Chapter 20 ~ Túveren's wedding
Once she returned to Minas Tirith Fuineth was busy helping with her brother and Elsbeth's wedding preparations and the days flew past. The celebrations were to be held in the Citadel since the King and Queen were to be present as well as many other nobles. The Queen's brothers had agreed to stay for it, many of the Dúnedain who had ridden with the Grey Company were coming south, Gimli and Legolas of course would be there as well as the entire company of the Citadel Guard and one or two close friends of Túveren's from Rohan. That Lord Faramir would be bringing Lady Eowyn with him was the only dampener on the entire proceedings for Fuineth.
As soon as she returned and was able to have a few minutes alone with her brother Fuineth pulled him to one side.
"I need to talk to you," she said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice.
He looked at her, smiling, "What is it?"
"Come on," and she dragged him off by the hand till they were in a small antechamber away from prying eyes.
She turned to him, beaming from ear to ear. He was desperate to know what all this was about. She came over to him and then pulled him to sit beside her on a bench by the window.
"Túveren. I have something to tell you."
He waited. Still nothing. "Well, sister, what is it? I think I shall burst with curiosity if you do not tell me what on earth has got into you!"
She grinned, "Well. You know that Lord Legolas will now be able to attend your wedding?"
"Yes..." He looked at her sideways, now with a suspicion as to what all this might be about.
"Well, when he comes he will want to speak to you. To ask you for my hand."
He grinned, "Fuineth! Is it true?" He gasped and, standing up, he hauled her into his arms and kissed her. "That's fantastic! Wonderful news! Truly, I happy for you, happy for you both!"
She was beaming. "So you will not refuse him then?"
He spluttered. "What?! Of course not!" and he laughed loud and hugged her again.
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Túveren and Elsbeth's wedding was due to take place eight days after Fuineth arrived back at Minas Tirith. Legolas had arranged to arrive some two days before it.
Fuineth was in her chambers, preparing herself and feeling ridiculously nervous when he and his stewards arrived in the Place of the Fountain. Túveren and Orodor came out to meet them.
Meanwhile Fuineth heard a knock at her door and before she could reply Mirriel and Gwenneth burst in with a "He's here!" and much excited giggling. The three raced through corridors and down stairs till at last they reached the main entrance to the White Tower where they slowed and caught their breath.
Gwenneth and Mirriel hung back a little as Fuineth stopped, seeing him conversing with his stewards, Túveren and Orodor by the white tree. As she stood there in the doorway for a moment he looked up, saw her and smiled. Even as she ran towards him he was already moving away from the others to her, not even bothering to excuse himself.
As she reached him he caught her in his arms and spun her round, both of them laughing, oblivious to those around them. He lowered her to the ground, never taking his eyes off her, kissed her quickly and grinned.
"Aiya, hîril nín."
"Aiya, hir nín."
She hugged him and then pulled away from him to greet Naril and the other steward. Meanwhile Mirriel and Gwenneth came to greet the new arrivals also.
Servants arrived to take their baggage and show them to their rooms. Túveren was grinning as he watched Fuineth and Legolas walk arm in arm back to the White Tower.
Orodor had managed to get his eyebrows back under control and murmured to Túveren, "Is that another wedding in the making?"
Túveren's grin widened, "Yes indeed, Orodor, I believe it is."
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After they had been shown their chambers the three elves made their way to the Throne Room to formally greet the royal couple. Afterwards they mingled amongst the various guests and dignitaries there till the midday meal was served.
After it, when people were socialising in an antechamber, Legolas tapped Túveren on the shoulder and took him to one side.
"Túveren, I wish to talk to you about something."
Túveren nodded and moved over to the far end of the room where a door led to a small chamber.
"We'll go in here. No-one will disturb us and we will be able to talk freely." Legolas nodded.
Túveren closed the doors behind him and turned to Legolas, his face split by a wide grin. Legolas took one look at him and said, "I take it your sister has spoken to you, then?"
"Indeed she has, and I have been told in no uncertain terms how I am to behave and what my answer should be."
Legolas raised an eyebrow and they both laughed.
"Then you know what I would ask, my friend. I love her. I love with all my heart and, as you now know, we wish to marry if we have your permission. You know me well enough I trust to know that I will cherish her more than life itself, and that I would never let any harm come to her."
