AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm sorry, I'm sorry! *ducks to avoid rotten tomatoes being thrown in her direction* I know this chapter took a long time, but I was in the middle of a move and an application, the immensity of which I cannot explain, and I was also terrified of writing this chapter. All I can say is that (for me) it is all downhill from here, and since I know EXACTLY what is going to happen, chapters should begin popping up fairly regularly. I would like to give co-author (and cheerleader lol) credit to Tony. Thank you for all the help, be it ideas for the text or cheering me on when I was too scared to write. I hope everyone enjoys the chapter!

Real:

"Would you like to inform me as to why I was summoned here as if you were on your deathbed, and I arrive and find you dancing with a no-rank maiden whom I have forbidden you to see?" Thranduil yelled, obviously not caring that Kika was standing right there beside his son.

"It was I that summoned you, and I did not make it sound as if I was on my deathbed. And there is no reason why I should not have been dancing with * Lady * Kikania at a dinner that was being held in her honor," Legolas said. Thranduil, who evidently was not expecting such a reply, was silent for a few moments.

"Lady Kikania? Have you found some way for her to receive a title? I never thought you would go to such lengths to wed a peasant girl." By now, Kika was tired of being talked of as if she were not there, and she was also tired of Thranduil yelling at Legolas. She stepped forward angrily from Legolas's side.

"I realize that you are a king, but that does not give you leave to act as if those of lower rank do not exist," she said without hesitation. "And Legolas has not 'found' some way for me to receive a title. Yes, he did come to Lothlorien hoping to find out that there was some nobility in my blood, but he did nothing to coerce anybody into giving me a title. When he informed Lady Galadriel why he wanted to know my descent, she informed me that she was my great-aunt and that I am now the heir to Lothlorien. We were certainly not expecting that, but I could not exactly turn something like that down, could I?" Thranduil stared at the maiden who had seemed docile up until her outburst.

"You are the heiress to Lothlorien?" was all he said.

"Yes," Legolas answered for her. "And as such, you cannot deny that she is nobility and is fit, even in your eyes, to be my wife. *That* is why I summoned you here." Now the king seemed more confused than angry.

"The ceremony is going to be held here?" Legolas sighed.

"No. I would have been happy to take her as my wife here, without a ceremony, but she insisted that I receive your approval first, which meant returning to Mirkwood. However, there is now an elf here who claims that Kikania should be his wife by rights, and we need you to be here as witness to claim that she was betrothed to me before she left Mirkwood."

"And what exactly are you planning on doing if I refuse?" he asked, obviously only wanting to anger Legolas. Kika wondered how such a childish elf reigned over a wood such as Mirkwood.

"I plan to wed her without your, or anyone else's, consent," Legolas replied firmly, with a possessive arm around Kika. "No matter what consequences may ensue." He could see in his father's face in that one moment that he had won. His determination showed the king that he really would lose his son if he did not consent to their marriage.

"What must I do?" Thranduil asked, knowing he was defeated. Kika could literally feel every bit of worry run out of Legolas's body next to her.

"If Rumil tries to go through with his threats to try to take Kikania away through 'legal' means, you will have to tell them that she and I were betrothed before she left Mirkwood." Thranduil looked at his son and soon to be Daughter-in-law suspiciously.

"What 'legal' claim does he have, or think he has, on her?" Legolas glanced at Kika, knowing that if his father knew that she had been betrothed to Rumil upon her return to Lothlorien it would only lower his opinion of her more.

"That does not matter."

*~*~*~*~*

As it turned out, Rumil decided not to follow through with his threats when he heard Legolas's and Kika's betrothal at the dinner. He knew when he heard the announcement that they would have Lady Galadriel's backing. As soon as Kika and Legolas learned this, they made some quick decisions.

"My Lady?" Kika called softly as she approached Lady Galadriel in her garden.

