Author's Notes: Those items in double quotations are taken directly from
the book.
I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
And for all this
There's only one thing you should know
I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
Linkin Park "In the End"
Fellowship United
Legolas found Celebruthiel at the same spot she'd gone to since a child when she was upset, in a secluded glade, sitting beside the clear crystal blue Bruinen. She jumped up as she heard his approach. Celebruthiel tried to flee, not up to the task of explaining her behavior to Legolas. She wasn't strong enough yet, hadn't hardened her heart against him. She discovered that when she saw him in Elrond's chambers. She'd almost not been able to let him go.
As she tried to run past him, Legolas grabbed her arm, dragging her against him.
"It changes nothing," he ground out as he tightened his grip against her struggles and forced her lips against his. Celebruthiel stopped struggling for the briefest moment as his kiss, his scent, his touch, enveloped her. She lost herself in him.
"No!" Her mind screamed against it. Celebruthiel struggled against Legolas, catching him off guard, and winning her release. "It changes everything," she cried, backing away from him, uncertain why Legolas didn't comprehend that.
"It does not change my heart," he whispered, afraid to approach her for fear she'd try to flee again. So he stood his ground, watching her warily. "Can you not say the same?" Legolas asked softly.
Tears welled up in Celebruthiel's eyes and Legolas knew all was not lost. She slowly nodded, as if against her will. Legolas slowly approached her, ready for Celebruthiel to run at any moment. But she didn't. He stopped within a breath of her, and though Celebruthiel knew he was within reach, she refused to lift her gaze to Legolas. He was at a loss on exactly how to reach her, for the first time since the day he'd first taken her hand in his.
"Your father."
"He's not my father," Celebruthiel interrupted harshly as her gaze flew to his. Legolas sighed and placed a finger over her lips.
"Elrond is the father of your heart, you can't deny that. And you have been his daughter since the day you were placed in his arms, for this he told me just this night. He took you into his embrace and declared you his own. That, my beloved, is all that matters," Legolas said softly.
Celebruthiel stepped away from him, tears streaming down her pale face. She hadn't cried, or felt anything but joy in her heart, since she was a child. Since she stood on the banks and watched Celebrian, the one she'd always called mother, sail West, no longer able to stay in Middle Earth after her release from the Orcs.
"I know," she whispered, turning her back to Legolas. In her heart, she knew that would never change. She would always be the eldest daughter of the House of Elrond. But her father, the one who had forced himself upon her mother, forced the begetting of her; Celebruthiel could feel him calling to her. And she was truly frightened, liked she'd never been before.
Legolas grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back, so that her body rested against his. He wished he knew of magic, to erase the fear that clawed at her. And he was worried he would only make things worse, by telling her of the quest and his agreement to join the Fellowship. But Celebruthiel deserved to hear it from him. He wouldn't let her think he was in anyway betraying her with his secrets.
"Celebruthiel, you father has asked me to join the Fellowship, to see to the Ring's destruction," Legolas whispered, his fingers digging into her waist, tighter with each word spoken.
"No," she said harshly, turning in his embrace. Celebruthiel grabbed both sides of Legolas' face and forced his eyes to her distressed gaze. "No," she repeated. " I tore up our betrothal so you would not be involved in this. Return to Mirkwood, Legolas."
"I am already involved," Legolas cried, pulling her hands from his face and pinning the between their bodies by drawing her even closer. "How can you think I am not? Tearing up the betrothal means nothing, for it was just a piece of paper. It cannot make me stop loving you. I told him yes because destroying the Ring is the only way I see to saving you, saving us. If Sauron is defeated, then you are free, my beloved."
"And if your Fellowship fails?" she questioned softly. "Either way, the elves will leave this place. Go with them, Legolas."
"Nay! If we fail, then I will die having tried." Celebruthiel gasped at his words. "I will not leave you," he continued, his fingers digging into her flesh. "And I know if we fail, you will not leave this earth while Sauron still lives, not while there is breath in you. And so neither will I."
"Oh my love, you don't understand. Death would be a blessing compared to my deepest fear," Celebruthiel whispered sadly, resting her head against his chest. "What happens if I become like him? I am his daughter." She sagged against Legolas, relieved to have finally given words to what feared her most, that her mother's blood couldn't save her from turning to her father. Legolas hugged her to him briefly, and then released his hold on everything but her hands.
"I give this pledge to you, my dearest beloved," he said softly as he got down on his knees. "I will not let this thing that you fear come to be. I would kill you myself first before I would allow you to live that life of torment."
Celebruthiel, like her father, trusted Legolas to keep his pledge to her. She dropped to her knees, into Legolas' embrace. With tears streaming down her face, she tried to kiss his beautiful face. But Legolas wouldn't allow it, for he was not finished.
"I also, under the silver stars of this evening, cleave myself to you, Celebruthiel, daughter of Elrond, my beloved, until the end of time."
