Chapter 20: To Have And To Hold.
Aireromen awoke to an early morning sun shinning in on her face. She blinked a few times, her eyes stinging from the new light. She stretched out her legs and arms and let them lay limp on the bed as she relaxed. A big smile was on her face, this was her wedding day, and she was finally, after so many years of waiting, going to be given Legolas as his wife. Legoals would be her husband...husband, the word tossed around in her head. It was foreign, but it seemed to fit.
She lay in bed for another hour, staring at the trees that swayed in the autumn breeze, leaves of heart red, sun yellow, and bright orange blew from the trees and scurried across the floor of her room. The rich scent of nature was all around her. She took in a slow, deep breath and let it out a little at a time.
She sat up and propped herself against the pillows, running her fingers across the pale gold fabric on her bed sheets. She could hardly keep from smiling, she couldn't remember any time in her life that she had been this happy, besides the night that Legolas proposed to her under the golden trees of Lorien.
Aireromen became aware of a figure standing in her doorway; she turned to see the tall well built figure of her father, Celeborn, leaning on the frame watching her.
"Do you mind if I come in telella-elle?" (little elf) Celeborn smiled.
Aireromen nodded. "Of corse you may Atar."
Celeborn stepped lightly into the room, he came to Aireromen's bedside and sat beside her, he looked her up and down. "You fell asleep in your traveling clothes I see."
Aireromen looked down; she still wore the silver shirt and black leggings from the night before, although her boots were tossed over at the foot of the bedpost. "I was too tiered to change." She replied with a smirk.
Celeborn's face grew serious, "Aire, I..I just, I just wanted you to know, that, that I love you." Celeborn's eyes glistened.
Aireromen looked to her father, with a curious look on her face. "I love you too Atar" 'He's acting strange' she thought.
"And, I just hope you know that, that you'll always be my little girl." Celeborn gazed into his daughters bright eyes. He could hardly stand it, within a few hours he would be giving up his youngest daughter. Weddings were always harder on the fathers.
Aireromen smiled and sighed. She crawled over to Celeborn and wrapped her arms softly around his neck, kissing his cheek, as a little girl would do. "I'll always be your little girl Atar..always."
She leaned into him; Celeborn stroked her head and patted her back gently. She could say it all she wanted, but he still knew that she was no longer a child, Aire was now a beautiful elven woman, about to be given to an elf he deemed worthy of her.
He broke away from the hug slowly. "I had better go and help Elrond and Thranduil, I will see you tonight sweet one." He got up and walked swiftly to the door and left with a final glance at his daughter.
Aireromen sighed. "I can hardly wait." She said to herself.
* * * *
"Legolas, you must calm down." Thranduil was trying his best to keep his own cool while his son rushed about the room searching for his tunic.
"I could have sworn that I placed it on this stool the night before!" Legolas rummaged through a closet muttering incomprehensible words as he threw the clothes around.
Thranduil noticed the pale blue elven shirt Legolas was looking for sprawled out on his bed, he got up from the chair he had been sitting in and picked up the shirt. "Is this what you are looking for?" He held the shirt up in front of him.
Legolas whipped his head around and stood up, snatching the shirt from his father's hands. "Yes that's it!" he placed it neatly on the table, next to the silver leggings and boots he was going wearing for the wedding.
"Is it necessary to be getting ready this early? You have all day." Thranduil raised an eyebrow at Legolas as the young elf began stuffing the clothes he had tossed around back into the closet.
"I want to be prepared, I want nothing to go wrong." Legolas walked to the balcony and stared out at the distance where Aireromen's room was.
"Nothing will." Thranduil placed a hand on Legolas's arm. He looked down below at the courtyard. A few horses carrying riders came through the gates. "Ah, it seems that the guests are already beginning to arrive."
Legolas looked down, four small, stout little ponies were there, the small riders had already dismounted and were leading their ponies to the stable. Legolas grinned and called out.
"Ai! Can it be? Hobbits have returned to Rivendell?" he laughed and leaned over the balcony.
One of the bushy haired figures looked up, a great big smile spread across his face. "And what is a woodland elf doing in such a beautiful place as this?" the voice of Merry rang out.
Legolas turned from the balcony and walked out of his room, he quickly passed through the hall and down the stairs.
"Master Meridoc!" Legolas laughed as he approached the four hobbits.
"Master Legoals!" Merry replied, comically bowing low.
