Author's Note: Just a quick warning of the content towards the middle and onward in this chapter. It contains sexual content. This chapter is rated M. I don't think its smut or anything, I like to be tasteful and leave a lot to the imagination but the warning still stands just in case there are those out there who would appreciate me dropping a warning note beforehand! Thanks! Responses to reviews will be at the end of this chapter as always!

Elleth of Light

Chapter Fifty – One

Legolas' POV

"Father? You asked to see me?" I hesitated. I had no idea what he had in mind upon his request to speak. I suppose he would scold me for my outbursts or my lack of respect towards his position in this crisis I'm sure he would say. But as I entered, my eyes were surprised to see my father's throne vacant. Instead my eyes caught his steps approaching me from across the space.

"So I am to become a father in law to this…elleth of light in the near future I presume? I must admit I did not picture you marrying someone so…"

"Do not start-" I interrupted only to have his hand silence my objections before he continued.

"So impressive. I will admit I envisioned you ruling with a silent partner who could not conjure a significant thought let alone a valued opinion in my presence. But now, I see that may have unfair. Merenwen of Lothlorien will be far from silent. She will speak her mind whether it is her place to do so or not. I see myself in her…a younger form of myself. And I must admit that such a realization was not welcomed upon her arrival. I know her mind for it was also my mind at a time. Headstrong, defiant and far too quick to charge into a situation where the odds were building against me; however, she has shown me she is…more than that. She is far better than I was at that age, and that is a great compliment for me to pay to her honor." He drew in breath before looking at me in an expression I had not seen upon his features before this moment. I was still astonished to hear him speaking of Merenwen in such a way, he was expressing their similarities. Something I wondered if his pride would allow him to ever admit. I had always known they were very much alike, he may have been grown in elven maturity by the time I entered the world but I remember him clearly in the past, and I remember well his boldness and his passion. He had a heart set ablaze and his actions revealed it in every way. Merenwen and he were indeed very much alike.

"I am selfish of you Legolas. More so than protective some would say but I hope you understand all that has taken place before this moment was for the good of you both and even our people. Merenwen needed a sense of victory here, she needed to face me as an opponent and feel that she could win her place here…which she did. Our people needed to see the face of this stranger was not something to fear or despise…they needed to see that she had a beautiful face with the same determination upon it as they have come to expect in those that govern them. And you my son…you needed to find that your love for your soon to be wife is more than your obedience to me. Something that is hard for me to tell you but your mother would have me say it. Your wife will be your support, your constant companion, the bearer of your children…such a position in an individual's life should be cherished and respected." I could sense his voice beginning to tremble. Thoughts of mother were certainly weighing heavily upon his mind as he spoke. I dare not reach out to him nor delve into the matter deeper. Lingering on a moment of weakness as he would call it, is no way to conduct yourself. He was always so guarded, so protective of his vulnerability but that was my father and I had learned to respect it.

So he had a plan behind his actions towards Merenwen. I should have known it was not as simple as blind hate that fueled his motives. He surprised me in the end, as he so often did. I couldn't help but smile at the thought that he truly had everyone but himself in mind in this entire situation.

"You had me fooled." I chuckled.

"An easy thing to do it would seem. You should have more faith in your ada Legolas."

"You are right. My apologies father, but I will ask that next time you have a plan in mind that you consult with me first. You must…" I started until I felt his arm firmly upon my shoulder, bringing me closer to his frame.

"Spoken like a natural born leader…but do not forget that I have not relinquished my crown to you just yet my son. Now, I shall expect you both present during the planning of this wedding ceremony or all decisions will be made by me and I would hate to have such control…wouldn't you?" He sneered. He would love to have total control; he couldn't fool me in the least. But I nodded in response as he gave me a gentle shove towards the door.

"Go now, I know it is not I who you would rather be with at this moment."


