A.N. All rights belong to Tolkien... I'm just playing in his world, inspired by a beautiful piece called "I am Two Fools." I want to dabble in this world, and am taking some liberties, but mostly just having fun, so, enjoy.

...and the Heavens Danced
by Rinfea

~1~

The first shadows of dusk graced the sky as Celeborn stepped out of the forest, past the reach of the Girdle. He shivered, feeling the cool evening air, and the whisper of danger on the wind.

'Ah, there they are,' Daeron said, nodding toward a small group of Elves that slowly approached.

Celeborn looked upon them in wonder. Tall and fair, they were garbed in bright colours and many jewels. They stood out against the coming night, and certainly against the earthier tones preferred by the Sindar. For a moment he wondered on the wisdom of so openly welcoming these strangers from the West, kindred though they may be, but soon remembered the words of Melian, and was somewhat comforted. But try as he might, he could not rid himself of the concern that there was some evil brought with these Noldor. He did not have long to wonder when one of the newcomers broke the silence.

'I am Finrod, son of Finarfin, of the house of Finwe. My mother was Earwen, kinswoman if your king, Elu Thingol. I and my people have come West so that we might aid in the fight against Morgoth.'

'You speak well, Finrod Finarfin's son, though I fear there is a darkness that follows you.' Celeborn's eyes were piercing, accusing, almost daring the other Elf to tell the truth. 'But Quenya is not spoken in these Halls, and I would not have you offend before you are welcomed.'

'You would rob us of our tongue as well as our pride?' Another elf spat bitterly.

Celeborn could barely hear Finrod's whispered chiding, 'Aegnor.'

'I beg pardon, Lord,' Celeborn said coolly. 'It was not my aim to give offense. But perhaps you would do well to remember your place as guests.'

A warning glance from Daeron caused him to bite his tongue, lest he leave any more scathing remark. The lady in the group, however, did not catch the shared look, and retorted sharply, eyes blazing.

'And who are you, Sinda, that you would respond thusly to nobility?'

'Artanis!' Finrod hissed softly.

Celeborn's eyes hardened. 'I did not realize it was the way of nobility to misjudge their hosts, when they are but the guests in a strange land and the ones who should be mistrusted themselves. Or is this another of your strange Noldor customs?'

'At least we are not as uncouth as our Western brethren,' Artanis replied.

Celeborn smirked coldly. 'But at least you admit we are brethren. But come, we have no time for idle debate. I am sure that you, at least, Lady, are weary from travel.'

'Why, do you think me weaker than my brothers?'

The silver-haired Sinda made no acknowledgement, his blue eyes glinting in the light of the setting sun. 'Let us waste no more time here with pleasantries, and return to the Hall of Elu Thingol, where he may show you a royal welcome himself.'

Celeborn stood off to the side, silently observing as Finrod introduced himself and his kin to Elu Thingol, king of Doriath. He was not one for forming quick opinions, but his initial impression of Lady Artanis was not entirely favourable, or so he tried to tell himself. He thought her too forward, and felt as though she were hiding something. Beautiful she well may be, he thought, but even Luthién was beautiful. There was something about her, though, that captured his interest. He vowed silently to discover what it was this Noldo princess was not telling.

He said nothing through the reset of the court, and even unto dinner, though he positioned himself where he could keep close watch on the lady. He tried in earnest to read her face, but found somewhere in her steel grey eyes a match for his own, hiding some dark secret.

As the servers brought in some mulled wine for an after dinner drink, Celeborn leaned back, taking in snippets of conversation around him. Most of the Elves and naugrim there gathered were in awe of their guests, marvelling at the strangeness of their attire and adornments.

'Do you not agree with me, Celeborn?' asked an Elf, disturbing the other from his contemplation.

'On what subject do you speak now, Leohir?' Celeborn replied, ill-pleased at the interruption.

'That the greatest jewel the Noldor have brought with them is their Lady Artanis.'

'Do not mock me, Leohir. You overestimate the Lady. She may be fair, but we have yet to learn of her character.'

'Laugh all you want, mellonamin, but I say to you now, I mean to woo her and win her hand.'

'And to whom, then, shall she give her heart?'

Celeborn gave his friend a piercing gaze before excusing himself and joining the group by Thingol's side.

'The king says he values your opinion greatly.'

Celeborn glanced up in surprise. He had not expected her to be the one to break the silence, but he still made no reply.

'I must admit that I do not know why that may be,' Artanis continued, baiting him.

'He has his reasons, I am sure,' Celeborn said, determined not to give in.

'Then will you enlighten me? For I am very curious on this matter.'

'If that is so, perhaps you should get to know me.'

'How can I, for I have been told I should stay away?'

'Such advice is not given lightly, and is meant well.' Celeborn dipped his head graciously to the Noldo lady and made his exit.