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The Golden Curtain: Chapter Seven.

The day honoured Esta and Legolas's 'union' with clear skies and a warm breeze. The previous night Esta had returned to her flet where Tirane had elaborated the details of the days to come. The ceremony was to be small, with very few guests, as no one knew the sham behind it, not even Legolas's father. An eagle had arrived at Legolas's flet not long after Esta had left, it bore a note from Thranduil. The entire Mirkwood Kingdom was in a frenzy over the Prince's sudden marriage, preparations for the celebration and parties had began immediately. Everyone was blind to the deceit in his or her mad rush of joy and every Elf in the Kingdom wanted to know who the lucky girl was.

Esta stood in her room as many maidens fluttered around her, getting measurements for her dress. Her dress was to be whiter than a dove's feather and as soft as a cloud. She was terrified of what was to come. She didn't want to be shipped off like a slave and had let Tirane know she was fully against the marriage. Tirane told her she wouldn't be forced to do anything but she should at least think of the baby. Esta wasn't a selfish person and she agreed that she would marry Legolas for the baby's sake.

Finally, after what seemed like eternity, the giggling women left to make the dress, which Galadriel had ordered to be ready by nightfall. Esta flopped into a chair, her back sore.

"How are you feeling?" Tirane asked as she walked into the room. A tear appeared in Esta's eye, she just couldn't image herself living the rest of her life as a charade.

"I don't want to marry him and I don't want to leave, why can't you come with me?" Esta broke down in tears; this was becoming all too regular to her. Tirane wrapped Esta in her arms and rocked her back and forth.

"Esta why can't you see the good in this?"

"Oh give it up, there is no good, you know it I know it the whole bloody world knows it!" Esta snapped her tears stopping and her ears pounding.

"Oh Esta, I would have thought you of all people would have jumped at the chance of marrying a Prince! Lord knows the only thing you want out of life is a crown" Tirane tried not to sound to harsh and was merely stating a fact. Esta's snivelling stopped as she contemplated what Tirane had said; A light went off in her head.

"I would have preferred my own crown but an Elven circlet sounds good" Esta laughed, finally she saw some benefit in the union.

"Don't let such power go to your head girl"

"Oh don't be such a nag, I would never abuse it"

"I find that hard to believe"

Esta's mouth gaped.

I'll show her and everyone just what kind of queen I can be

"Princess! I'm only going to be a Princess" Esta cried in horror.

"Only?! Esta you should be grateful for what you're being given, a baby, a home, a crown and a Prince as a husband!"

"Oh yeah, bloody grateful" Esta rolled her eyes.

"Promise me something?" Tirane asked her solemnly.

"What?"

"Promise that you won't forget me when your sitting your butt on that big comfy throne" Tirane grinned.

"I couldn't forget you old lady" Esta winked and jumped from Tirane's swatting hand.

Legolas had spent a good portion of the day alone. Finally everything had been sorted; all that was needed now was Esta. Legolas had though of going to see her but couldn't bring himself to do it and for that he was ashamed. What was he going to do once they were wed? Living arrangements had been made and of course all of Esta's belongings had been packed except for her necessities which were sent to Legolas's flet- where she would spend her final nights in Lothlorien. She would share a room with Legolas once they reached Mirkwood, that was to be expected, anything else would be suspicious, where they would go from there? Neither of them knew.

As the sun set Esta's stomach churned in anticipation. She refused to be done up like a doll and instead opted for a natural look. Her hair was left out with small white flowers decorating her long brown mane. The tailors had been working over time to get the wedding dress made. It fitted perfectly to Esta's frame, a long white tail behind her. Esta found herself admiring the piece of art in her reflection. She had a weakness for dresses of the finest fabrics and designs.

"Ugh! Get it together" Esta whispered to herself in an attempt to calm the butterflies. Slipping into her 'formal' format that she used as a defence to hide her true feelings, she walked from her room to find Tirane and Haldir waiting.

"You look beautiful Esta" Haldir said approvingly while Tirane nodded in agreement.

"Save it I'm not in the mood" Esta didn't want to talk she just wanted to get it over and done with. She walked out the door, her trail trailing behind. Haldir linked arms with Tirane and followed but not before giving each other a sad look.

Esta's heart thudded and blood rushed to her ears as she stood outside the doors that lead to the small garden where her and Legolas were to be married. Against her wishes, Tirane had waltz into the garden leaving Haldir and Esta behind the wooden doors. Esta wanted to run but before she could move Haldir grabbed her arm and literally dragged her through the door.

