Chapter Five

The three Men turned when Legolas stepped outside. Legolas motioned for them to follow him. He led them to the stables.

"What happened?" King Elessar asked sharply.

Legolas told his account of the night's events. He started with when Moddyn saw Legolas bringing Celemirë to her room, and even included the part where his door would not open. Then he told them a brief but precise narrative of the pursuit, and the death of Moddyn.

"Moddyn you say is his name? What does he look like?" Theodred asked suddenly.

Eldarion gave him a detailed description.

"This sounds like a man we expelled." Theodred said. "I am almost certain it is him. Can you show me where he is?" he asked Legolas.

The Elf Prince led the three Men to the cabin. Theodred nodded.

"Yes, that is him. He called himself Modd while he was here. He was a horse master for my father. He wronged Beregond's wife, so my father had him fixed so he could not have children. Then we expelled him. I apologize on my father's behalf." Theodred said.

Legolas stared blankly at Theodred.

"You had him fixed?" he repeated slowly.

"Fixed, meaning he is an eunuch." Theodred said.

"I know what fixed means. But I did not know that he was evil." Legolas said, his voice rising slightly. "He lied to Celemirë!"

Legolas then told the Men how Moddyn told Celemirë that she would bear his children, and how that would be her payment for not loving him. King Elessar and Eldarion were livid. They stared at Moddyn. King Elessar cursed in Elvish. Legolas stared at him.

"Torch this place." King Elessar said icily.

The others looked at the King in amazement. They poured oil all over the floor. King Elessar threw his torch. They all watched the cabin burst into flames. Legolas did not feel any remorse.

"May he never rest." Eldarion said.

They rode back to the castle. When they entered, King Elessar made them promise not to tell anyone about Moddyn.

"Not a word to Celemirë, Legolas." Aragorn said.

Legolas nodded, though he did so reluctantly. He returned to Celemirë's room and spent the night on her balcony.

Celemirë awoke the next day to find Legolas standing beside her bed. He seemed overjoyed to see her awake. Celemirë remained silent.

"Maer aur." Legolas told her softly. "Or rather, good day, for the morning is gone."

Celemirë looked outside.

"You must prepare yourself for our wedding." Legolas told her.

Celemirë stared at the floor. There was a knock on the door. Arwen entered, followed by several elf-maidens.

"Celemirë, these maidens are here to prepare you for your wedding." Arwen said.

Legolas took leave of the women. Celemirë silently watched him go.

'She feels guilty, and is still hurt.' Arwen thought. 'Valar, aid her!'

The elf-maidens were from Eryn Lasgalen, of those who had come with Legolas to Ithilien. They bathed Celemirë in scented water and rubbed special ointments on her skin, and oil on her hair. Then they dressed her and did her hair elf-fashion. Arwen looked on.

Soon it was evening. Celemirë was prepared, grateful that she wore a veil. She stood with her family and Siana in Faramir's castle in the entrance hall. Legolas arrives shortly with his sire, elven-king Thranduil.

Legolas was dressed in a white tunic and leggings. His shoulder-length blond hair was pulled back and intricately plaited. On his brow were jewels, and in his eyes there was a light. A circlet of mithril adorned his forehead. He smiled as he saw Celemirë.

"Elessar, mae govannen!" Thranduil said.

He was dressed like his son, excepting that he was attired in gold.

"Mae govannen!" Aragorn replied.

Thranduil inclined his head slightly to Arwen and grasped Eldarion's hands. Legolas took hold of Celemirë's hands and kissed them. She turned her head away. Legolas smiled to himself.

'She is embarrassed,' he thought.

Legolas led Celemirë outside and into the woods of Ithilien. Her family followed, as did Thranduil and Siana. Prince Faramir and his family were already waiting for them when they arrived at the place where the wedding was going to be held. Also present were Aragorn's men, officials from Faramir's court, and many fair Elves.

Two chairs were set in the clearing. Legolas led Celemirë to her seat. Thranduil followed his son. Elessar stood beside Celemirë. Elvish music played softly.

"Friends and relatives, we are gathered here to partake in a most blessed and special occasion." Thranduil began. "My son, Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, desires the fair hand of Celemirë, daughter of King Elessar and Queen Arwen Undomiel."

