Tranquility Base

Time stands still as I gaze in her waters
She eases me down, touching me gently
With the waters that flow past my boat on the river
So I don't cry out anymore
- Styx, Boat on the River

Elrond wrapped his arms around Celebrían, feeling the tension that hummed through her. "I will not stay away for an Age, melda-nin," he said softly, his lips against her ear.

Celebrían shivered slightly, and wrapped her arms around his. "I know." Her voice was quiet, with an undertone of fear that made him hold her closer.

"Yet you are afraid."

"Yes." She turned to face him, her brows pulled together in concern. "I worry for you, melin. For you, for our sons, for our daughter. For all of what remains of Arda beneath the cities of men, and all that they have done between them."

Elrond said nothing then, simply pulling her close.

Celebrían tilted her head, one hand reaching up to curl around the back of Elrond's neck, tugging gently until he lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was hungry, fueled by her fear and love. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself against, as if she might be able to merge with him through the clothing they wore.

She felt Elrond shift his weight, and broke off the kiss before he swept her into his arms, carrying her into their bedroom. Celebrían could see the desire in his eyes, shadowed by worry, and she pulled back slightly as he set her on her feet, smiling.

Their clothing was quick to be shed, falling to the floor with rustles and soft thumps as they slowly made their way towards the bed that occupied the center of the room. Elrond twined his arms around Celebrían's waist once more, and pulled her close. His lips captured hers in another hungry kiss before he set her on the bed, and followed her.

Elrond held Celebrían close as the time approached for him to leave once more. To go with the others who had borne the elven rings in the final war against Sauron back to Arda. Return to a world where they would find the heros who were being sent back to protect the world from the evils that had never quite died.

I have been here an Age and more, yet still it is not enough time. He stroked one hand along Celebrían's golden hair, his eyes studying the lines of her face in profile. Would that I could remain here with you, melda-nin. That I did not have to go on this journey back to a world that is so changed.

Celebrían stirred, rolling onto her back, her eyes opening to look up at him. She reached up one hand to tuck a lock of his hair behind his ear with a sad smile. "You look troubled, melin-nin. Is it so soon that you must leave?"

He bowed his head, resting his forehead against hers. "Not yet, melda."

She wiggled a bit, and Elrond pulled back as she sat up. "Then do not let your mind wander to what will be, or regrets you may have. Not yet." Celebrían wrapped her arms around his shoulders, holding him close. "We will both worry later, when you are returning to Arda, and I am here."

Elrond buried his face in her shoulder, letting her presence calm him, and allow him to forget what would come for a few hours. This I will treasure while I am gone from here, and miss until I can return. And I will return, melda-nin. I promise you I will return, and then even if the world that men have made of Arda is overwhelmed with darkness, I will remain here. Forever.

FIN