"I really don't see why we have to study inside on such a beautiful day!"
Luthien gave a long-suffering sigh and looked hopefully at her cousin and tutor.
"Luthien, you know very well that the moment we go outside you wander off to follow the-"
"I promise I won't Celeborn! Please? Just today?" Luthien's pleading blue eyes and forever-messy mop of chestnut hair was too much for Celeborn.
"Alright, I give in, but if you lose your concentration and I get in trouble, you will have no more lessons with sunshine and butterflies on your page!" He said sternly. But the young Elven princess knew it was an empty threat.
"That's what you said last time! Oh well, let's go outside!" Luthien ran out the door before Celeborn even had the chance to fully take in what had just been said.
As Celeborn followed his pupil, he remembered that earlier in the lesson, Luthien had mentioned a feast for that night. She had not told him why. He made a mental note to ask her about it as soon as he caught up with her. Realising how fast Luthien could sprint away from a lesson; Celeborn broke into a sprint himself in order to catch her before she could dodge the remainder of it.
Luthien slowed down a little, remembering how she had promised not to run away. She half-hoped that Celeborn wouldn't find her before her hour of study was up, but she also wished that he would, because if he didn't, Luthien would have to listen to a lecture from her father about the importance of learning. But he wouldn't stay angry with her for long, she knew that. Not many people could resist her pretty face with her deep blue eyes, and long, untamed tangle of hair.
"Luthien! I thought you promised that you wouldn't run off!" Celeborn, slightly out of breath, his silver-blonde hair falling over his face as he halted suddenly, looked directly into Luthien's eyes and couldn't help but laugh at her bewildered face. Luthien joined in with his laughter, and for a moment, they were no longer teacher and pupil, but cousins with a special bond. Celeborn handed the younger elf a study book and quill, smoothly turning her laughter into a groan. He smiled down at her and tousled her hair, receiving a shove in return.
"Did I get that right?" Luthien enquired.
"I'm not telling, until you say it with total confidence." Celeborn replied calmly. Luthien frowned and repeated her answer. Her tutor dropped his serious face and grinned.
"Alright, little one, you're free for the rest of the day, but-" Luthien stood up as soon as she heard the first part of his sentence but Celeborn caught her by the elbow "-but, Luthie, I'm not finished yet!" Luthien reluctantly sat back down next to Celeborn and looked at him impatiently. "You mentioned that your father arranged a feast for tonight, but you didn't mention why, so I was wondering if you knew."
Luthien gasped.
"You haven't heard?!" She exclaimed. Celeborn shook his head, confused. "The Lady Artanis and her brothers are arriving in Doriath tonight! I do not know why, and I care not, all that matters is that they are coming! I will finally see her! I can hardly wait!" Celeborn nodded absent-mindedly, lost in thought. Luthien took this opportunity to scamper off. Celeborn did not get to his feet. Instead, he stayed next to the small but beautiful stream flowing through the greenery of the forest that he and Luthien used as the classroom. This was the place where he came to when he needed to clear his head, or think about something. This was his special place.
Celeborn picked up a leaf from the ground and twirled it between his fingers as he thought. Luthien was right, it was said that the Lady Artanis was beautiful. A few sources even said she was the most beautiful Elf in Middle Earth. He would finally be able to see for sure. He had heard that she loved no one (at least not in the way that she would want to wed them) and anyone who loved her, had no chance with her anyway. Celeborn smiled to himself. He certainly wouldn't fall under her spell. He wasn't one to fall in love.
~*~
The beautifully designed dining hall was packed with Elves, all well dressed with the maidens in long, flowing dresses of different colours and the lads in long pale blue or silvery robes. Celeborn walked over to his cousin, lifted her hand, kissed it and said:
"Milady, you look beautiful tonight. May I ask your name?" Luthien giggled.
"It's me, Luthien!" She said; a tinge of red appearing on each cheek.
"Oh, I beg your pardon! You look so grown up, in your beautiful dress and your hair tied back so neatly. How many hours did it take to brush your hair for this event, cousin?" Luthien gave him a playful shove.
"Luthien! Do not treat your cousin in such a way!" Queen Melian said sternly, with a twinkle in her eye. "And strangely enough, it took only three and a half hours to brush her hair!"
"Nana! OK, so my hair can be a little messy at times, but it's not my fault!" Melian raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Whose fault is it then?" Luthien looked around, trying to find someone to place the blame on. Celeborn tried to stifle his chuckle. Melian laughed.
"Oh, never mind, it was only a joke, my darling. Now, let us be seated. The Lady and Lords will be arriving shortly."
"What are the names of Artanis' brothers, Nana? I always have trouble remembering."
"They are the Lords Finrod, Orodreth, Angrod and Aegnor."
The King held up his hand to silence the hall.
