High Princes of Tirion
by Nemis
My eternal gratefulness to Klose, because of the review-athon. *bows* *throws over many chocolate elfies* :D
LaJiggles: *fears you blowing up stuff and singing show tunes (especially loud and off key)* ;)
Fiona Rayne: I want to stress that you shouldn't do what the elfies do at home. Well, the climbing-ivy-part anyway. *cough* ;)
kalurien: *bows* You know I'm drawing this out just to tease you, don't you? ;P *huggles you* My thanks as always for the support. :)
Alena: I am taking my time (the pace of the story has suddenly slowed down a hundredfold, I fear), but do forgive me. I'm having too much fun. ;)
Earonn: I think the ivy plants in Tirion are used to some climbing. ;) Sadly I was not able to stop Elrond and Celebrían doing... uhm... bodily things, this chapter. *looks innocent*
My thanks go to everyone else, as always, Emmica, Lalaith, freak of nature, Losseniaiel, Lady Celebwen, Arabella Thorne, angelyami, SperryDee, Ponytail Goddess, Pulsarkat, Mara, Sphinx, Rose Red, Escapistone, Silindro, and Elarin! (as well as you lurkers out there)
My humbles apologies for taking so long (it seems to be becoming a habit).
I also want to thank the people who are (still)
reviewing A Tale of Elrond and Celebrían,
especially jojo and Isis.
And those who nominated it for the Mithril Awards. You
have no idea what it means to me. *huggles you all*
For Isis, because she poked me away from other writing to finally get this done. *huggles* Und Lass dich nicht unterkriegen!
A bit of R at the beginning, more romancy stuff at the end.
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Chapter Thirty-Three Falling into Place
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Elrond had spent some time awake already, staring at the ceiling and pondering the coming day when he felt Celebrían stir beside him. She turned and moved closer, hiding her face against him, resting a hand on his chest. Warm lips against his skin chased the last of his gloomy thoughts away.
'I think I must rise in not too long a while,' she told him softly, eyes closed.
'Ah, do not leave yet,' he whispered into her hair, securing an arm around her.
The silver-haired lady chuckled and moved closer.
'It is not difficult to recall times when I asked you the same,' she said against his lips, shortly before meeting them in a kiss.
'Personally, I would rather recall moments in which neither of us had to leave,' Elrond replied when he was able to.
With a smile Celebrían rested her head on his chest.
'We have been lucky to have had so many of those moments the past years.'
Slowly moving his fingers through her hair, following the edge of her ear, he nodded.
'I am spoiled forever.'
She smiled and quietly kissed him again.
'Will you accompany us to the library?'
As his fingers continued to comb through her silver tresses, Elrond considered it.
'I believe,' he finally whispered, 'that I shall let you and Briníel go together. And you and I can go at a later time.'
'Very well,' she conceded, and he felt her breath tickle his skin, causing his entire body to react.
'Ai, Celebrían, I fear one thing.'
Raising her head to meet his eyes she raised an eyebrow.
'And what is this, meleth-nîn?'
Suddenly she could not disregard his hand on her side, slowly descending from her waist and travelling further down.
'You shall be in that library, and you will do what you always did in my libraries, forget about your poor husband.'
He listened to her laughter as his hand slipped underneath her clothing. His touch quickly turned less innocent, but she pushed herself up, out of his reach, and looked down on him, blue eyes twinkling.
'In that regard the Lord and Lady of Imladris were much alike, methinks. You shall have to make very certain I do not forget you, husband.'
Her nimble fingers touched the light garment she was wearing and caught it, pulling it over her head with a simple movement.
Swallowing, Elrond pushed himself up as well.
'I shall make very certain.'
She pressed her mouth against his and pushed him back, arm around his neck, surrendering breath in anticipation of another physical merging. Lips locked, Elrond easily gave in to her, turning her onto her back and sinking into her not much later, losing himself in her warmth and mind, moving his hips against hers languidly.
