A/N: Welcome new followers, and thanks to those who favorited this story! The first part of this story is nearly complete. What do y'all think - should I make the next part a separate "story" or stay with this one? We still need to see the prophecy fulfilled, but this thing is already so long!

Also, I took most of my guidance for the wedding ceremony from "Laws and Customs of the Eldar" and made my best guess as to what would be said that "no mortal ear has heard." I hope the Professor would approve of this attempt.


65 - The Royal Wedding

As if a dragon had set the forest alight from above, the leaves on the trees of Greenwood had changed into fiery reds and yellows in autumn's hold. The crisp morning air had given way to the obstinate warmth of the afternoon sun, which lent a lightness to the bustling of the Elves around the palace. The fair sound of Silvan voices singing from the courtyard seemed to echo despite the damp leaves carpeting the forest floor. The orange canopy of trees wherein the Elvenking's newly expanded chambers were built was heavy with beechnuts, nearly ready to harvest. In the king's antechamber, a half-empty cup of birch bark tea lay cold beside a depleted plate of walnut bread, abandoned on a table.

The Elvenking sat straight in an armchair beside this table, unshod but clad only in a fine silver tunic and breeches. Over these, he would soon pull on an even finer robe, which Sulros and Maethon were still preparing. Thranduil loosely held a small looking glass in his hand, absently watching the sunlight it reflected play on the ceiling, turning the gray beech beams into a star-studded sky. His mind traveled to years long gone as his father Oropher would use this mirror often to review his appearance a final time before leaving his rooms to attend an important event.

He tried to imagine what his father would tell him on this day — the day of his wedding. Oropher would have approved of Elluin, he was certain. Her kindness and devotion, her beauty and her intelligence, would all have charmed him. And if Anarrima were to be believed, his mother would feel the same. But would they have approved of the king that Thranduil was now?

He remembered his father's deep voice advising him many years ago: "Conducting or presenting yourself as anything less than worthy of the title of Elvenking is a slight to the Silvans' gift." Thranduil understood, at last, what this meant. He had accepted into his heart the one person who could help him accomplish this—who could spark his belief in his own worthiness, and who could labor alongside him to help him perform the role of Elvenking as it was meant to be performed. And he would soon see her, and marry her. His Elluin. His heart, and his Elvenqueen.

He smiled and ran his fingers over the polished frame of the looking glass. Thranduil's thoughts, however, were interrupted. He looked up to see his body servants debating quietly but animatedly over the deep blue robe they held between them.

"What are you two arguing about?" he asked casually, setting the keepsake aside.

They quieted immediately, turning troubled eyes to him.

"Sire, a stitch has loosened in the sleeve," Sulros said. "We are in disagreement about whether to cut it off or to fetch someone to tighten it, given how short we are on time."

Thranduil raised a disbelieving brow. "Let me see."

In essence, there was nothing to see. The silver embroidery looked perfect. He sighed. "Leave it," he said dismissively.

The looks of shock on both their faces was almost comical.

"Sire, we cannot," Maethon said. "Elluin will certainly notice, and blame me personally for ruining the event."

Thranduil could not suppress a smile this time. "Unless we somehow still lack a queen in the morning, nobody would consider the event ruined."

Maethon blushed and pursed his lips. "Let me fetch a needle," he muttered after a moment, turning away. "I'll tighten it myself."

Sulros silently raised a fist in victory behind his comrade's back, then moved to fetch the king's boots.

"You know, Sulros, you've hardly said a word about this whole affair," Thranduil mused, cooperating with the Elf at his feet.

"Until a few months ago, you would have dismissed me for speaking my thoughts, sire," he answered with a grin. "But I am very happy indeed that you've shown some wisdom at last."

Thranduil's mouth opened in shock. "Insolent," he accused weightlessly, aiming a kick at his servant that he knew would be easily dodged.

Sulros danced away with a laugh. "Now, sire, it wouldn't do to dirty your boots by kicking my teeth in," he jested.

Maethon returned with a satisfied look on his face, holding up the robe. "It's ready, sire." Thranduil obediently rose and allowed the servant to slip it on. Sulros brought the sash and they set to work. Both looked proud as they stepped away, the king appearing more regal and handsome than he ever had before.

Thranduil chuckled when Sulros told him so. "Do these robes make so great a difference?"

"No, sire," Maethon said with characteristic bluntness. "It's the joy in your eyes."

"Stop, please, Maethon!" Sulros protested with a suspiciously quavering voice, turning away from them. "You will have me in tears, and I do not have a handkerchief."