"Or should we say..Your Majesty!" Pippin chimed in.
"No, not yet." Legolas jeered.
He hugged both of the child-like hobbits at the same time.
"Greetings....Ringbearer." He looked to the dark haired blue eyed hobbit before him.
"Hello Legolas." Frodo smiled happily.
Legolas embraced Frodo in a friendly hug.
"It's amazing Legolas, what with your getting married and all, and KING! Bless me, it must be a happy day for you!" said Sam.
"And happier still now that the hobbits have arrived. It does my heart good to see you all again." Legolas ruffled Pippin's hair.
Legolas walked with the hobbits to the stable where they could put their ponies up. Talking the whole way about everything that had happened to them since the quest for the Fellowship had ended.
The Sun was a giant orange ball in the western sky that evening, already the guests were being seated. Legolas was doing some last minute talking with his old companions, occasionally he looked around him, there was still one guest missing. He sighed and went back to listening to Pippin talking about this patch of mushrooms he found only a few weeks ago. He couldn't understand how the hobbit could go on and on about some weird looking fungus.
Something caught his eye, and he looked to the end of the rows of guests, there was a little bearded man, slightly taller that a hobbit, he waved and bowed low, taking off his little helmet. Legoals laughed.
"Good evening Master Elf! Fine sun set were having, don't you think?" the little man laughed deep, and began walking towards the elf.
"Master Dwarf!" Legolas playfully called his old friend. "I thought you would never come, but my heart is brightened now to see you!" He bent down and embraced the dwarf in a tight hug. "Welcome back to Rivendell Gimli!" Legolas patted the dwarf upon his back, and walked with him to his seat.
"Never did I imagine YOU getting married and settling down Legolas, So it came as quite a shock to find that you had FINALY gone through with your plans." Gimli smiled.
"Aye, I still intend to travel, there is still much to see in this world and it can wait. But I can no longer wait to marry Aire, I have put this off for too long." Legolas sighed.
The smile left Gimli's face. "Where is Aireromen? I have not seen her since..well you know when. I need to see her, I need to tell her that I am sorry."
Legolas gave a perplexing look to his old friend. "Sorry for what?"
"For bringing about her death." Gimli said quietly.
Legolas kneeled down, a look of pity in his eyes. "It was not your fault Gimli, do not blame yourself, what happened to Aire could not have been stopped. Besides, if she had not given her life for yours, you would have died. I believe it was her destiny to buy your life with her own, for we needed you in the fellowship, I know now within my heart, that she was meant to die for you. I do not blame you, nor does she. Take comfort in that." He placed a hand upon the dwarf's shoulders.
"Thank you Master Elf, your words bring me some comfort, but I must still speak with her." Replied Gimli.
"You shall have your chance soon enough." Legolas stood up and smiled down at the dwarf, then he walked away to the front to wait with his father, Celeborn, and Elrond.
When the sun had completely vanished from the sky, and the light from the stars and moon were shinning on the courtyard, Aireromen emerged from her room, followed by Galadriel. She stepped lightly, and began walking down the stairs to where the guests and Legolas waited. She wore a gown of mostly white, the fitted bodice was a dark forest green, and around it were sewn golden leaves upon a golden vine that wrapped around the green of the bodice. The sleeves were long and large; they flowed out behind and around her. The tails on the side of the gown were also green, and had three golden leafs down the middle. Her hair was down and flowed about her on the breeze. All turned to watch her coming. Legolas's heart lifted at the sight of her, she was a vision of beauty.
Legolas took Aireromen's hand as she came to him. He stood looking into her eyes.
Elrond stepped forward to speak. "Marriage is an occasion for great joy among elves, for this union not only symbolizes love, but also the continuation of the elven race. Here, you will bind the spirit and heart of each to the other. You now pledge your love and fidelity to each other before all those present this night."
Legolas and Aireromen looked at each other and smiled. Legolas took both her hands in his.
"I will love you always, you and no other." Legolas said softly.
"And I will love you, you and no other." Aireromen smiled.
Elrond stepped back. "With that said, I will now introduce, the Prince and Princess of Mirwood, Legolas and Aireromen Greenleaf."
All the guests, elves, humans, and hobbits alike stood and bowed respectfully.
"Now, to the Celebration!" Thranduil said loudly.
All the members present were invited to a feast and afterwards a party where ballads and tales were told in the newly married couple's honor.
Gimli approached Aireromen who was sitting down on a bench listening to Frodo and Pippin singing an old song from the shire.
