Here is part two! Enjoy
Noss
The Prince and the Elfling Part Two
Thranduil stood tall, as he positioned his arms on the bow to release an arrow, eyes narrowed in concentration. He tried his best to ignore the pair's eyes, whispers and giggles from the gathered elves. Like most mornings Thranduil was out with the warriors sometimes assisting with some of the soldiers for training, or simply observed, putting his input when needed. As training came close to an end a little contest would be held by the warriors in order to see who was the most improved, but it was mostly for game. The games attracted almost everyone, adventurous elflings, younger warriors, and maidens who pointed and giggled behind their hands at the strongest and handsomest warrior.
Thranduil was no stranger to the games, not only did it amuse him, but most if not all the warriors wanted to try their hand to gain a victory from their prince. He sighed to himself refocusing and steadied his hands as he released the arrow. The arrow whistled soaring in the air and ended with a thump as it hit its mark and furthest target on the range. The elf who was on the same side as the targets indicated Thranduils victory and the crowd around them erupted in cheers, with some of the warriors muttering about their loss, but congratulated him none the less.
"Impressive as always Thranduil," Thranduil looked over to the one who patted him and smirked, "thank you Galion." With his hand still on his shoulder Galion led Thranduil away from the crowd who were slowly enclosing on Thranduil to a more open space.
"Look there," Galion motion to where a group of six maidens were talking in hushed tones, looking at Thranduil and debating on which one should approach him. Thranduil rolled his eyes at his friend's words, "You know I do not desire such affections from maidens," He turned a blind eye to them.
Galion chuckled quietly and then pointed to the maidens again as he saw one approaching but was not part of the original group of maidens. "I hope you will change your mind rather quickly, because one is approaching." Having been there for some time Galion knew exactly who the new maiden was.
Thranduil looked over to see a maiden walking toward him with a smile on her face her brilliant blue eyes, and her long silver blonde hair flowing down her shoulders. Her baby blue dress blew with the soft breeze some parts of it trailing behind her. She walked with such grace and beauty that most stopped to stare at her, the maidens that were know behind her gawking with their mouth open in bewilderment. Very few maidens had such courage to approach the stern looking Thranduil, and yet this one was walking up with ease.
"Thranduil," she greeted him with a slight bow of her head, and then turned to where Galion was and greeted him
"My lady Celebrían," Galion bowed.
"Celebrían," They replied as one.
"That was very well done, you are very talented."
"Thank you. What brings you here my lady?" Thranduil asked properly though he knew that after spending so much time with her there was no need to be formal.
Celebrían raised her eyebrows in surprise, the past couple of weeks Celebrían sought out Thranduil around this time so they could spend time together. Although this is the first time that she actually approached him on the training grounds. Today was different, today was Celeborn and Celebrían's last day and Thranduil had thought that they would be off preparing for their departure tomorrow morning.
"I come as I always do," Celebrían grabbed his hand.
Smiling at the pair Galion thought it best to leave and quietly excused himself and left to go with the other warriors.
"Shall we do something?" She continued.
"What would your father say; surely you should be doing something else." Celebrían puffed her cheeks slight irritation; from their days spent together she learned his odd sense of humor.
"My father would have nothing to say, but enjoying my last day here." She said the last part her eyes faltered and she looked away from him finding the scenery around her more interesting. Thranduil smiled in empathy, he had the same feelings, the dread of departing of his cousin and sadness of her beautiful light not by his side. He had grown fond of her, and the thought of her leaving… Thranduil immediately dismissed further thoughts, and tried to bring back the cheer around them.
Thranduil smiled at her and looped her arm around his and he lead her off to the direction he wanted to go, "I do not believe I have taken you tree climbing." She looked up at him eyes shining and bright erasing the sadness as they walked away from the others to a more private area.
They walked to a little area where there were few trees, a river and lush grass surrounding the area. Thranduil led Celebrían to the tree whose branches were overlooking the clear blue waters.
"Do you know how to climb?" Thranduil turned to her questioningly.
"I believe it is not too hard to pull yourself on the branches," Celebrían coolly replied as she walked up to the thick trunk and placed her palm up to it and looked up. It wasn't a huge tree like the ones that surrounded the thick forest, but it was just big enough for the open peaceful area it was in. Feeling determined Celebrían lifted one foot and grasped the mounds on the trunk, but without the support to hold on to something firm she felt herself falling and decided to let go.
"Do you need help my lady?" Thranduil said with traces of mirth in his voice.
"No, I assure you I've got this." Celebrían said without turning around. Meanwhile Thranduil walked over to the other side of the tree, and jumped to a low branch and swung himself up. He wasn't too far from the ground when he crossed a branch that split in the middle giving him a good view of Celebrían's thoughtful face.
