Eregion
Soft light filtered through the trees, the sun was high in the sky, but the heat was pleasant. Small talk filled the small glade where a group of elves were resting, Celebrían was among them. A blanket was laid out before her. Her escorts were in different small groups around the glade were on guard, while some entertained their lady. Celebrían sighed contently as she rolled on to her back. She looked up at the clear sunny sky, it was about time for them to get moving she thought. She sat up on her elbows as slight breeze passed by, she breathed in the wonderful smells it carried.
As she filled her nose with smells of nature her nose twitched something smelt odd, and something felt wrong, her brows furrowed as she observed her surroundings. The weather took a turn for the worst in a matter of seconds. The wind howled past her the glorious sun faded as clouds grew thicker leaving dark grey skies. She turned to the nearest guard to ask what was happening, but she no longer saw her guards.
"Celebrían," the wind screeched past her whipping her hair about, she closed her eyes to block them from flying dust. When she opened them again looked frantically around for her guards, but in their place was orcs. She gripped the drying grass around her as they slowly in closed in on her, she sat frozen in fear.
"No place to hide, she-elf!" One spoke.
She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out, her grip on the grass tightened her heart thumped inside of her ears. As the orcs approached her, she looked down at the necklace her mother gave her, the small light glowed. Gripping the necklace she found strength and stumbled on to her feet and ran blindly in the opposite direction of the glade.
"Run all you want, she-elf, we will find you no matter where you are!" The orc cried.
Celebrían gasped her heart beating in her ears as if she ran for miles, she sat up on her side and looked around. She was surrounded by shelves that were stacked with various books, she was in the library. After checking her surroundings Celebrían settled down and curled back on the couch, another nightmare. The same one she has been suffering from for the past few nights. She could no longer rest at night and dreaded when it came, her only solace was the library. She felt comfort from the books that could take her to any place she wanted. Sitting on her favorite couch where the light from outside would filter through and cast it protecting rays on her.
She sighed reminding herself that it was only a dream and laid her head back down trying to forget her haunting nightmare. It was difficult to forget, something seemed to nag at her that the orcs in her dream spoke the truth, it was only a matter of time before- a groan of a door opening and closing sharply cut off her thoughts. She sat up her pulse quickened eyes growing wide, "Celebrían," the voice called.
Hearing the sound of her voice and familiar footsteps she shook her head and calmed herself down, it was only her friend checking on her. It would not be possible for orcs to enter their realm without her father knowing about, that thought gave her some comfort. She picked up a fallen book by the couch opening it as if she was reading all along.
"Oh there you are Celebrían." Her friend exclaimed as she sat on the opposite armrest of the couch. Celebrían smiled at her friend in greeting glad for the distraction "Liluth. Can't you see I'm busy?" Celebrían spoke with annoyance in her voice trying to appear as normal as possible.
"Busy? You're always reading, don't you want to do something else."
"I do other things besides reading," Celebrían pointedly replied. "What brings you here?" Celebrían continued.
At her question Liluth grinned and there was a certain gleam in her eye that made Celebrían wary.
"I have heard rumors," She spoke in a whisper as she leaned closer to Celebrían even though it was just the two of them in the library. At her words Celebrían quirked an eyebrow she was not one to gossip, but nodded at her friend to continue. "They say a handsome young lord has arrived." She said losing her composer and bursting out in giggles as she tried to imagine what the handsome lord looked like. Celebrían smiled and playfully rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the book in her hands. She was aware of someone visiting but did not know the identity of the guest. Such matters did not concern her so she did not look further into it. "What does this have to do with me?" Celebrían beamed at her friend finding the topic amusing.
"I want you to come with me so we can see him." Liluth replied.
"I do not want to, but please do not go on my account."
Liluth mouth hung open at her words, "I cannot do such a thing on my own, and you must come with me." Liluth pleaded as she tugged on Celebrían arm.
"No," Celebrían yanked her arm back and settled down in the couch. She didn't feel like leaving her sanctuary just yet.
Liluth sighed, "Don't you want to meet the perfect one? You are at your majority and most are already betrothed or married at your age."
