Disclaimer: I own nothing but the OC's and the plot, everything else belongs to Tolkien and those who currently own the rights to his work.

Chapter 10 - 100 Years

Third Age 2617

Part 1 – Gifts

Eruanna spun 'round in a circle, holding the most beautiful green and gold gown she'd ever seen. "Oh, Arwen, I've never seen anything so beautiful!"

Arwen shared in Eruanna's joy at the beautiful gift. "It is lovely. You will be the most beautiful elleth at the ball."

Eruanna shook her head. "I think you will still be the most beautiful, but perhaps I will be second." She spun once more before turning back to the one who'd given her the gift. "Thank you, Lord Elrond." She rushed the elf Lord and hugged him tightly, forgetting herself in her joy.

Elrond returned the hug she gave him and placed a kiss on the top of her head. She looked up at him and Elrond's heart smiled at the joy he saw in the young one's eyes, though in truth, he thought a mere dress little reason for such jubilance. "An elleth needs a new dress for her Coming of Age celebration. I chose Arwen's dress, a long time ago."

Arwen smiled, remembering the beautiful gown her father had given her on her 100th begetting day. She spoke to Eruanna "Ada is known far and wide as a wise scholar and healer, but his fine taste in apparel is truly his most underestimated quality."

Eruanna laughed at Arwen's playful humor. She took in the expression Lord Elrond gave his daughter – a look of mock displeasure that only functioned to deepen Eruanna's amusement. Elrond turned on her then, a large smile spreading across his face as she tried desperately to suppress her laughter.

"We have another surprise for you, Eruanna." Elrond nodded to his daughter who moved to the side door and quietly left the room.

Eruanna shook her head, "You have already given me so much. I need nothing else."

Elrond gave Eruanna a gentle smile. She was so very humble. "I think this gift you will enjoy even more than the dress."

Eruanna turned around at the sound of the door swinging open. Her heart leapt into her throat when she saw who stood there.

"Grandfather, grandmother! You're here!" She ran to them, throwing her arms around Ithilwen as she'd done as a child. Haldor joined in their embrace, kissing Eruanna on the top of her head. Tears flowed freely from the eyes all three of them.

Ithilwen could barely speak through her tears. She took Eruanna's face in her hands, drawing the elleth's face to hers. "Oh, child, look at you!" She kissed Eruanna on both cheeks and hugged her tightly once more. "Oh, my darling child, how I've missed you!"

Haldor brushed his granddaughter's hair away from her face, lifting her chin to study her more closely. Her face was exactly as he remembered it, but her eyes and demeanor were much changed. She was not a child anymore. "You look so grown up." He stated finally. Turning to Arwen, he addressed the Lady. "Is this your doing, my Lady?"

Arwen smiled at Haldor, shaking her head. "Hardly, it is Eruanna who has done the growing in both mind and spirit. I merely guided her along the way."

Eruanna smiled at Arwen before returning her attention to her grandparents. She was so elated to see her loved ones again she could barely contain her excitement. She felt like an elfling once more. "I have so much to tell you!" She looked back and forth between her grandparents. "When did you get here? How long will you be staying?" The words came out in a rush.

"Peace, child." Haldor laughed, holding up a hand to silence her. "We arrived late last night with a party on their way to the Gray Havens." Haldor smiled down at Eruanna holding her by her shoulders. "We will get to the rest of those questions later. There is plenty of time." He glanced over at Lord Elrond a moment before returning his attention to Eruanna. "Why don't you and Lady Arwen show your grandmother to our room? I must speak with Lord Elrond. I will join you shortly."

Eruanna glanced back at Lord Elrond who gave her a small nod. The three ellith left the room arm in arm, Eruanna in the center, gossiping cheerfully as they went.

Part 2 – The Celebration

Eruanna had not stopped dancing all night. One ellon after another spun her around the room until she found herself becoming dizzy. Haldor had the first dance, of course. He led Eruanna gracefully in her first dance as a full member of elven society. It was a difficult moment for Haldor as it was for every parent – acknowledging that their baby was a child no longer.

After a long round of dancing, the feast began. Lindir himself provided the entertainment, singing a lay traditionally performed when elves reached majority.

