Disclaimer: I own nothing.
AUTHORS NOTE: I'm so soooorry!! I'm sorry it took me such a long time to update! But this week has been nothing but busy busy busy for me. I've been working like heck and going on college visits everyday and volunteering to get all my community service hours done. There's just been no time. I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me and send me lots of REVIEWS! THANKS!
((((((((((((((Chapter 11))))))))))))))
Legolas Greenleaf stood on the high platform in the palace's largest garden. He could hear the breathing off his people behind him. All of Mirkwood had attended. He was so nervous he thought that if he lost concentration for even a split second he would fall into a dead faint. Scarcely breathing himself, he looked over to his right at his wife-to-be for comfort.
She was a picture painted with beauty. Her wedding dress by itself would have been an awe-inspiring spectacle too look at, but on her…it made her look like some sort of heavenly creature.
Eressa sensed Legolas's eyes on her, trailing over her face, body, and her hands which nervously clutched a fold of her dress, as if she was hanging on to life itself. She dared let her eyes wander to the side and meet his gaze for a split second. Legolas somehow managed to smile at her that quickly, and his expression eased her mood a little bit.
King Thranduil was reading in Elvish from a large, thin book he was holding in one of his hands. In the other hand, he held a sort of staff—beautifully made with gold accents at the handle and the top—and every once in a while he would gently tap either Legolas or Eressa on the shoulder with it.
Legolas continued to watched out of the corner of his eye as Eressa stood still as a stone and listened to the procession. The guests behind them were all as silent as death. He inhaled and then exhaled, closed his eyes. Just a few more minutes.
The King continued reading and tapping the soon-to-be-newlyweds shoulders, and then came to an abrupt halt. Eressa looked up in question at Legolas, wondering if something was wrong. Legolas caught her eye and gave her a wink just to assure her that everything had gone as planned. Eressa smiled back, then looked over to the King once more. He had turned around and set the book down, and now was holding a small, strange-shaped knife. It had two blades coming out of the hilt instead of one, and the hilt itself was marvelously decorated with gold, silver, jewels, and the metal that elves treasured above all others—mithril. In fact, the very blade was made of mithril. Eressa had been told about the wonderous material earlier when she learned that her wedding crown had been made from it as well.
Thranduil smiled, stepped forward and handed Legolas the knife. Eressa watched with curiousity as Legolas took it, then placed as small tress of hair between the blades. He pulled, and a lock of hair was cut and he held it in his hand. He then handed the blade back to his Father, who then offered it to Eressa.
Eressa looked at it for a moment and then took it. She wasn't quite sure what they expected her to do with it, so she looked to Legolas for answers once again. The elf prince grinned and held aloft the lock of his own hair in his hand. Eressa understood and took a lock of her hair off with the blade as well. She then handed it back to Thranduil, who set the knife away along with the book and the staff.
King Thranduil stepped forward once more and Legolas turned towards Eressa. Eressa was a little slow to do the same, but the King placed a hand on her shoulder and gently turned her into the right position. Eressa stared into Legolas's amused eyes and watched as his hand came out and offered the lock of his hair to her. Eressa looked at his hand, the King, and then back at Legolas's face before taking it gingerly into her free hand. Legolas then gestured for her to hand the lock of her hair to him.
Eressa looked at the lock of dark blonde hair in her hand and then delicately gave it to Legolas's open hand. And at that moment, all the wedding guests stood up and clapped.
It nearly scared Eressa out of her skin, to have the elves be so silent and then erupt in a burst of applause so suddenly. But just as suddenly, she found herself in Legolas's arms.
"What was that all about?" She asked him loudly, for it was hard to hear over the noise-making of their guests. "With our hair?"
"It's custom—the bride and groom give each other a lock of each other's hair—it symbolizes them giving themselves to each other." Legolas explained.
"Oh…I understand." Eressa said. "Legolas…I…"
"I love you too." He cut in, already knowing what she was going to say. He then gingerly dipped his head down and kissed her mouth. Needless to say, the crowd's clapping grew louder and evolved into cheers.
King Thranduil laughed and stepped forward to the center of the platform. "People of Mirkwood…and Rivendell.." He added, gesturing toward Lord Elrond and his sons. "…I would like to introduce you to Prince Legolas, and his belove wife…Princess Eressa."
The cheers grew louder and all at once lively music began to play and festive lights were lit. Eressa watched in wonder as all the elves began to dance. Legolas offered her his arm and led her down the steps and to the ground.
"Now I finally get to dance with you." He said, wrapping one arm around her waist and the other taking her small hand. "Princess Eressa."
