A/N: This chap is quite short due to massive life issues, my friend needs me at the moment. To the reviewer who said the last one was too short, sorry, this one is shorter still, and the last was one of the longest in the story! The PepperVL RPS stories are archived under Vanessa at Beyond The Fellowship, (www.tandq.com/LOTR) great stories and great site. Go Read. She also posts to the related yahoo group. If you would like more info email me or PVL herself at Peppervl@juno.com.

Magical Night

The smile that spread across his face when I nodded my consent was the greatest I had seen in some time. It reached his dark eyes and they sparkled in sheer delight. Showing elven prowess I should have been used to by now he leapt from the raised platform and was virtually upon me in seconds I drew him into me his head buried at my shoulder, my tunic growing damp with tears of joy. He raised his head and smiled, I nibbled at his lip and he opened his mouth to allow me entrance. Ashamed by our audience we kissed for what seemed like an eternity. I giggled into his mouth at the huge cheer that rose when our lips met, you would have thought we had just got married. Suddenly another nervous, excited hush descended and we reluctantly parted to see what had occurred.

Galadriel had once more taken the podium, intent on speaking.

"The surprises I'm afraid do end there my friends. Legolas and myself carefully orchestrated the last, but I too am capable of my own collusion. In order for the quest to destroy the ring to continue without unnecessary delay, the ceremony must take place as soon as tomorrow, such an event cannot occur without esteemed guests."

At that point the Lady turned and gazed intently into the foliage behind. From the green emerged two distinct large figures, both walked with dignity and great authority. Some elves around where obviously ahead in their thinking and gasped at the new arrivals. Then there was a flash of golden hair, the exact shade of the elf I held in my arms. The other figure was darker, marginally taller. Legolas and I edged slowly forward in order to work out who approached. Some elves further forward than us had began to bow and nod their heads, even Galadriel had stepped back respectfully to a more submissive position. Then their faces became clear.

Elrond and Thranduil stood impassive looking down on the proceedings with a silent, unquestioned authority. I immediately looked to Elrond, now realising it was stupid to think he would not attend. He was like a father to me, but he was a father to Arwen, the woman I had cast aside so I could marry the elf at my side. To my relief, Elrond's stern face melted into a wondrous smile matching that of Thranduil's.

Legolas and I rushed forward to embrace our respective parents, Thranduil letting out a deep laugh at Legolas' shock. After a moment I pulled back still amazed but my questions were silenced both by Elrond and also a continuation of Galadriel's speech.

"This glorious and eventful evening has now come to an end. Preparation must begin for tomorrow and much work is to be done. Let us retire. I bid you all a good night."

With that we retreated to the treetops, keen for rest. I too was keen for a little something else. Legolas smiled wildly as if reading my mind. I don't think I have ever climbed so fast in my life.

*************************

As I woke the next morning Anor generously cast it's golden light down onto the woods of the same name. Birdsong resonated through my ears and the day seemed pleasantly warm. A lovely way to wake. I sleepily rolled over reaching out with my hand, which fell to wood with a solid 'thunk'. I smiled to myself. Normally I would be worried, but with the excitement of the forthcoming day, I had doubted Legolas' ability to remain asleep for very long. He was always so alive and keen to be in the thick of the action, never interfering but always involved. I quickly dressed and made my way down to the ground, landing with a satisfying crunch. Straightening out my shirt I headed to the main clearing with had been the venue of last night's party. When I arrived it seemed I was the last to wake. It was a hive of activity. Elves pacing about flustered from left to right, though little had been changed and they appeared to be doing very little. Many were adopting wild hand gestures and indicating high into surrounding trees. I grinned, elves had always been big thinkers, but it appeared that very little was underway here. Would everything be ready? I swallowed my brief moment of concern, having every faith in the elves. I wanted everything to be perfect.

Then I spotted him, oddly in animated conversation with Elrond, who was nodding and indicating with large gestures like many other of the elves. Thranduil stood at his side, arms crossed tightly at his chest, apparently overseeing the seemingly invisible operation with a certain air of majesty. I stepped over to say good morning to my beloved.

He somewhat excitedly told me that the ceremony would take place at six, seven hours from now.

Despite this large amount of time, it wasn't long before we were dragged away separately to get ready for this magical night.

A/N: Keep reviewing for the love of God! Hopefully more within the next week.