Disclaimer:  I own nada!

Author's Note:  Ok, I'm writing this on July 22, one day after I posted the previous chapter, and I got ELEVEN reviews in ONE DAY!  Usually, I hope for just ten reviews in one week!  That's amazing!  That just trills me!  I had no idea that my little complaint would have such an effect!  Wow, this is cool!  Thank you guys for showing so much support!  I'm smiling right now and I can't stop because it's so sweet.  I'm touched.  Thank you guys so much!  I love you all! 

PS:  Have a look at my Personal thing section for a surprise!

((((((((((((((((((((Chapter 8)))))))))))))))))))))

Eressa watched with widening eyes as plate after plate of glorious smelling food was set in front of her.  Legolas sat across from her on the King's right side, watching her with growing delight.  He threw a light smile at her from across the table overflowing with food. 

"Dig in, Legolas, dig in!"  The King urged his son. 

Legolas smiled at his father and began to eat.  Around them, Lord Elrond and his sons and foster son eat hungrily as well.  But Eressa hesitated, staring at her place. 

Is this how I'm going to eat everyday for the rest of my life?  She wondered.  I'll be a big round woman by the time I'm thirty!

Suddenly the King spoke to her.  "My dear Eressa, please, eat!"

Legolas looked up from taking a bite of his food.  Eressa's mouth hung open. 

"Uh…King Thranduil, I would gladly eat, but there is so much I don't know what to eat first!"  She excused as best as she could.

Legolas set his fork down and raised an eyebrow, then turned to his father.  "Ada, you must excuse Eressa.  She wasn't treated so richly where she came from.  She is still getting used to it."

The King nodded and seemed to understand.  "I see.  But tell me, Legolas, where did you find your young bride?  Tell me what happened to you."

Legolas blinked and frowned.  "It is not a thing to be discussed over dinner, father.  I shall tell you later if you wish.  But please, not now.  Not while I'm so happy."

Thranduil frowned and nodded.  "As you wish, my son.  We shall discuss merrier things.  Such as…when you wish to be married."

Eressa's breath hitched in her throat at the word 'married'.  She looked across the food-filled table at her fiancé.  She couldn't believe she was really going to be married to Legolas.  It was a dream too good to be true. 

"I would like it to be soon," She spoke up.  "If that's not too much trouble."

Legolas laughed.  "Too much trouble!  Of course we're going to be married soon, Eressa!"

Eressa smiled.  "I don't know how elves handle weddings.  Back when I was a child, people where I lived couldn't afford a proper marriage.  So they just jumped over a broomstick and that was their marriage ceremony."

"Quite interesting," The King said.  "But I can assure you that you will not have to jump over sticks of any kind at this wedding."

"I will have to explain it to you, Eressa."  Legolas piped in.  "Elven weddings are traditionally performed in Quenya, so it would be hard for you to follow."

"Quenya?"  Eressa inquired.

"It's another form of elvish."  Lord Elrond explained to her, for he was seated to her left.  "It is not used much more except for weddings and poetry."

"I see."  Eressa replied.

"Here in Mirkwood, the father of the groom performs the ceremony."  Legolas said, turning towards the King with a grin.  "So I guess that means you, Ada."

"I suppose it does, Legolas!"  The King chuckled.  "So, when do you wish to be married?"

Legolas and Eressa stared at each other from opposite sides of the table.  Eressa shrugged slightly, and Legolas nodded.  They both understood each other and what they both wanted.

"How soon could we be married, at the very earliest, Father?"  Legolas asked.

"In a hurry now, are we?"  Elladan called from down the table.  He, Elrohir, and Estel's chuckles were silenced by a stern look from Elrond.

"I would have to say…two days."  The King guessed.  "But don't hold me to that.  I'll have to consult with the seamstresses and the tailors about Eressa's dress."

"My dress?"  She asked.  "It will take that long?"

"Eressa, the bride's wedding dress is most carefully made.  It has to be one of the most beautiful garments made."  Legolas said to her with a wink.  "And yours will be absolutely stunning on you."

Eressa blushed, embarrassed.  The King smiled and nodded.

"Quite right, Legolas."  He said.  "But…we are letting all this food sit here and get cold.  Come, let's eat.  There will be a dance after dinner, and all of Mirkwood has been invited."

Eressa's head shot up.  "Dance?"  She asked with a hint of fear. 

I don't know how to dance…how am I ever going to fit in?  She panicked.

"Eressa, don't worry.  I'll teach you how to dance."  Legolas offered. 

