Chapter V: The Coming of Time (Pt. IV)We entered the Great Hall to see a group of elves—all simply d

Chapter V: The Coming of Time (Pt. IV)We entered the Great Hall to see a group of elves—all simply dressed in white. They kept their heads bowed in silence. The court around them speaking in whispers.“When did they arrive,” I whispered to Amdir.“Not long ago,” he answered. “They have yet to meet the king. He was made aware just as we came for you.”At that moment, Mablung and Beleg entered with King Thingol, Queen Melian; Elmo and Orowen not far behind. “You come from Eldamar,” King Thingol asked as he sat on his throne beside his queen. One brave elf raised his head and stepped forward. “Originally,” the elf said. “I am Angrod, son of Finarfin. I come at the request of my brother Finrod in Mithrim.”King Thingol’s expression turned pensive. After a brief silence, he spoke again.“Son of Finarfin,” he began. “What brings you into my kingdom on this day?”“I am quite sure as sovereign, you have long known of the deeds done in this world under darkness.““I am,” he nodded.“The battles endured in the North could hardly go unnoticed by anyone, for the Noldo has triumphed against the demons come forth from Angband.”“You numbers must be great if you if you were able to send those creatures back to whence they came.”“Of our numbers, they account for much of your kin, King Thingol,” Angrod said. “Your dear brother is our grandfather after all.”King Thingol nodded.“How is he,” Queen Melian inquired.“I have not seen him, Your Majesty,” he answered. “Not for some time.”She nodded—her expression hiding secrets I would never know.“We have come to dwell in Arda for now,” Angrod continued. “The sons of Fëanor and the children of his brothers find solace here despite the dangers that linger here.”As King Thingol brought down his decree, I noticed Elmo watching a particular elf that stood behind Angrod.  His gaze was uncomfortable as the elf tried to avert his stare.“So it shall be,” I heard Angrod say at last. “I shall tell the lords what you have told me. As a guest in your land, may it be one day, you are a guest in ours.”King Thingol nodded and the elves bowed.“As our guests,” King Thingol began. “Please, stay with us for now. You may leave in the morning for Mithrim.”“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Angrod answered.“Iarûr, show our guest to their quarters.”Iarûr motioned to the elves to follow him. I saw Elmo whisper to Galadhon. His son followed the elves as King Thingol and Queen Melian took their leave. As the court dispersed I could not help but wonder who the elf was the held Elmo’s fascination.“Father,” Oropher began, breaking my thoughts. “I am going to attend to my wife. I will see you and mother for dinner.”“Of course,” I said smiling.He walked away and I found my mind wandering again. I decided I should find Mîrwen and went straight to our room. When I entered, I found Mîrwen already prepared for dinner.“I did not see you at court,” I said.“I was not there,” she said. “I was attending to other duties.”“So you already knew about the elves from Mithrim?”“Yes,” she said cheerfully. “You need to prepare for dinner. I shall call for the servants.”As she walked toward the chamber bell, I stopped her.“Who is the elf that your father was staring at?”“I do not know,” she said. “I was not at court.”“Mîrwen,” I began.“What,” she asked.I looked at her sternly.“He is a son of Olwë,” she said. “His name is Nimernil.”Olwë—a name I had not heard in a lifetime. I found myself confused.“I do not understand,” I said. “Why would he be here?“That, dear husband, I do not know.”She went to ring the bell.“Say not a word to anyone.”Before I could ask another question, the dressers were upon me. I tried to put the events of the day behind me. We dined with little concern about anything. Nothing was amiss–save for the presence of the mysterious Nimernil. Angrod sat with King Thingol and Elmo—their conversation appeared as reminiscing. When dinner was done, I prepared to retire with Mîrwen when Orowen came to us.“Orothôn,” she began. “Elmo seeks your company.”“Where is he,” I asked.“I do not know, but Galathil will take you to him.”I looked to see him standing with Galadhon. Immediately, I knew it was about Nimernil. I went to them quickly.“Take me to Elmo,” I said.“This is why you should never tell our sister anything,” Galadhon teased. “She tells her husband.”Galathil cut his eye at him and motioned for us to follow. When we reached an empty room below the Throne Room beside the armory, I noticed Elmo waiting with Eäros. He was looking far better than he had before the wars had begun. When we were alone, out of the darkness stepped the elf from before. He was as tall as elves are—his golden hair flowing past his shoulders. He looked at us—his grey eyes far less restless than they were in court.“Are you whom they call Nimernil,” I asked.For the first time, this elf smiled and laughed softly.“That is what they call me, but it is not my name,” he answered. “I am Súlwë, the youngest son of Olwë.”‘Why are you here,” Galadhon asked.“I took leave from Alqualondë without my father’s knowledge. I had to know what was so precious in this world that would cause such destruction in the other.”“Destruction,” Galadhon asked.“There was an uprising,” he said, solemnly. “Let by Fëanor, son of Finwë. I know nothing of the circumstances. I just know our kin in Alqualondë suffered greatly.”“My brother,” Elmo gasped. “Is he…?”“No,” Súlwë answered. “He lives. But the price we paid was indeed enormous. I followed the elves out of our homeland. Those that did not take our ships from the Havens came across the Helcaraxë. It was these I followed from Araman.”Elmo slowly took a seat on a bench in shock.“That must have been horrible,” Galathil said.“There were many that died on the way,” Súlwë said, his voice cracking as he tried to hide his sadness. “For those who made it, not even the rising of the Daystar could bring them light.”We stood in silence; our voices could not find the words.“You must go back,” I said finally.“Impossible,” Súlwë said curtly. “Those who left are in exile. Though my hands are clean, I am afraid I am as well. What is left of home for me was lain to waste.”“Stay with us,” Eäros said.“Who knows of your true identity,” Elmo asked, distraught.“No one,” Súlwë answered.“Very well,” Elmo said calmly. “You may stay in my household but when a way is made, you will return to Olwë. Am I understood?”“Yes, Uncle,” Súlwë answered.Elmo nodded as he looked at me.  “He will stay with you, Orothôn. Oropher is the only I know that can keep a secret.”“I beg your pardon, Father,” Galadhon said. “I am offended.”“Do not be,” Elmo said. “Whatever you say to Celebriel she will keep from your mother. Same for Nárwen and Níndi. I take my leave.”Elmo left with his sons close behind. I looked as Súlwë.“Welcome to Menegroth,” I said.–TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 6-11-2019Images: ©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.Note to @staff : This is a book. The photo–from a movie: See copyright information. Duh. -- source link

More pics about