Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien. I do not own these characters.
Chapter 3
Celebrían sighed as she sat down on the edge of the bed. At first glance Imladris seemed nice enough, but time would soon tell if appearances were everything. Her quarters were attached to those of her parents, but a small connecting door allowed privacy for both parties. As she briefly explored the room an elf dressed in the colors of Imladris carried in her luggage.
"Le hannon."
"It was my pleasure, my lady," the elf said as he gracefully exited the room. "Have a good evening and welcome to Imladris."
Celebrían graciously inclined her head as the door closed. Too excited to settle down, but too tired to unpack Celebrían set off to explore the rest of her chambers. A private bathing room with an inset pool was found within a small alcove. The thought of a hot bath and finally being clean brought a fleeting smile to her lips.
Not wishing to be interrupted Celebrían bid her parent's goodnight and proceeded to enjoy her bath and dream of things yet to come.
Elrond, free of his guests, stomped through the halls intent on finding Glorfindel. As his reflected shimmered in a mirror he sighed as he realized his circlet was tilted and his robes wrinkled. What must his guest think of him greeting them in such a state? With a heavy sigh he proceeded to trudge along to his destination. There would be no rest of the weary tonight.
"Elrond, please, try not to look so pleased with the world." The sarcastic reply was scarce off Glorfindel's tongue before Elrond had time to enter his office.
A frown and raised brow as the only response the blonde Balrog killer received.
"It is not as bad as you are making it out to be."
"I have yet to make it out to be anything."
"Stop worrying and start planning. Now that your guests are here three days early you have preparations that need to be made."
"I realize this." What patience Elrond had possessed before being accosted was being reduced rapidly by the 'helpful' comments of his advisor. Gil-Galad was not scheduled to arrive for another three to four days, leaving Elrond completely in charge of Imladris.
As Glorfindel was beginning his retort a younger, dark hair elf entered the room bearing a stack of papers. "My lord," he bowed.
"Erestor," Elrond massaged his forehead, "you can address me as Elrond in private. I suppose those are all the supplies and schedules that I need to review for the next three days before the other delegations arrive?"
"Yes. I've alphabetized them and placed dates on each sheet so that you can-"
Elrond held up a hand to stop the over enthusiastic elf, "Thank you."
Glorfindel watched with a bemused smile as the recently promoted advisor explained each sheet of paper and received confirmation from Elrond. At a little over 1,200 years Erestor was still learning. Elrond had seen his potential and given him the responsibility of scribe; hoping to one day have a competent senchal for his household.
The days flew by as various elf-holdings arrived in Imladris. Celebrían had been given permission to roam freely during this time, learning the ins and outs of Imladris. Curiously, she had found herself disappointed that she had not had time to speak with Lord Elrond as the aforesaid was kept busy with various tasks.
Celebrían had been introduced to several elves, male and female, her own age, but had found – as was the case in Lothlórien – that they had little in common. Instead of seeking out companionship she frequently found herself in the library or gardens of Imladris.
Five nights after the arrival of the party from Lothlórien, a feast was held celebrating the arrival of the High King. Food and wine flowed forth as did merriment. Celebrían found herself seated near the head of the table with her parents. This was the first time that she was able to study some of the more important dignitaries from the other elvish nations.
Among those present was Celeborn's kinsman Oropher and his son Thranduil. Several hundred years younger than Celebrían Thranduil looked bored and uncomfortable as the adults at the table insisted on centering their conversations around politics. Celebrían gave her younger kinsman a sympathetic glance as she tried to concentrate on the plethora of information being thrown about.
As she glanced about the table she caught Lord Elrond's eye. A strange flutter tickled her stomach. She immediately dismissed it as having had a little more wine that usual. As the conversation continued she noticed that Elrond would occasionally glance her direction. Was there something on her face? Celebrían surreptitiously attempted to inspect her face and teeth in the reflective surface of the tableware.
"We cannot sit idle by Sauron continues to warp the beauty of this world," stated Oropher. "Something must be done."
"The three are powerful enough, they will continue to preserve things as they are," came the counter from Celeborn.
Gil-Galad frowned, "the three are power, my lord, but Oropher is also correct. We have a responsibility to Arda. The humans of the world are frail. Already reports are coming in that Sauron has corrupted nine kings of men and bent them to his will."