Celebrían drew him closer, pressing her lips against his neck, chuckling at his delighted groans.
'Ai, melethril,' he said hoarsely, rolling his hips deftly, increasing pace. 'You will undo me.'
Pressing her thighs against him, Celebrían smiled.
'That was my intention, El-nîn.'
Elrond chuckled and brought his lips to her ear, whispering endearments often spoken between them. They made her stomach flutter, bringing back the feeling she had experienced when they had only recently turned lovers. Throwing back her head, she arched her back to increase the movements of her hips with his.
They had only had eyes for each other at the time, had always been so very close, body and mind. It had taken her a while to realise he was also the tall Elf-lord of whom was spoken in songs and stories, wise and hale, infinitely impressive, one of the mightiest of the Eldar still remaining in Middle-earth. It was as if she had forgotten that he was all that also, and not simply Elrond, her lover and husband, her friend alone.
It stood in stark contrast with how she had experienced their early days together here on Aman, when both their insecurities had troubled them, when Elrond's healing had gone slowly, almost painfully. He had been quiet and serious, and it had been easy to see in him the imposing elf-lord for whom lore seemed so much more important. Easy to realise he was all those things, descendant of Melian, Elrond Peredhil, Elrond Eärendilion, wise Master Elrond...
Suddenly his voice called her attention back to the present despite its softness, his breath coming in bursts, fire inside flaming wildly.
'Minui Elrond, hervenn a Celebrían.'
Locking eyes, she merely watched him a moment before kissing him urgently and pulling him closer, clinging desperately to him. And he did the same, allowing it to sweep him away, pulling her along, entirely one, uncertain, but also not caring where he ended and she began.
That was how it was now, and it was as it should be. The past was not to haunt them any longer.
--~~*~~--
Hand in hand they descended the stairs not long after, finding Mîrlinde and Celebriníel at the breakfast table. Both Elrohir and Elernil had already departed. Observing the blush on his daughter's cheeks Elrond chose not to mention it and simply kissed her on the head before seating himself next to Celebrían, who had already started a conversation with Mîrlinde on the impending visit to the Great Library.
'You are nervous, meluihên?' he asked his daughter quietly.
She smiled at him.
'Perhaps I am, a little. My night was restless.'
'I would not worry,' he told her reassuringly. As soon as you have Ereinion by your side, you shall no doubt forget about any worries you have now. 'Enjoy your visit to the library; it shall take your mind of matters.'
'No doubt,' she grinned, and he gave her a quick wink, realising all too well any child of Celebrían and himself was likely to be comfortable in a library.
Breakfast went by in comfortable conversation, and mother and daughter announced their departure, effectively leaving Elrond and Mîrlinde at the breakfast table with the promise they would return before noon so they could continue on to the Council halls together.
Elrond sat back and folded his hands before meeting Mîrlinde's eyes; she appeared to be avoiding him purposely.
'You have no wish to speak to me of it?'
She stared at him a moment, surprise clearly visible on her face.
'It is so obvious?'
With a smile Elrond rose and offered her his arm as he made for an exit leading into the garden.
'I was not certain last night, but I did notice my son's deep contemplation,' he said, holding a door for her. 'And I did also observe your discomfort just now.'
'You were always too perceptive, Master Elrond,' she smiled at him, though her eyes remained serious.
They had known each other when he had still been in Middle-earth, she had been born a century after Celebrían's departure. At the time, he had noticed the deep friendship that developed between the young Elf-lady and his youngest son. But only much later had he realised how much Elrohir depended on her, though the news of their union had not surprised him when it had reached him on Aman.
'Celebrían once called it one of my many vices,' he replied with a chuckle, placing a comforting hand on her arm.
She shook her head.
'I think in combination with wisdom it is not a vice, exactly.'
He smiled and averted his gaze.
'I am vain enough already, lady, without you complimenting me so. If I can help in any way, I will gladly do so.'
Mîrlinde swallowed and stared into the distance.