"No, Legolas," she cried as she tried to pull from his embrace.
"Yes, Celebruthiel," Legolas insisted, shaking her gently. "I take you to wife from this moment on." Legolas paused and shook her again. "Say the words, Celebruthiel, for both of us."
"I take thee to husband, Legolas, son of Thranduil, from this moment on," she whispered brokenly.
Legolas crushed her to him, devouring her lips with his, and sealing her to him forever. And under those same stars that Legolas had pledged his love, he made Celebruthiel his wife in mind, body, and soul.
The sun had barely risen when its fair rays warmed Celebruthiel's face and pulled her from her dreams. She awoke to the sounds of the Bruinen bubbling nearby, the sweet fragrance of the grass and trees, and the feel of Legolas' arms wrapped tightly around her. She snuggled closer, wanting to crawl inside him and forget the outside world. Legolas tightened his hold around her torso and nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck.
"Go back to sleep, my beloved," he whispered drowsily.
They had spent a good portion of the night familiarizing themselves with each other as if this would be their only night together. And now Celebruthiel laid in his embrace, trying to etch every detail to memory. Neither she nor Legolas knew how much time they would have together before the world imposed on them.
It wasn't long before Aragorn stumbled on their solitude. Celebruthiel got the impression they had shocked Aragorn to the core.
"I didn't mean to intrude," Aragorn stammered as he quickly turned his back on the two. There was no censure in his voice, only surprise and embarrassment.
"It's alright, Aragorn. We have said our vows," Legolas explained, more for Celebruthiel than himself. And though he knew Aragorn would neither reveal what he'd encountered, or in anyway condemn them for what solace could be found in each others arms, Legolas wanted Aragorn to know it wasn't just folly. They had bound themselves together in the ways of the old, by stating their intentions under a moonlit sky.
Aragorn nodded, a glimmer of a relieved smile on his lips. "I would congratulate my dear sister, but another time is probably better." Aragorn broadly grinned now at the two elves, hidden under Legolas' cloak. "Anyway, your new father has called for Council. I believe he has chosen the Fellowship.
Celebruthiel inhaled sharply, clutching Legolas tightly.
"I will be along shortly," Legolas responded to Aragorn, who nodded and left the two alone. Then Legolas turned to her. "It will be alright, my love," he whispered into her hair. After a moment, he pried himself from her hold and quickly dressed. "I will come to you once your father has spoken," Legolas promised as he knelt beside her still lying form. "Rest, for I will return soon. " He bent, kissing her softly. "I love you."
Celebruthiel nodded, the intrusion arriving too soon, before she had prepared herself. Legolas stood and with a long backward glance, he pushed aside the hedge branches that hid their glade and walked through the opening.
Only a moment had past when Arwen popped her head through the hedge.
"Are you coming, dear sister?" she whispered anxiously.
Celebruthiel jumped up. "Yes, come help me dress, quickly."
With Arwen's assistance, Celebruthiel slipped her mantle over her head and began buttoning the back.
"I will not even ask why you are in a state of undress when I saw Legolas just leave this place," Arwen said softly.
"I am his wife," Celebruthiel answered.
"Then all has been forgiven?" she asked, still not entirely certain what she had witnessed the night before.
"I will tell you all before this day has ended," Celebruthiel promised with a quick hug to her baby sister, or so she would always think of Arwen. Hopefully she would feel the same. "But for good or bad, things have been settled with Legolas." With Celebruthiel dressed, she picked Legolas' cloak off the ground and fastened it around her neck. No explanation would now be necessary, everyone would know she was his, for she wore his symbol, the Greenleaf.
Arwen grasped her hand and led her from the glade, up several flights of stairs and past the fountain. In an open courtyard, Elrond and Gandalf stood as others sat around him. Legolas sat on the right side of Elrond with Aragorn beside him. At Aragorn's right hand sat another man Celebruthiel was unfamiliar with. Beside him was Gloin, a dwarf Celebruthiel had encountered several times at Rivendell. Seated next to him was a younger dwarf. Then there were the four Hobbits before returning to Gandalf and Elrond. Arwen and Celebruthiel approached the group closely enough to hear the proceedings, but not enough to be seen. But Celebruthiel thought certain by the way her father paused for the briefest of seconds at their approach, he knew someone was there.
Elrond turned to the Ringbearer.
""The Company of the Ring shall be Nine; and the Nine Walkers shall be set against the Nine Riders that are evil. With you and your faithful servant, Gandalf will go; for this shall be his great task, and maybe the end of his labours. 'For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Legolas shall be for the Elves, and Gimli son of Gloin for the Dwarves. They are willing to go at least to the passes of the mountains, and maybe beyond. For men you shall have Aragorn son of Arathorn, for the Ring of Isildur concerns him closely.""
Celebruthiel was torn with the naming of Aragorn. She was glad Legolas would not be alone. But if the whole Company should fail, Arwen would also be left without her love.
