A/N…I hear wedding bells!

Chapter 14 - Of Paupers and…Paupers
"Home, Again"

Lianna and Legolas slept easy that night, wrapped in each other's arms, convinced the worst was over. The morning actually looked good to them. They gathered their things and made their way outside, hand in hand.

The departure was bittersweet for Legolas. On one hand he'd get to live peacefully with his love for eternity, but on the other hand, he'd have to live in Rivendell, not his home. Not that Rivendell was so terrible. He just loved the trees and the Elves and everything about Mirkwood. But, sacrifices must be made. So, he held his head high as they walked out into the sunlight to get their horses.

But what he saw there was so amazing it stopped him in his tracks. Lianna as well. There must have been close to all of Mirkwood there to see them off. Some were there just to say to their children that they were there the day Prince Legolas left Mirkwood behind with his pauper fiancé. Others were there to catch a last, sad look at their Prince before he left for good.

Lianna's eyes nearly threatened to spill tears as she saw the love she was taking him away from. But, he squeezed her hand and they walked down the steps into the crowd. Some Elves cheered for him one last time, and reached out to touch him, while others hung back and shook their heads disapprovingly.

They mounted their horses and waved as they began to trot off. Lianna thought she caught a glimpse, out of the corner of her eye, the old elleth that had kissed her hand so many days ago. But, as she turned to see her, there was no one there at all. Lianna sighed and rode off after Legolas.

Their journey back went by just as quick as their journey there. About halfway to their destination, Lianna quipped unexpectedly, "Do you realize that this is the fourth time we've traveled this path together?"

Legolas just smiled and nodded.

A few days later, they rode back through the gates of Rivendell. Lianna's heart was light as a feather. They were home. For good. She and Legolas went to the Clearwater's house to get her things. She'd be staying with Legolas in the palace until they built a house of their own. Oh yes, a lot of things had been decided upon in their time traveling.

Of course, Reuben and Silvegil were particularly interested in Lianna's dialogue with King Thranduil. As she recited it to them, they offered various ooh's and aah's at their sister's bravery.

Once they finished telling the tale of their latest adventure, Lianna and Legolas moved into the palace. Legolas always stayed in the same room. Ever since his first visit to Rivendell. Lianna knew it well. There had been many a time she'd sneak through his window to talk with him late into the night. It never ceased to amuse Arwen and the twins how childish the two seemed together. Legolas, a near three thousand year old sneaking a friend in through his window.

It didn't matter much to them, though. If it had, they wouldn't be where they are now, moving in the same palace room, to be wed.

They paused their bustling when a knock was heard at the door. Lianna yelled to enter, and almost instantaneously, Arwen walked in. She had this big, stupid grin on her face when she saw her two friends. She immediately rushed to Lianna and hugged her quickly, then moved to Legolas to do the same thing.

Then, she stood back and pushed them close together, so they were side by side. She backed up and clapped her hands together under her chin with a sigh, never losing her big grin. Lianna simply raised a brow, and Legolas chuckled.

"Good to see you, Arwen." He said.

"You have no idea. You're moving in together! Then you're going to get married, and you're going to live in a house all of your own." She said excitedly. Legolas laughed

"Yes, Arwen, we knew that already."

"I just find it so hard to believe. I mean, just a few months ago, Lianna was just your best friend. And now, you're getting married." She sighed sadly. "Promise me nothing will change. You both will still be my best friends, right?"

"We promise." Lianna stated, and moved about to finish settling in.

Arwen flopped on their bed and watched them for a while. Then, all of a sudden, she said, "Can I help plan your wedding?" Lianna shrugged and looked to Legolas, who also shrugged, and said,

"Sure."

Two Months Later

They wed on a Tuesday. The 26th of June. Arwen was hardly seen in the days before. If she was, it was but a streak rushing across the hallway yelling at numerous servants to make sure the linens were being cut right and the flowers were in the right arrangements. Lianna and Legolas really couldn't have cared less about the linens or the flowers. The most important thing was that both of them were there with their loved ones.

Actually, Lianna did care about one other thing. Her dress. It had to be just right. So, she and Arwen went to Miss Tunya's Dress Shoppe and sought out the perfect gown. Four hours later, they came out with the most beautiful dress in the place. It was white and smooth, sleeveless, with a silver band low around the hips. Under the band, the skirt puffed out under a layer of smooth white silk. Arwen nearly cried when she saw her try it on.

Lianna gave Arwen some guidelines for the ceremony. It was to be outside, under a weaved arch, with ivy and white flowers. And that was all she gave her to work with. But that was all Arwen needed. She could be very creative when she wanted to.