Elrohir's voice floated over to them.  "You'll teach her?  Legolas…you shouldn't subject Eressa to that sort of cruelty."

Legolas shot his friend a look.  "I might not be the best dancer, but I can do it."  He said, playing along.

"If Legolas cannot teach you to dance, I'm sure Lord Elrond would be honored to."  The King said with a warm smile.

Lord Elrond cleared his throat and wiped his mouth with his napkin.  "Thranduil, I think we'll both agree that I am much to old to be teaching dance."

"Nonsense, father!"  Estel said.  "You can dance much better than any elf in Rivendell, including Elladan and Elrohir, and they're your own sons."

"Hey!"  The twins shouted in unison. 

Legolas laughed and looked over at Eressa, who was watching the brothers at the other end of the table bicker with amusement in her eyes.  When she felt his eyes on him, she turned to face him.

"You'll learn to dance, Eressa."  He assured her.  "No matter who teaches you."

Eressa lowered her eyelids and smiled at him.  It was the look she used when she silently wanted to tell him that she loved him.  "Thank you, Legolas."

"You're welcome, Melamin."  The elf prince answered.

Elladan broke away from his brothers' argument to look at Legolas and Eressa, staring into each other's eyes like two persons about to get married should.  It warmed his heart, and he smiled brightly and raised his glass. 

"I propose a toast!"  He announced.  "To Legolas and Eressa, may their marriage be blessed!"

Eressa watched as everyone at the table raised their glasses of dark red wine.  Legolas picked his glass up gingerly and raised it up and towards her. 

"To us, Eressa."  He said with a loving smile.

Eressa blinked and in turn raised her glass.  She smiled.

"To us."

(((((((((((((((((((((((

Legolas stood impatiently, surrounded by his friends and servants.  They were all chattering excitedly, but he wasn't paying any attention.  He tapped his foot on the floor to the rhythm of the lively music that was playing, waiting for it to end.

Eressa was in the middle of the dance hall, twirling about with Elrohir at her side.  Legolas frowned a little but then shook his head and smiled at his jealousy.  It was Woodelf tradition before a wedding that the groom let any other elf dance with his bride-to-be, as long as they asked.  And his friends were taking advantage of that.

He gazed at his lover as she carefully copied the movements of those around her.  Lord Elrond had indeed given her some dancing tips before the celebration had started, and she had learned quickly.  Despite her pregnancy, she was becoming quite the spirited dancer.

Legolas sighed and was about to grab another glass of fine wine off a servant's tray when he felt a strong arm slip around his shoulders.

"Trust me, Legolas, you're not going to dance with her tonight."  A familiar voice said.  It was Hathol.  There was a glass of wine in his free hand.

Legolas turned and smiled at his friend in annoyance.  "Yes, I figured so much."

Hathol leaned on his friend lightly as he gestured around the room.  "You've got the whole kingdom here."  He said.  "How many years has it been since I've seen a party of this sort?  I don't know."

"It's been a long while for me as well."  Legolas chimed in.  "I keep thinking that I'm in a dream and I'll wake up and all this will suddenly be gone."

Hathol lowered his eyebrows and then laughed.  "You need to drink some more wine."

Legolas chuckled. "I suppose I do.  But tell me, Hathol, how has Mirkwood's defenses held against foes while I was gone?"

Hathol shrugged.  "Nothing out of the ordinary.  More spiders though."

"Funny, we didn't see a single one when we passed through the forest to get here."  Legolas murmured.

"That is peculiar."  Hathol said without much concern.  He twirled the dark red liquid in his glass.  "But I have to say that, no, there hasn't been any threat in Mirkwood since you were gone." 

The elf paused, and his eyes saddened.  "Unless you count searching for you and your brother."

"That was a threat?"

"No, I was mistaken, hardly a threat."  Hathol waved his hand.  "But your Father did send more than half of my soldiers out looking for you."

"Hathol, who found him?"  Legolas asked carefully. 

"You mean Ithilion?"

"Yes.  Who found his body and the others' bodies after I had been captured?" 

Hathol sighed, shook his head and didn't answer. 

Legolas blinked and understood in an instant. "It was you, Hathol?"

"Yes."

"So you saw what he did to himself, then."  Legolas confirmed. 

"He killed himself."  Hathol answered. "To save his honor."

"Yes."  Legolas nodded.  "Hathol…do you think me a coward?"

"Why would I think you a coward, Legolas?"  Hathol asked, surprised.

Legolas looked at him, shocked because his friend didn't know.  "Why?  Because I allowed myself to become captured…because I was too afraid to die for honor."

