I wanted to wait until tomorrow, which would have marked a year to the day since I posted the first chapter in this story, but I'm not a very patient person by nature, so you all get it a day early :). I just wanted to thank all of you for all your support and encouragement with this tale. It has been an incredible journey - one that would not have been possible if it hadn't been for the encouragement that all your kind reviews gave me to continue with it. So thank you so much!
A special thanks needs to go out to the following for reviewing the last chapter: Elfgirl, Starrywisdom, TardisGhost, 01Katie, Tobiramamara, rossannie14, stubs1101, pineapple-pancake, Flying Squiryl, JulsaIthil, Guest reader, BooBoo33, mystarlight, Guest, emithieu23, YSoSerious0104, CygnusRift, Trinabear, Honoria Granger, Guest, Guest, x3sunnydaay, leward1992, Blue1258, and crzychigurl343. You guys have all been absolutely fabulous.
Here is the next chapter - I hope you enjoy it :)
Charlotte and Legolas rode through the woods of Mirkwood in silence, the plodding sound of hooves upon the hard earth intermingling with the soft, melodious chirps of the birds perched in the canopy above.
Charlotte cast a sidelong glance at the elf beside her, who was staring resolutely ahead, his face an unreadable mask of angelic perfection. Even though Legolas seemed, for all the world, relaxed and untroubled as he rode upon his stead, Charlotte was not fooled. The laidback aura that currently permeated from him could quickly morph into deadly warrior precision in the blink of an eye, should any threat present itself. Legolas was dangerous in his own right. Almost as dangerous as Thranduil.
But Charlotte knew she was safe with him and was glad Legolas had offered to join her for a ride. Ever since the terrifying ambush of those ghastly spiders, Charlotte was now more hesitant, tentative even, to venture forth into the forest of Mirkwood by herself, not even along the well-known and relatively safe path that led to the glade she and Thranduil often retreated to. Legolas' presence was reassuring and offered a safety net of sorts. She knew in her heart, regardless if he hadn't quite accepted her yet, that he would see no harm come to her, and would endeavor to protect her.
"Do you have a particular destination in mind?" Legolas suddenly asked, his soft tone breaking through her musings. His gaze was still trained ahead and his grip was loose on his reins, looking deceptively unconcerned, but there was now no doubt that Legolas had sensed that she had been observing him even though she had tried to be discreet about it.
Charlotte hastily glanced away and focused on his question, wracking her brain for an appropriate reply. She didn't think it appropriate to lead him to hers and Thranduil's spot – that was a place she considered solely 'theirs'. But she hadn't had much opportunity to explore and knew of no other places to go. When she had decided to take Tallagor for a ride, she had thought it best to stick relatively close to the kingdom.
"I hadn't really thought about it," she admitted. Then she glanced his way, giving him her full attention. "Is there someplace you would like to go?"
Legolas made a show of thinking about her question before he shot her a devilish grin.
"Depends."
"On what?" she asked, taken aback.
"On whether you can keep up," he declared, a mischievous twinkling light entering his brilliant blue eyes before he suddenly urged his horse forwards into a gallop.
Charlotte gaped at the quickly disappearing form of the Prince of Mirkwood, her brain not quite comprehending that he had just challenged her to a race. Who would have thought that he was capable of such playfulness?
"Hey! That's cheating!" she cried out indignantly, though Legolas paid her no heed. He didn't even glance back at her, though she thought she detected his musical laugh floating back to her. Huffing, she leaned forward, gripping the reins tightly in her hand. "Come on, Tallagor. Let's give Legolas a race he'll never forget!"
If she was expecting Tallagor to respond immediately and break out in a full-speed dash, she was sorely disappointed. The moose merely snorted, managing to convey that he was in no such mood and was above such trivialities.
"I'll give you a bucket of apples if you win the race," she coaxed in a sickly-sweet voice.
Charlotte barely had time to brace herself before the moose suddenly broke into an all-out dash, his powerful hooves thundering along the earth as he sought to catch up with Legolas. It wasn't long before the familiar halo of platinum white hair was seen up ahead, and she grinned widely.
