**Chronicle of the Fourth Age, Part 4**
1446/26 was the year that Failon fell in love with Ẻowyn's daughter Silivren. He often left the wood early in the morning to visit her at her parent's home. Faramir kept a close eye on the couple, but could find no fault in Miranda's son. Ẻowyn was pleased to see them together, but Faramir was concerned.
"He is the son of your cousin," he said.
"Miranda is kin, but it is distant enough," Ẻowyn said. "They are happy together and I can find no reason to deny him when he asks for her hand."
Faramir reluctantly agreed with his wife, and Ẻowyn smiled for it was obvious what his problem was. "You are afraid of losing her."
Faramir sighed for she was right. "He will marry her and take her far away to Lorien or Rivendell."
"Perhaps not," she said. "His family has settled here among the Elves from the north. Even the sons of Elrond have made this their home."
Faramir was not happy with the thought of losing his daughter, but it was obvious she loved the young Elf. Failon had not spoken to him yet, but it would only be a matter of time.
*****
One day, in early summer, Failon rose early and waited to speak to his father. Haldir had been waiting for Failon to gain the courage to speak to him, and was not surprised to see him.
Good morning, son," Haldir said as he stepped out into the sunshine. "It will be a fine day, why are you still hanging around the house?"
Failon shifted from foot to foot nervously and then he took a deep breath and spit it out, "I wish to marry, and I seek your blessing."
Haldir narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Faramir's daughter?" Haldir asked. "But she is mortal. Do you understand the choice you are making?"
"I understand," he said quietly. Then he looked at his father and found the courage to say what was on his mind. "Did you not also make such a choice before you learned that mother was immortal?"
Haldir cocked a brow at his son's boldness. "I did, but there will be no such surprises for you. Lady Silivren is the daughter of a good man, but he is a man. She will live a short span of years, aging as men do and then she will die. You may not die with her, for your mother is not an Elf… I just do not know. But I know you will watch her die. If you want advice about that, go speak to Elladan."
Failon closed his eyes and cringed at the thought, but all he could see was Silivren's face. In his mind he could hear her singing and then she smiled at him. It would not matter what Elladan had to say. His mind was made up.
"I would wed with the Prince's daughter," Failon said. "Please give me your blessing."
Haldir paused a moment and turned just in time to see Miranda step out and walk over to stand beside him. He worried about her thoughts, and if she would agree with his decision.
"He wants to marry Silivren?" she asked.
Haldir nodded, "I was going to give him my answer."
"It is your choice, Haldir, but I will say this. Not until now did I fully understand the sorrow of Elrond. But I also understand love. If your father grants it, you have my blessing as well."
Failon hugged his mother and then looked at Haldir expectantly.
"Gain her father's favor, my son; you already have mine," Haldir said.
Failon bowed respectfully, "Thank you." Then he ran to the stable to saddle his horse and ride to Emyn Arnen to speak to the Prince.
*****
Faramir and Ẻowyn received him in the main hall, and Silivren joined Failon before them. Faramir had dreaded this day, but now that the young Elf stood before him, he realized there was no reason to fear.
"What is your petition, Failon," Faramir asked. "Your family has great favor in this house and I am full willing to grant it if it is in my power."
"My lord, Faramir, I have come to ask for a gift that is close to your heart," Failon said. "I do love your daughter with all my heart, and ask for her hand in marriage."
Faramir looked at Silivren who looked at him pleadingly. "Daughter do you love this Elf?"
"Yes, father," she said.
Faramir glanced at Ẻowyn who just smiled and nodded.
"Then you are hereby betrothed according to custom," Faramir said. "You shall wed next spring."
Failon bowed respectfully and led Silivren into the courtyard where he kissed her under the shade of the birch trees. "Your father is generous," he whispered to her.
"He likes you," she said. "His only worry is that you will take me away from here."
"We will remain in the forest among the wood Elves," he said. "I will build you a fine house and we will raise our family but a short ride from the city."
"Then you will have to teach me more Sindarin so I will be able to talk to everyone," she said with a smile as she hugged him.
