I apologise for the long delay - life happened in ways I never expected. I actually have more outlined, so, we shall cross our fingers.

Tamuril2 - Thank you! I appreciate it. I'm glad that it's not seeming too short and to the point!

all-blacks-girl - Thank you!

Miria - Thank you! I love them as well, and there is never enough about them.


'Come, Celeborn, perhaps you will ask the Lady Artanis to dance,' Melian smiled graciously down at the young lord.

Celeborn shook his head. It was rare that he said no to the Queen of Doriath, but this was one time when he felt it to be warranted. 'Goheno nin, arwenamin, but I am afraid I cannot oblige. I mean to sit this one out.'

Melian gazed at Celeborn, and the Elf wondered what she was reading in his face. 'And why, might I ask, are you so loathe to spend time with our kinswoman from the West?'

'She does not like me.'

The Maia laughed. 'You know this, how, Celeborn?'

Celeborn glanced smugly up at his queen and leaned in, conspiratorally. 'If I wish for sunshine, she wishes for rain. If I am ready for winter, she yearns for summer. If I enjoy the dusk, she will enjoy the dawn. She learns what I like, so that she might prefer the opposite. Some of your court have warned her to stay away from me, and I cannot complain, for I find I do not like her either.'

Melian continued to gaze coolly at him for a few moments. 'Perhaps. All shall be revealed in time.' Her smile echoed her cryptic words, and once more Celeborn wondered. 'But, no matter, go, enjoy yourself, Celeborn. You have spent far too much time on the fences or with a book. Only, mind that you do not say anything too harsh to our Noldor brethren. I know what you are capable of, mellon.'

Celeborn played at innocence. "I fear I understand not of which you speak, my Queen. I am the very soul of charm."

Melian arched an eyebrow. "When you wish to be. Now, go."

The silver-haired elf nodded and closed his book, slowly walking around the room, unsure as to what he was seeking, only knowing that if he were stationary, Melian would descend on him as like a hawk. He found his eyes drawn to the Noldor's princess of the sun. Leohir was with her, no doubt attempting to woo her. Celeborn found himself frowning, and wondered at it. He could hear Artanis laugh, and he watched as she tossed her braids, a band of blue glinting in the firelight about her forehead.

"He should not be so friendly with her," Daeron said as he approached Celeborn.

"Perhaps not," Celeborn allowed, "but it is not unexpected."

"They're hiding something. I know not what it is, but they are, and I dislike it."

"We must trust Elu. He would not allow them such liberty, were he concerned. Let it rest, Daeron." Hypocrite. You trust them no more than Daeron. Only, you have more reason – you can see it in their eyes, Daeron only suspects. Their eyes? Her eyes. He was determined to discern her secret.

"I have forbidden the Lady Artanis from speaking with you," Luthien declared gaily, coming up suddenly upon the two elves.

She was a whirl of raven and emerald, and Celeborn knew she would not be long for dancing once again.

"That is unfortunate indeed, arwen en amin," Celeborn said gravely, nodding deferentially to the princess of Doriath.

"Naneth wants you to speak cordially, but I know you well enough." She laughed and spun Celeborn with her for a moment. "If she does not speak with you, then you shall not have to be cross with Ada's guests!"

Celeborn smiled wryly. "I can only hope she will listen, then, arwen en amin."

"You need not be so droll. Come, will you dance?"

Celeborn shook his head. "I am droll, and can do nothing to hide it, I fear. I shall remain with my book and watch from afar." He smirked suddenly, and knew he would suffer soon, though it would well be worth the price. "Take Daeron, though, introduce him to the Lady Artanis."

Luthien needed no second prompting, and whirled Daeron off with her before he could object. Celeborn smiled to himself, and settled down with his book. He would glean much about this stubborn Noldo once Daeron had a conversation with her, for his friend would tell all.