The Final Chapter to Love at First Shot! Enjoy!
Chapter X
The rays of the morning sun sprayed across the kingdom giving Mirkwood its breath-taking aurora. Aeroniel smiled taking the refreshing air into her lungs. She looked down from her balcony and saw common Silvan elves walking around the palace also admiring the beautiful weather the Valars have given them today.
"You seem to be doing well." Eroborn called from behind her. Startled, Aeroniel turned around but then laughed when she saw it was only her father.
"The Valars have blessed me." She responded a smile spreading across her lips. It was refreshing to see her father smile after all the chaos that has erupted. "How is mother?" She asked nervously, biting her lip. She could only imagine how devastated her mother is at this moment wondering if she is still alive or not.
Eroborn chuckled, "She is better now. I have sent word for her that you are up on your feet." Her father walked up to her gently holding her face with his two hands. Aeroniel smiled and placed her palm over one of his hands.
"My daughter, you are so strong… I cannot tell you how proud I am of you." Eroborn said quietly. Tears began to swell in his eyes.
"Ada…" Aeroniel mumbled looked down at her feet. She has never seen her father show so much emotion towards her. She couldn't say she didn't enjoy though. She loved every second of it.
A knock came from the doors. One of the realm's guards walked in slightly bowing to the two elves.
Eroborn pulled himself together. "Is something wrong?" He asked the guard. The guard looked up.
"The king has asked to see you. He apologizes for interrupting-"
The warrior lifted his palm. "Nay it is fine. The king asks for my presence, I will be there shortly." He turned to look at his daughter. "I will be back soon." Aeroniel bowed her head as her father turned around walking out of the room with the guard following him. Another knock emerged from her door.
"Come in." The she-elf said she was distracted by the realm's beauty, still looking out from the balcony.
"Missed me?" A familiar, sarcastic voice called. The she-elf looked up and smiled brightly at her old friend.
"Napolde!" She rushed over, embracing her. Napolde hugged her back, her cheek smashed against Aeroniel's.
"Lle ie ethiel mellon…" (I am glad you are well friend…) She whispered in her ear. She pulled back looking at her face with all seriousness. "I thought you left me… for good that day…"
Aeroniel smiled at her, cupping her cheek. "I'm not leaving anytime soon."
"My King." Eroborn walked into the court, bending on one knee in front of the king. Thranduil smiled and nodded. Eroborn got up and walked up the steps of the throne.
"I understand you are my guardian, part of the King's Guard. However I need to ask you to do one last important task for me." Thranduil started. He picked at one of the arms of the throne, contemplating how to tell his friend. The guardian looked at his face, trying to figure out what was so important.
"I will do anything you task me, my king." Eroborn said bowing his head.
"Lord Elrond has called a meeting in Rivendell. I wish for you to accompany Legolas, as he is the heir to Mirkwood. Please protect him from any dangers that comes in your journey."
Eroborn looked up, shocked. "I will do everything in my stead to protect the prince my king. But I cannot represent you at such a meeting…" Meetings placed by high lords usually involved princes and kings. Even though King's right hands were obliged to come, none were ever asked to represent the king himself.
"I am not asking you to represent the king of Mirkwood Eroborn. I am asking you as my most loyal and trustworthy friend to represent just an old friend. You are my Right Hand and I know you will help advise the prince if there are choices to make at this meeting. Please, it is all I ask for you to do." The king got up, and placed his hand on the warrior's shoulder.
Eroborn nodded, taking his offer. "Yes my king. I would be honored to represent you."
"Have you visited Lady Aeroniel today?" One of the realm's guards asked the prince. Legolas kept walking down the city's path, but slightly turned over his shoulder.
"Where do you think I am going Stannis?" Legolas laughed. Even though the realm's guards were bound to protect the kingdom, Legolas saw some of them as close friends since his father never gave him the opportunity to befriend others outside of the city walls.
"The kingdom speaks that the Lady is now up on her two feet walking about." Another guard spoke.
"Precisely why I am going to present to her a bouquet of Mirkwood's finest, most breath-taking flowers." The prince replied. "Come on now, hasten your feet."
The three warriors entered the heart of the city's circle where they saw the common Silvan elves make their way throughout the city mending to their daily duties. As they passed through the crowd, some elves stopped and bowed acknowledging the prince's presence.
"It's the prince! The prince!" A small, young elf called pointing at Legolas. The prince smiled at the elf walking up to her.
"And how are you Ellie?" He asked grabbing her small hand. The little elf giggled, blushing at the prince.