Túveren nodded, "Of course. You do not need to convince me. You have my blessing. I could not have chosen better for her myself."
Legolas embraced him warmly, "I thank you my friend."
Túveren smiled, "I know it must have been a hard decision for you. For you both. I know a little of how Fuineth was feeling after you left Minas Tirith last though she would not tell me much, in truth, but it was clear enough. I am glad you have made this decision. I am happy for you both."
Legolas nodded his gratitude at his friend's kind words.
Fuineth had seen them disappear together and though she was trying to concentrate on the conversation around her she kept looking back to the closed door at the end of the room. At last she saw it open and the two emerge, grinning. Túveren came to join the general company but Legolas, catching sight of her, smiled and nodded. She came over to him and they moved to one side.
"Well, it is done and your brother has agreed. We are betrothed."
She beamed.
"Would you be free for a walk, perhaps? There is something I wish to give you, Fuineth."
She nodded and they made their way arm in arm from the chamber, down the corridors and out into the fresh air. Legolas lead her to the garden overlooking the Pelennor where they had first spent their private moments together after the War. It was a place that held special significance for him now.
They walked a little while in silence till they reached the wall overlooking the city. Legolas spoke.
"Do you remember that first walk we took together here, hîril nín?"
She nodded, looking out at the vista below as she replied, "I do indeed, my lord. Every time I come here now I see the places you pointed out to me then."
He smiled, remembering how he had seen her then, standing with the chill wind blowing in her hair and how he had first realised how beautiful she was.
"Fuineth?"
She turned to him.
"I have something for you. Something dear to me that I hope you will accept as a token of my love for you, as a betrothal gift."
She smiled, shyly, beaming with pleasure. He held out to her a silver ring, of simple design, if intricate and delicately shaped, with a single white jewel at its centre that shone and glinted in the sun. Fuineth gasped.
"It is beautiful, Legolas."
He smiled and lifted her hand to put the ring on her middle finger. "It was my mother's," he said simply.
She looked up at him and brought her hand to his face to trace the line of his cheekbone with her fingertips. She lifted her head towards him and he met and matched her kiss.
"Hannaid, hir nín. Truly you have made me happier than I ever thought possible," she murmured as he held her. She moved away, holding his hand. "I have something for you too."
He raised an eyebrow, "Really?"
"But of course. It is the custom among the elves, is it not, for gifts to be exchanged on a betrothal?"
He smiled and nodded, "Yes, hîril nín, that is so."
"Well, I have something for you also. I was only sorry I did not have it with me in Ithilien since I decided then what I would give you. I do not have it with me here. It is in my chambers. Will you walk with me while I fetch it, or would you prefer to wait?"
He shook his head, "No, I will walk with you and enjoy your company, Fuineth, if you will allow me."
She smiled, "Good. I had hoped that would be your answer." He laughed.
On reaching her chambers she went straight to a dresser and pulled open a small draw in which was a leather bag. In it were a ring and a broken bracelet chain. She took out the ring and turned to present it to Legolas but saw that he was standing by her window examining his tunic which he had seen was hung over the back of a chair, the embroidery on it half completed. He nodded his approval as he examined the collar, already patterned by her work, and smiled up at her.
"It is beautiful, Fuineth, even better than I had hoped. It will be a fine riding jacket when you are done."
She beamed, "Thankyou, Legolas."
He came over to her and took the hand she was holding out to him and then stood gazing down at her holding her round her waist. She proffered him the ring shyly.
"Forgive me, Legolas, I do not possess many such things, indeed this is near enough all I have, but it is, like your gift to me, very dear to me. It was my father's and was a gift to me from my mother. I would like you to have it as a token of our betrothal."
Legolas smiled, touched to receive such a gift. He turned it over in his hand and admired it greatly since it was a thing of great craftsmanship and clearly elvish. It was also silver with a polished green oval stone at its' centre.
"It is a thing of beauty, Fuineth. Hannaid, meleth nín," he murmured and he kissed her once more.
As they made their way down to the general company he admired it once more, now on the little finger of his right hand.
"How did your father come by it, do you know? It is elvish, that much is obvious."
She shook her head, "I do not know. Túveren might, though I doubt it. He would have told me if he did I think. My mother said it was given to my father by a close friend of his, an elf I believe, as a token of the bond between them. She said it came from Doriath."
