Slightly off-canon. Please Read, Enjoy, and leave a Review :)

The wind was beginning to pick up and the sky was beginning to darken as the high clouds overtook the soft azure sky. They tumbled over one another in a mad chase to reach the Mountains of Terror. The spring wind was picking up. Deep inside Menegroth, Celeborn was sheltered from such winds as he eagerly packed for a hunt with his brother. He smiled to himself as he set a pair of drawers into the small pack. This was going to be fun. He needed a break from all the pressures of court life. His wife entered the chamber and glided smoothly to his side. She rested her hand on his shoulder. "Celeborn, your brother is waiting at the stables."

Celeborn turned to face her. "Alright then, my love, I suppose that means it is time for me to go."

Galadriel gave him a small smile and looked up into his eyes. "I hope you have fun."

Celeborn gave her a kiss as he lifted the pack from the bed and onto his shoulders. "We will, I can assure you. It's me remember?"

She nodded, cupping his cheek. "I'll remember," she said somewhat dryly.

"Goodbye, my love," he declared. "I will certainly miss you." He winked and found himself grinning as he swept from the room leaving his lovely wife alone. Celeborn was certainly looking forward to the journey ahead. It had been a long time since he had been on a hunt with his brother, Galathil. It had been a long time since he had seen Galathil anywhere. His younger brother was always off on grand adventures and was never able to stay in one place for long. Celeborn himself had not been on a long journey or even out of Menegroth for what seemed like years by now. Again, he mused; this would be very enjoyable. He and Galathil had been planning this week-long trip for several months now via letters and messengers. They planned on meeting Thranduil and then going on into the wild just the three of them. It sounded so marvellous to Celeborn. He stepped out into one of the many large halls of Menegroth. The singing of many fountains and indoor waterfalls echoed sweetly through the huge caverns. Soon, he made his way to the stables, and not long later Celeborn caught sight of his brother.

Galathil was leaning nonchalantly against the magnificent stable doors with his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were distant and they carried a nostalgic look, however as soon as he heard his elder brother's approach they lit up. "Celeborn! It has been a long time!" Galathil shouted as he excitedly closed the distance between the two of them. He enthusiastically embraced Celeborn in a massively rough hug. Celeborn grinned and hugged Galathil back.

"It has been a long time! How are you?" Celeborn asked as he pulled back, keeping a firm hold on his younger brother's biceps. Galathil's dark coloured eyes sparkled in delight and a near over-excitement. His brother looked well despite the heavily rundown travelling clothes that covered him. He was a slight, blonde haired elf with too much energy.

"I am well, muindor!" He looked Celeborn over in mock horror. "You, on the other hand… What are they feeding you here?! One would think with so much wealth and power you would be more well taken care of!"

Celeborn rolled his eyes. "This coming from the tramp of the wilderness. You're skinnier than me!"

Galathil waved his hand dismissively. "Pffft. I am lean." He gestured suavely to his own form. "This. This is prime, handsome, fit ellon." He winked at Celeborn.

"Whatever. Are you ready for the trip?" Celeborn asked. Sometimes his brother was too much.

Galathil nodded, switching gears easily. "More than ready. We are riding with Thranduil son of Oropher, am I correct?" He started towards his horse. A large, dappled grey male, named Lumredhros.

Celeborn nodded. "Yes," Celeborn moved to his own mount, a sweet, white mare, named Túroch. She had already been readied by the stable hands and now Celeborn swung himself onto her. Galathil did likewise and manoeuvred out into the open.

"So, where are we meeting Thranduil?" Galathil asked after a few moments from starting down the winding road leading from Menegroth westward towards the bridge that would lead into the forest.

"He is to meet us at the river Esgalduin and then we will go on towards Iant Iaur. We are passing the Girdle," Celeborn answered.

Galathil flashed a smile. "Ah, so you are finally feeling brave?"

Celeborn sighed. "Don't you ever get tired of ribbing me?" He asked in mock exasperation. In reality, he loved his brother's constant teasing. It reminded him of his youth.

"Of course not! I'm your younger brother! That is the way Eru made it!" Galathil lowered his voice suddenly dead serious. "Although, your fear is on sound basis. The Noldo are causing trouble again and the torrent of war is rumoured to be soon awakened." He looked away towards the far north. "The Dark One is silent, but not idle."

Celeborn stayed quiet for a few seconds. He had heard whisper of such rumours, but had not thought too much on them, however, to hear them from his own brother made them feel more real and close. It frightened him. The war and the Dark Lord. Galathil snorted and startled him from the dark reverie. "This Thranduil… I think I remember him. He was at your wedding was he not?"

Celeborn couldn't help but chuckle. He had been wondering when Galathil would ask this particular question. "He is our cousin."

"What?! He is?" Galathil's eyes unfocused as he made a brief mental calculation. Then his eyebrows rose in surprise and sudden realisation. "Ai! He is… Apologies."

Celeborn gave a deep laugh. "I was wondering when you would realise that! At least I am not dull!" His brother gave an impertinent look.

"Your accusations are baseless and weak. They do not sway me."

Celeborn continued laughing. It was certainly uplifting to be around his muindor again. This would be a fun hunt, indeed.