"The Lords and Lady will be arriving shortly. Please be seated."
He sat down in his own seat. Celeborn eagerly leaned forward and watched the door intently. A few whispers filled the room as the doorknob turned, and five elves glided into the room. They were very tall, but not quite as tall as the King and Celeborn, who towered above many. Celeborn gasped softly. There was a soft glow being emitted from them. Was this truly what he looked like to others? He was often told that he brightened up a room with a sort of light that seemed to follow him wherever he went. His eyes travelled over the newcomers.
The first elf, Finrod, had a sturdy frame, with bright, liquid blue eyes and soft, light brown curls framing his serious face. Although his face was serious, Celeborn noted that he had wrinkles around his eyes from smiling often. The next two elves had slim frames, with similar faces, yet different at the same time. The third elf in the line had, like Finrod smile wrinkles around his blue eyes. That one was Angrod. The one behind Finrod had a piercing, blue-grey stare, and a thin mouth, which seemed to have no intention of curling upwards. Celeborn decided that he must be Orodreth, as he had heard that Orodreth was the hardest of the five to befriend. The next had a frame like Finrod's, yet he still managed to give an impression that he was not as strong as his brother. He had curls as well, only his hair was much longer than Finrod's shoulder length hair. And his eyes were as grey as rain clouds, yet they still sparkled.
As Celeborn observed the fifth, slightly shorter figure, he was unaware that his mouth was open, until Melien reached over and closed it, then did the same to Luthien. She chuckled softly to herself as the two younger elves' jaws slowly started opening up again.
Artanis had long, wavy golden hair down to her waist. She had clear blue eyes, and a piercing stare like her brother Orodreth, a slim figure, and her white dress with golden embroidery suited her pale skin perfectly. As she walked past Celeborn, she glanced at him, and her eyes softened for a fleeting instant, but passed so quickly that Celeborn was convinced he had imagined it. He felt heat rising to his face as he realised that his mouth was hanging open in amazement.
As the night passed, the guests ate, drank, laughed (or in Orodreth's case, glared) and were greeted by many. Artanis was enjoying herself thoroughly, and she knew that all four of her brothers felt the same, even though they tried not to show it too much. She looked down when she felt a tug on the sleeve of her dress. A pair of strikingly blue eyes blinked up at her.
"Yes, child?" She said calmly. Luthien looked quite surprised that the Lady had not ignored her. Celeborn stopped eating to observe them.
"Who made your dress?" Artanis was stunned at the question delivered so directly, just like that. Celeborn bowed his head low to hide his grin. Trust Luthien to put such a bewildered look onto such an elegant lady's face.
"Now, Luthien, that was a little unexpected wasn't it? No greeting at all?"
Melian had heard her daughter's voice and walked over to make sure she didn't embarrass herself. But it was a little late, as Luthien's cheeks turned crimson. The tiniest trace of a smile appeared on Artanis' face. The colour faded as soon as Luthien realised that she had amused the Lady (even just ever so slightly was enough for Luthien).
"I made this dress. I make many of my dresses. In fact, I make many things. I only wish I had a little time to do more." Artanis looked at Luthien, with a tinge of sadness in her face. Luthien looked back up at her.
"Wow! You made this beautiful dress? By yourself? I would never be able to do something like that!"
"Oh, you shouldn't say that Luthien, otherwise it will happen in that way. I can give you a few lessons while I'm here if you would like me to." Celeborn was close to laughing. He knew Luthien too well to believe that she was as calm as her face suggested.
"Really? I would be honoured!" Luthien looked up, beaming, and then turned to leave Artanis. Slowly she turned back, shy once again. "I am sorry that I did not greet you properly, Lady Artanis." Artanis laughed.
"Oh, don't you worry about that.I forgot myself! How do you do Princess Luthien, daughter of Queen Melian and King Thingol?"
"I do good. But you forgot to say 'cousin of my favourite family member!'"
Artanis looked puzzled. Celeborn quickly ducked his head. Just as he thought, Luthien ran over to him, took his hand and led him directly to Artanis.
"This is my cousin Celeborn. Oh Cele, Artanis offered to give me lessons, and soon I will be as good as her in making dresses!" Luthien forgot about being formal, and was given a stern look by her father.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, milady." Celeborn took her hand in his, leaned forward to kiss it, and quickly let go again.
"It is always a pleasure to meet someone who is so highly respected by the King, Queen and Princess." Artanis smiled warmly. Celeborn returned the gesture. Finrod was surprised. It was not often that a stranger could make her smile like that. And it had happened twice in the same night. Artanis' brothers exchanged glances with each other. What did their sister see in this Sindarin Elf?
~~~~~~A/N: This is actually 2 chapters in one, just to give you a bit more of the story to start off with. Tell me what you think, and whether or not I should continue it. ~~~~~~
Luthien gave a long-suffering sigh and looked hopefully at her cousin and tutor.