Legolas looked at her, his eyes wide.
Fuineth smiled, "I thought it even more appropriate for you because of that, my lord, given what you have told me of your history."
He kissed her cheek. "I am touched. Thank you, Fuineth."
She smiled once more, glad that he was clearly as pleased with his gift as she was with hers. They took one another's hands and entered the antechamber once more.
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The wedding preparations were becoming frantic. Guests began to arrive in Minas Tirith from that same day that Legolas also arrived. Fuineth and Legolas had little time to see each other alone, but would take a few moments to walk together or talk quietly in some darkened corridor. Arwen and Aragorn were both amongst the first to congratulate them. Fuineth and Legolas had told each other the part these two had played in helping them come to a decision about their future. Later that evening, though, Gimli arrived with two dwarves from his holds and he, Legolas and Aragorn spent a good deal of time closeted away from the rest so Fuineth was able to not feel so guilty about being too busy to see much of Legolas.
The day of the wedding arrived. Fuineth was with Elsbeth helping her dress and do her hair. Mirriel, Gwenneth and Elsbeth's mother were there also. The Citadel was thronging with guests and the smells of roasting meats and pastries had set everyone's stomachs rumbling.
A knock came on the door.
"Ladies? Are you ready? Everyone is waiting." Orodor had come to hurry them along.
Gwenneth came to the door and let him in saying, "We are done. We were just waiting to be sent for."
Orodor stood in the doorway amazed. "Elsbeth you look beautiful.," and in truth she did.
She blushed. Her dress, of a pale blue and intricately patterned with silver embroidery that they had all helped work on fitted her perfectly. She had early spring flowers in her golden hair and the sash Fuineth had made for her was slung about her hips. She wore a silver beaded necklace of her mother's that glinted and caught the sunlight through the window.
"Doesn't she?" murmured her mother, who came forward to hug her daughter. "There now! I promised I wouldn't cry and I have started already. Come, Elsbeth, your Túveren awaits you."
The party started towards the great hall where it would all take place. Elsbeth took her brother's arm and Fuineth and the others followed behind. A murmur went round the room as they entered and all eyes were on Orodor and his sister. Fuineth, spotting Legolas with Gimli in the crowd, moved round to them to stand beside Legolas as Orodor led Elsbeth over to Túveren who was rooted to the spot so transfixed was he by the sight of his bride.
Soon enough it was done. A great cheer went up as Túveren kissed his wife and then the feast began. As they moved to take their places, Gimli took hold of Fuineth's arm.
"I have had little opportunity to see you, my lady, since I arrived. I have congratulated Legolas on your news but not you. I am most pleased and gratified he has finally decided to settle down at last. And to such a fair lass as you. He has chosen well, indeed."
She smiled and coloured a little, "You are too kind Lord Gimli. I thank you."
"What's he saying to you?" laughed Legolas.
"Merely congratulating me on our betrothment, Legolas."
"Do you not trust me to speak fair enough with your chosen one, Master Elf? Hrmh!" Gimli grumbled, though his eyes twinkled, "Or are you worried at the stories I might tell her about you?"
Legolas laughed all the more and threw his arm around Gimli's shoulder, "Well she currently has a high opinion of me, or so I would hope, and I wish it to stay that way."
Fuineth raised an eyebrow at Legolas, "So there are things I needs must know about you, my lord? This is news."
Gimli chuckled, "Well I think we can remedy that, can we not, my lady? I am here for a few days yet." Legolas was trying to make light of this but there was a look of worry now in his eyes which merely goaded his friend further. "With Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn all here too I think we can find enough stories between us all to keep Lady Fuineth amused and you blushing for several weeks to come."
Legolas shook his head and groaned, "I knew it was a mistake inviting you here!"
Gimli just laughed.
The revelries went on late into the night, though Túveren and his new bride left in the early evening. Fuineth kissed them both and cried once more as she came to see them off. Lord Faramir and Lord Anardor had congratulated both Fuineth and Legolas on their news. Lady Eowyn, Fuineth noted with some disgust, was studiously avoiding both of them. Fuineth had been pleased also to see the Dúnedain and that Calloneb, Halbarad's younger brother, was among them. He had greeted her warmly and had also been delighted by her news. Her aunt had been unable to come due to ill-health, but her cousin was here with several of the Rohirrim including Lord Elfhelm. Fuineth thoroughly enjoyed herself, if truth be told, Eowyn or no Eowyn.