"Better now that you have come to see me." She giggled once again. The prince chuckled, pulling out from behind him a little daisy. He gently placed the flower right behind her ear, causing the biggest smile to form on her face. She leaped in joy hugging the prince. Legolas taken back smiled, hugging her.
"Is your mother here? I want to buy some flowers for my lady." He gently placed some of Ellie's strands of hair behind her ear.
She blinked at the prince. A frown appeared on her face. "But I am your only lady!" She crossed her little arms across her chest and began to pout. The prince chuckled picking her up, lifting her in the air.
"You are my little lady. Do not be upset, you know I am only yours." He winked at her, as she laughed joyfully in the air.
"As long as you bring me a daisy every time you see me!" She laughingly teased. She grabbed the prince's hand as he let her down dragging her to the flower shop.
Aeroniel picked up her bow after noticing it in the corner of her room. She tugged the string back, loving the familiar feeling it gave to her. It has been a while since she shot an arrow after her incident. She turned around aiming it at the door only to see the king right in front of her. The amusement on Thranduil's face almost scared her to death as she dropped her bow abruptly.
"I am sorry, my king." She scrambled to pick the bow up, straightening herself.
The king chuckled. "It is fine, I am glad you are able to pick up a bow again." The king gestured for Aeroniel to walk outside on the balcony with him.
"Is something wrong, your grace?" The she-elf asked, placing her bow down. The king opened the balcony doors, walking out.
"Legolas is planning to leave the realm to attend a meeting in Rivendell, your father is accompanying him." The king began. Aeroniel nodded, following him outside. "Would you be against a marriage before he leaves?"
Aeroniel blinked at him not processing what the king just said. "Not at all your grace." She said quietly after a few awkward silences. "When will we be wedded?"
"The prince leaves after the second sunrise, so beforehand."
Aeroniel laughed this time causing the king to arch his eyebrow wondering what was funny. The she-elf realized, apologizing quickly after.
"In order to be wedded before he leaves, the only day possible would be tomorrow or the day after, my king." Aeroniel said confused. She didn't believe she was ready to be married yet she was still building her relationship with Legolas.
"The realm can make the wedding as ravishing as you want it to be. After all you are a princess." The king contemplated.
The word princess struck Aeroniel. It didn't hit her how she was marrying a prince and that she would soon be a princess. It didn't feel real to her at all.
"I would be honored to wed your son whenever it pleases you to do so."
Thranduil chuckled, "As well as my son." He turned to look at her. He finally saw why Legolas was drawn to her. Her golden honey eyes carried such pureness that even he never realized how astounding her beauty was. The king gently grabbed both of her hands. "I thank you for giving my son the love I have always wished for him. He is different with you."
Aeroniel blushed with embarrassment, but it made her think about what Legolas had done to her personally. The king was not at all mean or intimidating, even though sometimes he still scares her to death, all he cared about was his son. The thought made her smile back at the king. Even kings have their soft spots.
After the heart-warming conversation Aeroniel shared Thranduil, she finally decided to take a foot out of her chambers and walk around the kingdom's botanical garden. She did love the balcony view, but needed more than fresh air. She was considering walking out of the kingdom's gates and walk around the city. She closed her chamber doors making her way down the hall towards the stairs. Reaching the stairs she saw a familiar face and smile walking up them.
"Where are you off too? Not trying to abandon me now?" The prince sarcastically said, cocking his eyebrow. Aeroniel rolled her eyes.
"Do you expect me to be trapped in my chambers for the rest of my life?" She threw at him. The prince threw his head back, laughing out loud.
"I see your attitude is up to its normal being." He said lowly walking closer to her grabbing her into a hug. Aeroniel jokingly gave the prince a little push in which the prince quickly pulled out a bouquet of exotic arrangement of roses, lilies, daisies, and gardinias. A small gasp escaped her lips as she looked at the flowers. She grabbed them admiring their beauty then looked at Legolas who was gleaming at her happiness. She began to laugh pulling him into a hug.
"What is this for?"
The prince brushed a few hairs out of her face and smiled. "Something for my Lady to smile upon. I am glad you are well."
"Oh your Lady." Aeroniel sneered giggling.
"You will become a princess soon, Aeroniel." The prince chuckled.
"Oh my apologies, how could I forget caun (prince)." She sarcastically curtsied and began to walk away until the prince grabbed her, turning her around into his chest. His rough breath caught her off guard making her blush.