Hathol unwrapped his arm from Legolas's shoulders and looked at him seriously.  "Legolas, I don't think you're a coward.  In fact, I think you're the exact opposite."

"But my honor…the traditions…"

"The traditions are ancient and outdated."  Hathold interrupted.  "What I believe is that…you were brave enough to keep on living.  You were brave enough to find your way back to us.  You didn't just give up.  Not like what Ithilion did."

"Ithilion was…always obsessed with honor."  Legolas remembered.  "He thought it had to be that way or else he wouldn't become a good King once his time had come."

"Now it is you whom that responsibility belongs to."  Hathol added.

"You're not helping, Hathol."

"Sorry…but that's not the point, Legolas."  Hathol explained.  "You came back to us.  You're father…he…was dying.  He was dying because he thought he had lost both his sons."

Hathol looked up at Legolas and smiled.  "But you came back…you gave him his son back."

"But only one son."

"True, but instead of another son, you brought him a daughter."  Hathol glanced across the crowded dance hall at Eressa, who was still dancing with Elrohir.  "And soon you'll bring him a grandchild."

Legolas blinked and his heart gripped to Hathol's words.  He turned his eyes and smiled at his friend.  "Hathol, it is not giving you enough credit just to say you're an excellent warrior.  You're also a very good friend.  Thank you."

With that, the music ended, and the band prepared to play their next piece.  Legolas eagerly looked over to see where Eressa was.  Maybe this time he could finally catch a dance with her.  Eressa happily bounced over to them.

Hathol bowed and greeted Eressa kindly before turning back to his friend, a smirk on his face.  "No, I think I should thank you, Legolas."  He said, before offering Eressa his hand.  "Care to dance, Lady Eressa?"

"Hathol!"  Legolas cried when he realized what was happening.

"I told you, Legolas, you're not going to get the chance to dance with her tonight."  His friend chuckled at Eressa watched on. 

Legolas blinked and tried his best to be angry, though he knew he was smiling.  "Hathol, I'm the Prince, and I'm ordering you to let me have a dance with my fiancé."

Hathol mock sighed and shook his head.  "Sorry, Legolas.  It's tradition, you have to let me dance with her."

"Legolas, it's alright."  Eressa assured, thought she was covering her mouth to hide the smile that was upon her face. 

Legolas rolled his eyes and leaned forward.  "Hathol, you just finished telling me that traditions were old and outdated!"

"I also told you that you should drink more wine.  You're far to serious tonight."  Hathol laughed. 

Legolas sighed and gave up.  He laughed.  "Fine.  Dance with her all you like.  As long as she doesn't mind."

Eressa shook her head and beamed.  "I'm not minding at all."

Legolas took the chance to place his fingers underneath her chin and raise her lips to his own.  "Of course you aren't."

"You're not upset, are you?"

"I'm happy as long as you are happy, Eressa."  Legolas said.  "And I know you've never been to a party before and I want you to enjoy it."

Hathol grinned at the couple before taking Eressa's arm and folding it gently around his own.  "Tell you what, Legolas.  I'll get you to her as soon as this dance is over.  Maybe then you can dance with her."

"Thanks."  Legolas answered, amused and annoyed at the same time.

"Come, milady."  Hathol said, patting Eressa's hand.  "We'd better get out of here before you're husband decides to slay me."

Eressa giggled and turned back as they walked away, expecting to see Legolas glowering at Hathol's back.  But to her surprise, he was smiling just as brightly as she was.  Legolas's grin widened when he caught her eye.

Eressa smiled wider as well and she mouthed the words 'I love you' before turning towards Hathol and beginning to dance.  Legolas nodded and smiled, looking to his left, where a tray of food and drink was placed on a table.  Shrugging, he reached for a glass of red wine.

Can't hurt.  He decided, drinking the glass up.

((((((((((((((((((((((Personal thing))))))))))))))))))

Guess what:  You guys made me really happy so I'm gonna reply to all your reviews from the last chappie!  Hopefully I'll answer some questions as well, I hate it when you ask me really good questions and then I haven't the time to answer them.  Well, here goes:

LegyLuva:  You know, I did realize that I get on an average of ten reviews per chapter with this story, and I make it my goal to keep it that way.  So that's kinda why I put up the request for more of them…I was falling behind.  But thank you so much for your kind words, they really do a lot.  I hope you have fun on your holiday!  I will look forward to hearing from you again when you return!  Toodles!