At last, late in the evening after having danced non-stop for nearly an hour, half of that with Legolas, he suggested a rest and some air. She agreed freely and they made their way out into the courtyard and down to the gardens. He had his arm about her shoulder and hers was around his waist.
"Just think, Fuineth, that will be us soon enough, will it not?"
She laughed, "I have been thinking the very same thing all day."
He stopped and turned to her. "When, Fuineth? When do you wish to marry?"
She considered. "In truth I do not know. I had assumed you would decide not that I would choose." She paused. "You need to speak to your father first, do you not?"
His face clouded suddenly, "Yes. Yes I do."
She looked at him, concerned by the change in his expression. "Do you fear he may not approve, my lord?"
He looked at her, kindness in his eyes, and stroked her cheek as he loved to do. "I know he will not. But, you need not fear, that will not stop me. If I married all but a Sindarin elf he would not approve, and even then he would grumble."
She laughed softly. "Is he really such a tyrant?"
Legolas sighed, "No, but he has his views and they will not change. I think in some ways I was like him when I first joined the Fellowship. The journey I went on, the different races I have met, my friendship with Gimli above all else I think, have meant I see things very differently from him now. He is my adar, and he has my admiration, love and respect always, but there are some things upon which we will never see eye to eye."
"So what do you intend to do? Will you travel to Eryn Lasgalen?"
He nodded, "Yes I think so. I have to. Out of courtesy and respect. He will not change my decision, but he must be made to feel party to it. And, if I have your brother's leave, I shall take you with me."
Fuineth gasped. "Me?"
Legolas laughed, "But of course. He needs must meet you. Indeed by meeting you himself I hope to convince him of how right you are for me." He paused, and then said quietly, "I was thinking we might marry there in my father's halls." She smiled, as he continued, "My first choice would be Ithilien but my father should be there and I cannot ask him to travel south when I can just as easily travel to him. I will speak to Túveren about it, though, and probably Aragorn and Gimli tomorrow. I would wish them all to be there if they can, though I fear that may not be possible. We shall see."
He had moved his arms about her waist as he had spoken and she now looked up at him, both her hands resting on his chest. "I am worried now, about meeting your father. I fear he will not like me."
"Nonsense. He will love you, just as I do. He will love you even if he doesn't approve of my marrying you. How could he not love you?" She smiled. "Besides there is one thing you have forgotten, or else not realised in all this."
She looked at him, curious.
He smiled, "It means we will have to pass through Lorien, where you have always wished to go."
Her eyes widened and he was pleased to see her smile broadly at this news and then hug him about the neck.
"Oh Legolas. How wonderful. To go to Lorien and then to see the place where you grew up. I cannot wait!"
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It would be a three week journey North to reach Eryn Lasgalen, with the fair weather and fast horses they would have. Gimli agreed to travel with them straight away but while Aragorn would have wished to, he had responsibilities and he asked for a day or two to consider what he would do. Both he and Arwen had talked of traveling North to Rivendell before the summer and they now discussed whether they could, or should, travel to King Thranduil's Halls first. Elrond would travel to the Grey Havens at the beginning of the autumn and they wanted to spend at least two months there with him before he left.
Legolas needed to be back in Ithilien by Loëndë (midyear's day) since this was the date set for the Cauldron Ceremony and was an important day of celebration not only among the elves but also for most races of Middle Earth. He wished to give his father as much notice as possible for the impending nuptials, so the best time for the wedding was early summer or very late spring: in about two months.
Eventually it was agreed that Legolas and Fuineth would set off in just over three weeks' time with Túveren, Gimli, Naril and Elsbeth accompanying them now that Túveren's planned trip to Rohan was delayed till later in the year. Aragorn and Arwen would possibly come North just in time for the ceremony and then would head on over the mountains to Rivendell.
Legolas had sent a messenger to his father the same day the betrothal had happened. He now sent another informing his father of when he was expecting to arrive at his father's halls, the length of time he was thinking of staying, and that he wished to marry while he was there.
He received no reply from either message.