Merenwen's POV

I had been wandering the halls of Mirkwood for what felt like hours. I allowed my fingertips to trace the surfaces of every corridor and winding rail against the stairways. I memorized the turns, the texture of the surfaces and how the light seemed to illuminate the very path I chose to take next. It was a simple adventure, free from foe although I still felt cautious as glances from the elves I had passed. I was still a spectacle of sorts, and still very much a stranger here. But I was coming to terms with my seemingly unwanted presence because I was once unwanted in my very homeland. I was an outcast for so long, a waste of space they would tell me until I proved myself as a march warden. I had to fight for my acceptance and I had to prove that I was capable of being so much more than they had said. All I had to do was try and that would be the case here as well. Nothing was impossible. I was now a firm believer in that.

I took another turn around the hallway until I felt a hand take hold of my wrist and direct me back around. I released a gasp before smiling at the realization of who was now pulling me closer.

"Legolas." I whispered but no words were spoken. He simply smiled while twirling me before his gaze. I felt his eyes follow the movement of the fabric upon my body, the stray locks of hair dancing about us as I moved about. He acted as if he had never seen me before but in a way he had not. I was free from my armor and obligations life had placed upon my shoulders. I did not have the doubts I once carried, I was free to indulge in a moment with my prince.

"What are you doing?" I chuckled as I spun around once more.

"Admiring you." He said in a deep, gentle tone. I felt my cheeks flush warmth of red until finding rest within his arms. As I rested my head upon his chest I heard the steady beating of his heart. Such a sound was something I found such comfort in.

"There is to be gatherings to discuss wedding arrangements. Anything…and everything you want will be yours Merenwen." How he spoiled me. Any elleth would dream of hearing those words but I had all that I wanted, standing before me.

"I just want to be yours…to pledge myself to you for every ear to hear. I intend to pledge myself to you…for all of eternity and to this kingdom and the people who would have me." I meant those words. This land may be still a foreign entity to my eyes but I knew what marrying a prince would require of me and I had no objection to it. I was no stranger to responsibility. In the past I fled from the very thought of responsibility but time changes many things. It has the tendency to change a person entirely and in my case I believe it changed me for the better.

"My dear Merenwen…" He started but in the dimly lit corridor I watched as words escaped him. He simply pressed his lips together and continued to gaze upon me. I had never felt so beautiful than I did in that moment, his eyes dared not look away and I could not help but feel honored to be gazed upon in such a manner.

"I cannot take another moment…" Legolas whispered before taking hold of my hand and leading me away from a spot I would forever hold dear in my heart.

"Where are we-" I started to ask but the speed in which he was leading me through the maze of halls and corridors was enough to cause me to silence myself. I allowed a giggle escape my lips; I heard Legolas chuckling softly as well as we began to stumble upon confused glances.

"Slow down!" I breathed, still confused as to where he was taking me but enjoying the newfound adventure I found myself in within the walls of Mirkwood.

"Keep up!" He called back to me with an expression of excitement and sheer happiness. We were running, hand in hand, behaving like that of two young spirits just happy to be alive.

"I'm trying to but I-" I stammered before we disappeared behind a door Legolas slammed shut. The room was barely lit, but I could smell the fragrance of florals and the warmth of tea billowing in the room. I began to take in the new surroundings until I felt myself being pressed against the very door we disappeared behind.

His hands were firmly ensnaring the small of my waist as he advanced towards me slowly and that is when I realized what was happening.

"Are you crazy? What if someone-" I started to exclaim until my words were cut short by the taste of his lips. The warmth of his lips was what I craved the most. Each moment our lips connected, we began a rhythm…a dance of seduction in the hopes of allowing all thought…and time to fade from our senses. And his lips…did just that.

I lost myself in his kiss. My heart began to race wildly; my breathing grew short…and impatient. My body gave into his wandering hands, his lips that found every weakness my body had to offer…my knees grew far too weak far too soon but he quickly steadied my stance and allowed the support of the door to maintain my standing.

