Chapter VIII: The Rise of the Fall (Pt. III)
The discussion was long since forgotten as time became routine once more. Life took on a malignant monotony that was tenuous at best. I knew the world was changing beyond the borders of Menegroth—Oropher would speak of it whenever he had the mind to wander near them to see for himself. As duty remained my shadow while I worked in the library, curiosity became the obligation of the younger generations.
It seemed all but King Thingol feared the loss of Lúthien, though his grief in her absence was felt throughout Menegroth. Iarûr would tell us often how fragile his emotions had become even as he attempted to appear as the mighty king he was before. Mîrwen would tell me how stoic queen Melian remained—her thoughts as distant as the stars. Whatever ancient wisdom or prophecy she knew, she kept to herself.
One day, while the ladies of the court were called to attend to Galadriel, I decided to leave the library with Súlwë for a short stroll outside. It seemed ages since we had seen the sun. The dimly lit caverns had started to remind me of the time before the rising of the Daystar.
It was a clear day—neither warm nor cool. The air was crisp but the wind still as we crossed the bridge.
“How is Galadriel,” I asked.
“From what Celeborn has told me, she is quite well,” Súlwë answered. “But I doubt either of us truly know what it is like to be with child.”
“Mîrwen says she is due any day,” I added.
“I hope so for Celeborn’s sake. His expression has been one of panic as of late.”
“How can you tell,” I asked teasingly.
“Let us hope this elfling brings some joy to Menegroth,” he said. “It is much needed.”
“Yes, it is,” I answered. “It is far too dark for the First-Born these days.”
“Darkness is everywhere, Orothôn,” he began. “I came from light that was dimmed by the very heart of that darkness. It shall linger far longer than our time.”
“Then perhaps this elfling will be a respite from it,” I whispered.
We walked in silence for a time—listening to the sounds of nature. Upon our return, we were met on the bridge by Finëar and Saeros.
“Orothôn,” Finëar said, his voice winded from running. “I have been looking everywhere for you.”
“You are part of the royal family, are you not,” Saeros asked.
“What is it,” I asked, gruffly.
“The Lady Galadriel has given birth to a daughter,” Finëar said. “Go on, now. Oropher has your place.”
Súlwë nodded and I took my leave into Menegroth. Once inside, Êlengolas was waiting.
“How can one be late for something that has no timetable,” I asked as we began walking toward our destination.
“We are Eldar,” he said. “We know everything.”
“We are male,” I added. “You must have us confused with the elleth.”
“I do not know about you, Orothôn, but I am married to one that cannot help but speak and I am compelled to listen.”
It was not long before we stood before two doors that was opened for us. I entered to see Galadriel lying in bed surrounded by the ladies of the court beside Queen Melian. I bowed to the Queen as Celeborn approached holding a tiny bundle with soft golden hair upon the whitest of skin.
“Is she not beautiful, Orothôn,” he asked beaming.
“Yes,” I said. “What do you call her?”
“Celebrían,” he said as his new daughter cooed.
“A beautiful name for a beautiful elfling,” I started. “What has the king said of her?”
“He has not seen her,” he said.
“Not seen her,” I asked. “I was told I was late.”
“He did not come,” Celeborn whispered. “Perhaps the birth of a daughter is too painful for him.”
In that moment, the doors opened again. It was King Thingol with Cúthalion and Mablung beside with Daeron and Saeros close behind.
“Your Majesty,” Celeborn and I said together.
“Is this the elfling born to Galadriel,” Thingol asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Celeborn answered.
The king looked upon the child as she opened her eyes. A slight smile came across his face.
“She is beautiful,” he said. “What is her name?”
“Celebrían, Your Majesty,” Celeborn answered again.
“Fitting name,” Thingol began. “You and your wife have my warmest congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Melian, a word if I may.”
We bowed as the Queen walked across the room and left with her husband and his guard. Celebrían began to cry as Celeborn returned her to Galadriel. The room itself seemed to sigh in relief after King Thingol left. Oropher come to me from is place beside the other princes.
“We did not think he would come,” he whispered to me.
“Is that what the Queen said,” I asked.
“He spoke with him prior?”
“Not that I am aware,” Oropher began. “But Angband has awakened once more.”
“Something has brought it to life,” he said. “What is the question.”
I was afraid to know and knew better not to speculate. The day was good and I wanted it to remain as such.--TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 02-23-2020
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.