Seeing Thranduil already in the tree Celebrían was determined to try once more without assistance. She tried the same tactic as last time, this time getting a firm grasp on the trunk. She moved every limb with caution slowly making progress. When she finally came across a branch to her left, she struggled to reach with her left hand. Without her left hand holding on to anything for that brief moment she felt herself start to slip and before she could cry out a hand grasp her hand hauling her up.
Thranduil pulled her up beside him, and he struggled to contain his humor, as he bit down on his lip to stop from laughing out. Celebrían sent a glare his way, but then slowly melted to into giggles, "thanks for the assist." With that Thranduil continued to help Celebrían climb further up into the tree, and finally resting on a sturdy branch that gave them a wonderful view, with the water below them.
They sat there for a while, Celebrían sighed in content as she leaned her head on Thranduil's shoulder, she looked down at her reflection in the water and a smile spread over her face. "Thranduil," she sang his name softly.
Feeling a little suspicious about the way Celebrían said his name he looked down and saw she had the sweetest mischievous smile.
"What is it this time, Celebrain?"
"Let's go for a swim," she pulled away from him and pulled on his arm.
"I do not think that is a good idea,"
"It's a perfect idea," without saying anymore Celebrían slowly inched her way on the length of the branch they were sitting on. Feeling alarmed at her sudden movements Thranduil was at the ready to catch her if she fell.
"Celebrían," he called warningly.
She turned around to him playfully, "It is not a far jump, it will be fun." She encouraged.
"Celebrían," Thranduil called again a little sterner, she still paid him no mind. He gritted his teeth, he knew if anything happened to her not only would his father be angry but he would have the wrath of Celeborn. Or worse her mother Thranduil thought in horror, he called out to her again this time Celebrían was close to jumping.
"Celebrí!" He exclaimed.
Hearing what sounded like her name, Celebrían stumbled before she settled down and turned back to Thranduil, with a shock look on his face, she thought that her face must have mirrored his.
"Celebrí," she repeated to herself rolling it around her tongue at her new name, she had a thoughtful face as she turned to Thranduil.
"I do not believe anyone as called me by such a name," she smiled at him. Thranduil assumed she liked the name. He wasn't sure why he called her that he could vaguely remember in the back on his mind that he would refer to Celebrían as Celebrí. He did not think that he would actually voice the name to her, but he was glad that she did not dislike the name.
"So you like it," Thranduil asked to confirm.
Celebrían smile widen and she nodded her head, "Of course I love it." A thought came to Celebrían, her eyes widen and a sprinkle of mischief was hidden underneath her brilliant blue eyes. "If you gave me a nick name than I will have the honor of giving you one as well." Thranduil felt a jumble of emotions, he felt thrilled at having a nick name, but was a little worried at the possibilities Celebrían could come up with. He braced himself for what was to come as he looked at her thoughtful face for a moment. Then her face brightened finally reaching a good name. "Thrandy," she announced. Thranduil had to bite his lip to keep his mouth from falling slack in shock.
"Do you like it?" Celebrían asked, she gave him the most adorable look her voice filled with hope. Thranduil thought for a moment at the name, and then finally laughed out loud.
Celebrían's bright face slowed started to dim, at Thranduil laughter, "well?" She asked again this time allowing some of her desperation to seep in.
When Thranduil was able he finally spoke, "I think that is the most utterly ridiculous name you could come up with" he chuckled.
"Truly?" Celebrían whispered. When Thranduil heard the sadness in her voice he completely sobered up guilt taking over.
"I thought of the best name I could think of and here you are making fun of me."
"Celebrían-"
"What makes you think I do not like my name then," she cut him off tears coming to her eyes. Thranduil got up from his place and started to approach her slowly, as she started walking to the edge.
"If you are going to mock me then I will take my leave," Celebrían stood and jumped. The second she was in the air Thranduil leapt to grab her, but was too late as he fell right along with her.
He felt weightless for a brief moment turning onto his backside before crashing down to the water below. When the water cleared his vision of bubbles from the impact he pushed himself upwards breaking the surface. He looked around and didn't spot Celebrían anywhere, feeling panic rise in his chest he looked around the area and in the water. "Celebrían, Celebrían!"
As he frantically turned his head here and there, he felt his spine tingle at the approach of another presence. Could it be another warrior, Thranduil thought, he dismissed the idea this was a private place where little knew of its existence. Then he thought about his father and Celeborn, as Thranduil pondered on this idea he knew that he would have sensed his father's presence. His spine tingled again which made his whole back shiver, as he thought about Galadriel and all of her powers. She could be watching through the eyes of Celebrían and then come out of the shadow to attack him. Thranduil thought about her abilities and her power he became fearful at the idea that she would curse him for hurting her daughter.
