Welcome to Imladris
When Elrond invited Thranduil to his home in Imladris, he was honored, and told him he would take his offer whenever he had time. Sometime later a letter arrived from Elrond that stated he was having a small gathering and wanted Thranduil to attend. With a promise to his father that his visit will be short, Oropher sent him off.
He thought a few days in Imlardis would give him plenty of time to spend with Elrond and his company as well as his kin that was currently staying there.
Thranduil and his small party trotted their horses to the entrance, and as he looked up he saw Elrond descending to greet them Erestor not far behind him. "Mae g'ovannen," Elrond placed his hand over his heart and out as he greeted his guest.
Thranduil nodded at both Elrond and Erestor and got off of his horse. "Welcome to Imladris, I hope your travel here was pleasant."
"We had no trouble getting here," Thranduil spoke as they walked up the stairs.
"I am sure you would like to refresh yourself, I shall show you to your room."
As Thranduil entered the home of Elrond, he was impressed the house gave off a peaceful feeling. The elves they passed smiled and laughed without a thought of the growing evil outside their realm.
He passed plenty maidens who stood awe struck at his appearance, some had eyes that danced with amusement and smiled or giggled at him. Looking at them he thought of Celebrían and wondered where she could be.
Before he could think more about it Elrond stated that they arrived at his room. When Thranduil found the room to his liking Elrond simply nodded and spoke.
"I will retrieve you once the festivities start," Thranduil acknowledge his friend with a grateful smile, and said nothing more as Elrond closed the door and left him to his own thoughts.
Hours later, the time of the evening meal and party was to begin, Thranduil stood in one of the open rooms leaning over the balcony overlooking the land. He was dressed in long silver formal robes his hair intricately braided. This was how Elrond found him, and as he approached nothing was said between the two as they relished in the comfortable silence.
"It is about to start," Elrond stated after a while.
Thranduil hummed in response, "I never thought you were one to throw parties."
Elrond placed his hand on Thranduil shoulder as he stirred him away from the breath taking scenery to where the party was going to be held. "Even in dark times we must not give in to the shadow. Doing what we love most brings out the light which brings us happiness, and what better way to do so, by delighting with those who you cherish near and far."
Thranduil shook his head and smiled at his friend, surprised by his answer, he could not disagree with Elrond's logic.
Elves all around were dressed in their formal clothes, some of the maidens had flowers woven into their hair while the males wore their best robes. The music was beautiful and soft as some danced, while others went from one place or another to talk to friends. Elrond and Thranduil were soon joined with Erestor and Glorfindel who stood from a place and watched the merriment.
"Prince Thranduil," Glorfindel sneered as he picked up a cup of wine.
"Shall we have a competition, to see who can drink the most?" Erestor shook his head in shame at Glorfindel, but was silently amused.
"Do you remember what happened last time," Thranduil said
"I remember winning," Glorfindel declared.
"No, I believe I won that round," Thranduil challenged as they both glared at each other.
"The way I remember it is both of you lost," Elrond stated stopping the two from further arguing. Thranduil didn't say anything as he took a sip of his wine. He was not going to give in to Glorfindel's foolishness.
"That not how I remember it," Glorfindel grumbled in his cup and took a sip. "Anyway, I just remembered I have things that need attending to," Glorfindel stated as he left the group and went over to a table of warriors that had a few maidens.
"Glorfindel means well," Erestor quietly said.
"Indeed," Elrond replied. Thranduil couldn't disagree with them, but for now having civil conversations with Glorfindel was going to take some time. After all despite their competitive nature it was only friendly banter that passed between the two.
Time passed and the sky was starting to get darker but still held traces of light. Thranduil, Elrond and Erestor each had a chance to enjoy some of the festivities of the night. They danced, conversed with others and played games until Erestor felt he partied enough.
After Erestor left, Elrond and Thranduil decided to take a short break from the party, each held a cup of wine in their hands. They were currently pointing out maidens and trying to get the other to ask her for a dance. "You should ask Anuneth," Elrond nudged Thranduil. Thranduil looked at her and thought she was beautiful, but he only shrugged looking the other way.
"She has a pretty voice," Elrond continued.
"What about her," Thranduil indicated in another direction with a maiden that had black hair and white flowers intertwined flowing down her back.
"That's Maewen, she is gifted with voice and dance."
"You should ask her to dance," Thranduil nudge him back. Elrond didn't reply and he bit his lower lip and looked away. They continued on going back and forth until Elrond spotted a maiden who was not too far from them.
"Oh, there is lady Celebrían," Elrond stated in awe. Thranduil turned to the left where Elrond was, and sure enough there she was just a few feet from them. Her smile lit the whole area she walked with confidence and grace, her light blue dress trailed behind her with her translucent sleeves falling down her arms. She had an assortment of flowers in her hair ranging from light blue, magenta, and violet.
