High Princes of Tirion
by Nemis

A/N: Hmm, I know some people have already complained about the whereabouts of certain characters. The problem is, there are scores of them, I have to be careful not to introduce too many. It's confusing (as this chapter will no doubt show). So we'll see who gets in and who doesn't.

Many thanks to kalurien, Gwilwileth and Joan Milligan, who proofread the chapter (as they usually do). *huggles them*

Danielle: Well, yes, it kind of was, wasn't it? *g* And thank you for the stamp of approval. You're not horrible... Stop coughing now! ;))

Margaretha Zelle: (o_0) I believe you (especially you), and I know. I just hadn't realised it. :)))

Everyone else who reviewed: thank you ever so much, and I'm glad you are all enjoying. Discontinue throwing boots already! :P

Hmm, I really don't know if there is something like chess in Middle-earth.

And that lady, they did sort of tell me who she was... But trust those Elves to be able to talk around it.

*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^

Chapter Six Visitors

*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^

Everything was quiet around them, and all that mattered were her hands on his face, softly caressing every once in a while. He knew he was very close to falling asleep, to giving in to the peacefulness surrounding him...

Then, suddenly, there was a chuckle and a loud cry and he felt something fall onto him, little arms around his neck and both Celebrían and Celebriníel laughing loudly.

Opening his eyelids Elrond was confronted with twinkling blue eyes, very close by, before his daughter planted a wet kiss against his cheek and he started tickling her, drawing long and ongoing giggles from her as she tried to tickle back.

Giving her some time to breathe, though she never stopped chortling, he placed an arm around her and locked her into an embrace.

Celebriníel gave up her struggle and rested against her father, meanwhile plucking a flower from between the grass and placing it in his hand before burying her face in the folds of his clothing.

Looking up, her eyes met Elrond's, and he grimaced, making her hide her face again, laughing, only to repeat the whole thing a moment later.

Watching her husband and daughter play this game of peek-a-boo, Celebrían smiled contently, running her hands through Elrond's dark hair. Still giggling, Celebriníel got onto her feet, running off again, and Elrond laughed softly.

Then he pushed himself up and turned. Looking at him, Celebrían was taken aback by the expression in his eyes.

'No, El-nîn,' she warned, nevertheless smiling broadly as he pinned her down beneath him. Giggling like her daughter as his fingers flew over her body, she half-heartedly tried to push him off, not succeeding.

With a triumphant cry, Celebriníel returned and started helping her mother, mostly hindering her father's movements by dropping on top of him and throwing her arms around his neck again.

Allowing himself to be overcome by the sudden joint effort, Elrond turned onto his back and surrendered.

'Stay, you two, or I shall go to Mandos laughing.'

His daughter draped herself over his chest and he rested his head on Celebrían's lap again. Elrond watched Celebriníel, who was momentarily preoccupied with a butterfly which had landed close by. He ran his fingers through the child's silver hair, not braided at present, though he was certain it had been this morning when they left the House.

Bending forward, his wife brushed her lips against his for a moment, the gaze in her eyes playful.

Catching his daughter with one arm, Elrond sat up again, guiding the girl down, and looked at Celebrían.

Without having to ask the question, he brought his hand to her face and kissed her properly.

They were happy, he knew. All of them. There was no need to ask.

Her fingers played with his ear and he smiled, catching the hand in question and pressing a kiss in the palm.

'Do not tempt me, melethril,' he smiled mischievously.

'I do not think I started tempting, melethron,' she returned innocently.

Suddenly, Celebriníel was up, and ran towards a figure that was hastily coming near.

'Rohir!' she cried excitedly, 'Ada, Nana, Rohir!'

It was indeed Elrohir that neared, his face alight with that familiar brightness.

'Celebriníel!' he exclaimed, mimicking her enthusiasm. 'I almost didn't recognise you, you have grown so fast!.'

Picking her up and receiving a firm embrace from his sister, he smiled at his parents.

