Chapter 8
The Not-So-Secret Secret
Disclaimer: If you really want to read a disclaimer so badly there are 7 more before this one.
A/N: Hola my readers! Thank you all of my wonderful reviewers! Ok now for those of you obsessed with detail. There is no way in hell I am putting accents n shit on everything that needs accents n shit. Deal with it. Ok I don't know if this is allowed so SHHHHHHHHH!! Don't tell on me if it isn't! My 50th reviewer, this chapter please *crosses fingerses* I WILL REVIEW any one of your stories. Also, just a reminder, I appreciate ideas. E-mail me!, review!, IM ME (aussiemach) ! I love to talk, feel free.
And now. the moment you've all been waiting for. --~~*~~-- .the next morning
Luthien skipped happily through the hallways of the thousand caves. She was having a particularly fine day due to the fact that she knew a secret about her dear cousin, Celeborn, that only he, Artanis, and she, Luthien, were aware of. She grinned wickedly. It wouldn't be a secret much longer. By the time that the sun set tonight everyone in Menegroth would know it.
Luthien tiptoed around the corner and peered around a tree, carved ornately of alabaster. Not that she didn't love her cousin, but it was oh so fun to drive him crazy. It was her favorite past time. It would be good for Celeborn and Artanis to have their little secret in the open Luthien reasoned. After all, they had driven everyone in Menegroth mad when they had been trying to kill each other. They needed a little payback and Luthien had just the plan to give it to them.
Luthien grinned as her target exited the Lady Artanis's rooms. She walked past the alabaster tree and, walking softly yet purposefully, bore down upon her prey.
"A good morning to you Culfiniel!" Luthien greeted the copper-headed maid as she walked beside her.
"And to you also princess Luthien!" Culfiniel greeted the raven-haired princess cheerfully although her optimistic words seemed to have a gilding of worry.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Luthien asked Culfiniel as the she- elf rushed through the hallways with the young elf at her heels.
"I am off to find the Lady Artanis, she is missing. Furthermore one of her brothers, Orodreth, has just sent for her. I must find her before he become upset with me!" A look of frustration and worry became apparent on the maid's pretty countenance. "Oh I do hope she is not trying to kill that young elf lord again. What is his name now.."
"You mean Celeborn."
"Oh yes, that's him. I really don't understand it. He seems so nice and well mannered to me besides that, he is rather handsome if I do say so myself!" The elf winked at Luthien.
Luthien stopped and crossed her arms over her chest. "Really Culfiniel, I wouldn't waste your time looking for Artanis, or, should I say." Culfiniel stopped walking, and, with a quizzical yet interested look at Luthien, turned and walked back to the princess's side. "Lady Galadriel, who was, until recently, Lady Artanis." Luthien continued.
"Oh?" Culfiniel's sense of curiosity had been awakened. "But she is not married! Who would give her an epesse?" Luthien had chosen Culfiniel to spread the news because she knew what a famous gossip she was.
"Shhhh." Luthien whispered, pressing a finger to her lips. "She and Celeborn have gotten over their quarrels and he is now courting her!" Culfiniel stepped back and laughed incredulously.
"Oh and I suppose that one day they will marry and have children! Luthien, the tales you tell are fanatical! The day those two court each other is the day elves fall out of trees!"
"No! It is true, I saw them yesterday. They were sitting in a tree and then Celeborn called Artanis Galadriel and they were k-i-s-s-i-n-g!" Luthien hurriedly explained in a hushed tone. The last bit of information certainly caught Culfiniel's attention.
"Really?" The red-haired maid eyed Luthien suspiciously, her tone of voice matching her stare. "And why shouldn't I bother looking for them?" She placed her hands on her hips.
"Because this morning they went horseback riding together." If you don't believe me check the stables, their horses are gone and I'm sure you will find Lord Celeborn's rooms empty. They left early so that no one would know, as they intend to keep their courtship a secret. You mustn't tell anyone what I have told you!" Luthien whispered the last sentence so softly that Culfiniel had to strain to hear it.
"Oh don't worry I won't!" Culfiniel replied in a hushed tone. The two young elf women parted ways; Luthien to pay a visit to her parents and Culfiniel to talk with her friends.