'I am uncertain whether we are not merely parents worrying over matters that are not worth being troubled over.'
Elrond made an understanding gesture.
'I have recently found that it is only too easy to worry where there is little need to.'
She nodded contemplatively.
'Perhaps you would observe Elernil, and reassure me there is no need to worry.'
Smiling, Elrond bowed his head.
'In turn, I believe I shall ask the same of you.'
Mîrlinde halted upon reaching a bench underneath an ancient oak.
'I have not seen anything to indicate Ereinion's feelings for Celebriníel are in any way dishonest.'
The smile on Elrond's lips weakened slightly as he watched her sit down.
'I would not dare doubt his honesty. It is, perhaps, more a fear on my side that they will be confronted with sides of him, matters from Ereinion's past, which they will be unable to deal with.'
He met her eyes and found more understanding in them than he had expected.
'You are aware there are quite some years between Elrohir and myself, my Lord, much as there are years between you and your wife. I do not deny that Ereinion and Celebriníel are in an entirely different situation, but I do wish to say that perhaps those years do not matter, and that even if they do, they shall learn to cope with them, in their own way, as Elrohir and I have, as you and the Lady Celebrían no doubt have.'
There was no way he could deny the truth in those words. There were fewer years between him and Celebrían than there were between Mîrlinde and Elrohir, but it was a trivial point to make. Still standing, he gazed down at her and shook his head with a smile.
'As I have found Celebrían often wiser than myself, I find my son has chosen a lady well able to preserve him from foolishness. You are wise, my lady, and most likely correct.'
She smiled.
'Now it is you who flatter me, Master Elrond.'
'Not inappropriately so, I dare say.'
She rose and bowed her head, her entire demeanour more at ease than before.
'I will trust your judgement.'
Elrond bowed his head in reply, catching her hand and shaking it gently.
'I will keep an eye on him.'
'Thank you.'
--~~*~~--
Celebrían pulled her daughter's arm through hers as they crossed the bustling streets of Tirion on their way back to Elrohir's house. The coming week would be one of festivities, and Tirion's inhabitants were all busy with the last preparations, the atmosphere everywhere one of laughter and cheerfulness. With great discipline she had managed to pull herself away from discussion and books of lore to be able to return to Elrohir's house, and subsequently the Council, at a decent time.
Celebriníel rested her head against her mother's shoulder a moment.
'I am so nervous... So very afraid I shall do something terribly embarrassing. What if they do not like me? What if Ereinion realises I am not suited for this? I know it is silly, Nana, but I cannot keep those thoughts away.'
Gently squeezing her daughter's arm, Celebrían smiled. Her daughter had been uneasy in the library, and she had suspected the Council to be the reason for this.
'I felt similarly when I became Lady of Imladris,' she told her daughter, 'suddenly having to step forward to stand beside your father was no small matter. As for embarrassing moments, I had quite my share of those even when I was many years older than you are now. No one remembers, except perhaps your father, and he only does so because he found them so terribly amusing. You must not worry, meluihên.'
'I know...' Celebriníel whispered, bowing her head. 'But still.'
'Oh come here, you silly girl,' Celebrían chuckled, and caught Celebriníel in her arms as they halted. The younger lady buried her face in her mother's clothing. Stroking her hair, Celebrían shook her head. 'Ereinion... well, I somehow suspect you are quite aware of his feelings towards you.'
Blushing and looking up, Celebriníel managed a smile.
'Yes.'
'You know how he dislikes the exposure he has as a High Prince. If anyone understands your apprehension, it would be him.'
'I suppose so.'
'And remember that there are not many in Tirion who are at this point aware of what exactly is between the two of you. As far as they are concerned, you are merely visiting the great library, and perhaps a friend of your father's. There are few who shall think otherwise.'
With a sigh Celebriníel released her mother and they continued on their way.
'You are aware your father is very nervous about all this is well?' Celebrían offered.