"Arwen, I am sorry," Celebruthiel whispered.
Arwen grasped her hand. "It is his destiny," she stated confidently. But the way she squeezed Celebruthiel's hand said she was scared just the same. She turned back to what was happening before her to hear Aragorn reply,
""Therefore Boromir will also be in the Company. He is a valiant man." "There remain two more to be found," said Elrond. "These I will consider. Of my household I may find some that it seems good to me to send.""
With this announcement, the remaining two Hobbits jumped to their feet and insisted they be included. They absolutely refused to be left behind.
"Oi! We're coming too! You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us." Merry yelled
"Besides, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission. quest. thing. "Pippin said, raising his chin in the air in determination.
"Well that rules you out, Pip" Merry replied.
Celebruthiel was impressed with their tenacity and thought if the Ringbearer was as determined, they just might have a chance.
"Nine companions. So be it! You shall be the fellowship of the ring," Elrond said with a heavy heart.
Then the little one asked, "So where are we going?" And Celebruthiel almost gave away their position with her laughter.
Once he was finished, he turned to where the two elves were hidden and said," You might as well show yourselves."
Arwen gasped while Celebruthiel sighed. So her observation had been correct, though she had not expected her father to reveal them. She feared neither Legolas nor Aragorn would approve. With hands still clasped, the two removed themselves from their hiding and stepped into the bright sunlight. Celebruthiel glanced at Legolas, to see how terribly disappointed he might be in her. To her surprise, he was smiling, as was Gandalf and Elrond.
"I believe my youngest daughter is known to all. But here is my eldest, Celebruthiel Kala." Elrond held out his hand to Celebruthiel. "Celebrennen ithil tinu (my silver moon star), come meet our guests. This is Frodo Baggins of the Shire." Elronddidn't need to tell Celebruthiel she was standing before the Ringbearer, this he knew. Celebruthiel recognized the Hobbit from her return to Rivendell. And then there was the Ring. She could feel the air pulsating around it and wondered if anyone else noticed it, too. To the room's surprise, as Celebruthiel turned to Frodo, he gasped and took a step back, his hand clutching something around his neck. Sam took a step closer to Frodo, as if to protect him from this Elf. This amused Celebruthiel as her eyes flickered over him.
"Quite interesting," Gandalf commented as the rest of the group starred. Legolas started to take a step toward Celebruthiel, but Gandalf placed a hand on his arm to restrain him.
But Frodo was not aware of any of this. He seemed frozen in spot, staring at Elrond's daughter. Then he heard a voice in his head say, "It is alright, little friend, you will come to no harm here." He knew it was her voice talking, though only he heard it. How she did this, he did not know. And though he should have been more concerned than ever, his fear lessened and the moment passed.
"And this must be the rest of the merry band," she said, turning her attention to Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Pippin instantly became enamored when Celebruthiel's gaze rested on him. He immediately grasped her long slender hand in his short, almost child-like one, got down on one knee, and pledged his lifelong devotion to her to the dismay of the other three Hobbits. Celebruthiel's musical laughter rang out and for the first time in months, she felt like herself. She wanted to hug this silly, adorable little Hobbit to her.
Boromir, having heard next to nothing about Elrond's eldest daughter, watched her mesmerized. Far and wide were the stories of Arwen's beauty and grace, 'Evenstar' to her people. But to Boromir, she fell in the shadows compared to Celebruthiel's radiance. The way the sunlight clung to her, following her every movement, it looked as if the Sun's rays wished to bask in her beauty, not the other way around. Her long silver hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders. She had the sides pulled back into a gold clip, not braided the way most of the other elves, Legolas, Arwen, and Elrond included, seemed to wear theirs. Her eyes were the lightest shade of blue, the color of the afternoon sky once the sun's rays had bleached it. She wore a gown of shimmering white that seemed to appear both pale blue and grey as she moved around the room. Over her gown, she worn a grey cape clasped around her neck with a silver and green leaf. Boromir felt he'd just discovered the hidden 'Jewel of Rivendell'.
Suddenly Boromir felt he was being watched. He turned his gaze and found Legolas, the Elven Prince, eyeing him. Boromir didn't feel any animosity coming from his gaze, only mild curiosity. Even once their gazes met, Legolas continued to hold his until Boromir looked away.
"You silly Took," Gandalf huffed as he grabbed Pippin by the back of the neck. "You are lucky Legolas, her husband, has not taken an arrow to you yet. I know I certainly want to."
"If I took arrow to every fool that fell in love with my fair Celebruthiel, I would be arrowless soon enough," Legolas murmured, a glimpse of a smile on his lips.
Celebruthiel returned Legolas' smile before turning her attention back to Pippin.
"Gandalf, release Pippin before you hurt the poor dear. I find him rather charming."
Gandalf was holding the young hobbit by the scruff of his neck several feet off the ground. "As you wish," he murmured and released Pippin, who wailed as he fell to the ground.
