Ye Gods, this one came out of left field. It's an idea I've been toying with for some time, but the ending came totally from my muses, no control over it myself whatsoever. Hope you like it; whoever reviews gets an inflatable sword! Not much good if you're fighting, say, the King of the Wraiths, but hey, it's great for home deco!
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Bleak Happiness
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Esperanza Fuega
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I stare at the mirror, forcing a smile upon my lips. Would it not be grand if he should walk in now, and whisk me away? That would never happen, not even in his lifetime. For his sanity and my madness, I am marrying another. The thought burns me like scalding bathwater an inexperienced maid has drawn, fire over my body, blanketing my mind in pain as I slip into it. I think not that I have loved Aragorn, nor that I will be happy in this marriage to Faramir. Aye, I said yes to him, aye, today is our wedding day, for I shall not be forsworn, but it is the Elf who has stolen my heart and broken it cruelly, the Elf whom I love like no mortal.
The handmaidens have finished putting me in this white gown, tightening the laces here, brushing back the expensive cloth there, and other miniscule little things. One of the younger ones lets loose with an 'ooh' of admiration, and is quickly stopped by the others. Giggles break out, unnaturally loud in the stillness of the dressing suite.
Two handmaidens start on my hair, swirling it and pinning the blonde mass to make softly falling curls. Joyous, I think, now I'll look like the proper lady he loves. One of the maidens finds a dagger that I thought I had carefully concealed. With a smile, she looks at me, gesturing to the weapon's sharp blade, and does not remove it. Warmth fills my heart, and I return the semblance of good will. Perhaps the long years here will not be so unkind to me.
"Lady, you should be smiling!" One of the attendants chastises me such, and I shake my head.
"Nerves," I hear myself say; is that my voice, so calm? "I'll be fine once this is all over with." They nod, satisfied with my answer, and go back to their jobs. This has a bright spot for me, it allows myself to mull over my situation.
I find it not amusing nor heartening to mull thus, and instead spend my times daydreaming about Legolas Greenleaf. Aie!, last night, when he swore to me that he would see me married to Faramir than allow him to break my heart was bittersweet, for I saw the tears in his eyes, Gods, they were fairer than anything on Middle-Earth, and I heard the break in his voice which he sought to cover.
They have finished dressing me. There are no further excuses. I shall walk down an aisle toward a man I do not feel any love towards, and I shall set my broken heart amend someday.
Father and Mother, dead now many years, turn your heads from me this day, for I do not want you to see your little Shield-maiden like this. It would grieve you as it grieves me. Mother, dearest Mother, do not forget me, and Father, beloved man, promise to teach me your wisdom when I see you next.
Tonight, we will meet again, beloved family and I.