"Don't mess this opportunity up Esta"

Esta gulped as her face flushed and her eyes watered out of what could only be described as fear.

The garden was merely a clearing hidden behind tall walls and only accessible through two double doors. A small waterfall and stream were at one side while bushes, trees and an array of flowers littered the clearing. Small steps, draped in a lilac fabric, lead to a small Plato occupied by Celeborn and Legolas. Galadriel and Tirane sat on a small bench twiddling her thumbs nervously. She had no idea what Esta might do. Legolas gulped and his grip on the object in his hand tightened. Before anyone could speak the doors flung open and Haldir walked in. Esta felt like she was hiding behind his tall frame. Embarrassment and fear struck her body and she froze, watching in horror as Legolas came down from the podium and walked toward them. She felt Haldir remove his grasp from her and her hand tightened around him.

"Esta let go" Haldir tried to keep his voice from his friend who was fast approaching. Esta's lip trembled and she lost control of her thoughts and emotions. Tears began to leak from her eyes and she bruised Haldir's arm with her grip. Her 'formal' format forgotten as her head hung and her shoulders wracked.

Legolas frowned and regretted ever laying eyes on her. He would some how make it right. Taking her hands from Haldir he just stood there circling her palms with his thumbs, not knowing what to do. He felt so guilty and wanted to fix it. Bringing her palm to his lips his kissed them and made her look him in the eyes.

"This is for you" from his hands he pulled a heavy necklace. The chain was made of true silver and was decorated in a spectacle of red rubies that sparkled from every angle. Esta lifted her hair as Legolas fastened the necklace around her neck. It nestled on her chest perfectly and matched her white dress like it was made for is.

"Thank you" Esta still sniffled a few times but had managed to stop crying.

"Are you ready?" Legolas asked as he motioned toward Celeborn who stood patiently at the altar.

"Yes" Esta rubbed her nose and took Legolas's outstretched hand with hesitation.

Esta watched in a blur as Celeborn declared them husband and wife. Numb and cold she raised from her knees along with Legolas. Shocked that she had been, in theory, dead during the ceremony. She had missed it and was gladly thankful. Her hand in Legolas's she looked to Tirane wanting to go home. Reality hit her as she acknowledged that her home would be forever where Legolas was. A sad frown appeared on her face and she turned to look at Legolas as he lead her down from the Plato.

"Wh-what are we doing now?"

Legolas dreaded telling her.

"We are to retire to my quarters like all just married couples"

"And do what?" Esta asked dumbfounded. Was that how all marriages were ended? Retiring early in the night? Esta didn't understand.

"Don't be so naive Esta" Legolas hauled her down the steps to the bench where she could greet Tirane.

After saying goodnight to Galadriel and Celeborn Esta punched Haldir in the arm for being so hasty, and as he was about to hit her back she laughed and dove behind Legolas, shocking the Elf. Tirane had cried and cried some more and gave Esta some words of advice that she couldn't understand through her mumbling.

Legolas and Esta were escorted back to his flet by two guards. Legolas kept his hand on her back to guide her while Esta tried not to tremble. The tension was thick in the air that even the guards sensed it. Legolas was glad when they finally entered his flet, now theirs, and the guards left them. Legolas walked right while Esta stood in the door her face to the floor. Legolas noticed her dilemma.

"This flet is now ours use it as your own" His tone seemed bored as he poured himself a drink. Esta was bewildered that he didn't ask her if she would like one. Tapping her foot on the floor she attempted to gain his attention as she sat in his comfy chair, Esta still in the doorway. Her attempts were in vein as he continued to sip at his water. Esta gave up and walked into the flet looking for something to do.

"What are we meant to do?" Esta whined as she kicked the end of the bed.

Legolas laughed as he finished off his drink and rose from his chair.

"You really are naive aren't you?" Legolas laughed, obviously amused at Esta's question. Esta only stared at him annoyed that he wouldn't answer her question. Sighing Legolas came to stand in front of her and put his hands on either of her bare shoulders.

"What do you think a newly wed couple does after they return to their room?" Legolas closed his lips around hers to help her get the picture.

"I get it Legolas I don't need a demonstration" Esta pushed him off her, returning to her 'formal' format. Legolas laughed at how quickly she could go from a shy, blushing kitten to a feisty, say-anything wolf. Not wanting to make her angry anymore than she was he walked away and sat down in his chair that faced the room.

