"Forgive our misperceptions, my Lord." Harman, Captain of the Dúnedain guard was still tense as if he could not apologize enough for the fiasco at Bree. "We did not anticipate that people would become unruly."
"I too did not foresee that there would be trouble from the crowd. Their interest did not appear malicious. In such a crowd a different mentality sometimes emerges, as we saw today." Elrond's voice was tinged with sorrow as he remembered the frightened features of the children who had been caught in the advancing crowd. He rested his hand reassuringly on the captain's arm. "Thankfully no one was seriously injured. You reacted quickly once the danger became apparent."
"Yes thankfully no one was hurt. We will take more care with you and your party's safety." Captain Harman visibly relaxed at the sympathetic words and his eyes shown with genuine admiration for the elf lord. Glorfindel and Erestor exchanged a glance that conveyed their continued amazement at how their peredhel friend did not fail to inspire confidence and loyalty from those who encountered him.
"Have you dealt with such occurrences in Annúminas before?" Elrond was obviously thinking about Celebrían's safety. She was standing quietly beside him listening to the exchange. The cook delivered bowls of a steaming stew to the newly arrived elves and Dúnedain's.
"We have taken many steps towards controlling the crowds in Annúminas. It has been long since we have had a ruling Queen and a similar incident happened shortly after she accepted the responsibilities of the crown." It was one of those heart-stopping incidents that Harmon would never forget.
"Aran Gil-Galad had similar difficulties." Celeborn mused as he watched the others eat. Their party had found a suitable campsite and had waited with baited breath for the others to arrive.
"Twice as I recall, although Elrond was traveling on diplomatic errands." Erestor had been present on both occasions. "Have you since erected barricades and increased the guards along the Queen's travel routes?" The Dúnedain captain nodded.
"We also keep her route and schedule secret until close to the event." Harmon reported. "These efforts were successful at keeping our prince safe upon his entry to the city a few years ago. I will send word that we need to observe similar protocols upon our arrival into the city."
"That would seem appropriate." Elrond agreed as he turned and gave a soft kiss to the side of Celebrían's head.
The remainder of the journey was uneventful, as riders had been sent ahead to report the incident at Bree. The white city glinted spectacularly next to the clear blue waters of Lake Nenuial, near where the river Baraduin flowed forth. Elrond had visited this area many times over the past age, for elves also had settled the area around the Lake, although those settlements had dispersed long ago. Their party was directed to the stables where many hands moved to care for the horses.
"Greetings Lord Elrond and honored guests. I am Arandur, the Steward here. The prince directed me to bring you up the esplanade and to the palace, where he will meet you. It is a little over a mile walk. Attendants will bring your things."
"That is most gracious." Elrond turned and extended an arm to Celebrían. "I have only ever seen architectural plans for the esplanade. They were very ambitious."
"I think you will find the finished work most spectacular." Arandur said proudly. Indeed there were gasps from many of the elves when they rounded the corner and first viewed the promenade. The white towers of the Halls of Kings stood majestically in the distance. The esplanade was a nearly twenty foot wide level pathway that followed the lake, whose waters were high this time of year. The planners had apparently taken this into account, building the pathway much higher. This feat afforded stunning views of the water. It was cleverly constructed from rectangular-hued stone and some type of white cement. There were several sections that descended lower, jutting out and floating on the lake. Benches were built into the far wall and some sections opened into mini-amphitheatres, obviously designed for street performers and other entertainers. Yet, even as this incredible man-made walkway sought to tame the lakes' shoreline, it deftly accommodated trees and flowers in raised beds on the sides and periodically scattered in the center of the walkway. The path meandered slightly around the trees, blessing the esplanade with a natural feel.
"This section can not be more than five years old." Celebrían said in wonder, for the young trees, gingko, evergreen oak, and flowering maple were yet small.
"Yes, work on the final section was completed under Queen Muriel's orders." Arandur replied.
"It will grow in beauty as the trees develop and provide a natural canopy!" Celebrían declared.
"The view is even more stunning than that from the towers of Minas Tirith." Celeborn also admired the handiwork of the second born.
"The architect also designed the towers that line the port of Pelargir. I can tell his signature columns from afar. I was just a boy when we sailed into that region and lived there during much of its construction." Arandur smiled at the memory.
"I did not realize the Númenóreans had such fine craftsman!" Glorfindel observed. "There are some elements that hint at Noldor influences and remind me of Tol Eressëa. But the ingenuity and creativity speak to craftsman who have developed and interpreted a style all their own." The steward and the men surrounding them were obviously pleased by the elves appreciation of their fine city.
"It is my understanding that there was much interaction between the elves of Tol Eressëa and Númenor, especially in the early years of its' founding." Elrond relayed his knowledge of his brother's kingdom. Few of the men would remember the time before Sauron had corrupted their culture and turned the majority of hearts against the elves. Indeed those faithful to the Valar and friends of elves had been tormented and even sacrificed under the orders of King Ar-Pharazôn. They listened intently to the descriptions until finally Arandur led them to rooms in the guest wing.
