. âI will see you when I return.â
He nodded and drifted off. I went to Tårimë and kissed her as she slept. As I was leaving, I heard a voice.
âI will be here when you come back,â TĂĄrimĂ« whispered. âI promise, Ada.â I turned and smiled then quickly left to prepare for battle. On my way down the hall, I was met by ĂlĂșriel.
âGo on, my love,â she said softly. âI will see you upon your return.â Â
I kissed her.
âDo not leave the palace,â I commanded. âGive me your word.â
âI will remain in the palace,â she said, smiling. âI give my word.â
I kissed her again and quickly made my way down the hall.âââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-20-17
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.
#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#the extended version of book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil and eluriel#thranduil and nimlos#aranduil#thranduil and elranduil#nenduil and tarime#thranduil and earluin#isilriel elenare thranduiliel#isĂlriel#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of tolkien#writing high fantasy#mirkwood#the war of the ring
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After putting down the Orc attack near the gates of Mirkwood (in the Battle of the North) Thranduil worries he has lost as many warriors as that fell in battles before--most importantly, Nimlos, the cousin of his wife ĂlĂșriel.
#the official tkwr trilogy#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil#king thranduil#his majesty king thranduil#mirkwood's greatest king#the elvenking of the woodland realm#the war of the ring#battle in the north#nimlos#elranduil#eldĂŽr#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of jrr tolkien#middle earth fan fiction#thranduil fan fiction
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Chapter V: The Fall of Dol Guldur (Pt. VI)
âBefore the light of day, I was dressed and prepared to ride to Dol Guldur. I did not want to wake NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« as I knew they would worry. I walked through the front gates to where my warriors waited for me with FĂ«aluin, EldĂŽr, Elranduil and Nimlos.
âThranduil, son of Oropher,â I heard a voice whisper to me. I turned around to see Galadriel standing behind me. âYou have little to fear. You are your fatherâs son. He would be proud of you.â
âThank you, Galadriel,â I said. I kissed her hand. âLook southward to our victorious return.â
She smiled and nodded and I went on my way. As a stable hand brought my horse, I noticed IsĂlion and TĂĄrion speaking with ElmĂźr and SildĂșr. Upon my approach, they bowed.
âYou are to take me to Celeborn,â I asked them.
âOf course,â TĂĄrion said. âWhen His Majesty is ready.â
I looked at my warriors and mounted my horse. The others followed suit. I gave the command and the banners were raised.
âNoro,â I said. âTo Dol Guldur.â
**** **** **** ****
We rode in silenceâour minds deep in thought. Would this truly be the last battle I would ever see? Would I return home and would I ever see Legolas again? The unknown is often the only thing we knowâit is the certainty that anything can and will happen. The mystery lies within us as to the outcome. I always thought I knew what I would do any given moment and realizing too late that preparation was merely expectation of something unexpected.
As we made our way closer to Dol Guldur, we me TarthĂŽn and Aruilos at their position at Emyn Duir as their men were packing the camp to move further South.
âFather,â he said. âIt is good to see you again.â
âWhat news have you heard from Celeborn,â I asked.
âHis warriors were able to force what was left of the glamhoth into their garrison,â Aruilos said. âNot long after many were lost not far from Angrenost. Lord Celeborn sent word to us that they have surrounded them preparing to lay siege upon them.â
âUpon my arrival, no less,â I said. âLet us go together so we might set up camp before nightfall.â
They nodded and hurried to their horses.
âWhere is ArdĂŽr,â Elranduil asked looking for his son. âI thought he would be here with Ălenuil and ElendĂŽr.â
âThey went on ahead, Ada,â OrĂsil said as he rode up to us. âNot long after Celeborn sent word to you.â
âHe knew of the messenger,â he asked.
âYou mean Lady Galadriel,â OrĂsil said smiling. âYes, of course.â
âHe told you this himself,â Nimlos asked.
âNo,â he answered. âFrom one called Glorfindel.â
Elranduil let out a deep sigh as Nimlos laughed with EldĂŽr.
âCome,â I said sternly. âLet us not tarry any longer.â
I thought back long ago to when I first met Glorfindel. Beyond what I remembered of him, I was lost in the memory of my father and Melros I lost at Dagorlad. Before long my thoughts were turned to seeing the Elves of LothlĂłrien making camp. When we had stopped, I motioned to FĂ«aluin. He took charge of preparing my tent. As I dismounted, I stood beside Elranduil, Nimlos, EldĂŽr, TarthĂŽn OrĂsil and Aruilos as IsĂlion and TĂĄrion waited with us as Haldir and his brothers RĂșmil and Orophin approached us.
âYour Majesty,â Haldir said bowing. âGood to see you again. Lord Celeborn awaits you in his tent. Shall we, Your Majesty?â
I nodded and we made our way toward a large white tent with silver and white banners at its doors. I entered to see ArdĂŽr and his sons waiting with us with Celeborn.
âCeleborn, son of Galadhon,â I said approaching him. âI have come to you as promised.â
âSo you have,â he said. âI am indebted to you.â
âYou need not be,â I said. âYou know me well enough to know I would do anything to bring peace to my people. We have been cast asunder by the evil of Sauron for far too long. I wish to put and end to it. My life is a small price to pay should that be the cost.â
âNot you, Thranduil,â he said. âYou will not fall here or anywhere I imagine. You might well be the strongest of our kin. I know you are the most headstrong of our kind.â
âI have lost too much not to be so,â I said. âToo much I have endured not to be strong when I must. But enough idle chatter. How do we bring about the fall of Dol Guldur once and for all?â
He went to his table as the tent began to fill with elves that would lead the charge. When everyone was accounted, I stood with Celeborn at his table with FĂ«aluin at my side. Before we could start, two elves entered.
âMany apologies for my lateness,â the first said. He had long hair of gold and grey eyes that seemed softened by tragedy but no less courageous.
âNone is necessary,â Celeborn said smiling. âYou remember Thranduil, do you not?â
âIt has been quite a long time,â he began as he bowed. âPerhaps too long.â
âGalathil,â I said. âIt has been too long.â
The other elf that entered stood beside Celeborn quietly. He bowed politelyâhis youth obvious to everyone, with his soft brown hair and deep green eyes.
âThis is ĂarmĂźr,â Celeborn said. âHe is council to me and my brother, Galathil.â
I nodded and once again all fell quiet as we readied ourselves to discuss our offensive.
âMany orcs may not remain, but they fight no less fiercely,â Celeborn began. âTheir allegiance is to one greater than life itselfâto the one that they have given what is left of a soul that remains within them.â
âIt was the detriment that they parceled themselves thin,â Galathil said. âQuickly they fell at Angrenost underestimating that which they thought powerless.â
âThe Ents,â ĂarmĂźr said softly. âThey left few to retreat save one or twoâfar less than what returned from the borders of LothlĂłrien.â
âWe have the advantage of limiting when and where they fight surrounding their fortress,â I said. âBut not long will it be before they decide to give all or nothing to what little they have left. Let the bowmen take as many down as allowed and the rest of us will wait for their emergence from squalorâfor that what will be too much to bare.â
âI will prepare my men tonight,â Aradin said. âWith the arches of Lothlorien, we should have plenty to surround the whole of Dol Guldur and hold them for days.â
I nodded and he rose and left quickly with ElmĂźr close behind.
âThis will be the last battle we shall fight,â Celeborn said.
âIt has to be,â I said. âFor if we do not win, everyone in this world will live in darkness."--Excerpt from TKWR Book III: To Eryn Lasgalen by J.M.Miller 03-09-17
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.
#thranduil#one last time#celeborn and galathil sons of galadhon#galadriel#tarthon orisil aruilos#eldor and elranduil#nimlos#introducing earmir#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#in honor of tolkien#tolkien fanfiction#tolkien fandoms#writing#amwriting#writing high fantasy#the fall of dol guldur
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This is the first draft of the Official Appendix of The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy. Most of the characters are from Book II: The Saga of Thranduil with Tolkien Canonical Characters and a few Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen (some will appear in Book III: The Last Tale of Legolas Lasgalen) that are mentioned.Â
Some names have been changed (and some may change) so if youâve been reading the books, some names belonging to some characters might appear differently here. That is in the process of being edited in the entire trilogy--especially Book II: The Saga of Thranduil which is due to be completed within the next few days. Still a work in progress; subject to change. This is easier to follow than the last post which even confuses me. đ
Donât get too comfortable: There are more characters and names coming. I have three books you realize.
C = Canonical. EV = Extended Version/s. *Mentioned.
Appendix (Alphabetical Order)
AdanorâCommander of the Army under Isildur; he had long hairâa deep earthen color with green eyes that reflected a commanding, yet kind presence.
Amdir (C)âKing of LĂłrien, father of Amroth. He died in the War of the Last Alliance at the Battle of Dagorlad.
Amroth (C)âSon of Amdir and lover of Nimrodel. After the War of the Last Alliance, he would die waiting for Nimrodel.
AldĂĄrosâAn orphaned Silvan elf from the War of the Last Alliance.
AnĂĄrion (C)âSon of Elendil and brother of Isildur. He would die in the War of the Last Alliance.
AnnarielâMother of ĂlĂșriel, husband of NendĂșril. She was killed during the Second Age.
AradinâCommander of the Kingâs Archers in Eryn Galen and a Noldo. Long black hair soft as silk against delicate features across the fairest skin and features with piercing grey eyes. He is the father of ArdĂșin, Linurial and SĂșlthulĂ«. He is wedded to AralĂłtĂ«.
AradĂ»ialâDaughter of Aruilos and NimlĂșin. She has her fatherâs long white golden hair in and motherâs light brown eyes.
AradĂșlinâDaughter of TarthĂŽn and ĂariĂąth. When she grows up she would marry ElendĂŽr, son of ArdĂŽr and NinyĂĄvĂ«. She has her fatherâs golden red hair and her motherâs grey eyes.
Aragorn (C)âSon of Arathorn II, descendent of Isildur; heir of Gondor.
AralĂłtĂ«âWife of Aradin, mother of ArdĂșin, Linurial and SĂșlthulĂ«. She is a beautiful elf with long golden hair and piercing bright blue eyes. Lady of the Court in Eryn Galen.
AramĂrâOlder brother of Aramoth and son of NĂźnuir and LinlĂșin. He has golden hair and eyes the color of eyes of violet ice. Wedded to TĂnandril. He is Marchwarden of the North.
AramothâYounger brother of AramĂr and son of NĂźnuir and LinlĂșin. Much as his brother, he had long golden hair but his eyes were a sharp blue. He is wedded to Nenloth. Marchwarden of the South.
ĂrendilâYoungest daughter of SĂrnĂȘn and Ninduril, sister of  NĂnorĂ«. With eyes of vivid emerald, she had a cascade of long golden tendrils that even I thought beautiful in the sunlight. She is wedded to Melros. After the death of her husband, she went into the Undying Lands with her husbandâs mother, leaving her son, TarthĂŽn with Thranduil.
AranduilâSon of ElendĂŽr and AradĂșlin. Thranduil and Elranduil are his grandfathers. Heâs very close to his cousins NenduĂźl NĂĄrisil and TĂĄrimĂ« SilmĂ«.
ArasĂlmĂ«âWife of EldĂșir. Their daughter is AryĂĄvĂ«, one of the most beautiful elves in Eryn Galen.
ArawĂ«âSon of IsĂlsar and CelebrĂl.
AreithelâWife of ArĂsil, mother of OrĂsi. She died before the War of the Last Alliance leaving her son and husband in sorrow.
ArĂsilâHigh Council and Commander of the Army under Gil-galad. He had long golden brown hair and eyes the color of the sea. His wife was Areithel, mother of his son OrĂsil, orphaned at Dagorlad when he died.
AndvĂĄriââGentle-Breezeâ with hair and beard of white gold, he is a member of the Council of King Durin III of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m.
ArdĂŽrâSon of Elranduil and ArdĂșin. He had his fatherâs hair and his motherâs eyes save for hints of the color of the sea. Perhaps it came from his Noldorin roots long since passed into lore. When he grows up he will wed NinyĂĄvĂ«. (Prince of Mirkwood: ArdĂŽr Elranduilion)
ArdĂșinâOne of the daughters of Aradin and AralĂłtĂ« She was an unusual elf in Eryn Galen. She was what was left of the Noldor. With long soft waves the color of the feathers of a raven, she the most unusual piercing eyes one could only describe as golden grey. She is wedded to Elranduil.
ĂrelĂ«âSon of ElmĂźr and AryĂĄvĂ«. He will marry ĂlenĂel, daughter of SildĂŽr and NĂnorĂ«. He has the impeccable beauty of his mother, long golden hair with blue eyes like his father. His sister is SilaurĂ«.
ArlĂłmĂ«âMother of Melros and wife of EldĂ»mĂr. She is the fairest of the Silvan, if there be such a thing. Deep blue eyes and long auburn hair with skin near white as snow. After losing her husband and son in the War of the Last Alliance, she left for the Undying Lands.
AruilosâYounger brother of ĂariĂąth, son of Nimlos and SildĂșriel. Â Husband of NimlĂșin.
ArlĂșinâDaughter of Aramoth and Nenloth, wife of OrĂsil, mother of Eleneth.
ArĂmĂ«âA peredhel; Wife of HaldĂșir, mother to SĂșlelenth. Cousin ĂlĂșriel, Nenloth and Nimlos. Her father GildĂșr married her mother, a mortal woman named Sirurial.
ArnĂźnâDaughter of AramĂr and TĂnandril, Wife of RandĂșmĂźr.
Arod (C)âLegolasâ horse from Rohan (LOTR).
Asfaloth (C)âGlorfindelâs horse (LOTR).
AryĂĄvĂ«âDaughter of EldĂșir and ArasĂlmĂ«. She is the cousin of AramĂr and Aramoth. She was chosen of Thranduil but she will wed ElmĂźr.
AurĂ«wynâWife of Bard (II) of Dale. She is the mother of Bain. She is a direct descendant of HaldĂșir, father of SĂșlelenth.
AĂ»rvarâA second age dwarf serving on the Council of King Durin III of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m and brother of JĂĄri, General Commander of the Army. He had hair and beard the color of fire.
AĂ»striââEast-Oneâ, he is one of the Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m with golden hair and beard. See Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m.
Bain (II)âSon of Bard (II). He is the direct descendant of Bard the Bowman.
Bain I (C)âSon of Bard of Esgaroth and descendant of Girion.
Balin (C)âBalin, older brother of Dwalin, son of Fundin. He would die in Moria.
Bard I (C)âBard the Bowman, he would bring down Smaug and lead the men of Esgaroth in the Battle of the Five Armies.
Bard II (C)âSon of Brand, son of Bain (I). He would take his fatherâs throne after he dies during the Second Battle of Dale during the War of the Ring. He resembles his great grandfather Bard (I).
BainâSon of Bard (II) and AurĂ«wyn. He is the direct descendent of Bard the Bowman, his great great grandfather. He bears a resemblance to his great grandfather Bain.
Beorn (C)âSkin changer; he would kill Bolg during the Battle of the Five Armies.
Bifur (C)âDwarf; cousin of Bofur and Bombur.
Bofur (C)âDwarf; older brother of Bombur; cousin of Bifur. From Moria, not of the line of Durin.
Bombur (C)âDwarf; younger brother of Bofur cousin of Bifur. From Moria, not from line of Durin.
Brand I (C)âSon of Bain, son of Bard (I). He would die during the Second Battle of Dale during the War of the Ring alongside King DĂĄin II Ironfoot of Erebor.
Brelin (EV)âWife of Bard the Bowman (Bard I) and mother of Bain.
BrendĂźrâA commander of the Army under AnĂĄrion.
Celeborn (C)âLord of LothlĂłrien and husband of Galadriel. Son of Galadhon and brother of Galathil.
CelebrĂan (C)âWife of Elrond and daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel. Mother of Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen UndĂłmiel.
CelebrilâDaughter of SĂșriar and NĂĄriel.
CĂrdan (C)âLord of the Falas; first bearer of the Narya.
CuldĂșrosâTarthĂŽnâs horse. A brown stallion with long red mane and tail. His name means Golden Red Night Foam.
DĂĄin II Ironfoot (C)âDwarf; cousin of Thorin Oakenshield. He would become the King of Erebor after the death of Thorin during the Battle of the Five Armies.
DĂs (C)âDwarf, sister of Thorin Oakenshield and Frerin; wife of StĂahn and mother of FĂli and KĂli.
Dori (C)âDwarf; brother of Ori and Dori from the house of Durin.
Durin (C)âKing Durin III, Ruler of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m (Moria) at the time of the War of the Last Alliance.
Durin (C)âson of Thorin III Stonehelm of Erebor. (LOTR Appendix)
Dwalin (C)âDwarf, younger brother of Balin, son of Fundin.
ĂariĂąthâDaughter of Nimlos and SildĂșriel. Sister of Aruilos. She had grey eyes with hair like her fatherâdark as night. When she grew up, she would wed TarthĂŽn.
ĂarmĂźrâNephew of Celeborn and Galathil.
ElarĂanâOrphan elven child of the Nandor. When she grows up, she would wed Elenadar.
ĂldĂșlinâDaughter of RandĂșmĂźr and ArnĂźn. She has long sand colored hair of her fatherâs and her motherâs moss green eyes.
EldĂŽrâHusband to ValdĂșril, he was tall and fair; with the palest grey eyes of any Sindar. Long and fine was his fair like that of King Oropher, the color the purest gold. So yellow it was that often when he would wander into the sun, it seemed to sparkle as a thousand stars.
ElenadarâSon of FĂ«aluin and Linurial, twin brother of Elenatar.
ElenatarâSon of FĂ«aluin and Linurial, twin brother of Elenadar.
Ălengolas*âPure Sindar with long golden hair and eyes to color of ice. Father of Nimeithel and ValdĂșril. Wedded to ValdĂșmĂźr.
EleniĂąthâ Wife of GaldĂșmĂźr, mother of FĂ«aluin and FĂnduin. She was a Silvan elf, with long waves of the finest brown hair and eyes of dark grey.
ElendĂŽrâYoungest son of ArdĂŽr and NinyĂĄvĂ«, younger brother of Ălenuil and older of [Elwen]. Father of Aranduil. He is wedded to AradĂșlin.
Elendil (C)âFather of Isildur and AnĂĄrion. High King of Arnor and Gondor.
ĂlenethâDaughter of OrĂsil and ArlĂșin.
ĂlenĂelâDaughter of SildĂŽr and NĂnorĂ«. She has the long golden hair of her mother and her fatherâs sky blue eyes.
ElenlĂșinâEntering Eryn Galen as a child, she was the sister of ElarĂan. When she became of age, she would wed Elenatar.
ĂlenuilâKnown as the Everstar because he is the first royal born to carry the bloodlines of the Teleri: Sindarinwa, Noldor and Nandor but also the Silvan. He is the son of ArdĂŽr and NinyĂĄre and older brother of ElendĂŽr.
ElenornâHigh Council and Commander of the Army under King Amdir.
EldĂșirâBrother of LinlĂșin. He was a High Elven Warrior in the Army of Oropher. He is wedded to ArasĂlmĂ«.
EldĂ»mĂrâFather of Melros. A Sinda, he was a trusted member of Oropherâs council as well as a warrior. He would die in the War of the Last Alliance.
