Chapter 19

It was six days later before Legolas' messenger finally returned with the letter from his father. Legolas' wounds had healed by the miraculous healing skills of the Lord of Rivendell, and Emeriel was fully recovered after the recent events. The weather, which had been building up, was clear again and had passed over their heads with nothing more than a mumble. The splendid sweetness and lovingly tended grounds and haven had moved back to their usual leisurely routine pace, and the days were turning into those of a lazy contentment that consumed the attentions and thoughts of those around.

The letter had contained nothing of important urgency or interest, only matters concerning the recent treasure hunt that had ensued and the strategic positions of the scattered enemy. It was not until the end anyway; that the news the Prince had been waiting for was finally revealed.

It was clear that Thranduil was more than pleased for his son, as he had been trying to find a wife for him for nearly five centuries now. Legolas' stubborn nature concerning the course of love was the only stalemate, which put an end to any proceedings that deemed worthy enough to follow. But now it appeared that Legolas would finally be taking that step into marriage.

Now all that needed to be done was to confirm the engagement through Emeriel's acceptance. Legolas had no clue how he was to ask her. He wanted it to be perfect and his earlier nervousness when asking her father for permission was only a small sample of what he would be like on the real thing. So, having need of advice, he had consulted his dear friend, Aragorn, whose advice to say the least, was cryptic and did not benefit his already troubled mind. He usually found Aragorn's advice, when he needed it, which was somewhat rare, quite easy to decipher, and very useful.

It was after another night of fitful sleep that he finally decided that today would be the day; no matter if the skies fell in and the world folded in on itself, somehow he would do it.

*

Emeriel had been wandering around the dreamy haven annoyed and upset for the last few days. Legolas had been distracted for days now and it was starting to rub a feeling of anxiety into the restless she-elf. He always seemed to be working or consulting some lord for a reason she was not about to find out. But then, when he did spend time with her it was the most wonderful few hours of her day, and his seeming distracted soul forgot whatever its recent predicaments were and gave everything to making the moment special.

Bored with the lessons that her overly joyful governess kept doling out, Emeriel had taken to writing to her three dearest friends back in the town of Govallen, hidden deep in the Blue Mountains. Estriel, a tall elegant strawberry blonde beauty, Alcarin, a fiery redheaded maiden and Jeana, a sweet gentle brunette, were all at this very moment travelling to the elven haven, to meet with the anxious she-elf. Their arrival would be somewhat of a blessing, even with all the friendly faces and generous smiles Emeriel did not feel quite at home.

The night was a midnight blue with dazzling firefly stars twinkling in the heavens. The wind rustled peacefully in the surrounding plant life, crickets chirping softly bringing the night's music to life. Emeriel looked up at these beautiful celestial bodies and traced the well-known constellations. She was waiting in one of the more beautiful gardens of Imladris, and basked in the soft glow of the starlight. Legolas had brought her here, much to her delight, but left a few minutes ago to do something of which he refused to tell her. It sounded suspicious.

Sitting back on the cool stone bench her eyes wondered over towards the delicately painted scenes of the great stories told by the silent walls. She was under one of the many terraces that were scattered in the gardens, this one had two walls of painted mural, and the rest open looking out over the roses that perfumed the air.

Her thoughts moved back to her childhood as she remembered the many evenings of stargazing and stories. The gentle whisper of the words slurred with the bright stars watching over them, bringing a life to the great adventures and tragic sorrows.

A soft footfall was the only warning of Legolas' return. An arm slipped around her waist as he moved in to sit behind her. She turned to him, as he picked up her hand, playing lightly with her fingers. Emeriel felt herself blush as he studied her face, his blue eyes intense with something she could not identify.

He raised her hand and gently kissed it, whispering, "Melin tye...Emeriel. Or Anar ar Isil ar i eleni sile, ni ambar na tye..." he paused as he searched her face. If Emeriel had wanted to say something, she could not; this was too special and romantic to ruin. He loved her!!! "I have not known you for long, I know, but from the very moment I saw you in that dining hall something has been drawing me to you. Something I cannot explain and don't know how to describe. What happened in the woods and after only confirmed my feelings, and I now know what I want. I cannot eat or sleep without thinking of you. Your very presence is the first thing I yearn for in the morning and the last thing at night. And I realise it maybe too soon, but...I want you to be there in the morning, beside me when I wake up. I want to see your face before sleep takes me...I want you to be my wife."

If Emeriel was lost for words before, now she was drowning in a sea of delight, shock, and love. A thousand emotions flooded her mind, as her heart reached out and touched his. She could not speak and could hardly contain her joy. Looking up her eyes saw an anxious waiting, with nerves just below the surface. It was then that she realised she had not spoken a word, causing Legolas much unneeded worry and distress. This was something of the greatest importance for both of them, and he had taken the first tentative step in taking them down their road. Smiling at his show she searched for words to relief his growing anxiety.

"Legolas...you have brought my shattered life into a world of light and love. You have brought me joy and hope, more so then any other soul. Never have I met anyone quite like you, and I doubt I ever will. I also feel this indescribable force that brings us together. If you are willing, then I will gladly spend eternity by your side." A wide smile spread across Legolas' face as she finished her say. Taking her face in his hands he pressed a long and passionate kiss to her lips, gentle and loving. A moment later and he withdrew a small pouch from his side. From inside this came a ring. A beautiful amethyst stone surrounded by slightly smaller emeralds winked up, glowing gently in the darkening night. "Deep within its hold is captured a portion of the light of the great star Earendil, it will keep you safe and lead you always into light." Legolas gently pushed the jewel onto her finger, and kissed her hand once more.

Their destines had been intertwined many years before, their fate sealed upon their first meeting, and their legacy finally fulfilled as they quickly prepared for eternity together.