*** Hey guys here's another chapter. I have no clue what goes on now, but I'll try my best.
Tara6: Thanks for the review. You'll see what happens next. I hope you like!
Hanya the Bloody Angel: Of course Shealyn was bad, but she was forgiven. I love her bond with the others. The tale maybe coming to an end but I think I might have a sequel starting after the A/A kids are born. I hope you like!
Betsy: Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you liked the journal entry. I hope you like!
Saera: Thank you for the review. I hope you enjoy!
Aislin2: Thank you for the review. Truthfully I never read the books, but I found out in the different fics. I was somewhat bewildered by that. It was Shealyn, and then I named it Shadows of the Past on eff.net. There were too many stories named that on ff.net. Too bad ME doesn't have all those nice aspirins, they would be so helpful. Of course Rumil will give the looks back to his brother. Sorry about the A/N's in the middle of the chapters. Slip of the tongue when I said remainder. Celine Dion is not and never will be on my fav list. In fact that is the only song I like. I had a need to show her immature side. I mean she can't act grown up all the time. The conversation with Legolas wasn't that great like you said. Sometimes I have a hard time with dialogue. Thank you for your patience with me. I worked to make this chapter better. I hope you like!
Yami Dragoness: Thank you for the review. Also thank you for the compliments I really and truly appreciate it. I hope you enjoy!
kurleyhawk2: Thank you for the review and compliment. Yes I know it was slow, but needed. Anybody can write well. Just need practice is all. I hope you like!
Dara Maeko: I'm glad you liked that chapter. I still believe you bounce too much, but oh well. I hope you like!
Maria: I'm very glad you like my story. Though I am confused on 'a little less language'? I hope you like this chapter!
Cassie-bear01: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked. Don't worry she is staying. I hope you like!
QTpie-pippinsgurl: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked. I hope you enjoy this chapter! ***
Warm sunlight touched my skin as I walked silently through the palace gardens lost in thought. Journal in hand I sat on one of the stone benches opening to a new page.
July 15, 3019 of the Third Age
The weeks following the war have been pretty uneventful except for Aragorn's crowning. Lord Elrond and Arwen arrived here sometime in June. I can't remember how many times the two love birds disappeared after a meal, I sort of lost count.
Today Aragorn and Arwen will be married. Excitement is definitely everywhere you turn. I was chosen to be one of Arwen's bridesmaids in fact her maid of honor and of course I accepted.
Arwen thought it would be a good idea that I have a handmaiden. I cringe at the very thought of her. Zayn is a woman in her late twenties and is anything but a maiden. Ever since I met her she has been hateful and rough with me, but every time I try to approach Arwen or Aragorn they say not now Shealyn. I don't know what to do now.
Oh Valar there's only two hours left. I need to go now.
Shealyn
Quickly closing the journal I stood up and brushed the seat of my pants before dashing off. The halls were decorated with white satin bows and beautiful flowers. Elves were rushing here and there with loaded arms.
"Miss Shealyn running late are we?" My handmaiden Zayn snapped as I entered my room.
I looked up at the hateful blonde haired woman and put on my best smile and apologetic look. "I'm sorry Zayn I didn't mean to be late." I replied sweetly.
"Come." The woman ordered pushing me towards the bath. "Once they are married you are to become a proper lady." Zayn said when I was in the bath.
~Like hell I'll be a lady~ I thought as the woman roughly washed my hair.
"You know Zayn I can wash myself." I muttered swatting her hands away.
The woman scowled but did not heed my wish. "Lady Arwen told me to make sure you were ready in time." She said taking a bucket of water and pouring it over my head. "Get out." She ordered grabbing my upper arm and forcing me out of the bath tub.
"Ouch!" I hissed wrenching my arm from her grasp and glared at Zayn. "Get out of here." I yelled.
Zayn glared at me before going to the door swearing under her breath. "Good riddance." I muttered sitting on the edge of the bed and stared at the dress that hung on the wardrobe door.
~Bloody hell~ I thought. ~Dresses and me don't mix~ Groaning I fell backwards on the bed.
Slowly I pulled myself up and went to the dress pulling it down. The dress was pearly blue color with shear sleeves with matching slippers. Laying these on the bed I went to my dresser and found the proper undergarments. I quickly slipped them on before I picked the dress back up. Gagging I pulled the skirts on over my head and straightened it once it was on.
I went to the vanity and picked up my hairbrush and sat down to start brushing my hair. I smiled thinking about the last wedding I had attended, Scott and Jean's.
