Chapter 9
The Verdict
Disclaimer: Really do I even need to do this anymore?
A/N: Thank you everyone. I appreciate your support! Remember IDEAS are welcome. NOTE ON ELVEN MARRIAGE CUSTOMS: elves don't do "the deed" before they are married. Ok? Tolkien specifically said so. So if it sounds suspicious just know that they aren't doing it ok?
Sinda- singular form of Sindar Hervess- wife
--~~*~~--
Finrod led the way to his personal study with Galadriel and her three other brothers in tow. Finrod opened the door and, after allowing his sister and brothers to enter, closed it.
Galadriel, Angrod, and Aegnor seated themselves. Orodreth leaned against the desk and Finrod began to pace in front of Galadriel.
"Artanis." Finrod began.
"My name is Galadriel, Finrod." Galadriel calmly replied, looking into the troubled eyes of her brother. Finrod sighed exasperatedly and Angrod shifted in his chair.
"Artanis, the taking on of a name is no mere thing. This Sindarin elf,"
"My name is Galadriel and his is Celeborn." Galadriel defended.
"I know what his name is." Finrod, once more, sighed.
"Then I would ask you to use it and use it respectfully."
"Celeborn had no right to give you a name, he is neither your husband nor is he kin to you."
"Brother, both I and he know that. He offered the name despite his knowledge of this custom and I accepted it under the same knowledge. It is my right to accept the name, as I have done, or to decline it. It is not for you to decide!" The lady gripped the velvet armrests of her chair in an effort to control her mounting anger.
Finrod accepted this. He knew that his sister was right and he would respect her wishes. Her life was her own and he would not control it, but that would not prevent him from voicing his opinion or giving her advice.
"Galadriel." Finrod said the name as though he were tasting it, determining whether it was a bitter fruit to spit out or a sweet honey to savor on the tongue. He decided that it was somewhere between each. "I just want you to have the best, to make sure that you are safe and well. I only want you to make the right decisions. I don't want you to rush into anything, take your time. He may be only a passing fancy and the name Galadriel with him."
"What he is saying, sister," Orodreth said as he reclined against the edge of the oak desk, "Is that elves come and go. You, who have had so many suitors, should know that. How do you know that he loves you?"
"I don't know that he loves me, indeed, I don't know that I love him, but I am willing to give him a chance. He deserves it, if not because it is customary, then because the first years that we were here all that I did to him was insult him and play tricks. I, who have had so many suitor, do indeed know that they come and go with time and passing fancy, but I also have found that by having so many suitors I have become able to distinguish between those who love my beauty and those who love me." Galadriel replied. The fire of anger had been kindled in her heart. She hated when her brothers questioned her judgement, but she would let them each have their say and share their opinion and, for now, she would listen. Her golden head turned to her left as Aegnor began to speak softly, voicing his concerns.
"Galadriel I just want you to slow down, your relationship with Celeborn has not yet been tested and when it is, and it will be, it may fall to pieces. Be careful with your heart, and in whose hands you place it, I do not want you hurt." Aegnor calmly explained and in his eyes Galadriel saw that he worried for her.
She nodded and said in a composed tone, "I understand and I will be careful and slow down. When the trials come I will face them. In order for a heart to be made whole it must risk being shattered.
"You speak the truth Galadriel, may you continue to do so." Aegnor replied.
Angrod stood and began to rant angrily. "We promised father when we left that we would make sure you married a Noldor. We promised that we would only associate with the best of elves and then we find you cavorting with a Sindar! The Sindar are dangerous and quick to anger. You must be wary of them yet you go off alone with one of them! What were you thinking! He could have done anything to you! I know that you are strong, Nerwen, but he is stronger yet. If he wanted to overpower you he could! There are plenty of noldorin elves who would give anything to have you for a wife and you decide to court a Sindar!" Galadriel cut short Angrod's angry tirade by standing and releasing her bottled anger.