"Amazing," Galadriel said as she turned, gesturing to a flower at her side. "This flower can survive the harshest winters and the driest summers, and yet when the spring returns, it is even stronger and more beautiful than it was before it endured such hardships. Much like a particular maiden I know," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Fitting that they should share a common name, is it not?" Kika walked slowly to the Lady's side, kneeling beside the flower that she had never before realized was her namesake. It was delicate looking, a beautiful shade of pale yellow. She reached out and touched it softly before standing again, remembering why she had come.

"Prince Legolas and I are planning on leaving tomorrow for Mirkwood and holding our marriage ceremony as soon as we return," she said. "I realize that this is short notice, and apologize, but we were hoping that you and Lord Celeborn could come." She nodded, and Kika continued. "We were also hoping that Lord Celeborn would preside over the ceremony. I only wanted to make sure that the two of you could come before I asked him." Galadriel smiled and looked over Kika's shoulder.

"Of course we can come," she heard Celeborn say behind her. "And I would be most honored to lead the ceremony." Kika smiled, happy beyond words that the only living family she had would be at her wedding.

"Thank you both so much," she said, struggling to keep tears from her eyes. "You have both been so kind. Not just since my return, since as long as I can remember. Thank you. for everything." Celeborn placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I only wish we could have told you sooner," he said sincerely. "We had to watch you grow up from a distance, knowing that you wondered who your parents were. There was actually a point when we considered taking you in ourselves after your parents' deaths," he said, glancing at Galadriel, who nodded. "But you deserved a normal life, which was the one thing we would not have been able to offer you." Kika only smiled tearfully and nodded, not trusting herself to speak. "But we will be at your wedding, and we will be the proudest elves there."

~*~*~*~*~

This is really happening, Kika thought nervously as she stared into the mirror. I am going to wed Legolas.

They had returned to Mirkwood, as planned, and Kika was currently standing in her room, staring at herself in the mirror, not believing that her dream was about to become a reality. The beautiful white dress she was wearing, however, offered proof. The sleeves came to a point over her hands, and beautiful leafy vines were embroidered in silver around the scooped neckline, sleeves, and bottom of the dress. At Legolas's request, her hair was free, brushed down over her shoulders. As she stood there, there was a knock at her door.

"May I come in?" a voice called.

"Yes," she replied, never moving. Celeborn entered, looking very handsome in a silver tunic. She smiled at him. He and Galadriel had traveled with Thranduil, Legolas, and her to Mirkwood, and Kika had talked with and become close enough to Celeborn to discard titles. She had talked just as much with Galadriel, but she did not feel that familiarity yet. She was just so regal that it would seem wrong to not treat her as such. Celeborn, however, was very warm and she had come to trust him completely.

"Are you ready?" he asked. "It is about time to begin." He stood behind her; Kika could see him beyond her own reflection in the mirror.

"I do not know," she answered truthfully. She sighed. "Just nervous, I suppose."

"About Legolas, or the ceremony?" he asked, sitting in a nearby chair.

"The ceremony," she said. "I know without a doubt that being with Legolas is the right thing. It is just that the thought of having to be in front of all of Mirkwood and every person of importance in Middle Earth is quite daunting. It is worth it though, to get to be with Legolas forever." Celeborn smiled reassuringly.

"Legolas is the same way, but you will get each other through the ceremony." He paused and leveled a knowing look at her. "Something else?"

"Yes. . . it is just everything is happening so fast, which I have no problem with, except that I am terrified that something is going to happen, something that will stop the ceremony or separate Legolas and I again, like Thranduil all of a sudden protesting the wedding or something of the sort."

"In other words, you think that it is too good to be true." Kika nodded.

"I know that it sounds silly, but I cannot help but worry." Celeborn stood and came behind her, placing a hand on each shoulder, looking at her seriously in the mirror.

"It is only normal that you should worry, but take this into consideration. You grew up without knowing your parents, plagued by visions that isolated you from other elves - Yes, Galadriel and I know about the visions - had to endure Haldir's death, left your home, and then when you finally stumbled upon Mirkwood and found love, you were tricked into thinking that you had been betrayed. After enduring all that, do you not think that you are due some happiness?" Kika smiled, grateful for the reassurance.

