The June sun set golden on the distant horizon and the people of Minas Tirith celebrated the wedding of the King Elessar and Lady Arwen Undomiel. The inns of the city were packed with soldiers and citizens toasting long life and peace upon the happy couple. Standing alone at the pinnacle of the white tower, Aragorn smiled down on the thronged streets. His friends, he knew, had organised a celebration party in the citadel for Arwen and himself. But before he went down to join them he felt he needed a few moments of quiet thought to convince himself that today had not been a dream. His greatest hopes had come true, Mordor had fallen and Arwen was his bride.
Still smiling, he turned and descended to the citadel.
* * * * *
'I mean it Gimli,' Legolas said in exasperation, 'Aragorn already knows of this party whether it is a surprise or not. He always knows.'
'Rubbish!' Snorted Gimli. 'I have kept the arrangements so far under wraps that the Valar themselves surely do not suspect. Now, go and think of some excuse to bring him here!'
'There's really no need for that.' A quiet voice said behind him.
Gimli jumped violently and glared at the grinning king. 'Aragorn! How did you get in here without anyone seeing? Rangers! They're as bad as elves sometimes, sneaking up on decent people when they least suspect!' The dwarf shot a suspicious look at Legolas, trying to work out if the Prince of Mirkwood had told Aragorn of his plan. Legolas shook his head.
'I did warn you Gimli.' He said, his voice coloured with obvious amusement.
'No matter,' Aragorn broke in. 'It will be a splendid party anyway. Shall we get a drink?'
The friends made their way to a table running down one side of the long hall that was weighted down with good food and wine.
The party was a friendly affair; with musicians playing pipes and fiddles for the guests to dance to. Candles burned brightly as the night descended on them. After some time a black and silver liveried servant called them all through to dinner. The men with dinner partners escorted their ladies to the huge feasting hall. Every food possible was laid on for the joyous marriage celebration. The friends feasted, celebrating the return of peace and those who had fallen in the war with the shadow.