Day 15 - Tired But Happy

[grundyscribbling]

Summary: Elrond and Celebrían winding down on a beach in Alqualondë after a long day.
Bingo Number: N44
Prompts (Cards): Happiest Day of their Lives
Rating: G
Word Count: 484
Notes: My concentration is like a highly caffeinated chipmunk today - all over the place.

“It’s so strange to be looking east over Belegaer instead of west,” Celebrían observed, resting her head against her husband’s chest as they sat on the beach listening to the song of the waves and enjoyed the gentle night breeze. “I wonder if the children are still in Mithlond and looking west.”

Elrond wrapped his arms around her, and she felt rather than heard him agree with both sentiments. Not that she blamed him being tired and a bit overwhelmed.

It had been quite a day, and neither of them had really known what to expect.

“Yes, it was, wasn’t it?” Elrond murmured, leaning his head gently against hers. “Would you be terribly offended if I said this day was one of the happiest I can remember?”

She laughed softly.

She could hardly grudge him that, not when it was one of the happiest days she could remember either, with their kin so glad to have them in Valinor at last. Besides, he said ‘one of’ – she knew perfectly well which other days counted among them.

“Why should I be offended? We agree that the children’s begetting and birth days are also among the happiest. And as I recall, you spent the morning of our wedding day needing to be talked out of backing out by Erestor and Thranduil.”

 “I was not going to back out!” Elrond protested indignantly. “I was just nervous!”

“The way Gildor tells it, the only thing that stopped you running for the hills was Thranduil threatening to track you down and geld you if you did.”

“Your brother exaggerates ridiculously. I may have been slightly more nervous than most husbands to be, but I think I had good reason. Besides, how would he even know? He was helping you get ready!”

“You argue it with him,” Celebrian chuckled. “You showed up to say your vows, so I’m not very fussed about it at this late date.”

“Thranduil may take the credit, but really it was Erestor whose good counsel saved the day,” Elrond huffed.

“Oh?” Celebrían asked curiously. “What pearl of wisdom did he offer?”

“He pointed out that only a fool would leave the most beautiful lady in Ennor waiting for him any longer than I already had,” Elrond admitted. “Then added a few choice words about how remarkable it was I’d found anyone who could put up with my many and manifold annoying habits, let alone someone so charming, and I shouldn’t count on finding a second such creature in all Arda, not even in Aman. In short, I had best get out there and get married as planned.”

Celebrian couldn’t help the peal of laughter.

“Remind me to thank him tomorrow!” she burbled. “To think, I’ve owed Erestor my happiness all these years and never known it.”

Elrond dropped a kiss on her head.

“He’ll be pleased to hear someone other than me appreciates his efforts.”