"You seem much happier," Aragorn commented to Dawn later that
evening. He was escorting her back to her room after dinner, shaking his
head as the girl bounced along beside him, full of the youthful energy he
hadn't seen in her in far too long.
She grinned and giggled all at once. "I made up with Legolas."
"Really?" returned Aragorn, fake surprise in his voice. Even the blind would have seen the way Dawn and Legolas had been smiling dreamily at each other all through dinner. His father had come, and even though they had not seen each other for a year, Legolas could barely concentrate on a word Thranduil was saying.
Dawn noticed his smirk and swatted his arm playfully. "Ok, big brother, we both know why I'm in such a good mood, but what's your excuse?"
They were now outside Dawn's door and Aragorn turned to face her. He could not hide the excitement shining in his eyes. "Arwen will arrive, two nights from now. Which means in three days we will be wed."
Dawn shrieked. Then screamed. Then squealed. She launched herself into an incredibly shocked and confused Aragorn's arms for a hug.
"Oh my God! Estel! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! Oh wow!" she exploded, practically dancing on the spot with excitement.
Aragorn just beamed back at her, partly from quiet contentment, partly from fear of the velocity of the young woman's mood.
The next two days were a whirlwind of activity. Dawn took it upon herself to help Aragorn with the last minute preparations to make sure he had the wedding she thought he deserved. Luckily, she had had a little bit of experience with organising weddings, but she was convinced this one would go a lot more smoothly than Xander and Anya's not-a-wedding.
She set to work overseeing the reception immediately, sending Legolas to spend some time catching up with his father, whom Dawn had met at dinner on Thranduil's first night in Minas Tirith. Whenever they could, though, they found a secluded corner of the city in which to share a few private moments, and Legolas found he was not above climbing in Dawn's window late at night after everyone else was asleep.
Finally, as it was growing late two nights after Aragorn had spoken to Dawn, lanterns could be spotted glimmering across Pelennor Fields. Aragorn stood before the rebuilt gates, Dawn by his side. Both wore the cloaks Galadriel had given them in Lothlorien.
Elladan and Elrohir led the long procession, which included the Lothlorien Elves, with Celeborn and Galadriel, and the house of Elrond. Elrond himself came last, Arwen by his side.
They reached the King waiting to receive them. Dawn had to concentrate hard just to keep her jaw from dropping at the sight of Arwen. She was beyond amazingly beautiful. Aragorn had told her once that Arwen Undomiel meant 'Lady Evenstar', and Dawn could easily see why Arwen was considered the Evenstar of her people.
Aragorn greeted his guests warmly, introducing those who had not met her before to his 'sister' Dawn, and ushered them into the dining hall for a late supper with the other guests of Minas Tirith.
Dawn readily offered her usual seat at Aragorn's side to Arwen, instead opting to sit further down the table where she could catch up with the twins, and talk to the Hobbits, Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir. She caught Aragorn's grateful smile and returned it with a wink before each turned their attention back to the conversations surrounding them.
"So that is the famous Lady Dawn Summers who captured your brotherly affection?" Arwen murmured to her betrothed as she watched the young woman chatting happily with her friends. "My brothers, Elrohir in particular, spoke very warmly of her. Elladan seemed a little more reserved, apart from her success in battle, all he would mention was some tripping incident at Dunharrow."
Aragorn chuckled at the memory. "Yes, that is Dawny. You shall like her, Arwen, I am sure of it."
"She seems sweet, yet undeniably strong. And Legolas cannot tear his gaze from her. I am sure I will like her too, Aragorn." Their eyes met and they smiled.
At length, everyone made their way to their rooms to rest. Tomorrow would be a long day. Nobody seemed to notice that Legolas had not returned to the Fellowship's house with the others.
* * * * *
A hand clamped down on Legolas' shoulder. He whirled and found himself face to face with Aragorn. The wedding ceremony of Aragorn and Arwen had gone smoothly that morning and the King looked deliriously happy with his Queen by his side.
"Legolas, my friend," Aragorn began.
"Aragorn, Arwen," he smiled back at them. Arwen gave both him and Dawn a big smile in return.
Arwen turned to Dawn. "My husband tells me I have you to thank for much of this celebration, Dawn."
Dawn blushed a little and shrugged. "It was no biggie, Arwen. I wanted to help, really. I mean, Estel's family to me and I'm just so happy for you guys, I wanted to give you some kind of gift."
Arwen's soft smile was completely sincere. "Then we thank you, Dawn. Your gift is perfect."
"Well, unless you intend to steal her away all for yourself this evening, might I have a dance with my sister?" Aragorn asked Legolas after a moment, breaking into the comfortable silence, his grey eyes twinkling merrily at Dawn.