Thranduil held his breath and visibly gulped in fear, but he did not turn around, but he knew it was inevitable for him to face whatever what was behind him. So he braced himself and before he could turn around to investigate he felt a weight on his back, legs like vines wrap around his hips and hands covering his eyes, "Gotcha!"
Thranduil almost jumped out of his skin, and behind him Celebrían giggled in his ear. He took a few breaths to calm himself before looking back and smiled at her. He pulled down her hands and looked back at her, by the way her eyes shined she knew she scared him, and was playing it off by smiling at her and acting like he was not frightened. He sighed internally in relief, glad that she was not hurt. Celebrían released her grip around his neck and hips, and he turned around to face her.
"Celebrían, I am sorry, I did not mean to upset you," Celebrían laughed at his words and brushed the apology away like dust blowing in the wind.
"I am sorry too I hope my teasing wasn't too much for you. I was not really upset, but if you do not wish me to call you by that name then I understand." Celebrían looked at Thranduil with her sweet blue orbs, and he wondered how Celeborn could not resist those big bubbly eyes whenever she asked for something. Thranduil closed his eyes, and decided that after all he went through he might as well allow Celebrían to call him by her chosen nick name.
"You can call me that if you want. I do not mind." He opened his eyes and spoke. Celebrían let out a cry of joy as she jumped and wrapped her arms around his neck in an embrace.
They stayed in the pool, for a while, until Thranduil decided it was best they returned. They kicked up water until they were able to reach the bank; Thranduil looked at Celebríans dress as it stuck to her body making her dress look wrinkled. "I do think our adars will be pleased," he said.
"It should not be a problem, it's not like we will get in trouble." Celebrain said followed by a gush of water being wrung out of her dress. Easy for you to say, Thranduil thought as he imagined his father lecturing him about how to properly treat guest. That allowing them to jump from trees to a watery pit is not becoming of a prince. How am I going to explain this. He looked down at himself, Oh well perhaps if we are careful we will avoid both of our adars. He thought of the best plan and the best way to go about in the palace without being seen by to many elves.
When he conducted a plan he called out to her "We should get going," Thranduil called out to as he came closer to her.
"Of course," Celebrían stated as they made their way back to the palace.
Water drops were trickling down the ends of hair and their clothing, and their feet also left prints of their shoes. Celebrían did not seem to care for the squishing noises that came from them and added a little skip in her step along. Thranduil on the other hand was leery as to not be caught by his father, and let out an audible sigh when they reached their destination. He held the door out for Celebrían, as she ducked under his arm. Before closing the door behind him he heard Celebrían intake a sharp breath, and following her gaze, he nearly mimicked the sound. He felt heat rush to his face like a naughty elfling getting caught in some misdeed.
His father said nothing but his quirked eye brow and frown spoke volumes, "you are wet," Oropher spoke stating the obvious. Thranduil nodded lips closed tight and approached the couch knowing he would have to explain
"You should let them change first," Celeborn said.
Oropher nodded, "of course Celebrian may, but Thranduil should explain himself first." Thranduil nodded again and came over to the older elves Celebrían followed Thranduil, "I shall change when Thranduil is allowed to," She announced as they both came around and that was sat on the couch across from his father and Celeborn.
Celeborn watch them with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as they sat down, Thranduil more stiffly than Celebrían he noted. He brought his drink to his lips to hide the smile and took a sip. Then He took off his robe and walked over and placed it around Celebrían, who smiled gratefully at him.
After a few more sips and more than enough minutes of awkward silence, seeing as no one was going to explain, Oropher asked again.
"What were you doing?" Oropher strong voice projected to Thranduil, who bit his lower lip, thinking of the best way to explain their currant appearance. Thranduil did not want his father or Celeborn to think that he would put Celebrían in any danger.
"We went swimming," Celebrían replied without hesitating.
"I hope you enjoyed your swim?" Celeborn asked her, and she nodded her head energetically.
"No harm was done Oropher, give Thranduil a break. Remember what you were like when you were his age." Celeborn chided playfully, and Oropher gave him a look to silence him. Celeborn chuckled and Oropher nodded in agreemnt. "After all it seems Thranduil is taking good care of Celebrían these past weeks." Celeborn complimented Thranduil who silently nodded back in thanks.
Oropher sighed and smiled, "I know, I am glad they are enjoying each other. Perhaps you two would like to put on some dry clothes now." With those parting words Thranduil and Celebrían hastily and walked over to their rooms to change.
