#93 Deadline
Elrond was sweating if that was even possible for elves. For weeks he had been trying to summon up the courage to ask Celebrían to marry him, and every time he made up his mind to ask her he would panic and run the opposite direction when she came into view.
But today, he had to succeed for tomorrow morning, she was returning to Lothlórien with her parents, and he had no idea when the next time he would see her again.
You can do this Elrond; he told himself looking into his mirror. You have fought Dark Lords, orcs, and other foul creatures. Surely asking a fair elf maiden to marry you is simple?
Looking out the window, he saw his intended target talking with another ellon. Feeling a tinge of jealousy well up inside him, he made up his mind to ask her right then. With a new wave of courage and feeling more determined than ever, he stormed out of the room and went to catch the elleth of his dreams.
A few minutes later, he emerged outside and was now only a few feet from her. Elrond began to panic once again and was about to turn and run when he heard Celebrían call his name. "Damn!" he swore under his breath. There was no turning back now. He had to talk to her. Turning around he smiled as sweetly as he could. "Celebrían, what a pleasant surprise seeing you out here."
Celebrían laughed softly. Eru, even her laugh is breathtaking, Elrond thought to himself. He needed to ask her but how was he even going to do it? "Elrond, is everything alright? You look as if you are going to be ill," she asked concerned.
"What? Oh, yes, I am fine. I uh… I was wondering if I might ask you a question," Elrond stuttered.
Celebrían nodded and smiled waiting for him to speak. Elrond stumbled to find the right words but after a few seconds pulled himself together. "We have known each other for quite some time, and we have grown rather close." Elrond closed his eyes and started breathing deeply. Here was the moment of truth. He would ask her the question, and she would either accept or deny his request.
"Yes, Elrond we have. I enjoy your company very much, but I do not understand where this is coming from. Are you sure all is well with you?" Celebrían had never seen this side of Elrond before and was not sure of what to make of it.
Elrond nodded and swallowed hard. "Celebrían, I was wondering, well I was hoping… I uh… Celebríanwillyoumarryme?" he blurted out so fast he even scared himself.
Celebrían stood there in shock. Did he just ask her to be his wife? "What did you ask me?"
Elrond repeated his question, but this time slower. "I asked you if you would be my wife." Elrond pulled out a small parcel and opened it up revealing a silver ring. He looked up into her wide eyes and tried to read her expression.
After what seemed like ages, Celebrían smiled and shook her head enthusiastically. "Oh Elrond, you have no idea how long I have been waiting and hoping you would ask me that. Of course, I will be your wife!" She threw herself into his arms, and she could feel him relax. "Of course, we must ask my parents first," she whispered in his ear.