-------------------------------------------------------- hannaid, hir nín = thanks, my lord
hîril nín = my lady
Once she returned to Minas Tirith Fuineth was busy helping with her brother and Elsbeth's wedding preparations and the days flew past. The celebrations were to be held in the Citadel since the King and Queen were to be present as well as many other nobles. The Queen's brothers had agreed to stay for it, many of the Dúnedain who had ridden with the Grey Company were coming south, Gimli and Legolas of course would be there as well as the entire company of the Citadel Guard and one or two close friends of Túveren's from Rohan. That Lord Faramir would be bringing Lady Eowyn with him was the only dampener on the entire proceedings for Fuineth.
As soon as she returned and was able to have a few minutes alone with her brother Fuineth pulled him to one side.
"I need to talk to you," she said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice.
He looked at her, smiling, "What is it?"
"Come on," and she dragged him off by the hand till they were in a small antechamber away from prying eyes.
She turned to him, beaming from ear to ear. He was desperate to know what all this was about. She came over to him and then pulled him to sit beside her on a bench by the window.
"Túveren. I have something to tell you."
He waited. Still nothing. "Well, sister, what is it? I think I shall burst with curiosity if you do not tell me what on earth has got into you!"
She grinned, "Well. You know that Lord Legolas will now be able to attend your wedding?"
"Yes..." He looked at her sideways, now with a suspicion as to what all this might be about.
"Well, when he comes he will want to speak to you. To ask you for my hand."
He grinned, "Fuineth! Is it true?" He gasped and, standing up, he hauled her into his arms and kissed her. "That's fantastic! Wonderful news! Truly, I happy for you, happy for you both!"
She was beaming. "So you will not refuse him then?"
He spluttered. "What?! Of course not!" and he laughed loud and hugged her again.
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Túveren and Elsbeth's wedding was due to take place eight days after Fuineth arrived back at Minas Tirith. Legolas had arranged to arrive some two days before it.
Fuineth was in her chambers, preparing herself and feeling ridiculously nervous when he and his stewards arrived in the Place of the Fountain. Túveren and Orodor came out to meet them.
Meanwhile Fuineth heard a knock at her door and before she could reply Mirriel and Gwenneth burst in with a "He's here!" and much excited giggling. The three raced through corridors and down stairs till at last they reached the main entrance to the White Tower where they slowed and caught their breath.
Gwenneth and Mirriel hung back a little as Fuineth stopped, seeing him conversing with his stewards, Túveren and Orodor by the white tree. As she stood there in the doorway for a moment he looked up, saw her and smiled. Even as she ran towards him he was already moving away from the others to her, not even bothering to excuse himself.
As she reached him he caught her in his arms and spun her round, both of them laughing, oblivious to those around them. He lowered her to the ground, never taking his eyes off her, kissed her quickly and grinned.
"Aiya, hîril nín."
"Aiya, hir nín."
She hugged him and then pulled away from him to greet Naril and the other steward. Meanwhile Mirriel and Gwenneth came to greet the new arrivals also.
Servants arrived to take their baggage and show them to their rooms. Túveren was grinning as he watched Fuineth and Legolas walk arm in arm back to the White Tower.
Orodor had managed to get his eyebrows back under control and murmured to Túveren, "Is that another wedding in the making?"
Túveren's grin widened, "Yes indeed, Orodor, I believe it is."
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After they had been shown their chambers the three elves made their way to the Throne Room to formally greet the royal couple. Afterwards they mingled amongst the various guests and dignitaries there till the midday meal was served.
After it, when people were socialising in an antechamber, Legolas tapped Túveren on the shoulder and took him to one side.
"Túveren, I wish to talk to you about something."
Túveren nodded and moved over to the far end of the room where a door led to a small chamber.
"We'll go in here. No-one will disturb us and we will be able to talk freely." Legolas nodded.
Túveren closed the doors behind him and turned to Legolas, his face split by a wide grin. Legolas took one look at him and said, "I take it your sister has spoken to you, then?"
"Indeed she has, and I have been told in no uncertain terms how I am to behave and what my answer should be."
Legolas raised an eyebrow and they both laughed.
"Then you know what I would ask, my friend. I love her. I love with all my heart and, as you now know, we wish to marry if we have your permission. You know me well enough I trust to know that I will cherish her more than life itself, and that I would never let any harm come to her."