"You forget, I can be just as handy with bow and arrow," Celebruthiel admonished, eyeing Gandalf as she helped Pippin to his feet.
"Yes, I did," Gandalf replied with a thoughtful gleam.
"You remember Gloin, my daughter," Elrond interrupted, trying to prevent Gandalf's thoughts from straying far from what was at hand. And where Gandalf's thoughts were leading, Elrond was not yet ready to follow.
"Ah, Gloin, son of Groin, my dear stout fellow, it has been some time since last I looked upon your face," Celebruthiel greeted.
"My lady," Gloin responded with a bow. "My son, Gimli."
"Welcome, Gimli. How have you found Rivendell?"
"It has improved greatly, my lady," Gimli responded. "My father has talked often of your beauty. I had thought he lied."
"Thank you for your kind words. Though I hope Groin had more to say than just of my beauty," she responded softly.
"Why, yes, my lady. He often spoke fondly of you and of your fair treatment to him and his kind," Gimli quickly added with a glance at his father.
Groin smiled and nodded at his son. For Groin knew from his time spent with the fair Celebruthiel, she, like many of the Elves he had encountered, thought very little of her physical appearances. She was more concerned with inner beauty, for she considered beauty to be found in everything around her.
Legolas watched Celebruthiel making a fool of herself over the two Dwarves. "The nasty little underground dwellers," he thought silently, his view being that of most Elves, for there was no love lost between the two.
Celebruthiel, though, had spent her life at Rivendell, where many a different race would come seeking Elrond's council. She quickly learned there were the good and the bad in all, even the Elves on occasion.
It was Aragorn who lead Boromir to Celebruthiel.
"Muinthel o inden (sister of my heart), I present to you Boromir son of Denethor from Gondor, who has also taken upon the quest."
"My lady," Boromir whispered, taking the hand Celebruthiel extended to him and bending over it.
"You have a heavy heart, Boromir from Gondor,"
"Yes, my lady. I fear greatly for Gondor," he replied, taken back that she could so easily see inside him.
"Let Rivendell heal your troubled heart at least for your stay. It will all wait for your return," Celebruthiel said softly, feeling the pain within him over the troubles in his homeland.
"I only hope you are right," Boromir murmured.
"It must be so, for if Gondor falls, we shall all be doomed," Celebruthiel whispered, pulling her hand from Boromir's grasp. The close proximity of this man made her remember what she'd forgotten with the playfulness of Pippin and the reacquainting with her friend, Groin. There was something within this man that disturbed her, though she couldn't quite put a finger on it. "Please excuse me, I must speak to my father." Then Celebruthiel removed herself from his presence.
Elrond and Gandalf were standing separately from the rest of the group, far to the right. The hobbits, Groin, Gimli, Aragorn, and Boromir stood in a group in the middle of the courtyard. And to the far left, Arwen and Legolas where speaking softly. Celebruthiel moved to her father's side.
"Kala, do you know what overcame the hobbit, Frodo, when you looked upon his face?" Elrond asked softly so as not to be overheard.
"The little hobbit feels the Ring as I do, it's power, it's longing, and how it tries to bend our will. And he can sense it calling to me. It thinks in me it has found it's way home. This frightens the Ringbearer, for he understands his duty to it and to us," she replied sadly.
"And of the Ring, what do you perceive your role in all of this?" Gandalf asked as Elrond glanced at him sharply.
"Honestly I do not know. It calls and I try not to answer. I understand more than most what that would mean, as do both of you. It would mean my destruction and that of the world as we know it. And so I fight. This will not stop even once the Ring is gone from here, not until it is no more," she replied morosely, feeling the fate of the world fall to her shoulders, for fight she must, or loose herself forever.
"Kala?" Legolas whispered, questioning the sad look on her face.
Celebruthiel turned to him and smile. "It is all right, melethen (my love)." She reached a hand towards Legolas. He grasped it, letting Celebruthiel lead him beside her.
"Ada (father)," Celebruthiel began, turning to Elrond and his heart jumped for joy at that one word. "We have said our vows. I hope the way we went about it hasn't upset you greatly."
"I can't say I am not saddened that I wasn't there to hear them. But in these troubled times, there are more important things to be concerned about. I am just satisfied that the hopes Thranduil and I had have been fulfilled," Elrond stated, hugging his daughter to him briefly.
Gandalf realized the rest of the Company was staring at father and daughter, though at such a distance they were uncertain of the words spoken.
"Everyone should probably now go rest as we shall set out soon enough and then there will be no time for such nonsense," he announced.
As the group wandered off, each heading his own way, Gandalf murmured to Elrond, "You know she will no longer be safe here, not with Saruman in likes with the Dark Lord."
"I know," Elrond replied with a sigh.
"So we have come to a decision," Gandalf questioned.
"Yes. It shall be as you wish." Then Elrond left Gandalf standing alone in the courtyard.