Maethon clapped a hand on his companion's shoulder in mock comfort. "Very well. It's the stitching."

Laughter burst forth from his audience. Once it died down, Maethon solemnly brought over the crown, with blue pansies and purple asters so abundantly twined into the twigs that they were completely hidden by the blooms. Thranduil inclined his head to receive it, and both servants moved gentle fingers over his hair to settle the imaginary displaced strands. Sulros, blinking quickly, handed him Oropher's looking glass.

Thranduil was shocked for a moment to see his own reflection. Perhaps it was the color of the blooms, but the crystal blue eyes staring back at him seemed older—deeper and wiser—than he remembered. For the space of a heartbeat, he had been put in mind of his father. He smiled, considering it a sign of Oropher's blessing. And as he did so, there on his lips—the smile that he inherited from his mother, now coming so much more readily to his face as he contemplated his lady love.

Yes, he thought, this marriage was blessed.

He heard a sniff at the other side of the room, where Sulros was clearing away the dishes.

Maethon nodded sagely with a twinkle in his eyes. "It's the stitching," he told Thranduil.

~.~.~

Elluin ran into the chamber set aside for her preparations.

"My lady, there you are!" Edlenel exclaimed, wasting no time in ushering Elluin toward a bath. It was sorely needed—smudges of dirt covered her old servant's uniform and skin, and there was debris of crushed leaves and twigs sticking to her hair and skirts.

"I was delayed getting the flowers for the king's crown and mine," she said by explanation, cooperating with the still somewhat novel routine as Edlenel helped her remove her garments.

"Where are they, my lady?" Naudeth asked, pouring more hot water from a kettle into the bath.

"I left them with Dinen," came the answer around a mouthful of her shift. "She'll call for a few of the gardeners to help arrange them, though most of the palace staff are already helping with the preparations for the feast, as it is."

"It's a good thing you came when you did, my lady," Edlenel said, helping Elluin into the tub. "I know it was meant well to pick the flowers yourself, but I was certainly ready to start becoming nervous for time. There's not much of it left until the feast is due to start. But Naudeth said, wise as she is, that you knew what you were about, lady, and wouldn't slight the king or the kingdom by allowing yourself to be late, and that your guards would ensure no ill would befall you as you went. And right she was, for here you are, and we'll have you prepared to perfection in good time."

Elluin allowed the servant's words to lull her into relaxed compliance. They soon had her scrubbed clean as Edlenel chatted amiably about the various guests, with Naudeth adding the occasional agreement. Oils had been added to her bath to lend a floral scent to both her skin and the room. Elluin breathed deeply of it even afterwards, as Naudeth dried and brushed out her hair and Edlenel prepared her garments. Soon enough, a shift of a soft, delicate material settled over her.

A knock came on the door, and the younger servant went to open it. Linalda stepped in, gingerly carrying the Elvenqueen's crown.

"Elluin, you are a vision!" Linalda exclaimed, sweeping in and setting the crown carefully aside to embrace her daughter.

"Mother, I don't even have the dress on, yet," Elluin replied with a chuckle, partly in amusement at her mother's emotional display and partly to mask her own.

"Oh, daughter, how long we've waited for this day," she said, tears forming in her eyes as she squeezed Elluin's shoulders. "You have made me and your father so proud."

"Proud? Why? Because I am to wed the king of Greenwood the Great?"

"No," Linalda answered solemnly. "Because, despite your station and your weaknesses, you have fought for this bond, which will lead to the good of many."

Elluin looked at her mother thoughtfully. "It has been worth fighting for, I think," she said, relishing in the truth of her own words. Thranduil had more than redeemed himself for his well-meaning but disastrous attempt to prevent their bond. Since realizing his error, he had defended their relationship against all obstacles, taken all opportunities to show her his love with his words and deeds, and supported her well-being as much as he could.

And Elluin knew that she had fulfilled the final request Berenil made of her, to become Thranduil's most valued advisor. She knew that her duties as queen would be more difficult than those she'd handled as housekeeper, but felt that the benefits of taking some of Thranduil's tasks off his shoulders would benefit them both. The time they had spent in council meetings and in the king's office discussing matters as partners in the decisions had certainly opened up Elluin's eyes even further to Thranduil's intelligence, compassion, and political skill. It made her admire him even more when he patiently guided her through his decision-making processes so that she could eventually take the reins when needed.

"My lady, shall we finish your dressing?" Edlenel broke in, holding up with a flourish the dress that Linalda embroidered. The silver embroidery and small white beads sewn into delicate patterns on the cloth caught the light, lending the effect of a starry night sky.

