Celebrian led them through the woods. Many of Sindar had bonds to the trees and earth. Celebrian's ties to nature were especially strong, and the trees, although strangers, still sang and chatted with her.
"A silver elf?"
"My Adar."
"Shadows threaten him. We led him to the oldest and wisest among us."
"Please, beloved light catchers, lead me there too."
"Over here. Turn left. Past the babbling brook. A stones throw from where it creeps underground." She followed and those who accompanied her silently wondered who or what it was that guided her steps. A flash of silver decorated the majestic green canopy. Presumably the body it belonged to was obscured by the Galadhrim's woven cloak.
"Adar!" She called again. But there was no reply. Glorfindel's keen warrior trained eyes caught a finer detail – the glint of a small tempered blade. He gently grasped Celebrian by the arm to caution her.
"Establish a secure perimeter, while the Lady and I collect the sleeping Lord." Glorfindel's order held both truth and lie. He felt it his duty to guard Lord Celeborn's privacy. Haldir and Orophin seemed to instinctively understand, for they quickly organized the others. Once the guards were out of earshot, Glorfindel questioned Celebrian.
"Have you treated any warriors who are suffering from the black breath or battle fatigue?" Her eyes widened as her stomach churned in fear and apprehension. She felt her beloved's steadying presence in her heart and wondered how such a nascent relationship could already be a source of such strength. Her eyes locked with Glorfindel's as she inquired with renewed calmness.
"My Adar?"
"He wandered from the camp after that final terrible battle in Mordor. Elrond and I cared for him."
"I did not know."
"Your Naneth did. He may not recognize you right away. He only appears to be sleeping. Who knows what evil he battles in his dreams? There is a dagger in his left hand."
"I will be cautious." Celebrian promised.
"We will be cautious." Glorfindel revised. "Let us approach from the neighboring tree. We will appear to be less of a threat that way." Celebrian nodded and gracefully ascended into the canopy. The Vanya was equally graceful in his climb. They quietly watched the Silver Lord from a distance. His skin was ashen and his eyes did not react to their presence. Periodic tremors shook his muscular frame. His sword arm hung limply at his side, and his left hand held a dagger at ready.
"Adar, hear my voice, come back to the light." Celebrian called, but Celeborn did not respond. She began to sing a tune from her childhood. It was one they would sing together when they went on their special walks. Slowly, Glorfindel and Celebrian swung into the branches of the oak that held her Adar. He seemed to focus slightly on his daughter and respond to the melody. She edged closer, her mere presence consuming his whole attention. It gave Glorfindel the opportunity to approach from the side.
"Adar will you not sing with me?" She edged closer, but stayed beyond the reach of the knife. The Golden warrior descended and simultaneously grabbed Celeborn's wrist, easily disarming him.
"Celebrian?" The silver lord's voice was hoarse, and his eyes were dull.
"Adar, I am here." She embraced him.
"Where?" Confusion was evident in his voice.
"We are in Arnor, in the forest that surrounds Amdil's estate." Glorfindel supplied. Awareness mixed with memory. The dark memories of the Nazgul and the uncertainty of their position solidified in a flash of anger.
"Celebrian, there is still danger here! You should not be here!" Celeborn countered as he tried to sort through the despair and confusion that clouded his thoughts. Celebrian opted for distraction.
"Can you hear Naneth? She will be worried. Tell her you are well. Tell her Haldir, Orophin, and Glorfindel are with you." The abashed look in Celeborn's eyes sent a stab of fear through her heart.
"You can not speak with her?" She hugged him tightly. He answered her with silence. The long pause made even Glorfindel worry.
"She is well. That I know." Celeborn finally whispered.
"Come, my Lord. We should return to camp. We will depart for Annúminas at first light."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
He could feel her fear and wished that he could send her all his love and strength. He closed his eyes and focused solely on their bond. An image sprang to mind of Celebrian at dusk deep in the woods. He could not make out the low hum of what she seemed to be saying to Glorfindel. The trees sang of worry.
"She will never be the demure wife." Elrond turned around in surprise to see Queen Muriel enter the room. For minutes, total silence enveloped them. Elrond finally whispered.