"Thank you. I am ready now; shall we go before my trepidations make us later than we already are?" Celeborn offered her his arm, which she accepted and he led her out.

Orophin, who she had asked to do the customary giving away of the bride, was waiting outside. "You look beautiful," he said with a smile. "Ready?" she took a deep breath and nodded, and allowed him to escort her to where she could see Celeborn and Legolas waiting.

Legolas, standing by Celeborn, was standing proudly, waiting anxiously for his bride to appear. As soon as Kika could see his face, she could feel his love, and it calmed her beyond what any supporting words could do. A reverent silence fell over the rather large crowd that had gathered for the event. Legolas locked onto her eyes as she grew nearer, and did not let go. She became lost in the sapphire depths and the elves watching them were pushed out of her mind completely.

'I love you,' he mouthed as Orophin bowed to Legolas and Legolas took her hand. Kika's eyes told him the same as Celeborn began the proceedings.

"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and Lady Kikania of Lothlorien have come before us today to become lawfully bound as husband and wife. Prince Legolas, do you swear that as Lady Kikania's husband you will love and treasure her, protect her and keep her safe from all harm, with your own life, if need be?"

"I swear, I will love her with all my heart," came his response. Kika felt tears fill her eyes. This was really happening. Legolas would be her husband, and she his wife.

Celeborn smiled at his response and turned to Kika. "Lady Kikania, do you swear that as Prince Legolas's husband, you will love and treasure him, and always be there if he should ever need you?"

"I swear," Kika replied, though she could hardly breathe, much less speak, with the way Legolas was looking at her.

"I, Lord Celeborn of Lothlorien, with all in attendance as witness, hereby decree that Prince Legolas and Lady Kikania are now lawfully bound as husband and wife, never to part. May nothing come between your love for each other. May the Valar bless you and keep you safe from all harm. As husband and wife, may you love and respect each other for eternity." There was silence for a few moments before Celeborn's professional demeanor disappeared, enveloped in obvious joy. "Well, go on and kiss your wife!" Legolas's face broke out into a beautiful smile as he happily obliged.

The next few moments were like a blur to the blissful bride and groom, a flurry of congratulations, handshakes, wishes for the best. As was prearranged, a harpist had begun playing as soon as the ceremony was over, and servants had rushed in with long tables laden with every type of delectable treat. As soon as Kika had regained her senses, she noticed Thranduil sitting nearby, and was surprised to see that he did not seem unhappy, as she had expected. His gaze was on his son, and his eyes were filled with pride. Despite what all he had done, when she saw that look in his eyes, she felt her heart melt towards him a bit. Her thoughts were interrupted by a rough hand taking the one that was not already taken by Legolas.

"You did it lad, you really did it!" exclaimed Gimli, who had grabbed both hers and Legolas's hands. He sniffed a bit, which caused Kika to look at his face a little closer.

"Gimli. . . are you crying?!" she said, startled to see his eyes overflowing.

"Of course not!" came his quick - perhaps too quick - reply. "Dwarves don't cry," he insisted stubbornly as Kika and Legolas exchanged an amused look over his head. "I just got something in my eye. . . if you will excuse me," he mumbled as he made a hasty retreat. After a few more moments, the stream of well-wishers subsided.

Legolas turned to Kika and settled his arms comfortably around her waist. "Hello, Wife." He sighed and rested his forehead against hers. "It feels so right to say that." Kika grinned.

"Shall I have my name changed to 'Wife', then?" she asked cheekily.

"No, Kikania is much too beautiful," he replied. "And besides, I want 'Wife' to be my own personal privilege."

"Then it is yours. . . Husband." Kika giggled, feeling the odd word slide past her lips. Legolas returned her smile as he captured her lips, gently at first, then more urgently. After a few moments of rather ardent kissing in the quite populated courtyard, Legolas pulled back and closed his eyes. When they remained closed for a few seconds, Kika frowned.