***Flashback***
"……… and you may kiss the bride." The preacher announced closing the book and spreading his arms joyously.
Jean and Scott's lips met and they kissed. "Mr. Logan?" I asked quietly beside him.
"Yeah kid the kiss shows the world that they are married." The gruff man answered before I asked the question.
Jubilee giggled from on the other side of Logan. Throughout the whole ceremony I had asked Logan numerous questions.
"Come on Wolvie give her a break." Jubilee replied. "The girl has never been to a weddin' before."
A grin spread on the man's face as he pulled Jubilee and I closer to him. "Lets go you two the party is startin' soon………" Logan said before turning to me. "After someone gets married they have a party to celebrate it." He explained before I could question it.
Logan led us down the aisle and to his red jeep that stood out like a sore thumb with all the black and white cars and limos. "Hop in." He ordered as he revved the engine.
Effortlessly Logan guided the jeep out of the church parking lot and turned left heading to the Ritz Carleton Hotel downtown.
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The party was in full swing by the time the newly weds arrived. I sat alone at the table watching the dance floor with curiosity.
"And now Jean and Scott will have their first dance as newly weds." The D.J. announced in his microphone.
Everyone cleared the floor and the two came through the crowd. Jean, I noticed was absolutely radiant in her off the shoulder wedding dress with gorgeous golden jewelry. Scott also seemed to shine, or maybe it was his ruby quartz sunglasses reflecting the light from the disco ball.
The soft music began and I saw Jean smile softly as Scott took her into his arms. The two swayed gently to the lyrics of a John Michael Montgomery love song which Bobby had volunteered to sing, sort of like a present. I was completely amazed by the whole thing that I half registered in my mind that someone was pulling me onto the dance floor for the next song.
I looked up into the soft brown eyes of Jamie, a boy slightly older then I. "Here I'll teach you how to dance squirt." He said as we moved as one across the dance floor.
I danced the night away completely enjoying it as the older boys swung me around in different dances.
Close to one in the morning I became drowsy, stumbling over my own feet. Logan rose from his chair in the corner and gently picked me up. "I'm goin' home." He announced to Xavier.
"Alright Logan." The Professor said. "Make sure she bathes before going to bed." He added.
Logan winced and turned to glare at the older man who chuckled lightly. I closed my eyes smiling.
The last that I remember was the revving engine of Logan's red Jeep.
***End of Flashback***
Easily plaiting my hair I stood in front of a mirror to inspect myself. ~I guess this is alright~ I reasoned as I looked at my reflection.
Turning to leave something in my reflection caused me to stop. On my upper left arm a large black and blue bruise in the shape of a hand was visible through the sheer fabric of my sleeve.
~Zayn went too far~ I thought as I turned and left the room.
Halfway down the hall I slowed to a stop hearing someone pacing in a room to my right. Pressing an ear to the door I realized it was Aragorn. Slowly I opened the door a little and peered inside.
Aragorn was in the middle of the room pacing back and forth muttering under his breath. His wedding robes swished around his booted feet and I spied his crown lying on the bed nearby.
"Aragorn………" I whispered entering the room, quietly closing the door behind me.
The man didn't look up and continued to pace. I smirked as I stood there watching the man I regarded as my father seeing the anxiety on his face.
"Aragorn?" I questioned a little louder stepping forward and grabbing his arm causing him to stop pacing.
Startled he looked at me with question in his gray-blue eyes. "Aragorn quit worrying so much you'll make yourself sick." I said guiding him over to the bed where I forced him to sit.
I pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down in front of him. "I am not worrying, Shealyn." He stated-matter-of-factly.
Sighing I raised an eyebrow that clearly said, 'give up I know you are lying'
"I know what you worry about." I stated.
"Oh really now?" He jested.
"You're getting' cold feet." I said leaning forward to rest my elbows on my knees.
Confusion flickered across his features. "I am confused Shealyn."
"It's a sayin' they have back home." I replied. "It means that the bride or groom is having doubts about the upcoming marriage."
Aragorn's tired eyes closed and he rubbed at them with his hands. "I still believe Arwen should go with her people to Valinor." He finally whispered.
Chuckling I shook my head. "Aragorn, I may not have seen many happy times in my short life but one thing I am certain of." I began pausing only to collect my thoughts. "I believe Arwen is making the right choice. There is such a thing called soul mates, and you my friend I believe have found just that." Leaning forward I took his hand with both of mine. "The first time I saw you with Arwen I felt something. There is a bond between you two that is so great that I believe that this was your fate."