ElmĂźrâSon of SildĂșr, brother of TĂnandril.
EluinâĂlĂșrielâs horse. A wedding gift from Thranduil. White mare with white mane and tail.
ElranduilâSon of EldĂŽr and ValdĂșril, sister of Queen Nimeithel of Eryn Galen.
Elrond (C)âSon of Earendil and Elwing; Lord of Rivendell.
ĂlĂșrielâWife of Thranduil, mother of Legolas Lasgalen and Isilriel Elenare (EV) and foster mother of TarthĂŽn. In the original version of TSOT, she was killed by an orc while defending Thranduil.
Elwen (EV)âDaughter of Elranduil and ArdĂșin. Sister of ArdĂŽr and OrĂsil. She is very close to her cousin, IsĂlriel.
Erestor (C)âChief Counsellor of the house of Elrond.
FĂąngil (See Minstrel of the Rhovanion)
FĂ«aluinâOne of Thranduilâs best friends from childhood. Wedded to Linurial. He becomes the head of Council for Thranduil after the War of the Last Alliance.
FĂ«aruinâHorse of Amdir. He is a red stallion with red man and tail. His name means Red Flame Spirit.
FĂli (C)âDwarf; younger brother of KĂli and a son of StĂahn and DĂs and an heir of Durin.
FĂnduinâBrother of FĂ«aluin. He died in the War with his father, GaldĂșmĂźr. He left behind his wife, SinomĂ«.
FindĂșrilâFather of Nimlos and Nenloth, brother of NendĂșril. He died fighting orcs in Ossiriand. He is wedded to Nimduin.
FindĂŽlâEastern Border Guard. Brother of SildĂŽr and SinomĂ«. Son of FinĂ«ar and Nenduriel. He is wedded to SĂșlthulĂ«, daughter of Aradin and AralĂłtĂ«.
FinĂ«arâMember of the council of Oropher. He was a timid one, yet he was diplomatic and forthright; his grey eyes shining beneath the long golden hair of the Sindar. Father of SildĂŽr, FindĂŽl and SinomĂ«.
Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»mâThe Dwarf Warrior Factions are split into four fighting forces or battalions named for their commanders that are named for the direction of the Winds.
Gandalf (C)âA Maiar known by many names (Mithrandir among the elves). The Gray Wanderer sent to Middle Earth around 1000 T.A. after the loss of the One Ring with Radagast (Aiwendil) and Saruman (CurunĂr).
Galadhon (C)*âSon of Elmo; father of Celeborn and Galathil.
Galadriel (C)âLady of LothlĂłrien; wife of Celeborn; mother of CelebrĂan.
GaldĂșmĂźrâCommander of the Kingâs Army, father of FĂ«aluin and FĂnduin. Wedded to EleniĂąth.
Galathil (C)âFather of Nimloth wife of Dior; he is the son of Galadhon and brother of Celeborn.
Gimli (C)âSon of GlĂłin, he is the last heir of Durin.
Gil-galad (C)âThe Last High-elven kings of Middle-Earth.
GildĂșrilâHorse of Aruilos. White stallion with red mane and tail. His name means Brilliant Night Star.
GildĂșrâLate father of ArĂmĂ«, brother of Annariel, mother of ĂlĂșriel. He died in the same glamhoth attack trying to save his sister.
GlĂłin (C)âDwarf; younger brother of Ăin and son of GrĂłin. He is the father of Gimli.
GlorduirâOropherâs horse. Golden stallion with white mane and tail.
Glorfindel (C)âRider of Asfaloth; Elf from Imladris/Rivendell.
Gollum (C)âOnce known as SmĂ©agol, he was the first victim of the One Ring. He was brought to Mirkwood by Aragorn but escaped the dungeons of Thranduil.
Haldir (C)âMarchwarden of LothlĂłrien; brother of RĂșmil and Orophin.
HaldĂșirâMan from Esgaroth. He is married to ArĂmĂ«. Their daughter is SĂșlelenth, wife of Ălenuil. He finds out that his wife was the daughter of GildĂșr, brother of Annariel, mother of ĂlĂșriel.
HithlothâElenatarâs horse. A dark silver stallion with long white mane and tail. His name means Mist Flower.
HĂźthuinâHorse of Amroth. Dust brown stallion with a light brown mane and tail. His name is Ever Mist.
IarĂ»râRoyal Chronicler of the Woodland Realm. He is a Sinda. Long golden hair and sharp grey eyes. When he leaves for the Undying Lands after the Battle of the Five Armies, his son SĂșriar.
Isildur (C)âSon of Elendil and brother of AnĂĄrion. He would steal the One Ring from Sauron.
IsĂlionâAn escort to Lady Galadriel of LothlĂłrien.
IsĂlriel (EV)â[Daughter] and youngest child of Thranduil and [ĂlĂșriel], foster sister of TarthĂŽn and sister of Legolas. Her throne name is IsĂlriel ElenĂĄre Thranduiliel.
IsĂlsarâHusband of CelebrĂl; father of ArawĂ«.
JĂĄriâJĂĄri: Warrior (General Commander) With hair and beard the color of fire, he was gruff, but noble. Brother of AĂ»rvar.
KĂli (C)âDwarf; older brother of KĂli and a son of StĂahn and DĂs and an heir of Durin.
LasiavasâLegolasâ horse in Mirkwood. Light silver-mist colored stallion with long black mane and tail. He was born of Eluin, sired by SĂ»ldĂșmĂźr. When he was born, everyone thought he was a gift from ĂlĂșriel because he was different than all the other horses. His name means âAutumn Leafâ.
LasimĂ«âLegolasâ pet squirrel. His name means âLeafyâ in Quenya.
Legolas (C)âSon of Thranduil and [ĂlĂșriel], foster brother of [TarthĂŽn] and older brother of [IsĂlriel]. As a Prince of Mirkwood, he joins the Fellowship of the Ring as one of the Nine Walkers. His throne name is Legolas Lasgalen Thranduilion.
LindĂ»mĂrâWife of SildĂșr, mother of TĂnandril and ElmĂźr. She had long golden red hair and eye of sky blue. After the War of the Last Alliance, she left with others to Aman.
LinlĂșinâMother of AramĂr and Aramoth. She had long golden hair with clear eyes of fine blue like foam upon the ocean.
LinurialâDaughter of Aradin and AralĂłtĂ«, she is the sister of ArdĂșin and SĂșlthulĂ«. She is wedded to FĂ«aluin.
LĂri (EV)âHorse of IsĂlriel. Golden white horse with white mane and tail. Her name means âsongâ.
Lothluin*âMother to EldĂŽr. She is a Noldor.
MĂŁndilâA commander of the Army under AnĂĄrion.
MelrosâBest friend of Thranduil; he would die in the War of the Last Alliance. He was wed to Ărendil and their son was TarthĂŽn.Â
MelĂĄzeâChief Blacksmith in Eryn Galen. When not covered in soot, he is a rather handsome elf with soft extremely light brown hairânear the color of sandâand blue eyes. He is wedded to NĂĄruiel. He is a Silvan.
Minstrel of the RhovanionâLyricist and a teller of folk tales. Sometimes goes by the name FĂąngil.
MĂźrĂĄreâDaughter of TathĂĄron and TĂĄrwen; sister of NinyĂĄre. Â Her long golden hair and eyes of silver were hard to avoid. She is the love of Legolas and is known to him as Lasuil.
MĂrwenâMother of Oropher, grandmother of Thranduil, great grandmother of Legolas. She was one of the fairest of the Sindarinwa of her time and very unusual. Her skin was near white, her eyes deep grey with long hair of the lightest gold.
Mithrandir (C)âSee Gandalf.
NĂĄrmothâElenadar's horse. A red stallion with long black mane and tail. His name means Fire Dusk.
NĂĄruielâWife of MelĂĄze, mother of TathĂĄron. She has long golden hair and grey eyes. She is an Sinda.
NenduĂźl NĂĄrisilâSon of Ălenuil and SĂșlelenth and twin brother of TĂĄrimĂ« SilmĂ«. His throne name is NenduĂźl NĂĄrisil Ălenuilion.
NendurielâLady to Nimeithel. Wedded to FinĂ«ar. Mother of SildĂŽr, FindĂŽl and SinomĂ«.
NendĂșrilâFather of ĂlĂșriel, husband of Annariel.
NenlothâShe is the sister of Nimlos, friend and lady to ĂlĂșriel as Queen of Eryn Galen. She is wedded to Aramoth.
NimeithelâMother of Thranduil, wife of Oropher; sister of ValdĂșril.
NimduinâMother of Nimlos and Nenloth; wife of FindĂșril. She has dark hair and brown eyes.
NimĂsilâHorse of OrĂsil. White golden stallion with white mane and tail. His name means White Moon.
NimlosâCousin of ĂlĂșriel, brother of Nenloth. He is wedded to SildĂșriel.
NimlĂșinâDaughter of FĂnduin and SinomĂ«. She is wedded to Aruilos.
NimrĂelâWife of IarĂ»r, mother of SĂșriar.
Nimrodel (C)âThe love of Amroth, Prince of LĂłrien.
NindurilâWife of SĂrnĂȘn, mother of Ărendil and NĂnorĂ«, she is a Sindar married to a Noldor. She leaves with Ărendil after the War of the Last Alliance.
NĂnorĂ«âThe younger sister of Ărendil and daughter of SĂrnĂȘn and Ninduril. She is wedded to SildĂŽr.
NĂźnuirâFather of AramĂr and Aramoth; he was charge of the Army of Eryn Galen under GaldĂșmĂźr and EldĂ»mĂr. He is wedded to LinlĂșin.
NinyĂĄreâDaughter of TathĂĄron and TĂĄrwen; sister of MĂźrĂĄre. She marries ArdĂŽr.Â
NithĂâOne of the Council of Durin; âOld Moonâ (Gold hair and beard), heâs the older brother of NyĂ.
Nori (C)âDwarf; brother of Ori and Dori from the house of Durin.
NorthriââNorth-Oneâ (Black hair and beard); one of the Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m. See Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m.
NyĂâOne of the Council of Durin; âNew Moonâ (Black hair and beard), he is the younger brother of NithĂ.
Ăin (C)âDwarf, son of GrĂłin and older brother of GlĂłin.
Ori (C)âDwarf; brother of Nori and Dori from the house of Durin.
OrĂsilâSon of ArĂsil and Areithel from Ossiriand. He was orphaned after following his father off to war. He was adopted by Elranduil. When he grows up, he will marry ArlĂșin, daughter of Aramoth and Nenloth.
Oropher (C)âFather of Thranduil, husband of Nimeithel.
Orophin (C)âBrother of RĂșmil and Haldir of LothlĂłrien.
OrothĂŽn*âFather of Oropher, grandfather of Thranduil, great grandfather of Legolas. Far more intimidating than his descendants, OrothĂŽn had finest and longest hair of the Sindar in Doriath.
Radagast (C)âKnown as Aiwendil, he was sent to Middle-Earth with Gandalf and Saruman around 1000 T.A. after the loss of the One Ring. He is located at the Southwestern borders of the Rhovanion.
RandĂșmĂźrâAn orphan child from Ossiriand. Hair the color of sand with eyes of the shallows of the sea. He was an unusually quiet child. When he became of age, he would wed ArnĂźn.
RĂșmil (C)âAn elf from Lothlorien; brother of Haldir and Orophin.
Saruman (C)âKnown as CurunĂr, he was sent to Middle-Earth with Gandalf and Radagast around 1000 T.A. after the loss of the One Ring.
SilaurĂ«âDaughter of ElmĂźr and AryĂĄvĂ«, sister of ĂrelĂ«. She will marry TĂąruil, son of FindĂŽl and SĂșlthulĂ«.
SĂldĂșlosâHorse of ArdĂŽr. Given to him by his father, Elranduil. He is a stallion the color of red earth with a white mane and tail. His name means Shine White Night Snow.
SildĂŽrâWestern Border Guard with long earthen brown hair and grey blue eyes. Brother of FindĂŽl and SinomĂ«. Son of FinĂ«ar and Nenduriel. He is married to NĂnorĂ«, daughter of SĂrnĂȘn and Ninduril.
SildĂșrielâSilvan of the court of Eryn Galen/Mirkwood/Eryn Lasgalen; wife of Nimlos, mother of ĂariĂąth and Aruilos.
SĂlrandorâSon of Elenatar and ElenlĂșin. Twin brother of SĂ»lrandĂr.
SinomĂ«âWife of FĂnduin. She dies of grief at the loss of her husband during the War of the Last Alliance. She is the youngest child and only daughter of FinĂ«ar and Nenduriel, sister of SildĂŽr and FindĂŽl.
SĂźrandĂrâSon of Elenadar and ElarĂan. Twin brother of SĂźrandor.
SĂźrandorâSon of Elenadar and ElarĂan. Twin brother of SĂźrandĂr.
SĂranâSecond Commander of the Army under Isildur.
SĂźrluinâElranduilâs horse. Silver blue stallion with the long mane of midnight. His name means Blue Stream.
SĂrnĂȘnâFather of Arandil and NĂnorĂ«. He is a member of Oropherâs council. He has long black hair and dark brown eyes. He is one of the few Noldor in Eryn Galen. He is wedded to Ninduril.
SirurialâLate mortal mother of ArĂmĂ«. She had light brown eyes and long dark blonde hair.
StĂahnâDwarf from Ered Luin; husband of DĂs and father of FĂli and KĂli.
SĂ»ldĂșmĂźrâThranduilâs horse. Silver stallion with white mane and tail. His name means Spirit Night Jewel.
SĂșlelenthâWife of Ălenuil, the Everstar. She is of the Race of man as the daughter of HaldĂșir and ArĂmĂ«. She is the mother of NenduĂźl NĂĄrisil and TĂĄrimĂ« SilmĂ«.
SĂ»lrandĂrâSon of Elenatar and ElenlĂșin. Twin brother of SĂlrandor.
SĂșlthulĂ«âDaughter of Aradin and AralĂłtĂ«. Her sisters are Linurial and ArdĂșin. She is wedded to FindĂŽl, son of FinĂ«ar and Nenduriel.
SĂșriarâSon of IarĂ»r and NimrĂel and a Chronicler of Eryn Galen/Mirkwood/Eryn Lasgalen.
SĂ»thriâSĂ»thri: South-One (Brown hair and beard); one of the Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m. See Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m.
TĂĄrimĂ« SilmĂ«--Daughter of Ălenuil and SĂșlelenth, twin sister of Nenduil NĂĄrisil. Her throne name is TĂĄrimĂ« SilmĂ« Ălenuiliel.
TĂĄrionâAn escort to Lady Galadriel of LothlĂłrien.
TarthĂŽnâSon of Melros and Ărendil. Ărendil left him in the care of Thranduil after the death of Melros and went into the Undying Lands. He was raised as part of Thranduilâs household. He was wedded to ĂariĂąth.
TĂąruilâSon of FindĂŽl and SĂșlthulĂ«, he looks like his father long golden red hair with his motherâs blue eyes.
TĂĄrwenâWife of TathĂĄron; mother of NinyĂĄre and MĂźrĂĄre.
TathĂĄronâSon of MelĂĄze and NĂĄruiel. He is half Silvan and half Sindar. He marries TĂĄrwen.
ThekkerâDwarf, father of StĂahn.
ThrĂĄin I (C)âDwarf; Son of NĂĄin I.
Thranduil (C)âSon of Oropher and Nimeithel, husband of ĂlĂșriel and father of Legolas and IsĂlriel (EV) and foster father of TarthĂŽn.His throne name is Thranduil TĂĄrisil Oropherion.
Thorin Oakenshield (C)âSon of ThrĂĄin, son of ThrĂłr; heir of Durin. He would lose his life at the Battle of the Five Armies (the first Battle of Dale).
Thorin III (C)âDwarf, Son of DĂĄin II Ironfoot.
TĂnandrilâDaughter of SildĂșr. Her brother is ElmĂźr. The color of sunset was her long straight hair with eyes the color of moss. Her skin was as white as winter, flawless and serene. She is wedded to AramĂr.
ValdĂŽr*âFather of EldĂŽr. He is a Sindar. His son took from him his long golden hair and grey eyes.
ValdĂșmĂźr*âPure Sindar from Doriath, with pale skin and long hair as the silver snow. She had eyes of pale blue. Wife of Ălengolas, Mother of Nimeithel and ValdĂșril.
ValdĂșrilâSister to Queen Nimeithel. As with her sister, her skin was flawless. Her hair was as long as my mothers, but to it was far more golden. Her eyes shone of with a gentle grey, like wisps of smoke with a hint of my motherâs blue. She was very close to my mother, so much that yes, their children had similar names.
VestriââWest-Oneâ (Auburn hair and beard); one of the Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m. See Four Winds of KhazĂąd-dĂ»m.
Vindalf (ThĂșlĂ©)âA Maiar; he arrived with Gandalf in c. 1000 T.A. on the shores of Mithlond. He didnât get the distinguished âGrayâ until after the death of Gandalf in Moria.
Appendix from The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy--Book II: The Saga of Thranduil by J.M. Miller ©2015 All Rights Reserved.
Sources Cited:
Allan, Jim, ed. An Introduction to Elvish and to other tongues and proper names and writing systems of the Third Age of the Western Lands of Middle Earth as Set Forth in the Published Writings of Professor John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. ©1978 The Bath Press. All Rights Reserved.
Foster, Robert. Tolkienâs World from A to Z: The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth From The Hobbit Through The Lord of the Rings and Beyond. New York: Del-Rey Books, 2001
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Peoples of Middle-Earth. ed. by Christopher Tolkien. London: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2015.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The History of Middle-Earth Index. ed. by Christopher Tolkien. London: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2002.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lost Road and Other Writings. ed by Christopher Tolkien. New York: Del-Rey Books, 1987.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Unfinished Tales of NĂșmenor and Middle Earth. ed. by Christopher Tolkien. ©1980 J.R.R. Tolkien Copyright Trust. All rights Reserved.
Tolkien, J.R.R. Lord of the Rings ©1987 Houghton Mifflin Company, ©2004 HarperCollinsPublishers. All rights Reserved.
Tyler, J.E.A. The Complete Tolkien Companion. ©1976. St. Martinâs Press. All rights Reserved.
This list does not include new places and/or objects at this time--and there are a few. This also is the abbreviated version of the original--the actual one is far more detailed and tedious. Baby steps.--J.
#tkwr appendix#tkwr first draft appendix#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#book ii#the saga of thranduil#characters of tkwr trilogy#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of jrr tolkien#writing high fantasy#writing fan fiction#thranduil#tolkien fandom#new and canon characters
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Chapter V: Starlight and Fire Moon (Pt. III)
âAfter mother allowed my courtship of ĂlĂșriel beneath the wondering eyes of my father, I spent my days at my fatherâs side and my evenings with ĂlĂșriel. I could not contain my joy whenever father would dismiss me. He knew I was taken with ĂlĂșriel, but he did not think any more of it than a youthâs curiosity.
It was far more than infatuation. I knew I wanted to spend eternity with her. Whenever I was alone I thought of how to ask her hand, knowing I had to tell my father of my intention.
One day, I sat alone by one of the large windows in the hall outside my chambers looking at the numerous waterfalls and meandering streams when Nimlos came to me.
âMay I,â he asked. I nodded and he sat down. âYour cousin, Elranduil. He has a penchant for mockery.â
âWho is it this time,â I asked. I was thankful I was not in his sights for the time being.
