A/N: As always, thanks for the reviews. I'd love to hear from you more! Enjoy!
Chapter 18
Elewen wandered alone for a while. She was nervous about seeing Olórin, but she knew she wouldn't be content until she did. She didn't even know where to find him. Eventually, Elewen found herself wandering the same road she'd been on when they'd met a few nights earlier. She came to the crossroad where they'd run into each other. She leaned against a tree at the side of the road, then sat down at its base.
Elewen sat there alone for a few minutes, then whispered, "Olórin." Saying his name really didn't change anything, but she was alone, so it really didn't matter. She didn't know where to find him, and she wasn't even certain she was ready to see him, but she couldn't get him from her mind.
A moment later, a shadow fell on Elewen. She looked up to see Olórin standing over her. Her breath caught as he reached down to help her up. She took his hand and stood up, but he didn't release her hand. They both stared at each other for a long moment. Elewen fought her fear and uncertainty. Even though he looked like any other Elf, she knew what he was, and despite Melian's reassurances, it was much harder with him standing there, only inches away.
Elewen closed her eyes for a moment. If she ran away again, she'd regret it. She knew she loved him, and that she wouldn't be happy without him. After a moment, she opened her eyes, trying to compose her thoughts. He was watching her, waiting for her. Elewen swallowed hard, then moved closer. She reached up and caught the back of his head with her hand, pulling his head down to kiss him. His arms were around her in an instant. The kiss turned intense, and when they finally pulled apart, both were breathless.
"You've been avoiding me," Olórin said quietly.
"I've been scared," Elewen admitted.
"And now?" he asked.
"I'm still scared, but…" Elewen trailed off, unable to find the right words. She looked down, but he lifted her chin gently. "I don't think I can ever be happy if I ignore this," she whispered. "I love you."
Olórin kissed her again, gently this time. After a long moment, he pulled away. "Will you marry me?" Elewen nodded, words failing her. "I love you, Elewen," Olórin whispered, pulling her against him and holding her.
After a moment, Elewen looked up at him, head still resting on his shoulder. "How did you find me here?"
"I've been watching you these last few days. I didn't want to intrude when you weren't seeking me out, but when you said my name, I hoped you were ready to see me." Elewen nodded. Somehow, it didn't surprise her.
Olórin breathed a sigh of relief. He'd been almost as nervous as Elewen. He knew the Valar approved of this relationship, but convincing Elewen of that was another matter. He'd known since before the battle at the Black Gate that he was in love with her, but she'd pushed him away the night before the battle, and until just now, he'd wondered if he'd misgauged her feelings entirely.
The new couple stood there for a long time, enjoying each other's presence. As night fell, they finally made their way back, heading for Elewen's family's home.
Back at her family's home, Elewen pulled her mother aside into another room, leaving Olórin with her father. Veryandil started the conversation, "How has your return to Valinor been?"
"It is a relief to be back. It is a welcome rest from the troubles of Middle Earth."
"From what Elewen tells me, you have certainly earned a rest. You must be glad to see her again." Veryandil watched Olórin's reaction.
"Yes, I am."
"The two of you were friends before she left."
"And we were in Middle Earth, as well."
"And now?"
Olórin was grateful for where the Elf was leading the conversation. It made it easier for him to bring it up. "We have both been through some uncertainty, but…" Olórin paused, then took the direct approach. "May I have your permission to marry her?"
"If she consents to it, then so do I. You have my blessing." It's about time, Veryandil added silently.
In another room, Elewen told her mother about what had happened. Maline wasn't surprised at all. Unlike her husband, she was vocal about her opinion. "It's about time!" she said. Elewen looked at her, confused. "We've seen this coming since you first met him," she told her daughter. "The two of you are the ones who have needed convincing—not us." Elewen started laughing, and the two of them laughed together, finally at ease.
After a while, they returned to the sitting room where Olórin and Veryandil were talking. Elewen sat down next to Olórin and the four of them talked for the rest of the night.
In the morning, Elewen met Olórin and the two of them went together to break their news to Galadriel, Celebrían, and Elrond. They found the three Elves in Celebrían's home, and the five of them were soon sitting on benches in the garden.
After a few moments of small talk, Elewen spoke. "I know all of you have been hoping that Olórin and I would develop a relationship. In fact, it seems that all of Valinor has been hoping the same thing. Even the Valar seem to have conspired to 'help' us." She paused, letting them wonder if they'd assumed wrongly. "While I'm not anxious to encourage the scheming that's gone on, it has worked. Olórin and I are to be married."
Celebrían broke out in a huge grin, and Galadriel and Elrond exchanged knowing glances. Elrond was the first to speak. "That is good to hear. We've all been hoping it would turn out well for you, though the accusations of conspiracy may be somewhat overstated…" he let the comment trail off as they all laughed.
The five of them left to tell the rest of the Elves their news, and after a while, Olórin slipped away, leaving Elewen with the other Elves. After he left them, he abandoned his physical form and went to seek an audience with Manwë.
Olórin returned an hour later and pulled Elewen aside. None of the other Elves knew what was said between them, but Elewen looked surprised, and the two of them left together. They heard nothing from either of them for most of the day.
Mid-afternoon, a summons came for all the Elves to come before Manwë. It was unusual, but not exceptional. Galadriel, Elrond and the Elves who had come with them had not appeared before Manwë since their arrival, so it was not entirely a surprise. Still, it was occasion for some nervousness. Despite being forgiven and allowed to return, some of the exiles still felt awkward about their part in the Kinslaying. They made their way to Taniquetil, finding a few others waiting there, including Elewen's family and Melian.
Seeing them, Galadriel let a small smile come to her face. After a few minutes, they were called into the throne room, only to find Olórin and Elewen already there. After they bowed to Manwë and Varda, Manwë spoke, "I welcome the newly returned exiles back to these shores. However, I have called you here for more reason than to welcome your return. Olórin has come to me seeking my permission to marry Elewen, your friend and kin. It is unusual for the Ainur* to seek the Children in marriage, but I have no objection to this marriage, and that is why I have called you here—to witness the marriage of these two whom you call friends."
Manwë called Olórin and Elewen before him. The other Elves gathered in a loose circle around them. "Olórin, Elewen, you understand the commitment that you now make. Are you both certain you wish to undertake it?"
"Yes, my lord," Olórin said.
Elewen nodded. "I am certain, lord," she said.
"Very well," Manwë said. "Then I declare to all those present that you are husband and wife. Congratulations."
The Elves and Maia left the throne room, finding a feast waiting for them. The celebration went on for a week, even after Olórin and Elewen disappeared to only Manwë knew where.
* Ainur: A collective term for the Valar and the Maiar