We may just catch up to him yet, she thought smugly to herself.
Legolas glanced over his shoulder and then turned his attention back ahead, urging his horse to go faster. It was in that moment that Charlotte realized that he had actually been hanging back, making sure that she would, indeed, follow. Now…now he was not holding back. Legolas was determined to win this race, his competitive side coming to the forefront. Charlotte felt a stab of pity for Gimli and the future contests he would endure against Legolas.
"Faster, Tallagor," she urged, spurring him onwards.
The moose complied and soon they were hot on the tail of Legolas.
Legolas glanced over his shoulder and grinned openly at the fierce look of determination writ on Charlotte's features.
"You have little hope of beating me," he taunted playfully.
Charlotte grit her teeth. Tallagor seemed to take offence at his human being teased, for he let out a mighty bellow and put on a burst of speed that would have surprised even Thranduil himself.
Charlotte could do little but hold on for dear life as the moose sailed past the stunned elf. She glanced over her shoulder only to see that all playfulness had vanished from Legolas' face and was now replaced with grim determination.
Legolas did his best to keep up, but every time he tried to draw up alongside her and overtake them, Tallagor would maneuver, effectively blocking his path - much to the consternation of the Prince of Mirkwood.
Finally, they burst forth into a clearing and Tallagor skidded to a halt, breathing heavily. Charlotte straightened and lifted her gaze, staring in stunned silence at the scene before her. She barely noticed when Legolas drew up alongside her, such was her awe.
They had come upon a clearing just before the face of the mountain. The field before them was carpeted with lush, vibrant grass that called out like a siren's call to be lounged and rolled upon. Dainty buttercup yellow flowers, as far as the eye could see, littered the field, their fragrance perfuming the air with their fragrant scent. Butterflies, their wings a cascade of an assortment array of blue, red, yellow and purple hues, fluttered from flower to flower, making the scenery come alive with their graceful flight.
A gentle flowing waterfall stemmed from the rough stone of the mountainside, pouring into a lazy flowing and shallow stream. The crystal-clear water sparkled like gems as the sunlight glistened upon the surface, and Charlotte was sorely tempted to sit on the bank and dip her feet into the cool water.
It truly was a tranquil and peaceful site; a place to come to if one wanted to seek solitude and peace of mind.
Even now, Charlotte could feel the tension ebb away from her very bones in the presence of such serenity.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, her eyes never leaving the scene before her.
"My mother and I would come here often," Legolas replied softly, his tone now that of all seriousness. "When I was an elfling." Before she was killed, though he let that thought go unspoken.
Charlotte tore her gaze from the imagery before her and turned her attention to Legolas, not quite knowing how to respond.
Why would he bring me here? she thought to herself.
As though reading her mind, Legolas slowly turned his head to meet her own enquiring gaze.
"I find a place of calm is often more conductive for sitting down and having a serious conversation."
Charlotte gave a small nod in understanding, knowing that their conversation from earlier was far from over. Out here there would be little to no interruptions, which was what she guessed Legolas had been aiming for.
Legolas dismounted fluidly from his horse, landing on sure and steady feet with barely a sound. Charlotte followed suit, though her descent was noticeably more clumsy and less graceful. She glanced up to see Legolas watching her, his features set in an unreadable mask yet again.
His gaze wandered to Tallagor. "Your moose is surprisingly fast," he mused.
"Yes, he is full of surprises, managing to even win a race in which you cheated," she replied, her eyes narrowing.
He arched a brow at her claim.
"You just took off. I hardly call that a fair race," she expanded, placing her hands on her hips.
An annoyingly enigmatic smile graced his angelic features. "I merely call it taking advantage of the situation. And, if I recall correctly, you caught up well enough," he countered.
"You still cheated," she muttered, knowing full well that she had little hope of winning this game of wits against him.