I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
And for all this
There's only one thing you should know
I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
Linkin Park "In the End"
Fellowship United
Legolas found Celebruthiel at the same spot she'd gone to since a child when she was upset, in a secluded glade, sitting beside the clear crystal blue Bruinen. She jumped up as she heard his approach. Celebruthiel tried to flee, not up to the task of explaining her behavior to Legolas. She wasn't strong enough yet, hadn't hardened her heart against him. She discovered that when she saw him in Elrond's chambers. She'd almost not been able to let him go.
As she tried to run past him, Legolas grabbed her arm, dragging her against him.
"It changes nothing," he ground out as he tightened his grip against her struggles and forced her lips against his. Celebruthiel stopped struggling for the briefest moment as his kiss, his scent, his touch, enveloped her. She lost herself in him.
"No!" Her mind screamed against it. Celebruthiel struggled against Legolas, catching him off guard, and winning her release. "It changes everything," she cried, backing away from him, uncertain why Legolas didn't comprehend that.
"It does not change my heart," he whispered, afraid to approach her for fear she'd try to flee again. So he stood his ground, watching her warily. "Can you not say the same?" Legolas asked softly.
Tears welled up in Celebruthiel's eyes and Legolas knew all was not lost. She slowly nodded, as if against her will. Legolas slowly approached her, ready for Celebruthiel to run at any moment. But she didn't. He stopped within a breath of her, and though Celebruthiel knew he was within reach, she refused to lift her gaze to Legolas. He was at a loss on exactly how to reach her, for the first time since the day he'd first taken her hand in his.
"Your father."
"He's not my father," Celebruthiel interrupted harshly as her gaze flew to his. Legolas sighed and placed a finger over her lips.
"Elrond is the father of your heart, you can't deny that. And you have been his daughter since the day you were placed in his arms, for this he told me just this night. He took you into his embrace and declared you his own. That, my beloved, is all that matters," Legolas said softly.
Celebruthiel stepped away from him, tears streaming down her pale face. She hadn't cried, or felt anything but joy in her heart, since she was a child. Since she stood on the banks and watched Celebrian, the one she'd always called mother, sail West, no longer able to stay in Middle Earth after her release from the Orcs.
"I know," she whispered, turning her back to Legolas. In her heart, she knew that would never change. She would always be the eldest daughter of the House of Elrond. But her father, the one who had forced himself upon her mother, forced the begetting of her; Celebruthiel could feel him calling to her. And she was truly frightened, liked she'd never been before.
Legolas grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back, so that her body rested against his. He wished he knew of magic, to erase the fear that clawed at her. And he was worried he would only make things worse, by telling her of the quest and his agreement to join the Fellowship. But Celebruthiel deserved to hear it from him. He wouldn't let her think he was in anyway betraying her with his secrets.
"Celebruthiel, you father has asked me to join the Fellowship, to see to the Ring's destruction," Legolas whispered, his fingers digging into her waist, tighter with each word spoken.
"No," she said harshly, turning in his embrace. Celebruthiel grabbed both sides of Legolas' face and forced his eyes to her distressed gaze. "No," she repeated. " I tore up our betrothal so you would not be involved in this. Return to Mirkwood, Legolas."
"I am already involved," Legolas cried, pulling her hands from his face and pinning the between their bodies by drawing her even closer. "How can you think I am not? Tearing up the betrothal means nothing, for it was just a piece of paper. It cannot make me stop loving you. I told him yes because destroying the Ring is the only way I see to saving you, saving us. If Sauron is defeated, then you are free, my beloved."
"And if your Fellowship fails?" she questioned softly. "Either way, the elves will leave this place. Go with them, Legolas."
"Nay! If we fail, then I will die having tried." Celebruthiel gasped at his words. "I will not leave you," he continued, his fingers digging into her flesh. "And I know if we fail, you will not leave this earth while Sauron still lives, not while there is breath in you. And so neither will I."
"Oh my love, you don't understand. Death would be a blessing compared to my deepest fear," Celebruthiel whispered sadly, resting her head against his chest. "What happens if I become like him? I am his daughter." She sagged against Legolas, relieved to have finally given words to what feared her most, that her mother's blood couldn't save her from turning to her father. Legolas hugged her to him briefly, and then released his hold on everything but her hands.
"I give this pledge to you, my dearest beloved," he said softly as he got down on his knees. "I will not let this thing that you fear come to be. I would kill you myself first before I would allow you to live that life of torment."
Celebruthiel, like her father, trusted Legolas to keep his pledge to her. She dropped to her knees, into Legolas' embrace. With tears streaming down her face, she tried to kiss his beautiful face. But Legolas wouldn't allow it, for he was not finished.
"I also, under the silver stars of this evening, cleave myself to you, Celebruthiel, daughter of Elrond, my beloved, until the end of time."
"No, Legolas," she cried as she tried to pull from his embrace.
