Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter One
Title: The Heart's True Home
Author: Lady Silma
Rating: PG-13
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Epilogue: Part 2
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It was sunny that day, a blessing from the Valar since it had rained continuously over the past two weeks. As the day of the wedding had drawn near, Valia had begun to worry that the ceremony would not be able to be held outside like Legolas and she had wanted. The grey clouds that littered the sky had poured forth torrents of water on her and her family as they had made the journey from Earsilme to Laiquarille for the wedding. Only the thought of her betrothed waiting for her at journey's end had given Valia enough motivation to continue onward.
But now the sun was shining down in a brilliant fall of golden light, scattering the shadows that lingered from the darkness of night. Bright rays pierced through the openings of her rich fall of curtains, sending slits of light across her bed and face that teased her, taunted her into waking. Valia stretched under the layers of silk and furs that her bed had been furnished in, loosing her muscles before she opened her eyes.
Her gaze danced about the room, taking in the decadent furnishings, none of which were her own. Yester eve, attendants had moved all her possessions into the rooms she would take up after the ceremony today.
A fluttering of anticipation tingled in her stomach at the thought of her marriage swiftly drawing close. Absently, as had become a habit of hers over the last year whenever she thought of Legolas, she rubbed the silver betrothal band that ringed her index finger.
She allowed her thoughts to wind their way along whatever path they chose, reveling in the peace of the early morning. The air was cool and serene about her, and she enjoyed the silence while she could, well aware that as soon as she rose and breakfast was brought to her, she would not be spared a moment of reflective thought to herself. Too many were anticipating the wedding. Excitement was high wherever Legolas and she had gone together. Well wishers were everywhere, always wanting to speak with Legolas and Valia and share their joy in the union soon to come.
Sighing softly to herself, Valia kicked the covers to the end of her bed with her legs, the cool air sweeping over her heated skin. She lingered like that for several minutes more, only rising when an attendant knocked at her door with her morning breakfast.
From the moment she first opened her door to take the food, her suspicions had been proven right. Attendants, friends, and family streamed in and out her door like the steady flow of river water, ever constant
Silia came early, for which Valia was grateful. She brought her new child with her, an elfling boy with his mother's golden hair and father's eyes. The little boy, whom his parents had named Ison, was of a sweet disposition. He gurgled happily on Valia's hip, sucking his fingers in contentment. She bounced him on her knees while everyone went about making sure that everything was ready for the ceremony and feast.
Cithien arrived during the afternoon, just having come from Earsilme with Glorfindel for the celebration. There was a soft glow about Cithien's cheeks, a testament to the happiness that came from her new marriage with Glorfindel. Her clothing was made with rich material and jewels glinted in her hair and on her fingers and wrists. Valia was sure that it was as much a sign of Glorfindel's deep love for his wife as it was of her new station in life upon marrying.
Yet despite all the excitement and constant activities, Valia found that the day crept by agonizingly slow, as if it were being carried on the back of a turtle. As tradition demanded, she was not allowed to see Legolas until it was time for the ceremony to begin.
It was with extreme relief, therefore, when it came time for her to put on her dress, which had been crafted of the finest white linen. She made sure that Legolas' emerald hair pin was displayed proudly in her intricate weaving of braids and loose tendrils. An emerald necklace that had been fashioned to match her hairpin, which Legolas' father had given her at their betrothal feast a year ago, was fastened around her neck. Last of all, a thin band of silver, encrusted with a tiny row of diamonds was place upon her brow, a gift from Elrond and Celebrian upon the formal announcement of her betrothal.
From the moment her hair was fashioned and her dress put on, everything around her occurred in with a most disconcerting speed. Comings and goings were a blur of activity, and it was only for the comforting words spoken by her mother, Elowen, Silia, and Cithien that Valia managed to retain a small fragment of her calm.
It was no surprise then, when a knock came on her door, and her father appeared on the threshold of her door, ready to escort Valia outside for the ceremony.
Placing a kiss upon her brow, he looked down on her with pride shining clear in his eyes. 'You are beautiful, my daughter,' he told her softly before placing her hand on his arm and slowly leading her down the hall.