--~~*~~-- .later that afternoon
By midday Menegroth was buzzing with news of Celeborn's courtship of the Lady Galadriel, who, until recently, had been the Lady Artanis. Neither of the two could be found. Celeborn had left a note on Thingol's desk saying that he would be scouting out new trails and Artanis had told Melian the night before that she would be walking in the forest.
Thingol had been certain that the two were meeting in the forest to duel to the death but Melian had told him that Luthien's story was true, and furthermore, defended her nephew, saying that he would never harm, much less kill, a lady.
"Young elves, goodness, what is this world coming to! The next thing you know they'll be married!" Elu Thingol sighed exasperatedly. At least they wouldn't be wrecking his palace any more. He laughed "The day those two marry is the day elves start falling out of trees! And their children! They would produce little monsters!"
" They will be beautiful and wise as far as little monsters go however." Melian laughed. Her comment would have caused her husband to faint, had he been a mortal. As it was he could only sit, terrified, on his throne, shaking his head and hoping that his wife's visions would not come true.
--~~*~~--
The grass barely moved as two elves atop two beautiful elven horses raced over the green shoots. The male was atop a dappled gray while the female rode a palomino, bright as new gold.
"Faster Silverwind! The evil one draws close!" Celeborn shouted to the silver stallion as Galadriel urged her mare, Rilinzil, onward towards the tree that marked the end of the race. The horses drew neck and neck, their chests heaving, foam accumulating on their coats, and fire in their eyes. Their riders shouted and urged them onwards as they gleefully ate up the ground beneath them. The tree grew nearer and still neither of the horses could overtake the other and so the riders endeavored to push each other from their steeds.
Galadriel shoved Celeborn in the side but he hardly budged from where he was flattened to Silverwind's neck. She decided to shove harder so she let go of Rilinzil's mane, but she did not anticipate Celeborn's attempt to dislodge her from her seat, nor did she anticipate the horses' swift changes in direction as their riders lost focus, neither, apparently, did Celeborn.
Just as Celeborn let go of his handful of mane and leant to the right to give Galadriel a good shove she leant left to give him a good shove. Simultaneously Silverwind went left and Rilinzil went right.
Galadriel was suddenly falling through the air where her horse had previously been and landed on the ground, stomach up. As she hit, pain shot through her body, but more pain followed as Celeborn became dislodged from Silverwind's back and, although he tried to avoid it, had his fall cushioned by Galadriel who, in turn, promptly had the wind knocked out of her.
Galadriel felt squashed but she forgot that when she realized that the squashed feeling was being caused by the 200-something pounds of elf that was Celeborn, who was lying on top of her. Galadriel's eyes flew open. Sure enough there he was and he was looking rather comfortable as he grinned down at her. She frowned angrily.
"Would you please get off of me or were you just getting comfortable?" Galadriel asked angrily, more of commanded, as Celeborn made no attempt to move, and instead extended an arm and began lazily picking little white flowers from the grass.
"Actually, since you can still breathe and speak, I am in no great hurry to go anywhere." He said lazily with a smirk as he continued to pick flowers and began to put them on her face. Galadriel attempted to blow away the flowers, but was unsuccessful.
"Celeborn I cannot move!" Galadriel accidentally swallowed a flower that he dropped into her mouth. She spluttered, coughed, and attempted to spit it at Celeborn. She missed and it landed on her chest. Celeborn laughed and, to Galadriel's horror, brushed it off.
"It is not lady-like to spit, Nerwen." He chastised her. "I am in no hurry to go anywhere as I see that you can still attempt escape, spit, breathe, and yell."
"Don't call me that and I don't care whether it is lady-like or not. This isn't funny! I can't move my arms!" Celeborn smiled down at her as she unsuccessfully struggled to free herself. Finally she stopped. "Celeborn I feel violated!" The lady huffed angrily as he grinned innocently at her.
"By me? Nonsense." Celeborn stopped grinning and attempted to look stately and regal as he finished braiding the chain of white flowers, weaving fresh green stems in a pattern of complicated knots and braids. The regal effect was rather ruined by the fact that his hair was disheveled and his circlet was askew from his fall. He placed the circlet on her head and smiled at her.
