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]

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.

[silvertree]

That's certainly a theory that Celeborn could understand. Yet he doesn't desire to be more delectable to Paradisa's odd palate. To be frank, he hopes to become disagreeable enough to be released from this odd den of pleasurable delights. However as Galadriel's prolonged stay here proves, the Elvenlord already realizes he won't be escaping anytime soon. A thought that truly doesn't sit well with the wise elf.

Her sweet smile lifted his dark spirit somewhat, causing Celeborn to find some peace here in this wretched castle. Now clasping her hand within his, the Elvenlord gently stroke his thumb across her slim knuckles as he welcomed her deep within his mind. Many would suspect that being wed to a "witch" would prove to be quite daunting yet for Celeborn but it's quite the opposite. His dearest wife hardly ever pokes within his mind without his consent. The two made it clear eons ago that she would never abuse her powers for the sake of her own amusement. An oath that Galadriel honestly held up to this day. This is why he didn't turn her away when she dared to connect their thoughts together. In fact, he welcomed her to do so.

"Speak as you see fit."

[inafadingcrown]

She respects him far too much to ever take such liberties with his mind. As much joy as she takes in being close to him, in this way and in others, she understands the importance of privacy. Now, however, she's more concerned with sharing her own thoughts than in examining his.

And what she wanted to share should become readily apparent. She drew his attention to her hands, utterly bare except for her wedding band, and then she spoke, though in his mind, rather than out loud.

"This place has taken Nenya, my king- that which I have sworn to hold in safety."

It's not entirely rational, she knows, but she can't shake the feeling that she has failed in her obligations. Along with her words, Celeborn may have sensed shame, anger, and frustration. There's so much she could have done to protect the people here if she were at her full power. And for this place to have such a power- somehow she feels like it's her fault, as if she could have- should have- protected it somehow.

[silvertree]

A sense of dread washed over Celeborn as he stared at his wife's hand. There was once a time when his queen only wore one ring but since then, Galabriel always donned two. Neither rings she would needlessly abandon for one showed the unification of their eternal commitment, while the other signified the protection and preservation of their people. Crafted out of the white stone of mithril, Nenya once sat proudly upon his beloved's finger as a testament of her will. Now that Galadriel's hand was bare except for her wedding band, Celeborn realized quickly that the loss of Nenya spoke of uncertain doom for their people.

Trying to soothe his queen with positive thoughts, Celeborn suddenly leaned forth and kissed her gently upon her lips. He didn't need to hear her thoughts to know how she felt. Galadriel has always upheld her duties when others would've faltered. She did all that she could to prevent their people from suffering at the hands of evil and even now thinks more of others than she does of herself.

To think that Nenya has been stolen from her grasp truly upsets him. "How dare they," he would have said if he had known who taken it. However without any clue as to where the Ring of Adamant could be, there's very little they could do. Much like his faded memories of a child he once cherished more than life itself, the two were doomed to suffer. Gently brushing her golden curls out of her face, Celeborn gazed at her with not an ounce of disappointment in his eyes.

"My lady, do not blame yourself."

[inafadingcrown]

"I know I should not and yet..." It was a difficult thing for her to move past, this feeling of responsibility. He helped, certainly. That sudden kiss and the brush of his hand did more to soothe her soul than a thousand words from another might have done.

"You alone know of this. I have told no other." This knowledge was too dangerous and she had taken oaths regarding the secrecy of the Three. A change in location did not absolve her of them. She had kept this burden to herself.

[silvertree]

Still gently caressing her hand within his, Celeborn reclined a little more against the couch and listened as she spoke. He could understand the shame she felt especially since he would've felt the same. However, Celeborn simply doesn't want his wife to feel as if she's a failure. He knew that consoling her with pretty words and gentle caresses alone wouldn't be enough to erase her shame.

"Then this knowledge I shall most certainly keep to myself." he replied in honesty. "It shall be our silence that will protect us from the evil that still lurks. Until Nenya is found, we must remain silent."

[inafadingcrown]

"I did not doubt you would, my love." Still, she breathed a sigh of relief. A burden shared is a burden halved, they say, and she was now reminded of the wisdom in the proverb.

Without saying another word, she set her wine glass on a nearby table and leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. There is more she could ask- and she probably should. She should ask of home, of how much he has seen and the state of the war. But that would be for her benefit and not his. It will wait. For the moment, she was content to set the queen aside and play the wife- to let the Lady rest and be simply Galadriel.

[silvertree]

Instinctively wrapping his free arm around her waist once she drew near, Celeborn fined his glass of wine then placed it upon the opposite table. He then wrapped his other arm around his wife completely enveloping her within his arms. The time for formality has passed between them leaving them the luxury of simply being husband and wife. Celeborn honestly couldn't imagine being separated from his beloved for a year. Just that thought alone saddens him greatly. While he's honestly amazed by how much Galadriel has endured in the last year or so, Celeborn couldn't help but blame himself for it.

She is his wife after all. It's his duty to want to protect her for as long as he lives.

Gently running his fingers through her long golden tendrils, Celeborn closed his eyes and hummed softly within her ears. He could hold her like this for hours and in truth he has done so before. The Elvenlord always felt grateful whenever his beautiful wife sought his attention. He felt honored to comfort the Ñoldor Princess in her time of need.

[inafadingcrown]

There are few things she enjoys more than the feeling of him running his fingers through her hair- and he's one of the few she would allow to do so. Her eyes closed in turn and she sighed softly, practically melting into his arms, all her defensive walls coming down.

"I should not be glad to see you trapped here." She murmured. "But I have missed you so."

[silvertree]

It did him so much joy to hear such contentment in her tone. For one too many days Galadriel has gone without Celeborn's gentle embrace and he plans to rectify that injustice here and now. He bows his head forward so he could brush his lips against her forehead as his hand travels down her back in a slow and languid pace.

"I would be joyous nonetheless if we were to united again after so much time, a'maelamin." he replied honestly as he caresses her with such loving endearment.

[inafadingcrown]

Galadriel shivered, keenly aware of each touch as he ran his fingers down her spine and of what he was suggesting. It had been long and it seemed as if she felt each of his tender caresses tenfold. Her own hands wandered slowly and appreciatively over his chest, eventually coming to rest at his waist.

"My love," She whispered between soft, lingering kisses to his jawline, "come to my bedchamber- our bedchamber."

[silvertree]

Now how could he possibly refuse such a thrilling offer? Despite being married to his beautiful wife for ages now, Celeborn cannot help but easily succumb to her womanly charms. She is quite a feast for the sore eyes after all. Trying in vain to conceal his excitement, Celeborn nods in consent as he quickly scoops Galadriel up into his arms.

"Our bedchambers?" he repeated with a hint of amusement in his tone. "I suppose I have no need for the lodgings given to me. Yet, this surprises me not." Now rising from the couch with his Elven Queen held carefully within his strong arms, Celeborn glanced towards the nearest room in hopes of it being their new bedroom.

"I assume this is where we mean to be."

[inafadingcrown]

She laughed when he picked her up and held her, both startled and delighted by the sudden action. After so long together, he still somehow managed to catch her off guard from time to time and she adored it.

"You are as wise as ever, my husband." She circled her arms about him, more playfully than for any attempt at support. Galadriel trusts Celeborn completely and unquestioningly; she would place her life in his hands without hesitation. Having him carry her is no cause for concern at all.