Our capes billowing freely in the wind, my family and I were as one group, arriving closer to the Two Trees. The sight of Laurelin's illumination became clearer with every step of our horses' hooves.

Elves of all kinds- Noldor, Teleri, and Vanyarin- mingled directly underneath the golden glow and on the grassy Mound of Ezellohar. As expected, a few of the Valar and their Maiar were there to enjoy themselves as well. Like the rest of us, most were to stay from the rest of the day to the end of Telperion's next period in bloom. Yavanna and her sister, Vána, could easily be spotted in the midst of the crowd. That also went for Oromë and Nessa. The four Valar most acquainted with the earth consistently took great delight in attending the Celebration of the Two Trees.

When we began to reach those who stood farthest from the light, it did not take long for the attention to turn to us. They— mainly our own people— gave us nods that held their utmost reverence. Blithe greetings were called out by unidentified individuals. This was no different from our first appearances at any other festival. We took time to acknowledge them with returning nods before dismounting our horses. We then guided them to a group of trees, where the animals would be kindly tended to under the comforting shade.

Atar surveyed the inviting scene before us, an observing glint in his sharp eyes. "Let us smile at these men and women, for we will share active discussions with them soon," he announced.

Amil linked her arm in his. "Should Fíneon be the first we greet?" Fíneon was one of the gem-smiths Atar got to know very well during the years of when he took lessons from my grandfather, Mahtan. As for Amil, she knew him for most of her life.

"Yes... it has been a while since we've last seen him." He looked to his sons. "Would any of you care to join us?"

"We will come!" the Ambarussa volunteered in unison. They took each others' hands and Pityo held onto Amil's right hand.

"I as well," Curvo walked up alongside Atar. At the last gathering of the Noldor, Curvo and Fíneon had an elaborate discussion about how the latter learned how to craft challenging works that Curvo was still too young to learn. I had no doubt he was ever eager to hear more of Fíneon's stories and wise advice.

I was left with Káno, Tyelko and Moryo. "We will see the rest of you again in due time," Atar said as a phrase of farewell. After Amil gave us a final smile that sparkled with mirth, the four of them walked away to blend in with the colourful sea of bodies. Looking around, I saw many familiar faces we had yet to greet, whether they be family or friends.

But there was one other whom I did not see. If I could talk to Lilótëa again, away from eyes that may question my actions, this intense desire to know her better would be calmed to an extent.

I gestured towards the crowd. "Shall we follow in our parents' lead, my brothers?"

"I can think of no reason not to," answered Káno.

Tyelko beamed and held Huan close to his side. The large hound was permitted to walk free during the event, under his master's watch. "Then let us be off!"

Moryo remained silent for a moment, until he finally declared, "I currently prefer to be under the watch of the forest." He turned to leave. "And that is exactly what I will—"

"Oh no, do not be so hasty to retreat," Tyelko pulled him back. "We are the Fëanorians, and you are the fourth son! The image is not complete without you."

The dark-haired Elf rolled his eyes in defeat. "I suppose I cannot get away while you insist on my staying."

Káno clapped his shoulder light-heartedly. "Now there's a well-behaving Carnistir!"

The sound of voices- child and adult, musical and serious- began to fill our ears. Occasionally we had to make twists and turns around the crowds, but overall, everyone was spread out nicely to result in suitable walking space.

I felt a light but gripping touch on my shoulder. When I turned, my eldest cousin faced me. A broad smile graced his features. Finno's braided hair was adorned with golden ribbons— a style he had favored since he was about twenty years old. "Nelyo, there you are!" he said.

Turvo came up beside him, holding Iríssë in his arms. "We were here since the very beginning! Our little sister begged to see the last of Telperion fade away and Laurelin begin to shine."

Iríssë bobbed her head in response. "It was worth waking early in the morning! Watching the Trees up close makes a real difference."

I chuckled at the child's ever-present cheerfulness. "I am so glad to hear, dearest cousin."

Tyelko gently lifted her chin up so they could make eye contact. "How do you feel about exploring the forest later on in the day?"

She nodded eagerly at the suggestion. "Yes, yes! Can we, Finno?"

"Certainly, little one. Times like these will always allow us to bond with the cousins we don't see often enough."

It was true— because of the strife between our fathers, they were not always willing to arrange casual visits for their children to make new memories together. In my opinion, seeing Finno, Turvo, and Iríssë was one of the best things about these gatherings.

A young boy, who must have been in service to Nolofinwë's House, approached our group. "Master Findekáno, the Prince Nolofinwë requests you and your siblings to be in his presence. He is speaking with your former history tutor."

"Of course. Lead us to them, Nethano."

The talk was brief, but when it came to festivals, brief talks were not unusual for the Higher Elves to experience. As Finno and Turvo began to leave, I made sure to give them a grin that promised we would meet again. They returned the grins. Iríssë lifted her hand up, taking her part to bid us farewell for the time being.