Later that evening a farewell feast was held and afterwards elves gathered around to dance, sing, and drink. Dorwinon was passed around and when Celebrían looked at her cup, she brought it to her nose. It didn't take much for the potent smell to reach her nose, and with a side glance from her father the cup was taken away. "This is too strong for you. Perhaps when you are older," Celeborn waved and the cup was taken away.
Celebrían looked at Thranduil who was sitting on her left and batted her eye lashes at Thranduil, her eyes teary as she silently pleaded for a sip, that's all she wanted. Thranduil shifted in his seat and looked everywhere besides at Celebrían. He was saved when another drink was placed in front of her and Celebrían sighed in defeat.
When everyone was finished was finished eating elves danced, sang, and cheered. Oropher had his first dance with Celebrían, and then switched to her father, and finally Thranduil, where they danced most of the night. The dorwinon flowed and everyone was merry as most partied into the early mornings.
When morning came around Celeborn was already preparing for their departure the sun was nearly above the sky when everything was settled and everyone was ready. Oropher clapped his shoulder with his hand in farewell, hoping that they would have a chance to meet again. Thranduil arrived and saw in the distant his father and Celeborn saying their farewells and afterwards locked eyes with Celeborn. As Celeborn looked at Thranduil, his eyes grew wide and then narrowed as he started looking around lines of worry etching his graceful face. Fearing something was wrong Thranduil picked up his pace and walked to them, "What wrong?" Oropher asked sensing Celeborns change of mood.
"I thought Celebrían was with you?" Celeborn addressed Thranduil when he finally approached them.
"I thought she was here," hearing those words Celeborn sighed thinking of where his daughter disappeared to.
"Fear not, I am sure she is around here," Oropher said.
"Agreed, lets us look for her." The three of them each traced their steps and thinking of places Celebrían would be.
"Celebrían has grown fond of this place and you," Celeborn spoke to Thranduil as they continued to walk. "I do not believe she wishes to part from this place, but…" Celeborn stopped making the other two stop as well. "If I didn't know any better." He began voice traced with mirth." I would think that you and Celebrían came up with a plan to steal her away from me so she could stay here." Celeborn said and despite serious situation was smiling at the thought.
"I assure you lord Celeborn this was not planned, but it does give me an idea as where she would be." Thranduil stated while grinning at him. He took the lead going toward the royal family room and then walked to the area where their guest was staying. Without knocking Thranduil opened the door and there by the balcony stood Celebrían with her back to them.
She gracefully turned halfway and smiled at her company her dress slightly flared beneath as she turned. Celeborn approached her, "Is this where you have been this whole time, we were waiting for you."
"Sorry adar, just making sure that I had everything." Celeborn looked around the room and saw fit that there was nothing out of place, and none of Celebrían's belongings. Celeborn placed his hand on her lower back and lead our out the room. "Shall we leave then," Celeborn said and Celebrían nodded in agreement.
On their way back Celebrían slowed her speed and Thranduil followed her walking besides her glancing one in a while in her direction. Her eyes were downcast and she didn't say a word.
When they finally walked outside of the palace to the awaiting guards and horses ready to depart, Celebrían turned to Thranduil and placed a hand on his chest stopping any further movement. Thranduil looked down to meet Celebrían teary eyes, "wait," she whispered. Thranduil smiled comfortingly placed his hands on each side of her face wiping the falling tears.
"Why do you weep?" he spoke quietly voice soothing.
"I will miss you," she managed to say as her voice cracked as more tears spilled down her cheeks.
Thranduil pulled her in close to him and wrapped his arms tightly around her as her shoulder began to shake. He leaned his head down to her and whispered, "this is not goodbye, we will see each other again I am sure."
"When?" He heard her muffled reply.
"I do not know, but we can always write to each other," Thranduil said with hope in his voice. He pulled her away from him as he smiled at her, and through her tears she managed a small smile as well. "I would like that very much." Thranduil smiled satisfied that she calmed down and wiped the rest of her tears before she walked over to her father and Oropher to tell him goodbye.
"Thank you for having us lord Oropher," Celebrían replied as she offered her hand and he kissed it in farewell.
"I enjoyed your stay with us my lady." Oropher replied smiling and Thranduil saw that same twinkle in his eye as me meant every word. Once everyone said their farewells their guest rode on as the king and prince stayed until they could see them no more. Oropher looked down at his son and his lips curled at seeing his son's solemn face. He placed a comforting hand on Thranduil shoulder, and Thranduil looked up and smiled back at him interpreting the meaning of his father's touch. "I am well adar," he said.
Oropher nodded at his son's words and gave his shoulder another squeeze directing Thranduil away. Thranduil looked back once again hoping in his heart to see that little blue eyed elfling again.
Thanks again for reading and following, please feel free to leave a review, or let me know if there is anything I can improve on.