'Mîrlinde and I arrived back from Tirion just now, and we brought some guests.'

Elrond frowned.

'You brought them, didn't you? Then you are their host.'

Celebrían squeezed his arm.

'Be nice, El-nîn.'

Elrohir smiled broadly.

'I shall be certain to relay that to the second Lord of the House of Finarfin and the second High Prince of the City.'

Sighing, Elrond rested his forehead on Celebrían's shoulder.

'Why not bring Manwë himself next time?'

Grinning, Elrohir released his sister and placed her upon her own feet again.

'I shall pass on the invitation, but he is usually very busy.'

He happily received his father's glare.

'Be gone, Elrohir.'

Loudly laughing, his son turned and swiftly disappeared down the hill.

Trailing her fingertips across his cheek, Celebrían laughed.

'Come, El-nîn, you shall enjoy seeing them.'

He sighed exaggeratedly, bringing his face up, begging for her lips.

'Faeg hên,' she whispered.

Celebriníel pulled her father's sleeve.

'Ada... House. 'Rohir.'

Looking at her, Elrond smiled.

'Very well, meluihên.'

Gathering her up in his arms, she rested a small arm around his neck.

Offering a hand, Elrond pulled Celebrían up and, fingers entwined, they began making their way back to the house.

--~~*~~--

'Not a good idea,' Ereinion warned as Elernil hesitantly made to move a piece across the board.

The boy intently watched the other pieces, until looking up, a glimmer appearing in his eyes. He silently moved a pawn and received a satisfied nod from the High Prince.

From afar voices became more apparent, and Elernil met his gaze again, searching for approval.

Ereinion nodded.

'Go.'

Jumping off the chair, the boy ran off, and from afar, Ereinion could hear Mîrlinde enthusiastically greet her son.

Then he discerned other voices. Elrohir's he could easily distinguish, but the others made him think for a moment.

Not Elrond, nor Elladan, he knew.

Thoughtfully he finally concentrated on the pieces scattered across the board.

'How many moves away is victory?' someone asked him suddenly.

'Seventeen,' he answered without wavering. 'My cousin has built up a good defence.'

'He was taught well. Both by his father as well as his grandfather, no doubt. And dare I say most likely by you as well?'

'Indeed.'

That voice had done the same as he had just done with Elernil, guiding him through a game, teaching him the intricacies of strategies. A long time ago; a different lifetime for the both of them.

For a moment he imagined he could smell the canvas of the tents at Hithlum.

That short time had been precious. And then he had been sent away.

'At the time, I wondered if you would ever truly forgive me.' the other Elf said.

'It was the right decision. I would have done the same.' he answered, folding his hands in front of him, leaning forward.

'So angry you were... Your mother wrote to me of it often.' the other continued, as if he were somehow confronted with a vivid memory.

'I was young and impressionable. I did not truly understand war then.'

A comforting hand was placed on his shoulder.

'Reset the board?'

'If you like,' Ereinion replied.

The Elf walked around him and took the seat where Elernil had sat a moment before. Ereinion watched him. He looked unchanged. Eerily unaffected by what had happened since their last meeting in Middle-earth. Then again, he had been told it was similar with him.

'Who did you bring?' he finally asked, opening the game by moving forward a pawn.

'Finrod,' the other responded, reacting to the onset of the attack. 'I heard you spoke with your grandfather when you were last in the City.'

'Naneth told you?' Perhaps there was no need to actually hear the reply. His mother would have.

'Of course.'

'I see.'

'He should not have done so yet, it was not intended to go like it went. I am sorry.'

Rising and leaving the game rather abruptly, Ereinion walked over to the other side of the library. The other Elf slowly rose and followed.

--~~*~~--

They were alike, Elernil thought, standing in the doorway observing them. Very much alike; both dark-haired, grey-eyed. He watched the High Prince and one of the two Elf-lords that had arrived with his parents this morning speaking in hushed tones.

