Chapter 6
Laurelin looked over at her friend, Lizule. She seemed to be the only person not dancing or at least having fun. Excusing herself from Legolas, Laurelin went over to the lone Elf.
"Lizule? What is wrong?" Lizule sighed.
"Nothing," she said shortly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure," Lizule snapped. "It's just."
"What?"
"Well, Retkia and Gabriel are happily married, you are going to be happily married, and where does that put me? Face it, Laurelin. I will never get married." Laurelin sat next to her friend and laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Of course you will. You are still the youngest, remember? You have all eternity to get married and raise a family. Why jump on the opportunity so suddenly?"
"I don't know, it's just. I don't want to be left behind."
"We won't leave you behind. I promise." Laurelin gave her friend a hug. "Now, let's see. whom can I pair you up with?" she said, scanning the room.
"You wouldn't dare!" Lizule squealed.
"Hmmm. Totholain looks lonely, and so does Thranduil. A ha! What about poor little lover boy over there who is hopelessly staring at you? His name is Linduris, if I can recall," Laurelin said, with a hint of amusement in her voice. Lizule shook her head, trying not to laugh.
"I am sorry my Lady, but I fear none of them are the match for me."
"Shame. And you all had such a good chance, don't you think?"
Lizule shrugged. "They are all WAY older than me. Why does it seem like I am the youngest here?"
"Because you are, although it doesn't really matter, since us Elves are immortal," Legolas said, coming up next to Laurelin. He was holding a glass of white wine.
"I don't mean to intervene, ladies, but I was wondering if I could offer the lovely Lizule a dance." Lizule almost fell out of her chair.
"M.m.me?" she stammered.
"I don't see another Lizule here, unless it is my mind playing tricks on me." Lizule smiled and looked sheepishly at Laurelin for permission. Laurelin grinned and nodded.
"Go on." Legolas gave her his arm and led her to the dance floor. Laurelin watched them both, noticing that Lizule had immediately perked up because of Legolas's offer.
"He is such a good guy," she thought. "I'll have to thank him later."
****
After a while, Laurelin started to grow tired. She attempted to stay awake, but it was no use. Placing her hand on a table nearby, she stood up. Swaying slightly, she started towards the exit. Legolas, who was dancing with Retkia, noticed that his fiancée was leaving the ballroom. Quickly excusing himself, he walked over towards her and tapped her shoulder. Laurelin turned around to see him staring at her, wondering why she was going. Then he saw the dark circles under her eyes. "Oh, I am sorry my Lord, that I was leaving without telling you. I am rather exhausted."
"I'll say. Maybe it wasn't a good idea that you came out in public so soon."
"No, no, I enjoyed it. I am just so tired." Laurelin collapsed and fell to the ground. Instantly all the Elves were around her, worrying themselves useless. Legolas waved them away with his hand, and bent down. With one, swift movement, he picked her up. He was surprised at how light she was.
"It's okay, everybody, I'll make sure your Princess gets some rest. Now go along with your festivities," he said as he carried her out of the room. The Elves looked at each other in bewilderment, but decided that the Prince would be true to his word. They went back to whatever they had been doing in the first place.
Legolas climbed the stairs that led to Laurelin's chambers, looking for Saris. Realizing that she was probably out, he decided to take care of her himself. Kicking the door open, he laid Laurelin on her bed and covered her with a blanket. He was searching for a wash cloth when Totholain came in.
"Is she okay?" Totholain said, his eyes full of concern.
"I suppose. The party just took a lot out of her, I guess." Legolas found a cloth and dipped it in warm water. He dabbed her forehead with it as Totholain sat down, opposite of the bed.
"Legolas, I have been meaning to tell you something. Something important."
"What is it?"
"Thranduil fears that the evil that was once in this forest may return. He has ordered me to assemble an army and train them. I need your help. You are the best archer here."
Legolas felt his heart grow heavy. A war so soon? "When do we start?" he said meekly.
"Right after your wedding, which will be in six weeks, from my understanding. Until then, I am going to round up volunteers and try to find suitable mounts for at least half of them. Horses are very scarce here, you know."
"Yes, I know."