Legolas' grin widened to reveal perfect white teeth, but he didn't reply. Instead, he broke away from her side and strode forwards, settling himself in the middle of the meadow. The vibrant yellow of the flowers contrasted brilliantly with the pure white of his hair as he sat in the field, leaning back on his hands as he languidly gazed about him with an aura of someone who had all the time in the world. He had not asked her to join him, but it was clear that he meant for her to do just that.
Charlotte hesitated for a moment, but then made her way to his side, settling next to him and drawing her knees up to her chest. She let her gaze wonder over the kaleidoscope of bright hues surrounding them as they sat in silence. She barely noticed when a butterfly of royal violet settled upon the back of her hand, its wings opening and closing in time to the beat of her heart.
"I can see plainly that my Ada loves you," Legolas suddenly spoke up, breaking the lull that had descended upon them.
Charlotte glanced at him; her throat suddenly dry.
"More so than he ever loved my mother," he continued, though his tone held no accusation. Merely pointing out a fact.
Charlotte debated on how to respond. Finally, when she spoke, her words were careful. "It's not my intention to replace your mother, Legolas."
Legolas meet her gaze and gave her a small, though sad smile. "I do know that, Charlotte."
Charlotte held her breath, not knowing in which direction this conversation would go. This could either clear the air between them, or a confrontation of epic proportions could come out of this, blowing up in their faces.
"My Ada told me everything," Legolas said, changing the subject.
"Everything?"
He gave a single nod. "Everything." Legolas was now regarding her thoughtfully, a slight frown furrowing his dark brows as he straightened, drawing a bent knee to his chest and clasping his hands loosely around it. "It was truly an amazing tale." He paused, thinking hard over his next question. "Did you truly give your life to save his?"
Charlotte had to glance away from his penetrating gaze; a gaze that seemed to bore into her very being, willing her to give him the answers he sought. "Um, from what I was told, I was close to dying. I didn't actually die, though."
"But you still sacrificed yourself for him," Legolas pressed. "Why?"
Charlotte stilled. It would be so cliché to say that it was because she loved Thranduil, and it was because of that love that she was willing to throw herself in the line of fire, so to speak, to save him. A chill coursed down her spine at the memory but, ultimately, she did not regret it. Thranduil was her world and meant everything to her, and she would gladly do it again if it ever came down to it.
"Why do you think?" she countered, staring down at her clasped hands.
Legolas stared at her; his gaze unblinking. Finally, he spoke. "I know in my heart why. From what I have heard, and from what I have observed, it is quite obvious."
"And?" she asked quietly.
There was a lull as Legolas thought about how to continue. "I don't know what to think. On one hand I know that you are good for my Ada, and I know your love for each other is true. It's the acceptance part that I'm having trouble with."
"Because you think it would dishonor your mother's memory if you did so," she finished, finally meeting his gaze.
Legolas studied her a moment longer and then gave a small nod of his head. "Aye, it was foremost on my mind."
Charlotte sighed and looked away. "I know that if I were in your position, I would have a hard time accepting it as well, Legolas. This is a huge change for all of us. Even for me. The transition from my world to yours hasn't been the easiest."
"Yet most have come to accept you in such a short span of time," he countered.
Charlotte didn't know what to say to that, so all she said was, "I think it has to do with the fact that you elves are far wiser and kinder than humans. Back in my world I was pretty much considered an outcast."
Legolas contemplated her words. Maybe that's why everyone likes her. It's because she values friendship and kindness when it is shown to her because it was seldom given to her in the past by her own kind.
She interrupted his thoughts with her next statement. "I know that my being here is not ideal, Legolas, but I would like for us to at least try and be friends."
Legolas blinked out of his train of thoughts. "Friends?"
She nodded. "Yes. Friends can be found in the most unusual places. All you have to do is open your mind to the possibilities." She regarded him with a certain knowledge burning in her hazel eyes, for in this moment she was thinking of the unusual friendship that would be struck up between Legolas and Gimli in the years to come.
Legolas' electric blue eyes narrowed fractionally, having caught on to the fact that her words pertained to something more. Something that definitely had to do with him.
