Mists of Valinor

by Genesis Grey

The story of Celebrian's life and eventual departure over sea. [Updated - Lothlorien 5]

7. Lothlorien Part 1

Title: Mists of Valinor - The Twins - Part 1
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: I realized the other day that I hadn't posted this. *whacks head on wall* Sorry! I thought I uploaded it three days ago! On the bright side, it's a pretty long chapter. Um... I did another bit of a time jump here... sorry! Oh, I'm glad people liked the twins naming themselves, and I really am sorry it's taken so long to update, but thank you all so much for the support you've given me thus far with your reviews and threats if I don't update. :) I do agree the story was being a bit rushed, but hopefully I've managed to slow it down a bit. I may add more chapters in-between later, but I lacked inspiration at the time and I was afraid that I'd stop writing if I waited for something to dawn on me. But don't worry, Elrond and Celebrian haven't quite gotten to know each other (what good's an eternity together if all the mystery is gone in the first couple years), I do have something of that nature planned to come up after the next chapter or so. Anyway, I'm glad people are enjoying this fic and would probably rather read it than listening to me babble. I will attempt to get the next chapter up sooner than later. :)

Love feedback, read and save it all!

::The Twins – Part 1::

Celebrian let out a sigh as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She was beginning to agree with Glorfindel's assessment; her sons weren't merely twins, they were twin terrors.

In truth they were no more active or troublesome or curious than most elven children, but there were two of them and they were nigh inseparable. When they weren't asking for stories of Lorien or climbing the curtains, pleading with Glorfindel to show them how to use swords and other weapon or asking Erestor preposterous questions, they were running some poor unsuspecting elf around in circles.

A smile formed on Celebrian's face as she looked out onto the training field. Fortunately it was Glorfindel's turn to watch them for now and she could take a moment's rest. She leaned against the column as she watched the seneschal attempt to explain how to string a bow. That wasn't going over too well. They simply wanted to play.

She watched the scene for a while, how Glorfindel would be able to intrigue one but not the other, and then lose the attention of both. They were good children, despite their penchant for mischief. Elladan took after her in some ways. He was proud with a bit of arrogance, even at a young age, and far more outgoing than his younger brother. He was the one that made the excuses when they were caught in their pranks and willingly took the brunt of whatever punishment was warranted. Elrohir, on the other hand, clearly took after his father. He was quiet, except when talking to Elladan, and very humble. He preferred to pester Erestor with questions while his brother begged lessons from Glorfindel. He was the one that usually talked them out of trouble when they were caught. They made a good team.

Pushing away from the column Celebrian turned and began walking towards Elrond's study. She needed to speak with her husband, and the best time to have an intelligent conversation was when the twins were otherwise occupied. Clasping her hands behind her back she walked through the halls, nodding cordially to other passing elves as she lost herself in thought.

For a time she had worried that the twins did not get to spend enough time with their father. The Lord of Imladris was ever busy, even now refugees of the war still filtered into the valley; and there were constant messages between the elven lord and Cirdan the Shipwright, discussing what to do with the remnants of the Noldor Kingdom. Along with the other day to day needs of running the refuge it seemed to leave very little time for family.

But her worries had been in vain. There was a seneschal and advisors for a reason. Elrond spent almost all his spare time with his twin sons and seemed to be the only one with any ability to calm them. They all ate together, morning and evening meal, he read to them and took them on walks in the gardens. At nights he would sit in the Hall of Fire as they played, usually bothering Lindir for obscure songs they heard mention of in passing, while their father watched. It made her happy that he found time for his sons. He also, somehow, managed to find time for her. The elven lady blushed a bit before shaking the stray thoughts away.

Stopping at the door of Elrond's study she strained her ears to see if she could hear anything. Her husband had said she was always welcome, but she felt bad intruding upon him when he was in the middle of his work. She was certain one day she would distract him in the middle of an important thought and he would be quite furious, but that had yet to occur.

Hearing nothing she opened the door slowly and entered. Her brow crinkled as she looked around. Elrond was not at his desk. She moved further into the study and caught sight of him on the balcony and she smiled, walking toward him before halting her steps.

There was a melancholy air about him as he gazed something below. His gray eyes, usually so clear, were unfocused as if looking at something far away. He seemed as if he were walking in a memory. She slowly approached him again and placed a hand on his shoulder worriedly. He jerked and turned to her in surprise. "Ah, Celebrian," he said with a forced smile before turning away again, "I was just watching our sons and Glorfindel."