XxX

They travelled for a long time till they reached the designated spot where they had decided to meet Thranduil. The young noble had decided on this spot right beside Esgalduin for the sole reason that he didn't want his father to find out about the hunt until it was too late, and this was a spot where he probably wouldn't think to look. Oropher was the type of elf who couldn't help a hunt. If he had heard about it, he would have invited himself. Oropher wasn't such horrible company on a hunt in Celeborn's opinion, but he did talk a lot and had a bad habit of asserting himself over others. It was just best if the older elf didn't know until the small company was already gone. Celeborn smiled at the thought of having Thranduil on the journey. They were very close in age and the three of them had much in common. Galathil dismounted Lumredhros and walked towards the river. It made a loud commotion as it rushed over the river rocks. It smelled good and fresh. The trees near the bank were just beginning to show new green leaves that rustled as they brushed each other in their dance. They swayed to an unheard music carried by the soft winds. "Where is he?" Galathil asked as he surveyed the surrounding forest.

Celeborn dismounted and found a suitable spot to wait. As he settled down unto the gravelly earth he answered, "He is coming. Be patient and time will pass by faster."

Galathil's face fell. He had been looking forward to going quickly. He was eager to get the hunt going and to meet his cousin. It was somewhat humorous. He felt like he had a new cousin, even though all this time he had known unknowingly. He chuckled to himself and sat down beside Celeborn. The thought was tantalising for a few seconds. This would be enjoyable. Waiting in the forest was always nice. It would give him time to enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest. He did not get long to enjoy the views, however, as a whinny emanated from not far away. Celeborn smiled; he had known it would not take long. Thranduil was seldom late to appointments. He rose with Galathil to face the newcomer. A tall, blonde elf, Thranduil was somewhat lanky and thin. His meagre form was strong, though, and he wore dual swords on his belt. He rode a black coloured horse that was strong and tall.

"Ah, Thranduil. I knew you would not be long… Mae govannen," Celeborn greeted.

Thranduil nodded and grinned. "It did not take long for me to distract my father. I persuaded him to go on a short hunt to search for supper." His eyes rested on Galathil. "It has been a long time, Gal. How goes you?" He asked politely.

Galathil seemed taken aback for a moment by the familiarity the elf showed, but it did not discourage him from answering him happily. "I am good. It seems we have much to catch up on." He mounted Lumredhros. The horse began walking down along the riverbank. "We can talk on the way. It is a long journey!" Celeborn had to laugh as a slightly surprised look crossed Thranduil's face. He would get used to Galathil's enthusiasm. Celeborn followed his younger brother's suit.

"Galathil is right we have a long ride to pass the Fence."

Thranduil nodded. "Alright. Let's go," he said as he kicked his horse into a trot to follow Lumredhros. "Where are we headed after we pass the Girdle?"

Celeborn answered, "We are going to try the far northern regions of Dor Dínen and see what we can find."

Galathil chimed in, "We should go all the way and try Ered Gorgoroth. I wonder what creatures hide there…"

A worried look came into Thranduil's eyes, but it quickly disappeared when Celeborn reproached his brother. "No, Galathil, you do not want to go there under any circumstances. It is a dark, evil land."

Galathil looked back at them, for he was still in the front. "I know, brother." He turned to Thranduil. "Thranduil, how is your father Oropher? And Elmo? I have not heard word of him in a very long time." Memories flooded back to Galathil and he had to continue. "And your mother… I remember her. I am so sorry."

Thranduil took a deep breath as the pain of his mother's death came back to him in full force. He forced his voice to remain level as he answered, "Thank you." The entire forest seemed to fall silent for a few agonising moments then Thranduil couldn't handle it and he began to answer Galathil's other questions.

XxX

They travelled for a long time. The mood soon changed from the tragic to the merry as Celeborn, Galathil, and Thranduil recalled former days of childhood. The three of them sang and talked merrily (mostly Galathil). It was a fair day for such a trip. All worries fell from their minds as they enjoyed each other's company and that of the beautiful forest. Finally, though, they passed over Iant Iaur and also passed through the Girdle of Melian. They journeyed for about two hours after their passage of the Fence until the sun began to dip below the horizon. Only then, did they halt their progress and make camp near a small stream branching off Esgalduin. The sky was turning a soft orange that slowly changed to an intense pink.

Galathil lounged on his back on the grass near the water. The smooth stones at the bottom of the stream shined like mail in the brilliance of the setting sun for a brief moment that quickly slipped away like oil in the hand. Celeborn was sitting near the fire. The tongues of flame jumped and crackled as they reached towards the sky in a dance that reminded Galathil of a young sparrow dancing to woo his mate. Thranduil sat beside Celeborn. The two of them talked quietly with each other about family and light hearted moments from the past. That seemed to be the recurring theme of the trip so far, thought Galathil. He felt so much at ease around his elder brother, and, although it was apparent that Thranduil liked Celeborn better than him, Galathil very much liked his new cousin as well. A deep blue began to overtake the sky and the stars peeked from their places up above. Galathil sighed. What a way to end a day, he thought as he shifted position and folded his arms behind his head. He hoped tomorrow would be as interesting as today.