"I never promised to marry a Noldor, whether or not you promised father that I would marry a Noldor is of no importance to me. Furthermore, I am not even considering marriage yet and we were not 'cavorting'. Also I find that you have a very stereotypical and false image of the Sindarin elves. Celeborn would never take advantage of me. In case you have forgotten brother he is the prince of the Sindar and there are many elf-maidens in Menegroth who would gladly give up anything to marry him. He is no mere elf, he is not dangerous to other elves, nor is he conniving and sneaky as you imply. I have found that he is virtuous, honorable, and wise."
Finrod quickly quelled the anger of Angrod with a few quick words. "In addition to what our sister has said Thingol and Melian, along with their people, have been most kind and welcoming to us. I am disappointed to hear you talk of them so." Angrod sat and remained silent.
"Sister, Galadriel." Finrod said wearily. "We cannot control you and make no move to , nor have a wish to do so. We will leave you now, think over what we have said." With that said Galadriel's four brothers stood and left the room.
--~~*~~--
meanwhile..
It wasn't long until Culfiniel heard that the Lady Artanis's brothers had taken her to Finrod's study where they were having a discussion about Galadriel's relationship with Celeborn. Naturally this was just to good of an opportunity for a good gossip to pass up. As soon as the halls quieted down Culfiniel started towards Finrod's study.
Galathil left his older brother in his rooms and started towards his own. His mind began to drift as he walked through the hallways. Celeborn had seemed worried. 'He must be worried about whether Galadriel's brothers will permit her to see him again' Galathil thought. 'Poor elf, didn't he know that the prettiest women always caused the most trouble?' Galathil was brought out of his thoughts when he suddenly collided with another elf in the hallway. He sprang up and reached down to help up the other elf.
Culfiniel was in such a rush that she accidentally ran into another elf in the hallway. She fell back and landed on the floor. She began to get back up when she noticed that it was Prince Galathil that she had run into. She flushed a shade of red that matched her hair as she took his hand and he helped her up.
"Lord Galathil I'm terribly sorry. I should have been watching where I was going, it's all my fault. You aren't hurt are you? I really didn't mean to, oh dear, I'm so sorry. " Culfiniel said in a rush. She curtsied and dropped her gaze to the floor. Grrrr she was so mad with herself. She had fancied Galathil for a long time. Now that he saw how clumsy she was she would never have a chance with him. She cringed when she felt a pair of hands clasp her shoulders and straighten her up.
Galathil was amazed. What luck! It wasn't every day that one stumbled upon the most beautiful elf maiden in Menegroth. How was it that he had not seen her before? He noticed that she had sunk into a curtsy. He reached out and grasped her shoulders, pulling her up.
"My lady, please do not curtsy to me. It is I who should bow to you for I have never seen a more beautiful maiden." Galathil bowed and straightened, taking Culfiniel's hands. "I beg of you Lady, a name, so that I may know who it is that I wish to court."
"Do not mock me so!" Culfiniel said furiously, wrenching her hands from his.
"My lady I mock you not!"
"I find that hard to believe." Culfiniel pouted angrily, placing her fists on her hips and glaring at Galathil. How dare he! She was almost ready to cry, the elf that she wanted to court most of all was now jesting about it.
Galathil was becoming desperate. She thought that he was joking!
"My lady I assure you that I do not jest!"
"Prove it!" Culfiniel spat. Galathil was well known for being bold and this was no exception. He gathered the angry Culfiniel into his arms and kissed her. She melted in his arms like butter. They broke apart, both with slightly insane grins on their faces.
"My name is Culfiniel."
"I can see why, and mine is Galathil."
"Yes I know, I've had a crush on you for a while now."
"Really?" The prince quirked a grin and arched a silver eyebrow. "I'm glad to know it. Now where were you headed to so quickly?" Culfiniel divulged the information guiltily.
"I would much enjoy accompanying you on your quest to find out the story of my brother and the lady Galadriel. May I escort you there?"
Culfiniel grinned wickedly, a look that Galathil matched and the two snuck off to Finrod's study. When they arrived they flattened themselves to the floor and began to listen through the crack between the floor and the door. Much of what they heard fueled their imaginations (both of which were rather creative) and caused several raised eyebrows, both copper and silver. When they heard Galadriel's brothers head towards the door they scurried around the corner to hide. Galathil looked back around the corner to discover that the coast was clear.
