Chapter fourteen

The cool forest air was comforting to Elemiriel as they rode between the sturdy mallorn trunks. She could smell the new spring Elanor and it seemed it had been only a short time ago that she had left her home. There was a strong desire to urge her horse faster so she could reach home quicker, yet Elemiriel knew she had to be patient. To her annoyance, Tinwë had not journeyed with them, and Elemiriel had been waiting for Celeglin to have a violent mood swing at any moment. Luckily, he seemed to be in fine spirits, and as she looked to where he was at the head of the column of riders he turned and caught her eye, giving her a small smile. It was enough to make Elemiriel's day. You are becoming so foolish she told herself and looked swiftly back down at her horse's mane.

Celeglin dismounted as the ride halted in front of the Lord and Lady. A crowd had gathered to see the Lady Celebrían arrive in their woodlands again and Celeglin could not help the pride of escorting such an honoured group. He bowed low before Celeborn and Galadriel, as he straightened up, Galadriel recognised him and smiled lightly. Standing to attention as Elrond and Celebrían greeted their family, Celeglin watched as Elemiriel curtsied lightly before her Lords and Ladies before hurrying to two elves in the crowd who embraced her warmly. They must be her parents he thought, feeling a slight tang of jealousy as he watched.

Elemiriel motioned for her parents to wait and then to Celeglin's surprise was returning to the group that had arrived…returning to him?

"Would you wish to spend the time we are here with my family?" Elemiriel asked almost hesitantly as she arrived in front of Celeglin. Looking beyond her to the waiting, pale haired and smiling parents, Celeglin made his decision instantly:

"I would be honoured to accept your invitation."

After Celeglin gave the other guards brief orders and completed a few tasks he was led over to Elemiriel's parents

"I am Celeglin" he introduced himself "a friend of your daughters," he quickly added…why so quick to say that? he wondered to himself. Elemiriel's face fell a little at the speed in which Celeglin dismissed ideas of love, yet she shook her doubts and despairs away and was determined not to let anything Celeglin did spoil her time.

He was introduced and happily led to the family flet that was situated near the main flets of the Lord and Lady. Elemiriel's parents were kind and did not hinder him with questions about himself, merely leaving him the choice to explain or not. It felt good to be accepted into family life away from his aunt, uncle and cousin. Spending time with a friend was much preferred to staying alone.


Later that day, Elemiriel was showing Celeglin around the Golden Wood before they would be joining everyone else in a celebration of the Lady Celebrían's expected twin children. As he bent down to pick up a fallen mallorn leaf and examine it more closely, Celeglin felt something in his tunic pocket. Frowning in confusion, he reached his hand into his pocket and suddenly remembered as his fingers brushed along cool metal.

Drawing the pendant by its fine chain from his pocket, he called after Elemiriel who had already walked on, seeming quite at home amongst the trees.

"I have something for you," Celeglin began awkwardly as he held up the silver pendant for her to see. Her eyes widening in surprise and wonder, Elemiriel took the pendant from him and examined the simple yet elegant silver knot design. Seeing her questioning look, Celeglin explained

"I was creating in the forges not many days before we left…I give most of my jewellery creations of Tinwë and my aunt yet Tinwë insisted she already had too much to wear and that it should be given to you,"

"Oh," Elemiriel replied trying not to sound too disappointed; Celeglin had only given it to her because of Tinwë…nevertheless it was a beautiful necklace, and still a gift from him. Happily, she fastened it around her neck and saw Celeglin smiling hopefully not just admiring his own skill she thought.