Well, this is it, folks. The last two chapters and the epilogue. I hope
you have enjoyed it. Thank you for reading. :)
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Chapter 24 – The Wedding Day
The day before the wedding, just after midday, Arwen and Aragorn arrived. Two stewards came with them, as well as Gwenneth and Mirriel, and also Haldir and his brothers from Lothlorien through which the King and Queen had passed on their journey North. Added to which, representatives of both the Lord Faramir and King Eomer had travelled with them from Minas Tirith.
A messenger came to find Fuineth to bring her to the Throne Room where the guests were being formally greeted. She was in a clearing near the Halls with Naril and Gimli, Legolas having had some business to attend to with his father. As they entered the great chamber Gwenneth and Mirriel rushed to greet her, and then she curtsied before the King and Queen and greeted the Galadhrim whom she was pleased to see once more.
Servants arrived and soon food and wine was laid for all and there was laughter and song for a while. At last the party began to disperse and Arwen came over to Fuineth to ask her to accompany her to her chambers.
"I have something for you, my dear," was all she would say.
Once there Arwen sat her on the bed while she went to her half-unpacked baggage and looked through it till she found what she was looking for: a small wooden box, simply but beautifully carved. She came over to Fuineth and sat beside her, handing her the box.
"For you my dear, from myself and the King. A wedding gift. I hope you will like it."
Fuineth smiled and opened the box only to gasp at what she saw inside.
It was a necklace the like of which she had never seen. Delicate wisps of silver intertwined together then threaded and set with gems of white and green. She felt her throat tightening, and could barely murmur, "It is beautiful. I thank you with all my heart. It is a rich gift indeed, and I am much moved by your generosity."
Arwen smiled, "I am glad it pleases you. It will suit well the dress you were given, I think, will it not?" Fuineth nodded and then looked up at Arwen who laughed, "Galadriel described it to me. It sounds very fine. May I see it?"
"Of course, your highness. It would be my pleasure," and she led her along the corridors to her own chamber.
When Fuineth brought it out Arwen smiled: it was everything that Galadriel had described. It was of a rich, forest green and of a material so fine and flowing that it near floated. At the neck and shoulders the colour was near that of spring leaves but it darkened as it reached the cuff of the sleeves and the knee of the dress to the richer and darker green of summer. The cut was simple but elegant with long sleeves. The embroidery was exquisite and covered the entire hem petering out up towards the knee, the train of the dress, the cuffs and was all round the neckline. The threads were of gold and silver and traced intricate patterns of leaves, tendrils and flowers and here and there gleamed jewels, white and green, and at the middle of the neckline hung a single pearl.
"Oh but it's beautiful Fuineth," gasped Arwen at last.
"I know," murmured Fuineth still unable to believe she had been given such a thing.
Arwen smiled, "I am glad. The necklace will suit it perfectly. Has Legolas seen it?"
Fuineth shook her head. "He saw it folded up so he knows the colour, but that is all. I offered to show him but he wanted to wait until our wedding day."
Arwen laughed softly, "You must be so excited!"
She smiled, "I am. I can't quite believe it will be tomorrow."
As she put the dress away once more Arwen held her hand out to her. "King Thranduil tells me you have made a great impression on him. Coming from him that is praise indeed. You have done well."
Fuineth smiled and shook her head, "In truth I have done nothing other than be myself. I am thankful that that alone has been enough for him. I was worried he might be stern with me, but he has been most kind and gracious." She paused, looking at Arwen, "Thank you for the gift you gave me for him. He liked it very much."
Arwen nodded and smiled, "You are quite welcome, my dear. I thought he might. I am only glad I was able to help in some small way."
That night the festivities began. In the afternoon, Elrond and his sons had arrived, as well as Glorfindel and Erestor, since this was to be the wedding of King Thranduil's son and a member of the Fellowship no less. A little later more guests had arrived, from Dale and Erebor, and there was to be a feast for such prestigious company.
Legolas led Fuineth into the hall upon his arm and as he did so she saw two figures in brown and grey talking to Túveren and Aragorn. She gasped and Legolas smiled at her reaction, knowing who it was she had seen. He led her over. As they approached the men turned and one in particular beamed. She threw her arms about his neck.
"Calloneb! I am so pleased to see you here!"
He grinned and hugged her, "Did you think I would miss this? The marriage of Legolas Greenleaf and the only daughter of my dear friend Beriorgan? Nothing would have stopped me coming!"
She laughed, then turned to look at the grinning elf and men round her with a look of astonishment, though they could see the laughter in her eyes. "You knew! You all knew and you didn't tell me?" and they roared.
Legolas hugged her and said, "It was a little thing perhaps, but we wanted to surprise you."
Just then there came a cough behind Fuineth and she turned to see the Rohirrim who had come with the King that morning smiling shyly, "Forgive me, Lady Fuineth, but I have something for you that was sent to me from your aunt in Rohan as a wedding gift for you. I have already given the gifts from King Eomer to Lord Legolas, but felt I should give you these myself."
She nodded and smiled gratefully as both she and Legolas followed him while he moved to one side where, on a chair, lay a large leather saddlebag. He bent down and took out three items.
The first was a long dagger, well made and with a fine scabbard intricately decorated in the Rohirric style. The hilt was inlaid with gold and fashioned with the same pattern as the scabbard.
"This is for you, Lord Legolas," he said as he bowed slightly.
Legolas nodded his head and murmured appreciatively as he studied it. Then the Rohirrim turned to Fuineth.
"Your aunt sent you this," he handed her some fine cloth, embroidered along its edge with the same Rohirric knot design Fuineth knew and loved so well, and then he handed her a cup.
It was a simple thing. No intricate design, though elegant. It was made of silver and about its rim were inlaid four blue jewels. Fuineth stood absolutely still as she took it from the man. Both he and Legolas could see it held some significance for her because she flushed and her eyes filled with tears as she saw it. She looked at it, held it close to her and then looked up at him, "I thank you, my lord. You have discharged a great service for my aunt. I am most grateful."