"I will leave you to refresh yourselves. The servants have already delivered your belongings and your names appear on parchments attached to the doors." Arandur informed them. "I will come and collect you for the reception dinner in an hour."
Xxxxxxxxxx
"Elrond!" The prince discarded decorum as he nearly ran over to embrace the peredhel. "Thank you so much for coming!"
"I told you I would be here." Elrond laughed as he returned the hug. He stepped back after a minute and looked up at the prince, who was now several inches taller than him. Indeed, among those in the hall, only Celeborn was taller. "You have grown!"
"Aye, you are now the short one!" Valandil laughed and mockingly messed Elrond's hair. Then turned his interest to Celebrían. "Is this your fair Lady?"
"Yes, allow me to introduce the Lady Celebrían and her father, Lord Celeborn of Lothlórien."
"It is a pleasure to me you." Valandil bowed slightly before Celebrían and gallantly kissed her hand. His eyes sparkled and he elbowed Elrond as he cheekily added. "I hope you might grant me the honor of a dance tonight." Celebrían smiled indulgently at the young prince while her father tensed slightly beside her. Valandil, unlike his long departed ancestor Elros, noted the elf's displeasure and moved to graciously greet him.
"I trust you will not mind to much if I borrow Lord Elrond for a few minutes." Valandil inquired of Celebrían and Celeborn with obvious glee, then he turned to the half-elf and pulled him away towards the great hallway. "I have a few surprises for you!" The other elves shared looks of bewilderment as they slowly followed the pair through the ornate hallway, which opened into a large celebration hall. Tables were arranged around an open parquet floor. Queen Muriel was seated at the center of the long rectangular head table. She was a beautiful woman, with long hair the color of straw and a strength of will that belied her thin frame. The cares of the crown that weighed on her seemed to disappear as she smiled and rose to greet Elrond.
"It is so good to see you!" The queen's lilting voice sounded joyous. Elrond bowed and graciously kissed her hand. Muriel would have nothing of the elf lord's formal greeting and pulled Elrond into a tender embrace. The trailing elves could not hear what was being said.
"I did not know that the prince and Queen were so close to Elrond." Celeborn whispered.
"I did not realize that either." Celebrían was pleased to have banished the slight pang of jealousy from her voice.
"Elrond helped them both through a difficult time." Erestor quietly informed them. "He helped the prince deal with the loss of his father. The Lady Muriel was besides herself with grief when word of the deaths of her husband and three of her sons reached us."
"How old is she?" Celebrian inquired softly then blushed, as Erestor's eyes seemed to see through her.
"Isildur and Muriel married in Númenor, so I would hazard to guess that she is partway through her second century." Their whisperings were halted by an audible gasp from Elrond and they saw him staring up at a painting that hung just behind the Queen. The painting was very old and had obviously been retouched and restored. It depicted a large royal family. The crowned figure at the center, even with some added pounds around the cheeks and little streaks of silver that highlighted the dark hair, bore a remarkable resemblance to the Lord of Imladris.
"Elros." Celeborn whispered as he held his daughter's hand. "It must be Elros and his family, although I never saw him again after he sailed for Númenor." The elven party moved close enough to overhear Elrond telling names and relaying stories about Elros, his wife and children.
"Look there!" Celebrían pointed to the dark figure, partially obscured behind Elros. The others stared open-mouthed at boyish, smiling picture of a young Elrond, who held a small girl with curly dark hair. The picture was filled with Elros' children and grandchildren. By looks, one might guess Elrond to be the youngest of Elros' sons, though it was not so. The low whispers around them signaled that the rest of the Dúnedain court had also recognized the brother of their first King. The prince interrupted her thoughts as he turned to announce his guests and lead them to their seats. Elrond was seated directly at the Queen's right with Valandil neighboring the elf Lord. The Seneschal was on the Queen's left followed by the royal cabinet. Dinner was an elaborate affair with a dizzying multitude of dishes. Valandil was quite boisterous, so happy to have Elrond and his party here as well as relieved that his Mother seemed relaxed and joyful. The elves marveled over the delicious main course of a traditional Eldalondë Círetitta, a flaky white fish breaded filet served with a mountain berry jelly. In between dinner and dessert was dancing. The Queen rose and gently grasped Elrond's hand.
"It is customary for the King or Queen to begin the dancing." Her voice wavered slightly as the question remained unvoiced. Elrond smiled in understanding.
"Would you grant me the honor of the first dance?" Elrond bowed and offered his arm. The musicians started the strains of the Númenórean Gavotte. The elves watched curiously. They were unfamiliar with the music and the intricate dance that followed. The noblemen and court members joined the line. There was an undertone of shock from both elves and men gathered around as the Queen and the Peredhel effortlessly led the dance. The Peredhel was obviously quite at ease performing the ancient dance from Númenór.
"The Lord in the black tunic and the one with the long beard diagonal from him seem upset at their Queen's choice of partner." Erestor whispered to Glorfindel.
"They bear watching." Glorfindel agreed.
"I see that only Beleg is capable of truly shadowing our Lord here." Cirulian observed the Dúnedain guard, the only one of Elrond's personal security who was on the dance floor.