"I would never wish her to be. I am fortunate that her vivacious and assertive nature has blessed me with a chance to court her. I only wish to keep her safe."
"Safe is a cage. To be safe is to no longer be alive. Life is in itself dangerous, especially in these times."
"Was Imladris such a cage for you?" A long silence fell between them as Muriel met his gaze.
"You were always kind and generous. But I lost them. I lost all but Valandil." Muriel voice was quiet with sorrow. "What I would have given for a trip to see them – to share precious time together - however dangerous. Seven long years, they were away in Mordor. I would have risked it. We Dúnedain woman are not soft."
"But your son." Elrond's quiet voice conveyed his empathy with the boy. "He was just a babe, far too young for such a dangerous journey."
"Yes. I tended to my duty. But I will always regret."
"And yet now he is grown and set to rise to the Kingship." Elrond soothed. "He will be a wise and just ruler, and your people will prosper."
"We have much to thank you for."
"No thanks are necessary my Lady."
"Yet it was under your tutelage and mentoring that he developed. Will this treason not taint the very first days of his reign?"
"Do not fear. It is an opportunity for him to demonstrate his commitment to justice. A fair and open trial will do much to gain the people's trust and respect." Muriel signaled for the maids to set the refreshments on the table and then waited for them to depart. The peredhel's manners were impeccable. He gallantly tended to her chair and then chose the seat across from her.
"You have spoken to him on this? His first reaction was not to hold a trial."
"They threatened his Mother's life. You were poisoned. Could you expect any less?" Elrond paused. "We did analyze the options at length and he drew his own conclusions about how to handle the situation." He relayed some of the prior conversation with the Prince until a messenger interrupted them.
"My Queen." The guard bowed. Queen Irviniel of Gondor entered the room behind him. Elrond rose to bow and then helped to seat the other Queen.
"What news?" Muriel bade the messenger to speak.
"The boat has been sighted it should dock within the hour."
"Have they relayed any signals or messages?" Irviniel was anxious to hear word of her husband.
"None that I know."
"Thank you Hollis, you are dismissed." The Queen turned to Elrond. "Shall we arrange to meet them at the docks? Will you welcome back your betrothed?" She smiled at the blush that colored his cheeks.
"So many years of spent advising Kings, nobles, and healers not to mention establishing and leading Imladris!" She exclaimed. "It is not ironic that I am more knowledgeable in some areas than you?" Her low voice teased as they rose together. She cut in front of him, far closer than protocols dictated and snaked her arm through his.
"Can it be that after three thousands years, you are yet a novice in the ways of romance and love?"
"Queen Muriel, what shall your court say?" Elrond's voice was low and calm but his eyes betrayed the truth.
"Elven ladies must indeed be blind not to pay heed to one of such handsome visage and gentle heart." Irviniel laughed heartily and took his other arm. "To think no one has claimed you in three thousand years!"
"I doubt most elves would agree with your assessment. The doom that has ever hounded my line dissuaded most maidens."
"Elves must be indeed heartless to cause such a noble soul to question his worth." Muriel countered as Irviniel smiled indulgently. "Yet one maiden from Lothlórien is smitten."
"It is a blessing I am unworthy of. Yet I will forever cherish." Elrond sidestepped out of the two ladies grasps.
"Even if you are bidden to wait close to a yen until the wedding? I will have much time to select an appropriate wedding gift, although I doubt that I will be mobile enough to travel at such a great age." Muriel teased wryly as Elrond choked and Irviniel gasped. The wishes of Galadriel and Celeborn were not openly known.
"Her parents must have good reason." He stepped back to bow slightly and motioned the two towards the door. "Shall we not head to the docks to welcome our loved ones?"
Xxxxxxxxxx
Erestor stood with the Queen's guard, watching over his friend from a distance. The Númenórean Queen's familiarity, nay open doting over this famous peredhel ancestor was the focus of much hushed speculation among her court. It was a surprise to see the Gondorian Queen adopting a similar way of interacting with his Lord. Erestor and Cirulian had long argued over this unusual relationship, which held both advantages and disadvantages. Such close ties increase the likelihood that amiable trading relationships with both Arnor and Gondor would be easily secured. Yet, both worried that jealousy among the Queen's council could place their beloved friend in danger. Erestor for his part was much relieved to hear that the ship had been sighted. For, it meant that he would no longer be solely responsible for Elrond's security.