"The race of men is weak," said Elrond has he joined in the conversation. "They cannot be trusted to protect themselves or this world. Yet they have few dealings with the elves. If these reports of Sauron are true how long will it take before he conquerors the race of men and grows strong enough to challenge the elves? We are the firstborn and it is our duty to –"
"To what? Join with this race that you call weak? It would be better if we allowed dwarves in our ranks."
"My lord," Galadriel gave her husband a sharp look, "let us put aside past grievances and look towards the future. Although we elves have eternity how long can our power hold out against the world?"
As the discussion continued to flow Celebrían thought on the various points that had been made. Were humans weak? In her short existence she had never had the opportunity to interact with the second-born. Her father had told her stories of betrayal by both men and dwarves, yet if these races were unreliable why would the Vala have created them?
Dancing, singing and storytelling progressed as the feast was drawn to a conclusion. Unlike her peers Celebrían had no interest in dancing aside from the enjoyment of being in tune with the music. It was her duty as a diplomat to entertain several partners before receiving permission from her mother's all-seeing eye to escape.
After dancing Celebrían enjoyed the cool of the evening as she meandered through some of Imladris' gardens. The stars shimmered in the night sky as a puff of cloud dissipated. Her wandering feet came to a rest as she crossed over small bridge that spanned a bubbling brook. The sound of water, smell of flowers and cool touch of air temporary calmed her spirit. It was rare that Celebrían was able to find peace within herself.
Desultory thoughts tried to invade, but she pushed them away. Tonight was too nice to waste thinking about loneliness. Celebrían quietly hummed one of the slower Elvish ballads that had been playing throughout the evening. A tune that invoked melancholy thoughts along with the promise of hope. As she stared at the stars reflected by the water her sensitive hearing picked up the faint sound of footsteps. No elf treads that loudly, she pondered as she waited for whomever to come into view.
Her eyes widened at the sight of Lord Elrond determinedly walking her way, mumbling under his breath, "Of all the imbecilic ideas…" He looked up as she gasped. "My lady, Celebrian, forgive me for intruding, I…" he trailed off.
"No, Lord Elrond, forgive me I should have made myself known sooner." She felt a blush climb her cheeks.
A half-grin appeared on Elrond's face. "It appears we both made our escape from the party."
"It would seem that way."
"You'll forgive me if I confess to finding some of your peers rather… tiresome?"
"Oh, yes, I find them that way as well. I had to get out – you understand – I could not take one more dance with some young ellon batting his eyes at me!" Celebrian exclaimed, wincing at how that must have sounded.
For the first time in almost a week Elrond let forth a genuine laugh. "And here I thought I was the only one. Well, since we are both hiding would you mind accompanying me for a late evening stroll through the gardens?"
Celebrian bit back a grin as her stomach flittered against her ribs. "It would be my pleasure, Lord Elrond."
"Please, call me Elrond when we are in private. I find it tedious to always abide by strict protocol."
"You," she gently teased, "the master of the house?"
"I do my best," he mocked as he bowed and offered his arm. "How do you find Imladris?"
"Oh," she stopped to gather her thoughts. "I find it lovely. It feels so much more alive and fresh and the Golden Wood. I mean –" she paused, "not that Lothrien is dull, but it just does not feel like home."
"I understand." Elrond paused his stride and turned towards his companion. "Sometimes I feel as if there is more. Something that I am missing. As if life just is not enough."
"A void," Celebrian completed. "Like a dream that is slipping through your fingers. A thought that is just out of reach…"
"A heart's longing."
The two turned towards each other. It was the first time that either had confessed this longing to anyone. Somehow they both felt a natural inclination to trust. Souls bared to each other, grasping for something that was intangible. A spark of attraction flickered between Celebrian and Elrond, but neither felt compelled to act on it. Without needing to speak they agreed that there was time, time to become friends and if fate willed it something more. Nothing further needed to be said. They walked along, arm in arm, until other elves began to leave the festivities. They parted ways and said goodnight. Each hopeful in their own way.
A/N: Apologies for the extremely long time it has taken for me to update this story. I have not abandoned it I have just had other priorities. Thank you to all my previous reviews and reviewers in the future.