An Unexpected Visitor [open]

[silvertree]

Who: Celeborn & Whomever joins him.
What: Swept away by a sudden current, an ancient elf prowls the halls of Cair Paradisa in search of answers.
When: Midday
Where: The Lobby of the Fortress
Rating: PG-13



Unfamiliar gray-stoned walls welcomed Celeborn once the Elf first opened his eyes. It wasn't very often that the regal Lord of Lothlórien ever found himself at a loss for words but today he was. Imagine walking through the moonlight canopy of the Golden Woods, surrounded by wild flowers and fireflies only to be suddenly whisked away to some stoney castle. Celeborn couldn't quite believe his eyes as he stalked down the hallways in total silence. His long gray velvet robes tailed behind him as he crept silently along the halls. Almost tempted to believe that this was nothing more than a mere dream, Celeborn suddenly found himself standing before a spiraling staircase. The white marble stairs caught his eye as his fingers caressed the smooth wooden bannister beside him.

Not a single word were uttered from the ancient's lips as he eyed the grand lobby of this estate with reserved wonder. While he's certainly likened to a "king" by his people, Celeborn never possessed much fondness for such gaudy decor. This castle looked like something out of fairytale yet oddly reminiscent to the grand halls of Minas Anor, the City of Kings in Gondor. While Celeborn had visited there once before many centuries ago, he remembered eying the lavish decor in great fascination much like now. Deciding to descend, Celeborn loosely held onto the bannister as he walked towards the lobby below. "Such a sight to behold." he said aloud with mild intrigue. "But is this a castle worthy of a king?"

Of course the Elven Lord doubted he was alone within this palace but so far he hasn't seen a single soul yet. With a castle as grand and luxurious as this, Celeborn expected to at least run into a servant or two during his languid exploration of this nameless estate. An explanation must be had, someone has to know why he was summoned here.

Comments

[inafadingcrown]

There will be time enough for kisses later, something of which she intends to take full advantage. She was currently more concerned with trying to decide just where to begin. He wouldn't think her mad; he's one of the few with whom that would never be a concern. But she did not not wish to overwhelm him.

"There is a magic at work here beyond any of our ken." It was a logical enough place to begin. "How this place brings us here, I do not yet know, but none have yet been able to escape its grasp."

She paused before adding- "I have been here well over a year now."

[silvertree]

The time discrepancy of it all highly worried Celeborn, especially since just a moment ago he and his wife met with the fellowship at Caras Galadon. There without the Grey Wizard's presence, they gave counsel to the ring-bearer and his men, then even offered them shelter within their city. If Galadriel had been missing for a whole year before that encounter, then surely the fellowship would've never stepped one foot into the Golden Woods. It was Galadriel herself who chose to meet with them, a move that Celeborn wasn't quite pleased with. He desired greatly for the One-Ring to be cast out of his realm but his wife spoke of aiding rather than shunning them.

Now thinking more about this faithful meeting, Celeborn found himself somewhat distracted by his thoughts. "A year?" he repeated incredulously. "The magic that traps us is powerful indeed if it's capable of delaying you here for a year." Not even certain if such magic exists in their realm, the Elvenlord found himself yearning to learn more.

"What is the purpose behind our stay here?"

[inafadingcrown]

"Time flows strangely in this place." She said in response to his unasked question. "They say when we are returned to our homes, it will be from the moment we left them. I have reason to believe that this is so."

Others of their world have come and gone. They would have noted her absence, if that was not the case. His next question, however, caused a visible reaction. She frowned, her brow furrowing ever so slightly.

"Nothing is known with any degree of certainty. However... it is thought that the castle draws its power from us- from our spirits and emotions. We are not only meant to be pawns, it seems, but a meal as well."

And she did not take kindly to it. Even after all this time, her voice took on a tone of indignation when she spoke of it.

[silvertree]

The disgust within his wife's tone was obvious likened to the flicker of rage that passed through his gaze. It was one thing for them to be kidnapped as mere pawns but were also meant to be food as well? Whomever it is that rules this realm shall surely regret the day they reunited the Moon with his Sun. Celeborn didn't even need to speak to express his discontent because he was certain that Galadriel could sense it.