"I do not care what others do, but if I am to find my future husband, then I will have to be ready myself. I do not wish for such company at the moment." Celebrían coolly replied.
All was silent between the friends for a moment, but Liluth was determined to pull Celebrían away from the library she was growing concerned at her friend's odd behavior lately.
"You never know unless you see for yourself," with that said Celebrían was pulled away from her chair with strength that she didn't know Liluth had, and was out of the doors before she could protest.
They walked along the halls Liluth never letting go of Celebrían making sure she didn't run away. They asked servants or others if they spotted a handsome visitor with every answer took them to different parts of the house. After circling the inside of the house a source led them to the entrance of the garden. They spotted a few maids a distant away looking into the gardens whispering and giggling amongst each other. Liluth assumed that this must be where the visitor was.
With their hands still entwined Liluth peek her head around the corner to see if her suspicions were correct. When she took a glance her eyes were met were light golden hair and a toned and lean back facing her. She placed her hands over her mouth to suppress a squeal. Celebrían tried her hardest to not roll her eyes at her friend antics she didn't bother to take a look, but allowed Liluth to drag her over to the giggling maids.
"Is that our visitor?" Liluth asked for confirmation.
One of the maids nodded and giggled, "Yes it is a prince who is visiting."
"Prince?!," Liluth almost yelled "Now we have to greet him come on," Liluth tugged Celebrían with her.
With that said the maids dismissed themselves from the gardens and sadly went back to work, while Liluth led Celebrían into the garden as they approached the handsome stranger. They were a few feet from him and by the way the stranger made no movement he either didn't know they were there or was ignoring them.
Time seemed to have stood still as they both watched, then a warm breeze rippled his hair and the visitor turned his face to the warm breeze. Liluth let out a sharp gasp as she finally saw the smooth youthful face of the young lord, even Celebrían eye widen in surprise.
Hearing the sharp gasp he turned around, his clear blue eyes widen as well when he laid eyes on Celebrían, then a soft smile graced his features. Liluth mouth open and closed as she tried to decide what to say, after a few moments she finally stuttered out, "We-we apologize, m-my lord, we did not mean to intrude on your privacy."
He slowly turned to Liluth and smiled more visibly brushing aside her apology. With a nervous glance, no one said a word and she decided to speak once again. "I'm Liluth, and this is-"
"Celebrían," he said barely above a whisper which was somehow heard by the two, and Liluth cocked her head to the side as she looked at Celebrían. Her face was one of disbelief upon hearing her name, then it brightened as she called out to him, "Thranduil." She slowly approached him arms wide, and he welcomed her with a crushing hug. Thranduil wasn't too affectionate, but he would always welcome a hug from Celebrían who he thought was filled with so much beauty and light.
He stepped back from the embrace his arms placed on her shoulders as he looked at her, she no longer looked like the elfling he thought she was. She grew a few more inches she met him just below his shoulders. Her facial features were smooth and mature, not like the little round face she had when he last saw her. Even though she reached her majority she still held those blue orbs that Thranduil was easily enticed with. "You have grown,"
Celebrían grinned and replied, "of course I have, and do you know how long it's been." She teased.
"Yes, I was aware of your begetting day and sad that I missed it, but I come bearing gifts." Celebrían smiled widen at his words.
"You did not have to Thrandy," she quietly said.
Thranduil faced turned a light shade of pink at his nick name, but replied in the same manner. "It was my pleasure, Celebri," Celebrían erupted in giggles glad to finally be in her older cousin's presence again.
"Um excuse me," Celebrían turned around at hearing the voice of Liluth realizing that she had forgotten her friend who just approached them.
"Do you know each other?" she frowned thoughtfully as she observed the two from afar.
"Yes, Thranduil is my cousin." Celebrían grabbed Thranduil arm and looked at him admiringly.
"Oh," Liluth looked at Celebrían and spoke so Thranduil could not hear, "you did not tell me you had a handsome cousin."
Celebrían threw her head back and laughed out loud, "I did not think it mattered." She replied to her friend. Then she turned to Thranduil, "Shall we show you around the garden," Celebrían stated with her arms entwined with his as they walked around.
