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Through the forest glades, the sunlight filtered softly, birdsongs echoed merrily, and fluffy clouds graced the blue skies like cotton candy. Leaves still glistened with dew drops, and the warm breeze was gentle and comforting.
Lúthien rode upon Huan’s back, her laughter ringing like bells as she plucked flowers from the overhanging branches. She adorned Huan with yellow orchids that complemented his pale, thick fur, enhancing his majestic presence.
"I am glad his company brings some solace to your tears," Celegorm said gently.
Celegorm and Curufin rode their horses side by side, the cadenced clopping of hooves blended harmoniously with the forest music.
Celegorm glanced back repeatedly, his eyes drawn to Lúthien's otherworldly beauty. Her dark hair cascaded like a waterfall, and her eyes sparkled with the light of stars; undoubtedly the most beautiful of Ilúvatar's children.
Curufin watched his brother's frequent glances with a guarded silence.
A bee buzzed out from the posy Lúthien held, startling her. She gasped, almost losing her balance, but Huan's careful movements steadied her.
“Do not fear,” Celegorm comforted her with a smile. “She praises your beauty and pleads you to weep no more.”
Lúthien's eyes widened in wonder: "Can you truly speak with them?”
"It is one of my gifts," Celegorm replied lightly. “They tell me all sorts of things.”
Curufin rolled his eyes in disdain observing the exchange. He clenched the reins tighter until his knuckles whitened. His unusual silence reflected his inner displeasure.
“You want her.” Curufin stated, his voice low and direct, almost accusatory.
"Certainly," Celegorm shrugged. “Who would not?”
"I would not.” Curufin's countenance slowly turned into a frown.
"Whatever," Celegorm chuckled. “You are married anyway.”
Curufin's frown deepened, and he spoke no further.
Moments earlier, Lúthien had encountered the Noldorin princes by chance and desperately pleaded for their aid. Through tears, she revealed herself as the princess of Doriath and confessed she had escaped her realm to save her beloved Beren, imprisoned in Sauron’s lair.
Celegorm had been poised to condemn Beren and Finrod as scornful thieves seeking his father’s Silmaril, but Curufin immediately intervened.
“We are sorry to hear that,” he interrupted Celegorm's words, speaking softly to Lúthien, "Tell us more about this Beren of yours and his quest," he cast a sharp glance at Celegorm, urging him to follow suit.
Celegorm, catching his younger brother’s intent, also feigned ignorance. He knew Curufin always acted with purpose.
Indeed.
A prospect occurred for Curufin: With Finrod imprisoned in Tol Sirion, Nargothrond's crown lay vulnerable, and with the princess of Doriath within their grasp, they could force Thingol’s compliance.
He and his brother would become the mightiest of the Noldor. All Elf-kingdoms would bow to the House of Fëanor, the most established and glorious Noldor House.
Curufin's lips curled into a mischievous smile as he leaned closer.
"I know that smile," Celegorm grinned. "What are you plotting?"
“Since you want her," he said with a hint of malice "I shall give her to you,”
Celegorm's curiosity was piqued. “How?”
“Listen carefully and relay to her exactly what I say…”
And so, the princess and the two princes walked a path of flowers through the enchanted forest. A radiant rainbow arched across the sky, hummingbirds flitted playfully around them, Huan trotted gracefully with orchids in his fur, and everything seemed perfect.