Disclaimer: Everything is Tolkien, obviously.

Chapter 1

"Artanis!" Findaráto called down the hallway. "Are you ready yet?"

The fair elf-maiden Artanis finished carefully placing her long golden locks in their shimmering silver bonds. She adjusted the bodice of her dress and stepped out to meet her brother. They hastened to join the group traveling to the celebration courtyard. The courtyard was full of light and dotted by intricate and beautiful clusters of flowers. The open dancing green was surrounded by rows of tables, which by now were quickly filling. Artanis and Findaráto took seats by their cousins Findekáno and Turukáno, and the latter's wife Elenwë.

"You look lovely, Artanis," said Findekáno

"Thank you. As do you," she replied.

"Have you, perchance, seen Maitimo here?"

"I am sorry, but I have not. I see little of Fëanáro and his clan. And honestly, I am rather glad for that. Do not worry, Findekáno. They are often late. I am sure he will be here."

"Yes, of course," he said, but continued to look about, straining his neck to see through the crowds.

Artanis too glanced around to aid her cousin's search. She did not see Nelyafinwë, but see did see Eärondo approaching. She and Findaráto stood to greet him.

"It is a pleasure to see you two here," he said. "May I join you here? Is there room?"

"I believe so," Artanis said. "Findekáno?"

He nodded, and they seated themselves. Eärondo, known for his love of speaking, engaged them in conversation, though Findekáno persisted scanning the courtyard nervously. Findekáno suddenly jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He quickly turned about to see a familiar tall, lean figure topped by intense russet red.

"Maitimo!" he exclaimed with relief and elation. "At last you have arrived! I was beginning to worry."

"And when Findekáno says 'beginning', Nelyafinwë," Artanis put in, "he means, 'the whole time he has been here'."

Nelyafinwë laughed and sat beside Findekáno, resting his hand at the small of the other's back. At this point, many were coming and going from one table to another. Eärondo was approached by a beautiful maiden who immediately caught Artanis' eye. She had sleek, long raven-black hair, as was common of the Noldor. Her tiny, delicate frame was draped in the deepest violet. Artanis was transfixed.

"Artanis," Eärondo said, calling her out of her trance, "are you acquainted with Lómennel?" He motioned to the maiden.

"No," Artanis replied, "I do not believe so. I am Artanis, daughter of Arafinwë. I am pleased to meet you."

"Oh, no. The pleasure is mine," Lómennel said with a sly smile. For what seemed like an eternity to Artanis, their eyes were locked, blue with gray. At last, Lómennel stirred, and sat beside Eärondo, across from Artanis. The two women found themselves talking and laughing as time rushed by. Lost for hours in each other's eyes, they eventually looked up to see that the crowd had nearly halved.

"It is late," Lómennel said, "Telperion is waning. I had hardly noticed."

"Nor did I," said Artanis. "Would you perhaps, like to walk now with me?"

"I would be delighted."

Side by side they wandered through the city of smooth stone. They continued on until they came into view of the sea. Further from the light of the trees, the stars twinkled brightly in the sky and reflected on the water. Artanis gazed upon Lómennel, watching her shimmering black hair flow in the sea breeze and her purple dress dance about her ankles. Lómennel returned the gaze. She stepped towards Artanis, so close that they nearly touched. Artanis leaned in the rest of the way and met Lómennel's lips in a gentle kiss. Lómennel slipped her hand behind Artanis' neck and slowly ran her fingers through the luminous golden waves. They broke the kiss, but soon returned to each other in a deeper, more passionate one. When they at last separated, slightly short of breath, Artanis let out a soft giggle.

"Well, then," she said, blushing, "I probably ought to be heading back. My father will wonder where I am."

"Yes, quite so," Lómennel affirmed.

Artanis accompanied Lómennel to her residence, and then returned to her own home. She quietly slipped down the hall to her bedchamber, managing not to wake anyone. She released her hair from its bonds and slipped out of her dress. She pulled her thin, white sleeping dress over her hear and slid into bed. Lómennel danced through her head as she drifted into sleep.

A Note on Names, for all Chapters:

GaladrielArtanis/Nerwen

FinrodFindaráto

FingonFindekáno

TurgonTurukáno

MaedhrosNelyafinwë/Maitimo

MaglorKanafinwë/Makalaurë

CelegormTurkafinwë/Tyelkormo

CaranthirMorifinwë/Carnistir

CurufinCurufinwë/Atarinkë

AmrodPityafinwë/Ambarussa

AmrasTelufinwë/Ambarussa

FëanorCurufinwë/Fëanáro

FingolfinNolofinwë

FinarfinArafinwë