âMelros. Since Arandil accepted his proposal, Elranduil seems to enjoy taunting him as he awaits his wedding day.â
âI do not know why he would do such a thing,â I said. âBut Elranduil has been that way his entire life.â
âI know why he does what he does,â Nimlos said. âBut he did not do such a thing to me when I wed SildĂșriel.â
âYou are better warrior than he is,â I said. âHe thought it wise not to say anything lest you run him through.â
âOh, then he is more intelligent than I thought,â he said laughing. âI am fond of him, though. Everyone here. And I heard from Nenloth you are courting ĂlĂșriel.â
âShe told you, then,â I asked. âYou are close so I suppose you would learn of it from your sister.â
âWhen we were young and living in Ossiriand,â he began deep in thought. âIt was not always so. Our parents, FindĂșril and Nimduin, they spent more time keeping us from tearing each other apart than anything. It was not until they died that we realized we needed one another.â
âI could not imagine what that must have been like for you,â I said. âWhenever I am near either of you, I feel I have taken so much for granted and given much to privilege.â
âYou should not,â he said looking at me smiling. âWe do not choose the life we are given. I loved my father and mother dearly, true. But my life has been good. I have made peace with what I was far too young to do then. I could not have done a thing to save them. But I saved my sister. It was the last thing my father asked of me before he fell. I kept my word so, in my heart, I like to think he is proud.â
âHe is, I have no doubts,â I said.
âThank you, Thranduil. Nenloth says it often, but I do not listen as it is hard. She sounds just like our mother. I would not like hearing it from NendĂșril, should he ever say those words.â
âWhy, if I may ask.â
His gaze turned away and he seemed grievous.
âNendĂșril is my uncle,â he said looking at me. âHis brother was FindĂșril, my father. Perhaps that is why I care for ĂlĂșriel as a sister. She is my cousin. When he looks upon me, which is rare, I think he sees his brother. Like looking at ĂlĂșriel reminds him of AranĂșril. I miss her as much as my mother."
I could say nothing. I was glad that he had taken such good care of ĂlĂșriel, but now he was more to me. I saw him far differently after that day. Melros broke the moment by running around the corner as if he were being chased. Against the wall he looked around as to look for someone.
âMelros, what are you doing,â Nimlos asked, his mood changed to amusement. âWhom do you hide from?â
âIf you were to have a guess, I am quite sure you would know,â he said.
âElranduil,â we said together.
âHow old is he,â I said. âHe is acts as if he were 1100 again. Why is he chasing you?â
âHe is not,â Melros said. âBut AramĂr saw me with Arandil in the garden and told Aramoth whom I know told Elranduil. I am not to see Arandil until our wedding but I could not help myself. You understand, Nimlos? I do not know how you were so calm during this time.â
âCalm down,â Nimlos said rising. âI will take care of my sisterâs husband.â
âAs it is, should ArdĂșin learn of it,â I said. âShe will tell ValdĂșril. She can be much like my mother.â
âCome with me, Melros,â Nimlos said. He turned to me, âI almost forgot to tell you, Thranduil, ĂlĂșriel asked me to tell you she is in the great hall. She wanted you to meet her there. Now, let me have a word with Aramoth.â
As they left, I hurried away down the opposite hall and up a short stairs to the palaceâs great hall. With the highest of ceilings and great dining table that nearly filled the room, I saw ĂlĂșriel looking out over the gardens. She looked toward me smiling. I went to her quickly and she pointed out the window.
I noticed that in the garden, several of the children were wrestling with Elranduil. Most fiercely, RandĂșmĂźr, the only boy that had come with the others from Ossiriand.
âI cannot say he did not have this coming,â I laughed. âHe has been rather irritating.â
She turned to me and embraced me without a word. I held her in my arms, unaware of where we were standing. When she looked at me was drawn to passion so quickly, I do not remember how our lips found each other. I never wanted the moment to end. But I quickly found myself.
âShall we go for a walk,â I asked, taking her hand. âIt is a lovely day.â
âOf course, Thranduil,â she said with a look of puzzlement.
As we walked out of the large wooden doors, we passed EldĂŽr and he grabbed my arm and whispered.
âThranduil, watch yourself,â he said. âFor Oropher has sent me follow your actions. He is beginning to have suspicion.â
âI cannot deny my heart, uncle.â
âDo not deny it,â he said. âBut until you ask your father for her hand, anything you say or do must be done with great care. I will say nothing.â
âThank you,â I said as me and ĂlĂșriel went our way.
âAre we in danger,â she asked fearfully as we headed down a darkened corridor leading to the lower gardens.
âNo, ĂlĂșriel,â I said as the light of day fell upon us finally. âNot us. It is me."--Excerpt from TKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil by J.M.Miller 1-28-16
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.
#tkwr trilogy#tkwr book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil and nimlos#melros and nimlos#aramir and aramoth#thranduil and eluriel#nimlos and nenloth#nenduril and finduril#finduril and nimduin#ossiriand#lindon#secrets told#many come forth#the return of the mirkwood elves#more elves#more story#melros and arandil#elranduil and arduin#eldor warns thranduil#oropher#in honor of jrr tolkien#tolkien fan fiction#tolkien fandom
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There's nothing more adorable than men doting on their children--or Elranduil playing matchmaker with toddlers. Something like that. Thranduil finds it amusing.
TathĂĄron means âwillow treeâ in Sindarin, by the way. He created Thranduilâs armor before the War of the Last Alliance in Book II: The Saga of Thranduil.
#oh thranduil#tkwr trilogy#the official tkwr trilogy#book ii#the saga of thranduil#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#thranduil#nimlos#tathĂĄron#mĂźrĂĄre and legolas
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Chapter XXV: (EXT) Battle in the North (Pt. II)
âI entered my study filled with my council and my commanders stoically waiting for me. As they bowed, FĂ«aluin took his place at my side by my table with the princes of the realm. I took my seat and motioned to EldĂŽr.
âHis Majesty will lead small few warriors against the orcs at the borders, but the rest will leave before the sun rises toward Dol Guldur and await the elven forces from LothlĂłrien.â
âWho will lead them,â Nimlos asked.
âTarthĂŽn,â I said. âAnd with him will go ArdĂŽr, OrĂsil, Aruilos and ElendĂŽr.â
TarthĂŽn looked at me and nodded.
âOnce our fight is done, we will join you,â EldĂŽr continued.
âAnd who will protect the palace then,â ElendĂŽr asked.
âThe guard, of course,â FĂ«aluin answered. âThere is no need to engage them unless there is a direct threat.â
âMy brother and I will see to that,â Elenadar said. âDo not worry for your family. Concern yourself with your return. You will stand against an evil like no other. Save your strength and your thoughts on that.â
The doors of the study opened and closed and voices were heard speaking in whispers. I stood up as for elves walked out of the shadows and stood before me. I looked at FĂ«aluinâhis face fell into his hands.
âOh no,â he whispered.
Before us stood SĂźrandor, SĂźrandĂr and their twin cousins SĂlrandor and SĂ»lrandĂr.
âMy sons,â Elenatar and Elenadar said approaching their children.
âYour Majesty,â SĂlrandor began. âWe have returned to fight. The words of war are on the lips of everyone.â
âEven in Mithlond,â SĂ»lrandĂr said.
âDoes your mother know you have returned,â Elenadar asked.
âYes, Ada,â SĂźrandĂr answered. âShe and ElenlĂșin have long since sailed.â
âWe did not come alone,â SĂźrandor said.
âWe came together, SĂźrandor,â SĂlrandor said.
âYou know what he means, Brother,â SĂ»lrandĂr answered.
âPlease, do not stand so close to one another,â FĂ«aluin said. âAny one of you.â
âSorry, Ada,â Elenatar said as the stepped away aside. From behind them Ălenuil stepped forward and bowed reverently.
âĂlenuil,â ArdĂŽr said.
âYes, Ada,â he said. âI have returned to fight beside my brother and my king.â
Elranduil looked at meâa smile slowly crossing his face as he attempted to conceal it from everyone. I came from my place and stood before Ălenuil. I looked at him and thought of his children sleeping in their room not far from mine. I was proud of him but could not find the words.
âThen you will ride with your brother,â I said.
He smiled and bowed and went to his father and brother happily.
I motioned for TathĂĄron to come. He came quickly.
âYou know what I will ask of you,â I whispered. âDo it quickly.â
He bowed and left quickly.
âWhere have you sent TathĂĄron,â Â FĂ«aluin asked quietly.
âTo fetch something for Ălenuil,â I said. âHe will need it far more than I will.â
I looked around the room the elves in my presence. I knew them all since my youth and others since I became king. As they spoke among themselves, I thought about things my father had told me. I had seen so muchâthrough part of one age and nearly all of another. I knew then I would return home again one last time from the field of battle.
âLet us not tarry any longer,â I said. âAs I speak an army of orcs march toward our gates. They are not the first but they will be the last. TarthĂŽn, I would like a word with you. Everyone else to your place.â
As the room emptied, TarthĂŽn stood before me.
âYes, Ada,â he asked. âWhat did you wish to say to me?â
âI wished to say that you will see me again,â I said. âWhen I ride to you toward Dol Guldur.â
âI know,â he said. âAnd I will fight beside you as my father before me. I look forward to that moment.â
âI look forward to the moment you return home to your family,â I said. âShould I not return, it is you that should welcome your brother home in my place.â
âNo,â he said.
âDo as I ask, TarthĂŽn,â I said.
âNo,â he said. âI will not do what you will be able to do on your own. You will return home. You always have and you always will. When we return, we can both be here to welcome Legolas home.â
I embraced him tighter than I had before as I felt tears come to my eyes. I had no words that could express the pride I felt for TarthĂŽn in that moment. I remembered the first time I held him as an infant and every moment thereafter but none as powerful as that moment. I did not want to let him go, but I did slowly.
âI will see you soon,â he said as he bowed. âUntil then, NamĂĄriĂ«.â
He turned and left quickly. I stood alone waiting for my servants to bring my armor. When the door opened again it was Ălenuil.
âYes, Ălenuil,â I said.
âHow are my children,â he asked softly. âI wanted to know before I went into battle.â
âYou know where they sleep,â I said. âWhy not go to them. I am sure they would want to see you. I know you want to see them.â
âLet them sleep,â he said. âI just want to know how they are.â
âThey are very well,â I said. âThey are growing quickly as children will.â
âShould I live, I will return to Mithlond, Thranduil,â he began. âI still carry her memory in my mind and I am afraid my children will make it worse.â
âYou wish me to pretend I never saw you this day or any other,â I asked. âYou do not want your children to know you fought valiantly for them and this kingdom?â
âNo,â he said. âI know you, Thranduil. You will speak of it to them no matter what I ask. It is not in your nature to keep anything from anyone.â
âI keep many things to myself,â I answered. âIt is just never the truth.â
âI ask this because I know I will see them again,â he said. âBut not in this world. This world has taken from me many things I do not care to remember.â
âIt has for me as well, Ălenuil,â I answered. âMany things I have lost and do not care to remember. But I do remember. I have to remember because should I forget, I will not know what I am fighting to keep. This world has taken my father, my friends and more of my people than I can count. But it also has given me my father, my friends and my people. I lived with them and loved them and they gave me strength to live long after they were gone. You have everything to lose for your fear of remembering what you lost rather than what you have left.â
âI am not as strong as you,â he said. âYou are the great Thranduil. They speak of you beyond these borders with such fervor. There is no one quite like you in all of Arda. Not among elven nor men nor dwarves. There will never be a star that will rise or fall brighter than you. Not even the Everstar. All I ask is you not tell NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« I was not here so that they can remember the father that left them never to return.â
âYou told them you would never return, did you not,â I asked.
âYes,â he said.
âI will not tell them that I saw you or even said your name,â I began. âBut if I grant you that request, then you will grant me one as well.â
âAnything,â he said.
âYou will not leave this world without your children.â
He stared at meâhis eyes filled with tears that did not fall until that moment. I knew he could not refuse my requestïżœïżœïżœnot one given by his king.
âWhen the time comes, I will send them to Mithlond and then you will sail with them into Aman. Do I have your word?â
He nodded slowly as the doors opened again with my servants carrying my armor.
âI will see you at Dol Guldur,â I said. âGo see TathĂĄron. He has something for you.â
He bowed and left as FĂ«aluin, EldĂŽr, Elranduil and Nimlos returned while I was being dressed. EldĂŽr was in his armor as he always had been before a battle. âI know better than to ask why Ălenuil left in fear for his life,â Elranduil said. âHe will tell ArdĂșin and I will hear it eventually.â
âSĂźrandor, SĂźrandĂr, SĂlrandor and SĂ»lrandĂr will join the palace guard and will stay behind with me,â FĂ«aluin said as he rolled scrolls together quickly. âPlease return quickly. I love my grandsons very much but I can only be around them for so long before I will lose what sanity I have left.â
âI will return for you as soon as I can then,â I answered. âI cannot have the head of my council lose what sanity he has left.â
âOr what he was born with,â Elranduil said to himself.
âElranduil,â EldĂŽr said.
Nimlos laughed as he stood before me.
âSo here we are again,â he said. âOff to fight another battle. I must say, I never thought I would enjoy fighting beside you but that was before I got to know you.â
âYou mean before you got to know Elranduil,â I said.
âThranduil,â EldĂŽr said looking over a scroll.
âAt least I can hit a moving target with an arrow,â Elranduil said as servants began to dress him and Nimlos.
âThe trees never fared well with Thranduil around,â FĂ«aluin said handing off a scroll to a guard.
âFĂ«aluin,â EldĂŽr began. âThis is why I returned. None of you have changed since you were children.â
âThranduil has,â Elranduil said. âHe has gotten taller.â
Nimlos and FĂ«aluin laughed as ElmĂźr entered.
âYes, ElmĂźr,â I said as servants began to leave one by one after finishing their task.
âAradin has taken the north side of the river,â he said. âFather and I will remain with you from here to Dol Guldur. AramĂr, Aramoth, FindĂŽl, and SildĂŽr will take North, South, East and West. NĂźnuir has accompanied TarthĂŽn and the others to Dol Guldur. EldĂșir will stay to defend the palace.  ĂrelĂ« sent word of a force of Easterlings seen moving toward Dale from the south. Better cover ourselves on all sides.â
âThank you, ElmĂźr,â I said.
We stood in silence as the last of the servants left and we stood dressed in our armor looking at one another. I took a deep breath.
âLook after my children until I return, FĂ«aluin,â I said. âLook after ĂlĂșriel.â
âYes, Thranduil,â he said.
âOnce more,â I said. âLet us fight once more.â
EldĂŽr, Elranduil, Nimlos and ElmĂźr followed me out of my study and into the hall toward the main gates. As they opened for us, I could see that dawn had not yet come. We walked into the darknessâthe air still crisp and cool and not yet filled with the rancid stench of orcs but the sound of their feet had begun to shake the earth beneath our feet. We would take them face-to-face and ride later to Dol Guldur. Armored elven warriors stood prepared to fight again.Â
We took our positions at the furthest distance west of the bridge and waited for darkness to fade into the light of day. We waited patiently for our first battle during the War of the Ring to begin.
The dawn seemed to come slowly but the anticipation had risen before with the sounds of orcs marching through the forestâtheir monstrous feet crushing the earth beneath them. Â I nodded and Elranduil and EldĂŽr to take position. We planned to surround them and kill all that dared to march upon Mirkwood. I could hear the faint sound of the archers pulling their bowstrings from across the Forest River.
As the sunâs first light, the glamhoth broke through the trees. Arrows flew through the air as our two armies began fighting fiercely. No sooner had I put down one, another appeared in his place. For hours there was nothing but the sound of metal clashing and battle cries until silence had fallen. I stood wading in the corpses of orcsânot one elf did I see. I began to worry that I was the last to survive.
âIt is done,â I heard a distant voice say. âDecidedly so, Father.â
I looked to see Elranduil and EldĂŽr approachingâtheir armor covered in orc blood.
âDo not think this is over,â EldĂŽr said.
âNimlos,â I cried. âWhere are you?â
I looked in every direction and saw only figures shrouded in the mists of dusk. I began to fear the worst as I fell to my knees and started pushing the dead aside in a futile search.
âThranduil,â a voice said. âWhat are you doing?â It was Elranduil standing with ElmĂźr.
âI am looking for Nimlos,â I said frantically.
âWhy would I be down there,â Nimlos asked.
I quickly turned to see him standing at my right beside SildĂșr. I sighed deeply as I rose to my feet.
âI thought you had fallen,â I said.
âWhen that day comes, I will tell you,â Nimlos said smiling.
âHow did we fare, Father,â ElmĂźr asked.
âVery well,â SildĂșr answered. âThere are wounded but none shall die.â
I sheathed my sword and wearily headed for the palace. At the end of the bridge, I saw the gates openâthe last thing I remember before I fainted.
**** **** **** ****
It was night when I returned to consciousness. I was laying on my bed my chest in pain, dressed tightly around me.
âHow are you feeling,â I heard FĂ«aluin say from across the room.
âHe will live,â ĂlĂșriel said as she stroked my hair.
âWhat happened,â I asked.
âYou were victorious,â he said. âAs to be expected. I noticed you were missing a piece of your armor. That would explain your wound. It was not deep but you lost enough blood to faint.â
âI gave my mithril to Ălenuil,â I said slowly sitting upright. âHe needed it far more than me.â
He walked to the foot of the bed and stood looking at meâhis face lost in thought.
âI thought you did something of the sort,â he said. âYou are just like Oropher.â
âHow do you mean, FĂ«aluin,â I asked. âHow am I like my father?â
âHe gave his to you so long ago,â he said. âThe difference is you survived to see another day but even Oropher would not have been surprised. You are a worthy warrior.â
âI almost died,â I said, my thoughts trapped in the past. âI could have died.â
âYou did not die and you will not die, I am sure of it.â
âHe will never die,â ĂlĂșriel said. âHe is too stubborn.â
He walked to the door and paused for a moment.
âDo you feel well enough to receive company,â he asked.
âYes,â I answered. âWho calls for me?â
He smiled and tapped the doors. One cracked open enough for Nendußl, Tårimë and EÀrluin to slip inside.
âYou are alive,â TĂĄrimĂ« said happily as she and brother ran to embrace me.
I winced in pain as FĂ«aluin smiled and left us with the children.
âYes, I am, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said. âBut do be careful.â
âVery careful, children,â ĂlĂșriel said. âHe is wounded.â
âYou came back as you said,â NenduĂźl said, climbing on the bed with his sister. âI knew you would return.â
âYou did not,â TĂĄrimĂ« said. âYou spent the day crying like a little child. I told you he would return but you did not believe me.â
âI did not cry,â he said quietly. âThat was Aranduil.â
âWas not,â she said.
âYou are not died,â EĂ€rluin said, poking me.
âIt does not matter now,â I said trying hard not to laugh. âI am here now and it is late. Time for bed.â
âCan we stay with you, Ada,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked sweetly. âWe can look after you.â
âYour Ada needs his rest,â ĂlĂșriel said. âYou may see him tomorrow.âÂ
âYes, Nanaâ they said sadly, hanging their little heads as they climbed down from the bed and walked slowly to the door.
âThey can stay for a little while,â I whispered to ĂlĂșriel.
