Greatest Risk

Part 6

Isilmeriel and Rina were woken at dawn by the sound of someone knocking at the door.

"Come in," Isilmeriel said sleepily.

A handful of elven maids entered the room. They helped Isilmeriel and Rina out of bed and directed to the room adjacent to them. Steam and the scent of crushed flowers from two large basins filled the air.

After they finished bathing, Isilmeriel and Rina were taken back into their large room. The elf maids dried and brushed through their long hair as they ate breakfast. Once they were done eating, a maid took their tray and left. With in a few minutes she returned carrying a dress in each arm.

Rina easily slipped her dress on. The beaded, dark green dress flowed to the floor. She gently smoothed out the long sleeves. Sitting down, she let one of the elf maids pull her long, red hair into braids as she waited for Isilmeriel.

It took quiet a long while for Isilmeriel to get dressed. She traced her fingers over the intricately beaded designs that were on her long, white dress. The wide, sheer sleeves nearly brushed the floor. Once the dress had been finally fastened in the back, she sat down so her hair could be done.

The elf maid pulled back and braided two thin strands from each side of Isilmeriel head and fastened them in the back with the beautiful hairpiece that Legolas had given her that had been attached to a long silk veil. Then all of the maids left Isilmeriel and Rina alone.

"So tell me, Rina," Isilmeriel sighed standing in front of a full length mirror, "How do I look."

"Beautiful, but."

Isilmeriel's eyes grew wide, "But what?"

Rina laughed slightly and stood from her seat. She walked over to Isilmeriel and motioned for her to kneel down. Isilmeriel complied and met her friend's bright green eyes.

"It's just, something's not right," Reaching up, Rina took the long veil off and pulled long tendrils around her fair face, "That is much better."

Isilmeriel laughed, "Thank you, Rina."

"You're welcome," Rina smirked, "You never were one for being royal looking, even when it's appropriate."

"Isilmeriel?" Elrond said as he knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in, uncle," Isilmeriel stood up straight.

"It is." Elrond stopped as he entered the room and saw his niece. "My dear, you look lovely."

"Thank you, uncle," Isilmeriel replied. "Is there something you wanted?"

"Oh yes, it is time." Lord Elrond smiled reaching out his arm to his niece and Rina, who, in turn, bowed slightly and took it. Together they began to walk down the hall.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas too had awoken at dawn. He had requested to be left alone until it was time for the ceremony. So alone he prepared for the wedding.

Originally the elf prince was to wear the long robes that fit his royal title. However, he had refused and now slid on the dark green leggings and lighter green tunic that had been made for him. After he had dressed he combed through his long, blonde hair and pulled the sides of it back in his usual fashion. Satisfied he sat on the edge of the bed and began to put on his boots when there was knock at the door.

"Come in," Legolas called out.

Aragorn entered the room carrying a crimson, velvet pillow with a silver circlet. The human was dressed in clothing similar to Legolas' but less ornate and of a slightly lighter color. The elf burst into laughter; he had never seen his friend look so clean and groomed.

"Just what is so funny, Legolas?" Aragorn asked.

Legolas took the circlet from the pillow and placed it on his head. "Nothing, it is just I have never seen you look so nice, Estel."

"Thank you, Legolas," Estel replied somewhat sarcastically.

Legolas turned to the man and placed his hands on Estel's shoulders. "Estel, I want to ask you something and I want you to take it seriously. Now honestly, how do I look?"

Aragorn backed away from the elf and laughed shaking his head. "You prissy elf!"

Legolas glared at his friend, "I said to take it seriously!"

"I'm sorry, Legolas," Aragorn squeaked as tears rolled down his face, "But seriously, my friend, you look fine. Now come on, or you will be late."

"There's just one more thing," Legolas turned from the man and went to the dresser. Opening the drawer, he took out the wooden box that contained Isilas and handed it to Aragorn. "This is the gift that I will give Isilmeriel when we exchange vows. Will you carry it until that time?"