"But you were not thinking of our sons and Glorfindel," she guessed, stepping up to stand beside her husband and glancing down at the three figures. Their dark-haired sons were literally running circles around the unfortunate elven lord. She smiled at the sight as she waited for Elrond to respond.

"If elves were ever cursed and gifted like Men, our flawless memory is, at times, that curse and that gift," he replied and Celebrian was forced to bite her tongue to keep from protesting the statement. She would never understand how old age and death could be considered a gift. Then again, perhaps it was not meant for even her kind to understand the work of the Iluvatar.

"What is it that you remembered," she asked curiously, pushing thoughts of death and mortality from her mind. Though they had been married for over thirty-six years Elrond still held an air of mystery about him. He never spoke of his childhood and she feared to pry. The last thing she wanted to do was bring up painful memories, and if the sad looks he occasionally gave to the twins were any indication, she would indeed bring up painful memories. Though she imagined there must have been some fond ones as well.

"I was remembering when Gil-galad would train with Elros and I," he replied, a slight smile on his lips as he watched the twins playfully attack Glorfindel. The fair haired elf let out a loud shout as he was toppled to the ground and the elflings swarmed over him, refusing to let him up as they laughed. "We were always so happy when he did so. It did not matter what he would teach us, whether the bow, the sword or even his beloved spear, we just always marveled at the Noldor King taking time to be with us…peredhil."

Celebrian frowned. She was certain Elrond must have face a good deal of prejudice as a child, given his mortal blood. Even she had been cold at the idea of meeting him. Of course, now that she knew him it was hard to fathom anyone disliking her husband. But elves could be strangely cold and cruel when they wished to be. "I understand Gil-galad was quite fond of you," she finally said, deciding not to mention Elros. She had no comprehension of how one could choose the life of a mortal over that of an immortal.

"Yes, he was fond of both Elros and I," Elrond said, putting an emphasis on his brother's name as he moved away from the balcony. His body language saying the subject was to be dropped for now. "I must get back to my studies. Is there something you needed?"

Silently Celebrian cursed herself as she followed her husband back into his study. Once again she had lost a valuable chance to learn more of Elrond's past because she had no love for his brother. She sighed. It really was not fair of her and she knew it. She had never even met Elros to dislike him, not that she ever would. His fault. His choice. Not hers.

"I came to speak with you about Lorien," she said as Elrond took a seat at his desk. She was going to let talk of the past cease for now as he wished, but next time he spoke of it she promised herself she would keep her mouth shut and glean all she could from him. "I think it's time for Elladan and Elrohir to meet my parents, and I know the Lord and Lady long to meet them."

An amused smile found its way to Elrond's face as he cocked an eyebrow. "Are you certain Lothlorien is big enough for the two of them? I already pity the Galadhrim."

"They are quite… active," Celebrain sighed with a faint smile.

"I am sure the Lord and Lady will find them quite entertaining," Elrond said, chuckling at a passing thought as Celebrian got the horrible image of the twins rearranging the council's chairs. It had taken twenty-four years before her parents advisors had finally agreed on a set up that pleased them.

"So then, a trip to Lorien is well with you?" she asked.

"It is time for them to meet their grandparents. They are fortunate to have such a chance, many elves will not be able to meet their family until they sail to Valinor," Elrond mused. "I fear, however, I will not be able to accompany you. There is much for me to do here in Imladris. A messenger from the Grey Havens is due by the end of the season, and I imagine you would prefer to travel before winter sets in upon us."

"Yes," she nodded, pursing her lips momentarily. "Though, if it would be better we could wait until next spring."

"I know you long to see the Golden Woods and I would not deny it to you. I am glad you have patiently abided here so long," Elrond said as he picked up a quill from his desk.

"You make it sound as though I suffer a great hardship," she smiled, leaning close and pressing a kiss to his forehead. "I greatly like Imladris and all that dwell here. But you are right, I do long to see the Golden Woods again, and I wish my sons to see it as well." She began to toy with her husband's dark locks; she would never tire of the silky feel of his hair. "But do not fret, as I know you will. We shall return with the spring."

"I know," he said with a slight smile before raising an eyebrow as their children burst into the room. Glorfindel trailed behind them, blushing furiously and apologizing for not exerting better control as he picked up Elrohir and futilely ordered Elladan not to climb on the bookshelves. Elrond gave Celebrian a sidelong glance. "Are you positive you wish to inflict this upon fair Lothlorien?"