"My heart tells me that there is more meaning to your words but, if pressed, you will reveal no more."
Charlotte pressed her lips together and shook her head.
Legolas nodded to himself and pondered her statement. Could he become friends with this human; a human woman whom he had viewed not too long ago as trying to take his mother's place?
Legolas let out an almost inaudible sigh, knowing in his heart of hearts that this previous assumption of her had been incorrect. Charlotte was here because of the love she held for his Ada. Nothing more and nothing less. Yes, her upcoming marriage to his father would ultimately make her Queen, but it would be a union formed wholly out of the purest kind of love for each other, and would in no way mean that his mother's memory was being replaced. And having recently learnt of her tale had Legolas viewing her in a vastly different light altogether.
Legolas could not, for all intentions, harbor ill will towards her, for she was not doing any of this out of spite or malice. It was all out of love for his Ada.
And who was he to deny them their chance at happiness, especially after all they had been through together.
"I think you may be right, Charlotte," Legolas conceded.
Charlotte blinked at him, not quite comprehending that he was actually accepting her offered hand in friendship. Slowly a bright smile stretched on her lips, her hazel eyes dancing with joy.
As Legolas watched her, a smile of his own formed, and something loosened in his heart. He knew in that moment that he had made the right choice and that his friendship with her might just prove to be an interesting one.
"Can I ask you something, though?"
"Fire away," she said.
"What?" he asked, confused by her odd terminology.
Charlotte sighed and waved her hand dismissively. "It's a phrase. It means: 'Ask away'."
Legolas tilted his head to the side. Yes. This friendship, though odd, will definitely be an interesting one.
Legolas shook his head, deciding it best not to dwell on her odd mannerisms, which was widely renowned amongst all in the kingdom. "Is it true that you have knowledge of future events pertaining to Middle Earth."
Her smile faded. "Yes. But I'm not going to tell you anything. Knowing my luck, I'll say something and cause a paradox of epic proportions."
Legolas blinked once, and then again. "What is a…paradox?"
Charlotte grinned impishly at him. "Ever heard of Doctor Who?"
His frown deepened and Charlotte laughed out loud at his apparent confusion. Then she thought about it and wondered if it would do any harm to tell him about one of her favorite television shows. She really didn't see the harm in it, but still…
"Maybe after certain events have come to pass, I'll tell you all about Doctor Who. But a paradox is essentially having knowledge of future events and doing something that would change the outcome of that future." She thought about his question and then asked, "Why do you ask about my knowledge of the future of Middle Earth?"
Legolas had been regarding her as though she were an oddity that he would never understand fully. Shaking his head, he focused on his earlier question. "My Ada sent me on a quest to find a man by the name of Strider. I was curious as to whether you knew anything about him?"
Charlotte chewed her bottom lip. "I do."
"And?" Legolas pressed.
Charlotte started fidgeting, really not wanting to reveal too much. "You're not going to make this easy, are you?"
"If I am to find this man, I at least want to know if it is for a good reason."
Charlotte mulled it over in her head and then met his gaze. Legolas blinked at the steely fire burning in her eyes as she came to a decision. "Your friendship with Strider will prove to be everything, Legolas. Trust me on this. You father didn't send you on a fool's errand. This is important. Very important. More important than you'll ever know."
Charlotte pressed her lips together, deciding that was all she could and would say on the matter. She let out a sigh and rose to her feet, dusting off her clothes and drawing her cloak tighter around her shoulders. Legolas followed suit, silently watching her.
She glanced up to meet his gaze. "Remember me telling you that friends can be found in the most unusual places?" He nodded and she continued. "Strider may not seem like much on the outside, but he is very important. Your friendship with him, I suspect, will help shape the course of future events."
Legolas pondered this, another thought entering his head. "I suspect that my friendship with him is not the one with whom you were referring to earlier on though, was it?" he asked.