"But. I also want to tell you something else. Originally, the plan was for you and me to be in charge and to lead the legion off to war, if there is one. However, I have altered this plan. "If there is a war, I will go with Isitur, another general, and you will stay here. I think it will be wise on behalf of the Kingdom and yourself."
"What happens if you or Isitur is injured or killed?"
"Then, naturally, you would take our place."
"I see."
"There is no talk of war yet, and probably never will. I am just informing you on the basic plan that if there was one, you would understand the procedure."
"Thanks, Totholain. I will make a note of it." Totholain nodded, and stood up. He was at the doorway when he stopped and turned around.
"Oh! One more thing. Promise me that you will take care of her." Legolas cocked one eyebrow suspiciously.
"What do you mean?"
"With all this talk of Orcs and Balrogs, I just, well, you know, want her to be safe."
"Of course. We all do. That is why she will never be permitted to leave Mirkwood forest."
"I was just making sure. Good-night," Totholain said as he left.
"Good-night," Legolas said cautiously. He was not sure that he could completely trust the general now, not after the strange talk they had. He sighed, and continued to pat Laurelin's face with the cloth. "Why can't things just be so much simpler?" he thought sadly to himself.
****
"Do you like it?" Thranduil asked Legolas, holding up the yellow robe. Legolas scrutinized it closely, and then shrugged his shoulders.
"I guess it is okay. It's better than the first one. But do you have anything more. um, interesting? Something not so plain, perhaps?"
"I think so." Thranduil searched through his closet till he withdrew a turquoise tunic with a forest-green vestment that went over it. Legolas's eyes lit up at the pattern, which was of a golden peacock.
"I like that one."
"Here, try it on." Thranduil flung the garment at Legolas as he continued to look through his wardrobe.
"This cloak goes with it." He gave Legolas a silver-grey cape. Legolas unbuttoned his shirt and dressed into the outfit. He then went over to the mirror and got a good look at himself.
"Wow, he thought. "I do look surprisingly good." Thranduil came over and adjusted his collar.
"Did you know this is the exact thing I wore to my wedding to your mother?"
"Really?"
"Yes. She said it would look better on you. I took it as a compliment."
Legolas smiled sadly. "I miss her."
"As do I. But we must remember that she is in a much happier state than she would be here."
"Yes, I guess so." Thranduil patted his son on the back.
"Come on. Get out of that before someone sees you in it. Bad luck, you know," Thranduil said as he left his dressing chambers.
"Yes, Father, I don't think I could use any bad luck," Legolas whispered to himself after his father had gone. "I really don't think I could."
****
Laurelin looked over the guest list once more. Everything was in order. In exactly three days, she would be wedding the Prince of Mirkwood. She was so excited, but at the same time, the thought scared her. There would be a lot of change, and she would be a part of it. It was intriguing. Sighing happily, she tossed the list aside and floated into a daydream about her wedding night. She did not even notice when her father came into her room, an unstrung bow in his hand.
"I presume you are enjoying your thoughts?" he said wickedly, setting his bow down on her vanity.
Laurelin jolted out of her dream love scene and focused her eyes on her father. "Actually, I am, thank you very much. Now I would appreciate if you would leave."
"Ha. Short chance. Heard about your little run in with Totholain. Not much of a father to almost kill his daughter, don't you think?"
"You know nothing of what you speak of, Chief Guard."
"Yea? Do you really think so?"
Laurelin instantly felt afraid. It was not the fear she had encountered with the Orc so long ago, or the terror of Totholain's rage. This was different. It was a cold, sort of pure hate for someone that was supposed to love you. She swallowed hard. "Yes, I do father. I think you have been having too much wine. Perhaps you might want to go ask the Healer to cleanse you of its intoxication."
"Oh, look, here my daughter is telling ME what to do. Just because you are the soon to be Princess does not make me your servant. I agreed to this wedding because it made Thranduil happy. That is it. He is the only Elf I will ever show any devotion for beside your dead mother. He is the King of this realm! Eru forbid I disobey his wishes. But, I want to make one thing clear. It would have been better if you were never born. My whole life has been horrible because of you deciding to go out on a trail ride and get your mom killed! And then mighty Totholain had to come rescue you both. Pathetic. I might not know a lot, but I do know one thing: stay out of my way. I would prefer if I never had to speak to you again."