"Yes, Celebruthiel," Legolas insisted, shaking her gently. "I take you to wife from this moment on." Legolas paused and shook her again. "Say the words, Celebruthiel, for both of us."
"I take thee to husband, Legolas, son of Thranduil, from this moment on," she whispered brokenly.
Legolas crushed her to him, devouring her lips with his, and sealing her to him forever. And under those same stars that Legolas had pledged his love, he made Celebruthiel his wife in mind, body, and soul.
The sun had barely risen when its fair rays warmed Celebruthiel's face and pulled her from her dreams. She awoke to the sounds of the Bruinen bubbling nearby, the sweet fragrance of the grass and trees, and the feel of Legolas' arms wrapped tightly around her. She snuggled closer, wanting to crawl inside him and forget the outside world. Legolas tightened his hold around her torso and nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck.
"Go back to sleep, my beloved," he whispered drowsily.
They had spent a good portion of the night familiarizing themselves with each other as if this would be their only night together. And now Celebruthiel laid in his embrace, trying to etch every detail to memory. Neither she nor Legolas knew how much time they would have together before the world imposed on them.
It wasn't long before Aragorn stumbled on their solitude. Celebruthiel got the impression they had shocked Aragorn to the core.
"I didn't mean to intrude," Aragorn stammered as he quickly turned his back on the two. There was no censure in his voice, only surprise and embarrassment.
"It's alright, Aragorn. We have said our vows," Legolas explained, more for Celebruthiel than himself. And though he knew Aragorn would neither reveal what he'd encountered, or in anyway condemn them for what solace could be found in each others arms, Legolas wanted Aragorn to know it wasn't just folly. They had bound themselves together in the ways of the old, by stating their intentions under a moonlit sky.
Aragorn nodded, a glimmer of a relieved smile on his lips. "I would congratulate my dear sister, but another time is probably better." Aragorn broadly grinned now at the two elves, hidden under Legolas' cloak. "Anyway, your new father has called for Council. I believe he has chosen the Fellowship.
Celebruthiel inhaled sharply, clutching Legolas tightly.
"I will be along shortly," Legolas responded to Aragorn, who nodded and left the two alone. Then Legolas turned to her. "It will be alright, my love," he whispered into her hair. After a moment, he pried himself from her hold and quickly dressed. "I will come to you once your father has spoken," Legolas promised as he knelt beside her still lying form. "Rest, for I will return soon. " He bent, kissing her softly. "I love you."
Celebruthiel nodded, the intrusion arriving too soon, before she had prepared herself. Legolas stood and with a long backward glance, he pushed aside the hedge branches that hid their glade and walked through the opening.
Only a moment had past when Arwen popped her head through the hedge.
"Are you coming, dear sister?" she whispered anxiously.
Celebruthiel jumped up. "Yes, come help me dress, quickly."
With Arwen's assistance, Celebruthiel slipped her mantle over her head and began buttoning the back.
"I will not even ask why you are in a state of undress when I saw Legolas just leave this place," Arwen said softly.
"I am his wife," Celebruthiel answered.
"Then all has been forgiven?" she asked, still not entirely certain what she had witnessed the night before.
"I will tell you all before this day has ended," Celebruthiel promised with a quick hug to her baby sister, or so she would always think of Arwen. Hopefully she would feel the same. "But for good or bad, things have been settled with Legolas." With Celebruthiel dressed, she picked Legolas' cloak off the ground and fastened it around her neck. No explanation would now be necessary, everyone would know she was his, for she wore his symbol, the Greenleaf.
Arwen grasped her hand and led her from the glade, up several flights of stairs and past the fountain. In an open courtyard, Elrond and Gandalf stood as others sat around him. Legolas sat on the right side of Elrond with Aragorn beside him. At Aragorn's right hand sat another man Celebruthiel was unfamiliar with. Beside him was Gloin, a dwarf Celebruthiel had encountered several times at Rivendell. Seated next to him was a younger dwarf. Then there were the four Hobbits before returning to Gandalf and Elrond. Arwen and Celebruthiel approached the group closely enough to hear the proceedings, but not enough to be seen. But Celebruthiel thought certain by the way her father paused for the briefest of seconds at their approach, he knew someone was there.
Elrond turned to the Ringbearer.
""The Company of the Ring shall be Nine; and the Nine Walkers shall be set against the Nine Riders that are evil. With you and your faithful servant, Gandalf will go; for this shall be his great task, and maybe the end of his labours. 'For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Legolas shall be for the Elves, and Gimli son of Gloin for the Dwarves. They are willing to go at least to the passes of the mountains, and maybe beyond. For men you shall have Aragorn son of Arathorn, for the Ring of Isildur concerns him closely.""
Celebruthiel was torn with the naming of Aragorn. She was glad Legolas would not be alone. But if the whole Company should fail, Arwen would also be left without her love.