"Of course," Aragorn replied, "Now let us go."

~*~*~*~*~*~

As Isilmeriel, Sulerina, and Elrond walked down the hallway towards the gardens of Rivendell, Arwen joined them. She was wearing a dark green dress identical to Rina's. Her long, dark hair flowed freely down her back and a crown that looked like woven gold branches rested upon her brow.

"Before we go any further, I must get a few things for the wedding," Elrond said as he stopped at the door to his study and walked inside.

He came out a few minutes later carrying a small, wooden box with very intricate designs and a small golden circlet. He knelt down and reverently placed the circlet on Rina's head.

"Now you look fit to your title," he smiled at the small woman.

Then Elrond handed the small box to Isilmeriel.

Isilmeriel opened the little wooden box and found it completely empty, "Uncle, what is this."

"Take off you ring, Isilmeriel, and place it inside the box," Elrond said warmly as he began to explain a little further without revealing too much to her, now was not the time for that. "You have always told me that you would like to give that ring to your husband. That is just a pretty little box to put it in."

Isilmeriel embraced the ancient elf, "Thank you, uncle."

"You are welcome, my dear," Elrond replied reaching out his arm to Isilmeriel once more. Taking her uncle's hand, they presumed their walk to the gardens.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Isilmeriel's blue-green eyes met the longing gaze of Legolas' grey-blue ones. Legolas was standing next to Aragorn and Turion to the left of the beautifully decorated altar. She tightened her hold on Lord Elrond's arm as she walked down the aisle.

Once she reached the end of the aisle, Elrond left her side and stood behind the altar. Arwen joined Rina (who now carried the wooden box) behind Isilmeriel to the right of the altar.

Legolas took a step up and took Isilmeriel's shaking hand in his own. "You look beautiful, my love."

Isilmeriel stopped shaking, as she looked the elf prince in the eyes. They did not look away from each other even as Elrond began the ceremony.

"Love, it is the uniting of hope, faith, trust, and strength within two people that brings a force that can envelope the earth within its arms. It is this force that brings us here today at the marriage of Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood and Lady Isilmeriel of Rivendell and Lothlorien," The elf lord paused and turned to Legolas.

Legolas cleared his throat and began recite his vows, "I, Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood, promise to love you with all of my heart, forsaking all others. To protect you with my own life. To respect you and cherish each moment that we share together. I promise to support you in trials and celebrate with you in joys. I pledge my everlasting vow to you and you alone. All that I am and all that I have is now yours forever."

Then Elrond turned to Isilmeriel and nodded, signifying her to begin her vows.

Tears of joy began to leave delicate trails on her fair face as she spoke, "I, Isilmeriel of Rivendell and Lothlorien, promise to love you with all of my heart, forsaking all others. To protect you with my own life. To respect you and cherish each moment that we share together. I promise to support you in trials and celebrate with you in joys. I pledge my everlasting vow to you and you alone. All that I am and all that I have is now yours forever."

Lord Elrond reached out a hand to Aragorn and Sulerina, motioning them to step up. Complying, they held out the beautiful wooden boxes.

Legolas turned to Aragorn. Lifting the lid off of the box, he took out Isilas. Isilmeriel's mouth fell open slightly as she gazed upon the Mithril leaf.

"This is my gift to you," Legolas said placing the necklace around Isilmeriel's neck, "to symbolize my love for you and the vow that I have pledged."

Isilmeriel then turned and knelt in front of Rina, opening the box and taking out the ring. She held it out in front of Legolas for a moment before speaking.

"This was the ring of my father. My mother gave it to him to symbolize her everlasting vow to him," she whispered only so Legolas could hear through tears as she slid the ring on his finger. Raising her voice a little, she continued, "This is my gift to you to symbolized my love for you and the vow that I have pledged."

"With your vows and gifts, you have given yourselves to one another." Lord Elrond looked from Legolas to Isilmeriel, "This bond that you now share shall be unbreakable, even in death. Do you both accept these ties."