"Humph. Fine with me. Totholain was the only one who ever loved me anyway, after my mother's murder."
"Oh, watch it, little girl. Totholain has his secrets, as do everyone else. You would be surprised at what he does know. He holds a power in him that has not been unveiled yet, but it will be soon." The Chief Guard picked up his bow and aimed it straight at Laurelin. It did not hold an arrow, but she felt her heart rise into her throat. "You mention one word of this to Thranduil, and I will have your head, I swear by your mother." He spun on his heel and stalked off. Laurelin felt her knees buckle and she fell to the floor, shaking uncontrollably.
"Great," she thought. "Thranduil has a lunatic as his Chief Guard. How much more controversy is there?"
****
Saris carefully selected the white gown that her mistress was to wear for her wedding that night. Laying it on Laurelin's bed, she went about the task searching for some perfect shoes. "She only has so many," the maid chuckled deeply to herself. "I wonder if there are more than fifty pairs in this cupboard?"
"Good-afternoon, Saris!" Laurelin's clear voice rang out. Saris turned around and bowed.
"My Lady, I was searching for some shoes to match your gown. Unfortunately, I have found none so far."
"Not to worry!" Laurelin sung happily. She placed a pair of white shoes on her bed.
"I asked Thranduil if I could borrow these. They were Legolas's mothers. Beautiful, don't you think?"
"Of course my Lady. They match very nicely. Now, should I do your hair now, or wait till the sun sets a little lower in the sky?"
Laurelin pondered about it a bit. "Why not, go ahead and do it now! May as well have it ready!" She sat down at her vanity as Saris began to brush her hair.
"Are you excited, my Lady?"
"You bet!" Saris laughed.
"I can guess why."
"Well, it's not just that. It is the fact that I'm actually, you know, getting married! And I can't wait to see Legolas in his outfit."
"He will look positively stunning, let me assure you. If there is anyone who can sweep you of your feet, it's Legolas. I remember one time when you were like, four and he was quite a tiny bit older. He made all of the maidens fall out of their chairs when he passed by, including you." Laurelin smiled at the image. She thought it would be extremely funny to see that happen again. She snapped out of it just in time to see that Saris was braiding her hair the wrong way.
"Wait. Don't braid them like that. Do it the other way." Saris looked startled.
"Um, what other way, my Lady?"
"You know. The way the Eldar wore their hair before the fall of Gil-galad."
"Oh. I am not sure if I can do that, but I will try." Laurelin nodded as Saris untied her hair.
"Thank you."
"Whatever makes you happy, my Lady."
When Saris had completed her hair, Laurelin sent her to find Totholain. "I have to tell him something," she explained to Saris. The maid curtsied and went to fetch him. Laurelin sat down on her bed and slowly stroked her wedding dress. "Well, Laurelin. There is no turning back now. Are you ready to do this?" she thought.
"Of course you are," Totholain finished for her. Laurelin snapped her head up.
"I wish you would stop doing that."
"Doing what?"
"Finishing my thoughts. Just because you have the extraordinary gift of reading minds does not give you the right to abuse the privilege."
"Little one, I am sorry. I did not mean to offend." Totholain looked positively horrified.
"Totholain, you know I was just kidding."
"Oh! Why of course! I just wanted to see if you caught on."
"Sure. Hey, I was wondering if you would do a favor for me."
"Of course. What is it?"
"My father and I are not on friendly terms at the moment, and I thought it would be better to ask you."
"Ask me what?"
"Would you like the honor of escorting me up the aisle?" Totholain's face lit up like a bright candle.
"I would love to, my little one," he said sincerely.
"Thank the Valar! I thought I would be stuck with the insane," she said, lowering her head.
"Thank you, Totholain. You have no idea how much this means to me." Totholain stepped forward to giver her a hug when Saris came bursting in.
"Pardon me, my Lady, but I believe that I have to put you in your gown. The celebration is about to begin! So my Lord, if you don't mind me saying, you might want to get down there immediately!" Totholain grinned at her impudence.
"I was just on my way." With a wave of his hand, he proceeded downstairs.