The prince took notice of her blushing. "You look so beautiful when you're annoyed with me." He laughingly teased, kissing her on the forehead. Aeroniel slowly closed her eyes feeling his lips lingering on her forehead. He slowly pulled back staring deep into her honey eyes. Legolas looked down at her lips seeing how nervous she was getting. He thought it was adorable how he still made her nervous even after all this time they've been together. He slowly began to lean in, aiming for a kiss when the shy elf noticed what he was doing and slightly moved her chin down looking at her feet. The prince laughed quietly, picking up her hand, kissing it.
"Your father came to see me today." Aeroniel said breaking the intimacy. The prince stopped kissing her hand and looked up at her.
"Yes I know." He smiled. Aeroniel cocked her head at him, confused. The prince began to laugh which caused the she-elf to squint her eyes already figuring out what he was laughing about.
"You knew!" She laughed pushing him. The prince shook his head lifting her chin, smiling.
"I told him I didn't want to leave you without being wedded to you first." His tone got serious, as he looked deep in her eyes with passion. The passion got to her, as she didn't know how to respond, the prince simply took her breath away. "I love you Aeroniel." He grabbed her right hand and bent on one knee. Aeroniel's eyes widened as she realized what the prince was doing. Legolas didn't want to wait later that night to do and decided to go out on a limb and officially propose to her.
"Aeroniel Lillion Fefalas. You are the moon of my life, my sun and stars. The Valars have blessed me with your unconditional love. I have loved you from the first day I have laid my eyes upon you, and I will always love you until the day I take my final breath. Will you be the warm smile that greets me every start of my day? Will you be my wife Aeroniel?" The prince looked up into his lover's eyes, smiling.
Tears began to drop from Aeroniel's eyes, which caused Legolas to worry at first. She bent down and hugged him. She began to laugh, tears still spilling from her eyes, "Yes, yes I will Legolas. Yes."
An eruption of applause appeared behind the two. They both let each other go and turned to see Thranduil, Eroborn, and Legolas's two guards clapping. Thranduil was excessively clapping almost jumping up and down.
"Yes Legolas, grand proposal!" Stannis exclaimed clasping Legolas's shoulder. The prince and Aeroniel flushed with embarrassment realizing that they were probably watching the whole time. The other guard watched Thranduil hop up and down with a bewildered stare. The king took notice of his staring and stopped abruptly. He looked down at him. "Beriadan, don't you have anything better to do?"
Beriadan snapped out of his bewilderness, "I apologize your grace." The king glared at him.
"Carry on now."
Stannis and Beriadan shot a wink at the Prince and began to chuckle as they made their way down the stairs, with the King glaring at them. Eroborn laughed as the king turned around.
"What is it mellon, what is so funny?" Thranduil frowned.
"Nothing my king." The guardian replied trying to clam his laughter. The king stared at him for a while then looked at Legolas and Aeroniel shrugging his shoulders.
"Ada did you have to bring everyone here…" Legolas was obviously annoyed and slightly embarrassed as well as Aeroniel.
The king gave Legolas a sarcastic look. "You need witnesses for every proposal Legolas. We-" The king gestured him and Eroborn, "-are your witnesses." "Now we can continue with the wedding arrangements!" The king clapped his hands together and gestured Aeroniel to follow him. He placed his arm around Aeroniel talking to her about wedding plans. "Now what are your favorite flowers? I will have them arranged everywhere in the court!" "Do you prefer lace or silk?" "What are your favorite foods? Foods that don't make you look bloated however, we don't want it to let it show on the dress now do we?" As the two left engaged in conversation, Eroborn walked up to the prince.
"Please take care of my daughter."
Legolas smiled and bowed his head. "With my life." Eroborn clasped his shoulder nodding with a promising smile.
"Word around the kingdom is you're getting married?" Napolde sarcastically said walking behind the king and Aeroniel. The surprised she-elf turned around, running to give her best friend a warming hug. The king laughed.
"I'm glad you got my message."
"I am honored to have gotten the message by the king himself." Napolde grinned. She looked at her best friend and laughed. "So the great Royal Wedding is to be prepared in a day?" Aeroniel rolled her eyes.
"Well let us not waste any time." She shook her head and grabbed Napolde.
"Remember Aeroniel." Thranduil spoke. Aeroniel looked back at him confused. "No froggy green or yellow colors are to be at this wedding. It doesn't go well with my skin color." He winked. Both Aeroniel and Napolde threw back their heads laughing.
"I will let the maidens know of the arrangements. Remember, whatever you what done, it will happen."
