Chapter VI: The Second Awakening (Pt. IV)Little else was said thereafter as the court was preparing

Chapter VI: The Second Awakening (Pt. IV)Little else was said thereafter as the court was preparing for the wedding of Celeborn and Galadriel. The proposal did not come as a surprise to anyone—they made little attempt to hide their affection for one another. The ladies thought it would be a wonderful respite from thoughts of things that still weighed heavily on King Thingol.We had seasons now that showed the passage of time in Doriath. Leaves began to change colors and fall from tree branches to blanket the forest floor beneath as nature’s quilt. There came autumn rains and winter snow with the cooling air that chilled our breath when we spoke. The elflings enjoyed the seasons; finding new things to do outside to entertain themselves. I would catch Oropher and Eldôr building elves of snow when they caught a chance from their duties.When all was green once more, the Great Hall was filled with flowers and adorned with drapes of matching colors in preparation for the matrimonial celebration. Celeborn spent most of his time with his brother, Galathil, Oropher, and Amdir when he was not with his father.The day began calmly enough—I was lying in bed alone as Mîrwen had left at daybreak to attend to Galadriel. I knew the day would not be interrupted by war. We were living in a time of great peace. Even Círdan had returned to Doriath for the occasion from Eglarest. As I lay looking up at the elaborately carved stone ceiling, I found my mind drift into thoughts unknown. The room seemed to change as it morphed into the forest of my past.There were vines twisted around the trunks of trees and creatures with several legs sprouting of their smaller bodies. They spewed a silken cord that ensnarled the treetops. Even as the sun seemed to shine, there was a darkness that fought against its light. I suddenly realized I was walking through this world—searching for someone.Soon I found her; a maiden in a green cloak standing in a clearing where the only ray of sun beamed down. Her back to me, she remains motionless as I moved toward her slowly. When I was upon her, I spoke.“Do I know you, my lady,” I asked.She turned toward me. Her face was beautiful save for her eyes—only large black holes looked back at me.“Taur-e-Ndaedelos,” she said in a raspy voice that echoed through the forest. “Taur-e-Ndaedelos.”I screamed. I looked around and realized I was in my chambers and sitting upward on my bed. A knock came to the door.“Enter,” I said. I was still shocked at what I had seen. Oropher entered.“Ada,” he began. “Are you well? You look shaken.”“I am fine, son,” I answered. “Am I late for the ceremony?”“No,” he said sitting at the end of the bed. “It does not begin for some time. I came to see after you.”“Did your mother send you,” I asked.“No,” he answered. “I heard you speaking to someone. Who were you speaking to?”“You heard me speaking to no one,” I said. “I am the only one here as you can see. Perhaps you heard someone in the hall.”“I heard you ask someone if you knew them.”My blood ran cold. How could he hear my thoughts?“It was not me,” I lied. I wanted to know if he believed me.“You said, ‘do I know you, my lady’.”“It was nothing,” I answered.“You were having a vision,” Oropher said. “I know because I have had the same one many times. The lady with death in her eyes.”I nodded. I wanted to know more yet feared anything else my son would reveal. Instead, he nodded in agreement.“We will keep such things to ourselves,” he finally said. “For now, today is for Celeborn.”I sighed deeply. I was relieved he decided to speak of something new.“How is he,” I asked.“Terrified,” he answered with a laugh. “Though much of his fear comes from what Eldôr has said to him.”“Like father, like son,” I said to myself thinking about Valdôr. “Be grateful it was not Êlengolas that spoke with him.”“It is not too late,” he said rising. “The day has only begun. Do you wish me to stay with you while you prepare?”“That is not necessary, Oropher,” I answered. “I thank you for your concern. I will be fine.”Oropher smiled as he headed for the door. He paused then turned around.“I have great hope for the future,” he said. “Even if It is filled with darkness. For every night, there is a day.”I knew what he meant—our vision was a foretelling. I smiled at him and the was gone. I decided it was time to rise. I did not wish to have any more visions. I rang for the servants and waited impatiently for their arrival. When they arrived, I was never happier for their annoyance. When I was dressed, I left quickly for the Grand Hall.––TKWRT Book I: The Epic of Eryn Galen by Jaynaé Marie Miller. 7-22-2019Note to @staff : This is an elf playing the harp. Images: ©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

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