It was in this moment words simply did no justice to the experience. It was as if we were straying into a dream. There were seconds were my eyes fluttered open to see the eyes of my prince. He was so intense…his desire could not be masked. His gaze was demanding my attention just as my body began to feel the demand for his touch.

Moments passed until I realized I had been entirely engulfed by the feeling at hand. I felt my garments fall upon the floor only to be replaced by the warmth of his toned frame. Our skin seemed to ache for such a feeling. Our bodies stood on display for one another, an intimate expression of beholding the beauty the naked body could present. My lips parted slightly as I took in the sight of his perfection. His skin glowed like moonlight; my hands could not refuse themselves to trace the outline of his every feature.

"You are so beautiful…I cannot believe you are real." He whispered. Such words allowing all insecurities of my imperfections fade from consciousness. I felt his fingertips following a hidden line from my cheek down to my exposed hips. I trembled at the touch and I felt his hands jump slightly from the anticipation we both were now succumbing to.

The air was becoming thick; I grew dizzy from the movements his hands were making. I tossed my head back, slamming hard against the wooden door but the action only added to the situation. I felt his smile against the nape of neck. I released a giggle before a slight moan found its way into the open air now between us.

I could see in his eyes that he was asking for permission. As if he had to ask, I had reached a point that I couldn't care less who may stumble upon us…or who may pass by and hear a single utter of pleasure; but that was what made him my prince. My caring prince ensuring my comfort. I bit my lower lip before nodding slightly. That was all that it took. The only response he needed before the strength of his arms scooped me into his arms. Within seconds I felt the chill of untouched fabrics beneath my exposed skin. Our bodies pressed together, closeness was what we were aching for. It was in those following moments that we became familiar with the reality of being possessed by one another in the most romantic of ways.


Author's Note: Okay, so see it wasn't that bad was it? Just a little intimate moment for those who have been dying to read such a moment in this story! Hope it wasn't a bad read! The next few chapters will be concluding the story but then will be a few fun chapters of alternative pairings. Which pairing would you like to read first? Merenwen and Anion? I am super excited to write about that one haha! Well thanks for waiting for this chapter, I apologize for its late update, my family has flown in from out of town so it's been busy for me!

***I do have the first chapter of this story's prequel about ready, be on the look out for a story called Emerging Light. Hope you all follow me along for that story as well, it'd be a great honor to see you all there***

DaughterofThranduil1701: Thank you for such an amazing review my friend! Please tell me more about the fic you'll be writing, I'm so honored to have inspired you! You are too kind! And I'm so glad you enjoyed the POV of Legolas in the story! It's good to change it up in a story I think! I am sad that it's ending too! But as I mentioned above the prequel will be a stand alone story and I am about to publish it on here soon once I complete the first chapter! You'll have to join me for that story if you'd like! Thanks again my friend!

Animexchick: Aw my dear fiend another amazing review, thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed that last chapter, and Anion's food interruption was spot on wasn't it? His character is good comedic relief I think, we don't have the hobbits around to lighten the mood so I have to use Anion when I can haha! How did you like this fluffy bit in the chapter, I could have gone a bit overboard with it but I thought since it's still a rated T fic, I should keep it brief. But you'll see more romance and such in the following chapters too, they're getting married yahoo! So glad you liked how I wrote Legolas' feelings in the whole situation, poor elf prince, it was hard on him but everyone is safe and ready for the wedding now. Even ole Thranduil it seems haha! Hope to hear from you again my friend!