"Hannad le (thank you)." Aeroniel mouthed the words before being dragged away by her friend.
"Have you thought of a theme yet?" Napolde began as the two walked past the kingdom's botanical garden. Aeroniel shook her head no, admiring the beautiful exotic flowers. Napolde stopped in her tracks shocked, as she couldn't believe there was no theme for the wedding at this point.
"What?" Aeroniel turned slightly annoyed. Napolde rolled her eyes then walked up to hook her arm with Aeroniel's.
"How is there no theme yet?"
"I don't know Nana! I just want a plain simple wedding…" Aeroniel sighed.
"Valar… this is the Royal wedding you know that right? Many elves haven't seen a wedding since Thranduil wedded, and you know how old he is." She lifted her brows. Aeroniel gave her a straight look, and then gave up knowing how Napolde was right.
"Well please help me then!"
Napolde clapped her hands together, the both of them sitting down on a bench near one of the exquisite water fountains. "Okay. Tell me something you cherish about your relationship with the prince."
Aeroniel narrowed her eyes. "You know of my relationship with Legolas. What exactly do you mean?"
Napolde pursed her lips as she thought of a better way to explain. "Oh! How do you feel with him? From the moment you first met him-which even I know was very interesting- to now?"
Aeroniel sat there and looked down at her hands. She couldn't even express how she felt with Legolas nor could she put it to words. She looked at Napolde and smiled.
"He is my heart." She slowly began. Napolde nodded smiling, telling her to continued.
"He is my sun, my golden warrior. He didn't have to pledge to me, he could've chose a royal elven lady, but he chose me… a broken Silvan elf who only knew how to strike a bow. But he picked me up from the shadows of my pain. Because of that I owe him everything of me. He gave me love when I believed I could no longer have it nor feel it. I pledge myself to him because I knew what we have is real. Even with Haldir, I am now able to say his name without even feeling pain, because in the end I know I have Legolas by my side. I have Legolas and his unconditional love. He loves me for who I am. For who I really am… For the rest of my immortal days I will show and give him my love. He fills my days with brightness even when all he does is smile. He is truly a blessing from the Valars for I know I do not deserve him. Even though I only know him for such a little time, I feel like I have known him for all my life, but then I know that what we have is even more real because time doesn't determine love. Our love isn't passion or lust or any of that sort. What makes us, us are the simple things we do for each other. The little walks we would take, the little secret passages he would show me in the forests, every time our hands would touch… the small but meaningful kisses he would plant on my forehead time to time just to show me he cares, that's what our love is. Like I started with, he doesn't have my heart… because he is my heart."
Napolde looked at Aeroniel with tears swelling in her eyes. "That was beautiful Niele… I have never heard you say such things in your life before…"
"Because it's true." The she-elf smiled. She looked around the flowers that hung before them, plucking a red rose. She inhaled it's sweet scent, sighing. "He is my heart." She whispered. She twirled the rose around her fingers, admiring its beauty. Her eyes brightened. "Nana, I think I know what I want the theme to be."
"A rose? Do you know how many roses will be needed to decorate the entire court, Niele?" Her friend said arching her brow.
"No-" Aeroniel laughed. "Not a rose themed wedding, what about just red?"
Napolde cocked her head not understanding what she meant.
"As in red represents love."
"Doesn't that seem kind of basic?" Napolde questioned.
"Exactly my point." Aeroniel continued to look at the rose twirling it around and around her fingers. "Its simple but means a lot to me. I'll have to ask Legolas and see what he thinks of it."
"What about the king's sake? Would he like wearing red?"
"I would like everyone to wear white…"
"Niele, not everyone can wear white when you're the one who's supposed to be wearing it." Napolde argued.
"If we all wear white, it means to me that we're all connected to each other as one. I don't want the wedding to be a shove to them saying they are not royalty, but because we are treated as one, because I was once a normal Silvan elf."
Napolde smiled, liking the idea. "I think the king would look ravishing in white."
Aeroniel placed the rose down next to her, standing up. "Well now that we decided the theme, shall we take a break and hit the practice fields? It's been a while since I've shot an arrow and last time I remembered we are warriors of the realm now."
Napolde shook her head, writing on her little notepad. "Sorry Niele, I need to run this by the royal maidens, we have a wedding to arrange!" She waved bye to her friend walking out of the botanical garden.
Aeroniel sighed, straightening her little dress. She didn't mind going alone, she thought of meeting her mother since it's been a while since she last saw her. She walked up the stairs heading for her chambers. She changed into her training clothes, picked up her quiver and bow, and headed towards the kingdom's gates.