Mother and daughter eagerly agreed to the suggestion and Linalda stepped aside as the body servants set to work.

"This truly is a work of art, Lady Linalda," Edlenel said with admiration as all the shimmering folds of cloth were arranged to perfection.

"Thank you, but I am no lady yet," came the smooth reply. "I did agree to join the council with my husband, but not until after my daughter is wed." Linalda helped to settle the silver, diamond-studded belt around the bride's waist.

The cheerful atmosphere turned to one of awe as Naudeth placed the crown, also bedecked in asters and pansies, on Elluin's head.

"Every inch the queen," Naudeth said after a moment of admiration.

Edlenel broke in. "Truly, my lady, the stars will seem pale tonight against your regal radiance."

Elluin blushed at the compliments. "Oh, you both flatter me."

"No, my dear, you truly look beautiful," Linalda said, wiping tears from her eyes before offering her daughter her arm.

"It is the truth, my lady," Naudeth said. "And I do believe it is nearly time for the feast to begin. I will meet you in your new dressing room once you are ready to retire."

Elluin and Linalda had begun walking toward the door, but the younger elleth's steps faltered briefly at that last remark. Linalda noticed, and waved the servants ahead as she turned to her daughter.

"We have spoken of this before," she said. "As you said, forming this bond will be worth everything, my dear. And more, you will find it…very rewarding." Linalda smiled encouragingly as Elluin blushed again, nodding her acknowledgment. "Now, come. There are many people very eager to see you and celebrate with you."

~.~.~

The courtyard of the royal palace was so colorful that it was nearly too much for the onlookers. The autumn leaves in red, orange, and yellow in the surrounding trees were accented by garlands of flowers in blue, purple, white, and pink. Evergreen boughs had also been brought in, hanging in stark contrast against branches of brown, black, and gray. Then there were the tables, finely decorated and laden full with all types of food on a variety of platters, some of painted earthenware and others of gleaming metal. The Elves themselves had donned their finest raiment and what jewels they had, moving about the space like flowers tossed on a starlit stream, not in the least muted by the failing rays of sunset. A bonfire had already been kindled in the center of the courtyard, and lanterns hung in the trees against the oncoming night.

Thranduil and Elluin sat at the center table. Beside Thranduil sat Cembeleg and his wife, Lairien, then the council members. Close by sat the guests from Rivendell and Lorinand. Beside Elluin sat her parents, with Turiel and Maethon beside them, and some of Elluin's Silvan neighbors and a few other members of the palace staff. Dinen was among them, taking a rare night away from her post to enjoy the fruits of her labor along with the rest. All the many other tables were full, with other Elves standing or dancing about to the accompanying music, or sitting in the trees as they partook of the feast. And since so many Elves from across the realm had traveled to attend, the guests frequently rotated between the spaces to allow others the same opportunity. Servants bustled discreetly about, replacing used plates and goblets with clean ones, and ensuring pitchers and serving dishes remained full.

The bride and groom could hardly hear each other over the din of music, laughter, and conversation around them, but they did make some attempts. Thranduil thanked Elluin for the flowers in their crowns and told her that she looked beautiful. Elluin answered by trying to explain what the two flowers traditionally represented, but as her voice did not carry as well, finally just decided to tell him she loved him. As a rule, their seats were not very close together, as they were seated closer to their houses' representatives. Therefore, they were quickly obliged to focus on their meals and the Elves beside them.

The atmosphere was joyful, everyone indulging in the bounty and the excitement of the event. Given that weddings were usually smaller affairs among Elves, containing only the couple's family and dearest friends, everyone felt especially privileged to take part, as all the members of the kingdom were, by their presence, invited to act as members of the king's household. And though there was no lack of food even several hours later when the stars, bonfire, and lanterns provided the only light, all thoughts of the delicious fare were soon abandoned when General Cembeleg and Linalda rose from their seats beside the bride and groom.

"Good people of Greenwood the Great," Cembeleg announced in his usual booming tone, causing an almost instant silence. All the Elves turned expectant smiles to the head table. "We gather here to celebrate the marriage of King Thranduil and Lady Elluin."

Cheers erupted, deafening as they came from so many all at once. It was a merry sound that seemed to shake the ground. Cembeleg held up a hand and quiet soon descended again.

"Though the feast is far from ended, I hope you will indulge our unusual wish to have the business concluded now, so we may spend the rest of the night celebrating Greenwood's new Elvenqueen."