"I believe that a visit to the gardens is in order, my lady?" he asked with a smile as he offered his arm to Culfiniel who readily took it.
"Lead the way my lord!" She replied happily.
--~~*~~--
Celeborn sat in a comfortable chair reading an order that he had received from Beleg, the chief march warden of Doriath; his commander and the only elf holding a military position above his own position of Senior march warden of Doriath. Celeborn sighed and tossed the scroll onto a nearby desk. He must have read it dozens of times but still he did not know what he had read. All that he could think about was Galadriel. Was she upset? Had her brothers been mad at her? He rubbed his forehead in frustration. He had to go find her, it had not been right to leave her alone. If he had to face her brothers then so be it. Celeborn rose and donned a dark green robe over his gray tunic and leggings. Where would she be? He supposed that she might be in her rooms, he would have to be careful not to get caught. Sneaking around a lady's rooms at night was not exactly good behavior for elf lords.
Celeborn reached Galadriel's rooms unnoticed, as he expected. Few elves roamed Doriath at night, some rested while others attended parties in the gardens and great halls. The door was locked. Celeborn placed his hand upon the wooden door, the wood acknowledged him and permitted him to open the door. Celeborn was surprised that Galadriel was not in her rooms yet. Surely, after today's incident, she would have wanted to keep to herself. Were her brothers still talking to her? Celeborn decided to search the gardens.
Celeborn walked quickly along the stone paths of the gardens, away from the commotion and lights of the festivities taking place on the other side of the garden. Suddenly he heard a burst of giggles followed by an elf falling out of a tree and landing on him. The other elf quickly hopped up and then offered Celeborn his hand.
"I am most sorry.Celeborn? Whatever are you doing out here brother?" Galathil nervously asked his brother.
"I might ask you the same thing." Celeborn said as he held his fidgeting brother at arms length. His hair was a mass, his circlet was askew, and the top buttons of his tunic were undone. Celeborn glanced up into the tree and saw a flash of red hair. His eyebrows shot up, Galathil cringed. "I see that you are courting a lady?" Celeborn asked suspiciously.
"The same might be said for you." Galathil defended.
"Yet both I and Galadriel have kept all of our clothes on like proper elves."
"It's not like we were doing anything!" Galathil said.
"Maybe I'll believe you if you can tell me the whereabouts of the lady Galadriel." Celeborn said, tightening his grip on his brother's arm.
"Why do you want to know that? Do you intend to take off your clothes like an improper elf?"
"No I do not. If you weren't my brother you would be nursing a black eye now." But Galathil knew that his brother was only joking, he wouldn't hit another elf.
"I believe that she is in her brother Finrod's study. Now can I go?"
"Yes, and thank you." Celeborn replied, smiling at his brother as he released his arm. He turned back towards Menegroth as Galathil scampered back up the tree.
--~~*~~--
Galadriel slumped in her chair. Her brothers certainly weren't happy but most of them weren't that mad at her. She had expected their reaction, the Sindar were and unfamiliar people to them. At least they hadn't forbidden her from courting Celeborn, not that she would have obeyed them anyway.
Galadriel let her forehead fall into her hands. She had much to think about. Much of what her brothers had said was true. Many elves only loved her beauty and then there were those that just weren't right for her, but Celeborn was different. She had known that he was different from the very first time she had laid eyes on him at dinner, on the first night she had spent in Menegroth. She couldn't quite place her finger on it but for some reason he was different than the rest.
Galadriel's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She hoped it wasn't one of her brothers, as much as she loved them she didn't want to talk to any of them at the moment. Probably Culfiniel come to fetch her.
"Come in." She called wearily. She heard someone enter and close the door behind them. Galadriel knew that it wasn't Culfiniel, it was "Celeborn? What are you doing here?" she asked, looking up.
"How'd you know it was me?" Celeborn said, smiling at her.
"I don't know. Why did you come here?" Galadriel questioned, quickly changing the subject.