âAre you not afraid to wake up and have their husbands and wife between us,â she whispered back. âYou may stay for a little while.â
The children turned around and excitedly returned and curled up around me.
âWake us up should you need to,â NenduĂźl said in a commanding tone. âAnd we will ring the servants for you.âÂ
They had made up their minds and started to nestle on either side of me. I couldnât help but smile as I watched them fall asleep. I closed my eyes for moment thinking about all that had happened. I looked at ĂlĂșriel sitting on the bed next to TĂĄrimĂ«, smiling at me.
âĂlĂșriel, I love you,â I whispered.
âI love you more, Thranduil,â she said.
âThat is not possible,â I said.
She leaned over and kissed me again.
âWelcome home,â she said.
âIt is good to be home,â I said. âVery good.âââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-20-17
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.
#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#the extended version of book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil#mirkwood#the battle in the north#thranduil and eluriel#nenduil tarime earluin#nimlos elmir elranduil#eldor and fealuin#elenuil everstar#the twins came back#sulrandir and silrandor#sirandir and sirandor#elenadar and elenatar#writing high fantasy#amwriting#writers on tumblr#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of tolkien#in honor of jrr tolkien#tolkien epic fan fiction
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Chapter XXVI: (EXT) The Fall of Dol Guldur (Pt. II)
âAs the sun rose the next morning, we were led to out of the palace to take my place in a procession toward the gates of Erebor. As we rode toward the mountain, memories flooded my mind of the past. I was filled with sadness knowing I would look upon death once more. We came to the gates of Erebor and began our descent into the heart of the mountain.
Lying in eternal slumber lay the two kings side by side.
âThey died together,â Dwalin whispered. âSo shall they remain together forever. I never thought I would see this day when man would lie at rest beside a dwarf.â
âIt is the sign of the times,â Thorin said softly. âBlood of one is no different from another. In war it all the same. No different in death for neither shall see the light of day. They were friends in life and together gave their lives for their people."
As we passed before the fallen kings, I paused before DĂĄin. I remembered when met we fought the battle that took Thorin Oakenshield so many years before. I placed my hand upon his that held his axe.
âFarewell, Elf-Friend,â I whispered. âKing DĂĄin of Erebor. Your legacy shall be remembered through all the ages.â
The processional continued to move quietly through dimly lit caverns of the mountain and into the light of day. I could not help but think of how much timed had passed or how much it had changed me. When all was done we began our return to Dale.
Evening fell quickly as I stood along the balcony of the city square looking into the valley below. I would be leaving for home in the morning. ĂlĂșriel was with AurĂ«wyn, learning about the city. My mind had little thought of anything but a profound misunderstanding of life itself.
âThranduil,â I heard FĂ«aluin say. âSomeone wishes a word with you.â
I turned to see Dwalin and GlĂłin standing before me. I nodded as they came closer and bowed.
âYour Majesty,â Dwalin said. âI wanted to thank you for coming.â
âYou need not thank me, Dwalin,â I said. âI wanted to come. I only wished I had come while DĂĄin was still with us.â
âIt is not an easy task ruling a kingdom,â GlĂłin said. âEspecially in times such as these. I know what you have given to this war for I gave to it the same. You have nothing that needs forgiving.â
âPerhaps,â I said. âThough if you remember, it was me that put you away in my dungeons not so long ago without even thought to your plight or your mission.â
âThat was long ago,â Dwalin said. âIf there were a debt to be paid, it was done when you fought at our side against Bolg and his evil horde. Besides, better your dungeon than the web of a spider.â
We could not help but share a laugh.
âThank you,â I said. âFor your forgiveness and your friendship.â
âYou are welcome,â he answered.
âMay our sons return to us,â GlĂłin said. âTo cement our friendship for another generation.â
They bowed to me and left for the night. My spirits began to lighten when I realized I was not alone. I looked down and saw Bain and Durin looking at me with curiosity.
âAre you a real elf,â Durin asked.
âYes, I am,â I answered. âAre you a real dwarf?â
âOf course he is,â Bain said. âJust a very small one.â
âSo I see,â I said. âYou must be a human, then. A very small one.â
Durin laughed as Bain nudged him.
âYou are both up rather late. Should you not be in bed?â
âI suppose,â Bain began. âBut we cannot sleep.â
âI wanted to see a real elf,â Durin said.
âYou have, so you can sleep now,â I said.
âHow old are you,â he asked.
âThat is not polite, Durin,â Bain said. âYou never ask old people their age.â
I kneeled down to their height and took hold of them. They stiffened in fearâtheir eyes growing larger.
âI am very old,â I said smiling. âI have seen every one of your bed time stories I am sure of it.â
âYou were alive when the dragon came,â Durin asked.
âOlder than that, Durin,â I said.
âThat is old,â Bain said. âTell us more.â
âWhat are you doing out of your room,â AurĂ«wyn said coming toward us. âI apologize to His Majesty if they are being a nuisance.â
âThey are fine,â I said. âIt is my fault they are here. They wanted to have an audience with me, did you not?â
âYes,â Bain said quickly. âAn audience.â
âWhat is an audience,â Durin asked.
âCan we stay, Mother,â Bain asked. âPlease?"
Aurëwyn looked at me knowing not what to say to me.
âWhere is ĂlĂșriel,â I asked her.
âThe queen has retired to her chambers, Your Majesty,â she said.
I stood up and walked to her. She looked at me with a familiar expressionâso much like SĂșlelenth.
âGood,â I said. âIt is fine for the children to stay. I will have FĂ«aluin see them to bed.â
âAre you sure, Your Majesty,â she said softly.
âYes. Pedo enni adui.â
Her eyes began to tear up and I knew she understood me. She nodded and walked away quietly. I turned back to the boys that stood in wonderâtheir mouths agape.
âNow, where were we,â I asked, sitting upon a stone bench.
âThe dragon,â Durin said climbing onto my lap. âYou know about the dragon.â
âI want to know about my great great grandfather,â Bain said sitting beside me. âHe slew the dragon, did he not?â
âYes, he did,â I said.
I told them many things into the night until they fell asleep. It was Nimlos and Elranduil that carried them away to their room in the palace. Once the children were taken away, two guards approached me and bowed as I rose. I knew what they had come. I nodded and followed them away to a spacious garden where lantern lit paths led to monuments to the past. In front of a stone figure stood Aurëwyn waiting for me.
âYour Majesty,â she said. âYou wished to speak with me.â
âSo it is true,â I said. âYou know the language of the elves.â
âYes,â she said. âMy great grandfather learned it from his brotherâs wife.â
âArĂmĂ«,â I said. âShe was the cousin of my wife ĂlĂșriel.â
âI know,â she said. âShe told me tonight. My grandfather spoke of it often. He was proud to have an Elda in the family. He died when I was very young; not long after my father.â
âYou have my sympathy,â I said softly, looking at the stone figure.
âYou knew my husbandâs ancestor,â she said. âHis namesake.â
âI did.â
âWhat is it like to have lived for so long,â she asked.
âAs any other creature,â I answered. âOnly longer.â
She smiled and began walking down a path into a lower area. Curiously, I followed her. Beneath ornate stone arches covered in vine, I realized tombs surrounded us. She stood before one that had "ArĂmĂ« GildĂșriel" carved into the marble.
âI know you wanted to come,â she said. âTo see her one last time before you leave tomorrow. If she were still here I am sure she would have wanted to see you both again. Good night, Your Majesty.â
She smile once more and disappeared into the darkness of the palace. I stood alone for a moment looking at the face of the stone in thoughtâthinking of NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. I wish she could see how much they had grown. I had lived longer than I wanted and seen far more than I needed. I touched the stone. It was colder than the night but not without its own eternal beauty.
âI knew I would find you here,â I heard FĂ«aluin say from behind.
âOf course you would, FĂ«aluin,â I answered. âI am sure you convinced AurĂ«wyn to bring me here.â
âSadly, no,â he said. âIt was ĂlĂșriel. AurĂ«wyn showed me the way.â Â
âHow else would you have found your way,â he asked. âDale is different than it once was centuries ago.â
âAll things are different than they once were,â I said. âTomorrow will be different than today. What will never change is us.â
âYou have changed greatly,â he said. âFor the better, I must say. No longer the pampered son of a king. Now you are a father and a king.â
âI was never pampered. You have me confused with Elranduil.â
âNo,â he said. âIf I am not mistaken, you were quite a handful. That is what mother told me and FĂnduin after spending a day with you.âÂ
I looked at the tomb once more.
âNamĂĄriĂ«, ArĂmĂ« GildĂșriel,â I whispered. âPedathon i narn o NenduĂźl a TĂĄrimĂ«.â
I turned away and walked with FĂ«aluin through the gardens and to our quarters in the palace. Once I was in my room, I saw ĂlĂșriel standing by the window.
âArĂmĂ« left this world peacefully,â she said. âFor that I am grateful.â
I removed my coat and I went to her and embraced her from behind, burying my face in the curve of her neck. I kissed it softly and felt her quiver.
âI wish she had gotten to see NenduĂźl, TĂĄrimĂ« and EĂ€rluin one last time,â I whispered. âI was against it. I am ashamed, ĂlĂșriel.â
âDo not be,â she said turning around. âThey would have never understood age or sickness. They should remember her as she wasâas I remember her. She would have wanted it that way.â
She looked into my eyes and realized I could not see hers for the tears in mine. Using her sleeve, she began wiping them away. Â
âYou have nothing to be ashamed of,â she whispered, kissing me. âNothing.â
âYou are too good to me,â I said.
âI know,â she answered. âBut you make me want to be.â
**** **** **** ****
At dawn, the whole of Erebor and Dale had come to see us off. Thorin, Dwalin and Glóin stood before us beside Bard and Aurëwyn.
âIt has been an honored with your visit,â Bard began. âThough I wish it had been under better circumstances, Your Majesties.â
âIt is we that are honored,â I said. âYou and Thorin have been the most gracious of hosts.â
Nimlos helped ĂlĂșriel upon her horse and before another word was said, Bain and Durin ran to me.
âMust you leave now,â Bain asked.
âI am afraid so,â I said.
âHere,â Durin said handing me something. âThis is for you.â
It was small dragon carved out of wood. For its size, it was rather detailed in its features.
âThank you, Durin,â I said smiling. âI will treasure it always.â
âI know I will hear from you again, Your Majesty,â Dwalin said.
âI am sure of it,â GlĂłin said. âIf I know my Gimli.â
âThen Legolas is in good company,â I said.
I mounted my horse and we rode away beside ĂlĂșriel and Elranduil with FĂ«aluin and Nimlos close behind. As we rode out of the city gates there was much fanfare from men and dwarves alike. I looked forward to my return home, but for the first time, I was leaving a place I wanted to stay longer.
âI am going to miss them,â I said.
âWho are you,â Elranduil asked. âWhere is my cousin? I have never known you to miss man or dwarf in you lifetime.â
âI missed AĂ»rvar,â I said. âHe was pleasant from what I remember. Though few men I have missed, I was rather fond of Bard of Esgaroth.â
âI look forward to the day when we are at peace,â Nimlos said. âThat has yet to come to fruition. Until that day, my concerns lie with our people in the south.â
âNever mind those once more facing the gates of Barad-DĂ»r,â FĂ«aluin said.Â
âThere is still darkness in that must be destroyed.â
âIt will be,â I said. âI believe it will be this time.â
We rode the rest of the way in silence. Before long we had arrived at the gates of my palace. We dismounted and our horses taken away in time for Nendußl, Tårimë and EÀrluin came running to us.
âAda! Nana,â they said embracing me.
âYou are home,â TĂĄrimĂ« said.
âYes, I we are,â I said. âWere you good?â
âI was,â NenduĂźl said.
âSo was I,â TĂĄrimĂ« said.
âShe hit Aranduil again,â EĂ€rluin said.
âI did not,â TĂĄrimĂ« said angrily. âThat was you.â
âEĂ€rluin,â ĂlĂșriel began. âIs that true?â
âYes,â she answered giggling as ĂlĂșriel took her hand.
EldĂŽr approached us, his expression rather sternânearly painful.
âUncle,â I said. âAre you well?"
âNext time, I am going with you. No matter where it is,â he said.
Elranduil laughed as he embraced his father. Nimlos led NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« after ĂlĂșriel and EĂ€rluin into the palace with FĂ«aluin close behind.
âAny word while we were gone,â I asked.
âNo,â he said. âIt is starting to worry me.â
âI would think no word would be a good thing,â Elranduil said. âPerhaps there will be little need for another battle.â
âThat will not happen,â EldĂŽr said. âOf all the glamhoth we killed, one was seen to have survived and made his way to Dol Guldur. If there were none left, he would have not gone back the way he came and maiming a few of our own. None mortally, thankfully.â
âThen we wait,â I said. âWe will be prepared for anything.â
We walked into the palace together. In my hand, I held Durinâs little dragon tightlyâmy mind on what I knew was about to come.âââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-21-17
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.
#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#the extended version of book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil and eluriel#aurewyn and thranduil#bain and durin#nimlos fealuin elranduil#dwalin#gloin#nenduil tarime earluin#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of jrr tolkien#writing fan fiction#writing high fantasy
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Chapter XXVI: (EXT)Â The Fall of Dol Guldur (Pt. I)
âNot long after that night, I found myself wandering alone through the halls of my palace. I found myself standing before a window beyond my throne looking outward into glistening waterfalls lit by rays of the sun. Though I felt little pain, I still wore a bandage wrapped securely around my torso.
âWhat is on your mind, Thranduil,â I heard FĂ«aluin ask as he approached me.
âJust thinking,â I said. âNothing in particular.â
He looked at me without saying a word. His face was stoic, but his eyes seemed animated.
âWell, then,â he said. âShould this war end, our time will come to leave this world for another.â
âAnd if there is no end to war, FĂ«aluin,â I asked. What then? I should remain here waiting for peace and hoping I see my son again?â
âWhat of your children,â he asked. âThey would not let you go the way of despair.â
âI know,â I sighed. âEspecially the little ones. But I will send them to safety no matter what they say.â
âI hardly imagine Legolas or TarthĂŽn will leave you to your own, either."
âI have lived my life, FĂ«aluin,â I said. âI have seen a great many troubles. Eternity would only remind me of them.â
âAnd what of ĂlĂșriel,â he asked. âYou wish her to choose between you and those that have sailed and wait to see her again?â
âNo,â I said. âI would never force her to choose. I know which she would choose and I could not bear the guilt. Yet, I have not conquered death.â
âAnd you never will,â he said. âYou will change your mind--I know you will. For now, you thoughts are needed elsewhere.â
âIs there word from Celeborn,â I asked.Â
âNo,â he said. âFrom Dale. King DĂĄin of Erebor has fallen and at his side King Brand of Dale.â
I was crestfallenâremembering my friend DĂĄin fighting valiantly during the first battle in Dale not long ago.
âFrom whom was this message sent,â I asked quietly.
âFrom his kinsmen,â he said. âYou have met him twice before. Dwalin, son of Funduin. His brother disappeared after coming through our kingdom a second time on his way to KhazĂąd-dĂ»m.â
âI remember. Balin,â I said. âI dare not think of the fate that befell him and his company though I am sure Aiwendil knows well of it. And who shall rise in their places?â
âDĂĄinâs son Thorin, of course,â he began. âTo Dale will sit Bard, son Brand.â I knew it would be some time before their coronations but I knew I had to pay my respects.
âI am sure they wish to lay them to rest swiftly,â I said. âThe war has not yet ended and what will come remains unpredictable."
âWho do you wish to accompany you,â FĂ«aluin asked.
âYou, of course,â I answered. âNimlos and Elranduil. EldĂŽr should remain behind should word come from Emyn Duir.â
âI wish to go with you as well,â I heard ĂlĂșriel say. I turned to see her smiling at me.
âVery well,â he answered. âWe leave at first light.â
FĂ«aluin bowed and left.
âWho will remain behind with the children,â I asked.
âWho do you think, Thranduil,â she asked. âIsĂlriel, of course.âÂ
âOf course,â I said.
âI will prepare,â she said. âPlease rest some more.â
âI am fine, ĂlĂșriel,â I said. âStop worrrying so much.â
âThen you have not lived long enough,â he said.
She smiled and left while I took the winding stairs down to the main hall and went into my study where Elranduil waited in my chair.
âWe are going to Dale,â he said.
âHow would you know of it,â I asked.
âThe caverns have ears as well as voices, cousin,â he said. âHow could I not have known?â
âThe only ears and voices in this palace belong to your wife and her ladies.â
âThat is not true,â he said. âAlways. I happen to have been with FĂ«aluin when one of our Marchwardens from the East came with the message from Dale.â
âI have had my fill of death for one life time,â I said. âI suppose men and dwarves see it once and nevermore.â
âNot if they live to see it again,â he said. âThen they leave death for their children to see. It is a cycle that is never-ending. No matter what the old tales say. It is our misfortune to see such things for centuries. I gather we will leave at first light?â
âYes,â I said. âIt will be you, Nimlos, FĂ«aluin and ĂlĂșriel, of course.â
He rose from my chair and walked over to me.
âWe have seen better times,â he began. âIt will be far better at the end of them, will it not?â
âPerhaps, but the end will not come soon enough, I am afraid.â
He nodded and left my alone. I sat down at my table thought about many thingsâso long, I had not realized darkness had begun to fall.
**** **** **** ****
Before the sun rose, I went to see about NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. They slept soundly in their chambers as I watched themâtheir innocence I protected and coveted. Time had kept from me memories of my youth. I could barely remember when I was their age.
âAda,â TĂĄrimĂ« said softly as she sat up. âAre you going away again?â
âYes,â I answered as I sat beside her. âWith Nana, but not for long.â
âI do not like it when you go away,â she said.
âNor do I, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said holding her. âDo you think I like being away from you, your sister and brother?â
âNo,â she answered. âBut when you are gone, NenduĂźl teases me all the time.â
âI do not,â NenduĂźl said as he walked over. âYou tease me all the time.â
âEĂ€rluin teases us both,â TĂĄrimĂ« said frowning.
âShe teases everyone,â his sister said. âBut boys are just awful.â
âAda is boy,â he said. âYou think he is awful as well?â
âNo,â she said. âJust you and Aranduil.â
âCome now,â I started. âBe nice. I do not want to leave thinking you are not getting along.â
âWe get on alright,â NenduĂźl said. âWhen TĂĄrimĂ«, EĂ€rluin and AurĂel are elsewhere.â
âNenduĂźl.â
âWhat,â he asked. âI like my sisters. Sometimes.â
âYou wish me to leave and worry about you while I am gone,â I asked.
âNo,â they said.
NenduĂźl sat beside me as his sister climbed on my lap.
âSo I have your word you will be good for EldĂŽr and IsĂlriel?â
âIsĂlriel,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked. âI love IsĂlriel. EldĂŽr tells us lots of stories. Just like great grandfather.â
âIs it true you ran around without anything on when you were little,â NenduĂźl asked.
âI did no such thing,â I said. âNow back to bed both of you.â
âYou did do that,â TĂĄrimĂ« said giggling.
I kissed her forehead and tucked her in as she continued to giggle. I picked up NenduĂźl and carried him to his bed and tucked him in.
âBehave,â I said, kissing his forehead. âI will return.â
âYes, Ada,â he said. As I left the room, I could here them both giggling.