Legolas laughed and looked down at the woman by his side. She was staring back up at him, her green eyes so full of love and happiness, that he couldn't resist leaning down to give her a quick kiss. To Aragorn he replied, "Indeed I do intend to steal her away all for myself, but one evening will not do. I am planning on an eternity. And with time so easily on my side, I cannot begrudge Dawn a few moments of her time with her favourite brother, if that is indeed her will."
"Indeed it is!" Dawn announced, grabbing Aragorn's hand and dragging him eagerly towards the dancefloor. With a final wave at the Elves left behind, the pair made their way to the centre of the floor, where Aragorn began to dance Dawn about happily.
Legolas and Arwen stood side by side, watching their significant others. Each had a soft smile on their face, enjoying the sibling affection between the humans as they danced. They were talking and laughing, but neither Arwen or Legolas could her what was being said. They did not notice another Elf approaching them from behind.
Legolas sighed. "I'm going to marry that woman," he declared quietly.
Just behind them, Thranduil stopped dead in his tracks. He had come over to speak with his son, once Aragorn had taken the energetic mortal girl, Dawn Summers, whom he had spoken with once or twice, away to dance, when he'd heard Legolas' announcement to Arwen.
Arwen looked at her old friend, delighted. "You have proposed to Dawn? And she has accepted you?"
Legolas smiled sheepishly. "Well, no. Not yet. But I will. And she will. I feel it, with every fibre of my being, Arwen."
"San amin estela ten'lle a'caela ilya i'alassea' amin'oio sinte," Arwen replied.
An understanding passed between the pair, and they had no need for further words. Their eyes wandered back to the dancefloor. Aragorn and Dawn had been dancing together for quite a while now.
"Shall we go and cut in on them?" Arwen asked innocently.
"You read my mind," Legolas replied, offering her his arm.
Thranduil watched them go. His heart was heavy, and he suddenly knew every pain Elrond had ever felt in relation to his daughter's love for Aragorn.
* * * * *
"What have you been doing to Eomer this evening, Dawn? I have never seen a man more uncomfortable in my life," Aragorn asked as he twirled Dawn around. "If I did not know better, I would say he is afraid of you. And that is unheard of from a King of the 'Mark."
Dawn widened her eyes to give him her best innocent look as she settled in his arms once more. "Nothing, Estel."
"You are a terrible liar, Dawny."
"Really? I never used to get caught in Sunnydale."
Aragorn laughed at her. "Stop stalling and answer the question."
"Well, if you must know, I was trying to set him up."
"Set him up? Why would you betray your friend?" Aragorn asked, concerned at what she had been up to.
She laughed and whacked him playfully on the arm when she realised what he was thinking. "No, dumbass! Not set up as in betrayal set up, I was trying to get him together with Princess Lothiriel. You can tell they're so hot for each other!"
"Then with your meddling ways, may Valar help them!" Aragorn was still laughing when Legolas and Arwen danced over to them.
"May I cut in?" Legolas asked smoothly in Aragorn's ear.
They switched partners, Dawn watching Aragorn and Arwen as they moved in perfect synch, with a dreamy, almost wistful smile. She looked up at Legolas with the same dreamy look in her eyes.
"Marry me?" he said simply.
"Yes," she returned without a moment's hesitation.
Ignoring the roomful of people surrounding them, Legolas pulled Dawn close up against his chest and kissed her deeply.
A firm hand clamping down on Legolas' shoulder interrupted the pair.
"Get lost, Estel," Dawn moaned against Legolas' lips, before the pair resumed making out in the centre of the room.
The intruder cleared his throat loudly. It was not Aragorn. Once they realised this, Legolas and Dawn broke apart guiltily.
"Atar," Legolas greeted his father.
Dawn just smiled nervously at Thranduil. He did not look impressed.
"I would have a word with the two of you," Thranduil stated in a low voice. It was not an invitation, or a request. It was a command.
They followed the Mirkwood King to a secluded corner of the large room, just beyond the refreshment tables. Thranduil was glaring daggers at Dawn, who fidgeted and looked about her for any chance of escape. She did not see a nearby exit, but she did spot something useful on the closest table and reached out a hand to grasp at her last hope of survival.
She snatched up the closest goblet of wine and downed its entire contents in one gulp. She looked back at Thranduil. He still looked ready to strangle her, only now confusion and a minute hint of amusement had crept into his blue-grey eyes.
Dawn picked up another goblet, but before she had gotten it half way to her lips, Legolas confiscated it from her. The Prince looked from the now pouting Dawn to the still glowering Thranduil, then down to the wine. He skulled the lot.
