The trio found a safe spot under the trees to rest, Luriel could not stay awake any longer, the events of the past week catching up to her. It was not until the next day that they started traveling north through the forest towards where the capital was, and where they might find help.
Luriel transformed into her stallion form, Thordir and Beorn riding atop her, that way they would make it to Greenwood faster. It took them a few hours before the gates of the woodland realm came to view. She stopped allowing the two atop her to dismount before transforming into her elven appearance. Beorn pulled on Luriel's battle tunic, "Princess, where are we?"
She looked down at him, "We are in the forest of Greenwood, the realm of the wood elves,"
His eyes widened in awe, he reached out and grabbed her hand as they walked. Thordir walked ahead, stopping before a guard. He spoke quickly in elvish, "I need to speak to my father, go and tell him we need audience."
The guard responded curtly.
Thordir turned back to Luriel, "My father has gone to Eregion, they have called aid, Saron has sent more forces to attack there, he has left Thranduil in charge whilst he is away."
"Then request an audience with him! We cannot waste any more time!" she responded somewhat harshly, stopping next to him.
He turned and requested that in elvish, the guard bowed and went to find Thranduil. They gave the guard several minutes before heading to the throne room. They found Thranduil sitting at the top the throne room. He was wearing dark golden robes, the oaken staff Luriel made him all those years ago in his hand.
He stood when they arrived and waited till they were before him. His ice blue eyes took in their muddy battered battle-worn appearance, he also saw the small child with them, "What brings my brother and future sister-in-law in such a state here during these dark times?" he inquired, concern littering his voice.
Luriel stepped forward, "We come bearing terrible news and a request. My people have been captured, we managed to track the orcs to a fortress near this forest, I come pleading for aid for my people."
Thranduil tilted his head in thought, "This is not something I can decide, my father must decide, for now, you two are in desperate need of rest."
"How can I rest while my people are held prisoner!" she retorted, dropping all pretense of political refinement.
Thranduil seemed slightly taken back, but his eyes also shone with understanding, "You can do only what a true leader can, carefully plan and wait for the right moment to attack, I will send a message to my Adar, informing him of this, for now, rest, and though these are dark times, we can still celebrate your marriage in two days time."
Marriage, she had almost completely forgotten. She looked back to her fiance and realized. They may die in this war, and she would not want to die alone, she would die in peace knowing she was joined eternally to her love. But on the other hand, she had her people to free. Her heart was torn in two, she decided then to let fate take its course. She would do anything to free her people, and she knew Thordir would as well, and that is one of the reasons she loved him.
The wedding went on unhindered, Luriel did her best to be happy during the occasion. Whenever her smile began to fade and shadow crept over her eyes, Thordir would pull her into an embrace and place a soft kiss on her lips. She wore the most beautiful white wedding dress, with long flowing sleeves and a long trail. She wore the crown gifted to her by Celebrimbor, her white silver hair was braided over her shoulder. Thordir wore beautifully woven silver ceremonial robes, a silver crown atop his head. The party afterward was filled with music and laughter. The newly weds sat at a table overlooking the room, Thranduil and Arieal sitting next to them, both wearing elegant golden royal attire. Thranduil had ordered the best wine to be served, and the best food. Luriel was grateful for her friends for trying their hardest to keep her mind from the war. Beorn sat on her lap, watching the elves dancing on the ballroom floor with wide eyes of wonder. Arieal gracefully stood and walked over to Luriel, a carefully wrapped package in her hands. Luriel set down her wine class, seeing her approach.
She saw the package was long and slightly thin, she tilted her head in curiousity.
Arieal looked to Thranduil who had turned his attention to Luriel as well. Arieal looked back at her and extended the package to her, "This is a gift for you from the two of us, we thought you could use this."
Luriel accepted the gift and carefully opened it. It was a finely crafted thin elven sword. The handle was engraved with leaf-like designs, the blade had elven words engraved in it. They translated to, honor and protect, she smiled.
"Thank you, it is a beautiful blade," she said, examining it in the light.
Thranduil stood next pulling another package from under the table. He walked over to Thordir and handed it to him, "and this is for you, we heard you lost your armor in the battle at Eregion."
Thordir smiled and opened it to discover elegant silver elven armor, "I thank you for this wonderful gift."
They set their gifts aside enjoying the party. Luriel and Thordir joined the dancing, sweeping across the dance floor with grace. Beorn went to sit with Arieal. The party lasted well into the night when at last the attendants and newlyweds disappeared off to bed. Thordir had a huge smile on his face as he led Luriel through the halls to their room.
"Someone is eager for sleep," she chuckled.
"Yes, but I am more eager to sleep with you," he said in a strange but charming tone. She chuckled, and reached up and kissed him softly.
"Perhaps you can help ease my mind." She replied as they disappeared into the room, the door closing softly. Their bond grew tenfold that night, and Luriel almost forgot all her struggles.