A/N: I thought someone would have commented and suggested a name for Glorfindel's plan, I confess I'm a little disappointed...lol.

I'm going to do my best to upload a chapter once a week, most likely on Fridays or Saturdays. (Given those are the days when I get the most views and if I upload more than once a week I don't think people notice, and I don't want any of my lovely readers to miss out.) I've just about finished chapter 5, so I should be consistent for a while. Please let me know if you see any errors and enjoy!


Chapter 1

Years Later...

Lord Elrond stood before the main doors of Imladris, waiting for his guests to arrive. The entire court was gathered about him, dressed in their finery and ready to welcome Prince Amroth of Lothlórien.

And, more importantly, the Lady Celebrían.

While he appeared regal and calm in the cool autumn air, Elrond was anxious and feeling quite stuffy in his formal robes. He tugged at his embroidered collar while his heart hammered wildly in his chest, already reciting his greeting in his head. Even when the armies of Mordor were at his gate he was never this afraid. But thankfully, the only ones who appeared to notice were a mixed-matched trio on the veranda behind him.

"He's already nervous," Glorfindel sighed, his hands on his hips. Dressed in robes that matched the color of his hair ―and out of his customary sentry garb and homely tunics―Glorfindel now looked like lordly warrior hero that he was.

"He can't be, if he's even remotely anxious it could set our schedule back," Erestor said, in dark contrast to the golden Glorfindel. Even the embroidery on his long tunic and robes was raven black. "He and Lady Celebrían must be either engaged or wed six weeks from now."

"Quite right. I've already got our supplies in order and the baking schedule made," Lindir said as he reviewed the papers in his hands. Standing next to the sober Erestor and bright Glorfindel, he looked outlandish in his vivid violet and green attire. "No one knows why of course, they're under the assumption there's going to be a feast in honor of the High King and the Lords from Lórien."

"Make sure it stays that way," Erestor gave a warning growl. "One slip and your gossip-loving staff will let everyone in Imladris know what we're planning."

Lindir scoffed.

"I'm the least likely to let anything slip," he stated. "You and your hoard of nosy, need-to-know-it-all advisors are the ones most likely to start poking around and spread rumors."

A horn blast in the distance stopped any further squabble between the two, alerting the court of Prince Amroth's arrival. He rode ahead of a column of mounted archers, dressed in earthen colors with pale or brown hair. Prince Amroth himself was handsome, slender and tall, with honey colored hair that fell to his waist. However, it was the silver cloaked lady that rode by his side that the trio focused on.

Lady Celebrían was an unparalleled beauty with pearl blonde hair and eyes the color of sapphires. They all stared as she gracefully dismounted her snow-white horse and ascended the stairwell with the Prince to be greeted by Lord Elrond.

"Have uh—have any of you seen the Lady Celebrían before?" Lindir said, unable to tear his eyes away from her.

"I have," Erestor responded. "But I don't remember her being so, so—"

"Beautiful?" Glorfindel finished, waiting with abated breath as Elrond began to greet the Prince and his court.

"Welcome, Prince Amroth of Lothlórien to Imladris," Elrond started, sounding both generous and lordly. For once he was grateful for Glorfindel's theatric coaching. "We are most honored by your visit."

"Well, we could hardly refuse such a generous invitation," the Prince replied while Glorfindel and Lindir gave Erestor a congratulatory nudge. "Has the High King arrived yet?"

"No, I'm afraid he won't be here until later this week," Elrond replied. "We received word that there was a rather nasty rainstorm that swept across the East Road and has delayed his company."

"A rather fortunate turn of events I say," Erestor muttered. "Elrond can devote more of his attention to Lady Celebrían in the meantime. Not to mention you will not be distracted from the task at hand," he continued, glaring at Glorfindel.

The Vanya responded with a wide-eyed stare, as if he had no idea what he was referring to. Erestor narrowed his gaze.

"A pity, I was very much hoping to begin our discussions immediately," Celebrían said, her voice as clear as a bell. "With all the troubling news from the East, I fear that time wasted gives our enemies an advantage."

"Well, uh—" Elrond stammered, reaching for his collar that seemed to suddenly shrink around his throat. His famed wisdom failed him in that moment, as did his skill with words. He suddenly could think of nothing but her spectacular beauty. "You see, there's no need to fear just yet—"

"I disagree," Celebrían stated with an icy glare. "Sauron can move as quick as the wind, and we do not yet know the number of his forces. He could be on our doorstep before we know it, and we would have no way to counter him."

"Why do I suddenly get the feeling that this is going to be a whole lot harder than we all thought?" Lindir asked when he heard Celebrían's forceful tone and saw Elrond wither under her gaze. Instead of reassuring her, or tactfully changing the subject like he and Glorfindel practiced, Elrond decided to promptly retreat.

"Please, won't you join me inside? We have prepared plenty of refreshments for you and your escort," Elrond said, suddenly turning on his heel.

He all but fled up the stairs, his face flushed bright red, making his guests scramble to catch up to him. His plan to make a good first impression on Celebrían had failed miserably, and he could easily picture her laughing at him behind his back. Not that he could blame her.

"This is not good!" Erestor said through gritted teeth. "He was already supposed to have beguiled her at the very least, and he's running away from her! I thought you said you helped him work on this!"

"Shh!" Glorfindel hissed as Elrond and his guests approached them.

They each bowed to Prince Amroth and the Lady Celebrían, who stopped and stared at the golden Elf when she caught sight of him. A smile formed on her face as she indicated she wished to be introduced. The ever charming and chivalrous Glorfindel ignored his growing unease and smiled in return.

"May I introduce three of the noblest lords in my house," Elrond said, unsure of what to make of Celebrían's sudden interest. "This is Lord Erestor, my Chief Advisor and longtime friend. Beside him is Lord Lindir, the head of my household staff. And lastly, Glorfindel, Lor—"

"Lord of the House of the Golden Flower," Celebrían finished, extending her hand to him. "There is no mistaking you milord, I admit that I have been very anxious to meet you. I do so hope we can become better acquainted during my stay here."

Her tone had shifted from accusatory to genial, and a dazzling smile appeared on her face. She was obviously delighted by the extraordinarily handsome Balrog Slayer, who could see Elrond clench his jaw and fists out of the corner of his eye. A fine sheen of sweat appeared on Glorfindel's brow as he smiled sweetly at Celebrían.

"It would be my pleasure, milady," Glorfindel responded as he kissed her hand. He then shot Elrond an apologetic look.

The Elf lord glowered in response.

"Your fame does proceed you," Prince Amroth said, his eyes glittering with awe. "Aside from Lord Elrond of course, you are the most famous Elf here. I would be grateful for a chance to speak with you later."

"Of course," Glorfindel replied with another bow. "I would be happy to indulge whatever Your Highness requests of me."

"Splendid!" the Prince said with a wide smile as Elrond quickly ushered them into the Great Hall, who glared daggers at the Vanya over his shoulder until he disappeared inside.

Once the group was out of sight, Glorfindel turned to Erestor and Lindir who wore matching expressions of unadulterated annoyance. The Vanya blinked, then glanced over his shoulder to make sure that there wasn't another Elf behind him.

"What?" he asked, genuinely perplexed by what he did to deserve such sudden hostility.

"I think you're going to be a problem," Erestor stated.