Thranduil let out a frustrated sigh. "Legolas, what do you think you're doing with this girl?"
"I love her," Legolas responded candidly. "And I'm going to marry her."
Dawn, meanwhile, had managed to procure and was now rapidly draining her second cup of wine. She nearly choked on it when Thranduil addressed her.
"And you, young Lady? What have you to say for yourself? Why should I allow you to marry with the Prince of the Northern Mirkwood?"
"Um... 'cause why not?" she tried. "Look, I love Legolas and he loves me, so what's the maxi-wig?"
"You are not truly the sister of Aragorn, and are not of noble blood, for one thing," came the response after Thranduil finally worked out what on Middle-Earth 'maxi-wig' must mean.
"Nope, but just one drop of my blood can destroy the universe," Dawn replied lightly. "That's gotta count for something, right?" She looked from father to son. She regarded the three quarters empty glass in her hand. "This stuff is good," she said, more to herself than anyone, taking another long drink. Again Legolas relieved her of her drink, but this time he was too late. It was empty.
Thranduil thought over Dawn's words. One drop of her blood could destroy the universe? Was she speaking truthfully? Was this the energy that nearly every Elf who laid eyes on her could sense running deep within her? Was she drunk?
"Y'know, I think I am," Dawn replied happily, making Thranduil realise he had spoken his last question aloud.
He shook his head as he regarded Dawn. There was an innocence, and a youthful energy about her, but also a deep sense of power, and some form of wisdom, a knowledge she seemed to hold that no other being in this world could fathom. Experiences nobody else could ever understand. Except that Legolas seemed to understand her. And the combination of all these paradoxes ultimately made girl charming in her own strange way, but charming would not comfort his son after she eventually left him, as she must.
"What future can you give my son?" he asked. "Have you yet thought of what would happen to Legolas in fifty or so years time, when you leave him?" Legolas immediately understood what his father was saying. He thought Dawn was mortal, that she would die soon and leave him with nothing but all-consuming grief to cling to.
"Leave him? I would never leave him. Why am I leaving him? Where am I going?" Dawn retorted, alcohol clouding her senses.
"When you die," Thranduil clarified as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Pfft- I'm not gonna die."
"You cannot just *decide* you will not die simply because you do not wish to, little girl. You will live out a human life and die a mortal death in the blink of an Elvish eye, and Legolas will be left alone."
Legolas could see the pain in his father's eyes as he spoke, and was grateful for the concern, unnecessary as it was.
"Why would do that? I'm immortal- duh! Like, where the hell have you been? I'm special, ask Galadriel," Dawn boasted.
Now utterly confused, Thranduil looked to his son for aid. Perhaps Legolas could make sense of the words which were haphazard enough without Dawn being well into her third drink of the last ten minutes.
Legolas smiled, a small, soft smile, which lit up his eyes, making them bluer with his joy and when he nodded, his father knew he was telling the truth. She was immortal, and he did love her. More importantly, she loved him equally well.
Thranduil finally smiled at his son and the woman he had chosen to spend eternity with. "San aa meneallie nauva calen ar malta." /Then may your ways be green and golden/
"Hannon lle, Atar," responded Legolas softly.
Just then, Merry and Pippin bounded up and began chattering away in their unassuming Hobbit manner. Eowyn and Faramir soon joined them. After a few minutes, Merry noticed that Dawn was not joining in their conversation. She appeared quite dazed and confused, her glassy stare fixed on her cup.
"Dawn? Are you all right?" Merry asked.
She eventually managed to focus on the Hobbit. In a confiding manner, she told him, "My wine tastes funny. I think I got one with alcohol in it."
"Oh. That's... bad," Merry responded slowly whilst Pippin, Legolas and Eowyn doubled over with laughter. Thranduil just looked at Faramir. Faramir shrugged.
* * * * *
"Are you ready?" Aragorn murmured to Dawn.
Dawn nodded, a nervous but incredibly excited grin lighting up her face. They were standing outside the chapel of Minas Tirith, waiting for the wedding march to begin.
"Here," Eowyn, Dawn's bridesmaid murmured, tucking a stray plait back into place. Arwen had spent hours that morning brushing, twisting and plaiting intricate patterns into the top parts of Dawn's hair, with the underside left in soft flowing waves about her shoulders.
Fidgeting in her impatience, she smoothed down her sleek satin gown, girt with silver, for what seemed to Aragorn like the hundredth time in the last five minutes.
"You look beautiful," he told her, pride and affection ringing through his quiet voice.