"I thought that you might." Celeborn glanced around. Galadriel's brothers were gone and she appeared to be in no state of distress. What he had been going to say sounded stupid now. "Well, I thought that you might need me; for support, you know?" Celeborn mumbled, hands clasped behind his back. Galadriel smiled warmly.
"That was very considerate of you." She said, rarely did she accept help from others. "I thought that you were Culfiniel."
"Oh, yes, um, I don't believe that you will be seeing her tonight." Celeborn said with a grin. Galadriel raised a golden eyebrow questioningly at this. Celeborn walked over and sat in the chair across from Galadriel, scooting it forward so that it was but a yard from hers. "I believe that she is gamboling in the garden with my brother."
"Really?" Galadriel said skeptically with a raised eyebrow and a laugh. "That is interesting."
"I found it rather interesting myself." Celeborn said, grinning and raising an eyebrow in imitation of Galadriel, causing her to laugh. "On a more serious note what have your brothers said?" Galadriel looked weary again as she slumped in her chair once more.
"They have no real problems with it though they would rather I court Noldors. They want me to be careful. Oh, and Angrod objects to my cavorting with a Sinda." Galadriel looked exasperated, leaning forward and resting her chin on her fist. "What have you to say about this Celeborn?"
"I say that Angrod will just have to get used to it, although getting to know him better would probably be a good idea too." Celeborn said, leaning forward and looking Galadriel in the eye.
"I believe that that is a good suggestion." Galadriel said, smiling.
"All of my suggestions are good." Celeborn said smugly.
"You had better wipe that grin off of your face Sinda!" Galadriel exclaimed. "Not all of your ideas are good ones!"
"Make me." Celeborn said, grinning devilishly at her.
"Is that a challenge or do my ears deceive me?" Galadriel questioned jokingly.
"Take it as you will." Celeborn said. Galadriel leaned forward.
"I know that this is exactly what you want me to do but I believe that I shall indulge you anyway." Galadriel said as she leaned in and then lightly pressed a kiss upon Celeborn's lips.
"I know that you can do better than that." Celeborn scoffed. Galadriel grinned.
"Then I shall prove myself up to your standards." She replied as she moved in and assaulted Celeborn with a ferocious kiss.
"Better?" She asked with a sly smile.
"Much." He gasped, rather shocked.
"Celeborn if you could come down from Celeborn's dream cloud long enough to walk me to my room I would be most grateful. And just so you know you are not staying there tonight in case you have any ideas." Galadriel jested. The golden-haired Noldo offered her arm for him to take, which he did willingly. He left her at the door to her rooms with a goodbye and a long, very long kiss and it seemed to Galadriel that she felt for the first time, though she knew not why, a strange, beautiful, wild feeling and called it love.
--~~*~~-- Melian sat up straighter in her chair. Thingol leaned over to her as the party in the garden continued beneath the stars. "What is it Hervess?" he questioned. A smile graced Melian's lips and a twinkle appeared in her eye.
"It has begun." She said quietly.
--~~*~~-- Celeborn: This is a special service announcement brought to you by the greatest elf in the world, me.
Galadriel: No you're not I am!
Celeborn & Galadriel: Anyhowww..
Galadriel: The time has come for you, dear reader, to review.
Celeborn: That's right! Do what the lady says!
Galadriel: It's very simple, even Celeborn could do it. Just push the review button.
Celeborn: Hey, what d'ya mean by that!!?!! Neway go ahead and push the review button, you know you want to! Obey your impulses!! You know that you want to push that button!!!!!
Galadriel: Oh Valar, Celeborn is obeying his impulses? There goes Middle Earth and probably Valinor too while he's at it.
Celeborn: *Grabs computer and shakes it* Review damn it or I'll have to come in there and hurt you!!!
Galadriel: *smiling apologetically* "By that he means 'Please review kind people, we appreciate your support" * as she attempts to keep her husband from destroying Nevdoiel's computer.*
Nevdoiel: Celeborn if you hurt my precious computer I'll kill you (not really, I couldn't do that!)! "I'm sorry for his behavior I believe he's had a few too many mountain dews, or perhaps it was the margaritas." Review!!