'No,' Celebriníel said with a raised eyebrow. 'If so, he does not show it.'
'Your father is very good at hiding what he truly thinks and feels sometimes,' Celebrían smiled. 'But he is possibly as anxious about visiting the Council as you are. For both your sakes, I think.'
'Why would he be nervous for himself?'
Looking out before her, Celebrían seemed to contemplate her answer.
'When he arrived on Aman, he was troubled by many things. Middle-earth clung to him, you see, as it does to most who have lived there for a long time. Your sister's choice was hard for us to deal with... He had lost his feeling of purpose and had to recover it. Many times he was invited to join the Council, but he always declined. In a way he fears that this was not the right choice, and that at some point he will find out that indeed it was an error not to join.'
'What do you think?'
'I think your father knows himself better than he believes he does. The Council would not give him the kind of purpose he is looking for.'
'What would?' Celebriníel whispered, meeting her mother's eyes.
Celebrían smiled mysteriously.
'He called Imloth purpose once. And once he had found Imloth, everything went from there.'
Celebriníel pondered that as they entered the gates of the house, finding her father sitting on a bench, apparently having spent the morning in the garden. Elrond caught Celebrían's hand and kissed her with a smile as she sat down beside him. If there was any nervousness in him, Celebriníel was not able to recognise it as such.
He looked up at her and extended a hand.
'Did you enjoy it, meluihên?'
She returned her father's beaming smile weakly as she sat down as well. Celebrían answered for her.
'She is nervous.'
Shaking his head shortly, Elrond touched her cheek.
'Whatever for?'
'I am being silly,' she admitted.
'Not silly,' he returned, taking a white flower and putting it in her hair. 'Just not yet aware of what truly matters.'
Gratefully she allowed him to pull her into his arms.
'Thank you, Ada,' she whispered against his shoulder.
She felt him shake his head.
'There is no need, Briníel.'
As they both withdrew, Elrond met her eyes a moment, conveying so many things at once; she could not help but smile also.
Looking back at Celebrían, Elrond nodded.
'I shall go and ask Mîrlinde if she is ready, and we shall go.'
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As he stood listening to some final deliberations of two fellow councillors about matters that had now been postponed, Ereinion continued to scan the hall for newcomers, his heart jumped each and every time he saw anything that even mildly resembled a glimmer of silver hair. He suddenly recognised Nerdanel in the crowd that had started to spread itself over the large hall. As she moved past some elves, he could not help smiling as he saw the small boy who walked timidly at her side.
Celebrimbor noticed him at almost the same time and laughed as he let go of the Elf-lady's hand and sped across the marble floor, throwing himself into Ereinion's awaiting arms.
'I thought you were not here,' he whispered softly, locking his arms around the High Prince's neck.
'I would never have asked you and your Daernaneth to come if I was not going to attend, would I?' he returned as he held the small boy close.
'No.'
Tickling him a little, Ereinion finally settled him on his arm and greeted Nerdanel, who had reached them.
'I am glad you came.'
She nodded thoughtfully.
'You know how I worry for his sake.'
Smiling comfortingly, Ereinion patted Celebrimbor's small chest, making the boy giggle.
'There is no need.'
'For which I am grateful to you.'
He inclined his head with a serious expression.
'I failed him once. It will not happen again.'
Breathing deeply, Nerdanel scanned their surroundings and changed the subject.
'Elrond and Celebrían have not yet arrived?'
He shook his head.
'Not yet, but no doubt they shall be here soon.'
The Elf-lady gave him an amused look.
'No doubt.'
Ereinion chuckled knowingly and turned to Celebrimbor again.
'Tell your Daernaneth to stop teasing me.'
'Nooo,' the elfling replied with a giggle.
'No?' he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Celebrimbor shook his head and pressed his lips together as if to stress he would do no such thing.
'Well, so much for your help,' Ereinion replied, pretending slight offence. 'I suppose I shall not introduce you to her then.'