"What do you find so amusing?" Elrond easily read his friends thoughts. The comment gave him a moment's reprieve from the ladies' attention. It was time enough to allow the consummate warrior to slip from the pair's grasp. The royal guards from Gondor and Arnor were only too happy to fill in the vacated space, and they took their places by their respective Queens.
"What would Celebrian say?" Erestor teased, delighting in the blush that crept across his friend's face.
"We shall find out soon enough."
Xxxxxxxxxx
The boat had already entered the harbor when they arrived at the docks. Perhaps the wind could sense Elrond's impatience, for it was with them and helped to guide the boat to the docks in a mere twenty minutes.
"Glorfindel, what news?" Elrond sent out another mental call once they were closer.
"Elrond! Fear not, your beloved is well. Her stubborn Adar would claim that too. He smite that foul thing and his arm is yet numb. He has suffered under the black breath, though he would never admit it."
"Of course not! You also loath to disclose injury."
"Not this time, my friend. This time I am well. But others here, both men and elf, linger in dark dreams. We have two seriously injured. Physically, the others are mostly minor. Two men from Valandil's forces sustained sword wounds. The healers have are tending closely to them."
Celebrian held her Adar's hand to ward away the ill dreams. Haldir and Orophin were standing by the rail, watching the docking procedures. They were not pleased that she had left the safety of the palace. Besides none of their family had stayed with Rúmil. Celebrian sighed and turned to watch Glorfindel, who stood stoically beside her. She reached up and whispered in his ear.
"Is he well? Tell him Adar would not like the attention. Perhaps he can come to us last." Glorfindel nodded slightly. After a few minutes he slouched down on the bench beside Celebrian.
"Elrond is well." Glorfindel smiled. "He is waiting on the docks." As the boat edged closer, the wind died away, allowing the captain to readily angle and ease the boat in port to side. A gathering of civilians and eager guards were waiting on the shore. Two soldiers moved forward to catch and secure the spring lines. Queen Muriel joyously greeted them.
"Welcome back friends! Allies from Gondor and Imladris, we thank you for your aid in ridding Arnor of our enemies." The Queen's words were met by thunderous applause from those gathered. The peredhel moved with such stealth that Erestor was hard pressed to keep up as the elf lord slipped aboard the boat during the Queen's short speech. Indeed, it seemed to Erestor that people could not even see Elrond although the chief councilor's way was blocked and barred repeatedly. By the time he stepped aboard he was hard pressed to locate his charge. The very air around the vessel seemed oppressive, as the remnants of the dark breath plagued those aboard. Erestor closed his eyes and reached out with his senses. At that moment, the wind seemed to sweep away the darkness and a gentle soothing song swirled around them.
"These dark thoughts are not natural, they are weapons of the enemy. Do not believe its words that life is short and worthless." The familiar rich tenor soothed. "Life is precious. Its span long or short does not dictate what great deeds one can accomplish." The healing song that surrounded them sent spirits soaring.
"Care for one another in the coming weeks. Let no one who has experience the enemies darkness stay alone." Erestor concentrated on the song, allowing his consciousness to slowly and methodically zero in on its source. His feet obeyed and he found himself weaving in and around the returning soldiers until he stood a few feet from his Lord. He startled slightly when he saw Cirulian, Glorfindel, Orophin, and Haldir standing protectively around Elrond. The song continued and Erestor sighed peacefully as images of a picturesque garden appeared in his mind. It was indescribably beautiful, a burst with flowers of radiant colors and magical shapes. All too soon the song ended, leaving spirits buoyed but in want for more.
"Please escort all to the healing halls." Queen Muriel's voice rang out over the crowd. The ship slowly emptied.
"This way, my Lord." Haldir ventured but stopped short of touching the peredhel Lord on the shoulder. Few had experienced the pure, generous song of a true healer. Elrond shook his head, slightly disoriented from the effort. Such songs of power required much strength from the singer.