The Elves murmured amongst themselves.

"Celemirë, do you desire Legolas?" Thranduil asked.

Celemirë raised her head and looked at Legolas. He was looking at her with love in his eyes. She glanced at the fair elven-king and nodded.

"King Elessar and Queen Arwen Undomiel, do you agree with her decision?" Thranduil said.

"I am quite proud that my daughter is Legolas' wife. He was one of the Nine Walkers. His quick hands saved us many times, as did his keen eyes and ears. Legolas was always light of heart, and he never despaired. I love him dearly. I know Celemirë is safe." Aragorn said. "We agree."

Legolas rose and went to Elessar. His eyes were shining in the night. He took his hands and held them tightly.

"Le hannon, mellonen. You have caused in me great shame and embarrassment. I hope I live up to your praise," he said, embracing him.

Aragorn took Celemirë's hand and helped her to her feet. Thranduil stood next to Legolas. Celemirë faced Legolas; her father faced Thranduil. Then Aragorn placed Celemirë's hand in Legolas'. They were now made husband and wife.

Legolas lifted the veil from Celemirë's face. Her white face was clear and fair. A tiara of silver was upon her head, matching the color of her raiment. She trembled as he took her into his arms, then kissed her.

The Elves cheered. Eldarion squeezed his mother's hand. King Elessar blinked his eyes continuously as Prince Faramir and his son congratulated him. Eowyn smiled at Arwen. Fair elven-king Thranduil was smiling broadly.

"Let the feast begin!" he called.

There were cheers and shouts from the Men and Elves. All made way as Legolas led Celemirë to the great feasting table. It was laden with the finest drinks and food from Imladris (Rivendell), for Elladan and Elrohir were present. They congratulated the newly wed couple.

Celemirë ate and drank little. She was quite nervous, sad, and happy all at once. She felt nervous and happy at being newly wed, and sad for leaving her family. She wondered if Legolas was feeling as emotionally divided as she felt.

Legolas took hold of Celemirë's hand and helped her to her feet. The Elf-minstrels were now playing a sweet dancing music. The Elf Prince led his newly wedded wife to the space reserved for dancing. He took her hand in his and placed his arm around her waist.

They were the center of all eyes. Celemirë gazed up into Legolas' eyes. They were warm and full of love. She felt herself lost in them. She ached to nip his ears gently, or nuzzle his chest. She had forgotten the previous night momentarily. All she knew now was that she was Legolas' wife, and her lust for him was gnawing her insides.

Others soon joined them. Celemirë saw her parents nearby, and Eldarion with Siana. Even Prince Faramir and Eowyn were dancing. Thranduil stood alone, and Celemirë saw pain and sadness in his eyes.

"He misses my mother. She died long ago. He told me you remind him of her greatly. She wore the dress you are wearing." Legolas told her.

Gifts were brought forth. Legolas and Celemirë thanked the gift-bringers graciously. Then the wedding ended, and everyone left except for Thranduil and Celemirë's family. Arwen came beside Legolas.

"It is time now for my gift," she said.

Legolas smiled. He gathered Celemirë into his arms. Arwen led them into the trees to a small thicket of beech trees that faced West. She took Celemirë's hand in hers and closed her eyes. Then she whispered:

"What grace was once given to me, let it pass onto my daughter."

Celemirë saw from the West a white light emerge. A single ray streaked towards her, and fell upon her only. She saw Legolas' eyes were shining softly, and Arwen, her mother, was smiling sadly. Then the light disappeared. Legolas gasped.

"Her forehead, there is a small mark on it!" he exclaimed.

"She has been given it, Legolas. Rejoice, for never before has this occurred, and never will it occur again! Farewell, Celemirë!" Arwen said.

Suddenly, Celemirë buried her head in her mother and embraced her. Mother and daughter wept together.

"I must go now. I am being waited for. Farewell!" Arwen whispered.

Celemirë watched her mother's graceful figure leave. She was alone with Legolas, her love, and her newly wed husband. She shied away.

"Celemirë…" Legolas whispered.

Legolas was overjoyed. Celemirë was immortal! Though she was not turned into an Elf, she was immortal. He had her for eternity now.