At that moment, the band struck up the music and it was time to go. With one last squeeze of Dawn's hand, Eowyn turned and led the way down the aisle. Dawn took Aragorn's proffered arm and they made their way down the aisle towards the altar, where Legolas was waiting.
Their eyes met over the short distance and each wore the same uncontrollable grin. Gimli, the best man, stood to the side of Legolas with the happiest look ever seen on the face of a Dwarf. Finally, they reached the altar and, after holding his friend's gaze for a long moment, Aragorn passed Dawn's hand into Legolas' and they were joined in marriage.
Dawn's eyes lit up as Gimli produced the rings. They were the most beautiful pieces of jewellery she had ever seen. Gimli had wrought them out of mithril, and he and Galadriel had painstakingly etched them with intricate Elvish symbols of love and devotion. They had also been given the Lady of the Golden Wood's blessings.
As the cool metal slid over her finger, Dawn felt a tiny tear of joy escape from the corner of her eye. She smiled and placed Legolas' ring on his finger. They heard the clapping of their friends and family gathered in the chapel when finally the minister pronounced their marriage for eternity. Legolas bent his head down and kissed Dawn, holding her like he would never let her go.
When they finally separated, the reception could begin. Dawn had never felt so loved in all her life.
"Are you happy, melamin?" Legolas asked as they danced their first dance as a married couple.
"Totally," Dawn responded. "It's weird, y'know. I wish my Sunnydale family could be here, and I do miss them, but I'm ok. They're where they're supposed to be, and so am I. And I'm surrounded by family just the same, and I love them. I love you," she smiled, shuffling a little closer to him.
"I love you too." Legolas planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I believe it is my turn to dance with the most beautiful young woman in the room," Thranduil broke in with a smile. Dawn and Legolas turned to see Thranduil beside them, having danced over to them with Galadriel.
Dawn allowed her father in-law to take her hand and lead her away. After a few minutes, the King spoke.
"Welcome to the family, Dawn Summers."
"Thank you. I will make him happy, you know," Dawn swore.
He kissed her cheek, giving her all his blessings.
Later, Dawn and Legolas found themselves standing by Galadriel, and Gimli was of course by his favourite Lady's side. Dawn and Legolas exchanged a look and then smiled at the others.
"We have something to say," Dawn said quietly. Galadriel's lips quirked into a tiny smile. The visionary already knew what was coming.
"My Lady, Gimli, we thank you for your generous gift to us," Legolas gestured to the mithril band on his finger.
"They're prefect," his wife chimed in. "Really, I don't know how to tell you what this means to us..."
Galadriel waved them into silence with her hand. "I think I speak for both myself and Gimli when I say the pleasure was ours. Honour them, and your love, and that will be our thanks."
"Aye," said Gimli. "I love you both, if for nothing more than the pains you have caused me with your dramas these last months, and there is naught I would not do to ensure your happiness... and my sanity!"
Dawn giggled as Legolas rolled his eyes at his Dwarven friend.
"But I do not release you from your end of our bargain, Elf. You owe me a trip to the glittering caves."
"Just as you owe me a walk beneath the eaves of the Fangorn, Gimli," Legolas replied.
"And Dawn you promised you'd come to the Shire! You gave us your word and we have not forgotten, have we Merry?" Pippin cried as he and Merry joined the group.
"I didn't forget either," Dawn shot back. "And I'll come for sure!"
Dawn and Legolas shared a look. "Miles to go before we sleep?" he asked, realising that their promises to their friends meant time apart for them, and so soon after their union.
"But just a few- minimal mileage," Dawn responded. She was finally feeling the full effects of immortality, and she knew she had all the time in the world with Legolas now. Her only fear was that most of her friends did not.
As their small gathering broke apart to rejoin the festivities at large, Galadriel detained Dawn a moment to speak with her.
Dawn sensed what this conversation was going to be about. "I've been meaning to ask you about this," she admitted. "The 'where do I go from here?' Was the War of the Ring the reason I was sent to Middle-Earth, and am I free now that it's done? Do you know?"
Galadriel gave her one of her enigmatic smiles. "Yes, the War of the Ring was the primary reason the Higher Powers sent you to this realm, and for the most part your destiny is fulfilled, you are now free to choose your own. However, there is one task yet you have to accomplish here, Dawn. But as always, your path is dictated by your heart and mind."
Dawn almost groaned. "Is this one of those 'fly by the seat of your pants 'cause you'll have to figure it out along the way' dealies? Buffy hated those kinds of prophecies... she used to mess 'em up all the time," she confided. She didn't bother to mention that Buffy usually altered them for the better, she knew that Galadriel already understood this.
"You and your sister are not one and the same," the Elf Queen reminded her. "There are no mistakes when you follow the path as it is laid beneath your feet, only different courses to take."