On any other occasion he would have entered and listened quite openly, but somewhere inside him, there was a warning that this might not be the best of actions now.

It was evident Ereinion was upset about something. Somehow it frightened him, Elernil thought, because Ereinion was never cross. He was usually jesting, and telling stories. Not like this.

With bated breath he stayed where he was, trying to catch as much of the conversation as possible.

--~~*~~--

Below in the garden, Celebrían smiled as she made out the golden-haired Elf-lord standing amongst the various beds of flowers that grew there in abundance. He turned, most likely as observant of her as she had been of him.

'Suilad, niece,' he greeted her, before embracing her cheerfully. He looked at Elrond and grinned, catching his hand. 'Cousin.'

Elrond nodded with a smile at Finarfin's eldest son.

'Finrod, meet Celebriníel. Briníel, your great-uncle Finrod.'

Hiding her face a little against her father's neck, the little girl nevertheless offered a small hand.

Shaking it, Finrod gave her a beaming smile.

'Suilad, Celebriníel.'

Her voice was a whisper, but Elrond felt his heart jump nevertheless.

'Suilad...'

Moving some of her wavy hair behind her ear, Elrond placed a proud kiss upon her forehead.

'Well done, Briníel.'

She gave him a radiant smile and kissed him on the cheek. Then Elrond handed her over to Finrod, who gladly took her on his arm.

'How does Amarië, uncle?' Celebrían asked, causing Finrod to smile once more.

'Well, as does our son. And your parents?'

'Very well, dwelling in the Gardens of Lórien as ever.'

--~~*~~--

'I am sorry, I should have been there.' the Elf said. 'I was occupied in Aulë's Court. If I had received news earlier, I would have...'

Ereinion raised a hand.

'You did not know he had sent for me.'

'Your grandfather can be very predictable. I should have guessed.'

'Stop apologising, Adar.'

Fingon smiled.

'I will.'

'Did mother send you?'

'Well, not entirely. She informed me you had visited the City while I was away and that your conversation with Fingolfin had hit some chord it should not have. But the reason for being here is really your cousin.'

They stepped onto the balcony to see Finrod speak amiably with Celebrían and Elrond in the garden below. Celebriníel was seated on his arm.

Trying to shrug off most of his irritation, Ereinion managed a smile.

'Will the City not miss one of it's most important Lords? Not to mention High Prince...' he mused playfully.

Placing his hands behind his back, his father smiled.

'I will not tell if you do not. Besides, we shall not be staying long.'

The three elves and the elf-child made their way up to the library, where Celebriníel wriggled herself off of Finrod's arm. She ran up to Ereinion, who already anticipated the event and with a squeal of delight plunged into his awaiting arms, before burying her face in his clothing.

A smile appeared on Fingon's face.

'You should have told me your reason for staying here was a lady.'

His son grinned.

'When she stopped biting me all the time, we grew to be great friends, did we not, Briníel?'

With a broad smile she nodded, and there followed a unintelligible string of words.

Once finished, she glanced at Ereinion, who smiled and looked at his father.

'I believe she agrees, and tells you she is honoured to meet you.'

Celebriníel gave a soft touch to his face and then indicated she wished to be set down again, upon which she returned swiftly to her mother's side.

'Absolutely delightful,' Fingon said.

'When she sleeps, yes,' Ereinion replied, pursing his lips.

'And often not even then,' Elrond smiled, greeting Fingon and catching his hand for a moment. 'She shall be staying in her own room tonight. The first time.'

At that moment, Elrohir and Mîrlinde entered, pushing Elernil, who was still standing where he could not be seen, forward. They were closely followed by Glorfindel and Erestor.

Greeting both Finrod and Fingon, one of the conversations quickly turned to Tirion politics, the other, with Finrod and Celebrían, continued on the subject of family.

--~~*~~--

Elrohir had already found that many of the more prominent Elves holding high positions in Tirion's governing body were adamant to forming the best possible circle of councillors around them. He had also discovered most members of the House of Elrond were considered to be a great acquisition for such privy councils.