"Where are you headed off to princess?" One of the guards asked.
Aeroniel politely smiled at the expressionless guards that were blocking her entrance from leaving the kingdom. "I wish to see my mother and train on the practice fields near the city's circle."
"We can escort your mother to the kingdom and there are training grounds just the right of the botanical garden." The guard said sternly.
"Please, I only wish to visit her and spend some time alone." The she-elf argued.
"Princess, I am sorry, but I cannot allow you to go by yourself-"
"Let her go. She will be safe." Eroborn interrupted walking up to them.
"Yes sir. Edro í andos! (open the gates!)" The guard commanded. As the gates slowly opened, Aeroniel walked up to her father.
"Thank you ada. I almost believed they were going to drag me up to my chambers!"
"It is only their job Aero. Tell mother I will see her soon. She misses you very much. She will be on her way to the realm tomorrow morning in time for wedding." Eroborn said softly kissing her on the forehead. The she-elf nodded walking out of the kingdom for the first time in weeks.
Aeroniel made her way down the cobble stone path into the city's circle where she saw familiar faces of the elves working in the bakery, the blacksmith, and the clothing stores. A few Silvan elves nodded at her presence realizing she is soon about to become part of the Royal Family. "Congratulations on the Red Wedding my Lady." Some of the elves said to her.
Word does travel fast in Mirkwood… She smiled at all the familiar faces and continued to make her way towards her old home. As she walked up the steps she felt the rush of excitement, as she was once again about to see her mother.
"Aero…" Ireth's eyes brightened as she opened the door.
"Mother!" Aeroniel exclaimed hugging her. "I have missed you so."
Ireth pulled back, tears in her eyes. "My daughter…" She skimmed her body up and down searching for any injuries. "It has seemed like nothing as even hurt you…"
Aeroniel grabbed her mother's hands placing them on her heart. "The maesters have been caring for me very well in the kingdom. I feel even better than before."
"Are you excited for tomorrow?" Ireth asked wiping her tears away, smiling. "Here, let me make you some tea."
Aeroniel slightly laughed looking to her side. "Yes, very. It just doesn't seem real to me." She sat down at the table and looked around the kitchen. Not one single thing seemed to change here at her time away from home.
"The day I wedded your father, it didn't feel real to me until we said the seven words together and he kissed me into marriage." Ireth placed a hot cup of herbal tea on the table and placed her hand on Aeroniel's shoulder, rubbing it.
Aeroniel sighed grabbing her mother into a big hug. "I'm just so glad I get to have you by my side before it happens." She pulled back and laughed.
Ireth cupped the side of her cheek sighing, "It seems just like yesterday you were running errands for me around the city and training for the Advancements… Now you are to be Queen."
"Yes… I wonder if I will be a good Queen." Aeroniel grabbed her tea, cupping it for warmth.
"Of course! You'll be the best one Mirkwood has ever had!" Ireth exclaimed taking a small sip from her cup.
Aeroniel hovered her tea around her mouth feeling the steam linger around her face. She didn't know what was going to happen with her being Queen and how the city would then see her, once knowing she used to be a commoner. She placed it down and looked at the floor. She glanced at her mother, "I'm going to the training grounds. It's been a while since I last show an arrow." She got up from the table and started walking towards the door.
"I'll see you tomorrow morning. Be safe out there Aero." Her mother said kissing her on the cheek.
Aeroniel made her way down the familiar path towards the old training grounds she would practice daily at. With the wind softly blowing, she walked in the tall wisps of grass that danced around her. She held her hand out, softly grazing the tops of the grass inhaling the familiar scent of her favorite place in Mirkwood. She then realized that this was the place Legolas taught her how to properly shoot an arrow. She chuckled at the thought. She didn't realize that she showed up at the place where she had her first favorite and tender memory of Legolas. She dropped the quiver on the floor as she came across the first practice dummy. She hitched the arrow on her bow, pulling the string back as far as she could. Her shoulders began to tense up, as she wasn't used to the stretch it gave her. She took a deep breath lowering her shoulders, aiming at the target.
Within minutes Aeroniel was running up and down the trail of dummies, shooting the targets one by one. When she came to a stop, she dropped her bow taking quick, tired breaths. She got up looking at all the dummies with every one of them perfectly struck in the center by her arrows.
"It's like you never took a day off."
Aeroniel turned around to see the prince. She bowed her head slightly, as he walked up to her. He grabbed her hand, rubbing it softly.