"We do."

"Then it is my pleasure and deepest honor to pronounce you," Elrond paused and smiled teasingly for a moment, "Husband and wife. You may seal your promises with a kiss."

Legolas took Isilmeriel into his arms. He brushed away the tears that ran down her face gently with his finger, unaware that tears now flowed down his face. Their lips met in a tender, passionate kiss.

As soon as they broke the kiss the entire crowd rose to their feet cheering and throwing rose petals into the air. Even Gandalf got into the moment and set off his famous, beautiful fireworks. Legolas grabbed Isilmeriel's hand and led her down the aisle in a half run followed by the rest of the wedding party.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A half hour later, Legolas and Isilmeriel entered the heavily decorated Great Hall. Everyone who was dancing stopped and left the dance floor. As slow music began to play, Legolas and Isilmeriel went onto the empty floor and began to dance.

At the far side of the room Lord Elrond and King Thranduil stood talking quietly as they watched Legolas and Isilmeriel on the dance floor.

"I have never seen your son look so much like you, King Thranduil," Elrond smiled glancing from the elven prince to the king. In truth, the father and son bared a great likeness. They both were tall and slender with long, blonde hair and the same silver-blue eyes that held a very strong power in their depths.

"Lord Elrond, there is something I've been wanting to get off my chest," Thranduil said quickly grabbing Elrond's attention away from the previous subject.

"Yes, what is it?"

"I must admit to you, my friend, that when my son met yours, I was not pleased." The King paused. The elf lord knew this story very well and it had become sort of a joke among the two rulers, but this time Thranduil was not in jest. "I must also admit that I was a little apprehensive when I heard news that he was to marry your niece. But now all of the doubts I had had were whiped away the instant I met her. Your niece is a beautiful young lady with a beautiful heart, Elrond. I think that she is a perfect match for my son."

Elrond placed his hand on Thranduil's shoulders and laughed warmly, "I think that your son is a perfect match for my niece, Thranduil."

The elder elves burst into lighthearted laughter.

"If you will excuse me, Lord Elrond, I would like to dance with my daughter- in-law," King Thranduil walked out onto the dance floor and tapped Legolas on the shoulder, "My son, may I cut in?"

"Certainly father," Legolas nodded and stepped away letting his father dance with his new wife.

"Hello, my dear," King Thranduil smiled.

"Hello, your majesty," Isilmeriel bowed her head slightly.

"You don't have to do that," The King chuckled, "You are the wife of my son and I see you as a daughter, not a subject."

"That is quiet an honor," Isilmeriel said.

"As much as it is to dance with you," Thranduil replied, "I would have never thought that my son would find his match through being friends with that ruffian of a human."

Isilmeriel laughed, "Neither could I."

Legolas stood by Aragorn and Calatar watching Isilmeriel lovingly.

"Now aren't you glad that you saved me, Legolas?" Aragorn raised his eyebrow.

"I certainly am, Estel. For the first time, I think, I'm glad that you turned my entire life upside down." Legolas answered as left his friends to dance with Isilmeriel again.

"I knew you would someday!" Aragorn called back to the prince. His eyes then moved from his dancing friend to the figure of a beautiful elf maiden across the room. Smiling he walked over to her. "Arwen, my lady, may I have this dance?"

Arwen laughed sweetly at the human who held out his hand to her. "Well, if it isn't the man I met in the woods not so long ago. You may certainly have this dance, Aragorn."

Taking his hand, Aragorn led Arwen out onto the dance floor, their eyes alight with the same spark that Legolas and Isilmeriel shared.

Several more elves followed them and soon almost everyone was dancing.

Rina and Calatar leaned against the wall watching all the elves dance merrily. They had spent the last few minutes there and now occasionally exchanged glances and Calatar could take it no more.

"Rina, would you care to dance?" he asked.

Rina blushed wildly as she looked up at the elf. He was more than two feet taller than she was, but she noticed that beside herself, Calatar was the only person in the room not dancing.