Dawn grinned. "Scenic route," she decided.
* * * * *
She grinned and giggled all at once. "I made up with Legolas."
"Really?" returned Aragorn, fake surprise in his voice. Even the blind would have seen the way Dawn and Legolas had been smiling dreamily at each other all through dinner. His father had come, and even though they had not seen each other for a year, Legolas could barely concentrate on a word Thranduil was saying.
Dawn noticed his smirk and swatted his arm playfully. "Ok, big brother, we both know why I'm in such a good mood, but what's your excuse?"
They were now outside Dawn's door and Aragorn turned to face her. He could not hide the excitement shining in his eyes. "Arwen will arrive, two nights from now. Which means in three days we will be wed."
Dawn shrieked. Then screamed. Then squealed. She launched herself into an incredibly shocked and confused Aragorn's arms for a hug.
"Oh my God! Estel! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! Oh wow!" she exploded, practically dancing on the spot with excitement.
Aragorn just beamed back at her, partly from quiet contentment, partly from fear of the velocity of the young woman's mood.
The next two days were a whirlwind of activity. Dawn took it upon herself to help Aragorn with the last minute preparations to make sure he had the wedding she thought he deserved. Luckily, she had had a little bit of experience with organising weddings, but she was convinced this one would go a lot more smoothly than Xander and Anya's not-a-wedding.
She set to work overseeing the reception immediately, sending Legolas to spend some time catching up with his father, whom Dawn had met at dinner on Thranduil's first night in Minas Tirith. Whenever they could, though, they found a secluded corner of the city in which to share a few private moments, and Legolas found he was not above climbing in Dawn's window late at night after everyone else was asleep.
Finally, as it was growing late two nights after Aragorn had spoken to Dawn, lanterns could be spotted glimmering across Pelennor Fields. Aragorn stood before the rebuilt gates, Dawn by his side. Both wore the cloaks Galadriel had given them in Lothlorien.
Elladan and Elrohir led the long procession, which included the Lothlorien Elves, with Celeborn and Galadriel, and the house of Elrond. Elrond himself came last, Arwen by his side.
They reached the King waiting to receive them. Dawn had to concentrate hard just to keep her jaw from dropping at the sight of Arwen. She was beyond amazingly beautiful. Aragorn had told her once that Arwen Undomiel meant 'Lady Evenstar', and Dawn could easily see why Arwen was considered the Evenstar of her people.
Aragorn greeted his guests warmly, introducing those who had not met her before to his 'sister' Dawn, and ushered them into the dining hall for a late supper with the other guests of Minas Tirith.
Dawn readily offered her usual seat at Aragorn's side to Arwen, instead opting to sit further down the table where she could catch up with the twins, and talk to the Hobbits, Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir. She caught Aragorn's grateful smile and returned it with a wink before each turned their attention back to the conversations surrounding them.
"So that is the famous Lady Dawn Summers who captured your brotherly affection?" Arwen murmured to her betrothed as she watched the young woman chatting happily with her friends. "My brothers, Elrohir in particular, spoke very warmly of her. Elladan seemed a little more reserved, apart from her success in battle, all he would mention was some tripping incident at Dunharrow."
Aragorn chuckled at the memory. "Yes, that is Dawny. You shall like her, Arwen, I am sure of it."
"She seems sweet, yet undeniably strong. And Legolas cannot tear his gaze from her. I am sure I will like her too, Aragorn." Their eyes met and they smiled.
At length, everyone made their way to their rooms to rest. Tomorrow would be a long day. Nobody seemed to notice that Legolas had not returned to the Fellowship's house with the others.
* * * * *
A hand clamped down on Legolas' shoulder. He whirled and found himself face to face with Aragorn. The wedding ceremony of Aragorn and Arwen had gone smoothly that morning and the King looked deliriously happy with his Queen by his side.
"Legolas, my friend," Aragorn began.
"Aragorn, Arwen," he smiled back at them. Arwen gave both him and Dawn a big smile in return.
Arwen turned to Dawn. "My husband tells me I have you to thank for much of this celebration, Dawn."
Dawn blushed a little and shrugged. "It was no biggie, Arwen. I wanted to help, really. I mean, Estel's family to me and I'm just so happy for you guys, I wanted to give you some kind of gift."
Arwen's soft smile was completely sincere. "Then we thank you, Dawn. Your gift is perfect."
"Well, unless you intend to steal her away all for yourself this evening, might I have a dance with my sister?" Aragorn asked Legolas after a moment, breaking into the comfortable silence, his grey eyes twinkling merrily at Dawn.