When the doors were shut I made my way down the hall where I met FĂ«aluin, Nimlos and Elranduil.
âThe Queen awaits us,â FĂ«aluin said.
âLet us leave now,â I said. âPray we return before the call comes from LothlĂłrien.â
We made our way out of the gates where our horses were prepared. ĂlĂșriel was already mounted and waiting patiently.
âElranduil,â I asked. âWhere would NenduĂźl get the idea I ran around without anything on when I was little?â
He laughed as he and the others mounted their horses.
âDo not look at me, cousin,â he said. âIt must have been Father. I did not say a word. I hardly remember, it was so long ago.â
âI heard it from your mother,â ĂlĂșriel said to Elranduil.
âYou mean to say it is true,â Nimlos asked. âI thought you were lying.â
I mounted my horse and rode past them without saying a word as they tried to hide their laughter.
âI will deal with you later, cousin,â I said beneath my breath.
We headed down the familiar path of Forest River leading toward Dale. As the sun rose, the cityâgrander than the ruins we had left long ago with Erebor rising high above nearly touching the sky as it lit up with the coming of a new day. The closer we came to the city, the more figures I could seeâmen and dwarves alike. The flags of Erebor and Dale flew side by side. Once inside the square, we were met by a man and a dwarf followed by others.
âI knew you would come,â the elder of the dwarves said as I dismounted. Â
Nimlos helped ĂlĂșriel down as several servants took our horses one way and possessions another.
âOf course, I would come, Dwalin,â I said. âHow could I not come? I do believe it has been some time since you have seen my wife, ĂlĂșriel.â
âIt has,â Dwalin said. âStill as lovely a lass I have ever laid my eye upon.â
âYou are too kind," ĂlĂșriel said kissing his forehead.
âDale welcomes you all,â the young man said. âI am Bard, son of Brand.â
The younger of the dwarves stepped forward cautiouslyâa youth at his side.
âI am Thorin, son of DĂĄin,â he said. âThis is my son, Durin. We welcome Your Majesties, King and Queen of Mirkwood and your company.â
âThank you,â I answered. âI wish it were for a happier occasion.â
âOf course,â Dwalin said. âCome, there is food and drink prepared for you in Daleâs great hall.â
We followed the group toward the grand gates along cobbled streets leading to the of the palace above.
âIt has been some time since I saw you last,â said a dwarf with hair and beard red as fire. âYou might not remember me. I am GlĂłin, son of GrĂłin. I came into your kingdom with a company of others.â
âYes,â I said quietly. I was still ashamed of my actions.
âI had the pleasure of meeting your son in Rivendell,â he said. âLegolas, I believe is his name.â
I felt a warm feeling run through me that someone had seen Legolas. I could feel my face smiling.
âYes,â I said proudly. âLegolas is my son.â
âHe is out there fighting alongside my son, Gimli,â he said. âI hope both return to us in one piece.â
âHow else would they come back,â Durin asked.
âNot good,â said a little boy that had come along side Durin. âNot good at all.â
âBain,â Bard said. âQuiet.â
âYes, father,â he said.
I looked around and felt a sense of familiarity again. Bard, though younger than his ancestor, looked liked himâbrown hair with soft green eyesâand Thorin looked a great deal like Thorin Oakenshieldâhis long brown hair and beard surrounding eyes of blue.
We reached two great doors opened by several guards. Before us stood a beautiful maiden with golden hair and sharp brown eyes.
âThis is my wife, AurĂ«wyn,â Bard said, taking her hand.
âIt is an honor to finally meet you both,â she said bowing.
âFinally,â I asked as everyone was shown to our places.
âYes,â she said taking her seat. âI have heard many things about your kingdom from my father. His fatherâs uncle had been there once. I wish they were here now. They both died in the war.â
âI am sorry to hear it,â I said. âWhat was his name, if I may ask?â
âHaldĂșir, Your Majesty,â she said. âHe was a very old but dear man. He fell at the gates of Erebor beside King Brand and King DĂĄin. It was foolish of me, but I think he wished to die. He had not been the same since his beloved wife died. ArĂmĂ« was her name. I do not remember her. She died a long time ago.â
My heart sank in that moment. I could not help but see ArĂmĂ«âs face in my mind. ĂlĂșrielâs expression seemed stoic hearing the name of her cousin. I looked across to see Elranduilâs expressionâit was the same as my own I was sure.
âWell, tomorrow we shall lay the dead to rest,â Thorin said. âWe shall honor them for their deeds foolish or otherwise.â
There was an unsettling silence as we dined together. When we were finished, we were shown our quarters for the night. Lit by lanterns, the stone walls were covered with fine tapestries. ĂlĂșriel prepared for the evening as I watched day fall to night and the moonrise casting a gentle light throughout the valley.
I felt shame again. I wish I had let ArĂmĂ« see her grandchildren again. I believed it must have taken her life never to see NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« again. As I thought, I heard a knock at the door.
âEnter,â I said. It was FĂ«aluin. âWhat is it?â
âI know what you are thinking, Thranduil,â he said. âI always do.â
âYou are worse than EldĂŽr,â I said.
âThen might I suggest you think more quietly,â he said.
I could hear a soft laugh as ĂlĂșriel walked into an adjoining chamber.
âI wonder if AurĂ«wyn knew her fatherâs fatherâs uncle was married to one that was once one of us,â I said. âPerhaps that is why she told us her story.â
âNo, she does not,â he said coming to me. âBard said as much.â
âI do not understand,â I said.
âMen may die never to return, but they leave many tales behind from one generation to the next. His father told him and his father before him and his father before him.â
âBard knew of this?â
âOf course he did,â FĂ«aluin said. âWhether he knew of her relation to ĂlĂșriel I do not know.â
âI feel horrible,â I said. âArĂmĂ« must have died of a broken heart.â
âYour conscience is clear,â he said. âShe died from whatever took her daughter.â
âIs there any place left in this world where death does not linger,â I asked.
âI am afraid not, Thranduil,â he said. âIt will always linger for it has nothing but time to do so.â
We spoke no more that night. After a while, he left me alone with my thoughts. ĂlĂșriel watched me from across the room. Looking into the shadow of Erebor, all I wished to do was return home.âââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-20-17
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.
#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#the extended version of book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil and eluriel#nenduil and tarime#bard son of brand#bain (i) son of bard (ii)#thorin son of dain#durin son of thorin#dwalin#gloin#halduir and arime#aurewyn and bard#nimlos fealuin#city of dale#the funeral of dain ii ironfoot#funeral of brand son of bain#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of tolkien#in honor of jrr tolkien#writing high fantasy#fan fiction#writing fan fiction
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Chapter XXII: (EXT) The Death of SĂșlelenth (Pt. II)
âThere was not a cloud in the sky as the sun rose with a mild easterly breeze. It was far too beautiful a morning to bury such a lovely creature as SĂșlelenth. Â ĂlĂșriel silently watched as I was being dressed. She was lost in thought as usual. Soon FĂ«aluin enteredâa solemn look on his face.
âI would bring good tidings if there were any,â he said. âI am afraid that Ălenuil has decided not to attend this wifeâs entombment.â
âWhat does ArdĂŽr have to say of this,â I asked.
âHe cannot get him to come out of his chambers,â he answered. âHe has locked himself away and ordered the guards to allow no one to enter.â
When my servants were finished with me they bowed and left quickly. After centuries at my beck and call they always knew when my anger would erupt.
âThranduil,â ĂlĂșriel began. âDo not make a scene. Not this day.â
Without a word, I swiftly headed out my doors and made my way to Ălenuilâs bedchamber with FĂ«aluin close behind. Once outside his door, EldĂŽr, Elranduil and ArdĂŽr stood quietly. I gave the guards a menacing glance and they opened the doors.
Inside, the room was in tortured disarray as Ălenuil sat immobile beside his bed.
âWhat is this,â I asked.
âLeave me, Thranduil,â he said. âI wish to be alone.â
âYou have been here for the past three days,â I said sternly. âIs this what you wish you children to see? I know you are in pain, but you must be far stronger than this for them.â
âThey have asked for you,â EldĂŽr said. âDo you not care?â
âNo,â Ălenuil said. âI cannot bear the sight of them. They remind me of their mother.â
âOh no,â Elranduil whispered.
âThranduil,â I heard ĂlĂșriel say. My anger would not allow me to listen.
âHave you gone mad,â I yelled as I grabbed him up. âThey are your children, Ălenuil! Do not speak to me of loss! I have seen more death than you could ever imagine! You have neglected your children for far too long! Today you will stand as their father and a Prince of this realm before you leave them in my care.â
âWhat did you say,â ĂlĂșriel asked, stunned.
âI will explain later,â FĂ«aluin whispered.
âI beg your pardon,â Elranduil asked. âWhat do you mean leave them in your care.â
âHe did not tell you,â I asked, letting Ălenuil to fall to the floor. âIt would appear your grandson has decided to entrust me and my wife the care of his children and ride on to Mithlond.â
âMithlond,â ĂlĂșriel asked as she approached me. âWhy was I not told of this, Thranduil?â
âWhy would you do such a thing,â EldĂŽr asked horrified. âHave you any love for the children you brought into this world?â
âThey have no love for me,â he answered. âOnly for SĂșlelenth. Always for SĂșlelenth. Since their birth they clung to her and would cry if I held them.â
âYes, son,â ArdĂŽr said. âBabies tend to do as much until they begin to grow into children.â
âNot even then,â he said. âWhat does it matter, Father? I am not able to care for them alone, nor do I want to care for them.â
âHave you gone mad,â ĂlĂșriel asked him. âThranduil, I would like a word with you."
I was angry beyond words and the sight of Ălenuil disgusted me.
âWhere are the children now,â I asked FĂ«aluin quietly.
âThey are with AradĂșlin and NinyĂĄre,â he answered. âShall I send for them?â
âNo,â I said. âHave Ălenuil and his room thoroughly cleaned. I want him dressed and in attendance. Where are ArĂmĂ« and HaldĂșir?â
âThey are with AradĂșlin and NinyĂĄre and the children. In the gardens.â
I took my leave and walked swiftly toward the gardens with ĂlĂșriel lock step behind. The last time I had made my way so quickly was to see ĂlĂșriel.
âYou will speak to me now,â ĂlĂșriel yelled. I stopped abruptly and turned around.
âYes, ĂlĂșriel,â I muttered. âWhat is it?â
âWhy am I always the last to know what is happening in this kingdom,â she asked as she stormed over. âYou do not rule this kingdom alone.â
âI know,â I said. âI was going to say something but it slipped my mind.â
âThe part about Ălenuilâs children or the part about your Queen?â
âCan this wait,â I asked. âNow is not the best time.â
âNo time seems to be the best time, Thranduil,â she whispered angrily. âEither you are too busy to tell me anything or you just do not want to tell me anything.â
âI tell you everything,â I growled back. âWhen have not told you anything?â
She looked at meâher eyes as flames searing my heart.
âForgive me,â I begged. âIt slipped my mind.â
She brushed passed me and made her way to the balcony overlooking the gardens. I followed her, my face flushed with guilt. TarthĂŽn was watching Aranduil playing with NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. ĂlĂșriel made her way down to join them.
âAranduil is so happy when he his with them,â he said without looking at us. âHe reminds me of myself in my youth.â
âWhen you say that, you remind me of how old I am,â I said as my anger turned to memory. âHe has not brought any woodland creatures into the palace, has he?â
âNo, Ada,â he laughed. âNot that I am aware. Though do not be surprised should he and NenduĂźl decide to do something some day. Just as Legolas and me. But you do not realize OrĂsil and ArdĂŽr opened the gates for us. Elenadar and Elenatar were just as guilty.â
âYes, and so was your future wife,â I said. âHas Aranduil gotten over his sister and their cousin being girls. He was concerned there were too many of them.â
TarthĂŽn laughed with me, then his demeanor changed.
âI know Ălenuil does not wish to see his wife laid to rest,â he said. âI cannot imagine losing ĂariĂąth.â
âI almost lost your mother a long time ago. I could not begin to tell you the the fear I had when I thought I had lost her. It nearly consumed me.â
âBut she lived, Ada,â he said, finally looking at me.
âShe lived because of you, Legolas and IsĂlriel,â I said. âAnd for me, I suppose though there are days I know I do not deserve her love.â
We watched the children play for a time. I watched ArĂmĂ« and ĂlĂșriel with them. I knew she would not turn them away. When she looked up at us, she gave me a smile. Before I could walk away, NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« came running up the winding stair and embrace me.
âWhere is father,â NenduĂźl asked. âIs he ill as well?â
âNo,â I said. âYou will see him soon enough.â
âI do not wish to see him,â TĂĄrimĂ« said. âHe said horrible things to us.â
âNot to EĂ€rluin,â NenduĂźl said. âShe is too little.â
âWhat horrible things, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I asked kneeling to her. âWhat could your father say to you that could be so horrible?â
âHe told us he did not love us,â NenduĂźl said with a frown. âHe said he never loved us.â
âI do not think that is true,â I said. âHe is very said your mother is gone.â
âNo,â TĂĄrimĂ« said sternly. âHe has always said that. Since as long as we can remember.â
âWhy would a father say such things to his children,â I asked concerned. âYou are very special children.â
âHe told Nana that we should not have been born,â NenduĂźl said. âThat made her sad because we were supposed to be born.â
âAll children are supposed to be born,â I said. âPerhaps you heard your father wrong, NenduĂźl. I do not think he would say such a thing.â
âHe did,â a voice said. It was Aranduil, standing with TarthĂŽn, his long golden hair and blue eyes looking down. âI heard him say those things. Nothing more.â
I could feel my anger returning as I stood up. TarthĂŽn seemed to share in my anger.Â
âAll of you, go find ĂariĂąth,â TarthĂŽn told them. âShe may have something for you.â
Excitedly they went on their way.
âAda,â he said. âDo not show anger this day. There will be time enough later.â
âThere will never be enough time for my anger with him,â I said. âFor NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«, I will say nothing, for now.â
I walked away toward my studyâmy rage burning within me so fierce, I could feel the heat rushing through my body like the fires of Orodruin.
**** **** **** ****
When the time had come, the procession to our burial grounds began. I would not allow NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« to walk beside their father and this did not seem to upset them. Once again, I was lying to rest someone close to me. I watched her parents grieve as her widower looked on through a tear-drenched face. Before she was locked away for eternity, NenduĂźl placed a silver rose in her hands.Â
ĂlĂșriel took my hand as several elves shut SĂșlelenth into her stone tomb next to my father and all was done. We both took a small hand of the twins and led the procession back into the cavernous palace as dusk had started to fall.
âYour Majesty,â HaldĂșir said timidly, bowing before me. âYour kindness to my daughter I cannot repay.â
âYou are family,â ĂlĂșriel said.
âArĂmĂ« and I will return to Dale in the morning,â he said. âYou have been a most gracious hosts.â
âIf you wish,â I said. âI am sure Nimlos will send a proper escort with you to ensure a safe journey.â
I started to lead Nendußl and Tårimë away without looking back when Linurial approached me.
âMay I see the little ones to bed, Your Majesty,â she said cheerfully. âIt has been quite a day for them.â
âThank you,â I said. âHow is EĂ€rluin?â
âShe is sleeping peacefully,â she said.Â
Obediently, Nendußl and Tårimë went with her as I looked for Elranduil. Before long, he came to me with Nimlos and Elmßr.
âAre you well, Thranduil,â Nimlos asked. âNenloth wished me to ask this. She is concerned about the children. She knows they are in your care.â
âI am well,â I said. âNenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« are as well as to be expected under the circumstances. Do you know where Ălenuil has gone? I wish an audience with him.â
âI know,â ElmĂźr said. âShall I get him for you? He is with his brother ElendĂŽr and my son ĂrelĂ« just now.â
âIf you will,â I said. âI want every prince in the realm to be present."ââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-10-17
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.
#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#tkwr trilogy#the extended version of book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil and eluriel#sulelenth and elenuil#nenduil and tarime#eluriel and arime#halduir and arime#nimlos and nenloth#elendor and aradulin#aranduil son of elendor#elmir#arele#little earluin#tarthon and eariath#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of jrr tolkien#the love of thranduil and eluriel
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Chapter V: The Fall of Dol Guldur (Pt. IV)
âOnce the children were taken away, two guards approached me and bowed as I rose. I knew what they had come. I nodded and followed them away to a spacious garden where lantern lit paths led to monuments to the past. In front of a stone figure stood AurĂ«wyn waiting for me.
âYour Majesty,â she said. âYou wished to speak with me.â
âSo it is true,â I said. âYou know the language of the elves.â
âYes,â she said. âMy grandfather learned it from his brotherâs wife.â
âArĂmĂ«,â I said. âShe was the cousin of my late wife ĂlĂșriel.â
âI know,â she said. âMy grandfather spoke of it often. He was proud to have an Elda in the family. He died when I was very young.â
âYou have my sympathy,â I said softly, looking at the stone figure.
âYou knew my husbandâs ancestor,â she said. âHis namesake.â
âI did.â
âWhat is it like to have lived for so long,â she asked.
âAs any other creature,â I answered. âOnly longer.â
She smiled and began walking down a path into a lower area. Curiously, I followed her. Beneath ornate stone arches covered in vine, I realized tombs surrounded us. She stood before one that had ArĂmĂ« GildĂșriel carved into the marble.
âI know you wanted to come,â she said. âTo see her one last time before you leave tomorrow. If she were still here I am sure she would have wanted to see you again. Good night, Your Majesty.â
She smile once more and disappeared into the darkness of the palace. I stood alone for a moment looking at the face of the stone in thoughtâthinking of NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. I wish she could see how much they had grown. I had lived longer than I wanted and seen far more than I needed. I touched the stone. It was colder than the night but not without its own eternal beauty.
âI knew I would find you here,â I heard FĂ«aluin say from behind.
âOf course you would, FĂ«aluin,â I answered. âI am sure you convinced AurĂ«wyn to bring me here.â
âHow else would you have found your way,â he asked. âDale is different than it once was centuries ago.â
âAll things are different than they once were,â I said. âTomorrow will be different than today. What will never change is us.â
âYou have changed greatly,â he said. âFor the better, I must say. No longer the pampered son of a king. Now you are a father and a king.â
âI was never pampered. You have me confused with Elranduil.â
âNo,â he said. âIf I am not mistaken, you were quite a handful. That is what mother told me and FĂnduin after spending a day with you.â . I looked at the tomb once more.
âNamĂĄriĂ«, ArĂmĂ« GildĂșriel,â I whispered. âPedathon i narn an NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«.â
I turned away and walked with FĂ«aluin through the gardens and to our quarters in the palace.
**** **** **** ****
At dawn, the whole of Erebor and Dale had come to see us off. Thorin, Dwalin and Glóin stood before us beside Bard and Aurëwyn.
âIt has been an honored with your visit,â Bard began. âThough I wish it had been under better circumstances, Your Majesty.â
âIt is I that is honored,â I said. âYou and Thorin have been the most gracious of hosts.â
Before another word was said, Bain and Durin ran to me.
âMust you leave now,â Bain asked.
âI am afraid so,â I said.
âHere,â Durin said handing me something. âThis is for you.â
It was small dragon carved out of wood. For its size, it was rather detailed in its features.