"Are you ready, my Lady?" Saris asked, picking up the gown.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Laurelin replied, stepping up to be fitted into her dress.
****
Laurelin walked slowly down the aisle, arm in arm with Totholain. Hundreds of faces were staring at her. She recognized Retkia's face in the crowd, and smiled nervously at her. Retkia gave her the thumbs up sign. She nodded and gripped a little tighter on to Totholain's elbow.
"This aisle is so long," she thought, tucking a stray lock of blond hair behind her ear. "It is just making me feel worse."
"You have nothing to fear," Totholain whispered.
His voice calmed her instantly and she took a deep breath. Attempting to concentrate on something else, she trained her eyes on Legolas's face, trying to see his reaction to her dress. When they drew closer, she could tell that Saris had picked the right one. He looked positively awed by it. She had to admit the outfit he was wearing made him appear almost. magical. When he glanced at her face, she dropped her eyes to the green carpet that blanketed the passageway. She didn't want him to think she was staring at him. Finally, after what seemed like an Age, they came up to the platform. Totholain let her go and stepped off to the side. She felt her sense of security leave her as Totholain took his place next to Thranduil. Gulping down nausea, she took Legolas's hand and stood across from him.
He smiled at her, trying to tell her that everything would be OK. He knew she was really tense and he did not blame her. He felt the same way. They stood staring at each other until the Healer said,
"We are ready to begin. Legolas, present her with the ring." Legolas stuck his hand in his pocket and withdrew a red velvet box. He opened it and placed the ring on her finger. Laurelin was amazed at its beauty. It had been crafted to form a jeweled rose, which glittered like a star under the lights.
"It looks like the rose in my room," she thought. "Now I understand."
"Okay. Now, I will ask of the crowd if anyone objects to this union of Prince Legolas and Lady Laurelin. Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Laurelin held her breath. All around her was dead silence. Totholain started to fidget in his chair, but Thranduil laid a reassuring had on his shoulder. "No," he uttered softly.
The Healer waited a few more moments. When no objections came, he said, "All right. Now, I am going to go over the vows with you. You first Legolas. After every sentence, say 'I do.' Understand?" Legolas nodded.
"Do you take Laurelin for your wife?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to love her for all eternity?"
"I do."
"To care for her even when in doubt?"
"I do."
"To never take advantage of her or use her?'
"I do."
"Do you promise to lay down your life for her?" " I do," Legolas said, with an emphasis on the 'do.' The Healer then turned to Laurelin.
" Do you take Legolas for your husband?"
" I do." Laurelin felt her heart go at ease. This was going to be easier than she thought.
"Do you promise to love him for all eternity?"
"I do."
"To care for him even when in doubt?"
"I do."
"To never take advantage of him or use him?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to lay down your life for him?" Laurelin hesitated. Something inside of her was telling her that if she married Legolas, it would end in tragedy. But as she looked in his blue eyes, she could not hurt him by saying no. She just couldn't. She knew she loved him.
"This is it," she told herself. "One more I do and then we are officially married." Laurelin pushed away the negative feelings and said with as much enthusiasm as she could conjure,
"I do!" The Healer slapped his book closed. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Prince Legolas, you may kiss the bride."
Legolas gently pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers. Laurelin closed her eyes and let her whole soul sink into the kiss. When they drew away, choruses of cheers rang out in the air.
Thranduil stood up and raised his hands to quiet the crowd. He then turned around and picked up a silver crown, the same crown Legolas's mother had worn in the picture.
"I proudly crown Lady Laurelin, the Princess of Mirkwood!" he said as he placed the crown on her forehead. Laurelin blinked away the tears of happiness as everyone stood and started to clap. She saw her father had even got up and was applauding. Retkia, Gabriel, and Lizule were standing on their chairs, their faces lit with admiration.
"Do you think it could get any better?" Legolas said to her as he gripped her hand a little more tightly. Laurelin giggled, knowing what he was thinking. " I am sure it will, my Lord, I am sure it will," she said as he escorted her to the reception. All she really wanted, though, was to get out of the palace and up to Legolas's bedroom. She could not believe how excited she was.
"This is going to be interesting," she thought mischievously to herself. "I can't wait!"