Legolas laughed and looked down at the woman by his side. She was staring back up at him, her green eyes so full of love and happiness, that he couldn't resist leaning down to give her a quick kiss. To Aragorn he replied, "Indeed I do intend to steal her away all for myself, but one evening will not do. I am planning on an eternity. And with time so easily on my side, I cannot begrudge Dawn a few moments of her time with her favourite brother, if that is indeed her will."
"Indeed it is!" Dawn announced, grabbing Aragorn's hand and dragging him eagerly towards the dancefloor. With a final wave at the Elves left behind, the pair made their way to the centre of the floor, where Aragorn began to dance Dawn about happily.
Legolas and Arwen stood side by side, watching their significant others. Each had a soft smile on their face, enjoying the sibling affection between the humans as they danced. They were talking and laughing, but neither Arwen or Legolas could her what was being said. They did not notice another Elf approaching them from behind.
Legolas sighed. "I'm going to marry that woman," he declared quietly.
Just behind them, Thranduil stopped dead in his tracks. He had come over to speak with his son, once Aragorn had taken the energetic mortal girl, Dawn Summers, whom he had spoken with once or twice, away to dance, when he'd heard Legolas' announcement to Arwen.
Arwen looked at her old friend, delighted. "You have proposed to Dawn? And she has accepted you?"
Legolas smiled sheepishly. "Well, no. Not yet. But I will. And she will. I feel it, with every fibre of my being, Arwen."
"San amin estela ten'lle a'caela ilya i'alassea' amin'oio sinte," Arwen replied.
An understanding passed between the pair, and they had no need for further words. Their eyes wandered back to the dancefloor. Aragorn and Dawn had been dancing together for quite a while now.
"Shall we go and cut in on them?" Arwen asked innocently.
"You read my mind," Legolas replied, offering her his arm.
Thranduil watched them go. His heart was heavy, and he suddenly knew every pain Elrond had ever felt in relation to his daughter's love for Aragorn.
* * * * *
"What have you been doing to Eomer this evening, Dawn? I have never seen a man more uncomfortable in my life," Aragorn asked as he twirled Dawn around. "If I did not know better, I would say he is afraid of you. And that is unheard of from a King of the 'Mark."
Dawn widened her eyes to give him her best innocent look as she settled in his arms once more. "Nothing, Estel."
"You are a terrible liar, Dawny."
"Really? I never used to get caught in Sunnydale."
Aragorn laughed at her. "Stop stalling and answer the question."
"Well, if you must know, I was trying to set him up."
"Set him up? Why would you betray your friend?" Aragorn asked, concerned at what she had been up to.
She laughed and whacked him playfully on the arm when she realised what he was thinking. "No, dumbass! Not set up as in betrayal set up, I was trying to get him together with Princess Lothiriel. You can tell they're so hot for each other!"
"Then with your meddling ways, may Valar help them!" Aragorn was still laughing when Legolas and Arwen danced over to them.
"May I cut in?" Legolas asked smoothly in Aragorn's ear.
They switched partners, Dawn watching Aragorn and Arwen as they moved in perfect synch, with a dreamy, almost wistful smile. She looked up at Legolas with the same dreamy look in her eyes.
"Marry me?" he said simply.
"Yes," she returned without a moment's hesitation.
Ignoring the roomful of people surrounding them, Legolas pulled Dawn close up against his chest and kissed her deeply.
A firm hand clamping down on Legolas' shoulder interrupted the pair.
"Get lost, Estel," Dawn moaned against Legolas' lips, before the pair resumed making out in the centre of the room.
The intruder cleared his throat loudly. It was not Aragorn. Once they realised this, Legolas and Dawn broke apart guiltily.
"Atar," Legolas greeted his father.
Dawn just smiled nervously at Thranduil. He did not look impressed.
"I would have a word with the two of you," Thranduil stated in a low voice. It was not an invitation, or a request. It was a command.
They followed the Mirkwood King to a secluded corner of the large room, just beyond the refreshment tables. Thranduil was glaring daggers at Dawn, who fidgeted and looked about her for any chance of escape. She did not see a nearby exit, but she did spot something useful on the closest table and reached out a hand to grasp at her last hope of survival.
She snatched up the closest goblet of wine and downed its entire contents in one gulp. She looked back at Thranduil. He still looked ready to strangle her, only now confusion and a minute hint of amusement had crept into his blue-grey eyes.
Dawn picked up another goblet, but before she had gotten it half way to her lips, Legolas confiscated it from her. The Prince looked from the now pouting Dawn to the still glowering Thranduil, then down to the wine. He skulled the lot.
Thranduil let out a frustrated sigh. "Legolas, what do you think you're doing with this girl?"