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Legolas stood outside, watching closely as the last glimpse of the golden sun sank below the horizon. Stars all ready shone bright overhead, and his eyes slid effortless back to the narrow path on which Valia would come any moment now.
The happy noise of feasting could be heard in the air, all ready started in anticipation of the Prince and their new Princess' arrival. His father and mother stood close by, waiting with an outward show of patience that amazed Legolas. He was anything but patient as he waited, readily proved in the way his hands were clasped firmly in front of him, his knuckles turning white from the sheer strength and concentration it took for him to remain still.
'Soon,' he whispered soothingly too himself. It had been a long year of waiting for Legolas, an elf who was known for his fortitude in almost all matters. Letters had traveled from his desk to Earsilme in an amazing number, sent to Valia tied in small packages whenever a messenger was headed anywhere near her home. The only thing that made their separation any easier for him was that she had equaled his writings to her. Each time upon the messengers return to Laiquarille, a similarly thick bundle of letters would arrive with his name written upon the top in her familiar script.
A hand placed softly upon his arm recalled his attention, and Legolas followed Thranduil's gaze to the path. Valia was coming towards him on her father's arm, arrayed in pristine white. It seemed to him as if time slowed as she approached, only returning to normal pace when she stood beside him and her father place her hand in his. They exchanged a tender smile with each other, faces glowing bright with their love for one another.
And then the ceremony took place with a dizzying speed. Exchanging their silver rings with each other for bands of gold, the name of Manwe, Varda, and Iluvatar were called upon as witness to their joining that no mortal man had ever lived to see or hear. Their bonding pledges were sealed with a kiss. Short though it was, Legolas managed to convey to Valia all that lay within his heart with the caress.
'I love you,' he whispered against her ear, pulling her into the circle of his arms for a moment to press a kiss against the delicate tip of her ear.
Valia buried her head into the crook of his neck, inhaling deeply the scent that was uniquely his. All elves had the scent of the outdoors upon their skin, but Legolas also smelt of something distinctly his, of a hint of fresh herbs that was pleasant to her nose. 'I love you, as well, herven-nin,' she told him in contentment.
Smiling softly at hearing her call him husband, Legolas released her, his hand seeking out her own. Fingers twined together as they followed friends and family to the feast.
Night had now settled heavily over the land, cloaking the sky in a black cape that glittered bright with a dusting of brilliant stars. Elven voices were raised in song and gentle conversation, blending with the strumming of harps and playing of lutes and other instruments. Wine flowed abundantly and food was never lacking, proving the great hospitality of King Thranduil. Many from the different elven realms had come for the wedding feast, and both Legolas and Valia were happy to see so many of their old friends that night.
Valia's delight was revealed in the smile that persistently adorned her lips as she stood next to Legolas, greeting and thanking those that came up to them to wish them joy in their future. Hard pressed was she, though, to keep her concentration on those she was speaking to as the hand Legolas had curled around her waist absently traced patterns upon her hip.
Glancing to him at an opportune moment, though, she was no longer sure if his attentions were quite so absentminded. He was looking down at her, green eyes darkened with a raw desire that she had only caught veiled glimpses of before, but now left no doubt in her mind as to his turn of thoughts. A fluttering settled itself within her once again, renewing anxious thoughts and seducing a light flush onto her high cheekbones.
Legolas softly brushed his fingers over the plains of her cheek, a sweet smile turning the corners of his lips upwards. His hand fell back to hers once more, placing her slender fingers in the crook of his elbow and resting his hand over them.
It was not long after that Legolas was able to escape the crush of elves, guiding Valia beside him as they walked the paths that wended through the gardens and back to the palace. Using a less used entrance into the halls, Legolas guided Valia inside, wrapping a strong arm around her waist as they slowly made their way to his rooms. Legolas lifted silent thanks to the Lady* for the joy that was now his. If it were not for the warmth of Valia walking close beside him, Legolas was sure that he would have thought himself to be walking the paths of sleep.
Four hundred years she had held his heart, been the keeper of his most treasured dreams. And now, after what seemed an eternity of trying to convince himself that she would never walk by his side as his companion in all the ages that were yet to come, she was indeed there. As she sighed softly and rested her head against his solid shoulder, a deep urgency seemed to well within him. He wanted nothing more than to protect and care for her until Arda ceased to exist.