Eressa blushed terribly. She couldn't possibly get used to being called a Princess. She remembered when she and Legolas were still locked away in that tiny cell at Lord Curdolin's mansion. Back then, she couldn't have even imagined this happening to her…them.
Legolas held on to her tight as he whisked her around as they danced. It seemed like an eternity that they danced like that…yet…it ended too soon—it was time for everyone to crowd back into the palace for the wedding dinner and gifts.
Gifts? He suddenly realized. Valar…I completely forgot about those.
After an hour of lively dancing, everyone was crowded into the main hall of the palace. There was drinking and eating and merry-making. Legolas could have sworn that every elf in the kingdom had come up to he and Eressa and offered their congratulations. He was overwhelmed with…everything…happiness, joy, content. He felt like new...sort of like a sword fresh out of the blacksmith's shop. Sharp, gleaming, and not yet used. He could tell that Eressa felt like that too.
She was standing next to him now, her arm folded under his naturally. They were speaking to yet another congratulator when suddenly Legolas's father stepped up to his high throne. He motioned to an elf standing guard, who quickly brought up a twisted horn—one like that made of an antelope horn—and blew it. It's high pitched yet musical tone echoed throughout the room, and caught everybody's attention.
The King cleared his throat. "It is my pleasure now…" He said, looking halfway across the room to his son and new daughter-in-law. "…to announce that we will be presenting the wedding gifts. The first one is for my son's new wife Eressa…from myself."
Legolas and Eressa exchanged looks of surprise and stepped forward towards the throne. Eressa had not asked nor thought that they were receiving gifts. The King smiled brightly at them, and snapped his fingers. Four male servants suddenly appeared, carrying a large, oddly shaped object covered by a velvet sheet. A fifth servant followed with a medium sized wooden box. The stopped in front of Eressa, who was blushing with surprise and joy.
"Actually, Eressa." The King continued, offering his hand. Eressa's grasp loosened on Legolas's arm as she stepped up to the platform and stood next to her father-in-law. "I have two gifts for you. The first…"
He nodded proudly, and the servants set down the large gift in front of her and threw off it's covering, revealing a beautifully crafted throne, made just to measure for the Princess. Eressa gasped as both of her hands flew up to cover her mouth. She watched in awe as the servants picked up her gift again and set it carefully down next to Legolas's throne.
"King Thranduil…" she began. "I can't even begin to…"
The King held up a hand. "Dear Eressa…you may call me Father now, if you like."
Eressa nodded and looked at Legolas, who was also in awe. "Father…thank you so much." She said hesitantly.
The King looked pleased. "That is not all, my dear." He said. He nodded to the fifth servant, who stepped gently forward and knelt in front of her, opening the box slowly.
Legolas gasped this time as well as his wife. Inside the box, lined in luxurious velvet, was a crown…fit for a Princess. Eressa was so joyfully surprised that she couldn't say a word.
Legolas decided to speak for her. "Father…thank you. I cannot tell you how much this means to us."
"Yes." Eressa choked out. "Thank you."
The King nodded. "Of course, Legolas, of course. But now…I believe Lord Elrond also has some gift for you…both of you."
Heads turned to the old Lord of Rivendell as he stepped forward towards the newlyweds. "First," He said. "I would like to offer you both my congratulations."
"Thank you." Legolas replied, nodded in appreciation.
"I will not make you wait." The old elf lord replied. He motioned behind him and his sons stepped forward. They were also carrying an object covered in cloth. This one, however, was not shaped like a chair nor a crown. It was distinctively square shaped, though Legolas couldn't begin to guess what it was. The brothers set the gift down and Elrohir reached out his hand and managed to whisk off the cloth before either of his brothers did.
The cloth fell away to reveal a marvelously and beautifully made crib.
Eressa gasped again and fell to her knees next to the gift. Legolas knelt down beside her and placed his hands on the perfectly polished wood. His fingers delicately traced the gold engravings…perfectly fashioned gold engravings, depicting swords and knights and trees and castles…dragons and dwarves and everything else you would find in a child's bedtime story.
"Elrond…" He marveled. "It's beautiful."
"It is also safe." The Lord said. "I placed a spell on it. Your child will be protected from all harm while he lays asleep in this crib."
"He?" Legolas inquired. He looked to Eressa for an explanation and she just smiled. He should have known that Eressa would tell Elrond that she suspected the child was going to be a boy. "Oh…thank you very much, Elrond."
"Yes, thank you so much." Eressa repeated, getting up. "I don't know what I can do to repay you."