He nodded, "You are welcome, Lady Fuineth." Exchanging a glance with Legolas he left them then since a tear had escaped her eye as she had spoken to him.
Legolas came to her now. "Fuineth? What is it? This cup has some significance for you, does it not? Was it your uncle's?"
She nodded. "It was a wedding gift to him from my mother." Legolas kissed her cheek as he took her into his arms.
Túveren, having heard these were gifts from their aunt came over to them. When he saw the cup he immediately understood and smiled sadly and left the two alone to thank the Rohirrim for the duty he had discharged. When she had taken the gifts to her chambers and returned she had shaken the melancholy from her.
The feast was a fine one and the guests were sated and happy as the music and singing began. Elrond had congratulated the pair and, now his sons and the Galadhrim were all together once more, they had taken the opportunity to tease Legolas mercilessly about how he denied his love for so long yet they had all known. Now people were dispersed in groups all round the hall sitting and standing, laughing and talking.
Legolas and Fuineth took the opportunity of the throng to escape outside into the night air. They walked hand in hand for a little while till they reached a small clearing ringed with great beeches.
Legolas sat, his back up against one of the trunks, staring up into the night sky clear above them. "This was one of my favourite places when I was an elfling. I would lie flat on my back there," he indicated the middle of the clearing, "and stare up at the stars."
Fuineth smiled, "I cannot imagine you young and small."
He laughed, "Oh, I assure you I was once. Very small and quite unlearned. I would fall out of trees and miss targets with my bow and fall off my horse. I had a lot to learn."
She laughed, "I just can't imagine you like that at all, though I do not doubt it is all true."
He grinned, "Naril remembers. He is older than me as you know. He had the misfortune of teaching me to ride a horse. Nearly laughed himself sick to see me struggling to stay on. The first time I tried I was very, very young and I slid half way round the poor animal's flank and was hanging off sideways till at last I fell off straight into a muddy stream bank. I was covered head to toe in mud and all Naril could do was roar with laughter. I was so angry I stormed all the way back the Halls and refused to get back on a horse for a week." Fuineth and he laughed.
She stood, still giggling at the thought of him, tiny and defiant, covered in mud with a scowl on his face and his hands on his hips. She held out her hand to him and then pulled him to the centre of the clearing before lying down flat on her back.
"Well, then," she grinned up at him, "Will you join me, Lord Legolas? I want to see what was so special about this spot."
He grinned and lay down beside her, holding her hand, his head touching hers. She could feel him laughing quietly, "I have not done this in I do not know how long."
"All the more reason to do it, then," she said as he raised her hand to his lips to kiss it.
As she stared upwards at the stars he turned to look at her. He raised himself up on one elbow and stroked her face with his hand. She turned towards him now and smiled.
"Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" he asked gently.
She nodded, "Very much. A little nervous, with all those people there."
He smiled, "No need to be nervous. Though I am sure I will be just as nervous as you."
She looked surprised then, "You? Nervous? Not possible!"
He laughed softly while he bent over her to kiss her. They stayed like that, kissing in the moonlight, her arms wrapped around his back while he stroked her hair with his free hand. He gazed at her in his arms, the moonlight shining in her eyes, and glinting off her dark hair splayed out around her on the grass.
"Non melethron lín, Fuineth."
"Non melethrin lín, Legolas," she replied and then, quietly, "Haryaccë indonya."
He smiled, his eyes wide with surprise. She had just used words she would say tomorrow. Moved by this he began his vows to her then and there, "Linda lótë nórelyo, anvanya yeldë Roccoliéva ar Nunataniva.."
She gasped, smiling, and stopped him with a finger to his lips, "Tomorrow, meleth nín." He smiled and kissed her finger and then her lips once more.
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Fuineth's butterflies started from the moment she woke up that morning, or rather was woken by Elsbeth bursting into her room in complete over- excitement with Gwenneth and Mirriel not far behind her. She refused to come and eat anything that morning and, so her absence wouldn't be noticed in the halls where food was being served, Elsbeth came down to take back up some fruit, milk, bread and honey for the women to eat in Fuineth's chambers.
Legolas and Túveren exchanged a glance as she did so.
"What was that about?"
Túveren shrugged, "She didn't say anything to me. Just took the food and left."
Arwen, passing behind them, smiled as she overheard, "There is a wedding today, after all, and we need to help the bride prepare. In fact," she looked at Aragorn and dropped his arm, "I think I will go and join them."
She walked off leaving an astonished Aragorn behind her.
When Arwen knocked on Fuineth's chamber door and came in she found excited chattering going on as they discussed how they were going to dress Fuineth's hair later that day. Fuineth was sat in the middle of all this, still in her nightshift, and looking pale and nervous. Arwen came to sit beside her.
"Will you not eat something, Fuineth?"
Fuineth shook her head, "I do not think I could, your highness."
Arwen insisted gently, "You will need your strength. It's going to be a long and tiring day for you, and it was a late night last night also."
Mirriel said something in a whisper about a late night this coming night too and the other two giggled.
Arwen smiled, "I heard that, Mirriel, and that is not what I meant when I said it would be tiring."
Fuineth went pink, and they all laughed.
"Shame on you, Mirriel, you are embarrassing her," said Elsbeth kindly.
Mirriel smiled towards Fuineth, "Forgive me, Fuineth. I meant nothing by it."
Fuineth smiled weakly, "Do not fear, Mirriel. If I were not feeling quite so sick I might have laughed also."
On hearing her say this they all insisted she have a least a bite of something to eat.
"Honey is excellent for the stomach," Gwenneth was saying and Arwen was agreeing.
Reluctantly Fuineth accepted some bread and honey and she had to admit she did feel better for it. After a little while a bath was brought and filled for her and, while the others left her so they could dress, she tried to soak some of the nervousness away and not think about it for a little while. She washed her hair, glad to have a little time so it would dry before she had to get ready. She dressed in one of the dresses King Thranduil had given her as a betrothal gift – sky blue with silver trim – and then went to find Elsbeth.