"Very cute Celeborn, simply darling and adorable, now let me up." Galadriel sighed exasperatedly. She attempted to look angry and menacing but because she was on her back, with little to no ability to escape and or injure him, Celeborn was unfazed. He raised an eyebrow at her and smiled wickedly. His wicked smile was amazingly similar to Luthien's, Galadriel noted apprehensively .
"Why should I? You know you like it." He said calmly, knowing the reaction he would get.
"W.wh.wh.wha.what! I most certainly do.. don't like it at all! I command you to .to get off of me now!" Galadriel stammered but she was no longer angry, in fact, she was beginning to find this whole situation to be quite amusing and, perhaps there was a little bit of truth in what he said, though she would never admit it, at least not for a few years.
Celeborn raised an eyebrow again. "I am the prince here, not you." He poked her on tip of her nose.
"And I am a Noldor Princess!"
"Ah, but my Noldor princess you are in my realm." He began to braid her hair.
"I never said you could touch that and I'm not your anything you Moriquendi!"
"You never said I couldn't touch it!"
"But I.."
"Besides, you know you like it."
"If you say that one more time!"
"If I say that one more Time you'll what?" Celeborn grinned, catlike at her.
"I'll, I'll, oh I don't know." Galadriel sighed as Celeborn looked off into the distance with a dreamy yet devilish look. He was really enjoying this so he decided to have a bit more fun.
"Galadriel?"
"Yes Celeborn?" Galadriel's voice had a sarcastic edge.
"Have you ever thought about starting a family?"
"What! Oh no you don't! Don't you even think about it! Oh Valar you are aren't, you wouldn't would you? No, we are not even married! We have only been courting for a few days! Not here, not now! CELEBORN GET OFF!" By this time Celeborn was laughing so hard at her outburst that he was shaking and Galadriel, who was struggling violently, was able to push him off, but when she tried to stand she fell over. She was numb so she just lay there propped herself up on her elbows and watched Celeborn laugh until he almost cried. Finally he stopped and sat up, looking at her bemusedly as she glared at him.
"You never said not with me!" He began to laugh again, provoking Galadriel to crawl over and hit him on the head.
"That was not funny Prince Celeborn of the Sindar!"
"Oh no, I'm in trouble now! You're using titles!" At this they both began to laugh. Celeborn offered his hand to his fallen lady and helped her to her feet, scooping her up into his arms when she promptly fell down again.
"I can walk!" The proud Noldor lady exclaimed as he carried her to where the horses had stopped to graze.
"No you can't." Celeborn replied. Galadriel pursued the matter no further, she had made her point and he was right.
"Celeborn don't try that again." Galadriel scolded.
"Try what again?" Celeborn asked with mock innocence.
"ARGG, you know what!"
"Should I try it again to make sure that I know what you mean?"
"NO! I had heard that it was your brother, Galathil, that was the bold one!"
"He is just less wise about hiding it."
"I believe that I know that by now." Galadriel said as Celeborn lifted her onto Rilinzil's back and kissed her lightly on the lips. She smiled at him as he sprung onto Silverwind. "I bet that I can beat you back."
"I can beat you any day." He replied.
"In your dreams you can!" Galadriel laughed.
"We all know what you dream about me Galadriel!" Celeborn shouted as he urged Silverwind into a gallop and raced off. Galadriel followed suit.
"You wish!" Galadriel screamed.
"I don't wish, I know!" He shouted back as the horses drew even once more. The two elves laughed and Galadriel aimed a punch at his ribs and smiled as her fist connected.
--~~*~~--
When stories are passed along they usually get changed along the way. By that nigh everyone knew that Celeborn and Artanis were courting but everyone had a different story of how it had come to be.
When the sun was setting in the sky Celeborn led Silverwind into the stable. Galadriel had stayed behind in the woods for a while so that nothing would be suspected. A groom came and took Silverwind's reins from him, smiling maliciously the whole time.
"So, my lord, shall I also wait for the lady Galadriel's horse?"
"Galadriel! How do you know about that?" Celeborn gasped
"The whole palace knows my lord. Apparently young princess Luthien saw you two yesterday." With this last comment the guard led silverwind off to his stall and as he left Celeborn heard him singing, "Celeborn and Galadriel sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g." Celeborn stormed out of the stable when the other grooms took up the chorus.
