Authors note: This is around the Second age, Celebrían age is close to 50, so she is like a teenager in human years.
Noss
Chapter 1: The Prince and the Efling
Thranduil stared down at the little elfling below him, well she wasn't really an elfling she was a few years short of her majority; but to Thranduil she was an elfling no less. She gave him a shining smile her eyes flash with amusement, waiting for Thranduil to show her around as he was ordered to do. Without words he motion to where they would start the tour, his father's words echoing in his ear with each step "She is your cousin Thranduil; it would be good to bond with her as I have with Celeborn, such connections may prove useful later on." He sighed to himself as he looked down beside him at the bubbly silver haired elfling wondering how elfling sitting became his new responsibility for the rest of their stay.
Earlier that day, Oropher was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Celeborn he received news some weeks ago that he and his daughter would be visiting for a short time.
When Celeborn and his daughter Celebrían finally arrived, Thranduil had rarely seen the glimmer in his father's eye when he finally laid eyes on them. When everyone was introduced to each other Oropher suggested that they take rest so that later that evening they could spend more time together. Celeborn happily agreed to the suggestion, but Celebrían who seemed was radiating energy stated that she was not tired at all.
Celeborn smiled at Celebrían, "we have been on the road for so long, perhaps a little walk will help wear off that energy of yours."
"What a wonderful idea, Thranduil," Oropher looked toward his son on the right. "You should give lady Celebrían a tour of our home." Thranduil who was emotionless during the whole ordeal reframed himself from showing his dismay at his orders. He was a prince and a warrior, anyone who looked upon him noticed his attire of a typical green and brown hunting garb and a silver circlet. He had not the experience and never cared for watching little ones, but since his father and king gave him the order he bit his lip and said nothing.
Since Oropher was needed elsewhere he bid his cousins a farewell and left Thranduil to take care of Celebrían.
Thranduil looked over his shoulder and watched his father's back disappear wishing that his father could at least spare a few moments to do the tour himself it was his kingdom after all.
They walked along the halls of the palace for over an hour, showing Celebrían the more interesting parts of the palace only talking when it was required. Though Celebrían was far younger than Thranduil she was quite observant for her age. She thought he was rather stiff and could sense his unwillingness to show her about, but she did not let that dissolve her mood. She walked on complimenting anything beautiful that caught her eyes, which mostly where the paintings and weavings hanging on the walls.
Arriving at their next destination, Thranduil showed her one of the sittings rooms reserved for the family. He held the door out so that Celebrían could peek inside, she scanned the room and was about to leave when she spotted another painting. The vibrant colors of pink and orange drew her to the painting in the back; she was drawn to it and wanted a closer look. She pushed the door opened as she walked into the room. It was spacious and roomy with a few chairs and couches and a fire place. Thranduil stood at door watching her as she passed the furniture and was curious why Celebrían hadn't said anything like she usually would. When he saw Celebrían stop and stare at a certain painting his heart nearly dropped as he walked into the room stir her away.
"What a beautiful painting," She breathes out as her hand hovered over the painting tracing the clouds. Upon stepping closer Celebrían saw different hues of yellow and orange, as they made the colors of a fiery sunrise. The sun was peeking over the translucent clouds as the rays burst forth from the small mound touching the earth, where lighting would be first on the tree and grass below.
"Such stunning colors," she said as she continued to look at the painting and then finally turned to Thranduil who was right beside her.
"Who painted this one my lord?" Thranduil was silent as he inspected the painting himself, Celebrían noticed that when she asked the question Thranduil face began to turn a light shade of pink and she had to stifle a giggle and make sure her face did not show the slightest amusement knowing exactly who the artist was.
Thranduil placed a light hand over the painting, "I did." He said and finally looked at her. Celebrían smiled at him "It is very beautiful" Celebrían stated again.
Thranduil nodded and briskly walked away from the painting "now shall we continue," Thranduil said wanting to leave the room as soon as possible.
Celebrían let out a small giggled and replied "Of course my lord." Once Celebrían walked out of the room he couldn't help as his lips curled upward. He decided that Celebrían wasn't bad company, since he apparently found something in common. As they continued on their walk around the palace little by little Thranduil become more at ease with Celebrían as they talked more about paintings and their favorite things.
"This is the library," Thranduil opened tall sturdy double doors to reveal columns of books, sets of stairs and comfy chairs for reading or studying.
"This is wonderful," Celebrían's voice rang out as she walked through the library and into the nearest row of book shelves.
"I love reading, if I could I would read all day and night," She picked up one book and starting flipping the pages.
"What about you lord Thranduil?" She turned where Thranduil was, who immediately followed her when she walked in. "I do enjoy reading, but I mostly prefer to be outside listening to the trees, watching the animals, enjoying nature." Celebrían put the book back and took his arm. "Shall we go outside my lord?" She smiled brightly at him, and he returned the smile, "As you wish lady Celebrían."
It was in the late afternoon when they ventured outside to a nearby pasture with blooming wild flowers in all shapes and colors. When Celebrían saw the flowers her face lit up like the glowing sun, "this is wonderful." She bent down to inspect a flower and picked it and held it to her face as the scent tickled her nose. She giggled in delight as she threw the flower in the air and started twirling amongst the flowers.