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Elsbeth and the other women were now downstairs in one of the smaller antechambers with Arwen and several of the Eryn Lasganlen ladies of the court. The men seemed to be keeping themselves separate to a large extent and a natural division took place for the morning as each sex grouped itself round the bride or groom.
Legolas had decided go for a ride to try and burn off some of his nervousness and it had turned into an impromptu hunting party with Aragorn, Calloneb and the other Dúnedan, Túveren, the Galadhrim, Naril, Elladan and Elrohir as well as a few Eryn Lasgalen nobles coming along. Even Gimli would have joined them except he was deep in talk with the Erebor dwarves.
Fuineth, on the other hand, decided to go for a walk and let her hair dry in the sunshine for a while and the Queen, Elsbeth and the two ladies-in- waiting came with her. They chattered of this and that but largely focused on the dance and feast tonight. Gwenneth was teasing Mirriel about various males Mirriel might dance with later but Mirriel was giving as good in return. The others laughed to see them.
Gwenneth scolded them though she was far from serious in her tone, "It's all very well for you to laugh. Two of you are already married, the other nearly so."
"Oh you will find someone soon enough, Gwenneth," returned Arwen, "Besides you had several suitors at the dance in Minas Tirith I seem to remember. One of the Citadel guards was among them, was he not? You danced a lot with him at Elsbeth's wedding also."
Gwenneth went pink.
Elsbeth gasped, "Oh, I know who you mean! He's very handsome," and she winked at Fuineth who giggled.
Mirriel joined in, "Very. And looks at you so longingly, Gwenneth. Poor man. You should put him out of his misery."
There were peals of laughter and poor Gwenneth was now red. "I'll have you know he is very charming. And while he has not made his intentions known he did say he wished to speak to me on my return to Minas Tirith."
They stopped laughing and were smiling broadly now.
Mirriel was excited, "Gwenneth! Really?"
Elsbeth and Arwen were grinning from ear to ear, and Fuineth laughed softly, "Well aren't you a dark one, Gwenneth. You have kept that very quiet."
Gwenneth stuck her tongue out at her, "Well I didn't say anything because I don't know what he wants to talk about. Not for certain."
They all laughed once more.
"Well it won't be about the weather!" grinned Elsbeth.
"No," said Mirriel, "It'll be about something far more interesting I am sure. 'Oh, Gwenneth, how I love you. Oh kiss me, Gwenneth, kiss me! Your eyes are like stars! Your skin like silk! Your thighs so tender to my touch!'"
Gwenneth giggled in spite of herself. Arwen tried to sound shocked as she gasped "Mirriel!" but instead all five erupted into peals of laughter.
"Well it's true! That's how they all are, isn't it?" said Mirriel.
Gwenneth tried to sound prim, "I am sure I wouldn't know."
Arwen looked at her in disbelief, "Has he never kissed you, Gwenneth?"
Gwenneth's eyes twinkled, "I didn't say that."
And the five burst into laughter once more. Then they insisted on her telling them about when and where this had happened and what it had been like while the other four compared notes and passed comment. All this was done with much conspiratorial giggling and laughter.
Just as they did so the hunting party rode past.
All five suddenly looked vaguely sheepish as if they had been caught in the middle of something, which in truth they had.
The riders slowed as they passed by and nodded their heads, to a man (and elf) amused by the discomfort they had clearly caused the women since they had heard their laughter before they had arrived and the fact that they had fallen now into an embarrassed silence and stifled giggles as soon as they had seen them spoke volumes.
Aragorn and Túveren raised their eyebrows at their wives and then each other. Fuineth caught Legolas's eye as he grinned at her and she flushed and tried not to laugh. None of the women looked at one another since they knew that if they did they would collapse into peals of giggles.
They nodded their greetings as the riding party passed by them and then, as the last of the rider's backs was turned to them and disappearing into the trees, they erupted once more into even louder laughter than before. The riders, hearing them, all looked at each other.
Elladan shook his head, "I do not even want to know what that was about." And there was laughter and agreement from everyone around him.
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While the riders and walkers passed an hour or two of the early morning in chatter and entertainment, the elves were busy making the final preparations of the glade where it would all take place. Tables were set out, cushions and seats laid, meats roasted and prepared, sweetmeats had been baked and cakes and pastries readied.
Sometime in the mid-morning, just as Fuineth was returning to her chambers, Gandalf arrived in time to greet the riders as they returned. All were glad to see him and he was quickly bustled inside to greet Gimli, Thranduil and Elrond in the halls.
Legolas was beginning to feel nervous once more and Gimli encouraged the others to crowd round him and distract him with chatter. After a little while, though, Legolas said he needed some air and refused all offers of company heading off instead to walk a little by the river near the bridge outside the gates just under the eaves of the trees.
As he walked he fancied he heard singing. This was not unusual in itself, indeed there were many voices, songs and much laughter to be heard, but this cut through the rest, or it did for him. He stopped, tilting his head slightly as he listened and then realised he recognised the voice. Recognised the song, indeed.
He looked up towards the slope into which the caves of his father's hall were cut, scanning with his sharp eyes the dense foliage there. Then he saw her, standing high above him at the window of her chamber, looking out with unseeing eyes and singing to herself; singing the same song that she had sung when first they had met. He felt his heart move within him as he watched her and, as it did so, all his nerves left him. He was filled now only with the thought that within a few hours she would be his, bonded and wedded. A broad smile spread across his face. She did not see him.
She finished her song, stood there for a few moments more and then was gone from his sight, but Legolas returned then to the halls a far calmer and happier elf than he had been all morning.
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At last Fuineth was ready. Elsbeth, Mirriel and Gwenneth stepped back to admire their handiwork while Arwen smiled, watching Fuineth from the bed were she was sat. Then they led her down the stairs and through the corridors of the Halls and met Túveren coming to find them.
He gasped as he saw his sister and smiled broadly, "You look wonderful, Fuineth."