The day was sunny, as Lianna prayed it would be, when she and Legolas woke up that morning. She kissed his cheek and said, "We marry today." He kissed her cheek right back and got up to get ready.

Legolas dressed while Lianna washed, and went to wait with Aragorn. He needed to talk to him.

"I am terrified." He stated simply when he found Aragorn in his room. The ranger smiled and patted his friend's back, as they went to seek out some breakfast.

Meanwhile, three servants helped Lianna into her dress and brushed her hair. They swept it up and twisted it in the back. Her bangs were left down and all swept to one side. Small white flowers were placed randomly throughout her hair, and Lianna nodded in approval when they stepped back to admire their work.

She slid on thin white slippers and picked up the bouquet of lilies that lay on her table. Taking a deep breath, she walked slowly across the room, practicing. She didn't want to trip or anything when the real thing came about.

Arwen came in, looking very beautiful. The sky blue dress brought out her eyes, and flowed over her body. Her face appeared calm and collected. It was just a façade, though. She began scrutinizing Lianna, smoothing down her dress and such. Lianna protested, of course, but Arwen ignored her, and squirted some perfume around. Lianna thought it was more of something to do rather than something she really needed.

Lianna's hands started shaking by the time her father got to her room and started leading her outside. Belegûr simply patted her hand and reassured her it would be okay. It didn't help her much, but she was thankful he tried, anyway.

They walked into the sunlight, and Lianna's breath was nearly taken away. Arwen had done a beautiful job with the setting. The grass looked especially green this morning, and about 50 white chairs were set up on either side of the path Lianna was to take. The path itself was lined with white and red petals that led up to the black arch, which was woven with ivy and lilies.

But when her eyes landed on Legolas, just standing there looking so handsome, her hands stopped shaking, and her heart felt as if it stopped beating. She could tell he had been nervous too, since the bottom of his tunic was wrinkled from him playing with it. But now, he stood perfectly still, just looking her up and down with a small smile on his face. Lianna smiled back, and let her father lead her up to him.

He was wearing a white tunic and leggings with silver trim. All the people disappeared as Lianna stood close to him. But she heard Elrond speak.

"Legolas Thranduilion and Lianna Clearwater shall this day be…" And he went on, but neither really listened. They looked into each other's eyes, and realized the magnitude of the day. This was the first day of the rest of their lives together. It filled Lianna with an indescribable feeling. Utter completeness, even more intense than the first night she spent with him.

Legolas heard Elrond stop speaking, and took his cue. He spoke,

"Lianna, I loved you since the moment I met you. The years I spent so close to you were the happiest of my life. Just seeing your face, and hearing your voice gives me the best kind of fullness. You are my other half, and I couldn't live without you."

Aragorn, who was standing behind Legolas and gave him the ring, which he slid easily on Lianna's finger. He held onto her hand as she spoke,

"Legolas, we've done everything together. From mischief to travels, you've always been there for me. We helped each other make it through bad times, and for that experience, life is more beautiful because we know how much worse it could have been. Everything looks brighter after you've been in the dark. You are my soul mate, and I need you with me every day. I love you."

Arwen, the super-Elf that she is, doubled as Lianna's maid of Honor. She gave Lianna the plain silver band to slide on Legolas's finger. Elrond smiled and raised his hands.

"May the bonds of love hold you in peace and happiness for all eternity. Kiss your bride."

Legolas took her face in his hands and kissed her lips softly. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back.

Applause erupted, and Lianna remembered they had an audience. She didn't really know what happened next, it was all sort of a blur. Maybe it was her tear filled eyes, or the intense, overwhelming feelings she felt, but all she did was grin and let Legolas lead her. The next thing she knew, they were back in her room.

Lianna jumped up and down and spun around singing, "I go-ot married, I go-ot married." Legolas took her hands and twirled her. He held her close and kissed her deeply.

"So, what do you want to do for the rest of your life?"

She made like she was thinking real hard, then smiled up at him, "Live…just live."

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A/N…was that ending alright? And what did you think of the wedding? A little corny, maybe? Oh well, it's okay. They're married now and that's all that matters.

I know I made the Elf wedding a lot like a human wedding, but I did make some little differences, too.

And I know Elves did not pass their second names to their children, so it is incorrect to say 'the Clearwater family' but I don't care. I realized my mistake after it was too late, so you'll have to deal with it.

Loz-179 - Thanks bunches!

Vampire Feuer - Aw thanks! And yes, of course more adventure!!

Libby - Thank you for that. And I must say, I agree.

Artria - lol, yeah Thranduil was a bit more subdued this time. But don't get me wrong, he still was incredibly upset. And yes, the next chapter is loaded with drama and obstacles and such.

TPfan333 - You review really quick! Thanks!

Love ya's! Review!
-Austin B.