Thranduil smiled at seeing her lovely face, he didn't realize how much he missed her until he saw her. It appeared that she grew even more than what he saw last, she looked more mature, but with a slight turn of her head he was mesmerized once again by her blue playful orbs.
When she disappeared among the other elves he noticed that Elrond was staring as well mouth slightly ajar, "is she not the most beautiful." Elrond said above a whisper as a group of elves cleared an area and Celebrían was once again in their sight, talking elatedly with other maidens. Thranduil smirked at his friend, the way he looked and spoke, sounded like he had a crush. Thranduil wondered if he could get Elrond to confess and started to tease him.
"She's not beautiful enough to tempt me," Thranduil stated proudly. With that Elrond turned sharply at Thranduil eyes wide. "How could you say such a thing, even with all the beautiful maidens around her light shines the brightest."
Bingo, Thranduil thought.
"Even the stars and moon are envious of her light, she outshines all of them. What amuses you," Elrond said as he finished, he looked at Thranduil who was having a hard time concealing his grin.
Thranduil turned slowly to him, "you love her." Elrond face immediately turned pink, and he looked away as he tried to speak. His mouth open and closed but no words came out.
Seeing his friend's distress Thranduil wanted to laugh, but held it in, "go, you should talk to her." Elrond shook his head.
"What are you afraid of? Just ask her to dance," again Elrond shook his head.
"What would you do then if another swept her off her feet?" Elrond stared ahead where Celebrían laughed at something the maidens were talking about. He closed his hands in a fist, he certainly did not want that to happen.
"You are right," Elrond said as he felt confidence flow through him.
"Go get her," Thranduil clapped his back and Elrond walked in the midst of elves to get to Celebrían.
Thranduil smiled at himself, he felt good helping out Elrond, and knew that they would get along, no matter where the relationship would go.
Moment later he saw Elrond return, refusing to look him in the eye.
"Where is Celebrían?" He settled next to Thranduil on his left not saying a word.
"She's with her parents," he finally admitted.
"So," Thranduil stated. "What will you do if you want to marry her? You will have to speak to her parents."
"It's only a dance, it doesn't mean were fated or anything." Elrond spoke with his hand over his mouth to hide his flushed face.
"Go on, speak to her." Thranduil tried to push him back in the direction he came but Elrond stood firm.
"Fine, wait here." Thranduil said giving up and walking through the crowed of elves.
It was almost like a maze has he pushed his way through the elves as they twirled around him, some with drinks in hand. He looked left and right for his kin, and with a sigh of relief he finally spotted them. He pushed his way to the end of the mass of elves and the first met eyes with Galadriel.
Her lips turned to a soft smile, to her right was Celeborn who just turned in his direction, his eyes brighten and smiled warmly. "Thranduil, my kin" Celeborn greeted, when Thranduil finally approached them. He greeted Celeborn, and Galadriel leaving Celebrían who was on her mother's left last.
She beamed at him, her eyes sparkling like blue crystals, "my lady." Thranduil said and grabbed her hand to kiss it much like he did with her mother. Before he could Celebrían slipped in to his embrace, her arms embracing his waist. Thranduil wrapped his arms around her shoulders.
"Will you honor me with a dance?" Thranduil asked getting straight to the point after their hug.
"Of course," she said as Thranduil led her to the dance floor.
He twirled her once, which earned him a giggle, before finally dancing to the slow rhythm. Thranduil made sure that he was in perfect sight of Elrond, so that when they finished dancing he could easily introduce him to Celebrían.
During their dance Thranduil and Celebrían talked back and forth joyously about how they missed the other and what they were doing in their absence. Glancing at Elrond again, Thranduil decided that it was a good time to set his plan in motion.
"Look around Celebrían, do you see anyone who catches your eye?" Thranduil asked.
"Everyone here is very handsome."
"Are you sure there isn't anyone?"
"I have been asked to dance with so many, but no one that has truly caught my eye." She admitted. Sensing something else to Thranduil's question she raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"What are you getting at Thranduil," Celebrían giggled. "Are you speaking about yourself and how gorgeous you look this night?"
Thranduil couldn't help but break into a smile as he lifted her in the air and twirled, "nay my lady." He laughed as he placed her down again.
"There is a good friend of mine whom I want you to meet." Thranduil spoke as the music ended and led her to where Elrond was.
"Is that so? Who is this friend you speak of," Celebrían hooked her arm with his feeling the rush of excitement run through her.
"He is …" Thranduil stopped in his tracks when he saw that Elrond was no longer there. He looked left and right, but there was no sign of him.