Laurelin looked over at her friend, Lizule. She seemed to be the only person not dancing or at least having fun. Excusing herself from Legolas, Laurelin went over to the lone Elf.
"Lizule? What is wrong?" Lizule sighed.
"Nothing," she said shortly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure," Lizule snapped. "It's just."
"What?"
"Well, Retkia and Gabriel are happily married, you are going to be happily married, and where does that put me? Face it, Laurelin. I will never get married." Laurelin sat next to her friend and laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Of course you will. You are still the youngest, remember? You have all eternity to get married and raise a family. Why jump on the opportunity so suddenly?"
"I don't know, it's just. I don't want to be left behind."
"We won't leave you behind. I promise." Laurelin gave her friend a hug. "Now, let's see. whom can I pair you up with?" she said, scanning the room.
"You wouldn't dare!" Lizule squealed.
"Hmmm. Totholain looks lonely, and so does Thranduil. A ha! What about poor little lover boy over there who is hopelessly staring at you? His name is Linduris, if I can recall," Laurelin said, with a hint of amusement in her voice. Lizule shook her head, trying not to laugh.
"I am sorry my Lady, but I fear none of them are the match for me."
"Shame. And you all had such a good chance, don't you think?"
Lizule shrugged. "They are all WAY older than me. Why does it seem like I am the youngest here?"
"Because you are, although it doesn't really matter, since us Elves are immortal," Legolas said, coming up next to Laurelin. He was holding a glass of white wine.
"I don't mean to intervene, ladies, but I was wondering if I could offer the lovely Lizule a dance." Lizule almost fell out of her chair.
"M.m.me?" she stammered.
"I don't see another Lizule here, unless it is my mind playing tricks on me." Lizule smiled and looked sheepishly at Laurelin for permission. Laurelin grinned and nodded.
"Go on." Legolas gave her his arm and led her to the dance floor. Laurelin watched them both, noticing that Lizule had immediately perked up because of Legolas's offer.
"He is such a good guy," she thought. "I'll have to thank him later."
****
After a while, Laurelin started to grow tired. She attempted to stay awake, but it was no use. Placing her hand on a table nearby, she stood up. Swaying slightly, she started towards the exit. Legolas, who was dancing with Retkia, noticed that his fiancée was leaving the ballroom. Quickly excusing himself, he walked over towards her and tapped her shoulder. Laurelin turned around to see him staring at her, wondering why she was going. Then he saw the dark circles under her eyes. "Oh, I am sorry my Lord, that I was leaving without telling you. I am rather exhausted."
"I'll say. Maybe it wasn't a good idea that you came out in public so soon."
"No, no, I enjoyed it. I am just so tired." Laurelin collapsed and fell to the ground. Instantly all the Elves were around her, worrying themselves useless. Legolas waved them away with his hand, and bent down. With one, swift movement, he picked her up. He was surprised at how light she was.
"It's okay, everybody, I'll make sure your Princess gets some rest. Now go along with your festivities," he said as he carried her out of the room. The Elves looked at each other in bewilderment, but decided that the Prince would be true to his word. They went back to whatever they had been doing in the first place.
Legolas climbed the stairs that led to Laurelin's chambers, looking for Saris. Realizing that she was probably out, he decided to take care of her himself. Kicking the door open, he laid Laurelin on her bed and covered her with a blanket. He was searching for a wash cloth when Totholain came in.
"Is she okay?" Totholain said, his eyes full of concern.
"I suppose. The party just took a lot out of her, I guess." Legolas found a cloth and dipped it in warm water. He dabbed her forehead with it as Totholain sat down, opposite of the bed.
"Legolas, I have been meaning to tell you something. Something important."
"What is it?"
"Thranduil fears that the evil that was once in this forest may return. He has ordered me to assemble an army and train them. I need your help. You are the best archer here."
Legolas felt his heart grow heavy. A war so soon? "When do we start?" he said meekly.
"Right after your wedding, which will be in six weeks, from my understanding. Until then, I am going to round up volunteers and try to find suitable mounts for at least half of them. Horses are very scarce here, you know."
"Yes, I know."