"You will learn," he said as he bent down and kissed her brow. "I must leave you for a time in your father's keeping, but I will return to visit soon."
"Do not stay away too long," she said as he mounted up.
"I could not stay away, fair Silivren, I would die of broken heart without you."
He returned to the wood and immediately set to work building a house, set firmly on the ground. His brothers and Dairwen found house building to be a common duty of late, but pitched in happily. Haldir was even seen helping now and then.
Faramir had heard about the project and rode out to see for himself one day. It was a large house as far as Elf dwellings go, and well constructed. Elf craftsman are very skilled, and Failon had enlisted the help of the most gifted in the forest. Legolas saw Faramir ride up and he left his work to go and meet him.
"Come to see your daughter's new home?" Legolas asked.
"And to visit," Faramir said. "I am impressed with the speed with which you build." He dismounted and the pair walked around the house for a closer look. "I see she will be well cared for."
"Marriages between Elves and Men used to be rare, but now it is becoming common," Legolas said.
Faramir nodded, "I am pleased with the alliances we have made, yours is a noble people."
"It is rare for Elves to live so close to men, but here we have found peace in this wood. Your daughter's marriage to Failon is a welcome bond between Emyn Arnen and the wood," Legolas said.
Failon joined them and greeted Faramir. "Welcome, my Lord, you honor me with this visit."
"I am honored to be gaining so fine a son-in-law. Take a day off some time and come visit your betrothed, she misses you."
Failon laughed and bowed, "I will."
Faramir nodded and then glanced at Legolas and gave him a wink. Legolas just smiled and Faramir returned to the city.
Failon looked at Legolas, "What did he say?"
"He likes the house, and I think he is pleased with his daughter's choice."
Failon sighed in relief and returned to work.
*****
The year 1447/27 brought a grandchild to Miranda and Haldir. Lalaith gave birth to their first child in January, a son, and called him Alasseo, which means Joyful. He was a beautiful child with golden blonde hair and eyes that were a unique mixture of his father's and mothers… a light blue-green. He was his father's pride and his mother's joy…thus the name. Lalaith's brothers and sisters were thrilled with their new nephew and were often found gathered around the trunk of the tree house playing with him.
*****
As Faramir promised, in early spring, he hosted a wedding feast for Failon and Silivren. Aragorn and his family attended, and Ẻomer and his family attended. Miiriel was disappointed that Eldarion was still gone for she had thought of him often over the past couple of years, though she would deny it.
Elfwine, Ẻomer's son was now seventeen, and he was immediately charmed by Anvanime's beauty. Arwen noticed the attraction he had for her daughter, and that it appeared to be mutual. During the feast, they sat together and seemed to get along quite well. Nárello, as the oldest of Miranda's sons had always maintained the responsibility of looking after his brothers and sisters. He spared little thought for love as Lalaith and now Failon had, but then he saw Izabel walk into the hall and his breath caught in his throat. He had been friends with her since they were babies, he saw her every day, and yet he never really saw her at all. She wore a pale blue elvish gown that accentuated her curves and lit up her blue eyes. Her golden brown hair was a pile of curls on her head, and she looked at him and smiled.
Nárello met her by the door and offered her his arm. She smiled and took it and he led them to a table. "You are looking beautiful this evening," he said in admiration.
"It is an important occasion," she said with a smile. "Your brother is getting married to a princess."
"There is no princess in all of Middle Earth as beautiful as you, Izabel," Nárello said. "It is strange that I have not told you that before."
"You were always the serious one on your family," Izabel said. "You rival your father for the title of most grim."
"My father is not grim," Nárello protested. "He is a deep thinker."
"Fine, you win," Izabel said with a laugh. "Nárello, most grim Elf in his family…"
Nárello hung his head for he had no argument. He was often grim, always on guard and carrying responsibility for his siblings. Miiriel was always quick to put him in his place, but he'd never heard Izabel scold him before. "Am I that bad?"