The king just looked at me completely stunned. "Further more with that said I believe that you and Arwen need to go through with this." I finished.
Silence descended upon us for several minutes before a smile graced Aragorn's lips and he pulled me into a tight embrace. "Are you certain you are not an elf?" He enquired. "For your wisdom has challenged their own."
"I assure you Aragorn that I am no elf." I responded my voice muffled by the fabrics of his robe.
Chuckling Aragorn pulled me back to look at me clearly. "You look stunning." He said astonished looking me over approvingly.
His eyes stopped wandering suddenly and darkened. "Who did this to you?" He asked, gently pushing my left sleeve up to inspect the bruise.
"Today is your day Aragorn. We'll talk about it later." I responded.
"I will accept that answer, but know that we will be discussing this later on little one." He replied seriously pulling me back into a hug.
'Knock, knock'
"Come in." Aragorn called.
"Aragorn are you ready?" Legolas asked as he entered the room and approached us.
"Yes my friend I am ready." Aragorn replied with resolve.
He walked back over to the bed and picked up his crown, gently placing it on his head. "May I have the honor of escorting you young maiden?" He asked holding out his arm.
"Certainly your majesty." I replied linking arms with him. "Care to join us Prince Legolas?" I questioned in a fake noble voice.
Legolas smiled and took my other arm as we left the room. To anyone who didn't know us the scene probably looked quite odd to them. It's not everyday that you see a king, a girl, and a prince arm in arm.
As we arrived at the doors to the throne room we separated. Legolas joined the groomsmen and I went to the bridesmaids while Aragorn slowly made his way up the aisle.
"Shealyn?" I turned around to see who had called my name and found Arwen standing before me.
Her silk off the shoulder wedding dress framed her lithe body and billowed at the waist. The veil was accented by small pearl beads. Arwen's crown gleamed in the light.
"Shealyn?" She questioned again.
I shook my head to come back to reality to glance up at her. "Yes Arwen?" I asked quietly.
"I wished to give you something." She said bringing something from behind her back. "It belonged to my mother but I wish for you to have it, for keeping Aragorn safe."
Gently she took my right hand and clasped a bracelet on my wrist. I looked down at it in awe as she stood back and smiled. I recognized the chain as mithril, but what caught my eye was the pendant that hung on it. A small silver star hung in the middle shining brightly.
"Thank you Arwen." I whispered as I hugged her.
"You are welcome young one." Arwen replied.
An elderly man walked in. "Places everyone." He called out as much as his dignity would allow.
Silently we lined up and the orchestra provided by the elves began to play their version of the wedding songs that I had heard back home.
"Are you nervous?" Legolas asked quietly as we linked arms and walked down the aisle.
~Of course Legolas I'm nervous. Arwen asked me to be her maid of honor, a position that I have never heard that a twelve year old has ever had in the my world~ I thought placing a smile on my lips.
"No I'm not nervous Legolas." I whispered back before we separated at the end of the aisle.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Aragorn smile at me before he turned to watch the door open revealing Arwen. I smiled seeing Arwen and her father in the doorway. The orchestra elves changed the tune and everyone rose to their feet.
The two made their way down the aisle with slow practiced steps until Arwen and Aragorn were standing side by side.
Lord Elrond released his daughter's arm and moved to face the entire congregation. The ceremony went beautifully just as I had remembered Jean and Scott's wedding back home.
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Sitting to Arwen's left at the high table I watched the guests with mild interest as my thoughts wandered to my present for the two. I leaned forward and picked up my wine goblet and brought it to my lips taking a small sip of the sweet wine.
"Shealyn are you alright?" Arwen asked from beside me.
Snapping out of it I looked over at the woman and smile. "Yes Arwen I'm alright." I responded. "Arwen I wanted to present you with your gift. I was told by my people of this personal tradition at home and I wish to share it."
Arwen nodded rising to her feet and gesturing for silence. The noise level dropped immediately and all eyes turned to the queen. "I have an announcement to make." She said in her soft melodic voice. "My young friend, Shealyn wishes to present my husband and myself with her wedding present to us." She announced taking her seat once again.
Smiling I stood and moved over to the band. "I need your help." I told them.
"Of course just give us a few lines and we'll be able to follow." The lead elf responded.
I sung the first few lines of the song and the people nodded telling me that they could do this.
"Alright………" I announced turning to face the guests. "For those of you who do not know me I am Shealyn Lee Mitchell. I hail from a different world and in that world my family and friends had a tradition at weddings. The couple usually has a song that they both like for the newlyweds first dance together. At my first wedding someone sang that song for the couple as a gift. Since I don't know any songs from Middle-Earth I chose a song that I liked from back home."
