Translation of Elvish: Ada - father. Nana - mother. Melethronen - my lover. Calen Glad - Greenwood, elvish name of Mirkwood. Peredhel - half-elven. Anor - the sun.

Chapter 2 - Destined to Be

"Please Hal, can I go?" For the fifth time in less then two minutes, Rúmil was asking the same question. The answer remained unchanged, though. However, by now Haldir was getting angry at the tiny elfling. "I strongly advise you to cease being a nag, Rúmil. You know very well that you are still too young to attend a gathering like tonight's feast. So stop asking and get yourself to bed."

Lips pursed, Rúmil turned on his heels, almost stumbling over the hem of his new cloak and marched off. Orophin, who had witnessed the exchange in silence, now addressed the March Warden. "You could have been kinder. He simply wants to spend time with the two of us. You cannot hold this against him. When Ada and Nana went west..." Impatient, Haldir cut him short, "...we became his sole family. I know that! But that is no excuse for his behaviour. I cannot remember you acting like this. Like a spoiled child..."

"Well, if he is spoiled, we are to blame," Orophin said with a smile. "And of course Celeborn and Galadriel, who treat him like their own son..." At the mentioning of the Lady of the Wood, Orophin's eyes began to shine as if a fire had been kindled within him. Haldir just shook his head. Part of him wanted to warn his brother that his infatuation had not gone unnoticed, but another part was eager to see how Orophin was going to embarrass himself in the future.

Before he could comment on Orophin's remark, the noise of footsteps outside announced a visitor. A moment later long a radiant she-elf was standing in front of the two brothers, extending her hand towards Haldir. "You said I should pick you up for the feast, melethronen. Here I am." Anduriel was shining like a star, but there was no warmth in her gaze when it fell upon Haldir's brother. "Oh, and you are also expected, meldiramin. Galadriel's ladies appear to be in need of you..."

At hearing this, Orophin brushed past them and ran down the stairs of their family's talan. Once he was out of earshot, Haldir asked, "What do they have in mind this time? I begin to wonder if I should not enlighten him..." Slender arms wrapped themselves around his neck, drawing him in for a short kiss. "I think you should leave him be, Haldir. He himself brought this upon him."

Strong, but gentle hands cupped her face, lips brushing for just a moment. "Maybe you are right. Anyway, I think we have to..." He never finished his sentence. Anduriel had taken hold of his hand and began to drag him after her to his bedroom. "I think there is still time for this, do you not agree?" In place of an answer, Haldir spun her around, leaning in for an urgent kiss. "Yes, I thought as much..."

---

Once Anduriel had been send away, Míriel once again turned to the elf-maiden next to her. "Well, my Lady. I guess he should be here any moment now. I almost pity him; almost..." Mirth was evident in her dark blue eyes, but Celebrían did not feel like joining in the fun. True, she had been the one to plan tonight's "entertainment". However, her mind had since then become preoccupied with other, more pressing matters...

---

When she had left Thranduil in the stables, she had not returned to her rooms as had been her intend. As if in a trance her feet had led her into a small glade not far from the Royal Talan. The very glade where her mother's Mirror stood. In a dreamlike fashion she filled the basin with fresh spring water and then, when she deemed herself alone and unwatched, she motioned to look into the Mirror.

At first, she had seen naught but her own face. However, after a moment, a different image had replaced her reflection. She saw a proud warrior; long, golden hair framing his gentle face, silver eyes gazing into the distance. Suddenly a smile spread over his features, making his eyes gleam like the purest mithril. He reached out, and only now did Celebrían become aware of the second person. A maiden, her hand now lying in his, smiled at him.

The maiden was none other than Celebrían herself. And the warrior... Her hand flew to her heart. It was Thranduil. The two figures were kissing now, gently and unhurried. Why was her heart aching all of a sudden? Why did feelings she had never known claim her whole being? The kiss seemed to deepen, and, unbeknownst by the two, a soft light encompassed them. 'Sweet Elbereth...' It could not be. She had only met him. But there was no way of misunderstanding what she saw.

So fixed was her gaze on the kissing couple, that she did not see the dark shadow that had started to envelope them. Only when it had grown fingers and took hold of her image in the Mirror, only when it drew her away from Thranduil did she become aware of it. Too late... The shadow surrounded her and then it was gone, together with her, leaving Thranduil on his own. He dropped to his knees, his head buried in his hands. But when he raised his head again, his eyes had lost their sparkle and were dull. And deep within them she could see pain, and suffering, and a coldness that almost turned her heart to ice.

