Title: Mists of Valinor - Marriage
Author: Genesis Grey (helfireclub@hotmail.com)
Disclaimer: Tolkien's estate owns everything. I own nothing. If I did it wouldn't be fanfiction.
Authors Notes: 4/13! Woo! Sorry it took me so long to get this up, but real life's been getting in the way a bit. Um, this chapter takes place seven years after the last chapter ends. (My proofreader commented that might be a little confusing, so I'm stating it here, though I think I made it clearer in the actual text. *waves* Thanks Nethene!) The next part will probably be the twins showing up and the rating might go up a bit, just PG or so for now. Um, other than that... I like getting reviews. ^_~ (Big Thanks to everyone that has reviewed!) On with the fic!

::Marriage::

The newly married Celebrian, now Lady of Imladris and wife of Elrond Peredhil, let out a gleeful laugh as she fell back onto the bed. She marveled at how wonderful it felt as she ran her fingers over the soft velvet of the dark burgundy blankets. She smiled unabashedly. The beds in Imladris were no better than the ones in Lorien, but somehow Elrond's bed felt infinitely more comfortable.

Sitting up she looked around the room, taking in the how it looked and felt. It was very much Elrond's room, the feel of it was distinctly him. The scent of the river and the forest that wafted in from outside, the autumnal color scheme, the comfortable chairs and couches, and the books strewn across tables. She wondered how much time she would be spending in her new husband's room. She would, of course, have her own room adjacent to his, though until it was furnished and her belongings moved in she would be spending most her time in Elrond's room. She smiled, unable to help how happy she felt. She hoped to be spending the majority of her evenings in this room.

Standing up she glanced around the room, giving the scattered scrolls a passing glance as she walked out onto the balcony and took a deep breath of the fresh air. She, Elrond, and his entourage had arrived in Imladris earlier in the afternoon and almost instantly he had been summoned away on urgent matters of state.

Glorfindel had been kind enough to show her to Elrond's room before going off to do his duties. Twisting her hair around her finger she stared out at the valley. She was thankful Elrond had agreed to be married in Lorien, under the sight of the mallorn, her parents, and the rest of the Galadhrim. Already she missed the Golden Woods a bit, but Imladris had its own distinct beauty and she promised herself she would enjoy abiding there. After seven years of courting was nice to have a stationary place to be.

With a sigh she stepped off the balcony and back into the room as she pondered what to do until Elrond was free. She couldn't help but wonder what her place as the Lady of Imladris would be. In Lorien she had been a guide to visiting dignitaries on occasion and a sister figure to the younger elves, but mostly just the daughter of the Lord and Lady. Now that she was the Lady of the elven refuge she wondered what her duties would be. Never before had she found a position that suited her perfectly and she couldn't help but wonder if Imladris would be any different in that respect. A glint caught her eye as she pushed the worried thoughts away and she smiled gently, picking up a circlet of woven gold.

Courting Elrond had been fun. She remembered it fondly as she ran her fingers over the smooth ornament. She had brought the half-elf many things suitable for a visiting dignitary to gift her host with, but also perfect for someone trying to woo a potential mate. Lorien wine. Lembas. The circlet she held, made by one of Celebrimbor's own apprentices. As she came to know him better she brought more practical things. Herbs and plants easily found in the Golden Woods, but difficult to find elsewhere.

Setting the circlet aside she meandered about the room a bit more. The seven years of courtship had been worth the near continuous travel between Lorien and Imladris. She had come to adore Elrond for more than just his attractive features and quiet nature. He was intelligent and wise in the ways of lore and even a bit playful when he wished to be. He was a wonderful ruler, kind and firm, always listening to all the facts before he pronounced judgment. Far more approachable than her parents ever had been. And his skills in healing astounded her.

During the third year of her visits a young elfling had fallen into the rushing waters of the Bruinen. When the child had been pulled from the rive she had cried out, thinking there was no hope for the drowned and battered boy. One of the gathered elves had fled the scene and called for Lord Elrond to come. Celebrian watched as Elrond miraculously pulled the child away from the halls. Within the next week the elfling was once again playing by the riverside, much to the horror of his parents.