As the meal drew to an end Elrond stood to intone the blessing. All eyes turned to him as he lifted his glass to the young elleth sitting beside Arwen. "Tonight, we celebrate a member of this house who has passed the threshold into adulthood. These years Eruanna has been a gift from the arms of Ilúvatar. Her light and passion lift the spirits of those who cross her path. Even more, it is she who drove off the cloud of sadness that hung about this house these past hundred years, and for that, we shall be eternally grateful. Eruanna shall dwell forever in our hearts, no matter where her path should lead her. We thank Ilúvatar for sending her to us and we ask that he bless her with a life of unmeasured joy and happiness. Let it be so." He raised the glass and all in the room followed suit. They drank to Eruanna's happiness and once every glass was drained- the minstrels began playing anew, drawing ellyn and ellith back onto the floor.

Eruanna was pulled back onto the floor by her friend and mentor, Erestor. Elrond watched the pair spin around the room. Eruanna laughed merrily at whatever it was Erestor said to her. When the dance was finished Eruanna gave Erestor a warm hug and the ellon placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"She's come a long way these past few decades." Elrond's eyes were drawn back to his daughter, who sat beside him still.

"Yes," he replied. "There was a time she would not have allowed an ellon to touch her let alone kiss her, but time heals many wounds." A question sprang to Elrond's mind that he'd been meaning to ask his daughter. "Has she decided on a path?"

Arwen smiled lightly, "Do you even need to ask?" She raised a brow looking over to where Eruanna stood, her arm wrapped in Erestor's, speaking to a pair of visiting Mithlond scholars who' recently arrived. "She wishes to continue her studies with Erestor."

Elrond looked over at the group of edhil who appeared to be in deep discussion over something or another.

"You should ask her for a dance," Arwen suggested.

It was the very thing Elrond had been debating all night. There were several unrelated reasons that normally kept him from the dance floor, the most powerful of which being that he hadn't danced since Celebrían abandoned Middle Earth. He'd never enjoyed dancing, but his wife had always found a way to persuade him onto the floor. Elrond did not have long to ponder his desires, for Eruanna appeared quietly at his side.

Eruanna nodded politely to the Lord and Lady before addressing Lord Elrond, "Will you dance with me, Lord Elrond? I've grown tired of debating the merits of Tengwar with Erestor and his companions."

Elrond looked into those smiling eyes and found himself unable to refuse. He stood and, taking her hand in his, led her onto the dance floor. The couple picked up the rhythm of the music and began twirling about the room. Eruanna's face grew serious as she looked up into the elf Lord's face, "Thank you, Lord Elrond."

Elrond was finally settling into their dance when she thanked him. "For what, my dear?" He looked down into her dark eyes which glistened with unshed tears.

Eruanna tried to find the right words to explain, but found it difficult to organize her thoughts. What was she not grateful for? "For taking me in, for giving me a home, offering me protection," she paused, "and for letting me know I'm not alone." A single tear rolled down her cheek. She rested her head on Elrond's chest in an attempt to hide them from any onlookers.

Elrond gave Eruanna a comforting hug. "You are not alone, Eruanna. You will never be alone." The elleth lifted her head from his chest and Elrond found himself graced with the purest, most sincere expression that he could ever recall. In that moment, she looked so beautiful, so happy. For the first time since he last held Celebrian in his arms, an emotion he'd believed lost warmed Elrond's heart.

A wave of guilt passed through him and he stepped back from his dance partner, putting some space between them. "I shall retire now." He stated abruptly, though Eruanna seemed not to have noticed the abrupt change in his demeanor.

Eruanna reached up on tip toe and placed a kiss on Elrond's cheek. "Thank you again, for everything," she said, before moving to rejoin Erestor on the other side of the room.

Elrond forced himself to turn away as Eruanna glided across the room, taking Erestor's arm once more. Without so much as a goodnight to his daughter, he fled the hall, seeking the peaceful sanctuary of his private rooms.

Part 3 – The Balrog Slayer

Predatory eyes followed her from the shadows. One elf after another danced her around the room. Joy shone from her face. She looked beautiful- clothed in green silks, her head crowned with flowers.

He watched Lord Elrond take her hand. The elleth laughed in his arms and he smiled down on her. Her face fell as the dance continued. Something in their conversation brought tears to her eyes. She rested her head on his chest and the elf Lord wrapped her in a warm embrace. The song ended and she kissed him before moving to join the dark haired ellon, the counselor, once more. Lord Elrond left the hall, followed not long after by Haldor and his wife.

No eyes were upon him.

He found himself walking toward her, intent upon his prey. He tapped the elleth on her shoulder. She spun 'round, her bright eyes darkening as they met the face of her tormenter. "May I have this dance?"