She flushed while the others murmured their agreement. The women went ahead of them then while Túveren and Fuineth took their time, walking arm in arm. At last the women reached the glade where the guests were waiting and Arwen took her place next to her husband upon the dais. She caught Legolas's eye and smiled.
He was dressed entirely in green and gold. His tunic, made of the finest materials and in a dark, rich green, was decorated with detailed gold embroidery all over it, emeralds and diamonds shone upon his collar, cuffs and belt while upon his shining golden hair was a garland of flowers to match his father's and beneath it shone a single band of gold about his head.
Legolas was standing in front of a low dais at one end of the glade upon which sat his father with King Elessar and his wife on one side of him and Lord Elrond and Gandalf on the other. Gimli and Naril were standing next to Legolas and the twins, Glorfindel, Erestor, the Dúnedain and the Galadhrim were not far behind him. There was a large crowd filling the glade and milling about and chattering, though getting quieter now since they had seen Queen Arwen arrive and knew the bride would not be far behind. As Legolas and Gimli exchanged a grin a silence fell upon the company and Legolas looked up.
He could see the crowd moving, parting, the silence broken with gasps and murmurs now. Then he saw her, walking towards him at the far end of the glade upon her brother's arm. The dress had fitted her perfectly, as Galadriel had said it would, and its colour, almost floating and blending into the glade around her, was reflected and shone in the jewels on the necklace the King and Queen had given her only enhancing its beauty, and hers, all the more. They had twisted some of her hair back from her face, securing it with a jewelled hair clasp that was Elsbeth's wedding gift to her, leaving the rest trailing darkly down her back. They had twined flowers in her hair and also she wore a garland of white flowers and green buds around her head to match Legolas's. Her betrothal ring shone bright upon her finger and her eyes were glinting with pleasure as she smiled at him.
Legolas felt his breath and heart stop as he saw her, so astounded was he by how beautiful she looked. He barely heard his father speak and welcome the guests and speak words of blessing upon the impending nuptial. It was only as Túveren left her side and Naril discretely coughed beside him that Legolas awoke from his reverie and realised she stood there waiting for him, still some distance away, and he began to walk towards her.
They did not speak but their gazes held each other and their smiles seemed to those watching to be the warmest and fondest possible. But, even as he neared her, the dancers came forward to form two concentric rings around and between the lovers. The music and singing started and the two lines of dancers began to move, hand in hand, in opposite directions and so formed a double barrier between Fuineth, now standing in the middle of them, and Legolas, now moving slowly round the outer circle gazing at her all the while. He went once around the circle and then he stopped. The outer chain broke where he was and closed behind him. Once round in the opposite direction now between the lines of dancers, again never taking his eyes from her. Once more he stopped and the inner chain opened for him and he was now in the circle with her. He moved over to her, took her hand and, kneeling upon one knee, he kissed it tenderly. As he did so the music stopped, the dancers' song faded and they opened a passage for the two to then move back up the glade, hand in hand now, towards the dais where Thranduil stood to meet them.
They stood in front of the dais and Legolas reached for her other hand so that now both her hands were in his. They gazed smilingly at each other. The expression on his face was so full of love for her that many were moved to see him, and his voice was tender with his emotion as he began to speak.
"A linda lótë nórelyo, avanya yeldë Roccoliéva ar Nunaraniva, Fuineth yendë Beriorgano, haryacce indonya. Quentin lyenna melissenya: melemma lá pole rácina an Erunen ná aina ar mána. Endanysse, meladanya, meluvanyel ambar- metta pella. Herinya; melmenya."
She could see the tears in his eyes and she knew her eyes were glistening also. She thought she would burst with pleasure but smiled, her face aglow with all that she felt for him, as she in turn gave her promise.
"A Cunduwa Laiqaitaurë ar Heruva Isilnorë, Legolas Thranduilion, haryaccë indonya. Vandea ëá mi le sí ar harmuvanyë annalya indossënya. Endanysse, meladanya, meluvanyeal ambar-metta pella. Herunya; melmenya."
He smiled, even as a tear of joy rolled down her cheek.
They stayed absolutely still for a moment, relishing and taking in what had just occurred. Then Legolas, Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, gently bent his head to kiss his wife and a cheer went up from the crowd.
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non melethron / melethrin lín = I love you (m/f)
haryaccë indonya = (Quenya) You have my heart
linda lótë nórelyo = (Quenya) beautiful flower of your land
anvanya yeldë Roccoliéva ar Nunatani = (Quenya) fairest daughter of the Rohirrim (lit. Horse-People) and the Dunedain
meleth nin = my love
Legolas's wedding promise: 'O beautiful flower of your land, the fairest daughter of the People of the Horses and the Dunedain, Fuineth, daughter of Beriorgan, you have my heart. I say to you my love: our love cannot be broken for it is by Eru holy and blessed. In my heart, my beloved, I shall love you beyond the end of the world. My lady; my love.'
Fuineth's wedding promise: 'O Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, Lord of Ithilien, Legolas son of Thranduil, you have my heart. A promise lives within you now and I shall treasure your gift in my heart. In my heart, my beloved, I shall love you beyond the end of the world. My lord; my love.'
Acknowledgements for the construction of the wedding vows:
'A linda lótë nórelyo, avanya yeldë Roccoliéva' is the first line of 'Lindë Roccalassen' by Alese Bican – a beautiful poem in Quenya about Eowyn – that is published on Ardalambion and his own site elm (which Ardalambion has a link to).
'Quentin lyenna melissenya: melemma lá pole rácina ... an Erunen ná aina ar mána. Endanysse, meladanya, meluvanyel ambar-metta pella' are lines from the Quenya poem 'Melme' (meaning 'Love') by Petra Tikka and published on the sites elm and Men Eldalambien.
The use of the lines 'I shall treasure your gift in my heart' comes from 'Ballads' by Moralanqua – a fanfic in which Haldir says this in his wedding vows – however I had it translated into different elvish than that used in that story.
I must thank Elb for her help with translating the wedding vows into Quenya. It's a good opportunity to also thank both her and NL for all their help with my Sindarin queries for the rest of this story. *hugs them* Without them I would have been completely sunk.