Not long after, Huan bolted across the grass before Tyelko could make any move to stop him. He met up with one of Tyelko's fellow hunters, begging to be petted and scratched behind the ears.

"It appears Huan cannot wait any longer to interact with everyone else," Tyelko said. When his friend called to him in a jesting manner to keep his dog under control, he went to join them. Moryo began to stray from us as well. To my surprise, he was willing to go with Tyelko and Huan on their journey of meeting as many new people as possible.

And so Káno and I remained. We did not miss the shared meaning in our knowing looks. "Are you ready for your quest to begin?" my brother asked.

My lips broke into a smile. "You know I have been ready since the night I told you about her." While scanning the area in all directions, my feet urged me to take the first step on the search. Without any regrets, I gave in to them.

* * *

During our wandering, we met with our many family members, but not with the familiar face I hoped to see.

We met with Grandfather Finwë and Indis first. As King and Queen of the Noldor, their regal figures were two of the most prominent Elves. Uncle Arafinwë and Aunt Eärwen were situated not far off from them, talking with our ever-glowing aunts Findis and Irímë. The rest of our cousins were found in various areas of the land. Arakáno, the youngest of our cousins, was being held by Aunt Anairë. Arafinwë's children were like my brothers and myself— they stayed with one or two siblings and went their own ways to enjoy the event.

Out of all the Elves I saw, there was not a single individual who failed to look splendid in their clothes. It only made me want to see Lilótëa's attire all the more— if she, that is, decided to come. But fortunately, there was still time. Laurelin's shine had reached its zenith— she was in no way required to attend from the start to the very end.

I and Káno stood together, sipping from goblets filled with a complimentary wine handed out by the Maiar. Since we arrived at the slope of Ezellohar, I kept my eye on Turvo and a golden-haired maiden, who were conversing with each other. At my initial glance, I thought she was the maiden I so desperately searched for, but the multitude of words that freely spilled from her mouth told me otherwise. Not only that, but by taking a closer observation, it was clear she was not Lilótëa. She looked about the same age as Turvo. Her eyes, unlike Lilótëa's, were not light green. Instead, they exhibited a stunning sky blue.

In the middle of their conversation, Turvo happened to turn his head towards us. He kindly offered his arm to her and she took it. They approached Káno and I, their faces holding restrained eagerness and delight.

"Here are my two eldest cousins, Princes Nelyafinwë Maitimo and Kanafinwë Macalaurë. Cousins, let me present to you Elenwë, daughter of Milyon and Atheanís. As of today, I believe she is a new friend of mine."

The maiden curtsied in her white and gold dress. "It is an honour to meet you both, my Lords."

Atheanís... could her name be connected to Lilótëa's mother name, Athyariel?*

"Likewise Elenwë, daughter of Milyon and Atheanís," Káno answered with a bow.

I followed in his lead, feeling almost foolish for not bowing immediately. Normally, I would have no problem with such a simple act. Thinking of seeing Lilótëa in Elenwë's place had begun to take its effect on me. Wondering about the similar names did not help either.

I tried to recover myself by saying, "I see you are getting along fine with Turukáno."

"Well, I could not bear to see him so alone after he parted ways with his siblings," Elenwë said with an innocent lift of her shoulders. "The Princess Iríssë certainly knows how to make Findekáno ready for a good sleep."

"Oh yes," Turvo agreed. "My sister may still be small, but she is a quick runner for her age. I'm sure by now she's challenging Tyelkormo's speed in a chase through the forest."

As if Káno read my mind, he asked, "Do you have any siblings, Elenwë?"

"I do, my Lord. She is of older age than I. Our family calls her by the name Lilótëa."

My breath caught in my throat. The small voices whispering to me of a possible relation had been proved right.

Elenwë looked at the people below us, who stood on flatter ground. After studying them, she eyed those who walked up or down Ezellohar's slopes. "Oh, I see them!" To our left, she gestured to a group of three fair-haired Elves. "That is my family."

Indeed, my eyes did not deceive me a second time. Lilótëa, the Timid Maiden of Grace, walked in between her parents like an elegant princess. My surroundings seemed to freeze and go utterly silent as I tried my best to make eye contact with her, even though we were a fair distance apart. At that moment, nothing mattered except to see those green orbs give me a sign that she knew I was there.

And I got my wish. When the wind picked up and I thought of her dance on the field, she found me— a prince lost in her lovely gaze.

After she disappeared from my view, I liked to imagine that the faint, optimistic gleam in her eyes was communicating the words I wanted to hear out loud.

I remember you, Nelyo. Let us not meet again in public, but a place where we will feel most comfortable.

* * *

I'd like to say thank you to everyone reading this- much love to all of you from me! Sorry the update took forever- this one needed lots of thinking and planning.

Wrong chapter to ask this, and I don't know how obvious it is, but does anyone have an idea of which two Elves were my inspiration for the first meeting of Maedhros and Lilótëa? It's probably not that hard, I think ;D

*Athyariel= daughter of helpful one
Atheanís= helpful woman