"Good evening Princess." Gimli said softly.
Aireromen turned to face the dwarf. "Gimli! I was hoping that I would find you!" she kneeled down and placed her arms around him, kissing him lightly on the cheek.
"I just wanted to say that...I am sorry for what happened to you, I should have help you when I had the chance." The dwarf looked down at his feet.
Aireromen laughed. "Oh sweet Gimli! Do not burden yourself with this guilt, it is in the past, I did what I had to do, and so did you, there is no one to blame." She smiled and placed a hand upon his shoulder. "Come, you will sit here with Legolas and I."
"But, this is reserved for you two, not me." Gimli argued.
"Nonsense, I insist." She scooted over and Gimli sat down next to her.
Legolas came over; he had been talking with Aragorn and was now returning to his seat. He looked down at the odd looking couple.
"Stolen my seat have you?" Legolas joked, his eyes glittering brightly.
"You see princess, I have taken his spot." Gimli began to get up.
"No Gimli, you are not in my seat..Aire is." He smiled mischievously at her.
"Well, you may sit on the floor then." She looked up at Legolas.
"I think not." Legolas picked Aireromen up and sat down in his seat. Aireromen began to leave. "Oh no you don't! You're going to sit here with us!" Legolas grabbed hold of her by the waist and pulled her into his lap. "There, now there is room for all of us."
Aireromen wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
"Happy?" Legolas asked her.
"Very" she replied. She leaned her head upon his and they returned their attention to the celebration.
The Celebration lasted long into the night, by the time it was over; hardly anybody could muster up the strength to climb up the stairs and to their rooms. There were a few farewells as all the guests parted off to bed.
Legolas picked Aireromen up and cradled her in his arms, he carefully walked up the steps, and took her to his room, he closed the door behind him and laid Aireromen upon his bed. She stretched out and rested her hands above her head on the pillow; Legolas stared at her for a few moments.
"Mani?" (what?) she asked raising an eyebrow.
He said nothing, but simply smiled. He moved closer to her, running his hands along her face and up above her head stopping at her arms. He kissed her neck softly, and pulled her to him ever so close, she closed her eyes and breathed in, kissing his chin. He moved himself until he was positioned above her; she could feel the weight of his body pushing down on hers. He held his upper body up by his arms; Aireromen placed her hands on his arms that were on either side of her. Legolas pressed his lips firmly onto hers, slowly bringing himself down, until he was lying flat on top of her and she felt his weight pushing hard against her thin body, and she felt as if she would sink into the bed.
He pulled his head up slowly and looked into her eyes. "Sina dome aru a' lye, melamin." (This night belongs to us, my love.) She smiled up at him and Legolas bent down and kissed her, slowly undoing the laces on the back of her gown pulling it off of her and pushing it out of the way. Aireromen fingered the collar of his shirt and ran her hand down his chest, unhooking the snaps and slid the silver cloth over him and onto the floor, the feel of his skin against hers was overwhelming.
Legolas held her with one arm, and used his other to pull the covers up and over them, both finally giving in to the burning inside their hearts.
They woke up very late in the morning, still entwined in each other's arms; their clothes lay upon the floor from the night before. Legolas and Aireromen's eyes met, they smiled, their faces inches from each other. Legolas kissed her soft pink lips.
"Sal' varda?" (Still exhausted?) He questioned looking into her eyes.
Aireromen closed her eyes and sighed. "Uma" (Yes) she moved a little closer to him.
"Lye lun kaima ana, ron ta il van duil lye." (We can sleep longer; they will not be expecting us.) Legolas whispered.
She nodded and kissed him; they both closed their eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
* * * * *
Gandalf, walked slowly up the steps of Mirkwood palace, he entered the giant doors. Legolas stood there to greet him. Thranduil had left for the Grey havens, and Legolas was now king.
"Mithrandir!" Legolas exclaimed. "I am so glad you could come."
"Yes, it has been some time, how are you managing?" the old wizard replied as they walked down a hallway and into a library where a bright fire was burning.
"I am doing alright, it is not as hard to run a kingdom as I had thought." Legolas sat down in a comfy chair. Gandalf took the one next to them. They sat by the fire talking about the past, and the many things Gandalf had seen in these past few months.
"You will stay a few days wont you?" asked Legolas.
"Yes, I can stay a few days, I need a rest before I travel to the Shire." Gandalf chuckled. He looked around the room. "Where is Aireromen? Is she away visiting Galadriel and Celeborn?"