---

Celebrian tried desperately to keep the amused look from her face as Erestor grumbled along beside her. The dark haired elf certainly had no love of travel. She was convinced that if it were left to his choice he would never leave his library. "Come, Erestor. It cannot be that bad," she said, reaching out and patting the nose of the elf's horse. "We are almost to the border of Lorien." He mumbled something and rolled his eyes and Celebrian smiled. Over the years, despite many, many misunderstandings, she had become fond of Elrond's prudish chief advisor. They had even become friends of a kind, so it was not that uncomfortable to journey to Lorien with him in tow.

It had been decided that Erestor would travel with her and the twins, as Glorfindel had been sent west with an urgent message for Gildor and his companions. Also, it seemed best if the children's tutor remained with them, not that she imagined there would be much time for study. Celebrian secretly wondered if it was all a ruse to get the elf out of Imladris and hope he relaxed at bit.

Laugher filled her ears as she turned to find Elladan and Elrohir frolicking in the chilled water of the Nimrodel. Elladan splashing the water, while Elrohir held up his hands in an attempt to block. She smiled happily at the sight of her young sons. They had been overjoyed at the thought of traveling outside of Imladris for the first time, though some of the joy had died down when they learned their father would not be joining them. But thus far they seemed content with the company of their mother, Erestor, and the guards. Though poor Erestor had taken the brunt of their playful nature. They were still in a bit of trouble for loosening the advisor's saddle, fortunately he hadn't been hurt in ensuing the fall.

"Enough of that," she called, waving for the twins to get out of the river as she crossed with her horse following dutifully behind her. They had dismounted a bit ago under the pretense that after riding so long the party needed to stretch their legs a bit. Secretly Celebrian hoped the twins would tire themselves out, not that such a ploy ever seemed to work.

As they reached the other side of the river Celebrian could feel eyes upon their small party. She looked over her shoulder at Erestor and the four guards, nodding significantly toward the trees, before calling for her sons to come closer. There was a marchwarden near, and while she did not truly fear they would be hurt, she was certain the children would be startled when the guardians chose to appear.

"Stop!" a voice ordered.

Celebrian held up her hands peacefully as the hooded figures surrounded them, bows drawn. She heard Erestor let out a small gasp as four swords scraped against their scabbards. Elladan stood in front of her, his arms stretched out as if to hide her behind his small form. Elrohir clutched her waist defensively and looked worriedly over his brother's shoulder at the surrounding figures. She gave her sons a fond look. They really were such good children, trying to protect their mother from a perceived threat.

"I am Celebrian, Lady of Imladris and daughter of the Lord and Lady of these lands," she said in a strong voice. "Do any of you here know me? I ask that you put down your weapons."

There was a moment of pause before the leader of the group put down his bow, replacing the arrow in its quiver. He gave a wave of his hand and the other elves did the same. "All here know you, my Lady," the leader said, pulling back his hood and smiling.

"Deldin, they still have you guarding so far out?" Celebrian said as she returned the smile, lowering her hands and waving for her guards to sheath their swords. "I would have thought you to have gone back to the main gates of Caras Galadhon," she said, reaching down and putting her hands reassuringly on Elladan's shoulders as he put his arms down. He still glared at the hooded figures around them, but she was pretty sure he understood they were not a danger. From behind Elrohir stared at them with excited curiosity.

"I've not found someone to replace me, and I'll not leave such an important post to just any elf," he replied with a laugh. "I apologize for our rude behavior. We knew you were coming, but there has been leftover orc activity and one can never be too careful with such foul creatures."

"Of course," the elven lady nodded as Erestor snorted from behind. She shot him an annoyed glare over her shoulder before looking back at the marchwarden. "You said you were expecting us. Have my parents sent an escort?" she asked, noting there were a good deal more elves than usually maintained the outer post. She shuddered to think how the orcs had provoked such a thing.

"We would not want you to get lost on your way, and there are those eager to guide you," Deldin said, gesturing for a few of the hooded figures to come closer. Celebrian smirked as she unwrapped Elrohir from her waist. He almost immediately latched onto Elladan's arm. She sighed. Sometimes she worried her sons were too close, but they were their only age-mates.

Looking up she cocked an eyebrow as she watched the trio of approaching elves. There was a cockiness in their stride that was familiar. She pondered this for a moment before smiling. "Haldir?" she called questioningly as the three elves pulled back their hoods, "Rumil and Orophin," she completed, moving forward and taking Haldir's hands in her own. "It is good to see you all," she laughed, looking them over. They had grown some in her absence. Not physically, of course, they had reached their maturity some time ago, but they seemed more responsible. The reckless air that had always made knots in her stomach was still there, but it was more restrained now.