Túveren nodded, "Of course. You do not need to convince me. You have my blessing. I could not have chosen better for her myself."
Legolas embraced him warmly, "I thank you my friend."
Túveren smiled, "I know it must have been a hard decision for you. For you both. I know a little of how Fuineth was feeling after you left Minas Tirith last though she would not tell me much, in truth, but it was clear enough. I am glad you have made this decision. I am happy for you both."
Legolas nodded his gratitude at his friend's kind words.
Fuineth had seen them disappear together and though she was trying to concentrate on the conversation around her she kept looking back to the closed door at the end of the room. At last she saw it open and the two emerge, grinning. Túveren came to join the general company but Legolas, catching sight of her, smiled and nodded. She came over to him and they moved to one side.
"Well, it is done and your brother has agreed. We are betrothed."
She beamed.
"Would you be free for a walk, perhaps? There is something I wish to give you, Fuineth."
She nodded and they made their way arm in arm from the chamber, down the corridors and out into the fresh air. Legolas lead her to the garden overlooking the Pelennor where they had first spent their private moments together after the War. It was a place that held special significance for him now.
They walked a little while in silence till they reached the wall overlooking the city. Legolas spoke.
"Do you remember that first walk we took together here, hîril nín?"
She nodded, looking out at the vista below as she replied, "I do indeed, my lord. Every time I come here now I see the places you pointed out to me then."
He smiled, remembering how he had seen her then, standing with the chill wind blowing in her hair and how he had first realised how beautiful she was.
"Fuineth?"
She turned to him.
"I have something for you. Something dear to me that I hope you will accept as a token of my love for you, as a betrothal gift."
She smiled, shyly, beaming with pleasure. He held out to her a silver ring, of simple design, if intricate and delicately shaped, with a single white jewel at its centre that shone and glinted in the sun. Fuineth gasped.
"It is beautiful, Legolas."
He smiled and lifted her hand to put the ring on her middle finger. "It was my mother's," he said simply.
She looked up at him and brought her hand to his face to trace the line of his cheekbone with her fingertips. She lifted her head towards him and he met and matched her kiss.
"Hannaid, hir nín. Truly you have made me happier than I ever thought possible," she murmured as he held her. She moved away, holding his hand. "I have something for you too."
He raised an eyebrow, "Really?"
"But of course. It is the custom among the elves, is it not, for gifts to be exchanged on a betrothal?"
He smiled and nodded, "Yes, hîril nín, that is so."
"Well, I have something for you also. I was only sorry I did not have it with me in Ithilien since I decided then what I would give you. I do not have it with me here. It is in my chambers. Will you walk with me while I fetch it, or would you prefer to wait?"
He shook his head, "No, I will walk with you and enjoy your company, Fuineth, if you will allow me."
She smiled, "Good. I had hoped that would be your answer." He laughed.
On reaching her chambers she went straight to a dresser and pulled open a small draw in which was a leather bag. In it were a ring and a broken bracelet chain. She took out the ring and turned to present it to Legolas but saw that he was standing by her window examining his tunic which he had seen was hung over the back of a chair, the embroidery on it half completed. He nodded his approval as he examined the collar, already patterned by her work, and smiled up at her.
"It is beautiful, Fuineth, even better than I had hoped. It will be a fine riding jacket when you are done."
She beamed, "Thankyou, Legolas."
He came over to her and took the hand she was holding out to him and then stood gazing down at her holding her round her waist. She proffered him the ring shyly.
"Forgive me, Legolas, I do not possess many such things, indeed this is near enough all I have, but it is, like your gift to me, very dear to me. It was my father's and was a gift to me from my mother. I would like you to have it as a token of our betrothal."
Legolas smiled, touched to receive such a gift. He turned it over in his hand and admired it greatly since it was a thing of great craftsmanship and clearly elvish. It was also silver with a polished green oval stone at its' centre.
"It is a thing of beauty, Fuineth. Hannaid, meleth nín," he murmured and he kissed her once more.
As they made their way down to the general company he admired it once more, now on the little finger of his right hand.
"How did your father come by it, do you know? It is elvish, that much is obvious."
She shook her head, "I do not know. Túveren might, though I doubt it. He would have told me if he did I think. My mother said it was given to my father by a close friend of his, an elf I believe, as a token of the bond between them. She said it came from Doriath."