He picked her up and carried her through the trees. She had never taken into consideration where she would live once they were married. Would it be in the trees? She pondered this question.

"Tiro!" Legolas said suddenly.

Celemirë gasped. They were near a river. There, on a high ridge, was a large home. It resembled the Last Homely House.

"This is our home, Celemirë." Legolas said.

"Our home…" she whispered.

Legolas carried her inside, through grand halls and past many rooms. Celemirë knew what was on his mind, for it was also on her mind. She began to untie her dress. When they reached the bedchamber she was already in her under-dress, her wedding gown was on the floor.

Celemirë helped Legolas out of his clothes. He had difficulty in removing his leggings, so he kept them on. Celemirë looked to the bed. Legolas smiled and laid her down gently. Then he lay beside her.

At first, they only stared at each other. Then Celemirë found herself under Legolas. He was nipping her neck and kissing her. Celemirë was moaning softly and had her arms around his neck. She closed her eyes as Legolas removed her under-dress.

The Elf Prince gasped. Celemirë looked up at him. She was perfect for him. He pressed her against him, feeling her breasts with his hands. Celemirë sighed as she felt him explore her. He was a strong and fierce warrior, but a tender lover. His touches were extremely gentle and light.

Then Legolas turned onto his back, so that Celemirë was on top of him. He was giving her a turn to explore him. Celemirë found the hollow area beneath his neck and nuzzled it. Legolas groaned, and she knew he was enjoying it. She brushed the hair out of his eyes.

Legolas rose and moved Celemirë onto the bed. She watched him remove his leggings. She stared at his thighs. They were firm. She saw him turn his back to her to drop his leggings over the edge of the bed. She waited until he was facing her before she dragged him next to her.

Legolas, however, was ready for the next move. They had already explored one another. As much as he enjoyed Celemirë's touches, feeling her body against his, and divulging in her scent, he wanted to do what she told him she would do once they were wedded. They were wedded now, and he wanted to do it.

Celemirë watched Legolas. He lay on top of her. Both of them were now completely without clothing. He gave her a long look. Celemirë felt his body become tense, and the flesh between his legs erected.

All at once, Moddyn was before her. She was pinned underneath him, helpless, watching as he neared her sweet spot. Celemirë screamed.

Legolas wiped away her tears with his hands.

"Did I hurt you? I did not even enter yet," he said softly.

"Moddyn." Celemirë whispered.

Legolas got off of her. He lay next to her and pulled her into him. He felt her tears on his chest. They were very warm. He quieted her.

"Celemirë, I will not go into you tonight. I forgot. Forgive me, my dear, I did not mean it." Legolas whispered.

Celemirë apologized. She let him fondle her. He started at her breasts, and made his way to her thighs. Then he stopped.

"I cannot go further without thinking of it," he said.

Celemirë bit her lip. She did not mean to hurt him, it was just that the previous night's horrors were still fresh in her mind. Legolas began to nuzzle her face, biting her neck. He held her firmly around her hips.

Celemirë and Legolas lay later that night with their arms around each other: Celemirë's around his neck, Legolas' around her back. Celemirë had allowed him to straddle out her legs. Still, she did not allow him to go into her. She felt guilty.

"Celemirë, whenever you are ready. I understand your fear, my love. But know that you must overcome it sometime." Legolas said.

"I will, but not now. The incident is still very fresh in my mind." Celemirë said.

Legolas embraced her, nibbling her ear. Her soft hands squeezed his neck as she rode out her orgasm: he had placed his hands on her thighs. Celemirë let go of him. Legolas laid her back onto the pillows. She was very sweaty. He had exhausted her. Legolas desired to tell her that Moddyn was a eunuch, that she had nothing to fear, that he had lied to her, but he remembered his promise to her father

"Sleep now, Celemirë." Legolas whispered.

Her eyes closed. Legolas pulled her closer to him, laying her head on his chest. Then he rested the elven way by resting his mind in a waking dream. Beside him, Celemirë slipped into a pleasant sleep.

Sindarin Translations-

Mae govannen: well met

Le hannon, mellonen: I thank thee, my friend

Tiro: look