"Far better to see one as lovely as you, my Lady," Rumil said with a cheeky grin. Haldir smirked and Orophin shook his head as Celebrian sighed with a shake of her head. Apparently Rumil's flirtatious nature had not changed. Though she wondered if he had found himself a maiden yet.

"It is indeed good to see you," Haldir said as he cast a look over her shoulder. "Who are your companions?"

"I believe you remember Erestor," she said, pulling away and giving a wave to the ever stern looking chief advisor. Rumil looked sheepish as Orophin and Haldir just smiled as she pointed to the four elves beside him. "My guards Eliean, Vorgnor, Gwinwing, and Galmir." The four nodded in unison, though their eyes were darting around warily since the mention of orcs. "And," a sudden pride entered her voice as she placed her hands on the twin's shoulders, "my sons, Elladan and Elrohir."

Elrohir nodded cordially with a shy smile on his face as he spoke a word of greeting, but Elladan simply continued to glare. Celebrian sighed internally as she gave his shoulder a slight shake, but the child refused to greet the three brothers. She would have to speak with him later about being discourteous.

"How do you tell them apart?" Orophin asked, thankfully not commenting on Elladan's behavior as his eyes danced between the two elflings.

Celebrian opened her mouth to answer, but stopped. There was really no easy way to explain how she told them apart. She simply did. "It becomes easy with time," she assured him, as Elrohir wrapped himself around her waist again and she kept her hand firmly on Elladan's shoulder to keep him from wandering off, as he did when he was annoyed. She wasn't quite sure what was wrong with her older son. He was being highly antisocial and that was very unlike him.

"Perhaps we should begin heading toward Caras Galadhon," she said with a glance toward Deldin who had been speaking with one of the other elves in his command. "If that is well with you?"

"It would probably be for the best. I am still worried about orcs and the last thing I wish is for you to be here if they do appear. A Lady of your standing should not be forced to see their filthy form," Deldin said, waving the other elf away, "and I am sure you are eager to see your parents again."

"I am indeed. And I must thank you for not shooting at us. With such a threat looming near I would almost expect it," Celebrian said with a smile, nodding her head as Deldin laughed.

"Do not worry. The dark times are gone and through our efforts so, I hope, shall be the orcs," he said, giving a bow to her before ordering the rest of the elves back into the trees. "It was good to see you again, my Lady." He nodded toward the twins and gave them a wide grin, which Elrohir returned. "May your stay in Lorien be a pleasant one."

"It will," she assured him, waving a farewell to the marchwarden as he moved back to his perch in the bows of the trees. Elladan pulled away from her hand on his shoulder as Elrohir waved emphatically at the elves in the high trees.

"We are continuing on to Lorien now?" Erestor asked from where he stood, his horse nuzzling his face impatiently.

Celebrian looked over her shoulder and nodded. "This is hardly a suitable place to rest and I am quite eager to see my parents," she said and smiled. "I do not know about you, but seeing the Golden Woods has invigorated me and I feel as if I could travel the rest of the night."

She pretended not to notice the grimace Erestor's face contorted into. Apparently he did not feel the same. With a shake of her head she turned toward Haldir again as Vorgnor moved to round up the horses that had begun to wander. "I trust you are ready to guide us?"

"We are always at your command," Haldir said with a seductive and playful smirk, and the Lady of Imladris laughed as Rumil and Orophin shook their heads and moved to speak with her guards. The woods of Lorien could be difficult to navigate with horses. Elladan made a noise that Celebrian would have classified as disgusted and Haldir arched an eyebrow, giving the elfling a look before glancing uncertainly at Celebrian.

"Elladan?" she said, surprised and a little embarrassed by her son's behavior. He was active, outspoken, and occasionally irreverent, but she had never seen him act like this before. It was highly disconcerting.

"Yes, mother?" her son replied innocently, looking up at her with bright gray eyes. The eyes were challenging and submissive at the same time. He knew he was acting out of line, but he did not regret it.

"C'mon, Elladan, let's go see what Erestor's doing," Elrohir said suddenly, breaking the tension as he pulled away from his mother and tugged on his brother's arm, forcing Elladan to follow him in the direction of the chief advisor.