"Luthien, you know very well that the moment we go outside you wander off to follow the-"
"I promise I won't Celeborn! Please? Just today?" Luthien's pleading blue eyes and forever-messy mop of chestnut hair was too much for Celeborn.
"Alright, I give in, but if you lose your concentration and I get in trouble, you will have no more lessons with sunshine and butterflies on your page!" He said sternly. But the young Elven princess knew it was an empty threat.
"That's what you said last time! Oh well, let's go outside!" Luthien ran out the door before Celeborn even had the chance to fully take in what had just been said.
As Celeborn followed his pupil, he remembered that earlier in the lesson, Luthien had mentioned a feast for that night. She had not told him why. He made a mental note to ask her about it as soon as he caught up with her. Realising how fast Luthien could sprint away from a lesson; Celeborn broke into a sprint himself in order to catch her before she could dodge the remainder of it.
Luthien slowed down a little, remembering how she had promised not to run away. She half-hoped that Celeborn wouldn't find her before her hour of study was up, but she also wished that he would, because if he didn't, Luthien would have to listen to a lecture from her father about the importance of learning. But he wouldn't stay angry with her for long, she knew that. Not many people could resist her pretty face with her deep blue eyes, and long, untamed tangle of hair.
"Luthien! I thought you promised that you wouldn't run off!" Celeborn, slightly out of breath, his silver-blonde hair falling over his face as he halted suddenly, looked directly into Luthien's eyes and couldn't help but laugh at her bewildered face. Luthien joined in with his laughter, and for a moment, they were no longer teacher and pupil, but cousins with a special bond. Celeborn handed the younger elf a study book and quill, smoothly turning her laughter into a groan. He smiled down at her and tousled her hair, receiving a shove in return.
"Did I get that right?" Luthien enquired.
"I'm not telling, until you say it with total confidence." Celeborn replied calmly. Luthien frowned and repeated her answer. Her tutor dropped his serious face and grinned.
"Alright, little one, you're free for the rest of the day, but-" Luthien stood up as soon as she heard the first part of his sentence but Celeborn caught her by the elbow "-but, Luthie, I'm not finished yet!" Luthien reluctantly sat back down next to Celeborn and looked at him impatiently. "You mentioned that your father arranged a feast for tonight, but you didn't mention why, so I was wondering if you knew."
Luthien gasped.
"You haven't heard?!" She exclaimed. Celeborn shook his head, confused. "The Lady Artanis and her brothers are arriving in Doriath tonight! I do not know why, and I care not, all that matters is that they are coming! I will finally see her! I can hardly wait!" Celeborn nodded absent-mindedly, lost in thought. Luthien took this opportunity to scamper off. Celeborn did not get to his feet. Instead, he stayed next to the small but beautiful stream flowing through the greenery of the forest that he and Luthien used as the classroom. This was the place where he came to when he needed to clear his head, or think about something. This was his special place.
Celeborn picked up a leaf from the ground and twirled it between his fingers as he thought. Luthien was right, it was said that the Lady Artanis was beautiful. A few sources even said she was the most beautiful Elf in Middle Earth. He would finally be able to see for sure. He had heard that she loved no one (at least not in the way that she would want to wed them) and anyone who loved her, had no chance with her anyway. Celeborn smiled to himself. He certainly wouldn't fall under her spell. He wasn't one to fall in love.
~*~
The beautifully designed dining hall was packed with Elves, all well dressed with the maidens in long, flowing dresses of different colours and the lads in long pale blue or silvery robes. Celeborn walked over to his cousin, lifted her hand, kissed it and said:
"Milady, you look beautiful tonight. May I ask your name?" Luthien giggled.
"It's me, Luthien!" She said; a tinge of red appearing on each cheek.
"Oh, I beg your pardon! You look so grown up, in your beautiful dress and your hair tied back so neatly. How many hours did it take to brush your hair for this event, cousin?" Luthien gave him a playful shove.
"Luthien! Do not treat your cousin in such a way!" Queen Melian said sternly, with a twinkle in her eye. "And strangely enough, it took only three and a half hours to brush her hair!"
"Nana! OK, so my hair can be a little messy at times, but it's not my fault!" Melian raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Whose fault is it then?" Luthien looked around, trying to find someone to place the blame on. Celeborn tried to stifle his chuckle. Melian laughed.
"Oh, never mind, it was only a joke, my darling. Now, let us be seated. The Lady and Lords will be arriving shortly."
"What are the names of Artanis' brothers, Nana? I always have trouble remembering."
"They are the Lords Finrod, Orodreth, Angrod and Aegnor."
The King held up his hand to silence the hall.
"The Lords and Lady will be arriving shortly. Please be seated."