That night a great feast was held to welcome Thranduil. During the feast Thranduil was able to catch up with Celebrían as well as meet the famous Lady Galadriel. Who didn't seem quite as frightening as he thought, but was still a little cautious.
As some of the elves finished eating, music and dancing was heard and seen, while others picked their chosen partners and started to dance. Still at the high table Celebrían leaned over to Thranduil and spoke, "are you going to ask someone to dance?"
Thranduil turned to her thinking that she was talking about herself, but the Celebrían moved her head in the direction of her friend who was clapping contently to the music.
"Liluth, admires you and she would be absolutely thrilled if you asked her to dance." She smiled as her blue eyes shined brightly at her request. Upon seeing them Thranduil could not refuse and got up from the table and with ease and asked Liluth to dance. Celebrían saw the exchange as Liluth nodded mutely but she knew inside she was screaming with joy. Celebrían watched as they moved gracefully both of them never faltering in their steps, bliss was shone on each of their faces. Celebrían couldn't have asked for more at seeing the cheerfulness of those around her and she decided that tonight would not be the night where her nightmare ruined such a joyous evening.
Since Thranduil's arrival, Celebrían was struggling not to go back to her old ways of staying in the library for most of the day. A routine was made by the two, they spent the early mornings eating breakfast usually talking or walking out into the gardens, often times Liluth would join them. At noon Thranduil would go with Celeborn to meetings, or hang out with the warriors. While Thranduil was occupied, Celebrían decided to overcome her fear and anxiety about her nightmare by finding the cause and meaning of it. This was the time she spent in the library. She allowed herself to have a certain amount of time of research so that way she wouldn't feel too overwhelmed by the shadow that seemed to attach itself on her.
When the time came where she felt that Thranduil was finished with his chosen activity for that day she would find him so they could spend more time together. After her research she was always in a mood for something that brought the light back to her. With each passing day Celebrían felt her anxiety starting to grow, she could not find a solution in any of the books that she read.
This particular day Thranduil stepped out of the meeting room with Celeborn and other officials, when he looked around and noticed that Celebrían was nowhere in sight. Instead was Liluth who smiled pleasantly at him in greeting, he walked over to her.
"My lord," Liluth slightly bowed, "did you enjoy your meeting,?" She teased.
"I did actually," Thranduil returned her smile.
"I do not know anyone who enjoys meetings. You are quite…" She scrunched her face thinking of a proper word, "odd." She spoke, and quickly looked at Thranduil's face to make sure she did not offend him. Thranduil only chuckled at her reply, "It is not my favorite activity, but something that must be done since my father is not here to take care of these matters.
They were silent for a moment and then Thranduil decided to voice his question, "Where is Celebrían?"
Liluth frowned, "I do not know, I was thinking I would meet her here." When Thranduil glanced at her face, he could see she was troubled.
"I think she would be in the library." Liluth declared.
When they arrived at the entrance, Liluth turned to Thranduil with a concerned expression. "I have been worried about Celebrían lately." Liluth described how Celebrían has spent most of her time in the library and does not want to leave it unless absolutely necessary. "I suppose I should have told Lady Galadriel or Lord Celeborn, but I was not sure if it was important, but now," she shook her head in dismay.
Thranduil nodded in understanding, he would have never thought that his little cousin with so much light and warmth could be troubled. He definitely wanted to get to the bottom of the situation.
He opened the doors, and Liluth immediately called out Celebría's name, and followed her up winding stairs, and to a couch where Celebrían was comfortably curled on. When she heard them approach she closed the book and looked at them and smiled.
Liluth took her spot on the other side of the armrest while Thranduil sat down next to Celebrían. He was surprised to see that Celebrían looked a little pale, with a short glance at Liluth she noticed it too.
When she saw them sit down she noticed there grave expressions, she decided to speak in hopes of changing their mood "I'm sorry I didn't see you after, I guess I got lost in this book," she smiled apologetically at him. Thranduil took his time to really look at her, she looked haggard, visible dark circles were slowly making their way around her eyes. Her light was dimmed since he first looked at her when he arrived and he wondered how he could have missed it.