With a tug on his sleeve he saw Celebrían with a thoughtful frown on her face, "he is not here." Thranduil told her.
"What does he look like," she asked as she started looking around for anyone who she thought Thranduil was looking for. "What about his name?"
"That is for him to tell not me. Wait here and I will look for him." Thranduil did not want Celebrían to know the identity of Elrond just yet. Even though he thought that they may have crossed paths before he wanted it to be a sort of surprise.
"No, I'm coming with you." Celebrían said as she walked beside Thranduil.
The two searched for Elrond for hours, the sky was now completely dark except for the bright stars and moon that shown down on them. Thranduil was annoyed at his friend's antics it couldn't possibly be this hard to talk to a maiden. He sighed in frustration, controlling his emotions. Celebrían on the other hand didn't mind looking for the mysterious elf as she animatedly talked beside him. As they looked around there was still no trace of Elrond, and the party was slowly starting to wind down as fewer and fewer elves lingered.
"I cannot believe that ridiculous-"
"Thranduil," Celebrían's voice chimed, bringing him out of his mumbled insults to Elrond.
"Did you make up your friend as an excuse so that we would spend the whole time together?" She teased.
As Thranduil looked down at her bright smile all bad thoughts of the half-elf were gone. He squeezed her hand and smiled warmly at her, "of course not, but I love spending time with you regardless."
"Celebrían," a voice called. They both looked up and spotted her parents.
"Ada, nana!" She broke away from Thranduil and embraced her parents.
"Enjoying yourself my dear?" Celeborn asked placing a finger under her chin.
"Of course, it is a party after all." She giggled.
"It is starting to get late, we were going to retire to bed." Celebrían nodded, "Then I shall as well."
"I bid you all a good night," Thranduil said, and they wished the same. Before they turned to leave Celebrían went back to Thranduil.
"Let's spend some time in the morning together,"
"I would very much love that, Celebrían." She smiled and waved goodbye as she went back to her parents.
Thranduil smiled as he looked upon the family of three walking hand in hand Celebrían in the middle as she told her parents about the time she spent with Thranduil.
Right after they left Thranduil turned around he was met with the one elf he was looking for all night. "Where have you been?" He exclaimed as he looked into the eyes of a sheepish Elrond.
"There were some important matters I had to attend to." Elrond responded without meeting his gaze.
"What exactly was so important that took you most of the night." Thranduil demanded he had a plan, a perfect plan he thought, and Elrond ruined it by leaving.
"I was… was," Elrond's words started to falter and he looked away from Thranduil his mouth opening and closing to find the best explanation.
Thranduil sighed, all of a sudden he didn't care about any excuse Elrond offered. "Whatever it doesn't matter anymore," he grumbled. Elrond clasped his hands in front, he didn't see the reason why Thranduil felt the need to push him with Celebrían. Come to think of it how did he manage to approach her so easily? Elrond thought and decided to ask.
"Do you know the lady Celebrían?"
"Yes, she is my cousin," at his statement Elrond eyes grew wide.
Seeing his reaction Thranduil smirked, "I thought you knew."
Elrond placed a hand over his temple rubbing it, "it has been a long day." Elrond did not know that they were related but the new information was useful.
Thranduil nodded in agreement after traveling from his home to Imladris and having a party he felt a little worn out as well. He bid Elrond good night and went to his chambers to sleep.
The next morning he woke at his usual time, which was just past dawn. He got up splashed his face with cool water, dressed and walked out of his room. As he was walking down the halls he spotted a bright young maiden taking a stroll coming the opposite way. He smiled when he saw her, he could see her bright face and blue eyes as she quickly approached him.
"Good morning, Thranduil,"
"Good morning, Celebrían," he greeted.
"Having a fine day so far," She asked has she looped her arm with his.
With his other hand he gave hers a gently squeeze, "now that you're here."
They met up with her parents and had breakfast together and afterwards Celebrían suggested that they walk into the gardens.
"I absolutely love this place," she said as she cradled a flower and then let it go. "It's so beautiful and peaceful." She turned to the sun and breathed in the fresh air.
"It is a beautiful place," Thranduil admitted as he watched her. She turned to him and smiled, "I could live here." At her words Thranduil eyes widen, and she giggled, "Does that sound weird?"
"No, I think this place suits you very well."
"So I am not insane then," She smiled showing her teeth. Thranduil returned her smile and hooked arms again they continued their walk.
As they walked, Thranduil looked around and heard an extra pair of footsteps, shuffling here and there. He looked in between some plants and saw a piece of red cloth as they passed them.
I wonder, Thranduil thought. After a few steps of passing the plants he looked behind him to see a dark haired elf, scurrying from his spot to the opposite direction.
