Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. IV)“It was not long thereafter our kindred began our march westward&m

Chapter I: Awakened (Pt. IV)“It was not long thereafter our kindred began our march westward—leaving the shores of the lake by which we had awakened. I walked beside Mîrwen and her brothers not far behind her father. I had yet to lay my eyes upon him or his brother they called Elwë, but I was in no hurry to do so.Under the light of stars, nothing told the passing of days or nights. From the moment of our departure from Lake Cuiviénen, I would find myself looking back until it was out of view and lost to us forever. It was soon that we had entered into a great forest. Beneath the stars, its true colors remained hidden waiting for the coming of the sun.“They call this place Eryn Galen,” Iarûr said. “And we shall rest here before we continue westward.”“For how long,” I asked as Valdôr and Lothluin prepared to rest beneath one of the many mighty trees that had arisen from the soft ground under foot. Mîrwen left me with a word and I began to feel alone as couples were finding a place to be together. Êlengolas and Valdúmîr stood with Finëar and Nenduriel speaking with Galadhon. When they looked toward me, I knew he was searching for me.“Orothôn,” he said approaching. “Mîrwen sent me to bring you to her.”“Where has she gone,” I asked concerned.“She went to find our father so he might learn of you. Come.”I obeyed the request thought not without trepidation. Of the chosen, I would be nothing in their presence. Even though as I was awakened as they, I was far less noble. We walked through the wood and past many elves that congregated together. There were far more than I had realized—each as unique as they were beautiful.We arrived at our destination were Mîrwen stood beside an elven maiden of astounding beauty. Her hair of white gold flowed behind her—her eyes of gray reflected all she looked upon; telling everyone the story of our kin with every gaze. Her complexion was fair and seemed to have a light of its own.“Mother,” Galadhon said. “I have found him.”“So I see,” she said, her voice a song unto itself. “Your father wishes a word with you and Galathil. Do not keep him waiting.”Galadhon nodded and took his leave as his mother looked me over. I could not feel my breath nor hear my heart beating.“You are Orothôn,” she finally said. “The one that has the heart of my daughter.”“I am,” I said, my voice shaking. “I am Orothôn.”“I am Orowen, wife of Elmo,” she said. “I do not know what you have been told of either of us, but I know a great deal of you for my daughter has not stopped speaking. May I ask your intention?”“I love no other but Mîrwen,” I heard myself say. I had little knowledge of where those words came from but I meant them.“You ask for her hand, then,” Orowen said, her face softening into a smile.“With your blessing and the blessing of her father.”Orowen gave a gentle laugh as she took my hand.“Elmo will give his blessing, I am sure,” she said. “For whosoever makes his daughter happy will give him joy. I can see you are a noble elf and I can see the love you have for Mîrwen in your eyes.”“When will father come, Nana,” Mîrwen asked desperately. “I can hardly wait for him to meet Orothôn.”“In time, daughter,” Orowen said. “He speaks with Elwë and Lenwë just now. Go your way—both of you. Await word from me until then.”She nodded toward several elven maiden waiting her as Mîrwen pulled me away.“Your mother is as gracious as she is beautiful.” I said as we went our way.“She has a way with my father that no one has. Not even his brothers are as close, though he loves them no less.”“You have a way with me as well,” I said looking into her eyes. “No one will ever have me as you do.”“I feel the same, Orothôn,” she answered. “Come, I found a place for us.”Mîrwen led me to a quaint thicket nearby with a canopy of small trees covering it. We sat together for a time—her hand in mine—listening to the sounds of nature blended with the whispers of elves. I noticed she was watching my expression with fascination. I turned to her and caressed her face. Something inside me drew me to her lips. I allowed me to touch hers. She was not afraid of this and our first kiss was filled a natural desire that would never die. For a moment, our lips parted and Mîrwen met my eyes.“I love you, Orothôn,” she whispered. “I cannot wait to be with you as your wife.”“I cannot wait either,” I said kissing her again. “For now, this will suffice, my love.”I took her into my arms and lay her down—all the while losing myself in her eyes. We kissed again—deeper and more urgently. I had a wanting for her I did not understand. I felt a warmth fill my body for the first time that I didn’t want to end. We held each other; our lips seldom parting except for the occasional lament that  fueled our love for one another. I did not want this to end, but we both wanted more. We seemed impatient yet satisfied being next to each other.**** **** **** ****Emerging from our sanctuary, there seemed a flurry of excitement as elves wandered around the forest. When we caught the eye of Iarûr and Nimríel. We went to them to ask.