Author's notes: apologies to Smervin… I hadn't realized that was in the hobbit. I must have skipped that part in the story. =X Whoop! I get to put flowers in my lego's hair now!!!!

Chapter 12: Changing Fate Part II

Legolas stared at Galadriel, still puzzled by her words. Instead of answering directly his unasked question, Galadriel only smiled and gestured for her maidens to continue primping Legolas. With delicate and swift hands, they carefully wove flowers into Legolas' glossy hair. Galadriel reached into the many folds of her dress and pulled out a necklace. The chain was fine and silver while the charm was miniscule. Upon closer glance, one could see the charm was a small crystal that seemed to give off a soft light.

"'Tis a symbol of beauty and tranquility," Galadriel explained as she hung the necklace around Legolas' neck. "Long has it been passed down through my family."

"Should it not go to Arwen then?" Legolas questioned.

"It is not law to pass it into the hands of family." Galadriel replied. "Arwen needs not this article for she has known beauty and tranquility all her life. But in you, Legolas, I sense turmoil and grief and it should not be possible when you come from the great forests of Mirkwood."

"Great were the forests of Mirkwood," Legolas agreed, "but for long now they have been faced with the ever-present shadow. I have experienced much in my short life."

"I do not doubt it," Galadriel responded, smiling. "But come, perhaps we shall continue this conversation another time. The wedding should commence soon." Galadriel did not miss the shadow that passed through Legolas' eyes before it disappeared, leaving him as radiant as ever. They walked out of the room together, along with the maidens, and went back outdoors into the backyard where already a crowd of people were beginning to enter. As the Elves slowly made their way to the front, everyone gazed in admiration at them for Galadriel and Legolas looked especially beautiful now. They shone as they made their way into the crowds. They finally reached the front where Elrond and his sons already stood.

"Legolas," Elrond greeted, smiling in admiration of the prince's appearance, "I fear you may outshine even my daughter on her day of glory."

Legolas grinned. "I thank you, Lord Elrond but I assure you that no one can ever outshine the Lady Evenstar." The beaming Lord missed the melancholic look in his eyes.

They looked back as the crowds grew silent and saw Aragorn standing in the aisle. As he slowly walked along the aisle, everyone admired him and approved that their new king should look so noble. He looked worthy of his title. Aragorn was oblivious to their murmurs of approval as he walked up to the stage. As he turned to face the audience, he searched the crowds for the one face he did wish to see approval in. He found Legolas in the front with the other Elves and saw that Legolas, too, was staring at him. Aragorn was struck at the beauty of the Elf. Rarely before had he seen Legolas in clothes other than his traveling clothes. But seeing Legolas now in his glorious attire, the Elf was even more stunning than he had ever been. His golden hair shone in the bright sunlight and the flowers in his hair only served to further enhance his beauty.

Even while Aragorn was entranced by Legolas' sight, he was also angered by it. It only proved to show how much he loathed having to be up here, pledging his love to Arwen, whom he did not love. He had to wed Arwen for the sake of his title, for the sake of Gondor. What had Gondor ever done for him? Why did he have to give up the one thing he cherished most in life just for the approval of his people?

Love will always find a solution for what seems impossible.

Aragorn caught Galadriel's eye and realized in an instant that she knew. She had known all along. But there was no enmity in her gaze.

Your life has not been chosen for you. This day has not been destined for you. If you so wish it, it may be changed.

Aragorn almost gasped as he realized Galadriel's suggestion.

She is your granddaughter!

But you do not love her.

Aragorn looked away as another wave of murmurs entered his ears. He saw Arwen begin to make her way down the aisle. She was beautiful, her long brown hair loose and flowing about her shoulders, a wreath of white roses atop her head. Her cheeks were rosy and her face radiant as she smiled at Aragorn. She wore a long, silky white gown that fit attractively around the curves of her delicate body and she held a bouquet of white roses in her hands. The sight wrenched Aragorn's heart in two and he forced himself to look away. His gaze fell upon Legolas, whose eyes had also strayed to the magnificent sight of Arwen. Legolas' eyes were filled with anguish and Aragorn knew then. It wasn't supposed to be like this. They shouldn't have to suffer like this.

Arwen gracefully made her way up the stage and stood next to Aragorn. Aragorn forced himself to turn so that they faced each other. He stared into Arwen's eyes and he could see how much she loved and adored him. It pained him to know that she loved him so much. He could barely hear the speech that was being made.

"….to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

A long pause ensued as Aragorn stared into Arwen's eyes.

"No."

Author's note: k, I don't know how they do the vows in middle-earth…or how they do them here on earth actually muheehee so ermm…. Yeah… *^^*

Wow….apologies for the short chapter… =X