The Verdict
Disclaimer: Really do I even need to do this anymore?
A/N: Thank you everyone. I appreciate your support! Remember IDEAS are welcome. NOTE ON ELVEN MARRIAGE CUSTOMS: elves don't do "the deed" before they are married. Ok? Tolkien specifically said so. So if it sounds suspicious just know that they aren't doing it ok?
Sinda- singular form of Sindar Hervess- wife
--~~*~~--
Finrod led the way to his personal study with Galadriel and her three other brothers in tow. Finrod opened the door and, after allowing his sister and brothers to enter, closed it.
Galadriel, Angrod, and Aegnor seated themselves. Orodreth leaned against the desk and Finrod began to pace in front of Galadriel.
"Artanis." Finrod began.
"My name is Galadriel, Finrod." Galadriel calmly replied, looking into the troubled eyes of her brother. Finrod sighed exasperatedly and Angrod shifted in his chair.
"Artanis, the taking on of a name is no mere thing. This Sindarin elf,"
"My name is Galadriel and his is Celeborn." Galadriel defended.
"I know what his name is." Finrod, once more, sighed.
"Then I would ask you to use it and use it respectfully."
"Celeborn had no right to give you a name, he is neither your husband nor is he kin to you."
"Brother, both I and he know that. He offered the name despite his knowledge of this custom and I accepted it under the same knowledge. It is my right to accept the name, as I have done, or to decline it. It is not for you to decide!" The lady gripped the velvet armrests of her chair in an effort to control her mounting anger.
Finrod accepted this. He knew that his sister was right and he would respect her wishes. Her life was her own and he would not control it, but that would not prevent him from voicing his opinion or giving her advice.
"Galadriel." Finrod said the name as though he were tasting it, determining whether it was a bitter fruit to spit out or a sweet honey to savor on the tongue. He decided that it was somewhere between each. "I just want you to have the best, to make sure that you are safe and well. I only want you to make the right decisions. I don't want you to rush into anything, take your time. He may be only a passing fancy and the name Galadriel with him."
"What he is saying, sister," Orodreth said as he reclined against the edge of the oak desk, "Is that elves come and go. You, who have had so many suitors, should know that. How do you know that he loves you?"
"I don't know that he loves me, indeed, I don't know that I love him, but I am willing to give him a chance. He deserves it, if not because it is customary, then because the first years that we were here all that I did to him was insult him and play tricks. I, who have had so many suitor, do indeed know that they come and go with time and passing fancy, but I also have found that by having so many suitors I have become able to distinguish between those who love my beauty and those who love me." Galadriel replied. The fire of anger had been kindled in her heart. She hated when her brothers questioned her judgement, but she would let them each have their say and share their opinion and, for now, she would listen. Her golden head turned to her left as Aegnor began to speak softly, voicing his concerns.
"Galadriel I just want you to slow down, your relationship with Celeborn has not yet been tested and when it is, and it will be, it may fall to pieces. Be careful with your heart, and in whose hands you place it, I do not want you hurt." Aegnor calmly explained and in his eyes Galadriel saw that he worried for her.
She nodded and said in a composed tone, "I understand and I will be careful and slow down. When the trials come I will face them. In order for a heart to be made whole it must risk being shattered.
"You speak the truth Galadriel, may you continue to do so." Aegnor replied.
Angrod stood and began to rant angrily. "We promised father when we left that we would make sure you married a Noldor. We promised that we would only associate with the best of elves and then we find you cavorting with a Sindar! The Sindar are dangerous and quick to anger. You must be wary of them yet you go off alone with one of them! What were you thinking! He could have done anything to you! I know that you are strong, Nerwen, but he is stronger yet. If he wanted to overpower you he could! There are plenty of noldorin elves who would give anything to have you for a wife and you decide to court a Sindar!" Galadriel cut short Angrod's angry tirade by standing and releasing her bottled anger.