Charlotte shook her head. "No. I was thinking of another." Charlotte smiled to herself at the thought of Legolas' and Gimli's unusual friendship, and especially how Thranduil was going to react to it. She couldn't wait to see the expression on his face when the time came. "And I want you to bring him home so that I can personally meet him, when the time comes," she declared.
Legolas regarded her and then, much to her astonishment, he extended his hand. "Consider it done," he stated.
Charlotte stared at him for a fleeting moment, surprised that he knew this human gesture, and then took his proffered hand, cementing the deal they had just made.
Legolas straightened and suddenly grinned down at her, releasing her hand. He leaned forward, bringing himself eye level to her, and a mischievous twinkle entered his eyes. "Shall we go and see if Aranhil has made any chocolate?"
Charlotte stared at him, stunned, and then burst into laughter. Shaking her head, she remarked, "Who would have guessed that you have a sweet tooth? It's a good thing that it's impossible for you elves to get cavities."
Legolas shrugged, unperturbed. "What can I say. Chocolate is delicious."
As they respectively mounted horse and moose, Charlotte suddenly turned to Legolas. "Wait until you try hot chocolate."
"What is that?" Legolas asked, sounding intrigued.
"A chocolate flavored beverage."
A flash of anticipation washed over his features. "Do you think Aranhil can make it?"
Charlotte shot him a wide grin. "Let's go and find out. Race you back!" she shouted, urging Tallagor onwards before Legolas even had time to react.
He watched her speed away and grinned to himself. Yes, this was going to be an interesting friendship. And a lucrative one, especially if chocolate was involved, he thought to himself as he followed closely behind her.
Charlotte wandered into their bedroom later that afternoon, a pleased smile plastered on her face as she hummed tunelessly to herself.
Thranduil glanced up from his book, raising a brow at her rather happy mood.
"You seem rather pleased with yourself," he noted.
Charlotte sauntered over to him and plucked the book from his hand, laying it on the side table. Then she settled easily in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck as she nuzzled, rather seductively, against the exposed flesh of his neck.
"That I am," she purred.
"And what, may I enquire, has brought on this pleasant mood?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her closer. "Not that I'm complaining."
Charlotte brushed her lips against his, wiggling distractively in his lap. Thranduil fought back the moan that threatened to spill from his lips at the movement.
"Legolas and I had a little chat. Surprisingly, we have agreed to try and be friends."
Thranduil stilled against her advances, a twinge of jealousy rising up. "I am glad to hear of it, Charlotte."
Charlotte, sensing his change in mood, glanced up from her task of kissing along his jawline.
"Are you…jealous?" she asked, making it sound as though it were the most ridiculous thing in the world.
"Of course not," he stated.
Charlotte's features softened as she gazed at him seriously. "You don't have to be jealous, Thranduil. It is you who holds my heart. Legolas is, hopefully, my friend and," she pulled a face as she finished her sentence, "my soon to be stepson."
Thranduil's abrupt laughter echoed around the room and he relaxed, feeling through their bond that her words were true. Not that he doubted with whom her heart truly belonged, but he still remembered that she used to read fanfiction of his son. That was something no male ever wanted to have knowledge of.
Charlotte poked him in the chest. "It's still not funny," she said mulishly.
Thranduil contained his laughter with great effort. "If you say so, but I truly am happy that you two have come to an understanding. It eases my heart greatly."
This seemed to appease Charlotte and she resumed nuzzling against his neck. "I don't know what Aranhil put in that hot chocolate, but it's working as an aphrodisiac. Care to find out how much of an aphrodisiac it really is?"
Thranduil was finding it hard to concentrate, especially when her hand skirted downwards, finding out exactly how appealing her suggestion was to him.
"Very much," he growled before picking her up and carrying her with renewed urgency to their bed, where he intended to keep her for the rest of the night.
Thranduil laid her carefully upon the bed and stepped back, stripping himself of his garments with nimble and quick fingers.
Charlotte scooted back and leaned back on her elbows, watching him with appreciation and lust filling her eyes. "I'll never grow tired of seeing you naked," she murmured.
"And you, I should note, are still fully dressed," he replied, his deep voice husky as he crawled on the bed towards her.