"But. I also want to tell you something else. Originally, the plan was for you and me to be in charge and to lead the legion off to war, if there is one. However, I have altered this plan. "If there is a war, I will go with Isitur, another general, and you will stay here. I think it will be wise on behalf of the Kingdom and yourself."
"What happens if you or Isitur is injured or killed?"
"Then, naturally, you would take our place."
"I see."
"There is no talk of war yet, and probably never will. I am just informing you on the basic plan that if there was one, you would understand the procedure."
"Thanks, Totholain. I will make a note of it." Totholain nodded, and stood up. He was at the doorway when he stopped and turned around.
"Oh! One more thing. Promise me that you will take care of her." Legolas cocked one eyebrow suspiciously.
"What do you mean?"
"With all this talk of Orcs and Balrogs, I just, well, you know, want her to be safe."
"Of course. We all do. That is why she will never be permitted to leave Mirkwood forest."
"I was just making sure. Good-night," Totholain said as he left.
"Good-night," Legolas said cautiously. He was not sure that he could completely trust the general now, not after the strange talk they had. He sighed, and continued to pat Laurelin's face with the cloth. "Why can't things just be so much simpler?" he thought sadly to himself.
****
"Do you like it?" Thranduil asked Legolas, holding up the yellow robe. Legolas scrutinized it closely, and then shrugged his shoulders.
"I guess it is okay. It's better than the first one. But do you have anything more. um, interesting? Something not so plain, perhaps?"
"I think so." Thranduil searched through his closet till he withdrew a turquoise tunic with a forest-green vestment that went over it. Legolas's eyes lit up at the pattern, which was of a golden peacock.
"I like that one."
"Here, try it on." Thranduil flung the garment at Legolas as he continued to look through his wardrobe.
"This cloak goes with it." He gave Legolas a silver-grey cape. Legolas unbuttoned his shirt and dressed into the outfit. He then went over to the mirror and got a good look at himself.
"Wow, he thought. "I do look surprisingly good." Thranduil came over and adjusted his collar.
"Did you know this is the exact thing I wore to my wedding to your mother?"
"Really?"
"Yes. She said it would look better on you. I took it as a compliment."
Legolas smiled sadly. "I miss her."
"As do I. But we must remember that she is in a much happier state than she would be here."
"Yes, I guess so." Thranduil patted his son on the back.
"Come on. Get out of that before someone sees you in it. Bad luck, you know," Thranduil said as he left his dressing chambers.
"Yes, Father, I don't think I could use any bad luck," Legolas whispered to himself after his father had gone. "I really don't think I could."
****
Laurelin looked over the guest list once more. Everything was in order. In exactly three days, she would be wedding the Prince of Mirkwood. She was so excited, but at the same time, the thought scared her. There would be a lot of change, and she would be a part of it. It was intriguing. Sighing happily, she tossed the list aside and floated into a daydream about her wedding night. She did not even notice when her father came into her room, an unstrung bow in his hand.
"I presume you are enjoying your thoughts?" he said wickedly, setting his bow down on her vanity.
Laurelin jolted out of her dream love scene and focused her eyes on her father. "Actually, I am, thank you very much. Now I would appreciate if you would leave."
"Ha. Short chance. Heard about your little run in with Totholain. Not much of a father to almost kill his daughter, don't you think?"
"You know nothing of what you speak of, Chief Guard."
"Yea? Do you really think so?"
Laurelin instantly felt afraid. It was not the fear she had encountered with the Orc so long ago, or the terror of Totholain's rage. This was different. It was a cold, sort of pure hate for someone that was supposed to love you. She swallowed hard. "Yes, I do father. I think you have been having too much wine. Perhaps you might want to go ask the Healer to cleanse you of its intoxication."
"Oh, look, here my daughter is telling ME what to do. Just because you are the soon to be Princess does not make me your servant. I agreed to this wedding because it made Thranduil happy. That is it. He is the only Elf I will ever show any devotion for beside your dead mother. He is the King of this realm! Eru forbid I disobey his wishes. But, I want to make one thing clear. It would have been better if you were never born. My whole life has been horrible because of you deciding to go out on a trail ride and get your mom killed! And then mighty Totholain had to come rescue you both. Pathetic. I might not know a lot, but I do know one thing: stay out of my way. I would prefer if I never had to speak to you again."