Thranduil smiled wickedly, "Lord Elrond." He called, to which the elf froze mid step, before slowly turning around. Got him.
"Lord Elrond," Celebrían voice rang.
Elrond approach the pair, "my lady Celebrían, lord Thranduil, good morning. Are you enjoying the day so far?"
"We are well. I was just showing lord Thranduil your beautiful garden."
"Yes, quiet a lovely garden you have lord Elrond." Elrond looked at Thranduil and saw the mirth in his eyes.
"If you are not busy, won't you join us?"
"Well, that is thoughtful of you my lady but-"
"I'm sure lord Elrond would love a walk in the garden." Thranduil interrupted.
"Lovely," Celebrían replied. After she spoke there was no way Elrond could refuse.
"You know, I do believe I have matters to attend to this morning. You two should go on enjoy the walk." Celebrían pouted at his departure, while Elrond glared.
"Thranduil," Celebrían pleaded.
"Do not worry, I will see you later today." He reassured her, and with a small smile Celebrían turned with Elrond as they walked on.
Thranduil stared in adoration as Elrond shyly offered his arm to her, and Celebrían smiled brightly at him gratefully accepting it.
He slowly retreated to a platform that over looked the whole gardens as he still looked after the pair taking their time.
"I do not think I like this," a new voice said. Thranduil looked to his right and saw Celeborn staring at the pair as well.
"No, I do believe I do not like this." He looked at Thranduil when he spoke again.
"Peace my love, they are just friends." Galadriel approached them placing a comforting hand on Celeborns arm.
"Why do I feel that it is something more,"
"There is no way to tell," Galadriel softly replied.
"This is all your doing "Celeborn turned accusingly to Thranduil. Thranduil who never in his life was ever afraid of his older cousin avoided his gaze.
"Thranduil was only helping a friend." Galadriel came to his defense. "Celebrían is not an elfling, this day was going to come sooner or later."
"That doesn't mean I have to like it," Celeborn grumbled, "didn't you say they were just friends?"
"How about we take a ride to relax your mind," Galadriel dodge his question winking at Thranduil.
"I do not want to go for a ride, my place is here-"
"Spying on our daughter,"
"No, I am simply observing their every movement." Galadriel laughed and tugged him with her.
"We are going for a nice ride, come lord Thranduil."
After the evening meal Celebrían was once again in Thranduil's presence, they were relaxing in the hall of fire listening to the singers and music players. Celebrían's parents as well as Elrond stayed for a while, but as the night grew later they decided to retire to bed. As they watched the entertainment Celebrían leaned her head on Thranduil shoulder clapping her hands in rhythm to the music.
"I will have to leave tomorrow," Thranduil spoke quietly. Celebrían lifted her head and looked at him.
"Oh, must you go back so soon?"
"Yes, my father needs me."
"I understand," she sighed and placed her head back on his wishing that this moment would last forever.
The next morning Thranduil enjoyed a breakfast with his kin, and Elrond, and after spending sometime afterwards, Thranduil was ready to depart. He descended the stairs with Elrond and Celebrían who was holding his hand.
"Thank you, for taking your time to visit," Elrond grasped his wrist once they reached the bottom.
"Thank you for inviting me," Elrond nodded. Turning around to face Celebrían, Thranduil realized that she was by his horse patting his nose. Thranduil sighed as he walked over to her.
"Carry your master well," she whispered. In returned the horse nudged her and stomped his hoof as if he was annoyed at her lack of trust in him. "I know, I know. You are his loyal friend," she giggled. "Travel safely," she spoke to the horse again sensing Thranduil eyes on her, she turned around.
"This is it," Celebrían nodded at his words refusing to meet him.
She shuffled her feet feeling the tears coming to her eyes, she didn't want to rub them for fear of the tears falling. It didn't matter though as she felt her tears spill over and run down her cheeks.
Seeing the tears Thranduil stepped closer and caressed here cheek, wiping the tears away. "Why do you weep?"
Blinking rapidly Celebrían replied, "Because I will miss you."
Thranduil gave her a gentle smile and pulled her into his embrace, until he felt that she was calm.
"Do not worry we shall see each other again."
"When?"
"I do not know, but we can continue to write to each other, until we do see each other again."
Celebrían smiled at his hopeful words as he bent down and kissed her brow. He mounted his horse and as he rode with the rest of his group back to home. He was not sure what the future may hold, or what fate the enemy will bring, but he hoped that he would see Celebrían again.
Thanks for reading again, hope you enjoyed it.
I just wanted to add a link to this picture which started the idea of Noss, The link says its Galadriel, but I think its Celebrían and her father. This picture is under the board The king and Prince of Greenwood, if anyone wants to look through it.
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