Legolas looked at her, his eyes wide.
Fuineth smiled, "I thought it even more appropriate for you because of that, my lord, given what you have told me of your history."
He kissed her cheek. "I am touched. Thank you, Fuineth."
She smiled once more, glad that he was clearly as pleased with his gift as she was with hers. They took one another's hands and entered the antechamber once more.
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The wedding preparations were becoming frantic. Guests began to arrive in Minas Tirith from that same day that Legolas also arrived. Fuineth and Legolas had little time to see each other alone, but would take a few moments to walk together or talk quietly in some darkened corridor. Arwen and Aragorn were both amongst the first to congratulate them. Fuineth and Legolas had told each other the part these two had played in helping them come to a decision about their future. Later that evening, though, Gimli arrived with two dwarves from his holds and he, Legolas and Aragorn spent a good deal of time closeted away from the rest so Fuineth was able to not feel so guilty about being too busy to see much of Legolas.
The day of the wedding arrived. Fuineth was with Elsbeth helping her dress and do her hair. Mirriel, Gwenneth and Elsbeth's mother were there also. The Citadel was thronging with guests and the smells of roasting meats and pastries had set everyone's stomachs rumbling.
A knock came on the door.
"Ladies? Are you ready? Everyone is waiting." Orodor had come to hurry them along.
Gwenneth came to the door and let him in saying, "We are done. We were just waiting to be sent for."
Orodor stood in the doorway amazed. "Elsbeth you look beautiful.," and in truth she did.
She blushed. Her dress, of a pale blue and intricately patterned with silver embroidery that they had all helped work on fitted her perfectly. She had early spring flowers in her golden hair and the sash Fuineth had made for her was slung about her hips. She wore a silver beaded necklace of her mother's that glinted and caught the sunlight through the window.
"Doesn't she?" murmured her mother, who came forward to hug her daughter. "There now! I promised I wouldn't cry and I have started already. Come, Elsbeth, your Túveren awaits you."
The party started towards the great hall where it would all take place. Elsbeth took her brother's arm and Fuineth and the others followed behind. A murmur went round the room as they entered and all eyes were on Orodor and his sister. Fuineth, spotting Legolas with Gimli in the crowd, moved round to them to stand beside Legolas as Orodor led Elsbeth over to Túveren who was rooted to the spot so transfixed was he by the sight of his bride.
Soon enough it was done. A great cheer went up as Túveren kissed his wife and then the feast began. As they moved to take their places, Gimli took hold of Fuineth's arm.
"I have had little opportunity to see you, my lady, since I arrived. I have congratulated Legolas on your news but not you. I am most pleased and gratified he has finally decided to settle down at last. And to such a fair lass as you. He has chosen well, indeed."
She smiled and coloured a little, "You are too kind Lord Gimli. I thank you."
"What's he saying to you?" laughed Legolas.
"Merely congratulating me on our betrothment, Legolas."
"Do you not trust me to speak fair enough with your chosen one, Master Elf? Hrmh!" Gimli grumbled, though his eyes twinkled, "Or are you worried at the stories I might tell her about you?"
Legolas laughed all the more and threw his arm around Gimli's shoulder, "Well she currently has a high opinion of me, or so I would hope, and I wish it to stay that way."
Fuineth raised an eyebrow at Legolas, "So there are things I needs must know about you, my lord? This is news."
Gimli chuckled, "Well I think we can remedy that, can we not, my lady? I am here for a few days yet." Legolas was trying to make light of this but there was a look of worry now in his eyes which merely goaded his friend further. "With Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn all here too I think we can find enough stories between us all to keep Lady Fuineth amused and you blushing for several weeks to come."
Legolas shook his head and groaned, "I knew it was a mistake inviting you here!"
Gimli just laughed.
The revelries went on late into the night, though Túveren and his new bride left in the early evening. Fuineth kissed them both and cried once more as she came to see them off. Lord Faramir and Lord Anardor had congratulated both Fuineth and Legolas on their news. Lady Eowyn, Fuineth noted with some disgust, was studiously avoiding both of them. Fuineth had been pleased also to see the Dúnedain and that Calloneb, Halbarad's younger brother, was among them. He had greeted her warmly and had also been delighted by her news. Her aunt had been unable to come due to ill-health, but her cousin was here with several of the Rohirrim including Lord Elfhelm. Fuineth thoroughly enjoyed herself, if truth be told, Eowyn or no Eowyn.