"Then it would seem we have much to do." His creed to escape from this den was murmured cryptically for only her elven ears to hear. "The night has bewitched us with illusions but the day shall uncover truth." Somewhat desiring to know if others have been returned home or not, Celeborn's thoughts suddenly strayed back to Arda. "Tell me-" he suddenly began. "Why is it that a paradise such as this would require our spirits or emotions to keep it stable? Are there no natives to this realm?"

If everyone else inhabiting the castle all hail from foreign lands, then who's keeping them here? There has to be someone here in Paradisa that knows the answer to this. No kingdom could possibly exist with no people.

[inafadingcrown]

She did sense it and, oddly enough, it was reassuring. She had allies, of course, and she had not been idle in her time here, but progress was slow. It was a comfort to have him here, for he was her partner in all things. They had faced so much together. It was easier to believe that this too was simply another obstacle they would overcome hand in hand.

"There is a small village nearby and, to our knowledge, most who live there are natives. However..."

She paused, searching for words to explain what she had felt. It did not take a mystic to see that there was something 'off' about the people in town, but to Galadriel it was even more obvious. They felt differently to her mind.

"They are not as they should be. Questioning them is of little use."

[silvertree]

The knowing gaze he gave here spoke of everything he truly felt, all of his anger and some of his fear. "They stay true to their secrets it seems." he quickly assessed with little effort. "When speaking amongst their kind, I'm certain they possess looser tongues." A sound of frustration nearly passed through his lips but they didn't. Instead, Celeborn's face grew impassive as he continued to speak. "They shan't utter a word to us, therefore we shall have to take matters to our own hands." Wondering just how they were going to achieve that, Celeborn couldn't help but feel that maybe his promise of escaping here will be delayed.

In hopes of finding a place to rest, Celeborn offered his hand to Galadriel. "Do you desire for us to talk elsewhere? I wish not to linger here for too long." While doesn't seem quite the type to smile, Celeborn has a habit of doing so with his eyes.

[inafadingcrown]

The somber expression she had adopted for the more serious part of their discussion lifted and she smiled softly when he offered her his hand. She took it without a moment of hesitation and started to lead him to the staircase, intending to take him to her rooms.

"You will have your own chambers, as do all here. Though, of course, I would hope you will share my own." It's almost flirtatious- her intonation, the way she brushes his hand with her thumb. But well within the realm of propriety, of course.

"I should tell you also that I have been sharing quarters with a young lady who has placed herself under my protection, though she is away at present. We each have our own private rooms, naturally, and I do not think your presence would trouble her."

She's certain he will understand, but she must be sure. "I desire nothing more than to stay with you, but I will also not break my word to her." It's important to her, not just for the sake of honor, but because she truly cares for this girl.

"We will come to some compromise in the long term, I am certain. Regardless, the rooms will suit our purposes well enough for the moment."

[silvertree]

As many times before, Celeborn allowed his dearest to lead him through uncertainty once more. He truly believes and seeks her counsel as much as she seeks his, the two of them needing each other in a way that transcended the bonds of matrimony. Without the day there is no night, without the night there is no day. Despite being antonyms of each other, the two are very much alike in mind and heart. This is something that truly fascinates Celeborn as he holds her smooth hand within his. Letting Galadriel lead him up the stairs, the Elvenlord listened quietly as she spoke of a girl who's name has yet to be uttered.

"Then I truly wish not to spoil such a bond, melamin." he confessed in all honesty. "Your oath to this girl shall stand regardless of my presence here and in time I shall accept her as our own." Celeborn is truly curious as to who this girl might be, especially since it wasn't like Galadriel to accept someone so gracelessly into both her care and heart. Wondering if this is what it's like to have a family, a small smile almost graced Celeborn's lips.

"It sounds as if you speak of her as if she's your daughter."

[inafadingcrown]

"You will like her, I think. In many ways, Rin is much as I was in my youth." Both the good and the bad, she thinks. It was one reason she had agreed to watch over her in the beginning- she did not wish to see her make the same mistakes.

