As we entered the gates, the court ceased its duties as they looked upon us—especially the elegant beauty of Galadriel. Amdir had gone ahead to send word to King Thingol of their guests. We approached the throne just as Amdir returned with the king with Daeron at his side.
“Finrod, son of Finarfin,” King Thingol said. “Welcome to Doriath.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Finrod answered. “Your generosity has preceded you.”
King Thingol smiled. He motioned to Finrod and his family to follow him away. When they had left, Mîrwen and Nimeithel approached us.
“Who were they,” Mîrwen asked.
“They come to us from Mithrim,” I said.
“They are the siblings of Angrod,” Oropher added. “I trust they all remain with us for a time.”
“The lady is quite lovely,” Nimeithel said.
“Quite,” I answered. “Lovely but peculiar.”
“Let us be on our way, Nimeithel,” Mîrwen said. “We must help prepare the Queen for tonight.”
Mîrwen kissed me and they were on their way. Súlwë looked on—his face tense.
“I need to find Êlengolas,” I said. “I shall leave you to your duties.”
Oropher, Súlwë, Eldôr, and Amdir nodded. I left them knowing where I would find Êlengolas. He was with Mablung and Beleg learning about Legolas.
“You are from Valinor,” I heard Êlengolas ask as I entered the hall outside the throne room.
“I am,” Legolas answered. His confidence was as crisp as his striking gray eyes and long golden hair.
“Are there others as you,” Êlengolas queried again.
“There is,” Legolas said. “He is called Glorfindel. From the House of the Golden Flower.”
I could see by Êlengolas’ expression I needed to interrupt.
“I am Orothôn,” I said quickly, greeting our new guest. “We met earlier.”
“It is a pleasure,” Legolas answered.
“How long will you be with us,” I asked.
“For as long as we are welcomed,” he said. “No longer.”
I thought his answer sounded unusual but I said nothing.
“Êlengolas, may I have a word?”
He followed me around the corner.
“The House of the Golden Flower,” he finally said laughing.
“You know our visitors are kin to the King,” I asked.
“Are they from the House of the Golden Flower?”
I hit his arm hard.
“What?”
“The ones he guards are kin to the King. They come from Mithrim.”
“They came from Valinor,” he said. “Why are these elves leaving the home we should be living in?”
“It is a long story,” I began. “I will speak of it later. Meanwhile, I expect you to mind your manners.”
Êlengolas glared at me.
“Orothôn, please,” he started. “I am not a child. Your royal duties do not require that you play nursemaid to me.”
“Only when Iarûr is absent,” I said, smiling.
“You know something,” he said.
“I do, but as I said before, I will speak of it later.”
“After dinner,” he said. He took his leave. I stood there thinking to myself as an uneasy feeling came over me. I went to my chambers to prepare for the evening.
**** **** **** ****
When we were in the Great Hall awaiting the entrance of the King and Queen, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Everyone was in their place—some were quietly chatting amongst themselves. Soon, the sound of music filled the hall and King Thingol, Queen Melian, their daughter Lúthien entered with Finrod, Orodreth, Aegnor, and Galadriel. It was then that Celeborn became enamored. It was hard not to notice as his face was glowing brighter than the lanterns in the room.
When everyone was seated, dinner was served. On this night, there were more delights than usual and everyone took advantage. Things were going well and my mind was put at ease. The celebration went on late into the night. As promised, after dinner, I found Êlengolas and under the light of the moon. I told him all that I knew—from Nimernil to the coming of Finrod.
“Well,” he said when I finished. “That is quite a tale. Why did you not tell me this before?”
“I was sworn to secrecy.”
“Orothôn.”
“I did not know where to begin,” I said. “It was not until Finrod came that everything Súlwë said made sense.”
“When King Thingol learns of this, it will not go well.”
“You will say nothing,” I said.
“I do not have to say anything,” Êlengolas said. “I trust someone will say it to him.”
“Who would dare tell the King of such slaughter upon his brother’s house?”
“My guess would be someone from his brother’s house.”
“I do not think Súlwë will be the one to tell him,” I said. “He does not want to risk his identity to be revealed.”
“I do not believe he will be the one,” Êlengolas said pensively. “Love will make anyone tell secrets and truths.”
“Love,” I asked. “What has love to do with this?”
“I know you saw Celeborn as he looked upon the Lady Galadriel,” he began. “Did you notice how she looked upon him?”
“No,” I answered.
“It is for no one to say but her,” he said. “She will speak when her heart is ready. I do worry, though.”
“Worry?”
“What a burden to bear for ambition. Olwë is her mother’s father. What could be worth more than the life of your own kin?”
I said nothing. When he was wise, Êlengolas could make me think deeper on things. I could not imagine the guilt these elves would carry for eternity. On our way back to the palace, we happened upon Celeborn with Galadriel. They were very much in love. I knew Êlengolas was right—it would not be long before all would be revealed.
© 2015. “The Kingdom of the Woodland Realm Trilogy—Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen” by Jaynaé Marie Miller. All Rights Reserved.
The Kingdom of The Woodland Realm Trilogy 