At last, late in the evening after having danced non-stop for nearly an hour, half of that with Legolas, he suggested a rest and some air. She agreed freely and they made their way out into the courtyard and down to the gardens. He had his arm about her shoulder and hers was around his waist.
"Just think, Fuineth, that will be us soon enough, will it not?"
She laughed, "I have been thinking the very same thing all day."
He stopped and turned to her. "When, Fuineth? When do you wish to marry?"
She considered. "In truth I do not know. I had assumed you would decide not that I would choose." She paused. "You need to speak to your father first, do you not?"
His face clouded suddenly, "Yes. Yes I do."
She looked at him, concerned by the change in his expression. "Do you fear he may not approve, my lord?"
He looked at her, kindness in his eyes, and stroked her cheek as he loved to do. "I know he will not. But, you need not fear, that will not stop me. If I married all but a Sindarin elf he would not approve, and even then he would grumble."
She laughed softly. "Is he really such a tyrant?"
Legolas sighed, "No, but he has his views and they will not change. I think in some ways I was like him when I first joined the Fellowship. The journey I went on, the different races I have met, my friendship with Gimli above all else I think, have meant I see things very differently from him now. He is my adar, and he has my admiration, love and respect always, but there are some things upon which we will never see eye to eye."
"So what do you intend to do? Will you travel to Eryn Lasgalen?"
He nodded, "Yes I think so. I have to. Out of courtesy and respect. He will not change my decision, but he must be made to feel party to it. And, if I have your brother's leave, I shall take you with me."
Fuineth gasped. "Me?"
Legolas laughed, "But of course. He needs must meet you. Indeed by meeting you himself I hope to convince him of how right you are for me." He paused, and then said quietly, "I was thinking we might marry there in my father's halls." She smiled, as he continued, "My first choice would be Ithilien but my father should be there and I cannot ask him to travel south when I can just as easily travel to him. I will speak to Túveren about it, though, and probably Aragorn and Gimli tomorrow. I would wish them all to be there if they can, though I fear that may not be possible. We shall see."
He had moved his arms about her waist as he had spoken and she now looked up at him, both her hands resting on his chest. "I am worried now, about meeting your father. I fear he will not like me."
"Nonsense. He will love you, just as I do. He will love you even if he doesn't approve of my marrying you. How could he not love you?" She smiled. "Besides there is one thing you have forgotten, or else not realised in all this."
She looked at him, curious.
He smiled, "It means we will have to pass through Lorien, where you have always wished to go."
Her eyes widened and he was pleased to see her smile broadly at this news and then hug him about the neck.
"Oh Legolas. How wonderful. To go to Lorien and then to see the place where you grew up. I cannot wait!"
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It would be a three week journey North to reach Eryn Lasgalen, with the fair weather and fast horses they would have. Gimli agreed to travel with them straight away but while Aragorn would have wished to, he had responsibilities and he asked for a day or two to consider what he would do. Both he and Arwen had talked of traveling North to Rivendell before the summer and they now discussed whether they could, or should, travel to King Thranduil's Halls first. Elrond would travel to the Grey Havens at the beginning of the autumn and they wanted to spend at least two months there with him before he left.
Legolas needed to be back in Ithilien by Loëndë (midyear's day) since this was the date set for the Cauldron Ceremony and was an important day of celebration not only among the elves but also for most races of Middle Earth. He wished to give his father as much notice as possible for the impending nuptials, so the best time for the wedding was early summer or very late spring: in about two months.
Eventually it was agreed that Legolas and Fuineth would set off in just over three weeks' time with Túveren, Gimli, Naril and Elsbeth accompanying them now that Túveren's planned trip to Rohan was delayed till later in the year. Aragorn and Arwen would possibly come North just in time for the ceremony and then would head on over the mountains to Rivendell.
Legolas had sent a messenger to his father the same day the betrothal had happened. He now sent another informing his father of when he was expecting to arrive at his father's halls, the length of time he was thinking of staying, and that he wished to marry while he was there.
He received no reply from either message.
-------------------------------------------------------- hannaid, hir nín = thanks, my lord
hîril nín = my lady