"Practicing I see?"
Aeroniel laughed, "It feels nice to use my bow again."
"Everyday you practice, you keep getting stronger. I might have to watch out, can't let a she-elf become better than me." He teased. Aeroniel scoffed pushing him away. The prince laughed and grabbed her hand.
"Come, let us go back. You must be tired."
"And hungry." The she-elf added, giggling.
"Don't they look happy." Ragroff spat, disgusted, turning away. He turned to his company who were surrounded by a tree trunk, snarling. He marched his way towards them shoving a couple to the side. There tied to the tree, was a common Silvan elf. He had a couple of deep scratches all over his body with a bleeding gash near the upper portion of his head.
The Uruk-Hai grabbed his face, "So tomorrow is the big 'Red Wedding'?"
The elf coughed, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "As I have said before… y-yes."
"And everyone will be there?"
The elf nodded dropping his head. Ragroff dropped his grip and turning away. He pulled out his sword and looked at it. Her then turned to his company. "We attack tomorrow night during the wedding."
"But sir. The guards… we'll be outnumbered!" One of the orcs said. Ragroff turned and glared him down.
"We use strategy, you dumb wit! Take them down little by little!" He shoved him to the side then looked at the elf.
"Company!" Ragroff turned away from the elf and chuckled. "We shall indeed make it a 'Red Wedding'."
"Finish him." He gestured towards the elf.
Legolas and Aeroniel walked through the city, hand in hand saying hello to those who greeted them. Aeroniel was slightly embarrassed because she was rather dressed as a warrior than a princess. Legolas looked much like royalty compared to her.
"Legolas is that you?!" A high-pitched voice exclaimed. A little she-elf ran up to Legolas jumping on him. Legolas let out a hearty laugh, one that surprised Aeroniel herself. She hasn't heard him laugh like that ever.
"Where's my daisy?" The little elf said, pouting.
Legolas chuckled, plucking a daisy off one of the near by pushing handing it to her. "You'd think I'd forget now, Ellie?" The little she-elf's face brightened as she grabbed it. She turned to look up at Aeroniel who gave her a friendly smile.
"Who are you?" The little elf asked. Legolas rolled his eyes, laughing. He picked up the elf, carrying her in his arms. "This," He gestured to Aeroniel, "is my Lady, I told you about a couple days ago. Isn't she beautiful?" Legolas smiled at Aeroniel who laughed, shaking her head. "Lady Aeroniel, this is Ellie, she is the daughter of the Silvan elf who gave me the flowers I presented you before."
"She's not that pretty!" The little she-elf frowned. "Am I prettier than her?"
Aeroniel walked up closer to the both of them taking another flower from the bush. She handed it to Ellie, "Yes. I have never seen such beauty before. In fact," She touched the tip of her chin, "You are so beautiful, it would be an honor to have you be the flower and ring bearer."
Ellie smiled a great smile as she looked at both Aeroniel and Legolas. "I like her already Legolas!" Legolas laughed and grabbed Aeroniel's hand looking deeply into her eyes.
"Yes… I like her too."
The next morning came a bit earlier than Aeroniel expected as her friend Napolde pounded against her chamber doors.
"Good morning bride, time to wake up!" Napolde ripped the covers off, urging the tired she-elf to wake up. "Valar, did you stay up all night?"
Aeroniel rolled her eyes, yawning. "Nay… Legolas and I stayed up late talking."
Napolde arched her eyebrow. "Oh. You both have already done the deed?" Aeroniel gasp, throwing a pillow at her.
"Nana!"
"What! Do you really think I believe what you're saying?"
"We didn't do anything like that!"
"Oh, don't be such a prude Niele." Napolde rolled her eyes, taking the wedding dress out.
"Can we please stop talking about this, and help me with the dress? Please?" Aeroniel urged flushing with embarrassment.
Napolde chuckled walking up to her with the dress. "That's what I'm here for."
"Aero?" Ireth said quietly, knocking on the door.
"Come in!"
Ireth walked in only to see a beautiful she-elf in a gown so exquisitely made with luscious silk and adjourned with jewels that shined just as bright as the Evenstar itself.
"My, oh my." Ireth exclaimed holding her hands close to her mouth. "You look beautiful."