"No, she is here, she is lying in bed. She has been very ill these past few days." Legolas said solemnly.
"Ill? How can she be Ill? Elves do not suffer from illnesses." Gandalf raised a white bushy eyebrow.
"I know, that is what worries me, I do not know what is wrong with her, she lies in bed most mornings feeling very ill. I am beginning to fear the worst." Legolas replied, looking out a window at the night sky.
"May I see her?" Gandalf asked with concern.
"Of corse you may." Legolas stood and led Gandalf down a corridor and to his and Aireromen's bedroom.
"She is in here, sleeping. She was very sick this morning, but this evening she is doing a little better." Legolas led him to the bedside where Aireromen slept.
Gandalf kneeled down and felt her forehead. He looked concerned. "Bring some water for her if you will Legolas."
"Yes Mithrandir." Legolas gave a last look at his wife and then left. When he returned Gandalf was rising to his feet, he met Legolas half way with the water.
"Thank you" he poured a little gently down Aireromen's throat. "She needs a lot of water, if she is too sick to get out of bed, then you will have to give it to her." He gave the cup back to Legolas and pulled the covers up to Aireromen's shoulders.
"Is she going to be alright?" Legolas sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over Aire's sleeping form, stroking her forehead.
Gandalf smiled. "Yes, she may be a little ill for the next few days, but she and you're child will be just fine."
Legolas looked up at Gandalf suddenly, a look of complete shock upon his face. He blinked slowly. " My Child?" he asked looking dumbfounded. "My Child?" he repeated.
Gandalf chuckled. "Yes, You're Child, did I mumble?"
Legolas stood up. "Aire's...... going to have a baby?"
"And a strong healthy one from what I can tell." Gandalf said.
Legolas beamed with a happiness he had never known before, he sat back down on the bed and kissed Aireromen on her cheek, she sighed softly in her sleep. He placed a hand upon her stomach where the tiny life within was growing and whispered into her ear. "I love you."
* * * * * *
Authors Note: Well were you surprised??? If not, oh well.I tried.
THE VERY LAST AND FINAL CHAPTER IS COMING SOON!!!!!!!
_Squijim_
Aireromen awoke to an early morning sun shinning in on her face. She blinked a few times, her eyes stinging from the new light. She stretched out her legs and arms and let them lay limp on the bed as she relaxed. A big smile was on her face, this was her wedding day, and she was finally, after so many years of waiting, going to be given Legolas as his wife. Legoals would be her husband...husband, the word tossed around in her head. It was foreign, but it seemed to fit.
She lay in bed for another hour, staring at the trees that swayed in the autumn breeze, leaves of heart red, sun yellow, and bright orange blew from the trees and scurried across the floor of her room. The rich scent of nature was all around her. She took in a slow, deep breath and let it out a little at a time.
She sat up and propped herself against the pillows, running her fingers across the pale gold fabric on her bed sheets. She could hardly keep from smiling, she couldn't remember any time in her life that she had been this happy, besides the night that Legolas proposed to her under the golden trees of Lorien.
Aireromen became aware of a figure standing in her doorway; she turned to see the tall well built figure of her father, Celeborn, leaning on the frame watching her.
"Do you mind if I come in telella-elle?" (little elf) Celeborn smiled.
Aireromen nodded. "Of corse you may Atar."
Celeborn stepped lightly into the room, he came to Aireromen's bedside and sat beside her, he looked her up and down. "You fell asleep in your traveling clothes I see."
Aireromen looked down; she still wore the silver shirt and black leggings from the night before, although her boots were tossed over at the foot of the bedpost. "I was too tiered to change." She replied with a smirk.
Celeborn's face grew serious, "Aire, I..I just, I just wanted you to know, that, that I love you." Celeborn's eyes glistened.
Aireromen looked to her father, with a curious look on her face. "I love you too Atar" 'He's acting strange' she thought.
"And, I just hope you know that, that you'll always be my little girl." Celeborn gazed into his daughters bright eyes. He could hardly stand it, within a few hours he would be giving up his youngest daughter. Weddings were always harder on the fathers.
Aireromen smiled and sighed. She crawled over to Celeborn and wrapped her arms softly around his neck, kissing his cheek, as a little girl would do. "I'll always be your little girl Atar..always."