Celebrian smiled as she remembered how humble Elrond had been about the incident. Not seeking praise or admiration, merely wishing to heal the young elf under his care as he felt was his duty as the Lord of Imladris. That was another thing she loved about him. His humility. Elves were a proud race, and rightfully so, but sometimes pride turned to arrogance. Though that seemed a trait more prominent in Lorien than in Imladris. She momentarily wondered if it was due to his human blood, though she would have thought that would make him more prone to arrogance. With a shake of her head she dismissed the thought.

She still was a little distressed by the mortal blood in Elrond's veins. She wished desperately to ignore that fact, but somehow she was always reminded that he was a Peredhil. With a sigh she ran her fingers through her hair. Not that his blood changed her love for him. She cherished him for all that he was without prejudice and treasured the fact he was different from any other elf in Middle-earth. It just made her feel a little uneasy at times, particularly when she thought of the prospect of children.

"I'll not worry about that now," she said, forcing the thought from her mind as she picked up her discarded shawl and wandered out of Elrond's room. She was not confined there and she doubted her new husband would be free of Erestor's clutches any time soon. The advisor had probably surrounded the elven lord with piles of scrolls that needed reviewing or signing. She smiled at the thought as she walked down the hall, hoping she didn't get lost. Though she had spent many seasons in Imladris it had always been as a guest and she had always been given a guide to help her find her way. But now she lived in the valley and would need to be able to find her own way about her new home.

Home.

Such a strange thought. She supposed in her heart Lorien would always be her home in the truest sense, but Imladris was where the keeper of her heart resided, and so would she. She felt a slight pang of sadness in her chest as she remembered the faces of her parents and friends as she left Lorien only days before. Her mother had been happy, blessing her and her husband with a kiss on the forehead, though there was an eternal sadness in her eyes. Her father had been far more melancholy in his mood; though he gave her a gentle smile and wished her joy, wringing from her a promise to visit when she was able. She had gladly agreed, kissing his cheek tenderly before he gave her an uncharacteristic hug.

Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin had probably been the hardest to say farewell to. She had been prepared to bid her parents goodbye and steeled herself for it. But it hadn't occurred to her that she would also be taking her leave of the three brothers. The look in their eyes as she said goodbye had been heartbreaking and only the gentle hold Elrond had on her hand had kept her moving.

She smiled sadly. They were happy for her marriage and would forgive her leaving in time, though she felt guilty for it. It would be good to visit them soon though, so they did not forget her. She hoped they would mature during their tenure with the marchwardens.

As she walked down the halls she pulled her shawl around her shoulders, realizing the sudden chill wasn't entirely in her mind. This particular hallway was open to the air. She looked out in amazement as the trees dropped their autumn leaves, such a foreign sight. The party had arrived back from the wedding in Lorien just in time, much longer and winter would have begun to set in, and the journey would have been truly hectic. Especially through the Redhorn pass.

Celebrian watched as a single birch leaf drifted on the wind and fell to the marble floor. She pitied the elf that was in charge of keeping the halls clean during autumn. At least during winter it was simpler. In the winter vast tapestries were drawn over the large open spaces between the columns to keep out the chill and the snow.

Winter.

She smiled as she continued her stroll down the hall. Now, that had been a new experience for her. Snow almost never fell in Lorien and the trees were never barren. The first time she had seen a true snowflake was during a walk with Elrond in the pine forest. She had squeaked with surprise as the white flake fell on her nose and looked up at the gray sky as hundreds of silvery white flecks followed. Elrond had laughed at her playful astonishment even as she giggled and tried to catch the frozen crystals in her warm hands.

She found she greatly enjoyed winter. Not just for the snow and the sound of elflings laughing as they played in it, but for the warm feelings inside the Last Homely House. Elves gathered more readily than in other seasons and it seemed there was no moment when the Hall of Fire emptied. In the winter there was always an abundance of elves, singing and telling tales as they sat by the constantly burning fire. Even Elrond socialized more readily, often sitting in his grand chair in the Hall and conversing with whomever chose to speak with him.