"Good thing you were persuaded to assign Elrond Dúnedain guards." Erestor's voice was even but Cirulian grimaced at the implied teasing.
"Persuaded is an understatement. I had little choice in the matter." Cirulian sniffed disdainfully. Nearby Celebrían and Delia were speaking in hushed voices as the watched the dancers.
"I thought the music would have a slower beat." Celebrían warily observed the intricate footwork. Delia had spent several hours teaching her the moves.
"You will be fine. Perhaps the second song will be slower. The celebration typically opens with a lively tune to invite all into the festivities." Delia smiled slyly. "Your betrothed seems a capable dancer."
"You are intolerable!" Celebrían sighed in exasperation. The Gavotte required the couples to stand far too close and Celebrian fought to suppress the burgeoning jealousy within. But the feeling dissipated as Celebrían recognized the look of concern in Elrond's eyes. Elrond face sported a slight smile as he talked to the Queen but Celebrían immediately knew that he feared for the Queen's health.
Xxxxxxxxxx
"Are you well, Queen Muriel?" Elrond whispered as he recognized the lady's pallor and the unnatural heat radiating from the hand held in his.
"I have been unwell." She whispered. "But now is not the time to dwell upon it."
"I place my healing skills at your service. Please call for me at your leisure." Elrond closed his eyes briefly as he sent some of his strength to the lady who visibly relaxed, as the pain in her side eased. Her eyes communicated her gratitude. Several observers caught these details and wondered if their queen was attracted to the elf lord.
"Thank you my Lord." Muriel returned as she twirled to the left, never missing a beat of the Gavotte. She would not have her court sense her illness. Unfortunately, her cheeks were already flushed after a single dance. The ending of the music was greeted with clapping. "I enjoyed the dance."
"The honor was all mine, my dear Muriel." Elrond smiled brightly as he lead the winded Queen from the floor. The tempo of the second dance was markedly slower.
"My Lady would you grant me this dance?" Prince Valandil bowed politely before her. Although as the daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn, she had been used to being in the spotlight, she had never felt under such scrutiny as she did at that moment. All eyes of the hopeful maidens bore dagger looks her way. Other members of the court simply stared openly at her.
"You would think they have never seen an elleth before!" Celebrian mused silently as she graciously accepted Valandil's hand. It was a few minutes before she could banish the concentrated look from her features as she silently counted and concentrated on Delia's directions.
"You dance well!" Valandil openly praised. "You honor us with your knowledge of our traditional dances."
"A Dúnedain ranger friend of mine taught me." Celebrian smiled, now finally enjoying herself.
"Not many of the elven ladies have graced us with their presence. We were beginning to think that elves hid them." Valandil teased. The dance changed to a rich slow melody, which was meant for couples. Each time Valandil attempted to draw closer than decorum dictated, Celebrian deftly moved away.
"You are baiting him." She whispered.
"How long will it take?" Valandil succeeded in draping his hand around Celebrian's waist before she could side step him. "Perhaps a kiss might persuade him." Celebrian face was angelic as she stomped on the prince's foot. The prince's eyes lit in surprise.
"Your Mother would be most disappointed at your games."
"You are no helpless maiden." Valandil spun her once and caught her around the waist again.
"My dear Prince," Elrond interrupted. "The Queen requests your presence." Valandil laughed impishly.
"The game was fun but appears to be up. You are a lucky man to have won the heart of such a beautiful Lady." Valandil whispered and bowed gallantly.
"Shall we finish this dance, my Lady?" Elrond's eyes twinkled.
"That would be most pleasing." Celebrian laughed. They did indeed finish that dance and countless more. Their manner left little doubt in the minds of those observers that this was a young couple in love. It was some time before the two exited to the balcony to seek the cool night air. The view of the stars over Lake Nenuial was magical.
"When did you learn the steps to the Gavotte?" Elrond asked in amazement.
"Delia taught Gwilith, Niniel and I. She has led such an interesting life. We enjoyed her company on the road." Celebrian smiled inwardly as she snuggled into Elrond's arms.
"Your friends did not dance, though."
"They did not have a prince approach them for a dance. I could hardly refuse!"
"You stepped on his toes." Elrond smiled.
"I would hate to incite an international incident." Her eye twinkled mischievously. "He is still just a boy! He was deliberately trying to rile you." Here in this carefree hour her heart turned suddenly serious. "Why do we wait, El-nin? Why not marry now?" Celebrían whispered as she turned and kissed his cheek.
"You wish to travel and see more of Middle Earth. As my bonded mate, your freedom would be greatly limited. Our love puts you in danger." He paused afraid to give voice to his thoughts.
"That is not the full reason. Do not give me half-truths." She admonished in a teasing voice.
"I would not wish to follow in my father's footsteps when it comes to keeping my loved ones safe." He choked slightly as he spoke. The truth was as bitter as the possibility was frightening. They would have to talk about these things, she decided. For the next step in their lives would mean marriage and perhaps a family.
"Please tell me about them." She entreated in a low voice. "What do you remember of your Adar and Naneth?"