More cheers and enthusiastic agreement rang out around the space, and many goblets were raised toward the blushing Elluin. However, her face was quickly hidden as a flurry of Elves crowded around to draw them out of their seats and down to the center of the courtyard, close to the bonfire, still several paces apart. Cembeleg held Thranduil's hand between his, and Linalda held Elluin's.

Soronume and Lairien stepped toward the center and addressed the crowd.

"It is a thing yet unseen in Middle Earth for a king of Elves to wed during his reign," Soronume said. "It is a most auspicious day that will change the course of Greenwood the Great, forever, and for the better. Now, both the bride and groom have Elves to represent their families beside them. However, as they will be sovereigns of this great realm, I have the honor of representing the Sindar leaders of Greenwood," He gestured briefly to one side, where the council members stood in support. "And as such, to offer a blessing on this union."

All eyes were on the pair as they stepped forward, within a pace of Soronume on either side. He reached out a hand to touch each of them on the shoulder with a sincere smile.

"I call upon Oromë Tauron, the Huntsman of the Valar, lover of the forests and defender against evil," the carpenter-turned-advisor said, his clear voice reaching every ear. "Elluin and Thranduil, may he give you the strength to protect this realm throughout your reign together, and may your enemies fear your names."

"Hear, hear!" the crowd shouted between hurrahs as Soronume stepped away. Lairien took his place, holding up a hand for silence.

"Good people," she said, with all the authority of her heritage. "I have the honor of representing the Silvan leaders of Greenwood." She motioned to the group standing to the other side before continuing. "It is only fitting that those of us in this realm call upon Yavanna, the Giver of Fruits, creator of all the plants and beasts that sustain and serve us. Elluin and Thranduil, may she grant you a fruitful marriage and a fruitful reign, and bless the Greenwood under your rule."

Yet more cries of happy agreement rose from the assembly. But as she withdrew, silence descended without any further signals. This was the moment that officially constituted the wedding.

Cembeleg and Linalda stepped forward as one, bringing their charges with them by the hand.

"Sister," Cembeleg greeted Linalda.

"Brother," she replied, and they bowed to each other. Thus, they accepted each other as part of their soon-to-be-joined household. Then Linalda took Thranduil's other hand, and Cembeleg took Elluin's, and they joined the hands of the bride and groom.

Holding them thus together, Cembeleg spoke for the crowd to hear. "In Oropher's stead, I, Cembeleg, ask the blessing of Manwë, High King of Arda, on this union. Elluin and Thranduil, may he grant you foresight and wisdom in your marriage and your reign, and may his winds speed to your errands and your messengers for the good of the realm."

"I, Linalda, ask the blessing of Elbereth, Queen of the Valar, on this union. Elluin and Thranduil, may she kindle her light within your spirits to be forever shared and treasured, and may her stars guide you in your marriage and your reign, and shine upon your paths unto the ending of Arda."

They, too, stepped away, leaving the bride and groom, staring at each other hand in hand with solemn but elated expressions. Then Thranduil released one of Elluin's hands to remove her silver betrothal ring and put it in his pocket, withdrawing the golden wedding band, sparkling with delicate emeralds, diamonds, and pearls, and sliding it onto her finger as he spoke.

"Elluin," Thranduil said, his voice strong and sure, "with the blessing of Eru Iluvatar, I take you as my wife and queen. I pledge to you my love and loyalty, on this day and every day henceforth, though we be sundered and meet not again until we come to Valinor."

"Thranduil," came the slightly quieter but still confident voice of the bride as she echoed his movements, "with the blessing of Eru Iluvatar, I take you as my husband and king. I pledge to you my love and loyalty, on this day and every day henceforth, though we be sundered and meet not again until we come to Valinor."

"Hail, King Thranduil and Queen Elluin!" Cembeleg shouted.

A thunderous roar broke out all around, setting a cascade of colorful leaves floating to the forest floor. Elves all around the courtyard threw loose flower petals to be carried on the breeze stirred up by so many waving arms and shouts of joy. The noise only became louder when the musicians took up their tunes. The courtyard and the surrounding forest vibrated with life as dancing broke out again, twirling bodies mingling with the leaves and flowers to spin around the space in time with the music.

Linalda noticed the only two unmoving Elves and turned to them. "My king, Elluin," she shouted to be heard over the jubilant clamor, touching them both on the shoulder. They both started, seeming only just to realize what was happening around them. "Will you stay a while with your guests, or will you retire now?"

The bride and groom shared a smile, and after Elluin squeezed her mother's arm in affection, they stepped to join a circle of dancing couples.