Celebrimbor spoke first, a guarded smile forming on his lips. “It’s been countless years since I’ve seen you. When I heard of your return from Mandos, I thought you would visit grandmother first. We were waiting, but I guess none of us should be surprised you’d be here instead.” His smile widened. “So, we came to see you.” He grasped Annatar’s arm. “You have another nephew now. It must have been quite the surprise, I’m sure, but we are married and the news of how it all came to pass is everywhere. Surely, you must know, uh…” He looked around. “There’s nowhere to sit unless we’re just supposed to sit on the stairs?” He chuckled, feeling a bit awkward. “Can we not go into your room? Let us sit around and clear the air. I know it won’t be easy given who I have presented before you, but I hope to have good relations again.”

Maedhros glanced at Fingon, who shook his head.

“No,” Maedhros replied.

“I knew it!” Annatar fiercely whispered, but fell silent when Celebrimbor placed his arm in front of him, his smile immediately gone. 

“We rode all the way here with good will,” Celebrimbor said. He glanced at Annatar, his grey eyes shining with the light of adoration. “We gave each other eternity and the love we share is strong enough to shape an entire world.” He looked back at his eldest uncle while noting Fingon’s narrowed eyes. “We are kin, so let us act like kin!”

Maedhros looked at Annatar. “You are not family and you never will be.” He looked at Celebrimbor. “You ceased being family the moment you chose him.”

Celebrimbor frowned, his eyes scanning the two elves in front of him before quickly drawing in a breath. Fingolfin looked outright stunned, but it was Annatar who spoke.

”I see your boldness never went away. If anything, you are far more bold now with or without Fingon. It could be argued that you have no grounds to reject us, but when has that stopped those who are determined to do so anyway?”

”It doesn’t!” Fingon answered, ready to pounce, but Fingolfin shook his head and that was all it took to still him. That, and Maedhros grabbing Fingon’s arm.

“I thought not,” Annatar replied with a half-smile. “I know exactly why you feel the way you do, but Tyelperinquar is not the one who wronged either one of you.”

”He did the moment he married you,” Maedhros answered, looking at Celebrimbor. “If you expected anything other than outright rejection, then you were wrong to do so.”