Galadriel rode out of the woods at that moment, looking surprised that Celeborn was still there.
"They know, the whole palace knows." He said.
"What? How?" Galadriel asked, confused, as she dismounted.
"Luthien apparently saw us yesterday." A groom walked over and led Rilinzil away as Celeborn and Galadriel turned and headed into Menegroth discussing what they would do about their-not so-secret secret.
At the gates stood five familiar figures: Celeborn's brother, Galathil, and Galadriel's four brothers, Finrod, Orodreth, Angrod, and Aegnor. They looked less amused than Galathil and promptly escorted Galadriel away when the two young elves reached the gate, with glares at Celeborn. Galathil smacked his older brother enthusiastically on the back.
"It's about time Celeborn! I was beginning to think that you would be a bachelor for eternity!"
"Galathil, I hardly even know her, I am certainly not going to marry her soon!"
"Sure, I believe you." Galathil replied sarcastically as the two brothers walked into Menegroth. Celeborn strongly suspected that all the elves in Doriath had been waiting for him to return. Whispers broke out as he walked to his chamber and he was sure that the same had happened when Galadriel had been led through the halls moments earlier by her brothers.
The brothers entered a more deserted corridor. "How is it that you, of all elves, get the most beautiful elf maiden? You must tell me your secret brother so that I may steal her from you!" Galathil exclaimed enthusiastically.
"That, Galathil, is a matter to complex for your simple mind." Celeborn replied good-naturedly. The brothers continued to jest, but in the back of his mind Celeborn wondered what Galadriel's brothers would do.
Your elvish lesson:
Nerwen - a name given to Galadriel by her parents, meaning "man-woman"
Moriquendi - a name for the elves who never saw the light of the two trees, meaning "Elves of the darkness"
Sindar - A name for the grey elves that lived in Beleriand
Preview for the next chapter: Sooo my dear readers. What will Galadriel's brothers do? What do they think of her, to quote Angrod, "cavorting" with a sindar? I know, the suspense is killin ya. I will post around mid-November. Until next time, namárië.
The Not-So-Secret Secret
Disclaimer: If you really want to read a disclaimer so badly there are 7 more before this one.
A/N: Hola my readers! Thank you all of my wonderful reviewers! Ok now for those of you obsessed with detail. There is no way in hell I am putting accents n shit on everything that needs accents n shit. Deal with it. Ok I don't know if this is allowed so SHHHHHHHHH!! Don't tell on me if it isn't! My 50th reviewer, this chapter please *crosses fingerses* I WILL REVIEW any one of your stories. Also, just a reminder, I appreciate ideas. E-mail me!, review!, IM ME (aussiemach) ! I love to talk, feel free.
And now. the moment you've all been waiting for. --~~*~~-- .the next morning
Luthien skipped happily through the hallways of the thousand caves. She was having a particularly fine day due to the fact that she knew a secret about her dear cousin, Celeborn, that only he, Artanis, and she, Luthien, were aware of. She grinned wickedly. It wouldn't be a secret much longer. By the time that the sun set tonight everyone in Menegroth would know it.
Luthien tiptoed around the corner and peered around a tree, carved ornately of alabaster. Not that she didn't love her cousin, but it was oh so fun to drive him crazy. It was her favorite past time. It would be good for Celeborn and Artanis to have their little secret in the open Luthien reasoned. After all, they had driven everyone in Menegroth mad when they had been trying to kill each other. They needed a little payback and Luthien had just the plan to give it to them.
Luthien grinned as her target exited the Lady Artanis's rooms. She walked past the alabaster tree and, walking softly yet purposefully, bore down upon her prey.
"A good morning to you Culfiniel!" Luthien greeted the copper-headed maid as she walked beside her.
"And to you also princess Luthien!" Culfiniel greeted the raven-haired princess cheerfully although her optimistic words seemed to have a gilding of worry.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Luthien asked Culfiniel as the she- elf rushed through the hallways with the young elf at her heels.
"I am off to find the Lady Artanis, she is missing. Furthermore one of her brothers, Orodreth, has just sent for her. I must find her before he become upset with me!" A look of frustration and worry became apparent on the maid's pretty countenance. "Oh I do hope she is not trying to kill that young elf lord again. What is his name now.."
