Legolas stood in front of his father in the great hall. All of Mirkwood's society had been invited, and were gathered around. Arariel stood to one side. Once Legolas was crowned, he was to formally anounce her as Queen of Mirkwood.

"I formally renounce the throne" King Thranduil boomed out across the hall, "And I now place it in the hands of my son".

He placed the elaborately worked golden circlet on his son's fair head.

"Do you accept it?"

"I do"

"Hail King Legolas!" called Thranduil.

"Hail!" came the reply from the crowd.

When they had quietened, Legolas beckoned to Arariel.

"I give you your Queen, Arariel"

An excited whisper ran through the crowd, Mirkwood finally had a Queen!

Legolas clasped Arariel's hand in his own, and looked into her eyes.

"You will need to kneel so I can give you your crown"

Arariel knelt before him, and felt the circlet drop onto her head. It was surprisingly lightweight. She rose and turned to look out over the people. Her people. She was Queen of this realm now. She looked at Legolas, who seemed to have realised the same thing. His eyes were wide as he watched the people parting the crowd to allow them through, and then bowing at their feet.

The celebrations were to be next. But first they were to see Thranduil off. They made their way down to the carriage that was waiting with Thranduil in it.

"Father..." Legolas said, his voice cracking.

"I will tell your mother you love and miss her. She would be proud of you Legolas. She would already know of your wedding as I knew it before I even arrived in Gondor. Arariel, come here my daughter"

Arariel bent down in the window of the carriage.

"I want you to know, in case there is any doubt in your mind, I always thought you were the one for my son. I know you will make him happy and produce plenty of heirs for him" he smiled, cupping her cheek in his hand. "Thank you for making not only my son happy, but myself as well"

Arariel straightened up as the carriage started to roll away.

Thranduil stood up in the carriage and waved to them.

"I hope to see you in Valinor!" he called, before the carriage rolled around the corner.

Arariel shivered in the cool breeze.

"We must return to the celebrations..." Legolas said softly.

Arariel grabbed his hand and led him back up the hill. She could tell he was overwhelmed by his father just up and leaving, and all the responsibility. She too was feeling it.

"We don't have to stay that long do we?" asked Arariel.

"At least until sunset" replied Legolas, "Why?"

"I am exhausted already" she laughed.