She leaned into him; Celeborn stroked her head and patted her back gently. She could say it all she wanted, but he still knew that she was no longer a child, Aire was now a beautiful elven woman, about to be given to an elf he deemed worthy of her.
He broke away from the hug slowly. "I had better go and help Elrond and Thranduil, I will see you tonight sweet one." He got up and walked swiftly to the door and left with a final glance at his daughter.
Aireromen sighed. "I can hardly wait." She said to herself.
* * * *
"Legolas, you must calm down." Thranduil was trying his best to keep his own cool while his son rushed about the room searching for his tunic.
"I could have sworn that I placed it on this stool the night before!" Legolas rummaged through a closet muttering incomprehensible words as he threw the clothes around.
Thranduil noticed the pale blue elven shirt Legolas was looking for sprawled out on his bed, he got up from the chair he had been sitting in and picked up the shirt. "Is this what you are looking for?" He held the shirt up in front of him.
Legolas whipped his head around and stood up, snatching the shirt from his father's hands. "Yes that's it!" he placed it neatly on the table, next to the silver leggings and boots he was going wearing for the wedding.
"Is it necessary to be getting ready this early? You have all day." Thranduil raised an eyebrow at Legolas as the young elf began stuffing the clothes he had tossed around back into the closet.
"I want to be prepared, I want nothing to go wrong." Legolas walked to the balcony and stared out at the distance where Aireromen's room was.
"Nothing will." Thranduil placed a hand on Legolas's arm. He looked down below at the courtyard. A few horses carrying riders came through the gates. "Ah, it seems that the guests are already beginning to arrive."
Legolas looked down, four small, stout little ponies were there, the small riders had already dismounted and were leading their ponies to the stable. Legolas grinned and called out.
"Ai! Can it be? Hobbits have returned to Rivendell?" he laughed and leaned over the balcony.
One of the bushy haired figures looked up, a great big smile spread across his face. "And what is a woodland elf doing in such a beautiful place as this?" the voice of Merry rang out.
Legolas turned from the balcony and walked out of his room, he quickly passed through the hall and down the stairs.
"Master Meridoc!" Legolas laughed as he approached the four hobbits.
"Master Legoals!" Merry replied, comically bowing low.
"Or should we say..Your Majesty!" Pippin chimed in.
"No, not yet." Legolas jeered.
He hugged both of the child-like hobbits at the same time.
"Greetings....Ringbearer." He looked to the dark haired blue eyed hobbit before him.
"Hello Legolas." Frodo smiled happily.
Legolas embraced Frodo in a friendly hug.
"It's amazing Legolas, what with your getting married and all, and KING! Bless me, it must be a happy day for you!" said Sam.
"And happier still now that the hobbits have arrived. It does my heart good to see you all again." Legolas ruffled Pippin's hair.
Legolas walked with the hobbits to the stable where they could put their ponies up. Talking the whole way about everything that had happened to them since the quest for the Fellowship had ended.
The Sun was a giant orange ball in the western sky that evening, already the guests were being seated. Legolas was doing some last minute talking with his old companions, occasionally he looked around him, there was still one guest missing. He sighed and went back to listening to Pippin talking about this patch of mushrooms he found only a few weeks ago. He couldn't understand how the hobbit could go on and on about some weird looking fungus.
Something caught his eye, and he looked to the end of the rows of guests, there was a little bearded man, slightly taller that a hobbit, he waved and bowed low, taking off his little helmet. Legoals laughed.
"Good evening Master Elf! Fine sun set were having, don't you think?" the little man laughed deep, and began walking towards the elf.
"Master Dwarf!" Legolas playfully called his old friend. "I thought you would never come, but my heart is brightened now to see you!" He bent down and embraced the dwarf in a tight hug. "Welcome back to Rivendell Gimli!" Legolas patted the dwarf upon his back, and walked with him to his seat.
"Never did I imagine YOU getting married and settling down Legolas, So it came as quite a shock to find that you had FINALY gone through with your plans." Gimli smiled.
"Aye, I still intend to travel, there is still much to see in this world and it can wait. But I can no longer wait to marry Aire, I have put this off for too long." Legolas sighed.
The smile left Gimli's face. "Where is Aireromen? I have not seen her since..well you know when. I need to see her, I need to tell her that I am sorry."
Legolas gave a perplexing look to his old friend. "Sorry for what?"
"For bringing about her death." Gimli said quietly.