"Humph. Fine with me. Totholain was the only one who ever loved me anyway, after my mother's murder."
"Oh, watch it, little girl. Totholain has his secrets, as do everyone else. You would be surprised at what he does know. He holds a power in him that has not been unveiled yet, but it will be soon." The Chief Guard picked up his bow and aimed it straight at Laurelin. It did not hold an arrow, but she felt her heart rise into her throat. "You mention one word of this to Thranduil, and I will have your head, I swear by your mother." He spun on his heel and stalked off. Laurelin felt her knees buckle and she fell to the floor, shaking uncontrollably.
"Great," she thought. "Thranduil has a lunatic as his Chief Guard. How much more controversy is there?"
****
Saris carefully selected the white gown that her mistress was to wear for her wedding that night. Laying it on Laurelin's bed, she went about the task searching for some perfect shoes. "She only has so many," the maid chuckled deeply to herself. "I wonder if there are more than fifty pairs in this cupboard?"
"Good-afternoon, Saris!" Laurelin's clear voice rang out. Saris turned around and bowed.
"My Lady, I was searching for some shoes to match your gown. Unfortunately, I have found none so far."
"Not to worry!" Laurelin sung happily. She placed a pair of white shoes on her bed.
"I asked Thranduil if I could borrow these. They were Legolas's mothers. Beautiful, don't you think?"
"Of course my Lady. They match very nicely. Now, should I do your hair now, or wait till the sun sets a little lower in the sky?"
Laurelin pondered about it a bit. "Why not, go ahead and do it now! May as well have it ready!" She sat down at her vanity as Saris began to brush her hair.
"Are you excited, my Lady?"
"You bet!" Saris laughed.
"I can guess why."
"Well, it's not just that. It is the fact that I'm actually, you know, getting married! And I can't wait to see Legolas in his outfit."
"He will look positively stunning, let me assure you. If there is anyone who can sweep you of your feet, it's Legolas. I remember one time when you were like, four and he was quite a tiny bit older. He made all of the maidens fall out of their chairs when he passed by, including you." Laurelin smiled at the image. She thought it would be extremely funny to see that happen again. She snapped out of it just in time to see that Saris was braiding her hair the wrong way.
"Wait. Don't braid them like that. Do it the other way." Saris looked startled.
"Um, what other way, my Lady?"
"You know. The way the Eldar wore their hair before the fall of Gil-galad."
"Oh. I am not sure if I can do that, but I will try." Laurelin nodded as Saris untied her hair.
"Thank you."
"Whatever makes you happy, my Lady."
When Saris had completed her hair, Laurelin sent her to find Totholain. "I have to tell him something," she explained to Saris. The maid curtsied and went to fetch him. Laurelin sat down on her bed and slowly stroked her wedding dress. "Well, Laurelin. There is no turning back now. Are you ready to do this?" she thought.
"Of course you are," Totholain finished for her. Laurelin snapped her head up.
"I wish you would stop doing that."
"Doing what?"
"Finishing my thoughts. Just because you have the extraordinary gift of reading minds does not give you the right to abuse the privilege."
"Little one, I am sorry. I did not mean to offend." Totholain looked positively horrified.
"Totholain, you know I was just kidding."
"Oh! Why of course! I just wanted to see if you caught on."
"Sure. Hey, I was wondering if you would do a favor for me."
"Of course. What is it?"
"My father and I are not on friendly terms at the moment, and I thought it would be better to ask you."
"Ask me what?"
"Would you like the honor of escorting me up the aisle?" Totholain's face lit up like a bright candle.
"I would love to, my little one," he said sincerely.
"Thank the Valar! I thought I would be stuck with the insane," she said, lowering her head.
"Thank you, Totholain. You have no idea how much this means to me." Totholain stepped forward to giver her a hug when Saris came bursting in.
"Pardon me, my Lady, but I believe that I have to put you in your gown. The celebration is about to begin! So my Lord, if you don't mind me saying, you might want to get down there immediately!" Totholain grinned at her impudence.
"I was just on my way." With a wave of his hand, he proceeded downstairs.