"Repay?" Thranduil laughed. "This is you're wedding day, you have nothing to repay."
Legolas laughed with him. "Father, did you just rhyme?" He teased.
The King blinked, confused for a moment, but then he and a number of the guests burst into laughter once more. "Yes, yes, Legolas—I suppose I did…but I believe these are not the only gifts that we wish to give."
Eressa looked at Legolas, a smile beaming brightly on her face. She already had the man of her dreams. She had a palace to live in, wonderous food to eat, and beautifully fashioned clothes that she didn't have to make herself. She was a princess, for heaven's sake. She couldn't find a single reason why these people would want to give her more. But still, she was glad of it. Never in her life had she experienced so much kindness. Never in her life had she had so much joy gathering within her, threatening to burst out.
If Aleka could see me now, she wouldn't believe it. She thought, remembering the best friend she had left behind. I wish she could now.
Several more gifts were given to the happy couple. Both Eressa and Legolas were made matching rings by Mirkwood's best jewel crafter—Eressa received one with Mirkwood's royal crest engraved on the front, for now she was royalty. Legolas received one of the same, because he had been stripped of his when he was first captured.
The Mirkwood blacksmiths crafted Eressa a small sword they called "Whistler", in the common tongue. To demonstrate how the name was given, one of the craftsmen twirled the weapon about, and in doing so, the sword made a soft, musical whistling sound. Eressa was convinced it was magic, but looking closer at the blade she discovered that small grooves in the metal created the sound. Naturally, features like that would lessen the swords aerodynamics, and it would not be used in battle. It was a sword made simply for her to learn from, and Eressa promised her gift-givers she would and thanked them profusely.
Other gifts included various articles of clothing, jewelry, and even a set of books. The gift-giving when well into the night, and it was very late before the celebration was over and the guest began to leave.
Legolas was sitting in his throne, exhausted, with Eressa seated next to him in hers. She was twisted halfway around, examining the softness of the cushioned back of her throne. She traced invisible figures with her hand on the velvet and then looked at him questionably.
"What is it?" He asked.
Eressa blinked and looked out over the hall. Several guests still lingered, glasses of wine in hand, but now the majority of people scurrying about were servants cleaning up.
"I just can't believe this happening to me." She said quietly, turning her green eyes back to him. "Can you?"
Legolas grinned. He said nothing, but shook his head. Eressa sighed.
"I'll never get used to being called 'Princess', you know." She told him quite sternly. Legolas looked at her.
"Why not?"
"Because…because…" Eressa stared at him as she tried to make up an excuse. "I just won't, alright?"
Legolas laughed and reached over to grasp her hand tightly. "Eressa, doesn't it feel like we've already been married for some time? Even before today?"
"Yes, it has." His wife replied. "Why? Were you nervous?"
Legolas nodded and felt his cheeks grow hot with a slight blush. "Yes. Terribly." He told her simply. "But I think it was wasted."
"I was nervous as well, Legolas." Eressa said, squeezing his hand for a moment. "So I don't think anything was wasted at all."
Legolas smiled slightly. He turned to her and leaned over, kissing her lightly. Eressa leaned into him as well, deepening the kiss. Suddenly, a loud clap caused them to jolt apart.
"Now, now…we'll have none of that sort." Hathol grinned as he stood in front of the couple. "This is public."
Eressa immediately smiled. "Hello, Hathol." She greeted kindly.
Hathol bowed politely and then turned to Legolas, who also smiled. His nervousness gone now, he was certain he would be able to get along with his friend's playful antics now. "How are you, Hathol?" He asked.
"Me? Why ask about me?" Hathol waved a hand around the room. "This is your night."
"True." Legolas agreed.
"How are you two lovelies?" Hathol asked in return. "You both look splendid."
"We feel that way as well." Eressa nodded.
Hathol grinned a wide grin. "That is just grand. But…Legolas, Eressa…I know it is a bit late for this, but I also have a gift for you."
Legolas blinked. "Hathol…you shouldn't have."
"Oh, it wasn't much trouble, I assure you." Hathold excused. "Stop fretting, Legolas."
The Prince grunted and sat back in his throne crossing his arms. "Alright then, lets see this gift." He said with mock sternness.
"Right away, sir." The guard replied, playing along. "Just a moment."
Both Eressa and Legolas watched with curiousity as the elf bounced down from the platform and over to the mouth of the hall on the left. He returned swiftly, with as long, small bundle in his hands. He took it to the couple and placed it in Legolas's hands.