Celebrian watched them go, Elladan still glaring over his shoulder despite Elrohir's attempts to make him stop. She pursed her lips and shook her head until their eyes met and he looked away. With a sigh she turned back to Haldir. "I am sorry. I've not seen him act like that before. I don't know why he is doing so now."

"Perhaps he is offended by my natural charm," he joked amiably, placing a hand on Celebrian's shoulder when he saw the distressed look on her face. "Do not worry. Maybe they are simply tired. They are young and it is a long journey."

"I hope that is the case," she said, shaking her head a last time before forcing a smile onto her face. "Come," she said, taking the hand Haldir held out to her and casting a glance over her shoulder. "Vorgnor appears to have gathered the horses and I am ready to continue on. I was thinking we would rest at Cerin Amroth?"

"You will probably wish to stop before then," Haldir replied as they began to walk, the rest gradually following along after them. Rumil called up a last goodbye to the marchwarden as they ventured into the Golden woods. "Perhaps we could take a rest and let the horses drink at the next river we pass. I noticed you did not let them drink from the Nimrodel."

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea. I do not want to push the horses, or my sons, too hard. This is their first journey away from Imladris and I would like them to be in good spirits when they meet Lorien's Lord and Lady for the first time," she said, looking over her shoulder and smiling at the tired, yet patient, look on Erestor's face as Elrohir tackled his legs and Elladan attempted to tackle his brother.

"I imagine they will be too much in awe to be in a foul mood," Haldir said confidently.

"I shall be most disappointed if Elladan acts the way he has been in the presence of my parents," she frowned, almost shuddering at the very image of such a thing. "They truly are both good children." Haldir gave no reply other than to give her a reassuring look and remind her of how hectic it was to deal with himself and his brothers when they were young.

"Are your sons always like that?" a curious voice asked from behind as Orophin displaced Haldir at Celebrian's side. She cocked an eyebrow questioningly as Haldir nodded that he was going to speak with Rumil.

"Like what?" she asked, following Orophin's glances. The two were chasing each other around Erestor and laughing loudly. She winced a bit in worry as they ran under the legs of Erestor's horse. Fortunately the mount was well trained enough to still until the elflings have moved away. She let out a breath of relief as she looked back at Orophin.

"So active and together. As I was watching them a moment ago it seemed they did not even need to speak to communicate," he said, shaking his head in wonder before pursing his lips as if thinking of a way to broach a difficult subject, "and they are so distrustful of those they do not know."

Celebrian felt herself wince a bit at the last comment. "Yes, they are indeed always so active and they are virtually inseparable. But, as I was telling your brother, I have never seen Elladan act like this before. It troubles me. This is their first time away from Imladris, but neither of them have ever acted in such a manner towards visitors and messengers from other elven realms. Not to my knowledge in any case." She paused for a moment, considering whether or not Elrond and Glorfindel would keep such a thing from her. But she decided not, Erestor would eventually tell her of such a thing. He so disliked impropriety.

"I see," Orophin said, smiling as he watched the twins over his shoulder as they walked.

"Do… do they seem too close?" Celebrian asked in a quiet voice, casting a quick glance back to make sure the twins couldn't hear her. Orophin turned and looked at her as he made a questioning noise in his throat. "My husband says it is natural that they are so fond of one another, but I worry that it is not," she admitted with a sigh.

"My brothers and I were always close," he reminded her with a reassuring smile. "We still are. Sometimes it is hard for young elves to find someone to play with, and siblings have no other choice." He looked over his shoulders at the twins who appeared to be in some discussion. "They are the same age and I am sure that only strengthens the bond of brothers. If you must worry about something, do not let it be this."

"Very well, you have convinced me. For now," she smiled as a wicked light glinted in her eye. "Now, tell me, how have things been with Rumil and his maidens?"

"They would be far better if I were not around to consistently disrupt them," he grinned, giving his oblivious younger brother a look before leaning close to the Lady of Imladris as if in some conspiracy. "Though I will tell you this, but he must not know," he said and Celebrian nodded that she would not utter a word. "There is a maiden that has taken notice of him and adores the poetry he writes, but she is too shy to approach and he believes she would never have an interest in him."

"Ah, that is tragic!" Celebrian said, pressing a hand to her heart.

Orophin nodded as he continued to speak. "It is; and so Haldir and I have decided that we will use this trip back to Caras Galadhon to see that they meet and speak to one another. I will not even foil the meeting as I am wont to do."

