Messaged Received
It was quiet, almost too quiet.
I scanned the area multiple times as we finally entered the Redhorn pass.
When I read Celebríans letter I sensed she was going to run into trouble. I didn't think twice to gather the best of my guard and to meet her before any trouble caught up with her.
It wasn't too long when I head a distinctive sound of horses. The guard in front had everyone halt, bows drawn as waited to see what was behind the corner. Whoever was on the other side must have sensed us too, as the sound of hooves decreased. Not too long after I spotted what appeared to be a lone figure peeking out behind the bend.
From what I could see he was no orc. I caught his gaze and he seemed to relax a little when he spotted our group. He showed himself completely his hands in a sign peace. Recognizing the armor of Imlardis, I knew we arrived just in time. My guards low their weapons, as the Imladris guard gesture for the rest of his group to come forth.
Slowly other guards of similar uniform started to trickle into view. I clenched the reins in my hands, looking for Celebrían. I felt myself rise slightly to get a better view.
After more guards came to view I wondered if Celebrían was even with the group. I felt a sigh beginning to escape, when finally I spotted her.
Sitting on a dappled grey with her back straight and head held high like her mother. She wore a beautiful riding dress with her hair pulled back. I saw her eyes scan my soldiers, and when they finally traveled up to mine I could see a trace of a smile. I felt my own lips turn.
"Thranduil," she waved. Forgetting any potential danger I got off my horse as she did the same.
"Thranduil," she called me again as a few of the guards parted. With so many soldiers around I didn't spot her at first, but she kept calling. I weaved through the guards and kept listening to Celebrían's faint voice. I frowned slightly looking around me, completely surrounded by my guards.
"Celebrían," silence at first, then I heard her voice to the right and I started to travel in that direction.
Something was wrong, I realized as I kept walking. I didn't bring this many soldiers with me. Celebrían couldn't possibly be lost in the crowed. I heard my name again, coming from the left side.
I stopped, frowning I changed directions calling her name again. I was met with silence.
"Celebrían?" I called again making my stride bigger. This time I did hear her voice.
At least that's what I thought, it sounded a little deeper. She called my name again this time louder. I answered her back. My anxiety started to grow as I continued to listen for her.
Strange enough I was still weaving through guards, something didn't feel right. Just then I heard my name, it didn't sound like Celebríans, it was louder and almost commanding.
I felt sweat trickle down my neck as I shouted her name, hoping that she would call out again. When I heard my name again, I knew the voice to belong to a male.
"Thranduil," it reverberated around me I brought a hand to my head as the voice somehow made my head ache.
I wanted to call out to Celebrían again, this all seemed like a bizarre dream, except it couldn't be.
I was about to call out when the voice seemed to take over calling out to me. The Redhorn pass started to shake with his voice, and slowly all around me everything was enveloped in a bright white light.
"Come back to light, my friend."
My head rolled to the side as I felt my eyes squint at the new light, I blinked several times to clear my vision from sleep. I was no longer in Redhorn pass, nor was I at home. The familiar markings of this room and furniture reminded me that I am at Imladris. I'm reclined on a couch, surrounded by large open windows as floor length curtains blew gently in the wind. Judging by the light, I could see that I slept through most of the day again.
"Thranduil," I felt a hand on thigh, and turning from the window I looked in the direction of Elrond, and his concerning gaze.
"You sounded like you were having a bad dream. You kept mumbling in your sleep, so I thought I wake you."
I turned my gaze away from him, feeling slightly guilty, I didn't want to add more trouble than what he has to deal with.
"Do you want to talk about?"
Instead of replying I just shook my head.
"If you wish I will let you rest more," he patted my leg in farewell and went toward the door.
My eyes followed him as he placed his hand on the knob turning it. Before he opened it, he turned to me, his expression was blank.
"You know," he began slowly he opened his mouth to say more, but decided against it pressing his lips together in a thin line.
I watched his chest rise and fall, like he was trying to calm himself down.
"Celebrían," he finally said in a bland tone.
"Is leaving- the day after tomorrow, I know." I finished. I whipped my head in the other direction, feeling anger rise from within. My dreams are a reminder of what could have been if I intercepted Celebrían while on her journey. I imagine that with both of our guards the outcome would be different.
"Celebrían has been notified of your arrival three days ago. She is upset that you haven't seen her." As quickly as my anger came it dissipated as I thought about sweet Celebrían. I fear the changes I would see. She would no longer be the bright bubbly blue eyed elfling. I wanted to remember her how she was when I last saw her. I didn't want her to leave without any farewell from me. A letter wouldn't do justice, after all the years we've spent together, the milestones that we have been there for each other.
Memories flooded my mind, the time when I first met Celebrían, and all the joyous, and sometimes dark moments we had together. A letter simply wouldn't do.
When I arrived, I wanted to see her, but I knew if I did it would be the end. I wasn't and am still not ready to say goodbye.
"I know more, than anyone how difficult it is to say goodbye." It was like he read my thoughts, I could hear the comfort and softness in his words. "Even if it is painful, we do not say goodbye for ourselves, but to give the other, the comfort and reassurance. Letting them know that they do not have to worry about us."
I turned back to Elrond, he had a distant look in his eye, he smiled at me once again a genuine comforting smile. I felt my own lips form a small one in return.
After that he was gone, and I was left to my own thoughts, most of them about Celebrían. I couldn't let her sweet memories go to waste, I had to make this farewell count.
I want to apologize for my long absence. I was struggling with this chapter and after many rewrites I feel like this was the best one to post. I still hope that whoever is reading this is still enjoying it. Thank you if you recently Favorited/followed I will definitely continue this story. Thanks for reading.