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Chapter 24 – The Wedding Day
The day before the wedding, just after midday, Arwen and Aragorn arrived. Two stewards came with them, as well as Gwenneth and Mirriel, and also Haldir and his brothers from Lothlorien through which the King and Queen had passed on their journey North. Added to which, representatives of both the Lord Faramir and King Eomer had travelled with them from Minas Tirith.
A messenger came to find Fuineth to bring her to the Throne Room where the guests were being formally greeted. She was in a clearing near the Halls with Naril and Gimli, Legolas having had some business to attend to with his father. As they entered the great chamber Gwenneth and Mirriel rushed to greet her, and then she curtsied before the King and Queen and greeted the Galadhrim whom she was pleased to see once more.
Servants arrived and soon food and wine was laid for all and there was laughter and song for a while. At last the party began to disperse and Arwen came over to Fuineth to ask her to accompany her to her chambers.
"I have something for you, my dear," was all she would say.
Once there Arwen sat her on the bed while she went to her half-unpacked baggage and looked through it till she found what she was looking for: a small wooden box, simply but beautifully carved. She came over to Fuineth and sat beside her, handing her the box.
"For you my dear, from myself and the King. A wedding gift. I hope you will like it."
Fuineth smiled and opened the box only to gasp at what she saw inside.
It was a necklace the like of which she had never seen. Delicate wisps of silver intertwined together then threaded and set with gems of white and green. She felt her throat tightening, and could barely murmur, "It is beautiful. I thank you with all my heart. It is a rich gift indeed, and I am much moved by your generosity."
Arwen smiled, "I am glad it pleases you. It will suit well the dress you were given, I think, will it not?" Fuineth nodded and then looked up at Arwen who laughed, "Galadriel described it to me. It sounds very fine. May I see it?"
"Of course, your highness. It would be my pleasure," and she led her along the corridors to her own chamber.
When Fuineth brought it out Arwen smiled: it was everything that Galadriel had described. It was of a rich, forest green and of a material so fine and flowing that it near floated. At the neck and shoulders the colour was near that of spring leaves but it darkened as it reached the cuff of the sleeves and the knee of the dress to the richer and darker green of summer. The cut was simple but elegant with long sleeves. The embroidery was exquisite and covered the entire hem petering out up towards the knee, the train of the dress, the cuffs and was all round the neckline. The threads were of gold and silver and traced intricate patterns of leaves, tendrils and flowers and here and there gleamed jewels, white and green, and at the middle of the neckline hung a single pearl.
"Oh but it's beautiful Fuineth," gasped Arwen at last.
"I know," murmured Fuineth still unable to believe she had been given such a thing.
Arwen smiled, "I am glad. The necklace will suit it perfectly. Has Legolas seen it?"
Fuineth shook her head. "He saw it folded up so he knows the colour, but that is all. I offered to show him but he wanted to wait until our wedding day."
Arwen laughed softly, "You must be so excited!"
She smiled, "I am. I can't quite believe it will be tomorrow."
As she put the dress away once more Arwen held her hand out to her. "King Thranduil tells me you have made a great impression on him. Coming from him that is praise indeed. You have done well."
Fuineth smiled and shook her head, "In truth I have done nothing other than be myself. I am thankful that that alone has been enough for him. I was worried he might be stern with me, but he has been most kind and gracious." She paused, looking at Arwen, "Thank you for the gift you gave me for him. He liked it very much."
Arwen nodded and smiled, "You are quite welcome, my dear. I thought he might. I am only glad I was able to help in some small way."
That night the festivities began. In the afternoon, Elrond and his sons had arrived, as well as Glorfindel and Erestor, since this was to be the wedding of King Thranduil's son and a member of the Fellowship no less. A little later more guests had arrived, from Dale and Erebor, and there was to be a feast for such prestigious company.
Legolas led Fuineth into the hall upon his arm and as he did so she saw two figures in brown and grey talking to Túveren and Aragorn. She gasped and Legolas smiled at her reaction, knowing who it was she had seen. He led her over. As they approached the men turned and one in particular beamed. She threw her arms about his neck.
"Calloneb! I am so pleased to see you here!"
He grinned and hugged her, "Did you think I would miss this? The marriage of Legolas Greenleaf and the only daughter of my dear friend Beriorgan? Nothing would have stopped me coming!"
She laughed, then turned to look at the grinning elf and men round her with a look of astonishment, though they could see the laughter in her eyes. "You knew! You all knew and you didn't tell me?" and they roared.
Legolas hugged her and said, "It was a little thing perhaps, but we wanted to surprise you."
Just then there came a cough behind Fuineth and she turned to see the Rohirrim who had come with the King that morning smiling shyly, "Forgive me, Lady Fuineth, but I have something for you that was sent to me from your aunt in Rohan as a wedding gift for you. I have already given the gifts from King Eomer to Lord Legolas, but felt I should give you these myself."
She nodded and smiled gratefully as both she and Legolas followed him while he moved to one side where, on a chair, lay a large leather saddlebag. He bent down and took out three items.
The first was a long dagger, well made and with a fine scabbard intricately decorated in the Rohirric style. The hilt was inlaid with gold and fashioned with the same pattern as the scabbard.
"This is for you, Lord Legolas," he said as he bowed slightly.
Legolas nodded his head and murmured appreciatively as he studied it. Then the Rohirrim turned to Fuineth.
"Your aunt sent you this," he handed her some fine cloth, embroidered along its edge with the same Rohirric knot design Fuineth knew and loved so well, and then he handed her a cup.
It was a simple thing. No intricate design, though elegant. It was made of silver and about its rim were inlaid four blue jewels. Fuineth stood absolutely still as she took it from the man. Both he and Legolas could see it held some significance for her because she flushed and her eyes filled with tears as she saw it. She looked at it, held it close to her and then looked up at him, "I thank you, my lord. You have discharged a great service for my aunt. I am most grateful."
He nodded, "You are welcome, Lady Fuineth." Exchanging a glance with Legolas he left them then since a tear had escaped her eye as she had spoken to him.