Erestor turned his attention to the Mirkwood warden who'd come upon them, asking Eruanna for a dance. Very few of the elves who'd accompanied Haldor and Ithilwen from Mirkwood had attended the celebration. "Of course she will," he answered for Eruanna, "It is bad luck for the guest of honor to say no to a dance."

If Erestor had not indulged himself in so much wine, he may have noticed the effect this new arrival had on his young apprentice. As it stood, he noticed nothing and turned back to his companions leaving Eruanna with no escape.

Feredir looked into Eruanna's eyes; her former joy had abandoned them. He pulled Eruanna against him and back onto the dance floor. He held the small elleth tightly as he danced her 'round in a circle. "It has been some time…," he began, "you look quite beautiful tonight."

Eruanna tried to pull away from the ellon but he crushed her hand in his and she ceased her struggle. She said nothing to him as they moved about the room with the other dancing couples.

Feredir said no more to his partner for the remainder of the song. When the music ceased Eruanna attempted to pull away from him but he held her fast. "Take a walk with me in the garden."

Eruanna shook her head and as she did so pain shot through her forearm. Feredir held her in an iron grip, crushing her bones and drawing a small cry from her that went unheard by the noisy crowd.

"I won't take no for an answer." Feredir wrapped Eruanna's arm in his, being sure to put pressure on her wrist so she would not cause a scene. He led her out of the hall and out into the starlit garden.

Glorfindel arrived at Eruanna's begetting day celebration much later than he'd intended. He'd spent the previous month visiting border outposts, ensuring the wardens there had not fallen asleep on the job. He'd managed to surprise two wardens on the northern border. He'd walked right up to their encampment while they slept and placed a blade on each exposed throat. He'd then proceeded to lecture the duo, blades still drawn, on how not to get oneself killed while on watch. It was a lesson he didn't think the pair would forget any time soon. It was also, truth be told, the most enjoyable part of Glorfindel's otherwise boring survey of the realm's defenses.

He'd missed dinner but the revelers were still going strong. Much wine had been consumed this eve as was evident by the many empty bottles and the free laughter that escaped the more reserved members of Elrond's house. Even Erestor seemed particularly gay this evening, laughing heartily with his companions. He searched the hall for Eruanna and saw her in the company of a light haired ellon dressed in Mirkwood fashion.

Glorfindel had many gifts that aided him as chief guardian of Imladris, including a keen and observant eye. The moment his gaze fell on the pair he knew something was wrong. The ellon held Eruanna closer than was appropriate for this particular dance. The grip on her hand was too tight, not relaxed as it should be. Even had he not noticed these things, the look on Eruanna's face was enough to alert him to trouble. He'd seen that fearful expression before on her sweet face, that day, years ago, in the garden. Before he could take off in their direction, the ellon ushered her out of the hall. Glorfindel made his way through the crowd in pursuit, which was no easy task as each ellon and elleth he bumped into along the way wished to welcome him back with a hug, a kiss, or a tall mug of mead. He reached the other side of the room and managed along the way to catch Erestor's attention.

"Come with me, now!" The tone of Glorfindel's voice brooked no argument and Erestor came to his side immediately.

Erestor's slightly inebriated mind sobered quickly from the intensity of his friend's statement. "What is wrong?" he asked, concerned. He fell into stride with the slightly taller ellon and followed him into the garden.

"It's Eruanna. One of the visitors from Mirkwood pulled her into the garden. I do not think she wished to go with him." Glorfindel fell silent as he studied the ground, easily spotting Eruanna's footprints in the dirt. He moved quickly along the path, Erestor trailing a few steps behind.

Feredir pulled Eruanna into a secluded grove. Grabbing her roughly by her upper arms, he slammed her small form into the trunk of a tree. "So here I find you, dressed in fine clothes, living in luxury."

Eruanna was forced to catch her breath for the impact forced the air from her lungs. The rage she saw in Feredir's eyes silenced any response she may have made.

"I was demoted two ranks because of you." He wrapped his hand in her hair jerking her head up to face him. "A thousand years of hard work swept away, all because some stupid child could not hold her tongue."

Eruanna was on the verge of tears when she spotted the most miraculous sight in all of Arda. In his rage, Feredir had not heard the two ellyn approaching. Glorfindel moved faster than she'd thought possible, grabbing Feredir in a crushing choke hold. Eruanna fell to the ground when Feredir, startled by the sudden attack, released his hold on her.

Glorfindel threw the ellon to the ground. Enraged at the sight he'd just witnessed, he spit venomous words at Eruanna's attacker. "What in Arda do you think you're doing?"