"She is going to be the Queen afterall. The king made sure that her dress was astounding, like his wife's." Napolde said finishing the last touches on Aeroniel's braids. She took a step back and looked at her. "You look stunning, Niele. Absolutely stunning." Aeroniel couldn't help but smile. She turned and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She lightly touched one of her braids, looking down at her dress. "Glad you like it, now we have so much to do in such little time! Hurry now." Napolde said sitting down her friend on the chair. A light knock emerged from the door. "Come in!" Napolde said thinking it was a maiden coming to help.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything…"
"Legolas-" Aeroniel started, smiling a little.
"Oh, no not now Prince." Napolde frowned turning around. The prince rolled his eyes.
"I just want to speak to my bride."
Napolde put her hands on her hips. "You don't see the bride before the wedding you know."
"Relax Napolde." The prince scoffed walking over. Ireth smiled and gestured Napolde for the both of them to leave.
"Fine, but not too long now. I have so much to do on her." She said closing the chamber doors.
"What may I help you with caun (prince)?" Aeroniel said getting up meeting the prince. Legolas skimmed Aeroniel, his eyes widening.
"You look beautiful Aeroniel." He said picking up her hand kissing it. "I just wanted to see you before the real thing happened." He chuckled. He rubbed her hand looking deeply into her eyes. "Are you nervous?"
Aeroniel smiled looking back into his eyes. "I feel like I should be, but right now here with you, I don't."
"The whole realm is going to be here…" Legolas added cocking his eyebrow.
"Are you trying to scare me?" Aeroniel sneered. Legolas let his head back, laughing.
"Of course not. Just preparing you. I'm glad to hear that you're okay."
Aeroniel hugged him tightly. She hovered over his ear, "Only because you're going to be with me." She whispered. He pulled back and kissed her lightly on the forehead.
"I will take my leave. I will see you soon my bride." He gave her a little smile and walked out of the room. Aeroniel sat herself down, her breathing returning to normal. In a couple of hours she was going to be wedded to not only the prince of Mirkwood but the love of her life.
Ragroff skimmed the realm's gates counting every guard that was posted for the wedding. He looked beyond the walls looking at how many were in charge of the gates and how exactly they would get inside. He turned around swiftly meeting his company.
"Everyone will be hidden inside of the court awaiting for the two to make their wedding vows. We will then take apart the soldiers that guard the outside gates. You two-" He pointed at two Uruk Hais. "You both will take out the ones who are in charge of the gates. Once they are killed open the gates for us to enter. Take out anyone who's in your way. Remember we are doing this for our master. The Red Wedding is the best way to show that the Master is not afraid to make threats. Poor Thranduil will now fear us." Ragroff looked around his company, all the uruks staring at him for more orders. He pulled out his sword and looked at its bloody, rusted blade.
He smiled evilly, "Let us kill some elves."
Aeroniel looked outside her balcony seeing the entire city empting itself into the kingdom. Her stomach did a little flutter as she walked back inside her room to the sound of Napolde yelling her name.
"Stop moving around so much! It's almost time!" She pushed Aeorniel down onto the chair.
The entire kingdom was decorated by red silk flowing freely from archway to archway. A quiet murmur of elven music was playing gloriously, echoing in every hallway. The smell of fresh cooked elven dishes filled Aeroniel's lung as all was being prepared for her wedding. Roses on top of roses were mounted on every sections, roses were in vases, wrapped around the ancient trees, against the lights that lighted the hallways.
"You ready?" Napolde said grabbing her hands.
"I think I am." Aeroniel said nervously. She was now beginning to feel nervous because she had to walk in front of hundreds of people.
"Just don't trip." Napolde winked, walking her to the main doors heading to the court. "Remember the guard will announce your presence. All will get quiet and that's when you take your walk into the court." Aeroniel sighed becoming more nervous.
Napolde stopped in her tracks. Aeroniel turned around, her flowing dress following her. "No need to be nervous. You're a princess, one day to become Queen. You looked astoundingly beautiful and you're about to marry one that you truly love. This is the time to be excited." She hugged her tightly. Napolde hugged her back.
"You're my best friend Nana. Always will. Thank you so much. For everything."
"No problem mellon. You know I'll always be here for you."
One of the royal maidens made her way towards the two. "It's time."
Napolde gestured Aeroniel to make her way towards the double doors. Aeroniel took a deep breath waiting to hear for her signal.
