Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. V)
“I love you,” Mîrwen whispered to me at long last.
I had found myself staring at her face while she rested for a time.
“I am glad,” I said. “I love you, too.”
“Are you as happy as me,” she asked.
“I am not sure,” I said. “I do not know how happy you are.”
She kissed me tenderly and I felt a quaking run through my body.
“I am extraordinarily happy, Orothôn,” she said quietly.
“Then I am afraid I am far happier than you, Mîrwen.”
She smiled—her eyes seemed to sing to mine a love song only I could hear. Our gaze seems to take us away to a paradise beyond what was promised until it was disrupted by an elven maiden I did not recognize coming into our sanctuary.
“Many pardons,” she said. “I was set by the Lady Orowen.”
“Nárwen,” Mîrwen said. “You have not yet met Orothôn. Nárwen is the wife of Galathil.”
I nodded uncomfortably as I had not risen to cover myself properly.
“I was present at your joining,” she began. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise,” I said softly as I tried to keep myself covered.
“What does mother want,” Mîrwen asked.
“She only said to send for you and your husband,” Nárwen said. “There are whispers among the Eldalië. I do not know what they are saying but it must be of great importance if it concerns Elwë.”
“Tell my mother and father we will come shortly, Nárwen,” she said, her voice trembling.
Nárwen bowed and left quickly.
“You are worried,” I said.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I know what is on the lips of the Eldalië.”
“Do you wish to tell me,” I asked.
“You have seen one whose sadness lingers in your mind even now,” she answered, as her gaze on me felt chilling. I did remember the maiden with pain in her eyes.
“The one that walked with your mother,” I said.
“She is Taurëa, wife of Lenwë,” she said. “Their son is Denethor. He is close to my brothers. Not all is as it seems, Orothôn. Not all of the Eldalië wish to go beyond the mountains.”.“Êlengolas spoke of that,” I remembered. “Long before we left the shores of Cuiviénen.”
“Many of us did leave,” she said. “There are some that remained. Something has hardened the heart of Lenwë causing discord between father and son.”
“I can see how that would pain Taurëa,” I said thinking.
Mîrwen took my hand and kissed it. She looked at me; her eyes full of tears.
“What will become of us, Orothôn,” she asked.
“Whatever comes, we will face it together,” I whispered as I kissed her forehead.
**** **** **** ****
Once we were ready to leave our sanctuary, we emerged to an eerie calm. Nothing seemed out of place. Couplings surrounded the trees as we made our way to a sparsely occupied place where my new household held audience. When we were noticed, Galadhon approached us with another elf close behind.
“Orothôn,” he began. “I do not believe you have met Denethor, son of Lenwë.”
“No,” I answered, bowing to him. “It is an honor.”
“For me as well,” he said gleefully, turning to wife. “Lady Mîrwen, you are looking more beautiful than before. Love agrees with you.”
“And with you,” she answered. “May I inquire about Arethuil?”
“She is with Mother,” he said, his demeanor changing. “Both are with Orowen.”
“Then I shall join them,” Mîrwen said. “I will leave you to your ways.”
Galadhon and Denethor bowed as she left my side. I felt lonely—even with Galadhon standing beside me.
“Come, Orothôn,” he said. “As one of us, it is your right and obligation to attend council.”
We made our way toward a clearing the forest where I could see Elwë, Elmo and Lenwë sitting with other elves—Galathil among them. As we grew closer, we heard discussions.
“We must leave as quickly as we can,” Elmo said. “Beyond these mountains above us lies our path to Eldamar.”
“I do not understand why we must hasten westward on hope alone,” Lenwë argued. “If it was of urgency, we would have followed Ingwë, Finwë and your brother Olwë beyond this wood.”
“Our minds are our own, Lenwë,” Elwë answered. “This much is true. But we are not alone. As the chosen of our people, it is to them our thoughts must belong.”
“Whatever is decided,” Galadhon said. “May it be soon as Celebriel is quick with child.”
“That is wonderful, brother,” Galathil said upon our approach. “I am proud for you.”
“This is cause for celebration," Elwë said smiling. “My dear brother has started a legacy. May it last the ages.”
As we gave our blessing to Galadhon, I could see Lenwë fuming to himself.
“Enough,” he finally said. “I will give you my decision upon our audience next.”
He stormed away, het his son did not follow. After moment of silence, a voice broke through the tension.
“So, my first born son is to become a father,”
It was Orowen with Taurëa, Nárwen, Mîrwen and two other maidens with whom I was not familiar.
“Yes, Nana,” Galadhon said as he took the hand of one of the three.
Celebriel was an elf of great beauty—her flawless skin was kissed by golden tendrils that fell effortlessly to her waist. The one Denethor went to was Arethuil—equally as beautiful with long golden hair and eyes clear as water. They seemed lost in each other; as they were the only ones in the world. Mîrwen approached me with a smile on her face.
“Arethuil, have you met Orothôn,” she asked. “I know Celebriel has yet to do so.”
They bowed reverently as Taurëa came to me.
“You are Orothôn,” she asked.
“Yes, My Lady,” I answered nervously.
“I see many great things that will come from you. A great many things.”
I had no words to say—her presence was overwhelming as Elwë’s.
“It is good to see you, Taurëa,” Elwë said.
“You are too kind, Elwë,” she said bowing.
“Where has Lenwë gone off to,” Orowen asked. “Was he not with you? Elwë? Elmo?”
“He was,” Elmo said. “He has taken his leave for a time.”
“You must go the way of the Eldalië,” Taurëa said. “No matter what may come of us.”
“What are you saying, Mother,” Denethor asked concerned.
“Your father has made his decision,” she said. “I will remain with him as his wife.”
“You know these things to be true,” Elwë asked her.
“I know my husband, Elwë. I have made peace with the part of him that will not be moved. For better or for worse.”
“Then I shall stay with my parents,” Denethor said angrily.
“No,” Taurëa answered, “You will go forth beyond the mountains as it is your destiny.”
Taurëa looked around—as to remember something long lost.
“When you leave,” she began. “Do not return to look for me.”
She turned away and left briskly in the direction of her husband. The she was gone, everyone seemed like they were searching for words to say.
“Go your way for now,” Elwë said. “Soon we shall depart for Eldamar."––TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by J.Marie Miller 2-1-2018
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