The winters with Elrond had always been her favorite visits. He would come and sit with her by the hearth in her room or in the study and they would talk until dawn. Or sometimes they would not speak at all. They would simply read or just take comfort in each other's presence. It had been in those quiet moments that she had truly fallen in love with elven lord.

"Lady Celebrian."

Celebrian was pulled from her reminiscence by a familiar melodic voice. She looked up and smiled gently as Nenwen walked toward her with a cheerful grin on her face. The elven woman was one of the many advisors under Erestor's supervision. She had been a high councilor under Gil-galad until the founding of Imladris when she chose to follow and serve Elrond. During Celebrian's many visits the advisor had often been assigned to serve as her guide. "Greetings to you, Nenwen," Celebrian said as the other elf came close. "I hope the day finds you well?"

"Well enough," Nenwen replied merrily, with an elegant shrug of her shoulders. "I am glad our Lord is back and that you have accompanied him to become our Lady," she chatted happily. "I've not served under a Lord with a Lady before." Her eyes sparkled with a light that told of her love for life as she spoke, a glimmer that many of the elves in Imladris seemed gifted with. "Erestor has been able to scrounge up a moderate amount of work to keep us busy while Lord Elrond has been away. Now that he is back the work should lighten a bit." She shook her head with a smirk. "Without a Dark Lord it is difficult to keep us all busy, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make."

Celebrian laughed slightly. Nenwen was the only elf she had ever met that spoke freely of the war and Sauron, though she was careful of the company she kept when she did so. She had been a battle coordinator during Last Alliance and openly defended both Elendil's forces and the elves of Greenwood the Great when their part in the Alliance was spoken badly of.

"It is odd to see you wandering Imladris unescorted. Not that you need one as the Lady of the realm, of course, but it is strange," Nenwen said, changing the conversation. "But, tell me, was the wedding a grand event? It saddened many of us that all Imladris could not attend and see you and our Lord joined, but that was never a realistic possibility, and I am sure Glorfindel and the others were a respectable representation of the valley."

The Lady of Imladris smiled and decided not to tell the advisor of Glorfindel's little brush with one of the young Greenwood princes. "It was a lovely event," she answered, "my parents saw to that. The mallorn seemed to glow in all their glory and the feasting lasted for days. There were songs and dancing. Lord Elrond promised himself to me under the eyes of my parents, my friends, the trees, the moon, and all that watched; and I promised myself to him."

"It sounds wonderful," Nenwen smiled.

"Nenwen," a voice called as a younger elf frantically came into view. "Erestor is looking for you."

The elven woman winced slightly. "I am sure he is," she murmured to herself before addressing the youth. "Go and tell the chief advisor that I will be with him directly. I must fetch the document he will want from me." The elf bowed and scurried away as Nenwen turned to Celebrian with an apologetic smile. "If you will excuse me, my Lady," she bowed, "I am supposed to be drafting a letter to King Thranduil as we speak and I have not thought of an appropriate sign off. I was hoping a walk would motivate me. If I might have your leave?"

"Of course, good luck to you in finishing the letter," Celebrian nodded as the elven woman bowed again and quickly walked off. She smiled as Nenwen left her sight and continued her wanderings of the halls and corridors.

The residents of Imladris, most of Noldor or Sindar decent, seemed a gentle collection of elves. They were polite and well-mannered, at least to her, and seemed to have a joy in life. Their playful spirit was still enacted after so many dark years. She had watched groups of maidens frolicking in the grassy courtyards and through the woods, laughing as they held up their skirts to run through the bubbling brooks. It made her happy to watch it. One of the reasons she had always enjoyed the company of Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin had been their lively nature, and Imladris there was an abundance of it.

She looked up as she entered the Hall of Fire. It hadn't occurred to her that she had been seeking the Hall until the warmth enveloped her and she let the tight grip on the shawl loosen. It was mostly empty, except for an elf she didn't recognize in the corner; he was reading and occasionally scratching down notes. Celebrian pursed her lips as she vowed to learn the names of all Imladris' inhabitants as soon as possible.