He laid a hand on her shoulder, "do not be concerned with such troubles." At his words Celebrían identified some sort of hidden meaning but decided to dismiss it. She smiled gratefully and sat the book aside, deciding that now would be a great time for a distraction. She has been in the library carrying her dark thoughts for too long she realized.
"Since you are finished, what activity shall we do today?" She stood up and put on the brightest smile she could muster.
It was evening once again and Thranduil noticed that at the table Celebrían looked fatigue, she hardly touched her food or spoke, but she did drink the wine.
"Are you and lord Thranduil, silently competing to see who can drink the most," Galadriel stated when she noticed Celebrían drowned her fifth cup the same time Thranduil asked for his sixth refill. Celebrían bit her bottom lip feeling slightly shamed, she doesn't partially drink and when she does it is two glasses at the most.
"Let our daughter have some fun," Celeborn laugh and spoke to his wife and then turned to Celebrían, "you are enjoying yourself aren't you my dear?"
"Yes, ada, I am in the highest spirits tonight," she smiled sweetly as her cup was refilled and continued drinking once more.
"I believe she gets that from your side of the family," Galadriel teased, and Celeborn shoulders shook with a light chuckle. Once his amusement ceased he looked at Galadriel for a brief moment then both turned their gaze on Celebrían who wasn't paying them any mind. After a short glance they looked back at each other concern hidden on their features. Celeborn placed a hand on Galadriel and squeezed, as they came to the same conclusion, they would speak to her later.
The night seemed to drag on and when Celebrían felt her head start spinning and seeing her surroundings of elves, and objects merged. She decided that it was best she retire to her chambers.
"I shall accompany you," Thranduil said as he stood from his place. They walked in silence and instead of entering her room Celebrían followed Thranduil into his. She sat down at a small sitting area in the room while Thranduil walked to the balcony and open the doors allowing the fresh night air to come through. He leaned over the rail and stared at the stars as Celebrían sat staring at his back.
Her eyes then traveled to other areas in the room, glancing over items that are typical for a bedroom, and then her eyes stopped when she saw something out of place. She got up from her seat swayed a little, and walked over to the object. With the object in hand she went outside to the balcony, and got Thraduil attention by shaking the object which swished with liquid.
"What is this?"
"Its dorwinion, I always carry flask of it with me when I travel" he smiled gently.
"Can I have a sip?" Celebrían asked innocently, Thranduil remembered how Celeborn thought she was too young to drink it. Seeing how she was older, he didn't see the problem with it and nodded for her to drink, "only a sip," he advised.
Celebrían brought the flask to her lips and took a few swallows, gulping down what she could before Thranduil yelled out. "I said a sip," he reached out and took the flask, which Celebrían giggled madly at him.
"My dear,-hic- I think you need a definition of what a sip is," she patted his chest for emphasis. She then turned around to go back inside when she stumbled on her own feet, "Look at all the colors," she slurred when she caught herself.
"I think it's time you rest,"
"I don't wanna," Celebrían whined.
"You will feel much better if you do," Thranduil encouraged. Celebrían frowned at his words, and brought her hand up to her head. She could vaguely feel pains of a headache, and through her drunken state she agreed.
"Ok, but you have to do something first." She replied her voice a couple of pitches higher like a child playing with an adult.
"Anything," She smiled at him and ran into the room, Thranduil followed close behind.
He closed and locked the balcony doors and when he turned around he saw Celebrían kick up her feet as her shoes flying off. She watched in delight as she laughed and twirled, "I feel so free!"
When she stopped spinning she took a few deep breaths to calm down, and she looked over at Thranduil and giggled at his shocked face.
"Can you help me take this dress off?" Celebrían turned her back to him. Thranduil felt his face flush at the thought and he cleared his throat. "Perhaps I should get your mother or-"
"You are here now and I want this dress off, it's dreadful," She complained as she tugged at the back trying to release its strict hold on her. Thranduil sighed and walked over to Celebrían, he was glad she was not facing him or she would have made fun of his red face. He fumbled with her dress and it took many attempts for him to take it in his hands properly and untie it.