"You mean Celeborn."
"Oh yes, that's him. I really don't understand it. He seems so nice and well mannered to me besides that, he is rather handsome if I do say so myself!" The elf winked at Luthien.
Luthien stopped and crossed her arms over her chest. "Really Culfiniel, I wouldn't waste your time looking for Artanis, or, should I say." Culfiniel stopped walking, and, with a quizzical yet interested look at Luthien, turned and walked back to the princess's side. "Lady Galadriel, who was, until recently, Lady Artanis." Luthien continued.
"Oh?" Culfiniel's sense of curiosity had been awakened. "But she is not married! Who would give her an epesse?" Luthien had chosen Culfiniel to spread the news because she knew what a famous gossip she was.
"Shhhh." Luthien whispered, pressing a finger to her lips. "She and Celeborn have gotten over their quarrels and he is now courting her!" Culfiniel stepped back and laughed incredulously.
"Oh and I suppose that one day they will marry and have children! Luthien, the tales you tell are fanatical! The day those two court each other is the day elves fall out of trees!"
"No! It is true, I saw them yesterday. They were sitting in a tree and then Celeborn called Artanis Galadriel and they were k-i-s-s-i-n-g!" Luthien hurriedly explained in a hushed tone. The last bit of information certainly caught Culfiniel's attention.
"Really?" The red-haired maid eyed Luthien suspiciously, her tone of voice matching her stare. "And why shouldn't I bother looking for them?" She placed her hands on her hips.
"Because this morning they went horseback riding together." If you don't believe me check the stables, their horses are gone and I'm sure you will find Lord Celeborn's rooms empty. They left early so that no one would know, as they intend to keep their courtship a secret. You mustn't tell anyone what I have told you!" Luthien whispered the last sentence so softly that Culfiniel had to strain to hear it.
"Oh don't worry I won't!" Culfiniel replied in a hushed tone. The two young elf women parted ways; Luthien to pay a visit to her parents and Culfiniel to talk with her friends.
--~~*~~-- .later that afternoon
By midday Menegroth was buzzing with news of Celeborn's courtship of the Lady Galadriel, who, until recently, had been the Lady Artanis. Neither of the two could be found. Celeborn had left a note on Thingol's desk saying that he would be scouting out new trails and Artanis had told Melian the night before that she would be walking in the forest.
Thingol had been certain that the two were meeting in the forest to duel to the death but Melian had told him that Luthien's story was true, and furthermore, defended her nephew, saying that he would never harm, much less kill, a lady.
"Young elves, goodness, what is this world coming to! The next thing you know they'll be married!" Elu Thingol sighed exasperatedly. At least they wouldn't be wrecking his palace any more. He laughed "The day those two marry is the day elves start falling out of trees! And their children! They would produce little monsters!"
" They will be beautiful and wise as far as little monsters go however." Melian laughed. Her comment would have caused her husband to faint, had he been a mortal. As it was he could only sit, terrified, on his throne, shaking his head and hoping that his wife's visions would not come true.
--~~*~~--
The grass barely moved as two elves atop two beautiful elven horses raced over the green shoots. The male was atop a dappled gray while the female rode a palomino, bright as new gold.
"Faster Silverwind! The evil one draws close!" Celeborn shouted to the silver stallion as Galadriel urged her mare, Rilinzil, onward towards the tree that marked the end of the race. The horses drew neck and neck, their chests heaving, foam accumulating on their coats, and fire in their eyes. Their riders shouted and urged them onwards as they gleefully ate up the ground beneath them. The tree grew nearer and still neither of the horses could overtake the other and so the riders endeavored to push each other from their steeds.
Galadriel shoved Celeborn in the side but he hardly budged from where he was flattened to Silverwind's neck. She decided to shove harder so she let go of Rilinzil's mane, but she did not anticipate Celeborn's attempt to dislodge her from her seat, nor did she anticipate the horses' swift changes in direction as their riders lost focus, neither, apparently, did Celeborn.
Just as Celeborn let go of his handful of mane and leant to the right to give Galadriel a good shove she leant left to give him a good shove. Simultaneously Silverwind went left and Rilinzil went right.