"Now entering, Aeroniel Fefalas." The music slowly quieted down as Aeorniel could hear the hushed voices of elves. She closed her eyes as the doors opened. The moment she opened her eyes she saw Legolas dressed in an all white armor-like suit that immediately caught her attention. He stood across the court from her standing near the throne where the priest awaited the both of them. As she began to walk she saw her mother and father standing next to the King who was smiling happily down at her. Ireth pulled out a small handkerchief, dapping her eyes as Eroborn folded his hands over hers. Napolde stood next to Stannis and waved discreetly. As Aeroniel made her way halfway through the court she could see all eyes on her and the elves' gasps. She heard hushed comments escape from their lips on how radiant and beautiful she was that it was almost unreal like. It made her smile as soon as she reached the little steps. Legolas made his way down the steps and as he reached her he looked deeply into her honey eyes, grinning. He took a hold of her hand and helped her up the stairs.
As the two reached the top of the throne, the priest smiled carrying a long ivory cloth. "Legolas Thranduilion and Aeroniel Fefalas." He looked at the two as they held eachothers hands tightly. Legolas rubbed his thumb across Aeroniel causing her to bow her head slightly to hide her small chuckle. The prince turned his head over to look at his bride and he couldn't help but smile.
"Now." Ragroff hissed. One of his archers released a black arrow that pierced the guard in the back of his spinal cord causing him to fall. The rest of the company jumped out from the forest running to attack the guards.
"The gates!" Ragroff yelled, cutting open one of the guards. The two uruks mdae their way up the wall slashing through the guards up the gates. One of the uruks banged open the notch that held the gate together, releasing it.
"It's open!" The Uruk snarled.
As the gates open, Ragroff and his company stormed inside the castle. "Kill everything in sight!"
"In the sight of the Valars, I hereby see you these two souls, biding them as one for eternity. Look upon one another and say the words."
Legolas and Aeorniel turned towards each other as the priest wrapped the cloth over their joined hands.
They both said together, "Father. Arrow. Warrior. Mother. Maiden. Silva. Stranger. I am his/hers, and s/he is mine, from this day, till the end of my days." Legolas smiled pressing his forehead against Aeroniel's, wanting to kiss her, and that the moment he finally put the ring on her, he could.
"Will the ring bearer please give out the rings?" The priest said, smiling at Ellie. Ellie gracefully walked up the steps holding the two rings that were laid on a small ivory pillow. Aeroniel smiled at her as she turned and crouched down until she was face to face with her.
"Thank you." She whispered pinching her cheek.
"MY LORD! THEY HAVE BREACHED THE GATE-" Ragroff snarled as he pulled his knife out of the guard.
"I like him better quiet." He laughed wickedly. "Kill all of them! Bring me the King."
"PROTECT THE KING!" The guards yelled leaping in front of Ragroff and his company who were now storming in the court. The elves began to run around screaming as they tried to find cover. Ellie began to scream trying to find her mother as an orc came behind her.
"Ah, shut up little runt." He released an arrow piercing straight through the chest.
"NO!" Aeroniel screamed as she saw Ellie fall to her knees, dying instantly. Aeroniel grabbed the nearest weapon around her ready to fight until strong hands grabbed her.
"Aeroniel please come, we're not safe." Legolas urged in a calming voice.
"NO! THEY TOOK ELLIE! THEY'RE KILLING EVERYONE!"
Aeroniel looked around her surroundings. There was dozens of motionless bodies covered in blood. Against their white clothing the red pierced through her eyes. She kept seeing the orcs and uruks slashing their way through the guards and elves making their way towards her. The anger in her kept rising as she saw each elf fall after the other trying to defend themselves. She dropped to her knees along with Legolas trying to take her into safety. The tears in her eyes began to pour as she saw blood on her own dress.
"Legolas, take her NOW!" Thranduil yelled as the guards grabbed him taking into the back room.
Aeroniel looked up only to see Ragroff looking straight at them. The smile on his face made her sick, making her stomach churn. Legolas picked her up dragging her into the back room. "We're not safe here Niele. Please trust me."
Ragroff chuckled turning to some of the orcs as they were finishing off the rest of the elves. He looked at all the blood that was surrounding them. "Told you we'd make it a 'Red' Wedding."
Author's Note: Sorry for not updating as soon as I can but at least I made this longer than the others! I hope you liked it! For those who are fans of Game of Thrones, I bet you can see some similarities I added in there ;) I absolutely love the show! So I decided to add some Game of Thrones twist in it as well, but don't worry LOTR lovers, it's still mainly based on LOTR. This is the ending of my first book! Sad and shocking, I know :( Haha but no worries, in the summer I shall release the sequel, where it follows the LOTR The Fellowship of the Ring! So please stay tuned! More Aeroniel and Legolas action and romance coming your way! Please review! I'd appreciate it a lot! You guys are some slackers! ;)
XOXO Marrissa