"Are you ready, my Lady?" Saris asked, picking up the gown.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Laurelin replied, stepping up to be fitted into her dress.
****
Laurelin walked slowly down the aisle, arm in arm with Totholain. Hundreds of faces were staring at her. She recognized Retkia's face in the crowd, and smiled nervously at her. Retkia gave her the thumbs up sign. She nodded and gripped a little tighter on to Totholain's elbow.
"This aisle is so long," she thought, tucking a stray lock of blond hair behind her ear. "It is just making me feel worse."
"You have nothing to fear," Totholain whispered.
His voice calmed her instantly and she took a deep breath. Attempting to concentrate on something else, she trained her eyes on Legolas's face, trying to see his reaction to her dress. When they drew closer, she could tell that Saris had picked the right one. He looked positively awed by it. She had to admit the outfit he was wearing made him appear almost. magical. When he glanced at her face, she dropped her eyes to the green carpet that blanketed the passageway. She didn't want him to think she was staring at him. Finally, after what seemed like an Age, they came up to the platform. Totholain let her go and stepped off to the side. She felt her sense of security leave her as Totholain took his place next to Thranduil. Gulping down nausea, she took Legolas's hand and stood across from him.
He smiled at her, trying to tell her that everything would be OK. He knew she was really tense and he did not blame her. He felt the same way. They stood staring at each other until the Healer said,
"We are ready to begin. Legolas, present her with the ring." Legolas stuck his hand in his pocket and withdrew a red velvet box. He opened it and placed the ring on her finger. Laurelin was amazed at its beauty. It had been crafted to form a jeweled rose, which glittered like a star under the lights.
"It looks like the rose in my room," she thought. "Now I understand."
"Okay. Now, I will ask of the crowd if anyone objects to this union of Prince Legolas and Lady Laurelin. Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Laurelin held her breath. All around her was dead silence. Totholain started to fidget in his chair, but Thranduil laid a reassuring had on his shoulder. "No," he uttered softly.
The Healer waited a few more moments. When no objections came, he said, "All right. Now, I am going to go over the vows with you. You first Legolas. After every sentence, say 'I do.' Understand?" Legolas nodded.
"Do you take Laurelin for your wife?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to love her for all eternity?"
"I do."
"To care for her even when in doubt?"
"I do."
"To never take advantage of her or use her?'
"I do."
"Do you promise to lay down your life for her?" " I do," Legolas said, with an emphasis on the 'do.' The Healer then turned to Laurelin.
" Do you take Legolas for your husband?"
" I do." Laurelin felt her heart go at ease. This was going to be easier than she thought.
"Do you promise to love him for all eternity?"
"I do."
"To care for him even when in doubt?"
"I do."
"To never take advantage of him or use him?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to lay down your life for him?" Laurelin hesitated. Something inside of her was telling her that if she married Legolas, it would end in tragedy. But as she looked in his blue eyes, she could not hurt him by saying no. She just couldn't. She knew she loved him.
"This is it," she told herself. "One more I do and then we are officially married." Laurelin pushed away the negative feelings and said with as much enthusiasm as she could conjure,
"I do!" The Healer slapped his book closed. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Prince Legolas, you may kiss the bride."
Legolas gently pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers. Laurelin closed her eyes and let her whole soul sink into the kiss. When they drew away, choruses of cheers rang out in the air.
Thranduil stood up and raised his hands to quiet the crowd. He then turned around and picked up a silver crown, the same crown Legolas's mother had worn in the picture.
"I proudly crown Lady Laurelin, the Princess of Mirkwood!" he said as he placed the crown on her forehead. Laurelin blinked away the tears of happiness as everyone stood and started to clap. She saw her father had even got up and was applauding. Retkia, Gabriel, and Lizule were standing on their chairs, their faces lit with admiration.
"Do you think it could get any better?" Legolas said to her as he gripped her hand a little more tightly. Laurelin giggled, knowing what he was thinking. " I am sure it will, my Lord, I am sure it will," she said as he escorted her to the reception. All she really wanted, though, was to get out of the palace and up to Legolas's bedroom. She could not believe how excited she was.
"This is going to be interesting," she thought mischievously to herself. "I can't wait!"