It does not take the two of them long to reach the third floor, not with their long strides. And so, it was at the landing of the stares case that she paused and glanced back at him.

"She is dear to me, A'maelamin, but none can replace our Celebrían in my heart."

[silvertree]

Not single glimmer of recognition passed through Celeborn's gaze once Galadriel mentioned that name. In fact, he honestly seemed utterly confused now. "Celebrian?" The Elvenlord shook his head. "Who is that? My dearest queen, we never had children of our own." Unaware of how deep his words will hurt, Celeborn's gaze shifted away from his wife and towards the halls ahead.

"I'm certain I shall cherish Rin as the daughter we never had."

[inafadingcrown]

Her initial reaction was shock. Once again, she paled and stood in place. She knew it was possible, of course, but it had not yet occurred to her to question what his loss might be.

Next came rage. Not directed at him and not incredibly obvious, but there was a flicker of something decidedly dangerous in her eyes. How dare this place take that from him. Memories were all they had of her and they had both clung to them for comfort. All the cruelties she herself had been subject to paled in comparison to this. It had no right- no right at all.

And finally, hurt and sorrow. So much of their life together- so much shared joy, laughter, and even pain- gone.

"My lord-" She speaks slowly, carefully controlling both her tone and her words. "This place takes something precious from us upon our arrival. An entrance fee for a journey we never wished to take, if you will. It may be an item, a skill, or a memory. It matters not, so long as it was something cherished."

She reaches up and places a hand on his cheek- a hand that is noticeably bare and ringless, save for her wedding band.

"Celeborn... I bore you a daughter- a beautiful daughter with hair like the moonlight and a gentle smile. Together we watched her grow into a kind, honorable, loving woman. We were made grandparents thrice over."

If he thought she looked ill before, her face must have been most alarming now. She was on the verge of tears, something exceedingly rare for her.

[silvertree]

Something is wrong. Something is gravely wrong here.

Never in his life has Celeborn ever seen his wife grow so pale. She was ghostly white at this point, almost as if all the color drained from her and left her as pale as a corpse. If he hadn't known better, he could've sworn she was beginning to fade from this world. Gently wrapping his arm around her waist to keep her sturdy, Celeborn gazed down at his queen with great worry.

"My brightest star, what dims your glow?" he asked with much anguish in his tone. The Elvenlord made it a habit to always keep his emotions in line but to see Galadriel in such a sorrowful state truly hurts him.

At the revelation of the daughter he could not remember, Celeborn's eyes glassed over with a mixture of rage and confusion. They had a daughter? But when? Was it when before they spent the remainder of their days in the Golden Woods? He knew that Galadriel would never lie to him but he honestly couldn't remember the face of their silver princess. Feeling his heart begin to fill with ache, Celeborn closed his eyes briefly as he tried bear the brunt of this nerves bravely.

"A beautiful daughter with hair as silver as Telperion's leaves..." A wistful sigh escaped his lips. "How long have I wished for a child of our own only now to realize that such a child once existed." Reaching up to grasp Galadriel's hand within his, Celeborn finally reopened his eyes.

"Forgive, my love, but how could I possibly be your husband if I cannot remember our daughter?" He lowers his head in shame.

[inafadingcrown]

She's not normally one to display her feelings so openly, but this is too much. She leans against him and buries her face against his chest.

"Do not say such things, I beg you. I cannot forgive you when you have done no wrong. The fault is not your own and I have need of you now more than ever."

It was something she rarely said. It was understood between them, certainly. But she was far more likely to say that she wanted him, that she missed him- even that she desired him. To say that she needed him was to openly admit to a weakness, to ask for support- something she has always found difficult.

[silvertree]

The agony in Galadriel's tone ripped at his heart as he held her close. She seemed so frail now, almost as if the slightest word would shatter her. Celeborn couldn't recall a time he ever seen his queen suffer so much and found himself already cursing this castle and those who lived within it. Gazing down at her with such love and worry, Celeborn gently tilts her chin upward so he could look into her sorrowful eyes.