Moving toward the ever-lit fire she noticed a friendly face that had been hidden behind one of the pillars. "Lindir," she said as she came to stand in front of the roaring fire, thankful for its heat. The chill she felt was not entirely physical, part of it was a strange worry she felt in her heart. Nenwen was right. This was the first time she had ever truly ventured around the Last Homley House unescorted. There was no one by her side explaining things or dictating proper protocol and she feared she would offend someone by a foolish mistake.

"My Lady Celebrian," the blond elf said with a bow as he gave her a smile. Briefly she wondered if everyone smiled at her because of her position or because they had some like of her. Perhaps both. "It is good to see you in all your radiance. Have you finally come to stay in our humble home of Imladris for better or worse?"

"Indeed, I have," Celebrian nodded, pushing the long silver hair over her shoulder as she wished she'd have had the foresight to brush it before venturing out. But her belongings had been taken to what would be her room and she was not precisely positive where that was. "Tell me truly, Lindir, do you ever endeavor to leave the Hall of Fire? For I have never seen you elsewhere, not even the evening meal. Or have you simply avoided meeting me elsewhere during my visits?"

"I am a writer of songs and lays, my Lady, I would never miss an opportunity to see or to speak or even to be in the presence of one as lovely as yourself. You are truly a maiden that would inspire even a dwarf to poetry," Lindir said with a cheeky grin as Celebrian shook her head. "I do spend much of my time here, that is true, and I find the evening meal a bore," he answered truthfully, "it is rare that anyone finds me, but here."

Celebrian smiled and nodded in acknowledgment as she looked at the blazing fire. She liked Lindir well enough. The elf had been kind enough to make her at home, singing songs of Lorien during times when she felt homesick, though she guessed many of those had been at Elrond's request. But he was a Silvan elf from Greenwood and it seemed queer that he should be so far from home. Then again, everyone in Imladris seemed to have a strange secret story. Perchance that was the key to the lively nature of the place.

"They are planning a great feast tomorrow evening in honor of your arrival as well as a belated celebration of your marriage to Lord Elrond," Lindir said as she looked back at him. She had expected such a thing, and she was glad to hear it was postponed a day so that she could rest and recover from the trip. It was a decent journey from Lorien to Imladris. "I shall attend that," he promised and Celebrian gave him a smile and thankful nod.

"That would be most gracious of you," she said as she pulled she shawl over her shoulders again. She was warm now and planned to explore a bit more, "mayhap you will grace us with one of your songs. You have a lovely voice."

"I shall see if I cannot write a song specifically for the occasion," he replied with a grin.

Celebrian laughed. "I will leave you to it then. I am seeing how well I remember the halls and corridors and if I wish to make it back in a respectable amount of time I must be off," she said, stepping back. "I am sure we will meet again. Tomorrow eve, in fact."

"Until then, Celebrian, Lady of Imladris," he said and she nodded as she turned away, hiding the surge of surprise she felt at her new title being used. A strange emotion rose in her chest as she walked away with a brief wave to the Hall's only other occupant. She felt a brief surge of pride as well as a swell of shock as she realized that it was true. She had married Elrond Peredhil, Lord of Imladris, and was now a Lady in her own right, no longer simply her parent's daughter.

She smiled broadly as she walked down the halls, taking in the tapestries and statues and paintings she passed, even as she glowed with glee. Finally she would have a chance to be herself. She loved her parents dearly, but it could be stifling to be their child. It was what defined her. To Cirdan, to Gil-galad, to Oropher, even to Thranduil, she had been seen as little more than the daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn. They had been kind about it, for the most part, but they had never seen her as a person. But Elrond had. Better yet, he loved her for who she was. And now she was the Lady of Imladris. Free to have her own personality and be herself. She wanted to run to Elrond and tell him of this new revelation, throw her arms around his neck and laugh in joy, but that would hardly be appropriate elven behavior.