Esta loved the dress; it was truly beautiful she just didn't like the trail as it halted her movements. Angry, annoyed, sexually frustrated and wanting to get revenge on Legolas she turned her back to him. Reaching down she gathered the trail in her hands while Legolas watched in interest. Pulling the dress up she slipped it over her head teasingly and walked to the bedside where she took the ruby chain from her neck and left it on the table. Legolas knew she could be bold but had not expected such a thing from her. He, once more, rose from his chair as she slipped under the covers of the bed. Walking over he sat on the edge of the bed and stared at her as she lay on her stomach, her face away from him.

"That was an invitation if I ever saw one" Legolas slowly nipped at her bare back causing rage to boil within Esta.

"It wasn't an invitation Legolas" Esta rolled over to face him making sure the covers were secured against her chest.

"Oh so you always sleep in the nude?" A sly smile slowly crept onto Legolas's face.

"Yes, now go away" Esta lied and pulled the covers over her arms and tried to turn over.

"Ugh! Legolas get off the blankets- ow" Esta clamped at her stomach in pain.

"What's wrong?" Legolas's voice turned serious.

"Nothing-just stomach pains" Esta elevated her stomach off the bed by leaning on her elbows. That position had always worked for her before.

"Are you ok?" Legolas watched, a little distraught and at a loss of what to do.

"I'm fine, it passes, I just want to sleep"

"Of course, and as pretty as these flowers are I don't appreciate plants in the bed" Legolas laughed as he began to strip Esta's hair of the white flowers.

"Done" Legolas stated as Esta collapsed under the puffy sheets.

"Good night"

"Night" Legolas prepared for bed and as he slid in next to Esta he laid rigid, afraid to move.

Esta tried to diminish the tension by making herself comfortable. Legolas found it hard to sleep that night as his mind replayed what a newly wed couple was meant to do on their wedding night.

Legolas saved Esta from any embarrassing moments by leaving the flet early in the morning before she woke. Today was there last day in Lothlorien and Legolas assumed she would want to spend it with Tirane so he spent the day helping with the clearing of the camp.

Esta awoke to find an empty flet and was grateful, she did not want Legolas to see her nude backside anymore than what was necessary. She spent all day with Tirane and Haldir. She didn't have any friends in Lorien, only Haldir. He always stood up for her when some of the other Elves would look at her in disgust, they weren't exactly accepting of her sudden arrival in Lorien those many years ago. That was one thing she was happy for, her new title would mean she expected respect from anyone and everyone, no one would dare look down at her again. She would miss Galadriel and Celeborn, as they had been so kind to her even though she was such a brat to them. Tirane had told her she was to old to be moved and Esta had told her to stop being lazy. Esta really wanted Tirane to be with her but she wouldn't leave Lorien much to Esta's dismay. Esta spent the last hours before she had to return to Legolas's flet at the lake, against Haldir's advice of course. Her feet dipped in the water and her back leaning on Manilla's fat stomach. She just wondered abut her uncertain future and for once in her life she thought of what it would be like to be a mother- a real mother, she wanted to be there for her baby like Tirane was for her.

Life with Legolas, it can't be to bad? Esta now turned her thoughts to living with Legolas as his wife.

No doubt he'll expect all those 'privileges' from his wife Esta sneered.

(A/N: I had trouble writing this chapter that's why it's sorter than usual. But I am soo glad now, we are finally going to Mirkwood! I have a few questions for anymore who is knowledgeable in Middle Earth: 1- Does anyone know how an Elven wedding goes and how they celebrate? 2- How dot he Elves in Mirkwood live? In tree's like Lothlorien? Or in underground caves? I've heard many different things and I'm confused. Or does anyone know where I could find this info? Any help is appreciated :D )

REVIEWERS:

Sparkzi: I will keep on writing as long as you keep on reviewing =)

White-magic09: Thank you so much! I do like to write but I enjoy creating stories more ;D

Ellmarr: Heres the next chapter!

DesolateAnzVamp: I'm glad to know you like reading this :)

The one that hates bunnies: I am so sorry! haha I try to write lemon but I just can't! LOL I think I am just to immature to do it ;)

Lindzie: Thank you, I hope you like the chapter as I didn't feel it was substantial :(

obfiles reviewers:

Emily: THANK yOU! your so sweet ;)

Lily: I didn't know you were still reading! I haven't talked to you in ages! Keep reading though ;) I had you in mind when I wrote that fish part haha!

Mari: Ok.. I AM SOO SORRy! I know I take longer than other authors on obfiles to update and for that I am sorry! I am expecting to spice up the sexual tension and competition when we get to Mirkwood ;)

THANK yOU