'Who?' Celebrimbor asked curiously.
'Oh, no one, a lady,' Ereinion replied offhandedly.
'Your lady?' the boy tried inquisitively.
'I doubt you would be interested.'
'I am!' Celebrimbor protested. 'Is she beautiful?'
Lifting him up in the air Ereinion laughed and gave him a wink.
'I believe you shall like her.'
It was a while later; Nerdanel and Celebrimbor had gone to speak with his parents, that a well-known voice reached Ereinion's ears. He still stood near the same group of council members as before, listening to their conversation initially, but his mind had simply been somewhere else, he had not been able to participate in their seemingly ever-continuing debate. Turning to give a short nod to indicate he was leaving them to it, he strode towards the centre of the hall. There, he simply stood; hands behind his back, watching Elrond, whose voice he had immediately recognised, introduce Celebriníel to someone.
None of them had noticed him yet, and as he stood a little removed, simply observing, he was glad for it. Celebriníel was dressed in a bluish grey, her silver hair loosely braided and adorned with several white flowers.
Watching her smile, exchanging some words of greeting, he considered how obvious it had to be he loved her to everyone. For here he stood, in the middle of the hall, undeniably staring at her. Yet, when he looked around, no one seemed to pay particular attention to him.
Feeling someone nudge his shoulder, he looked beside him and found Glorfindel broadly smiling.
'She seems nervous.'
Having expected some jest, Ereinion had to adjust to the observation his friend had made.
'Nervous?'
'Truly, Ereinion, this is quite an occasion for her.'
He nodded.
'Yes, yes, of course.'
'Well?'
The High Prince looked at him questioningly.
'Well what?'
Raising his eyebrows meaningfully, Glorfindel nodded into Celebriníel's direction. Ereinion followed his gaze and reddened up to his ears.
'Certainly, I'll go.'
'Anytime soon?'
'Be quiet, Glorfindel.'
Leaving the Elf-lord chuckling, Ereinion made his way over.
Elrond was the first to take notice of him and Ereinion was adamant not to let any of his uncertainties show as he met his friend's eyes. He was relieved to be greeted with a smile and extended arms. Catching them, Elrond pulled him into an embrace.
'Meldir.'
Withdrawing, Ereinion smiled.
'Who would have thought it? You, here.'
'Indeed,' Elrond replied with a grin. 'Merely visiting, I assure you.'
They both smiled knowingly, and Ereinion went on to catch Celebrían's hand, even though his eyes had already found Celebriníel's.
'Lady,' he managed to whisper, as he released Celebrían and caught her daughter's hand instead.
'My lord,' she replied, smiling up at him, a blush rapidly appearing on her cheeks.
Keeping himself from entwining his fingers with hers, or touching his lips to her hand, he simply stared at her.
'You have flowers in your hair.'
'Yes,' she smiled broadly. 'My father's idea.'
He cupped one of the blooms in his hand, and then brought his face closer to catch its scent. Celebriníel blushed even more vehemently.
'Ereinion...'
'What?' he replied with a grin, looking down at her. 'Did you not recently tell me, in a rather similar situation to continue breathing? I advise you to do the same, presently.'
Taking a deep breath to keep herself from laughing out loud, Celebriníel gave him an amused but disbelieving look.
'I cannot believe you said that.'
He grinned smugly.
'I cannot believe you are truly here.'
Glorfindel had crossed his arms and was amusedly watching Ereinion and Celebriníel forgetting the rest of Tirion, as an Elf came up beside him, observing the same scene.
'Glorfindel?'
The golden-haired Elf-lord looked at the Elf beside him.
'My Lord?'
'You must assist me in a small matter.'
'Of course.'
'At this very moment, right across the hall from us, they have only recently entered, Elrond and Celebrían, unless I am very much mistaken?'
'You are not mistaken.'
'Silver-haired young lady, their daughter Celebriníel?'
Glorfindel made an affirmative gesture. The other Elf studied the group which stood a little removed.