Guest Reviewer: Hello there, thank you for taking the time to review! Yes, it was sort of a proposal, I should have made it more formal but hey, sometimes I let the words flow and just let it take a mind of its own, if that makes sense haha! And as for your questions (which were all great questions and thoughts I might add), Merenwen will fully embrace her Galadriel like state of being in time. I tried to personify it with the "light" within her that Galadriel also possesses. It's like a special light, ability, and state of mind/being that Galadriel saw and helped instill in Galadriel. So in a sense, yes, Merenwen will eventually become like Galadriel once she passes to Ithilien. Now, whether or not she decides to rule Lothlorien in Galadriel's place is one of those things I will not delve in too much. There will be conversations in the next chapters regarding it which will allow you to hear from Merenwen what she thinks in the matter and such so readers can all determine for themselves what she will do. But giving her relationship with Legolas, you are right, she will go to Ithilien with Legolas if he hears the call of the sea but he and Merenwen are very much tied to middle earth. They will be the head elf figures in place of their mentors/parents. If they do pass on, it will mark the end of elven rule in middle earth. So hard to say my friend, I will hopefully answer your questions better in the next chapters during conversations the characters have.

As for your other question regarding Galadriel as a younger elleth, I still cannot picture her being much like Merenwen. I feel like her way of being regal, perfect and in tune with controlling her thoughts and emotions came easy for her. Like she was born with it, and it makes it seem like Galadriel was one of a kind, and even though Merenwen possesses her light, she will never be able to stand in her place completely. Galadriel is irreplaceable in a sense. But I think it did take Galadriel a long time to harness her light fully, so maybe you're right, she may have been more like Merenwen in the past. Her wisdom came with age. So I could see both sides, and I think her struggles came from the influence of the one ring and her desire for power. So in a sense, she wasn't always perfect like I was saying. What do you think? Merenwen will come sooooo close to that perfect state in time, but given Merenwen's personality and experiences being so different than Galadriel's I think there will always be differences. Well I hope that all made sense and helped answer questions my friend. I hope to hear from you again!

Mari Claire Roemajji Celts: So glad to see you reviewed my giant best friend, I am updating at the moment and trying to hurry and get things done, my mom is here so its been hard to do much of anything haha! Hope this chapter was okay! I'm sorry I made you think she may die, oh goodness yeah it was looking kinda bad there for a moment wasn't it? But everything turned out alright didn't it I can't wait to message you! I'm dying to talk to you! With love my dear friend, hope you are having a great week!

Tarellethiel78: Hello my friend, so excited and happy to see your review. It was amazing, you review made me feel so good about my story and my writing! Thank you so much! That motivated me a great deal! I hope you follow along with my other lord of the rings stories I'll be posting! Hopefully it'll be a good read for you as well! Thanks so much! I hope you find it within you to post a story, I'd love to read it! I get writers block a lot, it happens. There's no getting around it, just putting it aside and waiting until that inspiration kicks in again! It's frustrating but worth it Well I hope this chapter was alright to you, I know Tolkien wouldn't be writing fluffy moments like this haha! Thanks again for your amazing review!

Rubberduckybugati: Hello again my dear friend, so glad to have read your review! Well I think Anion will have hopefully learned Thranduil will quickly put him in his place if he shows any disrespect again haha! I am glad you picked up on the growth of maturity Merenwen has reached, she's got a lot to learn but she's got the making of a great leader in her and I think Legolas has finally saw it. He no longer sees her just as his significant other, he can see her standing on her and being a good leader for his people. She will shine in Mirkwood don't you think? I think you're right, I think Legolas had to be proud of her seeing how she's handled everything. She's so determined and I think he knows that she can stand on her own two feet. Don't you think? Well I hope this chapter wasn't too fluffy for ya! My new story prequel will be posted soon, it'll be fun, it'll be Merenwen in her early years, should be fun seeing what sort of trouble she got in and of course seeing how her and Haldir's relationship was. Well my friend I hope to hear from you again, hope the conversation between father and son was to your liking! I tried to express that the main reason Thranduil was against her at first was because he saw himself in her, and he knew how dangerous in a sense that could be but he then saw a different side to her as well, that was better than he was at her age. Thanks!

Moonlight Starlove: Thank you so much for your awesome review, glad you liked it! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!