"Then forgive me for ever doubting my place with you, melamin, because even in madness no such words shall ever be uttered again." It warmed his heart to know how deeply she truly loves him. Celeborn still couldn't shake the shame he felt for not remembering the face of their sweet daughter but in time he believes he'll remember Celebrian, and remember the joy of being a father.

Leaning down to claim her sweet lips, Celeborn kissed his queen in hopes of quelling the melancholy that lurks deep within their souls. He cared not for anyone who may have watched them now, all of his attention focused on the golden maiden within his arms.

[inafadingcrown]

Galadriel returned the kiss eagerly, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around him. It's been so long for her- so long since she's felt his touch and tasted his lips- and it came through in her kiss. It was an expression of over a year's worth of loneliness, of yearning, and of missing him.

A soft, contented sigh escaped her and a hand came up to rest in his silver hair. She has been waiting for this, worrying that she might never feel it again, and she would not take a second for granted.

[silvertree]

The urgency of her desire nearly overwhelmed him as the two kissed. Celeborn sensed before that he was sorely missed but now he truly knows how much he's been missed. Distance always makes the heart grow fonder and this seemed to be rather true. A faint chuckle escaped him as he gently nudged his lips against hers. Now slightly reclining from her, Celeborn glanced down at his wife with a loving smile.

"May I suggest we continue on our way, my queen?" he asked with a hint of mirth in his gaze. "If we delay now, I fear we may put on quite the show for wandering eyes."

[inafadingcrown]

"Of course." Her cheeks flushed red for an instant, as if she were just now realizing where they were. "We are not far."

Galadriel took a step back and paused a moment to compose herself before taking his hand once again. There really wasn't far to go- her room was fairly close to the staircase, after all. When they reached room 304, she simply opened the door and held it for her beloved husband.

They would walk into what is plainly a sitting room, with two doors leading to the ladies' private chambers off to each side. The room itself is an odd mix of styles, Galadriel's own tastes mingling with those of Rin, leaving a strange combination of Middle-Earth and Japan. It was a strange aesthetic, but somehow, like the pair themselves, it worked.

[silvertree]

Entering the threshold of her room, Celeborn's gaze lingered upon the foreign decor that caught his eye. He could easily spot which item belonged to whom, especially since the slight oriental flair of their living quarters seemed very unlike his wife. Still a tad shocked that Galadriel would offer not only her protection but living quarters to another, Celeborn idly strolls through the room with a hint of fascination in his gaze.

Just who is this girl who've earned his wife's love and respect? What made Rin special enough to earn a place within his queen's heart?

The Elvenlord figured that there's more to the story than Galadriel is willing yet to tell but he decides not to press the matter as if yet. Certain that he would learn to accept and cherish Rin as much as his wife does, Celeborn says nothing as he eyes their room with an unreadable gaze. "Where is she now?" he asks suddenly once he grew quite discontent with the silence.

[inafadingcrown]

She watched him take in their surroundings, that look of adoration never quite leaving her eyes.

"She is taking part in an expedition to learn more of this world. Many to whom I would introduce you are, in fact. I have gone myself on previous occasions." He was, perhaps, one of the few who would not be surprised to learn that. People have a tendency to assume that she is more fragile than she is, she's learned.

Without saying another word, she opened a small cabinet and took out a bottle of wine and two glasses. "Will you drink with me, my lord?"

[silvertree]

Of course Celeborn could feel her gaze upon him as he wandered meticulously through the living quarters. He gently tapped his fingers against a nearby table, making a soft thump as he drummed them along the polished wood. Despite everything about this room feeling slightly foreign to him, Celeborn couldn't help but feel almost the opposite as well. There's a strange sense of familiarity about this room, one that hints to the memories that the Elvenlord forgotten.

Is this how a family dwelling would look?

Not fond of the idea of sharing his wife's love with another, Celeborn was soon jolted out of his thoughts once Galadriel offered him a glass. "But of course, my lady." he answered smoothly as he reached for his glass. "I suppose a drink would be much appreciated after arriving so suddenly here." The Elvenlord muttered as he searched for a place to sit.