âThank you, Durin,â I said smiling. âI will treasure it always.â
âI know I will hear from you again, Your Majesty,â Dwalin said.
âI am sure of it,â GlĂłin said. âIf I know my Gimli.â
âThen Legolas is in good company,â I said.
I mounted my horse and rode away beside Elranduil with FĂ«aluin and Nimlos close behind. As we rode out of the city gates there was much fanfare from men and dwarves alike. I looked forward to my return home, but for the first time, I was leaving a place I wanted to stay longer.
âI am going to miss them,â I said.
âWho are you,â Elranduil asked. âWhere is my cousin? I have never known you to miss man or dwarf in you lifetime.â
âI missed AĂ»rvar,â I said. âHe was pleasant from what I remember. Though few men I have missed, I was rather fond of Bard of Esgaroth.â
âI look forward to the day when we are at peace,â Nimlos said. âThat has yet to come to fruition. Until that day, my concerns lie with our people in the south.â
âNever mind those once more facing the gates of Barad-DĂ»r,â FĂ«aluin said. âThere is still darkness in that must be destroyed.â
âIt will be,â I said. âI believe it will be this time.â
We rode the rest of the way in silence. Before long we had arrived at the gates of my palace. We dismounted and our horses taken away in time for Nendußl and Tårimë to come running to me.
âAda,â they said embracing me.
âYou are home,â TĂĄrimĂ« said.
âYes, I am,â I said. âWere you good?â
âI was,â NenduĂźl said.
âSo was I,â TĂĄrimĂ« said.
Looking at EldĂŽrâs expression, I was tempted to think otherwise.
âUncle,â I said. âAre you well?"
âNext time, I am going with you. No matter where it is,â he said.
Elranduil laughed as he embraced his father. Nimlos led Nendußl and Tårimë into the palace with Fëaluin.
âAny word while we were gone,â I asked.
âNo,â he said. âIt is starting to worry me.â
âI would think no word would be a good thing,â Elranduil said. âPerhaps there will be little need for another battle.â
âThat will not happen,â EldĂŽr said. âOf all the glamhoth we killed, one was seen to have survived and made his way to Dol Guldur. If they were none left, he would have not gone back the way he came and maiming a few of our own. None mortally, thankfully.â
âThen we wait,â I said. âWe will be prepared for anything.â
We walked into the palace together. In my hand, I held Durinâs little dragon tightlyâmy mind on what I knew was about to come.â--Excerpt from TKWR Book III: To Eryn Lasgalen by J.M.Miller 01-22-17
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.
#amwriting#writing#writing fan fiction#writing high fantasy#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of jrr tolkien#the saga of thranduil#continues#aurewyn and thranduil#thranduil returns home#nenduil and tarime#eldor elranduil nimlos fealuin#bain and durin#thorin ii#bard ii#erebor#dale#gift from durin#war of the ring#dol guldur
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Chapter V: The Fall of Dol Guldur (Pt. II)
âBefore the sun rose, I went to see about NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. They slept soundly in their chambers as I watched themâtheir innocence I protected and coveted. Time had kept from me memories of my youth. I could barely remember when I was their age.
âAda,â TĂĄrimĂ« said softly as she sat up. âAre you going away again?â
âYes,â I answered as I sat beside her. âBut not for long.â
âI do not like it when you go away,â she said.
âNor do I, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said holding her. âDo you think I like being away from you and your brother?â
âNo,â she answered. âBut when you are gone, NenduĂźl teases me all the time.â
âI do not,â NenduĂźl said as he walked over. âYou tease me all the time.â
âThat is because you are just awful,â his sister said. âBoys are just awful.â
âAda is boy,â he said. âYou think he is awful as well?â
âNo,â she said. âJust you and Aranduil.â
âCome now,â I started. âBe nice. I do not want to leave thinking you are not getting along.â
âWe get on alright,â NenduĂźl said. âWhen TĂĄrimĂ« is elsewhere.â
âNenduĂźl.â
âWhat,â he asked. âI like my sister. Sometimes.â
âYou wish me to leave and worry about you while I am gone,â I asked.
âNo,â they said.
NenduĂźl sat beside me as his sister climbed on my lap.
âSo I have your word you will be good for EldĂŽr?â
âYes, Adaâ TĂĄrimĂ« said. We like him. He tells us lots of stories. Just like great grandfather.â
âIs it true you ran around without anything on when you were little,â NenduĂźl asked.
âI did no such thing,â I said. âNow back to bed both of you.â
âYou did do that,â TĂĄrimĂ« said giggling.
I kissed her forehead and tucked her in as she continued to giggle. I picked up NenduĂźl and carried him to his bed and tucked him in.
âBehave,â I said, kissing his forehead. âI will return.â
âYes, Ada,â he said. As I left the room, I could here them both giggling.
When the doors were shut I made my way down the hall where I met FĂ«aluin, Nimlos and Elranduil.
âLet us leave now,â I said. âPray we return before the call comes from LothlĂłrien.â
We made our way out of the gates where our horses were prepared.
âElranduil,â I asked. âWhere would NenduĂźl get the idea I ran around without anything on when I was little?â
He laughed as he and the others mounted their horses.
âDo not look at me, cousin,â he said. âIt must have been Father. I did not say a word. I hardly remember, it was so long ago.â
âYou mean to say it is true,â Nimlos asked. âI thought you were lying.â
I mounted my horse and rode past them without saying a word as they tried to hide their laughter.
âI will deal with you later, cousin,â I said beneath my breath.
We headed down the familiar path of Forest River leading toward Dale. As the sun rose, the cityâgrander than the ruins we had left long ago with Erebor rising high above nearly touching the sky as it lit up with the coming of a new day. The closer we came to the city, the more figures I could seeâmen and dwarves alike. The flags of Erebor and Dale flew side by side. Once inside the square, we were met by a man and a dwarf followed by others.
âI knew you would come,â the elder of the dwarves said as I dismounted.
âOf course, I would come, Dwalin,â I said. âHow could I not come?â
âDale welcomes you,â the young man said. âI am Bard, son of Brand.â
The younger of the dwarves stepped forward cautiouslyâa youth at his side.
âI am Thorin, son of DĂĄin,â he said. âThis is my son, Durin. We welcome His Majesty, King of Mirkwood.â
âThank you,â I answered. âI wish it were for a happier occasion.â
âOf course,â Dwalin said. âCome, there is food and drink prepared for you in Daleâs great hall.â
Several men took our horses and we followed the group toward the grand gates of the palace above.
âIt has been some time since I saw you last,â said a dwarf with hair and beard red as fire. âYou might not remember me. I am GlĂłin, son of GrĂłin. I came into your kingdom with a company of others.â
âYes,â I said quietly. I was still ashamed of my actions.
âI had the pleasure of meeting your son in Rivendell,â he said. âLegolas, I believe is his name.â
I felt a warm feeling run through me that someone had seen Legolas. I could feel my face smiling.
âYes,â I said proudly. âLegolas is my son.â
âHe is out there fighting alongside my son, Gimli,â he said. âI hope both return to us in one piece.â
âHow else would they come back,â Durin asked
âNot good,â said a little boy that had come along side Durin. âNot good at all.â
âBain,â Bard said. âQuiet.â
âYes, father,â he said.
I looked around and felt a sense of familiarity again. Bard, though younger than his ancestor, looked liked himâbrown hair with soft green eyesâand Thorin looked a great deal like Thorin Oakenshieldâhis long brown hair and beard surrounding eyes of blue.
We reached two great doors opened by several guards. Before us stood a beautiful maiden with golden hair and sharp brown eyes.
âThis is my wife, AurĂ«wyn,â Bard said, taking her hand.
âIt is an honor to finally meet you,â she said bowing.
âFinally,â I asked as everyone was shown to our places.
âYes,â she said taking her seat. âI have heard many things about your kingdom from my father. His fatherâs uncle had been there once. I wish they were here now. They both died in the war.â
âI am sorry to hear it,â I said. âWhat was the name of your fatherâs fatherâs uncle, if I may ask?â
âHaldĂșir, Your Majesty,â she said. âHe was a very old but dear man. He fell at the gates of Erebor beside King Brand and King DĂĄin. It was foolish but I think he wished to die. He had not been the same since his beloved wife died. ArĂmĂ« was her name. I do not remember her. She died a long time ago.â
My heart sank in that moment. I could not help but see ArĂmĂ«âs face in my mind. The cousin of my beloved ĂlĂșriel. I looked across to see Elranduilâs expressionâit was the same as my own I was sure.
âWell, tomorrow we shall lay the dead to rest,â Thorin said. âWe shall honor them for their deeds foolish or otherwise.â
There was an unsettling silence as we dined together. When we were finished, we were shown our quarters for the night. Lit by lanterns, the stone walls were covered with fine tapestries. I watched as the day fell to night and the moonrise casting a gentle light throughout the valley.
I felt shame again. I wish I had let ArĂmĂ« see her grandchildren again. I believed it must have taken her life never to see NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« again. As I thought, I heard a knock at my door.
âEnter,â I said. It was FĂ«aluin. âWhat is it?â
âI know what you are thinking, Thranduil,â he said. âI always do.â
âYou are worse than EldĂŽr,â I said.
âThen might I suggest you think more quietly,â he said.
âI wonder if AurĂ«wyn knew her fatherâs fatherâs uncle was married to one that was once one of us,â I said. âPerhaps that is she told us her story.â
âNo, she doesnât,â he said coming to me. âBard said as much.â
âI do not understand,â I said.
âMen may die never to return, but they leave many tales behind from one generation to the next. His father told him and his father before him and his father before him.â
âBard knew of this?â
âOf course he did,â FĂ«aluin said. âWhether he knew of her relation to ĂlĂșriel I do not know.â
âI feel horrible,â I said. âArĂmĂ« must have died of a broken heart.â
âYour conscience is clear,â he said. âShe died from whatever took her daughter.â
âIs there any place left in this world where death does not linger,â I asked.
âI am afraid not, Thranduil,â he said. âIt will always linger for it has nothing but time to do so.â
We spoke no more that night. After a while, he left me alone with my thoughts. Looking into the shadow of Erebor, all I wished to do was return home.â--Excerpt from TKWR Book III: To Eryn Lasgalen by J.M.Miller 01-04-17
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.
#in honor jrr tolkien#in honor of tolkien#tolkien fanfiction#introducing bain son of bard ii#introducing thorin III son of dain#introducing durin son of thorin iii#the return of dwalin#the return of gloin#thranduil#nenduil and tarime#thranduil and elranduil#nimlos and fealuin#introducing aurewyn#introducing bard ii son of brand#book iii#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#tkwr trilogy
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Not everything in the Woodland Realm is harsh, scary or serious: sometimes there are pillow fights--well, at least with Thranduil and Elranduil. [If you haven't noticed, Thranduil's cousin likes to tease him often].
đš SPOILER ALERT đš:
**Note**: Aranduil and his sister AurĂel (ext. ver.) has four great-grandfathers: Thranduil, Elranduil, TathĂĄron and Nimlos--through his parents ElendĂŽr and AradĂșlin (son of ArdĂŽr, son of Elranduil and daughter of TarthĂŽn, foster-son of Thranduil respectively. TarthĂŽn is married to EĂ€riath, daughter of Nimlos while ArdĂŽr is married to NinyĂĄre, daughter of TathĂĄron. NinyĂĄre is the mother of ElendĂŽr and his older brother Ălenuil and she is also the sister of Legolasâ girlfriend MĂźrĂĄre).
Yeah, the Appendix needs a chart (WIP)--wait until you get to the First Age--youâll want to kill me--or mildly injured. đŹ I had to go and make things so complicated.
Iâm having a blast. đ
#work in progress#wip#the official tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#book ii#book ii the saga of thranduil#the saga of thranduil#why'd I have to go and make things so complicated#because#đđđ
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Chapter XXVIII (EXT): The Arrival of Thûlë
âThat evening, there was a grand feast in the dining hall to celebrate Legolasâ safe return home. It had been a long time since my household felt whole again as the servants served us the freshest delights prepared for this occasion. NenduĂźl and Aranduil sat as close to Legolas and Gimli as they could; eagerly asking them about their adventures. EĂ€rluin and AurĂel sat near their brothers whispering to one another and giggling at their excitement. Eluriel spent her time speaking with Isilriel, Nenloth, ArdĂșin and ĂariĂąth. The hall was filled with life as it was when I was young and my father was king. Though I sat in his place, I felt as I had before that the wars took so much from our kingdom.
âThinking again,â Nimlos said leaning across AramĂr. âYou should be listening to Legolas. Heâs had quite the adventure.â
âI will speak with him later,â I said. âAs it is, he has the ear of NenduĂźl and Aranduil.â
âThey have been following him all day,â AramĂr said. âHe rather enjoys having an audience.â
âJust like his mother,â Nimlos said. âI remember she would tell me and Nenloth about adventures when we were young, though hers came from her imagination as though they were real.â
I laughed softly as I watched ĂlĂșriel. Seemed not long ago she was telling me of her childhood or spinning a tale about our life together. As I watched Legolas and Gimli from a distance, their engagement with the children of the court brought memories of ĂlĂșriel in the garden with children after she came into Eryn Galen. It was a sad but pleasant thought.
âIf you will pardon me,â I said, rising.Â
The room fell quiet and the court stood to bow to me. ĂlĂșriel looked concern as I left the dining hall and made my way to the garden. It was a calm eveningânothing but the song of the night sung by the nocturnal chants of the woodlands creatures large and small.
Light of dim lanterns cast shadows down the winding paths as I sat amidst them on a bench deep in thought. It had been so long since I had been accustomed to a peaceful night I wondered what it was like in other places across the world.
âAda,â a voice said. âIs something the matter?â
It was Legolas. I shook my head.
âNothing,â I said. âJust found myself wanting to think. Why are you here?â
âFor the same reason,â he said sitting beside me. âSo much has come about, there has hardly been time to own's self. Now that I am home for a time, I want to remember how it was before I leave again.â
âYou are leaving,â I asked. âYou have just arrived.â
âNot quite yet, Ada,â he said smiling. âYou will have me for a time. Though I hardly think you would notice with NenduĂźl, TĂĄrimĂ« and EĂ€rluin at your side.â
âThey are growing up,â I said. âSoon they will not need me as they once did.â
âThat is not true,â he said. âThey will always need you. I still need you. Time has changed many things, but the heart is not one of them.â
âI suppose you will accompany Gimli to Erebor to see his father,â I began. âI know GlĂłin will want to see his son as much as I wanted to see mine.â
âOf course,â he answered. âTarthĂŽn wishes to join me, if he may.â
I nodded. It was good to see my sons doing things together once more.
âGimli was given sovereign over Aglarond and wishes to lead his people there to settle. I wish to see the world.â
âYou were always the wandering kind,â I said. âYou know I will not stand in your way. It is your fate and yours alone. Mine is here with my people. It always has been and always will be.â
âFor now, just be my father,â he said.
âI will forever be your father no matter where you are,â I said. âI am glad for that.â
**** **** **** ****
Legolas and Gimli remained with us for a week before they set out for Erebor with TarthĂŽn. There plan was to stay the same amount of time there before leading dwarves through the Rhovanion and on to Aglarond. It seemed a fleeting moment I had my son again, but I had no fear for him now. The world was born anew and many would go seeking what there was to see of it.
I thought many days on what Galadriel said to me. I knew what she what she meant. I had to callings nowâboth struggling within for dominance. Should I stay in my kingdom and conquer time or make the journey my ancestors never completed into the west. My time in this world was coming to an end but to which end would it come?
I felt there was time enough to think on this; I felt a much better use of my days was to spent with NenduĂźl, TĂĄrimĂ« and EĂ€rluin. I had given them each a horse of their ownânot realizing they had grown near the height of Legolas at that age. They were no longer children.
One day, I had decided to go riding with them along with Aranduil and AurĂel. Nearly my height now, the boys had begun to look much like true Sindarinwa princes. We had traveled quite a distanceâstopping only for TĂĄrimĂ« to pick flowers for her chambers.
When we returned to the stables, we dismounted and walked toward the palace.
âAda,â TĂĄrimĂ« began. âWhat do you think of FĂ«andil?â
âYou mean the son of ArawĂ«,â I asked attempting to remember him. âWhy do you ask?â
âShe has eyes for him,â NenduĂźl said teasing his sister. âIt is no secret to anyone.â
âEspecially to Grandfather,â Aranduil added. âI am surprised he has not said anything to you.â
âTarthĂŽn has been away often, Aranduil,â I answered. âHe only returned from Gondor recently. Is it true, TĂĄrimĂ«? Are you fond of this young elf.â
âNo, Adaâ she lied. âThat is preposterous, Ada. He is as troublesome as these two.â
âI think it is a good match for my sister,â EĂ€rluin said.
âDo not listen to my brother, TĂĄrimĂ«,â AurĂel said. âHe has eyes for ĂldĂșlin.â
âI do not not, AurĂel,â Aranduil said, his face flushed as EĂ€rluin giggled.
âI know you better, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said. âYou have never been one to hide your emotions from anyone.â
âHis face does not displease me,â she said giving her brother a stern glare. âI suppose he is adequate.â
âAdequate,â I said. âIf you think he is adequate, then I suppose I should think so as well. Whenever you find him more than adequate, tell me so I may speak with him.â
Aranduil and NenduĂźl could not help themselves but to laugh all the way to the front gates when we were met by ĂarmĂźr.
âGo your way,â I said to them. âĂarmĂźr wishes word with me.â
They continued on their way as I approached ĂarmĂźr.
âSomeone wishes an audience with Your Majesties,â he said to me. âQueen ĂlĂșriel has met with him.â
âWhy has FĂ«aluin sent you to tell me,â I asked.
âI come to you on my own,â he said. âFĂ«aluin awaits in council.â
We entered the palace and made our way to the throne room. I noticed a tall creature standing quietly in the center of the room with ĂlĂșriel. I noticed he wore the long robe of a wizardâof the Istariâthe color of grey. He had long hair the color of silver with withering skin the color of a winter sky. He approached me, his eyes a deep hue of sky at the end of day.
âDo I know you,â I asked. âYou remind me of someone.â
âMithrandir, perhaps,â he said. âHe is no longer the Grey Wanderer as he is known as The White Rider or Gandalf the White if you wish.â
âWho are you,â I asked.
âThĂ»lĂ«,â he answered, âAnd I have come quite a long way to see you,â he said. âFrom Mithlond.â
âMay I ask why you have come?â
âAs I have said,â he answered with a smile. âI have come to see you.â
âWhy have you come to see me,â I asked.
âIt was time,â he answered.
âIt is time, Thranduil,â ĂlĂșriel said softly, looking down.
I looked around the courtâit had grown shallow and empty. It had become a shell of its former self. I looked to ĂarmĂźr who stood quietly next to FĂ«aluin.
âI know,â I said. âI know why you are here.â
âOh, yes, Thranduil,â he began smiling. âI have heard much about you. You are beyond lore. You are of the ages that this world has seen over centuries. I arrived with Mithrandir in the Second Age and remained in the Havens and watched him sail into the west. He said I should await you there, but I knew I would remain there for another age should I do such a thing, so I came to you.â
âYou saw my son, then,â I said. âLegolas?â
âIndeed. He left with a certain dwarf I believe. Gimli, son of GlĂłin.â
âDid he say anything,â I asked. I was hoping he did not say something that would touch my heart or break it for the mention of his name brought to me every moment I had with him since the day he was born.