"You are a terror to your brothers," she said with a shake of her head. "But if there is anything I can do to help you in this, tell me. While you would terrorize poor Rumil, I would see him happy," she smiled, knowing full well that he only wished the best for his siblings. Orophin opened his mouth to respond but shut it as someone ran up beside them.

"Mother!" Elrohir said as he grabbed Celebrian's hand and spun around in front of her, nearly colliding with Orophin's legs as the elf deftly moved out of the way. "Are we there yet? I'm tired."

Celebrian smiled and shook her head. "No, Elrohir, we're not there yet," she said, using her son's name for Orophin's benefit. "It will be a while. We probably won't actually reach the city until at least tomorrow. Why don't you just enjoy the scenery?" The child pushed out his lower lip and physically wilted at the news. "Come now, you're a strong little one, aren't you?"

"Yes," he said grudgingly. His eyes drifted toward his brother who had taken to pestering a very patient Galmir about the twin daggers in his belt. "But I'm tired…" he said as he looked back at his mother and waved for her to bend down so he could whisper in her ear. "Don't tell Elladan, but I don't wanna play any more. I just wanna nap."

"Oh, we will take a rest soon," Celebrian promised, swinging the child up in the air and resting him on her hip. It would sadden her greatly when she could no longer pick up her sons and cradle them. She stroked Elrohir's hair as they continued to walk. "I believe Haldir and I agreed to stop at the next river we cross, so the horses could have some water and my little elflings," she pressed a kiss against his temple, "can rest."

"Alright," Elrohir said, wrapping his arms around her neck, seemingly content in his mother's arms. "I hope we get there soon."

"Sooner than you think," Orophin said, "listen."

Celebrian strained her ears until she heard the faint trickle of water rushing over a rocky bed. "Is that the river we're going to stop at?" Elrohir asked excitedly, straining his eyes to catch sight of what he could hear.

"We're going to stop?" Elladan's voice rang in suddenly as a little hand grabbed hold of her dress. "Why?" he asked with a frown as Celebrian looked down. "I wanna keep going!"

"Elladan, sometimes we have to think of others," she said in a stern voice, adjusting Elrohir on her hip so she had a free hand to take Elladan's as they walked. "The horses haven't had much rest. Have you thought of that? And neither have those that have been kind enough to guard us. Even when we have rested they've had to watch over us. Now that Haldir, Orophin, and Rumil are with us, they can keep watch and Eliean and his elves can rest." Elladan's face contorted at the mention of Haldir and his brother's and Celebrian wondered it was specifically them he was having problems with. Though she couldn't imagine why. He had never met the three brothers before and Elrohir didn't seem to have an issue with them. A matter for later, she decided, when she could speak to Elladan in private.

"Besides, think of Erestor," she said, still trying to convince her son without betraying Elrohir's trust. Elladan would gladly stop if his twin was tired, but Elrohir didn't want him to know that. "He is not used to traveling so much. Don't you think that he deserves a moment to relax after such a long journey?"

"Yes," Elladan grumbled, unable to argue with her logic. The twins were quite fond of the chief advisor. He never yelled at them for their pranks, which he was most often the target of.

"There's the river!" Elrohir yelled and pointed as Celebrian nearly fell forward from the sudden shift of weight. She released Elladan's hand to steady Elrohir in her arms before letting him back to the ground. He grabbed Elladan's hand, apparently rejuvenated, and pulled his brother toward the slow moving river.

"Will you ever hear again?" Orophin asked as she pressed a hand to the ear Elrohir had yelled in.

"I do hope so," she mumbled. "Would you watch over my sons a moment? I need to speak with the rest of the party. I doubt the river is strong enough to carry them away, but…"

"Of course I will," he nodded as Celebrian gave a thankful smile and walked back toward Erestor. She wanted to speak with him about Elladan. Perhaps her son had spoken with him or he had been able to notice something she had not.

"Haldir, tells me we are resting at the river for a time," the chief advisor said as she came close. His eyes focused over her shoulder. "Should the children really be playing so close to the river? At least at the crossing of the Nimrodel there was no real current."

"They know enough of rivers to be careful and the flow of this one is gentle enough. Nothing like the Brunien; besides, I asked Orophin to watch over them while I spoke with you," she said as Erestor nodded. "But yes, we are stopping here and then hopefully we will make Cerin Amroth to rest for the night. I trust you have no objection?"

"I would not presume to argue with my Lord's lady," he responded, stroking his horse's neck comfortingly. Celebrian shook her head and asked the Valar for strength, the advisor could be so obstinate. "Elladan has been acting rather impolite since the Lorien elves appeared."