"I feel as if the very earth was pulled from beneath my feet."

[inafadingcrown]

Oh, Celeborn. Has she not made it clear enough that her feelings are unchanged? He has no need to worry over her love. If she knew he was thinking such things, she would have scolded and reassured him at one and the same time. As it was, she merely took her own glass and seated herself on a small couch, arranging her skirt and waiting for him to join her. She might have sat at the dining table, of course, but this was more comfortable and intimate. And, if she were honest with herself, she just wished to be nearer to him than a table between them would permit.

"I felt much the same when I first arrived. And I fear there is much we must discuss still." It's a terrible amount of information to share at once and yet she would have him properly prepared for this place.

[silvertree]

A good scolding might have helped put his thoughts in order but he's subconsciously grateful she didn't punish him for such silliness. Celeborn knows how much his wife loves him for their love is equally matched. He cherishes and worships the very ground she walks upon. He sometimes wonders why the Valar gifted him with such a lovely wife, not at all sure of what deeds he may have done in the past to be so blessed. Prior to having Galadriel in his life, Celeborn's existence was a cold and lonesome one. Since they've been married, Galadriel has brought nothing but endless warmth and joy to his heart. While of course the two would squabble from time to time but Celeborn honestly loves his golden queen.

The Elvenlord wouldn't have settled for the table at all. In truth, his desire to entwine his fingers within her golden locks heralded his desire to be close to her. Therefore the couch was more than welcomed by Celeborn. Once he sat beside her, Celeborn let his gaze fully wash over Galadriel as he studied her radiant beauty with much appreciation.

"What more needs to be said, my queen?" he asked with a hint of worry in his tone. "There is more to this tale?"

[inafadingcrown]

And she is amazed that, after all she had done and failed to do, after all her sins, the Valar had seen fit to bless her as they did. While others may look at the couple and see a Noldorin Princess who married below her rank, she will forever see the Sindarin Prince who wed an exile and kinslayer.

She smiled faintly under his appreciative gaze and ducked her head, suddenly hyper-aware of the attention after so long without it. Others had admired her, of course, but none that truly mattered.

"First I must tell you that this place is wont to change forms- both it's own and those of its captives. The former are oft referred to as "world changes." Through them, I have spent time in a human city, at sea, and in a world populated with strange creatures. The latter are termed temporary losses." She chuckled lightly. "Had you arrived earlier, you might have met me as child, my love. Such experiences are not uncommon and typically do not last longer than a week or so."

There were only a few more topics on which she needed to speak, but she fell silent first, sipping at her wine and allowing him time to ask questions if he wished to do so.

[silvertree]

A look of intrigue filtered within his owlish gaze once Galadriel spoke of these queer events. Not quite certain what to think regarding this mysterious realm, Celeborn was almost humored to state that he would've been rather tickled to meet his beloved as a young girl. Yet with all humor aside, what Galadriel spoke somewhat egged his worries even further. "Is there a point to such events?" he asked suddenly. "I hardly see any reason for such oddities to take place if only for the sake of humiliation alone."

Tentatively sipping his wine as he contemplates in silence, Celeborn's gaze suddenly found their way to his wife once more. "Tell me." he began with a hint of urgency in his tone. "Has any other oddities befallen upon you during your stay here? Things that would deem more harmful than playful?" A husband's concern always lies with his wife. While Galadriel seemed to be well for the most part, Celeborn feared what may have taken place during his absence.

[inafadingcrown]

She shook her head. "I am inclined to think there are purposes to all the schemes of this place, but none know them yet, unless the frustration of its victims somehow makes them more appealing to its palate."

Hearing the concern in his voice touched her. Only he would turn his thoughts to her welfare so soon after his own arrival, when most would still be struggling to come to terms with their new surroundings. She smiled fondly and rested her free hand on his knee.

"I have been spared, for the most part. Worry not, Melamin." She paused, a little hesitant. "But I would speak with you of what the castle has taken from me." As she spoke, she reached out with her mind, brushed it gently against his, asking permission for an intimacy she would have once assumed. She would prefer not to speak of this openly.