Galadriel was suddenly falling through the air where her horse had previously been and landed on the ground, stomach up. As she hit, pain shot through her body, but more pain followed as Celeborn became dislodged from Silverwind's back and, although he tried to avoid it, had his fall cushioned by Galadriel who, in turn, promptly had the wind knocked out of her.
Galadriel felt squashed but she forgot that when she realized that the squashed feeling was being caused by the 200-something pounds of elf that was Celeborn, who was lying on top of her. Galadriel's eyes flew open. Sure enough there he was and he was looking rather comfortable as he grinned down at her. She frowned angrily.
"Would you please get off of me or were you just getting comfortable?" Galadriel asked angrily, more of commanded, as Celeborn made no attempt to move, and instead extended an arm and began lazily picking little white flowers from the grass.
"Actually, since you can still breathe and speak, I am in no great hurry to go anywhere." He said lazily with a smirk as he continued to pick flowers and began to put them on her face. Galadriel attempted to blow away the flowers, but was unsuccessful.
"Celeborn I cannot move!" Galadriel accidentally swallowed a flower that he dropped into her mouth. She spluttered, coughed, and attempted to spit it at Celeborn. She missed and it landed on her chest. Celeborn laughed and, to Galadriel's horror, brushed it off.
"It is not lady-like to spit, Nerwen." He chastised her. "I am in no hurry to go anywhere as I see that you can still attempt escape, spit, breathe, and yell."
"Don't call me that and I don't care whether it is lady-like or not. This isn't funny! I can't move my arms!" Celeborn smiled down at her as she unsuccessfully struggled to free herself. Finally she stopped. "Celeborn I feel violated!" The lady huffed angrily as he grinned innocently at her.
"By me? Nonsense." Celeborn stopped grinning and attempted to look stately and regal as he finished braiding the chain of white flowers, weaving fresh green stems in a pattern of complicated knots and braids. The regal effect was rather ruined by the fact that his hair was disheveled and his circlet was askew from his fall. He placed the circlet on her head and smiled at her.
"Very cute Celeborn, simply darling and adorable, now let me up." Galadriel sighed exasperatedly. She attempted to look angry and menacing but because she was on her back, with little to no ability to escape and or injure him, Celeborn was unfazed. He raised an eyebrow at her and smiled wickedly. His wicked smile was amazingly similar to Luthien's, Galadriel noted apprehensively .
"Why should I? You know you like it." He said calmly, knowing the reaction he would get.
"W.wh.wh.wha.what! I most certainly do.. don't like it at all! I command you to .to get off of me now!" Galadriel stammered but she was no longer angry, in fact, she was beginning to find this whole situation to be quite amusing and, perhaps there was a little bit of truth in what he said, though she would never admit it, at least not for a few years.
Celeborn raised an eyebrow again. "I am the prince here, not you." He poked her on tip of her nose.
"And I am a Noldor Princess!"
"Ah, but my Noldor princess you are in my realm." He began to braid her hair.
"I never said you could touch that and I'm not your anything you Moriquendi!"
"You never said I couldn't touch it!"
"But I.."
"Besides, you know you like it."
"If you say that one more time!"
"If I say that one more Time you'll what?" Celeborn grinned, catlike at her.
"I'll, I'll, oh I don't know." Galadriel sighed as Celeborn looked off into the distance with a dreamy yet devilish look. He was really enjoying this so he decided to have a bit more fun.
"Galadriel?"
"Yes Celeborn?" Galadriel's voice had a sarcastic edge.
"Have you ever thought about starting a family?"
"What! Oh no you don't! Don't you even think about it! Oh Valar you are aren't, you wouldn't would you? No, we are not even married! We have only been courting for a few days! Not here, not now! CELEBORN GET OFF!" By this time Celeborn was laughing so hard at her outburst that he was shaking and Galadriel, who was struggling violently, was able to push him off, but when she tried to stand she fell over. She was numb so she just lay there propped herself up on her elbows and watched Celeborn laugh until he almost cried. Finally he stopped and sat up, looking at her bemusedly as she glared at him.
"You never said not with me!" He began to laugh again, provoking Galadriel to crawl over and hit him on the head.