"You noticed as well," she sighed.

"I have known them for the seven years of their life. I should hope I would notice such a deviation," he said, his eyes glancing pointedly at the approaching Rumil. He would say no more on the subject where other ears could hear. "I will tell the guards and confirm that we are resting here."

"The elflings want you to come to them, Celebrian," Rumil said with a timid nod toward Erestor. It almost made her smile. All these years and he was still frightened of Elrond's advisor.

"Thank you, Rumil," she smiled, nodding to Erestor that they would speak later as she walked towards her sons. Orophin was perched in a low bow that hung over the river as Haldir leaned against the trunk of the tree. They appeared to be engaged in some whispered conversation that she could only assume had to do with their plans for Rumil and his maiden.

Elladan was knee deep in the water and picking up stones as Elrohir yawned behind him. The younger twin looked up at her pleadingly as she came closer. She smiled as she sat down beside a nearby tree and removed her cloak. "Elladan, Elrohir!" she called as Elrohir quickly jumped out of the water and ran towards her. He laughed as she wrapped him in her cloak to dry him off and settled him into her lap.

After a moment Elladan followed, carrying a few of the rocks he had collected and set them down on the grass. Celebrian held out her arm, inviting him to come snuggle in her lap as well, but he ignored it. Turning his back and pulling at blades of grass, watching as the guards led the horses to drink and Rumil and Erestor seemingly engrossed in some discussion about elven poetry.

Celebrian frowned as she let her arm fall. Elrohir curled up peacefully in her lap and already half-asleep. Usually, even if he wasn't tired, Elladan would curl up as well and they would talk or she would tell him stories. It felt strange to be shunned by her own child and she hoped it would not happen again. As soon as they had a moment alone they were definitely going to have a long talk.

---

"This place is so pretty!"

Elrohir looked around in awe at Cerin Amroth as Celebrian smiled and took in the sight that was the heart of Lorien. She felt a peace settle over her as she walked forward, her sons on either side of her gawking at everything they saw. Nothing had changed. The great mound of Amroth still remained, green as the first buds of spring, with its double ring of trees, the outer birch and the inner mallorn with their silver trunks and the leaves slowly fading from green to gold. And high above all, in the bows of the mallorn, was a single white talan.

"Those trees are huge!" Elladan gasped as Celebrian dropped to her knees and hugged him tightly from behind as he fell into her lap. "I've never seen anything so big!"

"Those are the mallorn trees. The mellyrn," she said as he hugged hear arms and listened intently. Elrohir fell to his knees beside them and listened with wide eyes as well. "Their branches are never bare because their leaves do not fall in the autumn, as you have always seen the trees of Imladris do. The mallorn leaves change from green to gold and stay until spring, when new leaves are born and the golden flowers appear. Only then do the old leaves fall to the ground, carpeting it in a beautiful gold."

Elladan was speechless in her arms, his eyes still fixed up on the trees and she felt her smile grow, pressing her cheek against the top of his head. This was her son. Curious and amazed. Not that vexing creature that had been traveling with her for the past few hours and glaring at her friends as if they were the most vile of enemies.

"Mother! What are these?" Elrohir asked, pointing from the white and pale green flowers on their slim stalks to the star shaped golden flowers.

"The yellow are the elanor and the pale are the niphredil," she answered, noting out of the corner of her eye that the rest of the party was setting up camp for the night. She wanted to press on, Caras Galadhon wasn't too far away. But, despite their current exuberance, her sons were tired and needed to rest for the night.

"Can we climb up there, mother?" Elladan suddenly asked, pointing to the high talan. "Oh! Please! Can we?" Elrohir pitched in, grabbing the sleeve of her gown and tugging excitedly.

"Certainly," she replied, letting out a laugh as both her sons jumped forward with a gleeful sound and ran towards the dual ring of trees. "We're going to climb up Cerin Amroth," she called out to the other elves as she stood up and dusted her gown. "Erestor, could you have a meal ready when we come back?"

The advisor seemed a bit nonplussed at being cast in the roll of camp cook, but nodded. Gwinwing and Haldir shared a smirk as they watched Erestor unpack the cooking supplies and Celebrian was sure they would help if he needed it. Or would at least keep anything troublesome from happening.

"Mother!"

"I'm coming!" she yelled, lifting her skirt to the ankles and running forward to where the twins were impatiently waiting at the ladder's base. As soon as she was close Elladan began to climb. Elrohir waited for her to give a nod of consent before quickly following his elder brother. "Now, remember to be careful," she said, casting her cloak aside as she climbed up after her sons. Elladan had already disappeared onto the talan.