"Something I am sure you are going to rectify very soon," she said, weaving her hand in his hair and drawing him down. Their lips molded together as passion ignited between them, and soon they became entangled with each other. Somewhere along the way, Charlotte's clothes were discarded, and heated flesh pressed against heated flesh as their hands roamed and explored each other.
"My love," Thranduil murmured as he gazed down at her flushed features that were open with desire. Desire for him.
Charlotte cupped his cheek tenderly with the palm of her hand. "Always," she vowed.
This seemed to be the answer that he needed, and he slowly eased inside her. Charlotte gasped at the delicious sensation of him entering her and clutched at his shoulders for purchase. Now fully sheathed inside her, his lips found hers and he poured all of his love and passion into it; the moment igniting with intensity as he started moving slowly in and out of her as they made unhurried love, each becoming lost in each other and the sensual moment.
Thranduil pulled back from the kiss, stilling as he gazed down at her. Charlotte almost shattered at the pure love reflecting in his crystalline eyes. It was almost too much for her to bear. Then his lips crashed against hers and his thrusts became more urgent, more demanding; almost as though he yearned to consume her, to take all that she was willing to offer him.
Charlotte clutched at him, her hips meeting each of his thrusts as she rode the powerful and all-consuming waves of their lovemaking.
It wasn't long before she cried out his name as she shattered from her intense orgasm, her nails digging into his flawless flesh.
Thranduil watched as she came undone beneath him, his heart swelling at just how beautiful she was in this moment. And she was all his.
This thought sent him over the edge, and he found his own release with a cry of her name upon his lips as he thrust one final time into her before collapsing on top of her.
They lay together in a tangled heap, each clinging to each other.
Finally, Thranduil raised his head enough to brush his lips against hers, the act gentle and tender and absolute in love. Charlotte responded, pouring all the love she held for him into the kiss.
She pulled back from the kiss and gazed up at him. "Always, Thranduil. Always," she whispered, her vow echoing all around them.
The smile he gave her was the most breathtaking she had ever witnessed, and he kissed her again, taking his time to taste her and savor her.
True to his word, Thranduil kept her ensconced in their bedroom for the rest of the night, the darkness echoing with their cries and moans of pleasure. She was his just as much as he was hers. Forever. Always.
A year later…
Legolas stood beside his father in the secluded meadow, the pond to their backs and the new green grass springy beneath their booted feet. A cool spring breeze blew lazily through the trees, rustling the leaves, and up ahead the birds chirped their happy song at this joyous occasion.
Legolas cast his gaze sidelong at his Ada, who was dressed resplendently in a starlit silver tunic and robes. The circlet upon his head sparkled like the brightest star in the night sky, and his silver-white hair hung like a gossamer curtain down his ramrod straight back as they waited.
His gaze wondered to the gathering before them, which consisted of those closest to Charlotte and his Ada: Aranhil, Calenmiriel, Feren, Galion and Maerwen. It was but a small gathering for what was about to take place, but there would be a larger festivity to take place later on in the Great Hall.
"Nervous?" Legolas asked from the corner of his mouth.
"Not in the slightest," Thranduil replied haughtily, though Legolas noted the way he swallowed hard, and he smirked to himself.
Suddenly the musical tones of the harps sounded, and all heads turned as one as Charlotte stepped into view, her arm looped with Hérion's as he walked her down the 'aisle'.
She was dressed in a pure white dress that flowed along her body like a silken waterfall, the luxurious gossamer train trailing along the ground behind her. The bodice sparkled with the white gems that had been stitched into the material with meticulous care, making the white of the dress seem more brilliant to the naked eye. The long sleeves flared out at her elbows, and her dark locks had been tamed into a soft flowing waves that now fell past her shoulders. She wore her elvish circlet upon her head and when she moved her head a certain way, Legolas glimpsed the tiny gems that had been weaved strategically into her locks. She truly was a sight to behold as she practically glowed with her inner joy.
In this moment Charlotte looked every bit the elven Queen she was meant to be.