âYes, Thranduil,â he said smiling. âPeda aranon od Eryn Lasgalen, adar nĂźn, Thranduil TĂĄrisil Oropherion, ernil od Eryn Lasgalen tolant na vedui sĂ Mithlond.â
I knew there were tears in my eyes but I did not care. My son was safe and I missed him greatly.
âI am afraid I have no words,â I said. âI miss my son.â
âHe misses his father,â he said.
âHow long will you be with us,â I asked quietly.
âUntil it is time for me to depart, which will be in five days. I hope that I will not leave this place alone.â
I motioned to FĂ«aluin.
âPlease escort ThĂ»lĂ« to where he may rest his head,â I said.
FĂ«aluin led him away. Before I could say a word to ĂarmĂźr, I turned to see NenduĂźl.
âAda,â he said smiling. âAre we leaving Eryn Lasgalen?â Â
I looked to see TĂĄrimĂ« as well. NenduĂźl looked much like me as TĂĄrimĂ« looked much like ĂlĂșriel. I did not know the answer to his question. I was numbed at the thought of leaving.
âSomething the matter,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked. âYou are not yourself.â
âI am not myself, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said. âGo to the gardens, I will come to you later. I must have a word with ĂarmĂźr."
They left quickly, giddy with anticipation of seeing me again.
âGalathil left you here to make sure that I would leave for Mithlond.â
âYes,â ĂarmĂźr said softly. âYou would not leave otherwise.â
âHow would anyone know what is in my heart or my mind,â I said as anger and sadness began to rise to the surface.
âThranduil,â ĂlĂșriel whispered.
âThranduil,â EldĂŽr began. âCalm yourself.â
âI will not calm myself,â I said. âDo not presume you know me! Any one of you! It is my life and my choice! If I want to remain here in my kingdom.â
I stormed away toward the gardens hoping NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« would bring me peace as they often would. I felt a light breeze carrying the scent of ĂlĂșriel. I felt my heart fill with joy for the first time since Legolas had returned to me after the war. I stopped at the railing and began to remember my youth. My friends.
âThere is nothing here for us anymore,â ĂlĂșriel said from behind. âEven our son has sailed on. Of all the things to fear, why would this be one of them?"
I saw EldĂŽr approaching us from the court calmly.
âI will speak with him, ĂlĂșriel,â I heard him say.Â
She nodded and went into the palace. In that moment, I longed to follow her, but I could not find the strength.
âThey have grown into beautiful elves,â EldĂŽr mused. âI know what you are thinking, Thranduil. I have known you since you came into this world.â
âI know, Uncle,â I said. âPerhaps that was the reason for your return."
âWhat will you have us to do,â he asked quietly.
I never let the twins out of my sight. I seemed hypnotized by their frolicking.
âSend forth the rest of our people into the Havens and sail home,â I said. âThe time as come. ĂlĂșriel, NenduĂźl, TĂĄrimĂ« and EĂ€rluin will sail. I will sail with you.â
We said nothing more as we watched the last of the elven children to grow up in Endor. and led them away to the old pool where I once played in my childhood. I knew I would have to tell Nendußl and Tårimë that we were going home.
**** **** **** ****
That evening, I requested ĂarmĂźr to send the children to my chambers. EldĂŽr had the court ready themselves to leave Eryn Lasgalen forever. With hurried excitement, what was left of the elves of the last elven kingdom prepared for the journey home.
When the familiar knock came to the door, I took a deep breath.
âEnter,â I said.
NenduĂźl, TĂĄrimĂ« and EĂ€rluin came in slowlyâuncertain what was about to happen.
âPlease, have a seat,â I said. They sat on the edge of my bed in unison; their eyes focused on me.
âAre we leaving Eryn Lasgalen, Ada,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked.
âYes,â I said. âWe are leaving and we will never return.â
âNever,â NenduĂźl asked. âWhy can we not return home?â
âWe are going to a new home,â I said. âFar away from this world. It is a place of eternal youth and beauty where we will live forever.â
âWe do that here,â EĂ€rluin said. âWhy can we not do that here?â
âBecause we are elves,â I said. âUnlike any other creatures we are. Our time here must end so the rest of this world may continue. I know you will miss Eryn Lasgalen. I will miss it as well because like you it is the only home I have ever known but where we go will be far more beautiful.â
âWhere you go, we will go, Ada,â NenduĂźl said.
âIt will fine,â EĂ€rluin said.
âWe love you, Ada,â TĂĄrimĂ« said.
âI love you, too,â I said.
I embraced them, my heart heavy with the thought of leaving but glad knowing I will be with them for all eternity. When I released them, they were smiling.
âNow, go prepare yourselves. We leave at weekâs end.â
They nodded and left me alone. I looked around my chambers remembering every moment of my life that took place within its walls. Memories were the only thing I could take with meâthey were all that I would need.
âIs that why you are afraid to leave,â ĂlĂșriel said as she came into the room.
âWhat other reason is there,â I asked. âI was born here. We met here and married here. Our children were born here.â
She walked over to me and poked me in the chest.
âThat is where home is,â she said. âIf there were no walls, we would still have a home because home is where love is. You carry that everywhere.â
I smiled at her. I knew she was right. I nodded and embraced her. I began to feel better knowing she would be by my side when I had to leave everything I had ever known forever.âââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-22-17
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.
#i saw the light#fade from the sky#on the wind i heard a sigh#as the snowflakes cover#my fallen brothers#i will say this last goodbye#night is now falling#so ends this day#the road is now calling#and i must away#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#the extended version of book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil and eluriel#nenduil tarime earluin#aranduil and auriel#introducing thule the grey#legolas#thranduil#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of jrr tolkien
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Chapter XXVI: (EXT) The Fall of Dol Guldur (Pt. III)
It would be a few days later that word would come from Celeborn in the south. When I was not deep in thought, I spent time with ĂlĂșriel and the children. They were growing up so quickly right before my eyes. On this day, I sat on a bench as I watched them together in the garden, I could not help but see how much TĂĄrimĂ« had begun to look like ĂlĂșriel. So much had changed in the world I had not noticed. Even the trees of the forest seem to sense the change of the ages.
âAda,â TĂĄrimĂ« said walking toward me. âSee. It is a butterfly. It is so pretty, is it not?â
âIt is,â I said watching as it fluttered its wings while sitting quietly on TĂĄrimĂ«âs hand. Suddenly it took flight high above us until it was gone.
âYou are going to leave again soon,â she said. âI do not want you to go, but I know you must. When your return, will the war be over?â
âI hope it will be, TĂĄrimĂ«,â I said. âIt has lasted far too long.â
She sat beside me and leaned her head upon my shoulder.
âWhy are there such things as war,â she asked. âI do not understand them.â
âNeither do I,â I answered. It was trueâI did not understand them. I did know why there was a need for them. They seemed to steal lives and souls over something as meaningless as power. It seemed to be the only thing any one being could keep for themselves as things intangible as time could not be tamed.
âWar is like winter,â she said. âThe days are shorter and the nights longer. Like a season that never ends.â
I felt a chill run through me when I heard her words. ĂlĂșriel had said them to me before I left for Dagorlad. I looked at TĂĄrimĂ«âher face stoic and lost in thought.
âYou are wise for your age,â I said softly. âVery much so.â
âNana said that to me long ago,â she answered. âI take after Queen ĂlĂșriel.â
âYour mother was right,â I began. âYou are very much like her if not rather short.â
She looked at me and smiled.
âI have not yet come of age,â she said giggling. âWhen I do, will I be as graceful as a queen?â
âYou already are,â I said kissing atop her head.
We sat together quietlyâwatching ĂlĂșriel with EĂ€rluin and AurĂel as NenduĂźl and Aranduil played nearby.
âThranduil,â I heard a voice say behind me. I looked up to see ElmĂźr. I rose with TĂĄrimĂ«.
âYes,â I asked. âWhat is it?â
âOne comes from LothlĂłrien to see you,â he said.
âThank you,â I said. I turned to TĂĄrimĂ«. âI will see you before I leave. Go to Nana now.â
She nodded and walked away slowly. She glanced back once with a look that nearly broke my heart. I nodded to ElmĂźr and we made our way into the palace and to the throne room where two elven men stood surrounded by my council and my court.
âI thought you said one, ElmĂźr,â I said.
âThey accompanied the one that came from LothlĂłrien,â he whispered.
I stood before the two menâboth with long golden hair and grey eyes. They bowed to me.
âYour Majesty,â one said. âI am IsĂlion and my brother TĂĄrion. We come to you from LothlĂłrien with a bearer of a message.â
âWhere is this messenger,â I asked.
Out of the shadow stepped figure hooded in a white cloak. Once removed, the room fell silent. I approached her.
âLady Galadriel,â I said. âThis is quite an honor and rather unexpected. I thought you to be in Caras Galadhon under the protection of guards.â
âI was there,â she began. âAnd Caras Galadhon is well protected. I come of my own will to you. Our borders are safe as our warriors were able to push the glamhoth back from whence they came. Dol Guldur. It is now time for you to join Celeborn to bring down what is left of Sauronâs forces that remain.â
âI thought you would be making your way westward by now,â I said. âThere is no need for many of our kin to stay longer than we need to. Most of all you, daughter of Finarfin. I am to think you remain for Celeborn?â
âYou may think many things, Thranduil, as you will. But I know your heart and it is with your people as ours.â
I motioned for FĂ«aluin to come to me.
âPrepare to leave at dawn,â I whispered.Â
He nodded and left with SildĂșr and Aradin. I returned my gaze to Galadriel. Her beauty had not shown and signs of fading as her age would dictate. She smiled serenely at me.
âWill you remain within my halls until our return,â I asked.
âIf it pleases you, Thranduil,â she said. âI will see you and Celeborn again and if it be here then so will it be.â
âVery well,â I said. âI will have my court prepare quarters for you and your companions.â
âI know I will be well served and protected,â Galadriel said.Â
IsĂlriel, ArdĂșin and her sisters Linurial and SĂșlthulĂ« bowed reverently and escorted Galadriel and her companions away. I gave EldĂŽr a look he found amusing.
âThranduil,â he began. âI am quite sure the children will enjoy her company.â
âWhat are you not telling me, Uncle,â I asked.
âWhat would I keep from you,â he asked.
âI am not fool enough to think that the Lady of Light has left her kingdom without someone to see to its routine while she is away. There are only two directions an elf will go and often that is not east to Mirkwood without cause.â
âElrond remains in Rivendell,â he said. âI do not know whether or not many remain there or in LothlĂłrien, but he is well aware of the whereabouts of his entire family.â
âGood,â I said. âThen I will not awaken to any more of them before I leave for battle or is that wishful thinking?â
âNo more,â he said smiling. âBut they are your kin, you realize.â
âI do not need reminding, EldĂŽr,â I said. âI need this war to end before my kingdom becomes a bastion for any more of my estranged kin.â
I made my way to my study and watched the waters falling in the fading light of day. Tomorrow I would ride to my last battle in this world. I could not help but wonder if I would see Legolas again.Â
**** **** **** ****
Before the light of day, I was dressed and prepared to ride to Dol Guldur. I did not want to wake Nendußl and Tårimë as I knew they would worry. I walked through the front gates to where my warriors waited for me with Fëaluin, EldÎr, Elranduil and Nimlos.
âThranduil, son of Oropher,â I heard a voice whisper to me. I turned around to see Galadriel standing behind me with ĂlĂșriel and our children. âWe have little to fear for you are your fatherâs son and he would be proud of you.â
âThank you, Galadriel,â I said. I kissed her hand. âLook southward to our victorious return.â
She smiled and nodded. I approached ĂlĂșriel.
âI leave you again,â I said. âOne last time.â
âFor one last time I will say 'return to me',â she said.
âI will,â I answered. âYou have my word.â
I kissed her quickly and I went on my way. As a stable hand brought my horse, I noticed IsĂlion and TĂĄrion speaking with ElmĂźr and SildĂșr. Upon my approach, they bowed.
âYou are to take me to Celeborn,â I asked them.
âOf course,â TĂĄrion said. âWhen His Majesty is ready.â
I looked at my warriors and mounted my horse. The others followed suit. I gave the command and the banners were raised.
âNoro,â I said. âTo Dol Guldur.â
**** **** **** ****
We rode in silenceâour minds deep in thought. Would this truly be the last battle I would ever see? Would I return home and would I ever see Legolas again? The unknown is often the only thing we knowâit is the certainty that anything can and will happen. The mystery lies within us as to the outcome. I always thought I knew what I would do any given moment and realizing too late that preparation was merely expectation of something unexpected.
As we made our way closer to Dol Guldur, we me TarthĂŽn and Aruilos at their position at Emyn Duir as their men were packing the camp to move further South.
âFather,â he said. âIt is good to see you again.â
âWhat news have you heard from Celeborn,â I asked.
âHis warriors were able to force what was left of the glamhoth into their garrison,â Aruilos said. âNot long after many were lost not far from Angrenost. Lord Celeborn sent word to us that they have surrounded them preparing to lay siege upon them.â
âUpon my arrival, no less,â I said. âLet us go together so we might set up camp before nightfall.â
They nodded and hurried to their horses.
âWhere is ArdĂŽr,â Elranduil asked looking for his son. âI thought he would be here with Ălenuil and ElendĂŽr.â
âThey went on ahead, Ada,â OrĂsil said as he rode up to us. âNot long after Celeborn sent word to you.â
âHe knew of the messenger,â he asked.
âYou mean Lady Galadriel,â OrĂsil said smiling. âYes, of course.â
âHe told you this himself,â Nimlos asked.
âNo,â he answered. âFrom one called Glorfindel.â
Elranduil let out a deep sigh as Nimlos laughed with EldĂŽr.
âCome,â I said sternly. âLet us not tarry any longer.â
I thought back long ago to when I first met Glorfindel. Beyond what I remembered of him, I was lost in the memory of my father and Melros I lost at Dagorlad. Before long my thoughts were turned to seeing the Elves of LothlĂłrien making camp. When we had stopped, I motioned to FĂ«aluin. He took charge of preparing my tent. As I dismounted, I stood beside Elranduil, Nimlos, EldĂŽr, TarthĂŽn OrĂsil and Aruilos as IsĂlion and TĂĄrion waited with us as Haldir and his brothers RĂșmil and Orophin approached us.
âYour Majesty,â Haldir said bowing. âGood to see you again. Lord Celeborn awaits you in his tent. Shall we, Your Majesty?â
I nodded and we made our way toward a large white tent with silver and white banners at its doors. I entered to see ArdĂŽr and his sons waiting with us with Celeborn.
âCeleborn, son of Galadhon,â I said approaching him. âI have come to you as promised.â
âSo you have,â he said. âI am indebted to you.â
âYou need not be,â I said. âYou know me well enough to know I would do anything to bring peace to my people. We have been cast asunder by the evil of Sauron for far too long. I wish to put an end to it. My life is a small price to pay should that be the cost.â
âNot you, Thranduil,â he said. âYou will not fall here or anywhere I imagine. You might well be the strongest of our kin. I know you are the most headstrong of our kind.â
âI have lost too much not to be so,â I said. âToo much I have endured not to be strong when I must. But enough idle chatter. How do we bring about the fall of Dol Guldur once and for all?â
He went to his table as the tent began to fill with elves that would lead the charge. When everyone was accounted, I stood with Celeborn at his table with FĂ«aluin at my side. Before we could start, two elves entered.
âMany apologies for my lateness,â the first said. He had long hair of gold and grey eyes that seemed softened by tragedy but no less courageous.
âNone is necessary,â Celeborn said smiling. âYou remember Thranduil, do you not?â
âIt has been quite a long time,â he began as he bowed. âPerhaps too long.â
âGalathil,â I said. âIt has been too long.â
The other elf that entered stood beside Celeborn quietly. He bowed politelyâhis youth obvious to everyone, with his soft brown hair and deep green eyes.
âThis is ĂarmĂźr,â Celeborn said. âHe is council to me and my brother, Galathil.â I nodded and once again all fell quiet as we readied ourselves to discuss our offensive.
âMany orcs may not remain, but they fight no less fiercely,â Celeborn began.Â
âTheir allegiance is to one greater than life itselfâto the one that they have given what is left of a soul that remains within them.â
âIt was the detriment that they parceled themselves thin,â Galathil said. âQuickly they fell at Angrenost underestimating that which they thought powerless.â
âThe Ents,â ĂarmĂźr said softly. âThey left few to retreat save one or twoâfar less than what returned from the borders of LothlĂłrien.â
âWe have the advantage of limiting when and where they fight surrounding their fortress,â I said. âBut not long will it be before they decide to give all or nothing to what little they have left. Let the bowmen take as many down as allowed and the rest of us will wait for their emergence from squalorâfor that what will be too much to bare.â
âI will prepare my men tonight,â Aradin said. âWith the archers of Lothlorien, we should have plenty to surround the whole of Dol Guldur and hold them for days.â
I nodded and he rose and left quickly with ElmĂźr close behind.
âThis will be the last battle we shall fight,â Celeborn said.
âIt has to be,â I said. âFor if we do not win, everyone in this world will live in darkness.â
**** **** **** ****
After much discussion, I left Celebornâs tent for mine. I knew at first light, my last battle would begin. I looked South to a familiar sightâthe flames of Orodruin. As they had burned for as long as I could remember, I thought of all that were fighting not far from where so many of my warriors fell beside my father.
âAda,â I heard behind me. âMight I have a word?â
âYes, TarthĂŽn,â I answered as I entered my tent with him.
I sat in my seat beside my table as TarthĂŽn sat on my chaise nearby.
âWhat worries you,â I asked.
âYou worry me,â he said. âI know what you lost in similar circumstances. I fear you would allow yourself to fall.â
âThere is no need to worry,â I said smiling. âI would not do such a thing. I have had plenty of time think on it, but there were far more things I had to live for. You and Legolas, NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. My people. ĂlĂșriel. I worry how it would be should I not return against my will.â
âYou will return, Ada. And so will I.â
âWhy are you so sure of such things,â I asked.
âBecause, I was told,â he said. âThough I have a family of my own, I still in need of a father. You will keep your word you made to Melros. It still ails you.â
âYes, son,â I answered. âIt does.â
âYou have nothing to worry about,â he began. âYou are as great a father as you are a king. As Legolas, I will keep my word and return home.â
âYou are a good son,â I said, remembering Melrosâ words to me. âA very good son. I am proud to have raised you. You are much a part of me as Legolas.â
He smiled and bowed to me.
âSee you at first light, Ada,â he said. "And when we complete our task, we will ride home together. I love you, Ada.â
âI love you as well, TarthĂŽn.â
He left me alone to think. Silence demands to be heardâit can be sharper than a blade and more painful. I tried to keep my thoughts from clashing like blades in my mind. I realized I had not fought many wars but one. There had only been times of peace intermingled with battles. When I found a calm within me, the darkness had begun to lighten. It was time once more to wage war with evil.
**** **** **** ****
In the twilight of the coming day, I saw that the elven troops had surrounded the garrison of Dol Guldur. The orcs would use their height to rain arrows down upon us. Aradin had positioned archers a distance away and as high as the crumbling remains of the walls of Dol Guldur. Surrounding Celeborn and Me were shields to deflect arrows away from troops at the slope. At the first ray of light, arrows fell from above and over us. I glanced at Celeborn and he nodded.