Suddenly she jerked to a stop, only half-surprised when she realized where she had came. Elrond's study. She cocked her head to the side as she wondered whether or not to knock or just walk in. It seemed improper to do either, since she knew he was working, but she couldn't bring herself to just walk away.

Slowly raising a hand she rapped on the door and waited. After a moment the muffled call of: "Enter!" was heard and she hesitantly opened the door, peeping around it.

She had expected a large group of elves, at least Erestor and Glorfindel, hovering around as they asked their Lord to sign this or to settle that. But Elrond was alone. He sat at a large desk covered with scrolls and quills and inkwells. His back was to her and he appeared to be reading over a rather lengthy list of some kind as she fully came in the study, closing the door behind herself.

Elrond's study was a lot like his room: autumnal colors and filled with books as a chilly air and pleasant scent drifted in from the open window. She looked around. All the walls, but spaces for the door, the window, the fireplace and the balcony were covered by bookshelves full of books. The large desk, with its equally large chair, was pushed up against the window with a half-empty shelf to one side for temporary storage and a cabinet with glasses and a pitcher to the other side. In the center of the room there was a large circle that indented two steps downward, and in the middle of that was a large table with a map of Eriador spread across it. Beside it was a large pile of maps, still rolled up to conserve space. The rest of the room, other than a few chairs pushed against the bookshelves, was mostly empty space to allow for a large group to gather.

Celebrian took it all in as she walked over to Elrond. He looked up as she approached and gave her a tired smile as he set the scroll down. "Is there a problem, Celebrian?" he asked as she came up beside him.

She creased her brow in confusion, wondering if there was something in her demeanor that caused him to ask such a question. "No, why do you ask?" she inquired, cocking her head to the side slightly as she looked down at him. He was tired. There was no doubt in her mind about that. They had traveled a good distance during the day and he had been working, presumably reading the scrolls ever since they returned. He needed to rest. Not necessarily sleep, but rest.

"No reason. I just assumed…" he began.

"You assumed that the only reason I would seek you out would be because there was a problem?" she finished, raising an eyebrow as he smiled mockingly at himself and leaned back in the chair. She gave him a gentle look, running her fingers reassuringly over his cheekbone before pulling away. "There is no trouble, except that you appear exhausted," she said worriedly.

"I am fine," he assured her. "I am sorry that I was unable to even escort you to my room. There were some things that needed my attention, some messages from Cirdan and…"

Celebrian held up her hand and shook her head to silence him. "You don't need to explain anything to me. I do understand that you are the Lord of this place. I would not keep you from your duty," she said gently, "but I would ask that you rest soon. I think Imladris can spend a bit more time in the hands of Erestor. It has survived the past days without its Lord, I believe it will survive until morning."

Elrond gave her a smile and she could see in his eyes that she was not going to win this. "What were you doing?" he asked, changing the subject. Celebrian frowned a bit, but let it happen. It wouldn't do to fight their first day as the Lord and Lady of Imladris; besides, it would ruin her cheerful mood.

"I was exploring Imladris without benefit of a guide. I've not done that before and I find I know the place far better than I expected," she said, moving from where she stood as Elrond followed her with his eyes, watching until she disappeared behind his back. "I was remembering how much fun I have always had here, remembering my first winter," she continued as she began to play with his hair, untying the braid and carefully undoing it. "I do not know if this will ever be home, but I truly do love it here. The elves are very kind, I must learn all their names, and I spoke with both Nenwen and Lindir," she said, running her fingers through his dark tresses and marveling at the silky feel as she rubbed soothing circles along his scalp. He let out a content sound at her ministrations as he leaned back in the chair, closing his eyes. She smiled even as she went on talking.

"And as I was speaking with Lindir I realized you have given me wonderful gifts," her fingers moved downward, trying to work the tension from Elrond's neck as he lolled his head forward to give her better access. "And what's that?" he asked in a calm tone.

