Chapter 21

The waters of Nargothrond still sang, and the sunbeams filtered through the holes in the rock, casting flowing specks of gold across the intricately carved halls. However, the alarm bells in Finrod Felagund's heart had already sounded silently to the highest point when he learned that Curufin and Celegorm had arrived together.

Maglor had not come personally, but instead dispatched his two most capable and feared brothers. This in itself was a strong signal that he had not given up on Meereen, even resorting to more direct and potentially conflicting means. A cold glint flickered in the depths of Finrod's golden eyes. He immediately ordered increased security around the secluded guesthouses near the Water Gardens, Meereen's abode, and strictly restricted any access to that area by Fëanorion. He also summoned his trusted associates and ordered them to keep a constant watch on Meereen's movements, ensuring he remained within safe sight.

When Curufin and Celegorm, led by the elf guards of Nargothrond, entered Finrod's reception hall, which was decorated with mother-of-pearl and flowing water reliefs, they were greeted by Finrod's impeccable kingly demeanor and appropriate etiquette.

"Curufin, Celegorm, you have come a long way and welcome to the gates of Nargothrond." Finrod's voice was as gentle as the flowing water of the River Narog, and there was a sincere yet distant smile on his face. "Is the war in the north going well? The mist in the Valley of Shadows was cleared thanks to your bravery." He never mentioned Meereen, only talked about business and greetings.

Curufin bowed gracefully in return, his gray-blue eyes, like deep pools, scanning the hall calmly, as if assessing something. "Thank you for your hospitality, Finrod. The victory in Shadowgorge was the result of the combined efforts of the coalition. We come here, firstly, to extend greetings on behalf of Brother Maedhros, and secondly…" He smiled faintly, the smile not reaching his eyes. "I heard that you have a special guest here, Meereen, the Keeper of South Elmoth Forest? Brother Maglor admires him greatly and regrets not being able to come in person, so he sent us to convey his regards."

Celegorm stood aside with his usual arrogance and impatience, and only nodded slightly as a greeting. His eyes scanned the hall sharply, and he obviously had no interest in polite words.

Finrod kept smiling, as if he had just heard an ordinary piece of news: "Oh? Meereen is indeed a guest here. The boy has traveled a long way and just experienced the fierce battle in the Canyon of Shadows, so he is recuperating. He likes quietness by nature, so I specially arranged for him to recuperate by the water garden so as not to disturb him too much. When he is in better spirits, he may have a chance to meet you two." He skillfully changed the subject and hinted that Meereen needed to recuperate and was not suitable for receiving guests.

Celegorm's brows knitted together, a trace of anger creeping up his face. Being so defensive against them for a human? It was an insult to their brothers! He was about to speak, but was stopped by Curufin's subtle look.

Curufin still maintained his impeccable composure: "Of course, recovery is important. We understand. But we must convey Brother Maglor's regards. Could someone convey them to us?" He tried to be roundabout.

"Leave it to me." Finrod took over the conversation gently but firmly, "I will personally convey Maglor's greetings to Meereen. You two have come a long way, and I have prepared comfortable rooms and a welcoming banquet for you. Please be sure to come." He cleverly took the responsibility of "conveyance" on himself, completely blocking Curufin's way to contact Meereen.

For the next few days, Finrod entertained these two unexpected guests with great fanfare. They were treated to sumptuous banquets, exquisite gifts, and tours led by learned men from Nargothrond. His schedule was packed, but there was no chance for him to meet Meereen. No matter how Curufin tried to insinuate himself, Finrod could always subtly change the subject, or excuse himself by saying Meereen needed to "study ancient books" or "organize forest notes."

What made things even more difficult for Curufin and Celegorm was that after Meereen learned of their brothers' arrival, it seemed that they were also trying their best to avoid them.

Due to Finrod's deliberate isolation and Meereen's own wishes, Curufin and Celegorm arrived in Nargothrond for several days without even seeing Meereen. Meereen's activities were strictly restricted to the "safe zone" designated by Finrod: his residence, Finrod's library, and a specific garden path that was heavily guarded. Upon learning of the brothers' arrival, Meereen himself instinctively felt a strong sense of rejection.

Celegorm's unabashedly aggressive, possessive gaze made him feel extremely uncomfortable. And Curufin's gaze, seemingly gentle but actually cold, scrutinizing and calculating, always reminded Meereen of Eol. That same gloomy gaze, as if to dissect a person from body to soul, sent a chill down his spine, and he wanted only to flee. Therefore, he willingly complied with Finrod's arrangements, rarely leaving the house. Even when he occasionally went for a walk accompanied by his guards, he studiously avoided areas where the Fëanorion brothers might be.

"Finrod!" Celegorm finally couldn't suppress his anger in the gorgeous guest room arranged for them, and slammed his fist on the pearl-inlaid table. "What does he take us to be? Prisoners? Or enemies that need to be guarded against? He treats us so badly for a lowly human!" He paced back and forth irritably, his golden hair like an angry lion's mane.

Curufin sat by the window, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest. His expression darkened, but he was much calmer than Celegorm. "Calm down, Celegorm. Anger won't solve the problem." His gray-blue eyes gazed out at the Narog River flowing through the window. "That Finrod prepared so thoroughly and quickly against us couldn't be accidental. Someone must have informed him of something beforehand."

"Glorfindel!" Celegorm gnashed his teeth. "Who else could it be but that officious Lord of the Golden Flower? He must have sent the warning from the ravine!"

"Indeed." Curufin's lips curled up in a cold arc. "He must have said something in the letter that was unfavorable to us, especially Maglor, and Finrod believed it, so he treated it as a formidable enemy." He stood up and walked to Celegorm's side. His voice was low and persuasive, "But Finrod is the ruler of a country. He can't keep that little forest keeper locked in a cage like a canary, watching him all the time. He always has things to deal with, and there will always be times when he makes mistakes. Nargothrond, however beautiful, is only a city. Be patient, brother, opportunities will always appear."

Celegorm snorted heavily, but the fury in his eyes subsided slightly, transforming into a more dangerous, hunting focus. He understood what Curufin meant: a powerful dragon cannot overpower a local snake, but local snakes always take a nap.