Title: The History of Songs
Fandom: The Silmarillion
Rating: K
Length: 210 words
Content notes: N/A
Author notes: N/A
Summary: To little children, the world is black and white. To Celeborn, the world is nothing but gray, especially his old friends.



“Daeron was a minstrel,” Celeborn said, looking down at his grandsons. “He was the one who invented the writing system that we used, and Thingol always sent him when it was important that something be remembered.”

“But…” Elladan frowned. He glanced at his twin, who was also frowning.

“But?” Celeborn asked.

“Daeron is the one who betrayed Lúthien! Why do we have to learn about him?” Elrohir asked.

Celeborn paused and let out a breath. “He did tell Thingol. But you two must understand that not telling Elu was unthinkable to most people in Doriath. He was our king.”

“Daeron was supposed to be her friend,” Elladan said. “Friends don’t tell on friends.”

“He was her friend,” Celeborn answered. “And he was mine as well. But that isn’t important for now. Did you know that some of the songs you heard last night were written by Daeron?”

Elrohir looked ready to ask more questions, but eventually just shook his head, “No.”

"He could hardly be a completely horrible person in the world if you enjoyed his songs so much, could he?" Celeborn asked.

Elrohir and Elladan shook their heads again.

Celeborn smiled and began to talk again, leading his grandsons around the forest, while wisps of song reached their ears.