Another figure emerged, a young version of the King. Legolas? Yes, it could be no other but Thranduil's son. He put his hand onto his father's shoulder, and she was shocked to see Thranduil get to his feet and spin around, prying Legolas' hand from where it was resting. Thranduil turned around and walked away, and Legolas was alone. Alone to face the dark shadow that now threatened to swallow him...

With a scream, Celebrían stepped back from the Mirror. 'No, this cannot be. Please no.' But then she remembered her mother's words: "The Mirror shows many things. Things that were, things that are, and some things that may yet come to pass..." So this was only one possible future. And she set her mind to do everything in her power to make it not come true.

---

"Oh, there he is..." Míriel's voice woke her from her reverie, and, her heart beating faster, Celebrían's eyes fixed on ... Orophin. "Are you coming, my lady?" Míriel motioned for Celebrían to get up and follow her, but she only shook her head. "No, you go alone. I am sure you will manage on your own, without me..."

"As you wish." With a bow, Míriel turned to where the young Guardian was already surrounded by young girls. The plan had to be set into motion after all.

No, Celebrían would not join the fun today. She needed to see... Yes, she needed to see him. How was it possible for him to capture her heart in so short a time? Someone was approaching her from behind. 'Elbereth, let it be him.' But the voice that addressed her was not Thranduil's. "Dearest Celebrían," Elrond. It was only Elrond. "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the table?"

She knew what she had to do, her mother had told her again shortly before Elrond had arrived in Caras Galadhon. Turning to meet his eyes, she smiled and put her hand in his. "Of course, my Lord. It shall be my pleasure to do so." The self-righteous smile that appeared on the face of the Peredhel made her want to hit him, and hit him hard. Shifting her gaze away from him, it fell upon the elf who had just appeared in their midst.

Gentle silver eyes met hers, and once again her heart beat so fast that she feared it would break free from the confines of her chest. No, these eyes could never be cold, never lack this fire that seemed to burn inside of him. And now he was approaching them, eyes ever fixed upon her. She felt Elrond stiffen next to her. So the rumours were true. The Lord of Imladris despised the King of Calen Glad for some reason. Not that she minded right now.

Disregarding the half-elf, she said, "My Lord, we were just about to join the others on the high table. Will you come with us?" Thranduil's smile was warming her, touching her very soul. This warmth could never turn to freezing ice, never. The King nodded and offered her his arm. When she took it, a small voice was justifying her actions. After all, Thranduil was a guest of the Lord and Lady just like Elrond. And was it not her duty to entertain their guests? Chuckling to herself she remembered just how she had entertained Thranduil earlier that day. And as she remembered his lips upon hers, she longed to throw her arms around his neck and cover his mouth with hers...

---

Orophin's eyes seemed glued to Galadriel, oblivious of his surroundings. Oblivious, too, of the group of elf-maidens that was whispering behind his back. They were discussing tonight's little charade and congratulated the current impostor for her performance.

It had been Míriel's task to impersonate her Lady tonight. A mask covering her face, she had waited for Orophin in a secluded corner of the gardens around the Royal Talan. As always, another of Galadriel's companions had led the lovesick Guardian to "the Lady". He had knelt by her side, his head resting upon her knee. Words of love tumbled from his mouth, later accompanied by chaste kisses to the back of her hand. Míriel still could not explain what had made her cup his head in her hand and slowly lower her head to his. But the moment, the short moment their lips had met had sent sparks up and down her body. Quickly she had left the confused Orophin behind to join her friends again.

Her friends that were by now discussing who should be impersonating their Lady next time. They were laughing at Orophin as he gazed longingly at Galadriel. But for some reason, Míriel did not join them in their laughter tonight. Her fingers stole to her mouth where she could still feel the warmth of his breath, the softness of his lips.

Slowly she moved away, fighting against the urge to turn her gaze back to the young Guardian. 'Do not be a fool, Míriel. He is but a young elfling...' But in her heart she knew that was not true. It had been Orophin, not Haldir, who had been the driving power behind the brother's return to their family's talan only a few months ago. And it had been Orophin, who decided to become a Guardian at this young age. Serious Orophin, whose childhood had ended many years ago.

Something that she was not able to say about his dearest brothers. First of all there was Haldir, who had arrived with Anduriel not too long ago. He was always following his emotions and could be wilful and stubborn. And Rúmil, who drove everyone crazy by pouting because of the smallest things. However, a sulking Rúmil was so endearing that no one could ever be angry with him for a long time. It seemed that Orophin alone had inherited his parents' thoughtfulness.