'Now, it could very well be me engaging in the largest blunder I have yet made in this lifetime, but that dark-haired Elf-lord that stands with the young lady, apparently so interested in her hair?'
Managing with extreme effort to keep his face straight, Glorfindel cleared his throat.
'I see who you mean, my lord.'
The Elf bit his lip mock-pensively.
'Is he not my son?'
Pressing his lips together a moment, Glorfindel was finally able to mumble an answer.
'I do believe he is.'
Fingon nodded.
'For a moment I was truly doubting my senses. I am grateful for your assistance.'
'Do not mention it, my lord.'
Still unaware of those watching, Ereinion and Celebriníel only had eyes for each other. Clearing his throat, Elrond indicated to Ereinion he should at least pretend to notice the rest of the hall, and the High Prince quickly offered his arm to Celebriníel.
'I suppose we should act as if we are conversing about normal matters.'
She nodded with a smile.
'It would be best.'
Changing his tone to a more general one, Ereinion slowly guided her into the hall.
'I heard you visited the library, my lady?'
She nodded with a smile.
'With my mother, I did.'
Ereinion smiled obligingly, but there was something in his eyes when he met Celebriníel's that made her believe they were involved in a kind of private joke.
'I was unaware you had an interest in linguistics. Esvalgor told me of your visit a moment ago and seemed very amused.'
Deciding to play along, Celebriníel turned serious as well.
'It is very curious how modern Sindarin evolved. Discussing how much Quenya has possibly influenced it is very interesting.'
'No doubt Master Esvalgor gave you an extensive explanation of his theory that one day Aman shall have a common language, without the divisions now made between the Elvish languages that are spoken here?'
'Yes, he did indeed. The amount of data he has collected to support his theory is staggering.'
'He has had the time,' Ereinion said with a wink.
'My mother disagrees with him though,' Celebriníel commented.
'She does?'
'There are certain standards that have to be met before languages can simply merge, she has studied the Mannish languages enough to have seen it happen before. It will not happen here, she thinks.'
'Hmm,' Ereinion mused. 'I often wonder if either Sindarin or Quenya will simply disappear after a long time. Not very likely either.'
Celebriníel nodded. 'You speak Quenya in councils?'
'Sometimes, yes. Official documents tend to be in Quenya, but it seems to be a practise which is slowly declining. And it does not truly matter; all speak both languages, if not more. It is the upside of having a council which consists of Wise Loremasters. Though I do suspect some of my fellow council members take a particular delight in commenting in Quenya when the speaker is addressing them in Sindarin...'
While talking, he appeared to have located someone on the other end of the hall, but did not seem pleased.
'Is something wrong?' Celebriníel asked softly.
'I am wondering whether I would wish you to meet... Perhaps we should wait until later. Join me in the garden?' he whispered, catching her hand, his eyes still on the other side of the hall, from where someone appeared to be waving at them.
Waiting for her consenting nod, he pulled her along, crossing the hall quickly and slipping outside through large glass doors.
Ereinion listened to Celebriníel's soft chuckle as they descended the stone steps into the salubrious green below.
They had not been alone in leaving the crowded hall, were not the first who had moved outside, but still the gardens seemed different, as if the politics of inside were not allowed to be taken out here. Ereinion knew where to go, leading the way underneath the overgrown pathways into a quiet part of the garden. There they dropped themselves onto the grass beneath a large tree.
Celebriníel laughed.
'Who are we fleeing from?'
Smiling, folding his legs underneath him, he played with the hem of her dress.
'I was not quite ready to meet my mother's scrutinising gaze yet.'
Seriously she looked at him.
'No?'
'No.'
Again she laughed.
'You shall have to meet it in not too long a while though, I believe.'
All too well aware of the truth in her words, Ereinion raised an amused eyebrow. He realised he was being unkind to his mother, hiding from her, all the while well aware Celebriníel's presence at his side had to delight her.