"You are that good," Izabel said. "You think of everyone else first, but you need to spare a thought for yourself once in a while. Look around you, your brothers and sisters are grown. They can take care of themselves."
Nárello looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes. "I would take care of you, fair Izabel. Would you have a serious Elf like me for a husband?"
"I would," Izabel said with a mischievous smile. "Perhaps one day a serious Elf will ask it of me."
Nárello kissed her hand and smiled, "Perhaps indeed."
*****
After the feast, Failon rode out of the city on a white horse. Silivren sat before him, and they crossed the green fields at a light pace. They came to the edge of the wood and Failon slowed his horse to a walk. He whispered in his bride's ear.
"I bring my fair bride into the realm of the wood elves of the far north. It is your new home, and you are most welcome here among the Elves. This path leads to our house, my love," Failon said softly.
They continued deep into the wood and then came into a clearing. There was a fine house before her and she could see another path that led to the Elf settlement just beyond it. Failon dismounted and then lifted her down.
"There is your new home," he said with a smile. "Many hands helped to build it, but none with as much love as mine."
"It is a beautiful house," she said. "Where is your family's home?"
Failon nodded toward the other path, "A short walk through the wood, by the stream. The settlement is there as well. Tomorrow we can visit them." She gasped in surprise when he picked her up and cradled her in his arms and Failon just laughed. "Elvish custom, carry the bride into her new house."
He ascended the steps onto the terrace that wrapped around the entire house. He nudged the door open with his foot and set her down. He lit the lamps and then turned to see what she thought of the place. The main room was large and had a large table and chairs.
Silivren smiled and pointed at it, "Such a large table?"
"I have a big family, the table is a gift from my parents," Failon said.
He led her to their bedroom and smiled proudly. He'd put a lot of work into the furnishings with the help of a master craftsman in the settlement. There were two large wardrobes elaborately carved in the Lorien Mallorn leaf design. In the center of the room was a large plush bed. There was a garland of flowers draped over the headboard, and Silivren smiled.
"It is a very fine house," she said and then kissed him.
Failon unclasped the brooch at her breast and let the cloak fall from her shoulders. He shed his own cloak and jacket and led her to the bed. Silivren smiled at how timidly he reached for the ties on her bodice. He was a strong and confident elf, yet he suddenly seemed unsure of himself. She untied her gown and removed it for him. She was not ashamed, but she blushed despite herself. Failon quickly removed his boots and clothes, and then blushed as well. They stood staring at each other a moment before Silivren suddenly laughed.
Failon's eyes doubled in size and he looked at her in surprise, "Is this a time to laugh?"
"Just look at us, we are too shy to even move," she said with a smile, and Failon laughed with her.
He lifted her into his arms and kissed her hungrily. "I'll show you shy," he said teasingly and carried her to bed.
His brave words were soon lost as he gazed at her in wonder. She was so beautiful, and he would not rush their first joining. In the hours that followed, they explored each other's bodies with reverence and love. Failon was gentle and patient until finally he felt she was ready. He positioned himself and looked into her eyes questioningly. She smiled at him and he took that as her consent. He plunged into her in one swift stroke and nearly jumped when he felt her tear. He stilled instantly and buried his head in her hair.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I was too eager."
"No, it is always that way for a maid the first time," she said. "Did your father not explain it to you?"
Failon frowned, "It must have slipped his mind." He looked into her eyes and she smiled at him.
"I am fine," she said. "Shall we continue?"
Failon closed his eyes and kissed her. He thought his heart would burst, he loved her so much. He made love to her slowly and gently and when they reached the climax of pleasure together, he collapsed in her arms. When his breathing returned to normal he looked into her eyes and she was crying.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked nervously.
"No," she said with a smile. "These are tears of joy."
The days that followed were devoted to unpacking Silivren's things and setting up housekeeping. Failon had not expected her to keep house, but she was a wonderful cook and quite at home tending house. The Elves were impressed by her quiet giving nature. Her door was always open to visitors and there was always food for the unexpected guest. Faramir and Ẻowyn visited the wood often and the friendship between the wood elves and Gondor grew stronger.