Celebrían sighed in relief when she felt the dress hold loosened and took over by fully getting out of her dress. She pulled it over her head, and threw it on the couch. The only clothing she had on was her shift and Thranduil immediately looked away his face burning more than it was before.
When he looked back and saw that Celebrían was stumbling to the door he knew he had to help her. He quickly scooped her up in his arms, made sure that no one was in the hallways before walking over to Celebrían's room.
Thranduil gently placed Celebrían in her bed, and she allowed him to do so without saying anything her eyes slightly glazed. He thought she was asleep when he pulled the covers over and a strong hand seized his arm. He looked down at Celebrían who seemed alert her eyes wide in fear. "Please don't leave." She whispered.
Before he could say more he was taken off guard when she pulled him in the bed with immeasurable strength. He took her spot where she was lying in bed moments ago, facing each other.
"They come in the dark," she whispered
"Who?" Thranduil demanded.
"Them," tears started to fill her eyes, refusing to say anymore as she snuggled against his shoulder. She could not bring herself to talk about her nightmares just yet, saying it out loud would make it real.
"I promise, I will not allow anything to harm you, I will protect you as I'm sure your adar and naneth would do the same." She nodded at his words and snuggled closer to him and Thranduil held her tight hoping she would find peace.
That morning Thranduil blinked the sleep out his eyes on his right Celebrían was silently sleeping, he couldn't help but smile at her. He turned over and saw a figure dressed in white by the bed side, he had to blink a few more times to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
"Good morning," the figure spoke, and Thranduil had to stop himself from jumping in surprise at the voice of the Lady of Light herself.
"Something has been troubling her lately". It wasn't a question and Thranduil nodded at her words. I want her to approach me, but it seems she wants to solve this problem on her own. Thranduil wasn't sure what to say, he was mildly frightened that Galadriel had spoken in his mind. He wasn't sure how long she was standing over him, and he fought hard not to blush in front of her.
It didn't take long after their silent conversation that Celebrían stretched and sighed pleasantly and when she looked over at her mother smiled brightly, "good morning nana," she spoke as if her fear of last night and drunkenness was never there.
"Good morning my sweet one" Galadriel smiled at her. With Celebrían awake, Thranduil thought it was the perfect time to leave the two and refresh himself for the day.
The rest of his visit Thranduil did not see anything unusual during the day, Celebrían was still pale, but she went on like nothing was bothering her. At night Celebrían would slip in his room and to his bed without a word and sleep there the whole night. He wanted to help her, but wasn't sure where to start.
One faithful evening after their meal he sat with Celebrían in a library. She was surrounded by books which Thranduil read the titles that had words like "dreams", and "visions". He glanced from his work and at her as she quickly flipped through pages and moved on. Her face was tired more so than usual, she was pale and he noticed her forehead was damp.
He glanced back down at his work all was quiet when he heard a sharp clap of a book closing and a clatter of books falling from the table. Thranduil looked up, wide eyes met Celebríans fearful ones. She looked ahead shaking tears welling up in her eyes, "it's not a dream, it's not a dream." She repeated until she folded her arms on the table and sobbed, Thranduil was immediately at her side wrapping his arms around her shaking ones.
He gently spoke her name and whispered comforting words to her, but nothing was working as she continued to cry. Thranduil was at a loss he didn't know what else to do, but then an idea came to him. He thought of Galadriel, but he didn't know how to get her without leaving Celebrían.
With all of his thoughts he focused on Galadriel, repeating her name in his mind hoping that she would sense something and come this way. If she did not sense him, he thought then at least she would feel Celebrían's distress. It wasn't long after that he heard the doors open and Galadriel gracefully and hastily approached them. Thranduil got up from his as Galadriel took Thranduil spot comforting her daughter, Celeborn was not far behind.
Thranduil observed the family for a while, and he felt that he was in the way, so he quietly left the library and stood outside the door waiting for them.
Thranduil felt a few hours had past, but wasn't sure, he was lost in thought as he leaned against the wall until the he heard the door groan open.
"I can carry her," Celeborn hush voice said.