He sat down in his own seat. Celeborn eagerly leaned forward and watched the door intently. A few whispers filled the room as the doorknob turned, and five elves glided into the room. They were very tall, but not quite as tall as the King and Celeborn, who towered above many. Celeborn gasped softly. There was a soft glow being emitted from them. Was this truly what he looked like to others? He was often told that he brightened up a room with a sort of light that seemed to follow him wherever he went. His eyes travelled over the newcomers.
The first elf, Finrod, had a sturdy frame, with bright, liquid blue eyes and soft, light brown curls framing his serious face. Although his face was serious, Celeborn noted that he had wrinkles around his eyes from smiling often. The next two elves had slim frames, with similar faces, yet different at the same time. The third elf in the line had, like Finrod smile wrinkles around his blue eyes. That one was Angrod. The one behind Finrod had a piercing, blue-grey stare, and a thin mouth, which seemed to have no intention of curling upwards. Celeborn decided that he must be Orodreth, as he had heard that Orodreth was the hardest of the five to befriend. The next had a frame like Finrod's, yet he still managed to give an impression that he was not as strong as his brother. He had curls as well, only his hair was much longer than Finrod's shoulder length hair. And his eyes were as grey as rain clouds, yet they still sparkled.
As Celeborn observed the fifth, slightly shorter figure, he was unaware that his mouth was open, until Melien reached over and closed it, then did the same to Luthien. She chuckled softly to herself as the two younger elves' jaws slowly started opening up again.
Artanis had long, wavy golden hair down to her waist. She had clear blue eyes, and a piercing stare like her brother Orodreth, a slim figure, and her white dress with golden embroidery suited her pale skin perfectly. As she walked past Celeborn, she glanced at him, and her eyes softened for a fleeting instant, but passed so quickly that Celeborn was convinced he had imagined it. He felt heat rising to his face as he realised that his mouth was hanging open in amazement.
As the night passed, the guests ate, drank, laughed (or in Orodreth's case, glared) and were greeted by many. Artanis was enjoying herself thoroughly, and she knew that all four of her brothers felt the same, even though they tried not to show it too much. She looked down when she felt a tug on the sleeve of her dress. A pair of strikingly blue eyes blinked up at her.
"Yes, child?" She said calmly. Luthien looked quite surprised that the Lady had not ignored her. Celeborn stopped eating to observe them.
"Who made your dress?" Artanis was stunned at the question delivered so directly, just like that. Celeborn bowed his head low to hide his grin. Trust Luthien to put such a bewildered look onto such an elegant lady's face.
"Now, Luthien, that was a little unexpected wasn't it? No greeting at all?"
Melian had heard her daughter's voice and walked over to make sure she didn't embarrass herself. But it was a little late, as Luthien's cheeks turned crimson. The tiniest trace of a smile appeared on Artanis' face. The colour faded as soon as Luthien realised that she had amused the Lady (even just ever so slightly was enough for Luthien).
"I made this dress. I make many of my dresses. In fact, I make many things. I only wish I had a little time to do more." Artanis looked at Luthien, with a tinge of sadness in her face. Luthien looked back up at her.
"Wow! You made this beautiful dress? By yourself? I would never be able to do something like that!"
"Oh, you shouldn't say that Luthien, otherwise it will happen in that way. I can give you a few lessons while I'm here if you would like me to." Celeborn was close to laughing. He knew Luthien too well to believe that she was as calm as her face suggested.
"Really? I would be honoured!" Luthien looked up, beaming, and then turned to leave Artanis. Slowly she turned back, shy once again. "I am sorry that I did not greet you properly, Lady Artanis." Artanis laughed.
"Oh, don't you worry about that.I forgot myself! How do you do Princess Luthien, daughter of Queen Melian and King Thingol?"
"I do good. But you forgot to say 'cousin of my favourite family member!'"
Artanis looked puzzled. Celeborn quickly ducked his head. Just as he thought, Luthien ran over to him, took his hand and led him directly to Artanis.
"This is my cousin Celeborn. Oh Cele, Artanis offered to give me lessons, and soon I will be as good as her in making dresses!" Luthien forgot about being formal, and was given a stern look by her father.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, milady." Celeborn took her hand in his, leaned forward to kiss it, and quickly let go again.
"It is always a pleasure to meet someone who is so highly respected by the King, Queen and Princess." Artanis smiled warmly. Celeborn returned the gesture. Finrod was surprised. It was not often that a stranger could make her smile like that. And it had happened twice in the same night. Artanis' brothers exchanged glances with each other. What did their sister see in this Sindarin Elf?
~~~~~~A/N: This is actually 2 chapters in one, just to give you a bit more of the story to start off with. Tell me what you think, and whether or not I should continue it. ~~~~~~