XxDarkGoddessxX:  Don't feel sorry for me now!  I got lots of them now, thanks to all you!  I'm not adding any jealousy into the story…there's really nobody for any of my main characters to be jealous of…but the "umph" will come soon.  After Legolas and Eressa's wedding.  That's when the action starts up again.  That's when you'll find out the whole mystery about why Sauron tormented everyone in Part I.  I'm looking forward to writing it.  Thank you, Jennie!  Love you!

Lizzie in the Biz:  Hey, you're a new reviewer!  Well, actually your review implies that you've been reading for a long while if you know about Part I, but I don't believe I've ever seen a review from you before.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but anyway:  Cool!  I always like to hear from new people!  Glad you like my story, and thank you for reviewing!

The Noble Platypus:  I know I can always count on you to review, Platy!  You're without a doubt one of the most faithful ones out there…I mean how long have you been following the story…since chapter 5 of Part I or something like that?  I'll check later, but I offer you my eternal thanks for being such a great reviewer and friend!  Thank you!  I also look forward to reading more of your stories!  I'll be seein' ya!  Bye!  Love you!

Deana:  Hey girl!  I'm glad you like the reunion of Legolas and his daddy.  To be perfectly honest, I just wrote it up over a period of days and didn't have the chance to read it over before I posted it, so I wasn't that sure if it was good or not!  But thanks for reassuring me!  I love you!  You'll see the baby by the end of this story too!

Nikki:  Nikki, you don't have to worry about missing one or two reviews…you're one of my first reviewers, isn't that right?  I owe you one for being so faithful!  Thank you very much.  From the deepest depths of my heart!  Thank you again!  And while I'm at it, again!  Thank you!  Love you!  Tata!

Kitsune Kida:  Thank you for reviewing!  Can I take a guess at something?  You like anime, don't you?  I kinda recognize your name from somewhere…do you every read Inuyasha fics?  I could have sworn I've seen your name some other place than in my review box!  Tell me, cuz it'd be great if you did.  And an EXTRA BIG thank you for adding me to your faves!  Thank you again!  Love ya!

DiamondTook3:  Aye, they're a-gonna be a-married!  Why am I talking like Mario?  Anywho, thank you for your reviews!  I really appreciate it!  Love you!

Whitecoyote:  Are you serious?  It brought tears to your eyes?  Aw…I'm touched!  Really though, I didn't have the time to proofread the chapter before I decided to post it, and I didn't know how good it was until now!  Thank you so much!  That is really sweet of you, and especially to say that this is your fave chapter from both Parts I and II.  Very, very sweet, but might I ask why it's your favorite chapter?  I'd love to know!  Thank you so much again and again!  You're such a great and faithful reviewer and I'm grateful for that!  Bye!

Child of the stars1:  Yes, you're right…Thranduil took the news well.  When I wrote it I thought maybe he was taking it a little too well, but we'll just say he's a well-rounded fellow, alright?  Thank you for the review, I appreciate it tons!  Bye!

darkangelgep:  Thank you very much!  I'm glad you thought the chappie was sweet.  But who is this 'man' you speak of?  But will the man come?  Do you mean Curdolin?  Well, if that is your question, then the answer is no.  Curdolin is not coming after Legolas and Eressa.  But…starts dark and suspenseful music…something much, much worse is…MWHAHAHAHA!!  Thank you!  Bye!

breeNbloom:  Don't worry, I'll never stop writing until this story is D-O-N-E. Done.  Thank you for showing so much interest in my story, though!  I'm guessing that the third installment of the trilogy will probably be done…about a year from now.  Maybe more.  I hope you can wait around that long!  Thank you so much!  Love you!

Legolasgurl88:  Thank you!  I appreciate your reviews, even if they are written in a hurry.  A short one is better than none!  Thank you again!  Love you!

Nirobie:  Thank you so much for remembering to come back to me!  Whatever happened with your family, I hope it's ok!  Terrible living without a computer now, isn't it?  I would die without mine.  Well, thanks again!  Love you!

A Sly Fan:  Thanks for reviewing!  Yeah, it is funny that they excepted Eressa so easily…but the way I see it is…well, since the story is from Eressa and Legolas's point of view, and the elves would certainly not want to upset their prince just because he's brought a human back as a bride, if they had any negetive things to say about it, they'd probably not do it in front of them.  Also, the presence of Elrond, who's half-elven has a part in it to.  And thanks for that little mention about the noldor elves and the sylvan elves.  As I recall, Legolas is a Silvan elf, ain't he?  Well, thanks again!