âNoro, thĂź,â he shouted and hundreds of elven warriors ran straight toward the ruins from which orcs ran to meet them in battle.Â
We rode into the fray togetherâinto a fury that created its own winds with the blood of the slaughtered blowing in the air. I swung my sword until the pain was nearly unbearable when all of sudden everything stopped abruptly. I looked around meânot one elf nor one orc moved. They were looking to the south toward Mordor.
Friend and foe stood together watching what seemed out of place to us. We felt the earth rumbling and rolling as a wave on the sea. Orodruin seemed to turn from orange to red then fade to black. Only puffs of dark clouds erupted from itâeventually fading into daylight.
âIt is done,â I heard EldĂŽr say to me. âIt is finally done.â
âPerhaps,â Celeborn said. âBut what there is left, we must destroy.â
As nothing had happened, the battle continued well into dusk when we found we stood amidst the corpses of orcs and some elves. I began to worry once moreâmy heart beating so loudly I heard not a word.
âThranduil,â I heard.
I looked up to see Elranduil with Nimlos and ArdĂŽr, OrĂsil and TarthĂŽn. I felt some comfort when I saw EldĂŽr speaking with Celeborn and Galathil.
âWhere is Ălenuil,â I asked. âAnd his brother ElendĂŽr?
âThere,â Elranduil pointed.Â
I looked to see them alive and well, speaking with Aruilos, ElmĂźr and FĂ«aluin. When I saw IsĂlion and TĂĄrion with Haldir, Orophin and RĂșmil, I knew our loses were very few. It took me some time to reach land unsoiled by death. When I found my footing night had begun to fall.
âWe can rest,â Galathil said. âFor the first time, we can rest. The ring has been destroyed.â
âWe will return to Mirkwood tomorrow,â I said. âVictorious.â
I went to my tent for the first time feeling thousands of years of darkness no longer weighing down the night as the stars seemed to shine brighter than they have since I was a youth.âââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-22-17
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.
#galadriel#dol guldur#thranduil and eluriel#tkwr trilogy#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#the extended version of book ii#the saga of thranduil#tolkien fan fiction#tolkien fandoms#in honor of jrr tolkien#nenduil tarime earluin#aranduil and auriel#isilriel elenare thranduiliel#elranduil and arduin#isilion and tarion#writing high fantasy#writers on tumblr#am writing#so it begins
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Chapter XXII (EXT): The Death of SĂșlelenth (Part I)
âLegolas was goneâthe son I tried desperately to protect from the world was now in that world vowing to save it from the shadow that had returned. I spent the days after his departure tortured with thoughts of losing him in many ways. It was not until TarthĂŽn and Aruilos returned from Rivendell safely did I find peace.
As I stood with ĂlĂșriel, Aruilosâ wife NimlĂșin, ĂariĂąth and AradĂșlin, I began to notice how time had passedâAradĂșlin held her youngest child AurĂel, a spritely child with the darkest hair and grey eyes.
My household had grown but none would come from me. Legolas had left MĂźrĂĄre behind and she became so distraught, her sister NinyĂĄre could not console her. In sadness, she left Mirkwood with her mother, TĂĄrwen for Mithlond. As I was my fatherâs only heir, Legolas was mine but I knew he would never sit on the throne.
âHave you seen SĂșlelenth,â AradĂșlin asked. âI have not seen her for two days, nor have I seen Ălenuil. What do I tell NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«?â
âThey went to see her family in Dale,â ĂariĂąth answered. âThey should return before long. They have EĂ€rluin and their cousins to keep them company.â
ĂlĂșrielâs face seemed disturbed by those words, but said nothingâher eyes unmoved westward waiting patiently. Ălenuil and SĂșlelenth had gotten my blessing to leave.
Once we saw TarthĂŽn and Aruilos riding toward us with Elenadar and Elenatar, the mood brightened. As stable hands came for the horses, his wife and daughter met TarthĂŽn. Aruilos approached me and bowed as NimlĂșin went to him.
âYour Majesty,â he said. âAll is well. Elrond sends his gratitude.â
âHow was it there,â I asked. âWas it as beautiful as they say?â
âVery much so,â he said. âWe were fortunate to have met Elrohir and Elladan. You can imagine the trouble with having Elenadar and Elenadar present. I would think having two sets of twins did not sit well with Erestor or Lindir.â
âWell, then,â I said smiling. âIt was best they left their sons with us. Four pairs would have driven them mad. Nimlos waits for you in the study.â
He smiled and bowed as he made his way into the palace with his wife, sister and mother.
âWhat of Legolas,â ĂlĂșriel asked. âWhat he received well?â
âYes, Nana,â TarthĂŽn said. "He took to chatting straight away as always."
TarthĂŽn came to me quietly and stood before me, looking down.
âWhat is the matter, TarthĂŽn,â I asked. âDo you miss Legolas already?â
âI do,â he said. âBut I worry how you will do without him here, Ada.â
âI will do as well as I can,â I said. âBut you are still here and we will greet him together when he returns.â
He looked up and smiled. Even now, so many years after he was left in my care, he felt I did not love him as much as Legolas. Unlike OrĂsil, he never quite felt a part of the family.
âTarthĂŽn,â I began. âDid you by chance see Elrondâs daughter while you were there?â
âYes,â he answered. âAs beautiful as it has been said. She is very much taken with Aragorn. I did not see him until the day we were to leave. There had come another man and one they call Gandalf and one of the dwarves that had come here before.â
We started into the palace through the gates. I was curious about the dwarvesâI remembered the ones I had met after the battle of Dale and had wondered about them.
âTell me more,â I said. âI am intrigued.â
âI believe his name was GlĂłin,â he said. âI recall he was there with his son Gimli. But there was a rather old creature there. He was there when we had arrived. He seemed rather fond of looking at Legolas from a distance as to have known him.â
âI shall see you later,â ĂlĂșriel said, kissing TarthĂŽnâs cheek and taking her leaves as we entered my study where the entire council was in attendance.
âAruilos, what was the name of that creature,â TarthĂŽn asked. âI seemed to have forgotten.â
âYou mean the Hobbit,â he answered. âHis name was Bilbo Baggins from the Shire.â
I stopped and found myself smilingâthinking about my little friend. To know he was still alive made me happy, though I wondered why he was so far from his home.
âAs long as Legolas made it safely to Rivendell,â FĂ«aluin said. âThat is what matters.â
âYes, it is,â ArdĂŽr said sternly. âI am happy for my dear cousin, FĂ«aluin. But it has been two days and I have not heard from my son. Perhaps we should have sent with him some protection. He is, after all, a Prince of the Realm.â
âYou could have gone with him,â EldĂŽr said. âOr sent ElendĂŽr along with him. The distance is not far.â
âHe is fine, Ada,â ElendĂŽr said. âHe just worries about SĂșlelenth."
âPerhaps but they are among Men,â ArdĂŽr sighed. âI am sure they would do a great deal more to my son than would the Elves in Rivendell.â
âWe have never had issue with Dale or Esgaroth,â Elranduil said. âYou are making far too much of this.â
âHe is my son, Ada,â he said. âI have every right to make anything of this that I please.â
âYou worry far too much, ArdĂŽr,â I said. âYour son is of age. He has returned many times and he will again.â
âI know,â he said. âIt is SĂșlelenth. She grows weaker.â
AramĂr and Aramoth whispered to Nimlos as OrĂsil entered the room.
âThey have returned, brother,â he said to ArdĂŽr.
We walked out into the hall is where we saw Ălenuil and SĂșlelenth approaching. She smiled at me but I could see she was not well.
âSĂșlelenth, you do not look well,â I said.
âHe is right,â Ălenuil said, touching her face. âYou are rather warm.â
âI am fine, Ălenuil,â she said. âI want to see my children.â
Those were the last words she would say outside of her chambers. She collapsed into Ălenuilâs arms.
âSĂșlelenth,â he cried loudly, bringing everyone out of the study.
âSend for Nenloth and NimlĂșin,â FĂ«aluin said. âNimlos, help Ălenuil take her to her room. Elranduil, find Linurial. She is with ArdĂșin.â
I could not moveâmy thoughts were frozen.
âDo not worry, Thranduil,â Elranduil said. âPerhaps she is just be exhausted from traveling.â
âIâll go after Nana,â I heard TarthĂŽn say to me as he disappeared in the swirling activity of the court.
âSend for her family,â EldĂŽr told ElendĂŽr. âTake your brother with you.â
âAnd Elenadar and Elenatar,â FĂ«aluin added. âNight is falling and you will need to return before sunrise.â
âI will see to NenduĂźl, TĂĄrimĂ« and EĂ€rluin,â OrĂsil said. He turned to ArdĂŽr. âYou should do as much, Brother. Should something happen to their mother, your words will not be forgotten by those that heard them.â
ArdĂŽr looked at me then slowly followed OrĂsil away.
I left for my chambersâI feared what I might learn of SĂșlelenthâs condition. As I entered, I lay on my bed looking at the ceiling above. What seemed to me a lifetime was no more than a few hours when my chamber doors opened and NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« stood beside me. They were in their nightclothesâstill in their youth but slightly taller than before.
âWe came to see you,â TĂĄrimĂ« said. âNana said you were not well.â
âYour mother is well,â I asked, sitting. âShe is not ill?â
âShe is ill,â NenduĂźl said climbing into bed and sitting on one side of me as his sister sat on the other. âShe told us to come see you. She said you were sad.â
âI am worried about your mother,â I said. âWhere is EĂ€rluin?"
âShe is sleeping,â Tarime said, curling up next to me. âDo you have a mother?"
âYes, I do,â I said. âShe is far away right now.â
âDo you miss her,â NenduĂźl asked. âI will miss my Nana.â
âYes, I miss my mother,â I said thinking about her. âShe was the Queen of Eryn Galen. She was the most beautiful Queen in all of Arda.â
âNana says so,â TĂĄrimĂ« said yawning. âShe says her mother saw her once with her favorite cousin.â
âLongest hair as white as snow,â NenduĂźl said, laying his head down on my lap. âAlmost to the ground.â
âYes, it was,â I said. âYour mother told you this?â
âYes,â TĂĄrimĂ« said sleepily. âHer mother told her when she was a child.â
âShe told her all about the Queen,â NenduĂźl said, yawning.
âQueen Nimeithel,â I said softly. âMy mother.â
âQueen ĂlĂșriel,â TĂĄrimĂ« said. âQueen ĂlĂșriel, too.â
âYou were named for her, TĂĄrimĂ«,â NenduĂźl said. âI was named for you.â
âI do not understand,â I said as tears had begun to fall.
âI am TĂĄrimĂ« Silme,â TĂĄrimĂ« said falling asleep. âHe is NenduĂźl NĂĄrisil.â
âStarlight and Fire Moon,â NenduĂźl said and drifted off to sleep with his sister.
Once I knew they were sleeping soundly, I pulled away from them gently and tucked them in and slipped away to find ĂlĂșriel.
**** **** **** ****
As the night wore on, SĂșlelenth had begun to grow weaker. Though she found comfort in her family, everyone knew she would not live much longer. Though I had seen death many times, this was the first time I would see the frailty of life. Elves escape mortality by nature but seldom by fate and the pain is no less real for us than for any living creature witness to fatality.
Not long before first twilight, HaldĂșir and ArĂmĂ« arrived from Dale with Ălenuil and ElendĂŽr. As I approached them, ĂlĂșriel came running from outer colonnade toward us. FĂ«aluin came forward from my study.
âHow is SĂșlelenth,â ArĂmĂ« asked in a panic.
âShe is not long for this world,â ĂlĂșriel said sadly as she embraced her. âBut Linurial said she was in good spirits though she grows weaker by the hour. Ălenuil is beside himself with grief.â
âYes,â I said softly. âI suspect he would be, ĂlĂșriel. FĂ«aluin, take them to their daughter. I would like a word with ĂlĂșriel.â
FĂ«aluin nodded and led the couple away.
âYes, Thranduil,â she asked quietly.
âThe twins are asleep in our chambers,â I said. âShould I wake them so they may see their mother?â
âNo,â she said. âThere is time.â
âI cannot bear the thought of her children losing their mother,â I said. âOr Ălenuil losing his wife.â
ĂlĂșriel looked at me, her eyes full of tears. She knew I was thinking back to when I almost lost her. Without saying a word, she ran away from me. I felt guilty for what I said in truth. I never found any pleasure in hurting anyoneâeven more so ĂlĂșriel. I went into my study to await word on SĂșlelenth.
**** **** **** ****
By nightfall the next evening, I was still in my studyâlost in thought of all that had happened. I thought about ĂlĂșriel. I longed to have her in my arms more than ever before. It was a wanton selfishness that bothered me knowing that Ălenuil would never have the same luxury again.
âThranduil, you are needed now,â I heard FĂ«aluin say. âSĂșlelenth is dying.â
Those words pierced my heart. She had become as much a daughter to me as IsĂlriel. I could not bear to bring myself to watch her die--no matter my duty as a king.
âI know what I must do,â I answered. âBut I cannot bear it, FĂ«aluin. She is only a child. Too young to die.â
âNo one is too young or too old to die,â he said. âNot even elves. But men are not given the choice of immortality. They are given the choice of how they will live their lives until they die. They are remembered by how they live not for how long. She will not have lived long, but she has lived well.â
âHave NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« seen their mother,â I asked. âI am worried about them. EĂ€rluin will not remember this day. They will no longer have a mother nor Ălenuil a wife.â
âThey have,â he answered softly.
I rose from my chair I walked slowly into the hall and through the darkened corridors leading to where SĂșlelenth lay dying. I saw nothing but her with her mother and fatherâher once vibrant skin drained of color. ĂlĂșriel stood with NinyĂĄre and ArdĂșin; their heads hung in sorrow.
SĂșlelenth looked toward me with a faint smile until she turned her glance onto the ceiling with the familiar look of death I had become acquainted over many centuries. I shut her eyes for eternal sleep and kissed her forehead.
âNamĂĄriĂ«, SĂșlelenth,â I whispered. âHĂȘn nĂźn, Princess of the Woodland Realm.â
I turned away and saw Ălenuil sobbing desperately at the end of her bed.
âHave you seen to your children, Ălenuil,â I whispered. âThey need their father now.â
He looked at meâhe face drenched in tears.
âI cannot,â he said. âI cannot.â
I nodded and took my leave with EldĂŽr, FĂ«aluin, Elranduil and ArdĂŽr behind me. Once in the hall, turned to speak.
âFĂ«aluin, you know what needs to be done,â I said. âDo it quickly.â
âYes, Thranduil,â he said and made his way toward my study.
âWhere are their childrenâ
âThey are with Linurial,â Elranduil said quietly.
âGo to them, ArdĂŽr.â
âI do not think I am the one that should do so,â he said.
âIf your son will not go to them, you must,â EldĂŽr said. âThey need someone right now.â
âCan you not go, Thranduil,â ArdĂŽr asked me. âLike Ălenuil, my manner would do nothing for them. But you are closer to them than even their father.â
âYou would ask me to do such a thing,â I asked. âI have many duties as king of this realm, but I cannot take responsibility for something that does not belong to me.â
âI am not asking you,â he said. âI am throwing myself upon your mercy as my king. I am begging. Please.â
âVery well,â I answered. âBut you have much to explain to your father for your actions.â
âYes, he does,â Elranduil said, glaring at his son.
I started away toward the childrenâs chambers. As I approached the doors, the guards opened the doors for me. When the children saw me, NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« ran to me and embraced me as EĂ€rluin continued to play alone in the cornerâunaware she would never see her mother again.
âI knew you would come,â TĂĄrimĂ« said. âHow is Nana?â
âShe is gone from us,â I said. âShe is gone.â
âI know,â NenduĂźl said. âShe would have come if she were well.â
âWhere is ArdĂŽr,â Linurial asked me.
âHe is with his father now,â I said. âHe was in no condition to come.â
She nodded and went to see about EĂ€rluin as ArdĂșin came into the room.
âGo to Linurial,â I whispered to NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ«. I stood to address ArdĂșin.
âI know why ArdĂŽr did not come, Thranduil,â she said. âHe knows that Ălenuil wishes to leave for Mithlond. He told his father he would should SĂșlelenth die. Now that she has, he will take the journey.â
We moved our discussion into the hall so the children would not hear.
âHe would leave his children,â I asked. âThey have just lost their mother. Must they lose their father as well?â
âI know,â she said. âThat is why he has chosen to leave.â
âI do not understand.â
âHe wishes to leave his children in your careâyours and the Queen.â
I stared at ArdĂșinâmy heart and my thoughts running in all directions at once. Those words harkened back to when Ărendil left TarthĂŽn with me.
âMay we stay with you,â TĂĄrimĂ« asked. She had heard what I tried to conceal and had come with her brother into the hall. âI want to stay with you.â
âMe as well,â NenduĂźl said. âI want to stay.â
I looked down at themâtheir faces hard to resist. I loved them very muchâas if they were my own. I wonder what ĂlĂșriel would say.
âYes, you may stay with me,â I said. âBoth of you go find Aranduil. I wish to speak with ArdĂșin for momentâprivately.â
They ran down the hall excitedly. I feared they were still too young to know all that was happening; their sister EĂ€rluin even less.
âArdĂŽr cannot bring himself to see them,â she said. âIt is not due to lack of affinity for them. Our sonâs words have troubled him since he said them.â
âIt is not for ArdĂŽr I have concern,â I said. âIt is with your son. The world is not as it was after the Battle in Dale. There is a far greater evil out there. His safe passage is not assured. Should something happen to him, he will truly leave his children fatherless. What would anyone have me tell them?â
She said nothing and lowered her head as she began to cry.
âHe does not know himself, Thranduil,â she cried. âNeither you or Elranduil will speak of it. If you would, perhaps he would stay.â
âAnd risk his children to know what they are? They are far too young to comprehend any of this. Do they know what they are?â
âYes,â she said. âSĂșlelenth told them.â
âWhat did she tell them,â I asked, my voice growing louder. âWhat did she say to them?â
âShe told them their mother was human and their father was elven,â she whispered.
âDid you or anyone tell SĂșlelenth about Ălenuil,â I asked.
âNo,â she said.
âThen NenduĂźl and TĂĄrimĂ« do not know who they are,â I said. âIt will be up to me to tell them. That is why ArdĂŽr will not see them. This has nothing to do with SĂșlelenth. I will speak with both of them but not until after SĂșlelenth is laid to rest. If Ălenuil wishes to leave thereafter, I will let him do as he wishes. But know this, no matter what he decides, NenduĂźl, TĂĄrimĂ« and EĂ€rluin belong to me.â
I left swiftly in a deepening anger I would keep to myself until the time came for it to be unleashed.âââTKWR:BII The Saga of Thranduil (EXT. VER.) by J. Marie Miller 12-09-17
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.
#tkwr trilogy#the extended version of book ii#book ii#the saga of thranduil#thranduil and eluriel#nenduil and tarime#nenduil tarime earluin#fealuin and linurial#elranduil and arduin#sulelenth and elenuil#elenuil and elendor#halduir and arime#mirkwood#tolkien fan fiction#in honor of jrr tolkien#the kingdom of the woodland realm trilogy#the death of sulelenth#the everstar#speaking of rivendell
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