"I love her," Legolas responded candidly. "And I'm going to marry her."
Dawn, meanwhile, had managed to procure and was now rapidly draining her second cup of wine. She nearly choked on it when Thranduil addressed her.
"And you, young Lady? What have you to say for yourself? Why should I allow you to marry with the Prince of the Northern Mirkwood?"
"Um... 'cause why not?" she tried. "Look, I love Legolas and he loves me, so what's the maxi-wig?"
"You are not truly the sister of Aragorn, and are not of noble blood, for one thing," came the response after Thranduil finally worked out what on Middle-Earth 'maxi-wig' must mean.
"Nope, but just one drop of my blood can destroy the universe," Dawn replied lightly. "That's gotta count for something, right?" She looked from father to son. She regarded the three quarters empty glass in her hand. "This stuff is good," she said, more to herself than anyone, taking another long drink. Again Legolas relieved her of her drink, but this time he was too late. It was empty.
Thranduil thought over Dawn's words. One drop of her blood could destroy the universe? Was she speaking truthfully? Was this the energy that nearly every Elf who laid eyes on her could sense running deep within her? Was she drunk?
"Y'know, I think I am," Dawn replied happily, making Thranduil realise he had spoken his last question aloud.
He shook his head as he regarded Dawn. There was an innocence, and a youthful energy about her, but also a deep sense of power, and some form of wisdom, a knowledge she seemed to hold that no other being in this world could fathom. Experiences nobody else could ever understand. Except that Legolas seemed to understand her. And the combination of all these paradoxes ultimately made girl charming in her own strange way, but charming would not comfort his son after she eventually left him, as she must.
"What future can you give my son?" he asked. "Have you yet thought of what would happen to Legolas in fifty or so years time, when you leave him?" Legolas immediately understood what his father was saying. He thought Dawn was mortal, that she would die soon and leave him with nothing but all-consuming grief to cling to.
"Leave him? I would never leave him. Why am I leaving him? Where am I going?" Dawn retorted, alcohol clouding her senses.
"When you die," Thranduil clarified as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Pfft- I'm not gonna die."
"You cannot just *decide* you will not die simply because you do not wish to, little girl. You will live out a human life and die a mortal death in the blink of an Elvish eye, and Legolas will be left alone."
Legolas could see the pain in his father's eyes as he spoke, and was grateful for the concern, unnecessary as it was.
"Why would do that? I'm immortal- duh! Like, where the hell have you been? I'm special, ask Galadriel," Dawn boasted.
Now utterly confused, Thranduil looked to his son for aid. Perhaps Legolas could make sense of the words which were haphazard enough without Dawn being well into her third drink of the last ten minutes.
Legolas smiled, a small, soft smile, which lit up his eyes, making them bluer with his joy and when he nodded, his father knew he was telling the truth. She was immortal, and he did love her. More importantly, she loved him equally well.
Thranduil finally smiled at his son and the woman he had chosen to spend eternity with. "San aa meneallie nauva calen ar malta." /Then may your ways be green and golden/
"Hannon lle, Atar," responded Legolas softly.
Just then, Merry and Pippin bounded up and began chattering away in their unassuming Hobbit manner. Eowyn and Faramir soon joined them. After a few minutes, Merry noticed that Dawn was not joining in their conversation. She appeared quite dazed and confused, her glassy stare fixed on her cup.
"Dawn? Are you all right?" Merry asked.
She eventually managed to focus on the Hobbit. In a confiding manner, she told him, "My wine tastes funny. I think I got one with alcohol in it."
"Oh. That's... bad," Merry responded slowly whilst Pippin, Legolas and Eowyn doubled over with laughter. Thranduil just looked at Faramir. Faramir shrugged.
* * * * *
"Are you ready?" Aragorn murmured to Dawn.
Dawn nodded, a nervous but incredibly excited grin lighting up her face. They were standing outside the chapel of Minas Tirith, waiting for the wedding march to begin.
"Here," Eowyn, Dawn's bridesmaid murmured, tucking a stray plait back into place. Arwen had spent hours that morning brushing, twisting and plaiting intricate patterns into the top parts of Dawn's hair, with the underside left in soft flowing waves about her shoulders.
Fidgeting in her impatience, she smoothed down her sleek satin gown, girt with silver, for what seemed to Aragorn like the hundredth time in the last five minutes.
"You look beautiful," he told her, pride and affection ringing through his quiet voice.
At that moment, the band struck up the music and it was time to go. With one last squeeze of Dawn's hand, Eowyn turned and led the way down the aisle. Dawn took Aragorn's proffered arm and they made their way down the aisle towards the altar, where Legolas was waiting.