Both Glorfindel and Erestor had already been invited by Fingon as well as Finrod, but both had politely declined.

And yet, the youngest son of Elrond had not been unsusceptible when offered a more prominent position in the City.

During a quick visit to Tirion, after returning from the Gardens of Lórien, Fingolfin had invited him to sit in on a session with his private councillors.

It had left Elrohir determined to speak of it with his father.

He had heard of Ereinion's refusal to take up his own council, at least for the moment, it being rather a public secret, and had indicated to the High Prince he would much appreciate any input he would wish to offer also.

Observing his younger son's eagerness to discuss the subject in more detail than just the slight mention he had made of it during a short private exchange, Elrond gave Ereinion a beckoning nod.

The three moved to the balcony to discuss matters further.

As Elrond leant against the balustrade, and Ereinion sat down, Elrohir looked from one Elf-lord to the other.

'I wish to join, Adar.' he said earnestly, his eyes meeting his father's. Elrond nodded.

'Because I have no wish to, does not mean you should not accept Fingolfin's offer.'

Looking at Ereinion, Elrohir's eyes were questioning.

'I know it is little of my business, and urge you to inform me if you think I should hold my tongue, but if you were to enter into the political circles of Tirion, would you not prefer to have someone in your council who already knew its ways, so to speak?'

Loathe though he was to admit it, Ereinion knew his cousin was hitting upon something.

'If I were to enter, yes, I think it would be an advantage.' he said slowly, sitting back.

'Neither of you would hold it against me if I took the position, then?'

Elrond and Ereinion exchanged a quick glance before both smiling.

'We would not,' Ereinion said.

'Are Mîrlinde and Elernil to go with you to Tirion?' Elrond enquired on a more serious note.

'If Elernil had been older, I would have allowed him to take up his messenger duties for Ereinion, which would make the point moot, but at present, I believe I would rather let him and Mîrlinde stay here. Tis my largest dilemma to be truthful, for it is not the way of our people to live separate as a young family.'

'Tirion is merely two hours away,' Ereinion remarked.

'You of all people know how much two hours can make a difference,' Elrond said.

Laughing, the High Prince sat back.

'This is Tirion. Not Lindon or Imladris.'

--~~*~~--

Elladan and Aurehen had observed the arrival, as well as the meeting of the Lord and Lady of the House with the Lord Finrod in the garden.

Aurehen had enquired whether Elladan wished to return to the house to greet the visitors, but he had declined.

She had found it somewhat strange, since usually he was the first to take it upon him to act as host when his father was not present. His leaving those duties to Glorfindel and Erestor seemed out of the ordinary to her.

He did not seem to worry about it much. Taking her hand, he had guided her away, and they had walked into the direction of the water-run.

There they sat a while, close to each other, seeing the glittering of anar chase across the water.

All the while he had spoken little.

Pressing his lips against the bare skin of her neck Elladan softly whispered, his breath hot on her skin, making her shiver, but not of cold.

'I love you.'

Catching her hand he slipped her one of the silver rings he had carried with him for some months now. The other felt as if it burnt in his pocket.

Realising the right moment was most likely not going to come, he had decided to create it himself.

Thoughtlessly he played with the hem of a layer of her dress. It was made of a quite beautiful material, slightly transparent, throwing a hue of blue over the white dress she wore underneath.

Kissing her neck again, he could discern just that little touch of her personal scent that made him utterly content.

Elladan did not worry, as he felt her slightly touch upon his mind. There would be no decline.

He watched Aurehen's stormy eyes as she turned to look at his face, turning the ring in her fingers.

'How long have you carried this around?'

He smiled, running his fingers over her covered thigh.

'Ever since I returned from Tirion with Ereinion and Elernil.'

She seemed slightly surprised, gazing upon him.

'This is nearly three months.'