What was she doing? Thinking about Orophin, Orophin the lovesick puppy! The gentle voice that suddenly filled her mind startled her. "So you finally discovered your heart, young Míriel? I am glad... Orophin is a worthy partner for you..." How was it possible that Galadriel knew everything about everyone? Somewhere at the back of her mind, a voice whispered, 'But he does not even notice me...'

Galadriel's low chuckle filled her with warmth, "Oh, but he will, my child. The kiss you bestowed upon him tonight has unsettled him. A part of him feels that I would not have done that." Elbereth, she knew! Of course she did, but was she angry? "No, Míriel. I let it happen, because I knew that good would come from it... Why do you not tell him to meet me again tomorrow afternoon? In the garden once more? But do not tell anyone else..." With that, the presence of Galadriel was gone, leaving a thoroughly disturbed Míriel behind.

---

"My Lady Celebrían? Would you do me the honour to walk with me in the garden for a while? The night is too beautiful to miss..." The feast was over, but Elrond apparently did not wish to part yet. 'No, I do not wish to go anywhere with you. However...' Smiling, she nodded, and then turned to Thranduil. "Will you join us again, my Lord?"

For one moment, Celebrían thought he would accept. But then his eyes came to rest on the Peredhel, and he shook his head, "I am afraid I have to decline your kind offer. The day has been long, and I feel I need to rest. It will not be long until Anor claims his place in the sky again..." Gently he took her hand and raised it to his lips. And then he was gone, and she was alone with Elrond.

---

"My Lord, would you mind if I were to retire? The feast must have tired me more that I believed at first..." When Elrond turned to face her, she almost forgot how to breathe. He seemed ... concerned. His blue eyes, usually so cold and distant, were warm as they met her gaze. "Of course not, my Lady. Forgive me for retaining you so long." He leaned closer and softly brushed his lips over her forehead. "Go and rest. I shall linger for a while yet."

---

Thranduil had returned to his chambers, and was now lying on the soft bedding. In his hands was a lock of soft blond hair, which he raised to his face and smelled. Sparkling water of the Forest River. The musky scent of the moss that covered the forest floor. The fragrance of little flowers from the gardens around the Caverns. 'Serinde. Forgive me...' She would understand, would even encourage him to do as his heart commanded him. His heart...

Had he ever known it could beat like this? He had only just met Celebrían, and already he felt drawn to her. 'Did you feel the same when first you saw him, dearest wife? Did you also feel the need to be with him no matter what happened?' What had kept them apart? The same elf who was now trying to gain access to Celebrían. That much was obvious. "Curse you, Elrond!" So much could be different now had the half-elf kept his mouth shut. He might still be alive...

Futile thoughts. There was no way to turn back time. Not that he wanted to do so anymore. Had he not married Serinde, he would not have Legolas, the greatest gift his wife could have given to him. His beloved son...

He barely heard the soft knock on the door, but when he did, he quickly got to his feet to answer the door. As soon as it opened, his eyes met with the deep blue ones of Celebrían. "Forgive me, my Lord, if I disturbed you, but..." Obviously she was trying hard to find the right words to express her feelings, feelings that were evident in those deep pools that seemed to drown Thranduil.

Beckoning for her to come inside, he closed the door behind her. "Did Elrond bore you so soon? Or did you simply wish to be somewhere else?" 'Flattering yourself now? Why would she wish to be here with you?' But Celebrían nodded, whispering, "I do not know why, my Lord. But I needed to..." Drawing a deep breath, she continued, "I know I must seem foolish to you. I am sorry I..." She motioned to leave, but was stopped by strong arms, wrapping themselves around her lithe body.

"My actions are improper, I know, my Lady. If you wish me to stop, one word of you and I will stay away, no matter how hard it might be." Raising her hand, she gently moved it through his golden hair. Liquid silk. She trembled in his embrace. Her other hand came to rest on his marble chest, his heart beating against her palm. So warm, so full of life.

Slowly, giving her every chance to break away, he lowered his head to hers. Jolts of fire seared through his body as soon as their lips met for the second time. However, this time she was not only returning the kiss, but deepened it. Her mouth opened under his, granting access before he even asked for it. He could not hold back a low growl when their tongues touched. Exploring the moist cave of her mouth, tasting her, caressing her. All his confusion he put into that one kiss, feeling her melt in his arms.

'Elbereth, never let him stop,' she prayed silently. She knew it was supposed to be impossible, but she could almost feel how mystified he was by both their actions. 'Just like I am...'

Lack of air finally forced them to end the kiss, and, resting her head against his shoulder, Celebrían whispered, "What are we to do now?" Unable to find an answer, Thranduil just drew her closer, holding her tightly. His chin resting on the top of her head, he murmured into her hair, "I do not know. But we shall find a way..."