"I never promised to marry a Noldor, whether or not you promised father that I would marry a Noldor is of no importance to me. Furthermore, I am not even considering marriage yet and we were not 'cavorting'. Also I find that you have a very stereotypical and false image of the Sindarin elves. Celeborn would never take advantage of me. In case you have forgotten brother he is the prince of the Sindar and there are many elf-maidens in Menegroth who would gladly give up anything to marry him. He is no mere elf, he is not dangerous to other elves, nor is he conniving and sneaky as you imply. I have found that he is virtuous, honorable, and wise."
Finrod quickly quelled the anger of Angrod with a few quick words. "In addition to what our sister has said Thingol and Melian, along with their people, have been most kind and welcoming to us. I am disappointed to hear you talk of them so." Angrod sat and remained silent.
"Sister, Galadriel." Finrod said wearily. "We cannot control you and make no move to , nor have a wish to do so. We will leave you now, think over what we have said." With that said Galadriel's four brothers stood and left the room.
--~~*~~--
meanwhile..
It wasn't long until Culfiniel heard that the Lady Artanis's brothers had taken her to Finrod's study where they were having a discussion about Galadriel's relationship with Celeborn. Naturally this was just to good of an opportunity for a good gossip to pass up. As soon as the halls quieted down Culfiniel started towards Finrod's study.
Galathil left his older brother in his rooms and started towards his own. His mind began to drift as he walked through the hallways. Celeborn had seemed worried. 'He must be worried about whether Galadriel's brothers will permit her to see him again' Galathil thought. 'Poor elf, didn't he know that the prettiest women always caused the most trouble?' Galathil was brought out of his thoughts when he suddenly collided with another elf in the hallway. He sprang up and reached down to help up the other elf.
Culfiniel was in such a rush that she accidentally ran into another elf in the hallway. She fell back and landed on the floor. She began to get back up when she noticed that it was Prince Galathil that she had run into. She flushed a shade of red that matched her hair as she took his hand and he helped her up.
"Lord Galathil I'm terribly sorry. I should have been watching where I was going, it's all my fault. You aren't hurt are you? I really didn't mean to, oh dear, I'm so sorry. " Culfiniel said in a rush. She curtsied and dropped her gaze to the floor. Grrrr she was so mad with herself. She had fancied Galathil for a long time. Now that he saw how clumsy she was she would never have a chance with him. She cringed when she felt a pair of hands clasp her shoulders and straighten her up.
Galathil was amazed. What luck! It wasn't every day that one stumbled upon the most beautiful elf maiden in Menegroth. How was it that he had not seen her before? He noticed that she had sunk into a curtsy. He reached out and grasped her shoulders, pulling her up.
"My lady, please do not curtsy to me. It is I who should bow to you for I have never seen a more beautiful maiden." Galathil bowed and straightened, taking Culfiniel's hands. "I beg of you Lady, a name, so that I may know who it is that I wish to court."
"Do not mock me so!" Culfiniel said furiously, wrenching her hands from his.
"My lady I mock you not!"
"I find that hard to believe." Culfiniel pouted angrily, placing her fists on her hips and glaring at Galathil. How dare he! She was almost ready to cry, the elf that she wanted to court most of all was now jesting about it.
Galathil was becoming desperate. She thought that he was joking!
"My lady I assure you that I do not jest!"
"Prove it!" Culfiniel spat. Galathil was well known for being bold and this was no exception. He gathered the angry Culfiniel into his arms and kissed her. She melted in his arms like butter. They broke apart, both with slightly insane grins on their faces.
"My name is Culfiniel."
"I can see why, and mine is Galathil."
"Yes I know, I've had a crush on you for a while now."
"Really?" The prince quirked a grin and arched a silver eyebrow. "I'm glad to know it. Now where were you headed to so quickly?" Culfiniel divulged the information guiltily.
"I would much enjoy accompanying you on your quest to find out the story of my brother and the lady Galadriel. May I escort you there?"
Culfiniel grinned wickedly, a look that Galathil matched and the two snuck off to Finrod's study. When they arrived they flattened themselves to the floor and began to listen through the crack between the floor and the door. Much of what they heard fueled their imaginations (both of which were rather creative) and caused several raised eyebrows, both copper and silver. When they heard Galadriel's brothers head towards the door they scurried around the corner to hide. Galathil looked back around the corner to discover that the coast was clear.
