Chapter Seventeen

"Ha, I win again!" Elrond said triumphantly, grabbing Celeborn's king.

"Be careful with all that winning, Elrond," Celeborn warned, waving a finger at him. "I might stop liking you so much."

Elrond laughed, then seemed to notice something. "I haven't seen Celebrían since the race," he said. "Or the Lady Galadriel, for that matter."

Celeborn grinned. "My wife can be dangerous. We should find them before they start plotting against us the way they did Haldir."

Elrond nodded, amused. They went quietly into the hallway together.

"They may be in our chamber, getting ready for the ball," Elrond said. Celeborn followed him down the corridor to the room. Elrond carefully pushed the door open a crack and they peeked inside. Galadriel was bent over in front of Celebrían, her hand on her daughter's protruding belly. Suddenly, she gasped.

"It kicked!" she squeaked. Celebrían laughed as Galadriel pulled her into a tight hug.

Elrond closed the door. He and Celeborn walked away chuckling.


Erestor stood by the door in the Hall of Fire, waiting for Celebrían to show up. Glorfindel was in the midst of the sweeping dancers, waltzing gracefully with a young elleth. Elrond was laughing with Celeborn and Galadriel. Harp and flute music drifted through the air, and the warmth of the room was beginning to make him a bit drowsy.

Finally, Celebrían walked in, dressed in a simple gown of white silk. She looked surprised to see him. "Hello, Lord Erestor! Are you waiting for someone?"

"Actually, I was waiting for you, my lady," Erestor said uncomfortably.

She raised her eyebrows. "Is that so? What can I do?"

"Oh, nothing!" he protested quickly. "I just wanted to thank you…for earlier. It was very kind of you."

Celebrían gave him a gentle smile. "No need to thank me. I wanted to help; that's why I did it. But I want to tell you something. You do not have to impress her to make her like you. Just be yourself. She should love you for who you are, not what you can do."

Erestor was taken aback. He blushed furiously. "Well, anyway… Thank you, Lady Celebrían."

She shook her head and laughed. "You're welcome."

After a while, Glorfindel sidled up to him, breathless and very content. "So, am I not a talented dancer, my friend?"

"Aye, very talented," Erestor said, his voice dripping with mock sarcasm. "You could probably defeat another Balrog by dancing with it."

"Oh, stop that!" Glorfindel muttered, sounding annoyed. He shoved Erestor playfully, then strode off with a grin.


Late that evening, Celebrían stood on one of Imladris' many balconies, the cool spring winds weaving through her shawl. She felt arms slide around her and a chin rest on her shoulder.

"Hello, Elrond," she said with a smile.

Elrond chuckled. "How are you?" he asked quietly.

"Fine, meleth-nin."

The moon was bright, the sky a deep velvet blue. The stars were glittering faintly above them, the music from the Hall drifted about them, and suddenly she felt overcome by it all. She started to cry.

"Why, Celebrían! What's wrong?" Elrond asked, turning her around to face him.

She buried her face in his robes, weeping.

"Are you unhappy?" he asked, rubbing her back.

"No, not at all!" she said between sobs. "It's all so wonderful and perfect! I've never been so happy!"

Elrond smiled and laid his cheek on her head. "I'm glad you're happy."

"Oh, Elrond. I don't ever want to leave," she whispered, looking up at him.

"You don't have to," he replied. He pressed his forehead against hers. "You don't have to."


Elvish Translations:

Elleth: Elf-maiden

Reviewer Responses:

Kalayna: I felt bad for him, too. But things are better now, aren't they? And yes, more smacking! Thank you!

swee-haret179: I'm sorry, I haven't read it yet, but I intend to. I think it's really good. And I'm glad you liked the plan!

Zammy: There you go!

Malara: (falls over) What a review! Thank you! I'm really happy that you liked it all. It's a bit hard to make long chapters, because I don't have much time to write, and have to get it done in a short time. I hope this one was enjoyable. Thank you so much! (hugs)

Miss Piratess: Oh, that's all right! Go rest. And don't forget: nice long review!

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate it!