"Arwen, I am sorry," Celebruthiel whispered.
Arwen grasped her hand. "It is his destiny," she stated confidently. But the way she squeezed Celebruthiel's hand said she was scared just the same. She turned back to what was happening before her to hear Aragorn reply,
""Therefore Boromir will also be in the Company. He is a valiant man." "There remain two more to be found," said Elrond. "These I will consider. Of my household I may find some that it seems good to me to send.""
With this announcement, the remaining two Hobbits jumped to their feet and insisted they be included. They absolutely refused to be left behind.
"Oi! We're coming too! You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us." Merry yelled
"Besides, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission. quest. thing. "Pippin said, raising his chin in the air in determination.
"Well that rules you out, Pip" Merry replied.
Celebruthiel was impressed with their tenacity and thought if the Ringbearer was as determined, they just might have a chance.
"Nine companions. So be it! You shall be the fellowship of the ring," Elrond said with a heavy heart.
Then the little one asked, "So where are we going?" And Celebruthiel almost gave away their position with her laughter.
Once he was finished, he turned to where the two elves were hidden and said," You might as well show yourselves."
Arwen gasped while Celebruthiel sighed. So her observation had been correct, though she had not expected her father to reveal them. She feared neither Legolas nor Aragorn would approve. With hands still clasped, the two removed themselves from their hiding and stepped into the bright sunlight. Celebruthiel glanced at Legolas, to see how terribly disappointed he might be in her. To her surprise, he was smiling, as was Gandalf and Elrond.
"I believe my youngest daughter is known to all. But here is my eldest, Celebruthiel Kala." Elrond held out his hand to Celebruthiel. "Celebrennen ithil tinu (my silver moon star), come meet our guests. This is Frodo Baggins of the Shire." Elronddidn't need to tell Celebruthiel she was standing before the Ringbearer, this he knew. Celebruthiel recognized the Hobbit from her return to Rivendell. And then there was the Ring. She could feel the air pulsating around it and wondered if anyone else noticed it, too. To the room's surprise, as Celebruthiel turned to Frodo, he gasped and took a step back, his hand clutching something around his neck. Sam took a step closer to Frodo, as if to protect him from this Elf. This amused Celebruthiel as her eyes flickered over him.
"Quite interesting," Gandalf commented as the rest of the group starred. Legolas started to take a step toward Celebruthiel, but Gandalf placed a hand on his arm to restrain him.
But Frodo was not aware of any of this. He seemed frozen in spot, staring at Elrond's daughter. Then he heard a voice in his head say, "It is alright, little friend, you will come to no harm here." He knew it was her voice talking, though only he heard it. How she did this, he did not know. And though he should have been more concerned than ever, his fear lessened and the moment passed.
"And this must be the rest of the merry band," she said, turning her attention to Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Pippin instantly became enamored when Celebruthiel's gaze rested on him. He immediately grasped her long slender hand in his short, almost child-like one, got down on one knee, and pledged his lifelong devotion to her to the dismay of the other three Hobbits. Celebruthiel's musical laughter rang out and for the first time in months, she felt like herself. She wanted to hug this silly, adorable little Hobbit to her.
Boromir, having heard next to nothing about Elrond's eldest daughter, watched her mesmerized. Far and wide were the stories of Arwen's beauty and grace, 'Evenstar' to her people. But to Boromir, she fell in the shadows compared to Celebruthiel's radiance. The way the sunlight clung to her, following her every movement, it looked as if the Sun's rays wished to bask in her beauty, not the other way around. Her long silver hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders. She had the sides pulled back into a gold clip, not braided the way most of the other elves, Legolas, Arwen, and Elrond included, seemed to wear theirs. Her eyes were the lightest shade of blue, the color of the afternoon sky once the sun's rays had bleached it. She wore a gown of shimmering white that seemed to appear both pale blue and grey as she moved around the room. Over her gown, she worn a grey cape clasped around her neck with a silver and green leaf. Boromir felt he'd just discovered the hidden 'Jewel of Rivendell'.
Suddenly Boromir felt he was being watched. He turned his gaze and found Legolas, the Elven Prince, eyeing him. Boromir didn't feel any animosity coming from his gaze, only mild curiosity. Even once their gazes met, Legolas continued to hold his until Boromir looked away.
"You silly Took," Gandalf huffed as he grabbed Pippin by the back of the neck. "You are lucky Legolas, her husband, has not taken an arrow to you yet. I know I certainly want to."
"If I took arrow to every fool that fell in love with my fair Celebruthiel, I would be arrowless soon enough," Legolas murmured, a glimpse of a smile on his lips.
Celebruthiel returned Legolas' smile before turning her attention back to Pippin.
"Gandalf, release Pippin before you hurt the poor dear. I find him rather charming."
Gandalf was holding the young hobbit by the scruff of his neck several feet off the ground. "As you wish," he murmured and released Pippin, who wailed as he fell to the ground.
