Author's note: ummm, I'm not sure if I should apologize for that cliffhanger…? Lol

I was afraid I'd get lynched if I didn't update soon…so….yah… =P

Chapter 13: Realizations and Sacrifices

"No."

A tumult of whispers overcame the crowd as Aragorn spoke that one fateful word. He continued to stare at Arwen as her beam slowly turned into a frown. She stared at him, questions in her eyes.

"I'm sorry," Aragorn whispered. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see a slight movement. He turned his head to see Legolas slip out of the crowds, unnoticed by the puzzled multitude. Aragorn ran down the steps and tried to reach Legolas but he was overcome by the Elves. He looked up into the eyes of Lord Elrond, who stared at him in fury.

"What is the meaning of this, Estel?" he asked fiercely.

"I am sorry, my Lord." Aragorn replied in Elvish. He looked back at Arwen. "But I have given my heart to another."

"Who?" Elrond demanded.

"Elrond," Galadriel placed her hand on his shoulder, "let us discuss this later." She looked at Aragorn meaningfully. "There are more pressing matters at hand." She nodded slightly and Aragorn raced away. He ran out of sight of the wedding area and he caught the sight of Legolas running rapidly out of the city. Aragorn caught a stable boy who had a horse in his hand. He took the horse and galloped fiercely to Legolas.

"Legolas!" he called. As Legolas made no sign of stopping, Aragorn veered his horse in front of him. "Legolas, where do you think you're going?"

Legolas stared up at him furiously. "I'm going back to Mirkwood." He replied icily. "Don't you dare stop me."

"I hope you're going to tell your father that you wish to stay here with me." Aragorn said calmly. This only succeeded in infuriating Legolas even more. Legolas began to stalk off but Aragorn hopped off his horse and grabbed Legolas' arm.

"Let me go!" Legolas shouted.

"No!" Aragorn shouted back. "Why are you acting like this?"

Legolas stared at Aragorn in disbelief. "Why? You're asking me why I'm doing this? You're about to throw your whole life away! How can I live with myself knowing that you are disgracing yourself, Arwen, and virtually everyone out there, including me?"

"I am disgracing you by making the choice to be with you?" Aragorn asked softly. "How can you tell me this?"

"Because it's the truth! This is your future you're throwing away. You're destined to be the king of Gondor!"

"I don't need Arwen as my wife to govern Gondor."

Legolas made an irritated sound in his throat. "Why are you being so difficult?"

"Why are YOU being so difficult?" Aragorn countered back. "Do you think I don't see how much you suffer? Do you not see how much I suffer? Don't tell me I've made the wrong choice because I know I haven't!"

Legolas sighed despondently. "I am glad for your decision." He said after a long while. "But I know you will regret it in later days. How long can you be happy with someone who cannot produce you an heir for your throne?"

"There are ways around that."

Both Legolas and Aragorn whirled around and found Galadriel standing there along with Gandalf, Elrond, and Arwen. Galadriel smiled softly at them. Legolas missed the smile as he stared in fear at both Elrond and Arwen.

"L-lord Elro-ond," he stammered, "I-"

Elrond held up his hand. "Calm yourself, Legolas. I am not angry with you. Though this comes as a shock to me, I have witnessed enough to know Estel's decision has been justified."

Aragorn faced Arwen. He looked deeply into her tearful eyes. "Arwen," he said tenderly, "You are undeserving of this pain I have caused you. But know this: I loved you once. Not all of my love has been an illusion."

Arwen nodded and took Aragorn's hand in hers and squeezed it tightly. "I know," she answered. She smiled sadly. "It pains me to know that I have been oblivious to this before but I am glad that you have made your decision and not forced us to live in a falsity."  

Gandalf then cleared his throat and they all turned their attention to him. "If all the formalities have been taken care of," he began gruffly, "I believe there is still a wedding these people have come to witness."

Aragorn grinned and turned to Legolas. He held out his arm to him. "May I?" When Legolas hesitated, Aragorn rolled his eyes and took Legolas' arm and started to lead him back to the castle.

"I don't know if I should do this," Legolas hissed in Aragorn's ear. "My father does not even know!"

"You're old enough to make your own decisions." Aragorn whispered back. "Besides, your father wouldn't mind if you were marrying the king of Gondor. Trust me, it's all political. This will ensure alliances between Mirkwood and Gondor."

"So am I a mere tool?" Legolas asked, raising his eyebrow.

Aragorn grinned. "Of course." He ducked as Legolas swung at him. As their group reached the castle, Elrohir and Elladan came racing from the pavilion. They stared at Legolas and Aragorn.

"They're all waiting to see what will happen." Elrohir said slowly as he continued to stare at Aragorn. "What should I tell them?"

"Tell them the wedding will continue." Aragorn replied.

"All-all right." With one last curious look at Aragorn and Legolas, the twins raced back out of sight. As they left, Galadriel came up beside Aragorn and Legolas.

"Come, let us proceed with this wedding." She said. She and Arwen began walking in the path of the twins and led the procession back to the wedding area. As they came into view, everyone stared with wide eyes at the new partner beside Aragorn. No one dared make a comment though for Gandalf glowered around the whole audience with a fierce glare. Finally, they reached the stage and slowly, Aragorn and Legolas made their way up. Again the wedding began but Aragorn still could only dimly hear the speeches being made. This time, it was not because of anger and despair, it was because he was staring into the eyes of the most beautiful being he had ever seen. He was staring into Legolas' eyes and they both smiled tenderly at one another. THIS felt right. No one could tell Aragorn otherwise.

"…to be your lawfully wedded…husband? …partner?" The minister seemed lost as to what to refer Legolas to.

Aragorn smiled confidently. "Yes, I do."

THE END

Author's note: wut a lame ending. Lol I don't know wut that person who does the vows or wutever is called. =P deng… I need to get out in the world… n/e waize, please give my new fanfic which I will be writing soon as much love as you've given this one… thx so much! Hopefully I can begin to improve my crappy writing…

Take carez and God bless!