Legolas kneeled down, a look of pity in his eyes. "It was not your fault Gimli, do not blame yourself, what happened to Aire could not have been stopped. Besides, if she had not given her life for yours, you would have died. I believe it was her destiny to buy your life with her own, for we needed you in the fellowship, I know now within my heart, that she was meant to die for you. I do not blame you, nor does she. Take comfort in that." He placed a hand upon the dwarf's shoulders.
"Thank you Master Elf, your words bring me some comfort, but I must still speak with her." Replied Gimli.
"You shall have your chance soon enough." Legolas stood up and smiled down at the dwarf, then he walked away to the front to wait with his father, Celeborn, and Elrond.
When the sun had completely vanished from the sky, and the light from the stars and moon were shinning on the courtyard, Aireromen emerged from her room, followed by Galadriel. She stepped lightly, and began walking down the stairs to where the guests and Legolas waited. She wore a gown of mostly white, the fitted bodice was a dark forest green, and around it were sewn golden leaves upon a golden vine that wrapped around the green of the bodice. The sleeves were long and large; they flowed out behind and around her. The tails on the side of the gown were also green, and had three golden leafs down the middle. Her hair was down and flowed about her on the breeze. All turned to watch her coming. Legolas's heart lifted at the sight of her, she was a vision of beauty.
Legolas took Aireromen's hand as she came to him. He stood looking into her eyes.
Elrond stepped forward to speak. "Marriage is an occasion for great joy among elves, for this union not only symbolizes love, but also the continuation of the elven race. Here, you will bind the spirit and heart of each to the other. You now pledge your love and fidelity to each other before all those present this night."
Legolas and Aireromen looked at each other and smiled. Legolas took both her hands in his.
"I will love you always, you and no other." Legolas said softly.
"And I will love you, you and no other." Aireromen smiled.
Elrond stepped back. "With that said, I will now introduce, the Prince and Princess of Mirwood, Legolas and Aireromen Greenleaf."
All the guests, elves, humans, and hobbits alike stood and bowed respectfully.
"Now, to the Celebration!" Thranduil said loudly.
All the members present were invited to a feast and afterwards a party where ballads and tales were told in the newly married couple's honor.
Gimli approached Aireromen who was sitting down on a bench listening to Frodo and Pippin singing an old song from the shire.
"Good evening Princess." Gimli said softly.
Aireromen turned to face the dwarf. "Gimli! I was hoping that I would find you!" she kneeled down and placed her arms around him, kissing him lightly on the cheek.
"I just wanted to say that...I am sorry for what happened to you, I should have help you when I had the chance." The dwarf looked down at his feet.
Aireromen laughed. "Oh sweet Gimli! Do not burden yourself with this guilt, it is in the past, I did what I had to do, and so did you, there is no one to blame." She smiled and placed a hand upon his shoulder. "Come, you will sit here with Legolas and I."
"But, this is reserved for you two, not me." Gimli argued.
"Nonsense, I insist." She scooted over and Gimli sat down next to her.
Legolas came over; he had been talking with Aragorn and was now returning to his seat. He looked down at the odd looking couple.
"Stolen my seat have you?" Legolas joked, his eyes glittering brightly.
"You see princess, I have taken his spot." Gimli began to get up.
"No Gimli, you are not in my seat..Aire is." He smiled mischievously at her.
"Well, you may sit on the floor then." She looked up at Legolas.
"I think not." Legolas picked Aireromen up and sat down in his seat. Aireromen began to leave. "Oh no you don't! You're going to sit here with us!" Legolas grabbed hold of her by the waist and pulled her into his lap. "There, now there is room for all of us."
Aireromen wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
"Happy?" Legolas asked her.
"Very" she replied. She leaned her head upon his and they returned their attention to the celebration.
The Celebration lasted long into the night, by the time it was over; hardly anybody could muster up the strength to climb up the stairs and to their rooms. There were a few farewells as all the guests parted off to bed.
Legolas picked Aireromen up and cradled her in his arms, he carefully walked up the steps, and took her to his room, he closed the door behind him and laid Aireromen upon his bed. She stretched out and rested her hands above her head on the pillow; Legolas stared at her for a few moments.
"Mani?" (what?) she asked raising an eyebrow.