Thranduil looked on trying to keep a straight face as he watch Celebrían act like the elfling he thought she was, but his eyes betrayed his amusement as she motion him to come to her. When Thranduil saw her signal he motion for her to continue her little game all by herself, not taking no for an answer she started to run towards him.
"Come my lord," she panted and grabbed his hand and pulling him to the middle of the pasture, "won't you join me?" She pleaded.
"Nay, my lady," he denied but a smile was on his lips the instant she looked at him with the most pleading blue eyes, and did not resists when he allowed himself to be pulled.
"I'm sure your father would have something to say if you got dirty," Thranduil pointed to her white dress that already had blades of grass and smudges on it.
"My father will say nothing of it I assure you," Celebrían leaped in the air and laughed as she encouraged him to come with her.
"Come on," Celebrían let go of his hand when they moved a little further and twirled stretching her arms out to the slowly setting sun. Though the sun was setting Thranduil could see that Celebrían seemed to have captured the light, as all around her was a golden warm glow. She looked toward and ran up to him again and captured his wrist and using all of her weight to start she starting spinning both of them. Thranduil held on tight to her as well and joined in the spinning as they picked up speed.
Celebrían threw her head back and laughed as the world swayed around them, and she looked across to see Thranduil laughing as well and had the biggest smile she seen since the afternoon they first arrived.
Finally feeling dizzy Celebrían let go of Thranduil, when Thranduil felt her release he let go of her and they both collapsed, the lush grass cushioned their fall. Celebrían held her sides as she laughed once again at their little fun. Having been on the road for so long, it felt good to stretch out all of her muscles and have a bit of fun.
When she calmed down she rolled on to her stomach and looked to Thranduil who was across from her. Her hand hovered over the flowers and she decided to pick one that she thought was most beautiful of all. It was white in the middle with its petals of the softest baby blue, she kiss the petal and looked to Thranduil who was sitting up. One leg was stretched out while the other was up as he rested his elbow on top of it. She walked the short distance and sat down next to him and jiggled the flower in front of his face.
"For you my lord," Thranduil looked to his left and saw the flower that Celebrían offered and took it without saying a word. He observed the flower and thought it beautiful amongst the masses of flowers they were sitting around.
After their recent events Celebrían felt the exhaustion hit her, she decided to rest for a moment by laying her head down on Thranduil's stretched out knee. After admiring the flower Thranduil looked down at Celebrían and smiled, he didn't want to disturb her at the moment and gently stroke her hair which Celebrían did not object to. As Thranduil mindlessly stroked her hair, he looked around his surroundings and listen to all that was around them. The soft breeze, whispers of the trees, and birds calling out to each other, watching the newly budding the flowers around them.
He looked around as all assortments of colors and different blooms of flowers caught his attention an idea came to him. He started to pick the flowers around him careful not to disturb Celebrían, as he picked, magenta, white, and purple, and he stretched a bit further to grab the same flower that was given to him. With all the gathered flowers he created a crown, and smiled at his handy work and hoped that Celebrían would like it.
Looking at the sun, he saw that it was a little over half way down and he knew that the evening meal would be served soon. He gently grasped Celebrían shoulder and shook it a little to which she responded by immediately sitting up. When she looked at him he could still see the sleep in her eyes though she desperately fought it when she smiled to bring brightness to her eyes when she looked at what was in his hands.
"For you my lady," Thranduil said as held out the crown to her.
"Oh lord Thranduil, it is beautiful." She took it in her hands, "it is more beautiful than, than." She tried to think of something to compare her gift to, but Thranduil spoke before she could say anymore.
"You are beautiful," he said as he took the crown from her gently placed the crown on her head, and with those words Celebrían for the first time felt shy as her cheeks flush.
"We should be going, or we will be missed at the evening meal," He stood up and held his hand out for her as they walked back.
Upon entering the palace and walking through the halls they came across their fathers, "Thranduil," Oropher and Thranduil approached him.
"I have been looking for you," his father stated.
"Enjoying the great outdoors no less," Celeborn said indicating to Celebrían flower crown.
"He is indeed your son Oropher." Celeborn joked, which earned him a slight glare that Celeborn dismissed. "They are back and safe and ready to eat I am sure," Celeborn continued, as he turned to make their walk to the dining hall.
"Actually," Celebrían light voice caught her father's ears as he looked at her questioningly. "I am feeling a little tired I would like to rest." Celebrían bowed her head feeling her face heat once again; she did not wish to offend Oropher with her absence at the evening meal.
"It is no trouble; I will have someone send something to you. Rest well my lady." Oropher smiled warmly at her.
"Ollo vea," Celeborn kissed her hand in farewell as he turned with Oropher to the dining hall. When their fathers walked away from them Celebrían turned to Thranduil.
"I enjoyed our day together, thank you for showing me around, lord Thranduil."
"I too enjoyed our time," Thranduil responded taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, "ollo vea," he repeated Celeborn's words.
Celebrían grinned at him as she turned the way to her resting chambers where a maid was showing her the way. Thranduil stared at her back, as a smile slowly formed his face, he thought he couldn't smile enough in one day. "Thranduil," his father's voice called him to attention and he realized that his father and Celeborn were waiting on him a few feet away. He started to walk toward them thinking about Celebrían and their day together, and he believed that he could bond with her elfling or not.
Thank you again for reading, please review and let me know what you think as well as any suggestions to help me improve.
There will be a part two of this chapter.
Ollo vea- Goodnight