"What are you doing?" she asked. Legolas cracked open an eye to peer down at her.

"Trying to think of a halfway believable excuse," he replied.

"Excuse for what?" Kika asked, confused.

"For why you and I are about to make a rather hasty exit." Catching his meaning, Kika blushed and barely managed to suppress an embarrassed giggle.

"Would it not be rude to leave so soon?" she asked, glancing around at the rather important guests who had attended. Legolas opened his eyes when she said this.

"You have not been to very many Elven weddings, have you?" he asked, a hint of laughter in his voice. When she did not reply, he continued. "I have never seen a newly wedded couple stay for very long after the ceremony. . . shall I explain why or leave it up to your imagination?"

"My imagination will do just fine, I assure you," she replied wryly. As Legolas closed his eyes again to resume 'thinking', Kika laughed. "Do not tire yourself out, Love, I have your excuse." When he looked down at her questioningly, she pointed to the sky.

"It looks as if it is going to downpour at any moment. We would not want to ruin my wedding dress, now, would we?" she said innocently. Legolas's grin spread even further.

"I believe I have married not only the most beautiful, but the smartest elf in Middle Earth!" he proclaimed, picking her up about the waist and spinning her in a circle, pressing his lips to hers before setting her back down. "Wait here," he said before turning and walking quickly, with quite a spring in his step, to where his father stood. Kika saw him say something, then saw Thranduil reply with an amused grin and a raised eyebrow. He glanced, eyebrow still raised, at Kika as Legolas replied, then turned back to return to his bride as the deep rumble of distant thunder filled their ears. Legolas offered her his arm. "Shall we?" Kika took a deep breath before accepting.

"I believe we shall."

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

Legolas glanced down at his new bride, barely able to contain his excitement. This was real! He was wed to his love, never to be parted. He would spend eternity by her side, loving her, protecting her. He had all he could ever want. He hardly noticed if they passed anyone on the way to his bedchamber; he was aware of her and only her.

Kika kept her eyes to the ground, afraid to look up, afraid that if she looked up at her husband, she would wake up and it all would have been nothing but a wonderful dream and she would wake up in the wilderness. The closer they drew to Legolas's room, though, the more she forgot to worry, and thought only of him, of how their life would be together. She was not stupid, she knew that as Prince he would have duties to attend to, most likely border duty also, but he would always return home, to her side.

When they entered his room, Legolas closed the door behind them and turned to face Kika, looking deep into her eyes for a moment before descending upon her lips for a devastating kiss. He did not hold back as he had done outside; he let all his love flow, the force slamming through Kika like a lightening bolt. All thought left both of them as they succumbed to what they had been holding back for so long. Legolas's hands moved restlessly down Kika's side, stopping at her waist. His lips trailed down the side of her face to her jawbone as he spoke between kisses. Neither noticed that the balcony doors had been left open; the wind wound its breezy fingers through their hair unnoticed.

"If you want me to stop. . . please tell me now. . . in a moment I will not be able to." Kika did not respond except by grabbing his face with both hands and pulling his lips back to hers. It was not long, however, before Legolas was tugging gently at the straps of her dress, and reality hit Kika like a slap to the face. She pulled away suddenly, gasping. Legolas stopped immediately, breathing deeply as he tried to compose himself. A sudden gust of wind filled Kikania's dress and she held it down as her hair flew about her head.

"What is wrong?" he asked, alarmed by the look on his wife's face. She had seemed as eager as he seconds ago, but now she looked as if she were about to cry. "I am sorry; whatever I did wrong, I am sorry," he said, immediately assuming the worst.

"No, Legolas," she replied, so softly he could only just hear here. "You have done nothing wrong; you are perfect. That is the problem." Legolas was now thoroughly confused, and seeing Kika near tears on their wedding night was tearing him apart.

"What is the problem?" he asked. "I do not understand."