“Iarûr,” I siad as a few elves swiftly passed between us. “What is amiss?”“Not a thing,” he answered.“Elwë comes forth,” Nimríel said, motioning aside.We looked to see three majestic elves standing higher than all others.“Father,” Mîrwen said excitedly. “He is with Elwë, his brother.”“Yes,” Iarûr said curiously. And with them is Lenwë.”Elwë stood between the others—his presence indescribable. Shoulders broad, sharpened eyes of endless depth set upon a strong yet delicate faces as a wave of golden hair that even in starlight there could be little doubt of its for or of the importance of he elf it had the privilege to originate. His brother was no less magnificent though his countenance seems more sanguine in the moment. Elmo shared his bothers looks save his eyes were quiet and fare less restless. Lenwë seem overwrought by his companions—with hair darker than the others but gold nonetheless. He seemed distant from his equals; his eyes darting here and there with little purpose.“Where is Mîrwen,” Elwë asked, his voice reverberating around us. It was then I noticed the mountains rising above us in the North.“I am here, Uncle,” she yelled happily, pulling me with her toward the greatest of our kin. I noticed Galathil and Galadhon nearby with another elf trying to hide their amusement. When we were before them, I felt a fear I never had before—one stronger than when the Earth shook. Elwë and his bother looked at us—their faces stoic and frightening.“Daughter,” Elmo said smiling. “Is this the one you have chosen?”“Yes, Ada,” she said proudly. “This is Orothôn.”“You have chosen Mîrwen,” Elwë asked me.“I have,” I said. “I loved her the moment I saw her.”“Elmo,” he said to his brother. “What say you?”Elmo came closer to us, a look of happiness was in his eyes. He embraced me—something I never expected but found soothing.“I say to you both, I give my blessing,” he said. “This is truly glorious.”“If Elmo has your blessing,” Elwë began. “Then you have mine.”There was a rise of cheers among the elves as Elwë nodded toward us then disappeared with Elmo and Lenwë. Galathil and Galadhon nodded with their companion and quickly went away with the others. I did not understand what had happened until Orowen came to us.“You have been joined, my daughter, my son,” she said kissing us both on the cheek. “I am pleased for you both.”She took her leave beside another elven maiden of her stature and beauty with earthen hair; her eyes carried a sadness that was out of place among others.“I am pleased for you,” I heard Êlengolas said.“As am I,” Valdúmîr said embracing Mirwen. “I know you are happy and so you will remain.”I was overcome with every emotion that resided within me. Valdôr and Lothluin, Iarûr and Nimríel, and Finëar and Nenduriel came with their words of praise until the crowds had subsided. Mîrwen made her way back to our sanctuary. I took my time—wondering what would happen, if anything.Once I was with her, I heard a rustling at our entrance. It had been covered—the world outside shut out of view. I looked at Mîrwen and noticed her white gown for the first time. It was different now as it revealed her figure to me. I began to feel that desire for her but feared it had grown too strong.“Orothôn,” she began. “Are you afraid?”“Yes,” I said quickly. “Very much afraid.”“So am I,” she said almost relieved.She walked around our sanctuary, moving gracefully around. She placed her hand on the trunk of a tree whose tops were well above us.“I had a vision,” she started. “I saw many things that frightened me. There were battles and a great suffering that would last far beyond this age we come upon. But I also saw joy and happiness. From our love will come great kinds and one that will bring peace to this world. All will come form our union and from this land we stand upon.”“When did you see this, Mîrwen,” I asked.“While I was with mother,” she answered. “She said this was a gift; to see things to come.”“Then it must be as she has said.”Mîrwen looked at me, her face troubled. She turned away then back to me. She placed her hands upon her sleeves and slowly pushed them from her shoulders and to her waist. She let it fall from her waist to the ground baring to me her body and soul. I went to her cautiously. I touched her face and kissed her lips. I felt her undress me until I felt the coolness of the air on my skin.“Do not be afraid, my love,” I whispered. “I will protect you with my life and love you with all my heart and all my soul forever and longer.”“I am never afraid when I am with you, Orothôn, my love, my husband,” she whispered. “I give to you all my love with all my heart and all my soul forever and longer.”We moved closer together and began to kiss. As we felt our love rise to the surface, Mîrwen pulled away. Looking into my eyes, she led me to our marital bed and lay down. I joined her and it was in that moment our love would bring forth our greatest treasure—Oropher.”––TKWR Trilogy Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by J.Marie Miller 8-19-2017Images: ©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. -- source link

More pics about