Legolas came to her now. "Fuineth? What is it? This cup has some significance for you, does it not? Was it your uncle's?"
She nodded. "It was a wedding gift to him from my mother." Legolas kissed her cheek as he took her into his arms.
Túveren, having heard these were gifts from their aunt came over to them. When he saw the cup he immediately understood and smiled sadly and left the two alone to thank the Rohirrim for the duty he had discharged. When she had taken the gifts to her chambers and returned she had shaken the melancholy from her.
The feast was a fine one and the guests were sated and happy as the music and singing began. Elrond had congratulated the pair and, now his sons and the Galadhrim were all together once more, they had taken the opportunity to tease Legolas mercilessly about how he denied his love for so long yet they had all known. Now people were dispersed in groups all round the hall sitting and standing, laughing and talking.
Legolas and Fuineth took the opportunity of the throng to escape outside into the night air. They walked hand in hand for a little while till they reached a small clearing ringed with great beeches.
Legolas sat, his back up against one of the trunks, staring up into the night sky clear above them. "This was one of my favourite places when I was an elfling. I would lie flat on my back there," he indicated the middle of the clearing, "and stare up at the stars."
Fuineth smiled, "I cannot imagine you young and small."
He laughed, "Oh, I assure you I was once. Very small and quite unlearned. I would fall out of trees and miss targets with my bow and fall off my horse. I had a lot to learn."
She laughed, "I just can't imagine you like that at all, though I do not doubt it is all true."
He grinned, "Naril remembers. He is older than me as you know. He had the misfortune of teaching me to ride a horse. Nearly laughed himself sick to see me struggling to stay on. The first time I tried I was very, very young and I slid half way round the poor animal's flank and was hanging off sideways till at last I fell off straight into a muddy stream bank. I was covered head to toe in mud and all Naril could do was roar with laughter. I was so angry I stormed all the way back the Halls and refused to get back on a horse for a week." Fuineth and he laughed.
She stood, still giggling at the thought of him, tiny and defiant, covered in mud with a scowl on his face and his hands on his hips. She held out her hand to him and then pulled him to the centre of the clearing before lying down flat on her back.
"Well, then," she grinned up at him, "Will you join me, Lord Legolas? I want to see what was so special about this spot."
He grinned and lay down beside her, holding her hand, his head touching hers. She could feel him laughing quietly, "I have not done this in I do not know how long."
"All the more reason to do it, then," she said as he raised her hand to his lips to kiss it.
As she stared upwards at the stars he turned to look at her. He raised himself up on one elbow and stroked her face with his hand. She turned towards him now and smiled.
"Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" he asked gently.
She nodded, "Very much. A little nervous, with all those people there."
He smiled, "No need to be nervous. Though I am sure I will be just as nervous as you."
She looked surprised then, "You? Nervous? Not possible!"
He laughed softly while he bent over her to kiss her. They stayed like that, kissing in the moonlight, her arms wrapped around his back while he stroked her hair with his free hand. He gazed at her in his arms, the moonlight shining in her eyes, and glinting off her dark hair splayed out around her on the grass.
"Non melethron lín, Fuineth."
"Non melethrin lín, Legolas," she replied and then, quietly, "Haryaccë indonya."
He smiled, his eyes wide with surprise. She had just used words she would say tomorrow. Moved by this he began his vows to her then and there, "Linda lótë nórelyo, anvanya yeldë Roccoliéva ar Nunataniva.."
She gasped, smiling, and stopped him with a finger to his lips, "Tomorrow, meleth nín." He smiled and kissed her finger and then her lips once more.
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Fuineth's butterflies started from the moment she woke up that morning, or rather was woken by Elsbeth bursting into her room in complete over- excitement with Gwenneth and Mirriel not far behind her. She refused to come and eat anything that morning and, so her absence wouldn't be noticed in the halls where food was being served, Elsbeth came down to take back up some fruit, milk, bread and honey for the women to eat in Fuineth's chambers.
Legolas and Túveren exchanged a glance as she did so.
"What was that about?"
Túveren shrugged, "She didn't say anything to me. Just took the food and left."
Arwen, passing behind them, smiled as she overheard, "There is a wedding today, after all, and we need to help the bride prepare. In fact," she looked at Aragorn and dropped his arm, "I think I will go and join them."
She walked off leaving an astonished Aragorn behind her.
When Arwen knocked on Fuineth's chamber door and came in she found excited chattering going on as they discussed how they were going to dress Fuineth's hair later that day. Fuineth was sat in the middle of all this, still in her nightshift, and looking pale and nervous. Arwen came to sit beside her.
"Will you not eat something, Fuineth?"
Fuineth shook her head, "I do not think I could, your highness."
Arwen insisted gently, "You will need your strength. It's going to be a long and tiring day for you, and it was a late night last night also."
Mirriel said something in a whisper about a late night this coming night too and the other two giggled.
Arwen smiled, "I heard that, Mirriel, and that is not what I meant when I said it would be tiring."
Fuineth went pink, and they all laughed.
"Shame on you, Mirriel, you are embarrassing her," said Elsbeth kindly.
Mirriel smiled towards Fuineth, "Forgive me, Fuineth. I meant nothing by it."
Fuineth smiled weakly, "Do not fear, Mirriel. If I were not feeling quite so sick I might have laughed also."
On hearing her say this they all insisted she have a least a bite of something to eat.
"Honey is excellent for the stomach," Gwenneth was saying and Arwen was agreeing.
Reluctantly Fuineth accepted some bread and honey and she had to admit she did feel better for it. After a little while a bath was brought and filled for her and, while the others left her so they could dress, she tried to soak some of the nervousness away and not think about it for a little while. She washed her hair, glad to have a little time so it would dry before she had to get ready. She dressed in one of the dresses King Thranduil had given her as a betrothal gift – sky blue with silver trim – and then went to find Elsbeth.