"You are perfect," she repeated. "I am not. I spent over thirty years in the wilderness, and I sustained many injuries," she said slowly. Legolas, still confused, reached out and took her hand, clenching his jaw to keep from trying to comfort her. He knew that what she needed was to explain herself. "Elves do not scar easily," she continued, "you already know that. But I had no herbs or proper bandages with which to heal myself with, and many of my injuries were. . . severe." She looked up at Legolas, her teary eyes causing him more pain than he had ever experienced. "I want to be perfect for you," she said earnestly. "You deserve perfection." Legolas moved his hands to gently cup her face.

"You are perfect in every way," he said, slowly moving his hands to her shoulders. "I love you. You are beautiful. You are more perfect than I can ever be. You are all I could ever hope for." She started when his hands brushed her dress. "Please, trust me, Kikania," he said softly. "Trust in yourself, you must believe me when I tell you that you are beautiful." Kika closed her eyes as Legolas gave the straps of her dress a gentle push and her dress glided to the floor, baring every inch of her skin to his eyes. A tear pushed its way through Kika's closed lids and slid down her cheeks when she neither felt nor heard any response from Legolas.

Legolas looked at his wife, his beautiful, perfect wife. Yes, perfect even with her 'imperfections'. A light scar trailed across her collarbone, another nearly three inches long traced its way across her flat stomach. A third was visible on her hip. He felt tears prick at his eyes as it began to rain outside.

"I am sorry," Kika whispered hoarsely, knowing that he must disapprove of her appearance. "I should have told you before, only I did not think-" Her words were cut off as Legolas caught her in a tight embrace, holding her closely. She was shocked at first, and her shock only escalated when she felt tears - his, not hers - against her face. Before she could voice her question, Legolas answered.

"Those scars, all of them. Every time I wish I could have been there to protect you, to spare you that pain. Every time you received one of those wounds, you were close enough to death for it to leave a scar. Close enough that there was the possibility that you could have died and I never would have found you." He pulled back and spoke softly yet fiercely. "Never again, Kikania, never again will you have to endure such things, I would give my life before I will ever allow it to happen again, I swear it." The undying, unconditional love in her husband's eyes settled in Kika's heart like cement and she knew that she would never again doubt his love for her.

"I love you," she said softly. This was all Legolas needed; he recaptured her lips with his gently, pulling his tunic unhurriedly over his head before returning his hands to her and laying her gently on the bed. Kika reached up and ran her fingers tenderly along Legolas's cheek. "I can still hardly believe this is real," she whispered. Lightening flickered across her husbands face to reveal a grin spread across his beautiful face.

"I suppose, then, that I will have to convince you," he replied impishly before returning his lips to hers. They both gave in to their love for each other as the storm outside raged, as if in an attempt to meet the force of their love.

*~*When the world wasn't upside down, I could take all the time I had

But I'm not going to wait when a moment can vanish so fast

'Cause every kiss is a kiss you can never get back

Lift me up in your eyes

If you told me that is what Heaven is, well, you'd be right

I've been waiting forever for this

This is the night

When the answer to all my dreams is as close as a touch away

Why am I here holding back what I'm trying to say?

Lift me up in your eyes

If you told me that is what Heaven is, well, you'd be right

Hold me close to your heart

I would go with you to the ends of the Earth and we'll fly

I've been waiting forever for this

This is the night

This is the night where we capture forever and all our tomorrows begin

After tonight, we will never be lonely again

Lift me up in your eyes

If you told me that is what Heaven is, well, you'd be right

Hold me close to your heart

I would go with you to the ends of the Earth and we'll fly

I've been waiting forever for this

This is the night*~*

A/N: Whew! I had the wedding night jitters, and it was not even my wedding! If stupid FF.net will not allow you to review because you reviewed the old chapter 23, don't hesitate to email! This is the chapter I want feedback on, more than any of the others. I apologize again for all the chapter mix- ups. By the way, if you did not recognize the lyrics, that song was 'This is the Night' by Clay Aiken, and *glares at stupid 'disclaimers'* I do not own it. Or Clay. Darnit. PLEASE review!