Seasons

“You should not have fear, Princess, for we are your allies, always faithful and willing to assist you,” Celegorm announced ceremoniously, while his eyes swept approvingly along the slender figure of the elleth that stood unmoving. Without a single word, he praised her beauty with a charming smile. Having given his steed a slight nudge, Celegorm directed the horse to stop only a few feet in front of her. “Lúthien the fairest,” he whispered. “Be our most welcome guest.”

Lightly, she smiled, but the smile might have as well been only a brief glimmer of sunlight that graced her face, as if kissing her lips of the color of cherries. What would he give up to be that ray of sunshine now? He mused as he inclined his head in a deep bow, and then extended his arm welcomingly, but Lúthien stood still.

She did not believe his sweetened speech, that much was clear to him.

No one said it would be easy, he thought, yet his expression did not show his true feelings, for in this moment Celegorm wished his heart had not been beating so loud. He desperately wanted it to slow down and grow quiet, because it only proved his intentions. Clearly.

“Lúthien,” he exclaimed in a loud voice. “Accept our helping hand, for we are the ones willing to aid you. Please.”

Her eyes remained wary.

To his happiness, her fingers slipped into his palm as she approached his horse and let him lift her body to place her behind him.

“I cannot offer you and your brother much in return,” she replied in the most musical voice he had ever heard. “Truth be told, nothing but my everlasting thanks.”

“My Lady,” Celegorm murmured softly, “you have already given me more than I might have expected.”