Feredir clutched at his throat and took several painful breaths. He looked up at the unfamiliar ellon. He did not make to answer the stranger's question for he could not have spoken at that moment even had he wished to. His eyes darted from the strange ellon to Eruanna, whom the counselor had picked up off the ground.

Glorfindel did not take his eyes off of the Mirkwood elf when next he spoke. "Take her back to the house, Erestor."

Erestor glanced nervously at his friend who shook in silent rage. The counselor prayed that Glorfindel found some measure of control quickly. This pathetic ellon was not prepared for the Balrog Slayer's wrath. Erestor wrapped Eruanna in his cloak and pulled her away from the scene. Whatever was about to happen, the child did not need to be witness to it. "Come child."

Eruanna's eyes did not leave Lord Glorfindel as Erestor pulled her away towards the house. He towered over a stunned Feredir- a mountain of rage. Eruanna wished that she could invoke such terror in those that would harm her.

Glorfindel stared murderously at the ellon as he slowly climbed to his feet. He waited until the warden reached a mostly erect position, leaning heavily on the trunk of a tree, before driving his fist squarely into the ellon's face. The sound of braking bone echoed in the canopy and was followed swiftly by the sound of a second blow that drove the ellon back to his knees.

Grabbing the stunned ellon by the hair, Glorfindel lifted him back to his feet and struck him once more, sending his body back into the tree. He stopped his assault then, pleased with the look of mingled shock and fear the young warden gave him.

"I will say this once and only once," Glorfindel's voice held no anger for indeed he'd unleashed it all in the three vicious blows he landed on the Mirkwood elf. "If you should ever so much as think of bringing harm to that child again, there shall be one more kinslaying before the ending of the world. I will see to it." The Mirkwood elf blanched as the reality of Glorfindel's words sunk in. The ellon seemed to finally recover his voice and made one wasted threat.

"I shall report this incident to the Seneshal of this house. Lord Glorfindel will see to it you are punished for this unprovoked attack on a Mirkwood envoy."

Glorfindel smiled at the ellon's foolish and terribly amusing threat. "Will he? I think not. I think he just broke your nose and threatened to end your life. You would do well to heed his words." Understanding crept slowly into the warden's eyes. That's right fool, you just got pummeled by the great Balrog Slayer. "Be gone in the morning. You are not welcome in this land."

And with that, Glorfindel turned back to the house. His infuriated spirit had calmed some but before he could be completely at peace, he needed to check on Eruanna. Striding swiftly down the path, he reached a hand into his pocket, wrapping it around a small package. He had a begetting day gift to deliver.

Part 4 – First Sight

Elrond could not sleep. He pulled himself out of bed, donned a warm, comfortable robe and entered his study. He lit a fire in the hearth and sat himself in his favorite chair. Elrond's hands drew around his face in a silent, defeated gesture. The elf Lord's turmoil grew as he lay awake in bed for the past several hours. It was not noise that prevented him from sleeping. The joy-filled echoes from Eruanna's begetting day celebration had long ago died down. It was his own confused emotions that prevented him from finding rest. And so, he'd returned to his favorite chair for some quiet contemplation. He stared long into the flames, trying to deny what his heart already knew. That feeling he'd had, holding Eruanna in his arms, he'd experienced such emotion before - a moment of complete and utter contentment. It had been a long time since he'd felt such and it tore at his soul that in that moment he'd forgotten his sadness, forgotten her. His mind drifted; a flood of memories vied for precedence, some sad, some happy, among them two memories surfaced, one of such unbearable sadness Elrond had doubted his heart would ever recover and a second memory, so joyous, so distinct in his mind, he could divide his life by it….

Second Age 1702

Elrond stood at the gates of his house anxiously awaiting their arrival. It had been less than a year since he'd last seen the Lord and Lady and their visit was much anticipated by the members of his household. Elrond stood, tall and proud, when the party passed through the gates. He stepped forward, bowing deeply to his guests before descending the terrace steps. Elrond took Lady Galadriel's hand in his and placed a kiss on her porcelain skin. Turning then to Lord Celeborn, he clasped the ellon's arm in a warrior's embrace.

"Welcome to Imladris, my Lord and Lady."

The two graceful beings greeted Elrond in kind. After their own welcomes had been exchanged Lady Galadriel turned to their attending company and motioned an elleth forward. She had long silvery blond hair and the most startlingly blue eyes. Elrond had never seen a more radiant creature in all his life. His heart was struck still by the sight of her, such was her beauty.

"Lord Elrond, may I introduce our daughter, Lady Celebrían."