Their eyes met over the short distance and each wore the same uncontrollable grin. Gimli, the best man, stood to the side of Legolas with the happiest look ever seen on the face of a Dwarf. Finally, they reached the altar and, after holding his friend's gaze for a long moment, Aragorn passed Dawn's hand into Legolas' and they were joined in marriage.
Dawn's eyes lit up as Gimli produced the rings. They were the most beautiful pieces of jewellery she had ever seen. Gimli had wrought them out of mithril, and he and Galadriel had painstakingly etched them with intricate Elvish symbols of love and devotion. They had also been given the Lady of the Golden Wood's blessings.
As the cool metal slid over her finger, Dawn felt a tiny tear of joy escape from the corner of her eye. She smiled and placed Legolas' ring on his finger. They heard the clapping of their friends and family gathered in the chapel when finally the minister pronounced their marriage for eternity. Legolas bent his head down and kissed Dawn, holding her like he would never let her go.
When they finally separated, the reception could begin. Dawn had never felt so loved in all her life.
"Are you happy, melamin?" Legolas asked as they danced their first dance as a married couple.
"Totally," Dawn responded. "It's weird, y'know. I wish my Sunnydale family could be here, and I do miss them, but I'm ok. They're where they're supposed to be, and so am I. And I'm surrounded by family just the same, and I love them. I love you," she smiled, shuffling a little closer to him.
"I love you too." Legolas planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I believe it is my turn to dance with the most beautiful young woman in the room," Thranduil broke in with a smile. Dawn and Legolas turned to see Thranduil beside them, having danced over to them with Galadriel.
Dawn allowed her father in-law to take her hand and lead her away. After a few minutes, the King spoke.
"Welcome to the family, Dawn Summers."
"Thank you. I will make him happy, you know," Dawn swore.
He kissed her cheek, giving her all his blessings.
Later, Dawn and Legolas found themselves standing by Galadriel, and Gimli was of course by his favourite Lady's side. Dawn and Legolas exchanged a look and then smiled at the others.
"We have something to say," Dawn said quietly. Galadriel's lips quirked into a tiny smile. The visionary already knew what was coming.
"My Lady, Gimli, we thank you for your generous gift to us," Legolas gestured to the mithril band on his finger.
"They're prefect," his wife chimed in. "Really, I don't know how to tell you what this means to us..."
Galadriel waved them into silence with her hand. "I think I speak for both myself and Gimli when I say the pleasure was ours. Honour them, and your love, and that will be our thanks."
"Aye," said Gimli. "I love you both, if for nothing more than the pains you have caused me with your dramas these last months, and there is naught I would not do to ensure your happiness... and my sanity!"
Dawn giggled as Legolas rolled his eyes at his Dwarven friend.
"But I do not release you from your end of our bargain, Elf. You owe me a trip to the glittering caves."
"Just as you owe me a walk beneath the eaves of the Fangorn, Gimli," Legolas replied.
"And Dawn you promised you'd come to the Shire! You gave us your word and we have not forgotten, have we Merry?" Pippin cried as he and Merry joined the group.
"I didn't forget either," Dawn shot back. "And I'll come for sure!"
Dawn and Legolas shared a look. "Miles to go before we sleep?" he asked, realising that their promises to their friends meant time apart for them, and so soon after their union.
"But just a few- minimal mileage," Dawn responded. She was finally feeling the full effects of immortality, and she knew she had all the time in the world with Legolas now. Her only fear was that most of her friends did not.
As their small gathering broke apart to rejoin the festivities at large, Galadriel detained Dawn a moment to speak with her.
Dawn sensed what this conversation was going to be about. "I've been meaning to ask you about this," she admitted. "The 'where do I go from here?' Was the War of the Ring the reason I was sent to Middle-Earth, and am I free now that it's done? Do you know?"
Galadriel gave her one of her enigmatic smiles. "Yes, the War of the Ring was the primary reason the Higher Powers sent you to this realm, and for the most part your destiny is fulfilled, you are now free to choose your own. However, there is one task yet you have to accomplish here, Dawn. But as always, your path is dictated by your heart and mind."
Dawn almost groaned. "Is this one of those 'fly by the seat of your pants 'cause you'll have to figure it out along the way' dealies? Buffy hated those kinds of prophecies... she used to mess 'em up all the time," she confided. She didn't bother to mention that Buffy usually altered them for the better, she knew that Galadriel already understood this.
"You and your sister are not one and the same," the Elf Queen reminded her. "There are no mistakes when you follow the path as it is laid beneath your feet, only different courses to take."
Dawn grinned. "Scenic route," she decided.
* * * * *