"It is good to see you." Glorfindel embraced him. "Come, I know a fair maiden and her Adar who will be happy to see you." Indeed, Celebrian's eyes lit with joy at their approach.
"Elrond," she whispered, still holding her Adar's hand. Their eyes met and in a glance the information conveyed.
"Are you well dear Celebrian?"
"Yes, beloved." His gentle hands tucked the stray silver strands behind the elegant ear. "Adar, shall we return to the palace?" She squeezed his left hand. The right one hung limply by his side.
"My Lord Celeborn," Elrond bowed slightly. "It is good to have you back safely." Cloudy azure eyes met silver.
"Yes, Elrond," his words came slowly. "Let us proceed back to the palace together." Elrond discretely ran his hands over the Sindar's torso and gently stopping on the affected limb. Warmth and healing flowed in a golden glow and the Galadhrim sighed softly. This peredhel had inherited much from his ancestor Melian.
"Thank you."
"No thanks are necessary." Elrond smiled slightly. "Come, it is time to enjoy a glass of miruvor together." The small group of elves slowly disembarked. Their numbers swelled as other Galadhrim, who were milling about in an effort to give their Lord privacy, joined them. All were cheered to see the great silver Lord walking steadily with his daughter and Imladris' Lord.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
"No dangers or unexpected surprises?" Cirulian eyed the councilor warily.
"No surprises." Erestor noted. "Our Lord was hard pressed to help the healers. I made him take some rest yesterday. Rúmil woke for a short while and seemed quite lucid."
"Excellent news." Glorfindel raised his glass. "I believe we deserve some rest and relaxation. Let us hope the unseemly events of this journey are all behind us."
"To peace." Erestor and Cirulian clinked glasses." A few doors away Celeborn was bristling over the unwanted attention from his daughter and the healer.
"Stop prodding me, peredhel! I just need some rest."
"Adar, Naneth would never forgive us if we did not make sure you were well." Celebrian laughed. "I will go prepare you something to eat."
"The staff here will bring something shortly." Elrond smiled.
"I do not mean to slight them, but not everyone is so open to sampling such pungent cheeses. I would choose a few of Adar's favorites." Her hand lingered in Elrond's, as if she were hesitant to let go. Once she was out of earshot, Celeborn turned angry eyes on the healer.
"How could you let her go into danger? Why did you not forbid it?" His rage was palpable. The once Herald of the High King did not react but continued to bath Celeborn's arm with the athelas water.
"Allow?" The healer's brow curled upward as a wry smile crossed his face. "She is not one of my soldiers, as she so reprimanded me. She is your daughter, Lord Celeborn."
"Reprimanded?" Celeborn's stunned voice repeated.
"And 'forbid'?" The healer's voice accented the word with Celeborn's own intonation. "Have you used that word successfully with your dear spouse?" Silence stretched for a moment before Celeborn's dry laughter sounded.
"Once. I forbid her from remaining in Eregion."
"Ah, so that was the dispute that had you so worried while you waited for them to arrive in the valley."
"She acknowledged eventually that I was in the right." Celeborn eyes crinkled in mirth. "Perhaps my daughter has inherited that stubborn streak from her Naneth.
"Yes and her Adar displays no such tendencies." Sarcasm dripped from the lines.
"Peredhel!" He growled. "Perhaps you are well matched after all."
"You doubted. Is that why the Lady bids us wait?" Elrond's voice wavered slightly as he voiced the question that he had wanted to ask for years. Celeborn studied the Peredhel Lord carefully. It was rare that Gil-Galad's named heir show any uncertainty. His next words were gentle.
"Nay, tis not the reason, Penneth. It is some fate she foresees, something she believes that this waiting time will prevent. Somehow, waiting until the kingdoms of this land have been rebuilt will keep you both safe from harm."
"Harm? What has she foreseen?"
"It unsettled her deeply, for she dared not voice it even to me. Darkness has ever threatened her family. We would try to shelter our daughter as much as possible. But do not fear. She sees a long and joyful match for you both."
