Third Age, 2510
A maiden clad in black silk woven with silver stars came up behind Elladan and Elrohir, bowing before Elrond. 'My lord,' she said; 'my ladies are coming.'
Elrond nodded, and the twins took up their places on either side of
the two chairs. The master of the house stepped forward to the door as his
lady descended the long staircase. She was clothed in a soft blue gown with
trailing sleeves and a curling train, and leaned upon the arm of her
escort, clothed in grey with sombre quicksilver eyes and hair like the
shadows of the night. Elrond watched them, his heart constricting in untold
emotion. He stepped forward and took his lady's hand, and the weight of
supporting her was transferred from her escort's arm to his. He took his
place by her side with the grace of his foremothers' people, and led her
into the Hall of Fire, where her people awaited her on the night of her
last appearance as their mistress and their queen.
He could feel her trembling against him as they crossed the room, and
eased her smoothly into her chair, ensuring her comfort before seating
himself beside her. The one who had bathed and clothed her and plaited
sapphires into her hair knelt at CelebrÃan's feet, white hands folded into
her lap. With their sons on either side and their daughter before them,
Elrond gazed at his wife and felt himself tugged back into the past.