He said nothing, but simply smiled. He moved closer to her, running his hands along her face and up above her head stopping at her arms. He kissed her neck softly, and pulled her to him ever so close, she closed her eyes and breathed in, kissing his chin. He moved himself until he was positioned above her; she could feel the weight of his body pushing down on hers. He held his upper body up by his arms; Aireromen placed her hands on his arms that were on either side of her. Legolas pressed his lips firmly onto hers, slowly bringing himself down, until he was lying flat on top of her and she felt his weight pushing hard against her thin body, and she felt as if she would sink into the bed.
He pulled his head up slowly and looked into her eyes. "Sina dome aru a' lye, melamin." (This night belongs to us, my love.) She smiled up at him and Legolas bent down and kissed her, slowly undoing the laces on the back of her gown pulling it off of her and pushing it out of the way. Aireromen fingered the collar of his shirt and ran her hand down his chest, unhooking the snaps and slid the silver cloth over him and onto the floor, the feel of his skin against hers was overwhelming.
Legolas held her with one arm, and used his other to pull the covers up and over them, both finally giving in to the burning inside their hearts.
They woke up very late in the morning, still entwined in each other's arms; their clothes lay upon the floor from the night before. Legolas and Aireromen's eyes met, they smiled, their faces inches from each other. Legolas kissed her soft pink lips.
"Sal' varda?" (Still exhausted?) He questioned looking into her eyes.
Aireromen closed her eyes and sighed. "Uma" (Yes) she moved a little closer to him.
"Lye lun kaima ana, ron ta il van duil lye." (We can sleep longer; they will not be expecting us.) Legolas whispered.
She nodded and kissed him; they both closed their eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
* * * * *
Gandalf, walked slowly up the steps of Mirkwood palace, he entered the giant doors. Legolas stood there to greet him. Thranduil had left for the Grey havens, and Legolas was now king.
"Mithrandir!" Legolas exclaimed. "I am so glad you could come."
"Yes, it has been some time, how are you managing?" the old wizard replied as they walked down a hallway and into a library where a bright fire was burning.
"I am doing alright, it is not as hard to run a kingdom as I had thought." Legolas sat down in a comfy chair. Gandalf took the one next to them. They sat by the fire talking about the past, and the many things Gandalf had seen in these past few months.
"You will stay a few days wont you?" asked Legolas.
"Yes, I can stay a few days, I need a rest before I travel to the Shire." Gandalf chuckled. He looked around the room. "Where is Aireromen? Is she away visiting Galadriel and Celeborn?"
"No, she is here, she is lying in bed. She has been very ill these past few days." Legolas said solemnly.
"Ill? How can she be Ill? Elves do not suffer from illnesses." Gandalf raised a white bushy eyebrow.
"I know, that is what worries me, I do not know what is wrong with her, she lies in bed most mornings feeling very ill. I am beginning to fear the worst." Legolas replied, looking out a window at the night sky.
"May I see her?" Gandalf asked with concern.
"Of corse you may." Legolas stood and led Gandalf down a corridor and to his and Aireromen's bedroom.
"She is in here, sleeping. She was very sick this morning, but this evening she is doing a little better." Legolas led him to the bedside where Aireromen slept.
Gandalf kneeled down and felt her forehead. He looked concerned. "Bring some water for her if you will Legolas."
"Yes Mithrandir." Legolas gave a last look at his wife and then left. When he returned Gandalf was rising to his feet, he met Legolas half way with the water.
"Thank you" he poured a little gently down Aireromen's throat. "She needs a lot of water, if she is too sick to get out of bed, then you will have to give it to her." He gave the cup back to Legolas and pulled the covers up to Aireromen's shoulders.
"Is she going to be alright?" Legolas sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over Aire's sleeping form, stroking her forehead.
Gandalf smiled. "Yes, she may be a little ill for the next few days, but she and you're child will be just fine."
Legolas looked up at Gandalf suddenly, a look of complete shock upon his face. He blinked slowly. " My Child?" he asked looking dumbfounded. "My Child?" he repeated.
Gandalf chuckled. "Yes, You're Child, did I mumble?"
Legolas stood up. "Aire's...... going to have a baby?"
"And a strong healthy one from what I can tell." Gandalf said.
Legolas beamed with a happiness he had never known before, he sat back down on the bed and kissed Aireromen on her cheek, she sighed softly in her sleep. He placed a hand upon her stomach where the tiny life within was growing and whispered into her ear. "I love you."
* * * * * *
Authors Note: Well were you surprised??? If not, oh well.I tried.
THE VERY LAST AND FINAL CHAPTER IS COMING SOON!!!!!!!
_Squijim_