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Elsbeth and the other women were now downstairs in one of the smaller antechambers with Arwen and several of the Eryn Lasganlen ladies of the court. The men seemed to be keeping themselves separate to a large extent and a natural division took place for the morning as each sex grouped itself round the bride or groom.
Legolas had decided go for a ride to try and burn off some of his nervousness and it had turned into an impromptu hunting party with Aragorn, Calloneb and the other Dúnedan, Túveren, the Galadhrim, Naril, Elladan and Elrohir as well as a few Eryn Lasgalen nobles coming along. Even Gimli would have joined them except he was deep in talk with the Erebor dwarves.
Fuineth, on the other hand, decided to go for a walk and let her hair dry in the sunshine for a while and the Queen, Elsbeth and the two ladies-in- waiting came with her. They chattered of this and that but largely focused on the dance and feast tonight. Gwenneth was teasing Mirriel about various males Mirriel might dance with later but Mirriel was giving as good in return. The others laughed to see them.
Gwenneth scolded them though she was far from serious in her tone, "It's all very well for you to laugh. Two of you are already married, the other nearly so."
"Oh you will find someone soon enough, Gwenneth," returned Arwen, "Besides you had several suitors at the dance in Minas Tirith I seem to remember. One of the Citadel guards was among them, was he not? You danced a lot with him at Elsbeth's wedding also."
Gwenneth went pink.
Elsbeth gasped, "Oh, I know who you mean! He's very handsome," and she winked at Fuineth who giggled.
Mirriel joined in, "Very. And looks at you so longingly, Gwenneth. Poor man. You should put him out of his misery."
There were peals of laughter and poor Gwenneth was now red. "I'll have you know he is very charming. And while he has not made his intentions known he did say he wished to speak to me on my return to Minas Tirith."
They stopped laughing and were smiling broadly now.
Mirriel was excited, "Gwenneth! Really?"
Elsbeth and Arwen were grinning from ear to ear, and Fuineth laughed softly, "Well aren't you a dark one, Gwenneth. You have kept that very quiet."
Gwenneth stuck her tongue out at her, "Well I didn't say anything because I don't know what he wants to talk about. Not for certain."
They all laughed once more.
"Well it won't be about the weather!" grinned Elsbeth.
"No," said Mirriel, "It'll be about something far more interesting I am sure. 'Oh, Gwenneth, how I love you. Oh kiss me, Gwenneth, kiss me! Your eyes are like stars! Your skin like silk! Your thighs so tender to my touch!'"
Gwenneth giggled in spite of herself. Arwen tried to sound shocked as she gasped "Mirriel!" but instead all five erupted into peals of laughter.
"Well it's true! That's how they all are, isn't it?" said Mirriel.
Gwenneth tried to sound prim, "I am sure I wouldn't know."
Arwen looked at her in disbelief, "Has he never kissed you, Gwenneth?"
Gwenneth's eyes twinkled, "I didn't say that."
And the five burst into laughter once more. Then they insisted on her telling them about when and where this had happened and what it had been like while the other four compared notes and passed comment. All this was done with much conspiratorial giggling and laughter.
Just as they did so the hunting party rode past.
All five suddenly looked vaguely sheepish as if they had been caught in the middle of something, which in truth they had.
The riders slowed as they passed by and nodded their heads, to a man (and elf) amused by the discomfort they had clearly caused the women since they had heard their laughter before they had arrived and the fact that they had fallen now into an embarrassed silence and stifled giggles as soon as they had seen them spoke volumes.
Aragorn and Túveren raised their eyebrows at their wives and then each other. Fuineth caught Legolas's eye as he grinned at her and she flushed and tried not to laugh. None of the women looked at one another since they knew that if they did they would collapse into peals of giggles.
They nodded their greetings as the riding party passed by them and then, as the last of the rider's backs was turned to them and disappearing into the trees, they erupted once more into even louder laughter than before. The riders, hearing them, all looked at each other.
Elladan shook his head, "I do not even want to know what that was about." And there was laughter and agreement from everyone around him.
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While the riders and walkers passed an hour or two of the early morning in chatter and entertainment, the elves were busy making the final preparations of the glade where it would all take place. Tables were set out, cushions and seats laid, meats roasted and prepared, sweetmeats had been baked and cakes and pastries readied.
Sometime in the mid-morning, just as Fuineth was returning to her chambers, Gandalf arrived in time to greet the riders as they returned. All were glad to see him and he was quickly bustled inside to greet Gimli, Thranduil and Elrond in the halls.
Legolas was beginning to feel nervous once more and Gimli encouraged the others to crowd round him and distract him with chatter. After a little while, though, Legolas said he needed some air and refused all offers of company heading off instead to walk a little by the river near the bridge outside the gates just under the eaves of the trees.
As he walked he fancied he heard singing. This was not unusual in itself, indeed there were many voices, songs and much laughter to be heard, but this cut through the rest, or it did for him. He stopped, tilting his head slightly as he listened and then realised he recognised the voice. Recognised the song, indeed.
He looked up towards the slope into which the caves of his father's hall were cut, scanning with his sharp eyes the dense foliage there. Then he saw her, standing high above him at the window of her chamber, looking out with unseeing eyes and singing to herself; singing the same song that she had sung when first they had met. He felt his heart move within him as he watched her and, as it did so, all his nerves left him. He was filled now only with the thought that within a few hours she would be his, bonded and wedded. A broad smile spread across his face. She did not see him.
She finished her song, stood there for a few moments more and then was gone from his sight, but Legolas returned then to the halls a far calmer and happier elf than he had been all morning.
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At last Fuineth was ready. Elsbeth, Mirriel and Gwenneth stepped back to admire their handiwork while Arwen smiled, watching Fuineth from the bed were she was sat. Then they led her down the stairs and through the corridors of the Halls and met Túveren coming to find them.
He gasped as he saw his sister and smiled broadly, "You look wonderful, Fuineth."
She flushed while the others murmured their agreement. The women went ahead of them then while Túveren and Fuineth took their time, walking arm in arm. At last the women reached the glade where the guests were waiting and Arwen took her place next to her husband upon the dais. She caught Legolas's eye and smiled.