"I would love to," she smiled, "Just please be careful not to step on my feet."

"Of course, my lady," Calatar chuckled and led Rina out onto the floor.

The company danced late into the night. Finally, Legolas and Isilmeriel left the Great Hall, leaving all those who were still celebrating. They walked down the quiet, empty halls to the large room that had been reserved for them. As they reached the door, Legolas lifted Isilmeriel up into his arms. Sharing loving gazes and kisses they entered their room.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas awoke at dawn feeling the cool breeze of early autumn. He lay in bed for a long while holding his new wife as she slept peacefully in his arms. He was content just to stay there all day just to listen to her breathe. With his hand he pushed way the strands of long, lactescent hair that had fallen into her face. Leaning in slowly, his lips brushed against her bare shoulder and then her cheek.

Isilmeriel rolled over and faced Legolas still not fully awake. "Good morning, Legolas."

"Good morning, Isilme," Legolas said as he lightly kissed her. "It is a beautiful new day."

Isilmeriel snuggled closer to Legolas and ran her hand along his arm and back, "It is a beautiful new world."

"That it is," Legolas chuckled as he ran his fingers through Isilmeriel hair. "So, may I take you up on your offer to stay like this forever now?"

"We could but then you would miss saying good bye to your father, Turion, and Calatar," Isilmeriel replied.

"Oh, we will see them soon enough in Mirkwood, melamin," Legolas said nonchalantly.

"Ah, but there is another reason we cannot stay here. I have less than a month left to spend in Rivendell. I would like to soak in as much of this place as I can before we go," Isilmeriel's serious look turned into a rueful smile, "Besides, if I'm not mistaken, it is still warm enough to go for a swim."

"Oh, is it now?"

"It is," Isilmeriel winked as she got out of the bed and walked into the small room next to their own. She came out a few minutes later wearing a long sleeved shirt and pants. Coming back over to the bed she grabbed Legolas' hand a pulled him out from under the covers and threw him smiliar clothing. "And I will race you there."

Isilmeriel turned and bolted out of the door. Legolas followed her in hot pursuit through the woods towards the waterfall. The prince finally managed to get ahead of her as they came out of the woods. Legolas skidded to a stop at the water's edge and listened. Something was not right.

Legolas turned on his heels and managed to catch Isilmeriel before she could dive into the water. Isilmeriel went to speak but was silenced when Legolas cupped his hand over her mouth.

"Just get into the water, Isilme, and try not to make a sound," Legolas whispered.

Once they had gotten into the water, they hid themselves under the lip of one of the many rock ledges.

"Legolas, what is it?"

"Something evil draws near," he replied quietly, "Can you not feel it?"

Isilmeriel closed her eyes and focused on all her other senses. The feel of the wind, the smell in the air, the deafening quiet of the forest. "Orcs!"

Just then a small pack of orcs stepped out from the trees. Legolas stretched his body over Isilmeriel, doing his best to conceal and protect her. Inside their thoughts, the two elves scolded themselves from not bringing any weapons. They only carried two things: Isilas, which hung from Isilmeriel's neck, and Silmecorma, the ring Legolas now wore.

A few of the orcs had walked down to the water and were now drinking greedily. They had waded into the water and were close to the two elves, too close.

Suddenly, the slick rocks caused Isilmeriel's foot to slip from under her. This, in turn, caused quite a splash and the orcs stood up straight in full attention.

"What was that?" the orc that appeared to be their leader asked.

"I don't know," the orc closest to Isilmeriel and Legolas answered, "It came from that ledge over there."

"Well go and check it out, you fool." The leader growled.

The orc that had been commanded waded over to the ledge. Legolas pressed in tighter. They whispered their love in each other's ears as they closed their eyes waiting for the inevitable to happen.

"There is nothing here, boss," the orc shouted back, turning away from ledge and walking back to the pack, "It must have been a fish."