"Open it, quickly." He joked. "Before anyone else can see my terrible wrapping."
Legolas laughed and began to unwrap. "You are the best archer in Mirkwood, Hathol. I would think you could have learned to decently wrap a gift."
"I'm the best archer after you." Hathol corrected. "And speaking of archery…"
Legolas finished unwrapping the package and threw it away to reveal a miniature, yet gorgeously made set: a bow, a little quiver, and a set of arrows. They were the ones Legolas remembered Hathol learning from as a child. Apparently, it had been given to him by his father, who had received them from his father, who made them. Eressa leaned over to better see the small works of craftsmanship. Legolas looked up with bafflement and gratitude.
"Hathol…this is yours." He said.
Hathol nodded and shrugged. "It will not do me any good now."
"But how do you expect us to use it?" Eressa inquired.
Hathol looked amused. "You are having a child, are you not? I'm sure you're son or daughter will use it."
Legolas shook his head. "Hathol, I can't accept this…it belongs to you. It's your family's heirloom."
"I can be your family's heirloom now. I insist you take it." The other elf urged.
Eressa looked over to her husband and then at their friend. Legolas sighed heavily. "Alright, Hathol. But I do not think I can give you enough thanks."
"There is no need." Hathol replied, and bowed. "If you're child grows up to be half as skillful as you, Legolas, and using that bow—I will be happy."
"Thank you ever so much, Hathol." Eresssa said, trying to fit all her thanks into one tiny sentence.
"You're most welcome, Princess." Hathol answered, making Eressa start and then blush. He looked down at his feet for a moment before looking back up at the couple again. "Well…I'd best get back. Goodnight, Legolas…Eressa."
Legolas nodded and smiled widely at his friend. "Goodnight, Hathol. Valar bless you."
"And you also." Replied the other as he turned around and hopped off the raised platform.
Eressa and Legolas sat there for a moment. Legolas stared at the tiny yet perfect bow and arrows in his lap. He didn't believe that Hathol would give him such a precious gift. But he was grateful. He promised that someday he'd pay back Hathol respectively. He turned to Eressa.
"Shall we retire, melamin?" He asked, squeezing her hand lightly.
Eressa returned the squeeze. "I suppose so. I'm tired."
"As am I." Legolas replied. "Shall we take a shortcut through the garden?"
Eressa grinned. "Alright."
The couple walked off the high platform and took a swing to the right, into one of the hallways. They walked a bit, occasionally meeting a servant or guest, who greeted them with congrats and a smile, and then took another turn into the open air—and the garden.
It was abandoned at this time of night. Yet, there were still lamps hanging and burning, casting a enchanting light over the place. Eressa took Legolas's hand as they strolled along a stone path that curved through the plants.
"I haven't been out here before." Eressa said. "It's very pretty."
Legolas nodded. "You should see it in the spring, during the day, when all the flowers are blooming. The sight is heavenly."
"I think it's heavenly now." Eressa returned.
Legolas smiled and looked away, to the trees that formed the edge of a vast forest. It was so quiet. Normally he could hear the hoot of owls and the chirping of crickets. He paused, his feet stopping where they were.
Eressa stopped as well. "Legolas, what is it?"
Legolas listened for a moment more, not answering. There still was no sound. He turned back to Eressa.
"It's nothing." He said, and began to walk again. "Come, lets get inside. There's a chill in the air."
Eressa shrugged and looked back at the forest. "Whatever you say. Legolas, I don't like it when you don't tell me things."
Legolas stopped again. He looked at his wife and smiled. "It was just so quiet out there in the wood. Normally it is not like that. It just surprised me." He explained.
Eressa smiled. "Oh."
"Are you satisfied now?"
"Yes." Eressa giggled. "Come on, lets go."
"As you wish, milady." Legolas replied curtly. The pair began walking again, and soon disappeared around a bend.
A lone Nazgul sat perched like a dark bird in a tree above the garden, motionless. It had seen the elf prince and it's human mate, but they had not seen him. Spreading it's arms as if to take flight, it dropped to the ground and crouched, it's metal armor scraping.
It had seen the woman…she was with child. The child would not be any child. And the woman who was carrying it was not just any wench. She was the wife of the Elvenking's son. It would not be easy to get to her.
The Nazgul growled softly. They would get her. They needed her. And once they had her…all the world would be theirs.
((((((((((((((Personal thing)))))))))))))
Ooooh…it's gonna start speeding up soon. So hold on to your panties, kids. The story is nearing the dramatic ending…bring on the REVIEWS!!! PLEEEESSE!! And thank you all!