Elrond held out his hand and placed yet another kiss on soft pale skin. He could not remember what words he spoke to her in that moment for his heart pounded with a fierceness he'd never known. Elrond motioned for the members of his house to escort the new arrivals to their quarters. He watched her retreating form even as she disappeared into the hall. The elf Lord took a trembling breath, aware in that moment that the world had changed, forever….

Elrond wandered the moonlit paths in an attempt to still his restless thoughts. It had been many weeks since the daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn first set foot in Imladris and still, Elrond could not breathe when she came within his sight. Elrond knew full well that those close to him had noticed his strange behavior. That very day, Erestor confronted him about it and Elrond had attempted, unsuccessfully, to brush off his friend's careful concern.

Elrond took a seat on a beautifully carved stone bench, studying the flowers that grew around its base, when the words that had been running through his mind since he first laid eyes on Celebrían sounded in the small glade.

"She is above you."

Elrond's head rose to meet the piercing gaze of Lord Celeborn who stood, watching him. "My Lord?"

Celeborn turned his gaze to the ground where the spring ephemerals sprang forth, showering the land with their splendor. They reminded him much of his daughter. He'd watched Elrond in silence these many weeks; how the ellon's eyes followed his beloved child whenever she came across his path. Elrond's eyes spoke loudly of desire, desire for something which Celeborn thought him unworthy. The elf Lord decided to put a stop to it now before things went any further. "You are my friend Elrond Eärendilion, we have fought together against great evil," he paused, watching his companion closely, "but I will not give my daughter to you. She is above you."

"Is she?" Elrond whispered, not meeting Celeborn's eyes.

It was the very question Elrond himself had pondered these last few weeks. Elrond, himself, doubted his worth in regards to such a radiant maiden. But still, a secret part of him dared to hope that he could prove himself worthy of her. After all, was he not, too, descended from the House of Finwë? Was he not the son of those who'd saved the peoples of Middle Earth from Morgoth by sailing into the West, braving the Valar's wrath in doing so? Was he not the heir of High King Gil-galad, a lauded warrior, noted scholar, and bearer of a ring of power? If such an ellon was unworthy of Celebrían's hand, who in Middle Earth could be? Some of these thoughts spilled from his lips. "Are we not of the same house? Are we not both descendants of Finwë? And you, my Lord, are we not both Elwë's kin?"

Celeborn shook his head. No matter how much truth there was in Elrond's words, he would not back down on this. It was not, after all, Elrond's elven parentage that Celeborn held in question. He looked at the being before him now, one who possessed the character of both elves and men. Celeborn would not allow his daughter's light to be dimmed by this half-elven Lord, as he knew in his heart it would be. "Her light will diminish, should she bind herself to you. I will not allow that to happen."

Elrond pondered the elf Lord's words. He wondered if indeed such would be Celebrían's fate should she chose to marry him. A rather worried thought sprang to the forefront of his mind. "Has the Lady foreseen this?"

Celeborn's expression grew grim. His wife had said nothing these past few weeks whenever he'd brought up the subject of their daughter and Elrond. He'd had no indication as to his wife's feelings about the pair, nor had she spoken any ill omens. It mattered not. Some things in this world were certain and needed no magic to predict. "I need no mirror to know what's best for my daughter."

Celeborn watched Elrond's expression grow distant. He did not wish to hurt his friend, but he could not allow him to carry false hope. Celeborn took a seat beside the ellon, following the direction of Elrond's gaze as he stared up at the stars. He wished to make Elrond understand his decision. "There is great evil still lurking in this world and I fear it may rise yet again. I will that Celebrían should sail across the sea where the evils of this world cannot touch her."

"And your daughter, what are her thoughts on this?" Elrond asked with genuine curiosity.

"She will obey her father." Celeborn stated flatly.

Elrond thought on that for some time before a small smile reached his lips. He looked to Celeborn who had taken a seat beside him. "Lady Galadriel did not heed her father's wishes, when she came to Middle Earth."

Celeborn gave his companion a sharp look but was unable to refute Elrond's observation. Celebrían was not much like her mother, except for her stubbornness. Celeborn knew that neither elleth could be swayed once their course was set. That was why he'd chosen to speak with Elrond now, before it was too late.

Elrond studied the elf Lord sitting beside him, knowing what it was he'd left unspoken. For once, Elrond wished not to ignore this truth, no matter how much pain it brought him. "You do not wish to give her to one of mortal heritage." It was not a question but a statement; one that Elrond knew in his heart was true.