Celebrian grinned playfully as she bent down, her lips brushing the tip of his right ear and sending a shiver through his body. "My identity," she whispered, moving to speak into the left ear, "your love," she said, her tongue just barely nicking the ear as she pronounced the words. With a little laugh she leaned away.

"I must thank you as well then," he said as her hands moved out of his hair, caressing the shape of his ears from tip to lobe and then moving her long fingers over his jawline. He let out a sigh, letting his head fall back as her hands began to move down his neck, touching every inch of the flesh. She loved the soft skin under her fingers and he certainly didn't seem to mind the attention. The nearly uncontrollable urge to run her hands along every part of his body came over her as her fingers slid under the neck of his robe, touching the hollow dip of his collarbone.

"… I never claimed to be an expert on Greenwood the Great. I merely said that I worked with its elves during… oh!"

Celebrian pulled away, clasping her hands in front of herself as she took a step backwards and looked toward the now opened door and the surprised faces of Erestor and Nenwen. Elrond sat up in the chair and turned as well. Celebrian marveled at his ability to appear so calm and impassive. She herself was blushing as the advisors attempted to find their voices.

Erestor recovered first, bowing to them both with Nenwen following his lead. "Forgive us, my Lord, we were unaware you were… entertaining. We should have knocked. It was improper on our part, forgive us."

"You needn't apologize," Elrond said in a weary tone as the two rose from their bow and Celebrian ran her hand over her arm, unsure of what to do. "My study is ever open to my advisors and certainly my chief advisor. But you obviously came for a specific reason and I cannot imagine you thought me finished with these reports." He gestured to his desk. "What is it?"

"'Twas nothing important," Erestor said. "A matter of discussion between myself and Nenwen on the proper decorum for ending a letter to King Thranduil of Greenwood the Great. But, as we have interrupted you…"

"I should be leaving anyway," Celebrian said, giving Elrond an apologetic look. She felt quite embarrassed at the moment and neither the horrified looking in Erestor's eyes nor the amused expression on Nenwen's face was helping. She gave her husband a nod of her head even as he raised an eyebrow. "I ask you not to work much longer. It is getting late and you are tired and in dire need of rest." With that she turned and walked away, giving the advisors a cordial nod as she passed. Nenwen gave her a sly smile and she felt the blush on her face burn brighter.

She breathed a sigh of relief as soon as she was outside the room and walked quickly away even as she heard the stifled sounds of voices. Already back to work, she supposed, even as she felt an embarrassed smile creep onto her face. Nenwen would be a terrible tease about the incident, but Erestor was scandalized. Celebrian couldn't help but wonder if she and the chief advisor would ever get along. It seemed every time she was in the elf's presence she did something to offend or horrify him. Though it was an easy source of amusement.

Straightening her posture she walked through the halls back to Elrond's room, forcing the blush from her cheeks. She had enough exploring for the day and was feeling a bit tired herself. Seeing the exhaustion on Elrond's face had fatigued her and she felt the need to lie down for a bit. Thankfully she ran into no other elves on her way back to the elven lord's room.

Letting out a sigh she shut the door behind herself as she walked in, folding her shawl and laying it aside. She walked across the room and sat down on the bed. She quirked an eyebrow noting someone had been kind enough to bring some of her belongings: hairbrush and clothing. Picking up the hairbrush she stood and began to draw it through her slivery hair, humming to displace the eerie silence of the room.

That was the one thing that disturbed her about Imladris. It was so quiet at times. In Lorien there was always the sound of the trees and the songs of the elves. She set down the hairbrush, frowning as she wondered if she should lie it on the dressing table or pack it away again. Feeling bold she put it on the table as she undressed and pulled out her nightgown, shivering at the chill of the silk as she slipped it on.

She pulled her long hair back in a loose plait before walking over to the bed again and taking a seat. Timidly she swung her legs up and leaned back on the pillows, shifting into a comfortable position, which was not difficult. She let out a deep breath as she pulled a free blanket over her legs and closed her eyes, intending to wait for Elrond's eventual arrival. Not that she had any hopes that would be soon. So she contented herself with remembering the day's events.