"I believe that a visit to the gardens is in order, my lady?" he asked with a smile as he offered his arm to Culfiniel who readily took it.
"Lead the way my lord!" She replied happily.
--~~*~~--
Celeborn sat in a comfortable chair reading an order that he had received from Beleg, the chief march warden of Doriath; his commander and the only elf holding a military position above his own position of Senior march warden of Doriath. Celeborn sighed and tossed the scroll onto a nearby desk. He must have read it dozens of times but still he did not know what he had read. All that he could think about was Galadriel. Was she upset? Had her brothers been mad at her? He rubbed his forehead in frustration. He had to go find her, it had not been right to leave her alone. If he had to face her brothers then so be it. Celeborn rose and donned a dark green robe over his gray tunic and leggings. Where would she be? He supposed that she might be in her rooms, he would have to be careful not to get caught. Sneaking around a lady's rooms at night was not exactly good behavior for elf lords.
Celeborn reached Galadriel's rooms unnoticed, as he expected. Few elves roamed Doriath at night, some rested while others attended parties in the gardens and great halls. The door was locked. Celeborn placed his hand upon the wooden door, the wood acknowledged him and permitted him to open the door. Celeborn was surprised that Galadriel was not in her rooms yet. Surely, after today's incident, she would have wanted to keep to herself. Were her brothers still talking to her? Celeborn decided to search the gardens.
Celeborn walked quickly along the stone paths of the gardens, away from the commotion and lights of the festivities taking place on the other side of the garden. Suddenly he heard a burst of giggles followed by an elf falling out of a tree and landing on him. The other elf quickly hopped up and then offered Celeborn his hand.
"I am most sorry.Celeborn? Whatever are you doing out here brother?" Galathil nervously asked his brother.
"I might ask you the same thing." Celeborn said as he held his fidgeting brother at arms length. His hair was a mass, his circlet was askew, and the top buttons of his tunic were undone. Celeborn glanced up into the tree and saw a flash of red hair. His eyebrows shot up, Galathil cringed. "I see that you are courting a lady?" Celeborn asked suspiciously.
"The same might be said for you." Galathil defended.
"Yet both I and Galadriel have kept all of our clothes on like proper elves."
"It's not like we were doing anything!" Galathil said.
"Maybe I'll believe you if you can tell me the whereabouts of the lady Galadriel." Celeborn said, tightening his grip on his brother's arm.
"Why do you want to know that? Do you intend to take off your clothes like an improper elf?"
"No I do not. If you weren't my brother you would be nursing a black eye now." But Galathil knew that his brother was only joking, he wouldn't hit another elf.
"I believe that she is in her brother Finrod's study. Now can I go?"
"Yes, and thank you." Celeborn replied, smiling at his brother as he released his arm. He turned back towards Menegroth as Galathil scampered back up the tree.
--~~*~~--
Galadriel slumped in her chair. Her brothers certainly weren't happy but most of them weren't that mad at her. She had expected their reaction, the Sindar were and unfamiliar people to them. At least they hadn't forbidden her from courting Celeborn, not that she would have obeyed them anyway.
Galadriel let her forehead fall into her hands. She had much to think about. Much of what her brothers had said was true. Many elves only loved her beauty and then there were those that just weren't right for her, but Celeborn was different. She had known that he was different from the very first time she had laid eyes on him at dinner, on the first night she had spent in Menegroth. She couldn't quite place her finger on it but for some reason he was different than the rest.
Galadriel's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She hoped it wasn't one of her brothers, as much as she loved them she didn't want to talk to any of them at the moment. Probably Culfiniel come to fetch her.
"Come in." She called wearily. She heard someone enter and close the door behind them. Galadriel knew that it wasn't Culfiniel, it was "Celeborn? What are you doing here?" she asked, looking up.
"How'd you know it was me?" Celeborn said, smiling at her.
"I don't know. Why did you come here?" Galadriel questioned, quickly changing the subject.