"That was not funny Prince Celeborn of the Sindar!"
"Oh no, I'm in trouble now! You're using titles!" At this they both began to laugh. Celeborn offered his hand to his fallen lady and helped her to her feet, scooping her up into his arms when she promptly fell down again.
"I can walk!" The proud Noldor lady exclaimed as he carried her to where the horses had stopped to graze.
"No you can't." Celeborn replied. Galadriel pursued the matter no further, she had made her point and he was right.
"Celeborn don't try that again." Galadriel scolded.
"Try what again?" Celeborn asked with mock innocence.
"ARGG, you know what!"
"Should I try it again to make sure that I know what you mean?"
"NO! I had heard that it was your brother, Galathil, that was the bold one!"
"He is just less wise about hiding it."
"I believe that I know that by now." Galadriel said as Celeborn lifted her onto Rilinzil's back and kissed her lightly on the lips. She smiled at him as he sprung onto Silverwind. "I bet that I can beat you back."
"I can beat you any day." He replied.
"In your dreams you can!" Galadriel laughed.
"We all know what you dream about me Galadriel!" Celeborn shouted as he urged Silverwind into a gallop and raced off. Galadriel followed suit.
"You wish!" Galadriel screamed.
"I don't wish, I know!" He shouted back as the horses drew even once more. The two elves laughed and Galadriel aimed a punch at his ribs and smiled as her fist connected.
--~~*~~--
When stories are passed along they usually get changed along the way. By that nigh everyone knew that Celeborn and Artanis were courting but everyone had a different story of how it had come to be.
When the sun was setting in the sky Celeborn led Silverwind into the stable. Galadriel had stayed behind in the woods for a while so that nothing would be suspected. A groom came and took Silverwind's reins from him, smiling maliciously the whole time.
"So, my lord, shall I also wait for the lady Galadriel's horse?"
"Galadriel! How do you know about that?" Celeborn gasped
"The whole palace knows my lord. Apparently young princess Luthien saw you two yesterday." With this last comment the guard led silverwind off to his stall and as he left Celeborn heard him singing, "Celeborn and Galadriel sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g." Celeborn stormed out of the stable when the other grooms took up the chorus.
Galadriel rode out of the woods at that moment, looking surprised that Celeborn was still there.
"They know, the whole palace knows." He said.
"What? How?" Galadriel asked, confused, as she dismounted.
"Luthien apparently saw us yesterday." A groom walked over and led Rilinzil away as Celeborn and Galadriel turned and headed into Menegroth discussing what they would do about their-not so-secret secret.
At the gates stood five familiar figures: Celeborn's brother, Galathil, and Galadriel's four brothers, Finrod, Orodreth, Angrod, and Aegnor. They looked less amused than Galathil and promptly escorted Galadriel away when the two young elves reached the gate, with glares at Celeborn. Galathil smacked his older brother enthusiastically on the back.
"It's about time Celeborn! I was beginning to think that you would be a bachelor for eternity!"
"Galathil, I hardly even know her, I am certainly not going to marry her soon!"
"Sure, I believe you." Galathil replied sarcastically as the two brothers walked into Menegroth. Celeborn strongly suspected that all the elves in Doriath had been waiting for him to return. Whispers broke out as he walked to his chamber and he was sure that the same had happened when Galadriel had been led through the halls moments earlier by her brothers.
The brothers entered a more deserted corridor. "How is it that you, of all elves, get the most beautiful elf maiden? You must tell me your secret brother so that I may steal her from you!" Galathil exclaimed enthusiastically.
"That, Galathil, is a matter to complex for your simple mind." Celeborn replied good-naturedly. The brothers continued to jest, but in the back of his mind Celeborn wondered what Galadriel's brothers would do.
Your elvish lesson:
Nerwen - a name given to Galadriel by her parents, meaning "man-woman"
Moriquendi - a name for the elves who never saw the light of the two trees, meaning "Elves of the darkness"
Sindar - A name for the grey elves that lived in Beleriand
Preview for the next chapter: Sooo my dear readers. What will Galadriel's brothers do? What do they think of her, to quote Angrod, "cavorting" with a sindar? I know, the suspense is killin ya. I will post around mid-November. Until next time, namárië.