Imladris truly was a lovely place. She hoped to have more time to explore the valley before she was required to fall into her role as the Lady of Imladris. There was still an uneasy feeling in her stomach as she wondered exactly what that role would be. With a slight shake of her head she pushed the worries aside and allowed her mind to drift. It really was a very comfortable bed.

A sound shattered the silence of the room and she jerked upright, frowning as she caught sight of how high the moon had risen in the sky. She must have fallen asleep. Her eyes darted around the room wearily and caught sight of a sheepish looking Elrond standing over his dressing table.

"I did not mean to wake you," he said apologetically.

"And I did not mean to fall asleep," Celebrian replied as she threw her legs and the extra blanket over the side of the bed. "I must have been more tired than I thought," she murmured, her brow crinkling as she realized Elrond had donned his sleeping robes and was moving toward the couch. "What are you doing?"

"Resting as you wished," he replied as he raised an eyebrow.

"On the couch?" Celebrian asked, raising an eyebrow of her own.

"Indeed, where else would you suggest?"

"In your own bed, of course," she frowned in exasperation as she stood up and picked up the blanket, curling it over her arm. "If you do not want to sleep on the same bed as me I will take the couch," she said, feeling a little hurt and rejected. Other than the occasional kiss or caress Elrond never was forward in his affections and it was beginning to trouble her. Not that she expected him to be amorous this night. They had traveled long and hard, but she had expected to be able to share the same bed with her husband.

"I would not make you sleep on my couch," Elrond said, looking surprised that she thought such a thing, "and it is not that I do not wish to share the bed. I… simply do not know if it would be proper."

Celebrian smiled gently as she shook her head and gave Elrond a loving look. After seven years she had learned to understand much of what Elrond left unsaid. He was worried that she would feel uncomfortable. "I wish you were not so shy when it comes to me," she said, beckoning him to come closer with a wave of her finger. "We are married now. Husband and wife. Lord and Lady of Imladris. There is nothing more proper and, if I may be so forward, I would very much like to sleep beside you."

"If you are certain you would be comfortable," he said as he came close and took her hand and pressed it to his lips. "I would much enjoy doing as the Lady wishes."

"It's good of you to indulge me," she grinned as she sat back on the bed and pulled her hand away, laying the extra blanket at the foot of the bed again. She moved to the other side, sitting on the high stack of pillows as Elrond to flipped the blankets down so the could climb under. She ran her feet over the silk sheets, enjoying the feel against her exposed skin as she nestled down and pulled the blankets up again. Elrond lay beside her, adjusting the pillows, and she couldn't help but be amused as he discarded all but one.

"Is there something you need?" he asked, noting the intent look on her face as she watched him.

"No, I have everything I wish," she replied with a shake of her head as she put her head down on her bent arm. Elrond smiled as he propped himself up on his elbow and leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to Celebrian's soft lips, his hand stroking stray strands of hair behind her ear as he pulled away. "Sleep well, Celebrian," he said tenderly, stroking her cheek with his thumb before he lay back down and closed his eyes.

She felt a flutter in her stomach and chest. She loved his kisses. The way his lips were always gentle and warm against hers. That they never demanded too much, though frequently too little. She also loved the way he said her name. The way it rolled off his tongue in that certain tone that was distinctly him.

She lay still as she listened to the sound of his breathing and marveled vibrations of his slightest movements. That would take some getting used to. She tensed as a sudden question came to her. "Are you sure you'll be able to sleep with someone else in your bed?"

No answer.

"Elrond?" she called as she sat up and looked at the elven lord. She smiled at the peaceful expression on his sleeping face. All the weariness melted away and, for once, he merely looked young. Her hand reached forward and brushed away the loose strands of his dark hair, before she cautiously moved forward and lay her head on his shoulder, resting a hand on his chest. He shifted momentarily, stretching his arm out under her torso, but seemed otherwise content with the arrangement.

Celebrian closed her eyes again, enjoying the soft bed and the warmth of her husband's presence, as his chest rose and fell under her hand. She had finally found a place where she fit perfectly.

TBC...