"Elrohir! Hurry! You need to see this!" Elladan yelled as his brother pulled himself up.

Celebrian heard Elrohir gasp as she pulled herself up onto the talan. The twins were looking wide eyed to the south, Elladan tugging on Elrohir's shirt and pointing at the city of green trees that seemed to tower upward forever. "We will be there tomorrow," she said, placing her hands on her sons shoulders. "That is Caras Galadhon you are looking at."

"That's where you were born?" Elrohir said, looking up at her in amazement.

"And raised," she nodded. "I had never set foot out of Lorien and rarely went far from Caras Galadhon before I went to be with your father in Imladris."

"Wow," Elladan breathed.

"Can you see the pale gleam there?" she said, pointing to the east. "That is the Anduin, the Great River and beyond that is Gondor and Minas Anor." She stopped there, unwilling to tell her children what lay farther in the east; unwilling to tell them why the lands seemed so dark. Her hand moved a bit to the south. "And there is the south part of Greenwood."

"It's so beautiful and blue out there, even with the sun setting," Elladan said, as Celebrian sat down on the talan floor and patted the ground to invite the twins to sit beside her.

"It feels strange here," Elrohir said, leaning against his mother left side and pulling her arm over his shoulders as Elladan did the same on her right. "Like we're in one of Lindir's songs."

"That's the power of the Lady, my mother, your grandmother," Celebrian said with a happy look as she shut her eyes and felt the wind against her face. Elladan looked up and gave her a questioning look and she grinned, pinching his nose. "You will understand when you meet her."

"What is this place anyway, mother?" Elrohir asked, snuggling closer to her.

"Cerin Amroth. It is the center of Lorien, where the grass is always green and the winter flowers are ever in bloom. In happier times this is where Amroth, former Lord of Lorien, had his house in these high bows, and dwelt her with his beloved, the fair Nimrodel."

"Wasn't Nimrodel the name of the first river we crossed?" Elladan asked, playing with the lace of her sleeve.

"Yes, it was named after her. Someday I will tell you their story, but now is not the time for such a sad tale," she said, leaning over and pressing her cheek to Elrohir's head as she squeezed Elladan close. "Listen to the sound of the breeze. Isn't it lovely?" Her lips twitched in a smile as her sons made identical noises of agreement. "This was one of my favorite places as a child. My father would bring me here and tell me stories or teach me the history of our people."

Her eyes traveled east toward the great Anduin and even farther where Mordor was, still dark even now. She remembered the day her father had left to lead the troops against Sauron. He brought her here to Cerin Amroth and showed her where he was going, explaining that with Gil-galad, Oropher, and Elendil they would put an end to darkness once and for all. She could remember crying as he spoke and begging him to stay, in Lorien where it was safe. But he refused, telling her how her mother had already agreed to allow him and Lorien's forces to go and face the Dark Lord at Orodruin.

That was the first time she had heard of Elrond as well. Gil-galad's herald and chosen heir, Lord of Imladris. She hadn't cared to hear about him at the time. Some half-human living as an elf. How her opinions had changed since then, she thought with a smile. Already she missed the elven lord terribly. It felt as if she had left half her heart back in Imladris, and, she supposed, she had. Though she would enjoy her time in Lorien, spring would be a long time coming.

"Mother?"

She shook herself from her thoughts and looked down at her sons, looking up at her with their father's gray eyes. She smiled and held them close. "Yes?" she finally answered.

"I think I heard one of the Lorien elves calling us and saying the evening meal was ready," the younger twin said as the elder rolled his eyes. Celebrian pinched his ear warningly. She still needed to speak with him about his behavior, but not in front of his brother. Most might think of them as one person because they shared the same face, but she did not.

"Then let us go and eat," she said, releasing them from her grasp as they hastened down the ladder, their hungry stomachs momentarily more important than the beauty of Cerin Amroth. She stood up, twining her hands behind her back as she looked over Lorien. She had missed the Golden Woods terribly in Imladris. The valley was a place of peace and safety, while the forest was a place of magic and serenity, the center of elvendom in Middle-earth.

Below Elladan and Elrohir called for her to come and eat with them. Elrohir chattering on about something Rumil had done while Elladan told her Eliean and the others had finished setting up camp. She smiled again as she moved to climb down the ladder and join her children.

It was good to be home.

TBC...