"I thought that you might." Celeborn glanced around. Galadriel's brothers were gone and she appeared to be in no state of distress. What he had been going to say sounded stupid now. "Well, I thought that you might need me; for support, you know?" Celeborn mumbled, hands clasped behind his back. Galadriel smiled warmly.
"That was very considerate of you." She said, rarely did she accept help from others. "I thought that you were Culfiniel."
"Oh, yes, um, I don't believe that you will be seeing her tonight." Celeborn said with a grin. Galadriel raised a golden eyebrow questioningly at this. Celeborn walked over and sat in the chair across from Galadriel, scooting it forward so that it was but a yard from hers. "I believe that she is gamboling in the garden with my brother."
"Really?" Galadriel said skeptically with a raised eyebrow and a laugh. "That is interesting."
"I found it rather interesting myself." Celeborn said, grinning and raising an eyebrow in imitation of Galadriel, causing her to laugh. "On a more serious note what have your brothers said?" Galadriel looked weary again as she slumped in her chair once more.
"They have no real problems with it though they would rather I court Noldors. They want me to be careful. Oh, and Angrod objects to my cavorting with a Sinda." Galadriel looked exasperated, leaning forward and resting her chin on her fist. "What have you to say about this Celeborn?"
"I say that Angrod will just have to get used to it, although getting to know him better would probably be a good idea too." Celeborn said, leaning forward and looking Galadriel in the eye.
"I believe that that is a good suggestion." Galadriel said, smiling.
"All of my suggestions are good." Celeborn said smugly.
"You had better wipe that grin off of your face Sinda!" Galadriel exclaimed. "Not all of your ideas are good ones!"
"Make me." Celeborn said, grinning devilishly at her.
"Is that a challenge or do my ears deceive me?" Galadriel questioned jokingly.
"Take it as you will." Celeborn said. Galadriel leaned forward.
"I know that this is exactly what you want me to do but I believe that I shall indulge you anyway." Galadriel said as she leaned in and then lightly pressed a kiss upon Celeborn's lips.
"I know that you can do better than that." Celeborn scoffed. Galadriel grinned.
"Then I shall prove myself up to your standards." She replied as she moved in and assaulted Celeborn with a ferocious kiss.
"Better?" She asked with a sly smile.
"Much." He gasped, rather shocked.
"Celeborn if you could come down from Celeborn's dream cloud long enough to walk me to my room I would be most grateful. And just so you know you are not staying there tonight in case you have any ideas." Galadriel jested. The golden-haired Noldo offered her arm for him to take, which he did willingly. He left her at the door to her rooms with a goodbye and a long, very long kiss and it seemed to Galadriel that she felt for the first time, though she knew not why, a strange, beautiful, wild feeling and called it love.
--~~*~~-- Melian sat up straighter in her chair. Thingol leaned over to her as the party in the garden continued beneath the stars. "What is it Hervess?" he questioned. A smile graced Melian's lips and a twinkle appeared in her eye.
"It has begun." She said quietly.
--~~*~~-- Celeborn: This is a special service announcement brought to you by the greatest elf in the world, me.
Galadriel: No you're not I am!
Celeborn & Galadriel: Anyhowww..
Galadriel: The time has come for you, dear reader, to review.
Celeborn: That's right! Do what the lady says!
Galadriel: It's very simple, even Celeborn could do it. Just push the review button.
Celeborn: Hey, what d'ya mean by that!!?!! Neway go ahead and push the review button, you know you want to! Obey your impulses!! You know that you want to push that button!!!!!
Galadriel: Oh Valar, Celeborn is obeying his impulses? There goes Middle Earth and probably Valinor too while he's at it.
Celeborn: *Grabs computer and shakes it* Review damn it or I'll have to come in there and hurt you!!!
Galadriel: *smiling apologetically* "By that he means 'Please review kind people, we appreciate your support" * as she attempts to keep her husband from destroying Nevdoiel's computer.*
Nevdoiel: Celeborn if you hurt my precious computer I'll kill you (not really, I couldn't do that!)! "I'm sorry for his behavior I believe he's had a few too many mountain dews, or perhaps it was the margaritas." Review!!