'All right, you scabs," their leader hollered, "You have had enough to drink! Now pack it up and move out!"

Once it was safe again, Legolas and Isilmeriel slowly came out from under the ledge and out of the water.

"That was odd," Isilmeriel said.

"That is an understatement," Legolas peered out into the woods making sure it was safe to walk through, "All of those orcs heard that splash and that one orc was staring straight at us."

"I know, maybe my uncle will have an explanation. Let us go back," Isilmeriel and Legolas began to walk down the path that led back to Rivendell.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Lord Elrond, Gandalf, and Rina sat in one of many of the living rooms that Rivendell held. Elrond had just finished telling Gandalf and Rina that Isilmeriel and Legolas now bore Isilas and Silmecorma. That, and the fact that neither one of them knew of their power.

"You did what?" Rina asked in shock. "You gave them both the power of Arda? You gave them two of the most powerful things in all of Middle Earth and neither one of them know about?"

Elrond rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Yes, Sulerina, I did."

"Does she even know of her power?" the small lady asked truly not believing her ears.

"No, Rina, she does not.: he admitted. " I do not see the harm in it if they do not know. Isilmeriel will discover her power in times and Isilas and Silmecorma will do their job and protect their wearers."

"Yes, Lord Elrond, it will," Gandalf said solemnly, "but what will happen when then time comes for the wearers to protect the purpose of Isilas and Silmecorma? What will come to pass when they must wield that power together and know not of it?"

"They should know, Elrond," Sulerina agreed. "They now hold a great power with no knowledge of it."

"I know, I know," Elrond sighed, "but for the time, would it cause any harm to just let them live in happiness without knowing of what they bear?"

"None can answer that," Gandalf replied, "You may put it off, but a time will come when they must find out. And you, Elrond, may be the only one to tell them."

Suddenly, the doors of the room flung open and Legolas and Isilmeriel entered soaking wet.

"What happened?" Elrond stood up quickly and offered his seat to his niece. In turn, Rina relinquished hers to Legolas.

"We were up at the lake for a swim, but a pack of orcs moved out from the woods," Legolas answered, "We hid under the lip of the ledge."

"Thank the Valar you were not discovered," Elrond exclaimed.

"That's just it, uncle," Isilmeriel began, "My foot slipped out from under me and made a great splash. One orc came over to see what it was. He stared directly at us, but did not see us."

Rina and Gandalf exchanged quick glances with Elrond. The elf lord's eyes moved to the two dripping elves, he noticed that they were both wearing blue.

"Perhaps it was because you were camouflaged," Elrond attempted an excuse, "You are both wearing blue and you were hidden by the water and shadow of the ledge. Is it not true that orcs do not have the best eyesight?"

At the same time Rina and Gandalf unnoticeably let out a sigh and shook their heads.

"I suppose that could be a reason," Isilmeriel said a bit unsure.

Elrond relaxed a little, "Now I want you both to get out of those wet clothes and met us for luncheon on the veranda in an hour."

"Uncle, if we may," Isilmeriel opposed politely, "Could we take our luncheons in our room?"

"Certainly," Gandalf answered for the elf lord, "You both have had a very narrow escape and I am sure you would like to spend some time alone. That is if it is all right with you, Elrond"

The ancient elf met the wizard's gaze and nodded, "Of course. I will have Tamuril bring up a tray for you both."

Legolas and Isilmeriel thanked Elrond and left the room quietly for their own. Once they were gone, Elrond sank into the chair that Isilmeriel had been sitting in, ignoring the fact that it was wet.

"Nice save, Elrond," Rina teased.

"Oh, be silent Rina," Elrond said as he threw a pillow at the small being.

Gandalf caught the pillow before it could hit Rina and threw it down in Elrond's lap, "There will be none of that, Lord Elrond. Now I know where your children get it from."

Elrond gazed hard into the sky blue eyes of the Istari before bursting into laughter. Gandalf and Rina joined the elf lord, as his mirth was infectious.