Placing a hand on his knee, Celebriníel shook her head. 'It is merely strange to think of you, sitting in the gardens of houses, avoiding your mother. And you make for a rich sight in the grass, council attire and all.'
'I would not mind making it a habit, sitting in gardens with you,' he grinned, stretching out a hand to touch her cheek. Catching it, and pressing her lips against the palm, Celebriníel met his eyes.
'Is it not strange that inside, we are afraid to brush by each other too closely, while here it does not seem to matter, even though probably the same people can see us?'
'Many of Tirion's halls make me feel that way, as if there can be nothing but duty and seriousness in them.' Ereinion touched her hair and let a strand of silver slip through his fingers. 'Perhaps that is exactly why there are so many gardens.'
He watched Celebriníel move closer, perhaps too close. Even if it was so, he remained silent, staying where he was. And instead of moving away, she stayed as well, bowing her head before looking back up at him. Catching her hand, he felt her rest her head against his shoulder. She was comfortably warm, and he was amazed at the peacefulness, the fact that nothing mattered now. Just the two of them, here, now.
'I plan to go to the library again tomorrow,' Celebriníel whispered.
'I could come,' he replied, as he rested his head against hers.
Her fingers followed his hand, the knuckles, slipping between his fingers, exploring.
'If you have time.'
Ereinion nodded.
'I shall make time.'
She looked up at him, so very close, and he swallowed, before closing the distance between his lips and hers. He felt her lips open for him, joining in the fevered kiss, her hot tongue meeting his as her hand moved to his cheek. She softly moaned and he placed a hand on her waist to pull her closer still.
An excited holler reached their ears at the exact same moment and they moved apart guiltily, both their faces aflame.
'Ereinion!' A small body threw itself into Ereinion's lap and squealed happily. 'Your Adar said I was to find you.'
Swallowing dryly Ereinion cleared his throat.
'Did he now?'
Celebrimbor nodded.
'Yes.'
Glimmering eyes went over to Celebriníel and the elfling smiled at her, then turned back to Ereinion.
'She is very pretty.'
Caught up in a sudden choking-fit, Ereinion closed his eyes and took a while before meeting Celebriníel's again, hearing her laugh together with the boy sitting in his lap.
'Brimbor, meet Celebriníel. Briníel, meet Celebrimbor.'
'Suilad, Celebrimbor,' she smiled, meeting Ereinion's eyes before extending a hand. The boy met it eagerly.
'Suilad.'
He then looked up at Ereinion again.
'I had to tell you that you were soon to leave to have lunch.'
'I understand.'
Grinning mischievously, the boy pushed himself up and looked down at the two others.
'Are you married?'
Ereinion rose as well, extending a hand to Celebriníel and helping her up.
'No.'
Dancing in front of them as they began walking back, Celebrimbor met Ereinion's eyes.
'Betrothed?'
'Not yet.'
'Will you be soon?'
Looking at Celebriníel, who smiled and blushed, Ereinion grinned.
'Perhaps.'
'Can I come?'
'Only if you promise to be a nice, behaved elfling.'
'Do I have to?'
'Yes...'
Exacting some pressure on Ereinion's hand, which she had not released since he had offered it to her while helping her up, Celebriníel met her lover's eyes. He shook his head with a smile. Then, suddenly, there emerged a mischievous look in his eyes and he halted, pulling her close and finding her lips again as his arm slipped around her waist.
Celebrimbor turned and stared at them, then wrinkled his nose.
'Eeew...'
Celebriníel could not help smiling against Ereinion's lips as she felt the High Prince quietly laugh as well. Celebrimbor sighed and shook his head. 'You will have to get married very soon now...'
He was wise enough to run off giggling before Ereinion could catch him.
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Minui Elrond, hervenn a Celebrían: Firstly Elrond, husband of Celebrían.
Esvalgor = it's what you get when filling in 'scholar' at the barrowdowns.com name generator and fiddling around with it a bit
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