Turning to the high table I smiled. "Aragorn, Arwen come to the dance floor please." I announced.
The two rose and Aragorn offered his arm to Arwen as they came around the table to the dance floor. Turning to the band I motioned for them to start.
"It's amazing how you
can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word
you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could
never explain
What I hear when you
don't say a thing
Aragorn pulled Arwen close and they began to sway gently to
the lyrics. All the guests made a large circle around the bride and groom to
dance around them.
The smile on your face
lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in
your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand
says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when
you say nothing at all
All day long I can
hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me
near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could
never define
What's being said
between your heart and mine
The smile on your face
lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in
your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand
says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when
you say nothing at all
The smile on your face
lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in
your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand
says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all." (A/N: This belongs to Alison Krauss and Union Station)
As the song ended the dancers stopped, applauding me. I stepped away from the band and curtsied before I walked to the couple who both hugged me. "Thank you little one." Aragorn whispered.
"You are welcome." I answered quickly moving to the table and took a seat.
"That was wonderful Merry cried as he and Pippin approached me.
I blushed at the hobbit's appraisal sinking further into my seat. "Oh come on Shealyn dance with us." Pippin said taking hold of my hand as he and Merry pulled me to my feet guiding me to the dance floor.
Passed between the four hobbits then to Legolas and the others I spent the night dancing with everyone. As a song died away the band leader turned to the guests with a smile on his face. "Now I know there are many fathers here who brought their daughters and I ask of you to come forth for the father-daughter dance that will be the start of the end of the celebration tonight or should I say this morning." Guests chuckled at the last part as fathers and daughters came to the middle.
I sat back watching those who gathered and sighed. ~This bites. I don't have a………~
"Shealyn………" I looked up to find Aragorn standing before me. "I know you are not my daughter, but I would be honored if you'd dance with me." He said quietly holding out his hand for me.
"We will never be blood Aragorn, but I would be glad to be your daughter." I replied slipping my right hand into his.
Aragorn led me to the dance floor and we began to dance. He was silent for a time lost in thought. His eyes looked down at me and he smiled. "Shealyn I wanted to tell you something important." He said causing me to look up with my full attention.
"Yes Aragorn." I prodded gently.
"Arwen and I have discussed this and we both agree." He answered.
"Both agree to what?" I questioned curiously.
"We wish to make you part of our family, Shealyn." Aragorn replied.
A huge smile broke out on my face and I proceeded to hug him tightly. "Thank you." I whispered hugging him tighter.
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After the last melody ended and the guests bid farewell Aragorn glanced around the room seeing Legolas and Gimli walking towards him.
"Goodnight Aragorn, I must retire." Gimli stated clasping the king's forearm.
"I must follow Gimli's example." Legolas added.
Aragorn nodded clasping Legolas on the shoulder. "Goodnight my friends." He said.
Once the two were gone Aragorn once again searched the room. "Who do you search for my love?" Arwen's soft voice asked from beside him.
Aragorn smiled at his wife. "I search for Shealyn." He answered.
"She is at the table my love." Arwen replied pointing to the girl who was slumped forward in her chair.
The two crossed the room quietly and approached the table. Shealyn's head rested lightly on her arm and her eyes were closed, her breathing regular. "This must have worn her out." Aragorn chuckled as he bent down and pulled the girl upright.
Looping her arms around his neck Aragorn picked the young girl up. Almost immediately Shealyn's legs wrapped around Aragorn's waist, her head resting on his shoulder as she sighed in her sleep.
Arwen smiled motioning for her husband to follow. Minutes later they arrived at Shealyn's chambers and they entered quietly so as to not disturb the sleeping child. Aragorn sat her sleeping form on the bed holding her up until Arwen took hold. Turning his back Aragorn waited until Arwen called to him in a whisper.
Shealyn was now clothed in a white night shirt as Aragorn pulled the sheets down on the bed and gently placed the sleeping girl under the covers. "Sleep soundly little one." Arwen whispered as she came forward and kissed Shealyn's cheek.
The girl whimpered shifting slightly in her sleep. Smiling Aragorn brushed strands of raven hair from her face before leaning forward and kissing her forehead softly. "Goodnight little one." He whispered as he stood.
The couple stood silently and watched the young girl for several moments before Arwen slipped her hand into her husband's leading him out the door and toward their chamber, an impish smile gracing her fair face.
*** Hey guys not a super long chapter but somewhat long. I hope you liked it! R&R please! ***