Legolas glanced over at his father and stilled at the unadulterated love and awe that was now showing plainly on his father's features. In this exact moment in time, Thranduil only had eyes for the woman who was walking towards him, and Charlotte, in turn, only had eyes for Thranduil. The rest of them might as well not be there. And that is what made this moment so perfect.
Legolas realized that he was witnessing the raw and powerful love they held for each other, and he felt truly blessed to stand witness to such a union that was about to take place; a blessed union between his Ada and the woman who had fast become a dear friend to him.
Charlotte was practically glowing with radiance by the time she reached Thranduil. Hérion turned to face her, a rare smile gracing his lips as he bent and kissed her cheek affectionately before handing her over to Thranduil, who gently took her hands in his own, his own joyous light illuminating his features.
"You look absolutely beautiful," Thranduil breathed out in wonder, his eyes never straying from her face. Charlotte blushed prettily at the praise, her eyes shining with unshed tears of joy at this perfectly magical moment.
Galion stepped forward, a smile gracing his handsome features. He silently opened a small varnished wooden box in his hands, revealing two golden rings; one a simple band for Thranduil and the other embedded with sparkling diamonds that was to be for Charlotte.
Maerwen stepped forward to stand beside Charlotte and Legolas took his place beside his Ada. Together, he and Maerwen invoked the name of Manwë and Varda. The silver betrothal rings were now to be exchanged for the golden ones. There had been some debate, but in the end Charlotte's insistence at incorporating some of her human wedding traditions had won out.
"With this ring I wed thee, Charlotte Wright," Thranduil murmured, his deep, silken voice now hoarse with emotion as he slipped her wedding band on her finger.
Tears threatened to spill from her hazel eyes as Charlotte took his ring and slipped it on his own finger with a trembling hand.
"With this ring I wed thee, Thranduil Oropherion," she whispered, her lower lip trembling as she strained to hold back her tears of joy.
Legolas and Maerwen stepped back at this part of the ceremony and all watched with equal smiles of happiness on their faces as Thranduil and Charlotte shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
They returned to the palace where a grand feast was awaiting them in the Great Hall, and all the subjects of Greenwood had congregated to celebrate to marriage of King Thranduil and Queen Charlotte.
The festivities lasted throughout the night and it was a joyous and merry occasion for all in attendance. Dancing, laughing, drinking and eating ensued and Charlotte had to admit, by the end of it, that elves really did know how to throw a party.
A familiar hand entwined with hers and she looked up into the radiant face of her husband, her heart melting into a puddle at the unbridled love reflecting in those electric blue orbs.
Thranduil bent his head, brushing his soft lips against the shell of her ear and making her shiver as desire coursed through her.
"My Queen," he whispered, a smirk playing on his lips.
"My King," she replied, laying her palm over his heart as he drew her near.
Thranduil smiled down warmly at her before brushing his lips against her in a chaste, yet loving kiss. He straightened and Charlotte rested her head against his chest as they slowly swayed to the music playing in the background.
"This moment is perfect," she murmured.
"It has been perfect since I have been with you," Thranduil countered. "And it will continue to be perfect."
Charlotte frowned, knowing that dark times were soon to fall upon Middle Earth. She raised her head and glanced over to where Legolas was currently having a drinking game with Galion and Feren, the trio laughing merrily, albeit a bit tipsily. Soon the Prince would depart from Greenwood and resume his quest in finding Aragorn, and her heart clenched painfully at the thought of his future and the role he would play in the destruction of the ring. He would go through so much and see so much that it would forever change him.
But it was no use dwelling on these concerns just yet. For now, they were living in a perfect moment, uninterrupted by the shadow of darkness looming just over the horizon.
Charlotte turned her attention back to Thranduil and gave him a reassuring smile. "Together we'll make it perfect. Always."
He gave a nod. "Always," he vowed, drawing her closer, sealing his promise with a heady kiss.
Tonight was theirs. The future was theirs. Together. Always.
The End
Or is it…
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