He was dressed entirely in green and gold. His tunic, made of the finest materials and in a dark, rich green, was decorated with detailed gold embroidery all over it, emeralds and diamonds shone upon his collar, cuffs and belt while upon his shining golden hair was a garland of flowers to match his father's and beneath it shone a single band of gold about his head.
Legolas was standing in front of a low dais at one end of the glade upon which sat his father with King Elessar and his wife on one side of him and Lord Elrond and Gandalf on the other. Gimli and Naril were standing next to Legolas and the twins, Glorfindel, Erestor, the Dúnedain and the Galadhrim were not far behind him. There was a large crowd filling the glade and milling about and chattering, though getting quieter now since they had seen Queen Arwen arrive and knew the bride would not be far behind. As Legolas and Gimli exchanged a grin a silence fell upon the company and Legolas looked up.
He could see the crowd moving, parting, the silence broken with gasps and murmurs now. Then he saw her, walking towards him at the far end of the glade upon her brother's arm. The dress had fitted her perfectly, as Galadriel had said it would, and its colour, almost floating and blending into the glade around her, was reflected and shone in the jewels on the necklace the King and Queen had given her only enhancing its beauty, and hers, all the more. They had twisted some of her hair back from her face, securing it with a jewelled hair clasp that was Elsbeth's wedding gift to her, leaving the rest trailing darkly down her back. They had twined flowers in her hair and also she wore a garland of white flowers and green buds around her head to match Legolas's. Her betrothal ring shone bright upon her finger and her eyes were glinting with pleasure as she smiled at him.
Legolas felt his breath and heart stop as he saw her, so astounded was he by how beautiful she looked. He barely heard his father speak and welcome the guests and speak words of blessing upon the impending nuptial. It was only as Túveren left her side and Naril discretely coughed beside him that Legolas awoke from his reverie and realised she stood there waiting for him, still some distance away, and he began to walk towards her.
They did not speak but their gazes held each other and their smiles seemed to those watching to be the warmest and fondest possible. But, even as he neared her, the dancers came forward to form two concentric rings around and between the lovers. The music and singing started and the two lines of dancers began to move, hand in hand, in opposite directions and so formed a double barrier between Fuineth, now standing in the middle of them, and Legolas, now moving slowly round the outer circle gazing at her all the while. He went once around the circle and then he stopped. The outer chain broke where he was and closed behind him. Once round in the opposite direction now between the lines of dancers, again never taking his eyes from her. Once more he stopped and the inner chain opened for him and he was now in the circle with her. He moved over to her, took her hand and, kneeling upon one knee, he kissed it tenderly. As he did so the music stopped, the dancers' song faded and they opened a passage for the two to then move back up the glade, hand in hand now, towards the dais where Thranduil stood to meet them.
They stood in front of the dais and Legolas reached for her other hand so that now both her hands were in his. They gazed smilingly at each other. The expression on his face was so full of love for her that many were moved to see him, and his voice was tender with his emotion as he began to speak.
"A linda lótë nórelyo, avanya yeldë Roccoliéva ar Nunaraniva, Fuineth yendë Beriorgano, haryacce indonya. Quentin lyenna melissenya: melemma lá pole rácina an Erunen ná aina ar mána. Endanysse, meladanya, meluvanyel ambar- metta pella. Herinya; melmenya."
She could see the tears in his eyes and she knew her eyes were glistening also. She thought she would burst with pleasure but smiled, her face aglow with all that she felt for him, as she in turn gave her promise.
"A Cunduwa Laiqaitaurë ar Heruva Isilnorë, Legolas Thranduilion, haryaccë indonya. Vandea ëá mi le sí ar harmuvanyë annalya indossënya. Endanysse, meladanya, meluvanyeal ambar-metta pella. Herunya; melmenya."
He smiled, even as a tear of joy rolled down her cheek.
They stayed absolutely still for a moment, relishing and taking in what had just occurred. Then Legolas, Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, gently bent his head to kiss his wife and a cheer went up from the crowd.
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non melethron / melethrin lín = I love you (m/f)
haryaccë indonya = (Quenya) You have my heart
linda lótë nórelyo = (Quenya) beautiful flower of your land
anvanya yeldë Roccoliéva ar Nunatani = (Quenya) fairest daughter of the Rohirrim (lit. Horse-People) and the Dunedain
meleth nin = my love
Legolas's wedding promise: 'O beautiful flower of your land, the fairest daughter of the People of the Horses and the Dunedain, Fuineth, daughter of Beriorgan, you have my heart. I say to you my love: our love cannot be broken for it is by Eru holy and blessed. In my heart, my beloved, I shall love you beyond the end of the world. My lady; my love.'
Fuineth's wedding promise: 'O Prince of Eryn Lasgalen, Lord of Ithilien, Legolas son of Thranduil, you have my heart. A promise lives within you now and I shall treasure your gift in my heart. In my heart, my beloved, I shall love you beyond the end of the world. My lord; my love.'
Acknowledgements for the construction of the wedding vows:
'A linda lótë nórelyo, avanya yeldë Roccoliéva' is the first line of 'Lindë Roccalassen' by Alese Bican – a beautiful poem in Quenya about Eowyn – that is published on Ardalambion and his own site elm (which Ardalambion has a link to).
'Quentin lyenna melissenya: melemma lá pole rácina ... an Erunen ná aina ar mána. Endanysse, meladanya, meluvanyel ambar-metta pella' are lines from the Quenya poem 'Melme' (meaning 'Love') by Petra Tikka and published on the sites elm and Men Eldalambien.
The use of the lines 'I shall treasure your gift in my heart' comes from 'Ballads' by Moralanqua – a fanfic in which Haldir says this in his wedding vows – however I had it translated into different elvish than that used in that story.
I must thank Elb for her help with translating the wedding vows into Quenya. It's a good opportunity to also thank both her and NL for all their help with my Sindarin queries for the rest of this story. *hugs them* Without them I would have been completely sunk.