"You forget, I can be just as handy with bow and arrow," Celebruthiel admonished, eyeing Gandalf as she helped Pippin to his feet.
"Yes, I did," Gandalf replied with a thoughtful gleam.
"You remember Gloin, my daughter," Elrond interrupted, trying to prevent Gandalf's thoughts from straying far from what was at hand. And where Gandalf's thoughts were leading, Elrond was not yet ready to follow.
"Ah, Gloin, son of Groin, my dear stout fellow, it has been some time since last I looked upon your face," Celebruthiel greeted.
"My lady," Gloin responded with a bow. "My son, Gimli."
"Welcome, Gimli. How have you found Rivendell?"
"It has improved greatly, my lady," Gimli responded. "My father has talked often of your beauty. I had thought he lied."
"Thank you for your kind words. Though I hope Groin had more to say than just of my beauty," she responded softly.
"Why, yes, my lady. He often spoke fondly of you and of your fair treatment to him and his kind," Gimli quickly added with a glance at his father.
Groin smiled and nodded at his son. For Groin knew from his time spent with the fair Celebruthiel, she, like many of the Elves he had encountered, thought very little of her physical appearances. She was more concerned with inner beauty, for she considered beauty to be found in everything around her.
Legolas watched Celebruthiel making a fool of herself over the two Dwarves. "The nasty little underground dwellers," he thought silently, his view being that of most Elves, for there was no love lost between the two.
Celebruthiel, though, had spent her life at Rivendell, where many a different race would come seeking Elrond's council. She quickly learned there were the good and the bad in all, even the Elves on occasion.
It was Aragorn who lead Boromir to Celebruthiel.
"Muinthel o inden (sister of my heart), I present to you Boromir son of Denethor from Gondor, who has also taken upon the quest."
"My lady," Boromir whispered, taking the hand Celebruthiel extended to him and bending over it.
"You have a heavy heart, Boromir from Gondor,"
"Yes, my lady. I fear greatly for Gondor," he replied, taken back that she could so easily see inside him.
"Let Rivendell heal your troubled heart at least for your stay. It will all wait for your return," Celebruthiel said softly, feeling the pain within him over the troubles in his homeland.
"I only hope you are right," Boromir murmured.
"It must be so, for if Gondor falls, we shall all be doomed," Celebruthiel whispered, pulling her hand from Boromir's grasp. The close proximity of this man made her remember what she'd forgotten with the playfulness of Pippin and the reacquainting with her friend, Groin. There was something within this man that disturbed her, though she couldn't quite put a finger on it. "Please excuse me, I must speak to my father." Then Celebruthiel removed herself from his presence.
Elrond and Gandalf were standing separately from the rest of the group, far to the right. The hobbits, Groin, Gimli, Aragorn, and Boromir stood in a group in the middle of the courtyard. And to the far left, Arwen and Legolas where speaking softly. Celebruthiel moved to her father's side.
"Kala, do you know what overcame the hobbit, Frodo, when you looked upon his face?" Elrond asked softly so as not to be overheard.
"The little hobbit feels the Ring as I do, it's power, it's longing, and how it tries to bend our will. And he can sense it calling to me. It thinks in me it has found it's way home. This frightens the Ringbearer, for he understands his duty to it and to us," she replied sadly.
"And of the Ring, what do you perceive your role in all of this?" Gandalf asked as Elrond glanced at him sharply.
"Honestly I do not know. It calls and I try not to answer. I understand more than most what that would mean, as do both of you. It would mean my destruction and that of the world as we know it. And so I fight. This will not stop even once the Ring is gone from here, not until it is no more," she replied morosely, feeling the fate of the world fall to her shoulders, for fight she must, or loose herself forever.
"Kala?" Legolas whispered, questioning the sad look on her face.
Celebruthiel turned to him and smile. "It is all right, melethen (my love)." She reached a hand towards Legolas. He grasped it, letting Celebruthiel lead him beside her.
"Ada (father)," Celebruthiel began, turning to Elrond and his heart jumped for joy at that one word. "We have said our vows. I hope the way we went about it hasn't upset you greatly."
"I can't say I am not saddened that I wasn't there to hear them. But in these troubled times, there are more important things to be concerned about. I am just satisfied that the hopes Thranduil and I had have been fulfilled," Elrond stated, hugging his daughter to him briefly.
Gandalf realized the rest of the Company was staring at father and daughter, though at such a distance they were uncertain of the words spoken.
"Everyone should probably now go rest as we shall set out soon enough and then there will be no time for such nonsense," he announced.
As the group wandered off, each heading his own way, Gandalf murmured to Elrond, "You know she will no longer be safe here, not with Saruman in likes with the Dark Lord."
"I know," Elrond replied with a sigh.
"So we have come to a decision," Gandalf questioned.
"Yes. It shall be as you wish." Then Elrond left Gandalf standing alone in the courtyard.