Reddening somewhat, he nodded, looking away and back again. Then he placed his hand on her cheekbone and guided her close to kiss her, first slowly, yet quickly allowing it to turn more fiery. He felt her fingers catch his collar, just before she released his lips, holding him close. Self-consciously, he smiled at her once more.

'I feel a curious attraction to your lips, you see...' he whispered, studying her features. 'And all I wish is for them to be close whenever I desire to press my own against them.'

Aurehen chuckled, blushing deeply, watching the serious grey eyes display a twinkle.

'So you have an entirely selfish reason, my Lord?'

'Yes,' he replied, almost at once. 'But it can be such a pleasant reason for the both of us, lady.'

Finding himself with the other ring in his hand, he caught Aurehen's and placed it on her index-finger. Holding her breath, she did the same.

Bending forward, his kissed her deeply, and felt her arms slip around his neck.

'A pleasant reason indeed, Elladan,' she whispered against his lips.

It was only after a long while that they left the waterside and returned to the house, there sharing their happy news with the rest of the residents.

--~~*~~--

They stood watching from the doorway, as the little girl turned from her back onto her belly in her sleep.

Most of their guests had gone off to their rooms, or were having some final conversations before finding their beds.

Dinner had been quite amusing, with Glorfindel and Ereinion being up to their usual whimsicalness, especially after Elladan and Aurehen had announced their betrothal.

Celebriníel had been taken to bed earlier, but it was only now that she finally slept.

'We can leave her now, I think.' Elrond whispered, catching Celebrían's hand.

Not allowing him to pull her with him just yet, she rested her hand against the doorpost.

'A little while longer, Elrond.'

'No,' he spoke softly, pressing against her from behind. 'You shall come with me...'

Placing a hand on her abdomen he pulled her away and softly closed the door with his free hand.

Holding back her hair he brought his lips to her ear.

'Imagine we shall have the bedroom all to ourselves now.'

'Hmm,' she replied, turning in his arms. 'You pretend you did not like the library and your study.'

With a chuckle Elrond pulled her even closer.

'I like the library... I like my study...' Gently he teased her lips with his. 'I just prefer the bed.'

Then he finally claimed her lips passionately, and Celebrían allowed him entrance at once, his tongue finding hers and making her desire surge in her belly.

'May I remind you the library is a public place,' came a voice from behind, 'as is this hallway.'

Ereinion strode by, raising an eyebrow as he passed.

'Walk fast, Ereinion.' Elrond advised him under his breath, not taking his eyes off of his wife. 'Or I shall restrict the hallway.'

'I'm going,' the High Prince chuckled. 'But I warn you, Elernil is still around somewhere.'

Elrond grinned down at Celebrían.

'Bedroom?'

'Bedroom it is.'

Limbs entwined, they lay so for a long time after their breaths had slowed back to normal.

Elrond played with her hair, softly humming some tune or other.

Trailing a finger over his chest, Celebrían smiled at him.

'It is strange... I never thought I could be happier than I was this morning, but I am.'

Giving her a smug smile, Elrond nodded.

'I tend to have that effect on you.'

'You do?' Celebrían asked, trying to act surprised.

'Of course,' he replied.

'I am glad you tell me these things,' she said, looking at him innocently.

He smiled.

'Celebrían?'

'Elrond?'

'Be quiet and kiss me.'

*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^

melethril: lover (female)

melethron: lover (male)

meluihên: lovely-child

Ada/Adar: daddy/father

Nana/Naneth: mommy/mother

Faeg hên: poor child

Hithlum: The misty, grey land held by Fingolfin and his people to the north of Beleriand, fenced by the Ered Wethrin mountain range (encyclopaedia of Arda)

Suilad: greeting

Finrod is of course Finarfin's eldest son (Galadriel's brother) and Fingon is Fingolfin's son (and in this case, also Gil-galad's father).

Amarië: beloved of Finrod, who remained in Valinor (their son is not canonical, mind you)

*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^*~^