Chapter twenty three

Many years later…

Quiet laughter filled the summer air, Celeglin turned the metal band upon his wife's finger in circles…it was beautiful – but not as beautiful as his wife. Kissing Elemiriel before she could braid more flowers into his hair and laugh at the sight he made, Celeglin felt her fingers entwine with his own. Always was he glad that Tinwë had made him see sense before Elemiriel had left and reached the mountain pass.

Both breaking away from the other at the sound of rapidly approaching hoof beats, Celeglin and Elemiriel looked around. Why would anyone be riding so fast in this area of the small woodlands about Imladris…it almost sounded as though the horse was out of control. Jumping to his feet, Celeglin peered into the trees and saw the horse charging wildly towards them, the rider slumped forwards onto the horse's neck.

"It looks like one of Celebrían's guards," Celeglin said with mounting dread as he walked, a calming hand outstretched towards the horse "Go and tell the Lord Elrond to be ready…go now…I will bring him to Imladris" he said to Elemiriel. Nodding, Elemiriel turned and tried to keep her panic from rising as she broke into a run. "Make sure he has a bed for treatment ready!" she heard Celeglin call from behind her.


It will be fine Elemiriel told herself, repeating the words in her head with each footfall, Elemiriel did not quite realise she had run straight into the halls. Hurriedly running down corridors the Lord's study Elemiriel did not even bother to knock, Elrond gave her a questioning look as she skidded into the room – unable to hide the worry upon her face, Elemiriel shook her head.

"You had best come outside," she said lowly, daring not to tell Elrond that Celebrían may be in danger. It was hard enough for herself to accept.

The sunlight reflected harshly off the armour of the guard who was slumped on his horse, Elemiriel sensed Elrond stiffen beside her as he saw Celeglin leading the horse.

"What has happened?" Elrond asked, his face a tightly controlled mask

"I do not know my Lord," Celeglin replied, sincerely bowing his head unable to meet Elrond's eyes

"Bring him inside," Elrond said stiffly, motioning to the injured guard and walking swiftly indoors to the small infirmary.


"They were … everywhere…surprise attack … not bad for orc scum!" the guard spat trying to catch painful breaths, relating the events after his quick revival.

"My wife!" Elrond demanded, unusually harshly. There was a silent shake of head from the guard and a sharp intake of breath as he felt that one of his wounds was being cleaned.

"They took her alive," he managed to gasp out, before the pain of his wounds caused him to faint again.

Elrond turned to see his sons silently leaving the room, grim faced and determined. There would be no calling them back. Elemiriel watched her Lord as he looked about the room in shock and confusion…it was the first time she had ever seen the Lord Elrond look lost.


"Elemiriel – what are you doing?" Celeglin asked concerned as he watched his wife hurry about the kitchens, ramming provisions into a small bag. Following her, still waiting for an answer as she strode towards their rooms, Celeglin prayed she was not thinking of going to help her friend.

"What are you doing?" he asked again as the door was swung wide open,

"Not what I'm doing – what you are doing…" Elemiriel said turning to face him and throwing the bag of provisions towards him, suddenly Celeglin understood.

"I cannot go! What if I were to be killed…you know how why I quit my service in the guard and only work in the forges…I cannot risk the past repeating itself!" he said desperately, though looking at his wife and knowing there would be no arguing.

"And I cannot risk my friend's life!" Elemiriel replied as she snatched Celeglin's sword down from its hanger on the wall and thrust it towards him. "Did you not see the Lord when his sons left? If they too are killed think what would become of him! Do you wish the same pains of your family on another!" Elemiriel asked, knowing that this was the only way she could make her husband go.

Seeing the look upon Elemiriel's face, Celeglin knew he must go, she was right – he nodded slowly. Elemiriel sighed in relief and quickly found Celeglin's cloak, "Change for travel…I shall make sure your horse is ready!" she muttered as she swept past him and out of the room.

Reaching the stables with a small pack slung over his shoulder, dagger at his side and sword across his back Celeglin hoped Elemiriel would be less distraught…

"Ride fast," Elemiriel said as she walked the horse towards Celeglin, "help may arrive from Lorien…some guards may have gone there…" he sighed slightly and kissed her softly on the cheek stopping her worried and trailing sentence and then jumped upon the horse and cantered off out of the gateway.