"She is my daughter I have carried her before, she is no trouble." Galadriel lightly turned down his offer as she walked to her room. Celeborn turned to Thranduil and smiled and walked over to him. "How is she?" Celeborn placed a comforting hand on his shoulder "she will be alright."
Thranduil did not see Celebrían until the next morning, he quietly opened the door and saw that she was still asleep. Galadriel stood over her protectively, she turned to him and smiled in silent greeting. Thranduil tried not to look too nervous his father told him wild tales of Galadriel and her powers. He was already cautious of her and slowly walked closer to the bed looking down at Celebrían.
"You have nothing to fear," she smiled kindly. "This is not the first time she has had this night terror." Galadriel explained. "Last time she was really young, I thought she would grow out of it."
"Do you know if it is really a dream, or something else?" Thranduil asked quietly Recalling Celebríans words from last night.
Galadriel shook her head, "It is difficult to tell, we cannot truly anticipate the future. Sometimes we are shown visions or are told what will become of us, but in the end it is us who determines our future. We cannot worry about what may happen, we only need to focus on what is happening in the present, and change what we can, and accept what we can't. "
Thranduil nodded, thinking about her words, he prayed that whatever was bothering Celebrían would not come to pass. He smoothed Celebríans cheek and brushed a stray hair out of the way.
"I will continue to work with Celebrían to ease her anxiety, she will be fine." She smiled reassuringly at Thranduil, and he found that he smiled back at her.
"Your concern for my daughter is genuine, I thank you." Thranduil smiled at her words for once feeling a connection with Galadriel. She was not as bad or as intimidating as others viewed her.
He and Galadriel spent the remainder of time having a pleasant conversation. By the time Celebrían woke up, Thranduil felt as though he built a worthy relationship with Galadriel and was pleased that the barrier he built was no longer there.
The day finally came when Thranduil would travel back home, since then he has noticed a change, and was glad to see Celebríans light back. The family stood outside as Thranduil made his way saying farewell to the warriors he met, as well as Liluth. Celeborn and Galadriel were the last to say his farewells. "I thank you for your hospitality," Thranduil gave a slight bow.
"Feel free to come back whenever you feel the need." Galadriel said as Thranduil gently placed his lips on her hand in farewell.
"Where is Celebrían, I would have thought she would be here?" Celeborn started looking around the courtyard for her.
"Here I am, ada," her voice rang as she appeared to come out of nowhere. She approached Thranduil and looped her arm with his.
"May I walk with you?" Her blue eyes glowed at him as she pleaded. Thranduil looked at her parents for approval, which they nodded for her to go. Celebrían walked with Thranduil to the rest of his waiting party.
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment until Celebrían stopped in her tracks. Concerned Thranduil looked down as Celebrían shifted under his gaze, and bit her lower lip. Thranduil opened his mouth to say something, but Celebrían leaned her head on his shoulder wrapping her arms around him. A gentle smile was placed on his lips as he pulled her close to him, holding her tighter when he heard sniffling and noticed her shoulders move up and down.
Thranduil slightly pulled back placing his hands on the side of her face, catching the tears with his thumb and wiping them away. "Why do you weep?" He asked gently.
"I will miss you," she cried covering her hand with her mouth to muffle the sob and hugged him once again. Thranduil held her for a while before whispering in her ear, "this is not goodbye, we will see each other again." He promised.
"When?" Her small voice replied.
"I do not know, but we can always write to each other." When Thranduil felt like she calmed down a little Thranduil pulled away and wiped the rest of her tears.
She smiled as most of her tears dried, Thranduil kissed her head in farewell and walked to his guards.
"I assume you enjoyed your stay? Galion asked.
"Indeed I did," Thranduil looked briefly over his shoulder at Celeborn, Galadriel and Celebrían, he hoped to see them again and wondered what fate will bring them together again, but until then letters to Celebrían was good enough.
For the Guest review I received Jan 15, Bo: I would like to explain that spell check doesn't approve of most if not all elvish names. I know Thrandy is a little childish, but at the time Celebrian was younger when she gave him the name. Even I wasn't sure about the name but I thought it was cute and thought that this was another way for them to bond.
Sorry and thanks for reading my story anyway, and I am still glad you enjoyed it.