Celeborn's calm expression wavered. He'd wanted to avoid this very topic, but Elrond had now made it unavoidable. "You'd know I was lying if I said you were wrong."

Elrond looked down at his hands and the ring Gil-galad had passed on to him. His thoughts strayed to earlier times, younger, innocent days. A secret he'd shared before with no one but the wind escaped him. "In my younger days I believed I would find one like myself, as my mother and father found each other, but now," he shook his head, fighting back the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him, "I fear I shall be alone, forever."

Third Age 108

"You are a difficult ellon to corner, Lord Elrond." Celebrían peered out from behind the column leading up to Elrond's private terrace. She'd been hunting the elusive ellon for days trying to find him alone, but each time she'd come close to cornering him, he'd eluded her.

Elrond was startled from his reading by the sound of a mischievous female voice. He spied Lady Celebrían hiding behind a large column, all but her head hidden from sight. She did not wait for an invitation to climb the marble steps but did so of her own accord and took a seat across from him.

Elrond finally found his voice and offered the Lady his apologies. "Lady Celebrían, forgive me, I did not hear your approach."

"I know it." She smiled coyly at the ellon before her, "For when you do, you find some reason to be elsewhere."

Elrond's eyes widened at her startlingly accurate interpretation of his behavior. He'd tried in vain these long years to forget the object of his heart's desire and had spent much time and effort avoiding the Lady's presence. But each time he'd seen her over the millennia his feelings for her had faded not one bit.

"Why do you seek to avoid me, Lord Elrond? Is my presence so very displeasing to you?" The Lady asked with raised brows.

Elrond studied Celebrían carefully. He detected no anger or sadness in her voice, and her eyes, so very much like her mother's, spoke of an elleth's indiscernible wisdom. Anger grew within him then, for he had no desire for this creature to play games with his heart. "You know the answer to those questions, why do you ask them of me?" The words came out harsher than he'd intended.

Celebrían's face fell slightly at Elrond's clipped tone. She'd not meant to upset him with her words but had honestly wished to hear his answer. Her face grew sad and she did not meet his eyes when she answered him. "There was a time I thought you favored me, a time I thought that you held me in your heart." She sighed, smoothing the fabric of her dress over her knees as she admitted in a whisper. "I merely wish to know why you turned away."

Elrond could feel his heart crumbling with each word Celebrían spoke. He'd tried so hard to rid himself of his longing for her he'd not stopped to imagine that Celebrían returned such feelings.

He took a deep steadying breath before looking into her lovely face. How his heart ached simply to look upon her! Her flawless grace brought a new wave of guilt crashing over his soul. He was not worthy of such beauty. His voice came out just above a whisper. "I am unworthy of you, my Lady."

Celebrían's heart ached at the sadness held within those words. How could she make him see they were untrue? She rose then and took a seat beside him, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from his form. She tentatively grasped one of his hands, squeezing it tightly. "Have I no say in this?"

Her eyes begged that he would say she did. When he remained silent, she lifted his hand to her cheek drawing his eyes to hers. "You are more than worthy, Elrond, Lord of Imladris. Even were you not descended from the greatest elven houses in Arda, heir and Lord of the Noldo in Middle Earth - I would love you just the same." She placed a kiss on the back of his hand that now held tightly onto hers. He smiled at her then, for the first time in many years, and his eyes spoke more of the love he felt for her than any lay could capture.

From some hidden place deep within, Elrond found the courage to speak the words his heart had longed to voice. "I love you Lady Celebrían, as I have these long years, since the day we first met." He placed a kiss on the hand he held in his. Two hands bound together, until the end of days.

Celebrían stood abruptly, pulling Elrond along with her. She laughed merrily, taking both of his hands in hers. "Shall we celebrate with a dance?"

Elrond looked into the shining eyes of the elleth he'd dreamed of for so long. His heart was so light and joyous; he found himself laughing- a thing he was scarcely known for. Celebrían's suggestion brought a look of uncertainty to his face. "There is no music."

Celebrían smiled at the ellon's genuinely confused expression. "Is there not?" She took a step closer to him and placed a small hand on his chest. "Perhaps you do not listen closely enough, Elrond Peredhel. Do you not hear your heart sing as mine does?"

Elrond lifted trembling hands, one to clasp the elleth's waist the other to cover the hand she'd placed on his heart. The smile she gave him seeped into the deepest depths of his being, washing away the pain and loneliness that for too long had dwelled there. They began to dance, gliding around the terrace, swaying to the music of their souls.