His grip around her waist tightened for a moment, and Valia's smile widened, the fluttering concentrating into a warmth that began to bloom in her abdomen.
They reached his rooms soon after, and Legolas led her in. He helped her to shed the thin shawl that had been draped around her shoulder to ward of the chill of the evening air, draping it over one of the many chairs that were set about the room. Pouring her a glass of wine which had been brought to his rooms while he was out, Legolas pressed it into her hand before making his way to his bedroom and opening the large doors that led out to a terrace overlooking the grounds. It was much quieter on that side of the palace, and only a soft strain of music and laughter from the feast was carried on the wind to reach Legolas' ears. He braced his hands against the stone railing, still warm to his touch from the rays of the sun that had beat down upon it earlier that day.
Somewhere within his chambers, he heard a door open and softly shut again, no doubt Valia going to her room to change. A smile stretched over his lips and he reentered his chambers, walking over to the table that held the decanter of wine. He poured a glass for himself, taking it back into his bedroom and out onto the terrace where he reclined on one of the cushioned couches.
It was the soft rustling of fabric that alerted him to Valia's return some time later, and he turned to look up at her as she rounded his couch and smiled down at him. He reached up and took her hand, guiding her down to recline beside him. As her body settled against him, he wrapped his arms securely around her, feeling the heat of her skin through the thin material of the night dress she had chosen to wear. She had loosed her hair as well, and it spilled over Legolas' hands, causing his smile to grow wider as his fingers began to play with the silky curls.
How long he had waited for this day, and now that it was here and propriety was no longer a concern, as he found the freedom in itself to be worth the wait.
Valia's hand had found its way up to his chest, where she was busy playing with the ties that held together his tunic. 'What are you thinking of?' Valia asked, breaking their mutual silence.
Reaching up to capture her roaming hand, he curled his fingers around hers and rested their twined hands against his chest before her further wanderings caused him to lose his self control. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing his other senses to fully explore the way it felt to have her lay beside him. 'I was thinking of the first time we had met. Do you remember it?' he questioned.
Valia laughed softly, nestling her head underneath his chin. 'How could I forget such a memorable meeting as ours? I came away thinking that you were the most insufferable, prideful elf that I had ever met.'
'You wound me, my love,' he told her, though the chuckle that followed his words assured her he was nothing near hurt. 'You know that I was only trying to be kind, do you not? You had me intrigued from the moment I first saw you in your baggy set of clothes borrowed from your brother.' His fingers began to glide upwards, tangling themselves in the hair at the base of her neck. He sought out the smooth skin that was hidden there, and gently ran his fingers the warm flesh, enjoying the way it made her melt against him. 'I was surprised to see an elf maiden out alone, early in the morning, at the practice shooting field. When you came to retrieve your stray arrows, I was even more stunned that you did not act the charming lady in front of me. It was not often that a lady was so opposed to my very presence, let alone my simple offer of help.'
Valia shifted her position to look into his face with a brow raised in amusement. 'Did I so injury your male pride at my ability to remain unaffected in your presence, my lord?' She touched his cheek, lovingly tracing her way over his cheekbone and around the shell of his ear.
No verbal response did he offer her to her query. Instead, he merely bent his head down to brush his lips over hers, deepening the kiss as her hands wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer. 'I love you Legolas,' she spoke against his lips, which were fast robbing her of her breath. She ran her fingers up to his ear, grasping the velvety skin that ended in a delicate point between her thumb and forefinger.
The caress proved to be Legolas' undoing. With all the grace that Iluvatar had blessed the Firstborn with, he slipped off the couch, bending down to scoop Valia up into his arms.
A small noise of protest escaped her at the sudden lack of his touch when he moved off the couch. Yet when he picked her up and held her against him, she happily settled back into his embrace.
He took her inside, leaving the doors open behind him so that pools of silver light from the moon and stars fell bright into his bedroom.
Into the generous layers of furs, silks, and pillows that adorned his bed, he set her softly, joining her as soon as he had taken off his leather boots.
And it was there, that Legolas and Valia finally completed their bond, sharing all with each other.
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herven-nin- my husband
*the Lady- Varda, wife to Manwe